Come, let us worship God our King;
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God;
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.
Psalm 5
Unto my words, give ear, O Lord; hear my cry. Attend unto the voice of my supplication, O my King and my God; for unto Thee will I pray, O Lord. In the morning Thou shalt hear my voice. In the morning shall I stand before Thee, and Thou shalt look upon me; for not a God that willest iniquity art Thou. He that worketh evil shall not dwell near Thee, nor shall transgressors abide before Thine eyes. Thou hast hated all them that work iniquity; Thou shalt destroy all them that speak a lie. A man that is bloody and deceitful shall the Lord abhor. But as for me, in the multitude of Thy mercy shall I go into Thy house; I shall worship toward Thy holy temple in fear of Thee.
O Lord, guide me in the way of Thy righteousness; because of mine enemies, make straight my way before Thee. For in their mouth there is no truth; their heart is vain. Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues have they spoken deceitfully; judge them, O God. Let them fall down on account of their own devisings; according to the multitude of their ungodliness, cast them out, for they have embittered Thee, O Lord. And let all them be glad that hope in Thee; they shall ever rejoice, and Thou shalt dwell among them. And all shall glory in Thee that love Thy name, for Thou shalt bless the righteous. O Lord, as with a shield of Thy good pleasure hast Thou crowned us.
Psalm 89 (90)
Lord, Thou hast been our refuge in generation and generation. Before the mountains came to be and the earth was formed and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting Thou art. Turn not man away unto lowliness; yea, Thou hast said: Turn back, ye sons of men. For a thousand years in Thine eyes, O Lord, are but as yesterday that is past, and as a watch in the night. Things of no account shall their years be; in the morning like grass shall man pass away. In the morning shall he bloom and pass away, in the evening shall he fall and grow withered and dry.
For we have fainted away in Thy wrath, and in Thine anger have we been troubled. Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee; our lifespan is in the light of Thy countenance. For all our days are faded away, and in Thy wrath are we fainted away; our years have, like a spider, spun out their tale. As for the days of our years, in their span they be threescore years and ten. And if we be in strength, mayhap fourscore years; and what is more than these is toil and travail.
For mildness is come upon us, and we shall be chastened. Who knoweth the might of Thy wrath? And out of fear of Thee, who can recount Thine anger? So make Thy right hand known to me, and to them that in their heart are instructed in wisdom. Return, O Lord; how long? And be Thou entreated concerning Thy servants. We were filled in the morning with Thy mercy, O Lord, and we rejoiced and were glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou guide their sons. And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and the works of our hands do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of our hands do Thou guide aright.
Psalm 100 (101)
Of mercy and judgement will I sing unto Thee, O Lord; I will chant and have understanding in a blameless path. When wilt Thou come unto me? I have walked in the innocence of my heart in the midst of my house. I have no unlawful thing before mine eyes; the workers of transgressions I have hated. A crooked heart hath not cleaved unto me; as for the wicked man who turned from me, I knew him not. Him that privily talked against his neighbour did I drive away from me. With him whose eye was proud and his heart insatiate, I did not eat.
Mine eyes were upon the faithful of the land, that they might sit with me; the man that walked in the blameless path, he ministered unto me. The proud doer dwelt not in the midst of my house; the speaker of unjust things prospered not before mine eyes. In the morning I slew all the sinners of the land, utterly to destroy out of the city of the Lord all them that work iniquity.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (thrice)
Lord have mercy. (thrice)
(1stTroparion, if there be more than one – read by the Reader.) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: (2ndTroparion, if there be more than one; 1st Troparion, if only one – read by the Reader.) Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. What shall we call thee, O full of grace? Heaven - for thou didst shine forth the Sun of Righteousness. Paradise - For thou has blossomed forth the flower of incorruption. Virgin - for thou hast remained incorrupt. Pure Mother - for thou hast held in thy holy embrace a Son who is God of all. Beseech Him to save our souls.
Psalm 118 (119):133-5
Order my steps according to Thy word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Deliver me from the false accusation of men, and I will keep Thy commandments.
Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes.
Psalm 70 (1):8
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise, O Lord, that I may sing Thy glory and majesty all the day long.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal. Have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Most-holy Trinity: Have mercy on us. Lord: Cleanse us from our sins. Master: Pardon our transgressions. Holy One: visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest:
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Thou who at every season and every hour, in Heaven and on earth art worshipped and glorified, O Christ God; long-suffering, merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the just and showest mercy upon the sinner; Who callest all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come.
O Lord, in this hour receive our supplications, and direct our lives according to Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Correct our minds; cleanse our thoughts; and deliver us from all tribulations, evil, and distress. Surround us with Thy holy angels; that, guided and guarded by them, we may attain to the unity of the faith, and unto the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory. For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.
In the name of the Lord, Father, bless.
Priest:
O God, take pity on us and bless us, and show the light of Thy countenance upon us, and have mercy upon us.
Reader:
Amen.
Priest:
O Christ the true Light that enlighteneth and sanctified every man that comes into the world. Let the light of Thy countenance shine upon us, that in it we might behold the unapproachable light. Guide our footsteps in the keeping of Thy commandments, by the prayers of Thy Most-pure Mother and of all Thy Saints. Amen.
