Τῌ ΤΕΤΑΡΤῌ ΕΣΠΕΡΑΣ

ON WEDNESDAY EVENING

Εἰς τό, Κύριε, ἐκέκραξα, Προσόμοια.

At, Lord, I have cried, Prosomoia.

Στιχηρὰ Ἀποστολικά.

Stichera for the Apostles.

Ἦχος γʹ. Μεγάλη τών Μαρτύρων σου.

Mode 3. The power of Your martyr Saints.

Πρεσβείαις τῶν σεπτῶν καὶ θείων Ἀποστόλων σου, φιλάνθρωπε Οἰκτίρμον, καὶ μόνε ἐλεῆμον, τὴν εἰρήνην σου παράσχου τῷ λαῷ σου, καὶ τῶν δεινῶν λύτρωσαι, τοὺς ἀνυμνοῦντάς σε, καὶ πιστῶς προσκυνοῦντας.

Grant peace unto Your people through the prayers of Your divine * and ven’rable Apostles, * O only Lord compassionate, * in Your love for man; and rescue from the terrors * all those who sing Your praises * and who faithfully * worship You the merciful God.

Βελῶν με ὡς Θεοῦ αὐτόπται τοῦ ἀλάστορος, λυτρώσασθε σβεννῦντες, αὐτοῦ τὰς πανουργίας, καὶ δροσίσατέ με πνεύματος τῇ δρόσῳ, ἁμαρτιῶν τῷ καύσωνι, ἐκτηκόμενον, εὐεργέται μοι θεῖοι.

Εἰς πᾶσαν οἰκουμένην ὄντως ἐξελήλυθεν, ὁ θεῖος ὑμῶν φθόγγος, Ἀπόστολοι Κυρίου, καὶ ἐφώτισεν ἐν σκότει τοὺς κειμένους, καὶ τῷ Θεῷ προσήγαγεν, ὡς θυμίαμα, τοὺς αὐτὸν ἐγνωκότας.

Apostles of the Master, truly your divine report * has gone out to the whole world * and to the ends of all the earth, * and illuminated those who lay in darkness, * and to God presented * as incense * those who came to know Him.

Ἕτερα Στιχηρά. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Ὅμοια.

Additional Stichera. For St. Nicholas. Same Melody.

Μεγίστη σωτηρία πᾶσιν ἀνεδείχθης ἡμῖν, Νικόλαε τρισμάκαρ· λυτροῦσαι γὰρ παντοιων, τοὺς οἰκέτας σου κινδύνων, καὶ ἀνάγκης καὶ πειρασμῶν, καὶ νόσων, καὶ περιστάσεων, καὶ ἐχθρῶν ἀοράτων.

Ἐπλήγην ἰοβόλῳ δήγματι ὁ ἄσωτος, καὶ κεῖμαι ἐῤῥιμμένος καὶ ἐξηπορημένος, τῇ ἀγρύπνῳ σου δεήσει Ἱεράρχα, ἐν τάχει ἀνάστησον, ἵνα δοξάζω σου, τὴν ταχύκοον χάριν.

The serpent’s poison bite has wounded me the prodigal, * and I am lying prostrate * and brought to desperation. * By your vigilant petitioning, O Hierarch, * do speedily restore me, * that I may glorify * your grace which is quick to hear.

Ἐν ὥρᾳ τῇ φρικτῇ, ἐν ᾗ μέλλω παρίστασθαι, τὸ βῆμα τὸ φρικῶδες, καὶ πέμπεσθαι κολάσει, βοηθόν σε εὕροιμι Ἱεράρχα, ῥυόμενόν με σκότους, καθικετεύω σε, παῤῥησίαν ὡς ἔχεις.

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον. Ὅμοιον.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. Same Melody.

Ἁπάντων κυριεύουσα τῶν κτισμάτων Δέσποινα, δεινῶς κυριευθεῖσαν, τοῖς πάθεσι Θεόνυμφε, τὴν ψυχήν μου ἐλευθέρωσον ἐν τάχει, φαρμάκῳ σῆς πρεσβείας, καὶ καταδούλωσον τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ Θεῷ σου.

Εἰς τὸν Στίχον.

At the Aposticha.

Ἀπόστιχα Στιχηρά. Ἦχος γʹ. Αποστολικά.

Aposticha. Mode 3. For the Apostles.

Εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος ὑμῶν, ἅγιοι Ἀπόστολοι, εἰδώλων πλάνην ἐλύσατε, θεογνωσίαν κηρύξαντες, οὗτος ὁ καλὸς ἀγὼν ὑμῶν ὑπάρχει Μακάριοι· διὸ ὑμνοῦμεν καὶ δοξολογοῦμεν, ὑμῶν τὰ μνημόσυνα.

Unto all the earth your sound has gone out, O holy Apostles. You destroyed the delusion of the idols by preaching the knowledge of God. This then is your good fight, O blessed ones. Therefore we praise and glorify your memories.

Στίχ. Πρὸς σὲ ἦρα τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς μου τὸν κατοικοῦντα ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. Ἰδοὺ ὡς ὀφθαλμοὶ δούλων εἰς χεῖρας τῶν Κυρίων αὐτῶν, ὡς ὀφθαλμοὶ παιδίσκης εἰς χεῖρας τῆς Κυρίας αὐτῆς, οὕτως οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν πρὸς Κύριον τὸν θεὸν ἡμῶν, ἕως οὗ οἰκτειρῆσαι ἡμᾶς.

Verse: I lift my eyes to You, who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the maidservant look to the hands of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He shall have compassion on us. [SAAS]

Τὰς τοῦ Χριστοῦ παραγγελίας, ἀμέμπτως φυλάξαντες, ἅγιοι Ἀπόστολοι, δωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν παρέχετε, ἰατρεύοντες τὰ πάθη, τῶν ψυχῶν καὶ τῶν σωμάτων ἡμῶν· διὸ ἔχοντες παῤῥησίαν, αὐτὸν ἱκετεύσατε, ἐλεηθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Since you blamelessly kept the injunctions of Christ, O holy Apostles, you received freely and freely you provide, healing the infirmities of our souls and bodies. Thus since you have access to Him, entreat for us that our souls obtain His mercy.

Στίχ. Ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, Κύριε, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, ὅτι ἐπὶ πολὺ ἐπλήσθημεν ἐξουδενώσεως, ἐπὶ πλεῖον ἐπλήσθη ἡ ψυχὴ ἡμῶν. Τὸ ὄνειδος τοῖς εὐθηνοῦσι, καὶ ἡ ἐξουδένωσις τοῖς ὑπερηφάνοις.

Verse: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with contempt; our soul is greatly filled with it. We are a disgrace to those who prosper, and a contempt to the arrogant. [SAAS]

Μαρτυρικόν.

For the Martyrs.

Οἱ Μάρτυρες σου Κύριε, πίστει στηριχθέντες, ἐλπίδι βεβαιωθέντες, τῇ ἀγάπῃ τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου, ψυχικῶς ἑνωθέντες, τοῦ ἐχθροῦ τὴν τυραννίδα ὤλεσαν, καὶ τυχόντες τῶν στεφάνων, μετὰ τῶν Ἀσωμάτων πρεσβεύουσιν, ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.

Established in the faith, O Lord, with hope’s assurance, and in soul united in the love for Your Cross, Your martyr Saints destroyed the adversary’s tyranny, and they received the crowns. And now together with bodiless hosts they intercede on behalf of our souls.

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον. Μεγάλη τών Μαρτύρων σου.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. The power of Your martyr Saints.

Ἀγγέλων χαρμονή, τῶν θείων Κόρη πέφυκας, τῶν Ἀποστόλων δόξα, καὶ προφητῶν ἐκσφράγισμα, τῶν ἀνθρώπων τε πιστῶν ἡ προστασία, καὶ ὁδηγὸς σωτήριος· διὰ τοῦτό σε, προσκυνοῦμεν Παρθένε.

