The whole service may be prayed by an individual.
If more than one person is present, one of them is designated ‘Reader’ and says or chants the text in normal type. The others respond with the text in bold. Or the rôle of Reader could be shared.
The mark + indicates that the Sign of the Cross is made here.
All stand
+ Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us, and save us. Amen.
Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who is everywhere present and fills 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.
+ Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3x)
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and for ever and to the 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 your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
+ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.
Come, let us worship and fall down before our King and our God.
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God.
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, our King and our God
Psalm 19
May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob shield you.
May he send you his help from the holy place, and support you from Sion.
May he remember your every sacrifice, and accept with favour your whole burnt offering.
May the Lord give you your heart’s desire, and fulfil your every purpose.
We shall rejoice in your salvation, and be magnified in the name of our the Lord our God.
May the Lord fulfil all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord has saved his Christ.
He will hear him from his holy heaven; in mighty acts is the salvation of his right hand.
Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will call on the name of the Lord our God.
They were fettered and fell, but we have risen and been set upright.
Lord, save the king, and hear us on the day we call upon you.
Psalm 20
The king will rejoice in your power, O Lord, he will exult exceedingly in your salvation.
You gave him his heart’s desire; you did not deny him the request of his lips.
For you came to meet him with blessings of goodness; you placed a crown of precious stones upon his head.
He asked you for life, and you gave him length of days for age on age.
Great is his glory because of your salvation; you will place on him glory and majesty.
For you will give him blessing for age on age, and make him glad with the joy of your countenance.
For the king puts his hope in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High he will not be shaken.
May your hand light upon all your enemies, and your right hand find out all who hate you.
You will make them like a blazing oven at the time of your presence.
The Lord will confound them in his wrath and fire will devour them.
You will destroy their offspring from the earth, and their seed from among the children of humankind.
Because they intended evils against you, and devised plans by which they can in no way succeed.
For you will put them to flight; among your remnants you will prepare their presence.
Be exalted, Lord, in your power; we will sing and praise your mighty acts.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
+ Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3x)
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and for ever and to the 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 your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
+ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.
Lord, save your people, and bless your inheritance, granting your faithful people victory over their enemies, and guarding your commonwealth by your Cross.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
Lifted up on the Cross of your own will, grant you mercies, Christ God, to the new commonwealth called by your name. Make your faithful people glad by your power, giving them victory over their enemies. May they have your help in battle, a weapon of peace, an invincible trophy.
both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Dread Champion that cannot be put to shame, do not despise our petitions, O Good One. All-praised Mother of God establish the commonwealth of the Orthodox, save your people and give them victory from heaven, for you gave birth to God, O only blessed one.
The Six Psalms
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill among men (3x)
Lord, you will open my lips: and my mouth will declare your praise (2x)
Psalm 3
Lord, why have those who afflict me been multiplied? Many rise against me.
Many say to my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in his God’.
But you, Lord, are my helper, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
With my voice, I cried to the Lord, and he heard me from his holy mountain.
I lay down and slept; I awoke, because the Lord will assist me.
I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people who surround me.
Rise, Lord, save me, my God; because you have struck all who are vainly my foes.
You have smashed the teeth of sinners. Salvation is the Lord’s, and your blessing is upon your people.
And again:
I lay down and slept; I awoke because the Lord will assist me.
Psalm 37
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chastise me in your wrath.
For your arrows have been stuck fast in me, and you have laid a heavy hand upon me.
There is no healing in my flesh on account of your wrath, nor peace in my bones on account of my sins.
My iniquities flooded over my head; like a heavy burden they weighed heavily upon me.
My wounds stank and festered on account of my foolishness.
I was wretched and utterly bowed down; I went about mourning all day long.
For my loins were filled with mockings, and there is no healing in my flesh.
I was maltreated and humiliated exceedingly; I howled from the groaning of my heart.
Lord, all my desire is before you, and my groaning was not hidden from you.
My heart was troubled, my strength failed me; and even the light of my eyes had gone from me.
My friends and my neighbours drew near and stood against me, and those nearest me stood far away.
Those who sought my life used force, and those who sought evils for me spoke vanities, and meditated trickeries all day long.
But I, like a deaf man, heard nothing; like one who is dumb, who does not open his mouth.
So I became like one who cannot hear, and in whose mouth there are no rebukes.
For in you, Lord, I have hoped; you will answer me, O Lord my God.
