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Event Information:
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Fri08Sep2023
Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary
Feast of the Mother of God. Holy Day of Obligation.
GREAT VESPERS
At Psalm 140
In Tone 6
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
Today God who dominates the spiritual thrones of heaven* welcomes on earth the holy throne which He had prepared for Himself.* In His love for mankind,* He who established the heavens in wisdom has fashioned a living heaven.* From a barren stem He has brought forth for us His Mother* as a branch full of life.* O God of miracles and hope of those who have no hope;* O Lord, glory to You!
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
This is the day of the Lord:* Rejoice, therefore, O nations!* Behold, the chamber of Light and the scroll of the living Word* has come forth from the womb.* The gate that opens to the Rising Sun* and is ready for the entrance of the High Priest, is here today.* She is the only one who introduced Christ, and Christ alone, into the world* for the salvation of souls.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Indeed some famous barren women have given birth by the will of God;* but the nativity of Mary surpasses all nativities* in honour and splendour* as it is worthy of the majesty of God.* For she was born in a miraculous way of a barren mother,* and she herself gave birth in the flesh to the God of all,* incarnate in her womb without human seed* against the laws of nature.* She alone is the door through which the only-begotten Son of God* has passed while leaving it sealed* as He had planned in His eternal wisdom.* Thus did He bring salvation to all.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
Indeed some famous barren women have given birth by the will of God;* but the nativity of Mary surpasses all nativities* in honour and splendour* as it is worthy of the majesty of God.* For she was born in a miraculous way of a barren mother,* and she herself gave birth in the flesh to the God of all,* incarnate in her womb without human seed* against the laws of nature.* She alone is the door through which the only-begotten Son of God* has passed while leaving it sealed* as He had planned in His eternal wisdom.* Thus did He bring salvation to all.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Today the barren gates are opened,* and the Virgin, the Gate of God, comes forth.* Today grace begins to bear fruit,* showing forth to the world the Mother of God* through whom earth is united to heaven* for the salvation of our souls.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Today the barren gates are opened,* and the Virgin, the Gate of God, comes forth.* Today grace begins to bear fruit,* showing forth to the world the Mother of God* through whom earth is united to heaven* for the salvation of our souls.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
Today glad tidings go forth to the whole world.* Today sweet fragrance is sent forth* by the proclamation of salvation.* Today is the end of the barrenness of our nature;* for the barren one becomes a mother,* the mother of the one who will not cease to be a virgin,* even after giving birth to the One who by nature is Creator and God.* He it is who took flesh by which He brought salvation to the lost;* He is Christ, the Lover of Mankind,* and the Saviour of our souls.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Today Anne, the barren one, gives birth to the maiden of God* who had been chosen from all the human generations* to become the dwelling place of the Creator,* Christ our God and King of all.* In her He fulfilled His divine plan* through which our human nature was renewed,* and by which we were to be transferred from corruption to eternal life.
Glory… Now…
Today God who dominates the spiritual thrones of heaven* welcomes on earth the holy throne which He had prepared for Himself.* In His love for mankind,* He who established the heavens in wisdom has fashioned a living heaven.* From a barren stem He has brought forth for us His Mother* as a branch full of life.* O God of miracles and hope of those who have no hope;* O Lord, glory to You!
Readings
(1) Genesis 28:10-17; (2) Ezekiel 43:27-44:4; (3) Proverbs 9:1-11
Lytia
In Tone 1
Today is the beginning of our salvation, O people;* for behold, the Mother and Virgin who was chosen from all generations* to be the habitation of God* is born and comes forth from the barren one.* She is the flower from Jesse and possesses the rod from his root.* May our forefather Adam rejoice and be full of joy;* for behold, she who was created from the rib of Adam* declares that her daughter and descendant is blessed.* She says: “My deliverance has been born to me.* Through her, I will be freed from the bonds of Hades.”* May David rejoice, play on his harp, and bless God;* for behold, the Virgin comes forth* from the womb of the barren woman* for the salvation of our souls.
In Tone 2
Come all you lovers of virginity and chastity,* lovingly hold aloft the boast of virginity,* the fountain of life springing up from the solid stone.* She is the bush which grows from the barren land,* the bush of the non-material fire,* who cleanses and illumines our souls.
What is the festive hymn that is heard today?* Joachim and Anne are mystically observing this day with honour, saying:* “Adam and Eve, rejoice with us today!* Through their transgression of old, Paradise was closed.* Now, Mary the maiden of God is being given to us as a blessed fruit.* She opens up the entrance of Paradise to all of us.”
