DCSC · Digital Chant Stand Companion
← 2026-03-23

GOA Digital Chant Stand Services for Monday, Mar 23, 2026

Midnight Office → Matins → Divine Liturgy → Vespers, in one continuous scroll

Midnight Office

PRIEST

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

READER: Amen.

PRIEST

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, treasury of good things and giver of life: come; take Your abode in us; cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, O Good one.

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.

READER

Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12)

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

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

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.

KATHISMA 17.

Psalm 118 (119)

Blessed are the blameless in the way who walk in the law of the Lord.

Blessed are those who search out His testimonies; they shall search for Him with their whole heart.

For those who work lawlessness do not walk in His ways.

You commanded us regarding Your commandments, that we should be very diligent to keep them.

Would that my ways were led, that I might keep Your ordinances.

Then I would not be ashamed when I regard all Your commandments.

I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with an upright heart, when I learn the judgments of Your righteousness.

I shall keep Your ordinances; do not utterly forsake me.

How shall a young man keep his way straight? when he keeps Your words.

I searched for You with my whole heart; do not drive me away from Your commandments.

I hid Your teachings in my heart so as not to sin against You.

Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your ordinances.

With my lips I declared all the judgments of Your mouth.

I delight in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.

I shall meditate on Your commandments, and I shall understand Your ways.

I shall meditate on Your ordinances; I shall not forget Your words.

Reward Your servant; I shall live, and keep Your words.

Unveil my eyes, and I shall understand the wonders in Your law.

I am a sojourner on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.

My soul longed to desire Your judgments in every season.

You rebuke the arrogant; those who turn aside from Your commandments are accursed.

Take away reproach and contempt from me, for I searched Your testimonies.

For rulers sat and spoke against me, but Your servant meditated on Your ordinances.

For Your testimonies are my meditation, and Your ordinances are my counsels.

My soul cleaves to the earth; give me life according to Your word.

I made known my ways and You heard me; teach me Your ordinances.

Cause me to understand the way of Your ordinances, and I shall meditate on Your wonders.

My soul fainted because of its listlessness; establish me in Your words.

Remove the way of unrighteousness from me, and with Your law have mercy on me.

I chose the way of truth; I have not forgotten Your judgments.

I cleave to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not disappoint me.

I ran on the path of Your commandments, when You enlarged my heart.

Give me as law, O Lord, the way of Your ordinances, and I shall always search them.

Cause me to understand, and I shall search out Your law; and I shall keep it with my whole heart.

Guide me in the path of Your commandments, for I desire it.

Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to greediness.

Turn away my eyes that I may not see vanity; give me life in Your way.

Establish Your teaching in Your servant In regard to Your fear.

Take away my blame, which I have suspected, for Your judgments are good.

Behold, I long for Your commandments; give me life in Your righteousness.

And may Your mercy come upon me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your teaching.

And I shall answer those who insult me with a word, for I hope in Your words.

Do not take away the word of truth completely from my mouth, for I hope in Your judgments.

So I shall keep Your law always, forever and unto ages of ages.

And I walk in a broad space, for I searched Your commandments.

I spoke of Your testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed.

And I meditate on Your commandments, which I love exceedingly.

And I raise my hands to Your commandments, which I love. And I meditate on Your ordinances.

Remember Your word to Your servant, in which You give me hope.

This comforted me in my humiliation, for Your teaching gives me life.

The arrogant transgressed exceedingly, but I did not turn away from Your law.

I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and I was comforted.

Despondency held me because of sinners who abandon Your law.

Your ordinances were sung to me In the place of my sojourning.

I remembered Your name in the night, O Lord, and I kept Your law.

This happened to me in the night, because I searched Your ordinances.

You are my portion, O Lord; I said I will keep Your law.

I sought Your presence with my whole heart; have mercy on me according to Your teaching.

I considered Your ways, and I turned my feet toward Your testimonies.

I prepared myself, and I was not troubled, that I might keep Your commandments.

The ropes of sinners ensnared me, but I did not forget Your law.

At midnight I arose to give thanks to You because of the judgments of Your righteousness.

I am a companion of all who fear You and keep Your commandments.

Lord, the earth is full of Your mercy; teach me Your ordinances.

Lord, You dealt with Your servant in goodness, according to Your word.

Teach me goodness, instruction, and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments.

Before I was humbled, I transgressed; therefore, I kept Your teaching.

You are good, O Lord, and in Your goodness teach me Your ordinances.

The unrighteousness of the arrogant multiplied against me, but I will search out Your commandments with my whole heart.

Their heart was curdled like milk, but I meditated on Your law.

It is good for me that You humbled me, that I might learn Your ordinances.

The law of Your mouth is good for me, rather than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

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

Notation for your part

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

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.

Your hands made and fashioned me; instruct me, and I will learn Your commandments.

Those who fear You will see me and be glad, because I hope in Your words.

I know, O Lord, Your judgments are righteousness, and You humbled me with truth.

Let Your mercy be for my comfort, according to Your teaching to Your servant.

Let Your compassions come to me, and I shall live; for Your law is my meditation.

Let the arrogant be shamed, for they transgressed unjustly against me; but I shall meditate on Your commandments.

