Chapter 3

Great Vespers

bringeth forth grass for the cattle, and green herb for the service of men ; That he may bring food out of the earth, and wine that maketh glad the heart of man : and oil to make him a cheerful countenance, and bread to strengthen man’s heart. The trees of the Lord also are full of sap, even the cedars of Libanus which he hath planted ; . wherein the birds make their nests ; and the fir-trees are a dwelling for the stork. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and so are the stony rocks for the conies. He appointed the moon for certain seasons, and the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness that it may be night; wherein all the beasts of the forests do move. The lions, roaring after their prey, do seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth and they get them away together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth to his work, and to his labour, until the evening. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all ; the earth is full of thy riches. So is the great and wide sea also; wherein are creeping things innumerable, both small and great beasts. There go the ships, and there is that Leviathan,

may magnify thy holy Name. And grant unto us part and inheritance with all those who fear thee in truth and keep thy commandment ; through the intercessions of the holy Birth-giver of God, and of all thy Saints.

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, Lord, who upholdest all things in the all-pure hollow of thy hand; who showest long-suffering upon us all, and repentest thee at our calamities: Remember thy bounties and thy mercy. Visit us with thy loving-kindness: and grant that, through the residue of thy day, by thy grace, we may avoid the divers subtle snares of the Evil One, and preserve our lives unassailed ; through the grace of thine all-holy Spirit.

Through the mercy and love toward mankind of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy, and good, and lifecreating Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O God, great and wonderful, who with wisdom inscrutable and great riches of providence orderest all things, and bestowest upon us earthly good things ; who hast given us a pledge of the promised kingdom through the good things already bestowed upon us, and hast made us to shun all evil during that part of the day which is past : Grant that we may also fulfil the residue of this day without reproach before thy holy glory, and hymn thee, the only good one, our God, who lovest mankind.

For thou art our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to

THE ALI^NIGHT VIGIL SERVICE

whom thou hast made to take his pastime therein. These all wait upon thee, that thou mayest give them meat in due season. When thou givest it them, they gather it; and when thou openest thy hand, they are filled with good. When thou hidest thy face, they are troubled; when thou takest away their breath, they die, and are turned again to their dust. When thou lettest thy breath go forth, they shall be made: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. The earth shall tremble at the look of him ; if he do but touch the hills, they shall smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will praise my God while. I have my being. And so shall my words please him : my joy shall be in the Lord. As for sinners, they shall be consumed out of the earth, and the ungodly shall come to an end. Praise thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord.

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

O great and most high God, who alone hast immortality, and dwellest in light unapproachable ; who hast made all creation in wisdom ; who hast divided the light from the darkness, and hast appointed the sun to rule the day, the moon and stars also to rule the night; who hast vouchsafed unto us sinners at this present hour also to come before thy presence with confession, and to offer unto thee our evening sacrifice of praise : Do thou thyself, who lovest mankind, direct our prayer as a censer before thee, and accept it for a savour of sweet incense ; and grant that we may pass this present evening and the coming night in peace. Endue us with the armour of light. Deliver us from the terror of the night, and from everything that walketh in darkness ; and grant that the sleep, which thou hast appointed for the repose of our weakness, may be free from every imagination of the Devil. Yea, O Master, Bestowerof all good things, may we, being moved to compunction upon our beds, call to remembrance thy holy Name in the night season : that, enlightened by meditation on thy statutes, we may rise up in joyfulness of soul to glorify thy goodness, offering up prayers and supplications unto thy tender love for our own sins and for those of all thy

people: whom do thou visit in mercy, through the intercessions of

the holy Birth-giver of God.

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.

Then the Priest (or the Deacon, if there be one) shall come out through the North Door, and taking his stand in the usual place, shall recite

The Great Litany ( Velikaya Ekttniyd).

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 : I£

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

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 : I£

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: Ifc

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

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

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 : IJs

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

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.

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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. (5)

Choir. Amen.

Then shall be said or sung several verses from the First Selection of the Psalms (Stikhosldvu Kafismi). (6)

Psalms i., ii.

Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, and the way of the

ungodly shall perish. Alleluia. {Thrice.)

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice unto him with reverence.

Alleluia. (Thrice.)

Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Alleluia. ( Thrice.) (7)

Arise, O Lord : Save me, O my God. Alleluia. (Thrice.)

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 Lord. (Thrice.)

Then the Deacon saith The Little Litany (Mdlaya Ekikniyd).

