Books - Sources
Menaion - October 26
Memory of the Holy Great-martyr Demetrius, the Myrrh-streamer; and Commemoration of the Earthquake.
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MATINS
CHOIR
Mode 3.
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 3. Your confession.
Θείας πίστεως.
All the world has you, its mighty champion, * fortifying us in times of danger, * and defeating our foes, O Victorious One. * So, as you humbled Lyaios’s arrogance * by giving courage to Nestor in the stadium, * thus, O holy Great-martyr Demetrius, * to Christ our God pray fervently, * beseeching Him to grant us His great mercy. [SD]
Glory. Repeat.
All the world has you, its mighty champion, * fortifying us in times of danger, * and defeating our foes, O Victorious One. * So, as you humbled Lyaios’s arrogance * by giving courage to Nestor in the stadium, * thus, O holy Great-martyr Demetrius, * to Christ our God pray fervently, * beseeching Him to grant us His great mercy. [SD]
Both now. For the Earthquake.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4.
You who look upon the earth and make it tremble, rescue us from the frightful threat of earthquake, O Christ our God. Send down Your abundant mercies on us, at the intercession of the Theotokos, O only benevolent Lord. [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 16. Then the 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 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 Menaion - - -
Mode 4. Come quickly.
Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.
Today your memorial delights the Church of Christ. * We gather together for the feast, O glorious Saint * Great-martyr Demetrius. * Songfully we extol you, for of this you are worthy, * O godly-minded soldier and destroyer of enemies. * Therefore by your entreaties, from temptations deliver us. [SD]
Glory.
Mode 4. Come quickly.
Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.
The pride of the contest were you, Martyr Demetrius, * when you put on Christ and fought in war and thereby subdued * the powerless enemy. * For in Him you abolished the delusion of the lawless, * and thus you became a trainer of true religion for believers. * And therefore we solemnly keep the feast of your memory. [SD]
Both now.
Mode 4. Come quickly.
The confident Hope are you of those who trust in you, * the only one marvelously to give birth in the flesh * to Christ our Lord and God. * Join the Holy Apostles to implore Him, O Lady, * that He give to the universe His peace and forgiveness, * and amendment of life to us all before the end. [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 17. Then the 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 good and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR
Amen.
CHOIR
Kathisma II.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.
Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.
With unwavering faith did the Champion of Christ * bravely cast down the insolence of the tyrannous. * Like an athlete he competed against the evil one. * In reward for enduring the tortures he received * the gift of miracle-working * from God the Judge of the contests, to Whom he prays that He have mercy on us. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.
O impassable gateway of God the Lord, rejoice; * wall and shelter of those who take refuge in you. * Stormless haven, rejoice, O Maid who knew not man * and yet physically gave birth to your Creator and God. * Never cease interceding * on behalf of those extolling and worshiping the Son you bore. [SD]
The Polyeleos.
Psalm 134 (135).
Psalm 135 (136).
Selected Psalm Verses
Selected Psalm Verses for Martyrs
And power. Alleluia.
1. God is our refuge and power; a help in afflictions that severely befall us. [SAAS] Alleluia. (45:2)
2. Therefore we will not fear when the earth is troubled, and when the mountains are removed into the hearts of the seas. [SAAS] Alleluia. (45:3)
3. O God, who can be likened to You? Be not silent nor appeased, O God. [SAAS] Alleluia. (82:2)
4. For behold, Your enemies made a noise, and those who hate You raised up their heads. [SAAS] Alleluia. (82:3)
5. They devised a wicked judgment against Your people, and they plotted against Your saints. [SAAS] Alleluia. (82:4)
6. They said, “Come, and let us destroy them from among the people.” [SAAS] Alleluia. (82:5)
7. They left the dead bodies of Your servants as food for the birds of heaven. [SAAS] Alleluia. (78:2)
8. The flesh of Your saints for the wild animals of the earth. [SAAS] Alleluia. (78:2)
9. Their blood flowed like water. [SAAS] Alleluia. (78:3)
10. For Your sake we are put to death all day long, we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. [SAAS] Alleluia. (43:23)
11. You brought us into the snare; You laid affliction on our back. [SAAS] Alleluia. (65:11)
12. We went through fire and water, and You led us into a refreshing place. [SAAS] Alleluia. (65:12)
13. Those who afflict me revile me when they break my bones. [SAAS] Alleluia. (41:11)
14. All day long I was scourged. [SAAS] Alleluia. (72:14)
15. And they added to the pain of my wounds. [SAAS] Alleluia. (68:27)
16. The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them; and He delivered them from all their afflictions. [SAAS] Alleluia. (33:18)
17. To the saints on His earth, in them He magnified all His will. [SAAS] Alleluia. (15:3)
18. God is wondrous in His saints. [SAAS] Alleluia. (67:36)
19. Light dawned for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. [SAAS] Alleluia. (96:11)
20. A righteous man shall be in everlasting remembrance. [SAAS] Alleluia. (111:6)
21. The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; he shall be multiplied like the cedar in Lebanon. [SAAS] Alleluia. (91:13)
22. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice greatly, O righteous ones, and boast, all you upright in heart. [SAAS] Alleluia. (31:11)
Glory. For the Trinity.
