Books - Sources
Octoechos - Mode pl. 2.
On Monday Morning
Menaion - October 7
Memory of the Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus
__________
MATINS
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.
Apolytikion. For the Martyrs.
Mode 4. Come quickly.
Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode 4.
To you who were raised in the Temple, in the Holy of Holies, and who were clothed in faith and wisdom and measureless virginity, the Supreme Commander Gabriel from heaven brought the salutation, “Rejoice”; “Rejoice, O blessed Maiden! Rejoice, O glorified one! The Lord is with you.” [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 4. Then the short litany.
DEACON
Again and again in peace let us pray 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
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 Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Kathisma I.
From Octoechos - - -
For compunction.
Mode pl. 2.
I think about that fearful day, and I lament my filthy deeds. How shall I argue in my own defense before the immortal King? How can I face the Judge with confidence, the prodigal that I am? O compassionate Father, only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit, I implore, have mercy on me! [GOASD]
Verse: O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your anger.
Mode pl. 2.
When You sit to pass righteous judgment, in the valley of weeping, in the place You appointed, O merciful Master, please do not make public the sins I committed in private, please do not embarrass me in the presence of the Angels. I beg You, spare me, O God, and have mercy on me! [GOASD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode pl. 2. You are the good hope.
Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.
We run to you, who are our hope * and protection and haven, * and the defender of the world, * good Lady Theotokos. * Together with bodiless hosts earnestly pray * to the Son you bore, who is our God most humane, * to save our souls from every threat of danger and from harm, * only all-blessed Virgin. [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 5. There is no litany, but immediately the following:
CHOIR
From Octoechos - - -
Kathisma II.
For compunction.
Mode pl. 2.
Have mercy on us, Lord have mercy on us. For with nothing to say in our own defense, we sinners offer this supplication to you our Master. Have mercy on us. [SD]
Verse: Look upon me and have mercy on me.
Mode pl. 2.
Lord have mercy on us, for in You we trust. Be not enraged with us greatly, nor remember our iniquities. But look upon us now, being compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies. For You are our God, and we Your people, all of us the work of Your hands, and now we have invoked Your name. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode pl. 2.
Gabriel’s salutation of the Virgin was the beginning of our salvation. For she heard him say, Rejoice, and did not reject the greeting. * She did not hesitate, like Sarah in the tent, but rather this is what she said, * “Behold the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” [SD]
From Octoechos - - -
Kathisma III.
For compunction.
Mode pl. 2. You are the good hope.
Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.
You are indifferent, my soul, * as you live out your whole life, * and you have never brought to mind * the frightful day of judgment. * Now get a grip of yourself and decide * to repent and return and pray to Christ, * “O compassionate Lord, remember not our many sins * in the hour of judgment.” [SD]
Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.
For the Martyrs.
Mode pl. 2.
Light always dawns for the righteous. The saints were illumined in You, and they shine like stars forever, and they extinguish the lamp of the impious. By their prayers, You will light my lamp, O Lord, and save me. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode pl. 2.
Let us extol the Mother of God, with never silent heart and mouth, for she is most glorious and holier than the holy Angels. And let us confess her to be Theotokos, for she literally gave birth to God incarnate. She unceasingly intercedes for our souls. [SD]
READER
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory. Both now.
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]
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On October 7, we commemorate the holy martyrs Sergius and Bacchus.
By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
CHOIR
Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 1.
Ἐν καμίνῳ Παῖδες.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
Three young men of Israel were thrown * into the blazing furnace, * as if they were being smelted. * Shining brighter than pure gold with beauty of piety, * they sang, “Bless the Lord, all you works; to the Lord sing a hymn * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]
Stand for the singing of Ode ix.
DEACON
Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.
CHOIR
Ode ix.
The Magnificat. Mode 1.
Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]
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. [GOASD]
Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]
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. [GOASD]
Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]
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. [GOASD]
Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]
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. [GOASD]
Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]
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. [GOASD]
Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]
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. [GOASD]
Heirmos. Mode 1.
Τύπον τῆς ἁγνῆς.
Burning, yet remaining unconsumed, * the bush revealed a type of your virgin childbirth. * And now we entreat that you extinguish the wild fire * of temptations, for it is engulfing us, * all-holy Theotokos, * and we will magnify you ceaselessly. [SD]
It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. 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. [GOASD]
PRIEST
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
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 all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Exaposteilarion of the Day. For the Angels.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode 2. O Women, hearken.
Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.
We pray to you, O Archangels * and Angels, Principalities, * Authorities and Dominions, * and Thrones, and you the Cherubim * with many eyes, as well as you * the six-winged Seraphim, entreat * and intercede on our behalf, * that we be rescued from peril * and from everlasting hell fire. [SD]
For the Saints.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 2. Let us in faith.
Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.
United by fraternal love * and also by their shared faith, * the godly-minded Sergius * and the all-lauded Bacchus, * those two prize-winning martyr Saints, * importunely entreat You, * O Christ, that You bestow Your peace * on the world and its people, granting success * over foreign enemies to our rulers, * and that You save our souls, O Lord, * and forgive our offenses. [SD]
Theotokion.
