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Octoechos - Mode 1.

On Sunday Morning

Menaion - December 7

Memory of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 1.

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.

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Apolytikion.

Mode 1. Automelon.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

The stone having been sealed by the Pharisees and chief priests, * and Your all-immaculate body being guarded by soldiers, * You rose on the third day, O Lord and Savior, granting life unto the world. * Then the powers of the heavens cried out to You, O Giver of Life, and shouted, * “Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! * Glory to Your eternal rule! * Glory to Your plan for saving us, only benevolent God!” [GOASD]

Glory. Repeat.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

When Gabriel had said to you, “Rejoice!” blessed Virgin, * and you had voiced your assent, the Lord of all became incarnate * in you, who became the holy Ark, * as righteous King David said of old. * You carried your Creator, and thus your womb was wider than the heavens. * Glory to Him who dwelt inside of you! * Glory to Him who came forth from You! * Glory to Him who through your childbirth has set us free! [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 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 - - -

Mode 1. Automelon.

The soldiers who were guarding Your tomb became like dead men, * O Savior, when Your Angel appeared there like lightning * and said to the women that You had risen, as You had said. * We now worship You, our only God, and extol You, * for You conquered death and dissolution, O Master, * and rose from the sepulcher. [GOASD]

Glory.

Mode 1. The soldiers.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

O merciful Lord, nailed to the Cross of Your own will, * O Giver of Life, laid in a tomb as a mortal, * by death You destroyed the power of death, as the Mighty One. * For the doorkeepers of Hades quaked when they saw You. * With yourself You raised those who were long dead, O Savior * supremely benevolent. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The soldiers.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

We know you as the Mother of God and all-blameless, * for you remained a virgin indeed after childbirth. * With longing we flee to you and appeal to your tender love. * We are sinners all, but we have you to defend us. * We rely on you, O Lady. Rescue and save us * when we are in dire straits. [GOASD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

The women were at the tomb early in the morning. * When they saw a vision of angels, trembling came upon them. * The sepulcher was radiating life, and the dazzling marvel astonished them. * They departed and ran to proclaim the resurrection to the Disciples. * “Christ, the only strong and mighty Lord, * has divested Hades of its spoils. * He has freed the dead from fear of condemnation * by the power of the Cross and raised them all with himself.” [GOASD]

Glory.

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

O Life of all, You were nailed to the Cross. * Immortal Lord, You were counted among the dead. * You rose on the third day, O Savior, and resurrected Adam from decay. * Then the powers of the heavens cried out to You, O Giver of Life, and shouted, * “Glory to Your sufferings, O Christ! * Glory to Your resurrection! * Glory to Your condescension, only benevolent God!” [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The soldiers.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

O Mary, whose august body hosted the Master, * we pray you raise us up, for we are sunk in the darkness * of dreadful despondency, of transgressions and suffering. * Lady, you indeed are the salvation of sinners. * You give help to us; you are our mighty protection; * and you save us your servants. [GOASD]

Resurrectional Evlogetaria.

Mode pl. 1.

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

When the hosts of the Angels saw how You were accounted among the dead, they all marveled. You, O Savior, are the One who destroyed the might of death; and when You arose You raised Adam with yourself and from Hades liberated everyone. [SD]

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

“Why do you mingle the ointments with your tears full of pity, O women disciples?” Thus the Angel who was shining in the tomb cried to the myrrh-bearing women. “See for yourselves the empty tomb and understand, that the Savior has risen from the sepulcher.”

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

Very early in the morning, the myrrh-bearing women were hastening to Your tomb lamenting. But the Angel appeared to them and uttered, “The time for lamentation has ended; weep no more. Go announce the Resurrection to the Apostles.”

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

When the myrrh-bearing women had come with their spices to Your sepulcher, O Savior, they heard the voice of an Angel clearly speaking to them, “Why do you account among the dead the One who lives? For as God, He has risen from the sepulcher.”

Glory.

We bow down in worship to the Father and His Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in essence; and we cry aloud with the Seraphim: Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O Lord.

Both now.

Giving birth to the Giver of life, O Virgin, you delivered Adam from sin, and to Eve you have rendered joy in place of sorrow. He who from you became incarnate, God and man, has directed to life him who fell from it.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

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.

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Hypakoe. Mode 1.

The robber’s repentance steals Paradise. The Myrrh-bearers’ mourning reveals the joy, for You had risen, O Christ our God, and granted to the world the great mercy. [GOASD]

CHOIR

Anavathmoi.

