ON SUNDAY EVENING

At, Lord, I have cried, Prosomoia.

Stichera for the Master.

Mode pl. 1. N/M (Rejoice.)

Alas for one who has enraged you, my merciful God and Lord! How many times have I promised to repent, my Christ, and been found out a senseless liar. Earlier I befouled my baptismal garment, the agreements I made with you I disregarded; and yet again this second promise, which I confessed to you before Angels and men, when I put on the habit of mourning, I have set at naught; but, Saviour, do not at the end let me be destroyed.

Wretched soul, what defence do you have on the day of judgement? Or who will rescue you from the sentence of eternal fire and all the torments? No one can make the Compassionate have mercy, except you yourself by abandoning your unlawful acts, by obtaining a way of life pleasing to God, by weeping each day over your numberless falls, by which you stumble hour by hour in deed and word and thought, by asking Christ to grant you for all these complete pardon.

O Saviour, do not let the compelling habit of sin master me; do not let the demon, who makes constant war on me, lord it over me and bring me down to his will; but snatch me from his mastery, and reigning in me, Lover of humankind, count me worthy to become wholly yours and to live, O Word, according to your will, to take my rest in you, and to find pardon and salvation and your great mercy.

Additional Stichera. For the Angels. Same Melody.

The corruption of the passions tyrannises over me and clouds the pupils of my heart, and I have no strength at all to see the ways of salvation. As I advance I go astray, Archangels, and I am hurled headlong into the deep pits of Hell. But when I call to mind your wonders, I am cured of all my sickness. Oh that now I could quickly see your kindness! Hasten to quench the flame of my passions, all-honoured ones, guiding me to the light of salvation, and giving me release from my evils.

The Evil One, who at first shone with you as the Morning Star, had the same degree of glory as you, Chief Captains. But out of evil the opponent was borne down to earth and became murky in darkness, and he was eager to dash me down with him, I who had been honoured with the image of the Maker. Nevertheless, though I fell headlong, Christ raised me up. Appear then for me in my wretchedness as defenders and providers and wise protectors, asking also for his great mercy.

I should have become in accordance with God''s image and been numbered with you, and not, alas, bowed down entirely to the evil foe; but by the advice of the boaster I did not rival you, I spurned the commandment and fell from the honour of the Maker, O Archangels, and I am dragged down by slavery. Nevertheless, seeing me wholly yielded to the passions, give me your hand to the path which bears me upwards, as you beg that I may find salvation and the ancient glory of my beauty.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. Same Melody.

Make your illumination shine for me, who am in the darkness of dread things, O Virgin Mother, who conceived the light of truth and gave birth to God in the flesh; bring up speedily from the deep of despair, and establish on the rock of a sure way of life the steps of my soul; condemn the demons who ceaselessly make war on me; quickly end the pain of my miserable heart, O hope of the ends of the earth, who grant the world great mercy.

At the Aposticha.

Aposticha. Mode pl. 1. For compunction.

Lord, I do not cease from sinning; I do not know how to be found worthy of your love for humankind. You, who alone are good, conquer the stubbornness of my heart and have mercy on me.

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]

Lord, I tremble with fear of you, and I do not cease to do evil. Who does not tremble at the judge in the courtroom? Or who, when they want to be cured, enrages the physician as I do? Long-suffering lord, have compassion on my weakness and have mercy on me.

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]

For the Martyrs.

Despising all the things of earth and bravely facing torments, you did not fail in your blessed hopes, but have become heirs to the Kingdom of heaven, all-praised Martyrs. As you have freedom to speak before the God who loves humankind, ask peace for the world, and for our souls his great mercy.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Fearful, marvellous and great the mystery! The Uncontainable was contained in a womb, and the Mother after child-birth remained still a virgin; for she gave birth to God, incarnate from her. To him let us cry, to him let us speak our praise, as with the Angels we sing out: ''Holy are you, Christ God, who became man for our sake; glory to you!''

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ON MONDAY MORNING

MATINS

After the first Psalter reading, Kathismata.

For compunction. Mode pl. 1.

When the judge takes his seat and the Angels stand round, the trumpet sounds and the flame burns, what will you do, my soul, as you are brought to judgement? For then your dread deeds are present, your hidden crimes examined; and so before the end cry out: O God have mercy on me and save me!

My soul, what is here is temporary, what is there eternal; I see the court and the Judge upon his throne, and I tremble at the sentence; then turn back with speed: the judgement is unrelenting.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

N/M (Let us worship the Word.)

