Books - Sources
Menaion - August 12
Memory of the Holy Martyrs Photius and Anicetus, and of our Devout Father Maximus the Confessor
Horologion
Service of the Great Paraklesis
__________
VESPERS
PRIEST
Blessed is our God always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR
Amen.
While the Introductory Psalm is being read, the Priest stands in front of the holy Table and reads the so-called Lamp-lighting Prayers.
READER
Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.
Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.
Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.
Stand for the reading of the Introductory Psalm.
Psalm 103 (104).
Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are magnified exceedingly; You clothe Yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain; You are He who covers His upper chambers with water, who makes the clouds His means of approach, who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. He established the earth on its stable foundation; it shall not be moved unto ages of ages. The deep like a garment is His covering; the waters shall stand upon the mountains; at Your rebuke they shall flee; at the sound of Your thunder, they shall be afraid. The mountains rise up, and the plains sink down to the place You founded for them. You set a boundary they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth. You are He who sends springs into the valley; the waters shall pass between the mountains; they shall give drink to all the wild animals of the field; the wild asses shall quench their thirst; the birds of heaven shall dwell beside them; they shall sing from the midst of the rocks. You are He who waters the mountains from His higher places; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You are He who causes grass to grow for the cattle, and the green plant for the service of man, to bring forth bread from the earth; and wine gladdens the heart of man, to brighten his face with oil; and bread strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of fruit, the cedars of Lebanon, which You planted; there the sparrows shall make their nests; the house of the heron takes the lead among them. The high mountains are for the deer; the cliff is a refuge for the rabbits. He made the moon for seasons; the sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night, wherein all the wild animals of the forest will prowl about; the young lions roar and snatch their prey, and seek their food from God. The sun arises, and they are gathered together; and they shall be put to bed in their dens. Man shall go out to his work and to his labor until evening. O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom; the earth was filled with Your creation. There is this great and spacious sea: the creeping things are there without number; the living things are there, both small and great; there the ships pass through; there is this dragon You formed to play therein. All things wait upon You, that You may give them food in due season. When You give it to them, they shall gather it; when You open Your hand, all things shall be filled with Your goodness. But when You turn Your face away, they shall be troubled; when You take away their breath, they shall die and return again to their dust. You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord be forever; the Lord shall be glad in His works; He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I exist; may my words be pleasing to Him, and I shall be glad in the Lord. May sinners cease from the earth, and the lawless, so as to be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
The sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night.
O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom. [SAAS]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)
Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.
THE PEACE LITANY
DEACON
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR (after each petition)
Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Archbishop (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.
For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Sacred Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR
Amen.
CHOIR
Mode 4.
Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to You. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]
Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]
Show Stichologia
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, a door of enclosure about my lips.
Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.
With men who work lawlessness; and I will not join with their choice ones.
The righteous man shall correct me with mercy, and he shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.
For my prayer shall be intense in the presence of their pleasures. Their judges are swallowed up by the rock.
They shall hear my words, for they are pleasant. As a clod of ground is dashed to pieces on the earth, so their bones were scattered beside the grave.
For my eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You; in You I hope; take not my soul away.
Keep me from the snares they set for me, and from the stumbling blocks of those who work lawlessness.
Sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone, until I escape.
I cried to the Lord with my voice, with my voice I prayed to the Lord.
I shall pour out my supplication before Him; I shall declare my affliction in His presence.
When my spirit fainted within me, then You knew my paths.
For on the way I was going, they hid a trap for me.
I looked on my right, and saw there was no one who knew me.
Refuge failed me, and there was no one who cared for my soul.
I cried to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.”
Attend to my supplication, for I was humbled exceedingly.
Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison to give thanks to Your name, O Lord.
The righteous shall wait for me, until You reward me.
Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.
Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
Hide Stichologia
Stichera. For the Martyrs.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. You have given.
Ἔδωκας σημείωσιν.
If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You. [SAAS]
O courageous Martyrs, you did not recoil in fear before * burning fire or implements * of pain, or irrational anger of the one who * mindlessly condemned you. Neither did lions nor the heat * of boiling cauldrons, nor yet dismemberment * cause you to be at all afraid. The bitter death sentence famously * promised you immortality, * sending you to immortal God. [SD]
Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord. [SAAS]
O courageous Martyrs, you received the blessed demise and end, * which in all ways is venerable, * and for which the worthy long. And you have been granted * the eternal hopes. And to us you now pour out the streams * of cures and miracles, and you take away * the fever of the passions of the souls and bodies of us who keep * this your feast with solemnity * every year, O all-lauded Saints. [SD]
From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. [SAAS]
Glorious St. Photius and the godly-minded Anicetus, * those two excellent Martyr Saints, * were filled with the Trinity’s brightness and resplendence, * and they were adorned with the manly beauty of their scars; * and now with Angels they ever celebrate. * They give illumination, divine grace and mercy to all who keep * this most glorious, sacred feast * of their contest with faith and love. [SD]
For. St. Maximus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. To a brave one.
Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions. [SAAS]
O devout Father Maximus, * you proclaimed that the Master Christ, * who for pity’s sake, as He willed, became a man, * is intellectually perceived * in two wills and energies. * Thus you stopped the gateless mouths * of defiled men who argued that * the incarnate Lord * had but one will and energy; for they had been infected by the devil, * the arch-inventor of wickedness. [SD]
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples. [SAAS]
Father Maximus, you suppressed * the ill-minded and frivolous * Pyrrus with the rope of the dogmas you professed. * And persecutions did you endure, * and hardships, O famous one; * you were mercilessly whipped, * and they cut off your sacred tongue, * and your holy hand, * which to God was perpetually lifted, and with which you put in writing * exalted dogmas for all to read. [SD]
For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever. [SAAS]
Your all-sanctified tongue became * like the pen of a ready scribe * whetted by the Spirit, O Father Maximus; * and on the surfaces of our hearts * in grace it exquisitely * wrote the tablet of divine * godly virtues and the precise * dogmas, and the Lord’s * incarnation in dual natures and in one hypostasis and person, * as was His will to appear to us. [SD]
Glory. For. St. Maximus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4.
We the multitudes of monastics honor you, O Maximos, as our teacher and guide. For through you we have learned to walk the truly straight and narrow path. Blessed are you, who served Christ and triumphed over the power of the enemy. As you consort now with the Angels and dwell with the Devout and Righteous, pray with them to the Lord, that He have mercy on our souls. [SD]
Both now. For the Feast.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4.
The dark cloud, spoken of in the Old Testament, has been replaced by the bright cloud of the Transfiguration, within which Moses and Elias appeared; and they were granted that super-luminous glory, and they said to God, “You are our God, the King of the ages!” [SD]
(No Entrance)
Stand for the hymn.
READER
Gladsome light of holy glory of the holy, blessed, heavenly, immortal Father, O Jesus Christ: arriving at the hour of sunset and having seen the evening light, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. It is worthy for You to be praised at all times with happy voices, O Son of God and Giver of life; * and therefore the world glorifies You. [SD]
DEACON
The evening Prokeimenon!
CHOIR
Prokeimenon. Mode pl. 4.
Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord. [SAAS] (2)
Verse: Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord.
Stand for the reading of prayer.
READER
O Lord, keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we have set our hope in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, grant me understanding of your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not despise the works of your hands. To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you is due glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. [HC] ( Amen. )
LITANY OF COMPLETION
DEACON
Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
That the whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.
CHOIR (after each petition)
Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON
For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.
For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.
That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.
And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For You are good and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be with all.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
DEACON
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Lord our God, who inclined the heavens and came down for the salvation of humankind, look upon Your servants and Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads and bent their necks to You, the fearsome yet compassionate Judge, not expecting human help, but awaiting Your mercy and anticipating Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and the coming night, from every enemy, from all demonic activity against them, from unprofitable reflections, and from wicked thoughts.
PRIEST (aloud)
Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Aposticha of the Feast.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 2. O House of Ephratha.
Οἶκος τοῦ Ἐφραθᾶ.
Eagerly let us scale * Mt. Tabor in the spirit * to see the holy glory * of Christ our Lord and Savior, and worship Him as King of all. [SD]
Verse: The heavens belong to You, and the earth is Yours. [SAAS]
Savior, when You appeared * together with Elijah * and Moses and Your chosen * Disciples on Mt. Tabor, You shone forth brighter than the sun. [SD]
Verse: Tabor and Hermon shall greatly rejoice in Your name. [SAAS]
Hearing the Father’s voice * corroborate Your glory, * O Son of God and Savior, * Your three Disciples fell on their faces and were much afraid. [SD]
Glory. For. St. Maximus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 2.
Devout Father, the proclamation of your achievements went forth into all the earth. For your labors you found the reward in heaven. You destroyed the arrays of demons, and you attained to the orders of the Angels, whose lifestyle you emulated blamelessly. Since you have confidence before Christ our God, ask Him to grant peace to our souls. [SD]
Both now. For the Feast.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4.
