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Triodion

Mode pl. 1. On Tuesday Morning

On Tuesday of the Second Week Morning

Menaion - March 3

Memory of the Holy Martyrs Eutropios, Kleonikos, and Basiliskos

__________

MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode pl. 1.

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 pl. 1.

It is time to sing hymns; it is the hour of prayer. Let us earnestly cry out to our only God: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the intercessions of the Forerunner save us. [SD]

Glory.

Daring to portray Your spiritual armies, O unoriginate Trinity, we cry out with unworthy lips: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

O Christ our God, You were contained in the womb of the Virgin, and never parted from the bosom of the Father. Accept us as we cry to You together with the Angels: 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 10. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

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CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Mode pl. 1.

I am lying sick in the bed of many sins, and I am stripped of any hope of salvation. The sleep of my inertia will be the cause of my soul’s perdition. O God, who were born of the Virgin, I pray You wake me up, and stir me to extol You, and I will glorify You. [GOASD]

Verse: O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your anger. [SAAS]

Let us all be vigilant, and go out to meet Christ, with a good supply of oil and lamps burning bright, so that we be granted entry to the bridal hall. He who ended up outside the door, to no avail cried out, “Have mercy on me!” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

The marvelous mystery involving the Virgin proved to be the means of universal salvation. You were born of her without being sown, and You suffered no decay in the flesh. You are the Joy of all. Glory to You, O Lord. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 11. 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 pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Restraining the passions with the bridle of pure fasting, let us all strive to raise our mind in perfect faith to holy contemplation. Let us despise the pleasures of this earthly life, that we may gain the heavenly life and divine illumination. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Through the great number of my wicked and unlawful acts, I have fallen into the troubled waters of despair. I am utterly perplexed and held captive by despondency. O sovereign Lady Theotokos, save and help me, for through thee sinners receive atonement, cleansing and salvation. [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 12. 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

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 pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Setting before us a mystic table, the Fast invites us all to take our fill. Our food shall be the everlasting gifts of the Spirit; our drink, divinely flowing streams of tears. Let us make glad and without ceasing offer praise to God. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Save us, most holy Virgin, from all the threats and wickedness of men. For to thee, and to thy Son and our God, we flee for refuge, Mother of God: thou art our guardian and protector. Pray to Him that we may be delivered from dangers and distress. [KW]

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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 Saints.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θαλάσσης τὸ ἐρυθραῖον.

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

The Red Sea was crossed by ancient Israel. They walked across dry ground, * when Moses stretched his hand over the sea * with his rod, in the form of a cross; * and likewise in the wilderness, they put to flight the hosts of Amalek. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Saints, three in number like the Trinity, you flash with rays of divine light, and illustrious wearing crowns of martyrdom. Pray to God to be gracious to us. [GOASD]

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

O Saints, three in number like the Trinity, you flash with rays of divine light, and illustrious wearing crowns of martyrdom. Pray to God to be gracious to us. [GOASD]

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

O Martyrs, spiritually listened to the divine sayings, and joined one another in an inner bond of peace, and you repelled the deception of the enemy. [GOASD]

Glory.

O Saints, three in number like the Trinity, you had the same faith in God, and you obtained the same reward, O Eutropius, Cleonicus, and Basiliscus, victorious Martyrs. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O immaculate Lady, the pre-eternal Logos came forth from your womb. He is more handsome than the sons of mortals. He utterly made the sorrow of death disappear, and He gave us eternal life. [GOASD]

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READER

Ode Two

Glory to You, our God; glory to You!

Take heed, O heaven, and I will speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. [SAAS]

Let my proverbial saying be awaited as the rain, and let my words come down as raindrops on the wild grass, and as snowfall on the sown grass.

For I invoke the Lord’s name: ascribe greatness to our God.

He is God, His works are true; and all His ways are judgment.

A faithful God and without injustice; righteous and holy is the Lord.

They sinned; the blameworthy children are not His, a generation twisted and perverse. Is this how you repay the Lord?

O foolish and unwise people, is He not your Father, who acquired you? Has He not made and created you?

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations.

Ask your father, and he will tell you; your elders, and they will tell you:

When the Most High divided the nations, when He scattered the sons of Adam, He set the boundaries of the nations by the number of God’s angels.

For the Lord’s portion became the people of Jacob; the allotment of His inheritance is Israel.

