Books - Sources |
Triodion |
Mode 1. On Wednesday Morning |
On Wednesday Before Palm Sunday Morning |
Menaion - April 1 |
Memory of our Devout Mother Mary of Egypt |
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MATINS |
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CHOIR |
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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 - - - |
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Triadic Hymns |
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Mode 1. |
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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 power of Your Cross save us. [SD] |
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Glory. |
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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] |
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Both now. |
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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 19. There is no litany, but immediately the following: |
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CHOIR |
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Kathisma I. |
From Triodion - - - |
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For the Cross. |
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Mode 1. The soldiers. |
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Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ. |
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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] |
Verse: Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet; for He is holy. [SAAS] |
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Mode 1. The stone having been sealed. |
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Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος. |
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We bow before the wood of Your Cross and venerate it, * on which You were nailed, You the Life of all, benevolent Savior. * You opened Paradise and You received the Robber who entreated You with faith. * He was granted its delight after he professed You, saying, “Lord, remember me!” * Likewise accept us also, O Christ. * We now implore Your tender love, * crying out, “We all have sinned. Do not abandon us!” [GOASD] |
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Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. |
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Mode 1. The stone having been sealed. |
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When Your Mother, the blameless Sheep, saw You the Lamb, O Logos, * in Your long-suffering, crucified together with robbers, * and witnessed the spear pierce Your side, * she lamented maternally and cried, * “O my Son, what is this awesome and horrifying mystery? * How can a tomb conceal the limitless God? * What is happening is unspeakable! * Do not abandon me, Your Mother, O sweetest Son of mine!” [GOASD] |
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 20. 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 - - - |
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Kathisma II. From the Triodion. |
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Mode 2. |
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Weighed down by many sins as by a stone, I lie in the tomb of negligence: but lead me up from there, O merciful and compassionate Lord. [KW] |
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Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. |
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Mode 2. |
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Guarded by the precious Cross of thy Son, O pure Lady and Theotokos, easily we turn aside all the assaults of the adversary. Therefore, as is right, we glorify thee, for thou art the Mother of the Light and the only hope of our souls. [KW] |
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 1. 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 |
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 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 - - - |
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Kathisma III. From the Triodion. |
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Mode 3. (NM) |
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Τὴν ὡραιότητα. |
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Today dead Lazarus is buried, and his sisters sing in lamentation: but Thou, in Thy divine foreknowledge, hast predicted what should come to pass. ‘Lazarus sleeps,’ Thou hast prophesied to Thy disciples, ‘but I go to raise up him whom I created.’ Therefore we all cry to Thee: Glory to Thy mighty power. [KW] |
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Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. |
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Mode 3. You were so beautiful. |
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Τὴν ὡραιότητα. |
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Your ever-virgin, pure Mother, saw You, O Christ, * when You were crucified, and You were hanging dead * upon the Cross, and she cried out expressing her maternal grief, * “What is this ingratitude of these people who break the Law? * Why have they repaid You thus, for the many amazing gifts * and blessings, O my Son, that You gave them? * I extol Your divine condescension.” [GOASD] |
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READER |
Lord, have mercy. (3) |
Glory. Both now. |
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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 |
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Canon for the Holy Woman. |
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Ode i. Mode 2. Heirmos. |
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Ἐν βυθῷ κατέστρωε. |
Verse: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified. |
Long ago the overwhelming Force * utterly destroyed the chariots and army of Pharaoh within the Sea. * Now the Logos put on flesh * and He wiped out malignant sin and its burdens all. * He is Lord, forever glorious, and He is greatly glorified. [SD] |
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Troparia. |
Devout Saint of God, intercede for us |
