Books - Sources
Menaion - October 23
Memory of the Holy Apostle James (Iakovos), the Brother of God
__________
VESPERS
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.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4.
As a disciple of the Lord, you accepted the Gospel, O James the Just. As a Martyr you have unchangeability; as the Brother of the Lord you have confidence; and you can intercede as a hierarch. Intercede with Christ our God, entreating Him to save our souls. [SD]
Glory. Repeat.
As a disciple of the Lord, you accepted the Gospel, O James the Just. As a Martyr you have unchangeability; as the Brother of the Lord you have confidence; and you can intercede as a hierarch. Intercede with Christ our God, entreating Him to save our souls. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode 4.
O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death. [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 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.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.
Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.
O Brother of the Lord, wise and blessed Apostle * of Christ, O righteous James, the eye-witness and Martyr, * you dwell in the heavens now; by your prayers for us who in faith * celebrate the feast of your memorial, free us, * by the power of the Holy Spirit, from every * transgression oppressing us. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.
O Mary, in yourself you amazingly united * the three unheard of pairs, virginity to childbirth, * and God to humanity, also faith to a human heart * that believes in these incomprehensible unions. * In the holy love of your divine Son unite us, * and save us, all-lauded one. [SD]
Kathisma II.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 4. Joseph marveled.
Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.
Your sublime Epistle, James, is beneficial at all times * and continually does good to the holy Church of Christ, * for it instructs all believers to practice good works * consistent with their faith, and with joy to endure * the trials and temptations that befall them in life, * to hold one’s tongue, and to know that friendship * with the world is enmity with God, * and to anoint with the holy oil * those who are sick and suffering. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 4. Joseph marveled.
O unwedded Maiden, how did you conceive in the womb * Him who holds the breath of all animate beings in His hands? * Tell us the explanation of your mystery. * “O man, you seek to know what is entirely true. * But cease now to inquire into the height and depth, * the length and width of my ineffable childbirth, * which is incomprehensible. * It truly baffles all understanding * of both angels and humans.” [SD]
Kathisma III.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
Τὴν ὡραιότητα.
When you, O James, received the visitation of * the Holy Spirit, you became a temple of * His charismatic gifts of grace, and mystically wrote the text * of the awesome liturgy. * It possesses the scope and breadth * of sublime theology * in its wise phraseology. * You gave it to the Church, a tradition, * O God-bearing Bishop and Martyr. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
At your Dormition, O Virgin immaculate, * Saint James the Brother of the Lord was also there, * together with the Savior Christ’s other holy Disciples, * so that he might see again your pure body, the source of life, * and might also praise in song the ineffable mystery * of your divine and awe-inspiring childbirth. * As we honor it, we pray you save us. [SD]
Stand for the Gospel reading.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, 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.
Mode 2.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]
DEACON
Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
PRIEST: Peace be with all.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
PRIEST
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
PRIEST (from the gate)
Mt. 12:46 – 50, 13:1 – 3
At that time, while Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. Some one told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak to you.” But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.” That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he entered a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables. [RSV]
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
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]
Menaion Supplement - - -
CHOIR
Glory. Mode 2.
At the intercession of the Apostle, 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]
Idiomelon. Mode pl. 2.
Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. [SAAS]
As you stand near the throne of Christ the Master, and having confidence towards Him because of your familial closeness, never cease entreating His goodness on our behalf, O James the Brother of God and preeminent kinsman of the Lord. [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; of the holy and glorious hieromartyr and Apostle James, the Brother of God, whose memory we celebrate; 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 1: Horologion: Canon-1
From Horologion - - -
CHOIR
Canon for the Theotokos.
Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.
Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας.
