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Triodion

Mode pl. 4. On Friday Morning

On Friday of the Fifth Week Morning

Menaion - March 27

Memory of the Holy Martyr Matrona of Thessaloniki

__________

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 power of Your Cross 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 Saints 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]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 13. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

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CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode pl. 4. O Life of all, You rose.

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

A tree once blossomed death in the middle of Eden. * The tree in the middle of the earth has produced life. * Tasting from the former, * we the incorrupt became corruptible, * whereas with the latter * we have delighted in incorruptibility. * For Christ our God has saved the human race * by means of His divine Cross. [SD]

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

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Of old the tree in the garden stripped us naked, * and by its taste did the enemy bring in death. * Now the tree of the Cross, which for all mankind is bearing * the garment of life, was planted upon the earth, * and therefore is all the world filled with every joy. * As we see it exalted now, let us, O peoples, cry aloud * together unto God in faith: * Full of glory is Your house, O Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

O noble Lady, when your Son, who was incarnated * from you, and to whom you gave birth incomprehensibly, * had been nailed to the Cross and hung between two convicts, * you watched, and your heart was aching, as you cried out * with motherly grief, “Alas, what is this divine * and ineffable plan, by which You brought Your creature back to life? * O Child of mine, I glorify Your compassion and benevolence.” [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 14. 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)

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

O Christ, Thou hast stretched out Thine hands upon the Wood, by Thy wounds healing Adam’s wound. I therefore pray Thee: heal the wounds that the deceiver has inflicted on my soul, and through prayer and fasting, Saviour, enable me to serve and worship Thee. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. The soldiers.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Your blameless Mother cried out to You, when she saw You, * O Christ, upon the cross, hanging dead, O my Savior, * “What is this ineffable plan for saving the masterpiece * that Your holy hands have made, O Son, co-eternal * with the Father and the Holy Spirit, O Master * supremely compassionate!” [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 15. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

O Cross, guardian of the world, exorcist of devils, thee we have as our invincible protection in all things: grant that we may spend the remainder of the Fast with a pure conscience, and guide our souls to Christ, O blessed Wood. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

Pure and honoured Virgin, glory of the angels, standing by the Cross of thy Son and God, thou couldest not bear to listen to the drunken insults heaped upon Him by His enemies, but thou hast cried aloud, lamenting as a mother: ‘O Lord who lovest mankind, how dost Thou endure their threatening? Glory be to Thy forbearance.’ [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 Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Matrona, brighten with joy those who extol you, as you dance round about God, the Cause of all, with the divine orders of bodiless hosts, and as delight in the divine illumination. [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 Matrona, brighten with joy those who extol you, as you dance round about God, the Cause of all, with the divine orders of bodiless hosts, and as delight in the divine illumination. [SD]

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

Christ our God took you from the yoke of servitude and made you His Martyr and bride, inasmuch as He himself accepted the form of a servant, wishing to free it from the bonds of corruption and death. [SD]

Glory.

The female sex was by grace made manly, and through physical weakness by divine strength, it brought down that arrogance that once boasted so much that it could wipe out the sea. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Your Mother became the gate of Your condescension towards us. She ineffably flashed as with lightning and brought forth You, who are mystically called Orient and Sun and Light, twofold in nature, our benevolent Lord. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

All-blessed Matrona, firm in mind, you endured painful torture in prison at the hands of that unlawful, terrible woman. [SD]

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

All-blessed Matrona, firm in mind, you endured painful torture in prison at the hands of that unlawful, terrible woman. [SD]

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

O Martyr, with fortitude you endured the painful sensations of being whipped. You received divine splendor in return for the darkness you experienced. [SD]

Glory.

The river of your blood extinguished the fire of ungodliness, and it also watered the faithful as with streams of the true faith in God. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-pure Virgin, we extol you using images foreshadowing you in divine Scripture. You are the tablet, you are the ark, for you held within your womb the unoriginate Logos of God. [SD]

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 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O fans of feast days, a splendid holiday has arrived, the glorious memory of the glorious medaled Athletes of Christ. It gladdens the whole world, as it shines with rays of miracles in the world, and it brings endless grace to the people. O Savior, at her entreaties, save Your world. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

O Mother of Christ our God, all-blameless Virgin most pure, * as Symeon told, a sword pierced through your all-holy soul * when you saw your Son and God * crucified by transgressors of His own will, O Lady. * Cease not to importune Him, * that He grant the forgiveness * of failings to us your servants, * O only most-blessed one. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Matrona, enabled by divine might, you have escaped being the slave of your bitter mistress. For serving God alone, you had a disposition of soul that would not be abased. [SD]

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

O Matrona, enabled by divine might, you have escaped being the slave of your bitter mistress. For serving God alone, you had a disposition of soul that would not be abased. [SD]

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

O victorious Martyr, that most impious woman roared in frenzy and drunkenly writhed with fury, as she mutilitated you body with the viciousness of those Jews of old. [SD]

Glory.

