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Triodion

Mode 1. On Monday Morning

On Monday Before Palm Sunday Morning

Menaion - March 30

Memory of St. John of The Ladder

__________

MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode 1.

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 1.

As we are led up to a noetic and immaterial perception of the bodiless hosts, by means of physical depictions, and as we wait for the illumination, that comes from the Godhead in three Hypostases, let us imitate the cherubim, and sing aloud the Thrice-Holy Hymn to the only God: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the protection of the Bodiless Hosts have mercy on us. [SD]

Glory.

Let us join all the heavenly hosts, and send up our Thrice-holy praise, and like the cherubim shout to Him who is in the highest: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

Having risen from sleep, we fall before You, O good One, and to You we sing the Angels’ hymn, O almighty One: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 4. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

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CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Mode 1.

Conceived as I was in iniquities, I the prodigal dare not look up into heaven. But with confidence in Your benevolence, I cry out: O God be gracious unto me and save me. [SD]

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

If the righteous man is only scarcely saved, what shall become of me who am a sinner? I did not bear the burden and the heat of the day. Number me with those who came at the eleventh hour, O God, and save me. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Creation rejoices in you, O Lady full of grace, beholding the miracle of miracles. For you conceived without seed, and ineffably gave birth to the One whom the orders of the angels cannot see. Entreat Him earnestly on behalf of our souls. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 5. 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. (NM)

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

Rolling away the stone of hardness from my heart, raise up my soul that is slain by the passions, O loving Lord, and count me worthy in compunction to bring palms of virtue to Thee the Victor over hell. So may I obtain eternal life, singing the praises of Thy power and Thy compassion, for Thou alone lovest mankind. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O full of grace, beholding in thee the wonder of all wonders, the creation rejoices. For without seed thou hast conceived, and ineffably hast borne as child Him upon whom the leaders of the angelic hosts dare not gaze. O Theotokos, pray to Him for the salvation of our souls. [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 6. 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 1. (NM)

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

As we set out upon the sixth week of the Fast, let us sing to Christ a hymn in preparation for the Feast of Palms. He comes for our sake seated on the foal of an ass, that as King he may subdue the wild and unruly nations to His Father. Let us all make ready for Him branches of virtues, that with rejoicing we may see His Resurrection. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

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

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READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

PRIEST

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

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

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode i. Mode 1. Heirmos.

ᾨδὴν ἐπινίκιον.

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

An anthem of victory let us all sing now * to God as the One who wrought * wondrous and portentous signs * by His exalted arm, * and who saved Israel of old. For He is glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O most wise John, you rightly abhorred the world below, and thus you received the world on high. You teach us that by fleeing from the world, we draw close to God. [SD]

Verse: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified. Horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. [SAAS]

O most wise John, you rightly abhorred the world below, and thus you received the world on high. You teach us that by fleeing from the world, we draw close to God. [SD]

Verse: The Lord became my helper and the shield of my salvation; He is my God, and I will glorify Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. [SAAS]

O blessed Saint, and were crowned by Christ God with the awards of dispassion, for you chased away sickness, by your attachment to hunger, and bound the prince of the passions with the chains of your ascetic struggles. [SD]

Verse: The Lord brings wars to nothing; the Lord is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and army He cast into the sea. [SAAS]

O godly-minded and all-blessed John, you now dwell in the immaterial mansions, for you adopted a frame of mind in every way angelic, and you did cut your yourself off from this earthly and corrupt world. [SD]

Verse: The sea covered them; they sank to the bottom like a stone. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Virgin Bride of God, the Church proclaims your Child, an Orthodox mouth and divine doctrines, and it honors the symbols of your Son’s flesh. [SD]

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Intermediate Verses of Ode One.

Your right hand, O God, is glorified in strength; Your right hand, O God, dashed the enemy in pieces. In the greatness of Your glory You broke the adversaries to pieces. [SAAS]

You sent forth Your wrath; it consumed them like stubble.

By the Spirit of Your anger the waters were gathered together; the waves stood upright in the midst of the sea; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea.

The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoils; I will satisfy my soul; I will destroy with my sword; my hand shall have dominion.’

You sent forth Your Spirit; the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorified in holiness, marvelous in praises, doing wonders?

You stretched out Your right hand; the earth swallowed them up.

In righteousness You guided Your people whom You redeemed; in strength You called them to Your holy resting place.

The nations heard and were angry; pangs seized the inhabitants of Philistia. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode 1. Let us all sing. (N/M)

ᾨδὴν ἐπινίκιον.

Verse: The princes of Edom and the chiefs of the Moabites were dismayed; trembling took hold of them; all the inhabitants of Canaan melted away. [SAAS]

Through abstinence let us put to death the passions and through godlike actions let us bring to life the spirit, that with pure minds we may see the holy Passion of Christ. [KW]

Verse: Fear and dread fell upon them; by the greatness of Your arm, let them become as stone. [SAAS]

O Christ of many mercies, I have followed the ways of the rich man who showed no compassion; but I pray Thee, make me to dwell with the poor man Lazarus, and deliver me from the flame and the fire that never shall be quenched. [KW]

Verse: Till Your people pass over, O Lord, till Your people pass over, whom You purchased. [SAAS]

O Lord, I have fasted from every act of virtue, and taken my fill of sin. Now I am hungry: O feed me with the holy food of salvation. [KW]

Verse: The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands established. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O undefiled Lady, I am condemned as an outcast because of my actions: save me and take pity on me, for thou hast borne God the allcompassionate. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode 1. (NM) Let us sing a song.

Τῷ βοηθήσαντι Θεῷ.

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

O ye faithful, let us prepare to celebrate Palm Sunday, joyfully observing the forefeast from this present day onwards, that we may be counted worthy to see the lifegiving Passion. [KW]

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

Christ draws near and comes to Jerusalem, seated as King on the foal of an ass, that He may subdue the disobedient nations beneath the Father’s yoke. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

One in Godhead, Unity in three Persons, God and Father unbegotten, only-begotten Son, one and only Holy Spirit, single sovereignty and power, save us all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Glorious things are spoken of thee throughout all the world, for thou hast borne in the flesh the Maker of all, O Theotokos Mary who hast known no marriage and no bridal bed. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Behold, Christ has come to the city of Bethphage. Rejoice, Bethany, home of Lazarus, for a great miracle shall He show to thee, raising Lazarus from the dead. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 1.

Τῷ βοηθήσαντι Θεῷ.

Let us sing a song of triumph unto God, who came to Moses’ aid in Egypt, and drowned Pharaoh with all his host: for He has been glorified. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν.

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

As the Psalmist said, the stone that the builders had rejected * has itself become now the head of the corner. * And furthermore the same is the rock on which Christ our God * firmly established His own Church, * which from the Gentiles He redeemed for himself. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O godly John, you removed the foul smell of wrath from deep within your soul, you experienced freedom from anger to be like redolent incense. Therefore, pray the Redeemer now to forgive us our sins. [SD]

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

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

O blessed Father, burning up all thought of rancor with the fire of Christ’s love, you faithfully shone with the rays of love for your brother; and by describing what it is not to have resentment, you indicated to all an easy path to salvation. [SD]

Glory.

You received the grace of ascetic practice from on high. You stop slanderous lips by your wise teachings, by which you guide us on the path of virtue. May we be attain such virtue. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure one, the Prophet of old knew that you would give birth in time to the Timeless One, Christ our God, One of the Trinity, in virginity and beyond mind and speech. Pray that He be merciful to us who extol you. [SD]

Heirmos.

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. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

You set the virtues like a ladder to heaven, * and you ascended it devoutly and wisely, * attaining contemplation’s unfathomable depth. * By your writings you exposed every scheme of the demons, * and from harm did you preserve all the faithful who read you. * O veritable ladder of the virtues, devout John, * pray to the Savior to save all who honor you. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

We the unworthy shall not ever be silent, * O Theotokos, from proclaiming your powers. * For were you not concerned to intercede for us, * who would have delivered us * from such manifold dangers, * and who else would up to now * have preserved us in freedom? * O Lady, we shall not depart from you, * for you ever save your servants * from evils of every kind. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ἐν Πνεύματι προβλέπων.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

When you, Prophet Habbakuk, inspired had foreseen * the incarnation of the Word, you shouted and declared, * “In the approaching years You shall be acknowledged; * You will be revealed when the time comes. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O wise John, by fasting you bridled the violence of the tongue, and so you led your life in silence. Once you tasted the grace of the Most High as though it were the fragrance of fire, you avoided garrulousness like the gloom of sin, and you worshiped God blamelessly. [SD]

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

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

O divinely speaking John, you sweetened your soul with truth, and you fled from the bitter taste of falsehood. Therefore, bringing those things that serve the demons into servitude to godly asceticism, you became an unerring guide of monastics. [SD]

Glory.

