se.m03.d15.ma3

Link to Matins Ordinary

Use back button to return here.

Books - Sources

Triodion

Mode 4. On Saturday Morning

On Saturday of the Second Week Morning

Menaion - March 15

Memory of the Holy Martyrs Agapius and those with him

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 2.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse: And their memorial abides from generation to generation. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

From Triodion - - -

Apolytikion.

Mode 2.

O Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hierarchs, Monastics and the Righteous, you finished the race and kept the faith. You speak freely to the Savior. We pray you entreat Him on our behalf, to save our souls, since He is good. [SD]

Glory.

Remember Your servants, O Lord, since You are good, and forgive them for all their sins in life; for no one is without sin except for You who are able to give rest to those who have passed away. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Holy Mother of the immaculate Light, we honor you with angelic hymns, and magnify you piously. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 16. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints. [SAAS]

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

Verse: To the saints on His earth, in them the Lord magnified all His will. [SAAS]

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

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]

Glory. For the Dead.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Give rest to the souls that You translated from earth * and temporal things to be with You, the only immortal and almighty God. * Pardon them and forgive them * every sin they committed. * Merciful One, have mercy on the works of Your divine hands, * through the prayers of the Theotokos, O only benevolent Lord. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, through you became manifest to us on earth the mystery, which was hid from eternity, and which the Angels themselves knew not: that God, uniting natures without confusion, becomes a man and accepts crucifixion for our salvation voluntarily. By virtue of this, resurrecting man whom He had first created, He saved our souls from death. [SD]

READER

KATHISMA 17.

Psalm 118 (119)

First Stanza.

Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your ordinances. [SAAS]

Blessed are the blameless in the way who walk in the law of the Lord.

Blessed are those who search out His testimonies; they shall search for Him with their whole heart.

For those who work lawlessness do not walk in His ways.

You commanded us regarding Your commandments, that we should be very diligent to keep them.

Would that my ways were led, that I might keep Your ordinances.

Then I would not be ashamed when I regard all Your commandments.

I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with an upright heart, when I learn the judgments of Your righteousness.

I shall keep Your ordinances; do not utterly forsake me.

How shall a young man keep his way straight? when he keeps Your words.

I searched for You with my whole heart; do not drive me away from Your commandments.

I hid Your teachings in my heart so as not to sin against You.

Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your ordinances.

With my lips I declared all the judgments of Your mouth.

I delight in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.

I shall meditate on Your commandments, and I shall understand Your ways.

I shall meditate on Your ordinances; I shall not forget Your words.

Reward Your servant; I shall live, and keep Your words.

Unveil my eyes, and I shall understand the wonders in Your law.

I am a sojourner on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.

My soul longed to desire Your judgments in every season.

You rebuke the arrogant; those who turn aside from Your commandments are accursed.

Take away reproach and contempt from me, for I searched Your testimonies.

For rulers sat and spoke against me, but Your servant meditated on Your ordinances.

For Your testimonies are my meditation, and Your ordinances are my counsels.

My soul cleaves to the earth; give me life according to Your word.

I made known my ways and You heard me; teach me Your ordinances.

Cause me to understand the way of Your ordinances, and I shall meditate on Your wonders.

My soul fainted because of its listlessness; establish me in Your words.

Remove the way of unrighteousness from me, and with Your law have mercy on me.

I chose the way of truth; I have not forgotten Your judgments.

I cleave to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not disappoint me.

I ran on the path of Your commandments, when You enlarged my heart.

Give me as law, O Lord, the way of Your ordinances, and I shall always search them.

Cause me to understand, and I shall search out Your law; and I shall keep it with my whole heart.

Guide me in the path of Your commandments, for I desire it.

Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to greediness.

Turn away my eyes that I may not see vanity; give me life in Your way.

Establish Your teaching in Your servant In regard to Your fear.

Take away my blame, which I have suspected, for Your judgments are good.

Behold, I long for Your commandments; give me life in Your righteousness.

And may Your mercy come upon me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your teaching.

And I shall answer those who insult me with a word, for I hope in Your words.

Do not take away the word of truth completely from my mouth, for I hope in Your judgments.

So I shall keep Your law always, forever and unto ages of ages.

And I walk in a broad space, for I searched Your commandments.

I spoke of Your testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed.

And I meditate on Your commandments, which I love exceedingly.

And I raise my hands to Your commandments, which I love. And I meditate on Your ordinances.

Remember Your word to Your servant, in which You give me hope.

This comforted me in my humiliation, for Your teaching gives me life.

The arrogant transgressed exceedingly, but I did not turn away from Your law.

I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and I was comforted.

Despondency held me because of sinners who abandon Your law.

Your ordinances were sung to me In the place of my sojourning.

I remembered Your name in the night, O Lord, and I kept Your law.

This happened to me in the night, because I searched Your ordinances.

You are my portion, O Lord; I said I will keep Your law.

I sought Your presence with my whole heart; have mercy on me according to Your teaching.

