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Μηναῖον - Τῌ ΚΔʹ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ

Menaion - December 24

Μνήμη τῆς Ἁγίας Ὁσιομάρτυρος Εὐγενίας

Memory of the Holy Martyr Eugenia

__________

__________

ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ

VESPERS

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν πάντοτε, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀμήν.

Amen.

Καθʼ ὃν δὲ χρόνον ἀναγινώσκεται ὁ Προοιμιακὸς Ψαλμός, ὁ Ἱερεύς, πρὸ τῆς ἁγίας Τραπέζης ἱστάμενος, ἀναγινώσκει τὰς λεγομένας εὐχὰς τοῦ Λυχνικοῦ.

While the Introductory Psalm is being read, the Priest stands in front of the holy Table and reads the so-called Lamp-lighting Prayers.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν καὶ προσπέσωμεν τῷ βασιλεῖ ἡμῶν Θεῷ.

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν καὶ προσπέσωμεν Χριστῷ τῷ βασιλεῖ ἡμῶν Θεῷ.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν καὶ προσπέσωμεν αὐτῷ, Χριστῷ τῷ βασιλεῖ καὶ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ Προοιμιακοῦ Ψαλμοῦ.

Stand for the reading of the Introductory Psalm.

Ψαλμὸς ΡΓʹ (103).

Psalm 103 (104).

Εὐλόγει, ἡ ψυχή μου, τὸν Κύριον. Κύριε ὁ Θεός μου ἐμεγαλύνθης σφόδρα. Ἐξομολόγησιν καὶ μεγαλοπρέπειαν ἐνεδύσω, ἀναβαλλόμενος φῶς ὡς ἱμάτιον. Ἐκτείνων τὸν οὐρανὸν ὡσεὶ δέῤῥιν, ὁ στεγάζων ἐν ὕδασι τὰ ὑπερῷα αὐτοῦ. Ὁ τιθεὶς νέφη τὴν ἐπίβασιν αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐπὶ πτερύγων ἀνέμων. Ὁ ποιῶν τοὺς Ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ πνεύματα, καὶ τοὺς λειτουργοὺς αὐτοῦ πυρὸς φλόγα. Ὁ θεμελιῶν τὴν γῆν ἐπὶ τὴν ἀσφάλειαν αὐτῆς, οὐ κλιθήσεται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος. Ἄβυσσος ὡς ἱμάτιον τὸ περιβόλαιον αὐτοῦ, ἐπὶ τῶν ὀρέων στήσονται ὕδατα. Ἀπὸ ἐπιτιμήσεώς σου φεύξονται, ἀπὸ φωνῆς βροντῆς σου δειλιάσουσιν. Ἀναβαίνουσιν ὄρη, καὶ καταβαίνουσι πεδία εἰς τὸν τόπον, ὃν ἐθεμελίωσας αὐτά. Ὅριον ἔθου, ὃ οὐ παρελεύσονται, οὐδὲ ἐπιστρέψουσι καλύψαι τὴν γῆν. Ὁ ἐξαποστέλλων πηγὰς ἐν φάραγξιν, ἀναμέσον τῶν ὀρέων διελεύσονται ὕδατα· ποτιοῦσι πάντα τὰ θηρία τοῦ ἀγροῦ, προσδέξονται ὄναγροι εἰς δίψαν αὐτῶν. Ἐπʼ αὐτὰ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσει, ἐκ μέσου τῶν πετρῶν δώσουσι φωνήν. Ποτίζων ὄρη ἐκ τῶν ὑπερῴων αὐτοῦ, ἀπὸ καρποῦ τῶν ἔργων σου χορτασθήσεται ἡ γῆ. Ὁ ἐξανατέλλων χόρτον τοῖς κτήνεσι, καὶ χλόην τῇ δουλείᾳ τῶν ἀνθρώπων. Τοῦ ἐξαγαγεῖν ἄρτον ἐκ τῆς γῆς, καὶ οἶνος εὐφραίνει καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου. Τοῦ ἱλαρῦναι πρόσωπον ἐν ἐλαίῳ, καὶ ἄρτος καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου στηρίζει. Χορτασθήσονται τὰ ξύλα τοῦ πεδίου, αἱ κέδροι τοῦ Λιβάνου, ἃς ἐφύτευσας. Ἐκεῖ στρουθία ἐννοσσεύσουσι, τοῦ ἐρωδιοῦ ἡ κατοικία ἡγεῖται αὐτῶν. Ὄρη τὰ ὑψηλὰ ταῖς ἐλάφοις, πέτρα καταφυγὴ τοῖς λαγωοῖς. Ἐποίησε σελήνην εἰς καιρούς, ὁ ἥλιος ἔγνω τὴν δύσιν αὐτοῦ. Ἔθου σκότος, καὶ ἐγένετο νύξ, ἐν αὐτῇ διελεύσονται πάντα τὰ θηρία τοῦ δρυμοῦ. Σκύμνοι ὠρυόμενοι τοῦ ἁρπάσαι, καὶ ζητῆσαι παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ βρῶσιν αὐτοῖς. Ἀνέτειλεν ὁ ἥλιος, καὶ συνήχθησαν, καὶ εἰς τὰς μάνδρας αὐτῶν κοιτασθήσονται. Ἐξελεύσεται ἄνθρωπος ἐπὶ τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν ἐργασίαν αὐτοῦ ἕως ἑσπέρας. Ὡς ἐμεγαλύνθη τὰ ἔργα σου, Κύριε, πάντα ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐποίησας, ἐπληρώθη ἡ γῆ τῆς κτίσεώς σου. Αὕτη ἡ θάλασσα ἡ μεγάλη καὶ εὐρύχωρος, ἐκεῖ ἑρπετὰ ὧν οὐκ ἔστιν ἀριθμός, ζῷα μικρὰ μετὰ μεγάλων. Ἐκεῖ πλοῖα διαπορεύονται, δράκων οὗτος, ὃν ἔπλασας ἐμπαίζειν αὐτῇ. Πάντα πρὸς σὲ προσδοκῶσι, δοῦναι τὴν τροφὴν αὐτῶν εἰς εὔκαιρον, δόντος σου αὐτοῖς συλλέξουσιν. Ἀνοίξαντός σου τὴν χεῖρα, τὰ σύμπαντα πλησθήσονται χρηστότητος, ἀποστρέψαντος δέ σου τὸ πρόσωπον, ταραχθήσονται. Ἀντανελεῖς τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐκλείψουσι, καὶ εἰς τὸν χοῦν αὐτῶν ἐπιστρέψουσιν. Ἐξαποστελεῖς τὸ πνεῦμα σου, καὶ κτισθήσονται, καὶ ἀνακαινιεῖς τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γῆς. Ἤτω ἡ δόξα Κυρίου εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, εὐφρανθήσεται Κύριος ἐπὶ τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτοῦ. Ὁ ἐπιβλέπων ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ ποιῶν αὐτὴν τρέμειν, ὁ ἁπτόμενος τῶν ὀρέων, καὶ καπνίζονται. ᾌσω τῷ Κυρίῳ ἐν τῇ ζωῇ μου, ψαλῶ τῷ Θεῷ μου ἕως ὑπάρχω. Ἡδυνθείη αὐτῷ ἡ διαλογή μου, ἐγὼ δὲ εὐφρανθήσομαι ἐπὶ τῷ Κυρίῳ. Ἐκλείποιεν ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ἄνομοι, ὥστε μὴ ὑπάρχειν αὐτούς. Εὐλόγει, ἡ ψυχή μου, τὸν Κύριον.

