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Triodion

Grave Mode. On Tuesday Morning

On Tuesday of the Fourth Week Morning

Menaion - March 17

Memory of St. Alexios the Man of God

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MATINS

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CHOIR

Grave Mode.

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

Grave Mode.

O Lord, in Your highest power You are extolled by the cherubim, and in Your divine glory You are worshiped by the angels. Accept us sinners also, who dare unworthily to cry to You: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! By the intercessions of the Forerunner save us. [SD]

Glory.

O my soul, cast off laziness as if it were sleep, and show the Judge that you have woken and are mending your ways, and with fear cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

To the unapproachable Godhead, the Trinity in Unity, let us send up the Thrice-Holy Hymn of the Seraphim; and with fear cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God! Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 10. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

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CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Grave Mode.

Thou hast accepted the tears of Peter and the Harlot, and Thou hast justified the Publican when he groaned from the depths of his heart. My sins have brought me to despair, O Saviour: take pity on me also and save me. [KW]

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

O Lord, You washed away Peter’s denial with his tears, and You forgave the Publican’s sins when he sighed. O benevolent Lord, have mercy on me. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

You have surpassed the Powers of heaven, for you have become the Temple of God, O blessed Theotokos, by giving birth to Christ, the Savior of our souls. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 11. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are good and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 4.

Illumined in our souls through abstinence, let us venerate the saving Cross upon which Christ was nailed, and let us cry aloud to it: Hail, the delight and sure help of those that fast; hail, destroyer of the passions, adversary of the devils; hail, blessed Wood! [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon (not metered)

O ye faithful, let us magnify in hymns the Theotokos, unshakable foundation of the Faith and precious gift conferred upon our souls. Hail, for thou hast held within thy womb the Rock of life; hail, hope of all the ends of the earth, succour of the afflicted; hail, Bride without bridegroom! [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Planter.)

Ὡς ἀπαρχάς.

The inhabited earth venerates Thy Cross, O Lord, as the life of the creation, and it cries to Thee: By the operation of Thy Cross and through abstinence, keep in profound peace those who praise and bless Thee, O most merciful. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. O Planter of creation.

Ὡς ἀπαρχάς.

Rejoice, O Maiden! Through an Angel you received the joy of the world! Rejoice, for you gave birth to your Creator and Lord! Rejoice, for you were counted worthy to become the Mother of Christ our God! [SD]

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READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

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 2. Heirmos.

Ἐν βυθῷ κατέστρωε.

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

Long ago the overwhelming Force * utterly destroyed the chariots and army of Pharaoh within the Sea. * Now the Logos put on flesh * and He wiped out malignant sin and its burdens all. * He is Lord, forever glorious, and He is greatly glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You traveled a most narrow path, wise one, leading a blameless and righteous life from your youth. Therefore make wide my narrowness of mind so that I may honor you, who dwell in the wide spaces of Paradise, O Alexios. [VPA]

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

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

Having dedicated yourself wholly unto God, blessed one, you were deemed to be outside of body and world, preferring the heavenly and abiding riches to the fleeting ones, and the eternal city of Zion to that of your birth. [VPA]

Glory.

You opened the barren womb of your mother, having been born like Samuel, all-famous one, for, conceiving the most pure fear in the womb of your heart, you bore the spirit of salvation through divine virtues by faith. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The co-beginningless son of God had you as a cause in becoming like us, O Virgin, having found you the only one more pure than all creation, O spotless one. Therefore all generations hymn and bless you. [VPA]

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READER

Ode Two

Glory to You, our God; glory to You!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let them be concerned for the coming time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

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

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ πάλαι τὸν Ἰσραήλ.

See now, see that I am God, who led the people of Israel in times of old through the Red Sea, and saved them and fed them, setting them free from the bitter bondage of Pharaoh. (2) [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Today, in the middle of the Fast, we worship with faith the Cross that Thou hast endured in the midst of the earth, O Messiah and Word of God, and we pray also to see Thy Resurrection. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

With the rod of power that was prefigured by Moses, let us divide in two the sea of the passions and so reach the promised land; and let us feast upon the spiritual Manna. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Who will not weep for thee? Who will not mourn for thee, O soul that lovest evil? Thou dost not seek the good with eagerness, but dost always despise the righteous Judge, who shows longsuffering towards thee. [KW]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Virgin, thou hast conceived Christ, who took flesh yet underwent no change. Pray to Him urgently, that He may deliver from the passions of the flesh those who venerate the Cross He endured in the flesh. [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

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

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

See now, see that I am your God, who grants my Cross as a weapon of salvation, to be venerated by the inhabited earth: that those who reverence it may destroy the schemes of the enemy. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Great and most merciful art Thou, O Lord, for Thou hast given us for veneration Thy lifegiving Cross, on which Thy hands and feet were nailed; and Thy Blood flowed upon it from Thy most pure side, as a fountain of life for us. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

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

Both now. Theotokion.

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

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When great Moses stretched out his hands and overthrew Amalek, he prefigured thee for us, O Cross. And when we make the sign of the Cross in dark places and the air, we turn to flight and defeat our enemy, the author of all evil, as we sing in praise of Christ. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐξήνθησεν ἡ ἔρημος.

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

The gentile church was formerly like the barren wilderness; * and then it blossomed as the rose * and the lily, when You appeared on earth. * My heart is established in Your Advent, O Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having been pricked by love of purity, you exchanged your earthly dwelling for the heavenly and the delight of a wife for the most pleasant likeness to the angels. [VPA]

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

Having been pricked by love of purity, you exchanged your earthly dwelling for the heavenly and the delight of a wife for the most pleasant likeness to the angels. [VPA]

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

You left behind the tumults of life and the burden of wealth and you became a wanderer from your fatherland, O Alexios, imitating the poverty of Christ. [VPA]

Glory.

In tears, labors, and self-control, O all-wise one, you sought the good, when the light of knowledge will come, granting dispassion to your heart. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Spotless one, the one whom the angels on high cannot see is seen below, having become a perfect man from you, recovering the world which was perishing. [VPA]

Heirmos.

The gentile church was formerly like the barren wilderness; * and then it blossomed as the rose * and the lily, when You appeared on earth. * My heart is established in Your Advent, O Lord. [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 pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.)

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Beholding noetically your labors and pains, O Wise one, all we faithful are filled with compunction of soul and we are stirred with yearning of heart unto divine hymns and the glory and praise of the Master of all, all-blessed Alexios, and we honor you in hymns and faithfully cry out to you, as a servant of the Lord: Intercede with Christ God that remission of transgressions be granted to those who with longing celebrate your holy memory. [VPA]

Glory. Another.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Devout Alexios, you clearly left behind * the pleasures of the world, and wisely you exchanged * the wealth that perishes for that which lasts and will never perish. * Therefore as we sacredly keep your memory on this day * we sing your praise and glorify * you together with all the saints. * O father, we entreat that by your prayers * we also may obtain the great mercy. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Incomprehensible and inconceivable * is the immense and awe-inspiring mystery * that was accomplished in you, O Lady full of grace divine. * For you did conceive and bear * God the incomprehensible * when from your immaculate blood * He assumed our flesh, O Virgin pure. * Entreat Him as your Son importunely, * and ever pray for us that He save our souls. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐλήλυθας ἐκ Παρθένου.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

You came, O Lord, * not an elder nor angel, but You yourself, * God incarnate, being born of a pure Virgin, thus saving me * and all of humanity. * Therefore I sing to You: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You endured poverty becoming a poor beggar like Lazarus, because divine love lit your heart, O blessed one, to yearn for heavenly riches. [VPA]

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

You endured poverty becoming a poor beggar like Lazarus, because divine love lit your heart, O blessed one, to yearn for heavenly riches. [VPA]

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

You desired a simple and quiet life, eating once a week, O Alexios, out of yearning for the abiding reward which awaited you. [VPA]

Glory.

Seeking to make your heart a temple of God you loved to always remain in the house of the Mother of God, Glorious one, and to reflect upon the beauties of heaven. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Having nursed the giver of milk, O Virgin, I entreat you: fill now my heart which is hungry and sighing with all knowledge and divine compunction. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Μεσίτης Θεοῦ.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

O Christ our God, * You are the mediator between God and men. * For through You, O Lord, we have access to Your Father, the Author of Light, * in the Spirit, as Paul said, out of the night of ignorance. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Ever watering your soul by the streams of your sacred tears, you truly cultivated an ear of grain bringing forth a hundredfold, observing well an immortal tilling. [VPA]

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

Ever watering your soul by the streams of your sacred tears, you truly cultivated an ear of grain bringing forth a hundredfold, observing well an immortal tilling. [VPA]

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

You were seen to be an imitator of the bodiless while on earth by your exceeding self-control and assiduity in prayer, O admirable Father, through which you became light. [VPA]

Glory.

By the fire of your prayers you burned up the substance of sin, O Wise one, and by standing in vigils you put to sleep every desire for pleasure and when you fell asleep you were translated unto the light that has no evening. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

He who dwells in light dwelt in your holy womb, pure one, reviving the world which was perishing in the darkness of ignorance. Ever entreat him to illumine those who hymn you. [VPA]

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having become a living temple of God, the unwedded one, the tabernacle of Christ, manifests you when you are hidden and glorifies you, though you are eager to escape notice. [VPA]

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

Having become a living temple of God, the unwedded one, the tabernacle of Christ, manifests you when you are hidden and glorifies you, though you are eager to escape notice. [VPA]

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

Your prayers were accepted by God as incense, blessed one. Therefore by your way of life you made the minds of the faithful fragrant through the grace of the Spirit. [VPA]

Glory.

Being adorned by a sacred way of life, Christ again gave you to your homeland although you do not want it, glorious one, and flee from temporal glory. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The maker of creation, renewing the laws of nature, O spotless lady, is born from you in an indescribable manner and deifies me through his immeasurable mercy. [VPA]

Heirmos.

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]

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. Grave Mode.

Be glad, O you righteous; let the heavens sing for joy. For when the Martyrs competed, they trampled the enemy, and they brought down the deception of the idols. Let the Church leap for joy, as she celebrates the Judge of the contest, Christ our God, who alone confers victory, and who grants the world the great mercy. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 17 we commemorate our devout father Alexios the man of God.

On this day we commemorate the fearful threat of earthquake which our humane Lord brought upon us in his benevolence, and from which He delivered us in a manner beyond hope; the threat came during the reign of the emperor Constantine.

On this day the holy martyr Paul died by fire for the sake of the holy icons.

On this day devout St. Theosterictos the confessor reposed in peace.

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

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From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἀντίθεον πρόσταγμα.

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

The godless decree of the unlawful tyrant * commanded the stoking of the furnace’s fiery flame. * But Christ joined His pious Servants, and He covered them * with the Spirit’s dewy breeze. * He is praised and blessed and exceedingly glorious. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Righteous one, you persevered, sitting by the gates of your parents entirely unknown and accepting the servants’ drunken behavior, being greatly mocked, and afflicted with great poverty. [VPA]

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

Righteous one, you persevered, sitting by the gates of your parents entirely unknown and accepting the servants’ drunken behavior, being greatly mocked, and afflicted with great poverty. [VPA]

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

You mortified the mind of your flesh, seeing your parents and remaining unknown to them, Righteous one; you accepted the violence of nature and the contempt of your ignorant servants who afflicted you. [VPA]

Glory.

O wonder! How you remained ever in poverty, O Alexios, in the riches of a boundless humility. How you endured being derided and upbraided by your servants, all-wise one, who did not know your way of life. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You became a minister of a great mystery, all-blameless one, for you gave a body to God who redeemed us from great evils; we magnify you, pure one, blessed and most graced by God. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Κάμινός ποτε.

