TONE VIII

SATURDAY EVENING- LITTLE VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 4 stichera, the compo­ Then, "0 gladsome Light... ". The Prokimenon,
sition ofour venerable father John ofDamascus, ''The Lord is king... ", with its stichoi. And after
in Tone VIII- ''Vouchsafe, 0 Lord... ': the priest doth not in­
Stichos: From the morning watch until tone the litanies, but we chant the first sticheron
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in of the resurrectional aposticha, in Tone VIII-
the Lord. Having descended from heaven, 0 Jesus,
We offer to Thee, 0 Christ, evening hymn­ Thou didst mount the Cross; and Thou didst
ody and rational sacrifice; for it was Thy good come to death, 0 immortal Life, true Light for
pleasure to have mercy upon us by Thy resur­ those in darkness, resurrection for the fallen. 0
rection. our Savior, enlightenment of all, glory be to
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, Thee!
and with Him is plenteous redemption; and He
shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities. And these other stichera, of the Theotokos in the
The foregoing sticheron is repeated. same tone: Spec. Mel.: ''0 all-glorious wonder ... ':_
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; Stichos: I shall commemorate thy name in
praise Him, all ye peoples. every generation and generation.
0 Lord, 0 Lord, turn us not away from Thy Rejoice, 0 most lauded Theotokos! Rejoice,
face, but be Thou well-pleased to have mercy well-spring of Life which gusheth forth for the
upon us by Thy resurrection. faithful! Rejoice, 0 blessed Mistress of all and
Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to Lady ofcreation! Rejoice, all-glorious and most
prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­ immaculate one! Rejoice, all-pure one! Rejoice,
eth forever. 0 palace! Rejoice, thou habitation of God!
Rejoice, 0 holy Sion, Mother of Churches, Stichos: Hearken, 0 daughter, and see, and
thou dwelling-place of God! For thou wast first incline thine ear.
to receive remission of sins, through the resur­ Rejoice, all-pure Mother of God! Rejoice, 0
rection. hope of the faithful! Rejoice, cleansing of the
world! Rejoice, thou who deliverest thy ser­
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Dogmatic theotokion-
vants from all sorrow! Rejoice, Life-bearing
How shall we call thee blessed, 0 Theoto­
consolation of men! Rejoice, 0 our help! Re­
kos? How shall we hymn the unapproachable
joice, bulwark of those who call upon thee!
mystery of thy birthgiving, 0 all-blessed one?
Rejoice, divine dwelling-place and holy moun­
For the Creator ofthe ages and Fashioner ofour
tain of God!
nature, taking pity on His image, lowered Him­
Stichos: The rich among the people shall
selfin an inscrutable self-abasement; and while
entreat thy countenance.
He remained in the immaterial bosom of the
Rejoice, 0 Theotokos, Mother of Christ! Re­
Father, He made His abode in thy womb, 0 pure
joice, thou only hope and help of men! Rejoice, 0
one, and immutably became flesh through thee,
refuge! Rejoice, luminous candlestand of the
0 thou who knewest not wedlock, remaining
Light! Rejoice, sanctified lamp! Rejoice, 0
God by nature, as He was. Wherefore, we
palace! Rejoice, 0 paradise! Rejoice, habitation
worship Him as perfect God and perfect man,
of God! Rejoice, well-spring which poureth forth
One in dual form; for in Him there is truly a dual
water for those who have recourse unto thee!
nature, and we all proclaim His essential char­
acteristics to be of two kinds, according to His Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Dogmatic theotokion, in
twofold essence, worshipping His two energies the same tone-
and wills. For, being one in essence with God He Whom heaven could not contain found
the Father, of His own accord He willeth and room within thy womb without being circum­
acteth as God; and being of one essence with us, scribed, and thou didst remain pure through
ofHis own accord He willeth and acteth as man. the ineffable word, thy virginity having in
Him do thou entreat, 0 pure and most blessed nowise been defiled. For thou, alone among
one, that our souls be saved. women, wast both mother and virgin; and thou

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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

alone, 0 all-pure one, didst give the Son, the entreat, 0 most holy Mistress, that those who in
Bestower of life, thy milk to drink, and didst Orthodox manner confess thee to be the pure
hold the never-slumbering Eye in thine em­ Theotokos may be saved.
brace. Yet as He was before time began, He did
not leave the bosom of the Father, but being Then, "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ... ':
fully God with the angels above, below He was Trisagion through Our Father... , the resurrec­
through thee wholly with men, yet everywhere tional troparion, Glory ... , Now & ever ... , its
present, in an ineffable manner. Him do thou theotokion. Little litany, and dismissal.

SATURDAY EVENING- GREAT VESPERS

After the Introductory Psalm, the usual chant­ We glorify Thy resurrection from the dead,
ing from the Psalter. 0 Christ, whereby Thou hast freed the race of
Adam from the tyranny of hades, and hast, as
On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 10 stichera. If the God, granted the world life everlasting and
Menaion hath a doxasticon, it is chanted on great mercy.
Glory.... If there is no doxasticon, we chant Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­
Glory ... , Now & ever ... , the dogmaticon of the tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord, my soul hath
tone. waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath
hoped in the Lord.
The Resurrectional Stichera, in Tone VIII­ Glory to Thee, 0 Christ our Savior, Thou
Stichos: Bring my soul out of prison, that I only-begotten Son of God, Who wast nailed to
may confess Thy name. the Cross and didst rise from the grave on the
We offer to Thee, 0 Christ, evening hymn­ third day!
ody and rational sacrifice; for it was Thy good Stichos: From the morning watch until
pleasure to have mercy upon us by Thy resur­ night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in
rection. the Lord.
Stichos: The righteous shall wait patiently We glorify Thee, 0 Lord, Who of Thine own
for me until Thou shalt reward me. will didst endure the Cross for our sake, and we
0 Lord, 0 Lord, turn us not away from Thy worship Thee, 0 almighty Savior. Turn us not
face, but be Thou well-pleased to have mercy away from Thy face, but hearken and save us by
upon us by Thy resurrection. Thy resurrection, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind.
Stichos: Out ofthe depths have I cried unto
Thee, 0 Lord; 0 Lord, hear my voice. And these stichera ofthe all-holy Theotokos, the
Rejoice, 0 holy Sian, Mother of Churches, composition of Paul of Amorium, which are
thou dwelling-place of God! For thou wast first chanted when there is no Menaion, or at Litia.
to receive remission of sins, through the resur­ In Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among
rection. the martyrs.. ."-
Stichos: Let Thine ears be attentive to the Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy,
voice of my supplication. and with Him is plenteous redemption; and He
The Word, Who was begotten of God the shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities.
Father before the ages, and Who in latter times The ranks of the angels glorify Thee, 0
of His own will became incarnate of her who Mother of God; for thou, 0 all-pure one, gavest
knew not wedlock, endured death by crucifix­ birth unto God, Who, with the Father and the
ion; and by His resurrection He hath saved man Spirit, is eternal, and by His will brought the
who was slain of old. angelic hosts into being out of non-existence.
Stichos: If Thou shouldst mark iniquities, Him do thou entreat, that He save and en­
0 Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee lighten the souls of those who in Orthodox
there is forgiveness. manner hymn thee as the Theotokos.

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 SATURDAY EVENING GREAT VESPERS

Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; narthex, we chant the stichera of Paul of
praise Him all ye peoples. Amorium, or whatever the superior desireth.
In that thou art the source of sanctification And after the usual prayers, we enter the
and the golden ark illumined by the divine church proper, chanting the aposticha
Spirit, I fall down before thee and pray: En­ stichera, in Tone VIII-
lighten my wretched soul, which hath been Having descended from heaven, 0 Jesus,
given over to the passions, 0 Mistress, deliver­ Thou didst mount the Cross; Thou didst come to
ing me from the bitter tyranny of the den1ons, death, 0 immortal Life, true Light for those in
and giving me a clear path to salvation. darkness, resurrection for the fallen. 0 our
Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to Savior, enlightenment of all, glory be to Thee!
prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­ Stichos: The Lord is King, He is clothed
eth forever. with majesty.
When the thrones are set up, and the books We glorify Christ Who rose from the dead;
are opened, and the works ofmen are laid bare, for, having assumed a soul and body, He cut the
and each shall stand forth, weighed down and passions off from both. Therefore, when His all­
stripped naked, trembling at the displeasure of pure soul descended into hades, He took it
God and His righteous verdict, then do thou captive. And in the tomb the body of the Deliv­
take pity on me, 0 Mistress, and from all con­ erer of our souls did not see corruption.
demnation rescue me who am deserving of all Stichos: For He established the world
manner of retribution. which shall not be shaken.
With psalms and hymns we glorify Thy
Glory ... , from the Menaion.; Now & ever ... : The
resurrection from the dead, 0 Christ, whereby
dogmatic theotokion-
Thou didst free us from the tyranny of hades
In His love for mankind, the King of heaven
and, as God, didst grant us everlasting life and
appeared on earth and dwelt among men; for
great mercy.
He Who received flesh from the pure Virgin and
Stichos: Holiness becometh Thy house, 0
came forth from her having received human
Lord, unto length of days.
nature, is the only Son ofGod, two in nature but
0 Master of all, unapproachable Creator of
not hypostasis. Therefore, proclaiming Him to
heaven and earth, Who suffered on the Cross,
be truly perfect God and perfect man, we con­
Thou didst pour forth dispassion upon me.
fess Christ our God. Him do thou beseech, 0
Having accepted burial and risen in glory, Thou
Mother unwedded, that our souls find mercy!
didst raise up Adam with Thyself by Thine
Entrance. "0 gladsome Light... " And after the almighty hand. Glory to Thy rising on the third
Entrance, the appointed server, having made day, whereby Thou didst bestow upon us ever­
the usual bow to the superior, chanteth the daily lasting life and cleansing of sins, in that Thou
prokimenon, in Tone VI- alone art compassionate!
The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty.
Stichos: The Lord is clothed with strength and Glory ... , from the Menaion, ifthere is a doxasti­
He hath girt Himself. con provided. If not, Glory ... , Now & ever ... :
Stichos: For He established the world which Theotokion­
shall not be shaken. 0 unwedded Virgin who didst ineffably con­
Stichos: Holiness becometh Thy house, 0 Lord, ceive God in the flesh, Mother ofGod Most High:
unto length of days. Accept the entreaties of thy servants, 0 most
immaculate one, granting unto all cleansing of
Then the usual litany. "Vouchsafe, 0 Lord... "
transgressions; and, accepting now our suppli­
The litany: "Let us complete our evening
cations, pray thou that we all be saved.
prayer... ", and the rest. And after the exclama­
tion, we chant the sticheron idiomelon of the Then, "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ... "
feast ofthe church, and performing Litia in the Trisagion through Our Father.

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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Resurrectional troparion, in Tone VIII- down death by death, and as God revealed the
Thou didst descend from on high, 0 Com­ resurrection: Disdain not that which Thou hast
passionate One, and didst accept a three-day fashioned with Thine own hand. Show forth
burial, that Thou mightest free us from the Thy love for mankind, 0 Merciful One; accept
passions. 0 Lord, our life and resurrection, the Theotokos who gave Thee birth and prayeth
glory be to Thee! for us; and save Thy despairing people, 0 our
Savior!
Theotokion:
0 Good One, Who for our sake wast born of And the rest of the service followeth in order.
the Virgin and, having endured crucifixion, cast

SATURDAY NIGHT- COMPLINE

The priest saith: Blessed is our God ... , and we ODE III
respond: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those
Thee. 0 heavenly King... , Trisagion through who have recourse to Thee, 0 Lord; Thou art the
Our Father. Lord, have mercy (12 times). light ofthe benighted; and my spirit doth hymn
Glory ... , Now & ever ... 0 come, let us worship .. .
Thee.
(thrice). Psalm 50 (Have mercy on me, 0 God ... ); The patriarch's ladder of old prefigured
Psalm 69 (0 God, be attentive unto helping thee, 0 all-immaculate one; for the angels' de­
me.. .); and Psalm 142 (0 Lord, hear my prayer). scent revealed to us the descent of God, the
Then, Glory to God in the highest ... , and the divine descent into thy womb.
Symbol ofFaith (I believe in one God ... ). The tribe of Judah rejoiced, as Jacob fore­
told, for from his tribe sprang the one who
Canon of Supplication to the All-holy
would cause Jesus Christ, our Deliverance, to
Theotokos, in Tone VIII­ spring forth. Having given birth to Him, 0 all­
ODE I pure one, thou hast been glorified.
Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led Glory ... : In despair over my sins, I have
His people through the Red Sea, for He alone found thee to be a refuge of salvation, 0 all-pure
hath gloriously been glorified. Theotokos, our hope and aid; wherefore, guide
Come, 0 ye faithful brethren, and let us me to repentance.
mystically offer a new hymn to the holy Theoto­ Now & ever ... : I have thee near the Master,
kos, praising her mighty works today as from 0 all-glorious Mistress, and with faith have
the beginning. entrusted to thee the book of my deeds. Cease
Illumined in mind by divine vision of old, thou never to take pity on me.
Moses manifestly learned ofthy divine conceiv­
ing which transcendeth nature, 0 Virgin, and ODE IV
which was made manifest unto him in the bush. Irmos: 0 Word, with divine vision the
Glory ... : Unto thee do I offer up the works prophet perceived Thee Who wast to become
of my heart, and to thee in acceptable manner incarnate ofthe Theotokos alone, the mountain
do I offer these writings, setting thee before overshadowed; and with fear he glorified Thy
Christ the Master as intercessor, in that thou power.
art close to the divine shelter of aid. Having received grace and been adorned
Now & ever ... : 0 pure one, incline thine ear with the beauty ofvirginity, thou wast like unto
unto me who with Orthodox Faith and love do the Bride of the Father, bedecked with golden
devoutly hasten to thee in the tabernacle of thy coins, and wast shown to be the Mother of the
countenance and worship thee with fear. Hear­ Son of God.
ken thou to my cry of supplication.

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 SATURDAY NIGHT COMPLINE

Christ the Word was pleased to make thee, written, as it were, by the finger ofthe Father on
the true Sion, a divine habitation for Himself, 0 a new scroll.
Theotokos, choosing thee as His elect, for the Glory ... : Thy protection do we have as
restoration of the whole world. cleansing, excellent hope and aid, 0 pure
Glory ... : Rejoice, 0 beauteous palace of the Virgin. 0 Mistress, put not thy servants to
Word, virginal bridal-chamber of the King! shame!
Rejoice, 0 boast of all the incorporeal! Rejoice, Now & ever ... : By thine advocacy, 0 Bride
0 help of men! of God, reduce the incessant pandemonium of
Now & ever ... : They who reject the icons of the passions to stillness, and guide us to the
thy Son, 0 Virgin Theotokos, Mother of God, haven of tranquility.
withdraw from God, and therefore perish; but
those who honor thee are saved by the same Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now
images. & ever ... : Kontakion, in Tone VIII-
To thee, the champion leader, we thy ser­
0DEV vants dedicate hymns of victory and thanksgiv­
Irmos: 0 Christ God, Bestower oflight, Who ing, as ones delivered from evils, 0 Theotokos;
didst dispel the primeval darkness of the abyss: but in that thou hast invincible might, free us
disperse the gloom ofmy soul, and grant me the from all misfortunes, that we may cry to thee:
light of Thy commandments, 0 Word, that, Rejoice, 0 Bride unwedded!
rising early, I may glorify Thee.
Joining the divine Gabriel, let us cry aloud ODE VII
to the Theotokos with faith: Rejoice, 0 holy Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in
Virgin who art full of grace! The Lord is with awe ofthe condescension of God; wherefore, the
thee Who, having put an end to grief on thine youths, dancing with joyous step in the furnace,
account, hath given us joy. as in a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, 0
Gideon beheld thine all-pure womb, 0 pure God of our fathers!
Virgin, wherein the Word, Who is inseparable Thou hast been shown to be the mediatress
from the divinity of the Father, became incar­ ofour joy, 0 Virgin, and offering thee a crown of
nate through the divine Spirit, descending like grace with love, we cry unto thee: "Rejoice, 0
ra1n. pure and blessed one!", praising thee.
Glory ... : Thou art the helper of the world Thou art the holy mountain of God over­
and aid of sinful men, 0 Virgin Theotokos; and shadowed, the rich mountain, 0 all-immacu­
for those who with faith and love have recourse late one, the mountain rendered fertile by di­
unto thee thou art saving deliverance and the vine effulgence, the mountain wherein God was
absolution of many transgressions. pleased to dwell.
Now & ever ... : By the divine Spirit thou Glory ... : No sin is too great for thy grace; for
gavest rise without seed to the Son, the Off­ thou hast a mother's boldness and will, and by
spring of the Father, Who was before all cre­ thy supplications thou loosest transgressions
ation, timeless and unoriginate, 0 pure Theoto­ and leadest us safely through all assaults.
kos, and we all honor the likeness of His visage. Now & ever ... : 0 Theotokos, thou gavest
birth to One of the Trinity Who, though uniting
ODE VI Himself to the flesh, remained immutable, be­
Irmos: 0 Thou Who lovest mankind, accept ing of two natures. The image of His counte­
me, who am held fast by many sins, and who fall nance do we venerate.
down before Thy compassion; and save me, as
Thou didst the prophet, 0 Lord. ODE VIII
0 Virgin who knewest not wedlock, with Irmos: The Lord Who was glorified on the
hymns we praise thee as the mirror of virginity holy mountain, and by the fire in the bush
and the pure receptacle of the Godhead. revealed to Moses the mystery of the Ever­
In awesome and dispassionate manner God virgin, hymn ye and exalt Him supremely for
became incarnate in thy womb, 0 Bride of God, all ages!

79

 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Thou wast revealed to the prophet as the With songs the all-wise one hymneth thee
censer bearing the divine Coal Who taketh as the enclosed garden and the fountain sealed
away sins, 0 Virgin Theotokos, Mother of our by the divine Spirit, 0 Virgin Theotokos; where­
God. fore, Christ becometh incarnate in thee as the
Daniel foresaw thee as a great mountain, 0 Tree of life.
Virgin Theotokos, from whence Christ, the pre­ Describing thine ineffable birthgiving be­
cious Stone, arrayed Himself in the flesh and forehand, the prophet foresaw thee as a sealed
brought down the temples of the falsehood of book, and the mystery of the incarnation of
idolatry. thine offspring none hath understood.
Glory ... : The great sea-monster of grievous Glory ... : In compunction of soul we all
sin and the despair of my passions seek to slay beseech thee: 0 Mistress, disdain not our en­
me; but do thou anticipate my need, and save treaties, but be thou for us a kindly protectress,
thy servant, 0 Mistress. and hearken unto our supplication.
Now & ever ... : The God of all, Who through Now & ever ... : I fall down before the images
thee came to have conversation with men, as­ of thee and thy Son, 0 Virgin Theotokos, but
sumed the guise of a man. His countenance do those who refuse to venerate them I reject, like
we venerate in icons, 0 Virgin. the deception ofManes; wherefore, in Orthodox
manner do I complete my hymnody.
ODE IX
Irmos: Saved by thee, 0 pure Virgin, we Then, "It is truly meet ... ': and the rest as usual.
confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos mag­ Dismissal.
nifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.

SUNDAY MORNING- NOCTURNS

The priest saith: "Blessed is our God ... ': and we Chanting the thrice-holy hymn, let us fall
say: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to down before the three-Sunned King, the
Thee. 0 heavenly King... Trisagion through Arranger and Architect of all things, the Good
Our Father... Priest: For Thine is the king­ One Who is essentially One, the sole reigning
dom ... And we say: Amen. Lord, have mercy (12 God Who possesseth the single glory of the
times), Glory ... , Now & ever ... , 0 come, let us Godhead.
worship (thrice). Psalm 50 (Have mercy on me, Clearly remembering the divine and heav­
0 God .. .) enly sayings of the prophets, we glorify the
single divine Essence, eternal, equally without
And then, the Canon to the Holy & Life-creating beginning, in three Persons - the Father, the
Trinity, the acrostic whereof is "0 Trinity and Son and the Spirit- creative and omnipotent.
Unity, save me, Thy servant': the composition of As an initiate of the sacred mysteries, in
Metrophanes, in Tone VIII­ sacred manner Abraham of old, rejoicing, re­
ceived God the Lord, the Creator of all, in three
ODE I Hypostases, and recognized the one Dominion
Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a of the three Hypostases.
wonder, strikingthe sea in theformofthe Cross Theotokion: For us thou gavest birth with­
and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant out wedlock unto Christ Who for our sake as­
Pharaoh, and saved Israel who fled on foot, sumed our nature, 0 all-pure one, and re­
chanting a hymn unto God. mained immutable in both. Him do thou un­
Refrain: 0 all-holy Trinity, our God, glory ceasingly entreat, that He grant me deliverance
be to Thee! from sins and temptations.

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 SUNDAY MORNING NOCTURNS

ODE III OnE IV

Irmos: 0 Christ, Who in the beginning Irmos: Thou art my strength, 0 Lord, Thou
established the heavens in wisdom and founded art my power; Thou art my God, Thou art my
the earth upon the waters, make me steadfast joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of the
upon the rock of Thy commandments; for none Father, hast visited our lowliness. Wherefore,
is as holy as Thee, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind. with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee:
Isaiah beheld Thee, the unapproachable Glory to Thy power, 0 Thou Who lovest
God and King of glory, seated on a lofty throne, mankind!
and the cherubim and seraphim glorifying Revealed to those in darkness as the Day­
Thee, the one Godhead in three Hypostases, spring of the Godhead, Thou didst dispel the
with unceasing hymns. dark night of the passions. The Sun of righ­
Having through reasoning proper to each teousness hath shone forth, simply as to es­
and scriptural doctrines attained unto the one sence, but thrice-radiantly as to Persons. Him
Word, Who was begotten of the Father as from do we ever hymn and glorify.
a mind, and the Spirit Who ineffably proceed­ The one Lord of Glory, Who is hymned by
eth, we honor the one three-Sunned God. the mouths of the seraphim, do we with our
The Father, Who is unbegotten, and Who mouths ofclay glorify in Trinity, in His Essence
incorruptibly begat the Son, the Effulgence of and Hypostases, crying: 0 King of all, grant
His essence, as Light from His own Light, forgiveness of divers transgressions unto Thy
putteth forth through procession the conjoined servants!
light ofthe Spirit, Who is all-accomplishing and 0 worshipful and divine Trinity Who lovest
equal in honor. mankind, Who sustaineth all things that exist,
Theotokion: 0 Mary, Virgin and Mother, invisible, most compassionate and full of loving­
thou hast been shown to be a pure temple for kindness: Forget not utterly me, Thy servant,
Christ Who omnipotently and all-wisely neither annul the covenant Thou didst make
created all things, placed them in order, and with Thy servants, in Thine ineffable mercy.
sustaineth them. By thy maternal supplica­ Theotokion: Finding thee alone to possess
tions render Him merciful unto me. the beauty of Jacob from ages past, 0 most
pure one, the Word Who is wholly without
Lord, have mercy! Thrice beginning dwelt within thee in His loving­
kindness, and restored human nature. Him do
Sessional hymn, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "That thou unceasingly entreat, that I be delivered
which was mystically commanded... "­ from all tribulation.
0 ye faithful, let us now praise the power of
0DEV
the three-Sunned and worshipful Godhead, for
Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy
by His hand alone He created all the choirs of
face from me, 0 Light never-waning? And why
the angels above and the sacred ranks of the
hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch
Church below, that they might cry aloud: Holy,
that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to
Holy, Holy art Thou, 0 all-good God! Glory and
the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
hymnody be to Thy Dominion!
We glorify Thee, the three equally eternal
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­ Persons, the one Lord, the divine Essence, dis­
0 good one, who gavest birth to the immu­ tinguishing between and joining them simply;
table God, by thy maternal supplications make and we cry out with faith: 0 divine and holy
steadfast my heart, which is ever made un­ Trinity, deliver Thy servants from tribulation!
stable through sin and slothfulness and the I bitterly lament the weakness of my mind,
assaults of the deceiver, that I also may glorify how, without desiring it, I truly suffer involun­
thee with thanksgiving. 0 Mary, most immacu­ tary instability; wherefore, I cry aloud: 0 Life­
late Theotokos, have mercy upon the flock creating and Holy Trinity, cause me to stand
which thou hast acquired! among the good!

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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

As Thou art all-good, most merciful and Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
lovest mankind, 0 divine and Holy Trinity, take We ever thank thee, 0 Theotokos; and we
pity on Thy servant, who am weighed down by magnify and bow down before thee, 0 pure one,
the slumber of sin and plunged into a dream of hymning thy birthgiving and crying out un­
death, and raise me up. ceasingly, 0 thou who art full of grace: Save us,
Theotokion: 0 all-pure, most immaculate in that thou art good, at the hour of trial, 0 all­
Virgin, Mother and Maiden, who art full of the merciful Virgin, that we, thy servants, may not
grace of God: By thy supplications render thy be put to shame!
Son, Lord and God merciful unto me, and
quickly deliver thy servant from transgressions OnE VII
and the passions. Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in
awe ofthe condescension of God; wherefore, the
OnE VI youths, dancing with joyous step in the furnace,
Irmos: Cleanse me, 0 Savior, for many are as in a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, 0
my transgressions; and lead me up from the God of our fathers!
abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, In Thine ineffable wisdom and the abyss of
and Thou hast hearkened to me, 0 God of my Thy goodness, show me forth, Thy servant, as
salvation. freely receiving mercy; and now, as of old, de­
Emulating the ranks of the heavenly intel­ liver me from affliction, sins and the passions,
ligences, 0 transcendent Trinity Who reignest 0 God, Trinity and Unity. Twice
over all, with our mouths of clay we glorify Thee 0 God Who alone reignest, Thou threefold
with thrice-holy hymns. Sun-the Father, the unbegotten Mind; and
I worship, honor, hymn and magnify Thee, the Word, Who was begotten of Him; and the
God in three Hypostases, Who created man divine Spirit, Who proceeded from Him
according to Thine image and all-wisely formed unapproachably-unto Thee do I sing: Blessed
everything out of nothingness. is the God of our fathers!
0 God almighty, Who alone art uncircum­ Theotokion: Poisoned by the venom ofsin, 0
scribable, Thou three-Sunned Master: Dwell all-pure one, I have been slain; and I hasten
Thou within me in Thine ineffable mercy, and with faith unto thee who gavest birth to the
illumine me and bring me to understanding, in Author of life. By thy supplications give life to
that Thou art compassionate. thy servant, and deliver me from temptations
Theotokion: Thou wast shown to be a and the passions, 0 thou who alone art pure.
temple ofGod Whom no place can contain, 0 all­
pure one. By thine entreaties show me forth OnE VIII
also as a temple of His divine grace, 0 all-holy Irmos: Madly did the Chaldman tyrant heat
Mistress, and preserve me unharmed. the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but,
beholding them saved by a higher Power, he
Lord, have mercy! Thrice cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye chil­
dren, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt
Sessional hymn, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: ((That Him supremely for all ages!
which was mystically commanded... "­ 0 Thou who art Light never-waning, thrice­
0 ye faithful, let us truly hymn the unorigi­ radiant, three-Sunned, Who alone ruleth and
nate Father, the Son Who is equally without reigneth, unapproachable God and ruling Lord:
beginning, and the divine Spirit- the Trinity Enlighten my dark and benighted heart, and
simple, holy and conjoined without confusion, show it forth as luminous and full of light, that
unchangeable and immutable; and let us cry I may hymn and glorify Thee for all ages.
aloud with the angels: Holy art Thou, 0 Father, The most divine seraphim reverently cover
Son and all-holy and honorable Spirit! Have their faces and hands with their sacred wings,
mercy upon those whom Thou hast created in unable to bear the glory of Thine unapproach­
Thine image, 0 Master! able beauty, 0 all-holy, divine, ruling Trinity,
Source of good; yet do we also dare to hymn and
glorify Thee with faith forever.
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 SUNDAY MORNING NOCTURNS

0 my God, with faith I glorify Thee forever: Wherefore, through the supplications of her
the unoriginate Dominion, the omnipotent, ali­ who gave Thee birth, arrange peace for Thy
good perfect Origin, the beneficent, boundless whole flock.
uncaused Cause, creative, eternal, providential
Then, the hymn ofGregory the Sinaite, which is
and salvific for all, the Unity in essence and
chanted every Sunday after the canon-
Trinity of Persons.
It is truly meet to glorify Thee, the Word of
Theotokion: The never-setting Sun shone
God, before Whom the cherubim tremble and
forth on earth through thy virginal birthgiving,
quake, and Whom the hosts of heaven glorify.
0 all-pure Mistress, and delivered men from
And with fear we glorify Christ, the Bestower of
the gloomy darkness of idolatry. Wherefore,
life, Who rose from the tomb on the third day.
enlighten me all the more with the rays of His
With divine songs let us all in godly manner
Godhead, and preserve thy servant.
hymn the Father, the Son and the Spirit divine,
the Might in three Hypostases, the one King­
OnE IX
ship and Dominion,
Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and
Whom all mortals hymn and the hosts of
the ends of the earth were amazed, that God
heaven glorify, the essential Unity in three
hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb
Hypostases, Who is worshipped with faith by
became more spacious than the heavens.
all.
Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels mag­
We magnify Thee, the Godhead, the Lord of
nify thee as the Theotokos.
the cherubim, the incomparable divine Origin
Glorifying Thee now, the all-accomplishing
of the seraphim, the indivisible Trinity in
Essence Who art beyond all beginning, reigning
Unity.
over all, the life-creating, compassionate, lov­
I worship the unoriginate God the Father,
ing and good Trinity Who art above time and
the Son Who is equally without beginning, and
rulest alone, we ask forgiveness of sins, peace
the Spirit. With hymns let us honor the one
for the world, and oneness of mind for Thy
indivisible and unified Essence, the threefold
Churches. Twice
Unity.
0 single Dominion in three Lights, Thou
Shine forth Thy dazzling lightning flashes
only three-Sunned Godhead, accept those who
upon me, 0 my God in three Hypostases, Thou
offer Thee divine hymns, and deliver them from
Creator of all, and show me to be a splendid,
transgressions, temptations and evils; and in
luminous and immutable habitation of Thine
Thy love for mankind, quickly grant peace and
unapproachable glory.
unity to Thy Churches.
With fear let us glorify Christ the Bestower
Theotokion: 0 Christ my Savior, Who dwelt
of life, Who became ineffably incarnate of the
within the Virgin's womb, Thou didst appear to
Virgin, for the cherubim tremble and quake
Thy world as God and man, truly unchangeable
before Him, and the angelic armies glorify Him.
and unconfused; and Thou didst manifestly
promise to abide with Thy servants forever. The rest ofNocturns, and the dismissal.

SUNDAY MORNING- MATINS

After the Six Psalms, we chant "God is the "Cease your weeping! Declare unto the
Lord... ': in Tone VIII, and sing the resurrec­ apostles, and cry aloud, singing: Christ the
tional troparion, twice, and the theotokion, once Lord hath risen, Whose good pleasure, as God,
(see Great Vespers, p. 125). Then the usual it hath been to save the human race!"
chanting of the Psalter. Stichos: Arise, 0 Lord my God, let Thy hand
be lifted high; forget not Thy paupers to the end.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, these 0 Thou Who didst truly rise from the dead,
resurrectional sessional hymns, in Tone VIII­ Thou didst command the venerable women to
Thou didst arise from the dead, 0 Life of all, proclaim Thine arising to the apostles, as it is
and the radiant angel cried to the women: written; and speedy Peter ran quickly to Thy

83
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

tomb and, beholding a light within the sepul­ Then, "Blessed are the blameless in the way... ':
chre, was filled with awe. Wherefore, seeingthe followed by the troparia "The assembly of the
grave-clothes lying without the divine body in angels ... ". Little litany, and this hypacof, in
them, he cried out with faith: "Glory to Thee, Tone VIII-
0 Christ God our Savior, for Thou savest all, in Standing before the tomb ofthe Bestower of
that Thou art the Effulgence of the Father!" life, the myrrh-bearing women sought the im­
mortal Master among the dead; and receiving
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
the joyous announcement from the angel, they
We hymn the portal of heaven, the ark, the
exclaimed to the apostles that Christ God is
most holy mountain, the luminous cloud, the
risen, granting the world great mercy.
heavenly ladder, the reason-endowed paradise,
the deliverance of Eve, the great treasure ofthe Songs ofAscent, in Tone VIII,
whole world, for within her salvation was the verses being repeated­
wrought for the world, and remission of the Antiphon I
ancient offenses. Wherefore, we cry out to thee: From my youth hath the enemy tempted
Entreat thy Son and God, that He grant remis­ me, causing me to burn with pleasures; but,
sion of transgressions unto those who piously trusting in Thee, 0 Lord, I vanquish him.
worship thine all-holy birthgiving. Let those who hate Sion be as grass before it
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these is mowed down; for Christ will cut through their
resurrectional sessional hymns, in Tone VIII- necks with the scythe of torments.
Men sealed Thy tomb, 0 Savior, but an Glory ... : By the Holy Spirit are all things
angel rolled the stone away from its entry. The given life. Him do we praise with the Father and
women beheld Thee risen from the dead, and in the Word, as Light from light, the great God.
Sion they proclaimed to Thy disciples the glad Now & ever ... : The foregoing is repeated.
tidings that Thou hadst arisen, 0 Life ofall, and
Antiphon II
that the bonds of death are broken. 0 Lord,
glory be to Thee! Let my heart, humble of mind, be covered
with the fear of Thee, 0 most Compassionate
Stichos: I will confess Thee, 0 Lord, with my
One, and let it not, exalting itself, fall away
whole heart, I will tell of all Thy wonders.
from Thee.
The women who bore the burial spices
May he who setteth his hope on the Lord not
heard from the tomb the voice of the angel,
be terrified when all things will be tried by fire
saying: "Cease your weeping, and receive joy
and torment.
instead of grief! Cry aloud, singing that Christ
Glory ... :: Through the Holy Spirit doth
the Lord hath risen, Whose good pleasure it
every godly man see and prophesy, working
hath been, as God, to save the human race!"
exalted miracles, and hymning the one God in
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion, which we Three Persons; for though Three shine to­
chant not sitting, but standing, with fear and gether, the Godhead ruleth as One.
reverence- Now & ever ... : The foregoing is repeated.
All creation-the assembly of angels
and the human race-rejoiceth in thee, 0 thou Antiphon III
who art full of grace, 0 sacred temple and I have cried unto Thee: Hearken, 0 Lord,
reason-endowed paradise, thou boast of vir­ and incline Thine ear to me who cry out; and
gins, from whom God, Who existeth from before before Thou takest me away from hence make
time, was incarnate and became a child; for He me pure.
made thy loins a throne, and thy womb He made Everyone who returneth to his mother, the
more spacious than the heavens. All creation earth, is released to receive torments or honors
rejoiceth in thee, 0 thou who art full of grace. for those things he did during life.
Glory to thee!

