Priest:     Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen.

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

               Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

               All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our  iniquities. Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name’s sake.

               Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

               Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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

Priest:     For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son,    and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen. (Choir continues.)

              O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance, granting to Thy people victory over all adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thine Estate.

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

Do Thou, Who of Thine own good will was lifted up upon the Cross, O Christ our God, bestow Thy bounties upon the new Nation which is called by Thy Name; make glad in Thy might those who lawfully govern, that with them we may be led to victory over our adversaries, having in Thine aid a weapon of peace and a trophy invincible.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Champion dread, who cannot be put to confusion, despise not our petitions, O Good and All-praised Theotokos; establish the way of the Orthodox; save those who have been called upon to govern us, leading us to that victory which is from heaven, for thou art she who gavest birth to God, and alone art blessed.

THE IMPETRATORY EKTENIA

Priest:     Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great goodness, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

Priest:     Again we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

Priest:     Again we pray for our father and Metropolitan PHILIP, for our father and Bishop JOSEPH, and for all our Brotherhood in Christ.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

Priest:     For Thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen. Bless, Father, in the Name of the Lord.

Priest:     Glory to the Holy, Consubstantial, Life-giving and Undivided Trinity, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen.

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

O Lord, open Thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. (TWICE)

PSALM 3

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there are which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: Thy blessing is upon Thy people.

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

PSALM 38 (37)

O Lord, rebuke me not in Thy wrath: neither chasten me in Thy hot displeasure. For Thine arrows stick fast in me, and Thy hand presseth me sore. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before Thee; and my groaning is not hid from Thee. My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in Thee, O Lord, do I hope: Thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

PSALM 63 (62)

O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary. Because Thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee. Thus will I bless Thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in Thy Name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips, when I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches. Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after Thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me. But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by Him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

I meditate on Thee in the night watches. Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after Thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (THRICE)

Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

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

PSALM 88 (87)

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before Thee: let my prayer come before Thee: incline Thine ear unto my cry; for my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength: free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from Thy hand. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and Thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; Thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth. Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon Thee; I have stretched out my hands unto Thee. Wilt Thou shew wonders to the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise Thee? Shall Thy loving-kindness be declared in the grave, or Thy faithfulness in destruction? Shall Thy wonders be known in the dark, and Thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? But unto Thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer come before Thee. Lord, why castest Thou off my soul? Why hidest Thou Thy face from me? I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer Thy terrors I am distracted. Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; Thy terrors have cut me off. They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. Lover and friend hast Thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before Thee: let my prayer come before Thee: incline Thine ear unto my cry.

PSALM 103 (102)

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that Thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will He keep His anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, ye His angels that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His, that do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

In all places of His dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

PSALM 143 (142)

Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in Thy faithfulness answer me, and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant: for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee: my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee to hide me. Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for Thy Name’s sake: for Thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am Thy servant.

O Lord, give ear to my supplications: and enter not into judgment with Thy servant. (TWICE)

Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (THRICE)

O our God and our Hope, glory to Thee!

THE GREAT EKTENIA

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  For the peace of the whole world, for the good estate of the Holy Churches of God, and for the union of all men, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  For this Holy House, and for those who with faith, reverence, and fear of God, enter therein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  For our father and Metropolitan PHILIP, for our father and Bishop JOSEPH, for the venerable Priesthood, the Deaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  For the President of the United States, for all civil authorities, and for our Armed Forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:   Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  That He will aid them and grant them victory over every enemy and adversary, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  For this city, and for every city and land, and for the faithful who dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  For healthful seasons, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  For travelers by sea, by land, by air; for the sick and the suffering; for captives and their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints: let us commend ourselves and each another, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir:     To Thee, O Lord.

Priest:     For unto Thee are due glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen.

GOD IS THE LORD IN THE TONE OF THE WEEK

Choir:     God is the Lord Who hath shown us light. Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

1.   O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.

               God is the Lord….

2.   All nations compassed me about: but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them.

               God is the Lord….

3.   I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

               God is the Lord….

4.   The stone which the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

APOLYTIKION OF THE RESURRECTION IN THE TONE OF THE WEEK

Tone One

While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life to the world. For which cause the Heavenly Pow'rs cried aloud unto Thee, O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory to Thy Providence, O Thou who alone art the Lover of Mankind.

