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Μηναῖον - Τῌ ΛΑʹ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ

Menaion - December 31

Ἀπόδοσις τῶν Χριστουγέννων

Leave-taking of Christmas

__________

__________

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 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. (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)

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 δʹ. Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Δεῦτε ἴδωμεν πιστοί, ποῦ ἐγεννήθη ὁ Χριστός· ἀκολουθήσωμεν λοιπόν, ἔνθα ὁδεύει ὁ ἀστήρ, μετὰ τῶν Μάγων Ἀνατολῆς τῶν βασιλέων. Ἄγγελοι ὑμνοῦσιν, ἀκαταπαύστως ἐκεῖ. Ποιμένες ἀγραυλοῦσιν, ᾠδὴν ἐπάξιον. Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις λέγοντες, τῷ σήμερον ἐν Σπηλαίῳ τεχθέντι, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, καὶ Θεοτόκου, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

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]

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Τὸ αὐτό.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Δεῦτε ἴδωμεν πιστοί, ποῦ ἐγεννήθη ὁ Χριστός· ἀκολουθήσωμεν λοιπόν, ἔνθα ὁδεύει ὁ ἀστήρ, μετὰ τῶν Μάγων Ἀνατολῆς τῶν βασιλέων. Ἄγγελοι ὑμνοῦσιν, ἀκαταπαύστως ἐκεῖ. Ποιμένες ἀγραυλοῦσιν, ᾠδὴν ἐπάξιον. Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις λέγοντες, τῷ σήμερον ἐν Σπηλαίῳ τεχθέντι, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, καὶ Θεοτόκου, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

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]

Κάθισμα Βʹ.

Kathisma II.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ. Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Τί θαυμάζεις Μαριάμ; τί ἐκθαμβεῖσαι τῷ ἐν σοί; Ὅτι ἄχρονον Υἱόν, χρόνῳ ἐγέννησά φησι, τοῦ τικτομένου τὴν σύλληψιν μὴ διδαχθεῖσα. Ἄνανδρός εἰμι, καὶ πῶς τέξω Υἱόν; ἄσπορον γονὴν τίς ἑώρακεν; ὅπου Θεὸς δὲ βούλεται, νικᾶται φύσεως τάξις, ὡς γέγραπται. Χριστὸς ἐτέχθη, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

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]

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Τὸ αὐτό.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Τί θαυμάζεις Μαριάμ; τί ἐκθαμβεῖσαι τῷ ἐν σοί; Ὅτι ἄχρονον Υἱόν, χρόνῳ ἐγέννησά φησι, τοῦ τικτομένου τὴν σύλληψιν μὴ διδαχθεῖσα. Ἄνανδρός εἰμι, καὶ πῶς τέξω Υἱόν; ἄσπορον γονὴν τίς ἑώρακεν; ὅπου Θεὸς δὲ βούλεται, νικᾶται φύσεως τάξις, ὡς γέγραπται. Χριστὸς ἐτέχθη, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

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]

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Κοντάκιον.

Kontakion.

Ἦχος γʹ. Αὐτόμελον.

Mode 3. Automelon.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν Ὑπερούσιον τίκτει, καὶ ἡ γῆ τὸ Σπήλαιον, τῷ ἀπροσίτῳ προσάγει. Ἄγγελοι, μετὰ Ποιμένων δοξολογοῦσι. Μάγοι δέ, μετὰ ἀστέρος ὁδοιποροῦσι· διʼ ἡμᾶς γὰρ ἐγεννήθη, Παιδίον νέον, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Θεός.

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]

Ὁ Οἶκος.

Oikos.

Τὴν Ἐδὲμ Βηθλεὲμ ἤνοιξε, δεῦτε ἴδωμεν· τὴν τρυφὴν ἐν κρυφῇ εὕρομεν, δεῦτε λάβωμεν, τὰ τοῦ Παραδείσου ἔνδον τοῦ Σπηλαίου. Ἐκεῖ ἐφάνη ῥίζα ἀπότιστος, βλαστάνουσα ἄφεσιν· ἐκεῖ εὑρέθη φρέαρ ἀνορυκτον, οὗ πιεῖν Δαυῒδ πρὶν ἐπεθύμησεν· ἐκεῖ Παρθένος τεκοῦσα βρέφος, τὴν δίψαν ἔπαυσεν εὐθύς, τὴν τοῦ Ἀδὰμ καὶ τοῦ Δαυΐδ· διὰ τοῦτο πρὸς τοῦτο ἐπειχθῶμεν, οὗ ἐτέχθη, Παιδίον νέον, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Θεός.

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]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ Συναξαρίου.

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Συναξάριον

Synaxarion

Τοῦ Μηναίου.

From the Menaion.

Τῇ ΛΑʹ τοῦ αὐτοῦ μηνός, Μνήμη τῆς Ὁσίας Μητρὸς ἡμῶν Μελάνης της Ῥωμαίας.

