Chapter 2

The All-night Vigil Service

The Holy Doors are open. The Priest stands before the Altar with the censer, and the Deacon with the taper.

GREAT VESPERS

Deacon. Arise, Master, give the blessing.

Priest Glory to the Holy, Consubstantial, Life-giving and Undivided Trinity always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. (2)

Choir. Amen.

Priest. ‘O come, let us worship God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before the Very Christ, our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before him. {Three reverences.)

From Easter until Ascension Day, in place of O come, let us worship, shall be sung:

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death, Bacttrand upon those in the tomb bestowing life. tUi ‘

Then shall be said or sung Psalm civ. ; and the Priest^ preceded by the Deacon bearing a taper, shall cense the whole temple, after which the HoHy Door is closed. (3)

Psalm civ. Praise the Lord, O my soul. Blessed art thou, O Lord. O Lord my God, thou art become exceeding glorious. Blessed art thou, O Lord. In wisdom hast thou made them all. Glory to thee, O Lord, who hast made them all.

Thus much is generally used. But sometimes the whole is read or sung, as followeth;

Praise the Lord, O my soul : O Lord my God,

The Priest now taketh his stand before the Holy Door, with head uncovered, and reciteth the Prayers of Light, secretly. (4)

O Lord, bountiful and compassionate, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy, give ear unto our prayer, and attend to the voice of our supplication. Work upon us a sign for good. Lead us in thy way, that we may walk in thy truth. Make glad our hearts, that we may fear thy holy Name, For thou art great and doest wonders. Thou alone art God, and among all the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord, mighty in mercy, gracious in strength, to aid and

* For an explanation of the SymbolUm indicated by reference-numerals in the text, see Appendix B, I.

thou art become exceeding glorious ; thou art clothed with majesty and honour. Thou deckest thyself with light as it were with a garment, and spreadest out the heavens like a curtain. Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters, and maketh the clouds his chariot, and walketh upon the wings of the wind. He maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flaming fire. He laid the foundations of the earth, that it never should move at any time. Thou coveredst it with the deep like as a garment ; the waters stand in the hills. At thy reriuke they flee ; at the voice of thy thunder they are afraid. Tbey go up as high as the hills, and down to the valleys beneath; even unto the place which thou hast appointed for them. Thou hast set them their bounds, which they shall not pass, neither turn again to cover the earth. He sendeth the springs into the rivers, which run among the hills. All the beasts of the field drink thereof, and the wild asses quench their thirst. Beside them shall the fowls of the air have their habitation, and sing among the branches. He watereth the hills from above; the earth is filled with the fruit of thy works. He

to comfort and save all those who put their trust in thy holy Name.

For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lord, rebuke us not in thy displeasure, neither chasten us in thy wrath : but deal with us according to thy mercy, O Physician and Healer of our souls. Guide us unto the haven of thy will. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts to the knowledge of thy truth, and vouchsafe that the residue of this day and our whole life may be peaceful and without sin ; through the intercessions of the holy Birth-giver of God, and of all the Saints.

For thine is the majesty, and thine are 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. Amen.

O Lord our God, remember us sinners and thine unprofitable servants when we call upon thy holy Name, and put us not to shame in our expectation of thy mercy : but grant us, O Lord, all our petitions which are unto salvation, and vouchsafe that we may love and fear thee with all our hearts, and do thy will in all things.

For thou art a gracious God, and lovest 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. Amen.

O thou who, with never-silent hymns and never-ceasing songs of praise to thy glory, art hymned by the holy Powers: Fill our mouths with thy praise, that we

Then shall be sung the Hymn (Tropdr) composed by Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

O gladsome radiance of the holy glory of the Father immortal, heavenly, holy, blessed, Jesus Christ ! In that we now are come unto the setting of the sun, and behold the light of even, we hymn thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. For meet is it that at all times thou shouldest be magnified by voices propitious, O Son of God, who bestowest life. For which cause all the world doth glorify thee.

The Priest and the Deacon enter the Sanctuary and go to the High Place.

Deacon. Let us attend. Wisdom ! Priest. Peace be unto all. Reader. And to thy spirit.

Deacon. Wisdom ! Let us attend. — The Gradual {Prokinten) of the , . . Tone. (10)

On Sunday Evenings Tone VIII. :

Behold now, praise the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord. Verse (Stikh) : Ye that stand in the temple of the Lord, even in the courts of the house of our God.

On Monday Evening, Tone IV. :

When I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

Verse : Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness.

On Tuesday Evenings Tone I. :

Thy mercy, O Lord, shall follow me all the days of my life. Verse: The Lord is my shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing: he hath led me in a green pasture.

On Wednesday Evening, Tone V. :

Save me, O God, for thy Name’s sake, and judge me in thy strength. Verse : Hear my prayer, O God, and hearken unto the words of my mouth.

