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Menaion - December 25
The Nativity in the Flesh of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
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IBADA YA ASUBUHI
MATINS
WATU
CHOIR
Sauti 4.
Mode 4.
Bwana ndiye Mungu naye amefunuliwa kwetu, abarikiwe yeye ajaye kwa jina la Bwana. [[SWA]]
God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]
Mstari 1: Mshukuruni Bwana , litieni jina lake takatifu
Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.
Mstari 2: Mataifa yote walinizunguka; kwa jina la Bwana niliwakatalia mbali.
Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.
Mstari 3: Neno hili limetoka kwa Bwana nalo ni la ajabu machoni mwetu
Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
Apolytikion of the Feast.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4.
(3)
Your nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the light of knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the worshippers of the stars were by a star instructed to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know You as Orient from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. [SD] (3)
KASISI
PRIEST
Tena na tena kwa amani, tumwombe Bwana.
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
KASISI
PRIEST
Utusaidie, utuokoe, utuhurumie, utuhifadhi, Ee Mungu, kwa neema yako.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
KASISI
PRIEST
Tumkumbuke Maria Mtakatifu kamili, asiye na doa, Mbarikiwa zaidi kushinda wote, Bibi wetu mtukufu mzazi Mungu na bikira daima pamoja na watakatifu wote hata sisi pia wenyewe na kila mmoja wetu na wenzetu wote, hata maisha yetu, kujiweka mikononi mwa Kristo Mungu.
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.
Kwako, Ee Bwana.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
KASISI
PRIEST
Kwa kuwa, utawala ni kwako na ufalme na uweza, na utukufu ni vyako, Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.
For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
WATU
CHOIR
Kathisma 1.
Kathisma I.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. Joseph marveled.
Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.
Come, believers, let us see the place where Christ has been born.* With the Magi, those three kings who from the orient are,* now let us follow to where the star is proceeding.* Ceaselessly do Angels sing praises there.* Shepherds in the field sing a worthy song,* saying: Glory in the highest be to Him who* was born today in the grotto* from the Virgin and Theotokos,* in Bethlehem of Judea. [SD]
Utukufu. Sasa. Rudia.
Glory. Both now. Repeat.
Come, believers, let us see the place where Christ has been born.* With the Magi, those three kings who from the orient are,* now let us follow to where the star is proceeding.* Ceaselessly do Angels sing praises there.* Shepherds in the field sing a worthy song,* saying: Glory in the highest be to Him who* was born today in the grotto* from the Virgin and Theotokos,* in Bethlehem of Judea. [SD]
Kathisma 2
Kathisma II.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. Joseph marveled.
Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.
Mary, why are you amazed and awed by what was done in you? * And she answers, “For in time I have brought forth a timeless Son. * But I have no understanding of His conception. * Husbandless am I: how can I bear a son? * Who has ever seen seedless childbirth? * But where God wills, the order found in nature * is overcome, as it is written.” * So Christ was born from the Virgin Maiden, * in Bethlehem of Judea. [SD]
Utukufu. Sasa. Rudia.
Glory. Both now. Repeat.
Mary, why are you amazed and awed by what was done in you? * And she answers, “For in time I have brought forth a timeless Son. * But I have no understanding of His conception. * Husbandless am I: how can I bear a son? * Who has ever seen seedless childbirth? * But where God wills, the order found in nature * is overcome, as it is written.” * So Christ was born from the Virgin Maiden, * in Bethlehem of Judea. [SD]
Kathisma 3.
Kathisma III.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4. Joseph marveled.
Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.
He whom nothing can contain has been contained in a womb. * He is in the Father’s bosom and His Mother’s embrace. * How can this be, but as He knows and willed and was well pleased. * Fleshless as He was, He willingly took flesh. * And He Who Is became what He was not, for us. * And while departing not from His own nature, * He shared in our nature’s substance. * So Christ was born with dual natures, * wishing to replenish the world on high. [SD]
Utukufu. Sasa. Rudia.
Glory. Both now. Repeat.