84
 SUNDAY MATINS

Glory ... :: Through the Holy Spirit proceed­ Then, in Tone VI:
eth the theology ofthe thrice-holy Unity: for the Have mercy on me, 0 God, according to Thy
Father is unoriginate, and from Him hath the great mercy; and according to the multitude of
Son been begotten timelessly, and the Spirit is Thy compassions, blot out my transgression.
equally enthroned and hath the same image,
Then, this sticheron:
shining forth from the Father.
Jesus having risen from the grave, as He
Now & ever ... : The foregoing is repeated.
foretold, hath given us life eternal,* and great
Antiphon IV mercy.
Behold now, what is so good or so beautiful
Then, the Prayer: "Save, 0 God, Thy people ... ",
as for brethren to dwell together? For therein
followed by the exclamation: "Through the mercy
hath the Lord promised life eternal.
and compassions and love for mankind... "
He Who adorneth the lilies of the field doth
warn that it is not fitting for man to give
The Canons: of the Resurrection, with 4 tro­
thought to his raiment.
paria; that of the Cross & the Resurrection,
Glory ... : By the Holy Spirit, the single
with 3 troparia; that of the Theotokos, with 3
Cause, are all things sustained through the
troparia; and that from the Menaion, with 4
bestowal ofpeace; for He is God, Who in do min­
troparia. If a saint with 6 troparia is being
ion is consubstantial with the Father and the
celebrated, then the Canon of the Cross &
Son.
Resurrection hath 2 troparia, as doth that of
Now & ever ... : The foregoing is repeated.
the Theotokos.
Prokimenon, in Tone VIII-
The Lord shall be king unto eternity; thy God, ODE I
0 Sion, unto generation and generation. Canon of the Resurrection, in Tone VIII-
Stichos: Praise the Lord, 0 my soul. I will Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a
praise the Lord in my life. wonder, striking the sea in the form ofthe Cross
Let every breath praise the Lord. and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant
Pharaoh, and saved Israel who fled on foot,
The appointed Resurrectional Gospel. Then, chanting a hymn unto God.
this resurrectional hymn, in Tone VI- Stichos: Glory to Thy holy resurrection, 0
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, Lord!
let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only How can we not marvel at the almighty
Sinless One. We worship Thy Cross, 0 Christ, divinity of Christ, Who through His sufferings
and Thy holy resurrection we hymn and glorify. sheddeth dispassion and incorruption upon all
For Thou art our God, and we know none other the faithful, and poureth forth a well-spring of
beside Thee, we call upon Thy name. 0 come, immortality from His holy side and life ever­
all ye faithful, let us worship Christ's holy lasting from His tomb?
resurrection, for behold, through the Cross joy The magnificent angel hath now appeared
hath come to all the world. Ever blessing the to the women, bearing splendid tokens of natu­
Lord, we hymn His resurrection; for, having ral and immaterial purity, by his appearance
endured crucifixion, He hath destroyed death proclaiming the light of the resurrection, cry­
by death. ing: The Lord is risen!
Theotokion: All-glorious things have been
Psalm 50: "Have mercy on me, 0 God ... " said of thee among generations of genera­
Glory ... : Through the prayers of the tions, 0 thou who contained God the Word in
apostles, 0 Merciful One, blot out the multitude thy womb, remaining pure, 0 Mary Theoto­
of our transgressions. kos; wherefore, we all honor thee, our help
Now & ever ... : Through the prayers of the after God.
Theotokos, 0 Merciful One, blot out the multi­
tude of our transgressions.

85
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Canon of the Cross & Resurrection uncontainable God in thy womb, 0 undefiled
Irmos: Having traversed the water ... one. Wherefore, all ofus, the faithful, bless thee
The portals of pain have been removed, and with hymns, 0 pure one.
the gate-keepers of hades were filled with fear,
Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
beholding Him descending into the nethermost
Irmos: 0 Lord, Fashioner of the vault of
parts Who in the highest transcendeth the
heaven ...
nature of all things.
0 Lord, from Thyself Thou didst banish me
The ranks of the angels were amazed, be­
who before had rejected Thy commandments;
holding, seated upon the throne of the Father,
but having assumed my form and taught me
human nature which had fallen and been im­
obedience, Thou didst cause me to dwell with
prisoned in the nethermost parts.
Thee through Thy crucifixion.
Theotokion: 0 unwedded Mother, the ranks
0 Lord Who in Thy wisdom hast foreknown
of angels and men unceasingly praise thee; for
all things, and Who planted the nethermost
in thine arms thou didst bear their Creator as a
parts by Thine understanding, in Thy conde­
babe.
scension, 0 Word of God, Thou didst deign to
Canon of the All-holy Theotokos resurrect that which is in Thine image.
Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led Theotokion: Having dwelt bodily in the
His people .... Virgin, 0 Lord, Thou didst appear unto men, as
0 all-pure Theotokos, who in manner tran­ it was fitting that they behold Thee, and Thou
scending nature gavest birth to the eternal and didst show her forth as the true Theotokos, the
all-divine Word incarnate: we hymn thee. helper of the faithful, 0 Thou Who alone lovest
0 Christ, the Virgin gave birth unto Thee, mankind.
the Life-bearing Cluster of grapes which
Canon of the Theotokos
exudeth the sweetness of universal salvation.
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation ....
Through thee, 0 Theotokos, hath the gen­
Grant us help through thy supplications, 0
eration of Adam been exalted to blessedness, in
most pure one, repelling the attacks ofgrievous
manner past understanding, and it glorifieth
circumstances.
thee as is meet.
Thou wast the correction of our first mother
Eve, having given birth to Christ, the Author of
Then, the canon from the Menaion, and the
the life of the world, 0 Theotokos.
katavasia as prescribed by the Typicon.
Gird me about with power, 0 most pure one,
who hast truly given birth unto God in the flesh,
ODE III
the hypostatic Power of the Father.
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: 0 Christ, Who in the beginning ODE IV
established the heavens in wisdom and founded Canon of the Resurrection
the earth upon the waters, make me steadfast Irmos: Thou art my strength, 0 Lord, Thou
upon the rock of Thy commandments; for none art my power; Thou art my God, Thou art my
is holy as Thee, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind. joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of the
Adam, who was condemned by his sinful Father, hast visited our lowliness. Wherefore,
tasting, didst Thou justify by the saving suffer­ with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee:
ing ofThy flesh, 0 Christ; for Thou Thyselfwast Glory to Thy power, 0 Thou Who lovest man­
not subject to the trial of death, 0 Sinless One. kind!
Jesus my God, the Light ofthe resurrection, Thou didst love me, Thine enemy, exceed­
shone forth upon those sitting in darkness and ingly, for in a strange abasement Thou didst
the shadow of death, and binding the mighty descend to earth, 0 Savior of loving-kindness,
one with His divinity, He despoiled his vessels. refusing to reject mine utter reproach; and
Theotokion: 0 Theotokos, thou hast been abiding in the heights of Thine all-pure glory,
shown to be more exalted than the cherubim Thou hast glorified that which before was
and seraphim; for thou alone didst receive the dishonored.

86
 SUNDAY MATINS

Who is not filled with awe, beholding death created man; and, naked, Thou wast nailed to
destroyed by Thy Passion, 0 Master? For by the the Cross in the flesh, 0 Christ, stripping offour
divine power of Thee Who wast crucified was robe of mortality.
corruption put to flight by the Cross and hades Arising, Thou didst fashion anew from the
emptied of its riches by Thy death. Wondrous dust of death my fallen essence, 0 Christ, and
are Thy works, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind! didst render it never-aging, showing it again to
Theotokion: Thou art the boast of the faith­ be a royal image, resplendent in the life of
ful, 0 thou who knewest not wedlock, and thou incorruption.
art also the refuge, bulwark and haven ofChris­ Theotokion: Possessed of maternal bold­
tians; for thou bearest entreaties to thy Son, 0 ness before thy Son, 0 most pure one, dismiss
most immaculate one, and savest from misfor­ not the thought of us as thy kin, we pray thee;
tunes those who with faith and love know thee for thee alone do we Christians set before the
to be the pure Theotokos. Master, to obtain merciful purification.
Canon of the Cross & Resurrection Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
Irmos: I heard report of Thee, 0 Lord... Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy command­
The children of the violators of the law ments...
nailed thee to the Cross, 0 Christ God; but Guide us by the power ofThy Cross, 0 Christ,
thereby Thou didst save those who glorify Thy for through it do we fall down before Thee. Grant
sufferings, in that Thou art full of loving­ us peace, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind!
kindness. Pilot the life of us who hymn Thine arising,
Rising from the grave, Thou didst raise up 0 our God, and grant us peace, 0 Thou Who
with Thyself all the dead in hades; and as Thou lovest mankind.
art full of loving-kindness Thou hast enlight­ Theotokion: 0 pure one who knewest not
ened all who glorify Thy resurrection. wedlock, beseech Thy Son and our God, that He
Theotokion: 0 all-pure Mary, entreat God send down upon us, the faithful, great mercy, 0
Who was born of thee, that He grant thy ser­ all-pure Mary.
vants forgiveness of offenses.
Canon of the Theotokos
Canon of the Theotokos Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry to Thee:
Irmos: I heard report of Thee, 0 Lord.... Save us ....
0 Theotokos, thou unploughed field which Still thou the unbearable tempest of my
gave rise to the life-creating Grain Who giveth passions, 0 thou who gavest birth to God, the
life to the world: Save those who hymn thee. Helmsman and Lord.
All ofus who are enlightened proclaim thee The ranks ofthe angels and the assembly of
to be the Theotokos, 0 most pure one; for thou men minister to thine Offspring, 0 all-pure
gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness, 0 Theotokos.
Ever-virgin. 0 Mary Theotokos, who knewest not wed­
Grant that our ignorance may be washed lock, show forth the hopes ofthe enemy as vain,
away, in that Thou art sinless, and bring peace and fill with gladness those who hymn thee.
to Thy world, 0 God, through the prayers of her
who gave Thee birth. OnE VI
Canon of the Resurrection
0DEV Irmos: Cleanse me, 0 Savior, for many are
Canon of the Resurrection my transgressions; and lead me up from the
Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried,
face from me, 0 Light never-waning? And why and Thou hast hearkened to me, 0 God of my
hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch salvation.
that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to By a tree the author of evil mightily cast me
the light of Thy commandments, I pray. down; but, having been uplifted upon the Cross,
Mocked, Thou didst deign to be clad in a Thou, 0 Christ, didst with greater might cast
purple robe before Thy sufferings, 0 Savior, him down, putting him to shame; and thou didst
thus covering the ugly nakedness of the first- raise up him who was fallen.
87
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Rising from the grave, Thou didst take pity celebrate Thine arising from the dead, 0
on Sion, by Thy divine blood making it new greatly Merciful One.
instead of old, in that Thou art compassionate; Ikos: 0 my long-suffering Savior, Bestower
and Thou now reignest therein forever, of life Who lovest mankind, Who captured the
0 Christ. kingdoms of hades and raised up the dead,
Theotokion: Let us be delivered from griev­ Thou didst greet the myrrh-bearing women,
ous transgressions through thine entreaties, 0 offering themjoy instead of grief, didst proclaim
pure Theotokos, and let us receive the divine signs of victory to Thine apostles, and dost
effulgence of the Son of God, Who ineffably enlighten creation. Wherefore, the world re­
became incarnate of thee, 0 all-pure one. joiceth at Thine arisingfrom the dead, 0 greatly
Merciful One.
Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the
ODE VII
Lord...
Canon of the Resurrection
Thou didst stretch forth Thy hands upon the
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in
Cross, healing the hand of the first-created
awe ofthe condescension of God; wherefore, the
man, which in Eden was stretched forth with­
youths, dancingwithjoyous step in the furnace,
out restraint; and having of Thine own will
as in a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, 0
tasted gall, 0 Christ, Thou hast saved those
God of our fathers!
who glorify Thy sufferings, in that Thou art
Thy glorious abasement, the divine riches of
powerful.
Thy poverty, 0 Christ, amaze the angels who
The Deliverer tasted of death, the ancient
behold Thee nailed to the Cross to save those
condemnation, that He might destroy the king­
who cry out with faith: Blessed art Thou, 0 God
dom of corruption; and having descended into
of our fathers!
hades, Christ arose and hath saved those who
By Thy divine descent Thou didst fill the
hymn His resurrection, in that He is powerful.
nether regions with light, and darkness which
Theotokion: Cease not to make supplica­
before reigned as tyrant was driven away.
tions for us, 0 all-pure Virgin Theotokos, for
Wherefore, those held prisoner from ages past
thou art the confirmation of the faithful. With
arose, crying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
trust in thee are we made mighty, and we
Triadicon: Theologizing in Orthodox man­
glorify thee and Him Who ineffably became
ner concerning Thee, we declare Thee unto all
incarnate of thee.
as the Lord, the only Father of the only-begot­
Canon of the Theotokos
ten Son, acknowledging that from Thee pro­
Irmos: Grant me a robe of light ....
ceedeth the one upright Spirit, Who is of the
0 Theotokos, we, the faithful, declare thee same nature and is equally eternal.
the temple and ark of God, the animate bridal­
chamber and the gate of heaven. Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
Thine Offspring, the Destroyer of the Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths...
temples of the idols, is worshipped as God with Fulfilling the prophecies, 0 God, Thou hast
the Father and the Spirit, 0 Mary Bride of God. wrought salvation in the midst ofthe world; for
0 Theotokos, the Word of God hath shown having been lifted up upon the Tree, Thou didst
thee to mortals as a heavenly ladder; for summon all who cry out with faith: 0 God ofour
through thee hath He descended unto us. fathers, blessed art Thou!
Rising from the tomb as from sleep, 0 Com­
Kontakion, in Tone VIII- passionate One, Thou didst deliver all from
Arising from the grave, Thou didst raise up corruption; and creation is assured by the
the dead and resurrect Adam. Eve danceth at apostles who preach Thine arising, saying: 0
Thy resurrection, and the ends of the world God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

88
 SUNDAY MATINS

Theotokion: At the good pleasure of the Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
Father and the Spirit, the Word Who is equal in Irmos: Becoming vanquishers of the
activity and power to the Father taketh form in tyrant...
the Virgin's womb. 0 God of our fathers, Him Who stretched forth His hands unto me
blessed art Thou! who am naked, and Who calleth me to warm
myself through His noble nakedness, do ye
Canon of the Theotokos
bless, all ye works of the Lord! Exalt Him
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who
supremely forever!
had come forth from Judcea ....
All ye works ofthe Lord, bless the Lord Who
Thou didst appear incarnate of the Virgin's
hath raised me up, the fallen one, from the
womb for our salvation; wherefore, acknowl­
uttermost depths ofhades and honored me with
edging Thy Mother as the Theotokos in Ortho­
the glory of the Father's high throne; and exalt
dox manner, we cry out: 0 God of our fathers,
Him supremely forever!
blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: Thou wast shown to be the
0 Virgin, from the root of Jesse thou didst
daughter of fallen Adam, 0 Virgin, and the
cause the Rod to spring forth, bearing the Fruit
Mother of God Who hath restored my essence.
of salvation for those who chant with faith unto
Him do all of us, His works, hymn as Lord and
thy Son: 0 God ofour fathers, blessed art Thou!
exalt for all ages.
Through the Theotokos, 0 hypostatic Wis­
dom of the Most High, with wisdom and divine
Canon of the Theotokos
power fill all who chant to thee with faith: 0 God
Irmos: The King ofheaven, Whom the hosts
of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
of angels hymn....
Quench the burning and fiery arrows of the
ODE VIII
adversary, which are aimed at us, that we may
Canon of the Resurrection
hymn thee for all ages.
Irmos: Madly did the Chaldrean tyrant heat
Thou didst supernaturally give birth to God
the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but,
the Word, the Creator and Savior, 0 Virgin;
beholding them saved by a higher Power, he
wherefore, we hymn and exalt thee supremely
cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye chil­
for all ages.
dren, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt
The unapproachable Light which dwelt
Him supremely for all ages!
within thee, 0 Virgin, hath shown thee forth as
The all-divine power ofthe divinity ofJesus
a luminous golden lamp for all ages.
shone forth divinely within us; for, having in
the flesh tasted death on the Cross for all, He Then we chant the Hymn ofthe Theotokos: "My
destroyed the might of hades. Him do ye un­ soul doth magnify the Lord... ", with the refrain
ceasingly bless, 0 children! Ye priests, hymn; "More honorable than the cherubim ... "
ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
The Crucified hath arisen! The braggart ODE IX
hath fallen! He who fell and was broken hath Canon of the Resurrection
been set aright! Corruption hath been cast Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and
away, and incorruption hath blossomed forth! the ends of the earth were amazed, that God
For death is swallowed up by Life. Ye children, hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb
bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him became more spacious than the heavens.
supremely for all ages! Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels mag­
Triadicon: The thrice-radiant Godhead nify thee as the Theotokos.
which shineth forth the one Ray from Its one Being simple in Thy divine and beginning­
nature in three Hypostases-the unoriginate less nature, Thou didst render Thyself com­
Father, the Word, Who shareth the Father's pound by taking on flesh, subsuming it within
essence, and the equally reigning Spirit Who is Thyself, 0 Word of God; and having suffered as
one in essence with Them - ye children, bless; a man, as God Thou didst remain beyond
ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him suffering. Wherefore, we magnify Thee in two
supremely for all ages! natures, indivisible and unconfused.

89

 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

0 Most High, Who becamest man by nature On the Praises, 8 stichera, in Tone VIII­
while of the divine nature of God the Father, Stichos: To do among them the judgment
coming down to Thy servants Thou didst tell that is written. This glory shall be to all His
them of God; and having risen from the tomb, saints.
Thou didst endow mortals with the grace of the 0 Lord, though Thou didst stand forth
Father Who is by nature God and Master, and before the tribunal, to be judged of Pilate, yet
with Whom we all magnify Thee. didst Thou not cease to sit on the throne with
Theotokion: In manner transcending na­ the Father. And having risen from the dead,
ture, 0 Virgin Mother of God, thou wast shown Thou didst free the world from slavery to the
to be her who gave birth in the flesh unto God alien, in that Thou art compassionate and
the Word, Whom the Father begot from His lovest mankind.
heart before time began, in that He is good, and Stichos: Praise ye God in His saints, praise
Whom we now understand as transcending the Him in the firmament of His power.
human body, even though He clothed Himself 0 Lord, Thou hast given us Thy Cross as a
in a body. weapon against the devil; for he trembleth and
quaketh, unable to bear the sight of its power;
Canon of the Cross & Resurrection for it raiseth the dead and hath abolished
Irmos: Every ear trembleth to hear ... death. Wherefore, we bow down before Thy
We know Thee as the Son of God by nature, burial and arising.
Who was conceived in the womb of the Mother Stichos: Praise Him for His mighty acts,
of God and becamest man for the sake of man; praise Him according to the multitude of His
and beholding Thee suffering on the Cross in greatness.
Thy human nature, we magnify Thee Who as 0 Lord, though the Jews placed Thee in a
God remainest dispassionate. tomb as one dead, yet did the soldiers watch
Sullen darkness hath been destroyed, for over Thee as a sleeping king, and like a treasure
Christ, the Sun of righteousness, the heavenly oflife they sealed it with a seal. But Thou didst
Man and earthly God, hath shone forth from arise and gavest incorruption to our souls.
hades, enlightening all the ends of the earth, Stichos: Praise Him with the sound of
illumining all with the light of His divinity. trumpet, praise Him with psaltery and harp.
Him do we magnify in two natures. Thine angel who proclaimed the resurrec­
Theotokion: Draw Thy bow, and proceed tion, 0 Lord, frightened the guards and de­
prosperously, and be King, 0 Son of the Mother of clared to the women, saying: "Why seek ye the
God, subduing the Moslems who war against us, Living among the dead? He Who is God hath
and granting the Cross as a spear, an invincible risen and granted life to the whole world!"
weapon, unto those who have recourse unto Thee. Stichos: Praise Him with timbrel and
Canon of the Theotokos dance, praise Him with strings and flute.
Irmos: Saved by thee, 0 pure Virgin .... 0 Thou Who art dispassionate in Thy divin­
Thy memorial is full of joy and gladness, ity, Thou didst suffer on the Cross and accept
pouring forth healings upon those who ap­ burial on the third day, that Thou mightest free
proach and piously declare thee to be the us from slavery to the enemy, and, having made
Theotokos. us immortal, Thou givest us life by Thy resur­
We hymn thee with psalms, 0 thou who art rection, 0 Christ God Who lovest mankind.
full of grace, and we continually offer thee "Re­ Stichos: Praise Him with tuneful cymbals,
joice!"; for thou hast poured forth joy upon all. praise Him with cymbals of jubilation. Let
Thy beautiful Fruit hath sprung forth, 0 every breath praise the Lord.
Theotokos, resulting not in corruption for those I worship, glorify and hymn Thy resurrec­
who taste thereof, but in life for those who tion from the grave, 0 Christ, whereby Thou
magnify thee with faith. didst free us from the indissoluble bonds of
hades, and, as God, didst grant the world life
After the katavasia, the little litany. Then, everlasting and great mercy.
"Holy is the Lord our God!': thrice; and the Stichos: Arise, 0 Lord my God, let Thy hand
matins exapostilarion. be lifted high; forget not Thy paupers to the end.

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 SUNDAY MATINS

The violators of the law, guarding Thy Life­ for through Him Who became incarnate of Thee
receiving tomb, then sealed it and set a watch. is hades led captive, Adam recalled, the curse
But as immortal and almighty God, Thou didst annulled, Eve set free, death slain, and we are
rise on the third day. given life. Wherefore, we cry aloud in praise:
Stichos: I will confess Thee, 0 Lord, with my Blessed art Thou, 0 Christ God, Who hast been
whole heart, I will tell of all Thy wonders. thus well-pleased, glory to Thee.
When Thou, 0 Lord, didst arrive at the
Great Doxology, and the resurrectional tro­
gates of hades and break them down, the cap­
parwn-
tive cried out thus: "Who is this Who is not
Rising from the tomb, Thou didst break the
condemned to the uttermost depths of the
bonds of hades; and Thou didst lift the condem­
earth, but hath dissolved the prison of death as
nation of death, 0 Lord, delivering all from the
it were a shadow? I have seized Him as one
snaresoftheenemy. And having shown Thyself
dead, and tremble because He is God!" 0
to Thine apostles, Thou didst send them forth to
Almighty, have mercy upon us!
preach, and through them hast given Thy peace
unto the whole world, 0 Thou Who alone art
Glory ... : The matins Gospel sticheron.
greatly merciful.
Now & ever ... : Theotokion, in Tone If-
Most blessed art thou, 0 Virgin Theotokos, And the dismissal.

AT LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, 0 ye apostles, who are manifestly the

in Tone VIII- friends of Christ and are to be enthroned with
Remember us, 0 Christ, Thou Savior of the Him in glory: Entreat Him with boldness, that
world, as Thou didst remember the thief upon He intercede for us, for ye are His disciples.
the Cross; and account us all worthy of Thy Glory ... : 0 unoriginate Trinity, indivisible
heavenly kingdom, 0 Thou Who alone art com­ Essence, Unity equally enthroned, equal in
passionate. honor and glory, transcendent Nature and
Hearken, 0 Adam, and rejoice with Eve; for Kingship: Save us who praise Thee with faith!
he who of old stripped you both naked, and by Now & ever ... : Theotokion: Rejoice, spa­
deception hath taken all of us captive, hath cious habitation of God! Rejoice, ark ofthe new
been set at naught by the Cross of Christ. covenant! Rejoice, jar whence the heavenly
Nailed of Thine own will to the Tree, 0 Manna is given unto all!
our Savior, Thou didst deliver Adam from
the curse which came through the tree, and Prokimenon, in Tone VIII-
hast restored that which is according to Thine Make your vows and pay them to the Lord our
image to a habitation in paradise, in that God.
Thou art compassionate. Stichos: In Judcea is God known; His name is
Today is Christ risen from the tomb, grant­ great in Israel.
ing incorruption unto all the faithful; and He
reneweth the joy of the myrrh-bearing women Alleluia, in Tone VIII-
after His suffering and resurrection. Stichos: Come let us rejoice in the Lord, let us
Rejoice, 0 wise myrrh-bearing women, who shout with jubilation unto God our Savior.
were first to behold the resurrection of Christ, Stichos: Let us come before His countenance
and who proclaimed to the apostles the glad with thanksgiving, and with psalms let us
tidings of the restoration of the whole world! shout in jubilation unto Him.

91
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

ON SUNDAY EVENING AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera of repen­ Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
tance, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "0 Lord, though prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord abid­
Thou didst stand forth before the tribunal ... "- eth forever.
Stichos: IfThou shouldstmarkiniquities, 0 0 Lord, the seraphim hymn Thee, and the
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee authorities, angels, and principalities, the do­
there is forgiveness. minions, thrones and powers, the archangels
0 Lord Who earnest into the world to call and the dread cherubim offer Thee praise. By
sinners to Thee, and Who accepted the thief, the their entreaties and intercession, 0 Savior,
publican and the harlot: In Thy love for man­ save Thou our souls.
kind, 0 my Christ, call me also to Thee, though
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
I have sinned against Thee more than all oth­
I, a created being, ever offend the Creator
ers, and never repent.
and move Him to anger. Grant me correction,
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­
0 Maiden, first conciliating Him; and with thy
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath
help raise me up to pleasing works, that I may
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath
receive salvation and remission.
hoped in the Lord.
0 Lord, Who ordained publicans as pastors Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
for Thy Church, and made a helper now of him the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
who before was a persecutor: By their supplica­
tions show me to be Thy lamb, 0 Savior, and let Apostichasticheraofrepentance, in Tone VIII-
me not, who am useless, fall prey to the alien one. The angels unceasingly hymn Thee, the
Stichos: From the morning watch until King and Master; and I fall down before Thee,
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in crying like the publican: Cleanse me, 0 God,
the Lord. and have mercy upon me!
Weep before the end, 0 my wretched and Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine
most vile soul, and cleave unto God, crying out eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Be­
to him with groans from the depths ofthy heart: hold, as the eyes ofservants look unto the hands
I have sinned against Thee, 0 Christ! Revile me of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid
not, I pray, but turning me, vouchsafe me for­ look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our
giveness, in that Thou art merciful. eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take
pity on us.
Then the stichera for the saint, from the Men­
As thou art immortal, 0 my soul, let not the
aion; or ifthere is no Menaion, these stichera of
waves oflife cover thee, but rise up, crying out to
the holy incorporeal angels, in the same tone &
thy Benefactor: Cleanse me, 0 God, and save me!
melody-
Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, and
mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
with Him there is plenteous redemption; and He
abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities.
therewith; let reproach come upon them that
0 Lord, the councils of the incorporeal be­
prosper, and abasement on the proud.
ings unceasingly glorify Thee, delighting in Thy
Martyricon: 0 martyrs of the Lord, ye
beauty and ineffable comeliness, and richly
sanctify every place and heal every infirmity.
illumined by the light of the threefold Sun. By
Pray ye now, that our souls be delivered from
their prayers and intercession, 0 Savior, save
the snares of the enemy, we beseech you.
Thou our souls.
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
praise Him, all ye peoples. Taking up the cry ofthe Archangel Gabriel, let
0 Lord, by Thine omnipotent word and us say: Rejoice, 0 Mother of God, who gavest birth
Thine all-holy Spirit Thou didst arrange the unto Christ, Who bestoweth life upon the world!
harmonious choirs of the angels, imparting
effulgence to them with never-waning rays. By Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ...
their entreaties and intercession, 0 Savior, Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
save Thou our souls. Litany, and Dismissal.
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 ON SUNDAY NIGHT AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I Now & ever ... : As thou art merciful, 0 all­

Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a pure one, do thou now entreat Him Who is full
wonder, strikingthe sea in theformofthe Cross of lovingkindness, that He vouchsafe unto us
and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant divine lovingkindness; for having unmercifully
Pharaoh, and saved Israel who fled on foot, acquired unmerciful ways, I have become wor­
chanting a hymn unto God. thy of everlasting fire.
All-glorious things have been said ofthee, 0
ODE IV
all-pure one, who alone art the glory of the
Irmos: Thou art my strength, 0 Lord, Thou
faithful; wherefore, by thy supplications show
art my power; Thou art my God, Thou art my
me, who glorify thee, to be a partaker of the
joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of the
glory which is to come, 0 all-holy and most
Father, hast visited our lowliness. Wherefore,
hymned Virgin.
with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee:
Blessed is the Fruit ofthy womb, 0 all-pure,
Glory to Thy power, 0 Thou Who lovest man­
most pure and blessed one, whereby all of us
kind!
mortals have been delivered from the curse. 0
Rend asunder the record of my wicked sins
the ineffable wonder, the indescribable report,
with the divine spear which pierced the divine
the salvation of all the faithful!
side of Him Who desired to become a man
Glory ... : A multitude of angels, the assem­
through thee, 0 all-pure one, and entreat Him
bly of the disciples and prophets, the company
to write me in the Book of the Saved, even
of the martyrs and Thy venerable ones ever
though I have foolishly estranged myself from
entreat Thee, 0 Lord. For the sake of the
Him.
Theotokos grant us forgiveness of sins, in that
Let me glorify thee with cries of thanksgiv­
Thou lovest mankind.
ing, let me magnify thee with divine love, 0 all­
Now & ever ... : Thee, the all-pure one, who
immaculate one. 0 thou who by thy great
received in thy womb the unbearable Fire, do I
birthgiving hast exalted all who have estranged
entreat with faith, that I may be delivered and
themselves, vouchsafe divine forgiveness unto
rescued from the fire of Gehenna, and by thy
me who have greatly estranged myself and
right acceptable supplications may be freed
have fallen grievously.
from everlasting torment.
Glory ... : In thee were the laws of nature
suspended; for in manner transcending nature
ODE III
thou gavest birth to God the Word. Wherefore,
Irmos: 0 Lord, Fashioner of the vault of
I entreat thee with faith, 0 all-immaculate one:
heaven and Creator ofthe Church: establish me
By thy supplications save and convert me who
in Thy love, 0 summit of desire, confirmation of
have greatly sinned, surpassing human nature,
the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
and have gone far away from God.
Having fallen away from a life of purity, 0
Now & ever ... : With arrows of sin hath the
all-pure one, I have become like unto the dumb
enemy wounded my soul; he hath defiled my
beasts and am wholly condemned. 0 thou who
heart with lusts, and drawn me away from the
gavest birth to the Judge, deliver and save me
straight path. Wherefore, I cry to thee, 0
from all damnation.
Virgin: Turning me, heal and save me.
0 pure Maiden, grant me groaning, spiri­
tual tears and constant compunction, that I 0DEV
may weep over the passions which beset me Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy
because of mine indifference, 0 thou who art face from me, 0 Light never-waning? And why
full of the grace of God. hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch
Glory ... : The ranks ofheaven, the minister­ that I am? But turn me, and direct my steps to
ing spirits, the assembly of prophets and the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
apostles, and Thy martyrs unceasingly beseech Generations of generations now bless thee,
Thee, 0 Compassionate One: Grant remission the ever-blessed one, and the hosts of heaven
of transgressions unto Thy people. praise thee as the one who hath united those

93
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

below with those on high, the only one blessed the Creator of the angels in thy womb! Rejoice,
among women, the restoration of fallen Adam. cleansing of those who fall, who gavest flesh to
0 good one who gavest birth to the Word, God the Word! Rejoice, 0 Bride unwedded!
beseech the Good One Who hath delivered us
from irrationality, that I may remain whole, ODE VII
may attain an unshakable stand, and may jour­ Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in
ney well, doing those things which are pleasing awe ofthe condescension of God; wherefore, the
unto God. youths, dancing with joyous step in the furnace,
Glory ... : 0 Word Who didst shed Thine own as in a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, 0
blood upon the Cross in the surpassing depths God of our fathers!
of Thy mercy, dry up the abyss of my passions, By thine ineffable birthgiving thou hast
and for the sake of the Theotokos vouchsafe vouchsafed unto us ineffable things, 0 Theoto­
that I may please Thee, my God, in humility. kos; wherefore, deliver me from terrifying tor­
Now & ever ... : 0 Virgin Mother and ment, and fill me with ineffable joy, that I may
Maiden, who gavest birth to the Infinite One in ever hymn thee who art most hymned.
the flesh, the glory ofthe angels and the wound­ Having wasted my life in slothfulness, I have
ing of the demons: Vouchsafe divine healing become barren, and I fear interrogation and the
unto my heart which hath been wounded by sin, unquenchable fire ofGehenna. 0 Theotokos who
0 Bride of God. gavest birth to the unbearable Fire, by thy sup­
plications persuade Him to deliver me.
ODE VI Glory ... : Surpassing all wonders is the
Irmos: Cleanse me, 0 Savior, for many are miracle of thy birthgiving, 0 pure Virgin;
my transgressions; and lead me up from the wherefore, I cry unto thee, 0 Theotokos: Show
abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, forth upon me the wonders of thy mercies;
and Thou hast hearkened to me, 0 God of my deliver me from thecomingwrath, and save me.
salvation. Now & ever ... : 0 Christ my Savior, for the
In thee hath human nature found mercy, 0 sake ofher who gave Thee birth have pity on me
merciful Mistress; for thou gavest birth to the who have lived in slothfulness and have
Merciful One, 0 all-pure one. Wherefore, I spurned Thy holy laws and Thine honored pre­
beseech thee: Have mercy upon my soul! cepts, in that Thou art a beneficent and greatly
The ranks of the incorporeal beings, of the merciful God.
martyrs, prophets and Thine apostles, entreat
Thee, 0 Christ: For the sake of her who gave ODE VIII
Thee birth, save Thy people from every evil Irmos: Madly did the Chaldrean tyrant heat
circumstance. the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but,
Glory ... : 0 unploughed earth who gavest beholding them saved by a higher Power, he
rise to the Husbandman and Creator of all, cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye chil­
through divine understanding show forth as dren, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt
fertile my soul which hath been rendered hard Him supremely for all ages!
and stony by the passions. Give life to my soul, for it is dying; raise it
Now & ever ... : I have violated the com­ up, for it hath fallen; heal it, for it hath been
mandments which lead me to God, and without wounded. Grant peace to my mind; still thou
desiring it have become enslaved to wicked the waves of temptations, 0 Virgin; and save
passions; wherefore, I entreat thee, 0 Ever­ me who cry: Ye children, bless; ye priests,
virgin: Rescue me from their dominion. hymn; ye people, exalt Him forever!
Like the thief I cry out to Thee: Have mercy
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now upon me, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind! Like the
& ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VIII­ harlot, I weep and cry aloud: I have sinned like
0 ye faithful, let us praise the Virgin Mother the prodigal of old! For the sake of the Theoto­
and Maiden, the object of the veneration of the kos accept me, a wretched penitent, that with
heavenly hosts and the all-praised exaltation of zeal I may cry out to Thee: Ye priests, hymn; ye
our souls: Rejoice, 0 thou who didst conceive people, exalt Him supremely forever!
94
 SUNDAY NIGHT COMPLINE

Glory ... : As befitteth a servant, I cry out to tures: By thy power, 0 pure Ever-virgin, pre­
thee, 0 most hymned Theotokos: With the serve me unharmed, who am ever surrounded
countless noetic hosts, with the prophets and by myriads of demons.
the venerable, the apostles and the martyrs, 0 thou who pourest forth divine sweetness,
make thou entreaty for all men who chant in 0 thou who hast given birth to the Sweetness of
godly manner: Ye priests, hymn; ye people, all, sweeten thou my soul which hath become
exalt Him supremely forever! bitter through the venom of the serpent, by thy
Now & ever ... : 0 most immaculate Theoto­ mediation ever removing bitter harm from me,
kos, thou art more honorable than the angelic 0 unashamed intercessor for the faithful.
ranks ofheaven, for through thy virginal womb Glory ... : 0 Jesus, thou Sun of glory, en­
which knew not wedlock thou gavest birth to lighten my wretched soul through the entreat­
their Creator and Lord in two natures, without ies of the pure divine Maiden who gave Thee
confusion or change, incarnate in a single Hy­ birth, of the incorporeal ministers, Thine hon­
postasis, 0 Theotokos. ored apostles, the holy hierarchs and prophets,
Thy chosen martyrs and the venerable.
OnE IX Now & ever ... : Wholly condemned and at a
Irmos: Every ear trembleth to hear of the loss what to do, I fear Thy dread second coming,
ineffable condescension of God, for the Most 0 only King and Lord; wherefore, before the end
High willingly came down even to the flesh, I cry unto Thee: For the sake of her who gave
becoming man through the Virgin's womb. Thee birth take pity upon me and save me, 0
Wherefore, we the faithful magnify the all-pure Merciful and Good One Who lovest mankind.
Theotokos.
0 divine couch of Solomon, upon which God Then, It is truly meet ... , and a prostration.
hath rested, and who art now surrounded by Trisagion through Our Father... Troparion,
sixty mighty utterances from the divine Scrip­ and the rest as usual. Dismissal.