O Maiden, you are the divine angelic powers’ joy, * the glory of Apostles, * the Prophets’ confirmation, * the protection of the people who are faithful, * a guide unto salvation; * and therefore we bow down * before you, O Virgin.

__________

__________

Τῌ ΠΕΜΠΤῌ ΠΡΩΪ

ON THURSDAY MORNING

ΕΝ Τῼ ΟΡΘΡῼ

MATINS

Μετὰ τὴν αʹ Στιχολογίαν, Καθίσματα. Αποστολικά.

After the first Psalter reading, Kathismata. For the Apostles.

Ἦχος γʹ. Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Mode 3. Seeing how beautiful.

Τῶν Ἀποστόλων σου, τὴν μνήμην Κύριε, ὑπερεφαίδρυνας, ὡς παντοδύναμος, ὅτι ἐνίσχυσας αὐτούς, τὰ πάθη σου μιμήσασθαι· ἐνίκησαν ἀνδρείως γάρ, τοῦ Βελίαρ τὴν δύναμιν· ὅθεν καὶ ἀπέλαβον, ἰαμάτων χαρίσματα. Αὐτῶν ταῖς ἱκεσίαις φιλάνθρωπε, εἰρήνην παράσχου τῷ λαῷ σου.

You made the memory of Your Apostles all * a splendid feast that shines with glowing light and joy. * Being almighty, You enabled them to imitate Your Passion, O Lord. * Valiantly they overcame Belial''s might and defeated him. * Henceforth they received the grace * of miraculous healing and cures. * Accept their prayers for us, and to Your people * grant peace, in Your love for humanity.

Θείας πίστεως.

Your confession.

Πᾶσαν ἤρδευσαν, τὴν γῆν τοῖς ῥείθροις, οἱ Ἀπόστολοι, τοῦ Θεοῦ Λόγου, καὶ ἀνεβλάστησεν ὁ στάχυς τῆς πίστεως, καὶ ἐπληρώθη τοῦ κόσμου τὰ πέρατα· τὰ γὰρ ζιζάνια πάντα ἐξέκοψαν· ὅθεν ἅπαντας Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ προσήγαγον, βαπτίζοντες αὐτούς, εἰς Τριάδα τὴν ἄκτιστον.

The Apostles went and irrigated * all the earth with streams of God the Logos; * and the Faith sprouted forth like an ear of grain; * and the entire world became filled with it; * for they cut down all the weeds of idolatry. * They presented many people to Christ our God, * baptizing them in the uncreated Trinity.

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον. Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. Seeing how beautiful.

Τῆς συμπαθείας σου, πλοῦτον τὸν ἄμετρον, καὶ δυναστείας σου, κράτος τὸ ἄμαχον, ἀναλαβόμενος εἰς νοῦν, προσέδραμον τῇ σκέπῃ σου, θλίψει συνεχόμενος, καὶ δεινῶς ἀπορούμενος, κράζων ἐκ βαθέων μου, τῆς καρδίας τοῖς δάκρυσι, Παρθένε Θεοτόκε βοῶ σοι· Σῶσόν με, σῶσον τὸν ἀνάξιον.

Bringing to mind how rich is your immeasurable * concern and sympathy, and the invincible * power and might that you possess, * O Lady, I have run to you * under your protective veil. * In distress I am suffering, * and I am beside myself; * from the depths of my heart I weep * and cry to you, O Virgin Theotokos: * Save me, your unworthy servant, save me, I pray.

Μετὰ τὴν βʹ Στιχολογίαν, ἕτερα Καθίσματα. Αποστολικά. Θείας πίστεως.

After the second Psalter reading, Kathismata. For the Apostles. Your confession.

Δεῦτε ἅπαντες, τοὺς Ἀποστόλους, εὐφημήσωμεν, ᾄσμασι θείοις· τῶν εἰδώλων γὰρ τὴν πλάνην βυθίσαντες, πρὸς θεῖον φῶς τοὺς βροτοὺς ἐπανήγαγον, καὶ τῇ Τριάδι πιστεύειν ἐδίδαξαν· ὅθεν σήμερον, αὐτοὺς εὐσεβῶς γεραίροντες, δοξάσωμεν Χριστὸν τὸν Θεὸν ἡμῶν.

Come all people let us with divine hymns * sing in praise of the holy Apostles. * For they sank the deceit of idolatry, * and led humanity back to the light of God, * and taught the world to believe in the Trinity. * Let us honor and extol them today most piously * and thereby glorify Christ our Lord and God.

Ὅμοιον.

Same Melody.

Ἔργοις λάμψαντες, ὀρθοδοξίας, πλάνην ἔσβεσαν κακοδοξίας, οἱ εὐκλεεῖς καὶ θεόπται Ἀπόστολοι, καὶ εὐσεβείᾳ τὸν κόσμον πλουτίσαντες, τὰς Ἐκκλησίας φαιδρῶς κατεκόσμησαν, ἐξαιτούμενοι, Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, δωρήσασθαι, εἰρήνην τοῖς πιστοῖς, καὶ μέγα ἔλεος.

The illustrious holy Apostles, * who saw God, shone forth in works promoting * Orthodoxy and extinguished the errant deceit * of false religion, enriching the whole wide world * with true religion, adorning the churches with cheer. * Now to Christ God they earnestly pray He grant * His peace and great mercy to all who believe.

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον. Ὅμοιον.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. Same Melody.

Βυθιζόμενος, παθῶν θαλάσσῃ, εἰς τὸ πέλαγος τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν σου, καταφεύγω, Θεοτόκε βοήθει μοι, ἔκτεινον Πανάχραντε, δεξιάν μοι τῷ δούλῳ σου, σῶσον ὡς τὸν Πέτρον πρίν, ὁ Υἱός σου διέσωσεν, ἐλέησον ψυχὴν ποντουμένην, σάλῳ πολλῶν παραπτώσεων.

I am drowning in the sea of passions. * I rely on your ocean of mercy * and implore you, Theotokos, to help me please. * O all-immaculate Virgin, extend your hand * save me your servant as your Son rescued Peter of old. * Have mercy on my soul that is sinking * beneath the billow of my many sins.

Μετὰ τὴν γʹ Στιχολογίαν, ἕτερα Καθίσματα.

After the third Psalter reading, Kathismata.

Τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Θείας πίστεως.

For St. Nicholas. N/M (Your confession.)

Σὲ τὸν κήρυκα, τῆς ἀληθείας, καὶ ὑπέρλαμπρον, φωστῆρα κόσμου, εὐφημοῦντες ἀνυμνοῦμεν Νικόλαε, καὶ ἐκβοῶμεν ἐν πίστει δεόμενοι. Ὡς τοὺς ἀθώους θανάτου ἐξήρπασας, οὕτως Ἅγιε, κινδύνων ἡμᾶς καὶ θλίψεων, καὶ πάσης ἐξελοῦ δεινῆς κακώσεως.

O Nicholas, we sing praises in your honor: ⁄ You are the preacher of the truth, and bright light of the world. ⁄ We cry out to you in faith: ⁄ Rescue us from danger, as you saved the innocent men from death, ⁄⁄ and drive away every evil.

Μαρτυρικόν.

For the Martyrs.

Ἐκλάμπετε διὰ τῆς πίστεως, ὑπέρλαμπροι φωστῆρες Ἅγιοι, τῶν ἀσθενούντων ἰατροί, Ἀθλοφόροι πανεύφημοι· τῶν τυράννων γὰρ τὰς αἰκίσεις μὴ δειλανδρήσαντες, τῶν εἰδώλων τὰς δυσφημίας κατηδαφίσατε, τρόπαιον ἔχοντες ἀήττητον, τὸν Σταυρὸν τῆς ἀληθείας.