Let those who fear You turn to me, and those who know Your testimonies.

Let my heart be blameless in Your ordinances, that I may not be disappointed.

My soul earnestly longs for Your salvation, and I hope in Your word.

My eyes strained to look at Your teaching, saying, “When will You comfort me?”

I am like a leather bag in a frost; I did not forget Your ordinances.

How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment for me upon those who persecute me?

Transgressors described their meditations to me, but these are not like Your law, O Lord.

All Your commandments are truth; they persecuted me unjustly; help me.

They almost ended my life on earth, but I did not forsake Your commandments.

Give me life according to Your mercy, and I shall keep the testimonies of Your mouth.

Forever, O Lord, Your word continues in heaven.

Your truth continues from generation to generation; You laid the foundation of the earth, and it continues.

By Your arrangement each day continues, for all things are Your servants.

If Your law were not my meditation, I would have perished in my humiliation.

I will never forget Your ordinances, for in them You give me life, O Lord.

I am Yours; save me, for I search Your ordinances.

Sinners waited for me to kill me; I understood Your testimonies.

I saw the limit of every accomplishment; Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

How I love Your law, O Lord; It is my meditation the whole day long.

You make me wiser than my enemies with Your commandment, for it is mine forever.

I understand more than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the elders, for I search Your commandments.

I withheld my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your words.

I did not turn away from Your judgments, for You taught me Your law.

How sweet to my taste are Your teachings, more than honey and the honeycomb in my mouth.

I gained understanding because of Your commandments; therefore, I hate every unrighteous way.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my paths.

I swore and confirmed that I would keep the judgments of Your righteousness.

I was humbled exceedingly; O Lord, give me life according to Your word.

Be well-pleased with the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments.

My soul is always in Your hands, and I have not forgotten Your law.

Sinners set snares for me, but I did not wander from Your commandments.

I inherited Your testimonies forever, for these are the exceeding joy of my heart.

I inclined my heart to do Your ordinances forever for a reward.

Transgressors I hate, but I love Your law.

You are my helper and my protector; I hope in Your word.

Turn away from me, you evildoers, and I shall search out the commandments of my God.

Uphold me according to Your teaching, and give me life; and may You not disappoint my expectation.

Help me, and I shall be saved; and I shall meditate always in Your ordinances.

You set at naught all who departed from Your ordinances, for their thought is unrighteous.

I counted as transgressors all the sinners of the earth; for this reason I always love Your testimonies.

Nail my flesh with the fear of You, for I fear You because of Your judgments.

I work judgment and righteousness; do not deliver me to those who wrong me.

Take Your servant to that which is good; do not let the arrogant falsely accuse me.

My eyes strained to look at Your salvation and at the teaching of Your righteousness.

Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy and teach me Your ordinances.

I am Your servant; cause me to understand, and I shall know Your testimonies.

It is time for the Lord to act; they broke Your law.

For this reason I love Your commandments more than gold and topaz.

Therefore I directed myself to all Your commandments; I hated every unrighteous way.

Wondrous are Your testimonies; for this reason my soul searches them out.

The revelation of Your words gives light, and it causes children to understand.

I opened my mouth and drew in my breath, for I longed for Your commandments.

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

Notation for your part

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

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.

Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of those who love Your name.

Direct my steps according to Your teaching and let no lawlessness rule over me.

Ransom me from the slander of men, and I will keep Your commandments.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your ordinances.

My eyes poured down streams of tears because they did not keep Your law.

Righteous are You, O Lord, and upright is Your judgment.

You commanded Your testimonies exceedingly in righteousness and truth.

The zeal of Your house caused me to yearn for home, for my enemies forgot Your words.

Your teaching is exceedingly purified in fire, and Your servant loves it.

I am young, and beheld as nothing, but I have not forgotten Your ordinances.

Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and Your law is truth.

Affliction and trouble found me, but Your commandments are my meditation.

Your testimonies are righteousness forever; give me understanding, and I shall live.

I cry out with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord; I shall search Your ordinances.

I cry out to You; save me, and I shall keep Your testimonies.

I arose at midnight and cried out; I hoped in Your words.

My eyes awoke before dawn that I might meditate on Your teachings.

Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Your mercy; give me life according to Your judgment.

Those who persecute me in lawlessness drew near; they are far removed from Your law.

You are near, O Lord; all Your commandments are truth.

From the beginning I knew Your testimonies, that You established them forever.

Behold my humiliation and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your law.

Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life because of Your word.

Salvation is far from sinners, for they have not searched Your ordinances.

Your compassions are many, O Lord; give me life according to Your judgment.

Many are those who pursue and afflict me, but I did not turn away from Your testimonies.

I saw those acting foolishly, and I yearned for You; for they did not keep Your teachings.

Behold, I love Your commandments; O Lord, in Your mercy, give me life.

The beginning of Your words is truth, and all the judgments of Your righteousness are forever.

Rulers persecuted me without cause, but my heart feared because of Your words.

I shall greatly rejoice in Your teachings, like one finding great spoil.

I hate and abhor unrighteousness, but I love Your law.

I praise You seven times a day for the judgments of Your righteousness.

Great peace have all who love Your law, and it is not an offense to them.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and I love Your commandments.

