GOA Digital Chant Stand Services for Tuesday, Mar 24, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kontakion.
Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.
To the melody, “You appeared today.”
The Archangel spoke to you, O Theotokos. * Then the Holy Spirit came on you, O Virgin, who conceived * the coessential, coequal Son * of God the Father. Through you, thus, was Adam restored.
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 · Forefeast of the Annunciation
CHOIR
Mode 4.
God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
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 Forefeast.
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.
Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.
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.
If the Great Canon is on Wednesday at Compline, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 10. There is no litany, but immediately the following:
If, however, the Great Canon is on Thursday at Matins, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 11. There is no litany, but immediately the following:
CHOIR
Kathisma I. For compunction.
Mode pl. 4.
Like the sinful woman, I come to You to be forgiven, and instead of perfume, I offer You my heartfelt tears, O Christ God, so that You will pity me, as You did her, O Savior, and grant to me forgiveness of sins. For like her, I cry to You, “Free me from the mud of my sinful deeds!”
Verse: O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your anger.
Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.
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.
Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.
For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 4.
This tabernacle is splendidly illumined today with heavenly light. For herein do the armies of Angels greatly rejoice, and with them the hosts of the Righteous are cheerful, as the victorious Martyrs are commemorated. O Christ, by their supplications, send down peace and great mercy to Your world.
Mode pl. 4.
O Believers, let us magnify the Theotokos in hymns. She is the unshakable support of the Faith, and the venerable gift to our souls. “Rejoice! for in your womb you contained the Rock of life. Rejoice! as the hope of all the earth, and the help of those in trouble! Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!”
If the Great Canon is on Wednesday at Compline, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 11. Then the short litany.
If, however, the Great Canon is on Thursday at Matins, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 12. Then the short litany.
DEACON
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For You are good and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Kathisma II. From the Triodion.
Mode 3. (NM)
To the melody, “Your confession.”
In fervent faith let us burn up with abstinence the lustful passions, and flee from the icy cold of sin; with the streams of our tears let us quench the everlasting flame, crying aloud: We have sinned against Thee, O most loving Lord; forgive us and grant us Thy great mercy.
Mode 3. Your confession.
To the melody, “Your confession.”
You in purity surpass the Angels; * therefore you became the tabernacle * of the Logos, O immaculate Mother of God. * But as for me, I surpass everybody else * in the pollutions resulting from sins of the flesh. * With the waters of your intercession wash away my filth, * All-holy Maid, and grant me the great mercy.
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 13. Then the short litany.
PRIEST
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Kathisma III. From the Triodion.
Mode 2.
Most glorious is the grace of the holy Fast. Through it the Prophet Elijah found the chariot of fire, and Moses received the Tables of the Law; Daniel was magnified, and Elisha raised the dead; the Children quenched the fire, and all men are reconciled to God. Rejoicing in the Fast, let us cry aloud: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, whose good pleasure this has been; glory to Thee.
Mode 2.
Having obtained in my distress thine unconquerable intercession, O Mother of our God, I am set free miraculously and past all hope from everything that troubles me. For thou art always swift to help those who ask of thee in faith, and dost deliver them when oppressed by the temptations of the enemy. Therefore with thanksgiving we cry unto thee: Accept, O Lady, this small offering of grateful praise, and be my help in all things.
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
Kontakion.
Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.
To the melody, “You appeared today.”
The Archangel spoke to you, O Theotokos. * Then the Holy Spirit came on you, O Virgin, who conceived * the coessential, coequal Son * of God the Father. Through you, thus, was Adam restored.
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On March 24 the Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and we commemorate our devout father Artemis, Bishop of Seleucia in Pisidia.
On this day we commemorate the holy priest-martyr Artemon, Presbyter of Laodicea.
On this day the devout Zachariah reposed in peace.
On this day the holy eight martyrs from Caesarea in Palestine died by the sword.
On this day the devout Martin of Thebes reposed in peace.
The holy new priest-martyr Parthenios, Patriarch of Constantinople, died by hanging in Constantinople in the year 1657.
By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
CHOIR
Ode viii. Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.
Τὸν πάλαι δροσίσαντα.
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. Mode 2.
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.
Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.
Τὴν ὑπερφυῶς σαρκί.
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.
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.
Exaposteilarion.
Mode 2. O Women, hearken.
To the melody, “O women, hearken.”
O Virgin pure, we bring to you * the virtues as pre-festal gifts: * the love for the poor like riches, * and chastity and self-restraint,* our sacred hymns and prayers tears, * our fasting and humility. * Please help us all to do these works, * and watch over us, O Lady * compassionate Theotokos.