On Thursday Evenings Tone VI. :

My help cometh even from the Lord, who hath made heaven and earth.

Verse : I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

On Friday Evening, Tone VII. :

Thou art my defence, O God, and thy goodness preventeth me. Verse: Deliver me from mine enemies, O God, and save me from them that rise up against me.

On Saturday Evening (the Lord’s Day) :

The Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel. Verse: The Lord hath put on his apparel, and hath girded himself with strength.

a.?’ IS.

and serve ; for those who are absent and abroad ; for the healing of those who lie in sickness; for the repose, refreshment, blessed memory and remission of sins of all our devout fathers and brethren, Orthodox believers, departed this life before us, who here, and in all the world, lie asleep in the Lord ; for the deliverance of captives ; and for our brethren who are taking part in these ministrations ; and for all who minister and have ministered in this holy Temple, let us say : 1J>

Furthermore we pray that he will preserve this city and this holy Temple, and every city and land from pestilence, famine, earthquake, flood, fire, the sword, the invasion of enemies, and from civil war ; and that our good God, who loveth mankind, will be graciously favourable and easy to be entreated, and will turn away from us all the wrath stirred up against us, and deliver us from all his righteous chastisement which impendeth against us, and have mercy upon us. I£

Furthermore we pray that the Lord God will hearken unto the voice of petition of us sinners, and show mercy upon us.

Choir. Lord, have mercy. {Thrice.)

Then the Priest maketh mention, secretly, of whomsoever he will, doth of the living and of the dead.

Priest, aloud. Hear us, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are far off upon the sea ; and show mercy, show mercy, O Master, upon us sinners, and be merciful unto us.

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.

Priest. Peace be with you all.

Choir. And with thy spirit.

Deacon. Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.

Then, as all bow their heads, the Priest reciteth the following Prayer, so that all may hear :

O most merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, through the prayers of our all-undefiled Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary {and thence as in the preceding prayer, page 1 1, ending with) : and of all thy Saints : Make our prayer acceptable ; grant us remission of our transgressions ; hide us under the shadow of thy wings ; drive far from us every foe and adversary; make our life peaceful, O Lord. Have mercy upon us and upon thy world ; and save our souls : for thou art gracious and lovest mankind.

Here are sung the appointed Canticles (Stikhiry) in the proper Tone, or Bmdot of the Feast ; ana so singing we return to the centre of the Temple,

Lltty*. where in special vessels the bread, wine, oil and wheat are already

prepared.

VIGIL.

When the All-Night Vigil is celebrated in its usual form, all the ^ shall be omitted; and after the Blessing {see page 14) the Holy Doors shall Fe closed, and the Reader shall immediately say :

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

O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. (Twice.)

Bjjtar- Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death, and upon those in the tomb bestowing life. (Thrice)

The Reader then readeth the Six Psalms.

Psalm hi.

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me ! many are they that rise against me. Many one there be that say of my soul, There is no help for him in his God. But thou, O Lord, art my defender; thou art my worship, and the lifter up of my head. I did call upon the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. I laid me down and slept, and rose up again ; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid for ten thousands of the people, that have set themselves against me round about. Up, Lord, and help me, O my God ! For thou smitest all mine enemies upon the cheek-bone ; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord ; and thy blessing is upon thy people. I will lay me down in peace and take my rest : for it is thou, Lord, only that maketh me dwell in safety.

Psalm xxxviii.

Put me not to rebuke, O Lord, in thine anger ; neither chasten me in thy heavy displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. There is no health in my flesh, because of thy displeasure ; neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin. For my wickednesses are gone over my head, and are like a sore burden, too heavy for me to bear. My wounds stink, and are corrupt, through my foolishness. I am brought into so great trouble and misery, that I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with a sore disease, and there is no whole part in my body. I am feeble and sore smitten ; I have roared for the very disquietness of my heart. Lord, thou knowest all my desire ; and my groaning is not hid from thee. My heart panteth, my strength hath failed me, and the sight of mine eyes is gone from me. My lovers and my neighbours did stand looking upon my trouble, and my kinsmen stood afar off. They also that sought after my life laid snares for me ; and they that went about to do me evil talked of wickedness, and imagined deceit all the day long. As for me, I was like a deaf man, and heard not ; and as one that is dumb, who

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doth not open his mouth. I became even as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in thee, O Lord, have I put my trust ; thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God. I have required that they, even mine enemies, should not triumph over me ; for when my foot slipt, they rejoiced greatly against me. And I truly am set in the plague, and my heaviness is ever in my sight. For I will confess my wickedness, and be sorry for my sin. But mine enemies live, and are mighty ; and they that hate me wrongfully are many in number. They also that reward evil for good are against me ; because I follow the thing that good is. Forsake me not, O Lord my God ; be not thou far from me. Haste thee to help me, O Lord God of my salvation.

