OCTOECHOS- SUNDAY- TONE VII

SATURDAY EVENING- LITTLE VESPERS

On ''Lord, I have cried ... ': 4 stichera, the compo­ that He send down upon us the great mercy of
sition ofour venerable father John ofDamascus, His compassions.
in Tone VII-
Then, "0 gladsome Light... ". The prokimenon,
Stichos: From the morning watch until
"The Lord is king... ': with its stichoi. And after
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in
"Vouchsafe, 0 Lord... ': the priest doth not in­
the Lord.
tone the litanies, but we chant the first sticheron
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord Who hath
of the resurrectional aposticha, in Tone VIII-
broken the might of death and enlightened the
Thou didst rise from the tomb, 0 Savior of
human race; and let us cry out with the incor­
the world, and with Thy flesh didst raise men
poreal ones: 0 our Creator and Savior, glory be
up. Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord!
to Thee!
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, And these other stichera, of the Theotokos, in
and with Him is plenteous redemption; and He the same tone: Spec. Mel.: "Disdaining transi­
shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities. tory things ... "-
The foregoing sticheron is repeated. Stichos: I shall commemorate thy name in
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; every generation and generation.
praise Him, all ye peoples. 0 Virgin, thou wast the dawning ofthe noetic
For our sake, 0 Savior, Thou didst endure Sun Who came to the western lands of our
the Cross and burial. And as God Thou didst nature; and as thou dost have boldness, 0 most
slay death by death. Wherefore, we bow down lauded Theotokos, entreat Him, that He free our
before Thy rising on the third day. 0 Lord, glory souls from our boundless transgressions.
be to Thee! Stichos: Hearken, 0 daughter, and see, and
Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to incline thine ear.
prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord abid­ 0 Virgin, thou didst manifestly put forth
eth forever. the Rod from the root of Jesse, Who destroyed
Beholding the resurrection of the Creator, the delights of deception at the root. And as
the apostles marvelled, chanting angelic thou hast boldness, pray unceasingly, 0 most
praise. This is the glory of the Church! These lauded one, that He uproot the passions of my
are the riches of the kingdom! 0 Lord Who heart, plant fear of Him therein, and save me.
suffered for our sake, glory be to Thee! Stichos: The rich among the people shall
entreat thy countenance.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Dogmatic theotokion- 0 portal of God, deliver me from the gates of
Awesome and ineffable is the mystery hades, and show me the way of repentance
wrought in thee, 0 undefiled one; for through whereby I may find the gate which leadeth to
the Holy Spirit thou gavest birth, in manner life. 0 guide ofthe lost, preserve the generation
transcending cause and recounting, unto the of faithful men, and save our souls!
incarnate Word, the Cause of all, Who received Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Dogmatic theotokion, in
flesh ofthee, His own nature remaining immu­ the same tone-
table. For when both came together self­ Of thee, 0 most holy Virgin Theotokos, was
subsistently into one Person, a Being dual in Christ our God ineffably born, Who is truly the
nature resulted: fully God and fully man, per­ preeternal God and the new man. As the one,
fect in both, showing forth characteristic ener­ He is eternal, and He became the other for our
gies. For though He suffered on the Cross in the sake, preserving within Himself the character
flesh, as God He remained dispassionate; and of each nature, shining forth with miracles by
while He died as a man, He returned to life on the one, and confirming them by His sufferings
the third day, as God, having cast down the by the other. Wherefore, being One and the
might of death and delivered mankind from Same, He dieth as a man and riseth as God.
corruption. Him do thou entreat as the Deliv­ Him do thou entreat, 0 pure one who knewest
erer and Savior of our race, 0 Mother of God, not wedlock, that our souls be saved!
3
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Then, "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ... ': Trisagion, through Our Father ... , the resurrec­
tional troparion, Glory ... , Now & ever ... , its theotokion. Little litany, and dismissal.

SATURDAY EVENING- GREAT VESPERS

After the Introductory Psalm, the usual chant­ Fulfilling the prophecy of David, Christ re­
ing from the Psalter. vealed His majesty to the disciples in Sion,
showing Himself to be ever-laudable and
On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 10 stichera. If the glorious, with the Father and the Spirit, and to
Menaion hath a doxasticon, it is chanted on be the One Who, as the Word, was incorporeal
Glory.... If there is no doxasticon, we chant in the beginning, was later incarnate for our
Glory ... , Now & ever ... , thedogmaticonofthe tone. sake, was slain as a man, and arose with power
as He Who loveth mankind.
The resurrectional stichera, in Tone VII­ Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­
Stichos: Bring my soul out of prison, that I tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord, my soul hath
may confess Thy name. waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord Who hath hoped in the Lord.
broken the might of death and enlightened the Thou didst descend into hades as Thou didst
human race; and let us cry out with the incorpo­ will, 0 Christ; Thou didst overthrow death as
real ones: 0 our Creator and Savior, glory be to God and Master; and Thou didst rise on the
Thee! third day, raising up Adam with Thyself from
Stichos: The righteous shall wait patiently the bonds of hades and corruption; and he cried
for me until Thou shalt reward me. out, saying: Glory to Thy resurrection, 0 Thou
For our sake, 0 Savior, Thou didst endure Who alone lovest mankind!
the Cross and burial. And as God Thou didst Stichos: From the morning watch until
slay death by death. Wherefore, we bow down night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in
before Thy rising on the third day. 0 Lord, glory the Lord.
be to Thee! Thou wast laid in the tomb as one asleep, 0
Stichos: Out of the depths have I cried unto Lord, and didst rise on the third day as one
Thee, 0 Lord; 0 Lord, hear my voice. powerful in might, raising up Adam with Thy­
Beholding Thy resurrection, the apostles self from the corruption of death, in that Thou
marvelled, chanting angelic praise. This is the art almighty.
glory of the Church! These are the riches of the And these stichera ofthe all-holy Theotokos, the
kingdom! 0 Lord Who suffered for our sake, composition of Paul of Amorium, which are
glory be to Thee! chanted when there is no Menaion, or at Litia.
Stichos: Let Thine ears be attentive to the In Tone II: Spec. Mel.: "When from the Tree ... "-
voice of my supplication. Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy,
Thou wast seized by iniquitous men, 0 and with Him is plenteous redemption; and He
Christ, yet Thou art my God, and I am not shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities.
confounded. Thou wast beaten on the shoul­ Thou art the joy of the angels; thou art the
ders, yet I shun Thee not. Thou wast nailed to glory of men; thou art the hope ofthe faithful, 0
the Cross, and I do not conceal it. I boast in most lauded Mistress, our intercessor; and to
Thine arising; for Thy death is my life. 0 thee do we flee in every need, that by thine
almighty Lord Who lovest mankind, glory be to entreaties, 0 Bride of God, all of us who hymn
Thee! thee may be delivered from the enemy's darts of
Stichos: If Thou shouldst mark iniquities, soul-destroying pestilence and from all
0 Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee sorrows.
there is forgiveness.

4
 SATURDAY EVENING GREAT VESPERS

Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; Then the usual litany. "Vouchsafe, 0 Lord... "
praise Him all ye peoples. The litany: "Let us complete our evening
Thou art my hope, 0 Theotokos; thou art prayer ... ", and the rest. And after the exclama­
mine intercessor, rampart and refuge, 0 all­ tion, we chant the sticheron idiomelon of the
hymned Mistress, who without knowing man feast ofthe church, and performing Litia in the
gavest birth in the flesh to God, the Savior ofthe narthex, we chant the stichera of Paul of
world. By thine entreaties deliver us from the Amorium, or whatever the superior desireth.
temptations, misfortunes and evil circum­ And after the usual prayers, we enter the
stances which beset us, 0 thou who alone art church proper, chanting the aposticha
the refuge of Christians. stichera, in Tone VII-
Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to Thou didst rise from the tomb, 0 Savior of
prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­ the world, and with Thy flesh didst raise men
eth forever. up. Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord!
Quell the assaults of my flesh; quench the Stichos: The Lord is King, He is clothed
flame of my passions, 0 Theotokos; drive from with majesty.
me the wicked heat of my desire, and make my Come, let us worship Him Who hath risen
nature again immune to every demonic attack, 0 from the dead and enlightened all; for He hath
Virgin, that in stillness of heart and dispassion freed us from the tyranny of hades, and by His
of soul I may hymn thee, the most lauded one. resurrection on the third day hath granted us
Glory ... , from the Menaion. life and great mercy.
Stichos: For He established the world
Now & ever ... : The dogmatic theotokion- which shall not be shaken.
Thou hast been known to have become a Thou didst descend into hades and make
Mother in supernatural manner, 0 Theotokos, death captive, 0 Christ; and rising on the third
and hast remained a Virgin in manner past day, Thoudidstraiseupwith Thyselfthosewho
recounting and understanding; and no tongue glorified Thine almighty arising, 0 Lord Who
can describe the wonder of thy birthgiving. For lovest mankind.
as thy conceiving is all-glorious, so is the man­ Stichos: Holiness becometh Thy house, 0
ner of thy birthgiving beyond comprehension; Lord, unto length of days.
for where God so willeth, the order of nature is
Awesome wast Thou, lying in the tomb as
over-ruled. Wherefore, knowing thee to be the
one asleep, 0 Lord; and rising on the third day
Mother of God, we all earnestly entreat thee:
as One mighty, Thou didst raise up Adam, who
Pray thou that our souls be saved!
cried: Glory to Thy resurrection, 0 Thou Who
alone lovest mankind!
Entrance. "0 gladsome Light... " And after the
Entrance, the appointed server, having made Glory ... , from the Menaion, ifthere is a doxasti­
the usual bow to the superior, chanteth the daily con provided. If not, Glory ... , Now & ever ... :
prokimenon, in Tone VI- Theotokion-
The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty. Having recourse unto thy protection, 0 Mis­
Stichos: The Lord is clothed with strength and tress, all of us born of earth cry aloud to thee: 0
He hath girt Himself. Theotokos, our hope, deliver us from our count­
Stichos: For He established the world which less transgressions, and save thou our souls.
shall not be shaken.
Stichos: Holiness becometh Thy house, 0 Lord, Then, "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ... "
unto length of days. Trisagion through Our Father.

 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Resurrectional troparion, in Tone VII- Theotokion:

By Thy Cross Thou didst destroy death; As thou art the treasury ofour resurrection,
Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou 0 all-hymned one, lead up from the pit and
didst transform the lamentation of the myrrh­ abyss of transgression those who trust in thee,
bearing women [into joy], and didst command for thou who gavest birth to our Salvation hast
the apostles to proclaim that Thou, 0 Christ saved those who are subject to sin. 0 thou who
God, hast arisen, granting great mercy to the before giving birth wast Virgin, and during thy
world. birthgiving wast virgin, thou remainest a Vir­
gin even after giving birth.

And the rest of the service followeth in order.

SATURDAY NIGHT- COMPLINE

The priest saith: Blessed is our God ... , and we ODE III
respond: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the
Thee. 0 heavenly King... , Trisagion through beginning established the heavens by Thine
Our Father. Lord, have mercy (12 times). omnipotent Word and confirmed all their power
Glory ... , Now & ever ... 0 come, let us worship .. . by the all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: es­
(thrice). Psalm 50 (Have mercy on me, OGod... ); tablish me upon the immovable rock of the
Psalm 69 (0 God, be attentive unto helping confession of Thee!
me.. .); and Psalm 142 (0 Lord, hear my prayer). Let us earnestly offer cries ofthanksgiving,
Then, Glory to God in the highest ... , and the honoring as our intercessor her who is the
Symbol ofFaith (I believe in one God ... ). magnitude of divine joy and our gladness from
the beginning.
Canon of Supplication to the All-holy
Delivered by thee from misfortunes, and hav­
Theotokos, in Tone VIII
ing received joy because of thee, 0 Mother who
ODE I knewest not wedlock, we all glorify thee as a good
Irmos: Unto Him Who crushed battles with bestower of gifts and a right laudable helper.
His arm and drowned the mounted captains let Glory ... : Receiving release from transgres­
us sing, as to our God and Deliverer, for He hath sions and temptations by thy divine supplica­
been glorified. tion, 0 Mother of Christ God, with cries of
In song we offer unto thee as an adornment thanksgiving we faithfully hymn thee as the
gifts of thanksgiving and the divine hymn, source of good things.
"Rejoice now, 0 pure one!", for thou hast given Now & ever ... : The Mother of Christ God
us joy instead of grief. is the well-spring of joy which ever poureth
We shall not remain silent concerning the forth streams of immortality; and she herself
grace of thy mercy and the might of thy protec­ saveth all, for she is for us the bestowal of life
tion, 0 all-pure Virgin, for thou hast saved us everlasting.
from grievous misfortunes.
Glory ... : Delivered from divers trials and ODE IV
tribulations by thy maternal supplications, 0 Irmos: By Thy dispensation the virtue of
all-pure one, together we all fervently chant to Thine ineffable wisdom hath covered the heav­
thee hymns of thanksgiving. ens, 0 Christ God Who lovest mankind.
Now & ever ... : Arrayed in the golden robes In gladness we offer thee the fitting hymn­
of the virtues and the grace of the Spirit, 0 all­ ody ofjoy, 0 pure Virgin, having been delivered
pure one, adorned as the Bride of the Father, from misfortunes by thy supplications.
thou wast truly shown to be the Mother of God.

6
 SATURDAY NIGHT COMPLINE

With the hands of our souls we thankfully Glory ... : 0 pure one, the whole world is
raise hymnody unto thee, 0 pure Virgin, play­ under debt to thank, praise and glorify thy
ing divine songs, having been delivered from grace with piety; for through thee have we been
great grief. delivered from misfortunes and griefs.
Glory ... : The sinful passions have raised up Now & ever ... : Day and night, openly and
many tribulations against us; but do thou de­ secretly, we who glorify thee with faith do flee
liver us by thy divine protection, 0 pure one. beneath thy protection, 0 all-pure Virgin.
Now & ever ... : Truly blessed are those who
honor thee, 0 all-pure Theotokos, for through Then, Lord, have mercy! Thrice.
thee have we been delivered from sin and grief.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Sessional hymn, in
0DEV Tone VII­
Irmos: Night is bereft of light for those 0 Lord, we are Thy people and the sheep of
without faith, 0 Christ, but for the faithful Thy pasture. Like a shepherd return us who
there is enlightenment in the sweetness of Thy have strayed, and gather us together who have
words; wherefore, I rise early unto Thee and been scattered by corruption. Have mercy upon
hymn Thy divinity. Thy flock and take pity upon Thy people,
0 Virgin, thou gavest birth to Christ, the through the supplications of the Theotokos, 0
Destroyer of sin, by Whom the world hath been Thou Who alone art sinless.
saved from perils and pain; wherefore, we who
have been delivered from grief cry aloud unto ODE VII
thee: Rejoice! Irmos: Cast into the fiery furnace, the
Beset by divers perils, by grief and sorrow venerable children transformed the fire into
and adverse circumstances, 0 pure Mistress, dew, crying out thus in hymnody: Blessed art
we who were bereft ofgladness have found thee Thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers!
to be our hope. We offer thee the joy of thanksgiving,
Glory ... : As the preservation of salvation 0 Mother of God, for, truly delivered by thee
for us, thy servants, 0 pure one, thou dispellest from every evil power, we cry out to thee to­
dangers and keepest us unharmed; wherefore, gether: Blessed art thou!
we who have shared in thy manifold good things We have come to dwell in the gloom of
give thanks to thee with hymns. evening, in the tears of lamentation, in the
Now & ever ... : Delivered bytheefrommany expectation of evils; yet, deified by thy godly
sins, from sickness and pain, and from grievous protection, 0 Virgin, we have found the joy of
illness, 0 all-pure Mistress, we give thanks the morning: for thou hast saved us.
unto thee; for thou art the sure hope of thy Glory ... : Having acquired thy protection
faithful servants. before God as a divine refuge amid perils, per­
secutions and sins, 0 all-pure one, we all flee to
ODE VI thee, and through thee obtain release.
Irmos: Havingfallenintothe abyss of sin, 0 Now & ever ... : With mouth and spirit we
Good One, like Jonah from the midst of the sea proclaim the grace of thy supplication, 0 pure
monster I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from and glorious one; for because of thee we are all
corruption, and save me, 0 Thou Who lovest delivered from danger and tempest, from griev­
mankind. ous sorrows and the sin of the passions.
Even the tongues ofthe angels are unable to
sing thy praises fittingly, 0 pure one; but, ODE VIII
acting now as servants, we offer thee the salu­ Irmos: 0 ye priests and servants, and ye
tation of Gabriel. souls of the righteous, hymn and bless the
Having fallen into the abyss ofgriefand evil Creator of the world, Who is awesome to the
circumstances because of our sins, we are deliv­ cherubim and wondrous to the seraphim, and
ered by thee from want and danger, 0 pure exalt Him supremely forever.
Virgin Theotokos.

7
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

As one delivered by thy supplications from in manner transcending nature, is a Virgin by

the tempest of sin, from passions and perils, nature, and alone is blessed among women!
0 good Theotokos, with a voice of thanksgiving Delivered from divers temptations by thy
we cry aloud unto thee: "Rejoice!"; for through supplications, 0 Theotokos, with the Angel
thee have we passed from grief to joy. Gabriel we now offer unto thee joy and a cry of
0 good one, disdain not those who are beset jubilation, as is meet.
by sickness and danger; but, hearkening unto Joy and gladness and divine godly rejoicing
our poor entreaty, free us from great sorrows, have been multiplied upon us, 0 Virgin who
that we may hymn thy supplication with faith, knewest not man; for, lo! we who sorely weep
0 pure one. rejoice through thy supplications.
Glory ... : 0 thou who hast caused our trans­ Glory ... : With tongue and voice I shall offer
gressions to be wiped away, raise us now up unto thee a sacrifice of praise, 0 Virgin, and
from griefs and perils, from human passions shall earnestly utter a hymn of thanksgiving
and unseemly temptations; and by thy divine unto thee that, praying to thee, I may be deliv­
entreaties, 0 Theotokos, all-gloriously deliver ered by thee on the day of grief.
us therefrom. Now & ever ... : We piously rejoice together
Now & ever ... : Truly Thy compassions ever in thy divine birthgiving, 0 all-pure one; for
rain down upon everyone, 0 Christ, through the thou hast poured forth joy upon us in the midst
grace and entreaties ofher who gave Thee birth; of perils and griefs. Wherefore, with thanks­
for through Thee do we Christians receive Thy giving we who faithfully praise thee chant
mercy, 0 merciful Savior. hymnody unto thee.

OnE IX Then, "It is truly meet ... ': and the rest as usual.
Irmos: 0 ye faithful, with hymns let us Dismissal.
magnify the Theotokos, who became a mother

SUNDAY MORNING- NOCTURNS

The priest saith: "Blessed is our God ... ': and we Refrain: 0 all-holy Trinity, our God, glory
say: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to be to Thee!
Thee. 0 heavenly King... Trisagion through The noetic mouth of my heart and my mate­
Our Father... Priest: For Thine is the king­ rial lips do Thou open for Thy praise, 0 only
dom ... And we say: Amen. Lord, have mercy (12 thrice-radiant God of all, that I may chant
times), Glory ... , Now & ever ... , 0 come, let us hymnody of thanksgiving unto Thee, the Be­
worship (thrice). Psalm 50 (Have mercy on me, stower of light.
0 God .. .) That Thou mightest show forth the abun­
dance of Thy goodness, Thou didst create man,
And then, the Canon to the Holy & Life-creating who is the mere image in clay of Thy ruling
Trinity, the acrostic whereofis "I praise Thee, 0 image, 0 Creator, Trinity infinite in power.
Trinity, Thou sole reigning Essence': the compo­ 0 unoriginate Mind, Who didst beget the co­
sition of Metrophanes, in Tone VII­ eternal Word and shine forth the equally­
beginningless Spirit: Vouchsafe that we may
ODE I worship the one God in three Hypostases, alike
Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of as to Their essence.
water, which before was fluid, transformed into Theotokion: 0 Word of God, Thou didst
solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed appear to Moses in the bush as a purifying fire
through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a which in no wise consumed it, prefiguring
hymn of victory. Thine incarnation from the Virgin, whereby
Thou didst refashion men.

8
 SUNDAY MORNING NOCTURNS

ODE III hymn Thee, and save them from tribulation,

Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the sufferings and every affliction.
beginning established the heavens by Thine Perplexed by the sayings which signify
omnipotent Word and confirmed all their power Thine unapproachable and thrice-radiant
by the all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: es­ Divinity, we hymn Thee, 0 Lord Who lovest
tablish me upon the immovable rock of the mankind, and glorify Thy power.
confession of Thee. With the incorporeal choirs in the heavens,
Hymning Thee, the one, thrice-radiant and we on earth distinguish between Thy Persons,
all-accomplishing Master, 0 God infinite in 0 Unity and Trinity, and with love we glorify
power, we beg deliverance from sins and temp­ Thee as the One Who hath dominion over all.
tations. Disdain not those who with faith glo­ Theotokion: Without leaving the glory of
rify Thy goodness. the Father, ofThine own will Thou didst conde­
God the Word appeared from the Father as scend unto our lowliness, becoming incarnate,
doth an offshoot from an unoriginate root, and 0 Transcendent One; and Thou didst raise it up
He is equal in might with the conjoined and to divine glory, in that Thou art full of loving­
divine Spirit; wherefore, 0 ye faithful, let us kindness.
glorify the Trinity of Persons, the one Domin­
ion. 0DEV
0 ye faithful, let us all glorify the one reign­ Irmos: Night is bereft of light for those
ing Trinity, the Essence in three Hypostases, without faith, 0 Christ, but for the faithful
indivisibly and indistinguishably equal in glory there is enlightenment in the sweetness of Thy
and conjoined; and rendering worship, let us words; wherefore, I rise early unto Thee and
ask forgiveness of offenses. hymn Thy divinity.
Theotokion: 0 Word of God, having immuta­ 0 Trinity of Persons, light-creating Es­
bly taken on the likeness of men, Thou didst sence, Unity in counsel, glory and worship:
manifestly issue forth from the pure Maiden, and Establish us in Thy love. Twice
didst show unto all the thrice-radiant Godhead of Glorifying the Mind, the Word and the
immutable Hypostases one in essence. Spirit, the divine, three-Sunned Essence, we
beg deliverance from temptations and all tribu­
Lord, have mercy! Thrice lations.
Theotokion: Taking form in human na­
Sessional hymn, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "He ture through the holy Virgin, 0 Word of God,
Who for my sake ... "­ Thou didst teach men to hymn the Trinity in
Have mercy on Thy servants who have Unity, sharing the same form and equally
sinned, 0 Holy Trinity; accept those who repent enthroned.
before Thee, 0 Compassionate One, and vouch­
safe unto them forgiveness. OnE VI
Glory ... : Now & ever ... : Theotokion­ Irmos: Sailing amid the tumult of the cares
Bless thou our souls, which are afflicted by oflife, I founder with the ship of sin and am cast
sins, 0 most pure Theotokos, and from trans­ to the soul-destroying beast; yet like Jonah I cry
gressions deliver those who hymn thee, 0 Bride to Thee, 0 Christ: Lead me up from the deadly
of God. abyss!
We glorify the Dominion one in glory, the
OnE IV sole reigning Godhead in three Hypostases
Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, without leav­ which are immutably joined One with Another,
ing the bosom of the Father, didst descend to distinguished only as to the origin of Each.
earth: I have heard the mystery of Thy dis­ Twice
pensation, and have glorified Thee, Who The noetic ranks of the beauties of the
alone lovest mankind. angels praise Thee, 0 three-Sunned Godhead;
0 sustaining and thrice radiant Unity, di­ and with mouths ofclay we also faithfully hymn
vine and salvific for all, protect now those who and glorify Thee as the one Creator of all.

9
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Theotokion: At the strange words [of the Moses, who was slow of speech and spake with
archangel] the Word Who was begotten before difficulty; and zeal of God showed forth as,
the ages as another Sun, of the Father Who is unvanquished in the fire, the three children,
the Sun, shone forth from the Virgin in latter chanted: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the
times, and preached the incomprehensible God Lord, and exalt Him supremely forever!
Who is One in three Persons. Vouchsafe that those who hymn Thee may
be enlightened with the illuminating rays ofthe
Lord, have mercy! Thrice thrice-radiant Sun, and may now behold Thy
beauty, 0 Trinity and Unity. And grant this
Sessional hymn, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: ever, as far as is possible, unto all who with
"Brighter than fire ... " fitting faith hymn Thy greatness for all ages.
0 consubstantial Trinity, Unity of all in Thou dost hold all things, 0 unoriginate
three Hypostases, have mercy upon those Thou Dominion in Trinity and Unity, and dost direct
hast created, 0 Immortal One, burning up the heaven and the earth. Wherefore, keep me ever
evils of transgressors and enlightening the drawn by Thy love, that I may chant unto Thee:
hearts of those who sing to Thy loving­ Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, and
kindness: 0 our God, glory be to Thee! exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Make me a temple of Thy thrice-radiant
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion:­
effulgence, 0 Benefactor Who lovest mankind,
More brilliant than light, fire is the mercy of
and show me to be immune to communion and
thy grace, 0 Mistress, burning up the sins of
fellowship with the invisible foe and the carnal
men and bedewing the thoughts of those who
passions, 0 my God, sole Ruler and Lord of
praise thy mighty works, 0 all-immaculate
glory, that I may hymn Thee for all ages.
Theotokos.
Theotokion: The divine Light Who shone
forth from thy womb, 0 all-pure Mother of God,
ODE VII
hath illumined the whole world with the light of
Irmos: Cast into the fiery furnace, the
the threefold Sun, and shown the earth to be
venerable children transformed the fire into
another heaven, which singeth: Hymn the
dew, crying out thus in hymnody: Blessed art
Lord, all ye works of the Lord, and exalt Him
Thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers!
supremely for all ages!
0 thrice-radiant God, unapproachable and
transcendent Unity, ever shining with the ODE IX
splendors of rays of light, save those who Irmos: 0 Mother of God and Virgin, thou
piously believe on Thee and worship Thee, gavest birth yet remainest a virgin still, and
0 Master. this was not a work of nature, but of the conde­
Following the sayings of the divine proph­ scension of God; wherefore, we ever magnify
ets, Thee only, the one God of all in three thee as her who hath been vouchsafed divine
Persons, do we glorify, crying out thus: Blessed wonders.
art Thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers! We who are clay are unable worthily to
With lips of dust, 0 Holy Trinity, do we hymn with exalted speech Thee Whom the
hymn Thee with songs together with the imma­ seraphim unceasingly hymn in the highest; yet
terial ranks, crying out to the Unity of Essence: do we dare to magnify Thee as the Master of all
Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers! Who art full of love for mankind.
Theotokion: That He Who fashioned Adam Deliver those who hymn Thee from illness of
might fashion him anew, He manifestly became body and the passions ofthe soul, 0 Trinity one
incarnate of thee, 0 most pure one, deifying and indivisible; and vouchsafe that we may be
men, who cry out thus: Blessed is the Fruit of preserved unharmed by all the trials of life.
thy womb, 0 all-pure one! 0 dominion equal in power, divine, thrice­
radiant and omnipotent, immutable Beauty of
ODE VIII essential goodness: Grant remission of trans­
Irmos: The bush on Sinai which partook of gressions unto Thy servants, and deliver us
fire without being consumed revealed God unto from temptations and sufferings.

10
 SUNDAY MORNING NOCTURNS

Theotokion: Receiving mind and soul and We magnify Thee, the Godhead, the Lord of
fleshly substance from thine all-pure womb, 0 the cherubim, the incomparable divine Origin
Theotokos, God the Word truly became man; of the seraphim, the indivisible Trinity in
and He manifestly showed man to share in the Unity.
divine nature. I worship the unoriginate God the Father,
the Son Who is equally without beginning, and
Then, the hymn ofGregory the Sinaite, which is the Spirit. With hymns let us honor the one
chanted every Sunday after the canon- indivisible and unified Essence, the threefold
It is truly meet to glorify Thee, the Word of Unity.
God, before Whom the cherubim tremble and Shine forth Thy dazzling lightning flashes
quake, and Whom the hosts of heaven glorify. upon me, 0 my God in three Hypostases, Thou
And with fear we glorify Christ, the Bestower of Creator of all, and show me to be a splendid,
life, Who rose from the tomb on the third day. luminous and immutable habitation of Thine
With divine songs let us all in godly manner unapproachable glory.
hymn the Father, the Son and the Spirit divine, With fear let us glorify Christ the Bestower
the Might in three Hypostases, the one King­ of life, Who became ineffably incarnate of the
ship and Dominion, Virgin, for the cherubim tremble and quake
Whom all mortals hymn and the hosts of before Him, and the angelic armies glorify Him.
heaven glorify, the essential Unity in three Hy­
postases, Who is worshipped with faith by all. The rest ofNocturns, and the dismissal.

