Month: September 2013

James, the son of Alphaeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles. He was the blood-brother of the Apostle and Evangelist Matthew. He was a witness of the true words and miracles of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and a witness of His suffering, Resurrection and Ascension. After the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the lot fell to James to preach the Gospel of Christ in Eleutheropolis and the surrounding areas, and then in Egypt, where he suffered for his Savior. With great power in word and in deed, James disseminated the saving news of the incarnate Word of God, destroying idolatry, driving demons out of men, and healing every infirmity and disease in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. His labor and zeal were crowned with great success. Many pagans came to believe in Christ, churches were built and organized, and priests and bishops were ordained. James suffered in the Egyptian town of Ostracina, being crucified by the pagans. Thus, this great and wonderful apostle of Christ took up his abode in the Heavenly Kingdom, to reign eternally with the King of Glory. (Prologue of Ohrid)  Continue reading October 9, 2013 Holy Apostle James, Son of Alphaeus

Thomas was one of the Twelve Apostles. Through his doubt in the Resurrection of Christ the Lord, a new proof was given of that wonderful and saving event. The resurrected Lord appeared to His disciples a second time, in order to convince Thomas. The Lord said to Thomas: Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas replied: My Lord and my God (John 20:27-28). After the descent of the Holy Spirit, when the apostles cast lots to see where they would each go to preach, the lot fell to Thomas to go to India. He was a little saddened that he had to go so far away, but the Lord appeared to him and encouraged him. In India, St. Thomas converted many, both aristocrats and poor, to the Christian Faith, and established the Church there, appointing priests and bishops. Among others, Thomas converted two sisters to the Faith-Tertiana and Migdonia-both wives of Indian princes. Because of their faith, both sisters were ill-treated by their husbands, with whom they no longer wanted to live after their baptism. Eventually, they were allowed to go. Being freed of marriage, they lived God-pleasing lives until their repose. Dionysius and Pelagia were betrothed, but when they heard the apostolic preaching they did not marry, but devoted themselves to the ascetic life. Pelagia ended her life as a martyr for the Faith, and Dionysius was ordained a bishop by the apostle. Prince Mazdai, Tertiana’s husband, whose son, Azan, was also baptized by Thomas, condemned the apostle to death. Mazdai sent five soldiers to kill Thomas. They ran him through with their five spears, and thus the Holy Apostle Thomas rendered his soul into the hands of Christ. Before his death, he and the other apostles were miraculously brought to Jerusalem for the burial of the Most-holy Theotokos. Arriving too late, he wept bitterly, and the tomb of the Holy Most-pure One was opened at his request. The Theotokos’ body was not found in the tomb: the Lord had taken His Mother to His heavenly habitation. Thus, in his tardiness St. Thomas revealed to us the wondrous glorification of the Mother of God, just as he had once confirmed faith in the Resurrection of the Lord by his unbelief. (Prologue of Ohrid) 

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GREAT VESPERS

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

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 3

10. By Your Cross, O Christ our Saviour,
the power of Death has been vanquished
and the deceit of the devil has been destroyed.
Therefore, mankind, saved by faith,
offers You hymns of praise forever.

9. O Lord, all creation has been enlightened by Your resurrection,
and Paradise has been reopened;
therefore, all creation extols You
and offers You hymns of praise forever.

8. I glorify the powers of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
and I praise the dominion of the undivided Divinity,
the consubstantial Trinity,
Who reigns forever and ever.

7. We adore Your precious Cross, O Christ,
and with hymns of praise we glorify Your Resurrection;
for by Your wounds we have all been healed.

In Tone 4

6. Your hand probed the side of the Lord,
finding the perfection of all goodness and joy.
Like a sponge you have thirsted for the water of life,
the fount of blessing and everlasting gladness.
Now you wash away ignorance from the minds of men
giving us to drink of the knowledge of the Lord.

5. Your hand probed the side of the Lord,
finding the perfection of all goodness and joy.
Like a sponge you have thirsted for the water of life,
the fount of blessing and everlasting gladness.
Now you wash away ignorance from the minds of men
giving us to drink of the knowledge of the Lord.

4. By your doubt overcome by faith,
you have strengthened our faintheartedness.
You proclaim to all men: behold my Lord and my God!
He took flesh and came to earth for us, enduring crucifixion and death!
We take refuge in His side pierced with the lance
joyfully drawing the water of life from the spring of salvation.

3. By your doubt overcome by faith,
you have strengthened our faintheartedness.
You proclaim to all men: behold my Lord and my God!
He took flesh and came to earth for us, enduring crucifixion and death!
We take refuge in His side pierced with the lance
joyfully drawing the water of life from the spring of salvation.

2. Most blessed Thomas,
for the Godly-minded you are a fountain of divine knowledge:
you have touched the side of the Master of all:
an act of boldness taught you that He is two natures in one person.
You cried out: You are both my Master and my eternal God!
The Lord of glory who took flesh for my sake.

1. Most blessed Thomas,
for the Godly-minded you are a fountain of divine knowledge:
you have touched the side of the Master of all:
an act of boldness taught you that He is two natures in one person.
You cried out: You are both my Master and my eternal God!
The Lord of glory who took flesh for my sake.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Apostle Thomas, faithful servant of the Lord,
witness of His wondrous incarnation,
you have sounded the depths of divine wisdom
with the Cross as your staff and measure;
you have rescued us from the abyss of delusion.
The net of your teachings has captured many souls:
enlightening the inhabited earth with the knowledge of God
radiantly illumining the Indies.
Now you delight in the glory of Christ our God:
pray that He may have mercy on our souls!

In Tone 3, Now…

O Lady most honourable,
how can we but be rapt in wonder
at you giving birth to the Incarnate God
who, without a mother, was born of the Father before all ages?
You gave Him birth in the flesh without a father,
without a man instrumentality.
He is God and man whose two natures are intact,
neither one losing any of its properties.
Therefore, O Virgin Mother,
intercede with Him to save the souls
of those who believe and confess in true faith
that you are the Mother of God.

 

Readings
1 John 1:1-7; James 1:1-12; Jude 1-7, 17-25

 

Aposticha

In Tone 3

O Christ, Who darkened the sun by Your passion
and enlightened all creation by Your resurrection,
accept our evening prayer; for You love mankind.

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

O Lord, Your life-giving Resurrection has enlightened the entire universe
and has revived Your creation which lay in corruption.
Therefore, we, who have been released from the curse of Adam, cry out to You:
Almighty Lord, glory to You!

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

O God, although in Your divine nature You are unchangeable,
yet in Your human nature You underwent change by suffering in the flesh.
All creation was prostrate with fear
when it saw You hanging on the Cross,
and it groaned in sorrow as it sang the praises of Your long-suffering.
But You descended into Hades and arose on the third day,
granting life and great mercy to the world.

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

You suffered death, O Christ, to deliver mankind from death.
And when You arose from the dead on the third day,
You enlightened the world
and resurrected all who acknowledge You as God.

In Tone 6, Glory…

You gazed on the divine mysteries of Christ, Apostle Thomas,
and mystically you have been declared to be a spiritual mixing bowl,
in which the souls of believers rejoice;
for with the divine net of the Spirit
you drew peoples from the deep of ignorance;
therefore you came from Sion as a river of grace,
welling up with your inspired doctrines into the whole creation.
And so, imitating the passion of Christ,
you were pierced in the side and entered the darkness of incorruption;
implore Him to have mercy on our souls.

Now…

Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,
came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.
He clothed Himself in our human flesh
to set us free from the original curse of Adam.
Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,
as the true Virgin Mother of God,
and we sing with the angels:
Rejoice, O Lady, advocate, protector, and salvation of our souls.

 

Troparia

In Tone 3

Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.

In Tone 2, Glory…
O disciple of Christ and member of the apostolic council,* your lack of faith proclaimed Christ’s resurrection,* and your touch confirmed His holy passion.* O Thomas, worthy of all praise,* pray even now that He grant us peace and great mercy.

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

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 3: Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.

Troparion, Tone 2: O disciple of Christ and member of the apostolic council,* your lack of faith proclaimed Christ’s resurrection,* and your touch confirmed His holy passion.* O Thomas, worthy of all praise,* pray even now that He grant us peace and great mercy.

Kontakion, Tone 3: You rose from the tomb, O compassionate Lord,* and led us out from the gates of death.* Today Adam exults and Eve rejoices,* and the prophets together with the patriarchs* unceasingly acclaim the divine might of Your power.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: Filled with the grace of wisdom,* Your apostle and genuine servant, O Christ,* cried out to You in his change of heart:* You are my God and Lord.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 4: By your birth, O immaculate one,* Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness,* and Adam and Eve* from the corruption of death.* And your people, redeemed from the guilt of their sins,* celebrate as they cry out to you:* “The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God* and nourisher of our life.”

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Sing to our God, sing; sing to our King, sing.
verse: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout unto God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:7,2)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their word unto the ends of the world. (Psalm 18:5)

Epistle
Galatians 1:11-19; 1 Corinthians 4:9-16

Alleluia, Tone 3
verse: In You, O Lord, have I hoped that I may not be put to shame for ever.
verse: Be a protector unto me, O God, and a house of refuge to save me. (Psalm 30:2,3)
verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.
verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 88:6,8)

Gospel
Luke 7:11-16; John 20:19-31

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

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) 

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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)

 

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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.

 

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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)