Beginning of the Indiction (New Year); Righteous Simeon the Stylite; Synaxis of the Theotokos at Miasinae.
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Reader: 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 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 the heavens, 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 the evil one.
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/ Chanter: 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.
LITANY
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy.
The choir responds “Lord, have mercy” (thrice) to this and the remaining petitions until noted.
Priest: Again, we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.
Priest: Again we pray for our father and metropolitan, N., (our bishop, N.,) and all our brotherhood in Christ.
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, master (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
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.
The following is said without crossing oneself and without bows.
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)
If a second reader is desired, he begins here:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
PSALM 87
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.
O Lord, give ear unto my supplication 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, 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 2nd Mode
Reader / Chanter: 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 OF THE INDICTION IN TONE TWO
O Maker of all creation, Who hast established the times and the seasons in Thine own power: Bless the crown of this year with Thy goodness, O Lord, and keep our rulers and Thy flock in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save us.
APOLYTIKION OF ST. SIMEON THE STYLITE IN TONE ONE
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou becamest a pillar of patience and didst emulate the Forefathers, O righteous one: Job in his sufferings, Joseph in temptations, and the life of the bodiless while in the body. O Simeon, our righteous Father, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
APOLYTIKION OF THE SYNAXIS OF THE THEOTOKOS IN TONE SEVEN
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, haven and protection of the race of man; for the Redeemer of the world became incarnate of thee; for thou alone art both mother and virgin, ever blessed and glorified. Intercede with Christ God that peace be granted unto all the world.
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 Thine is the might, 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.
KATHISMATA (Plain Reading)
First Kathisma
Thou Who grantest from Heaven to those on the earth fruitful seasons and rains, do Thou also now receive the requests and prayers of Thy servants and supplicants, and deliver Thy flock from distress and necessity; for, O Lord, Thy compassions are shown unto all Thy works. Bless our comings-in and goings-out, in Thy goodness; the works of our hands, O God, do Thou guide aright on us all; and be well-pleased to grant to us the pardon of our failings and sins. For since Thou alone art the Omnipotent, Thou hast brought all into being out of nothing, O Christ God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Thou Who grantest from Heaven … (repeat above)
Second Kathisma
Thou didst truly adorn thy whole life with abstinence; by mortifying thy body, thou bravely broughtest to naught all the enemy’s assaults, O Father Simeon; and thou didst pass hence unto God and to everlasting life, an heir worthy of his portion.
Hence, never cease thou to pray that our souls find mercy, O all-blessed one.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
With faith didst thou enter thy martyric labors and pains, and with thy two brethren, thou, O all- blessed Callista, didst preach to all men of Christ our God. For, brought up in love for Him, thou truly didst make them spiritual vessels of Christ’s Church, O Great Martyr; and now thou art united with them, living the life on high.
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Be quick to receive our prayers, O blameless Lady and Queen, and swiftly convey to them thy Son and God, O all-spotless Virgin divinely blessed. End the troubles vexing those who flee to thy refuge; scatter every ambush and the wanton presumption of them that have now taken up arms, seeking thy servants’ lives.
Third Kathisma
Ye faithfully were offered as rational ewe-lambs through martyrdom to Christ God, the Lamb and Good Shepherd, on finishing well the course and on keeping the blameless Faith. Hence, today with joy we praise your sacred remembrance, magnifying Christ, O Forty Virgin Ascetics and Martyrs most honorable.
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 Sovereign Lord of all and the Bestower of the good, we bow down to Thee in faith and cry with fervor unto Thee: Since Thou art good, O our Savior, and art entreated by Thine own tender love, and by Thy Mother’s prayers, and the prayers of all that ever pleased Thee well, grant them that glorify and worship Thee in two natures with faith and love to bring the year to Thee as a fitting and acceptable offering.
FESTAL ANABATHMOI 4th Mode
+ From my youth up many passions have warred against me. But do Thou help and save me, O my Savior. (REPEAT)
+ Ye who hate Zion shall be put to confusion of the Lord; like grass in the fire shall ye be withered up. (REPEAT)
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
+ Through the Holy Spirit is every soul quickened and exalted in purity, and made resplendent by the Triune Unity in mystic holiness.
+ Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
+ Through the Holy Spirit the channels and streams of grace overflow showering all creation with invigorating Life.
PROKEIMENON 4th Mode
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saint.
Vs: What shall we render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto us?
LET EVERYTHING THAT HATH BREATH
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For Holy art Thou, O our God, Who restest in the Holy Place, 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.
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 FESTAL ORTHROS GOSPEL (For St. Simeon the Stylite)
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! Stand upright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Bishop: Peace be to all.
