THE FIRST HOUR

Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

People: Amen.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.

Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and, O Good One, save our souls.

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

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

People: Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ

– Our King and God.

Psalm 5

Trust in God for Deliverance from Enemies

(Monday and Thursday)

To my words give ear, O Lord,* give heed to my groaning,

Attend to the sound of my cries, my King and my God.* It is You Whom I invoke, O Lord.

In the morning You hear me;* in the morning I offer You my prayer, watching and waiting.

You are no God Who loves evil;* no sinner is Your guest. The boastful shall not stand their ground before Your

face.* You hate all who do evil; You destroy all who lie.* Deceitful and bloodthirsty people are hateful to You, O Lord.

But I through the greatness of Your love* have access to Your house.

I bow down before Your holy temple,* filled with awe.

Lead me, Lord, in Your justice, because of those who lie in wait;* make clear Your way before me.

No truth can be found in their mouths,* their heart is all mischief,

Their throat a wide-open grave,* all honey their speech.

Declare them guilty, O God.* Let them fall in their designs.

Drive them out for their many offenses,* for they have defied You.

All those You protect shall be glad* and ring out their joy.

You shelter them;* in You they rejoice, those who love Your name.

Lord, it is You Who bless the upright;* You surround them with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 89

God’s Eternity and Human Frailty

(Tuesday and Friday)

O Lord, You have been our refuge* from one generation to the next.

Before the mountains were born or the earth or the world brought forth,* You are God, without beginning or end.

You turn us back into dust and say:* Go back, children of the earth.

To Your eyes a thousand years are like yesterday, come and gone,* no more than a watch in the night.

You sweep us away like a dream,* like grass which springs up in the morning.

In the morning it springs up and flowers;* by evening it withers and fades.

So we are destroyed in Your anger,* struck with terror in Your fury.

Our guilt lies open before You,* our secrets in the light of Your face.

All our days pass away in Your anger.* Our life is over like a sigh.

Our span is seventy years,* or eighty for those who are strong.

And most of these are emptiness and pain.* They pass swiftly and we are gone.

Who understands the power of Your anger* and fears the strength of Your fury?

Make us know the shortness of our life* that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Lord, relent! Is Your anger for ever?* Show pity to Your servants.

In the morning, fill us with Your love;* we shall exult and rejoice all our days.

Give us joy to balance our affliction* for the years when we knew misfortune.

Show forth Your work to Your servants;* let Your glory shine on their children.

Let the favor of the Lord be upon us:* give success to the work of our hands; give success to the work of our hands.

Psalm 100

A Sovereign’s Pledge of Integrity and Justice

(Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)

My song is of mercy and justice;* I sing to You, O Lord.

I will walk in the way of perfection.* O when, Lord, will You come?

I will walk with blameless heart within my house;* I will not set before my eyes whatever is base.

I will hate the ways of the crooked;* they shall not be my friends.

The false-hearted must keep far away;* the wicked I disown.

Those who secretly slander their neighbors* I will bring to silence.

Those of proud look and haughty heart* I will never endure.

I look to the faithful in the land* that they may dwell with me.

Those who walk in the way of perfection* shall be my friends.

No one who practices deceit* shall live within my house.

No one who utters lies* shall stand before my eyes.

Morning by morning I will silence all the wicked in the land,* uprooting from the city of the Lord all who do evil.

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

Now and ever and forever. Amen.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Lord, have mercy (3)

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

Troparion, Tone 5: Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Now and for ever, and ever. Amen. Theotokion:

What shall we call you, O Full of grace? * Heaven? For you made the Sun of righteousness to dawn. * Paradise? For you made the flower of incorruption blossom. * Virgin? For you remained incorrupt. * Pure Mother? For you held in your holy embrace a Son who is the God of all. * Implore Him that our souls may be saved.

Psalm Verses

Direct my steps according to Your word, and let no iniquity control me.

Deliver me from people’s slander, and I shall keep Your commandments.

Let Your face shine on Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.

Let my mouth be filled with Your praise, O Lord, that I may hymn Your glory, and sing Your splendor all the day.

Trisagion Prayers

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

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

People: Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 5: You, my Saviour, descended to Hades,* and as the Almighty, You shattered its gates.* With Yourself You, as the Creator, raised the dead and shattered the sting of death,* and delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Mankind.* And so we cry out: “Save us, O Lord.”

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Prayer of the Hours

O Christ our God, in all times and places You are worshiped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in Your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble, and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Now and ever and forever. Amen.

More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

If there is no priest we proceed to the Prayer of the First Hour

If there be a priest:

Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord!

