Priest: 

Blessed is our God always, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

Reader: 

Amen.

Priest: 

Glory to You, our God. Glory to You.

Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who are everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: come, abide in us, cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, O Good one.

Reader: 

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

Glory. Both now.

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake. 

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest: 

For Thine is the Kingdom…

Reader: 

Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12) Glory. Both now.

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King. 

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King. 

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Psalm 19

AY the Lord hear you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you. May he send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion. May he remember all your offerings, and fatten your whole-burnt sacrifice. May the Lord grant you according to your heart, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and boast in the name of the Lord our God. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord has saved his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven; the salvation of his right hand is with power. Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God. Their feet are entangled, and they have fallen; but we are risen, and stand upright. O Lord, save the king; and hear us in the day when we call upon you. 

Psalm 20

HE king shall rejoice in your strength, O Lord; and in your salvation he shall greatly exult. You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld from him the request of his lips. For you have met him with blessings of goodness; you have set a crown of precious stones upon his head. He asked life of you, and you gave him length of days forever and ever. His glory is great in your salvation; you shall lay glory and majesty upon him. For you shall give him a blessing forever and ever; you shall make him exceedingly glad with your countenance. For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved. Let your hand be found by all your enemies; let your right hand find all who hate you. You shall make them like a fiery oven in the time of your presence; the Lord shall trouble them in his wrath, and fire shall devour them. You shall destroy their fruit from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they have intended evil against you; they have de-vised counsels which they are not able to perform. For you shall make them turn their back; with your remnant you shall take aim at their face. Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength; we will sing, and praise your mighty acts.

Glory. Both now.

Trisagion Prayers.

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

Glory. Both now.

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake. 

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest: 

For Thine is the Kingdom…

Reader: 

Amen. 

 

 

The Royal Troparia

Dismissal Hymn of the Cross

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.

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

Kontakion of the Cross

You who were lifted on the cross voluntarily, O Christ our God, bestow your tender compassions upon your new community to which you gave your name. Cause our faithful emperors to be glad in your power, granting them the victories against their adversaries. And for an ally, Lord, may they have you, peace as their armor, the trophy invincible.

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

Theotokion

O awesome and unshamable protection, O good and praiseworthy Theotokos, do not despise our petitions; make firm the community of the Orthodox; save those whom you have called to rule; grant them victory from heaven, for you gave birth to God and are truly blessed.

Priest: 

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

1^st Choir: 

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

 

Priest: 

Let us pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

2^nd Choir: 

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Priest: 

Again we pray for (episcopal rank) (name).

1^st Choir: 

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Priest: 

For You are a merciful God Who loves mankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

2^nd Choir: 

Amen. In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

Priest:  

Glory to the holy and consubstantial, and life giving, and undivided Trinity, always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Reader: 

Amen. 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men. (3)

O Lord, you will open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. (2)

And we begin the Six Psalms, listening with complete silence and compunction.

Psalm 3

ord, why are they multiplied who afflict me? Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say to my soul, There is no salvation for him in his God. But you, O Lord, are my help, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord, save me, my God; for you have struck all who without cause are my enemies; you have shattered the teeth of sinners. Salvation is from the Lord, and your blessing is upon your people. 

And again:

I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.

Psalm 37

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chasten me in your wrath. For your arrows are fixed in me, and your hand presses heavily upon me. There is no health in my flesh because of your anger, nor is there peace in my bones because of my sins. For my transgressions have risen over my head; they have weighed upon me like a heavy burden. My wounds have grown foul and corrupt because of my folly. I am utterly wretched and bowed down; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with mockery, and there is no health in my flesh. I am utterly afflicted and humbled; I have roared because of the groaning of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before you, and my groaning is not hidden from you. My heart is troubled, my strength has failed me, and even the light of my eyes is gone from me. My friends and my neighbors drew up across from me and stood, and my kin stood far off. And those who sought my life used violence; and those who sought my hurt spoke vain things, and talked deceitfully all the day long. But I, as if deaf, did not hear, and I was like a mute who does not open his mouth; and I was like a man who cannot hear, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in you, O Lord, have I hoped; you will hear, O Lord my God. For I said, Let never my enemies rejoice over me; when my feet slipped, they spoke boastfully against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my grief is continually before me. For I will declare my transgression, and be sorry for my sin. But my enemies live, and are stronger than I, and those who hate me wrongfully are multiplied. Those who render me evil for good have slandered me, because I pursue goodness. Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not be far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation. 