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are magnified exceedingly; You clothe Yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain; You are He who covers His upper chambers with water, who makes the clouds His means of approach, who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. He established the earth on its stable foundation; it shall not be moved unto ages of ages. The deep like a garment is His covering; the waters shall stand upon the mountains; at Your rebuke they shall flee; at the sound of Your thunder, they shall be afraid. The mountains rise up, and the plains sink down to the place You founded for them. You set a boundary they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth. You are He who sends springs into the valley; the waters shall pass between the mountains; they shall give drink to all the wild animals of the field; the wild asses shall quench their thirst; the birds of heaven shall dwell beside them; they shall sing from the midst of the rocks. You are He who waters the mountains from His higher places; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You are He who causes grass to grow for the cattle, and the green plant for the service of man, to bring forth bread from the earth; and wine gladdens the heart of man, to brighten his face with oil; and bread strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of fruit, the cedars of Lebanon, which You planted; there the sparrows shall make their nests; the house of the heron takes the lead among them. The high mountains are for the deer; the cliff is a refuge for the rabbits. He made the moon for seasons; the sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night, wherein all the wild animals of the forest will prowl about; the young lions roar and snatch their prey, and seek their food from God. The sun arises, and they are gathered together; and they shall be put to bed in their dens. Man shall go out to his work and to his labor until evening. O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom; the earth was filled with Your creation. There is this great and spacious sea: the creeping things are there without number; the living things are there, both small and great; there the ships pass through; there is this dragon You formed to play therein. All things wait upon You, that You may give them food in due season. When You give it to them, they shall gather it; when You open Your hand, all things shall be filled with Your goodness. But when You turn Your face away, they shall be troubled; when You take away their breath, they shall die and return again to their dust. You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord be forever; the Lord shall be glad in His works; He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I exist; may my words be pleasing to Him, and I shall be glad in the Lord. May sinners cease from the earth, and the lawless, so as to be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Ὁ ἥλιος ἔγνω τὴν δύσιν αὐτοῦ. Ἔθου σκότος, καὶ ἐγένετο νύξ.

The sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night.

Ὡς ἐμεγαλύνθη τὰ ἔργα σου, Κύριε· πάντα ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐποίησας.

O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom. [SAAS]

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.

Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα. Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεός. (3)

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Ἡ ἐλπὶς ἡμῶν, Κύριε, δόξα σοι.

Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

ΤΑ ΕΙΡΗΝΙΚΑ

THE PEACE LITANY

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ἐν εἰρήνῃ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

ΧΟΡΟΣ (μεθʼ ἑκάστην δέησιν)

CHOIR (after each petition)

Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Lord, have mercy.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ὑπὲρ τῆς ἄνωθεν εἰρήνης καὶ τῆς σωτηρίας τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τῆς εἰρήνης τοῦ σύμπαντος κόσμου, εὐσταθείας τῶν ἁγίων τοῦ Θεοῦ Ἐκκλησιῶν καὶ τῆς τῶν πάντων ἑνώσεως τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τοῦ ἁγίου οἴκου τούτου καὶ τῶν μετὰ πίστεως, εὐλαβείας καὶ φόβου Θεοῦ εἰσιόντων ἐν αὐτῷ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τῶν εὐσεβῶν καὶ ὀρθοδόξων χριστιανῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκόπου ἡμῶν (δεῖνος), τοῦ τιμίου πρεσβυτερίου, τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ διακονίας, παντὸς τοῦ κλήρου καὶ τοῦ λαοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For our Archbishop (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τοῦ εὐσεβοῦς ἡμῶν γένους, τοῦ προέδρου καὶ πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας ἐν τῷ κράτει ἡμῶν, καὶ τοῦ κατὰ ξηρὰν θάλασσαν καὶ ἀέρα φιλοχρίστου ἡμῶν στρατοῦ, τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας, τῆς Ἱερᾶς ἡμῶν Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς, [τῆς Ἱερᾶς Μητροπόλεως ταύτης,] τῆς πόλεως καὶ κοινότητος ταύτης, πάσης πόλεως, χώρας καὶ τῶν πίστει οἰκούντων ἐν αὐταῖς, τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Sacred Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ εὐκρασίας ἀέρων, εὐφορίας τῶν καρπῶν τῆς γῆς καὶ καιρῶν εἰρηνικῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ πλεόντων, ὁδοιπορούντων, νοσούντων, καμνόντων, αἰχμαλώτων καὶ τῆς σωτηρίας αὐτῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τοῦ ῥυσθῆναι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης θλίψεως, ὀργῆς, κινδύνου καὶ ἀνάγκης τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

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.

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 πρέπει σοι πᾶσα δόξα, τιμὴ καὶ προσκύνησις, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀμήν.

Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

Κύριε ἐκέκραξα πρὸς σέ, εἰσάκουσόν μου, εἰσάκουσόν μου, Κύριε. Κύριε, ἐκέκραξα πρὸς σέ, εἰσάκουσόν μου· πρόσχες τῇ φωνῇ τῆς δεήσεώς μου, ἐν τῷ κεκραγέναι με πρὸς σέ. Εἰσάκουσόν μου, Κύριε.

Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to You. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

Κατευθυνθήτω ἡ προσευχή μου, ὡς θυμίαμα ἐνώπιόν σου, ἔπαρσις τῶν χειρῶν μου θυσία ἑσπερινή. Εἰσάκουσόν μου, Κύριε.

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

Δείξε Στιχολογίαν

Show Stichologia

Θοῦ, Κύριε, φυλακὴν τῷ στόματί μου, καὶ θύραν περιοχῆς περὶ τὰ χείλη μου.

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, a door of enclosure about my lips.

Μὴ ἐκκλίνῃς τὴν καρδίαν μου εἰς λόγους πονηρίας, τοῦ προφασίζεσθαι προφάσεις ἐν ἁμαρτίαις.

Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

Σὺν ἀνθρώποις ἐργαζομένοις τὴν ἀνομίαν, καὶ οὐ μὴ συνδυάσω μετὰ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν αὐτῶν.

With men who work lawlessness; and I will not join with their choice ones.

Παιδεύσει με δίκαιος ἐν ἐλέει, καὶ ἐλέγξει με, ἔλαιον δὲ ἁμαρτωλοῦ μὴ λιπανάτω τὴν κεφαλήν μου.

The righteous man shall correct me with mercy, and he shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.

Ὅτι ἔτι καὶ ἡ προσευχή μου ἐν ταῖς εὐδοκίαις αὐτῶν· κατεπόθησαν ἐχόμενα πέτρας οἱ κριταὶ αὐτῶν.

For my prayer shall be intense in the presence of their pleasures. Their judges are swallowed up by the rock.

Ἀκούσονται τὰ ῥήματά μου, ὅτι ἡδύνθησαν· ὡσεὶ πάχος γῆς ἐῤῥάγη ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, διεσκορπίσθη τὰ ὀστᾶ αὐτῶν παρὰ τὸν ᾅδην.

They shall hear my words, for they are pleasant. As a clod of ground is dashed to pieces on the earth, so their bones were scattered beside the grave.

Ὅτι πρὸς σέ, Κύριε, Κύριε, οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ μου· ἐπὶ σοὶ ἤλπισα, μὴ ἀντανέλῃς τὴν ψυχήν μου.

For my eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You; in You I hope; take not my soul away.

