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Μηναῖον - Τῌ ΚΖʹ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ

Menaion - December 27

Μνήμη τοῦ Ἁγίου Πρωτομάρτυρος Στεφάνου

Memory of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen.

__________

__________

ΟΡΘΡΟΣ

MATINS

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ἀπολυτίκιον. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Στεφάνου.

Apolytikion. For St. Stephen.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ. Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Βασίλειον διάδημα, ἐστέφθη σὴ κορυφή, ἐξ ἄθλων ὧν ὑπέμεινας, ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, μαρτύρων Πρωτόαθλε· σὺ γὰρ τὴν Ἰουδαίων ἀπελέγξας μανίαν, εἶδές σου τὸν Σωτῆρα, τοῦ Πατρὸς δεξιόθεν. Αὐτὸν οὖν ἐκδυσώπει ἀεί, ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.

O Stephen, a crown of royalty was laid on your head * for contests you courageously endured for Christ our God, * as first among Martyr saints. * You refuted the ravings of the Jews who accused you, * and you saw your Savior at the right hand of the Father. * We pray that you will ever entreat Him to save our souls. [GOASD]

Δόξα. Τὸ αὐτό.

Glory. Repeat.

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἑορτῆς.

Apolytikion of the Feast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

Ἡ Γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσμῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως· ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο, σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν. Κύριε δόξα σοι.

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]

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ἔτι καὶ ἔτι ἐν εἰρήνῃ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

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

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

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

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Σοί, Κύριε.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

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

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Κάθισμα Αʹ.

Kathisma I.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος αʹ. Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

Mode 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

Ὁ θρόνῳ πυριμόρφῳ, ἐν ὑψίστοις καθήμενος, σὺν Πατρὶ τῷ Ἀνάρχῳ, καὶ τῷ θείῳ σου Πνεύματι, εὐδόκησας τεχθῆναι ἐν σαρκί, ἐκ Κόρης ἀπειράνδρου Ἰησοῦ· διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἀστὴρ σε, τοῖς ἐκ Περσίδος Μάγοις καθυπέδειξε. Δόξα τῇ παναγάθῳ σου βουλῇ, δόξα τῇ ἐπιφανείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἄκρᾳ συγκαταβάσει σου.

O Jesus, who are seated in the highest on a fiery throne * with the unoriginate Father and Your divine Holy Spirit, * O Lord, You were well pleased to be born * of a virgin Maiden in the flesh. * For this reason did a star show the way to You * for the Magi from Persia. * Glory to Your all-benevolent will; * glory to Your epiphany; * glory to Your extreme condescension to us. [SD]

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Τὸ αὐτό.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Ὁ θρόνῳ πυριμόρφῳ, ἐν ὑψίστοις καθήμενος, σὺν Πατρὶ τῷ Ἀνάρχῳ, καὶ τῷ θείῳ σου Πνεύματι, εὐδόκησας τεχθῆναι ἐν σαρκί, ἐκ Κόρης ἀπειράνδρου Ἰησοῦ· διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἀστὴρ σε, τοῖς ἐκ Περσίδος Μάγοις καθυπέδειξε. Δόξα τῇ παναγάθῳ σου βουλῇ, δόξα τῇ ἐπιφανείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἄκρᾳ συγκαταβάσει σου.

O Jesus, who are seated in the highest on a fiery throne * with the unoriginate Father and Your divine Holy Spirit, * O Lord, You were well pleased to be born * of a virgin Maiden in the flesh. * For this reason did a star show the way to You * for the Magi from Persia. * Glory to Your all-benevolent will; * glory to Your epiphany; * glory to Your extreme condescension to us. [SD]

Κάθισμα Βʹ.