Fervent and invincible defence, sure hope that cannot be put to shame, wall, protection and haven of those who flee to you, pure Ever-Virgin; with the Angels implore your Son and God to give peace to the world, salvation and his great mercy.

After the second Psalter reading, Kathismata.

Let us all keep vigil, and let us all go to meet Christ with much oil and shining lamps, that we may be worthy to enter the bridal chamber; for the one who is found outside the door cries out to God in vain: Have mercy on me!

As I lie on a bed of many sins I despoiled of my hope of salvation; for the sleep of my sloth invites punishment for my soul; but you, O God, born of a Virgin, rouse me to sung your praise, that I may glorify you.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O All-blameless, holier than the Cherubim and higher than the heavens, as we confess you to be in truth Mother of God, we sinners have you as defence, and in temptations we find salvation; and so do not cease to intercede for us, the strength and refuge of our souls.

After the third Psalter reading, Kathismata.

N/M (Let us worship the Word.)

I tremble at the fearful judgement, and I shudder at the Judge''s righteous sentence; for my conscience ever questions me; but living with indifference I am at a loss and I quail. By your holy prayers, Archangels, who watch over believers, rescue me from the fire.

For the Martyrs.

The memory of the Champions shines today, for it takes its radiance from heaven; the choir of Angels keeps festival, and the human race feasts with them, and so they intercede with the Lord to have mercy on our souls.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. N/M (Let us worship the Word.)

Gabriel marvellously brought to you on earth heaven''s Hail; for seeing the Maker of the Angels incarnate in you, he sang you the song of joy, O Honoured One; through it teaching mortals that you the only cause of joy have appeared to all mankind.

Canon of Compunction.

Mode pl. 1. Ode i. Heirmos.

To the Lord, who did marvellous prodigies at the Red Sea, let us a song of victory, for he has been glorified. [EL]

Troparia.

Turn back, O Christ, one who has been enticed and baited by many tricks of the Stranger, and take pity as you are all-powerful.

O Christ, who opened the ears of the deaf man, open, I beg, the ears of my soul, that I may give ear to your words.

For the Martyrs.

Declared newly appearing stars of the Sun of justice, Martyrs, scatter the darkness of our hearts.

Revealed as arrows fired by the divine coals of the Holy Spirit, the Athletes smash all the arrows of the serpent.

Theotokion.

Gate of the divine glory, throw wide the gates of repentance to me, and snatch my lowly soul from the gates of Hell.

Canon for the Bodiless Hosts.

Christ, who brings wars. (NM)

You Angels, initiates of the light-giving source of Godhead, as first appearing bowed before its rays, implore the Master to flood my soul with light.

You have confidence, as you stand before the high throne; rescue from dangers all who devoutly hymn you, Leaders of the heavenly host, Chief Captains.

Theotokion.

The curse is abolished, grief has ceased, for the Blessed One, the Full of Grace, has made joy dawn for the faithful, for she bears a flower, Christ, a blessing for all the ends of the earth.

Ode iii. Heirmos.

God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne; and we sing to him with understanding as King and God. [EL]

Troparia.

You wish none to perish, good Lord; take pity on one who is perishing, and save me, all-pitying, by the balance of your mercy.

Because I have sinned in knowledge and in ignorance, I come to you, Christ Lord, who know all things, I fall before you; receive me as the Prodigal.

For the Martyrs.

That you might put to death the living sin and prove the foe was dead, you had no thought, blest Martyrs, for your bodies'' death.

Embellished with sufferings and adorned with robes dyed in blood, O Martyrs, bearing crowns you now stand before the King of all.

Theotokion.

Virgin Mother who gave God a body, accept the voices of those who ever cry to you, and rescue us from troubles of many kinds.

Canon for the Bodiless Hosts. You fixed the earth. (NM)

By a word you gave substance to the dancers of the Powers above, and showed the limitless power of your goodness; at their entreaties establish your Church, O only good and lover of mankind.

Theotokion.

With wedlock, immaculate, all-praised Virgin, you became Mother of God, who enlightened the Bodiless choirs to sing one source of Godhead in triple hallowing and lordship.

Ode iv. Heirmos.

The works of your dispensation, Lord, amazed the Prophet Avvakoum; for you came forth for the salvation of your people; you have come to save your anointed ones. [EL]

Troparia.

The works which I have accomplished in my life are grievous and evil; rescue me from them, Christ God, granting me genuine repentance.