Φύλαξόν με ἀπὸ παγίδος ἧς συνεστήσαντό μοι, καὶ ἀπὸ σκανδάλων τῶν ἐργαζομένων τὴν ἀνομίαν.

Keep me from the snares they set for me, and from the stumbling blocks of those who work lawlessness.

Πεσοῦνται ἐν ἀμφιβλήστρῳ αὐτῶν οἱ ἁμαρτωλοί· κατὰ μόνας εἰμὶ ἐγὼ ἕως ἂν παρέλθω.

Sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone, until I escape.

Φωνῇ μου πρὸς Κύριον ἐκέκραξα, φωνῇ μου πρὸς Κύριον ἐδεήθην.

I cried to the Lord with my voice, with my voice I prayed to the Lord.

Ἐκχεῶ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ τὴν δέησίν μου, τὴν θλῖψίν μου ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ἀπαγγελῶ.

I shall pour out my supplication before Him; I shall declare my affliction in His presence.

Ἐν τῷ ἐκλείπειν ἐξ ἐμοῦ τὸ πνεῦμά μου, καὶ σὺ ἔγνως τὰς τρίβους μου.

When my spirit fainted within me, then You knew my paths.

Ἐν ὁδῷ ταύτῃ, ᾗ ἐπορευόμην, ἔκρυψαν παγίδα μοι.

For on the way I was going, they hid a trap for me.

Κατενόουν εἰς τὰ δεξιά, καὶ ἐπέβλεπον, καὶ οὐκ ἦν ὁ ἐπιγινώσκων με.

I looked on my right, and saw there was no one who knew me.

Ἀπώλετο φυγὴ ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἐκζητῶν τὴν ψυχήν μου.

Refuge failed me, and there was no one who cared for my soul.

Ἐκέκραξα πρὸς σέ, Κύριε· εἶπα· Σὺ εἶ ἡ ἐλπίς μου, μερίς μου εἶ ἐν γῇ ζώντων.

I cried to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.”

Πρόσχες πρὸς τὴν δέησίν μου, ὅτι ἐταπεινώθην σφόδρα.

Attend to my supplication, for I was humbled exceedingly.

Ῥῦσαί με ἐκ τῶν καταδιωκόντων με, ὅτι ἐκραταιώθησαν ὑπὲρ ἐμέ.

Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

Ἐξάγαγε ἐκ φυλακῆς τὴν ψυχήν μου, τοῦ ἐξομολογήσασθαι τῷ ὀνόματί σου.

Bring my soul out of prison to give thanks to Your name, O Lord.

Ἐμὲ ὑπομενοῦσι δίκαιοι, ἕως οὗ ἀνταποδῷς μοι.

The righteous shall wait for me, until You reward me.

Ἐκ βαθέων ἐκέκραξά σοι, Κύριε· Κύριε, εἰσάκουσον τῆς φωνῆς μου.

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.

Γενηθήτω τὰ ὦτά σου προσέχοντα εἰς τὴν φωνὴν τῆς δεήσεώς μου.

Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

Κρύψε Στιχολογίαν

Hide Stichologia

Στιχηρά. Προεόρτια.

Stichera. For the Forefeast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ. Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

Mode 4. To a brave one.

Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

Ἐὰν ἀνομίας παρατηρήσῃς, Κύριε Κύριε, τίς ὑποστήσεται; ὅτι παρὰ σοὶ ὁ ἱλασμός ἐστιν.

If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You. [SAAS]

Ἐν κυμβάλοις ἠχήσωμεν, ἐν ᾠδαῖς ἀλαλάξωμεν, ἡ Χριστοῦ ἀνάδειξις πεφανέρωται, τῶν Προφητῶν τὰ κηρύγματα, τὸ πέρας ἐδέξαντο· ὃν γὰρ ἔφησαν σαρκί, τοῖς βροτοῖς ἐμφανίζεσθαι, ἀποτίκτεται, ἐν ἁγίῳ Σπηλαίῳ, καὶ ἐν φάτνῃ, ἀνακλίνεται ὡς βρέφος, καὶ σπαργανοῦται ὡς νήπιον.

Sound the cymbals and celebrate, * and in jubilance sing our hymns; * for the day of Christ God’s Nativity is near. * That which the Prophets proclaimed before has verily come to pass. * He whom they said would appear * in the flesh to humanity * comes forth from the womb * and is laid by His mother in the manger in the Grotto as an infant * and as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. [GOASD]

Ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός σου ὑπέμεινά σε, Κύριε, ὑπέμεινεν ἡ ψυχή μου εἰς τὸν λόγον σου. Ἤλπισεν ἡ ψυχή μου ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον.

Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord. [SAAS]

Προεόρτια ᾄσματα, διανοίας εὐθύτητι, τῆς Χριστοῦ Γεννήσεως προηχήσωμεν· ὁ γὰρ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Πνεύματι, ὑπάρχων ὁμότιμος, διὰ σπλάγχνα τὸ ἡμῶν, ἐνδυσάμενος φύραμα, μέλλει τίκτεσθαι, Βηθλεὲμ ἐν τῇ πόλει, οὗ τὸν τόκον, τὸν ἀπόῤῥητον Ποιμένες, μετὰ Ἀγγέλων ἀνύμνησαν.

With attention and honesty, * let us sing our pre-festal hymns, * in anticipation of Christ’s Nativity. * He who is equal in honor to the Father and Spirit has * put our nature on himself, * in His mercy and tender love; * and He will be born * in the city of Bethlehem. And Shepherds join the Angels in extolling * His most ineffable childbirth. [GOASD]

Ἀπὸ φυλακῆς πρωΐας μέχρι νυκτός· ἀπὸ φυλακῆς πρωΐας ἐλπισάτω Ἰσραὴλ ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον.

From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. [SAAS]

Ἀνερμήνευτον Σύλληψιν, καὶ ἀνέκφραστον Γέννησιν, ἡ Παρθένος βλέπουσα, κατεπλήττετο, καὶ προσεφθέγγετο χαίρουσα, ὁμοῦ καὶ δακρύουσα· Ἐπιδώσω σοι μαζόν, τῷ τὰ σύμπαντα τρέφοντι, ἢ ὑμνήσω σε, ὡς Υἱὸν καὶ Θεόν μου; ποίαν εὕρω, ἐπὶ σοὶ προσηγορίαν, ἀκατονόμαστε Κύριε;

As the Virgin experienced * her conception and childbirth, * both incomprehensible and ineffable, * she was amazed and she cried aloud with gladness and tears of joy, * “Shall I offer You my breast, * or extol You, the One feeds all the universe? * O my Son and my God, which appellation shall I use when I address You, * the Lord of all and unnameable?” [GOASD]

Τῆς Ἁγίας.

For the Holy Woman.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος βʹ. Ὅτε ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου.

Mode 2. Joseph took You down.

Ὅτε ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου.

Ὅτι παρὰ τῷ Κυρίῳ τὸ ἔλεος καὶ πολλὴ παρʼ αὐτῷ λύτρωσις, καὶ αὐτὸς λυτρώσεται τὸν Ἰσραὴλ ἐκ πασῶν τῶν ἀνομιῶν αὐτοῦ.

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions. [SAAS]

Ὅτε, προμηθείᾳ θεϊκῇ, προγινωσκομένη προῆλθες, ἔξω τῆς πόλεως, κόσμου τὴν τερπνότητα, σαφῶς κατέλιπες, καὶ ψαλμῶν ἐπακούσασα τερπνῆς μελῳδίας, θείας ἐπιγνώσεως, φωτὶ κατηύγασαι· φόβον ἐν γαστρὶ δὲ λαβοῦσα, θεῖον καὶ σωτήριον Πνεῦμα, τοῖς συνοδοιπόροις σου ἀπέτεκες.

