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Triodion

Mode pl. 2. On Thursday Morning

On Thursday of the Fourth Week Morning

Menaion - March 27

Memory of the Holy Martyr Matrona of Thessaloniki

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 2.

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. 2.

With fear the Cherubim standing near You, and trembling the Seraphim astounded, sing to You the thrice-holy hymn, with never-silent voices. And we, sinners though we be, join them and cry out: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! By the intercessions of the Apostles save us. [SD]

Glory.

The six-winged Seraphim, with their bodiless mouths, never cease to sing the thrice-holy hymn to You, our God. And we on earth, albeit with unworthy lips, send up praises to You: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! By the intercessions of the Hierarch save us. [SD]

Both now.

Let us glorify the Godhead, which is unconfused Tri-unity. And let us sing the hymn of 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. 2.

As You came and stood among Your disciples, O Savior, and gave them peace, come and be with us also and save us. [SD]

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

O Jesus, You sent Your Disciples to the ends of the earth. As if catching fish in a net, they converted the Gentiles to the true Faith, and they brought them to Your goodness. Because of them, we now cry aloud to You, O benevolent Lord: Grant to Your people the great mercy. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2. You are the good hope.

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

O Lady holy and pure, as our God’s blessed Mother, * you ineffably gave birth to the Creator of all. * We beseech you to join the sacred Apostles in imploring His goodness every day, * to deliver us from passions and grant us forgiveness of sins. [SD]

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 1. (N/M)

Χορὸς ἀγγελικός.

O glorious apostles, intercessors for our souls, strong in the power of the Cross ye have destroyed all the deceit of the enemy. Therefore today ye rejoice in its veneration, praying on our behalf to Him who alone loves mankind. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. (N/M)

Χορὸς ἀγγελικός.

O Mary, precious vessel that received the Master, we have fallen into an abyss of dark despair, of sin and tribulation. Raise us up once more: for thou art the salvation of sinners, their help and powerful protection, and thou dost save thy servants. [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

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.

Grave Mode.

Looking, O Lord, at Thy Cross that lies before us today, we approach in faith with hymns and songs, venerating it in fear and joy. Through the revelation of Thy Cross, sanctify Thy servants and give peace to Thy world, for Thou alone art rich in mercy. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Grave Mode. Automelon (not metered)

O Lord, we are Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture. Bring us back, for we have strayed into corruption; and as Shepherd gather us together, for we have been scattered. In Thy love have mercy and take pity on Thy flock, at the intercessions of the Theotokos, for Thou alone art free from sin. [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 Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Matrona, brighten with joy those who extol you, as you dance round about God, the Cause of all, with the divine orders of bodiless hosts, and as delight in the divine illumination. [SD]

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

O Matrona, brighten with joy those who extol you, as you dance round about God, the Cause of all, with the divine orders of bodiless hosts, and as delight in the divine illumination. [SD]

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

Christ our God took you from the yoke of servitude and made you His Martyr and bride, inasmuch as He himself accepted the form of a servant, wishing to free it from the bonds of corruption and death. [SD]

Glory.

The female sex was by grace made manly, and through physical weakness by divine strength, it brought down that arrogance that once boasted so much that it could wipe out the sea. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Your Mother became the gate of Your condescension towards us. She ineffably flashed as with lightning and brought forth You, who are mystically called Orient and Sun and Light, twofold in nature, our benevolent Lord. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Εὐφραίνεται ἐπὶ σοί.

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

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

All-blessed Matrona, firm in mind, you endured painful torture in prison at the hands of that unlawful, terrible woman. [SD]

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

All-blessed Matrona, firm in mind, you endured painful torture in prison at the hands of that unlawful, terrible woman. [SD]

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

O Martyr, with fortitude you endured the painful sensations of being whipped. You received divine splendor in return for the darkness you experienced. [SD]

Glory.

The river of your blood extinguished the fire of ungodliness, and it also watered the faithful as with streams of the true faith in God. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-pure Virgin, we extol you using images foreshadowing you in divine Scripture. You are the tablet, you are the ark, for you held within your womb the unoriginate Logos of God. [SD]

Heirmos.