ON MONDAY MORNING

AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these and immutably contained within thee. And
sessional hymns of repentance, in Tone VIII- seeing Him taking on human form in thy womb,
Look upon my lowliness with Thy compas­ with awe I cry unto thee: Rejoice, 0 Bride
sionate eye, 0 Lord, for my life will reach its end unwedded!"
in a little while, and there will be no salvation
for me because of my works. Wherefore, I pray: After the second chanting of the Psalter, these
Look upon my lowliness with Thy compassion­ sessional hymns, in Tone VIII-
ate eye, 0 Lord, and save me! Pondering that dread day, be vigilant, 0 my
Stichos: 0 Lord, rebuke me not in Thine soul, lighting thy lamp and feeding it with oil;
anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. for thou knowest not when the cry will come
The Judge is coming! Take care, 0 my soul, upon thee, saying: "Behold, the Bridegroom!"
and consider the hour of that dread day; for He Wherefore, watch thou, 0 my soul, lest thou
is without mercy for those who have shown no slumber and remain knocking without, like the
mercy. Wherefore, before the end cry out: Have five virgins; but watch and wait, that thou
pity on me, 0 Savior, Who alone art sinless! mayest meet Christ with rich oil, that He may
grant thee the divine bridal-chamber of His
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion- glory.
Pondering what was mystically com­ Stichos: 0 Lord, rebuke me not in Thine
manded, the incorporeal one made haste to anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath.
stand forth in the house ofJoseph, saying to her Like the harlot I fall down before Thee, that
who knew not wedlock: "He Who bowed down I may receive remission; and instead of myrrh I
the heavens in His condescension will be wholly offer Thee tears from the depths of my heart,

95
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

that Thou mayest take pity on me as Thou didst ODE I

her, 0 Savior, and grant me cleansing of my Canon of repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ
sins: For like her I cry to Thee: Deliver me from and His holy martyrs, the composition of
the mire of my deeds! Joseph, in Tone VIII-
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the Irmos: Having traversed the water as
God of Israel. though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of
Martyricon: Today this church is illu­ Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant
mined with heavenly light; for therein the unto our Deliverer and God!
angelic armies rejoice, and with them the souls Deliver me from Gehenna, which I have
of the righteous are filled with gladness at the earned by mine unseemly deeds, 0 Deliverer, and
memorial of the passion-bearers. Through in my mind enkindle the divine fire of Thy love.
their prayers, 0 Christ, send down peace and I have made myself subject to the passions.
great mercy upon Thy world. I have become benighted, and shown myself to
be irrational, though I was honored with the
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
ability to speak. 0 Lord, by the judgments
Rejoice, thou portal of the King of glory,
which Thou knowest grant that my soul may
through which the Most High alone passed, and
arise, and save me!
which He sealed, unto the salvation ofour souls!
Martyricon: Mflicted with wounds, your
bodies showed forth your upright and unbreak­
After the third chanting of the Psalter, these
able character and your love for the Creator, 0
sessional hymns, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Pon­
martyrs most lauded and crowned.
dering what was mystically commanded..."­
Martyricon: The rivers of blood which
How long, 0 my soul, shalt thou live in
flowed from the bodies of Thy holy and glorious
negligence? How long shalt thou languish in
athletes drowned the thorns of the madness of
despair? Rouse thyself from the sleep of de­
idolatry by Thy power, 0 Compassionate One.
spondency, 0 wretched one, pondering thy
Theotokion: 0 pure one, cure me of the
works; groan and tremble before the sentence of
passions of soul and body, who am cruelly af­
the just Judge, to Whom thou must needs give
flicted by deadly sin, that with faith I may ever
answer in that hour. How wilt thou be delivered
call thee blessed.
from the burning fire which awaiteth thee who
remainest incorrigible? Before the end, cry Another canon, of the holy incorporeal angels,
unto the Judge: Grant me remission of trans­ the composition of Theophanes,
gressions, 0 Savior, for Thou alone art long­ in the same tone-
suffering! Irmos: Same as the foregoing.
Before the end, bring thou the groaning of As the chief leaders of the holy angels,
the publican and the lamentation of the harlot radiantly delighting in the vision of God, in our
unto Him Who knoweth thy hidden deeds, 0 my behalf entreat the Savior, the Bestower ofgood,
soul, and cease not to make confession with 0 archangels. Twice
lamentation and weeping, with fasting and Beset by violent passions, we, the faithful,
vigils, crying out in prayer: "I have sinned! now flee to you as our intercessors, 0 divine
Cleanse me, 0 Savior, through the supplica­ archangels. Earnestly entreat now the Master
tions ofThine angels, and save me, in that Thou in our behalf.
art compassionate!" Theotokion: Be thou a refuge, haven, bul­
wark and intercessor for me, 0 Virgin Mother of
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
God, who gavest birth in the flesh unto God, the
0 pure and blessed one, who art full of the
most compassionate Deliverer.
grace of God: With the heavenly hosts, the
archangels and all the incorporeal beings un­ ODE III
ceasingly make supplication for us unto Him Canon of Repentance
Who in the lovingkindness of His compassions Irmos: 0 Lord, Fashioner of the vault of
was born of thee, that before the end He grant heaven and Creator ofthe Church: establish me
us forgiveness and cleansing of our sins, and in Thy love, 0 summit of desire, confirmation of
amendment of life, that we may find mercy. the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
96

 MONDAY MATINS

With what eyes shall I, who have kept not Great is the struggle when the soul is parted
one of Thy commandments, gaze upon Thee, 0 from the body; and dreadful the trembling
Christ my Savior? How shall I stand before when the Judge taketh His seat and sinful men
Thine unbearable throne to give answer for my are condemned! Woe is me! What shall I do
countless evils? when I am condemned?
Stretching forth the hands of Thy compas­ Possessed of a heart full of defilements and
sions, accept me as of old Thou didst the prodi­ a burden of sin which is almost unbearable, I
gal who had likewise enslaved himself to the flee to Thy compassions, 0 Master. Despise me
dishonorable passions, for I too have departed not, but take pity on me, I pray!
far from Thee, 0 all-goad Jesus Who lovest Martyricon: Your death was shown to be
mankind. precious in the sight of God, 0 valiant passion­
M artyricon: Having established yourselves bearers; for though afflicted with myriads of
upon the rock of the understanding of God, 0 pangs and wounds, ye did not deny Him.
martyrs and passion-bearers ofChrist, with the Martyricon: The enemy was wounded by
sword of the Faith ye cut off the thorns of the wounds of the martyrs, and his vaunted
ignorance at the root, and produced the fruits of pride hath fallen. Magnified is He Who be­
suffering. stowed crowns upon them, glorified with hymns
M artyricon: Let the martyrs be praised: the divine.
unshakable pillars of the true Faith, the all­ Theotokion: With faith I entreat thee, 0
splendid ornaments of the Church, the most Theotokos, the pure receptacle of the Master:
sacred lambs ofChrist, who were slaughtered of Cleanse me ofevery defilement, and show me to
their own will. be the abode of the all-accomplishing divine
Theotokion: I have acquired thee as a me­ Spirit.
diator amid perils, 0 all-holy one; and after God
Canon of the Angels
I have thee as my tireless intercessor. May I
Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of
find thee delivering me from all condemnation
Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy
on the day of judgment, 0 all-pure one.
works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Canon of the Angels
0 ye two who now lead the assembly of
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.
angels, from all misfortunes save those who
Adorned with the multifarious gifts of the have recourse to your protection. Twice
angelic rank, 0 supreme commanders, in that 0 beholders of the effulgence and bene­
ye are leaders ofthe hosts, by your intercessions factions of the Godhead and most glorious
keep the Churches of Christ steadfast. Twice supreme commanders, enlighten now your
Crowned now with the beauties of Ortho­ flock.
doxy and wielding the sword of God's good Theotokion: The divine armies of incorpo­
pleasure, 0 divine archangels, deliver the full­ real beings glorify thee in sacred manner, 0
ness of the faithful from perils, in that ye are most immaculate Mother of God; for thou gav­
right glorious divine intercessors. est birth to their Creator.
Theotokion: Thou wast the divine taber­
nacle of Life incorruptible, 0 pure Mother who 0DEV
alone among the ages wast revealed as virgin; Canon of Repentance
wherefore, by thy supplications guide me unto Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy command­
life, who am in the shadow of death. ments, 0 Lord, and with Thine upraised
arm grant us Thy peace, 0 Thou Who lovest
ODE IV mankind.
Canon of Repentance With mine evil ways I have embittered
Irmos: 0 Word, with divine vision the Thee, 0 Lord, committing unseemly acts; but
prophet perceived Thee Who wast to become have pity on me who repent, and save me.
incarnate ofthe Theotokos alone, the mountain Possessed of a mind which doth not recoil
overshadowed; and with fear he glorified Thy from evils, I have no sense of my foolishness.
power. Resolve my perplexity, 0 Jesus, and save me.

97
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

M artyricon: The Bestower of light set you Canon of the Angels

like stones brilliant in the knowledge of God Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord,
and dispelling the darkness of deception, 0 and to Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is
divine martyrs. full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto
Martyricon: Ye set the laws of God against hell, and like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from
the wicked laws, and preaching God, ye ear­ corruption, 0 God!
nestly willed to be slain for His sake. 0 beholders of God, who have been vouch­
Theotokion: Mortify the movements of my safed to stand unwaveringly before the dread
flesh, 0 pure Maiden, who by thy birthgiving throne, ye now delight in the effulgence of the
slew the living sin of our first parent. Holy Trinity. Pray ye, 0 archangels, that those
who have recourse to you may be delivered from
Canon of the Angels

perils and sufferings. Twice

Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

0 archangels who behold God, most glorious

Standing round about God, and illumined
Michael and Gabriel, pray ye, that those who
with the rays emitted by Him, 0 supreme com­
hymn you in song may receive the hospitality of
manders, preserve ye your flock. Twice
the Master, everlasting joy and divine splendor.
As mediators of deliverance for all, pray ye
Theotokion: Let the divinely beauteous Vir­
to our Master and God, that He grant us
gin Theotokos be glorified as the animate
deliverance.
bridal-chamber of the Master, a lily radiantly
Theotokion: 0 most pure one, we call thee
resplendent with the brilliant beams of virgin­
the mystical myrrh, who gavest birth in the
ity amid a riot of thorns.
flesh unto God Who poureth forth gifts of sweet
fragrance. ODE VII
Canon of Repentance
ODE VI Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had
Canon of Repentance come forth from Judrea trod down the flame of
Irmos: Thou didst cause Jonah to sojourn the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chant­
alone within the sea monster, 0 Lord. Save me, ing: 0 God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
who am caught in the nets ofthe enemy, as thou Grant me sighs, 0 Christ, as once Thou
didst save him from corruption. didst to the publican, washing away the filth of
0 Christ, Bestower of light, shine forth the mine evils as Thou didst for the harlot; and have
solar light ofrepentance upon me who am in the pity on me, 0 Compassionate One. 0 God ofour
darkness of transgressions, that I may hymn fathers, blessed art Thou!
Thy goodness. With the oil of sincere repentance heal me
I ever tremble before Thy dread judgment­ who have fallen among soul-destroying thieves
seat, yet, ever in thrall to wicked habits, I do not and am grievously wounded, 0 Savior, and with
put away mine evil deeds. Set me aright, 0 pity move me to chant unto Thee: 0 God of our
Christ, that I may hymn Thy goodness. fathers, blessed art Thou!
Martyricon: The choirs of the martyrs of Martyricon: Ye died to the world, 0 valiant
Christ suffered, vanquished the hordes of the passion-bearers, and in nowise denied the life­
demons, and united themselves in joy to the bearing Christ, Who underwent death, but as
angelic choirs. By their supplications, 0 Lord, ye suffered, ye chanted: 0 God of our fathers,
save Thou our souls. blessed art Thou!
M artyricon: Thou didst show Thy martyrs M artyricon: Confessing the one nature of
to be mighty in Thy power, 0 Lord, and they the Trinity in three Hypostases, 0 wise
cast down all the power ofhim who ofold caused passion-bearers, ye set at naught the falsehood
man to fall. By their supplications, 0 Lord, save ofidolatrous polytheism, chanting: 0 God ofour
Thou our souls. fathers, blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: That I may ever glorify thee with Theotokion: God, the Word of God, making
cries of thanksgiving, 0 most immaculate one, His abode in thy womb, 0 pure Virgin Mother,
drive the darkness from my soul and by the light revealeth thee as the helper of all the oppressed,
of repentance release me from dark offenses. who cry: 0 God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

98

 MONDAY MATINS

Canon of the Angels

The angels who stand before Thee and
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.
hymn Thine ineffable and unutterable glory,
The Benefactor of all bestowed upon you and who pray now to Thee, 0 Christ, do Thou
many-faceted grace, 0 divine supreme com­ accept forever. Twice
manders. Save ye now the Church which 0 Christ, Who alone art good, accept the
singeth to Him: 0 God ofour fathers, blessed art angelic armies who pray now for us and hymn
Thou! Twice Thee forever.
Strengthened by the power of Him Who Theotokion: With thy most radiant bril­
seeth all things, ye manifestly watch over all liance thou dost enlighten those who hymn thee
the ends of the earth and save all who chant with faith, 0 Mother of God, and praise thee for
with faith: 0 God of our fathers, blessed art all ages.
Thou!
Theotokion: Having thee as a haven of We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
salvation, 0 Virgin Theotokos, we flee the Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
tribulations and tumults of life, crying out to than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.
thy Son: 0 God ofour fathers, blessed art Thou!
OnE IX
Canon of Repentance
ODE VIII
Irmos: Every ear trembleth to hear of the
Canon of Repentance
ineffable condescension of God, for the Most
I rmos: The Lord Who was glorified on the
High willingly came down even to the flesh,
holy mountain, and by the fire in the bush
becoming man through the Virgin's womb.
revealed to Moses the mystery of the Ever­
Wherefore, we, the faithful, magnify the all­
virgin, hymnye and exalt Him supremely for all
pure Theotokos.
ages!
As Thou didst cleanse the harlot of old, who
0 Savior, despise me not who am led astray
fell down before Thee in tears, 0 Savior, and as
by the love of carnal pleasures, who have fool­
Thou didst justify the publican who merely
ishly estranged myselffrom Thee, 0 Word, and
sighed, 0 Word, and as Thou didst accept Ma­
likened myself to all the beasts; and converting
nasseh and hadst mercy on the penitent David,
me before the end, save me.
0 Thou Who lovest mankind, so do Thou accept
In nowise do I leave off sinning, nor do I ever
and save me.
turn from my ways, but, wretch that I am, I cry:
Sigh and shed tears, 0 my soul; abandon thy
I have sinned against Thee, 0 Lord! Have mercy
former offenses, and fall down before Him Who
on my hardened soul, 0 Compassionate One!
clearly knoweth thy hidden deeds, and cry out
Martyricon: Baptized in the streamsofyour
with fervor: I have sinned against Thee, 0 Lord!
blood, 0 valiant passion-bearers of the Lord, ye
Freely take pity on me, 0 greatly Merciful One,
were not defiled by further pollutions; and,
in Thy great compassion.
crowned, ye join chorus unceasingly with the
M artyricon: The divinely illumined pas­
angels.
sion-bearers, who suffered patiently on earth,
M artyricon: Enlivened by the hope ofthings
have now received the sure inheritance of the
to come, the valiant martyrs of piety endured
kingdom, and, rejoicing, they partake of the
the cruelty of tortures; and having died, they
delight of paradise. By their supplications, 0
stand forever before the throne of the Master.
Christ God, grant us a share in Thy glory.
Theotokion: Thou art the confirmation of
Martyricon: Ye were shown to be beacons
those who stand and the setting aright of those
shining with the light ofthe never-waning East,
who have fallen, 0 Virgin; wherefore, raise me
0 all-wise ones; and ye destroyed the night of
up who have fallen, that I may glorify thee, who
ungodliness, and with sacred rays have illu­
art blessed and full of joy.
mined all who magnify your splendid feast, 0
Canon of the Angels passion-bearers.
Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts Theotokion: 0 Mistress, portal of the Light,
of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely enlighten the eyes of my heart which the thick
for all ages! darkness of sin hath benighted; and send down

99

 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

upon me a ray ofrepentance, 0 pure one, and by wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years
thy mediation free me from everlasting fire. wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy
servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou
Canon of the Angels
guide their sons.
Irmos: Saved by thee, 0 pure Virgin, we
Grant me tears as once Thou didst to the
confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, mag­
sinful woman, 0 God, and vouchsafe that I may
nifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.
wash the feet which have freed me from the
Show now Thy Church to emulate in virtue
path of deception, and that a pure life wrought
the choirs of the incorporeal beings, guarding
for me by repentance I may offer Thee as myrrh
Thy flock with the angels, 0 Christ. Twice
ofsweet savor, that even I may hear Thy longed­
Pray ye, 0 most glorious angelic helpers,
for voice saying: Thy faith hath saved thee. Go
that salvation be given by God to the souls who
in peace!
flee beneath your protection.
Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord
Theotokion: Holding in thine arms Christ,
our God be upon us, and the works of our hands
the Sun of righteousness, 0 Virgin, thou didst
do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of
shine forth like the dawn upon those had be­
our hands do Thou guide aright.
come lost in the darkness.
M artyricon: What shall we call you, 0
saints? Cherubim, for Christ rested on you.
Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a
Seraphim, for ye glorified Him without ceasing.
prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the
Angels, for ye rejected your bodies. Powers, for
usual psalms.
ye work miracles. Many are your names, and
great your gifts. Pray ye that our souls be
Aposticha stichera ofrepentance, in Tone VIII-
saved.
When I bring to mind the multitude of the
evils I have done, and come to consider the Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
dread trial, seized with trembling I flee to Thee, Those in heaven hymn thee, 0 joyous
the God Who loveth mankind. Wherefore, dis­ Mother unwedded, and we glorify thine inscru­
dain me not, I pray Thee, 0 only Sinless One; table birthgiving. 0 Theotokos, pray that our
grant compunction to my lowly soul before the souls be saved!
end, and save me.
Stichos: We were filled in the morning with Then, "It is good to give thanks ... " Trisagion
Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were through Our Father ... Troparion. Litany. First
glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days Hour, and Dismissal.

ON MONDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VIII- Martyricon: Afire with the burning of
Remember us, 0 Christ, Savior ofthe world, Christ's love, the athletes remained uncon­
as Thou didst remember the thief on the tree; sumed in the midst of the fire, burning up the
and vouchsafe unto all Thy heavenly kingdom, thorns of impiety with grace divine.
0 only Compassionate One. Glory ... : 0 all-holy Trinity, ruling Unity:
Heal Thou the sufferings of my soul, 0 Deliver Thy servants from unquenchable fire at
Christ, Thou only Physician of souls and bod­ the entreaties of Thine incorporeal divine
ies; and washing me with streams of com­ hosts, and vouchsafe us Thy kingdom.
punction, wholly cleanse me, in that Thou art Now & ever ... : 0 thou who art full of the
compassionate. grace of God, Isaiah once foresaw thee as a
Surrounding the throne of the worshipful scroll whereon by the finger of the Father the
Godhead, the thrones, cherubim, principalities Word was ineffably written Who recordeth us in
and authorities, and the rest of the incorporeal the books of life.
ranks sing in sacred manner.

100
 MONDAY EVENING

AT VESPERS

On ('Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera of repen­ Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations;
tance, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: ao all-glorious praise Him, all ye peoples.
wonder ... "- 0 most lauded Forerunner John, thou off­
Stichos: IfThoushouldstmarkiniquities, 0 spring of a barren woman, pure orchard of the
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee Master and adornment of men, divine pre­
there is forgiveness. server of my lowly soul: By thy supplications
I have acquired neither compunction, nor a and aid grant me readiness to forgive, deliver­
well-spring of tears, nor fervent confession, nor ing me from the wiles of the serpent and his
weeping which washeth me clean, nor humility wicked treachery and attacks.
of heart; I have been neither an emulator of the Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
publican, nor of the harlot, nor of the prodigal prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­
son. How, therefore, shall I find remission for eth forever.
my many sins? But in the judgments which Wholly delightful and full of divine bliss, 0
Thou knowest, save me, 0 Christ. ever-glorious one, thou hast gladdened all who
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­ come to thee with faith, delighting the senses of
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath our souls and bodies, ever releasing us from
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath infirmities and tribulations, from the assaults
hoped in the Lord. of evil, and soul-corrupting pleasures.
I have made myself foreign to every com­
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
mandment of God; in every way I have ne­
With faith I hasten to thy protection, 0 pure
glected higher virtue; I have mindlessly wasted
Theotokos. Save me from perils and misfor­
my whole life in slothfulness; and I have com­
tunes, from the confusion of the passions and
mitted every unseemly and iniquitous act in
the malice of the demons. For, possessed of an
fornication. Wherefore, as Thou art compas­
abyss of mercy, thou hast been shown to be a
sionate, 0 Christ, have pity, and freely save me.
mediatress of salvation, 0 Mistress who gavest
Stichos: From the morning watch until
birth to the only merciful, most compassionate
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in
and greatly loving God.
the Lord.
In Thine anger rebuke me not who am the Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
work of Thy hands, and who with my foolish the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
mind have torn myself away from goodness, 0
Thou Who lovest mankind, and Who in the Aposticha stichera ofrepentance, in Tone VIII-
abyss of Thine ineffable compassion wast for The angels unceasingly hymn Thee, the
my sake well-pleased to become like unto me. King and Master; and I fall down before Thee,
But through the supplications of Thine Ever­ crying like the publican: Cleanse me, 0 God,
virgin Mother, 0 Word, vouchsafe me divine and have mercy upon me!
conversion, in that Thou art God. Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine
eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Be­
Then the stichera for the saint, from the Men­ hold, as the eyes ofservants look unto the hands
aion; or ifthere is no Menaion, these stichera for of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid
the holy & great Forerunner John, in the same look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our
tone & melody- eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, and pity on us.
with Him there is plenteous redemption; and He As thou art immortal, 0 my soul, let not the
shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities. waves of life cover thee, but rise up, crying out to
0 blessed Forerunner John, with love ever thy Benefactor: Cleanse me, 0 God, and save me!
return my lowly soul to the Lord, and by thy Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
sacred mediations quench for me the fire of mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
pleasures, guiding me to the fulfillment of the abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
precepts of God, and truly cleansing the senses therewith; let reproach come upon them that
of my heart, that I may glorify thee. prosper, and abasement on the proud.
101
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Martyricon: 0 martyrs of the Lord, entreat golden candlestick! Rejoice, honored glory of
ye our God, and ask for our souls a multitude of the Orthodox! Rejoice, Mary, Mother of Christ
compassions and the cleansing of our many God! Rejoice, paradise! Rejoice, divine table!
transgressions, we beseech you. Rejoice, tabernacle! Rejoice, golden jar! Re­
joice, thou hope of all!
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
Rejoice, thou boast of the world! Rejoice, Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart...
temple of the Lord! Rejoice, mountain over­ Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
shadowed! Rejoice, refuge of all! Rejoice, Litany, and Dismissal.

MONDAY NIGHT

AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I Glory ... : Haste thou, 0 all-pure one, and

Irmos: Having traversed the water as visit me who am infirm, and deliver me from
though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of grievous illness and every sorrow.
Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant Now & ever ... : Magnify the mercy and aid of
unto our Deliverer and God! thy supplications upon me, 0 all-pure one, and
We all know thee to be the Theotokos, a deliver me from perils and tribulations.
well-spring of the waters of prayer, gushing
forth in streams upon the souls and bodies of OnE IV
the faithful; wherefore, we unceasingly glorify Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of
thee. Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy
In manner transcending nature didst thou works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
give birth to the Word Whose origin is in God 0 all-pure one, ever show the remembrance
[the Father], 0 Virgin, and hast delivered na­ of the saints and the cleansing of transgres­
ture from corruption; wherefore, free me from sions to be the purification of my heart.
irrational and unnatural passions. Grant me salvation of soul and body, 0 all­
Glory ... : Fields of carnal passions now sur­ immaculate one; impart healing to me who am
round me and grievously vex me. Quickly visit sick, and deliverance from evils.
thy servant, 0 Virgin, and save me from those Glory ... : Set at naught the wiles of the evil
who afflict me. demons and the uprisings ofthe passions, 0 all­
Now & ever ... : He Who sustaineth, uphold­ pure one, and grant strength to us who are sick.
eth and saveth all creation hath appeared, Now & ever ... : From thy womb hath the Sun
circumscribed, in thine arms, 0 pure one, and of righteousness shone forth and illumined the
hath restored the human race. world, 0 all-pure one. With His divine rays
illumine me also.
OnE Ill
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those OnEV
who have recourse to Thee, 0 Lord; Thou art the Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy
light ofthe benighted; and my spirit doth hymn face from me, 0 Light never-waning? And why
Thee. hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch
Quell thou the turmoil ofthe grievous afflic­ that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to
tion which now besetteth me, 0 all-pure Mis­ the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
tress, and free me from my transgressions and By thy birthgiving have the bonds of death
passions. been loosed and the might of corruption bound,
Ineffable is the abyss of thy compassions, 0 0 all-holy and most hymned Virgin; wherefore,
all-pure one. Thereby do thou deliver me from quickly loose also the bonds of my transgres­
transgressions and infirmities. sions and my heavy grief.

102
 MONDAY NIGHT COMPLINE

Deliver me from the wickedness of the de­ offenses unto those who with faith worship
mons and the malice of men, 0 Mistress, and thine all-holy birthgiving.
quickly heal the sickness ofmy soul and body, 0
ODE VII
thou who alone gavest birth to the Savior and
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had
Lord, the Physician of spirits and all flesh.
come forth from Judcea trod down the flame of
Glory ... : 0 all-pure one, thee do I implore as
the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chant­
the tongs which held the divine Coal: Utterly
ing: 0 God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
consume the every passionate lust of thy ser­
Grievous pangs have I found to be my re­
vant and my grievous infirmities which are
ward, and, afflicted, I experience the pain of
hard to bear, and do thou dry up the torrents of
great illness; yet do I entreat thee, 0 Theotokos:
my grief.
Help me, and quickly grant me health through
Now & ever ... : 0 most pure Mistress, thy
thy supplications.
Son hath given thee as salvation for all who
0 blessed Virgin, refuge of all the faithful
believe in Him and proclaim Him to be God
who sorrow, rescue me from all temptation and
manifestly incarnate of thee; wherefore, save
grief, and from the malice ofthose who envy me,
me from divers misfortunes and tribulations.
and deliver me from sins and divers ailments.
Glory ... : 0 jar of beaten gold, from whence
ODE VI
the life-creating Myrrh hath flowed forth upon
Irmos: Cleanse me, 0 Savior, for many are
the faithful: By thine aid, 0 pure Theotokos,
my transgressions; and lead me up from the
purge thou my soul and body of infirmities and
abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried,
the defilement of transgressions.
and Thou hast hearkened to me, 0 God of my
Now & ever ... : Unceasingly glorifying the
salvation.
Word Who with the Father and the Spirit is
Look upon me with thy merciful eye, 0
equally without beginning, and Who was inef­
Mistress, and quickly deliver me from cruel
fably born ofthee, 0 Mother of God, we chant in
infirmities, from every affliction and fall which
praise: 0 God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
now awaiteth me.
By thine entreaties, 0 all-pure Mistress, ODE VIII
deliver me from mindlessly passionate behav­ Irmos: Madly did the Chaldcean tyrant heat
ior, from unseemly jealousy, from all evil and the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but,
the oppression of life. beholding them saved by a higher Power, he
Glory ... : He Who hath created us took form cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye chil­
within thee, 0 Virgin, delivering human nature dren, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt
from corruption; wherefore, by thy supplica­ Him supremely for all ages!
tions deliver me from the temptations which All of us who in faith have recourse to thine
beset me, 0 pure one. aid proclaim the magnitude of thy divers
Now & ever ... : Thou wast shown to be the miracles, 0 Mistress. Save me now from cruel
all-pure temple of God Whom naught can con­ infirmity, from pangs of soul and body, and
tain, 0 all-pure Mistress. By thy prayers show show me forth as healthy in body, that I may
me to be a temple ofHis grace, and preserve me glorify Christ thy Son forever.
unharmed. Of a sudden the winds of those who envy me
have blown and the rivers of the wicked have
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now grievously smitten the house of my mind, 0
& ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VIII- pure Virgin; but repel the assault ofall griefs as
All of us, the generations of men, bless thee it were that ofthe mindlessly raging sea, and by
as the Virgin who, alone among women, gavest thy supplications grant me stillness for all ages.
birth without seed to God in the flesh; for the Glory ... : He Who fashioned the clay body of
fire ofthe Godhead made His abode within thee, man and instilled therein an immortal soul,
and thou didst nurture the Creator and Lord took form in thee, 0 Virgin, and restoreth it. By
with milk as a babe. Wherefore we, the race of thy supplications render Him well and kindly
angels and men, cry out to thee together: En­ disposed toward me, and grant strength and
treat Christ God, that He grant remission of speedy deliverance to all who sorrow.
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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Now & ever ... : Illumine with light those Bring low those who have been exalted,
who ever glorify thee, 0 all-pure one, for from vanquish the alien hordes which attack us, 0
thee shone forth the never-waning Light, and pure Virgin, and free thy servants unharmed by
thou deliverest thy servants from the dark them, 0 Maiden.
nocturnal treachery of the demons. Deliver me Glory ... : 0 only champion of the Orthodox
also from them, and by thy supplications save Christians who glorify thee, by thy supplica­
me from the evils which beset me. tions quickly put to shame the armed Moslems.
Now & ever ... : Grant understanding to the
ODE IX
choirs of the faithful, 0 Virgin, strengthening
Irmos: Saved by thee, 0 pure Virgin, we
them against enemies visible and invisible, and
confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, mag­
save them from all sorrow.
nifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.
Lift up the horn of the Church, 0 all-pure Then, It is truly meet ... , and a prostration.
one, grant might to the faithful over the hea­ Trisagion through Our Father ... Troparia, and
then, and make firm the scepters of kingdoms. the rest as usual. Dismissal.

ON TUESDAY MORNING

AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these sins: For like her I cry to Thee: Deliver me from
sessional hymns of repentance, in Tone VIII- the mire of my deeds!
Look upon my lowliness with Thy compas­ Stichos: 0 Lord, rebuke me not in Thine
sionate eye, 0 Lord, for my life will reach its end anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath.
in a little while, and there will be no salvation My time on earth cometh to an end, my life
for me because of my works. Wherefore, I pray: passeth by, and Thy dread judgment-seat is
Look upon my lowliness with Thy compassion­ made ready, 0 Savior. Trial awaiteth me,
ate eye, 0 Lord, and save me! threatening me with fiery torment, with un­
Stichos: 0 Lord, rebuke me not in Thine quenchable flame. Grant me a shower of tears
anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. and quench its power, 0 Thou Who desirest
The Judge is coming! Take care, 0 my soul, that all men be saved.
and consider the hour of that dread day; for He Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the
is without mercy for those who have shown no God of Israel.
mercy. Wherefore, before the end cry out: Have M artyricon: Ye were shown to be noetic
pity on me, 0 Savior, Who alone art sinless! beacons, 0 holy martyrs, for by faith ye abol­
ished the gloom of deception, lit the lamps of
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
our souls, and entered with glory into the
0 ye faithful, with hymns let us magnify the
heavenly bridal-chamber with the Bride­
Theotokos, the immovable confirmation of the
groom. Pray ye now, we beseech you, that our
Faith and precious gift for our souls, chanting:
souls be saved.
Rejoice, thou who contained the Rock of life
within thy womb! Rejoice, hope of the ends of Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
the earth and help of the afflicted! Rejoice, 0 0 all-pure Virgin Mother of Christ, heal the
Bride unwedded! cruel sufferings of my soul, I pray, and grant
forgiveness of the transgressions I have mind­
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these lessly committed, for I have defiled my soul and
sessional hymns, in Tone VIII- sullied my body. Woe is me! What shall I do at
Like the harlot I fall down before Thee, that that hour, when the angels separate my soul
I may receive remission; and instead of myrrh I from by poor body? Be thou then my helper and
offer Thee tears from the depths of my heart, intercessor, for thee do I, thy servant, have as
that Thou mayest take pity on me as Thou didst my hope.
her, 0 Savior, and grant me cleansing of my

104
 TUESDAY MATINS

After the third chanting of the Psalter, these the enemy in pagan temples was stanched, and
sessional hymns, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Pon­ those on earth have been sanctified by the grace
dering what was mystically commanded... "­ of the Spirit.
Bringing to mind the day and hour of Thy Theotokion: Show me the paths of repen­
dread, terrible and implacable tribunal, 0 Mas­ tance, 0 Virgin, and turn me from the way that
ter Christ, I tremble like a malefactor. Shame­ leadeth to sin, that I may sing to thee, the
ful are the deeds and grievous the acts which I greatly hymned Mother of God.
alone have diligently committed. Wherefore, I
Another canon, of the holy & great Forerunner
fall down before Thee with fear and cry out in
John, in Tone VIII-
pain: Through the supplications of Thy Fore­
Irmos: Let us chant unto Christ, Who over­
runner save me, 0 greatly Merciful One!
threw the tyranny of Pharaoh in the sea, and
0 my soul who art wasting thy life in negli­
led Israel over to dry land, for He hath been
gence, arise betimes and lift thine eyes to repen­
glorified forever.
tance. Weep bitterly from the depths of thy
0 Forerunner and preacher of repentance,
heart, lest in the life to come thou lament in
entreat the Savior and Lord that I may repent
vain. Restrain thyself, considering the second
with all my soul, and that He enlighten the
coming of the Master, and before the judgment
mind and heart of me who honor thee with love.
condemn thou thyself, and thou wilt then es­
As a most comely lamb of the desert, 0
cape the righteous judgment.
Forerunner and martyr of Christ, by thy divine
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion- supplication to the life of repentance guide me
Be thou entreated by the supplications of who now abide in the desert of the passions.
Thine incorporeal beings and the Forerunner, By thy mediation free me quickly from the
Thy disciples and prophets, the martyrs and all sin which tormenteth me, I pray, 0 Forerun­
the saints, and of the Theotokos, Thy good ner, and liberate me from the raging tempest
Mother who knew not man. Grant that we may of the demons.
walk in Thy light, and in the lovingkindness of Theotokion: 0 Mother ofthe Truth, save me
Thy mercy vouchsafe that we may receive Thy who am cruelly bestormed and oft engulfed by
kingdom. the passions, and steer me to the right calm
harbor of salvation.
ODE I
Canon of repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ ODE III
& His holy martyrs, the composition of Canon of Repentance
Joseph, in Tone VIII- Irmos: My heart is established inthe Lord; my
Irmos: To Him Who crushed battles with horn is exalted in my God; my mouth is enlarged
His arm and led Israel across the Red Sea, let us over mine enemies. I am glad in Thy salvation.
chant, as to God our Deliverer, for gloriously Having washed away the evil pollutions of
hath He been glorified. my heart, 0 my Christ, in that Thou art good
Fill my heart with compunction, 0 Christ, vouchsafe that I may appear blameless before
that with repentance I may enter Thy habita­ Thee on the day of judgment.
tions, and may with confession pray to Thee The apostate spirit was able through wick­
Who dost release me from my debts. edness to slay me with the sting of sin, 0 Word;
Loose me from the bonds of my countless but do Thou Thyself, 0 Christ, heal me with the
evils, 0 Word, that in repentance I may walk in life-bearing herb of repentance.
Thy righteous footsteps which lead me to the Martyricon: "Let us stand courageously,"
divine resting-place of eternal beauty. the passion-bearers cried out one to another,
M artyricon: The great magnificence of Thy "that no-one may desert the army. As an ally
martyrs is exalted to the highest, 0 Christ; for the Lord standeth before us who suffer with
suffering most gloriously, they were magnified valiant mind." Martyricon: In hymns let us all
by Thine all-great grace. honor the faithful martyrs of the Lord, the all­
M artyricon: By the sprinkling of the divine precious stones ofthe Church, the divine pillars
blood of the holy athletes the blood sacrificed to of piety.

