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Triodion

Mode pl. 2. On Monday Morning

On Monday of the Fourth Week Morning

Menaion - March 24

Forefeast of the Annunciation

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 4.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the prelude of the joy of the universe, and it incites us to sing the forefestal hymns. For behold, Gabriel is coming, and he will say to the Virgin: Rejoice, Maiden full of grace; the Lord is with you. [SD]

Glory. Both now.

Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the prelude of the joy of the universe, and it incites us to sing the forefestal hymns. For behold, Gabriel is coming, and he will say to the Virgin: Rejoice, Maiden full of grace; the Lord is with you. [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.

Kathisma I. For compunction.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

I think about that fearful day, and I lament my filthy deeds. How shall I argue in my own defense before the immortal King? How can I face the Judge with confidence, the prodigal that I am? O compassionate Father, only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit, I implore, have mercy on me! [GOASD]

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

Mode pl. 2.

When You sit to pass righteous judgment, in the valley of weeping, in the place You appointed, O merciful Master, please do not make public the sins I committed in private, please do not embarrass me in the presence of the Angels. I beg You, spare me, O God, and have mercy on me! [GOASD]

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

For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 2.

Light always dawns for the righteous. The saints were illumined in You, and they shine like stars forever, and they extinguish the lamp of the impious. By their prayers, You will light my lamp, O Lord, and save me. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2.

Let us extol the Mother of God, with never silent heart and mouth, for she is most glorious and holier than the holy Angels. And let us confess her to be Theotokos, for she literally gave birth to God incarnate. She unceasingly intercedes for our souls. [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 (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

O ye faithful, let us venerate the holy Wood on which the Maker of all was raised. It lies before us, sanctifying in soul and body those who draw near, cleansing the defilement of sin from all who fast with faith and ever sing in praise of Christ, the only Benefactor. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

The Word of the Father came down to earth, and an angel of light cried to the Theotokos: ‘Hail, blessed Maiden, who alone hast guarded safely the bridal chamber: thou shalt conceive the eternal God and Lord, that in His divine power He may save mankind from error.’ [KW]

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

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 3. (NM)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Now that we have come, my Christ, to the middle of the time of abstinence, and have reached the veneration of Thy lifegiving Cross, falling down before it we call upon Thee: Mighty art Thou, who lovest mankind, and mighty are Thy works, for Thou hast made manifest Thy precious Cross. In fear we venerate it as we cry: Glory to Thy boundless compassion. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

O Virgin, the untilled vineyard are you indeed; * and you produced the Lord, that ripest bunch of grapes, * that gushes forth the sweetest drink, the wine of salvation, for us, * gladdening the hearts and souls * and the bodies of everyone. * Therefore we pronounce you blest * as the cause of all theses blessings on us, * and joining the Archangel we shout to you: * Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace! [SD]

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 Forefeast.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θαλάσσης τὸ ἐρυθραῖον.

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

The Red Sea was crossed by ancient Israel. They walked across dry ground, * when Moses stretched his hand over the sea * with his rod, in the form of a cross; * and likewise in the wilderness, they put to flight the hosts of Amalek. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O world, be glad and filled with joy, as you experience the Lord descending to you. In His tender mercy, He comes down from heaven, and He receives bodily form in a Virgin’s womb. [SD]

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

O world, be glad and filled with joy, as you experience the Lord descending to you. In His tender mercy, He comes down from heaven, and He receives bodily form in a Virgin’s womb. [SD]

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]

O Virgin, behold, a divine Archangel of God the King of all is sent to you, the Queen, to announce His coming, and to salute you with the greeting “Rejoice,” for the restoration of the forefather Adam. [SD]

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

O Maiden, prepare yourself to be the gleaming solid gold jar, that will receive the Manna of Life. For at the voice of the Angel, He shall come upon you, and He shall come to dwell in you supernaturally [SD]

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

O pure one, the Lord, who ever dwells in heaven, will make His dwelling in your body; for He comes to clothe himself with the nature of those born on earth, and thus to make it heavenly. [SD]

(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. (NM)

Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.