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [SD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O fans of feast days, a splendid holiday has arrived, the glorious memory of the glorious medaled Athletes of Christ. It gladdens the whole world, as it shines with rays of miracles in the world, and it brings endless grace to the people. O Savior, at her entreaties, save Your world. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

O immaculate Maiden, by your divine childbirth, you renewed the nature of those born on earth, which had been corrupted by the passions, and you lifted everyone up from death to life of incorruption. Therefore, we all dutifully call you blessed, as you foretold, O glorified Virgin. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Matrona, enabled by divine might, you have escaped being the slave of your bitter mistress. For serving God alone, you had a disposition of soul that would not be abased. [SD]

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

O Matrona, enabled by divine might, you have escaped being the slave of your bitter mistress. For serving God alone, you had a disposition of soul that would not be abased. [SD]

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

O victorious Martyr, that most impious woman roared in frenzy and drunkenly writhed with fury, as she mutilitated you body with the viciousness of those Jews of old. [SD]

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

O Martyr, you exhibit great fortitude when you were incarcerated in dark places and tormented with hunger. But in return God rewarded you with the banquet table of immortality. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O true Mother of God, the golden lampstand in the Temple prefigured you: you held God incarnate, who illumines all things with the splendor of divinity. [SD]

(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 1. (NM)

Ἐπὶ τῆς θείας φυλακῆς.

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

O Holy Cross, strength and glory of the apostles, today thou art exalted for the veneration of the whole inhabited earth; and thou givest to us the grace of sanctification, making the season of the Fast easy for us. [KW]

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

Moses foreshadowed the Cross when he stretched out his arms and defeated Amalek. Like him let us form a figure of the Cross, stretching out our arms in fasting and prayer, that so we may defeat the host of demons that in malicious envy continually make war against us. [KW]

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

O disciples of God, with the holy plough of the Cross ye have renewed the earth, making it fruitful with the harvest of true faith. Therefore year by year we sing your praises, and we glorify Christ for ever. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

O Mother of the good and loving God, fill my soul with goodness, for the evil one has corrupted it with sinful habits, and he has miserably deceived me. Then, O greatly glorified, will I sing thy praises for ever as the cause of my salvation. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Grave Mode. (NM) Assured of Thy coming

Τὴν ἔνσαρκον παρουσίαν σου.

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

The all-holy Cross lies before us: let us approach and venerate it, for it is the horn of our salvation. [KW]

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

When the sign of the Cross is made, its grace drives away the dark multitude of demons. O Cross of Christ, thou art an invincible weapon. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity in Essence, Trinity of Persons, I praise and honour Thee, Father, Son and All-Holy Spirit. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin undefiled, without knowing a man thou hast conceived God, more ancient than all things, who holds the ends of the earth in the hollow of His hand. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O apostles, intercessors for the world, pray that we also may be saved: for as our weapon we hold the Cross of Christ. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Τὴν ἔνσαρκον παρουσίαν σου.

Assured of Thy coming in the flesh, O Christ, the Prophet Habakkuk cried: Glory to Thy power. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Giver of Life, godly-minded Matrona had You as a splendid crown of glory, and she departed out of darkness to light divine. [SD]

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

O Giver of Life, godly-minded Matrona had You as a splendid crown of glory, and she departed out of darkness to light divine. [SD]

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

O blessed Matrona, Christ stood you firmly on the rock of the Faith, and He wisely directed your steps to Him. [SD]

Glory.

O all-blessed Matrona, your mind is truly divine and wise and godly, and you are radiant in the chorus of the Martyrs. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God, you gave birth the Lord, who united the form of God and the form of man, as Paul said, in an unconfused and unmingled union. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O prizewinner Matrona, you have now rightly picked what Eve once desired; for, by your unremitting striving toward God, you were deified, and you have rightly been granted eternal glory. [SD]

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

O prizewinner Matrona, you have now rightly picked what Eve once desired; for, by your unremitting striving toward God, you were deified, and you have rightly been granted eternal glory. [SD]

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

In Christ there is neither slave nor free, but only beautiful virtue, adorned with the practice of true religion. And you, O invincible medaled Athlete, were like a sculptor of such. [SD]

Glory.

In Christ there is neither slave nor free, but only beautiful virtue, adorned with the practice of true religion. And you, O invincible medaled Athlete, were like a sculptor of such. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, we say you are the temple of God, His bridal chamber, a vessel, lampstand, and also the tablet, wherein the Word, who for pity’s sake became incarnate, was inscribed. [SD]

Heirmos.

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 2.

O Lord, the memory of Your victorious Martyrs is like the Garden of Eden, for in it all creation greatly rejoices. At their supplications, grant us peace and great mercy. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 27 we commemorate the holy martyr Matrona of Thessaloniki.

