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Triodion

Mode pl. 2. On Saturday Morning

On Saturday of the Third Week Morning

Menaion - March 14

Memory of our Devout Father Benedict

__________

MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode 2.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

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

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

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

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

From Triodion - - -

Apolytikion.

Mode 2.

O Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hierarchs, Monastics and the Righteous, you finished the race and kept the faith. You speak freely to the Savior. We pray you entreat Him on our behalf, to save our souls, since He is good. [SD]

Glory.

Remember Your servants, O Lord, since You are good, and forgive them for all their sins in life; for no one is without sin except for You who are able to give rest to those who have passed away. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Holy Mother of the immaculate Light, we honor you with angelic hymns, and magnify you piously. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 16. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

The holy athletes endured the contest, and they received from You the medals of victory. They destroyed the machinations of the lawless, and they received the crowns of incorruption. Through them, O God, save our souls. [SD]

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

Mode pl. 2. When the angelic powers.

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις.

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]

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

O Lord, the memory of Your Saints is like the Garden of Eden, for all creation greatly rejoices in it. Grant us peace and great mercy, by their intercessions. [SD]

Glory. For the Dead.

Everything is truly vanity, and earthly life is a shadow and a dream. Every man stirs himself up in vain, as the Scripture says. Once we gain the world, then we attain the grave, where kings and poor dwell together. Therefore, O Christ God, grant rest to those who have passed away, since You are benevolent. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2. Automelon.

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

You are the good hope of the world, O Virgin Theotokos. * Therefore we beg for only your awe-inspiring protection. * Take pity on a people left with no defense. * Insistently supplicate our merciful God, * O only blessed Lady, to deliver our souls * from all impending danger. [SD]

READER

KATHISMA 17.

Psalm 118 (119)

First Stanza.

Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your ordinances. [SAAS]

Blessed are the blameless in the way who walk in the law of the Lord.

Blessed are those who search out His testimonies; they shall search for Him with their whole heart.

For those who work lawlessness do not walk in His ways.

You commanded us regarding Your commandments, that we should be very diligent to keep them.

Would that my ways were led, that I might keep Your ordinances.

Then I would not be ashamed when I regard all Your commandments.

I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with an upright heart, when I learn the judgments of Your righteousness.

I shall keep Your ordinances; do not utterly forsake me.

How shall a young man keep his way straight? when he keeps Your words.

I searched for You with my whole heart; do not drive me away from Your commandments.

I hid Your teachings in my heart so as not to sin against You.

Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your ordinances.

With my lips I declared all the judgments of Your mouth.

I delight in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.

I shall meditate on Your commandments, and I shall understand Your ways.

I shall meditate on Your ordinances; I shall not forget Your words.

Reward Your servant; I shall live, and keep Your words.

Unveil my eyes, and I shall understand the wonders in Your law.

I am a sojourner on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.

My soul longed to desire Your judgments in every season.

You rebuke the arrogant; those who turn aside from Your commandments are accursed.

Take away reproach and contempt from me, for I searched Your testimonies.

For rulers sat and spoke against me, but Your servant meditated on Your ordinances.

For Your testimonies are my meditation, and Your ordinances are my counsels.

My soul cleaves to the earth; give me life according to Your word.

I made known my ways and You heard me; teach me Your ordinances.

Cause me to understand the way of Your ordinances, and I shall meditate on Your wonders.

My soul fainted because of its listlessness; establish me in Your words.

Remove the way of unrighteousness from me, and with Your law have mercy on me.

I chose the way of truth; I have not forgotten Your judgments.

I cleave to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not disappoint me.

I ran on the path of Your commandments, when You enlarged my heart.

Give me as law, O Lord, the way of Your ordinances, and I shall always search them.

Cause me to understand, and I shall search out Your law; and I shall keep it with my whole heart.

Guide me in the path of Your commandments, for I desire it.

Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to greediness.

Turn away my eyes that I may not see vanity; give me life in Your way.

Establish Your teaching in Your servant In regard to Your fear.

Take away my blame, which I have suspected, for Your judgments are good.

Behold, I long for Your commandments; give me life in Your righteousness.

And may Your mercy come upon me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your teaching.

And I shall answer those who insult me with a word, for I hope in Your words.

Do not take away the word of truth completely from my mouth, for I hope in Your judgments.

So I shall keep Your law always, forever and unto ages of ages.

And I walk in a broad space, for I searched Your commandments.

I spoke of Your testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed.

And I meditate on Your commandments, which I love exceedingly.

And I raise my hands to Your commandments, which I love. And I meditate on Your ordinances.

Remember Your word to Your servant, in which You give me hope.

This comforted me in my humiliation, for Your teaching gives me life.

The arrogant transgressed exceedingly, but I did not turn away from Your law.

I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and I was comforted.

Despondency held me because of sinners who abandon Your law.

Your ordinances were sung to me In the place of my sojourning.

I remembered Your name in the night, O Lord, and I kept Your law.

This happened to me in the night, because I searched Your ordinances.