Priest: May God be merciful to us and bless us; may His countenance shine upon us, and may He have mercy on us.

Choir: Amen.

Prayer of the First Hour

O Christ, the true Light who enlightens and sanctifies everyone in the world, mark us with the light of Your countenance so that we may see the unapproachable radiance. Let our life be straight along the path of Your commandments, through the prayers of Your most pure Mother and of all Your saints. Amen.

If the next Hour is to follow, then begin: Come let us bow in worship....; otherwise, the following dismissal is taken:

Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope; glory be to You!

Choir: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen. Lord, have mercy (3). Give the blessing.

Priest: Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

Choir: Amen.

THE THIRD HOUR

Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

People: Amen.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.

Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and, O Good One, save our souls.

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

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

People: Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ

– Our King and God.

Psalm 16

Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors

(Monday and Thursday)

Lord, hear a cause that is just,* pay heed to my cry.

Turn Your ear to my prayer,* no deceit is on my lips.

From You may my judgment come forth.* Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, You visit me by night.* You test me and You find in me no wrong.

My words are not sinful like human words.* I kept from violence because of Your word,

I kept my feet firmly in Your paths;* there was no faltering in my steps.

I am here and I call, You will hear me, O God.* Turn Your ear to me; hear my words.

Display Your great love,* You Whose right hand saves Your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of Your eye.* Hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the violent attack of the wicked.

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.* Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me,* and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground, as though they were lions ready to claw* or like a young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!* Let Your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

Let Your hand, O Lord, rescue me from my enemy,* from those whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of Your treasures;* they rejoice in abundance of offspring and leave their wealth to their children.

As for me, in my justice I shall see Your face and be filled,* when I awake, with the sight of Your glory.

Psalm 24

Prayer for Guidance and for Deliverance

(Tuesday and Friday)

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul;* I trust You.

Let me not be disappointed;* do not let my enemies triumph.

Those who hope in You shall not be disappointed,* but only those who wantonly break faith.

Lord, make me know Your ways* Lord, teach me Your paths.

Make me walk in Your truth, and teach me,* for You are God my Savior.

In You I hope all day long* because of Your goodness, O Lord.

Remember Your mercy, Lord,* and the love You have shown from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth.* In Your love remember me.

The Lord is good and upright.* He shows the path to those who stray,

He guides the humble in the right path,* He teaches His way to the poor.

His ways are faithfulness and love* for those who keep His covenant and will.

Lord, for the sake of Your name forgive my guilt,* for it is great.

To those who revere the Lord* He will show the path they should choose.

Their souls will live in happiness* and their children shall possess the land.

The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere Him;* to them He reveals His covenant.

My eyes are always on the Lord,* for He rescues my feet from the snare.

Turn to me and have mercy* for I am lonely and poor.

Relieve the anguish of my heart* and set me free from my distress.

See my affliction and my toil* and take all my sins away.

See how many are my foes,* how violent their hatred for me.

Preserve my life and rescue me.* Do not disappoint me, You are my refuge.

May innocence and uprightness protect me,* for my hope is in You, O Lord.

Redeem Israel, O God,* from all its distress.

Psalm 50

Prayer for Cleansing and Pardon

(Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)

Have mercy on me, God, in Your kindness.* In Your compassion blot out my offense.

O wash me more and more from my guilt* and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;* my sin is always before me.

Against You, You alone, have I sinned;* what is evil in Your sight I have done.

That You may be justified when You give sentence* and be without reproach when You judge.

O see, in guilt I was born,* a sinner was I conceived

Indeed, You love truth in the heart;* then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.

O purify me, then I shall be clean;* O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,* that the bones You have crushed may thrill.

From my sins turn away Your face* and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,* put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence,* nor deprive me of Your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of Your help;* with a spirit of fervor sustain me,

That I may teach transgressors Your ways* and sinners may return to You.

O rescue me, God, my helper,* and my tongue shall ring out Your goodness.

O Lord, open my lips* and my mouth shall declare Your praise.

For in sacrifice You take no delight,* burnt offering from me You would refuse.

My sacrifice, a contrite spirit.* A humbled, contrite heart You will not spurn.

In Your goodness, show favor to Zion:* rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Then You will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, burnt offerings wholly consumed,* Then You will be offered young bulls on Your altar.

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

Now and for ever, and ever. Amen.

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

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Troparion, Tone 5: Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Now and for ever, and ever. Amen. Theotokion:

O Mother of God, * you are the true vine, from whom blossomed the fruit of life; * we implore you, O Lady, * intercede together with the holy apostles * that He may have mercy on our souls.