On this day devout St. Kerycos of Apros reposed in peace.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Philetos the senator and Lydia his wife, and their two children Macedon and Theoprepios, the public official Cronides, and the duke Amphilochios.

On this day the holy martyrs John and Baruchios died by the sword.

On this day the prophet Anani reposed in peace.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Paul, Bishop of Corinth, brother of Peter the worker of signs of the most holy diocese of Argos, and our devout father Eftychios.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐν τῇ καμίνῳ Ἀβραμιαῖοι.

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

Inside the furnace * in ancient Persia, sons of Abraham * were consumed with pious fear and the love of God * rather than the fiery flame, and sang * together, “In the temple of Your holy glory, You are blessed, O Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O all-famed Matrona, you departed to be your Lord and Lover, having favor with Him and confidence, and you gratefully sang: “Blessed are You, O Lord, in the temple of Your glory.” [SD]

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

O all-famed Matrona, you departed to be your Lord and Lover, having favor with Him and confidence, and you gratefully sang: “Blessed are You, O Lord, in the temple of Your glory.” [SD]

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

O glorious Matrona, full of virtues of every kind, with joy and gladness you passed over from the earth to the heavenly choir, and you received an immortal inheritance. [SD]

Glory.

O glorious Matrona, full of virtues of every kind, with joy and gladness you passed over from the earth to the heavenly choir, and you received an immortal inheritance. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Lady and Virgin Mother, you gave birth to the Father’s incarnate Word in a manner surpassing words. You shine brightly, adorned with all the virtues. Blessed are you among women! [SD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O modest Matrona, once you were released from the flesh, you were granted to behold the shining beams of abundant light, and to dwell in a heavenly manor, instead of that dark and gloomy place where you were locked up; and you cried out: O all you works, bless you the Lord. [SD]

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

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

O glorious Matrona, how beautiful is the crown that the Almighty laid on you, with His life-giving right hand! He beheld you, His bride, red with your blood, and He rejoiced and made you shine. To Him we cry out: O Lord, all we Your works praise You. [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]

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

Theotokion.

O all-pure, all-blameless Lady, you gave birth to God literally, and thus you are literally the Mother of God. You bear a divine title that truly corresponds with your childbirth. Therefore, with godly thoughts, we the faithful glorify you, the Theotokos. [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. Grave Mode. (NM)

Αὔτη ἡ κλητή.

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]

Rejoice, divine Cross, formed from three different kinds of wood: on thee One of the Trinity was nailed in the flesh. He has delivered us who were prisoners in the abyss of godlessness, and we 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]

Receiving power and strength through the Cross, the disciples of the Word set free those held fast in bitter bondage by the evil one, and they sing in praise: We exalt Thee 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]

Woe is me! How fearful shall be that judgement seat on which Thou shalt sit, O Word, and shalt reveal to me my hidden deeds, exposing before all my want of feeling! But since, O Christ, Thou art by nature full of love, spare me then. [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.

Without departing from the bosom of the Father, O Jesus, Thou hast rested on the bosom of a Virgin; and Thou hast restored mankind, whose nature in Thy tender love Thou hast taken on Thyself. Therefore we mortal men sing Thy praises for ever. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Grave Mode. (NM) Before the King of glory

Τὸν μόνον ἄναρχον.

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

O week of the veneration of the Cross, we honour thee; for in these days we adore the holy Wood and cry aloud: O ye priests praise and ye people exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

How strange is this wonder, King of the ages! For Thou hast granted us Thy servants to see and venerate the Wood on which Thou wast crucified. Therefore with fear we sing Thy praises 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.

Holy and consubstantial Trinity, Father, Son and All-Holy Spirit, I glorify Thine undivided dominion, and sing the praises of Thy one Kingdom for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

He created Adam in His image, and assuming Adam s nature He came forth to loose the ancient curse. O ye priests praise and ye people exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As the twelve-stringed harp of the Church, O apostles, ye sing the praises of the Word of wisdom. Pray that we who honour you may see the Passion of the Lord and glorify Him for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Τὸν μόνον ἄναρχον.

Before the King of glory, who is alone without beginning, all the powers of heaven stand in awe and the hosts of angels tremble: O ye priests praise and ye people 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 Holy Woman.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.