By faith you shone forth, like most radiant lights, O Saints. You are physicians of the sick, O all-lauded medal-winners. Since your courage did not falter when faced with torture by tyrants, you brought down the blasphemies of the idols, for you bore the Cross of the truth as trophy invincible.

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον. Θείας πίστεως.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. N/M (Your confession.)

Θρόνος πάγχρυσος, τοῦ Βασιλέως, καὶ Παράδεισος, διηνθισμένος, ἀνεδείχθης Θεοτόκε Πανάχραντε· τὸν γὰρ Θεὸν ἐν γαστρί σου βαστάσασα, εὐωδιάζεις ἡμᾶς θείαις χάρισιν· ὅθεν ἅπαντες, Θεοῦ ἀληθῶς Μητέρα σε, κηρύττομεν ἀεὶ καὶ μεγαλύνομεν.

You have appeared as the pure gold throne of the King, ⁄ O immaculate Theotokos, ⁄ for you bore God in your womb, ⁄ making us fragrant with divine gifts of grace. ⁄ Therefore, we magnify you, ⁄⁄ and forever proclaim you to be the true Mother of God.

Κανὼν τῶν Ἁγίων Ἀποστόλων.

Canon for the Holy Apostles.

Ἦχος γʹ. ᾨδὴ αʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Mode 3. Ode i. Heirmos.

Ὁ τὰ ὕδατα πάλαι, νεύματι θείῳ, εἰς μίαν συναγωγὴν συναθροίσας, καὶ τεμὼν θάλασσαν, Ἰσραηλίτῃ λαῷ, οὗτος ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δεδοξασμένος ὑπάρχει· αὐτῷ μόνῳ ᾄσωμεν, ὅτι δεδόξασται.

He who of old assembled the waters into one gathering by his divine decree, and divided the sea for the people of Israel. He is our God and he is glorified. To him alone let us sing, for he has been glorified. [EL]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Ἐκκλησίας τοὺς πύργους, τῷ θεμελίῳ, τῆς Πίστεως εὐσεβῶς ἡδρασμένους, καὶ πιστοὺς ἅπαντας ἐπιστηρίζοντας, δεῦτε μακαρίσωμεν, τοὺς ἱεροὺς Ἀποστόλους, ὅπως ταῖς δεήσεσι, τούτων σωθείημεν.

Come let us bless the Church''s towers, devoutly built on the foundation of the faith and who establish all believers, the sacred Apostles, that by their supplications we may be saved.

Ἀπερίτρεπτοι στῦλοι, τῆς εὐσεβείας, τῇ πλάνῃ με τοῦ ἐχθροῦ σκελισθέντα, καὶ εἰς γῆν κείμενον, κινδυνεύοντα, καὶ ἐξαπορούμενον, ἐπανορθώσατε, ὅπως εὕροιμι τὴν ἄφεσιν, ὧν ἐπλημμέλησα.

Unshakeable pillars of true religion, I have been toppled by the error of the foe, I lie on the ground, I am in danger, I am at a loss. Set me upright that I may find forgiveness of the things by which I have offended.

Ἐμαυτὸν πρὸ τῆς δίκης, δικαιοκρῖτα, ὁ ἄσωτος δεδοικὼς κατακρίνω· πονηρὰ ἔργα γάρ, ἄμετρα κέκτημαι· ὅθεν ἱκετεύω σε, ἀπεγνωσμένον με σῶσον, θείαις παρακλήσεσι, τῶν Ἀποστόλων σου.

Fearful before the sentence, O Just Judge, I, a prodigal, condemn myself, for I have amassed unnumbered evil works; therefore I implore you, save me in my despair, at the godly entreaties of your Apostles.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Σὺν ἁγίοις Προφήταις, σὺν Ἀποστόλοις, σὺν Μάρτυσι, τὸν ἐκ σοῦ σαρκωθέντα, ἐκτενῶς Κύριον, ἁγνὴ ἱκέτευε, ὅπως τῆς σαρκὸς ἡμῶν, πάντα τὰ πάθη νεκρώσῃ, καὶ ζωὴν αἰώνιον, ἡμῖν δωρήσηται.

With holy Prophets, with Apostles, with Martyrs, insistently implore the Lord who was incarnate from you, Pure Virgin, to slay all the passions of our flesh and to bestow on us eternal life.

Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου.

Canon for St. Nicholas.

ᾌσωμεν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

Τὸν φαεινὸν λαμπτῆρα, καὶ ἀκοίμητον, ἐπὶ γῆς ὑπάρχοντα πυρσόν, καὶ πρὸς λιμένας θείους ἐμβιβάζοντα, τοῖς κύμασι τοῦ βίου, ἀεὶ τοὺς θαλαττεύοντας, Νικόλαον τιμήσωμεν, καὶ πόθῳ μακαρίσωμεν.

Let us honour and with love call blessed, Nicholas, the shining lamp and unsleeping torch upon earth, who ever embarks towards godly havens those storm-tossed by the waves of life.

Ῥώμῃ Θεοῦ παμμάκαρ, δυναμούμενος, ζῆλον κατʼ ἐπίγνωσιν, ἐκτήσω εὐσεβείας· ὅθεν θνῄσκειν μέλλοντας, ἀδίκως ἐλυτρώσω· διό σε ἱκετεύομεν, ἀδίκου πάσης ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς, κακώσεως Νικόλαε.

Empowered by God''s strength, O All-blessed, you obtained zeal in accordance with the knowledge of true religion; therefore you rescued those about to die unjustly; and so we implore you, deliver us from every wickedness of the unjust foe.

Ἱκετηρίαν Πάτερ, ἀδιάλειπτον τῷ Κυρίῳ πρόσφερε, ὅπως ἁμαρτημάτων, καὶ φλογὸς κολάσεως, διαιωνιζούσης, καὶ πειρασμῶν καὶ θλίψεων, ἡμᾶς ἀπολυτρώσηται, ὡς μόνος ὑπεράγαθος.

Bring, Father, to the Lord a plea that never ceases, that he may deliver us from sins, from the flame of everlasting punishment, from temptations and troubles, as he alone is supremely good.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Τὴν κιβωτὸν τὴν θείαν, τὴν χωρήσασαν τὸν τοῦ νόμου πάροχον, ἡμῶν τὰς ἀνομίας, πάσας ἀφαιρούμενον, διʼ εὐσπλαγχνίας θείας, ἀδιήγητον πέλαγος, Μαρίαν τὴν Πανάχραντον, συμφώνως μακαρίσωμεν.

Let us now in harmony call Mary, the all-immaculate, blessed, the divine Ark who contained the Giver of the law, who takes away all our iniquities through his divine compassion, the unfathomable sea.

ᾨδὴ γʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Ode iii. Heirmos.

Ὁ ἐκ μὴ ὄντων τὰ πάντα παραγαγών, τῷ Λόγῳ κτιζόμενα, τελειούμενα Πνεύματι, Παντοκράτορ ὕψιστε, ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ τῇ σῇ στερέωσόν με.

Almighty and Most High, who out of nothing bring all things, created by the Word, perfected by the Spirit, establish me in your love. [EL]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Οἱ τὰ τοῦ κόσμου πληρώματα, διδαχῆς ἐνθέου πληρώσαντες, τὴν ψυχήν μου πληρώσατε, ἐναρέτων πράξεων, καὶ λογισμῶν ἀγαθῶν, Χριστοῦ αὐτόπται.

You filled all the corners of the world with your inspired teaching; fill my soul with right actions and good thoughts, eye-witnesses of Christ.

Ἀπὸ σκανδάλων μυρίων τοῦ πονηροῦ, ἀπὸ πάσης θλίψεως, ἀπὸ πάσης στενώσεως, ἀπὸ περιστάσεως, ὦ Μαθηταὶ Χριστοῦ, λυτρώσασθέ με.