Tone Two

When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou Deathless and Immortal One, then Thou didst destroy Hell with Thy Godly pow'r; and when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the pow'rs of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ Thou Giver of Life, Glory to Thee!

Tone Three

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; For the Lord hath done a mighty act with His own arm; He hath trampled down death by death, and became the first-born from the dead; He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy!

Tone Four

Having learned the joyful message of the resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled. Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy!

Tone Five

Let us believers praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; For He took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh, to suffer death, and to raise the dead by His Glorious Resurrection.

Tone Six

When Mary stood at Thy grave looking for Thy sacred Body, angelic pow'rs shone above Thy revered tomb, and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby; Thou didst greet the Virgin and didst give life to the world; O Thou Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, Glory to Thee!

Tone Seven

Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy, and didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim a warning that Thou hast risen, O Christ, granting to the world the Great Mercy!

Tone Eight

From the heights Thou didst descend, O Compassionate One, and Thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that Thou might deliver us from passion; Thou art our life and our resurrection: O Lord, Glory to Thee!

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

APOLYTIKION OF THE SAINT OF THE DAY

Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

RESURRECTIONAL THEOTOKION IN THE TONE OF THE WEEK

THE LITTLE EKTENIA

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

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most-blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints: let us commend ourselves and each     other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir:     To Thee, O Lord.

Priest:     For Thine is the majesty, and Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen.

RESURRECTIONAL KATHISMATA IN THE TONE OF THE WEEK

These hymns are located in the Octoechos (The Book of the Eight Tones) and the Menaion (The Book of the Months) and are read by the choir.  These hymns rotate on an eight week cycle.

EVLOGETARIA (BENEDICTIONS) IN TONE FIVE

Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes.

The company of the Angels was amazed, when they beheld Thee numbered among the dead, yet Thyself, O Savior, destroyed the power of death, and with Thee raising up Adam and releasing all men from Hell.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes.

Wherefore, O Women Disciples, do ye mingle sweet-smelling spices with your tears of pity? The radiant Angel within the sepulcher cried unto the Myrrh-bearing Women: Behold the grave, and understand; for the Savior is risen from the tomb.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes.

Very early in the morning did the Myrrh-bearing Women run lamenting unto Thy tomb; but an Angel came toward them saying: The time for lamentation is passed; weep not; but announce unto the Apostles the Resurrection.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes.

The Myrrh-bearing Women mourned as bearing spices they drew near Thy tomb, O Savior. But the Angel spake unto them saying: Why number ye the living among the dead? In that He is God, He is risen from the grave.

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

We adore the Father, as also His Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity in One Essence; crying with the Seraphim: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O Lord.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

In that thou didst bear the Giver of Life, O Virgin, thou didst redeem Adam from sin, and didst give to Eve joy in place of sadness; and He Who was incarnate of thee, both God and man, hath restored to life those who had fallen there from.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (THRICE)

O our God and our Hope, glory to Thee!

THE LITTLE EKTENIA

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

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints: let us commend ourselves and             each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir:     To Thee, O Lord.

Priest:     For blessed is Thy Name, and glorified is Thy kingdom: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen.

RESURRECTIONAL HYPAKOE IN THE TONE OF THE WEEK

These hymns are located in the Octoechos (The Book of the Eight Tones) and are read by the choir.  They are rotated on an eight week cycle.

RESURRECTIONAL ANABATHMOI  IN THE TONE OF THE WEEK

These hymns are located in the Octoechos (The Book of the Eight Tones) and are read by the choir.  They are rotated on an eight week cycle.

Prokeimenon FOR THE RESURRECTION in The Tone Of THE WEEK 

This hymn is located in the Octoechos (The Book of the Eight Tones) and is read by the choir.  It is rotated on an eight week cycle.

Deacon:  Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Priest:     For Holy art Thou, O our God, Who restest in the Saints, and unto Thee do we ascribe   glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen.

               Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. (TWICE)

               Praise ye God in His saints; praise Him in the firm foundation of His power.

               Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.

THE EOTHENON GOSPEL

The Eothenon Gospels are rotated on an Eleven Week Cycle Beginning the Sunday after Pascha.

Deacon:  And that we may be accounted worthy to hear the Holy Gospel, let us pray to the  Lord God.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

Deacon:  Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest:     Peace be to all.

Choir:     And to thy spirit.

Priest:     The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Saint John (21:1-14).

Choir:     Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon:  Let us attend!

Priest:     Reads the Eothenon Gospel of the Day.