105
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Theotokion: 0 Theotokos, thou righting of Theotokion: 0 most hymned Mistress, with

the fallen, from the pit of mine evils raise me up all joy fill thou the mind of me who sing aloud
who have fallen, and set me firmly upon the unto thee, granting me goodly tears, occasion for
rock of the commandments of God, 0 Mistress. repentance, and an understanding of salvation.
Canon of the Forerunner Canon of the Forerunner
Irmos: Establish Thou our hearts and Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of
minds, 0 Thou Who didst establish the heavens Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy
by Thy word, that we may hymn and glorify works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Thee unto the salvation of our souls. I weep for myself, who ever have a life
Let fall upon me drops of repentance, 0 uncorrected. 0 Forerunner, save and have pity
right glorious martyr and Forerunner of the on me who am perishing in my sins.
Lord of all, who in the river baptized the Abyss In thy supplications and entreaties, 0
of lovingkindness. blessed one, may I find thee to be a helper
Ever buffeted in mind by the perilous waves strengthening my soul and illumining my mind.
of life, I flee beneath thy protection, 0 Forerun­ 0 Forerunner of the Savior, to the harbor of
ner of the Savior. Make haste to help me, thy divine understanding steer me who am engulfed
servant. and put imperiled by the tempest of offenses.
In my prayers at night I call upon thee, the Theotokion: 0 all-pure one, who gavest
day-star of the world, 0 Forerunner blessed of birth to Him Who raised up our abased nature,
God. Enlighten the senses of my heart. having humbled me who live in arrogance of
Theotokion: Accept this salutation from us, mind, save me.
0 holy Theotokos: Rejoice, thou who gavest
0DEV
birth to the Joy of the world! Rejoice, jar from
Canon of Repentance
whence the heavenly Manna hath been given to
Irmos: 0 Christ God, Bestower of light,
all the faithful!
Who didst dispel the primeval darkness of the
OnE IV abyss: disperse the gloom of my soul, and grant
Canon of Repentance me the light of Thy commandments, 0 Word,
Irmos: I heard report of Thee, 0 Lord, and that, rising early, I may glorify Thee.
was afraid; for by the ineffable Counsel of the 0 Creator of all, Who purified the harlot and
Godhead, Thou, Who art God eternal, didst issue the lepers by Thy command, cleanse Thou my
forth, incarnate, from the Virgin. Glory to Thy lowly soul of defiling sin, and make it beautiful
condescension, 0 Christ! Glory to Thy power! with garments of light, I pray, 0 Master.
The enemy deceiver beguiled me into sin­ 0 Christ God, Who hast released me from
fully tasting [ofthe fruit], 0 Good One, and exiled the bonds ofmy many transgressions, guide me,
me far from Thee, and made me prey to his fangs. that without hindrance I may walk Thy paths,
0 only Savior, haste Thou to rescue me! that, parted from the flesh and dwelling in the
0 Lord, Thou Thyself knowest the hidden holy mansions, I may glorify Thee.
and secret things ofme who have sinned greatly Martyricon: Having woven for themselves
against Thee. By thy many compassions have robes of glory, and arrayed themselves beauti­
pity, 0 Word of God, and as Thou art full of fully therein, the martyrs dwell in joy in the
lovingkindness grant me a purifying time of kingdom on high, adorned with beautiful
repentance. crowns of victory.
M artyricon: Overwhelmed by tortures as Martyricon: 0 wise martyrs, ye right wisely
with waves, 0 martyrs, ye were guided by the traded fleeting things for those which are per­
steering of Christ to the havens of the kingdom manent; for, beset by the afflictions of divers
of heaven, and are truly adorned by Him with tortures, rejoicing, ye attained unto the true
crowns of victory. expanse of the kingdom of heaven.
Martyricon: Cultivating the ground ofyour Theotokion: 0 holy Theotokos, who gavest
hearts with piety, 0 martyrs, ye sowed upon it birth in the flesh to the holy Word Who alone
the seed of confession, and by grace manifestly resteth in all the saints: Sanctify my mind,
reaped the comely Grain an hundredfold. which ever remaineth in wicked deeds.
106
 TUESDAY MATINS

Canon of the Forerunner Attacked by the sea-monster of perils, I cry

Irmos: 0 Lord Who by divine knowledge to thee from the depths of my heart, 0 Forerun­
brought the ends of the earth into the light out ner: Free me from grievous pain!
of the night ofignorance, enlighten me with the Repent with fervor, 0 my soul! Lo! the trial
dawning of Thy love for mankind. cometh! Rise up, crying aloud: 0 Jesus my God,
As the luminary ofthe Sun ofrighteousness, for the sake ofThy Forerunner have pity on me!
0 glorious Forerunner, enlighten me who am Theotokion: We pray thee, Opureone, who
astray in the night of life. at thy word alone gavest birth in the flesh to
At the trial to come, when I must needs the Word: Deliver our souls from the snares of
stand before the Lord, may I find thee to be an the enemy.
intercessor, 0 Forerunner, rescuing me from
dread condemnation. ODE VII
0 ever-hymned one, on the rock ofthe will of Canon of Repentance
God establish me who am imperiled and buf­ Irmos: Blessed art Thou, 0 God of our
feted by the temptations of the demons. fathers, Who by Thine Angel didst save the
Theotokion: In that thou art higher than all youths from the fire and transformed the thun­
creation, 0 Ever-virgin Mother ofGod, show me dering furnace into dew!
to elude the snares of the enemy. Conceived and born in iniquities, I have
sinned more than all men, 0 Compassionate
OnE VI One. Grant me the time to obtain justification.
Canon ofRepentance Like the Pharisee of old I have foolishly
Irmos: As Thou didst deliver the prophet exalted myself, and have sustained a grievous
from the uttermost abyss, 0 Christ God, in that fall; and seeing me, the adversary rejoiceth. 0
Thou lovest mankind deliver me from my sins, Word of God, disdain me not!
and direct my life, I beseech Thee. M artyricon: The council of the honored
Accept me who repent, as once Thou didst martyrs, the invincible army, the holy regi­
the Ninevites who believed in the divine ment, who were brave on earth, have been
preaching of Thy prophet, 0 Christ, and guide enrolled in the city of the heavens.
Thou my life, I pray Thee. Martyricon: Having willingly passed
Drowning amid many transgressions, 0 through the suffering which winnethimmortal­
Christ, I sigh like the publican, shed tears like ity, 0 martyrs, ye pour forth a stream ofheal­
the harlot, and like Peter cry out: Grant me a ings which driveth away the sufferings of men.
helping hand, and save me! Theotokion: In manner past cause thou gav­
Martyricon: As beacons of divine radiance, est birth to the Cause of all, Who in the super­
0 martyrs, with the rays of your suffering ye abundance ofHis goodness became man. Where­
ever illumine the earthly world and drive away fore, together we call thee blessed, 0 pure one.
the deep darkness of deception.
Canon of the Forerunner
M artyricon: Having found a most blessed
Irmos: 0 Lord God of our fathers, Who in
end, 0 most holy martyrs, ye ever worship the
the beginning founded the earth and estab­
blessed God, delighting in His effulgence.
lished the heavens by Thy word: blessed art
Theotokion: The jar containing manna once
Thou forever!
prefigured thee, 0 Theotokos; for thou didst
0 Forerunner, who prepared the ways ofthe
bear Christ, Who hath rained the manna of
Lord, guide thou my steps unto Him, that I may
understanding upon all who honor thee.
cry out: Blessed art Thou, 0 God of our fathers!
Canon of the Forerunner 0 herald ofthe Light, enlighten my soul, and
Irmos: Grant me a robe oflight, 0 Thou Who from cruel darkness and burning Gehenna de­
coverest Thyself with light as with a garment, liver me who flee to thee with undoubting soul.
0 most merciful Christ our God. As the fruitful offspring of a barren
With the scythe of true repentance clear woman, 0 wise Baptizer of Christ, by thy
thou my whole heart, 0 all-wise John, making supplications transform the barrenness of my
it fertile with the virtues. heart to fruitfulness.

107
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Theotokion: 0 chosen ewe-lamb ofthe Word Fleeing, thou didst withdraw and make
of God, entreat God Who became incarnate of thine abode in the trackless wilderness, 0
thee, that at the dread hour He number me with prophet; wherefore, I beseech thee: Quickly lay
His chosen sheep. waste to the passions of my soul.
Theotokion: 0 Virgin, thou art the vine
ODE VIII
which gave rise to the ripe Cluster, and now
Canon ofRepentance
givest me the drink ofcompunction. Take away
Irmos: 0 Thou Who coverest Thy chambers
the drunkenness of mine evils.
with waters and settest the sands as a bound for
the sea: Thee doth the sun hymn; Thee doth the
We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
moon glorify; and unto Thee doth all creation
Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
offer a hymn forever, as to the Creator of all.
than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.
Thou hast defiled thy hands with all man­
ner ofmalefactions, 0 my soul. How canst thou
OnE IX
lift them up, conversing with God? And thy feet,
Canon of Repentance
which hasten to shameless deeds, thou hast
Irmos: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
rendered useless. Take care to walk with re­
Who hath exalted the horn of salvation for us in
pentance the paths of salvation.
the house of David His child, wherein the Day­
I have never abode in Thy commandments,
spring from on high hath visited us, and di­
0 good Lord, nor have I done Thy will for even
rected us to the path of peace.
a single day. What eyes can I raise to Thee Who
That, saved, I may magnify Thee with
rendereth just judgment and shalt send the
thanksgiving, 0 Christ, mercifully regard me,
guilty into the fire of Gehenna?
whose shoulders have received many stripes,
M artyricon: Ye extinguished the burning
and heal them, pouring forth wine and oil upon
furnace ofpolytheism, 0 wise athletes, pouring
them - the knowledge of Thy lovingkindness,
forth your blood, unjustly shed, like so much
0 Savior.
water, out of love for the Creator; wherefore, ye
As Thou didst deliver from murder and evils
have inherited a torrent of delight.
the good thief who cried out to Thee, and as
Martyricon: Enduring the severing of your
Thou didst have compassion for the harlot who
hands and feet, ye transcended your lowly
wept, have mercy upon me, the despairing, 0
earthly bodies, as though it were others who
Savior as Thou didst Thy great disciple Peter
were suffering, 0 holy ones; wherefore, ye have
and David the prophet.
now been vouchsafed life on high forever.
Martyricon: Conforming to the passions of
Theotokion: Buffeted by the tempest of sin,
Him Who suffered for our sake, 0 passion­
I cry to thee, 0 pure Mistress: By thy mediation
bearers, with Him ye now send up glory to­
steer me to saving repentance and the most
gether, deified by divine communion, resplen­
calm haven, that I, who am ever benighted by
dent with rays that outshine the material sun,
sloth, may behold the light of salvation.
and enlightening the hearts of the faithful.
Canon of the Forerunner Martyricon: The virtue of the holy athletes
Irmos: TheunoriginateKingofglory, before shone forth, and every city is truly enriched in
Whom the hosts of heaven tremble, hymn, ye faith, possessing them as treasures which can­
priests, and exalt supremely for all ages! not be stolen away, which abundantly emit the
0 Baptist, entreat the Lamb of God Who grace of all-glorious miracles. Let us hymn
taketh away the sins of the world, and Whom them as our fervent intercessors.
thou didst point out to all, that He slay my Theotokion: With the brilliant lightning­
passions and save my soul. flashes of the Son of God Who issued forth from
Ease thou the burden of my soul and do thy womb, 0 most immaculate one, enlighten
battle against those who make war upon me, 0 those who hymn thee with faith; and by thine
Baptist of the Lord; and show me to be un­ intercession rescue us from the darkness de­
scathed by their malice. void of light, and from everlasting torment.

108
 TUESDAY MATINS

Canon of the Forerunner grant compunction to my lowly soul before the

Irmos: Thy birthgiving, 0 Ever-virgin, end, and save me.
which was revealed to the law-giver on the Stichos: We were filled in the morning with
mountain in the fire and the bush, for the Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were
salvation of us, the faithful, do we magnify with glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days
unceasing hymnody. wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years
When I must needs stand before Thy dread wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy
throne, 0 Word, and the penalty for my acts will servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou
be assessed, what answer shall I find, wretch guide their sons.
that I am? For the sake of Thy Baptist, 0 Lord Grant me tears as once Thou didst to the
my God, have pity on me then. sinful woman, 0 God, and vouchsafe that I may
As the voice of the Word, direct my cries wash the feet which have freed me from the
unto God, 0 all-wise Baptist, and deliver me path of deception, and that a pure life wrought
from the evil ofthe demons and the temptations for me by repentance I may offer Thee as myrrh
of men, that I may call thee blessed, as is meet. ofsweet savor, that even I may hear Thy longed­
Nurture me with the immortal food of for voice saying: Thy faith hath saved thee. Go
Christ's commandments, and give me the drink in peace!
of life to consume, 0 prophet and Forerunner; Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord
and present me, saved, who flee under thy our God be upon us, and the works of our hands
protection, to stand before God. do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of
Theotokion: 0 pure and all-glorious Virgin our hands do Thou guide aright.
Mistress, with the Forerunner entreat thy Son Martyricon: Ye struggled greatly, 0 saints,
and King, that He save from all need those who valiantly enduring tortures at the hands of the
with faith call thee blessed. iniquitous; and thoughyehavepassedfrom this
life, ye still work wonders in this world and heal
Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a those made sick by their passions. 0 holy ones,
prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the pray ye that our souls be saved.
usual psalms.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
Thy shelter is spiritual healing, 0 Virgin
Apostichasticheraofrepentance, in Tone VIII-
Theotokos; for, having recourse unto it, we are
When I bring to mind the multitude of the
delivered from spiritual infirmities.
evils I have done, and come to consider the
dread trial, seized with trembling I flee to Thee, Then, "It is good to give thanks ... " Trisagion
the God Who loveth mankind. Wherefore, dis­ through Our Father ... Troparion. Litany. First
dain me not, I pray Thee, 0 only Sinless One; Hour, and Dismissal.

ON TUESDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VIII- M artyricon: Having quenched the fire ofthe
Remember us, 0 Christ, Savior ofthe world, madness of idolatry with your blood, 0 holy
as Thou didst remember the thief on the tree; passion-bearers, ye ever pour forth streams of
and vouchsafe unto all Thy heavenly kingdom, healings, curing divers passions.
0 only Compassionate One. Glory ... : 0 unoriginate Father, Son and
As Thou dost possess an abyss of divine Spirit, through the supplications of the
lovingkindness, 0 Christ, dry up the abyss of Baptist ease the chronic sufferings of my soul, I
my transgressions; and with tears of compunc­ pray, and save me, Thy servant.
tion transform my hardened soul. Now & ever ... : By thine entreaties, 0 all­
0 divine Baptist who of old baptized Christ pure Theotokos, from the ignominy of the pas­
in water, by thine entreaties impel me to the sions and cruel torment in hades deliver us who
haven ofrepentance, for I am tempest-tossed by piously call thee blessed.
the threefold billows of the passions.
109
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

ON TUESDAY EVENING AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera of the "Up upon the Cross did the unrighteous
Cross, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "The martyrs of council lift Thee, the Lamb Who taketh away
the Lord... "- the transgressions of the world, and they
Stichos: IfThou shouldst mark iniquities, 0 pierced Thy side with a spear, and ran Thy
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee hands and feet through with nails, 0 Long­
there is forgiveness. suffering One. 0 the wicked savagery! 0 the
When Thou wast nailed to the Cross, Thy audacity!", weeping, the all-pure one cried with
hands and feet run through, Thy holy side was compunction.
pierced, pouring forth drops ofblood and water, Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
divine salvation, All-good One, that Thou prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­
mightest wash away my defilement and pollu­ eth forever.
tion. Glory to Thy goodness, 0 most Compas­ "What is this thing that I now behold, 0
sionate One! Master? Thou Who all-wondrously holdeth all
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­ creation in the palm of Thy hand art sus­
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath pended unjustly upon the Tree as a lamb, 0
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath Word of God, hung there by disobedient ser­
hoped in the Lord. vants. 0 the patience! 0 Thy goodness, 0 most
Thou didst endure suffering, 0 Master, that Compassionate One!", the all-immaculate one
Thou mightest bestow dispassion upon all who said, weeping.
worship Thy sufferings and voluntary sacrifice Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
- the spear, nails and reed, which Thou didst When the Ewe-lamb and Virgin beheld
endure with long-suffering of Thine own will­ Thee, her Lamb, led to the slaughter, she fol­
thatforthe sake ofThy sufferings, 0 Lord, Thou lowed after Thee with tears, and cried aloud:
mightest win dispassion for me. "Whither dost Thou hasten, 0 my Child? Let
Stichos: From the morning watch until me go with Thee, 0 Jesus most sweet, for I
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in cannot bear not to see Thee, 0 my Jesus!"
the Lord.
The unblemished heifer, beholding her Bul­ Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
lock uplifted upon the Tree ofHis own will, cried the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
out with compunction, lamenting: "Woe is me,
0 my Child most beloved! How hath the un­
Aposticha stichera of the Cross, in Tone VIII­
grateful assembly of the Jews rewarded Thee,
0 Christ God Who wast uplifted upon the
desiring to leave me bereft of Thee, 0 most
Cross, Thou didst save the human race. We
Beloved!"
glorify Thy sufferings!
Then the stichera for the saint, from the Men­ Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine
aion; or ifthere is no Menaion, these stichera for eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Be­
the Theotokos, in Tone VIII- hold, as the eyes ofservants look unto the hands
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid
and with Him there is plenteous redemption; look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our
and He shall redeem Israel out of all his iniqui­ eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take
ties. pity on us.
"I cannot bear to see Thee asleep upon the Thou wast nailed to the Cross, 0 Christ
Tree, Who givest wakefulness to all, that Thou God, and didst open the gates of paradise. We
mightest give divine and saving watchfulness glorify Thy divinity!
to those who have fallen into most pernicious Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
sleep through the fruit of disobedience!", the mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
Virgin, whom we magnify, said, weeping. abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; therewith; let reproach come upon them that
praise Him, all ye peoples. prosper, and abasement on the proud.

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 TUESDAY VESPERS

M artyricon: Thy martyrs, 0 Lord, were no 0 Lord, when the sun beheld Thee, the Sun
longer mindful of the things of life, but ignored of righteousness, hanging upon the Tree, it hid
their tortures for the sake of the life which is to its rays, and the moon changed its light to
come, and were shown to be inheritors thereof; darkness. And Thy most immaculate Mother
wherefore, they rejoice with the angels. By their was wounded in her womb.
supplications grant great mercy to Thy people.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion: Spec. Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ...
Mel.: "0 Lord, though Thou didst stand forth Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
before the tribunal ... "­ Litany, and Dismissal.

ON TUESDAY NIGHT

AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I Glory ... : 0 thou who gavest birth unto the

Irmos: Having traversed the water as Benefactor, the Cause ofgood things, pour forth
though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of the riches of beneficence upon all; for as thou
Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant gavest birth to Christ Who is mighty in
unto our Deliverer and God! strength, thou art able to accomplish all things,
Beset by many perils, I flee unto thee, seek­ 0 thou who art blessed of God.
ing salvation. 0 Virgin Mother of the Word, Now & ever ... : When I am wracked by cruel
save me from every grievous and cruel circum­ afflictions and painful sufferings, 0 Virgin, do
stance. thou help me; for I know thee to be an inex­
Assaults ofthe passions disquiet me and fill haustible and never-failing treasury of heal­
my soul with great despondency. Bring peace to ings, 0 all-immaculate one.
me with the tranquility of thy Son and God, 0
most immaculate Maiden. ODE IV
Glory ... : I entreat thee, 0 Virgin who gavest Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of
birth to God the Savior, that I may be delivered Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy
from grievous circumstances; for, fleeing now works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
unto thee, I raise unto thee my soul and mind. 0 Bride ofGod, who gavest birth totheLord
Now & ever ... : In that thou art good, 0 only and Helmsman, still thou the tumult of my
Mother of God who gavest birth to Him Who is passions and the tempest of my transgressions.
good, unto me who am sick in body and soul 0 thou who gavest birth to the compassion­
vouchsafe divine visitation and providence. ate Savior of all who hymn thee, bestow the
abyss of thy lovingkindness upon me who in­
ODE III voke thee.
0 Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven Glory ... : Delighting in thy gifts, 0 all-pure
and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy one, we chant hymnody of thanksgiving unto
love, 0 summit of desire, confirmation of the thee, knowing thee to be the Mother of God.
faithful, Who alone lovest mankind. Now & ever ... : As I lie upon my bed of
I count thee the intercession and protection sickness and infirmity, help me, 0 only Ever­
of my life, 0 Virgin Theotokos. Guide me to thy virgin Theotokos, in that thou art full of love.
haven, 0 cause of good things, confirmation of
the faithful, who alone art most hymned. 0DEV
I beg thee to quell the tumult of my soul and Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy com­
the tempest of my grief, 0 Virgin; for thou mandments, 0 Lord, and with Thine up­
gavest birth to Christ, the Origin oftranquility, raised arm grant us Thy peace, 0 Thou Who
0 Bride of God who alone art all-praised. lovest mankind.
Ill
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Fill thou my heart with gladness, 0 pure ODE VII

one, granting me thine unfading joy, 0 thou Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who
who gavest birth to the Cause of gladness. had come forth from Judrea trod down the flame
Deliver us from misfortunes, 0 pure Theo­ of the furnace with their faith in the Trinity,
tokos, who gavest birth to eternal Deliver­ chanting: 0 God of our fathers, blessed art
ance, the Intelligence which passeth all un­ Thou!
derstanding. As Thou didst desire to arrange our salva­
Glory ... : Dispel thou the gloom of my trans­ tion, 0 Savior, Thou madest Thine abode within
gressions with the radiance of thy splendor, 0 the womb of the Virgin, and hast shown her to
Bride of God who gavest birth to the divine and be an intercessor for the world. 0 God of our
preeternal Light. fathers, blessed art Thou!
Now & ever ... : 0 pure one, heal thou the Thou gavest birth to Him Who willeth
sickness of my soul, vouchsafing unto me thy mercy, 0 pure Mother. Him do thou beseech,
visitation, and by thy supplications grant me that He deliver from transgressions and defile­
health. ment of soul those who cry out with faith: 0 God
of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
ODE VI Glory ... : Her who gave Thee birth hast
I rmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, Thou shown to be a treasury of salvation, a well­
and to Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is spring of incorruption, a tower of safety and a
full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto portal of repentance for those who cry: 0 God of
hell, and like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from our fathers, blessed art Thou!
corruption, 0 God! Now & ever ... : 0 Virgin Theotokos who
He Who gave Himself over to death hath gavest birth for us to Christ the Savior, vouch­
saved from death and corruption my nature safe healing ofbodily weakness and infirmity of
which hath been held captive by corruption, 0 soul unto those who with love have recourse to
Virgin. Entreat thy Lord and Son, that He thy protection.
deliver me from the malefactions of the enemy.
I know thee to be the intercessor and stead­ ODE VIII
fast guardian of my life who doeth away with Irmos: The King ofheaven, Whom the hosts
the tumults of temptations and repelleth the of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely
onslaughts of the demons; and I ever pray to be for all ages!
delivered from the corruption of my passions. 0 Virgin, disdain not those who are in need
Glory ... : 0 Maiden, we have acquired thee of thine aid, and who hymn and exalt thee
as a bulwark of refuge, the most perfect salva­ supremely forever.
tion ofour souls, and latitude amid tribulations; Thou healest the infirmity of my soul and
and we ever rejoice in thy splendor. 0 Mistress, my bodily pangs, 0 pure Virgin, that I may
even now save us from sufferings and misfor­ glorify thee forever.
tunes. Glory ... : 0 Virgin, thou pourest forth a
Now & ever ... : I lie now, sick, upon my bed, wealth of healings upon those who with faith
and there is no healing for my flesh; but to thee, hymn thee and supremely exalt thine ineffable
the good one who gave birth to God, the Savior offspring.
and Deliverer of the world, do I pray: Raise me Now&ever ... : OVirgin, thoudrivestawaythe
up from the corruption of infirmities. assaults of temptations and the onslaughts of the
passions; wherefore, we hymn thee for all ages.
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now
& ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VIII- ODE IX
Beholding Thee, the Lamb, Shepherd and Irmos: Saved by thee, 0 pure Virgin, we
Savior of the world upon the Cross, she who confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, mag­
gave Thee birth said, weeping: "The world re­ nifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.
joiceth, receiving deliverance; but my womb Turn not away from the torrent of my tears,
doth burn, beholding Thy crucifixion, which 0 Virgin who gavest birth unto Christ, and hast
Thou endurest for all, 0 my Son and God." wiped away every tear from every face.
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 TUESDAY COMPLINE

Fill thou my heart with joy, 0 Virgin who Now & ever ... : Heal thou the infirmities of
received the fullness of Joy, setting at naught one who hath been brought down to a place of
the grief of sin. affliction, 0 Virgin, transforming illness into
Glory ... : With the rays of thy light, 0 health.
Virgin, illumine those who in Orthodox manner
confess thee to be the Theotokos, dispelling the Then, It is truly meet ... , and a prostration.
darkness of ignorance. Trisagion through Our Father.... Troparion,
and the rest as usual. Dismissal.

ON WEDNESDAY MORNING

AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He
sessional hymns of the Cross, in Tone VIII- hath wrought salvation in the midst ofthe earth.
Beholding the Author of life hanging upon In paradise of old the tree stripped me
the Cross, the thief said: "If Thou, Who art naked, and by my tasting the enemy brought
crucified with us, hadst not become God incar­ mortality upon me; but when the tree of the
nate, the sun would not have lost its brightness Cross was planted in the ground, it brought
and the earth would not have quaked with men the raiment of life everlasting, and filled
trembling. Remember me, 0 Lord, in Thy the whole world with all joy. Beholding it
kingdom!" uplifted, 0 ye people, with faith let us cry out
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and together to God: Thy house is full of glory!
worship the footstool of His feet, for it is holy. Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the
Thy Cross is found to be a scale weighing the God of Israel.
two thieves; for the one was brought down to hades Martyricon: Through faith ye were shown
by the burden of his blasphemy, while the other to be ever-radiant beacons for the whole world;
was borne up out of transgressions to the knowl­ and placing all your martyric faith in God, with
edge of theology. 0 Christ God, glory to Thee! the noetic oil ofthe Holy Spirit ye fed the lamps
ofyour souls. Wherefore, ye have been shown to
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
the Church as noetic cups pouring forth heal­
Beholding the Lamb, Shepherd and Deliv­
ings like water upon men, 0 most lauded
erer unjustly uplifted upon the Cross, the Ewe­
passion-bearers. Entreat Christ God, that He
lamb cried out, bitterly weeping: "The world
grant remission of transgressions unto those
rejoiceth, receiving deliverance through Thee;
who with love celebrate your holy memory.
but my womb doth burn as I behold the crucifix­
ion Thou endurest in the lovingkindness of Thy Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion­
mercy, 0 all-good God, 0 sinless Lord!" Where­ 0 Virgin, when thou didst behold Him Who
fore, we cry out to her with faith: Show thou was incarnate ofthee uplifted upon the Cross in
compassion to us, 0 Virgin, and grant remis­ the midst of two thieves, overcome with weep­
sion of offenses unto those who worship His ing, thou didst cry: "Woe is me, 0 my Child most
sufferings. sweet! How is it that Thou Who, in that Thou
art compassionate, takest away the sins of the
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these world art crucified of Thine own will, desiring,
sessional hymns, in Tone VIII- as God, that the hymnody of men be offered
The tree in the midst ofEden blossomed forth Thee in praise?"
death, buttheTreein themidstofthewholeworld
hath produced life; for they who of old tasted the After the third chanting of the Psalter, these
fruit, while incorrupt, became corrupt, but those sessional hymns, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: ''Pon­
who have obtained the latter have inherited in­ dering what was mystically commanded... "­
corruption. For by the Cross Thou savest the Beholding Thee, 0 Christ, the never­
human race, in that Thou art God. setting Sun, uplifted upon the Cross, the sun
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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

straightway dimmed its rays in fear, the earth beautifully invested with crowns of victory,
quaked, the rocks split asunder with trem­ ye stand before God, rejoicing.
bling, the veil of the temple was rent in twain, Theotokion: Standing before Thy Cross, 0
and the dead arose from the graves, glorifying Lord, she who knew not wedlock, beholding Thy
the awesome and divine condescension of our wounds, 0 Master, was wounded, and said:
one God. "Woe is me, 0 my Child! I who escaped pain at
The tree in Eden once gave rise to bitter­ Thy birth am now rent apart by pain!"
ness, but the tree of the Cross hath blossomed
Another canon, of the all-holy Theotokos,
forth sweet life; for Adam, eating, fell headlong
in Tone VIII-
into corruption, but we, enjoying the fruit of
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.
Christ, are enlivened and mystically deified,
On thee, 0 Virgin, have I set my hope of
receiving the eternal kingdom of God. Where­
salvation. Wash me clean of all the filth of sin
fore, we cry out with faith: Glory to Thy suffer­
and make me pure, that I may act and be well­
ings, 0 Word.
pleasing to thy Son and God and His most holy
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion- name.
Ever preserved by the Cross of thy Son and 0 portal of the Light, enlighten mine eyes
God, 0 Virgin, we confound the assaults and which the gloomy serpent hath enshrouded
wiles of the demons, hymning thee as the true with the darkness oftransgressions. Open unto
Theotokos, with love all of our generations call me the doors of repentance, 0 Virgin; guide me
thee blessed, 0 all-pure one, as thou didst to life, and rescue me from the flame and dark­
foretell. Wherefore, by thy supplications grant ness.
us remission of our offenses. As thou hast boldness before Him Who was
born of thee - the only-begotten Word Who
ODE I
with the Father is without beginning- pray
Canon ofthe precious & life-creating Cross, the
thou, 0 most immaculate one, that He deliver
acrostic whereof (excluding the Theotokia) is,
my soul from the oppression of the demons,
"Grace be to God, Who was nailed to the Tree':
from fire and every torment.
the composition of Joseph, in Tone VIII-
0 blessed and all-pure Bride of God, blessed
Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a is the Fruit of thy womb whereby all of us
wonder, striking the sea in the form ofthe Cross mortals have been delivered from the curse: an
and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant ineffable wonder, incomprehensible knowl­
Pharaoh, and saved Israel who fled on foot, edge, the salvation of all the faithful!
chanting a hymn unto God.
0 Word Who died on the Cross, Thou hast ODE III
given life to me who was slain by the tree Canon of the Cross
through pleasing food, and Thou hast adorned Irmos: 0 Christ, Who in the beginning
me with glory. I worship Thy dominion, glorify­ established the heavens in wisdom and founded
ing Thy sufferings and infinite lovingkindness. the earth upon the waters, make me steadfast
When the uncultivated Grape hung upon upon the rock of Thy commandments; for none
the Tree, He exuded for us the wine of divine is holy as Thee, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind.
grace which gladdeneth men's hearts, wholly 0 Thou Who established the heavens, Who
doing away with the drunkenness of deception, set the foundations of the earth and set the
and washing sins away. boundaries of the sea by Thy word, Thou wast
M artyricon: Arrayed in wounds and bound for my sake and nailed to the Cross, that
adorned with the pangs of your sufferings, 0 Thou mightest release me from the bonds ofsin,
great martyrs, ye stood with glory before the 0 Thou Who lovest mankind.
beneficent Master, rejoicing most gloriously, Hurling himselfagainst the tree ofthe Cross,
recognized as godlike. the enemy and his maleficent demons were
M artyricon: Manifestly strengthened by slain; he who was condemned for wickedly eat­
divine power, ye manfully cast down all the ing hath found mercy; and creation hath been
pernicious power of the mighty one; and made steadfast by the confirmation of piety.

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 WEDNESDAY MATINS

M artyricon: The godly and valiant athletes Martyricon: Like sheep, 0 martyrs, ye of­
had their naked bodies subjected to all manner fered yourselves to the slaughtered Word as a
of wounds, sharp blades, and wild beasts by the new sacrifice; and drying up the sea of falsehood
wicked persecutors; but, protected by God's with streams of blood and grace divine, ye ever
hand, they remained undaunted. halt the outflow of the passions with the rain of
Martyricon: Looking in thought with miracles, 0 glorious ones.
watchful mind toward things to come, the glori­ M artyricon: Ye endured the mutilation ofall
ous martyrs of Christ utterly spurned transi­ your members, 0 martyrs - the uprooting of
tory things; wherefore, rejoicing, they endured your teeth and nails, the pitiless amputation of
unbearable wounds. your hands, tongues, feet and bodily extremities
Theotokion: The greatly hymned Ewe­ - wherefore, ye have been vouchsafed glory
lamb, beholding the Lamb uplifted unjustly most great, and stand before the God of all.
upon the Tree, cried out, weeping and shedding Theotokion: Seeing her Bullock uplifted
maternal tears. And she hymned and glorified upon the Tree, the unblemished heifer cried out,
His long-suffering. exclaiming: "0 my Child, how hath the assembly
ofthe iniquitous failed to have pity on Thee Who
Canon of the Theotokos
had pity on them, but instead by a deceitful plot
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those
willed unjustly to do Thee to death?"
who have recourse to Thee, 0 Lord; Thou art the
light ofthe benighted; and my spirit doth hymn Canon of the Theotokos
Thee. Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of
All my desire is directed toward thee, 0 pure Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy
Mistress: quickly free me of carnal desires. works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
0 Mistress, portal of the Light, shine upon With light illumine my soul, which hath been
me the pure rays of repentance, and dispel the darkened by transgressions, 0 Ever-virgin who
gloom of my sins. gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness.
0 only most immaculate one, deliver us Rescue me from temptations and the soul­
from every lust, from the temptations which destroying tempest of life, 0 Bride of God, and
assail us, and everlasting fire. free me from everlasting fire.
Haste thou, 0 all-pure one, to visit me who 0 sacred vessel of virginity, habitation of
am sick, and deliver me from grievous wounds Him Who by nature is uncontainable: En­
and every affliction. lighten my soul, which hath been darkened by
many passions.
ODE IV 0 most holy Bride of God, Mistress of the
Canon of the Cross world: Save me, delivering me from misfor­
Irmos: Thou art my strength, 0 Lord, Thou tunes and dispelling the tumult ofthe passions.
art my power; Thou art my God, Thou art my joy,
Who, without leaving the bosom of the Father, 0DEV
hast visited our lowliness. Wherefore, with the Canon of the Cross
Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy
power, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind! face from me, 0 Light never-waning? And why
The human race hath been recalled from the hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch
fall which the first-formed man suffered of old; that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to
for the Creator of all was lifted up upon the Tree, the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
His fingers bloody, His hands run through with That Thou mightest deliver me from the
nails ofHis own will, His side pierced by a spear. pleasant taste [ofthe fruit], Thou didst deign to
When the Cross was set up, all deceit fell taste gall, 0 Long-suffering One; and that Thou
down; when Thy garments, 0 Savior, were mightest strip me of the mortality of the pas­
removed, the alien one was stripped naked, and sions, 0 Jesus, Thou didst will to be nailed,
Adam was arrayed in a robe of divine incorrup­ naked, to the Tree. I hymn Thy lovingkindness!
tion. Creation was enlightened when Thou Making new my soul, which had been cor­
wast crucified on the Tree, 0 Christ, and the rupted by the passions, 0 Word, Thou didst
sun dimmed its rays.
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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

commit Thy soul to the Father as Thou didst Mankind was released from unbreakable
hang on the Tree. Perceiving this, the inani­ bonds when Thou wast bound in the flesh, 0
mate earth could not bear it, but quaked in fear, Word; and the tyrant is trussed like a bird,
hymning Thee. reviled by all the faithful. Glory to Thy
Martyricon: Arrayed in divine sufferings, lovingkindness, 0 Christ!
having followed in the steps of Him Who by His Martyricon: Ye were shown to be like
sufferings hath granted dispassion unto all ­ burning coals consuming all the tinder of
the only-begotten Word of the unoriginate ungodliness with grace, 0 godly passion­
Father - ye were adorned, 0 martyrs; bearers, for seared on burning coals of fire, ye
wherefore, ye are glorified with Him. received divine coolness.
Martyricon: Having rejected things below, Martyricon: As sheep ofthe true Shepherd,
ye inherited invisible things, making your ye remained unharmed even in the midst of
abode in the divine habitations of heaven, im­ wild wolves, 0 passion-bearers; and having
materially deified by divine communion, 0 in­ finished your race well, 0 divine ones, ye now
vincible martyrs of the Savior. dwell in the fold of heaven.
Theotokion: "A strange sight do I see," the Theotokion: "I gave birth to Thee, the Lord
all-hymned one cried; "How hast Thou, at the of my life, Who art comely in beauty more than
sight of Whom the whole earth doth quake, the sons ofmen," the Virgin cried out; "How now
fallen asleep lifted up upon the Tree, desiring to dost Thou die crucified, bereft of beauty, 0 my
wake those asleep from ages past? I bow down Son Who by Thy handdidstmake all beautiful?"
before Thy long-suffering, 0 my Son!"
Canon of the Theotokos
Canon of the Theotokos Irmos: Cleanse me, 0 Savior, for many are
Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry to Thee: my transgressions; and lead me up from the
Save us, 0 Lord! For Thou art our God, and we abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried,
know none other than Thee. and Thou hast hearkened to me, 0 God of my
We hymn thee, 0 most hymned and all­ salvation.
immaculate Virgin, who contained the Word of 0 Mary, pure and most honorable habita­
God in thy womb. tion of the Creator of all, grant me tears to
As thou hast the power to spare and to cure, purify my soul, and rescue me from the judg­
deliver me from the unquenchable fire and the ment and torment to come.
worm, 0 Mother of God. 0 Theotokos, thou gate of God, reveal to my
Thou art the bulwark and might of the lowly soul the divine entry, that entering
faithful, 0 most holy one, from temptations therein with confession, I may receive remis­
saving those who hymn thee. sion of mine evil deeds.
Heal thou mine ailing soul, 0 all-pure The deep of sins and waves of despair be­
Mistress who gavest birth to the Salvation of all storm my mind. Have pity, 0 Mistress, extend
Who taketh away our infirmities. thy hand to me, and save me, 0 thou who gavest
birth to the Savior.
ODE VI Amid the depths of evils, ever beset by
Canon of the Cross turmoil and tribulations, all of us, the faithful,
I rmos: The abyss ofmy sins and the tempest have thee as an intercessor and support, 0
of my transgressions discomfit me and thrust Theotokos, only refuge of the faithful.
me down into the depths of violent despon­
dency; but stretch forth Thy mighty arm unto ODE VII
me, as Thou didst to Peter, and save me, 0 my Canon of the Cross
Guide. Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in
All the hosts of heaven sang and were awe ofthe condescension of God; wherefore, the
amazed, seeing Thee hanging upon the Cross, 0 youths, dancingwithjoyous step in the furnace,
Word. By Thy wounds Thou didst heal as in a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, 0
wounded Adam, and the curse was annulled God of our fathers!