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O glorious Mary, since you have now found the illumination of bright-shining splendor and illuminating brilliance, I entreat you, with your prayers to the Lord enlighten my soul that is overshadowed by the passions. [RB] |
Verse: The Lord reigns forever and ever and ever. For Pharaoh’s horses went with his chariots and horsemen into the sea. [SAAS] |
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Although the snake’s schemes once slew your soul and you slipped and fell towards the pit of destruction with your deluded deeds, you chose better things and scorned worldly cares. [RB] |
Verse: But the children of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea. [SAAS] |
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You passionately stained your soul’s original freedom and nobility with indecent thoughts, you wore the most foul garment of corruption, and you did not know your Creator’s ineffable glory. [RB] |
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Glory. |
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O admirable Mary, you fed your mind with wantonness and vain pleasures, you belittled those dedicated to a better communion, and you walled yourself off, trading it for the defiance of sin. [RB] |
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Both now. Theotokion. |
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O Full of Grace, you conceived the enhypostatic and life-streaming immortality; rescue me from my missteps and purify me, for my mind is inflamed with passions, and I am bruised and terribly shaken by transgressions. [RB] |
From Menaion - - - |
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Canon for the Holy Woman. |
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Ode iii. Mode 2. Heirmos. |
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Ἐν πέτρᾳ με τῆς πίστεως. |
Verse: Holy are You, O Lord, and my spirit praises You. |
You strengthened me on the rock of faith, O Savior. * You made me smile at my enemies and deride them. * My spirit is rejoicing, as I am singing, * “No one is holy like our God, * and no one is righteous but You, O Lord.” [SD] |
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Troparia. |
Devout Saint of God, intercede for us |
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You soared aloft on divine longing that surpasses all; you threw aside vainglory and drew near the Master, crying: no one is holy as our most holy God, and no one is righteous but You, O Lord Most High. [RB] |
Verse: My heart is strengthened in the Lord; my horn is exalted in my God. I smile at my enemies; I rejoice in Your salvation. [SAAS] |
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You soared aloft on divine longing that surpasses all; you threw aside vainglory and drew near the Master, crying: no one is holy as our most holy God, and no one is righteous but You, O Lord Most High. [RB] |
Verse: Because no one is holy like the Lord, no one is righteous like our God, no one is holy but You. [SAAS] |
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You approached the tree of sin and were initiated into knowledge that brings death; you then ran to the life-giving Tree, crying out to Christ: You are our God, and no one is righteous but You, O Lord Most High. [RB] |
Verse: Do not boast nor speak of high things; let no arrogance come from your mouth. [SAAS] |
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You yearned after the light’s ineffable brightness; you scorned all worldly cares, and you ran towards immaterial divine vision, crying in faith: You are our God, and no one is righteous but You, O Lord Most High. [RB] |
Verse: For the Lord is the God of knowledge; and God is preparing His actions. [SAAS] |
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Theotokion. |
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O Theotokos, we have become members of the divine choirs of Angels through your giving birth, for you ineffably conceived our Creator and gave Him, the ineffable one, a body; so we all reverence you as the Mother of God. [RB] |
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Intermediate Verses of Ode Three. |
He weakened the bow of mighty men, and those who are weak are girded with strength. [SAAS] |
Those who were full of bread were made empty, and the hungry have forsaken the land. The barren woman has borne seven, and she who has many children has become feeble. |
The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to Hades and raises up. |
The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low and lifts up. |
He raises the poor from the earth. He lifts the needy from the dung heap, to set them among princely people and make them inherit a throne of glory. [SAAS] |
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From Triodion - - - |
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Canon 1 from the Triodion. |
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Ode iii. Mode 2. (NM) O God, the husbandman. |
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Στειρωθέντα μου τὸν νοῦν. |
Verse: The One who gives a prayer to the one praying, He blesses with righteous years. [SAAS] |
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Through the power of the Cross strengthen my mind that is weakened by the assaults of the evil one, and guide me, O Lord, to the performance of Thy will. [KW] |
Verse: The Lord makes His adversaries weak; the Lord is holy. [SAAS] |
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Sunk in the drowsiness of sloth, I lie sleeping on the bed of pleasure. Raise me up, O Christ, and make me a worshipper at Thy Passion. [KW] |
Verse: Let not the man of learning boast in his understanding, nor let the man of might boast in his might, nor let the man of riches boast in his riches. [SAAS] |
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With our souls cleansed and illumined by fasting, let us make haste to meet Christ as He comes incarnate to Jerusalem. [KW] |
Verse: Only let the one who boasts boast in this: to understand and to know the Lord and to do justice and righteousness in the midst of the earth. [SAAS] |
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Theotokion. |
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O pure Virgin, who wast not burnt by the fire of the Godhead, burn up the material impulses of my passions, that I may for ever glorify Thee with faith. [KW] |