Choir: And to thy spirit.
Priest: Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (11:27-30). Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Deacon: Let us attend!
**TO BE READ FROM THE BEAUTIFUL GATE**
The Lord said to His Disciples: “All things are delivered unto Me of My Father; and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and He to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. (NO VENERATION OF GOSPEL BOOK.)
PSALM 50
Reader:
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 build 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.
AFTER PSALM 50 2nd mode
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Through the intercessions of Thy Saint, 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.
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
(FOR THE INDICTION) 2nd mode
O Thou Who hast made all things in wisdom, O Word of the Father Who art from before all eternity, Who hast constituted the whole of creation by Thine almighty word, bless the crown of the year with Thy goodness, and cast down the heresies, though the Theotokos, since Thou art good and the Lover of mankind.
THE INTERCESSION
Deacon:
O God, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Visit Thy world with mercies and bounties. Exalt the horn of Orthodox Christians, and send down upon us Thy rich mercies. Through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary—as we celebrate her miracle wrought at Miasinae Monastery—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, all-laudable apostles Peter and Paul, the patrons and protectors of this holy community, and of all the holy apostles; of our fathers among the saints, great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom; Athanasius, Cyril and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria; Nicholas of Myra, Spyridon of Trimythous and Nektarios of Pentapolis, the Wonderworkers; of our fathers among the saints Tikhon, patriarch of Moscow and Raphael, bishop of Brooklyn; of the holy, glorious, great-martyrs, George the Trophy-bearer, Demetrios the Myrrh-streamer, Theodore the Soldier, Theodore the General, and Menas the Wonderworker; of the hieromartyrs Ignatius the God-bearer of Antioch, Charalampos and Eleutherios; of the holy, glorious great women martyrs,
Thekla, Barbara, Anastasia, Katherine, Kyriaki, Photeini, Marina, Paraskeva and Irene; of the holy, glorious, right-victorious martyrs; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers who shone in the ascetic life, especially Paisios of Athos; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; of the holy and righteous Simeon the Stylite, whose memory we celebrate today, and of all the 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 compassions and love for mankind 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.
KONTAKION FOR THE INDICTION (Plain Reading)
O God of all, Thou Who hast made all the ages, O Sovereign Lord, truly transcendent in essence, bestow Thy grace and blessing on the year to come; and, O Most Compassionate, in Thine infinite mercy save all them that worship Thee, Who alone art our Master, and that with fear, O Savior, cry to Thee: Grant unto all men a fruitful and godly year.
KONTAKION AND OIKOS FOR ST. SIMEON (Plain Reading)
To sublime things thou didst aspire, seeking while yet among the earthly thou wast numbered, making of the pillar a fiery chariot, through which, O righteous Simeon, thou didst commune with the angels. Cease not, therefore, to intercede with Christ for all our sakes.
What tongue of man could ever suffice to declare the praise of Simeon’s blameless life? Howbeit, in the wisdom of God I shall praise the contests of this hero, who appeared on earth as a luminary to all mortals, and by his endurance mightily shone forth in the choir of the Angels; for as he unceasingly chanteth together with them, he ceaseth not to pray Christ for all our sakes.
THE SYNAXARION (Plain Reading)
Today we celebrate the Beginning of the Indiction, Ecclesiastical New Year.
Verses
Do thou bless for our sakes the new year’s Indiction Thou Ancient, Who, for man’s sake, tookest on newness.
The First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325 decreed that the Church year should begin on September 1st. The month of September was, for the Hebrews, the beginning of the civil year, the month of gathering the harvest and of the offering of thanks to God. It was on this feast that the Lord Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth, and opened the book to read from the Prophet Isaiah, as found in today’s Liturgy Gospel reading. The month of September is also important in the history
of Christianity, because Emperor Constantine the Great was victorious over Maxentius, the enemy of the Christian Faith, in September. Following this victory, Constantine granted freedom of confession to the Christian Faith throughout the Roman Empire.
On this day we also commemorate the miracle wrought by the Most-holy Theotokos at Miasinae Monastery. The Virgin’s holy icon had been cast into Lake Zaguru so that the iconoclasts would not desecrate it. It miraculously arose intact from the lake’s depths after many years in 864.
