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Triodion

Mode 4. On Friday Morning

On Friday of the First Week Morning

Menaion - February 27

Memory of our St. Procopius of Decapolis

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MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode 4.

Verse 1: My spirit rises early in the morning to You, O God, for Your commands are a light upon the earth. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 2: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 3: Jealousy will seize an untaught people; and now fire will devour the adversaries.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 4: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, bring more evils on them, on the glorious of the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

From Horologion - - -

Triadic Hymns

Mode 4.

We mortals dare to offer You the hymn of Your noetic ministers, and we say: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the power of Your Cross save us. [SD]

Glory.

Now like the orders of Angels in heaven, and the ranks of people on earth, with fear we offer You a hymn of victory, O good One. Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

Like the Cherubim we dare to glorify the unoriginate Father, and You, O Christ God, and Your all-holy Spirit, and we say: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 13. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

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CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O Savior, the Jewish leaders had You nailed to a cross, * by which You have called so many of us back to yourself * from the Gentiles, O Christ our God. * Willingly You were crucified, O Lord, and accepted * to be pierced in the side by a lance, in Your abundant * tender mercies, O benevolent Master. Glory to You! [SD]

Verse: Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet; for He is holy. [SAAS]

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

The light of our souls are You, O Christ. And now as we gaze * upon Your all-holy Cross and venerate it with faith, * we cheerfully sing to You. * Glory to You, who willingly were crucified on it! * Glory to You, who through it have illumined all creation! * Therefore we extol You and glorify You unceasingly. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Beholding You lifted up upon the tree of the Cross, * Your immaculate Mother grieved, O Word of God, and she said, * lamenting maternally: * You, as the Life of all things, * are with death now conversing, * wishing in Your compassion * to give life unto those who are dead. * This wonder without precedent * baffles me, O my Son. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 14. 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 You are good and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode 2.

By your divine cross you have put to death the passions of my flesh; ⁄ by your passion you have given all men freedom from passions! ⁄ Count me worthy also, Lord, to see your holy resurrection, ⁄⁄ that I may receive your great and abundant mercy! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

Guarded by the precious cross of your Son, ⁄ pure Lady and Theotokos, ⁄ we easily turn away all the assaults of the enemy! ⁄ Therefore we rightly call you blessed, ⁄⁄ for you are the mother of light and the only hope of our souls! [OCA]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 15. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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 blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 2.

You are the source and fountain of purity, ⁄ merciful Lord; ⁄ preserve us in the fast. ⁄ Behold us as we fall before you: ⁄ look upon the lifting up of our hands, ⁄ for you stretched out your hands upon the tree ⁄ and were crucified for the sake of all the earth-born ⁄⁄ only Lord of the angelic powers! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

Beholding you, Christ, stretched dead upon the tree, ⁄ your virgin mother cried out with bitter tears: ⁄ my Son, what is this fearful mystery? ⁄ How do you suffer willingly a shameful death upon the cross ⁄⁄ when you give eternal life to all? [OCA]

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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]

PRIEST

O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Look upon Your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us Your rich mercies:

through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, heavenly, bodiless powers, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, our fathers among the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasius, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; Menas the wonderworker; Charalampus and Eleutherius, the hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Catherine, Kyriaki, Photini, Marina, Paraskevi and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; and all Your saints:

We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

Through the mercy, compassion, and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode i. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Ὡς ἐν ἠπείρῳ πεζεύσας.

Verse: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified.

When they had walked through the Red Sea as over land, * the people of Israel watched as Pharaoh and his host * in pursuit were drowned. Then Moses said, * “Let us sing a song of victory to God our Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

Once you were smitten by love for the pious life, * yearning for the things of God, * you drove off the surging waves * of the world, O righteous one; * to God you now offer up with gladness a triumphal hymn. [AC]

Verse: The Lord reigns forever and ever and ever. For Pharaoh’s horses went with his chariots and horsemen into the sea. [SAAS]

Once you were smitten by love for the pious life, * yearning for the things of God, * you drove off the surging waves * of the world, O righteous one; * to God you now offer up with gladness a triumphal hymn. [AC]

Verse: But the children of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea. [SAAS]

Your life and soul are now mingled in godly fear, * for your life is full of light, * and your soul is bright with joy * and with eagerness for God * and so the bright image of the virtues is perfected in you. [AC]

Glory.