Of old when the Israelite had crossed * the watery passage as if over a tract of land, * fleeing from the misery of Egypt, * he cried: “To God our Redeemer, O let us sing.” [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
By many temptations am I distressed. * Praying to be rescued, for salvation I run to you. * O Virgin and Mother of the Logos, * from all afflictions and evils deliver me. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Assaults from the passions unsettle me, * and they fill my soul to overflowing with much despair. * Quiet them, O undefiled Maiden, * with the dispassionate calm of your Son and God. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin who mothered our Savior God, * I earnestly beg that I be rescued from my distress. * For now as I flee to you for refuge, * my soul and reason I lift up in ardent prayer. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
My body and soul are alike diseased. * Only Theotokos, count me worthy of your divine * providence and gracious visitation, * since you are good and the Mother of Him who is good. [SD]
Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1
Canon for the Apostle.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. N/M (The Red Sea was crossed.)
Θαλάσσης τὸ ἐρυθραῖον.
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
O Apostle James, you clearly teach that every good giving and perfect gift is given to mortals from the Father of lights. Entreat Him that those who extol you may partake of this. [SD]
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
As an Apostle of Christ, you were illumined by the splendor of God’s Spirit, and with Its help you taught the laws, and you set the churches of the Gentiles in good order, all-blessed James, initiate of divine mysteries. [SD]
Glory.
Clearly you adorned the choir of the Apostles, as the first hierarch of Jerusalem, anointed by the Logos himself, for you were the brother of the Lord and His disciple, and a sacred preacher of mysteries. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
O all-hymned Theotokos, with you as a fountain of healings, we receive both healing of soul and recovery of body since you gave birth to the fountain of life. [SD]
Ode 1: Katavasia
Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 4.
I open my mouth and pray the Spirit fill it, like David said, * to pour out a good word to the Queen and Mother of God. * I will celebrate * her feast with joy and gladness * and sing to her merrily, lauding her miracles. [GOASD]
Ode 3: Horologion: Canon-1
From Horologion - - -
Canon for the Theotokos.
Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.
Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.
O divine Master Builder of the celestial vault, * Founder of the Church and the ultimate object of desire, * only benevolent support of every believer, * in the love for You, O Lord, firmly establish me. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
I have named you the shelter and the defense of my life. * Therefore, I entreat you, O virgin Maid who gave birth to God, * conduct me to your port, * originator of good things, * the believers’ firm support, * only all-lauded one. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
I beseech you, O Virgin, dispel my soul’s turbulence, * also the tempestuous surging of grave despondency. * For you, O Bride of God, * gave birth to Christ who is Author * of serene tranquility, * only all-spotless one. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Pour the wealth of your goodness and benefactions on all, * since you bore the great Benefactor, the Cause of every good. * You carried in your womb * Christ who is mighty in power; * therefore you can do all things, * O Lady blest by God. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
I implore you to help me as I am now being tried * by distressing ailments, O Virgin, and morbid suffering. * For I know you to be * an inexhaustible treasure * plenteous in remedies, * only all-blameless one. [SD]
Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1
Canon for the Apostle.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. N/M (Your Church rejoices.)
Εὐφραίνεται ἐπὶ σοί.
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
Seeing you radiating like lightning with the flashing gleams of Christ, the tribe of Judah celebrates You. [SD]
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
The Church of the Gentiles is brightened with your sacred brilliance, having you, the most wondrous preacher, as a star shining with divine grace. [SD]
Glory.
By the life-giving Spirit you legislated and preached the law of life, and you set it in the Church of Christ.The Church of the Gentiles is brightened with your sacred brilliance, having you, the most wondrous preacher, as a star shining with divine grace. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
O pure and virgin Mother, James preached about your Son, who shone brilliantly from the Father, and to Whom you gave birth in the flesh. [SD]
Ode 3: Katavasia
Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 4.
Establish your servants who extol you, * O Mother of God, for they have formed * a spiritual choir for you * the living and abundant fount; * and graciously in your divine glory give glorious crowns to them. [GOASD]
Ode 3: Short Litany
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 You are our 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.
Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe
CHOIR
Kathisma.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.
Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.
O wise Apostle James, the eyewitness and martyr, * you walk in heaven now, in the power of the Spirit. * O brother of Christ our Lord, interceding with Him for us, * who now loyally observe the feast of your mem’ry, * free us from our sins and our oppressive offenses, * O blessed and righteous one. [SD]
Glory. Another.