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Canon 2 from the Triodion. |
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Ode iii. Mode 3. (NM) O barren and infertile soul. |
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Στεῖρα ψυχή. |
Verse: The Lord went up into the heaven and thundered. The Lord judges the ends of the earth. [SAAS] |
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The death of Lazarus this day did not escape the all-seeing eye of Jesus, but He spoke of it to His disciples, crying: ‘My friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to raise him.’ [KW] |
Verse: He gives strength to our leaders, and He will exalt the horn of His Christ. [SAAS] |
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‘Let us go into Judaea again,’ Thou hast said, O Lord, and Thy words filled the disciples with fear. But Thomas boldly cried aloud: ‘He is the Life, let us go also; for if we die, we shall return to life again.’ [KW] |
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Glory. For the Trinity. |
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O Trinity one in Essence, Almighty Father, coeternal Son and Spirit of God that shares their throne, uncreated Godhead worshipped in Unity: with all mortal men we sing Thy praises. [KW] |
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Both now. Theotokion. |
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O Virgin Mother undefiled, Thou art the root of Jesse from which has sprung Christ the Flower that brings life to all on earth. Through thee we are delivered from corruption and mortality, and we all sing thy praises, O pure Lady. [KW] |
Glory to You, our God, glory to You. |
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Rejoice, O Zion! Now thy King comes, as the Prophet proclaimed: He is meek, and the foal of an ass carries Him in the body, though He holds all creation in His hand. Let us sing to His power. [KW] |
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Heirmos (NM). Mode 3. |
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Στεῖρα ψυχή. |
O barren and infertile soul, bear a crop of glorious fruit and cry with joy: Thou hast firmly established me, O God; there is none holy and none righteous save Thee, O Lord. [KW] |
Ode 3: Short Litany |
PRIEST |
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. |
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. |
PRIEST |
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. |
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. |
PRIEST |
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. |
CHOIR: To You, O Lord. |
PRIEST |
For You are our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. |
CHOIR: Amen. |
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CHOIR |
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Kathisma. |
From Menaion - - - |
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Mode pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.) |
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Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον. |
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O all-blessed one, you curtailed the disobedience of fallen flesh with ascetic works, and you revealed your soul’s courage; for you desired to see the Lord’s Cross and changed your ways, crucifying yourself to the world and living a holy life. And so, you earnestly awakened your whole being to holy and unlimited zeal for the angels’ blessed life. O renowned Mary, for this we faithfully honor your memory, and we ask that pardon of our trespasses may be granted in abundance at your intercessions with God. [RB] |
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Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. |
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Mode pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.) |
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O Savior, Shepherd, and Lamb of God, when the pure Ewe saw you hanged on the Cross unjustly, she mourned and wept most bitterly: Woe is me! O most dearly beloved Child, what is this strange and fearful mystery that I see? I am gutted; I am too weak to groan; I cannot bear to see you delivered to death in this way. But, O Master and Sovereign Lord, take pity on a grieving mother’s cries, and as you foretold, fill my heart with joy when you arise from the grave as the Almighty God. [RB] |
From Menaion - - - |
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Canon for the Holy Woman. |
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Ode iv. Mode 2. Heirmos (not metered). |
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Ὑμνῶ σε ἀκοῇ. |
Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord. |
I extol You, for I hear Your report, Lord, and I was amazed. For You have come down to me, seeking me the lost sheep. Therefore I glorify Your great condescension towards me, O very merciful Lord. [SD] |
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Troparia. |
Devout Saint of God, intercede for us |
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O glorious Mary, you were taken from your country, and you sailed providentially to the land of Zion because of your desire; and through your confession there, O righteous Mother, you were absolved from your sins. [RB] |
Verse: The Lord God is my strength; He will direct my feet to the end. [SAAS] |
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O glorious one, you continued unknowingly; you saw the ineffable brightness of a better vision, you resolved to be master, and learned the hidden things of what you did not know. [RB] |
Verse: He will set me upon high places, so to conquer by His song. [SAAS] |
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You were strengthened with saving grace, you saw the divine and illuminating brightness, you approached the all-worshipful Cross with your eyes and your heart, and partook of salvation. [RB] |
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Glory. |
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O all-blessed Mary, you looked with joy at the bright image of the Virgin Theotokos, and you ran to her with tears, making a covenant with her for your entire life. [RB] |
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Both now. Theotokion. |
