Books - Sources
Octoechos - Mode 3.
On Tuesday Morning
Menaion - November 12
Memory of our Father among the Saints John the Merciful; and our Devout Father Nilus.
__________
MATINS
CHOIR
Mode pl. 4.
God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]
Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.
Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.
Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
Apolytikion. For St. John.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4.
By your patience you obtained your reward, O devout Father. You persevered in your prayers without ceasing; and the poor you loved and satisfied. We entreat you, blessed John the Merciful, intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]
Glory. For the Devout Man.
Mode pl. 4.
With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Nilos, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode pl. 4.
O Believers, let us magnify the Theotokos in hymns. She is the unshakable support of the Faith, and the venerable gift to our souls. “Rejoice! for in your womb you contained the Rock of life. Rejoice! as the hope of all the earth, and the help of those in trouble! Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!” [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 7. Then the short litany.
DEACON
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Kathisma I.
From Octoechos - - -
For compunction.
Mode 3.
O my soul, repent while you still sojourn on earth, for dust in the grave does not sing praise, nor is it released from transgressions. Cry out now to Christ God, “Knower of the heart, I have sinned. Before You condemn me, spare me, O God, and have mercy on me.” [SD]
Verse: O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your anger.
Mode 3.
How long will you persist in your offenses, O my soul? Till when will you put off repenting? Call to mind the judgment that is coming, and cry aloud to Christ God: “O sinless Lord, who know the hearts of all, I have sinned. Have mercy on me.” [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 3.
You are our refuge and strength, O Theotokos, and for the world you are a mighty assistance. With your intercessions shelter your servants, from any hard necessity, O only blessed Lady. [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 8. There is no litany, but immediately the following:
CHOIR
From Octoechos - - -
Kathisma II.
For compunction.
Mode 3.
Lord, You know the depth of my offenses. Give me Your hand, as You did to Peter, and save me. [GOASD]
Verse: Look upon me and have mercy on me.
Mode 3.
When the time comes for the just judgment, and the Judge of all will pass judgment, what defense will you present, O my soul, unless before the end you cry to Him, “I have sinned, O God; have mercy on me.” [GOASD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
Τὴν ὡραιότητα.
O Maiden blest of God, unwedded Mother, come * and cure my ailing soul, I pray you earnestly, * for I the am dreadfully held fast by my offenses, wretch that I am. * Therefore I cry out to you * with profound sighing of my heart, * O all-blameless Bride of God, * accept me who have greatly sinned, * that I may cry aloud to you with confidence: * Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace. [GOASD]
From Octoechos - - -
Kathisma III.
For the Forerunner.
Mode 3. Your confession.
Θείας πίστεως.
We rely on you and your protection, * and we soulfully with faith implore you, * O St. John, Prophet, Forerunner, blest by God, * to quell the storm of diseases afflicting us, * the woes and dangers that shake us like turbulence. * Frustrate every plot that enemies have prepared for us, * and ask the Lord to grant us the great mercy. [GOASD]
Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.
For the Martyrs.
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
Τὴν ὡραιότητα.
Almighty God and Lord, You made the memory * of Your victorious Martyrs so radiant; * for You equipped them with the strength to imitate Your Passion and death. * They also bravely overcame * all the forces of Belial. * Therefore they received the grace * to perform cures and miracles. * We pray You, by their earnest entreaties, * to grant Your people peace, O Compassionate One. [SD]
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 3.
Everyone, wherever he is saved, rightly runs to you for refuge. Who else can protect us like you, O Theotokos? You are the shelter for our souls. [SD]
READER
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory. Both now.
Psalm 50 (51).
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]
Kontakion. For St. John.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 2. In seeking the heights.
You scattered your wealth * distributing it to the poor; * and you have received the wealth of heaven in return, holy hierarch most wise. * For this reason all of us now honor you * by observing your memory, * O father who were named for being merciful. [SD]
Oikos.
With genuine love and beautiful sympathy the inner beauty embedded in your soul, O John, one night in the branches of an olive tree you truly saw charity personified as a young woman beautifully adorned. Cheerfully she said to you, “If you acquire me as your friend and companion, I will bring you before Christ the King.” And you believed her and did not fail in your goal, O father who were named for being merciful. [SD]
Kontakion. For St. Nilus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Champion General.)