From ten thousand stumbling blocks of the evil one, from every trouble, every compulsion, from distress, rescue me, Disciples of Christ.

Οἴμοι ψυχή μου ἀθλία καὶ ταπεινή, συχνῶς ἁμαρτάνουσα, καὶ Θεὸν παροργίζουσα! πῶς αἰτεῖς συγχώρησιν, τὴν ἀποχὴν τῶν κακῶν, μὴ ποιουμένη;

Alas, my wretched and lowly soul, continually sinning and angering God, how can you ask for pardon, for you never make a break from wickedness?

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Ἡ θεία κλῖμαξ ἣν εἶδεν ὁ Ἰακώβ, διʼ ἧς καταβέβηκεν, ὁ Θεὸς ἀνυψῶν ἡμᾶς, ἐκτενῶς ἱκέτευε, σὺν Ἀποστόλοις, ἡμᾶς οἰκτειρηθῆναι.

Divine ladder, which Jacob saw, by which God came down and exalted us, with the Apostles insistently implore that he take pity on us.

Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Στεῖρα ψυχή.

Canon for St. Nicholas. Sterile and barren soul. (NM)

Ἠκονημένη μάχαιρα, Πνεύματος ὤφθης σοφέ, τὰ πονηρὰ ζιζάνια, διακόπτουσα αἱρετιζόντων, καὶ τρίβον σωτήριον, πιστοῖς ὁμαλίζουσα, Πάτερ Νικόλαε.

You appeared as a sharpened sword of the Spirit, cutting off the evil tares of heretics, and smoothing a path of salvation for the faithful, wise father Nicholas.

Σὲ τὴν πηγὴν τὴν βρύουσαν, τῶν ἰαμάτων κρουνούς, ἐκδυσωποῦμεν Ἅγιε, τὰ βορβορώδη πάθη πάντων ἡμῶν, εὐχαῖς σου ἀπέλασον, κινδύνων καὶ θλίψεων, ἀπολυτρούμενος.

O Saint, we entreat you as a source pouring forth springs of healings, dispel by your prayers the miry passions of us all, rescuing us from dangers and troubles.

Ἰσχυροτάτοις πόνοις σου, καταβαλὼν τὸν ἐχθρόν, νῦν κατ''αὐτοῦ ἐνίσχυσον, τοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας λογισμοὺς ἡμῶν, παθῶν ἐπικλύσεσιν, ἁγίαις πρεσβείαις σου, Πάτερ Νικόλαε.

By your valiant toils you cast down the foe; now too, by your holy prayers, Father Nicholas, strengthen against him our thoughts, grown weak with the floods of passions.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Νοῦς ἐννοεῖν οὐ δύναται, τὸν ὑπὲρ νοῦν τοκετὸν θαυμαστῆς λοχείας σου, Θεογεννῆτορ Μητροπάρθενε· διὸ ἱκετεύω σε, τὸν νοῦν μου χαρίτωσον, τοῦ ἀεὶ δοξάζειν σε.

Mind cannot conceive the Offspring beyond mind of your wondrous child-bearing. Virgin Mother, who gave birth to God; and so I implore you give my mind the grace to glorify you always.

ᾨδὴ δʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Ode iv. Heirmos.

Ἔθου πρὸς ἡμᾶς, κραταιὰν ἀγάπησιν Κύριε, τὸν μονογενῆ γὰρ σοῦ Υἱόν, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν εἰς θάνατον δέδωκας· διό σοι κραυγάζομεν εὐχαριστοῦντες· Δόξα τῇ δυνάμει σου Κύριε.

You displayed mighty love for us, O Lord; for you gave your Only-begotten Son to death for our sake. Therefore with thanksgiving we cry to you, ''Glory to your power, O Lord!'' [EL]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Ὥσπερ ἀστραπάς, ὡς ἀκτῖνας ἄδυτε Ἤλιε, σοῦ τοὺς Ἀποστόλους ἐφαπλῶν, εἰς τὰ τοῦ κόσμου Λόγε πληρώματα, πάντας κατεφώτισας, καὶ ἀγνωσίας ζόφον ἀπεδίωξας.

Unsetting Sun, unfurling your Apostles like beams, like rays, you brought light to all the corners of the world, O Word, and you dispelled the gloom of ignorance.

Θάλασσα δεινῆς, ἁμαρτίας Λόγε χειμάζει με, κύματα ἀτάκτων λογισμῶν, τὴν ταπεινὴν ψυχήν μου ταράττουσι. Κυβερνῆτα Κύριε, τῶν Μαθητῶν σου, σῶσόν με δεήσεσιν.

A sea of dreadful sin rages round me, O Word, waves of disordered thoughts trouble my lowly soul. O Lord and Helmsman, save me at the supplications of your Disciples.

Φρίττω ἐννοῶν, τὴν φρικτήν σου Δέσποτα ἔλευσιν· ἔχω γὰρ πρὸ δίκης τὴν ἐμήν, κατηγοροῦσαν ἔνδον συνείδησιν, καὶ προβασανίζουσαν, πρὸ τῆς βασάνου, τὴν ἀναισθησίαν μου.

I quake with fear when I think on your fearful coming, Master; for before sentence I have within me my conscience to accuse me, and to torment my insensitivity before the torment.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Λόγε τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ τεχθεὶς ἐκ Κόρης θεόπαιδος, ταύτης μεσιτείαις ἱεραῖς, καὶ τῶν σοφῶν Σωτὴρ Ἀποστόλων σου, πάσης περιστάσεως, πάσης ἀνάγκης, λύτρωσαι τοὺς δούλους σου.

Word of God, born from a Maiden, Child of God, at her holy mediation and those of your wise Apostles, rescue your servants from every distress, every constraint.

Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Τὸ κατάσκιον ὄρος.

Canon for St. Nicholas. The shaded mountain. (NM)

Πρὸς Θεόν σε μεσίτην, ἅπας πιστὸς καθʼ ἑκάστην, Νικόλαε προβάλλεται· διό σε ἱκετεύομεν, ἐκ περιστάσεως χαλεπῆς, καὶ συμπτώσεως πταισμάτων, ἡμᾶς λύτρωσαι Πάτερ.

Every believer advances you each day, Nicholas, as a mediator with God; and so we implore you, Father, rescue us from harsh distress and from falling into sins.

Ῥεῖθρον ζῶν ἐν καρδίᾳ, Κυρίου ἔχων τὴν χάριν, δροσίζεις ἀενάως σοφέ, τοὺς καύσωνι τῶν θλίψεων, καὶ τῷ αὐχμῷ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν, κινδυνεύοντας ἀθλίως, ἀπολέσθαι παμμάκαρ.

You have the grace of the Lord as a living stream in your heart, O wise, all-blessed Father, and you unceasingly bedew those who are miserably endangered by the heat of troubles and the wasteland of sins.

Ὁ ῥυσάμενος πάλαι, ἀπαγομένους θανάτου, ἀδίκου παμμακάριστε, καὶ νῦν ἡμᾶς περίσῳζε, ἀπὸ ἀνθρώπων φθοροποιῶν, ἐνοχλήσεως καὶ πάσης, τῶν δαιμόνων ἀπάτης.

Of old, All-blessed, you delivered one who was being led to an undeserved death, so now too save us from the persecution of destructive men and from every deception of the demons.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Σαρκωθέντα τὸν Λόγον, ὑπερβολῇ εὐσπλαγχνίας, ἀῤῥήτως ἀπεκύησας. Αὐτὸν δυσώπει Ἄχραντε, τῶν σαρκικῶν πάντας μολυσμῶν, ἐκλυτρώσασθαι, καὶ πάντων, δυσχερῶν τῶν τοῦ βίου.

Ineffably you bore the Word, incarnate through the abundance of his compassion. Beseech him, O Immaculate, to rescue us all from carnal defilements and all the troubles of life.

ᾨδὴ εʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Ode v. Heirmos.

Ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ὁ ἀόρατος ὤφθης, καὶ τοῖς βροτοῖς ἑκὼν συνανεστράφης, ὁ ἀκατάληπτος· πρὸς σὲ οὖν ὀρθρίζοντες, ἀνυμνοῦμέν σε Φιλάνθρωπε.

You, the Invisible, appeared on earth and willingly you the Incomprehensible dwelt among mortals; and so rising to you at dawn we hymn you, Lover of humankind. [EL]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς σαρκωθείς, ἀπειργάσω τοὺς Μαθητάς, οὐρανοὺς φθεγγομένους, Χριστὲ τὴν δόξαν σου· διʼ αὐτῶν οὖν Κύριε, τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν ἐλέησον.

Incarnate upon earth, you fashioned your Disciples into heavens which proclaimed your glory, O Christ; therefore through them, Lord, have mercy on our souls.

Ἀπὸ παθῶν, ἀπὸ πάσης ἀνάγκης, ἀπὸ δεινῆς περιστάσεως Λόγε, ῥῦσαι τοὺς δούλους σου, ταῖς τῶν Ἀποστόλων σου, εὐπροσδέκτοις παρακλήσεσιν.

From passions, from every constraint, from dire distress deliver your servants, O Word, at the acceptable entreaties of your Apostles.

Οἴμοι ψυχὴ παναθλία! πῶς μέλλεις, τῷ φοβερῷ δικαστῇ παραστῆναι, ἄκαρπος μένουσα; σπεῦσον μετανόησον, ἀρετῶν καρποὺς βλαστάνουσα.

Alas, my wretched soul, how are you, who remain fruitless, going to stand before the fearful Judge? Hasten, repent by sprouting fruits of virtues.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, τὸν ὀφθέντα, ἀφράστως, μετὰ σαρκὸς ἐξ ἁγνῶν σου αἱμάτων, ἁγνὴ ἱκέτευε, ὡς Υἱόν σου πάντοτε, ἱλασμὸν ἡμῖν δωρήσασθαι.

Pure Virgin, implore him who appeared ineffably on earth in flesh from your pure blood, as he remains ever your Son, to bestow pardon on us.

Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Τὸ φῶς σου τὸ ἀνέσπερον.

Canon for St. Nicholas. O Christ God. (NM)

Φωτὶ τῷ καθαρῷ παρεστηκώς, καὶ ταῖς ἐκεῖθεν ἀεὶ ἐκδιδομέναις, αὐγαῖς πυρσευόμενος, πᾶσιν αἴτησαι τὸν φωτισμόν, Πάτερ καὶ εἰρήνην.

Standing in the pure light and on fire with the rays that ever flood from it, Father, ask enlightenment and peace for all.

Ἐμὲ τὸν ὑπὲρ πάντας τοὺς βροτούς, σὲ παροργίσαντα, φρενὶ ἀγνώμονι, ὑπεράγαθε κατοικτείρησον, ταῖς Νικολάου θερμαῖς πρεσβείαις.

O supremely good, at the fervent prayers of Nicholas take pity on me who with my unfeeling mind have always angered you more than all mortals.

Ῥαθύμως δαπανῶν μου τὴν ζωήν, καθικετεύω σε, Πάτερ Νικόλαε, διέγειρόν μου πρὸς μετάνοιαν, τὸν λογισμὸν κατεσπιλωμένον.

I have squandered my life in sloth and so I beseech you, Father Nicholas, rouse my soiled thought to repentance.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Ὡς μόνη τῶν Ἀγγέλων χαρμονή, χαρᾶς μου πλήρωσον, θεοχαρίτωτε, τὴν διάνοιαν σκυθρωπάζουσαν, καὶ ἀμελείᾳ βεβυθισμένην.

As only joy of the Angels, O Full of God''s grace, fill with joy my sullen mind, sunk deep in indifference.

ᾨδὴ Ϛʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Ode vi. Heirmos.

Ἄβυσσος ἐσχάτη ἁμαρτιῶν, ἐκύκλωσέ με, καὶ ἐκλείπει τὸ πνεῦμά μου, ἀλλʼ ἐκτείνας Δέσποτα, σὸν ὑψηλὸν βραχίονα, ὡς τὸν Πέτρον με, κυβερνῆτα διάσωσον.

The final abyss of sins has surrounded me and my spirit fails; but, Master, stretch out your upraised arm and like Peter save me, O my Pilot. [EL]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Ἄβυσσον σοφίας πνευματικῆς, ἀναπηγάσας, Ἀποστόλων ὁ σύλλογος, κοσμικῆς ἐξήρανε, σοφίας πάντα ῥεύματα, καὶ κατήρδευσεν, εὐσεβῶν τὰ συστήματα.

The company of the Apostles having drawn from the source an abyss of spiritual wisdom, dried up all the streams of this world''s wisdom and watered all the assemblies of the devout.

Στέναξον καὶ δάκρυσον ταπεινή, ψυχή μου καὶ βόησον, καὶ πρὸς Κύριον λέγουσα· Ἥμαρτόν σοι Δέσποτα· Ἱλάσθητί μοι εὔσπλαγχνε, ταῖς δεήσεσι, τῶν σοφῶν Ἀποστόλων σου.

Groan and weep, my lowly soul, and cry out to the Lord, saying, ''I have sinned against you, compassionate Master, be merciful to me at the supplications of your Apostles''.

Ῥεύσαντες οἱ χείμαῤῥοι τῶν παθῶν, κατέπτωσάν μου, τῆς καρδίας τὸ οἴκημα, ποταμοὶ τοῦ Πνεύματος, πεφυκότες Ἀπόστολοι, συντριβέντα με, πρὸς ζωὴν ἀναπλάσατε.

Flowing torrents of passions have brought about the fall of the house of my heart. O Apostles, the rivers of the Spirit, I have been crushed; refashion me into life.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Δῆμός σε τῶν Ἀποστόλων, Χριστέ, καθικετεύει, μετὰ τῆς κυησάσης σε, ἱλασμὸν κατάπεμψον, καὶ εἰρήνην τοῖς δούλοις σου, ὡς φιλάνθρωπος, καὶ Θεὸς εὐδιάλλακτος.

The band of the Apostles, with her who bore you, entreats you, O Christ, ''Send down pardon and peace to your servants, as you are God who love mankind and long to be reconciled.

Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Βυθός μοι τῶν παθῶν.

Canon for St. Nicholas. The deep of the passions. (NM)

Νεκρώσας ἐγκρατείᾳ τὰ μέλη, ἐκτήσω τὴν ζωὴν τὴν ἀγήρω, ἧς καὶ ἡμᾶς κοινωνούς, σοῦ ταῖς εὐχαῖς ἐργάζου σοφέ, ἐκφεύξει τῆς πονηρᾶς ἐργασίας.

Having slain your members by self-mastery you gained the life which does not age; make us sharers in it too, wise Father, by your prayers, by flight from the work of evil.

Ἱστίῳ ἱερῶν πρεσβειῶν σου, πελάγους πειρασμῶν πολυτρόπων, καὶ ἁμαρτίας βυθοῦ ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς, πρὸς τὸν ὅρμον τῆς ζωῆς, διαβιβάζων σοφὲ Ἱεράρχα.

With the sail of your sacred prayers deliver us from sea of many dangers and the deep of sin, embarking us for the roadstead of life, wise Hierarch.

Κοσμήσας τὴν τῶν Μύρων καθέδραν, ἐδείχθης κόσμος Ἀρχιερέων, ἀλλὰ πρεσβείαις ταῖς σαῖς, τῶν κοσμικῶν ἡμᾶς πειρασμῶν, διάσῳζε ἀβλαβεῖς Ἱεράρχα.