For I said: Let my foes never exult over me. When my foot slipped they crowed over me.
For I am ready for blows and my pain is with me continually. For I will declare my iniquity and be troubled at my sin.
But my enemies live and have prevailed over me, and those who hate me unjustly have been multiplied.
Those who repay me with evils in place of good have slandered me, since I pursued goodness.
Do not forsake me, Lord; my God, do not go far from me. Hasten to help me, Lord of my salvation.
And again:
Do not forsake me, Lord; my God do not go far from me. Hasten to help me, Lord of my salvation.
Psalm 62
O God, my God, I watch for you at dawn;
My soul has thirsted for you, my flesh how often in a desert, untrodden and waterless land.
Thus I appeared before you in the holy place, to see your power and your glory.
For your mercy is better than life; my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
May my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness; my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.
When I remembered you upon my bed, every dawn I meditated upon you.
For you became my helper, and in the shelter of your wings I shall rejoice.
My soul clung to you; and your right hand upheld me.
But those who vainly sought my life will go down to the deepest parts of the earth,
They will be delivered to the power of the sword, they will be portions for foxes.
But the king will rejoice in God, and all who swear by him will be praised;
For the mouths of those who speak iniquities have been stopped.
And again:
Every dawn I meditated upon you, for you became my helper, and in the shelter of your wings I shall rejoice. My soul clung to you; and your right hand upheld me.
The following prayers are said without bows or the sign of the Cross.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit. Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to you, O God (3x)
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit. Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Psalm 87
Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried by day, and by night also before you.
Let my prayer come into your presence, and turn you ear to my supplication.
For my soul was filled with evils, and my life drew near to Hell.
I was reckoned among those that go down to the Pit; I became as one that has no help, free among the dead.
Like the slain that sleep in the tomb, whom you remembered no more; and they were cut off from your power.
They placed me in the lowest Pit; in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Your wrath lay heavy upon me, and you brought all your waves against me.
You put my friends far from me, and made me an abomination to them.
I was handed over and I came out; my eyes grew weak because of my beggary.
I cried to you, Lord, all the day; I stretched out my hands towards you.
Will you work wonders for the dead; or will physicians raise them up again to praise you?
Will any declare your mercy in the tomb, or your truth in the place of destruction?
Will your wonders be known in the dark, or your justice in a land that has been forgotten?
But to you, Lord, I have cried, and in the morning my prayer will come before you.
Why have you rejected my soul, Lord; why do you turn away your face from me?
I am poor and in toils since my youth; exalted, I was humbled and brought to despair.
Your fierce anger overwhelmed me, and your terrors appalled me.
They surrounded me like water all day long; they closed in upon me from every side.
Friend and neighbour you have put far from me, and my companions because of my misery.
And again:
Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried by day; and by night also before you.
Let my prayer come into your presence, and turn your ear to my supplication.
Psalm 102
Bless the Lord, O my soul. Blessed are you, O Lord.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of his benefits.
He forgives all your iniquities; he heals all your diseases.
He redeems your life from corruption and crowns you with mercy and compassion.
He satisfies your desire with good things; your youth will be renewed like an eagle’s.
The Lord performs deeds of mercy and judgement for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses, his wishes to the children of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and full of mercy.
He will not always be wrathful, nor will he be enraged for ever.
He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities, nor rewarded us according to our sins. For, like the height of heaven above the earth, the Lord has made his mercy prevail over those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he taken our sins from us.
As a father takes pity on his children the Lord has taken pity on those who fear him.
For he knows of what we are made; has remembered that we are but dust.
As for man, his days are but as grass, he will blossom like a flower of the field.
For when a wind has passed over it, it will be no more and will know its place no longer.
But the mercy of the Lord is for ever and ever upon those who fear him.
And his justice is upon their children’s children,
Upon those who keep his covenant and remember his commandments to do them.
The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the Lord, all you his Angels, powerful in strength, who perform his word and listen to the voice of his words.
Bless the Lord, all you his Powers, his Ministers who do his will.
Bless the Lord, all you his works. In every place of his dominion, bless the Lord, my soul!
And again:
In every place of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul!
Psalm 142
Lord, hear my prayer: in your truth give ear to my supplication, and in your justice hear me.
Do not enter into judgement with your servant: for in your sight no one living can be justified.