The chosen one of the King of All,* the abode of God and divine dwelling of the ever-existing One,* comes forth today from the barren and glorious Anne.* It is through her that the shameless Hades is crushed,* and the first Eve is lead into a faithful life.* Let us worthily cry out to her:* “Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
In Tone 8
Glory… Now…
Let us play the spiritual flute on this noteworthy feast,* because from the seed of David* is born the Mother of the Life who dispels the darkness.* She is the renewal of Adam and the answer to Eve,* the source of incorruption and the transformation of corruption.* Because of her, we have been divinized and delivered from death.* We cry out to her with Gabriel:* “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you.* Because of you, He has granted us great mercy.”
Aposticha
In Tone 4
On this day a great joy has shone upon us* from the two just ones, Joachim and Anne;* and this joy is the most honourable Virgin.* Because of her purity, she will become a living temple of God.* She alone will be recognized as the Mother of God.* Through her intercessions, O Christ our God, * send down peace upon the world* and your great mercy upon our souls.
Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.
O Virgin, today you were born a most noble child* from the two just ones, Joachim and Anne,* as the angel had promised in his announcement.* To God you are a heaven, a throne, and a vessel of holiness;* to the whole world, a herald of joy,* the cause of our life, the blessing that wiped out the curse.* You are the reason for all the blessings of God.* O Maiden who God has chosen,* on this day of your nativity* obtain peace and great mercy for our souls.
The richest of people shall seek your favour.
Today Anne, the barren one, claps her hands for joy.* The earth is bathed in light and kings sing their happiness,* priests enjoy all blessings and the whole universe rejoices;* for the Queen and immaculate Bride of the Father* comes forth from the root of Jesse.* Behold, no woman will ever bear again a child in sorrow or anxiety,* for joy has come forth in abundance and life has filled the world.* Joachim’s offerings shall no more be rejected,* for the tears of Anne have now been turned into joy.* And now Anne can say:* Rejoice with me, all you chosen ones of Israel,* for the Lord has given me the palace of His divine and living glory* to be a place of joy and happiness for the whole universe* and for the salvation of our souls.
In Tone 8
Glory… Now…
Come all you faithful, and let us hasten to the Virgin;* for long before her conception in the womb,* the one who was to be born of the root of Jesse* was destined to be the Mother of God.* The one who is the treasury of virginity,* the flowering rod of Aaron, the object of prophecies,* the child of Joachim and Anne is born today,* and the world is renewed in her.* Through her birth, the Church is clothed with splendour* O holy Temple, vessel of the Godhead,* model of virgins and strength of kings,* in you the wondrous union of the two natures of Christ was realized.* We worship Him and glorify your most pure birth,* and the whole world extols you.
Troparion
In Tone 4
Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life. (3)
GREAT MATINS
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 4
Troparion, Tone 4
Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life. (2)
Glory… Now…
Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.
Psalter Reading
According to custom
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
O David, proclaim the oath that the Lord our God has sworn to you.* What He swore to me, I now see fulfilled, he said;* for the Virgin who has come forth as the fruit of my loins,* now gives birth to the Creator, Christ the New Adam.* He is the King who sits upon my throne.* Behold, He now reigns and his kingdom shall have no end.* The barren one bears the Mother of God* and the sustainer of our life.
Glory… Now…
O David, proclaim the oath that the Lord our God has sworn to you.* What He swore to me, I now see fulfilled, he said;* for the Virgin who has come forth as the fruit of my loins,* now gives birth to the Creator, Christ the New Adam.* He is the King who sits upon my throne.* Behold, He now reigns and his kingdom shall have no end.* The barren one bears the Mother of God* and the sustainer of our life.
Psalter Reading
According to custom
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
From the root of Jesse and the loins of David,* Mary, the servant of God, is born for us today.* The entire universe is renewed and now exalts;* heaven and earth rejoice together.* Praise her, O families of nations.* Joachim rejoices and Anne cries out on this feast:* The barren one bears the Mother of God* and the sustainer of our life.
Glory…. Now…
From the root of Jesse and the loins of David,* Mary, the servant of God, is born for us today.* The entire universe is renewed and now exalts;* heaven and earth rejoice together.* Praise her, O families of nations.* Joachim rejoices and Anne cries out on this feast:* The barren one bears the Mother of God* and the sustainer of our life.
