Monthly Liturgical Texts

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

When he who is called the Morning Star,* the splendour of the glory of the eternal Father,* in His great mercy took up his abode on earth,* you, glorious Andrew, were the first to meet him* for your heart was enlightened with the perfect brightness of His divinity.* We bless you as the herald of the apostles of Christ our God!* Pray that He may enlighten and save our souls

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

When he who is called the Morning Star,* the splendour of the glory of the eternal Father,* in His great mercy took up his abode on earth,* you, glorious Andrew, were the first to meet him* for your heart was enlightened with the perfect brightness of His divinity.* We bless you as the herald of the apostles of Christ our God!* Pray that He may enlighten and save our souls

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

When He who was proclaimed by the voice of the Forerunner,* the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,* bringing life and salvation to all the earth,* you, holy Andrew, were the first to follow Him.* You were offered to Him as the first-fruits of the human race.* You proclaimed to Peter your brother: we have found the Christ!”* Pray that He may save our souls.

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

When He who was proclaimed by the voice of the Forerunner,* the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,* bringing life and salvation to all the earth,* you, holy Andrew, were the first to follow Him.* You were offered to Him as the first-fruits of the human race.* You proclaimed to Peter your brother: we have found the Christ!”* Pray that He may save our souls.

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

When He who clothed Himself in human flesh,* taking our nature from the fruitful womb of the Virgin,* appeared on earth as the Teacher of Righteousness,* your heart was made glad, Andrew, lover of purity!* He raised you from earth to the ineffable glory of God!* Pray that He may enlighten and save our souls..

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

When He who clothed Himself in human flesh,* taking our nature from the fruitful womb of the Virgin,* appeared on earth as the Teacher of Righteousness,* your heart was made glad, Andrew, lover of purity!* He raised you from earth to the ineffable glory of God!* Pray that He may enlighten and save our souls..

Glory…

Leaving behind your fishnets, apostle Andrew,* you caught men with the net of your preaching.* Throwing to us the bait of righteousness,* you delivered all nations from the depths of error.* Apostle Andrew, brother of Peter the Primate,* all-glorious and never-failing intercessor,* may the celebration of your memory* enlighten all who dwell in darkness.

Now…

O Mother of God, because of You* David the Prophet became an ancestor of God;* he foretold and sang a joyous hymn of praise* and cried out to Him who worked wonders in you:* “The Queen stood at your right hand.”* God revealed you as a life-giving mother,* when He chose to be incarnate of you without a father.* He renewed in man His image* which the passions had corrupted.* He found the lost sheep in the mountains,* carried it on His shoulders,* offered it to the Father,* generously numbered it among the powers of heaven,* and saved the whole world, since He is Christ of great and rich mercy.

Readings

(1) 1 Peter 1:1-2:6; (2) 1 Peter 2:21-3:9; (3) 1 Peter 4:1-11

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Rejoice, O heaven!* Proclaim everywhere the glory of God!* Today the first-called apostle stands in our midst.* He was the first to obey the Lord with fervour!* United to Him, he was enkindled by His love.* He is the reflection of the Saviour’s love for mankind,* for his rays enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death!* We rejoice in his holy memory,* for through his prayers health and blessing are given to us!

Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth and their words to the ends of the universe.

Rejoice, Andrew, the first-called apostle!* You are the imitator of the passion of Christ.* With the cross as your hook you drew us up from the sea of ignorance,* offering us to the Lord of glory.* Therefore we the faithful, delivered from evil, cry out to God:* merciful Lord, through the prayers of Your apostle,* grant peace to our lives and salvation to our souls!

The heavens are telling the glory of God and the firmament proclaims His handiwork!

Your preaching gives light to godless nations,* glorious vessel of the ruler of the sea!* Your wisdom calms the stormy waves.* You are the salt of the earth, seasoning us with incorruption,* silencing the ravings of clever orators!* By his prayers, deliver us from the proud ones of the earth, O Lord,* grant purity to our hearts and salvation to our souls.

In Tone 3

Glory…

Apostle Andrew, we honour you in songs,* brother of Peter and disciple of Christ, fisherman and fisher of men,* you shaped all dogmas with the wisdom of Christ.* As fish are lured into a net, so you caught transgressors with the bait of truth.* Through his prayers, O Christ, grant us peace and great mercy.

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.

Troparia

In Tone 4

As the First-called of the Apostles* and full brother of their leader,* implore the Master of all,* to give peace to the world,* and to our souls great mercy.

Glory… Now…

O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,* and saved our souls from death.

 

FESTAL MATINS

Hexapsalm

Great Ekteny

The Lord is God, Tone 4

Troparia, Tone 4

As the First-called of the Apostles* and full brother of their leader,* implore the Master of all,* to give peace to the world,* and to our souls great mercy. (twice)

Glory… Now…

The mystery hidden from eternity and unknown to the angels* is manifested to those on earth through you, O Theotokos!* God being incarnate of you by union without confusion,* and of His own will freely enduring the cross for us,* and raising the first-formed man,* has saved our souls from death!

Kathisma & Little Ekteny

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 1

As a godly Disciple and First-called of all the Disciples of Christ,* with love we praise you, Apostle Andrew,* and faithfully we cry out to you:* Deliver your flock, with which you were entrusted by God,* from every tribulation, from constraints and stumblings, and every evil.

Glory…

As a godly Disciple and First-called of all the Disciples of Christ,* with love we praise you, Apostle Andrew,* and faithfully we cry out to you:* Deliver your flock, with which you were entrusted by God,* from every tribulation, from constraints and stumblings, and every evil.

Now…

As you now stretch out your hands in pity, holy Lady,* grant us your help from the Holy Place,* and may they complete their lives without danger,* those who glorify your all-holy Offspring,* and claim you, Lady and Maiden,* as their hope and boast.

Kathisma & Little Ekteny

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 3

Christ found you first, blest Andrew, as you came, a noble initiate,* and one who proclaimed his commandments clearly to the inhabited world like a soaring bird,* illumining the companies of the nations.* Implore him as God to grant us his great mercy.

Glory…

Christ found you first, blest Andrew, as you came, a noble initiate,* and one who proclaimed his commandments clearly to the inhabited world like a soaring bird,* illumining the companies of the nations.* Implore him as God to grant us his great mercy.

Now…

You became the divine tabernacle of the Word, Mother of God alone all-pure,* surpassing the Angels in purity.* With the divine waters of your prayers purify me,* who am befouled more than all by offences of the flesh,* granting me God’s great mercy.

Polyeleos

Exaltation
We extol you,* O first-called Apostle, Andrew,* and we venerate the pain and labour of your work* to spread the Gospel of Christ!

verses:
From the rising of the sun to its setting the Name of the Lord is to be praised!
Glory…Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3 times)

Sidalen, Tone 5

Let us all sing the praise of the Apostle as eye-witness and godlike herald of the Word,* and truly spiritual fisher of nations;* because Andrew inspired of God brought us to knowledge of Christ,* and now he intercedes without ceasing that our souls may be saved.

Glory… Now…

Immaculate Virgin, you are the protection of those who have their hopes unquestioningly in you.* Free us from trials of every kind, calamities and dire troubles,* as with the Apostles you intercede with your Son,* and save all who sing your praise.

Gradual Hymn

Tone 4, Antiphon 1

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

His sound has gone out into all the earth; and his words to the end of the world.

verse: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.

Let Everything That Has Breath, Tone 4

Gospel

Matthew 4: 18-24

After Psalm 50

In Tone 6

Glory…

Through the prayers of the apostle Andrew, O merciful One, blot out the multitude of our transgressions!

Now…

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

In Tone 1, Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offense.

The First-called Disciple and imitator of your passion,* the Apostle Andrew, conformed to you, O Lord,* having drawn out with the fish-hook of your Cross* those once gone astray in the deep of ignorance, brought them to you.* At his prayers, O supremely Good, make our lives peaceful and save our souls.

Canon

ODE 1

Irmos Guiding Israel with a pillar of fire and of cloud, as God He divided the sea and overwhelmed the chariots of Pharaoh in the deep! Let us sing a hymn of victory, for He alone is glorified!

Refrain: Holy apostle Andrew, pray to God for us!

You fished with the rod of the Gospel, all-praised Andrew, drawing men out from the sea of falsehood, as Christ promised. He taught you to seek men instead of fish!

The divinely inspired Andrew, the pillar of the faith and seat of the true teachings of Christ, today summons all the ends of the earth to celebrate his yearly festival. Faithful, let us quickly gather!

You pursued the seamonster with nets; with the skill of a fisherman you fish for nations tribes and peoples with the net of the Spirit! You openly and plainly show us through that same Spirit, great heights and depths, most wondrous one!

You solemnized the mysteries of heaven and were an eyewitness and preacher of the ineffable knowledge of Christ. You received the Holy Spirit from on high who teaches and dwells among the nations distributing gifts with fire. Pray, Andrew, that we may be saved.

Glory…

I worship in faith the supernatural unity of the all-unoriginate Trinity, not dividing the divinity. For it is of a single substance, simple and indivisible. I unite it by essence and distinguish by faith the three Persons.

Now…

God is born to the Virgin as an infant and He renews that which through Adam, had become corrupt. He breaks down the dividing wall and chamber of enmity with His flesh. Coming forth from His all-pure Mother, He abolishes the curse of eve.

Katavasia Christ is born, glorify Him; Christ is from heaven, receive Him! Christ is on earth, be lifted up. Sing to the Lord all the earth and praise Him with joy all people, for He has been glorified!

 

ODE 3

Irmos May my heart be made steadfast in your will, O Christ God, who established the second heaven upon the deeps and founded the earth upon the waters, almighty one!

Refrain: Holy apostle Andrew, pray to God for us!

Cephas and Andrew immediately followed Christ, who called them, saying: come, follow me! They left their father, their boat and their nets, for they were given a vision of the faith.

Transforming pagan temples into churches, most honoured one, you sanctified there the sons of baptism whom grace had renewed through water and the spirit.

You mystically set before the world the pearl of great price which was hidden within the field of your heart, apostle. The gentiles found it and treasured it with faith!

Taking up the gospel in your hands as a treasure, greatly praised one, you enriched all the earth with your divine preaching. Therefore, it honors your memory and your sufferings.

Glory…

Let us all sing hymns in an orthodox manner to the one power of the unoriginate, uncreated God, in Trinity, consubstantial and equally enthroned, three in persons and in lights!

Now…

Every mother that bears a child can no longer be a virgin, but you, Virgin Mother, remained so, after giving birth to Christ, nourishing our life with milk and remaining pure!

Katavasia To the Son, begotten of the Father, before all ages and incarnate of the Virgin without seed in these latter days – let us cry out to Christ our God: you have raised our horn; holy are you, O Lord!