For the enemy pursued my soul, humbled my life to the ground. Made me dwell in darkness, like those for ever dead.
My spirit grew despondent within me and my heart within me was troubled.
I remembered days of old, I meditated on all your works: I made the works of your hands my meditation.
I stretched out my hands towards you: my soul thirsted for you like a waterless land.
Hear me swiftly, O Lord, my spirit has failed.
Do not turn your face from me, or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
Make me hear of your mercy in the morning, for I have hoped in you.
Make known to me the way in which I should walk, for to you I have lifted up my soul.
Deliver me from my enemies, Lord: I have run to you for shelter.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit will guide me in an upright land.
For your name’s sake, O Lord, you will give me life.
In your justice, you will bring my soul out of trouble, in your mercy slay my enemies,
And destroy all those that afflict my soul, for I am your servant.
And again:
In your justice hear me, O Lord, and do not enter into judgement with your servant. (2x)
Your good Spirit will guide me in an upright land.
The following prayers are said with bows and the sign of the Cross.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit. Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
+ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to you, O God (3x)
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit. Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia Verses in Tone Eight
From nightfall my spirit is awake for you, O God, for your commands are light upon the earth.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Learn justice, inhabitants of the earth.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Jealousy will seize an untaught people, and now fire devours their adversaries.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Bring evils upon them, O Lord, bring evils upon them, the glorious ones of the earth.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Behold, the Bridegroom in Tone Eight
Behold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night, and blessed is that servant whom he finds watching; but unworthy is the one whom he finds slothful. Take care then, my soul, not to be overcome with sleep, lest you be given up to death, and be shut out of the kingdom; but rouse yourself and cry: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God; through the protection of Bodiless Powers, have mercy on us.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
Behold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night, and blessed is that servant whom he finds watching; but unworthy is the one whom he finds slothful. Take care then, my soul, not to be overcome with sleep, lest you be given up to death, and be shut out of the kingdom; but rouse yourself and cry: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God; through the prayers of the Holy Equal-to-the Apostles Constantine, have mercy on us.
… both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Behold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night, and blessed is that servant whom he finds watching; but unworthy is the one whom he finds slothful. Take care then, my soul, not to be overcome with sleep, lest you be given up to death, and be shut out of the kingdom; but rouse yourself and cry: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God; through the Mother of God, have mercy on us.
Kathisma Nine
Tone 4. Lifted up on the Cross
Let us love the Bridegroom, brethren, let us, radiant with virtues and right faith, trim our lamps, that ready, like the Lord’s prudent virgins, we may enter the marriage feast with him; for the Bridegroom, as God, grants a gift to all: the incorruptible crown.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit. Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Let us love the Bridegroom, brethren, let us, radiant with virtues and right faith, trim our lamps, that ready, like the Lord’s prudent virgins, we may enter the marriage feast with him; for the Bridegroom, as God, grants a gift to all: the incorruptible crown.
Kathisma Ten
Tone 4. Joseph was amazed
Priests and scribes with envy wickedly assembled a lawless council against you, O Saviour, and moved Judas to betrayal; therefore he went out shamelessly; spoke against you to the lawless peoples, ‘What will you give me, he says, and I will betray him into your hands?’ From his condemnation, Lord, deliver our souls.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit. Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priests and scribes with envy wickedly assembled a lawless council against you, O Saviour, and moved Judas to betrayal; therefore he went out shamelessly; spoke against you to the lawless peoples, ‘What will you give me, he says, and I will betray him into your hands?’ From his condemnation, Lord, deliver our souls.
Kathisma Eleven
Tone 8. The Wisdom and Word
Impious Judas with avaricious intent is moved against the Teacher, he plots, he meditates betrayal. He falls from light, receiving darkness; he agrees the sale; he sells the One beyond price. And so the wretch finds a noose as the reward for what he did and an agonising death. Rescue us from his fate, Christ our God, granting forgiveness of offences to us who celebrate with love your spotless passion.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit. Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Impious Judas with avaricious intent is moved against the Teacher, he plots, he meditates betrayal. He falls from light, receiving darkness; he agrees the sale; he sells the One beyond price. And so the wretch finds a noose as the reward for what he did and an agonising death. Rescue us from his fate, Christ our God, granting forgiveness of offences to us who celebrate with love your spotless passion.