Mode 1. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.)
Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.
All-wise Apostle, You were Jesus’ relative in the flesh, and you received much grace from Him; then you imparted enlightenment to all, and knowledge filled with wisdom, and you eradicated the error of idolatry. Then the deceivers, those defenders of darkness, unjustly killed you as you proclaimed the Savior. Therefore we shout to you, O James. Intercede with Christ our God, that He grant forgiveness of offenses to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 1. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.)
You are the all-blameless Bride of the Creator and the virgin Mother of the Redeemer, and the vessel of the Comforter, O all-praised Lady; whereas I am a shameful habitat of iniquity, and I have knowingly become the plaything of demons. Therefore, come quickly and rescue me from their wickedness, and change me through virtue into a bright house of virtue, O inviolate vessel of light. By your intercessions, dispel the cloud of the sinful passions, O immaculate Maid, and make me worthy of experiencing heaven and of the light that never sets. [SD]
Ode 4: Horologion: Canon-1
From Horologion - - -
Canon for the Theotokos.
Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.
Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.
I have heard the report, O Lord, * of Your incarnation, which is a mystery. * I considered Your astounding works, * and I glorified Your divinity. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
I entreat you, O Bride of God * who have borne the Helmsman and Lord, to pacify * the confusion that my passions bring * and the surging waves of my iniquities. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You have borne the compassionate * Lord who is the Savior of all who sing your praise. * Hence, bestow upon me the abyss * of your own compassion which I now invoke. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
We who know you, O wholly pure * Virgin, to be truly the Mother of our God, * have enjoyed so many gifts from you. * Hence, we sing this canticle of gratitude. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
In possessing you as our hope * and the stable buttress and solid battlement * of salvation, O all-lauded one, * we are liberated from all misery. [SD]
Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1
Canon for the Apostle.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. N/M (You were crucified.)
Διʼ ἀγάπησιν Οἰκτίρμον.
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
O Lord and Savior, You mounted Your horses in the sea, namely the Apostles; and they attracted the Gentiles to the knowledge of You and illumined them. [SD]
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
Like an unspotted mirror, you have accurately received the primordial rays of the uncreated Trinity, which you then radiated to all. [SD]
Glory.
The prophecy sees you as a hallowed stone, rolling and crushing, with the power of the Spirit, the rotten vanity of error. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
O Virgin Mother, the Logos, who was ineffably begotten of the Father before the ages, and who mystically entered your womb, shows James forth to be an Apostle. [SD]
Ode 4: Katavasia
Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 4.
When the Prophet Habakkuk heard the divine * and incomprehensible counsel of Your Incarnation * from the Virgin, O Most High, * considering, he cried aloud: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [GOASD]
Ode 5: Horologion: Canon-1
From Horologion - - -
Canon for the Theotokos.
Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.
Φώτισον ἡμᾶς.
Sovereign Lord our God, * as the One who is benevolent, * with your commandments enlighten us, we pray; * and also grant us * Your peace with Your own uplifted arm. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Since you bore the prime * Source of happiness, impart to me, * O pure Maid, your unadulterated joy. * And fill my heart now * to overflowing with your happiness. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Mother of our God, * do redeem us from all jeopardy, * since the eternal Redemption you have borne, * and Peace that passes * all understanding, O Virgin pure. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Dissipate the gloom * of my trespasses, O Bride of God, * with the effulgence of your irradiance, * being the Mother * of the divine pre-eternal Light. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Cure the weakness wreaked * by my passions, O pure virgin Maid. * Account me worthy of your solicitude, * and by your earnest * intercessions give me health again. [SD]
Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1
Canon for the Apostle.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. N/M (My Lord, You are the light.)
Σὺ Κύριέ μου φῶς.
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
Lord, You showed James forth to be lightning, flashing brilliantly, and freeing mortals from ignorance and error. [SD]
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
Your righteous brother spoke freely and proclaimed You, and for this he was assassinated and thus imitated Your Passion. [SD]
Glory.