He provided for him in the desert, in thirst of heat in a waterless place. He encircled him; He instructed him; He guarded him carefully as the apple of His eye.

As an eagle covers its nest, yearns after its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its back.

So the Lord alone led them, and there was no foreign god with them.

He raised them on the strength of the land; He fed them on the produce of the fields.

He suckled them on honey from the rock and oil from the solid rock.

Butter of oxen and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs and goats, of sons of bulls and goats, with the choicest wheat; and you drank wine, the blood of grapes.

So Jacob ate and was filled, and the beloved kicked; he grew fat, he grew thick, he is obese. Then he forsook God who made him and stood back from God his Savior.

They provoked Me to wrath against foreign gods; with their abominations they embittered Me.

They sacrificed to demons, and not to God, to gods they did not know; new ones, recent gods arrived, which their fathers did not know.

You abandoned the God who begot you, and forgot the God who nourished you.

So the Lord saw it, and was jealous; and He was provoked to anger by His sons and daughters.

Then He said, I will turn My face from them, and I will make known what their end will be; for they are a perverse generation, sons in whom is no faith.

They provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; they moved Me to anger by their idols; but I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.

For a fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn to the lowest Hades; it shall consume the land with its produce And set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

I will gather evils on them; I will spend My arrows on them.

They shall be wasted with hunger, devoured by birds and incurable disease; I will also send against them the teeth of wild animals With the anger of things crawling on the earth.

The sword shall make them childless outside, and fear from the inner chambers, for the young man and virgin, the nursing child with the elder of gray hairs.

I said, I will scatter them; I will make their memory cease from among men.

But for the wrath of the enemy, lest they live long, lest their adversary make a joint attack.

Lest they should say, “Our hand is high; and it is not the Lord who did all this.”

For they are a nation void of counsel, nor is there understanding in them. They were not wise to understand these things.

Let them be concerned for the coming time.

How could one chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight unless God had sold them, and the Lord delivered them up?

For our God is not like their gods, but our enemies are foolish.

For their vineyard is of the vineyard of Sodom, and their vine is of Gomorrah. Their grapes are grapes of gall; their clusters are bitter.

Their wine is the wrath of serpents, and the incurable wrath of asps.

Behold, is this not laid up in store with Me, sealed up among My treasures?

I shall repay on the day of vengeance; in time, when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and is waiting, ready for them.

For the Lord will judge His people, and have compassion on His servants.

For He sees them disabled and left in distress and weakened.

The Lord said, ‘Where are their gods in which they trusted?’

Who ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise and help you and be your defender.

Now see, I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hands.

For I raise My hand to heaven, and I swear by My right hand, and say, “As I live forever.”

For I whet My sword like lightning; and My hand takes hold on judgment. I will render vengeance on My enemies, and repay those who hate Me.

I will make My arrows drunk from blood; and My sword shall devour flesh from the blood of the slain and the captives, from the heads of the leaders of the enemy.

Rejoice, O Heavens, together with Him, and worship Him, all the sons of God.

Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; and let all the angels of God be strong with Him; for He will avenge the blood of His sons and render vengeance to His adversaries; and the Lord will purify His people’s land. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos (NM).

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

See now, see that I am your God, before all ages begotten from the Father, and in the last times conceived without man by the Virgin: and I have destroyed the sin of Adam the forefather in My love for mankind. (2) [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Groan and weep, my soul, turn back and repent. The day is at hand, the Judge is at the door. Make ready thine answer and cry aloud: I have sinned against Thee, O merciful Lord, compassionate and loving: do Thou take pity on me. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O my soul, hate the destructive surfeiting of sin, and rejoice in the strict observance of the Fast. Take as thy food the commandments of salvation, which will enable thee through faith to enjoy eternal blessings. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O ye angels, powers and principalities, archangels, dominions and thrones, rulers, cherubim and seraphim, pray to God, the Giver of all good, that we may be granted remission of our sins and release from the passions. [KW]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O all-blameless Lady, thou alone hast borne the eternal Word. He took flesh from thee, yet without changing He continued as He was before: and thou hast not known man, but hast remained a virgin after bearing child. Pray for us all that our life may be delivered from corruption. [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) See now, see that I am your God