Psalm lxiii.

O God, thou art my God ; early will I seek thee. My soul thirsteth for thee ; my flesh also longeth after thee, in a barren and dry land where no water is. Thus have I looked for thee in holiness, that I might behold thy power and glory. For thy loving-kindness is better than the life itself : my lips shall praise thee. As long as I live will I magnify thee in this manner, and lift up my hands in thy Name. My soul shall be satisfied, even as it were with marrow and fatness, when my mouth praiseth thee with joyful lips. Have I not remembered thee in my bed, and thought upon thee when I was waking? Because thou hast been my helper ; therefore under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hangeth upon thee ; thy right hand hath upholden me. These also that seek the hurt of my soul, they shall go under the earth. Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, that they maybe a portion for foxes. But the King shall rejoice in God ; all they also that swear by him shall be commended ; for the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. In the night watches have I trusted in thee: For thou hast been my helper, and under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul cleaveth unto thee : and thy right hand shall uphold me.

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to thee, O God. {Thrice, without reverences.}

Lord, have mercy. {Thrice.}

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

Psalm lxxxvih.

Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee : O let my prayer enter into thy presence, incline thine ear unto my calling ; for my soul is full of trouble, and my life draweth nigh unto hell. I am counted as one of them that go down into the pit, and I have been even as a man that hath no strength. Free among the dead, like unto them that are wounded, and lie in the grave, who are out of remembrance, and are cut away from thy hand Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in a place of darkness, and in the deep. Thine indignation lieth hard upon me, and thou hast vexed me with all thy storms. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me, and made me to be abhorred of them. I am so fast in prison that cannot get forth. My sight faileth for very trouble; Lord, I have called dailyupon thee, I have stretch edforth my hands unto thee. Dost thou show wonders among the dead ? or shall the dead rise

The Priest now saith, secretly, the Morning Prayers ; the first three in the Sanctuary.

We give thanks unto thee, O Lord our God, who hast raised us up from our beds, and hast put into our mouths the word of praise, that we may adore and call upon thy holy Name. And we entreat thee, by thy mercies which thou hast exercised always in our life, send down now also thine aid upon those who stand before the presence of thy holy glory, and await the rich mercy which is from thee. And grant that they may always with fear and love worship thee, praise thee, hymn thee, and adore thine inexpressible goodness.

For unto thee is due all honour, glory and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

From the night season our soul awaketh early unto thee, O our God ; for thy precepts are a light upon the earth. Teach us to perfect righteousness and holiness in thy fear ; for we glorify thee, our God, who existest in verity. Incline thine ear and hear us; and call to remembrance by their names all those who are with us and pray with us ; and save them by thy might. Bless thy people and sanctify thine inheritance. Grant peace to thy world, to thy Churches, to the priests, to the Authorities, and to all thy people.

For blessed and glorified is thine all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amea

in. In the night season our soul awaketh early unto thee, O God, for thy precepts are light. Teach us thy righteousness, thy commandments and thy statutes, O God. Enlighten the eyes of our understanding, lest at any time we sleep unto death in sins. Dispel all

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up again, and praise thee? Shall thy lovingkindness be showed in the grave ? or thy faithfulness in destruction ? Shall thy wondrous works be known in the dark? and thyrighteousness in the land where all things are forgotten ? Unto thee have I cried, O Lord ; and early shall my prayer come before thee. Lord, why abhorrest thou my soul, and hidest thou thy face from me? I am in misery, and like unto him that is at the point to die ; even from my youth up thy terrors have I suffered with a troubled mind. Thy wrathful displeasure goeth over me, and the fear of thee hath undone me. They came round about me daily like water, and compassed me together on every side. My lovers and friends hast thou put away from me, and hid mine acquaintance out of my sight. O Lord God of my salvation I have cried day and night before thee : O let my prayer enter into thy presence, incline thine ear unto my calling.

darkness from our hearts. Graciously give unto us the Sun of Righteousness, and preserve our life unassailed, by the seal of thy Holy Spirit. Guide our steps into the way of peace. Grant us to behold the dawn and the day with joy, that we may raise our morning prayers unto thee.

For thine is the dominion, and thine are the majesty 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. Amen.

The Priest now Cometh forth, and standing with uncovered head before the Holy Door, he saith the remaining Prayers.

