Matins - Full (Psalms / Canon) Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Books - Sources

Menaion - December 25

The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

__________

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)

10.

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 10. Then the short litany.

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.

- c1211 - SDedes

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.

11.

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 11. Then the short litany.

KASISI

PRIEST

Tena na tena kwa amani, tumwombe Bwana.

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

WATU

CHOIR

Bwana, hurumia.

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.

WATU

CHOIR

Bwana, hurumia.

Lord, have mercy.

KASISI

PRIEST

WATU

CHOIR

Kwako, Ee Bwana.

To You, O Lord.

KASISI

PRIEST

Kwa kuwa U Mungu Mwema na mpenda wanadamu, na kwako tunatoa Utukufu, kwa Baba na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.

For You are good and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

WATU

CHOIR

Amina.

Amen.

WATU

CHOIR

Kathisma 2

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

- c1211 - SDedes

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.

The Polyeleos.

Zaburi ya 134 (135).

Psalm 134 (135).

Zaburi ya 135 (136).

Psalm 135 (136).

Selected Psalm Verses

Selected Psalm Verses for Christmas

Alleluia.

All the earth. Alleluia.

1. Alleluia.

1. Shout to God, all the earth; sing now to His name. [SAAS] Alleluia. (65:1)

2. Alleluia.

2. Give glory to His praise. Say to God, “How fearful are Your works.” [SAAS] Alleluia. (65:2)

3. Alleluia.

3. Describe all His wonderful works. [SAAS] Alleluia. (104:2)

4. Alleluia.

4. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth greatly rejoice. [SAAS] Alleluia. (95:11)

5. Alleluia.

5. The Lord sent redemption to His people. [SAAS] Alleluia. (110:9)

6. Alleluia.

6. You are more beautiful than the sons of men. [SAAS] Alleluia. (44:3)

7. Alleluia.

7. Our God is in heaven above; and both in heaven and on earth, all things whatsoever He wills, He does. [SAAS] Alleluia. (113:11)

8. Alleluia.

8. A man will say, “Mother Zion,” and a man was born in her. [SAAS] Alleluia. (86:5)

9. Alleluia.

9. O Lord, I will sing of Your mercies forever. [SAAS] Alleluia. (88:2)

10. Alleluia.

10. I will proclaim Your truth with my mouth. [SAAS] Alleluia. (88:2)

11. Alleluia.

11. I shall prepare your seed forever. [SAAS] Alleluia. (88:5)

12. Alleluia.

12. And I shall build your throne from generation to generation. [SAAS] Alleluia. (88:5)

13. Alleluia.

13. His seed shall remain forever. [SAAS] Alleluia. (88:37)

14. Alleluia.

14. And He shall rule from sea to sea. [SAAS] Alleluia. (71:8)

15. Alleluia.

15. He shall call upon Me, saying, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the protector of my salvation’. [SAAS] Alleluia. (88:27)

16. Alleluia.

16. I shall make him, my firstborn, Higher than the kings of the earth. [SAAS] Alleluia. (88:28)

17. Alleluia.

17. All the kings of the earth shall worship Him. [SAAS] Alleluia. (71:11)

18. Alleluia.

18. Who is so great a God as our God? Only You are the God who does wonders. [SAAS] Alleluia. (76:14)

19. Alleluia.

19. Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One. [SAAS] Alleluia. (44:4)

20. Alleluia.

20. You shall shepherd them with an iron staff. [SAAS] Alleluia. (2:9)

21. Alleluia.

21. The Lord at Your right hand crushed kings in the day of His wrath. [SAAS] Alleluia. (109:5)

22. Alleluia.

22. Kings will bring gifts to You. [SAAS] Alleluia. (67:30)

23. Alleluia.

23. I have begotten You from the womb before the morning star. [SAAS] Alleluia. (109:3)

24. Alleluia.

24. You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. [SAAS] Alleluia. (109:4)

25. Alleluia.

25. The Lord said to Me, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” [SAAS] Alleluia. (2:7)

26. Alleluia.

26. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance. [SAAS] Alleluia. (2:8)

27. Alleluia.

27. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; Your royal scepter is a scepter of uprightness. [SAAS] Alleluia. (44:7)

28. Alleluia.

28. You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. [SAAS] Alleluia. (44:8)

29. Alleluia.

29. Therefore God, Your God, anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions. [SAAS] Alleluia. (44:8)

30. Alleluia.

30. For You shall inherit all the Gentiles. [SAAS] Alleluia. (81:8)

Utukufu.