When you, who were foreknown by divine * providence, went outside the city into the countryside, * wisely you renounced all pleasures and delights of the world. * When you heard the delightful sound of Psalms and divine hymns, * you became illumined with the light of knowledge of God. * Martyr, you conceived fear and brought forth * the divine Spirit of salvation * for your faithful servants who had gone with you. [GOASD]

Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον, πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἐπαινέσατε αὐτόν, πάντες οἱ λαοί.

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples. [SAAS]

Ὅτε, ἐνυμφεύθης τῷ Χριστῷ, τοὺς σοὺς ὑπηρέτας προθύμως, αὐτῷ προσήγαγες, προῖκα τούτους ἔμψυχον, ὥσπερ ἐνέγκασα, μιμουμένους στεῤῥότητα, τὴν σὴν Εὐγενία, πίστει τε καὶ χάριτι, σαφῶς ἐκλάμποντας, πᾶσαν ἀρετὴν ἀσκουμένους, Μάρτυρας θεόφρονας ὄντως, πᾶσι τὴν εὐσέβειαν κηρύττοντας.

Martyr, you became the bride of Christ. * You enthusiastically offered your loyal servants to Him * as a living dowry that you brought with you, O Saint. * Imitating your steadfastness, Eugenia, they clearly * glowed with the illumination of divine grace and faith. * Practicing all manner of virtue, * truly they became godly-minded * Martyrs who proclaimed the truth of God to all. [GOASD]

Ὅτι ἐκραταιώθη τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Κυρίου μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.

For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever. [SAAS]

Αἴγλῃ, τῇ τοῦ Πνεύματος σαφῶς, καταλαμπομένη παρθένων, Χριστῷ προσάγεις χορόν, λόγῳ τῆς σοφίας σου, ταύτας ζωγρήσασα, καὶ τὸν δρόμον δεικνύουσα, τῆς ἄνω πορείας, αἵμασι λαμπρύνεσθαι, Μαρτύρων ἔπεισας. Ταύταις, συγχορεύουσα Μάρτυς, πόθον νῦν κατάλληλον εὗρες, ὄντως τὴν ἀπόλαυσιν Πανεύφημε.

You were clearly glowing with the grace * of the Holy Spirit, Eugenia. By words of wisdom you caught * in your net many young women and you brought them to Christ, * and you showed them the higher way that leads to perfection, * convincing them to be adorned with blood of martyrdom. * Now you celebrate all together, * for you found the One whom you longed for, * O all-lauded Martyr, and the true delight. [GOASD]

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Προεόρτιον.

Glory. Both now. For the Forefeast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος βʹ.

Mode 2.

Ἰδοὺ καιρὸς ἤγγικε τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν· εὐτρεπίζου Σπήλαιον, ἡ Παρθένος ἐγγίζει τοῦ τεκεῖν· Βηθλεὲμ γῆ Ἰούδα, τέρπου καὶ ἀγάλλου, ὅτι ἐκ σοῦ ἀνατέταλκεν ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν. Ἀκούσατε ὄρη καὶ βουνοί, καὶ τὰ περίχωρα τῆς Ἰουδαίας· ὅτι ἔρχεται Χριστός, ἵνα σώσῃ ὃν ἔπλασεν ἄνθρωπον, ὡς φιλάνθρωπος.

Behold, the time of our salvation is at hand. Prepare yourself, O Grotto; the Virgin is close to giving birth. Bethlehem, land of Judah, rejoice and be glad, for our Lord has risen from you. Listen, O mountains and hills, and the region around Judea, for Christ is coming to save man whom He created, in His love for humanity. [SD]

(Εἴσοδος οὐ γίνεται.)

(No Entrance)

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὸ Φῶς Ἱλαρόν.

Stand for the hymn.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Φῶς ἱλαρὸν ἁγίας δόξης ἀθανάτου Πατρός, οὐρανίου, ἁγίου, μάκαρος, Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ἐλθόντες ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλίου δύσιν, ἰδόντες φῶς ἑσπερινόν, ὑμνοῦμεν Πατέρα, Υἱόν καὶ ἅγιον Πνεῦμα, Θεόν. Ἄξιόν σε ἐν πᾶσι καιροῖς ὑμνεῖσθαι φωναῖς αἰσίαις, Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ζωὴν ὁ διδούς· * διὸ ὁ κόσμος σὲ δοξάζει.

Gladsome light of holy glory of the holy, blessed, heavenly, immortal Father, O Jesus Christ: arriving at the hour of sunset and having seen the evening light, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. It is worthy for You to be praised at all times with happy voices, O Son of God and Giver of life; * and therefore the world glorifies You. [SD]

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ἑσπέρας προκείμενον.

The evening Prokeimenon!

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Προκείμενον. Ἦχος δʹ.

Prokeimenon. Mode 4.

Κύριος εἰσακούσεταί μου, ἐν τῷ κεκραγέναι με πρὸς αὐτόν. (δίς)

The Lord will hear me when I cry to Him. [SAAS] (2)

Στίχ. Ἐν τῷ ἐπικαλεῖσθαί με εἰσήκουσάς μου, ὁ Θεὸς τῆς δικαιοσύνης μου, ἐν θλίψει ἐπλάτυνάς με.

Verse: You heard me when I called, O God of my righteousness. You strengthened my heart when I was in distress.

Κύριος εἰσακούσεταί μου, ἐν τῷ κεκραγέναι με πρὸς αὐτόν.

The Lord will hear me when I cry to Him.

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τῆς εὐχῆς.

Stand for the reading of prayer.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Καταξίωσον, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ ἑσπέρᾳ 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. Εὐλογητὸς 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 Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. ( Ἀμήν. )

O Lord, keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we have set our hope in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, grant me understanding of your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not despise the works of your hands. To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you is due glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. [HC] ( Amen. )

ΤΑ ΠΛΗΡΩΤΙΚΑ

LITANY OF COMPLETION

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Πληρώσωμεν τὴν ἑσπερινὴν δέησιν ἡμῶν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

Let us complete our evening 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 ἑσπέραν πᾶσαν τελείαν, ἁγίαν, εἰρηνικὴν καὶ ἀναμάρτητον παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

That the whole evening 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 ἀγαθὸς καὶ φιλάνθρωπος Θεὸς 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 good and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

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 ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ὁ κλίνας οὐρανοὺς καὶ καταβὰς ἐπὶ σωτηρίᾳ τοῦ γένους τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἔπιδε ἐπί τοὺς δούλους σου καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν κληρονομίαν σου· σοὶ γὰρ τῷ φοβερῷ καὶ φιλανθρώπῳ κριτῇ οἱ σοὶ δοῦλοι ὑπέκλιναν τὰς κεφαλάς, τοὺς δὲ αὐτῶν ὑπέταξαν αὐχένας, οὐ τὴν ἐξ ἀνθρώπων ἀναμένοντες βοήθειαν, ἀλλὰ τὸ σὸν περιμένοντες ἔλεος καὶ τὴν σὴν ἀπεκδεχόμενοι σωτηρίαν· οὓς διαφύλαξον ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ καὶ κατὰ τὴν παροῦσαν ἑσπέραν καὶ τὴν προσιοῦσαν νύκτα ἀπὸ παντὸς ἐχθροῦ, ἀπὸ πάσης ἀντικειμένης ἐνεργείας διαβολικῆς καὶ διαλογισμῶν ματαίων καὶ ἐνθυμήσεων πονηρῶν.

