Kathisma Reading: “Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140, In Tone 1

10. Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.

Accept our evening prayer, O holy Lord,* and grant us forgiveness of sins,* for You alone manifested the resurrection* to the world.

9. The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.

O you people, walk around Sion and encompass her.* And there give glory to Him who is risen from the dead.* For He is our God* who delivers us from our sins.

8. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

Come you people, praise and worship Christ.* Glorify His resurrection from the dead;* for He is our God who delivered the world* from the deceit of the enemy.

7. Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

Rejoice, O you heavens;* sound the trumpets, you foundations of the earth;* cry out with joy, O you mountains.* For behold, Emmanuel has nailed our sins to the Cross;* the Giver of Life has put Death to death;* and the Lover of mankind* has raised up Adam.

In Tone 1,

6. If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

O most pure Mother of God,* you are a mighty defender for those in sorrow. * You are a ready help to those in trouble.* You are the salvation and confirmation of the world.* You are the depth of mercy, the fount of God’s wisdom* and the protectress of the world. * O faithful, let us sing and praise her glorious protection, saying:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,* and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

5. I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.

The wondrous prophet Isaiah foretold:* The mountain of the Lord will be revealed in the last days,* and the house of the Lord will be upon the mountain.* O Queen and Lady, we have seen this prophecy truly fulfilled in you,* because the mountains and hills have been adorned* by the many churches named after your feasts.* Therefore, we joyfully sing out to you:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,* and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

4. From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.

O awesome beauty,* you are the true prophetic fulfilment for all the faithful.* You are the glory of the apostles and the joy of the martyrs,* the pride of virgins and a wondrous protection for the whole world.* O Lady, with the mantle of your mercy,* protect our Church and all the people who sing out to you:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,* and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

In Tone 4,

3. For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

O Theotokos, you cooperated with the invitation offered by the Holy Spirit.* You were like a paradise planted by God* and the site of the living Tree.* We acknowledge you as having brought forth the Creator of all* who feeds the faithful with the Bread of Life.* We ask you to pray for us with the Forerunner.* With your mantle protect all people from every danger.

2. Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.

Heaven and earth are sanctified.* The Church is radiant and all the people are rejoicing.* Behold, the Mother of God,* together with the angelic hosts, the Forerunner, and the Theologian,* with the prophets and the apostles has invisibly entered.* She prays to Christ in behalf of all Christians* that He may have mercy on our city and all people* who glorify the feast of her Protection.

1. Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.

O Theotokos, you are the beauty of Jacob;* you are the heavenly ladder* by which Christ came down to earth.* Indeed, those images signify your honour and glory.* The angels in heaven and all people on earth praise you,* for you have given birth to the God of all.* We honour you as you pray for the whole world* and cover with your mantle* all those who observe your holy feast.

In Tone 8, Glory…

All the leaders of the heavenly armies* form a spiritual choir and rejoice with all of us* when they see the Lady and Queen of all praised by the faithful.* The spirits of the just also rejoice* as they witness the vision of the Queen praying with outstretched arms.* She asks for peace in the world,* power and strength for our Church,* and salvation for our souls.

In Tone 1, Now…

Let us sing a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary,* glory of the whole world!* She was herself formed by human seed,* yet she became the Mother of the Master, the Gate of heaven,* the theme of the angels’ hymn and beauty of the faithful.* She was seen as being heavenly* and the Tabernacle of the Godhead.* She indeed tore down the wall of enmity between God and man,* and brought peace in its place.* She opened up the kingdom of heaven.* Let us therefore cling fast to her for she is the anchor of faith,* and let us receive as our stronghold the Lord Who was born of her.* Be of good cheer, then, and have confidence, O people of God,* for He will fight our enemies for us,* He is all-powerful!

Readings: (1) Genesis 28:10-17; (2) Ezekiel 43:27-44:4; (3) Proverbs 9:1-11

Lytia, In Tone 3

The glorious feast of your Holy Protection has come, O most pure Virgin.* Illuminate more brightly than the sun all your people* who with faith and with a pure heart* proclaim you to be truly the Mother of God.* They likewise sing out to your Son:* O Christ our God, through the prayers of the ever-Virgin,* who immaculately gave You birth in the flesh,* let not your inheritance be vanquished by the enemy;* but because You are the merciful One,* save our souls in peace.