I considered Your ways, and I turned my feet toward Your testimonies.

I prepared myself, and I was not troubled, that I might keep Your commandments.

The ropes of sinners ensnared me, but I did not forget Your law.

At midnight I arose to give thanks to You because of the judgments of Your righteousness.

I am a companion of all who fear You and keep Your commandments.

Lord, the earth is full of Your mercy; teach me Your ordinances.

Lord, You dealt with Your servant in goodness, according to Your word.

Teach me goodness, instruction, and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments.

Before I was humbled, I transgressed; therefore, I kept Your teaching.

You are good, O Lord, and in Your goodness teach me Your ordinances.

The unrighteousness of the arrogant multiplied against me, but I will search out Your commandments with my whole heart.

Their heart was curdled like milk, but I meditated on Your law.

It is good for me that You humbled me, that I might learn Your ordinances.

The law of Your mouth is good for me, rather than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Your hands made and fashioned me; instruct me, and I will learn Your commandments.

Those who fear You will see me and be glad, because I hope in Your words.

I know, O Lord, Your judgments are righteousness, and You humbled me with truth.

Let Your mercy be for my comfort, according to Your teaching to Your servant.

Let Your compassions come to me, and I shall live; for Your law is my meditation.

Let the arrogant be shamed, for they transgressed unjustly against me; but I shall meditate on Your commandments.

Let those who fear You turn to me, and those who know Your testimonies.

Let my heart be blameless in Your ordinances, that I may not be disappointed.

My soul earnestly longs for Your salvation, and I hope in Your word.

My eyes strained to look at Your teaching, saying, “When will You comfort me?”

I am like a leather bag in a frost; I did not forget Your ordinances.

How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment for me upon those who persecute me?

Transgressors described their meditations to me, but these are not like Your law, O Lord.

All Your commandments are truth; they persecuted me unjustly; help me.

They almost ended my life on earth, but I did not forsake Your commandments.

Give me life according to Your mercy, and I shall keep the testimonies of Your mouth.

Forever, O Lord, Your word continues in heaven.

Your truth continues from generation to generation; You laid the foundation of the earth, and it continues.

By Your arrangement each day continues, for all things are Your servants.

If Your law were not my meditation, I would have perished in my humiliation.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

I will never forget Your ordinances, for in them You give me life, O Lord. (3)

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal repose of all pious Orthodox Christians who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection unto life everlasting, emperors, patriarchs, bishops, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monastics, fathers, forebears, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, spouses, children, siblings, and all our relatives, from the beginning until the end of time; and for the forgiveness of all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

May the Lord God place their souls where the righteous repose. Let us ask for the mercies of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins from Christ our immortal king and God.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

O God of spirits and of all flesh, You trampled upon death and abolished the power of the devil, giving life to Your world. Give rest to the souls of Your departed servants, emperors, patriarchs, bishops, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monks, nuns, and all pious Orthodox Christians who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection unto life everlasting, from all the ends of the world, fathers, forebears, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, spouses, children, siblings, and all our relatives. Give them rest in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain, sorrow, and sighing have fled away. As good and benevolent God, forgive every sin they have committed in word, deed, or thought, for there is no one who lives and does not sin. You alone are without sin. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your word is truth.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of all the departed faithful Orthodox Christians, Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory, and to Your Father, who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

Second Stanza.

I am Yours; save me, for I search Your ordinances. [SAAS]

Sinners waited for me to kill me; I understood Your testimonies.

I saw the limit of every accomplishment; Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

How I love Your law, O Lord; It is my meditation the whole day long.

You make me wiser than my enemies with Your commandment, for it is mine forever.

I understand more than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the elders, for I search Your commandments.

I withheld my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your words.

I did not turn away from Your judgments, for You taught me Your law.

How sweet to my taste are Your teachings, more than honey and the honeycomb in my mouth.

I gained understanding because of Your commandments; therefore, I hate every unrighteous way.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my paths.

I swore and confirmed that I would keep the judgments of Your righteousness.

I was humbled exceedingly; O Lord, give me life according to Your word.

Be well-pleased with the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments.

My soul is always in Your hands, and I have not forgotten Your law.

Sinners set snares for me, but I did not wander from Your commandments.

I inherited Your testimonies forever, for these are the exceeding joy of my heart.

I inclined my heart to do Your ordinances forever for a reward.

Transgressors I hate, but I love Your law.

You are my helper and my protector; I hope in Your word.

Turn away from me, you evildoers, and I shall search out the commandments of my God.

Uphold me according to Your teaching, and give me life; and may You not disappoint my expectation.

Help me, and I shall be saved; and I shall meditate always in Your ordinances.

You set at naught all who departed from Your ordinances, for their thought is unrighteous.

I counted as transgressors all the sinners of the earth; for this reason I always love Your testimonies.

Nail my flesh with the fear of You, for I fear You because of Your judgments.

I work judgment and righteousness; do not deliver me to those who wrong me.