As you were shining with marvelous blazing light * brilliant brightness of our Christ * you held fast against the storms * and you quenched the passions’ fires * and sing a triumphal hymn to Christ the almighty lord. [AC]

Both now. Theotokion.

First you conceived in your womb the incarnate word * who was not of flesh before * what a wonder, holy maid * then you gave birth unto him * o pure one, you still remained a virgin after childbirth. [AC]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Οὔκ ἐστιν ἅγιος.

Verse: Holy are You, O Lord, and my spirit praises You.

No one is holy like the Lord, * no one righteous like our God. * Being good, You exalted Your believers’ horn of strength, * firmly establishing us * on the rock of confession of faith in You. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

Your God-claimed soul was blazing bright * blessed one, with the zeal of him who called you * and thus you overthrew the bitter rage * and all the madness as well * of the lawless, mightily, o God-bearer. [AC]

Verse: The Lord went up into the heaven and thundered. The Lord judges the ends of the earth. [SAAS]

Your God-claimed soul was blazing bright * blessed one, with the zeal of him who called you * and thus you overthrew the bitter rage * and all the madness as well * of the lawless, mightily, o God-bearer. [AC]

Verse: He gives strength to our leaders, and He will exalt the horn of His Christ. [SAAS]

In your own blood like tempered steel * you were perfected and you imitated * the contests of the martyrs, blessed one * and you endured all the hurts * that profanely tested your courageous soul. [AC]

Glory.

You endured two ordeals at once * righteous one, being prudent, you defeated heretic * thought and leonine attack * with manly courage you bore * in a godly way, all-wise Procopios. [AC]

Both now. Theotokion.

Before all he who is the Word * wisdom true of the Father * was incarnate in latter * days; his mother knew no man * in a miraculous way * he perfected her as the true Mother of God. [AC]

Heirmos.

No one is holy like the Lord, * no one righteous like our God. * Being good, You exalted Your believers’ horn of strength, * firmly establishing us * on the rock of confession of faith in You. [SD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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 our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

Your way of life, O father, made you seem to be bodiless, * and to be the Angels’ companion, even though you had human flesh. * You crucified yourself to the world, * for Christ who was crucified for you. * And although you lived on earth, you abode * above in heaven mentally. * Glory to God, who was well pleased in you! * Glory to Him who was known by you! * Glory to Him who through you gives cures and healing to all. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

O Lord, when You were nailed to the Cross by the transgressors, * and when You were lanced in the side by the soldiers, O Savior, * Your all-pure Mother grieved with bitter tears; * she beat her breasts maternally and wept. * She was amazed by Your formidable and great * forbearance and she cried out, * “Glory to Your love for humankind! * Glory to Your benevolence! * Glory to You who by Your death gave us immortal life!” [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Χριστός μου δύναμις.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

The holy Church of God exclaims befittingly, * “Christ is God and my Lord, and He is my strength.” * She is celebrating in the Lord and sings to Him * from a mind that has been purified. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You cultivated seeds of virtues in your heart * irrigating your planting with streams of tears * righteous one and blessed too * your tears flowed forth out of your thought * that was purified, Procopios. [AC]

Verse: The Lord God is my strength; He will direct my feet to the end. [SAAS]

You cultivated seeds of virtues in your heart * irrigating your planting with streams of tears * righteous one and blessed too * your tears flowed forth out of your thought * that was purified, Procopios. [AC]

Verse: He will set me upon high places, so to conquer by His song. [SAAS]

You undertook to live your life ascetically * and by this you were joined to the martyrs’ ranks * you subjected earthly pride unto the Spirit Divine * holy father you are greatly blessed. [AC]

Glory.

Defending piety and in a godly way * as a martyr in truth did you put to shame * heretic rebellion; for you convicted and condemned * all the madness of the atheists. [AC]

Both now. Theotokion.

All pure and holy Maid, outside the natural laws * you conceived the Creator still as a maid * also you gave birth to him, and so you properly are called * Theotokos and the mother of God. [AC]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode v. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Τῷ θείῳ φέγγει σου.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

With Your divine light illumine souls, * who with yearning early in the morning rise to You, O good Lord, I pray, * so that they may know You, Word of God, as truly God, * who calls them back from darkness and from the night of sin. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were made holy by holy work, * and you were perfected when you shed your blood; * we honor you, righteous one. * For the just are faithfully celebrated with hymns * and thus they are memorialized with songs of praise. [AC]

Verse: My spirit rises early in the morning to You, O God, for Your commands are a light upon the earth. [SAAS]

You were made holy by holy work, * and you were perfected when you shed your blood; * we honor you, righteous one. * For the just are faithfully celebrated with hymns * and thus they are memorialized with songs of praise. [AC]

Verse: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth. [SAAS]

The Lord in wisdom refashions all * and toward a better end he changes them in harmony with his will; * even by the bloodthirsty rage of ungodly men * he adds the badge of martyrdom to your ascesis. [AC]

Verse: O Lord, Your arm is exalted, but they did not know it. But when they know it, they shall be ashamed. [SAAS]

Upon your shoulders you bore the cross * taking it as battle-gear you followed in * the train of our savior Christ. * Casting off the thought of the things that lie in the past * you reached ahead to glory and to the paths on high. [AC]

Verse: Jealousy will seize an untaught people; and now fire will devour the adversaries. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Lady all-pure, we sing hymns of praise * unto him who clothed himself in flesh from you * assuming both change and death * he the Lord completed his work and made it divine * in hypostatic union with no confusion at all. [AC]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Five.

O Lord our God, grant us peace, for You render everything to us. [SAAS]

O Lord our God, possess us; O Lord, we know no other besides You; we name Your name.

The dead will not see life; neither will physicians raise them. Therefore You brought evils upon them and destroyed them, and took away every male of theirs.

Because of Your fear, O Lord. We have been with child, we have been in pain, and we have given birth. We brought forth the spirit of Your salvation on the earth. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 2. N/M (You are the light.)

Ὁ φωτισμός.

Verse: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, on the glorious of the earth [SAAS]

Seeing the sinfulness that is in me, ⁄ the deceitful enemy urges me on to sin and works with me: ⁄ for he truly rejoices over my perdition. ⁄ But I entreat you, Savior, ⁄ grant me amendment of life that I may destroy him! [OCA]

Verse: O Lord, I remembered You in my hard circumstances. Your chastening to us was a small affliction. [SAAS]

By your cross you have triumphed over the powers of darkness. ⁄ Deliver me from their wickedness, ⁄ for I am fallen into a depth of sin and a pit of iniquity; ⁄ but by your mercy, I hope to be saved. [OCA]

Verse: As a woman with child is in pain and cries out in her pangs, when she draws near the time of her delivery, so we became Your beloved. [SAAS]

You hung dead upon the cross: ⁄ restore life to my soul, deadened through sin, O Christ, ⁄ count me worthy to attain your holy resurrection tn peace, ⁄ obediently fulfilling your commandments. [OCA]

Verse: We shall not fall but the inhabitants of the world shall fall. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Pure Maiden, you are a light to me in my infirmity ⁄ and the salvation of my darkened soul; ⁄ save me, O save me, for I perish! ⁄ Clothe me, corrupted by my grievous sins, ⁄ in a garment of incorruption! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 2. N/M (With the night being over.)

Τῆς νυκτὸς διελθούσης.

Verse: The dead shall rise up; and those in the tombs shall arise. Those in the earth shall be glad. [SAAS]

You only are immortal, ⁄ yet accepted to be crucified in the flesh ⁄ at the place of the skull, O Lord, ⁄ giving men immortality and fashioning them anew. [OCA]

Verse: For your dew is a healing for them, but the land of the ungodly shall come to an end. [SAAS]

When the creation saw the outrage of your passion, Lord, ⁄ it was wholly changed, lamenting the murder by your own people. ⁄ But you patiently endured these things to save the whole world! [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

All-holy Trinity, we worship you: ⁄ you are our refuge and our strength. ⁄ We sing your praises in unity of nature: ⁄ send down on us the forgiveness of our sins. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, Theotokos, Maiden of many names: ⁄ tabernacle, vessel of manna and table, ⁄ candlestick that bears the light; ⁄ the burning bush, and the mountain overshadowed by God! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Saying farewell to the world and all that is in it, ⁄ let us now be crucified with Christ; ⁄ let us endure outrage, mockery and other sufferings, ⁄ that we may be glorified in him. [OCA]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Τῆς νυκτὸς διελθούσης.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: ⁄ your light has shone upon the world! ⁄ Therefore the ranks of angels sing your praises, ⁄ and they glorify you, O Lord! [OCA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Τοῦ βίου τὴν θάλασσαν.

Verse: Save us, O Lord, like You saved the Prophet Jonah.

I see when my life becomes rough and stormy like the sea; * temptations feel like turbulence. * So I turn to the safe harbor of Your Church, * and calmly I pray to You: * Raise my life from corruption, very merciful Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

Advancing, all-mem’rable * from ascetical renown * you rose up quickly to the heights * of the virtue and honor of martyr saints * now clothed in a royal robe * newly dyed in the red of your own body’s blood. [AC]

Verse: Those who follow vanity and lies forsake their own mercy. [SAAS]

Advancing, all-mem’rable * from ascetical renown * you rose up quickly to the heights * of the virtue and honor of martyr saints * now clothed in a royal robe * newly dyed in the red of your own body’s blood. [AC]

Verse: As much as I vowed, I shall offer up to You, to You, the Lord of Deliverance. [SAAS]

You saw the unsteadiness * of the world that is in flux * and in your godly soul and mind * you chose rather the good things that are secure * and last to eternity; * thus your soul took to flight, o pious, blessed saint. [AC]

Glory.

Intense was your abstinence * and your gentleness was great; * so Christ beheld your faithfulness * and with love for humanity he revealed * that you are a child and heir * of his glory, God-bearer now acclaimed by all. [AC]

Both now. Theotokion.

O lady, all-pure and blessed * I entreat your healing help * for all the suff’rings of my soul * and my grievous afflictions; restore me now * with spiritual surgery * and pour out now the Passion of your Son for a cure. [AC]

Heirmos.

I see when my life becomes rough and stormy like the sea; * temptations feel like turbulence. * So I turn to the safe harbor of Your Church, * and calmly I pray to You: * Raise my life from corruption, very merciful Lord. [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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 King of peace and the savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode 4.

The solemn feast of the medal-winning Martyrs showed that the Church is heaven; and Angels join chorus with people to celebrate. By the entreaties of Your Saints, O Christ our God, save our souls. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On February 27 we commemorate our devout father and confessor Procopius of Decapolis.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Gelasios, who was commanded by the ruler to mock baptism, but was truly baptized and died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Thalleleus.

On this day the devout Stephen, who founded the home for the elderly in Armatios, reposed in peace.

On this day St. Nisios died after being beaten with ox hide whips.

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

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From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Δροσοβόλον μὲν τὴν κάμινον.

Verse: Blessed are You, the God of our fathers.

In the furnace the Lord’s Angel saved the pious men, * blowing through it a dew-laden breeze, * while Chaldean men were completely burned, at God’s command, * persuading the tyrant to confess * and cry aloud, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

Brilliant, blazing bright your life became, divinely-wise * through your ascetic prayer and work * so your martyrdom * being bitter was announced abroad * to Christ you cried out and glorified: ‘of all our fathers you are God; blessed are you, O God.’ [AC]

Verse: Blessed are You on the throne of Your kingdom, and You are praised and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

Brilliant, blazing bright your life became, divinely-wise * through your ascetic prayer and work * so your martyrdom * being bitter was announced abroad * to Christ you cried out and glorified: ‘of all our fathers you are God; blessed are you, O God.’ [AC]

Verse: Blessed are You in the firmament of heaven, for You are praised and glorified unto the ages. [SAAS]

You have found a belt to gird yourself with purity; * prudence and manly virtue are yours. * And you gained the crown * very bright of martyrdom as well * by grace, you cried out with godly words: “Of all our fathers you are God; blessed are you, O God.” [AC]

Glory.