You are my portion, O Lord; I said I will keep Your law.

I sought Your presence with my whole heart; have mercy on me according to Your teaching.

I considered Your ways, and I turned my feet toward Your testimonies.

I prepared myself, and I was not troubled, that I might keep Your commandments.

The ropes of sinners ensnared me, but I did not forget Your law.

At midnight I arose to give thanks to You because of the judgments of Your righteousness.

I am a companion of all who fear You and keep Your commandments.

Lord, the earth is full of Your mercy; teach me Your ordinances.

Lord, You dealt with Your servant in goodness, according to Your word.

Teach me goodness, instruction, and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments.

Before I was humbled, I transgressed; therefore, I kept Your teaching.

You are good, O Lord, and in Your goodness teach me Your ordinances.

The unrighteousness of the arrogant multiplied against me, but I will search out Your commandments with my whole heart.

Their heart was curdled like milk, but I meditated on Your law.

It is good for me that You humbled me, that I might learn Your ordinances.

The law of Your mouth is good for me, rather than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Your hands made and fashioned me; instruct me, and I will learn Your commandments.

Those who fear You will see me and be glad, because I hope in Your words.

I know, O Lord, Your judgments are righteousness, and You humbled me with truth.

Let Your mercy be for my comfort, according to Your teaching to Your servant.

Let Your compassions come to me, and I shall live; for Your law is my meditation.

Let the arrogant be shamed, for they transgressed unjustly against me; but I shall meditate on Your commandments.

Let those who fear You turn to me, and those who know Your testimonies.

Let my heart be blameless in Your ordinances, that I may not be disappointed.

My soul earnestly longs for Your salvation, and I hope in Your word.

My eyes strained to look at Your teaching, saying, “When will You comfort me?”

I am like a leather bag in a frost; I did not forget Your ordinances.

How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment for me upon those who persecute me?

Transgressors described their meditations to me, but these are not like Your law, O Lord.

All Your commandments are truth; they persecuted me unjustly; help me.

They almost ended my life on earth, but I did not forsake Your commandments.

Give me life according to Your mercy, and I shall keep the testimonies of Your mouth.

Forever, O Lord, Your word continues in heaven.

Your truth continues from generation to generation; You laid the foundation of the earth, and it continues.

By Your arrangement each day continues, for all things are Your servants.

If Your law were not my meditation, I would have perished in my humiliation.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

I will never forget Your ordinances, for in them You give me life, O Lord. (3)

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal repose of all pious Orthodox Christians who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection unto life everlasting, emperors, patriarchs, bishops, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monastics, fathers, forebears, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, spouses, children, siblings, and all our relatives, from the beginning until the end of time; and for the forgiveness of all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

May the Lord God place their souls where the righteous repose. Let us ask for the mercies of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins from Christ our immortal king and God.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

O God of spirits and of all flesh, You trampled upon death and abolished the power of the devil, giving life to Your world. Give rest to the souls of Your departed servants, emperors, patriarchs, bishops, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monks, nuns, and all pious Orthodox Christians who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection unto life everlasting, from all the ends of the world, fathers, forebears, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, spouses, children, siblings, and all our relatives. Give them rest in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain, sorrow, and sighing have fled away. As good and benevolent God, forgive every sin they have committed in word, deed, or thought, for there is no one who lives and does not sin. You alone are without sin. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your word is truth.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of all the departed faithful Orthodox Christians, Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory, and to Your Father, who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

Second Stanza.

I am Yours; save me, for I search Your ordinances. [SAAS]

Sinners waited for me to kill me; I understood Your testimonies.

I saw the limit of every accomplishment; Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

How I love Your law, O Lord; It is my meditation the whole day long.

You make me wiser than my enemies with Your commandment, for it is mine forever.

I understand more than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the elders, for I search Your commandments.

I withheld my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your words.

I did not turn away from Your judgments, for You taught me Your law.

How sweet to my taste are Your teachings, more than honey and the honeycomb in my mouth.

I gained understanding because of Your commandments; therefore, I hate every unrighteous way.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my paths.

I swore and confirmed that I would keep the judgments of Your righteousness.

I was humbled exceedingly; O Lord, give me life according to Your word.

Be well-pleased with the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments.

My soul is always in Your hands, and I have not forgotten Your law.

Sinners set snares for me, but I did not wander from Your commandments.

I inherited Your testimonies forever, for these are the exceeding joy of my heart.

I inclined my heart to do Your ordinances forever for a reward.

Transgressors I hate, but I love Your law.

You are my helper and my protector; I hope in Your word.

Turn away from me, you evildoers, and I shall search out the commandments of my God.

Uphold me according to Your teaching, and give me life; and may You not disappoint my expectation.

Help me, and I shall be saved; and I shall meditate always in Your ordinances.

You set at naught all who departed from Your ordinances, for their thought is unrighteous.

I counted as transgressors all the sinners of the earth; for this reason I always love Your testimonies.

Nail my flesh with the fear of You, for I fear You because of Your judgments.

