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Triodion

Mode pl. 4. On Thursday Morning

On Thursday of the Fifth Week Morning

The Service of the Great Canon

Menaion - March 26

Synaxis in Honor of the Chief Commander Gabriel

__________

MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

Verse 1: My spirit rises early in the morning to You, O God, for Your commands are a light upon the earth. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 2: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 3: Jealousy will seize an untaught people; and now fire will devour the adversaries.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 4: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, bring more evils on them, on the glorious of the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

From Horologion - - -

Triadic Hymns

Mode pl. 4.

With hearts in heaven, let us emulate the Angels, and in fear let us bow before the impartial Judge, as we shout the triumphal praise: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. By the intercessions of the Apostles save us. [SD]

Glory.

Daring not to look at You, the Cherubim in flight jubilantly cry out the inspired melody of the Thrice-holy Hymn. We sinners join them and also sing: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. By the intercessions of the Hierarch save us. [SD]

Both now.

Bent down by our many offenses, we dare not gaze at Your height. Rather we bow our soul along with our body, and we shout the hymn of the Angels to You: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

If the Great Canon is on Wednesday at Compline, the appointed Kathismata are read, i.e. Kathismata 6, 7, and 8.

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

Mode pl. 4.

Blessed are You, O Christ our God. You sent down the Holy Spirit into the fishermen, and You gave them knowledge and wisdom in everything; and through them, as in a net You caught the whole world. O Lord who loves humanity, glory to You! [SD]

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

By conceiving the Wisdom.

Let us sing hymns extolling our God’s divine * and all-honored disciples, who for the world * are luminaries guiding us, and our salvation’s first fruits. * They have shined out the light on to us who were in the dark, and they gave all the knowledge of Christ the glorious Sun. * Also they brought down the deception of the idols, * by preaching the Trinity which is one in divinity. * Let us therefore cry out to them, * “As Christ our God’s Apostles, entreat * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory.” [SD]

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

For the Martyrs.

O holy Martyrs, you finished the race and bravely resisted the tyrants. On earth you mortified your bodies, and in return you received heavenly life. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

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]

There is no reading of an additional Kathisma from the Psalter.

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.

Kathisma II.

From Triodion - - -

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

Divinely-shining lights, eyewitnesses of the Saviour, illuminate us in the darkness of this life, that we may now walk honestly as in the day; with the torch of abstinence may we drive out the passions of the night, and behold with joy the splendour of Christ’s Passion. [KW]

Glory. Another.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (When he perceived.)

O company of the twelve apostles, chosen by God, offer now to Christ your supplications, that we may all complete the course of the Fast, saying our prayers with compunction and practising the virtues with an eager heart; and so may we attain the glorious Resurrection of Christ our God, bringing to Him praise and glory.

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (When he perceived.)

The son and Word of God whom nothing can contain, in ways past speech and understanding was born from thee, O Theotokos. With the apostles pray to Him, that He may bestow true peace upon the inhabited earth and grant to us before the end forgiveness of our sins, in His boundless love counting thy servants worthy of the heavenly Kingdom. [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 Archangel.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.

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

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

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O Archangel, you are a light through immaterial participation in that most lofty, divine, and immaterial Light: I entreat you, by your intercessions, enlighten my mind, so that I may extol you. [SD]

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

O Archangel, you are a light through immaterial participation in that most lofty, divine, and immaterial Light: I entreat you, by your intercessions, enlighten my mind, so that I may extol you. [SD]

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

That foremost of the bodiless minds declared the ineffable joy coming into the world because of goodness. Let us form inspired choirs today to honor him joyfully. [SD]

Glory.

O Gabriel, we your fans have you as our great advocate and helper before God, and a wall and support. You rescue us from perils and from the harm of the serpent, and for this we sing your praise. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady who knew not wedlock, when Gabriel saw you, so pure and blameless, he radiantly said to you, “Rejoice!” You are the boast and magnificence of the Angels and the salvation of mortals. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Τοὺς σοὺς ὑμνολόγους.