Blessed is the Lord God, blessed is the Lord day by day; may the God of our salvation give us prosperity. Our God is the God who saves

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

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

People: Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 5: You, my Saviour, descended to Hades,* and as the Almighty, You shattered its gates.* With Yourself You, as the Creator, raised the dead and shattered the sting of death,* and delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Mankind.* And so we cry out: “Save us, O Lord.”

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Prayer of the Hours

O Christ our God, in all times and places You are worshiped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in Your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble, and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Now and ever and forever. Amen.

More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

If there is no priest we proceed to the Prayer of the Ninth Hour

If there be a priest:

Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord!

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

Choir: Amen.

Prayer of the Third Hour

O God our Master, almighty Father; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit, one God and one Might, have mercy on me a sinner, and save me, Your unworthy servant, according to the ways of Your wisdom. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.

If the next Hour is to follow, then begin: Come let us bow in worship....; otherwise, the following dismissal is taken:

Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope; glory be to You!

Choir: Glory be: Now and for ever: Lord, have mercy (3). Give the blessing.

Priest: Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

Choir: Amen.

THE SIXTH HOUR

Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

People: Amen.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.

Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and, O Good One, save our souls.

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

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

People: Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ

– Our King and God.

Psalm 53

Prayer for Vindication

(Monday and Thursday)

O God, save me by Your name;* by Your power, uphold my cause.

O God, hear my prayer;* listen to the words of my mouth.

For the proud have risen against me,* ruthless foes seek my life.

They have no regard for God.* But I have God for my help. The Lord upholds my life.

Let the evil recoil upon my foes;* You Who are faithful, destroy them.

I will sacrifice to You with willing heart* and praise Your name for it is good;

For You have rescued me from all my distress* and my eyes have seen the downfall of my foes.

Psalm 54

Complaint about a Friend’s Treachery

(Tuesday and Friday)

O God, listen to my prayer,* do not hide from my pleading,

Attend to me and reply; with my cares, I cannot rest.*I tremble at the shouts of the foe, at the cries of the wicked;

For they bring down evil upon me.* They assail me with fury.

My heart is stricken within me,* death’s terror is on me,

Trembling and fear fall upon me* and horror overwhelms me.

O that I had wings like a dove* to fly away and be at rest.

So I would escape far away* and take refuge in the desert.

I would hasten to find a shelter from the raging wind,* from the destructive storm, O Lord, and from their plotting tongues.

For I can see nothing but violence and strife in the city.* Night and day they patrol high on the city walls.

It is full of wickedness and evil, it is full of sin.* Its streets are never free from tyranny and deceit.

If this had been done by an enemy* then I could bear it.

If a rival had risen against me,* then I could hide.

But it is you, my own companion,* my intimate friend!

How close was the friendship between us.* We walked together in harmony in the house of God.

May death fall suddenly upon them!* Let them go to the grave;

For wickedness dwells in their home* and deep in their hearts.

As for me, I will cry to God* and the Lord will save me.

Evening, morning and at noon I will cry and lament,* and He will hear my voice.

God will deliver my soul in peace in the attack against me,* for those who fight me are many, but He hears my voice

God will hear and will humble them,* the eternal judge;

For they will not amend their ways.* They have no fear of God.

The traitor has turned against me;* has broken our pact, with speech softer than butter, but war within the heart,

With words smoother than oil* though they are naked swords.

Entrust your cares to the Lord and He will support you.* He will never allow the just one to stumble.

But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of death.* The bloodthirsty and the deceitful shall not live half their lives. O Lord, I will trust in You.

Psalm 90

Assurance of God’s Protection

(Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High* and abides in the shade of the Almighty

Says to the Lord: My refuge, my stronghold,* my God in whom I trust!

It is He Who will free you from the snare of the fowler* who seeks to destroy you;

He will conceal you with His pinions* and under His wings you will find refuge.

You will not fear the terror of the night* nor the arrow that flies by day,

Nor the plague that prowls in the darkness* nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand fall at your right,* you, it will never approach,* His faithfulness is buckler and shield.

Your eyes have only to look to see* how the wicked are repaid,

You who have said: Lord, my refuge!* and have made the Most High your dwelling

Upon you no evil shall fall,* no plague approach where you dwell.

For you He has commanded His angels,* to keep you in all your ways.

They shall bear you upon their hands* lest you strike your foot against a stone.

On the lion and the viper you will tread* and trample the young lion and the dragon.

You set your love on Me so I will save you,* protect you for you know My name.

