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Μηναῖον - Τῌ Κʹ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ

Menaion - December 20

Μνήμη τοῦ Ἁγίου Ἱερομάρτυρος Ἰγνατίου τοῦ Θεοφόρου· καὶ Προεόρτια τῶν Γενεθλίων τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν.

Memory of the Holy Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer; and Forefeast of the Birth of our Savior

__________

__________

ΟΡΘΡΟΣ

MATINS

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

Θεὸς Κύριος καὶ ἐπέφανεν ἡμῖν. Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Στίχ. αʹ. Ἐξομολογεῖσθε τῷ Κυρίῳ καὶ ἐπικαλεῖσθε τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ἅγιον αὐτοῦ.

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Στίχ. βʹ. Πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐκύκλωσάν με, καὶ τῷ ὀνόματι Κυρίου ἠμυνάμην αὐτούς.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Στίχ. γʹ. Παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη καὶ ἔστι θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Ἀπολυτίκιον. Προεόρτιον.

Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

Ἑτοιμάζου Βηθλεέμ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέμ. Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου. Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσομεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰμ τεθνηξόμεθα. Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα.

O Bethlehem, prepare, Eden is opened unto all. * And be ready, Ephrata, for the Tree of life * has in the grotto blossomed forth from the Virgin. * Indeed her womb is shown to be spiritually * a Paradise, in which is found the God-planted Tree. * And if we eat from it we shall live, and shall not die, as did Adam of old. * Christ is born, so that He might raise up * the formerly fallen image. [SD]

Δόξα. Τοῦ Ἁγίου.

Glory. For the Saint.

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

Καὶ τρόπων μέτοχος, καὶ θρόνων διάδοχος, τῶν Ἀποστόλων γενόμενος, τὴν πρᾶξιν εὗρες Θεόπνευστε, εἰς θεωρίας ἐπίβασιν· διὰ τοῦτο τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας ὀρθοτομῶν, καὶ τῇ πίστει ἐνήθλησας μέχρις αἵματος, Ἱερομάρτυς Ἰγνάτιε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Becoming a partner with the Apostles in way of life and successor to their thrones, O God-inspired Saint, in the active life you found an entrance to contemplation. Hence you rightly expounded the word of truth, and you shed your blood in struggling for the faith, O Hieromartyr Ignatius. Intercede with Christ our God, beseeching Him to save our souls. [SD]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Ἀπολυτίκιον. Προεόρτιον.

Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

Ἑτοιμάζου Βηθλεέμ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέμ. Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου. Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσομεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰμ τεθνηξόμεθα. Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα.

O Bethlehem, prepare, Eden is opened unto all. * And be ready, Ephrata, for the Tree of life * has in the grotto blossomed forth from the Virgin. * Indeed her womb is shown to be spiritually * a Paradise, in which is found the God-planted Tree. * And if we eat from it we shall live, and shall not die, as did Adam of old. * Christ is born, so that He might raise up * the formerly fallen image. [SD]

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ἔτι καὶ ἔτι ἐν εἰρήνῃ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ἀντιλαβοῦ, σῶσον, ἐλέησον καὶ διαφύλαξον ἡμᾶς, ὁ Θεός, τῇ σῇ χάριτι.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Τῆς παναγίας, ἀχράντου, ὑπερευλογημένης, ἐνδόξου, δεσποίνης ἡμῶν, Θεοτόκου καὶ ἀειπαρθένου Μαρίας μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων μνημονεύσαντες, ἑαυτοὺς καὶ ἀλλήλους καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν ζωὴν ἡμῶν Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ παραθώμεθα.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Σοί, Κύριε.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ὅτι σὸν τὸ κράτος καὶ σοῦ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία καὶ ἡ δύναμις καὶ ἡ δόξα, τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου Πνεύματος, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Κάθισμα Αʹ.

Kathisma I.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος αʹ. Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Mode 1. N/M (The soldiers.)

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Ὁ κλίνας οὐρανούς, καὶ Παρθένῳ οἰκήσας, προέρχεται σαρκί, Βηθλεὲμ ἐν Σπηλαίῳ, τεχθῆναι καθὼς γέγραπται, ὁραθῆναί τε νήπιος, ὁ τὰ νήπια, ζωογονῶν ἐν τῇ μήτρᾳ τούτῳ χαίροντες, νῦν ὑπαντήσωμεν πάντες, καρδίας εὐθύτητι.

He has bowed the heavens and taken up his abode in the Virgin; ⁄ as it is written, He comes to be born in our flesh in the cave of Bethlehem; ⁄ He Who gives life to children in the womb Himself becomes a Child! ⁄⁄ Let us all go forth to meet Him, our hearts filled with fervor and joy! [OCA]

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Τὸ αὐτό.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Ὁ κλίνας οὐρανούς, καὶ Παρθένῳ οἰκήσας, προέρχεται σαρκί, Βηθλεὲμ ἐν Σπηλαίῳ, τεχθῆναι καθὼς γέγραπται, ὁραθῆναί τε νήπιος, ὁ τὰ νήπια, ζωογονῶν ἐν τῇ μήτρᾳ τούτῳ χαίροντες, νῦν ὑπαντήσωμεν πάντες, καρδίας εὐθύτητι.

He has bowed the heavens and taken up his abode in the Virgin; ⁄ as it is written, He comes to be born in our flesh in the cave of Bethlehem; ⁄ He Who gives life to children in the womb Himself becomes a Child! ⁄⁄ Let us all go forth to meet Him, our hearts filled with fervor and joy! [OCA]

Κάθισμα Βʹ.

Kathisma II.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος αʹ. Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Mode 1. N/M (The soldiers.)

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Ἀγάλλου ἡ Σιών· Βηθλεὲμ εὐτρεπίζου, ὁ πάντων συνοχεύς, τὸν Ἀστέρα προπέμψας, μηνύει τὴν ἄμετρον, ἑαυτοῦ συγκατάβασιν· ὃν γὰρ τρέμουσι, τῶν οὐρανῶν αἱ Δυνάμεις, ὄντως τίκτεται, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου ἀτρέπτως, ὁ μόνος Φιλάνθρωπος.

Rejoice, Zion! Adorn yourself, O Bethlehem! ⁄ for the Sustainer of all has sent forth a star! ⁄ He has announced His infinite condescension ⁄ before which the hosts of heaven tremble. ⁄⁄ The only Lover of mankind is indeed born without change of the Virgin! [OCA]

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Τὸ αὐτό.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Ἀγάλλου ἡ Σιών· Βηθλεὲμ εὐτρεπίζου, ὁ πάντων συνοχεύς, τὸν Ἀστέρα προπέμψας, μηνύει τὴν ἄμετρον, ἑαυτοῦ συγκατάβασιν· ὃν γὰρ τρέμουσι, τῶν οὐρανῶν αἱ Δυνάμεις, ὄντως τίκτεται, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου ἀτρέπτως, ὁ μόνος Φιλάνθρωπος.