Kathisma II.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ. Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Τὴν τοῦ Πνεύματος πηγήν, ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ μυστικῶς, κεκτημένος τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὁ Πρωτομάρτυς ἀληθῶς, τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἀπήλεγξε τὴν αὐθάδειαν, καὶ ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς, τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυΐδ, ἀναβλαστήσαντα, τῷ τῆς σοφίας καὶ χάριτος πληρώματι, πεπληρωμένος ὁ ἔνδοξος. Ἀλλʼ ὦ Τρισμάκαρ, τοὺς σὲ τιμῶντας, σῷζε θείαις πρεσβείαις σου.

As he mystically possessed * the Holy Spirit in his heart * welling forth the words of grace, * the Protomartyr of Christ * reproved the stubbornness of the Jews who were stiff-necked. * The glorious one was filled * with the fullness of grace * and wisdom, by which he * also proved to them * that the Son of God was a descendant * of King David and had sprung forth from his seed. * “Thrice-blessed Stephen, save us who honor you, * by your holy intercessions.” [SD]

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Ἦχος δʹ. Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Glory. Both now. Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Ὁ ἀχώρητος παντί, πῶς ἐχωρήθη ἐν γαστρί; ὁ ἐν κόλποις τοῦ Πατρός, πῶς ἐν ἀγκάλαις τῆς Μητρός; πάντως ὡς οἶδεν ὡς ἠθέλησε καὶ ὡς ηὐδόκησεν· ἄσαρκος γὰρ ὤν, ἐσαρκώθη ἑκών· καὶ γέγονεν ὁ Ὤν, ὃ οὐκ ἦν διʼ ἡμᾶς· καὶ μὴ ἐκστὰς τῆς φύσεως, μετέσχε τοῦ ἡμετέρου φυράματος. Διπλοῦς ἐτέχθη, Χριστὸς τὸν ἄνω, κόσμον θέλων ἀναπληρῶσαι.

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]

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Ψαλμὸς Nʹ (50).

Psalm 50 (51).

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

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Κοντάκιον.

Kontakion.

Ἦχος γʹ. Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

Mode 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

Ὁ Δεσπότης χθὲς ἡμῖν, διὰ σαρκὸς ἐπεδήμει, καὶ ὁ δοῦλος σήμερον, ἀπὸ σαρκὸς ἐξεδήμει· χθὲς μὲν γάρ, ὁ Βασιλεύων σαρκὶ ἐτέχθη, σήμερον δέ, ὁ οἰκέτης λιθοβολεῖται, διʼ αὐτὸν καὶ τελειοῦται, ὁ Πρωτομάρτυς καὶ θεῖος Στέφανος.

Yesterday, the Master arrived through the flesh, and today, the servant departs from the flesh. Yesterday, the King was born in the flesh, and today the servant is stoned for His sake and dies. And we know him as the holy Protomartyr Stephen. [SD]

Ὁ Οἶκος.

Oikos.

Ὡς ἀστὴρ φαεινὸς σήμερον συνεξέλαμψε, τῇ Γεννήσει Χριστοῦ, ὁ Πρωτομάρτυς Στέφανος, ἀστράπτων καὶ φωτίζων τὰ πέρατα ἅπαντα, τῶν Ἰουδαίων μόνον ἠμαύρωσε τὴν πᾶσαν δυσσέβειαν, σοφίας λόγοις τούτους διελέγξας, ἀπὸ τῶν Γραφῶν διαλεγόμενος, καὶ πείθων τούτους, τὸν γεννηθέντα ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου Ἰησοῦν, Υἱὸν αὐτόν εἶναι Θεοῦ, κατῄσχυνε τούτων τὴν ἀσεβῆ κακουργίαν, ὁ Πρωτομάρτυς καὶ θεῖος Στέφανος.

Today, together with the Nativity of Christ, the Protomartyr Stephen has shone forth like a bright shining star, flashing and illuminating all the ends of the earth, except that he cast a shadow on the impiety of the Jews, when he reproved them with his words of wisdom. For he debated with them using the Scriptures, and tried to persuade them that Jesus who was born of the Virgin was indeed the Son of God. He exposed their impious crime. And we know him as the holy Protomartyr Stephen. [SD]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ Συναξαρίου.

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Συναξάριον

Synaxarion

Τοῦ Μηναίου.