Take Your servant to that which is good; do not let the arrogant falsely accuse me.

My eyes strained to look at Your salvation and at the teaching of Your righteousness.

Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy and teach me Your ordinances.

I am Your servant; cause me to understand, and I shall know Your testimonies.

It is time for the Lord to act; they broke Your law.

For this reason I love Your commandments more than gold and topaz.

Therefore I directed myself to all Your commandments; I hated every unrighteous way.

Wondrous are Your testimonies; for this reason my soul searches them out.

The revelation of Your words gives light, and it causes children to understand.

I opened my mouth and drew in my breath, for I longed for Your commandments.

Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of those who love Your name.

Direct my steps according to Your teaching and let no lawlessness rule over me.

Ransom me from the slander of men, and I will keep Your commandments.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your ordinances.

My eyes poured down streams of tears because they did not keep Your law.

Righteous are You, O Lord, and upright is Your judgment.

You commanded Your testimonies exceedingly in righteousness and truth.

The zeal of Your house caused me to yearn for home, for my enemies forgot Your words.

Your teaching is exceedingly purified in fire, and Your servant loves it.

I am young, and beheld as nothing, but I have not forgotten Your ordinances.

Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and Your law is truth.

Affliction and trouble found me, but Your commandments are my meditation.

Your testimonies are righteousness forever; give me understanding, and I shall live.

I cry out with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord; I shall search Your ordinances.

I cry out to You; save me, and I shall keep Your testimonies.

I arose at midnight and cried out; I hoped in Your words.

My eyes awoke before dawn that I might meditate on Your teachings.

Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Your mercy; give me life according to Your judgment.

Those who persecute me in lawlessness drew near; they are far removed from Your law.

You are near, O Lord; all Your commandments are truth.

From the beginning I knew Your testimonies, that You established them forever.

Behold my humiliation and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your law.

Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life because of Your word.

Salvation is far from sinners, for they have not searched Your ordinances.

Your compassions are many, O Lord; give me life according to Your judgment.

Many are those who pursue and afflict me, but I did not turn away from Your testimonies.

I saw those acting foolishly, and I yearned for You; for they did not keep Your teachings.

Behold, I love Your commandments; O Lord, in Your mercy, give me life.

The beginning of Your words is truth, and all the judgments of Your righteousness are forever.

Rulers persecuted me without cause, but my heart feared because of Your words.

I shall greatly rejoice in Your teachings, like one finding great spoil.

I hate and abhor unrighteousness, but I love Your law.

I praise You seven times a day for the judgments of Your righteousness.

Great peace have all who love Your law, and it is not an offense to them.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and I love Your commandments.

My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.

I keep Your commandments and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You, O Lord.

Let my supplication draw near before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your teaching.

May my petition come before You; Deliver me according to Your teaching.

My lips shall overflow in song when You teach me Your ordinances.

My tongue shall speak of Your teaching, for all Your commandments are righteousness.

Let Your hand be for saving me, for I chose Your commandments.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my meditation.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 1.

My soul shall live and praise You, and Your judgments shall help me. I went astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments. (3)

Evlogetaria for the Dead.

Mode pl. 1.

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

The choir of Saints has found the fountain of life and the door of Paradise. May I also find the way through repentance. I am the sheep that is lost: O Savior, call me back and save me. [HC]

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

Of old You created me from nothing and honored me with Your divine image. But when I disobeyed Your commandment, O Lord, You cast me down to the earth from where I was taken. Lead me back again to Your likeness, and renew my original beauty. [HC]

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

I am an image of Your ineffable glory, though I bear the scars of my transgressions. On Your creation, Master, take pity and cleanse me by Your compassion. Grant me the homeland for which I long and once again make me a citizen of Paradise. [HC]

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

Give rest, O God, to Your servant, and place him (her) in Paradise where the choirs of the Saints and the righteous will shine as the stars of heaven. To Your departed servant give rest, O Lord, and forgive all his (her) offenses. [HC]

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The threefold radiance of the one God let us praise, and let us shout in song: Holy are You, eternal Father, coeternal Son, and divine Spirit! Illumine us who worship You in faith and deliver us from the eternal fire. [HC]

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Rejoice, gracious Lady, who for the salvation of all gave birth to God in the flesh, and through whom the human race has found salvation. Through you, pure and blessed Theotokos, may we find Paradise. [HC]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

May the Lord God place their souls where the righteous repose. Let us ask for the mercies of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins from Christ our immortal king and God.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma II.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

O Savior, let Your servants repose with the righteous, and let them dwell in Your courts, according to the Scriptures. Overlook their voluntary and involuntary offenses, every sin committed knowingly or unknowingly, benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

Glory.

Every sin committed knowingly or unknowingly, benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From the Virgin You rose on the world, O Christ God. Through her make us sons of light and have mercy on us. [GOASD]

READER

Psalm 50 (51).

