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Triodion

Mode pl. 1. On Thursday Morning

On Thursday of the Third Week Morning

Menaion - March 20

Memory of our Devout Fathers who were killed in the Monastery of St. Savas

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

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Apostles.

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Let us honor the ministers and eyewitnesses * of the Word, O believers, with spiritual songs, * and with hymns let us extol the wise Apostles of Christ. * For they earnestly implore Him and intercede with Him * for all of us who revere them * and venerate their holy relics and celebrate their memory. [GOASD]

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

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Let us all now extol the Apostles of Christ, * for they preached to believers the Orthodox faith * and Lord’s unerring teaching, and they also dispelled * the confusing clouds of heresy, and throughout the world * they shined and the grace of Spirit’s * illumination and dogmas, and they pray for the salvation of all. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

O immaculate, pure, ever-virgin Bride of God, * we extol you unceasingly with angelic hosts. * For through you your Son and God has done great things for us. * As the Father’s pre-eternally begotten only Son, * He was well pleased to abide in * your holy womb and be born from you, * to free the human race from the devil’s deceit. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 7. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

O disciples of the Saviour, fixed and unmoving stars that shine upon the world, give light to my soul that is blinded by sin; grant that I may share in the Day of the Lord, keeping the commandments of salvation, and deliver me from the darkness of hell where no light shines, that I may give you glory. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

Hallowed Lady, Mother of Christ our God, thou hast borne ineffably the Maker of all. In union with the holy apostles pray to Him at all times, that in His love He may release us from the passions and grant us the remission of our sins. [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 8. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις.

O divine apostles, stars that shine on all the world, give light to us who sing your praises as we keep the Fast. We pray that we may all be counted worthy to look upon the wood of the lifegiving Cross with pure eyes, and to embrace it with pure lips, crying aloud with joy: O Lord, glory to Thee. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2. Automelon (not metered)

O Theotokos Virgin, thou art the good hope of the world: I ask for thy dread protection, and for thine alone. Have compassion on thy people that are left without defence: pray to the merciful God that our souls may be delivered from every threat, for thou alone art blessed. [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 Saints.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἆσμα ἀναπέμψωμεν.

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

All you people, come and let us sing unto our God most wonderful, * who rescued Israel and freed it from its bondage, * an anthem of victory, singing to Him and saying, * “We shall sing to You, our only Master.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Christ, I desire to extol in hymns that God-inspired multitude of Your sacred Martyrs. Grant me the light of knowledge from Heaven by their entreaties so that I may sing a divinely resounding song. [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 Christ, I desire to extol in hymns that God-inspired multitude of Your sacred Martyrs. Grant me the light of knowledge from Heaven by their entreaties so that I may sing a divinely resounding song. [un]

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

O God-bearing Martyrs, you governed your members and senses with the law of the Spirit. You became sanctified temples of God. O wise Fathers, Christ dwelt in you. [un]

Glory.

O Saints, you forsook corruptible bliss on earth. You disdained as a dream the delightful things of life. You chose the Kingdom of Christ, which cannot be shaken. You now revel in joy there. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, you were shown to be the mystical ladder seen by Jacob, the elect of God. He who is without flesh ineffably came forth from you. He changelessly became flesh from you in a manner past all telling. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

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

O divine Master Builder of the celestial vault, * Founder of the Church and the ultimate object of desire, * only benevolent support of every believer, * in the love for You, O Lord, firmly establish me. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Saints, you completely consecrated the whole of your spotless lives to the All-seeing God. You offered yourselves as divine whole-burnt offerings and received a perfect crown. [un]

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

O Saints, you completely consecrated the whole of your spotless lives to the All-seeing God. You offered yourselves as divine whole-burnt offerings and received a perfect crown. [un]

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

You were longing. for separation from tumult as genuine disciples of the God-bearing Sabbas. You walked the afflicted way without turning back. You attained to life that has no end. [un]

Glory.

O righteous ones, you cultivated the seed of the Word sown in you. You watered it abundantly with the streams of your tears. You bare fruit and offered to God the ear of wheat that brought forth a hundredfold. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Lord, You dwelt bodily in the Virgin. You were seen by men as it was meet for You to be seen. O only Friend of man, You have shown her to be the true Theotokos and the help of the faithful. [un]

Heirmos.

O divine Master Builder of the celestial vault, * Founder of the Church and the ultimate object of desire, * only benevolent support of every believer, * in the love for You, O Lord, firmly establish me. [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

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 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 (When he perceived.)

