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Triodion

Mode pl. 4. On Thursday Morning

On Thursday Before Palm Sunday Morning

Menaion - April 10

Memory of the Holy Martyrs Terence, Pompey, Maximus, Makarios, Africanus, and those with them

__________

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

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Apostles.

Mode pl. 4.

Blessed are You, O Christ our God. You sent down the Holy Spirit into the fishermen, and You gave them knowledge and wisdom in everything; and through them, as in a net You caught the whole world. O Lord who loves humanity, glory to You! [SD]

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

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Let us sing hymns extolling our God’s divine * and all-honored disciples, who for the world * are luminaries guiding us, and our salvation’s first fruits. * They have shined out the light on to us who were in the dark, and they gave all the knowledge of Christ the glorious Sun. * Also they brought down the deception of the idols, * by preaching the Trinity which is one in divinity. * Let us therefore cry out to them, * “As Christ our God’s Apostles, entreat * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, O Maiden! Through an Angel you received the joy of the world! Rejoice, for you gave birth to your Creator and Lord! Rejoice, for you were counted worthy to become the Mother of Christ our God! [SD]

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

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 1. (NM)

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Yoking contemplation to action, let us make haste to offer up our prayers to Christ, that by His dread authority He may call our spiritual understanding back from the tomb to life, like another dead Lazarus; and we shall bring Him palms of righteousness and cry: Blessed art Thou who comest. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1. (NM)

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Be swift to heal the painful passions of my soul and the diseases of my flesh. Keep my mind from turning away, O most pure Theotokos, and enable me in stillness of thought to offer pure prayers to the King of all, and to gain remission of sins. [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις.

Lazarus has been dead now for two days, and his sisters Martha and Mary shed tears of grief for him, gazing at the stone before his tomb. But the Creator has come with His disciples, to despoil death and bestow life. Therefore let us cry to Him: O Lord, glory to Thee. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

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

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

PRIEST

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

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

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

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.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O sacred team of famous medaled Athletes, earnestly entreat Christ, the Lord who has many mercies, to diminish my many wicked deeds, so that I may honor and extol your memory. [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 medaled Athletes, you offered yourselves as a living sacrifice to the Giver of Life, and you would not show honor to lifeless gods, for you worshiped the true and living God. [SD]

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

When the forty Athletes preached the Logos in the stadium, they annulled the decree that was hateful to God, who became incarnate to save the world from its irrationality. [SD]

Glory.

The wise Martyrs were preserved by divine love, and they were moved to righteous wrath. Thus they bravely resisted the mindless wrath of the ungodly tyrant. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-lauded Virgin, all-holy Lady, I extol you, for only you gave God a body from your precious blood, and you gave birth to Him, wondrously and ineffably. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

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.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The Athletes competed mightily, when they proclaimed the Lord before tyrants with their sacred mouths. [SD]

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

The Athletes competed mightily, when they proclaimed the Lord before tyrants with their sacred mouths. [SD]

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

The Athletes were of one mind. They trampled the deceitful error of paganism, and they chose to die for Christ. [SD]

Glory.

The team of Athletes, who together with the St. Terence were bound for Christ’s sake, broke the bonds of vanity. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Mother, who conceived the surpassingly good Lord, save me and end the turbulence in my soul. [SD]

Heirmos.

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]

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 pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.)

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

The Martyr Athletes dyed purple robes for themselves with their own blood; and beautifully bearing the marks, and shining with the light of the tri-solar light, they offered themselves to Christ, while they illumine us who call them blest. Therefore, as we observe their luminous and solemn memory, we receive cures and healings as gifts from them. Let us cry out to them in faith: “O brave Saints, intercede with Christ, to grant forgiveness to us who honor you and who faithfully keep your splendid memory.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

The Creator and Master of all the world, * who took flesh from your all-pure and holy womb, * made you, the all-blameless Maid, * the protectress of humanity. * For this reason all we faithful now have recourse to you, * and we ask you, O Lady, to be forgiven our offenses, * and to be delivered from eternal perdition * and every adversity that the prince of the world inflicts. * And we therefore cry out to you: * Intercede with your Son and our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who piously worship the all-holy Child you bore. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

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.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Martyrs, you were made resplendent through the intense pain you endured, and you were made shinier than sapphire and gold by persevering in your contests. [SD]

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

O Martyrs, you were made resplendent through the intense pain you endured, and you were made shinier than sapphire and gold by persevering in your contests. [SD]

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

O Saints, you drive away all pain and death of soul and body, for you received life-giving power from the Holy Trinity, the Source of Life. [SD]

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

As the godly-minded Martyrs were experiencing pains and torments, they shouted, “We do not renounce the Lord. We do not senselessly offer sacrifice to demons.” [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O all-blameless Lady, who gave birth to the Logos and Savior, when I am surrounded by temptations, I pray to you to help me. Please hurry and save me! [SD]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Four.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 1. (NM)

Τὴν θείαν ἐννοήσας.

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

With the rays of your intercession illumine us who dwell in the prison of our sins; for with reverence we praise you, O apostles who bring light. [KW]

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

Yoking love with compassion, O ye faithful, let us make haste to offer up our prayer to Christ, that He may raise us from the grave of our secret passions. [KW]

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

Mortified in soul, let us mercilessly cut off every carnal affection; and let us become friends of the Redeemer that He may deliver us from the dread condemnation of hell. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

From thee, O pure and undefiled Mother of God, has flowed the divine water of immortality and life; and all who drink from it shall be delivered from the thirst that brings death. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 2. (NM) O Lord, I have heard

Ἀκήκοα Κύριε τὴν ἀκοήν.

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

Lazarus is buried now, and Martha and her companions lament and weep around the grave; and they long for Thee, the Giver of Life, to come. [KW]

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

Seeing Thee draw near, O Christ, death begins to be afraid. For Thou, who art Life, shalt banish him to the ends of the earth. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O simple Unity praised in Trinity of Persons, uncreated Nature without beginning, save us who in faith worship Thy power. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God, without knowing man thou hast given birth within time to the Son who was begotten outside time from the Father; and, strange wonder! Thou givest suck while still remaining Virgin. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let all who are in the deserts and in caves assemble together and go with songs to meet the Lord of glory, who comes riding upon a foal. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 2.

Ἀκήκοα Κύριε τὴν ἀκοήν.

O Lord, I have heard the report of Thee and was afraid; I have seen Thy works and was amazed. Glory to Thy pwer, O Lord. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὀρθρίζοντες βοῶμέν σοι.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

We rise at early morn and cry out to You, * “Save us, O Lord!” * For You only are our God; * we have no other except for You. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O famous medaled Athletes, your endurance was like a wrecking ball, by which you demolished the strongholds of deceitful error. [SD]

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

O famous medaled Athletes, your endurance was like a wrecking ball, by which you demolished the strongholds of deceitful error. [SD]

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

O blessed Martyrs, with the rivers of your blood you dried up the ocean of delusion, and you irrigate every soul. [SD]

Glory.

O medaled Athletes, you were filled with sayings from God, and in the Spirit you confounded the folly of the ancient sages. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O immaculate Maiden, our transcendent God has become man from you. He appeared and saved humanity. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

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.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Jesus, strengthened by You, the venerable and victorious Martyrs cut the cords of the enemy’s power. They proved to be truly mighty when, although weak in body, they wrestled with the strong one and threw him to the ground. [SD]

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

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

O Terence, Martyr of Christ, you defeated the multiform serpent. You crushed his head under foot, and for this you received the crown of victory. And now you converse with the holy Angels. [SD]

Glory.

The shrine of the holy Martyrs abounds with cures and alleviates suffering. It washes away stain of the soul. It drowns arrays of demons. It irrigates the hearts of true believers with the waters of grace. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, Prophet Habakkuk foresaw you as an overshadowed mountain, from where God came forth ineffably incarnate and saved the world, which was troubled with the waves of bitter sin. [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 finished the race and bravely resisted the tyrants. On earth you mortified your bodies, and in return you received heavenly life. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 10, we commemorate the holy martyrs Terence, Africanos, Maximos, Pompey, and another thirty-six; and also those with the blessed Zeno and Alexander and Theodore.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Prophetess Olda.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Iakovos the priest and Azas the deacon.

The holy new martyr Demos, who witnessed in Smyrna in the year 1763, died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate our father among the saints Gregory V, the new hieromartyr, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriach, who witnessed by hanging in that city in the year 1821.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

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.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O wise Martyrs, with ears were ready to hear, you piously fulfilled the commandments of Christ, and you eagerly sang: “O Lord our God, blessed are You unto ages of ages.” [SD]

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

O medaled Athletes, you set the God-given laws in opposition to the unlawful decrees of tyrants who commanded you to renounce Christ, to whom we sing: “O Lord our God, blessed are You unto ages of ages.” [SD]

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

O Martyrs, you renounced the body, and surrendered your members to torture, for the love of Him who appeared on earth and took flesh, to whom you sing: “O Lord our God, blessed are You unto ages of ages.” [SD]

Glory.

O brave Martyrs, you fixed the eye of your mind on heaven, and you endured torture with great valor of soul, as you sang: “O Lord our God, blessed are You unto ages of ages.” [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, the original parents of humanity suffered a change because of the sin of their fateful disobedience. But you restored them to their former life when, without change, you conceived Christ in your womb. [SD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

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

The tyrant king of Babylon * had the furnace made seven times * hotter for the godly men, for he was furious. * But after he witnessed how * a higher power rescued them, * he cried out and said, “You Servants, bless the Creator; * sing hymns to the Redeemer, O you priests; and you people * exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The godly-minded and famous holy Martyrs, Terence, Africanus, Maximus, Pompey, Macarius, Theodore, and the chorus of their fellow Martyrs, all confessed Christ, the Savior of all, and out of love for Him they bravely competed. [SD]

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

The athletes were tortured on the rack, whipped with cords, ruthlessly mutilated, pierced with tridents, thrown to beasts, and branded on their chests, all for the sake of Christ; and they sang: “O priests, sing a hymn to the Lord; O people, exalt Him, unto all 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]

The victorious Martyrs spoke the message of life, and thus they saved those who were being slain by deceptive error, and they also slew the foes. In the various tortures they endured, they portrayed the death and radiant Passion of Christ, for which they received a blessed end, praising 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]

Headed by Terence the great, the divine forty medaled Athletes delight the minds of the faithful, like a well-tuned harp plucked by the Spirit, and they sing: “Bless the Lord, O priests; and exalt Him, O people, unto all the ages.” [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 all-blameless Lady, revive my dead soul; raise my fallen soul; heal my wounded soul, with the spear that pierced the divine side of the Savior who was incarnate of your womb. Him do the Servants bless, to Him the priests sing a hymn, and the people exalt Him, unto all the ages. [SD]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Eight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 1. (NM)

Σοὶ τῷ παντουργῷ.

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you birds of heaven, all you wild animals and cattle, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

O divinely inspired apostles of the Lord, stones built upon the Chief Corner Stone, intercede with Him who is all-merciful, that He may take away the heavy stone from my heart. [KW]

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

‘Let us go’, Thou hast said beforehand to Thy friends. ‘Lazarus My friend has already fallen asleep. But by awakening him I shall destroy for ever the evil and destructive power of death.’ [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]

Let us become through grace meek in soul and humble in thought, and let us receive the meek Master of all, who comes to break in pieces the arrogance of the evil one. [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.

The Prophet saw thee, O all-blameless Lady, as a shining Gate of light. For in ways past telling thou dost bear the Giver of Light, who has become as we are; and we exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

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

Οἱ ὅσιοί σου Παῖδες.

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

Mary and Martha now lament, beholding Lazarus laid in the tomb, and in distress they cry aloud: ‘Had Christ been here, our brother had not died.’ [KW]

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

Let hell expect its own destruction. For the Life comes to raise up Lazarus, who cries aloud: O Bless, praise and exalt ye the Lord above all for ever.’ [KW]

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

For the Trinity.

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

Both now. Theotokion.

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

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let us and all the faithful prepare virtues as branches and palms for our meeting with the King, and let us cry aloud: Bless, praise and exalt ye the Lord above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 2.

Οἱ ὅσιοί σου Παῖδες.

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

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἔφριξε πᾶσα ἀκοή.

All hearers shuddered when they heard * the unheard-of condescension of God to us: * that voluntarily * the Most High came down, and even bodily, * and from a Virgin’s womb was born, * becoming a man from her. * Hence, the immaculate * Theotokos we believers now magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The Martyrs’ shrine pours out cures and healing, for its perpetual source is the spring of the Holy Spirit. Come now, fans of the Martyrs, let us eagerly draw from it, and let us be sanctified in body, heart and soul, as we faithfully magnify our Savior Christ. [SD]

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

O admirable medaled Athletes of Christ, you blossomed like divine flowers of the field, like mystical roses, and you have filled the Church with a sweet and holy fragrance. You have expelled the enemy’s foul-smelling error by grace divine. [SD]

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

O believers, today let us extol the achievements of Maximus, Alexander, Theodore, Zeno, Pompey, Africanus, and Terence with the rest of their fellow athletes, and let us faithfully praise them and call them blest. [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 my soul, pay attention: the Second Coming of the Creator is approaching. Thrones have been set, the judgment seat is ready, and the benevolent Judge cries out: “Prepare yourselves.” Therefore let us earnestly cry out in prayer: “O Savior, save me, at the entreaties of Your Martyrs.” [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O Lady, the gate of the Light, illumine my imperiled soul, for it is darkened because of my transgressions. I pray you, O unfailing protection of the faithful: Make me a partaker of the divine day, so that I may glorify you. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 1. (NM) Rejoice, Isaiah.

Ἠσαΐα χόρευε.

Verse: The oath which he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, be[ing] delivered from the hand of our enemies. [RSV]

O Master Christ, who hast made Thy wise disciples to be Thy friends, save me from friendship with the crafty one. Thou hast come with them, O Saviour, and raised Thy faithful friend Lazarus, and in thanksgiving he sings Thy praises. [KW]

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

O compassionate Lord, at the full completion of the Fast fill our hearts and minds with joy, through the prayers of Thine apostles who loved Thee with sincerity, O Saviour of our souls. [KW]

Verse: And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. [RSV]

I dwell in the tomb of sloth, O Christ, and I stink from the festering wounds of sin. And so I call upon Thee: Raise me up and save me, that I may come to meet Thee with branches of virtue, shouting aloud: Hosanna be to God. [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 Maiden undefiled, unto us hast thou borne the only-begotten Son of the Father, who became incarnate in two wills and natures. Transcendent in His Godhead, He makes us partakers of the divine nature. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

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

Ἀσπόρου συλλήψεως.

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

Today Lazarus has been two days in the tomb, and Mary and Martha as his true sisters shed tears for him. But Christ comes to him with his holy apostles, to make manifest a great wonder. [KW]

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

O all-destroying death, expect now thine own dissolution. Let thy doorkeepers look to the bolts and bars: for Christ shall raise up Lazarus and shatter thy gates by His word. With us the Prophet cries to thee, ‘O hell, drink this first.’ [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

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

Both now. Theotokion.

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

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Lord comes seated upon a foal, as it is written. Ye peoples, make ready to receive in fear the King of all, and to welcome Him vrith palms as Victor over death and hell; for He has raised Lazarus. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 2.

Ἀσπόρου συλλήψεως.

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the intercessions of the Hierarch, 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 pl. 1.

Come, brethren, and before the end with pure hearts let us all draw near to the compassionate God. Casting aside the cares of this life, let us take thought for our souls. Through abstinence let us reject with loathing the pleasures of food, and let us busy ourselves with acts of compassion; for in this way, as it is written, some have entertained angels unaware. By providing for the needy, let us feed Him who has fed us with His own flesh. Let us clothe ourselves in Him who clothes Himself in light as in a garment. So, at the intercessions of the most pure Theotokos and Virgin Mother, we shall receive forgiveness of our sins, and with compunction cry to Him: O Lord, deliver us from the condemnation of those on Thy left hand, and make us worthy to stand on Thy right, for Thou art merciful and lovest mankind. [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 pl. 1.

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

As the holy Martyrs were being tortured, they sang in exultation, “These will all be exchanged when we meet the Master. Instead of the physical injuries we are sustaining, He will dress us with a luminous garment in the resurrection. Instead of prison there is Paradise. And instead of being sentenced with criminals, we will be in the company of Angels.” O Lord, we pray You save our souls, at their supplications. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1. O Maiden full of grace.

O Virgin, you were chosen ahead of time. We implore you now to hear our prayer, and to grant us our soulful requests. Free us from the passions of our bodies and souls, through the holy Apostles. You can do all things, as the Mother of God. [GOASD]

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.