On this day we also commemorate our righteous Father Simeon the Stylite. He was born in Syria of peasant parents. At the age of eighteen, Simeon left home and was tonsured a monk. He undertook the most difficult ascetic practices, including a strict fast for forty days. Simeon eventually took upon himself a form of asceticism that was previously unknown. He stood day and night on a pillar, in unceasing prayer. At first, his pillar was six cubits (7.5 feet) high; Simeon eventually raised it to forty cubits (60 feet) high. The saint worked many great miracles, healing infirmities by word and prayer, comforting those in need, instructing others, and reproaching some who held heretical beliefs. Simeon lived to be 103 years old. He reposed in the Lord on September 1, 459. His pillar and the cathedral named in his honor still stand outside of Aleppo, Syria.
On September 1st, we also commemorate Simeon’s mother, Martha; the 40 virgin-martyrs and Ammon the deacon in Heraclea; Venerable Evanthia of Skepsis; Righteous Joshua, son of Nun (Jesus of Navi); Meletios the New of Mount Myoupolis; Venerable Nicholas of Crete; New-martyr Angelis of Constantinople; the martyr Aethalas of Persia; and the martyrs Callista, Evodus and Hermogenes the siblings. By their intercessions, O Christ God, have mercy upon us. Amen.
KATAVASIAE OF THE CROSS plagal of 4th mode
1. A cross did Moses inscribe, when with an upright stroke of his rod he divided the Red Sea for Israel, who went on foot; then he turned and smote the sea, once again uniting it o’er Pharaoh’s chariots, with transverse stroke portraying the invincible weapon. Wherefore, let us praise in song Christ our God; for He truly is glorified.
- The rod is perceived as a figure of the Mystery, for by its blossoming it showed who was chosen to be priest. And for the Church that formerly was barren hath the Wood of the Cross now blossomed forth unto strength and steadfastness.
4. I have hearkened and heard, O Lord, of Thy dispensation’s most awesome mystery; and I came to knowledge of Thy works, and I sang the praise of Thy Divinity.
- O Tree divine and thrice-blessed, whereon Christ God was outstretched, though He is King and Lord of all: He who once had through the tree wrought wicked beguilement, fell himself because of thee, ensnared when God was nailed unto thee in our mortal flesh, He Who granteth peace unto our souls.
6. When Jonah, who was in the belly of the sea monster, stretched forth his hands in the form of a cross, he prefigured the saving Passion manifestly. Hence also, when he came forth on the third day, he indicated the supernal Resurrection of Christ God, Who was crucified in the flesh and enlightened the world by His Arising on the third day.
- The ungodly tyrant’s most insensate decree affrighted common folk, breathing forth with threats and wicked mouthings of blasphemy. But the Three Children were not struck with fear by rage wild and bestial, nor by roaring fire; but in an echoing and dew-besprinkling breeze, they stood amidst the fire and sang: O Thou supremely praised God of our Fathers and our God, forever art Thou blessed.
We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord.
8. O ye Children, equal in number to the Trinity, bless ye God the Father and Creator; praise ye the Word, Who descended and changed the fire into dew; and supremely exalt the All-holy Spirit, Who granteth life unto all forever.
Deacon: The Theotokos and Mother of the Light let us honor and magnify in song.
MAGNIFICATIONS IN TONE EIGHT
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)
9. O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which being untilled hath blossomed forth Christ, by Whom the life-bringing Tree of the Cross was planted in the earth. In worshipping Him now through its elevation, thee do we magnify.
THE LITTLE LITANY
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, 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.
EXAPOSTEILARIA & THEOTOKION 2ND MODE
(**Upon that mount in Galilee**)
O God of gods and Lord of all, * one Nature in Three Persons, * eternal, unapproachable, * Thou Who art uncreated, * Almighty Maker of all things, * we all fall down before Thee, * entreating Thee, since Thou art good: * do Thou bless, O our Master, * this present year, * and preserve in peace all the faithful hierarchs * and all the people, Thine elect, * for Thou art great in mercy.
Thy brightly beaming way of life * flashed forth, O righteous Father, * like a great light, illumining * all things beneath the heaven * with the bright rays of thy wonders; * for thou upon thy pillar * as on a ladder didst ascend * unto God in the highest, * in Whom is found * the last end of all things desired, O blest one; * and thou dost pray, O Simeon, * for us who show thee honor.
Since Thou art God, the Fashioner * and Lord of all creation, * and since in Thine authority * Thou settest times and seasons, * we pray Thee: Crown with the blessings * of Thine abundant kindness * the cycle of this present year, * and do Thou keep Thy people * in calm and peace, * free from every harm, O Thou Lord of Mercy, * by Thy pure Mother’s prayers and those * of all the Godlike Angels.
AINOI (PRAISES) 3rd mode
Choir, right: 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, left: Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts. To Thee, O God, is due our song.