My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.

I keep Your commandments and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You, O Lord.

Let my supplication draw near before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your teaching.

May my petition come before You; Deliver me according to Your teaching.

My lips shall overflow in song when You teach me Your ordinances.

My tongue shall speak of Your teaching, for all Your commandments are righteousness.

Let Your hand be for saving me, for I chose Your commandments.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my meditation.

My soul shall live and praise You, and Your judgments shall help me.

I went astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.

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

Notation for your part

I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father, through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Notation for your part

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.

READER: Amen.

Behold, the Bridegroom is coming in the middle of the night; and blessed is the servant He shall find awake and watching; unworthy is the other He shall find being lazy. So beware, O soul of mine, be not overcome by sleep, so that you not be handed over to death and be shut out from the Kingdom. Come to your senses and cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us.

Notation for your part

O my soul, keep the thought of that fearful day * in the front of your mind, and be vigilant; * and trimming your oil lamp, keep it lit with the virtues. * For you know not the day nor the hour the cry will come * to you specifically, saying, “Behold, your Bridegroom is here!” * Therefore, O my soul, always watch lest you slumber * and be left outside knocking like those five foolish maidens. * But continue in vigilance, * so that you may meet Christ God with abundant oil, and He give to you * the heavenly bridal room of His glory divine.

Notation for your part

We entreat you, O Virgin Theotokos, the inviolable wall and stronghold of salvation. Thwart the schemes of our enemies. Turn the sadness of your people into gladness. Fortify you city. Be our ally. Recall the world. Strengthen the Orthodox. Intercede for world peace. You are our hope, O Theotokos.

Notation for your part

Lord, have mercy. (40)

O Christ our God, who at all times and at every hour, both in heaven and on earth, are worshipped and glorified, long suffering and plenteous in mercy and compassion; who love the just and show mercy to the sinners; who call all men to salvation through the promise of the blessings to come: Do You, the same Lord, receive also our supplications at this present time, and direct our lives according to Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set our minds right; clear up our thoughts, and deliver us from every sorrow, evil and distress. Surround us with Your holy Angels so that being guarded and guided by their presence, we may arrive at the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Your ineffable glory; for blessed are You unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

May God have compassion on us and bless us; may his face shine upon us and have mercy on us.

READER: Amen.

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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.

READER

Prayer of St. Mardarios

O Master God, Father Almighty, only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit: One Godhead, One Power, have mercy on me, a sinner, and in your knowing ways save me, your unworthy servant; for you are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Note: The following prayer is use from 22 September until Palm Sunday.

Prayer by St. Basil the Great

Almighty Lord, God of the hosts and of all flesh, You live in the highest and care for the humble, Who search our hearts and affections, and clearly foreknow the secrets of men. Eternal and ever-living Light, in Whom is no change nor shadow of variation; O Immortal King, receive our prayers which we now offer to You from unclean lips, trusting in the multitude of Your mercies. Forgive all sins committed by us in thought, word or deed, consciously or unconsciously, and cleanse us from all defilement of flesh and spirit. Grant us to pass the night of the whole present life with a watchful heart and sober mind, awaiting the coming of the radiant day of the appearing of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, when the Judge of all will come with glory to render to each according to their deeds. May we not be found fallen and idle, but awake and alert for action, ready to accompany Him into the joy and bridal chamber of His glory, where the voice of those who feast is unceasing and indescribable is the delight of those who behold the inexpressible beauty of Your countenance. For You are the true Light that enlightens and sanctifies all, and all creation sings hymns to You unto ages of ages.

Prayer by St. Basil

We bless you, O God, most high and Lord of mercy. You are always doing great and inscrutable things with us, glorious and wonderful, and without number. You grant us sleep for rest from our infirmities, and repose from the burdens of our much toiling flesh. We thank you, for you have not destroyed us with our sins, but have continued to love us; and though we were sunk in despair, you have raised us up to glorify your power. There­fore, we implore your incomparable good­ness. Enlighten the eyes of our understand­ing and raise up our minds from the heavy sleep of indolence. Open our mouth and fill it with your praise, that we may be able without distraction to sing and confess that you are God, glorified in all and by all, the eternal Father, with your only-begotten Son, and your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

READER

Amen.

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Psalm 120 (121).

I lifted my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Let not your foot be moved; neither let Him who keeps you slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord shall keep you; the Lord is your shelter at your right hand.

The sun shall not burn you by day nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall keep you from all evil; the Lord shall keep your soul.

The Lord shall keep your coming in and your going out from this present time and unto the ages.

Psalm 133 (134).

Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.

In the nights, lift up your hands to the holy of holies and bless the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth.

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

Notation for your part

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.

READER: Amen.

Remember Your servants, O Lord, since You are good, and forgive them for all their sins in life; for no one is without sin except for You who are able to give rest to those who have passed away.

Notation for your part

O only Creator who with benevolence arrange all things with depth of wisdom, and impart to all what is beneficial, O Lord, grant repose to the souls of Your servants. For they have placed their hope in You our Creator and Fashioner and God.

With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting.

