Venerable Father Moses of Ethiopia
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O heavenly King, the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art in all places, and fillest all things, Treasury of good things, and Giver of life, come, and dwell in us, and cleanse us from every stain; and save our souls, O good One.
Reader: 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 One, 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.
Reader: Amen.
O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting to Thy people victory over all their enemies, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thy commonwealth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Do Thou, Who of Thine own good will wast 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 fearsome champion, 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 all to that victory which is from heaven, for thou art she who gavest birth to God and alone art blessed.
EKTENIA
The choir responds “Lord, have mercy” (thrice) in this litany.
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy.
Again, we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.
Again we pray for our father and metropolitan, N., (our bishop, N.,) and all our brotherhood in Christ.
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.
Reader: Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men. (thrice)
O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. (twice)
PSALM 3
O Lord, why are they multiplied that afflict me? Many rise up against me. Many say unto my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. But Thou, O Lord, art my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy mountain. I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord, save me, O my God, for Thou hast smitten all who without cause are mine enemies; the teeth of sinners hast Thou broken. Salvation is of the Lord, and Thy blessing is upon Thy people.
I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.
PSALM 37
O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. For Thine arrows are fastened in me, and Thou hast laid Thy hand heavily upon me. There is no healing in my flesh in the face of Thy wrath; and there is no peace in my bones in the face of my sins. For mine iniquities are risen higher than my head; as a heavy burden have they pressed heavily upon me. My bruises are become noisome and corrupt in the face of my folly. I have been wretched and utterly bowed down until the end; all the day long I went with downcast face. For my loins are filled with mocking, and there is no healing in my flesh. I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly, I have roared from the groaning of my heart. O Lord, before Thee is all my desire, and my groaning is not hid from Thee. My heart is troubled, my strength hath failed me; and the light of mine eyes, even this is not with me. My friends and my neighbors drew nigh over against me and stood, and my nearest of kin stood afar off. And they that sought after my soul used violence; and they that sought evils for me spake vain things, and craftinesses all the day long did they meditate. But as for me, like a deaf man I heard them not, and was as a speechless man that openeth not his mouth. And I became as a man that heareth not, and that hath in his mouth no reproofs. For in Thee have I hoped, O Lord; Thou wilt hearken unto me, O Lord my God. For I said: Let never mine enemies rejoice over me; yea, when my feet were shaken, those men spake boastful words against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity, and I will take heed concerning my sin. But mine enemies live and are made stronger than I, and they that hated me unjustly are multiplied. They that render me evil for good slandered me, because I pursued goodness. Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me. Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.
Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me. Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.
PSALM 62
O God, my God, unto Thee I rise early at dawn. My soul hath thirsted for Thee; how often hath my flesh longed after Thee in a land barren and untrodden and unwatered. So in the sanctuary have I appeared before Thee to see Thy power and Thy glory. For Thy mercy is better than lives; my lips shall praise Thee. So shall I bless Thee in my life, and in Thy name will I lift up my hands. As with marrow and fatness let my soul be filled, and with lips rejoicing shall my mouth praise Thee. If I remembered Thee on my bed, at the dawn I meditated on Thee. For Thou art become my helper; in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hath cleaved after Thee; Thy right hand hath been quick to help me. But as for these, in vain have they sought after my soul; they shall go into the nethermost parts of the earth, they shall be surrendered unto the edge of the sword; portions for foxes shall they be. But the king shall be glad in God, everyone shall be praised that sweareth by Him; for the mouth of them is stopped that speak unjust things.
At the dawn I meditated on Thee. For Thou art become my helper; in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hath cleaved after Thee; Thy right hand hath been quick to help 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 87
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee, bow down Thine ear unto my supplication, for filled with evils is my soul, and my life unto Hades hath drawn nigh. I am counted with them that go down into the pit; I am become as a man without help, free among the dead, like the bodies of the slain that sleep in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more, and they are cut off from Thy hand. They laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness and in the shadow of death. Against me is Thine anger made strong, and all Thy billows hast Thou brought upon me. Thou hast removed my friends afar from me; they have made me an abomination unto themselves. I have been delivered up, and have not come forth; mine eyes are grown weak from poverty. I have cried unto Thee, O Lord, the whole day long; I have stretched out my hands unto Thee. Nay, for the dead wilt Thou work wonders? Or shall physicians raise them up that they may give thanks unto Thee? Nay, shall any in the grave tell of Thy mercy, and of Thy truth in that destruction? Nay, shall Thy wonders be known in that darkness, and Thy righteousness in that land that is forgotten? But as for me, unto Thee, O Lord, have I cried; and in the morning shall my prayer come before Thee. Wherefore, O Lord, dost Thou cast off my soul and turnest Thy face away from me? A poor man am I, and in troubles from my youth; yea, having been exalted, I was humbled and brought to distress. Thy furies have passed upon me, and Thy terrors have sorely troubled me. They came round about me like water, all the day long they compassed me about together. Thou hast removed afar from me friend and neighbor, and mine acquaintances because of my misery.