And again:

Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not be far from me.

Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation.

Psalm 62

God, my God, I seek you early. My soul thirsts for you; oh how my flesh longs for you in a dry, and trackless, and waterless land! Thus have I appeared before you in the sanctuary, to see your power and your glory. For your mercy is better than life; my lips shall praise you. Thus will I bless you while I live, and lift up my hands in your name. Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fat, that my mouth may praise you with joyful lips. When I remember you upon my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches; for you have been my helper, and in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice. My soul cleaves to you, and your right hand helps me. But these ones sought my life in vain; they shall go down into the lowest parts of the earth. They shall be given to the edge of the sword; they shall be portions for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall glory, for the mouth of those who speak iniquities is stopped.

And again:

I meditate on you in the night watches; for you have been my helper, and in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.

My soul cleaves to you, and your right hand helps me.

The following are said without making the sign of the Cross or bowing.

Glory. Both now.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 87

Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my supplication. For my soul is filled with evils, and my life has drawn near to Hades. I am counted with those who go down into the pit; I am like a man without help, free among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, for they have been cast out of your hand. They have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Your wrath lies heavily upon me, and you have brought all your billows against me. You have put my acquaintances far from me; they have made me an abomination to themselves. I have been delivered up, and have not escaped; my eyes are weak from poverty. Lord, I have cried to you all the day; I have stretched out my hands to you. Shall you work wonders for the dead? Or shall physicians raise them up, that they might give thanks to you? Shall anyone declare your mercy in the grave, or your truth in perdition? Shall your wonders be known in darkness, or your righteousness in a forgotten land? As for me, I have cried to you, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer shall meet you. Lord, why do you cast off my soul? Why do you turn your face from me? I am poor, and have lived in toils since my youth; having been exalted, I was brought low, and was at a loss. Your anger has come upon me; your terrors have greatly troubled me. They have surrounded me like water all the day; they have encompassed me altogether. You have put far from me friend and neighbor, and my acquaintances, because of my wretchedness.

And again:

O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my supplication.

Psalm 102

less the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that he has done for you, who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from corruption, who crowns you with mercy and compassion, who satisfies your desire with good things; your youth shall be renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord performs deeds of mercy, and executes judgment for all who are wronged. He made his ways known to Moses, and his will to the children of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy. He will not be angry forever, nor will he keep his wrath for eternity. He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities, nor rewarded us according to our sins. For as high as the heaven is above the earth, so greatly has the Lord made his mercy prevail over those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has the Lord removed our iniquities from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so has the Lord had compassion on those who fear him. For he knows our fashioning; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the spirit passes in him, and he is gone; and he shall know his place no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting for those who fear him, and his righteousness is upon children’s children for those who keep his covenant, and remember his commandments to do them. The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in strength, who perform his word to obey the voice of his words. Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, his ministers who do his will. Bless the Lord, all you his works, in every place of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

And again:

In every place of his dominion, bless the Lord, O my soul.

 

Psalm 142

Lord, hear my prayer; give ear to my supplication in your truth; hear me in your righteousness. And do not enter into judgment with your servant, for none living shall be justified before you. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has cast my life down to the ground; he has set me in darkness like the dead of old. And my spirit has grown weary within me; my heart within me is troubled. I remembered days of old; I meditated on your deeds; I mused on the works of your hands. I stretched out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a waterless land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit has fainted; do not turn your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me hear your mercy in the morning, for I have set my hope in you; make known to me, O Lord, the way in which I should walk, for I have lifted up my soul to you. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord; I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; your good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness. For your name’s sake, O Lord, you will give me life; in your righteousness you will bring my soul out of trouble. And in your mercy you will make my enemies perish, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am your servant.

