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Octoechos - Mode pl. 4.
On Monday Morning
Menaion - October 21
Memory of our Devout Father Hilarion the Great
__________
MATINS
CHOIR
Mode pl. 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 Devout Man.
Mode pl. 4.
With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Hilarion, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]
Glory. Repeat.
Both now. Theotokion.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode pl. 4.
Rejoice, O Maiden! Through an Angel you received the joy of the world! Rejoice, for you gave birth to your Creator and Lord! Rejoice, for you were counted worthy to become the Mother of Christ our God! [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. 4.
O Lord, I beg You look at my low condition with a compassionate expression. For my life is passing little by little, and I have not done anything to merit salvation. Therefore I implore You: O Lord, look at my low condition with a compassionate expression, and save me. [GOASD]
Verse: O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your anger.
Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.
Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.
O my soul, keep the thought of that fearful day * in the front of your mind, and be vigilant; * and trimming your oil lamp, keep it lit with the virtues. * For you know not the day nor the hour the cry will come * to you specifically, saying, “Behold, your Bridegroom is here!” * Therefore, O my soul, always watch lest you slumber * and be left outside knocking like those five foolish maidens. * But continue in vigilance, * so that you may meet Christ God with abundant oil, and He give to you * the heavenly bridal room of His glory divine. [GOASD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.
Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.
The Creator and Master of all the world, * who took flesh from your all-pure and holy womb, * made you, the all-blameless Maid, * the protectress of humanity. * For this reason all we faithful now have recourse to you, * and we ask you, O Lady, to be forgiven our offenses, * and to be delivered from eternal perdition * We pray you to rescue us from all punishments that are there. * And with faith we cry out to you: * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who faithfully run to you for shelter, O Bride of God [GOASD]
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. 4.
As if the Judge were present, be anxious, O my soul, and keep in mind the thought of the hour of that fearful day. For the judgment is merciless to those who showed no mercy. So before the end cry aloud, “Spare me, O my Savior, for You are supremely benevolent.” [GOASD]
Verse: Look upon me and have mercy on me.
Mode pl. 4.
Like the sinful woman, I come to You to be forgiven, and instead of perfume, I offer You my heartfelt tears, O Christ God, so that You will pity me, as You did her, O Savior, and grant to me forgiveness of sins. For like her, I cry to You, “Free me from the mud of my sinful deeds!” [GOASD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.
Τὸ προσταχθέν.
O Lady, pure, graced by God, and ever-blessed, * join with the Powers in the heavens, the Archangels, * all the Bodiless Hosts and ceaselessly petition * the Lord, who in His compassion was born from you, * entreating on our behalf that before the end * He will grant us correction and the expiation of our sins, * amendment of our way of life, * so that mercy await us all. [SD]
From Octoechos - - -
Kathisma III.
For compunction.
Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.
Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.
For how long will you rashly insist to live * with indifference and laziness, O my soul? * Wake up from your apathy as from sleep, O pathetic fool. * Recollect your sinful deeds and moan with anxiety, * and shudder at the thought of the verdict the Judge will pronounce. * What kind of defense will you have in that hour? * And how do you expect to be saved from the future fire, if you refuse to correct yourself? * Before the end, cry out to the Judge, * “O Savior, forgive my offenses, * for You are supremely long-suffering.” [GOASD]
Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.
For the Martyrs.
Mode pl. 4.
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]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode pl. 4. Automelon.
When he perceived what had secretly been ordered, * to the abode of Joseph urgently reported * the unbodied one saying unto the Unwedded: * “The Lord who has bowed the heavens in His descent, * in you is contained completely and without change; * and beholding Him in your womb * taking the form of a slave, * astounded I cry out to you: * Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.” [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]
Kontakion.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 3. N/M (On this day.)
Coming together today, we sing in hymns to you, Hillary, as an unsetting luminary of the noetic Sun. You illumined those in the darkness of ignorance, lifting up to a divine height all those who cry out: Rejoice, O Father, pedestal of ascetics. [VPA]
Oikos.
When you fell in love with the divine commandments of Christ, and detested carnal and worldly pleasure, you enthusiastically went to Him, and you became a star that illumined all the ends of the earth, as you shined with the light of the Spirit. Therefore I appeal to you and entreat you: Illumine the eyes of my soul as well, so that I may extol your contests, which you demonstrated on earth for the sake of the life to come. As you enjoy that now, remember us who shout: Rejoice, O Father, the pedestal of ascetics. [SD]
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On October 21, we commemorate our devout father Hilarion the Great.
By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
CHOIR
Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 2.
Κάμινός ποτε.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
Heeding the divine decree, the fiery furnace * of old in Babylon distributed its actions and energy; * for it burned up the Chaldean men, * but it refreshed the faithful young men who sang, * saying, “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. Sing a hymn to Him.” [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 2.
