ON FRIDAY EVENING

At, Lord, I have cried, Prosomia.

Stichera for the Master.

Mode pl. 4.

Martyrs of the Lord, we pray you earnestly entreat our God, and ask for an abundance of tender mercy for our souls, and the forgiveness of our many sins. [SD]

Automelon.

Your martyr Saints, O Lord, having become oblivious to life’s endeavors * even disdaining the tormenting tortures all for the life which is to come, * came to be regarded its inheritors. * Therefore they exult with the angelic hosts. * Bestow upon Your people great mercy, at the fervent appeals of these Your Saints. [SD]

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]

Additional Stichera. For compunction. What a paradoxal.

I have become like the barren tree, * wearing as valueless leaves * a demeanor of holiness; * and I am afraid, O Lord, * lest You chop me and send me away * to inextinguishable eternal fire. * But grant me, rather, a season to repent, * so that I may bring forth * unto You the good fruits of virtuous deeds, * and so that I might attain * unto Your heavenly realm. [SD]

For the Dead. Same Melody.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

The King of heaven appeared on earth and lived among men, in His benevolence towards humanity. He assumed flesh from the pure Virgin, and, with the human nature that He assumed, He was born from her. Now twofold in nature, He is but one person, the Son. So we confess and correctly profess that fully divine and fully human He is one and the same, Christ our God. We pray you, His virgin Mother, entreat Him to have mercy on our souls. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode.

You are my protector, O God. Your mercy shall go before me.

Verse: Rescue me from my enemies, O God, and redeem me from those who rise up against me. [SAAS]

At the Aposticha.

Aposticha. Mode pl. 4.

For the Martyrs.

Martyrs of the Lord, you sanctify every locality, and you heal every infirmity. And now we pray you to intercede that our souls be delivered from the snares of the enemy. [SD]

For the Dead.

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

I grieve and I lament when I think about death, and when I see the beauty, which God made for us in His image, lying formless in the grave, without glory and unsightly. Amazing! What is this mystery that happened to us? How were we given over to decay and coupled with death? Indeed, as it is written, this is all by the command of God, who grants repose to those who have passed away. [SD]

Verse: Their souls shall dwell among good things. [SAAS]

O Lord, Your death gave rise to immortality; for if You had not been enclosed in a tomb, then Paradise would not have been opened. Therefore grant repose to the departed, O benevolent God. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Virgin, you are the gate of the Logos, and the Mother of our God. Pray for our salvation. [SD]

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ON SATURDAY MORNING

MATINS

After the first Psalter reading. Kathismata for the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4.

Holy Martyrs, you were shown to be spiritual luminaries; for by faith you ended the fogginess of error, you brightened the lamps of our souls, and with glory you entered the celestial bridal hall with the Bridegroom. Now we pray you entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

When he perceived.

When they had deadened burning impulses and movements * of sinful passions by their self-control and virtue, * then the Martyrs of Christ were given the divine grace * of driving away the illnesses of the sick * and working wonders, alive and after their death. * Paradoxical miracle it is indeed, that naked bones * should pour out cures abundantly. * Glory be to our only God. [SD]

By conceiving the wisdom.

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]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

You were born of a Virgin, and You endured crucifixion for us, O good Lord. By Your death You divested death of spoils, and You displayed resurrection, as God. Please do not despise us, the work of Your hand. Demonstrate Your loving kindness, O merciful Master. Defer to Your Mother, the Theotokos, when she intercedes on our behalf, and save us, Your people in despair, O Savior. [GOASD]

After the second Psalter reading, Kathismata.

For the Martyrs.

This tabernacle is splendidly illumined today with heavenly light. For herein do the armies of Angels greatly rejoice, and with them the hosts of the Righteous are cheerful, as the victorious Martyrs are commemorated. O Christ, by their supplications, send down peace and great mercy to Your world. [SD]

For the Dead.

In Your surpassing benevolence, O Master, * number our brethren, who have piously from this life * passed away, with the Righteous in dwellings of the chosen. * Since You are good, forgive all their offenses, * voluntary and involuntary as well. * Let them rest in the places where those who are celebrating dwell, * and grant them the eternal delight * of the Garden of Paradise. [SD]

O only Creator who with benevolence arrange all things with depth of wisdom, and impart to all what is beneficial, O Lord, grant repose to the souls of Your servants. For they have placed their hope in You our Creator and Fashioner and God. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

We have you as a fortress and a port and an acceptable intercessor with God, whom you bore, O unwedded Theotokos, the salvation of the faithful. [SD]

Canon for all Saints.

Mode pl. 4. Ode i. Heirmos.

Using the words of Moses * and the people, let us sing unto the Lord, * who led them through the Red Sea. * Only He is triumphantly glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Crowns are by precious jewels * ornamented; so likewise the holy Church * is by you decorated, * O most brave and victorious Martyrs of Christ. [SD]

Wise hierarchs were flashing * with divine resplendence and with holy light * of doctrines and of virtues; * they illumined the hearts of believers all. [SD]

Logos of God the Father, * wondrous in the Prophets and ascetic Saints, * we implore You to save us, * by their earnest entreaties on our behalf. [SD]

For the Dead.