Adorning the throne of Myra, you were revealed as an ornament of High Priests; but by your prayers save us from the world''s temptations, blameless Hierarch.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Οἰκήσας ὁ Λόγος ἐν γαστρί σου, τὴν πάλαι ἐν ἀνθρώποις οἰκοῦσαν, τῇ παραβάσει φθοράν, Μήτηρ ἁγνὴ ὡς μόνος Θεός, ἐξῴκισε διὰ σπλάγχνα ἐλέους.

The Word by dwelling in your womb, pure Mother, through his compassionate mercy drove into exile the corruption that through transgression had of old made its dwelling among men.

ᾨδὴ ζʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Ode vii. Heirmos.

Τὸ πρὶν εἰκόνι τῇ χρυσῇ, Περσικῷ σεβάσματι, Παῖδες οὐ προσεκύνησαν τρεῖς, ὑμνοῦντες ἐν μέσῳ τῆς καμίνου. Ὁ τῶν Πατέρων Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ.

The three Youths of old did not worship the golden image, object of Persian reverence as they sang in the midst of the furnace: God of our Fathers, blessed are you! [EL]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου ὁ Χριστός, φῶς ὑμᾶς ἀνέδειξε, φωτοφόροι Ἀπόστολοι, ἐκμειοῦντας τὸ σκότος τῆς ἀπάτης, καὶ φωτίζοντας πιστῶν τὰς διανοίας.

Christ, the light of the world, revealed you, light-bearing Apostles, to be a light that ends the darkness of deception and enlightens the minds of believers.

Τὰς καθʼ ἡμῶν τοῦ δυσμενοῦς, παγίδας συντρίψατε, φωτοφόροι Ἀπόστολοι, καὶ τὰς τρίβους ἡμῖν τῆς μετανοίας, ὁμαλίσατε ὑμῖν προσπεφευγόσι.

Smash the snares which the malignant one has set for us, light-bearing Apostles, and level out for us, who have recourse to you, paths of repentance.

Τὴν μωρανθεῖσάν μου ψυχήν, σαρκικοῖς παθήμασιν, ἅλας θεῖον ὑπάρχοντες, θεηγόροι Ἀπόστολοι Κυρίου, ἐκκαθάρατε, πιστοὺς ζωογονοῦντες.

Inspired Apostles of the Lord, you are divine salt; purify my soul, which through passions of the flesh has lost its savour, and bring believers back to life.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Ἡ καλλονὴ τοῦ Ἰακώβ, καλῶν ταῖς ἰδέαις με, δέομαι καταφαίδρυνον, δυσωποῦσα νῦν σὺν τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις, τὸν τεχθέντα ἐκ τῶν σῶν ἀγνῶν αἱμάτων.

Beauty of Jacob, make my soul radiant with forms of beauty, I beg, as with the Apostles you now entreat the One who was born from your pure blood.

Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Τρεῖς Παῖδες ἐν καμίνῳ.

Canon for St. Nicholas. Three Youths in a furnace. (NM)

Λυμαινόμενον πάλαι, τὸν παράφρονα Ἄρειον, τοῦ Κυρίου τὸν λαὸν ἐναπηγχόνισας, ταῖς νευραῖς σου τῶν λόγων, ὡς ποιμενάρχης ἀληθής, Πάτερ Νικόλαε.

When Arius the madman was once ravaging the Lord''s people, you throttled him with the cords of your words as a true chief shepherd, Father Nicholas.

Ἁγίως διανύσας, τὸν πανάγιον βίον σου, σὺν Ἀποστόλοις κατοικεῖς, Πάτερ Νικόλαε, ἁγιασμὸν ἐπιπέμπων, καὶ φωτισμὸν τοῖς εὐσεβῶς σε μακαρίζουσιν.

In holiness you reached the end of your life and you dwell with the Apostles, Father Nicholas, and you send hallowing and enlightenment to those who devoutly call you blessed.

Ὡς ἕτοιμόν σε ῥύστην, ὡς θερμὸν ἀντιλήπτορα, προσκαλούμεθα ἀεὶ Πάτερ Νικόλαε, τῶν παθῶν ἡμᾶς ῥῦσαι, καὶ ἀδοκήτων πειρασμῶν ἐπερχομένων ἡμῖν.

We ever call upon you, Father Nicholas, as a ready deliverer, as fervent helper, to deliver us from the passions and from unexpected temptations which assail us.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Ἐμὲ τὸν ἀμελείᾳ, τὴν ψυχὴν σκοτιζόμενον, φωταγώγησον Ἁγνή, τὸν τῆς καρδίας μου, προσεπανάπτουσα λύχνον, ἐν προθυμίᾳ ἀγαθή, ὅπως δοξάζω σε.

Pure Virgin, lead me to the light, who am darkened in soul by indifference, kindling again the lamp of my heart with good zeal, that I may glorify you.

ᾨδὴ ηʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Ode viii. Heirmos.

Ἀστέκτῳ πυρὶ ἑνωθέντες, οἱ θεοσεβείας προεστῶτες Νεανίαι, τῇ φλογὶ δὲ μὴ λωβηθέντες, θεῖον ὕμνον ἔμελπον· Εὐλογεῖτε πάντα τὰ ἔργα τὸν Κύριον, καὶ ὑπερυψοῦτε, εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.

In the unbearable fire, but unharmed by the flames, the Young Men, famed for their reverence for God, became as one as they sang the divine hymn, ''All you works of the Lord bless the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.'' [EL]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Ἐπλήγην παθῶν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ, καὶ ἐτραυματίσθην τὴν καρδίαν ἀπονοίᾳ, τοῦ κακίαν δημιουργοῦντος. Ἀπόστολοι ἔνδοξοι, ἰάσασθε ὅλον ἐξηπορημένον με, ψυχῶν καὶ σωμάτων, ἰατροὶ πεφυκότες.

I have been cut by the sword of passions and I have been wounded in heart by the madness of the creator of wickedness; glorious Apostles, heal me who am wholly without resource, for you are physicians of souls and bodies.

Εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν τῶν κηρύκων, φθόγγος ἐξεχύθη ὁ θεῖος, ἐκδιδάσκων, παραδόξως μίαν οὐσίαν, μίαν φύσιν σέβεσθαι, τῆς Τριάδος μίαν ὄντως κυριότητα, μίαν Βασιλείαν, εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.

The divine sound of the Heralds has been poured out into all the earth, wonderfully teaching it to reverence one being, one nature, truly one lordship, one kingship of the Trinity to all the ages.

Ἐμὲ τὸν πολλὰ ἐπταικότα, καὶ μακροθυμίαν σου τὴν θείαν δαπανῶντα, τῇ ἐπιμόνῳ πλημμελείᾳ, ἐπίστρεψον Δέσποτα, ὁ εἰδώς μου Λόγε τὴν πολλὴν ἀσθένειαν, καὶ τὴν ῥαθυμίαν, καὶ τὴν κακοφροσύνην.

I have fallen many times and have squandered your long-suffering by my ever-present folly; turn me back, Master, Word, who know my great weakness, my sloth and my foolishness.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Ἡ θεία λαβὶς ἡ τὸν θεῖον, ἄνθρακα ἀῤῥήτως δεξαμένη Θεοτόκε, τῶν παθῶν μου πεπυρωμένους, ἄνθρακας κατάσβεσον Παναγία, δρόσῳ σου τῶν παρακλήσεων, καὶ τῶν πανενδόξων, καὶ θείων Ἀποστόλων.

All-holy Mother of God, divine tongs, which ineffably held the divine coal, quench the burning coals of my passions with the dew of your consolations and of the all-glorious and divine Apostles.

Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Τὸν ὑπʼ Ἀγγέλων.

Canon for St. Nicholas. The God who is glorified. (NM)

Γῆν τῶν πρᾳέων ἐκληρώσω, πρᾷος Ὅσιε γενόμενος· διό σου δέομαι πιστῶς, καταπράϋνον πρεσβείαις σου, τὰς ἐπεγειρομένας διηνεκῶς, τοῦ πονηροῦ κατʼ ἐμοῦ τρικυμίας.