The irreverent refused to offer honor to * you, Savior, in your icon most pure * and they terribly * whipped and flayed your servant so devout * as he sang out hymns to you and cried: “Of all our fathers you are God; blessed are you, O God.” [AC]

Both now. Theotokion.

We who celebrate your giving birth, O lady pure * all magnify you, calling you blest * for the Son you bore * has delivered all those born of flesh * protecting us so we cry to him: “Of all our fathers you are God; blessed are you, O God.” [AC]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Ἐκ φλογὸς τοῖς Ὁσίοις.

Verse: O you works, to the Lord sing a hymn, and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages.

From the flame You refreshed pious Servants as with dew * and with water consumed the righteous Prophet’s sacrifice. * You accomplish all, O Christ, simply by willing it. * We exalt You beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

From matter you were set free when you did not know death * you were transferred from here to the undefiled life * righteous saint you made use of death as a ladder then * on it you ascended, Procopius God-minded. [AC]

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

From matter you were set free when you did not know death * you were transferred from here to the undefiled life * righteous saint you made use of death as a ladder then * on it you ascended, Procopius God-minded. [AC]

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, you heavens of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Your life was filled with light and you shine all bright with faith * and you went out from here to the sun that never sets * every earthly yearning you put off, O father great * therefore you we honor, Procopius God-minded. [AC]

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you waters above the heaven, all you powers of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

You armed yourself with might that God’s Spirit gave to you * and defeated the hosts of demonic wickedness; * so the gates of heaven have opened to welcome you; * blessed saint we sing hymns of praise to Christ forever. [AC]

Verse: Bless the Lord, you sun and moon, you stars of heaven, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

All generations bless you, as you foretold, O Queen * for you only are granted to carry Christ himself * you are truly Mother of God and all-pure as well * so we all exalt you supremely to the ages. [AC]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Eight.

Bless the Lord, every shower and dew, all you winds, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Bless the Lord, you fire and heat, you winter cold and summer heat, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you dews and snows, you frost and cold, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you hoarfrosts and snows, you lightning and clouds, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you light and darkness, you night and day, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you earth, you mountains and hills, and all you things growing on the earth, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you springs, you seas and rivers, you sea-monsters and everything that moves in the waters, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. N/M (When God went down.)

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you birds of heaven, all you wild animals and cattle, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

In your compassion you humbled yourself, and were lifted on the cross, ⁄ raising up with yourself ⁄ the one who had fallen of old through eating from the tree. ⁄ Therefore you are glorified, Lord, alone greatest in love, ⁄ and we sing your praises for ever! [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O children of men. Bless the Lord, O Israel, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

I have fallen into the heavy sleep of sin through heedlessness, ⁄ but, my Christ, who for my sake fell asleep on the cross, ⁄ awaken me, that the night of death not come on me. [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O priests of the Lord, O servants of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Blinded by sensual pleasures, ⁄ I bear within me a darkened soul, ⁄ and the crafty enemy laughs when he sees me. ⁄ But give me light, O Christ, and deliver me forever from his malice. [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, O holy ones and humble in heart, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

I have wasted my life in carelessness, ⁄ and my soul is heavy with the drowsiness of sin. ⁄ I fly to your unsleeping intercession, all-pure Virgin: ⁄ do not let me slumber in the sleep of death! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. N/M (Within the bush.)

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

Verse: Bless the Lord, O Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Crowned with thorns, O Christ, and clothed in a scarlet robe, ⁄ you shone with glory, ⁄ surpassing in beauty ail the sons of men. [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O Apostles, Prophets, and Martyrs, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

You drank gall and vinegar, ⁄ and from your divine side ⁄ poured a double stream of life and incorruption ⁄ to those who praise and glorify you in faith forever. [OCA]

Verse: We bless the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we sing a hymn to Him and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

For the Trinity.