Antiphon 1. Mode 1.

In my affliction, I cry out to You, O Lord. Hear me in my grief. [GOASD]

The longing for God is unceasing in those who dwell in the desert, outside of the futile world as they are. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

To the Holy Spirit, as to the Father and the Son, belong the honor and the glory. Therefore let us sing a hymn to the Trinity, the one and only Ruler. [GOASD]

Antiphon 2.

Having lifted me up to the mountains of Your laws, brighten me with virtues, O God, that I may praise You. [GOASD]

With Your right hand embracing me, O Logos, keep me safe and shelter me, so that the fire of sin not burn me. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

By the Holy Spirit all creation is renewed, and thus returns to its first state. For He is equal in power to the Father and the Logos. [GOASD]

Antiphon 3.

When they said to me, “Let us go into the courts of the Lord,” my spirit was glad and my heart rejoiced also. [GOASD]

Over the house of David there is great fear; for when thrones are set there, all the tribes and tongues of the earth will be judged. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

To the Holy Spirit the honor, worship, glory, and dominion that befit the Father and the Son should also be ascribed, for the Trinity is one in nature but not in persons. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon.

“Now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will establish them in salvation; I will declare it boldly.” (2)

Verse: The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver fired in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

“Now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will establish them in salvation; I will declare it boldly.” [SAAS]

Eothinon Gospel (Not EP / GOA)

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, 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.

Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the altar table)

Eothinon 4

Luke. 24:1 – 12

On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the Apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

READER

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. Your Cross, O Christ, we venerate, and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. For You are our God; apart from You we know no other; we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy Resurrection of Christ; for behold, through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection; for having endured the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death. [GOA]

CHOIR

Psalm 50 (51).

Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)

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. And have mercy on me, O God. [SAAS]

Glory.

At the intercession of the Apostles, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Both now.

At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression.

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy. [SD]

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.

Ode 1: Octoechos: Canon-1

The Canon

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode i. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Σοῦ ἡ τροπαιοῦχος.

Glorified in strength, as divine, * was Your victorious right hand, immortal Lord; * for, being all-powerful, it dashed and shattered the pursuing enemy, * opening a new way across the sea for the Israelites. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You in the beginning, being God, * with Your immaculate hands fashioned me from dust. * Later You stretched out Your hands when You were crucified, and then called back from earth * my corrupted body, which You assumed from the Virgin, O Lord. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He who put in me a living soul * through His divine insufflation, gave up His own * soul to death and died for me. And then releasing me from the primeval bonds, * with himself He raised me; with incorruption He glorified me. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

We salute you, Fountainhead of grace: * Rejoice! O heavenly ladder and gate: Rejoice! * Lamp-stand and the golden jar: Rejoice! O mountain that was quarried not: Rejoice! * For the world you gave birth to Christ who is the Giver of life. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (The Red Sea was crossed.)

Θαλάσσης τὸ ἐρυθραῖον.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O devout St. Ambrose, you brilliantly shine with divine light. Pray for the illumination of us who solemnly honor your luminous and joyous and holy repose. [GOASD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Hierarch Ambrose, Logos of God gave you words of wisdom adorned with a truthful tongue, to repulse the malice of heretics. [GOASD]

Glory.

Most blessed and truly happy Saint, once you cleansed your mind's eye of the mist of the passions, you made it receptive to the all-holy Spirit's pure illuminations. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

The Father so willed, and by the Holy Spirit without seed you conceived * the Son of God and bore Him in the flesh, * whom the Father begot without * a mother, and whom you brought forth * without a father, for the sake of all. [GOASD]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 1.

Christ is born! Glorify Him! * Christ is come from heaven! Go and meet Him! * Christ is on earth! Arise to Him! * Sing to the Lord, all you inhabitants of earth, and all you peoples, praise Him, * and with merriment extol Him who is glorified! [GOASD]

Ode 3: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ὁ μόνος εἰδώς.

As You are the only One who knows * our mortal nature’s frailty and with compassion assumed the form thereof, * O Savior, gird me with the power from on high, * to cry out that Holy is the animate temple * of Your ineffable glory, benevolent Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Benevolent Lord, You are my God, * who pitied me, the fallen one; and in Your good pleasure You came down to me. * Through crucifixion You have exalted me, * to cry out that Holy are You, O Lord of glory, * and unparalleled in Your benevolence. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ, being hypostatic life, * my Lord and sympathetic God, * You clothed yourself with me the corrupted one. * When You descended into the dust of death, * you destroyed mortality; and rising on the third day, * You clothed the dead with immortality. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Virgin, you remained unconsumed, * conceiving God within your womb by the all-holy Spirit’s overshadowing. * To Prophet Moses, the giver of the Law, * the unconsumed burning bush that he saw foreshadowed you, * who would receive in yourself the unbearable fire. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (Not in our wisdom.)

Οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Devout father Ambrose, you explained what was hard for the uninstructed to understand, for you were an inspired hierarch, initiated into full meaning of the Scriptures. [GOASD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Father Ambrose, having received immense grace and power from God, you healed the various ailments of those who came to you when they but touched your garment. [GOASD]

Glory.

O Saint, when a defiled woman imprudently dared to attempt to assault you, who were known for your prudence, she was swiftly put to death by divine decree. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady full of divine grace, only you conceived the Creator and Lord of our nature, thereby renewing human nature. Therefore we glorify you. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

To the Son, begotten from the Father unchangingly before the ages, * and now becoming incarnate from the Virgin without seed; * to Christ God let us cry aloud, * “You have exalted the horn of our strength. * Only You are holy, O Lord!” [GOASD]

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.

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (You who were lifted.)

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

O God-bearing father Ambrose, initiate of sacred mysteries, you acquired the words of life, and you watered the minds of the faithful and made them fruitful by grace, and you inundated the thoughts of heretics. You poured out the grace of healing and truly washed away every stain of the passions. [GOASD]

Glory. Another.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the Wisdom.)

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

O hierarch Ambrose, you emulated Prophet Elijah and also John the Baptist, and you bravely censured the emperor when he was unlawful. You adorned the episcopal throne with godliness, and you enriched the worlds with many miracles. With your sacred writings, you strengthened the faithful and converted the faithless. Intercede with Christ our God that He grant forgiveness of offenses to those who celebrate your holy memory with faith and love. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.

Let us sing hymns extolling the holy ark * and the heavenly gate and the shining cloud, * the all-holy mountain, and the heavenly ladder, * the allegorical Paradise and the release of Eve, * the great and precious treasure of the entire world. * For in her humanity’s salvation was accomplished; * through her has the world received the forgiveness of age-old sins. * Let us therefore cry out to her, * “Intercede with your Son and our God, that He grant forgiveness of their offenses * to those who reverently honor your all-holy childbirth.” [GOASD]

Ode 4: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iv. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ὄρος σε τῇ χάριτι.

Habakkuk the Prophet once perceived with foreseeing eyes, * that you would be the mountain overshadowed by the grace of God. * O Virgin, he prophesied that the Holy One of Israel would come from you, * for our salvation and for our refashioning. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Who is this, our Savior, who is coming from Edom now? * He wears a plaited crown of thorns and garments dyed in crimson red, * and He has been crucified. This is the Holy One of Israel, who has come * for our salvation and for our refashioning. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

See and be embarrassed, you people who did not believe. * Out of your minds, you demanded that Pilate crucify the Lord, * as if He were a criminal! But being God, He destroyed the power of death, * and on the third day He rose from the sepulcher. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Virgin, we know you as the veritable tree of life. * For you did not produce a fruit that would be lethal to mankind * when eaten illicitly, but One that gives the enjoyment of eternal life, * for the salvation of us now extolling you. [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (You were crucified.)

Διʼ ἀγάπησιν Οἰκτίρμον.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were a hierarch anointed with the oil of the priesthood, ordaining priests and giving saving cleansing to all. [GOASD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Blessed Saint, you preserved your flock from any injury by enemies, and with the light of your words, you blotted out the error of Arius. [GOASD]

Glory.

All-blessed Saint, you chase away the evil spirits of wickedness. They are unable to withstand your rebuke, for you are surrounded by the Spirit's light. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady, He who fashioned everything by His will was willingly fashioned from your pure blood. He saves us who acknowledge you to be the Mother of God. [GOASD]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 1.

A rod has come forth from Jesse’s root, * and You its flower grew from it, praiseworthy Christ, now born of the Virgin, * whom Habakkuk called Paran, shady, thickly wooded mountain. * From her who knew no man You came incarnate, O immaterial God. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [GOASD]

Ode 5: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode v. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ὁ φωτίσας τῇ ἐλλάμψει.