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

ᾌσωμεν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

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

Using the words of Moses * and the people, let us sing unto the Lord, * who led them through the Red Sea. * Only He is triumphantly glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Martyrs, as you dwell in the tabernacles of heaven, guard illumination to the people that commemorate you on the earth. [un]

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

O Martyrs, as you dwell in the tabernacles of heaven, guard illumination to the people that commemorate you on the earth. [un]

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

O champions of Christ of the highest nobility, you were shown to be towers of the Church. You tore down the walls of the insanity of idolatry. [un]

Glory.

O immitable Martyr Agapios, you were wounded with the love of the Ruler of all. You were excited to give your life for Him. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, bright illumination to the eyes of my soul by the bright Light which dawned from you, so that I may magnify you. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos (not metered).

Οὔκ ἐστιν ἅγιος.

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

No one is holy like You are, O Lord, and no one is righteous like You our God. All creation extols You. No one is holy except for You, O Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr Agapios, you were ignited with the flame of Christ’s love. You extinguished the pyre of the insanity of idolatry by the rivers of your blood. Therefore we honor you. [un]

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

O Martyr Agapios, you were ignited with the flame of Christ’s love. You extinguished the pyre of the insanity of idolatry by the rivers of your blood. Therefore we honor you. [un]

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

O blessed ones, through grace you were blades neatly slicing through tens of thousands of demons. Now you have joyously been gathered to the tens of thousands of noetic beings. [un]

Glory.

O divine Martyrs, you completed the racetrack of martyrdom with a noble temperament of spirit. You achieved the Kingdom of above. It is there that you held your citizenship. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother who is a virgin unto eternity, we have come to know the Creator. Because of his precious mercy, to those of us who praise you did He manifested in a body from your light-bearing womb. [un]

Heirmos.

No one is holy like You are, O Lord, and no one is righteous like You our God. All creation extols You. No one is holy except for You, O Lord. [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 soldiers.)

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

May the seven-fold choir of the Martyrs be praised. They warded off every danger and trial from us, because they are custodians of the Faith and fortresses of the Church. The legions of demons are routed with fear by them, and while giving us their peace, they pray to the Master for us. [un]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. N/M (The soldiers.)

O Maiden, we know you to be the Theotokos. You are indeed a virgin even after you gave birth. We run to your goodness and kindness with faith and yearning. For you are truly the one who holds us sinners in your safe-keeping. You are the only all-blameless one, and you are our deliverance in troubles and temptations. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἐξ ὄρους κατασκίου.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

The Prophet understood that You would be incarnate * from the Theotokos when he had considered * with divine vision, O Logos, the shaded mountain. * Afraid, he glorified Your power, O Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Agapios, you nobily mimicked the sufferings of Christ, for whom you intensely longed for. You were willingly slain as though you were a lamb. You are a great Martyr who deserves our devotion. [un]

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

O Agapios, you nobily mimicked the sufferings of Christ, for whom you intensely longed for. You were willingly slain as though you were a lamb. You are a great Martyr who deserves our devotion. [un]

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

O wise Martyrs, You completely gave yourselves over to the sword. You colored your raiment with scarlet by your blood, and now clothed in it, you traverse about in the Heavens. [un]

Glory.

You had such a passionate love for God! Because of this you gave up the entirety of your will. By yielding to a brutal death, you have been guaranteed eternal life. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure and immaculate Virgin, you were given the Word to carry in your womb as though He were fragrant myrrh that washes the world of the putrid stench of sin. Therefore, we faithfully call you blessed. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὁ ἐκ νυκτὸς ἀγνοίας.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

You lit the world with knowledge * of God, and woke it from night-time of ignorance. * Lord, illumine me also * with the morning light of Your benevolence. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O glorious Agapios, you became admired in works as well as in name. You struggled for the love of our God, who is the King of all. [un]

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

O glorious Agapios, you became admired in works as well as in name. You struggled for the love of our God, who is the King of all. [un]

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

O holy Martyrs, you deflected the speech of the clever despot. You totally demolished the army of the demons by serving as the infantry of Christ. [un]

Glory.

O Martyrs of Christ, you threw down the heedless conceit of the unrighteous by your holy struggles. You took up the crown of everlasting life. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

We faithfully bless you, O Mother of God, with holy songs of praise, crying: Rejoice, O gate by which only the Lord has ever crossed. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

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

Be gracious to me, O Lord, * for many are my iniquities; * and bring me up from the depth of evils, I supplicate. * Like Jonah, I cry to You. * O my Savior, hear me, * as the God of my Deliverance. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let us sing of the famous Agapios, Timolaos, Romulos, the two by the name of Alexander, and the two by the name of Dionysios. They battled with firmness in the contest, and the countless masses of the opposition were wrestled to the ground. [un]

Verse: I cried out in my affliction to the Lord, my God, and He heard my voice. [SAAS]

Verse: You cast me into the depths of the heart of the sea, and rivers encompassed me. [SAAS]

