se.m04.d02.ma3

Link to Matins Ordinary

Use back button to return here.

Books - Sources

Triodion

Grave Mode. On Wednesday Morning

On Wednesday of the Fifth Week Morning

Menaion - April 2

Memory of our Devout Father Titus

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Grave Mode.

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

Grave Mode.

O Lord, in Your highest power You are extolled by the cherubim, and in Your divine glory You are worshiped by the angels. Accept us sinners also, who dare unworthily to cry to You: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! By the power of Your Cross save us. [SD]

Glory.

O my soul, cast off laziness as if it were sleep, and show the Judge that you have woken and are mending your ways, and with fear cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

To the unapproachable Godhead, the Trinity in Unity, let us send up the Thrice-Holy Hymn of the Seraphim; and with fear cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

If the Great Canon is on Wednesday at Compline, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 19. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

If, however, the Great Canon is on Thursday at Matins, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 20. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Grave Mode.

The Church worships You, O Christ God, and venerates the cedar, pine, and cypress. And she prays to You, “Grant success to our government, through the Theotokos, and have mercy on us.” [GOASD]

Verse: Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet; for He is holy. [SAAS]

O Christ God, who for me endured being nailed to the Cross, accept my vigilant praise, and save me, in Your benevolence for humanity. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Christ our God was crucified for us, and He brought down the dominion of death. O Virgin Theotokos, unceasingly entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

If the Great Canon is on Wednesday at Compline, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 20. Then the short litany.

If, however, the Great Canon is on Thursday at Matins, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 1. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

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

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Sinfully Adam ate from the tree, and reaped in bitterness the fruits of his greed; but Thou wast lifted on the Tree, O merciful Lord, and hast delivered him from his grievous condemnation. Therefore we raise our cry to Thee: Grant us, Master, to abstain from the fruit that brings corruption, and to do Thy will, that we may receive Thy mercy. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

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

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

O holy Virgin, Christ took flesh from thy pure womb and was born from thee in ways beyond our understanding; seeing Him hang between two evildoers on the Cross, thy heart was filled with anguish, and with a mother’s grief thou hast cried out: ‘Woe is me, my Child! What is this divine and ineffable act of Thy loving providence, whereby Thou hast restored to life Thy creature? I sing the praises of Thy deep compassion.’ [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 2. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 2.

Singing the praises of the most holy Wood of the Cross, we ever venerate Thy boundless love, O Christ our God. For through the Cross Thou hast put to shame the hosts of the enemy, and hast given a sign to those that set their trust in Thee. Therefore in thanksgiving we cry aloud to Thee: Grant that with good courage and in peace we may all complete the time of the Fast. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

When the Ewe-Lamb saw the innocent Shepherd hanging on the Wood, with a mother’s grief she cried aloud: ‘O my Son, Thou hast spread out a cloud for Thy people as they journeyed through the wilderness, but with ingratitude they have condemned Thee to death. Woe is me! I have no husband, and now I have no Child. But, arise, O Sun, and let Thy light shine forth; and I shall be glorified among the children of mortal men.’ [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 Devout Man.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας.

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

Of old when the Israelite had crossed * the watery passage as if over a tract of land, * fleeing from the misery of Egypt, * he cried: “To God our Redeemer, O let us sing.” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Titus, you are a treasury of dispassion. I am bogged down from head to toe with fleshly passions and corrupted by sensual pleasures; therefore, save me at your intercessions [RB]

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

The Spirit divinely chose you, you were offered to God from the time you were swaddled as an infant, and you were initiated and became a servant of the Virgin Theotokos. [RB]

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

O Father, you were nourished with the sweetness of self-control, you rejected the bitterness of the passions, and thus you sweeten our souls more than honey and the honey-comb. [RB]

Glory.

O Titus, we celebrate you as Paul’s new disciple; for you imitated his struggles. O blessed man of God, you have been crowned with him. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God, you are higher than all of creation, and so, in these last times you alone conceived without a father the Word, as both God and man, from the Father without a mother. [RB]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Σὺ εἶ τὸ στερέωμα.