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

O you godly ascetics, you slew the fiery movements and uprisings of the passions by your abstinence and fasting. You followed the footsteps of God, Who alone devised all things that were made. You offered yourselves as sacred, acceptable sacrifices. You were beaten and were put to death, cut asunder with violence, at the hands of the barbarians. [un]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

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]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἐπέβης ἐφʼ ἵππους.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

You mounted Your horses, namely Your holy Apostles, O Lord, * and You guided them, holding their reins in Your hands. * And thus Your chariot became salvation for us all, * who are faithfully singing * unto You: Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The enemy beheld the invincible Martyrs enduring patiently in a waterless desert They were excelling in manifold virtues. The enemy was evilly inflamed, being filled with envy. He turned upon their arrays. [un]

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

The enemy beheld the invincible Martyrs enduring patiently in a waterless desert They were excelling in manifold virtues. The enemy was evilly inflamed, being filled with envy. He turned upon their arrays. [un]

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

The wily dragon rooted error in his own disciples. He aroused the tribes of the barbarians to mutual slaughter. He strove through them to drive the righteous from the wilderness. [un]

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

The adversary of the just wildly encompassed the environs, desiring, but unable, to put to flight the invincible ones. He marched against them visibly, though he was conquered invisibly. [un]

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

Theotokion.

You are the adornment of the Apostles and the stronghold of the holy Martyrs, O Virgin and Mother. You are the boast of the righteous and the preservation of those who faithfully sing: Glory to Your strength, O Lord. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Four.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Χριστός μου δύναμις.

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

O ye faithful, let us give ourselves to fasting, tears and prayer, to works of compassion and to a contrite way of life, to upright thoughts and purity, that we may share in glory. [KW]

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

O apostles, ye shine with radiance as stars in the firmament of the Holy Church: give light to our hearts through the Spirit of God. [KW]

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

As divine coals kindled by immaterial fire,O wise apostles of our God, burn up the material passions in our hearts. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

O all-blameless Lady, lamp that never shall be quenched, bridal chamber full of light, higher than the seraphim, the chariot of the cherubim, set me free from grievous sins and dangers. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

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

Ἀκήκοεν ὁ Προφήτης.

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

O apostles of the Saviour, shining torches of God’s revelation, ye have dispersed the night of ignorance: ye fill the Church with brightness and give light to the inhabited earth with the fiery tongues of your divine teaching. [KW]

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

O apostles, ye journeyed through the world, each to a different country, gathering all men into the one faith; and sharing now in the rewards of heaven, ye rejoice and pray without ceasing to Christ, that we may all be saved. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

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

Both now. Theotokion.

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

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

At your holy intercessions, apostles of the Lord, may we be counted worthy with pure lips and eyes to reverence the lifegiving Cross, that is exalted in the sight of the whole world for all to venerate. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 2.

Ἀκήκοεν ὁ Προφήτης.

The Prophet heard of Thy coming, O Lord, and he was afraid: how Thou wast to be born of a Virgin and revealed to men, and he said: ‘I have heard the report of Thee and I was afraid.’ Glory to Thy power, O Lord. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Why reject me, Your servant, * from before Your face, O Lord the light that never sets? * Miserable sinner that I am, now this strange darkness covers me. * Savior, I implore You to bring me back to Your commandments, * which are light, and I pray You to guide my ways. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Savior, initiated and instructed by You in the ordinance of perfect love, the righteous laid down their lives for their friends. They imitated Your voluntary sacrifice on behalf of man. [un]

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

O Savior, initiated and instructed by You in the ordinance of perfect love, the righteous laid down their lives for their friends. They imitated Your voluntary sacrifice on behalf of man. [un]

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

O Christ, Your command proved stronger than death. It surpassed the nature born of the will of the flesh by far. The godly-minded chose to die gloriously for their friends by submitting to Your law. [un]

Glory.

O righteous Fathers, you were sprinkled in soul with the spiritual hyssop by means of Baptism. You were again sprinkled with your own blood. You were tried like gold in a prison of fire. You were offered unto Christ as a sweet-smelling sacrifice. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-pure one, because you have maternal boldness with your Son, we pray that you do not overlook your care for us as your kinsmen. You alone do we Christians offer as a gracious conciliation unto the Master. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

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

Πρὸς τὸν δυνάμενον σῴζειν.

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

From the pit of sins I cried to the Lord, who can save me; and He lifted my life from destruction, for He is benevolent. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The servants of Christ did not cower before the tyrants’ threats. They had already made their life a continual meditation on death. [un]

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

The servants of Christ did not cower before the tyrants’ threats. They had already made their life a continual meditation on death. [un]

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

The impious desired to become rich. They mercilessly tormented those non-possessors who had cast aside corruptible things and laid hold on the incorruptible. [un]

Glory.