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

Establish your servants who extol you, * O Mother of God, for they have formed * a spiritual choir for you * the living and abundant fount; * and graciously in your divine glory give glorious crowns to them. [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O Gabriel, you are immaterial, and immaterially illumined by participation in that most immaterial Light; you are known as a secondary light, ever enlightening material mortals who extol you. [SD]

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

O Gabriel, you are immaterial, and immaterially illumined by participation in that most immaterial Light; you are known as a secondary light, ever enlightening material mortals who extol you. [SD]

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

O great among Angels, you were granted very great glory, since you revealed to us the great mystery, by which we who of earth have been lifted to the great height. And for this we greatly honor you. [SD]

Glory.

O Chief Commander Gabriel, we ever seek you with longing. Come down from heaven and appear to us, and calm the storm of trials and afflictions that has risen against us. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Maiden, Gabriel disclosed the mystery that had been hidden of old, when he cried out to you: “Rejoice, O palace of God! In His compassion, He will dwell in you, and He will deify all mortals. [SD]

Heirmos.

Establish your servants who extol you, * O Mother of God, for they have formed * a spiritual choir for you * the living and abundant fount; * and graciously in your divine glory give glorious crowns to them. [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

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 our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

That leader of the hosts of the Angels, great Gabriel, * with exultation joins them in unceasingly shouting * the thrice-holy hymn in praise of the all-holy Trinity. * Come, believers all, let us with faith now extol him * with uplifted voice, and let us honor him gaily * with minds that are purified. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

You are the chief among the bodiless ministers, * Gabriel, and as such to you was entrusted * that truly awesome mystery ordained before all time, * yes, the secret childbirth of the all-holy Virgin. * You called out “Rejoice” to her, the Maiden highly favored. * We the believers therefore rightfully * ever extol you and joyfully honor you. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν ἀνεξιχνίαστον.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

When the Prophet Habakkuk heard the divine * and incomprehensible counsel of Your Incarnation * from the Virgin, O Most High, * considering, he cried aloud: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O praiseworthy Gabriel, in times of old, you stood by the Prophet Daniel, and you filled his spirit with the revelation of unknown things, and thus gladded him with participation in the Divine Sovereignty. [SD]

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

O praiseworthy Gabriel, in times of old, you stood by the Prophet Daniel, and you filled his spirit with the revelation of unknown things, and thus gladded him with participation in the Divine Sovereignty. [SD]

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

O Gabriel, we joyfully praise you, even with our mouths of clay. You are fiery by nature. Rescue us from the eternal fire, by your divine intercessions. [SD]

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

O Commander of the angelic hosts, you stand with joy near the King of heaven, and you wear a divine garment that flashes with ineffable glory brighter than the sun. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, Gabriel perceived how you wholly purified by the Holy Spirit, and he cried out to you: “Rejoice! You are the redemption from the curse and the restoration of the forefathers.” [SD]

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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 pl. 4. (NM) O Lord, I have heard the mystery

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

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

Enlightened by God, the apostles of Christ lived in abstinence; and by their divine mediation they help us in this season of the Fast. [KW]

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

As an instrument of twelve strings, the divine choir of the disciples sang a hymn of salvation, confounding the music of evil. [KW]

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

Driving away the drought of polytheism, O all-blessed apostles, with the rain of the Spirit ye have watered all the earth. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

I have passed my life in arrogance: make me humble and save me, all-pure Lady, for thou hast borne the Lord who has exalted our humiliated nature. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. (NM) O Lord, I have heard

Εἰσακήκος Κύριε, τὴν ἀκοήν.

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

O honoured choir of the apostles, in your intercessions to the Maker of all, ask that He have mercy on us who sing your praises. [KW]

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

As Christ’s husbandmen, O apostles, ye have tilled the whole world with the word of God, and ye bring Him fruit at all times. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Trinity one in essence, without beginning and supreme in power, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: O God, Light and Life, guard Thy flock. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Hail, fiery Throne! Hail, Candlestick that bears the Light! Hail, Mountain of sanctification, Ark of life, Tabernacle and Holy of Holies! [KW]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 4.