And again:

Hear me, O Lord, in your righteousness; and do not enter into judgment with your servant. (2) 

Your good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness.

Glory. Both now.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. (2)

And the reader intones:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. Our hope, O Lord, glory to you.

Priest/Deacon: 

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

1^st Choir: 

Lord, have mercy. (after each petition)

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

For our (episcopal rank) (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For our country, for the president, and for all in public service, let us pray to the Lord.

2^nd Choir: 

Lord, have mercy. (after each petition)

For the Great and Holy Church of Christ, for this sacred Metropolis, for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

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

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

2^nd Choir: 

To You, O Lord.

Priest:

For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

1^st Choir: 

Amen.

Plagal 4^th Mode

1^st Verse: From nightfall my spirit is awake for you, O God, for your commands are light upon the earth.

Choir: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

2^nd Verse: Learn justice, inhabitants of the earth.

3^rd Verse: Jealousy will seize an untaught people, and now fire devours their adversaries.

4^th Verse: Bring evils upon them, O Lord, bring evils upon them, the glorious ones of the earth.

Bridegroom Troparion. Plagal 4^th Mode.

ehold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night; and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching, but unworthy is he whom He shall find in slothfulness. Beware, then, O my soul, and be not overcome by sleep, lest you be given over to death and shut out from the Kingdom. But return to soberness and cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God: By the protection of the Bodiless Hosts have mercy on us.

Glory.

ehold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night; and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching, but unworthy is he whom He shall find in slothfulness. Beware, then, O my soul, and be not overcome by sleep, lest you be given over to death and shut out from the Kingdom. But return to soberness and cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God: By the intercessions of the Saints save us. 

Both now.

ehold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night; and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching, but unworthy is he whom He shall find in slothfulness. Beware, then, O my soul, and be not overcome by sleep, lest you be given over to death and shut out from the Kingdom. But return to soberness and cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God: through the Theotokos have mercy upon us.

Priest: 

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

Choir: 

Lord, have mercy.

Priest:

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

Choir: 

Lord, have mercy. 

Priest:

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

Choir: 

To You, O Lord.

Priest: 

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

Choir: 

Amen.

Kathisma I. 1^st   Mode. The soldiers standing guard.

This present day presents the worshipful Passion in splendor on the world as the light of salvation; for Christ, in His goodness now presses forward to sufferings. He who holds all things within His hand condescends now and consents to be hung on the Tree of His own will, to save all humanity.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Kathisma II. 1^st   Mode. The soldiers standing guard.

How are You, the invisible judge, seen incarnate? And now comes to be slain by men lawless and wicked? Condemning our condemnation by Your Passion, O Word of God. Thus, in unison we send up glory and offer hymns and songs of praise so as to magnify Your might and sovereign authority.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Kathisma III. Plagal 4^th. By conceiving the wisdom.

Now this present day clearly brings to light the first- fruits of the Passion of Christ the Lord. So come, all that love the feasts, let us greet it with songs of praise. The Creator does come to submit Himself to the Cross, unto trials and scourgings and judgement at Pilate’s court. Thus, though He is smitten on the head by a servant, He now does submit to all, that by all things he might save man. For this cause, let us cry to Him: O Christ our God who loves mankind, grant forgiveness of our sins and trespasses to us who faithfully worship Your immaculate Passion with faith and love.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Deacon: 

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel. 

1^st Choir: 

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

Deacon: 

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. 

Priest: 

Peace be with all. 

2^nd Choir: 

And with your spirit. 

Priest: 

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. 

Deacon: 

Let us be attentive. 