O Godhead, one in Trinity, ⁄ undivided in nature yet divided in persons, ⁄ power that shall never be destroyed, ⁄ Father, Son and Spirit, ⁄ we sing your praises forever! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Pure Mother of God, ⁄ gate of heaven and door of salvation, ⁄ accept the prayer of all Christians ⁄ who call you blessed forever. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Cross, the sceptre of Christ and strength of the church, ⁄ the victory of kings and guardian of Christians! ⁄ You are my light, and my boast forever. [OCA]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

Let us praise him, who of old in the burning bush ⁄ prefigured the miracle of the Virgin to Moses on Sinai: ⁄ let us bless and exalt him above all forever! [OCA]

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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 pl. 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]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Θεὸν ἀνθρώποις.

It is impossible for God to be seen * by people; and angelic orders dare not to look at Him. * But the Word incarnate has been seen by mankind, through you, O all-pure Virgin. * Now magnifying Him, * joining the celestial hosts, all generations call you blest. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

When you had chosen to struggle by the rules * wisely you met the onslaughts of the passions with self-control * and you put down surges of the flesh by your faith * so you have been rewarded finding dispassion’s joy * with the armies bodiless, O servant of the Lord our God. [AC]

Verse: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. [RSV]

When you had chosen to struggle by the rules * wisely you met the onslaughts of the passions with self-control * and you put down surges of the flesh by your faith * so you have been rewarded finding dispassion’s joy * with the armies bodiless, O servant of the Lord our God. [AC]

Verse: And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. [RSV]

Before the judge who is righteous now you stand * joyful as would a champion when receiving unfading crowns * fervently entreating on behalf of us all * as we observe your all-illustrious memory * and the sacred feast of your translation, O Procopius. [AC]

Verse: As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us. [RSV]

Illumined now by the Threefold Radiance * who are beyond expression shining from One Divinity * you have been deemed worthy of a blessed bequest * and of delightful joy of heart as you honor God * with the hosts that oversee the world, father Procopius. [AC]

Verse: To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant. [RSV]

Theotokion.

The Word of God who by nature is unchanged * has now assumed a changing form and granted humanity * incorruption, dwelling in you, maid full of grace, * favored by God the Father * so, undefiled maid * with the hosts of heaven all we faithful now acclaim you as blessed. [AC]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. N/M (Lady, from your virginal belly.)

Ἡ τὸν πρὸ ἡλίου φωστῆρα.

Verse: The oath which he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, be[ing] delivered from the hand of our enemies. [RSV]

Hateful thoughts have covered my soul with leprosy: ⁄ cleanse it, word of God, with the sprinkling of your blood. ⁄ Christ, for my sake you have suffered shameful crucifixion: ⁄ make me a partaker in your glory. [OCA]

Verse: [That we] might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. [RSV]

I am bowed down to the earth, O Christ, ⁄ by the burden of my sinful deeds, ⁄ and in dark discouragement I cry to you, lover of mankind: ⁄ by your precious blood heal the incurable wounds of my soul ⁄ that I may sing the praises of your divinity. [OCA]

Verse: And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. [RSV]

I have made iniquity my food and heedlessness my drink, ⁄ and I continue without any change. ⁄ I take pleasure in abstaining from food to no purpose, ⁄ for such is not the fast the Lord has chosen. [OCA]

Verse: To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God. [RSV]

Theotokion.

You have destroyed the sentence of condemnation ⁄ passed upon mankind of old; ⁄ you are the restoration of our first mother eve, ⁄ the cause of our reconciliation to God, our bridge to the creator! ⁄ We magnify you, Theotokos! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (N/M)

Ἡ τὸν πρὸ ἡλίου φωστῆρα.

Verse: When the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. [RSV]

The creation quaked when you were crucified upon the tree! ⁄ As God, in your tender mercy ⁄ you have suffered in the flesh for our salvation. [OCA]

Verse: To guide our feet into the way of peace. [RSV]

Great is the might of your cross, Lord, ⁄ for signing ourselves with it ⁄ we drive away at once the power of the demons. [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity of three co-equal persons, ⁄ undivided Trinity, sovereign nature, ⁄ Father, Son and divine Spirit, save us all. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, Theotokos, the mercy-seat of the world! ⁄ We sinners, ever fleeing to you for refuge ⁄ gain reconciliation with God. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

By the divine power of your cross, Lord, ⁄ give me the strength to offer to you ⁄ this time of pure and blameless fasting. [OCA]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Τὴν ἁγνὴν καὶ ἄχραντον.

