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Octoechos - Mode pl. 4.

On Saturday Morning

Menaion - January 31

Memory of the Holy Unmercenaries Cyrus and John

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MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode pl. 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.

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

You have given us the miracles of Your holy Martyrs as an impregnable fortress, O Christ our God. At their entreaties, frustrate the plots of foreign enemies, and strengthen our nation, for You alone are good and benevolent. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Hail, gate of the Lord, through which no man has passed! * Wall and shelter of all who rely on you, rejoice! * Port and haven undisturbed by any tempest, rejoice! * You gave birth to your Creator and God in the flesh, * ever remaining a virgin. * Never cease interceding for us who worship and extol your Son. [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.

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Kathisma I.

From Octoechos - - -

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4.

Holy Martyrs, you were shown to be spiritual luminaries; for by faith you ended the fogginess of error, you brightened the lamps of our souls, and with glory you entered the celestial bridal hall with the Bridegroom. Now we pray you entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

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

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

When they had deadened burning impulses and movements * of sinful passions by their self-control and virtue, * then the Martyrs of Christ were given the divine grace * of driving away the illnesses of the sick * and working wonders, alive and after their death. * Paradoxical miracle it is indeed, that naked bones * should pour out cures abundantly. * Glory be to our only God. [SD]

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

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.

By your strong faith as martyrs you have become * ever radiant torches for all the world, * for you placed your every hope * in the Lord, who enabled you; * you kept your souls, like lamps, lit * with the spiritual oil * of the all-holy Spirit, * O Martyrs extolled by all. * Therefore you are also known as spiritual wine bowls * that serve up as beverages * cures and healings to all mankind, * O victorious martyr saints. * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

You were born of a Virgin, and You endured crucifixion for us, O good Lord. By Your death You divested death of spoils, and You displayed resurrection, as God. Please do not despise us, the work of Your hand. Demonstrate Your loving kindness, O merciful Master. Defer to Your Mother, the Theotokos, when she intercedes on our behalf, and save us, Your people in despair, O Savior. [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 pl. 4.

This tabernacle is splendidly illumined today with heavenly light. For herein do the armies of Angels greatly rejoice, and with them the hosts of the Righteous are cheerful, as the victorious Martyrs are commemorated. O Christ, by their supplications, send down peace and great mercy to Your world. [SD]

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

For the Dead.

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

In Your surpassing benevolence, O Master, * number our brethren, who have piously from this life * passed away, with the Righteous in dwellings of the chosen. * Since You are good, forgive all their offenses, * voluntary and involuntary as well. * Let them rest in the places where those who are celebrating dwell, * and grant them the eternal delight * of the Garden of Paradise. [SD]

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

O only Creator who with benevolence arrange all things with depth of wisdom, and impart to all what is beneficial, O Lord, grant repose to the souls of Your servants. For they have placed their hope in You our Creator and Fashioner and God. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

We have you as a fortress and a port and an acceptable intercessor with God, whom you bore, O unwedded Theotokos, the salvation of the faithful. [SD]

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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 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

You, O Saints of God, received * from grace divine the sublime gift * of performing miracles, * which you perform without ceasing. * You remove all of our passions of soul and body * mystically with unseen treatments and operations. * You are truly godly-minded, * divine physicians, * O blessed Cyrus and John. [SD]

Oikos.

O Saints, you dedicated yourselves to God. You experienced all kinds of torture, and you willingly died for Him, as brave Martyrs. Since your death, you are an abundant wellspring of divine gifts of grace, curing people who have various diseases and who bear the trials of many evils. I, the wretch, am one of these myself; for I am afflicted with trauma of body and soul. So with faith I pray to you: Heal me, for you are truly godly-minded, divine physicians, O blessed Cyrus and John. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On January 31 we commemorate the holy Wonder-workers and Unmercenaries Cyrus and John. We also commemorate the holy martyr Athanasia and her three daughters and virgins Theodota, Theoktisti, and Evdoxia.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs of Corinth: Victorine, Victor, Nikiphoros, Cladius, Diodoros, Sarapinus, and Papias.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Triphaina.

The holy new devout martyr Elias Ardounis, who witnessed in Kalamata, Peloponnisos in the year 1686, died by fire.

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

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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]

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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.

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Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

You are leaders among the ranks * of the Unmercenaries * and divine stars throughout the world, * champions of divine truth, * all-lauded, god-bearing Martyrs. * From God you have been given * a sympathetic attitude. * You treat the ailments of our bodies and souls * mystically. And therefore with joy we honor * your most luminous memory, * blessed Saints John and Cyrus. [SD]

Another.