When you call I shall answer: I am with you,* I will save you in distress and give you glory.

With length of days I will content you;* I shall let you see my saving power.

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

Now and for ever, and ever. Amen.

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

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Troparion of the parish church

Or, this Troparion of St. Josaphat (Tone 4): You appeared as a radiant light,* O priest-martyr Josaphat.* Like the Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for your sheep;* killed by enemies who loved division, you entered the holy of holies to dwell with the bodiless powers.* Therefore we pray you, long-suffering saint:* beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds,* to number us among the sheep at His right hand and to save our souls.

Now and for ever, and ever. Amen. Theotokion:

As we have no boldness because of our many sins, * entreat the One born of you, Virgin Mother of God; * for a Mother’s plea has great power to obtain the Master’s kindness. * Do not despise the supplications of sinners, O all-pure one, * for He is merciful, and able to save, / He who even accepted to suffer for us.

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

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

People: Amen.

The kontakion of the parish church;

Or, this Kontakion of St. Josaphat (Tone 4): Enlightened in childhood* by the flame from the crucified Christ,* you resembled the angels in your life as a monk,* and as bishop you lived in godliness.* You clearly preached unity and with your martyr’s blood, you calmed hearts inflamed by love for dispute.* From Christ you received the crown.* And so remember us as we cry to you:* Rejoice, O unshakeable pillar of unity.

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Prayer of the Hours

O Christ our God, in all times and places You are worshiped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in Your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble, and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Now and ever and forever. Amen.

More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

If there is no priest we proceed to the Prayer of the Sixth Hour

If there be a priest:

Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord!

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

People: Amen.

Prayer of the Sixth Hour

O God and Lord of powers, Maker of all creation, in the compassion of Your incomprehensible mercy You sent Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our race. Through His precious Cross He tore up the record of our sins, and triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness. O loving Master, accept our supplications of thanksgiving and entreaty; and deliver us from destructive and dark transgression, and from all our foes, visible and invisible, who seek to harm us. Nail down our flesh through fear of You, and prevent our hearts from inclining towards words or thoughts of evil, but rather wound our souls with longing for You; that always gazing upon You and guided by the light that comes from You, seeing You the unapproachable and everlasting Light, we may unceasingly confess and thank You, the Father without beginning, with Your only-begotten Son and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

If the next Hour is to follow, then begin: Come let us bow in worship....; otherwise, the following dismissal is taken:

Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope; glory be to You!

Choir: Glory be: Now and for ever: Lord, have mercy (3). Give the blessing.

Priest: Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

Choir: Amen.

THE NINTH HOUR

Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

People: Amen.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.

Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and, O Good One, save our souls.

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

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

People: Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ

– Our King and God.

Psalm 83

The Joy of Worship in the Temple

(Monday and Thursday)

How lovely is Your dwelling-place,* Lord, God of hosts.

My soul is longing and yearning,* is yearning for the courts of the Lord.

My heart and my soul ring out their joy to God,* the living God.

The sparrow herself finds a home and the swallow a nest for her brood;* she lays her young by Your altars, Lord of hosts,* my king and my God.

They are happy, who dwell in Your house,* forever singing Your praise.

They are happy, whose strength is in You,* in whose hearts are the roads to Zion.

As they go through the Bitter Valley they make it a place of springs,* the autumn rain covers it with blessings.

They walk with ever-growing strength,* they will see the God of gods in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,* give ear, O God of Jacob.

Turn Your eyes, O God, our shield,* look on the face of Your anointed.

One day within Your courts* is better than a thousand elsewhere.

The threshold of the house of God* I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.

For the Lord God is a rampart, a shield;* He will give us His favor and glory.

The Lord will not refuse any good* to those who walk without blame.

Lord, God of hosts,* happy are those who trust in You!

Psalm 84

Prayer for the Restoration of God’s Favour

(Tuesday and Friday)

O Lord, You once favored Your land* and revived the fortunes of Jacob,

You forgave the guilt of Your people* and covered all their sins.

You averted all Your rage, You calmed the heat of Your anger.* Revive us now, God, our helper!

Put an end to Your grievance against us.* Will You be angry with us forever, will Your anger never cease?

Will You not restore again our life* that Your people may rejoice in You?

Let us see, O Lord, Your mercy* and give us Your saving help.

I will hear what the Lord God has to say,* a voice that speaks of peace,

Peace for His people and His friends* and those who turn to Him in their hearts.

His help is near for those who fear Him* and His glory will dwell in our land.

Mercy and faithfulness have met;* justice and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness shall spring from the earth* and justice look down from heaven.

