Liturgical Texts of the Orthodox Church

Appendix A: Hymnology and Readings

Appendix B: The Martyrika by Tone

Go to a specific day:

• Wednesday of the First Week
• Friday of the First Week
• Wednesday of the Second Week
• Friday of the Second Week
• Wednesday of the Third Week
• Friday of the Third Week
• Wednesday of the Fourth Week
• Friday of the Fourth Week
• Wednesday of the Fifth Week
• Friday of the Fifth Week
• Wednesday Before Palm Sunday
• Friday Before Palm Sunday
• Monday in Holy Week
• Tuesday in Holy Week
• Wednesday in Holy Week

Wednesday of the First Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Eighth Tone

Come, faithful ones, as we fast bodily, let us also fast in spirit. Let us undo every tie to injustice; let us break all stifling covenants with violence; let us burst every wrongful contract; let us give bread to the hungry and bring the poor and homeless into our houses, that we may receive from Christ His great mercy.

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

Come, faithful ones, as we fast bodily, let us also fast in spirit. Let us undo every tie to injustice; let us break all stifling covenants with violence; let us burst every wrongful contract; let us give bread to the hungry and bring the poor and homeless into our houses, that we may receive from Christ His great mercy.

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Martyrikon

If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, it is due to the Saints. For they inclined their necks to the sword for You who made the heavens incline and descended. They shed their blood for You who emptied Yourself and took on the form of a servant. They were humbled even to death, imitating Your humility.

Through their prayers, in the abundance of Your compassion, O God, have mercy on us.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Prosomoion of Joseph in the Second Tone

Sending you forth as flashes of light into all the world, Jesus the true Sun dispelled the darkness of error by the brilliance of your spiritual preaching, God-witnessing Apostles; and He enlightened those who were caught in the miserable gloom of ignorance. Implore Him, therefore, to send us light in His great mercy.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

By the Same Hymnographer in the Second Tone

The virtuous Elijah, mounting a divine chariot and made transparent by fasting, was raised to heavenly heights. Envy him, my poor soul, and fast from all evil, envy and discord, and from the fruits of pleasure, that you may escape the torment of eternal hell-fire, crying out to Christ, "Lord, glory to You!"

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

A Hymn by Theodore in the Fifth Tone

Divine Apostles, fervent intercessors for the world and champions of the Orthodox, having the advantage of boldness before Christ our God, ask for us, we pray you most venerable ones, that we may make good use of the time of fasting, and so receive the grace of the consubstantial Trinity. Glorious great preachers, pray for our souls.

There follow four prosomoia from the Menaion, with the appropriate verses, relating to the Saint of the following day or, should there be one, of the Saint of the day being celebrated.

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, 0 Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fifth tone. Psalm 11.

You, O Lord, will safeguard us and save us.

Save me, O Lord, for the pious man is no more.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (1:24-32 and 2:1-3)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds. " And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the cattle according to their kinds, and everything that creeps upon the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. " So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth. " And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food. " And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening there was morning, a sixth day.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Seventh tone. Psalm 12

Look upon me, and hear me, O Lord my God!

Verse: How long, O Lord, will you forget me? Forever?

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The reading is from Proverbs. (2:11-22)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you; understanding will guard you; delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil; men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.

You will be saved from the loose woman, from the adventuress with her smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the shades; none who go to her come back nor do they regain the paths of life.

So you will walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and men of integrity will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.

Friday of the First Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have Cried out... "

Cantor: Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

Idiomelon in the Fifth Tone

Come, faithful ones, let us perform God's works in the light, conducting ourselves becomingly as in the day, willingly setting aside every wrongful judgment against our neighbor, so as not to put an obstacle for scandal in his path. Let us have done with desires of the flesh, while increasing the gifts of the soul. Let us give bread to the needy, and so come to Christ in penitence, crying, "Our God, have mercy on us. "

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

Come, faithful ones, let us perform God's works in the light, conducting ourselves becomingly as in the day, willingly setting aside every wrongful judgment against our neighbor, so as not to put an obstacle for scandal in his path. Let us have done with desires of the flesh, while increasing the gifts of the soul. Let us give bread to the needy, and so come to Christ in penitence, crying, "Our God, have mercy on us. "

The Martyrika, in the eight tones, form Appendix B. The priest will announce the tone for the given week.

The following Four Idiomela are for St. Theodore of Tyre

Second tone

Cantor:Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

Come, all you devotees of the martyrs, let us rejoice spiritually and celebrate; for today the Martyr Theodore sets before us a mystical table, to gladden us celebrants to cry out to him: "Rejoice, invincible Champion, who brought to naught the threats of earthly tyrants; rejoice, who gave your earthly body over to tortures for Christ our God; rejoice, who proved yourself as a soldier of the heavenly army. For all this we implore you, Martyrs' pride, intercede for our souls. "

Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Martyr Theodore, with the God-given grace of your miracles you enfold all who come to you in faith. By that grace we praise you, saying: You free captives, you heal the sick, you enrich the poor and rescue those at sea. You restrain your petitioners from running away in vain, and make clear the injury done to those who are plundered, O Champion. Thus you train soldiers to abstain from pillage; compassionately you grant the petitions of the young; you become a fervent protector of those who hold your sacred memorial. With them, most holy Champion, number us who hymn your martyrdom in asking of Christ His great mercy.

Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him all you peoples.

You proved yourself God's supreme gift, Martyr Theodore; for even after the end, as if still alive, you grant the askings of those who come to you. Thus, when a woman's son was captured at spear's point by a pagan army, the widow stood drenching your Church with her tears, while you, mounting a white horse in your pity, presented her invisibly with her son, never ceasing afterward to work miracles with him. But entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.

Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Named after divine gifts, I honor you, thrice-blessed Theodore. For as an unwaning luminary of the divine light, you lit up all creation with your deeds. Mightier than fire, you put down the flames and shattered the skull of the evil dragon. Wherefore Christ, won over by your deeds, crowned your holy head, Great Martyr and Champion. Having boldness before God, pray earnestly for our souls.

Doxastikon in the Sixth Tone

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

Using the apostate Tyrant as his instrument, the Evil One sought by a cruel device to defile the devout people as they purified themselves by fasting, giving them food polluted by abominable sacrifices. But you foiled his intrigue by a wiser one of your own. Coming before the Hierarch, you explained your profound plan while revealing the monstrous trickery. Therefore, offering you a sacrifice of thanksgiving, we proclaim you a savior, conducting annual memorial of the miracle, beseeching God, through your intercessions, Great Martyr Theodore, that we may be kept harmless against the machinations of the Evil One.

The Theotokion in the Tone of the Day

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.(in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fifth tone. Psalm 19.

May the Lord hear you on the day of affliction.

May the name of the God of Jacob shield you.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (2:20-25, 3: 1-20)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and while he slept he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; and the rib which the Lord God had taken from Adam he made into a woman and brought her to Adam. Then Adam said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. " Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.

Now the serpent was more subtle than any other wild creature that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die."'

But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. " So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons.

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to Adam, and said to him, "Where are you?" And he said, I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. " He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" Adam said, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent beguiled me, and I ate.

The Lord said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all cattle, and above all wild animals; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. "

To the woman he said, I will greatly multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children, yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you." And to Adam he said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth to you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Sixth tone. Psalm 20.

Be exalted, O Lord, in your power.

O Lord, the king shall rejoice in your strength.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: 'The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (3:19-34)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke forth, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion; let them not escape from your sight, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it" - when you have it with you. Do not plan evil against your neighbor who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways; for the perverse man is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor.

Wednesday of the Second Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the First Tone

Having undertaken the spiritual fast, brethren, speak no cunning with the tongue, nor put any obstacle before your brother to scandalize him. But brightening the torch of the soul with penitence, let us cry tearfully to Christ: "As loving Lord, forgive us our transgressions."

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the First Tone

Having undertaken the spiritual fast, brethren, speak no cunning with the tongue, nor put any obstacle before your brother to scandalize him. But brightening the torch of the soul with penitence, let us cry tearfully to Christ: "As loving Lord, forgive us our transgressions.

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Martyrikon

All-praiseworthy Martyrs, the earth did not conceal you, but Heaven received you. The gates of Paradise were opened to you, and once within, you enjoyed the life of the Cross. Intercede with Christ that our souls may be granted peace and His great mercy.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Stichera Prosomoia composed by the Poet Joseph, in the Third Tone

Lord, as good and compassionate, enable us, through the prayers of the divine Apostles, to carry out the time of the Fast in an attitude of contrition, that being saved we may all glorify you.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Great and awesome Your coming, Lord, when You will sit and execute just judgment. But do not judge me, who am already judged; but as God spare me through the acceptable intercessions of the Apostles.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

A poem by Theodore, in the Sixth Tone

Apostles of Christ, luminous among mortals, treasures rich in the all-wise knowledge of our God, through your prayers deliver from temptation those who praise you in song; and make the time of Fasting peaceful for us, rewarding us to live free of all evil. Thus attaining to the Passion of Christ in a manner pleasing to Him, we may make bold to offer hymns to our God.

There follow four prosomoia from the Menaion, with the appropriate verses, relating to the Saint of the following day or, should there be one, of the Saint of the day being celebrated.

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Sixth tone. Psalm 31.

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones.

Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (4:16-26)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael the father of Methushael, and Methushael the father of Lamech. And Lamech took two wives; the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have cattle. His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and the pipe. Zillah bored Tubalcain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.

Lamech said to his wives: "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, hearken to what I say: I have slain a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. If Cain is avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold. "

And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, "God has appointed for me another child instead of Abel, for Cain slew him. " To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time men began to call upon the name of the Lord.

Reader: Prokeimenon. First tone. Psalm 32.

Lord, let your loving mercy be upon us.

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (5:15-23; 6:1-3)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: My son, drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely hind, a graceful doe. Let her affection fill you at all times with delight, be infatuated always with her love.

Why should you be infatuated, my son, with a loose woman and embrace the bosom of an adventuress? For man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he watches all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is caught in the toils of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is lost.

My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger; if you are snared in the utterance of your lips, caught in the words of your mouth; then do this, my son, and save yourself.

Friday of the Second Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

Idiomelon in the Fourth Tone

Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. In Your abundant mercy visit my soul; lift the burden of my transgressions and forgive, only Loving One.

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

Idiomelon in the Fourth Tone

Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. In Your abundant mercy visit my soul; lift the burden of my transgressions and forgive, only Loving One.

The Martyrika, in the eight tones, form Appendix B. The priest will announce the tone for the given week.

There follow four prosomoia from the Menaion, with the appropriate verses, relating to the Saint of the following day or, should there be one, of the Saint of the day being celebrated.

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

The Hymn for the Dead in the Same Tone

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Theotokion in the Same Tone

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, 0 Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 39.

Your mercy and your truth have helped me always.

I waited patiently for the Lord.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (5:32 - 6:8)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: After Noah was five hundred years old, Noah became the Father of Shem, Ham and Japheth.

When men began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair; and they took to wife such of them as they chose. Then the Lord said, "My spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh, but his days shall be a hundred and twenty years. " The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men that were of old, the men of renown.

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the ground, man and beast and creeping things, and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them. " But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Sixth tone. Psalm 40.

I said, "O Lord, have mercy on me!"

Blessed is the helper of the poor and needy.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (6:20 - 7: 1)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart always, tie them about your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adventuress.

Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for a harlot may be hired for a loaf of bread, but an adulteress stalks a man's very life. Can a man carry fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk upon hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.

Do not men despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry? And if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. He who commits adultery has no sense; he who does it destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will he get, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation, nor be appeased though you multiply gifts.

My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live.

Wednesday of the Third Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the First Tone

Having wastefully squandered my patrimony, I am destitute, living in the land of knaves. And in my foolishness I have become like the dumb animals, bereft of all divine grace. And so repenting, I cry out to You the loving and compassionate Father, "I have sinned; accept me in penitence, O God, and have mercy on me. "

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

Having wastefully squandered my patrimony, I am destitute, living in the land of knaves. And in my foolishness I have become like the dumb animals, bereft of all divine grace. And so repenting, I cry out to You the loving and compassionate Father, "I have sinned; accept me in penitence, O God, and have mercy on me. "

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Martyrikon

Martyrs of the Lord, you are living oblations, spiritual burnt-offerings, perfect sacrificial victims for God, knowing God and known of Him; sheep whose sheepfold is secure against wolves. Intercede, that we too may graze with you by restful waters.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Stichera Prosomoia, Poems of Joseph, in the Sixth Tone

Apostles, who have seen God, beams of the intelligible sun, ask light for our souls, rid us of the dark gloom of the passions and intercede that we may see the saving light of day, by prayers and intercessions, cleansing hearts which the Evil One has wounded; that saved by faith, we may ever honor you, who by your all-wise preaching have preserved the world.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

A Prodigal, an alien in a far country of disgrace, I have spent in evil-doing, O Father, the riches you entrusted to me and am spent with hunger. Here I am clothed in the shame of my transgressions, but naked of Grace, crying out to you, "I have sinned. " For I know your goodness. Accept me, compassionate Christ, as one of Your hirelings, through the prayers of the Apostles who have loved You.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Another Prosomoion, by Theodore, in the Same Tone

Apostles of the Savior, luminaries of the Universe,
well-doers and saviors, like heavenly messengers
you tell of the God of glory; and
adorned as with stars with your miracles and your prodigies of healing,
you carry your supplications for us earnestly to the Lord,
that He will receive our prayers as a precious fragrance,
and make us all worthy,
both to venerate the life giving Cross
and to look upon it in awe.
As we worship it, 0 Savior,
as loving God send down Your mercies on us.

There follow four prosomoia from the Menaion, with the appropriate verses, relating to the Saint of the following day or, should there be one, of the Saint of the day being celebrated.

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 51.

I have always trusted in God's mercy from age to age.

Why do you flaunt your sin, O mighty one? All day long your tongue has plotted iniquity.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (7: 6-9)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came upon the earth. And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him went into the ark, to escape the waters of the flood. Of clean animals, and of animals that are not clean, and of birds, and of everything that creeps on the ground, two and two, male and female, went into the ark with Noah, as God had commanded Noah.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 52.

When the Lord ends Israel's captivity,

Jacob shall exult and Israel shall be glad.

The fool said in his heart, "There is no God."

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (9:12-18)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: My son, if you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it. A foolish woman is noisy; she is wanton and knows no shame. She sits at the door of her house, she takes a seat on the high places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" And to him who is without sense she says, "Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. But hasten away, delay not in the place, neither fix your eye upon her: for thus shall you go through strange water; but abstain from strange water, and do not drink of a strange fountain that you may live long, and years of life may be added to you.

Friday of the Third Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the " O Lord I have cried out... "

Verse: Release me from prison , that I may give thanks to your name.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Seventh Tone

In the manner of the Prodigal, I have tamed by back on Your grace, Lord, and having squandered the riches of Your goodness, I have hastened to You, loving one, crying, "God, I have sinned. Have mercy on me. "

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Seventh Tone

In the manner of the Prodigal, I have turned by back on Your grace, Lord, and having squandered the riches of Your goodness, I have hastened to You, loving one, crying, "God, I have sinned. Have mercy on me.”

The Martyrika, in the eight tones, form Appendix B. The priest will announce the tone for the given week.

There follow four prosomoia from the Menaion, with the appropriate verses, relating to the Saint of the following day or, should there be one, of the Saint of the day being celebrated.

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

The Hymn for the Dead in the Tone of the Week

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Theotokion in the Tone of the Week

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Fattier, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 59.

Give us help out of trouble, for vain is the salvation of man.

O God, you have rejected us and destroyed us; you had been angry, and yet took pity on us.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (8: 4-21)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: And in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest upon the mountains of Ararat. And the waters continued to abate until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen.

At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made, and sent forth a raven; and it went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. Then he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground; but the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put forth his hand and took her and brought her into the ark with him. He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; and the dove came back to him in the evening, and lo, in her mouth a freshly plucked olive leaf, so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. Then he waited another seven days, and sent forth the dove; and she did not return to him any more.

In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried from off the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dry. In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. Then God said to Noah, "Go forth from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you. Bring forth with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh --- birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth --- that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply upon the earth. " So Noah went forth, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him. And every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves upon the earth, went forth by families out of the ark.

Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled the pleasing odor.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Sixth tone. Psalm 60.

O God, hear my plea, attend to my prayer.

Thus will I sing to your name for evermore, fulfilling my vows day by day.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (10:31 - 11:12)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive

Reader: The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.

When the wicked dies, his hope perishes, and the expectation of the godless comes to nought. The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked gets into it instead. With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. He who belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Wednesday of the Fourth Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Fourth Tone

The Fast that yields blessings is now at its midpoint, having in the days past been acceptable, and promising benefits in the days yet to come. For persevering in the good increases its benefits. Therefore we cry to Christ, the giver of all good things, "You who fasted for our sakes and endured the Cross, make us fit to share without reproach Your divine Passover, living in peace and worthily glorifying You with the Father and the Spirit. "

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

An Additional Sticheron in the Fifth Tone

As we exercise virtues in secret, looking to spiritual rewards, we may not parade our deeds in the public squares, but rather carry them in our hearts. Then He who sees the hidden acts of all, will give us the just due for abstinence. Let us complete the Fast without sullen faces, but praying in the inner recesses of our hearts, and so crying unceasingly, "Our Father who art in heaven, we pray You, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One."

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Martyrikon in the Same Tone

Filled with insatiable love, Holy Martyrs, you did not deny Christ, but enduring the wounds of varied tortures, you put down the arrogance of tyrants, and having preserved the Faith sound and unaltered, you were taken to the heavens. Thus having boldness before Him, pray that peace may be given to the world, and to our souls great mercy.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Stichera Prosomoia for the Cross, in the First Tone

Let us all cleanse our souls in the waters of Fasting, and approaching the precious and awesome Cross of the Lord, let us venerate it in faith, drawing from it divine light and reaping the fruits of eternal salvation, and peace and great mercy.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

O Cross, the Apostles' pride, honored by Principalities and Powers, and Archangels, keep safe from all harm those who worship you; make us worthy to complete the stage of abstinence, and so to reach that day of salvation by which we are saved.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

An additional Prosomoion. In the seventh tone.