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

Lord, You are the firm support * of those run to You faithfully. * You are the light * of those who are darkened. * And my spirit is praising You. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O righteous Father Titus, as myrrh of sanctification, you were infused completely with ascetic spices and became a sweet perfume unto our God [RB]

Verse: My heart is strengthened in the Lord; my horn is exalted in my God. I smile at my enemies; I rejoice in Your salvation. [SAAS]

O righteous Father Titus, as myrrh of sanctification, you were infused completely with ascetic spices and became a sweet perfume unto our God [RB]

Verse: Because no one is holy like the Lord, no one is righteous like our God, no one is holy but You. [SAAS]

O righteous one, abstinence was your weapon and prayer was your breastplate, and so you defeated the powers of darkness, putting them to shame. [RB]

Verse: Do not boast nor speak of high things; let no arrogance come from your mouth. [SAAS]

You wisely held back the law of the flesh with the law of the Spirit, and you served the Lord lawfully. [RB]

Verse: For the Lord is the God of knowledge; and God is preparing His actions. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Lady, I entreat you that, at your prayers, He born of you may be merciful to me on the day of judgment. [RB]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Three.

He weakened the bow of mighty men, and those who are weak are girded with strength. [SAAS]

Those who were full of bread were made empty, and the hungry have forsaken the land. The barren woman has borne seven, and she who has many children has become feeble.

The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to Hades and raises up.

The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low and lifts up.

He raises the poor from the earth. He lifts the needy from the dung heap, to set them among princely people and make them inherit a throne of glory. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) O Lord, Thou Builder

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

Verse: The One who gives a prayer to the one praying, He blesses with righteous years. [SAAS]

Stretching out Thine hands upon the Cross, O just Judge, Thou hast condemned the enmity that separated man from God; and now save me the prodigal condemned by my sins, for I have provoked Thee, O longsuffering Saviour. [KW]

Verse: The Lord makes His adversaries weak; the Lord is holy. [SAAS]

As the beasts I have desired a way of life that inflames the passions; I have departed far from Thy commandments, loving Saviour, and have become the servant of alien and unclean citizens. But now I turn back to Thee: accept me and save me. [KW]

Verse: Let not the man of learning boast in his understanding, nor let the man of might boast in his might, nor let the man of riches boast in his riches. [SAAS]

As once Thou hast opened the ears and loosed the tongue of the man with an impediment in his speech, open now the ears of my soul that is grown deaf in its understanding, and count it worthy to hear Thy saving word, O Jesus who alone lovest mankind. [KW]

Verse: Only let the one who boasts boast in this: to understand and to know the Lord and to do justice and righteousness in the midst of the earth. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

All-holy Lady, Gate of salvation, Bridge to God, Protector of Christians, pilot me on my way, O Virgin, for I am beset by the troubles of this life and tossed to and fro. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 2. (NM) O God, the husbandman.

Στειρωθέντα μου τὸν νοῦν.

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

In Thy tender love Thou hast mounted on the Cross, O Christ, and drawn me up from the pit of the passions, raising me to heaven. [KW]

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

Stretching out Thy hands upon the Cross, O Christ, Thou hast embraced all the nations that were far from Thee, and hast brought them close to Thy dominion. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity in three Persons, Trinity supreme in Essence, one Godhead, Father, Son and Spirit of righteousness, save those who honour Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Who among those born on earth can praise thee as is right, O Virgin Mother? For thou alone wast chosen among women, and art blessed by all. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

For my sake, who have provoked Thee by my disobedience, Thou wast lifted up on the Cross, O Jesus, and Thy side was pierced and Thou hast tasted gall. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Στειρωθέντα μου τὸν νοῦν.

O God, the husbandman of all good trees and fruit, make fruitful my barren mind in Thy compassion. [KW]

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.