Rejoice, Zion! Adorn yourself, O Bethlehem! ⁄ for the Sustainer of all has sent forth a star! ⁄ He has announced His infinite condescension ⁄ before which the hosts of heaven tremble. ⁄⁄ The only Lover of mankind is indeed born without change of the Virgin! [OCA]

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Ψαλμὸς Nʹ (50).

Psalm 50 (51).

Ἐλέησόν με, ὁ Θεός, κατὰ τὸ μέγα ἔλεός σου, καὶ κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν σου ἐξάλειψον τὸ ἀνόμημά μου. Ἐπὶ πλεῖον πλῦνόν με ἀπὸ τῆς ἀνομίας μου, καὶ απὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας μου καθάρισόν με. Ὅτι τὴν ἀνομίαν μου ἐγὼ γινώσκω, καὶ ἡ ἁμαρτία μου ἐνώπιόν μού ἐστι διὰ παντός. Σοὶ μόνῳ ἥμαρτον, καὶ τὸ πονηρὸν ἐνώπιόν σου ἐποίησα· ὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικήσῃς ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε. Ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἐν ἀνομίαις συνελήφθην, καὶ ἐν ἁμαρτίαις ἐκίσσησέ με ἡ μήτηρ μου. Ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἀλήθειαν ἠγάπησας· τὰ ἄδηλα καὶ τὰ κρύφια τῆς σοφίας σου ἐδήλωσάς μοι. Ῥαντιεῖς με ὑσσώπῳ, καὶ καθαρισθήσομαι· πλυνεῖς με καὶ ὑπὲρ χιόνα λευκανθήσομαι. Ἀκουτιεῖς μοι ἀγαλλίασιν καὶ εὐφροσύνην· ἀγαλλιάσονται ὀστέα τεταπεινωμένα. Ἀπόστρεψον τὸ πρόσωπόν σου ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν μου, καὶ πάσας τὰς ἀνομίας μου ἐξάλειψον. Καρδίαν καθαρὰν κτίσον ἐν ἐμοί, ὁ Θεός, καὶ πνεῦμα εὐθὲς ἐγκαίνισον ἐν τοῖς ἐγκάτοις μου. Μὴ ἀποῤῥίψῃς με ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου σου, καὶ τὸ Πνεῦμά σου τὸ ἅγιον μὴ ἀντανέλῃς ἀπ᾽ ἐμοῦ. Ἀπόδος μοι τὴν ἀγαλλίασιν τοῦ σωτηρίου σου καὶ πνεύματι ἡγεμονικῷ στήριξόν με. Διδάξω ἀνόμους τὰς ὁδούς σου, καὶ ἀσεβεῖς ἐπὶ σὲ ἐπιστρέψουσι. Ῥῦσαί με ἐξ αἱμάτων, ὁ Θεός, ὁ Θεὸς τῆς σωτηρίας μου· ἀγαλλιάσεται ἡ γλῶσσά μου τὴν δικαιοσύνην σου. Κύριε, τὰ χείλη μου ἀνοίξεις, καὶ τὸ στόμα μου ἀναγγελεῖ τὴν αἴνεσίν σου. Ὅτι εἰ ἠθέλησας θυσίαν, ἔδωκα ἄν· ὁλοκαυτώματα οὐκ εὐδοκήσεις. Θυσία τῷ Θεῷ πνεῦμα συντετριμμένον· καρδίαν συντετριμμένην καὶ τεταπεινωμένην ὁ Θεὸς οὐκ ἐξουδενώσει. Ἀγάθυνον, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ εὐδοκίᾳ σου τὴν Σιών, καὶ οἰκοδομηθήτω τὰ τείχη Ἰερουσαλήμ. Τότε εὐδοκήσεις θυσίαν δικαιοσύνης, ἀναφορὰν καὶ ὁλοκαυτώματα. Τότε ἀνοίσουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριόν σου μόσχους.

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]

Κοντάκιον. Προεόρτιον.

Kontakion. For the Forefeast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος γʹ. Αὐτόμελον.

Mode 3. Automelon.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀποῤῥήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, Παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν.

On this day the Virgin Maid * goes to the grotto to give birth * to the pre-eternal Word * in an ineffable manner. * Dance for joy, all the inhabited earth, on hearing. * Glorify along with Angels and with the shepherds * Him who willed that He appear as * a newborn Child, * the pre-eternal God. [SD]

Ὁ Οἶκος.

Oikos.

Ἱεραὶ Προφητῶν ῥήσεις, τὸ πέρας δέχονται Παρθένος ἰδού, τίκτει Θεὸν ἐν σαρκί, Βηθλεὲμ ἐν πόλει ἔνδον τοῦ Σπηλαίου· ἡ κτίσις πᾶσα καταπλουτίσθητι, ἀγάλλου καὶ χόρευε, μετὰ δούλων συναναστρέφεσθαι, πάντων ὁ Δεσπότης παραγέγονε, τῆς δεσποτείας τοῦ ἀλλοτρίου ἀπολυτρούμενος ἡμᾶς, καθυπαχθέντας τῇ φθορᾷ· καὶ ὁρᾶται ὡς βρέφος σπαργανούμενον ἐν φάτνῃ, Παιδίον νέον, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Θεός.

The sacred words of the Prophets are coming to pass. Behold, a Virgin gives birth to God in the flesh, in the city of Bethlehem, inside the Grotto. All creation be enriched! Rejoice exceedingly and dance for joy! The Master of all has come to live among His servants; and from the devil’s control He is freeing us, who had succumbed to corruption. He is seen as an infant, wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger, a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God. [GOASD]

Κοντάκιον. Τοῦ Ἁγίου.

Kontakion. For the Saint.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος γʹ. Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

Mode 3. On this day.

Τῶν λαμπρῶν ἀγώνων σου, ἡ φωτοφόρος ἡμέρα, προκηρύττει ἅπασι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα· τούτου γὰρ διψῶν ἐκ πόθου κατατρυφῆσαι, ἔσπευσας ὑπὸ θηρίων ἀναλωθῆναι· διὰ τοῦτο Θεοφόρος, προσηγορεύθης Ἰγνάτιε ἔνδοξε.

This resplendent memory of your illustrious contests * announces to everyone the Master born of the Virgin. * Longing to delight in Him, with love you proceeded * eagerly to be by wild beasts killed and eaten. * Therefore, glorious Ignatius, you have been given the tile God-bearer. [GOASD]

Ὁ Οἶκος.

Oikos.

Ἀβραὰμ μὲν ποτε τὸν υἱὸν ἐθυσίαζε, τὴν σφαγὴν προτυπῶν τοῦ τὰ πάντα κατέχοντος, καὶ νῦν ἐν Σπηλαίῳ σπεύδοντος τεχθῆναι, σὺ δὲ θεόφρον, ὅλον προσήγαγες σαυτόν ὥσπερ σφάγιον, καὶ τῶν θηρίων βρῶμα γενόμενος, σῖτος καθαρὸς ὤφθης τῷ Κτίστῃ σου, ἐν ἀποθήκαις ἐπουρανίαις διαιωνίζων ἀληθῶς, καὶ τοῦ σοῦ ἔρωτος τρυφῶν· διʼ ὃν πάντα τὸν κόσμον καταλείψας παμμάκαρ, Θεοφόρος προσηγορεύθης, Ἰγνάτιε ἔνδοξε.