A cornerstone was cut out without hands from a never-quarried mountain, * which prefigured you, holy Virgin. * The stone is Christ, who joined the disparate natures. * As we rejoice because of this, O Theotokos, we magnify you. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr, this illustrious day of your memory shines with heavenly light and the splendid emissions of the Tri-solar illumination. Pray that those who extol you today may be filled with light. [SD]

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

O Martyr, this illustrious day of your memory shines with heavenly light and the splendid emissions of the Tri-solar illumination. Pray that those who extol you today may be filled with light. [SD]

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

O victorious Athlete, you have obtained the heavenly inheritance in the Church of the first-born, as a reward for the pain you experienced when you were whipped. As you celebrate there now, keep us safe here by your intercessions. [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 all-venerable Matrona, truly you are now united to Christ, your immortal Bridegroom. You glow all over with His divine stigmata, and you shine brightly with your own precious blood of martyrdom. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin Theotokos, I pray you break the cords of my sins, and fill my heart with gladness, since you gave birth to the Well of compassion, so that I may worthily magnify you, who alone among women are called blessed of God. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Grave Mode. (NM)

Φωτίζου, φωτίζου.

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]

Shine with joy, Church of God, illumined by the rays of the Cross which thou dost exalt for the veneration of all the faithful. Depart, demonic hosts full of darkness. [KW]

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

The divine Cross is strength to those who fast, champion of those who fight. Gathering with all the faithful, joyfully let us venerate it with love. [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 glorious apostles, divine foundations of the Church of Christ, keep us all upon the firm basis of the true faith, and establish us upon the unbreakable rock of Him who chose you. [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 pure Virgin, at the voice of the Archangel thou hast conceived Joy: make all soul-destroying sadness to vanish from my heart, and give me joy-creating sorrow, that I may know the working of God’s grace. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Grave Mode. (NM) Mother and Virgin undefiled

Σὲ τὴν ἄχραντον.

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]

Prefiguring the truth that was to come, O precious Wood, of old thou hast made sweet the waters of Marah. Make sweet my abstinence, O Cross of Christ, which I venerate today. [KW]

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

Thou art the unconquerable weapon of the King, the strength of his array, the strong support of his council. O Cross of Christ, in our hymns we magnify thee. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Father and Master without beginning, coeternal Word and Holy Spirit, with all the faithful in true reverence we magnify Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Glorious and only Theotokos, thou hast contained within thy womb the Word whom nothing can contain, and thou hast borne Him in the flesh. In our hymns we magnify thee. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

With your tongues of fire, O apostles, ye have burnt up all error and planted the true faith in the world. In our hymns we magnify you. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Σὲ τὴν ἄχραντον.

Mother and Virgin undefiled, thou hast contained within thy womb the Word whom nothing can contain, and thou hast borne Him in the flesh. In our hymns we 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

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. 2.

By the intercessions of the Apostles, O Lord, send down Your eternal light to souls. [SD]

By the intercessions of the Hierarch, O Lord, send down Your eternal light to souls. [SD]

By the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Lord, send down Your eternal light to souls. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light. Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name, for He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created. He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps, Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word, mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds, kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth, young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted; His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people, a hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him. [SAAS]

Psalm 149.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones. Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King. Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him; for the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation. The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds; the high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand, to deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples, to shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to fulfill among them the written judgment: This glory have all His holy ones. [SAAS]

Psalm 150.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power; praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. Praise Him with the sound of a trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre; praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute; praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Alleluia. [SAAS]

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

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

To you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

READER: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world. Accept our supplication, you who sit at the right of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Every day I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the ages of ages. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this day we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your commandments. Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs a hymn, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Grave Mode.

Let us the faithful emulate the repentance of the Publican and not boast like the Pharisee. Let us offer cries of sorrow from the depth of our heart to the loving God of all. For He Himself has given this commandment, saying: Every man that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. Therefore with one accord let us cry unto Him: God be merciful to us sinners and save us. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

Grave Mode.

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

Breathing one purpose and looking to a single hope, vying with each other in their end, the victorious martyrs looked upon death for Christ as the only entry into life. O strange wonder! Though the torture might have been postponed, they seized hold of it as men seize hold of treasure, and they said to one another: ‘Even if we do not die today, yet some day we shall surely die, obeying as we must the laws of human birth. Let us turn necessity into an act of generous love; willingly let us make our own what is the common fate of all, and let us purchase life with death.’ At their intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Grave Mode.

At the intercessions of the Theotokos, give peace to our life, for to Thee we cry: O merciful Lord, glory to Thee. [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.