Notation for your part

Now all generations call you blessed, O Virgin Theotokos. For Christ our uncontainable God was pleased to be contained in you. Blessed also are we who have you for patronage. For day and night, you intercede on our behalf, and the scepters of the empire are strengthened by your prayers. Therefore, we extol you and cry aloud: Rejoice, O Lady full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Notation for your part

Lord, have mercy. (12)

Prayer

Remember, Lord, our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection to eternal life, and all those who ended this life in piety and faith. Pardon their every transgression, committed voluntarily or involuntarily, in word, or deed, or thought. Place them in a place of light, a place of refreshment, a place of peace from which every ailment, sorrow, and lamen­tation are banished, and from which the light of your countenance shines and gladdens all your saints from all ages. Bestow on them and on us your kingdom. Grant to them the participation of your ineffable and ever­lasting blessings, and the enjoyment of your endless and blissful life. For you are the life, the resurrection, and the peace of your departed servants, Christ our God, and to you we give glory, together with your Father who is from everlasting and your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Amen.

Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, bring our prayer before your Son and our God, and entreat him, through you, to save our souls.

Prayer of St. loannikios

The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my shelter, Holy Trinity, glory to you.

O Mother of God, I have committed my every hope wholly unto you. Keep me under your shelter.

CHANTER

Troparia of Compunction. Mode pl. 2.

Have mercy on us, Lord have mercy on us. For with nothing to say in our own defense, we sinners offer this supplication to you our Master. Have mercy on us.

Lord have mercy on us, for in You we trust. Be not enraged with us greatly, nor remember our iniquities. But look upon us now, being compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies. For You are our God, and we Your people, all of us the work of Your hands, and now we have invoked Your name.

Open the gate of compassion for us, O blessed Theotokos. For hoping in you, let us not fail in our aim. Through you may we be delivered from adversities. For you are the salvation of the Christian race.

READER

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

May God have compassion on us and bless us; may his face shine upon us and have mercy on us.

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. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Holy father, bless.

PRIEST

May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, (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.

Let us pray for the peace of the world.

READER (intoned after each petition)

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For the pious and Orthodox Christians.

For our our Archbishop (name).

For our nation.

For the armed forces.

For our absent fathers, brothers and sisters.

For those who help us and those who serve us.

For those who hate us and those who love us.

For those who have asked us, the unworthy, to pray for them.

For the release of the captives.

For those sailing the seas.

For those laid up with illnesses.

Let us also pray for the abundance of the fruits of the earth.

And for all our fathers and brethren departed this life, those who lie here in peace, and the Orthodox everywhere.

Let us say for ourselves, also: Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.

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

READER: Amen.

Matins · Memory St. Nikon and his 199 Disciples

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

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

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.

Triadic Hymns

Mode pl. 4.

With hearts in heaven, let us emulate the Angels, and in fear let us bow before the impartial Judge, as we shout the triumphal praise: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. By the protection of the Bodiless Hosts have mercy on us.

Notation for your part

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

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

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 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.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

For compunction.

Mode pl. 4.

O Lord, I beg You look at my low condition with a compassionate expression. For my life is passing little by little, and I have not done anything to merit salvation. Therefore I implore You: O Lord, look at my low condition with a compassionate expression, and save me.

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

As if the Judge were present, be anxious, O my soul, and keep in mind the thought of the hour of that fearful day. For the judgment is merciless to those who showed no mercy. So before the end cry aloud, “Spare me, O my Savior, for You are supremely benevolent.”

O immaculate Theotokos, as the intelligible Gate of life, rescue from peril those who run to you with faith, so that we may glorify your all-holy childbirth, for the salvation of our souls.

Notation for your part

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode 3. (NM)

To the melody, “Amazed at the beauty of your virginity.”

The most beautiful of seasons is at hand, the much praised day of abstinence has dawned. Let us make haste, brethren, to be cleansed, that we may appear in purity before our Maker and share in His beauty, at the prayers of her who bore Him, the only pure Mother of God.

Mode 3. Automelon.

To the melody, “Amazed at the beauty of your virginity.”

You were so beautiful in your virginity. * Archangel Gabriel admired your purity, * which was resplendent; and amazed, he said to you, Theotokos, * “As there are no accolades that can worthily honor you, * I am at a loss for words to address you, so awed am I. * But I will say what I was commanded: * Rejoice, O favored Maiden full of grace!”

Notation for your part

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Grave Mode.

O Lord, Thou hast granted us to reach the present day, on which in radiant light we commence the holy week of the dread raising of Lazarus from the tomb. Count us Thy servants worthy to walk in Thy fear, and to complete the whole course of the Fast.

All-Holy Virgin, thou art greater in honour than the glorious cherubim. Unable to endure the divine splendour, they veil their faces with their wings as they perform their ministry; but thou dost gaze with thine own eyes upon the Incarnate Word. Without ceasing pray to Him for our souls.

Notation for your part

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.

PRIEST

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.

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 4.

Holy Martyrs, you were shown to be spiritual luminaries; for by faith you ended the fogginess of error, you brightened the lamps of our souls, and with glory you entered the celestial bridal hall with the Bridegroom. Now we pray you entreat Him to save our souls.

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 23 we commemorate the holy Martyr Nicon and the 199 Martyrs who were his disciples.

