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Octoechos - Mode 4.

On Monday Morning

Menaion - November 3

Memory of the holy Martyrs Acepsimas, Joseph, and Aeithalas; and of the Consecration of the Church of the Holy Great-martyr George in Lydda, when his Holy Body was Placed in it.

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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. For St. George.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

As the one renowned for setting captives free and for defending those in poverty, the physician of the sick and the champion of emperors, great and victorious Martyr George, intercede with Christ our God, beseeching Him to save our souls. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

To you who were raised in the Temple, in the Holy of Holies, and who were clothed in faith and wisdom and measureless virginity, the Supreme Commander Gabriel from heaven brought the salutation, “Rejoice”; “Rejoice, O blessed Maiden! Rejoice, O glorified one! The Lord is with you.” [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 4. 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 4.

O Lord, visit my humble soul, which as spent the entire time of this life in sins. Accept me and save me, as You once did the harlot. [SD]

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

As I sail across the ocean of the present life, I remember the abyss of my many vices. Since I have no good thought to pilot me, I shout to you the words of Peter: Save me, O Christ my God. Save me, O benevolent Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Awesome is the mystery, and paradoxical is the miracle: how the Virgin carried You, the Creator of all, and how after childbirth she remained whole and a virgin. We pray You, who were born of her, to confirm the Faith, calm the nations, and give peace to the world, O benevolent God. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 5. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

For compunction.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O brethren, let us quickly go into the bridal hall with Christ, * and let us all together hear the blessed voice of our God * addressing each one of us, * “Welcome, all you who truly love the heavenly glory, * come and enjoy the banquet with the wise and prudent Virgins.” * Our lamps will be shining brightly through our faith and works of charity. [GOASD]

Verse: Look upon me and have mercy on me.

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Meditate on this, my soul, that we will stand before the Judge, * that intimidating thrones will be set up in that hour, * and that the actions of everyone will be examined. * The righteous Judge will be inexorable. * Before His judgment seat will flow a raging fire, * like a sea that is stormy and roaring, and that engulfs the impenitent. * So meditate on these concerns at all times, * O my soul, and mend your ways. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady, the true and literal Theotokos, as a Mother you intercede with your Son and our God with confidence. Protect your flock, which runs especially to your shelter and takes refuge in you, the harbor, the fortress, the only protection of the human race [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma III.

For compunction.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

The bodiless hosts that fearfully attend You, O Lord, * extol You unceasingly with immaterial mouths * and sing the thrice holy hymn, * O Trinity most divine, in nature one, three in persons. * Hear their supplications, and have mercy on creation, * the work of Your hands, only benevolent God. [GOASD]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.

For the Martyrs.

The hosts of the Angels are in attendance today, for the observance of the memory of the prize-winning martyrs, to illumine the minds of the faithful, and to brighten the civilized world with grace. O God, be importuned by them, and grant us Your great mercy. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

To you who were raised in the Temple, in the Holy of Holies, and who were clothed in faith and wisdom and measureless virginity, the Supreme Commander Gabriel from heaven brought the salutation, “Rejoice”; “Rejoice, O blessed Maiden! Rejoice, O glorified one! The Lord is with you.” [SD]

READER

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]

Kontakion. For the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (In seeking the heights.)

Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν.

You solemnly celebrated the divine liturgy, and you became an acceptable sacrifice, all-blessed St. Acepsimas. You gloriously drank the cup of Christ; and along with your fellow martyrs, you never cease interceding on behalf of us all. [SD]

Oikos.

Almighty Jesus, with the showers of Your goodness, make my heart bear fruits of virtue, for it has become arid in many transgressions. I pray you illumine my mind with divine knowledge, and I will joyfully extol Your hierarch and great medaled athlete Acepsimas, as well as brave Aeithalas, and truly blessed Joseph. These holy men relied on You, and they boldly and bravely accepted to be tortured. And now, having received Your grace, they grant cures to those who are ill, and they never cease interceding on behalf of us all. [SD]

Kontakion. For St. George.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Champion General.)

As we believers who extol you take refuge in your speedy help as our champion, we entreat that Christ will rescue us from the scandals of the enemy, and from every harm and danger, so that we may salute you and say: Rejoice, O Great-martyr George! [SD]

Oikos.

O companion and friend of the Lord, you have proved to be great in protecting us on earth. You shelter the faithful people and ever rescue them, O glorious Saint. Therefore with faith cry out and salute you, who suffered much: [SD]

Rejoice! Through you the world is dazzled. Rejoice! Through the army shines brightly.

Rejoice! You rescue believers who are captured. Rejoice! You quickly aid those unjustly imprisoned.

Rejoice! You are the exaltation of those who ardently rely on you with faith. Rejoice! You are the wealth of those who love you, and the joy of those in pain.