The Gospel
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. [22:15-23:39]
… Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
The appointed Gospel is said (not chanted)
Then the Pharisees went away and discussed how they might catch him out in what he said. They sent their own disciples to him with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and teach the way of God truthfully and pay no attention to anyone because you do not go by appearances. Tell us, then, what do you think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, aware their malice, said, “Why do you test me? Hypocrites! Show me the tribute money.” They brought him a denarius. He asked them, “This image. Whose is it? And the inscription?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving him, they went away. That day Sadducees, those who say that there is no resurrection, came to him and questioned him. They said, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If someone dies without having children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother.’ Now there were with us seven brothers and the first married and died and, having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. In the same way, the second also, and the third – and on to the seventh. Last of all the woman also died. So, at the resurrection, of which of the seven will she be the wife? For all had her.” Then Jesus answered them, “You are misled, knowing neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For at the resurrection people neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God? He said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ God is not a God of the dead, but of the living.” When the crowds heard it they were astonished at his teaching. And the Pharisees, hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered around him. One of them, a lawyer, questioned him, testing him, saying, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment of the law?” Jesus told him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments the entire law and the prophets depend.” Now, while the Pharisees were gathered, Jesus questioned them saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They answered, “David’s.” He said to them, “Then why does David in the Spirit call him ‘Lord’ saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a stool for your feet?’ So if David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare to ask him anything further. Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in the chair of Moses so whatever they tell you to observe, observe and fulfil; but do not do as they do, for they talk but do not act. Yes, they lash together burdens, heavy and painful to carry, and set them on people’s shoulders; but they will not move them, [not even] with their finger. Everything they do, they do to be observed by others. That is why they make their phylacteries broad and make much of the fringes of their robes. They love the top table at dinners and the front seats in the synagogues. And the greetings in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by the people. But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’ for there is one who is your teacher: the Christ; and all of you are brothers and sisters. And do not call anyone on earth your father, for there is one who is your Father: he who is in heaven. And do not be called ‘master’, for there is one who is your master: the Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant because those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you gobble up widows’ houses, and for effect make long prayers. For this reason you will receive a greater condemnation. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut off the Kingdom of Heaven from the sight of the people. For you yourselves do not enter, and you prevent those who would enter from going in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you encompass the sea and land to make one convert; and when that happens you make him twice as much a child of Gehenna as you yourselves. Woe to blind guides! you who say, ‘If someone swears by the sanctuary, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the sanctuary is under obligation.’ Blind fools! For which is greater – the gold, or the sanctuary which is sanctifying the gold? And, ‘If someone swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it is under obligation.’ Blind fools! For which is greater – the gift, or the altar which is sanctifying the gift? So the one who swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it. And the one who swears by the sanctuary, swears by it and by him who resides in it. And the one who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by him who seated on it. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you give tithes of mint and dill and cumin, but you have neglected the weightier matters of the law – justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have practised without neglecting the others. Blind guides! Filtering out the gnat and swallowing the camel! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside they are full of extortion and unrighteousness. Blind Pharisees! First clean the inside of the cup and the dish so that the outside of them might also be clean. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which do indeed appear beautiful on the outside, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. In the same way, you too appear to people righteous on the outside, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and transgression. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous ones, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our forefathers we would not have participated with them in [shedding] the blood of the prophets.’ Therefore you acknowledge to yourselves that you are children of those who murdered the prophets, and you top up the measure of your forefathers. Snakes! Brood of vipers! How will you escape the damnation of Gehenna? For this reason, look! I am sending you prophets and people of wisdom and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify. Some of them you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from city to city. In this way all the righteous blood being poured out on the earth – from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah, son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar – will fall upon you. Amen, I tell you that all these things will come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Killing the prophets and stoning those sent to you! How often have I longed to gather up your children as a hen gathers her own chicks under her wings; but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you deserted, for I tell you that you will not see me from now on until you are able to say, ‘Blessed is he who is coming in the Name of the Lord.’”
Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me O God, in your great mercy. In accordance with the multitude of your compassion blot out my offence.
Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my wickedness, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you only I have sinned and done what is evil in your sight, that you may be justified in your words, and win when you are judged.
For see, in wickedness I was conceived, and in sin my mother bore me.
For see, you have loved truth: you have shown me the hidden and secret things of your wisdom.
You will sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be cleansed; you will wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
You will make me hear of joy and gladness; the bones which have been humbled will rejoice.
Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right Spirit within me.