Polyeleos
Magnification
We extol you,* O most holy Virgin,* and we venerate the holy ancestors of God,* and we celebrate your glorious Nativity.
verses:
O Lord, remember David and all the many hardships he endured.
Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest, You and the ark of your strength.
The Lord swore an oath to David; He will not go back on his word.
May the peoples praise You from age to age.
For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for his dwelling.
Glory… Now..
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! thriceSmall Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
Let heaven rejoice and earth exalt,* for the firmament of our God comes into the world;* according to the promise, the Divine Bride is now born.* The barren one now nurses Mary, her child;* and Joachim rejoices in this birth and says:* Behold, the rod is now born to me,* from which Christ shall blossom from the root of David.* Indeed, this is a wondrous marvel!
Glory… Now…
Let heaven rejoice and earth exalt,* for the firmament of our God comes into the world;* according to the promise, the Divine Bride is now born.* The barren one now nurses Mary, her child;* and Joachim rejoices in this birth and says:* Behold, the rod is now born to me,* from which Christ shall blossom from the root of David.* Indeed, this is a wondrous marvel!
Gradual Hymns, Tone 4
Antiphon 1
From my youth do many passions war against me;* but do You Yourself defend* and save me, O my Saviour.
You haters of Sion shall be shamed by the Lord;* for like grass, by the fire* shall you be withered.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit, every soul is quickened,* and, through cleansing, is exalted* and made radiant* by the Triple Unity in a hidden sacred manner.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
I will make your name remembered from generation to generation.
verse: My heart overflows with noble words. To the king I must speak the song I have made.
Let everything that lives, Tone 4
Gospel
Luke 1:39-49, 56
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Glory…
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O merciful Lord, cleanse me* from the multitude of my transgressions.
Now…
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O merciful Lord, cleanse me* from the multitude of my transgressions.
Have mercy on me, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion; according to the multitude of Your mercies blot out my offence.
This is the day of the Lord:* Rejoice, therefore, O nations!* Behold, the chamber of Light and the scroll of the living Word* has come forth from the womb.* The gate that opens to the Rising Sun* and is ready for the entrance of the High Priest, is here today.* She is the only one who introduced Christ, and Christ alone, into the world* for the salvation of our souls.
Canon
Ode 1
Irmos: Let us sing praises to our Deliverer and our God* who has routed the enemy with his powerful arm,* and made Israel pass through the Red Sea.* Glory to You, O God!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Let all creation dance for joy, and let David also rejoice. From his seed has come forth the One who gave birth to a flower, the Lord and Deliverer of all.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The Holy of Holies was brought as an infant to the holy temple where she was cared for by the hands of an angel. Let us all joyfully celebrate her nativity today.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The barren and sterile Anne did not appear so before God, for she was predestined from the ages to become the mother of the pure Virgin who would give birth to the Creator in the form of a servant.
Glory…
I glorify and sing praises to the Holy Trinity, coeternal yet one in essence, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Now…
Who has ever seen a child born without a father nourished by his mother’s milk? Or who has ever seen a virgin mother? O most pure Mother of God, you have truly fulfilled both these mysteries in an incomprehensible manner.
Ode 3
Irmos: My heart is firm in the Lord;* my strength lies in my God;* my mouth is opened against my enemies.* I rejoice in your salvation.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The fruit of virginity came forth from your blessed womb, O holy Anne. She is the one who, without seed, gave birth to Jesus, the Nourishment and Deliverer of all creation.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
All creation calls you blessed, O ever-Virgin. We celebrate your birth today from Anne; you are the spotless branch of the root of Jesse who gave birth to the flower, Christ.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
All people are filled with joy on this day, O undefiled Theotokos, for your Son has placed you above all creation. We extol your birth from Anne.
Glory…
We worship the unbegotten Father, we sing hymns to the begotten Son, and we venerate the coeternal Spirit; for the Trinity is one and undivided.
Now…
O undefiled Theotokos, you have borne the Light-giver and the Source of Life for all. You are manifested as the Treasure of our life and Gateway of the Light which no one can approach.
Ode 4
Irmos: I have heard news of You, O Lord, and I was afraid.* You, the eternal God, in your incomprehensible manner,* have become man and were born from the Virgin.* Glory to You, O Christ, glory to your power!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
With psalms and hymns let all the faithful sing the praises of the all-holy birth of the Mother of God. In faith we worship the God of Truth, who promised to give David the fruit of his loins.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O Lord, You opened the womb of Sarah and gave her Isaac as fruit in her old age. Today, O Savior, You have likewise blessed the God-fearing Anne with fruit from her womb; it is your own all-pure Mother.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
All peoples of the earth rejoice with you today, O holy Anne, for you have given birth to the Mother of our Redeemer. She is the one who gave birth to our Strength; she blossomed forth Christ as a flower from the root of Jesse.
