Τῌ ΤΕΤΑΡΤῌ ΕΣΠΕΡΑΣ
ON WEDNESDAY EVENING
Εἰς τό, Κύριε, ἐκέκραξα, Προσόμοια.
At, Lord, I have cried, Prosomia.
Στιχηρὰ Ἀποστολικά.
Stichera for the Apostles.
Ἦχος πλ. δʹ. Κύριε, εἰ καὶ κριτηρίῳ.
Mode pl. 4. Lord, even though.
Κύριε, σὺ τοῦ Παρακλήτου τῇ αἴγλῃ, τοὺς Ἀποστόλους ἐφώτισας, καὶ φωστῆρας τέθεικας τούτους, τὴν οἰκουμένην καταυγάζοντας, τῷ νοητῷ φωτισμῷ, τῆς γνώσεώς σου Δέσποτα· διὰ τοῦτο προσκυνοῦμεν, τὴν πολλήν σου ἀγαθότητα.
Lord our God, You illuminated the Apostles * with the brightness of the Paraclete, * and set them as luminaries brightly * illuminating the entire world * with the intelligible light, * O Master, of the knowledge of You; * and for this reason do we worship * Your immeas’rable benevolence. [SD]
Κύριε, σὺ τῶν Ἀποστόλων πρεσβείαις, περιτειχίζων τὴν ποίμνην σου, ταύτην ἐξ ἐχθρῶν ἐπηρείας, διασῴζεις ἀστασίαστον, ἥν περ τιμίῳ Σωτήρ, ὠνησάμενός σου αἵματι, τῆς δουλείας τοῦ ἀλλοτρίου, ἠλευθέρωσας ὡς εὔσπλαγχνος.
Lord our God, by the Apostles’ intercessions, * setting a wall round about Your flock, * You preserve it unagitated * by disturbances from enemies; * for with Your own precious blood, * O Savior, having ransomed it, * being compassionate, You freed it * from its bondage to the hostile foe. [SD]
Ὤφθητε, ἐν τῷ διαδήματι Χριστοῦ, τῆς Ἐκκλησίας, ὡς τίμιοι, λίθοι διαυγεῖς λαμπηδόνας, τῇ οἰκουμένῃ ἀστράπτοντες, θεογνωσίας τὸ φῶς, Ἀπόστολοι μακάριοι, τῆς Τριάδος παραστάται, καὶ πρεσβευταὶ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.
Ἕτερα Στιχηρά. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Ὅμοια.
Additional Stichera. For St. Nicholas. Same Melody.
Κύριε, σὺ τοῦ Ἱεράρχου ταῖς θείαις, πανευπροσδέκτοις δεήσεσιν, ἐκ παντὸς κινδύνου καὶ πάσης, ἐλευθέρωσον κακώσεως, καὶ ἐπηρείας κακῶν, τοὺς δούλους σου Φιλάνθρωπε, τοὺς ἐν πίστει προσκυνοῦντας, σοῦ τὸ κράτος τὸ ἀνείκαστον.
Lord our God, You always accept the entreaties * on our behalf from the Hierarch. * At his intercession, O Master most benevolent, deliver us * from every peril and all * hardship and calamity, * for we faithfully worship * Your ineffable omnipotence. [SD]
Κύριε, σὺ τὸν Ἱεράρχην ἐν κόσμῳ, ὡς εὐωδίαν ἀνέδειξας· πάντων γὰρ πιστῶν τὰς καρδίας, εὐωδιάζει νῦν τοῖς θαύμασι, νόσους καὶ πάθη ψυχῶν, διώκων τῇ σῇ χάριτι, οὗ ταῖς πρεσβείαις, ὡς Οἰκτίρμων, τοὺς ὑμνοῦντάς σε περίσῳζε.
Κύριε, σὺ τὸν σὸν σεπτὸν Ἱεράρχην, ἐν τοῖς πέρασιν ἐδόξασας, δοὺς αὐτῷ θαυμάτων τὴν χάριν, καὶ ὑπέρμαχον ἀνέδειξας, τῶν ἐν κινδύνοις δεινοῖς, καὶ θλίψεων κακώσεσι, περιπιπτόντων καὶ αἰτούντων, τούτου ἀεὶ τὴν ἀντίληψιν.
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον. Ὅμοιον.
Glory. Both now. Theotokion. Same Melody.
Utukufu. Sasa. Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ἴδε μου, τῆς συντετριμμένης καρδίας, τοὺς στεναγμοὺς Θεονύμφευτε, πρόσδεξαι Παρθένε Μαρία, καὶ μὴ ἀπώσῃ πανάμωμε, τὰς τῶν χειρῶν μου Ἁγνή, ἐπάρσεις ὡς φιλάγαθος, ἵνα ὑμνῶ καὶ μεγαλύνω, τὸν μεγαλύναντα τὸ γένος ἡμῶν.
Bride of God, I implore you, please be attentive * to the sighing of my broken heart. * Virgin Mary, all-blameless Lady, * I pray you not overlook me now; * O pure one, rather accept * the lifting of my hands in prayer, * that I may magnify and worship * your Son who magnified our human race. [SD]
Προκείμενον. Ἦχος πλ. αʹ.
Prokeimenon. Mode pl. 1.
Prokimeno. Sauti 5.
Ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου σῶσόν με, καὶ ἐν τῇ δυνάμει σου κρινεῖς με.
Save me, O God, in Your name, and judge me in Your power.
Στίχ. Ὁ Θεός, εἰσάκουσον τῆς προσευχῆς μου, ἐνώτισαι τὰ ῥήματα τοῦ στόματός μου.
Verse: O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. [SAAS]
Mstari
Εἰς τὸν Στίχον.
At the Aposticha.
Ἀπόστιχα Στιχηρά. Ἦχος πλ. δʹ.
Aposticha. Mode pl. 4.
Αποστολικά. Κύριε, εἰ καὶ κριτηρίῳ.
For the Apostles. Lord, even though.
Κύριε, σὲ εἰλικρινῶς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οἱ Ἀπόστολοι ποθήσαντες, σκύβαλα ἡγήσαντο πάντα, ἵνα μόνον σε κερδήσωσι, καὶ ὑπὲρ σοῦ αἰκισμοῖς, τὰ σώματα παρέδωκαν· διὰ τοῦτο δοξασθέντες, πρεσβεύουσιν ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.
Lord our God, while on earth, the holy Apostles * sincerely longing to be with You, * counted all other things as rubbish * so that You alone they might obtain; * and for the love of You they gave * their bodies up to martyrdom. * And therefore now enjoying glory, * they intercede with You on behalf of our souls. [SD]
Στίχ. Πρὸς σὲ ἦρα τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς μου τὸν κατοικοῦντα ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. Ἰδοὺ ὡς ὀφθαλμοὶ δούλων εἰς χεῖρας τῶν Κυρίων αὐτῶν, ὡς ὀφθαλμοὶ παιδίσκης εἰς χεῖρας τῆς Κυρίας αὐτῆς, οὕτως οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν πρὸς Κύριον τὸν θεὸν ἡμῶν, ἕως οὗ οἰκτειρῆσαι ἡμᾶς.
Verse: I lift my eyes to You, who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the maidservant look to the hands of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He shall have compassion on us. [SAAS]
Mstari
Κύριε, σὺ τῶν Ἀποστόλων τὴν μνήμην, ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐμεγάλυνας· πάντες γὰρ ὁμοῦ συνελθόντες, ἐν αὐτῇ δοξολογοῦμέν σε, ὅτι παρέχεις ἡμῖν, διʼ αὐτῶν τὰ ἰάματα, καὶ τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν εἰρήνην, εὐχαῖς αὐτῶν καὶ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.
Lord our God, You have caused the holy Apostles’ * mem’ry on earth to be magnified; * and when we assemble together * to observe it, we all sing Your praise; * for You provide us through them * with healing of infirmities, * and at their supplications * You give peace and great mercy unto the world. [SD]
Στίχ. Ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, Κύριε, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, ὅτι ἐπὶ πολὺ ἐπλήσθημεν ἐξουδενώσεως, ἐπὶ πλεῖον ἐπλήσθη ἡ ψυχὴ ἡμῶν. Τὸ ὄνειδος τοῖς εὐθηνοῦσι, καὶ ἡ ἐξουδένωσις τοῖς ὑπερηφάνοις.