Do not cast me out from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.
Give me back the joy of your salvation, and establish me with a sovereign Spirit.
I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn to you again.
O God, the God of my salvation, deliver me from bloodshed, and my tongue will rejoice at your justice.
Lord, you will open my lips: and my mouth will declare your praise.
For if you had wanted a sacrifice, I would have given it; you will not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a humbled heart God will not despise.
Do good to Sion, Lord, in your good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be rebuilt.
Then you will be well pleased with a sacrifice of justice, oblation and whole burnt offerings.
Then they will offer calves upon your altar.
Canon by St Kosmas in Tone Two
Ode 8. The Irmos.
‘The three holy Youths, did not obey the tyrant’s decree and cast into the furnace confessed God, as they sang: You works of the Lord, bless the Lord!’
Troparia
Let us cast sloth far from us, and with shining lamps let us meet Christ the immortal Bridegroom with hymns, as we cry: Bless the Lord his works.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit.
May the oil of fellowship in the vessels of our soul be sufficient, that not having spent the moment of the prize in commerce we may sing: You works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
… both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
You that have all received the grace of equal power from God?, increase it with the help of Christ who gave it, as you sing: You works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Katavasia
The three holy Youths, did not obey the tyrant’s decree and, cast into the furnace, they confessed God as they sang: You works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Ode 9. The Irmos
‘All-holy Virgin, who contained in your womb the uncontainable God and bore joy for the world, we sing your praise.’
Troparia
Let us cast sloth far from us, and with shining lamps let us meet Christ the immortal Bridegroom with hymns, as we cry: Bless the Lord his works.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit.
May the oil of fellowship in the vessels of our soul be sufficient, that not having spent the moment of the prize in commerce we may sing: You works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
… both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
You that have all received the grace of equal power from God?, increase it with the help of Christ who gave it, as you sing: You works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Katavasia
All-holy Virgin, who contained in your womb the uncontainable God and bore joy for the world, we sing your praise.
Exapostilarion sung slowly in Tone Three
Your bridal chamber, O my Saviour, I see all adorned, but I have no garment so that I may enter it. Make bright the mantle of my soul, O Giver of light, and save me! (3x)
The Praises in Tone One
Psalm 148
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the highest. To you praise is due, O God.
Praise him, all his angels: Praise him, all his Powers. To you praise is due, O God.
Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars of light!
Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters that are above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord.
For he spoke and they came into being; he commanded and they were created.
He established them for ever and ever; he made an ordinance, and it shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth; praise him, you sea-monsters and all deeps;
Fire and hail, snow and ice and storm-wind; things that do his word.
Mountains and all hills, fruiting trees and all cedars;
Beasts of the wild, and all cattle, creeping things and winged birds;
Kings of the earth and all peoples, rulers and all judges of the earth;
Young men and maidens: old men and youths together, let them praise the name of the Lord; for his name alone has been exalted.
His praise is above earth and heaven, and he will exalt the horn of his people.
A hymn for all his holy ones; for the children of Israel, a people that draws near him.
Psalm 149
Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the Church of the holy ones.
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him, let the children of Sion be joyful in their king.
Let them praise his name in the dance; let them sing his praise with timbral and with harp.
For the Lord is well-pleased with his people; he will exalt the meek with salvation.
His holy ones will exult in glory, and rejoice upon their beds.
The high praises of God in their mouths, and two-edged swords in their hands,
To execute vengeance on the nations, punishments on the peoples;
To bind their kings in fetters; and their nobles in shackles of iron;
To execute upon them the judgement that is decreed; such glory will be for all his holy ones!
Psalm 150
Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to the greatness of his majesty.
Stichera 1 in Tone One
How shall I, the unworthy, enter among the splendours of your saints? For if with them I dare to enter the bridal chamber, my tunic accuses me, because it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be cast out bound by the angels. Lord, cleanse the filth of my soul, and save me as you love humankind.
Praise him in the blast of the trumpet: praise him upon the lute and harp.
Stichera 2 in Tone One
How shall I, the unworthy, enter among the splendours of your saints? For if with them I dare to enter the bridal chamber, my tunic accuses me, because it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be cast out bound by the angels. Lord, cleanse the filth of my soul, and save me as you love humankind.
Praise him with the timbral and dances: praise him upon the strings and pipe.