O Martyrs, rivers of cures spring from you as though a fountain. You divinely clean those born on earth of all their passions. Therefore we faithfully and joyfully praise your excellent works. [un]

Verse: All Your surging waters and Your waves passed over me. [SAAS]

O seven Martyrs, you completed the sacred trial in obedience, and by your obedience did the almighty hand crown you as citizens of Heaven and cohorts of the Angels. [un]

Verse: Shall I again look with favor toward Your holy temple? [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Bride of God who is all-blameless, you have caused the flora of the wicked to wilt by your holy Scion. Pull out the evil of the enemy by the root, which sprouts up inside me every day. [un]

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 4. (NM) I pour out my prayer

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

Verse: Water is poured over me to my soul; the lowest depth encircled me. [SAAS]

Because of the many torments that they suffered, the saints were counted worthy to overthrow many thousands of the enemy, and they received, O Saviour, many blessings from Thee. At their intercessions, in Thy love wash me clean from all my sins. [KW]

Verse: My head plunged into the clefts of the mountains. I descended into the earth, the bars of which are everlasting barriers. [SAAS]

Let us all sing the praises of the victorious martyrs of Christ, and let us cry to them with one accord: O followers of Christ’s Passion, heal the passions of our souls and give us strength to abstain from every evil way. [KW]

Verse: Yet let my life ascend from corruption, O Lord, my God. [SAAS]

Sleeping in the tomb, Thou hast transformed the sorrow of death into a sleep, and hast given life to the departed. O Saviour, grant to those who have gone from us a place with Thine elect, at the prayers of Thy holy martyrs. [KW]

Verse: My head plunged into the clefts of the mountains. I descended into the earth, the bars of which are everlasting barriers. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Ineffably, O Virgin, thou hast borne the Word made flesh, who is all powerful and sinless: give me strength to fast and to abstain from every sin; and, O Undefiled, grant me tears to wash away my filthiness. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode vi. Mode 3. (NM) The deep waters of the passions.

Βυθός μοι τῶν παθῶν.

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

Come, all who love the martyrs, let us celebrate their memory with prayers to God. In gladness let us crown them with our hymns and bless Christ who has rewarded them for their suffering. [KW]

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

First ye were scourged, then stoned, or sawn asunder, or given as food to the wild beasts. Ye were slaughtered as the sheep of Christ, but ye live for ever, O victorious martyrs. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I unite the Three in the one Nature of the Godhead, and divide the One into three Persons; and I reject equally the opposing heresies of Sabellius and Arius. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou art a virgin, and after childbearing thou still remainest pure; yet thou hast truly given birth. Strange is the mystery that is revealed in thee, Mother of God, and beyond words and understanding. [KW]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

O martyrs, the blood of your patient suffering makes unceasing intercession to the Lord on our behalf. Pray for us now, that we may keep a fast from shameful passions. [KW]

Verse: Their souls shall dwell among good things. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

O Lord all-merciful, who shalt come to judge the whole world in the presence of ten thousands of the angels, grant to those who have fallen asleep in faith, that they may stand then before Thee uncondemned. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Βυθός μοι τῶν παθῶν.

The deep waters of the passions and a storm of adverse winds have risen up against me. Make haste, O Saviour, to save me, and to deliver me from corruption, as Thou hast delivered the Prophet from the whale. [KW]

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.

READER

From Horologion - - -

Kontakion.

With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting. [GOA]

Oikos.

You alone are immortal, You who created and fashioned man. For we mortals were fashioned from the earth, and to the same earth we will go again, as You who fashioned me commanded and said to me: “You are earth, and to the earth you shall return”; where all we mortals shall go, as we make our funeral lament: Alleluia. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 15 we commemorate the holy martyr Agapios and those with him: Plesius, Romulus, Timolaos, two named Alexander, and two named Dionysius.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Apostle Aristobulos, Bishop of Britain, brother of Barnabas the Apostle.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Nicander of Egpyt.

The holy new martyr Manuel the Cretan, who witnessed in Chios in the year 1792, died by the sword.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

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

Those Servants from Judea, * who of old were deported and sent to Babylon, * once treaded on the fire * of the furnace by holding * to the faith in the Trinity * and chanted: Blessed are You the God of our fathers. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O renowned hoplites, you willingly yielded yourselves to be slain as though lambs. You had no fear of the tortures, but you cried out in joy: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [un]

Verse: Blessed are You and praiseworthy, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name unto the ages. [SAAS]

O renowned hoplites, you willingly yielded yourselves to be slain as though lambs. You had no fear of the tortures, but you cried out in joy: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [un]

Verse: For You are righteous in all You did for us, and all Your works are true. Your ways are upright, and all Your judgments are true. [SAAS]

O Martyr Agapios, you were made radiant with the love of the Ruler of all. You yielded your head to the sword and were added to the horde of the Martyrs, exclaiming, O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [un]

Verse: The judgments You made are true, according to all You brought on us. [SAAS]

O glorious Martyrs, you are as though a lampstand with seven branches that stands in the temple of the Lord. You illumine the world with the wick of grace, as the world exclaims: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [un]

Verse: And on Jerusalem, the holy city of our fathers. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O all-blameless one, free me from the shackles of transgressions beyond expression. Give me a torrent of tears as I chant to Him who dawned from you: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [un]

Intermediate Verses of Ode Seven.

For we sinned and acted lawlessly to depart from You. We sinned in every way, and did not obey Your commandments. Neither did we treasure or do as You commanded, that it might go well with us. [SAAS]

Everything You brought on us and all You did to us, You did in true judgment. You delivered us into the hands of lawless and rebellious enemies and to an unjust king, the most evil in any land.

Now it is not for us to open our mouth, for this has become a shame and disgrace to Your servants and to those who worship You.

For Your name’s sake, do not hand us over to the end, and do not reject Your covenant. Do not withdraw Your mercy from us for the sake of Abraham, who is loved by You, and for the sake of Isaac, Your servant, and of Israel, Your holy one.

As You spoke to them, saying that You would multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand along the seashore.

Yet we have been diminished in number, O Master, more than all the nations, and we are humbled in all the earth today because of our sins.

At this time, there is no prince, no prophet, and no leader; there is no whole burnt offering, no sacrifice, no offering, and no incense; there is no place to bear fruit before You and to find mercy.

Yet with a contrite soul and humbled spirit, may we receive mercy.

As with whole burnt offerings of rams and bulls, and as with thousands of fatted lambs, so let this be our sacrifice before You today, and may it be accomplished for those who follow You; for there is no shame for those who trust in You.

Now we are following You with all our heart, and we fear You and seek Your face. Do not put us to shame.

But deal with us according to Your kindness and according to the abundance of Your mercy.

Deliver us by Your wondrous works and give glory to Your name, O Lord.

May all those who inflict evils upon Your servants be put to shame and humiliated in their power; and let their strength be crushed.

Let them know that You alone are the Lord God and glorious over all the inhabited earth.

Now the king’s servants who cast them in did not cease to stoke the furnace with naphtha, pitch, coarse fiber, and brushwood.

The flame shot forty-nine cubits above the furnace, and it broke out and burned those it found around the furnace of the Chaldeans.

But the Angel of the Lord went down into the furnace to join Azariah and his companions, and shook off the fiery flame of the furnace.

He made the inside of the furnace to be as though a dew-laden breeze were blowing through it, so the fire did not touch them at all, or cause them pain, or trouble them.

Then the three, as if with one mouth, sang, glorified, and blessed God in the furnace, saying: [SAAS]

CHOIR

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The Hebrew Children in the furnace

Παῖδες Ἑβραίων.

Verse: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, for You are praiseworthy and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

O martyrs worthy of all honour, with your blood ye quenched the flame of errors. Through your prayers to Christ, deliver us from the fire that is to come, O victorious servants of the Lord. [KW]

Verse: Blessed is Your name and the temple of your glory, and You are praised exceedingly and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

O triumphant martyrs, ye stopped the mouths of lions and endured the fire of torture, and now ye have been granted the true joy of heaven. Pray that we also may for ever share in this joy. [KW]

Verse: You are blessed in the holy temple of Your glory, and are highly praised and exceedingly glorious unto the ages. [SAAS]

O courageous martyrs, illumined by the fullness of the Spirit’s light, pray that the departed faithful may receive repose, and entry into Paradise, and a share in life. [KW]

Verse: Blessed are You who behold the depths and sit upon the cherubim. You are praiseworthy and exalted beyond measure unto the ages [SAAS]

Theotokion.

To thee I bring a hymn, pure Virgin. I am held fast by evil: reject me not, but grant me perfect amendment through fasting and a righteous way of life. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode vii. Mode 3. (NM) Thou hast shed dew.

Ὁ τὴν φλόγα.

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

Fire and sword and wild beasts ye counted as a joy, O martyrs, and ye filled your murderers with amazement as ye sang in praise to the God of our fathers. [KW]

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

Cut in pieces and burnt, O martyrs, ye were offered as a fragrant sacrifice to Christ: intercede with Him at all times on our behalf. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I glorify one God in Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit, simple Unity, holy Triad, Source without beginning, single in Essence. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Most holy Lady Theotokos, accept the prayers of thy servants and bring them to the God of all, that He may save us from every trial and temptation. [KW]

Verse: To the saints on His earth, in them the Lord magnified all His will. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

O company of martyrs, come from heaven to our aid: bless and sanctify us as we sing your praises, that with willing hearts we may complete the season of the Fast. [KW]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

O God, who knowest men’s works, forgive the sins voluntary and involuntary of the faithful who have gone to dwell with Thee, and grant them rest. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Ὁ τὴν φλόγα.

Thou hast shed dew upon the furnace and saved the Children from its flames: blessed art Thou for ever, O Lord God of our fathers. [KW]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.