Long ago when Abraham was sacrificing his son, he foreshadowed the slaughter of Him who holds all things and who is now hastening to be born in a cave. You, O godly-minded Saint, wholly offered yourself as a sacrificial victim. You became food for wild beasts, and you appeared as pure wheat for your Creator, truly stored forever in the heavenly silos, where you delight in the One you love. Leaving the whole world behind for His sake, all-blessed, glorious Ignatius, you have been given the tile God-bearer. [GOASD]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ Συναξαρίου.

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Συναξάριον

Synaxarion

Τοῦ Μηναίου.

From the Menaion.

Τῇ Κʹ τοῦ αὐτοῦ μηνὸς μνήμη τοῦ ἁγίου Ἱερομάρτυρος Ἰγνατίου τοῦ Θεοφόρου.

On December 20, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer.

Ταῖς αὐτῶν ἁγίαις πρεσβείαις, ὁ Θεός, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς. Ἀμήν.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

ᾨδὴ ηʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός. Ἦχος αʹ.

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 1.

Ὃν φρίττουσιν Ἄγγελοι.

Αἰνοῦμεν, εὐλογοῦμεν καὶ προσκυνοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Ὃν φρίττουσιν Ἄγγελοι, καὶ πᾶσαι στρατιαί, ὡς Κτίστην καὶ Κύριον, ὑμνεῖτε ἱερεῖς, δοξάσατε παῖδες, εὐλογεῖτε λαοί, καὶ ὑπερυψοῦτε, εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.

To Him, the Creator and the Lord, at whom all hosts * and armies of Angels shudder, sing a hymn of praise, * you priests, and you Servants, glorify Him and bless, * and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν Θʹ Ὠδήν.

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Τὴν Θεοτόκον καὶ μητέρα τοῦ φωτὸς ἐν ὕμνοις τιμῶντες μεγαλύνωμεν.

Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

ᾨδὴ θʹ.

Ode ix.

Μεγαλυνάριον. Ἦχος αʹ.

The Magnificat. Mode 1.

Στίχ. Μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον, καὶ ἠγαλλίασε τὸ πνεῦμά μου ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ τῷ σωτῆρί μου.

Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]

Τὴν τιμιωτέραν τῶν Χερουβείμ, καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, ἀσυγκρίτως τῶν Σεραφείμ, τὴν ἀδιαφθόρως, Θεὸν Λόγον τεκοῦσαν, τὴν ὄντως Θεοτόκον, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

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]

Στίχ. Ὅτι ἐπέβλεψεν ἐπὶ τὴν ταπείνωσιν τῆς δούλης αὐτοῦ· ἰδού γάρ, ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν μακαριοῦσί με πᾶσαι αἱ γενεαί.

Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]

Τὴν τιμιωτέραν τῶν Χερουβείμ, καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, ἀσυγκρίτως τῶν Σεραφείμ, τὴν ἀδιαφθόρως, Θεὸν Λόγον τεκοῦσαν, τὴν ὄντως Θεοτόκον, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

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]

Στίχ. Ὅτι ἐποίησέ μοι μεγαλεῖα ὁ Δυνατός, καὶ ἅγιον τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καί το ἔλεος αὐτοῦ εἰς γενεάν, καὶ γενεὰν τοῖς φοβουμένοις αὐτόν.

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]

Τὴν τιμιωτέραν τῶν Χερουβείμ, καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, ἀσυγκρίτως τῶν Σεραφείμ, τὴν ἀδιαφθόρως, Θεὸν Λόγον τεκοῦσαν, τὴν ὄντως Θεοτόκον, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

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]

Στίχ. Ἐποίησε κράτος ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, διεσκόρπισεν ὑπερηφάνους διανοίᾳ καρδίας αὐτῶν.

Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]

Τὴν τιμιωτέραν τῶν Χερουβείμ, καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, ἀσυγκρίτως τῶν Σεραφείμ, τὴν ἀδιαφθόρως, Θεὸν Λόγον τεκοῦσαν, τὴν ὄντως Θεοτόκον, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

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]

Στίχ. Καθεῖλε δυνάστας ἀπὸ θρόνων, καὶ ὕψωσε ταπεινούς, πεινῶντας ἐνέπλησεν ἀγαθῶν, καὶ πλουτοῦντας ἐξαπέστειλε κενούς.

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]

Τὴν τιμιωτέραν τῶν Χερουβείμ, καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, ἀσυγκρίτως τῶν Σεραφείμ, τὴν ἀδιαφθόρως, Θεὸν Λόγον τεκοῦσαν, τὴν ὄντως Θεοτόκον, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

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]

Στίχ. Ἀντελάβετο Ἰσραὴλ παιδὸς αὐτοῦ, μνησθῆναι ἐλέους, καθὼς ἐλάλησε πρὸς τοὺς Πατέρας ἡμῶν, τῷ Ἀβραάμ, καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ ἕως αἰῶνος.

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]

Τὴν τιμιωτέραν τῶν Χερουβείμ, καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, ἀσυγκρίτως τῶν Σεραφείμ, τὴν ἀδιαφθόρως, Θεὸν Λόγον τεκοῦσαν, τὴν ὄντως Θεοτόκον, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

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]

Ὁ Εἱρμός. Ἦχος αʹ.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Τὴν ζωοδόχον πηγήν.

Τὴν ζωοδόχον πηγὴν τὴν ἀέναον, τὴν φωτοφόρον λυχνίαν τὴν πάγχρυσον, τὸν ναὸν τὸν ἔμψυχον, τὴν σκηνὴν τὴν ἄχραντον, τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς τὴν πλατυτέραν, τὴν Θεοτόκον ἐν ὕμνοις τιμήσωμεν.

A spring, abundantly flowing, that hosted life, * a golden lamp-stand that bore the unwaning Light, * living Temple, and all pure * tabernacle symbolize * the Theotokos, who is said to be wider * than earth and heaven. With hymns let us honor her. [SD]

Ἄξιόν ἐστιν ὡς ἀληθῶς μακαρίζειν σε τὴν Θεοτόκον, τὴν ἀειμακάριστον καὶ παναμώμητον καὶ μητέρα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν. Τὴν τιμιωτέραν τῶν Χερουβείμ, καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, ἀσυγκρίτως τῶν Σεραφείμ, τὴν ἀδιαφθόρως, Θεὸν Λόγον τεκοῦσαν, τὴν ὄντως Θεοτόκον, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

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]

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ἔτι καὶ ἔτι ἐν εἰρήνῃ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ἀντιλαβοῦ, σῶσον, ἐλέησον καὶ διαφύλαξον ἡμᾶς, ὁ Θεός, τῇ σῇ χάριτι.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Τῆς παναγίας, ἀχράντου, ὑπερευλογημένης, ἐνδόξου, δεσποίνης ἡμῶν, Θεοτόκου καὶ ἀειπαρθένου Μαρίας μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων μνημονεύσαντες, ἑαυτοὺς καὶ ἀλλήλους καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν ζωὴν ἡμῶν Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ παραθώμεθα.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Σοί, Κύριε.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ὅτι σὲ αἰνοῦσι πᾶσαι αἱ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ σοὶ τὴν δόξαν ἀναπέμπουσι, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἐξαποστειλάριον.

