October 5, 2014
17th Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 8
Holy Martyr Charitina

Having been orphaned in infancy, Charitina was adopted by an eminent Christian man named Claudius, who raised her as his own daughter. Charitina was meek, humble, obedient and quiet. She studied the Law of God day and night, and vowed to live her life in chastity, as a true bride of Christ. Since Charitina also brought others to the Christian Faith, Dometius, Emperor Diocletian’s eparch, heard of her, sent soldiers to take her from her foster father, and brought her to trial. The judge questioned her: “Is it true, young maiden, that you are a Christian, and that you deceive others, leading them to this profane Faith?” Charitina courageously replied: “It is true that I am a Christian, but it is a lie that I deceive others; rather, I lead those in error to the true path, by leading them to my Christ.” The evil judge condemned her. Her hair was shorn and hot coals were poured onto her head. Even so, she was saved by the power of God. They threw her into the sea, but God delivered her again. They tied her to a wheel and began to turn it, but an angel of God stopped the wheel, and Charitina remained unharmed. Then the depraved judge sent some dissolute young men to defile her. Fearing this dishonor, St. Charitina prayed to God to receive her soul before those degenerates could defile her virginal body. While she knelt, praying to God, her soul departed from her and was translated to the Immortal Kingdom of Christ. (Prologue of Ohrid)


GREAT VESPERS

 

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

O Christ, during this spiritual service,
we sing to You these evening prayers,
commemorating the mercy You have shown us
by Your resurrection.

O Lord, O Lord, do not cast us away from Your face;
but in Your kindness have mercy on us
through Your resurrection.

Rejoice, O holy Zion,
the Mother of Churches and the dwelling-place of God;
for you were the first to receive the forgiveness of sins
through the resurrection.

Christ the Word was begotten by God the Father before all ages;
yet in these latter times,
He freely willed to take flesh from the Virgin who did not know man.
By His death on the cross and His resurrection,
He saved mankind from the ancient curse of death.

O Christ, we glorify Your resurrection;
for by rising from the dead
You freed the race of Adam from the sufferings of Hades,
and as God You granted eternal life
and great mercy to the world.

Glory to You, O Christ our Saviour,
the only-begotten Son of God;
for You were nailed to the cross,
and then arose from the dead on the third day.

We glorify You, O Lord;
for of Your own free will You suffered crucifixion for our salvation.
Almighty Saviour, we worship You.
We implore You not to cast us away from Your face;
but hear our prayer and save us by Your resurrection,
for You truly love mankind.

In Tone 4

With much patience did you endure torment great with the sharpest pain,
when your teeth and nails all were torn out by the roots;
and as the namesake of joy have you in joy now departed
hence to the heavenly abodes and the bridal chamber found on high,
where you desired that your citizenship should be,
O all-august prizewinner Charitina,
you Virgin Martyr of many crowns.

O contender in many fights, you shattered the lions’ jaws
when you bravely bore the breaking of your jaw;
and in courageously suffering the uprooting of all your nails,
thou tore up by the roots error’s wicked audacity;
and when you were cast in the depths of the sea, O Charitina,
you sent to the bottom the evil enemy’s villainy.

When you found your blessed end, being cast in the briny deep,
then your father took you to bury you, and cried in his amazement:
How is it now, my sacred and well-beloved daughter,
that you have been graced
with the torments and pains of this hallowed martyrdom,
so fulfilling your name as a true calling stamped by grace on you beforehand,
O Charitina most glorious!

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Out of his love for mankind
the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt with men,
for He assumed a human body from the pure Virgin
and was seen in the flesh He received from her.
He is the One and only God having two natures but not two persons.
Wherefore we profess and declare the truth
that Christ our God is perfect God and perfect Man.
O Mother, who knew not carnal union,
intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

 

Aposticha

In Tone 8

O Jesus, You descended from heaven
so that You might ascend the cross.
O immortal Life, You came to die.
You are the true light to those who live in darkness,
and You are the resurrection of the fallen.
Therefore, O Saviour of all, we glorify You.

The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. * Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.

Let us glorify Christ, the Saviour of our Souls
Who arose from the dead.
For He took upon himself a soul and a body,
and during His passion He separated the one from the other.
His pure soul went down to conquer Hades,
while His holy body lay uncorrupted in the grave.