He whom nothing can contain has been contained in a womb. * He is in the Father’s bosom and His Mother’s embrace. * How can this be, but as He knows and willed and was well pleased. * Fleshless as He was, He willingly took flesh. * And He Who Is became what He was not, for us. * And while departing not from His own nature, * He shared in our nature’s substance. * So Christ was born with dual natures, * wishing to replenish the world on high. [SD]
KASISI
PRIEST
Tena na tena kwa amani, tumwombe Bwana.
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
KASISI
PRIEST
Utusaidie, utuokoe, utuhurumie, utuhifadhi, Ee Mungu, kwa neema yako.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
KASISI
PRIEST
Tumkumbuke Maria Mtakatifu kamili, asiye na doa, Mbarikiwa zaidi kushinda wote, Bibi wetu mtukufu mzazi Mungu na bikira daima pamoja na watakatifu wote hata sisi pia wenyewe na kila mmoja wetu na wenzetu wote, hata maisha yetu, kujiweka mikononi mwa Kristo Mungu.
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.
Kwako, Ee Bwana.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
KASISI
PRIEST
Kwa kuwa Jina Lako limebarikiwa, na Ufalme Wako umetukuzwa, wa Baba na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.
For blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
WATU
CHOIR
Antifono ya 1
Antiphon 1.
Sauti 4.
Mode 4.
Tangu ujana wangu tamaa mbaya zinanisumbua, lakini wewe unisaidie na uniokoe, Ee Mwokozi wangu. [[SWA]] (x 2)
From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. [GOASD] (2)
Wachukiao Sayuni, mwaibishwe mbele ya Bwana, maana mtakuwa mmekauka kama majani motoni. [[SWA]] (x 2)
You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. [GOASD] (2)
Utukufu.
Glory.
Katika Roho Mtakatifu kila nafsi yapata uzima na kwa utakaso yainuka, na yaangazwa, katika Utatu wa umoja na siri ya umungu. [[SWA]]
By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]
Sasa.
Both now.
From the Holy Spirit the streams of grace well forth; they water all creation, so that life be engendered. [GOASD]
Prokimeno.
Prokeimenon. Psalm 109.
(x 2)
I have begotten You from the womb before the morning star. The Lord swore and will not repent. (2)
Mstari
Verse: The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of Your feet.”
I have begotten You from the womb before the morning star. The Lord swore and will not repent. [SAAS]
Simameni kwa usomwaji wa Injili.
Stand for the Gospel reading.
Tumwombe Bwana.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
KASISI
PRIEST
Kwa kuwa wewe ni mtakatifu Mungu wetu, umepumzika pamoja na watakatifu, na kwakoo tunatoa utukufu, kwa Baba ba Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele
For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, 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.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
Sauti 2.
Mode 2.
Kila mwenye pumzi na amsifu Bwana x 2 Kila mwenye pumzi na amsifu Bwana. (x 2) Kila mwenye pumzi namsifu Bwana. [[SWA]]
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]
SHEMASI
DEACON
Na tumsihi Bwana Mungu wetu atustahilishe
Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.
Bwana, hurumia. (3)
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
SHEMASI
DEACON
Hekima. Simameni wima. tusikilize Evanjelio Takatifu.
Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
Amani kwa wote.
PRIEST: Peace be with all.
Na iwe kwa roho yako.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
KASISI
PRIEST
Injili Takatifu kama ilivyoandikwa na Matthew.
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
WATU
CHOIR
Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako.
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
KASISI (toka langoni)
PRIEST (from the gate)
Mt. 1:18 – 25
Mt. 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]
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]
WATU
CHOIR
Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako.
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
MSOMAJI
READER
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]
From Menaion - - -
WATU
CHOIR
Utukufu. Sauti 2.
Glory. Mode 2.
All things are filled with joy today, for Christ is born from the Virgin. [SD]
Sasa.
Both now.
All things are filled with joy today, for Christ is born from the Virgin. [SD]
Idiomelon. Mode pl. 2.
Mstari Ee Mungu, unirehemu, sawasawa na fadhili zako. Kiasi cha wingi wa rehema zako, uyafute makosa yangu.. [[SWA]]
Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. [SAAS]
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth. Today Bethlehem receives him who is ever seated with the Father. Today Angels glorify in a manner fitting God the babe that is born. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will among men. [SD]
KASISI
PRIEST
O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Look upon Your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us Your rich mercies:
through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, heavenly, bodiless powers, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, our fathers among the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; Menas the wonderworker; Charalambos and Eleutherios, the hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Katherine, Kyriake, Fotene, Marina, Paraskeve and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; and all Your saints:
We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.