(According to custom, the following Kontakion to the Theotokos is sung. On a Great Feast, the Kontakion of the Feast is sung instead.)
Choir:
(Tone 8) O victorious leader of triumphant host. We, your servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, O Theotokos. As you possess invincible might set us free from every calamity so that we may sing: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.
Priest:
Glory to Thee, O Christ God, our Hope, glory to Thee.
Choir:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever and unto ages of ages.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Father, bless.
Priest:
May Christ our True God, through the prayers of His Most-pure Mother, of our venerable and God- bearing Fathers and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good and the Lover of Mankind.
Choir: Amen.
Third Hour
Priest:
Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Reader:
Amen. Glory to Thee, O our God, glory to Thee.
O heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere and fill all things, the Treasury of blessings and Giver of life, come and dwell within us and cleanse us from every blemish, and save our souls, O Good One.
O Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever and unto ages of ages.
O Most--Holy Trinity: Have mercy on us. Lord: Cleanse us from our sins. Master: Pardon our transgressions. Holy One: visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever and unto ages of ages.
Our Father, Who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Amen. Lord, have mercy. (twelve times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Reader:
Come, let us worship God our King;
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God;
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.
Psalm 16 (17)
Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal. Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly. They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Psalm 24 (25)
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Psalm 50 (51)
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (thrice)
Lord have mercy. (thrice)
(1stTroparion, if there be more than one – read by the Reader.) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: (2ndTroparion, if there be more than one; 1st Troparion, if only one – read by the Reader.) Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. O Theotokos, thou art the true vine, that hast put forth the fruit of life. We pray thee, O Lady, intercede together the Apostles and all the Saints, that mercy may be granted to our souls.
Psalm 67 (68):20-21
Blessed be the Lord. Blessed be the Lord from day to day, and may the God of our salvation prosper us, for He is our God, the God of salvation.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal. Have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Most-holy Trinity: Have mercy on us. Lord: Cleanse us from our sins. Master: Pardon our transgressions. Holy One: visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest:
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Thou who at every season and every hour, in Heaven and on earth art worshipped and glorified, O Christ God; long-suffering, merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the just and showest mercy upon the sinner; Who callest all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come.
O Lord, in this hour receive our supplications, and direct our lives according to Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Correct our minds; cleanse our thoughts; and deliver us from all tribulations, evil, and distress. Surround us with Thy holy angels; that, guided and guarded by them, we may attain to the unity of the faith, and unto the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory. For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.
In the name of the Lord, Father, bless.
Priest:
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us.
Reader:
Amen.
Prayer of St. Mardarius
O God the Master, Father Almighty, O Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son, and Thou, O Holy Spirit, one God-head, one Power, have mercy upon me a sinner, and according to Thy divine judgement save me, Thine unworthy servant: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.
Sixth Hour
Reader:
Come, let us worship God our King;
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God;
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.
Psalm 53 (54)
Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth. I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
Psalm 54 (55)
Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets. For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
Psalm 90 (91)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (thrice)
Lord have mercy. (thrice)
(1stTroparion, if there be more than one – read by the Reader.) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: (2ndTroparion, if there be more than one; 1st Troparion, if only one – read by the Reader.) Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
As there is no boldness in us because of the multitude of our sins, do thou, O Virgin Theotokos, intercede with the Son whom thou hast borne, for the entreaty of a mother has great power to win the favour of the Master. Despise not, O all-venerable Lady, the prayers of sinners, for He who took upon Himself to suffer for our sake is merciful and strong to save.
Psalm 78(79):8-9
Let Thy tender mercies, O Lord, speedily go before us, for we are become exceeding poor. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy Name. O Lord, deliver us and purge away our sins, for Thy Name's sake.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal. Have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Most-holy Trinity: Have mercy on us. Lord: Cleanse us from our sins. Master: Pardon our transgressions. Holy One: visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest:
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Thou who at every season and every hour, in Heaven and on earth art worshipped and glorified, O Christ God; long-suffering, merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the just and showest mercy upon the sinner; Who callest all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come.
O Lord, in this hour receive our supplications, and direct our lives according to Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Correct our minds; cleanse our thoughts; and deliver us from all tribulations, evil, and distress. Surround us with Thy holy angels; that, guided and guarded by them, we may attain to the unity of the faith, and unto the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory. For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.
In the name of the Lord, Father, bless.
Priest:
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us.
Reader:
Amen.
Prayer of St. Basil the Great
O God, the Lord of hosts, and Author of all creation, who in Thine ineffable tender mercy hast sent down Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our kind, and through His Holy Cross hast thorn up the handwriting of our sins and thereby triumphed over the princes and dominions of darkness:
Do Thou, O Master, who lovest mankind, accept these prayers of thanksgiving and supplication even from us sinners, and deliver us from every deadly and dark transgression and from all the visible and invisible enemies that seek to do us harm. Nail our flesh with the fear of Thee, and let not our hearts incline to evil words or thoughts. But wound our souls with Thy love, that ever gazing upon Thee, guided by Thy light and beholding Thee, the eternal Light that no man can approach, we may send up unceasing praises and thanks unto Thee, the Father without beginning, together with Thine Only-begotten Son and Thy most holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Ninth Hour
Priest:
Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Reader:
Amen. Glory to Thee, O our God, glory to Thee.
O heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere and fill all things, the Treasury of blessings and Giver of life, come and dwell within us and cleanse us from every blemish, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever and unto ages of ages.
O Most--Holy Trinity: Have mercy on us. Lord: Cleanse us from out sins. Master: Pardon our transgressions. Holy One: visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever and unto ages of ages.
Our Father, Who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Reader:
Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Come, let us worship God our King;
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God;
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.
Psalm 83 (84)
How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Psalm 84 (85)
Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger. Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
Psalm 85 (86)
Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (thrice)
Lord have mercy. (thrice)
(1stTroparion, if there be more than one – read by the Reader.) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: (2ndTroparion, if there be more than one; 1st Troparion, if only one – read by the Reader.) Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. O Thou Who for our sake wast born of a Virgin, and didst suffer crucifixion, O Good One, and didst despoil death by death, and, as God, didst reveal the resurrection. Disdain not them which Thou hast fashioned with Thine hand; show forth Thy love for mankind, O Merciful One; accept the Theotokos who gave Thee birth, who intercedeth for us; and do Thou, our Saviour, save a despairing people.
Song of the Three – vs. 11-12
Deliver us not up utterly, for Thy holy name's sake, and neither disannul Thou Thy covenant, and cause not Thy mercy to depart from us, for Abraham's sake, Thy beloved; and for Isaac's sake, Thy servant; and for Israel's, Thy Holy One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal. Have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Most-holy Trinity: Have mercy on us. Lord: Cleanse us from our sins. Master: Pardon our transgressions. Holy One: visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest:
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Thou who at every season and every hour, in Heaven and on earth art worshipped and glorified, O Christ God; long-suffering, merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the just and showest mercy upon the sinner; Who callest all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come.
O Lord, in this hour receive our supplications, and direct our lives according to Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Correct our minds; cleanse our thoughts; and deliver us from all tribulations, evil, and distress. Surround us with Thy holy angels; that, guided and guarded by them, we may attain to the unity of the faith, and unto the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory. For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.
In the name of the Lord, Father, bless.
Priest:
O God, take pity on us and bless us, and show the light of Thy countenance upon us, and have mercy on us.
Reader:
Amen.
Prayer of St. Basil the Great
O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who art long-suffering in the face of our transgressions, and Who hast brought us even unto this present hour, wherein Thou didst hang upon the life-giving tree, and didst make a way into paradise for the wise thief, and by death didst destroy death: Be gracious unto us sinners and Thine unworthy servants; for we have sinned and committed iniquity, and are not worthy to lift up our eyes and behold the height of heaven, for we have abandoned the way of Thy righteousness, and have walked in the desires of our hearts.
But we beseech Thy boundless goodness: Spare us, O Lord, according to the multitude of Thy mercy and save us for Thy holy name's sake; for our days were consumed in vanity. Rescue us from the hand of the adversary, and forgive us our sins, and mortify our carnal mind; that, putting aside the old man, we may be clad with the new, and live for Thee, our Master and Benefactor; and that thus by following in Thy commandments, we may attain to rest everlasting, wherein is the dwelling-place of all them that rejoice. For Thou art indeed the true joy and gladness of them that love Thee, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we send up glory, with Thine unoriginate Father, and Thy Most-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion: When the stone
had been sealed by the Jews and when the soldiers were guarding Thy pure
Body, O Saviour, Thou didst rise on the third day and give life to the
world. Therefore, the Powers of Heaven cried to Thee, O Giver of life:
Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory to Thy
Providence, O only Lover of men!
Kontakion:
Thou didst rise as God from the tomb with glory and with Thyself didst
raise the world, and the nature of men sings to Thee as God, and death
has vanished, and Adam dances for joy, O Lord, and Eve, now freed from
her fetters rejoices, crying: Thou, O Christ, art He Who givest to all
resurrection.
TONE 2:
Troparion: When Thou, the
Deathless Life, didst go down to death, then didst Thou slay hell by the
lightning flash of Thy divinity. And when Thou didst raise the dead
from the lower world, all the Powers of Heaven cried aloud: Christ our
God, Giver of life, glory to Thee.
Kontakion:
Thou didst rise from the tomb, all-powerful Saviour, and seeing the
miracle, hell was terrified, and the dead rose, whilst creation at the
sight of it rejoices with Thee, and Adam exults, and the world, O my
Saviour, ever sings to Thee.
TONE 3:
Troparion: Let the Heavens
rejoice and let the earth be glad, for the Lord has done a mighty act
with His arm. He has trampled death by death and become the First-born
of the dead, He has delivered us from the depths of hell, and has
granted the world His great mercy.
Kontakion:
Thou didst rise today from the grave, O Merciful One, and hast led us
out of the gates of death. Today Adam dances for joy and Eve rejoices,
and with them the Prophets and Patriarchs unceasingly sing of the divine
triumph of Thy power.
TONE 4:
Troparion: When the women
disciples of the Lord learned from the Angel the glad tidings of the
Resurrection and cast off the ancestral curse, they exultingly told the
Apostles: Death is despoiled, Christ our God has risen and is giving the
world the great mercy.