Exaposteilarion.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος γʹ. Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς.

Mode 3. Our Savior from on high.

Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς.

Ἑτοιμάζου Βηθλεέμ· Σπήλαιον εὐτρεπίσθητι, ὑπόδεξαι καὶ ἡ Φάτνη, τὸν ἀπερίγραπτον Θεόν, σαρκὶ περιγραφόμενον· ἔρχεται γὰρ τεχθῆναι, καθώσπερ εὐδόκησε.

Get ready, O Bethlehem, * and you, O Cave, prepare yourself; * and you, O Manger, receive Him, * our God who is uncircumscribed * and physically now circumscribed. * For He is coming to be born * as He wills in His good pleasure. [GOASD]

Τοῦ Ἁγίου.

For the Saint.

Ἦχος βʹ. Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Σῖτος ὑπάρχω ἔλεγες, τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Σωτῆρος, καὶ δεῖ με νῦν ἀλήθεσθαι, διʼ ὀδόντων θηρίων, Ἰγνάτιε Θεοφόρε, ὅπως ἄρτος ἡδύς τε, καὶ καθαρὸς ὀφθήσομαι, τῇ Ἁγίᾳ Τριάδι· ᾗ παρεστώς, μνημονεύοις πάνσοφε τῶν τελούντων, τὴν φωτοφόρον μνήμην σου, Ἱεράρχα καὶ Μάρτυς.

O St. Ignatius, God-bearer, * you wrote in your epistle, * “I am the wheat of God, my Lord * and Savior. So now let me become the food for the wild beasts. * I must be ground by their teeth, * that I be found the sweet and pure * bread of Christ.” Please remember us who observe * your most splendid memory, as you stand now * near the all-holy Trinity, * wise Hierarch and Martyr. [GOASD]

Ἕτερον.

Another.

Ἦχος βʹ. Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

Ὡς τετρωμένος ἔρωτι, ἀγάπης τοῦ Κυρίου σου. Ὁ ἐμὸς ἔρως ἐβόας, Χριστὸς ἐσταύρωται θέλων· διὸ διψῶ τοῦ διψᾶσθαι, καὶ ζῶν ἐρῶ τοῦ ἐρᾶσθαι· οὗ κοινωνὸς γενηθῆναι, ἐπιποθῶ καὶ τοῦ πάθους, καὶ τῆς αὐτοῦ βασιλείας.

Ignatius, being wounded by the love of God your Lord, you said, * “My love, namely Christ my Savior, * has been crucified of His own will. * I thirst now to be thirsted for; alive, I love to be loved by Him. * I wish to be imitating * His passion and long to join Him * in His everlasting kingdom.” [GOASD]

Προεόρτιον.

For the Forefeast.

Ἦχος βʹ. Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

Πιστοὶ τὰ προεόρτια, τῶν Γενεθλίων ᾄσματα, νῦν προηχήσωμεν πίστει· ἔρχεται ἥκει γὰρ Χριστός, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τοῦ τεχθῆναι, ὡς βροτὸς ἐκ Παρθένου, καὶ ὁραθῆναι νήπιος, σπαργάνοις ἐνειλημένος, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων ὑπάρχων.

Come, all you faithful, let us now with faith anticipating sing * the pre-festal hymns of Christmas. * For Christ our Savior is coming * to Bethlehem, where He will be as human from the Virgin born. * He who is pre-eternal God * will be seen to be an infant * in swaddling clothes in a manger. [GOASD]

Οἱ Αἶνοι. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Lauds. Mode pl. 2.

Πᾶσα πνοὴ αἰνεσάτω τὸν Κύριον. Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν· αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις. Σοὶ πρέπει ὕμνος τῷ Θεῷ.

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]

Αἰνεῖτε αὐτόν, πάντες οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ· αἰνεῖτε αὐτόν, πᾶσαι αἱ δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ. Σοὶ πρέπει ὕμνος τῷ Θεῷ.

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Δείξε Στιχολογίαν

Show Stichologia

Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἥλιος καὶ σελήνη, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν πάντα τὰ ἄστρα καὶ τὸ φῶς.

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν οἱ οὐρανοὶ τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ τὸ ὕδωρ τὸ ὑπεράνω τῶν οὐρανῶν. Αἰνεσάτωσαν τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

Ὅτι αὐτὸς εἶπε, καὶ ἐγενήθησαν, αὐτὸς ἐνετείλατο, καὶ ἐκτίσθησαν.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

Ἔστησεν αὐτὰ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα καὶ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος· πρόσταγμα ἔθετο, καὶ οὐ παρελεύσεται.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τῆς γῆς, δράκοντες καὶ πᾶσαι ἄβυσσοι.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Πῦρ, χάλαζα, χιών, κρύσταλλος, πνεῦμα καταιγίδος, τὰ ποιοῦντα τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Τὰ ὄρη καὶ πάντες οἱ βουνοί, ξύλα καρποφόρα καὶ πᾶσαι κέδροι.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Τὰ θηρία καὶ πάντα τὰ κτήνη, ἑρπετὰ καὶ πετεινὰ πτερωτά.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς καὶ πάντες λαοί, ἄρχοντες καὶ πάντες κριταὶ γῆς.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Νεανίσκοι καὶ παρθένοι, πρεσβύτεροι μετὰ νεωτέρων· αἰνεσάτωσαν τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου, ὅτι ὑψώθη τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ μόνου.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

Ἡ ἐξομολόγησις αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ γῆς καὶ οὐρανοῦ. καὶ ὑψώσει κέρας λαοῦ αὐτοῦ.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

Ὕμνος πᾶσι τοῖς ὁσίοις αὐτοῦ, τοῖς υἱοῖς Ἰσραήλ, λαῷ ἐγγίζοντι αὐτῷ.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Ἄσατε τῷ Κυρίῳ ᾆσμα καινόν, ἡ αἴνεσις αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ ὁσίων.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Εὐφρανθήτω Ἰσραὴλ ἐπὶ τῷ ποιήσαντι αὐτόν, καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ Σιὼν ἀγαλλιάσθωσαν ἐπὶ τῷ βασιλεῖ αὐτῶν.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Αἰνεσάτωσαν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ἐν χορῷ, ἐν τυμπάνῳ καὶ ψαλτηρίῳ ψαλάτωσαν αὐτῷ.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

Ὅτι εὐδοκεῖ Κύριος ἐν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ καὶ ὑψώσει πραεῖς ἐν σωτηρίᾳ.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

Καυχήσονται ὅσιοι ἐν δόξῃ καὶ ἀγαλλιάσονται ἐπὶ τῶν κοιτῶν αὐτῶν.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

Αἱ ὑψώσεις τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ λάρυγγι αὐτῶν, καὶ ῥομφαῖαι δίστομοι ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτῶν.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

Τοῦ ποιῆσαι ἐκδίκησιν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, ἐλεγμοὺς ἐν τοῖς λαοῖς.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

Τοῦ δῆσαι τοὺς βασιλεῖς αὐτῶν ἐν πέδαις καὶ τοὺς ἐνδόξους αὐτῶν ἐν χειροπέδαις σιδηραῖς.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

Κρύψε Στιχολογίαν

Hide Stichologia

Στιχηρά. Προεόρτια.