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

We have seen and we know that out of love for us Thou hast appointed this season to bring us to repentance. Receive, O merciful God, the prayers which we offer in the Fast: may they be set forth in Thy sight as fragrant incense and an acceptable sacrifice. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I tremble and am full of fear when I reflect how greatly I have sinned. How shall I meet Thee? How shall I stand before Thy judgement seat where there is no respect of persons? Spare me, then, O merciful Lord, in the hour when Thou shalt come to judge all the earth. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity in three Persons, supreme in Godhead and surpassing all perfection, Father unbegotten, Son only-begotten, Spirit proceeding from the Father and made manifest through the Son: single in Essence and in Nature, one Lordship and one Kingdom, save us all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

The wonder of thy conceiving is past speech, O Mother and Virgin: for how hast thou given birth and yet remained undefiled? How dost thou bear child, without knowing a man? ‘All this is understood by the Word of God, who was born from me in a new way, surpassing nature.’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When the men of Nineveh repented and fasted, Thou hast delivered them from the wrath that threatened them; but Thou hast consumed with fire the men of Sodom in their wanton shamelessness. Deliver me, O Christ, from the punishment which they suffered. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ καθιέρωσας.

See now, see that I am your God, who have sanctified for you the tenth part of the days of every year as acceptable first fruits: and this commandment have I given to My people for their deliverance from the passions and as a beginning of salvation. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Εὐφραίνεται ἐπὶ σοί.

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

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Glorious Martyr Eutropius, strong in Christ, morally good according to your name, you won the victory over the adversaries. [GOASD]

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

Glorious Martyr Eutropius, strong in Christ, morally good according to your name, you won the victory over the adversaries. [GOASD]

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

Wise Martyr Cleonicus, you received immortal renown for your victory in contest, for you bravely endured crucifixion. [GOASD]

Glory.

Glorious and ever-memorable Martyr Basiliscus, with the Cross as a shield, you royally defeated pagan polytheism. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God, we the faithful have you as a calm haven and sturdy anchor. We pray deliver us from the deceit of the wicked. [GOASD]

Heirmos.

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [GOASD]

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

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 soldiers.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

That trinity of Martyrs confessed their belief in * the Holy Trinity in the presence of many. * When they had competed they joined the hosts of the bodiless. * As we loyally are celebrating their sacred * memory today, let us with gladness extol them * and joyfully sing their praise. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

All-holy Virgin pure, you are the hope of us Christians. * Together with the hosts of the angels in heaven, * unceasingly pray to God, whom you bore inconceivably, * to forgive us all of every sin and to give us * the amendment of our lives, as we glorify you, * O Lady, with faith and love. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐπαρθέντα σε ἰδοῦσα.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

When the Church beheld You raised on the Cross unjustly, * O Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, crucified for our sake, * she stood in her course, like the moon, * and fittingly cried aloud, * “Glory to Your strength, O Lord!” [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O herculean Martyrs, you were secure on the rock of truth and unshaken by tortures inflicted on you, and thus you dislodged the stronghold of pagan deception. [GOASD]

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

O herculean Martyrs, you were secure on the rock of truth and unshaken by tortures inflicted on you, and thus you dislodged the stronghold of pagan deception. [GOASD]

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

Cleonicus, Eutropius, and Basiliscus, you focused all your desire on the Creator. So you did not falter in the contest, even though you were bound and tortured. [GOASD]

Glory.

O medaled Saints, ever gazing towards Christ, you glowed with beautiful rays, as you were subjected to fire, and burned the adversaries. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-immaculate Mother of mercy, in giving birth to Christ, the Stream of Life, you halted the spreading tide of death. Please pray Him to extinguish the furnace of sin in my soul. [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Σὺ Κύριέ μου φῶς.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

My Lord, You are the light. * Holy light, to the world You came * to turn people from the darkness * and the night of not knowing. And now in faith we sing Your praise. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O mighty Martyrs, with steady mind you demolished the nonsense and scorned the insolence and brutality of those who tortured you. [GOASD]

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

O mighty Martyrs, with steady mind you demolished the nonsense and scorned the insolence and brutality of those who tortured you. [GOASD]

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

With your concern for the heavenly greater than for the mundane, you let go of noble class, military rank, wealth, and glory. [GOASD]

Glory.

You were not frightened by the merciless fury of the tyrants, and you bravely scorned every torture, the whipping, and the scraping, and the fire. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, He Who fashioned me put on my nature from you, and He was born, one person in two unconfused natures. [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.