From the Menaion.

Τῇ ΚΖʹ τοῦ αὐτοῦ μηνὸς μνήμη τοῦ ἁγίου Ἀποστόλου Πρωτομάρτυρος καὶ Ἀρχιδιακόνου Στεφάνου, ἑνὸς τῶν ἑπτὰ Διακόνων.

On December 27 we commemorate the holy Apostle, Protomartyr, and Archdeacon Stephen, one of the Seven Deacons.

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

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

Katavasias Odes 1-8

Katavasias Odes 1-8

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Καταβασίαι τῆς Χριστοῦ Γεννήσεως Βʹ

Katavasias of Christmas II

ᾨδὴ αʹ. Ἦχος αʹ.

Ode i. Mode 1.

Ἔσωσε λαόν, θαυματουργῶν Δεσπότης * Ὑγρὸν θαλάσσης, κῦμα χερσώσας πάλαι. * Ἑκὼν δὲ τεχθεὶς ἐκ Κόρης, τρίβον βατὴν * Πόλου τίθησιν ἡμῖν· ὃν κατ οὐσίαν * Ἴσόν τε Πατρί, καὶ βροτοῖς δοξάζομεν.

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]

ᾨδὴ γʹ.

Ode iii.

Νεῦσον πρὸς ὕμνους, οἰκετῶν Εὐεργέτα * Ἐχθροῦ ταπεινῶν, τὴν ἐπηρμένην ὀφρύν· * Φέρων τε παντεπόπτα, τῆς ἁμαρτίας * Ὕπερθεν ἀκλόνητον, ἐστηριγμένους * Μάκαρ μελῳδούς, τῇ βάσει τῆς πίστεως.

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]

ᾨδὴ δʹ.

Ode iv.

Γένους βροτείου, τὴν ἀνάπλασιν πάλαι * ᾌδων Προφήτης, Ἀββακοὺμ προμηνύει * Ἰδεῖν ἀφράστως, ἀξιωθεὶς τὸν τύπον· * Νέον βρέφος γάρ, ἐξ ὄρους τῆς Παρθένου * Ἐξῆλθε λαῶν, εἰς ἀνάπλασιν Λόγος.

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]

ᾨδὴ εʹ.

Ode v.

Ἐκ νυκτὸς ἔργων, ἐσκοτισμένης πλάνης * Ἱλασμὸν ἡμῖν, Χριστὲ τοῖς ἐγρηγόρως * Νῦν σοι τελοῦσιν, ὕμνον ὡς εὐεργέτῃ * Ἔλθοις πορίζων, εὐχερῆ τε τὴν τρίβον· * Καθʼ ἢν ἀνατρέχοντες, εὕροιμεν κλέος.

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]

ᾨδὴ Ϛʹ.

Ode vi.

Ναίων Ἰωνᾶς, ἐν μυχοῖς θαλαττίοις * Ἐλθεῖν ἐδεῖτο, καὶ ζάλην ἀπαρκέσαι. * Νυγεὶς ἐγὼ δέ, τῷ τυραννοῦντος βέλει * Χριστὲ προσαυδῶ, τὸν κακῶν ἀναιρέτην * θᾶττον μολεῖν σε, τῆς ἐμῆς ῥαθυμίας.

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]

ᾨδὴ ζʹ.

Ode vii.

Τῷ παντάνακτος, ἐξεφαύλισαν πόθῳ * Ἄπλητα θυμαίνοντος, ἠγκιστρωμένοι * Παῖδες τυράννου, δύσθεον γλωσσαλγίαν· * Οἷς εἴκαθε πῦρ, ἄσπετον τῷ Δεσπότῃ * Λέγουσιν· Εἰς αἰῶνας, εὐλογητὸς εἶ.

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]

ᾨδὴ ηʹ.

Ode viii.

