Great Hours Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Books - Sources

Menaion - December 24

Christmas Eve Day. The Great Hours

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SERVICE OF THE GREAT HOURS

FIRST HOUR

KASISI

PRIEST

Ahimidiwe Mungu wetu, daima, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.

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

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

KASISI

PRIEST

Utukufu kwako, Ee Mungu wetu, utukufu

Glory to You, O God, glory to You.

Ee Mfalme wa mbinguni, mfariji, Roho wa kweli; uliye mahali po pote, na kuvijaza vitu vyote; uliye hazina ya mambo mema na mpaji wa uhai; njoo ukae kwetu na kutusafisha na kila doa, hata uziokoe roho zetu, Mwema we.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, treasury of good things and giver of life: come; take Your abode in us; cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, O Good one.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

Maombi ya Trisaghio.

Trisagion Prayers.

Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu, utuhurumie. (3)

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

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

Ee Utatu mtakatifu kamili, utuhurumie. Bwana, utusamehe dhambi zetu. Rabi, utuondolee makosa yetu. Mtakatifu, utukaribie na kutuponya magonjwa yetu, kwa ajili ya jina lako.

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.

Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia.

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

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

Baba yetu uliye Mbinguni; Jina lako litukuzwe; Ufalme wako uje; mapenzi yako yatimizwe, hapa Duniani kama huko Mbinguni. Utupe leo mkate wetu wa kila siku; na utusamehe deni zetu; kama sisi tuwasamehevyo wadeni wetu; tena usitutie majaribuni, lakini tuokoe na yule mwovu.

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.

KASISI

PRIEST

Kwa kuwa ufalme ni wako, na nguvu, na utukufu, wa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele.

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.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

Bwana, hurumia. (x 12)

Lord, have mercy. (12)

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

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

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu Mungu mfalme wetu.

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

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu Kristo yu Mungu mfalme wetu.

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

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu yeye, Kristo aliye mfalme na Mungu wetu.

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

Zaburi ya 5.

Psalm 5.

Ee Bwana, uyasikilize maneno yangu, Utazame kutafakari kwangu. Uisikie sauti ya kilio changu, Ee Mfalme wangu na Mungu wangu, kwa maana Wewe ndiwe nikuombaye. Bwana, asubuhi utaisikia sauti yangu, Asubuhi nitakupingia dua yangu na kutazamia. Maana huwi Mungu apendezwaye na ubaya; Mtu mwovu hatakaa kwako; Wajivunao hawatasimama mbele za macho yako; unawachukia wote watendao ubatili. Utawaharibu wasemao uongo; Bwana humzira mwuaji na mwenye hila bali mimi, kwa wingi wa fadhili zako, nitaingia nyumbani mwako; na kusujudu kwa woga nikilielekea hekalu lako takatifu. Bwana, uniongoze kwa haki yako, kwa sababu yao wanaoniotea. Uisawazishe njia yako mbele ya uso wangu, maana vinywani mwao hamna uaminifu; mtima wao ni shimo tupu, koo lao ni kaburi wazi, ulimi wao hujipendekeza. Wewe, Mungu, uwapatilize, na waanguke kwa mashauri yao. Uwatoe nje kwa ajili ya wingi wa makosa yao, kwa maana wamekuasi Wewe. Nao wote wanaokukimbilia watafurahi; watapiga daima kelele za furaha. Kwa kuwa Wewe unawahifadhi, walipendao jina lako watakufurahia. Kwa maana Wewe utambariki mwenye haki; Bwana, utamzungushia radhi kama ngao. [[SWA]]

Give ear to my words, O Lord, Hear my cry. Give heed to the voice of my supplication, my King and my God, for to You will I pray, O Lord. In the morning You shall hear my voice; in the morning I will stand before You, and I will watch. For You are not a God who wills lawlessness, nor shall the evildoer dwell with You. The lawless shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all the workers of lawlessness; You shall destroy all who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of violence and deceit. But as for me, in the fullness of Your mercy I will come into Your house; in fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. For there is no truth in their mouth; their heart is vain; their throat is an open grave; they deal deceptively with their tongues. Judge them, O God. Let them fall by their false accusations; cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness; for they provoked You, O Lord. But let all who hope in You be glad; they will greatly rejoice forever, for You will dwell in them; and all who love Your name will boast in You. For You will bless the righteous; O Lord, You crowned us with the shield of Your goodwill. [SAAS]

Zaburi ya 44 (45).

Psalm 44 (45).

Moyo wangu umefurika kwa neno jema, mimi nasema niliyomfanyizia mfalme; ulimi wangu ni kalamu ya mwandishi mstadi. Wewe u mzuri sana kuliko wanadamu; neema imemiminiwa midomoni mwako, kwa hiyo Mungu amekubariki hata milele. Jifungie upanga wako pajani, wewe uliye hodari, utukufu ni wako na fahari ni yako. Katika fahari yako usitawi uendelee kwa ajili ya kweli na upole na haki, na mkono wako wa kuume utakufundisha mambo ya kutisha. Mishale yako ni mikali, watu huanguka chini yako; imo mioyoni mwa adui za mfalme. Kiti chako cha enzi, Mungu, ni cha milele na milele, fimbo ya ufalme wako ni fimbo ya adili. Umeipenda haki; umeichukia dhuluma. Kwa hiyo MUNGU, Mungu wako, amekupaka mafuta, mafuta ya furaha kuliko wenzako. Mavazi yako yote hunukia manemane na udi na mdalasini. Katika majumba ya pembe vinubi vimekufurahisha. Binti za wafalme wamo miongoni mwa akina bibi wako wastahiki. Mkono wako wa kuume amesimama malkia, amevaa dhahabu ya Ofiri. Sikia, binti, utazame, utege sikio lako, uwasahau watu wako na nyumba ya baba yako. Naye mfalme atautamani uzuri wako, maana ndiye bwana wako, nawe umsujudie. Na binti Tiro analeta kipawa chake, nao matajiri wa watu watajipendekeza kwako. Binti mfalme yumo ndani ana fahari tupu, mavazi yake ni ya nyuzi za dhababu. Atapelekwa kwa mfalme na mavazi yaliyofumwa kwa uzuri. Wanawali wenzake wanaomfuata, watapelekwa kwako. Watapelekwa kwa furaha na shangwe, na kuingia katika nyumba ya mfalme. Badala ya baba zako watakuwapo watoto wako, utawafanya kuwa wakuu katika nchi zote. Jina lako nitalifanya kuwa kumbukumbu katika vizazi vyote. Kwa hiyo mataifa watakushukuru milele na milele. [[SWA]]

My heart overflowed with a good word; I tell my works to the King; my tongue is the pen of a swift-writing scribe. You are more beautiful than the sons of men; grace was poured out on Your lips; therefore God blessed You forever. Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, in Your splendor and Your beauty. And stretch Your bow, and grant prosperity, and reign because of truth, gentleness, and righteousness, and Your right hand shall guide You wondrously. Your arrows are sharp, O Mighty One (The peoples shall fall under You), in the heart of the King’s enemies. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; Your royal scepter is a scepter of uprightness. You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions. Myrrh and stacte and cassia pour forth from Your garments, from the ivory palaces from which they gladdened You. There are daughters of kings in Your honor; the queen stood at Your right hand in apparel interwoven with gold, and adorned and embroidered with various colors. Listen, O daughter, behold and incline your ear, and forget your people and your father’s house; for the King desired your beauty, for He is your Lord. And the daughters of Tyre shall worship Him with gifts; the rich among the people shall entreat your favor. All her glory as the King’s daughter is within, adorned and embroidered with golden tassels. The virgins behind her shall be brought to the King; her neighbors shall be brought to You; they shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing; they shall be led into the temple of the King. In place of your fathers, sons shall be born to you; You shall make them rulers over all the earth. They shall remember your name from generation to generation; therefore, peoples shall give thanks to you forever and unto ages of ages. [SAAS]

Zaburi ya 45 (46).

