GOA Digital Chant Stand Services for Sunday, Sep 6, 2026
Midnight Office → Matins → Divine Liturgy → Vespers, in one continuous scroll
Midnight Office · Octoechos - Mode pl. 1.
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.
CHOIR
Canon for the Trinity.
Ode i.
Mode pl. 1. N/M (He who brings wars to nothing.)
Ἵππον καὶ ἀναβάτην.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
We extol the dominion of the single and tri-solar essence, and we sing, “Almighty God and Master, shine on our minds, and elevate them to Your ineffable glory.”
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
In heaven the spiritual orders of the Angels sing thrice-holy hymns, unceasingly extolling You, O triune God, the consubstantial, superessential, almighty Trinity.
O Trinity and Unity, the Source of light, give my soul that sweetest, light-giving nectar of Your love, and also divine and cathartic compunction, O very merciful Master of all creation.
O immaculate Virgin, the divine rain from heaven quietly came down into your womb, as if the fleece, and saved all of human nature, which had withered.
Ode iii.
Mode pl. 1. N/M (O Lord, You established earth.)
Ὁ πήξας ἐπʼ οὐδενός.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
O tri-solar and omnific God, You conceived the spiritual beings and brought them into existence to extol Your Godhead unceasingly. We pray You also accept the prayer and supplication of Your clay and earth-born creatures, as You are compassionate.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
O God, connaturally immutable, we who are mutable, and who extol the inscrutable fount of Your goodness, pray You grant us pardon of offenses and salvation, as You are compassionate.
We glorify You, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, not differing in essence of divinity, the single and thrice-radiant Lord of all, as the Prophets and Apostles were clearly taught by You.
O Logos of God, You appeared to Moses in the bush, as the Angel of Great Counsel of the Ruler of all, foretokening Your incarnation from a Virgin, by which You transformed us and raised us up to heaven.
Kathisma.
Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.
To the melody, “Let us worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit.”
O inseparate Trinity, You are merciful. * You have mercy on everyone, as almighty God, * sympathetic, all-compassionate, and very merciful. * And that is why we who are burdened by very many sins * take refuge in You and cry out: * Be gracious to us, Your servants, * and release us all from any punishment.
Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.
All-holy Virgin, have mercy on us who now in faith * run for refuge to you who are most compassionate, * and who pray for your assistance and earnest aid, * for you are good, and you are able to save and rescue all, * by your maternal intercessions, * since you are full of divine grace, * as the Mother of the Most High God.
Ode iv.
Mode pl. 1. N/M (Habakkuk as a prophet.)
Τὴν θείαν ἐννοήσας.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Daniel was initiated into the triple radiance of the one Dominion, when he saw Christ as judge going towards the Father, and the Spirit who revealed the vision.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Daniel was initiated into the triple radiance of the one Dominion, when he saw Christ as judge going towards the Father, and the Spirit who revealed the vision.
Make us worthy of the Angels’ glory, as with mouths of clay we extol You, superessential God, single in nature and triple in hypostases.
O Virgin, the mount of shaded leafy trees that Habakkuk saw of old, and from which the Holy One would come forth, as he said, revealed the Son that you conceived, and who is hard comprehend.
Ode v.
Mode pl. 1. N/M (Early do I rise to You.)
Ὁ ἀναβαλλόμενος.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
O my thrice-radiant God, in Your goodness You created humanity and made it according to Your image. Come and dwell in me, as You are good and compassionate.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
O tri-solar Unity, as omnipotent God by nature, guide me in the godly paths of divine salvation, and fill me with Your radiance.
O undivided Light of the single nature, separated in persons, thrice-radiant and never-setting, shine Your rays in my heart.
O all-immaculate Virgin, when the Prophet saw you of old as the gate that faces the never-setting light, he immediately understood you to be the dwelling-place of God.
Ode vi.
Mode pl. 1. N/M (I implore You, Master Christ.)
Μαινομένην κλύδωνι.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Godhead, being hypostatically thrice-radiant, You are one, as consubstantial and equific, in essence and will.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Godhead, being hypostatically thrice-radiant, You are one, as consubstantial and equific, in essence and will.
When the Prophet sang his Psalm to the Father, “In Your light, namely the Spirit, we shall see light, namely the Son,” he aptly revealed the one, tri-solar God.
O single and thrice-radiant Master and God, to us who extol You send down freedom from offenses and from dangers, at the intercessions of the Mother of God.
Kathisma.
Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.
To the melody, “Let us worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit.”
Let us sing hymns and glorify the thrice-radiant light; * let us bow down and worship the simple Trinity; * for It had mercy on us and illumined us * and freed from corruption the entire human race, * and delivered the whole world * from idolatry’s deception, * and has granted us the Kingdom on high.
Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.
I have no other helper, and so I run to you, * all-immaculate Virgin. You are the hope of all * and the refuge of us humble sinners. Now, I cry out, * “I have sinned, yet I persist in wicked ways insensibly, * wretch that I am and unworthy. * Before the end, have mercy on me, * convert me, and free me from all punishment.”
Ode vii.
Mode pl. 1. N/M (Praiseworthy and beyond measure.)
Ὁ ὑπερυψούμενος.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
O compassionate Lord, since You have a deep sea and infinite ocean of mercy, have mercy on those who extol You, the one, thrice-radiant God of all.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
O compassionate Lord, since You have a deep sea and infinite ocean of mercy, have mercy on those who extol You, the one, thrice-radiant God of all.
We extol You, the incomprehensible, single yet thrice-radiant God and Lord, and we pray to You: Grant Your servants forgiveness of sins.
O Virgin, you brought forth a scion, unoriginate with the Father, a blossom of the Godhead, a co-eternal branch, your Son who gives life to all people.
Ode viii.
Mode pl. 1. N/M (Summoning a worldwide chorus.)
To the melody, “To You, the Maker of all.”
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
My God, You appeared in human form to Abraham of old, to clearly reveal the three hypostases of the one Lordship. And he extolled Your single dominion.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
My God, You appeared in human form to Abraham of old, to clearly reveal the three hypostases of the one Lordship. And he extolled Your single dominion.
Count me worthy to gaze at Your theurgic rays, O unapproachable light, compassionate Father, Logos, and Spirit, so that I may ever be pleasing to You, O Lord of all.