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]

The feast of the veneration of the Cross has come, shining as the sun with the light of salvation, and shedding its radiance upon all held fast by the darkness of the passions. Let us then make haste with pure hearts to adore the Cross. [KW]

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

Cleansed by the grace of the Fast, let us in thanksgiving cry aloud with a pure mind unto Him who alone is pure: Thou hast given Thy blood for all of us, O Word, and Thou dost sanctify us by Thy Cross. [KW]

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

Bound hand and foot at all times by the attacks of the serpent, I lie gravely wounded. O Saviour, by Thy Passion on the Cross Thou hast raised up our first parents from their fall: raise me up and guide me to the fulfillment of Thy will. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

Standing by Thy Cross, O Lord and Master, the Virgin looked upon Thy wounds: and, pierced to the heart, she cried aloud: ‘Woe is me, my Son! I felt no pains of childbirth when I bore Thee, but now I am broken by anguish.’ [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode 3. (NM) Let us sing to the Lord.

ᾌσωμεν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

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

This is a holy week of light, in which the precious Cross is exalted in the sight of all the world. With souls enlightened let us come, kissing it with fear and love, and let us glorify in songs Christ who was crucified upon it. [KW]

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

In solemn procession we all venerate Thy Cross, O Christ, and with expectant hope we glorify Thy Resurrection; we sing the praises of the nails that pierced Thee, and we honour Thy spear, for through them the eyes and lips of our soul and body are made pure. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Trinity praised in Unity of Essence, Father and Son with the All­ Holy Spirit, Godhead without beginning, eternal and uncreated, Life and fountain of Light: with all mortal men we worship Thee who hast brought all things into being. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

We sing thy praises, O pure Virgin Theotokos, chariot of the cherubim, from whom God was born. For thou alone wast made a fountain of incorruption, bringing life to all, and from thy waters we draw healing. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Reaching the middle of the forty days’ Fast, with eager hearts let us go forward with Christ to the divine Passion; that, crucified with Him, we may be sharers in His Resurrection. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

ᾌσωμεν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

Let us sing to the Lord, who has worked marvellous wonders in the Red Sea: for in the deep waters He has drowned our enemies and has saved Israel. To Him alone let us sing, for He is glorified. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Forefeast.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ.

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

Not in our wisdom, * nor in power and wealth do we boast, O Lord; * but we boast in You, the Father’s personified Wisdom, O Christ. * No one else is holy but for You who are benevolent. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Exult and dance for joy now, O earth, that with labor and sorrow had sprouted the passions like thorns. Behold, the immortal Husbandman shall come now, and He lift the curse from you. [SD]

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

O undefiled Virgin, prepare to be the divine fleece; for God shall descend on you like rain, to dry up the streams of human disobedience. [SD]

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

O Maiden, prepare to be the divine tablet; for by the finger of the Father, the divine Logos incarnate shall be inscribed in you, and He shall loose my illogical transgression. [SD]

Glory.

O Virgin, receive the fire of the Godhead, like the golden lamp. It will shine through you and give light to the world; and it will disperse the darkness of our evils. [SD]

Both now.

O Virgin, receive the fire of the Godhead, like the golden lamp. It will shine through you and give light to the world; and it will disperse the darkness of our evils. [SD]

Heirmos.

Not in our wisdom, * nor in power and wealth do we boast, O Lord; * but we boast in You, the Father’s personified Wisdom, O Christ. * No one else is holy but for You who are benevolent. [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 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Today creation all exults with greatest joy, * for the Archangel came and said to you, “Rejoice! * Blessed are you, O purest Maid, immaculate Mother of Christ.” * And today the insolence * of the serpent is mortified. * The fetters of the curse once laid * on our forefather now are loosed. * And so with all the world we cry out to you: * Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Forefeast.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐπαρθέντα σε ἰδοῦσα.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

When the Church beheld You raised on the Cross unjustly, * O Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, crucified for our sake, * she stood in her course, like the moon, * and fittingly cried aloud, * “Glory to Your strength, O Lord!” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Now the mystery that was foreordained before the ages begins to be revealed. O earth and heavens, celebrate in unison and joyfully sing and jubilate aloud. [SD]

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

Open your aural entrances to things divine, O great palace of the King; for Christ the Truth shall come now, and shall dwell inside you. [SD]

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

Our Redeemer shall be seen to dwell in a virgin womb, in order to restore our ancestral mother who slipped and fell. Let us sing to Him, “Glory to Your strength, O Lord!” [SD]

Glory.

O all-blameless Virgin and only adornment of mortals, the Prophet Habakkuk of old spoke of you as being a mountain overshadowed with virtues, and from which our God was to appear. [SD]

Both now.

