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Triodion

Mode pl. 1. On Monday Morning

On Monday of the Third Week Morning

Menaion - March 17

Memory of St. Alexios the Man of God

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 1.

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 pl. 1.

It is time to sing hymns; it is the hour of prayer. Let us earnestly cry out to our only God: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the protection of the Bodiless Hosts have mercy on us. [SD]

Glory.

Daring to portray Your spiritual armies, O unoriginate Trinity, we cry out with unworthy lips: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

O Christ our God, You were contained in the womb of the Virgin, and never parted from the bosom of the Father. Accept us as we cry to You together with the Angels: 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 4. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Mode pl. 1.

When the Judge has been seated and the Angels are there, when the trumpet has sounded, and the fire is aflame, what will you do, O my soul, as you are brought in to be judged? For you will hear the charges against you, and evidence with be shown of the awful things you did, even in secret. So before the end, cry out and pray, “God, be merciful to me, and save me!” [GOASD]

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

What is here is fleeting, what is there is eternal. I see the court of justice and the Judge on His throne, and I am dreading the verdict. O my soul, repent with all seriousness, for no one can pardon the final judgment. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

The heavens with the Angels, and the earth with humanity, shout to you, O Theotokos, with a voice of exultation. Rejoice, O Gate, wider than the heavens; rejoice, the only salvation for us born on earth. Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace, and Mother of incarnate God. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 5. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (When he perceived.)

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

With fire of abstinence let us all burn up the thorns of the passions that assault us, and with the streams of our tears let us put out the flame that never shall be quenched; and let us cry aloud to Him who shall come to judge the whole earth: O Saviour and all-merciful Lord, guard us uncondemned and grant us the forgiveness of our sins. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

O Lady, pure, graced by God, and ever-blessed, * join with the Powers in the heavens, the Archangels, * all the Bodiless Hosts, and ceaselessly petition * the Lord, who in His compassion was born from you, entreating on our behalf that before the end * He will grant us correction and the expiation of our sins, * amendment of our way of life, so that mercy await us all. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 6. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (When he perceived.)

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

O holy and honoured Trinity, as we now enter upon the third week of the Fast, keep us safe from harm and condemnation. Enable us rightly to pass through the time that still remains, and to fulfill all Thy commandments; that so, offering up our hymns of praise, with a pure conscience we may attain the glorious Resurrection. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (When he perceived.)

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Thou art the protection of the faithful, O Mother of God, the joy of the afflicted, the greatest consolation of all that mourn; with the angels and the principalities, O Virgin, pray continually on our behalf to Him who was born miraculously from thy most holy womb, that in the hour of judgement we may be delivered from the dread condemnation. [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.

Ἐν βυθῷ κατέστρωε.

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

Long ago the overwhelming Force * utterly destroyed the chariots and army of Pharaoh within the Sea. * Now the Logos put on flesh * and He wiped out malignant sin and its burdens all. * He is Lord, forever glorious, and He is greatly glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You traveled a most narrow path, wise one, leading a blameless and righteous life from your youth. Therefore make wide my narrowness of mind so that I may honor you, who dwell in the wide spaces of Paradise, O Alexios. [VPA]

Verse: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified. Horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. [SAAS]

Verse: The Lord became my helper and the shield of my salvation; He is my God, and I will glorify Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. [SAAS]

Having dedicated yourself wholly unto God, blessed one, you were deemed to be outside of body and world, preferring the heavenly and abiding riches to the fleeting ones, and the eternal city of Zion to that of your birth. [VPA]

Verse: The Lord brings wars to nothing; the Lord is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and army He cast into the sea. [SAAS]

You opened the barren womb of your mother, having been born like Samuel, all-famous one, for, conceiving the most pure fear in the womb of your heart, you bore the spirit of salvation through divine virtues by faith. [VPA]

Verse: The sea covered them; they sank to the bottom like a stone. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

The co-beginningless son of God had you as a cause in becoming like us, O Virgin, having found you the only one more pure than all creation, O spotless one. Therefore all generations hymn and bless you. [VPA]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode One.