O Lord God, holy and unsearchable, who didst command the light to shine forth from the darkness ; who hast refreshed us by the slumber of the night, and hast raised us up to glorify and supplicate thy goodness, being implored of thine own tender loving-kindness : Accept us also now who bow down in adoration before thee, and render thanks unto thee according to the measure of our strength ; and grant us all our petitions which are unto salvation. Make us children of the light, and of the day, and heirs of thine everlasting good things. Call to remembrance, O Lord, in the multitude of thy bounties, all thy people here present with us who make their supplications unto thee, and all our brethren on land, on the sea, and in every place of thy dominion, who are in need of thy loving-kindness and of thy succour, and vouchsafe unto them all thy great mercy, that being always preserved in safety of soul and body, we may with boldness magnify thy wondrous and blessed Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

For thou art the God of bounties and of loving-kindness, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the

Psalm cm. Praise the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, praise his holy Name Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits : who forgiveth all thy sin, and healeth all thine infirmities ; who saveth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee with mercy and lovingkindness ; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, making thee young and lusty as an eagle. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all them that are oppressed with wrong. He showed his ways unto Moses, his works unto the children of Israel. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, and of great goodness. He will not alway be ch iding ; neitherkeepeth he his anger forever. He hath not dealt wfth us after our sins ; nor rewarded us according to our wickednesses. For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth; so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him. Look how

Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Treasury of good things, Fountain eternal, O Father all-holy who workest wonders, all-powerful and almighty: We all adore thee and entreat thee, calling thy mercies and thy compassion to the aid and defence of our lowliness. Call to remembrance thy suppliants, O Lord ; accept the morning prayers of us all as incense before thee ; and let none of us be found reprobate, but encompass us with thy bounties. Call to remembrance, O Lord, those who watch and sing praises to thy glory, and to the glory of thine Only-begotten Son who is our God, and of thy Holy Spirit. Be thou their helper and their support. Receive thou their supplications upon thy most heavenly and spiritually discerning altar.

For thou art our God, 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. Amen.

We give thanks unto thee, O Lord God of our salvation ; for thou doest all things which are for the welfare of our life, that we may ever look upward unto thee, our Saviour and the Benefactor of our souls. For thou hast refreshed us in that part of the night which is past, and hast raised us up from our beds, and hast led us to stand here in adoration of thy precious Name. Wherefore we entreat thee, O Lord, vouchsafe unto us grace and power, that we may be enabled with understanding to sing praises unto thee, and to pray without ceasing, in fear and trembling working out our own salvation, through the succour of thy Christ. Call to remembrance, O Lord, those who cry aloud unto thee in the night season ; hearken unto them and have mercy, and crush under their feet invisible and warring enemies.

For thou art the King of Peace and the

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. wide also the east is from the west : so far hath he set our sins from us. Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children ; even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. For he knoweth whereof we are made; he remembereth that we are but dust. The days of man are but as grass ; for he flourisheth as a flower of the field. For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone ; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear him ; and his righteousness upon children’s children; even upon such as keep his covenant, and think upon his commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared his seat in heaven, and his kingdom ruleth over all. O praise the Lord, ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength ; ye that fulfil his commandment and hearken unto the voice of his word, O praise the Lord, all ye his hosts ; ye servants of his that do his plea-

Saviour of our souls, 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. Amen.

O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hast raised us up from our beds, and hast gathered us together at this hour of prayer : Grant us grace in the opening of our lips, and accept our thanksgivings as we have power to make them ; and instruct us in thy statutes. For we know not how to pray as we ought unless thou, O Lord, by thy Holy Spirit, dost guide us*. Wherefore we beseech thee : Pardon, remit, forgive whatsoever sins we may have committed unto this present hour, whether by word, or deed, or thought, whether voluntarily or involuntarily ; for if thou wilt be extreme to mark iniquity, O Lord, Lord, who shall stand ? For with thee is redemption. For thou only art holy, a mighty helper and the defender of our life ; and our song shall be ever of thee.

Blessed and glorified be the might of thy kingdom, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lord our God, who hast banished from us the sluggishness of sleep, and hast assembled us together by a holy bidding, that in the night-season also we may lift up our hands, and make unto thee thankful acknowledgment of thy righteous judgments: Accept our prayers, petitions, confessions of thanks and nocturnal worship ; and grant unto us, O God, faith invincible,love unwavering, hope unfeigned. Bless our goings out and our comings in ; our deeds and works, and words and thoughts. And grant that we may come to the beginning of this day praising, singing and blessing the goodness of thine ineffable beneficence.

For blessed is thine all-holy Name, and all-

THE ALI^NIGHT VIGIL SERVICE

sure. O speak good of the Lord, all ye works of his, in all places of his dominion : praise thou the Lord, O my souL In all places of his dominion, praise thou the Lord, O my soul.