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 WEDNESDAY MATINS

The hands wherewith Thou didst work won­ cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye chil­
ders were wounded, 0 Christ; and Thou didst dren, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt
endure wounds, healing all my wounds. 0 only Him supremely for all ages!
Long-suffering One, I hymn Thee, crying out: Thou didst spring forth, incarnate, from the
Blessed is the God of our fathers! root of Jesse, and, wearing the crown ofthorns,
Crucified, Thy hands and feet were run dost uproot the burgeoning thorns of Adam's
through with nails, and Thy side, pierced, crime. Nailed to the Tree, Thou healest the
poured forth drops of remission upon all who curse which sprang forth from a tree, and savest
unceasingly chant and say: Blessed is the God those who chant: Sing, 0 ye priests! Ye people,
of our fathers! exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Martyricon: Let us form a choir, hymning That Thou mightest make man god, Thou
the martyrs of God, who are reckoned with the becamest man, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind;
angelic choirs, enlighten those on earth, and and affixed to the Cross, Thou wast pierced in
ever chant: Blessed is the God of our fathers! the side and given vinegar and gall to drink.
Martyricon: Sanctified, ye have come to But saved by Thy sufferings, 0 Word, we cry out
dwell amid the splendors ofthe saints, 0 divine in thanksgiving: Sing, 0 ye priests! Ye people,
martyrs, sending sanctification and deliver­ exalt Him supremely for all ages!
ance upon all who praise you and sing unto M artyricon: Bound, and slaughtered like
Christ: Blessed is the God of our fathers! lambs, mercilessly roasted in the fire, cast to
Theotokion: "0 never-setting Sun, how hast the wild beasts, your heads cut off, ye rejoiced
Thou set, crucified on the Tree?", the Virgin with indescribable joy, 0 martyrs, crying out:
criedouttoThee, OWord; "The sun, seeingthis, Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people,
hath halted in its circuit, unable to shine when exalt Christ supremely forever!
Thou art suffering, 0 Master. I hymn Thine Martyricon: 0 crowned martyrs, compan­
innocence, 0 my Son!" ions of the angels, who trampled the incorpo­
real foe underfoot: make entreaty for us to the
Canon of the Theotokos
Lord, that we may live in love and great oneness
Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children
of mind, crying out with unwavering heart: Y e
boldly trod the flame underfoot and trans­
children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people,
formed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art
exalt Christ supremely forever!
Thou, 0 Lord God, forever!
Theotokion: Groaning with pain, thou didst
I beseech thee, 0 all-pure Virgin: Slay thou
cry out maternally; and unable to bear the
the sin which liveth in me, vouchsafe that I may
turmoil in thy womb, thou didst look upon Him
receive life, and deliver me from the lot of those
Who was born of thy womb hanging on the
who are tormented in the hereafter.
Cross, and didst cry: "What is this sight, 0 my
Divers passions bestorm me, 0 pure one who
Child? How is it that Thou sufferest, Who art by
gavest birth to the Source of dispassion. Deliver
nature dispassionate, desiring in every way to
me from their oppression and from everlasting
free the human race from the passions?"
fire by thy supplications, 0 Theotokos.
I sin ofmy free will, and, enslaved to unseemly Canon of the Theotokos
habits, I flee now to thy wonted mercy. Save me Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts
who am despairing, 0 most holy Theotokos. of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely
Quench thou the flame of my passions, and for all ages!
still the tempest of my heart, 0 pure Mother of 0 Virgin Theotokos, ease thou the burden
God; and deliver me from the tyranny of the of my sins and transgressions, that I may
demons and from everlasting fire, 0 all-pure one. magnify thee.
0 pure one, who gavest birth to God the
ODE VIII Judge, by thy conciliating entreaties show Him
Canon of the Cross to be merciful unto me, that He may deliver me,
Irmos: Madly did the Chaldcean tyrant heat from everlasting fire.
the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but, My many transgressions have increased, 0
beholding them saved by a higher Power, he Theotokos. Grant me now a helping hand, and

117
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

deliver me, the useless one, from the ever­ dost accept pain!", cried the all-pure one, whom
burning flame. we magnify as is meet.
0 all-pure one, I pray thee: Enlighten the
Canon of the Theotokos
eyes of my heart, which have been blinded by
Irmos: Every ear trembleth to hear of the
the blackness of sin; and show them to be
ineffable condescension of God, for the Most
receptive to divine radiance, that for thy sake I
High willingly came down even to the flesh,
may be shown to be pure for thy Son.
becoming man through the Virgin's womb.
Wherefore, we, the faithful, magnify the all­
We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
pure Theotokos.
Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
Take pity on my wretched soul, 0 all-pure
than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.
one, mortify my destructive passions, and dis­
pel the perplexity which tormenteth me; and
ODE IX
grant me holy and ever-vivifying streams of
Canon of the Cross
tears, whereby I may be delivered from the
Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and
grievous condemnation which awaiteth me.
the ends of the earth were amazed, that God
0 pure Virgin Bride of God, thou art a
hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb
bulwark for Christians and a safe refuge for the
became more spacious than the heavens.
world, wherein we are saved; for God, having
Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels mag­
become incarnate ofthee, hath given thee to all
nify thee as the Theotokos.
as saving protection. Wherefore, save me who
With Thy wounded and blood-stained
am unworthy, 0 pure one.
hands Thou didst heal my wounds, 0 Master
"0 my Son, beginningless Word of the Fa­
and Lord, in that Thou art good; and Thou didst
ther, Who art equally enthroned with the Holy
show me how to walk the paths ofsalvation, Thy
Spirit, how is it that Thou hast stretched out
feet affixed to the Cross-those feet at the sight
Thine all-precious feet upon the Cross? What is
of which, when our first parents of old beheld
this Thy great abasement, 0 All-good One?",
Thee walking in paradise, they hid themselves.
the most immaculate one cried out, standing
When Thou wast set upright on the Cross,
before Thee as Thou wast crucified.
the first-formed man, who had suffered a great
0 thou who gavest birth to the Sweetness of
fall, was set aright, all the might of the enemy
all, letting drops of divine sweetness fall,
fell, and the whole earth was sanctified by the
sweeten my soul, which hath been made bitter
blood and water which flowed from Thy side.
by the venom of the serpent, 0 sure intercessor
Wherefore, we magnify Thee unceasingly, 0
of the faithful, ever estranging me to bitter sin
most Compassionate One.
by thy mediation.
Martyricon: Bound, 0 holy martyrs, ye
loosed the bonds of the evil one, and with the Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a
bonds which ye patiently enduredye bound him prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the
and set him under your feet, full of shame, and usual psalms.
by divine grace made him a mockery for those
who saw him. Aposticha stichera of the Cross, in Tone VIII-
Martyricon: By the deposition of the sacred The staff of Moses prefigured Thy precious
relics of the martyrs hath the earth been sanc­ Cross, 0 our Savior; for thereby Thou savest
tified; for it acquireth them as a divine well­ Thy people as from the depths ofthe sea, 0 Thou
spring pouring forth all manner of healings, Who lovest mankind.
unceasingly healing the passions of soul and Stichos: We were filled in the morning with
body, and with grace divine setting at naught Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were
the bane ofthe demons. glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days
Theotokion: Having escaped maternal wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years
pangs when I gave birth to Thee, 0 Long­ wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy
suffering One, I now suffer pangs in my womb, servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou
and my soul is filled with pain, as Thou now guide their sons.
partakest of suffering of Thine own will and
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 WEDNESDAY MATINS

Of old the Garden of Eden put forth in its and undaunted by the threats ofthe tyrants, ye
midst the tree whose fruit was eaten; but Thy rejoiced as ye were wounded with tortures: and
Church, 0 Christ, hath caused the Cross to your blood hath now become healing for our
spring forth, pouring out life upon the world. souls. Pray ye, that our souls be saved.
The one brought death upon Adam, who ate of
its fruit, but the other gave life to the thief, who Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
was saved by faith. 0 Christ God, Who by Thy Beholding Thee hanging upon the Cross, 0
suffering didst break the snares laid for us by Lord, the pure one who gave Thee birth, stand­
the enemy, show us to share in his salvation, ing nearby, said, weeping: "0 my Child, why
and vouchsafe us Thy kingdom, 0 Lord. dost Thou suffer these things in the flesh and
Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord dost hasten to leave me childless? Haste Thou,
our God be upon us, and the works of our hands and glorify Thyself, that I may be magnified by
do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of Thy suffering!"
our hands do Thou guide aright.
Martyricon: 0 invincible martyrs of Christ, Then, "It is good to give thanks ... " Trisagion
having vanquished falsehood with the power of through Our Father ... Troparion. Litany. First
the Cross, ye received the grace of eternal life; Hour, and Dismissal.

ON WEDNESDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VIII- M artyricon: Emulating the sufferings of
Remember us, 0 Christ, Savior ofthe world, Christ, 0 passion-bearers, ye manfully endured
as Thou didst remember the thief on the tree; bitter torments; and crowned with wreaths of
and vouchsafe unto all Thy heavenly kingdom, incorruption, ye live in the heavens.
0 only Compassionate One.
Glory ... : Glory to the one immortal Father!
Forming a cross with his staff, Moses
Glory to the Son, Who liveth forever! Glory also
parted the deep and led the people of Israel
to the most Holy Spirit, Who sanctifieth all
across; and we, making the sign thereof, van­
creation!
quish the noetic foe.
Jacob of old, blessing the children, the Now & ever ... : From thy virgin womb the
sons of his sons, crossed his arms as he Creator ofthe sun and moon shone forth, 0 pure
extended them, making the sign of Thy one; and beholding Him hanging upon the Tree,
Cross, whereby all of us have been freed from all creation trembled.
the curse, 0 Christ our Savior.

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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

ON WEDNESDAY EVENING AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera of the holy 0 Lord, have pity on Thy servants through
apostles, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "0 Lord, though the divine entreaties of Thy holy hierarch, and
Thou didst stand forth before the tribunal ... "- free us from all misfortune, all affliction, and
Stichos: IfThou shouldst mark iniquities, 0 every attack, for with faith do we bow down
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee before Thine invincible might.
there is forgiveness. Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
0 Lord, Thou didst enlighten Thine apostles prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­
with the beams of the Comforter, with the eth forever.
noetic radiance of the knowledge of Thee set­ Having thee as an intercessor and fervent
ting them as beacons unto the confirmation of ally before the Master, 0 Nicholas, we flee to
the Faith, 0 Master; wherefore, we bow down thee with faith, and cry: Turn us not away
before Thine ineffable love for mankind. unavailed of thy protection, but show that thy
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­ lovingkindness extendeth to thy servants.
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath
Behold the sighing of my contrite heart, 0
hoped in the Lord.
pure Virgin Mary, Bride of God, and accept the
By the supplications of Thine apostles, 0
work of my hands, in that thou lovest mankind,
Lord, Thou hast protected this Thy flock,
and reject it not, 0 most immaculate one, that
preserving it unharmed by the temptations of
I may hymn and magnify thee, whom all gen­
the enemy; for with Thy precious blood Thou
erations have magnified.
didst redeem it from enslavement to the en­
emy, in that Thou art compassionate and
Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
lovest mankind.
the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
Stichos: From the morning watch until
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in
Aposticha stichera of the apostles, ln Tone
the Lord.
VIII-
Together ye were shown to be like precious
Ardently loving Thee on earth, 0 Lord,
stones set in the foundation ofthe Church, with
Thine apostles considered all but dung, that
radiant brilliance shining forth upon the whole
they might acquire Thee alone; and they gave
world the knowledge of God, 0 divine apostles,
their bodies over to wounds for Thee; wherefore,
who stand before the Trinity and pray for our
glorified, they pray for our souls.
souls.
Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine
Then the stichera for the saint, from the Men­ eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Be­
aion; or ifthere is no Menaion, these stichera for hold, as the eyes ofservants look unto the hands
the holy & great wonderworker Nicholas, in of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid
Tone VIII- look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take
and with Him there is plenteous redemption; pity on us.
and He shall redeem Israel out of all his 0 Lord, Thou didst magnify the memory of
iniquities. the apostles on earth, for assembling together
0 Lord, Thou hast glorified thine honored thereon, we all glorify Thee; for for their sake
and holy hierarch Nicholas to the ends of the Thou grantest us healings, and peace and great
earth, imparting to him the grace of miracles; mercy to the whole world through their suppli­
and Thou didst show him to be the champion of cations.
those in grievous misfortunes, and those who Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
have fallen into tribulations and afflictions, mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
and who ever ask his help. abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; therewith; let reproach come upon them that
praise Him, all ye peoples. prosper, and abasement on the proud.

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 WEDNESDAY VESPERS

Martyricon: What virtue, what praise is Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
due the saints? For they bowed their heads I flee to thy protection, 0 holy Virgin Theo­
beneath the sword for the sake of Thee Who tokos, for I know that through thee I shall
bowed down the heavens and descended; they obtain salvation; for thou art able to help me, 0
shed their blood for Thee Who emptied Thyself pure one.
and assumed the form of a servant; they
humbled themselves even unto death, emulat­ Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ...
ing Thy poverty. By their supplications, 0 God, Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
have mercy upon us in the multitude of Thy Litany, and Dismissal.
compassions.

ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT

AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I founded the earth upon the waters, make me

Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a steadfast upon the rock of Thy command­
wonder, strikingthe sea in theformofthe Cross ments; for none is holy as Thee, 0 Thou Who
and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant lovest mankind.
Pharaoh, and saved Israel who fled on foot, God made His abode within thy holy womb,
chanting a hymn unto God. 0 Mother of God, and became incarnate in a
In manner transcending nature, 0 Virgin manner He Himselfknew, and hath saved us by
Theotokos, thou gavest birth to God, the Word His life-bearing sufferings; wherefore, we glo­
incarnate, Who before was incorporeal, yet rify thee as the portal of salvation.
came to dwell in the world as God and man; The All-divine One, Who hath breathed the
wherefore, we all glorify thee who, after God, spirit [of life] into all men, became incarnate on
art our help. earth and dwelt with men, having been pro­
Arrayed in vesture of divers hues, 0 blessed duced by thy womb without seed; wherefore, all
one who art full of the grace of God, in manner of us, the faithful, bless thee with hymns, 0
past understanding and recounting thou gavest pure one.
birth to the Word of the Father, Who became Glory ... : Having conceived in thy womb,
flesh in His ineffable lovingkindness; and thou without knowing man, Him Who was begotten
didst remain an undefiled virgin. of the Father before time began, 0 Virgin, thou
Glory ... : From a royal root thou didst put gavest birth for us to Him as both God and man,
forth Christ the King, the Word of God, in perfect and indivisible in both natures.
manner past understanding and comprehen­ Now & ever ... : 0 pure and divinely blessed
sion, 0 pure one, and gavest birth to Him, Virgin, we all know thee to be the rod which
incarnate of thy pure blood, revealed in two budded forth Christ, the Flower of incorrup­
natures, but in a single Hypostasis. tion, and the golden censer who bore the burn­
Now & ever ... : He who proclaimeth thee the ing Coal of the divine Essence in thine arms.
Theotokos, 0 all-pure one, prevaileth over ev­
ery heresy; wherefore, 0 Theotokos, thou gav­ ODE IV
est birth unto the eternal Word of God Who Irmos: Thou art my strength, 0 Lord,
immutably became flesh, yet is higher than all Thou art my power; Thou art my God, Thou
creation. art my joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of
the Father, hast visited our lowliness.
ODE III Wherefore, with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry
Irmos: 0 Christ, Who in the beginning unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, 0 Thou Who
established the heavens in wisdom and lovest mankind!

121
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Of old the ark which received the divinely first Eve, having given birth to Christ Who
written law prefigured the life-creating Word bestoweth the vesture of incorruption upon
~o was ineffably conceived in thy womb, 0 all­ those who hymn thee.
Immaculate one, and richly nourisheth the
OnE VI
souls ofthose who chant: Glory to Thy power, 0
Irmos: Cleanse me, 0 Savior, for many are
Thou Who lovest mankind!
my transgressions; and lead me up from the
Thou alone wast the true source of salva­
abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried
tion, 0 Mother of God, who through thine all­
and Thou hast hearkened to me, 0 God of my'
pure blood gavest flesh to the Creator and
salvation.
Fashioner, and through whom the gates of
He Who upholdeth all things with His om­
death have been broken down and life given to
nipotent power arrayed Himself in the weak­
men.
ness of the flesh through thee, 0 most immacu­
Glory ... : That in the richness of thy good­
late Virgin, for the good of men, in that He
ness Thou mightest seek out Thine image
loveth mankind.
which was buried by the passions, Thou madest
The all-accomplishing Spirit descended
Thine abode within the Virgin's womb, and of
upon thee, 0 most immaculate one, and the
her Thou, the Wisdom of God, didst make a
Word of God made His abode within thee and
temple; and having thereby come to dwell with
ineffably assumed the flesh, though He re­
men, 0 Compassionate One, Thou hast saved
mained immutable.
the ends of the world.
Glory ... : Illumine the souls of those who
Now & ever ... : Mter God it is thee whom we
hymn thee in Orthodox manner, 0 Bride ofGod,
have acquired as intercessor, 0 all-immaculate
for the sayings of the prophets proclaimed be­
one; for thou wast the Mother of God the Cre­
forehand thine all-pure conception and birth­
ator and Fashioner, Who took upon Himselfour
giving, which are beyond recounting.
form, saved it from corruption and tribulations,
Now & ever ... : We piously hymn the all­
and glorified it with divine glory.
pure Mary, the truly divine and all-hon­
ored dwelling-place of God; for she con­
OnEV
tained God, receiving Him Who is infinite
Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy
and unapproachable.
face from me, 0 Light never-waning? And why
hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now
that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to
& ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VIII-
the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
As the most immaculate Bride of the Cre­
The generations of all men bless thee as the
ator, as the Mother of the Deliverer who knew­
one who gave birth to the Creator, Fashioner
est not man, as the vessel of the Comforter 0
and Lord, 0 all-pure one, and the noetic leaders '
all-hymned one, haste thou to deliver me, who
of the incorporeal hosts glorify thee as the
am the vile habitation of iniquity and am be­
Mother of God.
come in mind the plaything ofthe demons, from
The armies of the hosts on high bless thee,
their machinations; and show me to be a splen­
0 all-pure one; for through thee alone have we
did dwelling-place of the virtues, 0 unblem­
on earth been united to those in heaven, and we
ished light-bearer. Drive away the cloud of the
hymn thy birthgiving.
passions and, by thy supplications, vouchsafe
Glory ... : In an ineffable manner, 0 Virgin,
me to share in the never-waning light of the
did He Who alone is compassionate, the Word
Most High.
Who shone forth from the Father before time
began, make His abode within thee and become ODE VII
man, delivering men from corruption and lead­ Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in
ing them up to the life of incorruption. awe ofthe condescension of God; wherefore, the
Now & ever ... : With the beauties of virgin­ youths, dancing with joyous step in the furnace
ity wast thou clothed, 0 all-pure Virgin, and .
as 1n a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, 0
'
thou hast done away with the nakedness of the God of our fathers!

122
 WEDNESDAY COMPLINE

0 all-pure Mistress who conceived the De­ bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him
liverer of all, vouchsafe ineffable and divine supremely forever!
deliverance unto me who cry aloud and chant: Now & ever ... : In that thou gavest birth to
Blessed is the God of our fathers! God in manner past recounting and under­
Now have all things been filled with divine standing, 0 all-pure Mother of God, Him do
light through thee, 0 all-pure one; for thou hast thou beseech, that all of us who are unworthy
been shown to be the door through which God He may treat with lenience at the time of His
held converse, enlightening those who cry out awesome and dread coming, when He shall
with faith: Blessed is the God of our fathers! judge human nature, and all will stand naked
Glory ... : Lo! the divine prophecy of the before Him and will be judged with fear.
godly David hath now been fulfilled: They truly
entreat thy countenance who have acquired the OnE IX
riches of grace, 0 pure Theotokos, and now Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and
bless the God of our fathers. the ends of the earth were amazed, that God
Now & ever ... : 0 all-pure one, thou didst hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb
conceive Him Who is God and Lord over all, became more spacious than the heavens.
Whose good pleasure it was to save the human Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels mag­
race from death and corruption; and hymning nify thee as the Theotokos.
Him as is meet, we cry aloud: Blessed is the God All of us who have rejected eternal life and
of our fathers! have fallen, accursed, into death thou hast
called again, 0 all-pure Mother of the Deliv­
ODE VIII
erer, and hast vouchsafed to hasten to our
Irmos: Becoming vanquishers ofthe tyrant
former homeland; wherefore, 0 Mother of God,
and the flame by Thy grace, taking exceeding
we unceasingly magnify thee.
care to keep Thy commandments, the children
Readily grant that I may pass over the
cried out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the
waves of the perils of this life and its present
Lord!
sufferings, 0 Theotokos, stilling them, in that
Cleanse thou the wounds of my soul and the
thou art good, and guiding me to the virtues of
stripes of my sins, 0 blessed, pure and all-pure
the way of heaven, that I may unceasingly
Maiden, who from thy virginal womb which
magnify thee as my benefactress.
knew not wedlock gavest birth to Him Who is
Glory ... : 0 pure and all-glorious Mother of
God over all. Him do the children bless and
God, from perils save those who hymn thee with
exalt supremely forever.
love, mercifully subduing our turmoil, in that
Resplendent with the beauties of virginity,
thou gavest birth unto God; for thou canst freely
thou becamest the receptacle of the never-wan­
do all that thou dost desire, 0 Virgin. Where­
ing Light, 0 most pure one, and hast enlight­
fore, we all magnify thee.
ened all who with all their soul confess thee to
Now & ever ... : The honored Church which
be the true Theotokos, and who cry: Ye children
Christ thy Son hath acquired with His precious
bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him
blood, and hath saved from misfortunes and the
supremely forever!
violence which assaileth us, in that He is good,
Glory ... : Sanctified by the Holy Spirit, 0
do thou show forth as victorious over the heresy
most immaculate Theotokos, thou didst truly
of the young, 0 joyous Mistress.
receive in thy womb the beginningless Son Who
with the Father is equally eternal, Who became Then, It is truly meet ... , and Trisagion through
incarnate within thee, 0 pure one, for the ben­ Our Father ... Troparion, and the rest as usual.
efit of those who cry out with faith: Ye children Dismissal.

123
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

ON THURSDAY MORNING AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these Receiving the commandments ofthe Lord in
sessional hymns of the apostles, in Tone VIII- their souls with faith, like a rich treasury, the
Let us hymn the divine disciples of our God, apostles showed themselves to all as benefac­
who as beacons for the world and guides to our tors, dispelling the poverty of the demons and
salvation, from the beginning shone forth upon enriching all with divine wealth. To them let us
us who were in darkness, and told all of the Sun all cry out: With works of the virtues enrich us
of righteousness. And preaching the Trinity in also, who are now impoverished, we pray.
a single Godhead, they cast down the falsehood Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the
of idolatry. Wherefore, we beseech you, 0 God of Israel.
apostles: Entreat Christ God, that He grant us M artyricon: Mortifying the fiery form and
remission of sins and great mercy. movements of the passions with temperance,
Stichos: Their sound hath gone forth into all the martyrs received the grace of Christ, to
the earth, and their words unto the ends of the drive infirmities from the sick, and to work
world. miracles, in that they are alive even after death.
Your all-wise sound, which truly went forth 0 what a truly all-glorious wonder it is that
to all the ends of the earth, 0 all-praised bare bones pour forth healings! Glory to the one
apostles ofthe Lord, manifestly proclaimed the all-wise Creator and God!
knowledge of God unto all, and transformed
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
heathen ignorance into understanding; where­
0 Virgin Theotokos, intercessor for the
fore, dispelling the darkness of idolatry, it
faithful, joy of the sorrowful, and great consola­
shone forth the light ofknowledge upon those in
tion of those who weep: With the holy apostles
darkness. For this cause we pray: Entreat
in our behalfunceasingly entreat Him Who was
Christ God, that He grant remission of trans­
supernaturally born of thy most holy womb,
gressions unto those who with love honor your
that He deliver us at the hour of trial from
holy memory.
grievous condemnation.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
Having been made to fall into subtle temp­ After the third chanting of the Psalter, these
tations by enemies, visible and invisible, I am sessional hymns, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Pon­
beset by the tempest ofmy countless sins, 0 all­ dering what was mystically commanded..."­
holy one, and I flee to the haven of thy goodness y e were shown to be radiant beacons ever
as to a fervent help and protection. Wherefore, enlightening the whole earth and dispelling the
entreat Him Who became incarnate of thee darkness of polytheism with the light of piety
without seed, 0 all-pure one, in behalf of all thy through your teachings, 0 ye who beheld Christ
servants who unceasingly hymn thee, 0 all­ with your own eyes; wherefore, by your holy
pure Theotokos, and earnestly beseech Him, prayers enlighten me also, who am in the dark­
that He grant remission of offenses unto those ness of the passions, that I may walk without
who with faith bow down before thy birthgiving. fear, 0 God-bearing apostles.
Trawling for reason-endowed fish with the
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these net of divine words, ye brought the firstfruits
sessional hymns, in Tone VIII- thereof to our God; and loving the wounds of
The sound of the all-wise apostles went Christ, ye arrayed yourselves therein, and
forth unto all the earth, as said the prophet; for showed yourselves to be emulators of His suf­
preaching the Word, they enlightened all the ferings. Wherefore, assembling as is meet, we
nations; wherefore, praising them with hymns, now celebrate your festival, 0 glorious apostles,
we honor them as is meet, for they ever entreat and cry out together: Entreat Christ God, that
Christ that our souls be saved. remission of transgressions be given to those
Stichos: The heavens declare the glory of who with love honor your holy memory.
God, and the firmament proclaimeth the work
of His hands.

124
 THURSDAY MATINS

Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion- With the mighty cords of thy prayers, 0
With the apostles, 0 Theotokos, entreat the Nicholas, give over to utter suffocation those
unapproachable Word, the Son ofGod, Who was who seek to strangle us, from their wicked
ineffably born of thee in manner past under­ assault delivering us who cry out in praise: Let
standing, that He grant pure peace to the whole us sing unto the Lord, for gloriously hath He
world, give us forgiveness of our transgression been glorified!
before the end, and in His extreme goodness Theotokion: In manner transcending the
vouchsafe thy servants the kingdom of heaven. laws of nature thou gavest birth to God the
Bestower of the law, Who became a man. As
ODE I
thou art good, 0 most immaculate one, entreat
Canon of the holy, glorious & most laudable
Him to overlook the iniquities ofus who ever cry
apostles, the composition of Theophanes, in
out: Let us sing unto the Lord, for gloriously
Tone VIII-
hath He been glorified!
Irmos: Having traversed the water as
though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of ODEIII
Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant Canon of the Apostles
unto our Deliverer and God! Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those
0 radiant choir of the apostles who stand who have recourse to Thee, 0 Lord; Thou art the
before the great Light, illumine my darkened light of the benighted; and my spirit doth hymn
heart, and guide me to the paths of salvation. Thee.
Twice 0 apostles of the Savior, with power ye gird
0 true friends ofthe Deliverer, from the love about my heart, which hath been weakened by
of the passions deliver me who have been be­ evil thoughts and the passions. Twice
guiled by the many deceits of life and am cov­ Proclaiming the one, thrice-holy effulgence
ered by the night of ignorance. of God, the disciples dissipated the gloom of
As arrows of the Mighty One, 0 divine polytheism.
apostles, with your keen blades cure those As divine physicians and surgeons, treat ye
wounded by the evil one, who flee under your the evil sores ofmy heart, 0 disciples ofour God.
protection with faith. Theotokion: Save me, 0 pure Mistress who
Theotokion: Full of divine majesty, the supernaturally gavest birth to the Deliverer,
Fruit of thy womb issueth forth, 0 pure Master, Savior and Lord of all.
Mother, saving those beguiled by the malice of
Canon of Saint Nicholas

the serpent.
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

Another canon, of the holy wonderworker That we may honor and hymn thee forever,
Nicholas, in Tone VIII- grant us a helping hand, 0 holy hierarch
Irmos: That which had been hewn down cut Nicholas.
through the undivided, and the sun saw land By thine unsleeping supplications, 0 Nicho­
which it had not seen before; the water engulfed las, lull to sleep the perils which arise before us,
the cruel enemy, and Israel traversed the im­ we beseech thee.
passable, and chanted the hymn: Let us sing to By thy mediation, 0 holy Nicholas, deliver
the Lord, for gloriously is He glorified! me who am wholly imperiled by the passions
Standing before the King of all with the and the temptations of wicked men.
choirs of the heavenly hosts, 0 blessed Nicho­ Theotokion: 0 pure one, entreat the Deliv­
las, from every evil temptation save us on earth erer, that He grant me release from my sins and
who ever call upon thee; and ask release from the cruel dangers of life.
our transgressions.
Enriched by thee, our intercessor, 0 Nicho­ ODE IV
las, we cry out to thee with faith day and night: Canon of the Apostles
Go now before us who are greatly afflicted by the Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of
wicked attacks of the demons and corrupt men, Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy
that, finding tranquillity, we may praise thee. works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

125
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Y e have been adorned, 0 glorious apostles, Canon of Saint Nicholas

arrayed in divine splendors and enlightened by Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

the rays of Him Who showed you to be luminar­ By thy supplications, 0 divinely blessed
ies. Twice Nicholas, strengthen us to keep the command­
0 helmsmen of all, ye divine apostles, from ments of Christ, our one God.
every tempest deliver me who am imperiled upon Having lived in Myra, 0 Nicholas, with
the deep and am shaken by the dangers of life. divine fragrance fill us who piously hymn thee.
Roiling the sea of polytheism, 0 divinely Have pity on us by thy supplications, 0 holy
chosen steeds, with your supplications ye over­ hierarch Nicholas, entreating the most compas­
whelm the deep of my transgressions. sionate God, that we be delivered from misfor­
Theotokion: In thy womb thou gavest flesh tunes and tribulations.
to the Word Who is equal in activity to the Theotokion: 0 Maiden full of the waters of
Father, 0 Virgin; wherefore, thou hast been life, give drink to all of us who hymn thee with
shown to transcend all creation, 0 Mistress. pious mind.
Canon of Saint Nicholas

OnE VI
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

Canon of the Apostles

Because of the multitude of my transgres­
I rmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord,
sions I fall into many and countless tribula­
and to Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is
tions. Make haste to help me, 0 holy Nicholas,
full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto
emulating the Benefactor.
hell, and like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from
Living in slothfulness, I weep over myself,
corruption, 0 God!
who am perishing. By thy supplications, 0
Ye cast down the temples ofthe idols, which
Nicholas, guide me to repentance.
shook at the sound of your supplications, 0
0 father Nicholas, who delivered the three
disciples ofChrist. And I pray with faith: Break
youths who were to be executed, deliver me
ye the idols of my mind, and show me to be a
from all oppression and from everlasting con­
temple of God, though I am guilty of many sins.
demnation.
Twice
Theotokion: 0 all-pure one, strengthen me
0 chosen ones who beheld God, and who like
to entertain heavenly thoughts, guiding the
stones were founded upon the immovable Rock,
movements of my soul to the entries of life.
save my heart, which hath foolishly been
founded upon the sand; for the rivers rage
0DEV
dangerously and buffet me cruelly.
Canon of the Apostles
0 friends of Christ, from the beguiling love
Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry to Thee:
of the flesh deliver me, who have shown myself
Save us, 0 Lord! For Thou art our God, and we
to be vile by my great evil; and bind me to the
know none other than Thee.
love of Him Who loveth sinners in the great
As helmsmen, 0 apostles, to the broad ex­
mercy of remission.
panse of salvation guide me who am hemmed in
Theotokion: The Creator, choosing thee, 0
by many transgressions. Twice
Maiden, as a rose, as a most pure lily, as an
0 apostles who beheld God with your own
aroma of sweet fragrance, from the beautiful
eyes, from every dishonorable act deliver me,
vales of the world, and making His abode in thy
who honor your most honorable council, I pray.
womb, and being born of thee, hath filled all
In that ye emulated the sufferings of the
things with sweet savor.
Savior, 0 holy apostles, drive all passion for
1uxury from my soul. Canon of Saint Nicholas

Theotokion: Cure my sick soul, 0 all-pure Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

Mistress who gavest birth to Him Who taketh Thy heart, 0 Nicholas, was like paradise,
away the infirmities of all. having Christ the Deliverer within it like the
tree of life. Him do thou unceasingly entreat,
that He make us all dwellers in paradise, en­
riched by thee, our fervent helper.