Αἰνοῦμεν, εὐλογοῦμεν καὶ προσκυνοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Μήτραν ἀφλέκτως, εἰκονίζουσι Κόρης * Οἱ τῆς παλαιᾶς, πυρπολούμενοι νέοι * Ὑπερφυῶς κύουσαν, ἐσφραγισμένην. * Ἄμφω δὲ δρῶσα, θαυματουργίᾳ μιᾷ * Λαοὺς πρὸς ὕμνον, ἐξανίστησι χάρις.

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]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν Θʹ Ὠδήν.

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Τὴν Θεοτόκον καὶ μητέρα τοῦ φωτὸς ἐν ὕμνοις τιμῶντες μεγαλύνωμεν.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

ᾨδὴ θʹ.

Ode ix.

Μεγαλυνάριον. Ἦχος αʹ.

The Magnificat. Mode 1.

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

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

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

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

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

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

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

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

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

Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]

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

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

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

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

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

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

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

Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]

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

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

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

Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]

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

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode 9: Katavasia

ᾨδὴ θʹ. Καταβασία. Ἦχος αʹ.

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 1.

Μεγάλυνον ψυχή μου, τὴν λυτρωσαμένην, ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῆς κατάρας.

O my soul, magnify the ever-virgin Maid who from the curse has redeemed us.

Στέργειν μὲν ἡμᾶς, ὡς ἀκίνδυνον φόβῳ * Ῥᾷον σιωπῇ· τῷ πόθῳ δὲ Παρθένε * Ὕμνους ὑφαίνειν, συντόνως τεθηγμένους * Ἐργῶδές ἐστιν· ἀλλὰ καὶ Μήτηρ σθένος * Ὅση πέφυκεν, ἡ προαίρεσις δίδου.

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]

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ἔτι καὶ ἔτι ἐν εἰρήνῃ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

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

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

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

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Σοί, Κύριε.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

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

For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

ΧΟΡΟΣ· Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἐξαποστειλάριον.

Exaposteilarion.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος γʹ. Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς.

Mode 3. Our Savior from on high.

Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς.

Στέφανος σοι ὡς Βασιλεῖ, ἔμψυχος προσενήνεκται, νῦν τῆς σαρκὸς ἐκδημήσας, τῷ ἐνδημήσαντι σαρκί, Θεῷ τῷ παντοκράτορι, διʼ ὃν καὶ τὸν ἀγῶνα, ἐνδόξως ἐτέλεσεν.

As he departs now from his flesh, * Stephen, in keeping with his name, * presents himself as a living * and soul-endowed crown to You as King * and God the Ruler over all, * for Whom he fought the good fight * and finished in glory. [SD]

Ἕτερον.

Another.

Ἦχος βʹ. Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Ὁ πλήρης θείας χάριτος, καὶ δυνάμεως ὄντως, τερατουργῶν διήλεγχε, θεοκτόνων τὰ στίφη, διακενῆς μελετῶντα, ὑψηγόρῳ δὲ γλώττῃ, θεολογῶν ὁ Στέφανος, τοῦ Πατρός δεξιόθεν, τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καθορῶ νῦν ἔφησεν ἑστηκότα, πρὸς ὃν λιθολευστούμενος στεφηφόρος ἀνῆλθεν.

Stephen was full of grace divine * and faith and power truly. * He did great wonders and rebuked * the deicidal people, who meditated on vain things. * Eloquently he uttered * words of sublime theology, * saying, “I now see Jesus, the Son of Man * standing at the right hand of God the Father.” * Then he was stoned; and being crowned, * to the Lord he ascended. [SD]

Ἕτερον.

Another.

Ἦχος βʹ. Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Ὁ τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, συναΐδιος Λόγος, καὶ συμφυὴς καὶ σύνθρονος, ἐκ Παρθένου γεννᾶται, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ νῦν ὡς βρέφος· ὃν Θεὸν καὶ Σωτῆρα, ὁ Πρωτομάρτυς Στέφανος, ἀριδήλως κηρύξας, ὑπὸ χειρῶν, μιαιφόνων χαίρων λιθολευστεῖται, καὶ στεφηφόρος ἄνεισι, πρὸς αὐτὸν μετὰ δόξης.