All-lauded Virgin, you flashed forth to us Christ the Lord, who is one of the persons of the tri-solar glory. He initiates all to extol the one Godhead in three persons, unto the ages.
Ode ix.
Mode pl. 1. N/M (O Isaiah, dance with joy.)
To the melody, “Isaiah, dance for joy.”
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Human words are not capable of extolling You worthily, O unoriginate Unity. Yet to the best of our ability, with faith we dare to offer glory and praise to Your dominion, O divine coequal Trinity.
Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Human words are not capable of extolling You worthily, O unoriginate Unity. Yet to the best of our ability, with faith we dare to offer glory and praise to Your dominion, O divine coequal Trinity.
With immaculate mouths, the Cherubim and Seraphim glorify You, the monarchal, thrice-radiant God, with equivalent glory. Lord, accept us sinners as we join them, to magnify Your dominion.
O Lady, as a pure and blameless virgin, you bore a Son, immutable God, who rescues us from trials and temptations. We pray you implore Him to to grant us forgiveness of offenses.
Megalynaria to the Trinity
Mode 2.
It is truly proper to extol the Trinity divine and holy: Unoriginate Father, Maker of all, co-eternal Logos, begotten before all time without change from the Father, and the all-holy Spirit, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father timelessly.
It is truly proper to extol and to glorify You, God the Logos. The Cherubim shudder and tremble at You, and the hosts of heaven offer hymns of glory to You; for You rose from the grave within three days. With fear we glorify You, Christ the Giver of Life.
Come and let us all sing inspired songs, * solemnly extolling as is proper to the divine * Father, Son, and all-holy Spirit, one dominion, * one kingdom, one in essence, three in hypostases.
Immaculate Virgin, when creation saw your Son risen, as befits God, it was filled with great joy and ineffable gladness, and it glorified the Savior, and it honored you.
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.
Hypakoe. Mode pl. 1.
Mentally amazed by the angelic apparition, inwardly illumined by the divine resurrection, the Myrrh-bearing Women brought good tidings to the Apostles. “Proclaim the resurrection of the Lord among the Gentiles, as He works with you by signs and miracles, and He grants to us the great 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
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 He who rose from the dead, 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.
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 · Octoechos - Mode pl. 1.
CHOIR
Mode pl. 1.
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.
Resurrectional Apolytikion.
Mode pl. 1. Automelon.
To the melody, “Let us worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit.”
As the Father and Spirit are unoriginate, * so the Word, who was born from the Virgin for us. * Let us praise Him, O believers, and let us worship Him. * For our salvation He was pleased * to be crucified in the flesh, * and to undergo death, * and to resurrect the dead, by His glorious resurrection.
Mode 4. You who were lifted.
To the melody, “You who were lifted on the Cross voluntarily.”
O Chief Commander of the heavenly armies, * we the unworthy now entreat you in earnest, * to fortify us by your supplications to the Lord, * and shelter us beneath the wings of your spiritual glory, * guarding us who run to you and fervently entreat you: * As the Commander of the hosts on high, * rescue us faithful from dangers of every kind.
Mode 4.
O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death.
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.
Kathisma I.
Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.
To the melody, “Let us worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit.”
Let us honor the Cross of the Lord with solemn praise. * Let us sing hymns extolling His holy burial. * Let us highly glorify His resurrection from the dead. * For, being God, He raised the dead from the graves with himself. * He shined light on those in Hades, annihilating the power of death and the devil’s might.
Lord, You who deadened death were described as being dead. You who emptied tombs had been buried in a tomb. Above, soldiers guarded the sepulcher; below, You resurrected the dead of all ages. Lord almighty and incomprehensible, glory to You!
Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.
To the melody, “Let us worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit.”
Hail, gate of the Lord, through which no man has passed! * Wall and shelter of all who rely on you, rejoice! * Port and haven undisturbed by any tempest, rejoice! * You gave birth to your Creator and God in the flesh, * ever remaining a virgin. * Never cease interceding for us who worship and extol your Son.
Kathisma II.
Mode pl. 1.
After You had risen on the third day, O Lord, and the Apostles had worshiped You, Peter said to You, “The women were courageous, but I was afraid. The robber stated Your divinity, but I denied knowing You. Will You ever call me Your disciple again, or will you send me back to be a fisher of the sea? I pray You to receive me in repentance, O God, and save me.”
The villains had You crucified between the convicts. And they pierced Your side with a spear, O merciful Master. You accepted burial. You destroyed the gates of Hades, and You rose on the third day. The Women ran to see You, and they announced Your resurrection to the Apostles. Supremely exalted Savior, whom the Angels extol, O blessed Lord, glory to You!
Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.
To the melody, “Let us worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit.”
Bride unwedded and Mother of God, you are the one * who turned Eve’s pain and sorrow into exultant joy. * We the faithful sing your praises and we honor you; * for you have lifted us up from the ancient curse. * All-lauded, all-holy Virgin, * never cease interceding with your Son and God to save our souls.
Resurrectional Evlogetaria.
Mode pl. 1.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
When the hosts of the Angels saw how You were accounted among the dead, they all marveled. You, O Savior, are the One who destroyed the might of death; and when You arose You raised Adam with yourself and from Hades liberated everyone.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
“Why do you mingle the ointments with your tears full of pity, O women disciples?” Thus the Angel who was shining in the tomb cried to the myrrh-bearing women. “See for yourselves the empty tomb and understand, that the Savior has risen from the sepulcher.”
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
Very early in the morning, the myrrh-bearing women were hastening to Your tomb lamenting. But the Angel appeared to them and uttered, “The time for lamentation has ended; weep no more. Go announce the Resurrection to the Apostles.”
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
When the myrrh-bearing women had come with their spices to Your sepulcher, O Savior, they heard the voice of an Angel clearly speaking to them, “Why do you account among the dead the One who lives? For as God, He has risen from the sepulcher.”
We bow down in worship to the Father and His Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in essence; and we cry aloud with the Seraphim: Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O Lord.
Giving birth to the Giver of life, O Virgin, you delivered Adam from sin, and to Eve you have rendered joy in place of sorrow. He who from you became incarnate, God and man, has directed to life him who fell from it.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)
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.
READER
Hypakoe. Mode pl. 1.