O all-blameless Virgin and only adornment of mortals, the Prophet Habakkuk of old spoke of you as being a mountain overshadowed with virtues, and from which our God was to appear. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Forefeast.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Σὺ Κύριέ μου φῶς.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

My Lord, You are the light. * Holy light, to the world You came * to turn people from the darkness * and the night of not knowing. And now in faith we sing Your praise. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Lamb of our God is urgent in coming to enter your womb, O spotless Ewe-lamb, and to take away our sins. [SD]

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

As it is written, may the divine Flower blossom from you in due time, O mystical Rod from the root of Jesse, and appear to us. [SD]

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

O Virgin, at the voice of the Archangel, prepare to grow like a vine and to bring forth the ripe and undefiled Cluster. [SD]

Glory.

Be glad, O Isaiah, one of the great Prophets; for the Virgin, of whom you foretold, in her womb conceives the Angel of Great Counsel. [SD]

Both now.

Be glad, O Isaiah, one of the great Prophets; for the Virgin, of whom you foretold, in her womb conceives the Angel of Great Counsel. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Forefeast.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.

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

“I will sacrifice to You, O Lord, with a voice of praise.” * So sings the Church You delivered * from the gore of sacrificing to demons; * for You cleansed her * by the blood that for mercy poured out from Your side. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Archangel Gabriel says to you, “Rejoice, O Virgin! You shall inexplicably conceive in your womb the joy that Eve lost because she disobeyed. [SD]

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

O all-pure Maid, be not at all afraid; the fire of the Divinity shall not consume your womb; for the bush of old prefigured you: it was burning and was not at all consumed. [SD]

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

O Virgin, rejoice! You are that mountain, which Daniel foresaw in the Spirit; Christ, the noetic Stone shall be cut from you, and He shall crush the lifeless idols of the demons. [SD]

Glory.

O Mother of God, the King of Peace shall come upon you, to bring peace to those are beleaguered and defeated by the evil counsel of the serpent. [SD]

Both now.

O Mother of God, the King of Peace shall come upon you, to bring peace to those are beleaguered and defeated by the evil counsel of the serpent. [SD]

Heirmos.

“I will sacrifice to You, O Lord, with a voice of praise.” * So sings the Church You delivered * from the gore of sacrificing to demons; * for You cleansed her * by the blood that for mercy poured out from Your side. [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. 2.

Light always dawns for the righteous. The saints were illumined in You, and they shine like stars forever, and they extinguish the lamp of the impious. By their prayers, You will light my lamp, O Lord, and save me. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 24 the Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and we commemorate our devout father Artemis, Bishop of Seleucia in Pisidia.

On this day we commemorate the holy priest-martyr Artemon, Presbyter of Laodicea.

On this day the devout Zachariah reposed in peace.

On this day the holy eight martyrs from Caesarea in Palestine died by the sword.

On this day the devout Martin of Thebes reposed in peace.

The holy new priest-martyr Parthenios, Patriarch of Constantinople, died by hanging in Constantinople in the year 1657.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Forefeast.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ὁ διασώσας ἐν πυρί.

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

You saved Your Servants in the fire, * Abraham’s three youthful descendants; * and the Chaldeans You destroyed, * for they plotted unjustly against the just. * O supremely extolled and praised * Lord, the God of our fathers, You are blessed. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You are the rational Ark of the Covenant, loved by the true Giver of the Law. He is shall make His dwelling in you. So, be filled with gladness, for through you He shall renew those who have succumbed to corruption. [SD]

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

O Maiden, the divine choir of the Prophets, perceiving that the Redeemer comes upon you in peace, cries aloud to you, “Rejoice, redemption of all! Rejoice, only salvation of humanity!” [SD]

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

O blessed Virgin Mary, do not be afraid of the voice. Do not be perplexed by the one speaking to you; he is a minister of God. He comes to reveal to you the mystery that was kept secret from the Angels. [SD]

Glory.

O Virgin, you see how the whole world is enslaved to the enemy. And you see that, in His tender mercy, good and gracious God has willed to have mercy on it through you. So do not disbelieve the words of the Angel. [SD]

Both now.

O Virgin, you see how the whole world is enslaved to the enemy. And you see that, in His tender mercy, good and gracious God has willed to have mercy on it through you. So do not disbelieve the words of the Angel. [SD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Forefeast.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.