Psalm 45 (46).

Mungu kwetu sisi ni kimbilio na nguvu, msaada utakaoonekana tele wakati wa mateso. Kwa hiyo hatutaogopa ijapobadilika nchi, ijapotetemeka milima moyoni mwa bahari. Maji yake yajapovuma na kuumuka, ijapopepesuka milima kwa kiburi chake. Kuna mto, vijito vyake vyaufurahisha mji wa Mungu, patakatifu pa maskani zake Aliye juu. Mungu yu katikati yake, hautatetemeshwa; Mungu atausaidia asubuhi na mapema. Mataifa yalighadhibika, falme zikataharuki; alitoa sauti yake, nchi ikayeyuka. BWANA wa majeshi yu pamoja nasi, Mungu wa Yakobo ni ngome yetu. Njoni myatazame matendo ya BWANA, jinsi alivyofanya ukiwa katika nchi. Avikomesha vita hata mwisho wa dunia; avunja uta, akata mkuki, achoma moto magari. Acheni, mjue ya kuwa Mimi ni Mungu, nitakuzwa katika mataifa, nitakuzwa katika nchi. [[SWA]]

God is our refuge and power; a help in afflictions that severely befall us. Therefore we will not fear when the earth is troubled, and when the mountains are removed into the hearts of the seas. Their waters roared and were troubled; the mountains were troubled by His might. The torrents of the river gladden the city of God; the Most High sanctified His tabernacle. God is in her midst; she shall not be shaken; God shall help her early in the morning. The nations were troubled; kingdoms fell; He uttered His voice; the earth shook. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our protector. Come, behold the works of the Lord, the wonders He wrought on the earth. When He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth, He will break the bow and shatter the weapon; and He will burn up the shields in fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our protector. [SAAS]

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

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

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Utukufu kwako, Ee Mungu. (3)

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

Bwana, hurumia. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Tropario.

Troparion.

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.

Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu

Theotokion.

Je ni jina lipi twaweza kupa, Ee mwenye Neema? Mbingu? Ya kuwa ulizaa Jua la haki? Paradiso? Ulileta Ua lisilo haribika? Bikira? Ulibaki bila kuharibika? Mama asiye na doa? Ya kuwa ulishika kwa kifua chako Mtoto, Mungu wa wote? Tuombee Kwake, ili kwamba aokoe nafsi zetu.

What shall we call you, O Lady full of grace? Heaven? For you gave rise to the Sun of righteousness. Paradise? For you blossomed the flower of incorruption. Virgin? For you remained incorrupt. Pure Mother? For you held in your holy embrace a Son who is the God of all. Entreat Him to save our souls.

WATU

CHOIR

Idiomela.

Mode pl. 4.

Prepare, O Bethlehem. Let the manger make ready and the grotto anticipate. The truth has come and the shadow has passed away. Born of a Virgin, God has appeared to men, taking our form and deifying that which He assumed. Therefore Adam and Eve are renewed, and they cry out, “The good-pleasure of God has appeared on earth for the salvation of the human race.” [SD]

Mara mbili, bila mstari. Kisha:

Twice, with no verse. Then:

Mstari

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

Mode 3.

Now is the prophecy nearing fulfillment. It mystically foretold, “And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are by no means the least among the rulers, as you make the grotto ready; for from you shall come forth for me a ruler of the Gentiles in the flesh, born of a virgin Maiden, Christ our God, who will shepherd His people, the new Israel.” Let us all give Him glory. [SD]

Mstari

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

Rudia wimbo uo huo. Kisha:

Repeat the same hymn. Then:

Utukufu.

Glory. Mode pl. 4.

Thus did Joseph speak to the Virgin, “Mary, what is this I see in you? I cannot understand it, and I am amazed, and my mind is struck with dismay. Therefore get out of my sight quickly. Mary, what is this I see in you? You have brought me shame and sorrow instead of honor and joy; and instead of praise, you have brought me reproach. I cannot bear to be rebuked by the people. When I received you from the priests at the Temple, you were an innocent girl, consecrated to the Lord. So what is this that I see in you now?” [SD]

Sasa. Rudia.

Both now. Repeat.

UNABII

THE PROPHECY

MSOMAJI

READER

Prokimeno. Sauti 4.

Prokeimenon. Mode 4.

The Lord said to Me, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”

Mstari

Verse: Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance. [SAAS]

Somo kutoka kwa the Prophecy of Micah.

The reading is from the Prophecy of Micah.

KASISI

PRIEST

Hekima. Tusikilize.

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

MSOMAJI

READER

5:1 – 3

Thus says the Lord: “And you, O Bethlehem, House of Ephrathah, though you are fewest in number among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to me the One to be ruler of Israel. His goings forth were from the beginning, even from everlasting.” Therefore He shall give them up until the appointed time for her to give birth, and then the remnant of their brothers will return to the sons of Israel. And He shall stand and see, and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, and they will dwell in the glory of the name of the Lord their God, for now they will be magnified unto the ends of the earth. [SAAS]

Waraka

The Epistle

Somo kutoka kwa Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.

The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.

KASISI

PRIEST

Tusikilize. Hekima. Tusikilize.

Let us be attentive. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

MSOMAJI

READER

1:1 – 12

Brethren, in many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs. For to what angel did he ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds and his servants flames of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.” [RSV]

KASISI

PRIEST

Hekima. Simameni wima. tusikilize Evanjelio Takatifu.

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

Amani kwa wote.

Peace be with all.

( Na iwe kwa roho yako. )

( And with your spirit. )

INJILI

The Gospel

KASISI

PRIEST

Injili Takatifu kama ilivyoandikwa na Matthew. Tusikilize.

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Let us be attentive.

( Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako. )

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

KASISI

PRIEST

1:18 – 25

The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne her firstborn son; and he called his name Jesus. [RSV]

( Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako. )

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

MSOMAJI

READER

Elekeza nyayo zangu jinsi neno lako, na usiache ubaya wowote unitawale.

Direct my steps according to Your teaching and let no lawlessness rule over me.

Nitoe katika lawama isio ya kweli kwa watu, nami nita zishika amri Zako.

Ransom me from the slander of men, and I will keep Your commandments.

Jithihirisha matendo Yako kwa mtumishi Wako, na kunifundisha matendo Yako.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your ordinances.

Kinywa changu kijazwe na sifa Zako, Ee Bwana, ili kwamba niimbe nyimbo za utukufu Wako Mkuu sikuzote. [[SWA]]

Let my mouth be filled with Your praise, O Lord, that I may sing of Your glory and of Your magnificence all the day long. [SAAS]

Maombi ya Trisaghio.

Trisagion Prayers.

Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu, utuhurumie. (3)

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

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

Ee Utatu mtakatifu kamili, utuhurumie. Bwana, utusamehe dhambi zetu. Rabi, utuondolee makosa yetu. Mtakatifu, utukaribie na kutuponya magonjwa yetu, kwa ajili ya jina lako.

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.

Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia.

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

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

KASISI

PRIEST

Kwa kuwa ufalme ni wako, na nguvu, na utukufu, wa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele.

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.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

Kontakio.

Kontakion.

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.

Bwana, hurumia. (x 40)

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Yeye, ambaye wakati wote, na kila mara, mbinguni na duniani, anaabudiwa, na kutukuzwa, Kristo, Mungu wetu, mustahimilivu, mwingi wa huruma na rehema, Mpenda wenye haki na kuhurumia wenye dhambi, na kuelekeza wote kwa wokovu, kupitia kwa baraka zijazo, pokea maombi yetu wakati huu, na kuongoza maisha yetu kulingana na maagizo Yako. Takasa nafsi zetu; safisha miili yetu, tegemeza mawazo yetu; osha fikira zetu; na kutuokoa na kila radhi, maovu na ghadgabu. Tuzungire kwa Malaika Wako Watakatifu, ili watulinde na kutukinga kutokana na adui, ili kwamba tupate kupata umoja wa imani, na mafundisho ya utukufu wako usio na mwisho. Kwa kuwa ndiwe mbarikiwa sasa na sikuzote hata milele na milele. Amina.