Glory…
I glorify You, O eternal Trinity, one in essence, and with my earthly tongue I cry aloud as the Cherubim: Holy, holy, holy is He, who remains the one eternal God forever.
Now…
The prophecies of those inspired by God are now fulfilled in your birth, O immaculate One. In faith the prophets called you Tabernacle and Gate, spiritual Mountain, the unconsumed Bush, and the Rod of Aaron which blossomed from the root of David.
Ode 5
Irmos: Grant peace to our days, O Lord our God, and make us your own.* We call upon your name, for there is no other besides You.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O ever-Virgin, your conception was ineffable; your birth was all-holy; O unwedded Bride, your child-bearing was beyond our understanding, for the God of all became flesh in you.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Let the angels in heaven rejoice today; let the children of Adam dance and sing; for this day is born the One who gave birth to Christ, the only deliverer of Adam.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
At your nativity today, O undefiled Maiden, Eve is loosed from her condemnation. Adam is also freed from the ancient curse, and he sings: Through you we have been delivered from corruption.
Glory…
O undivided Trinity, without beginning, uncreated, coeternal, one in nature, we worship You and proclaim to all that You are one essence in three Persons.
Now…
You have remained a virgin before and after childbirth, O Lady; your womb has become a holy table. Like a bridegroom coming forth from his chamber, Christ the Sun has come forth from you.
Ode 6
Irmos: The waves of life toss me about like the waters of the sea, O Lover of Mankind. I entreat You, O compassionate Lord, to bring me from a life of corruption as You once brought Jonah from the whale.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The angelic powers and all the holy ones dance for joy as we sing the praises of your holy birth and venerate your conception without seed, O ever-Virgin and Bride of God.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O undefiled One, your righteous parents brought you, the Holy of Holies, as an offering to the Lord in the temple where you were to be brought up in holiness and prepared to become his mother.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Of old, David sang to you: Virgins shall be brought after you; they shall be brought into the temple of the King. I join with him in singing your praises, O daughter of the King.
Glory…
The mystery of the Trinity is praised and glorified in you, O Mary ever-pure, for you so pleased the Father that He sent his Son to dwell in you by the overshadowing of the Spirit that made you Theotokos.
Now…
You are a golden censer, for by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Fire who is the Word made your womb his tabernacle, and He became man through you, O pure Mother of God.
Kontakion, 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.”
Ikos
Joachim and Anne beseeched the Lord to remove their childlessness. He heard their prayers, and the just couple gave birth to the one who brought Life to the world. Joachim offered his prayer in the mountain while Anne accepted her reproach in the garden. With joy, the barren Anne gave birth to the Theotokos who sustains our life.
Ode 7
Irmo: The youths, withstanding the fiery furnace of the Chaldeans, were filled with the presence of the Spirit of God. They sang in praise: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O most pure One, we celebrate and honour with faith your holy nativity according to the promise. By Christ’s appearance through you, we have been delivered from the ancient curse of Adam.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Today Anne rejoices and cries aloud in praise: Although I was barren, I have given birth to the Mother of God through whom Eve has been loosed from her condemnation.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Adam is set free and Eve dances for joy. Together they sing to you in spirit, O Theotokos: By Christ’s appearance through you, we have been delivered from the ancient curse of Adam.
Glory…
Let us praise the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in the unity of the Godhead, undivided, uncreated, coeternal, and one in essence.
Now…
O Mary, you have renewed our nature through your giving birth to God and still remaining a virgin. You have delivered Eve from the ancestral curse, O pure Mother of God.
Ode 8
Irmos: Every creature offers a hymn to You, the Author and Creator; the sun sings your praises; the moon gives You glory. For You established your dwelling above the waters and set the sands as a boundary to the sea; your power is in all things.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O holy God, You worked wonders in the barren womb of Anne by giving her a child. You are the Son of the Virgin from whom You have taken flesh, the ever-pure Virgin and Theotokos.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O merciful Lord, You have loosed the unbreakable bonds of childlessness; You have given the barren woman a fertile offspring and a glorious fruit. You chose that offspring to be your Mother according to the flesh when You came to dwell among us.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Through your power, You have made the barren earth fertile. As gardener of our thoughts and of our souls, You turned the once parched land into a fruitful field, yielding much corn and fruit. You caused the holy Anne to give birth to the all-pure One, the Theotokos.