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O all-pure Virgin, the one who has given all things their being of his own accord is united to me in my very being by an indescribable will and God’s incomparable provision. He came forth from you who bore flesh, and he entirely renews me. [RB] |
From Menaion - - - |
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Canon for the Holy Woman. |
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Ode v. Mode 2. Heirmos (not metered). |
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Ὁ φωτισμός. |
Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace. |
You are the light of those lying in darkness, O Christ my Savior. You are the salvation of all who despair. I rise up early to you, O King of peace. Illumine me with your radiance. I know no God other than You. [SD] |
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Troparia. |
Devout Saint of God, intercede for us |
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O godly-minded Mary, you made your way to the divine path free of passions, figuratively departing this life. You crossed the Jordan’s waters with longing and achieved unspeakable glory. [RB] |
Verse: The dead shall rise up; and those in the tombs shall arise. Those in the earth shall be glad. [SAAS] |
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O Mary, jewel of self-control, you had a courageous soul, you took on struggles, you fought steadfastly against the enemies’ delusion, and you persevered with the strength of youth. [RB] |
Verse: For your dew is a healing for them, but the land of the ungodly shall come to an end. [SAAS] |
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O Mother, you shook off your fragility with determination, you washed off the passions through self-control, you wandered in the wilderness as a divine meadow, and you rejoiced seeing your Creator’s beauty. [RB] |
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Glory. |
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O Mother, with your courageous struggles, you have cast down and trampled upon the one who once corrupted Eve in Eden with his words and banished her from eternal paradise through his machinations. [RB] |
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Both now. Theotokion. |
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O Virgin, we know that you are the Sun of Glory’s dawn, the King’s bright chariot which the Son of the Most High is driving, and an ark of goodness that brings Christ into the world. [RB] |
From Menaion - - - |
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Canon for the Holy Woman. |
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Ode vi. Mode 2. Heirmos. |
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Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων. |
Verse: Save us, O Lord, like You saved the Prophet Jonah. |
Like a deep sea, my sins have encircled me. * I invoke the deep sea of Your ineffable * and unfathomable tender love. * Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God. [SD] |
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Troparia. |
Devout Saint of God, intercede for us |
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O all-blessed Mary, you were thoroughly enrapt with longing for Christ’s appearance; you were strengthened by the Spirit, and you repelled the attacks of passions. [RB] |
Verse: Those who follow vanity and lies forsake their own mercy. [SAAS] |
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O all-blessed Mary, you were thoroughly enrapt with longing for Christ’s appearance; you were strengthened by the Spirit, and you repelled the attacks of passions. [RB] |
Verse: As much as I vowed, I shall offer up to You, to You, the Lord of Deliverance. [SAAS] |
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You were illumined by the beauty of your deeds, you crushed the rebellions of the shadow; and you darkened your enemies’ faces with ascetic works. [RB] |
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Glory. |
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O glorious Mary, you fixed your gaze with resolve on her who alone is utterly blameless; you called upon her and rested in her every day. [RB] |
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Both now. Theotokion. |
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O all-blameless one, you are the King’s throne that is above the Heavens; for you contained in your own body his entire divine kingship. [RB] |
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Heirmos. |
Like a deep sea, my sins have encircled me. * I invoke the deep sea of Your ineffable * and unfathomable tender love. * Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God. [SD] |
Ode 6: Short Litany |
PRIEST |
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. |
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. |
PRIEST |
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. |
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. |
PRIEST |
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. |
CHOIR: To You, O Lord. |
PRIEST |
For You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. |
CHOIR: Amen. |
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From Triodion - - - |
READER |
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For the Martyrs. Mode 1. |
The holy martyrs suffered painful tortures for Your sake, O Lord; be compelled by what they endured, and heal our every pain, we entreat You, O only benevolent God. [SD] |
bookmark |
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion. |
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Synaxarion |
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From the Menaion. |
On April 1 we commemorate our devout Mother Mary of Egypt. |
On this day we also commemorate our devout Father Makarios the Confessor, Abbot of the Hewn Monastery. |
On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Gerontios and Vasilides. |
On this day we also commemorate the holy and righteous Ahaz. |
We also commemorate our devout Russian father Efthymios of Suzdal, the wonder-worker. |
By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen. |
bookmark |
From Menaion - - - |
CHOIR |
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Canon for the Holy Woman. |
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Ode vii. Mode 2. Heirmos. |
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Εἰκόνος χρυσῆς. |