O James, what human mind is able to offer songs of praise to you, who are brightened with the graces of virtue? [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
O Virgin, the Logos found in you a truly divine abode where He dwelt, providing for your salvation. [SD]
Ode 5: Katavasia
Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 4.
Amazed was the universe by your divine magnificence. * You who were perpetually virgin * carried the heavenly God of all in your womb * and gave birth to the eternal Son, * who awards salvation to all who sing hymns of praise to you. [GOASD]
Ode 6: Horologion: Canon-1
From Horologion - - -
Canon for the Theotokos.
Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.
Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.
I pour out my supplication to the Lord, * and I tell Him all about my afflictions, * and that my soul has been flooded with evils, * and that my life has come close to being in hell. * Like Prophet Jonah, I entreat, * “Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God.” [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Solicit * your Son and Lord to rescue me * from the enemies’ malignance, O Virgin, * as He redeemed out of death and corruption * my human nature held down by mortality * and overpowered by decay, * having freely submitted Himself to death. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, * I know you well as Patroness * of my life and most reliable sentry. * For you disperse a great throng of temptations, * and spiteful treatment by demons you drive away. * And constantly do I entreat * to be saved from my passions’ depravity. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
We have you * as a protective citadel * and the absolute salvation, O Maiden, * of our souls, and in straits as a broad way. * And in your light we unceasingly jubilate. * And now, O Lady, we beseech, * from the passions and perils deliver us. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
I lie now * in failing health upon my bed, * and there is no cure for my ailing body. * But I entreat, O good Lady who gave birth * to the Reliever of illnesses, who is God * the Savior of the world, and plead: * raise me up from the ravages of disease. [SD]
Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1
Canon for the Apostle.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. N/M (I will sacrifice to You.)
Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
In His tender mercy, Jesus made you His brother, and he made you a hierarch and clothed you in vestments better than those of the Mosaic Law, and more honorable than those of Aaron of old. [SD]
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
You became like a harp that was struck by the energies of the Holy Spirit, enchanting the minds of all, and you offered to God those who were saved from hard slavery. [SD]
Glory.
You thirsted, so you drank the water of life; and you pour out into the whole world rivers of divine prose, springing from your belly by the Holy Spirit. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Eve brought forth death by disobedience, whereas the Theotokos conceived and brought forth everlasting life, and repaid the ancient debt for all of us. [SD]
Ode 6: Katavasia
Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 4.
O godly-minded believers, come * and celebrate this sacred and venerable feast and thus extol * the Theotokos, and clap our hands, * and glorify our God who was truly born of her. [GOASD]
Ode 6: Short Litany
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 You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, 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.
Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion
From Menaion - - -
READER
Kontakion.
Mode 4. You who were lifted.
Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.
When God the Logos, as the only-begotten * of God the Father, came and sojourned among us * in latter days, O God-inspired Brother of the Lord, * He appointed you, O James, the first Shepherd and Teacher * of holy Jerusalem, and a trustworthy steward * of the all-holy sacraments. And hence, * O just Apostle, we honor your memory. [SD]
Oikos.
With hymns of praise we piously extol you, the son of Joseph and the first hierarch of Jerusalem, and we cry to you, O James the seer of God and Brother of the Lord: Give to us a perfect gift from the Father of lights, and drive away the coming and present tribulation brought on by our many sins; for the enemies have raised their heel against us, and Ishmaelites have surrounded us. Smash their arrows quickly, O Hierophant and Apostle, that we may honor your memory. [SD]
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On October 23, we commemorate the holy Hieromartyr and Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord.
By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Ode 7: Horologion: Canon-1
From Horologion - - -
CHOIR
Canon for the Theotokos.
Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.
Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.