WATU
CHOIR
Bwana, hurumia. (x 12)
Lord, have mercy. (12)
KASISI
PRIEST
Through the mercy, compassion, and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
From Menaion - - -
MSOMAJI
READER
Ipakoi (Masomo ya Kurudia)
Hypakoe. Mode pl. 4.
Heaven called the Magi by a star, and thus it brought the first-fruits of the Gentiles to You, the infant lying in the manger. And they were amazed, not by scepters and thrones, but by the utter poverty. For what is more shabby than a cave? And what is more humble than swaddling clothes? But it was through these that the riches of your divinity shone forth. Lord, glory to You! [SD]
Kontakio.
Kontakion.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 3. Automelon.
Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.
On this day the Virgin gives * birth to the Super-essential. * To the Unapproachable, * earth is providing the grotto. * Angels sing and with the shepherds offer up glory. * Following a star the Magi are still proceeding. * He was born for our salvation, a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God. [SD]
Oikos.
Oikos.
Bethlehem has opened Eden. Come, let us see. We have found the hidden delight. Come, let us receive the things of Paradise inside the Cave. There, we shall see an unwatered root that blossomed forgiveness. There, we shall find an undug well, from which David of old desired to drink. There, the Virgin quenched the thirst of both Adam and David, when she gave birth to her baby. So let us go there now, where He was born a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God. [SD]
Simameni
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxario
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On December 25 is the Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be glory to the ages of ages. Amen.
Katavasias Odes 1-8
WATU
CHOIR
Katavasia
Katavasias of Christmas I and II
Sauti 1
Ode i. Mode 1.
Christ is born; glorify Him! * Christ is come from heaven; go and meet Him. * Christ is on earth; arise to Him. * Sing to the Lord, all you who dwell on the earth; * and in merry spirits, O you peoples, praise His birth. * For He is glorified. [GOASD]
Sauti 1
Iambic. Mode 1.
Working signs of old the Master saved the people, * replacing fluid waves of the sea with dry land. * Now born of a Maid by His own will, He has made * passable a way to heaven. Him, in essence * equal to mankind and the Father, we glorify. [GOASD]
Ode iii.
To the Son, begotten * without flux, of the Father, before the ages, * and who was lately made incarnate * of the Virgin without seed; * to Christ God now let us cry aloud: * You have exalted the horn of our strength. Only You are holy, O Lord. [GOASD]
Iambic.
Hearken, Benefactor, to the hymns of Your servants, * and humble the arrogant contempt of the foe. * Carry us Your musicians, all-seeing Master, * high above all sin, immovably established * firmly on the Faith’s foundation, O Blessed One. [GOASD]
Ode iv.
Jesse’s root produced a branch, O Christ, * and You its flower blossomed forth, * from the Virgin who by Habakkuk prophetically once was called * overshadowed, dense mountain. * From her who knew not man You came incarnate, * the immaterial God. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord. [GOASD]
Iambic.
Prophet Habakkuk in his ode was foretelling * mankind’s remaking, when of old he was granted * to see its type in a manner past expression: * From the Virgin mountain as a newborn infant * the Logos emerged, to refashion the peoples. [GOASD]
Ode v.
God of peace and Father of mercies, Your Son * You have sent unto us as Your messenger, * the Angel of great counsel who is granting peace. * Therefore having been guided to the light of godly knowledge, * waking from the night to dawn, we sing Your glory, O benevolent Lord. [GOASD]
Iambic.
Would that You come, O Christ, to us who once were darkened * by the night of works of error, but who offer * hymns to You wakefully now, O Benefactor. * Grant us forgiveness, and make easy the pathway. * Ascending this path may we also find glory. [GOASD]
Ode vi.
Such as it received * Jonah as an embryo, the sea beast disgorged him from its bowels intact. * With the Virgin, though, when the Logos had dwelt in her taking on flesh, * He came forth from her preserving her yet incorrupt. * For from her no fluxion suffered He, * and He kept her unaltered in childbirth. [GOASD]
Iambic.