On this day Saint Dometios died by the sword.

The holy New Monastic Martyr Luke witnessed in Mytilene in the year 1802 and died by hanging.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Τὸν φοβερὸν τοῖς Χερουβίμ.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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. Grave Mode.

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

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.

Notation for your part

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

Notation for your part

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.

Notation for your part

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.

Notation for your part

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.

Notation for your part

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

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.

Notation for your part

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.

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.

Notation for your part

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.

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.

Notation for your part

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Τὴν ὑπὲρ φύσιν Μητέρα.

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.

Notation for your part

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.

Photagogic Hymns

Mode pl. 4.

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the protection of the Bodiless Hosts, and save me.

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

Notation for your part

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me.

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light. Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name, for He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created. He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps, Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word, mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds, kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth, young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted; His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people, a hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

I am like the man who fell among thieves, O Master of all, for I have fallen among my sins and have been cruelly wounded by them. Yet leave me not without healing, O Lord who camest not from Samaria but from the pure Virgin. Jesus, Name that means salvation, have mercy upon me.

Notation for your part

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.

I am like the man who fell among thieves, O Master of all, for I have fallen among my sins and have been cruelly wounded by them. Yet leave me not without healing, O Lord who camest not from Samaria but from the pure Virgin. Jesus, Name that means salvation, have mercy upon me.

Notation for your part

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.

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

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

Notation for your part

Mode pl. 4.

All in heaven sing your praises, O unwedded Mother who are full of grace. And we also glorify you and your incomprehensible childbirth. O Theotokos, intercede for the salvation of our souls.

Notation for your part

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.

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST

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

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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.

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

or:

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.

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Vespers · Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Stand for the reading of the Introductory Psalm.

While the Introductory Psalm is being read, the Priest stands in front of the holy Table and reads the so-called Lamp-lighting Prayers.

READER

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Psalm 103 (104).

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are magnified exceedingly; You clothe Yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain; You are He who covers His upper chambers with water, who makes the clouds His means of approach, who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. He established the earth on its stable foundation; it shall not be moved unto ages of ages. The deep like a garment is His covering; the waters shall stand upon the mountains; at Your rebuke they shall flee; at the sound of Your thunder, they shall be afraid. The mountains rise up, and the plains sink down to the place You founded for them. You set a boundary they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth. You are He who sends springs into the valley; the waters shall pass between the mountains; they shall give drink to all the wild animals of the field; the wild asses shall quench their thirst; the birds of heaven shall dwell beside them; they shall sing from the midst of the rocks. You are He who waters the mountains from His higher places; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You are He who causes grass to grow for the cattle, and the green plant for the service of man, to bring forth bread from the earth; and wine gladdens the heart of man, to brighten his face with oil; and bread strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of fruit, the cedars of Lebanon, which You planted; there the sparrows shall make their nests; the house of the heron takes the lead among them. The high mountains are for the deer; the cliff is a refuge for the rabbits. He made the moon for seasons; the sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night, wherein all the wild animals of the forest will prowl about; the young lions roar and snatch their prey, and seek their food from God. The sun arises, and they are gathered together; and they shall be put to bed in their dens. Man shall go out to his work and to his labor until evening. O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom; the earth was filled with Your creation. There is this great and spacious sea: the creeping things are there without number; the living things are there, both small and great; there the ships pass through; there is this dragon You formed to play therein. All things wait upon You, that You may give them food in due season. When You give it to them, they shall gather it; when You open Your hand, all things shall be filled with Your goodness. But when You turn Your face away, they shall be troubled; when You take away their breath, they shall die and return again to their dust. You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord be forever; the Lord shall be glad in His works; He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I exist; may my words be pleasing to Him, and I shall be glad in the Lord. May sinners cease from the earth, and the lawless, so as to be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night.

O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom.

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

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

DEACON

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For our Archbishop (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the Holy and Great Church of Christ of Constantinople, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Holy Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, 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 to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Mode 3.

Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to You. Hear me, O Lord.

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord.

Notation for your part

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, a door of enclosure about my lips.

Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

With men who work lawlessness; and I will not join with their choice ones.

The righteous man shall correct me with mercy, and he shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.

For my prayer shall be intense in the presence of their pleasures. Their judges are swallowed up by the rock.

They shall hear my words, for they are pleasant. As a clod of ground is dashed to pieces on the earth, so their bones were scattered beside the grave.

For my eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You; in You I hope; take not my soul away.

Keep me from the snares they set for me, and from the stumbling blocks of those who work lawlessness.

Stichera Prosomia. By Joseph.

Mode 3. N/M (When Moses stood.)

Sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone, until I escape.

You have given us this time of the Fast, Word of God, ⁄ so that we might turn and live; ⁄ so that no one would perish. ⁄ Enable us all to serve you in fervent compunction, ⁄ and to perform your will with myrrh and fervent tears, ⁄ as the wise and holy harlot, O Christ, ⁄⁄ received remission of her transgressions.

Notation for your part

I cried to the Lord with my voice, with my voice I prayed to the Lord.