Logos and Judge most righteous, * when You come with righteousness to judge the world, * we pray You to consider * uncondemned those who have departed to You. [SD]

Theotokion.

Choirs of holy women * know you as the Mother of the Lord and King; * and behind you, O Virgin, * they were brought to Him, after their martyrdom. [SD]

Canon for the Deceased.

Of old when the Israelite.

The Martyrs all imitated You, O Christ: * Your death by their own death, * Your divine Passion by their own * suffering; and therefore they were granted * divine and blessed everlasting life. [SD]

We pray for Your servants who are deceased: * Savior, overlook all * sins committed when they were young, * and pass over all of their offenses, * O Christ, and number them with Your elect. [SD]

O God very merciful, we entreat: * Richly grant the glory * and the joy of all who attain * blessed life in heaven to Your servants, * whom You have taken to yourself, O Lord. [SD]

Theotokion.

O Maid, you conceived God the Father’s Word, * when He was united * hypostatically with the flesh * from you. And then He abolished Hades * by divine power, O all-blameless one. [SD]

Ode iii. Heirmos.

The heavens You established by Your own word, * and on many waters You stabilized the earth. * Establish me as a singer * glorifying You from my heart, O Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

The holy Athletes, unshaken in their faith, * shook off every odious pagan sacrifice; * instead they became the purest * sacrifice to Christ who was sacrificed. [SD]

With holy words and sacraments you renewed * those whom sins and passions had rendered sick and old * and proved that you were Disciples * of God who refashioned the universe. [SD]

The Holy Spirit’s grace, which was given of old * to the holy Prophets of God discernibly, * endowed the later ascetics * and saints with divine charismatic gifts. [SD]

For the Dead.

O God, include in the chorus of the Saints * those who have departed this life with faith in You; * and in Your marvelous mercy, * may they dwell with You, Lord, in Paradise. [SD]

Theotokion.

Our Savior Jesus, whom nothing can contain, * comfortably resided in your immaculate * and holy womb, O all-lauded * Virgin, when for us He became a man. [SD]

Canon for the Deceased. O divine Master Builder.

You were cleansed of the ancient ancestral fall through the rite * of baptismal regeneration, O blessed Martyr Saints, * and sprinkled with your own puddles of blood in the contests. * Now you reign forever with the Savior Christ the King. [SD]

Voluntarily, Savior, You were laid dead in a tomb, * calling back the dead who are dwelling in graves since time began. * O Lord, we pray that You, in Your good pleasure, will grant them * whom You took, to dwell in habitations of the Just. [SD]

Savior, being entreated by Your compassion as God * and the goodness that is perceived as intrinsic to yourself, * will You forgive and remit all the sins and transgressions * of Your faithful servants and grant them eternal rest. [SD]

Theotokion.

O immaculate, only all-lauded Mother of God, * Christ, who in your womb was incarnate when He became a man, * and who uniquely loves the human race, as its Maker, * rescues from the gates of death and saves humanity. [SD]

Ode iv. Heirmos.

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]

Troparia.

Holy Athletes, blessed of God, * you went to the stadium of your martyrdom * and you burned up the material * of the pagan error with the Spirit’s fire. [SD]

Lord, You splendidly glorified * Your devout Monastics and holy Hierarchs. * Of Your glory may I too partake, * by their godly prayers to You on my behalf. [SD]

The divine Spirit’s energy, * which of old illumined the holy Prophets, now * gave to godly women might and strength * to bring down the insolence and pride of the foe. [SD]

For the Dead.

Be entreated, O Lord, and grant * that Your servants whom You have taken to yourself * join the chorus of all Saints on high * in the dwellings of the Saints, O God most good. [SD]

Theotokion.

You without nature’s normal laws * gave birth to the Lord who provides the law of God, * when He mercifully formed anew * fallen human nature, O all-blameless one. [SD]

Canon for the Deceased. You are my strength.

Theotokion.

Ode v. Heirmos.

Sovereign Lord our God, * as the One who is benevolent, * with your commandments enlighten us, we pray; * and also grant us * Your peace with Your own uplifted arm. [SD]

Troparia.

For the Dead.

Theotokion.

Canon for the Deceased. Why reject me, Your servant.

Theotokion.

Ode vi. Heirmos.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, * for many are my iniquities; * and bring me up from the depth of evils, I supplicate. * Like Jonah, I cry to You. * O my Savior, hear me, * as the God of my Deliverance. [SD]

Troparia.

For the Dead.

Theotokion.

Canon for the Deceased. Be gracious to me.

Theotokion.

Ode vii. Heirmos.

God-fearing holy Servants did not worship * the image of gold of old in Babylon. * They were thrown in the furnace, * where no fiery flame, but moist * whistling wind refreshed them, as they extolled * the Lord and sang: “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.” [SD]

Troparia.

For the Dead.

Theotokion.

Canon for the Deceased. Servants, descendants.