I have despised every holy commandment, disabling the fear of you, O Christ, and I dread your infallible Tribunal; at which do not condemn me, O Compassionate.

For the Martyrs.

Racked in deed from every side by thongs, wasted terribly by scourges, torn in pieces with iron claws, your Athletes, Lord, with faith were glad.

The evil one was utterly unable to shake you, noble Athletes, from your divine ground; and so when many were shaken you were shown to be inspired supports.

Theotokion.

The Lord took flesh from your pure blood, O All-praised, by your effective mediation he gives repentance to those who honour you, as he is compassionate and alone loves mankind.

Canon for the Bodiless Hosts. Habakkuk as a prophet.

Giving substance to the bright forms of the Angels, in your goodness you made them bright with sacred rays, as you are powerful in strength, fulfilling your word, O Lover of mankind.

Let us believers cast away earthbound bodily thoughts, imitating the ranks of Bodiless Powers by our way of life, and let us now wing upwards in spirit.

Theotokion.

Be for me a protection, O All-blameless, a refuge and a haven, driving out the storm of the passions, O All-blameless, who beyond compare surpass the choirs of Angels in beauty.

Ode v. Heirmos.

Christ God, the true light, to you my spirit rises in the night; make your face shine upon me. [EL]

Troparia.

Awake, my soul, awake from the heavy sleep of my dire sin, and be flooded with the light of repentance.

Let us plough the soul through diligence, and be watered with showers of compunction, that we may sprout with the ear of repentance.

For the Martyrs.

Tempered by the coals of love, you were revealed, Champions, as swords wrought of heavenly bronze as you cut down serried ranks of adversaries.

Being unenslaved to the foe, O Champions, you enslaved him and appeared as Christ''s true friends.

Theotokion.

Virgin blessed among women, grant your mercies to your people; for you were revealed as Mother of the Merciful.

Canon for the Bodiless Hosts. To you, clothed with light. (NM)

As you traverse the ends of the earth, glorious Archangels, you bring believers the kindnesses of the Master and guard them on every side.

Obedient to your word, O Word of God and Father, the renowned Marshals of the heavenly command shine round with the light of your lamp.

Theotokion.

Turn all my longing towards you, who bring the sweetness of desire beyond reason to those who know you as pure the Mother of God.

Ode vi. Heirmos.

You rescued the prophet from the whale; bring me up, Lord, from the deep of sins and save me. [EL]

Troparia.

There is no sin in life that I alone have not committed; O alone without sin, take pity on me.

Let us be winged with the sail of eagerness and saving repentance, that we may all press ahead and be saved.

For the Martyrs.

All creation is made bright with the struggles of Preachers, Apostles and Martyrs; through them enlighten us, O Lover of mankind.

Let us all honour the Martyrs as the vessels that contain the beam of the divine and holy outpouring of light.

Theotokion.

Virgin, the defence of believers, entreat the Lord that your servants may be delivered from every sin.

Canon for the Bodiless Hosts. Calm the raging sea. (NM)

The chosen companies of the Angels, sacredly adorned, representing the manifestations of divinity, are radiant with light-giving lamps.

Theotokion.

You conceived, O Immaculate, the Creator and God of all things, whom the Angels, as they stand rejoicing before him with all reverence, look on with trembling.

Ode vii. Heirmos.

Blessed are you, O God, who look on the deeps and sit upon a throne of glory, highly praised and highly glorified. [EL]

Troparia.

Blessed are you, O God, who through compassion receive all who repent, highly praised and highly exalted.

Heal my many passions compassionate Saviour, who know my weaknesses, highly praised and highly exalted.

For the Martyrs.

The choir of Champions, strengthened with divine might, threw down their adversaries, highly praised and highly exalted.

You gave the wise Champions strength to undergo countless forms of torment; at their entreaties take pity on us all.

Theotokion.

Blessed are you, O God, who stole into a Virgin''s womb and saved mankind, highly praised and highly exalted.

Canon for the Bodiless Hosts. The highly exalted Lord. (NM)

Revealing the infinite capacity of his power, Christ gave you being, Chief Captains, and taught you to sing: O God, blessed are you!.

You order the measureless multitude of Bodiless Hosts; make the assemblies of believers worthy to hymn you; O God, blessed are you!.

Theotokion.

Now establish me, who am storm-tossed by passions, for you became a source of dispassion for believers who sing with faith: O God, blessed are you!