Stichera. For the Forefeast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος πλ. βʹ. Αὐτόμελον.

Mode pl. 2. Automelon (not metered).

Τοῦ ποιῆσαι ἐν αὐτοῖς κρῖμα ἔγγραπτον· δόξα αὕτη ἔσται πᾶσι τοῖς ὁσίοις αὐτοῦ.

To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones. [SAAS]

Αἱ Ἀγγελικαί, προπορεύεσθε Δυνάμεις, οἱ ἐν Βηθλεέμ, ἐτοιμάσατε τὴν Φάτνην· ὁ λόγος γὰρ γεννᾶται, ἡ σοφία προέρχεται, δέχου ἀσπασμὸν ἡ Ἐκκλησία, εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τῆς Θεοτόκου, λαοὶ εἴπωμεν· Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐλθών, Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Angelic powers, now proceed! ⁄ Go to Bethlehem; ⁄ prepare the manger, ⁄ for the Word comes to be born. ⁄ Wisdom proceeds from the mouth of the most high! ⁄ Receive, O Church of God, the announcement of salvation; ⁄ enter into the joy of the Theotokos! ⁄ Let us sing with gladness, people: ⁄⁄ Blessed is He Who comes: O our God, glory to You! [OCA]

Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Θεὸν ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν στερεώματι τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power. [SAAS]

Αἱ Ἀγγελικαί, προπορεύεσθε Δυνάμεις, οἱ ἐν Βηθλεέμ, ἐτοιμάσατε τὴν Φάτνην· ὁ λόγος γὰρ γεννᾶται, ἡ σοφία προέρχεται, δέχου ἀσπασμὸν ἡ Ἐκκλησία, εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τῆς Θεοτόκου, λαοὶ εἴπωμεν· Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐλθών, Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Angelic powers, now proceed! ⁄ Go to Bethlehem; ⁄ prepare the manger, ⁄ for the Word comes to be born. ⁄ Wisdom proceeds from the mouth of the most high! ⁄ Receive, O Church of God, the announcement of salvation; ⁄ enter into the joy of the Theotokos! ⁄ Let us sing with gladness, people: ⁄⁄ Blessed is He Who comes: O our God, glory to You! [OCA]

Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐπὶ ταῖς δυναστείαις αὐτοῦ, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῆς μεγαλωσύνης αὐτοῦ.

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]

Ἀνίσχει ὁ Ἀστήρ, Ἰακὼβ ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ. Δεῦτε καὶ ἡμεῖς, προεόρτια τελοῦντες, συνδράμωμεν τοῖς Μάγοις, τοῖς Ποιμέσι συνέλθωμεν· ἴδωμεν Θεὸν ἐν τοῖς σπαργάνοις, ἴδωμεν Παρθένον γαλουχοῦσαν, φρικτὸν θέαμα! Ὁ Βασιλεὺς τοῦ, Ἰσραήλ, Χριστὸς παραγίνεται.

Behold, the star arises out of Jacob, ⁄ illumining the cave! ⁄ Come, let us celebrate in anticipation! ⁄ Let us run with the Magi; ⁄ let us assemble with the shepherds; ⁄ let us see God wrapped in swaddling clothes; ⁄ let us behold the Virgin giving milk to the Lord! ⁄ O fearful sight! ⁄⁄ Christ the King of Israel, draws near! [OCA]

Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν ἤχῳ σάλπιγγος, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν ψαλτηρίῳ καὶ κιθάρᾳ.

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]

Βουνοὶ γλυκασμόν, σταλαξάτωσαν· Ἰδοὺ γάρ, ἥκει ὁ Θεός, ἐκ Θαιμὰν Ἔθνη ἡττᾶσθε· Προφῆται Πατριάρχαι σκιρτήσατε· ἄνθρωποι χορεύσατε ἐνθέως, ὁ ἰσχυρὸς καὶ μέγας Ἄρχων, Χριστὸς τίκτεται· ὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν οὐρανῶν, ἐν γῇ παραγίνεται.

Come, hills, drop down sweetness from on high! ⁄ Behold, God comes from the dark and shady mountain! ⁄ Let the nations submit themselves! ⁄ Rejoice, prophets; leap for joy, O patriarchs; ⁄ dance, families of the nations, ⁄ Christ, the great Ruler, comes to be born; ⁄⁄ the King of heaven appears on earth! [OCA]

Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν τυμπάνῳ καὶ χορῷ, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν χορδαῖς καὶ ὀργάνῳ.

Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]

Γῆθεν ἀνυψῶν, τοὺς βροτοὺς ὁ Πλάστης ἥκει, τὴν βασιλικήν, καινουργῶν αὖθις εἰκόνα· συγχάρητε τῶν ἄνω, αἱ Δυνάμεις ὑμνήσατε· ἔχθρας τὸ μεσότοιχον ἐλύθη, ἦλθεν ᾧ ἀπέκειτο· Θεὸς γάρ, βροτὸς γίνεται, ὁ Βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, Χριστὸς παραγίνεται.

Dare we now rise up from the earth! ⁄ He Who fashioned mortals comes to renew His royal image! ⁄ Rejoice and make merry, you powers on high! ⁄ The light dawns for those who await salvation! ⁄ The middle wall of partition shall be destroyed! ⁄⁄ Christ, the King of Israel, draws near! [OCA]

Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν κυμβάλοις εὐήχοις, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν κυμβάλοις ἀλαλαγμοῦ. Πᾶσα πνοὴ αἰνεσάτω τὸν Κύριον.

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

Δεῦτε οἱ πιστοί, ὑπαντήσωμεν τῷ ἐκ Κτίστῃ, ἥκοντι εἰς γῆν, Παρθένου ἀνατεῖλαι· ἁγνείᾳ λαμπρυνθῶμεν, ἀρεταῖς ἀπαστράψωμεν, τρόμῳ καὶ χαρᾷ ἑτοιμασθῶμεν, Χριστόν ἰδέσθαι βρεφωθέντα, νοὸς ὄμμασιν, ἡμᾶς θεοῦντα τοὺς βροτούς, ἄκρᾳ ἀγαθότητι.