Venerable Father, by becoming meek you have inherited the land of the meek; and so with faith I beg you, by your prayers calm the storms of the evil one that incessantly rise against me.

Ὡς ἐλυτρώσω στρατηλάτας, τοὺς ἀδίκως θνῄσκειν μέλλοντας, οὕτως ἀνθρώπων πονηρῶν, τῆς κακίας ἡμᾶς λύτρωσαι, καὶ πάσης τῶν δαιμόνων, ἐπιβουλῆς Νικόλαε, δυσωπῶν τὸν Σωτῆρα.

As you rescued the generals who were about to die unjustly, so rescue us from the wickedness of evil men and from every assault of the demons, Nicholas, as you implore the Saviour.

Ὁδὸν ὑπέδειξας εὐθεῖαν, τοῖς ἀνθρώποις καὶ σωτήριον, ἐν ᾗ ὁδήγησον ἡμᾶς, ἐν τῷ βίῳ παροδεύοντας, Νικόλαε τρισμάκαρ, ὅπως ὁμοῦ εἰσέλθομεν, τῆς ζωῆς πρός τὴν πόλιν.

You showed mankind a even and saving road, guide us in it as we journey on the road of life, thrice-blessed Nicholas, that together we may enter the city of life.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Ἰσχὺς καὶ ὕμνησις ὑπάρχει, ὁ ἐκ σοῦ τεχθεὶς Πανάμωμε, ὃν ἐκδυσώπει ἐκτενῶς, παρειμένον με τοῖς πάθεσι, Παρθένε ἐνισχῦσαι, τοῦ ἐκτελεῖν τὰς σωτηρίους αὐτοῦ διατάξεις.

Strength and song is he who was born of you, All-blameless Virgin; beseech him insistently, to give me, who am paralysed by the passions, strength to fulfil his saving commands.

ᾨδὴ θʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.

Ode ix. Heirmos.

Ἐν νόμῳ σκιᾷ καὶ γράμματι, τύπον κατίδωμεν οἱ πιστοί· πᾶν ἄρσεν τὸ τὴν μήτραν διανοῖγον, ἅγιον Θεῷ· διὸ πρωτότοκον Λόγον, Πατρὸς ἀνάρχου Υἱόν, πρωτοτοκούμενον Μητρί, ἀπειράνδρῳ μεγαλύνομεν.

In the shadow and letter of the Law, let us the faithful discern a figure. ''Every male child that opens the womb shall be holy to God.'' Therefore the Son and Word of the Father who has no beginning, the firstborn child of a Mother who had not known man, we magnify. [EL]

Τροπάρια.

Troparia.

Ὁ λόγῳ τῶν σῶν στηρίξας, Μαθητῶν τῆς γῆς τὰ πέρατα, Πατρὸς ἀνάρχου Λόγε, ταῖς αὐτῶν δεήσεσι κᾀμέ, τὸν πρὸς τὰ πάθη ἀλόγως, κατολισθήσαντα, καὶ τῶν δαιμόνων τῇ πλάνῃ, ὑπαχθέντα κατοικτείρησον.

The word of your Disciples has established the ends of the earth, O Word of the Father without beginning; at their supplications take pity on me who have slipped irrationally towards the passions and been gripped by the deception of the demons.

Ψυχή μου παθῶν δουλεύουσα, ὁρμαῖς τῷ παθητῷ διὰ σέ, προσάγαγε δεήσεις, ὅπως ῥύσηταί σε ἐκ παθῶν, ἱκετευόντων προδήλως, τῶν ἱερῶν Μαθητῶν, μιμησαμένων τὰ τούτου, τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτῶν παθήματα.

My soul, enslaved to assaults of passions, bring supplications to him who suffered the Passion for your sake, that he may deliver you from passions; as his sacred Disciples, who imitated the sufferings of his passion in the flesh, openly intercede.

Χριστοῦ Μαθηταὶ ἡνίκα, σὺν αὐτῷ κρῖναι καθίσητε, τοὺς κρίσει ὑπευθύνους, ἀκατάκριτόν μου τὴν ψυχήν, τὴν μολυνθεῖσαν ἀτόποις ἔργοις τηρήσατε, ὡς ἀγαθοὶ μου προστάται, ὡς τοῦ κόσμου ἀντιλήπτορες.

Disciples of Christ, when you sit with him to judge those who are subject to judgement, establish my soul, befouled by unnatural works, uncondemned, for you are my good protectors, helpers of the world.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Παρθένε ἁγνὴ Θεόνυμφε, καθαρὸν Χριστοῦ παλάτιον, Παρθένε Παναγία τῶν ἁγίων ἅγιον Θεόν, ὑπὲρ αἰτίαν καὶ λόγον κυοφορήσασα, σὺν Ἀποστόλοις ἁγίοις, ὑπὲρ πάντων καθικέτευε.

Chaste Virgin, pure palace of Christ, Virgin all-holy of holies, who bore the Holy God beyond explanation and reason, with the holy Apostles intercede on behalf of all.

Κανὼν τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

Canon for St. Nicholas. On mount Sinai. (NM)

Ὡς χαράκωμα θεῖον καὶ στήριγμα, καὶ καλὴν καταφυγήν, ὁ περίγειος κόσμος σε κέκτηται, μεσιτείαις σου ἀεί, ἐκλυτρούμενον πάσης πειρασμῶν στενώσεως, Πάτερ Νικόλαε· ὅθεν ἐν αἰνέσει, πιστῶς μακαρίζει σε.

The whole round world has found in you a divine stronghold and fortress and fair refuge, who by your mediations ever rescue it from every pressure of temptations, Father Nicholas; and so in praise it faithfully calls you blessed.

Στενωθεὶς ταῖς πολλαῖς περιστάσεσι, πρὸς τὸ πλάτος τῆς θερμῆς, καταφεύγω παμμάκαρ πρεσβείας σου, μεταποίησον βοῶ, τῆς ψυχῆς μου τὸν πόνον, τὰ κύματα πράϋνον, τῆς ἀπογνώσεως, καὶ εἰρήνευσόν μου, τὸν νοῦν ταραττόμενον.

Hemmed in by many disasters, I flee, All-blessed, to the wide plain of your prayer. ''Transform the toil of my soul, I cry, calm the waves of despair and bring peace to my troubled mind''.

Ἡ τοῦ Κτίστου ἐφέστηκεν ἔλευσις, κρῖναι ἅπασαν τὴν γῆν, καὶ ὑπάρχων ὁ τάλας ἀνέτοιμος, ὅλως φρίττω ἐννοῶν, τὴν πληθὺν τῶν κακῶν μου, Κύριε μακρόθυμε, οἴκτειρον σῶσόν με, θείαις Νικολάου, εὐχαῖς τοῦ ὁσίου σου.

The coming of the Creator is at hand to judge the whole earth, and I, accursed, am not prepared; I shudder when I consider the multitude of my offences; take pity on me, long-suffering Lord, and save me at the godly prayers of your holy Nicholas.

Θεοτοκίον.

Theotokion.

Φωτισμός μου σωτήριος φάνηθι, ἡ κυήσασα τὸ φῶς, τῆς ψυχῆς μου τὰ νέφη διώκουσα, τὰ πολλὰ καὶ χαλεπά, ὅπως υἱὸς ἡμέρας, εὐχαῖς σου γενήσωμαι, πράττων τὰ ὅσια, καὶ ὑμνολογίαις, ἀεὶ μακαρίζω σε.

Appear to me as a saving enlightenment, you who bore the light, dispelling the many and dread clouds from my soul, that by your prayers I may become a son of the day, doing holy deeds, and that in hymns I may ever call you blessed.

Εἰς τὸν Στίχον τῶν Αἴνων.