Verse: Blessed are You, the God of our fathers. |
The image of gold * was in Babylon on Dura being worshiped. * But Your three Servants showed complete disdain * for that abominable decree. * Thrown into the fiery furnace, * in the midst of it they were bedewed, * singing: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers. [SD] |
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Troparia. |
Devout Saint of God, intercede for us |
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The self-aggrandizing destroyer who puffs himself up immeasurably and who seeks to conquer the entire earth, is conquered through a woman; he slew man and cast him from life-giving paradise, and he himself is now slain. [RB] |
Verse: Blessed are You on the throne of Your kingdom, and You are praised and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS] |
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O godly-minded Mary, the one who once mysteriously fed the people in the wilderness has become nourishment and comfort for you; and he gave you food and drink through his ineffable power as you cried: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [RB] |
Verse: Blessed are You in the firmament of heaven, for You are praised and glorified unto the ages. [SAAS] |
|
You shook off the great waves of the passions, securely defended by the Cross, and you parted them as the one who saw God also parted the sea; and crossing over to the promised land through your dispassion, you dwelled in the immortal inheritance. [RB] |
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Glory. |
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He that plots against the pious was not able to conquer the determination and resolve of your endurance, even with his countless attacks; and so you scorned his downfall and cried out: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [RB] |
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Both now. Theotokion. |
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O hallowed Virgin Mother, the Incomprehensible One takes flesh from you, and since he is good, he renews humanity in your womb. And so, as we sing hymns to you as the one who mediates these amazing things, we say: Blessed are you, for you conceived God in the flesh. [RB] |
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Ode viii. |
From Menaion - - - |
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Canon for the Holy Woman. |
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Ode viii. Mode 2. Heirmos. |
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Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός. |
Verse: O you works, to the Lord sing a hymn, and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages. |
When God went down into the fire * of the furnace with the holy Hebrew Servants, * He converted the flames there into dew refreshing them. * Extol Him as Lord, O you works of His, * and exalt Him beyond measure, * unto all the ages. [SD] |
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Troparia. |
Devout Saint of God, intercede for us |
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You are brilliantly arrayed in bright rays of virtues, and the sound of your works has now gone out into the whole world; and so we glorify your memory in faith. [RB] |
Verse: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS] |
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You are brilliantly arrayed in bright rays of virtues, and the sound of your works has now gone out into the whole world; and so we glorify your memory in faith. [RB] |
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] |
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The godly-minded Zosimas was found worthy of inexpressible joy when he saw you in the desert and cried: O you works, praise the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [RB] |
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] |
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O God-bearer, you received your rewards and were judged worthy of the divine recompense; you knew where Zosimas had come from; and singing with him, you said: we exalt you beyond measure, O Christ, unto all the ages. [RB] |
Verse: Bless the Lord, you sun and moon, you stars of heaven, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS] |
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Theotokion. |
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O Savior, since you are God, you truly appeared on earth bearing flesh to snatch mankind away from the slayer of mortal, and you preserved her in purity that gave you birth. And so we sing hymns to you unto all the ages. [RB] |
(read) |
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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 - - - |
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Canon 1 from the Triodion. |
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Ode viii. Mode 2. (NM) The Lord of old foreshadowed. |
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Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ. |
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] |
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Roll back from my humble soul, O Christ the Word, the heavy stone of grievous slothfulness, and raise me from the tomb of insensitivity, that I may glorify Thee. [KW] |
Verse: Bless the Lord, O children of men. Bless the Lord, O Israel, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS] |
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In Thy divine foreknowledge and Thy tender mercy Thou hast foretold to Thy friends the death of Thy friend; and Thou hast raised him on the fourth day, to Thy praise and glory. [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] |
|
Thou comest again, O Christ, to Judaea, which seeks to kill Thee the Tree of Life upon the tree of the Cross; for it is Thy will to make immortal those who had been slain by eating from the tree. [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] |
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Theotokion. |
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In thee, pure Virgin, are the ways of God made manifest: for He kept thy virginity sealed after childbirth for ever. [KW] |
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Canon 2 from the Triodion. |
