Books - Sources
Octoechos - Mode 2.
On Thursday Morning
Menaion - November 7
Memory of the Thirty-Three holy Martyrs in Melitene; and Memory of our Devout Father Lazarus the Wonder-worker, who lived as an Ascetic on Mt. Galesion.
__________
MATINS
CHOIR
Mode 4.
God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]
Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.
Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.
Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
Apolytikion. For the Martyrs.
Mode 4. Come quickly.
Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]
Glory. For St. Lazarus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4.
As you vigilantly prayed you drenched your pillar with rivers of your tears; and with your sighs from deep within, painstaking labors produced their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a pastor, giving forgiveness to all those who came to you, our devout father Lazarus. Intercede with Christ our God, entreating Him to save our souls. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode pl. 4.
O immaculate Theotokos, as the intelligible Gate of life, rescue from peril those who run to you with faith, so that we may glorify your all-holy childbirth, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 13. Then the short litany.
DEACON
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Kathisma I.
From Octoechos - - -
For the Apostles.
Mode 2.
You made the Fishermen wiser than orators, and sent them as preachers over all the earth, in Your ineffable benevolence, O Christ our God. Confirm Your Church through them, and send down Your blessing on the faithful, O only merciful benevolent Lord. [SD]
Verse: Their proclamation went forth into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.
Mode 2.
The Fishermen caught the nations in their nets, and they instructed the ends of the earth to worship You with the Father and the Spirit, O Christ our God. Through them establish the divine Faith, and send down Your mercies upon the peoples, O only Lord who repose in the holy. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 2.
We have become partakers of divine nature through you, O ever-virgin Maid, since for us you gave birth unto God become incarnate. Therefore we all dutifully magnify you piously. [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 14. There is no litany, but immediately the following:
CHOIR
From Octoechos - - -
Kathisma II.
For the Apostles.
Mode 2. As the Mother of God.
Εὐσπλαγχνίας ὑπάρχουσα.
When for mercy’s sake God made himself poor, * the Savior sent you out into the world to enrich it. * Preaching in your poverty, you showed to all * that heavenly riches are available. * Through you, O Apostles, we became rich in godly faith; * and with joy we sing your praise * and solemnly keep your sacred memory. [GOASD]
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament shows the creation of His hands.
Mode 2. As the Mother of God.
Εὐσπλαγχνίας ὑπάρχουσα.
The inspired Apostles of the Lord, * as Disciple and the eyewitnesses of God’s Wisdom, * by the simplicity of their preaching style * disparaged the fallacious philosophies * of sages and orators, while wisely enlightening * all the nations to extol * the Creator and only Master of all. [GOASD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 2.
O Mother of God, you are the helper of those in trouble, the defender of the oppressed. You give hope to those in despair, and you cure incurable diseases, O all-lauded Theotokos. We pray you implore the Lord on our behalf. [GOASD]
From Octoechos - - -
Kathisma III.
For St. Nicholas.
Mode 2. In the pools of your blood.
Τοῖς τῶν αἱμάτων σου.
You, O Saint Nicholas, fully illuminate * all of the earth with the rays of your miracles. * The gloom of afflictions you terminate, * driving away the attacks that endanger us. * For you are a most ardent guardian. [SD]
Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.
For the Martyrs.
Mode 2.
O Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hierarchs, Monastics and the Righteous, you finished the race and kept the faith. You speak freely to the Savior. We pray you entreat Him on our behalf, to save our souls, since He is good. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 2.
O Immaculate, you alone bore God without seed, and after the amazing childbirth you continued in chastity. I fall down before you and cry out with fear and faith: Save me from passions and grievous illnesses and from all necessity. [SD]
READER
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory. Both now.
Psalm 50 (51).
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]
Kontakion.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. N/M (You who were lifted.)
The shining and glowing host of Martyrs has spiritually risen on us today like a sun, and the rays of their miracles fill the Church with light. So, as we celebrate their solemn memory, we pray to You, our Savior: At their entreaties, rescue us from danger, as our merciful and benevolent God. [SD]
Kontakion. For St. Lazarus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Champion General.)
The Angels were amazed as they witnessed your supernatural labors and struggles, through which you received halos from God, O wise Saint. We pray you, since you speak to the Lord with confidence, to save us from all calamity, so that we may salute you and cry aloud: Rejoice, our Father and Pastor! [SD]
Oikos.