Mentally amazed by the angelic apparition, inwardly illumined by the divine resurrection, the Myrrh-bearing Women brought good tidings to the Apostles. “Proclaim the resurrection of the Lord among the Gentiles, as He works with you by signs and miracles, and He grants to us the great mercy.”
CHOIR
Anavathmoi.
Antiphon 1. Mode pl. 1.
In my affliction, like David, I sing to You, my Savior. Deliver my soul from a deceitful tongue.
Blessed is the life of those who dwell in the desert, as they mount up with wings of the intense love of God.
By the Holy Spirit are all things maintained, both seen and unseen; for He is inseparably one of the Trinity with full authority.
Antiphon 2.
O my soul, let us be lifted to the mountains. Come to the One, from whom help comes.
O Christ, let Your soaring right hand keep me from every kind of mischief.
To the Holy Spirit we say, theologizing, “You are God, life and intense love, light and mind. You are goodness, and You reign forever.”
Antiphon 3.
When they say to me, “Let us go into the courts of the Lord,” I am filled with great joy, and I send up my prayers.
Over the house of David fearful things will be accomplished; a fire will be there, burning every shameful thought.
In the Holy Spirit, as in the Father and the Logos, is the principle of life; and by Him every living being is animated.
Prokeimenon.
Arise, O Lord my God, for You reign unto the ages. (2)
Verse: I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart.
Arise, O Lord my God, for You reign unto the ages.
PRIEST
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
READER
Resurrectional Kontakion.
O my Savior, You descended into the netherworld, and You shattered its gates, for You are almighty God. O Creator, with yourself You raised the dead of all time, and You utterly destroyed the sting of death, O Christ. O benevolent Master, You freed Adam from the ancient curse. Therefore we all cry to You: Save us, O Lord.
Oikos.
When the women heard the Angel’s words, they put away their grief; and they rejoiced with trembling as they saw the resurrection. And behold, Christ came to them and said, “Rejoice! Take courage! I have overcome the world and have rescued the prisoners. Go quickly now to the Disciples and tell them that I am going before them to proclaim it in the region of Galilee.” Therefore we all cry to You: Save us, O Lord.
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On September 6, we remember the extraordinary miracle of Archangel Michael in Colossae, Phrygia.
On this day was the contest of the holy martyrs Evdoxius, Zeno, Romulus and Macarius.
On this day 1,104 soldiers along with St. Calodota died by the sword.
On this day Sts. Faustus the presbyter, Macarius, Andrew and the monks Bibus, Kyriacus, Dionysius, Andronicus, and the holy women Andropelagia and Thecla; and also Theoctistus a skipper, and another Kyriacus a plebian, died by the sword.
This day coincided with the consecration of the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos at Deuterus in the Church of the Holy Peace.
By the intercession of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
CHOIR
Ode i. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.
Moses prefigured the Cross. * Lifting up the rod, he stretched out his hand and split the Sea for Israel to cross on land. * Then he stretched it out again, * and the sea returned and covered Pharaoh’s chariots. * The Cross was thus portrayed as our invincible armor. * So let us sing to the Lord, * Christ our God, for He is greatly glorified.
HIERARCH
Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.
The rod of Aaron is seen as typifying the mystery; * for it budded, and thus was the priest selected. * Now in the Church, that was barren once, the Cross of Christ, like a tree, * has blossomed forth, * as power and a firm support.
LEFT CHOIR
Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.
I have heard the report, O Lord, * of Your incarnation, which is a mystery. * I considered Your astounding works, * and I glorified Your divinity.
HIERARCH
Ode v. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.
Tree of the Cross, you are thrice-blessed, * for Jesus Christ, who is King and Lord, was crucified on you. * Through you fallen is the one who by a tree deceived us, * for he was lured by God who in the flesh indeed * was hung and nailed to you, * and who grants to our souls His peace.
LEFT CHOIR
Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.
In the belly of the sea beast * the prophet Jonah prayed with his arms extended crosswise; * thus he clearly prefigured the saving Passion of Christ. * When after three days he emerged, * he was depicting the supernal resurrection from the dead * of Christ God, who was physically nailed to the Cross * and by His third-day arising illumined the universe.
HIERARCH
Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.
The impious tyrant’s preposterous decree disturbed the populace, * breathing threats and blasphemous pronouncements hateful to God. * His brutal anger did not intimidate * the three Servants, nor did the consuming fire. * But when the dew-laden breeze whistled against the fire, they joined it and together sang, * “Blessed are You, O Lord. You are highly praised, O God, the God of our fathers.”
LEFT CHOIR
Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
You three pious Servants, * same in number as the Trinity, * bless God the Father, Maker of all; * sing a hymn to the Word who condescended * and who changed the fire in the furnace into dew; * as for the all-holy Spirit, who gives life to all, exalt Him * beyond measure unto the ages.
Stand for the Gospel reading.
DEACON
Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, 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.
Mode 2.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
DEACON
Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
PRIEST
Peace be with all.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
PRIEST
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
DEACON
Let us be attentive.
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
PRIEST (from the altar table)
Eothinon 3
Mark. 16:9 – 20
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
READER
Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. Your Cross, O Christ, we venerate, and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. For You are our God; apart from You we know no other; we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy Resurrection of Christ; for behold, through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection; for having endured the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
CHOIR
Psalm 50 (51).
Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)
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. And have mercy on me, O God.
At the intercession of the Apostles, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses.
At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses.
Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression.
Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy.
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.
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 pl. 4.
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.
Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.
Theotokos, you are mystical Paradise, * for without husbandry you have blossomed Christ, * by whom on earth the Cross, as a life-bearing tree, has been planted and watered. * As it is now exalted, * we adore Him and worship Him and magnify you.
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.
Mode 2.
Holy is the Lord our God. (2)
Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet.
For He is holy.
Exaposteilarion.
Eothinon 3.
Mode 2. Let us in faith.
To the melody, “Let us join the Disciples.”
Let no one doubt or disbelieve * that Christ has truly risen. * For first to Mary Magdalene * He appeared, then to others, * as they walked into the country, * later, to the eleven * disciples, as they ate a meal. * He sent them out to baptize throughout the world. * Then He ascended into heaven, from which * He had come down. And He confirmed * by many signs the message.