Εἰσακήκος Κύριε, τὴν ἀκοήν.

Lord, I heard Your report and I was afraid. I considered Your works, and I glorified Your dominion, O Master. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐξέστη τὰ σύμπαντα.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Amazed was the universe by your divine magnificence. * You who were perpetually virgin * carried the heavenly God of all in your womb * and gave birth to the eternal Son, * who awards salvation to all who sing hymns of praise to you. [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

As you are illumined by participation in the First Mind, we say you are a second light. With the countless hosts of the Angels you cry out: “Holy is the omnific Father, the co-unoriginate Son, and the Spirit who shares the throne with Them.” [SD]

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

As you are illumined by participation in the First Mind, we say you are a second light. With the countless hosts of the Angels you cry out: “Holy is the omnific Father, the co-unoriginate Son, and the Spirit who shares the throne with Them.” [SD]

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

O great Gabriel, leader of the divine bodiless hosts and adornment of all who faithfully extol you, great is your glory, your form is fiery, and your beauty is exceptional, astonishing every mind. [SD]

Glory.

O Chief Commander Gabriel, the godly Zacharias of old saw you standing before him at the time of incense. He became speechless, for he did not believe the awesome message that you did delivered to him. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Maiden, you are a temple of sanctification. At the voice of Archangel Gabriel, you conceived the All-holy God, who rests in the saints, sanctifies all, and delivers us from evil. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν θείαν ταύτην.

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

O godly-minded believers, come * and celebrate this sacred and venerable feast and thus extol * the Theotokos, and clap our hands, * and glorify our God who was truly born of her. [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O brilliant, celestial Mind, you are illumined by the divine rays that transcend mind and speech. Our human tongues are unable to honor you. [SD]

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

O brilliant, celestial Mind, you are illumined by the divine rays that transcend mind and speech. Our human tongues are unable to honor you. [SD]

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

By your luminous prayers to the Master, snatch from the darkness of passions those who extol you, O bright ray of the Sun and Chief Commander of His fiery ministers. [SD]

Glory.

O Archangel, by your supplications to the Creator of all, frustrate the plans of the heathen, strengthen the Orthodox Faith, and end the schisms in the Church. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Virgin, you accepted Gabriel’s godly words, and you conceived in the flesh the Logos, who exists before the ages, and who rescues the world from irrationality. [SD]

Heirmos.

O godly-minded believers, come * and celebrate this sacred and venerable feast and thus extol * the Theotokos, and clap our hands, * and glorify our God who was truly born of her. [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

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 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

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 2.

My soul, O my soul, rise up! Why are you sleeping? The end draws near and soon you shall be troubled. Watch, then, that Christ your God may spare you, for He is everywhere present and fills all things. [un]

Oikos.

Seeing Christ’s house of healing opened, and health flowing down from it upon Adam, the devil suffered and was wounded; and as one in mortal danger he lamented, crying to his friends: “What shall I do to the Son of Mary? I am slain by the Man from Bethlehem, who is everywhere present and fills all things.” [un]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 26 we hold services in honor of the Archangel Gabriel, which practice was instituted very early on, since he ministered the divine and supernal and ineffable mystery.

On this day we also commemorate the holy twenty-six martyrs who witnessed in the land of the Goths: two priests Bathouses and Wirkas with Wirkas’s two sons and three daughters, and the monk Arpylas; the laymen Abippas, Agnas, Ryax, Hegathrax, Eskoes, Silas, Sigetzas, Suerilas, Seimblas, Thermas, Filgas; and the women Anna, Alla, Baris, Moiko, Mamika, Wirko, and Animais.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Quadratus, Theodosius, Manuel, and another forty in Anatolia.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Stephen the confessor, Abbot of Triglia.