SUNDAY MORNING- MATINS

After the Six Psalms, we chant "God is the After the second chanting of the Psalter, these
Lord... ': in Tone VII, and sing the resurrec­ resurrectional sessional hymns, in Tone VII-
tional troparion, twice, and the theotokion, once While the tomb was sealed, Thou didst
(see Great Vespers, p. 108). Then the usual shine forth life from the grave, 0 Christ God;
chanting of the Psalter. and while the doors were shut, Thou, the Resur­
rection of all, didst stand before the disciples,
After the first chanting of the Psalter, these through them renewing an upright spirit for us,
resurrectional sessional hymns, in Tone VII- according to Thy great mercy.
Life lay in the tomb, and the seal lay upon Stichos: I will confess Thee, 0 Lord, with my
the stone. The soldiers guarded Christ as they whole heart, I will tell of all Thy wonders.
would a sleeping king, and the angels glorified The women ran to Thy tomb, bearing myrrh
Him as immortal God. And the women cried and tears; and while the soldiers were keeping
aloud: The Lord hath risen, granting great watch over Thee, the King of all, they said to
mercy to the world! themselves: "Who will roll away the stone for
Stichos: Arise, 0 Lord my God, let Thy hand us?" But the Angel ofgreat Counsel had arisen,
be lifted high; forget not Thy paupers to the end. trampling down death. 0 Lord almighty, glory
0 Christ God, Who by Thy burial madest be to Thee!
death captive, and Who by Thine arising raised
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
up man who had become corrupt: Glory to Thee,
Rejoice, 0 Virgin Theotokos full of grace,
in that Thou lovest mankind!
haven and intercession for the human race, for
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­ of thee did the Deliverer of the world become
0 Virgin Theotokos, unceasingly entreat incarnate, for thou alone art both Mother and
Christ our God, Who for our sake was crucified, Virgin, ever-blessed and all-glorious. Entreat
rose again, and cast down the dominion of Christ God, that He grant peace to all the world.
death, that He save our souls.

11
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Then, "Blessed are the blameless in the way ... ': Prokimenon, in Tone VII-
followed by the troparia "The assembly of the Arise, 0 Lord my God, let Thy hand be lifted
angels ... ". Little Litany, and this hypacdi, in high; forget not Thy paupers to the end.
Tone VII­ Stichos: I will confess Thee, 0 Lord, with my
0 Christ God, Who assumed our form and whole heart.
endured the Cross in the flesh, save me by Thy
Let every breath praise the Lord.
resurrection, in that Thou lovest mankind.
The appointed Resurrectional Gospel. Then,
Songs ofAscent, in Tone VII,
this resurrectional hymn, in Tone VI-
the verses being repeated­
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ,
Antiphon I
let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only
0 Savior Who turned the captivity of Sian
Sinless One. We worship Thy Cross, 0 Christ,
away from falsehood, grant life unto me, rescu­
and Thy holy resurrection we hymn and glorify.
ing me from enslaving passions.
For Thou art our God, and we know none other
He who with tears soweth the afflictions of
beside Thee, we call upon Thy name. 0 come,
fasting in the south shall reap sheaves of joy
all ye faithful, let us worship Christ's holy
and everlasting life.
resurrection, for behold, through the Cross joy
Glory ... : Through the Holy Spirit cometh the
hath come to all the world. Ever blessing the
well-spring of divine treasures: from Him are
Lord, we hymn His resurrection; for, having
wisdom, understanding and fear, and to Him are
endured crucifixion, He hath destroyed death
due praise and glory, honor and dominion.
by death.
Now & ever ... : The foregoing is repeated.
Psalm 50: "Have mercy on me, 0 God ... "
Antiphon II
Glory ... : Through the prayers of the
If the Lord buildeth not the house of the
apostles, 0 Merciful One, blot out the multitude
soul, in vain do we labor; for without Him is no
of our transgressions.
work or word made perfect.
Now & ever ... : Through the prayers of the
Moved by the Spirit, the saints, made true
Theotokos, 0 Merciful One, blot out the multi­
children through adoption by the Son, have
tude of our transgressions.
transmitted the teachings of the Father.
Glory ... : Through the Holy Spirit doth ev­ Then, in Tone VI:
erything come into being; for, from before the Have mercy on me, 0 God, according to Thy
beginning of time, He hath been the God of all, great mercy; and according to the multitude of
the Lord of all, the unapproachable Light, and Thy compassions, blot out my transgression.
the Life of all.
Then, this sticheron:
Now & ever ... : The foregoing is repeated.
Jesus having risen from the grave, as He
foretold, hath given us life eternal, and great
Antiphon III
mercy.
Having found the paths oflife, they who fear
the Lord are blessed, now and forever, with Then, the Prayer: "Save, 0 God, Thy people ... ':
incorruptible glory. followed by the exclamation: "Through the mercy
Seeing thine offspring like the trunks of and compassions and love for mankind... "
trees round about thy table, rejoice and be glad,
leading them to Christ, the Chief Shepherd. The Canons: ofthe Resurrection, with4 troparia;
Glory ... : From the Holy Spirit come an that of the Cross & the Resurrection, with 3
abyss ofgifts, a wealth ofglory and great depths troparia; that of the Theotokos, with 3 troparia;
ofjudgment; for, equal in glory with the Father and that from the Menaion, with 4 troparia. If a
and the Son, He is worshipped with Them. saint with 6 troparia is being celebrated, then the
Now & ever ... : The foregoing is repeated. Canon of the Cross & Resurrection hath 2 tro­
paria, as doth that of the Theotokos.

12
 SUNDAY MATINS

ODE I The corrupt and mortal nature of man was

Canon of the Resurrection, in Tone VII seized by death, 0 Mistress; but when thou
Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of didst conceive Life, thou didst lift it up from
water, which before was fluid, transformed into corruption unto life.
solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed
through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a Then, the canon from the Menaion, and the
hymn of victory. katavasia as prescribed by the Typicon.
Stichos: Glory to Thy holy resurrection, 0
Lord! ODE III
By the Tree was the tyranny of death over­ Canon of the Resurrection
thrown, when Thou wast condemned to an Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the
unjust death, 0 Lord; thus, utterly unable to beginning established the heavens by Thine
vanquish Thee, the prince of darkness was omnipotent Word and confirmed all their power
rightly banished. by the all-accomplishing and divine Spirit:
Hades drew nigh to Thee, but his fangs establish me upon the immovable rock of the
were unable to rend Thy body, and his jaws confession of Thee!
were broken; wherefore, having destroyed the Having ascended the Tree, 0 compassion­
pangs of death, 0 Savior, Thou didst arise on ate Savior, of Thine own will Thou didst experi­
the third day. ence pain for our sake and didst endure the
Theotokion: The pangs of our first mother wounding which won reconciliation and salva­
Eve have been eased, for, eluding pain, thou tion for the faithful. And thereby have we all
gavest birth without knowing man. Wherefore, been reconciled with Thy Father, 0 Merciful
clearly knowing thee to be the Theotokos, 0 all­ One.
pure one, we all glorify thee. Having cleansed of sores me who was
wounded by the sting of the serpent, 0 Christ,
Canon of the Cross & the Resurrection
Thou didst show forth light unto me who from
Irmos: He Who crusheth battles ...
of old have lain in darkness and corruption; for
On the Cross the Savior poured forth two
having descended into hades through the
life-bearing streams for us from His pierced
Cross, Thou didst raise me up with Thyself.
side. Let us chant unto Him, for He hath been
Theotokion: Through the entreaties of Thy
glorified.
Mother who knew not man, 0 Savior, grant
Having dwelt in the tomb and arisen on the
peace to the world, and vouchsafe Thine inef­
third day, Christ, the Expectation of the na­
fable glory unto those who glorify Thee.
tions, granted incorruption unto mortals. Let
us chant unto Him, for He hath been glorified.
Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
Theotokion: Thou alone wast shown to be a
Irmos: 0 Thou Who !ouest mankind, Who
virgin even after giving birth; for thou gavest
established the heavens ...
birth unto the Creator for the world. Where­
0 Thou Who alone lovest mankind, Who
fore, we all cry out to thee: Rejoice!
endured sufferings upon the Cross and, as God
Canon of the Theotokos and Benefactor, opened paradise to the thief,
Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of make my mind firm in Thy will.
water ... (see above, first canon). 0 Thou Who alone lovest mankind, Who
0 Virgin who gavest birth to the Abyss of arose from the grave on the third day and, as the
loving-kindness, illumine my soul with thy lu­ Bestower of life and God, shone forth life upon
minous effulgence, that I may hymn the abyss the world, establish my mind in Thy will.
of thy wonders as is meet. Theotokion: 0 Mary, Virgin and Mother,
Seeing us wounded by the dart of sin, the as thou didst conceive God without seed and
Word took pity on us, as our Benefactor; where­ hast delivered Eve from the curse, entreat God
fore, the All-divine One ineffably united Him­ Who became incarnate of thee, that He save
selfto flesh He had received from thee, 0 most thy flock.
pure one.

13
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Canon of the Theotokos Theotokion: When Thou didst die, 0 Thou

Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who ~n the Who wast born ofthe Virgin, Thou didst give life
beginning ... unto Adam who erred in mind; and death was
The serpent who slithered forth from Eden, terrified of Thy might, for Thou didst come to
beguiling me with a desire to become a god, hath save all who had fallen under corruption.
cast me down to the ground; but He Who is
Canon of the Theotokos
merciful and compassionate by nature, having
Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, without leav­
made His abode within thy womb and become
ing...
like unto me, 0 Virgin Mother, hath taken pity
0 most hymned one, who even before cre­
and deified me.
ation appeared to God as wholly elect and beau­
Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, 0 Virgin
teous in the splendor ofthy radiance, enlighten
Theotokos, thou joy of all; for for the whole
those who hymn thee.
world thou gavest birth unto the Joy and Glad­
For man, 0 pure one, thou gavest birth unto
ness which truly dispelleth the grief of sin, 0
God, Who became incarnate ofthy pure blood, and
Bride of God.
delivereth from many offenses those who with
0 Virgin Theotokos, thou didst truly give
love glorify and honor thee, 0 Mother and Virgin.
birth for us to eternal Life and Peace, causing
Reason-endowed nature, having now
men's ancient battle against God the Father to
learned the ineffable mystery of thy birthgiv­
cease, through thy faith and confession ofgrace.
ing, 0 most hymned and all-blessed one, offer­
eth priestly ministry unto Him Who shone forth
OnE IV from thee.
Canon of the Resurrection
0DEV
Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, withoutleavingthe
Canon of the Resurrection
bosom ofthe Father, didst descend to earth: I have
Irmos: Night is bereft of light for those
heard the mystery ofThy dispensation, and have
glorified Thee, Who alone lovest mankind. without faith, 0 Christ, but for the faithful
there is enlightenment in the sweetness of Thy
Giving His shoulders over to stripes, the
words; wherefore, I rise early unto Thee and
innocent Master, Who was incarnate of the
hymn Thy divinity.
Virgin, was beaten by a most sinful servant,
For Thy servants art Thou betrayed, and
loosing mine offenses.
Thou endurest blows to Thy cheeks, which win
Standing before the tribunal of iniquitous
freedom for those who chant: I rise early unto
judges, the Judge is examined as one indicted;
Thee and hymn Thy divinity!
and He Who judgeth the earth with righteous­
By Thy divine power, 0 Christ, Thou didst
ness and as God formed man is smitten by a
hand of clay, cast down the mighty one with Thy weak hu­
man flesh, and by Thy resurrection thou hast
Theotokion: In that thou art truly the
shown me to be a victor over death, 0 Savior.
Mother of God, entreat thy Creator and Son, 0
Theotokion: 0 pure Mother, Thou gavest
most immaculate one, that He guide me to the
saving haven of His glorious will. birth unto God, Who as God became incarnate
of thee, 0 most hymned one; and though thou
hadst no concourse with the male gender, yet
Canon of the Cross & the Resurrection
dost thou give birth through the Holy Spirit.
Irmos: In latter times, the prophet ...
0 Lord Who knowest not sin, yet because of Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
it didst become that which Thou wast not: Thou Irmos: Rising at dawn unto Thee out of the
takest form, receiving that which is alien to night...
Thee, that Thou mightest save the world and When Thou wast numbered with the out­
slay the deceiving tyrant. laws, Thou didst ascend Golgotha. And the
Thou wast uplifted upon the Cross and didst lights of heaven hid themselves, the earth
release our forefather Adam from his sin, for quaked, and the veil of the temple was rent
which cause I have heard ofThy power; for Thou in twain, making manifest the apostasy of
didst come to save all Thine anointed ones. the Jews.

14
 SUNDAY MATINS

With hymns we glorify Thee, Who destroyed Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
all the power of the tyrant with the might of Irmos: Jonah cried out...
Thine unapproachable divinity, and raised up Lifted up upon the Cross of Thine own will,
the dead by Thy resurrection. 0 Savior, Thou didst make captive the domin­
Theotokion: 0 most hymned Theotokos, ion of the enemy, nailing the record of our sins
Mother ofour God and King, by thine entreaties to it, 0 Good One.
send down cleansing of transgressions upon Rising from the dead with power, 0 Savior,
those who with faith and love ever praise thee Thou didst raise up the human race with Thee,
in hymns. granting us life and incorruption, in that Thou
lovest mankind.
Canon of the Theotokos

Theotokion: 0 Theotokos, never cease to

Irmos: Night is bereft of light ...

entreat our God, to Whom thou didst ineffa­

Beholding the ladder set firmly in the high­
bly give birth, that those who hymn thee may
est, Jacob understood it to be an image of thee,
be delivered from misfortunes, 0 pure Ever­
0 thou who knewest not wedlock; for through
virgin.
thee hath God come into fellowship with men, 0
most pure Mistress. Canon of the Theotokos

Having now found everlasting deliverance Irmos: Sailing amid the tumult...

through thee, 0 Virgin, we earnestly cry out to The images ofthe law and the foretellings of
thee, "Rejoice!", 0 Bride of God; and uplifted to the prophets clearly proclaimed beforehand
joy by thy light, 0 most hymned one, we hymn thee, 0 pure one, who wouldst give birth to the
thee in songs. Benefactor of all creation, Who continually and
The Bridegroom found thee alone like a lily in manifold ways hath benefited those who
among thorns, shining with the radiance of hymn thee with faith.
purity and the light of virginity, 0 Virgin, and The first-created Adam, who of old was
He took thee to be His Bride, 0 most immacu­ banished from the divine delight of Eden
late one. through the treachery of the slayer of man,
didst thou restore when thou gavest birth unto
OnE VI Him Who hath delivered us from his transgres­
Canon of the Resurrection sion, 0 thou who knewest not wedlock.
Irmos: Sailing amid the tumult ofthe cares He Who by His divine will and creative
oflife, I founder with the ship ofsinandamcast power brought all things into being out of noth­
to the soul-destroying beast; yet like Jonah I cry ingness, issued forth from thy womb, 0 pure
to Thee, 0 Christ: Lead me up from the deadly one, and with divine lightning flashes He hath
abyss! illumined those who are in the darkness of
The souls of the righteous imprisoned in death.
hades and left there, remembered Thee and
besought salvation of Thee, which through the Kontakion, in Tone VII-
Cross Thou didst grant to the nether regions, 0 No longer is the might of death able to hold
Christ, having come there full of loving­ men, for Christ descended, crushing and break­
kindness. ing its power. Hades is bound, and the prophets
The choir of the apostles despaired of ever rejoice together, saying: "The Savior appeared
seeing again Thine animate temple not made by tothosewithfaith, [exclaiming]: 'Comeforth,ye
man, which was destroyed by Thy sufferings; faithful, unto the resurrection!"'
yet, beyond hope, they worshipped Thee and Ikos: Below, the uttermost depths, hades
everywhere proclaimed Thee risen. and death trembled today before One of the
Theotokion: Who amongmencanexplain the Trinity; the earth quaked, and the gatekeepers
manner ofthine ineffable birthgivingwhich took of hades, beholding Thee, were horrified. And
place for our sake, 0 Virgin Bride of God? For all creation, rejoicing with the prophets,
God the Word, Who is uncircumscribable, unit­ singeth a hymn ofvictory to Thee, our Deliverer
ing Himself to thee, became flesh through thee. and God, Who hast now destroyed the power of

15
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

death. Let us exult and cry out unto Adam and Receiving the burning coal of old, Isaiah
his descendents, in that the tree of the Cross was purified, 0 Maiden; and in signs he beheld
hath restored him to paradise: Come forth, ye thy giving birth to the supremely exalted and
faithful, unto the resurrection! all-glorious God of our fathers.
Of old, the divine prophets, beholding im­
ODE VII ages and signs of thy divine birthgiving, joy­
Canon of the Resurrection ously cried out, chanting: Supremely exalted
Irmos: Of old, the children showed the fiery and all-glorious is the God of our fathers!
furnace to pour forth dew, hymning the one God
ODE VIII
and saying: Supremely exalted and all-glorious
Canon of the Resurrection
is the God of our fathers!
Irmos: The bush on Sinai, which partook of
Through a tree death came to Adam, who of
fire without being consumed, revealed God
his own will committed disobedience; but
unto Moses, who was slow of speech and spake
through the obedience of Christ is he restored.
with difficulty; and the zeal ofGod showed forth
For my sake is the all-glorious Son of God
the three children in the fire as invincible, who
crucified.
chanted: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the
All creation hath hymned Thee, 0 Christ,
Lord, and exalt Him supremely forever!
Who rose from the tomb; for Thou didst cause
Slaughtered for the world, the all-pure
life to blossom forth for those in hades, and
Lamb brought an end to the sacrifices offered in
resurrection for the dead, and light for those in
accordance with the law, in that He is God,
darkness, 0 All-glorious One.
purifying it of transgressions, that it may ever
Theotokion: Rejoice, daughter of corrupt
cry: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord,
Adam! Rejoice, only Bride of God! Rejoice, 0
and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
thou who gavest birth to God, and through
Our flesh, which was assumed by the Cre­
whom corruption was driven off! Him do thou
ator, was not incorrupt before His suffering; but
beseech, 0 pure one, that we all be saved.
after His suffering and resurrection it was ren­
Canon of the Cross & Resurrection dered untouchable by corruption, and restoreth
Irmos: Cast into the fiery furnace ... mortals, who cry: Hymn the Lord, all ye works
Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers, of the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all
who didst break the sting of sin on the tree ofthe ages!
Cross, and with the spear which pierced Thy side Theotokion: Thy pure and most unblem­
didst tear asunder the record of Adam's crime! ished state hath purified the vile and abomi­
Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord God ofour fathers, nable state of the whole world, 0 Virgin; and
Who wast pierced in the side and with the thou becamest the cause of our reconciliation
sprinkling of Thy divine blood didst cleanse the with God. Wherefore, 0 all-pure Virgin, all of
earth, which had been defiled by the blood of us, His works, bless and exalt thee supremely
idolatrous sacrifices! for all ages.
Theotokion: 0 Theotokos, upon the world
Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
thou didst shine forth Christ, the Light Who
Irmos: The only unoriginate King ofglory ...
existeth from before the sun, and Who deliv­
Him Who of His own will endured suffer­
ereth from darkness and with divine knowledge
ings, Who was nailed to the Cross at His own
enlighteneth all who cry out: Blessed art Thou,
desire, and destroyed the power of hades, do ye
0 Lord God of our fathers!
hymn, 0 priests! Ye people, exalt Him su­
Canon of the Theotokos premely for all ages!
Irmos: Of old, the children... (See above, Him Who abolished the dominion of death,
first canon) Who arose from the tomb in glory, and saved the
Thy Lord and Creator, 0 Virgin, loved thee, human race, do ye hymn, 0 priests! Ye people,
who art possessed ofraiment embroidered with exalt Him supremely for all ages!
gold, wrought of many colors. Supremely ex­ Theotokion: The only Compassionate One,
alted and all-glorious is the God of our fathers! the preeternal Word, Who was born of the

16
 SUNDAY MATINS

Virgin in the latter days, and annulled the It; moreover, we confound those who dare to
ancient curse, do ye hymn, 0 priests! Ye people, confuse that which we magnify.
exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Canon of the Cross & Resurrection
Canon of the Theotokos Irmos: 0 Mother of God and Virgin, thou
Irmos: The bush on Sinai... (See above, first gauest birth yet remainest a virgin ....
canon) Christ, the Light from Light, the Effulgence
With the light of thy birthgiving thou didst of the Father's glory which shone forth time­
strangely enlighten the whole world, 0 Theoto­ lessly, shone forth upon human life like Light in
kos; for in thine arms thou dost bear Him Who the darkness, and drove away the tormenting
is truly God, Who enlighteneth the faithful, gloom. 0 ye faithful, let us magnify Him with­
who ever cry: 0 all ye works of the Lord, hymn out ceasing.
the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages! Beholding in Christ sufferings of the flesh
0 pure one, we piously hymn thy womb, and the might of divinity, let those who reason
which ineffably contained the incarnate God, that He is a single, commingled Being be put to
Who hath given the enlightenment of the shame; for as man He dieth, but as the Creator
knowledge of God unto all the faithful, who ever of all He riseth again.
cry: 0 all ye works of the Lord, hymn the Lord "Myrrh is suitable for the dead, while hymn­
and exalt Him supremely for all ages! ody is fitting for one who is alive. Tears are
With the splendors of thy light thou hast proper for the dying, but offer hymns 0 ye
rendered those who hymn thee luminous, 0 women, to the Life of all!", the herald of the
pure Theotokos, bearer of the Light; for thou resurrection cried out, announcing the glad
wast shown to be the habitation of the Light, tidings of Christ's arising.
illumining with light those who cry: 0 all ye Theotokion: "I know none other God than
works ofthe Lord, hymn the Lord and exalt Him Thee," the Church crieth out to Thee. "0
supremely for all ages! Word Who hast chosen me from among the
unbelieving nations as Thy bride, grant sal­
Then we chant the Hymn ofthe Theotokos: "My vation unto the faithful, through the suppli­
soul doth magnify the Lord... ': with the refrain cations of her who gave Thee birth, in that
"More honorable than the cherubim ... " Thou art compassionate.
Canon of the Theotokos
OnE IX
Irmos: 0 Mother ofGod and Virgin,... (See
Canon of the Resurrection
above canon)
Irmos: 0 Mother who knewest not man, who
Thou hast been the Mediatress of everlast­
gavest birth without experiencing corruption,
ing joy and gladness for us, 0 Ever-virgin
and lent flesh to the Word Who hath fashioned
Maiden, having given birth to the Deliverer
all things, 0 Virgin Theotokos, thou receptacle of
Who delivereth those who worship Him as God
Him Whom naught can resist and dwelling­
in truth and by the divine Spirit.
place of the Infinite: thee do we magnify.
David, thine ancestor, 0 all-pure one,
0 all ye of alien mind, who assume that the
hymning thee, calleth thee the ark of divine
Divinity suffered, stop your mouths; for we
holiness, which supernaturally contained God
magnify the Lord of glory crucified in the flesh,
Who sitteth in the bosom of the Father. 0 ye
but not crucified in His divine essence, for He is
faithful, let us magnify Him without ceasing.
One in two natures.
Thou art truly more exalted than all cre­
0 ye who believe not in the resurrection of
ation, 0 Maiden, for thou didst give birth bodily
the body, come ye to the tomb of Christ and
to the Creator of all for us; wherefore, as the
learn; for the flesh of the Bestower of life was
Mother of the one Master, with authority thou
dead and rose again, to assure us of the final
dost carry the victory against all enemies.
resurrection, wherein we hope.
Triadicon: Worshipping a Trinity of Hy­ After the katavasia, the little litany. Then,
postases, not of Godheads, a Oneness of divin­ "Holy is the Lord our God!': thrice; and the
ity, not of Persons, we cut off those who divide matins exapostilarion.

17
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

On the Praises, 8 stichera, in Tone V11­ raised the dead up from the indissoluble bonds
Stichos: To do among them the judgment of hades, and as God He hath granted the world
that is written. This glory shall be to all His life everlasting and great mercy.
saints. Stichos: Arise, 0 Lord my God, let Thy hand
Christ hath risen from the dead, bursting be lifted high; forget not Thy paupers to the end.
the bonds of death! 0 earth, proclaim great joy! The radiant angel sat upon the stone of the
Ye heavens, sing the glory of God! Life-receiving tomb and announced to the
Stichos: Praise ye God in His saints, praise myrrh-bearing women, saying: "The Lord is
Him in the firmament of His power. risen, as He told you before! Proclaim ye to His
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, disciples that He goeth before you into Galilee,
let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, Who alone and granteth the world life everlasting and
is sinless. great mercy!"
Stichos: Praise Him for His mighty acts, Stichos: I will confess Thee, 0 Lord, with my
praise Him according to the multitude of His whole heart, I will tell of all Thy wonders.
greatness. Why did ye cause the Cornerstone to be
Let us not cease worshipping the resurrec­ rejected, 0 most iniquitous Jews? Behold, He is
tion ofChrist; for the holy Lord Jesus, revealing the One Whom God set in Sion, Who poured
His resurrection, hath saved us from our water forth from the stone in the wilderness,
iniquities. and poureth forth immortality upon us from
Stichos: Praise Him with the sound of His own side. He is the Stone which was
trumpet, praise Him with psaltery and harp. quarried from the mountain of the Virgin with­
What shall we render unto the Lord for all out desire of man, the Son ofman Who goeth on
that He hath rendered unto us? God the Word, the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of Days, as
for the sake ofus and our corrupted nature, took Daniel said, and His kingdom is eternal.
flesh, and dwelt among us men. To the thank­
less He came as Benefactor; to the captive as Glory ... : The matins Gospel sticheron ..
Liberator; to those sitting in darkness as the
Sun of righteousness. On the Cross, He was Now & ever ... : Theotokion, in Tone 11­
dispassionate; in hades, He was light; in death Most blessed art thou, 0 Virgin Theotokos,
He was life and resurrection for the fallen. Let for through Him Who became incarnate ofThee
us cry aloud to Him: 0 our God, glory be to Thee! is hades led captive, Adam recalled, the curse
Stichos: Praise Him with timbrel and annulled, Eve set free, death slain, and we are
dance, praise Him with strings and flute. given life. Wherefore, we cry aloud in praise:
Thou didst break down the gates ofhades, 0 Blessed art Thou, 0 Christ God, Who hast been
Lord; with Thy mighty power Thou didst abol­ thus well-pleased, glory to Thee.
ish the dominion of death; and by Thy glorious
resurrection Thou didst raise up with Thyself Great Doxology, and resurrectional troparion-
the dead who slept in darkness from ages past, Today hath salvation come to the world! Let
as King of all and almighty God. us chant unto Him Who hath risen from the
Stichos: Praise Him with tuneful cymbals, tomb, the Author of our life; for having de­
praise Him with cymbals of jubilation. Let stroyed death by death, He hath granted us
every breath praise the Lord. victory and great mercy.
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord and be glad
in His resurrection; for with Himself He hath And the dismissal.

18
 SUNDAY AT LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VII- Having risen from the dead on the third day,
The fruit which slew me was beautiful and the Lord bestowed His peace upon His disciples;
good to eat; but Christ is the Tree of life, and and having blessed them, He sent them forth,
eating of Him I do not die, but cry out with the saying: Lead all into My kingdom!
thief: Remember me, 0 Lord, in Thy kingdom! Glory ... : The Father is light; the Son and
0 Compassionate One, Who wast lifted up Word is light; and the Holy Spirit is light. Yet
upon the Cross, Thou hast erased the record of the Three are one Light, for they are one God in
Adam's ancient sin, and hast saved the whole three Persons, One in nature and origin, indi­
human race from deception. Wherefore, we visible, unconfused and preeternal.
hymn Thee, 0 Lord and Benefactor. Now & ever ... : For our sake thou gavest
Thou didst nail our sins to the Cross, 0 birth in the flesh to the Son and Word of the
compassionate Christ, and by Thy death Thou Father, in a way that He Himself knoweth,
didst slay death, 0 Thou Who didst raise up the 0 Theotokos. Wherefore, 0 Virgin Mother, we
dead from among the dead. Wherefore, we who are deified through thee cry out to thee:
worship Thy holy resurrection. Rejoice, 0 hope of Christians!
The serpent once poured its venom into the
ears of Eve; but on the tree of the Cross Christ Prokimenon, in Tone VII-
poured forth the sweetness of life upon the The Lord will give strength unto His people; the

world. Wherefore, we cry out: Remember us, 0 Lord will bless His people with peace.

Lord, in Thy kingdom! Stichos: Bring unto the Lord, ye sons of God,

Thou wast laid in the tomb as one dead, 0 bring unto the Lord the sons of rams.

Christ, Thou Life of all; and Thou didst break

down the gates ofhades; and having risen again Alleluia, in Tone VII-
in glory on the third day as One mighty, Thou Stichos: It is good to give praise unto the Lord,
hast illumined all. Glory to Thine arising! and to chant unto Thy name, 0 Most High.
Stichos: To proclaim in the morning Thy mercy,
and Thy truth by night.

19
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

SUNDAY EVENING- VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera of repen­ Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
tance, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "Today Judas prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­
keepeth vigil ... "- eth forever.
Stichos: IfThou shouldst mark iniquities, 0 With the shelter of your wings preserve all
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee the faithful from the spirits of wickedness,
there is forgiveness. dispelling their darkness.
Lift up thine eyes, 0 my soul, and behold the
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
dispensation and lovingkindness of God: how
With the angels let us all cry out to the
having bowed down the heavens, He descended
Theotokos in hymns, for she gave birth to the
to the earth, that He might raise thee up from
Savior ofthe world, and remained a virgin even
the wretched state ofthy passions, and set thee
after giving birth, and by her birthgiving hath
upon the rock of faith. 0 the wonder of this
delivered the world from beguilement. She
awesome miracle! Glory to Thine abasement, 0
who fed the Liberator of our souls hath given us
Thou Who lovest mankind!
inexhaustible sustenance.
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
hoped in the Lord.
Behold thine all-iniquitous works, 0 my soul, Aposticha stichera ofrepentance, in Tone VII­
and marvel that the earth still beareth thee, that I have come, 0 Compassionate One, like the
it hath not been riven asunder, that the wild prodigal son. As one of Thy hirelings do Thou
beasts do not devour thee, that the ever-shining accept me who fall down before Thee, 0 God, and
Sun hath not ceased to shine upon thee. Arise, have mercy on me, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind.
repent, and cry out to the Lord: I have sinned Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine eyes,
against Thee, I have sinned! Have mercy on me! unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Behold, as the
Stichos: From the morning watch until eyes of servants look unto the hands of their
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope masters, as the eyes of the handmaid look unto
in the Lord. the hands ofher mistress, so do our eyes look unto
Trusting in Thee, 0 omnipotent Lord, we the Lord our God, until He take pity on us.
beseech Thee, that we be delivered from all Like the one who fell among thieves and was
tribulations, sufferings and turmoil; that we wounded, so have I fallen through many sins,
may pass our life in peace; and, having lived in and my soul hath been wounded. To whom shall
purity, may find Thee, our Master, merciful on I who am guilty flee? To Thee alone, the Physi­
the day of judgment. cian of men's souls. 0 God, pour forth upon me
Then the sticheraofthe saint, from the Menaion; Thy great mercy!
or if there is no Menaion, these stichera of the Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
holy incorporeal angels, in Tone VII- mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
Stichos: For with the Lord there is abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
mercy, and with Him there is plenteous re­ therewith; let reproach come upon them that
demption; and He shall redeem Israel out of prosper, and abasement on the proud.
all his iniquities. Martyricon: Glory to Thee, 0 Christ God,
Illumined by the rays of the Trinity, 0 arch­ Thou boast of the apostles and joy of the mar­
angels, illumine those who hymn you with faith. tyrs, who preached the consubstantial Trinity!
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
praise Him, all ye peoples. 0 Bride of God, we cry out to thee, Rejoice!,
0 ye who are secondary 1uminarie s with the angel, calling thee the bridal-chamber,
through communion, who are shown to be the portal and the fiery throne, the unquarried
perfect lights, we pray: Intercede for us before mountain and the bush unburnt.
the primal Radiance.