Choir:     Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Reader:   In that we have beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us bow down before the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless One. Thy Cross do we adore, O Christ, and Thy Holy Resurrection we praise and glorify: for Thou art our God, and we know none other beside Thee; we call upon Thy Name. O come, all ye faithful, let us adore Christ’s Holy Resurrection. For lo, through the Cross is joy come into all the world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us sing His Resurrection: for in that He endured the Cross He hath destroyed Death by death.

PSALM 51 (50)

Reader:   Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy Great Mercy: according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out mine iniquity. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge mine iniquity: and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was shapen in iniquity: and in sin did my mother conceive me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth: the unclear and hidden things of Thy wisdom Thou hast made clear to me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness: the bones which Thou hast broken shall rejoice. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence: and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation: and steady me with a guiding spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways: and the impious shall be converted unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness. O Lord, open Thou my lips: and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For hadst Thou desired sacrifice, I would have given it Thee: Thou delightest not in burnt offerings. Sacrifices to God are a contrite spirit: a contrite and humble heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good will unto Zion: that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offerings: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

TROPARION AFTER PSALM 51(50) IN TONE TWO

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

Through the intercessions of the Apostles, O Thou Who art merciful, blot out all the multitudes of our transgressions.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Thou Who art merciful, blot out all the multitudes of our transgressions.

(TONE SIX) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, hath given unto us life eternal and Great Mercy.

THE GENERAL INTERCESSION

Deacon: O God, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Visit Thy world with mercies and bounties. Exalt the estate of Orthodox Christians, and send down upon us Thy rich mercies. Through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary; by the might of the precious and life-giving Cross; by the protection of the honorable Bodiless Powers of heaven; at the supplications of the honorable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; of the holy, glorious, all-laudable Apostles; of our Fathers among the Saints, great Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom; of our Holy Father Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the wonder-worker; of the holy, glorious and right-victorious martyrs; of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; of the great-martyr George the trophy-bearer, the patron and protector of this holy community; of the saints of today (N., NN.), whose memory we celebrate today, and of all Thy Saints: we beseech Thee, O most merciful Lord, hearken unto the petitions of us sinners who make our supplications unto Thee, and have mercy upon us.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)

Priest:     Through the mercies and bounties and compassion of Thine Only-begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen.

RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION AND OIKOS

These hymns are located in the Octoechos (The Book of the Eight Tones) and are read by the choir.  They are rotated on an eight week cycle.

THE SYNAXARION (ABRIDGED)

The Synaxarion is the reading of the life (lives) of the saint(s) being commemorated today.  It is located in the Menaion (the Book of the Months) and is read by the choir.

THE CANON OF THE AKATHIST IN TONE FOUR

Ode 1

I shall open my mouth and it will be filled with the Spirit, and I shall speak for to the Queen and Mother.  I shall be seen joyfully singing her praises, and I shall delight to sing of her wonders.

Ode 3

As a living and copious fountain, O Theotokos, do thou establish those who sing thy praises, and are joined together in spiritual fellowship for thy service; and in thy divine glory make them worthy of crowns of glory.

Ode 4

He who sits in clouds of glory upon the throne of the God-head, Jesus the most high God, came with mighty hand and saved those who cried out unto him: “Glory to thy Power, O Christ!”

Ode 5

All creation was amazed at thy divine glory, for thou, O unwedded Virgin, didst hold in thy womb the God of all, and didst bear the Eternal Son, who rewards with salvation all those who hymn thy praises.

Ode 6

Come, ye Godly-minded, who celebrate this divine and all-honorable feast of the Mother of God: let us clap our hands together and glorify the God whom she bore.

Ode 7

The Godly-minded children worshipped not the creature rather than the Creator, but trampling upon the threat of fire in manly fashion, they rejoiced and sang: “O All-praised Lord and God of our Fathers, blessed art thou.”

Ode 8

The three holy children in the furnace the Child of the Theotokos saved; then was the type, now is its fulfillment, and the whole world gathers to sin: “All ye works, praise the Lord, and magnify him unto all ages.”

Deacon:  The Theotokos and Mother of the Light let us honor and magnify in song.

THE MAGNIFICATIONS

Choir:     My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.

Refrain:  More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, thou who without stain barest God the Word, and art truly Theotokos,    we magnify thee. (Repeat after each Verse.)