In Tone 4

The people desire to sing to you, most pure Lady, * but they cannot sing praises worthy of your Son.* For you always intercede for all the faithful* and embrace them with your holy protection.* You pray that all will be saved,* all who honour you with faith,* O most pure Mother of God.

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

Let us assemble today, O faithful,* and praise the immaculate Queen of all,* the most pure Virgin, the Mother of Christ our God;* for she always mercifully extends her hands to her Son.* In amazement, Andrew saw her in a cloud,* protecting the faithful with her mantle.* Let us fervently sing to her:* Rejoice, O protection, defence, and salvation of our souls.

Aposticha, In Tone 1

O Christ, by Your passion we have been freed from suffering;* and by Your resurrection we have been delivered from corruption.* O Lord, glory to You!

The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.

Let all creation rejoice, let the heavens be glad,* let the nations clap their hands with joy.* For Christ our Saviour, in His love for mankind,* has nailed our sins to the Cross;* He has put Death to death,* and by raising our fallen forefather, Adam,* He has given life to all mankind.

For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

O God, You are above all understanding;* You are King and Lord of heaven and earth.* Yet of Your own free will,* You allowed Yourself to be crucified because of Your love for mankind.* When You descended below,* Hades was filled with bitterness as You confronted it;* but the souls of the just received You with great joy.* Adam arose when he saw You, his Creator, down in the depths.* What a wonder this is!* You are the life of all and have tasted death* in order to dispel the darkness of the world with Your light.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory to You!

Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

The myrrh-bearing women were filled with grief* as they hastened with spices to Your tomb;* but they did not find Your most pure body.* Instead, they found an angel* who proclaimed Your unique and glorious resurrection,* and commanded them to announce to Your apostles:* The Lord is risen,* granting great mercy to the world.

In Tone 2, Glory…

O all-pure Mother of God,* the Church is clothed with your honourable protection* as with a most glorious wreath.* It radiantly rejoices today.* It mystically dances with joy and sings to you, O Lady:* Rejoice, honourable raiment and crown of God’s glory.* Rejoice, unique perfection of glory and eternal joy;* rejoice, refuge of all who hasten to you;* rejoice, our salvation and deliverance.

Now…

We now behold a new wonder,* greater than the wonders of old.* For who has ever known a mother to bear a child without the help of man?* Who has known a mother to hold in her arms the Source of all Creation?* It was God’s own will to be born in this manner;* and you, O most pure Virgin, carried Him as an infant in your arms.* Because of this, you can approach God with the boldness of a mother.* Therefore, we venerate you, and ask you to always beseech Him* to have mercy on us and save our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 4

Today we believers radiantly celebrate,* flooded in light by your coming to us, O Mother of God;* beholding your pure image,* we say with contrition:* shelter us with your precious protection* and deliver us from every evil,* entreating Your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls. (3)

Sunday Matins

Usual Beginning; Hexapsalm;  Great Litany;

God the Lord, Tone 1

Troparia, Tone 1

Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your Kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan!* O only Lover of mankind. (2)

In Tone 4, Glory… Now…

Today we believers radiantly celebrate,* flooded in light by your coming to us, O Mother of God;* beholding your pure image,* we say with contrition:* shelter us with your precious protection* and deliver us from every evil,* entreating Your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Psalter Reading

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 1

While watching Your grave, the soldiers became as dead men* from the lightning flash of the Angel* who appeared and proclaimed to the women the Resurrection.* We glorify You, the destroyer of corruption;* we fall down before You, who has risen from the grave* and who alone are our God.

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.

You were willingly nailed to the Cross, O Compassionate one,* and laid in a tomb as a mortal, O Giver of life.* By Your death, O Powerful one,* You have smashed its might;* for gatekeepers of Hades trembled before You;* You have raised with You the dead from every age,* for You alone love mankind.

Glory… Now…

All we who with love flee for refuge to your goodness* know you to be the Mother of God* and after childbirth still truly Virgin;* for we sinners have you as our protection;* we have you as our salvation in misfortunes,* as the only All-immaculate one.