As we worship the Lord's Cross this day, let us cry: "Hail, tree of life, despoiler of Hades. Hail, joy of the World, destroyer of death. Hail, who in your power scatter the demons. Support of the faithful, unbreakable weapon, guard and sanctify, we pray, those who venerate you.

There follow four prosomoia from the Menaion, with the appropriate verses, relating to the Saint of the following day or, should there be one, of the Saint of the day being celebrated.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Idiomelon in the Eighth Tone

He who is unapproachable in His essence, today becomes approachable to me; He suffers the Passion to free me from passions. He who gives sight to the blind is spat upon by lawless lips, and gives His face to blows for the sake of those in bondage. Seeing Him on the Cross, the pure Virgin and Mother said, "Alas, my child! Why have You done this? Comeliest of all mortal men, You now appear lifeless and unseemly, bereft of both form and beauty. Alas, my light! I cannot bear to see you sleeping; I am wounded to the quick and a terrible sword pierces my heart. I praise Your Passion, I worship Your compassion. Long-suffering Lord, glory to You."

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 71.

Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who alone works wonders.

O God, give your sense of justice to the king.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (9:18-29 - 10: 1)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Hain, and Japheth. Hain was the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah; and from these the whole earth was peopled.

Noah was the first tiller of the soil. He planted a vineyard; and he drank of the wine, and became drunk, and lay uncovered in his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it upon both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness. When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, he said,

"Cursed be Canaan; a slave of slaves shall he be to his brothers." He also said, "Blessed by the Lord my God be Shem; and let Canaan be his slave. God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem; and let Canaan be his slave." After the flood Noah lived three hundred and fifty years. All the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and he died. These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth; sons were born to them after the flood.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 72.

But it is good for me to cleave to God, to put my hope in the Lord.

How good is God to Israel, to the upright of heart!

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (12:23-28, 13: 1-9)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: A prudent man conceals his knowledge, but fools proclaim their folly. The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. A righteous man turns away from evil, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. A slothful man will not catch his prey, but the diligent man will get precious wealth. In the path of righteousness is life, but the way of error leads to death.

A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. From the fruit of his mouth a good man eats good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence. He who guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. The soul of the sluggard craves, and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. A righteous man hates falsehood, but a wicked man acts shamefully and disgracefully. Righteousness guards him whose way is upright, but sin overthrows the wicked.  One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. The ransom of a man's life is his wealth, but a poor man has no means of redemption. The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Friday of the Fourth Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

Idiomelon in the Seventh Tone

By enslaving my soul's dignity to passions, I have become like a beast and can no longer raise my eyes to You, Most High. But bending low, O Christ, like the Publican, I cry out to You in prayer, "O God, be merciful to me and save me."

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

Idiomelon in the Seventh Tone

By enslaving my soul's dignity to passions, I have become like a beast and can no longer raise my eyes to You, Most High. But bending low, O Christ, like the Publican, I cry out to You in prayer, " O God, be merciful to me and save me."

The Martyrika, in the eight tones, form Appendix B, beginning on page 160. The priest will announce the tone for the given week.

There follow four prosomoia from the Menaion, with the appropriate verses, relating to the Saint of the following day or, should there be one, of the Saint of the day being celebrated.

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

Doxastikon for the Dead in the Tone of the Week

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion in the Tone of the Week

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 79.

Enthroned upon the Cherubim, make yourself known.

Give heed, O Shepherd of Israel, who guide Joseph like a flock of sheep.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (12: 1-7)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth will bless themselves."

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions which they had gathered, and the persons that they had gotten in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.

Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Second tone. Psalm 80.

Rejoice in God our helper, sing out to the God of Jacob.

Choose a psalm and take hold of a timbrel.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (14: 15-26)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: The simple believes everything, but the prudent looks where he is going. A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is careless. A man of quick temper acts foolishly, but a man of discretion is patient. The simple acquire folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous. The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. He who despises his neighbor is a sinner, but happy is he who is kind to the poor.

Do they not err that devise evil? Those who devise good meet loyalty and faithfulness. In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to want. The crown of the wise is their wisdom, but folly is the garland of fools. A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is a betrayer. In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

Wednesday of the Fifth Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Verse: The wicked shall fall into their own nets, while I alone escape

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Eighth Tone

Falling among thieves of my own thoughts, my wretched mind has been plundered; and severely beaten, I have been bruised to my very soul. Here I lie, stripped of virtue by life's roadside. A Priest, seeing me grievously wounded, thinking me beyond hope, looks away and pays no heed. Again a Levite, finding the deadly grief unbearable, also with a sidelong glance, passed me by. But You who condescended to take flesh, not from the Samaritan but from Mary, Christ God, in Your love grant me healing, pouring on me Your great mercy.

Verse: With my voice I cried out to the Lord, with my voice I implored the Lord.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Eighth Tone

Falling among thieves of my own thoughts, my wretched mind has been plundered; and severely beaten, I have been bruised to my very soul. Here I lie, stripped of virtue by life's roadside. A Priest, seeing me grievously wounded, thinking me beyond hope, looks away and pays no heed. Again a Levite, finding the deadly grief unbearable, also with a sidelong glance, passed me by. But You who condescended to take flesh, not from the Samaritan but from Mary, Christ God, in Your love grant me healing, pouring on me Your great mercy.

Verse: Before him I will pour out my prayer; in his presence I will tell of my distress.

Martyrikon

If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, it is due to the Saints. For they inclined their necks to the sword for You who made the heavens incline and descended. They shed their blood for You who emptied Yourself and took on the form of a servant. They were humbled even to death, imitating Your humility. Through their prayers, in the abundance of Your compassion, O God, have mercy on us.

Stichera Prosomoia, Poem of Joseph, in the Eighth Tone

Verse: When my spirit was fainting within me, you knew my paths.

Lord, You proved Your holy Disciples to be spiritual Heavens. By their holy mediations, free me from worldly evils through self-control, lifting my thoughts from dwelling on desires, as merciful and loving God.

Verse: On that very road I was walking, they set a trap for me.

Having the time of the Fast as our yokemate in holy works, let us with heartfelt tears cry to the Savior: "Most merciful Lord, through Your disciples save those who in awe praise Your great love.

Another Sticheron, the Poem of Theodore, in the Same Tone

Verse: I looked to my right and observed; no one was aware of me.

Renowned Apostles, the world's ambassadors, healers of the sick, guardians of health, uphold us on both sides to make it through the time of the Fast, at holy peace with one another, our mind untroubled by passions, that we may all sing a hymn of victory to the risen Christ.

Additional Prosomoia in Alphabetical Order (Greek).

The Poem of Symeon the Translator, in the Fourth Tone

Verse: I had no means of escape; no one would take care of my life.

whole life has been spent with harlots and publicans. Can I ever, even in old age, repent of my sinful acts? Creator of all, healer of those in distress, Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: I cried out to you, Lord, and said, You are my hope, my share in the land of the living.

I am burdened by sloth, wallowing in the mire, pierced by the arrows of Belial, and I defile my divine image. Chastiser of the slothful, deliverer of the fallen, Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: Attend to my supplication, for I am laid very low.

I have become a stumbling block to others, like one born of the earth cultivating earthly things. According to Your will I entered into marriage, and violated it, polluting my own bed. Lord, who shaped Your creatures from the earth, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: Deliver me from my oppressors, for they are too strong for me.

I am become my soul's executioner, thinking first of my body. I am become the plaything of demons, a slave to pleasures and disgusting acts. Lord, who banish demons, in Your compassion, pity me, and before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

Willfully I have sinned above all others; that is why I am abandoned. My carnal mind opposes my soul and keeps me in shadows. Lord, light of those in darkness and guide of the wayward, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

"My soul shall live and praise you, Lord," said the Prophet. Seek me out, the lost sheep, and number me among your flock. Allow me time for repentance that, with sighs, I may cry out to You, "Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me. "

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, O Lord, hear my voice!

I have sinned, I have sinned, violating Your commandments, Christ God. Be gracious to me, O Benefactor, that with my inner eyes I may see and escape the darkness, and cry out to You in fear, "Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me."

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Savage beasts surround me, but snatch me from them, Master. For You desire that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Lord, as Creator, save all people, me among them. Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Benefactor, deliverer and savior, be my healing and do not reject me. See me lying in wickedness and as all-powerful raise me up, that I too may confess my deeds and cry out to You: "Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me."

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Hiding the talent entrusted to me, like the senseless steward I buried it in the ground. Thus I am judged as worthless and dare not ask of You, in Your forbearance to have pity on me, that I too may cry, "Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me."

Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

By the touch of Your hem You stanched the flow of the woman with bleeding. May I find remission of sins as I approach You in unhesitating faith. Accept me as You did her, and heal my distress. Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

You will sit upon a throne, who by Your word created heaven and earth. And we will all stand, confessing to You our misdeeds. Before that day, accept me in penitence. Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples.

Turn to me Your compassionate gaze and be gracious to me, my sole Savior. Grant healing waters to my miserable and afflicted soul. Wipe away the grime of my deeds, that I may sing, "Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me. "

Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Belial has readied his sword, eager to hunt down my lowly soul. Merciful One, he has made me stranger to the light of knowledge of You. Mighty in strength, snatch me from his cunning. Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: I have lifted up my eyes to you who dwell in heaven. As the eyes of the servants are on the hands of their masters; as the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until he has mercy on us.