Kontakion:
My Saviour and Deliverer from the grave, as God, raised the earth-born
from their chains, and shattered the gates of hell; and He rose as Lord
on the third day.
TONE 5:
Troparion: Let us, the
faithful, praise and adore the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the
Spirit, Who for our salvation was born of a Virgin. For He was pleased
to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to endure death, and to raise the
dead by His glorious Resurrection.
Kontakion: Thou didst descend into
hell, my Saviour, and having shattered its gates, as All Powerful, Thou
didst raise the dead with Thyself, as Creator, and didst deliver Adam
from the curse, O Lover of men. Therefore, we all cry to Thee: Save us, O
Lord.
TONE 6:
Troparion: The Angelic
Hosts were before Thy tomb, the guards became as dead men, and Mary
stood in the sepulchre looking for Thy pure Body. Thou didst despoil
hell, for Thou wast not tempted by it. Thou didst come and meet the
Virgin to give life. O Lord, Who didst rise from the dead, glory to
Thee.
Kontakion:
Having raised all the dead from the valleys of darkness by His
life-giving hand, Christ our God granted resurrection to the human
dough. For He is the Saviour of all, the Resurrection and Life and God
of all.
TONE 7:
Troparion: Thou hast
destroyed death by Thy Cross, Thou hast opened Paradise to the thief.
Thou hast changed the lamentation of the Myrrbearers into joy, and Thou
hast commanded Thine Apostles to proclaim that Thou, O Christ our God,
hast risen and grantest the world the great mercy.
Kontakion:
No longer can the dominion of death hold mortals, for Christ has come
down and has shattered and broken its power. Hell is bound, and the
Prophets rejoice with one voice, saying: The Saviour has appeared to
those who have faith. Come out, you faithful, for the Resurrection.
TONE 8:
Troparion: Thou didst come
down from on high, Merciful Saviour, and accept burial for three days,
that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O Lord, our Life and
Resurrection, glory to Thee.
Kontakion:
Having risen from the tomb, Thou didst raise the dead and resurrect
Adam, and Eve dances with joy at Thy Resurrection. And all the ends of
the earth keep festival at Thy Rising from the dead, O Most Merciful
One.
Troparia, Kontakia, Prayers and Stichiras from the Lenten Triodion
PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE
After Matin Gospel, Troparion, tone 8: Open
to me the doors of repentance, O Life-giver. For my spirit rises early
to pray towards Thy holy temple, bearing the temple of my body all
defiled. But in Thy compassion, purify me by the loving kindness of Thy
mercy.
Theotokion: Make
straight for me the paths of salvation, O Mother of God. For I have
profaned my soul with shameful sins, and have wasted my whole life in
easy-going indifference. But by thy intercessions deliver me from all
uncleanness.
Tone 6: Have
mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the
multitude of Thy compassions, blot out my transgression. When I think of
the multitude of ghastly things I have done, wretch that I am, I
tremble at the fearful day of Judgment. But trusting in the mercy of Thy
loving kindness; like David I cry to Thee: Have mercy on me, O God,
according to Thy great mercy.
(Note:
These penitential songs are sung on Sundays during the Great Fast from
the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee to the fifth week.)
Kontakion, tone 4: Let
us avoid the proud speaking of the Pharisee and learn humility from the
groans of the Publican, and let us cry in penitence: O Saviour of the
world, be merciful to Thy servants.
THE PRODIGAL SON
Kontakion, tone 3: Having
foolishly abandoned Thy paternal glory, I have squandered on vices the
wealth Thou gavest me. Therefore I cry to Thee, O compassionate Father,
receive me who repent, and treat me as one of Thy hired servants.
MEAT FARE OR RELATIVES' SATURDAY
Troparion, tone 8: O Thou
Who with wisdom profound orderest all things with love, and Who givest
to all what is needful, O only Creator, give rest, O Lord, to the souls
of Thy servants, for on Thee they have set their hope, our Maker and
Builder, and our God.
Konlakion. tone 8: With
the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where
there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting.
MEAT FARE OR JUDGMENT SUNDAY
Konlakion, tone 1: When
Thou comest to earth with glory, O God, and all things tremble, then a
river of fire will flow before Thy Judgment Seat, and the books will be
opened, and the hidden things made public. Then deliver me from the
unquenchable fire and grant me to stand at Thy right hand, O most just
Judge.
SATURDAY OF CHEESE FARE
Troparion, tone 4: O God of
our Fathers, ever dealing with us according to Thy gentleness, take not
Thy mercy from us, but by their prayers guide our life in peace.
Kontakion, tone 8: Thou
hast made the company of our God-bearing Fathers illustrious as
preachers of piety and silencers of impiety, O Lord, and they light up
the world. By their intercessions keep in perfect peace those who
magnify and glorify Thee, that they may praise Thee and sing to Thee:
Alleluia.
CHEESE FARE OR FORGIVENESS SUNDAY
Kontakion, tone 6: O Lord,
Who art the guide to wisdom, the bestower of prudence, the instructor of
the thoughtless, and the protector of the poor, strengthen and
enlighten my heart. Give me the gift of expression, O Thou Who art the
Word of the Father; for behold I will not prevent my lips from crying to
Thee: O Merciful Lord, have mercy on me who have fallen.