When You exposed a faint flash of Your divinity to those who went up the mount with You, O Christ, You let them experience Your supermundane glory. And they enthusiastically cried out, “It is good that we are here!” And now we join them, O Christ our Savior who was transfigured, and to the ages we extol You. [SD]
Stand for the reading of prayers
PRIEST
Song of Simeon
Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples. A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. [NKJV]
At Vespers during the first two weeks of August, with some exceptions, the appointed Supplicatory Canon to the Most-holy Theotokos is appended.
__________
Service of the Great Paraklesis to the Most-holy Theotokos
(Complete Score)
READER
Psalm 142 (143).
O Lord, hear my prayer; give ear to my supplication in Your truth; answer me in Your righteousness; do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for no one living shall become righteous in Your sight. For the enemy persecuted my soul; he humbled my life to the ground; he caused me to dwell in dark places as one long dead, and my spirit was in anguish within me; my heart was troubled within me. I remembered the days of old, and I meditated on all Your works; I meditated on the works of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a waterless land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit faints within me; turn not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning, for I hope in You; make me know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for to You I flee for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your good Spirit shall guide me in the land of uprightness. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, give me life; in Your righteousness You shall bring my soul out of affliction. In Your mercy You shall destroy my enemies; You shall utterly destroy all who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant. [SAAS]
Then “God is the Lord” is sung four times, with or without the verses.
CHOIR
Mode 4.
God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]
Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.
Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.
Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
Troparia.
Mode 4. You who were lifted.
Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.
O humble sinners, let us now run in earnest * unto the Theotokos, and in repentance * fall down to her and cry out from the depths of our souls: * Show compassion unto us * and provide your assistance. * Hasten; we are perishing * in our many transgressions. * Turn not your servants empty-handed away; * for we have found you, O Lady, our only hope. [SD]
Glory. Repeat.
Both now. Same Melody.
We the unworthy shall not ever be silent, * O Theotokos, from proclaiming your powers. * For were you not concerned to intercede for us, * who would have delivered us * from such manifold dangers, * and who else would up to now * have preserved us in freedom? * O Lady, we shall not depart from you, * for you ever save your servants * from evils of every kind. [SD]
READER
Psalm 50 (51).
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]
The Canon
CHOIR
Ode i. Mode pl. 4. The rod of Moses.
Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Relentless onslaughts of distressing troubles now disquiet my humble soul. * And the gloomy clouds of tribulation shroud my heart. * But since you are, O Bride of God, * Theotokos and Mother * of the divine pre-eternal Light, * shine on me the light that is full of joy. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
I have been saved from countless grave necessities and tribulations and woes, * hostile adversaries * and from life’s calamities * by your prevailing power; hence, * all-immaculate Maiden, * I praise and magnify the immense * sympathy and solace you offer me. [SD]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Now trusting fully in your mighty patronage, for safety there have I fled; * and unto your shelter * have I run wholeheartedly, * O Lady, and I bend my knees * and lament sighing deeply. * Do not disdain me the wretched one. * For you are the refuge of Christians all. [SD]
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
I shall not cease from speaking most emphatically of your magnificent deeds. * For were you not always * standing up on my behalf, * petitioning your Son and God, * from so violent a tempest * and such formidable jeopardy, * who else would there be to deliver me? [SD]
Ode iii. O divine Master Builder.
Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Altogether bewildered, with pain I cry unto you. * Come to me, O earnest protection, and hasten to provide * assistance unto me, * your poor and mis’rable servant * ardently imploring for * the aid which comes from you. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Now, O Maiden, upon me * your servant you have indeed * magnified your mercies, O Lady, and beneficial deeds. * Therefore I sing your praise * and glorify you and honor * your extensive patronage * to which there is no end. [SD]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I am drowning, O Lady, under the tide of distress, * and I am distraught by the blizzard of life’s adversities. * Come quickly, I entreat, * and lend a hand of assistance. * For you are my Patroness * earnestly helping me. [SD]
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
I acknowledge, O Lady, as Theotokos in truth * you who have destroyed the dominion of death; for you gave birth * to Him who is the Life, * and from the prison of Hades * unto life you raised me up * who tumbled down to earth. [SD]
Deliver us your humble servants from perils, O Theotokos, as for refuge, after God, we all flee to you, an impregnable fortress and protection. [SD]
Look graciously upon your servant, all-praiseworthy Theotokos, and upon my painful physical suffering, and remedy my anguish of spirit. [SD]
PRIEST
Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CHOIR (after each petition)
Lord, have mercy. (3)
PRIEST
Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.