For the Archangel.
For the Archangel.
Mode 2. O Women, hearken.
To the melody, “O women, hearken.”
A call to all humanity: * Come congregate and see today * a strange and unusual wonder, * occurring in Chonae long ago. * When the Archangel Michael struck * and split a boulder with his staff, * and thus he diverted the torrent, * which was out of control and heading * for the spring of holy water.
Theotokion.
Mode 2. O Women, hearken.
When God created me I had * a nobler image; but alas, * wretch that I am, I once lost it * because of my lack of self-control. * Now You, O Christ compassionate, * ineffably communed with me, * partaking of what is baser, * and making be new, O Savior, * from what You took from the Virgin.
CHANTER
Your blessing, holy Master! Mode pl. 1.
CHOIR
Lauds. Mode pl. 1.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God.
Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God.
Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.
Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.
For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.
He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.
Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.
Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.
Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.
Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.
His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.
A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.
Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.
Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.
Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.
For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.
The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.
The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.
To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.
To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.
Resurrectional Stichera.
Mode pl. 1.
To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones.
The sepulcher was firmly sealed by villains, O Lord. But You came forth from the tomb, much like You were born from the Theotokos. Your bodiless Angels did not know how You became incarnate, and the soldiers who were guarding You did not notice when You rose. Both of these miracles were confirmed to the prophets who inquired and revealed to them, who by faith revered the mystery. Which we now extol; and we pray You restore to us the joy and the great mercy.
Mode pl. 1.
Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.
When You had crushed the age-old bars and broken the chains to pieces, You rose from the tomb, O Lord. And You left the grave clothes behind, as evidence that You were truly buried for three days. And You proceeded to Galilee, You who had been held in custody in a rock-hewn tomb. Great is Your mercy, incomprehensible Savior! Have mercy on us.
Mode pl. 1.
Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness.
The women ran to the tomb, O Lord, to see You, the Christ, who had suffered for us. When they came, they found an Angel sitting on the stone, which he had fearsomely rolled back. And he said to the women, “The Lord has risen! Go tell His disciples, ‘The Savior of our souls has risen from the dead!’”
Mode pl. 1.
Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre.
O Lord, just like You exited the sepulcher, although it was sealed, so You entered where Your disciples were, the doors being shut. You showed them the injuries You suffered on Your body, which You accepted and bore with long-suffering, O Savior. As the progeny of David, You endured the wounds; as the Son of God, You freed the world. Great is Your mercy, incomprehensible Savior! Have mercy on us.
For the Archangel.
Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.
To the melody, “O joy of the ranks of heaven.”
Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute.
Let us who dwell in the world now like angels keep the feast, * and unto God who is carried * on the throne of His glory * cry aloud the hymn, saying: “Father who art * in the heavens, Holy are You; * co-unoriginate Logos, Holy are You; * and all-holy Spirit, Holy are You.”
Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Let us who dwell in the world now like angels keep the feast, * and unto God who is carried * on the throne of His glory * cry aloud the hymn, saying: “Father who art * in the heavens, Holy are You; * co-unoriginate Logos, Holy are You; * and all-holy Spirit, Holy are You.”
Verse: He makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire.
Since you are foremost in heaven, and have great freedom to speak, * O Chief Commander Michael, as you stand there in glory * near the unendurable throne of the Lord, * and behold things ineffable, * by your entreaties deliver us from distress * and temptations and from perils, we pray.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are magnified exceedingly.
Among the bodiless Angels you are expressly the first. * O Chief Commander Michael, * an eye-witness and mystic * are you of that divine and resplendent light. * Hence we fervently pray to you: * Save us who piously honor you every year * and in faith extol the Trinity.
Eothinon 3.
When Mary Magdalene brought the good news, that You, the Savior, had risen from the dead, and had appeared to her, the disciples did not believe her. So You upbraided them for their hardness of heart. But once they were fully equipped with the signs and miracles, You sent them out to preach the gospel. Then You, O Lord, were taken up to Your Father, the Source of Light; and they went forth and preached everywhere, and the message was confirmed by the miracles. And now we, who through them have been enlightened, glorify Your resurrection from the dead, O benevolent Lord.
You are supremely blessed, O Virgin Theotokos. For through Him who from you became incarnate, Hades has been captured, and Adam has been called back; the curse has been killed, and Eve has been freed; death has been put to death, and we have been brought back to life. Therefore we extol Him and cry out, “O Christ our God, You are blessed, for so was Your good pleasure. Glory to You!”
Stand for the Great Doxology.
Great Doxology
Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind.
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.
Lord God, Lamb of God, 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 hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.
For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.
Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.
Lord, I have fled to You. 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.
Continue Your mercy to those who know You.
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.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
After the Doxology, sing the following Resurrectional Troparion.
Mode 4. (or the Mode of the week)
Today has salvation come to pass in the world. Let us sing to Him who resurrected from the tomb and is the Author of our life. For, destroying death by death, He gave us the victory and the great mercy.
Divine Liturgy · Octoechos - Mode pl. 1.
DEACON
Master bless.
PRIEST
Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
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 (in a low voice)
Lord, our God, whose dominion is incomparable and glory incomprehensible; whose mercy is immeasurable, and love for humankind ineffable: Look upon us and upon this holy house in Your loving-kindness, and grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy and compassion.
PRIEST (aloud)
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.
Antiphon 1. Mode 2.
Verse 1: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and everything within me, bless His holy name.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.
Verse 2: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His rewards.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.
Verse 3: The Lord prepared His throne in heaven, and His Kingdom rules over all.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.
Small 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 (in a low voice)
Lord, our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect all the members of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and forsake us not who have set our hope in You.
PRIEST (aloud)
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.
Antiphon 2. Mode 2.
Verse 1: Praise the Lord, O my soul! I shall praise the Lord while I live; I shall sing to my God as long as I exist.
Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead. We sing to You, Alleluia.
Verse 2: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob; his hope is in the Lord his God.
Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead. We sing to You, Alleluia.
Verse 3: The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead. We sing to You, Alleluia.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and Logos of God, being immortal, You condescended for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and, without change, became man. Christ, our God, You were crucified and conquered death by death. Being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us.