Wise Father, you shot up and brought forth abundant fruit of all righteousness as a tree that grew tall watered by unending rivers of tears. And so, wonderworking Titus, lovely flower of ascetics, we gather as we should to show you honor. And now, save us at your prayers to the Lord. [RB]

Glory. Another.

Mode 4. N/M (You revealed yourself today.)

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

O Titus, you left behind the storm and stress of life. And so, O just Father, wise miracle-worker, since you lived your entire life in silence and stillness, you have passed over to dwell with God. [RB]

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. N/M (You revealed yourself today.)

O Master, when your Mother the Ewe saw that You were nailed upon the Cross, as your mother she wept and lamented for You, crying: I sing the praise of Your ineffable mercy, my sweetest Child. [RB]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

I have heard the report, O Lord, * of Your incarnation, which is a mystery. * I considered Your astounding works, * and I glorified Your divinity. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O blessed Titus, you despised all of sin’s rottenness, and you wounded the host of demons with the spear of asceticism. [RB]

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

O all-blessed one, the desire for purity pierced your soul. And so you zealously followed Christ, and entered into the bridal chamber of glory. [RB]

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

You have bloomed with self-control as though you were a sweet-smelling meadow and a living garden of the virtues, with which you feed all that honor you. [RB]

Glory.

We all call you blessed, for in truth we hold you as like Moses and David, a lawgiver of asceticism and an icon of unerring meekness. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless one, you are more exalted than the Cherubim and the Seraphim, and we praise you; for you have held in the flesh with your own arms Him before Whom all things tremble. [RB]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

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

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O blessed Titus, you quenched the passions with the mists of your struggles, and you built a fire of love and faith. And so you became a lamp of self-control, a beacon of passionlessness, and a son of the day. [RB]

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

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

O Father, you nurtured the grapes of faith with divine expertise, you put them in the winepress, and you pressed out the wine with ascetic struggles. And so you filled the spiritual cup of self-control, and you make the hearts of your flock to rejoice. [RB]

Glory.

O righteous Father, you bravely endured the attacks and wounds of the demons, you were a pillar of strength, you guided your flock in certainty with a divine staff, and you grazed your sheep in the pastures and the waters of self-control. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O immaculate and all-blameless Virgin, we all have you as our refuge, high wall, fortress, and stronghold, and a gateway into the Kingdom that can never fall. And so we entreat you that at your motherly intercessions, we may not miss the mark of our hope. [RB]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

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

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

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O righteous Titus, you endured by many struggles and dangers for the Faith, and so you dispersed the foggy and dark night of passions, and you brought about the light of sunrise to illumine all your ways. [RB]

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

O God-inspired Titus, you loved asceticism and were captivated thoroughly by God; you abandoned the world and the things of the ruler of the world, and you held fast to the delight of the Kingdom that is beyond the world. [RB]

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

You gathered to your soul the divine riches of grace, immaculate prayer, purity, holiness, and intense focus, and so you were acknowledged as a house of our God. [RB]

Glory.

O wise Father, you passed over the crudeness of matter below, and in spiritual prayer you gave wings to your mind, and you became an heir of the inheritance of heaven through your blameless way of life. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless one, you truly conceived the Word of God in your womb and gave birth to Him who is beyond nature; at your intercessions make Him merciful, so that He may rescue all your servants from threats. [RB]

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. Grave Mode.

O holy Martyrs, you disdained the godlessness of the tyrants, you overlooked the pain of torture, and you did not renounce the faith in Christ. Therefore entreat our benevolent God to save our souls. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 2 we commemorate our devout father Titus.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs and brothers Amphianos and Aidesios.

On this day we also commemorate the holy virgin martyr Theodora.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Polycarp.

On this day the devout Gregory, who struggled in asceticism in the Gulf of Nicomedia, reposed in peace in the year 1240.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

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

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

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father, for us you were a river of abstinence never tainted with sins, drowning the passions, and washing away the stain of those who cry with faith: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [RB]

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

O blessed of God, you now are a member of the angelic choirs, and you enjoy ceaselessly the glory of the heavenly Kingdom. Watch over them that sing: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [RB]

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

O Father Titus, you were steadfast and unchanging in your confession of faith; for in portraying and circumscribing Christ in the flesh, you worshipped Him and shouted: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [RB]

Glory.