LITTLE EKTENY

SESSIONAL HYMN

(Tone 8) We fittingly honour you, apostle Andrew, as the first-called of all the disciples;* an eyewitness and minister of the Word.* You followed the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world with fervor and unwavering faith!* You later showed yourself to be a sharer in the sufferings of Him who willingly endured death for our sake.* Therefore we cry to you: pray to Christ our God, that He may grant remission of sins to those who celebrate your holy memory with love!

Glory…

Destroying the boldness of the idols and yearning for the sufferings of Christ,* you revealed yourself to be an apostle, blessed one,* raining down wonders from heaven and teaching the nations, most blessed one!* Therefore, fittingly honouring your memory in hymns,* we glorify and magnify you, apostle of the Lord, in faith.* Pray to Christ God that He may grant remission of sins to those who celebrate your holy memory with love!

Now…

Rejoice, fiery throne of God! Rejoice, O Maiden!* The royal seat and richly provided couch, the chamber hung with gold-embroidered purple,* the cloak of scarlet, adorned temple and light-bearing chariot!* Rejoice, most radiant candlestick, the twelve-walled city, the gate cast of God,* the radiant bridal chamber, magnificent banquet hall and divinely adorned tabernacle!* Rejoice, glorious bride, radiant as the sun!* Rejoice, the only splendour of my soul!

ODE 4

Irmos Habbakuk the prophet, you foresaw in spirit the incarnation of the Word and you prophesied, crying out: when the years draw near, you shall be acknowledged! When the season comes, you shall be revealed! Glory to Your power, O Lord!

Refrain: Holy apostle Andrew, pray to God for us!

You cast aside your nets and took up the cross; you followed after Christ who called you. Stretching out the net of the Spirit, you caught men instead of fish. Glory to Him who gave you the Spirit!

You received the fiery tongue of the Spirit and became a man well-pleasing to God, apostle. You traversed the glories of the heavens recognizing their spiritual beauty and revealing it to us.

You watered the parched desert with your divine words and showed it to be fertile, O wise one, bearing fruit, the children of the church, through the spreading of the seed. Glory to Him who gave you the Sspirit!

Perceiving your ineffable goodness, O Jesus, Andrew summoned his kinsman, saying to Peter: my blood kinsman, we have found the Messiah who was proclaimed in the Law and the Prophets! Come, let us truly join ourselves to life!

Glory…

Faithful, let us hymn the Trinity in unity, the Father, Son and Divine Spirit, one in divinity, essence and nature, indivisible, inseparable and undivided, for He is one God in three Persons.

Now…

You ineffably conceived one of the Trinity in your womb; you gave birth to Him without corruption as a Son, yet the Trinity was never added to in time! As you were pure before you gave birth, you were kept whole, O Mother of God!

Katavasia Rod of the stem of Jesse and flower that budded from a Virgin, O most lauded Christ! From the mountain covered with darkness You have come, made flesh from her that knew no wedlock. O God not formed from matter, glory to Your might, O Lord!

ODE 5

Irmos Enlighten our minds with the light of Your commandments and with the splendour of Your grace, O God. Grant us Your mercy, for Your precepts are light and peace, O Good One!

Refrain: Holy apostle Andrew, pray to God for us!

You yearned for the cross, disciple of Christ, and through your cross you obtained the incorruptible kingdom into which you draw all the initiates of God with the cross. As we proclaim God’s own words about the cross, you grant an inheritance to us!

You truly sought for Christ our life, and having searched, you were the first to find Him. Having found Him, you mystically embraced Him! You received incorruptible life from the giver becoming a treasury of this life.

The proclamation of your divine thunder went out and encompassed all the ends of the earth! As David said, your lightning has appeared to all the world.

Remember us, disciple of Christ, as we celebrate your memory and venerate your relics. Ever pray with fervour on behalf of the flock which you have preserved and saved from the beginning!

Glory…

Faithful, let us together glorify God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the indivisible Trinity, the tri-personal Kingdom, glorifying Him in faith with eternal theology.

Now…

You gave birth to the Light beyond understanding; you bear the Lamp of the Light of the Sun! You were a new tabernacle of divine Light, sending rays of divine knowledge out to all the world.

Katavasia God of peace and Father of mercies, You have sent us the angel of great council who grants us peace. So we are guided to the light of the knowledge of God. Waking early from the night, we praise You, O Lover of mankind!

ODE 6

Irmos I reflect the prophet Jonah and I cry out: free me, Good One, from corruption! Saviour of the world, save me as I cry out: glory to You, O God!

Refrain: Holy apostle Andrew, pray to God for us!

The one who was called from Bethsaida summons us to keep the feast! He sets before us in splendour the commemoration of his struggles.

By trade a fisherman, by faith a disciple, he plumbed the depths of the heart of the faithful. He lowers the hook of the word and catches us!

Spreading the fire of the love of Christ within your heart, you went out to the gentiles, disciple. Your flame burns for Christ, who has truly appeared!

You seasoned your mind with the salt of Christ; your wages have sweetened the heavenly teachings bringing us unfading delight.

Glory…

Faithful, let us worship the Father, Son and true Spirit, the tri-personal, indivisible Essence. Let us cry out: glory to God in Trinity!

Now…

The Son was incarnate in your womb, O Pure One, by the good pleasure of the Father and through the Holy Spirit. He openly saved mankind that had been created in his image.

Katavasia The seamonster cast out Jonah unharmed as it had received him, like a babe from the womb. And when the Word came to dwell in the Virgin and was made flesh, He came forth preserving her incorrupt, for He Himself was not subject to decay and He kept His mother free from harm!

KONTAKION

(Tone 2) Let us praise for his courage the divinely inspired Andrew,* the first apostle of the Saviour and brother of Peter,* for as he drew his brother to Christ, he is crying out to us:* come, for we have found the One whom the world desires!

IKOS

In days of old, David, a sinner like myself, was compelled to declare the maxims of God with honour. And again, He teaches and proclaims with many tears: today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts as Israel was once embittered. And He leads all in psalmody: sing hymns to the Lord, all lands! Come, for we have found the One whom the world desires!

ODE 7

We the faithful perceive you to be a spiritual furnace, O Theotokos, for as the highly exalted one saved the three children, the praised and most glorified God of our fathers has wholly renewed the world in your womb!

Refrain: Holy apostle Andrew, pray to God for us!

The fire of the Holy Spirit, descending from on high, commanded you, apostle of Christ, to proclaim His mighty works in new languages which you had never spoken before to the ends of the earth!

Initiates of the mysteries of Christ and beholders of exalted things, as the Twelve, you have enlightened the darkness of the earth, astonishing the minds of all by the proclamation you trumpeted out to all the world!

Wondrous was your grace, O Master Christ, in Your divinely wise disciples. As simple and humble men, they travelled through all the ends of the earth!

Who taught you to speak as you do, apostle? Who enlightened your mind to behold clearly the radiance of unapproachable glory which shines the light of truth into our hearts?

Glory…

Faithful, let us sing hymns to the Trinity, glorifying the unoriginate Father, the Son and the righteous Spirit: the single Essence! Let us chant: holy, holy, holy are You forever!

Now…

We glorify you, O Christ, as one of the Trinity, for without change, You were incarnate of the Virgin. Jesus, You bore all things as a man, united to us, without departing from the essence of the Father!

Katavasia The children brought up together in godliness, despising the unrighteous command, were not afraid of the threat of fire, but standing in the midst of the flames they sang: blessed are you, O God of our fathers!

ODE 8

Irmos God who preserved the bush which burnt on Sinai unconsumed and delivered the youths in the midst of the burning flame: let us hymn, bless and highly exalt You forever!

Refrain: Holy apostle Andrew, pray to God for us!

You drew fish from the sea, most wise one, by the craft of fishing. Now by faith, you draw men to Christ from the deception of the enemy! For deception is an abyss drowning the nations in a storm of impiety.

You sailed the spiritual sea of life by faith in Christ and were not capsized, O apostle. You were propelled by the sail of the spirit and rejoicing, you have reached the eternal harbour of life!

After the spiritual Sun set of His own will upon the tree, the great Andrew, the lamp of the Church and beacon of the Sun, sought to end his own life with Christ and set in Him. He, too, was hung upon the wood of a cross.

Disciple and beloved friend of Christ and one of his apostles: when the Judge sits upon His throne with you, His Twelve, to give judgment as He has promised, be a fortress for us of love for mankind.

Let us bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Lord!

Let us glorify the three-fold radiance of Unity, the equally enthroned Trinity. Let us not separate It, but unite it consubstantially, as one Essence, united in three Persons without confusion!

Now…

Pure One, you conceived and gave birth to one of the Trinity, who, incarnate of you, renews the laws of nature by your childbearing! Theotokos, never cease to pray to Him as God on our behalf.

We praise, bless and worship the Lord, singing and exalting Him throughout all ages!

Katavasia The furnace moist with dew was the image of a wonder beyond nature, for it did not burn the children whom it had received! Just as the fire of divinity did not consume the Virgin’s womb when it entered there. So, let us raise the song: let the whole creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever!

MAGNIFICAT

ODE 9

Irmos Let us all magnify the radiant cloud upon whom the unoriginate Master of all descended like dew on the fleece, the pure Mother of God from whom He was incarnate, becoming man for our sake!

Refrain: Holy apostle Andrew, pray to God for us!

You spread out the net of the mystical knowledge of God. You caught fish with the beauties of heavenly thoughts! Entreat the holy Trinity, holy one, to pour out a cleansing stream on us.

The nations who are enlightened by you and led up from earth to heaven, give thanks to you, for wrested from the service of the enemy, they have become companions of the holy angels and partakers of the glory of the Lord!

Apostles and witnesses of ineffable things and ministers of the Word, performers of the mysteries and beholders of hidden things, pray that we may become heirs of the kingdom of Christ and partakers of His divinity.

You received the power from Christ to bind and loose: free us all from the bonds of our many transgressions when Christ shall come and you Twelve will be seated upon thrones to judge all the tribes of Israel!

Glory…

We unceasingly glorify in heaven and on earth the incomprehensible Trinity: the tri-personal Essence, the indivisible Glory hymned in one divinity. With devotion, we worship the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Now…

We run with faith to your loving kindness, worshiping your son with devotion, Virgin Theotokos! Entreat Him as the God and Lord of the world, that He may deliver us from corruption, misfortune and all temptation.

Katavasia I behold a strange, most glorious mystery! Heaven — the cave! The cherubic throne — the Virgin! The manger — the place where Christ lay, the uncontainable God whom we magnify in song!

Hymn Of Light, Tone 3

The Word without beginning having found you, O all-blessed,* declared you the First-called of all the Apostles, revered Andrew;* and following in his footsteps you were revealed as guide of those who had gone astray,* bringing up the divine path to heaven.