The athletes of Christ were clothed with invincible strength. They defeated the wanton pride of the noetic adversary and of the barbarians. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, the reigning Lord descended upon you as upon a swift cloud, so that He might destroy the hand-wrought idols of Egypt. [un]

Heirmos.

From the pit of sins I cried to the Lord, who can save me; and He lifted my life from destruction, for He is benevolent. [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

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 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.

All the hosts in the heavens were utterly amazed * by the feats and the contests the holy Martyrs won. * For by the power of the Cross, they competed very well; * they invisibly defeated the bodiless foe, * while in their own mortal bodies. * Now they intercede with the Master, * that He be merciful to our souls. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 20 we commemorate the holy fathers who were murdered by the Bedouins in the Monastery of St. Savas the Sanctified.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father and confessor Niketas, Bishop of Apollonia.

On this day we also commemorate the holy seven women martyrs in Amisos: Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliana, Euphimia, and Theodosia.

On this day the holy martyr Rodian died by the sword.

On this day St. Aquila the Eparch died by the sword.

On this day St. Lollion reposed after being beaten with fists.

On this day St. Emmanuel died by the sword.

The holy new martyr Myron the Cretan, who witnessed on Crete in the year 1793, died by hanging.

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.

Both warlike bodies of adversaries, the visible and the invisible, were dumbstruck. They beheld the Martyrs in their tortures singing the hymn: Blessed is the God of our Fathers. [un]

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

O Christ our Redeemer, God of our Fathers, those who were espoused to You were wounded with the love of You, Who are in truth the only Beloved. Those who fled to You for refuge counted kin and fatherland and wealth as nought. [un]

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

O Christ, the barbarians’ thirst for blood could not drive away Your lovers of divine worship in the wilderness. They did not fear them that destroy the body, since they held fast to Your commandments as an unshakeable foundation. [un]

Glory.

O Christ, they transferred all their desire from the world unto You. Armed with anger against sin alone, Your servants became well pleasing unto You, O Lord, by employing this all-wise purpose. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O you who walk in the light of the Lord, come, let us praise the divine gate of the King of kings, the immaculate Mary. She is truly the Mother of God and the hope of our souls. [un]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἀσεβεῖς οὐκ ὄψονται.

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

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

As they rivalled the heavenly orders, the peers of the Angels chanted in night-long vigils: O all you works, bless Christ unto the ages. [un]

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

O Master, you took up the Cross. The Martyrs followed after You with their whole soul, chanting: O all you works, bless Christ unto the ages. [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]

The all-blessed Fathers were crushed with rods and enduring showers of stones. They clung to virtue, crying out: O you works, praise Christ unto the ages. [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]

The blessed men were cleansed in body and soul and spirit by every means. They sang unto Christ: O all you works, bless Him unto all the ages. [un]

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

The blessed men were cleansed in body and soul and spirit by every means. They sang unto Christ: O all you works, bless Him unto all the ages. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Eight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Ἐκ φλογὸς τοῖς Ὁσίοις.

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]

Through fasting Moses was granted the vision of God and Elijah was taken up in a chariot of fire. O my soul, make haste; abstain from harmful thoughts, that thou mayest be delivered from the beguilement that draws thee to the earth. [KW]

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

I fall into ever greater sins and inflict fresh wounds upon myself. At the prayers of Thine apostles, O merciful Christ, heal the stony hardness of my heart. [KW]

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

O stars that shine in all the world, bright with the splendour of God, scatter the clouds of our passions and grant us to worship at the radiant feast of the Resurrection, praising the Sun of glory. [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 Blessed of God, from all generations we call thee blessed, as thou thyself hast prophesied. For thou alone hast borne unto mortal men the blessed Word, who ineffably took flesh from thee. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 2. (NM) Thy holy Children

Οἱ ὅσιοί σου Παῖδες.

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

O apostles of the Lord, we are swimming in the deep waters of delusion: catch us with the rod of faith, and we shall bless, praise and exalt the Lord above all for ever. [KW]

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

Great is the power which Thou hast shown, O Christ, in Thine apostles. For their shadows and the clothing which they wore brought healing to the sick; and they bless, praise and exalt the Lord 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.

Without beginning are the birth of the Son and the procession of the Spirit. I worship the Father who begets, I glorify the Son who is begotten, and I sing the praises of the Holy Spirit who shines forth with the Father and the Son. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Cease not to pray, O Virgin, unto Him whom thou hast borne in ways past all interpretation, for He loves mankind: that He may save from danger all those who flee to thee for refuge. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O holy company of the twelve apostles, grant me uncondemned to venerate the precious Cross, as I bless, praise and exalt the Lord above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 2.

Οἱ ὅσιοί σου Παῖδες.