20
 SUNDAY NIGHT VESPERS

Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart... Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia. Litany,
and Dismissal.

ON SUNDAY NIGHT AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I Now & ever ... : Having ineffably conceived

Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of in thy womb Christ, the Sustainer of all, 0 all­
water, which before was fluid, transformed into pure one, thou hast freed human nature from
solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed the chains of hades. Break thou now asunder
through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a the tangled bonds which hold me in corruption.
hymn of victory.
ODE IV
Of a truth the ranks of angels rightly honor
Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, without leaving
thee, the Mother of the God of all, 0 all-pure
the bosom ofthe Father, didst descend to earth:
one. Accept now also this hymn of supplication
I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation,
from my lips of clay.
and have glorified Thee, Who alone lovest man­
0 all-pure one who gavest birth to true Life,
kind.
slay thou my carnal wickedness, which liveth
My mind fraught with gloom, at night I do
yet, and grant unto thy servant deliverance from
battle against a myriad of evil spirits. 0 portal
transgressions and the passions, 0 pure one.
of the light, with thy rays illumine me, and
Glory ... : The timeless Word, the Sun Who
quickly rescue me from bitterness and grief.
shone forth unapproachably from the Sun, hath
Surrounded by a multitude of sins and
shone forth in time. With His rays, 0 Virgin,
bound fast with bonds oftemptations, I now call
enlighten our souls, and bring us to under­
upon thine aid, 0 Mistress, that I may be
standing.
delivered from every torment.
Now & ever ... : Ever effective words of
Glory ... : Drive away the hordes of evil and
praise are due thee, 0 Theotokos; yet we en­
cruel demons and the assemblies ofenvious and
treat thee, 0 pure one: From all the griefs of life
wicked men, 0 most hymned one, and deliver
save those who have recourse unto thee.
me from all the grief and tribulation of life.
Now & ever ... : With the sword of thy
ODE III
prayers, 0 Mistress, cut down the lying words
Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the
and deeds which redound upon me, and quickly
beginning established the heavens by Thine
free me and deliver me from all grief.
omnipotent word and confirmed all their power
by the all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: es­ 0DEV
tablish me upon the immovable rock of the Irmos: Night is bereft of light for those
confession of Thee! without faith, 0 Christ, but for the faithful
As a servant right wisely repaying my debts there is enlightenment in the sweetness of Thy
for thy grace, 0 Mistress, I zealously hymn words; wherefore, I rise early unto Thee and
thee, 0 all-pure Mother of the Word, the Deliv­ hymn Thy divinity.
erer of all; wherefore, even now rescue me from In that thou art the impregnable bulwark of
the assaults of life. the faithful and the protection of thy servant, 0
0 all-pure Mistress who gavest birth to the Virgin, from every violent grief and affliction
life-creating Word, thou hast manifestly vouch­ deliver me.
safed a higher life unto Adam, upon whom Assailed on every side, 0 all-pure one, I am
death came through disobedience Free me now in great distress. By thy supplications restore
also from mortal sin. the strength of body and soul which hath failed
Glory ... : Thelawofthepassionswhichhath within me.
hardened against the flesh, and now vexeth the Glory ... : I, thy servant, now flee to the
spirit, doth cause my mind to grow attached to depths of thy compassion, 0 Virgin, that I may
the most grievous of passions, 0 all-pure one; be delivered from the unjust assembly which
yet by thy supplications quickly grant unto me assaileth me, and from oppression.
the peace of dispassion.
21
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Now & ever ... : The glory of thy supplica­ The demons of evil now rage exceedingly,
tions is everywhere supremely exalted, 0 all­ and the fire of the passions burneth within me;
pure Virgin Mother; thereby deliver me now yet with the rays of thy life, and all the more
from every assault of life. with thy compassions, do thou utterly consume
them, 0 intercessor for our race.
ODE VI Glory ... : entreating thy Son in our behalf,
Irmos: Sailing amid the tumult of the cares 0 all-pure Mother of God, with thy supplica­
oflife, I founder with the ship of sin and am cast tions do thou never cease to rescue thy servant
to the soul-destroying beast; yet like Jonah I cry from the griefs and misfortunes of man.
to Thee, 0 Christ: Lead me up from the deadly Now & ever ... : The transcendent Son immu­
abyss! tably took flesh from thee, 0 Virgin, and became
The utterances and words of all do praise man, that He might save those who chant:
thee with faith, 0 pure one, for by thy birthgiv­ Blessed is the Fruit ofthy womb, 0 all-pure one.
ing hath the debt of all men been manifestly
abolished; yet even now accept the entreaty of ODE VIII
those who hymn thee, and deliver us from Irmos: Bedewed, the children cried aloud in
temptations and griefs. the midst ofthe furnace: Let creation bless Him
Sick am I, and pierced by the thorns ofsinful Who formed all things by His word, and exalt
passions, 0 all-pure one, yet do I seek healing Him supremely forever!
from thee. Take from me all pain and sorrow, Expanses of the passions and multifarious
and deliver me from temptations and griefs. woes truly surround thy servant, 0 Mistress;
Glory ... : 0 Theotokos who becamest the but deliver me from their every temptation.
palace ofthe King ofglory, thou hast manifestly Let thy mighty hand now come upon us, 0
exalted human nature to heaven; wherefore, Mistress, and let it deliver us from the human
lead me up from the abyss of my manifold tribulations we expect.
transgressions, temptations and passions. Glory ... : Break thou the snares of wicked
Now & ever ... : 0 pure Virgin, in manner men of evil counsel, 0 pure Theotokos, and
past understanding and recounting thou gavest deliver thy servant from every need.
birth to the incarnate Word Who hath delivered Now & ever ... : As thou art the only divine
us from irrationality; wherefore, we unceas­ haven of the faithful, 0 pure Virgin, I entreat
ingly hymn thee with divine discourse, and thee to deliver me from the bitter tempest ofthe
glorify thee with faith. sea of life.
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now &
ODE IX
ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VII­
Irmos: Rejoice, 0 radiant Virgin, Mother of
0 Mistress, thy Son hath become angry with
the Bestower oflight! Rejoice, 0 thou who didst
thy sinful servants. We have turned to wrath
contain the Infinite One within thy womb!
Him Who is full of lovingkindness, but do thou
Rejoice, thou who gavest birth unto the Savior
turn Him again to mercy, 0 pure one. Have
of our souls, who art greater in honor than the
pity, 0 Mother of God, and with thine own
very cherubim!
entreaties beseech the Compassionate One,
Having bolted away from the command­
and deliver those who are held captive.
ments of the Master like a colt, let me be
ODE VII restrained by the bridle of thy prayers, 0 all­
Irmos: Cast into the fiery furnace, the pure one, and brought back to the path of
venerable children transformed the fire into speedy restoration.
dew, crying out thus in hymnody: Blessed art Brought low am I to the commission of my
Thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers! wicked sins through mindless stumbling. De­
0 all-pure Maiden who art arrayed in the liver me from my bitter state, 0 Theotokos.
vesture of purity, transport now my soul from Glory ... : Having been shown to be the
vile wickedness to divine beauty, 0 blessed primal healing of human nature, thou didst
Mistress, thou intercessor for our race. cure the fall of Adam and Eve. Heal me also by
thine entreaties, 0 Theotokos.
22

 SUNDAY NIGHT COMPLINE

Now & ever ... : Grant me a chaste mind, a Then, "It is truly meet ... ", and a prostration.
pure heart and a prudent understanding, 0 Trisagion through Our Father... Troparion,
Mistress, that I may keep the all-pure com­ and the rest as usual. Dismissal.
mandments of my God.

ON MONDAY MORNING AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these covering their faces with their wings; but thou,
sessional hymns of repentance, in Tone VII- beholding the incarnate Word with thine own
Possessing the therapy ofrepentance, 0 my eyes, dost bear Him. Entreat Him unceasingly
soul, draw nigh, falling down and with sighing in behalf of our souls.
saying: 0 Physician of souls and bodies, Who
lovest mankind, free me from my many of­ After the third chanting of the Psalter, these
fenses, and number me with the harlot, the sessional hymns, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "The
thief and the publican. Grant me forgiveness of Fruit of thy womb ... "­
mine iniquities, 0 God, and save me. The tempest ofthe divers passions and mine
Stichos: 0 Lord, rebuke me not in Thine offenses causeth me to sink into the depths of
anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. despair; but through the supplications of Thine
0 Lord Who lovest mankind, Who washed angels save me, as Thou didst the prodigal son,
away the denial of Peter with his tears, and 0 greatly merciful Jesus.
forgave the publican's offenses with his sighs: Prepare thyself in this thy life, 0 my soul,
Have mercy upon me! and have no doubt concerning the life to come;
for then thou wilt have no-one to help thee, nor
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
riches, power, friends or princes. There will
Thou hast surpassed the hosts of heaven,
only be the disclosure of thy deeds, and God's
for thou wast shown to be the temple of God, 0
love for mankind.
blessed Theotokos, in that thou gavest birth to
Christ, the Savior of our souls. Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
0 undefiled Virgin Theotokos, with the
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these
heavenly hosts entreat thy Son, that before the
sessional hymns of repentance, in Tone VII­
end we, who glorify thee with faith, may be
I have not emulated the repentance of the
granted forgiveness of transgressions.
publican or acquired the tears of the harlot; for
in my blindness I am at a loss how to make any
ODE I
such amendment. But in Thy lovingkindness,
Canon of repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ,
0 Christ God, save me, in that Thou lovest
& to His holy martyrs, the composition of
mankind.
Joseph, in Tone VII-
Stichos: 0 Lord, rebuke me not in Thine
Irmos: In Egypt, Moses led Israel forth with
anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath.
the help of God. To Him alone let us sing, for He
The abyss of life bestormeth me, 0 Lord,
hath been glorified!
and the waves of mine iniquities cause me to
Having fallen into the abyss of evils, I cry
founder. But stretch forth Thy hand as Thou
unto Thee: Reach forth Thy hand unto me, 0
didst to Peter, and save me, 0 Thou Who lovest
Compassionate One, and save me, as Thou
mankind.
didst Peter, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind.
M artyricon: Pray ye, 0 saints, that we be
With a gesture ofThy mercy, 0 Christ, wash
granted remission of our transgressions, and
away the many offenses from me who repent, as
that we be delivered from the evils we expect
Thou didst the harlot, that I may glorify Thee
and from bitter death, we pray.
with faith.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion- M artyricon: 0 Christ Who made Thy saints
Higher in honor than the glorious cherubim luminous in the crucible of multifarious
art thou, 0 all-holy Virgin: for, unable to bear wounds, by their entreaty deliver me from the
the divine power, they perform their ministry, darkness of the passions.
23
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Martyricon: Purified by the endurance of Canon of the Angels

wounds, the holy martyrs shone more brightly Irmos: The Church of Christ hath been
than the sun, and cast deception into darkness. made steadfast through faith; for it unceasingly
Theotokion: 0 most hymned Virgin, who art crieth out in hymns, chanting: Holy art Thou, 0
the intercessor ofthe faithful and the turning of Lord! My spirit doth hymn Thee!
the sinful toward God: Save me by thy supplica­ As mediators of the manifestation of the
tions! Divinity, 0 ye choirs of angels, ye unceasingly
cry out immaterially: "Holy art Thou, 0 Lord!",
Another canon, of the holy incorporeal angels,
saving our souls.
the acrostic whereof is "I offer the seventh
Emitting divine effulgence upon one an­
praise to the incorporeal ones': the
other with love of the law, ye chant in goodly
composition of Theophanes, in Tone VII­
ranks unto Christ: Holy art Thou, 0 Lord, Who
Irmos: To God Who shook Pharaoh off into
alone art greatly merciful!
the Red Sea let us chant a hymn of victory, for
Let us piously emulate the life ofthe second­
He hath been glorified.
ary luminaries of the primal Radiance, chant­
Having illumined my mind with Thy light,
ing unto Christ: "Holy art Thou, 0 Lord!", sav­
0 Christ infinite in power, inspire me to hymn
ing our souls.
Thine angels, in that Thou art omnipotent.
Theotokion: The Word Who loveth man­
Twice
kind, Who by His will brought all things out of
Possessed of the mighty radiance which
non-existence, in His lovingkindness took flesh
doth originate with the well-spring of the God­
of thee, 0 Virgin, becoming man
head, the choirs of heaven honor Christ with
hymns.
ODE IV
Theotokion: We, the faithful, know thee to
Canon of Repentance
be adorned with divine splendors, 0 pure one,
Irmos: By Thy dispensation the virtue of
and we all manifestly cry out to thee: Rejoice!
Thine ineffable wisdom hath covered the heav­
ens, 0 Christ God Who lovest mankind.
ODE III
0 Compassionate Word, Who desirest that
Canon of Repentance
all men be saved, save me who have trans­
Irmos: My heart hath been established in
gressed Thy precepts, and destroy me not.
the Lord; my horn hath been exalted in my God;
I have submitted to the irrational passions,
my mouth hath been enlarged over the enemy;
0 Compassionate One, and made myself like
and I have found gladness in Thy salvation.
unto the beasts. 0 Word of God, taking pity
At night I have been beset by unseemly sins.
save me.
Illumine me now with thelightofrepentance, 0
Martyricon: Bound and burned with fire, ye
Bestower of light Who lovest mankind, that I
utterly consumed deception, aflame with the
may glorify Thee with love.
zeal of piety, 0 martyrs.
All the paths I have followed in this life have
Martyricon: Ye were shown to be a noetic
brought me down into the defile ofthe passions.
paradise, 0 blessed ones, having in your midst
0 Jesus, show me the divine paths of
the Tree of life: Christ, the Husbandman of all.
repentance!
Theotokion: 0 pure Virgin, full of the grace
Martyricon: Having finished your struggles
of God: Having filled my darkened mind with
with valor, 0 most glorious martyrs, ye have
grace, free it utterly from ignorance.
been vouchsafed crowns; and ye pray for all.
M artyricon: Having endured myriads of Canon of the Angels
pangs, 0 passion-bearers, ye have been vouch­ Irmos: I heard report of Thee and was
safed myriads of good things, having joined the afraid; I understood Thy works and was filled
myriads of the incorporeal hosts. with awe, 0 Lord.
Theotokion: Having given birth to God, the 0 ye choirs of angels who stand before
King of heaven, 0 Virgin, cast down the sin Christ as chosen ministers: Entreat Him to heal
whichreigneth within me, and taking pity, save the wounds of my soul.
me.

24
 MONDAY MATINS

The armies of incorporeal beings, standing wisdom of God, cover themselves with their
with reverence round about Thy throne, 0 sacred and most luminous wings.
Master, ever manifestly cry out: Glory to Thy Delighting noetically in divine, most rich
power, 0 Lord! and most beauteous effulgence, the glorious
The ranks of angels were amazed, behold­ thrones are supernaturally shown to be behold­
ing Thee, 0 Christ, living on earth in the body, ers of ineffable things.
with mortal men. Theotokion: In thine all-pure and most holy
Theotokion: 0 most hymned and all-pure womb the all-divine Mind joined Himself to
Mother of God, who ineffably gavest birth unto what is human, 0 pure one, uniting Himself
God: We beseech thee: Pray that we be saved. hypostatically, without confusion or change.

0DEV OnE VI
Canon of Repentance Canon of Repentance
Irmos: Rising at dawn unto Thy glory and Irmos: Jonah cried out from the belly of
laudation, 0 Word, we unceasingly praise the hades: Lead up my life from corruption! And we
image of Thy Cross, which Thou hast given us cry out to Thee: 0 almighty Savior, have mercy
as a weapon to help us. on us!
I have wasted my life in slothfulness, and The abyss of transgressions hath encom­
tremble before Thine inevitable tribunal, at passed me, and I have gone down into the
which I, the passion fraught, must needs be depths of destruction. Lead me up, 0 Word, as
judged. Have pity on me, 0 Lord! once Thou didst raise Jonah up from corruption
0 Word Who enlightened the eyes of the unto life.
blind, open Thou the eyes of my soul, which Threefold waves of evil thoughts bestorm
have been cruelly darkened, that I may behold me, but guide me to the harbor of true repen­
the light of Thy precepts. tance, 0 Compassionate One, preserving my
M artyricon: Confessing Christ with mighty heart in tranquillity.
thought, ye endured the wounds of every tor­ M artyricon: Defended by your faith, 0 holy
ment, 0 valiant athletes; wherefore, ye were martyrs, ye rejected the false blandishments of
blessed. the tyrants, and were not wounded by the darts
M artyricon: Navigating the threefold of the enemy.
waves of all torments, ye reached the harbor of Martyricon: Uplifted to God in love, ye
the kingdom on high, full of true serenity, 0 hated worldly love, 0 martyrs, and were shown
martyrs. to be friends of the Creator of all.
Theotokion: God theWord, Who created all Theotokion: We hymn thee, 0 all-hymned
things by His will, became incarnate of thee in Maiden who gavest birth unto the all-holy
manner past understanding, 0 Virgin; where­ Word, Whom all the hosts of heaven hymn with
fore, entreat Him earnestly in behalf of all. unceasing voices.
Canon of the Angels Canon of the Angels

Irmos: I rise early and cry to Thee, 0 Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

compassionate Lord: Having illumined my The dominions are ever shown to be illu­
soul, which hath been darkened by sins, by the mined like the youths with the effulgences of
light of Thy commandments, guide and direct the Godhead, hymning His ineffable glory.
it. Twice
Illumined by immaterial effulgences, with Gazing with love upon Him Who is omnipo­
most sacred and eloquent mouths the seraphim tent in power, the divine hosts manifestly re­
hymn the all-unoriginate and all-divine main mighty in strength.
Godhead. Theotokion: A descendant ofthe royal tribe,
Not daring to gaze upon the divine Radi­ 0 Virgin, thou gavest birth in manner tran­
ance, the cherubim, the manifestations of the scending nature unto the Word, the King of all,
and wast truly perfected as a virgin.

25
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

OnE VII chanted: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the

Canon of Repentance Lord, and exalt Him supremely forever!
Irmos: Thou didst bedew the burning fur­ I received the Word like a radiant lamp­
nace, 0 Savior and didst save the children who stand, but, wretch that I am, I have inclined
chanted, saying: Blessed art Thou forever, 0 toward the irrational passions and ever walk in
Lord God of our fathers! the darkness of evil.
Make thou a sacrifice of praise unto God, 0 The Lord is nigh, as we believe. Take care,
my soul. Haste thou and repent while the 0 my soul, and be not despondent. Be thou
commerce of life is still underway. Now shall I vigilant, and cry out in watchfulness: 0 Com­
purchase goodly gifts. passionate One Who lovest mankind, save me!
The severance of death is nigh at hand, 0 Martyricon: Having tasted of divine sweet­
my soul; bring forth worthy fruits, lest thou be ness, ye endured the bitterness ofpain, and now
cast into the fire of Gehenna like the barren enjoy the divine communion of the Word, 0
tree, and wail inconsolably. martyrs.
M artyricon: Having quenched the furnace Martyricon: Ye have entered into divine
of deception with torrents of blood, the holy peace and received the good things ye hoped for,
martyrs cried aloud like the children: 0 God of Omostlaudedmartyrs;wherefore, we blessyou
our fathers, blessed art Thou! as is meet.
M artyricon: Having mingled with the Light Theotokion: Humanity hath been freed
ye desired, 0 martyrs, ye became children ofthe from the curse by thy birthgiving; for thou
Light. And ye enlighten all who are in dark­ gavest birth to the most blessed God Who
ness, and dispel the gloom of deception. adorneth all things with blessings.
Theotokion: The bush which was uncon­
Canon of the Angels
sumed prefigured thee, 0 pure Virgin, for thou
Irmos: The only unoriginate King of glory,
gavest birth unto the lambent Fire. Wherefore,
whom the hosts of heaven bless, and before
I cry unto thee: Burn up my material passions!
Whom the ranks of angels tremble, do ye hymn,
Canon of the Angels 0 ye priests, and exalt supremely, 0 ye people!
Irmos: Cast into the fiery furnace, the Having set all your desire upon God, 0
venerable children transformed the fire into archangels who delight in His radiance, entreat
dew, crying out thus in hymnody: Blessed art Christ, the King ofall, that those who hymn you
Thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers! may be delivered from perils. Twice
Manifestly surrounding Thy throne, 0 As most honored intelligences free of all
Christ, the choirs of heaven manifestly send up passionate material attachments, 0 angels,
glory noetically, crying: 0 God of our fathers, save all who with you lovingly exalt Christ for
blessed art Thou! Twice all ages.
Immaterially revolving around Thee, the Theotokion: Having ineffably received the
one Godhead with zeal derived therefrom, the unapproachable Light in thy womb, 0 Virgin
principalities cry out with unceasing glorifica­ Theotokos, thou hast enlightened those in the
tions: 0 God of our fathers, blessed art Thou! darkness of life, that they may piously glorify
Theotokion: 0 Theotokos, without seed Christ Who ineffably issued forth from thee.
thou gavest birth to the one Christ, the God of
our fathers: a single Hypostasis in two natures, We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
Who carrieth out His awesome dispensation. Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.
ODE VIII
Canon of Repentance ODE IX
Irmos: The bush on Sinai which partook of Canon of Repentance
fire without being consumed revealed God unto Irmos: 0 ye faithful, with hymns let us
Moses, who was slow of speech and spake with magnify the Theotokos, who became a mother
difficulty; and the zeal of God showed forth the in manner transcending nature, is a virgin by
three children in the fire as invincible, who nature, and is blessed among women!

26

 MONDAY MATINS

Lo! the judgment approacheth, and pos­ Theotokion: As a mother now possessed of
sessed of condemnation for my deeds, I am cast boldness before thy Son, 0 most holy Theoto­
into despondency. 0 Christ God, righteous kos, deliver those who hymn thee with love from
Judge, condemn me not! grievous transgressions, ailments and tribula­
Like the faithful Canaanite woman I cry to tions, that we may all ever magnify thee.
Thee: Have mercy upon me! And straighten me
as Thou didst the hunchback of old, that I may Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a
walk aright in Thy ways, 0 Thou Who lovest prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the
mankind. usual psalms.
Martyricon: Ye stripped away the garments
of all evil, 0 athletes, and, clad in grievous Aposticha stickera ofrepentance, in Tone VII-
torments, ye won for yourselves the vesture of Cut me not down, a sinner, like the barren
glory. fig-tree, 0 Savior, but grant that I may tarry for
Martyricon: The divine land of the living, many years, watering my soul with tears of
the city of Sion on high, received you, the first­ repentance, that I may bring thee the fruit of
born who are illumined by the beauties of your almsgiving.
struggles, 0 athletes. Stichos: We were filled in the morning with
Theotokion: With the enlightening rays of Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were
the Word Who shone forth from thee, 0 pure glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days
Virgin, illumine me who am covered with the wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years
darkness of sins and the passions. wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy
servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou
Canon of the Angels
guide their sons.
Irmos: 0 most hymned one, who art more
As Thou art the Sun of righteousness, en­
exalted than the heavens, without seed thou
lighten the hearts of those who sing unto Thee:
didst conceive the unoriginate Word and gavest
Glory to Thee, 0 Lord!
birth for men to God incarnate; wherefore, we
Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord
all magnify thee.
our God be upon us, and the works of our hands
All the choirs ofthe angels, delighting in the
do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of
radiance of the effulgence of the Godhead, un­
our hands do Thou guide aright.
ceasingly hymn our all-glorious God and ever
Celebrating the memorial of Thy holy ath­
glorify Him. Twice
letes, we sing unto Thee: Glory to Thee, 0 Lord!
0 cherubim and seraphim, powers, princi­
palities, angels, archangels, authorities, Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
thrones and dominions: Earnestly entreat By the supplications of the Theotokos give
Christ, that I be delivered from the besetting peace to the life of us who cry out to Thee: Glory
passions. to Thee, 0 merciful Lord!

27

 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

ON MONDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VII- Uplifted unto God, the athletes utterly cast
Comely and good to taste was the fruit down the wicked uprisings of the enemy; and,
which brought death upon me. But Christ is the revealed as victors, they now live amidjoy in the
Tree of life, and eating thereof I die not, but cry heavens, resplendent in incorrupt glory.
out with the thief: Remember me in Thy king­ Glory ... : 0 indivisible Trinity, Unity in a
dom, 0 Lord! single nature, Being in three Persons: With the
Like the faithful Canaanite woman I cry out hosts on high we worship Thee, 0 Father, Son
in the pain of my heart: Have mercy on me, 0 and Holy Spirit: the one Godhead, the one
Savior, in that Thou art good; for I have a soul Power, saying: There is but one God, the con­
beset by all the wiles ofthe enemy, and am ever substantial Trinity!
tempest-tossed! Now & ever ... : I have defiled myself with
The cherubim and seraphim, the thrones, the pleasures oflife, but have fled unto thee, the
principalities and powers, the archangels, undefiled one, 0 Virgin. Deliver my most ac­
the armies of angels, the dominions and all­ cursed soul from every lust and offense, that I
wise authorities, ever glorify Thee, 0 Lord may bless thee, the ever-blessed one.
our Benefactor.

28
 ON MONDAY EVENING

AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ", 3 stichera of repen­ We glorify thee, 0 prophet, understanding
tance, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "Judas keepeth thee to be the swallow heralding the divine
watch today ... "- spring to those in the world.
Stichos: IfThou shouldst mark iniquities, 0 Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­
there is forgiveness. eth forever.
0 most compassionate Master and God, by 0 divine Forerunner, intercessor for my life,
the judgments which Thou knowest grant that protector of my soul: Deliver me, thy servant,
I may have the fear of Thee in my heart, that I from the false tongue of man.
may spurn the works of the evil one, may love
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
Thee with all my soul, and do Thy saving will;
0 Mistress, to the right tranquil haven of
for Thou art our God, Who said: Ask, and ye
salvation guide me who am tempest-tossed
shall receive.
amid the tumult of slothfulness.
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath
Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath
the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
hoped in the Lord.
I have become a mockery for the demons Aposticha stichera ofrepentance, in Tone VII­
and contempt for men, lamentation for the I have come, 0 Compassionate One, like the
righteous and weeping for the angels, polluting prodigal son. As one of Thy hirelings do Thou
the air, the earth and the waters; for I have accept me who fall down before Thee, 0 God,
defiled my body and sullied my soul and mind and have mercy on me, 0 Thou Who lovest
with countless evil acts, and have become an mankind.
enemy to God. Woe is me, 0 Lord! I have Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine
sinned, I have sinned against Thee! Forgive eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Be­
me! hold, as the eyes ofservants look unto the hands
Stichos: From the morning watch until of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our
the Lord. eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take
I pray Thee: Be Thou patient with me, who pity on us.
am devoid of fruits, 0 Master, and cut me not Like the one who fell among thieves and was
down like the barren tree with the axe of death, wounded, so have I fallen through many sins,
dispatching me to the fire; but be Thou entreated and my soul hath been wounded. To whom shall
to make me fruitful, giving me time for repen­ I who am guilty flee? To Thee alone, the Physi­
tance, in that Thou lovest mankind, that I may cian of men's souls. 0 God, pour forth upon me
wash away my many sins, 0 Christ my Savior. Thy great mercy!
Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
Then the stichera ofthe saint, from the Menaion;
mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
or if there is no Menaion, these stichera of the
abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
holy & great prophet John the Forerunner, in
therewith; let reproach come upon them that
Tone VII-
prosper, and abasement on the proud.
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy,
Martyricon: 0 holy martyrs, who have
and with Him there is plenteous redemption;
fought the good fight and received crowns:
and He shall redeem Israel out of all his
Entreat ye the Lord, that He have mercy upon
iniquities.
our souls.
0 Forerunner, who didst live a blameless
life in the desert, restore thou my mind, which Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
hath become barren through sins. Rejoice, 0 Mistress, cloud of the noetic and
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; ineffable Sun! Rejoice, most lustrous lamp!
praise Him, all ye peoples. Rejoice, candlestand all of gold! For through

29
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

thee, 0 all-holyone, was Eve delivered from the Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ...
curse. As thou hast boldness before thy Son and Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
God Who is easily reconciled, cease not to en­ Litany, and Dismissal.
treat Him with thy maternal supplication, 0
all-pure one.