Small 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 (in a low voice)
Lord, You have granted us to offer these common prayers in unison and have promised that when two or three agree in Your name, You will grant their requests. Fulfill now, O Lord, the petitions of Your servants as may be of benefit to them, granting us in the present age the knowledge of Your truth, and in the age to come eternal life.
PRIEST (aloud)
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.
Antiphon 3.
Mode pl. 1.
Verse 1: This is the day the Lord made; let us greatly rejoice and be glad therein.
Resurrectional Apolytikion.
Mode pl. 1. Automelon.
As the Father and Spirit are unoriginate, * so the Word, who was born from the Virgin for us. * Let us praise Him, O believers, and let us worship Him. * For our salvation He was pleased * to be crucified in the flesh, * and to undergo death, * and to resurrect the dead, by His glorious resurrection.
Verse 2: Let heaven and earth praise Him.
As the Father and Spirit are unoriginate, * so the Word, who was born from the Virgin for us. * Let us praise Him, O believers, and let us worship Him. * For our salvation He was pleased * to be crucified in the flesh, * and to undergo death, * and to resurrect the dead, by His glorious resurrection.
As the Third Antiphon is being sung (with its verses), the Priest and Deacon bow three times before the holy Table. Then the Priest gives the holy Gospel to the Deacon, who kisses the Priest’s hand as he receives it, and then circles the holy Table with the Priest following him. Preceded by altar servers holding candles and fans, they exit through the north door for the so-called Small Entrance. When there is no Deacon, the Priest takes the holy Gospel and holds it up in front of his face. When they reach the center of the church, they stop and bow their heads, and the Deacon says in a low voice:
DEACON (in a low voice)
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Master, Lord our God, who has established the orders and hosts of angels and archangels in heaven to minister to Your glory, grant that holy angels may enter with us, that together we may celebrate and glorify Your goodness. 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. Amen.
DEACON (in a low voice)
Master, bless the holy entrance.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Blessed be the entrance of Your holy ones always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
DEACON (aloud)
Wisdom. Arise.
CHOIR
Entrance Hymn. Mode 2.
Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ. Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead. We sing to You, Alleluia.
CHOIR
Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead. We sing to You, Alleluia.
Hymns after the Entrance.
CHOIR
Resurrectional Apolytikion.
Mode pl. 1. Automelon.
To the melody, “Let us worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit.”
As the Father and Spirit are unoriginate, * so the Word, who was born from the Virgin for us. * Let us praise Him, O believers, and let us worship Him. * For our salvation He was pleased * to be crucified in the flesh, * and to undergo death, * and to resurrect the dead, by His glorious resurrection.
For the Archangel.
Mode 4. You who were lifted.
To the melody, “You who were lifted on the Cross voluntarily.”
O Chief Commander of the heavenly armies, * we the unworthy now entreat you in earnest, * to fortify us by your supplications to the Lord, * and shelter us beneath the wings of your spiritual glory, * guarding us who run to you and fervently entreat you: * As the Commander of the hosts on high, * rescue us faithful from dangers of every kind.
The Apolytikion of the parish church is sung.
Then:
Kontakion.
Mode 4.
Both Joachim and Anna from their sterility’s stigma, and Adam and Eve from their mortality’s ruin have been set free, O immaculate Maid, by your holy nativity. For this do your people hold celebration, redeemed from the guilt of transgression as they cry to you, “The barren one bears the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life.”
DEACON
Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
O Holy God, who is resting among the holy ones, praised by the Seraphim with the thrice-holy voice, glorified by the Cherubim, and worshiped by every celestial power, You have brought all things into being out of nothing. You have created man according to Your image and likeness and adorned him with all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the one who asks, and You overlook not the sinner, but have set repentance as the way of salvation. You have granted us, Your humble and unworthy servants, to stand even at this hour before the glory of Your holy Altar of sacrifice and to offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the Trisagion Hymn also from the lips of us sinners, and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive all our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship You in holiness all the days of our lives, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You throughout the ages.
PRIEST (aloud)
For You, our God, are holy, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever…
DEACON
and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Trisagios Hymn
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.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
DEACON
Dynamis.
DEACON (in a low voice)
With your blessing, Master.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
DEACON (in a low voice)
Master, bless the throne on high.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Blessed are You upon the throne of the glory of Your kingdom, enthroned upon the Cherubim always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
CHOIR
Dynamis.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
The Epistle
DEACON
Let us be attentive.
READER
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the holy man has ceased.
DEACON
Wisdom.
READER
The reading is from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.
DEACON
Let us be attentive.
READER
2 Cor. 1:21 – 24; 2:1 – 4
Brethren, it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. But I call God to witness against me — it was to spare you that I refrained from coming to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.
PRIEST
Peace be with you the reader.
CHOIR
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(Alleluia is sung thrice. Verses may be found in the Liturgy - Variable Parts of the day.)
The Holy Gospel
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Shine in our hearts, O benevolent Lord, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind that we may comprehend the proclamations of Your Gospels. Instill in us the fear that Your blessed commandments inspire, so that, crushing carnal desires, we may seek the spiritual citizenship, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the illumination of our souls and bodies, and to You we offer up glory, and to Your Father, who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
DEACON
Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
PRIEST
Peace be with all.
CHOIR
And with your spirit.
DEACON
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
PRIEST
Let us be attentive.
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
DEACON
Mt. 22:2 – 14
The Lord said this parable, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.’ But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”
PRIEST
Peace be with you who read the Gospel.
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Again and countless times we fall down before You, and we implore You, O good and benevolent Lord: That You, having regarded our prayer, may cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant to us to stand before Your holy Altar of sacrifice, free of guilt and condemnation. Grant also, O God, to those who pray with us, progress in life, faith, and spiritual understanding. Grant that they always worship You with awe and love, partake of Your holy sacrament without guilt or condemnation, and be deemed worthy of Your celestial kingdom.
PRIEST (aloud)
That, ever guarded by Your might, we may ascribe glory to You, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Cherubic Hymn.