Thy holy Children in the furnace sang like the cherubim the thrice-holy hymn, and they cried aloud: Bless, praise and exalt ye the Lord above all for ever. [KW]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 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.

Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.

The heavens were astounded because of this, * and the ends of the earth were astonished, because God himself * bodily appeared to the human race, * O Theotokos, coming forth * from your virgin womb, which indeed became * more spacious than the heavens. * And therefore by the orders * of men and angels you are magnified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The athletes trained themselves in diverse struggles and had overcome the devices of the ruler of the world. The athletes put the madness of the barbarians to shame with courage and godliness. They patiently endured their assaults. Therefore they have also received twofold crowns from the just Judge of the contest. [un]

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

O blessed Fathers, you passed your lives in asceticism in dens and caves. You were shut up in a lightless cavern with a narrow opening. You were reddened with your blood and choked in burning heat with the smoky fumes of the smouldering fire. You proved to be victors who carried off the trophy. [un]

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

We praise the conflicts wherein you wondrously strove against sin and vigorously withstood as glorious soldiers of Christ. For you magnificently overcame. Now you stand with the orders of the Saints. Remember us before the All-highest. [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]

You are filled with the triply-shining brightness in the Heavens together with Sabbas your father and instructor as his genuine sons. Intercede for us, your fellow disciples and the singers of your praise, so that peace may be granted to all the churches and salvation to our souls. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O Artificer, You who were born of a Virgin, cast down the haughty brow and arrogance of our enemies and the counsels of those of evil belief. Being God, Make steadfast and unshakeable the assembly of the faithful. Exalt our horn and make us strong in faith, so that we all may magnify You. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Θεὸν ἀνθρώποις.

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 God and Lord of many mercies, cleanse the wounds of my heart and heal them with the medicine of repentance. I have sinned, I have sinned against Thee: take pity on me and save me at the prayers of Thine apostles, for Thou art full of mercy. [KW]

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

Foolishly, like the Prodigal, I have followed my unruly impulses and have departed far from my true self: I eat the rough husks of pleasure and am deprived of the food of salvation. O Christ, take pity on me and save me. [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, thou hast not cleansed thyself from evil nor avoided the lusts that corrupt thee. Why art thou filled, then, with unjustified rejoicing, because thou hast observed the Fast? For such is not the fast the Lord has chosen, who desires our true amendment. [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 Virgin Theotokos, who hast borne the Light, guide me with divine light and drive away the darkness from my soul, that I may bless thee: for all generations of men, as thou hast prophesied, shall call thee blessed. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

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

Ἀσπόρου συλλήψεως.

Verse: When the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. [RSV]

Simple in speech but wise in knowledge, ye have destroyed the webs of words spun by philosophers, the cunning tapestries of the orators, and the divinations of the stargazers: therefore, O apostles of Christ, ye have been revealed as the only teachers of the whole inhabited earth. [KW]

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

Peter speaks, and Plato falls silent; Paul teaches, and Pythagoras is heard no more. The company of the apostles, preaching the mysteries of God, has buried the dead voice of the pagan Greeks and called the world to the worship of Christ. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

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

Both now. Theotokion.

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

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

At your prayers, O holy apostles of Christ, may we all be counted worthy to see and venerate -with pure lips and souls the precious Cross, the all-holy Tree that has borne as flower the salvation of the world. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 2.

Ἀσπόρου συλλήψεως.

Conception without seed; nativity past understanding, from a Mother who never knew a man; childbearing undefiled. For the birth of God makes both natures new. Therefore, as Bride and Mother of God, with true worship all generations magnify thee. [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

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 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 intercessions of the Apostles, and save me. [SD]

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, by the intercessions of the Hierarch, 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.

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 the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next.

PRIEST (aloud)

For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 2.

Like the Prodigal I have fallen from sonship, and as a slave I have eaten with the swine, yet was not satisfied by their food; but now I return to Thee, O compassionate Father. Wrongly I forsook Thee, but rightly have I turned back in repentance, and I cry: I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, O Father; grant to me, returning homeward, Thy great mercy. [KW]

Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]

Like the Prodigal I have fallen from sonship, and as a slave I have eaten with the swine, yet was not satisfied by their food; but now I return to Thee, O compassionate Father. Wrongly I forsook Thee, but rightly have I turned back in repentance, and I cry: I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, O Father; grant to me, returning homeward, Thy great mercy. [KW]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 2.

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

Great wonders has our God done for His saints and His elect. Rejoice and be glad, all ye His servants: He has prepared for you crowns of glory and His Kingdom. We entreat you not to forget us. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2.

O Theotokos, thou art the true Vine, that has put forth the fruit of life. We pray thee, O Lady, intercede together with the apostles and all the saints, that mercy may be granted to 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.