The Lord will make us prosper* and our earth shall yield its fruit.

Justice shall march before Him* and peace shall follow His steps.

Psalm 85

Supplication for Help against Enemies

(Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)

Turn Your ear, O Lord, and give answer* for I am poor and needy.

Preserve my life, for I am faithful;* save the servant who trusts in You.

You are my God, have mercy on me, Lord,* for I cry to You all the day long.

Give joy to Your servant, O Lord,* for to You I lift up my soul.

O Lord You are good and forgiving,* full of love to all who call.

Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer* and attend to the sound of my voice.

In the day of distress I will call* and surely You will reply.

Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord,* nor work to compare with Yours.

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

Now and for ever, and ever. Amen.

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

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Troparion, Tone 5: Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Now and for ever, and ever. Amen. Theotokion:

O Good One, You were born of a Virgin for our sake and endured crucifixion; * You despoiled death by death and as God revealed the resurrection. * Do not despise those whom You fashioned with Your own hand; * show Your love for mankind, O Merciful One; * accept the Mother of God who bore You as she intercedes for us, * and save, O Savior, a people in despair.

For Your holy name’s sake do not utterly reject us, do not annul Your covenant, do not take Your mercy from us for the sake of Abraham, Your beloved, and for the sake of Isaac, Your servant, and Israel, Your holy one

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

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

People: Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 5: You, my Saviour, descended to Hades,* and as the Almighty, You shattered its gates.* With Yourself You, as the Creator, raised the dead and shattered the sting of death,* and delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Mankind.* And so we cry out: “Save us, O Lord.”

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Prayer of the Hours

O Christ our God, in all times and places You are worshiped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in Your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble, and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Now and ever and forever. Amen.

More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

If there is no priest we proceed to the Prayer of the Ninth Hour

If there be a priest:

Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord!

Priest: May God be merciful to us and bless us; may His countenance shine upon us, and may He have mercy on us.

People: Amen.

Prayer of the Ninth Hour

Master, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, You have patiently endured our transgressions, and brought us to this hour in which hanging on the life-giving tree You showed the good Thief the way into Paradise and destroyed death by death. Have mercy also on us sinners, Your unworthy servants, for we have sinned and transgressed Your law and are not worthy to raise our eyes and look to the height of heaven; because we have abandoned the way of Your justice and walked in the willfulness of our hearts. But we implore Your unbounded goodness: spare us, O Lord, according to the multitude of Your mercy, and save us for Your holy name’s sake, for our days have been wasted in vanity. Rescue us from the hand of our opponent, forgive us our sins, slay our carnal will, that having put off the old man, we may put on the new, and live for You, our Master and benefactor; and that thus following Your precepts we may reach eternal rest, where all who rejoice have their dwelling.

For You indeed are the true joy and gladness of those who love You, Christ our God, and to You we give glory, together with Your Father who has no beginning, and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

If Vespers is to follow, then begin: Come let us bow in worship....; otherwise, the following dismissal is taken:

Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope; glory be to You!

Choir: Glory be: Now and for ever: Lord, have mercy (3). Give the blessing.

Priest: Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

Choir: Amen

Great Vespers

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You!

Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come, and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and O Good One, save our souls.

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord* pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your Name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by 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 the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ, our King and God.

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul! You are very great O Lord, my God;

Clothed in pomp and brilliance; arrayed with light as with a cloak.

Stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth, covering Your lofty halls with water.

You make the clouds Your conveyance. You surge on the wings of the wind.

You make spirits Your messengers, and flaming fires Your attendants.

You settle the earth on its firm foundation; it shall stand unmoved from age to age.

The abyss covers it like a garment; waters stand over the mountains.

At Your rebuke they will take flight; at the peal of Your thunder they will fear.

They hurdle the hills and run down the dales, to the place You have chosen for them.

You have set up a boundary not to be passed; they shall never return to cover the earth.

Down in the gullies You make springs to rise; water shall go down between the mountains.

They shall give drink to the beasts of the field; wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst.

The birds of the sky will abide by them; from among the rocks they will raise their song.

From Your lofty halls You refresh the mountains; the earth shall be fed with the fruit of Your works.

You make green pastures for the cattle and food-plants for the service of all,

So that bread may be brought forth from the earth, and wine that gladdens the heart of man.

So that oil may put a gleam upon his face; and that bread may strengthen the heart of all.

The trees of the plain will be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted.

The sparrows will build their nests in them; and the herons will call them their home.

To the deer belong high mountains, to rodents, the shelter of the rocks.