Psalm cxliii.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and consider my desire; hearken unto me for thy truth and righteousness* sake. And enter not into judgment with thyservant ; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul ; he hath smitten my life down to the ground ; he hath laid me in the darkness, as the men that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit vexed within me, and my heart within me is desolate. Yet do I remember the time past : I muse upon all thy works ; yea, I exercise myself in the works of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee ; my soul gaspeth unto thee as a thirsty land. Hear me, O Lord. and that soon ; for my spirit waxeth faint : hide not thyface from

magnified is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Illumine our hearts, O Sovereign Master, who lovest man, with the pure light of thy wisdom, and open the eyes of our understanding to the comprehension of the proclamation of thy Gospel. Implant in us, also, the fear of thy blessed commandments; that trampling down all carnal appetites, we may lead a godly life, both thinking and doing always such things as are well pleasing in thy sight.

For thou art the sanctification and the illumination both of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, together with thy Father, who hath no beginning, and thine all-holy and blessed and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lord our God, who hast granted unto men pardon through repentance, and hast set us, as an example of the acknowledgment of sin and of the confession which is unto forgiveness, the repentance of the Prophet David : Do thou, the same Lord, have mercy upon us according to thy great mercy, notwithstanding the manifold and great iniquities into which we have fallen ; and through the multitude of thy bounties, blot out our transgressions. For unto thee have we sinned, O Lord, who knowest the secret and hidden things of the heart of man, and who alone hast power to remit sins ; and as thou hast created a clean heart within us, and established us with thy guiding Spirit, and made known unto us the joy of salvation, cast thou us not away from thy presence. But inasmuch as thou art good and lovest man, graciously vouchsafe unto us that even until our uttermost breath, we may offer unto thee the sacrifice of righteousness, and an offering upon thy holy altars.

me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. O let me hear thy loving-kindness betimes in the morning ; for in thee is my trust : show thou me the way that I should walk in ; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies ; for I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee ; for thou art my God : let thy loving Spirit lead me forth into the land of righteousness. Quicken me, O Lord, for thy Name’s sake : and for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy goodness slay mine enemies, and destroy all them that vex my soul; for I am thy servant.

Hearken unto me in thy righteousness, O Lord, and enter not into judgment with thy servant {twice). Thy gracious spirit shall direct my paths upon earth.

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

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Through the mercies and bounties and love toward 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. Amen.

O God, our God, who hast brought into subjection to thy will all the powers endowed with speech and reason, we beseech thee and supplicate thee: Accept our praises, which together with all thy creatures we offer according to our strength ; and reward us with the rich gifts of thy goodness. For unto thee every knee doth bow, whether in heaven or on the earth, or in the regions under the earth, and every breath and created being doth sing thine ineffable glory. For thou only art the true and most merciful God.

For all the powers of heaven maghify thee, 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. Amen.

We praise thee, we hymn thee, we bless thee, we give thanks unto thee, O God of our fathers, that thou hast brought us in safety through the shades of night, and hast shown unto us once again the light of day. And we entreat of thy goodness : Be gracious unto our sins, and accept our prayer in thy great tenderness of heart For we flee unto thee, the merciful and almighty God. Shine in our hearts with the true Sun of thy Righteousness; enlighten our mind and guard all our senses ; that walking uprightly as in the day, in the way of thy statutes, we may attain unto life eternal (for with thee is the source of life) ; and graciously be permitted to come unto the fruition of the light unapproachable.

For thou art our God, 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. Amen.

Then the Deacon, or if there be none, the Priest, standing in the customary place, in front of the Holy Door, shall recite

The Great Litany {Velikaya Ektbtiya).

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir, Lord, have mercy.

For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls : Ifc

For the peace of the whole world ; for the welfare of God’s holy churches, and for the union of them all : $

For this holy Temple, and for those who with faith, devoutness, and in the fear of God have entered therein : Ifc

For our Holy Synod {or Patriarch) ; for our Bishop {or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N. ; for the honourable Presbytery, the Diaconate in Christ ; for all the clergy and the laity : Ifc

Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities (Emperor, or King, and Reigning House, or President, according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted).

That he will aid them and subdue under their feet every foe and adversary : I£

For this city, for this holy Temple, and for every city and land, and for those who with faith dwell therein : Ifc

For healthful seasons ; for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times : ft

For those who travel by sea or by land ; for the sick and the suffering ; for those who are in captivity, and for their salvation : Ifc

That he will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, peril and necessity: I£

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace : #

Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God 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.

Exclamation.

Priest For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Then immediately the Deacon exclaimeth, and the Choir singeth ; (3)

God is the Lord, and hath revealed himself unto us. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. {Four times.)

MATINS

And the Deacon, meanwhile, interposeth the following Verses (Stikhi) : (4)

Verse 1 : O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious ; because his mercy endureth forever.

Verse 2 : All the nations compassed me about, but in the Name of the Lord have I driven them back.

