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Menaion - December 24

Memory of the Holy Monastic Martyr Eugenia

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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.

As she carried in her womb * what she conceived without seed, * Mary went to Bethlehem * with elder Joseph to enroll, * for they were of the house and the lineage of David. * The time arrived for her * to give birth to her Child; * but then there was no place * in the inn for them. * Therefore the grotto served as a luxurious * royal palace for the Queen. * And Christ the Lord is born, to raise the image * which was formerly fallen. (3) [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. 2. When the angelic powers.

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις.

The sayings of the Prophets are being now fulfilled, * for our God shall be born in the days to come * ineffably from Mary the Virgin, and He remains * what He was before childbirth. * The Magi have been gathered, bearing their precious gifts. * In the fields are the shepherds. And we sing a hymn to Him * who from a Virgin was born, “Glory to You, O Lord.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

The sayings of the Prophets are being now fulfilled, * for our God shall be born in the days to come * ineffably from Mary the Virgin, and He remains * what He was before childbirth. * The Magi have been gathered, bearing their precious gifts. * In the fields are the shepherds. And we sing a hymn to Him * who from a Virgin was born, “Glory to You, O Lord.” [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. Celestial hosts appeared.

Αὐλῶν ποιμενικῶν.

Celestial hosts appeared, and they interrupted * the song of shepherds' pipes, when the Angel cried out, * “Stop from your work of watching * over your flock in the field. Be not afraid! * Sing now in exaltation, * for Christ the Lord has been born to you this day. * As God He came to save the human race * in His divine good pleasure.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Celestial hosts appeared, and they interrupted * the song of shepherds' pipes, when the Angel cried out, * “Stop from your work of watching * over your flock in the field. Be not afraid! * Sing now in exaltation, * for Christ the Lord has been born to you this day. * As God He came to save the human race * in His divine good pleasure.” [SD]

READER

Psalm 50 (51).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

Kontakion. For the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. Automelon.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

On this day the Virgin Maid * goes to the grotto to give birth * to the pre-eternal Word * in an ineffable manner. * Dance for joy, all the inhabited earth, on hearing. * Glorify along with Angels and with the shepherds * Him who willed that He appear as * a newborn Child, * the pre-eternal God. [SD]

Kontakion. For the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.

You abandoned all mundane * temporal glory, * and you loved and longed for Christ, * and your nobility of soul * was kept in tact, like your name denotes, * O holy Martyr Eugenia, extolled by all. [GOASD]

Oikos.

Ever adorned with a pure life and speech, and with grace, O Virgin, you presented yourself as a sacrifice to the Lord, who for us took flesh from the Virgin and was born on earth, in his ineffable compassion. And the Master magnificently decorated you with two crowns of glory. You preserved yourself in chastity, as if bodiless, and as a bride you entered with Him into the heavenly bridal hall, all aglow, adorned with your medals, O holy Martyr Eugenia, extolled by all. [GOASD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 24, we commemorate the holy, devout, virgin Martyr Eugenia, and those with her.

On this day the holy Martyr Basilla, who witnessed together with St. Eugenia, died by the sword.

On this day the holy Martyr Philip, the father of St. Eugenia, died by the sword.

On this day Sts. Protas and Hyacinth, the eunuchs and fellow ascetics of St. Eugenia, died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Nicholas the Monk, who had been a soldier. There is also an edifying story.

On this day the holy Martyr Achaikos died by the sword.

On this day devout St. Antiochos reposed in peace.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 2.

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

When God went down into the fire * of the furnace with the holy Hebrew Servants, * He converted the flames there into dew refreshing them. * Extol Him as Lord, O you works of His, * and 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 2.

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 2.

Ἀνάρχου Γεννήτορος.

To us was revealed the unoriginate Begetter’s Son, * from a Virgin incarnated. He is God and Lord, * coming to those sitting in darkness to give them light, * to gather the scattered. * And therefore the all-extolled Theotokos should be magnified. [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.