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.

And here shall be sung immediately, Lord, I have cried unto thee, with its Verses (Stihhl), as appointed. And in the mean time the Deacon cense th the Sanctuary and all the Temple.

PSALMS CXLL, CXL1I., CXXX.,

Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me: receive the voice of my prayer when I call upon thee. Hear me, O Lord. Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

The Canticles (Stikhiry ; see Appendix A) are then sung or read in the proper Tone, as appointed, preceded ty Verses (Stikht).

The Priest prayeth, secretly.

In the evening, and in the morning, and at noonday we praise thee, we bless thee, we give thanks unto thee, and we pray unto thee, O Lord of all : Direct thou our prayer before thee as incense, and incline not ^mr hearts unto words or thoughts T)f wickedness ; but deliver us from all who seek after our souls. For unto thee, Lord, O Lord, lift we up our eyes, and in thee have we trusted. Put us not to shame, O our God.

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{On the Lord’s Day and the For unto thee are due all glory, Great Feasts) : Bring my soul out honour and worship, to the Faof prison, that I may give thanks ther, and to the Son, and to the unto thy Name. Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and

unto ages of ages. Amen.

The righteous await me, until thou shalt requite me.

{On Feast Days) : Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord : O Lord, hear my voice,

O let thine ears consider well the voice of my complaint.

{On Ordinary Days): If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it.

Fof thy Name’s sake I have patiently waited for thee, O Lord ; my soul hath waited patiently for thy word ; my soul hath trusted in the Lord.

{Or) : My soul fleeth unto the Lord before the morning watch, I say, before the morning watch.

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his sins.

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

Then shall be sung the Hymn to the Birth-giver of God (Dogmdtik) (8) in the proper Tone*

Tone I * (Example.)

Let us sing the praises of Mary, Virgin, Door of heaven, Glory of all the world, sprung forth from man, who also bare the Lord ; the Song of the Bodiless Powers, and the Enriching of the faithful. For she revealed herself as Heaven and the Temple of the Godhead. She destroyed the bulwarks of enmity, and ushered in peace, and threw open the kingdom. Wherefore, in that we possess this confirmation of our faith we have a defender, even the Lord who was born of her. Be bold, therefore, be bold, ye people of God, for he, the AllPowerful, will vanquish your foes.

While the Dogmdtik is Being sung, the Holy Door is opened, and the Priest and Deacon pass before the High Place, through the Left Door, and stand before the Holy Door. (9)

Then the Deacon, having censed the Holy Pictures (ikoni), shall say in a low voice to the Priest:

Bless, Master, the Holy Entrance.

And the Priest, blessing with the sign of the cross, shall say :

Blessed is the Entrance of thy Holy Ones, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Deacon. Amen.

And when the Dogmdtik is finished the Deacon shall lift up the censer, as he s/andeth in the middle of the Holy Door, and shall say aloud;

Wisdom, O believers !

* For the Dogmitiki, see Appendix A.

Verse : For he hath made the round world so sure that it shall not be moved.

Verse: Holiness becometh thy house, O Lord, forever.

Here, on certain Feasts and appointed days only, are read the Parables (ii) (Paremii), the Deacon having said before each Parable : Wisdom ! Let us attend !

The Gradual being finished, the Deacon shutteth the Holy Door t and goeth out , through the North Door, and saith

The Augmented Litany (JSugtbaya Ektkniyd).

Let us say, with all our soul and with all our mind let us say,

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

O Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers, we beseech thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee : hearken, and have mercy. ft

Furthermore 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, ft

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, ft

Furthermore we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, forgiveness and remission of sins for the servants of God, our brethren of this holy Temple, ft

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, ft

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art a 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.

Reader. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin. Blessed art thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is thy name forever.. Amen.

Let thy mercy be upon us, O Lord, even as we have set our hope on thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord ; teach me thy statutes. Blessed

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art thou, Master; make me to understand thy commandments. Blessed art thou, Holy One ; enlighten me with thy precepts.

Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever : O despise not the works of thy hands. To thee belongeth worship, to thee belongeth praise, to thee belongeth glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, unto ages of ages. Amen.

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

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, be merciful unto us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

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

An Angel of Peace, the faithful guide and guardian both of our souls and bodies : 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 arid 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 a gracious 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. The Priest, secretly.