On this day we read the edifying story about the monk Malchus who was taken captive.

From the Triodion.

On this day, Thursday of the fifth week of Lent, according to ancient tradition, we chant the service of the Great and compunctious Canon.

Verses

Jesus, give the habit of compunction

to us who now sing the Great Canon.

By the intercessions of Saint Andrew, O God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

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CHOIR

THE BEATITUDES

Mode pl. 2.

In Your kingdom. Remember us, O Lord, when You come in Your kingdom.

O Christ, when the Thief cried to Thee upon the Cross ‘Remember me’, Thou hast made him a citizen of Paradise. Unworthy though I am, grant me to repent like him. [KW]

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

O my soul, thou hast heard how Manoah of old beheld the Lord in a vision, and then received from his barren wife the fruit of God’s promise. Let us imitate him in his devotion. [KW]

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Emulating Samson’s slothfulness, O my soul, thou hast been shorn of the glory of thy works, and through love of pleasure thou hast betrayed thy life to the alien Philistines, surrendering thy chastity and blessedness. [KW]

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

He who at the first overthrew the Philistines with the jawbone of an ass, then wasted his life in passionate lusts. Flee, O my soul, from his example, flee from his actions and his weakness. [KW]

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Barak and Jepthah the captains, with Deborah who had a man’s courage, were chosen as judges of Israel. Learn bravery from their mighty acts, O my soul, and be strong. [KW]

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

O my soul, thou knowest the manly courage of Jael, who of old pierced Sisera through his temples and brought salvation to Israel with the nail of her tent. In this thou mayest see a prefiguring of the Cross. [KW]

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Offer, my soul, a sacrifice worthy of praise, offer thine actions as an oblation purer than the daughter of Jepthah; and as a victim for thy Lord slay the passions of the flesh. [KW]

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

O my soul, consider the fleece of Gideon, and receive the dew from heaven; bend down like a hart and drink the water that flows from the Law, when its letter is wrung out for thee through study. [KW]

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Thou hast drawn upon thyself, O my soul, the condemnation of Eli the priest: thoughtlessly thou hast allowed the passions to work evil within thee, just as he permitted his children to commit transgressions. [KW]

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely [for my sake].

In the Book of Judges, my soul, the Levite divided his wife limb from limb and sent the parts to the twelve tribes; and so he made known the lawless outrage committed by the men of Benjamin. [KW]

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

Hannah, who loved self-restraint and chastity, when speaking to God moved her lips in praise, but her voice was not heard; and she who was barren bore a son worthy of her prayer. [KW]

Remember us, O Lord, when You come in Your kingdom.

Great Samuel, the son of Hannah, was born at Ramah and brought up in the house of the Lord; and he was numbered among the Judges of Israel. Eagerly follow his example, O my soul, and before thou judgest others, judge thine own works. [KW]

Remember us, O Master, when You come in Your kingdom.

David was chosen to be king and anointed for his royal office with the horn of divine oil. If thou, my soul, desirest the Kingdom on high, anoint thyself with the oil of tears. [KW]

Remember us, O Holy One, when You come in Your kingdom.

Have mercy upon Thy creation, merciful Lord; take pity on the work of Thy hands. Spare those who have sinned, and spare me who more than all others have despised Thy commandments. [KW]

Glory.

Without beginning are the birth of the Son and the procession of the Spirit. I worship the Father who begets, I glorify the Son who is begotten, and I sing the praises of the Holy Spirit who shines forth with the Father and the Son. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God, we venerate thy childbearing in ways past nature, yet we do not divide in two the natural glory of thy Son: for He is confessed as one Person in two Natures. [KW]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.