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Ode viii. Mode 3. (NM) Begotten as God. |
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Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου. |
Verse: Bless the Lord, O Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS] |
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Lazarus the friend of Christ has died today: he is carried out for burial, and Martha’s companions lament in sorrow for her brother. But Christ comes to him in joy, to show the nations that He is Himself the Life of all. [KW] |
Verse: Bless the Lord, O Apostles, Prophets, and Martyrs, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS] |
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Raised on high through acts of compassion, as though upon the Mount of Olives, let us make ready for the invisible coming of Christ to us, as we praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW] |
Verse: We bless the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we sing a hymn to Him and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS] |
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For the Trinity. |
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O Unity in three Persons, Father, Son and living Spirit, one Godhead and one Kingdom, the hosts of angels glorify Thee as the Light that never sets; and we on earth praise, bless and exalt Thee above all for ever. [KW] |
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Both now. Theotokion. |
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Behold, with all generations we call thee blessed, O Virgin undefiled, seeing the great things God has done to thee. For in ways surpassing nature thou hast borne the Maker of all, who is both God and man. Therefore we bless and exalt thee above all for ever. [KW] |
Glory to You, our God, glory to You. |
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With the Children let us also go and meet Christ our God, bringing works of mercy instead of palms, and prayer in our hearts instead of branches; and let us cry: Hosanna! Bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW] |
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord. |
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Heirmos (NM). Mode 3. |
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Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου. |
Begotten as God before all ages from the Father without beginning, He has in the last times clothed Himself in flesh taken from the Theotokos: O sing His praises as true man and perfect God, and bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW] |
bookmark |
Stand for the singing of Ode ix. |
DEACON |
Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light. |
CHOIR |
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Ode ix. |
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The Magnificat. Mode 2. |
Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV] |
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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] |
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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] |
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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] |
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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] |
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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] |
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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 - - - |
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Canon for the Holy Woman. |
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Ode ix. Mode 2. Heirmos. |
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Ἡ τὸν πρὸ ἡλίου φωστῆρα. |
Lady, from your virginal belly * you ineffably embodied God, * the luminary who arose before the sun, * and the One who came down to us * and dwelt among us bodily. * O blessed and all-holy one, * you, O Theotokos, do we magnify. [SD] |
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Troparia. |
Devout Saint of God, intercede for us |
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O all-blessed Mary, you partook of the Mysteries with longing, you were filled with glorious radiance, and you were assured to have your Bridegroom’s ineffable grace. And so you were judged worthy of a most blessed and divine translation. [RB] |
Verse: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. [RSV] |
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O God-bearer, you knew the mystery of your departure, and you walked upon the waters while remaining dry. O all-venerable Mother, you were translated from the world, and now you have comprehended your Creator’s inconceivable beauty and delight. [RB] |
Verse: And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. [RSV] |
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O God-inspired Mary, you carried your lamp and were dressed with the splendor of the virtues. Now you see the throne of the King of all and delight in His sweet beauty, and you dance for joy with the righteous. [RB] |
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] |
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O Mary and godly-minded Zosimas, you richly enjoy God’s rewards for your efforts and deed. Ask him to be gracious now to all of us and to grant our souls the forgiveness of sins. [RB] |
Verse: To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant. [RSV] |
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Theotokion. |
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O Virgin and Lady, you are higher than all created things. You ineffably carried the Master of all physically in your womb, and you nourished Him with milk as his mother. And so we all magnify you. [RB] |
From Triodion - - - |
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Canon 1 from the Triodion. |
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Ode ix. Mode 2. (NM) |
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Τῶν γηγενῶν τίς ἤκουσε. |
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] |
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With fasting as his protection, Daniel stopped the mouths of wild beasts. Follow his example, O my soul, and with the aid of the Cross drive off the serpent who goes about as a roaring lion, seeking to devour every soul. [KW] |
