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Menaion - December 23

Memory of the Holy Ten Martyrs in Crete

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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 Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

O Bethlehem, prepare, Eden is opened unto all. * And be ready, Ephrata, for the Tree of life * has in the grotto blossomed forth from the Virgin. * Indeed her womb is shown to be spiritually * a Paradise, in which is found the God-planted Tree. * And if we eat from it we shall live, and shall not die, as did Adam of old. * Christ is born, so that He might raise up * the formerly fallen image. [SD]

Glory. For the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. N/M (You were so beautiful.)

Let us show forth our great praise of Crete ⁄ which brought forth these precious Christians: the pearls of Christ! ⁄ And these blessed ten, the offspring of martyrs, ⁄ who few in number, yet overcame all the deceits of powerful demons. ⁄⁄ Therefore these martyrs of Christ have been crowned with victory! [OCA]

Both now.

Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

O Bethlehem, prepare, Eden is opened unto all. * And be ready, Ephrata, for the Tree of life * has in the grotto blossomed forth from the Virgin. * Indeed her womb is shown to be spiritually * a Paradise, in which is found the God-planted Tree. * And if we eat from it we shall live, and shall not die, as did Adam of old. * Christ is born, so that He might raise up * the formerly fallen image. [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 pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Town of Bethlehem, make preparations to receive * as your guest Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. * For, behold, she comes to you, * carrying in her womb * Jesus Christ, who with His Father and Spirit ever has * no beginning. And she will birth Him * in the Grotto, and after childbirth * she will be a virgin still. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Town of Bethlehem, make preparations to receive * as your guest Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. * For, behold, she comes to you, * carrying in her womb * Jesus Christ, who with His Father and Spirit ever has * no beginning. And she will birth Him * in the Grotto, and after childbirth * she will be a virgin still. [GOASD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2. You are the good hope.

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

Those kings from Persia long ago * brought their gifts to the newborn * eternal King and God of all. * Now we are celebrating * the sacred forefeast of His birth; so let us bring, * instead of precious gold and frankincense and myrrh, * the virtues of faith, hope, and love, * with all our heart and soul, * and praise His virgin Mother. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Those kings from Persia long ago * brought their gifts to the newborn * eternal King and God of all. * Now we are celebrating * the sacred forefeast of His birth; so let us bring, * instead of precious gold and frankincense and myrrh, * the virtues of faith, hope, and love, * with all our heart and soul, * and praise His virgin Mother. [GOASD]

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.)

The noble struggle of the martyrs ⁄ shines forth as the morning star, ⁄ shedding brilliant light for us ⁄ on the One Who was born in the cave ⁄⁄ to Whom the Virgin gave birth without human seed. [OCA]

Oikos.

The soldiers longed for Christ the Giver of life, who for us was born of a Virgin in a cave. They raised us a radiant chorus against Belial; they completely vanquished him, who of old had immensely boasted, and they dashed him to the ground. Now, as luminaries of the noeitc Sun, they light the way for those in darkness. Of old it was a star that appeared to the Magi, guiding them to Bethlehem the city in Judah; and now these stars of martyrdom, by their tortures, herald to us the Lord, to whom the Virgin gave birth without human seed. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 23, we commemorate the holy Ten Martyrs who witnessed in Crete.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Paul, Archbishop of Neocesaria, one of the 318 holy fathers of the First Council in Nicea.

On this day was the consecration of the holy Great Church of Christ.

On this day we commemorate our holy and God-bearing father Nahum the wonder-worker, the enlightener and preacher of Bulgaria.

St. Schinon the Martyr died by the sword.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 3.

Τὸν ἐν φλογί.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

By His dominion as God, He descended * into the furnace with the pious Hebrew Servants * and was seen, as Lord of all. * Bless Him, priests; and people, 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 3.

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 (not metered). Mode 3.

Σὲ τὴν ἀθάνατον.

We ever magnify you, the immortal fountain, that through the saints gives cures and healings to the human race, for you save our souls. [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.

Let us extol and celebrate * Theodulus, Eunician, * Saturninus, and Pompius, * glorious Evaristus, * Basilides, Agathopus, * Zoticus, also godly * Gelasius and Euporus, * ten holy Martyrs from the island of Crete, * asking them to pray that we be forgiven * for all our sins and trespasses * by Jesus Christ our Savior. [GOASD]

For the Forefeast.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Let us who seek to mortify * the passions and acquire * the virtues, plying self-control, * join the Shepherds and Magi, * and like the gifts that they offered * bring focused contemplation * and a praiseworthy active life * full of faith to our Master, Savior, and God, * who for our salvation in His good pleasure * became incarnate and has come * to be born of the Virgin. [GOASD]

Lauds. Mode pl. 2.