126
 THURSDAY MATINS

I pass my life in slothfulness, and sin with­ Enabled by the power of the Trinity, thou
out fear, wretch that I am; but pondering the didst receive the strength to destroy false
trial to come, which cannot be postponed, I am graven images; wherefore, I entreat thee with
seized with fear. Have pity on me, 0 God, faith, 0 Father: Drive out the passionate idols
through the supplications of Nicholas, in that of my mind.
Thou art compassionate. Thou wast the primate of the people of
When the tempest of multifarious tempta­ Myra, and even after death pourest forth divine
tions suddenly assaileth me because of the myrrh, 0 most blessed Nicholas, dispelling the
multitude of mine offenses, I cry: Leave me fcetid ailments of us who approach thee with
not bereft of help, 0 blessed one, but as thou faith.
art merciful extend to me a helping hand, and Theotokion: Thou didst stop the flow of
save me. death, 0 thou who gavest birth to God immor­
Theotokion: Thou wast the palace and fiery tal. Him do thou beseech, 0 pure one, that He
throne ofthe King Most High, 0 Virgin, who art mortify the passions of my lowly body, and
more exalted than the cherubim and seraphim. vouchsafe me life.
Wherefore, every breath glorifieth thee as the
Mother of the Creator. ODE VIII
Canon of the Apostles
ODE VII Irmos: Madly did the Chaldooan tyrant heat
Canon of the Apostles the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but,
Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children beholding them saved by a higher Power, he
boldly trod the flame underfoot and trans­ cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye chil­
formed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art dren, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt
Thou, 0 Lord God, forever! Him supremely for all ages!
The night of slothfulness holdeth me, and Strengthen my soul, which is whirled about
the darkness of sin covereth me. 0 all-wise by the passions, 0 ye who are the unbreakable
apostles, who were shown to be the light of the foundations and unshakable pillars of the
world, haste ye to illumine my darkened heart. Church, the bulwark of the faithful, who draw
Twice out those who are in the depths ofperdition, the
0 divinely eloquent ones, who were shown right calm harbors of those who chant with
to be another heaven declaring the glory of our faith: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye
God, from the indignity of the passions deliver people, exalt Him supremely forever! Twice
those who with faith have recourse to your 0 disciples of the Savior, by your supplica­
mighty protection. tions raise me up who am in the grave of dark
0 apostles, who were shown to be burning despair and lie in the netherworld, having
coals alight with the fire of the Comforter, fallen through pleasures. Have pity, 0 apostles
utterly consume all the tinder ofour malice, and who beheld God, for ye have manifestly been
deliver us forever from the unquenchable fire. vouchsafed to be enriched with the Teacher's
Theotokion: Thou wast shown to be a moun­ compassion for all ages. Twice
tain overshadowed and unquarried, from Theotokion: As thou wast shown to be
whence the Stone was cut; wherefore, 0 Mis­ splendid in the beauties of virtue, 0 most pure
tress, grant compunction to my darkened soul, one, within thy womb thou didst contain the
which hath been hardened by the bitter love of beautifying majesty of the Creator of all. Him
pleasures. do thou earnestly entreat, that He may for all
ages most majestically enlighten my soul,
Canon of Saint Nicholas

which is stuck fast in the sins of the passions,

Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

and seeketh its ancient beauty, 0 pure one.

Thou didst pour forth streams of doctrine,
drying up the torrents of heresies and giving Canon of Saint Nicholas
abundant drink to the souls of the faithful, 0 Irmos: Trampling down the fire and flame
sacred minister Nicholas; wherefore, we honor in the furnace, the divinely eloquent youths did
thee. chant: Bless the Lord, 0 ye works of the Lord!

127
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Enlightened by the radiant beams of the who goad and attack me, 0 all-pure one, that,
three-Sunned Godhead, 0 divinely wise and saved, I may diligently magnify thee, whom our
holy hierarch Nicholas, by thy supplications generation hath magnified.
dispel the darkness of my passions.
0 Nicholas, initiate of the sacred mysteries, Canon of Saint Nicholas
who delivered the three generals from death by Irmos: Saved by thee, 0 pure Virgin, we
thine awesome appearance, deliver us also confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, mag­
from all deadly harm. nifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.
By thy supplications, 0 most blessed Nicho­ As thou art the deliverer of those who with
las, make steadfast those who are beset by the faith pray to thee in their sorrow, 0 Nicholas,
temptations ofthe demons and oppressive men, deliver me from all malice, entreating the Lord
and save us unharmed. God in prayer.
Theotokion: Bring entreaty to the Lord, 0 most holy father Nicholas, who art now
that He have pity and save those who have with the heavenly choirs, beseech the good God,
recourse to thee with faith, 0 all-holy Virgin, that He save us.
helper of men. Judgment is at the gates! Be watchful, 0 my
soul, and cry out to God the Judge: Through the
We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the prayers of Nicholas save me, 0 Lord!
Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable Theotokion: As the receptacle of the Light,
than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations. 0 Virgin, enlighten my soul, which hath been
darkened by the passions, that I may ever
OnE IX glorify thee with faith and love.
Canon of the Apostles
Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a
the ends of the earth were amazed, that God prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the
hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb usual psalms.
became more spacious than the heavens.
Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels mag­ Aposticha stichera of the apostles, ~n Tone
nify thee as the Theotokos. VIII-
With the power of God ye broke the jaws of Ardently loving Thee on earth, 0 Lord,
the soul-destroying lions, 0 apostles, for ye Thine apostles considered all but dung, that
were ordained by Christ to be princes on earth, they might acquire Thee alone; and they gave
piously submitting in hymnody to this Spirit; their bodies over to wounds for Thee; wherefore,
wherefore, make the disorderly movements of glorified, they pray for our souls.
my heart subject to the laws of God. Stichos: We were filled in the morning with
Preaching the Word of God, Who is more Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were
comely than all the sons of men, and Who glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days
appeared in the world, ye made beautiful your wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years
feet, as ones proclaiming peace and life; where­ wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy
fore, by your supplications bring peace to my servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou
soul, which is vexed by the passions. guide their sons.
Having mortified your members on earth, 0 Lord, Thou didst magnify the memory of
ye clothed yourselves in all life, emulating the the apostles on earth, for assembling together
honored Passion by your sufferings; wherefore, thereon, we all glorify Thee; for for their sake
0 divinely blessed apostles, with the remedy of Thou grantest us healings, and peace and
true repentance give life to me who have been great mercy to the whole world through their
wounded by the darts of the evil one's malice. supplications.
Theotokion: In that thou art merciful, 0 Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord
thou who gavest birth to the all-good God, heal our God be upon us, and the works of our hands
my soul, which hath become sick through griev­ do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of
ous passions; and ever deliver me from enemies our hands do Thou guide aright.

128
 THURSDAY MATINS

M artyricon: Arrayed well in the breastplate Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
ofthe Faith, having armed yourselves with the Rescue me, 0 Mistress, from the hands of
Cross as a sword, ye showed yourselves to be the serpent, the slayer of men, who in his
mighty warriors, manfully opposed the tyrants, wickedness desireth to devour me utterly.
and cast down the deception of the devil; and, Crush thou his jaws, I pray thee, and set at
victorious, ye were vouchsafed crowns. Pray ye naught his wiles, that, delivered from his tal­
ever in our behalf, that our souls be saved. ons, I may magnify thine aid.

Then, "It is good to give thanks ... " Trisagion through Our Father ... Troparion. Litany. First Hour,
and Dismissal.

ON THURSDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone M artyricon: Having stripped yourselves of

VIII- all evil, ye strode forth valiantly in the midst of
Remember us, 0 Christ, Savior ofthe world, evil men, and clothed yourselves in the robe of
as Thou didst remember the thief on the tree; salvation from heaven, 0 athletes.
and vouchsafe unto all Thy heavenly kingdom, Glory ... : By the supplications ofThy divine
0 only Compassionate One. apostles mortify the uprisings of the evil pas­
Like trumpets, 0 apostles ofChrist, ye wak­ sions of my wretched soul, 0 worshipful and
ened those lying in the graves of ungodliness most Holy Trinity, that, saved, I may glorify
and brought them to share in life divine. Thee.
With themysticseedofthe Word, 0 divinely Now & ever ... : Rejoice, tongs of the divine
eloquent ones, ye rendered the barren hearts of Coal! Rejoice, seal of the prophets and teaching
all the nations fruitful with divine understand­ ofthe apostles, 0 all-pure Theotokos, because of
ing; wherefore, ye are fittingly called blessed. whom we have been freed from corruption!

129
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

ON THURSDAY EVENING AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried .. . ': 3 stichera of the Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations;
Cross, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "0 all-glorious praise Him, all ye peoples.
wonder ... "- "What is this sight which mine eyes behold,
Stichos: IfThou shouldstmarkiniquities, 0 0 Master? Uplifted upon the Tree, Thou Who
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee upholdest all creation dost die, giving life unto
there is forgiveness. all!", the Theotokos said, weeping, when she
Automelon: 0 all-glorious wonder! The saw the God and man who ineffably shone forth
Life-bearing Tree, the all-holy Cross is revealed from her suspended upon the Cross.
today, lifted up on high. All the ends ofthe earth Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
glorify it, and the hordes of the demons are prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord abid­
affrighted. 0 what a gift hath been given to eth forever.
mortals! Thereby, 0 Christ, save Thou our 0 all-pure one, by thine honored supplica­
souls, in that Thou alone art compassionate. tions deliver from misfortunes the flock which
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­ thy Son and God sprinkled with His blood. And
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath fending offthe invisible foe like wolves, fill their
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath faces with shame, as David the psalmist pro­
hoped in the Lord. claimed of old, 0 pure one.
Prosomoia: 0 all-glorious wonder! Like a
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
vine full of life, bearing the Most High, the
Beholding Thee nailed to the Cross, accept­
Cross is seen today uplifted from the earth.
ing suffering of Thine own will, 0 Jesus our
Thereby have we all been drawn to God, and
Master, Thy Virgin Mother cried aloud: "Woe is
death hath been utterly slaughtered. 0 the
me, 0 my sweet Child! How dost Thou unjustly
most worshipful Tree, whereby, glorifying
endure wounds, 0 Physician Who healed the
Christ, we have received the immortal suste­
infirmity of man, and in Thy lovingkindness
nance which was in Eden!
hast delivered all from corruption?"
Stichos: From the morning watch until
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in
Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
the Lord.
the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
0 the great goodness which Thou hast for
us, 0 good Jesus! How didst Thou abase Thy­
Aposticha stichera of the Cross, in Tone VIII­
self, become a man, and will to suffer, enduring
0 Christ God Who wast uplifted upon the
the Cross and violent death for Thy useless
Cross, Thou didst save the human race. We
servants? We offer the Cross to Thee as a
glorify Thy sufferings!
worthy and divinely fitting gift; and giving
Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine
thanks, we, the faithful, glorify Thee.
eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Be­
Then the stichera for the saint, from the Men­ hold, as the eyes ofservants look unto the hands
aion; or ifthere is no Menaion, these stichera for of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid
the all-holy Theotokos, in Tone VIII- look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, and eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take
with Him there is plenteous redemption; and He pity on us.
shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities. Thou wast nailed to the Cross, 0 Christ
0 the ineffable goodness of Him Who be­ God, and didst open the gates of paradise. We
came incarnate ofthee, 0 most hymned Theoto­ glorify Thy divinity!
kos! For He Who loveth mankind endured the Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
Cross and death, that He might save what He mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
created. Entreat Him, that He may deliver abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
from torment me, the wretched one who am therewith; let reproach come upon them that
greatly sick, and cause me to dwell where prosper, and abasement on the proud.
shineth the never-waning light.

130
 THURSDAY VESPERS

M artyricon: Y e sanctify every place, 0 mar­ ing pitiably, cried: "Woe is me, 0 my most
tyrs of the Lord, and heal every infirmity. Pray beloved Child! How hath the ungrateful assem­
ye now, that our souls be delivered from the nets bly ofthe Jews rewarded Thee, desiring to leave
of the enemy, we beseech you. me bereft of Thee, 0 most Beloved?"
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion­ Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ...
The unblemished heifer, beholding her Bul­ Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
lock nailed to the Tree of His own will, lament- Litany, and Dismissal.

ON THURSDAY NIGHT

AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I Now & ever ... : Deliver me from the assault

Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led of the passions, 0 Mistress, and vanquish now
His people through the Red Sea, for He alone the foes which wage war upon me; establish me
hath gloriously been glorified. upon the rock ofthe will of God, and illumine my
0 all-immaculate Virgin, render Christ soul, 0 portal of the divine Light.
merciful unto me, setting me free on the day of
the dread judgment. ODE IV
Rain down upon me drops of compunction, Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of
0 Mistress, washing away my defilement, that Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy
I may glorify thee. works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Glory ... : Illumine me, 0 Virgin who gavest Heal thou the stripes of my soul, 0 Virgin
birth to the never-waning Light, driving away full of the grace of God, and illumine my mind,
the profound darkness of my slothfulness. which hath been darkened by the incursions of
Now & ever ... : Save me who have perished the passions, 0 pure one.
amid many sins, 0 Theotokos, and deliver me In that thou art the Mother of the Word, 0
from every torment and grievous condemna­ all-pure one, rouse me to repentance who
tion. sleep the sleep of despondency and am cov­
ered with sin.
ODE III Glory ... : 0 Mistress who knewest not wed­
Irmos: 0 Lord, Fashioner of the vault of lock, who gavest birth to the incarnate Word,
heaven and Creator ofthe Church: establish me enlighten my soul, and deliver me from Ge­
in Thy love, 0 summit of desire, confirmation of henna and torment.
the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind. Now & ever ... : On thee have I set all my
Having fallen away from the life of sanctity, hope, 0 Virgin Mother; preserve thou my soul,
0 all-pure one, I have joined the dumb beasts 0 thou who gavest birth to God my Savior.
and am wholly condemned; but do thou who
gavest birth to the Judge deliver me from all 0DEV
damnation, and save me. Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy
Unto thee do I flee, 0 Mistress. Ever save face from me, 0 Light never-waning? And why
me who am beset by a multitude of perils, hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch
taking pity upon me, 0 only all-hymned one that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to
who gavest birth to the Savior and Lord of all. the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
Glory ... : 0 Mistress, thou impassable gate Heal thou the wholly incurable sufferings of
leading to God, open unto me the gates of my soul, 0 Maiden, light thou my lamp, which
repentance, I pray, cleansing me of the impu­ hath gone out through slothfulness, and guide
rity of my sins with the showers of thy mercy, 0 me to the paths of repentance, 0 Virgin, that I
thou who art full of the grace of God. may glorify thee with faith and love.

131
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

I condemn myself even before the trial, 0 OnE VII

divinely joyous one. I alone among the accused Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children
bear shameful deeds. But intercede for me, in boldly trod the flame underfoot and trans­
that thou art the advocate of all, and deliver me formed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art
from grievous condemnation. Thou, 0 Lord God, forever!
Glory ... : Cease thou never to deliver me Be merciful unto me, OVirgin, and with the
from captivity, from the soul-corrupting tur­ poultice of thy supplication heal me who have
moil which surroundeth me, and from the griev­ been wounded by the sword of sin; and rescue
ous passions which slay me, 0 all-holy Maiden, me forever from the fire which is never
ally of sinners and ready helper of men. quenched.
Now & ever ... : 0 all-pure one who didst Deliver me from the cruel captivity which
conceive the Life ofthe world, the Deliverer and hath befallen me, from wicked thoughts and
King, impart life unto me who am wholly slain besetting transgressions, 0 Mother of the Sav­
by the sting of death because of disobedience, ior, that, saved, I may ever glorify thee as is
and guide me to the Light. meet.
Glory ... : I now flee unto thee, 0 Mother of
OnE VI God, bound by the fetters of transgressions. In
Irmos: Cleanse me, 0 Savior, for many are the lovingkindness of thy mercy loose me, 0
my transgressions; and lead me up from the Virgin, and deliver me from the torment and
abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, malice of the demons.
and Thou hast hearkened to me, 0 God of my Now & ever ... : Take pity and save me, 0
salvation. Virgin who gavest birth to the compassionate
Grant life unto me who have been slain by Word of God, and with the light which is within
manifold transgressions, 0 all-pure Virgin thee illumine my soul, and deliver me from the
Theotokos who didst ineffably give birth to the cruel wiles of the demons.
Life of men, and teach me to do the will of the
Lord. OnE VIII
Allofus, thefaithful, who are ever drowning Irmos: Madly did the Chaldooan tyrant heat
in the abyss of evils, turmoil and griefs, have the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but,
acquired thee as an intercessor and bulwark, 0 beholding them saved by a higher Power, he
Theotokos, thou only refuge of the faithful. cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye chil­
Glory ... : 0 all-immaculate and all-pure dren, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt
one, who through thy holy Offspring hast Him supremely for all ages!
caused the growths of ungodliness to wither He Who is perfect in every way and unap­
away: destroy the evil of the enemy which ever proachable in essence hath shown Himselfto be
groweth within me. accessible to me, having been clothed in the
Now & ever ... : Sanctify my mind and illu­ flesh through thee, 0 thou who knewest not
mine my heart, 0 holy Mother of God, and wedlock. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that
deliver me from the evils which assail me, that He lighten the burden of mine iniquities and
I may glorify thee, my steadfast helper. deliver me from the judgment which is to come.
0 all-holy one, who in manner past recount­
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now ing gavest birth to the Judge and Lord, entreat
& ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VIII­ Him as thy Son, that on the day ofjudgment He
"0 the new wonder! 0 the awesome mys­ deliver from fire, from the darkness which is
tery!" the ewe-lamb cried, beholding her Son devoid of light, and from the gnashing of teeth
stretched out upon the Tree; "What is this, 0 me who ever piously hymn thee with faith.
immortal Word of God? How art Thou seen to Glory ... : 0 all-pure Theotokos, cleanse thou
be dead Who dost cause the earth to quake, in the wounds of my soul and the temptations of
that Thou art almighty? Yet do I hymn Thine sin, washing them away with the fountain
awesome and divine condescension." which sprang forth from the side of thine Off­

132
 THURSDAY COMPLINE

spring, and with the streams gushing forth oppression of the demons, from grievous test­
therefrom; for to thee do I cry, unto thee do I ing, and the coming flame and torment.
flee, and thee do I entreat, who art full of the 0 Savior Who wast born of the Virgin, and
grace of God. Who preserved her who gave birth to Thee
Now & ever ... : 0 all-immaculate one, who incorrupt even after birthgiving, have pity on
alone manifestly gavest birth unto Life, grant me when Thou shalt sit to judge my deeds. As
life to my soul which hath been slain by the Thou art sinless, overlook mine iniquities and
sting of the serpent; and hasten to do the will of sins, in that thou art a merciful God Who lovest
Him Who was born for our sake, 0 Virgin, for I mankind.
cry: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye Glory ... : Carrying the heavenly Fire in
people, exalt Him supremely forever! thine arms, as though with tongs, 0 pure one
who art full ofthe grace of God, utterly consume
ODE IX the passions of my soul, and free me from dread
Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and judgment and fire, frmn the cruel tyranny ofthe
the ends of the earth were amazed, that God demons.
hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb Now & ever ... : With thy mystical effulgence
became more spacious than the heavens. enlighten our thoughts, hearts and reasoning
Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels mag­ powers, 0 Maiden full of the grace of God, that
nify thee as the Theotokos. treading the paths of life aright, we may obtain
My soul, which hath been blinded by the mercy, ever uttering praises unto thee.
passions, blackened by wicked thoughts and is
beset by danger, do thou enlighten, 0 portal of Then, It is truly meet ... Trisagion through Our
the Light; and deliver me from perils, from the Father... Troparion, and the rest as usual.
Dismissal.

ON FRIDAY MORNING

AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these call thee blessed, as thou didst foretell. Where­
sessional hymns of the Cross, in Tone VIII- fore, by thy supplications grant us remission of
Beholding the Author of life hanging upon our offenses.
the Cross, the thief said: "If Thou, Who art
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these
crucified with us, hadst not become God incar­
sessional hymns, in Tone VIII-
nate, the sun would not have lost its brightness
The tree in the midst of Eden blossomed
and the earth would not have quaked with
forth death, but the Tree in the midst of the
trembling. Remember me, 0 Lord, in Thy
whole world hath produced life; for they who of
kingdom!"
old tasted the fruit, while incorrupt, became
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and
corrupt, but those who have obtained the latter
worship the footstool of His feet, for it is holy.
have inherited incorruption. For by the Cross
Thy Cross is found to be a scale weighing
Thou savest the human race, in that Thou art
the two thieves; for the one was brought down
God.
to hades by the burden of his blasphemy, while
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He
the other was borne up out of transgressions to
hath wrought salvation in the midst of the
the knowledge oftheology. 0 Christ God, glory
earth.
to Thee!
In paradise of old the tree stripped me
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion- naked, and by my tasting the enemy brought
Ever preserved by the Cross of thy Son and mortality upon me; but when the tree of the
God, 0 Virgin, we confound the assaults and Cross was planted in the ground, it brought
wiles of the demons; and hymning thee as the men the raiment of life everlasting, and filled
true Theotokos; with love all of our generations the whole world with all joy. And beholding it

133
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

uplifted, 0 ye people, with faith let us cry out ODE I

together to God: Thy house is full of glory! Canon of the precious & life-creating Cross,

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the the composition of Joseph, in Tone VIII-

God of Israel. Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his

Martyricon: Today this church is illumined staff, Moses divided the Red Sea for Israel,
with heavenly light; for therein the angelic which was traveling on foot; and striking it a
armies rejoice, and with them the souls of the transverse blow, he brought the waters to­
righteous are filled with gladness on the memo­ gether over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
rial of the passion-bearers. Through their inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross.
prayers, 0 Christ, send down peace and great Wherefore, let us hymn Christ our God, for He
mercy upon Thy world. hath been glorified.
Stretching forth Thy divine hands on the
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
Cross, 0 Jesus, Thou didst gather to Thyself
When thou didst see Him Who became in­
Thine own hands' creation, didst free all from
carnate of thy precious blood and was born of
the hands of the evil one and subdue him with
thee in manner past understanding, hanging
Thy mighty hand, 0 King of all. Wherefore, we,
on the Tree in the midst of malefactors, 0 pure
the faithful, hymn Thy majesty, for Thou hast
one, thy womb was filled with pain, and thou
been glorified.
didst cry out, weeping maternally: "Woe is me,
Harmful was the bitter eating of the tree in
0 my Child! What is this Thy divine and
Eden, which brought death upon us; but, dying
ineffable dispensation, whereby Thou hast
on the Cross, Christ hath poured forth life upon
given life to Thy creation? I hymn Thy
all, slaying the serpent with His divine power.
lovingkindness!"
Wherefore, let us sing to Him, our God, for He
hath been glorified!
After the third chanting of the Psalter, these
Martyricon: Waging war, the multitude of
sessional hymns, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Pon­
the martyrs fought against the passions with
dering what was mystically commanded... "­
Thy Cross and sufferings, 0 Jesus, and before
By Thy Cross and death was the tyranny of
the enemy they confessed Thee to reign over
the enemy cast down, and death put to death.
creation; and they endured tortures and bound­
The dead oftimes past, whom hades held bound
less tribulations. Wherefore, they have re­
as captives within itself, it suddenly released, 0
ceived the glory of the Lord of glory.
Good One, and they hymn Thy might and Thine
M artyricon: Finding deliverance through
awesome and divine condescension, whereby
the sprinkling ofThy deifying precious blood, 0
Thou hast saved us.
Lord, Thy martyrs truly shed their own blood,
Deluded by a false hope of deification, our
and, unjustly tortured, they refused to offer
ancestor thereby brought corruption upon all;
sacrifice to the vile soul-destroying demons.
but through Thy Cross Thou pourest forth life
Wherefore, they brought honorable wholeburnt
upon all, in that Thou art all-good; for Thou
offerings unto Thee, the King of all.
wast nailed ofThine own will, that Thou might­
Theotokion: When she saw Thee, Who seest
est release us from the primal curse. Where­
all things, nailed to the Cross, the immaculate
fore, we hymn Thy voluntary suffering, 0
one said, lamenting: "What is this, 0 my Child?
Christ.
How have those who enjoyed Thy many gifts
rewarded Thee? Howcanibearthepain? Glory
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
to Thy compassion and awesome dispensation,
The unblemished ewe-lamb, seeing the
0 Long-suffering One!"
Lamb and Shepherd hanging upon the Cross,
cried out: "What is this strange and unexpected Another canon, of the all-holy Theotokos,
sight, 0 my Child? How is the Life of all in Tone VIII-
condemned to death like mortal men? But arise Irmos: Having traversed the water as
from the dead on the third day, as Thou didst though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of
say, 0 Word, that, rejoicing, I may glorify Thee." Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant
unto our Deliverer and God!

134
 FRIDAY MATINS

By thy visitation, 0 Mother of God, en­ Canon of the Theotokos

lighten my soul, which hath been darkened by Irmos: 0 Lord, Fashioner of the vault of
the pleasures of life and is constantly vexed by heaven and Creator ofthe Church: establish me
the griefs of the world. in Thy love, 0 summit of desire, confirmation of
The gates of heaven have been opened by the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
thy divine birthgiving, 0 Mother of God. As Grant me loud sighs, ardent tears and a
thou art merciful, grant entry therein to my contrite heart, 0 Virgin, that I may weep over
soul, and guide me to them. what I have done; and destroy my growing
0 Virgin, by thy mercy heal my soul, which passions, 0 thou who alone art most hymned.
hath been shot by the darts loosed by the evil Rescue my soul, which is heavy with sinful
one and is wounded by his wiles and machina­ slumber and is sunk in the bowels of hades, 0
tions. Mistress, and grant me the thought of true
As the hope of the hopeless and setting repentance, 0 blessed of God.
aright of the fallen, 0 thou who gavest birth to Love of contrition and the virtues do thou
the divine Light, illumine my soul, which is in grant unto my soul, which hath been sunk by
darkness. my transgressions, that it might love the life of
heaven and possess divine desire.
ODE III On thee do I set my hope, 0 Mother of God,
Canon of the Cross and I am quickly delivered from despair; for I
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an know, I know the richness of thy loving­
image of the mystery, for by its budding forth it kindness and the power of thy boldness.
chose one priest over others; and for the
Church, which before was barren, the Tree of ODE IV
the Cross hath now budded forth, for her might Canon of the Cross
and confirmation. Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of
Beholding Thee unjustly suspended upon Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy
the Tree, the sun changed its bright vesture to works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
black, the rocks split asunder, and the whole Bearing piety like the cedar, faith like the
earth quaked, 0 only Savior, Thou deliverance cypress, and love like the pine, we bow down
of all. before the divine Cross.
Stretching out his arms, Moses prefigured By Thy Cross hath paradise been opened, 0
the precious Cross; and we, now making the Savior, and man who had been condemned hath
sign thereof with goodly wisdom, vanquish all entered it again, magnifying Thy goodness.
the alien hordes of the demons, immune to all Having died, Thou gavest life to men who
their harm. had died, and didst slay the serpent who intro­
Martyricon: Enduring sufferings, the pas­ duced sin.
sion-bearers emulated the suffering [of Christ], M artyricon: Emulating the sufferings of
and they underwent all manner of tortures for Christ, the divine martyrs were shown to share
the sake of Him Who suffered of His own will, in the radiance of heaven.
Who slew the passions and shone forth life upon Martyricon: Uniting themselves to the
the world. beautiful Word, the martyrs were adorned;
Martyricon: Unwaveringly treading the and, loving the Sun of righteousness, they were
path of torment, the right glorious passion­ splendidly enlightened.
bearers cast from their hearts the stumbling­ Theotokion: Unto Him Who was perfected
blocks ofdeception, and hastened in gladness to before time began thou gavest birth as a little
the place of divine rest. babe, 0 most immaculate Maiden; and He hath
Theotokion: "I gave birth to Thee in manner perfected all things by His Cross and goodness.
transcending the ways of men's laws, 0 my
Child, "the Theotokos declared, weeping; "How Canon of the Theotokos
then have the iniquitous lifted Thee up upon Irmos: Thou art my strength, 0 Lord,
the Tree in the midst of malefactors, 0 Thou Thou art my power; Thou art my God, Thou
Who alone set forth the law of life?" art my joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of
135
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

the Father, hast visited our lowliness. For, enriched by Thee, they pour forth upon the
Wherefore, with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry world rivers of divine healing, and dry up the
unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, 0 Thou Who effluence of our passions.
lovest mankind! Theotokion: Thou hast healed us who have
0 thou who ineffably gavest birth to God the been afflicted by sin, 0 all-pure Virgin, who
Word, bind up the wounds of my soul with gavest birth to the Savior and Physician of all,
effective herbs, pouring out upon them the Who was nailed to the tree of the Cross, and
precious blood of thy Son, Who destroyed the poured forth salvation upon our souls.
soul-corrupting belly ofhades, and poured forth
Canon of the Theotokos
resurrection upon the world.
Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy
0 Bride of God, send down upon my soul the
face from me, 0 Light never-waning? And why
cleansing oftransgressions, with streams wash
hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch
away mine evil thoughts, and vouchsafe that it
that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to
may become pure; for I have fled to thy media­
the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
tion and help, 0 Virgin Theotokos.
With all diligence I hasten to thine aid, 0
Unto thine aid do I now flee, 0 all-pure one.
most immaculate one, and I lift up the eyes of
Go thou before me, to deliver me from the cruel
my soul. Turn not away from me, but help and
tempest ofthe enemy and the raging torrents of
deliver me, in that thou art good, and wash
iniquity; and unerringly guide me to thy haven
away the defilement of my transgressions.
and thy tranquillity, 0 Mother of God.
Deadly poison lay in the fangs of sin, but
With darts of sin hath the enemy wounded
thou didst supply an antidote thereto in the
my whole soul; he hath defiled my heart with
nails and divine spear of thine Offspring, Who
pleasures and turned me away from the
in His lovingkindness suffered in the flesh for
straight path. Wherefore, I cry unto thee:
our sake, 0 only most hymned one.
Turning me back, heal thou and save me!
Grant life to me, who am slain by mine evil
ways and corrupted by my transgressions, 0
0DEV
thou who gavest birth to eternal Life; and turn
Canon of the Cross
me to incorruption by renewing my soul, 0
Irmos: 0 thrice-blessed Tree, whereon
blessed of God.
Christ, our King and Lord, was crucified, and
Deliver me from the evil of the demons and
whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree
the malice of men, 0 Mistress who alone gavest
did fall, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who
birth to the Healer of all flesh and offenses, the
granteth peace to our souls!
Savior and Lord, and quickly heal the pain of
Desiring to clothe with the vesture of incor­
my soul and body.
ruption us, who have been stripped naked,
Thou wast stripped naked; and crucified upon OnE VI
the Cross, Thou didst lay bare the wiles of the Canon of the Cross
enemy. Wherefore, we glorify Thy sufferings. Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form
The saving blood which flowed from ofthe Cross in the belly of the sea monster, Jonah
[Christ's] side manifestly cleansed the world, clearly prefigured the saving passion. And issu­
abolished the blood of the temples of the idols, ing forth after three days, he foreshadowed the
restored those made subject to corruption by transcendent resurrection of Christ God, Who
the fruit of knowledge, and poured forth incor­ was nailed in the flesh and hath enlightened the
ruption upon our souls. world by His rising on the third day.
Martyricon: Resplendent in the beauty of The Cross was planted in the midst of the
their multifarious wounds, and signed with the earth at the place of the skull, and healed the
divine Blood, the glorious martyrs manifestly sickness caused by the tree which grew in the
passed by the sword which before barred the midst of paradise; for Jesus the Messiah, Who
way, and have made their abode, rejoicing, in alone is righteous, appeared in the midst of two
paradise. iniquitous thieves, and with Himself hath
M artyricon: How wonderful art Thou, 0 raised up all, and cast down into the abyss him
Christ, in the saints who loved Thee with faith! who fell headlong from the heights.
136
 fr,( JCA.v
~ltmJA¥ MATINS
Drawing the divine bow, Thy precious ODE VII
Cross, 0 Christ, Thou didst loose Thine arrows Canon of the Cross
at the slayer; with the nails of Thy hands Thou Irmos: The mad command of the ungodly
didst pierce his wrathful and most polluted tyrant, breathing forth threats and blasphemy
heart, 0 Master; and Thou didst utterly slay hateful to God, cast the people into confusion.
him, and grant life to those he had slain, 0 Yet the three youths feared not the fury of the
Compassionate One. wild beasts, nor the raging blaze; but in the
Martyricon: With the streamofblood which midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind
flowed from the bodies of the holy athletes they blew upon it, they sang: 0 all-hymned God of
quenched all the flame of the madness of idola­ our fathers, blessed art Thou!
try by the Spirit, watered the furrows of the When Thou wast stretched out upon the
honored Church, and caused the grain of salva­ tree of the Cross like a grape-vine, 0 Word of
tion, hope and love to grow, wherewith every the Father, Thou didst mystically exude the
soul is nourished by grace divine. wine which doth away with the drunkenness of
Martyricon: The character of the glorious disobedience and gladdeneth all who acknowl­
suffering passion-bearers was enflamed more edge Thee to be God the Creator, Who sufferest
than with fire, when the evil judges sentenced of Thine own will. And it saveth those who
them to be consumed by material fire; but they chant: 0 all-hymned God of our fathers,
were preserved unharmed through the activity blessed art Thou!
and grace ofthe Holy Spirit, Who crowned them Thou didst endure the mockery of crucifix­
who suffered lawfully. ion, 0 Christ my God, bringing an end to the
Theotokion: A sword pierced thy heart, 0 reproaches and sighing of men; Thou didst eat
all-pure Maiden, when thou didst see thy Son gall, transforming all the bitterness of evil; and
stretched out on the Cross, enduring sufferings, Thou didst suffer Thy hands to be wounded,
of His own will pierced in His divine side by the healing the wounds ofour souls, 0 Compassion­
spear, and slaying the adverse serpent of dark­ ate One, and commanding us to chant: 0 all­
ness; wherefore, weeping maternally, thou hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
didst magnify Him. Martyricon: With your pangs, 0 valiant
athletes, ye gained the life which is devoid of
Canon of the Theotokos pain; wherefore, having received from on high
Irmos: Cleanse me, 0 Savior, for many are the grace to heal our sufferings and dispel evil
my transgressions; and lead me up from the spirits, ye ease our pains, 0 holy ones; and ye
abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, stand forth before the faithful, and save those
and Thou hast hearkened to me, 0 God of my who cry: 0 all-hymned God of our fathers,
salvation. blessed art Thou!
Living in fornication, I have fallen away M artyricon: Ye stood before the tribunal,
from God. I have become a wretched slave to confessing Christ Who for our sake assumed
pleasures, and am stripped bare ofall the divine flesh like ours, though without corruption, 0
virtues. But visit me, 0 all-pure one. martyrs; and, truly showing yourselves to be
I have shunned the commandments given emulators ofHis sufferings, ye endured fire and
me, and, having withdrawn from life, I have all other tortures, crying out in gladness: 0 all­
drawn nigh unto death. But instruct me to hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
return, 0 all-pure Mother of God. Theotokion: "I was filled with grief, behold­
My life is wicked, full ofindifference, but thy ing Thee, my Son, suffering unjustly; and I was
mercy is great and ineffable, 0 all-pure one. Let wounded in soul when by the spear Thou wast
the lovingkindness ofthy goodness prevail over pierced in the side," weeping and lamenting the
my weak mind. Theotokos, the only Mistress, cried, whom we
0 pure one, who gavest birth to the most all call blessed as is meet, piously crying out: 0
compassionate Savior and Deliverer, have all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art
pity on me, and save and deliver me from Thou!
those who surround me and mercilessly at­
tack my weakness.
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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Canon of the Theotokos Martyricon: 0 divine athletes of the Lord,

Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children ye have inherited blessed glory, incorrupt sus­
boldly trod the flame underfoot and trans­ tenance and splendid habitations, have joined
formed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art the ranks of heaven, and have now with glad­
Thou, 0 Lord God, forever! ness received the fulfillment of your ever­
Having received the never-waning Light, 0 glorious hopes.
pure Virgin, thou art wholly radiant, and dost Martyricon: Your courage shone forth more
illumine those who cry to thee with faith: brightly than the sun, 0 radiant athletes of
Blessed is the Fruit ofthy womb, 0 all-pure one! Christ, with divine power hath cast into dark­
That thou mightest show forth thy mercy ness all the deception of the devil, and with
and love for mankind, 0 Virgin, lead me up from pious wisdom hath enlightened the hearts ofall
the depths of evils, who cry: Blessed is the Fruit the faithful forever.
of thy womb, 0 all-pure one! Theotokion: 0 all-pure Virgin, blessed
Wounded by soul-destroying darts, unto Mother of Him Who created all things, all of us,
thee do I flee, 0 Virgin Mother. By thy suppli­ the faithful, call thee the noetic cloud, the tab­
cation protect me wholly, who cry: Blessed is ernacle ofsanctity, the throne ofGod, the portal
the Fruit of thy womb, 0 all-pure one! and lampstand of the Light, and the daybreak
0 Mother of the Savior, deliver me, who am of the Word.
held fast by cruel captivity, evil thoughts and
Canon of the Theotokos
sinful guilt, that, saved, I may ever glorify thee
Irmos: Madly did the Chaldrean tyrant heat
as is meet.
the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but,
ODE VIII beholding them saved by a higher Power, he
Canon of the Cross cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye chil­
Irmos: 0 children, equal in number to the dren, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt
Trinity, bless ye God, the Father and Creator; Him supremely for all ages!
hymn ye the Word, Who came down and trans­ The Lord Almighty, Who dwelt in thy womb,
formed the fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, showed thee to the faithful as a tower of confir­
Who imparteth life unto all, exalt ye supremely mation; and fleeing to it we are delivered from
forever! perils and misfortunes, and are freed from
Blessed is the Tree whereby all the curse of temptation, chanting together: Ye priests,
deception in Eden was annulled, which re­ hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely forever!
sulted from the wicked eating of the tree; and Let the entreaty of my supplication arise to
Christ the all-glorious is exalted, Who in His the Lord Who issued forth from thy womb, 0
lovingkindness desired of His own will to be Mistress, that He may deliver me from disobe­
lifted up thereon. dience to His commandments, from condemna­
Once, the ever-glorious [Jacob], crossing his tion and the curse ofthe law, that He may wash
arms in sacred manner, blessed his grandsons, away the defilement of my grievous transgres­
manifesting the form of the sacred Tree, sions, in that He alone is merciful.
whereby blessing hath been imparted unto all 0 all-pure Theotokos, cleanse thou the
who were cursed by the malignant fruit of the wounds of my soul and my stumblings into sin,
tree and stumbled headlong into the abyss of washing me clean with the streams which
evils. flowed from the side of thy Son; for to thee do I
All mankind was set aright when Thou, 0 cry, to thee do I flee, and upon thee, who art full
Master, wast stretched forth on the Cross. The of the grace of God, do I call.
horde of evil demons fell, and those who were
scattered came together in unity; and the might We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
of Thine authority and Thy power are exalted Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
forever. than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.