Theotokion.

Ode viii. Heirmos.

Those Servants, speaking from God, in the furnace trampled * the fire and also the error * and the deception and they sang, “All you works of the Lord, praise and bless the Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

For the Dead.

Theotokion.

Canon for the Deceased. At the sound.

Theotokion.

Ode ix. Heirmos.

With unceasing hymns of praise we glorify and magnify you, * the unwedded Mother of the Most High God; * by a word you gave birth to the true God inexplicably, * and you are higher than the immaculate angelic hosts. [SD]

Troparia.

For the Dead.

Theotokion.

Canon for the Deceased. All hearers shuddered.

Theotokion.

Aposticha of Lauds.

For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 4.

You competed strongly, O saints of God. * You courageously endured when the unjust tormented you; * before governors and rulers you declared your faith in Christ. * And now that you have passed on from this earthly life, * you still act in the world through mighty miracles: * you cure the sick and you heal the lame * from their diseases and injuries. * So intercede, we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [GOASD]

Invincible Martyrs of Christ our God, * having triumphed over error by the power of the Cross, * you have duly now received the grace of everlasting life. * Of tyrants’ * angry threats you were not terrified. * Tormented * by their tortures, you were full of joy. * And now your blood has become for us * the cure of body and soul alike. * Do intercede, * we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [SD]

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]

Automelon.

What are we to call you, O holy ones? * Cherubim, inasmuch as Christ has found repose in you. * Seraphim, for without ceasing you were glorifying Him. * Or Angels, from the body you had turned away. * Or Powers, you are active doing miracles. * Your names are many, and greater are * the spiritual gifts that you received. * So intercede, we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [SD]

Glory. For the Dead.

Immense is the punishment for those who lead a prodigal life: the grinding of teeth and inconsolable weeping, the inferno of hell, the outer darkness, and the worm that never sleeps; ineffective tears, and the Judge unsympathetic. Let us therefore cry aloud and pray, “Master Christ, let those whom You have taken repose among Your chosen.” [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin and holy Theotokos, I take refuge in your protection. I am confident of my salvation, for you, O Pure One, are able to help me. [SD]

When Alleluia is sung at Matins, we sing the foregoing hymns for the Martyrs as Lauds, and the following Aposticha.

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

You, as King, have signed the order that proclaims my liberty, * with Your fingers, O God of all, * that were reddened as with ink in Your all-holy blood, O Lord. * And now we earnestly pray to You with faith, * for the deceased who have passed away to You, * who are compassionate. * Number them along with the first-born on high. * Count them worthy to receive the joy of righteous saints. [GOASD]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

You performed high-priestly ministry, when You, O Christ, as a man, * being slaughtered, offered yourself * as a sacrifice to God, * and delivered mankind from death. * Now in the land of the living please assign * a place for those who have passed away, O Lord, * in Your benevolence, * there where the abundant waters of delight * ever flow and fountains pour out everlasting life. [GOASD]

Verse: Their souls shall dwell among good things. [SAAS]

Lord, in Your profound, ineffable wisdom You fix the time * of the life and foresee the death * of Your servants, and then You * transfer them to another life. * We pray for those You have taken to yourself. * Lead them beside the still waters to repose * in the resplendent light * of Your saints and righteous, and to hear the sound * of the celebration with a voice of great joy and praise. [GOASD]

Verse: And their memorial abides from generation to generation. [SAAS]

Logos, as You are invisible, the consubstantial Son * of the Father, and share the throne * with the Spirit, You appeared * in the flesh for humanity. * To You, our merciful and benevolent * life-giving Lord, we now pray for the deceased, * that You envelop them * in the splendid beauty of Your most divine * majesty, adorning them with Your magnificence. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mother of God, you conceived and bore the Word of God and God. * We implore you to pray to Him * with maternal confidence * for your servants who passed away, * that He assign them a place where they can join * the never-ending chorus of those who sing * joyfully praising you, * and that they may dwell in everlasting light * on high, where the sound is sweet of those who celebrate. [GOASD]

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LITURGY

The Beatitudes. Mode pl. 4.

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]

Bravely you endured the pain of all the tortures. * By your holy wounds, O medaled Martyr Athletes, * you greatly weakened the myriads of the demons, * mortally wounding them by grace divine. [SD]

All the Saints of Christ, monastic men and women, * holy Hierarchs, the chorus of the Prophets, * have been allotted a place to reside in heaven. * Now let us call them blessed as is right. [SD]

For the Martyrs.

God, we pray for all who left this life believing: * Grant them all to dwell in the land of the righteous. * As they extol You as God, may they be allotted * a place of residence in Paradise. [SD]

Glory.

Holy Father, Son, and Spirit, one in nature, * You are God, and by a word created all things. * You are unceasingly glorified, praised, and worshiped * by all the Angels and humanity. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Virgin, you gave birth to Him who is the fullness * of everything good. Fulfill now our entreaties, * and pray He grant the forgiveness of all offenses, * illumination, and great mercy to us. [SD]

END OF MODE PL. 4