On December 31, we commemorate our devout mother Melania the Roman.

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

By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

Katavasias Odes 1-8

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Καταβασίαι τῆς Χριστοῦ Γεννήσεως Αʹ καὶ Βʹ

Katavasias of Christmas I and II

ᾨδὴ αʹ. Ἦχος αʹ.

Ode i. Mode 1.

Χριστὸς γεννᾶται· δοξάσατε. Χριστὸς ἐξ οὐρανῶν· ἀπαντήσατε. Χριστὸς ἐπὶ γῆς· ὑψώθητε. ᾌσατε τῷ Κυρίῳ πᾶσα ἡ γῆ, καὶ ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ, ἀνυμνήσατε λαοί· ὅτι δεδόξασται.

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]

Ἰαμβικός. Ἦχος αʹ.

Iambic. 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.

Τῷ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων, ἐκ Πατρὸς γεννηθέντι ἀῤῥεύστως Υἱῷ, καὶ ἐπʼ ἐσχάτων ἐκ Παρθένου, σαρκωθέντι ἀσπόρως, Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ βοήσωμεν· Ὁ ἀνυψώσας τὸ κέρας ἡμῶν, ἅγιος εἶ Κύριε.

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]

Ἰαμβικός.

Iambic.

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.

Ῥάβδος ἐκ τῆς ῥίζης Ἰεσσαί, καὶ ἄνθος ἐξ αὐτῇς Χριστέ, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου ἀνεβλάστησας, ἐξ ὄρους ὁ αἰνετός, κατασκίου δασέος, ἦλθες σαρκωθεὶς ἐξ ἀπειράνδρου, ὁ ἄϋλος καὶ Θεός. Δόξα τῇ δυνάμει σου Κύριε.

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]

Ἰαμβικός.

Iambic.

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.

Θεὸς ὢν εἰρήνης, Πατὴρ οἰκτιρμῶν, τῆς μεγάλης Βουλῆς σου τὸν Ἄγγελον, εἰρήνην παρεχόμενον, ἀπέστειλας ἡμῖν· ὅθεν θεογνωσίας, πρὸς φῶς ὁδηγηθέντες, ἐκ νυκτὸς ὀρθρίζοντες, δοξολογοῦμέν σε Φιλάνθρωπε.

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]

Ἰαμβικός.

Iambic.

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.

Σπλάγχνων Ἰωνᾶν, ἔμβρυον ἀπήμεσεν, ἐνάλιος θήρ, οἷον ἐδέξατο· τῇ Παρθένῳ δέ, ἐνοικήσας ὁ Λόγος καὶ σάρκα λαβών, διελήλυθε, φυλάξας ἀδιάφθορον· ἧς γάρ, οὐχ ὑπέστη ῥεύσεως, τὴν τεκοῦσαν κατέσχεν ἀπήμαντον.

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]

Ἰαμβικός.

Iambic.

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.

Οἱ Παῖδες εὐσεβείᾳ συντραφέντες, δυσσεβοῦς προστάγματος καταφρονήσαντες, πυρὸς ἀπειλὴν οὐκ ἐπτοήθησαν, ἀλλʼ ἐν μέσῳ τῆς φλογὸς ἑστῶτες ἔψαλλον· Ὁ τῶν Πατέρων Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ.

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]

Ἰαμβικός.

Iambic.

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.

Θαύματος ὑπερφυοῦς ἡ δροσοβόλος, ἐξεικόνισε κάμινος τύπον· οὐ γὰρ οὓς ἐδέξατο φλέγει νέους, ὡς οὐδὲ πῦρ τῆς Θεότητος, Παρθένου ἢν ὑπέδυ νηδύν· διὸ ἀνυμνοῦντες ἀναμέλψωμεν· Εὐλογείτω ἡ κτίσις πᾶσα τὸν Κύριον, καὶ ὑπερυψούτω, εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.

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]

Ἰαμβικός.

Iambic.

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

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

ᾨδὴ θʹ.

Ode ix.

Κανὼν Αʹ.

Canon 1.

Ἦχος αʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Mode 1. Heirmos.

Μυστήριον ξένον.

Μεγάλυνον ψυχή μου, τὴν τιμιωτέραν καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, τῶν ἄνω στρατευμάτων.

O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honor and in glory than the armies of heaven.

Μυστήριον ξένον, ὁρῶ καὶ παράδοξον! οὐρανὸν τὸ σπήλαιον· θρόνον Χερουβικόν, τὴν Παρθένον· τὴν φάτνην χωρίον· ἐν ᾧ ἀνεκλήθη ὁ ἀχώρητος, Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός· ὃν ἀνυμνοῦντες μεγαλύνομεν.

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]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Μεγάλυνον ψυχή μου, τὸν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, Θεὸν σαρκὶ τεχθέντα.

O my soul, magnify God who was born in the flesh from a Virgin.

Ἐξαίσιον δρόμον, ὁρῶντες οἱ Μάγοι, ἀσυνήθους νέου ἀστέρος ἀρτιφαοῦς, οὐρανίου ὑπερλάμποντος, Χριστὸν Βασιλέα ἐτεκμήραντο, ἐν γῇ γεννηθέντα Βηθλεέμ, εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν.

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]

Μεγάλυνον ψυχή μου, τὸν ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ, τεχθέντα Βασιλέα.

O my soul, magnify the King who was born as an infant in the grotto.

Νεηγενές, Μάγων λεγόντων, παιδίον Ἄναξ, οὗ ἀστὴρ ἐφάνη, ποῦ ἐστιν; εἰς γὰρ ἐκείνου προσκύνησιν ἥκομεν· μανεὶς ὁ Ἡρῴδης ἐταράττετο, Χριστὸν ἀνελεῖν, ὁ θεομάχος φρυαττόμενος.

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]

Μεγάλυνον ψυχή μου, τῶν ὑπὸ τῶν Μάγων, Θεὸν προσκυνηθέντα.

O my soul, magnify God who was worshiped by the Magi.

Ἠκρίβωσε χρόνον, Ἡρῴδης ἀστέρος, οὗ ταῖς ἡγεσίαις οἱ Μάγοι ἐν Βηθλεέμ, προσκυνοῦσι Χριστῷ σὺν δώροις· ὑφʼ οὗ πρὸς Πατρίδα ὁδηγούμενοι, δεινὸν παιδοκτόνον, ἐγκατέλιπον παιζόμενον.

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]

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Κανὼν Ἰαμβικός.

Iambic Canon.

Ἦχος αʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Mode 1. Heirmos.

Στέργειν μὲν ἡμᾶς.

Σήμερον ἡ Παρθένος, τίκτει τὸν Δεσπότην, ἔνδον ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ.

Today the holy Virgin gives birth to the Master within the cave and grotto.

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. [SD]

Σήμερον ὁ Δεσπότης, τίκτεται ὡς βρέφος, ὑπὸ Μητρὸς Παρθένου.

Today our Lord and Master is born as an infant; His Mother is a virgin.

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. [SD]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Δόξα.

Glory.

Μεγάλυνον ψυχή μου, τῆς τρισυποστάτου, καὶ ἀδιαιρέτου, Θεότητος τὸ κράτος.

O my soul, magnify the power of the Godhead, that is three hypostases and also undivided.

Τύπους ἀφεγγεῖς, καὶ σκιὰς παρηγμένας * Ὦ Μῆτερ Ἁγνή, τοῦ Λόγου δεδορκότες * Νέου φανέντος, ἐκ πύλης κεκλεισμένης * Δοξούμενοί τε, τῆς ἀληθείας φάος * Ἐπαξίως σήν, εὐλογοῦμεν γαστέρα.

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]

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

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

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

Πόθου τετευχώς, καὶ Θεοῦ παρουσίας * Ὁ χριστοτερπής, λαὸς ἠξιωμένος * Νῦν ποτνιᾶται, τῆς παλιγγενεσίας * Ὡς ζωοποιοῦ· τὴν χάριν δὲ Παρθένε * Νέμοις ἄχραντε, προσκυνῆσαι τὸ κλέος.

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

Ode 9: Katavasia

Καταβασίαι

Katavasias

Κανὼν Αʹ. Ἦχος αʹ.

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Μεγάλυνον ψυχή μου, τὴν τιμιωτέραν καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, τῶν ἄνω στρατευμάτων.

O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honor and in glory than the armies of heaven.

Μυστήριον ξένον, ὁρῶ καὶ παράδοξον! οὐρανὸν τὸ σπήλαιον· θρόνον Χερουβικόν, τὴν Παρθένον· τὴν φάτνην χωρίον· ἐν ᾧ ἀνεκλήθη ὁ ἀχώρητος, Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός· ὃν ἀνυμνοῦντες μεγαλύνομεν.

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]

Ἰαμβικός. Ἦχος αʹ.

Iambic. 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. Αὐτόμελον.

Mode 3. Automelon.

Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς.

Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς, ἐξ ὕψους ὁ Σωτὴρ ἡμῶν, ἀνατολὴ ἀνατολῶν, καὶ οἱ ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ, εὕρομεν τὴν ἀλήθειαν· καὶ γὰρ ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου ἐτέχθη ὁ Κύριος. (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)

Οἱ Αἶνοι. Ἦχος δʹ.

Lauds. Mode 4.

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

Show Stichologia

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.

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.

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.

Κρύψε Στιχολογίαν

Hide Stichologia

Στιχηρὰ τῆς Ἑορτῆς.

Stichera for the Feast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἰδιόμελον. Ἦχος δʹ.

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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]

Εὐφραίνεσθε Δίκαιοι· οὐρανοὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε· σκιρτήσατε τὰ ὄρη, Χριστοῦ γεννηθέντος· Παρθένος καθέζεται, τὰ Χερουβὶμ μιμουμένη, βαστάζουσα ἐν κόλποις, Θεόν Λόγον σαρκωθέντα. Ποιμένες τὸν τεχθέντα δοξάζουσι. Μάγοι τῷ Δεσπότῃ δῶρα προσφέρουσιν. Ἄγγελοι ἀνυμνοῦντες λέγουσιν· Ἀκατάληπτε Κύριε, δόξα σοι.

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]

Ἰδιόμελον. Ἦχος δʹ.

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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]

Ὁ Πατὴρ εὐδόκησεν· ὁ Λόγος σάρξ ἐγένετο· καὶ ἡ Παρθένος ἔτεκε, Θεὸν ἐνανθρωπήσαντα· Ἀστὴρ μηνύει· Μάγοι προσκυνοῦσι· Ποιμένες θαυμάζουσι· καὶ ἡ κτίσις ἀγάλλεται.

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]

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]

Θεοτόκε Παρθένε, ἡ τεκοῦσα τὸν Σωτῆρα, ἀνέτρεψας τὴν πρώτην, κατάραν τῆς Εὔας· ὅτι Μήτηρ γέγονας, τῆς εὐδοκίας τοῦ Πατρός, βαστάζουσα ἐν κόλποις, Θεὸν Λόγον σαρκωθέντα. Οὐ φέρει το μυστήριον ἔρευναν· πίστει μόνῃ τοῦτο πάντες δοξάζομεν, κράζοντες μετὰ σοῦ καὶ λέγοντες· Ἀνερμήνευτε Κύριε, δόξα σοι.

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]

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]

Δεῦτε ἀνυμνήσωμεν, τὴν Μητέρα τοῦ Σωτῆρος, τὴν μετὰ τόκον πάλιν, ὀφθεῖσαν Παρθένον· Χαίροις Πόλις ἔμψυχε, τοῦ Βασιλέως καὶ Θεοῦ, ἐν ᾗ Χριστὸς οἰκήσας, σωτηρίαν εἰργάσατο. Μετὰ τοῦ Γαβριὴλ ἀνυμνοῦμέν σε, μετὰ τῶν Ποιμένων δοξάζομεν κράζοντες· Θεοτόκε πρέσβευε, τῷ ἐκ σοῦ σαρκωθέντι, σωθῆναι ἡμᾶς.

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]

Δόξα.

Glory.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Mode pl. 2.

Ὅτε καιρός, τῆς ἐπὶ γῆς παρουσίας σου, πρώτη ἀπογραφή, τῇ οἰκουμένῃ ἐγένετο, τότε ἔμελλες τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἀπογράφεσθαι τὰ ὀνόματα, τῶν πιστευόντων τῷ τόκῳ σου· διὰ τοῦτο τὸ τοιοῦτον δόγμα, ὑπὸ Καίσαρος ἐξεφωνήθη· τῆς γὰρ αἰωνίου σου βασιλείας, τὸ ἄναρχον ἐκαινουργήθη. Διό σοι προσφέρομεν καὶ ἡμεῖς, ὑπὲρ τὴν χρηματικὴν φορολογίαν, ὀρθοδόξου πλουτισμὸν θεολογίας, τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Σωτῆρι τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.

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]

Ὁ βʹ Χορὸς ψάλλει τὸ Ἰδιόμελον· «Σήμερον ὁ Χριστὸς…», μέχρι τοῦ· «ἡμεῖς δὲ ἀκαταπαύστως βοῶμεν». Καὶ εὐθὺς ὁ αʹ Χορὸς ἄρχεται τῆς Μεγάλης Δοξολογίας ἀπὸ τοῦ τελευταίου στίχου τοῦ Ἰδιομέλου· «Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ…»

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…”

Καὶ νῦν.

Both now.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος βʹ.

Mode 2.

Σήμερον ὁ Χριστός, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ γεννᾶται ἐκ Παρθένου. Σήμερον ὁ ἄναρχος ἄρχεται, καὶ ὁ Λόγος σαρκοῦται. Αἱ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀγάλλονται, καὶ ἡ γῆ σὺν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις εὐφραίνεται. Οἱ Μάγοι τὰ δῶρα προσφέρουσιν· οἱ Ποιμένες τὸ θαῦμα κηρύττουσιν· ἡμεῖς δὲ ἀκαταπαύστως βοῶμεν· Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη, ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία.

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]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν Μ. Δοξολογίαν.

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Ἡ Μεγάλη Δοξολογία

Great Doxology

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.

Apolytikion.

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]