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. Grave Mode.
Visit, Lord, my wounded and humiliated soul, O Physician of the sick, storm-free haven of the hopeless. For Thou art the Deliverer of the world, and hast come to raise the fallen from corruption. In Thy great mercy raise me also, for I kneel before Thee.
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.
Visit, Lord, my wounded and humiliated soul, O Physician of the sick, storm-free haven of the hopeless. For Thou art the Deliverer of the world, and hast come to raise the fallen from corruption. In Thy great mercy raise me also, for I kneel before Thee.
For the Martyrs.
Grave Mode.
Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands.
In the midst of the arena, before the lawless pagans, the victorious martyrs cried aloud rejoicing: ‘O Lord, glory to Thee.’
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.
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.
Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.
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.
Then we begin the First Hour, saying: “Come let us worship…”
or:
READER
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!
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
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 pl. 2.
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.
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.
Sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone, until I escape.
I cried to the Lord with my voice, with my voice I prayed to the Lord.
I shall pour out my supplication before Him; I shall declare my affliction in His presence.
When my spirit fainted within me, then You knew my paths.
For on the way I was going, they hid a trap for me.
I looked on my right, and saw there was no one who knew me.
Refuge failed me, and there was no one who cared for my soul.
I cried to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.”
Attend to my supplication, for I was humbled exceedingly.
Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison to give thanks to Your name, O Lord.
The righteous shall wait for me, until You reward me.
Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.
Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
Mode pl. 2. When the saints deposited.
Ὅλην ἀποθέμενοι.
If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You.
Gabriel appeared to you, * O virgin Damsel, revealing * the pre-eternal plan of God. * And as he saluted you, * he called out and said, * “O unsowed earth, rejoice; * unconsumed bush, rejoice. * O rejoice, depth hard to apprehend. * Rejoice, O sacred bridge * that conveys to heaven. I say, rejoice, * O ladder that is lifted up * and was seen by Jacob the patriarch. * Rejoice, O divine jar * of manna, and the lifting of the curse. * Rejoice, Adam’s recovery. * Rejoice, for the Lord is with you.”
Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord.
Gabriel appeared to you, * O virgin Damsel, revealing * the pre-eternal plan of God. * And as he saluted you, * he called out and said, * “O unsowed earth, rejoice; * unconsumed bush, rejoice. * O rejoice, depth hard to apprehend. * Rejoice, O sacred bridge * that conveys to heaven. I say, rejoice, * O ladder that is lifted up * and was seen by Jacob the patriarch. * Rejoice, O divine jar * of manna, and the lifting of the curse. * Rejoice, Adam’s recovery. * Rejoice, for the Lord is with you.”
From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Unto the angelic Chief * says the inviolate Damsel, * “You appear to be a man. * But how is it that you speak * superhuman words? * For you say unto me * that with me God will be, * and will make His dwelling in my womb. * But how shall I become * a most spacious confine, explain to me. * How shall I be a holy place * of the One who rides on the Cherubim? * Please do not deceive me. * Since marriage and its pleasures are entailed, * which I have never experienced, * how then shall I bear a child?”
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions.
Unto the angelic Chief * says the inviolate Damsel, * “You appear to be a man. * But how is it that you speak * superhuman words? * For you say unto me * that with me God will be, * and will make His dwelling in my womb. * But how shall I become * a most spacious confine, explain to me. * How shall I be a holy place * of the One who rides on the Cherubim? * Please do not deceive me. * Since marriage and its pleasures are entailed, * which I have never experienced, * how then shall I bear a child?”
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples.
“When God wills it, nature’s laws * are overridden, O Damsel,” * said the incorporeal, * “and the superhuman deeds * then are brought to pass. * Therefore, trust that indeed * true are these words of mine, * O all-holy and most blameless one.” * She then cried out in turn, * “According to your word be it unto me; * and I shall bear the One who is * bodiless but borrowing flesh from me, * so that by His mingling * with man He might restore him to the height * of his primordial dignity, * as the only One who can.”
For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever.
“When God wills it, nature’s laws * are overridden, O Damsel,” * said the incorporeal, * “and the superhuman deeds * then are brought to pass. * Therefore, trust that indeed * true are these words of mine, * O all-holy and most blameless one.” * She then cried out in turn, * “According to your word be it unto me; * and I shall bear the One who is * bodiless but borrowing flesh from me, * so that by His mingling * with man He might restore him to the height * of his primordial dignity, * as the only One who can.”
Mode pl. 2.