Psalter Reading

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 1

The women came to Your tomb at dawn* and seeing a vision of an Angel they trembled;* the tomb became resplendent with life;* and amazed by the miracle, they returned to the disciples and proclaimed the Resurrection:* for Christ has despoiled Hades,* as alone almighty and all powerful,* raising up those in corruption,* dispelling the fear of condemnation* by the power of the Cross.

I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.

O Life of all, You were nailed to the Cross;* O immortal Lord, You were numbered among the dead,* arising on the third day, O Saviour,* raising Adam from corruption;* wherefore the heavenly Powers cried out to You:* O Giver of life, Glory to Your sufferings, O Christ;* glory to Your Resurrection;* glory to Your condescension,* O only Lover of mankind’.

Glory… Now…

O Mary, holy tabernacle of the Master,* raise us up who have fallen into the pit of wicked despair, of transgressions and afflictions;* for you are the salvation,* the help and the mighty protection of sinners,* and you save your servants.

Polyeleos

Exaltation

We extol You,* O most holy Virgin,* and we honour your precious Protection* for the saintly Andrew saw you in a vision, praying to Christ for us.

verses:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides in the shade of the Almighty.
He will conceal you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge.
For there He keeps me safe in His tent in the day of evil.
He hides me in the shelter of his tent; on a rock He sets me safe.
Glory…Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3 times)

Evlogitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 1

The Thief’s repentance plundered Paradise,* but the Myrrh-bearers’ lamentations announced the joy that You have risen, O Christ God,* granting the world great mercy.

Sessional Hymns, In Tone 4Protected by your coming, O Mother of God,* the faithful people solemnly celebrate today;* and gazing upon your immaculate image,* they humbly say: Watch over us with your noble protection* and deliver us from all evil,* by asking your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.

In Tone 3

Encircled by the light of the angelic hosts, O Lady,* and by the ranks of the apostles and prophets,* and receiving as the Mother of God their holy veneration,* visit us, your servants, and entreat Christ our God* to grant us His abundant mercy.

In Tone 4, Glory… Now…

Your most precious mantle glistens more brilliantly* than the gold and silver of the ark of old.* It is spread out not in substance but in spirit* by your pure and incorruptible hands,* and it mercifully protects those who honour the feast of your Protection, O Lady,* which we joyfully celebrate today.

Hypakoe, Tone 1

The Thief’s repentance plundered Paradise,* but the Myrrh-bearers’ lamentations announced the joy that You have risen, O Christ God,* granting the world great mercy.

Hymn of Ascent, Tone 1

Antiphon 1

When I am afflicted,* I cry to You, O Lord,* hearken to my pains.

For those who dwell in the desert* the longing for God never ceases,* for they are far from the vanity of this world.

Glory… Now…

To the Holy Spirit, as to the Father and the Son,* are due honour and glory;* thus let us sing to the Trinity,* a single power.

Antiphon 2

Having lifted me up to the summit of Your laws,* make me shine with virtues, O God,* that I may sing Your praises.

Take me with Your right hand, O Word,* guard me and keep me,* lest the fire of sin scorch me.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit all creation is made new* and hastens back to its original condition;* for He is equal in strength* to the Father and the Word.

Antiphon 3

With those who said to me:* Let us journey to the courts of the Lord,* my Spirit was gladdened and my heart rejoices.

In the house of David is great fear;* for when the thrones are set therein,* all the tribes and nations of the earth will be judged.

Glory… Now…

To the Holy Spirit must be offered honor, adoration, glory, and power,* as befits also the Father and the Son;* for the Trinity is a Unity,* one in essence, but not in Hypostases.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
I will make your name remembered from generation to generation.
verse: Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

Let everything that lives, Tone 4

Gospel: Luke 1:39-49, 56

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Glory…

Through the intercession of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.

Now…

Through the intercession of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.

In Tone 8: Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offense.

All the leaders of the heavenly armies form a spiritual choir and rejoice with all of us* when they see the Lady and Queen of all praised by the faithful.* The spirits of the just also rejoice* as they witness the vision of the Queen praying with outstretched arms.* She asks for peace in the world,* power and strength for our Church,* and salvation for our souls.