I work judgment and righteousness; do not deliver me to those who wrong me.

Take Your servant to that which is good; do not let the arrogant falsely accuse me.

My eyes strained to look at Your salvation and at the teaching of Your righteousness.

Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy and teach me Your ordinances.

I am Your servant; cause me to understand, and I shall know Your testimonies.

It is time for the Lord to act; they broke Your law.

For this reason I love Your commandments more than gold and topaz.

Therefore I directed myself to all Your commandments; I hated every unrighteous way.

Wondrous are Your testimonies; for this reason my soul searches them out.

The revelation of Your words gives light, and it causes children to understand.

I opened my mouth and drew in my breath, for I longed for Your commandments.

Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of those who love Your name.

Direct my steps according to Your teaching and let no lawlessness rule over me.

Ransom me from the slander of men, and I will keep Your commandments.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your ordinances.

My eyes poured down streams of tears because they did not keep Your law.

Righteous are You, O Lord, and upright is Your judgment.

You commanded Your testimonies exceedingly in righteousness and truth.

The zeal of Your house caused me to yearn for home, for my enemies forgot Your words.

Your teaching is exceedingly purified in fire, and Your servant loves it.

I am young, and beheld as nothing, but I have not forgotten Your ordinances.

Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and Your law is truth.

Affliction and trouble found me, but Your commandments are my meditation.

Your testimonies are righteousness forever; give me understanding, and I shall live.

I cry out with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord; I shall search Your ordinances.

I cry out to You; save me, and I shall keep Your testimonies.

I arose at midnight and cried out; I hoped in Your words.

My eyes awoke before dawn that I might meditate on Your teachings.

Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Your mercy; give me life according to Your judgment.

Those who persecute me in lawlessness drew near; they are far removed from Your law.

You are near, O Lord; all Your commandments are truth.

From the beginning I knew Your testimonies, that You established them forever.

Behold my humiliation and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your law.

Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life because of Your word.

Salvation is far from sinners, for they have not searched Your ordinances.

Your compassions are many, O Lord; give me life according to Your judgment.

Many are those who pursue and afflict me, but I did not turn away from Your testimonies.

I saw those acting foolishly, and I yearned for You; for they did not keep Your teachings.

Behold, I love Your commandments; O Lord, in Your mercy, give me life.

The beginning of Your words is truth, and all the judgments of Your righteousness are forever.

Rulers persecuted me without cause, but my heart feared because of Your words.

I shall greatly rejoice in Your teachings, like one finding great spoil.

I hate and abhor unrighteousness, but I love Your law.

I praise You seven times a day for the judgments of Your righteousness.

Great peace have all who love Your law, and it is not an offense to them.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and I love Your commandments.

My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.

I keep Your commandments and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You, O Lord.

Let my supplication draw near before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your teaching.

May my petition come before You; Deliver me according to Your teaching.

My lips shall overflow in song when You teach me Your ordinances.

My tongue shall speak of Your teaching, for all Your commandments are righteousness.

Let Your hand be for saving me, for I chose Your commandments.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my meditation.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 1.

My soul shall live and praise You, and Your judgments shall help me. I went astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments. (3)

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Evlogetaria for the Dead.

Mode pl. 1.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

The choir of Saints has found the fountain of life and the door of Paradise. May I also find the way through repentance. I am the sheep that is lost: O Savior, call me back and save me. [HC]

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

Of old You created me from nothing and honored me with Your divine image. But when I disobeyed Your commandment, O Lord, You cast me down to the earth from where I was taken. Lead me back again to Your likeness, and renew my original beauty. [HC]

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

I am an image of Your ineffable glory, though I bear the scars of my transgressions. On Your creation, Master, take pity and cleanse me by Your compassion. Grant me the homeland for which I long and once again make me a citizen of Paradise. [HC]

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

Give rest, O God, to Your servant, and place him (her) in Paradise where the choirs of the Saints and the righteous will shine as the stars of heaven. To Your departed servant give rest, O Lord, and forgive all his (her) offenses. [HC]

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The threefold radiance of the one God let us praise, and let us shout in song: Holy are You, eternal Father, coeternal Son, and divine Spirit! Illumine us who worship You in faith and deliver us from the eternal fire. [HC]

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Rejoice, gracious Lady, who for the salvation of all gave birth to God in the flesh, and through whom the human race has found salvation. Through you, pure and blessed Theotokos, may we find Paradise. [HC]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

May the Lord God place their souls where the righteous repose. Let us ask for the mercies of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins from Christ our immortal king and God.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma II.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

O Savior, let Your servants repose with the righteous, and let them dwell in Your courts, according to the Scriptures. Overlook their voluntary and involuntary offenses, every sin committed knowingly or unknowingly, benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

Glory.

Every sin committed knowingly or unknowingly, benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From the Virgin You rose on the world, O Christ God. Through her make us sons of light and have mercy on us. [GOASD]

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READER

Psalm 50 (51).

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode i. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Δεῦτε λαοί.