MONDAY EVENING COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL- HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I Having violated the precepts of my Master,

Irmos: Unto Him Who crushed battles with I am shown to be easy prey to mine enemies.
His arm and drowned the mounted captains let Deliver me, 0 Mistress.
us sing, as to our God and Deliverer, for He hath At the hour of my death deliver me, 0 all­
been glorified. pure one, and save my passion-fraught soul
We entreat thee, 0 all-pure one, the cause of from the demons.
our salvation and divine deliverance: Pray thou Glory ... : 0 all-pure Mistress, break asun­
that we be saved. der the bonds of my transgressions, and in thy
Wholly sunk am I in grievous temptations, supplications be for me a mediator for life ever­
in misfortunes and transgressions; and I cry to lasting.
thee, 0 all-pure one: Save me, thy servant! Now & ever ... : We hymn thee who even
Glory ... : We beseech thee, the pure Virgin after giving birth didst remain a virgin, 0 all­
and the Mother of the Creator: Deliver us from pure one, and we glorify thee as the Mother of
all the oppression of the demons. our God.
Now & ever ... : 0 thou who ineffably gavest
birth in the flesh to theWord, entreat Christ our 0DEV
God, the Author of life, that we be saved. Irmos: Rising at dawn unto Thy glory and
laudation, 0 Word, we unceasingly praise the
ODE III image of Thy Cross, which Thou hast given us
Irmos: The Church of Christ hath been as a weapon to help us.
made steadfast through faith; for it unceasingly 0 good Virgin, thou haven amid the storm
crieth out in hymns, chanting: Holy art Thou, 0 for those who are grievously troubled, thou
Lord! My spirit doth hymn Thee! portal of salvation for those who are saved by
Treading the path of most pernicious evil, I faith: Save me, thy servant!
have not found the path of my salvation. Do Richly show forth upon me, thy servant, thy
thou guide me to it, 0 all-immaculate Mistress. manifold compassions, 0 Virgin Theotokos,
Thee alone, 0 most immaculate one, do I delivering me from the dreadjudgment which is
describe as my might and confirmation, my to come.
help and hope. Be thou for me a helper on the Glory ... : The inconstant night of the pas­
day of my departure. sions besetteth my soul and sendeth it into the
Glory ... : I ever beseech thee, 0 all-immacu­ pit of destruction. With the light of thy suppli­
late one: At the hour of my death stand thou cation, 0 Theotokos, save me, thy servant.
before me, and deliver thy servant from torment. Now & ever ... : 0 all-holy andjoyous Virgin
Now & ever ... : Thou wast ineffably born of who ineffably gavest birth to the Word in time:
the Virgin, 0 Lord our Savior, hast revealed Entreat Him do save our souls.
Thyself as Thou didst will, and restored the
world. ODE VI
Irmos: Jonah cried out from the belly of
ODE IV hades: Lead up my life from corruption! And we
Irmos: I heard report of Thee and was cry out to Thee: 0 almighty Savior, have mercy
afraid; I understood Thy works and was filled on us!
with awe, 0 Lord.

30
 MONDAY NIGHT COMPLINE

Thee do we have as a sure aid amid perils, ODE VIII

our mighty salvation amid tribulations, a place Irmos: 0 ye priests and servants, and ye
of rest for us amid griefs, and our help amid souls of the righteous, hymn and bless the
misfortunes, 0 Ever-virgin. Creator of the world, Who is awesome to the
0 all-pure one, show thyself to be the pre­ cherubim and wondrous to the seraphim, and
server of my whole life: deliver me from the exalt Him supremely forever.
demons at the hour of my death, and grant me My whole life have I wasted in slothfulness,
rest after my death. utter wretch that I am; and now I am cast into
Glory ... : 0 Virgin Theotokos, thou art the confusion and have drawn nigh unto mine end.
beauty of the honorable and holy angels, and Help me, 0 Mistress!
the joy of all men. Do thou guide me unto life. Thou art the refuge of sinners and the set­
Now & ever ... : 0 all-immaculate one, heal ting aright of those who have been brought low,
thou my wretched soul, which hath become 0 Mistress; wherefore, I flee to thy protection.
incurably sick through the deceptions of life Save me!
and the closing of many doors. Glory ... : As thy supplication never faileth,
0 most immaculate Mistress ofthe world, from
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now & the judgment which is to come deliver those
ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VII- who with faith venerate thine image.
In the lovingkindness of Thy mercy, 0 Now & ever ... : Every tongue which
Christ God, Thou wast pleased to become incar­ rendereth glory hymneth thee, 0 Virgin Bride
nate of the holy Virgin. For her sake preserve of God, for thou gavest birth to the all-hymned
Thou our life, in that Thou lovest mankind. God. Him do thou unceasingly entreat, that He
save the souls of those who hymn thee.
ODE VII
Irmos: Thou didst bedew the burning fur­ ODE IX
nace, 0 Savior and didst save the children who Irmos: 0 ye faithful, with hymns let us
chanted, saying: Blessed art Thou forever, 0 magnify the Theotokos, who became a mother
Lord God of our fathers! in manner transcending nature, is a Virgin by
Calling to mind the multitude of my trans­ nature, and is blessed among women!
gressions, I am in despair, 0 all-immaculate They who with faith flee beneath thy
one. Wherefore, I cry unto thee: Help me, lest I lovingkindness are delivered from the sorrow­
perish utterly! ful tribulations of life; wherefore, I also have
Knowing thee to be the Mother of Life, 0 fled to thy protection, 0 Theotokos.
pure one, I cry to thee: Deliver me from the 0 pure one, thou mighty helper, invincible
death of the soul, and vouchsafe unto me eter­ bulwark against griefs, save me from sinful
nallife! passions and from the everlasting fire.
Glory ... : 0 all-immaculate one, from mis­ Glory ... : 0 pure Virgin, with the radiant
fortunes and the passions, from pain and afflic­ effulgence of the Word Who shone forth from
tion, from the offenses oflife and the unquench­ thee illumine me, save me and rescue me from
able eternal fire do thou deliver those who torments, in that thou art good.
faithfully honor thee with hymns. Now & ever ... : In thine arms thou dost carry
Now & ever ... : Every tongue doth glorify Him Who sustaineth all things. Him do thou
thee, 0 pure and all-hymned Theotokos, who entreat, 0 pure one, that He save us who are
art the glory and boast of our race and the guide beset by the malice of him who is alien to us.
of the lost.
Then, It is truly 1neet .. ., and a prostration.
Trisagion through Our Father ... Troparia, and
the rest as usual. Dismissal.

31
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VIII

ON TUESDAY MORNING AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these After the third chanting of the Psalter, these
sessional hymns of repentance, in Tone VII- sessional hymns, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "The
Possessing the therapy of repentance, 0 my Fruit of thy womb ... "­
soul, draw nigh, falling down and with sighing I fall down before Thee in compunction like
saying: 0 Physician of souls and bodies, Who the harlot, 0 Thou Who lovest mankind, even
lovest mankind, free me from my many of­ though I am wholly at a loss for tears. Take pity
fenses, and number me with the harlot, the on me as Thou didst on her, through the suppli­
thief and the publican. Grant me forgiveness of cations of the Forerunner, 0 Merciful One, and
mine iniquities, 0 God, and save me. save me.
Stichos: 0 Lord, rebuke me not in Thine As Thou art good, 0 Lord and Savior, take
anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. pity, and wash away the defilement of my soul
0 Lord Who lovest mankind, Who washed with the hyssop of Thy mercy; and having
away the denial of Peter with his tears, and cleansed me of the defilement of the mire of the
forgave the publican's offenses with his sighs: passions, have mercy on me, 0 Master. Save
Have mercy upon me! Thy creature by the entreaties of Thy Forerun­
ner, 0 Thou Who art greatly merciful!
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
Rejoice, 0 thou who didst contain in thy
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
womb the One Who is uncontainable in the
Thou art the fervent intercessor and helper
heavens! Rejoice, 0 Virgin, proclamation ofthe
of Christians, 0 most hymned Theotokos;
prophets, through whom Emmanuel shone
wherefore, with the Forerunner entreat thy
forth! Rejoice, 0 Mother of Christ God!
Son, that we may find mercy.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these
ODE I
sessional hymns of repentance, in Tone VII­
Canon of repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ,
I have not emulated the repentance of the
& to His holy martyrs, the composition of
publican or acquired the tears of the harlot; for
Joseph, in Tone VII-
in my blindness I am at a loss how to make any
Irmos: Unto Him Who crushed battles with
such amendment. But in Thy lovingkindness,
His arm and drowned the mounted captains let
0 Christ God, save me, in that Thou lovest
us sing, as to our God and Deliverer, for He hath
mankind.
been glorified.
Stichos: 0 Lord, rebuke me not in Thine
I ever commit sins, and have no fear of
anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath.
Thee, 0 Christ, Who seekest my repentance
0 Savior, Who accepted the tears of the
with longsuffering. Grant me the intention to
harlot and Peter, and justified the publican who
convert, and disdain me not, in that Thou art
sighed from the depths of his heart: Have pity
good.
on me who am in despair over my deeds, and
Wretch that I am, I never cease to heap up
save me!
sins upon sins, 0 Christ, 0 only Good and
Martyricon: Thy saints, who struggled on
Sinless One. Take pity and save me.
earth, trampled the enemy underfoot and set at
M artyricon: Boldly did the valiant athletes
naught the falsehood of idolatry, 0 Lord;
call to each other: This contest is full of
wherefore, they received crowns from Thee, the
struggles. Let us run, for Christ, the Judge of
God of mercy and Master Who loveth mankind,
the contest standeth before us, crowning those
Who granteth the world great mercy.
who vanquish the enemy.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion- M artyricon: Ye put off the body through
Thou hast surpassed the hosts of heaven, multifarious wounds, and clothed yourselves
for thou wast shown to be the temple of God, 0 in the vesture of incorruption, 0 wise mar­
blessed Theotokos, in that thou gavest birth to tyrs; and ye became children of the Father of
Christ, the Savior of our souls. compassions.

32
 TUESDAY MATINS

Theotokion: 0 Virgin Theotokos, heal thou 0 passion-bearers, and have passed over to the
my soul, which hath been afflicted by many unwaning Light, ever removing the darkness of
sins, that with cries of thanksgiving I may ever our pangs.
earnestly glorify thee Theotokion: The prophet foresaw thee as
the portal of God, through which He alone
Another canon, of the honorable & great
passed, as is known, 0 all-pure Virgin. Where­
prophet John the Forerunner, the composition
fore, I pray thee: Do thou thyself open the doors
of Joseph, in Tone VII-
of repentance unto me.
Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of wa­
ter, which before was fluid, transformed into Canon of the Forerunner
solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the begin­
through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a ning established the heavens by Thine omnipo­
hymn of victory. tent word and confirmed all their power by the
The beauty of the Church, thou wast shown all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: establish
to be adorned, 0 blessed Forerunner. By thy me upon the immovable rock ofthe confession of
supplications ever save it mighty and un­ Thee!
shaken by every tempest of the heretics. With lightning-flashes of solar radiance
Thou didst offer thyself to the Creator as a dost thou illumine all creation; for thou wast
sacred, unblemished sacrifice, 0 divine Fore­ shown to be a brilliant star of the noetic Sun, 0
runner, and wast slaughtered like an innocent Forerunner. Him do thou earnestly entreat,
lamb. Wherefore, Ipraytheewithfaith: Deliver that He drive the darkness ofthe passions away
me from all the malice of the enemy. from our pain-wracked hearts.
Heal thou the diseases of our souls and Standing between the law and grace, 0
bodies, 0 ever-glorious Forerunner, ever be­ divine Forerunner, manifestly showing the ces­
seeching the Word, Who in His lovingkindness sation of the one and the pure dawning of the
hath taken away all infirmities and sicknesses. other unto all: the perfect restoration of those
Theotokion: 0 most holy one, thou gavest who have waxed old through sins.
birth to the unapproachable Word Who shareth 0 Baptist of Christ, we cry aloud: Deliver us
the flesh with us hypostatically. Him do thou from the attacks ofthe demons, the temptations
ever entreat, that He save all who ever bless of life and all tribulation, entreating the All­
thee with faith. good One; and on the day of judgment free us
from torments.
ODE III Theotokion: 0 blessed and pure Mistress,
Canon of Repentance who ineffably gavest birth unto God: With His
Irmos: 0 Thou Who lovest mankind, Who divine Baptist unceasingly pray for us who fall
established the heavens and made firm the into the perils of life and are beset by sins.
foundation of the earth upon many waters:
establish Thou my mind in Thy will. ODE IV
0 Christ, only Savior, Who overlooketh the Canon of Repentance
sins of men in Thy great love for mankind, Irmos: Assuring us of Thine advent in the
overlook my many evils, that I may glorify flesh, 0 Christ, the Prophet Habbakuk cried
Thee, the All-good One. aloud: Glory to Thy power, 0 Lord!
I do the wishes of my flesh, unconscionably I have wandered from the path which lead­
ignoring Thy wishes, 0 Christ; and I fear the eth me to life, and have fallen into the pit of
fiery retribution, 0 Word. Deliver me there­ evils. 0 Savior, disdain me not.
from. Send down upon me streams of tears, 0
Martyricon: While partaking of bodily Master, Word of God, that I may wash away the
pangs, the athletes look forward to life and ease mire of my many offenses.
without pain; and having received it in joy, they Martyricon: Led like lambs to the slaugh­
ever ease the pains of the faithful. ter, 0 martyrs, vouchsafed glory ye slew the
Martyricon: With the rays ofyour struggles warlike enemy.
ye disperse the cruel night of deception,

33
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

M artyricon: Thy streams of your blood Martyricon: Having like youths run the
which was shed prepared all to receive torrents race full of sweat, 0 athletes, ye attained unto
of delight, 0 all-praised and divine martyrs. splendor in heaven, receiving the honors of
Theotokion: The Lord was incarnate of thy victory from the hand of the Bestower of life;
pure blood, granting repentance to all men wherefore, ye now rejoice.
through thy mediation, 0 Maiden. Martyricon: With the mighty sinews ofyour
sacred pangs ye truly choked the serpent, the
Canon of the Forerunner
author of evil, 0 athletes, and have been vouch­
Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, without leaving
safed the delight of paradise. Wherefore, we
the bosom of the Father, didst descend to earth:
praise you.
I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation,
Theotokion: 0 thou who art the radiant
and have glorified Thee, Who alone lovest man­
cloud ofthe Sun, shine upon me the noetic light
kind.
of true repentance, and dispel the darkness of
Having cast down the horde of the adver­
wicked thoughts, that with faith I may hymn
sary and prevailed over them with brilliance, 0
thee as the salvation of the faithful.
Baptist, by thy supplications cast down sin
which reigneth in me, I pray thee. Canon of the Forerunner
Revealed as a noetic lampstand, 0 blessed Irmos: Rising at dawn unto Thee out of the
one, unto men didst thou point out Jesus, the night, I beseech Thee, 0 Lord my God: Grant me
great Sun of righteousness. Pray thou that the remission of my transgressions, and guide my
hearts of all may be illumined by Him. steps to the light of Thy precepts, I pray.
Conceived and born in iniquities, I live The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 0
in slothfulness, and fear the torments to all-wise one, thou didst cause the acknowledg­
come. Praying to God, rescue me from them, ment of the thoughts of God to spring forth;
0 Baptist. wherefore, I pray thee: Restore my soul which
Bring to God entreaties for us who honor hath become a desert through all manner of
thee, 0 Baptist, that He may deliver us from crimes.
every grievous circumstance and from the harm Thou wast shown to be the pure vessel ofthe
wrought by the demons, we pray. Master, 0 divine prophet. By thy supplications
Theotokion: In many images the shadows of deliver me from impure acts, and entreat the
the law revealed thee who gavest birth unto Benefactor, that I may receive everlasting hon­
God. Him do thou entreat, 0 most immaculate ors.
one, that He deliver me from iniquity and the Iniquities have entered into me through the
carnal passions. door of slothfulness. 0 blessed Forerunner,
make me better through examples of repen­
0DEV tance, that I may diligently tread the paths of
Canon ofRepentance the Lord.
Irmos: 0 Thou Who hast dispelled the night Theotokion: Mortify the earthly under­
of the passions, illumine me with the noetic standing of my flesh, 0 Theotokos who gavest
light, driving away the primordial darkness of birth unto Life, Who by death hath utterly
the abyss, and shining forth upon the world the destroyed death in His divine power, 0 pure
first-created light, 0 Creator of all. and all-holy one.
When Thou shalt judge the earth, 0 Word,
deliver me from Thy righteous wrath, and show OnE VI
me to be a temple of Thy goodness, cleansed of Canon of Repentance
my many offenses through repentance, 0 only Irmos: Havingfallenintothe abyss of sin, 0
Creator of all. Good One, like Jonah from the midst of the sea
I have become blinded in mind by the evil monster I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from
gloom of the passions, and, my heart having corruption, and save me, 0 Thou Who lovest
become senseless, I know not what I do. Con­ mankind.
vert me, 0 Christ, and grant me the repentance I have been shown to be a new prodigal,
which purifies from sin. having lived vilely on earth, and have

34
 TUESDAY MATINS

capitulated before the assault of the pas­ 0 Savior, and have made myself like unto the
sions; but turn me, 0 Christ my God, and beasts. And, benighted, I no longer see Thee
save me, in that Thou lovest mankind. waiting with great patience, 0 Word. Grant me
Groan thou, 0 my soul, that thou mayest be time for repentance, and save me.
delivered from groaning; shed tears, that in the I have reached the end of my life in slothful­
next world thou mayest not taste of ceaseless ness, doing what I ought not to do; and lo! I
tears and pain, which will avail thee not. approach now the gates of hades all unawares.
M artyricon: Ye were shown to be like stones Disdain me not, 0 Christ Who alone art good.
manifestly set in the crown of the Church of Martyricon: 0 all-wise ones, ye died, desir­
Christ, and became its magnificent adornment, ing everlasting life for the world; and having
0 honored great-martyrs. utterly slain the enemy, ye took wing to the
Martyricon: Having received worthy heavens, ever praying for us, 0 athletes.
ends in God, 0 all-wise ones, ye have inher­ M artyricon: Released from the demands of
ited never-ending rewards. Wherefore, pray the body, 0 martyrs, ye broke asunder the
ye, 0 martyrs, that we may end our life in bonds of deception, and with mighty love bound
repentance. men's souls to Christ Who was bound by the
Theotokion: Lift me up out of the depths of flesh and loosed men from the curse.
the slothfulness of countless evils, 0 good one Theotokion: The prophet foresaw thee as a
who gavest birth to the Abyss of new scroll whereon the Word of the Father was
lovingkindness, and grant me a well-spring of written; wherefore, I beseech thee, 0 pure one:
tears, 0 Ever-virgin. Pray that I may be entered in the book of the
living, erasing the record of my many evils.
Canon of the Forerunner
Canon of the Forerunner
Irmos: Jonahcriedoutfrom the bellyofhades:
Irmos: Of old, the children showed the fiery
Lead up my life from corruption! And we cry out
furnace to pour forth dew, hymning the one God
to Thee: 0 almighty Savior, have mercy on us!
and saying: Supremely exalted and all-glorious
Manifestly aglow with rays of the virtues,
is the God of our fathers!
and shining with splendid martyrdom, thou
By thy supplications grant me showers of
dost illumine all creation, 0 close friend of the
tears, 0 Forerunner who immersed the
noetic Dayspring.
Abyss of lovingkindness in the river's
Thou didst spring forth from a barren and
streams, and wholly cleanse me of defile­
elderly woman, 0 blessed one; wherefore, I cry
ment of flesh and spirit.
out to thee: With the beauty of repentance and
Offer entreaty to our God, Who is over all,
thy supplications renew me who have grown old
that, in that He is full of lovingkindness, He
through many sins.
have mercy upon me who have sinned and
0 divine prophet, lampstand of the never­
cannot recover.
waning Light, with thy supplications light the
0 barren soul, haste thou to repent, lest the
lamp of my heart, and cause me to share in the
righteous judgment cut thee down at the root
divine Light.
like the barren fig-tree; butcryuntothe Master:
Theotokion: The Word descended into thy
0 God, having cleansed me, save me!
womb like rain. Him do thou beseech, 0 all­
Theotokion: Possessed of a soul slain by evil
pure Virgin, that He dry up the flow of my
crimes, I pray thee, 0 Mistress who slew hades
countless evils, I pray thee.
by thy birthgiving: Enliven me with models of
repentance.
ODE VII
Canon of Repentance ODE VIII
Irmos: In the furnace the fire neither Canon of Repentance
touched nor disturbed Thy children, 0 Savior. Irmos: Ye heavens of heavens, 0 earth and
Then the three, as with a single mouth, hymned ye mountains, ye hills and depths of the sea,
and blessed Thee, saying: Blessed art Thou, 0 and all ye race of men, with hymns bless ye as
God of our fathers! Creator and Deliverer God Who is unceasingly
I have fallen into the passion of dishonor, glorified in the highest by the angels!

35
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Enjoying harmful pleasures in overabun­ Fire into thy womb, 0 Virgin. Wherefore, res­
dance, I, the senseless one, have madly sur­ cue me from the unquenchable fire, bedewing
passed every other sinner. As Thou hast an me now with the all-beauteous examples oftrue
infinite abundance oflovingkindness, grant me repentance.
cleansing of my transgressions.
The Bridegroom is at the door! Light thy We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
lamp, 0 my soul, filling it with the oil of Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
lovingkindness and every good work. Before than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.
the door is closed, make haste to enter with
Christ in ineffable joy. ODE IX
Martyricon: Undaunted by tortures, the Canon of Repentance
valiant athletes cried out: "Behold, now is the lrmos: Who among men is able to describe
acceptable time! Let us all stand with steadfast the seedless conception of thy birthgiving? Who
mind, and with a little pain, let us acquire the among mortals will not marvel at the birth of
life which is devoid ofpain and sweetness which thine incorrupt Offspring? Wherefore, we, the
groweth not old!" tribes of earth, magnify thee, 0 Theotokos.
M artyricon: Ever irrigated with divine That we may inherit the good things to
waters, 0 passion-bearers of the Savior, ye come, let us weep, let us sigh, let us entreat
water the whole earth with the emulation of Christ, 0 ye faithful, while we have time for
your struggles, and forever render it fruitful in repentance and prayer.
the virtues, for Christ. Like the Canaanite woman I cry to Thee:
Theotokion: 0 Theotokos, renowned inter­ Have mercy on me, 0 Christ, as of old Thou
cession and hope of Christians: On the dread didst set aright the prostrate woman, 0 Jesus,
day intercede for me, who have greatly trans­ and save me who am drowning in sins, as Thou
gressed, and deliver me from terrible Gehenna, didst Peter 0 Savior.
numbering me among the sheep at the right Martyricon: Mflicted by tribulations, im­
hand [of thy Son]. prisonment and torments, 0 martyred passion­
bearers, ye passed over to the broad plain of
Canon of the Forerunner
consolation, and deliver us from oppression and
Irmos: The only unoriginate King of glory,
transgressions.
whom the hosts of heaven bless, and before
Martyricon: While the earth hath now cov­
Whom the ranks of angels tremble, do ye hymn,
ered your bodies, heaven holdeth your holy
0 ye priests, and exalt supremely, 0 ye people!
souls; and standing ever before the throne of
Cease thou never to entreat the only Deliv­
glory, they rejoice with the angels.
erer, Who gave release to those who were bound
Theotokion: The Lord Who clothed Himself
and ever glorifieth thee, 0 prophet, that I, who
in me issued forth from thee, 0 all-pure one;
have been bound, may be released from my
wherefore, beseech Him to illumine me with the
many transgressions
vesture of light, having now stripped from me
I have been wounded by the sword of plea­
the most grievous rags ofthe passions, 0 Virgin.
sures, and cry out to thee in pain of heart: Heal
thou the pangs of my soul, entreating Christ, Canon of the Forerunner
the only Physician of souls and bodies. Irmos: 0 Mother who knewest not man, who
0 Forerunner who baptized the Word with gavest birth without experiencing corruption,
thine own hand, cease thou never to entreat and lent flesh to the Word Who hath fashioned
Him unceasingly, that from the hand of sin He all things, 0 Virgin Theotokos, thou receptacle
deliver me who have sinned greatly and am of Him Whom naught can resist and dwelling­
brought low and condemned. place of the Infinite: thee do we magnify.
Because I have foolishly buried in the earth Thou didst spring forth from a sacred root,
the talant entrusted to me by God, I await bitter 0 prophet, and didst wholly uproot the roots of
retribution. Rescue me therefrom by thy sup­ evil, whereby I am choked and am become
plications, 0 Baptist, I beseech thee with faith. useless. 0 blessed one, set me aright, that I may
Theotokion: Thou didst remain uncon­ put forth the fruits of divine repentance.
sumed when thou didst take the unbearable
36
 TUESDAY MATINS

The Church knoweth thee to be a most Aposticha stichera ofrepentance, in Tone VII-
comely swallow and nightingale, 0 great Fore­ Cut me not down, a sinner, like the barren
runner; for thou didst sing the hymn of repen­ fig-tree, 0 Savior, but grant that I may tarry for
tance to souls laid waste and grown hard many years, watering my soul with tears of
through evils. Wherefore, we bless thee with repentance, that I may bring thee the fruit of
faith. almsgiving.
Unto all thou didst show the ways leading to Stichos: We were filled in the morning with
the gates of salvation, 0 glorious Forerunner. Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were
Strengthen me to walk them, for I am drawn glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days
into all the trackless wastes of life and, be­ wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years
guiled, have committed evil. wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy
The awesome day is nigh at hand, and servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou
having deeds worthy of condemnation, I guide their sons.
lament: Lord, 0 Lord, Who alone art merci­ As Thou art the Sun of righteousness, en­
ful: through the supplications of Thy Fore­ lighten the hearts of those who sing unto Thee:
runner and all the saints, show me then to Glory to Thee, 0 Lord!
be uncondemned. Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord
Theotokion: 0 thou who art full of grace, our God be upon us, and the works of our hands
who gavest birth to the divine Light, illumine do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of
my soul, which hath been darkened by trans­ our hands do Thou guide aright.
gression, I pray, and show me to be free of M artyricon: Rejoicing amid the tribunal of
everlasting darkness, that I may magnify and the violators of the law, Thy passion-bearers
glorify thee, the ever-blessed one. cried aloud: Glory to Thee, 0 Lord!
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a From the Virgin Thou didst spring forth as
prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the light, 0 Christ, and hast illumined the human
usual psalms. race. Glory to Thee, 0 Lord!

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

ON TUESDAY MORNING AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VII- M artyricon: Having suffered and been
Comely and good to taste was the fruit crowned, ye put the enemy to shame, and now
which brought death upon me. But Christ is the dwell in the heavens, full of unapproachable
Tree of life, and eating thereof I die not, but cry light, 0 all-wise martyrs, praying in behalf of
out with the thief: Remember me in Thy king­ our souls.
dom, 0 Lord! Glory ... : Heal Thou the incurable suffer­
Treat Thou the incurable sores of my heart, ings of my soul, 0 divine Trinity Who art pi­
0 Lord, for Thou alone art the Physician ofsouls ously worshipped in a single Godhead, rescue
and bodies; and ever grant that I may tread me from Gehenna and temptations, and grant
aright the paths of salvation. me the eternal kingdom.
0 Baptist of Christ, who came before the Now & ever ... : In thy womb thou didst
Sun of righteousness, with thy divine supplica­ contain the Uncontainable One without confin­
tions light thou the lamp of my soul, which hath ing Him. 0 pure Mother, ever beseech Him,
been extinguished by my great evil, that, saved, that from all oppression and the assaults of the
I may ever bless thee. passions He deliver thy servants who glorify
thee with love.