In Tone Three
Verse 1. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
O Word of the Father from before the ages, Who, being in the form of God, broughtest creation into being out of nothing; Thou Who hast put the times and seasons in Thine own power: Bless the crown of the year with Thy goodness; give peace unto Thy churches, victory unto Thy faithful hierarchs, fruitfulness unto the earth, and Great Mercy unto us.
4th mode
Verse 2. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet. Praise Him with the psaltery and harp.
Thy Kingdom, O Christ God, is the Kingdom of all the ages, and Thy sovereignty is in every generation and generation; for Thou hast created all things in wisdom, establishing times and seasons for us. Therefore, being thankful in all things and for all things, we cry: Bless the crown of the year with Thy goodness, and deem us worthy uncondemned to cry to Thee: O Lord, glory be to Thee.
same
Verse 3. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Thy paths, O God, Thy paths are great and wondrous. Therefore, we magnify the power of Thy dispensation: for, being Light of Light, Thou camest unto Thy hapless world, and didst take away the primordial curse of the old Adam according to Thy good pleasure, O Word; and in wisdom Thou hast set times and seasons for our sakes, that we might glorify Thy goodness, which bringeth all things to pass. O Lord, glory be to Thee.
2nd mode
Verse 4. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.
When Thou madest the world steadfast by Thy Passion, O Lord, then did the strengthless gird themselves with power. Women played the man against the most bitter tyrant; and revoking their mother’s defeat, which she suffered of old in the delight of Paradise, they attained unto Thy glory, Who wast born of a woman and hast saved the race of man.
DOXASTICON FOR ST. SIMEON 2nd mode
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
A good fruit hath sprouted from a good root, even the sacred Simeon, who from infancy was fed on grace rather than milk. Lifting up his body on a rock, but lifting up his mind even more unto God, through the virtues he built himself an ethereal dwelling; and soaring on high with the divine hosts, he became a dwelling-place of Christ, the God and Savior of our souls.
DOXASTICON FOR THE INDICTION plagal of 4th mode
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Thou Who hast framed all things by Thine ineffable wisdom, O Christ God and Word, and hast established times and seasons for our sakes: Bless the works of Thy hands, and gladden our faithful hierarchs with Thy might, granting them strength against heresies, since Thou alone art good and the Lover of mankind.
GREAT DOXOLOGY plagal of 4th mode
+ Glory to Thee, Who hast 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 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.
+ 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.
for THE INDICTION 2nd mode
O Maker of all creation, Who hast established the times and the seasons in Thine own power: Bless the crown of this year with Thy goodness, O Lord, and keep our rulers and Thy flock in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save us.
SCRIPTURAL READINGS FOR THE DAY
Prokeimenon of the Apostle
Reader: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Vs: What shall we render unto the Lord, for all that he has given us?
APOSTLE for the Ven. Simeon (Book of the Epistles, page 256) Reader: Reading from the Epistle of Paul to the Colossians. (3: 12-16)
GOSPEL for the Indiction (see at Thursday of 1st Week of Luke, Luke 4: 16-22) Priest: Reading from the Gospel according to Luke. (4:16-22)
THE LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy.
The choir responds “Lord, have mercy” (thrice) to this and the remaining petitions until noted.
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 LITANY OF SUPPLICATION
Deacon: Let us complete our morning prayer unto the Lord.
The choir responds “Lord, have mercy” to the first two petitions.
Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.
The choir responds “Grant this, O Lord” to this and the remaining petitions until noted.
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 a good 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 PEACE AND PRAYER OF INCLINATION
Priest: Peace be to all.
Choir: And to thy spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord. Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: O holy Lord, Who dwellest on high … Choir: Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Deacon: Wisdom!
Choir: Master, bless!
Bishop: 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.
Bishop: 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.
Bishop: 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). Master, bless.
THE DISMISSAL
Bishop: May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-immaculate and all- blameless holy Mother—as we celebrate her miracle wrought at Miasinae Monastery—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 Saints Peter & Paul, the patrons and protectors of this holy community; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; of the holy and venerable Simeon the Stylite, whose memory we celebrate today, and of all the saints: have mercy on us and save us, as He is good and loveth mankind.
TON DHESPOTIN (MANY YEARS)
Choir: Ton dhespotin ke Archierea imon Kyrie philate: Eis polla eti, Dhespota. Eis polla eti, Dhespota. Eis polla eti, Dhespota.
(Choir: Preserve, O Lord, our master and chief priest, and grant him many years: many years to thee, master; many years to thee, master; many years to thee, master.)
Priest: Through the prayers of our Holy Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us.
Choir: Amen.
Bishop: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon 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.