O Lord our God, who didst bow the heavens and come down for the salvation of mankind: Look upon thy servants and thine inheritance ; for unto thee, the awful Judge, who yet lovest mankind, have thy servants bowed their heads, and submissively inclined their necks, awaiting not succour from men, but expecting thy mercy and looking confidently for thy salvation. Guard them at all times, both during this present evening and. in the approaching night, from every foe, from all adverse powers of the Devil, and from vain thoughts and from evil imaginations.

Choir. And with thy spirit. Deacon. Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Aloud. Blessed and glorified be the majesty of 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 Stikhiry na Stikhdvne {Selected Verses) shall be sung 9 and the Song of St, Simeon followeth ; Lord, now lettest: (Seepage 13.)

THE LITIYA. (12)

But sometimes (especially on the Eve of a Great Feast) there followeth the Litiyd, that is % the Petitions of Fervent Devotion.

When there is a Litiyd, the Priest and Deacon, preceded by taper bearers^ come together to the end of the Temple opposite the Sanctuary ‘, while the Choir is\ singing the Canticles (Stikhiry Litiyiny) of the Temple or of the Feast.

Then the Deacon saith, aloud, the following Prayer:

O God, save thy people, and bless thine heritage. Visit thy world with mercy and bounties ; exalt the horn of Orthodox Christians, and send down upon us thy rich mercies. Through the prayers of our all-undefiled Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary : through the might of the precious and lifegiving Cross : through the protection of the honourable Bodiless Powers of heaven ; 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 Divine and John Chrysostom ; of our Holy Father Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker; of our Holy Fathers of All-Russia, Wonderworkers, Peter, Alexis, Jonah and Philip; of the holy, glorious, right-victorious Martyrs; of our reverend and Godbearing Fathers, the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna ; of Saint N. {the Patron Saint of the Temple) ; and of all thy Saints : We beseech thee, O all-merciful Lord, give ear unto us sinners, who make our supplications unto thee, and have mercy upon us. IJs

Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authori- f» ties (Emperor, or King, and Reigning House, or President, according Jj

wic “* “

5* a.

to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted).

Furthermore we pray for our Holy Synod (or Patriarch) ; for ^ “ our Bishop (or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N. ; for the honourable Presbytery, the Diaconate in Christ ; and for all our brethren in Christ ; and for every Christian soul that is afflicted and weary, in need of God’s mercies and succour ; for the protection of this holy Temple, and for those who dwell therein ; for the peace and quietness of the whole world ; for the welfare of God’s holy Churches ; for the salvation and assistance of our fathers and brethren who, with diligence and in the fear of God, do labour

Choir. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salva- T * tion, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Reader. 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 all-holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, wash away our sins. O Master,, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.}

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

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us from the Evil One:

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

Choir. Amen.

Then shall be sung ike Hymn (Tropdr) of the Feast*

Hail, O Virgin Birth-giver of the Lord ! Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. For thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.

After the Deacon hath censed about the table whereon stand the bread,

wheat ‘, wine and oil, (12) the Priest, taking one of the loaves, shall «<_-

make therewith the sign of the cross over the other loaves, and shall JSJ^J

say aloud the following Prayer, pointing with his right hand to the Onat

loaves, wheat, wine, and oil, as he uttereth the words, Do thou, the “■■■*• same Lord, bless :

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, who didst bless the five loaves and didst therewith feed the five thousand : Do thou, the same Lord, bless these loaves, wheat, wine and oil ; and multiply them in this holy habitation, and in all thy world ; and sanctify all the faithful who shall partake of them. For it is thou, O Christ our God, who dost bless and sanctify and nourish all things ; and unto thee we ascribe glory, with thy Father which hath no beginning, and thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

* For Hymns of the Twelve Great Feasts, see the Special Services.

14 THE ALUNIGHT VIGIL SERVICE

And immediately after the Amen :

arwt Choir. Blessed be the Name of the Lord, henceforth and for-

**■»■■■ ever. {Thrice.)

Psalm xxxiv. Reader. I will alway give thanks unto the Lord ; his praise shall ever be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord ; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O praise the Lord with me, and let us magnify his Name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me ; yea, he delivered me out of all my fear. They had an eye unto him, and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed. Lo, the poor crieth, and the Lord heareth him ; yea, and saveth him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste, and see, how gracious the Lord is : blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye that are his saints ; for they that fear him lack nothing. The lions do lack, and suffer hunger ; but they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.