For He has made the world firm. * which shall not be moved.

O Christ, we glorify Your resurrection with psalms and hymns.
For by Your victory over death
You delivered us from the sufferings of Hades,
and as God You granted us eternal life and great mercy.

Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, * for length of days.

O Lord of all, Creator of heaven and earth,
You are above all understanding.
Through Your passion on the cross
You freed us from the sufferings of Hades.
And, after condescending to be buried, You arose in glory;
and with Your mighty arm You also raised up Adam.
O most merciful Lord, we glorify You;
for by Your resurrection on the third day
You granted us remission of sins and eternal life.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin, You have never known wedlock,
Yet You conceived God in the flesh
in a manner which words can never describe.
You thus became the Mother of God on high.
O Immaculate Lady, receive the supplication of your servants
and grant us the cleansing of our sins.
Accept now our prayers and beseech God to save all of us.

 

Troparia

In Tone 8

You came down from on high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You.

In Tone 4, Glory…
Your lamb, Charitina, O Jesus, cries in a loud voice:* “You, O my Bridegroom, I love; and, seeking You, I undergo martyrdom.* And with You I am crucified and buried in Your baptism,* and I suffer for Your sake that I may reign with You.* And I die on Your behalf that I may live in You.* Receive me as a spotless sacrifice,* sacrificed for You with love.”* Through her intercession in Your mercy save our souls.

Now…

O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,*and saved our souls from death.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 8: You came down from oh high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: When You rose from the tomb,* You also raised the dead and resurrected Adam.* Eve exults in Your resurrection,* and the ends of the world celebrate Your rising from the dead,* O most merciful One.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 8: To you, O Mother of God,* the invincible leader,* we, your servants, ascribe these victory hymns* in thanksgiving for our deliverance from evil.* With your invincible power free us from all dangers* that we may cry out to you:* “Hail, O bride, and pure Virgin!”

Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Pray and give thanks to the Lord our God.
verse: In Judea God is known; His name is great in Israel. (Psalm 76:12,2)

Epistle
2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord; let us acclaim God our Saviour.
verse: Let us come before His countenance with praise and acclaim Him with psalms. (Psalm 95:1,2)

Gospel
Matthew 15:21-28

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)

October 1
The Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God; Holy Apostle
Annias of the Seventy Disciples
Venerable Father Roman who sang Sweetly (560)

From time immemorial, the Church has celebrated the Most-holy Theotokos as the patroness and protectress of the Christian people, who, by her intercessory prayers, implores God’s mercy for us sinners. The help of the Most-holy Mother of God has been clearly shown numerous times, to individuals and to nations, in peace and in war, in monastic deserts and in densely populated cities. The event that the Church commemorates and celebrates today confirms the Theotokos’ consistent protection of Christian people. On October 1, 911, during the reign of Emperor Leo the Wise, there was an All-night Vigil in the Blachernae Church of the Mother of God in Constantinople. The church was full of people. St. Andrew the Fool-for-Christ was standing in the rear of the church with his disciple Epiphanius. At four o’clock in the morning, the Most-holy Theotokos appeared above the people, holding her omophorion outstretched as a protective covering for the faithful. She was clothed in gold-encrusted purple, and shone with an ineffable radiance, surrounded by apostles, saints, martyrs and virgins. St. Andrew said to Blessed Epiphanius: “Do you see, brother, the Queen and Lady of all praying for the whole world?” Epiphanius replied: “I see, Father, and am struck with amazement!” The Feast of the Protection was instituted to commemorate this event, and to remind us that we can prayerfully receive the unceasing protection of the Most-holy Theotokos in any time of difficulty. (Prologue  of Ohrid)


VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sing only if the feast falls on a Sunday or Monday.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

8. O most pure Mother of God,
you are a mighty defender for those in sorrow.
You are a ready help to those in trouble.
You are the salvation and confirmation of the world.
You are the depth of mercy, the fount of God’s wisdom
and the protectress of the world.
O faithful, let us sing and praise her glorious protection, saying:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,
and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

7. O most pure Mother of God,
you are a mighty defender for those in sorrow.
You are a ready help to those in trouble.
You are the salvation and confirmation of the world.
You are the depth of mercy, the fount of God’s wisdom
and the protectress of the world.
O faithful, let us sing and praise her glorious protection, saying:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,
and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

6. The wondrous prophet Isaiah foretold:
The mountain of the Lord will be revealed in the last days,
and the house of the Lord will be upon the mountain.
O Queen and Lady, we have seen this prophecy truly fulfilled in you,
because the mountains and hills have been adorned
by the many churches named after your feasts.
Therefore, we joyfully sing out to you:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,
and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

5. O awesome beauty,
you are the true prophetic fulfilment for all the faithful.
You are the glory of the apostles and the joy of the martyrs,
the pride of virgins and a wondrous protection for the whole world.
O Lady, with the mantle of your mercy,
protect our Church and all the people who sing out to you:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,
and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

In Tone 4

4. O Theotokos, you cooperated with the invitation offered by the Holy Spirit.
You were like a paradise planted by God
and the site of the living Tree.
We acknowledge you as having brought forth the Creator of all
who feeds the faithful with the Bread of Life.
We ask you to pray for us with the Forerunner.
With your mantle protect all people from every danger.

3. O Theotokos, you cooperated with the invitation offered by the Holy Spirit.
You were like a paradise planted by God
and the site of the living Tree.
We acknowledge you as having brought forth the Creator of all
who feeds the faithful with the Bread of Life.
We ask you to pray for us with the Forerunner.
With your mantle protect all people from every danger.

2. Heaven and earth are sanctified.
The Church is radiant and all the people are rejoicing.
Behold, the Mother of God,
together with the angelic hosts, the Forerunner, and the Theologian,
with the prophets and the apostles has invisibly entered.
She prays to Christ in behalf of all Christians
that He may have mercy on our city and all people
who glorify the feast of her Protection.

1. O Theotokos, you are the beauty of Jacob;
you are the heavenly ladder
by which Christ came down to earth.
Indeed, those images signify your honour and glory.
The angels in heaven and all people on earth praise you,
for you have given birth to the God of all.
We honour you as you pray for the whole world
and cover with your mantle
all those who observe your holy feast.

In Tone 8, Glory…

All the leaders of the heavenly armies
form a spiritual choir and rejoice with all of us
when they see the Lady and Queen of all praised by the faithful.
The spirits of the just also rejoice
as they witness the vision of the Queen praying with outstretched arms.
She asks for peace in the world,
power and strength for our Church,
and salvation for our souls.

Now…(Dogmatikon, Tone 8 from Saturday evening)

Out of his love for mankind the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt with men, for He assumed a human body from the pure Virgin and was seen in the flesh He received from her. He is the One and only God having two natures but not two persons. Wherefore we profess and declare the truth that Christ our God is perfect God and perfect Man. O Mother, who knew not carnal union, intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

 

Readings
Genesis 28:10-17; Ezekiel 43:27-44:4; Proverbs 9:1-11

 

Lytia

In Tone 3

The glorious feast of your Holy Protection has come, O most pure Virgin.
Illuminate more brightly than the sun all your people
who with faith and with a pure heart
proclaim you to be truly the Mother of God.
They likewise sing out to your Son:
O Christ our God, through the prayers of the ever-Virgin,
who immaculately gave You birth in the flesh,
let not your inheritance be vanquished by the enemy;
but because You are the merciful One,
save our souls in peace.

In Tone 4

The people desire to sing to you, most pure Lady,
but they cannot sing praises worthy of your Son.
For you always intercede for all the faithful
and embrace them with your holy protection.
You pray that all will be saved,
all who honour you with faith,
O most pure Mother of God.

In Tone 2

Let us assemble today, O faithful,
and praise the immaculate Queen of all,
the most pure Virgin, the Mother of Christ our God;
for she always mercifully extends her hands to her Son.
In amazement, Andrew saw her in a cloud,
protecting the faithful with her mantle.
Let us fervently sing to her:
Rejoice, O protection, defence, and salvation of our souls.

Glory… Now…

Having purified our minds and souls,
we also rejoice with the angels,
joyously singing the hymn of David
to the virgin bride of Christ our God, the King of all:
Arise, O Lord, in the place of your dwelling,
You and the ark of your majesty.
Because You have adorned her as a beautiful palace,
receive her into your city
that through her prayers, O Lord, and with your almighty power,
she will order our lives and protect our Church from its enemies.

 

Aposticha

In Tone 2

Higher than all beings in heaven or on earth,
more glorious than the Cherubim,
and more honourable than all creation,
Christ has given you as the powerful protection of the Christian people
to protect and save all sinners who hasten to you.
Therefore, O Lady, we sing hymns to you
because you are the refuge of all people,
and we gloriously celebrate the honourable feast of your Protection.
We ask Christ to grant us great mercy through you.

In Tone 5

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

O people, let us gloriously sing David’s song to the young bride,
to the mother of Christ our God and the King of all.
O Master, the Queen stood at your right hand,
clothed in golden robes and adorned with celestial beauty.
You have affirmed her, chosen from among women,
and deigned to be born of her because of your great mercy.
You have given her as a help to your people
to build up and protect your servants
from all misfortunes, O only-blessed One.

In Tone 7

The richest of people shall seek your favour.

O Theotokos, you are a mountain greater and more glorious than Mount Sinai.
It could not bear God’s glory coming down in images and tents.
It caught fire and shook with thunder and lightning.
You likewise had the Divine Fire in you.
Through the will of Him who holds all in the palm of his hand,
you bore the Word of God in your womb without being burned.
Since you have a mother’s confidence before Him, O Lady,
help those who faithfully celebrate your precious feast.
Do not forget in your mercy to visit us,
for you have received a gift from God
to build up and protect the Christian flock of your servants.

In Tone 2, Glory…

O all-pure Mother of God,
the Church is clothed with your honourable protection
as with a most glorious wreath.
It radiantly rejoices today.
It mystically dances with joy and sings to you, O Lady:
Rejoice, honourable raiment and crown of God’s glory.
Rejoice, unique perfection of glory and eternal joy;
rejoice, refuge of all who hasten to you;
rejoice, our salvation and deliverance.

Now…

We now behold a new wonder,
greater than the wonders of old.
For who has ever known a mother to bear a child without the help of man?
Who has known a mother to hold in her arms the Source of all Creation?
It was God’s own will to be born in this manner;
and you, O most pure Virgin, carried Him as an infant in your arms.
Because of this, you can approach God with the boldness of a mother.
Therefore, we venerate you, and ask you to always beseech Him
to have mercy on us and save our souls.

 

Troparion

In Tone 4
Today we believers radiantly celebrate,* flooded in light by your coming to us, O Mother of God;* beholding your pure image,* we say with contrition:* shelter us with your precious protection* and deliver us from every evil,* entreating Your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls. (3)

 


FESTAL MATINS

Hexapsalm

Great Ekteny

The Lord Is God, Tone 4

Troparia, Tone 4
Protected by your coming, O Mother of God,* the faithful people solemnly celebrate today;* and gazing upon your immaculate image,* they humbly say: Watch over us with your noble protection* and deliver us from all evil,* by asking your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls. (2)

Glory… Now…

O Mother of God, the mysteries which surround you are exceedingly glorious,* and beyond the power of understanding.* For you retained the seal of purity,* and your virginity remained inviolate;* yet you are acknowledged, without doubt,* to be the Mother who gave birth to the true God.* We beg you, therefore, to entreat Him to save our souls.

Kathisma & Little Ekteny

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 3
Encircled by the light of the angelic hosts, O Lady,* and by the ranks of the apostles and prophets,* and receiving as the Mother of God their holy veneration,* visit us, your servants, and entreat Christ our God* to grant us His abundant mercy.

Kathisma & Little Ekteny

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 6
You are indeed the strength of the helpless,* O most pure Mother of God.* Because of this, we lowly ones glory in you.* Because of you, our hopes are high.* You are our protection and our mediatrix with God.

Polyeleos

Exaltation
We extol You,* O most holy Virgin,* and we honour your precious Protection* for the saintly Andrew saw you in a vision, praying to Christ for us.
verses:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides in the shade of the Almighty.
He will conceal you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge.
For there He keeps me safe in His tent in the day of evil.
He hides me in the shelter of his tent; on a rock He sets me safe.
Glory…Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3 times)

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
Your most precious mantle glistens more brilliantly* than the gold and silver of the ark of old.* It is spread out not in substance but in spirit* by your pure and incorruptible hands,* and it mercifully protects those who honour the feast of your Protection, O Lady,* which we joyfully celebrate today.

Gradual Hymns, Tone 4, Antiphon 1

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
I will make your name remembered from generation to generation.
verse: Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

Let Everything That Has Breath, Tone 4

Gospel
Luke 1:39-49, 56

Psalm 50

After Psalm 50, Tone 6
Glory…
Through the intercession of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.
Now…
Through the intercession of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.
In Tone 8: Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offense.
All the leaders of the heavenly armies form a spiritual choir and rejoice with all of us* when they see the Lady and Queen of all praised by the faithful.* The spirits of the just also rejoice* as they witness the vision of the Queen praying with outstretched arms.* She asks for peace in the world,* power and strength for our Church,* and salvation for our souls.

Canon

Ode 1
Irmos
I will open my mouth and it will be filled with the Spirit, and I will utter a word to the Queen and Mother, and I shall be seen keeping glad festival, and rejoicing I will sing her wonders.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
As all-pure Mother of God, grant me wisdom, and give me eloquence that I may radiantly praise the wonders of your holy Protection, through which you always protect those who honour you.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
You unfolded from above the lighting blaze of your Protecting Veil, and sheltered under it not only the queen of cites but your whole race that bears the name of Christ.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Venerable Andrew saw you of old in an ineffable vision in the church of Blachernae, Pure Virgin, protecting the ends of the world by the unfurling of your godly Robe.
Glory… Now…
Your race’s army, taking invincible strength from your Protection, defeated regiments of foes and won a radiant victory. And so, Sovereign Lady, it sings your mighty deeds.

Ode 3
Irmos
O Mother of God, as a living and bounteous source, establish those united in spiritual fellowship who sing you hymns of praise, and by your divine protection grant them crowns of glory.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Your Protection, formed of light, is a source of heavenly joy, O All-unblemished, ever awarding to those who wrestle with afflictions grace, mercy and salvation.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
From the beginning through compassion you placed us, as a chosen race, beneath your Protecting Veil, O Virgin, and both of old and now you have worked strange and wondrous things, rescuing us from dangers.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
When godly Epiphanios heard the words of Venerable Andrew, he saw you as a heavenly queen protecting the people that bears Christ’s name.
Glory… Now…
As we see the multitude of wonders of your godly Protection, O Virgin, which you work everyday for our preservation, we, the multitudes of believers, bring you thankful praises.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 3
You appeared, O All-praised, as Protection, salvation, help and defence of your Orthodox peoples; therefore we magnify your Protection and we proclaim your fervent defence, All-pure Maiden, who protect our souls from every assault of the dragon.

Ode 4
The One seated in glory on the throne of the Godhead, Jesus, the One above all godhead, has come on a light cloud and with his unsullied palm has saved those who cry: Glory, O Christ, to your power!
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Invisibly unfolding your shining Protection, each day you protect, encompass, cherish and save from every affliction those who cry to you: Glory, O Virgin, to your glory!
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The revelation of your great goodness, O Maiden, and your distribution of the gifts which your ever show to our race, amaze mind and thought. And so, Sovereign Lady, we sing the praise of your grace.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Being present invisibly you clearly revealed to your servants your all-holy Protection in Byzantium of old, O Bride of God. Through it you ever protect us, for you love goodness.
Glory… Now…
Having you, O Maiden, as defence in dangers, respite in slavery, guide and assistance in all the circumstances of our life, we take refuge under your shining Protection.

Ode 5
The universe was amazed at your divine glory, for you, O Virgin, who knew not wedlock, held in your womb the God who is over all and gave birth to an eternal Son, who gives salvation as the prize to all who sing your praise.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Your suppliant people, O All-praised, celebrates the holy memory of your Protecting Veil, for you came to the church of Blachernae and there, O Immaculate, you spiritually protected all those who faithfully glorify you.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
By your visitation, pure Maiden, destroy the insolence of the hostile lion who goes roaring each day to swallow down your inheritance, and overthrow his arrogance and pride.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
As we celebrate the memory of your light-bearing Protection, we sing you thanksgivings for salvation, O Virgin, for you have delivered us from bitter slavery and mightily humbled the overweening enemy who came against us.
Glory… Now…
As a godly jar of alabaster of the All-holy Spirit, Mother of God full of grace, show me, who with faith ever take refuge under your Protection and sing the praise of your glory, to be a vessel of divine grace.

Ode 6
Come godly-minded people, as we celebrate this divine and honoured feast of the Mother of God, let us clap our hands as we glorify the God who was born from her.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
By night a pillar of fire once guided the Israelite people, while now, O Immaculate, your Protecting Veil, formed like lightning, ever guides us to salvation.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Unfolding your Protection, wholly light, you protect us each day, All-pure Virgin, as we now know. What return then shall we make you for your grace?
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Of old and now you have shown us to be your own chosen portion and a people for your won possession, O Maiden. Therefore the company of the Orthodox sings your praise.
Glory… Now…
Your faithful and God-loving people, O Maiden, proclaims your grace and, delivered from dangers and perils, sings a song of thanksgiving to your Protection.

Kontakion, Tone 8
Like a cloud brightly overshadowing the whole company of the Church, O all-pure, you appeared of old on the royal City. But as the Protection and Champion of your people, protect from every affliction us who cry to you: Hail, Protection wholly light.

Ikos
Unfolding from on high your holy Protection, Virgin Mary, Mother of God, you protect and save your people, who cry out to you, Pure Maiden, hour by hour, while now they gratefully sing the praise of your wonders as they cry: Hail, Protection, wholly light!

Hail, gate of salvation.
Hail, Protection of the Church.
Hail, wondrous vision of the Angels.
Hail, unshakeable support of mortals.
Hail, Ever-Virgin Mother of Christ the universal King.
Hail, Protection and assistance of your faithful people.
Hail, for you appeared protecting your race.
Hail, for you grant victories to the troops.
Hail, source of abundant goodness.
Hail, lamp of God’s loving-kindness.
Hail, for through you we conquer the foe.
Hail, for to you we cry out each day:
Hail, Protection wholly light!

Ode 7
The godlike Children did not worship creation instead of the Creator, but bravely trampling on the threat of fire, rejoicing they sang: O highly exalted Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are you!
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
You have placed us, Sovereign Lady, under your Protecting Veil, and you ever protect us from dread abuse, assault of foes and every affliction. Therefore with upraised voices we all sing your praise to the ages.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
You protected the royal city of Constantine as your chosen part, Pure Virgin; likewise you now protect with your glory, All-blameless Lady, us who take refuge in your fervent defence.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The wondrous overshadowing of our race with your godlike Protection, Pure Virgin, clearly manifests your providence, through which you grant joy and peace to our souls.
Glory… Now…
Unhusbanded, O All-pure, you husbanded Christ, the Husbandman of our life; as cause of our joy you appeared to those who sang, Hail, Sovereign Lady of our race, saviour and sweet help.

Ode 8
The Offspring of the Mother of God saved the innocent Youths in the furnace. Then he was prefigured, but now in reality he gathers the whole world which sings: All you works praise the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
In many ways you revealed of old the force of your Protection, Mother of God, by signs and wonders and countless deeds of power, acting as our Champion every day, O All-pure; while now we sing the praise of your saving wondrous works.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Your chosen people, O All-blameless, faithfully receiving force and strength from your godly Protection, ever escapes from afflictions that attack them and from warlike foes, and remains unharmed by any madness, Mother of God, through your solicitude.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
From on high, Immaculate Virgin, unfold your holy and most radiant Protection, and as of old protect us and keep us safe from foes who attack us, and deliver your inheritance from their wickedness and assault.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Venerable Andrew and venerable and godly Epiphanios saw you unfolding the Protecting Veil that had protected your immaculate body, Mother of God Ever-Virgin, and they were amazed; for you protected all, O Maiden, with immaterial light and heavenly glory.