O Christ our God, who at all times and at every hour, both in heaven and on earth, are worshipped and glorified, long suffering and plenteous in mercy and compassion; who love the just and show mercy to the sinners; who call all men to salvation through the promise of the blessings to come: Do You, the same Lord, receive also our supplications at this present time, and direct our lives according to Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set our minds right; clear up our thoughts, and deliver us from every sorrow, evil and distress. Surround us with Your holy Angels so that being guarded and guided by their presence, we may arrive at the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Your ineffable glory; for blessed are You unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Bwana, hurumia. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

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

Uliye wa thamani kushinda waheruvi, uliye na utukufu kuwapita bila kiasi waserafi, uliyemzaa Mungu neno, umebaki bila kukuharibu, uliye mzazi-Mungu kweli tunakutukuza we.

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.

Kwa jina la Bwana, Ee Padri bariki.

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

KASISI

PRIEST

Mungu atuhurumie, na kutubariki; mwanga Wake utumulikie, na kutuhurumia.

May God have compassion on us and bless us; may his face shine upon us and have mercy on us.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

KASISI

PRIEST

Ee Kristo, Nuru ya kweli, inayoangaza na kutakasa kila mmoja anayekuja duniani, wacha Nuru Yako ya milele idumishe alama yake kwetu; ili kwamba ndani yake, tukatazame Nuru isio na mwisho; na kuongoza hatua zetu vikamilivu, na kuzishika amri Zako; kwa maombi ya Mama, Asiye na doa, na ya Watakatifu Wako wote. ( Amina. )

O Christ, the true light that enlightens and sanctifies every man who comes into the world, let the light of Your countenance shine on us, that in it we may behold the unapproachable light. And direct our steps to keep Your commandments, by the intercessions of Your all-immaculate Mother and all the saints. ( Amen. )

THIRD HOUR

MSOMAJI

READER

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu Mungu mfalme wetu.

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

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu Kristo yu Mungu mfalme wetu.

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

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu yeye, Kristo aliye mfalme na Mungu wetu.

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

Zaburi ya 66 (67).

Psalm 66 (67).

Mungu na atufadhili na kutubariki, na kutuangazia uso wake. Njia yake ijulike duniani, wokovu wake katikati ya mataifa yote. Watu na wakushukuru, Ee Mungu, watu wote na wakushukuru. Mataifa na washangilie, naam, waimbe kwa furaha, maana kwa haki utawahukumu watu, na kuwaongoza mataifa walioko duniani. Watu na wakushukuru, Ee Mungu, watu wote na wakushukuru. Nchi imetoa mazao yake; MUNGU, Mungu wetu, ametubariki. Mungu atatubariki sisi; miisho yote ya dunia itamcha Yeye. [[SWA]]

May God be gracious to us, and bless us; may He cause His face to shine upon us, that we may know His way on the earth, Your salvation among all the Gentiles. Let the peoples give thanks to You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Let the Gentiles be glad and greatly rejoice, for You shall judge the peoples in uprightness, and lead the Gentiles on the earth. Let the peoples give thanks to You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. The earth yielded her fruit; may God, our God, bless us. May God bless us, and let all the ends of the earth be in fear of Him. [SAAS]

Zaburi ya 86 (87).

Psalm 86 (87).

Msingi wake upo juu ya milima mitakatifu. BWANA ayapenda malango ya Sayuni kuliko maskani zote za Yakobo. Umetajwa kwa mambo matukufu, Ee Mji wa Mungu. Nitataja Rahabu na Babeli miongoni mwao wanaonijua. Tazama Filisti, na Tiro, na Kushi; huyu alizaliwa humo. Naam, mintarafu Sayuni itasemwa, Huyu na huyu alizaliwa humo. Na Yeye Aliye juu ataufanya imara. BWANA atahesabu, awaandikapo mataifa, Huyu alizaliwa humo. Waimbao na wachezao na waseme, Visima vyangu vyote vimo mwako. [[SWA]]

His foundations are in the holy mountains; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things were said concerning you, O city of God. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; and behold, foreigners, and the people of Tyre and Ethiopia, these were born there. A man will say, “Mother Zion,” and a man was born in her; for the Most High Himself founded it. The Lord shall describe it in a written account of the peoples and of the rulers, of those who were born in her. How glad are all who have their dwelling in you. [SAAS]

Zaburi ya 50 (51).

Psalm 50 (51).

Ee Mungu, unirehemu, sawasawa na fadhili zako. Kiasi cha wingi wa rehema zako, uyafute makosa yangu. Unioshe kabisa na uovu wangu, unitakase dhambi zangu. Maana nimejua mimi makosa yangu, na dhambi yangu i mbele yangu daima. Nimekutendea dhambi Wewe peke yako, na kufanya maovu mbele za macho yako. Wewe ujulikane kuwa una haki unenapo, na kuwa safi utoapo hukumu. Tazama, mimi naliumbwa katika hali ya uovu; mama yangu alinichukua mimba hatiani. Tazama, wapendezwa na kweli iliyo moyoni; nawe utanijulisha hekima kwa siri, unisafishe kwa hisopo nami nitakuwa safi, unioshe, nami nitakuwa mweupe kuliko theluji. Unifanye kusikia furaha na shangwe, mifupa uliyoiponda ifurahi. Usitiri uso wako usitazame dhambi zangu; uzifute hatia zangu zote. Ee Mungu, uniumbie moyo safi, uifanye upya roho iliyotulia ndani yangu. Usinitenge na uso wako, wala roho yako mtakatifu usiniondolee. Unirudishie furaha ya wokovu wako; unitegemeze kwa roho ya wepesi. Nitawafundisha wakosaji njia zako, na wenye dhambi watarejea kwako. Ee MUNGU, Mungu wa wokovu wangu, uniponye na damu za watu, na ulimi wangu utaiiimba haki yako. Ee Bwana, uifumbue midomo yangu, na kinywa changu kitazinena sifa zako. Maana hupendezwi na dhabihu au ningeitoa, Wewe huridhii sadaka ya kuteketezwa. Dhabihu za Mungu ni roho iliyovunjika; moyo uliovunjika na kupondeka, Ee Mungu, hutaudharau. Uitendee mema Sayuni kwa radhi yako, uzijenge kuta za Yerusalemu. Ndipo utakapopendezwa na dhabihu za haki, na sadaka za kuteketezwa, na kafara. Ndipo watakapotoa ng''ombe juu ya madhabahu yako. [[SWA]]

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]

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

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

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Utukufu kwako, Ee Mungu. (3)

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

Bwana, hurumia. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Tropario.

Troparion.

Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu

Theotokion.

Wewe ndiwe mzabibu wa kweli, Ee Mzazi Mungu, uliyezaa tunda la uzima. Tuna kusihi, pamoja na mitume, kutuombea, huruma itiririke kwenye nafsi zetu.

Theotokos, you are the true vine that produced the fruit of life. Lady, we fervently entreat you to intercede along with the Apostles and all the saints, that our souls be treated mercifully.

WATU

CHOIR

Idiomela.

Mode pl. 2.

This is our God; no other shall be compared to Him, who was born of a Virgin, and who lived among men. The only-begotten Son is seen, as a mortal, lying in a spare manger; and He, the Lord of glory, is wrapped in swaddling clothes. A star signals the Magi, to come and adore Him. And we, for our part, sing our hymns: “O Holy Trinity, save our souls!” [SD]

Mara mbili, bila mstari. Kisha:

Twice, with no verse. Then:

Mstari

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

Mode pl. 4.