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

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

As healers of various maladies who use the surgery of the Holy Spirit, cure all of our diseases, that we may commend you and glorify your holy memory. [un]

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

As healers of various maladies who use the surgery of the Holy Spirit, cure all of our diseases, that we may commend you and glorify your holy memory. [un]

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

O Martyr Agapios, you loved God while He loved you. Because of this, He accepted you and your companions with similar fervor into the heavenly bridal chambers when you had completed your holy trials. [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 Martyrs of the Lord, you were strengthened through your faith in the Master. You defeated the dominion of the liar. You abide in heavenly rest after you were gloriously clothed in victory. [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 you who gave birth to the Spring of Dispassion, bring healing to the passions of my heart. Lead me to the holy life, so that I may glorify you forever, O Mother of the Savior. [un]

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]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Victors over fire

Νικηταὶ τυράννου.

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]

After enduring many torments in the weakness of your body, O victorious martyrs, now ye are revealed as physicians of the sick. Therefore I cry: My soul is sick; heal it through repentance during the time of the Fast. [KW]

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

Alas! How have all my days passed by in carelessness. I have accomplished nothing good: and see, the end is near at hand. O martyrs who have fought the good fight and finished the course, pray for me, that I may make a good end. [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]

With the drops of your blood ye quenched the fire of godlessness, O victorious martyrs: pray for those who have departed from this life, that God may grant them rest and eternal remission of their sins. [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.

Ezekiel saw thee, O pure Virgin, as the gate through which none may pass; and thou openest the gates of repentance unto all those in despair. Therefore I entreat thee: open unto me the paths that lead to rest eternal. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 3. (NM) Begotten as God.

Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου.

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

Ye endured many bitter torments: some of you were burnt, others sawn asunder or cut in pieces. But now ye rejoice, O victorious martyrs, and sing to Christ: Praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

Through your blood ye sanctify the ends of the earth and bring healing unto all, O martyrs blessed throughout the world, and continually ye cry aloud: Praise, bless and exalt Him above all 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.

O Unity in three Persons, Father, Son and living Spirit, one Godhead and one Kingdom, the hosts of angels glorify Thee as the Light that never sets; and we on earth praise, bless and exalt Thee above all for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Behold, with all generations we call thee blessed, O Virgin undefiled, seeing the great things God has done to thee. For in ways surpassing nature thou hast borne the Maker of all, who is both God and man. Therefore we bless and exalt thee above all for ever. [KW]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

O choir of martyrs, pray for our salvation, we entreat you, and beseech the Saviour that we may offer Him true worship through our abstinence. Praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Verse: Their souls shall dwell among good things. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

To those who have fallen asleep in the true faith and in the hope of resurrection, grant, O Lord, that they may awaken to eternal life; and they will magnify Thee in sincerity and offer Thee this psalm of glory: Praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 3.

Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου.

Extol Him who is God, who before the ages was begotten from the unoriginate Father, and who in latter times put on flesh from the Theotokos. He is perfect man, and God from God. Extol Him and bless Him, and supremely exalt Him, unto all the ages. [SD]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.

You are the Theotokos * lit’rally, O Virgin; * and we confess it, for we have been saved through you * whom we, O pure one, with choirs of angels magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O champions, you were beautified with the divine splendor of martyrdom. You now rejoice with the Lord forever as you stand in His presence. [un]

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

O champions, you were beautified with the divine splendor of martyrdom. You now rejoice with the Lord forever as you stand in His presence. [un]

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

O Martyrs, the Angels led you into the heavenly city with the light that never wanes when you were separated from your bodies. [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 glorious Martyrs, continue to remember us to God as we commemorate your holy memorial on this day. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O one without blame, enlighten me who a in the murkiness foolhardiness by the light of contrition so that I may glorify and sing hymns of your wonderful works. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Thou hast surpassed the bounds

Ὅρους παρῆλθες.

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 brave martyrs, ye are divine coals, burning up the evil substance of godlessness. Ye have cut down the ranks of demons with the sword, and ye give light to our souls. [KW]

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

O brave martyrs, ye have passed through the darkness of torment and gone to dwell in spiritual light: enlighten my humiliated soul that is darkened by sin. [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 glorious martyrs endured the pain inflicted on their bodies; and now they intercede for the faithful departed, praying that they may enjoy painless repose and the delight of Paradise. [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 all-pure Lady, come to the aid of thine unworthy servants during this season of abstinence, and bring our prayers to the Lord and King of all the ages. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 3. (NM) Thou art the immortal fountain.

Σὲ τὴν ἀθάνατον.