By the brightness of Your coming You enlightened the world, O Christ, * by the power of Your Cross you illumined the ends thereof. * With the light of knowing You as God enlighten now the hearts of * those who extol You with Orthodox faith. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

When the people in Judea had the Shepherd of the sheep * put to death upon the Cross, He the great God and Lord of all * went to Hades, where the dead like sheep were buried, and He saved them * and rescued them from the realm of death. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

By Your Cross You went to Hades and proclaimed the Gospel of peace, * O my Savior, and pronounced forgiveness on the captives there. * By Your divine rising, O Christ, You embarrassed him who held them, * for he was stripped and bereft of all. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Disregard not the petitions of those who pray faithfully, * but accept them, O immaculate Lady extolled by all, * and present them to your Son and God, the only Benefactor; * for we have you as our patroness. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (My Lord, You are the light.)

Σὺ Κύριέ μου φῶς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Blessed Ambrose, your mind shone with the immaterial light, and you radiated cures and miracles. [GOASD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Ambrose, you built yourself to be a sacred dwelling place of the Spirit, and you demolished the temples of the idols. [GOASD]

Glory.

O Saint, glowing with the brightness of the greatest virtues, emperors respected you, and they did not deviate from the decree you pronounced. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, He who with wisdom does all that He wills willed to refashion humanity, and He dwelt in your womb. [GOASD]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 1.

O God of peace and Father of mercies, * You have sent to us the Wonderful Counselor, * the Angel of Your great counsel, granting us peace. * And now to light of knowledge of God we have been guided, * and we rise from night to dawn and glorify You, O benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vi. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ἐκύκλωσεν ἡμᾶς.

The lowest depth encircles us, like Jonah said, * and there is no deliverer. * We are counted as sheep for slaughter, O Lord. * Save Your people, for You are our only God. * You are our strength, and You restore us, the weak and broken down. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The first-created man’s mistake in Paradise * had seriously wounded us. * For this reason You were wounded for our sake, * Lord, and by Your bruise we have been healed, O Christ. * You are our strength, and You restore us, the weak and broken down. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You brought us up from Hades, which is likened to * a whale that is omnivorous, * and which You who are omnipotent subdued. * You destroyed its power by Your might, O Lord. * For You are life and light, O Christ, and the resurrection of all. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Virgin all-immaculate, in you rejoice * the human race’s ancestors; * for through you they are enjoying once again * Eden, which they lost through disobedience. * O Lady, chaste were you before and after your childbirth. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (I will sacrifice to You.)

Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Hierarch, Rome extols your noble virtues. You were made wondrous through your faith. You were like a shining star, sending out rays of miracles everywhere. [GOASD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Saint, you rose early to Christ, who richly illumined you with the rays that stream from Him and filled you with divine light. Now you continually illumine those who loyally honor you. [GOASD]

Glory.

O Father, you dedicated your body and soul to God; and your heart, enthralled with His sweetest love, was receptive to His gifts of grace. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, heal the wounds of my soul by your divine overshadowing, and illumine my mind, for it is darkened because of my negligence by the shadow of the enemy. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 1.

Jonah long ago * was hurled from the belly of the whale as he went in, like a newborn babe. * With the Virgin now, * when the Logos had dwelt in His Mother’s womb, * taking flesh, He then emerged, preserving her intact.* Yielding not to changeability, * He preserved her unaltered in childbirth. [GOASD]

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.

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

You rose from the tomb in glory as God, and You raised the world along with You. The human race extolled You as God, as death was obliterated, O Master. Now Adam dances, and Eve rejoices, freed from the bonds, and cries out, “O Christ, You have granted resurrection to all!” [GOASD]

Oikos.

Let us extol, as omnipotent God, the One who rose on the third day; for He smashed the gates of Hades, and He raised from their graves the dead from all time. As He wished He was seen by the Myrrh-bearing Women, to whom first He exclaimed, “Rejoice!” thus saying declaring to His Apostles the joy, as the only Giver of Life. Then the women in good faith bring good news of the proof of the victory to the Disciples. But Hades groans, and Death laments. The world exults, and everyone celebrates, O Christ, for You have granted resurrection to all! [GOASD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 7 we commemorate our devout Father St. Ambrose Bishop of Milan.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Athenodoros.

On this day Saint Neophytos died when he was thrown into the sea.

On this day Saint Dometios died by the sword.

In this day Saints Isidore, Acepsimas, and Leo died by fire.

On this day Saint Ammoun, Bishop of Nitria, reposed in peace.

On this day the holy Martyrs Gaianos and Gaius died by fire.

On this day the holy 300 Martyrs, who were in Africa, died by the sword.

