Books - Sources

Octoechos - Mode 1.

On Saturday Morning

Menaion - December 13

Memory of the Holy Martyrs Efstratios, Afxentios, Eugene, Mardarios, and Orestis, and St. Lukia

__________

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.

O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 16. 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 the Martyrs.

Mode 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

O Martyrs, you agreed in your beliefs, and as good soldiers * you were not in any way frightened by the threats of the tyrants; * but taking up the honorable Cross, * O Saints, you came with eagerness to Christ. * And when you finished the course of the race, * you received the victory from heaven. * Glory to Him whose might supported you. * Glory to Him who placed the crown on you. * Glory to Him who works healings for all through you. [SD]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints. [SAAS]

The holy martyrs suffered painful tortures for Your sake, O Lord; be compelled by what they endured, and heal our every pain, we entreat You, O only benevolent God. [SD]

Verse: To the saints on His earth, in them He magnified all His will. [SAAS]

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Let all of us beseech the holy Martyrs of Christ God. * To Him they ever pray for our salvation and safety. * So let us all go to them, and approach them with ardent faith. * They pour out the grace of cures and healings profusely. * They defeat the hosts of evil spirits and demons, * as guardians of the Faith. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

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]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 17. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

For the Martyrs.

Mode 1.

O Lord, You are the pride of the contest, the very dignity of the laurel crowns, which the glorious prize-winning Martyrs have put on as a garment. For by their endurance under torture they put the lawless men to flight. And by divine power from heaven they received the victory. Through their supplications set me free from the invisible enemies, O Savior, and save me. [SD]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

You put an end to the dominion of death, O Christ, and You poured out incorruption for us on earth. We who believe in You do not die but rather live in You. O Lord, we pray You grant repose to the souls of Your servants, and number them with Your Saints, and give them Your mercies, at the intercessions of the Theotokos. [GOASD]

Verse: Their souls shall dwell among good things. [SAAS]

Mode 1. The soldiers.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

O Savior, grant repose in the luminous mansions * to Your departed servants, where the righteous assemble. * Their hopes were in You, O Lord, the benevolent God of all. * Please accept our prayers for our ancestors and children, * Save and vindicate them whose memorial service * we hold, for You are merciful. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Creation rejoices in you, O Lady full of grace, beholding the miracle of miracles. For you conceived without seed, and ineffably gave birth to the One whom the orders of the angels cannot see. Entreat Him earnestly on behalf of our souls. [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]

Kontakion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2. N/M (The Theotokos is undying.)

Τὴν ἐν πρεσβείαις.

You appeared as a brilliant luminary to those sitting in the darkness of ignorance, O medal-winner. Armed with faith as with a spear, you were not afraid of the brashness of your adversaries, O Efstratios, more eloquent than orators. [SD]

Oikos.

O Christ, dispel the darkness that covers my soul, so that I might gaily extol that five-member choir of Martyrs: Afxentios who was nurtured by an augmented godly way of life; Eugene, wise and valiant in contests; also Orestis, who inhabits the divine mounts; and Mardarios, that simple man. Their instructor was Efstratios, more eloquent than orators. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 13, we commemorate the contest of Christ’s holy martyrs, Efstratios, Afxentios, Eugene, Mardarios, and Orestis.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Lucia the virgin.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Arsenios of Latro.

We also commemorate the holy new hieromartyr Gabriel, Archbishop of Serbia, who witnessed in Prousa in the year 1659.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 4.

Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Daniel shut the lions’ gaping mouths inside the den of old, by stretching out his hands. * The three young men overcame the force * of the furnace fire, having girt * themselves in virtue, for they loved * godliness, and were together singing, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [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.

Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.

A cornerstone was cut out without hands from a never-quarried mountain, * which prefigured you, holy Virgin. * The stone is Christ, who joined the disparate natures. * As we rejoice because of this, O Theotokos, we 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. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

With sacred hymns let us extol * the orator Efstratios, * Afxentios and Orestis, * Mardarios and the wise Eugene. * These five all-holy martyr saints * competed for the sake of Christ. * And now they ever intercede * for us who extol their sacred * memorial with divine songs. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

O Virgin, you gave birth to Christ, * the super-essential Word of the God, * divine hypostatic Wisdom, * humanity’s true physician. * To you I therefore pray to heal * the painful and persistent sores * and traumas of my sorry soul; * and stop sinful recollections * within my heart, O pure Lady. [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

Stichera. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

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

O people, let us extol the five-member choir of Saints, and in so doing praise Christ the Savior. Efstratios had strength of spirit, and he was a solid contestant and medal-winner. Afxentios, Eugene, Mardarios, and Orestis contested for the Faith, and they beat down the waves of the enemies. And now they intercede with the Savior, asking Him to grant forgiveness and pardon of sins, to those who with faith observe their memory. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