Your right hand, O God, is glorified in strength; Your right hand, O God, dashed the enemy in pieces. In the greatness of Your glory You broke the adversaries to pieces. [SAAS]

You sent forth Your wrath; it consumed them like stubble.

By the Spirit of Your anger the waters were gathered together; the waves stood upright in the midst of the sea; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea.

The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoils; I will satisfy my soul; I will destroy with my sword; my hand shall have dominion.’

You sent forth Your Spirit; the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorified in holiness, marvelous in praises, doing wonders?

You stretched out Your right hand; the earth swallowed them up.

In righteousness You guided Your people whom You redeemed; in strength You called them to Your holy resting place.

The nations heard and were angry; pangs seized the inhabitants of Philistia. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. All you people.

Ἆσμα ἀναπέμψωμεν.

Verse: The princes of Edom and the chiefs of the Moabites were dismayed; trembling took hold of them; all the inhabitants of Canaan melted away. [SAAS]

In Thy divine compassion, accept me as I now repent. I have wasted my life like the Prodigal, but I cry aloud to Thee: I have sinned, and have no need of others to accuse me; for I myself bring before Thee all my shameful acts. [KW]

Verse: Fear and dread fell upon them; by the greatness of Your arm, let them become as stone. [SAAS]

I have forsaken the food of angels, and like the beasts have fed upon evil wickedness. But now that I turn back, receive me as one of Thy hired servants, O heavenly Father. [KW]

Verse: Till Your people pass over, O Lord, till Your people pass over, whom You purchased. [SAAS]

O ye faithful, let us all forsake the night of lustful pleasures and hasten to the light of truth, that we may be counted worthy to share in the feast of radiance and joy. [KW]

Verse: The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands established. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Rejoice, all-holy Temple, Fleece on which the dew of God has fallen, sealed Fountain of the waters of immortality. Keep thy flock, O Lady, safe from the attacks of every enemy. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Let us sing a song to God

ᾌσωμεν ᾠδὴν τῷ Θεῷ.

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

As Israel of old fasted for three days, so let us sanctify ourselves, O brethren, during the first three weeks of the Fast; let us draw near to the mountain of prayer and, listening to the voice of God, let us sing in praise of Christ. [KW]

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

Come, ye people, and strengthened like Samson by fasting, let us destroy the demon of gluttony as he destroyed the lion; but let us take care lest the Delilah of our passions deceive us and laugh us to scorn. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

As the cherubim I sing Thy praises, O Holy God: three Lights and one Light, one Life and three; God who begets, God the begotten, and the Spirit of Life proceeding from the Father. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Hail, joy of Eve: for through thy childbearing, pure Virgin, her sorrow is brought to an end. Hail, radiant cloud of everlasting Light: from thee Christ our God has shone out as the dawn. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As David armed himself with faith, so let us arm ourselves with humility; and as he overthrew Goliath, so let us overthrow our arrogant mind, and cut down the hosts of passions. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

ᾌσωμεν ᾠδὴν τῷ Θεῷ.

Let us sing a song to God, who delivered Israel from the bitter bondage of Pharaoh, and guided them with a pillar of fire and a cloud of light, for He has been glorified. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐξήνθησεν ἡ ἔρημος.

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

The gentile church was formerly like the barren wilderness; * and then it blossomed as the rose * and the lily, when You appeared on earth. * My heart is established in Your Advent, O Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having been pricked by love of purity, you exchanged your earthly dwelling for the heavenly and the delight of a wife for the most pleasant likeness to the angels. [VPA]

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

Having been pricked by love of purity, you exchanged your earthly dwelling for the heavenly and the delight of a wife for the most pleasant likeness to the angels. [VPA]

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

You left behind the tumults of life and the burden of wealth and you became a wanderer from your fatherland, O Alexios, imitating the poverty of Christ. [VPA]

Glory.

In tears, labors, and self-control, O all-wise one, you sought the good, when the light of knowledge will come, granting dispassion to your heart. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Spotless one, the one whom the angels on high cannot see is seen below, having become a perfect man from you, recovering the world which was perishing. [VPA]

Heirmos.