O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee, bow down Thine ear unto my supplication.
PSALM 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 that He hath done for thee, Who is gracious unto all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thine infirmities, Who redeemeth thy life from corruption, Who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion, Who fulfilleth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle’s. The Lord performeth deeds of mercy, and executeth judgment for all them that are wronged. He hath made His ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things that He hath willed. Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy; not unto the end will He be angered; neither unto eternity will He be wroth. Not according to our iniquities hath He dealt with us, neither according to our sins hath He rewarded us. For according to the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord hath made His mercy to prevail over them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our iniquities from us. Like as a father hath compassion upon his sons, so hath the Lord had compassion upon them that fear Him; for He knoweth whereof we are made, He hath remembered that we are dust. As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom forth. For when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it know the place thereof. But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even unto eternity, upon them that fear Him. And His righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon them that keep His testament and remember His commandments to do them. The Lord in heaven hath prepared His throne, and His kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word, to hear the voice of His words. Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts, His ministers that do His will. Bless the Lord, all ye His works, in every place of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
In every place of His dominion, bless the Lord, O my soul.
PSALM 142
O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my supplication in Thy truth; hearken unto me 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 humbled my life down to the earth. He hath sat me in darkness as those that have been long dead, and my spirit within me is become despondent; within me my heart is troubled. I remembered days of old, I meditated on all Thy works, I pondered on the creations of Thy hands. I stretched forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee like a waterless land. Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit hath fainted away. Turn not Thy face away from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning; for in Thee have I put my hope. Cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul. Rescue me from mine enemies, O Lord; unto Thee have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness; for Thy name’s sake, O Lord, shalt Thou quicken me. In Thy righteousness shalt Thou bring my soul out of affliction, and in Thy mercy shalt Thou utterly destroy mine enemies. And Thou shalt cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Thy servant.
Hearken unto me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness and enter not into judgment with Thy servant. (twice) Thy good Spirit shall lead me in 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) our Hope, O Lord, glory to Thee!
THE GREAT LITANY
Priest: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
The choir responds “Lord, have mercy” to each petition until noted.
For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house and those who with faith, reverence and fear of God enter therein, let us pray to the Lord.
For our father and Metropolitan, Saba, (our bishop, N.,) the honorable presbytery, the diaconate in Christ, all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
For our country, its president (or appropriate head of state), civil authorities and armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.
For this village and every city and countryside and the faithful who dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.
For healthful seasons, abundance of the fruits of the earth and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
For travelers by sea, by land and by air, the sick, the suffering, the captive, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the 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 unto thee are due all 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” 1st Mode.
Choir: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Verse 1. O give thanks unto the Lord and call upon His Holy Name. (Refrain)
Verse 2. All nations compassed me about: but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them. (Refrain)
Verse 3. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. (Refrain)
APOLYTIKION for WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY
O Lord, save thy people and bless thine inheritance, granting to thy people victory over all their enemies, and by the power of thy Cross, preserving thy commonwealth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Lord, save thy people… (repeat above)
STAVRO-THEOTOKION FROM THE HOROLOGION in 1st Mode.
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Having thy protection, O immaculate one, and being delivered from afflictions by thy prayers, we who are in every way guarded by the Cross of thy Son do all magnify thee reverently as is due.
SESSIONAL HYMNS from the OCTOECHOS, Plagal of 4th Mode (Plain Reading)
First Kathisma
Seeing the Author of life hanging on the Cross, the thief said: If he who is crucified with us were not God incarnate, the sun would not have hid his rays, nor would the earth have quaked and trembled. But do thou who endurest all things remember me, O Lord, in thy kingdom.