O Martyr, you exhibit great fortitude when you were incarcerated in dark places and tormented with hunger. But in return God rewarded you with the banquet table of immortality. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O true Mother of God, the golden lampstand in the Temple prefigured you: you held God incarnate, who illumines all things with the splendor of divinity. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Giver of Life, godly-minded Matrona had You as a splendid crown of glory, and she departed out of darkness to light divine. [SD]

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

O Giver of Life, godly-minded Matrona had You as a splendid crown of glory, and she departed out of darkness to light divine. [SD]

Verse: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth. [SAAS]

O blessed Matrona, Christ stood you firmly on the rock of the Faith, and He wisely directed your steps to Him. [SD]

Verse: O Lord, Your arm is exalted, but they did not know it. But when they know it, they shall be ashamed. [SAAS]

O all-blessed Matrona, your mind is truly divine and wise and godly, and you are radiant in the chorus of the Martyrs. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O Mother of God, you gave birth the Lord, who united the form of God and the form of man, as Paul said, in an unconfused and unmingled union. [SD]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Five.

O Lord our God, grant us peace, for You render everything to us. [SAAS]

O Lord our God, possess us; O Lord, we know no other besides You; we name Your name.

The dead will not see life; neither will physicians raise them. Therefore You brought evils upon them and destroyed them, and took away every male of theirs.

Because of Your fear, O Lord. We have been with child, we have been in pain, and we have given birth. We brought forth the spirit of Your salvation on the earth. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 1. (NM)

Ὁ φωτίσας τῇ ἐλλάμψει.

Verse: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, on the glorious of the earth [SAAS]

O Jesus, supreme in love, who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain, Thou hast stretched out Thine hands upon the Cross. I therefore pray Thee: take pity on me, for I am stretched upon the rack and tormented by the enemy. [KW]

Verse: O Lord, I remembered You in my hard circumstances. Your chastening to us was a small affliction. [SAAS]

O Jesus, supreme in love, Thou hast awoken from Thy sleep upon the Cross and roused us to salvation, when we lay sleeping in the lowest depths of destruction. Therefore we glorify Thee with faith. [KW]

Verse: As a woman with child is in pain and cries out in her pangs, when she draws near the time of her delivery, so we became Your beloved. [SAAS]

O Saviour, give light to the hearts of Thy servants, and count us worthy to hehold the day of Thy Passion and Thy lifegiving Resurrection, as we praise the power of Thy Kingdom. [KW]

Verse: We shall not fall but the inhabitants of the world shall fall. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Seeing Thee nailed upon the Cross, the all-pure Virgin was wounded to the heart and she cried in grief: ‘O Lord, in Thy tender mercy Thou hast patiently endured Thy Passion, granting freedom from the passions unto all.’ [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode pl. 2. (NM) From the night I seek Thee early

Ἐκ νυκτὸς ὀρθρίζοντα.

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

In Thy love for mankind Thou hast stretched out Thine hands, and the Jews nailed Thee to the Cross and pierced Thy side with a spear. All these things Thou dost endure, O Christ, for our salvation. [KW]

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

Adam died of old through eating from a tree, but he found life again through the tree of the Cross, O merciful Lord, and so he rejoiced once more in Paradise. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Trinity, I praise Thee as Unity by nature, without beginning, uncreated, supreme in sovereignty, beyond perfection, God and Light and Life, Creator of the world. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

In thy childbearing that surpasses nature, the laws of nature, holy Virgin, are plainly made void. For without seed thou hast given birth to God, begotten before all ages from the Father. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Christ my Master, I honour Thy Cross, the spear and the nails, for through them Thou hast delivered us from corruption, making us immortal by Thy Passion. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 2.

Ἐκ νυκτὸς ὀρθρίζοντα.

From the night I seek Thee early, O Lover of mankind: give me light, I pray Thee, and guide me in Thy commandments, and teach me, O Saviour, to do Thy will. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.

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

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

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O prizewinner Matrona, you have now rightly picked what Eve once desired; for, by your unremitting striving toward God, you were deified, and you have rightly been granted eternal glory. [SD]

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

O prizewinner Matrona, you have now rightly picked what Eve once desired; for, by your unremitting striving toward God, you were deified, and you have rightly been granted eternal glory. [SD]

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

In Christ there is neither slave nor free, but only beautiful virtue, adorned with the practice of true religion. And you, O invincible medaled Athlete, were like a sculptor of such. [SD]

Glory.