The gentile church was formerly like the barren wilderness; * and then it blossomed as the rose * and the lily, when You appeared on earth. * My heart is established in Your Advent, 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 pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.)

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Beholding noetically your labors and pains, O Wise one, all we faithful are filled with compunction of soul and we are stirred with yearning of heart unto divine hymns and the glory and praise of the Master of all, all-blessed Alexios, and we honor you in hymns and faithfully cry out to you, as a servant of the Lord: Intercede with Christ God that remission of transgressions be granted to those who with longing celebrate your holy memory. [VPA]

Glory. Another.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Devout Alexios, you clearly left behind * the pleasures of the world, and wisely you exchanged * the wealth that perishes for that which lasts and will never perish. * Therefore as we sacredly keep you memory on this day * we sing your praise and glorify * you together with all the saints. * O father, we entreat that by your prayers * we also may obtain the great mercy. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Incomprehensible and inconceivable * is the immense and awe-inspiring mystery * that was accomplished in you, O Lady full of grace divine. * For you did conceive and bear * God the incomprehensible * when from your immaculate blood * He assumed our flesh, O Virgin pure. * Entreat Him as your Son importunely, * and ever pray for us that He save our souls. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐλήλυθας ἐκ Παρθένου.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

You came, O Lord, * not an elder nor angel, but You yourself, * God incarnate, being born of a pure Virgin, thus saving me * and all of humanity. * Therefore I sing to You: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You endured poverty becoming a poor beggar like Lazarus, because divine love lit your heart, O blessed one, to yearn for heavenly riches. [VPA]

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

You endured poverty becoming a poor beggar like Lazarus, because divine love lit your heart, O blessed one, to yearn for heavenly riches. [VPA]

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

You desired a simple and quiet life, eating once a week, O Alexios, out of yearning for the abiding reward which awaited you. [VPA]

Glory.

Seeking to make your heart a temple of God you loved to always remain in the house of the Mother of God, Glorious one, and to reflect upon the beauties of heaven. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Having nursed the giver of milk, O Virgin, I entreat you: fill now my heart which is hungry and sighing with all knowledge and divine compunction. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Μεσίτης Θεοῦ.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

O Christ our God, * You are the mediator between God and men. * For through You, O Lord, we have access to Your Father, the Author of Light, * in the Spirit, as Paul said, out of the night of ignorance. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Ever watering your soul by the streams of your sacred tears, you truly cultivated an ear of grain bringing forth a hundredfold, observing well an immortal tilling. [VPA]

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

Ever watering your soul by the streams of your sacred tears, you truly cultivated an ear of grain bringing forth a hundredfold, observing well an immortal tilling. [VPA]

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

You were seen to be an imitator of the bodiless while on earth by your exceeding self-control and assiduity in prayer, O admirable Father, through which you became light. [VPA]

Glory.

By the fire of your prayers you burned up the substance of sin, O Wise one, and by standing in vigils you put to sleep every desire for pleasure and when you fell asleep you were translated unto the light that has no evening. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

He who dwells in light dwelt in your holy womb, pure one, reviving the world which was perishing in the darkness of ignorance. Ever entreat him to illumine those who hymn you. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

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

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

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having become a living temple of God, the unwedded one, the tabernacle of Christ, manifests you when you are hidden and glorifies you, though you are eager to escape notice. [VPA]

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

Having become a living temple of God, the unwedded one, the tabernacle of Christ, manifests you when you are hidden and glorifies you, though you are eager to escape notice. [VPA]

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

Your prayers were accepted by God as incense, blessed one. Therefore by your way of life you made the minds of the faithful fragrant through the grace of the Spirit. [VPA]

Glory.

Being adorned by a sacred way of life, Christ again gave you to your homeland although you do not want it, glorious one, and flee from temporal glory. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The maker of creation, renewing the laws of nature, O spotless lady, is born from you in an indescribable manner and deifies me through his immeasurable mercy. [VPA]

Heirmos.

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

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 1.