Verse: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with contempt; our soul is greatly filled with it. We are a disgrace to those who prosper, and a contempt to the arrogant. [SAAS]
Mstari
Μαρτυρικόν.
For the Martyrs.
Εἴ τις ἀρετή, καὶ εἴ τις ἔπαινος, πρέπει τοῖς Ἁγίοις· ξίφεσι γὰρ ἔκλιναν τοὺς αὐχένας, διὰ σὲ τὸν κλίναντα οὐρανοὺς καὶ καταβάντα, ἐξέχεαν τὸ αἷμα αὐτῶν, διὰ σὲ τὸν κενώσαντα ἑαυτόν, καὶ μορφὴν δούλου λαβόντα, ἐταπεινώθησαν ἕως θανάτου, τὴν πτωχείαν σου μιμούμενοι. Ὧν ταῖς εὐχαῖς, κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν σου, ὁ Θεὸς ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.
If there be virtue and if there be praise, it is fitting for the Martyrs; for they bowed their necks to the broadsword for You who bowed the heavens and descended. They spilled their blood for You who emptied yourself and took the form of a servant; and they let themselves be humbled, even unto death, in imitation of Your poverty. So, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, through their prayers, O God, have mercy on us. [SD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον. Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.
Glory. Both now. Theotokion. What are we to call you.
Utukufu. Sasa. Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Νύμφην σε Παρθένε ἐκήρυξαν, τῆς ἀξίας τοῦ Πατρός, καὶ τῆς Θεότητος αὐτοῦ, οἱ Θεόν, ἀξιωθέντες κατιδεῖν σωματικῶς, καὶ Λόγου καὶ Θεοῦ Κόρη γεννήτριαν, καὶ Πνεύματος ἁγίου οἰκητήριον· ἐν σοὶ γὰρ πᾶν τῆς Θεότητος, σωματικῶς κατεσκήνωσε, τὸ πλήρωμα, πληρεστάτης οὔσης χάριτος.
They who had become worthy to behold * God in body did proclaim you as a pure and virgin Bride * who was worthy of the Father and of His Divinity, * and called you, the engenderer of God the Word, * O Damsel, and the Holy Spirit’s dwelling place; * because, indeed, all the fullness of * the Godhead bodily dwelt in you, * while you, yourself, * most abundantly were full of grace. [SD]
__________
__________
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Τῌ ΠΕΜΠΤῌ ΠΡΩΪ
ON THURSDAY MORNING
ΕΝ Τῼ ΟΡΘΡῼ
MATINS
Μετὰ τὴν αʹ Στιχολογίαν, Καθίσματα. Αποστολικά.
After the first Psalter reading, Kathismata. For the Apostles.
Ἦχος πλ. δʹ. Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.
Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.
Ὡς φωστῆρας τοῦ κόσμου, καὶ ὁδηγούς, τῆς ἡμῶν σωτηρίας, τὰς ἀπαρχάς, τοὺς θείους ὑμνήσωμεν, μαθητὰς τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, ὅτι φῶς τοῖς ἐν σκότει, ἡμῖν ἐξανέτειλαν, καὶ τὸν Ἥλιον πᾶσι, τῆς δόξης ἐγνώρισαν· ὅθεν καὶ τὴν πλάνην, τῶν εἰδώλων καθεῖλον, Τριάδα κηρύξαντες, ἐν μιᾷ τῇ Θεότητι. Πρὸς αὐτοὺς οὖν βοήσωμεν· Ἀπόστολοι Χριστοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, τῶν πταισμάτων ἄφεσιν αἰτήσασθε, τοῖς ἑορτάζουσι πόθῳ, τὴν ἁγίαν μνήμην ὑμῶν.
Let us sing hymns extolling our God’s divine * and all-honored disciples, who for the world * are luminaries guiding us, and our salvation’s first fruits. * They have shined out the light on to us who were in the dark, and they gave all the knowledge of Christ the glorious Sun. * Also they brought down the deception of the idols, * by preaching the Trinity which is one in divinity. * Let us therefore cry out to them, * “As Christ our God’s Apostles, entreat * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory.” [SD]
Ὅμοιον.
Same Melody.
Εἰς τὰ πέρατα πάντα, διαδραμών, ὁ σοφὸς ὑμῶν φθόγγος, ὡς ἀληθῶς, τοῦ κόσμου πανεύφημοι, τοῦ Κυρίου Ἀπόστολοι, θεογνωσίαν πᾶσι, τρανῶς ἀνεκήρυξε, καὶ τῶν ἐθνῶν τὴν ἄγνοιαν, εἰς γνῶσιν μετήγαγεν· ὅθεν καὶ εἰδώλων, τὴν ἀχλὺν ἐκδιώξας, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως, τοῖς ἐν σκότει κατέλαμψε. Διὰ τοῦτο δεόμεθα· Πρεσβεύσατε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, τῶν πταισμάτων ἄφεσιν δωρήσασθαι, τοῖς ἑορτάζουσι πόθῳ, τὴν ἁγίαν μνήμην ὑμῶν.
To the ends of the world into all the earth * did the sound of your wise proclamation go. * Indeed it has publicly proclaimed the knowledge of God to all. * It turned the Gentiles’ ignorance into full knowledge of the truth, * O holy and all-lauded Apostles of Christ the Lord. * Also it dispelled all the darkness of the idols, * and shined on to those who sat in the darkness the light of truth. * And we therefore now pray to you: * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον. Ὅμοιον.
Glory. Both now. Theotokion. Same Melody.
Utukufu. Sasa. Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Τὴν ψυχήν μου Παρθένε, τὴν ταπεινήν, τὴν ἐν ζάλῃ τοῦ βίου, τῶν πειρασμῶν, νῦν ὡς ἀκυβέρνητον, ποντουμένην Πανάμωμε, ἁμαρτιῶν τε φόρτῳ, φανεῖσαν ὑπέραντλον, καὶ εἰς πυθμένα ᾅδου, πεσεῖν κινδυνεύουσαν, φθάσον Θεοτόκε, τῇ θερμῇ σου πρεσβείᾳ, καὶ σῶσον παρέχουσα, τὸν λιμένα τὸν εὔδιον, ἵνα πίστει κραυγάζω σοι· Πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, τῶν πταισμάτων δοῦναί μοι τὴν ἄφεσιν· σὲ γὰρ ἔχω ἐλπίδα ὁ δοῦλός σου.
Holy Virgin, behold how my humble soul * in the storm of temptations of life is tossed, * with no one to pilot it, * overtaken by turbulence; * you see it overweight with the baggage of all my sins, * and even now in danger of crashing to the depths of hell. * Hasten, Theotokos, with your strong intercession, * and save me by steering me * to your port of tranquility, * that with faith I may cry to you: * Pray to Christ, your Son and our God, * that He grant me forgiveness of offenses. * For I, your servant, have you as my only hope. [SD]
Μετὰ τὴν βʹ Στιχολογίαν, ἕτερα Καθίσματα. Αποστολικά. Τὸ προσταχθέν.
After the second Psalter reading, Kathismata. For the Apostles. When he perceived.
Φωστῆρες ὤφθητε λαμπροί, Χριστοῦ αὐτόπται, διὰ παντὸς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, φωταγωγοῦντες, καὶ σοβοῦντες τὸ σκότος, τῆς πολυθεΐας, τῷ φέγγει, τῆς εὐσεβείας τῶν διδαχῶν· διό με, τὸν ἐν τῷ σκότει τῶν ἡδονῶν, ἀδεῶς πορευόμενον, φωτίσατε τῷ φωτί, τῶν θείων προσευχῶν ὑμῶν, Θεοφόροι Ἀπόστολοι.
Holy eye-witnesses of Christ, you have appeared as * bright luminaries guiding all the earth to true light, * and dispelling the darkness of pagan religion * with radiance from your teaching the truth of God. * Now I, who am without scruples living my life * in the darkness of pleasures, pray that by the light of your divine * entreaties you enlighten me, * O God-bearing Apostles of Christ. [SD]
Ὅμοιον.
Same Melody.