Mode 1.
Let us bow in worship and adore * the Father; likewise let us glorify * the Son; and also let us praise * the all-holy Spirit faithfully, * crying out in unison, * “Save us all, we implore, all-holy Trinity.” [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 1.
We Your people now invoke the name * of Your holy Mother entreating for us. * O Good One, at her fervent prayers, * send to us Your tender mercies, O Christ, * so that we may glorify * You, the hope of our souls, O Lord. [SD]
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 hallowed and glorified is Your all-honored and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Kathisma III.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
Τὴν ὡραιότητα.
O Saint Demetrius the most compassionate, * O Martyr of the Lord, we pray you faithfully, * deliver us from every kind of peril that now assails us. * Heal the trauma of our souls * and our bodily injuries; * and shatter the insolence * of our foes, O all-blessed one; * and grant that our life may be peaceful, * that we may ever glorify you. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
O Maiden blest of God, unwedded Mother, come * and cure my ailing soul, I pray you earnestly, * for I am held fast by many offenses, O Theotokos. * Therefore I cry out to you * with profound sighing of my heart, * Lady all-immaculate, * accept me who have greatly sinned, * that I may cry aloud to you with confidence: * Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace. [SD]
Antiphon 1.
Mode 4.
From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. [GOASD] (2)
You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. [GOASD] (2)
Glory.
By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]
Both now.
From the Holy Spirit the streams of grace well forth; they water all creation, so that life be engendered. [GOASD]
Prokeimenon. Psalms 67, 15.
God is wondrous in His saints. (2)
Verse: To the saints on His earth, in them the Lord magnified all His will.
God is wondrous in His saints. [SAAS]
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 blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Kathisma III.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
Τὴν ὡραιότητα.
O Saint Demetrius the most compassionate, * O Martyr of the Lord, we pray you faithfully, * deliver us from every kind of peril that now assails us. * Heal the trauma of our souls * and our bodily injuries; * and shatter the insolence * of our foes, O all-blessed one; * and grant that our life may be peaceful, * that we may ever glorify you. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
O Maiden blest of God, unwedded Mother, come * and cure my ailing soul, I pray you earnestly, * for I am held fast by many offenses, O Theotokos. * Therefore I cry out to you * with profound sighing of my heart, * Lady all-immaculate, * accept me who have greatly sinned, * that I may cry aloud to you with confidence: * Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace. [SD]
Antiphon 1.
Mode 4.
From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. [GOASD] (2)
You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. [GOASD] (2)
Glory.
By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]
Both now.
From the Holy Spirit the streams of grace well forth; they water all creation, so that life be engendered. [GOASD]
Prokeimenon. Psalms 67, 15.
God is wondrous in His saints. (2)
Verse: To the saints on His earth, in them the Lord magnified all His will.
God is wondrous in His saints. [SAAS]
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 Luke.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
PRIEST (from the gate)
Lk. 21:12 – 19
The Lord said to his disciples, “Beware of men; for they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.” [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]
From Menaion - - -
CHOIR
Glory. Mode 2.
At the intercession of the holy Martyr, 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 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]
To the supermundane tabernacles, Christ God took your spirit blameless, O wise Martyr Demetrius. For you became a champion of the Trinity, courageously competing in the stadium like a mighty man of steel. By a lance you were pierced in your immaculate side, O all-venerable one; and thereby imitating the Lord who was stretched upon a cross for the salvation of the entire world, you received the power of performing miracles, and thus abundantly provide healings to people. Therefore as we celebrate your repose today, we worthily glorify the Lord who glorified you. [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, 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; the holy and glorious Great-martyr Demetrius, the Myrrh-streamer, 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.