Enter, believers; run to greet the Creator! ⁄ He comes to earth, dawning from the Virgin. ⁄ Let us be illumined in purity; ⁄ let us shine with the star of righteousness; ⁄ let us make ready with fear and joy, ⁄ that with purified eyes we may see Christ being born: ⁄ He makes us mortals divine; ⁄⁄ He raises us to the heights of godliness. [OCA]

Δόξα. Ὅμοιον.

Glory. Same Melody.

Ἐγγίζει ὁ Χριστός, Βηθλεὲμ προετοιμάζου· ἤδη τῶν Ἐθνῶν, τὸ σωτήριον αὐγάζει. Εὐτρέπισον τὴν φάτνην, τοὺς Ποιμένας συνάγαγε, κάλεσον τους Μάγους ἐκ Περσίδος, αἱ Στρατιαὶ τῶν Ἀσωμάτων, Νοῶν κράζουσιν· ὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν οὐρανῶν, Χριστὸς παραγίνεται.

For Christ draws near; prepare the way, Bethlehem! ⁄ Now the dawn of salvation rises upon the nations! ⁄ Prepare the manger; assemble the shepherds; ⁄ Summon the Magi from Persia! ⁄ Understand, host of heaven, and cry out: ⁄⁄ Christ the King of Israel, draws near! [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν. Ὅμοιον.

Both now. Same Melody.

Ζῆλός τε καὶ πῦρ, καταφάγεταί σε ἄφρον, πλάνε ἀληθῶς, καὶ τοῦ νόμου συκοφάντα· ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἡ Παρθένος, Ἠσαΐας ὡς ἔφησεν, ἔσχεν ἐν γαστρὶ καὶ ἐπὶ φάτνης, ἀνακλινεῖ τὸν Βασιλέα· διὸ ἅπαντες, οἱ ἐξ Ἰούδα τῆς φυλῆς, δυνάσται ἐκλείψουσιν.

God’s zeal and fire shall consume you as stubble! ⁄ Be astonished and tremble, scribes and rulers! ⁄ Your deceptions shall cease! ⁄ Behold, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ⁄ The Virgin bears the King in her womb! ⁄ She will lay him to rest in the manger: ⁄⁄ The scepter of the princes of Judah shall pass to him! [OCA]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τῆς Δοξολογίας.

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Δοξολογία (διαβαστά)

Doxology (read)

ΠΡΟΕΣΤΩΣ ἢ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

HIERARCH or READER

Σοὶ δόξα πρέπει, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, καὶ σοὶ τὴν δόξαν ἀναπέμπομεν, τῷ Πατρί, καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ, καὶ τῷ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν, καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Ἀμήν.

Amen.

Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία. Ὑμνοῦμέν σε, εὐλογοῦμέν σε, προσκυνοῦμέν σε, δοξολογοῦμέν σε, εὐχαριστοῦμέν σοι, διὰ τὴν μεγάλην σου δόξαν. Κύριε Βασιλεῦ, ἐπουράνιε Θεέ, Πάτερ παντοκράτορ· Κύριε Υἱὲ μονογενές, Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, καὶ Ἅγιον Πνεῦμα. Κύριε ὁ Θεός, ὁ Ἀμνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Πατρός, ὁ αἴρων τὴν ἁμαρτίαν τοῦ κόσμου, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, ὁ αἴρων τὰς ἁμαρτίας τοῦ κόσμου. Πρόσδεξαι τὴν δέησιν ἡμῶν, ὁ καθήμενος ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Πατρός, καὶ ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς. Ὅτι σὺ εἶ μόνος Ἅγιος, σὺ εἶ μόνος Κύριος, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρός. Ἀμήν. Καθʼ ἑκάστην ἡμέραν εὐλογήσω σε, καὶ αἰνέσω τὸ ὄνομά σου εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, καὶ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος. Κύριε, καταφυγὴ ἐγενήθης ἡμῖν ἐν γενεᾷ καὶ γενεᾷ. Ἐγὼ εἶπα· Κύριε, ἐλέησόν με· ἴασαι τὴν ψυχήν μου, ὅτι ἥμαρτόν σοι. Κύριε, πρὸς σὲ κατέφυγον· δίδαξόν με τοῦ ποιεῖν τὸ θέλημά σου, ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ Θεός μου. Ὅτι παρὰ σοὶ πηγὴ ζωῆς· ἐν τῷ φωτί σου ὀψόμεθα φῶς. Παράτεινον τὸ ἔλεός σου τοῖς γινώσκουσί σε. Καταξίωσον, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ ἀναμαρτήτους φυλαχθῆναι ἡμᾶς. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν, καὶ αἰνετὸν καὶ δεδοξασμένον τὸ ὄνομά σου εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. Ἀμήν. Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καθάπερ ἠλπίσαμεν ἐπὶ σέ. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε· δίδαξόν με τὰ δικαιώματά σου. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Δέσποτα· συνέτισόν με τὰ δικαιώματά σου. Εὐλογητός εἶ, Ἅγιε· φώτισόν με τοῖς δικαιώμασί σου. Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα· τὰ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σου μὴ παρίδῃς. Σοὶ πρέπει αἶνος, σοὶ πρέπει ὕμνος, σοὶ δόξα πρέπει, τῷ Πατρί, καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ, καὶ τῷ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν, καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.

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.

ΤΑ ΠΛΗΡΩΤΙΚΑ

LITANY OF COMPLETION

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Πληρώσωμεν τὴν ἑωθινὴν δέησιν ἡμῶν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ἀντιλαβοῦ, σῶσον, ἐλέησον καὶ διαφύλαξον ἡμᾶς, ὁ Θεός, τῇ σῇ χάριτι.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Τὴν ἡμέραν πᾶσαν τελείαν, ἁγίαν, εἰρηνικὴν καὶ ἀναμάρτητον παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

ΧΟΡΟΣ (μεθʼ ἑκάστην δέησιν)

CHOIR (after each petition)

Παράσχου, Κύριε.

Grant this, O Lord.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ἄγγελον εἰρήνης, πιστὸν ὁδηγόν, φύλακα τῶν ψυχῶν καὶ τῶν σωμάτων ἡμῶν παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

Συγγνώμην καὶ ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν καὶ τῶν πλημμελημάτων ἡμῶν παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

Τὰ καλὰ καὶ συμφέροντα ταῖς ψυχαῖς ἡμῶν καὶ εἰρήνην τῷ κόσμῳ παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

Τὸν ὑπόλοιπον χρόνον τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν ἐν εἰρήνῃ καὶ μετανοίᾳ ἐκτελέσαι παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

Χριστιανὰ τὰ τέλη τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν, ἀνώδυνα, ἀνεπαίσχυντα, εἰρηνικὰ καὶ καλὴν ἀπολογίαν τὴν ἐπὶ τοῦ φοβεροῦ βήματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ αἰτησώμεθα.

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.