Τὰς τοῦ Κυρίου ἐν ψυχῇ, παραγγελίας, ὡς θησαυρὸν πλουτοποιόν, πιστῶς λαβόντες, οἱ Ἀπόστολοι ὤφθησαν, πᾶσιν εὐεργέται, πτωχείαν ἀποσοβοῦντες, δαιμονικήν, καὶ πάντας, καταπλουτοῦντες πλούτῳ Θεοῦ, πρὸς οὓς πάντες βοήσωμεν· Πλουτίσατε καὶ ἡμᾶς, ἀρίσταις ἐργασίαις νῦν, πενομένους δεόμεθα.
When the Apostles faithfully received the Master’s * commandments in their souls, as if a treasure * that makes rich, they became for all men benefactors, * by making demonic poverty disappear * and making all people rich with the wealth of God. * Let us all now cry out to them, “We who are poor now entreat * that you enrich us spiritually, * by your labors most excellent.” [SD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον. Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.
Glory. Both now. Theotokion. O Life of all, You rose.
Utukufu. Sasa. Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ἐκ πάσης ἀπειλῆς, καὶ κακίας ἀνθρώπων, διάσωσον ἡμᾶς, Παναγία Παρθένε· σκέπην καὶ γάρ σε πάντες, καὶ προστασίαν θερμὴν κεκτήμεθα, καὶ τῷ ἐκ σοῦ τεχθέντι, ἐν σοὶ θαῤῥοῦντες ἀεὶ προσπίπτομεν, ὃν ἐκδυσώπει ῥύσασθαι ἡμᾶς, ἐκ πάσης περιστάσεως.
From every threat and wickedness of bad people * deliver us, we pray you, all-holy Virgin. * For we all have you as our shelter and ardent protectress. * And in you taking courage, we ever approach and bow before the Son you bore. * Will you implore Him to deliver us * from danger and adversity. [SD]
Μετὰ τὴν γʹ Στιχολογίαν, ἕτερα Καθίσματα.
After the third Psalter reading, Kathismata.
Ἀποστολικόν. Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.
For the Apostles. By conceiving the wisdom.
Τῇ σαγήνῃ τῶν λόγων, τῶν θεϊκῶν, ὡς ἰχθύας ζωγροῦντες, τοὺς λογικούς, τούτους προσηγάγετε, ἀπαρχὴν τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ τὰ στίγματα, ποθοῦντες ἐνδύσασθαι, μιμηταὶ τοῦ Πάθους, αὐτοῦ ἀνεδείχθητε. Ὅθεν συνελθόντες, κατὰ χρέος τιμῶμεν, Ἀπόστολοι ἔνδοξοι, τὴν ὑμῶν νῦν πανήγυριν, καὶ συμφώνως κραυγάζομεν· Πρεσβεύσατε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, τῶν πταισμάτων ἄφεσιν δωρήσασθαι, τοῖς ἑορτάζουσι πόθῳ, τὴν ἁγίαν μνήμην ὑμῶν.
With the net of your sacred and godly words, * O Apostles, you caught the rational fish. * You offered them to our God as the first-fruits, O blessed one. * You longed to emulate Christ and thus you were shown to be * imitators of His Passion and put on the marks thereof. * Therefore bound by duty we assemble to honor * the feast of your memory, O Apostles extolled by all, * and together we cry to you: * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]
Μαρτυρικόν. Ὅμοιον.
For the Martyrs. Same Melody.
Οἰκουμένης φωστῆρες, ἀειλαμπεῖς, ἀνεδείχθητε πίστει, μαρτυρικῇ, ὅλην ἀναθέμενοι, τὴν ἐλπίδα πρὸς Κύριον, καὶ νοητῷ ἐλαίῳ, τοῦ Πνεύματος Ἅγιοι, τὰς ψυχικάς λαμπάδας, ὑμῶν ἐφαιδρύνατε· ὅθεν καὶ κρατῆρες, νοητοὶ τοῖς ἀνθρώποις, ἰάσεις προχέοντες, ὥσπερ νάματα ὤφθητε, Ἀθλοφόροι πανεύφημοι, πρεσβεύσατε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, τῶν πταισμάτων ἄφεσιν δωρήσασθαι, τοῖς ἑορτάζουσι πόθῳ, τὴν ἁγίαν μνήμην ὑμῶν.
By your strong faith as martyrs you have become * ever radiant torches for all the world, * for you placed your every hope * in the Lord, who enabled you; * you kept your souls, like lamps, lit * with the spiritual oil * of the all-holy Spirit, * O Martyrs extolled by all. * Therefore you are also known as spiritual wine bowls * that serve up as beverages * cures and healings to all mankind, * O victorious martyr saints. * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον.
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Utukufu. Sasa. Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ἡ νοητὴ πύλη τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν, ἄχραντε Θεοτόκε, τοὺς προστρέχοντάς σοι πιστῶς, λύτρωσαι τῶν κινδύνων, ἵνα δοξάζωμεν τὸν πανάγιον τόκον σου, εἰς σωτηρίαν τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.
O immaculate Theotokos, as the intelligible Gate of life, rescue from peril those who run to you with faith, so that we may glorify your all-holy childbirth, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]
Κανὼν τῶν Ἁγίων Ἀποστόλων.
Canon for the Holy Apostles.
Ἦχος πλ. δʹ. ᾨδὴ αʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Mode pl. 4. Ode i. Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας ὡσεὶ ξηράν, καὶ τὴν αἰγυπτίαν, μοχθηρίαν διαφυγών, ὁ Ἰσραηλίτης ἀνεβόα· Τῷ Λυτρωτῇ καὶ Θεῷ ἡμῶν ᾄσωμεν.
Of old when the Israelite had crossed * the watery passage as if over a tract of land, * fleeing from the misery of Egypt, * he cried: “To God our Redeemer, O let us sing.” [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Troparia
Χορὸς Ἀποστόλων φωτοειδής, φωτὶ τῷ μεγάλῳ, παριστάμενος τὴν ἐμήν, ζοφώδη καταύγασον καρδίαν, καὶ σωτηρίας πρὸς τρίβους ὁδήγησον.
Shine light on my woefully darkened heart, * O luminous choir of Apostles, and guide my steps * on the ways that lead to my salvation, * as you now stand near the great uncreated Light. [SD]
Οἱ γνήσιοι φίλοι τοῦ Λυτρωτοῦ, παθῶν με φιλίας, ἐκλυτρώσασθε τὸν πολλαῖς, ἀπάταις τοῦ βίου πλανηθέντα, καὶ ἀγνωσίας νυκτὶ καλυπτόμενον.
The many distractions of daily life * have caused me to wander in my ignorance as in night. * O genuine friends of the Redeemer, * free me from friendship with passions misguiding me. [SD]
Ῥομφαίᾳ πληγέντας τοῦ πονηροῦ, ἰάσασθε βέλη, πεφυκότες τοῦ δυνατοῦ, Ἀπόστολοι θεῖοι τοὺς ἐν πίστει, ὑπὸ τὴν σκέπην ὑμῶν καταφεύγοντας.
The evil one injures us with his sword. * O holy Apostles, as the sharp arrows of the Lord, * the Mighty One, as the Psalmist said once, * heal us who run to your safe haven faithfully. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ὁ πλήρης κενοῦται καθὸ Θεός, καὶ σοῦ ἐκ κοιλίας, σαρκοφόρος Μήτηρ Ἁγνή, προέρχεται σῴζων εὐσπλαγχνία, τοὺς ὑπαχθέντας κακίᾳ τοῦ ὄφεως.
Our God, being full, has emptied himself. * Pure Mother, He came forth from your womb, having taken flesh, * in His tender-love, wishing to save us, * who had succumbed to the wickedness of the snake. [SD]
Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου.
Canon for St. Nicholas.
Ἡ κεκομμένη.
The rod of Moses divided.
Σὺν ταῖς χορείαις τῶν ἄνω δυνάμεων, τῷ Βασιλεῖ καὶ Θεῷ, Μάκαρ παριστάμενος, ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἐπὶ γῆς, πιστῶς ἐξαιτουμένους σε, παντὸς πειρατηρίου χαλεποῦ, Νικόλαε περίσωζε, λύσιν ἐξαιτούμενος, ἡμῖν τῶν παραπτώσεων.