Before Your Nativity, O Lord, the heavenly hosts trembled in amazement, as they watched the mystery unfold. For You, who adorned the sky with the stars, became a little baby, in Your good pleasure. You, who hold the whole world in Your hand, lay in a manger, a trough meant for beasts. Such was Your plan for our salvation, and thus was Your compassion made known. O Christ, the great mercy, glory to You! [SD]

Mstari

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

Rudia wimbo uo huo. Kisha:

Repeat the same hymn. Then:

Utukufu.

Glory. Mode 3.

Joseph, tell us, how is it that you bring to Bethlehem the Maiden you received from the Temple, now great with child? And he replies, “I have studied the prophetic books, after receiving a revelation from an Angel; and I am convinced that Mary shall give birth to God, in ways past understanding. Magi will come from the East, with precious gifts, to adore Him.” O Lord who took flesh for our sake, glory to You! [SD]

Sasa. Rudia.

Both now. Repeat.

UNABII

THE PROPHECY

MSOMAJI

READER

Prokimeno. Sauti 4.

Prokeimenon. Mode 4.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.

Mstari

Verse: The government will be upon His shoulder. [SAAS]

Somo kutoka kwa the Prophecy of Jeremiah.

The reading is from the Prophecy of Jeremiah.

KASISI

PRIEST

Hekima. Tusikilize.

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

MSOMAJI

READER

Baruch 3:36 – 4:4

This is our God; no other shall be compared to Him. He found the whole way of knowledge and gave it to Jacob His servant and to Israel His beloved. Afterwards, He was seen upon the earth and lived among men. She is the book of the commandments of God and the law that endures forever. All those who keep her will live, but those forsaking her will die. Return, O Jacob, and take hold of her. Walk toward the radiance of the presence of her light. Do not give your glory to another or the things that are of advantage to you to a foreign nation. O Israel, we are blessed, for what is pleasing to our God is known to us. [SAAS]

Waraka

The Epistle

Somo kutoka kwa Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

KASISI

PRIEST

Tusikilize. Hekima. Tusikilize.

Let us be attentive. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

MSOMAJI

READER

3:23 – 29; 4:1 – 5

Brethren, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental principles of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. [RSV]

KASISI

PRIEST

Hekima. Simameni wima. tusikilize Evanjelio Takatifu.

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

Amani kwa wote.

Peace be with all.

( Na iwe kwa roho yako. )

( And with your spirit. )

INJILI

The Gospel

KASISI

PRIEST

Injili Takatifu kama ilivyoandikwa na Luke. Tusikilize.

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Let us be attentive.

( Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako. )

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

KASISI

PRIEST

2:1 – 20

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. [RSV]

( Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako. )

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

MSOMAJI

READER

Bwana Mungu, amebarikiwa; mbarikiwa ni Bwana kila siku; Mungu okoaye, atuongoze kwenye wokovu. [[SWA]]

Blessed is the Lord from day to day; the God of our salvation will bring prosperity upon us; our God is the God Who saves us. [SAAS]

Maombi ya Trisaghio.

Trisagion Prayers.

Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu, utuhurumie. (3)

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

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

Ee Utatu mtakatifu kamili, utuhurumie. Bwana, utusamehe dhambi zetu. Rabi, utuondolee makosa yetu. Mtakatifu, utukaribie na kutuponya magonjwa yetu, kwa ajili ya jina lako.

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.

Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia.

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

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

KASISI

PRIEST

Kwa kuwa ufalme ni wako, na nguvu, na utukufu, wa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele.

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.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

Kontakio.

Kontakion.

Bwana, hurumia. (x 40)

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Bwana, hurumia. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

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

Uliye wa thamani kushinda waheruvi, uliye na utukufu kuwapita bila kiasi waserafi, uliyemzaa Mungu neno, umebaki bila kukuharibu, uliye mzazi-Mungu kweli tunakutukuza we.

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.

Kwa jina la Bwana, Ee Padri bariki.

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

KASISI

PRIEST

Mungu atuhurumie, na kutubariki; mwanga Wake utumulikie, na kutuhurumia.

May God have compassion on us and bless us; may his face shine upon us and have mercy on us.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

KASISI

PRIEST

Ee Mungu na Bwana, Baba Mwenyezi, Bwana, Mwana wa Pekee, Yesu Kristo, na Roho Mtakatifu; Mungu Mmoja, na Nguvu moja, nihurumie, mimi mwenye dhambi. Na kwa hukumu ijulikanayo Kwako, niokoe, mimi mtumishi Wako asiyestahili. Kwa kuwa Wewe ni mbarikiwa daima sasa na sikuzote hata milele na milele. ( Amina. )

O Master God, Father Almighty, only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit: One Godhead, One Power, have mercy on me, a sinner, and in your knowing ways save me, your unworthy servant; for you are blessed unto the ages of ages. ( Amen. )

SIXTH HOUR

MSOMAJI

READER

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu Mungu mfalme wetu.

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

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu Kristo yu Mungu mfalme wetu.

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

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu yeye, Kristo aliye mfalme na Mungu wetu.

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

Zaburi ya 71 (72).

Psalm 71 (72).

Ee Mungu, mpe mfalme hukumu zako, na mwana wa mfalme haki yako. Atawaamua watu wako kwa haki, na watu wako walioonewa kwa hukumu. Milima itawazalia watu amani, na vilima navyo kwa haki. Atawahukumu walioonewa wa watu, atawaokoa wahitaji, atamseta mwenye kuonea. Watakuogopa wakati wote wa kudumu jua, na wakati wa kung''aa mwezi kizazi hata kizazi. Atashuka kama mvua juu ya majani yaliyokatwa, kama manyunyu yainyweshayo nchi. Siku zake yeye, mtu mwenye haki atasitawi, na wingi wa amani hata mwezi utakapokoma. Na awe na enzi toka bahari hata bahari, toka Mto hata miisho ya dunia. Wakaao jangwani na wainame mbele zake; adui zake na warambe mavumbi. Wafalme wa Tarshishi na visiwa na walete kodi; wafalme wa Sheba na Seba na watoe vipawa. Naam, wafalme wote na wamsujudie; na mataifa yote wamtumikie. Kwa maana atamkomboa mhitaji aliapo, na mtu aliyeonewa iwapo hana msaidizi. Atamhurumia aliye dhaifu na maskini, na nafsi za wahitaji ataziokoa. Atawakomboa nafsi zao na kuonewa na udhalimu, na damu yao ina thamani majoni pake. Basi na aishi; na wampe dhahabu ya Sheba; na wamwombee daima; na kumbariki mchana kutwa. Na uwepo wingi wa nafaka katika ardhi juu ya milima; matunda yake na yawaye-waye kama Lebanoni, na watu wa mjini wasitawi kama majani ya nchi. Jina lake na lidumu milele, pindi ling''aapo jua jina lake liwe na wazao; mataifa yote na wajibariki katika yeye, na kumwita heri. Na ahimidiwe BWANA, Mungu, Mungu wa Israelie, atendaye miujiza Yeye peke yake; jina lake tukufu na lihimidiwe milele; dunia yote na ijae utukufu wake. Amina na Amina. [[SWA]]

O God, give Your judgments to the King, and Your righteousness to the King’s Son, that He may judge Your people in righteousness and Your poor with judgment. Let the mountains raise up peace for Your people and the hills in righteousness. He shall judge the poor of the people, and shall serve the sons of the poor; He shall humble the false accuser, and He shall continue as long as the sun and before the moon from generation to generation; and He shall come down like rain on the fleece, like raindrops falling on the earth. In His days, righteousness and abundance of peace shall flourish, until the moon is removed. And He shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the inhabited earth. The Ethiopians shall bow down before Him, and His enemies shall lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and their islands will come bearing gifts; the kings of Arabia and Saba will bring presents. All the kings of the earth shall worship Him; all the Gentiles shall serve Him. For He rescued the poor from the hand of a strong man, and the needy, for whom there was no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and He shall save the souls of the needy; He shall redeem their souls from usury and injustice, and precious shall be their name in His sight. He shall live, and there shall be given Him from the gold of Arabia; they shall pray continually because of Him, all the day long shall they bless Him. He shall be a support on the earth upon the summits of the mountains; His fruit shall be exalted more than Lebanon, and they shall flourish from the city like the grass of the earth. Let His name be blessed unto the ages; His name shall remain before the sun, and all the tribes of the earth shall be blessed in Him; all the Gentiles shall bless Him. Blessed is the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. And blessed is the name of His glory forever and unto ages of ages, and all the earth shall be filled with His glory. Amen! Amen! [SAAS]

Zaburi ya 131 (132).