Pure and undefiled Virgin Mother, ⁄ in faith and true devotion ⁄ we magnify you in song as the Theotokos! [OCA]

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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Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode 4.

O Lord, who cause the light to rise on Your world, purify from every sin my soul, which is in the darkness; by the power of Your Cross, and save me. [SD]

O Lord, who cause the light to rise on Your world, purify from every sin my soul, which is in the darkness; by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

O Lord, who cause the light to rise on Your world, purify from every sin my soul, which is in the darkness; by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD]

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READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. 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. [SAAS]

Psalm 149.

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. [SAAS]

Psalm 150.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power; praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. Praise Him with the sound of a trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre; praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute; praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Alleluia. [SAAS]

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

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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. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

Let us receive the proclamation of lent with joy! ⁄ For if our forefather adam had kept the fast, ⁄ we would not have been deprived of paradise. ⁄ The fruit which killed us was beautiful to see and good to eat, ⁄ so let us not be fooled by our eyes, ⁄ for after food is eaten, it is worthless. ⁄ Let us flee from intemperance, ⁄ so that we may not be conquered by passions after having our fill. ⁄ Let us sign ourselves with the blood of the one ⁄ who, for our sake, was voluntarily led to death, ⁄ so that the destroyer might not touch us. ⁄ So we will partake of the sacred pascha of Christ ⁄⁄ for the salvation of our souls. [OCA]

Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]

Let us receive the proclamation of lent with joy! ⁄ For if our forefather adam had kept the fast, ⁄ we would not have been deprived of paradise. ⁄ The fruit which killed us was beautiful to see and good to eat, ⁄ so let us not be fooled by our eyes, ⁄ for after food is eaten, it is worthless. ⁄ Let us flee from intemperance, ⁄ so that we may not be conquered by passions after having our fill. ⁄ Let us sign ourselves with the blood of the one ⁄ who, for our sake, was voluntarily led to death, ⁄ so that the destroyer might not touch us. ⁄ So we will partake of the sacred pascha of Christ ⁄⁄ for the salvation of our souls. [OCA]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.

Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]

What are we to call you, O holy ones? * Cherubim, inasmuch as Christ has found repose in you. * Seraphim, for without ceasing you were glorifying Him. * Or Angels, from the body you had turned away. * Or Powers, you are active doing miracles. * Your names are many, and greater are * the spiritual gifts that you received. * So intercede, we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

As all creation was witnessing * You, Savior, crucified, * it was struck with astonishment. * It reacted violently, * and the earth quaked, unable to bear * that You should suffer unjustly, O good Lord. * Also, Your pure Virgin Mother cried aloud * tearfully, “Woe is me! * O my sweetest Son, what is this that I see? * What is this sensational and shocking spectacle?” [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.

READER

Standing in your glorious church, O Theotokos, we think we are standing in heaven. O heavenly Gate, open to us the door of your mercy.

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

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.

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

Blessed is Christ our God, the One who is, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST

O heavenly King, uphold our rulers, strengthen the Faith, calm the nations, give peace to the world. Protect this holy Church (or, Monastery); grant our departed fathers and brethren that they may dwell with the righteous, and accept us in repentance and confession; for You are good and benevolent.

We now make three prostrations: i.e. we recite the Prayer of St. Ephrem (quietly or mentally), and with each verse we make a bow or prostration.

While it has become customary for this prayer to be recited by someone aloud, nevertheless the indicated practice is that it be recited inaudibly and mentally by everyone, clergy and congregants alike, with the accompanying bows etc.

Prayer of St. Ephrem

O Lord and Master of my life, do not permit the spirit of laziness and meddling, the lust for power and idle talk to come into me.

Instead, grant me, Your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love.

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then we make the sign of the cross 12 times, each time saying, “God, be gracious to me a sinner and have mercy on me.” Then we repeat the third verse of the Prayer (quietly or mentally) and make a final bow or prostration.

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then we begin the First Hour, saying: “Come let us worship…”

or:

READER

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!

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.