O blessed Saint, as you stand in the presence of * our King and God in the heights, with angelic choruses, * deliver us on earth who pray to you with ardent faith; * and save us from all dangerous ordeals, * O holy father Nicholas, * and pray that our every sin and trespass be forgiven us. [SD]
Οἱ σὲ προστάτην πλουτοῦντες Νικόλαε, ἡμέρας τε καὶ νυκτός, πίστει σοι κραυγάζομεν· Νῦν πρόφθασον ἡμᾶς, μεγάλως κινδυνεύοντας, δαιμόνων πονηραῖς ἐπιβουλαῖς, φθοροποιῶν ἀνθρώπων τε, ὅπως ἀναψύξεως, τυχόντες εὐφημῶμέν σε.
We who are rich having you as our patron Saint, * cry out to you, day and night, with faith, father Nicholas. * Be there to help us face grave dangers and predicaments, * and wicked plots against us that were set * by demons and by violent men, * so that we may sing your praise for rescuing and saving us. [SD]
Ἰσχυροτάταις νευραῖς τῆς πρεσβείας σου, τοὺς ἀποπνίγειν ἡμᾶς, σπεύδοντας Νικόλαε, τελείᾳ ἀγχονίᾳ παράδος λυτρούμενος, τῆς τούτων πονηρᾶς ἐπαγωγῆς, τοὺς ἐν αἰνέσει κράζοντας· τῷ Κυρίῳ ᾄσωμεν· ἐνδόξως γὰρ δεδόξασται.
With mighty ropes of your prayers, O St. Nicholas, * utterly strangle the foes who hasten to strangle us. * And by your intercessions, rescue us, we pray, * from being dragged away by evil men. * And we shall ever sing your praise, * saying: “Let us sing to the Lord, * for He is greatly glorified.” [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Νομίμως δίχα τῆς φύσεως τέτοκας, τὸν Νομοδότην καὶ Θεόν, ἄνθρωπον γενόμενον· αὐτὸν ὡς ἀγαθόν, ἱκέτευε Πανάμωμε, ἡμῶν τὰς ἀνομίας παριδεῖν, τῶν βοώντων πάντοτε· Τῷ Κυρίῳ ᾄσωμεν· ἐνδόξως γὰρ δεδόξασται.
Becoming man, the Law-giver and God was born * from you, O Virgin, in ways contrary to nature’s laws. * All-blameless one, entreat Him, that in His benevolence * He overlook the multitude of sins * of us who sing unceasingly, * saying: “Let us sing to the Lord, * for He is greatly glorified.” [SD]
ᾨδὴ γʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode iii. Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Σὺ εἶ τὸ στερέωμα, τῶν προστρεχόντων σοι Κύριε· σὺ εἶ τὸ φῶς τῶν ἐσκοτισμένων, καὶ ὑμνεῖ σε τὸ πνεῦμά μου.
Lord, You are the firm support * of those run to You faithfully. * You are the light * of those who are darkened. * And my spirit is praising You. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Troparia
Σθένος περιζώσατε, ἐξασθενήσασαν πάθεσι, καὶ ἡδοναῖς τὴν ἐμὴν καρδίαν, τοῦ Σωτῆρος Ἀπόστολοι.
O Apostles of the Lord, * my heart is weakened; for carelessly * I have indulged * in passions and pleasures. * I entreat you to strengthen it. [SD]
Μίαν καταγγέλλοντες, τρισσοφαῆ Θεοῦ ἔλλαμψιν, οἱ Μαθηταὶ τῆς πολυθεΐας, τὴν ἀχλὺν ἐξηφάνισαν.
As the Lord’s Disciples preached * that God is one light in Trinity, * they drove away * all the misty darkness * of pagan polytheism. [SD]
Ἕλκη πονηρότατα, τὰ τῆς καρδίας μου παύσατε, ὡς ἰατροὶ θείᾳ χειρουργίᾳ, τοῦ Σωτῆρος Ἀπόστολοι.
O Apostles of the Lord, * my heart is ailing and suffers from infected sores. * As physicians, heal me * with divine surgery of grace. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Σῶσόν με κυήσασα, ὑπερφυῶς ἁγνὴ Δέσποινα, τὸν Λυτρωτὴν πάντων καὶ Δεσπότην, καὶ Σωτῆρα καὶ Κύριον.
Save me, O immaculate * Lady, who gave birth ineffably * to Christ our God, * Savior and Redeemer * of the world and the Lord of all. [SD]
Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Εἱρμὸς ὁ αὐτός.
Canon for St. Nicholas. Same Heirmos.
Ἵνα σε γεραίρωμεν, ἵνα τιμῶμέν σε πάντοτε, δίδου ἡμῖν χεῖρα βοηθείας, ἱεράρχα Νικόλαε.
Lend a helping hand to us, * O holy hierarch Nicholas, * so that we may * celebrate and honor * your memorial every day. [SD]
Κοίμισον Νικόλαε, σαῖς ἀκοιμήτοις ἐντεύξεσι, τοὺς καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐπεγειρομένους, πειρασμοὺς δυσωποῦμέν σε.
We implore you, Nicholas, * to put to sleep the temptations that against us rise, * by your never-sleeping * intercessions on your behalf. [SD]
Ὅλον με τοῖς πάθεσι, περιστατούμενον Ἅγιε, καὶ πειρασμοῖς πονηρῶν ἀνθρώπων, μεσιτείᾳ σου λύτρωσαι.
I am utterly beset * by sinful passions, and wicked men * on every side * lead me to temptation. * By your prayers, Father, rescue me! [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Λύσιν δωρηθῆναί μοι, ἁμαρτιῶν Ἁγνὴ αἴτησαι, τὸν Ἀγαθὸν καὶ τῶν ἐν τῷ βίῳ, χαλεπῶν περιστάσεων.
O pure Virgin, pray for me * to your benevolent Son, that He forgive my sins, * and that He will save me * from disaster and tragedy. [SD]
ᾨδὴ δʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode iv. Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε, τῆς οἰκονομίας σου τὸ μυστήριον, κατενόησα τὰ ἔργα σου, καὶ ἐδόξασά σου τὴν θεότητα.
I have heard the report, O Lord, * of Your incarnation, which is a mystery. * I considered Your astounding works, * and I glorified Your divinity. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Troparia
Ὡραιώθητε ἔνδοξοι, θείαις ἀγλαΐαις καλλωπιζόμενοι, καὶ ἀκτῖσι πυρσευόμενοι, τοῦ ὑμᾶς φωστῆρας ἀναδείξαντος.
All ablaze with the rays of Him * who made you His bright stars, and decorated with * divine splendor, you are beautiful, * glorious Apostles of our Savior and God. [SD]
Ζάλης πάσης λυτρώσασθε, πάντων κυβερνῆται θεῖοι Ἀπόστολοι, τὸν πελάγει κινδυνεύοντα, συμφορῶν τοῦ βίου καὶ δονούμενον.
As the pilots of all mankind, * O divine Apostles, I pray you rescue me, * now in danger from the driving winds, * as I sail the sea of life’s adversities. [SD]
Οἱ θαλάσσας ταράξαντες, τῆς πολυθεΐας ἵπποι θεόλεκτοι, τῶν πταισμάτων μου τὴν ἄβυσσον, ζήλου θείου Ἅγιοι κατακλύσατε.
As the God-chosen cavalry, * you upset the deep seas of polytheism. * O Apostles, inundate the deep * sea of my transgressions with the zeal for God. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ἰσουργὸν τῷ Γεννήτορι, Λόγον ἐκ λαγόνων σου ἐσωμάτωσας· ὅθεν ὤφθης ὑπερέχουσα, ποιημάτων πάντων Κόρη Δέσποινα.
You, O Lady, exceed all things * that have been created, for you have given flesh * from your body to the Father’s own * Logos, who is one with Him in energies. [SD]
Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Εἱρμὸς ὁ αὐτός.
Canon for St. Nicholas. Same Heirmos.
Ἀπὸ πλήθους πταισμάτων μου, πλήθει περιπέπτωκα δεινῶν θλίψεων, σπεῦσον Ἅγιε βοήθει μοι, τὸν ἀγαθοδότην ἐκμιμούμενος.
As an outcome of many sins, * many woes and troubles have now befallen me. * Come and help me, O Saint Nicholas, * imitating God who is the Giver of good. [SD]
Ἐμαυτὸν ἀποκλαίομαι, ζῶν ἐν ἀμελείᾳ καὶ ἀπολλύμενος· τῇ πρεσβείᾳ σου Νικόλαε, πρὸς μετάνοιάν με χειραγώγησον.