Τῆς παναγίας, ἀχράντου, ὑπερευλογημένης, ἐνδόξου, δεσποίνης ἡμῶν, Θεοτόκου καὶ ἀειπαρθένου Μαρίας μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων μνημονεύσαντες, ἑαυτοὺς καὶ ἀλλήλους καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν ζωὴν ἡμῶν Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ παραθώμεθα.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Σοί, Κύριε.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ὅτι Θεὸς ἐλέους, οἰκτιρμῶν, καὶ φιλανθρωπίας ὑπάρχεις, καὶ σοὶ τὴν δόξαν ἀναπέμπομεν, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ· Εἰρήνη πᾶσι.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Καὶ τῷ πνεύματί σου.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Τὰς κεφαλὰς ἡμῶν τῷ Κυρίῳ κλίνωμεν.

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Σοί, Κύριε.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ (χαμηλοφώνως)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Κύριε ἅγιε, ὁ ἐν ὑψηλοῖς κατοικῶν καὶ τὰ ταπεινὰ ἐφορῶν καὶ τῷ παντεφόρῳ σου ὄμματι ἐπιβλέπων ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν κτίσιν, σοὶ ἐκλίναμεν τὸν αὐχένα τῆς ψυχῆς καὶ τοῦ σώματος καὶ δεόμεθά σου, ἅγιε ἁγίων· Ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρά σου τὴν ἀόρατον ἐξ ἁγίου κατοικητηρίου σου καὶ εὐλόγησον πάντας ἡμᾶς· καὶ εἴ τι ἡμάρτομεν ἑκουσίως ἢ ἀκουσίως, ὡς ἀγαθὸς καὶ φιλάνθρωπος Θεὸς συγχώρησον, δωρούμενος ἡμῖν τὰ ἐγκόσμια καὶ ὑπερκόσμια ἀγαθά σου.

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.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ (ἐκφώνως)

PRIEST (aloud)

Σὸν γάρ ἐστι τὸ ἐλεεῖν καὶ σώζειν ἡμᾶς, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, καὶ σοὶ τὴν δόξαν ἀναπέμπομεν, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀπόστιχα. Προεόρτια.

Aposticha. For the Forefeast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἰδιόμελον Αʹ. Ἦχος δʹ.

Idiomelon 1. Mode 4.

Βηθλεὲμ εὐτρεπίζου, ὕμνησον Πόλις Σιών· ἀγάλλου ἡ ἔρημος, προμνηστευθεῖσα τὴν χαράν· ἀστὴρ γὰρ προέρχεται, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ μηνύων, μέλλοντα τίκτεσθαι Χριστόν· καὶ Σπήλαιον δέχεται, τὸν ἀχώρητον παντί· καὶ Φάτνη ἑτοιμάζεται, ὑποδέξασθαι ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον· αὐτῷ πάντες ᾄσωμεν καὶ βοήσωμεν· Σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ ὁ Θεός, ὁ σαρκωθεὶς διʼ ἡμᾶς.

Bethlehem, be vigilant; ⁄ sing aloud, city of Zion; ⁄ desert, blossom in gladness! ⁄ The star advances to be revealed in the city of David; ⁄ Christ is about to be brought forth: ⁄ Cave, receive Him Whom the heavens cannot contain; ⁄ prepare, manger; receive the life of the ages. ⁄ Let us cry out with praise to Him: ⁄ Save us, we beseech You, Jesus our God, ⁄⁄ Who in mercy takes flesh for our sake! [OCA]

Ἰδιόμελον Βʹ. Ἦχος δʹ.

Idiomelon 2. Mode 4.

Στίχ. Ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ Θαιμὰν ἥξει, καὶ ὁ Ἅγιος ἐξ ὄρους κατασκίου δασέος.

Verse: God will come from Teman, the Holy One from the mount of shaded leafy trees. [SAAS]

Χριστὸς ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ἐμφανῶς Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ἥξει καὶ οὐ χρονιεῖ, ἐξ ἀπειρογάμου Νύμφης ὀφθήσεται, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ δὲ λοιπὸν προσαναπαύσεται· καὶ Φάτνη τῶν ἀλόγων, ὃν οὐκ ἐχώρει οὐρανός, ὑποδέχου, μέλλοντα σπαργανοῦσθαι ἐν σοί, τὸν τῷ λόγῳ λύσαντα, τῆς ἀλογίας ἡμᾶς. Ἀστὴρ μηνύει, Μάγοι προσκυνοῦσι, Ποιμένες ἀγραυλοῦσι, θαῦμα ὁρῶντες τὸ φρικτόν, καὶ Ἄγγελοι μέλπουσιν, ἐπὶ γῆς θεώμενοι, τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν τοῦ γένους ἡμῶν.

Christ our God shall be made manifest! ⁄ He will not delay! ⁄ He appears, born of a spotless Virgin. ⁄ He shall be laid in a cave wrapped in swathing bands: ⁄ Manger of senseless beasts: receive Him Whom the heavens cannot contain! ⁄ He releases us from our lack of reason. ⁄ Shine, star and worship, Magi, beholding the fearful wonder; ⁄ celebrate in song, O angels: ⁄ God is coming to earth! ⁄⁄ By a single Word He will dissolve our countless sins! [OCA]

Ἰδιόμελον Γʹ. Ἦχος δʹ.

Idiomelon 3. Mode 4.

Στίχ. Κύριε, εἰσακήκοα τὴν ἀκοήν σου, καὶ ἐφοβήθην, Κύριε, κατενόησα τὰ ἔργα σου, καὶ ἐξέστην.

Verse: Lord, I have heard Your report and was afraid; I considered Your works and was greatly astonished. [SAAS]

Ἠσαΐα χόρευε, λόγον Θεοῦ ὑπόδεξαι· προφήτευσον τῇ κόρῃ Μαριάμ, βάτον καταφλέγεσθαι, καὶ πυρὶ μὴ καίεσθα, τῇ αἴγλῃ τῆς Θεότητος. Βηθλεὲμ εὐτρεπίζου, ἄνοιγε πύλην ἡ Ἐδέμ· καὶ Μάγοι πορεύεσθε, ἰδεῖν τὴν σωτηρίαν, ἐν φάτνῃ σπαργανούμενον· ὃν ἀστὴρ ἐμήνυσεν, ἐπάνω τοῦ σπηλαίου, ζωοδότην Κύριον, τὸν σῴζοντα τὸ γένος ἡμῶν.

O Isaiah, dance for joy, and receive the word of God. Prophesy to the Virgin Mary, that she will be the burning bush that was not consumed by the fire and the light of the Godhead. Bethlehem, prepare. Eden, open your gate. Magi, proceed, to see salvation in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. The star stood over where He was and revealed Him, the Lord and giver of life, who saves our human race. [SD]

Δόξα. Τοῦ Ἁγίου.

Glory. For the Saint.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος αʹ.

Mode 1.