The Canon
From Menaion - - -
CHOIR
Ode i.
Canon for the Earthquake.
Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.
Ὡς ἐν ἠπείρῳ πεζεύσας.
When they had walked through the Red Sea as over land, * the people of Israel watched as Pharaoh and his host * in pursuit were drowned. Then Moses said, * “Let us sing a song of victory to God our Lord.” [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
How fearsome is Your wrath, from which You redeemed us, O Lord, and did not bury in the earth our entire stature. Therefore do we gratefully ever glorify You. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Ever rejoicing every day in our total correction, O Master, You shake the entire earth as if it were a just a leaf, thus strengthening the faithful in the fear of You, O Lord. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Deliver us all from the very strong earthquake, and do not permit Your inheritance to perish completely, O Lord, though with its many vices it has enraged You the longsuffering One. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion.
We beseechingly cry out to you, O Mother of God; compassionately demonstrate your usual tender love on your city and your people, and save us from the most violent earthquake and destruction. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. I open my mouth.
Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Great-martyr Demetrius, you are my God-given pride and joy. * I count myself as a sheep of your beloved flock. * Decorated Saint, I pray, accept this canon, * extolling the grace of your most fragrant myrrh today. [GOASD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Competing illustriously in the matches of martyrdom, * anointed with all the virtues as with olive oil, * extraordinarily you fell and still were victor. * Your body became for us a spring of fragrant myrrh. [GOASD]
Glory.
I pray you to clear away the unclean passions polluting me * like rivers of stinking sewage, O Demetrius. * With your fragrant myrrh, perfume my soul, O Martyr, * and thus make it worthy to contain the myrrh of Christ. [GOASD]
Both now. Theotokion.
O Virgin, the alabaster flask of ointment embodies you, * for you were the chosen vessel of the fragrance of Christ. * O all-blameless one, I pray that you will free me * from the stench of passions and the sewer of my sins. [GOASD]
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]
From Menaion - - -
Ode iii.
Canon for the Earthquake.
Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.
Οὔκ ἐστιν ἅγιος.
No one is holy like the Lord, * no one righteous like our God. * Being good, You exalted Your believers’ horn of strength, * firmly establishing us * on the rock of confession of faith in You. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Our earth is being punished, for we are disposed to wickedness, and we ever move Your wrath against ourselves, O compassionate King of all. But spare us Your servants, O Master. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
You shook the earth, O Lord, and You steadied it again, thus exhorting and converting our infirmity, wishing as You do to strengthen us in the fear of You, O supremely good One. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O brethren, let us run away from sins that beget bitter death and violent earthquakes and unbearable plagues, and let us appease God with the ways of repentance. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion.
As you alone are good, earnestly importune the all-benevolent Logos to deliver us all from the present wrath of the earthquake, we entreat you, O immaculate Theotokos. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. Establish your servants.
Τοὺς σοὺς ὑμνολόγους.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
You bathed in the vivifying waters of Baptism, whereby you were cleansed; * and then again, Demetrius, you bathed in blood of martyrdom. * Combining both, you thus became a novel spring of most fragrant myrrh. [GOASD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
The torrents of fragrant myrrh now gladden, as once did the river of the Lord, * your city, O Demetrius, the guard of Thessalonica. * You sanctify everything, like tabernacles of the Most High God. [GOASD]
Glory.
O Martyr Demetrius, your city is known for the vivifying spring * of fragrant myrrh that gushes forth like rivers and that inundates * the passions and the heresies, that would engulf us if not for you. [GOASD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Behold, Virgin Mary is addressing the Bridegroom and Master of the world. * “My Son, you are so beautiful, lovely indeed, and beautiful. * I joyfully run after You, for the smell of Your fragrant myrrh.” [GOASD]
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.
CHOIR
Kathisma. For the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.
Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.
Being rich in the ways of religious truth, * casting down the delusion of false beliefs, * O Martyr you trampled on the pride of the tyrants. * And with your mind on fire with divine love, Demetrius, * you submerged the error of idols into the deep. * Therefore you received the performing of wonders * worthily as a reward for your contests, O Champion, * and you well forth healings. * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]
Glory. Both now. For the Earthquake.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. You who were lifted.
Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.
