New Texts arriving in the evening of April 17, 2024!
Event Information:
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Mon11Mar2024
Our Holy Father Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem (638).
Great Fast Day 29. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
MATINS FOR MONDAY MORNING
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 8
Look, O Lord, with a compassionate eye upon my lowliness,* for my life is soon spent and there is no salvation for me in my deeds.* And so I cry: Look, O Lord, with a compassionate eye* upon my lowliness and save me.
O Lord, rebuke me not in Your anger, neither chasten me in Your wrath.
Be full of anxious fear, my soul, as though standing in the presence of the Judge,* and call to mind that dreadful day and hour.* Merciless shall be the judgment for those that showed no mercy.* Therefore, spare me, O Saviour, for You alone love mankind.
God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
O holy martyrs, God has made you into spiritual torches.* By the power of faith you have dispersed the dark mist of error;* you have made the lamp of your soul to burn brightly,* and in the company of the Bridegroom you have entered with glory into the heavenly bridal chamber.* And now, we entreat you, intercede for the salvation of our souls.
Glory… Now…
Most pure Theotokos, spiritual gateway of our life,* with faith we run to you:* deliver us from danger, that we may glorify your holy childbearing* for the salvation of our souls.
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 3
The most beautiful of seasons has dawned upon us,* the praiseworthy days of abstinence.* O brethren, let us hasten to be cleansed,* that we may appear in purity before our Creator and receive His beauty,* by the prayers of her who gave birth to Him,* the only pure Mother of God.
Glory…
The most beautiful of seasons has dawned upon us,* the praiseworthy days of abstinence.* O brethren, let us hasten to be cleansed,* that we may appear in purity before our Creator and receive His beauty,* by the prayers of her who gave birth to Him,* the only pure Mother of God.
Now…
Awed by the beauty of your virginity* and the exceeding radiance of your purity,* Gabriel called out to you, O Theotokos:* What worthy hymn of praise can I offer to you?* And what shall I name you?* I am in doubt and stand in awe.* Wherefore as commanded, I cry to you:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace.
Sessional Hymn III, Tone 7
O Lord, having granted us to reach this present day,* on which, radiant with illumination* we commence the holy week of the raising of Lazarus,* deem us Your servants worthy to walk in reverent fear of You,* and so complete the course of the Fast.
Glory…
O Lord, having granted us to reach this present day,* on which, radiant with illumination* we commence the holy week of the raising of Lazarus,* deem us Your servants worthy to walk in reverent fear of You,* and so complete the course of the Fast.
Now…
O all-pure Virgin, you are greater in honour than the glorious cherubim.* For unable to endure the divine splendour,* while performing their ministry, they veil their faces with their immaterial wings;* but with your own eyes you have gazed upon the Incarnate Word,* ceaselessly pray to Him on behalf of our souls.
Canon
Ode 1
Irmos: He who of old assembled the waters into one gathering by His divine decree,* divided the sea for the people of Israel.* For He is our God and He is glorified* and to Him alone let us sing, for He has been glorified.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
With the divine ploughshare of the holy Fast, let us till the noetic soil of our mind, and thereby reap the sheaf of virtues; that we not hunger eternally, but rejoice in gladness with never-waning joy.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I bear within me the passions of many years, darkening my wretched soul; O timeless Word of the eternal Father, with a contrite heart I fall down before Your unconquerable power, and I pray: have compassion upon me and save me.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The holy Fast feeds our hearts, ripening within us thoughts acceptable to God, and drying up the deep abyss of our passions, and with the gentle rain of compunction it cleanses those who with faith offer praise to the Almighty One.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Maiden of many names, rejoice holy Virgin! Mary, Birthgiver of God, the glory of the faithful, deliverance from the curse, the heavenly ladder, and wonder transcending understanding, the un-burnt bush, and untilled earth.
Irmos: Let us sing a song of victory to the Lord,* who drowned all the power of Pharaoh in the sea: for He has been glorified.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Having venerated the life-giving Tree, let us, rejoicing, advance now upon the path of the Fast to the Passion of Christ.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Following Christ, let us shun the world, and taking up the Cross, let us share in His divine passion.
Glory…
Let us all sing the praises of the Divinity, supreme in Essence, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Now…
May He whom you bore in a manner transcending understanding, O pure Virgin, Jesus the Saviour, be merciful to your servants.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When You come in glory with the angels to judge the whole world, O Christ, grant us to worthily make a good defence before You.
Katavasia: Let us sing a song of victory to the Lord,* who drowned all the power of Pharaoh in the sea: for He has been glorified.