Let us, who mystically represent the Cherubim and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside every worldly care. So that we may receive the King of all.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
No one bound by carnal desires and pleasures is worthy to approach, draw near, or minister to You, the King of Glory. For to serve You is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. Yet, because of Your ineffable and immeasurable love for humankind, You impassibly and immutably became man. You, as the Master of all, became our high priest and delivered unto us the sacred service of this liturgical and bloodless sacrifice. Indeed, Lord our God, You alone reign over the celestial and the terrestrial; borne aloft on the cherubic throne, Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel, the only holy and resting among the holy ones. I now beseech You, who alone are good and inclined to hear: Look down upon me, Your sinful and unprofitable servant, and cleanse my soul and heart of a wicked conscience. Vested as I am with the grace of priesthood by the power of Your Holy Spirit, make me sufficient to stand before Your holy Table and perform the sacrament of Your holy and pure Body and Your precious Blood. I come before You, with my head bowed, and I implore You: Turn not Your face away from me, nor reject me from among Your children, but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer these gifts to You. For You are the One who both offers and is offered, the One who is received and is distributed, O Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory, and to Your Father, who is without beginning, and Your all-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Let us, who mystically represent the Cherubim and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside every worldly care.
DEACON (in a low voice)
So that we may receive the King of all. Who is invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. (3)
DEACON
May the Lord God remember all of you in His kingdom always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Who is invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
DEACON
Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
For the precious Gifts here presented, 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 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
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 (in a low voice)
Lord God Almighty, You alone are holy. You accept the sacrifice of praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart, even so, accept from us sinners our supplication, and bring it to Your holy Altar of sacrifice. Make us sufficient to offer You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our own misdeeds and those committed in ignorance by the people. Deem us worthy to find grace in Your sight, that our sacrifice may be well pleasing to You, and that the good Spirit of Your grace may rest upon us and upon these gifts presented and upon all Your people.
PRIEST (aloud)
Through the mercies 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.
PRIEST
Peace be with all.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
DEACON
Let us love one another, that with oneness of mind we may confess:
CHOIR
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Trinity, one in essence and undivided.
DEACON
The doors! The doors! In wisdom, let us be attentive!
PEOPLE
The Creed
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.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON
Let us stand aright! Let us stand in awe! Let us be attentive, that we may present the Holy Offering in peace.
CHOIR
A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise.
PRIEST
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
CHOIR
And with your spirit.
PRIEST
Let us lift up our hearts.
CHOIR
We lift them up to the Lord.
PRIEST
Let us give thanks to the Lord.
CHOIR
It is proper and right.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
It is proper and right to hymn You, to bless You, to praise You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in every place of Your dominion. For You, O God, are ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, existing forever, forever the same, You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You brought us out of nothing into being, and when we had fallen away, You raised us up again. You left nothing undone until you had led us up to heaven and granted us Your kingdom, which is to come. For all these things, we thank You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit: for all things we know and do not know, for blessings manifest and hidden that have been bestowed on us. We thank You also for this Liturgy, which You have deigned to receive from our hands, even though thousands of archangels and tens of thousands of angels stand around You, the Cherubim and Seraphim, six-winged, many eyed, soaring aloft upon their wings,
PRIEST (aloud)
Singing the triumphal hymn, exclaiming, proclaiming, and saying…
CHOIR
Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Together with these blessed powers, benevolent Master, we also exclaim and say: Holy are You and most holy, You and Your only‐begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. Holy are You and most holy, and sublime is Your glory. You so loved Your world that You gave Your only-begotten Son so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. When He had come and fulfilled for our sake the entire plan of salvation, on the night in which He was delivered up, or rather when He delivered Himself up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands, and, giving thanks and blessing, He hallowed and broke it, and gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying:
PRIEST (aloud)
Take, eat, this is my body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
And likewise the cup after supper, saying:
PRIEST (aloud)
Drink of it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Remembering, therefore, this saving commandment and everything that was done for our sake: the Cross, the tomb, the Resurrection on the third day, the ascent into the heavens, the seating at the right hand, and the glorious coming again,
PRIEST (aloud)
Your own of Your own we offer to You, in all and for all.
CHOIR
We praise You. We bless You. We give thanks to You, O Lord; and we pray to You, our God.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Once again we offer to You this spiritual worship without the shedding of blood, and we beseech and pray and entreat You: Send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon the gifts here presented,
DEACON (in a low voice)
Bless, Master, the Holy Bread.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
And make this Bread the precious Body of Your Christ.
DEACON (in a low voice)
Amen.
Bless, Master, the holy Cup.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
And that which is in this Cup, the precious Blood of Your Christ.
DEACON (in a low voice)
Amen.
Bless, Master, both the Holy Gifts.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Changing them by Your Holy Spirit.
DEACON (in a low voice)
Amen. Amen. Amen.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
So that they may be for those who partake of them for vigilance of soul, remission of sins, communion of Your Holy Spirit, fullness of the kingdom of Heaven, boldness before You, not for judgment or condemnation. Again, we offer You this spiritual worship for those who have reposed in the faith: forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made perfect in faith,
PRIEST (aloud)
Especially for our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary.
CHOIR
Hymn to the Theotokos.
It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Logos. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
For Saint John the Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist; for the holy, glorious, and most praiseworthy apostles; for Saint(s) (name), whose memory we celebrate; and for all Your saints, through whose supplications, visit us, O God. And remember all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection to life eternal (here the Priest commemorates by name those departed whom he wishes). Grant them rest, where the light of Your countenance keeps watch. Again we beseech You, Lord, remember all Orthodox bishops who rightly teach the word of Your truth, the presbyterate, the diaconate in Christ, and every priestly order. Again we offer You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and for those living pure and reverent lives. For civil authorities and our armed forces, grant that they may govern in peace, Lord, so that in their tranquility we, too, may live calm and serene lives, in all piety and virtue.
PRIEST (aloud)
Among the first remember, Lord, our Archbishop (name); grant him to Your holy churches in peace, safety, honor, and health, unto length of days, rightly teaching the word of Your truth.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
And remember those whom each one of us has in mind, and all the people.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Remember, Lord, Your Holy Great Church of Constantinople, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Holy Metropolis], this city in which we live, and every city and land, and the faithful who live in them. Remember, Lord, those who travel by land, sea, and air; the sick; the suffering; the captives; and their salvation. Remember those who bear fruit and do good works in Your holy churches and those who are mindful of the poor, and upon us all send forth Your mercies.
PRIEST (aloud)
And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST
And the mercies of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you all.
CHOIR
And with your spirit.
