se.m04.d09.ma3

Link to Matins Ordinary

Use back button to return here.

Books - Sources

Triodion

Mode pl. 4. On Wednesday Morning

On Wednesday Before Palm Sunday Morning

Menaion - April 9

Memory of the Holy Martyr Eupsychios

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

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. 4.

With hearts in heaven, let us emulate the Angels, and in fear let us bow before the impartial Judge, as we shout the triumphal praise: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. By the power of Your Cross save us. [SD]

Glory.

Daring not to look at You, the Cherubim in flight jubilantly cry out the inspired melody of the Thrice-holy Hymn. We sinners join them and also sing: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

Bent down by our many offenses, we dare not gaze at Your height. Rather we bow our soul along with our body, and we shout the hymn of the Angels to You: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 19. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode pl. 4.

When the Robber saw the Author of life hanging on the Cross, he said, “If He who is crucified with us were not God incarnate, the sun would not have hid its rays, nor would the earth have quaked and trembled. I pray You who endure everything, remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom.” [SD]

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

Between the two robbers, Your Cross was a balance of justice. One was weighed down to hell by the weight of his blasphemy, the other floated up from his sins to the knowledge of theology. O Christ God, glory to You. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

When the Ewe-lamb beheld hanging on the Cross * the Redeemer and Shepherd and Lamb of God, * she wept and she wailed with grief, * and she bitterly cried aloud, * “Now the world is receiving its redemption, and it leaps for joy; * whereas I see You crucified, and my heart burns inside of me. * In your tender mercy You endure crucifixion, * O God most benevolent, and long-suffering Lord of all.” Now with faith we pray to her, * “O Virgin, show compassion to us, * and forgiveness of offenses grant to us * who with faith duly honor your Son’s holy suffering.” [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 20. 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 2.

Weighed down by many sins as by a stone, I lie in the tomb of negligence: but lead me up from there, O merciful and compassionate Lord. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

Guarded by the precious Cross of thy Son, O pure Lady and Theotokos, easily we turn aside all the assaults of the adversary. Therefore, as is right, we glorify thee, for thou art the Mother of the Light and the only hope of our souls. [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 1. 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 3. (NM)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Today dead Lazarus is buried, and his sisters sing in lamentation: but Thou, in Thy divine foreknowledge, hast predicted what should come to pass. ‘Lazarus sleeps,’ Thou hast prophesied to Thy disciples, ‘but I go to raise up him whom I created.’ Therefore we all cry to Thee: Glory to Thy mighty power. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Your ever-virgin, pure Mother, saw You, O Christ, * when You were crucified, and You were hanging dead * upon the Cross, and she cried out expressing her maternal grief, * “What is this ingratitude of these people who break the Law? * Why have they repaid You thus, for the many amazing gifts * and blessings, O my Son, that You gave them? * I extol Your divine condescension.” [GOASD]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

PRIEST

O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Look upon Your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us Your rich mercies:

through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, heavenly, bodiless powers, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, our fathers among the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasius, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; Menas the wonderworker; Charalampus and Eleutherius, the hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Catherine, Kyriaki, Photini, Marina, Paraskevi and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; and all Your saints:

We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

Through the mercy, compassion, and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode i. Mode 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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O blessed Martyr Eupsychios, with elation I extol your contests, and I entreat you, who have access to the Lord: Rescue my soul from the hold of the sinful passions. [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 blessed Martyr Eupsychios, with elation I extol your contests, and I entreat you, who have access to the Lord: Rescue my soul from the hold of the sinful passions. [SD]

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

O blessed Eupsychios, your mind became beautiful, for it inclined toward God, declined from life’s delights, and it ruled over the passions. [SD]

Glory.

O Eupsychios, with noble deeds you wove a garment for yourself, and in martyrdom you dyed it red. Handsomely dressed in it, you went up and stood near the Lord. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Maiden, the Lord made mortals to be heavenly, for when He was born of you in the likeness of the flesh, He renewed our nature, which had grown old. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Saint, you were sensible, but senseless men betrayed you to the wicked emperor who senselessly served demons. [SD]

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 Saint, you were sensible, but senseless men betrayed you to the wicked emperor who senselessly served demons. [SD]

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

O triumphant Eupsychios, an Angel appeared to you and encouraged you, during your martyrdom. [SD]

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

Wise Martyr Eupsychios, you had a bold spirit throughout your martyrdom. You were truly filled with all joy, and you sang to the Lord. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O venerable Maiden, the chorus of martyr athletes were victorious by your guidance. They sing to you a hymn of thanksgiving. [SD]

(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 2. (NM) O God, the husbandman.

Στειρωθέντα μου τὸν νοῦν.

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

Through the power of the Cross strengthen my mind that is weakened by the assaults of the evil one, and guide me, O Lord, to the performance of Thy will. [KW]

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

Sunk in the drowsiness of sloth, I lie sleeping on the bed of pleasure. Raise me up, O Christ, and make me a worshipper at Thy Passion. [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]

With our souls cleansed and illumined by fasting, let us make haste to meet Christ as He comes incarnate to Jerusalem. [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.

O pure Virgin, who wast not burnt by the fire of the Godhead, burn up the material impulses of my passions, that I may for ever glorify Thee with faith. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 3. (NM) O barren and infertile soul.

Στεῖρα ψυχή.

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

The death of Lazarus this day did not escape the all-seeing eye of Jesus, but He spoke of it to His disciples, crying: ‘My friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to raise him.’ [KW]

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

‘Let us go into Judaea again,’ Thou hast said, O Lord, and Thy words filled the disciples with fear. But Thomas boldly cried aloud: ‘He is the Life, let us go also; for if we die, we shall return to life again.’ [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Trinity one in Essence, Almighty Father, coeternal Son and Spirit of God that shares their throne, uncreated Godhead worshipped in Unity: with all mortal men we sing Thy praises. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin Mother undefiled, Thou art the root of Jesse from which has sprung Christ the Flower that brings life to all on earth. Through thee we are delivered from corruption and mortality, and we all sing thy praises, O pure Lady. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Rejoice, O Zion! Now thy King comes, as the Prophet proclaimed: He is meek, and the foal of an ass carries Him in the body, though He holds all creation in His hand. Let us sing to His power. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Στεῖρα ψυχή.

O barren and infertile soul, bear a crop of glorious fruit and cry with joy: Thou hast firmly established me, O God; there is none holy and none righteous save Thee, O Lord. [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 1. N/M (The soldiers.)

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

With greatness of your soul, you completed the good fight, * and roundly you defeated the warring opponent. * From God you received the grace to do miracles as your prize. * The entire Church of faithful Christians extols you, * and in unison today we all call you blessed, * O Martyr Eupsychios. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. N/M (The soldiers.)

The blameless Virgin pure, the metaphorical Ewe-lamb, * beheld her lamb and Lord on the cross, and she cried out, * “O wonder, most strange indeed! O most dreadful of mysteries! * How can He whose hand carries the whole of creation * be convicted by unlawful judges and sentenced * to death and be crucified?” [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr Eupsychios, joyfully you distributed your possessions to the poor, exchanging them for the secure riches of martyrdom and the joy that never grows old. [SD]

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

O Martyr Eupsychios, joyfully you distributed your possessions to the poor, exchanging them for the secure riches of martyrdom and the joy that never grows old. [SD]

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

O Saint, enlightened by grace, you censured the darkness of the ungodly who attempted to force you to submit to superstitious error. [SD]

Glory.

O Martyr, nothing was able to separate you from the love of your Creator, not hunger, nor death, nor the enjoyment of present delights. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, you are above the heavenly hosts. Therefore, I pray you set my mind above carnal passions. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Φώτισον ἡμᾶς.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Sovereign Lord our God, * as the One who is benevolent, * with your commandments enlighten us, we pray; * and also grant us * Your peace with Your own uplifted arm. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr Eupsychios, you endured the bodily tortures with great fortitude, splayed in imitation of the Lord of all creation. [SD]

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

O Martyr Eupsychios, you endured the bodily tortures with great fortitude, splayed in imitation of the Lord of all creation. [SD]

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

O Martyr, as your body was scraped and your skin was flayed, with the endurance of a most valorous mind, you sang hymns to Christ. [SD]

Glory.

O Martyr, with the wisdom of your words, you made fools out of those who spoke eloquently in deception, and you dispelled the mist of falsehood with truth. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady, never cease interceding for all who hope in you, that you will deliver us from future condemnation. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

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

I pour out my supplication to the Lord, * and I tell Him all about my afflictions, * and that my soul has been flooded with evils, * and that my life has come close to being in hell. * Like Prophet Jonah, I entreat, * “Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O blessed Eupsychios, the waves of torture tossed you, but could not sink you; for Christ God guided you to the calm haven of His Kingdom, as your Pilot and Defender. [SD]

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

O blessed Eupsychios, the waves of torture tossed you, but could not sink you; for Christ God guided you to the calm haven of His Kingdom, as your Pilot and Defender. [SD]

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

O Martyr, you showed your opponents the maturity of your soul, and you appeared fearsome to them, frustrating their wickedness by your patience. And for your contests, you have received the medals of victory from Christ. [SD]

Glory.

O glorious Martyr, the tyrant cunningly attempted to undermine you, by undoing your resolve with gifts and various tortures, thinking to steal you soul’s treasure. But you mightily endured and were the winner. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of the Savior and Lord of all, I have opened the door to the passions, and I have fallen down. I pray you stand me up again, lead me to the entrances of repentance, and save me, by your good mediation. [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. 4.

O holy Martyrs, you became unwavering travelers on the narrow and hard way. For you endured the storm of temptations, and you adopted the way of life of the bodiless ministers. You proved to be the rock of patience and foundations of true belief. Intercede with Christ God on behalf of our souls. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 9 we commemorate the holy martyr Eupsychios of Caesarea.

On this day we also commemorate the devout Badimos the Archimandrite and his seven disciples.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs who died in captivity in Persia.

On this day St. Abdiesus died by the knife.

On this day we also commemorate the newly-revealed and wonderworking devout martyrs Raphael, Nicholas, and the holy virgin martyr Irene, and those with them, in the sacred monastery Karyes, that is, at Therme on the island of Lesvos, who witnessed in the year 1463, and who were miraculously revealed to us in the year 1959.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Παῖδες Ἑβραίων.

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

Servants, descendants of the Hebrews, * bravely trampled down the flame within the furnace; * and they changed into dew * the fire, and they chanted: * Blessed are You, O Lord, the God * of our fathers to the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O thrice-blessed Athlete of Christ, you gave no thought to physical suffering. Through grace, you greatly triumphed. Now you have joined the chorus of the Godlike bodiless hosts and the ranks of the Martyrs. [SD]

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

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

O wise Eupsychios, you made a good transaction. You traded a handful of blood for the kingdom on high, where you now sing: “O Lord our God, blessed are You unto the ages.” [SD]

Glory.

O thrice-blessed Martyr, when you were beheaded with the sword, Heaven’s gates opened to you, and as you ascended, choirs of Angels met you and sang: “O Lord our God, blessed are You unto the ages.” [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, the Prophet Daniel was inspired by God when he called you a mountain, from which a stone was cut without hands, and which smashed the idols of deception. And that stone was Christ. [SD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Νικηταὶ τυράννου.

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

By Your grace those Servants, * who adhered exceedingly to Your commandments, * once became the victors * over the tyrant * and the burning flame in the furnace and cried aloud: * Bless the Lord, O all you the works of the Lord, * and supremely exalt Him unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O glorious Eupsychios, you were victorious over tyrants and unclean spirits. Now you illumine the hearts of believers. Therefore we gratefully extol you, and we all bless Christ unto the ages. [SD]

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

O glorious Eupsychios, you were victorious over tyrants and unclean spirits. Now you illumine the hearts of believers. Therefore we gratefully extol you, and we all bless Christ unto the ages. [SD]

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

O godly-minded Martyr, your miracles flow like a river, and by grace they cure the ailments diseases of soul and body. Therefore we believers glorify your memory, and we extol Christ unto the ages. [SD]

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

O Martyr, with valor you endured the race of your contests, and you received the crowns of victory. You were wholly unyielding and unshakeable, even as you were scraped to your bones and internal organs. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin, as the Mother of the most sympathetic Logos, you are sympathetic. Take pity on me, though I am not sympathetic, but rather pathetic, and guilty of countless transgressions, for which I have not repented, but rather have wasted my life in indifference. [SD]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Eight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. (NM) The Lord of old foreshadowed.

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

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]

Roll back from my humble soul, O Christ the Word, the heavy stone of grievous slothfulness, and raise me from the tomb of insensitivity, that I may glorify Thee. [KW]

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

In Thy divine foreknowledge and Thy tender mercy Thou hast foretold to Thy friends the death of Thy friend; and Thou hast raised him on the fourth day, to Thy praise and glory. [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]

Thou comest again, O Christ, to Judaea, which seeks to kill Thee the Tree of Life upon the tree of the Cross; for it is Thy will to make immortal those who had been slain by eating from the tree. [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.

In thee, pure Virgin, are the ways of God made manifest: for He kept thy virginity sealed after childbirth for ever. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 3. (NM) Begotten as God.

Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου.

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

Lazarus the friend of Christ has died today: he is carried out for burial, and Martha’s companions lament in sorrow for her brother. But Christ comes to him in joy, to show the nations that He is Himself the Life of all. [KW]

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

Raised on high through acts of compassion, as though upon the Mount of Olives, let us make ready for the invisible coming of Christ to us, as we praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

For the Trinity.

O Unity in three Persons, Father, Son and living Spirit, one Godhead and one Kingdom, the hosts of angels glorify Thee as the Light that never sets; and we on earth praise, bless and exalt Thee above all for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Behold, with all generations we call thee blessed, O Virgin undefiled, seeing the great things God has done to thee. For in ways surpassing nature thou hast borne the Maker of all, who is both God and man. Therefore we bless and exalt thee above all for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

With the Children let us also go and meet Christ our God, bringing works of mercy instead of palms, and prayer in our hearts instead of branches; and let us cry: Hosanna! Bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου.

Begotten as God before all ages from the Father without beginning, He has in the last times clothed Himself in flesh taken from the Theotokos: O sing His praises as true man and perfect God, and bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 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 Saint.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.

You are the Theotokos * lit’rally, O Virgin; * and we confess it, for we have been saved through you * whom we, O pure one, with choirs of angels magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr Eupsychios, you were hanged on a scaffold, depicting the Passion of the passionless Lord, who in His compassion alleviates the passions of the faithful. [SD]

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

O Martyr, a great miracle occurred when you died. Instead of blood, milk and water flowed, when your head was cut off. [SD]

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

O blessed Martyr, you have now joined the heavenly armies. You wear your crown, and you celebrate with the orders of Martyrs. We pray that you will protect us. [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 Martyr Eupsychios, remember us in your intercessions with God, as we remember you and keep your sacred feast. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin, I am in a night of sin, darkened and surrounded by the mist of indifference. I implore you, shine the light of repentance on me. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (NM)

Τῶν γηγενῶν τίς ἤκουσε.

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]

With fasting as his protection, Daniel stopped the mouths of wild beasts. Follow his example, O my soul, and with the aid of the Cross drive off the serpent who goes about as a roaring lion, seeking to devour every soul. [KW]

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

O Word of God, by Thy life-giving word raise up my soul that is slain by sin and imprisoned in the tomb of transgression; and count me worthy to offer palms of virtue to Thee the Conqueror of death. [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]

The Word of God the Father, whose throne is heaven and His footstool earth, enters the Holy City riding on a foal; and, as King of all, out of the mouths of babes He has appointed perfect praise. [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 and most wonderful Virgin, thou only art fair among women, for thou hast conceived the Word who is fairer than all mortal men. Entreat Him, then, to make beautiful the ugliness of my heart. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

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

Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

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

Seeing their brother today beneath the bitter stone, the sisters of Lazarus shed tears of mourning. And from afar, my Christ, Thou hast spoken of this to Thine apostles, saying: ‘I am glad for your sakes’; for Thou wast not there in the flesh. [KW]

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

O murderous Judaea, desiring to fulfill as God His saving Passion. Willingly and by His own free choice, He accepts violent death at thy hands for our salvation. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

The Godhead is both Unity and Trinity: O marvellous transmutation! It is single in Nature, yet distinguished in Persons; though indivisible, it is divided; though one, it is three; Father, Son and Spirit of Life, together guarding all things. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

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

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Weaving branches of palms, both inwardly and outwardly let us make ready to meet the Master that comes to us: for blessed is He that comes as true Son in the Name of the Lord and Father. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

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

It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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. 4.

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the power of Your Cross, and save me. [SD]

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, 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 1.

Israel was clothed in purple and fine linen, arrayed in the glory of priestly and royal garments; rich in the Law and the Prophets, it rejoiced in the worship of the Old Covenant. But it crucified Thee outside the gates, O Benefactor who hast made Thyself poor, and it rejected Thee when Thou hast returned alive after the Crucifixion, O Thou who art ever in the bosom of God the Father. Israel thirsts now for a single drop of grace, like the rich man clothed in purple and fine linen, who showed no mercy to Lazarus in his poverty, and so was punished in the fire which never shall be quenched. Israel is filled with anguish as it looks upon the people of the Gentiles, who once lacked even the very crumbs of truth. But now they are comforted in the bosom of the faith of Abraham; they wear the purple of Thy blood and the fine linen of Baptism; and they make glad and rejoice in Thy gifts of grace, saying: O Christ our God, glory to Thee. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

Mode 1.

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

O martyrs praised in all the world, neither tribulation nor distress nor hunger nor persecution, neither scourging nor the fury of wild beasts nor the sword nor threat of fire, could separate you from God. But suffering out of love for Him, as though your bodies were no longer your own, ye forgot nature and despised death. So ye have received the reward that ye deserve for all your toil, and ye have become inheritors of the heavenly Kingdom. Offer intercession without ceasing for our souls. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. (NM)

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

When Thy Virgin Mother saw Thee, O Christ, out of love for man hanging upon the Cross, who hast hung the earth upon the waters, she cried aloud: ‘Woe is me! What is this strange sight? O my beloved Son, where is Thy surpassing beauty gone? I magnify Thy mercy, for by Thine own free choice Thou sufferest for all mankind.’ [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.