In the midst of two thieves, thy Cross was found to be a balance of justice; for the one was borne down to Hades by the weight of his blasphemy, the other was raised up from his sins to the knowledge of theology. O Christ God, glory be to thee.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
As the Ewe-lamb beheld hanging on the Cross the Redeemer and Shepherd and Lamb of God, in mourning, she wailed and wept and she cried out most bitterly: While the world doth rejoice on receiving deliverance, yet my bowels do burn as I look on thee crucified; which thou undergoest in thy bowels of mercy, O God, who art more than good, O forebearing, forgiving Lord. Let us cry out to her with faith: O Virgin, have compassion on us, and bestow the pardon of their trespasses on them that faithfully worship his all-holy sufferings.
Second Kathisma
Once in the midst of Eden, a tree blossomed death forth; but in the midst of earth hath a tree now produced life; tasting then of the first tree, we, incorruptible, turned corruptible; now taking from the second, we have delighted in incorruption again; for through the Cross, our Saviour Christ hath saved the fallen race of mankind.
In Paradise, once a tree had stripped me naked, for by its tasting doth the foe bring death upon us. But the Tree of the Cross, which granteth unto mankind the garment of life, hath now been fixed on the earth; and all of the world is filled with a perfect joy. On beholding it lifted up, ye people, let us cry out in faith with one accord to God: Full of glory is thy house, O Lord.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
As she stood by, at the Cross endlessly weeping, the Theotokos cried out pitifully in mourning: O my Son, how thy Passion passeth understanding! My bowels are rent apart; I cannot endure; to see thee upon the Cross now, I cannot bear. Overlook not thy handmaiden; quickly arise from the dead and glorify me, who cry out: Glory to thee, O most Merciful.
Third Kathisma
Of old the tree brought forth bitterness in Eden; but now the Tree of the Cross hath blossomed forth with sweet life. For then, Adam, by eating, slipped down to corruption; but now we, who take delight in the flesh of Christ, are mystically given life and are deified and God’s kingdom that hath no end we all take hold of in truth. And therefore we cry out with faith: Glory be to thy Passion, O Word.
Since they had slain through their abstinence and struggles the fiery ragins and fierce motions of the passions, the staunch martyrs of Christ God laid hold on the graces to drive off the pains and illnesses of the sick and work wonders both while living and after death. Strange indeed is the miracle! That these bare bones should pour forth such overflowing streams of cures. Glory be to our only God.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The spotless Ewe-lamb looked on the Lamb and the Shepherd suspended on the Cross, and she cried out in sorrow: Tell me, O my Child, I pray thee, what is this strange and unlooked-for spectacle? How can the Life of all things, like any mortal, be thus condemned to death? But now, O Word, arise up from the dead the third day, as thou hast said.
PSALM 50
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.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy Great Mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins and blot out all mine 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 with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth
shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built up. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
KONTAKION from the MENAION (Plain Reading)
O all-blest and venerable Father Moses, thou didst drive away the passions’ darkness, being richly illumined with light divine; and with thy vigilant prayers, thou didst wither up the wanton pride of the flesh, and didst mount on high to the citadel above, where do thou continually entreat Christ God to grant great mercy unto us.
THE SYNAXARION (Plain Reading)
On August 28 in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate our Venerable Father Moses of Ethiopia.
Verses
Though dead, O black Moses, thou sayest the proverb: In heart I am a God, though a man in visage.
On the twenty-eighth they buried Ethiopian Moses.
Moses was at first an escaped slave and the leader of a robber band because of his great physical strength and recklessness. Suddenly his conscience was filled with remorse and repentance for his crimes. Moses left the band, went to a monastery and gave himself entirely to obedience to his spiritual father and to the rule of the monastery. With the help of his spiritual father, Isidore, and with great struggling, fasting and all-night vigils, Moses was finally healed from the lustful thoughts, imaginings and dreams visited on him by the demon. As a priest, Moses founded a monastery of his own, and had 75 disciples. He foresaw his own death, as barbarians were coming to attack the monastery. Moses told his disciples to flee but that he must perish—for he had himself once done violence—according to the words: “all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (Matt. 26:52). Moses died and a shining wreath descended upon him.
On this day, we also commemorate the Martyrs Diomedes, Damon and Laurence; and Martyr Susanna of Georgia. By their intercessions, O Christ God, have mercy upon us. Amen.