Jonah, as he sat in the sea’s deepest caverns, * implored to come to You and out of the tempest. * But as for me, by the tyrant’s arrows wounded, * I pray You, O Christ, the Destroyer of evil, * come to me quicker than my soul’s own indifference. [GOASD]
Ode vii.
The Servants nurtured piously together, * with contempt regarding the impious king’s decree, * intrepidly faced the threat of holocaust, * and while standing in the midst of flames they chanted thus, * saying: O God of the fathers, You are blessed. [GOASD]
Iambic.
As the three young men were ensnared by the longing * for the King of all, hence they disdained the tyrant’s * impious chatter, though he was very angry. * The infinite fire yielded to them, who uttered, * Blessed are You, O Master, unto the ages. [GOASD]
Ode viii.
Tunamsifu, tunamhimidi, na tunamsujudu Bwana.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
Babylon’s bedewing furnace bore the image * of an extraordinary wonder. * For it did not burn the youths it accepted, * nor did the fire of Divinity consume the Virgin’s womb wherein it went. * So let us melodiously chant in praise: * Let all creation bless and extol the Lord, * and let it exalt Him supremely to the ages. [GOASD]
Iambic.
Standing in fire without burning, the young men * did of old portray thus the womb of the Maiden. * Remaining sealed, supernaturally it gave birth. * Grace with a single miracle-working power * did both, and rouses all the peoples to sing praise. [GOASD]
Simameni kwa wimbaji wa Odhii ya Tisa
Stand for the singing of Ode ix.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Mzazi Mungu yu Mama wa Nuru, tumheshimu kwa nyimbo, za kumtukuza.
Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.
WATU
CHOIR
From Menaion - - -
Ode ix.
Canon 1.
Mode 1. Heirmos.
Μυστήριον ξένον.
O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honor and in glory than the armies of heaven.
I see here a strange and paradoxical mystery. * For, behold, the grotto is heaven; * cherubic throne is the Virgin; * the manger a grand space * in which Christ our God the uncontainable reclined as a babe; * Whom in extolling do we magnify. [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
O my soul, magnify God who was born in the flesh from a Virgin.
The wise men concluded from their observations of * the extraordinary path of the peculiar nova which had lately * appeared and was shining more brightly than anything in outer space, * that Christ the King was born on earth, in Bethlehem to save our souls. [SD]
O my soul, magnify the King who was born as an infant in the grotto.
When Magi came saying: “Where is the newly born * child King whose star has appeared? * For we have come to adore Him * with gold, myrrh and incense,” * then Herod, the enemy of God, was vexed, and madly incensed, * fuming he plotted how to murder Christ. [SD]
O my soul, magnify God who was worshiped by the Magi.
Herod ascertained the exact time the star appeared; * by the guidance of which the wise men * with gifts in Bethlehem worshipped Christ; * by Whom they were directed * to go to their country by another way, * abandoning that terrible, ridiculous infanticide. [SD]
From Menaion - - -
Iambic Canon.
Mode 1. Heirmos.
Στέργειν μὲν ἡμᾶς.
Today the holy Virgin gives birth to the Master within the cave and grotto.
Easier for us is from fear to love silence, * free of any peril as it is, O Virgin; * whereas to weave stirring hymns out of longing * in earnest, is difficult. Therefore, O Mother, * give us strength to match our volition, we pray you. [SD]
Today our Lord and Master is born as an infant; His Mother is a virgin.
Easier for us is from fear to love silence, * free of any peril as it is, O Virgin; * whereas to weave stirring hymns out of longing * in earnest, is difficult. Therefore, O Mother, * give us strength to match our volition, we pray you. [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
Utukufu.
Glory.
O my soul, magnify the power of the Godhead, that is three hypostases and also undivided.
We have clearly seen the obscure types and shadows * fulfilled; and the light of the truth we perceive now, * O pure Theotokos and Mother of the Logos * who lately came forth from the gate that had been closed. * Worthily we bless your womb, all-holy Virgin. [SD]
Sasa.
Both now.
O my soul, magnify the ever-virgin Maid who from the curse has redeemed us.