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

Verse 4 : The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

Then shall be sung the Hymn (Trof&r) of the Feast, or of the Saint, or of the proper Tone for the Sunday {twice); and the Hymn to the Birth-giver of God (Bogoroditchen) of the same Tone (Appendix A\

Then shall be read the Selection of Psalms appointed (Stikhosldvie Kafismi).

And after the first portion of the Selection shall be said

The Little Litany {M&laya Ekthtiya).

Again, yet again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir Lord, have mercy.

Choir To thee, O Lord. ‘

Exclamation.

Priest For thine is the majesty, and thine are 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.

Then shall be read the second portion of the Selection of Psalms. And when it is finished, there shall be said

Again, yet again : membrance: . . .

The Little Litany. . Succour us, save us ;

Exclamation.

Calling to re-

Priest. For thou art a good God, who 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.

Then the Holy Door is opened, and the Priest, accompanied by the Deacon (5) bearing a lighted taper, censeth the Sanctuary, the Holy Images, and the People, and all the Temple (Polielfy). (6)

And the Poliel£y is sung:

Psalms cxxxv., cxxxvi.

1. Praise ye the Name of the Lord, O ye servants of the Lord Alle-. luia. {Thrice.)

2. Praised be the Lord out of Zion, who dwelleth at Jerusalem. Alleluia. ( Thrice. )

3. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, for his mercy endureth forever. Alleluia. ( Thrice. )

4. O give thanks unto the God of heaven ; for his mercy endureth forever. Alleluia. ( Thrice. )

s-s

And if it be a Great Feast, or other appointed Saint’s Day, the proper OiMt Exaltation * shall be chanted, first by the Priest and the Deacon, and

***t§. then by the Choir, before the Holy Image of the Day, as the Priest censeth

it where it lieth on the folding-stand.

Then shall be sung the Hymns (Tropari), with the Refrain ; but only on the Lord’s Day.

Refrain. Blessed art thou, O Lord : teach me thy statutes.

The company of the Angels was amazed, when they beheld thee numbered among the dead, yet thyself, O Saviour, destroying the power of death, and with thee raising up Adam and releasing all men from Hell IJs

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

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

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

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

Hymn to the Trinity (Trbitehny).

We adore the Father, as also his Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity in One Essence, crying with the Seraphim : Holy, holy, holy art thou, O Lord.

Now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

* For Exaltations (or Magnifyings), see the Special Services of the Great Feasts.

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MATINS

Hymn to the Sirth-giver of God (Bogorbditcheri).

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to thee, O God. (Thrice.)

. Then the Little Litany.

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

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

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

Choir. Amen.

Then the Degrees of the Antiphon (Stepinny Antifdni) are sung, according to the Tone of the week.

Antiphon. Tone IV From my youth up many passions have warred against me. But do thou succour and save me, O my Saviour.

Ye who hate Zion shall be put to confusion of the Lord ; like grass in the fire shall ye be withered up.

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

Through the Holy Spirit is every soul quickened and exalted in purity, and illumined by the Triune Unity in mystic holiness.

Deacon. Let us attend.

Priest. Peace be with you all.

Deacon. Wisdom ! The Gradual (Prokimen) of the . . . Tone.

The Graduate (Prokimend) in the Eight Tones.

Tone I. : Now will I arise, saith the Lord : I will set myself for salvation, I will make no tarrying therein.

Verse: The words *>f the Lord are pure words.

Tone II: Rise up for me, O Lord, in the judgment that thou hast commanded. And so shall the congregation of the people come about thee.

Verse: O Lord my God, I have put my trust in thee : save me.

Tone III: Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King, and

that it is he that hath made the round world* so fast that it cannot be moved.

Verse: O sing unto the Lord a new song.

Tone IV. : Arise, O Lord, and help us, and deliver us, for thy Name’s sake.

Verse: O God, we have heard with our ears.

Tone V. : Arise, O Lord my God, and let thy hand be lifted up, for thou reignest forever.

Verse: I will confess unto thee, O Lord: with my whole heart, I will proclaim all thy wondrous works.

Tone VI. : O Lord, stir up thy might, and come and save us.

Verse: Hear, O thou Shepherd of Israel, who leadeth Joseph like a sheep.

Tone VII : Arise, O Lord, my God, and let thy hand be lifted up : forget not thy poor forever.

Verse: I will confess unto thee, O Lord: with my whole heart, I will proclaim all thy wondrous works.

Tone VIIL : The Lord shall reign forever ; thy God, O Zion, from generation to generation.

Verse: Praise the Lord, O my soul: while I live will I praise the Lord.

Deacon. Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

The Priest cxclaitneih :

For holy art thou, O our God, who restest in the Saints, 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.

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

Choir. Amen.