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

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

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O Archangel, the sacred people joyously extols you with sacred words of sacred speech; for to the Virgin, one of us, you announced the Logos, the cause of all, who became flesh like us, in a manner past understanding and speech. We therefore honour you, unto all the ages. [SD]

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

O Archangel, you are united immaterially to the great and primordial Mind. You sing with fiery mouth the awe-inspiring hymn, which all the choirs of Angels sing: “O all you works, praise the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages.” [SD]

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 Gabriel, first leader of the Angels, you are adorned with divine glory, and you go throughout heaven and earth, doing the holy will of Christ, the God of all. You are the boast of all who ever extol you with faith. [SD]

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

O sacred Gabriel, the Logos, who chose to dwell among men in the flesh in His own Person, sent you ahead to prepare the sacred palace. And you sang: “Praise the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

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

Theotokion.

Let us extol the blessed Virgin. She is the delightful throne of the King; she is superior to all creation, for she alone gave being to Him who transcends being. Through a strange and ineffable birth, He has deified mortals with a more excellent union. [SD]

(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) The eternal King of glory

Τὸν ἄναρχον Βασιλέα.

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]

As coals of immaterial fire, O apostles, burn up my material passions and kindle within me now a longing for divine love. [KW]

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

Let us honour the well-tuned trumpets of the Word, which have caused the ill-founded walls of the enemy to fall, and have firmly established the ramparts of the knowledge of God. [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]

Break in pieces the passionate idols of my soul, as ye brake in pieces the temples and pillars of the enemy, O apostles of the Lord, consecrated temples. [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 Virgin, thou hast contained Him who by nature cannot be contained; thou hast held Him who upholds all things; thou hast given suck to Him who sustains the creation, Christ the Giver of Life. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The eternal King of glory

Τὸν ἄναρχον Βασιλέα.

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

O apostles of Christ, with the Spirit as architect ye have built the whole Church, within it ye bless Christ for ever. [KW]

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

Sounding the trumpets of the dogmas, the apostles have overthrown all the error of idolatry, exalting Christ above all for ever. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O threefold Sun, all-radiant Sovereignty of God, O Nature one in glory, one in throne: Father all-creating, Son and Spirit of God, I praise Thee for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

As a throne honoured and most high, let us praise in ceaseless song the Mother of God, O ye peoples, for she alone is both a Mother and a Virgin after childbirth. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν ἄναρχον Βασιλέα.

The eternal King of glory, before whom the powers of heaven tremble and the ranks of angels stand in fear, O ye priests praise and ye people exalt 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 Archangel.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἅπας γηγενής.

All you born on earth, * with festival lamps in hand, in spirit leap for joy; * and all you the heavenly angelic orders, join in and celebrate; * and honoring the sacred wonders of the Mother of God, * sing the joyful salutation, “O rejoice, * Theotokos, all-blest, ever-virgin pure!” [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O sacred Gabriel, you stand awesomely at the throne of grace, ministering and flashing with incomprehensible effusions of light. You are sacredly deified, appearing as a light. And by your mediations you illumine those who faithful honor you. [SD]

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

O Gabriel, you are as a starry heaven, shining with divine rays. As a commander, you carry a supremely bright scepter, and you run throughout all the earth, doing the will of the Master; and you deliver the faithful from evil. [SD]

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

O Gabriel, by your fervent protection, calm the terrible storm continually raised up against your servants by foreign enemies; end the schisms in the Church; obtain forgiveness of sins for those who honor you; and grant success to our elected officials. [SD]

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 most handsome and glorious duo, Michael and Gabriel, since you are our defenders who imitate the Master’s goodness in all things, stand near the throne of the divine glory, and pray that we all may receive forgiveness of sins and deliverance from evil. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O all-pure Birthgiver of God, the brilliance of your childbirth has shone forth and illumined the entire world; it has destroyed the champion of darkness. You are the boast of the Angels and the salvation of all people, who with unceasingly sing your praise. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Saved through thee, pure Virgin

Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.

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]

Ye were revealed, O apostles, as fountains of the water of salvation: bring refreshment to my soul that faints from the thirst of sin. [KW]

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

I am swimming in the deep waters of destruction and have come near to drowning: with Thy right hand, O Lord, save me as Thou hast saved Peter. [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]

Ye are the salt that gives savour to the teachings of salvation: dry up the rottenness of my mind and dispel the darkness of my ignorance. [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 Lady, thou hast brought forth our Joy: grant me the spirit of mourning that in the coming Day of Judgement I may be comforted by God. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) With all generations we magnify thee

Σὲ τὴν οὐρανοῦ.