Stichera 3 in Tone Two
Slumbering in sloth of soul, O Bridegroom Christ, I have not obtained a lamp burning with virtues, and I have become like the foolish maidens, wandering about at the moment for action. Do not shut your compassionate heart against me, Master, but shake off my dark sleep, rouse me, and bring me with the prudent virgins into your bridal chamber, where there is the sound of those who feast and who cry unceasingly, ‘Lord, glory to you!’
Praise him on fine-sounding cymbals: praise him on cymbals of gladness. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Stichera 4 in Tone Two
Slumbering in sloth of soul, O Bridegroom Christ, I have not obtained a lamp burning with virtues, and I have become like the foolish maidens, wandering about at the moment for action. Do not shut your compassionate heart against me, Master, but shake off my dark sleep, rouse me, and bring me with the prudent virgins into your bridal chamber, where there is the sound of those who feast and who cry unceasingly, ‘Lord, glory to you!’
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit. Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Stichera 5 in Tone Two
Soul, having heard the condemnation of the one who hid his talent, do not hide God’s word. Proclaim his wonders, that multiplying the gift of grace you may enter the joy of your Lord.
The Little Doxology – Plain Reading
To you glory is due, O Lord, our God, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and to ages of ages. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we thank you for your great glory. O Lord, heavenly King, God the almighty Father. O Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Lord God, lamb of God, Son of the Father, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us, who takes away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, you who sit on the right hand of the Father and have mercy upon us. For you alone are holy, you alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Every day I will bless you, and praise your name for ever and ever. I said, Lord, have mercy upon me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, I have run to you for refuge; teach me to do your will for you are my God. For with you is the source of life, and in your light we shall see light. O continue your merciful kindness toward those who know you.
Grant, Lord, this day to keep us without sin. Blessed are you, Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name for to the ages. Amen. May your mercy, Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in you. Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your statutes. Blessed are you, Master, make me understand your statutes. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your statutes. Lord, your mercy is for ever; do not scorn the work of your hands. To you praise is due, to you song is due, to you glory is due, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Aposticha in Tone Six
Come, believers, let us work eagerly for the Master; for he gives his servants wealth. Let each of us, according to their measure, multiply the talent of grace; let one bring wisdom through good deeds; another perform the ministry of splendour; let a believer share the word with the uninitiated; and another distribute his wealth to the poor. So let us make the loan increase, and, as faithful stewards of grace, become worthy of the Master’s joy. Make us worthy of this joy, Christ our God, as you love humankind.
Stichera 1
We were filled in the morning with your mercy, O Lord, and we rejoiced and were glad. In all our days, let us be glad, for all the days you have afflicted us, for the years we have suffered adversity. Look upon your servants and your works, and guide their children.
When you come in glory with the angelic Powers and take your seat, O Jesu, on the throne of judgement, do not separate me from you, good Shepherd; for you know the right hand ways, while those on the left are twisted. So do not destroy me, hardened in sin, with the goats, but, numbering me with the sheep on the right, save me, as you love humankind.
Stichera 2
And may the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us. Direct the work of our hands, O direct the work of our hands.
Bridegroom, lovelier in beauty beyond all humankind, who have invited us to the spiritual banquet of your bridal chamber, by participation in your sufferings strip my ill-clad form of faults, and adorning me with the robe of glory of your beauty, show me to be a radiant guest of your kingdom, as you are compassionate.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit. Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
See, my soul, the Master entrusts you with a talent. Accept it with fear, gain interest for the giver by distributing it to beggars, and gain the Lord as friend, so that you may stand on his right hand when he comes in glory, and hear his blessed voice, ‘Enter, my servant, into the joy of your Lord’. Make me, who have gone astray, worthy of this, O Saviour, because of your great mercy.
+ Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3x)
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and for ever and to the 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 your name’s sake.
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
+ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.
Think, miserable soul, on the hour of the end, and made fearful by the cutting down of the fig tree, work with love of toil at the talent given you, as you watch and cry: May we not be left outside Christ’s bridal chamber!
Lord have mercy (40x)
Greater in honour than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word, truly the Mother of God we magnify you.
The Prayer of St Ephrem
Lord and Master of my life, do not give me a spirit of sloth, idle curiosity, love of power and useless chatter.
Rather accord to me, your servant, a spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love.
Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults, and not to condemn my brother; for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen
Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults, and not to condemn my brother; for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen
The Dismissal
+ Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen.