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Triodion

Grave Mode. On Thursday Morning

On Thursday of the Fourth Week Morning

Menaion - March 19

Memory of the Holy Martyrs Chysanthos and Dareia

__________

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 Apostles 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 Hierarch 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 6. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

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CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Apostles.

Grave Mode.

O Lord, You showed Your Apostles to be husbandmen of Your field, who weeded out the idols. Therefore they preached to the Gentiles that You are the Savior, and they magnified You with correct belief. [SD]

Verse: Their proclamation went forth into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. [SAAS]

O children of the Church, as we commemorate the all-lauded Apostles, let us extol Christ in songs and hymns. They saved those guilty of sin, by preaching repentance. They drove away deceitful error, they shined light on the world, and they intercede on behalf of our nation. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of Christ our God, we salute you and say: Rejoice! From you the Logos became flesh without alteration, and He dwelt among us. Rejoice, noble Lady! You are the exultation of the Apostles and Martyrs, and the salvation of the faithful. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 7. 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 1. (N/M)

Χορὸς ἀγγελικός.

O glorious apostles, intercessors for our souls, strong in the power of the Cross ye have destroyed all the deceit of the enemy. Therefore today ye rejoice in its veneration, praying on our behalf to Him who alone loves mankind. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. (N/M)

Χορὸς ἀγγελικός.

O Mary, precious vessel that received the Master, we have fallen into an abyss of dark despair, of sin and tribulation. Raise us up once more: for thou art the salvation of sinners, their help and powerful protection, and thou dost save thy servants. [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 8. 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.

Grave Mode.

Looking, O Lord, at Thy Cross that lies before us today, we approach in faith with hymns and songs, venerating it in fear and joy. Through the revelation of Thy Cross, sanctify Thy servants and give peace to Thy world, for Thou alone art rich in mercy. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Grave Mode. Automelon (not metered)

O Lord, we are Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture. Bring us back, for we have strayed into corruption; and as Shepherd gather us together, for we have been scattered. In Thy love have mercy and take pity on Thy flock, at the intercessions of the Theotokos, for Thou alone art free from sin. [KW]

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READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

PRIEST

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

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

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θαλάσσης τὸ ἐρυθραῖον.

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

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O admirable Martyr, you are adorned with a crown that shines brighter than gold. You beam with the beauty of the martyrdom. You stand before the master and pray for us who honor you. [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 admirable Martyr, you are adorned with a crown that shines brighter than gold. You beam with the beauty of the martyrdom. You stand before the master and pray for us who honor you. [un]

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

O Martyr Chrysanthos, you were wounded with the most sweet love of the Creator. You despised the delights of life. You eagerly gave the whole inclination of your heart unto your Beloved. [un]

Glory.

O Martyr Chrysanthos, you were armed with faith. You cast down the deceiver of many wiles who assailed you with the bait of the pleasure of a woman. You became a precious vessel of purity. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, He who is unapproachable in His divine nature became approachable to me when He took flesh of you. Daria longed after Him and strove valiantly in contest. She was brought unto HIm as a bride. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Εὐφραίνεται ἐπὶ σοί.

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

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Chrysanthos, you were gold tried in the fire of torments. You bore the seal of the sufferings of the King. [un]

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

O Chrysanthos, you were gold tried in the fire of torments. You bore the seal of the sufferings of the King. [un]

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

O Chrysanthos, you forsook the quibbling of orators. You were caught in the nets of the disciples of HIm that notably made you wise. [un]

Glory.

O most wise Daria, you were obedient unto Christ your Lover. He espoused you to HImself through holy faith when you forsook the love of the flesh. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O immaculate Virgin, Jesus, who was born in the flesh from your womb, betrothed Daria to HImself as a pure bride and Martyr. [un]

Heirmos.

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [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 3. N/M (You were so beautiful.)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

O all-blest Martyr Chrysanthos, you greatly desired the fairest comeliness. You disdained visible beauties that pass away. You offered Daria the glorious to Christ the Master through your golden sayings. She finished her noble fight and put all her foes to shame. With her now, keep us all in remembrance who faithfully keep your holy memory. [un]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

O Virgin, the untilled vineyard are you indeed; * and you produced the Lord, that ripest bunch of grapes, * that gushes forth the sweetest drink, the wine of salvation, for us, * gladdening the hearts and souls * and the bodies of everyone. * Therefore we pronounce you blest * as the cause of all theses blessings on us, * and joining the Archangel we shout to you: * Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace! [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐπαρθέντα σε ἰδοῦσα.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr, the rays of the Spirit flashed like lightning in your pure heart. They set you entirely ablaze with light. You eagerly cried: Glory to Your strength, O Lord. [un]

Verse: Lord, I have heard Your report and was afraid; I considered Your works and was greatly astonished. [SAAS]

O Martyr, the rays of the Spirit flashed like lightning in your pure heart. They set you entirely ablaze with light. You eagerly cried: Glory to Your strength, O Lord. [un]

Verse: When my soul is troubled, You will in wrath remember mercy. [SAAS]

O blessed Chrysanthos, because you had kept your body blameless, the Maker clothed you with an incorruptible garment woven of divine grace from above. He crowned you as a victor. [un]

Verse: God will come from Teman, the Holy One from the mount of shaded leafy trees. [SAAS]

You were noble of heart and shook off the pleasures of the body. You delighted in the incomparable divine beauty. You finished the course of your martyrdom rejoicing. [un]

Verse: His excellence covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O immaculate Maid, God preserved you as a virgin after childbirth as you were before childbirth. He who is incomprehensible was incarnate of you. He brought the Martyr Daria to Himself as His bride. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Four.

His brightness will be like the light; horns will be in His hand, and He established a mighty love of His strength. [SAAS]

Before His face a word will go forth; it will go out by the shoes of His feet.

The earth stood and was shaken to and fro; He looked and the nations melted away.

The mountains were shattered by force; the everlasting hills wasted away. In the place of distresses, I saw His eternal ways.

The tents of the Ethiopians will be dismayed, even the tents of the land of Midian.

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.

You will stretch your bow against scepters, says the Lord. The land of rivers shall be torn asunder.

Many peoples will see you and be in travail, dispersing waters from its course. The abyss uttered its voice; raising its form on high.

The sun arose, and the moon stood in its course; at the light of Your arrows they went forth, at the flashing of Your gleaming weapons.

You will bring low the land with threatening; You will break the nations in wrath.

You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed ones. You brought death upon the heads of the lawless; You brought bonds upon their neck.

You cut off the heads of rulers in amazement; they shall tremble in it. They will break their bridles like a poor man eating secretly.

You ran your horses into the sea, churning up the many waters.

I kept watch, and my belly trembled from the sound of the prayer of my lips; and trembling penetrated into my bones. And my very frame of mind was troubled.

I shall rest in the day of tribulation to go up to the people of my sojourn. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode 1. (NM)

Ἐπὶ τῆς θείας φυλακῆς.

Verse: For though the fig tree will not bear fruit and there be no grapes on the vines. [SAAS]

O Holy Cross, strength and glory of the apostles, today thou art exalted for the veneration of the whole inhabited earth; and thou givest to us the grace of sanctification, making the season of the Fast easy for us. [KW]

Verse: The labor of the olive tree fail and the fields yield no food. [SAAS]

Moses foreshadowed the Cross when he stretched out his arms and defeated Amalek. Like him let us form a figure of the Cross, stretching out our arms in fasting and prayer, that so we may defeat the host of demons that in malicious envy continually make war against us. [KW]

Verse: Though the sheep have no pasture and there be no oxen in the cribs. [SAAS]

O disciples of God, with the holy plough of the Cross ye have renewed the earth, making it fruitful with the harvest of true faith. Therefore year by year we sing your praises, and we glorify Christ for ever. [KW]

Verse: Yet I will glory in the Lord; I will rejoice in God my Savior. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Mother of the good and loving God, fill my soul with goodness, for the evil one has corrupted it with sinful habits, and he has miserably deceived me. Then, O greatly glorified, will I sing thy praises for ever as the cause of my salvation. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Grave Mode. (NM) Assured of Thy coming

Τὴν ἔνσαρκον παρουσίαν σου.

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

The all-holy Cross lies before us: let us approach and venerate it, for it is the horn of our salvation. [KW]

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

When the sign of the Cross is made, its grace drives away the dark multitude of demons. O Cross of Christ, thou art an invincible weapon. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity in Essence, Trinity of Persons, I praise and honour Thee, Father, Son and All-Holy Spirit. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin undefiled, without knowing a man thou hast conceived God, more ancient than all things, who holds the ends of the earth in the hollow of His hand. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O apostles, intercessors for the world, pray that we also may be saved: for as our weapon we hold the Cross of Christ. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Τὴν ἔνσαρκον παρουσίαν σου.

Assured of Thy coming in the flesh, O Christ, the Prophet Habakkuk cried: Glory to Thy power. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Σὺ Κύριέ μου φῶς.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O blessed victorious Athlete, you lifted up your mind above material things. You undid the evil of the enemy when you were bound. [un]

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

O blessed victorious Athlete, you lifted up your mind above material things. You undid the evil of the enemy when you were bound. [un]

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

O most sacred and all-lauded Chrysanthos, you were a lover of purity. You turned the fiery love of the virgin Daria unto the Lord. [un]

Glory.

O all-blessed Chrysanthos, you beheld the tyrant dashed down and trampled underfoot. You magnified the Master with a joyous mind. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-pure Virgin, who is able to expound your mystery? You gave birth to God the Word in two natures. This surpassed mind and word. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.

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

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O celebrated Chrysanthos, you were confined in an exceedingly gloomy prison. You sang the praise of the Master of all. Light from Heaven completely compassed you about and brightly illuminated you. [un]

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

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

O Martyr Chrysanthos, Rome had you as a golden star made glorious with august martyrdom. She is clothed with your struggles and divine miracles as with a robe. [un]

Glory.

O Virgin Martyr Daria, you were shown to be beautiful, right fair, and able. You were betrothed to the most comely Word through all manner of bodily suffering. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

The Virgin bare You as a young child, the Word before the ages. Maidens follow after her because they long for you. They are brought as brides unto You, the King of all. [un]

Heirmos.

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Grave Mode.

O Saints, we pray you to intercede for us, that we be granted forgiveness for our offenses, and that we be delivered form impending evils and from bitter death. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 19 we commemorate the holy martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria.

On this day St. Claudius the tribune died after being cast into the sea.

On this day the holy martyr Hilary, the wife of St. Claudius, died by the sword.

On this day the holy martyrs Jason and Maurus, their sons, died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Pancharios.

On this day the Sts. Diodore the priest and Marian the deacon reposed after being closed up in a cave.

We also commemorate the holy new martyr Demetrios the joiner who died by the sword in the year 1564.

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

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From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐν τῇ καμίνῳ Ἀβραμιαῖοι.

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

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O God-inspired Martyr, you have become the golden flower of Martyrs. You offered a host of athletes unto Christ by your divine words and miracles. We now faithfully magnify you with them. [un]

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

O God-inspired Martyr, you have become the golden flower of Martyrs. You offered a host of athletes unto Christ by your divine words and miracles. We now faithfully magnify you with them. [un]

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

O all-glorious Chrysanthos, you were confined naked in a place of mire. Jesus made you radiant with the bright glory of a divine fragrance. You most wisely loved Him in purity of mind. [un]

Glory.

O all-famed Martyr, Christ sent a wild beast to be the protector of your virginity. It manifestly hindered the effrontery of the impious. You sang: O Lord, blessed are You in the temple of Your glory. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Lady, Jesus is uncircumscribable according to His divine essence. O Virgin, in your womb He became circumscribed in the flesh like unto us. Blessed are you among women. [un]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.

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

Daniel shut the lions’ gaping mouths inside the den of old, by stretching out his hands. * The three young men overcame the force * of the furnace fire, having girt * themselves in virtue, for they loved * godliness, and were together singing, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O blessed Chrysanthos, you set yourself with steadfast purpose against the vain-minded fellow. You endured the scraping of your body. You were burned with torches but not consumed. You sang with the Children: O all you works of the Lord, bless you the Lord. [un]

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

O wise Chrysanthos, you were adorned with the wisdom of Christ. You made foolish the vaunting of the unwise. You put to shame the vengeful mind of him that deceived Eve. You piously captured his weapon. You offered an elect bride unto God through faith. [un]

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 Athletes, you shunned a union of the flesh through a union of soul. You became chaste treasures of the Almighty. You were presented in the heavenly Temple, crying out unto Christ: O all you works of the Lord, bless you the Lord. [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]

They had mastered the passions of the flesh. Chrysanthos and Daria burned to ashes the fire of torments with the Spirit’s dew by the will of God. They gained the crown of life as they sang: O all you works of the Lord, bless you the Lord. [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 Virgin in all ways pure, God found you, blameless as you were, as a rose amidst the thorns of life. God dwelt in your womb, because it was immaculate. He has filled the world with mystical fragrance as it cries out: O all you works, praise you the Lord. [un]

(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. Grave Mode. (NM)

Αὔτη ἡ κλητή.

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]

Rejoice, divine Cross, formed from three different kinds of wood: on thee One of the Trinity was nailed in the flesh. He has delivered us who were prisoners in the abyss of godlessness, and we exalt Him 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]

Receiving power and strength through the Cross, the disciples of the Word set free those held fast in bitter bondage by the evil one, and they sing in praise: We exalt Thee 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]

Woe is me! How fearful shall be that judgement seat on which Thou shalt sit, O Word, and shalt reveal to me my hidden deeds, exposing before all my want of feeling! But since, O Christ, Thou art by nature full of love, spare me then. [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.

Without departing from the bosom of the Father, O Jesus, Thou hast rested on the bosom of a Virgin; and Thou hast restored mankind, whose nature in Thy tender love Thou hast taken on Thyself. Therefore we mortal men sing Thy praises for ever. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Grave Mode. (NM) Before the King of glory

Τὸν μόνον ἄναρχον.

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

O week of the veneration of the Cross, we honour thee; for in these days we adore the holy Wood and cry aloud: O ye priests praise and ye people exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

How strange is this wonder, King of the ages! For Thou hast granted us Thy servants to see and venerate the Wood on which Thou wast crucified. Therefore with fear we sing Thy praises 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.

Holy and consubstantial Trinity, Father, Son and All-Holy Spirit, I glorify Thine undivided dominion, and sing the praises of Thy one Kingdom for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

He created Adam in His image, and assuming Adam s nature He came forth to loose the ancient curse. O ye priests praise and ye people exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As the twelve-stringed harp of the Church, O apostles, ye sing the praises of the Word of wisdom. Pray that we who honour you may see the Passion of the Lord and glorify Him for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Τὸν μόνον ἄναρχον.

Before the King of glory, who is alone without beginning, all the powers of heaven stand in awe and the hosts of angels tremble: O ye priests praise and ye people 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 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.

A cornerstone was cut out without hands from a never-quarried mountain, * which prefigured you, holy Virgin. * The stone is Christ, who joined the disparate natures. * As we rejoice because of this, O Theotokos, we magnify you. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr, a divine army was added unto you when you sacredly spoke the things of God. You were delivered from unhallowed error. They were offered by the sword as unblemished sacrifices unto Him that was sacrificed as a lamb for our sakes. [un]

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

O victorious Athletes, you were as lambs in the midst of wild beasts. You proclaimed the divine Incarnation of Him Who emptied Himself even unto blood. Through sufferings, you have divinely inherited the portion that is without suffering. [un]

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

O Saints, today the city of Rome calls every city and countryside joyously to celebrate your divine contests and wrestlings. She sets them before us as an immaterial banquet. [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 Martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria, you have been taken up unto infinite glory. You stand together crowned before the Almighty Word. You intercede for us who ever call you blessed. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O Maiden, mind and heart tremble contemplating your incomprehensible childbirth. You gave birth unto God the Word. Through you He rescues from every necessity them that honor you. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Grave Mode. (NM)

Φωτίζου, φωτίζου.

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]

Shine with joy, Church of God, illumined by the rays of the Cross which thou dost exalt for the veneration of all the faithful. Depart, demonic hosts full of darkness. [KW]

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

The divine Cross is strength to those who fast, champion of those who fight. Gathering with all the faithful, joyfully let us venerate it with love. [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 glorious apostles, divine foundations of the Church of Christ, keep us all upon the firm basis of the true faith, and establish us upon the unbreakable rock of Him who chose you. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

O pure Virgin, at the voice of the Archangel thou hast conceived Joy: make all soul-destroying sadness to vanish from my heart, and give me joy-creating sorrow, that I may know the working of God’s grace. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Grave Mode. (NM) Mother and Virgin undefiled

Σὲ τὴν ἄχραντον.

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]

Prefiguring the truth that was to come, O precious Wood, of old thou hast made sweet the waters of Marah. Make sweet my abstinence, O Cross of Christ, which I venerate today. [KW]

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

Thou art the unconquerable weapon of the King, the strength of his array, the strong support of his council. O Cross of Christ, in our hymns we magnify thee. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Father and Master without beginning, coeternal Word and Holy Spirit, with all the faithful in true reverence we magnify Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Glorious and only Theotokos, thou hast contained within thy womb the Word whom nothing can contain, and thou hast borne Him in the flesh. In our hymns we magnify thee. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

With your tongues of fire, O apostles, ye have burnt up all error and planted the true faith in the world. In our hymns we magnify you. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Σὲ τὴν ἄχραντον.

Mother and Virgin undefiled, thou hast contained within thy womb the Word whom nothing can contain, and thou hast borne Him in the flesh. In our hymns we magnify thee. [KW]

It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Grave Mode.

Awaken me, O Lord, that I may sing Your praises; and teach me to do Your will, by the intercessions of the Apostles, 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 Hierarch, 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. Grave Mode.

Let us the faithful emulate the repentance of the Publican and not boast like the Pharisee. Let us offer cries of sorrow from the depth of our heart to the loving God of all. For He Himself has given this commandment, saying: Every man that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. Therefore with one accord let us cry unto Him: God be merciful to us sinners and save us. [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.

Grave Mode.

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

Breathing one purpose and looking to a single hope, vying with each other in their end, the victorious martyrs looked upon death for Christ as the only entry into life. O strange wonder! Though the torture might have been postponed, they seized hold of it as men seize hold of treasure, and they said to one another: ‘Even if we do not die today, yet some day we shall surely die, obeying as we must the laws of human birth. Let us turn necessity into an act of generous love; willingly let us make our own what is the common fate of all, and let us purchase life with death.’ At their intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Grave Mode.

At the intercessions of the Theotokos, give peace to our life, for to Thee we cry: O merciful Lord, glory to Thee. [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.