Now I grieve for myself and weep. * Living irresponsibly, I am perishing. * I entreat you, O Saint Nicholas, * lead me to repentance, by your holy prayers [SD]
Ὁ τοὺς τρεῖς λυτρωσάμενος, πάτερ νεανίας τεθνᾶναι μέλλοντας, πάσης ῥῦσαί με κολάσεως, καὶ τῆς αἰωνίου κατακρίσεως.
As you rescued those three young men * who of old were sentenced do death, O Nicholas, * I entreat you, likewise rescue me * from the sentence of eternal punishment. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Γεωργεῖν με νοήματα, Ἄχραντε οὐράνια ἐνδυνάμωσον, τῆς ψυχῆς μου καὶ κατεύθυνον, πρὸς ζωῆς εἰσόδους τὰ κινήματα.
Make me able to cultivate * heavenly conceptual images, I pray, * O pure Virgin, and direct my soul’s * movements to the entrances of life on high. [SD]
ᾨδὴ εʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode v. Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ὀρθρίζοντες βοῶμέν σοι Κύριε· Σῶσον ἡμᾶς· σὺ γὰρ εἶ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ἐκτός σοῦ ἄλλον οὐκ οἴδαμεν.
We rise at early morn and cry out to You, * “Save us, O Lord!” * For You only are our God; * we have no other except for You. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Troparia
Στενούμενον πολλοῖς πλημμελήμασι, σωτηρίας, πρὸς πλάτος ἰθύνατε, ὡς κυβερνῆται Ἀπόστολοι.
Apostles, as my pilots, I pray you now, * to steer me straight * to salvation’s open space, * for I am straitened by many sins. [SD]
Τιμῶντά με τὸν πάντιμον δῆμον ὑμῶν, θεόπται, πάσης ἐκλυτρώσασθε, ἀτίμου πράξεως δέομαι.
I honor you, the all-honored company * of God-seers. * I pray you deliver me * from all dishonorable practices. [SD]
Ὡς πάθη τοῦ Σωτῆρος μιμούμενοι, Ἀπόστολοι, πᾶσαν ἡδυπάθειαν, ἐκ τῆς ψυχῆς μου διώξατε.
You imitated Christ’s pain and suffering, * O Apostles. * From my soul eliminate * the love of pleasure and luxury. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Νοσοῦσαν τὴν ψυχήν μου θεράπευσον, ἡ τεκοῦσα, πάντων τὸν ἰώμενον, τὰς νόσους πάναγνε Δέσποινα.
O Mother of the Healer of every ill, * I entreat you, * all-pure one, that by your prayers * you heal my ailing and sin-sick soul. [SD]
Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Εἱρμὸς ὁ αὐτός.
Canon for St. Nicholas. Same Heirmos.
Δυνάμωσον ἡμᾶς ταῖς πρεσβείαις σου, Ἱεράρχα, τηρεῖν τὰ προστάγματα, Χριστοῦ τοῦ μόνου Θεοῦ ἡμῶν.
By your intercessions, holy Hierarch, * enable us * to keep the commandments all * of Christ our Savior and only God. [SD]
Ὁ Μύροις παροικήσας Νικόλαε, εὐωδίας, θείας ἡμᾶς πλήρωσον, τοὺς εὐσεβῶς εὐφημοῦντάς σε.
As Myra, where you sojourned, means fragrant oil, * O Nicholas, * with the fragrant scent of God * fill us who reverently honor you. [SD]
Οἰκτείρησον ἡμᾶς ταῖς πρεσβείαις σου, θεομάκαρ, Θεὸν τὸν οἰκτίρμονα, καθικετεύων Νικόλαε.
Take pity on us, Nicholas blest of God, * interceding * for us and entreating Him, * our tender-loving, compassionate God. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ναμάτων ζωηῤῥύτων ἀνάπλεως, οὖσα Κόρη, πάντας ἡμᾶς πότισον, εὐσεβοφρόνως ὑμνοῦντάς σε.
The living waters fill you, O Lady pure. * We entreat you, * give us all to drink of them. * as we extol you with right beliefs. [SD]
ᾨδὴ Ϛʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode vi. Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ πρὸς Κύριον, καὶ αὐτῷ ἀπαγγελῶ μου τὰς θλίψεις, ὅτι κακῶν ἡ ψυχή μου ἐπλήσθη, καὶ ἡ ζωή μου τῷ ᾍδῃ προσήγγισε, καὶ δέομαι ὡς Ἰωνᾶς· Ἐκ φθορᾶς ὁ Θεός με ἀνάγαγε.
I pour out my supplication to the Lord, * and I tell Him all about my afflictions, * and that my soul has been flooded with evils, * and that my life has come close to being in hell. * Like Prophet Jonah, I entreat, * “Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God.” [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Troparia
Συσσείσαντες προσευχῶν ἐπικλήσει, κατεστρέψατε ναοὺς τῶν εἰδώλων, Μύσται Χριστοῦ· ἀλλὰ δέομαι πίστει, τὰ τῆς ψυχῆς μου συντρίψατε εἴδωλα, καὶ δείξατε Θεοῦ ναόν, τὸν πολλαῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑπεύθυνον.
The temples of pagan idols were shaken * and destroyed when you invoked God in prayer, * Mystics of Christ. Now I faithfully pray you, * though I am guilty of many destructive sins, * to crush the idols in my soul, * and to make me a temple of God alone. [SD]
Οἱ πέτρᾳ τῇ ἀῤῥαγεῖ δομηθέντες, ἐκλεκτοὶ καθάπερ λίθοι θεόπται, τὸν τὴν ἐμήν, ἐπὶ ψάμμον καρδίαν, φρενοβλαβῶς δομησάμενον σώσατε· συῤῥέουσι γὰρ πειρασμῶν, ποταμοὶ καὶ δεινῶς με χειμάζουσι.
Like chosen stones, on the Rock unbreakable * were you wisely built, O holy God-seers. * I pray you, save me, for I have insanely * on a foundation of sand built the house of my heart; * and now temptations, like the winds * and the floods, beat against it relentlessly. [SD]
Φιλίας τῆς πρὸς τὴν σάρκα δολίας, ἐκλυτρώσασθέ με φίλοι τοῦ Λόγου, καὶ μισητόν, διὰ πλῆθος κακίας, ἀποδειχθέντα φιλίᾳ συνδήσατε, τοῦ στέργοντος ἁμαρτωλῶν, διὰ πλῆθος ἐλέους τὴν ἄφεσιν.
Deliver me from the treacherous friendship * with the flesh, O holy friends of the Logos. * My many evils have rendered me hated. * I pray you bind me instead to the love of Christ, * who in His mercy loves to give * His forgiveness to those who like me have sinned. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ὡς ῥόδον, ὡς καθαρώτατον κρίνον, ὡς εὐῶδες σε ὀσφράδιον Κόρη, ὁ ποιητὴς ἐξ ὡραίων κοιλάδων, τῶν κοσμικῶν ἐκλεξάμενος ᾤκησε, τὴν μήτραν σου καὶ σαρκωθείς, εὐωδίας τὸν κόσμον ἐπλήρωσεν.
Selected from the world’s gorgeous valleys * like a rose and an immaculate lily * and like a fragrant bouquet, holy Maiden, * the Maker picked you and dwelt in your virgin womb; * and taking flesh from you He filled * all the world with divine fragrance from on high. [SD]
Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Εἱρμὸς ὁ αὐτός.
Canon for St. Nicholas. Same Heirmos.
Παράδεισος ἡ καρδία σου ὤφθη, ζωῆς ξύλον κεκτημένη ἐν μέσῳ, τὸν Λυτρωτήν, ὃν δυσώπει ἀπαύστως, τοῦ Παραδείσου ποιῆσαι οἰκήτορας, Νικόλαε πάντας ἡμᾶς, τοὺς θερμόν σε προστάτην πλουτήσαντας.
Your heart became like the Garden of Eden, * for possessing in its midst the Redeemer, * the tree of life. Never cease to entreat Him * to make us dwellers of Paradise, by your prayers * for all of us who hold you dear * as our fervent protector, O Nicholas. [SD]
Ῥαθύμως μου τὴν ζωὴν διανύων, ἀδαῶς ἐξαμαρτάνω ὁ τάλας, καὶ τὴν ἐκεῖ, ἀπαραίτητον κρίσιν, κατανοῶν ἀγωνίᾳ συνέχομαι. Οἰκτείρησόν με ὁ Θεός, Νικολάου πρεσβείαις, ὡς εὔσπλαγχνος.