The Logos, co-beginningless * and of one throne and nature * with the Father and Spirit, is * born today from a Virgin * in Bethlehem as an infant. * The Protomartyr Stephen * publicly preached that He is God * and the Savior, and therefore by blood-stained hands * he was stoned to death, all along rejoicing, * for he ascended with a crown * to the Master with glory. [SD]

Οἱ Αἶνοι. Ἦχος αʹ.

Lauds. Mode 1.

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

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

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

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

Δείξε Στιχολογίαν

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Καυχήσονται ὅσιοι ἐν δόξῃ καὶ ἀγαλλιάσονται ἐπὶ τῶν κοιτῶν αὐτῶν.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Κρύψε Στιχολογίαν

Hide Stichologia

Στιχηρά. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Στεφάνου.

Stichera. For St. Stephen.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἰδιόμελον. Ἦχος αʹ.

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

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

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

Ἀθλοφορικὸν στέφανον, τῷ Πρωτάθλῳ οἱ πιστοὶ πλέξωμεν, ἐκ λογικῶν ἀνθέων· αὐτὸς γὰρ τὴν τῶν Μαρτύρων προητοίμασεν ὁδόν, καὶ ἐν χαρᾷ ἀνεβόα· Ἰδοὺ τοὺς οὐρανούς ἀνεῳγμένους θεωρῶ, καὶ τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐκ δεξιῶν ἑστῶτα τοῦ ἀοράτου Πατρός.

Let us the faithful plait a wreath of victory for the Protomartyr, using words instead of laurels. For he prepared the way for Martyrs. He joyfully cried out, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of God standing on the right hand of the unseen Father.” [SD]

Ἰδιόμελον. Ἦχος βʹ.

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

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

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

Ἁγιωσύνην ἐνεδύσω, Στέφανε μακάριε, Πρωτομάρτυς καὶ Πρωτοδιάκονε, τῶν Ἀγγέλων συμμέτοχε, δυσωπήθητι καὶ πρέσβευε ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, πρὸς τὸν Σωτῆρα Κύριον τὸν ἀναμάρτητον.

O blessed Stephen, you were clothed with holiness, O Protomartyr and First Deacon, and companion of the Angels. Intercede and pray for us to our Lord and Savior, who is without sin. [SD]

Ἰδιόμελον. Ἦχος βʹ.

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

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

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

Πρῶτος ἐν Διακόνοις, πρῶτος καὶ ἐν Μάρτυσιν ἐδείχθης, πανάγιε Στέφανε· ὁδὸς γὰρ ἐγένου τοῖς Ἁγίοις, καὶ πολλοὺς τῷ Κυρίῳ προσήγαγες Μάρτυρας· διὸ οὐρανός σοι ἠνοίγη, καὶ Θεὸς σοι ἐφάνη. Αὐτὸν ἱκέτευε σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

You were the first of the Deacons and also the first of the Martyrs, O all-holy Stephen. You opened the way for the saints, and you brought many Martyrs to the Lord. Therefore heaven opened for you and God appeared to you. Entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

Ἰδιόμελον. Ἦχος βʹ.

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

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

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

Τὸν Πρωτομάρτυρα, καὶ γενναῖον τοῦ Χριστοῦ θεράποντα, Στέφανον τὸν Πρωτοδιάκονον, ἐπαξίως τιμήσωμεν. Οὗτος ἑστὼς ἐν μέσῳ παρανόμων, ἐν δεξιᾷ Πατρός, Υἱόν ἐθεάσατο.

Let us worthily honor Stephen, the First Deacon, the Protomartyr and courageous servant of Christ. For he stood in the midst of those who broke God’s Law, and he saw the Son on the right hand of the Father. [SD]

Ἰδιόμελον. Ἦχος δʹ.

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

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

Στέφανε ἔνδοξε, οὐρανοπολῖτα, Χριστοῦ θεράπον μακάριε, πρεσβείαν ποίησον, ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.