Glory…

Let us give glorious praise to Peter’s brother, the first-called of the Disciples,* who became an eye-witness and servant of the Word, the Apostle Andrew;* for he enlightened the nations, and was crucified, dying like a Disciple of the Master.

Now…

All-blameless Virgin, implore God, to whom you gave birth,* for all who devoutly honour you, with the glorious Apostle,* to obtain the divine radiance of your Son* and the place of the elect and of the Saints;* for you have strength to do whatever you wish.

At The Praises, Tone 1

Bethsaida now be glad;* for in you there flowered from a mystic pool two sweet scented lilies, Peter and Andrew,* who spread the fragrant proclamation of the faith to the whole world by the grace of Christ,* whose sufferings too they imitated.

Andrew rejoice and leap for joy,* because in the radiance of the Word you clearly received the Sun of glory, Christ the giver of life,* whom you held fast and by the faith proclaimed;* implore him without ceasing on behalf of us* who sing your praise with faith.

Chosen initiate of the divine dispensation of Christ,* chosen first of all to be a disciple of the Word,* Andrew who saw God cried out and said, when he saw his brother Peter,* ‘We have found the Messiah* whom the Scripture and Prophets proclaimed of old’.

The city of Patras has gained you as Shepherd and divine defender,* deliverer from dangers of every kind and guardian, wise Andrew,* as with thanksgiving it honours you.* But implore without ceasing that it may be preserved unharmed.

In Tone 8

Glory…

Let us all sing the praise of Andrew, the herald of the faith and servant of the Word;* for he fishes men from the deep,* grasping in his hands the Cross for a rod,* and lowering power like a line he brings souls up from the error of the foe* and offers them as an acceptable gift to God.* Let us the faithful ever sing his praise with the choir of Christ’s Disciples,* that he may intercede with him so that he may be merciful to us* on the day of judgement.

Now…
Bethlehem receive the Mother City of God;* for she has come to give birth in you to the unwaning Light.* You Angels, marvel in heaven; mankind give glory upon earth,* Magi from Persia bring your triple glorious gift,* Shepherds abiding in the fields sing the thrice-holy hymn.* Let everything that has breath praise the Maker of all.

Troparion, Tone 4

As the First-called of the Apostles* and full brother of their leader,* implore the Master of all,* to give peace to the world,* and to our souls great mercy.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: As the First-called of the Apostles* and full brother of their leader,* implore the Master of all,* to give peace to the world,* and to our souls great mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: Let us praise God’s herald, whose name is “courage,”* Peter’s kinsman who leads those in the Church who follow the chief apostle,* for as then to Peter so now to us he cries aloud:* “We have found the One so longed for.”

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their word unto the ends of the world.

verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands. (Psalm 18:5,2)

Epistle

1 Corinthians 4:9-16

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.

verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 88:6,8)

Gospel

John 1:35-51

Communion Hymn

Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 5

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

O divinely wise Sabbas,* you stand together with the Angels and dwell with the holy monks;* you converse with the Prophets* and are co-heir of the Kingdom with the Martyrs and Apostles.* You dwell in the Light that knows no evening* and shine with His divine light and intense desire.* You stand before Him with boldness and unceasing enlightenment,* delighting in His beauties.* Entreat Christ, O holy Father,* and implore Him to grant to the Church unity, peace and great mercy!

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

O divinely wise Sabbas,* you stand together with the Angels and dwell with the holy monks;* you converse with the Prophets* and are co-heir of the Kingdom with the Martyrs and Apostles.* You dwell in the Light that knows no evening* and shine with His divine light and intense desire.* You stand before Him with boldness and unceasing enlightenment,* delighting in His beauties.* Entreat Christ, O holy Father,* and implore Him to grant to the Church unity, peace and great mercy!

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

O divinely wise Sabbas,* you stand together with the Angels and dwell with the holy monks;* you converse with the Prophets* and are co-heir of the Kingdom with the Martyrs and Apostles.* You dwell in the Light that knows no evening* and shine with His divine light and intense desire.* You stand before Him with boldness and unceasing enlightenment,* delighting in His beauties.* Entreat Christ, O holy Father,* and implore Him to grant to the Church unity, peace and great mercy!

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

O divinely wise Sabbas,* you are an unquenchable lamp of abstinence,* a radiant beacon for monastics, illumined with rays of love.* You are an unshaken tower of patient endurance,* the support and strength of those who honour you with faith,* a treasury of healings and true dweller in the desert,* which you showed to be the Paradise of God bearing the divine fruit of salvation.* Entreat Christ, O holy Father,* and implore Him to grant to the Church unity, peace and great mercy!

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

O divinely wise Sabbas,* you are an unquenchable lamp of abstinence,* a radiant beacon for monastics, illumined with rays of love.* You are an unshaken tower of patient endurance,* the support and strength of those who honour you with faith,* a treasury of healings and true dweller in the desert,* which you showed to be the Paradise of God bearing the divine fruit of salvation.* Entreat Christ, O holy Father,* and implore Him to grant to the Church unity, peace and great mercy!

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 divinely wise Sabbas,* you are an unquenchable lamp of abstinence,* a radiant beacon for monastics, illumined with rays of love.* You are an unshaken tower of patient endurance,* the support and strength of those who honour you with faith,* a treasury of healings and true dweller in the desert,* which you showed to be the Paradise of God bearing the divine fruit of salvation.* Entreat Christ, O holy Father,* and implore Him to grant to the Church unity, peace and great mercy!

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

O divinely wise Sabbas,* you are a fiery pillar of the virtues,* a beacon guiding men from the sea of life to the harbour of God.* As a pure dwelling of the Holy Spirit, you cast down the spirits of deception.* You are an instructor of monastics,* a sure measure of abstinence,* a height of humility visible to all,* and a fountain pouring forth a depth of healing.* Entreat Christ, O venerable one,* and implore Him to grant to the Church unity, peace and great mercy!

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

O divinely wise Sabbas,* you are a fiery pillar of the virtues,* a beacon guiding men from the sea of life to the harbour of God.* As a pure dwelling of the Holy Spirit, you cast down the spirits of deception.* You are an instructor of monastics,* a sure measure of abstinence,* a height of humility visible to all,* and a fountain pouring forth a depth of healing.* Entreat Christ, O venerable one,* and implore Him to grant to the Church unity, peace and great mercy!

In Tone 6

Glory…

You set your mind as master over the deadly passions,* keeping the image unharmed through the ascetic life.* Thus you rose into the perfect likeness, for bravely curbing nature, * you hastened to subject to that which is better:* and made the body servant to the spirit.* Therefore you were revealed as the chief of those living the monastic life,* a citizen of the desert,* a master teaching those who come to you,* a perfect example of virtue.* Now the shadows have been set aside, O Sabbas,* and in heaven you behold in purity the Holy Trinity,* as you pray with boldness for those who honour you with faith and love.

Now…

Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He Who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.

Readings

(1) Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9; (2) Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-6:3; (3) Wisdom of Solomon 4:7-15

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Rejoice, truly precious vessel of the fragrance of ascetic struggles,* as you took your cross upon your shoulder and offered yourself to Christ the Master!* Blessed Father, you trampled the base presumption of the flesh,* enlightening your soul with virtues* and taking flight towards desire for God.* Now as we stand around your most holy shrine, all-blessed  Sabbas,* we ask that by your prayers we may receive God’s love for mankind,* and that the world be granted great mercy.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

God-bearing Sabbas,* in your godly wisdom, O venerable Father,* you approached the fire of the Spirit,* revealing yourself in the world as a divinely glowing ember,* enlightening the souls of those who faithfully come to you* and leading them to the unfading light.* Moistened from on high with the dew of divine grace,* you quenched the burning fire of the desert.* Therefore, Christ, the Lord of divine righteousness,* has openly granted you a crown of victory, O blessed one.* Entreat Him to grant our souls great mercy!

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; who delights in His commandments.

Divinely wise Sabbas,* your life was manifested as a ladder,* spanning the gulf between earth and the heavens.* You ascended the heights and were counted worthy to converse with Christ the Master;* having enlightened your mind with this radiance, most blessed one,* you received a splendour equal to that of the Angels.* Now as you stand before Him, O venerable one,* pray that we who celebrate your divine and most holy memory may stand with you,* and that He will grant the world great mercy!

In Tone 8

Glory…

We honour you, O Sabbas our Father,* the instructor of a multitude of monks.* We have indeed learned to walk rightly in your footsteps.* You are blessed, for having laboured for Christ,* you denounced the  power of the Enemy.* You were a converser with the Angels* and a companion of the venerable and righteous ones.* Together with them, entreat the Lord that He may grant mercy to our souls!

Now…

Unwedded Virgin,* you ineffably conceived God in the flesh.* O Mother of God most high,* accept the cries of your servants, O blameless one!* Grant cleansing of transgressions to all!* Receive our prayers and pray to save our souls!

Troparia

In Tone 8

With streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hundredfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable Father, Sabbas.* Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Glory… Now…

O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.* O Saviour, save Your despairing people!

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hundredfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable Father, Sabbas.* Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: In your virtue,* O blessed Sabbas,* you offered yourself to God from childhood* as an unblemished sacrifice,* becoming a gardener* in the garden of godliness.* Thus you became the adornment of monastics,* a praiseworthy citizen of the desert.* And so we cry to you:* Rejoice, most wealthy Sabbas.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Precious in the sight of the Lord* is the death of His venerable ones.

verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:6,3)

Epistle

Galatians 5:22-6:2

Alleluia, Tone 6

verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.

verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel

Matthew 11:27-30

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6-7)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us adore God the Word,* who was born of the Father before all ages,* and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary;* for of His own free will He suffered the Cross* and submitted Himself to burial,* and arose from the dead to save me, a sinful one.

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

Christ our Saviour cancelled the decree that was written against us,* by nailing it to the Cross;* and He abolished the dominion of Death.* Let us glorify His resurrection on the third day.

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

Let us, together with the archangels, sing of Christ’s resurrection;* for He is the Redeemer and Saviour of our souls.* He will come again in awesome glory and mighty power* to judge the world which He has fashioned.

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

Although You died and were buried,* the angel yet declared You as Master.* He said to the women: Come and see where the Lord was placed;* for He is risen as He foretold,* because He is almighty.* Therefore, we worship You, the only Immortal One,* and we beseech You to have mercy on us, O Giver of Life.

In Tone 2

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

O holy Nicholas, Bishop of Christ,* you lived your life with people of Myra.* But since your spirit was anointed,* your fragrance of sanctity was known by all.* Now you anoint the faithful* who show their love for you.* O Father, deliver us from all distress and sorrow* as you pray to the Lord for us.

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

O holy Nicholas, true servant of Christ,* you are truly a protector of your faithful flock;* and whenever you were asked for help,* you gladly assisted those who sought your aid.* Now you are also ready by day or by night* to deliver us from all distress and sorrow.

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

When you appeared in a dream to Constantine the King,* you gave him this warning:* Release at once from prison those you have unjustly confined,* for they are innocent;* no murder did they commit as you claim.* O King, listen to me, or else I shall call upon the Lord.

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 holy Nicholas, holy preacher of Christ,* always ready to help all on land or at sea.* Whether they be near or far, you have compassion for all.* You are a precious helper;* therefore, we who gather here ask you to pray to the Lord* that we be delivered from all distress and sorrow.

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

What crowns of praise shall we confer upon the saintly Nicholas?* Once present in the flesh in Myra,* he is present in spirit to all who love him purely.* He is the leader and defender of everyone,* a comforter in distress and a haven of all in danger,* a pillar of piety and conqueror for believers.* For his sake, Christ overcame enemies and shows us great mercy.

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

With what songs of praise shall we extol the saintly Nicholas?* He is the foe of wickedness.* He is an outstanding leader,* a great defender and teacher of the Church.* He confounds all who show dishonour.* He is the refuter of Arius and his companions.* Because of him, Christ put down their ragings and showed great mercy.

In Tone 6

Glory…

We have gathered to celebrate and to praise with song* the model of bishops and a glory to the fathers,* a fountain of miracles and a great helper of believers.* Let us sing to the saintly Nicholas:* Rejoice, O Protector of Myra* who was revered as its leader and strongest pillar.* Rejoice, O Radiant Star whose light of miracles shines throughout the world.* Rejoice, O Divine Joy to those in sorrow.* Rejoice, O Defender of those who are oppressed;* for even now, all-holy Nicholas,* you still pray to God for us who celebrate your feast with faith* and who honour you with zeal and joy.

In Tone 2

Now…

O Virgin, the shadow of the Law passed away* with the realization of grace.* For as the bush had burned without being consumed,* so you gave birth while a virgin* and you remained a virgin.* Instead of the pillar of fire there rose the Sun of Justice.* Instead of Moses, Christ God came forth,* the Saviour of our souls.

Readings

(1) Proverbs 3:13-16; (2) Proverbs 8:22-30; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15

Lytia

In Tone 2

O holy Father Nicholas,* Christ has shown you to be the model of faith.* Your humility inspired all in your flock.* From Myra, your piety shines throughout the world.* You are known as the protector of widows and orphans.* Now we ask your unceasing prayer for the salvation of our souls.

O holy Father Nicholas,* your relics poured out myrrh and protected Myra.* While you lived, you appeared in a dream to the king;* by this appearance you freed from lashes, prison, and death,* those who were condemned unjustly;* now manifest yourself as you did then.* Implore Christ in behalf of our souls.

Even if the city of Myra were silenced, O holy Nicholas,* hymns of praise would be sung to you:* by the entire world which has been enlightened by your brightness;* by the multitude of your magnificent miracles;* and by the condemned who were saved by you.* We also join the inhabitants of your city and cry to you:* Intercede for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 4

You anoint with the myrrh of the Holy Spirit, O Nicholas.* You send down flowers fresh with the fragrance of the divine goodness.* You became an imitator of the apostles of Christ.* Throughout the world, the sound of your miracles is heard, O holy Father.* Despite the great distances,* you appeared In a dream, as very near,* to deliver from death those who had fallen under the unjust sentence,* and to save from many dangers those who seek your protection.* By your prayers, also deliver us from misfortunes,* for we sing your praises unceasingly.

In Tone 8

The fruit of your good works, O holy Father,* has brought joy to the hearts of the faithful.* Who indeed has not heard of your wonderful works* and not admired your patience and humility,* the joy with which you fill the poor,* and the compassion that you show to the afflicted?* You have truly been an admirable example for all.* And now that your unfading crown has been placed on you,* O holy Nicholas, pray for our souls.

O Nicholas, while on earth you lived for the glory of the Lord;* now He has glorified you in the heavenly and true life.* Since you have obtained favour in his sight, implore Him to save our souls.

In Tone 6

Glory…

O good and faithful worker* in the vineyard of Christ,* you endured the hardships of daily labours;* you did not complain of those who worked less than you.* You increased the talent given you.* Therefore, the gates of heaven opened to you,* and now you share the joy of the Lord.* O holy Nicholas, pray for us.

Now…

O Zion, be happy; rejoice, O Jerusalem,* the city of Christ our God;* welcome the Creator who rests in a manger in a cave.* Open your gates, Jerusalem, and I will enter* so that I may see Him who holds all creation in his hand,* even though He lies in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes.* The angels ever praise this life-giving Lord* who is the only Saviour of all.

Aposticha

In Tone 2

Your Resurrection, O Christ our Saviour,* has enlightened the whole universe;* and, through it, You call back to Yourself all Creation.* Almighty God, glory to You!

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

By the wood of Your Cross, O Saviour,* You have abolished the curse of the tree;* by Your burial You have destroyed the power of death;* and by Your resurrection You enlightened the human race.* We, therefore, cry out to You:* O Christ our God, Giver of Life, glory to You!

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

O Christ, when You were nailed to the Cross,* the distorted nature of creation was made manifest.* The soldiers showed their inhumanity by piercing Your side with a lance,* and the people showed their ignorance of Your power* by asking that Your tomb be sealed.* But, in Your mercy, You accepted burial* and then arose on the third day.* O Lord, glory to You!

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

O Christ, Giver of Life,* You freely endured the Passion for the sake of mortals.* In Your power You descended into Hades;* and snatching, as from a mighty monster, the souls of those who awaited Your coming,* You placed them in Paradise.* Therefore, show Your great mercy to us who glorify Your resurrection,* and cleanse our souls.

In Tone 6

Glory…

O man of God, O faithful servant of the Lord,* you are a chosen vessel filled with desire for God.* You are a pillar and a foundation of the Church;* you are an heir of the kingdom.* O holy Father Nicholas, pray to the Lord for us.

Now…

O Virgin without husband, from where do you come?* Who gave you birth; who is your mother?* How can you cradle the Creator in your arms?* How did you accomplish virgin-birth?* Most pure Lady, we see in you great wonders,* awesome mysteries fulfilled on earth.* We shall prepare a worthy cave for you.* We shall ask the heavens for a star.* We shall ask the Magi to come from the east to the west* to behold your new-born Child in a manger,* to behold the Saviour of all.

Troparia

In Tone 1

Rejoice, Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace!* The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have borne Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of our souls. (2)

In Tone 4

The truth of your deeds made you for your flock a rule of faith* and an image of meekness,* a teacher of continence.* And so you gained the heights through humility,* riches through poverty,* father and bishop Nicholas.* Intercede with Christ our God* for the salvation of our souls.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 2: When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You!”

Troparion, Tone 4: The truth of your deeds made you for your flock a rule of faith* and an image of meekness,* a teacher of continence.* And so you gained the heights through humility,* riches through poverty,* father and bishop Nicholas.* Intercede with Christ our God* for the salvation of our souls.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: You rose from the tomb, O almighty Saviour;* and Hades, seeing this wonder, was stricken with fear; and the dead arose.* Creation saw and rejoices with You, and Adam exults.* And the world, my Saviour, sings Your praises for ever.

Now and forever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: In Myra, O holy one, you proved yourself a priest.* You fulfilled the Gospel of Christ, O venerable father.* You laid down your soul for your people* and saved the innocent from death.* And so you were sanctified as a great initiate of God’s grace.

Prokeimenon, Tone 2

The Lord is my strength and my song of praise, and He has become my salvation.

verse: The Lord has indeed chastised me, but He has not delivered me to death. (Psalm 117:14,18)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

verse: The just man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall hope in Him.

Epistle

Ephesians 6:10-17; Hebrews 13:17-21

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: The Lord will hear you in the day of tribulation; the name of the God of Jacob will shield you.

verse: Lord, grant victory to the king and hear us in the day that we shall call upon You. (Psalm 19:2,10)

verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice. (Psalm 131:9)

Gospel

Luke 13:10-17; Luke 6:17-23

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

The barren Anna leaped for joy* when she gave birth to Mary the Virgin* who in turn will give birth in the flesh to God the Word.* Overflowing with happiness, she cried out:* Rejoice with me, all tribes of Israel,* for I have conceived and put aside my burden of childlessness* as the Creator has deigned.* He heard my prayer and healed the pains of my yearning heart.

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

The barren Anna leaped for joy* when she gave birth to Mary the Virgin* who in turn will give birth in the flesh to God the Word.* Overflowing with happiness, she cried out:* Rejoice with me, all tribes of Israel,* for I have conceived and put aside my burden of childlessness* as the Creator has deigned.* He heard my prayer and healed the pains of my yearning heart.

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

The barren Anna leaped for joy* when she gave birth to Mary the Virgin* who in turn will give birth in the flesh to God the Word.* Overflowing with happiness, she cried out:* Rejoice with me, all tribes of Israel,* for I have conceived and put aside my burden of childlessness* as the Creator has deigned.* He heard my prayer and healed the pains of my yearning heart.

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

O Anna, the One who made waters gush forth from a rock* bestows as a fruit of your womb, the ever-Virgin Lady.* Through her, our salvation will come.* Because of this you were delivered from shame.* No longer will you be on earth as a fruitless soil,* for you have produced an earth* which will bring forth the Tree of Life.* According to His will, He delivered mankind from all shame* when He became man out of His compassionate mercy.

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

O Anna, the One who made waters gush forth from a rock* bestows as a fruit of your womb, the ever-Virgin Lady.* Through her, our salvation will come.* Because of this you were delivered from shame.* No longer will you be on earth as a fruitless soil,* for you have produced an earth* which will bring forth the Tree of Life.* According to His will, He delivered mankind from all shame* when He became man out of His compassionate mercy.

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 Anna, the One who made waters gush forth from a rock* bestows as a fruit of your womb, the ever-Virgin Lady.* Through her, our salvation will come.* Because of this you were delivered from shame.* No longer will you be on earth as a fruitless soil,* for you have produced an earth* which will bring forth the Tree of Life.* According to His will, He delivered mankind from all shame* when He became man out of His compassionate mercy.

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

The sayings of the prophets are now being fulfilled:* the holy mountain is planted in the womb;* the divine ladder is set up;* the throne of the great king is ready;* the God-inspired city is being adorned.* The unburnable bush is beginning to bud forth,* and the treasure house of grace is overflowing.* It is spreading over the rivers of unfruitfulness of the God-wise Anna* whom we glorify.

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

The sayings of the prophets are now being fulfilled:* the holy mountain is planted in the womb;* the divine ladder is set up;* the throne of the great king is ready;* the God-inspired city is being adorned.* The unburnable bush is beginning to bud forth,* and the treasure house of grace is overflowing.* It is spreading over the rivers of unfruitfulness of the God-wise Anna* whom we glorify.

In Tone 2

Glory…

Today the mystery which has been announced from eternity,* whose depth angels and men cannot measure,* appears in the arms of Anna.* Mary, the maiden of God is prepared* to be the dwelling of the Kings of the ages* who will renew our human nature.* Let us entreat her with a pure heart and say:* Since you are the intercessor for all Christians,* implore your Son and God to save our souls.

Now…

O Virgin, the shadow of the Law passed away* with the realization of grace.* For as the bush had burned without being consumed,* so you gave birth while a virgin* and you remained a virgin.* Instead of the pillar of fire there rose the Sun of Justice.* Instead of Moses, Christ God came forth,* the Saviour of our souls.

Readings

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

Litiya

In Tone 1

It is fitting that the Queen of heaven and earth,* who is more precious than the Cherubim,* and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim,* be conceived and remain immaculate as the angels,* so that they who are servants of the Lord* can boast of their own Queen, the Mother of God.* Glory and praise to the Lord who willed it so,* the Creator of all things.

It is fitting that the unique and chosen woman* be conceived without sin,* and the power of Satan is now taken away;* for the Mother of God will never bow before him.* Glory and praise to the Lord who willed it so,* the Creator of all things.

It is fitting that the Second Eve* be created and remain without sin* in the manner of the Second Adam;* for the rebirth of mankind now takes place,* just as the fall came through the first Adam and the first Eve.* Christ has renewed all through his new birth,* and it was Mary that gave birth to Him.* Glory and praise to the Lord who willed it so,* the Creator of all things.

Glory… Now…

Before the nativity of the Son of God,* it was fitting for the Father* to bestow the most pure conception upon the Mother of God,* who is betrothed of the Holy Spirit,* that she might be filled with heavenly gifts* in a manner beyond all other creatures.* Glory and praise to the Lord who willed it so,* the Creator of all things.

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Anna, whose name means divine grace,* once cried out in her prayer, asking for a child.* She invoked the God and Creator of all, saying:* Lord of Hosts, You know what shame it is to be barren.* Heal the pains of my heart.* Make my fruitless womb fruitful* so that we may offer to You the child who is born as a gift,* and that with one mind,* we may bless, praise, and glorify Your love* through which the world obtains great mercy.

The Lord swore an oath to David; He will not go back on His word.

Anna was praying with great fervour, beseeching the Lord for a child,* when she heard the voice of an angel* who told her that God had granted her wish, saying plainly:* Do not doubt, for your prayer has reached the Lord.* Wipe away your tears,* for you shall be an olive tree bringing forth a beautiful branch.* You will bring forth the Virgin* from whom will blossom the flower, Christ-in-the-flesh,* who will grant great mercy to the world.

A Son, the fruit of your body, will I set upon your throne.

Joachim and Anna, the righteous couple,* gave birth to the precious heavenly fruit, the ewe-lamb,* who in turn will give birth in a manner beyond understanding* to the Lamb of God who is to be sacrificed for all.* Because of this, they offer to the Lord* an unceasing and humble hymn of praise.* Let us, therefore, praise them with fervour.* And let us joyfully celebrate the birth of the One who was born of them,* Mary, the Mother of God;* because through her, great mercy is granted to all of us.

In Tone 2

Glory… Now…

On this day the royal purple appears,* descending from the root of David.* The mystical flower of Jesse buds forth;* from her shall blossom Christ our God,* the Saviour of our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 1

Rejoice, Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace!* The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have borne Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of our souls. (2)

In Tone 4

Today the chains of barrenness are shattered,* for having heard the prayer of Joachim and Anna,* against all hope God has openly promised* the birth of the Maiden of God,* from whom the very Infinite One will be born as a man,* the One who commanded the angels to cry to her:* Rejoice, O full of grace, the Lord is with you.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: Today the chains of barrenness are shattered,* for having heard the prayer of Joachim and Anna,* against all hope God has openly promised the birth of the Maiden of God,* from whom the very infinite One will be born as a man,* the One who commanded the angels to cry to her:* rejoice, O full of grace, the Lord is with you.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: Today the whole world celebrates* the conception by Anna,* which was brought about by God Himself,* for she has ineffably borne the one who will bear the Word.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

God is wonderful in His saints,* the God of Israel.

verse: In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel. (Psalm 67:36,27)

Epistle

Galatians 4:22-31

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their protector in time of trouble.

verse: The Lord will help them and rescue them; He will deliver them from sinners and save them, for they hoped in Him. (Psalm 36:39,40)

Gospel

Luke 8:16-21

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify the glorious conception of the Mother of God.

and the Irmos, Tone 1: Let us the faithful magnify the Mother of God,* wellspring ever-flowing and life-receiving,* the light-bearing lamp of grace,* the living temple and tabernacle all pure,* even more spacious than heaven and earth.

Communion Hymn

Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 3

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

By Your Cross, O Christ our Saviour,* the power of Death has been vanquished* and the deceit of the devil has been destroyed.* Therefore, mankind, saved by faith,* offers You hymns of praise forever.

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

O Lord, all creation has been enlightened by Your resurrection,* and Paradise has been reopened;* therefore, all creation extols You* and offers You hymns of praise forever.

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

I glorify the powers of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;* and I praise the dominion of the undivided Divinity,* the consubstantial Trinity,* who reigns forever and ever.

In Tone 4

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

The memory of Your martyr Eustratios, O Lord, shines like the sun;* by the brilliance of his invincible words,* he eclipsed the multitude of false gods.* As a house without foundations is brought down,* so did he overcome them by his faith* and was joined by four other martyrs as his companions.* Through their prayers, O Lover of mankind, grant us the remission of our sins.

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

By their words, the sufferings of their lives and their privations,* the holy martyrs showed You their unshakeable dedication even to the end:* Orestes and Mardarius joined the wise Eustratios, Auxentius and Eugenius* in their glorious struggle.* Through their prayers, O Lord, save our souls.

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

In the fury of the brutal tyrant, the illustrious Auxentius was beheaded;* Mardarius was crowned as he was hanged;* Eugenius attained the fullness of eternal life as they cut off his hands and tongue;* Orestes fell asleep in the Lord as he was laid on a bed of burning coals;* Eustratios was led like a lamb to the fire for Christ.

In Tone 8

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

Today we commemorate the Forefathers of Christ.* Sing with fervour a hymn of praise to Christ the Saviour* who exalted them among the nations.* He is the Lord who does wondrous deeds* because He is powerful and almighty.* From them He brought forth a royal sceptre,* the Immaculate Maiden of God and Virgin Mary.* From her, Christ our God came forth* to give life and eternal salvation for all.

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 Lord and Master,* You rescued the three holy youths from the fire.* You saved Daniel from the mouths of the lions;* You blessed Abraham, Isaac Your servant, and Jacob his son.* You willed to be like one of us by choosing to be born from them* in order that You might save our Forefathers who had fallen.* By Your Cross and Resurrection You tore apart the bonds of death.* You raise up all those who for ages had been among the dead* and who bow to You, O Christ, the eternal King.

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

The three holy youths were refreshed by the Holy Spirit* when they walked in the fire as though in a cool place.* In them the Trinity and the Incarnation of Christ* were prefigured in a mystical manner.* By their wisdom and faith* they overcame the power of fire.* As for the just Daniel, he stopped the mouths of lions.* Through their intercession, we beseech You:* O Saviour and Lover of Mankind,* protect us from eternal fire* and make us worthy of Your heavenly Kingdom.

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

When the three holy youths stood in the flaming furnace* as if covered with dew,* they mystically prefigured Your coming from the Virgin,* giving light to us without being consumed.* And Daniel, the just and wondrous prophet,* clearly saw in a vision Your second divine coming.* He said: “I saw thrones set up and the Judge seated* and the river of fire flowing in His presence.”* Through their intercession* deliver us from this fire, O Lord.

In Tone 6

Glory…

O believers, let us give praise today* to all the fathers who lived before the Law:* Abraham who was beloved by God,* Isaac who was born according to the promise,* Jacob and the Twelve Patriarchs,* the very meek David and the favoured prophet Daniel.* Let us also glorify with them the three youths* who changed the fiery furnace into a place of refreshing dew.* Let us beg forgiveness of our sins from Christ our God* who is glorified in His Saints.

In Tone 3

Now…

O Lady most honourable,* how can we but be rapt in wonder* at your giving birth to the Incarnate God* who, without a mother, was born of a father before all ages?* You gave Him birth in the flesh without a father,* without a man’s instrumentality.* He is God and man whose two natures are intact,* neither one losing any of its properties.* Therefore, O Virgin Mother,* intercede with Him to save the souls* of those who believe and profess in true faith* that you are the Mother of God.

Readings

(1) Isaiah 43:9-14; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 3

O Christ, Who darkened the sun by Your passion* and enlightened all creation by Your resurrection,* accept our evening prayer; for You love mankind.

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

O Lord, Your life-giving resurrection has enlightened the entire universe* and has revived Your creation which lay in corruption.* Therefore, we, who have been released from the curse of Adam, cry out to You:* Almighty Lord, glory to You!

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

O God, although in Your divine nature You are unchangeable,* yet in Your human nature You underwent change by suffering in the flesh.* All creation was prostrate with fear* when it saw You hanging on the Cross,* and it groaned in sorrow as it sang the praises of Your long-suffering.* But You descended into Hades and arose on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.

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

You suffered death, O Christ, to deliver mankind from death.* And when You arose from the dead on the third day,* You enlightened the world* and resurrected all who acknowledge You as God.

In Tone 3

Glory…

Come, O lovers of the feast,* let us sing a hymn of praise to the assembly of the Forefathers:* Adam, the father of mankind,* Enoch, Noah, Melchizedek, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.* Let us also honour those who came after the Law:* Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Samuel, and David;* together with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel,* Daniel, and the twelve minor prophets;* likewise Elijah, Elisha, and all the others;* also Zechariah and the Baptist,* and all those who preached Christ, the Life and Resurrection of our race.

In Tone 5

Now…

Without fear in the face of the bold tyrants,* you confessed your faith in Christ* and endured the torments and punishments.* O Eustratios and Auxentius, Mardarius, Eugenius and Orestes, glorious martyrs,* ceaselessly intercede with the King, our God,* for the faithful who celebrate your holy memory.

Troparia

In Tone 3

Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.

In Tone 2

Glory…

By faith you justified Your ancestors* and through them in advance you betrothed the Church taken from the nations.* The saints exult in glory;* from their seed comes the blessed fruit, the one who bore You without seed.* By their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us.

In Tone 4

Now…

Your martyrs, O Lord,* by their sufferings acquired the crowns of incorruptibility from You, our God.* For possessing Your power they overcame the torturers* and shattered the feeble insolence of demons.* By their supplications, save our souls.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 3: Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.

Troparion, Tone 4: Your martyrs, O Lord,* by their sufferings acquired the crowns of incorruptibility from You, our God.* For possessing Your power they overcame the torturers* and shattered the feeble insolence of demons.* By their supplications, save our souls.

Troparion, Tone 2: By faith You justified Your ancestors* and through them in advance You betrothed the Church taken from the nations.* The saints exult in glory;* from their seed comes the blessed fruit, the one who bore You without seed.* By their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: You shone, O victorious Martyr,* as a brilliant light for those sitting in the darkness of ignorance.* And armed with faith as with a lance, O Eustratios, most eloquent orator,* you feared not your enemies’ arrogance.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 6: Armed by the Being that defies description,* you defied the man-made idol, O thrice blessed youth.* In the midst of the unbearable flames you stood and cried out to God:* “In Your mercy, O gracious One, hasten and come to our aid,”* for You can do whatever You will.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers,* and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.

verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26,27)

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

verse: To the saints who are in His land, the Lord has made wonderful all His desires in them.

Epistle

Colossians 3:4-11; Ephesians 6:10-17

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Moses and Aaron are among His priests and Samuel among those who call upon His name.

verse: They called on the Lord and He heard them. (Psalm 98:6)

verse: The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of their afflictions. (Psalm 33:18)

Gospel

Luke 14:16-24; Luke 21:12-19

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

We never cease to adore Your life-giving Cross, O Christ our God,* And we glorify Your resurrection on the third day.* For You, Almighty One, have thereby restored the corrupted nature of all* and reopened the way to heaven,* since You alone are gracious and You love mankind.

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

O Saviour, You have absolved the penalty of disobedience,* committed through the tree of Eden,* by willingly being nailed to the tree of the Cross.* As Almighty God, You descended into Hades* and broke asunder the bonds of death.* We, therefore, venerate Your resurrection from the dead,* and joyfully cry out to You:* Almighty Lord, glory to You!

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

O Lord, You have battered down the gates of Hades,* and by Your death You have dissolved the realm of death.* You have freed mankind from corruption,* bestowing life, incorruption, and Your great mercy upon the world.

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

Come, all you people,* let us sing the praises of our Saviour’s resurrection on the third day.* For we have, thereby, been delivered from the invincible bonds of Hades,* and we have received incorruption, together with eternal life.* Therefore, we cry out to You* after Your crucifixion, burial, and resurrection:* Save us by Your resurrection, for You love mankind.

In Tone 6

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

The Never-setting Sun is coming from the Virginal womb* to enlighten everyone under the sun.* Let us meet Him with pure hearts and with good works.* Let us prepare ourselves now through the Holy Spirit* to greet Him who is coming to His own people* as He Himself had willed.* He is being born in Bethlehem* so that through His compassion* He might bring back all of those* who were exiled from life in Paradise.

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

He who is carried by the Cherubim* has taken human nature in the abode of the Immaculate womb.* He has come to earth to be born of the tribe of Judah.* The holy cave has been adorned* like a splendid palace for the King of all;* the manger, like a ruby throne.* The Virgin will place the Child into it* for the renewal of His boundless creation.

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

Having conceived in a manner beyond understanding,* the Virgin places You into the manger of the dumb animals,* O eternal Word of God,* because You come to pardon the ignorance* that I acquired through the envy of the serpent.* You come to be wrapped in swaddling clothes* in order to break the chains and the fetters of my sins.* Only-blessed One and Lover of mankind,* I most joyfully glorify, extol, and adore You* and Your coming in the flesh;* for through You have I been freed.

In Tone 8

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

The commemoration of the holy Fathers* is manifested to the ends of the world.* It is truly full of splendor,* and it glistens with the rays of grace;* for Christ the splendorous Sun has shone forth on high from afar.* He forms the assembly of stars which glisten with Him,* and the star reveals that the nativity of the God-man will be in Bethlehem.* Therefore, we piously and faithfully clap our hands* and leap for joy at this nativity,* and we give praise before the feast.

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

The Holy Fathers are adorned* by the glory of the divine sharing of our nature.* Adam rejoices today,* since he is the foundation and the strength of the wise Forefathers;* Abel leaps for joy as well.* Enoch is glad; Seth and Noah dance together.* The praiseworthy Abraham sings with the Patriarchs.* Melchizedek now sees from on high* the birth without a father.

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

The faithful and God-wise youths* are radiant with joy in the furnace.* They herald the nativity of Christ on earth.* As the precious dew which the Lord sent down,* He now preserves the Virgin without stain* and enriches her sublime with gifts.* Therefore, Daniel, inspired by God,* is also happy and full of joy* because he had a clear vision of the unhewn stone of the mountain.* He now zealously prays for our souls.

In Tone 6

Glory…

Daniel was a beloved man.* He saw You, O Lord, as the Rock* which was hewn without the use of a hand.* He foretold that You, the Incarnate Word,* the Unchangeable God, and Saviour of our souls,* would be born without seed* as a Child of the Virgin.

Now…

O Cave, prepare yourself to receive the Mother* who bears Christ within her womb.* O Manger, receive the Word Who destroyed the sins of all.* O Shepherds, keep watch and then bear witness to the awesome wonder.* O Magi, come from Persia,* and bring your gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the King.* For the Lord has appeared from a virgin Mother;* yet she bowed to Him as a servant* and spoke to Him within her bosom, saying:* How were You conceived in me?* How did You grow in me, my God and Saviour?

Readings

(1) Genesis 14:14-20; (2) Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17; (3) Deuteronomy 10:14-21

Aposticha

In Tone 4

In being lifted upon the Cross, O Lord,* You abolished the curse which we had inherited from our fathers.* By going down into Hades,* You freed from eternal captivity those imprisoned there,* and granted incorruption to mankind.* We, therefore, praise Your life-giving and redeeming resurrection.

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

By hanging on the Cross, O Almighty One,* You shook the whole creation to its foundations.* When You Yourself were laid in the grave,* You raised to life those who had been lying in the graves,* and You granted life and incorruption to mankind.* We, therefore, praise and glorify Your resurrection on the third day.

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

O Christ, the lawless people showed their ingratitude to You, their Benefactor,* by delivering You to Pilate who condemned you to be crucified.* But You willingly suffered death and burial;* and, as God, You rose by Your own power on the third day,* granting us everlasting life and great mercy.

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

The women, shedding bitter tears, came to see You in Your tomb;* and not finding Your body, they lamented, saying:* O Saviour and King of All, how were You stolen?* What place holds Your life-bearing body?* An angel answered them, saying:* Do not weep, but go and proclaim that the Lord is risen,* filling our hearts with joy;* for He alone is most compassionate.

In Tone 2, Glory…

Rejoice, O illustrious Prophets!* You firmly established the Law of the Lord,* and you faithfully manifested yourselves* to be invincible and unshakeable pillars.* You have been taken to heaven* and have shown yourselves to be mediators of the new Law of Christ.* Implore Him to give peace tot he world* and to save our souls.

Now…

Behold, the time of salvation is drawing near.* O Cave, prepare yourself,* for the Virgin is coming to give birth.* O Bethlehem, O land of Judah,* adorn yourself and be happy* since the Lord will shine forth from you.* O mountains and hills and lands around Judah,* hearken, for Christ is coming that He may save His creation* because He is the Lover of mankind.

Troparia

In Tone 4

When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”

In Tone 2

Glory…

Great are the achievements of faith!* In the fountain of flames, the three holy youths rejoiced as by the water of rest,* and the prophet Daniel was revealed shepherding lions like sheep.* Through their intercession, O Christ God, save our souls.

In Tone 4

Now…

Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all. * Ephrathah, be alert, for the Tree of Life has blossomed forth from the Virgin in the cave. * Her womb has become a spiritual paradise * wherein fruit was planted, * and if we eat of it we shall live and not die like Adam. * Christ is coming forth to bring back to life * the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”

Troparion, Tone 2: Great are the achievements of faith!* In the fountain of flames, the three holy youths rejoiced as by the water of rest,* and the prophet Daniel was revealed shepherding lions like sheep.* Through their intercession, O Christ God,* save our souls.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: Armed by the Being that defies description* You defied the man-made idol, O thrice blessed youth.* In the midst of the unbearable flames you stood and cried out to God:* “In Your mercy, O gracious One, hasten and come to our aid,”* for You can do whatever You will.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers,* and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.

verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26,27)

Epistle

Hebrews 11:9-10,17-23,32-40

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us the work You did in their days.

verse: You saved us from our oppressors and put to shame those who hate us. (Psalm 43:2,8)

Gospel

Matthew 1:1-25

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous (Psalm 32:1).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

One of the 12 Great Feasts. Holy Day of Obligation.

Feast of our Lord. Great Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil is celebrated in the late afternoon or early evening on December 24. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated in the morning on December 25. Holy Day of Obligation.

 

Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

 

The priest, fully vested, begins: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever.

The people respond: Amen.

Come, let us bow in worship before our King and God!

Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, our King and God!

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

Psalm 103

Great Litany

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us rejoice in the Lord* as we tell of the present mystery.* Destroyed is the middle wall of partition;* the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,* and I partake of the delight of Paradise from which I was cast out through disobedience.* For the Father’s express Image, the Imprint of His eternity,* takes the form of a servant,* and without undergoing change He comes forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock.* For what He was, He has remained, true God:* and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself, becoming man through love for mankind.* To Him let us cry aloud:* God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us.

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

Come, let us rejoice in the Lord* as we tell of the present mystery.* Destroyed is the middle wall of partition;* the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,* and I partake of the delight of Paradise from which I was cast out through disobedience.* For the Father’s express Image, the Imprint of His eternity,* takes the form of a servant,* and without undergoing change He comes forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock.* For what He was, He has remained, true God:* and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself, becoming man through love for mankind.* To Him let us cry aloud:* God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us.

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

When Jesus the Lord was born of the holy Virgin,* the whole world was enlightened.* The shepherds watched in the fields,* the Magi adored and the angels sang hymns of praise;* but Herod was troubled: for God appeared in the flesh,* the Saviour of our souls.

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

When Jesus the Lord was born of the holy Virgin,* the whole world was enlightened.* The shepherds watched in the fields,* the Magi adored and the angels sang hymns of praise;* but Herod was troubled: for God appeared in the flesh,* the Saviour of our souls.

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

Your Kingdom, O Christ our God,* is a Kingdom of all the ages,* and Your rule is from generation to generation.* Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-Virgin Mary,* You have enlightened us by Your coming.* Light of Light, Brightness of the Father,* You have made all creation shine with joy.* Everything that breathes praises You,* the Image of the Father’s glory.* O God–the One who is–and always was,* who shone forth from a Virgin, have mercy on us.

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

Your Kingdom, O Christ our God,* is a Kingdom of all the ages,* and Your rule is from generation to generation.* Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-Virgin Mary,* You have enlightened us by Your coming.* Light of Light, Brightness of the Father,* You have made all creation shine with joy.* Everything that breathes praises You,* the Image of the Father’s glory.* O God–the One who is–and always was,* who shone forth from a Virgin, have mercy on us.

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

O Christ what shall we offer You;* for our sake You appeared on earth as man?* Every creature made by You offers thanks to You.* The angels offer You a hymn; the heavens, a star;* the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;* the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger:* and we offer You a Virgin Mother.* O pre-eternal God, have mercy on us.

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

O Christ what shall we offer You;* for our sake You appeared on earth as man?* Every creature made by You offers thanks to You.* The angels offer You a hymn; the heavens, a star;* the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;* the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger:* and we offer You a Virgin Mother.* O pre-eternal God, have mercy on us.

Glory…Now…

When Augustus reigned alone on earth,* the many kingdoms of men came to an end;* and when You were made man of the pure Virgin,* the many gods of idolatry were made powerless.* The cities of the world passed under one single rule;* and the nations came to believe in one sovereign Godhead.* The peoples were enrolled by the decree of Caesar;* and we, the faithful, were enrolled in the name* of the divinity,* when You, our God, were made man.* Great is Your mercy: Lord, glory to You.

Reading I

Genesis 1:1-13

In the beginning God made heaven and earth. The earth was invisible and unfinished; and darkness was over the deep. The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the water. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw the light; it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day; the darkness He called Night; and there was evening and morning, one day.

Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the water, and let it divide the water from the water”; and it was so. Thus God made the firmament, and God divided the water under the firmament from the water above the firmament. So God called the firmament Heaven, and God saw that it was good; and there was evening and morning, the second day.

Then God said, “Let the water under heaven be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. The water under heaven was gathered into its places, and the dry land appeared. So God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas; and God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness. Let the fruit tree bear fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind on earth.” It was so. Thus the earth brought forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness. The fruit tree bore fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind on earth. God saw that it was good. So evening and morning were the third day.

Reading II

Numbers 24:2-3, 5-9, 17-18

Balaam raised his eyes and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him. Then he took up his parable and said:

How beautiful are your dwellings, O Jacob,
Your tents, O Israel.
Like wooded valleys offering shade,
And like gardens by the rivers,
Like tents the Lord pitched,
Like cedars beside the waters.
A Man shall come forth from his seed,
And He shall rule many nations;
And His kingdom shall be more exalted than Gog,
And His kingdom shall increase.
God led Him out of Egypt,
And He has the glorious appearance of a unicorn.
He shall consume the nations of his enemies
And deprive them of their strength.
He shall shoot the enemy with His missiles.
He lies down and rests like a lion,
And like a lion’s cub, who shall rouse Him?
Those who bless You are blessed,
And those who curse You are cursed.”

I will show Him, but not now;
I bless Him, but He is not near.
A Star shall rise out of Jacob;
And a Man shall rise out of Israel.
He shall break in pieces the rulers of Moab
And plunder all the sons of Seth.
Edom shall be His inheritance,
And also His enemy shall be His inheritance;
But Israel acts with strength.

Reading III

Micah 4:6-7; 5:2-4a

Thus says the Lord: “In that day, I shall gather her who has been broken, and I will welcome her who has been exiled, even those whom I have rejected. And I shall make her who has been broken into a remnant, and her that was rejected into a strong nation. So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion henceforth and forever.

Therefore He shall give them up until the appointed time for her to give birth, and then the remnant of their brothers will return to the sons of Israel. And He shall stand and see, and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, and they will dwell in the glory of the name of the Lord their God, for now they will be magnified unto the ends of the earth. And she will have peace.

Then, the priest intones the entire text of the following Troparion:

You were born in a cave hidden from sight, but heaven spoke through a star and proclaimed You to all, O Saviour. And it brought to You the Magi, who with faith bowed down in worship. Have mercy on them and us.

When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion (Tone 6, resurrectional, even though the custom has developed of singing this conclusion to the prokeimenon melody – a custom that is less appropriate):

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 86, and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.

His foundations are on the holy mountains; the Lord loves the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things were spoken of You, O city of God.

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

To those who know Me I will mention Raab and Babylon. And, behold, foreigners and the people of Tyre and Ethiopia, these were born there.

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

A person will say “Mother Sion,” and “Such a person was born in her,” and “The Most High Himself founded her.”

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

The Lord will declare this in His record of the peoples and rulers who were born in her. How happy are all who have their dwelling in you.

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

Glory… Now…

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

Then the priest intones the first half of the Troparion:

You were born in a cave hidden from sight, but heaven spoke through a star and proclaimed You to all, O Saviour.

And we conclude:

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

Reading IV

Isaiah 11:1-10

Thus says the Lord: “There shall come forth a rod from the root of Jesse, and a flower shall grow out of his root. The Spirit of God shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and godliness. The Spirit of the fear of God shall fill Him. He shall not judge by reputation nor convict by common talk. But He will judge the cause of the humble, and reprove the humble of the earth. He shall strike the earth with the word of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the ungodly. He shall gird His loins with righteousness and cover his sides with truth.

“The wolf shall feed with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf, the bull, and the lion shall feed together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze together, and their young ones shall lie down together. The lion and the ox shall eat straw together. The nursing child shall play by the hole of asps, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the den of asps. They shall not hurt nor be able to destroy anyone on My holy mountain, for the whole world shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as much water covers the seas.

“It shall come to pass in that day that there shall be a Root of Jesse who shall arise to rule nations. The Gentiles shall hope in Him, and His resting place shall be honorable.”

Reading V

Baruch 3:36-4:4

This is our God; no other shall be compared to Him. He found the whole way of knowledge and gave it to Jacob His servant and to Israel His beloved. Afterwards, He was seen upon the earth and lived among men.

She is the book of the commandments of God and the law that endures forever. All those who keep her will live, but those forsaking her will die. Return, O Jacob, and take hold of her. Walk toward the radiance of the presence of her light. Do not give your glory to another or the things that are of advantage to you to a foreign nation.

O Israel, we are blessed, for what is pleasing to our God is known to us.

Reading VI

Daniel 2:31-36; 44-45

Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar: “As for you, O king, you saw and beheld one great image. That image was very large and its appearance excellent. It stood before you, and its vision was fearful. The image had a head made of fine gold, and its hands, chest, and arms were made of silver, and its stomach and thighs, of copper. Its legs were iron, and its feet were partly iron and partly clay. You saw while a stone was cut out of a mountain without hands, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and ground them to powder. Then at once the clay, the iron, the copper, the silver, and the gold were like dust from the summer threshing floor, and a great force of wind blew them away; and their place was not to be found. Then the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled all the earth.

“This is the dream, and we will tell its interpretation before the king.

“Then in the times of those kings, the God of heaven will raise up a kingdom, and it shall never be destroyed. This kingdom shall not be left to another people, but it will break in pieces and crush all these kingdoms; and it will stand forever. Whereas you saw the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, it ground to powder the clay, the iron, the copper, the silver, and the gold. Thus the great God has made known to the king what must come to pass after this. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

Then the priest intones another Troparion (Tone 6):

You have shone forth from a Virgin, O Christ, rational Sun of righteousness. And a star showed You, Whom nothing can contain, contained in a cave. You led Magi to worship You and along with them we magnify You: Glory to You, O Giver of life.

When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion (Tone 6, resurrectional):

Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.

Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 92, and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.

The Lord is King; He is clothed with beauty; the Lord is clothed with strength and has girded Himself. For He has established the world which shall not be shaken.

Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.

Your throne is prepared from of old; You are from everlasting.

Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.

The floods have lifted up, O Lord; the floods have lifted up their voices. The floods shall lift up their breakers with the noise of many waters.

Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.

Wonderful are the surging waves of the sea; wonderful is the Lord on high. Your testimonies have become exceedingly credible; holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.

Glory… Now…

Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.

Then the priest intones the first half of the Troparion:

You have shone forth from a Virgin, O Christ, rational Sun of righteousness. And a star showed You, Whom nothing can contain, contained in a cave.

And we conclude:

Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.

Reading VII

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. His name will be called the Angel of Great Counsel, for I shall bring peace upon the rulers, peace and health by Him. Great shall be His government, and of His peace there is no end. His peace shall be upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order and establish it with righteousness and judgment, from that time forward and unto ages of ages. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.

Reading VIII

Isaiah 7:10-16, 8:1-4, 8-10

Moreover the Lord added this to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I tempt the Lord.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David, is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary the Lord also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey He shall eat before He knows to prefer evil or choose the good, for before the Child knows good or evil, He refuses the evil to choose the good; and the land you fear because of the presence of the two kings will be abandoned.

Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take for yourself a large new book, and write on it with a man’s pen concerning making a swift plunder of spoils, for it is near at hand. Then make witnesses for Me of faithful men: Uriah and Zechariah, the son of Berechiah.” Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son, and the Lord said to me, “Call his name Quickly Despoil, Swiftly Plunder; for before the child shall know how to call for his father and mother, one shall take the power of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria in the presence of the king of Assyria.”

O God with us. Know this, O Gentiles, and be defeated. Give ear, all you to the very ends of the earth. Be defeated although you are strong, for even if you should be strong again, you will be defeated again. Then too, whatever counsel you take, the Lord will scatter it abroad; and whatever word you shall speak, it will not continue among you, for the Lord God is with us.”

Then, the Small Litany and Trisagion followed by the Prokeimenon:

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

The Lord said to Me: You are My Son,* today have I begotten You.

verse: Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations as an inheritance, and as Your possession, the ends of the earth.

Epistle

Hebrews 1:1-12

Alleluia, Tone 5

verse: The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”

verse: The Lord will send you a sceptre of power out of Sion; reign in the midst of your enemies.

verse: Yours is the dominion on the day you are given power in the splendour of your holy ones.

Gospel

Matthew 13:31-36

Hymn to the Mother of God

In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices: the angelic ranks and all the human race. Sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, virgins’ pride and boast, from whom God is made flesh and became a little Child; and He who is our God before all ages, He made your womb a throne, and He made it wider that all the heavens. In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices. Glory be to you.