Glory. For the Trinity.

Mode 1.

- c1211 - SDedes

Let us bow in worship and adore * the Father; likewise let us glorify * the Son; and also let us praise * the all-holy Spirit faithfully, * crying out in unison, * “Save us all, we implore, all-holy Trinity.” [SD]

Sasa. Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1.

- c1211 - SDedes

We Your people now invoke the name * of Your holy Mother entreating for us. * O Good One, at her fervent prayers, * send to us Your tender mercies, O Christ, * so that we may glorify * You, the hope of our souls, O Lord. [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

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

Kathisma 3.

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

- c1211 - SDedes

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.

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.

- c1111 - SDedes

(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

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.

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

WATU

CHOIR

Ode i.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Χριστὸς γεννᾶται.

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. [SD]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Man was made in the image of God. * Because of his transgression he tumbled down, * and was to corruption wholly bound, * falling from a divine, superior life. * Now the wise Creator once again refashions Him. * For He is glorified. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Master Builder, seeing collapsed * the man whom He constructed with His own hands, * bowing the heavens now descends. * And through a pure and holy Virgin unites * wholly with his nature, having truly taken flesh. * For He is glorified. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Christ our God, as the Father’s Son, * His wisdom, Logos, power and radiance, * eluding the powers everywhere, * extraterrestrial and those down on earth, * and becoming human, has recovered us again. * For He is glorified. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 1.

Ἔσωσε λαόν.

Of old the Master who works wonders saved His people, ⁄ making the watery wave of the sea into dry land; ⁄ and now of His own will He has been born from a maiden: ⁄ He establishes a path for us to mount to heaven! ⁄⁄ We glorify Him: equal in essence to the Father and to mortal men. [OCA]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Plainly foreshadowed by the burning bush that was not consumed, ⁄ a hallowed womb has borne the Word. ⁄ God is mingled with the form of mortal men, ⁄ and so He looses the unhappy womb of Eve from the ancient, bitter curse. ⁄⁄ Therefore we glorify Him! [OCA]

Utukufu.

Glory.

Sasa.

Both now.

A star showed plainly to the Magi ⁄ the Word that was before the sun, who has come to make transgression cease. ⁄ They saw You, wrapped in swaddling clothes, within a poor and lowly cave, ⁄ for You share all our sufferings. ⁄⁄ In joy they gazed upon You, who are at once both Man and Lord. [OCA]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Katavasia

Katavasias

Sauti 1

Canon 1. Mode 1.

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 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Ode iii.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Τῷ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

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. [SD]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Made of dust was Adam, * while enjoying superior insufflation. * But through seduction by the woman, * he slipped into corruption. * Gazing at Christ born of woman, he cries: * You who for me have become now like me, * only You are holy, O Lord. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Through participation * in inferior flesh, You, O Christ, did impart * divine nature. And conforming * to ignoble clay formation, * You were born human and remained God, * and have exalted the horn of our strength. * Only You are holy, O Lord. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Bethlehem, be merry, * as the Queen of the rulers of Judah; for lo, * Israel’s shepherd who is seated * on the Cherubim’s shoulders, * Christ who manifestly hails from you * and who exalted the horn of our strength, * has reigned as King over all. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 1.

Νεῦσον πρὸς ὕμνους.

Benefactor, graciously accept, the praises of Your servants ⁄ and bring down the spiteful, haughty looks of the enemy. ⁄ Blessed Lord, who see all: ⁄ Raise us up far above sin, ⁄⁄ and establish Your singers firm and unshaken upon the foundation of the faith. [OCA]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The choir of shepherds abiding in the fields ⁄ was overwhelmed by the strange sight they were accounted worthy to behold: ⁄ for they looked upon the all-blessed offspring of an all-pure Bride; ⁄ and they saw also the ranks of bodiless angels, ⁄⁄ who sang in praise of Christ the King, incarnate without seed. [OCA]

Utukufu.

Glory.

Sasa.

Both now.

In His compassion, the One who rules the heights of heaven ⁄ has become as we are, born of a Maiden who has not known man. ⁄ The Word who before was wholly outside matter, ⁄ in these last times has assumed the material substance of the flesh ⁄⁄ so that He might draw to Himself fallen Adam, the first-formed man. [OCA]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Katavasia

Katavasias

Sauti 1

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Sauti 1

Iambic. Mode 1.

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 3: Short Litany

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

Kwako, Ee Bwana.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

KASISI

PRIEST

Kwa kuwa U mungu wetu na Kwako tunatoa utukufu, kwa Baba na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.