Having been granted the longed-for experience * of the Advent of God, the Christ-pleasing people * tearfully prays to see the regeneration, * the life-giving Baptism. All-pure and holy Virgin, * grant us the favor, to venerate that glory. [SD]
Ode 9: Katavasia
Katavasia
Katavasias
Sauti 1
Canon 1. Mode 1.
O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honor and in glory than the armies of heaven.
I see here a strange and paradoxical mystery. * For, behold, the grotto is heaven; * cherubic throne is the Virgin; * the manger a grand space * in which Christ our God the uncontainable reclined as a babe; * Whom in extolling do we magnify. [GOASD]
Sauti 1
Iambic. Mode 1.
O my soul, magnify the ever-virgin Maid who from the curse has redeemed us.
Easier for us is from fear to love silence, * free of any peril as it is, O Virgin; * whereas to weave stirring hymns out of longing * in earnest, is difficult. Therefore, O Mother, * give us strength to match our volition, we pray you. [GOASD]
KASISI
PRIEST
Tena na tena kwa amani, tumwombe Bwana.
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
KASISI
PRIEST
Utusaidie, utuokoe, utuhurumie, utuhifadhi, Ee Mungu, kwa neema yako.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
KASISI
PRIEST
Tumkumbuke Maria Mtakatifu kamili, asiye na doa, Mbarikiwa zaidi kushinda wote, Bibi wetu mtukufu mzazi Mungu na bikira daima pamoja na watakatifu wote hata sisi pia wenyewe na kila mmoja wetu na wenzetu wote, hata maisha yetu, kujiweka mikononi mwa Kristo Mungu.
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.
Kwako, Ee Bwana.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
KASISI
PRIEST
Kwa kuwa Nguvu zote za Mbinguni zina kusifu, na Kwako zinakupa utukufu pamoja na Babako wa milele, pamoja na Roho wako Mtakatifu mwema na mpaji wa uhai, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.
For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
WATU
CHOIR
Eksapostiilario.
Exaposteilarion.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 3. Automelon.
Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς.
(3)
Our Savior from on high * the Orient from the East * visited us who in the dark * and shadow hitherto had lain; * now we have found the truth indeed. * And this is so because from the Virgin the Lord is born. [SD] (3)
Ainoi. Sauti 4.
Lauds. Mode 4.
Kila mwenye pumzi na amsifu Bwana. Msifuni Bwana kutoka mbinguni; msifuni katika mahali palipo juu. Sifa ni haki yako, Ee Mungu. [[SWA]]
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]
Msifuni, enyi malaika zake wote; msifuni, majeshi yake yote. Sifa ni haki yako, Ee Mungu. [[SWA]]
Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]
Show Stichologia
Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.
Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.
For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.
He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.
Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.
Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.
Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.
Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.
His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.
A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.
Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.
Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.
Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.
For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.
The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.
The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.
To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.
To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.
To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones.
Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Hide Stichologia
Stichera for the Feast.
From Menaion - - -
Idiomelon. Mode 4.
Msifuni kwa matendo yake makuu; msifuni kwa kadiri ya wingi wa ukuu wake. [[SWA]]
Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]
You righteous, be glad in heart; and the heavens, be exultant. Leap for joy, O mountains, at the birth of the Messiah. Resembling the Cherubim, the Virgin Maiden is seated and holds in her embraces God the Logos incarnate. The shepherds glorify the newborn Babe; Magi bring the Master their precious gifts. Angels are singing hymns of praise, and say, “O Lord incomprehensible, glory to You.” [SD]
Idiomelon. Mode 4.
Msifuni kwa mvumo wa baragamu; msifuni kwa kinanda na kinubi [[SWA]]
Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]
The Father was well pleased; the Logos became flesh; and the Virgin gave birth to God who became man. A Star reveals Him; Magi bow in worship; Shepherds marvel, and creation rejoices. [SD]
Idiomelon. Mode 4.
Msifuni kwa matari na kucheza; msifuni kwa zeze na filimbi [[SWA]]
Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]
O Virgin Theotokos who gave birth to the Savior, you reversed the curse to which Eve once was subject. For you have become the Mother of the Father’s good pleasure, and you hold in your embraces God the Logos incarnate. The mystery admits no inquiry; we all glorify it by faith alone, and with you we cry aloud and say, “O Lord incomprehensible, glory to You.” [SD]
Idiomelon. Mode 4.