Again we pray for the servants of God… (At this time the Priest commemorates those for whom the Paraklesis is sung.)
Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.
For You are merciful and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR
Amen.
Kathisma.
Mode 2. In seeking the heights.
Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν.
O Mother of God, intently we cry out to you * the wellspring of mercy and the refuge of the world. * O vehement advocate, * unassailable fortress, anticipate * and deliver us from perilous ordeals, * O Lady who alone are swift to fend for us. [SD]
Ode iv. You are my strength.
Σύ μου ἰσχύς.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Where, in the end, * am I to find other patronage? * Where shall I seek refuge, where shall I be saved? * Whom shall I have as my fervent aid, * who, alas, am rattled * by life’s afflictions and turbulence? * I hope and I take courage * and I boast in you only; * and I run to your shelter. Deliver me. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
O purest Maid, * now I proclaim and I magnify * the sweet river of your tender-loving care * which has refreshed with abundant gifts * my completely wretched * and humble soul which is burning in * the furnace of disasters * and of grievous afflictions. * And I run to your shelter. Deliver me. [SD]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
You are the pure, * you are the Virgin, the undefiled, * whom alone I have as an impregnable * fortress and wall, shelter and defense, * weapon of salvation. * Do not despise me the prodigal, * O hope of the dejected, * O ally of the feeble, * O assistance and joy of the suffering. [SD]
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O Lady, how * shall I be able to worthily * tell of your immeasurable charity * that you pour out constantly on me * like refreshing water * to soothe my painfully burning soul? * O providence and labors * of benevolent kindness * which from you I have plentifully enjoyed! [SD]
Ode v. Why reject me, Your servant.
Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Now I gratefully cry out: * Rejoice, O virgin Mother; rejoice, O Bride of God! * O divine protection * and impregnable fortress and shield, rejoice! * O rejoice, the helper * and the defense and the salvation * of your servants who faithfully run to you! [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
They who hate me have vainly * readied all their arrows and swords and have dug a pit. * And my wretched body * they are seeking to strike at and tear apart. * And they are attempting, * O purest Maiden, to reduce me * to the ground. So come quickly and rescue me. [SD]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Out of every affliction, * illness and necessity and harm deliver me. * O all-lauded Maiden, * by your power preserve me uninjured from * enemies that hate me * and war against me. And from danger * keep me covered beneath your protective veil. [SD]
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
What can I now present you * as a worthy gift in token of my gratitude * for your boundless kindness * and the bounties that I have enjoyed from you? * Therefore am I praising * and glorifying and exalting * your ineffable sympathy unto me. [SD]
Ode vi. I pour out my supplication.
Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
My mis’rable * soul and heart are covered up * by the clouds of pain and sorrow, O Damsel, * causing in me a condition of darkness. * But since you gave birth to Light unapproachable, * dispel them far away from me * with the breath of your holy petitioning. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
I recognize * you as solace in trouble, * and I know you as the healer of ailments, * and as the one who to death dealt destruction, * and as a river of life inexhaustible, * and as a quick and eager source * of assistance for those in calamities. [SD]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I do not hide * the abyss of your mercy, * nor the wellspring of your infinite wonders, * nor yet the truly perpetual fountain * of the compassion, O Lady, you have for me. * But rather I confess to all * and announce and proclaim and enunciate. [SD]
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The dizzying * cares of life surround me now * like the bees round a honeycomb, O Virgin; * and being seized of my heart, O pure Maiden, * they sorely sting it with darts of adversities. * Oh, how I wish to find in you * a defender and helper and rescuer! [SD]
Deliver us your humble servants from perils, O Theotokos, as for refuge, after God, we all flee to you, an impregnable fortress and protection. [SD]
Look graciously upon your servant, all-praiseworthy Theotokos, and upon my painful physical suffering, and remedy my anguish of spirit. [SD]
or: Entreat for us, * O spotless Maiden who gave birth to the divine Word * inexplicably through a word in the latter days, * since you indeed * speak with motherly freedom. [SD]
PRIEST
Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CHOIR (after each petition)
Lord, have mercy. (3)
PRIEST
Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.
Again we pray for the servants of God… (At this time the Priest commemorates those for whom the Paraklesis is sung.)
Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.
For You are merciful and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR
Amen.
Kontakion. Mode 2.