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O holy luminaries, * wonder-workers John and Cyrus, * since you received from the Master * the grace to do cures and healings, * we pray you to cure the ailments * of both our souls and our bodies. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

You are the strong protection * that all we sinners now possess, * all-laudable Theotokos. * We pray that you will make your Son * to be placable towards us, * O Maiden full of grace divine. [SD]

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Lauds. Mode 4.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.

Hide Stichologia

Stichera. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. To a brave one.

Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

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

Let us honor in song today * John and Cyrus the martyr Saints, * that duo with the light of the Holy Trinity; * those firm foundations of Christian faith, and flowers exhaling sweet * fragrance of the sure and true * sacred knowledge of God to all. * Let us worthily * all extol them as great unmercenaries, who unceasingly are praying * to our benevolent Lord for us. [SD]

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

Let us honor in song today * John and Cyrus the martyr Saints, * that duo with the light of the Holy Trinity; * those firm foundations of Christian faith, and flowers exhaling sweet * fragrance of the sure and true * sacred knowledge of God to all. * Let us worthily * all extol them as great unmercenaries, who unceasingly are praying * to our benevolent Lord for us. [SD]

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

You, all-blessed men, were indeed * the physicians of those in need, * the unsetting stars of the sacred Christian Faith, * and you confessed it in word and deed, you witnessed with martyr saints, * and you truly have received * from the Lord crowns of victory, * glorious and wise * John and Cyrus. And now you are unceasing and persistent in entreating * the Lord and Savior on our behalf. [SD]

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

With the two godly-minded men, * John and Cyrus the martyr saints, * do those fairest virgins of Christ exult today, * as they participate in their light and glory resplendently, * and they magnify the Lord * who encouraged and strengthened them, * and they intercede * that He free from corruption and from danger those who loyally observe now * their ever-ven’rable memory. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Faithful, let us exalt Cyrus and John ⁄ with praiseworthy hymns! ⁄ They were of one blood in the spirit ⁄ and brothers in wisdom in the flesh. ⁄ Together with them we praise brave Athanasia ⁄ and her children, Theoctiste, Theodosia and Eudoxia, ⁄⁄ ever-virgin martyrs who pray to Christ for our souls! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. When you were called.

Ὁ ἐξ ὑψίστου κληθείς.

Wretch that I am, I do not conceal my evils, * for I have acquired everything hateful to God, * I have polluted my flesh and soul * and mind with shameful * images, words and unlawful works and deeds. * With my tongue I have condemned other men who have sinned, * even though I have committed worse. O Theotokos, * grant me correction of all my sinful ways, * that having washed away my very bad * habits, I may fall prostrate and cry about * all the sins I committed * for the rest of my earthly life. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

HIERARCH or READER

Doxology (read)

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 of the Octoechos.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

You, as King, have signed the order that proclaims my liberty, * with Your fingers, O God of all, * that were reddened as with ink in Your all-holy blood, O Lord. * And now we earnestly pray to You with faith, * for the deceased who have passed away to You, * who are compassionate. * Number them along with the first-born on high. * Count them worthy to receive the joy of righteous saints. [GOASD]

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

What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

You performed high-priestly ministry, when You, O Christ, as a man, * being slaughtered, offered yourself * as a sacrifice to God, * and delivered mankind from death. * Now in the land of the living please assign * a place for those who have passed away, O Lord, * in Your benevolence, * there where the abundant waters of delight * ever flow and fountains pour out everlasting life. [GOASD]

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

What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

Lord, in Your profound, ineffable wisdom You fix the time * of the life and foresee the death * of Your servants, and then You * transfer them to another life. * We pray for those You have taken to yourself. * Lead them beside the still waters to repose * in the resplendent light * of Your saints and righteous, and to hear the sound * of the celebration with a voice of great joy and praise. [GOASD]

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

What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

Logos, as You are invisible, the consubstantial Son * of the Father, and share the throne * with the Spirit, You appeared * in the flesh for humanity. * To You, our merciful and benevolent * life-giving Lord, we now pray for the deceased, * that You envelop them * in the splendid beauty of Your most divine * majesty, adorning them with Your magnificence. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

Mother of God, you conceived and bore the Word of God and God. * We implore you to pray to Him * with maternal confidence * for your servants who passed away, * that He assign them a place where they can join * the never-ending chorus of those who sing * joyfully praising you, * and that they may dwell in everlasting light * on high, where the sound is sweet of those who celebrate. [GOASD]

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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

You have given us the miracles of Your holy Martyrs as an impregnable fortress, O Christ our God. At their entreaties, frustrate the plots of foreign enemies, and strengthen our nation, for You alone are good and benevolent. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 1.

From the Virgin You rose on the world, O Christ God. Through her make us sons of light and have mercy on us. [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 Unmercenaries Cyrus and John, the Wonder-workers, whose memory we celebrate, 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.