1^st Choir: 

Glory to You, O Lord. Glory to You.

Priest: 

21:18-43

t that time, Jesus was returning to the city, he was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside he went to it, and found nothing on it but leaves only. And he said to it, ʺMay no fruit ever come from you again!ʺ And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it they marveled, saying, ʺHow did the fig tree wither at once?ʺ And Jesus answered them, ʺTruly, I say to you, if you have faith and never doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ʹBe taken up and cast into the sea,ʹ it will be done. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.ʺ And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, ʺBy what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?ʺ Jesus answered them, ʺI also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?ʺ And they argued with one another, ʺIf we say, ʹFrom heaven,ʹ he will say to us, ʹWhy then did you not believe him?ʹ But if we say, ʹFrom men,ʹ we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet.ʺ So they answered Jesus, ʺWe do not know.ʺ And he said to them, ʺNeither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, ʹSon, go and work in the vineyard today.ʹ And he answered, ʹI will notʹ; but afterward he repented and went. And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ʹI go, sir,ʹ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?ʺ They said, ʺThe first.ʺ Jesus said to them, ʺTruly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him. Hear another parable. There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, ʹThey will respect my son.ʹ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ʹThis is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.ʹ And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?ʺ They said to him, ʺHe will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.ʺ Jesus said to them, ʺHave you never read in the scriptures: ʹThe very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lordʹs doing, and it is marvelous in our eyesʹ? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.ʺ

Choir: 

Glory to You, O Lord. Glory to You.

Reader: 

Psalm 50

ave mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy, and according to the multitude of your compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only have I sinned, and done evil before you, that you might be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.  For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bring me forth. For behold, you have loved truth; you have revealed to me the hidden and secret things of your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; you shall wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice. Turn your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and establish me with a governing Spirit. I will teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall return to you. Deliver me from blood-guilt, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in your righteousness. O Lord, you will open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For had you desired sacrifice, I would have given it; you will not be pleased with whole-burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, to Zion in your good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then shall you be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offering; then shall they offer bullocks upon your altar.

1^st Choir: 

The Canon. By Cosmas the Monk.

Ode I. 2^nd Mode. Heirmos.

Let us sing to the Lord, who dried up the impassible turbulent waters of the Sea by His divine command, and He guided through its midst all the tribes of Israel so they could pass through on foot. To Him let us all sing; for He is greatly glorified. (2)

Glory to You, our God, glory to you.

The mysterious descent of God the Word in truth: Christ Himself is both God and man, and so He clearly shows His disciples He does not deem that being God is something that is to be grasped by being formed a slave; for He is greatly glorified.

Glory. Both now.

I have come to serve the first created Adam who has become poor, and I the Artificer wear his form now willingly, I, though rich in Godhead, will ransom My life for his, I who am impassable in Godhead and Divinity.

Katavasia

Let us sing to the Lord, who dried up the impassible turbulent waters of the Sea by His divine command, and He guided through its midst all the tribes of Israel so they could pass through on foot. To Him let us all sing; for He is greatly glorified.

Little Litany

Priest: 

For you are the King of peace and the Saviour of our souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages.

Reader: 

Amen.

Kontakion

Jacob lamented the loss of Joseph, yet the noble one was seated in a chariot, honoured like a king; for as he had not been slave to the pleasures of the Egyptian woman, he was glorified in return by the one who sees the hearts of men, and bestows an incorruptible crown.

Oikos

Let us now add a lament to his lament and let us shed tears, with Jacob weeping for the revered and temperate Joseph, who though enslaved in body, guarded his soul unenslaved, and became lord of all Egypt; for God, to his servants bestows an incorruptible crown.

Synaxarion from the Menaion, then:

On holy and great Monday we commemorate the blessed and most virtuous Joseph, and the fig tree which was cursed by the Lord and withered.