Ode 8
Irmos: The Babylonian furnace did not burn for the Youths,* as the Virgin was not consumed by the fire of the divinity;* O faithful, we sing together with the Youths:* bless the Lord, all you His works.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Being led astray by the harmful deception of the serpent, I have beguiled my mind, and each day I add anguish to my pain. Wherefore I cry to You, O Saviour; O Physician of the sick, come to me and save me.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Of old Elisha raised up the child of the Shunnamite woman, clearly strengthened in spirit by fasting. May we the faithful, who have become deadened by the pleasures of passion, through the life-giving Fast also regain life.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Of old, O Lover of mankind, You saved the people of Nineveh when they repented with tears and fasting. Do You also, O Lord, in Your mercy be compassionate with us, for we are at a loss to confess You through our deeds.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
After bearing a child you remained without corruption, O all-immaculate One, wherefore we pray you to deliver from corruption your servants who with faith sing in oneness of soul: “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.”
Irmos: To Him before whom the cherubim are in awe, and the seraphim filled with wonder,* the Fashioner of the world:* O you priests and servants and spirits of the righteous,* hymn, bless, and supremely exalt throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O you faithful, strengthened by abstinence with God’s help, let us run the remainder of the fast and receive our crown.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Seeing my soul sickly and bereft of fruit, be patient with me O Christ, and cut me not down, like the fig tree which You cursed.
We bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Lord.
O Sovereign Trinity, Unity in three Hypostases, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, deliver from every temptation and danger those who hymn You.
Now…
Rejoice! Mountain of God; Rejoice! ever-radiant Lamp; Rejoice! new Heaven; Rejoice! Mind brighter than lightning; Rejoice! Temple of the Lord; Rejoice! all-hymned one.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When I think of Your dread judgment, O Christ, I am filled with fear and trembling, and I cry aloud: “You are merciful without measure; save me wretched as I am.”
We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord, hymning and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages!
Katavasia: To Him before whom the cherubim are in awe, and the seraphim filled with wonder,* the Fashioner of the world:* O you priests and servants and spirits of the righteous,* hymn, bless, and supremely exalt throughout the ages.
Ode 9
Irmos: A new wonder, worthy of God!* The Lord has truly passed through the closed gate of the Virgin.* He entered the world naked,* and at His departure we see Him clothed in the flesh;* yet the door has remained closed.* The one who is Mother of God, we now extol beyond words.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The grace of the Fast has filled the divine chalice with the wine of compunction, calling the faithful together; wherefore we cry out with joy: “Come and partake with gladness, lay aside the drunkenness of the passions, that you may be deemed worthy of the comforting joy to come.”
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The judgment is near: take heed, O my soul. Be attentive to your conscience, and do good, and it will ever preserve you uncondemned. For if we judge ourselves in this present life, we shall not be judged there, lacking compassionate witnesses, where the guilty will be condemned.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Principalities and powers, thrones, seraphim and dominions, authorities and cherubim, angels and archangels: pray to God that we may complete the time of the Fast, doing that which is acceptable to Him, that as servants who have pleased Him we may share in glory.
Most holy Theotokos save us.
With the martyrs and the prophets, and all the venerable saints accept now the supplications of her who gave birth to You, on behalf of us Your servants who have angered You, O only Lover of mankind and Master, before Whom the hosts of heaven tremble.
Irmos: Mother beyond nature ...,
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Let us pray that sailing through the tranquillity of the Fast, driven by the wind of the Spirit, we may attain to the safe haven of Christ’s Passion.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Imitating the woman of Canaan, I cry aloud to You; Have mercy on me, O God, Son of David; heal my sick soul, as You healed her daughter.
Glory…
Let us sing the praises of the divine Nature, Unity in three Hypostases, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.
Now…
You conceived within your womb, and without seed gave birth in the flesh to the uncircumscribed Word, pray fervently that our souls be saved.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You justified the Publican when he cried; “Be merciful to me!” Grant Your mercy also to me, a sinner, O Judge of all, and forgive me my offences.
Katavasia: Mother beyond nature and Virgin by nature, she who alone is blessed among Women:* let us the faithful magnify with hymns.
Aposticha
Tone 8
Like the man who fell among thieves, O Master of all,* I have fallen among my sins and been cruelly wounded by them.* But leave me not bereft of healing, O Lord,* who came not from Samaria but from the pure Virgin.* O Jesus, whose name means Salvation,* have mercy on me.
In the morning, fill us with Your love; we shall exult and rejoice all our days. Give us joy to balance our affliction for the years when we knew misfortune. Show forth Your work to Your servants; let Your glory shine on their children.