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]

As fire sent by God on the earth, ye have burnt up all the error of idolatry and kindled the light of the true faith in the farthest regions of the world, O martyrs of Christ. [KW]

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

Neither flame nor slaughter, nor wheel nor rack, nor catapult nor saw nor any other torture, however bitter, could separate you from the love of Christ, O holy martyrs. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

With true faith I praise the Godhead, one in three, united in Essence yet distinct in Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - these are one. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou hast borne the Rod from the root of Jesse and of David the forefather: we magnify thee, undefiled and pure, for thou dost save our souls. [KW]

Verse: To the saints on His earth, in them the Lord magnified all His will. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

O honoured multitude of martyrs, pray to Christ on our behalf, that we may complete the course of the Fast in peace, and may behold and venerate His Passion. [KW]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

As God of the dead and the living, who hast slain death and by Thy Rising granted life to all, give rest, O Christ, to Thy departed servants. [KW]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 3.

Σὲ τὴν ἀθάνατον.

We ever magnify you, the immortal fountain, that through the saints gives cures and healings to the human race, for you save our souls. [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.

Exaposteilarion of the Day.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O only God who reposes * in those alone who are holy, * attend to the intercessions * of Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, * and of the devout monastics, * and save us all who extol You. [SD]

For the Dead.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

Having, as God, authority * over the living and the dead, * give rest to Your servants * in the dwellings of the elect. * O Savior, even if they sinned, * yet they did not depart from You. [SD]

Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O sweetness of the Angels, * O joy of those in affliction, * and the protectress of Christians, * O Virgin Mother of the Lord, * come to my aid and redeem me * from the eternal torments. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 4.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

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

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

Hide Stichologia

For the Martyrs.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 4.

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

Who is not amazed, O holy martyrs, seeing the good fight that you fought; how being armed with the Cross you confessed Christ, and thus defeated the bodiless enemy, though you yourselves were in body still. Therefore you have worthily been made the banishers of demons, and the opponents of foreign enemies, unceasingly interceding that our souls be saved. [SD]

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

O holy Martyrs, after bravely proclaiming Christ in the arena, you have become companions of the Angels. First you left behind all the pleasures of the world, as if they did not exist; then you held on to the faith, as if it were unmoving anchor. Therefore, since you dismissed error and deception, you gush forth gifts of healing to the faithful, as you unceasingly intercede, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]

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

O holy Martyrs, how shall we not cease to marvel at your contests! You had a mortal body, and yet you routed the bodiless foes. The tyrants’ threats did not frighten you, nor did the prospects of torture cause you to shrink in fear. Worthily indeed were you glorified by Christ. And now you pray that He grant our souls the great mercy. [SD]

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

Precious and honorable is the death of Your saints, O Lord. They were crushed by sword and fire and frost, and they spilled their blood, with their hope in You, to receive the reward for their labor. They waited and endured, and they received the great mercy from You the Savior. [SD]

Glory. For the Dead.

We pray You let the souls of Your servants repose in Your place of rest, where all Your saints repose, O Lord, for You alone are immortal. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Having you, O Theotokos, as our hope and protection, we are not dismayed by the schemes of the foe, for truly you save our souls. [SD]

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 Triodion - - -

Mode 4. You have given.

Ἔδωκας σημείωσιν.

Frightening indeed, and quite so, is the mystery known as death, how a soul then is forcibly * separated from its frame, parting from its body; * severed is that union, which is most natural and innate, * by Your divine will. And therefore we entreat * that You who are benevolent grant the departed eternal rest, * where the saints and the righteous dwell, * O our God and the Giver of life. [SD]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

Death is shown to be but slumber for believers, O Savior Christ * and the Lord of the universe, * since You were laid in a tomb, * and since You dismantled * all of death’s dominion * and You abolished all its might * that had prevailed over us for many years. * And therefore we entreat You now that You will place those who pass away * in the dwellings of all Your saints * in Your mansions that perish not. [SD]

Verse: And their memorial abides from generation to generation. [SAAS]

You, O Lord, became for us sanctification and righteousness * and redemption for all our souls. * For You have presented us * to the holy Father * justified and ransomed, having accepted for our sake * the price and penalty that was owed by us. * We therefore now implore You to grant rest to those who have passed away * in a place of bright joyousness, * Benefactor and Savior Christ. [SD]

Glory.

Now the human race has been recalled from former corruption to * incorruption with no decay, * for it has been bathed and cleansed * in the blood that poured out * from Your side, O Savior; * and in Your blood You washed away * from us the sin of Adam our ancestor. * And therefore we entreat You to grant rest to those who have passed away * in eternal dwellings of Yours, * with the hosts of Your martyr saints. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Following the sayings of the God-inspired, all-blameless one, * we consider you truly as * the Mother of God, for you * ineffably gave birth to * God who took a body * and then redeemed and ransomed us * who were in bonds and enslaved because of sins. * We pray you, all-pure Lady, to implore you Son to illuminate * all your servants who passed away * with His own uncreated light. [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Triodion - - -

Apolytikion.

Mode 2.

Glory.

Remember Your servants, O Lord, since You are good, and forgive them for all their sins in life; for no one is without sin except for You who are able to give rest to those who have passed away. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Holy Mother of the immaculate Light, we honor you with angelic hymns, and magnify you piously. [SD]

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

PRIEST

For You are merciful 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.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

( Father, bless! )

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: 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.

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.