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Triodion

Mode pl. 2. On Wednesday Morning

On Wednesday of the Third Week Morning

Menaion - March 11

Memory of St. Sophronius of Jerusalem

__________

MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode pl. 2.

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. 2.

With fear the Cherubim standing near You, and trembling the Seraphim astounded, sing to You the thrice-holy hymn, with never-silent voices. And we, sinners though we be, join them and cry out: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! By the power of Your Cross save us. [SD]

Glory.

The six-winged Seraphim, with their bodiless mouths, never cease to sing the thrice-holy hymn to You, our God. And we on earth, albeit with unworthy lips, send up praises to You: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

Let us glorify the Godhead, which is unconfused Tri-unity. And let us sing the hymn of 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 19. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

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CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode pl. 2.

Today the prophetic saying has been fulfilled. For, behold, we are worshiping in the place where Your feet stood, O Lord. And now that we have eaten from the tree of salvation, we have obtained the freedom from the passions that come from sin, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only benevolent God. [SD]

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

O Lord, Your Cross was sanctified. Truly cures are effected by it, for those who are sick in sins. Through it we worship You. Have mercy on us. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

O Christ, Your Mother who remained ever virgin in childbirth, * looked on as You were lifted up on the Cross for our salvation. * The knife of grief and sorrow cut her to the quick, * and she lamented as a mother and she wept. * Be merciful to us, at her appeals on our behalf, O Lord and God of mercy. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 20. 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 3. (NM)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Raised upon the Cross, O Master, through the Wood Thou hast quenched the flame of sin; suffering death by Thine own choice, Thou hast slain the enemy. Therefore I entreat Thee: put to death the desires of my flesh and bring to life my miserable heart, cleansing me from all defilement through the Fast that kills the passions, for Thou art merciful. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

O tender-loving Lord, willingly You endured * a very painful death by being crucified. * And as Your Mother witnessed it, O Christ, she was pricked to the heart. * She was aching inwardly * and lamented maternally. * At her earnest prayers for us, * with compassion take pity on us, * and save the world, O merciful Savior * who takes away the sin of the world. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 1. 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 2.

As we continue the joyful celebration of the Fast, we cry aloud: Keep us all in peace, O Lord, deliver us from every snare of the enemy, and in Thy surpassing love count us worthy to venerate with fear Thy precious Cross, through which Thou grantest to the inhabited earth Thy mercy, O Thou who alone art most merciful. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

Beholding Thee, O Christ, stretched dead upon the Tree, Thy Virgin Mother cried aloud with bitter tears: ‘O my Son, what is this fearful mystery? How dost Thou, who givest life eternal unto all, suffer willingly a shameful death upon the Cross?’ [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 Saint.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.

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

I open my mouth and pray the Spirit fill it, like David said, * to pour out a good word to the Queen and Mother of God. * I will celebrate * her feast with joy and gladness * and sing to her merrily, lauding her miracles. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You navigated the sea of self-control with temperance steered by the breeze of the Spirit and you gathered together a great wealth of wisdom through grace, Father Sophronios. [VPA]

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

You became a messenger of Christ’s resurrection and a divine presider of the divine sepulcher which has become rich in the spring of immortality, Christ who raises the falls of our race. [VPA]

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

By the splendor of your words and the sharpness of your mind you illumined the world, having clearly theologized the tri-hypostatic nature of the Godhead, a unity in three numbers, Father Sophronios. [VPA]

Glory.

The sound of your words and the clear lute of your teachings ran across the ends of the earth, teaching the mystery of the economy of the Logos, God-inspired Father. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

He who is by nature uncreated and co-eternal with the Father, and beyond years and before the ages, becomes created from you, O Lady, and under the ages as man, saving humanity. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ.