138
 OnE IX 0 thou who art truly the divine Mother of
Canon of the Cross God, never cease to entreat Him Whom thou
Irmos: Death, which came upon our race didst bear, that He grant now to thy servants
through the eating of the tree hath been abol­ remission of sins and most perfect forgiveness
ished by the Cross today; for the curse of our to them for the evils they have committed; and
first mother, which fell upon us all, hath been that He vouchsafe them everlasting bliss with
annulled through the Offspring of the pure all the saints.
Mother of God, whom all the hosts of heaven 0 all-holy Theotokos, gird about my lowly
magnify. soul with the might and power of the Spirit,
Exalting Thee most sacredly, 0 compas­ with weaponry and dominion, and arm it with
sionate Master, we bow down before Thy Cross, the sword of the Cross. And cleanse thou the
the spear, the sponge, the reed, and the holy wounds of my sin with the dew of thy love for
nails which pierced Thy hands and feet, mankind and thy great mercy.
whereby we have found perfect remission and Be thou for me a pillar of salvation, 0 pure
have been vouchsafed to live in paradise. one; and render the hordes of the demons impo­
0 how unjustly Thou wast condemned to be tent, dispelling the turmoil of dangers and mis­
nailed, crucified, to the Tree, 0 Thou Who alone fortunes, driving far away the assaults of the
art the most just Judge of all, seeking to justify passions, and granting us pure liberation.
all who with faith glorify thy voluntary suffer­ 0 pure and all-glorious Mother of God, save
ings and dispensation, and who magnify Thee, those who hymn thee with love, mercifully
0 my Christ, with faith. quelling the tumults of temptation; for as thou
Martyricon: Giving their bodies over to gavest birth unto God, 0 Virgin, thou art able to
tortures with all their soul, the glorious mar­ do whatsoever thou desirest, and freely grant­
tyrs endured wounds and a violent death, the est mercy. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.
severing of their members, laceration, and
Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ", and a
burning by fire, and were aflame with love for
prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the
the Lord; wherefore, crowned, they dwell in the
usual psalms.
heavens.
Martyricon: 0 Thou Who art the delight of
Aposticha stichera of the Cross, in Tone VIII-
the apostles and martyrs, by thy supplications
The staff of Moses prefigured Thy precious
fill us all with mercy, in that Thou art compas­
Cross, 0 our Savior; for thereby Thou savest
sionate, granting us the remission of our trans­
Thy people as from the depths ofthe sea, 0 Thou
gressions, the deliverance from all evils, and a
Who lovest mankind.
place to dwell in Thy kingdom, 0 Thou Who for
Stichos: We were filled in the morning with
our sake appeared as a man.
Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were
Theotokion: 0 Virgin, thou wast shown to
glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days
be a radiant bridal-chamber for Him Who made
wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years
His abode within thine incorrupt womb, Who by
wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy
His will endured His blessed passion, and in
servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou
His ineffable mercy granted dispassion unto
guide their sons.
all. Worshipping Him with faith, we piously
Of old the Garden of Eden put forth in its
magnify thee.
midst the tree whose fruit was eaten; but Thy
Canon of the Theotokos Church, 0 Christ, hath caused the Cross to
Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and spring forth, pouring out life upon the world.
the ends of the earth were amazed, that God The one brought death upon Adam, who ate of
hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb its fruit, but the other gave life to the thief who
became more spacious than the heavens. was saved by faith. 0 Christ God, Who by Thy
Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels mag­ suffering didst break the snares laid for us by
nify thee as the Theotokos. the enemy, show us to share in his salvation,
and vouchsafe us Thy kingdom, 0 Lord.

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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion­
our God be upon us, and the works of our hands "I cannot bear to see Thee asleep upon the
do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of Tree, Who givest wakefulness to all, that Thou
our hands do Thou guide aright. mightest give divine and saving watchfulness
Martyricon: What shall we call you, 0 to those who have fallen into most pernicious
saints? Cherubim, for Christ rested on you. sleep through the fruit of disobedience!", the
Seraphim, for ye glorified Him without ceasing. Virgin, whom we magnify, said, weeping.
Angels, for ye rejected your bodies. Powers, for
ye work miracles. Many are your names, and Then, "It is good to give thanks ... " Trisagion
great your gifts. Pray ye that our souls be through Our Father ... Troparion. Litany. First
saved. Hour, and Dismissal.

ON FRIDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VIII- Martyricon: Strangers to all earthly plea­
Remember us, 0 Christ, Savior ofthe world, sures which arise, the athletes gave themselves
as Thou didst remember the thief on the tree; over to strange torments, wounding the apos­
and vouchsafe unto all Thy heavenly kingdom, tate spirit with their wounds.
0 only Compassionate One. Glory ... : Of Thine own will Thou didst
Thou didst stretch forth Thy hands upon the endure suffering on the Cross, 0 Thou Who art
Tree, 0 Christ, and, rebuking the princes and One of the beginningless Trinity. Dry up all
powers of evil, hast saved from their harm those the torrents of my passions, and vouchsafe me
who piously glorify Thee. salvation.
Pierced by the spear as Thou didst hang Now & ever ... : Seeing Emmanuel, the
upon the Tree, Thou didst pour forth torrents of Lamb and Word of God, hanging bodily upon
immortality upon us who mindlessly brought the Tree, the only unblemished Ewe-lamb and
death upon ourselves by our transgression; Virgin was seized by grief and shed tears.
wherefore, we glorify Thee with fear.

140
 ON FRIDAY EVENING

AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera of the Lord, 0 Lord, Who lovest mankind, turn not
martyrs, in Tone VIII- Thy face away from me, Thy servant, who
Stichos: IfThou shouldst mark iniquities, 0 angereth Thy goodness every day, neither pun­
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee ish me by Thy righteous wrath, 0 Christ. I have
there is forgiveness. sinned, I have sinned against Thee like no-one
0 martyrs of the Lord, ye sanctify every else, I confess. But have pity and save me,
place and heal every infirmity. Pray ye now, through the supplications of Thy Mother.
that our souls be delivered from the snares of Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
the enemy, we beseech you. prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­ eth forever.
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath When in Thy glory Thou shalt sit as the
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath King of all upon Thy judgment-seat, and all the
hoped in the Lord. holy angels stand before Thee with fear, and all
Thy martyrs, 0 Lord, were no longer mind­ human nature will stand before Thee to be
ful of the things of life, but ignored their tor­ judged, 0 Christ; then, through the supplica­
tures for the sake of the life which is to come, tions of Thy Mother, 0 Lord, from all torments
and were shown to be inheritors thereof; where­ deliver those who have fallen asleep in faith.
fore, they rejoice with the angels. By their
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Dogmatic theotokion-
supplications grant great mercy to Thy people.
In His love for mankind, the King of heaven
Stichos: From the morning watch until
appeared on earth and dwelt among men; for
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in
He Who received flesh from the pure Virgin and
the Lord.
came forth from her having received human
What virtue, what praise is due the saints?
nature, is the only Son of God, two in nature but
For they bowed their heads beneath the sword
not hypostasis. Therefore, proclaiming Him to
for the sake of Thee Who bowed down the
be truly perfect God and perfect man, we con­
heavens and descended; they shed their blood
fess Christ our God. Him do thou beseech, 0
for Thee Who abased Thyself and assumed the
Mother unwedded, that our souls find mercy!
form of a servant; they humbled themselves
even unto death, emulating Thy poverty. By
Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
their supplications, 0 God, have mercy upon us,
the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
in the multitude of Thy compassions.
Then the stichera for the saint, from the Men­ Aposticha stichera, in Tone VIII­
aion; or if there is no Menaion, these stichera 0 martyrs of the Lord, entreat ye our God,
prosomoia, in the same tone: Spec. Mel.: "0 all­ and ask for our souls a multitude of compas­
glorious wonder ... "- sions and the cleansing of our many transgres­
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, sions, we beseech you.
and with Him there is plenteous redemption; Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast
and He shall redeem Israel out of all his iniqui­ chosen and taken to Thyself, 0 Lord.
ties. I weep and lament when I think upon death
I have become like the barren tree, clad in and behold our beauty, which hath been created
form as with useless leaves; and I am afraid according to the image of God, lying in the
that if I am cut down, Thou wilt send me into grave, bereft ofform, devoid of glory, unsightly.
unquenchable everlasting fire, 0 Master. But 0 the wonder! What is this mystery concerning
grant me time to convert, that I may offer Thee us? How have we been given over to corruption?
the goodly fruit of virtuous acts, and may be How have we been yoked together with death?
vouchsafed Thy kingdom. Truly, as it is written, this is by the command of
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; God, Who giveth rest unto the departed.
praise Him, all ye peoples. Stichos: Their souls shall dwell among good
things.

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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Thy death, 0 Lord, won immortality for us; Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
for if Thou hadst not been laid in the tomb, 0 pure Virgin, portal ofthe Word, Mother of
paradise would not have been opened. Where­ our God: Pray that we be saved.
fore, grant rest to the departed, in that Thou
lovest mankind. Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ...
Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
Litany, and Dismissal.

ON FRIDAY NIGHT

AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SuPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I ODE IV
Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of
His people through the Red Sea, for He alone Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy
hath gloriously been glorified. works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Mortify the understanding of my flesh, 0 0 Word of God Who wast wounded for my
all-pure Virgin who gavest birth unto Life, and sake in Thy love for mankind: Heal Thou the
deliver me from every torment. wounds of my soul, and enlighten the darkness
With the all-radiant splendor of Him Who of my mind.
shone forth from thee, 0 Virgin, enlighten the The sleep of sin hath overtaken me through
eyes of my soul, that I may glorify thee. the slumber of my slothfulness, 0 Virgin. But by
Glory ... : Pray thou, 0 holy Mistress who thy vigilant supplication rouse me to repentance.
alone art the Theotokos, that I may obtain Glory ... : 0 all-immaculate one who hast
salvation and divine radiance on the day of poured forth the water of remission from thy
judgment. well-springs: Give drink to my heart, which
Now & ever ... : 0 all-holy Theotokos who hath grown dry through all manner of trans­
without pain gavest birth unto Christ in man­ gressions.
ner past understanding and recounting: quell Now & ever ... : 0 all-holy Bride of God,
thou the pangs of my heart. Mistress of the world: save me, delivering me
from misfortunes and dispelling the tumult of
ODE III the passions.
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those
who have recourse to Thee, 0 Lord; Thou art the 0DEV
light ofthe benighted; and my spirit doth hymn Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry to Thee:
Thee. Save us, 0 Lord! For Thou art our God, and we
By thy prayers deliver me from the darts of know none other than Thee.
the enemy, 0 all-pure one, and spare my heart Look down, 0 all-pure Mistress, hearken
from besetting thoughts. unto my voice, and wash away all mine iniqui­
Heal thou the wounds of my soul, 0 all­ ties.
immaculate Mother of God, and by thy suppli­ 0 Theotokos who gavest birth to the never­
cations still thou the turmoil of my heart. setting Sun, enlighten me who have become
Glory ... : Subdue the chaos of my thoughts, wholly dark through the passions, that I may
0 pure Mistress, and take from my soul every glorify and praise thee, 0 all-immaculate one.
grief, 0 thou who gavest birth unto Joy. Glory ... : Have pity on my soul, 0 all-holy
Now & ever ... : Rejoice, 0 Virgin Mother of Maiden, and deliver it from damnation and
Christ, thou salvation of those who have re­ everlasting torment.
course unto thee! Rejoice, 0 boast of the Now & ever ... : Heal mine ailing soul, 0 all­
apostles and martyrs! holy Mistress who gavest birth to Him Who
taketh away the infirmities of all.

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 FRIDAY COMPLINE

ODE VI God; and deliver me from the tyranny of the

Irmos: The abyss ofmy sins and the tempest demons and from eternal fire, 0 all-pure one.
of my transgressions discomfit me and thrust Glory ... : Behold the sorrow which the mul­
me down into the depths of violent despon­ titude of mine evils hath brought upon me, 0
dency; but stretch forth Thy mighty arm unto Virgin, and before my departure grant me rest,
me, as Thou didst to Peter, and save me, 0 my mollifying thy Son by thy maternal supplica­
Guide. tions.
By thy vivifying birthgiving mortify the Now & ever ... : With thy dew extinguish the
unseemly uprisings of my flesh, 0 Theotokos flame of the passions of my heart, 0 Virgin
who hast given life unto those slain by evil, that Maiden, and rescue me from the dread fire,
I may glorify thee as the cause ofthe restoration from eternal damnation and the tyranny of the
of man. demons.
0 Virgin Theotokos who gavest birth to the
Abyss of compassions, save thou my soul from ODE VIII
the sorrows of life, and open unto me the spiri­ Irmos: 0 children, equal in number to the
tual portals of joy; for on thee alone have I set Trinity, bless ye God, the Father and Creator;
my hope. hymn ye theWord, Who came down and trans­
Glory ... : That I may joyously hymn thy formed the fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit,
mighty works and the great grace of thy Who imparteth life unto all, exalt ye supremely
miracles, 0 all-pure Virgin, by thy supplica­ forever!
tions ever free me from the unseemly thoughts Mortify all the uprisings of our bodies, 0
which afflict me. Virgin who by thy Life-bearing birthgiving
Now & ever ... : In manner transcending didst slay the serpent, and pray that we may
nature didst thou give birth unto Him Who did receive the life which ageth not, that we may
not depart from the bosom of the Father, yet hymn thee forever.
through thee, 0 Virgin, conversed with men. As I ever invoke thine aid, 0 Theotokos. Put
thou art the boast and confirmation of all of us, me not to shame who have already acquired
0 Theotokos, take pity upon those who flee unto shame, but take pity upon me, 0 all-pure one,
thee. rescue me from the flame, and deliver me from
eternal torments.
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now Glory ... : Show thyself to me as a joyous
& ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VIII- helper amid evil circumstances, delivering me
The Word of the Father descended to the from the assaults which the demons launched
earth, and the radiant angel said to the Theo­ at me, that I may ever bless thee, 0 Theotokos,
tokos: "Rejoice, 0 blessed one who alone hast thou intercessor for all.
preserved the bridal-chamber, accepting the Now & ever ... : 0 all-holy Maiden, thou
conception of the preeternal God and Lord, boast of the apostles and glory of the martyrs,
that God might save the human race from cause me to share in eternal glory, who cry
deception!" aloud: Bless the all-holy Spirit for all ages!

ODE VII ODE IX

Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children Irmos: Thou didst transcend the laws of
boldly trod the flame underfoot and trans­ nature, conceiving the Creator and Lord, and
formed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art didst become a portal of salvation for the world.
Thou, 0 Lord God, forever! Wherefore, we magnify thee unceasingly, 0
Woe is me! How shall I escape the torments Theotokos.
which await me who have lived wickedly on With thy never-waning light drive away
earth? How shall I appear to the dread Judge as the cruel darkness from my soul, 0 portal of
other than accursed? 0 Mistress Theotokos, be the Light, and show me the luminous paths of
thou then my helper! repentance, that, treading them, I may elude
Quench thou the flame of my passions and the gloom of sin and may magnify thee un­
still the tempest of my heart, 0 pure Mother of ceasingly.
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 OCTOECHOS -TONE VIII

Cleanse thy servants, 0 Good One, and Now & ever ... : In that thou gavest birth to
grant us forgiveness of transgressions; deliver the ail-good God and art merciful, heal thou my
us from the eternal flame, and cause us to share soul, which is sick with grievous suffering, and
in Thy kingdom, 0 Word of God, for Thou didst ever deliver me from the evils which oppress
endure the Cross in Thy desire to save the and assail me, 0 all-pureone, that, saved, I may
human race. fervently magnify thee who hast magnified our
Glory ... : Grant that I may easily pass race.
through the journey of this life, 0 Theotokos,
subduing the uprisings oftemptations and per­ Then, It is truly meet ... , and a prostration.
ils, in that thou art good, and guiding me to the Trisagion through Our Father... Troparion,
virtues of the heavenly kingdom and divine and the rest as usual. Dismissal.
rest, that, saved, I may glorify thee.

ON SATURDAY MORNING

AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these 0 prophets, martyrs of Christ, and holy
sessional hymns of the martyrs, in Tone VIII- hierarchs, who with pious mind lawfully fin­
y e were shown to be noetic beacons, 0 holy ished the good race and receive unfading
martyrs, for by faith ye abolished the gloom of wreaths from God, unceasingly ask His grace
deception, lit the lamps of our souls, and en­ for us, that He may grant us the forgiveness
tered with glory into the heavenly bridal-cham­ of transgressions, in that He is God readily
ber with the Bridegroom. Pray ye now, we conciliated.
beseech you, that our souls be saved. Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the chosen and taken to Thyself, 0 Lord.
God of Israel. Nekrosimon: Those who have piously de­
MortifYing the fiery form and movements of parted from transitory things do Thou number
the passions with temperance, the martyrs re­ with the righteous in the habitations of the
ceived the grace of Christ, to drive infirmities from elect, 0 Master, granting them rest in the place
the sick, and to work miracles, in that they are alive of those who keep festival and in the endless
even after death. 0 what a truly all-glorious bliss of paradise, forgiving their voluntary and
wonder it is that bare bones pour forth healings! involuntary transgressions in Thine extreme
Glory to the one all-wise Creator and God! beneficence, in that Thou art good.
Stichos: Their souls shall dwell among good
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
things.
0 Good One, Who for our sake wast born of
Nekrosimon: 0 Lord, Thou only Creator,
the Virgin and, having endured crucifixion, cast
Who in the depths of Thy wisdom and Thy love
down death by death, and as God revealed the
for mankind dost set all things in order, and
resurrection: Disdain not that which Thou hast
providest all with what is beneficial: Grant rest
fashioned with Thine own hand. Show forth
to the souls of Thy servants, for they set their
Thy love for mankind, 0 Merciful One; accept
hope on Thee, our Creator, Fashioner and God.
the Theotokos who gave Thee birth and prayeth
for us; and save Thy despairing people, 0 our Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
Savior! Thee do we have as a rampart and refuge,
and a right acceptable intercessor before God to
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these Whom thou gavest birth, 0 unwedded Theoto­
sessional hymns, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Pon­ kos, salvation of the faithful.
dering what was mystically commanded... "­

144
 SATURDAY MATINS

ODE I ODE III

Canon of the holy martyrs, hierarchs, the
Canon ofAll Saints
venerable and the departed, the acrostic
Irmos: 0 Christ, Who in the beginning
whereof is "the divine conclusion of the new
established the heavens in wisdom and founded
Octoechos': the composition of Joseph,
the earth upon the waters, make me steadfast
in Tone VIII-
upon the rock of Thy commandments; for none
Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led is holy as Thee, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind.
His people through the Red Sea, for He alone Spurning vile sacrifices with most mighty
hath gloriously been glorified. intent, the athletes became most pure sacrifices
Ye were shown to be precious pearls render­ for the Word Who was sacrificed.
ing the crown of the honored Church brilliant, Renewing with sanctifying words those
0 most valiant passion-bearers of Christ. grown old through all the passions, ye showed
With divine splendors the all-wise and holy yourselves to be divine disciples of the Word
hierarchs shone forth the dogma of the virtues Who hath renewed the world.
and have enlightened the hearts ofthe faithful. The grace of the most Holy Spirit, which of
0 Word Who art wondrous in the prophets old was manifestly imparted to the prophets,
and the righteous, we beseech Thee: By their hath in latter times filled the ascetics with
supplications save us! divine gifts.
When Thou, the righteous Judge, shalt Join Thou to the choirs of the saints those
come to do what is most just, 0 Word, save us who have passed from this life with faith, 0
from condemnation by their entreaties. God, and in Thine ineffable mercy cause them
Theotokion: Knowing thee to be the one who to dwell in paradise.
gave birth to the Lord, 0 Virgin, the choir of Theotokion: Jesus our Lord, Whom naught
women who suffered, following in thy train, is can contain, made His abode in thy sanctified
brought before Him. womb without being circumscribed, 0 all-pure
and most hymned Virgin.
Another canon, of the departed, the acrostic
whereof is "I fashion an eighth hymn for the Canon of the Departed
faithful departed': in Tone VIII- Irmos: 0 Lord, Fashioner of the vault of
Irmos: Having traversed the water as heaven and Creator ofthe Church: establish me
though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of in Thy love, 0 summit of desire, confirmation of
Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
unto our Deliverer and God! M artyricon: Cleansed of the ancient fall of
Martyricon: Having emulated the death of our first parents, and having been sprinkled
Christ by their death and His honored suffering with baptism, regeneration and the streams of
by their sufferings, all the martyrs have re­ your blood, 0 blessed ones, ye reign with Christ.
ceived divine and blessed life. Nekrosimon: 0 Savior, Who of Thine own
N ekrosimon: Overlooking the transgres­ will wast laid, dead, in the tomb, and called
sions of youth and transcending men's sins, 0 forth those who abode in the grave, be Thou
Christ our Savior, number among Thine elect well-pleased that those whom Thou hast taken
Thy servants who have fallen asleep. from us may dwell in the habitations of Thy
Glory ... : Unto Thy servants whom Thou righteous.
hast taken to Thyself, 0 greatly Merciful One, Glory ... : Entreated by the compassion of
richly grant the glory and joy which those who Thy divine goodness, which is understood
acquired a blessed sojourn have received. consubstantially, 0 Master and Savior, give
Theotokion: Thou didst conceive the Word rest to Thy servants, granting them remission
of the Father, Who united Himself hypostati­ of their sins.
cally to the flesh He received of thee, and Who Theotokion: He Who alone manifestly
abolished hades with divine power, 0 most loveth mankind, who was incarnate of thy
immaculate Maiden. womb and became man, saveth man from the
gates of death, 0 only all-pure and most
hymned Mother of God.

145
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

ODE IV offenses, 0 Master, and give them a share of

Canon ofAll Saints Thy light.
Irmos: I have heard, 0 Lord, the mystery of Theotokion: Thou art the boast of the faith­
Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy ful, the intercessor and refuge, the bulwark and
works, and have glorified Thy divinity. haven of Christians, 0 thou who knewest not
Passing through the arena of torments, 0 wedlock. 0 most immaculate one, thou bearest
divinely blessed athletes, with the fervor of entreaties to thy Son, and savest from misfor­
the Spirit ye utterly consumed the tinder of tunes those who with faith and love know thee
deception. to be the Theotokos.
Thou hast splendidly glorified Thy vener­
able and holy hierarchs, 0 Lord. By their divine 0DEV
entreaties show me to partake of Thy glory. Canon ofAll Saints
The inspiration of the divine Spirit, which Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy com­
enlightened the prophets, gave women the mandments, 0 Lord, and with Thine up­
strength to cast down the arrogance of the raised arm grant us Thy peace, 0 Thou Who
enemy. lovest mankind.
0 All-good One, entreated, do Thou vouch­ The divine martyrs bore the wounding of
safe that Thy servants, whom Thou hast taken their flesh; wherefore, they ever heal our
to Thyself, may join chorus with all the saints in wounds, wounding the demons.
Thy holy habitations 0 holy hierarchs of God, with all the vener­
Theotokion: In manner transcending na­ able entreat Christ, that He grant us remission
ture, 0 most immaculate one, thou gavest birth of sins.
to the Bestower of the law of God, Who Laying waste to their bodies with discom­
refashioneth fallen human nature. fort and asceticism, the venerable women have
been vouchsafed that for which they truly
Canon of the Departed
hoped, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind.
I rmos: Thou art my strength, 0 Lord,
0 Immortal One, Who destroyed death by
Thou art my power; Thou art my God, Thou
Thy death, in that Thou lovest mankind grant
art my joy, Who, withoutleavingthe bosom of
rest to Thy faithful servants, who have died in
the Father, hast visited our lowliness.
hope of life.
Wherefore, with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry
Theotokion: Thou hast annulled the con­
unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, 0 Thou Who
demnation of our first father, 0 pure one, hav­
lovest mankind!
ing given birth in the flesh unto Jesus, the one
Martyricon: That they might behold Thy
Lord, Who hath justified all.
glory and splendidly receive Thine effulgence in
the heavens, 0 Master, the divine martyrs Canon of the Departed
endured all manner oftortures, singing to Thee, Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy
0 Christ: Glory to Thy power, 0 Thou Who face from me, 0 Light never-waning? And why
lovest mankind! hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch
Nekrosimon: In Thy house are many that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to
mansions, 0 Savior, which are set aside for the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
all according to the measure of their virtues, Nekrosimon: In the habitations of the
as is fitting. Be Thou well-pleased, 0 Com­ saints, where the beauteous cry is heard of
passionate One, to fill them with those who those who keep festival, vouchsafe the life of
have reposed in faith, piously chanting unto dispassion, Thine ineffable glory and Thy bless­
Thee: Glory to Thy power, 0 Thou Who lovest edness, which is past recounting, unto those
mankind! who have departed, 0 Thou Who alone lovest
Glory ... : Thou didst appear as a man equal mankind, taking pity on them.
to us, 0 Immortal One, didst endure death as do Nekrosimon: In the bosom of Abraham,
all, and hast shown us the path to life. In that where the ranks of the angels are, and where
Thou lovest mankind, free those who have de­ the assemblies of the righteous rejoice, cause
parted from us, granting them forgiveness of Thy servants to dwell, 0 loving Savior, and be

146
 SATURDAY MATINS

Thou well-pleased that they stand with bold­ all who were held prisoner therein, 0 Bestower
ness before Thy dread and divine throne. of life. Vouchsafe this unto those who have
Glory ... : Thou wast shown to be our purifi­ departed, 0 Benefactor.
cation, righteousness and deliverance, 0 Com­ Glory ... : Thou didst free Thy servants in
passionate One, and by Thy wounds hast hades from tears and sighing, 0 Savior, for as
healed our infirmities; wherefore, in that Thou Thou alone art full oflovingkindness, Thou hast
art good, grant unto those who have departed wiped away every tear from the face of all who
the delights of paradise. bless thee with faith.
Theotokion: Thou didst mercifully assume Theotokion: He Who formed nature taketh
the form of man, 0 Merciful One, Who adornest form in thy womb; He Who is complete doth
all with the transcendent exaltations of divine empty Himself, 0 most immaculate one; He
glory, receiving animate and reason-endowed Who alone is immortal submitteth to death for
flesh from the Virgin's womb, wherewith Thou our salvation.
didst destroy death.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII-
With the saints give rest, 0 Christ, to the
OnE VI
souls of Thy servants, where there is no pain,
Canon ofAll Saints
nor grief, nor sighing, but life never-ending.
Irmos: Cleanse me, 0 Savior, for many are
Ikos: Thou alone art immortal, Who didst
my transgressions; and lead me up from the
create and fashion man; wherefore, as mortals
abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried,
we have been formed from the earth, and unto
and Thou hast hearkened to me, 0 God of my
the same earth shall we go, as Thou didst
salvation.
command, Who created and said unto me: "Dust
With your honored stripes ye heal the infir­
thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
mities of men's souls, 0 holy martyrs, and ever
Thither do all of us go, making a funeral lament
remove the corruption of their bodies, wound­
of the hymn: Alleluia!
ing the multitude of evil demons.
The choir of the venerable, the company of
ODE VII
holy hierarchs, and the divine assembly of sa­
Canon ofAll Saints
cred women, who struggled steadfastly, have
Irmos: In Babylon, the pious youths did not
inherited bliss in the heavens.
worship the golden image, but, bedewed in the
Having mortified the flesh, ye received life,
midst ofthe fiery furnace, they chanted a hymn,
0 ascetics; and having tended well the flock of
saying: 0 supremely exalted God ofour fathers,
Christ, 0 all-wise and holy hierarchs, ye were
blessed art Thou!
vouchsafed immortal glory after your end.
Having destroying the hedge ofungodliness
0 Word, Who art the life of the living and
with your sacred bonds, release from me the
rest of the dead: Cause Thy servants, who have
burden of mine offenses, 0 martyrs, and save
departed from us at Thy divine behest, to dwell
me who cry: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
in the bosom of Abraham, Thy favored one.
With the showers of your sacred blood ye
Theotokion: The Effulgence of the Father
extinguished the fire of heresies, and by the
dwelt within thee, 0 pure one, and with the
flame [ye endured] ye burned up the tares ofthe
immaterial rays of His divinity destroyed the
deception of ungodliness and enlightened the
darkness of polytheism, and illumined the
souls of the faithful.
world.
Having mortified the flesh with asceticism,
Canon of the Departed the fasters live even after death; and the choir
Irmos: Same as the foregoing. of the prophets and the righteous, and the
Martyricon: Wounded in their souls by the company of women who struggled, have been
love of Thee, Thy martyrs, 0 Savior, endured glorified. By their entreaties, 0 Christ, deliver
many tortures, desiring everlasting glory and us from misfortunes.
Thy sweet communion. Grant rest, 0 Christ, unto the souls of all
Nekrosimon: Thou didst cut open the belly who have fallen asleep in the hope of life, in Thy
of the enemy by Thy death, and didst resurrect great lovingkindness overlooking the offenses

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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

they committed in this life, 0 only compassion­ 0 just Judge, when Thou wilt judge those
ate Savior. 0 God of our fathers, blessed art whom Thou hast taken from among us, pre­
Thou! serve them uncondemned, overlooking their
Theotokion: As thou art wholly pure, thou offenses, 0 Master.
didst receive the incarnate Word in thy womb. Theotokion: Appearing, with thine enlight­
Him do thou entreat, 0 all-pure one, that He enment dispel from my soul the clouds most
cleanse of infirmities of soul and body me who dark, 0 Virgin who gavest birth to the Sun of
have recourse unto thee with pure faith. righteousness.
Canon of the Departed Canon of the Departed
Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children Irmos: When the musical instruments
boldly trod the flame underfoot and trans­ sounded and innumerable were those who wor­
formed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art shipped the image in Dura, the three youths,
Thou, 0 Lord God, forever! refusing to obey the tyrant's command, hymned
Martyricon: All the desire of the martyrs and glorified the Lord for all ages.
was for the one Master, for they were united to M artyricon: Having passed through the
Him in love and chanted: Blessed art Thou, 0 struggles of earth, the true martyrs received
Lord God, forever! heavenly crowns, and without ceasing they cry
Nekrosimon: The splendor of the divine unto Thee: Hymn the Lord, and exalt Him
kingdom dost Thou give to those who have supremely for all ages!
departed in faith, granting the vesture ofincor­ N ekrosimon: Descending into the nether­
ruption unto those who cry: Blessed art Thou, 0 most pit, with Thy life-creating hand Thou
Lord God, forever! didst raise up those who abode in the graves,
Glory... With joy and gladness fill Thy and gavest rest unto Thy servants who reposed
servants whom Thou hast taken to Thyself, 0 aforetime in faith, 0 Compassionate One.
Compassionate One, Who vouchsafed to call Glory ... : In that Thou art the Well-spring of
them to Thee, that they might chant: Blessed life everlasting and the Torrent of delight,
art Thou, 0 Lord God, forever! vouchsafe that Thy servants, who have de­
Theotokion: Annulling the curse of Eve, parted unto Thee, may hymn and glorify Thee
Thou madest Thine abode within the all-im­ for all ages.
maculate Virgin, pouring forth a fountain of Theotokion: 0 Virgin Mary, Theotokos, who
blessing upon those who cry: Blessed is the gavest birth to God, the Savior of men, in the
Fruit of thy womb, 0 all-pure one! body: Save those who with faith hymn and
supremely exalt thine Offspring for all ages.
ODE VIII
Canon ofAll Saints We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
Irmos: Trampling down the fire and flame Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
in the furnace, the divinely eloquent youths did than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.
chant: Bless the Lord, 0 ye works of the Lord!
Suffering, ye demolished the temples of the ODEIX
idols and made yourselves temples ofthe divine Canon ofAll Saints
Trinity, 0 passion-bearers ofthe Lord, convers­ Irmos: With unceasing glorification we
ers with the angels. magnify thee, the Mother ofthe Most High, who
Thy priests, 0 Christ, having clothed them­ knewest not wedlock, who didst truly give birth
selves in righteousness with those who lived unto God the Word in manner past understand­
holy lives in times past, now rejoice, beholding ing, and art more highly exalted than the all­
Thy divine beauty most clearly. pure hosts.
By the supplications of Thy most sacred The martyrs stood before the unjust tribu­
prophets, the ever-memorable women, and the nals, condemning all injustice with the grace of
righteous of ages past, 0 Word, grant Thy Christ, rescuing those held fast by them, and
mercies unto Thy world. receiving crowns of righteousness.