O wise Father, you were hardened by the rigor of ascetic discipline. You mightily destroyed the paralysis of apathy, and slew the power of depression with the spear of eagerness. Now you intercede with God to grant us all forgiveness of sins. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure and all-extolled Virgin, blessed is the nation that honors your childbirth faithfully, and that makes manifest the Incarnation of your Son in Orthodoxy, in doctrines, in deeds, and in symbols of the truth. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 1. Heirmos (not metered).

Νὺξ περιέσχε με Σωτήρ.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

O Savior, night and the fog of sin have surrounded me. Therefore I pray You, let the morning of repentance rise on me, O compassionate Lord, before I reach the indefinite end of my life, O Christ, the Life and the Light. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You did not partake of pleasurable foods, but you fattend your mind with the delicacies of abstinence. With hunger you strangled the passions and shamed the demons. For, as you said, he who afflicts the stomach slays the pleasures. [SD]

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

O Saint, you were a lover of chastity and a hater of lust. You escaped the moonless night of the passions, by the light of truthful confession. For he who would cleanse body and mind must triumph over the hidden things of darkness, as you said. [SD]

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

You truly became a lover of God and not a lover of money. You served the Trinity in mind, soul, and body. You who in mercy were a lover of the poor, even in scarcity of necessities, utterly rejected the worship of idols. [SD]

Glory.

O Father, while on the earth, you devoutly threw off the burden of matter. You soared up to things immaterial with the wings of your freedom from possessions. Therefore, as you stand immaterially and faithfully near Christ with the bodiless hosts, pray Him to forgive our souls. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Ever-virgin, they who will not venerate the icons of you and of your Son are our enemies and are accursed, since they refuse to obey the ancient divine doctrines of the Fathers. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Τὸν Προφήτην Ἰωνᾶν.

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

Imitating the inspired Prophet Jonah in the whale, * I cry out to You, O Lord, * “From destruction free my life * and save me, I pray * to You, O Savior of the world. Glory to You!” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father John, you drove from your soul the insensibility of the passions, with the force of chaste sobriety and your efforts in prayer; and proved to be wholly sober. [SD]

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

O Father John, you drove from your soul the insensibility of the passions, with the force of chaste sobriety and your efforts in prayer; and proved to be wholly sober. [SD]

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

O God-inspired Saint, in vigilant prayer you manfully subdued the sleep-loving foe, and you became a vigilant shepherd of Christ’s flock and a luminary of teachers. [SD]

Glory.

O Saint, you foresaw the divine beauty of blessed delight, for you piously cleanse the eye of your mind and tirelessly served Christ at all times. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, the unlawful are nauseated now in the tossing sea of bitter unbelief, as they see the hosts of the Orthodox devoutly venerating your holy icon. [SD]

Heirmos.

Imitating the inspired Prophet Jonah in the whale, * I cry out to You, O Lord, * “From destruction free my life * and save me, I pray * to You, O Savior of the world. Glory to You!” [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode 1.

O Lord, You are the pride of the contest, the very dignity of the laurel crowns, which the glorious prize-winning Martyrs have put on as a garment. For by their endurance under torture they put the lawless men to flight. And by divine power from heaven they received the victory. Through their supplications set me free from the invisible enemies, O Savior, and save me. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 30 we commemorate our devout father John, the author of the Ladder.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Prophet Joad (or Joel).

On this day we also commemorate our devout father John of the Well.

On this day Saint Evouli, the mother of St. Panteleimon, died in peace.

On this day Saint John, Patriarch of Jerusalem, died in peace.