And the Priest cometh forth, and standeth before the Holy Door. And when the Psalm is finished, he turneth and saith to the People :

The blessing of the Lord, through his grace and loving-kindness, be upon you always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen.

And at Eastertide /

Butir- Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death, ***•* and upon those in the tomb bestowing life.

And if it be the Vigil Office, and not Vespers only, the Reader immediately beginneth the Six Psalms of the Matins office. {Seepage 18.)

But if it be Great Vespers alone:

Deacon. Wisdom.

Choir. Bless, Master.

Priest. The Existing is blessed, even Christ our God, always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen. Establish, O Lord, the Holy Orthodox Faith, and Orthodox Christians, unto ages of ages.

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

Choir. 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.

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. Bless, Master.

MATINS IS

And the Priest, turning from the Holy Door towards the people, pronounceth the Benediction :

May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his most-holy Mother ; of Saint N. {the saint of the day) ; and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, in that he is gracious and loveth mankind.

When the All-Night Vigil is celebrated consecutively, as is the general custom , on the Eve of the Lord’s Day or of a Feast, all that here followeth, down to Glory to God in the highest {see page 18), shall be omitted. When, however, from necessity or for convenience. Matins are celebrated separately, the Priest shall begin {the Holy Door is being closed)’*

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

Reader. Amen.

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 all-holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, wash away our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. {Thrice.)

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us, And lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us from the Evil One :

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

Reader. Lord, have mercy. {Twelve times.)

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

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.

While the following Psalms are being read, the Priest censeth the Holy Altar, (1) and coming forth through the North Door y he censeth the Holy Images and the People.

Psalm xx.

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble ; the Name of the God of Jacob defend thee: send thee help from the sanctuary, and * For an explanation of the Symbolism, see Appendix B, IL

strengthen thee out of Sion : remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt-sacrifice : grant thee thy heart’s desire, and fulfil all thy mind. We will rejoice in thy salvation, and triumph in the Name of the Lord our God : the Lord perform all thy petitions. Now know I that the Lord helpeth his Anointed, and will hear him from his holy heaven, even with the wholesome strength of his right hand. Some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses ; but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen ; but we are risen and stand upright. Save, Lord ; and hear us, O King of heaven, when we call upon thee.

Psalm xxi.

The King shall rejoice in thy strength, O Lord ; exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation. Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not denied him the request of his lips. For thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness, and shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head. He asked life of thee ; and thou gavest him a long life, even for ever and ever. His honour is great in thy salvation ; glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon him. For thou shalt give him everlasting felicity, and make him glad with the joy of thy countenance. And why? because the King putteth his trust in the Lord ; and in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not miscarry. All thine enemies shall feel thy hand ; thy right hand shall find out them that hate thee. Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath : the Lord shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them. Their fruit shalt thou root out of the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended mischief against thee, and imagined such a device as they are not able to perform. Therefore shalt thou put them to flight, and the strings of thy bow shalt thou make ready against the face of them. Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength ; so will we sing, and praise thy power.

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

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

O all-holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, wash away our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. {Thrice!)

MATINS

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

And the following Hymns ( Tropari) :

O Lord, save thy people, and bless thine inheritance, granting to the most God-fearing (Emperor, King, or President), N M victory over all adversaries, and by thy Cross preserving ‘thine Estate.

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

Do thou who, of thine own good will, upon the Cross wast lifted up, bestow thy bounties upon the new State which is called by thy Name, O Christ, our God ; make glad with thy might our most Godfearing (Emperor, King, or President), N., granting victory over his adversaries unto him who hath thine aid, which is a panoply of peace, a trophy invincible.

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

Hymn to the Birth-giver of God {Bogorbditchen). O Champion dread, who cannot be put to confusion, despise not our petitions. O Good One, all-lauded Birth-giver of our God, stablish thou the State of those who hold the Orthodox faith: save the (Emperor), N., whom thou hast called to rule over us ; bestow upon him victory from heaven : for thou didst give birth unto God, O only-blessed One.

Then shall the Priest say :

Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee : hearken, and have mercy. Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Choir. Lord, have mercy. {Thrice.)

Furthermore we pray for our Holy Synod {or Patriarch) ; and for our Bishop {or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N. Choir. Lord, have mercy. ( Thrice.)

Furthermore we pray for all our brethren, and for all Christians. Choir. Lord, have mercy. {Thrice.)

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art a 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. Bless, Father, in the name of the Lord.

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

Choir. Amen.