An Angel among men were you, O God-bearing Saint, and from earth you reached the heavens. And seeing how you vied with the bodiless hosts, O devout one, I am astounded and with awe I cry out to you such salutations: [SD]
Rejoice! Inerrant rule for monastics. Rejoice! Meadow of virtue where souls are nourished.
Rejoice! Intercessor for souls that never fails. Rejoice! Dancer who abides with angelic hosts.
Rejoice! You increased the flock of monastics. Rejoice! You preserved them in Eden.
Rejoice! With God’s help, you provided sufficient bread. Rejoice! You expelled the audacity of the demons.
Rejoice! Ever-flowing spring of miracles. Rejoice! Guarantee of future delight.
Rejoice! The lamp of all Asia Minor. Rejoice! The star and coach of monastics.
Rejoice! Our Father and Pastor!
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On November 7, we commemorate the holy 33 Martyrs of Melitini, Hieron and the rest.
By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
CHOIR
Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 4.
Ἄκουε Κόρη.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
Hearken, O Damsel, let Gabriel say. * Incline your ear, O Virgin pure, * and hear the counsel of the Most High, ancient and true; * and make ready for your own reception of God. * For through you the Uncontainable associates with mortal men. * And I am therefore rejoicing and shouting: * O all you works of the Lord, * praise and bless the Lord. [SD]
Stand for the singing of Ode ix.
DEACON
Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.
CHOIR
Ode ix.
The Magnificat. Mode 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]
Heirmos. Mode 4.
Ὡς ἐμψύχῳ Θεοῦ κιβωτῷ.
Now let no uninitiated hand * approach the living Ark of God to touch it. * Rather let believers’ lips sing out in exultation * the Angel’s salutation unceasingly * to the Theotokos and cry out: * You, O pure and virgin Maiden, are truly superior to all. [SD]
It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]
PRIEST
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Exaposteilarion of the Day. For the Apostles.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.
Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.
O Apostles of the Master, * by your preaching of the Gospel, * from the ocean of deception * you drew the whole world to the light. * Cease not in your intercessions * on our behalf with the Savior. [SD]
For the Martyrs.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 2. O Women, hearken.
Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.
The Church, which is unbreakable, * has you, O medaled Martyr saints, * as thirty-three living towers, * by which the world is protected, * as well as those who honor you * and keep your glowing memory. * Stand now near the throne of Christ, * for us you are interceding * with our all-merciful Savior. [SD]
For St. Lazarus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 2. Let us in faith.
Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.
While you were in your mother’s womb, * the Maker sanctified you, * and He made you a dwelling place * of the all-holy Spirit. * Thus you became for monastics * a light, O godly father, * and from the darkness of their sins * guided them to the radiance of the laws * of the Lord, O Lazarus, and you brought them * to Christ. To Him pray earnestly * to save those who extol you. [SD]
Theotokion.
Mode 2. Let us in faith.
Daniel the Prophet saw you once, * O Maiden, as a mountain * from which without the hands of man * truly a stone was cut out, * and it reduced pagan altars * and the pillars of demons * to rubble, holy Bride of God. * Earnestly pray to Him, so that He will crush * the impassioned images in my own mind, * and in my heart noetically * establish His own image. [SD]
Lauds. Mode 4.
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 St. Lazarus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. When you were called.
Ὁ ἐξ ὑψίστου κληθείς.
Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]
Another Lazarus, equally beloved, * who, girt with the Master’s living and sweetly perfumed * mortification in his own flesh, and also wearing * the sacred garments that even now emit * the scent of his sweat and labors, is presented now * for us to praise and to celebrate, as with a banquet. * Come, and in unison let us honor him * who proved to be a faithful steward and * loyal servant of Christ our Lord and God, * O you host of monastics * and the choir of those who love the feasts. [SD]
Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]
Another Lazarus, equally beloved, * who, girt with the Master’s living and sweetly perfumed * mortification in his own flesh, and also wearing * the sacred garments that even now emit * the scent of his sweat and labors, is presented now * for us to praise and to celebrate, as with a banquet. * Come, and in unison let us honor him * who proved to be a faithful steward and * loyal servant of Christ our Lord and God, * O you host of monastics * and the choir of those who love the feasts. [SD]
Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]
Most sacred father, you lived atop the pillar * as though in a room that was completely filled with light. * And round about it you stationed your ascetic labors * even as armed guards, O venerable one, * blocking access to the passions as to regiments. * You forged ahead into the divine bright nuptial chamber, * O blessed man, and you stand beside our God * and your own Bridegroom now with confidence, * as you openly relish His handsomeness. * Therefore earnestly pray Him to illumine us and save our souls. [SD]
Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]
Sanctified even within his mother’s belly, * devout father Lazarus became for Christ a pure * victim and priest. In the Spirit now he has invited * all the believers to come and celebrate * his memory. Clearly he emits a fragrant scent. * So all together let us run to him and get the blessing * that flows abundantly from his worshipful * and holy relics, as we glorify * and adore Christ our God who is marvelous * in His saints, as the Most High * who is resting in His holy ones. [SD]
Glory.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 2.
Devout Father, the proclamation of your achievements went forth into all the earth. For your labors you found the reward in heaven. You destroyed the arrays of demons, and you attained to the orders of the Angels, whose lifestyle you emulated blamelessly. Since you have confidence before Christ our God, ask Him to grant peace to our souls. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Mode pl. 2.
You are a turning for the better for those in trouble and deliverance of the sick, O Virgin Theotokos. Save your people and your flock, since you are the peace of the embattled, tranquil calm of those in agitation, and the believers’ only patronage. [SD]
Stand for the reading of the Doxology.
Doxology (read)
HIERARCH or READER
To you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
READER
Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world. Accept our supplication, you who sit at the right of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Every day I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the ages of ages. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this day we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your commandments. Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs a hymn, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
LITANY OF COMPLETION
DEACON
Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.
CHOIR (after each petition)
Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON
For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.
For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.
That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.
And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be with all.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
DEACON
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next.
PRIEST (aloud)
For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Aposticha of the Octoechos.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode 2.
You have magnified the names of the chief Apostles, O Savior, throughout the world. They learned the sacred mysteries of heaven; they granted healings to those on earth, and their shadows alone cured the illnesses. He who was a fisherman did miracles, and the son of the Jews theologized on the dogmas of grace. Through them, grant Your great mercy unto us, O compassionate Lord. [SD]
Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]
Pressed by war on every side because of unrighteous deeds, we flee for refuge unto You who indeed are God. Hence we present to You the words of Your Disciples and say: Save us, O Master, we are perishing. We pray You once again to show our enemies that You guard Your people and You save them from perils, by the intercessions of the Apostles, overlooking sins with great benevolence. Glory to You, O Lord. [SD]
Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]
Every city and land venerates your relics, O victorious Martyrs. For having lawfully contested, you received a heavenly crown. And therefore you are the pride of priests, the victory of rulers, and the Church’s grand dignity. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Joseph took You down.
Ὅτε ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου.
For all who are troubled you are joy, * and of the abused a protectress, the paupers’ nourishment, * strangers’ consolation and a walking staff of the blind, * visitation of the infirm, * assistance and shelter * for the weary and oppressed, help of the orphans as well. * Hasten to deliver your servants, * fervently we beg you, O pure one, * since you are the Mother of the Most High God. [SD]
PRIEST
It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth at night. [SAAS]
READER
Trisagion Prayers.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
PRIEST
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.
CHOIR
Amen.
CHOIR
Apolytikion. For the Martyrs.
Mode 4. Come quickly.
Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]
Glory. For St. Lazarus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4.
As you vigilantly prayed you drenched your pillar with rivers of your tears; and with your sighs from deep within, painstaking labors produced their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a pastor, giving forgiveness to all those who came to you, our devout father Lazarus. Intercede with Christ our God, entreating Him to save our souls. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode pl. 4.
By your prayers save us, O Virgin immaculate, stirring your maternal affections for your Son and our God. [SD]
(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)
PRIEST: Wisdom.
READER: Father, bless!
PRIEST
Blessed is Christ our God, the One who is, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
HIERARCH or READER
The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Then we begin the First Hour, saying: “Come let us worship…”
or:
Dismissal
PRIEST
Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.
May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and our devout father Lazarus the Wonder-worker, whose memory we observe, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.
Conclusion, i.e. “Through the prayers…”
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.
CHOIR
Amen.