Rejoice! You are the fortress of kings. Rejoice! You grant them victory in war.

Rejoice! Like a star, you give light to those at sea. Rejoice! You rescue people from abuse of all kinds.

Rejoice! On you all believers rely. Rejoice! Through you our Creator is extolled.

Rejoice, O Great-martyr George!

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On November 3, we commemorate the holy Martyrs Acepsimas, Joseph, and Aeithalas.

On this day we also celebrate the consecration of the church St. George the Great-martyr, in Lydda, namely when his holy body was installed there.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Acepsimas.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Theodore the Confessor, Bishop of Ancyra. We also commemorate the holy Martyrs Dasius, Severus, Andronas, Theodotus, and Theodota, who died by the sword.

On this day, our devout father Elias died in peace.

On this day, the holy Nine Martyrs died by the sword.

On this day, the holy Twenty-eight Martyrs died by fire.

On this day we also commemorate Saint Achemenides the Confessor.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father and New Hieromartyr George of Neapolis, who died in 1797.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 4.

Γῆ καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Earth and all therein, bless the Lord! * All you springs and rivers and the sea, * heavens of heavens, bless the Lord! * Light and darkness, frost and summer heat, * you children of men, and you priests and servants of the Lord, bless the Lord! * 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 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]

Heirmos. Mode 4.

Ὁ τόκος σου ἄφθορος.

Your childbirth occurred without corruption. * It was God, wearing flesh, who came forth from your all-holy womb. * He was seen upon the earth and lived among men, O Theotokos; * therefore we all magnify you. [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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Acepsimas the glorious * with the courageous Joseph * and the all-wise Aeithalas, * by the power of Christ God, * contested and they dismantled * the error of the Persians; * and with the Holy Trinity * they intercede for us. As we now extol * them as hieromartyrs with pious reverence * we celebrate their radiant * memory with rejoicing. [SD]

For St. George.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. The Elder in the Temple.

Ἐν Πνεύματι τῷ Ἱερῷ.

O blessed martyr, with the streams * of your blood you extinguished * deception’s flame, and thus you made * the audacious defiance * of tyrants utterly vanish, * thereby glorifying Christ, * O George victorious athlete. * Therefore you received the crown * of incorruption and life * from the right hand of the Most High. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 3. The Elder in the Temple.

O Virgin, there is not in me * any hope of salvation. * For I have fallen grievously * into a pit of vices. * And I await what was threatened, * namely ghastly punishment, * to share the goats’ disappointment. * Pity me before my trial, * ardent helper that you are, * my Lady the Theotokos. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 4.

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

Stichera. For St. George.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. To a brave one.

Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

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

To a brave one in martyr saints, * Christ’s own tillage and georgic field, * let us sing the praises of wise great martyr George. * He was a preacher of truth divine; * and an ever-living branch * of the vine of life was he, * in abundance producing fruit, * also gushing forth * the sweet wine of the Orthodox religion; and he gladdens those who yearly * observe his memory faithfully. [SD]

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

To a brave one in martyr saints, * Christ’s own tillage and georgic field, * let us sing the praises of wise great martyr George. * He was a preacher of truth divine; * and an ever-living branch * of the vine of life was he, * in abundance producing fruit, * also gushing forth * the sweet wine of the Orthodox religion; and he gladdens those who yearly * observe his memory faithfully. [SD]

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

We who honor your memory * know you well as a glowing star * and a shining sun in the Church’s firmament. * And we extol you whom we esteem * as a most exquisite pearl, * as a sparkling precious gem, * as a brave one in martyr saints, * as a son of day; * as a champion defender and protector * of believers when in danger, * great and victorious Martyr George. [SD]

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

Guard me always and everywhere, * when I travel by any means, * walking, driving, flying, and when I sleep at night. * And when I wake, keep me safe and sound, all-blessed Great-martyr George. * Help me to fulfill the will * and commandments of God my Lord, * so that I who run * to your mighty protection be forgiven of the sins I have committed * throughout my lifetime, on Judgment Day. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

O brethren, let us spiritually extol that veritable diamond of endurance, George the illustrious Martyr. He was set on fire for the sake of Christ and forged by perils. Tortures trained him. Multiple martyrdoms devastated his body, which by nature was subject to decay. For love’s longing overcame nature, persuading the lover to cross over, by means of death, to the loved One, Christ our God and the Savior of our souls. [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4.

Guard your servants from dangers of every kind, O blessed Theotokos, so that we may glorify you, the hope of our souls. [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, 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 hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

Lord, I have fled to You. 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.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

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.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

As the one renowned for setting captives free and for defending those in poverty, the physician of the sick and the champion of emperors, great and victorious Martyr George, intercede with Christ our God, beseeching Him to save our souls. [SD]