Lord our God, who inclined the heavens and came down for the salvation of humankind, look upon Your servants and Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads and bent their necks to You, the fearsome yet compassionate Judge, not expecting human help, but awaiting Your mercy and anticipating Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and the coming night, from every enemy, from all demonic activity against them, from unprofitable reflections, and from wicked thoughts.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ (ἐκφώνως)

PRIEST (aloud)

Εἴη τὸ κράτος τῆς βασιλείας σου εὐλογημένον καὶ δεδοξασμένον, τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου Πνεύματος, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Your kingdom, 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

Ἀπόστιχα τῆς Ἑορτῆς.

Aposticha of the Feast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἰδιόμελον Αʹ. Ἦχος αʹ.

Idiomelon 1. Tone 1.

Προεορτάσωμεν λαοί, Χριστοῦ τὰ Γενέθλια, καὶ ἐπάραντες τὸν νοῦν, ἐπὶ τὴν Βηθλεὲμ ἀναχθῶμεν τῇ διανοίᾳ, καὶ κατίδωμεν τὴν Παρθένον, τοῖς ψυχικοῖς λογισμοῖς, ἐπειγομένην τίκτειν ἐν Σπηλαίῳ, τὸν τῶν ὅλων Κύριον καὶ Θεὸν ἡμῶν, οὗ Ἰωσὴφ κατιδὼν τῶν θαυμάτων τὸ μέγεθος, ἐδόκει ἄνθρωπον θεωρεῖν, ὡς βρέφος σπαργανούμενον, ὑπενόει δὲ ἐκ τῶν πραγμάτων, Θεὸν εἶναι ἀληθινόν, τὸν παρέχοντα ταῖς ψυχαῖς ἡμῶν, τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Let us celebrate, people, ⁄ the Prefeast of Christ’s Nativity! ⁄ Let us raise our minds on high, ⁄ in Spirit going up to Bethlehem. ⁄ With the eyes of our soul, let us behold the Virgin ⁄ as she hastens to the cave to give birth to the Lord and God of all. ⁄ When Joseph first saw the mighty wonder, ⁄ he thought that he saw only a human Child wrapped in swaddling clothes, ⁄ but from all that came to pass he discovered the Child to be the true God ⁄⁄ Who grants the world great mercy. [OCA]

Ἰδιόμελον Βʹ. Ἦχος αʹ.

Idiomelon 2. Mode 1.

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]

Προεορτάσωμεν λαοί, Χριστοῦ τὰ Γενέθλια, καὶ ἐπάραντες τὸν νοῦν, ἐπὶ τὴν Βηθλεὲμ ἀναχθῶμεν τῇ διανοίᾳ, καὶ κατίδωμεν τὸ ἐν Σπηλαίῳ μέγα μυστήριον· ἤνοικται γὰρ ἡ Ἐδέμ, ἐκ Παρθένου ἁγνῆς Θεοῦ προερχομένου, ὑπάρχοντος τελείου τοῦ αὐτοῦ, ἐν Θεότητι καὶ ἀνθρωπότητι· διὸ κράξωμεν, Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, ὁ Πατὴρ ὁ Ἄναρχος, Ἅγιος Ἰσχυρός, ὁ Υἱὸς ὁ σαρκωθείς, Ἅγιος Ἀθάνατος, τὸ παράκλητον Πνεῦμα, Τριὰς Ἁγία δόξα σοι.

Let us celebrate, people, ⁄ the Prefeast of Christ’s Nativity! ⁄ Let us raise our minds on high ⁄ in Spirit going up to Bethlehem. ⁄ Let us behold the great mystery in the cavern, ⁄ for Eden is opened once again, ⁄ when God comes forth from a pure Virgin, ⁄ remaining the same perfect God, and perfect Man. ⁄ Therefore, let us cry aloud to Him, ⁄ Holy God, Father without beginning, ⁄ Holy Mighty, incarnate Son, ⁄ Holy Immortal, the Spirit and Comforter, ⁄⁄ Holy Trinity, glory to You! [OCA]

Ἰδιόμελον Γʹ. Ἦχος αʹ.

Idiomelon 3. Mode 1.

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]

Ἄκουε οὐρανέ, καὶ ἐνωτίζου ἡ γῆ· ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὁ Υἱὸς καὶ Λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρός, πρόεισι τεχθῆναι, ἐκ κόρης ἀπειράνδρου, εὐδοκίᾳ τοῦ φύσαντος αὐτὸν ἀπαθῶς, καὶ συνεργείᾳ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος. Βηθλεὲμ εὐτρεπίζου, ἄνοιγε πύλην ἡ Ἐδέμ· ὅτι ὁ ὢν, γίνεται ὃ οὐκ ἦν, καὶ ὁ πλαστουργὸς πάσης κτίσεως διαπλάττεται, ὁ παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ, τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Listen, heaven, and give ear, O earth: ⁄ Behold the Son and Word of the Father ⁄ coming forth to be born of a maiden who has not known man ⁄ at the good pleasure of the Father Who begot Him before all ages. ⁄ He is conceived by the co-operation of the Holy Spirit; ⁄ Bethlehem, make ready; Eden, open your gates, ⁄ for He Who is comes to be that which He was not, ⁄ and He Who formed all creation takes the form of a man, ⁄⁄ granting the world great mercy. [OCA]

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Προεόρτιον.

Glory. 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]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τῶν εὐχῶν.

Stand for the reading of prayers

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

ᾨδὴν τοῦ Θεοδόχου Συμεών

Song of Simeon

Νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου, Δέσποτα, κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου, ἐν εἰρήνῃ· ὅτι εἶδον οἱ ὀφθαλμοί μου τὸ σωτήριόν σου, ὃ ἡτοίμασας κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν λαῶν· φῶς εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν ἐθνῶν, καὶ δόξαν λαοῦ σου Ἰσραήλ.

Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples. A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. [NKJV]

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Κανὼν Προεόρτιος.

Canon for the Forefeast.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

ᾨδὴ αʹ.

Ode i.

Κύματι θαλάσσης. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 2.

Κύματι θαλάσσης, τὸν κρύψαντα πάλαι διώκτην τύραννον, φάτνῃ κρυπτόμενον, κτεῖναι ζητεῖ ὁ Ἡρῴδης, ἀλλʼ ἡμεῖς σὺν Μάγοις μέλψωμεν· τῷ Κυρίῳ ᾄσωμεν· ἐνδόξως γὰρ δεδόξασται.

Of old You buried the pursuing tyrant ⁄ beneath the waves of the sea. ⁄ Now You are hidden in a manger ⁄ and Herod seeks to kill You. ⁄ But with the Magi, let us sing to the Lord, ⁄ for gloriously has He been glorified! [OCA]

Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Ἄρχων ἐξ Ἰούδα, ἐξέλιπεν ἤδη· ᾧ γὰρ ἀπέκειτο, καθὼς προγέγραπται, ἡ τῶν ἐθνῶν προσδοκία, Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς ἐλήλυθε, καὶ Σπηλαίῳ τίκτεται, διʼ ἄκραν ἀγαθότητα.