8th HEIRMOS from the MENAION CANON Plagal of 4th Mode
We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord.
The Chaldee tyrant, mad with rage, fired his furnace of blazing flame seven times more hot against the worshippers of God; but seeing them kept in safety by a power greater than his, he then cried aloud: Ye children, bless the Creator, the Savior and Redeemer; O ye priests, sing His praises; exalt Him, O ye people, to all the endless ages.
Priest: The Theotokos and Mother of the Light let us honor and magnify in song.
MAGNIFICATIONS Plagal of 4th Mode
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 corruption didst bear 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)
9th HEIRMOS from the MENAION CANON Plagal of 4th Mode
Terror filled every ear that learned the unheard of condescension of God the Word: how of His own good will the Lord Most High came down to such lowliness as from a virgin’s womb to take a body, becoming man; hence, we the faithful flock magnify the undefiled Mother of our God.
“IT IS TRULY MEET” in the same mode
It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, who art ever-blessed and all-blameless, and the mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. Thou who without corruption didst bear God the Word; and art truly Theotokos: we magnify thee.
THE LITTLE LITANY
Priest: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the 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 they ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
EXAPOSTEILARION & THEOTOKION FOR ST. MOSES 2ND MODE
(**Upon that mount in Galilee**)
Thou with thy sword of godly prayer
* didst bravely cut asunder * the heads of fleshless enemies, * O blessed Father Moses; * wherefore, thou also receivest
* from Christ, O great God-bearer, * divine rewards of victory; * and now standing with Angels * before His throne,
* shining with the radiance of dispassion, * illumine by thy prayers all them * that flee to thee and praise thee.
Since I have lived a shameful life * and done all things forbidden, * wretch that I am, I am become * like the unthinking cattle, * and I have lost my soul’s beauty. * O Lady Theotokos, * illumine me and make me clean * with the Godlike effusions
* of thy sweet light
* and the cleansing hyssop of true repentance; * and make a useful and divine * vessel of me, thy servant.
THE PSALMS OF PRAISE (Plain Reading)
Ps 148
Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all ye shining stars! Praise Him, ye highest heavens, and ye waters above the heavens! Let them praise the Name of the Lord! For He commanded, and they were created. And He established them for ever and ever; He fixed their bounds which cannot be passed. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye sea monsters and all deeps; fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling His command! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together; old men and children! Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for His Name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for His people, praise for all His saints, for the people of Israel who are near to Him.
Ps 149
Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the faithful! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise His Name with dancing, making melody to Him with timbrel and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with victory. Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches. Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands; to wreak vengeance on the nations and chastisement on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the judgment written! This is glory for all his faithful ones.
Ps 150
Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His exceeding greatness! Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
THE LITTLE DOXOLOGY (Plain Reading)
+ To Thee belongeth glory, O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
+ 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 sins 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.
+ 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.
+ 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.
+ Blessed art Thou, O Master; make me to understand Thy statutes.
+ Blessed art Thou, O Holy One; enlighten me with Thy statutes.
+ Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever. O despise not the works of Thy hands.
+ To Thee belongeth worship, to Thee belongeth praise, to Thee belongeth glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
COMPLETION LITANY
choir responds “Lord, have mercy” to the first two petitions:
Priest: Let us complete our morning prayer unto the Lord.
Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
choir responds “Grant this, O Lord” to the remaining petitions.
That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.
An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
Pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask of the Lord.
All things good and profitable for our souls and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.
That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful, and a good defense before the fearful judgment seat of Christ, let us ask.
Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the 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 Thou art the God of mercy and compassion and love toward mankind, 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.
THE PEACE
Priest: Peace be to all.
Choir: And to thy spirit.
Priest: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: O holy Lord, Who dwellest on high …
Choir: Amen.
APOSTICHA OF PRAISES from the OCTOECHOS Plagal of 4th Mode
The rod of Moses prefigured thy precious Cross, O our Saviour. For with it, thou dost save thy people as from the deep of the sea, O Friend of man.
Vs. In the morning fill us with Thy love, so that we may rejoice and be glad in all our days. Repay us in joy the times which Thou didst afflict us, the many years when disgrace was our lot. Let Thy work be manifest to Thy servants, and Thy glory to their children.