We now give thanks to You, because You had mercy * and showed the depth of your benevolence towards us, * delivering us from Your unendurable wrath, * O Christ, that was imminent. * We have thereby been chastised * so that we will turn away from our vices that slay us. * But look upon us, Savior, pity us, * at the entreaties of her who gave birth to You. [SD]
From Menaion - - -
Ode iv.
Canon for the Earthquake.
Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.
Χριστός μου δύναμις.
The holy Church of God exclaims befittingly, * “Christ is God and my Lord, and He is my strength.” * She is celebrating in the Lord and sings to Him * from a mind that has been purified. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Lord and Master, You shake the earth, wishing to establish on the foundation of truth all of us who are shaken by the assaults of the wily enemy. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Lord and Master, at Your divine command, You quake the universe, and You make the hearts of them that dwell on the earth to tremble. We pray You, hold back the waves of Your righteous wrath. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
When we forget the fear of You, O Lord, You frighten us with the quaking of the earth. So we pray You, the only sympathetic God, as always show us how wonderful Your mercies are towards us. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion.
O Lady, knowing you to be the temple of God, in your holy temple now we lift up pitiful hands in earnest prayer. See our trouble and and lend your help to us. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. When the Prophet Habakkuk.
Τὴν ἀνεξιχνίαστον.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
From His divine grapevine did Christ harvest you, * as a ripened cluster, O blessed Saint; * and in your martyrdom, as if in a vat, * He pressed you and produced the wine, * namely the divine stream of fragrant myrrh. [GOASD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
“Tell me where You stay; tell me where is Your tent * that you pitched at noonday, O Bridegroom Christ,” * the medaled Martyr cries aloud to the Lord. * “I run after the smell of Your * ointments, so that I may receive Your myrrh.” [GOASD]
Glory.
Martyr St. Demetrius, streams of your blood * washed away the streams of idolatry. * Completely dry up all the rivers of my sins * and passions, by the holy streams * of your fragrant myrrh, I implore you now. [GOASD]
Both now. Theotokion.
“Tell me, O my Bridegroom, the One whom I love. * Tell me where You shepherd Your flock of sheep,” * the Bride of God cries to the Bridegroom, her Son. * “The smell of your most fragrant oils * has drawn all who love You to You, O Lord.” [GOASD]
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]
From Menaion - - -
Ode v.
Canon for the Earthquake.
Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.
Τῷ θείῳ φέγγει σου.
With Your divine light illumine souls, * who with yearning early in the morning rise to You, O good Lord, I pray, * so that they may know You, Word of God, as truly God, * who calls them back from darkness and from the night of sin. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O my heart, quake now with the earth, as you see God’s impending threat, and cry out to Him: “O Master, spare Your people, and end Your righteous wrath, O compassionate Lord. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Jesus, the host of the Apostles prays to You: “You purchased this people and their city with Your blood. Do not let them be destroyed by the tremors of an earthquake.” [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
With perverse intent, we have turned away from Your straight ways, and we have angered You, who are sympathetic and not resentful. Now we pray You, O Merciful Master, be gracious to us Your servants. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion.
O pure Virgin, the time has come now to help us. We need you now to reconcile us with your Son and Lord, so that He take pity on us who have disobeyed Him, and rescue us from the impending wrath. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. Amazed was the universe.
Ἐξέστη τὰ σύμπαντα.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Demetrius, great among the Martyrs, mixed the sweat and blood * of his holy contests and concocted * for us the myrrh that is filled with grace divine, * He boiled it well over the fire * of the Spirit, like a drug that is new and can cleanse the soul. [GOASD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
You heal every injury, both physical and spiritual, * by the myrrh that long ago gushed forth from * your tomb like medicine, O Demetrius, * providing an antidote for all * to the demons’ poison bite, by your blood and your zeal for God. [GOASD]
Glory.
Your myrrh is effective, more than fire, O Demetrius, * racing through the Church in all locations. * It is alive, gushes forth, and mystically * acts on those approaching it with faith, * exorcising evil spirits and purging diseases all. [GOASD]
Both now. Theotokion.
The Logos, who is the new and holy myrrh was in your womb, * making it His living vase of perfume. * Therefore, O Virgin, the souls of godly Saints * ran after you ardently and sang, * “Maiden, you are beautiful! You, O Lady, are beautiful!” [GOASD]
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]
From Menaion - - -
Ode vi.
Canon for the Earthquake.
Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.
Τοῦ βίου τὴν θάλασσαν.