O Protection of Christians that never falls, intercession with the Creator that never fails, we sinners beg you, do not ignore the voices of our prayers. O good Lady, we implore you, quickly come unto our aid, when we cry out to you with faith. Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who protect now and ever those who honor you. [SD]
Prokeimenon. Psalm 44 (45).
I will remember your name from generation to generation. (2)
Verse: Listen, O daughter, behold and incline your ear, and forget your people and your father’s house. For the King desired your beauty.
I will remember your name from generation to generation. [SAAS]
PRIEST
Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
PRIEST
Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
Peace be with all.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
PRIEST
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Let us be attentive.
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
PRIEST
10:38 – 42; 11:27 – 28
At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” [RSV]
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
CHOIR
Glory. Mode 2.
Father, Word and Spirit, the Trinity in Union, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]
Both now.
At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]
Mode pl. 2. When the saints deposited.
Ὅλην ἀποθέμενοι.
Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression.
O Lady, entrust me not * to any human protection, * but rather accept the prayer * of your humble supplicant, * O all-holy one. * Troubles encompass me. * No more can I endure * all the arrows demons shoot at me. * From every side am I * under fire, mis’rable that I am. * Shelter I do not possess, * and no consolation have I but you. * Patronage and hope of * the faithful, Sovereign Lady of the world, * O disregard not my litany. * Do that which is best for me. [SD]
Theotokia.
No one who runs to you for help comes back from you ever frustrated in his cause, O Virgin Theotokos. But he asks for the favor and receives the bestowal which is appropriate for his request. [SD]
You are a turning for the better for those in trouble and deliverance of the sick, O Virgin Theotokos. Save your people and your flock, since you are the peace of the embattled, tranquil calm of those in agitation, and the believers’ only patronage. [SD]
PRIEST
O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Look upon Your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us Your rich mercies:
through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, heavenly, bodiless powers, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, our fathers among the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; Menas the wonderworker; Charalambos and Eleutherios, the hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Katherine, Kyriake, Fotene, Marina, Paraskeve and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; and our devout and God-bearing Father Maximus the Confessor, whose memory we observe, and all Your saints:
We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.
CHOIR
Lord, have mercy. (12)
PRIEST
Through the mercy, compassion, and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Ode vii. Servants, descendants.
Παῖδες Ἑβραίων.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Mother of Light and Theotokos, * now illuminate me lying in the darkness * of the nighttime of sin, * O pure and stainless vessel * of light, that I may glorify * you with longing, O pure Maiden. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Shelter, assistance and protection, * and the cause of boasting be for me the sinner * who am destitute now * of every help, O Virgin. * The power of the helpless are you, * and the hope of the despairing. [SD]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I have enjoyed so many favors; * hence with all my soul and reason I extol you. * With my heart and my lips * I glorify you, Lady. * How awesome are your charity * and your never ending wonders! [SD]
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Graciously look upon your servant, * and attend to the affliction that besets me. * And redeem me from all * calamities, temptations * and perils and from injury, * in your infinite compassion. [SD]
Ode viii. O extol Him.
Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Overlook not your servant who is drowning * in the billowing waves * of everyday existence. * O noble Virgin, lend a helping hand to me * in your great compassion; * for I am exhausted by life’s unending evils. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Tribulations and crises and privations * and the trials of life * have found me, O pure Maiden. * On every side temptations have surrounded me. * Care for me and help me * and provide protection beneath your mighty shelter. [SD]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I have found you a harbor in the tempest, * and rejoicing and happiness in sorrows, * a speedy help in sickness and infirmity, * also a protectress * in ordeals, and likewise a rescuer in perils. [SD]
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O rejoice, fiery throne of the Master! * O rejoice, sacred manna-holding vessel! * O golden lampstand, unextinguished torch, rejoice! * Pride of pious virgins, * O rejoice, the glory and ornament of mothers! [SD]
Ode ix. The heavens were astounded.
Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
O pure one, unto whom else am I to flee? * Where am I now to run? Where shall I be saved? Where shall I go? * Where am I to find any other place * of refuge, other fervent aid, * or another helper in my distress? * My hope is in you only. * In you alone I glory. * And taking courage, I have fled to you. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Impossible it is to enumerate * your magnificent wonders, O Bride of God, and to acclaim * aptly the unfathomable abyss * of your stupendous miracles * that are done continually for all * who honor you with longing * and faithfully pay rev’rence * to you the true Birthgiver of our God. [SD]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
With grateful hymns I glorify and extol * your immeas’rable mercy, and I acknowledge unto all * the enormous power that you possess, * O Lady. And the benefits * which you have so lavishly poured on me * I magnify and herald * with heart and soul, O Virgin, * and with my mind and tongue forevermore. [SD]
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Accept my poor and negligible appeal; * and my weeping and tears and my sighing too do not ignore. * But since you are good, come unto my aid, * fulfilling my petitions all. * You can do all things, as the Mother of * our God and Lord Almighty. * Just nod in the direction * of my lamentable humility. [SD]
Megalynaria.