Like the blind man, I cry from my heart: ⁄ Enlighten the eyes of my heart, Son of God! ⁄ Like the faithful Canaanite woman, I cry to you: ⁄ Have mercy on me, bountiful One; ⁄ my soul is possessed by pleasure’s demons. ⁄ When you have delivered it from the darkness of passions, ⁄ enable me to spend the rest of my life in purity, ⁄⁄ that I may glorify your great love.

Notation for your part

Another. By Theodore.

Mode 2.

I shall pour out my supplication before Him; I shall declare my affliction in His presence.

The divinely-radiant grace of abstinence ⁄ shines on us today more than the sun, ⁄ enlightening our souls, dispelling the clouds of sinful passions. ⁄ Let us all hasten to embrace it with joy, ⁄ and with good courage persevere in the course of the Fast! ⁄ Let us cry out with gladness to Christ: ⁄⁄ Gracious one, sanctify those who faithfully fulfill the Fast!

For the Forefeast.

Mode 4. To a brave one.

When my spirit fainted within me, then You knew my paths.

Now the Archangel Gabriel * is entrusted the mystery * which even to Angels was hidden and unknown. * And he shall presently come to you, * the dove that alone is fair * and completely undefiled, * restoration of humankind, * and shall say to you: * “Rejoice, O all-holy one! Make ready through a word to grant admission * into your womb unto God the Word.”

For on the way I was going, they hid a trap for me.

A most radiant palace has * been prepared just for You, O Lord, * in the undefiled womb of the Maid of God. * Come down and enter it, pitying * Your creature. For he endured * envious hostilities; * he is held in the bondage of * the avenging foe; * he has utterly lost his former beauty, but he anxiously is waiting * for his salvation through Your descent.

I looked on my right, and saw there was no one who knew me.

O all-blameless one, presently * shall the Archangel Gabriel * come to you perceptibly and shall say to you, * “Rejoice, deliverance from the curse, * the raising of fallen man! * O rejoice! For only you * among women are rightly called * chosen one of God. * Living cloud of the Sun, rejoice, and welcome in your womb the Uncontainable, * Whose perfect will is to dwell therein.”

Notation for your part

Additional Prosomoia, in alphabetical order.

Mode 4. How I intended.

Refuge failed me, and there was no one who cared for my soul.

All of my life has been spent with harlots * and is wasted keeping company with the publicans. * But in old age will I find the power * to live in repentance for all my grievous sins? * So now I cry out, my Maker, * to you who heal those in sickness: * “Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!”

I cried to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.”

Being oppressed and gripped by indifference, * I allowed myself to wallow in every kind of filth. * And since the Devil’s arrows have pierced me, * God’s own image in me has therefore been defiled. * You who correct the indifferent, * and who redeem the defeated: * save me before I utterly perish, O Lord, my God!

Attend to my supplication, for I was humbled exceedingly.

Clay is the substance you used to form me, * and clay I remain, becoming a stumbling block for men. * Lord, I was married to your commandments, * but I have transgressed them and have defiled my bed. * With clay you make and you fashion; * do not despise your creation. * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord, my God!

Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

Death is the sentence I gave my own soul, * but I have provided everything that my flesh could want. * I was appointed to mock the demons, * but I am enslaved by absurdities and lust. * In your compassion, please, spare me, * you who drive off hordes of demons! * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord, my God!

Bring my soul out of prison to give thanks to Your name, O Lord.

Excess in sin beyond other people * by my own free choice has led me to be abandoned now. * I have become my soul’s worst opponent * and am in the dark, with my mind set on the flesh. * O light of those in the darkness, * and guide to those who have wandered: * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

The righteous shall wait for me, until You reward me.

Famously, David the prophet said once, * “Lord, my soul shall live” and, furthermore, “it shall praise you,” too. * Come, search for me, for I am a lost sheep, * and let me be numbered among your chosen flock. * May I have time for repentance, * so that to you I might cry out: * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

Notation for your part

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.

God, I have sinned, I have sinned against you! * O my Christ, I disobeyed your commandments carelessly. * O Benefactor, show me your mercy, * so that I might gain vision with my inner eyes, * and thus depart from the darkness, * trembling in fear as I cry out: * “Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!”

Notation for your part

Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

Horrid, wild creatures have me surrounded; * Master come and snatch me out from the midst of their attack. * You wish salvation for all your people, * and for them to come to the knowledge of the truth; * Lord, as our common Creator, * I pray let me be saved with them. * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

Notation for your part

If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You.

In your great mercy, O Benefactor, * my Redeemer and my Savior, become my healing now. * Look at me, lying in my transgressions, * and, with your abundance of power, raise me up * so I can make a confession * of all my actions and cry out: * “Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!”

Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord.

Just like that famously foolish servant, * I have also gone and buried the talent given me. * And so I also am judged as worthless, * and no longer dare to approach you with my pleas. * But, pity me with your patience, * so that once more I can cry out: * “Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!”

From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

Knowing the hem of your garment dried up * that poor woman’s bloody issue when she touched it in faith, * I likewise know that if I approach you * with a faith unshaken, you will forgive my sins. * As you received her, receive me, * and bring relief to my anguish. * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions.

Notation for your part

Lord, you will soon take the throne for judgment, * you who by your Word created the heavens and the earth, * and soon we all shall stand in your presence * and the time will come for us to announce our sins. * Before that Day is upon us, * accept me in my repentance. * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

Notation for your part

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples.