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 SATURDAY MATINS

Ye were shown to be pilots of the Church, from thee as the firstborn of all creation. Him
piously steering the whole ship with the com­ do we magnify in two natures.
mandments of God, 0 all ye blessed primates
and pastors. Wherefore, we honor you as our Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a
helmsmen. prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the
The council of the prophets and the vener­ usual psalms.
able entreateth Thee, 0 Lord, and the company
of women who suffered most splendidly and On the Praises, these sticker a ofthe martyrs, in
shone forth in asceticism, doth beseech Thee, 0 Tone VIII-
Thou Who lovest mankind: Grant us Thy com­ Ye struggled greatly, 0 saints, valiantly
passions! enduring tortures at the hands of the iniqui­
0 Merciful One, through the supplications tous; and though ye have passed from this life,
of Thy saints vouchsafe that Thy servants, who ye still work wonders in this world and heal
have departed in faith from this vain world, those made sick by their passions. 0 holy ones,
may have a share in the honor and everlasting pray ye that our souls be saved.
glory which all the saints of Christ have been 0 invincible martyrs of Christ, having van­
granted. quished falsehood with the power of the Cross,
Theotokion: Bearing in thine arms the Full­ ye received the grace of eternal life; and un­
ness of all good things, 0 most immaculate one, daunted by the threats of the tyrants, ye re­
fulfill the entreaties of thy servants; and direct joiced as ye were wounded with tortures: and
our steps toward God, giving us the strength to your blood hath now become healing for our
walk in virtue. souls. Pray ye, that our souls be saved.
Fitted well with the breastplate of the
Canon of the Departed
Faith, and armed with the Cross as a sword, ye
Irmos: Every ear trembleth to hear of the
showed yourselves to be mighty warriors, man­
ineffable condescension of God, for the Most
fully opposed the tyrants and cast down the
High willingly came down even to the flesh,
deception of the devil; and, victorious, ye were
becoming man through the Virgin's womb.
vouchsafed crowns. Pray ye ever in our behalf,
Wherefore, we, the faithful, magnify the all­
that our souls be saved.
pure Theotokos.
Nekrosimon: For those who have lived in
M artyricon: Possessed of invincible and
fornication infinite is the torment, the gnashing
unvanquishable might, 0 martyrs of Christ, ye
of teeth, the inconsolable weeping, the fiery
set at naught the ungodly edicts of the tyrants
Gehenna, the outer darkness, the worm which
and, enlightened by the rays of the Trinity, 0
sleepeth not, the ineffectual tears, and the im­
right glorious ones, ye were manifestly vouch­
placable judgment; wherefore, before the end
safed the kingdom of heaven.
let us cry out, saying: 0 Master Christ, grant
Nekrosimon: Bitter hades was destroyed
rest with the elect unto those Thou hast taken
when Thou didst demolish it and didst raise up
to Thyself!
those who slept there from times past. 0 Com­
passionate One, in that Thou art good, vouch­ Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
safe Thy never-waning light to those who have I flee to thy protection, 0 holy Virgin Theo­
now passed over to Thee. tokos, for I know that through thee I shall
Glory ... : 0 Savior, Thou art all sweetness, obtain salvation; for thou art able to help me, 0
Thou art truly all desire, all insatiable love; pure one.
Thou art all ineffable beauty! Wherefore, be
Thou well-pleased that those who have passed Aposticha stichera ofthe departed, in Tone VIII:
over to Thee may delight in Thy comeliness, and Spec. Mel.: "0 all-glorious wonder ... "­
vouchsafe unto them Thy divine beauty. Dipping Thy fingers in Thy blood and stain­
Theotokion: Save me, 0 Mother of God, who ing them therewith as with red ink, Thou hast
gavest birth to Christ my Savior, God and man, signed for us a royal reprieve, 0 Master; where­
in two natures but a single Hypostasis: He is the fore, we entreat Thee with faith: Among Thy
only-begotten of the Father, and issued forth firstborn number those who have departed unto

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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

Thee, the Compassionate One, and vouchsafe 0 Word Who art invisible, of the same na­
that they may receive the joy of Thy righteous. ture and form as the Father and the Spirit, for
Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast my sake Thou didst appear as a man in the
chosen and taken to Thyself, 0 Lord. flesh. In that Thou art merciful and lovest
Conducting the priestly ministry as a man, mankind, with the beauties of Thy majesty and
and slaughtered like a lamb, Thou didst bring comeliness enlighten those who have passed
an offering to the Father, rescuing man from from this life, 0 Author of life.
corruption. In that Thou lovest mankind, those
who have departed do Thou enroll in the land of Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
the living, where torrents of delight pour forth, In that thou didst conceive the beginning­
and well-springs of eternal life flow. less Word of God the Father, with thy maternal
Stichos: Their souls shall dwell among good boldness earnestly entreat Him, 0 Theotokos,
things. that He number thy servants where the danc­
With the depths of Thine ineffable wisdom ing of the righteous is continuous, who rejoice
Thou dost set the bounds of life, dost foresee and praise thee, and where the radiance is
things to come, and dost cause the servants eternal, and the voice of him who keepeth festi­
Thou hast taken to Thyselfto dwell in the life to val is sweet.
come. Settle them by peaceful waters, in the
splendor of the saints, 0 Lord, where the voice Then, "It is good to give thanks ... " Trisagion
of joy and laudation is heard. through Our Father ... Troparion. Litany. First
Stichos: And their memory shall be from Hour, and Dismissal.
generation to generation.

ON SATURDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone All who have departed this life with faith do
VIII- thou settle in the lands of the righteous, 0 God;
Remember us, 0 Christ, Savior ofthe world, and show forth as heirs of paradise those who
as Thou didst remember the thief on the tree; hymn Thee in godly manner.
and vouchsafe unto all Thy heavenly kingdom, Glory ... : I offer Thee a final hymn, 0 Trin­
0 only Compassionate One. ity: Those whom Thou hast taken from us in
0 passion-bearers who endured all pain, by faith do Thou vouchsafe the habitations of the
your wounds and grace divine ye have wounded saints; and have mercy on me, the prodigal.
all the darkness ofthe demons. Now & ever ... : 0 Virgin who gavest birth to
The venerable and divine hierarchs of the Fullness of all good things, fulfill our en­
Christ, the council of the prophets, and all the treaties, asking for us remission of offenses,
righteous saints, have received a heavenly in­ enlightenment and great mercy.
heritance. Let us bless them as is meet.

THE END OF TONE VIII

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 THE RESURRECTIONAL EXAPOSTILARIA
& THEIR THEOTOKIA
AND THE GosPEL STICHERA
The composition of the Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus

EXAPOSTILARION I Theotokion: Before Thou wast conceived, 0

With the disciples let us ascend the moun­ Christ, an angel brought to the Virgin the
tain of Galilee with faith, to behold Christ salutation: "Rejoice!", and an angel rolled away
speaking, and to receive authority over things the stone from Thy tomb: the one instead of
above and things below. And let us learn how grief brought tokens of ineffable joy, and the
He teacheth us to baptize all the nations in the other instead of death confessed and magnified
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Thee, the Bestower of life, telling the women
Holy Spirit, and how He will abide with the and the initiates of Thy mysteries of Thy resur­
initiates ofHis mysteries, as He promised, until rection.
the end of time.
Theotokion: Thou didst rejoice with the THE SECOND EvANGELICAL STICHERON
disciples, 0 Virgin Theotokos, for thou didst in Tone II
behold Christ risen from the tomb on the third When the women who with Mary came
day, as He said. And He appeared to them, bearing myrrh and were at a loss how they
teaching and revealing higher things, and com­ would attain their desire, the stone was shown
manding them to baptize in [the name of1 the to have been moved, and a divine youth, stilling
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the turmoil oftheir souls, said: "The Lord Jesus
that we might believe on His resurrection, and is risen! Wherefore, tell the disciples who
glorify thee, 0 Maiden. preach Him to go with all haste into Galilee to
behold Him risen from the dead, as Bestower of
THE FIRST EvANGELICAL STICHERON life and Lord!"
in Tone I
When the disciples came to the Mount of EXAPOSTILARION III
Olives for Christ's ascension from the earth, the Let no one fail to believe that Christ is risen,
Lord stood before them; and having worshipped for He revealed Himselfto Mary, and was after­
Him and learned of the authority given them wards seen by those walking to the village [of
everywhere, they were sent forth to proclaim to Emmaus], and again appeared to the eleven
the whole world His resurrection from the dead initiates ofHis mysteries as they lay [in hiding],
and His ascension into the heavens. And Christ sending them forth to baptize; and He was
God, the Savior ofour souls, promised to remain upborne into the heavens from whence He had
with them without fail, forever. descended, confirming His preaching by mani­
fold signs.
EXAPOSTILARION II Theotokion: 0 Sun Who hast shone forth
Seeing that the stone had been rolled away, today from the tomb, like a bridegroom from a
the myrrh-bearing women rejoiced, for they bridal-chamber, making hades captive and
beheld a young man sitting in the tomb, who abolishing death: through the supplications of
said to them: "Behold! Christ is risen! Say ye her who gave Thee birth Thou hast sent down
unto the disciples and Peter: Haste ye unto the light upon us: a light illumining our hearts and
mountain of Galilee. There will He reveal souls, a light which directeth all to walk in the
Himself to you, as He foretold to His friends." paths of Thy precepts, in the way of peace.

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 THE EVANGELICAL STICHERA AND EXAPOSTILARIA

THE THIRD EvANGELICAL 8TICHERON EXAPOSTILARION V

in Tone III Christ, the Life and theWay, arose from the
When Mary Magdalene announced the dead. He journeyed with Cleopas and Luke,
Savior's resurrection from the dead and His and was recognized by them in Emmaus when
appearance, the disciples, refusing to believe, He broke bread, whereat their souls and hearts
were reproached for their hardness ofheart; but burned within them when [they remembered
armed with signs and wonders, they were sent how] He had spoken to them on the way and
forth to preach. Thou, 0 Lord, didst ascend to explained to them from the Scriptures that He
Thy Father, the original Light; and they had to suffer. With them let us cry out: He hath
preached the word everywhere, persuading by arisen, and hath appeared unto Peter!
miracles. Wherefore, enlightened by them, we Theotokion: I hymn Thine immeasurable
glorify Thy resurrection from the dead, 0 Lord mercy, 0 my Creator, for Thou didst abase
Who lovest mankind. Thyself to assume and save afflicted human
nature, and, being God, Thou didst will [to be
EXAPOSTILARION IV born] of the pure divine Maiden, to become like
Having been illumined by the virtues, let us unto me, and to descend even into hades, desir­
behold the man standing in the Life-bearing ing that I be saved through the supplications of
tomb in brilliant vesture while the myrrh­ her who gave Thee birth, 0 most compassionate
bearing women fall prostrate; let us learn ofthe Master.
resurrection of Him Who hath dominion over
the heavens; with Peter let us hasten to the THE FIFTH EvANGELICAL STICHERON
sepulchre of Life; and, marvelling at what hath in Tone V
taken place, let us remain to behold Christ. 0, Thine all-wise judgements, 0 Christ!
Theotokion: 0 Lord Who hast commanded How by the grave clothes alone didst Thou give
us to rejoice, Thou hast transformed the grief of Peter to understand Thy resurrection? And,
our first parents, bearing the joy of Thine aris­ while journeying with Luke and Cleopas, how
ing into the world. Wherefore, 0 Bestower of didst Thou converse with them, and in convers­
life, through her who gave Thee birth send ing didst not reveal Thyself straightway?
down [upon us] the light of Thy compassions, a Wherefore, Thou wast reproached as a mere
light which illumineth our hearts, that we may traveller to Jerusalem Who took no part in its
cry out to Thee: 0 God-man Who lovest man­ doings. Yet, ordering all things for the benefit
kind, glory to Thy resurrection! of Thy creation, Thou didst disclose the proph­
ecies concerning Thee, and madest Thyself
THE FouRTH EvANGELICAL STICHERON known to them when Thou didst break the
in Tone IV bread; and their hearts burned within them
It was very early in the morning, and the before they recognized Thee. And to Thine
women arrived at Thy tomb, 0 Christ; but the assembled disciples they manifestly pro­
body which they desired was nowhere to be claimed Thy resurrection, whereby do Thou
found. Wherefore, two angels clad in shining have mercy upon us.
garments, standing before the perplexed ones,
said: "Why seek ye the Living among the dead? EXAPOSTILARION VI
He is risen, as He foretold! Why do ye not Showing that Thou art a man by nature, 0
remember His words?" And believing them, Savior, having risen from the dead Thou didst
they proclaimed the things that they had seen; stand in the midst [of the apostles] and didst
yet the glad tidings were thought to be false, so partake offood; and Thou didst teach [them] the
slow yet were the disciples. But Peter ran and, baptism of repentance. And straightway Thou
seeing, within himself glorified Thy wonders. didst ascend to the heavenly Father, but didst
promise to send the Comforter to Thy disciples.
0 all-divine God-man, glory to Thine arising!

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 THE EVANGELICAL STICHERA AND EXAPOSTILARIA

Theotokion: The Author ofcreation and God THE SEVENTH EvANGELICAL STICHERON
of all took human flesh of thine all-pure blood, in Tone VII
0 most holy Virgin, renewing all my corrupted Lo! It is dark and very early in the morning.
nature, and He left [thee] after thy birthgiving Why standest thou by the tomb, 0 Mary, har­
as thou wast before giving birth. Wherefore, we boring much darkness in thy mind, wherein
all praise thee with faith, crying out: Rejoice, 0 thou askest: Where hath Jesus been laid? But
Mistress of the world! behold the disciples who have come running
together, and how they have discovered the
THE SIXTH EvANGELICAL STICHERON resurrection by the grave-clothes and the wind­
in Tone VI ing sheet, and remembered the Scriptures con­
Thou art the true Peace, 0 Christ, Who cerningthem! And we, believingwith them and
givest Thy divine peace to men. After Thine through them, hymn Thee: Christ the Be­
arising Thou didst show Thyself to the dis­ stower of life.
ciples, and they were affrighted, thinking that
they were seeing a ghost. But Thou didst calm EXAPOSTILARION VIII
the turmoil of their souls, showing them Thy Beholding two angels within the tomb,
hands and feet. Yet when still they doubted, Mary was amazed; and not recognizing Christ,
Thou didst, by partaking of food and recalling she questioned Him, [assuming that He was]
Thy teachings, open their minds to understand the gardener, [saying]: "Sir, where have they
the Scriptures. And having promised them the laid the body of my Jesus?" But recognizing
promise of the Father, and blessed them, Thou Him as the Savior Himself from the sound of
didst depart into heaven. Wherefore, with His voice, she heard [Him say]: "Touch me not,
them we worship Thee. 0 Lord, glory be to for I shall depart unto the Father! Tell this to
Thee! My brethren."
Theotokion: 0 Maiden, thou gavest birth
EXAPOSTILARION VII ineffably to One of the Trinity, Who is of two
When Mary said that the Lord had been natures and two activities, but a single hyposta­
taken away, Simon Peter and the other initiate sis. Him do thou ever entreat in behalf of those
ofthe mysteries, whom [Jesus] loved, ran to the who do [thee] homage with faith, that we be
sepulchre; and when they arrived, they found delivered from every assault of the enemy, and
only the linen-clothes lying within, while the may all now flee to thee, 0 Mistress Theotokos.
napkin [which had covered the Savior's] head
lay in a place apart from them. Wherefore, they THE EIGHTH EvANGELICAL STICHERON
kept silence until they beheld Christ again. in Tone VIII
Theotokion: Great and all-glorious things The tears of Mary were not shed in vain;
hast Thou wrought for my sake, 0 my greatly for, behold! she was counted worthy of having
merciful Christ! For Thou wast ineffably born angels instruct her and Jesus Himself appear
ofthe Virgin Maiden, didst undergo crucifixion, to her. But, as a weak woman, she thought
and, having endured death, didst arise in glory, earthly thoughts. Wherefore, she was turned
and hast freed our nature from death. Glory to away and commanded not to touch Christ. Yet
Thy glory, 0 Christ! Glory to Thy power! was she sent as a herald to Thy disciples,
bearing glad tidings to them and announcing
Thine ascension to the portion of the Father.
With her count us worthy, 0 Lord and Master,
of Thine appearance.

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 THE EVANGELICAL STICHERA AND EXAPOSTILARIA

EXAPOSTILARION IX THE TENTH EvANGELICAL STICHERON

While the doors were shut, 0 Master, Thou in Tone VI
didst enter in and fill the apostles with the all­ Grieving, as was meet, over parting from
holy Spirit, breathing forth peace [upon them]; Thee, 0 Christ, after Thy descent into hades
and Thou didst tell them that they have the and Thy resurrection from the dead, Thy dis­
power to bind and to loose. And on the eighth ciples returned again to their trade, to their
day Thou didst show Thy side and Thy hands boats and nets; yet nowhere did they catch fish.
unto Thomas. With him do we cry out: Thou art But Thou, 0 Savior, showing Thyself to be
our Lord and God! Master of all, didst command them to cast the
Theotokion: Thou didst behold Thy Son nets on the right side. And straightway Thy
risen from the tomb on the third day, 0 all-holy word became reality, and there was a great
Virgin Bride of God, and didst cast off all the multitude of fishes, and Thou didst prepare a
grief wherewith, as His Mother, thou wast af­ strange meal on the shore. Of that which Thy
flicted when thou didst behold Him suffering; disciples then partook, do Thou vouchsafe that
and, full of joy, thou didst chant with His dis­ we now enjoy noetically, 0 Lord Who lovest
ciples, worshipping Him. Wherefore, save mankind!
those who now confess thee to be the Theotokos.
EXAPOSTILARION XI
THE NINTH EvANGELICAL STICHERON Mter His divine resurrection, the Lord
in Tone V asked Peter thrice: "Lovest thou Me?", and
As in times past, it being late on the evening appointed him the chief shepherd ofHis sheep.
of the Sabbath, Thou didst stand before Thy And, seeing [the disciple] whom Jesus loved
friends, 0 Christ, by a wonder, the entry doors following behind, he asked the Master: "What
being shut, and didst announce a wonder: Thy shall this man do?'' And He said: "If I will that
resurrection from among the dead. And Thou he tarry until I come again, what is that to thee,
didst fill Thy disciples with joy, and impart to 0 Peter [My] friend?"
them the Holy Spirit, and bestow upon them the Theotokion: 0 the awesome mystery! 0 the
authority to remit sins. And Thou didst not all-glorious wonder! By death hath death been
leave Thomas to be engulfed in the storm of utterly destroyed! Who therefore will not lift up
unbelief. Wherefore, grant us also true under­ his voice in hymnody? And who will not bow
standing and remission of transgressions, 0 down before Thy resurrection, 0 Word, and
compassionate Lord! before the Theotokos who gave birth to Thee in
purity? Through her supplications, deliver all
EXAPOSTILARION X from Gehenna.
On the Sea of Tiberias of old, the sons of
Zebedee, with Nathaniel and Peter, Thomas THE ELEVENTH EvANGELICAL STICHERON
and two other disciples, were in a boat; and in Tone VIII
having cast their net on the right side as Christ Revealing Thyself to Thy disciples after the
commanded, they drew forth a great draught of resurrection, 0 Savior, Thou gavest to Simon
fishes. And Peter, recognizing Him, cast him­ the tending of Thy sheep, as a reward for his
self forth [to come] to Him. This was His third love, seeking care for the flock. Wherefore,
appearance; and He showed [them] bread and Thou didst say: "Ifthou lovest Me, 0 Peter, tend
fish upon burning coals. My lambs, tend My sheep!" And, straightway
Theotokion: 0 Virgin, entreat the Lord Who showing love for his friend, he asked concerning
arose from the tomb on the third day, in behalf the other disciple. Through their prayers, 0
of those who praise and bless thee with love; for Christ, preserve Thou Thy flock from the
we all have thee as a refuge of salvation and a wolves which destroy it.
mediatress before Him, for we are thy legacy
and thy servants, 0 Theotokos, and we all look
to thee for help.

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 THE EXAPOSTILARIA FOR THE DAYS OF THE WEEK
AUTO ME LA

On Monday: 0 Creator of all, Who as God Another for the same day: Let us all praise
hast adorned the sky with clouds, and hast Nicholas, the great chief shepherd and hier­
enlightened the whole earth with Thine angels, arch, the primate of Myra in Lycia; for he saved
save those who hymn Thee. many men who were set to die unjustly, and
Theotokion: 0 Virgin Mother of the Lord, with Aulavius appeared to the emperor, annul­
delight of the angels, joy of the sorrowful and ling the unrighteous verdict.
intercessor for Christians: Help us, and from Theotokion: 0 most pure Mary, thou art the
everlasting torments deliver us. golden censer, the receptacle of the uncontain­
able God, in which the Father was well pleased,
On Tuesday: Let us all praise John the the Son made His abode, and the Holy Spirit,
Forerunner, who baptized the Savior, the overshadowing thee, showed thee to be the
prophet among prophets, the scion ofthe desert Theotokos, 0 Maiden.
and offspring of Elizabeth.
Theotokion: 0 Virgin Mother of the Lord, On Friday: The Cross is the guardian ofthe
delight of the angels, joy of the sorrowful and whole world! The Cross is the beauty of the
intercessor for Christians: Help us, and from Church! The Cross is the dominion of kings!
everlasting torments deliver us. The Cross is the confirmation of the faithful!
The Cross is the glory of the angels and the
On Wednesday: The Cross is the guardian of wounding of the demons!
the whole world! The Cross is the beauty of the Stavrotheotokion: Standing by the Cross,
Church! The Cross is the dominion of kings! she who gave birth to Thee without seed cried
The Cross is the confirmation of the faithful! out, lamenting: "Alas, 0 my Child most sweet!
The Cross is the glory of the angels and the How art Thou gone from my sight? How hast
wounding of the demons! Thou been numbered among the dead?"
Stavrotheotokion: Standing by the Cross,
she who gave birth to Thee without seed cried On Saturday: 0 Creator of all, Who as God
out, lamenting: "Alas, 0 my Child most sweet! hath dominion over the living and the dead, and
How art Thou gone from my sight? How hast hast enlightened the whole world by Thy saints:
Thou been numbered among the dead?" Save those who hymn Thee.
Theotokion: In thee do we boast, 0
On Thursday: Traversing the whole world, Theotokos, and thee do we have before God
ye truly preached the holy incarnation of Christ as our intercession. Stretch forth thine
from the Virgin, 0 apostles ofthe Savior, turning invincible hand, crush thou our enemies,
the nations away from falsehood, and enlighten­ and send down upon thy servants help
ing and teaching all to worship the Holy Trinity. from the Holy One.

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 THE ELEVEN RESURRECTIONAL GOSPELS

RESURRECTIONAL GosPEL I that He appeared in another form unto two of

Matthew §116 (28: 16-20) them, as they walked, and went into the

country. And they went and told it unto the

At that time, the eleven disciples went away
residue: neither believed they them. Mterward
into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had
He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at
appointed them. And when they saw Him, they
meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief
worshipped Him: but some doubted. And Jesus
and hardness of heart, because they believed
came and spake unto them, saying: "All power
not those who had seen Him after He was risen.
is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye
And He said unto them: "Go ye into all the
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
He who believeth and is baptized shall be saved;
of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all
but he who believeth not shall be damned. And
things whatsoever I have commanded you: and,
these signs shall follow those who believe: In
lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of
My name shall they cast out devils; they shall
the world. Amen.
speak with new tongues; they shall take up
serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it
RESURRECTIONAL GOSPEL II
shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the
Mark§ 70 (16: 1-8)
sick, and they shall recover." So then after the
At that time, when the sabbath was past, Mary Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up
Magdalene, and Mary the mother ofJames, and into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they And they went forth, and preached everywhere,
might come and anoint Him. And very early in the Lord working with them, and confirming
the morning the first day ofthe week, they came the word with signs following. Amen.
unto the sepulcher at the rising ofthe sun. And
they said among themselves: "Who shall roll us
away the stone from the door ofthe sepulcher?" RESURRECTIONAL GOSPEL IV
And when they looked, they saw that the stone Luke §112 (24: 1-12)
was rolled away: for it was very great. And
At that time, upon the first day ofthe week, very
entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young
early in the morning, they came unto the sepul­
man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long
cher, bringing the spices which they had pre­
white garment; and they were affrighted. And
pared, and certain others with them. And they
he saith unto them: "Be not affrighted: Ye seek
found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher.
Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified: He is
And they entered in, and found not the body of
risen; He is not here: behold the place where
the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they
they laid Him. But go your way, tell His dis­
were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two
ciples and Peter that He goeth before you into
men stood by them in shining garments: and as
Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto
they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to
you." And they went out quickly, and fled from
the earth, they said unto them: "Why seek ye
the sepulcher; for they trembled and were
the living among the dead? He is not here, but
amazed: neither said they anything to any man;
is risen: remember how He spake unto you
for they were afraid.
when He was yet in Galilee, saying: 'The Son of
man must be delivered into the hands of sinful
RESURRECTIONAL GosPEL III
men, and be crucified, and the third day rise
Mark §71 (16: 9-20)
again."' And they remembered His words, and
At that time, when Jesus was risen early the returned from the sepulcher, and told all these
first day ofthe week, He appeared first to Mary things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It
Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary
devils. And she went and told those who had the mother of James, and other women who
been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And were with them, who told these things unto
they, when they had heard that He was alive, theapostles. And their words seemed to them
and had been seen of her, believed not. Mter as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then

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 THE ELEVEN RESURRECTIONAL GOSPELS

arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulcher; and would have gone further. But they constrained
stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid Him, saying: "Abide with us: for it is toward
by themselves, and departed, wondering 1n evening, and the day is far spent." And He went
himself at that which was come to pass. in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as He
sat at meat with them, He took bread, and
RESURRECTIONAL GOSPEL V blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And
Luke §113 (24: 12-35) their eyes were opened, and they knew Him;
and He vanished out of their sight. And they
At that time, Peter arose, and ran unto the
said one to another: "Did not our heart burn
sepulcher; and stooping down, he beheld the
within us, while He talked with us by the way,
linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed,
and while He opened to us the Scriptures?" And
wondering in himself at that which was come to
they rose up the same hour, and returned to
pass. And, behold, two of them went that same
Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered to­
day to a village called Emmaus, which was from
gether, and those who were with them, saying:
Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they
"The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to
talked together of all these things which had
Simon." And they told what things were done in
happened. And it came to pass, that, while they
the way, and how He was known of them in
communed together and reasoned, Jesus Him­
breaking of bread.
self drew near, and went with them. But their
eyes were holden that they should not know
RESURRECTIONAL GosPEL VI
Him. And He said unto them: "What manner of
Luke §114 (24: 36-53)
communications are these that ye have one to
another, as ye walk, and are sad?" And the one At that time, when Jesus had risen from the
of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering dead, He stood in the midst of His disciples, and
said unto Him: "Art Thou only a stranger in saith unto them: "Peace be unto you." But they
Jerusalem, and hast not known the things were terrified and affrighted, and supposed
which are come to pass there in these days?" that they had seen a spirit. And He said unto
And He said unto them: "What things?" And them: "Why are ye troubled? and why do
they said unto Him: "Concerning Jesus ofNaza­ thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My
reth, Who was a prophet mighty in deed and hands and My feet, that it is I myself: handle
word before God and all the people: and how the Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and
chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be bones, as ye see Me have." And when He had
condemned to death, and have crucified Him. thus spoken, He showed them His hands and
But we trusted that it had been He Who should His feet. And while they yet believed not for joy,
have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today and wondered, He said unto them: "Have ye
is the third day since these things were done. here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of
Yea, and certain women also of our company a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He
made us astonished, who were early at the took it, and did eat before them. And He said
sepulcher; and when they found not His body, unto them: "These are the words which I spake
they came, saying that they had also seen a unto you, while I was yet with you, that all
vision of angels, who said that He was alive. things must be fulfilled, which were written in
And certain of those who were with us went to the law ofMoses, and in the prophets, and in the
the sepulcher, and found it even so as the psalms, concerning Me." Then opened He their
women had said: but Him they saw not." Then understanding, that they might understand
He said unto them: "0 fools, and slow of heart to the Scriptures, and said unto them: "Thus it is
believe all that the prophets have spoken! written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer,
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that
and to enter into His glory?" And beginning at repentance and remission of sins should be
Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto preached in His name among all nations, begin­
them in all the Scriptures the things concerning ning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of
Himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, these things. And, behold, I send the promise of
whither they went: and He made as though He My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of

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 THE ELEVEN RESURRECTIONAL GOSPELS

Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her:
on high." And He led them out as far as to "Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest
Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and thou?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener,
blessed them. And it came to pass, while He saith unto Him: "Sir, if thou have borne Him
blessed them, He was parted from them, and hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I
carried up into heaven. And they worshipped will take Him away." Jesus saith unto her:
Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: "Mary." She turned herself, and saith unto
and were continually in the temple, praising Him: "Rabboni;"which is to say, Master. Jesus
and blessing God. Amen. saith unto her: "Touch Me not; for I am not yet
ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren,
RESURRECTION GosPEL VII and say unto them: 'I ascend unto My Father,
John §63 (20: 1-10) and your Father; and to My God, and your
God."' Mary Magdalene came and told the
At that time, the first day of the week cometh
disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that
Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark,
He had spoken these things unto her.
unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken
away from the sepulcher. Then she runneth,
RESURRECTION GosPEL IX
and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other
John §65 (20: 19-31)
disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto
them: "They have taken away the Lord out of The same day at evening, being the first day of
the sepulcher, and we know not where they the week, when the doors were shut where the
have laid Him." Peter therefore went forth, and disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews,
that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher. came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith
So they ran both together: and the other dis­ unto them: "Peace be unto you." And when He
ciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the had so said, He showed unto them His hands
sepulcher. And he stooping down, and looking and His side. Then were the disciples glad,
in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to
in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, them again: "Peace be unto you: as My Father
and went into the sepulcher, and seeth the linen hath sent Me, even so send I you." And when He
clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about His had said this, He breathed on them, and saith
head, not lying with the linen clothes, but unto them: "Receive ye the Holy Spirit. Whose
wrapped together in a place by itself. Then soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto
went in also that other disciple, who came first them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are
to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed. For retained." But Thomas, one of the twelve,
as yet they knew not the Scripture, that He called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus
must rise again from the dead. Then the came. The other disciples therefore said unto
disciples went away again unto their own home. Him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said unto
them: "Except I shall see in His hands the print
of the nails, and put my finger into the print of
RESURRECTION GosPEL VIII
the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I
John§ 64 (20: 11-18)
will not believe." And after eight days again His
At that time, Mary stood without at the sepul­ disciples were within, and Thomas with them:
cher weeping: and as she wept, she stooped then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and
down, and looked into the sepulcher, and seeth stood in the midst, and said: "Peace be unto
two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, you." Then saith He to Thomas: "Reach hither
and the other at the feet, where the body of thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach
Jesus had lain. And they say unto her: hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and
"Woman, why weepest thou?" She saith unto be not faithless, but believing." And Thomas
them: "Because they have taken away my Lord, answered and said unto Him: "My Lord and my
and I know not where they have laid Him." And God." Jesus saith unto Him: "Thomas, because
when she had thus said, she turned herself thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed
back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not are they that have not seen, and yet have

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 THE ELEVEN RESURRECTIONAL GOSPELS

believed." And many other signs truly did Jesus RESURRECTION GOSPEL XI
in the presence of His disciples, which are not John §67 (21: 15-25)
written in this book: But these are written, that
At that time, Jesus showed Himself to His
ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
disciples, after He had risen from the dead, and
Son ofGod; and that believingye might have life
saith to Simon Peter: "Simon, son of Jonas,
through His name.
lovest thou Me more than these?" He saith unto
Him: "Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love
RESURRECTIONAL GosPEL X
Thee." He saith unto him: "Feed My lambs." He
John §66 (21: 1-14)
saith to him again the second time: "Simon, son
At that time Jesus showed Himself to the dis­ of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" He saith unto Him:
ciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise "Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee." He
showed He Himself. There were together Si­ saith unto him: "Feed My sheep." He saith unto
mon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and him the third time: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest
Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of thou Me?" Peter was grieved because He said
Zebedee, and two other of His disciples. Simon unto him the third time: "Lovest thou Me?'' And
Peter saith unto them: "I go a fishing." They say he saith unto Him: "Lord, Thou knowest all
unto him: "We also go with thee." They went things; Thou knowest that I love thee." Jesus
forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and saith unto him: "Feed My sheep. Verily, verily,
that night they caught nothing. But when the I say unto thee: When thou wast young, thou
morning was now come, Jesus stood on the girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou
shore: but the disciples knew not that it was wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt
Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them: "Children, stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird
have ye any meat?" They answered Him: "No." thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest
And He said unto them: "Cast the net on the not." This spake He, signifying by what death
right side of the ship, and ye shall find." They he should glorify God. And when He had spoken
cast therefore, and now they were not able to this, He saith unto him: "Follow Me." Then
draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom
that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Pe­ Jesus loved following, who also leaned on His
ter: "It is the Lord." Now when Simon Peter breast at supper, and said: "Lord, which is he
heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's that betrayeth Thee?" Peter seeing him saith to
coat unto him, (for he was naked), and did cast Jesus: "Lord, and what shall this man do?"
himself into the sea. And the other disciples Jesus saith unto him: "If I will that he tarry till
came in a little ship; (for they were not far from I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me."
land, but as it were two hundred cubits), drag­ Then went this saying abroad among the breth­
ging the net with fishes. As soon then as they ren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus
were come to land, they saw a fire ofcoals there, said not unto him: "He shall not die"; but, "If I
and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith will that he tarry till I come, what is that to
unto them: "Bringofthefish whichyehavenow thee?" This is the disciple who testifieth of
caught." Simon Peter went up, and drew the these things, and wrote these things: and we
net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and know that his testimony is true. And there are
fifty and three: and for all there were so many, also many other things which Jesus did, the
yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto which, if they should be written every one, I
them: "Come and dine." And none of the dis­ suppose that even the world itself could not
ciples durst ask Him: "Who art Thou?", know­ contain the books that should be written.
ing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, Amen.
and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish
likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus
showed Himself to His disciples, after that He
was risen from the dead.

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 THE COMMON KATAVASIA, IN TONE IV
WHEN NO OTHER KATAVASIAE ARE PRESCRIBED BY THE TYPICON

ODE I ODE VI
I will open my mouth, and with the Spirit Celebrating this divine and most honored
will it be filled; and I shall utter discourse festival of the Mother of God, come, ye
unto the Queen and Mother, and shall ap­ divinely wise, let us clap our hands and
pear, keeping splendid festival; and, rejoic­ glorify God Who was born of her.
ing, I will hymn her wonders.
ODE VII
ODE III
The divinely wise youths worshipped not a
0 Theotokos, thou living and abundant creation rather than the Creator, but,
fountain: in thy divine glory establish those manfully trampling the threat of the fire
who hymn thee and spiritually form them­ underfoot, they rejoiced, chanting: Blessed
selves into a choir; and vouchsafe unto art Thou, 0 all-hymned Lord and God ofour
them crowns of glory. fathers!

ODE IV ODE VIII

Seated in glory upon the throne of the God­ The Offspring of the Theotokos saved the
head, Jesus most divine hath come on a pious children in the furnace - then in
light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm figure, but now in deed- and He moveth all
hath saved those who cry: Glory to Thy the world to chant: Hymn the Lord, ye
power, 0 Christ! works, and exalt Him supremely for all
ages!
0DEV ODE IX
All things are filled with awe at thy divine Let every mortal leap for joy, enlightened
glory; for thou, 0 Virgin who hast not by the Spirit; and let the nature of the
known wedlock, didst contain within thy bodiless hosts keep festival, honoring the
womb Him Who is God over all, and gavest sacred feast of the Mother of God, and let
birth to the timeless Son, granting peace them cry aloud: Rejoice, 0 most blessed
unto all who hymn thee. Theotokos, pure Ever-virgin!

160