In Christ there is neither slave nor free, but only beautiful virtue, adorned with the practice of true religion. And you, O invincible medaled Athlete, were like a sculptor of such. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, we say you are the temple of God, His bridal chamber, a vessel, lampstand, and also the tablet, wherein the Word, who for pity’s sake became incarnate, was inscribed. [SD]

Heirmos.

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 4.

When they had deadened burning impulses and movements * of sinful passions by their self-control and virtue, * then the Martyrs of Christ were given the divine grace * of driving away the illnesses of the sick * and working wonders, alive and after their death. * Paradoxical miracle it is indeed, that naked bones * should pour out cures abundantly. * Glory be to our only God. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 27 we commemorate the holy martyr Matrona of Thessaloniki.

On this day devout St. Kerycos of Apros reposed in peace.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Philetos the senator and Lydia his wife, and their two children Macedon and Theoprepios, the public official Cronides, and the duke Amphilochios.

On this day the holy martyrs John and Baruchios died by the sword.

On this day the prophet Anani reposed in peace.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Paul, Bishop of Corinth, brother of Peter the worker of signs of the most holy diocese of Argos, and our devout father Eftychios.

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

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From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O all-famed Matrona, you departed to be your Lord and Lover, having favor with Him and confidence, and you gratefully sang: “Blessed are You, O Lord, in the temple of Your glory.” [SD]

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

O all-famed Matrona, you departed to be your Lord and Lover, having favor with Him and confidence, and you gratefully sang: “Blessed are You, O Lord, in the temple of Your glory.” [SD]

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

O glorious Matrona, full of virtues of every kind, with joy and gladness you passed over from the earth to the heavenly choir, and you received an immortal inheritance. [SD]

Glory.

O glorious Matrona, full of virtues of every kind, with joy and gladness you passed over from the earth to the heavenly choir, and you received an immortal inheritance. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Lady and Virgin Mother, you gave birth to the Father’s incarnate Word in a manner surpassing words. You shine brightly, adorned with all the virtues. Blessed are you among women! [SD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O modest Matrona, once you were released from the flesh, you were granted to behold the shining beams of abundant light, and to dwell in a heavenly manor, instead of that dark and gloomy place where you were locked up; and you cried out: O all you works, bless you the Lord. [SD]

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

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

O glorious Matrona, how beautiful is the crown that the Almighty laid on you, with His life-giving right hand! He beheld you, His bride, red with your blood, and He rejoiced and made you shine. To Him we cry out: O Lord, all we Your works praise You. [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]

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

Theotokion.

O all-pure, all-blameless Lady, you gave birth to God literally, and thus you are literally the Mother of God. You bear a divine title that truly corresponds with your childbirth. Therefore, with godly thoughts, we the faithful glorify you, the Theotokos. [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 1. (NM)

Θαύματος ὑπερφυοῦς.

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]

Thou wast fixed upon the Cross with nails, O Saviour, and Thou hast blunted the sting of the evil one; a crown of thorns was placed upon Thy head in mockery, and Thou hast uprooted the thorns of man’s transgression. We therefore sing Thy praises, and we cry: Let the whole creation bless the Lord and 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]

Thou hast stretched out Thine hands upon the Cross, O Christ, gathering mankind to the knowledge of Thyself; Thou hast suffered Thy side to be pierced by the spear, causing a fountain of illumination to well up for us who sing: Let the whole creation bless the Lord and exalt Him 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]

Merciful Lord, with the streams of Thy compassion cleanse my heart that is defiled by the wounds of sin, and make the waters of contrition to spring up within me, that I may cry to Thee, O Jesus Christ: Let the whole creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [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.

We acknowledge thee, O Virgin, as the sacred Vessel that held the manna of the Deity, as Ark and Table, Candlestick and Throne of God, Pavilion and Bridge that brings us to divine life; and we sing: Let the whole creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 2. (NM) Offering the same hymn

Τῶν Παίδων τὴν ᾠδήν.

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

Christ is crucified and I am restored to life; and with the Children I sing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

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

By Thy death upon the Cross the world is delivered from corruption, and with the Children it sings: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

Verse: We bless the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we sing a hymn to Him and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

For the Trinity.

Trinity equal in honour, consubstantial Unity, Father, Son and Spirit, save me, for I sing Thy praises with faith. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

I venerate the childbirth of the pure Theotokos, and with the Children I sing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I praise Thy Cross, O Saviour, whereby I have been saved, and with the Children I sing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 2.

Τῶν Παίδων τὴν ᾠδήν.

Offering the same hymn, with the Children I sing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [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 Holy Woman.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.