Notation for your part

My only Savior, look with compassion * on your servant and be moved to be merciful to me. * Pour out the streams of your gracious healing * over my pathetic and wretched little soul. * Wipe off the filth of my actions * so that in song I might cry out: * “Save me before I perish, O Lord my God!”

For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever.

Now that the devil’s sword has been sharpened, * he will waste no time to hunt down and trap my humble soul. * Merciful Lord, he made me a stranger * to the light of knowledge of your bright countenance. * You who are mighty in power, * save me from all his devices. * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

Notation for your part

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Oh, how the passions have all enslaved me! * I abandoned all the laws and the scriptures of my God. * O Benefactor, heal me completely; * Good One, it was you who became like me for me. * Now bring me back in your mercy, * for you destroy all the passions; * save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Pouring her tears out in great abundance, * that famed harlot washed and dried off your pure and precious feet, * urging all people to come and draw near * so as to receive the forgiveness of their sins. * Grant me her faith, O my Savior, * so that with haste I might cry out: * “Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!”

Notation for your part

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Quickly attend to my soul and cleanse it, * you who for my sake became poor by being born of flesh. * And you send forth your showers of mercy * on those who are weakened and broken, O my Christ; * now wash away what is filthy, * and heal the one who is hurting. * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

Notation for your part

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Ready and strengthen my soul, O Master, * so that it will always run to you, and serve you in faith. * You are my guardian and protection; * you are my defender and are my help as well. * Enable me to be worthy, * O God and Word, to cry boldly: * “Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!”

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Savior, my Jesus, our God of mercy: * be for us a wall and rampart that never will be breached. * Facing deceitful methods and actions, * yes, we have succumbed, falling down, but raise us up, * for you will help your creation, * and reconcile with compassion. * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

Notation for your part

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Taking the Prodigal’s path, I scattered * all my wealth, and now am wasting away from lack of food. * So I am fleeing to you for refuge * and for your protection; Good Father, take me in. * Grant me a place at your table, * so that made worthy I might say: * “Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!”

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Using the trick of envy, the devil * cast the first-made man from Paradise quite successfully, * but then that day on the cross, the Robber, * entered Paradise with his words: “Remember me!” * So, being fearful and faithful, * I cry “Remember me!” like him; * save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

Notation for your part

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Venture your hand to grasp mine like Peter’s, * and to draw me up, O God, from the perils of the deep. * Grant me the gift of your grace and mercy, * at the intercessions of the all-spotless Maid * who without seed gave birth to you, * and of your saints from all ages. * Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!

Notation for your part

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

With every day that comes I am chanting: * “Lord, you are the Lamb of God, who takes all my sins away.” * Into your hands I commit my being, * yes, my soul and body entirely are yours. * Throughout the night and the daytime, * as it is fitting, I cry out: * “Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!”

Notation for your part

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Excellent, past all means of expression, * is your great compassion, Lord, who have patience and to spare. * O you who have no sin, but great mercy, * I plead: do not cast me out from before your face, * so that with joy and thanksgiving * I may break forth into chanting: * “Save me before I utterly perish, O Lord my God!”

Notation for your part

Mode 2.

Gabriel annunciates good tidings today to her who is full of grace: “Rejoice, O Maiden unmarried and unwed. Be not astonished by my strange appearance, nor be dismayed. For an Archangel am I. The serpent once beguiled Eve, but I am now announcing to you the joy. You shall remain inviolate, and yet shall bear the Lord, O Immaculate.”

(No Entrance)

Stand for the hymn.

READER

Gladsome light of holy glory of the holy, blessed, heavenly, immortal Father, O Jesus Christ: arriving at the hour of sunset and having seen the evening light, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. It is worthy for You to be praised at all times with happy voices, O Son of God and Giver of life; * and therefore the world glorifies You.

The Readings

DEACON

The evening…

READER

Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear me.

The reading is from the book of Genesis.

PRIEST

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Gn 13:12 – 18

Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, but Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful before God. Then God said to Abram, after Lot separated from him, “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are – northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land you see I give to you and your seed forever. And I will make your seed as the dust of the earth; that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your seed also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its breadth, for I will give it to you.” Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the oak of Mamre in Hebron, and built an altar there to the Lord.

His foundations are in the holy mountains.

The reading is from the Proverbs of Solomon.

PRIEST

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Pr 14:27 – 15:4

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, for it causes one to turn from the snare of death. The glory of a king is in a large nation, but the destruction of a ruler is in a lack of people. A longsuffering man is strong in discernment, but the fainthearted man is strongly without discernment. A man with a gentle spirit is a healer of the heart, but a sensual heart is the moth of the bones. He who oppresses the poor provokes his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy upon a poor man. In his evil an ungodly man will be rejected, but a righteous man has confidence in his own holiness. There is wisdom in the good heart of a man, but wisdom is unknown in the heart of those without discernment. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sins diminish tribes. A wise servant is acceptable to a king, and by his own versatility he removes dishonor. Wrath destroys even men of discernment; but a humble answer turns away anger, and a grievous word stirs up wrath. The tongue of the wise understands good things, but the mouth of those without discernment proclaims evil things. The eyes of the Lord are in every place; they keep watch over both the evil and the good. The healing of the tongue is a tree of life, and the one who guards it will be filled with the Spirit.