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]

We magnify you in our hymns, O glorious company of the apostles: for ye have been revealed as shining lights of the inhabited earth, driving out error. [KW]

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

O blessed apostles, catching rational fish with the net of the Gospel, bring them always as an offering to Christ. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I sing Thy praises, Unity in three Persons, Father, Son and Spirit, one God, consubstantial Trinity, equal in power and without beginning. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

With all generations we call thee blessed, O Mother and Virgin: through thee we are delivered from the curse, for thou hast borne the Lord our Joy. [KW]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 4.

Σὲ τὴν οὐρανοῦ.

We, all generations, magnify you, the mediator between heaven and earth. Indeed, O Virgin, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in you physically. [SD]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

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Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the intercessions of the Apostles, and save me. [SD]

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the intercessions of the Hierarch, and save me. [SD]

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, 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.

bookmark

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

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 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.

Into the ambushes of thieves thou hast fallen, O my soul, and thou art sorely wounded, delivered through thine own sins into the hands of enemies without reason. But while thou still hast time, cry out with compunction: O hope of the hopeless, life of the despairing, raise me up, O Saviour, and save me. [KW]

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

Into the ambushes of thieves thou hast fallen, O my soul, and thou art sorely wounded, delivered through thine own sins into the hands of enemies without reason. But while thou still hast time, cry out with compunction: O hope of the hopeless, life of the despairing, raise me up, O Saviour, and save me. [KW]

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]

When you put on the breastplate of righteousness and faith, and you fully armed yourselves with the sign of the cross, you became the Lord’s mighty soldiers, you bravely confronted the tyrants, and you blunted the deceit of the devil. And you were awarded medals as victors. We pray you intercede for the salvation of our souls. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

Mode pl. 4.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. For the Father’s Son, who with Him is also eternal, beginningless, and on the throne, took pity on humanity, in His benevolent mercy, and He descended and emptied himself, according to the Father’s good pleasure and will. And He made His dwelling in a virgin’s womb that was purified beforehand by the Spirit. What a miracle! God among men; the Uncontainable in a womb; the timeless One within time! And what is extraordinary is that the conception is without seed, and the emptying is inexpressible. So great is the mystery! God empties himself, takes flesh, and is fashioned, when the Angel announces the conception to the pure Virgin: “Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace; for with you is the Lord, who has the great mercy.” [SD]

PRIEST

It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth at night. [SAAS]

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

Standing in your glorious church, O Theotokos, we think we are standing in heaven. O heavenly Gate, open to us the door of your mercy.

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST

O heavenly King, uphold our rulers, strengthen the Faith, calm the nations, give peace to the world. Protect this holy Church (or, Monastery); grant our departed fathers and brethren that they may dwell with the righteous, and accept us in repentance and confession; for You are good and benevolent.

We now make three prostrations: i.e. we recite the Prayer of St. Ephrem (quietly or mentally), and with each verse we make a bow or prostration.

While it has become customary for this prayer to be recited by someone aloud, nevertheless the indicated practice is that it be recited inaudibly and mentally by everyone, clergy and congregants alike, with the accompanying bows etc.

Prayer of St. Ephrem

O Lord and Master of my life, do not permit the spirit of laziness and meddling, the lust for power and idle talk to come into me.

Instead, grant me, Your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love.

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then we make the sign of the cross 12 times, each time saying, “God, be gracious to me a sinner and have mercy on me.” Then we repeat the third verse of the Prayer (quietly or mentally) and make a final bow or prostration.

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then we begin the First Hour, saying: “Come let us worship…”

or:

Dismissal

PRIEST

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

May He who for us men and for our salvation condescended to become incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, 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.