I am totally enslaved by passions, abandoning both law and the holy scriptures. Heal me wholly, becoming for me Benefactor. Let me repent, merciful One, destroyer of the passions. Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Verse: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have had more than our fill of contempt; yes, our soul has been more than glutted. May disgrace fall on the prosperous, and contempt on the proud.

The harlot bathes Your spotless and precious feet with tears, urging all to hasten and receive remission of their sins. Savior, grant me also her faith, that I may proclaim: "Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me. "

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You who humbled Yourself and were born a child for my sake, purge my soul of uncleanness. Send but a drop of Your mercy, O Christ, on this sick and broken person. Cleanse me from foulness and heal my affliction. Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Master, uphold my spirit, ever to seek You and to serve You. For You are my shelter and protector, my comfort and help. Make me fit, Word of God, to cry out boldly, "Lord, before I aim utterly lost, save me. 

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Jesus Savior and merciful God, be for us an impenetrable fortress. For we have fallen into deceitful ways and deeds. But as Benefactor, raise up Your creation and reconcile it to You as merciful. Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I have become the Prodigal Son, squandering his substance, and now am consumed by hunger. I take refuge under Your roof, loving Father. Will You accept me like him, to share Your table, and count me worthy to cry: "Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Out of spite the author of all evil exiled the firstborn from Paradise. The thief attained Paradise on the cross by the words, "Remember me". While I, in fear and faith also cry to You, "Remember me!" Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Extend a hand to me, O God, as You did to Peter, and raise me up from the deep. Grant me grace and mercy through the intercession of Your all-pure Mother who bore You without seed, and of all Your saints. Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As I sing to You each day, receive me, O Lamb who takes away my sin. I commend myself, soul and body, wholly into Your hands.

And night and day, as a debtor, I cry to You, "Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me. "

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O, Your inexpressible compassion, surpassingly good and forbearing Lord! O sinless and merciful One, cast me not away from Your presence, that I too, with joy and thanksgiving, may cry out to You singing, "Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me."

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now And always and forever and ever. Amen.

O, the ineffable condescension! O, the strange and miraculous birth! O, how the Virgin bears in her arms the Creator and God! Submitting to be born in the flesh of her as Savior, Lord, before I am utterly lost, save me.

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God.

For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 93.

The Lord is a God of retribution: the God of retribution has declared himself.

Rise up, O judge of the earth: render to the proud their due.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (17: 1-9)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. " Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.

I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come forth from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you. And I will give to you, and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." And God said to Abraham, "As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. "

Reader: Prokeimenon. Sixth tone. Psalm 95.

Sing to the Lord a new song,

Sing to the Lord, bless his name;

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (15: 20-34, 16: 3-9)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is a joy to him who has no sense, but a man of understanding walks aright. Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! The wise man's path leads upward to life, that he avoid Sheol beneath. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but maintains the widow's boundaries. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, the words of the pure are pleasing to him. He who is greedy for unjust gain makes trouble for his household, but he who hates bribes will live. The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

'Me light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. He whose ear heeds wholesome admonition will abide among the wise. He who ignores instruction despises himself, but he who heeds admonition gains understanding. The fear of the Lord is Instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor. The plans of the mind belong to the man, but the answer of the tongue belongs to the Lord.

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Every one who is arrogant is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil. When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Friday of the Fifth Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... " (according to the Typikon of the Great Church of Christ) followed by 3 Stichira of the Triodion and 3 to the Theotokos.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Sixth Tone

Departing from Your commandments as from Jerusalem, and going down to the calamity of Jericho, the judgment of disgrace, ravaged by earthly cares, I fell among thieves of the reason. Stripped by them of my garment, my adoption to sonship by grace, and wounded I lie as dead. A Priest passing by and seeing the corpse did not come near. A Levite, also repelled, passed me by. But You, Lord, born wondrously of the Virgin, in Your compassion pour on me as a mercy tile saving blood and water, willingly shed from Your breast, bind up my wounds and reckon me for a heavenly place.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Sixth Tone

Departing from Your commandments as from Jerusalem, and going down to the calamity of Jericho, the judgment of disgrace, ravaged by earthly cares, I fell among thieves of the reason. Stripped by them of my garment, my adoption to sonship by grace, and wounded I lie as dead. A Priest passing by and seeing the corpse did not come near. A Levite, also repelled, passed me by. But You, Lord, born wondrously of the Virgin, in Your compassion pour on me as a mercy the saving blood and water, willingly shed from Your breast, bind up my wounds and reckon me for a heavenly place.

Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

Martyrikon in the Same Tone

Lord, Your Martyrs did not deny You or reject Your commandments. Through their intercessions, have mercy on us.

Stichera Prosomoia to the Theotokos

Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

In the sixth tone.

Revealing to you, Maiden, the pre-eternal will, Gabriel stood before you, paying you homage and saying: "Hail, seedless earth; Hail, bush unconsumed by fire; Hail, unfathomable depth; Hail, bridge leading to the Heavens, and lofty ladder of which Jacob dreamed; Hail, divine vessel of the manna; Hail, breaker of the curse; Hail, Adam's recall. The Lord is with you."

Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples.

"You seem to me a man," says the pure Maiden to the Archangel. " Yet how is it you speak superhuman words? For you said, God will be with me and dwell in my womb. And how shall I become, tell me, so broad a space, and a hallowed place, for Him who sits amid the Cherubim? Do not entice me with guile; for I have never known pleasure. I am uninitiate to wedlock. How then am I to bear a son? "

Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Where God wills, the natural order is overturned, says the bodiless one, and supernatural things are brought about. Believe my true words. most spotless Panagia. And she cried, "Let it be to me according to your word. And I shall bear Him who is without flesh, borrowing it from mine, that by this mingling, as the only mighty One, He may raise man to his primal dignity."

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

By Theophanes in the Second Tone

The pre-eternal mystery is today revealed, and the Son of God becomes Son of man, that by taking on the lesser He may communicate to me the more perfect. Adam was deceived, and did not become God as he desired; but (God becomes man), that He may bring Adam to perfection as God. Let Creation rejoice, let nature dance, for the Archangel appears to the Virgin in awe and bears her the greeting opposite of sorrow. Glory to You, our God, who out of Your merciful heart became man.

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 102.

The Lord is the one of compassion and mercy, long-suffering and manifold love.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (22: 1-18)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: After these things God tested Abraham, and said to him, " Abraham! " And he said, "Here am I. " He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; and he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.

On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place afar off. Then Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the ass; I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you." And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, "My father! " And he said, "Here am I, my son." He said, "Behold, the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham said, "God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they went both of them together.

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. Then Abraham put forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I. " He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me. "And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord will provide; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided. "

And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, "By myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore. And your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your descendants shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves, because you have obeyed my voice. "

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 103.

How great are your works, O Lord!

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (17:17-28, 18:1-5)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A man without sense gives a pledge, and becomes surety in the presence of his neighbor. He who loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction. A man of crooked mind does not prosper, and one with a perverse tongue falls into calamity. A stupid son is a grief to a father; and the father of a fool has no joy.

A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. A wicked man accepts a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice. A man of understanding sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good; to flog noble men is wrong. He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in expressing his opinion. When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace. The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream. It is not good to be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice.

Wednesday Before Palm Sunday

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out...”

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Fifth Tone

Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

Rich in passions, I wear the fraudulent robe of hypocrisy, reveling in the evils of excess. Infinitely heartless, heedless of my spiritual self, I lie outside the gate of repentance, starved of any blessing, sick with neglect. But You, Lord, treat me as Lazarus, poor in sins, praying that I may never lack for a cooling finger on my tormented tongue in the eternal fire. And as loving Lord, let me dwell in the bosom of the Patriarch Abraham.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Fifth Tone

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

Rich in passions, I wear the fraudulent robe of hypocrisy, reveling in the evils of excess. Infinitely heartless, heedless of my spiritual self, I lie outside the gate of repentance, starved of any blessing, sick with neglect. But You, Lord, treat me as Lazarus, poor in sins, praying that I may never lack for a cooling finger on my tormented tongue in the eternal fire. And as loving Lord, let me dwell in the bosom of the Patriarch Abraham.

Martyrikon in the Same Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you, Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Filled with insatiable love, Holy Martyrs, you did not deny Christ, but enduring the wounds of varied tortures, you put down the arrogance of tyrants, and having preserved the Faith sound and unaltered, you were taken to the heavens. Thus having boldness before Him, pray that peace may be given to the world, and to our souls great mercy.

Stichera Prosomoia, the Poem of Joseph, in the Fifth Tone

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Traveling beyond Jordan in the flesh, O Jesus, You said to those w You, "Our friend Lazarus is dead, and is even now being laid in the tomb. For your sake I am glad, my friends, so that you may know, as I who know all things, being everlasting God, even though I appear as a man. Let us then go to quicken him, so that death may feel my victory and his own utter defeat, which I shall surely cause, granting to the world great mercy. "

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Faithful, emulating Martha and Mary, let us send as ambassadors to the Lord godly works, that in coming He may resurrect our spirit, lying in the tomb utterly dead of neglect, lacking all sense of godly fear, bereft of life giving strength, and so cry: "Behold, Lord, and as You once raised up Your friend Lazarus, Merciful One, in Your awesome dominion, so make us all alive, granting us Your great mercy. "

An additional Sticheron, a Poem of Theodore, in the Sixth Tone

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Lazarus is now two days in the tomb; he sees the dead of all the ages. There he has witnessed strange horrors, a numberless throng held fast by the bonds of Hades. Thus his sisters lament bitterly as they look on his tomb. But Christ comes to bring His friend to life, that a hymn may be raised by all in unison: "Blessed are You, O Savior, have mercy on us. "

There follow four prosomoia from the Menaion, with the appropriate verses, relating to the Saint of the following day or, should there be one, of the Saint of the day being celebrated.