O Father, you carry the marks of Jesus the Master on your body; heal me too, for I am wounded with the arrow of Belial, and I shout: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O gracious Lady, you gave birth to the Master of all in a manner surpassing nature and rational thought, and with your breasts you fed Him that prepares a table for all in due season. Entreat him for us unceasingly. [RB]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν οὐρανῶν.

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

O praise and bless Him * who by the armies of Angels * is extolled as King of the heavens, * supremely exalting Him unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father Titus, we hold you as a living monument and image of self-control, and we honor your memory unto all the ages. [RB]

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

The company of monastics rejoice, and the righteous and the just dance; for together with them you have been deemed worthy to win a crown. [RB]

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]

Being well-favored with the virtues, you were summoned to the bridal chamber of ineffable glory, singing hymns to Christ unto all the ages. [RB]

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]

You were clothed with the priestly vestments, you performed the bloodless Sacrifice, and so you were offered as a sacrifice to God unto all the ages. [RB]

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

Theotokion.

O immaculate Virgin and Mother of God, you conceived in your womb Him that existed before you, and you ineffably gave birth to Christ the King. [RB]

(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]

With Thine unsleeping eye look upon me and take pity on me: for I am held fast by the drowsiness of sloth and lie upon the bed of the passions, a slave to the sleep of sensual pleasure. Thou hast bowed Thine head upon the Cross, O Christ, and of Thine own will Thou hast awaked from sleep; and Thou hast driven away the night of sin, for Thou art the Light of righteousness. [KW]

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

I was adorned at Baptism with Thy rich gifts of grace; but instead I have loved the poverty of evil, and in my misery I have become a stranger to the virtues. I have wandered into a far country of sin: but make me turn back, O Saviour, and embrace me, fencing me round with Thy Cross unto eternity. [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]

Cast aside, my soul, the drunkenness of the passions, and by fasting seek the cleansing wine of tears that makes glad the heart of man, withering lust and putting out the furnace of the flesh. Make haste to be crucified with Christ, who for thy sake was nailed upon the Wood, and to live with Him unto eternity. [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.

Most pure Mother of God, cleanse the wounds of my soul and the scars of my sins, bathing them in the fountain that flows from thy Son’s side. To thee I cry, O full of grace, to thee I flee for refuge, and I call upon thee. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. (NM) With every mortal.

Τὸν ἐν φωναῖς Ἀγγελικαῖς.

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

The angels and we men born on earth sing for ever the praises of Jesus, who was crucified in the flesh, yet did not suffer in His divine nature. [KW]

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

At Thy Crucifixion, O Christ, choosing an accursed and shameful death, Thou hast delivered us from corruption and saved us. [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.

With the chembim, O Trinity, I praise Thee, singing: Holy, Holy, Holy, one Godhead, simple, without beginning, beyond the understanding of all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

In songs of praise, pure Virgin, all generations honour thee with gladness, for thou hast borne the Maker. O dread wonder and all-blessed work! [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Solely for the sake of my salvation, O Christ, Thou hast consented to suffer all things. I sing the praises of Thy Crucifixion, nails and death unto all eternity. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Τὸν ἐν φωναῖς Ἀγγελικαῖς.

With every mortal born on earth, let us sing to God who is glorified in heaven by the voices of the angels; and let us praise Him unto all eternity. [KW]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν ἁγνὴν ἐνδόξως.

The pure Theotokos who in her womb * conceived the divine fire * without being burned, let us honor gloriously, O peoples, * magnifying her with never-silent hymns. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O blessed Titus, you were a doctor sent by God for those sick with passions, and you banished and chased away the evil demons. And so we call you blessed. [RB]

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

O Father, you abandoned the world as the dwelling place of corruption, and you lived in the land of the meek, with whom you rejoice, enjoying divine delight. [RB]

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

We magnify the Creator with hymns, for we have your struggles as a permanent monument of faith and example of self-control. [RB]

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]

Today is a day to celebrate; for Titus calls the flocks of monastics together to form a choir, and to enjoy a common banquet served with the food of immaculate life. [RB]

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

Theotokion.