From the heavens, the Archangel Gabriel was sent down to announce the conception to the Virgin. When he arrived in Nazareth, he pondered on the wonder in astonishment: “He who is in the highest is incomprehensible. So, how can He be born of a Virgin? Heaven is His throne and earth is His footstool. So, how can He be contained in the womb of a woman? He on whom the six-winged Seraphim and many-eyed Cherubim are unable to gaze is well pleased to become incarnate of her by word alone. It is the Word of God who is present here. So, why am I standing here and not saying to the Maiden, ‘Rejoice, you who are full of grace; the Lord is with you. Rejoice, O pure Virgin! Rejoice, O unwedded Bride! Rejoice, O Mother of Life! Blessed is the fruit of your womb.’”
Stand for the Entrance.
DEACON (in a low voice)
Let us pray to the Lord.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
ENTRANCE PRAYER
In the evening, in the morning, and at midday, we praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Master of all, benevolent Lord. Let our prayer be set forth before You as incense. Incline not our hearts to evil words or thoughts, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For our eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You, and in You we hope. Leave us not embarrassed, O our God.
DEACON
Wisdom. Arise.
CLERGY AND PEOPLE
Mode 2.
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.
DEACON
The evening Prokeimenon!
CHOIR
Prokeimenon. Mode 1.
Your mercy, O Lord, shall follow me all the days of my life. (2)
Verse: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
Your mercy, O Lord, shall follow me all the days of my life.
The Readings
READER
The reading is from the book of Genesis.
DEACON
Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
READER
Gn 28:10 – 17
Now Jacob went out from the Well of Oath and went toward Haran. So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. Then he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. So behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. Do not fear, the land on which you lie I will give to you and your seed. Also, your seed shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the tribes of the earth shall be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “The Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” So he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
READER
The reading is from the Prophecy of Ezekiel.
DEACON
Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
READER
Ezk 43:27 – 44:4
Thus says the Lord: “When they have completed these days, then from the eighth day onward the priests shall offer upon the altar your burnt offerings and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, says the Lord God.” Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east; and it was shut. And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it; for the Lord, the God of Israel, shall enter by it; therefore it shall remain shut. Only the prince shall sit in it to eat bread before the Lord; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gate, and shall go out by the same way.” Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; and I looked, and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
READER
The reading is from the Proverbs of Solomon.
DEACON
Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
READER
Pr 9:1 – 11
Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants to call from the highest places in the town, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who is without sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave simpleness, that you may reign forever; seek wisdom, and live; and improve understanding by knowledge. He who corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the counsel of saints is understanding. For to know the law is the character of a sound mind. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”
DEACON
Let us all say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us all say.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Lord, Ruler of all, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
PRIEST
For You are merciful 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.
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 of the Feast.
Idiomelon 1. Mode 4.
In the sixth month, the Archangel was sent to the Virgin pure. He said to her to rejoice, and he announced that the Redeemer would be born from her. When she accepted the salutation with faith, she conceived You, the pre-eternal God, Who were well pleased ineffably to become man to save our souls.
Idiomelon 2. Mode 4.
Verse: Proclaim from day to day the salvation of our God.
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.
Idiomelon 3. Mode 4.
Verse: Oh, sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Behold, the restoration has now been revealed to us. God unites himself to man in a manner transcending reason, at the voice of the Archangel. Delusion is greatly diminished. The Virgin is accepting the joy. Things earthly have become heaven. The world has been released from the ancient curse. Let creation greatly rejoice and sing praises. “O Lord, our Creator and Redeemer, glory to You!”
Mode 4.
Today are glad announcements of joy proclaimed. This is the virgins’ festival. The things below are joined to the things on high. Adam is made new again, while Eve is liberated from her former pain and sorrow. And the tabernacle of our human nature, with the deification of the substance that was assumed, has been designated as the temple of God. Oh, the mystery! The manner of the emptying is unknowable, the manner of conception ineffable. An Angel administers the miracle; the virgin womb welcomes the Son into itself. The Holy Spirit is sent down; above the Father gives His consent, and the transaction is effected according to the common wish. So, therein and thereby being saved, let us therefore cry aloud to the Virgin with Gabriel: “Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace, for with you is the Lord, our salvation, Christ our God who from you did assume our own nature, which He thereby led back to himself. To Him pray fervently, entreating Him to save 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 of the Feast.
Mode 4.
Today is the summary of our salvation, and the revelation of the age-old mystery. For the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces the good news of grace. Therefore, let us join him, and cry aloud to the Theotokos: “Rejoice, Maiden full of grace! The Lord is with you.” (3)
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: Master 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 of Constantinople, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Holy Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
May He who for us men and for our salvation condescended to become incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, whose Annunciation we celebrate; 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.