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

“I will sacrifice to You, O Lord, with a voice of praise.” * So sings the Church You delivered * from the gore of sacrificing to demons; * for You cleansed her * by the blood that for mercy poured out from Your side. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The two brothers, Cleonicus and Eutropius the godly Martyrs, were strengthened. After many torments, they were crucified, and they received the immortal crown. [GOASD]

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

The two brothers, Cleonicus and Eutropius the godly Martyrs, were strengthened. After many torments, they were crucified, and they received the immortal crown. [GOASD]

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

Glorious St. Basiliscus took the path of martyrdom without diverging. His feet were pierced with nails, but trampled and crushed the heads of the demons. [GOASD]

Glory.

Celebrated Martyr Basiliscus, you chiseled your heart and made it a temple, you toppled the pagan idol and burned it, and by the sword you were beheaded, and you received the crown. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God, the Bridegroom and Logos found you, a rose among thorns, and a pure flower and lily of the valley, and He dwelt in your womb. [GOASD]

Heirmos.

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

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 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]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 3 we commemorate the holy Martyrs Eftropios, Kleonikos, and Vasiliskos.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Hieromartyr Theodoritos, Presbyter of Antioch.

On this day Saints Zeno and Zoilos died in peace.

On this day the devout Saint Piamon the virgin died in peace.

By their holy interecessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

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From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐν τῇ καμίνῳ Ἀβραμιαῖοι.

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

Inside the furnace * in ancient Persia, sons of Abraham * were consumed with pious fear and the love of God * rather than the fiery flame, and sang * together, “In the temple of Your holy glory, You are blessed, O Lord.” [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O medaled Martyrs, you have worthily obtained eternal life, as the Creator said about those who compete, and you sing to Him, “Blessed are You in the temple of Your glory, O Lord!” [GOASD]

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

O medaled Martyrs, you have worthily obtained eternal life, as the Creator said about those who compete, and you sing to Him, “Blessed are You in the temple of Your glory, O Lord!” [GOASD]

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

O Saints, you have been shown ineffable mysteries; you have received glory and a crown, with abiding beauty, and joy free of pain and sorrow, and you sing, “Blessed are You in the temple of Your glory, O Lord!” [GOASD]

Glory.

O Martyrs, without flinching you persevered in the torturous furnace, and you burned up the servants of error and sang, “Blessed are You in the temple of Your glory, O Lord!” [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, I pray you erase the record of my sins. Save me from any injury and assault by the crafty foe, and I will sing to you, “Blessed are you among women, O all-blameless Lady!” [GOASD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.

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

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.” [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Saints, your annual feast has arrived, full of joy and gladness. Today we extol you with love, and we sing hymns to God who gives the crowns, “All you works of the Lord, bless you the Lord!” [GOASD]

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

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]

O Martyrs, your wounds are beautiful. You are like gold and precious gems to God. We venerate your wounds with faith, and we sing to God who strengthened you, “All you works of the Lord, bless you the Lord!” [GOASD]

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]

A veritable fountain of the gifts of grace has been given by Christ to the Martyrs. Dry earth brings forth fruit, and the arid land gushes streams, and irrational nature as if able to speak cries out, “All you works, bless you the Lord!” [GOASD]

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

Theotokion.

O immaculate Lady, transcendent God the Logos dwelt in your womb and became flesh, deifying my nature in His extreme love for humanity. Faithfully we extol Him and sing, “All you works of the Lord, bless you the Lord!” [GOASD]

(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 pl. 4. (NM) Inspired by God

Οἱ θεοῤῥήμονες Παῖδες.

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]

Thou hast justified the Publican who groaned aloud, and hast taken pity on the Harlot who wept from her heart. O Saviour, save and take pity on the souls of those who sing Thy praises. [KW]

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

By fasting let us bring to the Lord the fruit of our virtuous deeds. Let us refrain from harmful thoughts, that we may share in perfect joy. [KW]

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

The choirs of the angels, the company of the apostles and the army of the martyrs entreat Thee, O Jesus, to give Thy people pardon. [KW]

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.

With all the faithful, let us bless the Virgin: for she is the Mountain not cut by the hand of man, the Candlestick that bore the Light, the Ladder easy to climb, the dwelling-place of God. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Glorified in the holy mountain

Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.

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

On this solemn day of abstinence let us all blow the trumpet and sing hymns: and keeping festival with holy joy, let us praise the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

Of old the man of God was led astray by the prophet and ate the food of disobedience, and he was devoured by a lion. Be watchful, then, my soul, and suffer not the serpent of gluttony to deceive thee. [KW]

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.

As Unity in Essence I sing Thy praises; as Trinity in Persons I venerate Thee, Father, Son and All-Holy Spirit. The power of Thy Kingdom that has no beginning I glorify unto all ages. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, thou hast become the Mountain of God in which Christ came to dwell; and He has made into divine temples all those who sing: Praise ye the Lord.and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Come, ye people, let us greet the Fast with love, for it is the guardian of purity and the mother of dispassion; and let us praise the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.

O extol Him, who on the holy mountain * showed His glory, as Lord, * and in the bush with fire * revealed to Moses knowledge of the mystery * of the Ever-Virgin, supremely exalting Him unto all the ages. [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]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

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. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Holy trio of medaled Martyrs, as you now clearly see the glory of the Lord, together with the bodiless hosts, His martyrs, and the all the righteous, earnestly intercede on our behalf. [GOASD]

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

Holy trio of medaled Martyrs, as you now clearly see the glory of the Lord, together with the bodiless hosts, His martyrs, and the all the righteous, earnestly intercede on our behalf. [GOASD]

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

O godly-minded Saints Eutropius, Cleonicus, and Basiliscus, since the Savior dwells entirely within you, you are worthy to be called a city of God, established on divine battlements. [GOASD]

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]

Glorious Martyrs, implore the Creator for us, who faithfully celebrate your all-holy memory and extol your sacred and godly struggles, that might receive forgiveness of sins. [GOASD]

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

Theotokion.

O ever-virgin Mary, you are the only help and hope and salvation. You are my refuge and fortress, and the divine comfort of my soul. I pray you deliver me from perdition. [GOASD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The burning bush

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

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]

The holy Fast enriches our heart, and makes it by the power of God increase in virtue, like a full ear of wheat. Let us therefore fast with gladness in these holy days, and so receive sanctification. [KW]

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

I am defiled by many sins, wounded and under condemnation. Look upon me in Thy mercy, O compassionate Lord: take pity and save me by the prayers of Thy saints. [KW]

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]

Alas for thee, most miserable soul, what answer shalt thou make? What fear will seize thee, when the Judge is seated on His throne and ten thousands of the angels stand at His side! Make haste, then, and repent before the end. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

O chariot of the King, cloud of light, rich mountain, hill flowing with milk, we entreat thee, O Virgin who hast not known marriage: heal the passions of our souls. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The burning bush

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

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]

Let us keep a true fast before the Lord: let us abstain not only from food but from angry speech and lying, and from every other passion, that we may behold Easter in purity. [KW]

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

Fasting bore Samuel as fruit; through fasting Samson grew up brave and strong; through fasting priests and prophets were made perfect: and through the holy Fast may we also be sanctified. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Lord, the threefold Brightness of Thy single Power shines on our mind with the light of revelation; it turns us from the error that divides, and brings us to the divine life that unites. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, thou art our armour and our rampart; thou art the defence of those that run to thee. And now we implore thine intercession, that we may be delivered from our enemies. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Holy Spirit calls us to the rich banquet of the Fast: with gladness let us take our fill from His gifts of grace and sing His praises as our God. [KW]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

Let us sing to Him who to Moses of old prefigured * in the burning bush the childbirth of ever-virgin Mary, * for the salvation of us the believers. * Let us magnify Him with unceasing hymns. [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

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 pl. 1.

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, by the intercessions of the Forerunner, and save me. [SD]

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, 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

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. 1.

In thine idleness, my soul, why art thou become a slave of sin? And in thy sickness why dost thou not run to the physician? Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the true day of salvation. Rise up and wash thy face with tears of repentance, and make thy lamp burn brightly with the oil of good deeds, so that Christ our God may grant thee cleansing and great mercy. [KW]

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]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 1.

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

O Lord, Your medal-winning Martyrs imitated the angelic orders, by enduring the tortures as if they themselves were also bodiless. There singular hope was to obtain the promised blessings. At their intercession, grant peace to Your world, and great mercy to our souls, O Christ our God. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1.

Now we call you blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, and we glorify you, duty-bound as believers; the city unshakable, the wall indestructible, the firm and steadfast protection, and the place of refuge for our souls. [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.