He who in unapproachable * light dwells and holds together * all things, in His ineffable * mercy is from a Virgin * born as an infant and swaddled, * and in a Grotto laid in * a manger meant for animals. * Let us imagine going to Bethlehem, * that along with Magi we may adore Him, * and bring to Him as precious gifts * fruits of virtuous living. [GOASD]

Another.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Feminine weakness proved to be * no hindrance to completing * martyric contests, when indeed * strengthened by Your unseen might, O Christ our Master. And therefore * holy Martyr Eugenia * competed bravely and she won. * Now you have joined her glorious memory * to the sacred forefeast of Your light-bearing * Nativity, when You were pleased * to be born of the Virgin. [GOASD]

Another.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Come, all ye faithful, let us sing * hymns to the Virgin Mary. * Behold, she nears the little town * of Bethlehem to give birth * to Christ, her Son and our Savior. * Follow that westward leading * Star, O three Magi, bearing gifts. * Come let us all adore Him. O Shepherds, sing * with the choirs of Angels in exultation. * “Glory to You, who born this day * laid Your head in manger!” [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]

Mysteries transcending all speech and understanding! * God is born on earth, in His mercy and compassion; * and He has condescended to assume His own servant's form, * so that He might take back from the devil’s * servitude the human race that cries out * with ardor and love, * “Only benevolent Lord and Savior, blessed are You!” [GOASD]

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

Heavy-hearted Israel, come and put away now * from your soul the dark cloud of ignorance that hangs there, * and recognize your Maker, who is born in a cave today, * as the expectation of the Gentiles. * He will abolish all your feast days, * for you refuse to say, * “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]

“Sun, my Son, how can I in swaddling clothes conceal You? * And how can I nurse You who feed all Your creation? * And how can I embrace You, who in Your hand hold the universe? * Or how can I gaze at You without awe, * when the Cherubim dare not regard You * with their many eyes?” * So did the virgin Mother speak as she was embracing Christ. [GOASD]

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

Shepherds, leap for joy, to the Lord singing the new songs. * Magi, put away all your former incantations. * And you, O hills and mountains, drip with sweet and exultant joy. * Come, daughters of kings, and celebrating * be merry with the Theotokos. * O faithful, let us say, * “Blessed are You who have been born! Glory to You, our God!” [GOASD]

Glory. Host of herald Angels.

Bethlehem, prepare what is needed for the childbirth. * Joseph, come and be enrolled with the Virgin Mary. * How sacred is the manger! How God-bearing the swaddling bands! * In them Christ our God, our Life, our Savior, * is to be wrapped; and He will shatter * the tight bonds of death, * while binding up humanity, to give us immortality. [GOASD]

Both now. Host of herald Angels.

Blessed is the womb of the virgin Theotokos. * Metaphorically it is wider than the heavens, * for they cannot contain God, but it holds Him and carries Him. * Blessed are the breasts of the Virgin, * which nurse the One who is the Feeder * of all living things. * Jesus Christ has taken flesh in the virgin Maiden's womb. [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 2. O House of Ephratha.

Οἶκος τοῦ Ἐφραθᾶ.

Virgin, you have become * the house of the Creator * of all. The Lord of glory, * residing in your body, * is coming to be born from you. [GOASD]

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

Our pre-eternal God * in Bethlehem is born now * as a babe from the Virgin, * who lays Him in a manger. * How wondrous is the miracle! [GOASD]

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

All you angelic hosts * and orders in the heavens * with Shepherds and the Magi * sing “Glory in the highest * to God!” For He is born today. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

O Bethlehem, welcome the Mother-city of God. For she is coming to give birth to the never-setting light. Angels in heaven, marvel; people on earth, give glory. Magi from Persia, bring your triply precious gift. Shepherds in the field, sing the Thrice-holy hymn. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord who does all things. [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 Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

As she carried in her womb * what she conceived without seed, * Mary went to Bethlehem * with elder Joseph to enroll, * for they were of the house and the lineage of David. * The time arrived for her * to give birth to her Child; * but then there was no place * in the inn for them. * Therefore the grotto served as a luxurious * royal palace for the Queen. * And Christ the Lord is born, to raise the image * which was formerly fallen. [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.

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.