Your vigilant prayer was like a scythe cutting the weeds of bodily passions! ⁄ Since you have boldness before the Lord, free me from every misfortune, ⁄⁄ that I may cry to you: Rejoice, universal father! [OCA]
Oikos.
Who on earth is able to relate the struggles of your way of life, and the immense toil of your existence, and the many labors you did on earth as if bodiless? But behold, I will attempt it and cry to you: [SD]
Rejoice! River of God’s gifts of grace. Rejoice! Flood-tide of the teachings of Christ.
Rejoice! Punch bowl, mixing wisdom and knowledge. Rejoice! Orchard of immortal fruits.
Rejoice! Dogma of God-inspired sayings based on action. Rejoice! Experienced interpreter of the God-given Law.
Rejoice! Tiller of spiritual Paradise. Rejoice! Great preserver of virginity.
Rejoice! Pleasant-sounding instrument of Spirit. Rejoice! Sharp implement uprooting passions.
Rejoice! Supporter of righteous men. Rejoice! Protector of believers on earth.
Rejoice! Universal Father!
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On November 12 we commemorate our father among the saints John the Merciful (or Almsgiver), Archbishop of Alexandria.
By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
CHOIR
Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.
Μουσικῶν ὀργάνων.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
At the sound of every kind of music, * multitudes of people fell and worshiped * the golden image in Dura. Three Servants, noncompliant, * extolled the Lord and praised Him, and they glorified Him unto all the ages. [SD]
Stand for the singing of Ode ix.
DEACON
Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.
CHOIR
Ode ix.
The Magnificat. Mode 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]
Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.
Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.
The heavens were astounded because of this, * and the ends of the earth were astonished, because God himself * bodily appeared to the human race, * O Theotokos, coming forth * from your virgin womb, which indeed became * more spacious than the heavens. * And therefore by the orders * of men and angels you are magnified. [SD]
It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]
PRIEST
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST
For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Exaposteilarion. For St. John.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.
Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.
Let us all sing the praises * of John who imitated * our compassionate God of mercy, * so that through him we may obtain * the cancellation of all debts * and remission of offenses. [SD]
For St. Nilus.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.
Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.
O godly-minded Nilus, * since by the water of your tears * your soul is enriched and fruitful, * entreat the Lord to cleanse our souls * of all defilement, as we now * extol you with love and fervor. [SD]
Theotokion.
Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.
O sweetness of the Angels, * O joy of those in affliction, * and the protectress of Christians, * O Virgin Mother of the Lord, * come to my aid and redeem me * from the eternal torments. [SD]
READER
Lauds. (read)
Psalm 148.
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. 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. [SAAS]
Psalm 149.
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. [SAAS]
Psalm 150.
Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power; praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. Praise Him with the sound of a trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre; praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute; praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Alleluia. [SAAS]
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
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 3.
Gather my scattered mind, O Lord, and purify my heart which has dried up. Grant me repentance as You did to Peter, groans as You did to the Publican, tears as You did to the Harlot, so that with a loud voice I may cry to You: Save me, O God, as the only One who is compassionate and benevolent. [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]
Many times as I am singing hymns, I find that I am committing sin; for though I utter songs with my tongue, I am thinking wicked things with my soul. I pray You, O Christ God, to correct this through repentance and have mercy on me. [SD]
Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]
The soldiers of Christ cast aside any fear of rulers and tyrants, and they boldly and courageously confessed Him, who is Lord of all, our God and King. Now they intercede on behalf of our souls. [SD]
Glory. For St. John.
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 rose within three days.
Τριήμερος ἀνέστης.
O Virgin and all-blameless Maid, * we pray you to entreat your Son, * that He save us, * the entire human race, * as we, O virgin Mother, * with heart and tongue confess you to be the Theotokos indeed. [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 St. John.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 4.
By your patience you obtained your reward, O devout Father. You persevered in your prayers without ceasing; and the poor you loved and satisfied. We entreat you, blessed John the Merciful, intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]
Glory. For the Devout Man.
Mode pl. 4.
With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Nilos, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
From Octoechos - - -
Mode pl. 4.
O Believers, let us magnify the Theotokos in hymns. She is the unshakable support of the Faith, and the venerable gift to our souls. “Rejoice! for in your womb you contained the Rock of life. Rejoice! as the hope of all the earth, and the help of those in trouble! Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!” [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, our father among the saints John the Merciful, 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.