Glorious Stephen, citizen of heaven, blessed servant of Christ, make intercession on behalf of our souls. [SD]

Ἰδιόμελον. Ἦχος δʹ.

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

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

Στέφανος, ἡ καλὴ ἀπαρχὴ τῶν Μαρτύρων, ὁ πλήρης χάριτος καὶ δυνάμεως, ὁ ποιῶν σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα μεγάλα ἐν τῷ λαῷ, ὑπὸ ἀνόμων ἐλιθάζετο· ἀλλʼ ἐξέλαμψεν ὡς ἄγγελος, καὶ θεωρεῖ τὴν δόξαν, σοῦ τοῦ σταυρωθέντος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς δυνάμεως, καὶ τῷ Πνεύματι τῆς χάριτος, εἰς οὐρανοὺς ἐλαμβάνετο· καὶ διὰ τοῦτο, ταῖς χοροστασίαις τῶν Ἀγγέλων συναυλιζόμενος, πρέσβευε σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Stephen, the fine first-fruit of the Martyrs, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. And he was stoned by those who broke the Law. But he shined like an angel, and he saw the glory of You who were incarnate for us and who were standing at the right hand of the Power; and by the Spirit of grace he was taken into heaven. He therefore dwells with the choirs of Angels, and he intercedes for the salvation of our souls. [SD]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος πλ. αʹ.

Mode pl. 1.

Πρωτομάρτυς Ἀπόστολε, καὶ Πρωτοδιάκονε, ἡ πύλη τῶν Μαρτύρων, ἡ δόξα τῶν Δικαίων, τῶν Ἀποστόλων τὸ καύχημα, σὺ οὐρανοὺς ἐθεάσω ἀνεῳγμένους, ἐν τῷ σταδίῳ ἑστώς, καὶ τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκ δεξιῶν ἑστῶτα, τοῦ ἀοράτου Πατρός· διὸ ὡς Ἄγγελος ἐκλάμψας τῷ προσώπῳ, ἐν χαρᾷ ἀνεκραύγαζες, ὑπὲρ τῶν λιθαζόντων· Μὴ στήσῃς αὐτοῖς τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ταύτην. Καὶ νῦν αἴτησαι, τοῖς ἐκ πόθου εὐφημοῦσί σε, ἱλασμὸν ἁμαρτιῶν, καὶ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

O Protomartyr, Apostle and first Deacon, you are the gateway of Martyrs, the glory of the Righteous, and the pride and joy of the Apostles. When you stood trial, You saw the heavens opened and the Son of God standing at the right hand of the invisible Father. Your face shone like an Angel. And with joy you cried on behalf of those who were stoning you, “Do not hold this sin against them.” So now, pray for us who lovingly sing your praises, that we may receive forgiveness of sins and great mercy. [SD]

Καὶ νῦν. Τῆς Ἑορτῆς.

Both now. For the Feast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος πλ. αʹ.

Mode pl. 1.

Ἀκατάληπτον τὸ τελούμενον, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ σήμερον μυστήριον! ὁ ἀόρατος ὁρᾶται, ὁ ἄσαρκος σαρκοῦται, ὁ Λόγος παχύνεται, καὶ ὁ Ὢν γίνεται ὃ οὐκ ἦν, Παρθένος τίκτει ἐν σπηλαίῳ βρέφος νέον, τὸν Πλάστην τῆς φύσεως· φάτνῃ ἐκτυποῦται, εἰς θρόνον ἐπουράνιον, κτήνη ἀπεικάζει, χερουβικὴν παράστασιν· Ποιμένες θαυμάζουσι· Μάγοι δῶρα προσφέρουσιν· Ἄγγελοι ἀνυμνοῦντες λέγουσι· Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη· ἐν ἀνθρώποις γὰρ εὐδόκησεν, ἀναλλοιώτως ὁ Ἐμμανουήλ.