Lord, Your medal-winning martyrs longed to drink the cup of Your Passion. So they forsook the delights of this life, and they became partners with the Angels. At their supplications, grant to our souls forgiveness of sins and the great mercy. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 17 we commemorate our devout father Alexios the man of God.

On this day we commemorate the fearful threat of earthquake which our humane Lord brought upon us in his benevolence, and from which He delivered us in a manner beyond hope; the threat came during the reign of the emperor Constantine.

On this day the holy martyr Paul died by fire for the sake of the holy icons.

On this day devout St. Theosterictos the confessor reposed in peace.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἀντίθεον πρόσταγμα.

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

The godless decree of the unlawful tyrant * commanded the stoking of the furnace’s fiery flame. * But Christ joined His pious Servants, and He covered them * with the Spirit’s dewy breeze. * He is praised and blessed and exceedingly glorious. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Righteous one, you persevered, sitting by the gates of your parents entirely unknown and accepting the servants’ drunken behavior, being greatly mocked, and afflicted with great poverty. [VPA]

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

Righteous one, you persevered, sitting by the gates of your parents entirely unknown and accepting the servants’ drunken behavior, being greatly mocked, and afflicted with great poverty. [VPA]

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

You mortified the mind of your flesh, seeing your parents and remaining unknown to them, Righteous one; you accepted the violence of nature and the contempt of your ignorant servants who afflicted you. [VPA]

Glory.

O wonder! How you remained ever in poverty, O Alexios, in the riches of a boundless humility. How you endured being derided and upbraided by your servants, all-wise one, who did not know your way of life. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You became a minister of a great mystery, all-blameless one, for you gave a body to God who redeemed us from great evils; we magnify you, pure one, blessed and most graced by God. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Κάμινός ποτε.

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

Heeding the divine decree, the fiery furnace * of old in Babylon distributed its actions and energy; * for it burned up the Chaldean men, * but it refreshed the faithful young men who sang, * saying, “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. Sing a hymn to Him.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Once unknown to your parents, you are made known in the time of your departure, revealing the mystery to them unto the glory of our God who has greatly and worthily glorified you, O glorious one. [VPA]

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]

Blessed one, the Lord revealed you, the hidden treasure, to all of Rome with a great voice; you who were lying in the form of a poor man and enriched all those who came to you in faith with gifts of healings. [VPA]

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

Rulers of the people, kings, and priests came together to bury you, blessed one, having been inspired by God, and they beheld a great sight, astounded by the miracles which you performed by the divine power of the Spirit, O venerable one. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Renewing us, who had fallen through the ancient transgression, the friend of man was incarnate without change from your incorrupt womb, All-blameless one, and rescued us from all the corruption of sin, all spotless one. [VPA]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Eight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Inspired by God

Οἱ θεοῤῥήμονες Παῖδες.

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

I have wasted with harlots the riches that the Father gave me, and I am cast our from the forecourt of grace; but in Thy boundless mercy receive me back, O Father. [KW]

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

Let us shine with the radiant light of prayer and fasting, and so escape from the darkness of sin. [KW]

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

The choir of the spiritual powers entreats Thee, the cherubim pray to Thee with the company of the saints: O most merciful Christ, save our souls. [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.

O Theotokos Virgin, who hast conceived the Vine that was not husbanded, I am darkened by the drunkenness of sin: bring me back to soberness, for thou art the hope of our souls. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) O Thou who coverest

Ὁ στεγάζων ἐν ὕδασι.

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

O brethren, come and let us delight in the Fast, for it is the Father’s treasury, a thing of wonder, and the mother of all who worship Christ the Master. It gives strength to the body and light to the mind and heart. [KW]

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

O my soul, follow the example of Gideon the wonderful, and bearing as thy weapons the three virtues of faith and hope and love for Christ, go out and slay the alien passions, as he with three hundred men destroyed the people of Midian. [KW]

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

For the Trinity.

I glorify Thee as Trinity, and I sing Thy praises as Unity: one Godhead, almighty Father, sovereign Son, and Holy Spirit; Power ruling over all, one Nature and one Kingdom, worshipped in three Persons. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

The pain which, in ways surpassing nature, Thy Mother did not undergo at Thy birth, she suffered at Thy Holy Passion. For she was filled with agony when she saw Thee nailed of Thine own will by the Jews upon the Cross, O Thou who hast set the earth upon the foundation of the waters. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When Thou shalt come in Thy glory with thousands and ten thousands of the heavenly powers to judge all the earth, spare me then, O Lord, forgive me and deliver me from condemnation. Put me not to shame; condemn me not to the eternal fire. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Ὁ στεγάζων ἐν ὕδασι.

O Thou who coverest Thy high places with the waters, who settest the sand as a bound to the sea and upholdest all things: the sun sings Thy praises, the moon gives Thee glory, every creature offers a hymn to Thee, his Author and Creator, 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.

Ἀνάρχου Γεννήτορος.

To us was revealed the unoriginate Begetter’s Son, * from a Virgin incarnated. He is God and Lord, * coming to those sitting in darkness to give them light, * to gather the scattered. * And therefore the all-extolled Theotokos should be magnified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were made worthy to see the glory of God, venerable one, who brightly glorified you in the end; for those who did not see, saw light and those who could not speak before received speech, all-famous Alexios. [VPA]

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

You were seen laid out and led to the grave like a son, O Father, wondrously sending rays of healings and driving away dark passions and burning the demons and illumining those godly minded. [VPA]

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

By a divine call, the foremost of the patriarchs, the king who greatly loved Christ, rulers, elders and young ones, and the choirs of monastics came together to bury you, being sanctified by touching you, blessed one. [VPA]

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

Having been taken up and riding in a chariot of virtues, you went to rest in the place where there are the ranks of the venerable ones, apostles, martyrs, patriarchs, and all the righteous. With them remember us who honor you. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

With joy we bring you the voice of Gabriel which says Rejoice, land unploughed, rejoice the deliverance from the curse, rejoice spring of the living water, the boast of the righteous, ever virgin Theotokos. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

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

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

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

O Father, I have departed far from Thy love, and by my own choice I have enslaved myself to lustful desires. But now I turn back to Thee: receive me as the Prodigal, for Thou alone art rich in mercy. [KW]

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

In my wretchedness I am the withered fig tree, for the only fruit that I have borne is wickedness; and I deserve to be cast into the fire. Destroy my barrenness, O Lord, that I may bring Thee as fruit my good actions. [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 soul, fast from wickedness and evil; refrain from anger, wrath and every sin. For such is the fast desired by Jesus, our God who greatly loves mankind. [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 Theotokos, thou art our defence and rampart; thou art the help of those that run to thee. And now we implore thine intercession, that we may be delivered from our enemies. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) We magnify thee

Μεγαλύνομέν σε τὴν πανάμωμον.

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 an acceptable gift let us offer to Christ our God a pure fast and abstinence from evil. [KW]

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

O my soul, learning how Elisha fed the prophets in days of old, eat whatever food comes readily to hand and give thanks to Christ. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I sing Thy praises, O Godhead, one Form in three Persons, Father without beginning, Son, and Spirit of Life. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Maiden, Mother of God, bridal chamber of Christ the heavenly King, save by thine intercessions those who praise thee with love. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Daniel in the den tamed the wild beasts with the muzzle of abstinence: let us also subdue the passions by fasting. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Μεγαλύνομέν σε τὴν πανάμωμον.

We magnify thee, most pure Mother of Christ our God, for thou wast overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. [KW]

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 pl. 1.

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, by the protection of the Bodiless Hosts, and save me. [SD]

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, 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 4.

Clothed in the filthy garment of my sins, I am cast our from the bridal chamber of joy; but in Thine ineffable compassion, O God, take pity on me, as Thou hast taken pity on the Prodigal Son, and be merciful to me. [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 4.

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

Who is not filled with wonder, holy martyrs, beholding the good fight ye have fought? Armed with the Cross and confessing Christ, while in the body ye have defeated the bodiless foe; ye have put to flight the demons and driven back the enemy. Intercede continually for the salvation of our souls. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4.

O Lamp whose light is never quenched, Throne of righteousness, most pure Lady, pray for the salvation of our souls. [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.