Psalm 131 (132).

BWANA, umkumbukie Daudi taabu zake zote alizotaabika. Ndiye aliyemwapia BWANA, akaweka nadhiri kwa Shujaa wa Yakobo. Sitaingia hemani mwa nyumba yangu, wala sitapanda matandiko ya kitanda changu; sitaacha macho yangu kuwa na usingizi, wala kope zangu kusinzia; hata nitakapompatia BWANA mahali, na Shujaa wa Yakobo maskani. Tazama, tulisikia habari zake katika Efrata, katika konde la Yearimu tuliiona. Na tuingie katika maskani yake, tusujudu penye kiti cha kuwekea miguu yake. Ee BWANA, uinuke, uende kwenye raha yako, Wewe na sanduku la nguvu zako. Makuhani wako na wavikwe haki, watauwa wako na washangilie. Kwa ajili ya Daudi, mtumishi wako, usiurudishe nyuma uso wa masihi wako. BWANA amemwapia Daudi neno la kweli, hatarudi nyuma akalihalifu, Baadhi ya wazao wa mwili wako nitawaweka katika kiti chako cha enzi. Wanao wakiyashika maagano yangu, na shuhuda nitakazowafundisha; watoto wao nao wataketi katika kiti chako cha enzi milele. Kwa kuwa BWANA ameichagua Sayuni, ameitamani akae ndani yake. Hapo ndipo mahali pangu pa raha milele, hapo nitakaa kwa maana nimepatamani. Hakika nitavibariki vyakula vyake, wahitaji wake nitawashibisha chakula. Na makuhani wake nitawavika wokovu, na watauwa wake watashangilia. Hapo nitamchipushia Daudi pembe, na taa nimemtengenezea masihi wangu. Adui zake nitawavika aibu, bali juu yake taji yake itasitawi. [[SWA]]

Remember David, O Lord, and all his meekness, how he swore to the Lord, how he vowed to the God of Jacob, “I shall not enter my dwelling, I shall not recline on my bed, I shall not close my eyes in sleep nor my eyelids for dozing, nor give any rest to my temples, until I find a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.” Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the plains of the wood; let us enter into His tabernacles; let us worship at the place where His feet stood. Arise, O Lord, into Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness; Your priests shall clothe themselves in righteousness; Your saints shall greatly rejoice. For Your servant David’s sake, do not turn away from the face of Your anointed. The Lord swore to David this truth, and He shall not reject it, “I shall set upon your throne one from the fruit of your loins. If your sons keep My covenant and these testimonies I shall teach them, then their sons shall sit upon your throne forever.” For the Lord has chosen Zion; He chose her for His dwelling: “This is My place of rest unto ages of ages; here I shall dwell, for I have chosen her. Blessing, I shall bless her provision; I shall satisfy her poor with bread; and I shall clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall rejoice exceedingly with great joy; there I shall cause to spring up a horn for David; there I prepared a lamp for my anointed; his enemies I shall clothe with shame; upon him shall My sanctification flourish.” [SAAS]

Zaburi ya 90 (91).

Psalm 90 (91).

Aketiye mahali pa siri pake Aliye juu atakaa katika uvuli wake Mwenyezi. Nitasema, Bwana ndiye kimbilio langu na ngome yangu, Mungu wangu nitakayemtumaini. Maana Yeye atakuokoa na mtego wa mwindaji, na katika tauni iharibuyo. Kwa manyoya yake atakufunika, chini ya mbawa zake utapata kimbilio; uaminifu wake ni ngao na kigao. Hutaogopa hofu ya usiku, wala mshale urukao mchana, wala tauni ipitayo gizani, wala uele uharibuo adhuhuri, ijapo watu elfu waanguka ubavuni pako. Naam, kumi elfu mkono wako wa kuume! Hata hivyo hautakukaribia wewe. Ila kwa macho yako utatazama, na kuyaona malipo ya wasio haki, kwa kuwa Wewe Bwana ndiwe kimbilio langu; umemfanya Aliye juu kuwa makao yako. Mabaya hayatakupata wewe, wala tauni haitaikaribia hema yako. Kwa kuwa atakuagizia malaika zake wakulinde katika njia zako zote. Mikononi mwao watachukua, usije ukajikwaa mguu wako katika jiwe. Utawakanyaga simba na nyoka, mwana-simba na joka utawaseta kwa miguu. Kwa kuwa amekaza kunipenda nitamwokoa; na kumweka palipo juu, kwa kuwa amenijua Jina Langu ataniita nami nitamwitikia; Nitamwokoa na kumtukuza; kwa siku nyingi nitamshibisha, nami nitamwonyesha wokovu wangu. [[SWA]]

He who dwells in the help of the Most High shall lodge in the shelter of the God of heaven. He shall say to the Lord, “You are my protector and my refuge, my God; I will hope in Him; for He shall free me from the snare of the hunters, and from every troubling word.” He shall overshadow you with His shoulders, and under His wings you shall hope; His truth shall encircle you with a shield. You shall not be frightened by fear at night, nor from an arrow that flies by day, nor by a thing moving in darkness, nor by mishap and a demon of noonday. A thousand shall fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, yet it shall not come near you; but you shall observe with your eyes, and you shall see the reward of sinners. For You, O Lord, are my hope; You made the Most High your refuge. Evils shall not come to you, and a scourge shall not draw near your dwelling; for He shall command His angels concerning you, to keep you in all your ways; in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone; You shall tread upon the asp and the basilisk, and you shall trample the lion and the dragon. “For he hoped in Me, and I will deliver him; I will shelter him, because he knew My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will hear him; I am with him in affliction, and I will deliver and glorify him. With length of days I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” [SAAS]

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

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

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Utukufu kwako, Ee Mungu. (3)

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

Bwana, hurumia. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Tropario.

Troparion.

Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu

Theotokion.

Pasipo kuwa na ujasiri kwa ajili ya dhambi zetu, Ee Bikira Mzazi Mungu, Msihi, Aliyezaliwa Nawe; kwa kuwa maombi ya mama yafaa sana, kwa kupata majaliwa ya Bwana. Usidharau maombi ya wenye dhambi, Wewe Usiye na doa; kwa kuwa Yeye, Aliye tenda wema kwa kuteswa kwa ajili yetu, ni Mwenye huruma na anauwezo wa kuokoa.

Since we may not presume to speak because of our many sins, will you beseech your Son, O Virgin Theotokos. For the request of a mother can do much to pacify the Master. Do not despise the prayers of us sinners, all-noble Lady. He is merciful and able to save us; after all, He accepted to suffer for our sake.

WATU

CHOIR

Idiomela.

Mode 1.

Come, O believers, let us be divinely uplifted, and we shall see God’s condescension to us from on high manifest in Bethlehem. Having purified our minds, let us bring the gift of a virtuous life instead of frankincense, as we faithfully deck the halls of Christmas, with the treasures we have in our souls. And let us cry aloud and sing, “Glory in the highest to God in Trinity! Through You divine good pleasure was revealed among men, to release Adam from the ancestral curse, in Your love for humanity.” [SD]

Mara mbili, bila mstari. Kisha:

Twice, with no verse. Then:

Mstari

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

Mode 4.

Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth. Let the foundations be shaken, and let trembling seize the netherworld. For God the Creator has entered the physical world; He who created creation with His mighty hand is a fetus of His own creature. O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are His judgments, how unsearchable His ways! [SD]

Mstari

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

Rudia wimbo uo huo. Kisha:

Repeat the same hymn. Then:

Utukufu.