Mode 2. Let us in faith.
Cease not to pray most earnestly * to the Lord who became flesh * from your pure blood, O undefiled * Virgin Mother, entreating * for us your unworthy servants, * that we find grace to help us * in time of need on Judgment Day * when He as God will judge all the human race, * meting out deserts according to merit; * for all of us in times of need * have you as our protectress. [SD]
Lauds. Mode 1.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]
Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]
Show Stichologia
Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.
Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.
For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.
He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.
Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.
Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.
Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.
Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.
His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.
A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.
Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.
Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.
Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.
For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.
The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.
The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.
To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.
To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.
To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones.
Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Hide Stichologia
Idiomela. For the Saints.
From Menaion - - -
Idiomelon. Mode 1.
Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]
The Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, who were joined together not by nature but by faith, exclaimed in the words of David, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Together these saints trampled the enemy; and they took up the cross and followed Christ. They intercede with God our King, to grant to our souls peace and great mercy. [SD]
Idiomelon. Mode 1.
Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]
The Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, who were joined together not by nature but by faith, exclaimed in the words of David, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Together these saints trampled the enemy; and they took up the cross and followed Christ. They intercede with God our King, to grant to our souls peace and great mercy. [SD]
Idiomelon. Mode 3.
Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]
How good and how pleasant were the brotherly sentiments of Your Martyrs, O Lord. Although nature did not know them to be brothers in the flesh, their faith compelled them to be brothers to the point of blood. O God, at their prayers, have mercy on us. [SD]
Idiomelon. Mode 4.
Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]
Let us come together, and in the words of the Prophet, to the Saints let us sing aloud the hymn: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity; not because it is the natural order, but because the Holy Spirit unites them in faith.” The courageous Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus despised everything corruptible, and took up the cross on their shoulders, and followed Christ. They are allowed to speak freely in heaven; so they intercede with the Lord on our behalf, that He send down to us the great mercy. [SD]
Glory.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4.
Sergius had shod his feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace, namely the iron sandals with nails in their soles. With the blood that flowed from his feet, he blinded the serpent who watches our heels, and he received the halo for martyrdom. We entreat You, O Christ our God, that by his prayers for us, You nail down our flesh with the fear of You, and be merciful to us. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 4.
Rejoice, Cloud of light; rejoice, O radiant Lampstand; rejoice, Jar of manna; O Rod of Aaron, rejoice; rejoice, O holy Mountain; rejoice, O Paradise; O holy Table, rejoice; rejoice, O mystical Gate; rejoice. O hope of all. [SD]
Stand for the reading of the Doxology.
Doxology (read)
HIERARCH or READER
To you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
READER
Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world. Accept our supplication, you who sit at the right of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Every day I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the ages of ages. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this day we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your commandments. Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs a hymn, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
LITANY OF COMPLETION
DEACON
Let us complete our morning 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 day 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 the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to 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)
Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next.
PRIEST (aloud)
For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Aposticha of the Octoechos.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode pl. 2.
O Savior, heal the wounds of my heart, which have grown in me because of many sins, O physician of souls and bodies. As You ever grant forgiveness of offenses to those who ask, grant me tears of repentance, and give me the remission of my debts, O Lord, and have mercy on me. [SD]
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]
The enemy found me naked of any virtues, so he shot me with the arrow of sin. But I pray You, the physician of souls and bodies, heal the wounds of my soul, and have mercy on me, O God. [SD]
Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]
O Lord, all creation celebrates at the memory of Your Saints: the heavens and the Angels are exultant, and the earth rejoices with its people. By their supplications, have mercy on us. [SD]
Glory. For the Saints.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 2.
The Church of God, universal martyrs, ⁄ having beheld your struggles in days of old, ⁄ today is adorned with splendor, ⁄ celebrating with faith on the day of your memorial, ⁄ Wearing the shame imposed on your divine necks in mockery ⁄ as royal adornment! ⁄⁄ You have been given heavenly glory and unending blessedness! [OCA]
Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 2. Joseph took You down.
Ὅτε ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου.
I, the wretch, have wasted all the time * of my life in sins and in vices, O pure one; now I am left * destitute completely of all good and virtuous deeds. * And I see now that death, alas, * is quickly approaching, * and I shudder at the judgment of your Son, our God. * Rescue me from this, holy Virgin, * and before that anguish, O Lady, * save me and return me to the path of life. [SD]
PRIEST
It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth at night. [SAAS]
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.
CHOIR
Apolytikion. For the Martyrs.
Mode 4. Come quickly.
Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode 4.
We are unequipped to praise you worthily, O Theotokos, for you are the highest of all things created. Therefore, we entreat you: As a gift to us, have mercy on us. [SD]
(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)
PRIEST: Wisdom.
READER: Father, bless!
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.
Then we begin the First Hour, saying: “Come let us worship…”
or:
Dismissal
PRIEST
Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.
May 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, of the Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, whose memory we are observing, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.
Conclusion, i.e. “Through the prayers…”
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.
CHOIR
Amen.