(**automelon [original melody]**)
The Paradise of Eden long ago once brought forth the beautiful Tree of Knowledge in the midst of all the plants. Thy Church, O Christ, hath blossomed forth with thy holy and precious Cross, which hath richly welled forth life unto the world. But while the former caused Adam’s death, when he did eat the food thereof, the other brought back to life again the thief, when he was saved by faith. Make us partakers of the forgiveness granted unto him, O Christ, who hast quelled by thy Passion the frenzy of the foe against us all. And account us worthy of thy heavenly kingdom, O almighty God.
Vs. And may the brightness of the Lord our God shine upon us; and may He prosper the works of our hands for us; may He prosper the works of our hands.
(**What shall we now call you**)
O unconquered martyrs of Jesus Christ, ye who vanquished every error with the power of the Cross everlastingly enjoy the grace and gift of life on high. The threats of raging tyrants made you not afraid; assailed with ruthless torments, ye were glad of heart. And now your blood is become a source of cures and healings unto our souls. O intercede with the Saviour that our souls be saved.
STAVRO-THEOTOKION from the OCTOECHOS Plagal of 4th Mode, same melody
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
When the Ewe that seedlessly gave thee birth saw thee when thou hadst been fixed unto the Tree with nails, O Lord, then she tare her cheeks and cried to thee with wailing and lament: How bearest thou this unjust slaughter, O my Son? How dost thou die as man, O thou Immortal One? Give me a word, O my sweetest Light; look on thy Mother lamenting thee, and glorify her when thou shalt rise, O Word of God.
Priest:
It is a good thing to confess unto the Lord, to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High, to declare Thy mercy in the morning, and Thy truth by night.
TRISAGION PRAYERS
Reader: 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 One, 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.
APOLYTIKION & THEOTOKION for WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY
O Lord, save thy people and bless thine inheritance, granting to thy people victory over all their enemies, and by the power of thy Cross, preserving thy commonwealth.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Having thy protection, O immaculate one, and being delivered from afflictions by thy prayers, we who are in every way guarded by the Cross of thy Son do all magnify thee reverently as is due.
THE APOSTLE (For the Tenth Wednesday after Pentecost)
Priest: Let us attend!
Reader: My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Vs: For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
Priest: Wisdom!
Reader: The reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (16: 4-12)
Priest: Let us attend!
Brethren, if it is meet… [The Book of the Epistles, 134-135]
Priest: Peace be to thee that readest!
Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
THE GOSPEL (For the Tenth Wednesday of Matthew)
Priest: Wisdom! Stand upright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all.
Choir: And to thy spirit.
Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. (21: 28-32)
Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Priest: Let us attend! The Lord said this parable…
Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
FERVENT EKTENIA
Choir responds “Lord, have mercy” (thrice) to all the petitions.
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy.
Again we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.
Again we pray for our father and metropolitan, N., (and our bishop, N.).
Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, hieromonks, deacons, hierodeacons and monastics and all our brotherhood in Christ.
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and remission of sins for (the servants of God, NN., and) all Orthodox Christians of true worship, who live and dwell in this community.
Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church (and for the servants of God, NN.,) and all of our fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.
Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all- venerable temple, those who serve and those who sing and all the people here present, who await thy great and rich mercy.
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.
THE DISMISSAL
Priest: Wisdom!
Choir: Father, bless.
Priest: Christ our God, the Existing One, is blessed, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen. Preserve, O God, the holy Orthodox Faith and all Orthodox Christians, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Choir: More honorable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, thou who without corruption didst bear God the Word and art truly Theotokos: we magnify thee.
Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to thee.
Choir: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (thrice). Father, bless.
May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-immaculate and all-blameless holy Mother; by the might of the Precious and Life-giving Cross; by the protection of the honorable Bodiless Powers of Heaven; at the supplication of the honorable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable apostles; of the holy, glorious and right- victorious Martyrs; of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers; of Saint N., the patron and protector of this holy community; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; of our Venerable Father Moses of Ethiopia whose memory we celebrate today, and of all the saints: have mercy on us and save us, forasmuch as He is good and loveth mankind.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Choir: Amen.
Portions of the Archdiocesan Service Texts include texts from The Menaion, The Great Horologion, The Pentecostarion, The Octoechos, The Triodion-Holy Week, and The Psalter of the Seventy, which are Copyright © Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, Massachusetts, and are used with permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, beyond printing out a single copy for personal non-commercial use, without the prior written authorization of Holy Transfiguration Monastery.