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Octoechos - Mode 3.

On Wednesday Morning

Menaion - October 21

Memory of our Devout Father Hilarion the Great

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MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Apolytikion. For the Devout Man.

Mode pl. 4.

With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Hilarion, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4.

When the Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd and Savior of the world saw Him on the Cross, she uttered tearfully, “The world rejoices at receiving redemption, but my insides are burning as I see Your crucifixion, which You endure for all, O my Son and my God.” [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 10. 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 Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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Kathisma I.

From Octoechos - - -

For the Cross.

Mode 3.

The Cross was set up on the earth, and it touched the heavens; not that the tree reached that height, but that You who were on it fill all things. Glory to You, O Lord. [SD]

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

O Lamb of God, you were lifted up onto a cross, made of cypress, pine and cedar, in order to save us, who in faith reverence Your voluntary crucifixion. O Christ our God, glory to You! [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

We have obtained the Cross of your Son, O Theotokos, as a rod of power. By it we subdue the insolence of the enemies. And with love we magnify you unceasingly. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 11. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

For the Cross.

Mode 3.

On behalf of the human race, You were slapped and yet were not enraged. Free our life of corruption, O Lord, and save us. [GOASD]

Verse: God is our King before the ages; He worked salvation in the midst of the earth.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Amazed were regiments of Angels seeing You * who have immeasurable divine authority * now voluntarily submit to torture and crucifixion. * “Look how He be scourged and flogged, who as God is invisible, * in His wish to free mankind from destruction and death’s decay!” * And so to You, the Giver of life, we sing, * “Glory to Your tender mercies, O Christ!” [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

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]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma III.

For the Cross.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

You who who transcend the whole created universe, * wishing to honor me who long ago sustained * the grave dishonor, have endured dishonorable death on the cross. * And You let your side be pierced * with a spear, for you wished to free * from utter destruction me, * whom You fashioned, O forbearing Lord. * I glorify Your goodness, O Savior, * and Your great compassion, O benevolent God. [GOASD]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.

For the Martyrs.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

When you put on the whole armor of Christ our God, * and armed yourselves with His breastplate righteousness * and faith and love, you vanquished hosts of enemies courageously. * Hoping in the life to come, you endured with alacrity * every threat and punishment * of the tyrants who tortured you. * O Martyrs of Christ, you were valiant, * and you received the medals of victory. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

When Your immaculate and irreproachable * and ever-virgin pure, all-holy Mother watched * as You were crucified, O Lord, she saw You on the cross and wept. * Tearfully she cried aloud, “Woe is me! O my sweetest Son! * How could this unlawful crowd condemn You to be crucified, * for You are Lord of all and Creator! * I glorify Your goodness that has no end.” [GOASD]

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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]

Kontakion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. N/M (On this day.)

Coming together today, we sing in hymns to you, Hillary, as an unsetting luminary of the noetic Sun. You illumined those in the darkness of ignorance, lifting up to a divine height all those who cry out: Rejoice, O Father, pedestal of ascetics. [VPA]

Oikos.

When you fell in love with the divine commandments of Christ, and detested carnal and worldly pleasure, you enthusiastically went to Him, and you became a star that illumined all the ends of the earth, as you shined with the light of the Spirit. Therefore I appeal to you and entreat you: Illumine the eyes of my soul as well, so that I may extol your contests, which you demonstrated on earth for the sake of the life to come. As you enjoy that now, remember us who shout: Rejoice, O Father, the pedestal of ascetics. [SD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On October 21, we commemorate our devout father Hilarion the Great.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyrs Gaius, Dasius and Zoticus.

On this day we commemorate the newly revealed martyrs Andrew, Stephen, Paul and Peter.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyr Theodota, and Socrates the Presbyter.

On this day the holy martyr Efcrates died by the sword.

We commemorate our devout father Philotheus of Mount Athos.

We also commemorate the holy New Martyr John from Monemvasia, who died by torture in Larissa in 1773.

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

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CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 2.

Κάμινός ποτε.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heeding the divine decree, the fiery furnace * of old in Babylon distributed its actions and energy; * for it burned up the Chaldean men, * but it refreshed the faithful young men who sang, * saying, “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. Sing a hymn to Him.” [SD]

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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 2.

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]

Heirmos. Mode 2.

Ἀνάρχου Γεννήτορος.

To us was revealed the unoriginate Begetter’s Son, * from a Virgin incarnated. He is God and Lord, * coming to those sitting in darkness to give them light, * to gather the scattered. * And therefore the all-extolled Theotokos should be magnified. [SD]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

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Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

Devout and holy Father, * the Lord who knows the thoughts of all * beholding how you were cheerful * and how your mind was very pure * made you, the pride of monastics, * a world-renowned luminary. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Since you, O Virgin, are Mother * of the Creator of ages * and of the Master of Angels, * we therefore pray you entreat Him * to grant us who are your servants * to stand on His right in heaven. [SD]

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Lauds. Mode pl. 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

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.