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 Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2. Host of herald Angels.

Αἱ Ἀγγελικαί.

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

That which God the Father ordained before the ages, * and which later Prophets predicted, is accomplished. * Revealed now is the secret: * God assumes our humanity, * taking on a body from the Virgin. * Uncreated, He is created. * He who is now becomes. * Jesus Christ, who is the King of Israel, has come to earth. [GOASD]

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

My King, You were wrapped in swaddling bands. I extol You, * for You break the bonds and the chains of my transgressions. * You are the One who made me * and remade me and honored me * with eternal, undefiled glory * and reconciled me to the Father. * Now we all cry aloud, * “Jesus Christ, who is the King of Israel, has come to earth.” [GOASD]

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

The Magi, those wise astrologers, were by a star led * to see You, the Light from Light begotten, who was shining * on earth, born of the Virgin; * and rejecting the darkness of * Persia and astrology's deception, * they all rejoiced and sang their praises * to God who was born, * and cried aloud, “Glory to You, our God who was born on earth!” [GOASD]

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

When Herod perceived that he was mocked by the Magi, * in a rage he ordered the Innocents be slaughtered, * daring to raise against You * his bloodthirsty murderous hand. * Therefore You went down to the Egyptians * and dispelled from them the heavy darkness. * We join them to sing * and cry aloud, “Glory to You, our God who was born on earth!” [GOASD]

Glory. Host of herald Angels.

O new Israel, unto the Lord sing the new song. * Chant to Him that heavenly hymn along with Angels. * And sing in exultation, * and be glad and greatly rejoice! * Hold your merry feasts and celebrations. * Incarnate is our God who comes from Teman. * He appeared as a man, * and to the Jordan He will go, in order to be baptized there. [GOASD]

Both now. Host of herald Angels.

You were seen on earth, and you lived among us mortals. * At Caesar's decree, You were enrolled with Your servants. * Accepting to be fashioned, * You did not turn or change at all, * You are fully God, although incarnate. * Glory to Your plan for our salvation! * We honor and praise * and magnify it evermore, * now and to the ages. Amen! [GOASD]

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: 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.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

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 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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

All the earth beholding God's descent * is filled with exceeding joy. * The Magi bring Me their precious gifts. The heavens, through a Star, * tell them where to find Me. * Herald Angels glorify. * And Shepherds in the field were amazed by them. And like a fiery throne * is the Manger, wherein I am laid. * O my Mother, rejoice as you see these things. [GOASD]

Verse: God will come from Teman, the Holy One from the mount of shaded leafy trees. [SAAS]

Assuming my nature, O my Son, * still You are without beginning, as the ineffably begotten Son of the divine * pre-eternal Father. * You came as a light for revelation to the Gentiles, to make impoverished human nature rich, * by the poverty that You assumed. * I extol You, loving and compassionate Lord. [GOASD]

Verse: Lord, I have heard Your report and was afraid; I considered Your works and was greatly astonished. [SAAS]

O Mother, be happy seeing Me * resting as an infant in your soft embraces. For I have come to earth to take away * all the pain that Adam * suffered as a consequence * of following the serpent's evil advice and eating from the tree, * which destroyed him, for he was exiled, * and it cost him the blessings of Paradise. [GOASD]

Glory. For the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3.

O valiant Martyrs, witnesses to the truth, nothing was able to separate you from your love for God, not the force of the tyrant, nor deceptive flattery, nor dismemberment, nor the threat of death. Therefore, as a reward for the painful torments you endured, you have great access to Christ, the God over all, so you can entreat Him, that by your prayers we might receive great mercy from Christ. [SD]

Both now. For the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

The Creator of all comes to be born in Bethlehem; ⁄ the King of all ages opens the gates of Eden; ⁄ the wall of partition shall be destroyed; ⁄ the fiery sword shall turn back! ⁄ The powers of heaven join with the dwellers of earth; ⁄ angels with men shout for joy and clap their hands. ⁄ Let us in purity conduct ourselves with upright hearts! ⁄ Let us behold the Virgin as the glorious throne of the cherubim! ⁄ She holds in her arms the immortal God, ⁄⁄ Who comes to bestow great mercy to the world! [OCA]

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 Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

O Bethlehem, prepare, Eden is opened unto all. * And be ready, Ephrata, for the Tree of life * has in the grotto blossomed forth from the Virgin. * Indeed her womb is shown to be spiritually * a Paradise, in which is found the God-planted Tree. * And if we eat from it we shall live, and shall not die, as did Adam of old. * Christ is born, so that He might raise up * the formerly fallen image. [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 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.