Verses on the most virtuous Joseph:

Chaste Joseph a just ruler was revealed,

And furnisher of corn: O wealth of virtues!

Others on the withered fig-tree:

A fig tree to the Hebrews’ congregation

Devoid of spiritual fruits Christ here compares,

And cursing withers: let us flee its passion.

At the intercession of the all-virtuous Joseph, Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen.

2^nd Choir:

Ode VIII. 2^nd Mode. Heirmos.

The unrelenting raging fire that was fed with endless fuel shuddered and drew back from the effulgent bodies that, like their souls, thus remained undefiled; as the ever-living flame then withered away an everlasting song of praise was sent on high: ‘O all you works, praise you the Lord and extol Him and exalt Him highly both now and to the ages. (2)

Glory to You, our God, glory to you.

All will know that you are in truth My disciples, if you shall keep my commandments, said the Savior to His friends as He went forth unto His Passion and death. Hence, have peace among yourselves and peace with all men; be lowly-minded and you shall be raised on high. And knowing Me to be the Lord, sing My praises and exalt Me highly both now and to the ages.

We bless the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Both now.

Friends, let your order and your rule be the contrary of that of all the nations; for grasping tyranny and self-will are far from My portion and lot; therefore, let him that would be chief of you all be as your servant, even as the least of all. And knowing Me to be the Lord, sing my praises and exalt me highly both now and to the ages.

Katavasia

We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord.

The unrelenting raging fire that was fed with endless fuel shuddered and drew back from the effulgent bodies that, like their souls, thus remained undefiled; as the ever-living flame then withered away an everlasting song of praise was sent on high: ‘O all you works, praise you the Lord and extol Him and exalt Him highly both now and to the ages.

Deacon: 

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

1^st Choir:

Ode IX. 2^nd Mode. Heirmos.

You have magnified, O Christ, * the Theotokos who bore You. * From her You donned a body * susceptible to passion like ours, O Maker; * it delivers us from the ignorance of our offenses. * All our generations call her blessed, and we magnify You. (2)

Glory to You, our God, glory to You. 

"Having cast off every stain * of the passions, take upon yourselves a prudent disposition * worthy of the Kingdom and rule of God." * Thus You spoke to Your Apostles beforehand, O Wisdom of all. * "In which Kingdom, you shall be * glorified and shining brighter than the sun."

Glory. Both now.

"An example take from Me," * You, O Lord, said to Your disciples. * "Do not have a haughty mind, * but rather associate with whatever is humble. * And you shall indeed drink the cup that I myself am drinking. * And in the Kingdom of My Father * you shall be with Me together glorified."

Katavasia

You have magnified, O Christ, * the Theotokos who bore You. * From her You donned a body * susceptible to passion like ours, O Maker; * it delivers us from the ignorance of our offenses. * All our generations call her blessed, and we magnify You.

Little Litany

Priest: 

For all the powers of heaven praise You and give You glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

1^st Choir: 

Amen.

Exaposteilarion. 3^rd Mode. Automelon.

I see your bridal chamber; it is adorned, my Savior, and I have no wedding garment, that I may enter therein. Illumine the vesture of my soul, O Giver of Light, and save me.

The Praises. 1^st Mode.

Let every breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the highest. To you is due praise, O God.

Praise him, all his angels; praise him all his hosts. To you is due praise, O God.

1. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you stars and light.
2. Praise him, you heavens of heavens, and the water that is above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord; 
3. For he spoke, and they came into being; he commanded, and they were created.
4. He established them forever, and to the ages of ages; he made a decree, and it shall not pass away.
5. Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons, and all deeps;
6. Fire, hail, snow, ice, tempest wind, which fulfill his word;
7. Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars;
8. Wild beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and winged birds;
9. Kings of the earth, and all peoples; princes, and all judges of the earth;
10. Young men and virgins; elders with youths. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted.
11. His praise is on earth and in heaven, and he will exalt the horn of his people.
12. This is a hymn for all his saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to him.
13. Sing to the Lord a new song; let his praise be in the congregation of the saints.
14. Let Israel rejoice in his Maker, and let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
15. Let them praise his name in the dance; let them sing praises to him with the timbrel and psaltery.
16. For the Lord takes pleasure in his people, and will exalt the meek with salvation.
17. The saints shall boast with glory, and shall be joyful on their beds.
18. The high praises of God shall be in their throats, and two-edged swords in their hands,
19. To execute vengeance among the nations, and rebukes among the peoples;
20. To bind their kings with fetters, and their nobles with manacles of iron;
21. To execute among them the written judgment. This glory shall be for all his saints.
22. Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.

 

 

 

Sticheron I. 1^st Mode.

1^st Verse: Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his abundant greatness.

As the Lord went to His voluntary Passion, He said to His apostles on the way: 'Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed, as it is written of Him.' Come, then, and let us also journey with Him, purified in mind; let us be crucified with Him and die for His sake to the pleasures of this life, that we may also live with Him and hear Him say: 'No longer do I ascend to the earthly Jerusalem to suffer, but I ascend to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God; and I shall raise you up to the Jerusalem on high in the Kingdom of heaven'.

Sticheron II. 1^st Mode.

2^nd Verse: Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.

As the Lord went to His voluntary Passion, He said to His apostles on the way: 'Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed, as it is written of Him.' Come, then, and let us also journey with Him, purified in mind; let us be crucified with Him and die for His sake to the pleasures of this life, that we may also live with Him and hear Him say: 'No longer do I ascend to the earthly Jerusalem to suffer, but I ascend to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God; and I shall raise you up to the Jerusalem on high in the Kingdom of heaven'.

 

 

 

 

Sticheron III. Plagal 1^st Mode. 

3^rd Verse: Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. 

We have come, O faithful, to the saving Passion of Christ our God: let us glorify His ineffable forbearance, that in His tender mercy He may also raise us up who have been slain by sin, for He is good and loves mankind.

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

We have come, O faithful, to the saving Passion of Christ our God: let us glorify His ineffable forbearance, that in His tender mercy He may also raise us up who have been slain by sin, for He is good and loves mankind.

From the Triodion. Plagal 1^st Mode.

Glory. Both now. 

O Lord, as You came to Your Passion, You have strengthened the faith of Your disciples, taking them aside and saying to them: 'How have you forgotten what I told you before? According to the Scriptures, it cannot be that a prophet should be killed save in Jerusalem. Now is the time at hand, of which I spake to you: for see, I am betrayed into the hands of sinners; they shall mock Me and nail Me to the Cross and deliver Me up for burial, with loathing looking on Me as a corpse. Yet be of good courage: for on the third day I shall rise, bringing joy and life eternal to the faithful.’

 

 

 

Reader: 

Small Doxology

To you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.  We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory.  O Lord, heavenly King, God the Father almighty, O Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.  O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world.  Receive our prayer, you who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.  For you alone are holy, you alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.  Every day I will bless you, and I will praise your name forever, and to the ages of ages.   Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: O Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.  Lord, I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.  For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light.  Continue your mercy to those who know you.  Grant, O Lord, that we may be kept this day without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen.   Let your mercy be upon us, O Lord, even as we have hoped in you.  Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes.  Blessed are you, O Master; grant me understanding of your statutes.   Blessed are you, O Holy One; enlighten me with your statutes.  Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not overlook the works of your hands.  To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you glory is due, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Deacon: 

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

1^st Choir: 

Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: 

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

1^st Choir: 

Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: 

That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

1^st Choir: 

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: 

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

1^st Choir:

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: 

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

2^nd Choir: 

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: 

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

2^nd Choir: 

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: 

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

2^nd Choir: 

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: 

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

2^nd Choir: 

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: 

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

2^nd Choir: 

To You, O Lord.

Priest: 

For You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for mankind, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.

1^st Choir: 

Amen.