At the Aposticha of Lauds.

Ἀπόστιχα Στιχηρά. Ἦχος γʹ. Αποστολικά.

Aposticha. Mode 3. For the Apostles.

Εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος ὑμῶν, ἅγιοι Ἀπόστολοι, εἰδώλων πλάνην ἐλύσατε, θεογνωσίαν κηρύξαντες, οὗτος ὁ καλὸς ἀγὼν ὑμῶν ὑπάρχει Μακάριοι· διὸ ὑμνοῦμεν καὶ δοξολογοῦμεν, ὑμῶν τὰ μνημόσυνα.

Unto all the earth your sound has gone out, O holy Apostles. You destroyed the delusion of the idols by preaching the knowledge of God. This then is your good fight, O blessed ones. Therefore we praise and glorify your memories.

Στίχ. Ἐνεπλήσθημεν τὸ πρωΐ τοῦ ἐλέους σου, Κύριε, καὶ ἠγαλλιασάμεθα καὶ εὐφράνθημεν ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἡμῶν· εὐφρανθείημεν ἀνθʼ ὧν ἡμερῶν ἐταπείνωσας ἡμᾶς, ἐτῶν, ὧν εἴδομεν κακά. Καὶ ἴδε ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους σου καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ ἔργα σου καὶ ὁδήγησον τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτῶν.

Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]

Τὰς τοῦ Χριστοῦ παραγγελίας, ἀμέμπτως φυλάξαντες, ἅγιοι Ἀπόστολοι, δωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν παρέχετε, ἰατρεύοντες τὰ πάθη, τῶν ψυχῶν καὶ τῶν σωμάτων ἡμῶν· διὸ ἔχοντες παῤῥησίαν, αὐτὸν ἱκετεύσατε, ἐλεηθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Since you blamelessly kept the injunctions of Christ, O holy Apostles, you received freely and freely you provide, healing the infirmities of our souls and bodies. Thus since you have access to Him, entreat for us that our souls obtain His mercy.

Στίχ. Καὶ ἔστω ἡ λαμπρότης Κυρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καὶ τὰ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν ἡμῶν κατεύθυνον ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καὶ τὸ ἔργον τῶν χειρῶν ἡμῶν κατεύθυνον.

Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]

Μαρτυρικόν.

For the Martyrs.

Αἱ δυνάμεις τῶν Ἁγίων Ἀγγέλων, ἐθαύμασαν τῶν Μαρτύρων τοὺς ἄθλους, ὅτι σῶμα θνητὸν περικείμενοι, βασάνων κατεφρόνησαν, μιμηταὶ γενόμενοι, τοῦ Πάθους τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, καὶ πρεσβεύουσιν ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν.

The hosts of Angels marveled at the struggles of the Martyrs, ⁄ for, clad in a mortal body, they despised torments. ⁄ They became imitators of our Savior’s passion, ⁄⁄ and they intercede on behalf of our souls.

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Ἁγιόπρωτε σεμνή, ἐγκώμιον οὖσα τῶν οὐρανίων Ταγμάτων, Ἀποστόλων ὑμνῳδία, Προφητῶν περιοχή, Δέσποινα πρόσδεξαι καὶ ἡμῶν τὰς δεήσεις.

O noble one and first among the Saints, * as the subject of laudations of the celestial orders, * of the hymns of the Apostles and the writings of the Prophets, * O Lady, accept our supplications.

__________

__________

ΕΝ Τῌ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙᾼ

LITURGY

Οἱ Μακαρισμοί. Ἦχος γʹ.

The Beatitudes. Mode 3.

Ἀθετήσαντα Χριστέ, τὴν ἐντολήν σου, τὸν προπάτορα Ἀδάμ, τοῦ Παραδείσου ἐξώρισας, τὸν δὲ Λῃστὴν Οἰκτίρμον, ὁμολογήσαντά σε ἐν Σταυρῷ, ἐν αὐτῷ εἰσῴκισας κράζοντα· Μνήσθητί μου Σωτήρ, ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου.

When our primal father Adam disobeyed Your divine command, O Christ, You expelled him from Paradise. But when the faithful Robber while on the cross confessed You to be Lord, You restored him there, as he cried to You: "O Savior, when You come in Your kingdom, remember me."

Οἱ καλάμῳ τοῦ Σταυροῦ, ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ, τῆς ἀγνωσίας τοὺς λαούς, ἀναγαγόντες Ἀπόστολοι, τὴν τῶν Ἑλλήνων πλάνην, ἀπεμειώσατε ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς, ἀπλανεῖς σωτῆρες γενόμενοι, τῶν πιστῶν ἀληθῶς· ὅθεν μακαρίζεσθε.

O Apostles, with the Cross as if a fishing rod * you drew the peoples up from the deep sea of ignorance, * and you greatly diminished * on earth the error of the pagan Greeks. * For believers you became inerrant guides * and saviors indeed. * And therefore we now call you blest.

Ὡς ἀκτῖνες μυστικαί, καὶ λαμπηδόνες, τοῦ Ἡλίου εὐκλεεῖς, γεγενημένοι Ἀπόστολοι, τῆς δυσσεβείας σκότος, ἀπεμειώσατε, καὶ πρὸς φῶς, τῆς θεογνωσίας ὡδηγήσατε, ἅπαντας τοὺς λαούς· ὅθεν ὑμᾶς σέβομεν.

O Apostles, you became like mystic rays * and illustrious torches of Christ the Sun of righteousness, * and you greatly diminished * the darkness of impiety and led * all the peoples of the world to the light * of the knowledge of God. * Therefore we now honor you.

Μαρτυρικόν.

For the Martyrs.

Τῶν βασάνων τὴν πυράν, καθυπομείναντες, ἐξ ὕψους Ἀθληταί, χάριτος δρόσον ἐδέξασθε, καὶ τῶν βροτῶν τὰ πάθη, ὡς τοῦ Χριστοῦ θεράποντες ἀεί, εὐσθενῶς σοφοὶ θεραπεύετε· ὅθεν πίστει ὑμᾶς, Ἅγιοι γεραίρομεν.

Holy Athletes, you endured the burning fire * of the tortures and received from on high the dew of grace divine; * and as the faithful servants * of Christ now you mightily provide * cures and remedies for all human suffering. * Therefore, wise Saints of God, * we believers honor you.

Δόξα.

Glory.

Τῆς Τριάδος ἱεροί, κήρυκες, Πέτρε, Παῦλε, Μᾶρκε, καὶ Λουκᾶ, Ματθαῖε, Σίμων, Ἰάκωβε, Ἀνδρέα, Ἰωάννη, Βαρθολομαῖε, Φίλιππε, Θωμᾶ, ἐκτενῶς αὐτὴν ἱκετεύσατε, λυτρωθῆναι ἡμᾶς, πάσης περιστάσεως.

As the sacred preachers of the Holy Trinity, * Peter, Paul, Mark, and Luke, Matthew, Simon, Iakovos, * Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, * also Bartholomew and James and John, * to our thrice-holy God pray on our behalf * to rescue us from all disasters and emergencies.

Καὶ νῦν. Θεοτοκίον.

Both now. Theotokion.

Ἀποστόλων καλλονή, καὶ τῶν ἁγίων Ἀθλοφόρων χαρμονή, θεοχαρίτωτε Δέσποινα, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν δυσώπει, τὸν τοῦ παντὸς Σωτῆρα καὶ Θεόν, ἐγκλημάτων ὅπως λάβωμεν ἄφεσιν, καὶ τῆς θείας ζωῆς, πάντες ἐπιτύχωμεν.

Lady full of grace divine, you are the beauty *of the Apostles of Christ; you are the joy of the Martyr Saints. * Pray to the God and Savior * of all the universe on our behalf, * that we may obtain forgiveness for all our sins, * and that all may attain * divine and eternal life.