Glory. Mode pl. 1.

Come, O Christ-bearing people, let us see a miracle that amazes and perplexes every mind, and in pious adoration let us sing praises with faith. Today, a pregnant Maiden is coming to Bethlehem to give birth to the Lord; and choirs of Angels go before her. When Joseph, her betrothed, saw this, he cried out, “What is this strange mystery I see in you, O Virgin? And how will you, the unmated heifer, give birth?” [SD]

Sasa. Rudia.

Both now. Repeat.

UNABII

THE PROPHECY

MSOMAJI

READER

Prokimeno.

Prokeimenon. Mode pl. 4.

I have begotten You from the womb before the morning star.

Mstari

Verse: The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand.” [SAAS]

Somo kutoka kwa the Prophecy of Isaiah.

The reading is from the Prophecy of Isaiah.

KASISI

PRIEST

Hekima. Tusikilize.

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

MSOMAJI

READER

7:10 – 16b; 8:1 – 4, 8b-10

Moreover the Lord added this to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I tempt the Lord.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David, is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary the Lord also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey He shall eat before He knows to prefer evil or choose the good, for before the Child knows good or evil, He refuses the evil to choose the good.” Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take for yourself a large new book, and write on it with a man’s pen concerning making a swift plunder of spoils, for it is near at hand. Then make witnesses for Me of faithful men: Uriah and Zechariah, the son of Berechiah.” Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son, and the Lord said to me, “Call his name Quickly Despoil, Swiftly Plunder; for before the child shall know how to call for his father and mother, one shall take the power of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria in the presence of the king of Assyria. O God with us. Know this, O Gentiles, and be defeated. Give ear, all you to the very ends of the earth. Be defeated although you are strong, for even if you should be strong again, you will be defeated again. Then too, whatever counsel you take, the Lord will scatter it abroad; and whatever word you shall speak, it will not continue among you, for the Lord God is with us.” [SAAS]

Waraka

The Epistle

Somo kutoka kwa Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.

The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.

KASISI

PRIEST

Tusikilize. Hekima. Tusikilize.

Let us be attentive. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

MSOMAJI

READER

1:10 – 14; 2:1 – 3

“In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.” But to what angel has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation? Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him. [RSV]

KASISI

PRIEST

Hekima. Simameni wima. tusikilize Evanjelio Takatifu.

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

Amani kwa wote.

Peace be with all.

( Na iwe kwa roho yako. )

( And with your spirit. )

INJILI

The Gospel

KASISI

PRIEST

Injili Takatifu kama ilivyoandikwa na Matthew. Tusikilize.

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Let us be attentive.

( Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako. )

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

KASISI

PRIEST

2:1 – 12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the magi secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. [RSV]

( Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako. )

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

MSOMAJI

READER

Kwa kasi tuletee huruma zako Ee Bwana, kwa kuwa tumechoshwa sana. Utusaidie Ee Mungu Mwokozi wetu kwa ajili ya utukufu wa jina Lako. Bwana, utukomboe na utusamehe maovu yetu kwa ajili ya Jina Lako. [[SWA]]

Let Your mercies quickly overtake us, for we have become very poor. Help us, O God our savior; because of the glory of Your name, O Lord, save us, and be merciful to our sins because of Your name. [SAAS]

Maombi ya Trisaghio.

Trisagion Prayers.

Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu, utuhurumie. (3)

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

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

Ee Utatu mtakatifu kamili, utuhurumie. Bwana, utusamehe dhambi zetu. Rabi, utuondolee makosa yetu. Mtakatifu, utukaribie na kutuponya magonjwa yetu, kwa ajili ya jina lako.

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.

Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia.

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

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

KASISI

PRIEST

Kwa kuwa ufalme ni wako, na nguvu, na utukufu, wa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele.

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.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

Kontakio.

Kontakion.

Bwana, hurumia. (x 40)

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Bwana, hurumia. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

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

Uliye wa thamani kushinda waheruvi, uliye na utukufu kuwapita bila kiasi waserafi, uliyemzaa Mungu neno, umebaki bila kukuharibu, uliye mzazi-Mungu kweli tunakutukuza we.

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.

Kwa jina la Bwana, Ee Padri bariki.

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

KASISI

PRIEST

Mungu atuhurumie, na kutubariki; mwanga Wake utumulikie, na kutuhurumia.

May God have compassion on us and bless us; may his face shine upon us and have mercy on us.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

KASISI

PRIEST

Ee Mungu, na Bwana mwenye enzi, Mwanzilishi wa Uumbaji, Ambaye kutoka kilindini mwa huruma Yako isio na mwisho ulimtuma Mwanao wa Pekee, Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo, kwa ajili ya wokovu wa kizazi chetu, kwa Msalaba Wake wa thamani alirarua habari ya dhambi zetu, kwa hiyo akakanyaga mamlaka na nguvu ya giza, pokea pia, Ee Bwana mwenye upendo, maombi yetu ya juhudi sisi wenye dhambi. Tuokoe kutoka kila radhi na nguvu za giza, na kutokana maadui wote wanaonekana na wasio onekana, wanatutafuta ili watudhuru.Sulubisha miili yetu kwa kuogopa wewe, na usitenge mioyo yetu kwa dhambi ya maneno au mawazo, ila dunga nafsi zetu kwa tamaa Yako, ili kwamba kila wakati ikutazamie Wewe, ili kwamba tulindwe na kuongozwa na Nuru Yako; na kwa Kukutazama, Ee Nuru ya milele na isiyozimika, tuweze kukutolea sifa pasipo kukoma na shukrani, kwa Baba Asiye na mwanzo, pamoja na Mwanao wa Pekee, na Roho wako Mtakatifu, mwema na Mpaji wa uhai, sasa na sikuzote, hata milele na milele. ( Amina. )

God and Lord of hosts and Maker of all creation, in Your unfathomable compassion and mercy You sent down Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the human race; and by His precious Cross You tore up the record of our sins, and triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness. O benevolent Lord, accept the thanksgiving and fervent prayers even of us sinners. Deliver us from every dark and destructive transgression and from all the visible and invisible enemies that seek to harm us. Nail our flesh with the fear of You, and do not incline our hearts to evil words or thoughts; but rather prick our souls with love for You, so that always looking to You, and guided by Your light, and gazing on You, the eternal and ineffable Light, we may send up unceasing praise and thanksgiving to You, the Father without beginning, and Your Only-Begotten Son, and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages. ( Amen. )

NINTH HOUR

MSOMAJI

READER

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu Mungu mfalme wetu.

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

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu Kristo yu Mungu mfalme wetu.

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

Njooni, tumwinamie na tumsujudu yeye, Kristo aliye mfalme na Mungu wetu.

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

Zaburi ya 109 (110).

Psalm 109 (110)

Neno la BWANA kwa Bwana wangu, Uketi mkono wangu wa kuume, hata niwafanyapo adui zako kuwa chini ya miguu yako. BWANA atainyosha toka Sayuni fimbo ya nguvu zako. Uwe na enzi kati ya adui zako; watu wako wanajitoa kwa hiari, siku ya uwezo wako; kuwa uzuri wa utakatifu, tokea tumbo la asubuhi, unao umande wa ujana wako. BWANA ameapa, wala hataghairi, Ndiwe kuhani hata milele, kwa mfano wa Melkizedeki. Bwana yu mkono wako wa kuume; ataseta wafalme, siku ya ghadhabu yake. Atahukumu kati ya mataifa, ataijaza nchi mizoga; ataseta kichwa katika nchi nyingi. Atakunywa maji ya mto njiani; kwa hiyo atakiinua kichwa chake. [[SWA]]

The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet.” The Lord shall send forth the rod of Your power from Zion, and rule in the midst of Your enemies. With You is the beginning in the day of Your power, in the brightness of Your saints; “I have begotten You from the womb before the morning star.” The Lord swore and will not repent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord at Your right hand crushed kings in the day of His wrath; He shall judge among the nations; He shall fill them with dead bodies; He shall crush the heads of many on earth. He shall drink from the brook on the way; therefore, He shall raise His head high. [SAAS]

Zaburi ya 110 (111).