Priest: 

Peace be with all.

Choir: 

And with your spirit.

Deacon: 

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

Choir: 

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice): 

Holy Lord, dwelling on high and beholding things below and, with your eye that observes all, keeping watch over the whole creation, to you we have bowed the neck of our soul and body, and we beseech you, O Holy of Holies: Stretch forth your invisible hand from your holy dwelling and bless us all. And, as you are good and love humankind, pardon us if we have sinned in anything, voluntarily or involuntarily, granting us your blessings both of this world and of the world above. 

For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.

2^nd Choir: 

Amen.

Aposticha. Plagal 1^st Mode.

O Lord, the mother of the sons of Zebedee, not understanding the hidden mystery of Your dispensation, asked You to give the honors of a temporal kingdom to her sons. But instead of this You have promised to Your friends that they should drink the cup of death; and You have said that You would drink this cup before them, to cleanse men from their sins. Therefore we cry aloud to You: O salvation of our souls, glory to You.

1^st Verse: We were filled in the morning with your mercy, O Lord, and we rejoiced and were glad. In all our days, let us be glad, for all the days you have afflicted us, for the years we have suffered adversity. Look upon your servants and your works, and guide their children.

O Lord, teaching Your disciples to think perfect thoughts, You have said to them: 'Be not like the Gentiles, who exercise dominion over those who are less strong. But it shall not be so among you, My disciples, for I of mine own will am poor. Let him, then, who is first among you be the minister of all. Let the ruler be as the ruled, and let the first be as the last. For I Myself have come to minister to Adam in his poverty, and to give my life as a ransom for the many who cry aloud to Me: Glory to You.'

Plagal 4^th Mode

2^nd Verse: And may the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us. Direct the work of our hands, O direct the work of our hands.

O brethren, let us fear the punishment of the fig tree, withered because it was unfruitful; and let us bring worthy fruits of repentance unto Christ, who grants us His great mercy.

From the Triodion. Plagal 4^th Mode.

Glory. Both now.

The serpent found a second Eve in the Egyptian woman, and with words of flattery he sought to make Joseph fall. But, leaving his garment behind him, Joseph fled from sin; and like the first man before his disobedience, though naked he was not ashamed. At his prayers, O Christ, have mercy upon us.

Priest: 

It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth at night.

Trisagion Prayers

Reader: 

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

Glory. Both now.

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake. 

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest: 

For Thine is the Kingdom…

Reader: 

Amen. 

Kontakion

Jacob lamented the loss of Joseph; yet the courageous one sat on a chariot, honored as a king. For by refusing to be enslaved by the pleasures of the Egyptian woman, he was later glorified in return by Him who sees men's hearts and deals out the imperishable crown.

Lord have mercy. (40)

Glory. Both now.

More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim; who without corruption gave birth to God the Word; the very Theotokos, you do we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless.

Priest:

Blessed are You, Christ our God, always now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Reader: 

Amen. 

Priest: 

O heavenly King, uphold our rulers, strengthen the Faith, calm the nations, give peace to the world. Protect this holy Church; grant our departed fathers. mothers, sisters and brethren that they may dwell with the righteous, and accept us in repentance and confession; for You are good and love mankind. 

Reader: 

Amen.

The Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian

 Lord and Master of my life, do not permit the spirit of laziness and meddling, the lust for power and idle talk to come into me. (prostration)

nstead, grant me, Your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love. (prostration)

es, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. (prostration)

Then we make the sign of the cross 12 times, each time saying, "God, be gracious to me a sinner and have mercy on me." Then we repeat the third verse of the Prayer (quietly or mentally) and make a final bow or prostration: 

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. (prostration)

Reader: 

Amen.

Dismissal

Priest: 

Glory to You, our God. Glory to You. 

Reader: 

Glory. Both now. Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!

Priest: 

ay He who is coming to His voluntary Passion for our salvation, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind. 

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us [and save us].

Choir: Amen.