Στήλη ἔμψυχος, καὶ ἔμπνους εἰκών, ἡ ἐτήσιός σου ἐπέστη ἑορτή, Θεοφόρε Ἰγνάτιε, τὰς μυσταγωγίας σου, καὶ τὰς ἀριστείας σου κηρύττουσα· τὴν ὑπὲρ τῆς Πίστεως μέχρις αἵματος ἀντικατάστασιν· τὴν μακαρίαν ἐκείνην, καὶ ἀοίδιμον φωνήν, τήν, Ὅτι σῖτος εἰμὶ Θεοῦ λέγουσαν, καὶ διʼ ὀδόντων θηρίων ἀλήθομαι· διὸ μιμητὴς τοῦ πάθους τοῦ Χριστοῦ σὺ γεγονώς, πρέσβευε σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Your yearly festival, God-bearer Ignatius, ⁄ has risen like a living pillar and spirit-filled cloud! ⁄ It proclaims the mysteries and mighty deeds ⁄ which you revealed, upholding the faith even to the shedding of your blood! ⁄ Your blessed voice was of eternal memory, saying: ⁄ I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts as the grain of God! ⁄ Therefore, as you imitated the suffering of your Christ, ⁄⁄ pray that our souls may be saved! [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν. Προεόρτιον.

Both now. For the Forefeast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Mode pl. 2.

Σπήλαιον εὐτρεπίζου· ἡ Ἀμνὰς γὰρ ἥκει, ἔμβρυον φέρουσα Χριστόν. Φάτνη δὲ ὑποδέχου, τὸν τῷ λόγῳ λύσαντα τῆς ἀλόγου πράξεως, ἡμᾶς τοὺς γηγενεῖς. Ποιμένες ἀγραυλοῦντες, μαρτυρεῖτε θαῦμα τὸ φρικτόν, καὶ Μάγοι ἐκ Περσίδος, χρυσὸν καὶ λίβανον καὶ σμύρναν, τῷ Βασιλεῖ προσάξατε· ὅτι ὤφθη Κύριος ἐκ Παρθένου Μητρός, ὅν περ καὶ κύψασα, δουλικῶς ἡ Μήτηρ προσεκύνησε, καὶ προσεφθέγξατο τῷ ἐν ἀγκάλαις αὐτῆς. Πῶς ἐνεσπάρης μοι, ἢ πῶς μοι ἐνεφύης, ὁ λυτρωτής μου καὶ Θεός;

Prepare yourself, O Grotto, for the Ewe is coming, carrying Christ in her womb. O Manger, receive Him who released us earthlings from irrational activity by His word. You shepherds watching by night, witness to the awesome wonder. And you Magi from Persia, offer gold and frankincense and myrrh to the King. For the Lord has appeared from a virgin Mother. And bending over Him, the Mother, as a servant, worshiped Him, and she addressed the Infant in her arms, “How were You sown in me, and how were You implanted in me, O my Redeemer and my God?” [SD]

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ἀγαθὸν τὸ ἐξομολογεῖσθαι τῷ Κυρίῳ καὶ ψάλλειν τῷ ὀνόματί σου, Ὕψιστε· τοῦ ἀναγγέλλειν τῷ πρωΐ τὸ ἔλεός σου καὶ τὴν ἀλήθειάν σου κατὰ νύκτα.

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]

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Τρισάγιον.

Trisagion Prayers.

Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, ἅγιος Ἰσχυρός, ἅγιος Ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς. (3)

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Παναγία Τριάς, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς. Κύριε, ἱλάσθητι ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ἡμῶν. Δέσποτα, συγχώρησον τὰς ἀνομίας ἡμῖν. Ἅγιε, ἐπίσκεψαι καὶ ἴασαι τὰς ἀσθενείας ἡμῶν, ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός σου.

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.

Κύριε, ἐλέησον. Κύριε, ἐλέησον. Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου. Ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου. Γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον. Καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν. Καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ.

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.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ὅτι σοῦ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία καὶ ἡ δύναμις καὶ ἡ δόξα τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου Πνεύματος, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀμήν.

Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀπολυτίκιον. Προεόρτιον.

Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

Ἑτοιμάζου Βηθλεέμ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέμ. Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου. Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσομεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰμ τεθνηξόμεθα. Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα.

O Bethlehem, prepare, Eden is opened unto all. * And be ready, Ephrata, for the Tree of life * has in the grotto blossomed forth from the Virgin. * Indeed her womb is shown to be spiritually * a Paradise, in which is found the God-planted Tree. * And if we eat from it we shall live, and shall not die, as did Adam of old. * Christ is born, so that He might raise up * the formerly fallen image. [SD]

(Παραλείπεται ἡ ἐκτενής.)

(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ· Σοφία.

PRIEST: Wisdom.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ· Εὐλόγησον.

READER: Father, bless!

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ὁ ὢν εὐλογητὸς Χριστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν πάντοτε, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

Blessed is Christ our God, the One who is, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΠΡΟΕΣΤΩΣ ἢ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

HIERARCH or READER

Στερεώσαι Κύριος ὁ Θεός τὴν ἁγίαν καὶ ἀμώμητον πίστιν τῶν εὐσεβῶν καὶ ὀρθοδόξων χριστιανῶν σὺν τῇ ἁγίᾳ αὐτοῦ Μεγάλῃ Ἐκκλησίᾳ, τῇ ἱερᾷ ἡμῶν Ἀρχιεπισκοπῇ, [τῇ ἱερᾷ Μητροπόλει ταύτῃ] καὶ τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ εἰς αἰῶνας αἰώνων.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

Εἶτα τό· «Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν…» καὶ τὴν Πρώτην Ὥραν.

Then we begin the First Hour, saying: “Come let us worship…”

ἤ·

or:

Dismissal

Dismissal

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Δόξα σοι, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.

Χριστὸς ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς παναχράντου καὶ παναμώμου ἁγίας αὐτοῦ Μητρός, δυνάμει τοῦ τιμίου καὶ ζωοποιοῦ Σταυροῦ, προστασίαις τῶν τιμίων ἐπουρανίων δυνάμεων ἀσωμάτων, ἱκεσίαις τοῦ τιμίου, ἐνδόξου, προφήτου, προδρόμου καὶ βαπτιστοῦ Ἰωάννου, τῶν ἁγίων ἐνδόξων καὶ πανευφήμων ἀποστόλων, τῶν ἁγίων ἐνδόξων καὶ καλλινίκων μαρτύρων· τῶν ὁσίων καὶ θεοφόρων πατέρων ἡμῶν· (τοῦ ἁγίου τοῦ ναοῦ)· τῶν ἁγίων καὶ δικαίων θεοπατόρων Ἰωακεὶμ καὶ Ἄννης, καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου ἐνδόξου Ἱερομάρτυρος Ἰγνατίου τοῦ Θεοφόρου, οὗ καὶ τὴν μνήμην ἐπιτελοῦμεν· καὶ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων, ἐλεήσαι καὶ σώσαι ἡμᾶς, ὡς ἀγαθὸς καὶ φιλάνθρωπος καὶ ἐλεήμων Θεός.

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 the holy and glorious hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer, whose memory we are observing; 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…”

Conclusion, i.e. “Through the prayers…”

Διʼ εὐχῶν τῶν ἁγίων πατέρων ἡμῶν, Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀμήν.

Amen.