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

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr, this illustrious day of your memory shines with heavenly light and the splendid emissions of the Tri-solar illumination. Pray that those who extol you today may be filled with light. [SD]

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

O Martyr, this illustrious day of your memory shines with heavenly light and the splendid emissions of the Tri-solar illumination. Pray that those who extol you today may be filled with light. [SD]

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

O victorious Athlete, you have obtained the heavenly inheritance in the Church of the first-born, as a reward for the pain you experienced when you were whipped. As you celebrate there now, keep us safe here by your intercessions. [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 all-venerable Matrona, truly you are now united to Christ, your immortal Bridegroom. You glow all over with His divine stigmata, and you shine brightly with your own precious blood of martyrdom. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin Theotokos, I pray you break the cords of my sins, and fill my heart with gladness, since you gave birth to the Well of compassion, so that I may worthily magnify you, who alone among women are called blessed of God. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 1. (NM)

Τύπον τῆς ἁγνῆς.

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]

Elijah gave lightness to his flesh by increasing his prayer and fasting, and then he beheld the Lord in a light and gentle breeze. Follow his example, O my soul: cast aside the grossness of sensual pleasures, and so behold Him who is thy true desire. [KW]

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

Moses once lifted up the serpent on a wooden staff, and thus prefigured Thine exaltation on the Cross, O Saviour supreme in love. For through the Cross Thou hast delivered from the poisonous malice of the serpent all the nations that worship Thee. [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]

I lie in the tomb of slothfulness, and the hardness of my heart weighs upon me like a stone. I have no understanding of Thine ever-living word and no feeling of Thy fear, O Saviour. In Thine abundant mercy take pity on me and save me. [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.

Lady, exalted above all things, raise me high above the sinful passions; for I glorify thee as true Theotokos, and I sing the praises of thy childbearing that is honoured as a mystery beyond our understanding, O Virgin undefiled, full of God’s grace. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 2. (NM) Conception without seed

Ἀσπόρου συλλήψεως.

Verse: When the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. [RSV]

Thou art crucified and Thou dost save me; Thou dost die and give me life. O depth of love and tender mercy! Who has ever seen or heard of a master who chooses openly to die for his servants? But glory be to Thine ineffable goodness, O Lord. [KW]

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

The sun set when it saw Thee crucified: for how should it not hide its light, beholding the outrage suffered by its Maker? All creation was shaken, and in silence cried aloud to those who crucified Thee, that Thou art the God of all. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Father, single only-Begetter of the only-Begotten Son; O only Light and Brightness from the one and only Light; and Thou, one and only Holy Spirit from the one God, true Lord from the Lord: O holy Three in One, save me as I tell of Thy divinity. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

The marvel of thy childbearing fills me with wonder, O all-blameless Lady. How hast thou conceived without seed Him whom none can comprehend? How hast thou remained a Virgin and yet become a Mother? ‘Accept the miracle with faith, and worship the Child that is born; for all that He wills, He has the power to do.’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

For our sake has each one of Thy members endured suffering: Thy head suffered blows and Thy cheek buffeting; Thy hands suffered the nails and Thy side the spear; and so Thou hast undergone all the agony of the Cross. But glory be to Thine ineffable compassion, O our Saviour. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 2.

Ἀσπόρου συλλήψεως.

Conception without seed; nativity past understanding, from a Mother who never knew a man; childbearing undefiled. For the birth of God makes both natures new. Therefore, as Bride and Mother of God, with true worship all generations magnify thee. [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

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Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the power of Your Cross, and save me. [SD]

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the intercessions of the Saints, 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.

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Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

HIERARCH or READER

Doxology (read)

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

READER: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

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

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

Thou wast crucified with the thieves, O Christ our God, and Thou hast healed man’s nature by Thy wounds. I have fallen among invisible robbers, among bodiless thieves; they have stripped me of virtue and grievously wounded me. O despise me not: none of the saints can heal me; I lie half dead and have but little life remaining in me. Thou art my only hope, who hast restored the dead to life: bind up my wounds, pouring upon me the oil of Thy compassion, for Thou alone lovest mankind. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.

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

What are we to call you, O holy ones? * Cherubim, inasmuch as Christ has found repose in you. * Seraphim, for without ceasing you were glorifying Him. * Or Angels, from the body you had turned away. * Or Powers, you are active doing miracles. * Your names are many, and greater are * the spiritual gifts that you received. * So intercede, we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

“What a paradoxal miracle; * Oh, novel mystery! Oh, * what an awful event this is!” * So Your Virgin Mother spoke, * as she witnessed You hanging there, * between two robbers on Golgotha, O Lord, * whom with no pain nor corruption she had borne. * “How can these lawless men, these ungrateful people, nail You to a cross, * O my Son, You are my heart, O sweetest Jesus Christ!” [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST

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

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!

Dismissal

PRIEST

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

Conclusion, i.e. “Through the prayers…”

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.

CHOIR: Amen.