You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows the time of its setting.

You establish darkness, and it is night wherein the forest creatures prowl around.

Young lions roar for their prey, and call out to God for their meat.

As the sun rises, they will come together, and lay themselves down in their dens.

Man will go out to his labour and work until eventide.

How great are Your works, O Lord, in wisdom You have wrought them all.

The earth is filled with Your creatures. Even the wide and open sea itself, within it there are countless creeping things, living beings small and large.

Upon it there are ships a-sailing, and that great beast You made to have fun.

All of them look up to You, to give them their food in due time.

You provide and they gather up; You open Your hand and they are full.

You hide Your face and they cringe; You suspend their breath, and they die and return to their dust.

You send forth Your breath and they live; You renew the face of the earth.

May the Lord’s glory endure for ever: may the Lord rejoice in His works;

He looks upon the earth and makes it quake; He touches the mountains and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will praise my God as long as I last.

Would that my thoughts be pleasing to Him: and I will rejoice in the Lord.

May sinners vanish from the earth, and may the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

The sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness, and it is night.

How great are Your works, O Lord, in wisdom You have wrought them all.

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

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Litany of Peace

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For peace throughout the world, for the well-being of God’s holy churches and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence, and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the most holy universal Pontiff, (name), the Pope of Rome, our most blessed Patriarch, (name), our most reverend Metropolitan, (name), our God-loving Bishop, (name), for the reverend priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this city, for every city and country and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

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

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the seafarers and travellers, for the sick and the suffering, for those held captive, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and misfortune, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

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

All: Lord, have mercy.

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

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: For all glory, honour, and worship befit You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

First Kathisma

Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly. Alleluia! (3)

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish. Alleluia! (3)

Serve the Lord with fear, exalt in Him with trembling. Alleluia! (3)

Blessed are those who trust in Him! Alleluia! (3)

Arise, O Lord, save me, my God! Alleluia! (3)

Salvation is of the Lord; may Your blessing be upon Your people! Alleluia! (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Alleluia! (3)

Now and for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! (3)

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Small Litany

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

All: Lord, have mercy.

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

All: Lord, have mercy.

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

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: For Yours is the might and Yours are the kingdom, the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Psalm 140

O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me. Hear me, O Lord! O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me. Receive the voice of my prayer when I call upon You. Hear me, O Lord!

Let my prayer rise like incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord!

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth and a portal around my lips.

Incline my heart away from evil dealings, from finding excuses for sinful deeds.

In company with those who work iniquity, let me not partake of what they choose.

May the just chasten me with justice and reprove me; may the oil of the wicked never touch my head.

Yet even then shall I pray for their welfare. Their rulers were swallowed near the rock.

My words will be heard, for they were sweet. As a lump of clay broken on the ground, so their bones were strewn near the grave.

On You, Lord, O Lord, my eyes are fixed. In You have I trusted; take not my life.

Keep me from the snare that was set for me, and from the stumbling-blocks of the wicked.

The wicked shall fall into their own nets, while I remain alone until I can escape.

Psalm 141

With my voice I cried to the Lord; with all my voice I implored the Lord.

Before Him I pour out my supplications; before Him I declare my distress.

When my breath was escaping me, then You knew my paths;

On the road upon which I was walking, they set up snares for me.

I looked to my right and observed there was no one friendly to me;

Even flight was denied me; there was no one to take care of my life.

I cried out to You, O Lord, and said: You are my hope, my share in the land of the living.

Listen to my supplication, for I am laid very low.

Deliver me from my oppressors, for they have overwhelmed me.

At Psalm 140

Tone 5

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

With Your precious cross, O Christ,* You have put the Devil to shame.* With Your resurrection You have deadened the sting of sin,* and have saved us from the gates of death.* We, therefore, glorify You, O only-begotten Son of God.

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

O Christ, who granted resurrection to mankind,* You were led like a lamb to the slaughter.* Then the princes of Hades were struck with terror* as they saw the gates of their tearful domain being lifted up;* for Christ, the King of Glory, entered therein* and exclaimed to those in chains: Go forth from here!* And to those in darkness: Go forth into the light!

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

What a great wonder!* The Creator of invisible beings suffered in the flesh for mankind,* and rose from the dead as immortal.* Come, therefore, all you nations and adore Him;* for through His compassion we have been freed from the snares of the Devil,* and we have learned to praise the one God in three Persons.