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon:Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 114

I will be pleasing to the Lord in the land of the living.

I am glad, for the Lord will hear my plea.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (43: 25-30, 45: 1-16)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which they had with them, and bowed down to him to the ground. And he inquired about their welfare, and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?" They said, "Your servant our father is well, he is still alive." And they bowed their heads and made obeisance. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, "Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!" Then Joseph made haste, for his heart yearned for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there.

Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him; and he cried, "Make everyone go out from me." So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph; is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

"Make haste and go up to my father and say to him, 'Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry; you shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have; and there I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come; lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty.' And now your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father of all my splendor in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. Make haste and bring my father down here. "Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him. When the report was heard in Pharaoh's house, "Joseph's brothers have come," it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 115.

I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

I believed, wherefore I have spoken, but I was direly afflicted.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (21:23-31, 22: 1-4)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. "Scoffer" is the name of the proud, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. The desire of the sluggard kills him for his hands refuse to labor. All day long the wicked covets, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent. A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure. A wicked man puts on a bold face, but an upright man considers his ways. No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all. A prudent man sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on, and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

Friday Before Palm Sunday

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out...

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Eighth Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you; Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Having completed the Forty-day Fast, good for the soul, we now ask, loving Lord, to witness the holy week of Your Passion as well, in it to praise Your greatness and Your inexpressible dispensation for us, singing as one, Lord, glory to You.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Sticheron Idiomelon in the Eighth Tone

Having completed the Forty-day Fast, good for the soul, we now ask, loving Lord, to witness the holy week of Your Passion as well, in it to praise Your greatness and Your inexpressible dispensation for us, singing as one, Lord, glory to You.

Martyrikon in the Same Tone

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Martyrs of the Lord, intercede with our God, and for our souls ask, we pray, an abundance of mercies and atonement for our many transgressions.

Sticheron Idiomelon for Saint Lazarus

The Poem of the Emperor Leo VI, the Wise, in the Sixth Tone

Verse: For your name's sake, 0 Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Lord, wishing to see the tomb of Lazarus, Yourself soon to occupy a tomb, you asked, "Where have you laid him?" Learning what You already knew, You called out to him whom You loved: "Lazarus, come out! " And the lifeless one obeyed the One who gave him breath, You the Savior of our souls.

Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

In the Same Tone

Lord, You came to the tomb of Lazarus, and shedding tears over a friend, You raised him up, though dead four days, plant of life. Wherefore the voice of death was stifled, the winding sheet unraveled. Then the body of the disciples was filled with joy and they declared one and all, "Blessed are You, O Savior, have mercy on us. "

Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

In the Sixth Tone

Lord, Your voice put an end to the reign of death, and the word of Your authority raised from the grave a man four days dead. Thus Lazarus became the saving prelude to the new creation. All things are possible for You, Master, the King of all. Grant Your servants atonement and Your great mercy.

Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples.

In the Same Tone

Lord, wanting to give Your disciples a pledge of Your Resurrection from the dead, You came to the tomb of Lazarus. And when You called him out, Hades was despoiled and released him, four days dead, crying to You, "Blessed Lord, glory to You!"

Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.

In the Same Tone

Lord, taking Your disciples with You, You came to Bethany to raise up Lazarus. And weeping over him in Your human nature, as God You raised him up, as he cried out to You, Savior, "Blessed Lord, glory to You."

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

Idiomelon in the Eighth Tone

Standing by Lazarus' tomb, our Savior, and calling forth the dead man as from sleep, You resurrected him. He shook off corruption and, though bound in winding sheet, at Your word he emerged in the spirit of incorruption. Loving Lord, You are able to do all things; all things serve You; all things are subject to You. Our Savior, glory to You.

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Another Idiomelon, by Andrew the Blind, in the Same Tone

Having completed the soul-saving Forty-day Fast, let us proclaim: Rejoice, town of Bethany, home of Lazarus; rejoice Martha and Mary his sisters. Tomorrow Christ comes to quicken the dead brother by word. On hearing, His voice, cruel and insatiable Hades will tremble, and with a deep groan will release Lazarus, wrapped in linen. Amazed at the miracle, the Hebrew people will go out to meet Him with palms and branches. Seeing this, the children will shout in honor of the One their fathers envy, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!"

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the censer, and the Entrance takes place.

If however it is a Feast day, e.g. St. Haralambos, the Forty Holy Martyrs, as well as during Holy Week, and there is to be a Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is carried.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Sixth tone. Psalm 123.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Had not the Lord been with us, let Israel now say.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Genesis. (49:33, 50: 1-26)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed, and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.

Then Joseph fell on his father's face, and wept over him, and kissed him. And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel; forty days were required for it, for so many are required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days.

And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, My father made me swear, saying, 'I am about to die: in my tomb which I hewed out for myself in the land of Canaan, there shall you bury me.' Now therefore let me go up, I pray you, and bury my father; then I will return. " And Pharaoh answered, "Go up, and bury your father, as he made you swear. "

So Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all the household of Joseph, his brothers, and his father's household; only the children, their flocks, and their herds were left in the land of Goshen. And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen; it was a very great company.

When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and sorrowful lamentation; and he made a mourning for his father seven days. When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning on the threshing floor of Atad, they said, "This is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians. " Therefore the place was named Abel-mizraim; it is beyond the Jordan. Thus his sons did for him as he had commanded them; for his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field at Mach-pelah, to the east of Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite, to possess as a burying place. After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone up with him to bury his father.

When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil which we did to him." So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died, 'Say to Joseph, Forgive, I pray you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.' And now, we pray you, forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father. " Joseph wept when they spoke to him, His brothers also came and fell down before him, and said, "Behold, we are your servants. " But Joseph said to them, "Fear not, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he reassured them and comforted them.

So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father's house; and Joseph lived a hundred and ten years. And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation; the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were born upon Joseph's knees. And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die; but God will visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob." Then Joseph took an oath of the sons of Israel, saying, "God will visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here. " So Joseph died, being a hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 124.

Those who trust in the Lord are like mount Sion.

Which cannot be moved, which shall stand forever.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from Proverbs. (31: 9-3 1)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: My son, open your mouth, judge righteously, maintain the rights of the poor and needy. A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and tasks for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hand to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers girdles to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. " Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Monday in Holy Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Sticheron in the First Tone

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

As the Lord approached His saving Passion, He was saying to the Apostles on tile way: "You see, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered up as it is written of Him. " Come, then, minds purified, let us walk with Him, and be crucified with Him, and for His sake, die to the delights of this life; that we may also live with Him, and hear Him declare: "No longer do I go toward the earthly Jerusalem to suffer; but I go up to my Father, who is your Father, my God and your God. And I will raise you up with me to the upper Jerusalem, to the Kingdom of heaven.

Sticheron in the Fifth Tone

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Having come, O faithful, to the saving Passion of Christ our God, let us glorify His inexpressible forbearance, so that in His compassion He may raise us up, deadened by sin, for He is good and loves mankind.

In the same tone.

Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

Lord, as You approached Your Passion, to encourage Your own disciples, You took them aside and said, "How is it you have forgotten the words I once spoke to you? How it is written that no prophet will be put to death except in Jerusalem? Now then, the time of which I spoke to you is at hand; behold I am betrayed into lawless hands to be mocked; and they will nail me to a cross, turn me over for burial, counting me as a loathsome corpse. But be of stout heart; for in three days I will rise, bringing joy and everlasting life to all who believe. "

In the same tone.

Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Lord, unable to grasp the ineffable mystery of Your dispensation, the mother of Zebedee's sons asked of You to grant them the honor of a temporal kingdom. But in its stead Your promised Your friends that they would drink of the cup of death; that before them You Yourself would partake of that cup as expiation for sins. Therefore, we cry out to You: "Savior of our souls, glory to You."

In the same tone.

Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples.

Lord, as You taught Your beloved disciples to contemplate ultimate things, You told them not to emulate the Gentiles in lording it over the weakest. "It shall not be so with you, my disciples, since I myself have chosen to be poor. Thus the first among you must be as servant to all, the one in authority as one under authority, the first as last. For I myself came to serve the fallen Adam, and give my life as ransom for the many who cry out to me, 'Glory to You'. "

Sticheron in the Eighth Tone

Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Mindful of what befell the fig tree, withered for its barrenness, brethren, let us bear fruits worthy of repentance to Christ, who in turn bestows on us great mercy.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Seeing the Egyptian woman as a second Eve, the serpent strove by flattery to cause Joseph's downfall. But he, leaving his tunic behind, fled from sin. And though naked, like our first parent before the fall, he was unashamed. By his intercessions, Christ, have mercy on us.

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the Book of Gospels, and the Entrance takes place.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) censing towards the East (or on the vigil of a Feast holding the Gospel Book aloft) says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Sixth tone. Psalm 133.