Incomprehensible is the mystery that is accomplished today in Bethlehem! The invisible One becomes visible; the fleshless One assumes flesh; the Logos takes substance; and the One who is becomes what He was not. A Virgin gives birth in a cave to a new baby who is the Fashioner of nature. A manger portrays a heavenly throne, and animals represent an array of Cherubim. Shepherds marvel; Magi bring gifts. Angels sing praises, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth. For Emmanuel, without changing, is well pleased to be with mankind.” [SD]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν Μ. Δοξολογίαν.

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Ἡ Μεγάλη Δοξολογία

Great Doxology

Δόξα σοι τῷ δείξαντι τὸ φῶς. Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη, ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία.

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

Ὑμνοῦμέν σε, εὐλογοῦμέν σε, προσκυνοῦμέν σε, δοξολογοῦμέν σε, εὐχαριστοῦμέν σοι, διὰ τὴν μεγάλην σου δόξαν.

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Κύριε βασιλεῦ, ἐπουράνιε Θεέ, Πάτερ παντοκράτορ· Κύριε Υἱὲ μονογενές, Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, καὶ Ἅγιον Πνεῦμα.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Κύριε ὁ Θεός, ὁ ἀμνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Πατρός, ὁ αἴρων τὴν ἁμαρτίαν τοῦ κόσμου, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, ὁ αἴρων τὰς ἁμαρτίας τοῦ κόσμου.

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.

Πρόσδεξαι τὴν δέησιν ἡμῶν, ὁ καθήμενος ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Πατρός, καὶ ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

Ὅτι σὺ εἶ μόνος Ἅγιος, σὺ εἶ μόνος Κύριος, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρός. Ἀμήν.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Καθʼ ἑκάστην ἡμέραν εὐλογήσω σε καὶ αἰνέσω τὸ ὄνομά σου εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα καὶ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Καταξίωσον, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ, ἀναμαρτήτους φυλαχθῆναι ἡμᾶς.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν, καὶ αἰνετὸν καὶ δεδοξασμένον τὸ ὄνομά σου εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. Ἀμήν.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καθάπερ ἠλπίσαμεν ἐπὶ σέ.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

Εὐλογητὸς εἶ Κύριε, δίδαξόν με τὰ δικαιώματά σου.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Εὐλογητὸς εἶ Κύριε, δίδαξόν με τὰ δικαιώματά σου.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Εὐλογητὸς εἶ Κύριε, δίδαξόν με τὰ δικαιώματά σου.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Κύριε, καταφυγὴ ἐγενήθης ἡμῖν ἐν γενεᾷ καὶ γενεᾷ. Ἐγὼ εἶπα· Κύριε, ἐλέησόν με, ἴασαι τὴν ψυχήν μου, ὅτι ἥμαρτόν σοι.

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.

Κύριε, πρὸς σὲ κατέφυγον. Δίδαξόν με τοῦ ποιεῖν τὸ θέλημά σου, ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ Θεός μου.

Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.

Ὅτι παρὰ σοὶ πηγὴ ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ φωτί σου ὀψόμεθα φῶς.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.

Παράτεινον τὸ ἔλεός σου τοῖς γινώσκουσί σε.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

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

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

Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι.

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

Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.

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

Ἅγιος Ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, Ἅγιος Ἰσχυρός, Ἅγιος Ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Ἀπολυτίκιον. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Στεφάνου.

Apolytikion. For St. Stephen.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ. Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Βασίλειον διάδημα, ἐστέφθη σὴ κορυφή, ἐξ ἄθλων ὧν ὑπέμεινας, ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, μαρτύρων Πρωτόαθλε· σὺ γὰρ τὴν Ἰουδαίων ἀπελέγξας μανίαν, εἶδές σου τὸν Σωτῆρα, τοῦ Πατρὸς δεξιόθεν. Αὐτὸν οὖν ἐκδυσώπει ἀεί, ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.

O Stephen, a crown of royalty was laid on your head * for contests you courageously endured for Christ our God, * as first among Martyr saints. * You refuted the ravings of the Jews who accused you, * and you saw your Savior at the right hand of the Father. * We pray that you will ever entreat Him to save our souls. [GOASD]