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

Not in our wisdom, * nor in power and wealth do we boast, O Lord; * but we boast in You, the Father’s personified Wisdom, O Christ. * No one else is holy but for You who are benevolent. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Made firm by the staff of your words, venerable one, the Church of Christ expels and drives away the assaults of the impious and of the heresies which fight against God. [VPA]

Verse: My heart is strengthened in the Lord; my horn is exalted in my God. I smile at my enemies; I rejoice in Your salvation. [SAAS]

Made firm by the staff of your words, venerable one, the Church of Christ expels and drives away the assaults of the impious and of the heresies which fight against God. [VPA]

Verse: Because no one is holy like the Lord, no one is righteous like our God, no one is holy but You. [SAAS]

Having been a champion of august preaching, God-bearer, you were shown to be a victor through the power of the Spirit, being wisely empowered, Father Sophronios. [VPA]

Verse: Do not boast nor speak of high things; let no arrogance come from your mouth. [SAAS]

You put to death all the pleasure of the corrupted flesh and enlivened your pure soul through piety and showed it as a divine organ. [VPA]

Verse: For the Lord is the God of knowledge; and God is preparing His actions. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

We glorify you who gave birth to God, O Theotokos, fitting together a corresponding name and calling, all-pure Lady. [VPA]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Three.

He weakened the bow of mighty men, and those who are weak are girded with strength. [SAAS]

Those who were full of bread were made empty, and the hungry have forsaken the land. The barren woman has borne seven, and she who has many children has become feeble.

The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to Hades and raises up.

The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low and lifts up.

He raises the poor from the earth. He lifts the needy from the dung heap, to set them among princely people and make them inherit a throne of glory. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 3. (NM)

Τὸ στερέωμα.

Verse: The One who gives a prayer to the one praying, He blesses with righteous years. [SAAS]

Crucified with Him who was crucified for our sake, let us put to death all the members of the flesh by fasting, prayer and supplication. [KW]

Verse: The Lord makes His adversaries weak; the Lord is holy. [SAAS]

O Lord, who by Thy Crucifixion hast plucked out the thorn of sin, pluck out all thorny thoughts from my mind. [KW]

Verse: Let not the man of learning boast in his understanding, nor let the man of might boast in his might, nor let the man of riches boast in his riches. [SAAS]

Arming our mind with fasting and fenced about by the power of the Cross, let us overthrow the hostile ranks of demons. [KW]

Verse: Only let the one who boasts boast in this: to understand and to know the Lord and to do justice and righteousness in the midst of the earth. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

From thee the Word came forth incarnate, O Virgin undefiled, and in His tender mercy He has set to rights the fall of our first parents. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 2. (NM) O Lord, who hast put sin to death.

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

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

Thy life-creating Cross, O Lord, is my seal unto salvation: for by its virtue I overthrow the adversary and praise Thee as God mighty in power. [KW]

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

The Tree of the Cross has borne a fruit that gives eternal life unto the world; and as we eat of it, O Christ, we are delivered from death. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I glorify three Persons in one Nature, Father, Son and Spirit, the one Power of the Divinity that rules and reigns alone as God. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thy childbearing, O pure Lady, fills our hearts with fear. For it is God who has become man, begotten outside time from the Father and in the last days brought forth by thee through a virgin birth. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The grace of the Cross shines out upon the world, O merciful Lord, preparing all of us for the coming celebration of Thy divine Sufferings. Grant us to venerate with faith Thy Holy Passion. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

O Lord, who hast put sin to death by the Wood of the Cross, be Thou our strength and our support, and graft Thy fear in our hearts, as we sing in praise of Thee. [KW]

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 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

You adorned the Church of Christ by your words, and by your works you kept that which is according to the image of God, venerable Sophronios, for your soundness of mind illumined the world, shining with gifts of teachings on all who with faith celebrate your memory, O Father. [VPA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Beholding You lifted up on 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 revive the dead, O Savior. * My Son, this unprecedented wonder amazes me.” [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ὁ καθήμενος ἐν δόξῃ.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

He who sits in holy glory * on the throne of divinity, * Jesus our most high God, * on a swift and light cloud has come to us, * and by the might of His undefiled hand has saved * those who cry to Him: Glory to Your strength, O Christ. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Father, you wisely taught one beginningless nature in three hypostases, each one perfect, separated without division and united without confusion through one will and Godhead [VPA]

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

Having self-restraint in heart and a most self-restrained mind, you did not consider mixture or mode nor confusion of the two natures united unchangeably shining in one only-begotten Christ. [VPA]

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

Divinely illumined with the illumination of the Spirit, you did away with the awful madness of Nestorius who had taught the unity in Christ of two natures in one will and thought. [VPA]

Glory.

By the fire of your teachings you burned Pyrrhos (who was holding to denying that there are two wills in Christ, according to the different natures, and also the two operations. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You were beautified above all the comeliness of angels, as having given birth to their creation and Lord, O maiden, who has taken a body from your spotless blood and who draws to himself all who glorify him. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἀσεβεῖς οὐκ ὄψονται.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

The ungodly will not see Your glory, O Christ. * Rather we in the morning rise early and we sing Your praise, * only-begotten Son, the reflection of the Father’s glory, O benevolent Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

With steadfast yearning beholding the pure resurrection and grave of life, you drew up visions of illumination of hidden teaching and distributed them to the faithful, O hierarch. [VPA]

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

With steadfast yearning beholding the pure resurrection and grave of life, you drew up visions of illumination of hidden teaching and distributed them to the faithful, O hierarch. [VPA]

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

You wholly yearned after the only good, being aflame with noetic light, and you loved the stream of incorruption, being lifted up towards it through visions. [VPA]

Glory.

You became a living and animate temple of God, having put to death all things of the earth, gaining the rich table of the Logos and the lamp of faith, Venerable one. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Unwedded mother of God, you gave birth beyond understanding to Christ, understood in two natures, the only-begotten and beginningless Son of God, having become flesh. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

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. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The grace of the all-holy Spirit was richly poured out on your lips, godly-minded one. Therefore the sound of your words is like the flowing of a river. [VPA]

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

The grace of the all-holy Spirit was richly poured out on your lips, godly-minded one. Therefore the sound of your words is like the flowing of a river. [VPA]

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

You bloomed like a palm tree in the house of the Lord with the good fruit of your words, making sweet by your pure life the hearts of those who honor you with faith, O hierarch. [VPA]

Glory.

By the living sword of your mouth the army of heresies is put to death and the daring ranks of those who fight against God, slain, die by the sword of your teachings [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, we hymn your spotless birth-giving through which we all are saved and are delivered from the noose of death and most fearful sin and the innermost parts of Hades. [VPA]

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. 2.

The martyr athletes offered resistance in the ring, * contesting for the faith, and the tyrants tortured them. * The hosts of Incorporeals observed and were holding the victory medals. * The truly wise contestants amazed the tyrants and kings. * They overturned the devil by their confession of Christ. * O Lord, who strengthened them, glory to You. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 11 we commemorate our devout father Sophronios, Archbishop of Jerusalem.

On this day we also commemorate the holy hieromartyr Pionius, priest of the holy Church in Smyrna.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father George, the God-bearer and Wonderworker, the newly appeared, who was in the church called Diipeum.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Trophimos and Thallus who witnessed in Laodiceia.

On this day we also commemorate the translation to Constantinople of the relics of the holy martyr Epimachos.

On this day we also commemorate our devout mother Theodora the Empress.

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

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From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ὁ διασώσας ἐν πυρί.

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

You saved Your Servants in the fire, * Abraham’s three youthful descendants; * and the Chaldeans You destroyed, * for they plotted unjustly against the just. * O supremely extolled and praised * Lord, the God of our fathers, You are blessed. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Battling against heretical babbling with help from above, wise one, and becoming victorious, you chanted: Greatly hymned Lord, the God of our Fathers, you are blessed. [VPA]

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

Battling against heretical babbling with help from above, wise one, and becoming victorious, you chanted: Greatly hymned Lord, the God of our Fathers, you are blessed. [VPA]

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

Dedicated to God, flying around the garden of the ascetics, and having planted your meadow for the practice of the virtues, you dedicated it to God in the highest. [VPA]

Glory.