Verse: [That we] might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. [RSV] |
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O Word of God, by Thy life-giving word raise up my soul that is slain by sin and imprisoned in the tomb of transgression; and count me worthy to offer palms of virtue to Thee the Conqueror of death. [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] |
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The Word of God the Father, whose throne is heaven and His footstool earth, enters the Holy City riding on a foal; and, as King of all, out of the mouths of babes He has appointed perfect praise. [KW] |
Verse: To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God. [RSV] |
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Theotokion. |
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O pure and most wonderful Virgin, thou only art fair among women, for thou hast conceived the Word who is fairer than all mortal men. Entreat Him, then, to make beautiful the ugliness of my heart. [KW] |
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Canon 2 from the Triodion. |
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Ode ix. Mode 3. (NM) In the bush upon Mount Sinai. |
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Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει. |
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] |
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Seeing their brother today beneath the bitter stone, the sisters of Lazarus shed tears of mourning. And from afar, my Christ, Thou hast spoken of this to Thine apostles, saying: ‘I am glad for your sakes’; for Thou wast not there in the flesh. [KW] |
Verse: To guide our feet into the way of peace. [RSV] |
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O murderous Judaea, desiring to fulfill as God His saving Passion. Willingly and by His own free choice, He accepts violent death at thy hands for our salvation. [KW] |
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Glory. For the Trinity. |
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The Godhead is both Unity and Trinity: O marvellous transmutation! It is single in Nature, yet distinguished in Persons; though indivisible, it is divided; though one, it is three; Father, Son and Spirit of Life, together guarding all things. [KW] |
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Both now. Theotokion. |
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Who has ever heard of a virgin that bore child and a mother that knew not man? O Mary, this miracle thou hast accomplished, but tell me how? ‘Do not enquire into the mystery of my divine childbearing: it is altogether true, yet beyond man’s understanding.’ [KW] |
Glory to You, our God, glory to You. |
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Weaving branches of palms, both inwardly and outwardly let us make ready to meet the Master that comes to us: for blessed is He that comes as true Son in the Name of the Lord and Father. [KW] |
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Heirmos (NM). Mode 3. |
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Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει. |
In the bush upon Mount Sinai Moses saw thee, who hast conceived within thy womb the fire of the Godhead, and yet wast not consumed. Daniel saw thee as a mountain not cut by hand of man, and Isaiah proclaimed thee as the Rod that blossomed from the root of David. [KW] |
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It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD] |
PRIEST |
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. |
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. |
PRIEST |
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. |
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. |
PRIEST |
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. |
CHOIR: To You, O Lord. |
PRIEST |
For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. |
CHOIR: Amen. |
bookmark |
|
Photagogic Hymns |
From Horologion - - - |
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Mode 1. |
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O Christ, who make the light to rise, purify my soul of every sin, by the power of Your Cross, and save me. [SD] |
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O Christ, who make the light to rise, purify my soul of every sin, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD] |
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O Christ, who make the light to rise, purify my soul of every sin, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD] |
bookmark |
READER |
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Lauds. (read) |
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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] |
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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] |
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Psalm 150. |
Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power; praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. Praise Him with the sound of a trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre; praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute; praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Alleluia. [SAAS] |
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. |
bookmark |
Stand for the reading of the Doxology. |
HIERARCH or READER |
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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. |
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LITANY OF COMPLETION |
DEACON |
Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord. |
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. |
DEACON |
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. |
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. |
DEACON |
That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord. |
CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord. |
DEACON |
For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord. |
CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord. |
DEACON |
For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord. |
CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord. |
DEACON |