DEACON
Having commemorated all the saints, again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
For the precious Gifts here presented and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
That our benevolent God, having accepted them at His holy and celestial and mystical altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, may in return send down upon us the divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
(The rest of this litany, which was previously said above, is nowadays usually and correctly omitted.)
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
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
Having asked for the unity of the faith and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
We entrust to You, benevolent Master, our whole life and hope, and we beseech, pray, and implore You: Grant us to partake of Your heavenly and awesome sacraments from this sacred and spiritual table with a clear conscience for the remission of sins, the forgiveness of transgressions, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the inheritance of the kingdom of Heaven, and boldness before You, not unto judgment or condemnation.
PRIEST (aloud)
And grant us, Master, with boldness and without condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, Father, and to say:
PEOPLE
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
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)
We give thanks to You, invisible King, who by Your boundless power fashioned the universe, and in the multitude of Your mercy brought all things from nothing into being. Look down from heaven, O Master, upon those who have bowed their heads before You, for they have not bowed before flesh and blood, but before You, the awesome God. Therefore, O Master, make smooth and beneficial for us all, whatever lies ahead, according to the need of each: Sail with those who sail, travel with those who travel, heal the sick, Physician of our souls and bodies.
PRIEST (aloud)
Through the grace, 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.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Hearken, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from Your holy dwelling place and from the throne of glory of Your kingdom, and come to sanctify us, You who are enthroned with the Father on high and are present among us invisibly here. And with Your mighty hand, grant Communion of Your most pure Body and precious Blood to us, and through us to all the people.
DEACON
Let us be attentive.
PRIEST
The Holy Gifts for the holy people of God.
CHOIR
One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
PEOPLE
The selection and text of the following prayers may be different from what is used in your parish.
I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy on me and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy, without condemnation, to partake of Your pure sacrament for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen.
As I am about to receive holy communion, * O Maker, I pray You not burn me partaking, * since You are fire consuming the unworthy, * but rather purge me of any defilement.
Receive me, today, O Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the Robber I confess to You. Remember me, O Lord, when You come in Your kingdom.
Seeing the deifying Blood, O human, shudder, * for it is a live coal that burns the unworthy. * The Body of God both deifies my spirit * and feeds my mind in extraordinary manner.
You have enraptured me, O Christ, * with Your longing and transformed me with love divine. * I pray, completely consume * with immaterial fire all my sins. * And count me worthy to be filled * fully with the delight in You, * that I may magnify * both Your Comings, O good Master, exultantly.
How shall I enter into the splendor of Your saints since I am unworthy? For if I dare to enter the wedding hall along with them, my garment will betray me, for it is not fit for the wedding; and then I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels. I pray You to wash away the stains on my soul, and save me, O benevolent Lord.
Benevolent Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my judgment because I am unworthy, but rather for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body and the pledge of the life and kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.
Receive me, today, O Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the Robber I confess to You. Remember me, O Lord, when You come in Your kingdom.
CHOIR
Communion Hymn. Psalm 148.
Praise the Lord from the heavens. Alleluia.
and the following:
Communion Hymn. Psalm 103.
He makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. Alleluia.
DEACON
With the fear of God, faith, and love, draw near.
The people come up to receive Holy Communion. The Priest receives the holy chalice from the hands of the Deacon and begins communing the people, saying to each one: The Body and Blood of Christ, for the remission of sins and life eternal.
PRIEST
Save, O God, Your people, and bless Your inheritance.
CHOIR
Hymn after Holy Communion.
Mode 2.
We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.
DEACON (in a low voice)
Exalt, Master.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth. (3)
Blessed is our God.
PRIEST (aloud)
Always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON
Arise! Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life-creating, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks 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
Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
We give thanks to You, benevolent Master, benefactor of our souls, that even on this very day You have made us worthy of Your heavenly and immortal sacraments. Make straight our path, fortify us in Your fear, guard our life, make secure our steps, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and of all Your saints.
PRIEST (aloud)
For You are our sanctification, 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
Let us go forth in peace.
DEACON
Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
O Lord, who blesses those who bless You and sanctifies those who put their trust in You, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the whole body of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and forsake us not who have set our hope in You. Grant peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the clergy, to our civic leaders, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from You, the Father of lights. To You we offer up glory, thanksgiving, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and to the ages. (3)
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Christ our God, You are the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. You have fulfilled the Father’s entire plan of salvation. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Memorial Service
CHOIR
Evlogetaria for the Dead
Mode pl. 1.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments.
The choir of Saints has found the fountain of life and the door of Paradise. May I also find the way through repentance. I am the lost sheep: O Savior, call me back and save me.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments.
Of old, You created me from nothing and honored me with Your divine image. But when I disobeyed Your commandment, You returned me to the earth from which I was taken. Lead me back again to Your likeness, so that the ancient beauty may be refashioned.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments.
I am an image of Your ineffable glory, though I bear the scars of my transgressions. Take pity on me, the work of Your hands, Master, and cleanse me by Your compassion. Grant me the desired homeland for which I long, making me again a citizen of Paradise.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments.
Give rest, O God, to Your servant(s), and place him (her, them) in Paradise where the choirs of the Saints and the righteous, O Lord, will shine as the stars of heaven. To Your departed servant(s) give rest, O Lord, overlooking all his (her, their) offenses.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Let us devoutly praise the threefold radiance of the one God as we sing: Holy are You, the Father without beginning, the co-eternal Son, and the divine Spirit. Illumine us who worship You in faith and deliver us from the eternal fire.
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, gracious Lady, who gave birth to God in the flesh for the salvation of all, and through whom the human race has found salvation. Through you, pure and blessed Theotokos, may we find Paradise.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God.
Kontakion. Mode pl. 4.
With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul(s) of Your servant(s) where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting.
Among the spirits of the righteous perfected in faith, give rest, O Savior, to the soul(s) of Your servant, keeping it (them) in the blessed life which is from You, O loving One.
In your place of rest, O Lord, where all Your saints repose, give rest also to the soul of Your servant, for You alone are immortal.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
You are our God who descended into Hades and loosened the pains of those who were held captive. Grant rest also, O Savior, to the soul of Your servant.
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
You the only pure and spotless Virgin, who ineffably gave birth to God, intercede for mercy and forgiveness of the soul of your servant(s).