Canon, Tone 1

Ode 1

Irmos: Your warrior hand is glorious in strength, O deathless one!* All-powerful, in manner fit for God,* it broke the enemy in pieces,* and devised for Israel a strange, new way through the deep.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He, who with pure hands divinely working in the beginning formed me from the earth, spread out those hands upon the cross, and from the earth recalled my corruptible body which he had received from the Virgin.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He, who divinely breathing into me implanted within me a soul, suffered dissolution for me, and delivered his soul to death; loosing the age-old bonds and raising me with himself, he made me glorious in incorruption.

Glory… Now…

Hail, fount of grace! Hail, ladder and gate of heaven! Hail, bearer of the light, vessel of gold, mountain unhewn and bearer of Christ, the giver of life to the world!

Irmos I will open my mouth and it will be filled with the Spirit, and I will utter a word to the Queen and Mother, and I shall be seen keeping glad festival, and rejoicing I will sing her wonders.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

As all-pure Mother of God, grant me wisdom, and give me eloquence that I may radiantly praise the wonders of your holy Protection, through which you always protect those who honour you.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

You unfolded from above the lighting blaze of your Protecting Veil, and sheltered under it not only the queen of cites but your whole race that bears the name of Christ.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Venerable Andrew saw you of old in an ineffable vision in the church of Blachernae, Pure Virgin, protecting the ends of the world by the unfurling of your godly Robe.

Glory… Now…

Your race’s army, taking invincible strength from your Protection, defeated regiments of foes and won a radiant victory. And so, Sovereign Lady, it sings your mighty deeds.

Katavasia: I shall open my mouth, and the Spirit will inspire it,* and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and Mother:* I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast* and joyfully praising her wonders.

 

Ode 3

Irmos: You alone, knowing the frailty of mortal man, tenderly took its form;* gird me with power from on high, crying to you:* Holy is the living temple of your pure glory,* O Lover of man!

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Good One, you are my God, in pity for the fallen you determined to come down to me; you have raised me up by your crucifixion, crying to you: Holy is the Lord of glory, in goodness beyond compare!

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ divinely existing life as God compassionate you clothed yourself with me, corrupted one; coming down to the dust of death, O Lord, you broke the chains of man’s mortality and on the third day, rising, clothed the dead with incorruption.

Glory… Now…

When by the all-holy Spirit, O Virgin, you conceived God in your womb, you remained unconsumed by the fire; for to Moses the lawgiver, the bush burning yet unconsumed clearly foretold you who received the fire unendurable.

Irmos O Mother of God, as a living and bounteous source, establish those united in spiritual fellowship who sing you hymns of praise, and by your divine protection grant them crowns of glory.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Your Protection, formed of light, is a source of heavenly joy, O All-unblemished, ever awarding to those who wrestle with afflictions grace, mercy and salvation.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

From the beginning through compassion you placed us, as a chosen race, beneath your Protecting Veil, O Virgin, and both of old and now you have worked strange and wondrous things, rescuing us from dangers.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

When godly Epiphanios heard the words of Venerable Andrew, he saw you as a heavenly queen protecting the people that bears Christ’s name.

Glory… Now…

As we see the multitude of wonders of your godly Protection, O Virgin, which you work everyday for our preservation, we, the multitudes of believers, bring you thankful praises.

Katavasia: O Mother of God, living and plentiful fount,* give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship,* who sing hymns of praise to you:* and in your divine glory vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.

Kontakion, Tone 1

You arose in glory from the tomb* and with Yourself You raised the world.* All humanity acclaims You as God,* and death has vanished.* Adam exults, O Master,* and Eve, redeemed now from bondage, cries out for joy:* “You are the One, O Christ, Who offer resurrection to all.”

Ikos

The third day arising, gates of Hell shattering, the age-long dead raising, as God of all power to him we sing praises: to the myrrh-bearing women in loving good-pleasure appearing, to those who were foremost, saying: Rejoice, joy to the apostles proclaiming, the only giver of life. To disciples in faith then the women proclaim the tokens of victory, and Hell groans and death laments, the whole world exults, all things rejoice together, for you, O Christ, have bestowed upon all resurrection.