Efstratios, the soldier of Christ, astonished the unlawful men with his oratorical skills. By his marks as an athlete, he valiantly defeated the enemy’s hosts. He is a solid medal-winner, who walked the straight and narrow way, and has arrived at the land of eternal life. There he implores Christ to grant us His great mercy. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

Efstratios became known as a philosopher of the divine wisdom, and he proved to be an orator, by the beauty of his words. He is great among Martyrs. So, let us extol him with praises worthy of a medal-winning Martyr. This soldier of Christ gathered a godly corps, and in time of war, with his eye on the prizes for the contest, he seized the enemy’s sword and and cut him down. Let us say to him: “Most excellent of Martyrs, join your fellow athletes, and intercede with Christ our God, for those who faithfully keep your most solemn memory.” [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

Let us crown the victorious Witnesses of the truth with songs of praise. Efstratios exposed of the mythology of the Hellenes, as a preacher of the divine wisdom of Christianity. Afxentios used words of wisdom and patient deeds to convict the ungodliness of the tyrants. Eugene was useful to God, and useless to the tyrants, because of his saving confession. Orestis, that truthful and marvelous man, was a soldier of the King of all. And Mardarios, who was purer than a dove, put the subtle serpent to shame, by the grace of Christ our God, the Savior of our souls. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Let us devoutly extol the God-bearing Martyrs, that five-stringed lyre and five-branched lamp-stand; and let us praise them by name. Rejoice, O Efstratios, divinely wise, for you were rightly enlisted by God into the heavenly army, and you pleased Him who enlisted you, O orator of orators. Rejoice, O blessed Afxentios, for you augmented and increased the talent that was entrusted to you by God. Rejoice, O godly-minded Eugene, the delightful descendant of divine nobility. Rejoice, all-blessed Orestis, who spent all your time in the mountains; for you were handsome in looks, very beautiful in mind, and excellent in both. Rejoice, O invincible Mardarios, for you glistened like a translucent pearl, and you endured the bitter tortures with great joy. Rejoice, O chorus of Martyrs, equal in number to the wise Virgins. We entreat you to rescue us from all wrath and tribulation, and to let us experience your ineffable glory, as we honor your annual memory. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You have given.

Ἔδωκας σημείωσιν.

O Lady and Mother of the very just Judge, I pray you now * to implore Him on my behalf, * defenseless and self-condemned for licentious living, * immaculate Virgin, and pray that He condemn me not * on that impending and frightful Judgment Day, * but rather that He count me among His elect servants who will stand * on His right, in His tender love * and abundant benevolence. [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 1. O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

O Savior, we pray that You will grant * rest and sweet participation in Yourself to Your servants who have died and passed away. * Settle them, O Master, in the dwellings of the Just, * the manors of Your saints, and the heavenly abodes, and overlook * their offenses, in Your tender love * and compassion, * and grant them eternal rest. [SD]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

No human was ever without sin, * no, not one, except for You, only Immortal and holy Lord; and therefore, being God, * in Your tender mercy, * settle Your departed servants in the light with the hosts of Your angelic powers all, * passing over every sin that they * had committed, * and grant them forgiveness of sins. [SD]

Verse: Their souls shall dwell among good things. [SAAS]

O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

O Savior, no eye has ever seen * and no ear has ever heard, nor have they entered into the heart of man what You as God * have prepared and promised; * they transcend the visible. * We pray You be well pleased to bestow on those who passed away to You * participation in these promises, * and we pray You * to grant them eternal life. [SD]

Verse: And their memorial abides from generation to generation. [SAAS]

O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

O Savior, Your servants full of joy, * trusting in Your precious Cross, O Lord, departed and went to You. * Grant it to be for them * as a ransom, Master, * for the sins that they had done. * It was for this that You shed Your precious blood that gives eternal life. * Count them worthy to experience * Your divine light and glory that never sets. [GOASD]

Glory. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

When the holy Martyrs had delved into the writings of the Fishermen, they put away the books of the philosophers, for they preferred the wisdom of the Apostles over the erudition of the Hellenes. The one was simply eloquence, whereas in the God-inspired words of the unlettered they learned the theology of the Trinity. And now they intercede for us, that our souls be preserved in peace. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. To a brave one.

Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

Theotokos, I give myself, * soul and body and heart and mind, * unto your direction, O Lady, and your care. * Ask God to grant what will benefit my soul, and to mortify * twitches that my body feels, * to illumine my heart as well, * and invisibly * to bring calm to my mind’s unruly movements, and to stop in me the turmoil * of all the sins that unsettle me. [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 salute you: Rejoice! You are the cloud of the never-setting light, for you held in your arm the Lord of glory. [GOASD]

(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, the holy Martyrs Efstratios, Afxentios, Eugene, Mardarios, and Orestis, 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.