37
 THE OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

ON TUESDAY EVENING AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera of the beheldest Him to Whom thou gavest birth, with
Cross, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "No longer are we His hands nailed to the Tree of His own will,
forbidden the tree of life ... "- thou didst cry out: "0 Longsuffering One, Thou
Stichos: IfThou shouldst mark iniquities, 0 diest ofThine own will, delivering all who hymn
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee Thee from death!"
there is forgiveness.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion­
Of old, a tree drove me from paradise, but
0 most holy Virgin Mistress, who gavest
now a tree restored me to paradise when Thou
birth unto the Lord Who in His lovingkindness
wast crucified, 0 Christ.
was nailed to the Cross, and poureth forth a
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­
stream oflife upon the world: Entreat Him, that
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath
our souls may be saved; for thee alone do we, the
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath
faithful, have as a refuge, bulwark and aid.
hoped in the Lord.
Wherefore, we flee to thy protection.
0 awesome wonder! How can the Creator,
standing before a created being, be condemned
Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
and crucified for the salvation of men?
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 Cross, in Tone VII­
the Lord.
No longer are we forbidden the Tree of life,
0 Cross of Christ, amazement of the holy
for we have Thy Cross as our hope. 0 Lord,
angels and great wounding ofthe demons: Save
glory to Thee!
thy servants!
Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine
Then the stichera ofthe saint, from the Menaion; eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Be­
or if there is no Menaion, these stichera of the hold, as the eyes ofservants look unto the hands
Theotokos, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "Today Ju­ of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid
das keepeth vigil ... "- 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. Suspended upon the Tree, 0 Immortal One,
Beholding her Lamb stretched out upon the Thou didst break the snares of the devil. 0
Tree, the Virgin, the unblemished ewe-lamb, Lord, glory to Thee!
cried aloud: "Woe is me, 0 my Child most sweet! Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
What is this strange and all-glorious mystery? mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
How hath the iniquitous assembly lifted Thee abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
up upon a Cross, and given gall for Thee to drink therewith; let reproach come upon them that
Who fed me with manna?" prosper, and abasement on the proud.
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; M artyricon: Caring naught for all the things
praise Him, all ye peoples. of earth, 0 holy martyrs, and having manfully
When Thy Virgin Mother beheld Thee preached Christ at the tribunal, ye received from
nailed by the Jews to the Cross on Golgotha, Him rewards for your torments; but as ye have
condemned by an unrighteous verdict, 0 my boldness, beseech Him, as the almighty God, that
Christ, she cried out: "Woe is me, 0 my Son He save the souls of us who flee to you, we pray.
most beloved! What is this strange sight? How
can the senseless children of the Jews nail Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
Thee, the Lord of all, to the Cross?" Beholding thy Son upon the Tree of old, thy
Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to heart was wounded with the sword of grief, 0
prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­ all-pure one.
eth forever.
0 most holy Mistress, we have all come to Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart...
know thee alone as her who was manifest as a Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
virgin even after giving birth. And when thou Litany, and Dismissal.
38
 ON TUESDAY NIGHT AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I ODE IV
Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, without leaving
water, which before was fluid, transformed into the bosom of the Father, didst descend to
solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed earth: I have heard the mystery of Thy dispen­
through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a sation, and have glorified Thee, Who alone
hymn of victory. lovest mankind.
With the serenity of thy divine entreaty Spread forth thy mercy and lovingkindness
cause thou the tempest ofmy lusts and passions upon thy servants who ever pray to thee, 0 pure
to cease, 0 all-immaculate one, that with a calm one, delivering them from dreadful torment by
heart I may glorify thine ineffable birthgiving. thy supplications.
Through thine Offspring hath all desire and With pure prayer and fervent love I flee
sweetness come to be, 0 Mistress Theotokos, for unto thee, 0 all-immaculate one. Be thou the
He driveth away all the bitterness engendered expunging of my manifold transgressions, de­
by the passions and transgressions of thy ser­ livering and saving me.
vants. Glory ... : By thy birthgiving, 0 all-pure
Glory ... : Deliver me from the deception of Mistress, thou hast shown thyself to be the
the demons, from oppression, harm and temp­ mediatress of our Joy. Beseech Him, 0 all­
tation, 0 all-pure one, that with faith I may immaculate one, to deliver us from perils and
glorify thee who, after God, art my helper and vouchsafe unto me eternal life.
protection. Now & ever ... : 0 Christ God, Who didst not
Now & ever ... : 0 Word of God, in the bush leave the bosom of the Father when Thou be­
Thou didst reveal Thyself unto Moses, burning earnest incarnate of the Virgin: Preserve Thy
like fire, yet in nowise consuming it, showing flock which worshippeth the divine images of
forth an image of Thy nativity from the Virgin, Thy dispensation.
through whom Thou didst assume human form.
0DEV
ODE III Irmos: Night is bereft of light for those
Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the without faith, 0 Christ, but for the faithful
beginning established the heavens by Thine there is enlightenment in the sweetness of Thy
omnipotent word and confirmed all their power words; wherefore, I rise early unto Thee and
by the all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: hymn Thy divinity.
establish me upon the immovable rock of the Thee do I entreat, 0 pure Virgin, to deliver
confession of Thee! my soul from gloomy sin, and to illumine it with
Earnestly entreat Him Who was lifted up the divine radiance of repentance and thy
upon the Cross and hath cast down hell, 0 mercy.
Theotokos, in behalfofthose who ever faithfully By thy supplications and entreaties deliver
hymn thee with sacred songs and hymns, 0 those who find themselves in the midst of an
hope of the world and help of the faithful. abyss ofcruel temptations and violent passions,
Glory ... : 0 Mistress who by thy birthgiving 0 all-holy and pure one, and save those who
hast freed men from the corruption of death: praise thee.
Deliver me from the corruption of the passions, Glory ... : 0 all-holy Theotokos, who didst
from infirmities and grievous transgressions, conceive God in thy virginal womb and gavest
and by thy divine mediation grant me the life birth unto Him: from all eternal damnation
which groweth not old. deliver those who hymn thee.
Now & ever ... : Having immutably made Now & ever ... : Knowing thee to be the
Thyself like unto men in all things, 0 Word of Mother of God and our helper, 0 pure one, we
God, thou didst manifestly issue forth from the set thee before the compassionate Lord as the
pure Virgin, and hast revealed to all the thrice­ mediatress of our salvation.
radiant Godhead in the indissoluble Essence
and immutable Hypostases.
39
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

ODE VI Mistress, who hast slain hades by thy birth­

Irmos: I cried out to Thee, 0 Lord, when I giving: Grant me life through examples of
was afflicted,. and Thou didst raise up my life, 0 repentance.
greatly Merciful One.
ODE VIII
Entreat thy Son, Who was lifted up upon the
Irmos: Christ Who is truly God, the Author
Cross and hath delivered men from corruption
of the existence of all, let us exalt supremely
0 Mistress, that we be saved. '
and glorify for all ages.
0 all-pure Mistress, forsake me not who
From misfortunes, corruption and the
place my trust in thee; but haste thou unto mine
passions save me, 0 all-pure one; for I flee to
aid.
thee, my hope and divine salvation.
Glory ... : From grief deliver those who in­
Having delivered me from evil accusers at
voke thy divine name, and free them from
the last hour, 0 Mistress and Virgin, do thou
dreadful torment.
thyself guide me to the divine habitation.
Now & ever ... : 0 all-pure Mistress our
Glory ... : Rouse thyself, 0 my soul and
steadfast hope, preserve those who with love
hymn thee as the true Theotokos.
falling down, cry aloud unto the Theotokos: 0
hope and salvation of all, deliver me from eter­
nal fire!
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now &
Now & ever ... : Let us hymn the Virgin who
ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VII-
alone among women is blessed, glorifying and
Christ God, Who was crucified for our sake
supremely exalting Christ for all ages.
and hath cast down the dominion of death do
thou unceasingly entreat, 0 Virgin Theotokos,
ODE IX
that He save our souls.
Irmos: 0 Mother of God and Virgin, thou
gavest birth yet remainest a virgin still and
this was not a work of nature, but of the c~nde­
ODE VII
Irmos: Of old, the children showed the fiery
scension of God; wherefore, we ever magnify
furnace to pour forth dew, hymning the one God
thee as her who hath been vouchsafed divine
and saying: Supremely exalted and all-glorious
wonders.
God of our fathers!
The Theotokos offereth Thee entreaty on
In distraction and grief, and amid misfor­
my behalf, 0 Christ my Master. Accepting it,
tunes, 0 all-pure one, I fervently call upon thee
deliver me from all torment.
with all my heart: Anticipate my need and
deliver me and grant me peace, 0 pure o~e.
I ever entreat thee, 0 Mistress: Deliver my
lowly soul from the judgment and torment
The threefold billows of many transgres­
which are to come.
sions and passions batter me and cause me to
Glory ... : Beseech my Creator and Fash­
sink into the depths of destruction; but grant
ioner, 0 Virgin, that He deliver me from the
me thy hand and save me, 0 Theotokos, and
dread judgment and grant me life.
have mercy upon me in thy might.
Now & ever ... : 0 most immaculate and pure
Glory ... : I bring Thy Mother before Thee 0
~avior Who lovest mankind, to make suppli~a­ Virgin Mother, from spiritual defilement de­
liver thy flock which magnifieth thee.
tion for me. Receiving her, deliver me from
transgressions and the judgment which is to Then, "It is truly meet ... ': and a prostration.
come, and rescue me from everlasting torment. Trisagion through Our Father... Troparion,
Now & ever ... : Possessed of a soul done to and the rest as usual. Dismissal.
death by grievous crimes, I beseech thee, 0

40
 ON WEDNESDAY MORNING AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these souls held fast in the nether regions of hades
sessional hymns of the Cross, in Tone VII- were loosed from their bonds.
The Church crieth out to Thee, 0 Christ 0 Thou Who for our sake willingly accepted
God, bowing down before Thee in the pine, crucifixion, crush the enemy who refuse to rec­
cedar and cypress: Grant victories to the faith­ ognize Thee as the true God, and save us.
ful for the sake of the Theotokos, and have
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
1nercy on us!
Ever preserved by the Cross of thy Son, 0
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and
Virgin, we elude the attacks of the demons;
worship the footstool of His feet, for it is holy.
wherefore, hymning thee as is meet, we glorify
0 Christ God, Who for my sake endured
thee, 0 most hymned Theotokos.
nailing to the Cross, accept my ready praise,
and save me.
ODE I

Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion- Canon to the precious & life-creating Cross of

Christ God, Who was crucified for our sake the Lord, the acrostic whereof is: "When the

and cast down the dominion of death, do thou Cross was planted it uprooted deception': the

unceasingly entreat, 0 Virgin Theotokos, that composition of Joseph, in Tone VII-

He save our souls Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of wa­
ter, which before was fluid, transformed into
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed
sessional hymns of the Cross, in Tone VII­ through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a
0 Christ, Thou didst show the tree of Thy hymn of victory.
Cross to be more radiant than fire and more Mocked, the Master endureth crucifixion,
powerful than flame, for it consumeth the sins removing the mockeries of men in that He
of men and illumineth the hearts of those who loveth mankind. He is pierced by a spear,
hymn Thy voluntary crucifixion. 0 Christ God, thereby slaying the adverse foe.
glory to Thee! Wielding Thy Cross like a bow, 0 merciful
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He Savior, with the darts of the nails Thou didst
hath wrought salvation in the midst of the wound the adversary, and didst heal men, who
earth. of old were wounded by him.
0 Christ God, Who hast dominion over the Martyricon: By the blood of the saints were
incorporeal hosts and knowest the slothfulness the abominable defilements of blood offered to
of my soul, save me by Thy Cross, in that Thou the idols abolished; and the whole earth is
lovest mankind. sanctified, ever blessing the martyrs with
M artyricon: Rejoice, 0 ye righteous! Let the praises.
heavens be glad! For having struggled on earth, Martyricon: The hosts of heaven lifted their
the martyrs trampled the enemy underfoot. Let voice in song, beholding those on earth doing
the Church triumphant leap up, celebrating battle against incorporeal foes. Wherefore, the
Christ God, the one Judge of the contest and Judge ofthe contest hath crowned them victors.
Awarder of trophies, Who granteth the world Theotokion: "The record of Adam was torn
great mercy asunder when Thou wast pierced by the spear,
0 my Son," the all-pure Mistress cried out;
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
"Wherefore, I hymn Thy suffering, which
When she beheld Thee crucified, 0 Lord, the
poureth forth dispassion upon all, 0 Master."
Virgin cried out to Thee weeping: "I hymn Thine
ineffable longsuffering, 0 my Son, and Thine Another canon, of the all-holy Theotokos, the
utter and divine condescension toward men!" composition of Joseph, in Tone VII­
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.
After the third chanting of the Psalter, these 0 Theotokos, preserve thy people, who
sessional hymns, in Tone VII- hymn thy mighty works with love, and deliver
When Thou wast crucified, 0 Christ, the them from harm; for thou art the intercessor,
enemy was bound and death slain, and the guide and confirmation of all, 0 pure one.
41
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

0 Virgin who gavest rise to the Water of Canon of the Theotokos

immortality, grant us the waters of healing, Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

washing away all the deadly passions of our In this thy divine temple, wherein thou hast
souls and bodies. shown forth a well-spring of miracles, 0 pure
0 Mistress, full of the grace of God, thou one, grant the salvific petitions ofthy servants;
wast shown to be the honored habitation ofHim and deliver them from torment, ever pouring
Who honored the nature of our forefather forth thy divine visitation.
[Adam]; wherefore, we beseech thee, 0 pure Having given birth to Christ, the Abyss of
one: Deliver us from all dishonor. mercies and Bestower of all good things, in
Having given birth to the Sun of righteous­ manner transcending cause and recounting, 0
ness for the world, 0 most immaculate Maiden, pure one, thou truly showest this thy divine
drive the darkness away from those who hymn temple to be the expunging of all the passions,
thee with faith in this thy splendid and holy through thy divine overshadowing.
temple. Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, 0 Virgin
Theotokos, joy of all; for thou truly gavest birth
ODE III to the joy and gladness of the whole world, Him
Canon of the Cross Who loveth mankind, driving away sinful grief,
Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the begin­ 0 Bride of God.
ning established the heavens by Thine omnipo­ 0 Virgin, thou noetic coffer, who truly gav­
tent word and confirmed all their power by the est birth to the incorrupt Manna: Come among
all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: establish us at this hour; and of all defilement rid us who
me upon the immovable rock ofthe confession of in pure manner call thee blessed.
Thee!
0 Jesus, Who stretched out the heaven as it ODE IV
were a curtain, Thou didst stretch out Thy Canon of the Cross
hands upon the Tree, healing the intemperance Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, without leaving
of Adam, in that Thou art merciful, and snatch­ the bosom of the Father, didst descend to
ing all from the hands of the lying enemy. earth: I have heard the mystery of Thy dis­
With thorns do the iniquitous men crown pensation, and have glorified Thee, Who
Thee, 0 Christ our King, Who hast crowned alone lovest mankind.
men with glory, uprooted the thorns of Adam's Having appeared on earth as a man, Thou
disobedience, and planted the plant of under­ didst make men heavenly; and suspended upon
standing for all. the Tree, 0 Master, Thou didst exalt with Thy­
Martyricon: Mortal in essence, therein self all who hymn Thy sufferings.
ye deigned to teach immortality, 0 all-wise For mortals Thou dost die, 0 Life, and for
ones; wherefore, wounds and tribulations, the unjust Thou endurest violent suffering, 0
persecutions and beatings, and the severing my righteous Jesus. We hymn Thine infinite
ofyour members, did ye all endure, rejoicing, lovingkindness, 0 Long-suffering One.
0 martyrs. Martyricon: The onslaught of wild beasts,
Martyricon: With steadfast intent ye the raging ofthe fire, the severing of hands and
brought low the lying enemy who boasteth that feet, the mutilation of your members, and all
he will destroy all things, 0 ye athletes who other tortures which win divine delight, did ye
humbled yourselves for Christ; and having ar­ endure, 0 martyrs.
rayed yourselves against him, ye were exalted M artyricon: Crying out to Christ, the God of
with divine might. all, from the ends of your bodies, 0 athletes, ye
Theotokion: 0 Mother and ewe-lamb, be­ were heard, and have now been set high upon
holding the Lamb Who is slaughtered of His the rock of divine perfection.
own will going to His Passion, thou sheddest Theotokion: Make entreaty for us to Him
fountains of tears, saying: "What is this sacred Who became incarnate of thee, 0 Theotokos,
thing, 0 my Child? How dost Thou die, intend­ that we who glorify His sufferings may find help
ing to bring life to those who have died?" in time of peril.

42
 WEDNESDAY MATINS

Canon of the Theotokos Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: Same as the foregoing. Irmos: Night is bereft of light for those
Ofold, Habbakuk proclaimed thee the moun­ without faith, 0 Christ, but for the faithful
tain overshadowed by the virtues, protecting all there is enlightenment in the sweetness of Thy
from the burning of the malice of men's ancient words; wherefore, I rise early unto Thee and
foe, 0 all-pure Mistress Theotokos. hymn Thy divinity.
Offer supplication unto the Lord Who be­ Keeping vigil, we are weighed down by the
came incarnate for thine all-pure blood, 0 Mis­ sleep of sin, 0 pure one; yet in thine all-honored
tress, that He save from all harm thy people, temple take pity on us by thy vigilant divine
who bless thee as is meet. supplication, 0 Bride of God.
This thy temple, full of the grace of God, 0 pure one, grant a helping hand unto all of
hath become a source ofhealingfor men's souls us who have recourse unto thee; wash away the
and bodies, 0 all-glorious one; for it causeth defilement of all evil, and by thy supplications
every disease to cease and washeth away the cleanse us of illness.
passions of those who with faith call thee 0 all-pure Theotokos, who conceived Godin
blessed. thy virginal womb and gavest birth to Him:
By thy fervent and honorable visitation, 0 From all everlasting condemnation deliver
Virgin Mistress, save all who with love flee to those who hymn thee.
thine aid, and visit and grant their petitions The souls of those who come to thy temple
which lead unto life. with faith, having grown old through sins, are
renewed, 0 all-immaculate one, and they all
glorify thee as is meet.
OnEV
Canon of the Cross OnE VI
Irmos: Rising at dawn unto Thee out of the Canon of the Cross
night, I beseech Thee, 0 Lord my God: Grant me Irmos: Sailing amid the tumult of the cares
remission of my transgressions, and guide my oflife, I founder with the ship of sin and am cast
steps to the light of Thy precepts, I pray. to the soul-destroying beast; yet like Jonah I cry
Accepting crucifixion for the removal of to Thee, 0 Christ: Lead me up from the deadly
evils, 0 Word of God, Thou didst taste gall, abyss!
abolishing the bitter harm wrought by the 0 only Deliverer, Thou didst pay Thy saving
pleasing fruit. Glory to Thy great Blood as our price, didst redeem us who were
lovingkindness! held captive, and didst bring us to Thy Father,
By Thy suspension upon the Cross, Thou slaying the tyrant by the Cross, 0 all-good
didst cause the whole earth to quake by Thy Christ.
divine might and healest the abasement Of old, through intemperance I suffered a
thereof, 0 Master; and Thou makest wavering grievous fall, but Christ, uplifted upon the
hearts steadfast in the knowledge of Thee. Cross, His arms stretched out, exalted me, who
M artyricon: Belial everywhere spread his had fallen, and manifestly healed all my
evil nets, yet he did not ensnare the martyrs of wounds.
Christ; for, receiving wings offire, they reached Martyricon: In nowise sleeping the slum­
the divine mansions. ber of deception, 0 martyrs, ye lulled to sleep
M artyricon: Deified by God with the hand of every assault of the tormentors; and having
His abundance, 0 passion-bearers, ye were in fallen into the excellent sleep of the righteous,
nowise daunted by painful tortures, for for you 0 blessed ones, ye became ever-watchful
it was as though others were suffering; and ye advocates for all.
remained thus, 0 all-wise ones. M artyricon: Established firmly upon the
Theotokion: When Thou wast hanging upon rock of Christ's divine precepts, 0 most glorious
the Cross, the pure Virgin, wracked with lam­ martyrs, ye remained unmoved by the wiles of
entation, cried out: "With what eyes shall I look the enemy; and with divine wisdom ye trampled
upon the burning Eye Who driest up all the him underfoot, divinely hastening to God.
depths, 0 my Son?"
43
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Theotokion: 0 Theotokos, thou gavest birth Canon of the Theotokos

to a young Child, Who is known to exist time­ Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

lessly with the Father, before all ages, and Who 0 most hymned Virgin, who gavest birth to
by His Cross reneweth mankind, which had the divine Fire, burn up the tinder of the pas­
grown old through sins by the counsel of the sions of those who hymn thee, and illumine all
author of evil. with the light of repentance, we pray.
0 incorrupt Maiden, deliver us from corrup­
Canon of the Theotokos
tion; 0 animate palace of God, show us to be
Irmos: Jonah cried out from the belly ofhades: temples of the divine Spirit, that we may un­
Lead up my life from corruption! And we cry out
ceasingly hymn thee with faith in thy temple.
to Thee: 0 almighty Savior, have mercy on us!
Thou pourest forth streams of healings
Thou alone hast poured forth the Water of
upon all, for thou gavest birth to the Source of
salvation upon us, 0 only pure one, drying up
life, 0 Theotokos. By thy fervent supplication
the burning of deceptions; and thou bedewest
cleanse this thy flock of defilement, 0 Bride of
the true understanding of thy servants. God.
0 animate city of our God, free thy flock
All the divine prophets, beholding the fig­
from godless barbarians, earthquake and want,
ures ofthy divine birthgiving, chanted withjoy,
and from every temptation.
crying: 0 all-hymned God of our fathers,
With the application of thy supplications
blessed art Thou!
cure the sores ofour souls, 0 Theotokos, that we
may hymn thee with divine voices. ODE VIII
0 Virgin Maiden, who by thine all-pure Canon of the Cross
birthgiving released Eve from pain: Release me Irmos: Emulating the children who in the
from the pain of the passions of soul and body. furnace received the dew ofthe Spirit, let us say
with faith: Bless the Lord, 0 ye works of the
ODE VII Lord!
Canon of the Cross The blood and water which flowed from Thy
Irmos: Of old, the children showed the fiery side renewed the whole world and poured forth
furnace to pour forth dew, hymning the one God incorruption, 0 Savior, and brought abomi­
and saying: Supremely exalted and all-glorious nable sacrifices and the shedding of corrupt
God of our fathers! blood to an end. Wherefore, all ofus, Thy works,
The life of our first parents, devoid of pain, hymn Thee as Lord and exalt Thee supremely
did I find when thou wast suspended upon the for ·all ages.
Cross and died of Thine own will, and slew the Thou wast ringed about with a crown of
serpent, 0 greatly merciful Jesus Christ. thorns, wast given gall and vinegar to eat, wast
We have all been delivered from the curse of spat upon, beaten and lifted up upon the Cross,
the law; for the Bestower of the law was lifted Thy hands pierced with nails. And I, saved
up upon the Cross, pouring forth ever-flowing thereby, cry out to Thee: Hymn the Lord, all ye
blessing, grace, mercy, and the abolition of works ofthe Lord, and exalt Him supremely for
corruption. all ages!
Martyricon: Approaching tortures with M artyricon: Most splendidly enriched from
willing haste, the martyrs voluntarily emu­ the inexhaustible treasuries of truth, 0 ath­
lated Him Who suffered; and, crowned by Him, letes, ye spat upon all the poverty of the idols
they now join chorus with the angels. and showed yourselves to be enrichers of the
Martyricon: Giving your bodies over to poor, crying out: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of
divers torments, 0 all-praised martyrs, ye the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
drowned the incorporeal foe in the streams of Martyricon: Having refused to obey the
your blood, and pour forth fountains of healing. unlawful edicts of the tyrants, 0 martyrs, ye
Theotokion: "Howcaninotweep, beholding were cast into a fiery furnace like the youths,
Thee upon the Cross, 0 my Child most sweet? and therein found the dew of God which cooled
How can I not lament Thee Who sufferest un­ you, as ye cried: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of
justly, 0 most righteous Judge?", the Virgin the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Mother exclaimed.
44
 WEDNESDAY MATINS

Theotokion: The ark of the law prefigured Of Thine own will thou wast uplifted upon
thee of old, 0 pure one, containing not the the Cross like a lamb, 0 Master, snatching Thy
tablets of the law, but Christ, the Bestower of reason-endowed sheep from the wolf, 0 Savior,
the law, Whom iniquitous men nailed to the and enclosing those who hymn thee in the fold
Cross, and Who saveth us who cry: Hymn the of Thy precepts.
Lord, all ye works of the Lord, and exalt Him M artyricon: Shown to be emulators of Thy
supremely for all ages! sufferings, the right glorious passion-bearers
endured multifarious methods of torture, 0
Canon of the Theotokos
Thou Who lovest mankind; wherefore, they
Irmos: The only unoriginate King of glory,
received crowns of glory and have been vouch­
whom the hosts of heaven bless, and before
safed Thy kingdom, 0 Christ.
Whom the ranks of angels tremble, do ye hymn,
M artyricon: The solar rays of grace shine
0 ye priests, and exalt supremely, 0 ye people!
round about, illumining the faithful on the
Pouring forth an abyss of miracles upon the
right laudable feast of the honored passion­
world, 0 most hymned Virgin, dry up the efflu­
bearers; wherefore, ever celebrating this, we
vium of our passions, and pour forth the dew of
are delivered from the darkness of grievous
remission upon us who honor thee with un­
transgressions.
doubting faith.
Theotokion: A noetic Light shone forth on
The Sun of righteousness, Who shone forth
the Cross-thy Son, 0 all-pure one-rebuking
from thee upon those sitting in the darkness of
the princes of darkness; and darkening the
the passions, made thee light, 0 most hymned
light ofthe sun, He illumined the fullness ofthe
and pure one; wherefore, we hymn thee as is
faithful, 0 all-immaculate one.
meet, 0 Theotokos.
As a most splendid temple of God, 0 pure Canon of the Theotokos
one, show thy servants, assembled in thy holy Irmos: 0 Mother who knewest not man, who
temple, to be habitations of the Spirit; for we gavest birth without experiencing corruption,
glorify thee for all ages. and lent flesh to the Word Who hath fashioned
With the light of thy birthgiving thou hast all things, 0 Virgin Theotokos, thou receptacle
wondrously enlightened the whole world, 0 of Him Whom naught can resist and dwelling­
Theotokos, bearing in thine arms the true God place of the Infinite: thee do we magnify.
Who ever enlighteneth those who cry with Thou wast shown to be more sacred than the
faith: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, hosts on high, for thou gavest birth to the
and exalt Him supremely for all ages! Creator of all, 0 holy Theotokos, Mother who
knewest not man; wherefore, with the angels
We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the we glorify thee, unceasingly hymning thy
Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable mighty works.
than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations. Enlightened by the rays ofthe divine Spirit,
the most sacred prophet of old beheld thee as a
ODE IX mountain overshadowed, 0 Virgin Theotokos;
Canon of the Cross wherefore, we on earth bless thee with the
Irmos: 0 Mother of God and Virgin, thou angels, as thou didst foretell, 0 thou who art
gavest birth yet remainest a virgin still, and blessed of God.
this was not a work of nature, but of the conde­ Thou wast shown to be the jar holding the
scension of God; wherefore, we ever magnify divine Manna, and wast seen to be a ladder
thee as her who hath been vouchsafed divine leading men up from earth, 0 Virgin Theotokos
wonders. who alone knewest not wedlock; wherefore, we,
The might of the enemy in nowise failed the faithful, having assembled, glorify thee as is
until Thou didst cry out mightily on the Tree to meet, 0 divinely joyous one.
Thine unoriginate Father, and called Thy scat­ 0 Maiden who wast the dwelling-place of
tered sheep to the knowledge of Thee, 0 Christ, the Godhead, bathing me with tears, cleanse
mighty Master. me, who have become a den of soul-destroying

45
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

thieves and a place where every iniquity is servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou
wrought; and show me to be an abode of the guide their sons.
divine Spirit. The Vine of life was nailed to the Cross, and
0 Virgin Mistress, who alone gavest birth to the nations embraced paradise with the thief.
the preeternal Light: Deliver me from everlast­ This is the glory of the Church! These are the
ing darkness, and enlighten my soul which riches ofthe kingdom! 0 Lord Who suffered for
hath become wholly darkened through the pas­ our sake, glory to Thee!
sions of life, that I may ever glorify thee with Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord
love. our God be upon us, and the works of our hands
do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of
Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a our hands do Thou guide aright.
prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the Martyricon: The all-praised passion­
usual psalms. bearers of Christ were shown to be beacons for
the world, crying aloud: Glory to Thee, 0 Lord!
Aposticha stichera of the Cross, in Tone VII­
0 Master Who lovest mankind, Who art the Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion­
Bestower of life, by Thy Cross Thou didst re­ When the most immaculate one beheld
deem the whole world. 0 Lord, glory to Thee! Thee nailed to the Tree of Thine own will,
Stichos: We were filled in the morning with weeping she hymned Thy might.
Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were
glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days Then, "It is good to give thanks ... " Trisagion
wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years through Our Father ... Troparion. Litany. First
wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy Hour, and Dismissal.

ON WEDNESDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VII- Martyricon: Emulating the honored and
Comely and good to taste was the fruit saving sufferings of Christ, 0 all-praised
which brought death upon me. But Christ is the martyrs, ye endured multifarious tortures, and
Tree oflife, and eating thereof I die not, but cry together have passed over into immortality;
out with the thief: Remember me in Thy king­ wherefore, ye are blessed.
dom, 0 Lord! Glory ... : 0 holy Trinity, preserve us, Thy
Thou didst stretch forth Thy hands upon the servants, who hymn Thee, strengthen us with
Cross, in Thy great goodness setting aright the the power of the Cross, and instruct us how to
fall ofAdam, who stretched out his hands to the reach the heavenly city, that, residing there, we
fruit of the tree, 0 Compassionate One; where­ may find mercy.
fore, we glorify Thee, 0 Benefactor and Lord. Now & ever ... : Beholding Him Who was
On the place ofthe skull the assembly ofthe born of thee, crucified, 0 pure Mother, thou
Jews crucified Thee, 0 Christ our King, Who didst shed tears, thy womb in turmoil, and
crushed the head of the wicked destroyer, and didst cry: "How dost Thou willingly suffer
poureth forth upon us rivers of remission from these things, 0 my Son, desiring to deliver
Thy holy side. mankind from the passions?"

46
 ON WEDNESDAY EVENING

AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera ofthe holy Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
apostles, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "No longer are Convey the entreaty of thy servants to thy
we forbidden the tree of life ... "- Son, 0 most pure one, that He may save all
Stichos: IfThoushouldstmarkiniquities, 0 whom He hath created.
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee
there is forgiveness. Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
Having tilled the whole earth with the the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
plough of the knowledge of God, 0 glorious
apostles, ye caused a multitude ofthe faithful to Aposticha stichera ofthe apostles, in Tone VII­
spring forth. 0 glorious apostles, pillars of the Church,
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­ preachers of the Truth, radiant beacons: With
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath the fire of the Spirit ye consumed all deception
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath and illumined the human race with faith.
hoped in the Lord. Wherefore, we beseech you: Entreat our Savior
Set at naught the winter of my passions, 0 and God, that He grant peace to the world and
blessed apostles, and shine forth upon me the save our souls.
pure spring of peace. Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine
Stichos: From the morning watch until eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Be­
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in hold, as the eyes ofservants look unto the hands
the Lord. of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid
As disciples of the Word ye brought the look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our
assemblies of the nations over from senseless­ eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take
ness to the knowledge of God. pity on us.
0 apostles of Christ, husbandmen of the
Then the stichera ofthe saint, from the Menaion;
Savior, bearing the Cross upon your shoulders
or ifthere is no Menaion, these stichera ofthe great
as a plough, and having cleared the earth made
& holy wonderworker Nicholas, in Tone VII-
hard by the deception of idolatry, ye sowed the
Stichos: For with the Lord there is
word of faith. And ye are fittingly honored, 0
mercy, and with Him there is plenteous re­
holy apostles of Christ.
demption; and He shall redeem Israel out of
Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
all his iniquities.
mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
As of old thou didst by thy supplications
abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
deliver the officers who were to be executed, 0
therewith; let reproach come upon them that
father Nicholas, so do thou now save us.
prosper, and abasement on the proud.
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations;
M artyricon: 0 most praised martyrs, spiri­
praise Him, all ye peoples.
tual lambs, reason-endowed holocausts, ac­
0 holy and most blessed hierarch Nicholas,
ceptable sacrifices well-pleasing to God: the
deliver from griefs all who invoke and hymn
earth did not hide you, but heaven received you,
thee with faith and love.
and ye are become communicants with the
Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
angels. With them entreat our Savior and God,
prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord abid­
we pray you, that He grant peace to the world
eth forever.
and save our souls.
Free thy servants from famine and pesti­
lence, from earthquake and tribulations, and Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
from all want, 0 all-wise and holy hierarch Let us hymn as the Mother of God theWord
Nicholas. her who alone was an all-pure virgin after
giving birth, saying: Glory to thee!

Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart... Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia. Litany,
and Dismissal.

47
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL- HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I Now & ever ... : The divinely eloquent one

Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of once foresaw thee as a scroll whereon the
water, which before was fluid, transformed into Word was writ by the finger of the Father, 0
solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed pure one; wherefore, pray that He inscribe me
through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a in the Book of Life, rending asunder the evil
hymn of victory. record of my sins.
With watersflowingwithlife, OVirgin,give
drink to my soul which withereth away under ODE IV
the burning heat of sin, that I may produce the Irmos: OChristGodWho, withoutleavingthe
fruitful grain of godly compunction. bosom of the Father, didst descend to earth: I have
Rain down upon me drops of compunction, heard the mystery of Thy dispensation, and have
0 pure Maiden, and with drops of compassion glorified Thee, Who alone lovest mankind.
wash away all the defilement of my soul which Make entreaty unto Him Who was born of
hath come upon it through inattention. thee, 0 Theotokos, that we who glorify His
Glory ... : Having taken thy Creator into thy sufferings may find help in time of evil plight.
womb, thou gavest birth unto Him without The Author of nature, the Myrrh Who
seed, and God became an infant. 0 strange poured forth from thee, 0 all-pure and pure one,
wonder! Thou art both handmaid and mother, hath filled all things with sweet fragrance
0 Mistress who hast not known wedlock! through divine understanding, and hath dis­
Now & ever ... : 0 all-pure Virgin Mother, pelled the fretor of falsehood.
thou gavest birth for us to Christ, the Deliverer Glory ... : Christ God hath set thee up as a
of the human race, our Liberator and Savior; noetic ladder for those on earth, 0 pure one, and
wherefore, manifestly knowing thee to be the by thee He leadeth the faithful up to divine and
mediatress of eternal life, we glorify thee. celestial works, in that He is full of loving­
kindness.
ODE III Now & ever ... : Weighed down by the great
Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the burden of sin, 0 good one, I cry unto thee: Be thou
beginning established the heavens by Thine my cleansing, 0 thou who gavest birth to Him
omnipotent word and confirmed all their power Who taketh away the transgressions ofthe world!
by the all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: es­
tablish me upon the immovable rock of the 0DEV
confession of Thee! Irmos: Rising at dawn unto Thee out of the
Having dyed a purple robe- His body- in night, I beseech Thee, 0 Lord my God: Grant me
thine all-pure blood, and put it on without remission of my transgressions, and guide my
assuming the corruption of nature, the King of steps to the light of Thy precepts, I pray.
all issued forth from thee as both God and man, 0 Mother of God Who loveth mankind, 0 all­
0 Virgin, possessed of immutable royalty. hymned Theotokos, by thine entreaties send
As a treasury of good and ineffable things down the expunging of transgressions upon me
given by God unto all, 0 Virgin, thou bestowest who ever praise thee with faith, love and
an abundance ofgrace and wondrous gifts upon hymns.
us who pray to thee amid perils, misfortunes 0 all-pure Theotokos, in that thou art the
and infirmities. receptacle of the immutable Light and the
Glory ... : Thee, 0 pure one, did the won­ temple of the divine Effulgence, with thy light
drous Daniel foresee as the mountain from illumine my darkened soul, I pray.
whence Christ was cut, Who hath crushed the Glory ... : 0 Lord my God, Whose pleasure it
graven images ofthe demons. Wherefore, deliv­ was to become man, I entreat Thee: Be thou
ered by thy birthgiving, we hymn thee as the well-pleased to save me, a prodigal, for the sake
cause of all good things. of the pure and virgin Maiden who gave birth
unto Thee in purity.
48
 WEDNESDAY COMPLINE

Now & ever ... : 0 Mistress Mother of God, 0 0 pure one; wherefore, consume now the tin­
all-immaculate one who for the world gavest der-like passions of my heart.
birth to hypostatic Life, grant thou the forgive­ Glory ... : Perceiving thee to be beauteous
ness of my transgressions. and comely among women, the Lord became
incarnate of thee; wherefore, entreat Him, 0
ODE VI all-holy Maiden, that He save me.
Irmos: Sailing amid the tumult of the cares Now & ever ... : The divine Dew which issued
oflife, I founder with the ship of sin and am cast forth from thee, 0 all-immaculate one, bedew­
to the soul-destroying beast; yet like Jonah I cry eth those who have withered under the burning
to Thee, 0 Christ: Lead me up from the deadly heat of sin; wherefore, I beseech thee: Bedew
abyss! my soul which hath withered also.
By thy seedless birthgiving, 0 Theotokos,
have we been delivered from the corruption of ODE VIII
death and the sin of Adam; for thy Son, Who Irmos: The bush, which partook of fire on
alone is both God and man, granteth to the Sinai yet was not consumed, revealed God to
faithful deliverance from offenses. Moses, who was slow of speech and spake with
Rend asunder the record of my transgres­ difficulty; and the three children, unvan­
sions, 0 Mistress, through thy divine supplica­ quished in the fire, showed forth zeal for God,
tions recording me in the Book of the Saved, chanting: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the
that in praise I may hymn thee, who art more Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
holy than the cherubim. The bush which conversed with fire on Si­
Glory ... : They who of old were cast from nai, yet was not consumed, showed forth thy
before Thy face by Thy righteous judgment, 0 strange birthgiving to Moses the God -seer;
Christ, hast Thou recalled by Thine advent in wherefore, marvelling at thy strange birthgiv­
the flesh, in that Thou art full of loving-kind­ ing, 0 pure one, he cried aloud, rejoicing: Hymn
ness. And now, 0 Good One, accept us who have the Lord, all ye works ofthe Lord, and exalt Him
committed offense, and free us from evils. supremely forever!
Now & ever ... : 0 all-pure Virgin, I entreat 0 pure Virgin who gavest birth to Life,
thee who gavest birth to the Benefactor and grant life to my mind which hath been slain by
Cleansing ofsinners: By thy maternal supplica­ sin, and by thy maternal pleas to God save me
tion expunge my guilt for my countless trans­ who ever chant: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of
gressions, for thou hast the power so to do, as the Lord, and exalt Him supremely forever!
the Mother of thy Son. Glory ... : At night and during the day I have
thee, 0 pure one, as my steadfast protector
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now & against foes visible and invisible, and I am in
ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VII- nowise daunted by their evil and wicked as­
Beneath thy protection dxo all mortals flee. saults, chanting: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of
Deliver our souls from everlasting fire, 0 good the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
one. Now & ever ... : Moved by His love for man­
kind, in that He is good, thy Son, 0 Theotokos,
ODE VII hath given thee as help against the enemy and
Irmos: Of old, the children showed the fiery the healing of sufferings unto those who cry:
furnace to pour forth dew, hymning the one God Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, and
and saying: Supremely exalted and all-glorious exalt Him supremely for all ages!
God of our fathers!
My mind, which is weighed down by sin, 0 ODE IX
most immaculate one, do thou rouse unto good Irmos: 0 Mother who knewest not man, who
works, that I may bless thee who art more gavest birth without experiencing corruption,
honorable than all creation. and lent flesh to the Word Who hath fashioned
In the furnace the three young children all things, 0 Virgin Theotokos, thou receptacle of
prefigured thy birthgiving, for thou wast not Him Whom naught can resist and dwelling­
consumed when thou gavest birth to Fire, place of the Infinite: thee do we magnify.
49
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Having nourished as an infant Him Who as Wherefore, be thou now entreated, that thou
Creator sustaineth and sanctifieth the whole strengthen me by examples of repentance.
world, thou hast been shown to be the Mother of Now & ever ... : Let me not be sent into the
the Almighty according to the flesh, the irre­ fire prepared for me, 0 most Compassionate
movable riches of virginity, 0 Virgin Theoto­ and greatly Merciful One, for the Virgin who
kos, thou Bride who knewest not man. gave Thee birth imploreth thee, with the divine
Having given birth to the Word Who loveth choir of the incorporeal hosts, the apostles,
man exceedingly and taketh away the sin ofthe prophets, martyrs and holy hierarchs, and the
world, 0 Virgin, entreat Him to send down the souls of the righteous.
remission of sins upon us who with unwavering
faith bless thee as is meet. Then, It is truly meet... , and a prostration.
Glory ... : Enamored of sin, I tremble in fear Trisagion through Our Father ... Troparia, and
lest I suddenly reach the end of my life, 0 pure the rest as usual. Dismissal.
Mistress, intercessor of all the oppressed.

ON THURSDAY MORNING

AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these The prophets preached, the apostles taught,
sessional hymns of the apostles, in Tone VII­ the martyrs confessed and we have believed
0 Word, Thou didst reveal Thine apostles as that Thou art Christ, the Son of God, the Deliv­
husbandmen in Thy garden, who cut down the erer of the world.
idols; wherefore, having preached thee, the Martyricon: Having armed themselves
Master, among the nations, they were magni­ with the power of Thy Cross, Thy martyrs, 0
fied in piety. Lord, vanquished the enemy and put the false­
Stichos: Their sound hath gone forth into all hood of the idols to shame; wherefore, hymning
the earth, and their words unto the ends of the Thee with the angels, they cry out a hymn of
world. victory, glorifying Thee, 0 Christ. Through
Earthly glory did ye not love on earth, 0 their supplications grant our souls cleansing
glorious ones, and preaching the God of heaven and great mercy.
to men ye brought them to Him.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion- Rejoice, thou through whom the Word be­
Even though creation recognized thee as a came immutably flesh and dwelt among us!
mother, yet hath the Creator shown thee to be Rejoice, 0 pure one, joy of the apostles and
a virgin; for thou gavest birth in the flesh unto martyrs and salvation of us, the faithful!
Christ God, Who saveth our souls. Rejoice, 0 Mother of Christ God!

After the second chanting of the Psalter, these After the third chanting of the Psalter, these
sessional hymns, in Tone VII- sessional hymns, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "The
As is meet, with hymns let us honor the all­ Fruit of thy womb ... "­
wise apostles of Christ God as nurturers of our 0 most lauded disciples ofthe Lord, who like
salvation; for, having driven away the ungodli­ beacons illumined the whole world: Pray ye,
ness of deception, they have saved the world, as that light may shine upon me who am in the
those who beheld the Word with their own darkness of transgressions and the passions.
eyes-His servants, friends and brethren. As lamps unto the world, 0 apostles of the
Stichos: The heavens declare the glory of Lord, upon the faithful ye ever greatly shine
God, and the firmament proclaimeth the work forth the Word Who driveth away the gloom of
of His hands. deception; wherefore, ye enlighten the na­
tions with baptism, as ever honored preach­
ers of the Trinity.
50
 THURSDAY MATINS

Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­ ODE III

0 Virgin, joy of the world, with the apostles Canon of the Apostles
unceasingly entreat thy Son, that He grant Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the
forgiveness of our transgressions and correc­ beginning established the heavens by Thine
tion of life. omnipotent word and confirmed all their power
by the all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: es­
ODE I tablish me upon the immovable rock of the
Canon of the holy, glorious and all-praised confession of Thee!
apostles, the composition of Theophanes, in Like the heavens ye proclaim the glory of
Tone VII- God, as saith the prophet, 0 wise disciples of
Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of God, manifestly making clear His divine incar­
water, which before was fluid, transformed into nation and sufferings, whereby deliver ye all
solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed from the passions, death and corruption.
through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a Ye were shown to be sharp arrows of Christ
hymn of victory. the mighty, 0 wise disciples ofthe Lord, where­
Godlike in your striving for the divine, ye fore deliver me from the arrows of the evil one,
shattered the gods of the ungodly, and to divine and heal my heart, which hath been grievously
love ye have moved all who came to believe in wounded by the sword of sin.
God, 0 most honored ones. Twice 0 disciples of Christ, who laid bare all the
As the salt of the whole earth, 0 divinely wiles of the enemy and clothed him in shame,
eloquent apostles of the Lord, halt the corrup­ make haste to array me in divine vesture, for I
tion of my heart, and cure it, for it hath lost its have been cruelly deceived and stripped naked
savor. of the divine raiment.
When the most righteous Judge of all will Theotokion: 0 God, Who created the hosts
come again, He will sit down with you, 0 godly ofheaven by Thy word and bestowed grace upon
apostles; deliver us then from all condemnation. the prophets, disciples and all the martyrs: By
Theotokion: 0 all-pure Virgin Theotokos, their supplications and those of Thine all-pure
pray thou with the incorporeal angels, the Mother save and have pity on all, in that Thou
prophets, martyrs and apostles, that we may art full of lovingkindness.
receive remission of transgressions and rich
Canon of Saint Nicholas
mercy.
Irmos: 0 Thou Who lovest mankind, Who
Another canon, to the great & holy established the heavens and made firm the
wonderworker Nicholas, the acrostic whereof is foundation of the earth upon many waters:
"Accept thou our seventh entreaty, 0 Nicholas': establish Thou my mind in Thy will.
the composition of Joseph, in Tone VII­ Offering up supplication for the whole
Irmos: In Egypt, Moses led Israel forth with world, save us from all need and countless
the help of God. To Him alone let us sing, for He tribulations, 0 holy Nicholas.
hath been glorified! As thou didst deliver from prison those
Having lived a glorious life on earth, 0 inescapably bound, break asunder the bonds of
Nicholas, cause those who glorify thee to share mine evil deeds, and by thy supplications propi­
in the glory on high. tiate God, 0 holy Nicholas.
Sailing the deep of evils, we are buffeted by Night and day we all call thee our helper, 0
the waves of life's temptations, 0 most blessed holy Nicholas; bear thou our prayers unto the
ones, from which do thou save us. Lord, ever preserving us.
Grant me now a generous helping hand, 0 Theotokion: 0 all-pure one, thou tongs
father Nicholas, and deliver me from enemies, which received the burning divine Coal in thy
visible and invisible. womb without in any wise being consumed:
Theotokion: He Who created the immate­ burn up our transgressions.
rial ministers was born of thee in His ineffable
mercy, 0 Theotokos, and was seen of men.

51
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

ODE IV 0 Lord my God, Who knowest the offenses of

Canon of the Apostles my soul and the uncorrected ways of my heart:
Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, without leaving Freely taking pity, save me through the en­
the bosom of the Father, didst descend to earth: treaties of the apostles.
I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation, 0 Lord my God, in Thy great goodness Thou
and have glorified Thee, Who alone lovest man­ didst save the thief and the sinful harlot.
kind. Through the supplications of Thine apostles
The Son Who is equally enthroned with the take pity on me, the prodigal.
Father, and Who became incarnate as a man on Theotokion: 0 Lord my God, Who wast born
earth, chose you as disciples, to proclaim His of the Virgin who knew not wedlock: By her
divinity to all nations. Twice supplications and those ofThine apostles grant
I have been wounded in heart, wretch that me cleansing of offenses, and deliver me from
I am, having made myselfsubject to the authors the torment which is to come.
of all the passions in the sickness of my mind.
Canon of Saint Nicholas
Wherefore, I pray: Heal me, 0 apostles, physi­
Irmos: My soul riseth at dawn unto Thee, 0
cians of the infirm.
God, for Thou art light, and Thy precepts are
Deliver us from the passions, 0 glorious
healing for Thy servants, 0 Thou Who lovest
apostles, from grievous misfortunes and tribula­
mankind.
tions, from all perils and most painful torments.
The counsels of ignorant men, which are
Theotokion: Pray to God, 0 chosen Mother,
ever directed against us, do thou render ineffec­
with the sacred apostles, martyrs and prophets,
tual by thy supplications, 0 Nicholas.
that we be delivered from misfortunes, tribula­
By thy supplications rend asunder the
tions and transgressions.
bonds of our evils, 0 most holy Nicholas, who
Canon of Saint Nicholas hast bound the malice of the soul-corrupting
Irmos: By Thy dispensation the virtue of serpent.
Thine ineffable wisdom hath covered the heav­ Ever sinning in mind and beset by a multi­
ens, 0 Christ God Who lovest mankind. tude of evils, we invoke thee as a fervent inter­
With thy wisdom blackening the mind of cessor, 0 father Nicholas.
Arius, which was benighted by heresy, thou didst Theotokion: 0 Mary Theotokos, Lady of all
enlighten those deceived by him, 0 Nicholas. creation, utterly free my lowly heart from the
Treat my many sores with thy God-pleasing enemy who shamelessly seeketh to gain domin­
prayers, 0 divinely blessed father Nicholas, ion over my heart.
and enlighten my heart.
Having mortified the uprisings of the pas­ ODE VI
sions, 0 most blessed one, by thy supplications Canon of the Apostles
enliven me who am done to death by them, and Irmos: Sailing amid the tumult of the cares
make me new. oflife, I founder with the ship of sin and am cast
Theotokion: Thou gavest birth in the flesh to the soul-destroying beast; yet like Jonah I cry
unto the Timeless One. Him do thou entreat, to Thee, 0 Christ: Lead me up from the deadly
that He deliver from chronic evils us who hymn abyss!
thee, 0 most immaculate one. As godly disciples of Wisdom Itself, the
apostles showed the wisdom of the pagans to be
0DEV foolishness and destroyed the malice of their
Canon of the Apostles sages; and with the light of piety the all-wise
Irmos: Rising at dawn unto Thee out of the ones illumined those lost in ignorance. Twice
night, I beseech Thee, 0 Lord my God: Grant me 0 Christ Who of old didst wash away the
remission of my transgressions, and guide my transgression of Peter with his tears, by his
steps to the light of Thy precepts, I pray. supplications wash away the countless offenses
0 Lord my God, Who of old bestowed peace of my soul, in Thine immeasurable
upon Thine apostles: By their supplications lovingkindness and great goodness.
grant peace and forgiveness of transgressions 0 Deliverer, Who of old took pity on the
unto all. Twice
52
 THURSDAY MATINS

penitent Ninevites: In Thy lovingkindness, as immaculate one, that thy servants may be
is Thy wont, have mercy on me for the sake of saved from all perils and tribulations.
Thine apostles, and let not the multitude of my
Canon of Saint Nicholas
transgressions bring torments upon me.
Irmos: Thou didst bedew the burning fur­
Theotokion: 0 thou who gavest birth to the
nace, 0 Savior and didst save the children who
Light, enlighten my soul, which hath been
chanted, saying: Blessed art Thou forever, 0
darkened by the passions, and with the
Lord God of our fathers!
apostles, prophets and martyrs entreat Him to
As the beauty of the Church, 0 wise Nicho­
deliver me from all sin, all harm, and all the
las, deliver me from all the ugliness of the
malice of the enemy.
ignominious passions, ever entreating the
Canon of Saint Nicholas Benefactor ofthe whole world, 0 holy hierarch.
Irmos: Jonahcriedoutfrom the bellyofhades: Water the hearts ofus all with the showers of
Lead up my life from corruption! And we cry out thy prayers, 0 wise Nicholas, that we may offer
to Thee: 0 almighty Savior, have mercy on us! fruits worthy of repentance, 0 holy hierarch.
Thou didst annul the unjust sentence of By thy supplications enlighten the minds of
death and by thy mercy didst save those who us who rise early with faith and glorify God, 0
were about to die, 0 father Nicholas, as the thou who by thine entreaties did raze the
fervent helper of those who call upon thee. temple of Artemis.
Ease thou the ailments of our souls, 0 most Theotokion: With faith doth every tongue
sacred pastor, and stop thou the mouths which glorify thee, who art the glory and boast of our
open vainly against those who love thee. race and the guide of those astray, 0 pure and
Thou didst destroy the bitter pasturage of all-blessed Theotokos.
the ungodliness of Arius with the medicine of
thy words, 0 Nicholas, initiate of the sacred ODE VIII
mysteries, and wast the confirmation of the Canon of the Apostles
faithful. Irmos: The bush on Sinai which partook of
Theotokion: 0 most immaculate one, heal fire without being consumed revealed God unto
thou my wretched soul, which hath been made Moses, who was slow of speech and spake with
incurably sick with the beguilements oflife and difficulty; and the zeal of God showed forth the
many sinful circumstances. three children in the fire as invincible, who
chanted: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the
ODE VII Lord, and exalt Him supremely forever!
Canon of the Apostles Coals set aflame by the noetic Fire, the
Irmos: Of old, the children showed the fiery disciples ofChrist burned up all the falsehood of
furnace to pour forth dew, hymning the one God idolatry as if they were reeds, and have enlight­
and saying: Supremely exalted and all-glorious ened the souls of the faithful, who cry out:
God of our fathers! Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, and
The furnace of bitter ungodliness of old did exalt Him supremely for all ages. Twice
ye quench with the dew of divine preaching, 0 Enlighten now my soul which hath been
glorious apostles, crying: Supremely exalted darkened by sin, and my heart which through
and all-glorious is the God of our fathers! the passions hath been enshrouded in the
Rescue me from grievous sin, from torment gloom of dishonor, 0 apostles of Christ who
in hell and pain in Gehenna, 0 Christ, and save partake of everlasting light, that I may unceas­
me, I pray Thee, through the entreaties ofThine ingly cry out: Hymn the Lord, allye works ofthe
apostles, 0 Word. Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages.
0 disciples of Christ, who drew men forth By the supplications of Thy sacred disciples
from the depths ofignorance with the net of the heal my soul, which hath been wounded by the
Word, save me who am tempest-tossed and venomous fangs ofthe prideful one, 0 Thou Who
drowning amid countless transgressions. accepted wounds in the flesh; and save those who
Theotokion: With the angels, martyrs and chant: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord,
apostles entreat thy Son and Lord, 0 most and exalt Him supremely for all ages.

53
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Theotokion: When thou gavest birth to the passions, and render it fertile with the seed of
Fire without being consumed, thou wast pre­ repentance.
served, 0 all-pure Virgin; wherefore, with the Through the divine Spirit is the earth sanc­
incorporeal choirs and the apostles entreat Him tified by the divine relics of the right glorious
to Whom thou gavest birth, that they may be apostles; and the heavenly Church of the first­
saved who chant with faith: Hymn the Lord, all born is unceasingly made splendid by their
ye works of the Lord, and exalt Him supremely spirits. For their sake, 0 Savior, have pity upon
for all ages. us all.
Theotokion: 0 most Compassionate and
Canon of Saint Nicholas
greatly Merciful One, the Virgin who gave Thee
Irmos: Emulating the children who in the
birth, and the divine incorporeal choirs, the
furnace received the dew ofthe Spirit, let us say
apostles and prophets, the martyrs and holy
with faith: Bless the Lord, 0 ye works of the
hierarchs, and the souls of the righteous, en­
Lord!
treat Thee not to inflict upon me the fire pre­
Thy body, redolent of myrrh, which lay in
pared for me.
Myra, 0 most holy Nicholas, poureth forth
myrrh upon those who have recourse thereto, Canon of Saint Nicholas
and bringeth an end to the infirmities of men. Irmos: 0 ye faithful, with hymns let us
The Creator and Lord of the world hath magnify the Theotokos, who became a mother
shown thee to be a helper of the world; where­ in manner transcending nature, is a Virgin by
fore, thou hast been found to be a ready deliv­ nature, and is blessed among women!
erer for those who now call upon thee in their Following the ways of the sacred apostles,
needs, 0 Nicholas. thou didst inherit their thrones, as an honorable
There is no-one who calleth upon thee amid and holy hierarch, 0 right glorious Nicholas.
tribulations who doth not quickly receive conso­ 0 blessed one, the Creator hath shown thee
lation; wherefore, we pray to thee: Ease all our forth as most great, as a lover of God and a
sicknesses, 0 Nicholas. helper in all things for those who fervently call
Theotokion: Every tongue hymneth and upon thee throughout the world.
glorifieth thee, 0 Virgin Bride of God, for thou With contrite heart we cry to thee, 0 father
gavest birth to the all-hymned God. Him do thou Nicholas: Be thou a comfort for us amid tribula­
unceasingly beseech, that our souls be saved. tions, ever driving griefs away from our souls.
Glory ... : The severing of death lieth before
We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
thee as an axe lieth before a tree, 0 my soul.
Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
Wherefore, be not slothful but diligent in show­
than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.
ing God the fruits of repentance.
Now & ever ... : Theotokion: In thy holy arms
OnE IX
thou bearest Him Who upholdeth all things.
Canon of the Apostles
Him do thou beseech, 0 pure one, that we be
Irmos: 0 Mother who knewest not man, who
saved unharmed by the malefactions of the
gavest birth without experiencing corruption,
alien one.
and lent flesh to the Word Who hath fashioned
all things, OVirgin Theotokos, thoureceptacleof Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a
Him Whom naught can resist and dwelling­ prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the
place of the Infinite: thee do we magnify. usual psalms.
The Word of God the Father revealed you as
sons of the light and the day, for having loved Aposticha stichera ofthe apostles, in Tone VII­
Him, 0 divine apostles, ye were shown to be 0 glorious apostles, pillars of the Church,
beacons for the whole world, dispellers of de­ preachers of the Truth, radiant beacons: With
mons, guides for the lost and firm foundations the fire of the Spirit ye consumed all deception
for the Church. and illumined the human race with faith.
0 ploughs of the Word, who bore His most Wherefore, we beseech you: Entreat our Savior
easy yoke upon your necks, cultivate now my and God, that He grant peace to the world and
soul, which hath grown hard through the save our souls.
54
 THURSDAY MATINS

Stichos: We were filled in the morning with M artyricon: Breathing forth one thing only,
Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were and looking toward one thing alone, the
glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days passion-bearing martyrs, having found the one
wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years path oflife, which is death for Christ, urged one
wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy another on to death. 0 the wonder! For, snatch­
servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou ing up the treasures of torment, they said to
guide their sons. each other: Ifwe die not now, we shall die in any
0 apostles of Christ, husbandmen of the case; wherefore, let us do things worthy of life:
Savior, bearing the Cross upon your shoulders let us do what needs be done with love of honor,
as a plough, and having cleared the earth made that we may sell what we have and purchase life
hard by the deception of idolatry, ye sowed the with death!" Through their supplications, 0
word of faith. And ye are fittingly honored, 0 God, have mercy on us.
holy apostles of Christ.
Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
our God be upon us, and the works of our hands Thou wast ineffably born of the Virgin, 0
do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of Christ, and hast enlightened those in darkness,
our hands do Thou guide aright. who cry: Glory to Thee, 0 Lord!

ON THURSDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VII- M artyricon: While your members were be­
Comely and good to taste was the fruit ing cut off with the sword, 0 divine athletes, ye
which brought death upon me. But Christ is the were not cut off from the love of the Deliverer,
Tree oflife, and eating thereof I die not, but cry but hastened to Him. And now ye alllive in joy,
out with the thief: Remember me in Thy king­ illumined with heavenly glory.
dom, 0 Lord! Glory ... : The most malignant corrupter of
From the depths of false belief did ye draw the human race besetteth me. 0 omnipotent
flocks of the nations unto the divinely beaute­ Trinity, snatch me from his maw by the suppli­
ous Faith, 0 all-wise and glorious apostles, and cations of Thy preachers, that I may magnify
ye brought them to the noetic banquet as a Thine infinite mercy.
priceless gift. Now & ever ... : 0 pure Virgin, thou didst
Driving the darkness of grievous beguile­ bring forth the Son, bearing mortal flesh of thy
ment away with the light of preaching, 0 pure blood, Who is equally enthroned with the
apostles of the Lord, ye manifestly illumined Father, that He might make human nature
the hearts of the pious; wherefore, we bless you immortal; wherefore, we all bless thee as is
with divine hymns. meet.