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.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.

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Stichera. For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2. When the saints deposited.

Ὅλην ἀποθέμενοι.

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]

Dedicated to the Lord * in every way and at all times, * you had mortified your flesh * by ascetic discipline in virtue from youth; * but the eye of your soul, * Father, by your radiant * contemplations you had vivified. * So when you thus became * able to receive what the Lord bestows, * you gained the gifts of grace divine, * healings and performing of miracles; * and to all in need you distribute the abundant gifts of God, * and you entreat Him with confidence, * praying that He save our souls. [SD]

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]

Dedicated to the Lord * in every way and at all times, * you had mortified your flesh * by ascetic discipline in virtue from youth; * but the eye of your soul, * Father, by your radiant * contemplations you had vivified. * So when you thus became * able to receive what the Lord bestows, * you gained the gifts of grace divine, * healings and performing of miracles; * and to all in need you distribute the abundant gifts of God, * and you entreat Him with confidence, * praying that He save our souls. [SD]

Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]

O devout Hilarion, * when you received the tri-solar * radiance with brilliant light, * then like a perceptible brightly shining sun * you moved over the earth, * unto all dispersing * holy sunbeams of your miracles. * Thus the recipients * of your benefactions, who had enjoyed * the healings you performed on them, * godly-minded Father, and who obtained * by your sacred teachings, * salvation, were proclaiming that you are * a Prophet, worker of miracles, * and a saint inspired by God. [SD]

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

When you passed beyond delights * of life and all things apparent, * O devout Hilarion, * and by grace passed over to things immovable * and perceived by the mind, * you conversed then purely * with the only absolutely pure, * because of sharpness of * intellect and purity of your soul; * and though you were material * you lived like an Angel, O holy one. * Now that you are standing * beside the Master Christ, the Lord of all, * will you entreat Him with confidence, * praying that He save our souls. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

Christ beheld your pure and tranquil life, Father, ⁄ your meekness and silence. ⁄ Therefore He made His abode in you ⁄ and you became a divine dwelling. ⁄⁄ Now, blessed one, you dwell with the angels in heaven! [OCA]

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2. Joseph took You down.

Ὅτε ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου.

Jesus, You were crucified for us. * As the Ever-Virgin, Your Mother, witnessed You hanging there, * she was weeping and she said, “O sweetest Son of mine, * why, O Light unapproachable * of the pre-eternal * Father, why have You left me Your Mother all alone? * Hurry to be glorified, so that * all who glorify Your most holy * Passion may be glorified by You, O God.” [SD]

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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

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 of the Octoechos.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3.

I was cast out of Eden because of envy. It was a terrible fall. But You, O Master, did not overlook me. But You assumed my nature for me, and You were crucified. And You save me and bring me into glory. O my Redeemer, glory to You! [GOASD]

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]

Automelon.

Σταυροφανῶς Μωυσῆς.

When Moses stood on the mountain extending * upwards his arms in the form of a cross, Amalek was routed. * When on the ven’rable Cross You extended * Your hands, O Savior, You held me * in Your embrace and You saved me from enslavement to the foe. * And thus You gave me a token of life to escape from the longbow of my enemies. * O deliver Your people from the hand of Your foes, in Your benevolence. [SD]

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

O holy Martyrs, even after death, you shine on the world like luminaries, for you fought the good fight. Now that you have confidence when praying to Christ, entreat Him to have mercy on our souls. [GOASD]

Glory. For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

We the multitudes of monastics honor you, O father Hilarion, as our teacher and guide. For through you we have learned to walk the truly straight and narrow path. Blessed are you, who served Christ and triumphed over the power of the enemy. As you consort now with the Angels and dwell with the Devout and Righteous, pray with them to the Lord, that He have mercy on our souls. [SD]

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. Your martyr Saints.

Οἱ Μάρτυρές σου Κύριε.

Your all-pure virgin Mother watched You willingly submit to crucifixion; * and knowing Your authority and power, * she succumbed to sorrow, O Christ. * In her grief, lamenting, she cried out to You, * “Child, do not leave me who gave birth to You! * My sweetest Son, say something! * Do not in silence pass me * Your servant, O Logos of God!” [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.

Apolytikion. For the Devout Man.

Mode pl. 4.

With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Hilarion, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4.

O immaculate Maiden, the fruit of your womb is the fulfillment of the Prophets and the Law. Therefore, O Theotokos, with understanding, we glorify and magnify you piously. [SD]

(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)

PRIEST: Wisdom.

READER: Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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

or:

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, of our devout and God-bearing father Hilarion the Great, whose memory we observe; 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.