Ode viii. Heirmos.

The Maker of creation, before whom Angels quail, you peoples praise and highly exalt to all the ages. [EL]

Troparia.

Through transgressions I have become a corpse, give me life, Lord, that I may glorify you to all the ages.

Make me shine by repentance, deliver me from sin''s darkness, Lord, that I may glorify you to all the ages.

For the Martyrs.

The Champions and Martyrs trampled down the flame of error, having marvellously received dew from heaven.

Like rich earth, O Saints, you brought forth ears of grain a hundredfold.

Theotokion.

From you God dawned, and made all those who were darkened shine with the knowledge of God, O all-praised Virgin.

Canon for the Bodiless Hosts. The Youths in the furnace. (NM)

The inclination of my heart now draw me to hymn with songs the companies of Angels, with whom I sing: Praise the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.

Initiates of the simple and three-sunned radiance, intercede that they may be saved who sing with faith: All you works praise the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.

Theotokion.

Gate of the Light, Maiden virgin-mother, make those who have recourse to you shine by your light, for you are their hope and defence, only All-holy, ever blessed.

Ode ix. Heirmos.

O blessed among women and blessed by God, with hymns we, the human race, magnify you. [EL]

Troparia.

Be merciful, Lord, to me who have senselessly offended times without number, and make worthy, O Word, of your Kingdom.

As you saved the Ninevites of old when they repented, only Saviour, by your mercy save us too who sing your praise.

For the Martyrs.

By giving up the flesh to strokes of every kind, you saved the soul unstruck, Champions of the Lord, sharers of divine glory.

Champions of the Lord of all things, you have been revealed as stars that shine by day on earth, lighting the souls of all.

Theotokion.

Like a fiery throne you carry him who carries all things by his will, O Virgin, and you suckle him who nourishes all things.

Canon for the Bodiless Hosts. O Isaias, dance! (NM)

You are the leaders of the heavenly hosts, most radiant Michael, godlike Gabriel, who became the all-truthful herald of the divine incarnation.

You make your treasure overflow with rich gifts, you bring into being the angelic ranks, with whom you will come as Judge of all and God; spare me, Master, who have fled to you, in your mercy.

Theotokion.

As spirits Archangels, Authorities, Thrones, Cherubim, Powers and Seraphim, bright Angels, Principalities, Dominions worship with trembling your Son, All-blest Mother of God.

At the Aposticha of Lauds.

Aposticha. Mode pl. 1. For compunction.

Alas, why have I been likened to the barren fig tree, and quail at the curse with the felling? But Christ God, heavenly husbandman, make my parched soul fruitful, and like the Prodigal Son accept me and have mercy on me.

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]

Overlook the multitudes of my offences, Lord, born of a Virgin, and wiping away all my iniquities, grant me the thought of returning, I beg, as you alone love mankind, and have mercy on me.

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

For the Martyrs.

Blessed is the army of the King of heaven; for though the champions were born of earth, yet they hastened to attain the angelic rank, despising their bodies and through their sufferings being found worthy of the honour of the Bodiless Powers. At their prayers, Lord, send down to us your great mercy.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Make an end to the toil of my soul with its many groans, All-holy Virgin-mother, who made an end of every tear from the face of the earth; for you drive away the griefs of mortals, you abolish the dejection of sinners. We have all gained you as hope and support.

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LITURGY

The Beatitudes. Mode pl. 1.

The Thief on the cross, believing you to be God, O Christ, confessed you sincerely from his heart, crying, ''Remember me, Lord, in your kingdom!''

On the road, which is my life, * soul-destroying robbers accosted me, * and they left me wounded. Now to Your divine compassion * I come running. Heal me, I pray, * and save me, O Christ my God.

O almighty God of all, * You are extolled by all the heavenly hosts. * At their spirited intercessions, O Master, * overlook my many wicked deeds, * I pray You, and save my soul.

For the Martyrs.

O Martyr Athletes of Christ, * enumerated now with angelic hosts * and filled with never-setting illumination, * cause the fetid passions of my heart * to shrink and to disappear.

Glory.

Holy Trinity, You are * with glory by angelic voices extolled. * I entreat You for my soul that has been infected * by the demons, that in Your divine * mercy You restore its health.

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure One, at the Angel''s word, * you accepted Christ the Joy within your womb. * But my soul is sad and depressed from the evils * I have done. Please fill it up with joy, * and guide to the light, I pray.