For You are our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

Amina.

CHOIR: Amen.

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

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]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

WATU

CHOIR

Ode iv.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ῥάβδος ἐκ τῆς ῥίζης.

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! [SD]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Christ, of whom Jacob once foretold, * the expectation of the nations, * from the tribe of Judah You arose and came to carry off * the power of Damascus and spoils of Samaria, * converting error into godly faith. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You rose out of Jacob as of old * the seer Balaam foretold. * And mystic scholars of his oracles, those stargazers from the east, * You, the Star, fulfilled with joy, * the first importation from the Gentiles, * O Master, whom You received * bearing You acceptable gifts. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Like rain on a fleece did You descend, * O Christ, into the virgin womb; * and like raindrops falling down to earth, so did Ethiopians, * and kings from Tarshish, the Isles of Arabia, * Sheba, Persia and all the earth, O Savior, fall down to You. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 1.

Γένους βροτείου.

Of old, Habakkuk the prophet was counted worthy ⁄ to behold ineffably the figure and symbol of Christ’s birth, ⁄ and he foretold in song the renewal of mankind. ⁄ For a young Babe, even the Word, has now come forth from the mountain that is the Virgin, ⁄⁄ for the renewal of the peoples. [OCA]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Of Your own will, Most High, You have come forth equal to mortal men, ⁄ taking flesh from the Virgin, ⁄ to purge the poison of the serpent’s head. ⁄ God by nature, You lead all ⁄⁄ from the gates that know no sun to the life-giving light. [OCA]

Utukufu.

Glory.

People that before were sunk in corruption, ⁄ but now have wholly escaped the perdition of the adversary, ⁄ lift up and clap your hands in songs of praise, ⁄ honoring Christ alone, our Benefactor, ⁄⁄ Who in His compassion is come into our midst. [OCA]

Sasa.

Both now.

Sprung from the stem of Jesse, Holy Virgin, ⁄ you have passed beyond the boundaries of human nature, ⁄ for you have borne the pre-eternal Word of the Father, ⁄ according to His good pleasure, by a strange self-emptying, ⁄⁄ He passed through your womb, yet kept it sealed. [OCA]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Katavasia

Katavasias

Sauti 1

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Sauti 1

Iambic. Mode 1.

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 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Ode v.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Θεὸς ὢν εἰρήνης.

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. [SD]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Submitting to Caesar Augustus’ decree, * You, O Christ, were enrolled among your own slaves, * and freed us from our slavery to the enemy and sin. * Assuming our entire impoverished earthen nature, * by this very union and communion You rendered it deified. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As Prophet Isaiah of old said, behold, * has the Virgin conceived in the womb and borne * God in human form, and yet remains a virgin still. * In truth the Theotokos is she through whom we sinners * have been reconciled to God. Come, let us praise her faithfully. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 1.

Ἐκ νυκτὸς ἔργων.

From the night of deeds of dark error we watch in vigil, ⁄ singing to You, Christ, as to our benefactor. ⁄ Come to us and grant us cleansing: ⁄ Make easy the path for us ⁄ by which we may ascend and so attain to glory. [OCA]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Master, by His coming in the flesh, ⁄has cut clean through the harsh enmity of the flesh against Him, ⁄ and has destroyed the might of the murderer of our souls. ⁄ Uniting the world to the immaterial essences, ⁄⁄ He has made the Father merciful to the creation. [OCA]

Utukufu.

Glory.

Sasa.

Both now.

The people that walked before in darkness ⁄ today have seen a light from the beacon on high. ⁄ The Son offers to God the nations as His inheritance, ⁄ bestowing grace past telling ⁄⁄ where sin once flourished more abundantly. [OCA]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Katavasia

Katavasias

Sauti 1

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Sauti 1

Iambic. Mode 1.

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 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Ode vi.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Σπλάγχνων Ἰωνᾶν.

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. [SD]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

He is come made flesh * Christ our God, whom from the womb before the morning star does God the Father beget. * He who rides upon the immaculate host of the heavenly minds * now is laid in a manger of irrationals. * He is wrapped in tattered swaddling clothes, * but He looses transgressions’ entangling bonds. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

For a child was born, * a Son, from Adam’s nature, and given unto those who believe in Him. * Of the age to come He is Father and Prince, and His name has been called * the Angel of Great Counsel. Mighty God is He; * wonderful Counselor, Prince of peace, * and He governs creation with authority. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 1.

Ναίων Ἰωνᾶς.

