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Menaion - November 24

Memory of our Devout Fathers and Hieromartyrs Clement of Rome and Peter of Alexandria.

__________

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 Saints.

Mode 4.

O God of our Fathers, since You always deal with us in accordance with Your gentleness, do not withdraw Your mercy from us, but at their fervent entreaties, pilot our life in peace. [SD]

Glory. Both now.

Apolytikion of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the prelude of God’s good pleasure, and the proclamation of humanity’s salvation. In the temple of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and in herself she announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with a great voice cry aloud to her: “Rejoice, you are the fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.” [SD]

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 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 Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

On this day the whole wide world is filled completely * with great joy and merriment on the occasion of the feast * of the Theotokos and cries aloud: * “She is the heavenly tabernacle indeed.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

On this day the whole wide world is filled completely * with great joy and merriment on the occasion of the feast * of the Theotokos and cries aloud: * “She is the heavenly tabernacle indeed.” [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (Joseph marveled.)

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Mary the Theotokos, who is likened to a undefiled ewe-lamb and a spotless bridal chamber, is with great joy wondrously led into the house of God. Angels of God splendidly escort her. All the faithful ever call her blessed, and with gratitude they unceasingly sing to her in a loud voice: “You are our glory and our salvation, O all-immaculate Virgin.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Mary the Theotokos, who is likened to a undefiled ewe-lamb and a spotless bridal chamber, is with great joy wondrously led into the house of God. Angels of God splendidly escort her. All the faithful ever call her blessed, and with gratitude they unceasingly sing to her in a loud voice: “You are our glory and our salvation, O all-immaculate Virgin.” [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.

From Menaion - - -

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

O all-lauded Clement and Peter, you are divine and unshakable towers of the Church, truly inspired and strong pillars of Orthodoxy. By your intercessions, you guard us all. [SD]

Oikos.

Clement, whose name means branch, is a truly beautiful vine-branch of Christ, and he feeds the world with the grapes of the knowledge of God. And Peter, whose name means rock, is a steady and unbreakable rock of the Savior’s dogmas. They ineffably appeared and shined in the world, by their unwavering and steadfast confession. Today they rightly rejoice. Both are servants of grace divine and initiates of ineffable wisdom. They are fervent protectors of the holy Church, they help those who are undergoing various hardships, and they rescue those who cry out: “By your intercessions, you guard us all.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On November 24, we commemorate our father among the saints Clement, Bishop of Rome.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Hieromartyr Peter, Bishop of Alexandria.

On this day Saint Malchus died in peace.

On this day devout Saint Carion died in peace.

On this day Saint Hermogenes, Bishop of Agrigentum, died in peace.

On this day Saints Philumenos and Christopher died by the sword.

On this day Saint Eugene died when he was put in a hole in the wall which was then sealed with plaster.

On this day Saints Procopius and Christopher died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Alexander of Corinth; and also our devout father Gregory who lived as an ascetic in Golden Rock, who was originally from the East and then came and lived in Golden Rock.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Theodore of Antioch.

We also commemorate the holy Martyr Chrysogonos and devout Saint Mark of Triglia.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

O extol Him, who on the holy mountain * showed His glory, as Lord, * and in the bush with fire * revealed to Moses knowledge of the mystery * of the Ever-Virgin, supremely exalting Him 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 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]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

Let us sing to Him who to Moses of old prefigured * in the burning bush the childbirth of ever-virgin Mary, * for the salvation of us the believers. * Let us magnify Him with unceasing hymns. [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. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

Auspicious is this day that dawned, for it presents the memory * of illustrious successors * of the all-holy Apostles, * namely St. Peter and divine Clement, the preachers of the Faith. * Therefore let us all celebrate * with faith the annual feast day * of these invincible Martyrs. [GOASD]

For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

Let us with faith extol in song * the Virgin Mary, child of God, * of whom the assembly of Prophets * prophesied and of old declared * to be the tablet and the rod, * the mountain that was quarried not. * For she is introduced today * into the Holy of Holies, * to be fostered by the Master. [SD]

Lauds. Mode pl. 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

Stichera. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1. Rejoice.