I pass the time of my life with indifference. * Without knowing it, I sin. I am wretched. * As I consider the imminent judgment, * I am afraid and am filled with anxiety. * In Your compassion, O my God, * through the prayers of St. Nicholas, pity me! [SD]
Ἐξαίφνης ἐπερχομένης μοι Μάκαρ, καταιγίδος πειρασμῶν πολυτρόπων, διὰ πληθύν, τῶν ἐμῶν ἐγκλημάτων, μή με ἐάσῃς βοῶ ἀπροστάτευτον· ἀλλʼ οἴκτειρον ὡς συμπαθής, βοηθείας νῦν χεῖρα ὀρέγων μοι.
O Nicholas, when all kinds of temptations * like tornadoes hit me all of a sudden, * because my sins are so many, I cry out: * Please do not leave defenseless and vulnerable, * but pity me, O blessed Saint, * and with sympathy lend me a helping hand. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Παλάτιον ὑψηλοῦ Βασιλέως, καὶ πυρίμορφος γεγένησαι θρόνος, τῶν Χερουβεὶμ ἀνωτέρα Παρθένε, καὶ Σεραφεὶμ ὑπὲρ νοῦν χρηματίσασα, ἐντεῦθέν σε πᾶσα πνοή, ὡς Μητέρα δοξάζει τοῦ κτίσαντος.
Now everything that has breath glorifies you * as the Mother of our God the Creator. * You are the fiery throne and the palace * of the superlative King, holy Virgin pure, * and higher than the Cherubim * and the Seraphim, incomprehensibly. [SD]
ᾨδὴ ζʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode vii. Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Παῖδες Ἑβραίων ἐν καμίνῳ, κατεπάτησαν τὴν φλόγα θαρσαλέως, καὶ εἰς δρόσον τὸ πῦρ, μετέβαλον βοῶντες· Εὐλογητὸς εἶ Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰώνας.
Servants, descendants of the Hebrews, * bravely trampled down the flame within the furnace; * and they changed into dew * the fire, and they chanted: * Blessed are You, O Lord, the God * of our fathers to the ages. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Troparia
Νύξ με συνέχει ἀμελείας, καὶ καλύπτει με ὁμίχλη ἁμαρτίας· φῶς τοῦ κόσμου σοφοί, Ἀπόστολοι δειχθέντες, νῦν καταυγάσαι σπεύσατε, τὴν ζοφώδη μου καρδίαν.
I have been covered and enveloped * by the fog and night of sin and my indifference. * You as lights for the world shine forth, O wise Apostles. * Illuminate my darkened heart, now I earnestly entreat you. [SD]
Ἄλλο στερέωμα δειχθέντες, διηγούμενοι Θεοῦ ἡμῶν τὴν δόξαν, ἀδοξίας παθῶν, λυτρώσασθε τοὺς πίστει, τῇ κραταιᾷ προστρέχοντας, θεηγόροι ὑμῶν σκέπῃ.
Holy Apostles, you are likened * to the firmament, declaring God’s glory. * Now with faith we have run to your mighty protection. * Release us from inglorious sinful passions, we entreat you. [SD]
Πύρινοι ἄνθρακες ὀφθέντες, ἀναπτόμενοι πυρὶ τοῦ Παρακλήτου, πᾶσαν ὕλην ἡμῶν, συμφλέξατε κακίας, καὶ τοῦ πυρὸς λυτρώσασθε, τοῦ ἀσβέστου εἰς αἰῶνας.
Lit by the fire of the Spirit, * O Apostles, you are burning coals of fire. * Burn up all of our sins, like fuel, we entreat you; * and save us from the fire of hell, that will never be extinguished. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ὄρος προβλέπει Δανιήλ σε, ἀχειρότμητος ἐξ οὗ ἐτμήθη λίθος· τὴν λιθώδη διό, κατάνυξον ψυχήν μου, πεπωρωμένην Δέσποινα, ταῖς πικραῖς φιληδονίαις.
Daniel foresaw you as the mountain, * from which Christ the stone was cut, but not by man’s hand. * Lady, soften my soul, and rend it with compunction, * for it was rendered hard as stone, by the bitter love of pleasure. [SD]
Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Εἱρμὸς ὁ αὐτός.
Canon for St. Nicholas. Same Heirmos.
Ἔβλυσας ῥεῖθρα διδαγμάτων, τῶν αἱρέσεων ξηραίνων τοὺς χειμάῤῥους, καὶ πιστῶν τὰς ψυχάς, πλουσίως καταρδεύων, ἱερουργὲ Νικόλαε· διὰ τοῦτό σε τιμῶμεν.
Torrents of heresy were dried up * by the rivers of the doctrines that you poured out, * richly watering souls of Orthodox believers, * O holy father Nicholas. And for this we now extol you. [SD]
Ἴσχυσας σθένει τῆς Τριάδος, δυναμούμενος τὰ ξόανα τῆς πλάνης, ἀφανίσαι· διό, πιστῶς σε λιτανεύω· Τὰ τοῦ νοός μου εἴδωλα, ἐμπαθῆ μείωσον Πάτερ.
Father, once you had been empowered * by the Trinity’s almighty grace, you brought down * pagan idols. And now I pray you to diminish * the images the passions print in my mind, which are like idols. [SD]
Μύρων ὁσίως προεδρεύων, μετὰ θάνατον πηγάζεις θεῖα μύρα, τὰ δυσώδη ἡμῶν, Νικόλαε παμμάκαρ, ἀποσοβῶν νοσήματα, τῶν πιστῶς σοι προσιόντων.
Honorably you served as Myra’s * holy bishop. After death you pour out fragrant * holy oil of myrrh, repelling foul ailments * of those who come with faith to you, blessed Nicholas, and pray you. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ἔστησας ῥύμην τοῦ θανάτου, τὸν ἀθάνατον Θεὸν ἀποτεκοῦσα· ὃν δυσώπει Ἁγνή, τὰ πάθη θανατῶσαι, τοῦ ταπεινοῦ μου σώματος, καὶ ζωῆς με ἀξιῶσαι.
When you gave birth to God immortal, * you restrained the force of death, O holy Virgin. * Now entreat Him to put my lowly body’s passions * to death, and to forgive my sins, and to grant me life eternal. [SD]
ᾨδὴ ηʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode viii. Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον, τῶν Χαλδαίων ὁ τύραννος, τοῖς θεοσεβέσιν, ἐμμανῶς ἐξέκαυσε· δυνάμει δὲ κρείττονι, περισωθέντας τούτους ἰδών, τὸν Δημιουργόν, καὶ Λυτρωτὴν ἀνεβόα, οἱ παῖδες εὐλογεῖτε, ἱερεῖς ἀνυμνεῖτε, λαὸς ὑπερυψοῦτε, εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.
The tyrant king of Babylon * had the furnace made seven times * hotter for the godly men, for he was furious. * But after he witnessed how * a higher power rescued them, * he cried out and said, “You Servants, bless the Creator; * sing hymns to the Redeemer, O you priests; and you people * exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.” [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Troparia
Σαλευομένην πάθεσι, τὴν ψυχήν μου στηρίξατε, οἱ τῆς Ἐκκλησίας, ἀῤῥαγεῖς θεμέλιοι, οἱ στῦλοι οἱ ἄσειστοι, τὰ τῶν πιστῶν προπύργια, οἱ σαγηνευταί, τῶν ἐν βυθῷ ἀπωλείας, οἱ εὔδιοι λιμένες, οἱ ἀεὶ μελῳδοῦντες· Λαὸς ὑπερυψοῦτε, Χριστὸν εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
The sinful passions shake my soul. * I entreat you to strengthen it, * you who are unbreakable foundations of the Church * and pillars unshakable, * the believers’ first line of defense, * fishermen who catch us from the sea of perdition, * the calm and quiet harbors, who are ceaselessly singing, * “You peoples, now exalt Christ, supremely to all ages.” [SD]
Τὸν ἐν μνημείῳ κείμενον, σκοτεινῆς ἀπογνώσεως, καὶ ἐν κατωτάτῳ, ἡδονῶν συμπτώσεως, ὑμῶν παρακλήσεσιν, ἀναγαγεῖν σπλαγχνίσθητε, τὴν τοῦ Διδασκάλου, εὐσπλαγχνίαν πλουτῆσαι, σαφῶς ἀξιωθέντες, μαθηταὶ τοῦ Σωτῆρος, Ἀπόστολοι θεόπται, εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.