The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian:
O Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition or vain talking. Prostration.
But rather a spirit of purity, humility, patience and love, bestow on me Thy servant. Prostration.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my
brother, for blessed art Thou to the ages of ages. Amen. Prostration.
O God, cleanse me, a sinner. (12 times, with a bow made for each) Then the entire prayer:
O Lord and Master of my life . . . with one prostration made at the end.
(Note: This prayer is read in
the Hours of Wednesday and Friday of Cheese Fare Week and in all
services of the Great Fast, except those of Saturday and Sunday.)
FIRST WEEK OF THE GREAT FAST
Kontakion, tone 6: My soul,
my soul, arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is drawing hear, and you
will be confounded. Awake, then, and be watchful, that Christ our God
may spare you, Who is everywhere present and fills all things.
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
- Great Martyr St. Theodore the Tyrian -
Troparion, tone 2: Great
are the triumphs of faith! In a fountain of flame the holy martyr
Theodore rejoiced as in refreshing water. For having been made a whole
burnt offering by fire, he was offered as sweet bread to the Trinity. By
his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion, tone 8: Having
received the faith of Christ in thy heart as an inner shield, thou
didst overcome all the opposing forces, O great champion, and thou hast
been crowned with a heavenly crown, O Theodore, for thou art eternally
invincible.
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
- Sunday of Orthodoxy -
Troparion, tone 2: We
worship Thy immaculate Image, O Good One, and ask forgiveness of our
sins, O Christ God; for of Thy own will Thou wast pleased to ascend the
Cross in the flesh, to deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou
hadst created. Therefore we thankfully cry to Thee: Thou hast filled
all things with joy, O our Saviour, by coming to save the world.
Kontakion, tone 8: The
illimitable Word of the Father accepted limitations by incarnation from
thee, O Mother of God; and He transformed our defiled image to its
original state and transfused it with the divine beauty. But we confess
and give thanks for our salvation, and we proclaim it by deed and word.
SECOND SUNDAY
- St. Gregory Palamas -
Troparion, tone 8: Light
of Orthodoxy, pillar and doctor of the Church, adornment of monks,
invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory the wonderworker, praise
of Thessalonica, preacher of grace, ever pray that our souls may be
saved.
Kontakion, tone 2: Organ
of wisdom, holy and divine, bright clarion of theology, we praise thee
in harmony, O divine speaker Gregory: But as a mind standing before the
First Mind, direct our mind to Him, father, that we may cry: Rejoice,
preacher of grace!
Kontaklon of the Sunday, tone 4: Now
is the time for action, judgment is at our doors. So let us rise and
fast, and let us offer tears of compunction with almsgiving, crying: We
have sinned more than the sand of the sea. But forgive us all, O
Creator, that we may receive incorruptible crowns.
THIRD SUNDAY
- Sunday of the Cross -
Troparion, tone 1: O
Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory over
their enemies to Orthodox Christians, and protect Thy people with Thy
Cross.
Kontakion, tone 4: O
Christ our God, Who wast voluntarily lifted up on the Cross, grant Thy
mercies to Thy new people named after Thee. Gladden with Thy power
Orthodox Christians and give them victory over their enemies. May they
have as an ally that invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Another Kontakion, tone 7: No
longer does the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden, for a glorious
extinction has come upon it, the wood of the Cross. The sting has been
drawn from death and the victory from hell. And Thou, my Saviour, didst
come and shout to those in hell: Enter Paradise again.
FOURTH SUNDAY
- St. John of the Ladder -
Troparion, tone 1: Thou
didst prove to be a freeman of the desert, an angel in a body, and a
wonder-worker, O our God - bearing Father John. By fasting, vigil and
prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and
the souls of those who have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him
Who gave thee strength, glory to Him Who crowned thee, glory to Him Who
works through thee healings for all.
Kontakion, tone 1: Offering
ever-blossoming fruits of learning from thy book, O wise one, thou
delightest the hearts of those who study it seriously, O blessed one.
For it is a ladder which leads up from the earth to the heavenly and
abiding glory souls who with faith honour thee.
THURSDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK
- The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete -
Kontakion, tone 6: My soul, my soul, arise! . . .(See First Week of the Great Fast)
SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK
- The Mother of God -
Troparion, tone 8: Having
mystically received knowledge of the divine order, the Bodiless One
flew with haste and stopped at the house of Joseph, and said to the
Virgin: Lo, He Who bowed the heavens by His descent is contained wholly
and unchanged in thee. And as I beheld Him in thy womb taking the form
of a servant, I marvel and cry to thee: Rejoice, unwedded Bride.
Kontakion, tone 8: Queen
of the Heavenly Host, defender of our souls, we thy servants offer to
thee songs of victory and thanksgiving, for thou, O Mother of God, hast
delivered us from terrors. But as thou hast invincible power, free us
from conflicts of all kinds that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, unwedded
Bride!
FIFTH SUNDAY
- St. Mary of Egypt -
Troparion, tone 8: In
thee, O Mother, was carefully preserved what is according to the Image.
For thou didst take the Cross and follow Christ. By so doing thou didst
teach us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away, but to care for
the soul as an immortal thing. Therefore, St. Mary, thy spirit rejoices
with the Angels.