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

Peoples, now come * and let us sing a song to Christ our God, * who by His prophet split the sea and through it led across * His people and possession, out of Egyptian bondage, * for He was glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O righteous Benedict, pray that grace and redemption from all my transgressions may be given to me. I yearn to praise your memory worthy of commemoration with songs. [un]

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

O righteous Benedict, pray that grace and redemption from all my transgressions may be given to me. I yearn to praise your memory worthy of commemoration with songs. [un]

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

O most blessed of men, you picked up the cross from your childhood. You lived in solitude so as to follow the Almighty Lord. You were declared to be worthy of life after you slayed your flesh. [un]

Glory.

O all-blessed Benedict, you yielded to the rule of God. You caused the surging of the passions to wilt by the perspiration of your restraint. You were made wealthy with the grace of dispassion. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O immaculate Theotokos, we overflow with undefilement because of you, and we exclaim: Rejoice, Lady Full of Grace, the ornamentation of the upright and lawful. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

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

Establish us in You, Lord, we pray to You, * who mortified sin by Your crucifixion, * and implant in us the fear of You * within the hearts of Your servants who sing Your praise. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Benedict, your soul was filled to capacity with streams of life from the Holy Spirit. You soul poured forth rivers of wonders, and it dessicated the swarming of pestilence. [un]

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

O Benedict, your soul was filled to capacity with streams of life from the Holy Spirit. You soul poured forth rivers of wonders, and it dessicated the swarming of pestilence. [un]

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

O all-blessed one, you traversed the narrow way. You caused the evil and wild paths of the demons to be straight. You then set up your tent in the broad plain of Paradise. [un]

Glory.

O Benedict, you produced a holy harvest of virtues and miracles by the grace of God, as though you were a fruit tree watered with the outpouring of your tears. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, the only good One entered into your womb. He took on flesh and became a perfect mortal. [un]

Heirmos.

Establish us in You, Lord, we pray to You, * who mortified sin by Your crucifixion, * and implant in us the fear of You * within the hearts of Your servants who sing Your praise. [SD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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. N/M (The stone.)

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

O renowned Benedict, you lived in virtue and solitude so as to please God. You attained hte grace to work cures, dreadful signs, and miracles. You established a holy dwelling and monastery. You led a large mass of people who found salvation through you to the Lord. Glory to God who caused you to be radiant. Glory to Him who gave you the crown. Glory to Him who facilitates cures for everyone through you. [un]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

Extend your holy hands, with which you held our Creator, * imploring Him who graciously for us became incarnate, * all-holy Virgin Mother, and entreat * for us who are extolling you with love, * that He free us from temptations and from the passions, * and from dangers, as we sing to you, * “Glory to Him who dwelt inside of you! * Glory to Him who came forth from you! * Glory be to Him who through your childbirth has set us free!” [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 2. Heirmos (not metered).

Ὑμνῶ σε ἀκοῇ.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

I extol You, for I hear Your report, Lord, and I was amazed. For You have come down to me, seeking me the lost sheep. Therefore I glorify Your great condescension towards me, O very merciful Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father Benedict of a godly mind, You crucified yourself to the passions and the world. You were a servant of Christ, who allowed Himself to spread His hands out on the Cross. Ask Him to grant salvation to our souls. [un]

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

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

O righteous Father, you killed the instruments of your flesh through your trials in self-denial. You caused the dead to rise through your prayers. You became a worker of miracles because of your faith, and you caused the lame to walk and cured every disease. [un]

Glory.

O righteous one, you caused the dessicated and wilted souls to bear fruit with your words of life. God designated you to be a shepherd and the most beautiful adornment of monastics through the advent of your wonder-working. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure one, the Word came down into your honorable womb to take on flesh as though He were rain upon wool. O all-blameless Virgin, He indeed stopped the storm of paganism and cast away the harsh winter. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ὁ τοῦ φωτὸς χορηγός.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Lord, the provider of light, * and the Creator of the ages, we pray * that You will guide us in the light of Your all-holy commands. * Except for You, we do not know any other God. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O prudent Father Benedict, you filled the large jar with oil as Elias by invoking God. Those who watched this were amazed at you and had faith. [un]

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

O prudent Father Benedict, you filled the large jar with oil as Elias by invoking God. Those who watched this were amazed at you and had faith. [un]

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

O all-blessed Benedict, your soul was pure. You were in a state of euphoria and looked upon the entire world enlightened by just one sunbeam of the God who gave you honor. [un]

Glory.