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 the repose of the soul of the departed servant of God (name), who has fallen asleep, and for the forgiveness of all his (her) sins, voluntary and involuntary.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
May the Lord God place their souls where the righteous repose. Let us ask for the mercies of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins from Christ our immortal king and God.
CHOIR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON
Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
O God of spirits and of all flesh, You trampled upon death and abolished the power of the devil, giving life to Your world. Give rest to the soul(s) of Your departed servant(s) (name) in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain, sorrow, and sighing have fled away. As good and benevolent God, forgive every sin he (she, they) has (have) committed in word, deed, or thought, for there is no one who lives and does not sin. You alone are without sin. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your word is truth.
DEACON
Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of Your departed servant(s) (name), Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory, and to Your Father, who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST
Eternal be your memory, brother worthy of blessedness and everlasting memory. (3)
CHOIR
Mode 3.
Eternal be his memory. Eternal be his memory. Eternal be his memory. (3)
DEACON
Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord come upon you by His divine grace and love for humankind, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
May He who rose from the dead, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, of the holy and glorious Archangel Michael, whose miracle in Colossae we commemorate, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.
CHOIR
Lord, protect for many years the one who blesses and sanctifies us.
PRIEST
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.
CHANTER
Your blessing, holy Master! Mode 1.
CHOIR
Mode 1.
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.
Stichera. For the Forefeast.
Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.
To the melody, “O joy of the ranks of heaven.”
If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You.
The metaphorical sunbeams of universal joy * shined on the world, O Virgin, on your birthday, announcing * that Christ our God, the glorious sun, would from your immaculate womb arise. * You are agent of genuine joy for all * and dispenser of the grace of God.
Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord.
We celebrate this forefestal glory of yours today, * announcing to all people, O immaculate Virgin, * the blessings of your goodness, which are to come. * We rejoice now because of you, * for You are truly the cause of the coming joy, * the enjoyment of divine delight.
From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
The all-pure Virgin who will be the holy Mother of God, * the glory of the Prophets and whom David called daughter, * today is born to righteous St. Joachim * and to Anna his pious wife. * As a result of her birth, she reversed the curse * that through Adam had been passed to us.
For the Martyr.
Mode 4. You have given.
To the melody, “You have given a sign.”
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions.
Your weakness was strengthened by the strength of Him who of His own will * had assumed our infirmity, * and thus you, O blessed Saint, ran the race of martyrs * and finished rejoicing, * and with your most beautiful feet * trampled and crushed the powerless enemy. * And Jesus, the almighty Savior of our souls has awarded you * with the medals of victory * in His love for humanity.
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples.
By your being wounded you inflicted wounds on the enemies, * and you dashed them upon the ground, * for clearly you armed yourself with the Cross, O Sozon, * arrayed with the impenetrable full armor of God, * and in your heart cherishing the love of Christ, * who took you to reside with Him up in the royal celestial courts * as a Martyr invincible * and a heavenly man, O Saint.
For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Medaled Martyr Sozon, clearly emulating the Savior Christ, * who for you and for all mankind * endured His all-holy and voluntary Passion, * you gave up yourself voluntarily to most severe * and painful torture, even dismemberment. * For this the Lord rewarded you and gave you heavenly gifts of grace, * and He made you a source of cures * for the faithful who honor you.
Mode 4.
The multitude of Angels, in heaven, and we the human race, on earth, together extol your wholly august Nativity, O pure and all-holy Virgin; for you are the Mother of Christ our God, the Creator of all. We entreat you, cease not from praying for us who have set our hope after God in you, O all-laudable and unwedded Theotokos.
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 (in a low voice)
Master, bless the holy entrance.
PRIEST
Blessed be the entrance of Your holy ones always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
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 pl. 4.
Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord.
Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord.
Verse: Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord.
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 for the Theotokos.
Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.
To the melody, “O what a paradox.”
What a paradoxal miracle! The virgin Mother of God, * like the blossoming rod of old, * has come forth today from her * who was formerly childless. * Her barren mother Anna has given birth; * her blessed father is righteous Joachim. * Therefore the choir of * Patriarchs is celebrating with the host * of the Prophets on this feast of her nativity.
Verse: Listen, O daughter, behold and incline your ear, and forget your people and your father’s house. For the King desired your beauty.
David is leaping for joy today; his father Jesse exults. * Also Levi is magnified. * And the righteous Joachim * is rejoicing in spirit as well. * Anna is freed from her barrenness when you * are born, O Mary, pure and immaculate, * full of grace of God. * And the hosts of Angels and the human race * magnify your holy womb, O blessed Mother of God.
Verse: The rich among the people shall entreat your favor.
Come, all people, joyfully salute * the Virgin Mary, “Rejoice! * Holy Mountain of God, rejoice! * Temple of the Lord, rejoice! * Bright and luminous lamp, rejoice! * You are the boast of the faithful Orthodox. * Rejoice, all-holy Mother of Christ our God, * blameless and undefiled! * Fiery throne and Tabernacle of the Lord, * unconsumed and burning bush, rejoice, the hope of us all!”
Mode 4.
Joy for all the world has dawned on us of righteous parentage; of Joachim and Anna comes the all-lauded Virgin. Through a super-excellent kindness, a soul-endowed temple of God she comes to be, and she alone in truthfulness as Theotokos is known to be. At her supplication, O Christ our God, to the world send down Your peace and tranquility, and to our souls Your great mercy.
Stand for the reading of prayers
PRIEST
Song of Simeon
READER
Eis polla eti, Despota!
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 Martyr.
Mode 4. Come quickly.
Your Martyr, O Lord, was worthily awarded by You * the crown of incorruption, in that he contested for You our immortal God. * Since he possessed Your power, he defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at his fervent entreaties, save our souls.
Mode 4. Joseph marveled.
To the melody, “Joseph was amazed.”
Unto us is born today Mary the child of God, * as the branch from Jesse’s root, and as the fruit of David’s loins, * and all creation is re-created and deified. * O heaven and the earth, rejoice in unison. * Sing praises unto her, O all you Gentile clans. * Joachim is exultant, and Anna is keeping festival, crying out: * “The barren woman bears the Theotokos, * the nourisher of our Life.”
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.
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 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.