On this day the holy New Hieromartyr Zacharias, who witnessed in Corinth in the year 1684, died by the sword.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

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From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 1. Heirmos (not metered).

Τοὺς ἐν καμίνῳ Παῖδας.

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

O Lord and Savior, fire did not harm, * nor touch at all, * Your Servants in the furnace of old. * Those three young men then shouted in unison, * blessing and extolling God, and sang, * “God of our fathers, unto the ages, blessed are You!” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were stern and ferocious to all the unclean spirits. You struck down the impudence of childish cowardice with the sword of manly courage. Blessed is God, who made you wondrous. [SD]

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

You were stern and ferocious to all the unclean spirits. You struck down the impudence of childish cowardice with the sword of manly courage. Blessed is God, who made you wondrous. [SD]

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

O St. John, you were obedient to the divine law of Christ. Like your namesake, you trampled vainglory underfoot, and you offered the labor of constant ascetic practice to God alone. He is in secret, and in return gives rewards openly. [SD]

Glory.

You waged war against the invisible hosts of the sinful passions, and you became a victor, for you were humble in mind and hear. Thus did you mortally wound the high-minded and boastful foe. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Christ, I worship the union and the likeness Your incarnation in a godly manner. Thus I honor Your incarnation: that, being God pre-eternally, You, without confusion, perfect in both Your divinity and Your humanity, became a mortal from a Virgin. [SD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ὃν φρίττουσιν Ἄγγελοι.

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

To Him, the Creator and the Lord, at whom all hosts * and armies of Angels shudder, sing a hymn of praise, * you priests, and you Servants, glorify Him and bless, * and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O godly-minded John, you did rid yourself of hypocrisy, by your unaffected manners, and you fled from it in all integrity, because it was not useful. You indeed dwell in the land of the meek and gentle, since you lived as one meek and gentle. [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]

As a wise architect, you set divine humility as the foundation for divine ascent. You described it for us as the mother and guardian of all virtue. [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 St. John, you clearly partook of the Spirit’s grace. You have filled all people with divine illumination, by teaching us in deeds and instructing us in words, concerning perfect discernment. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O blind heretics, stop speaking lies. I depict not the divinity; for that is simple, invisible, without form; but recording the form of His flesh, I venerate it, and with faith I glorify the Virgin who gave birth to Him. [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. Him before whom the angels (NM).

Ὃν φρίττουσιν Ἄγγελοι.

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]

In my wretchedness I have grown rich in unprofitable thoughts, I have defiled my soul with lawless pleasures, and the darkness of despair surrounds me. O my God, shine upon me with the light of repentance. [KW]

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

As once Thou hast given light to the man blind from birth, shine upon my soul that does not see Thy Light, O merciful Lord, but lies buried in the darkness of sinful forgetfulness and in the cares of this life. [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]

Through fasting Elijah opened the heavens and watered the thirsty earth with showers of rain. Let us fast, pouring out streams of tears from our soul, that we may be granted mercy. [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.

As a living vine, pure Virgin, hast thou borne for us the ripe Cluster of grapes, from which there flows the wine of forgiveness, drying up the drunkenness of sin. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 1. As the Children in the furnace. (NM)

Ὕμνον σοι προσφέρομεν.

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

The door of the forecourt is opened, that leads us to the raising of Lazarus: for Christ is come, to awaken the dead man as from sleep and to overthrow death by life. [KW]

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

Great is thy glory, O Bethany! For thou art counted worthy to receive the Creator as thy guest, and thou dost cry aloud: O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

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

For the Trinity.

Let us glorify Thee, O Trinity in Unity, supreme in Being, one in Essence yet distinct in Persons, Father, Son and Spirit of God. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

With the angel we say to thee ‘Rejoice!’, for thou hast brought into the world the Joy and Saviour of the world. O Virgin worthy of all praise, entreat Him for us all. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

We offer unto Thee a hymn; for Thou who ridest on high upon the cherubim ridest now upon a foal, bringing all men into subjection beneath Thy power, O Christ. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 1.

Ὕμνον σοι προσφέρομεν.

As the Children in the furnace, we offer unto Thee the hymn of the angels and we sing Thy praises, saying: O 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 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode ix. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Τὴν ζωοδόχον πηγήν.