Now I am lying in the grave * of the darkest despondency * and the deepest pit, for loving sensuality. * I beg you to pity me * and by your prayers to raise me up. * Surely you received the Teacher’s tender compassion * abundantly, O holy Disciples of the Savior, * God-seers and Apostles, unto all the ages. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ὅτι φαιδρὰ ἐν κάλλεσιν, ἀρετῶν ὤφθης Πάναγνε, τὴν καλλοποιόν, τοῦ Πλαστουργοῦ εὐπρέπειαν, ἐν μήτρᾳ ἐχώρησας· ὃν ἐκτενῶς ἱκέτευε, τὴν ἐν ἁμαρτίαις, τῶν παθῶν συσχεθεῖσαν, ψυχήν μου καὶ τὸ κάλλος, τὸ ἀρχαῖον ζητοῦσαν, Ἁγνὴ εὐπρεπεστάτως, λαμπρῦναι εἰς αἰῶνας.
The beautifying majesty * of the Maker entered your womb, * for He found the beauty of your virtues made you bright * and splendid, O Virgin pure. * Implore Him now on my behalf, * for my soul is stuck in the mud of sinful passions, * but longs to be restored to its original beauty. * Entreat Him to illumine it splendidly forever. [SD]
Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Οἱ θεοῤῥήμονες Παῖδες.
Canon for St. Nicholas. Those Servants, speaking.
Λελαμπρυσμένος θεόφρον, ὦ Ἱεράρχα, ταῖς φωτοβόλοις ἀκτῖσι, τῆς τρισηλίου θεότητος, τῶν παθῶν μου τὸ σκότος, εὐχαῖς σου διάλυσον.
The beaming rays of the tri-solar single Godhead * illumined you, holy Hierarch, godly-minded St. Nicholas. * Through your prayers, may the darkness of passions depart from me. [SD]
Ὁ στρατηλάτας ῥυσάμενος τοῦ θανάτου, ἐπιστασίᾳ φρικώδει, Ἱερομύστα Νικόλαε, πάσης θανατηφόρου, βλάβης ἡμᾶς λύτρωσαι.
By intervening amazingly, you delivered * from execution the army officer, O Nicholas. * Likewise deliver us from mortal harm. [SD]
Σαλευομένους δαιμόνων ταῖς ἐπηρείαις, καὶ ἀδικούντων ἀνθρώπων, ταῖς προσευχαῖς σου ἡμᾶς στήριξον, ἀβλαβεῖς διασώζων, παμμάκαρ Νικόλαε.
We have been shaken by violence from the demons * and from iniquitous people. Therefore we pray that you strengthen us, * and preserve us uninjured, all-blessed St. Nicholas. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Ἱκετηρίαν προσάγαγε τῷ Κυρίῳ, κατοικτειρῆσαι καὶ σῶσαι, τοὺς ἐπὶ σοὶ καταφεύγοντας, Παναγία Παρθένε, ἀνθρώπων βοήθεια.
Bring to the Lord supplications, all-holy Virgin, * that He take pity and save us, who in our need have recourse to you, * as our all-blessed Lady, the help of humanity. [SD]
ᾨδὴ θʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode ix. Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ ὁ οὐρανός, καὶ τῆς γῆς κατεπλάγη τὰ πέρατα, ὅτι Θεός, ὤφθη τοῖς ἀνθρώποις σωματικῶς, καὶ ἡ γαστήρ σου γέγονεν, εὐρυχωροτέρα τῶν οὐρανῶν· διό σε Θεοτόκε, Ἀγγέλων καὶ ἀνθρώπων, ταξιαρχίαι μεγαλύνουσι.
The heavens were astounded because of this, * and the ends of the earth were astonished, because God himself * bodily appeared to the human race, * O Theotokos, coming forth * from your virgin womb, which indeed became * more spacious than the heavens. * And therefore by the orders * of men and angels you are magnified. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Troparia
Λεόντων ψυχοφθόρων σθένει Θεοῦ, οἱ συνθλάσαντες μύλας Ἀπόστολοι, ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ, ἄρχοντες κατέστητε ψαλμικῶς, ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς τῷ πνεύματι, ταύτην ὑποτάττοντες εὐσεβῶς· διό μου τὰς ἀτάκτους, κινήσεις τῆς καρδίας, νόμῳ τῷ θείῳ ὑποτάξατε.
Apostles, as the Psalm says, you broke the teeth * of the soul-eating lions, by power you received from God; * and you were appointed by Christ to be * the princes of the Church on earth, * which you made obedient to the Faith. * I pray you now to render * obedient to God’s law * unruly thoughts and movements in my heart. [SD]
Ὡραῖον παρὰ πάντας υἱοὺς βροτῶν, τὸν ὀφθέντα ἐν κόσμῳ κηρύξαντες, Λόγον Θεοῦ, πόδας ὡραιώθητε ἀγαθούς, ὡς εὐαγγελιζόμενοι, πάνσοφοι εἰρήνην τε καὶ ζωήν· διὸ ταραττομένην, πάθεσι τὴν ψυχήν μου, ὑμῶν πρεσβείαις εἰρηνεύσατε.
All-wise Apostles, preaching the Word of God, * who, more beautiful than all the sons of men, appeared on earth, * as the Prophets said, so it came to pass: * your feet were very beautiful, * bringing the good tidings of peace and life. * Now by your intercessions, * bring peace to me, I pray you, * for sinful passions agitate my soul. [SD]
Νεκρώσαντες τὰ μέλη τὰ ἐπὶ γῆς, τὴν ζωὴν ὁλικῶς ἀνεδύσασθε, διὰ παθῶν, πάθος εἰκονίσαντες τὸ σεπτόν· διὸ θανατωθέντα με, βέλει τῆς κακίας τοῦ πονηροῦ, ζωώσατε φαρμάκοις, γνησίας μετανοίας, θεομακάριστοι Ἀπόστολοι.
You put to death your members upon the earth, * and through personal suffering imitated that which Christ * suffered, and were clothed fully in His life. * Now I who have been shot to death * by the devil’s wickedness now entreat: * Revive me with the potion * of genuine repentance, * holy Apostles, truly blest of God. [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Νοσοῦσαν τὴν ψυχήν μου πάθει δεινῷ, ἡ τεκοῦσα Θεὸν ὑπεράγαθον, ὡς συμπαθής, ἴασαι καὶ λύτρωσαι τῶν ἀεί, κολαφιζόντων Ἄχραντε, καὶ ἐπεμβαινόντων μοι δυσμενῶν, σωζόμενός σε ὅπως, προθύμως μεγαλύνω, τὴν μεγαλύνασαν τὸ γένος ἡμῶν.
My soul is very sick, so I now implore * you, O Mother of God who is very good: Heal me I pray, * immaculate Virgin, and rescue me * from demons and from wicked men * who assault and harm me continually. * And I will magnify you, * for saving me, O Lady, * who also magnified the human race. [SD]
Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.
Canon for St. Nicholas. You are the Theotokos.
Ὡς ῥύστης τῶν ἐν θλίψει, σὲ λιτανευόντων, ῥῦσαί με πάσης κακίας Νικόλαε, τῶν ὀρωμένων παμμάκαρ, καὶ ἀοράτων ἐχθρῶν.
You rescue those in trouble * when they but invoke you. * All-blessed Nicholas, rescue me now, I pray, * from every wicked assault by my foes, both seen and unseen. [SD]
Συνὼν ταῖς οὐρανίαις, νῦν χοροστασίαις, παναγιώτατε πάτερ Νικόλαε, τὸν Ἀγαθὸν ἐκδυσώπει, τοῦ ἐλεῆσαι ἡμᾶς.