May the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Sion.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from Exodus. (1: 1-21)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. All the offspring of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. Then Joseph died, and all his brothers, and all that generation. But the descendants of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong; so that the land was filled with them.

Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, "Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war befall us, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land. " Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens; and they built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. So they made the people of Israel serve with rigor, and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field; in all their work they made them serve with rigor.

Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah, and the other Puah, "When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, she shall live. " But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this, and let the male children live?" The midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and are delivered before the midwife comes to them. " So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and grew very strong.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Eighth tone. Psalm 125.

We have blessed you in the name of the Lord.

Often have they assailed me since my youth.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from the Book of Job. (1: 1-21)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God, and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she-asses, and very many servants; so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.

His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each on his day; and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. And when the days of the feasts had run their course, Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. " Thus Job did continually.

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, "Whence have you come?" Satan answered the Lord, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it. " And the Lord said to Satan, " Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" Then Satan answered the Lord, "Does Job fear God for nought? Hast thou not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse thee to thy face." And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only upon himself do not put forth your hand." So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

Priest: Peace be to you.

Deacon: Wisdom.

When the reading is concluded, the priest censes the Holy Altar, pausing at each side, singing antiphonally with the Cantor the "Katefthynthito ", "Let my prayer rise as incense before You...

introducing each reprise with a verse from Psalm 140/141:

Priest: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves to the south of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Verse: O Lord, I have cried out to You: hear me; hearken to the voice of my prayer as I cry out to You.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves to the rear of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Verse: Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, and a gate to contain my lips.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves to the north of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Verse: Let not my heart incline to evil deeds, to finding excuses for sinful doings, in the company of men who work iniquity, and I will not partake of their delicacies.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves in front of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest standing before the Holy Table repeats.

Priest: Let my prayer rise.

Coming through the Royal Gates and censing the icon of Christ the Lord he chants.

as incense before You.

He the censes the remaining icons and the faithful as the Cantor chants.

Cantor: the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all.

People: And to your spirit.

Deacon: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew. (24 : 3-35)

Priest: Let us be attentive.

Cantor: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Deacon: At that time, as he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" And Jesus answered them, "Take heed that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the sufferings.  "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death; and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because wickedness is multiplied, most men's love will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come.

"So when you see the desolating sacrilege spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; let him who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house; and let him who is in the field not turn back to take his mantle. And alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been shortened, no human being would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

"Then if any one says to you, 'Lo, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Lo, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, 'Lo, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out; if they say, 'Lo, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of man. Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; and he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

Priest: Peace be to you, the herald of the Gospel.

Cantor: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Tuesday in Holy Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Sticheron in the First Tone

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

How shall I, so unworthy, come into the splendor of Your saints? If I make bold to enter the bridal feast, my clothing will reproach me since it is not a wedding garment. Then I shall be bound up and cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, purge my soul and save me.

Sticheron in the Second Tone

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

I have succumbed to spiritual torpor, O bridegroom Christ, and hold no lamp alight with virtue. I am like the foolish virgins, wandering about when it was time to act. Master, do not seal against me the wellsprings of Your pity; but rouse me to shake off the gloom of sleep, and lead me with the prudent maids into Your bridal chamber. Here the clear song of the revelers can be heard, singing ceaselessly, "Lord, glory to You!"

Sticheron in the Fourth Tone

Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

Soul, you have heard the sentence pronounced on him who hid his talent, so do not bury God's word. Rather, proclaim His wonders, so that abounding in grace, you may enter into the joy of your Lord.

Sticheron in the Sixth Tone

Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Come, faithful, let us labor with zeal for the Master. For He shares out His wealth to His stewards; as each is able, then, let us augment the talent of grace. One will embellish wisdom with good works; another will perform a splendid liturgy. The believer will convey the word to the uninitiate, while yet another will distribute wealth to the indigent. Thus shall we increase what is ours in trust, and as stewards of grace merit the Master's joy. O Christ, as loving God, deem us worthy of this joy!

Sticheron in the Same Tone

Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples.

Jesus, when You come in glory with angelic hosts, and sit on the Judgment Seat, do not separate me, Good Shepherd. You know the ways of those on the right; those on the left are perverted. Hardened though I am in sin, do not condemn me to perish with the goats, but numbering me among the sheep at Your right hand, save me in Your love.

Sticheron in the Same Tone

Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Bridegroom, comeliest of all men, You have invited us into Your spiritual wedding feast. Through sharing in Your sufferings, strip away the tattered raiment of my sins and, clothing me in the splendor of Your beauty, make me a radiant guest of Your kingdom as loving God.

Doxastikon in the Seventh Tone

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Soul, consider the talent the Master entrusts to you. Accept the gift with awe; it is a loan from the giver, so share with the needy, and you will have a friend in the Lord. Thus, when He comes in glory, you may stand at His right hand and hear the voice of beatitude: "Enter, servant, into the joy of your Lord!" My Redeemer, though I have strayed, in Your great mercy count me worthy of that joy.

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the Book of Gospels, and the Entrance takes place.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) holding the Gospel Book aloft says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, 0 Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Sixth tone. Psalm 131.

Arise, O Lord, and go up to your rest, you and the ark of your holiness.

O Lord, remember David and all his forbearance.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from the Book of Exodus. (2: 5-10)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, and her maidens walked beside the river; she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to fetch it. When she opened it she saw the child; and lo, the babe was crying. She took pity on him and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children." Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?" And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go." So the girl went and called the child's mother. And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away, and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages. " So the woman took the child and nursed him. And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son; and she named him Moses, for she said, "Because I drew him out of the water. "

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 132.

Behold how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity.

It is as ointment upon the head, which runs down over the beard.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from the Book of Job. (1: 13-22)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; and there came a messenger to Job, and said, "The oxen were plowing and the asses feeding beside them; and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them, and slew the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you. " While he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you. " While he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, "The Chaldeans formed three companies, and made a raid upon the camels and took them, and slew the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

While he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, " Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness, and struck the four comers of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you."

Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshiped. And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. " In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

Priest: Peace be to you.

Deacon: Wisdom.

When the reading is concluded, the priest censes the Holy Altar, pausing at each side, singing antiphonally with the Cantor the "Katefthynthito ", "Let my prayer rise as incense before You...

introducing each reprise with a verse from Psalm 140/141:

Priest: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves to the south of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Verse: O Lord, I have cried out to You: hear me; hearken to the voice of my prayer as I cry out to You.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves to the rear of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Verse: Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, and a gate to contain my lips.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves to the north of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Verse: Let not my heart incline to evil deeds, to finding excuses for sinful doings, in the company of men who work iniquity, and I will not partake of their delicacies.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves in front of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest standing before the Holy Table repeats.

Priest: Let my prayer rise.

Coming through the Royal Gates and censing the icon of Christ the Lord he chants.

... As incense before You.

He then censes the remaining icons and the faithful as the Cantor chants.

Cantor: the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all.

People: And to your spirit.

Deacon: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew. (24: 36 -26: 2)

Priest: Let us be attentive.

People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Deacon: The Lord said to His disciples. "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but the Father only. As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man. Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left.

"Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.

"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of you oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, 'Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

"For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them. So too, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent, went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.

"Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'  "But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'

"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, 0 blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and YOU gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?' Then he will answer diem, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. "

When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples. "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of man will be delivered up to be crucified."

Priest: Peace be to you, the herald of the Gospel.

Cantor: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Wednesday in Holy Week

The following verses and hymns are chanted at the "O Lord I have cried out... "

Sticheron in the First Tone

Verse: Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name.

The sinful woman, aware that You, the Virgin's Son, were God, and having done things deserving of tears, weeping, implored You: "Undo my debt even as I undo my braids; love her who embraces You, though she be justly despised; and with the publicans I will proclaim You, loving benefactor."

Sticheron in the First Tone

Verse: The just shall gather around me when you give me my due reward.

The harlot blended priceless myrrh with tears, and poured it over Your immaculate feet as she kissed diem. Her You justified at once; will You likewise grant us forgiveness, who suffered for us, and save us?

Sticheron in the First Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

As the sinful woman was offering myrrh, the disciple was making terms with the lawless. She found joy pouring out what was precious; he hastened to sell out the priceless One; she acknowledged the Master, he cut himself off from the Master; she was set free, he fell slave to the enemy. What unspeakable callousness! How great the repentance! Grant me this, O Savior who suffered for us, and save us.

Sticheron in the First Tone

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

O, the wretchedness of Judas! As he watched the sinful woman kissing Your feet, he cunningly plotted the kiss of betrayal. As she unbound her tresses, he was bound by his anger, bearing foul wickedness instead of myrrh. For reason does not know enough to seek what is best. O, the wretchedness of Judas! Deliver us from it, O God.

Sticheron in the Second Tone

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

The sinful woman hastened to buy precious myrrh to anoint her benefactor. And to the perfumer she cried: "Give me myrrh that I in turn may anoint Him, who has wiped away all my sins.

Sticheron in the Sixth Tone

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

She who was drowning in vice found You a haven of salvation, and pouring out myrrh mixed with tears cried out to You: "Look at me, You who bear the contrition of sinners, Master, in Your great mercy rescue me from the tempest of sin."

Sticheron in the Sixth Tone

Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

Today Christ comes to the house of the Pharisee, and a sinful woman approaches, groveling at His feet and crying out: "Look on me, drowning in sin, despairing of my actions, yet because of Your goodness not despised. Give me, Lord, remission from evil, and save me

Sticheron in the Sixth Tone

Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

The harlot spread out her hair for You the Master; Judas spread out his hand toward the wicked: she to gain pardon, he to gain silver. And so we cry out to You, sold for our freedom, "Lord, glory to You. "

Sticheron in the Sixth Tone

Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples.

She came to You, Savior, a woman reeking of depravity, shedding tears at Your feet and foretelling Your Passion. "How can I face You the Master? For You have come to redeem a harlot. You who raised Lazarus, four days in the tomb, raise me up, dead in the depths. Accept me, Lord, wretched as I am, and save me.

Sticheron in the Sixth Tone

Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Despairing of her way of life, and well known for its manner, she came to You bearing the myrrh and crying: "Son of the Virgin, do not reject me; Joy of the angels, do not spurn my tears; but accept me repenting, Lord, whom in Your great kindness, though a sinner, You have not driven away. "

Idiomelon in the Eight Tone

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Poem of the Nun Cassiane

Lord, the woman caught up in a multitude of sins, sensing Your divinity, assumes the perfumer's role; lamenting, she provides myrrh in anticipation of Your burial. "Alas!" she cries, "for me night is a frenzy of excess, dark and moonless, a love affair with sm. You draw from the clouds the waters of the sea; will You accept the fountainhead of my tears? In Your inexpressible condescension You made the heavens incline; incline now to the groaning of my heart. I will cover Your spotless feet with kisses, then dry them with my tresses. nose feet, as You trod Paradise in the twilight, echoed like thunderclaps in the ears of Eve, sending her hiding in terror. Who can measure the magnitude of my transgressions? Who can fathom the depths of Your judgments, my soul's Redeemer? In Your boundless mercy do not reject me Your handmaid. "

As the dogmatic hymn (doxastikon) is sung, the Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon and Priest exit the Sanctuary from the north door and come to the chancel (soleas) carrying the Book of Gospels, and the Entrance takes place.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. (in a low voice)

Priest: (inaudibly) At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God.

For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the Entrance.

Priest: Blessed is the Entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon (or the Priest) holding the Gospel Book aloft says aloud:

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend!

In the Presanctified the Entrance Hymn is not usually sung but intoned.

O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.

Having reentered the Sanctuary, the Deacon announces:

Deacon: The evening.

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 135.

Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his merciful love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods, for his merciful love endures forever.

Deacon: Wisdom

Reader: The Reading is from the Book of Exodus. (2:11-23)

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Reader: One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together; and he said to the man that did the wrong, "Why do you strike your fellow?" He answered, "Who made you a prince and judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid, and thought, "Surely the thing is known." When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses.

But Moses fled from Pharaoh, and stayed in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. When they came to their father Reuel, he said, "How is it that you have come so soon today?" They said, "An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and even drew water for us and watered the flock." He said to his daughters, "And where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread. " And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. She bore a son, and he called his name Gershom; for he said, I have been a sojourner in a foreign land." And the name of the other [son] Eliezer, for he said, "The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh. "

Reader: Prokeimenon. Fourth tone. Psalm 137.

For your merciful love endures forever, do not forsake the works of your hands.

O Lord, I will give thanks to you with my whole heart.

And he chants in a louder voice: Order!

The Priest, holding aloft the censer and a lighted candle, stands before the Holy Table and says:

Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend!

Then, turning to the people, standing in the Royal Arch he proclaims:

Priest: The light of Christ enlightens all!

He blesses the congregation making the sign of the Cross with the candle and returns before the Holy Table.

Reader: The Reading is from the Book of Job. (2: 1-10)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Reader: And again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. And the Lord said to Satan, "Whence have you come?" Satan answered the Lord, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it. " And the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you moved me against him, to destroy him without cause."  Then Satan answered the Lord, "Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face." And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your power; only spare his life. "

So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord, and afflicted Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes. And when much time had passed, his wife said to him, "How long will you hold out saying, 'Behold, I wait yet a little while expecting the hope of my deliverance?' for behold your memorial is abolished from the earth, even your sons and daughters, the pangs and pains of my womb which I bore in vain with sorrows; and you yourself sit to spend the nights in the open air among the corruption of worms, and I am a wanderer and a servant from place to place and house to house, waiting for the setting of the sun that I may rest from my labors and my pangs which now beset me; but some say some word against the Lord and die. "

But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Priest: Peace be to you.

Deacon: Wisdom.

When the reading is concluded, the priest censes the Holy Altar, pausing at each side, singing antiphonally with the Cantor the "Katefthynthito ", "Let my prayer rise as incense before You...

introducing each reprise with a verse from Psalm 140/141:

Priest: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves to the south of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: O Lord, I have cried out to You: hear me; hearken to the voice of my prayer as I cry out to You.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves to the rear of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, and a gate to contain my lips.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves to the north of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Let not my heart incline to evil deeds, to finding excuses for sinful doings, in the company of men who work iniquity, and I will not partake of their delicacies.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest then moves in front of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.

Priest: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Cantor: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

The priest standing before the Holy Table repeats.

Priest: Let my prayer rise.

Coming through the Royal Gates and censing the icon of Christ the Lord he chants.

... As incense before You.

He the censes the remaining icons and the faithful as the Cantor chants.

Cantor: the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all.

People: And to your spirit.

Deacon: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew. (26: 6-16)

Priest: Let us be attentive.

People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Deacon: Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head, as he sat at table. But when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for a large sum, and given to the poor." But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her."

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Priest: Peace be to you, the herald of the Gospel.

Cantor: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Appendix B: The Martyrika by Tone

Hymns to the Martyrs, sung at the Presanctified, after the Idiomelon, in the prescribed Tone of the Week

Martyrika in the First Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Through the intercessions, Lord, of all the Saints and the Theotokos, grant us Your peace and have mercy on us as the only compassionate One.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Saintly ones, your witness in the stadium made the demons cower and freed men from error. Thus even as you were about to be beheaded, you shouted: "May the sacrifice of our lives, Lord, be pleasing to You; for in our desire for You, lover of mankind, we have disdained this transitory life. "

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

O, what a wise transaction you Saints have made! You gave blood and inherited the Heavens; tested for a time, you now rejoice eternally. Truly, yours was a good exchange, for by forsaking the corruptible you gained the incorruptible, and joining the Angels you praise in ceaseless song the consubstantial Trinity.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.  All-praiseworthy Martyrs, the earth did not conceal you, but Heaven received you. The gates of Paradise were opened to you, and once within, you enjoyed the life of the Cross. Intercede with Christ that our souls may be granted peace and His great mercy.

There follow four Stichera from the Menaion with the following verses:

Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples.

Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Idiomelon for the Departed in the First Tone

Poem of Saint John of Damascus

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

What pleasure in life is not accompanied by sorrow? What glory remains unchanged on earth? All things are flimsier than shadows, more deceptive than dreams. In but an instant death displaces everything. But in the light of Your countenance, O Christ, in the sweetness of Your beauty, give rest to those You have chosen, for You love mankind.

The Dogmatic Hymn in the First Tone

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Let us praise Mary the Virgin, glory of all the world, offspring of humans but birth-giver of the Lord; heavenly gateway, song of the bodiless Powers and pride of the faithful. For she was proclaimed as Heaven and temple of the Godhead. Breaking down the dividing wall of enmity, she ushered in peace and opened up the Kingdom. With her as the anchor of our Faith, we have as our champion the Lord who was born of her. So take courage, take courage, people of God; for as the Almighty One He will make war on our enemies.

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Martyrika in the Second Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you, Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Not desiring earthly pleasure, the victorious Martyrs earned heavenly blessings and became fellow-citizens of the Angels. Lord, by their prayers, have mercy on us and save us.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

With the holy Martyrs interceding for us, and praising Christ, there is an end to all error, and humankind is saved by faith.

Verse: If you retains sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

The ranks of the Martyrs resisted tyrants, saying, "We serve in the army of the King of hosts; though you kill us by fire and torture, we will not forswear the might of the Trinity."

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Great is the glory you have gained by faith, O Saints. For you not only overcame the enemy in your sufferings, but even after death you drive out spirits and heal the sick. Physicians of souls and bodies, intercede with the Lord that our souls may find mercy.

There follow four Stichera from the Menaion.

Idiomelon for the Departed in the Second Tone

Poem of Saint John of Damascus

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

Alas! What agony for the soul when it is parted from the body! What tears it sheds, and there is none to take pity. Turning to the Angels, it pleads in vain; stretching out its hands to men, it finds none to help. So, my beloved brethren, reflect on the brevity of life, and let us ask of Christ rest for the departed, and for our souls His great mercy.

The Dogmatic Hymn in the Second Tone

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

With the coming of grace, the shadow if the Law has passed away. For just as the bush was aflame but did not bum, so as a virgin you gave birth and virgin you remained. Instead of the pillar of fire the Sun of righteousness has risen; instead of Moses, Christ, the salvation of our souls.

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Martyrika in the Third Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you, Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Great is the power of Your Martyrs, O Christ! For though they be in the tombs, yet they drive out evil spirits and have nullified the dominion of the enemy, upholding true devotion by faith in the Trinity.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Prophets and Apostles of Christ, as well as Martyrs, they taught us to praise the consubstantial Trinity. They enlightened nations gone astray, and made the sons of men companions of the Angels.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Your Martyrs Lord, sustained by faith, confirmed in hope, destroyed the tyranny of the enemy; and having won their crowns, they intercede with the Bodiless Powers for our souls.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Lord, great is the power of Your Cross. For though it was planted in one place, it is active in all the world. It made Apostles out of fishermen, Martyrs out of pagans, that they might intercede for our souls.

Idiomelon for the Departed in the Third Tone

Poem of Saint John of Damascus

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

All human pursuits are vain; they have no being after death. Wealth does not remain; glory does not accompany on the way. Once death befalls, all these vanish utterly. So let us cry to the immortal Christ: "Give rest to those who have left our company in the dwelling place of all who rejoice."

The Dogmatic Hymn in the Third Tone

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

How can we not wonder at your birth of the God-man, all-revered one? Having never known man, most Pure one, yet you bore in the flesh a Son without father, Him who before all ages was begotten of the Father without mother. Suffering neither change nor confusion nor division, He kept intact what is proper to each nature. Wherefore, Virgin Mother, our Lady, pray to Him that the souls of us who confess you in true faith as Theotokos may be saved.

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Martyrika in the Fourth Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you, Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Glorified in the memorials of Your Saints, Christ God, at their entreaty send upon us Your great mercy.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

You accepted the endurance of the holy Martyrs; accept from us our hymns, loving Lord, granting us through their prayers Your great mercy.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Having boldness before the Savior, O Saints, intercede ceaselessly for us sinners, asking remission of our offenses, and for our souls great mercy.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Martyrs of the Lord, you are living oblations, spiritual burnt-offerings, perfect sacrificial victims for God, knowing God and known of Him; sheep whose sheepfold is secure against wolves. Intercede, that we too may graze with you by restful waters.

There follow four Stichera from the Menaion.

Idiomelon for the Departed in the First Tone

Poem of Saint John of Damascus

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

Where is all our attachment to worldly pursuits? Where is all the vain display of passing things? Where is the gold, where the silver? The hustle and bustle of household servants? Everything is dust, ashes, shadow. Let us then cry out to the immortal King: "Lord, deem worthy of everlasting blessings those who have departed from us, and give them rest in ageless blessedness."

The Dogmatic Hymn in the Fourth Tone

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Prophet David became for you forefather of God, foretelling of you in melody, composing your magnificat in poetry in this fashion: The Queen stood at Your right hand. For when God chose to be incarnate, He made you Mother, source of life, in order to reshape His own image, disfigured by the passions. And finding the lost sheep wandering in the hills, He took it on His shoulders to bring it to the Father; to unite it by His own will to the Heavenly Powers and so, Theotokos, to save the world, for He is Christ, great and rich in mercy.

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Martyrika in the Fifth Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you, Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Disdaining all earthly things, and facing tortures with manliness, you did not fall short of your blessed hopes, but became inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven, all-praiseworthy Martyrs. Having boldness before our loving God, ask peace for the world, and for our souls His great mercy.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Taking up the shield of Faith, and raising the sign of the Cross, Your Saints, Lord, went bravely forth to tortures, overcoming both the Devil's pride and his falsehood. Through their prayers, as Almighty God, send peace to the world, and to our souls Your great mercy.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Intercede for us, holy Martyrs, that we may be freed from our sins. For to you has been given the grace to pray for us.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Filled with insatiable love, holy Martyrs, you did not deny Christ, but enduring the wounds of varied tortures, you put down the arrogance of tyrants, and having preserved the Faith sound and unaltered, you were taken to the heavens. Thus having boldness before Him, pray that peace may be given to the world, and to our souls great mercy.

There follow four stichera from the Menaion.

Idiomelon for the Departed in the Fifth Tone

Poem of Saint John of Damascus

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

I called to mind the Prophet, crying, "I am but dust and ashes.

And I studied the tombs once more, considered the naked bones and asked myself: Now which of these was king, and which the common foot soldier? Which was the rich man, which the indigent? Which man was upright and which a sinner? But, Lord, in Your compassion give rest to Your servants among the righteous.

The Dogmatic Hymn in the Fifth Tone

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Upon the Red Sea an image of the Virgin Bride was once drawn. Then Moses was the parter of the waters; now Gabriel becomes the agent of the miracle. Then the Israelites walked dry-shod through the deep; now the Virgin bore the Christ without seed. After Israel's crossing the sea remained impassable; after Emmanuel's birth the all-pure one remained inviolate. O God, You who are and ever have been, who revealed Yourself as man, have mercy on us.

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Martyrika in the Sixth Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, O Lord,. hear my voice.

Your Martyrs, Lord, did not deny You, nor did they depart from Your commandments. By their prayers, have mercy on us.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Those who witnessed to You, O Christ, endured many torments. By their prayers and intercessions, Lord, preserve us all.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

The victorious Martyrs and heaven-dwellers endured many torments when they contended on earth. But they won the perfect crown in Heaven, that they may intercede for our souls.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord. I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Your Cross, 0 Christ, became for the Martyrs an invincible weapon. Though facing imminent death, they looked to the future life beyond, and were strengthened by their hope in You. By their supplications, have mercy on us.

There follow four Stichera from the Menaion.

Idiomelon for the Departed in the Sixth Tone

Poem of Saint John of Damascus

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

Your creating command became my beginning and my being. For it was Your will to bring together visible and invisible nature to fashion me a living creature. You shaped my body from the earth, then gave me spirit by Your divine and quickening breath. Wherefore, O Savior, give rest to Your servants in the land of the living, where the righteous dwell.

The Dogmatic Hymn in the Sixth Tone

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Who would not call you blessed, most holy Virgin? Who would not praise the painless birthgiving? For He who shone forth from the Father as only-begotten Son, the same now came forth from you, taking flesh in a manner beyond describing. Though God by nature, for our sakes He became man by nature, yet not split into a duality of persons, but revealed without confusion in two natures. Entreat Him, revered all-blessed one, that our souls may find mercy.

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Martyrika in the Seventh Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you; Lord, 0 Lord, hear my voice.

Glory to You, Christ our God, the Apostles' boast, the Martyrs' joy, whose preaching is the consubstantial Trinity.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Holy Martyrs, who have fought the good fight and received your crowns, intercede with the Lord to be merciful with us.

Verse: If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Disdaining all earthly things, Holy Martyrs, and bravely preaching Christ in the arena, you merited from Him rewards for your tortures. Thus having boldness before Him, entreat Him as Almighty God, to save our souls who take refuge in you.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

All-honored Martyrs, God's spiritual flock, a living burnt-offering, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to Christ, earth could not contain you, but Heaven received you. You have become companions of Angels. Intercede with them, we ask, with God our Savior, to bring peace to the world and save our souls.

There follow four Stichera from the Menaion.

Idiomelon for the Departed in the Seventh Tone

Poem of Saint John of Damascus

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

0 Savior, giver of life, grant rest to those of our brothers whom You have called away from temporal things, crying to You, "Glory to You, O Lord!"

The Dogmatic Hymn in the Seventh Tone

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

In a manner that defies nature, O Theotokos, you were revealed as mother, yet in a manner that defies reason and comprehension, you remained Virgin. Nor can language express the miracle of your giving birth; for as the means of your conceiving is a paradox, so the way you bore a child cannot be grasped. For where God wills, the natural order is overturned. And so, confessing you as Mother of God, we pray fervently, intercede that our souls may be saved.

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Martyrika in the Eighth Tone

Verse: Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, O Lord, hear my voice.

Martyrs of the Lord, you hallow all places and heal all infirmities. Intercede now, we ask, that our souls may escape the snares of the enemy.

Verse: Let your ears be attentive to the sound of my plea.

Martyrs of the Lord, we pray you, entreat our God and ask for our souls abundant mercy and forgiveness of our many sins.

Verse: If you retain sins, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness.

Your Martyrs, Lord, overlooking the things of this life, disdaining even tortures for the sake of the life to come, became its inheritors, thus rejoicing with the Angels. Through their prayers grant Your people Your great mercy.

Verse: For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, it is due to the Saints. For they inclined their necks to the sword for You who made the heavens incline and descended. They shed their blood for You, who emptied Yourself and took on the form of a servant. They were humbled even to death, imitating Your humility. Through their prayers, in the abundance of Your compassion, O God, have mercy on us.

There follow four Stichera from the Menaion.

Idiomelon for the Departed in the Eighth Tone

Poem of Saint John of Damascus

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

I weep and lament when I ponder death, when I see our beauty, formed in God's image, lying in the tombs bereft of form, disfigured and without glory. O, the wonder of it! How did this mystery befall us? How were we given over to decay? How were we paired with death? Surely, as it is written, by the command of God, who gives rest to the departed.

The Dogmatic Hymn in the Eighth Tone

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The King of the Heavens, in His love, appeared on earth and dwelt among men. For taking flesh from a pure Virgin, and coming forth from her in the nature He assumed, as Son He is one, twofold in nature, yet not in Person. Therefore, proclaiming Him to be perfect

God and perfect man, we confess Christ our God. Virgin Mother, entreat Him to have mercy on our souls. test

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