Kontakion, tone 4: Having
escaped the fog of sin, and having illumined thy heart with the light
of penitence, O glorious one, thou didst come to Christ and didst offer
to Him His immaculate and holy Mother as a merciful intercessor. Hence
thou hast found remission for transgressions, and with the angels thou
ever rejoicest.
LAZARUS SATURDAY
Troparion, tone 1: Thou
didst give a pledge of the general resurrection before Thy Passion, O
Christ our God, by raising Lazarus from the dead. Therefore, we too,
like the children, carry the symbols of victory and cry to Thee, the
Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the Heights! Blessed is He Who comes in
the Name of the Lord.
Kontakion, tone 2: Christ,
the joy of all, the truth, the light, the life, the resurrection of the
world, in His goodness appeared to those on earth, and He became an
image of the Resurrection and grants to all divine forgiveness.
ENTRY OF THE LORD INTO JERUSALEM - PALM SUNDAY
Troparion, tone 1: Thou didst give a pledge. . . (See Lazarus Saturday)
Another Troparion, tone 4: As
by Baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy
Resurrection we were granted immortal life, and praising Thee, we cry:
Hosanna in the Heights! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
Kontaklon, tone 6: On
the throne in heaven and riding a colt on earth, O Christ our God, Thou
didst receive the praise of Angels and the chorus of the children who
cried to Thee: Blessed art Thou Who comest to recall Adam.
Passion Week Troparia
HOLY AND GREAT MONDAY
Troparion, tone 8: Behold,
the Bridegroom is coming in the middle of the night, and blessed is the
servant whom He shall find awake and watching, but unworthy is he whom
He shall find idle and careless. Beware, then, my soul, lest thou be
weighed down with sleep, lest thou be given up to death and shut out of
the Kingdom. But awake and cry: Holy, Holy, Holy, art Thou, O God:
through the intercessions of the Bodiless Ones, save us. (Sung three times; however, the ending the third time is: through the Mother of God, have mercy on us.)
Kontakion, tone 8: Jacob
lamented the loss of Joseph, but his noble son was sitting in a chariot
and honoured as a king. For when he refused to be enslaved by the
pleasures of the Egyptian woman, he was glorified by Him Who sees the
hearts of men and bestows an incorruptible crown.
HOLY AND GREAT TUESDAY
Troparion, tone 8: Behold, the Bridegroom ... (as Monday with the ending the first two times: through the intercessions of the Forerunner, save us. The third ending is: through the Mother of God, have mercy on us).
Kontakion, tone 2: Realizing
the hour of reckoning, O my soul, and fearing tlie cutting down of the
fig tree, work diligently with the talent that has been given thee O
wretched one. Watch and pray that we may not remain outside the bride
chamber of Christ.
HOLY AND GREAT WEDNESDAY
Troparion, tone 8: Behold, the Bridegroom... (as Monday with the ending the first two times: by the power of Thy Cross, save us. The third ending is: through the Mother of God, have mercy on us).
Kontakion, tone 4: I
have sinned more than the harlot, O Good One, and I come to Thee with
none of her showers of tears. But praying in silence, I fall down before
Thee and lovingly embrace Thy immaculate feet, that as the Lord Thou
mayest grant me forgiveness of sins as I cry to Thee, O Saviour: Deliver
me from the mire of my evil deeds.
HOLY AND GREAT THURSDAY
Troparion, tone 8: When Thy
glorious Disciples were enlightened at the supper by the feet washing,
then the impious Judas was darkened with the disease of avarice, and he
delivered Thee, the Just Judge, to the lawless judges. See, O lover of
money, this man through money came to hang himself. Flee the insatiable
desire which dared to do such things to the Master. O Lord, Who art good
towards all, glory to Thee.
Konlakion, tone 2: Having
taken bread in his hand, the traitor secretly stretches it out, and
takes a price for Him Who with His own hands made man. And Judas
remained an incorrigible slave and liar.
HOLY AND GREAT FRIDAY
Troparion, tone 4: Thou
hast redeemed us from the curse of the Law by Thy precious Blood. By
being nailed to the Cross and pierced with the Spear, Thou hast poured
immortality on mankind. O our Saviour, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 8: Come,
let us all praise Him Who was crucified for us. For Him it was Whom
Mary beheld on the Tree, and said: Even though Thou endurest the cross,
Thou art my Son and my God.
Troparia, tone 2:
(Vespers and Saturday Matins)
Noble Joseph took Thy
immaculate Body down from the tree, wrapped It in a clean shroud and
spices, and having embalmed It, laid It in a new sepulchre. But on the
third day Thou didst rise, O Lord, granting to the world great mercy.
The Angel stood by the tomb and
cried to the Myrrh-bearing women: Myrrh is fitting for the dead, but
Christ has shown Himself free from corruption.
HOLY AND GREAT SATURDAY
Troparia, tone 2: Noble
Joseph ... When Thou, the Deathless Life, didst go down to death, then
didst Thou slay hell by the lightning flash of Thy Divinity. And when
Thou didst raise the dead from the lower world, all the Powers of Heaven
cried aloud: Christ our God, Giver of Life, glory to Thee. The Angel...
Kontakion, tone 2: He
Who closed the abyss is seen as dead and wrapped in a shroud and
spices; He, the Immortal, as mortal is laid in the tomb; women came to
anoint Him, and they wept bitterly and exclaimed: This is the
ever-blessed Sabbath on which Christ, Who fell asleep, shall rise on the
third day.
Troparia and Kontakia for Easter Period and Pentecostarion
ST. THOMAS' SUNDAY
Troparion, tone 7: When the
tomb was sealed, Thou, the Life, O Christ our God, didst rise up from
the grave; and when the doors were closed, Thou, the Resurrection of
all, didst stand among the disciples, and through them renew a right
spirit in us, according to Thy mercy.
Kontakion, tone 8: With
his inquisitive right hand, Thomas probed Thy life-giving side, O
Christ our God. For when Thou didst enter, the doors being shut, with
the rest of the Apostles he cried to Thee: Thou art my Lord and my God.
SUNDAY OF THE MYRRHBEARERS
Troparia, tone 2:
When Thou, the Deathless Life,
didst go down to death, then didst Thou slay hell by the lightning flash
of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst raise the dead from the lower
world, all the Powers of Heaven cried aloud: Christ our God, Giver of
Life, glory to Thee.
Noble Joseph took Thy immaculate
Body down from the Tree, wrapped It in a clean shroud and spices, and
having embalmed It laid It in a new sepulchre. But on the third day Thou
didst rise, O Lord, granting to the world great mercy.
To the myrrbearing women at the
sepulchre an Angel appeared and cried: Myrrh is fit for the dead, but
Christ has shown Himself a Stranger to corruption. So cry: The Lord has
risen, granting to the world great mercy.
Kontakion, tone 2: Thou
didst command the Myrrbearers to rejoice, O Christ our God, Thou didst
dry the tears of our first mother Eve by Thy Resurrection, and Thou
didst command the Apostles to preach: The Saviour has risen from the
tomb.
SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC
Kontakion, tone 3: By Thy
divine presence, O Lord, raise my soul which is terribly paralyzed by
all kinds of sins and misguided actions, as of old Thou didst raise the
paralytic, that saved I may cry to Thee: O compassionate Christ, glory
to Thy power.
MID - PENTECOST
Troparion, tone 8: Having
come to the middle of the Feast, refresh my thirsty soul with the
streams of piety; for Thou, O Saviour, didst cry to all: Let him who
thirsts come to Me and drink. O Christ our God, Source of Life, glory to
Thee.
Kontakion, tone 4: When
the Feast of the law was half over, O Lord and Creator of all, Thou
didst say to the bystanders, O Christ our God: Come and draw the water
of immortality. Therefore we fall down before Thee and cry with faith:
Grant us Thy bounties, for Thou art the Source of our Life.
SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
Kontakion, tone 8: Having
come to the well by faith, the Samaritan woman beheld Thee, the Water of
Wisdom, of which she drank lavishly, and inherited the kingdom on high,
where her praises are sung eternally.
SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN
Kontakion, tone 4: Having
the eyes of my soul blinded, I come to Thee, O Christ, like the man
blind from birth, and with repentance I cry to Thee: Thou art the bright
Light of those in darkness.
ASCENSION
Troparion, tone 4: Thou
didst ascend into glory, O Christ our God, having gladdened Thy
disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. And this blessing convinced
them that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.
Kontakion, tone 6: Having
accomplished for us Thy mission and united things on earth with things
in heaven, Thou didst ascend into glory, O Christ our God, being nowhere
separated from those who love Thee, but remaining everpresent with us
and calling: I am with you and no one is against you.
HOLY FATHERS OF THE FIRST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL
Troparion, tone 8: Most
glorious art Thou, O Christ our God, Who didst establish our fathers, as
torch-bearers on earth and through them didst guide us all to the true
faith. Most Compassionate One, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 8: The
preaching of the Apostles, and the dogmas of the fathers, confirmed the
one faith of the Church. And wearing the garment of truth, woven from
heavenly theology, she rightly dispenses and glorifies the great mystery
of piety.
PENTECOST
Troparion, tone 8: Blessed
art Thou, Christ our God, Who didst make the fishermen wise by sending
down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world
into Thy net. Lover of men, glory to Thee.
Koniakion, tone 8: When
the Most High came down and confused the tongues, He divided the
nations, but when He distributed the tongues of fire, He called all to
unity. And with one accord we glorify the All-Holy Spirit.
ALL SAINTS
Troparion, tone 4: In all
the world, O Christ our God, Thy Church is adorned with the blood of Thy
martyrs as with purple and fine linen. Through them she cries to Thee:
Send down Thy compassion to Thy people, grant peace to Thy community,
and to our souls the great mercy.
Kontaldon, tone 8: The
universe offers to Thee, O Lord, as the Planter of Creation, the
God-bearing martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. By their prayers, O
Most Merciful One, through the Mother of God keep Thy Church, Thy
estate, in deep peace.
ALL SAINTS OF RUSSIA
Troparion, tone 8: As a
beautiful fruit of the sowing of Thy salvation, the land of Russia
offers to Thee, O Lord, all the Saints that have shone in it. By their
prayers keep the Church and our land in deep peace, through the Mother
of God, O Most Merciful One.