It is truly right to call you blessed, Theotokos, the ever-blessed and all-blameless one and the Mother of our God. [SD]
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]
Offering this chanting of hymns to you, * we accord you honor as the Lady of all the world, * higher than the heavens and purer than the sunshine, * O Maiden who redeemed us * from the ancestral curse. [SD]
Owing to the multitude of my sins, * ailing is my body and diseased also is my soul. * O help me, I pray you the hope of the despairing. * To you I come for refuge, * O Maiden full of grace. [SD]
From unworthy servants of yours accept * petitions requesting mediation on our behalf * with Him whom you brought forth, O Mother of the Savior. * Become our Mediatrix, * O Lady of the world. [SD]
Unto you the Birthgiver of our God * praised by all, rejoicing now we eagerly chant this ode. * Together implore with the Forerunner and all Saints * that unto us compassion * be shown, O Mother of God. [SD]
Speechless be the lips of impious men * who refuse to rev’rence your august Icon which is called * the Mother of God the Directress, and was painted * by the divine Apostle * Luke the Evangelist. [SD]
During the feast of the Transfiguration, the following Megalynarion for that feast may be inserted here.
Wishing to display power from on high * and the Father’s wisdom to Your three holy and divine * Disciples, O Christ, You ascended Mount Tabor, * and shining as the Master, * there You illumined them. [SD]
Then, the Megalynarion of the local church.
Then, the following:
Join the Theotokos, all you arrays * of angelic powers, honored Forerunner of the Lord, * holy Twelve Apostles * and all the Saints together, * and pray for our salvation, and intercede for us. [SD]
READER
Trisagion Prayers.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the 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 the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.
CHOIR
Amen.
Apolytikion. For. St. Maximus.
Mode pl. 4.
Guide of Orthodoxy and a sacred teacher of piety and dignity, luminary of the world, and God-inspired jewel of monastics, O wise Maximus, the Spirit’s instrument: by your teachings you enlightened all. Intercede with Christ our God for the salvation of our souls. [SD]
Glory. Both now.
Apolytikion of the Feast.
From Menaion - - -
Grave Mode.
You were transfigured upon the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Your disciples Your glory as much as they could bear. Do also in us, sinners though we may be, shine Your everlasting light, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Giver of light. Glory to You. [SD]
PRIEST
Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CHOIR (after each petition)
Lord, have mercy. (3)
PRIEST
Again we pray for the protection of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese (and this Sacred Metropolis), this city and every city and land, from wrath, famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, foreign invasion, civil strife, and accidental death. That our good and benevolent God may be merciful, gracious, and forgiving, and may divert and disperse all anger and disease coming against us, and deliver us from His impending justified threat and have mercy on us.
Again we pray that the Lord our God may hear the prayer of us sinners, and have mercy on us.
Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of earth and of those far off at sea, and forgive us, O Master, forgive us our sins, and have mercy on us. For You are merciful and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR
Amen.
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: Master, give the blessing.
PRIEST
Blessed is Christ our God, the One who is, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
HIERARCH or READER
The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.
May He who was transfigured in glory on mount Tabor in front of His holy disciples and Apostles, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and our devout and God-bearing Father Maximus the Confessor, whose memory we observe, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.
CHOIR
Exaposteilaria. Mode 3.
Apostles, you have assembled * from every corner of the earth * here in Gethsemane today; * now come and bury my body. * And You, my Son and my God, * receive my departing spirit. [SD]
O sweetness of the Angels, * O joy of those in affliction, * and the protectress of Christians, * O Virgin Mother of the Lord, * come to my aid and redeem me * from the eternal torments. [SD]
I have you as mediatrix * before the God who loves mankind. * May He not censure my actions * in the sight of the Angels. * I entreat you, O Virgin, * come quickly to my assistance. [SD]
O Tower fashioned of pure gold, * and City which has a twelvefold wall, * O Throne aglitter with sunshine, * magnificent Chair of the King, * incomprehensible wonder, * how did you nurse the Master? [SD]
PRIEST
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.
CHOIR: Amen.