Lord my God, I sing You a birthday hymn, ⁄ rejoicing in the vigil of the feast, ⁄ for by Your Nativity You have given me divine rebirth, ⁄ raising me up to my first excellence. [OCA]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Ἄρχων ἐξ Ἰούδα, ἐξέλιπεν ἤδη· ᾧ γὰρ ἀπέκειτο, καθὼς προγέγραπται, ἡ τῶν ἐθνῶν προσδοκία, Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς ἐλήλυθε, καὶ Σπηλαίῳ τίκτεται, διʼ ἄκραν ἀγαθότητα.

Lord my God, I sing You a birthday hymn, ⁄ rejoicing in the vigil of the feast, ⁄ for by Your Nativity You have given me divine rebirth, ⁄ raising me up to my first excellence. [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Βηθλεὲμ εὐφραίνου, ἡ πόλις Ἰούδα· ἐν σοὶ γὰρ τίκτεται, Χριστὸς ὁ Κύριος, ἡ οἰκουμένη σκιρτάτω, δεχομένη ἀπολύτρωσιν, χορευέτω ἅπασα, ἡ κτίσις ἑορτάζουσα.

All things in heaven and on earth were amazed at Your power, ⁄ beholding You upon Your throne on high and in the manger below! ⁄ In ways beyond understanding You have come to us, Savior, ⁄ appearing in two natures: God and man! [OCA]

ᾨδὴ γʹ.

Ode iii.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Σὲ τὸν ἐπὶ ὑδάτων. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 2.

Σὲ τὸν ἐπὶ ὑδάτων, κρεμάσαντα πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἀσχέτως, ἡ κτίσις κατιδοῦσα, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ τικτόμενον, θαμβητικῶς συνείχετο. Οὐκ ἔστιν Ἅγιος, πλήν σου Κύριε κραυγάζουσα.

You suspended the earth upon the waters; ⁄ now creation beholds You born in a cave. ⁄ It quakes with great amazement and cries, ⁄ None is holy but You, O Lord! [OCA]

Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Δούλου φορέσαι σχῆμα, ἠθέλησας, ὅπως με τῆς δουλείας, τοῦ πονηροῦ λυτρώσῃ, ὑμνολογῶ σου τὸ εὔσπλαγχνον, Λόγε Πατρὸς συνάναρχε, καὶ συναΐδιε. Δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου.

Manifesting the signs of Your incarnation, merciful Lord, ⁄ You have unfolded visions and breathed forth prophecies. ⁄ Now You have come, fulfilling them all: ⁄ born in the flesh from a pure maiden in the city of David. [OCA]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Ἔρχεται ἡ Παρθένος, τὸν Κύριον ἀποτεκεῖν Σπηλαίῳ, προφθάσατε οἱ Μάγοι. Ποιμένες νῦν παραγίνεσθε, ὕμνον ἐξ ὕψους Ἄγγελοι, ἐπανακράξατε, ὤφθη τῶν βροτῶν ἡ λύτρωσις.

Earth has spread out its expanse to receive the Creator; ⁄ the angels glorify Him; the heavens send a star; ⁄ the shepherds sing His praise and the Magi offer their gifts: ⁄ Let the whole world acknowledge Him! [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Ζητῶν με τὸν πλανηθέντα, φιλάνθρωπε, καὶ σπήλαιον δειχθέντα, λῃστῶν ἔργοις ἀκάρποις, Σπηλαίῳ νῦν παραγέγονας, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου σήμερον, τεχθῆναι Δέσποτα. Δόξα Λόγε τῇ ἐλεύσει σου.

The riddles of the soothsayer and diviner Balaam are now fulfilled, ⁄ for a star has dawned from Jacob ⁄ leading the Magi, kings from Persia, bringing gifts ⁄ to the Sun of Glory! [OCA]

ᾨδὴ δʹ.

Ode iv.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Τὴν ἐκ παρθένου. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 2.

Τὴν ἐκ Παρθένου παρουσίαν σου, προορῶν Ἀββακούμ, ἐξεστηκῶς ἐβόα· Σὺ ἐκ Θαιμὰν σαρκούμενος, ἥκεις Λυτρωτά, τὸν Ἀδὰμ ἀπωσμένον, ἀνακαλέσασθαι.

Foreseeing Your coming from the Virgin, ⁄ Habakkuk cried out trembling, ⁄ You are come incarnate from Teman, Deliverer, ⁄ to call back Adam from his exile. [OCA]

Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Ἡ φωταυγὴς Νεφέλη ἔρχεται, ἀνατεῖλαι Χριστέ, ἐκ μητρικῶν λαγόνων, δικαιοσύνης Ἥλιον, ἅπασαν τὴν γῆν, φρυκτωρίαις ἐνθέοις, καταλαμπρύνοντα.

Now the Lord draws near and comes. ⁄ He is the expectation of the nations and salvation of the world. ⁄ Prepare the cave, city of Bethlehem; ⁄ shepherds, hasten with the Magi! [OCA]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Θεὸς ἀνθρώποις ὤφθη ὅμοιος, καὶ πτωχεύει σαρκί, ἵνα ἡμᾶς πλουτίσῃ, καὶ ἐν Σπηλαίῳ τίκτεται, τοῦτον οἱ πιστοί, καθαρᾷ διανοίᾳ, ὑποδεξώμεθα.

By the overwhelming strength of Your divine nature, ⁄ You have been joined with mortal men ⁄ through a union without confusion, Savior, ⁄ in the likeness of Adam’s flesh. ⁄ In thus assuming human nature, ⁄ You grant it immortality and salvation. [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Ἰδοὺ Χριστὸς ἐν πόλει τίκτεται, Βηθλεὲμ τὴν Ἐδέμ, ὅπως ἡμῖν ἀνοίξῃ, παρακοῇ τὸ πρότερον, ὄφεως κλοπῇ, κεκλεισμένην· ἐνθέως πανηγυρίσωμεν.

The Word is made manifest ⁄ and assumes the material substance of our flesh. ⁄ In His ineffable dispensation, ⁄ He takes up His dwelling with us. ⁄ Come, faithful, let us look upon His glory, ⁄ the glory of the Only-begotten Son from God the Father! [OCA]

ᾨδὴ εʹ.

Ode v.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Πρὸς σὲ ὀρθρίζω. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 2.

Πρὸς σὲ ὀρθρίζω, τὸν διʼ εὐσπλαγχνίαν, σεαυτὸν τῷ πεσόντι, κενώσαντα ἀτρέπτως, καὶ δούλου μορφήν, ἐκ Παρθένου φορέσαντα, Λόγε Θεοῦ, τὴν εἰρήνην παράσχου μοι φιλάνθρωπε.

Isaiah saw the never-setting light ⁄ of Your compassionate manifestation to us as God, O Christ. ⁄ Rising early from the night he cried out: ⁄ Behold, a Virgin shall conceive ⁄ and shall bear the Incarnate Word. ⁄ All those on earth shall greatly rejoice! [OCA]

Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Καρδία πᾶσα, γηγενῶν σκιρτάτω· εὐφραινέσθω ἡ κτίσις, ὁ Κύριος γεννᾶται, ἐκ Κόρης Ἁγνῆς, Βηθλεὲμ ἐν Σπηλαίῳ, καὶ Μάγοι αὐτῷ, προσκομίζουσι δῶρα, νῦν ἐπάξια.

When You became earthly, Creator, ⁄ You renewed those born on earth ⁄ and the manger, the swaddling clothes and a cave ⁄ revealed Your lowliness, O Word. ⁄ for Your Mother’s betrothed is thought by men ⁄ to be Your Father in the flesh ⁄ and so he takes the place of the Father who begot You by His counsel! [OCA]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Λαὸς ὁ πάλαι, ἐν σκιᾷ θανάτου, καθεζόμενος βλέψον, τὸ φῶς σοι ἀνατεῖλαν, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, καὶ πολλῆς θυμηδίας ἐμπλήσθητι, τὸν πτωχεύσαντα Λόγον, μεγαλύνων ἀεί.