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

Daniel shut the lions’ gaping mouths inside the den of old, by stretching out his hands. * The three young men overcame the force * of the furnace fire, having girt * themselves in virtue, for they loved * godliness, and were together singing, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Unwedded Maiden, prepare yourself to become that swift cloud of the Light. Behold, the unsetting Sun from on high will shine on you; and after being concealed within you for a little, He will shine on the world and dissolve the darkness of wickedness. [SD]

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

O immaculate Virgin, the premiere angelic minister shall project a joyful voice, and announce to you, that the Angel of Great Counsel shall, in His goodness, be incarnate of you. To Him we cry aloud, “O all you works, praise you the Lord.” [SD]

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

O pure one, our Fashioner and Lord knew you to be a pure rose of Sharon and a fragrant lily of the valley; and now He has loved your beauty, and He wills to become incarnate of your blood, so that in His kindness He might banish the foul odor of deceptive error. [SD]

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

O immaculate Virgin, without departing from the right hand of the Father, the super-essential Son will soon be dwelling in you, so that He might set you, His fair companion, as a Queen at His right hand, and might extend His right hand to all the fallen, and might save us. [SD]

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

O immaculate Virgin, without departing from the right hand of the Father, the super-essential Son will soon be dwelling in you, so that He might set you, His fair companion, as a Queen at His right hand, and might extend His right hand to all the fallen, and might save us. [SD]

(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) The Chaldaean tyrant

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

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]

O Lord, have mercy and take pity on my soul and mind that lie wounded by poisonous passions; protect me with the breastplate of Thy Cross and with the Blood that flows from Thy side, that I may sing with all my heart: O ye priests bless and ye people exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

Moses of old prefigured thee, O precious Cross, when he lifted up his arms upon the mountain and put Amalek to flight; and today, as we venerate thee, we overthrow the alien hosts of demons and we sing with faith: O ye priests bless and ye people exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

I am shaken by passions, ensnared by enemies, and led away prisoner by evil habits. Take pity on me, O compassionate Lord, and arm me with the breastplate of Thy Cross, that with heart unshaken I may sing: O ye Children bless, O ye priests praise, O ye people exalt Him above all for ever. [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.

Groaning in anguish, lamenting with a mother’s grief, unable to bear the agony in thy heart, thou hast gazed upon the Cross and cried to Him that was born from thy womb: ‘O Child, what is this that I see? How dost Thou suffer who by nature canst not suffer? It is because Thou seekest to deliver from corruption all mankind.’ [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 3. (NM) God is glorified.

Τὸν ὑπʼ Ἀγγέλων.

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

Beholding the Cross of Christ exalted in the Church, let us draw near in fear and faith, O brethren, and let us venerate it crying: Thou hast brought life to mortal men, O Giver of Light. [KW]

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

Heaven revealed thee, O lifegiving Cross, as the ensign of victory in battle, the unconquerable weapon of kings, the destroyer of enemies, the horn of the Churches, and the salvation of the faithful. [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 the Holy Father, I honour the Holy Son, and I sing in praise of the Holy Spirit, simple Trinity, one in Essence. Each Person is God, three Lights yet one Light coming from a single Sun. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Hail, Gate through which none may pass; hail, Bush unconsumed; hail, golden Vessel of manna; hail, Mountain not cut by hand of man; hail, Theotokos, the unbroken hope and rampart of those that put their trust in thee. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O brethren, having come to the middle of the Fast, in good courage and with willing hearts let us complete with God’s help the part which still remains, that in great joy we may behold the Passover of the risen Christ. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Τὸν ὑπʼ Ἀγγέλων.

God is glorified on high by the angels with never-silent voices; let the heaven of heavens, the earth and the mountains, the hills and the deep and all mankind sing to Him, their Maker and Creator, bless, praise and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 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 Forefeast.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Εὕα μὲν τῷ τῆς παρακοῆς.

Because of the malady of disobedience, Eve received the curse within herself. * But you, O Virgin Theotokos, have blossomed forth the blessing to all the world, * by means of the One who sprang from your pregnancy. * And therefore you do we all magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Eve reaped the destructive fruit that brought death; but in you, O Lady, shall the Provider of Immortality, Christ our Sweetness, grow as a fruit. We extol Him, and we glorify you. [SD]

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

O Logos, bow the heavens now and come down to us. The Virgin’s womb has been prepared to be a throne for You, where You shall sit as a most handsome King, to raise from its fall the creation of Your right hand. [SD]

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

O all-blameless Virgin, Christ desired your beauty, and He dwelt in your womb, to rescue the human race from the distortion of the passions, and to restore its ancient beauty. We worship Him, and we glorify you. [SD]

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

O pure Virgin, you are like unsown ground. By a word receive the heavenly Word, like fruitful wheat, that shall sprout from you, and shall nourish the ends of the world with the bread of knowledge. We worship Him, and we glorify you. [SD]

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

O pure Virgin, you are like unsown ground. By a word receive the heavenly Word, like fruitful wheat, that shall sprout from you, and shall nourish the ends of the world with the bread of knowledge. We worship Him, and we glorify you. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM)

Ἔφριξε πᾶσα ἀκοή.