Enclosed in the farthest depths of the sea, ⁄ Jonah entreated You to come and still the storm. ⁄ And I, Christ, pricked by the dart of the tyrant, ⁄ call upon You, the slayer of evil, ⁄⁄ beseeching You to come quickly and deliver me from my slothfulness. [OCA]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

God the Word, who was in the beginning with God, ⁄ seeing our nature powerless to guard unharmed its ancient fellowship with Him, ⁄ now grants it a new strength: ⁄ abasing Himself, in a second act of fellowship ⁄⁄ He makes it once again free from the passions. [OCA]

Utukufu.

Glory.

Sasa.

Both now.

For our sakes He has come forth from the loins of Abraham ⁄ to raise up as His sons those who were sadly fallen in the darkness of sin ⁄ that had bowed them down to the earth; ⁄ and He who dwells in light has now been pleased, despite His high dignity, ⁄⁄ to dwell in a manger for the salvation of mankind. [OCA]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Katavasia

Katavasias

Sauti 1

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Sauti 1

Iambic. Mode 1.

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 6: Short Litany

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

Kwako, Ee Bwana.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

KASISI

PRIEST

Kwa kuwa wewe ni mfalme wa amani na wokovu wa roho zetu, na kwako tunatoa utukufu, kwa Baba na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.

For You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, 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.

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

MSOMAJI

READER

Kontakio.

Kontakion.

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.

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.

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

WATU

CHOIR

From Menaion - - -

Ode vii.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Οἱ Παῖδες εὐσεβείᾳ.

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. [SD]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night * witnessed an astonishing epiphany of light. * For the glory of the Lord surrounded them, * and an Angel shouted: Praise the Lord for Christ is born, * and say, O God of the fathers, You are blessed. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

And suddenly, with the Angel a multitude * of the host of heaven chanted, “Glory to God * in the highest heaven and upon the earth, * peace to all mankind by the eternal divine good will,” * and sang: “O God of the fathers, You are blessed.” [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

“What can this be?” the shepherds said in wonder. * “Let us go ourselves and witness this divine event.” * And coming to Bethlehem they worshipped Christ * along with her who gave Him birth, and they chanted with joy, * saying: “O God of the fathers, You are blessed.” [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 1.

Τῷ παντάνακτος.

Caught and held fast by love for the King of all, ⁄ the children despised the impious threats of the tyrant in his boundless fury: ⁄ And as the terrible fire withdrew before them, ⁄ they said to the Master: ⁄⁄ Blessed are You throughout all the ages! [OCA]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The seething and roaring furnace, heated seven-fold, ⁄ burnt up the servants of the king in its fury, ⁄ while it spared the children. ⁄ For as the flame encircled them, ⁄ the Lord, rewarding their godliness, ⁄⁄ shed upon them abundant dew. [OCA]

Utukufu.

Glory.

Using Your ineffable Incarnation as a shield, O Christ our Defender, ⁄ You have put mankind’s adversary to shame. ⁄ Taking mankind’s form, You grant him the joy of becoming divine: ⁄ For it was in this hope ⁄⁄ that we fell of old from on high into the dark depths of the earth. [OCA]

Sasa.

Both now.

By Your almighty power You have overthrown the fierce sin ⁄ that raising its head in wanton pride, ⁄ raged blasphemously in a world gone mad ⁄ and those whom in times past it dragged down, ⁄ You have delivered today from its snares, Benefactor, ⁄⁄ taking flesh of Your own will! [OCA]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Katavasia

Katavasias

Sauti 1

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Sauti 1

Iambic. Mode 1.

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 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Ode viii.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Θαύματος ὑπερφυοῦς.

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. [SD]

Troparia

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The daughter of Babylon drew into exile * David’s children as captives from Zion. * In return, she sends her own captivated * children, the three Magi bearing gifts, to court David’s Daughter bearing God. * So let us melodiously chant in praise: * Let all creation bless and extol the Lord, * and let it exalt Him supremely to the ages. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Lamentation once suspended organ of song; * for Zion’s children would not sing in strange lands. * Rising out of Bethlehem, Christ abolished * all the error of Babylon, her symphony of music as well. * So let us melodiously chant in praise: * Let all creation bless and extol the Lord, * and let it exalt Him supremely to the ages. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Babylon captured the spoils of war and riches * from the Queen of the cities of Zion. * Now from Zion, Christ captivates her treasures, * namely her stargazing kings themselves, bedazzled by the bright guiding star. * So let us melodiously chant in praise: * Let all creation bless and extol the Lord, * and let it exalt Him supremely to the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -