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Octoechos - Mode pl. 4.

On Tuesday Morning

Menaion - October 7

Memory of the Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

Apolytikion. For the Martyrs.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

O humble sinners, let us now run in earnest * unto the Theotokos, and in repentance * fall down to her and cry out from the depths of our souls: * Show compassion unto us * and provide your assistance. * Hasten; we are perishing * in our many transgressions. * Turn not your servants empty-handed away; * for we have found you, O Lady, our only hope. [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 Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Kathisma I.

From Octoechos - - -

For compunction.

Mode pl. 4.

O Lord, I beg You look at my low condition with a compassionate expression. For my life is passing little by little, and I have not done anything to merit salvation. Therefore I implore You: O Lord, look at my low condition with a compassionate expression, and save me. [GOASD]

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

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

O my soul, keep the thought of that fearful day * in the front of your mind, and be vigilant; * and trimming your oil lamp, keep it lit with the virtues. * For you know not the day nor the hour the cry will come * to you specifically, saying, “Behold, your Bridegroom is here!” * Therefore, O my soul, always watch lest you slumber * and be left outside knocking like those five foolish maidens. * But continue in vigilance, * so that you may meet Christ God with abundant oil, and He give to you * the heavenly bridal room of His glory divine. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Duty-bound I present you this hymn of praise, * like the widow’s two cents, out of gratitude, * O Lady, because of all your benevolent favors. * For you are my shelter and likewise my help in need; * from troubles and temptations you ever deliver me. * Therefore being rescued from the things that afflict me, * as though from a furnace fire, from my heart I cry out to you, * Theotokos help me, I pray, * interceding with your Son and God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who faithfully worship your Son, O immaculate one. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 8. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

For compunction.

Mode pl. 4.

As if the Judge were present, be anxious, O my soul, and keep in mind the thought of the hour of that fearful day. For the judgment is merciless to those who showed no mercy. So before the end cry aloud, “Spare me, O my Savior, for You are supremely benevolent.” [GOASD]

Verse: Look upon me and have mercy on me.

Like the sinful woman, I come to You to be forgiven, and instead of perfume, I offer You my heartfelt tears, O Christ God, so that You will pity me, as You did her, O Savior, and grant to me forgiveness of sins. For like her, I cry to You, “Free me from the mud of my sinful deeds!” [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. O Life of all, You rose.

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

I fell into the ocean of terrible depression * because of all my deeds that were wicked and unlawful. * Now I am at a loss, and desperation possesses me. * O Lady Theotokos, in your compassion save me and deliver me. * For we know you to be the one who helps * and cleanses sinners for salvation. [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma III.

For compunction.

Mode pl. 4. O Life of all, You rose.

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

My soul, since you have wasted your life, being carefree, * arise now from your torpor and look to your repentance. * Bitterly weep with feeling, lest in the next life you grieve to no avail. * Shudder now as you ponder * the Second Coming of Christ the righteous Judge. * Before the judgment comes convict yourself, * and thus escape a just conviction. [SD]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.

For the Martyrs.

Holy Martyrs, you were shown to be spiritual luminaries; for by faith you ended the fogginess of error, you brightened the lamps of our souls, and with glory you entered the celestial bridal hall with the Bridegroom. Now we pray you entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Believers, let us magnify the Theotokos in hymns. She is the unshakable support of the Faith, and the venerable gift to our souls. “Rejoice! for in your womb you contained the Rock of life. Rejoice! as the hope of all the earth, and the help of those in trouble! Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!” [SD]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On October 7, we commemorate the holy martyrs Sergius and Bacchus.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyrs Julian Presbyter and Caesarius Deacon.

On this day we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Polychronius.

The holy Leontius the Consular, who believed in Christ and prayed to Him, reposed in peace.

The holy martyrs Eusebius and Felix died by the sword.

The ninety-nine devout Fathers, who lived as ascetics on the island of Crete, reposed in peace.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 1.

Ἐν καμίνῳ Παῖδες.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Three young men of Israel were thrown * into the blazing furnace, * as if they were being smelted. * Shining brighter than pure gold with beauty of piety, * they sang, “Bless the Lord, all you works; to the Lord sing a hymn * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

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 1.

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]

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Τύπον τῆς ἁγνῆς.