Ode 9
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
Let all born of earth bearing torches, in spirit leap for joy; let the nature of the immaterial spirits honour and celebrate the wondrous sacred festival of the Mother of God, and let them cry: Hail, all-blessed Mother of God, pure and Ever-Virgin!
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
The dew which falls in drops from your Godly Protection as from an immaterial cloud, O Immaculate, becomes healing for us and brings to an end sicknesses of soul and body for those who cry: Hail, Ever-Virgin, our joy and consolation!
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
The Church of the faithful celebrates a sacred memorial of your wonders to your glory and praise, O All-blameless, and with faith taking refuge under your Protection, cries out to you: Protect and guard me until my life’s end, O All-praised.
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
With all our soul let us gather to your godly Protection, immaculate Lady, bringing thankful praise with fervent gratitude, for you are an immaterial cloud, O Immaculate, which becomes healing for us and brings to an end sicknesses of soul and body for those who cry: Hail, Ever-Virgin, our joy and consolation!
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
The Church of the faithful celebrates a sacred memorial of your wonders to your glory and praise, O All-blameless, and with faith taking refuge under your Protection, cries out to you: Protect and guard me until my life’s end, O All-praised.
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
With all our soul let us gather to your godly Protection, immaculate Lady, bringing thankful praise with fervent gratitude, for you have chosen us for your own and you treat us kindly in all things; you guide us and save us from afflictions.
Immaculate Virgin who bore God, save your flock, protecting it with your Protecting Veil and caring for it in every way.
From above, pure Virgin, keep your godly Protection around your people like a rampart with a wealth of loving-kindness; while to me, who have now woven for you songs of praise, give enlightenment and illumination, I implore, and forgiveness of faults.
Glory…
Raising your hands to God you implore on our behalf the One who came forth from you, and thence, unfolding spiritually your light-bearing Protection, you protected all the faithful. And so, as we celebrate its yearly memorial, Mother of God, we magnify you.
Now…
As we sing the praise of the manifold gifts of your Protection and its unstinted grace, pure Mother, which we unceasingly enjoy, we cry out to you from our souls: As of old you protected your people, so now too protect us with your hand and save us until our life’s end, O Immaculate.

Hymn of Light, Tone 3
O most holy Lady, Virgin Mother of God,* extend your holy mantle over us;* guide and protect our rulers and all people from every evil.* As the holy Andrew saw you in a vision while praying,* so today, O holy Lady, show us your loving protection.

At the Praises, Tone 8

O Lady, we bow before you,* and humbly prostrating, we pray to you.* Rejoice, O glorious Virgin,* most blessed by God and heralded by prophets;* for in you, Christ our God came down as the dew.* In your maidenhood, pure and undefiled, you gave birth to Him.* You carried in your arms the Lord and Creator of all.* implore Him now for us* who faithfully glorify the feast of your Protection. (twice)

The angel choirs sing of you, O Virgin Mother of God.* The patriarchs join the priestly ranks and holy apostles in praising you.* They give service to you as to the Mother of God.* Having seen you pray to Christ our God, the Saviour of all,* they ask you to pray to Him to save the world* and all those who sincerely honour you* and keep holy the feast of your Protection.

O Mother of God,* you were made more holy than the ark of Aaron through the Holy Spirit.* With your mantle you shine more brilliantly than the rays of the sun.* You illumine the Church and dispel the darkness caused by our sins.* Deliver from danger and tribulations* all those who honour the feast of your Protection.

Tone 6, Glory… Now…

O Mother of God,* the holy Andrew saw you in a vision with a multitude of archangels,* together with the apostles and prophets,* and a multitude of martyrs.* You were praying to your Son, our God,* for the city and the people,* covering them with your holy mantle.* So now, O most pure One,* do not forsake the inheritance of your Son,* all those who keep holy the feast of your Protection, O most praised One.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: Today we believers radiantly celebrate,* flooded in light by your coming to us, O Mother of God;* beholding your pure image,* we say with contrition:* shelter us with your precious protection* and deliver us from every evil,* entreating Your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today the Virgin stands before us in the church* and together with the choirs of saints invisibly prays to God for us.* Angels are worshipping with hierarchs,* Apostles exult with prophets,* for the Mother of God prays in our behalf to the eternal God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.
verse: Because he has regarded the humility of His handmaid; for behold, all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)

Epistle
Hebrew 9:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear.
verse: The rich among the people shall entreat your countenance. (Psalm 44:11,13)

Gospel
Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

Communion Hymn
I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)