+    For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. (Refrain)

+    For He that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is His Name; and His mercy is on them that fear Him, throughout all generations. (Refrain)

+    He hath showed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. (Refrain)

+    He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the empty with good things, and the rich hath He sent empty away. (Refrain)

+    He remembering His mercy hath helped His servant Israel, as He promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever. (Refrain)

Ode 9

Let all earth born mortals rejoice in spirit, bearing their lamps, and let the nature of disembodied minds celebrate with honor the holy festival of the Mother of God, and cry out: “Hail! All-blessed, pure, and ever-Virgin Theotokos!”

THE LITTLE EKTENIA

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

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God by Thy grace.

Choir:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:  Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints: let us commend ourselves and             each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir:     To Thee, O Lord.

Priest:     For all the powers of heaven praise Thee, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir:     Amen.

               Holy is the Lord our God. (REPEAT)

Holy is the Lord our God; exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

THE EXAPOSTEILARION OF THE RESURRECTION

This hymn is located in the Octoechos (The Book of the Eight Tones) and is read by the choir.  This hymn rotates on an eleven week cycle corresponding to the Eothenon of the day.

THE EXAPOSTELARION OF THE SAINT

This hymn is located in the Menaion (The Book of the Months) and is read by the choir

THEOTOKION OF THE RESURRECTION

This hymn is located in the Octoechos (The Book of the Eight Tones) and is read by the choir.  This hymn rotates on an eleven week cycle corresponding to the Eothenon of the day.

Einos (Praises) in THE TONE OF THE WEEK

Choir:     Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights. To Thee, O God, is due our song.

Choir:     Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts. To Thee, O God, is due our song.

After each of the following verses, insert the appropriate hymn from the Octoechos and Menaion

Verse 1. This glory shall be to all His saints.

Verse 2. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power.

Verse 3. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

Verse 4. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet. Praise Him with the psaltery and harp.

Verse 5. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.

Verse 6. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.

Verse 7. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

Verse 8. God hath displayed wonders in the saints who dwell on His earth; all His good pleasure is upon them.

THE Doxasticon in the Tone of the eothenon

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

This hymn is located in the Octoechos (the Book of the Eight Tones) and corresponds to the Eothenon Gospel of the Week.  It rotates on an eleven week cycle.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. (Sung in the tone of the preceding Doxasticon)

Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Theotokos, for through Him that was incarnate of thee is Hades despoiled, Adam is recalled from the dead, the curse is made void, Eve is set free, death is slain, and we are endowed with life. Wherefore, in hymns of praise, we cry aloud: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who is thus well pleased, glory to Thee.

THE Great Doxology IN THE TONE OF THE EOTHENON

+    Glory to Thee, Who has shown us the Light; Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.

+    We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee; we give thanks unto Thee for Thy great glory.

+    O Lord, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty; O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Spirit.

+    O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, Who takest away the sin of the world, have mercy on us; O Thou Who takest away the sin of the world.

+    Receive our prayer, O Thou Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

+    For Thou only art holy, Thou only art the Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the Glory of God the Father. Amen.

+    Every day will I bless Thee, and I will praise Thy Name forever; yea, forever and ever.

+    Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.

+    Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified be Thy Name  forever. Amen.

+    Let Thy mercy, O Lord: be upon us, as we do put our hope in Thee.

+    Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes. (THRICE)

+    Lord, Thou hast been our refuge in all generations. I said: Be merciful unto me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee.

+    Lord, I have fled unto Thee: teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God.

+    For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light.

+    O continue Thy loving-kindness unto them that know Thee.

+    Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (THRICE)

+    Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

+    Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

+    Holy Immortal: have mercy on us.

+    Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us.

If the Tone of the Week is 1, 2, 3 or 4, the following Troparion is sung:

TROPARION IN TONE FOUR

Today is salvation come unto the world.  Let us sing praises to Him that arose from the grave; the Author of our life: for having by death destroyed Death, He hath give us victory and Great Mercy.

If the Tone of the Week is 5, 6, 7 or 8, the following Troparion is sung:

TROPARION IN TONE EIGHT

Having risen from the tomb, and having burst the bonds of Hades, Thou didst loose the condemnation of death, O Lord, releasing all mankind from the snares of the enemy. Having manifested thyself to Thine Apostles, Thou didst send them forth to proclaim Thee; and through them Thou hast granted Thy peace unto the civilized world, O Thou Who alone art plenteous in mercy.