Msifuni kwa matoazi yaliayo; msifuni kwa mataoazi yavumayo sana. Kila mwenye pumzi na amsifu Bwana.. [[SWA]]
Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]
Come, let us extol and praise the Savior’s Mother, who remained a virgin even after childbirth. Animate City of our King and God, rejoice, for Christ having dwelt in you has wrought our salvation. Together with Gabriel we sing your praise, together with the shepherds we glorify you, crying out, “Theotokos, intercede with the Lord, who is incarnate from you, to save us.” [SD]
Utukufu.
Glory.
From Menaion - - -
Mode pl. 2.
When the time came for Your Advent on earth, the first census of the Roman world was conducted. Then it was that You began to record the names of those who would believe in Your birth. Such a decree was published by Caesar, because the timelessness of Your eternal kingdom was revealed anew. And now, we in our turn, above and beyond a monetary tax, bring to You the wealth of Orthodox theology, O God and Savior of our souls. [SD]
The [second] choir sings the following Idiomelon, up to the asterisk; then the first choir begins the Great Doxology, starting with the last verse of the Idiomelon: “Glory to God in the highest…”
Sasa.
Both now.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 2.
Today in Bethlehem, Christ is born of the Virgin. Today, the Unoriginate begins, and the Word becomes flesh. The hosts of heaven are rejoicing, and the earth and humanity are merry. The Magi bring their gifts. The Shepherds proclaim the marvel. And we unceasingly cry aloud: * “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” [SD]
Simameni
Stand for the Great Doxology.
DOKSOLOGIA KUBWA (Wimbo wa Kumtukuza Mungu)
Great Doxology
Tukusifu; tukuhimidi tukusujudu, tukutukuza, tukushukuru, kwa utukufu wako mkubwa
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
Ee Bwana, mfalme wa juu mbinguni Mungu, Baba mwenye enzi. Ee Bwana mwana wa pekee, Yesu Kristo na Roho Mtakatifu.
Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.
Ee Bwana Mungu we, mwanakondoo wa Mungu Mwana wa Baba. Unayechukua dhambi za dunia, utuhurumie, unayechukua dhambi za dunia.
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world.
Uyapokee maombi yetu, unayeketi kuume, kwa Baba na kutuhurumia.
Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.
Kwa kuwa, u mtakatifu wa pekee, u Bwana wa pekee Yesu Kristo kwa utukufu wa Baba. Amina.
For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Kila siku nitakuhidi, nitalisifu jina lako milele hata milele na milele.
Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.
Ee Bwana utujalie katika siku hii kujilinda bila dhambi.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.
Wahimidiwa Ee Bwana wa mababa zetu, jina lako linasifiwa na linatukuzwa kwa milele, Amina.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.
Ee Bwana huruma yako iwe nasi, tulivyokutumaini wewe.
Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.
Wahimidiwa, Ee Bwana, unifundishe ziliso haki zako.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Wahimidiwa, Ee Bwana, unifundishe ziliso haki zako.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Wahimidiwa, Ee Bwana, unifundishe ziliso haki zako.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Wewe, Bwana, umekuwa makao yetu, kizazi baada ya kizazi. Ee Bwana, umekuwa kimbilio letu kwa kizazi na kizazi. Nalisema, Ee Bwana unihurumie, uiponye nafsi yangu, maana nimekutendea dhambi.
Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.
Ee Bwana nimekimbilia kwako, unifundishe kuyatenda mapenzi yako maana ndiwe Mungu wangu.
Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.
Maana we chemichemi ya uzima; katika nuru yako tutaona nuru.
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.
Zidumishe huruma zako kwao wakujuao.
Continue Your mercy to those who know You.
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, usiyekufa Mtakatifu utuhurumie. (3)
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Utukufu kwa Baba na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Sasa na sikuzote hata milele na milele. Amina.
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Usiyekufa Mtakatifu utuhurumie.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, usiyekufa Mtakatifu utuhurumie.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Apolitikio.
Apolytikion.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 4.
Your nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the light of knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the worshippers of the stars were by a star instructed to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know You as Orient from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. [SD]