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

We offer to You our evening worship,* O Light whom the darkness of night can never extinguish.* For in these latter days Your radiance has appeared to the world,* shining in Your flesh as light reflected from a mirror.* Your brilliance has descended even to the depths of Hades and dissolved its gloom.* O Lord, Giver of Light, glory to You;* for You have shown the radiance of Your resurrection to all the nations.

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

Let us glorify Christ, the Author of our Salvation;* for by His resurrection from the dead,* the world has been delivered from the deception of Satan.* The choirs of angels rejoice as the treachery of evil spirits vanishes.* Fallen Adam arises, and the devil is vanquished.

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

Those who guarded the tomb of Christ* were told by the evil men who hired them:* Take this silver and keep silent.* Tell no one of the resurrection of Christ;* rather tell everyone that while you were sleeping His body was stolen.* But who has ever heard of a body being stolen,* a body which had already been anointed?* Why would anyone take a body from the grave naked,* and leave the burial shroud in the tomb?* Do not deceive yourselves, O people of Judea.* Study the teachings of the prophets,* and you will come to understand that Jesus Christ is Almighty God,* and truly the Saviour of the world.

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

O Lord our Saviour,* who subjected hell and conquered Death,* and enlightened the world through Your precious cross,* have mercy on us.

Tone 4

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

Having completed the course and kept the faith,* Marcian and Martyrius,* you have been wreathed with a crown of martyrdom!* You are unshakable pillars of the Church,* breasts flowing with wholesome milk,* beacons and shining pearls,* you have enlightened creation with the splendour of your piety!

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

You were godly twins,* sharing a single heart and mind!* You destroyed the division of Arius,* by teaching worship of the unoriginate Son, co-eternal with the Father,* and worship of the Spirit:* the Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity,* one Essence in three undivided Persons!

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

You showed yourselves to be followers of Paul,* the preacher of holy truths:* You were like him in zeal; one with him in mind and heart:* You drowned the adversaries with your outpoured blood* drying up the torrent of wicked heresies!* You were revealed, Marcian and Martyrius,* to be rivers of true worship watering the Church of Christ!

Tone 1, Glory…

You were disciples and followers* of the one who preached and confessed the consubstantial Trinity.* You were persecuted with him, blessed ones,* for the sake of the Trinity.* You preferred death by the sword to blasphemous heresy.* Since God has adorned you with crowns of martyrdom* and you have received boldness before Him,* pray that those who honour your memory may be delivered from misfortunes!

Tone 5, Now…

A symbol of the undefiled Virgin and bride* was revealed in the Red Sea.* There, Moses divided the waters;* here, Gabriel is the messenger of the miracle.* There, the Israelites crossed the deep and their feet were not even wet;* here, the Virgin gives birth to Christ without human seed.* There, the sea remained uncrossed after the passing of Israel;* here, the immaculate remained incorrupt after giving birth to Emmanuel.* Therefore, O immortal God, who appeared in the flesh as true Man,* have mercy on us!

Entrance

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: O gracious King, You love mankind and bless all things. With contrite heart and humble spirit, we pray to You, O Christ our true God: Bless our comings and our goings. For Your coming and ascension and dwelling among us are blessed, always, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

The deacon points eastward with his orarion and says:

Deacon: Master, bless the holy entrance.

Priest: Blessed be the entrance of Your saints, always, now and for ever and ever.

Deacon: Amen.

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright!

Hymn of Light

Tranquil Light, of the holy glory of the immortal heavenly, holy blessed Father, O Jesus Christ: as we come upon the sunset, as we see the evening light, we sing to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. At all times You are worthy of being hymned by joyful voices; O Son of God, You are the giver of life. For this the whole world glorifies You.

Prokeimenon

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

Priest: Peace be with all.

Deacon: Wisdom! Let us be attentive!

Saturday Evening, Psalm 92, Tone 6

The Lord reigns,* He is clothed in majesty.

v. Robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.

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

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

Litany of Supplication

Deacon: Let us all say with our whole soul and our whole mind, let us say:

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Almighty Lord, God of our Fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

Deacon: We also pray the most holy universal Pontiff, (name), Pope of Rome, our most blessed Patriarch, (name), our most reverend Metropolitan, (name), our God-loving Bishop, (name), for those who serve or have served in this holy church, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ.

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

Deacon: We also pray for our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military.

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

Petitions may be added here.

Deacon: We also pray for the people here present who await Your great and bountiful mercies, for those who have been kind to us, and for all orthodox Christians.

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Deign, O Lord

Deign, O Lord, to keep us this evening without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name for ever. Amen.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us because we have set our hope in You.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments.

Blessed are You, O Master, make me understand Your commandments.