Obeying the law of Christ, you shared the riches of your knowledge with those who lacked them, godly-minded one, chanting: Greatly hymned Lord, the God of our Fathers, you are blessed. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Having been sanctified in soul and purified beforehand in body by the coming of the Holy Spirit upon you, all-blameless one, you bore Him, having conceived without seed in your womb the power of the Most High. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.

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

Guiltless were those Servants in the furnace. * The Son of the Theotokos went and rescued them. * He who was prefigured then, * having been incarnate now, * is gathering the whole wide world into His Church to sing: * “O all you works of the Lord, to all ages * sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him beyond measure.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were sanctified with the myrrh of the grace of hierarchical service, where the hierarchy of the salvation of the world, all-wise Father Sophronios, shouting: Hymn the Lord and greatly exalt him unto all the ages [VPA]

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

Honoring wisdom especially, you were crowned with the crown of gifts of wisdom: unfading glory and riches not to be taken away, glorious one, and having received the gift, you are shouting: Hymn the Lord and greatly exalt him unto all the ages [VPA]

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]

Being clothed with divine righteousness in a priestly manner, O teacher of sacred things, you guided in a most courageous manner the flock of the Master through your words and deeds, all-famous Father, crying out: Hymn the Lord and greatly exalt him unto all the ages [VPA]

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]

Magnificently and beyond understanding, the Logos who is co-beginningless with the Father gives you, Father, a mind which brings up words that undo the babblings of heresies, as you cry out: Hymn the Lord and greatly exalt him unto all the ages [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

You were shown to be a sanctified temple of the Logos who sanctifies all creation, a rich holy mountain, a manifest mountain, blessed, only all-hymned Lady. Therefore we hymn you, mother of God, and we greatly exalt you unto all the ages. [VPA]

(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 3. (NM)

Ἀστέκτῳ πυρί.

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]

O Giver of Light, who by the Cross hast triumphed over the principalities and dominions of darkness, when Thou shalt come in power to judge the whole world, do not denounce my hidden sins, O Word, that I may glorify Thy great compassion. [KW]

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

O just and longsuffering Lord, Thou the Judge hast stood as prisoner before the judgement seat of Pilate; and by Thy Cross Thou hast condemned the enmity that separated man from God. Deliver, then, from eternal condemnation those who cry to Thee in fear and glorify Thy lovingkindness. [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]

Of old the Holy Children, strengthened by the fire of fasting, quenched with dew from God the fiercely burning flames. By fasting let us also quench the furnaces of all the passions, that we may escape from the flame of Gehenna. [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.

From thee, O Maiden who hast not known marriage, the Wisdom of God built for Himself a house and took flesh in His humble love that no word can describe. For thou alone from all generations hast been chosen, O Undefiled, as the dwelling of the eternal Word. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. (NM) The Lord of old foreshadowed.

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

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

O Christ, whose word upholds the universe, for my sake Thou hast borne all things, buffeting and spitting and crucifixion. I praise for ever the greatness of Thy love for mankind. [KW]

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

As a lamb Thou wast offered in sacrifice, O Christ, and Thy side was pierced by a lance, that Thou mightest save me, the lost sheep, from the snares of the devil and keep me for ever in Thy good fold. [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.

O Godhead, one in Trinity, undivided in Nature yet divided in Persons, Power that shall never be destroyed, Father, Son and Spirit, we sing Thy praises for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Mother of God, Gate of heaven, Door of salvation, accept the prayer of all Christians who call thee blessed for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Thy Cross, O Christ, is the glory of priests, the strength of kings, the light of all the faithful. Grant me to behold and worship it, and to sing in praise of it for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

The Lord of old foreshadowed the miracle of the Virgin to Moses in the bush upon Mount Sinai: let us praise, bless and exalt Him above all forever. [KW]

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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 Saint.

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. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

A word going forth from your divine lips, O you who speak about God, makes sweet the minds of the pious faithful by grace, like a honeycomb dripping the comeliness of understandings. [VPA]

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

O God-inspired one, you walk about within the innermost heavenly places around the Lord and King of all, where the angelic luminaries and the ranks of the saints dance. [VPA]

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

Seeking the life of the angels while upon the earth, Father, you were made worthy of the angelic blessedness in heaven, entreat Christ there that all who hymn you be saved. [VPA]

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]

As bowls of aromatic herbs, your jaws, godly-minded one, you were seen as an alabaster of wisdom of the nard of most precious faith, spicing up the precious body of Christ with your teachings. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Isaiah saw you, O Virgin, as a light cloud, for coming upon you, the Lord destroyed all things made by hand and revealed the knowledge of himself to those who hymn you. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 3. (NM)

Ἐν νόμῳ σκιᾷ.

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 serpent that Moses raised upon his staff prefigured Thee, O Christ, who wast raised of Thine own will upon the Cross: for Thou hast healed us from the poison of the evil one, and in Thy love Thou drawest all men to Thyself. [KW]

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

Cleanse me by the fire of Thy fear, O Christ; kindle Thy divine love in my soul, and fence me about with Thy Cross: for the deceiver that caused man’s fall of old has craftily beguiled me and darkened my understanding with lust. [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]

O brethren, let us fast from shameful thoughts and evil actions; let us purify our hearts and through the divine virtues let us ascend with wings to heaven, turning away from the evil impulses that creep upon the ground; and grant us, robed in light, to behold the great Passover. [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.

He who is rich by nature freely chose to wear our poverty, which He took from thee, O Virgin; and He who is invisible, whom the choirs of angels praise on high, became visible to our eyes, and in His love He has formed anew our broken image. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (NM) Thou art the living spiritual ladder.

Σὲ τὴν νοητήν.

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]

Thou hast stretched Thine arms upon the Cross and made Thine own the four ends of the earth; through Thee, O Son of God, we have found access to the Father, and we all magnify Thee. [KW]

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

The transgressors set a crown of thorns upon Thine head, O Christ; they struck Thee and they crucified Thee. Seeing these things, all the earth was shaken; but we have been saved and we magnify Thee. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Holy and threefold Light of the Godhead, ever upholding and protecting all things, Father, Son and Spirit of Life, with never-silent hymns we magnify Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou art the shining cloud of the Spirit, O Theotokos, out of which the Light that no man can approach has shone upon us, Christ the great Sun of righteousness; and with our hymns we magnify thee. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Cross of Christ, thou art our light, our holy token and ensign of victory. Make abstinence sweet for us and count us worthy to venerate thee. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Σὲ τὴν νοητήν.

Thou art the living spiritual ladder, whereby our God came down: through Him we have found the way of ascent to heaven, and with never-silent hymns we magnify thee. [KW]

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. 2.

By the power of Your Cross, O Lord, send down Your eternal light to souls. [SD]

By the intercessions of the Saints, O Lord, send down Your eternal light to souls. [SD]

By the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Lord, send down Your eternal light to souls. [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 2.

Though honoured as a son by the loving Father, in my foolishness I did not understand. I have deprived myself of glory, sinfully wasting the wealth of grace. I have forsaken the divine food, eating in servile bondage at the table of an unclean citizen. He has sent me into his soul destroying field, and living like the Prodigal I have fed with the beasts; I was enslaved to the pleasures and could not eat my fill. But now I have turned back, and I shall cry to the compassionate and merciful Father: I have sinned against heaven and before Thee; have mercy upon me. [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 2.

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

The multitude of Thy martyrs intercedes with Thee, O Christ: Have mercy upon us in Thy love for mankind. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2. Joseph took You down.

Ὅτε ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου.

At the crucifixion of your Son * and your God, immaculate Lady, you suffered much distress. * Groaning you lamented and you cried with bitter tears, * “Sweetest Child of mine, alas! * You suffer unjustly, * wishing to deliver all of Adam’s line born on earth!” * Therefore, moved by faith we entreat you * fervently, O all-holy Virgin: * For our sake persuade Him to be merciful. [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.