Then the Deacon and the Choir sing ;

Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. {Four times.) Verse: Praise ye God in his Saints. Praise him in the firm foundation of his power.

Then the Deacon prociaimeth :

And that he will graciously vouchsafe unto us to hear his Holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord God. Choir. Lord, have mercy. {Thrice.)

Deacon, Wisdom, O believers. Let us listen tfc the Holy Gospel. Priest. Peace be with you all. The People. And with thy spirit.

Immediately he addeth : Priest. The Lesson from the Holy Gospel according to N.* (7)

• See Table of the Gospel Lessons, page xix.

MATINS

Choir. Glory to thee, O Lord ; glory to thee. Deacon. Let us attend.

Then the Priest readeth the Holy Gospel.

Choir Glory to thee, O Lord ; glory to thee.

The Choir then sineeth, while the book of the Holy Gospels is laid upon the table at the centre of the Temple :

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

This Hymn is always sung at the Lcrd’s Day Matins, with rare exceptions. It is sung on Lazarus” s Saturday, and on all week-days from Easter until Ascension-Bay. (8)

And if it be the Eve of Palm Sunday, Psalm li. is read, and the Priest palnSncenseth the Palms. And when it isfinished, he blesseth the Palms. m 4*7«

But if it be the ordinary Vigil Office :

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

Through the prayers of the Apostles, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of our transgressions.

Now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Through the prayers of the Birth-giver of God, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of our transgressions.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great goodness ; according to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences.

On the Lord’s Day :

Jesus, having risen from the grave as he foretold, hath given unto us life eternal and great mercy.

On Feast Days, instead of this, the Canticles {Stikhiry) of the Feast. pJig™*

Deacon. O Lord, save thy people, and bless thine heritage. 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-undefilec} Lady, the Birth-giver of God and evervirgin Mary; through the might of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the honourable Bodiless Powers of Heaven ;

* See the Service for Blessing the Palms, at end of Service for Palm Sunday (Special Services).

of the honourable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John ; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostles; of our Holy Fathers, great Hierarchs and (Ecumenical Teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom ; of our Holy Father Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonder-worker ; of our Holy Fathers of All-Russia, Wonder-workers, Peter, Alexis, Jonah and Philip ; of the holy, glorious and right-victorious Martyrs ; of our reverend and God-fearing Fathers, the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna ; of Saint N. [the holy patron of the Temple) ; and of all thy Saints, we beseech thee, O most merciful Lord, give ear unto the petitions of us sinners who make our supplications unto thee, and have mercy upon us.

Choir Lord, have mercy. {Twelve times.)

Priest Through the mercies and bounties 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.

The Priest^ the Deacon and the People now salute the Holy Gospels and the Holy Image of the Feast.

Ogiet And if the bread and wine and oiljtave been blessed during Vespers,

Fm*U. before the Matins, the Priest now anointeth the faithful with the

oily and the bread is distributed. (9)

The Canon of the proper Tone? or of the Feast, is then sung. (10)

After the Third Theme-Song (frmds) the Little Litany (seepage 2g)followeth.

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art our God, 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.

After the Sixth Theme-Song of the Canon also the Little Litany (seepage 29) followethy with the Exclamation at the end;

For thou art the King of the world, and the Saviour of our souls, 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. Amen.

Before the Ninth Ode the Magnificat (or the Refrain appointed for Matins on certain, of the Great Feasts) is sung.

The Deacon cometh and standeth before the Holy Image of the Birth-giver of Goa% and censing it, he saith ;

The Birth-giver of God and Mother of the Light let us honour and extol in song.

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

* Set Appendix A.

MATINS

Refrain. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who without defilement barest God the Word, true Birth-giver of God, we magnify thee.

For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden ; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

More honourable than the Cherubim, . . .

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. I£

He hath showed strength with his arm ; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 1$

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. $

He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever. I£

Also the Song of Zacharias (Luke i. 68-79).

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people ; and hath raised up a mighty salvation for us, in the house of his servant David ; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began ; that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers, and to remember his holy covenant ; to perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham that he would give us ; that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear; in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways ! To give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us : to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

The Ninth Ode followeth, and then :

The Little Litany.

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

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and. glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God 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

Exclamation.

Priest For all the powers of heaven praise thee, 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 Exapostilarion of the Lord % s Day. (i i)

Verse I : Holy is the Lord our God. ( Thrice.) Verse 2 : Over all men is our God.

Let everything which hath breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord of heaven: praise Him in the height.

Re/rain. To thee, O God, is due our song.

Praise him all ye Angels of his : praise him all his host.

Refrain. To thee, O God, is due our song.