Burning, yet remaining unconsumed, * the bush revealed a type of your virgin childbirth. * And now we entreat that you extinguish the wild fire * of temptations, for it is engulfing us, * all-holy Theotokos, * and we will magnify you ceaselessly. [SD]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Exaposteilarion of the Day. For the Forerunner.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

St. John the famous Forerunner * and baptizer of the Savior, * the Prophet born of a Prophet * and the son of Elizabeth, * was nurtured in the wilderness. * Come all and let us extol him. [SD]

For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

United by fraternal love * and also by their shared faith, * the godly-minded Sergius * and the all-lauded Bacchus, * those two prize-winning martyr Saints, * importunely entreat You, * O Christ, that You bestow Your peace * on the world and its people, granting success * over foreign enemies to our rulers, * and that You save our souls, O Lord, * and forgive our offenses. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Cease not to pray most earnestly * to the Lord who became flesh * from your pure blood, O undefiled * Virgin Mother, entreating * for us your unworthy servants, * that we find grace to help us * in time of need on Judgment Day * when He as God will judge all the human race, * meting out deserts according to merit; * for all of us in times of need * have you as our protectress. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 1.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

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.

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.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.

Hide Stichologia

Idiomela. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]

The Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, who were joined together not by nature but by faith, exclaimed in the words of David, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Together these saints trampled the enemy; and they took up the cross and followed Christ. They intercede with God our King, to grant to our souls peace and great mercy. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]

The Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, who were joined together not by nature but by faith, exclaimed in the words of David, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Together these saints trampled the enemy; and they took up the cross and followed Christ. They intercede with God our King, to grant to our souls peace and great mercy. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]

How good and how pleasant were the brotherly sentiments of Your Martyrs, O Lord. Although nature did not know them to be brothers in the flesh, their faith compelled them to be brothers to the point of blood. O God, at their prayers, have mercy on us. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

Let us come together, and in the words of the Prophet, to the Saints let us sing aloud the hymn: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity; not because it is the natural order, but because the Holy Spirit unites them in faith.” The courageous Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus despised everything corruptible, and took up the cross on their shoulders, and followed Christ. They are allowed to speak freely in heaven; so they intercede with the Lord on our behalf, that He send down to us the great mercy. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Sergius had shod his feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace, namely the iron sandals with nails in their soles. With the blood that flowed from his feet, he blinded the serpent who watches our heels, and he received the halo for martyrdom. We entreat You, O Christ our God, that by his prayers for us, You nail down our flesh with the fear of You, and be merciful to us. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4.

Rejoice, Cloud of light; rejoice, O radiant Lampstand; rejoice, Jar of manna; O Rod of Aaron, rejoice; rejoice, O holy Mountain; rejoice, O Paradise; O holy Table, rejoice; rejoice, O mystical Gate; rejoice. O hope of all. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

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

READER: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

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

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Aposticha of the Octoechos.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4.

When I bring to mind the many terrible things I have done, and when I think about that terrifying judgment, I am overcome by trembling, and I turn to You, my benevolent God. So I pray to You, the only sinless One, do not despise me; but before the end, give compunction to my humble soul and save me. [SD]

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]

Give me tears, O Lord, as once You did to the sinful woman, and grant that I may wet Your feet, which freed me from the way of error, and like her to offer You, as fragrant ointment, a pure life that is built on repentance; so that I, too, may hear those cherished words of Yours: “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” [SD]

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

What are we to call you.

Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.

You competed strongly, O saints of God. * You courageously endured when the unjust tormented you; * before governors and rulers you declared your faith in Christ. * And now that you have passed on from this earthly life, * you still act in the world through mighty miracles: * you cure the sick and you heal the lame * from their diseases and injuries. * So intercede, we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [GOASD]

Glory. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

The Church of God, universal martyrs, ⁄ having beheld your struggles in days of old, ⁄ today is adorned with splendor, ⁄ celebrating with faith on the day of your memorial, ⁄ Wearing the shame imposed on your divine necks in mockery ⁄ as royal adornment! ⁄⁄ You have been given heavenly glory and unending blessedness! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 2. Joseph took You down.

Ὅτε ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου.

I, the wretch, have wasted all the time * of my life in sins and in vices, O pure one; now I am left * destitute completely of all good and virtuous deeds. * And I see now that death, alas, * is quickly approaching, * and I shudder at the judgment of your Son, our God. * Rescue me from this, holy Virgin, * and before that anguish, O Lady, * save me and return me to the path of life. [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Apolytikion. For the Martyrs.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

We magnify you, O Theotokos, and cry out: You are the bush in which, without being burnt, Moses saw, as a flame, the fire of Divinity. [SD]

(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)

PRIEST: Wisdom.

READER: Father, bless!

PRIEST

Blessed is Christ our God, the One who is, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Then we begin the First Hour, saying: “Come let us worship…”

or:

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, of the Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, whose memory we are observing, 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.