As you are now in heaven * joining in the chorus, * implore benevolent God to be merciful * to us who honor you, all-holy father Nicholas. [SD]
Ἡ κρίσις ἐπὶ θύραις· πρόσεχε ψυχή μου, καὶ τῷ Κριτῇ καὶ Θεῷ ἀναβόησον· Ταῖς Νικολάου πρεσβείαις, Κύριε σῶσόν με.
Since Judgment Day is coming, * O my soul, be careful. * To God the Judge, cry aloud, praying: “Save me, Lord, * heeding the strong intercessions of blessed Nicholas.” [SD]
Θεοτοκίον.
Theotokion.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Φωτὸς οὖσα δοχεῖον, φώτισον Παρθένε, τὴν σκοτισθεῖσαν ψυχήν μου τοῖς πάθεσιν, ὅπως ἐν πίστει καὶ πόθῳ, ἀεὶ δοξάζω σε.
O Virgin, as the vessel * of the Light, illumine * my sorry soul, for the passions have darkened it; * and I will ever sing praises to you with faith and love. [SD]
Εἰς τὸν Στίχον τῶν Αἴνων.
At the Aposticha of Lauds.
Ἀπόστιχα Στιχηρά. Ἦχος πλ. δʹ.
Aposticha. Mode pl. 4.
Αποστολικά. Κύριε, εἰ καὶ κριτηρίῳ.
For the Apostles. Lord, even though.
Κύριε, σὲ εἰλικρινῶς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οἱ Ἀπόστολοι ποθήσαντες, σκύβαλα ἡγήσαντο πάντα, ἵνα μόνον σε κερδήσωσι, καὶ ὑπὲρ σοῦ αἰκισμοῖς, τὰ σώματα παρέδωκαν· διὰ τοῦτο δοξασθέντες, πρεσβεύουσιν ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.
Lord our God, while on earth, the holy Apostles * sincerely longing to be with You, * counted all other things as rubbish * so that You alone they might obtain; * and for the love of You they gave * their bodies up to martyrdom. * And therefore now enjoying glory, * they intercede with You on behalf of our souls. [SD]
Στίχ. Ἐνεπλήσθημεν τὸ πρωΐ τοῦ ἐλέους σου, Κύριε, καὶ ἠγαλλιασάμεθα καὶ εὐφράνθημεν ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἡμῶν· εὐφρανθείημεν ἀνθʼ ὧν ἡμερῶν ἐταπείνωσας ἡμᾶς, ἐτῶν, ὧν εἴδομεν κακά. Καὶ ἴδε ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους σου καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ ἔργα σου καὶ ὁδήγησον τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτῶν.
Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]
Mstari Asubuhi tumejazwa na huruma yako, Ee Bwana; [[SWA]]
Ὅμοιον.
Same Melody.
Κύριε, σὺ τῶν Ἀποστόλων τὴν μνήμην, ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐμεγάλυνας· πάντες γὰρ ὁμοῦ συνελθόντες, ἐν αὐτῇ δοξολογοῦμέν σε, ὅτι παρέχεις ἡμῖν, διʼ αὐτῶν τὰ ἰάματα, καὶ τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν εἰρήνην, εὐχαῖς αὐτῶν καὶ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.
Lord our God, You have caused the holy Apostles’ * mem’ry on earth to be magnified; * and when we assemble together * to observe it, we all sing Your praise; * for You provide us through them * with healing of infirmities, * and at their supplications * You give peace and great mercy unto the world. [SD]
Στίχ. Καὶ ἔστω ἡ λαμπρότης Κυρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καὶ τὰ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν ἡμῶν κατεύθυνον ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καὶ τὸ ἔργον τῶν χειρῶν ἡμῶν κατεύθυνον.
Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]
Mstari Ubora wa Bwana Mungu wetu uwe juu yetu; atuongoze kwa kazi ya mikono yetu; hata kazi ya mikono yetu Aiongoze. [[SWA]]
Μαρτυρικόν.
For the Martyrs.
Τὸν θώρακα τῆς πίστεως, ἐνδυσάμενοι καλῶς, καὶ τῷ τύπῳ τοῦ Σταυροῦ, καθοπλίσαντες ἑαυτούς, στρατιῶται εὐσθενεῖς ἀνεδείχθητε, τοῖς τυράννοις ἀνδρείως ἀντικατέστητε, καὶ διαβόλου τὴν πλάνην κατηδαφίσατε, νικηταὶ γενόμενοι, τῶν στεφάνων ἠξιώθητε· Πρεσβεύσατε, τοῦ σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.
When you put on the breastplate of righteousness and faith, and you fully armed yourselves with the sign of the cross, you became the Lord’s mighty soldiers, you bravely confronted the tyrants, and you blunted the deceit of the devil. And you were awarded medals as victors. We pray you intercede for the salvation of our souls. [GOASD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον.
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Utukufu. Sasa. Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Δέσποινα πρόσδεξαι, τὰς δεήσεις τῶν δούλων σου, καὶ λύτρωσαι ἡμᾶς, ἀπὸ πάσης ἀνάγκης καὶ θλίψεως.
Lady, receive the supplications of your servants, and rescue us from all necessity and affliction. [SD]
__________
__________
__________
ΕΝ Τῌ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙᾼ
LITURGY
Οἱ Μακαρισμοί. Ἦχος πλ. δʹ.
The Beatitudes. Mode pl. 4.
Sifa za heri.
Μνήσθητι ἡμῶν, Χριστὲ Σωτὴρ τοῦ κόσμου, ὥσπερ τοῦ λῃστοῦ, ἐμνήσθης ἐπὶ ξύλου, καὶ καταξίωσον πάντας μόνε Οἰκτίρμον, τῆς οὐρανίου Βασιλείας σου.
Savior of the world, remember us Your servants * as upon the Cross You remembered the Robber, * only compassionate Christ, and account us worthy * of inheriting Your heavenly Rule. [SD]
Σάλπιγγες Χριστοῦ, Ἀπόστολοι δειχθέντες, τοὺς ἐν τοῖς μνημείοις, τῆς κακοπιστίας, ἀνακειμένους ἠγείρατε καὶ ἐνθέου, ζωῆς μετόχους ἀπειργάσασθε.
You were shown to be * the trumpets of the Savior. * You raised those who lay * in false belief and error * as if in tombs, O Apostles of Christ, and made them * to be partakers of true life divine. [SD]
Σπείραντες Χριστοῦ, τὸν λόγον Θεηγόροι, πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν, καρδίας τὰς ἀκάρπους, καρποφορούσας εἰργάσασθε θείαν γνῶσιν· ὅθεν ἀξίως μακαρίζεσθε.
Mouthpieces of God, * you sowed in the unfruitful * Gentiles hearts the word * of Christ, as seed in good earth, * and made them fruitful in knowledge of God, and therefore * you have been worthily beatified. [SD]
Μαρτυρικόν.
For the Martyrs.
Πάσης ἑαυτούς, γυμνώσαντες κακίας, μέσον τῶν δεινῶν, ἐχώρησαν γενναίως, καὶ οὐρανόθεν ἱμάτιον σωτηρίου, οἱ Ἀθληταὶ περιεβάλοντο.
When they stripped themselves * of every shred of evil, * the Athletes of Christ * went bravely to be tortured. * And they were clothed in the bright garment of salvation * from heaven, when they endured to the end. [SD]
Δόξα.
Glory.
Utukufu.
Νέκρωσον σεπτή, Τριὰς ἡ παναγία, πάθη τὰ δεινά, ψυχῆς μου τῆς ἀθλίας, ταῖς ἱκεσίαις τῶν θείων σου Ἀποστόλων, ἵνα δοξάζω σε σωζόμενος.
At the earnest prayers * of Your divine Apostles, * wholly put to death * the awful sinful passions * of my sorry soul; and saved thus I shall sing glory * to You, divine all-holy Trinity. [SD]
Καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον.
Both now. Theotokion.
Sasa. Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Χαῖρε ἡ λαβίς, τοῦ ἄνθρακος τοῦ θείου· χαῖρε Προφητῶν, σφραγὶς καὶ Ἀποστόλων, τὸ περιήχημα ἄχραντε Θεοτόκε, διʼ ἧς φθορᾶς ἠλευθερώθημεν.
Rejoice, living tongs * of the divine and live coal! * Mother of our God, * the seal of all the Prophets, * all-pure one, you are the message of the Apostles, * for from corruption we were freed through you. [SD]