I see when my life becomes rough and stormy like the sea; * temptations feel like turbulence. * So I turn to the safe harbor of Your Church, * and calmly I pray to You: * Raise my life from corruption, very merciful Lord. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Master, we your humble servants do not have the confidence to importune Your Highness. So we ask your select Angels to fervently entreat for us. By their intercessions, deliver us from Your wrath. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Now we know, O Lord, that it was Your will to not bury us in the earth, during this disaster, despite our our many offenses. For this we are grateful and we magnify You. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Lord, You command the foundations of the earth to move, so that we, Your humble servants, will cease moving away from the higher ground of the virtues, and be established in the fear of You, O Logos. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion.
Holy Bride of God, we implore you to employ the power of your maternal intercession, to quickly change God’s indignation towards us, your people who are now in dire straits. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. O godly-minded believers.
Τὴν θείαν ταύτην.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
O Saint, you washed in the sacred bath * of Baptism, and you were anointed with the Holy Spirit’s myrrh, * which was preserved undefiled in you * and made the blood that flowed from your side become like myrrh. [GOASD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
The Lord and Bridegroom invites the soul * of Martyr St. Demetrius, saying, “My companion, rise and come, * and let us enter the house of nard; * and there we shall enjoy the sweet fragrance of My myrrh.” [GOASD]
Glory.
The Bridegroom Christ, O Demetrius, * calls out to you, “Behold, I make all things new. The winter storm has passed. * Come now, the roses have blossomed forth, * and run after the smell of my ointments, as My friend.” [GOASD]
Both now. Theotokion.
The laws of nature were overturned * by your unusual childbirth, O Virgin: death is overcome by death, * and life arose from the sepulcher, * and blood of holy Martyrs becomes most fragrant myrrh. [GOASD]
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 2. Automelon.
Τοῖς τῶν αἱμάτων σου.
In the pools of your blood, O Demetrius, with royal purple God has robed His holy Church. He gave you dominion invincible, thereby preserving your city invulnerable; for you are her bulwark and patron saint. [SD]
Oikos.
Assembled together, let all us believers honor this great one as a heavy-armed soldier and Martyr of Christ, in odes and hymns, and cry to the Master and Creator of the whole world: Deliver us from the earthquake of necessity, O benevolent Lord, through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all the holy Martyrs; for in You is our hope to be delivered from dangers tribulations. For You are our bulwark and patron Saint. [SD]
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On October 26, we commemorate the holy and glorious Great-martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer and Wonder-worker.
By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
CHOIR
From Menaion - - -
Ode vii.
Canon for the Earthquake.
Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.
Δροσοβόλον μὲν τὴν κάμινον.
In the furnace the Lord’s Angel saved the pious men, * blowing through it a dew-laden breeze, * while Chaldean men were completely burned, at God’s command, * persuading the tyrant to confess * and cry aloud, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.” [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
You are highly praised, O longsuffering Lord, for you did not let your supplicants die in the frightful earthquake and the tremors. But you frightened us, seeking to turn us away from vice, so that we all might live. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Let us send up heartfelt sighs, and let us pour out tears, so that we might find the Master merciful, for He frightfully threatened to wipe us out, because of our many sins. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Let us extend our arms to our Most High God and cry out, “Woe is me!” And from now on, let us cease from doing evil. Behold, when the Savior becomes indignant, He makes the earth tremble, wishing to confirm us in virtue. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion.
O immaculate Virgin, act to save your servants, for we might be destroyed in the wrath of God and the intense and awful anger of this impending threat, that came upon us because our many sins. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. Godly-minded three.
Οὐκ ἐλάτρευσαν.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
O most excellent * Demetrius, you sowed your blood for Christ the King of all, * as in a sacrament. * A spear also pierced your side, and thus you were like Him. * He rewarded you * appropriately, giving you * as a fragrant myrrh to others. [GOASD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
The Anointed One, * the myrrh from heaven, Christ the Lord, in His love for mankind, * became incarnate for us. * And Martyr Demetrius, superbly loving Him, * has become a christ, * anointed with a special myrrh, * gushing myrrh from his own body. [GOASD]
Glory.