O all-blameless one, when He that dwelt in you was born, He defeated the destroyer of humanity that once wickedly caused our ancestors to stumble, and He saved us all. [RB]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Heaven was amazed

Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.

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]

Seeing Thee nailed upon the Cross, O King of all, the sun hid its rays; and the whole earth was seized with trembling, looking on Thee suffering of Thine own will, though Thou art by nature impassible. And so I pray to Thee, O Christ the physician: Heal the passions of my soul. [KW]

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

Forsaking the ways of salvation, I have gone along the path that leads to hell; round me is the deep darkness of lust, the slippery places of the passions, and the tempest of temptation. Therefore I entreat Thee: Save me by Thy Cross, O Christ, for Thou alone art rich in mercy. [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]

Beset by the storm of temptations, drowning in the waves of passion, and assailed by the tempest of lust, I have now reached the sea of the Fast that is mild and calm. Pilot me across it by Thy Cross, O compassionate Lord, and bring me to the harbour of salvation. [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.

Without seed, O Virgin, and without the desires of the flesh thou hast conceived the Word of God who created all things; and without corruption and the pangs of travail thou hast given birth to Him. Therefore with both tongue and heart we confess thee to be Theotokos and we magnify thee. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (NM) O Theotokos undefiled.

Τὴν παρθενίαν σου.

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]

Of Thine own will, O our Saviour, Thou hast endured Crucifixion, to deliver us all from death and to give us life. [KW]

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

By a tree was I killed, and by the Tree of the Cross have I returned to life: for my Christ was nailed upon it and has slain the enemy. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Let us with one mind worship the Son who coexists with the Father, and the Holy Spirit who is ever present with them. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O marvellous wonder!O strange tidings! How dost thou give birth as a mother, O pure Lady, while still remaining inviolate as a virgin? [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I sing of Thy lance, I praise Thy nails, the sponge, the reed and the Cross: for through them I have been saved, O Jesus my God. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Τὴν παρθενίαν σου.

O Theotokos undefiled, we magnify for ever thy virginity, that was not burnt by the fire of the Godhead. [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 - - -

Grave Mode.

Awaken me, O Lord, that I may sing Your praises; and teach me to do Your will, by the power of Your Cross, and save me. [SD]

Awaken me, O Lord, that I may sing Your praises; and teach me to do Your will, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

Awaken me, O Lord, that I may sing Your praises; and teach me to do Your will, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

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

Psalm 149.

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

Psalm 150.

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

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

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

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

READER: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

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

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

Forsaking the height of the virtues, O my soul, thou hast descended to the depths of sin, and fallen among evil thieves upon the road; and now thou dost lie covered with rotting sores, prostrate and helpless. But cry aloud to Christ thy God, who was crucified and wounded of His own will for thy sake: ‘Take care of me, O Lord, and save me.’ [KW]

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

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]

In my misery I have been wounded by thieving thoughts and left half dead, O Lord. The company of the prophets passed me by, seeing me at the point of death, incurable by human skills. Therefore, in my cruel suffering, with humbleness of heart I cry to Thee:O Christ my God, in Thy compassion pour upon me Thy great mercy. [KW]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4.

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

Invincible martyrs of Christ, ye triumphed over falsehood by the power of the Cross, and gained as your reward the grace of life eternal. Ye felt no terror at the threats of tyrants, and when ye suffered torment ye rejoiced; and now your blood has become the healing of our souls. Intercede for our salvation. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4.

When the all-pure Virgin saw Thee hanging in the flesh upon the Cross, her heart was wounded and she cried with tears: ‘O Word, where hast Thou gone, O most beloved Jesus, my Son and my Lord? I am Thy Mother: leave me not alone, O Christ.’ [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.