 

Ode 4

Irmos: Habbakuk with the foreseeing eyes apprehended you,* the mountain by divine grace overshadowed,* and proclaimed the Holy One of Israel to come forth from you* for our salvation and remaking.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Who is this Saviour that comes from Edom, crowned with thorns, with garments reddened, hanging on a tree? He is the Holy One of Israel for our salvation and remaking.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

See, disobedient people, and be ashamed! He, whom you, as an evildoer, madly begged Pilate to hang upon the cross, he, as belongs to God, has dissolved the power of death and risen from the tomb.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin, we know you as a tree of life, for there sprang from you not the death-bearing fruit of food for mortal men but fruition of life eternal for the salvation of us who sing to you.

Irmos: The One seated in glory on the throne of the Godhead, Jesus, the One above all godhead, has come on a light cloud and with his unsullied palm has saved those who cry: Glory, O Christ, to your power!

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Invisibly unfolding your shining Protection, each day you protect, encompass, cherish and save from every affliction those who cry to you: Glory, O Virgin, to your glory!

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

The revelation of your great goodness, O Maiden, and your distribution of the gifts which your ever show to our race, amaze mind and thought. And so, Sovereign Lady, we sing the praise of your grace.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Being present invisibly you clearly revealed to your servants your all-holy Protection in Byzantium of old, O Bride of God. Through it you ever protect us, for you love goodness.

Glory… Now…

Having you, O Maiden, as defence in dangers, respite in slavery, guide and assistance in all the circumstances of our life, we take refuge under your shining Protection.

Katavasia: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead,* Jesus the true God, is come in a swift cloud* and with His sinless hands he has saved those who cry:* Glory to Your power, O Christ.

 

Ode 5

Irmos: O Christ, you have illumined the ends of the earth* by the brightness of your coming and made them radiant with joy by your cross;* enlighten with the light of the knowledge of you* the hearts of those who with right belief sing your praise.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The Jews put to death on the tree of the cross the great shepherd of the sheep and the Lord; but he rescued the dead from the power of death, terrified sheep in Hell.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

When you announced the glad tidings of peace by your cross and proclaimed deliverance to the captives, my Saviour, then, O Christ, you put to shame him who held them in thrall and by your divine rising showed him naked and destitute.

Glory… Now…

All-praised, do not despise the prayers of those who faithfully entreat you but receive and present them, O pure one, to your Son, our God and only benefactor; for in you we have gained a protector.

Irmos: The universe was amazed at your divine glory, for you, O Virgin, who knew not wedlock, held in your womb the God who is over all and gave birth to an eternal Son, who gives salvation as the prize to all who sing your praise.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Your suppliant people, O All-praised, celebrates the holy memory of your Protecting Veil, for you came to the church of Blachernae and there, O Immaculate, you spiritually protected all those who faithfully glorify you.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

By your visitation, pure Maiden, destroy the insolence of the hostile lion who goes roaring each day to swallow down your inheritance, and overthrow his arrogance and pride.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

As we celebrate the memory of your light-bearing Protection, we sing you thanksgivings for salvation, O Virgin, for you have delivered us from bitter slavery and mightily humbled the overweening enemy who came against us.

Glory… Now…

As a godly jar of alabaster of the All-holy Spirit, Mother of God full of grace, show me, who with faith ever take refuge under your Protection and sing the praise of your glory, to be a vessel of divine grace.

Katavasia: The whole world was amazed* at your divine glory:* for you, O Virgin who have not known wedlock,* have held in your womb the God of all* and have given birth to an eternal Son,* who rewards with salvation all who sing your praises.

 

Ode 6

Irmos: The deepest abyss has surrounded us, there is none to deliver,* we are counted as sheep for the slaughter;* save your people, our God,* for you are the strength and restoring of the weak.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

By the fault of the first-fashioned man, O Lord, we were grievously wounded; by your stripes, O Christ, by which for our sakes you were wounded, we are healed; for you are the strength and restoring of the weak.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You have brought us up from Hell, O Lord, you have crushed the all-devouring whale by your might and laid low his strength, O All-powerful; for you are life and light and resurrection.

Glory… Now…

O pure Virgin, our forefathers rejoice in you, and regain through you that Eden which they destroyed by transgressions; for you are chaste before your bearing and after the birth.

Irmos: Come godly-minded people, as we celebrate this divine and honoured feast of the Mother of God, let us clap our hands as we glorify the God who was born from her.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

By night a pillar of fire once guided the Israelite people, while now, O Immaculate, your Protecting Veil, formed like lightning, ever guides us to salvation.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Unfolding your Protection, wholly light, you protect us each day, All-pure Virgin, as we now know. What return then shall we make you for your grace?

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Of old and now you have shown us to be your own chosen portion and a people for your won possession, O Maiden. Therefore the company of the Orthodox sings your praise.

Glory… Now…

Your faithful and God-loving people, O Maiden, proclaims your grace and, delivered from dangers and perils, sings a song of thanksgiving to your Protection.

Katavasia: As we celebrate* this sacred and solemn feast of the Mother of God,* let us come, clapping our hands, O people of the Lord,* and give glory to God who was born of her.

 

Kontakion, Tone 8

Like a cloud brightly overshadowing the whole company of the Church, O all-pure, you appeared of old on the royal City. But as the Protection and Champion of your people, protect from every affliction us who cry to you: Hail, Protection wholly light.

Ikos

Unfolding from on high your holy Protection, Virgin Mary, Mother of God, you protect and save your people, who cry out to you, Pure Maiden, hour by hour, while now they gratefully sing the praise of your wonders as they cry: Hail, Protection, wholly light!

Hail, gate of salvation.
Hail, Protection of the Church.
Hail, wondrous vision of the Angels.
Hail, unshakeable support of mortals.
Hail, Ever-Virgin Mother of Christ the universal King.
Hail, Protection and assistance of your faithful people.
Hail, for you appeared protecting your race.
Hail, for you grant victories to the troops.
Hail, source of abundant goodness.
Hail, lamp of God’s loving-kindness.
Hail, for through you we conquer the foe.
Hail, for to you we cry out each day:
Hail, Protection wholly light!

 

Ode 7

Irmos: We, the faithful, discern you, Mother of God, as furnace of intellect:* for as he, the most highly exalted, kept safe the three children* so in your womb he re-fashioned man wholly,* God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The earth shuddered with fear, the sun fled and with it the light darkened, the sacred veil of the temple was torn in two and the rocks were split; for the righteous one was fixed to the cross, God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Of your own will for us you became as one with no help and wounded among the dead, O most highly exalted, and freed us all; and with your strong hand you raised us up with yourself, God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all.

Glory… Now…

Hail, spring of ever-living water! Hail, paradise of delight! Hail, fortress of the faithful! Hail, unwedded one! Hail, joy of all the world from whom has sprung for us the God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all!

Irmos: The godlike Children did not worship creation instead of the Creator, but bravely trampling on the threat of fire, rejoicing they sang: O highly exalted Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are you!

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

You have placed us, Sovereign Lady, under your Protecting Veil, and you ever protect us from dread abuse, assault of foes and every affliction. Therefore with upraised voices we all sing your praise to the ages.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

You protected the royal city of Constantine as your chosen part, Pure Virgin; likewise you now protect with your glory, All-blameless Lady, us who take refuge in your fervent defence.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

The wondrous overshadowing of our race with your godlike Protection, Pure Virgin, clearly manifests your providence, through which you grant joy and peace to our souls.

Glory… Now…

Unhusbanded, O All-pure, you husbanded Christ, the Husbandman of our life; as cause of our joy you appeared to those who sang, Hail, Sovereign Lady of our race, saviour and sweet help.

Katavasia: The holy children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire,* refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* and they sang in joy:* Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our Fathers.

 

Ode 8

Irmos: In the fiery oven as in a smelting furnace* the Israelite children shone bright with the beauty of godliness purer than gold,* and they said: Bless the Lord, all his works,* praise and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Word of God, maker and transformer of all by your will, changing the shadow of death into everlasting life by your Passion, we, all your works, unceasingly praise you as Lord, and highly exalt you throughout all the age ·.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Rising on the third day from the grave, O Christ, you demolished the destruction and misery within the gates and strongholds of Hell. All your works unceasingly praise you as Lord, and highly exalt you throughout all the ages.

Glory… Now…

Let us sing to her who without seed and above nature brought forth Christ the precious pearl from the divine lightning, and let us say: Bless the Lord, all his works, praise and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.

Irmos: The Offspring of the Mother of God saved the innocent Youths in the furnace. Then he was prefigured, but now in reality he gathers the whole world which sings: All you works praise the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

In many ways you revealed of old the force of your Protection, Mother of God, by signs and wonders and countless deeds of power, acting as our Champion every day, O All-pure; while now we sing the praise of your saving wondrous works.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Your chosen people, O All-blameless, faithfully receiving force and strength from your godly Protection, ever escapes from afflictions that attack them and from warlike foes, and remains unharmed by any madness, Mother of God, through your solicitude.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

From on high, Immaculate Virgin, unfold your holy and most radiant Protection, and as of old protect us and keep us safe from foes who attack us, and deliver your inheritance from their wickedness and assault.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Venerable Andrew and venerable and godly Epiphanios saw you unfolding the Protecting Veil that had protected your immaculate body, Mother of God Ever-Virgin, and they were amazed; for you protected all, O Maiden, with immaterial light and heavenly glory.

Katavasia: The Offspring of the Theotokos saved the holy children in the furnace.* He who was then prefigured has since been born on earth,* and He gathers all the creation to sing:* O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

 

Magnificat

 

Ode 9

O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.

Let all born of earth bearing torches, in spirit leap for joy; let the nature of the immaterial spirits honour and celebrate the wondrous sacred festival of the Mother of God, and let them cry: Hail, all-blessed Mother of God, pure and Ever-Virgin!

O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.

The dew which falls in drops from your Godly Protection as from an immaterial cloud, O Immaculate, becomes healing for us and brings to an end sicknesses of soul and body for those who cry: Hail, Ever-Virgin, our joy and consolation!

O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.

The Church of the faithful celebrates a sacred memorial of your wonders to your glory and praise, O All-blameless, and with faith taking refuge under your Protection, cries out to you: Protect and guard me until my life’s end, O All-praised.

O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.

With all our soul let us gather to your godly Protection, immaculate Lady, bringing thankful praise with fervent gratitude, for you are an immaterial cloud, O Immaculate, which becomes healing for us and brings to an end sicknesses of soul and body for those who cry: Hail, Ever-Virgin, our joy and consolation!

O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.

The Church of the faithful celebrates a sacred memorial of your wonders to your glory and praise, O All-blameless, and with faith taking refuge under your Protection, cries out to you: Protect and guard me until my life’s end, O All-praised.

O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.

With all our soul let us gather to your godly Protection, immaculate Lady, bringing thankful praise with fervent gratitude, for you have chosen us for your own and you treat us kindly in all things; you guide us and save us from afflictions.

Immaculate Virgin who bore God, save your flock, protecting it with your Protecting Veil and caring for it in every way.

From above, pure Virgin, keep your godly Protection around your people like a rampart with a wealth of loving-kindness; while to me, who have now woven for you songs of praise, give enlightenment and illumination, I implore, and forgiveness of faults.

Glory…

Raising your hands to God you implore on our behalf the One who came forth from you, and thence, unfolding spiritually your light-bearing Protection, you protected all the faithful. And so, as we celebrate its yearly memorial, Mother of God, we magnify you.

Now…

As we sing the praise of the manifold gifts of your Protection and its unstinted grace, pure Mother, which we unceasingly enjoy, we cry out to you from our souls: As of old you protected your people, so now too protect us with your hand and save us until our life’s end, O Immaculate.

Katavasia: Let every mortal born on earth,* radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy;* and let the host of the angelic powers* celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God,* and let them cry:* Rejoice! Pure and blessed Ever-Virgin, who gave birth to God.

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

O most holy Lady, Virgin Mother of God,* extend your holy mantle over us;* guide and protect our rulers and all people from every evil.* As the holy Andrew saw you in a vision while praying,* so today, O holy Lady, show us your loving protection.
Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 1

We sing the praise of Your saving Passion, O Christ,* and we glorify Your Resurrection.

Having endured the Cross,* and destroyed death* and risen from the dead,* grant peace to our lives, O Lord,* as You alone are All-powerful.

Having despoiled Hades* and raised mankind by Thy Resurrection, O Christ, ** grant that with pure hearts we may praise and glorify Thee.

As we glorify Your divine condescension,* we praise You, O Christ:* For You were born of a Virgin,* yet You were not separated from the Father;* as man You suffered and willingly endured the Cross;* arising from the grave, as though coming forth from Your bridal chamber,* that You might save the world.* O Lord, glory be to You!

In Tone 8

O Lady, we bow before you,* and humbly prostrating, we pray to you.* Rejoice, O glorious Virgin,* most blessed by God and heralded by prophets;* for in you, Christ our God came down as the dew.* In your maidenhood, pure and undefiled, you gave birth to Him.* You carried in your arms the Lord and Creator of all.* implore Him now for us* who faithfully glorify the feast of your Protection.

O Lady, we bow before you,* and humbly prostrating, we pray to you.* Rejoice, O glorious Virgin,* most blessed by God and heralded by prophets;* for in you, Christ our God came down as the dew.* In your maidenhood, pure and undefiled, you gave birth to Him.* You carried in your arms the Lord and Creator of all.* implore Him now for us* who faithfully glorify the feast of your Protection.

The angel choirs sing of you, O Virgin Mother of God.* The patriarchs join the priestly ranks and holy apostles in praising you.* They give service to you as to the Mother of God.* Having seen you pray to Christ our God, the Saviour of all,* they ask you to pray to Him to save the world* and all those who sincerely honour you* and keep holy the feast of your Protection.

O Mother of God,* you were made more holy than the ark of Aaron through the Holy Spirit.* With your mantle you shine more brilliantly than the rays of the sun.* You illumine the Church and dispel the darkness caused by our sins.* Deliver from danger and tribulations* all those who honour the feast of your Protection.

Tone 6, Glory…

O Mother of God,* the holy Andrew saw you in a vision with a multitude of archangels,* together with the apostles and prophets,* and a multitude of martyrs.* You were praying to your Son, our God,* for the city and the people,* covering them with your holy mantle.* So now, O most pure One,* do not forsake the inheritance of your Son,* all those who keep holy the feast of your Protection, O most praised One.

In Tone 2, Now…

You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!

Great Doxology

Trisagion Prayers

Troparion, Tone 2

Today salvation has come to the world.* Let us sing to Him who is risen from the tomb,* the Author of Life who has crushed Death by his death* and bestowed on us victory and great mercy.

Insistent Litany

Litany of Supplication

Great Dismissal

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans,* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day,* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan,* O only Lover of mankind.

Troparion, Tone 4: Today we believers radiantly celebrate,* flooded in light by your coming to us, O Mother of God;* beholding your pure image,* we say with contrition:* shelter us with your precious protection* and deliver us from every evil,* entreating Your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion, Tone 1: You arose in glory from the tomb* and with Yourself You raise the world.* All humanity acclaims You as God.* and death has vanished.* Adam exults, O Master,* and Eve, redeemed from bondage now, cries out for joy:* “You are the One, O Christ, Who offer resurrection to all.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today the Virgin stands before us in the church* and together with the choirs of saints invisibly prays to God for us.* Angels are worshipping with hierarchs,* Apostles exult with prophets,* for the Mother of God prays in our behalf to the eternal God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in You.
verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:22,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Hebrews 9:1-7 (NRSV)
Brothers and Sisters, the point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.

Brothers and Sisters, Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was constructed, the first one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a tent called the Holy of Holies. In it stood the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which there were a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot speak now in detail.

Such preparations having been made, the priests go continually into the first tent to carry out their ritual duties; but only the high priest goes into the second, and he but once a year, and not without taking the blood that he offers for himself and for the sins committed unintentionally by the people.

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: God gives me vindication, and has subdued people under me.
verse: Making great the salvation of the king, and showing mercy to His anointed, to David, and to His posterity forever. (Psalm 17:48,51)
verse: Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear. (Psalm 44:11)

Gospel: Luke 5:1-11; Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28 (NRSV)
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

At that time as Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord (Psalm 115:13).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)