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 2.
Ἀνάρχου Γεννήτορος.
To us was revealed the unoriginate Begetter’s Son, * from a Virgin incarnated. He is God and Lord, * coming to those sitting in darkness to give them light, * to gather the scattered. * And therefore the all-extolled Theotokos should be magnified. [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.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.
Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.
Devout and holy Father, * the Lord who knows the thoughts of all * beholding how you were cheerful * and how your mind was very pure * made you, the pride of monastics, * a world-renowned luminary. [SD]
Theotokion.
Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.
Since you, O Virgin, are Mother * of the Creator of ages * and of the Master of Angels, * we therefore pray you entreat Him * to grant us who are your servants * to stand on His right in heaven. [SD]
Lauds. Mode pl. 2.
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
Stichera. For the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 2. When the saints deposited.
Ὅλην ἀποθέμενοι.
Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]
Dedicated to the Lord * in every way and at all times, * you had mortified your flesh * by ascetic discipline in virtue from youth; * but the eye of your soul, * Father, by your radiant * contemplations you had vivified. * So when you thus became * able to receive what the Lord bestows, * you gained the gifts of grace divine, * healings and performing of miracles; * and to all in need you distribute the abundant gifts of God, * and you entreat Him with confidence, * praying that He save our souls. [SD]
Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]
Dedicated to the Lord * in every way and at all times, * you had mortified your flesh * by ascetic discipline in virtue from youth; * but the eye of your soul, * Father, by your radiant * contemplations you had vivified. * So when you thus became * able to receive what the Lord bestows, * you gained the gifts of grace divine, * healings and performing of miracles; * and to all in need you distribute the abundant gifts of God, * and you entreat Him with confidence, * praying that He save our souls. [SD]
Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]
O devout Hilarion, * when you received the tri-solar * radiance with brilliant light, * then like a perceptible brightly shining sun * you moved over the earth, * unto all dispersing * holy sunbeams of your miracles. * Thus the recipients * of your benefactions, who had enjoyed * the healings you performed on them, * godly-minded Father, and who obtained * by your sacred teachings, * salvation, were proclaiming that you are * a Prophet, worker of miracles, * and a saint inspired by God. [SD]
Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]
When you passed beyond delights * of life and all things apparent, * O devout Hilarion, * and by grace passed over to things immovable * and perceived by the mind, * you conversed then purely * with the only absolutely pure, * because of sharpness of * intellect and purity of your soul; * and though you were material * you lived like an Angel, O holy one. * Now that you are standing * beside the Master Christ, the Lord of all, * will you entreat Him with confidence, * praying that He save our souls. [SD]
Glory.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 2.
Christ beheld your pure and tranquil life, Father, ⁄ your meekness and silence. ⁄ Therefore He made His abode in you ⁄ and you became a divine dwelling. ⁄⁄ Now, blessed one, you dwell with the angels in heaven! [OCA]
Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 2. Joseph took You down.
Ὅτε ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου.
I am now entirely consumed * by destructive pleasures, succumbing to vice of every kind; * wretched that I am, from youth and even into old age, * I am wholly despicable, * a slave to bad habits. * Lady, to the One who takes away the sins of the world * you gave birth ineffably, therefore * I implore you, earnestly pray Him * to grant me forgiveness of my many sins. [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. 4.
When I bring to mind the many terrible things I have done, and when I think about that terrifying judgment, I am overcome by trembling, and I turn to You, my benevolent God. So I pray to You, the only sinless One, do not despise me; but before the end, give compunction to my humble soul and save 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]
Give me tears, O Lord, as once You did to the sinful woman, and grant that I may wet Your feet, which freed me from the way of error, and like her to offer You, as fragrant ointment, a pure life that is built on repentance; so that I, too, may hear those cherished words of Yours: “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” [SD]
Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]
Automelon.
Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.
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 Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4.
We the multitudes of monastics honor you, O father Hilarion, 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. Theotokion.
Mode pl. 4. Your martyr Saints.
Οἱ Μάρτυρές σου Κύριε.
Obscene and filthy words have come from my conniving lips; I have committed * indecent sinful acts. What am I to do? How shall I encounter the Judge? * Virgin Lady, I implore you pray for me * to your Son and Fashioner and Lord of all, * that He receive my spirit in penitence, as He is the only merciful God. [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 Devout Man.
Mode pl. 4.
With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Hilarion, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode pl. 4.
Rejoice, O Gate of the King of glory! Only the Most High passed through you, and you alone He preserved sealed, for the salvation of our souls. [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 our devout and God-bearing father Hilarion the Great, whose memory we observe; 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.