The Magi, first fruits of the gentiles, ⁄ offer You gifts in a cave in Bethlehem ⁄ at Your birth from a Mother who suffered no pangs of travail: ⁄ myrrh foretells Your death, gold Your royal power, ⁄ frankincense the pre-eminence of Your divinity. [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Μικρῷ Σπηλαίῳ, ἔρχῃ χωρηθῆναι, ὀ ἀχώρητος φύσει, ὅπως με σμικρυνθέντα τῇ παραβάσει, μεγαλύνῃς διʼ οἶκτον ἀμέτρητον· προσκυνῶ σου, τὸ εὔσπλαγχνον Μακρόθυμε.

You came forth from a painless birth, ⁄ Word co-eternal with the Father. ⁄ You make Your dwelling in the cave with the manger as Your throne. ⁄ Through Your fearful dispensation You amaze the Magi and the shepherds. ⁄ You fill the angels with awe as they cry: Glory to Your dominion! [OCA]

ᾨδὴ Ϛʹ.

Ode vi.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ὁ Εἱρμός. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 2.

Ἄβυσσος ἐσχάτη ἁμαρτημάτων, ἐκύκλωσέ με, καὶ τὸν κλύδωνα μηκέτι φέρων, ὡς ὁ Ἰωνᾶς, τῷ Δεσπότῃ βοῶ σοι· Ἐκ φθορᾶς με ἀνάγαγε.

Jonah was caught but not held fast ⁄ in the belly of the whale. ⁄ He was a sign of Your birth and appearance in the flesh, ⁄ coming forth from the fish as from a bridal chamber. ⁄ You are born and shall suffer death and burial, ⁄ and shall rise again on the third day! [OCA]

Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Νόμων σε ἡ Παρθένος, τῶν τῆς σαρκὸς δίχα Κύριε, παραγίνεται ἀποκυῆσαι, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ καὶ φάτνη σαρκί, προσανακλινεῖ σε ὡς νήπιον.

The wall of partition of the ancient curse ⁄ is destroyed by Your coming, O Christ; ⁄ the flaming sword now gives way before all who approach. ⁄ I partake in faith of the life-giving tree in Eden, ⁄ becoming once again a husbandman of the fruit of immortality. [OCA]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Ξένον γεγενημένον, παραβάσει με ὁ Ὑπέρθεος, τεχθεὶς ἐκ Κόρης ἀπειρογάμου, διʼ οἶκτον πολίτην, οὐρανοῦ ἀποδείκνυσιν.

Hell reigned with sin from Adam even down to You, ⁄ but their shameless tyranny has been brought to naught, ⁄ for You are born in the flesh from the tribe of David; ⁄ You have set a light upon the throne of his kingdom, Deliverer: ⁄ You shall reign to all ages! [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Ὄρη τε καὶ νάπαι, καὶ κοιλάδες εὐφράνθητε· ὁ γὰρ Χριστὸς σαρκὶ γεννᾶται, ἀνακαινίζων τὴν κτίσιν, φθαρεῖσαν πονηραῖς παραβάσεσιν.

The wicked Herod became a slayer of children but not of Christ: ⁄ though he reaped a bitter harvest of infants, ⁄ he failed to seize and kill the Bread of Life, ⁄ Who in divine power escaped the pursuer to give life to all! [OCA]

ᾨδὴ ζʹ.

Ode vii.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ὁ Εἱρμός. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 2.

Οἱ Παῖδες ἐν Βαβυλῶνι, καμίνου φλόγα οὐκ ἔπτηξαν, ἀλλʼ ἐν μέσῳ φλογὸς ἐμβληθέντες, δροσιζόμενοι ἔψαλλον· Εὐλογητὸς εἶ Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν.

Inexpressible wonder! ⁄ In the furnace You saved the holy youths from the flame. ⁄ Now You are laid in a poor manger as a Babe, ⁄ for the salvation of us who sing: ⁄ Blessed are You, O God, our Redeemer! [OCA]

Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Πῶς σε σμικρότατον Λόγε, καθυποδέξεται Σπήλαιον, τὸν πτωχείᾳ πολλῇ, τὴν πτωχείαν τοῦ Ἀδὰμ ἀφελόμενον, καὶ πλούτῳ θείας χάριτος, τοὺς ἀνθρώπους πλουτίσαντα.

The enemy and deceiver was wounded, ⁄ beholding God laid in a poor and narrow manger as a babe: ⁄ he was cast down by the hand of God for our salvation, who sing: ⁄ Blessed are You, O God, our Redeemer! [OCA]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Ῥήματα ξένα Ποιμένες, ἀκηκοότες κατέσπευσαν, Βηθλεὲμ κατιδεῖν, καὶ ἐν φάτνῃ τῶν ἀλόγων τὸν λύσαντα, τῆς ἀλογίας ἅπαντας, εὐσεβῶς προσεκύνησαν.

O happy manger! ⁄ Receiving the Creator as a babe, ⁄ you are made the throne of the cherubim, ⁄ for the salvation of us who sing: ⁄ Blessed are You, O God, our Redeemer! [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Στόματι καὶ καρδία, τὸν ἐν σαρκὶ ἀφικόμενον, γεννηθῆναι Χριστὸν ἐν Σπηλαίῳ, ἐκ Παρθένου νεάνιδος, ὑμνολογῆσαι σπεύσωμεν, καὶ πιστῶς προσκυνήσωμεν.

Obeying the law of mortals, ⁄ You have come as a babe and accepted to be wrapped in swaddling clothes: ⁄ Loosing the bonds of my offenses, ⁄ You have bestowed freedom upon those who cry aloud: ⁄ Blessed are You, O God, our Redeemer! [OCA]

ᾨδὴ ηʹ.

Ode viii.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ὁ Εἱρμός. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 2.

Νόμων πατρῴων οἱ μακαριστοί, ἐν Βαβυλῶνι νέοι προκινδυνεύοντες, βασιλεύοντος κατέπτυσαν, προσταγῆς ἀλογίστου, καὶ συνημμένοι ᾧ οὐκ ἐχωνεύθησαν πυρί, τοῦ κρατοῦντος ἐπάξιον ἀνέμελπον τὸν ὕμνον· Τὸν Κύριον ὑμνεῖτε τὰ ἔργα, καὶ ὑπερυψοῦτε εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.

Be amazed, O heavens! ⁄ Be shaken, foundations of the earth! ⁄ Behold, He Who dwells on high holding the world in His hand ⁄ is wrapped in swaddling clothes and received as a guest in a narrow manger. ⁄ Bless Him, youths, praise Him, O priests! ⁄ People, exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Τὸν ὑπὲρ λόγον μόνον Κύριον, σεσαρκωμένον Κόρη καὶ περικείμενον, τῶν ἀνθρώπων τὸ ὁμοίωμα, κατέχουσα ἀγκάλαις, καὶ προσκυνοῦσα, καὶ ἀσπαζομένη μητρικῶς. Τέκνον ἔφης γλυκύτατον, πῶς σε οὕτω κατέχω, κατέχοντα χειρί σου τὴν κτίσιν, καὶ χειρὸς δουλείας, αὐτὴν ἐλευθεροῦντα;

Adam the prisoner has been set free; ⁄ deliverance is given to all the faithful, ⁄ for You are bound in swathing bands, Savior, ⁄ laid in a small cave and the manger of dumb beasts. ⁄ Therefore we rejoice, offering You a hymn in faith ⁄ as we celebrate the vigil of Your nativity. [OCA]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Ὑμνολογῆσαι θεῖοι Ἄγγελοι, τὸν ἐπὶ γῆς τεχθέντα, διευτρεπίσθητε. Μάγοι δῶρα ὁδηγούμενοι, προσάξατε ἀστέρι. Ποιμένες τοῦτον σπεύσατε, ἰδεῖν ταῖς μητρικαῖς, ὥσπερ νήπιον κράζοντες, καθήμενον ἀγκάλαις. Τὸν Κύριον ὑμνεῖτε τὰ ἔργα, καὶ ὑπερυψοῦτε, εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.