Blessed are You, O Holy One, enlighten me with Your laws.

O Lord, Your mercy endures forever; do not despise the work of Your hands.

It is proper to praise You, and hymns belong to You.

Glory belongs to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Litany of Supplication

Deacon: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

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

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

All: 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.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For the forgiveness and remission of our sins and offenses, let us ask the Lord.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For all that is good and beneficial for our souls and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: That we may spend the rest of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For a Christian end to our lives, one that is painless, unashamed, and peaceful; and for a good defence at the awesome tribunal of Christ, let us ask.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

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

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: For You, O God, are gracious and You love mankind, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Priest: Peace to all of you.

All: And with your spirit.

Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: O Lord our God, You lowered the heavens when You came down for the salvation of the human race. Now look upon Your servants and upon Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads to You, the Judge, both awesome and loving. They do not await human help but look for Your mercy and are ready to receive Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and tonight, against all enemies, against the devil’s assaults, against vain thoughts and evil dreams. May the might of Your kingdom be blessed and exalted, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Aposticha

Tone 5

O Christ our Saviour,* we lift up our voices in song to glorify You.* For, in Your love for mankind,* You became incarnate without leaving heaven;* You accepted the cross and death;* You cast down the gates of Hades;* and on the third day You arose from the dead* for the salvation of our souls.

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

O Giver of Life,* streams of forgiveness, life, and salvation* poured forth from Your pierced side upon us all.* By accepting physical death, You granted us immortality;* by lying in the tomb, You freed us from Hades,* and as God, by rising from the dead,* You raised us with Yourself in glory.* Therefore, we cry out to You:* O Lover of mankind, glory to You!

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

O Lover of mankind,* Your crucifixion and descent into Hades are most wondrous.* For, as God, You thereby conquered the power of Hades,* and raised up in glory, with Yourself, those who were long imprisoned there.* You reopened Paradise and enabled them to enter.* Grant forgiveness of sins to us* who glorify Your resurrection on the third day,* for You alone are all-merciful.

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

O Lover of mankind,* You accepted suffering in the flesh* and rose from the dead on the third day.* Therefore, heal the passions of our flesh,* raise us from our dreadful iniquities, and save us.

Tone 3, Glory…

Marcian and Martyrius* conquered heresies with the shield of faith,* enlightening the world with the light of orthodoxy!* They are champions of the Trinity and spiritual beacons of the Church!* Obedient to Paul, the equal of the apostles,* they cast down the division of Arius and Nestorius,* refuting also the mingling of Sabellius and Severus.* They theologized about the Unity in Trinity,* the God Who was incarnate of the Virgin!* The most blessed ones preached to all one Christ in two natures!* Now that they have received crowns of victory from heaven,* these heralds of God pray for great mercy for our souls!

Now…

O Virgin Mother, you conceived the Son of God without seed* by the will of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.* He was begotten by the Father, without a mother, from all eternity.* Yet for our sake, He was born of you in the flesh without a human father,* and you nursed Him as an infant with your milk.* Therefore, never cease to entreat Him to deliver our souls from affliction.

Hymn of Simeon

Now, O Master, You have kept Your promise; let Your servant go in peace. With my own eyes I have seen the salvation which You have prepared in the sight of every people; a Light to reveal You to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people, Israel!

Trisagion Prayers

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your Name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven,* hallowed by 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 the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Troparia

Tone 5

Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Tone 1, Glory…

O Marcian and Martyrius, a pair of martyrs worthy of each other,* have crushed the infamy of Arius.* Obeying Paul the teacher of accurate statements,* they taught that the Son is consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit.* They died under the sword and have joined Christ.* They intercede with Him to save our souls.

Now…

O Holy Tabernacle, when Gabriel cried out to you:* Rejoice O Virgin, full of grace,* the Lord of all became incarnate of you,* as the righteous David had foretold.* In bearing your Creator, you have shown yourself to surpass the vastness of the heavens.* We, therefore, cry out: Glory to Him who dwelt in you!* Glory to Him who came forth from you!* Glory to Him who has set us free through your life-giving birth!

Great Dismissal

Deacon: Wisdom!

All: Give the blessing.

Priest: Blessed is the One-Who-Is, Christ our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen. O God, make firm the holy orthodox faith now and for ever and ever.

Priest: O most holy Mother of God, save us.

All: More honourable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.

All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,* now and for ever and ever. Amen.* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing.

Priest: Christ our true God, (risen from the dead) through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy apostles; of Saint, (name, whose church it is), and of Saint, (name, whose day it is) and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

All: Amen.