PRIEST

Peace be with you.

Stand for the reading of prayer.

READER

O Lord, keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we have set our hope in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, grant me understanding of your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not despise the works of your hands. To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you is due glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON

Let us complete our evening 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 evening 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 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.

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)

Lord our God, who inclined the heavens and came down for the salvation of humankind, look upon Your servants and Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads and bent their necks to You, the fearsome yet compassionate Judge, not expecting human help, but awaiting Your mercy and anticipating Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and the coming night, from every enemy, from all demonic activity against them, from unprofitable reflections, and from wicked thoughts.

PRIEST (aloud)

Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

Idiomelon. Grave Mode.

As the man who fell among thieves and was wounded by them, ⁄ so I have fallen in my sins, wounded in soul. ⁄ To whom can I turn and run for healing, ⁄ but to you, Physician of souls and bodies. ⁄⁄ Pour out your great mercy on me, O God!

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

Verse: I lift my eyes to You, who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the maidservant look to the hands of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He shall have compassion on us.

We have deprived ourselves of the former joys of paradise; ⁄ we have driven ourselves to a life of dishonor by sin. ⁄ We have forsaken the former life of virtue ⁄ and instead we have fallen among thieves, ⁄ deadened by transgressing your saving teachings! ⁄ But, Master born of Mary, ⁄ with dispassion you shared in our passions: ⁄ We entreat you, bind up our sinful sores; ⁄ pour out your mercy on us with your healing care, ⁄⁄ as the Lover of mankind!

For the Martyrs.

Mode 4.

Verse: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with contempt; our soul is greatly filled with it. We are a disgrace to those who prosper, and a contempt to the arrogant.

O benevolent Lord, who have accepted the holy Martyrs’ endurance, do also from us accept this hymnody; and by their supplications, grant to us the great mercy.

Mode 4.

The Theotokos heard a tongue she knew not. For the Archangel spoke to her the words of the Annunciation. When she accepted the salutation with faith, she conceived You, the pre-eternal God. We also greatly rejoice, and we say to You: O God, Who without changing became incarnate of her, grant peace to the world, and great mercy to our souls.

Stand for the reading of prayers

PRIEST

Song of Simeon

PEOPLE

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.

Mode 4.

Today is the prelude of the joy of the universe, and it incites us to sing the forefestal hymns. For behold, Gabriel is coming, and he will say to the Virgin: Rejoice, Maiden full of grace; the Lord is with you.

READER

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST

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

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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.

READER

Lord, have mercy. (12)

All-Holy Trinity, the consubstantial dominion, the indivisible rule, and cause of every good: be well pleased, even with regard to me a sinner. Strengthen my heart and grant it understanding, and take away all my defilement. Illumine my mind, so that I may ever glorify, praise, worship, and say: One is Holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the Glory of God the Father. Amen.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and to the ages. (3)

Psalm 33 (34).

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall be praised in the Lord; let the gentle hear, and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me; and He delivered me from all my sojourning. Come to Him, and be enlightened, and your face shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him from all his afflictions. The Angel of the Lord shall encamp around those who fear Him, and He will deliver them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who hopes in Him. Fear the Lord, you His saints, for there is no want for those who fear Him. Rich men turned poor and went hungry; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, who loves to see good days? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Shun evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their supplications. The Lord’s face is against those who do evil, so as to destroy their remembrance from the earth. The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them; and He delivered them from all their afflictions. The Lord is near those who are brokenhearted, and He will save the humble in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but He will deliver them from them all. The Lord shall guard all their bones; not one of them shall be broken. The death of sinners is evil, and those who hate the righteous shall go wrong. The Lord will redeem the souls of His servants, and all who hope in Him shall not go wrong.

Psalm 144 (145)

I shall exalt You, my God and my King, and I shall bless Your name forever and unto ages of ages. Every day I shall bless you and praise Your name forever and unto ages of ages. Great is the Lord and exceedingly praiseworthy, and His greatness has no limit. Generation and generation shall praise Your works, and they shall declare Your power. They shall speak of the magnificence of the glory of Your holiness, and they shall describe Your wonders. They shall also speak of the power of Your awesome deeds and describe Your great majesty. They shall overflow with the memory of Your rich goodness, and shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful, longsuffering and abundant in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are upon all His works. O Lord, let all Your works praise You and Your holy ones bless You. They shall tell of Your kingdom’s glory, and they shall speak of Your power, that all the sons of men may know Your power and the glory of Your kingdom’s magnificence. Your kingdom is a kingdom of all the ages, and Your dominion is from generation to generation. The Lord is faithful in His words and holy in all His works. The Lord supports all who stumble and restores all who are broken down. All eyes hope in You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and fill every living thing with Your pleasure. The Lord is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He shall do the will of those who fear Him, and He shall hear their supplications and save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him, but all the sinners He shall utterly destroy. My mouth shall speak the Lord’s praise, and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and unto ages of ages.

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. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Father, bless!

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.

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

CHOIR: Amen.