The idolatry of the nations shall cease, ⁄ for the Magi, wise men from the east, ⁄ bring gifts to Christ the King of all at His birth: ⁄ gold and myrrh and frankincense. ⁄ Bless Him youths, praise Him, O priests! ⁄ People, exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Φωτὸς Νεφέλη Παναμώμητε, πῶς σπαργανώσεις νέφει τὸν ἐπενδύοντα, οὐρανοὺς ἀῤῥήτῳ νεύματι; πῶς ἀλόγων ἐν φάτνῃ ἐπανακλινεῖς, τὸν τῆς ἀλογίας τοὺς βροτούς, διὰ ἔλεος ἄμετρον, ῥυσάμενον Δεσπότην; ὃν πᾶσα προσκυνεῖ φόβῳ κτίσις, ἀνυμνολογοῦσα, αὐτὸν εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.

What strange wonder! ⁄ Goodness and boundless forbearance! ⁄ He Who dwells in the heights is counted as a babe; ⁄ He Who is God of all flees of His Own will from Herod. ⁄ Bless Him youths, praise Him, O priests! ⁄ People, exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

ᾨδὴ θʹ.

Ode ix.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ὁ Εἱρμός. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode pl. 2.

Ἀπορεῖ πᾶσα γλῶσσα, εὐφημεῖν πρὸς ἀξίαν· ἰλιγγιᾷ δὲ νοῦς καὶ ὑπερκόσμιος, ὑμνεῖν σε Θεοτόκε· ὅμως ἀγαθὴ ὑπάρχουσα, τὴν πίστιν δέχου· καὶ γὰρ τὸν πόθον οἶδας, τὸν ἔνθεον ἡμῶν· σὺ γὰρ Χριστιανῶν εἶ προστάτις, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

Do not be amazed, O Mother, ⁄ beholding Me now as a Babe, ⁄ the Son begotten from the bosom of the Father before the morning star, ⁄ for I have come to restore the earth; ⁄ I shall glorify with Myself the fallen nature of mortal mankind; ⁄ I shall exalt all who magnify you in faith and love! [OCA]

Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Χαῖρε δοχεῖον ἄχραντε, χαρᾶς ἀνεκφράστου· ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἔρχῃ τέξεσθαι ἐν Σπηλαίῳ, ἀποῤῥήτως τὸν Δεσπότην, θέλοντα τὴν κτίσιν ἅπασαν, καταφθαρεῖσαν τῇ παραβάσει πρώην, καινίσαι ἀληθῶς, τοῦτον ὑμνολογοῦντες ἐν πίστει, Σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

My Son without beginning, ⁄ I am blessed beyond words by Your strange birth, ⁄ for You have delivered me from all travail; ⁄ as I behold You fleeing from Herod, the sword of sorrow pierces my heart, ⁄ but You shall live, saving those who honor You! [OCA]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Ψυχαὶ δικαίων πᾶσαι, ὑποχθόνιοι ἅμα ἀγαλλιᾶσθε· ἡ πάντων ἀπολύτρωσις. Ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἐπεφάνη, πόλει Βηθλεὲμ τικτόμενος· ἀστὴρ δὲ τοῦτον καταμηνύει, Μάγοις ζητοῦσιν εὐσεβῶς· ὅν περ καὶ κατιδόντες Σπηλαίῳ, θάμβους ἐπλήσθησαν.

As an exile I flee to the land of Egypt, O Mother, ⁄ but I shall smash all idols made by the hands of men. ⁄ Those who seek My life in vain shall be dashed to pieces like a potter’s vessel, ⁄ but with My divine power I shall exalt all who magnify you in faith and love! [OCA]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Ὡς οὐρανὸν σε ἄλλον, ἀνυμνοῦμεν Παρθένε δικαιοσύνης Ἥλιον ἡμῖν, ἐκ λαγόνων παναγίων, μέλλουσαν ἀνίσχειν αὔριον, φωταγωγοῦντα τοὺς ἐν σκότει ὄντας, θανάτου καὶ φθορᾶς· ὅθεν χρεωστικῶς ἐν αἰνέσει, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

Let the creation rejoice exceedingly! ⁄ The Creator now makes Himself to be created! ⁄ He Who is before all things now makes Himself known as God newly-revealed! ⁄ Let the Magi with their gifts make haste to meet Him! ⁄ Let the shepherds clap their hands in faith at the wonder! ⁄ Let mortals join the angels and celebrate in the feast! [OCA]

Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Heirmos.

Ἀπορεῖ πᾶσα γλῶσσα, εὐφημεῖν πρὸς ἀξίαν· ἰλιγγιᾷ δὲ νοῦς καὶ ὑπερκόσμιος, ὑμνεῖν σε Θεοτόκε· ὅμως ἀγαθὴ ὑπάρχουσα, τὴν πίστιν δέχου· καὶ γὰρ τὸν πόθον οἶδας, τὸν ἔνθεον ἡμῶν· σὺ γὰρ Χριστιανῶν εἶ προστάτις, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν.

Do not be amazed, O Mother, ⁄ beholding Me now as a Babe, ⁄ the Son begotten from the bosom of the Father before the morning star, ⁄ for I have come to restore the earth; ⁄ I shall glorify with Myself the fallen nature of mortal mankind; ⁄ I shall exalt all who magnify you in faith and love! [OCA]

ΛΑΟΣ

PEOPLE

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 ἀεὶ 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 ἀεὶ 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.

Ἀπεγράφετο ποτέ, σὺν τῷ πρεσβύτῃ Ἰωσήφ, ὡς ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυΐδ, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ ἡ Μαριάμ, κυοφοροῦσα τὴν ἄσπορον κυοφορίαν. Ἐπέστη δὲ καιρὸς ὁ τῆς Γεννήσεως, καὶ τόπος ἦν οὐδεὶς τῷ καταλύματι· ἀλλʼ ὡς τερπνὸν παλάτιον τὸ Σπήλαιον, τῇ Βασιλίδι ἐδείκνυτο. Χριστὸς γεννᾶται τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. (3)

As she carried in her womb * what she conceived without seed, * Mary went to Bethlehem * with elder Joseph to enroll, * for they were of the house and the lineage of David. * The time arrived for her * to give birth to her Child; * but then there was no place * in the inn for them. * Therefore the grotto served as a luxurious * royal palace for the Queen. * And Christ the Lord is born, to raise the image * which was formerly fallen. [SD] (3)

(Παραλείπεται ἡ ἐκτενής.)

(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ· Σοφία.

DEACON: Wisdom.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ· Εὐλόγησον, Δέσποτα.

READER: Master, give the blessing.

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.

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 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 of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

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.