Those Servants from Judea, * who of old were deported and sent to Babylon, * once treaded on the fire * of the furnace by holding * to the faith in the Trinity * and chanted: Blessed are You the God of our fathers. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
As You wished our salvation * to be thusly dispensed, You abode within the womb * of the all-holy Virgin * whom You have manifested * to the world as our patroness. * O Savior, blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
O pure Mother, implore Him * unto Whom you gave birth, Who delights in steadfast love, * to free from their offenses * and from their souls’ defilements * those who cry out in faith and say * to Him: O blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You have shown forth Your Mother * as a tower of safety, salvation’s treasury, * a spring of incorruption, * the doorway of repentance * unto all those who cry aloud * and say: O blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Unto us you delivered * Christ the Savior; and hence we entreat you: Deign to heal * the bodily diseases * and spiritual ailments * of your servants who earnestly * to your divine shelter run, * O Lady Theotokos. [SD]
Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1
Canon for the Apostle.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. N/M (Inside the furnace.)
Ἐν τῇ καμίνῳ Ἀβραμιαῖοι.
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
When the Holy Spirit arrived, James was mystically fired up in the upper room, as if in the furnace, and he cried out: Blessed are You, O Lord, in the temple of Your glory. [SD]
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
The mighty wind came from on high, and with a fiery tongue it enabled James to proclaim the mighty acts of God. Blessed are You, O Lord, in the temple of Your glory. [SD]
Glory.
You published a spiritual book expounding on the practical theory, and you improved people, and you cried out: Blessed are You, O Lord my God. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
O Bride of God, your Son, who refashioned the world in your womb, made James a minister of the divine liturgy, who cries out: Blessed are among women, O all-blameless one. [SD]
Ode 7: Katavasia
Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 4.
Godly-minded three * did not adore created things in the Creator’s stead; * rather, disdaining the threat * of fire, they trampled it, and joyfully they sang: * “O supremely praised * and most exalted Lord and God * of the fathers, You are blessed.” [GOASD]
Ode 8: Horologion: Canon-1
From Horologion - - -
Canon for the Theotokos.
Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.
Τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν οὐρανῶν.
O praise and bless Him * who by the armies of Angels * is extolled as King of the heavens, * supremely exalting Him unto all the ages. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Do not disdain us * who need the help that you offer, * virgin Maiden, and who bless and extol you, * supremely exalting you unto all the ages. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Virgin, you pour out * your great abundance of healings * over those who faithfully extol you * and exalt supremely your ineffable childbirth. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You heal the sicknesses * of my soul, O pure Virgin, * and the physical pains that afflict me. * Hence I glorify you the highly favored Maiden. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You drive away from us * the assaults of temptations * and the onsets of passions, O Virgin. * Therefore do we praise you in hymns throughout the ages. [SD]
Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1
Canon for the Apostle.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. N/M (Daniel shut.)
Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
O Savior, when you were about to return to Your unoriginate Father, You extended Your mighty hands and blessed your Apostles, and You enabled them to shout with joy: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord. [SD]
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
You did not lie, but as you promised You sent the Spirit to Your Apostles, O Master. And James was illumined by Its brightness, and he enlightens the whole world with flashes of lightning, and he cries out: All you works of the Lord, praise the Lord. [SD]
Glory.
O wise James, You had personified Wisdom as your teacher, which initiated you into ineffable and inexpressible mysteries; and you roused whole peoples to piety, as you sang: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
O immaculate Virgin, the prophet saw you as a manifest noetic mountain; for the most honored Stone was cut from you and it truly saved the whole world, which sings now inspired by God: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord. [SD]
Ode 8: Katavasia
Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 4.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
Guiltless were those Servants in the furnace. * The Son of the Theotokos went and rescued them. * He who was prefigured then, * having been incarnate now, * is gathering the whole wide world into His Church to sing: * “O all you works of the Lord, to all ages * sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him beyond measure.” [GOASD]
Kontakia and Synaxarion
From Menaion - - -
READER
Kontakion.
Mode 4. You who were lifted.
Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.
When God the Logos, as the only-begotten * of God the Father, came and sojourned among us * in latter days, O God-inspired Brother of the Lord, * He appointed you, O James, the first Shepherd and Teacher * of holy Jerusalem, and a trustworthy steward * of the all-holy sacraments. And hence, * O just Apostle, we honor your memory. [SD]
Oikos.
With hymns of praise we piously extol you, the son of Joseph and the first hierarch of Jerusalem, and we cry to you, O James the seer of God and Brother of the Lord: Give to us a perfect gift from the Father of lights, and drive away the coming and present tribulation brought on by our many sins; for the enemies have raised their heel against us, and Ishmaelites have surrounded us. Smash their arrows quickly, O Hierophant and Apostle, that we may honor your memory. [SD]
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On October 23, we commemorate the holy Hieromartyr and Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord.
By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Katavasias Odes 1-8
CHOIR
Katavasias of Theotokos
Ode i. Mode 4.
I open my mouth and pray the Spirit fill it, like David said, * to pour out a good word to the Queen and Mother of God. * I will celebrate * her feast with joy and gladness * and sing to her merrily, lauding her miracles. [GOASD]
Ode iii.
Establish your servants who extol you, * O Mother of God, for they have formed * a spiritual choir for you * the living and abundant fount; * and graciously in your divine glory give glorious crowns to them. [GOASD]
Ode iv.
When the Prophet Habakkuk heard the divine * and incomprehensible counsel of Your Incarnation * from the Virgin, O Most High, * considering, he cried aloud: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [GOASD]
Ode v.
Amazed was the universe by your divine magnificence. * You who were perpetually virgin * carried the heavenly God of all in your womb * and gave birth to the eternal Son, * who awards salvation to all who sing hymns of praise to you. [GOASD]
Ode vi.
O godly-minded believers, come * and celebrate this sacred and venerable feast and thus extol * the Theotokos, and clap our hands, * and glorify our God who was truly born of her. [GOASD]
Ode vii.
Godly-minded three * did not adore created things in the Creator’s stead; * rather, disdaining the threat * of fire, they trampled it, and joyfully they sang: * “O supremely praised * and most exalted Lord and God * of the fathers, You are blessed.” [GOASD]
Ode viii.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
Guiltless were those Servants in the furnace. * The Son of the Theotokos went and rescued them. * He who was prefigured then, * having been incarnate now, * is gathering the whole wide world into His Church to sing: * “O all you works of the Lord, to all ages * sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him beyond measure.” [GOASD]
Stand for the singing of Ode ix.
DEACON
Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.
CHOIR
Magnificat: Mode of Canon
Ode ix.
The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.
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]
Ode 9: Horologion: Canon-1
From Horologion - - -
Canon for the Theotokos.
Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.
Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.
You are the Theotokos * lit’rally, O Virgin; * and we confess it, for we have been saved through you * whom we, O pure one, with choirs of angels magnify. [SD]
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Do not dismiss the river * of my tears, O Virgin. * For in your womb you conceived and you carried Christ * the Lord who takes every teardrop away from every face. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
With joy, all-holy Virgin, * fill my heart to fullness, * having received, O pure Maiden, the fullness of joy * and thereby causing the sorrow of sin to disappear. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
For those who flee for safety * unto you, O Virgin, * be a retreat and a fortress immovable, * defense and shelter and refuge and joyous ecstasy. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
With rays of your effulgence * brighten us, O Virgin, * who in the Orthodox manner declare you to be * the Theotokos who drives out the gloom of ignorance. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Restore my health, O Virgin; * for because of illness, * I am reduced to a state of tormenting pain. * Transform my feeble condition into vitality. [SD]
Ode 9: Menaion: Canon-1
Canon for the Apostle.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. N/M (A cornerstone.)
Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
Come all, let us magnify James with sacred hymns, for he was the hierarch of the principle sea of the Church, a divine preacher, who was rightly called Just. [SD]
Apostle of Christ, intercede for us.
O James, we magnify you, for you shared in the divine and never-ending rule and kingdom, you were called the Brother of the Lord, and your righteous way of life was verified by your title. [SD]
Glory.
O High Priest James, as you stand crowned near the throne of the Trinity, entreat your Master to grant that we who honor you with faith and love may also enjoy immortal honor. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
O James, the revealer of God, you plainly teach in your sacred writings that the One born of a Virgin without agency of man is God the Logos incarnate. We who believe in Him now worthily magnify Him. [SD]
Magnificat: Mode of Katavasia
Ode ix.
The Magnificat. Mode 4.
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]
Ode 9: Katavasia
Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 4.
All you born on earth, * with festival lamps in hand, in spirit leap for joy; * and all you the heavenly angelic orders, join in and celebrate; * and honoring the sacred wonders of the Mother of God, * sing the joyful salutation, “O rejoice, * Theotokos, all-blest, ever-virgin pure!” [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 2. Let us in faith.
Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.
Even as foremost hierarch * of the New Testament Church, * a great Apostle, and a wise * interpreter of God’s will, * and of the truth a Witness, * you had more than all others * the illustrious dignity * of being the Lord’s own brother. And now to Him, * after you were stoned to death, you have passed on. * O James, entreat Him to forgive * all our sins and transgressions. [SD]
Theotokion.
Mode 2. Let us in faith.
That great and terrifying day * of the Lord’s final Judgment * is standing at the threshold now. * Look, O my soul, be careful, * be also watchful; and hasten * to the Virgin and only * Mother of God wholeheartedly, * tearfully crying, “Pure one, deliver me * from eternal punishment, I beseech you; * and also put me with the sheep * of your Son on the right hand.” [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]
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.
Stichera. For the Apostle.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.
Τῶν οὐρανίων ταγμάτων.
Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]
Come now, O pious assembly, let us with joy observe * this sacred celebration, with exuberance shouting * and faithfully extolling the Brother of God, * in psalms and spiritual songs today. * He was a holy disciple of Christ the Lord, * and he ever prays that we be saved. [SD]
Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]
Come now, O pious assembly, let us with joy observe * this sacred celebration, with exuberance shouting * and faithfully extolling the Brother of God, * in psalms and spiritual songs today. * He was a holy disciple of Christ the Lord, * and he ever prays that we be saved. [SD]
Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]
You were the Lord’s presumed brother when He appeared in the flesh, * O James the wise and righteous, His disciple and witness * of mysteries of God; * for together with Him you fled to Egypt as fugitives * along with Joseph and Jesus’ Mother pure. * All together pray that we be saved. [SD]
Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]
The sacred band of Apostles selected you to be * the first to serve as bishop in the city of Zion * for Christ the Benefactor; for when He was born * in the flesh, you were His presumed * brother, and traveled with Him and believed in Him, * and you followed in His steps, O James. [SD]
Glory.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 1.
Illumined by the fiery brightness of the divine Spirit, you were a godly zealot of true belief, O James the Brother of God. Therefore the Lord, who tenderly accepted you as a brother, vested you like Aaron of old, but with vestments more honorable than those belonging to the priesthood of the Law. O glorious Apostle, pray to Him, to save our souls. [SD]
From Octoechos - - -
Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 1.
Since you accept the petitions of sinners and do not ignore the sighs of the afflicted, O all-holy Virgin, intercede with Him who came from your undefiled body, and entreat Him to save us. [SD]
Stand for the Great Doxology.
Great Doxology
Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.
Lord God, Lamb of God, 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 hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.
For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.
Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.
Lord, I have fled to You. 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.
Continue Your mercy to those who know You.
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.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Apolytikion.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4.
As a disciple of the Lord, you accepted the Gospel, O James the Just. As a Martyr you have unchangeability; as the Brother of the Lord you have confidence; and you can intercede as a hierarch. Intercede with Christ our God, entreating Him to save our souls. [SD]
Litanies, End, no Dismissal
LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION
DEACON
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)
DEACON
Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).
Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.
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 blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.
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.
PRIEST
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.
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.
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.
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.
Litanies and Dismissal
LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION
DEACON
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)
DEACON
Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).
Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.
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 blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.
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.
PRIEST
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.
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.
PRIEST
Wisdom.
( Father, bless! )
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.
( Amen. )
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.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!
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 and glorious hieromartyr and Apostle James, the Brother of God, whose memory we celebrate; 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.