By anointing me * with myrrh and oil of gladness, Christ freed me from servitude * and bitter tyranny. * But then by my shameful deeds I am enslaved again. * St. Demetrius, * anoint me with your fragrant myrrh, * and release me from enslavement. [GOASD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Lady Virgin pure, * the Bridegroom, who is beautiful, selected you from all * the human race born on earth * and gave you to stand at His right hand resplendently. * “Come to Me, My Bride, * from Lebanon,” He says to you. * “Come to Me, My Bride and Mother.” [GOASD]
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]
From Menaion - - -
Ode viii.
Canon for the Earthquake.
Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.
Ἐκ φλογὸς τοῖς Ὁσίοις.
From the flame You refreshed pious Servants as with dew * and with water consumed the righteous Prophet’s sacrifice. * You accomplish all, O Christ, simply by willing it. * We exalt You beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O benevolent Lord, this righteous anger of Yours came upon us suddenly, and we are troubled. We are consumed by utter despair, seeing You indignant towards us. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O believers, let us lift up hands and eyes to the only Master who is able to save us, and let us cry to Him: “O Christ, please be quick to turn Your anger away from us, for You are benevolent. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Master, thousands of Angels, the company of Martyrs, and the holy choir of Prophet, Apostles, Devout Monastics, and Hierarchs, all entreat You, saying: “Spare Your people, for they have been humbled.” [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion.
O sympathetic Theotokos, you gave birth to the sympathetic Savior. See the suffering and the sighs of your people, and hurry to pray that He take pity on us. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. Guiltless were those Servants.
Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
In Church, you exalted Christ, O Martyr. * Your mouth spoke the holy truth of His divinity; * words of wisdom came from your lips, * biblically, Demetrius. * According to the Song of Songs, your cheeks became like bowls * of spices. Therefore Christ made the holy * fragrant myrrh to flow for the world from your body. [GOASD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
O Martyr, your words had mighty power, * like sharp arrows of the Mighty One, as David said. * Fearing how you wielded them, * long ago, your enemy * had you assassinated: many spears were thrust in your side. * Then he, like those ancient Egyptians, * was drowned in the sea of the fragrant myrrh that gushed forth. [GOASD]
Glory.
That great and most excellent defender, * who rescues Thessaloniki from adversities, * and the mighty champion * of the Church throughout the world, * the Martyr, as a loving father, gives the fragrant myrrh, * that gushes from his side, to the faithful, * to benefit their souls, like a mother’s milk to infants. [GOASD]
Both now. Theotokion.
We who honor you, O Theotokos, * consider you as our glory and our happiness. * Faithfully we run to you. * Lovingly we pray to you, * to keep us safe and clear of any future shame and disgrace, * and grant us the delight and the glory * along with all the Righteous forevermore in heaven. [GOASD]
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]
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 pl. 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]
From Menaion - - -
Ode ix.
Canon for the Earthquake.
Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.
Θεὸν ἀνθρώποις.
It is impossible for God to be seen * by people; and angelic orders dare not to look at Him. * But the Word incarnate has been seen by mankind, through you, O all-pure Virgin. * Now magnifying Him, * joining the celestial hosts, all generations call you blest. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Behold, we all are the ones who have erred, and the earth erring in nothing is ferociously being punished. For by shaking it entirely, our benevolent Lord is exhorting us. Let us come to our senses and be diligent about our own salvation. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
As You are Lord of seasons and times, with a single nod You wished to rub out Your servants. But You were kept from doing so by Your great compassion, O Master. We who are without excuse give thanks to You, only benevolent God. [SD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O compassionate Christ, rescue Your city and every land where the faithful extol You, from earthquake, war, bitter downfall, foreign invasion and occupation, plague and famine, and any other disaster. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion.
Since you endured no corruption in giving birth, O Virgin, rescue us all from every corruption and from the most violent earthquake and tribulation, and make the Master’s indignation to cease, by you motherly reconciliation, O Lady blest by God. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. All you born on earth.
Ἅπας γηγενής.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Earth and heaven both * admire your accomplishments, O great Demetrius. * You adorned your life in the flesh * with every virtue and excellence, O Saint, * restoring in yourself the undistorted image of God. * When your blood had dyed your body, it was like * fragrant myrrh that anointed a splendid king. [GOASD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
So that you might don * the glorious garment that the former Adam lost, * you, O St. Demetrius, * put on the new Adam, namely Christ our God. * As you were throwing off the sheepskin of the flesh, you rejoiced. * A resplendent kingdom has been promised you, * with a dowry of crowns and most fragrant myrrh. [GOASD]
Glory.