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

Heeding the divine decree, the fiery furnace * of old in Babylon distributed its actions and energy; * for it burned up the Chaldean men, * but it refreshed the faithful young men who sang, * saying, “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. Sing a hymn to Him.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Once unknown to your parents, you are made known in the time of your departure, revealing the mystery to them unto the glory of our God who has greatly and worthily glorified you, O glorious one. [VPA]

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]

Blessed one, the Lord revealed you, the hidden treasure, to all of Rome with a great voice; you who were lying in the form of a poor man and enriched all those who came to you in faith with gifts of healings. [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]

Rulers of the people, kings, and priests came together to bury you, blessed one, having been inspired by God, and they beheld a great sight, astounded by the miracles which you performed by the divine power of the Spirit, O venerable one. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Renewing us, who had fallen through the ancient transgression, the friend of man was incarnate without change from your incorrupt womb, All-blameless one, and rescued us from all the corruption of sin, all spotless one. [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 pl. 4. (NM) O Thou who coverest

Ὁ στεγάζων ἐν ὕδασι.

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]

Lifted upon the Tree, as God Thou hast shaken the foundations of all the earth, O Lord, and given to the faithful the saving weapon of Thy Cross as a strong support that cannot be shaken. We venerate it and exalt Thee above all for ever. [KW]

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

Beholding the Wood of the Cross shining brighter than the sun’s rays, let us now draw near, radiant with the lightning of the Fast. Let us kiss it, drawing from it the grace full of light that drives away the darkness, and let us exalt Christ above all for ever. [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 Word, Thou art the living water that springs up for eternal life; and Thou hast poured forth blood and water from Thy side upon the Cross, O Master, checking the rivers of sin. Therefore I entreat Thee: dry up the evil streams of my passions. [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 pure and holy Virgin Mother of God, our spiritual sanctuary, thou hast borne God who takes His rest among His holy ones. This day He makes holy all the ends of the earth by the divine veneration of the all holy Cross, on which He was nailed in the flesh. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) O ye angels

Ἄγγελοι καὶ οὐρανοί.

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

Come, ye people, and behold the lifegiving Wood now set before us, on which Christ our God was crucified, and praising it with fear, let us venerate it for ever. [KW]

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

With fear we sing the praises of the Cross, made from three kinds of wood as a figure of the Trinity; and, venerating it with fear, let us raise our cry, as we bless, praise and exalt Christ above all for ever. [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.

The Trinity is one God: the Father is not begotten like the Son, nor does the Son proceed like the Spirit, but each keeps His distinctive properties; and I glorify the Three as Light and God for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou alone hast conceived and yet remained inviolate; thou alone hast given suck to thy child, yet hast not known the pains of travail; thou alone hast borne thy Maker and Master, and art both His Handmaid and His Mother. We sing thy praises, O Virgin Mother, for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Christ, by a word Thou hast given sight to the man blind from birth; open once more the blinded eyes of my heart, that I may behold the light of Thy commandments for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Ἄγγελοι καὶ οὐρανοί.

O ye angels and ye powers of heaven, sing to Him who sits upon the throne of majesty, and is glorified unceasingly as God: bless, praise and exalt Him above all for ever. [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 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.

Ἀνάρχου Γεννήτορος.

To us was revealed the unoriginate Begetter’s Son, * from a Virgin incarnated. He is God and Lord, * coming to those sitting in darkness to give them light, * to gather the scattered. * And therefore the all-extolled Theotokos should be magnified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were made worthy to see the glory of God, venerable one, who brightly glorified you in the end; for those who did not see, saw light and those who could not speak before received speech, all-famous Alexios. [VPA]

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

You were seen laid out and led to the grave like a son, O Father, wondrously sending rays of healings and driving away dark passions and burning the demons and illumining those godly minded. [VPA]

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

By a divine call, the foremost of the patriarchs, the king who greatly loved Christ, rulers, elders and young ones, and the choirs of monastics came together to bury you, being sanctified by touching you, blessed one. [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]

Having been taken up and riding in a chariot of virtues, you went to rest in the place where there are the ranks of the venerable ones, apostles, martyrs, patriarchs, and all the righteous. With them remember us who honor you. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

With joy we bring you the voice of Gabriel which says Rejoice, land unploughed, rejoice the deliverance from the curse, rejoice spring of the living water, the boast of the righteous, ever virgin Theotokos. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Blessed be the Lord God

Εὐλογητὸς ὁ Κύριος.

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]

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has destroyed the ancient curse by His Cross, which He has given to us as our support and refuge and firm foundation; and by its power we shall overthrow our enemies. [KW]

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

I am held fast in the bonds of my countless sins, O Christ, and deliberately I refuse to seek Thy paths which lead me to salvation. Turn me back by Thy Cross and free me from my blindness, in Thine ineffable mercy and compassion. [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]

Sinfully I have followed the Pharisee in his arrogance; bitter and terrible has been my fall, and I lie trampled by the enemy. But take pity on me, O Christ, and save me, for out of pity Thou hast humbled Thyself, O most high King of Glory. [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.

All generations call thee blessed, O pure Virgin: for Jesus, who was born from thy womb in a manner understood by Him alone, has magnified thee. Pray to Him for the salvation of thy flock and people. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Blessed be the Lord God

Εὐλογητὸς ὁ Κύριος.

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]

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has destroyed the ancient curse by His Cross, which He has set before us for our veneration. Let us kiss the Cross in faith and sing its praises, as continually we glorify His great mercy. [KW]

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

O precious Cross, thou art the glory of the Church, the weapon of kings, the ensign fashioned by God and giving peace to all the world. O Cross, thou art the joy of the Orthodox, the guardian of the inhabited earth: keep and sanctify those who venerate thee. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Glory to Thee, O Holy Trinity, Unity equal in honour, divine Nature, one dread Dominion, Father, Son and Spirit, Light that no man can approach, Godhead that has no beginning: save those who worship Thee, O Creator of all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Standing by Thy Cross, O Jesus, Thy Mother looked on Thee her Lamb and Shepherd and Master. She lamented bitterly, and, wounded to her heart, she cried to Thee, O Christ, ‘What is this strange sight? O Life, how dost Thou die?’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As Thou hast saved repentant Manasses, O God, save me also, Thy servant, and reject me not, for I repent bitterly with tears. I have turned aside as Israel of old, living all my days like the Prodigal. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Εὐλογητὸς ὁ Κύριος.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; whereby the Dayspring from on high has visited us, and guided us into the way of peace. [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 - - -

Grave Mode.

Awaken me, O Lord, that I may sing Your praises; and teach me to do Your will, by the intercessions of the Forerunner, and save me. [SD]

Awaken me, O Lord, that I may sing Your praises; and teach me to do Your will, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

Awaken me, O Lord, that I may sing Your praises; and teach me to do Your will, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD]

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READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light. Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name, for He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created. He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps, Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word, mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds, kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth, young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted; His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people, a hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him. [SAAS]

Psalm 149.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones. Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King. Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him; for the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation. The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds; the high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand, to deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples, to shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to fulfill among them the written judgment: This glory have all His holy ones. [SAAS]

Psalm 150.

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

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

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Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

HIERARCH or READER

Doxology (read)

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

READER: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

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

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next.

PRIEST (aloud)

For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

Consider, my soul, how the vainglorious Pharisee was condemned because of pride, and how the humbleminded Publican was justified through confessing his transgressions. Make haste to reject the Pharisee’s rash self-assurance, and to follow the Publican by confessing thine offences. Through control of the passions rouse thyself to attain the exaltation which cannot be abased, conferred on thee by Christ in His great mercy. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4.

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

Bravely have ye fought, O holy martyrs; steadfastly ye endured the tortures of lawless men, confessing Christ before kings. And, departing from this life, ye now work miracles throughout the world, healing from their passions those in sickness. Pray for the salvation of our souls. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4.

Thy protection, O Theotokos Virgin, is a source of spiritual healing: taking refuge beneath it, we are delivered from the diseases of our souls. [KW]

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.