Glory…
We bless the undivided eternal Trinity while the hosts of angels sing your praises and bow down before You. The heavens, the earth, and the depths of the earth worship You in awe; fire serves You, and all creation obeys You in fear, O Holy Trinity.
Now…
What a glorious marvel! God has become the Son of a woman who knew not wedlock. She bore, without seed, the Child who is God. What a strange mystery, that the Virgin conceives! The birth is beyond expression. Indeed, all these things are incomprehensible.
The Magnificat is omitted
Ode 9
O my soul, extol the Virgin Mary, born of a barren womb.
Mothers cannot be virgins, nor virgins be mothers; but in you, O Mother of God, both virginity and motherhood were present. Therefore, all the people of the earth unceasingly extol you.
O my soul, extol the Virgin Mary, born of a barren womb.
We join all the nations of the earth to unceasingly praise you, O Mother of God; for you inherited, according to the promise, a birth worthy of your purity. You were given to the sterile one as a divine gift.
O my soul, extol the Virgin Mary, born of a barren womb.
Today the prophecy is fulfilled: I will raise up the fallen tabernacle of the holy David. These words prefigured you, O most pure One. Through you, human nature has been refashioned in the body of our God.
O my soul, extol the Virgin Mary, born of a barren womb.
O Theotokos, we glorify the Lord who gave you as a fruit to the barren Anne; we venerate your swaddling clothes. The almighty God, who can do whatever He pleases, miraculously opened the barren womb of Anne.
Glory…
It is unheard of that the unjust would glorify the eternal Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the uncreated and sovereign Power who created the world by a mighty act.
Now…
O Virgin Mother, you bore within your womb, Christ the King, one of the Trinity whom all creation praises and before whom all the heavenly hosts bow down. O all-holy Lady, beseech Him to save our souls.
Small Litany
Hymn of Light, Tone 4
Today the ends of the earth rejoice on the feast of your nativity,* O all-holy and spouseless Bride and Virgin Mary;* for you have taken away the shame and reproach of those who gave you birth.* You have overcome their sterility, the cause of their pains,* and you have removed the curse of our first mother.
Glory… Now…
Adam and Eve, be clothed with a new glory;* O Prophets, together with the company of the divine Apostles,* sing and rejoice with all the just ones.* For the joy of all angels and people, the Mother of our God,* is born of the just Joachim and Anne on this festive day.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 1
O marvellous wonder!* The source of life is born of the barren one,* and grace begins to bear its glorious fruit.* Rejoice, O Joachim, at the birth of the Mother of God.* No earthly father is indeed the same as you.* For through divine inspiration the Virgin is given to us;* she is the dwelling place of God,* the divine tabernacle, and holy mountain.
O marvellous wonder!* The source of life is born of the barren one,* and grace begins to bear its glorious fruit.* Rejoice, O Joachim, at the birth of the Mother of God.* No earthly father is indeed the same as you.* For through divine inspiration the Virgin is given to us;* she is the dwelling place of God,* the divine tabernacle, and holy mountain.
O marvellous wonder!* The fruit of the barren one has shone forth* at a sign from the almighty Creator of the universe.* She delivers the world from its sterility in good works.* All mothers, rejoice with the ancestors of God and say: Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,* and through you has granted great mercy to the world.
O living pillar of chastity and shining vessel of grace,* the wondrous and holy Anne has brought into the world* the height of virginity and its divine flourishing,* the one who gives beauty to every virgin,* as well as to all who love this gift,* and who grants great mercy to all the faithful.
Tone 6, Glory… Now…
This is the day of the Lord:* Rejoice, therefore, O nations!* Behold, the chamber of Light and the scroll of the living Word* has come forth from the womb.* The gate that opens to the Rising Sun* and is ready for the entrance of the High Priest is here today.* She is the only one who introduced Christ, and Christ alone, into the world* for the salvation of our souls.
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 4
Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, 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
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
Philippians 2:5-11
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
Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the Virgin Mary, born from a barren womb.
and the Irmos, Tone 8: Virginity is alien to mothers* and childbearing is foreign to virgins;* yet in you, O Mother of God, both of them came together.* Therefore we and all the nations of the earth* without ceasing magnify you.
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)