And here begin the Verses (Stikkiry) of the Tone, or of the Feast. And then :

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

Hymn to the Birth-giver of God (Bogordditchen). (On the Lord’s Day Evening) :

Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Birth-giver of God : For through him who became incarnate of thee Hell is led captive, Adam is recalled from the dead, the curse is made void, Eve is set free, Death is slain, and we have been endowed with life. Wherefore we cry aloud, extolling in song : Blessed art thou, O Christ our God, in whose sight it is thus well-pleasing. Glory to thee.

Priest. Glory to thee, who hast shown us the light. (12)

Choir. Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, 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, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy ; thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day will I give thanks unto thee, and praise thy Name 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 holy Name forever. Amen.

Let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us, as we do put our trust in thee.

Blessed art thou, O Lord : O teach me thy statutes. (Thrice.)

Lord, thou hast been our refuge from one generation to another. I said : Lord, be merciful unto me ; heal my soul, for I have sinned

MATINS

against thee. Lord, I flee unto thee. Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee ; for thou art my God. For with thee is the well of life, and in thy light shall we see light O continue forth thyJoving-kindness unto those who know thee.

O Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. {Thrice.)

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

O Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us.

Then in a loud voice: O Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. Then shall be sung the appointed Hymn of Dismissal. The Saturday Evening (Sunday) Hymns : In Tones I., ///., V, VII:

To-day is salvatibn come into the world. Let us sing praises unto him who rose again from the grave, the Author of our life : For in that by death he hath destroyed Death, he hath given unto us the victory and great mercy.

When thou hadst risen again from the tomb, and hadst burst the bonds of Hell, thou didst loose the condemnation of death, O Lord, redeeming all men from the snares of the enemy. When thou hadst revealed thyself to thine Apostles, thou didst send them forth to proclaim thee And through them thou hast granted thy peace unto the universe, O only All-merciful One.

Then the Augmented Litany (Sug&baya Ektiniyd). Deacon. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee : hearken, and have mercy. Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities, (Emperor, or King, and Reigning House, or President, according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted).

Again we pray for our Holy Synod {or Patriarch) ; for our Bishop {or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N. ; and for all our brethren in Christ.

Furthermore we pray for all their Christ-loving Army and Navy. IJ

Furthermore we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy Temple ; and for all our devout fathers and brethren, Orthodox believers, departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord. IJs

Furthermore we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-honourable Temple ; for those who labour in its service ; for the singers ; and for the people here present, who await in firm hope thy great and rich mercies. IJs

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Exclamation.

Priest For thou art a good and merciful God, who 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.

Deacon. Let us complete our morning prayer unto the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

A day all-perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us beseech of the Lord : ft

An Angel of Peace, the faithful guide and guardian of our souls : ft

The pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions: ft

All things which are profitable to our souls and bodies, and peace to the world : ft

That we may pass the residue of our life in peace and penitence : ft

A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful ; and a good defence before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ, ft

Choir. To thee, O Lord

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art the God of mercies and of bounties, and of love toward 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.

Priest. Peace be with you all.

People. And with thy spirit.

Deacon. Let us bow our heads unto the Lord,

Choir. Unto thee, O Lord.

And the Priest saith this Prayer, secretly :

O holy Lord, who dwellest on high, and regardest the humble of heart, and with thine all-seeing eye dost behold all creation, unto Thee have we bowed the neck of our soul and body, and we entreat thee : Stretch forth thine invisible hand from thy holy dwellingplace and bless us all. And if in aught we have sinned, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, forgive, inasmuch as thou art a good God, and lovest mankind; vouchsafing unto us thy earthly and heavenly good things.

MATINS

Exclamation,

For thine it is to show mercy and to save us, O’ our God, 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.

Deacon* Wisdom!

Choir. Bless.

Priest He who in verity existeth, even Christ our God, is blessed always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. [

Choir Amen.

Establish, O Lord, most God-fearing (Emperor, King, or President), N., and the Holy Orthodox faith, and Orthodox Christians, unto ages of ages.

Priest Save us, O most holy Birth-giver of God.

Choir. More hpnourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who without defilement barest God the Word, in very truth the Birth-giver of God, we magnify thee.

Priest Glory to thee, O Christ our God, our sure hope ; glory to thee.

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

Lord, have mercy. {Thrice.) Bless.

Then the Priest bestowetk the Benediction. On Saturday Evening;

May he who rose again from the dead, Christ our true God ; through the prayers of his most holy Mother, of the holy, glorious and allpraiseworthy Apostles, and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us ; inasmuch as he is good and loveth mankind.

Then the Choir singeth the Many Years :

Preserve, O Lord, our (Emperor, or King, and Reigning House, or President) ; our (Patriarch, or Holy Synod) ; our (Metropolitan, Archbishop, or Bishop), N. ; and all Orthodox Christians, for many years.

The Holy Doors or curtain shall be closed, and The First Hour is then read.