O righteous Benedict, you displayed signs in Christ. You prayed to the One who gives good things that He may produce water. This fountain is still present so as to display the miracle. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Lady, the One who abides in Heaven took His abode in your all-blameless womb, so that He might make us who proclaim you as the Mother of God to be abodes of the Trinity. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

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

Like a deep sea, my sins have encircled me. * I invoke the deep sea of Your ineffable * and unfathomable tender love. * Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O miracle-working Benedict, you radiated with the brilliance of the light of the Holy Spirit. You defeated the gloom of the vile demons. You are the great light of monks. [un]

Verse: I cried out in my affliction to the Lord, my God, and He heard my voice. [SAAS]

O miracle-working Benedict, you radiated with the brilliance of the light of the Holy Spirit. You defeated the gloom of the vile demons. You are the great light of monks. [un]

Verse: You cast me into the depths of the heart of the sea, and rivers encompassed me. [SAAS]

O blessed man, your life was full of so much glory! Your honorable teaching was so noteworthy! You brought scores of monks to a knowledge of salvation. [un]

Verse: All Your surging waters and Your waves passed over me. [SAAS]

O Benedict of a godly mind, you live in the Kingdom of Heaven. Intercede that we who always faithfully bless you may do the same. [un]

Verse: Shall I again look with favor toward Your holy temple? [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O all-hymned Virgin Mother of God, the Sun of Righteousness who never sets came to dawn from your holy womb so that He may bring light to the faithful. [un]

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 4. (NM)

Ἦλθον εἰς τὰ βάθη.

Verse: Water is poured over me to my soul; the lowest depth encircled me. [SAAS]

O victorious martyrs, worthy of our praise, with the drops of your blood ye have watered the hearts of the Orthodox and drowned the hosts of the ungodly. [KW]

Verse: My head plunged into the clefts of the mountains. I descended into the earth, the bars of which are everlasting barriers. [SAAS]

With your own bodies ye glorified the Master of all, and now ye are glorified without ceasing, O martyrs, glory of the faithful and their chief defenders. [KW]

Verse: Yet let my life ascend from corruption, O Lord, my God. [SAAS]

Thou wast laid in the lowest pit, O Word of God: at the prayers of the holy martyrs grant rest and forgiveness of sins to those who have died in the faith. [KW]

Verse: My head plunged into the clefts of the mountains. I descended into the earth, the bars of which are everlasting barriers. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Accept these our prayers, O Virgin, and entreat thy Son that we may receive forgiveness of our trespasses; and we shall praise thee with joyful voices. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Held fast by many sins

Συνεχόμενον δέξαι με.

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

Now is the festival of the martyrs: with all haste let us meet together and glorify their sufferings, and let us sing in praise of Christ who has granted to them victors’ crowns. [KW]

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

O blessed martyrs, aflame with divine love for Christ, singing in praise of Him, ye walked upon the coals of fire as if upon dew. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I sing Thy praises, Trinity without beginning, divine Unity; Light and Lights Thou art, Life and Lives, one Holy and three Holies: Mind, Word and Spirit, the one God. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Leap for joy, Jesse the forefather; from thy root has sprung the Flower of Life that saves the world, Christ our God, born from the pure Virgin. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

Fearing neither fire nor sword nor death, O blessed martyrs, strengthened by Christ, ye held fast to the confession of salvation. [KW]

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

For the Dead.

Free among the dead, as Ruler over life and death, do Thou give rest to those whom Thou hast taken, and make them dwell in Thy courts, O Lord who lovest mankind. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Συνεχόμενον δέξαι με.

Held fast by many sins, I fall down like the Prophet before Thy tender mercies. Accept me also in Thy love for mankind, O Lord, and save me. [KW]

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.

READER

From Horologion - - -

Kontakion.

With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting. [GOA]

Oikos.

You alone are immortal, You who created and fashioned man. For we mortals were fashioned from the earth, and to the same earth we will go again, as You who fashioned me commanded and said to me: “You are earth, and to the earth you shall return”; where all we mortals shall go, as we make our funeral lament: Alleluia. [SD]

bookmark

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 14 we commemorate our devout father Benedict.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyr Alexander of Pidne.

On this day we commemorate our devout father Efschemon the Confessor, Bishop of Lampsacus.

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

bookmark

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 2. Heirmos (not metered).

Ῥήτορες ἀνεδείχθησαν Παῖδες.

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

Those Servants of old proved to be most wise orators, for with their lips they uttered theology from a God-inspired soul, and they sang: Blessed are You, the super-divine God of us and of our Fathers. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O all-blessed Benedict, You took hold of the mortification that grants life by your restraint from things that bring pleasure. Therefore you were declared to be worthy to resurrect the dead. Everyone of the faithful looked upon you in amazement as though you were Elias. [un]

Verse: Blessed are You and praiseworthy, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name unto the ages. [SAAS]

Verse: For You are righteous in all You did for us, and all Your works are true. Your ways are upright, and all Your judgments are true. [SAAS]

You who are worthy of wonder brought together countless monastics by your righteous works. They are still present, for they are guarded by a wall of your safe-keeping, which is obedience to your directions. [un]

Verse: The judgments You made are true, according to all You brought on us. [SAAS]

O blessed Benedict, the foolish and insensible plotted to kill you with poison, even though you were guarded by the divine hand of the One who created everything. They were put to shame, for the Spirit within you revealed their plans. [un]

Verse: And on Jerusalem, the holy city of our fathers. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Virgin, holy Mother of God, work a cure for the passions of my soul, because you conceived the Fountain of Dispassion. Give me showers of repentance so that I may secure my solace in that place. [un]

Intermediate Verses of Ode Seven.

For we sinned and acted lawlessly to depart from You. We sinned in every way, and did not obey Your commandments. Neither did we treasure or do as You commanded, that it might go well with us. [SAAS]

Everything You brought on us and all You did to us, You did in true judgment. You delivered us into the hands of lawless and rebellious enemies and to an unjust king, the most evil in any land.

Now it is not for us to open our mouth, for this has become a shame and disgrace to Your servants and to those who worship You.

For Your name’s sake, do not hand us over to the end, and do not reject Your covenant. Do not withdraw Your mercy from us for the sake of Abraham, who is loved by You, and for the sake of Isaac, Your servant, and of Israel, Your holy one.

As You spoke to them, saying that You would multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand along the seashore.

Yet we have been diminished in number, O Master, more than all the nations, and we are humbled in all the earth today because of our sins.

At this time, there is no prince, no prophet, and no leader; there is no whole burnt offering, no sacrifice, no offering, and no incense; there is no place to bear fruit before You and to find mercy.

Yet with a contrite soul and humbled spirit, may we receive mercy.

As with whole burnt offerings of rams and bulls, and as with thousands of fatted lambs, so let this be our sacrifice before You today, and may it be accomplished for those who follow You; for there is no shame for those who trust in You.

Now we are following You with all our heart, and we fear You and seek Your face. Do not put us to shame.

But deal with us according to Your kindness and according to the abundance of Your mercy.

Deliver us by Your wondrous works and give glory to Your name, O Lord.

May all those who inflict evils upon Your servants be put to shame and humiliated in their power; and let their strength be crushed.

Let them know that You alone are the Lord God and glorious over all the inhabited earth.

Now the king’s servants who cast them in did not cease to stoke the furnace with naphtha, pitch, coarse fiber, and brushwood.

The flame shot forty-nine cubits above the furnace, and it broke out and burned those it found around the furnace of the Chaldeans.

But the Angel of the Lord went down into the furnace to join Azariah and his companions, and shook off the fiery flame of the furnace.

He made the inside of the furnace to be as though a dew-laden breeze were blowing through it, so the fire did not touch them at all, or cause them pain, or trouble them.

Then the three, as if with one mouth, sang, glorified, and blessed God in the furnace, saying: [SAAS]

CHOIR

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Ode vii. Mode 4. (NM)

Νέοι τρεῖς ἐν Βαβυλῶνι.

Verse: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, for You are praiseworthy and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

To what shalt thou be likened, O my soul, in thy love for brutish passions? Who has ever surpassed thee in sin? But cry aloud to Christ: In Thy love, save me. [KW]

Verse: Blessed is Your name and the temple of your glory, and You are praised exceedingly and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

Pray urgently, O saints, to Him who dwells among the holy ones, that in these holy days He may sanctify the minds of all the faithful. [KW]

Verse: You are blessed in the holy temple of Your glory, and are highly praised and exceedingly glorious unto the ages. [SAAS]

O Most High, who art rich in love and mercy, grant forgiveness to Thy servants who have fallen asleep, and in Thy compassion number them in the choirs of the saints. [KW]

Verse: Blessed are You who behold the depths and sit upon the cherubim. You are praiseworthy and exalted beyond measure unto the ages [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Outside the laws of nature thou hast borne the Creator made man. Pray to Him, O Undefiled, to overlook the transgressions and offences of us all. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Thou hast refreshed the Children

Ὁ διʼ Ἀγγέλου Παῖδας.

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

Thou hast established the memorials of Thine honoured martyrs for the joy of the Church and the consolation of our souls. O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou. [KW]

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

‘We will not betray Thee, O Christ, we_ will not deny Thee’, cried the martyrs in the midst of their tortures, to the amazement of their lawless judges. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

We honour one Nature in the three Persons of Father, Son and Spirit, and we cry aloud like the prophet: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

How dost thou bear child as a mother and yet remain a virgin? Do not ask how I have given birth to God,’ says the Child of God, ‘for He does whatever is His will.’ [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

O choirs of martyrs glorified by God, grant that your servants may venerate the divine and life-giving Cross of the Saviour. [KW]

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

For the Dead.

Giver of life, immortal King, grant Thine eternal life to Thy servants whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself in faith and hope. [KW]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Ὁ διʼ Ἀγγέλου Παῖδας.

O Lord, You saved those Servants from the fire by an Angel, * and made the raging furnace be as though dewy refreshment. * We sing to You: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers. [SD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

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

When God went down into the fire * of the furnace with the holy Hebrew Servants, * He converted the flames there into dew refreshing them. * Extol Him as Lord, O you works of His, * and exalt Him beyond measure, * unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father of a godly mind, in Christ you were as though a king over the passions of defilement. You were declared to be worthy to abide in the Kingdom of Heaven with everyone who spent their lives correctly by loving the God who sees everything. [un]

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 Benedict blessed three times, God approved of your holy prayers. He used you to take care of those who lacked the essentials of life. He gave you great glory upon the earth through your wonder-working. [un]

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]

O Father, you were made beautiful in righteousness. You were carried to the beautiful bridal chambers to dwell with God so that you may spend eternity taking pleasure in His holy beauty. [un]

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 Virgin, observe that a Child has been born from you just as Esaias tells. This is the Son of the Most High. Those that laud you are the sons of the Heavenly Father, for they see that He is your Son. [un]

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]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 4. (NM) O all-powerful Deliverer of all.

Λυτρωτὰ τοῦ παντός.

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 martyrs, ye advanced with fearless mind to the struggles and sufferings of the arena; ye endured pain in your flesh, and now ye are translated to a life without pain or sorrow, and ye lighten all the sorrows of our hearts. [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 divine martyrs, in exchange for corruptible things ye have received the joys of heaven. I am corrupted by the passions of the flesh; intercede on my behalf before the God of all, that I may be saved through fasting and persistent prayer. [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]

O Christ, at the prayers of Thy martyrs send down Thy mercy on us all. Grant remission of sins and divine rest to those who have departed this life and gone to dwell with Thee, the Lord of compassion. [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.

O Theotokos, who hast borne the sinless God, through thine intercessions as His Mother blot out our sins and save us as we cry aloud: O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Inspired by God

Οἱ θεοῤῥήμονες Παῖδες.

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

O victorious martyrs, ye endured fiery torments as if they were dew, and with joy ye cried aloud: O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

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

God’s army, the host of the martyrs, has put error to flight, crying aloud in triumph: O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [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.

Worshipping the Father together with the Son and the Holy Spirit, let us all cry aloud in faith: O Trinity in Unity, save our souls. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O All-Pure, thou art both Virgin and Mother, for without knowing a man thou hast conceived the God of all. Pray to Him for the salvation of thy servants. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

At the prayers of Thy martyrs, O Christ our Saviour, count Thy servants worthy to behold and venerate the lifegiving Cross, the token of Thy love. [KW]

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

For the Dead.

Thou hast destroyed the power of death by Thy Rising from the dead; give rest with Thine elect to the departed, that they may praise Thee, Lord. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Οἱ θεοῤῥήμονες Παῖδες.

Inspired by God, the Children in the furnace trampled underfoot the flames of fire, and sang aloud: O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

bookmark

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 2.

Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode ix. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ Θεὸν Λόγον.

Being from God, God the Logos * with ineffable wisdom * came to make Adam new who fell through food * into corruption unhappily. * From an all-holy Virgin * ineffably He took on flesh for us. * We the faithful extol Him concordantly and magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O God-bearer, you were like a great sun which shines the sunbeams of righteousness and fearful signs upon Creation. Because of this we commemorate your memory, which truly shines with beauty. O Father Benedict, you illuminate us in the senses of our hearts. [un]

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

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

O wise Father, the masses of monastics gathered by you commemorate you day and night. They have a constant light for their path with them in your body, from which rivers of miracles abundantly flow. [un]

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]

O Father, celebrated Benedict, you have shined more brilliantly than the rays of the sun. You worked God’s statues. You were carried to the light that never reaches evening, where you ask for the remissions of transgressions for everyone who commemorates you in faith and reverence. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin, all-hymned Lady, Birthgiver of the Light, force the clouds out from my soul. Enable me to mirror in clarity the salvific splendor of Him who beyond understanding radiated from your all-holy womb as a light for the nations. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 4. (NM) Eve through the sickness.

Εὕα μὲν τῷ τῆς παρακοῆς.

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]

Firmly established on the spiritual rock, O victorious martyrs, ye remained unshaken by all the cunning assaults of the enemy. I am shaken by soul-corrupting passions: through your prayers to God, make me firm and steadfast. [KW]

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

O company of the martyrs that shines with the divine Light, pray to the Master that, during the season of the Fast, in His surpassing love He may grant us all the forgiveness of our sins and everlasting joy. [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 Lord who alone art good and lovest mankind, grant that Thy servants who have fallen asleep in the hope of Resurrection may share in Thine eternal Light that knows no evening and in the food of joy; for with fear we magnify Thee. [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.

Thy holy womb, pure Virgin, became the dwelling-place of the Light. Therefore I cry to thee in faith: Enlighten the eyes of my soul and show me the right path, for with true sincerity I call thee blessed. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) We magnify thee

Μεγαλύνομέν σε τὴν Μητέρα τοῦ φωτός.

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]

O ye faithful, let us celebrate the memorial of the martyrs, and praise their struggles and their sufferings, that we may share in their glory. [KW]

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

The wild beasts shrank back in fear before your courage; the fire withdrew, the weapons of your adversaries were broken. O victorious martyrs, wonderful is God in you His saints. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Nature without beginning, O Unity in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, light and Life supreme in Godhead, watch over those who glorify Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

We bless Thee, the God of Israel, who wast made manifest to the world from a Virgin and hast raised up a horn of salvation for us. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

O intercessors for the world, victorious martyrs of Christ, by your prayers make us all worthy to behold and venerate His Cross. [KW]

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

For the Dead.

Make Thy departed servants to dwell, O Son of God, where the fountain of life flows and where the light of Thy countenance shines upon them. [KW]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Μεγαλύνομέν σε τὴν Μητέρα τοῦ φωτός.

We all magnify you as the Mother of the Light, * and we glorify you, O Virgin Theotokos, * as the one who gave birth * to the Savior of our souls, Jesus Christ. [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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Exaposteilarion of the Day.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O only God who reposes * in those alone who are holy, * attend to the intercessions * of Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, * and of the devout monastics, * and save us all who extol You. [SD]

For the Dead.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

Having, as God, authority * over the living and the dead, * give rest to Your servants * in the dwellings of the elect. * O Savior, even if they sinned, * yet they did not depart from You. [SD]

Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O sweetness of the Angels, * O joy of those in affliction, * and the protectress of Christians, * O Virgin Mother of the Lord, * come to my aid and redeem me * from the eternal torments. [SD]

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Lauds. Mode 4.

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

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

Show Stichologia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hide Stichologia

For the Martyrs.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

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

O Lord, all creation celebrates at the memory of Your Saints: the heavens and the Angels are exultant, and the earth rejoices with its people. By their supplications, have mercy on us. [SD]

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

O Lord, if we did not have Your Saints as intercessors, and Your benevolence being compassionate towards us, how would we dare to extol You, O Savior, whom the Angels bless unceasingly? O Master who know our hearts, we pray You to spare our souls. [SD]

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

The memory of the Martyrs brings great joy to those who fear the Lord. They competed for Christ, and they were awarded crowns by Him, and now with confidence they intercede on behalf of our souls. [SD]

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

Our God has magnified His holy ones and His elect. Be glad and rejoice, all you His servants; for He has prepared the crown and the His kingdom for you. We entreat you, do not forget us. [SD]

Glory. For the Dead.

Of old in Eden, the eating of the fruit turned out to be painful, when the serpent spat out his venom. Through Adam, death entered, and it devoured the entire human race. Then the Master came and put the dragon down, and He granted us resurrection. Let us shout to Him, “Spare us, O Savior; and to those whom You have taken grant repose with Your elect.” [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2. You rose within three days.

Τριήμερος ἀνέστης.

O Christ, at the entreaties of her * who bore You, and of all the Saints, * of your Martyrs, * your Apostles, Hierarchs, * monastic Saints and Prophets, * together with the Righteous, * repose Your servants who have fallen asleep. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

HIERARCH or READER

Doxology (read)

To you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

READER: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world. Accept our supplication, you who sit at the right of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Every day I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the ages of ages. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this day we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your commandments. Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs a hymn, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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 Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 2. When the saints deposited.

Ὅλην ἀποθέμενοι.

Since incomprehensible is Your compassion towards us, * and abundant is the well of divine benevolence, Lord most merciful, * we entreat on behalf of Your faithful servants * who have died and passed away to You: * let them dwell in the land * of the living, in most beloved and * longed for dwellings, giving them * a possession which is forevermore. * You, O Christ our Savior, * have shed Your holy blood for all mankind, * and thus You ransomed the whole world * for a price that gave us life. [SD]

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

Willingly You underwent * life-giving death, as our Savior, * and became the well of life, * and to the believers gave eternal delight, * all by Your most divine * tender-love, O Master, * only sinless and compassionate. * We now entreat You for * those who have reposed in the faith and hope * of resurrection, to forgive * all their sins and place them in Your delight; * thus in every manner Your name might be extolled by all, O Christ, * and being saved we might glorify * Your plan, O benevolent God. [SD]

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

Christ, we know that You are Lord * of both the dead and the living, * and You rule by Your divine * power and authority. * Hence we pray to You * and entreat on behalf * of Your faithful servants, * who have died and passed away to You, * who are benevolent, * that You give them rest with all Your elect, * where they will be refreshed indeed, * in the brilliant splendor of all Your Saints. * You delight in mercy, * our God and benefactor, and You save * those whom You formed in Your image, O only very merciful Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

You became a dwelling place that was for God most befitting; * in your body You held God, * and also gave birth to God, holy Virgin Maid. * He was seen by mankind, * as our Lord and Savior, * in one person and two essences. * Earnestly pray to Him, * your firstborn and only beloved Son, * who after being born kept you * spotless and preserved your virginity. * Ask Him to grant rest to the souls of those who fell asleep in faith, * that they may dwell in the light and pure * splendor and in blessedness. [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.

From Triodion - - -

Apolytikion.

Mode 2.

Glory.

Remember Your servants, O Lord, since You are good, and forgive them for all their sins in life; for no one is without sin except for You who are able to give rest to those who have passed away. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Holy Mother of the immaculate Light, we honor you with angelic hymns, and magnify you piously. [SD]

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

For You are merciful 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.

PRIEST: Wisdom.

CHOIR: Holy master, give the blessing!

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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.

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.