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)

 

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Antiphon 1

I will confess You, Lord, with all my heart,* I will declare all Your wondrous deeds.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

In the council of the just and the congregation,* great are the works of the Lord, conforming to His will in every way.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

His work is filled with praise and majesty,* and His righteousness endures forever.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”

Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know that You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

The Lord will send you a sceptre of power out of Sion; reign in the midst of your enemies.

Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know that You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

Yours is the dominion on the day you are given power in the splendour of your holy ones.

Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know that You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

Entrance

From the womb before the daystar I begot you. the Lord has sworn an oath and will not go back on His word: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know that You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being;* the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach;* Angel with shepherds give Him glory,* while Magi make their way with a star,* for to us is born a little Child – the pre-eternal God.

Instead of Holy God:

All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia! (3)

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

You have put on Christ! Alleluia!

All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

Let all the earth worship You and sing to You; let it sing to Your Name, O Most High.

verse: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing now to His name, give glory to His praise. (Psalm 65:4,2)

Epistle

Galatians 4:4-7

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands.

verse: Day announces its message unto day and night proclaims its knowledge unto night. (Psalm 18:2,3)

Gospel

Matthew 2:1-12

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King born in a manger.

and the Irmos: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.

Communion Hymn

The Lord has sent deliverance* to His people.* Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.(Psalm 110:9)

Instead of “Blessed is He who comes…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (3)

A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us greatly rejoice in the Lord* as we tell of this present mystery!* The dividing wall has been destroyed;* the flaming sword turns back,* the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,* and I partake of the delight of paradise* from which I was cast out through disobedience.* For the express image of the Father, the imprint of His eternity,* takes the form of a servant,* and without undergoing change He comes forth from an unwedded mother.* For what He was, He has remained: True God,* and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself,* becoming man through love for mankind.* To Him, let us cry aloud:* O God born of a virgin, have mercy on us!

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

Come, let us greatly rejoice in the Lord* as we tell of this present mystery!* The dividing wall has been destroyed;* the flaming sword turns back,* the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,* and I partake of the delight of paradise* from which I was cast out through disobedience.* For the express image of the Father, the imprint of His eternity,* takes the form of a servant,* and without undergoing change He comes forth from an unwedded mother.* For what He was, He has remained: True God,* and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself,* becoming man through love for mankind.* To Him, let us cry aloud:* O God born of a virgin, have mercy on us!

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

When the Lord Jesus was born of the holy Virgin,* all the world was enlightened.* The shepherds watched in the fields,* the magi adored and the angels praised in song;* but Herod was troubled:* for God has appeared in the flesh, the Saviour of our souls!

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

When the Lord Jesus was born of the holy Virgin,* all the world was enlightened.* The shepherds watched in the fields,* the magi adored and the angels praised in song;* but Herod was troubled:* for God has appeared in the flesh, the Saviour of our souls!

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

What shall we offer you, O Christ,* who for our sakes have appeared on earth as a man?* Every creature made by You offers You thanks,* the angels offer you a hymn; the heavens a star;* the magi gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;* the earth its cave; the wilderness, the manger;* and we offer you a Virgin Mother.* Pre-eternal God, have mercy on us!

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

What shall we offer you, O Christ,* who for our sakes have appeared on earth as a man?* Every creature made by You offers You thanks,* the angels offer you a hymn; the heavens a star;* the magi gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;* the earth its cave; the wilderness, the manger;* and we offer you a Virgin Mother.* Pre-eternal God, have mercy on us!

In Tone 6

Glory… Now…

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!* Today Bethlehem receives Him who ever sits with the Father.* Today angels glorify with holy hymns the Babe that is born.* Glory to God in the highest,* and on earth peace, good will towards men!

Great Prokeimenon

Who is so great a God as our God?* You are the God who do wonders!

verse: Amongst the people have You made Your power known!

verse: And I said: now have I made a beginning: this change has been wrought by the right hand of the Most High.

verse: I have remembered the works of the Lord, and called to mind Your wonders from of old.

Aposticha

In Tone 8

A great miracle has come to pass this day:* nature is made new and God becomes man!* That which He was, He has remained,* and that which He was not, He has taken on Himself* while suffering neither confusion nor division.

The Lord said to my lord: sit at my right hand!

Lord, you have come to Bethlehem* and have made Your dwelling in the cave.* You have heaven as Your throne,* yet You are laid in a manger!* The hosts of angels attend on every side* yet You have come down among shepherds,* that in Your compassion You might save mankind.  Glory to You!

From the womb before the morning star have I begotten you!

How shall I tell of this great mystery?* He who is without flesh becomes incarnate;* the word puts on a body; the invisible is seen;* He whom no hand can touch is handled;* and He who knows no beginning now begins to be!* The Son of God becomes the Son of Man:* Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and for ever!

Glory… Now…

The shepherds hasten to Bethlehem, revealing the true shepherd,* seated upon the cherubim and lying in a manger!* For our sakes He has taken upon Himself the form of a child.* O Lord, glory to You!

Troparion

In Tone 4

Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1

I will confess You, Lord, with all my heart,* I will declare all Your wondrous deeds.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

In the council of the just and the congregation,* great are the works of the Lord, conforming to His will in every way.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

His work is filled with praise and majesty,* and His righteousness endures forever.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know that You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: He who existed before the morning star* and was born of the Father without a mother,* today, O Full of Grace, becomes flesh from you without a father.* Wherefore, a star brings the news to the Magi* and angels with shepherds sing of how you gave birth ineffably.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

I will remember your name throughout all generations.

verse: Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear. (Psalm 44:18,11)

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Epistle

1 Timothy 6:11-16; Hebrews 2:11-18

Alleluia, Tone 8

verse: Rise up, Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of You holiness.

verse: The Lord swore an oath to David, and will not go back on His word. (Psalm 131:8,11)

Gospel

Matthew 12:15-21; Matthew 2:13-23

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify the all-pure Virgin Mother of God, more honourable and glorious than the heavenly hosts.

and the Irmos, Tone 1: To keep silence in fear would be easier for us to do, for this is free from danger, O Virgin Mother, and though it is hard indeed to properly weave hymns, O Mother, give us strength so that our good intentions may be fulfilled.

Communion Hymn

I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord. (Psalm 115:13)* The Lord has sent deliverance* to His people.* Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.(Psalm 110:9)

Instead of “Blessed is He who comes…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (3)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 5

10. 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.

9. 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!

8. 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.

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us greatly rejoice in the Lord* as we tell of this present mystery.* The middle wall of partition has been destroyed;* the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,* and I partake of the delight of Paradise* from which I was cast out through disobedience.* For the express Image of the Father, the Imprint of His eternity,* takes the form of a servant,* and without undergoing change He came forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock.* For what He was, He has remained, true God:* and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself,* becoming man through love for mankind.* Unto Him let us cry aloud:* God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us.

In Tone 1

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

Let us praise David the King, the ancestor of God,* because from him came forth the branch who is the Virgin.* From her bloomed the Flower, Christ,* Who summoned Adam and Eve from corruption.* He is compassionate towards all.

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

In his advanced years,* Joseph clearly saw the prophecies fulfilled.* It was truly a strange betrothal;* and he received a revelation from the angels who cried out:* Glory to God Who sent down peace upon the world.

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

Let all of us praise the relative of the Lord, James the Apostle,* who bravely suffered martyrdom as a bishop.* By his prayers, O Christ our God,* Who was wrapped in swaddling clothes in the cave,* save all those who extol You.

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.

Your soul was illumined with the grace of the Holy Spirit;* your face shone as an angel, Stephen.* Your body was made radiant by the brightness within you:* Contemplation of God’s light was your only joy:* Therefore the heavens were wondrously opened to you,** leader and glory of the martyrs

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

The torrent of stones became a ladder for you:* on its steps you ascended to the gates of heaven.* You beheld the Lord standing at the right hand of the Father;* He offered you a crown with his own life-giving hand;* truly you have fulfilled the meaning of your name!* Now you stand before Him, glorious conqueror;** the first warrior offered in battle.

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

Renowned with signs, wonders, and heavenly preaching,* you destroyed the malice of the wicked council.* As they stoned you to death, you begged God to forgive them,* using the words of the Saviour as He hung upon the cross,** commending your pure spirit into His hands, blessed Stephen.

In Tone 6

Glory…

We are commemorating the noble David and James:* the king and prophet, the apostle and first bishop;* because by their teachings we have been delivered from error.* Let us sing the praises of Christ* Who came forth from the Virgin* and became incarnate to save our souls.

In 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!

Aposticha

In 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.

In Tone 6

Glory…

Blessed Stephen, the adornment of Christ’s warriors,* first of deacons and first of martyrs,* joy of the faithful and glory of the righteous,* as you stand before Christ, the Lord of all,* pray for us who celebrate your honourable memory* that we may receive remission of our sins** and be accounted worthy of the Kingdom of heaven.

In Tone 6

Now…

The remembrance of Your Nativity* brings happiness to priests and might to kings.* Let us also boast of it and say:* Our Father, Who art in heaven,* hallowed be Thy Name, O Lover of mankind.

Troparia

In 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.

In Tone 4

Glory…

O apostle and first martyr for Christ,* you fought the good fight* and exposed your persecutors’ wickedness.* For when you were killed by stoning at the hands of the lawless* you received a crown from on high from God’s right hand,* while crying out to Him:** “O Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

In Tone 4

Now…

Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1

I will confess You, Lord, with all my heart,* I will declare all Your wondrous deeds.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

In the council of the just and the congregation,* great are the works of the Lord, conforming to His will in every way.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

His work is filled with praise and majesty,* and His righteousness endures forever.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

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.

Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know that You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

Troparion, Tone 4: O apostle and first martyr for Christ,* you fought the good fight* and exposed your persecutors’ wickedness.* For when you were killed by stoning at the hands of the lawless* you received a crown from on high from God’s right hand,* while crying out to Him:* “O Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Yesterday the Master came to us incarnate;* but His servant departs today from the flesh.* Yesterday the One who now reigns in the flesh was born;* but His servant today is killed by stoning.* For His sake the first martyr, the divine Stephen, gives up his life.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being;* the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach;* Angel with shepherds give Him glory,* while Magi make their way with a star,* for to us is born a little Child – the pre-eternal God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 5

You, O Lord, will guard us and will keep us* from this generation and for ever.

verse: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer left a just man. (Psalm 11:8,2)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

verse: Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their word unto the ends of the world.

Epistle

Galatians 1:11-19

Alleluia, Tone 5

verse: Your mercies, O Lord, I will sing for ever; from generation to generation I will announce Your truth with my mouth.

verse: For You have said: Mercy shall be built up for ever; in the heavens Your truth shall be prepared. (Psalm 88:2,3)

verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints. (Psalm 88:6)

Gospel

Matthew 2:13-23

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King born in a manger.

and the Irmos: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

Instead of “Blessed is He who comes…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (3)