55

 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

ON THURSDAY EVENING AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera of the 0 most holy Mistress, we have all come to
Cross, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: "No longer are we know thee alone as the one who wast manifest
forbidden the tree of life ... "- as a virgin even after giving birth. And when
Stichos: IfThou shouldst mark iniquities, 0 thou beheldest Him to Whom thou gavest birth,
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee with His hands nailed to the Tree of His own
there is forgiveness. will, thou didst cry out: "0 Longsuffering One,
That Thou mightest make man god, Thou Thou diest ofThine own will, delivering all who
becamest man and wast crucified, 0 all-good hymn Thee from death!"
Christ. Glory to Thy power!
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion­
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­
0 most holy Virgin Mistress, who gavest
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath
birth unto the Lord Who in His lovingkindness
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath
was nailed to the Cross, and poureth forth a
hoped in the Lord.
stream oflife upon the world: Entreat Him, that
When the assembly of the Jews condemned
our souls may be saved; for thee alone do we, the
Thee to die on the Cross, 0 Jesus, the earth
faithful, have as a refuge, bulwark and aid.
quaked and the sun hid its light.
Wherefore, we flee to thy protection.
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...
The iniquitous assembly crowned Thee
with thorns, 0 Immortal and holy King, Who Aposticha stichera of the Cross, in Tone VII­
cuttest the thorns of deception off at the root. No longer are we forbidden the Tree of life,
Then the stichera for the saint, from the Men­ for we have Thy Cross as our hope. 0 Lord,
aion; or ifthere is no Menaion, these stichera for glory to Thee!
the all-holy Theotokos, in Tone VII: Spec. Mel.: Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine eyes,
"Today Judas keepeth vigil ... ':__ unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Behold, as the
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, eyes of servants look unto the hands of their
and with Him there is plenteous redemption; masters, as the eyes of the handmaid look unto
and He shall redeem Israel out of all his iniqui­ the hands ofher mistress, so do our eyes look unto
ties. the Lord our God, until He take pity on us.
Beholding her Lamb stretched out upon the Suspended upon the Tree, 0 Immortal One,
Tree, the Virgin, the unblemished ewe-lamb, Thou didst break the snares of the devil. 0
cried aloud: "Woe is me, 0 my Child most sweet! Lord, glory to Thee!
What is this strange and all-glorious mystery? Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
How hath the iniquitous assembly lifted Thee mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
up upon a Cross, and given gall for Thee to drink abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
Who fed me with manna?" therewith; let reproach come upon them that
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; prosper, and abasement on the proud.
praise Him, all ye peoples. Martyricon: Glory to Thee, 0 Christ God,
When Thy Virgin Mother beheld Thee Thou boast of the apostles and joy of the mar­
nailed by the Jews to the Cross on Golgotha, tyrs, who preached the consubstantial Trinity!
condemned by an unrighteous verdict, 0 my Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
Christ, she cried out: "Woe is me, 0 my Son most When the most immaculate one beheld
beloved! What is this strange sight? How can Thee nailed to the Tree of Thine own will,
the senseless children ofthe Jews nail Thee, the weeping, she hymned Thy dominion.
Lord of all, to the Cross?"
Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ...
prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­ Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
eth forever. Litany, and Dismissal.

56
 ON THURSDAY NIGHT AT COMPLINE

CANoN oF SuPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HoLY THEOTOKos

ODE I Glory ... : Grant me remission of offenses, 0

Irmos: To God Who shook Pharaoh off into most blessed and pure one, and deliver me from
the Red Sea let us chant a hymn of victory, for everlasting and terrible torment.
He hath been glorified. Now & ever ... : The Word Who made His
Looking toward the impending end of my abode within thee, 0 all-pure one, hath trans­
life, 0 Mistress, I cry aloud: Grant me the formed my nature, which had fallen through
cleansing of mine offenses, 0 Bride of God. disobedience.
Hastening to the abyss of Thy beneficence,
I cry out: 0 good Mistress, deliver me from all 0DEV
torment. lrmos: My soul riseth at dawn unto Thee, 0
Glory ... : 0 Mistress, accept us who flee to God, for Thou art light, and Thy precepts are
thee with faith, and grant us deliverance from healing for Thy servants, 0 Thou Who lovest
perils and tribulations. mankind.
Now & ever ... : In accordance with the I have made myself like unto the irrational
prophecy thou hast restored the fallen taber­ beasts, utter wretch that I am, serving mine
nacle of Adam, 0 all-pure one who didst bear accursed flesh with irrational passions. But do
God the Savior in thy womb. thou, 0 Theotokos, grant that I may come to my
senses.
ODE III Have mercy upon me who have sinned more
Irmos: The Church of Christ hath been than all men, and who flee to thy fervent protec­
made steadfast through faith; for it unceasingly tion, 0 Virgin Theotokos, and rescue me from
crieth out in hymns, chanting: Holy art Thou, 0 torments.
Lord! My spirit doth hymn Thee! Glory ... : May those who confess thee to be
0 all-pure one who didst ineffably conceive the Theotokos, 0 Virgin Mother of God, be
God the Master, deliver and save me who am vouchsafed to receive through thee the king­
beset by the tempest of sin. dom and sustenance which pass not away.
With rays of repentance illumine me who Now & ever ... : 0 blessed and all-glorious
am held fast in the night of unseemly offenses, Mother who knewest not man, grant life to my
0 Maiden, ever granting that I may become a soul, which hath been slain by my sins and hath
child of the light. been buried beneath unrestrained passions.
Glory ... : 0 Theotokos who gavest birth to
the Bread of heaven, feeding the hearts of the ODE VI
all the faithful, fill thou my starving and pas­ Irmos: Jonah cried out from the belly of
sion-plagued soul. hades: Lead up my life from corruption! And we
Now & ever ... : Acknowledging thy divine cry out to Thee: 0 almighty Savior, have mercy
birthgiving, I have been made steadfast, 0 on us!
Virgin, and, enriched by thy help, I cry: Holy art The tempest of sin assaileth me and lead­
Thou, 0 Lord Who savest our souls! eth me into the corruption of despair, 0 Vir­
gin; but extend unto me a firm and mighty
ODE IV helping hand.
Irmos: I heard report of Thee and was Pour forth upon me the oil offervent loving­
afraid; I understood Thy works and was filled kindness which is in thee, 0 Mistress; deliver
with awe, 0 Lord. me from offenses and rescue me from everlast­
Disdain me not, neither put me to shame ing fire.
who earnestly groan and cry out before thee Glory ... : 0 Virgin Maiden who hast
from the depths of my heart, 0 Mistress. released Eve from pain by thine all-pure
Utterly consume the thorns which pierce birthgiving, release me also from the pain ofthe
my wretched soul, the lusts of the flesh, passions which assail my soul and body.
0 Mistress who gavest birth to the divine Fire.

57
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Now & ever ... : Thou dost hymn God Who the dew of thy mercy, imparting coolness unto
was incarnate of thee, 0 pure and all-immacu­ my soul.
late Virgin Mother; and, gazing upon Him, thou I have defiled my soul and rendered my
dost lament Him Who was lifted up upon the flesh corrupt through lust, wallowing therein.
Cross. And I have become a mockery unto men, and an
object of ridicule unto the enemy. 0 Mistress
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now & Theotokos, be thou my helper!
ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VII­ Glory ... : Beseech God to Whom thou gavest
0 pure one, the Fruit of thy womb hath birth, 0 Virgin, that He send down upon those
planted the Cross in the ends of the earth and who honor thee with faith salvation, release
delivered the world from corruption; wherefore, from misfortunes, speedy deliverance from
we magnify thee, the all-glorious one. grievous ailments, and eternal grace.
Now & ever ... : The Lord, Who created
ODE VII Adam according to His image, assumed his
Irmos: Cast into the fiery furnace, the substance and abolished the primal curse,
venerable children transformed the fire into hymn ye, 0 priests, and exalt Him supremely
dew, crying out thus in hymnody: Blessed art forever!
Thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers!
The threat of my manifold transgressions ODE IX
hath increased, 0 pure one, and, deserving Irmos: 0 most hymned one, who art more
condemnation, I fall down and cry unto thee: exalted than the heavens, without seed thou
Before the end grant me cleansing, tears of didst conceive the unoriginate Word and gavest
compunction and correction of my morals. birth for men to God incarnate; wherefore, we
In that thou hast given birth to the Life of all magnify thee.
all, Opure andall-pureone, bythydivineworks 0 most radiant Virgin Mother and Theoto­
grant life unto me who am in sore distress kos, with the light of thy supplications do thou
because of my vile transgressions, and ap­ radiantly guide to the fear of God my wretched
proach the grave in despair. soul, which hath been grievously benighted by
Glory ... : 0 good Theotokos, delivering from carnal pleasures.
spiritual death those who with faith call upon Despairing of salvation because of the mul­
thine immortal grace, vouchsafe them the king­ titude of mine offenses, I am at a loss, 0 most
dom by thine all-pure supplications. holy Mistress. Send down upon me thy benefac­
Now & ever ... : We glorify the unapproach­ tions and mercy.
able birthgiving ofthe Virgin, whereby we have Glory ... : Thy birthgiving, which transcen­
been delivered from death; wherefore, reborn deth nature, 0 Theotokos, filleth the angels
unto incorruption, we cry: Blessed art Thou, 0 with wonder and men with awe; for it is inef­
Lord God of our fathers! fable and unapproachable to all. And hymning
it, we piously glorify thee.
ODE VIII Now & ever ... : Thou hast stripped away my
Irmos: The only unoriginate King of glory, garments of mortality and corruption, 0 Virgin
Whom the hosts of heaven bless, and before who for men gavest birth to the incarnate Word,
Whom the ranks of angels tremble, do ye hymn, the robe of salvation. Wherefore, we all ever
0 ye priests, and exalt supremely, 0 ye people! magnify thee.
The furnace of the passions consumeth me,
0 Virgin, and devoureth me with the fire of Then, It is truly meet ... , and a prostration.
lusts; but, anticipating my need, quench it with Trisagion through Our Father ... Troparia, and
the rest as usual. Dismissal.

58
 ON FRIDAY MORNING

AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these 0 Thou Who by the tree of the Cross healed
sessional hymns of the Cross, in Tone VII- Adam's condemnation, heal our broken hearts,
The Church crieth out to Thee, 0 Christ God, and save us.
bowing down before Thee in the pine, cedar and
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
cypress: Grant victories to the faithful for the
The Fruit of thy womb planted the Cross in
sake of the Theotokos, and have mercy one us!
the ends of the earth and delivered the world
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and
from corruption; wherefore, we magnify thee, 0
worship the footstool of His feet, for it is holy.
all-glorious one.
0 Christ God, Who for my sake endured
nailing to the Cross, accept my ready praise,
and save me. OnE I
Canon of the precious and life-creating Cross
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion-
of the Lord, the acrostic whereof is "On the
Protected by the Cross of thy Son, 0 Virgin,
Tree Christ set at naught the ancient bane':
we evade the attacks of the demons; wherefore,
the composition of Joseph, in Tone VII­
hymning thee as is meet, we glorify thee, 0
Irmos: To God Who shook Pharaoh off into
unwedded Theotokos.
the Red Sea let us chant a hymn of victory, for
He hath been glorified.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these
Uplifted upon the Cross, Christ drew all
sessional hymns, in Tone VII­
men to Himself, and cast down the enemy who
0 Christ, Thou didst show the tree of Thy
had laid all low.
Cross to be more radiant than fire and more
From Thy life-bearing side Thou didst pour
powerful than flame, for it consumeth the sins
forth water upon my life, 0 Master, and as
of men and illumineth the hearts of those who
mortal didst slay the enemy.
hymn Thy voluntary crucifixion. 0 Christ God,
M artyricon: Bear ye earnest supplication to
glory to Thee!
Christ for us, 0 passion-bearers, that we all
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He
may be delivered from the dread judgment.
hath wrought salvation in the midst ofthe earth.
Martyricon: 0 all-wise martyrs, who
Ever gazing upon Thy Cross as it is exalted,
humbled yourselves for Christ's sake: Cast
0 Lord, we faithfully hasten with hymns and
down the prideful foe with grace divine.
songs, embracing it with fear and joy. Sanctify
Theotokion: Beholding on the Cross Him
Thy servants, and bring peace to Thy world by
Who had shone forth from thee in His all-great
its appearance, 0 only greatly Merciful One.
lovingkindness, 0 Mistress, thou didst weep,
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the
glorifying Him.
God of Israel.
Martyricon: 0 holy martyrs, ask that we
Another canon, of the all-holy Theotokos,
may be given remission of our transgressions,
in Tone VII-
and may be delivered from the torments which
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.
await us, and from bitter death, we pray.
In giving birth to God in the flesh, 0 all­
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion­ pure one, thou didst restore our first father
0 pure Ever-virgin Theotokos, beholding Adam, who had fallen into the corruption of
thy Son hanging upon the Cross, weeping as a disobedience.
mother thou didst magnify His awesome conde­ In gladness we cry out to thee with the voice
scension, 0 Mistress who knewest not wedlock. of Gabriel, 0 pure one: Rejoice, 0 all-pure one,
thou hope of all! Rejoice, 0 Bride of God!
After the third chanting of the Psalter, these 0 all-pure Virgin, enliven my deadened
sessional hymns, in Tone VII- mind with the enlivening activity of Him Who
Thy precious Cross, 0 Christ, is the sword was truly born of thee.
and invincible victory of the world, and laying They who bless thee with faith are mani­
low the invisible foe thereby, we hymn Thee festly blessed ofGod; for thou gavest birth to the
with thanksgiving. Source of blessing, 0 only most hymned one.
59
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

ODE III most comely cluster of grapes, 0 Master Who

Canon of the Cross lovest mankind, and didst exude the wine of
Irmos: My heart hath been established in gladness.
the Lord; my horn hath been exalted in my God; Willingly accepting sufferings in Thy flesh,
my mouth hath been enlarged over the enemy; 0 Master, Thou didst truly calm the greatly
and I have found gladness in Thy salvation. painful passions of men.
0 Thou Who dost breathe life into me, and Martyricon: Shot through with arrows, the
art dispassionate in essence, how dost Thou passion-bearers wounded the adversary and
endure suffering? How diest Thou upon the showed themselves to be physicians ofour souls.
Tree? Great is Thy mercy and long-suffering, 0 M artyricon: The passion-bearers arrayed
Savior! themselves against the tyrants and, vanquish­
Thou wast unjustly uplifted on the Cross ing them, were crowned with crowns of victory.
between two thieves, 0 Word, and didst jus­ Theotokion: 0 Virgin, without seed thou
tify him who by faith acknowledged Thee as gavest birth to the Word Who in His goodness
the Author of all creation Who suffered of His destroyed corruption on the Cross.
own will.
Canon of the Theotokos

Martyricon: Enduring the convulsions of

Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

their flesh, the severing oftheir hands and feet,

Habbakuk heard of thee, 0 all-pure one, as
and all their members, the passion-bearers
the mountain illumined by the overshadowing
were vouchsafed glory, and pray for us.
of the Spirit; for from thee hath God revealed
Martyricon: Made radiant in God by multi­
Himself incarnate.
farious torments, ye have now inherited great
The assembly of the Orthodox is set aright,
glory, 0 wise ones, ever praying for our souls.
hymning thee as the most holy Mother of God,
Theotokion: By thy maternal supplications
and crying out to thee with the angel: "Rejoice!"
grant release from our debts, 0 pure Virgin who
Beaten is the face of Nestorius, who did not
gavest birth to God the Word Who was nailed as
wish to consider thee the pure Theotokos; for thou
a man to the Cross.
didst truly give birth unto God, 0 all-pure one.
Canon of the Theotokos
The Bridegroom found thee to be comely and
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.
radiant in goodness, 0 most pure one, and He
In the image ofthe most holy tabernacle did abode within thee and made thee the Theotokos.
God foretell thee to the law-giver on the
mountain; for thou becamest the habitation of 0DEV
Him Who sanctifieth all. Canon of the Cross
0 Virgin, we have all understood thee to be Irmos: My soul riseth at dawn unto Thee, 0
the holy ground which without seed put forth for God, for Thou art light, and Thy precepts are
us Jesus Christ, the comely Grain Who feedeth healing for Thy servants, 0 Thou Who lovest
those who bless thee with faith and love. mankind.
The ways of God Most High were seen in Uplifted upon the Tree in the flesh, 0 Mas­
thee, 0 Virgin, when He ineffably became in­ ter, Thou didst draw all creation out ofthe pit of
carnate; for thou wast the Mother of Him Who evils unto the understanding of Thee, 0 Thou
reigneth over all. Who lovest mankind.
Pondering thy divine birthgiving, 0 Virgin, Iniquitous men asked to crucify Thee at the
enriched by thine aid, I cry out: Holy art Thou, place of the skull, 0 Jesus, Who dost crush the
0 Lord, Who saveth our souls! pernicious head of the serpent.
Martyricon: Ye halted the flow of ungodli­
ODE IV ness with your divine blood, 0 martyrs, and
Canon of the Cross drowned the tyrant Pharaoh therein.
Irmos: I heard report of Thee and was M artyricon: Their fingernails piti­
afraid; I understood Thy works and was filled lessly torn away, the passion-bearers rent
with awe, 0 Lord. vain-minded hearts asunder with their re­
Thou wast uplifted upon the Cross like a buke, and have become victors.

60

 FRIDAY MATINS

Theotokion: God sanctified thy womb and Him Who was uplifted upon the Cross, as thou
dwelt therein, 0 holy and pure one; and uplifted didst gaze upon Him, 0 Virgin Mother, holy and
upon the Cross, He raised up creation with most immaculate.
Himself.
Canon ofthe Theotokos

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

Thou gavest birth to the only Benefactor as
Loving thy godly, comely, most sweet and the God-man, Who dwelt among men, 0 Virgin
goodly beauty, 0 Virgin Lady, the Master made Theotokos, that He might give life unto men.
His abode within thee. Thou gavest birth in two natures to Em­
0 Maiden, most holy and splendid portal of manuel, Who was the perfect Word from the
grace, who hast illumined the whole world with beginning, and now is God incarnate, Who
thy most radiant light: Enlighten those who granteth us deliverance.
hymn thee. The word of God described thee beforehand
Let those who confess thee to be the Theoto­ as the ark which received the tablets of the law,
kos receive through thy light the kingdom and 0 Theotokos, for thou didst receive in thy womb
food whichpassnotaway, OMother, Virgin and Him Who became incarnate for our sake.
Theotokos. Even the fulsome tongues of the angels are
Thou wast shown to be the temple of the unable to proclaim thy praises, 0 pure one; but
Omnipotent One Who seeth all things; for, finding we, taking it up now as servants, offer thee
thy womb to be more honorable than the heavens, Gabriel's "Rejoice!''.
He dwelt therein, 0 most pure Theotokos.
ODE VII
OnE VI Canon of the Cross
Canon of the Cross Irmos: Of old, the children showed the fiery
Irmos: Jonah cried out from the belly of furnace to pour forth dew, hymning the one God
hades: Lead up my life from corruption! And and saying: Supremely exalted and all-glorious
we cry out to Thee: 0 almighty Savior, have God of our fathers!
mercy on us! Lifting the burden of mine iniquities, Thou
Manifesting Thyself in the lovingkindness wast uplifted on the Cross between the iniqui­
of Thy mercy, 0 Physician of the infirm, by Thy taus, 0 all-goad Lord. Blessed art Thou, the
Cross and sufferings Thou didst heal infirm supremely exalted Lord and God of our fathers.
human nature. Pierced by the spear in Thy divine side, 0
By the tree did Adam bring condemnation Savior, Thou didst set aright the fall of Eve, who
upon himself of old; but now he hath been was created from Adam's rib; and Thou dost
justified by the tree of the Cross, gaining access ever command the fiery sword to give me access
to paradise and receiving delight. to paradise.
We hymn Thee Who wast crucified in the Martyricon: Like stars affixed to the firma­
flesh; we glorify Thee Who wast crowned with ment of the Church, ye illumine creation with
thorns andhastcrownedmen with glory, 0 all­ the splendor of your sufferings and the efful­
goad King. gence of healings.
Martyricon: Having rejected the pernicious M artyricon: The. book of life ever offereth
harm of the madness of idolatry, the athletes the recorded lives of the Lord's martyrs, who
underwent tortures; and having died with diligently preserved the written statutes of God
Christ, they now reign. and suffered mightily.
Martyricon: Neither persecution, nor star­ Theotokion: 0 most holy one, beholding the
vation, nor nakedness, nor tribulation, nor all-holy Word Who shone forth from thee, lifted
death could in anywise separate the godly up upon the holy Tree and sanctifying mortals,
passion-bearers from the love of Christ. thou didst lament.
Theotokion: Thou didst glorify Him Who
became incarnate of thee, and didst weep for

61
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

Canon of the Theotokos

suffering, 0 pure one; and they glorify thee as
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.
the Queen of all.
Of old, thine Offspring saved those who
Canon of the Theotokos

were in the fiery furnace; and now He hath

Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

saved us who cry out at His coming which

The unapproachable Master of all, Whom
transcendeth recounting: Blessed art Thou, 0
the heavens cannot contain, was contained in
God of our fathers!
thy womb, 0 Theotokos; wherefore, with love
David the ancestor of God describeth thy
we, the faithful, supremely exalt thee forever.
glory, 0 most immaculate Virgin, and mani­
The Mind Who transcendeth all creation,
festly prophesieth thee as the Queen of cre­
and upon Whom human nature is unable to
ation, who standeth at the right hand ofthe God
gaze, didst thou bear in thine all-pure arms, 0
of our fathers.
Maiden; wherefore, with love we, the faithful,
By the restoration of thy birthgiving thou
exalt thee supremely for all ages.
didst renew the nature of mortals, 0 pure one;
Entreat God, Who was born of thee, 0 Vir­
wherefore, we cry to thee: Blessed is the Fruit of
gin, that upon those who honor thee with faith
thy womb for all ages, 0 Lady!
He send down salvation, release from misfor­
In His mercy the second Adam through
tunes, the speedy cure ofgrievous ailments, and
thee, 0 all-pure one, called to Him the first
eternal grace.
Adam, who had been condemned and held fast
Knowing thee to be the splendid temple of
by death, and who now crieth aloud: Blessed art
the Most High, adorned with divers virtues, 0
Thou, Who wast born and hast restored me!
most holy Virgin, we piously hymn and glorify
thee for all ages.
ODE VIII
Canon of the Cross We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
Irmos: The only unoriginate King of glory, Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
whom the hosts of heaven bless, and before than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.
Whom the ranks of angels tremble, do ye hymn,
0 ye priests, and exalt supremely, 0 ye people! ODE IX
The tree of understanding rendered me Canon of the Cross
mortal; but, having died upon the Tree Thou Irmos: 0 most hymned one, who art more
didst enliven me, 0 my Christ, and enlighten exalted than the heavens, without seed thou
me to chant: Hymn the Lord, 0 ye priests, and didst conceive the unoriginate Word and gavest
exalt Him supremely for all ages. birth for men to God incarnate; wherefore, we
0 King, the law-breaking assembly all magnify thee.
crowned Thee with thorns, Who uprootest the When they saw Thee uplifted upon the
thorns of first-created Adam's disobedience; Cross, 0 Jesus, almighty King of ages, the sun
and they suspended Thee upon the Cross, Who was darkened, the earth quaked, and the splen­
hast delivered all from the abyss of deception. dor of the veil of the temple was rent asunder.
Upon the Tree mindless men stretched The iniquitous ran Thy hands and feet
Thee out, Who spread out the heavens with through with nails, pierced Thy life-bearing
understanding, 0 Savior, Who healest our suf­ side with a spear, and gave Thee gall and
ferings by Thy suffering, and causeth our pain vinegar to drink, 0 my Christ, Thou true God
to cease through the pain caused in Thy hands and delight of all.
by the nails. Martyricon: They who were broken by all
M artyricon: The relics of the martyrs emit manner oftortures, broke asunder the nets ofthe
the sweet fragrance of miracles for those who author of evil; and having been crowned with
approach with undoubting heart, and they ever victory, the valiant athletes are called blessed.
dispel the fretor of the passions, and in God Martyricon: Through the deposit of their
impart health unto all. relics the passion-bearers sanctified the whole
Theotokion: The ranks of the saints pray to earth and, cast into the midst of the fire and
the Master, Who issued forth from thy womb, mystically consumed, they set at naught the
and on the Cross showed them the path of vile stench of the sacrifices of the idols.
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 FRIDAY MATINS

Theotokion: 0 blessed one, who art holier Aposticha stichera of the Cross, in Tone VII­
than the cherubim, and gavest birth in the flesh 0 Master Who lovest mankind, Who art the
unto the Word of God, Who was uplifted upon Bestower of life, by Thy Cross Thou didst re­
the Cross ofHis own will: Earnestly pray to Him deem the whole world. 0 Lord, glory to Thee!
in behalf of us all. Stichos: We were filled in the morning with
Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and we rejoiced and were
Canon of the Theotokos
glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days
Irmos: Same as the foregoing.
wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years
Most perfect humanity was received from wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy
thee, 0 all-pure Maiden, when the Word united servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou
Himself to animate flesh and a soul adorned guide their sons.
with discourse; wherefore, all ofus, the faithful, The Vine of life was nailed to the Cross, and
magnify thee. the nations embraced paradise with the thief.
Let the foolishness of the rhetors keep si­ This is the glory of the Church! These are the
lence, but let the clarion of the apostles sound riches of the kingdom! 0 Lord Who suffered for
forth, praising thee, 0 Virgin, with cries of our sake, glory to Thee!
truth, and declaring thee the true Theotokos. Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord
Because of thee mercy was shown to man­ our God be upon us, and the works of our hands
kind, which was hypostatically united to the do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of
true Word, 0 Virgin, and by God's gift became our hands do Thou guide aright.
divine; wherefore, we all ever magnify thee. M artyricon: Celebrating the memorial of
The mystery of thy birthgiving was first Thy holy passion-bearers, 0 Christ, we hymn
understood through the visions of the prophets, Thee, crying out: Glory to Thee, 0 Lord!
0 Maiden, for for men thou gavest birth to God
incarnate, Who delivereth us from perils by thy Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Stavrotheotokion­
supplications. When thou didst behold thine own Son upon
the Tree of old, 0 all-pure one, thy heart was
Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a wounded by the sword of grief.
prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the
usual psalms. Then, "It is good to give thanks ... " Trisagion
through Our Father ... Troparion. Litany. First
Hour, and Dismissal.

ON FRIDAY MORNING AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VII- the human race from all iniquity; wherefore, we
Comely and good to taste was the fruit magnify Thee.
which brought death upon me. But Christ is the M artyricon: Valiantly wearing the wounds
Tree oflife, and eating thereof I die not, but cry of many tortures like beautiful ornaments, the
out with the thief: Remember me in Thy king­ athletes were shown to be the splendid adorn­
dom, 0 Lord! ment ofthe Church, ever praying for our souls.
Healing the sickness of Adam, which was Glory ... : 0 Holy Trinity, from torments de­
caused by the counsel ofthe enemy, when Thou liver Thy faithful servants, who believe in Thee as
wast uplifted upon the Tree, Thy hands and feet a single Godhead, unceasingly glorified with pi­
pierced with nails, 0 King of all, Thou didst ety; and grant us Thine everlasting kingdom.
endure pain; wherefore, we glorify Thy long­ Now & ever ... : Seeing Thee without form or
suffering, 0 Word. beauty, suspended upon the tree ofthe Cross in
Between two outlaws the assembly of the the flesh, 0 Christ, the most pure Virgin cried
Jews crucified Thee, 0 Christ, the only Be­ out in pain: Woe is me! How have the iniquitous
stower ofthe law and Deliverer, Who delivereth wounded Thee, 0 my Child?"

63
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

ON FRIDAY EVENING AT VESPERS

On "Lord, I have cried ... ': 3 stichera ofthe holy manner of thy birthgiving beyond comprehen­
martyrs, hierarchs and the venerable, in Tone sion; for where God so willeth, the order of
VII: Spec. Mel.: "No longer are we forbidden the nature is over-ruled. Wherefore, knowing thee
tree of life ... "- to be the Mother of God, we all earnestly entreat
Stichos: IfThou shouldstmarkiniquities, 0 thee: Pray thou that our souls be saved!
Lord, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee
there is forgiveness. Then, 0 gladsome Light... ; the prokimenon of
The martyrs dispelled the darkness of un­ the day; and Vouchsafe, 0 Lord...
godliness, showing forth the light of divine
knowledge unto all men. Aposticha stichera of the holy martyrs, zn
Stichos: For Thy name's sake have I pa­ Tone VII-
tiently waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath Caring naught for all the things of earth, 0
waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath holy martyrs, and having manfully preached
hoped in the Lord. Christ at the tribunal, ye received from Him
With Orthodox teachings as with divine rewards for your torments; but as ye have
rays didye enlighten the Church ofthe Lord, 0 boldness, beseech Him, as the almighty God,
most wise pastors. that He save the souls of us who flee to you, we
Stichos: From the morning watch until pray.
night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine
the Lord. eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Be­
Ever dwelling in trackless wastes, ye broke hold, as the eyes ofservants look unto the hands
the nets of the demons, 0 venerable fathers. of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid
look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our
Then three other stichera, of the martyrs, in
eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take
Tone VII-
pity on us.
Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy,
0 most praised martyrs, spiritual lambs,
and with Him there is plenteous redemption;
reason-endowed holocausts, acceptable sacri­
and He shall redeem Israel out of all his iniqui­
fices well-pleasing to God: the earth did not hide
ties.
you, but heaven received you, and ye are be­
0 Savior, when Thou comest to judge the
come communicants with the angels. With
whole world put me not to shame who have
them entreat our Savior and God, we pray you,
committed shameful acts.
that He grant peace to the world and save our
Stichos: 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations;
souls.
praise Him, all ye peoples.
Stichos: Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have
Glory to Thee, 0 Christ God, Thou boast of
mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with
the apostles and joy of the martyrs, whose
abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled
preaching was the consubstantial Trinity.
therewith; let reproach come upon them that
Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to
prosper, and abasement on the proud.
prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord a bid­
Nekrosimon: 0 Thou Who in the beginning
eth forever.
didst make man in Thine image and according
0 holy martyrs, who fought the good fight
to Thy likeness, in paradise Thou didst appoint
and received crowns: Pray unto the Lord, that
him to exercise dominion over Thy creatures;
our souls be saved.
but, led astray by the malice of the devil, he
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Dogmatic theotokion- partook of the fruit, breaking Thy command­
Thou hast been known to have become a ment. Wherefore, Thou didst condemn him to
Mother in supernatural manner, 0 Theotokos, return to the earth from whence he had been
and hast remained a virgin in manner past taken, 0 Lord, and to beg for repose.
recounting and understanding; and no tongue Nekrosimon: 0 our Savior, grant rest to our
can describe the wonder of thy birthgiving. For brethren whom Thou hast removed from transi­
as thy conceiving is all-glorious, so is the tory things, and who cry: Glory to Thee, 0 Lord!
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 FRIDAY VESPERS

Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion- Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ...
0 thou who alone didst receive the uncon­ Trisagion through Our Father... Troparia.
tainable Word of God, and gavest birth to Him Litany, and Dismissal.
incarnate: Pray that our souls be saved.

ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT COMPLINE

CANON OF SUPPLICATION TO THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS

ODE I Glory ... : We earnestly entreat thy compas­

Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of sion, 0 Maiden: Disdain not thy lowly servants,
water, which before was fluid, transformed into but, as thou art good, look upon us with thy
solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed merciful eye, and deliver us from the constant
through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a tyranny of the devil.
hymn of victory. Now & ever ... : Overcome am I by an excess
0 Mistress Theotokos, from misfortunes, of grief, 0 Virgin. All my strength hath grown
from sorrows and falls, from everlasting fire weak, and I lie outstretched upon the ground.
and torment, deliver those who place their trust Yet I cry to thee from the depths of my soul:
in thee and have recourse unto thee. Raise me up again, and strengthen me by thy
With the dew ofthy loving-kindness, 0 pure consolation.
Virgin, quench thou the flame of my falls, lest I
come under the trial of all condemnation and ODE IV
everlasting fire. Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, without leaving
Glory ... : 0 Virgin, rain down the drops of the bosom ofthe Father, didst descend to earth:
thy loving-kindness upon me who am ever with­ I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation,
ered up by the burning heat of lusts, that I may and have glorified Thee, Who alone lovest man­
unceasingly glorify our God and Savior Who kind.
was born of thee. 0 Mother of God, deliver me from corrup­
Now & ever ... : With the water ofthy suppli­ tion and the tyranny of the wicked serpent who
cation, 0 Virgin, give drink to my soul, which is ever assaileth me and trippeth the steps I make
burning up with the heat of grief, that I may toward God.
offer the fruits ofdivine gladness unto Him Who 0 noetic portal of Life, open unto me the
was born of thee. portals of repentance, for, wretch that I am, I
have now drawn nigh unto the gates of despair
ODE III through my manifold offenses.
Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the Glory ... : Shaking off the mire of the pas­
beginning established the heavens by Thine sions and lusts well, 0 all-holy one, in thy
omnipotent word and confirmed all their power loving-kindness show me forth as pure, and
by the all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: es­ clothe me in the vesture of radiant grace.
tablish me upon the immovable rock of the Now & ever ... : Having washed away the
confession of Thee! defilement of my soul and the impurity of my
Thee do I entreat, 0 Virgin: Grant to my body with thy right acceptable supplications, 0
soul salvation, purification and abundant pure one, set me forth as pure, that I may ever
grace, in that thou art mighty and good; and as hymn and glorify thee.
thou art the Maiden who loveth mankind,
vouchsafe unto us life incorruptible. 0DEV
0 pure Virgin who gavest birth to the Cre­ Irmos: Night is bereft of light for those
ator, thou true salvatimi and intercession for without faith, 0 Christ, but for the faithful
the world: From misfortunes, the perils of life there is enlightenment in the sweetness of Thy
and eternal damnation deliver those who hymn words; wherefore, I rise early unto Thee and
thee with faith. hymn Thy divinity.

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 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

0 most immaculate Virgin, entreat the ali­ ODE VII

good Word, that we be saved; for thee have we Irmos: Of old, the children showed the fiery
acquired as an ally and a mighty aid in need. furnace to pour forth dew, hymning the one God
0 pure one, abandon me not to the enemy and saying: Supremely exalted and all-glorious
who greatly seek my destruction because of my God of our fathers!
sins, but rescue me from their harm in thy A multitude of sins surround me and drag
loving-kindness. me down into the corruption of perdition and
Glory ... : Knowing Thee to be the God and despair, 0 Theotokos; but anticipate my need,
Creator of all, 0 Christ, we have placed all our and grant me saving aid.
hope of salvation upon Thee, Who becamest Deliver me from all the malice ofthe enemy,
man for our sake. from temptations and tribulation, 0 all-pure
Now & ever ... : Rejoice, 0 pure one, thou one, and preserve my soul in peace and tran­
cloudpouringforth the Wateroflife! Rejoice, 0 quility, that, rejoicing I may hymn thy power.
Virgin, thou confirmation of the martyrs and Glory ... : Foreseeing condemnation for my
apostles! Rejoice, 0 all-immaculate one, thou wicked deeds, wretch that I am, I cry out to thee
glorification of honor! from the depths of my heart: 0 all-pure Mis­
tress, be thou my help, and save me!
ODE VI Now & ever ... : With the martyrs, the angels
Irmos: Sailing amid the tumult of the cares and the apostles beseech thy Son and Lord, 0
oflife, I founder with the ship of sin and am cast most immaculate one, that He save thy ser­
to the soul-destroying beast; yet like Jonah I cry vants from perils, misfortunes and griefs.
to Thee, 0 Christ: Lead me up from the deadly
abyss! ODE VIII
The majesty and beauty of comeliness Irmos: Emulating the children in the fur­
which I acquired through baptism, 0 Mistress, nace who received the dew of the Spirit, we say
I have lost by committing unseemly deeds. But with faith: Bless the Lord, 0 ye works of the
by thy fervent intercession grant it to those who Lord!
honor thee. 0 all-holy Virgin, be thou a help unto me
Deliver me from suffering, from violent as­ who flee to thee and cry out with faith: Have
sault and grief, 0 Theotokos, granting me thy mercy, 0 pure one, and before the end grant me
consolation; for I, thy servant, have none other cleansing of offenses. At the hour of mine end
helper than thee, 0 most immaculate one. grant me salvation, and after my repose give me
Glory ... : 0 all-immaculate one who gavest rest.
birth to the Deliverer, Benefactor and Savior, Abject terror assaileth me when I consider
thou art possessed of might, and canst do what­ the terrible testing, the impartial Judge, and
soever thou desirest. Wherefore, we, thy ser­ the never-ending torments prepared for those
vants, beseech thee: Deliver us from the turmoil who have done evil deeds, such as I have truly
of the passions. committed, wretch that I am. 0 Mistress of the
Now & ever ... : Enlightened of old by the world, be thou my salvation!
Spirit, the Prophet Isaiah beheld thee as the Glory ... : 0 pure Theotokos, thou champion
light cloud whereon the Lord of glory sat. And of the faithful and cleansing of sinners, thou
He hath come and cast down all the graven wellspring of all good and bestower of good
images of Egypt, 0 all-pure Virgin Mother. things, who art the cause of salvation for mor­
tals: Heal the pangs of my soul, and pour forth
Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory ... , Now&­ everlasting grace, glory and gladness.
ever ... : Sedalion, in Tone VII- Now & ever ... : 0 all-pure one, thou gift
From everlasting fire deliver those who given by us to the Master as an element of
worship thine Offspring; for Christ hath shown nature: Accept our entreaties as beautiful gifts,
thee to be a helper for us who hymn thee. rendering unto us thy help, that we may un­
ceasingly hymn the One Who was born of thee
and exalt Him supremely forever.

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 FRIDAY COMPLINE

ODE IX kindness He may take pity upon a despairing

Irmos: 0 Mother of God and Virgin, thou people.
gavest birth yet remainest a virgin still, and Glory.. .: By thy fervent mediation before
this was not a work of nature, but of the conde­ God deliver me from the unquenchable fire,
scension of God; wherefore, we ever magnify from the outermost darkness and everlasting
thee as her who hath been vouchsafed divine weeping, even though I am worthy of condem­
wonders. nation, 0 all-holy and pure Theotokos.
I have now fled to thy protection, 0 Virgin. Now & ever ... : Preserved by grace under
Save me who am bestormed by a multitude of thy protection, 0 Theotokos, I am not consumed
transgressions and am perishing, 0 thou who by the assaults of the adverse foe; wherefore, I
gavest birth to the Savior and Creator, and hymn, magnify and do homage unto thee as my
deliver me from eternal damnation. divine confirmation and foundation.
0 pure one, in our behalf entreat the Cre­
ator, God and Lord Who became incarnate of Then, It is truly meet ... , and a prostration.
Thine all-pure blood, that by thy loving- Trisagion through Our Father ... Troparia, and
the rest as usual. Dismissal.

ON SATURDAY MORNING

AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these Church leap up, celebrating with hymns of
sessional hymns of the martyrs, in Tone VII- victory to Christ God, the Judge of the contest,
Make entreaty, 0 saints, that we be granted the one Granter of victory, Who giveth great
remission of our transgressions, and may be mercy to the world.
delivered from the evils which await us, and Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the
from bitter death, we pray. God of Israel.
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the Having armed themselves with the power of
God of Israel. Thy Cross, 0 Lord, Thy martyrs vanquished
Struggling on earth, Thy saints trampled the enemy and put to shame the falsehood ofthe
the enemy underfoot and abolished the false­ idols; wherefore, chanting with the angels they
hood of the idols, 0 Lord; wherefore, they have cry out a hymn of victory, glorifying Thee, 0
received crowns from Thee, the Master Who Christ. By their supplications grant cleansing
loveth mankind, the merciful God, Who grant­ and great mercy to our souls.
eth great mercy to the world. Stichos: Many are the tribulations of the
righteous, and the Lord shall deliver them out
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
of them all.
Out of the pit and depths of transgressions
Nekrosimon: In the land of the living and
lead us up who trust in thee as the treasury of
the habitations of Thy righteous do Thou num­
our salvation, 0 most hymned one; for, having
ber the souls ofthose whose memory we keep, 0
given birth to our salvation, thou didst save
Thou Who lovest mankind; and if any of them
those guilty of sin. Thou wast virgin before
have sinned in this life, forgive them, granting
giving birth, virgin during birth, and remainest
great mercy to the world, in that Thou art the
a virgin after birthgiving.
merciful God Who is readily propitiated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion­
sessional hymns, in Tone VII- 0 most immaculate Maiden who knewest
Rejoice, 0 ye righteous, and let the heavens not wedlock, with the prophets, holy hierarchs
be glad! For, struggling on the earth, the and martyrs ever entreat our God, Who became
martyrs trampled the enemy underfoot and incarnate of thy blood, that our souls be saved.
abolished the falsehood of the idols. Let the

67
 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

ODE I nature, which was condemned to death; where­

Canon of the holy martyrs, hierarchs, the fore, in that Thou alone art compassionate, grant
venerable & the departed, the acrostic whereof rest to those who have fallen asleep in Thee.
is "With choirs I, Joseph, hymn the pastors Theotokion: The fall of our first mother
and martyrs': in Tone VII- didst thou set aright, 0 all-pure one who gavest
Irmos: In Egypt, Moses led Israel forth with birth to the Lord and Word Who raised her up
the help of God. To Him alone let us sing, for He from the dead, and Who by His divine authority
hath been glorified! breathed life into those in the graves.
The choir of true martyrs overcame all the
deceptions of the enemy, and it danceth, rejoic­ ODE III
ing before the face of Him Who created them. Canon ofAll Saints
The holy hierarchs of Christ, and all the Irmos: 0 Thou Who lovest mankind, Who
venerable who struggled in asceticism, have established the heavens and made firm the
through grace been vouchsafed everlasting foundation of the earth upon many waters:
food. Establish Thou my mind in Thy will.
Through the supplications of the prophets Crushed by stones and cast into pits, ye
and the venerable, and of the sacred women, broke all the power of the deceiver, and re­
deliver us, 0 Christ, from all wrath, and save mained unbroken in mind, 0 martyrs.
our souls. Illumining the faithful with the radiance of
N ekrosimon: 0 Word Who fashioned me of divine teachings and beams ofthe virtues, 0 all­
the earth, Thou didst command that I return to wise hierarchs, ye dispelled all the gloom of
the earth. Grant rest unto those whom Thou heresies.
hast taken to Thyself. Having died to the world, Thy righteous
Theotokion: 0 all-pure Mother who gavest ones, 0 Word, have truly inherited the life of
birth to the all-holy Word of God: Sanctify all heaven. For their sake, 0 Compassionate One,
who glorify thee with love. have pity on us all.
N ekrosimon: We all pray to the good Master
Another canon, of the departed, we chant
for those who have departed in faith and hope,
when there is no Menaion, the acrostic
that He have mercy on them at the hour of
whereof is "The seventh rule, being the same
judgment.
form': the composition of Theophanes, in Tone
Theotokion: Without leaving the bosom of
VII-
the Father, the Word showed Himself to be a
Irmos: By Thy hand was the nature of
babe held, 0 all-pure one, in Thy bosom, He
water, which before was fluid, transformed into
Who is without beginning receiving a beginning
solid form, 0 Lord. Wherefore, having passed
from thee.
through it dryshod, Israel chanteth to Thee a
hymn of victory. Canon of the Departed
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the Irmos: 0 Lord and Savior, Who in the
God of Israel. beginning established the heavens by Thine
M artyricon: Resplendent in piety, 0 mar­ omnipotent word and confirmed all their power
tyrs, ye offered yourselves unto Christ as come­ by the all-accomplishing and divine Spirit: Es­
liness adorned with all forms of the virtues and tablish me now upon the immovable rock of the
a divine offering splendid in divers beauties. confession of Thee.
Stichos: Grant rest, 0 Lord, to the souls of Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the
Thy departed servants. God of Israel.
Nekrosimon: Vouchsafe that Thy departed M artyricon: Manfully did the choirs of the
servants may receive a ray of the unapproach­ martyrs display the mighty endurance ofyouth;
able effulgence of the threefold Sun, 0 greatly for they bore the assault of stripes and the
merciful Lord, from whence all pain, grief and wounds of tortures, desiring Thine incorrupt
sighing are fled. glory and beauty, 0 Savior.
Glory .. .: As the hypostatic Light, 0 Christ Stichos: Grant rest, 0 Lord, to the souls of
Bestower of light, Thou didst raise up human Thy departed servants.

68
 SATURDAY MATINS

Nekrosimon: Into Thine eternal life accept Stichos: Grant rest, 0 Lord, to the souls of
Thou the souls of those who have fallen asleep Thy departed servants.
in hope, 0 Merciful One; and cause them to Nekrosimon: Vouchsafe Thy supernatural
dwell in the divine bosom ofthe godly Abraham, radiance unto those who have departed in
and number them with the blessed Lazarus, 0 piety, when Thou shalt come with Thine an­
Master. gels in Thy glory, 0 most Compassionate and
Glory ... : 0 compassionate Savior, Who greatly Merciful One.
earnest down from the heavens to save the Glory ... : 0 Good One Who lovest mankind,
human race: In Thy lovingkindness vouchsafe vouchsafe that those who have departed before
that those who have departed in piety have and glorify Thee may delight in the thrice­
delight in Thine immaterial light and Thy di­ radiant splendor and the single effulgence of
vine glory and joy. the Godhead.
Theotokion: The laws of nature were set at Theotokion: Without leaving the bosom of
naught in thee when thou didst conceive the the Father, Christ made His abode within thy
unapproachable Word, 0 pure one; and the law bosom, 0 Virgin, and hath delivered from death
of God hath been given to us, by the grace of those who bless thee, 0 Mother of God who
divine love granting remission to all who are alone art most hymned.
driven to despair by transgressions.
OnEV
OnE IV Canon ofAll Saints
Canon ofAll Saints Irmos: My soul riseth at dawn unto Thee, 0
Irmos: Assuring us of Thine advent in the God, for Thou art light, and Thy precepts are
flesh, 0 Christ, the Prophet Habbakuk cried healing for Thy servants, 0 Thou Who lovest
aloud: Glory to Thy power, 0 Lord! mankind.
Strengthened by love for the Lord, the Indifferent to wounds ofthe flesh, 0 mighty
martyrs rendered the power ofthe enemy impo­ athletes, by your divine wounds ye heal the
tent; wherefore, they are called blessed. wounds and passions of all.
As sheep and lambs of the Shepherd, 0 Ye received the authority to bind and loose on
blessed hierarchs, ye headed the flock of the earth, 0 holy hierarchs of Christ; wherefore, ye
Word with divine grace. have broken the unbreakable bonds of our sins.
As stars of great radiance, 0 our venerable The choirs of ascetics, prophets, the righ­
fathers, ye illumined the fullness ofthe faithful teous, and the honorable women, having united
with the brilliance of virtue. themselves to God with a pure mind, dance in
The one company of mighty women and the constant chorus, rejoicing.
assembly of the holy prophets have received Nekrosimon: In that Thou alone art greatly
heavenly goodness. merciful, 0 Christ Who lovest mankind, make
Theotokion: Entreat the Son to Whom thou those who have departed this life in faith inhab­
gavest birth, 0 most hymned one, that thy itants of paradise.
servants may be delivered from all temptations Theotokion: Having shown thyself to be an
and tribulations. indestructible chamber for God, 0 most holy
Virgin, entreat Him to make me an inhabitant
Canon of the Departed
of His noetic bridal-chamber.
Irmos: 0 Christ God Who, without leavingthe
bosomoftheFather, didstdescend to earth: I have Canon of the Departed
heard the mystery ofThy dispensation, and have lrmos: Rising at dawn unto Thee out of the
glorified Thee, Who alone lovest mankind. night, I beseech Thee, 0 Lord my God: Grant me
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the remission of my transgressions, and guide my
God of Israel. steps to the light of Thy precepts, I pray.
Martyricon: Patiently did the martyrs en­ Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the
dure the pangs of suffering, 0 Christ, and they God of Israel.
were crowned with wreaths of Thy righteous­ M artyricon: Splendidly arrayed in life­
ness, and glorify Thy power. bearing mortality woven of your torments,

69

 OCTOECHOS- TONE VII

0 most praised martyrs, ask divine rest for the M artyricon: The choir of the martyrs, who
souls that have departed before us. mightily endured nearly unbearable pains,
Stichos: Grant rest, 0 Lord, to the souls of hath inherited delight devoid of pain, receiving
Thy departed servants. crowns of righteousness from the life-bearing
Nekrosimon: 0 Savior Who pourest forth right hand of God.
compassion from Thine inexhaustible treasur­ Stichos: Grant rest, 0 Lord, to the souls of
ies, be Thou well-pleased that the souls which Thy departed servants.
Thou hast taken to Thyself may dwell with Thy The foregoing is repeated.
firstborn in the mansions of heaven. Glory ... : In that Thou art God immortal, 0
Glory ... : Be Thou well-pleased, 0 Christ Merciful One, Thy servants who have fallen
our Savior, that Thy servants, who have put off asleep before us do Thou number with the
their burdens, broken their bonds and passed righteous, where are the choirs ofthe saints, the
over to the life on high, may delight in the splendor of the venerable and the enjoyment of
splendors of Thy saints. life everlasting.
Theotokion: 0 Mistress, Mother of God, Theotokion: He Who of His divine will and
grant me the remission of mine offenses, and creative power created all things out ofnothing­
give me forgiveness of my sins, 0 most immacu­ ness, issued forth from thy womb, 0 pure one,
late one who for the world gavest birth to and enlightened those in the darkness of death
hypostatic Life. with the effulgence of the Godhead.

OnE VI ODE VII

Canon ofAll Saints Canon ofAll Saints
Irmos: Jonah cried out from the belly of Irmos: In the Chaldrean furnace, the chil­
hades: Lead up my life from corruption! And we dren of Abraham danced with the Angel, say­
cry out to Thee: 0 almighty Savior, have mercy ing: Blessed art Thou, 0 God of our fathers!
on us! With the flow of their blood the passion­
Uplifted to God in your sufferings, 0 most bearers quenched the flame of ungodliness,
glorious soldiers, ye cast down the uprisings of chanting: 0 God ofour fathers, blessed art Thou!
the enemy and have become citizens of heaven. We praise the hierarchs, who were enlight­
Dispelling the winter of heresies, the true eners of the world, chanting: 0 God of our
hierarchs of Christ led a multitude of the pious fathers, blessed art Thou!
into the springtime of Truth. With hymns let the holy assembly of the
By Thy might were the multitude of the prophets and venerable be honored, chanting:
venerable, the prophets and holy women justi­ 0 God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
fied, 0 Christ; and they delight in never-waning Nekrosimon: From Gehenna deliver Thy
light. faithful servants whom Thou hast taken to
N ekrosimon: Thou hast taken to Thyself Thyself, 0 compassionate Christ, and who cry
Thy servants from ages past, 0 Compassionate out: 0 God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
One. Vouchsafe that they may share in ever­ Theotokion: We hymn the Theotokos as
lasting gladness and true life. more honorable than the angels, crying: 0 God
Theotokion: Sanctify thy servants, 0 most of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
holy Virgin Who gavest birth in the flesh to the
Canon of the Departed
all-holy Word, Whom every creature hymneth.
Irmos: Of old, the children showed the fiery
Canon of the Departed furnace to pour forth dew, hymning the one God
Irmos: Sailing amid the tumult of the cares and saying: Supremely exalted and all-glorious
oflife, I founder with the ship of sin and am cast God of our fathers!
to the soul-destroying beast; yet like Jonah I cry Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the
to Thee, 0 Christ: Lead me up from the deadly God of Israel.
abyss! Crowned, the choirs of the martyrs mani­
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the festly and noetically surround Christ the King
God of Israel. with the angelic choirs, crying: Blessed art
Thou, 0 God of our fathers!
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Stichos: Grant rest, 0 Lord, to the souls of Looking toward the heavenly glory of the
Thy departed servants. coming ofChrist, the martyrs disdained earthly
Nekrosimon: 0 Compassionate Savior, glory, piously hymning Him as King for all ages.
Who hast the power oflife and death: Vouchsafe Stichos: Grant rest, 0 Lord, to the souls of
divine food unto those who have departed with Thy departed servants.
faith in Thee, and who cry out: Blessed art Nekrosimon: Grant a heavenly dwelling to
Thou, 0 God of our fathers! those who have fallen asleep in hope of life, 0
Glory ... : Illumining them with the light of Thou Who hast destroyed their earthly
immaterial effulgence, 0 Christ, cause the temples, and give them rest in the habitations
souls Thou hast taken to Thyselfto dwell in the of the righteous, for all ages.
mansions ofheaven, that they may glorify Thee Glory ... : 0 Thou Who as God giveth resur­
unceasingly with those who have been pleasing rection to the dead, and with Whom is the
unto Thee. fountain of life: With nurturing floods do Thou
Theotokion: Christ was ineffably begotten water those who have fallen asleep before us,
-first of the Father without mother, and now for all ages, in that Thou alone art good.
of thee, 0 Virgin, without father- and He Theotokion: Ineffably receiving the unap­
clothed Himselfin flesh for our sake. 0 all-pure proachable Light in thy womb, 0 Virgin Theo­
one, blessed is the Fruit of thy womb! tokos, thou didst enlighten those in the dark­
ness of life, that they might piously hymn
ODE VIII Christ Who ineffably issued forth from thee.
Canon ofAll Saints
We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the
Irmos: Emulating the children who in the
Magnificat}, with the refrain: "More honorable
furnace received the dew ofthe Spirit, let us say
than the cherubim ... ': and make prostrations.
with faith: Bless the Lord, 0 ye works of the
Lord!
ODE IX
Ye demolished the temples of the idols, 0
Canon ofAll Saints
most glorious passion-bearers, and made your­
Irmos: 0 ye faithful, with hymns let us
selves temples of the Spirit, bravely finishing
magnify the Theotokos, who became a mother
your race.
in manner transcending nature, is a Virgin by
Ye were shown to be like fragrant flowers, 0
nature, and is blessed among women!
holy hierarchs, gladdening the souls of the
Through the supplications of the sacred
faithful with the understanding ofpiety; where­
martyrs, prophets and the righteous who lived
fore, ye are called blessed, as is meet.
virtuously in ages past, have mercy on our
Traversing the whole earth, 0 venerable
souls, 0 Christ.
ones, ye became divine sojourners and proph­
Shown to be ministers of the Master, 0
ets, observing heavenly delight and ever-abid­
initiates ofthe sacred mysteries, ye have joined
ing glory.
yourselves to the heavenly servants. With
Nekrosimon: 0 Word, Lord of the living and
them offer entreaties for us.
the dead, reckon among the choirs of all the
With the women who finished the good race
saved Thy servants who have departed with
let us honor the holy choirs of the ascetics, that
faith, for Thou alone lovest mankind.
through their supplications we may receive
Theotokion: The company of all the women
sanctity.
who with fasting and asceticism have sought
Nekrosimon: Vouchsafe that the departed
the Lord, offereth unceasing entreaty before
who served Thee in Orthodox manner may
thy divine face, 0 all-pure one.
partake of the glory which the choirs of all the
Canon of the Departed saints were vouchsafed, 0 Christ.
Irmos: The only unoriginate King of glory, Theotokion: Sin-loving, I tremble before the
whom the hosts of heaven bless, and before dreadjudgment of Him Who was born ofthee, 0
Whom the ranks of angels tremble, do ye hymn, pure one. But preserve me uncondemned
0 ye priests, and exalt supremely, 0 ye people! thereat, 0 good one.
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the
God of Israel.
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 OCTOECHOS -TONE VII

Canon of the Departed do things worthy of life: let us do what needs be

Irmos: 0 Mother of God and Virgin, thou done with love of honor, that we may sell what
gavest birth yet remainest a virgin still, and we have and buy life with death!" Through
this was not a work of nature, but of the conde­ their supplications, 0 God, have mercy on us.
scension of God; wherefore, we ever magnify Nekrosimon: 0 Merciful One, Who lovest
thee as her who hath been vouchsafed divine mankind, in the land of Thy righteous do Thou
wonders. number those who in faith have passed over to
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the thee from ages past.
God of Israel.
Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
M artyricon: The valiant martyrs mani­
With the apostles and martyrs pray thou, 0
festly enlighten the world, as pillars of faith,
Virgin, that those who have passed away may
and an unshakable fortress and bulwark of
find great mercy at the judgment.
piety for the Churches. And we, the faithful,
bless them as is meet...
Aposticha stichera ofthe departed, in Tone VII:
Stichos: Grant rest, 0 Lord, to the souls of
Spec. Mel.: "Caring naught for all the things of
Thy departed servants.
earth ... "­
From everlasting fire deliver those who have
Thou wast seen dead upon the Cross and
departed from us, 0 Master, tearing asunder the
wast laid as one dead in the tomb, 0 only
record oftheir sins with the spear which pierced
Immortal One, delivering mortal men from
Thy side; and as Thou alone lovest mankind,
mortality and corruption. As Thou art an inex­
vouchsafe them the splendors of the saints.
haustible Abyss of lovingkindness and Source
Glory ... : As the good God Who in Thine
of goodness, grant rest to Thy servants who
essence loveth mankind, as One Merciful and
have departed from us.
Compassionate, Who art the inexhaustible
Stichos: Blessed are those whom Thou hast
treasury of immortal life, 0 Savior: Vouchsafe
chosen and taken to Thyself, 0 Lord.
Thine incorrupt delights unto those who with
0 Good One, vouchsafe that those who have
faith have fallen asleep before us.
passed over unto Thee may be enlightened with
Theotokion: The shadows ofthe law and the
Thine incorrupt beauty, and may delight in Thy
indistinct images of times past have passed
comeliness and the rays of Thy divine light,
away, for Christ became the fulfillment of the
joining chorus amid the effulgence of heaven
law and the prophets. Hymning Him in two
with the angels, around Thee, the Master, King
natures, we bless thee, the pure Ever-virgin.
and Lord of glory.
Then, "It is truly meet to bless thee ... ': and a Stichos: Their souls shall dwell amid good
prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the things.
usual psalms. As God, the inexhaustible majesty of divine
gifts, as the abundant treasury of rich good­
On the Praises, these stichera ofthe martyrs, in
ness, cause those who have passed over to Thee
Tone VII-
to dwell in the lands of Thine elect, in a place of
Celebrating the memorial of Thy passion­
rest, in the house ofThy glory, in the sustenance
bearers, 0 Christ, we chant, crying aloud: Glory
of paradise, in Thy virginal chamber, in that
to Thee, 0 Lord!
Thou art full of lovingkindness.
Rejoicing in the midst of the tribunal of the
lawless, the passion-bearers cried out, 0 Glory ... , Now & ever ... : Theotokion-
Christ: Glory to Thee, 0 Lord! Thou gavest birth in the flesh to the Deliverer,
Breathing forth one thing, and looking to­ the Fullness of the law, for before Him there was
ward one thing, the passion-bearing martyrs, no justification for those under the law; but Christ
having found the one path oflife, which is death was crucified for our sake, and hath justified us.
for Christ, urged one another on to death. 0 the Wherefore, as thou hast a mother's boldness,
wonder! For, snatching up the treasures of entreat Thy compassionate Son, that He grant
torment, they said to each other: "If we die not peace to the souls ofthose who have passed away
now, we shall die in any case; wherefore, let us from us in piety, 0 most hymned one.
Then, "It is good to give thanks ... " Trisagion through Our Father ... Troparion. Litany. First Hour, and Dismissal.
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 ON SATURDAY MORNING

AT THE LITURGY

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VII- Number those whom Thou hast taken from
Comely and good to taste was the fruit us in the mansions ofthe saints, 0 Word of God,
which brought death upon me. But Christ is the overlooking the offenses of their souls commit­
Tree oflife, and eating thereof I die not, but cry ted on earth, in knowledge and in ignorance;
out with the thief: Remember me in Thy king­ and take pity upon Thy servants.
dom, 0 Lord! Glory ... : Dying in Thee, 0 Holy Trinity, Thy
Having finished the good struggle and kept servants come to Thee to be delivered from
the faith, ye received from God crowns of incor­ dreadful torments, and to receive, forgiven, the
ruption, and were vouchsafed His glory, 0 most good things of Thy holy glory at the hour of
lauded martyrs, inhabitants ofheaven with the judgment.
angels. Now & ever ... : The Effulgence ofthe Father
Let the assemblies of the sacred ministers made His abode within thy womb, 0 most holy
and prophets, and let praise be given the com­ and pure one, and those who were beguiled by
pany of honorable women be praised, for they the evil counsel of the enemy and fell into
dwell now injoy in the mansions ofthe firstborn corruption did He restore again.
and abide with the incorporeal hosts.

THE END OF ToNE VII

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