Human thoughts and words * are not fully able to imagine or describe * all of the exceptional * honors and glories that you received, O Saint. * You reign with Christ forevermore, blessed Demetrius. * And the clearest sign of this is that the myrrh * gushes forth from the site of your martyrdom. [GOASD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Lady, please accept * our prayers and our simple hymns when we sing them to you. * Drive away from us the cloud * of social ills and of personal distress. * As for the Church, O Virgin, put an end to schism and strife. * Drive away the hosts of foreign enemies; * and from future perdition deliver us. [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.
Martyr of Christ, Demetrius, * as you once by divine grace * destroyed the pride and arrogance * of Lyaios and also the insolence of his stallion * when you had firmly strengthened * brave Nestor in the stadium * by the power of the Cross, so strengthen me * also by your supplications, O Champion, * ever against the demons and the soul-destroying passions. [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 * the human race, in time of need. * And we also implore you to rescue us * from violent earthquakes and all disasters. * O Lady, we rely on your * motherly intercessions. [SD]
Lauds. Mode pl. 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
Stichera. For the Saint.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 1. Rejoice.
Χαίροις ἀσκητικῶν.
Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]
Come now to us, O Martyr of Christ, * as we entreat you to regard us with sympathy. * Deliver us who are sorely distressed by tyrannous threats * and the awful fury of the heretics, * by whom we were stripped of all, and as captives are now pursued, * changing from one place to another continually, * ever wandering over mountains and in the caves. * Holy one, praised throughout the world, take pity and give us rest. * End the distress, and extinguish the tyrant’s anger regarding us, * by fervent entreaties * unto God who ever grants His great mercy to the world. [SD]
Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]
Come now to us, O Martyr of Christ, * as we entreat you to regard us with sympathy. * Deliver us who are sorely distressed by tyrannous threats * and the awful fury of the heretics, * by whom we were stripped of all, and as captives are now pursued, * changing from one place to another continually, * ever wandering over mountains and in the caves. * Holy one, praised throughout the world, take pity and give us rest. * End the distress, and extinguish the tyrant’s anger regarding us, * by fervent entreaties * unto God who ever grants His great mercy to the world. [SD]
Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]
Martyr, you are for us like a wall * that is undaunted by the enemy’s batt’ring rams. * For you bring to naught the inroads of the barbarian hordes. * You suppress the symptoms of all sicknesses. * A footing immovable, a foundation unshakable, * founder and patron of your City have you become, * O Demetrius, and her champion and guardian. * Therefore, as she is currently in grave danger, holy one, * and she is sorely exhausted, ever preserve her, all-blessed one, * through your intercessions, * supplicating Christ who grants His great mercy to the world. [SD]
Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]
Clearly the hosts of Martyrs indeed * have concentrated every virtue within themselves. * And henceforth they have deservedly obtained the holy delight * of the uncorrupted blessed life in God. * And you, O Demetrius, are among them preeminent. * You are admired for your likeness to Christ himself; * you can rightly boast of identity through the spear. * Therefore persistently entreat that we who now honor you * be from calamities rescued and from disasters of any kind, * through your supplications * unto God who ever grants His great mercy to the world. [SD]
Glory.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4.
Let us honor the man who by lances inherited the grace from the Savior’s side that was pierced by the lance, and from which the Savior pours out for us streams of life and incorruption; Demetrius, who was most wise in his teachings, and with the Martyrs wears a wreath of victory. He finished the course of his contest through blood, and through miracles he became illustrious throughout the world. He was zealous for the Master, and a compassionate lover of the poor; many a time the defender of the people of Thessalonika in many a dread danger. As we celebrate his yearly memorial, we glorify Christ God, who through him works healings for all. [SD]
From Menaion - - -
Both now. Mode 4. Theotokion.
Rescue us in an emergency, O Mother of Christ our God; and we all shall sing to you, who gave birth to the Maker of the universe, “Rejoice, sole protection of our souls!” [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 3. Your confession.
Θείας πίστεως.
All the world has you, its mighty champion, * fortifying us in times of danger, * and defeating our foes, O Victorious One. * So, as you humbled Lyaios’s arrogance * by giving courage to Nestor in the stadium, * thus, O holy Great-martyr Demetrius, * to Christ our God pray fervently, * beseeching Him to grant us His great mercy. [SD]
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.
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, the holy and glorious Great-martyr Demetrius, the Myrrh-streamer, 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.