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]

When Jacob blessed his grandchildren of old, he openly prefigured the precious Cross. Through the Cross, O compassionate Lord, give us Thy blessing; and to those that venerate it and glorify Thee as the Deliverer of all, grant grace and sanctification. [KW]

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

Cleansed in soul and mind by the water of fasting, O ye faithful, let us embrace the lifegiving and divine Wood that is exalted before us all: for it is a fountain of forgiveness and heavenly light, a source of life and true rejoicing. [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]

I know, O Lord, that Thou wilt come as dread Judge in the glory of the Godhead, to lay bare the hidden sins of all. Therefore I call upon Thee in Thy love: I have sinned, forgive me; put me not to shame, but pass over my many and grievous trespasses. [KW]

Verse: To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God. [RSV]

Theotokion.

When the Ewe beheld the Lamb led to the slaughter and saw the light of the sun darkened, she said weeping: ‘O Jesus, sun of glory, Thou hast set in death. But shine forth with the light of Thy Resurrection upon those that love Thee.’ [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

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

Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

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]

Today, recalling David’s words, let us all worship at the place where the feet of our God and Mast.er stood, and let us venerate the precious Cross. For He who encloses all things in the hollow of His hand, mounted upon it. [KW]

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

O ye that dwell on earth, draw near cleansed by fasting, and behold today the honoured Cross that lies before you. Venerate it in fear and be glad in faith, and rejoice as ye draw from it sanctification for your souls. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

The Trinity supreme in Godhead is by Essence an undivided Unity. Though single in Nature, it is distinguished in Persons; though indivisible, it is divided; though one, it is three: Father, Son and Spirit of Life, together guarding all things. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Who has ever heard of a virgin that bore child and a mother that knew not man? O Mary, this miracle hast thou accomplished, but tell me how? ‘Do not enquire into the mystery of my childbearing: it is altogether true, yet beyond man’s understanding.’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

With all mankind let us offer thankful praise to God, as we now behold and kiss the holy Cross. Understand, ye demons, and submit to the Cross; understand, ye barbarian peoples, and submit to it: for God is with us. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

In the bush upon Mount Sinai Moses saw thee, who hast conceived within thy womb the fire of the Godhead, and yet wast not consumed. Daniel saw thee as a mountain not cut by hand of man, and Isaiah proclaimed thee as the Rod that blossomed from the root of David. [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.

Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

O Virgin pure, we bring to you * the virtues as pre-festal gifts: * the love for the poor like riches, * and chastity and self-restraint,* our sacred hymns and prayers tears, * our fasting and humility. * Please help us all to do these works, * and watch over us, O Lady * compassionate Theotokos. [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.

Thou Thyself hast shown us, O Christ, that the best path to exaltation is humility; and Thou hast emptied Thyself and taken the form of a servant. Thou hast not hearkened to the arrogant prayer of the Pharisee, but in heaven Thou hast accepted the contrite sighing of the Publican as a blameless sacrifice. Therefore I also cry to Thee: Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, my Saviour, and save 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]

Thou Thyself hast shown us, O Christ, that the best path to exaltation is humility; and Thou hast emptied Thyself and taken the form of a servant. Thou hast not hearkened to the arrogant prayer of the Pharisee, but in heaven Thou hast accepted the contrite sighing of the Publican as a blameless sacrifice. Therefore I also cry to Thee: Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, my Saviour, and save me. [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]

At the commemoration of Thy martyrs, O Lord, the whole creation keeps festival; heaven with the angels greatly rejoices, and the earth with all mankind makes glad. At their intercessions have mercy upon us. [KW]

Glory. Both now. For the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

The Theotokos heard a tongue she knew not. For the Archangel spoke to her the words of the Annunciation. When she accepted the salutation with faith, she conceived You, the pre-eternal God. We also greatly rejoice, and we say to You: O God, Who without changing became incarnate of her, grant peace to the world, and great mercy to our souls. [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the prelude of the joy of the universe, and it incites us to sing the forefestal hymns. For behold, Gabriel is coming, and he will say to the Virgin: Rejoice, Maiden full of grace; the Lord is with you. [SD]

READER

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.