Like the man who fell among thieves, O Master of all,* I have fallen among my sins and been cruelly wounded by them.* But leave me not bereft of healing, O Lord,* who came not from Samaria but from the pure Virgin.* O Jesus, whose name means Salvation,* have mercy on me.
Let the favour of the Lord be upon us: give success to the work of our hands.
What shall we call you, O saints?* Cherubim, for Christ rested upon you?* Seraphim, for you glorified Him without ceasing?* Angels, for you have renounced the body?* Powers, for you perform miracles?* Many are your names,* but greater are your gifts of grace:* pray that our souls be saved.
Glory… Now…
Those in heaven hymn you, O joyously blessed Mother unwedded,* and we glorify your inscrutable birth-giving, O Theotokos;* pray that our souls be saved!
VESPERS ON MONDAY EVENING
Kathisma Reading
The appointed psalms are chanted.
At Psalm 140
Tone 3
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
You have given us the time of the Fast, to turn to You again and live,* and in no way perish, O Word of God.* Grant us all to worthily please You,* and serve You with warm compunction, O Christ,* like the honourable and wise harlot,* who for the sake of the sweet-smelling ointment* and the warm tears she shed before You,* received forgiveness of sins.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
Like the blind man, from my heart I call upon You:* O Son of God, enlighten the eyes of my heart.* Like the faithful Woman of Canaan, I cry to You:* Have mercy on me, O compassionate One, for my soul is deceived by pleasures;* free it from the darkness of the passions* and grant me to live the remainder of my life in purity,* that I may glorify Your abundant and compassionate goodness.
Tone 8
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
The divinely-radiant grace of abstinence,* shines forth upon us this day more brightly than the sun;* illumining our souls, it drives away the clouds of sinful passions.* Embracing it heartily, let us complete the holy fast rejoicing;* and filled with gladness let us cry to Christ:* Sanctify, O Good One, those who faithfully complete it.
Tone 8
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
O divinely wise father Theophanes,* called the namesake of the Theophany of Christ,* you followed in His life-bearing steps,* and forsook all the beauties of life,* directing your gaze towards Him whom you desired,* O you of great renown, being deified by beauty and divine inclinations towards Him* and excellent perfections.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
O divinely wise father Theophanes,* abiding in affliction of flesh,* you steadfastly endured bitter exiles,* taking no pity on your body, for the sake of the precious icons, O all-praised one,* banished by the wrath of Leo;* and mocking him you made foolish his counsels and his vain thoughts* and his pernicious mind.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Truly the Bestower of good things has richly granted to you rewards for your pangs:* to expel demons and to heal afflictions,* imparting power, O most blessed one,* and vouchsafing you ineffable joys* where the angelic ranks hold chorus,* gazing continually upon the countenance of the Almighty.
Glory… Now…
Rejoice, chariot of divine light,* most radiant star, and tabernacle of sanctity!* The Light has shone forth upon us from your all-pure womb,* illumining the ends of the earth* and sanctifying them with His grace!* Rejoice, beginning of salvation, O all-pure one!* Rejoice, rumour and saying awesome to them that trust in you!
Prokeimenon I, Tone 4
Guide me, O Lord, in Your way: and I will walk in Your truth.
verse: Bow down Your ear, O Lord, and hearken to me.
Reading I
Genesis 13:12-18
Prokeimenon II, Tone 4
The Lord loves the gates of Sion* more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
verse: His foundations are upon the holy mountains.
Reading II
Proverbs 14:27-15:4
Aposticha
Tone 7
Like the man who fell among thieves and was wounded,* I, too, have fallen due to my sins,* and my soul has been grievously wounded.* To whom then shall I flee for healing,* if not but to You, O Physician of souls and bodies?* O God, pour out upon me Your great mercy.
Tone 4
I have lifted up my eyes to You enthroned in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, as the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes on the Lord our God until He has mercy on us.
From the seed of original sin we have all sinned,* bereft of the joys and sweetness of Paradise* we have been led to a shameful life.* In place of a life of holiness and virtue,* we are sunk in the mire of sin, as though fallen among thieves,* as if almost dead, having strayed from Your salvific teachings.* Yet, we beseech You who have appeared from Mary,* who with the Master’s dispassion has shared in our passions:* bind up the wounds that come from sin,* and pour upon us Your healing care* O Lover of mankind.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for we have been filled with shame; our soul is all too full of the mockery of the rich, of the contempt of the proud.
You have accepted the patient suffering of the holy martyrs:* accept our hymns of praise, O Lover of mankind,* and by their intercessions* grant us Your great mercy.
Glory… Now…
Preserve your servants from all misfortunes, O blessed Theotokos,* that we all may glorify you,* the hope of our souls.