A spring, abundantly flowing, that hosted life, * a golden lamp-stand that bore the unwaning Light, * living Temple, and all pure * tabernacle symbolize * the Theotokos, who is said to be wider * than earth and heaven. With hymns let us honor her. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O St. John, on an immaterial mind you flew up to immaterial things, and you reached a depth of visions. Through fervent prayer, you obtained the grace of the Holy Spirit, and you were granted to foresee revelations of things to come. [SD]

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

O most righteous Father, most wise and godly-minded John, you did consume the material mind with the flame of prayer; you became wholly fire. Therefore, you were changed with the good change, when you were piously outside yourself in divine visions. [SD]

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

O righteous Father, you mortified the sinful passions by your ascetic practice, and you swiftly ascended to the perfection of dispassion. We pray you now, supplicate God for world peace and for the salvation of us who honor you. [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 our Father, by faith you received strength, and by love you were given wings. You ran to the ladder of virtues, wherein is the fulness of all things desired; and you powerfully climbed it for the love of Christ. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O pure Virgin, we are rightly filled with Orthodox belief, for we venerate the marvel of your childbirth as portrayed in icons, and we reverence the deed and we honor the image, confessing the truth in both. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 1. (NM) Let us honour in hymns the Theotokos.

Τὴν ζωοδόχον πηγήν.

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]

Slain by my many sins, I am imprisoned in the tomb of negligence, and upon me lies the stone of despair. Remove it in Thy mercy, O Christ, and raise me up as once Thou hast raised Lazarus. [KW]

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

Let us flee from the example of the rich man, who was condemned to the fire that never shall be quenched, and let us acquire the patience of Lazarus in his troubles, that Jesus may comfort us and make us sharers in His Kingdom. [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]

Let us observe with gladness the Fast that kills our passions; let us steadfastly devote ourselves to prayer; let us weep and mourn and lament with all our heart, that when we depart hence, we may go to dwell with Abraham. [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.

Divine treasure of virginity, the only restoration of our forefathers, fountain flowing with the deep waters of compassion, excellency and beauty of Jacob: let us sing the praises of the Theotokos, for through her we have been saved. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 1. (NM) Thou art the Gate that Ezekiel.

Σὲ τὴν ὁραθεῖσαν.

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]

While He is staying beyond Jordan, Christ is told today that Lazarus is ill; and, knowing all things in advance, He says: ‘This sickness is not unto death.’ [KW]

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

Make ready, O Bethany, adorn thy gates for God, open wide thy courts; for behold, the Master shall enter with the apostles, bringing life to him whom thou hast nurtured. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

The host of six-winged seraphim glorifies Thee, O Unity in three Persons, undivided Essence; and in our hymns with all mankind we magnify Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

In ways past all interpretation Thou wast begotten outside time from the Father, and born within time from Thy Mother for the salvation of all; and in our hymns, as Creator and Master, we magnify Thee. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Bearing the branches of our generosity and the palms of our purity, let us all make ready to meet Christ who comes to Jerusalem as our God. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 1.

Σὲ τὴν ὁραθεῖσαν.

Thou art the gate that Ezekiel the Prophet saw of old, through which none has ever passed save God alone; and in our hymns, O Theotokos Virgin, we magnify thee. [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

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Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode 1.

O Christ, who make the light to rise, purify my soul of every sin, by the protection of the Bodiless Hosts, and save me. [SD]

O Christ, who make the light to rise, purify my soul of every sin, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

O Christ, who make the light to rise, purify my soul of every sin, 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. 1.

Condemn me not, O Christ, to the flames of Gehenna, as the rich man was condemned because he had neglected Lazarus; but grant even to me, who ask with tears, a drop of Thy lovingkindness, O God, and have mercy upon 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]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 1.

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

Blessed is the army of the heavenly King: for though the victorious martyrs were born of this earth, yet despising their bodies they made haste to attain to the angelic estate; and through their sufferings they were counted worthy of the honour of the bodiless angels. At their prayers, O Lord, send down upon us Thy great mercy. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1.

O Maiden full of grace, we entreat you to supplicate on our behalf, and ask for abundant mercies to be sent to our souls, and for the forgiveness of our many offenses. [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.