Kontakion, tone 3: Today
the choir of the Saints who pleased God in our land stands before us in
Church and invisibly prays for us to God. With them the Angels glorify
Him, and all the Saints of the Church of Christ keep festival with them;
and they all pray together for us to the eternal God.
Troparia and Kontakia of the Feasts of the Lord and the Mother of God
SEPTEMBER
8th
The Nativity of our Most Holy Lady,
Mother of God, and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Troparion, tone 4: Thy
birth, O Mother of God, has brought joy to all the world; for from thee
arose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, Who, having dissolved
the curse, has given His blessing, and having abolished death, has
granted us life eternal.
Kontakion, tone 4: Joakim
and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness and Adam and Eve
from the corruption of death, O Immaculate One, by thy holy nativity.
And thy people, redeemed from the guilt of sin, celebrate thy birth by
crying to thee: The barren woman gives birth to the Mother of God and
the nurse of our life.
14th
The Elevation of the Precious
and Life-giving Cross.
Troparion, tone 1: O
Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory over
their enemies to Orthodox Christians, and protect Thy people with Thy
Cross.
Kontakion, tone 4: O
Christ our God, Who wast voluntarily lifted up on the Cross, grant Thy
mercies to Thy new people named after Thee. Gladden with Thy power
Orthodox Christians and give them victory over their enemies. May they
have as an ally that invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
NOVEMBER
21st
The Presentation in the Temple of our
Most Holy Lady, Mother of God
and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Troparion, tone 4: Today
is the prelude of God's good-will and the prophecy of the salvation of
men. The Virgin appears openly in the temple of God and fortells Christ
to all. So let us cry to her with loud voices: Rejoice, thou who art the
fulfilment of the Creator's providence.
Konlakion, tone 4: The
most pure Temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and
Virgin, the sacred treasury of the glory of God, today enters into the
house of the Lord, bringing with her the grace that is in the Divine
Spirit. And the Angels of God sing of her: This is the heavenly
tabernacle.
DECEMBER
25th
The Nativity of our Lord and God
and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Troparion, tone 4: Thy
birth, O Christ our God, rose upon the world as the light of knowledge;
for through it those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star to
adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Sunrise from
on high. O Lord, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 3: The
Virgin today gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the earth offers a
cave to the Unapproachable One. Angels and shepherds glorify Him, and
wise men journey with a star. For a young Child is born for us, Who is
the eternal God.
JANUARY
6th
The Holy Theophany, Epiphany,
or Baptism of our Lord and God
and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Troparion, tone 1: When
Thou wast baptised in the Jordan, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity
made its appearance. For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee,
when He called Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a
dove confirmed the truth of the word. O Christ our God Who hast appeared
and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!
Konlakion, tone 4:
Thou hast appeared today to the world, and Thy light, O Lord, has been
signed upon us who with full knowledge sing to Thee. Thou hast come,
Thou hast appeared, O Unapproachable Light.
FEBRUARY
2nd
The Meeting or Presentation of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
Troparion, tone 1: Rejoice,
thou who art full of grace, Mother of God and Virgin, for from thee
arose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, to give light to those
in darkness. Rejoice thou also, righteous elder, who didst take in thy
arms the Redeemer of our souls who also gives us the grace of
resurrection.
Kontaldon, tone 1: Thou
Who didst sanctify the Virgin's womb by Thy birth and bless Simeon's
hands as was fitting, hast now come to us and saved us, O Christ our
God. But grant peace in the midst of wars to Thy community, and
strengthen the Church which Thou hast loved, O only Lover of men.
MARCH
25th
The Annunciation of our Most Holy
Lady, the Mother of God.
Troparion, tone 4: Today
is the beginning of our salvation and the manifestation of the mystery
which is from eternity. The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin,
and Gabriel announces grace. So with him let us also cry to the Mother
of God: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace! The Lord is with thee.
Kontakion, tone 8: Queen
of the Heavenly Host, Defender of our souls, we thy servants offer to
thee songs of victory and thanksgiving, for thou, O Mother of God, hast
delivered us from dangers. But as thou hast invincible power, free us
from conflicts of all kinds that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, unwedded
Bride!
AUGUST
6th
The Transfiguration of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Troparion, tone 7: When
Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, Thou didst
show Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thy
everlasting light illumine also us sinners through the intercessions of
the Mother of God. Giver of Light, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 7: Thou
wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, and Thy disciples
beheld Thy glory as far as they were capable, that when they should see
Thee crucified, they might know that Thy suffering was voluntary and
might proclaim to the world that Thou art indeed the reflection of the
Father.
15th
Dormition or Assumption of the
Most Holy Mother of God.
Troparion, tone 1: In
giving birth thou didst keep thy virginity, and in thy assumption thou
didst not forsake the world, O Mother of God. Thou didst pass on to
life, since thou art the Mother of Life, and by thy intercessions thou
redeemest our souls from death.
Kontakion, tone 2: The
grave and death could not hold the Mother of God, who is sleepless in
her intercessions and an unchanging hope in her meditations. For as the
Mother of Life she was transferred to life by Him Who dwelt in her
ever-virgin womb.
Psalter copyright 1974 Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Boston, MA
Prayers from the Great Horologion are copyright 1997 Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Boston, MA.