Psalm 110 (111).

Haleluya. Nitamshukuru BWANA kwa moyo wangu wote, barazani pa wanyofu wa moyo na katika mkutano. Matendo ya BWANA ni makuu, yafikiriwa sana na wapendezwao nayo. Kazi yake ni heshima na adhama, na haki yake yakaa milele. Amefanya ukumbusho wa matendo yake ya ajabu; BWANA ni mwenye fadhili na rehema. Amewapa wamchao chakula; atalikumbuka agano lake milele. Amewajulisha watu wake uwezo wa matendo yake, kwa kuwapa urithi wa mataifa. Matendo ya mikono yake ni kweli na hukumu, maagizo yake yote ni amini, yamethibitika milele na milele, yamefanywa katika kweli na adili. Amewapelekea watu wake ukombozi, ameamuru agano lake liwe la milele, jina lake ni takatifu la kuogopwa. Kumcha BWANA ndio mwanzo wa hekima, wote wafanyao hayo wana akili njema, sifa zake zakaa milele. [[SWA]]

I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart, in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the Lord, sought out in all things with regard to His will; thanksgiving and majesty are His work, and His righteousness continues unto ages of ages. He made a remembrance of His wonders; the Lord is merciful and compassionate; He gave food to those who fear Him; He shall remember His covenant forever. He declared the strength of His works to His people, so as to give them the inheritance of the nations. The works of His hands are truth and judgment; faithful are all His commandments, established unto ages of ages, made in truth and uprightness. He sent redemption to His people; He commanded His covenant forever; holy and fearful is His name. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord; a good understanding is in all who practice it. His praise continues unto ages of ages. [SAAS]

Zaburi ya 85 (86).

Psalm 85 (86).

Ee Bwana, utege sikio lako unijibu, maana mimi ni maskini na mhitaji nafsi yangu, maana mimi ni mcha Mungu. wewe uliye Mungu wangu, umwokoe mtumishi wako anayekutumaini. Wewe, Bwana, unifadhili, maana nakulilia Wewe mchana kutwa. Uifurahishe nafsi ya mtumishi wako, maana nafsi yangu nakuinulia Wewe, Bwana. Kwa maana Wewe, Bwana, U mwema, umekuwa tayari kusamehe, na mwingi wa fadhili, kwa watu wote wakuitao. Ee Bwana, uyasikie maombi yangu; uisikilize sauti ya dua zangu. Siku ya mateso yangu nitakuita, kwa maana utaniitikia. Katikati ya miungu hakuna kama Wewe Bwana, wala matendo mfano wa matendo yako. Mataifa yote uliowafanya watakuja; watakusujudia Wewe, Bwana, watalitukuza jina lako; kwa kuwa ndiwe uliye mkuu, Wewe ndiwe mfanya miujiza, ndiwe Mungu peke yako. Ee Bwana, unifundishe njia yako; nitakwenda katika kweli yako; moyo wangu na ufurahi kulicha jina lako; nitakusifu Wewe, Bwana, Mungu wangu, kwa moyo wangu wote, nitalitukuza jina lako milele. Maana fadhili zako kwangu ni nyingi sana; umeiokoa nafsi yangu na kuzimu. Ee Mungu, wenye kiburi wamenishambulia; mkutano wa wakatili wamenitafuta roho. Wala hawakukuweka Wewe mbele ya macho yao. Lakini Wewe, Bwana, U Mungu wa rehema na neema, mvumilivu, mwingi wa fadhili na kweli. Unielekee na kunifadhili mimi; mpe mtumishi wako nguvu zako, umwokoe mwana wa mjakazi wako. Unifanyie ishara ya wema, wanichukiao waione na kuaibishwa, kwa kuwa Wewe, Bwana, umenisaidia na kunifariji. [[SWA]]

Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my soul, for I am holy; O my God, save Your servant, who hopes in You. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for all the day long I will cry to You. Gladden the soul of Your servant, O Lord, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, O Lord, are kind and good, and very merciful to all who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer and heed the voice of my supplication. In the day of my affliction I cried to You, for You heard me. There is none like You among the gods, O Lord, and there are no works like Your works. All the Gentiles You made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and they shall glorify Your name; for You are great, doing wonders; You alone are the great God. Lead me in Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; gladden my heart so as to fear Your name. I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I shall glorify Your name forever; for great is Your mercy to me, and You rescued my soul from the lowest Hades. O God, lawless men rose up against me, and a gathering of strong men sought my soul; and they did not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are compassionate and merciful, longsuffering and very merciful and truthful. Look upon me and have mercy; give Your strength to Your servant, and save the son of Your handmaid. Work a sign in my midst for good, and let those who hate me see it and be disgraced; for You, O Lord, helped me and comforted me. [SAAS]

Unifanyie ishara ya wema, wanichukiao waione na kuaibishwa. Kwa kuwa Wewe, BWANA, umenisaidia na kunifariji. [[SWA]]

Work a sign in my midst for good, and let those who hate me see it and be disgraced; for You, O Lord, helped me and comforted me. [SAAS]

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

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

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Utukufu kwako, Ee Mungu. (3)

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

Bwana, hurumia. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Tropario.

Troparion.

Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu

Theotokion.

Wewe, uliye zaliwa na Bikira, na kuvumilia ukasulubiwa, Ee Wathamani, Uliye haribu Kifo kwa kifo, na kama Mungu ukaonyesha Kufufuka, usikose kuwatazama, hao Ulio waumba kwa Mkono Wako; onyesha pendo Lako kwa wanadamu, Ee Mwenye Huruma; kubali Aliye kuzaa, Mama Mungu, atuombeaye; na kuokoa watu waliopoteza tumaini, Ee Mwokozi wetu.

You were born of a Virgin, and You endured crucifixion for us, O good Lord. By Your death You divested death of spoils, and You displayed resurrection, as God. Please do not despise us, the work of Your hand. Demonstrate Your loving kindness, O merciful Master. Defer to Your Mother, the Theotokos, when she intercedes on our behalf, and save us, Your people in despair, O Savior.

WATU

CHOIR

Idiomela.

Grave Mode.

Amazed was Herod the king, when he saw the piety of the Magi. And overcome by anger, he calculated the number of years. Then mothers became childless; and the boys, like unripe fruit, were bitterly harvested. Breasts went dry; they ceased producing milk. Great was the calamity. So now, all we faithful, piously assembled, come let us adore the Nativity of Christ. [SD]

Mara mbili, bila mstari. Kisha:

Twice, with no verse. Then:

Mstari

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

Mode 2.

O Virgin Mary, when Joseph was racked with sadness, on the way to Bethlehem, you said to him, “Why are you miserable and troubled, seeing me pregnant? Are you completely ignorant of the tremendous mystery unfolding in me? Well then, put away all your fears, and understand the extraordinary wonder. God, in His mercy, has come down to earth, and He is now in my womb, and He has taken flesh. You will see Him born of me, as He wills; and you will be filled with joy; and you will worship Him, as your Creator, the One whom Angels unceasingly extol and glorify, as they do the Father and the Holy Spirit.” [SD]

Mstari

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

Rudia wimbo uo huo. Kisha:

Repeat the same hymn. Then:

Utukufu. Sasa.

Glory. Both now. Mode pl. 2.

Note that the following Idiomelon (“Today, He who holds…”) is first solemnly intoned in a loud voice by the precentor in the middle of the Church. Then it sung melodically by the two Choirs.