Χαίροις ἀσκητικῶν.

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

Wise and all-blessed Clement, rejoice! * You are the Holy Spirit’s pleasant and bright abode, * a vine-branch that has been watered by streams of mystical grace, * thriving and producing spiritual fruit; * from which was distilled the wine of your saving theology, * which is imbibed by those study it every day, * gladdening the hearts of the faithful who honor you. * You are a pillar of the Church, the strength of the Orthodox, * an unassailable Martyr, indeed a heavenly man of God. * To Christ pray intently, * holy Father, that He send down great mercy to our souls. [GOASD]

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

Fountain of sacred doctrines, rejoice! * Scripturally based divine explainer of mysteries, * possessing a secret knowledge of heaven, you are a strong * pillar and unshaken footing of the Church. * Meticulous rule of faith, you wrote mystical treatises, * eloquent speaker, and your tongue was a sword indeed, * swift double-edged, cutting out every heresy. * Sweet sounding instrument of grace, and heavenly intellect. * You are the glory of Martyrs, and Hieromartyrs found strength in you. * To Christ pray intently, * Father Clement, that He send down great mercy to our souls. [GOASD]

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

Having a pious, God-fearing mind, * by which you ruled over the passions outstandingly, * all-blessed one, you unwaveringly endured and sustained * bitter execution and death by the sword. * By this you at last attained the divine life of blessedness, * accounted worthy to enjoy the delight on high * and the sweet communion with God for eternity. * Most blessed Peter, as the rock of Orthodox Christian faith, * you are the glory of Martyrs, the precious jewel of hierarchs. * To Christ pray intently, * holy Father, that He send down great mercy to our souls. [GOASD]

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

Glowing in the priestly vestments, O Saint, * and decorated with the medals of martyrdom, * you stood near the throne of Christ, God of all and great High Priest, * who became a Martyr, first of all the rest. * From Him you received a prize for the two ways the you excelled, * for you confessed Him as the Son, consubstantial with * the Father, with whom and the Spirit He shares the throne. * All-blessed Saint, you severed from the faithful that infamous * heretic Arius, and you completely banished him from the Church. * To Christ pray intently, * Father Peter, that He send down great mercy to our souls. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today the Theotokos, the temple that contains God, is led into the Temple of God; and Zacharias welcomes her. Today the Holy of Holies is exultant, and the chorus of Angels mystically celebrates. Together with them let us also keep the feast today, and with Gabriel let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace, the Lord is with you; and He has the great mercy. [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. For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. O House of Ephratha.

Οἶκος τοῦ Ἐφραθᾶ.

When the thrice-radiant Light * had lit you, Theotokos, * it sent you food from heaven * in His glorious Temple, * and magnified you worthily. [SD]

Verse: The virgins behind her shall be brought to the King; her neighbors shall be brought to You. [SAAS]

Virgin, who blossomed from * the noble root of David, * you heard the salutation * “Rejoice” from the Archangel, * who said you would give birth to God. [SD]

Verse: They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing; they shall be led into the temple of the King. [SAAS]

Kudos to that divine * and sacred married couple * of Joachim and Anna! * And you, their holy daughter, * are brought to your Creator now. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Same Melody.

Heavenly gates, receive * the pure and virgin Mary, * the holy Theotokos. * From her came Christ the Savior, * redeemer of humanity. [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 Saints.

Mode 4.

O God of our Fathers, since You always deal with us in accordance with Your gentleness, do not withdraw Your mercy from us, but at their fervent entreaties, pilot our life in peace. [SD]

Glory. Both now.

Apolytikion of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the prelude of God’s good pleasure, and the proclamation of humanity’s salvation. In the temple of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and in herself she announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with a great voice cry aloud to her: “Rejoice, you are the fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.” [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, and our devout fathers and Hieromartyrs Clement of Rome and Peter of Alexandria, whose memory we observe, 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.