On this day devout St. Ignatius, who was near Blachernae, reposed in peace.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Paul the Monk, the subordinate.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Priscus, Martin, and Nicholas; the first (Priscus) was starved, the second (Martin) cut to pieces with an axe, and the third (Nicholas) died by fire. The services in their honor were held near the wall of Blachernae.

On this day was the Consecration of the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos at the Curator.

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

Ode 7: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Σὲ νοητήν.

We who believe know you as the spiritual * furnace, O Mother of our God. * For your highly exalted Son, who once saved those servants three, * in your womb refashioned me and humanity entirely. * He is the God of our fathers, supremely praised and glorious. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Earth shook with fear, and the sun was horrified; * it turned away and hid its light. * Torn in two was the sacred curtain of the Temple of God. * The earth quacked and rocks were split; * for crucified was the Righteous One, * who is the God of our fathers, supremely praised and glorious. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Lord, You became like a slain and helpless man, * thrown down, yet free among the dead. * You, the highly exalted Lord, suffered voluntarily, * freed all our humanity, * and raised us with yourself by Your mighty hand. * You are the God of our fathers, supremely praised and glorious. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

We sing “Rejoice,” and salute you fittingly. * Rejoice, O Garden of delight! * Fortress of the faithful, rejoice! * Spring of ever-living drink, rejoice! Universal joy, * rejoice! O Virgin Mother, through you to us * shone forth the God of our fathers, supremely praised and glorious. [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (Inside the furnace.)

Ἐν τῇ καμίνῳ Ἀβραμιαῖοι.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Most erudite Father, the godly sound of your doctrines went forth like lightning into all the earth; and the display of your miracles flashed like the light and illuminated the hearts of those who were in the dark. [GOASD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father, you followed the rules laid down by our Savior. You were a good steward, for you diligently multiplied the talent you were given. Thus you were counted worthy of the joy of your Master. [GOASD]

Glory.

Father Ambrose, as a mystic you uncovered the spring of your theological mind, and you sent out a river of sacred doctrines that watered the complement of the faithful. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-blameless Virgin, you conceived in your womb the Logos who with His Father is beginningless. You gave birth to Him in the flesh; and He grants restoration to all the fallen descendants of Adam. [GOASD]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

Brought up together piously, the Servants * with contempt regarded the impious king’s decree. * The threat of the furnace did not frighten them. * Rather, standing in the midst of flames, they prayed and sang, * “Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers!” [GOASD]

Ode 8: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode viii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ἐν καμίνῳ Παῖδες.

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]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You create all things as You so will, * and You also transform them. * O Word of God, by Your Passion * You turned the shadow of death into eternal life, O Lord. * We unceasingly, with all of Your works, unto You sing a hymn * and exalt You beyond measure unto all the ages. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Rising on the third day from the tomb, * You ended the perdition * and misery in the gates and strongholds of Hades, O Christ. * And therefore do all Your works * now unceasingly bless You as Lord and unto You sing a hymn * and exalt You beyond measure unto all the ages. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Let us sing in praise of her who bore * that pearl of greatest value, * ineffably from God’s lightning without seeding, namely Christ. * Extolling her, let us say * to Him, “Bless the Lord, all you works; to the Lord sing a hymn * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (Daniel shut.)

Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Devout Saint, you mortified your members and put the carnal mind to death. You made your soul alive, and you made a fountain of miracles pour forth for those who had been dead in the passions, and you granted life to them who sang, “All you works, praise the Lord!” [GOASD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Wise Saint, by the Holy Spirit you prophetically knew when your translation from the body would occur. You informed those who were with you, and then you joyfully hastened to heaven as you sang, “All you works, praise the Lord!” [GOASD]

Glory.

O Ambrose, once you had cleansed your body, heart, and mind of the caused by the passions, you received within yourself the fiery illumination of the Spirit from on high, like the holy Disciples, and you sang, “All you works, praise the Lord!” [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-pure Virgin, you are considered to be higher than the heavens, for you gave birth to Him who is God of heaven. He united the things of earth with the heavens, and He gives knowledge of himself to those who sing, “All you works, praise the Lord!” [GOASD]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Babylon’s bedewing furnace bore the image of an extraordinary wonder. * For it did not burn the youths it was holding, * nor did the fire of Divinity consume the Virgin’s womb wherein it went. * And so let us songfully extol and praise, * “Let all creation bless the Lord, sing a hymn to Him, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [GOASD]

Kontakia and Synaxarion