For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord. |
CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord. |
DEACON |
That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord. |
CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord. |
DEACON |
And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ. |
CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord. |
DEACON |
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. |
CHOIR: To You, O Lord. |
PRIEST |
For You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages. |
CHOIR: Amen. |
PRIEST: Peace be with all. |
CHOIR: And with your spirit. |
DEACON |
Let us bow our heads to the Lord. |
CHOIR: To You, O Lord. |
PRIEST (in a low voice) |
Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next. |
PRIEST (aloud) |
For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages. |
CHOIR: Amen. |
|
Aposticha. From the Triodion. |
From Triodion - - - |
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Idiomelon. Mode 1. |
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Israel was clothed in purple and fine linen, arrayed in the glory of priestly and royal garments; rich in the Law and the Prophets, it rejoiced in the worship of the Old Covenant. But it crucified Thee outside the gates, O Benefactor who hast made Thyself poor, and it rejected Thee when Thou hast returned alive after the Crucifixion, O Thou who art ever in the bosom of God the Father. Israel thirsts now for a single drop of grace, like the rich man clothed in purple and fine linen, who showed no mercy to Lazarus in his poverty, and so was punished in the fire which never shall be quenched. Israel is filled with anguish as it looks upon the people of the Gentiles, who once lacked even the very crumbs of truth. But now they are comforted in the bosom of the faith of Abraham; they wear the purple of Thy blood and the fine linen of Baptism; and they make glad and rejoice in Thy gifts of grace, saying: O Christ our God, glory to Thee. [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] |
|
Israel was clothed in purple and fine linen, arrayed in the glory of priestly and royal garments; rich in the Law and the Prophets, it rejoiced in the worship of the Old Covenant. But it crucified Thee outside the gates, O Benefactor who hast made Thyself poor, and it rejected Thee when Thou hast returned alive after the Crucifixion, O Thou who art ever in the bosom of God the Father. Israel thirsts now for a single drop of grace, like the rich man clothed in purple and fine linen, who showed no mercy to Lazarus in his poverty, and so was punished in the fire which never shall be quenched. Israel is filled with anguish as it looks upon the people of the Gentiles, who once lacked even the very crumbs of truth. But now they are comforted in the bosom of the faith of Abraham; they wear the purple of Thy blood and the fine linen of Baptism; and they make glad and rejoice in Thy gifts of grace, saying: O Christ our God, glory to Thee. [KW] |
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For the Martyrs. |
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Mode 1. |
Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS] |
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O martyrs praised in all the world, neither tribulation nor distress nor hunger nor persecution, neither scourging nor the fury of wild beasts nor the sword nor threat of fire, could separate you from God. But suffering out of love for Him, as though your bodies were no longer your own, ye forgot nature and despised death. So ye have received the reward that ye deserve for all your toil, and ye have become inheritors of the heavenly Kingdom. Offer intercession without ceasing for our souls. [KW] |
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Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. |
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Mode 1. (NM) |
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Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες. |
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When Thy Virgin Mother saw Thee, O Christ, out of love for man hanging upon the Cross, who hast hung the earth upon the waters, she cried aloud: ‘Woe is me! What is this strange sight? O my beloved Son, where is Thy surpassing beauty gone? I magnify Thy mercy, for by Thine own free choice Thou sufferest for all mankind.’ [KW] |
PRIEST |
It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth at night. [SAAS] |
READER |
|
Trisagion Prayers. |
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3) |
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. |
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake. |
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. |
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. |
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. |
PRIEST |
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages. |
CHOIR: Amen. |
READER |
Standing in your glorious church, O Theotokos, we think we are standing in heaven. O heavenly Gate, open to us the door of your mercy. |
Lord, have mercy. (40) |
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. |
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. |
In the name of the Lord, Father, bless! |
PRIEST |
Blessed is Christ our God, the One who is, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. |
CHOIR: Amen. |
PRIEST |
O heavenly King, uphold our rulers, strengthen the Faith, calm the nations, give peace to the world. Protect this holy Church (or, Monastery); grant our departed fathers and brethren that they may dwell with the righteous, and accept us in repentance and confession; for You are good and benevolent. |
We now make three prostrations: i.e. we recite the Prayer of St. Ephrem (quietly or mentally), and with each verse we make a bow or prostration. |
While it has become customary for this prayer to be recited by someone aloud, nevertheless the indicated practice is that it be recited inaudibly and mentally by everyone, clergy and congregants alike, with the accompanying bows etc. |
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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. |
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Conclusion, i.e. “Through the prayers…” |
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. |
CHOIR: Amen. |
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