CHANTER/READER

Today, He who holds the whole world in His hand is born from a Virgin. (3) He who is impalpable in essence is wrapped in swaddling clothes as a mortal. God, who in the beginning established the heavens of old, is lying in a manger as a newborn babe. He who rained down manna for the people in the wilderness is nursed by His mother. He who is the Bridegroom of the Church is summoning the Magi. And He is accepting their gifts, now as the Son of the Virgin. “We adore Your Nativity, O Christ. We adore Your Nativity, O Christ. We adore Your Nativity, O Christ. Also show us Your divine Epiphany.” [SD]

WATU

CHOIR

Today, He who holds the whole world in His hand is born from a Virgin. (3) [SD]

He who is impalpable in essence is wrapped in swaddling clothes as a mortal. [SD]

God, who in the beginning established the heavens of old, is lying in a manger as a newborn babe. [SD]

He who rained down manna for the people in the wilderness is nursed by His mother. [SD]

He who is the Bridegroom of the Church is summoning the Magi. [SD]

And He is accepting their gifts, now as the Son of the Virgin. [SD]

We adore Your Nativity, O Christ. (2) [SD]

We adore Your Nativity, O Christ. Also show us Your divine Epiphany. [SD]

UNABII

THE PROPHECY

MSOMAJI

READER

Prokimeno. Sauti 4.

Prokeimenon. Mode 4.

A man will say, “Mother Zion,” and a man was born in her.

Mstari

Verse: His foundations are in the holy mountains. [SAAS]

Somo kutoka kwa the Prophecy of Isaiah.

The reading is from the Prophecy of Isaiah.

KASISI

PRIEST

Hekima. Tusikilize.

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

MSOMAJI

READER

9:5 – 6

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. His name will be called the Angel of Great Counsel, for I shall bring peace upon the rulers, peace and health by Him. Great shall be His government, and of His peace there is no end. His peace shall be upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order and establish it with righteousness and judgment, from that time forward and unto ages of ages. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this. [SAAS]

Waraka

The Epistle

Somo kutoka kwa Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.

The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.

KASISI

PRIEST

Tusikilize. Hekima. Tusikilize.

Let us be attentive. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

MSOMAJI

READER

2:11 – 18

Brethren, he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. [RSV]

KASISI

PRIEST

Hekima. Simameni wima. tusikilize Evanjelio Takatifu.

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

Amani kwa wote.

Peace be with all.

( Na iwe kwa roho yako. )

( And with your spirit. )

INJILI

The Gospel

KASISI

PRIEST

Injili Takatifu kama ilivyoandikwa na Matthew. Tusikilize.

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Let us be attentive.

( Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako. )

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

KASISI

PRIEST

2:13 – 23

When the magi had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the magi, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” [RSV]

( Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako. )

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

MSOMAJI

READER

For Your name’s sake, do not hand us over to the end, and do not reject Your covenant. Do not withdraw Your mercy from us for the sake of Abraham, who is loved by You, and for the sake of Isaac, Your servant, and of Israel, Your holy one. [SAAS]

Maombi ya Trisaghio.

Trisagion Prayers.

Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu, utuhurumie. (3)

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

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

Ee Utatu mtakatifu kamili, utuhurumie. Bwana, utusamehe dhambi zetu. Rabi, utuondolee makosa yetu. Mtakatifu, utukaribie na kutuponya magonjwa yetu, kwa ajili ya jina lako.

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.

Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia, Bwana hurumia.

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

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

KASISI

PRIEST

Kwa kuwa ufalme ni wako, na nguvu, na utukufu, wa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele.

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.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

Kontakio.

Kontakion.

Bwana, hurumia. (x 40)

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Bwana, hurumia. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.

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

Uliye wa thamani kushinda waheruvi, uliye na utukufu kuwapita bila kiasi waserafi, uliyemzaa Mungu neno, umebaki bila kukuharibu, uliye mzazi-Mungu kweli tunakutukuza we.

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.

Kwa jina la Bwana, Ee Padri bariki.

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

KASISI

PRIEST

Mungu atuhurumie, na kutubariki; mwanga Wake utumulikie, na kutuhurumia.

May God have compassion on us and bless us; may his face shine upon us and have mercy on us.

MSOMAJI

READER

Amina.

Amen.

KASISI

PRIEST

Ee Mungu, na Bwana Yesu Kristo Mungu wetu, mvumilia kwa maovu yetu, na hata kutuleta hadi wakati huu, ambapo, ukining’inia kwa Msalaba ulio mpaji wa Uhai Uliandaa njia kwa mwizi aliye na shukrani kuingia katika Paradiso, na kwa kifo uliharibu Kifo, tuhurumie, watumishi Wako wasio stahili; kwa kuwa tumetenda dhambi na kukosa, hatustahili kuinua macho yetu na kutazama juu Mbinguni; kwa kuwa tumetoka kwa njia ya haki Yako, na kufuta nia za mioyo yetu. Bali tunakusihi Wewe, kwa uzuri Wako usio na mwisho; tusaheme, Ee Bwana, kulingana na wingi wa huruma Zako, na kutuokoa, kwa ajili ya Jina Lako Takatifu; kwa kuwa siku zetu tumezipoteza, zimekuliwa bure.Tutwae kutoka mikononi mwa adui; tusamehe dhambi zetu, zuia mawazo yetu ya kimwili; ili kwamba tukitupilia mbali utu wa kale, tuvalishwe vazi jipya, na tuweze kuishi kwa ajili Yako, Bwana na Mlinzi wetu; kwa hii, tufuate maagizo Yako, tuweze kufikia pumziko la milele, pamoja na wale wote, wanao shangilia. Kwa kuwa Wewe u katika kweli, furaha na ukweli na shangwe kuu kwa hao, wanao Kupenda, Ee Kristo Mungu wetu, na Kwako tunatoa utukufu; kwa Baba Asiye na mwanzo, na Roho Wako Mtakatifu Mwema, Mpaji wa uhai, sasa na sikuzote, hata milele na milele. ( Amina. )

O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, who are long-suffering in the face of our transgressions, and have led us to the present hour, in which, as You hung upon the life-giving tree, You made a way into Paradise for the penitent robber, and destroyed death by death: Cleanse us, Your humble, sinful and unworthy servants. For we have sinned and transgressed and are not worthy to lift up our eyes and look at the height of heaven, for we have abandoned the path of righteousness and followed the desires of our hearts. So we implore Your incomparable goodness: Spare us, O Lord, according to the abundance of Your mercy, and save us for Your holy name’s sake, for our days have passed in vanity. Rescue us from the hand of the adversary and forgive our sins, and mortify our mind set on the flesh; so that we may put off the old man be clothed with the new, and live for You, our Master and Benefactor. And thus may we follow Your commandments, and arrive at the eternal rest, where the dwelling is of all those who rejoice. For You are the true joy and exultation of those who love You, Christ our God, and we send up glory to You and Your unoriginate Father and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages. ( Amen. )

Utukufu. Sasa. Bwana, hurumia. (3) Ee Padri mtakatifu bariki.

Glory. Both now. Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!

KASISI

PRIEST

Yeye Kristo Mungu wetu wa kweli, kwa maombi ya Mama yake asiye na doa na asiye na waa, mtakatifu kamili; kwa nguvu ya msalaba wenye thamani na mpaji wa uhai; kwa ulinzi wa nguvu zisizo na mwili waheshimiwa wa mbinguni; kwa maombi ya Yohana, Nabii, mtangulizi na mbatizaji, mheshimiwa na wa sifa; ya Mitume watakatifu, watukufu na wasifiwa; ya mashahidi watakatifu, wasifiwa na washindaji wazuri; ya watawa watakatifu na wacha Mungu; (Mtakatifu wa Kanisa); ya watakatifu na wenye haki Yohakim na Anna; na ya watakatifu wote, atuhurumie na atuokoe, yu Mungu mwema, mrahimu na mpenda wanadamu.

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.

Kwa maombi ya mababa wetu watakatifu, Ee Bwana Yesu Kristo Mungu wetu, utuhurumie na utuokoe.

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

( Amina. )

( Amen. )