Event Information:
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Wed25Dec2024
Nativity in the Flesh of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ – Christmas.
Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
on Tuesday, December 24 in the late afternoonThe priest, fully vested, begins: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever.
The people respond: Amen.
Come, let us bow in worship before our King and God!
Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, our King and God!
Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ, our King and God!
Psalm 103
Great Litany
At Psalm 140
Tone 2
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord* as we tell of the present mystery.* Destroyed is the middle wall of partition;* the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,* and I partake of the delight of Paradise from which I was cast out through disobedience.* For the Father’s express Image, the Imprint of His eternity,* takes the form of a servant,* and without undergoing change He comes forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock.* For what He was, He has remained, true God:* and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself, becoming man through love for mankind.* To Him let us cry aloud:* God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord* as we tell of the present mystery.* Destroyed is the middle wall of partition;* the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,* and I partake of the delight of Paradise from which I was cast out through disobedience.* For the Father’s express Image, the Imprint of His eternity,* takes the form of a servant,* and without undergoing change He comes forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock.* For what He was, He has remained, true God:* and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself, becoming man through love for mankind.* To Him let us cry aloud:* God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
When Jesus the Lord was born of the holy Virgin,* the whole world was enlightened.* The shepherds watched in the fields,* the Magi adored and the angels sang hymns of praise;* but Herod was troubled: for God appeared in the flesh,* the Saviour of our souls.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
When Jesus the Lord was born of the holy Virgin,* the whole world was enlightened.* The shepherds watched in the fields,* the Magi adored and the angels sang hymns of praise;* but Herod was troubled: for God appeared in the flesh,* the Saviour of our souls.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Your Kingdom, O Christ our God,* is a Kingdom of all the ages,* and Your rule is from generation to generation.* Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-Virgin Mary,* You have enlightened us by Your coming.* Light of Light, Brightness of the Father,* You have made all creation shine with joy.* Everything that breathes praises You,* the Image of the Father’s glory.* O God–the One who is–and always was,* who shone forth from a Virgin, have mercy on us.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Your Kingdom, O Christ our God,* is a Kingdom of all the ages,* and Your rule is from generation to generation.* Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-Virgin Mary,* You have enlightened us by Your coming.* Light of Light, Brightness of the Father,* You have made all creation shine with joy.* Everything that breathes praises You,* the Image of the Father’s glory.* O God–the One who is–and always was,* who shone forth from a Virgin, have mercy on us.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
O Christ what shall we offer You;* for our sake You appeared on earth as man?* Every creature made by You offers thanks to You.* The angels offer You a hymn; the heavens, a star;* the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;* the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger:* and we offer You a Virgin Mother.* O pre-eternal God, have mercy on us.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
O Christ what shall we offer You;* for our sake You appeared on earth as man?* Every creature made by You offers thanks to You.* The angels offer You a hymn; the heavens, a star;* the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;* the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger:* and we offer You a Virgin Mother.* O pre-eternal God, have mercy on us.
Glory...Now...
When Augustus reigned alone on earth,* the many kingdoms of men came to an end;* and when You were made man of the pure Virgin,* the many gods of idolatry were made powerless.* The cities of the world passed under one single rule;* and the nations came to believe in one sovereign Godhead.* The peoples were enrolled by the decree of Caesar;* and we, the faithful, were enrolled in the name* of the divinity,* when You, our God, were made man.* Great is Your mercy: Lord, glory to You.
Reading I
Genesis 1:1-13
In the beginning God made heaven and earth. The earth was invisible and unfinished; and darkness was over the deep. The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the water. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw the light; it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day; the darkness He called Night; and there was evening and morning, one day.
Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the water, and let it divide the water from the water”; and it was so. Thus God made the firmament, and God divided the water under the firmament from the water above the firmament. So God called the firmament Heaven, and God saw that it was good; and there was evening and morning, the second day.
Then God said, “Let the water under heaven be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. The water under heaven was gathered into its places, and the dry land appeared. So God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas; and God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness. Let the fruit tree bear fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind on earth.” It was so. Thus the earth brought forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness. The fruit tree bore fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind on earth. God saw that it was good. So evening and morning were the third day.
Reading II
Numbers 24:2-3, 5-9, 17-18
Balaam raised his eyes and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him. Then he took up his parable and said:
How beautiful are your dwellings, O Jacob,
Your tents, O Israel.
Like wooded valleys offering shade,
And like gardens by the rivers,
Like tents the Lord pitched,
Like cedars beside the waters.
A Man shall come forth from his seed,
And He shall rule many nations;
And His kingdom shall be more exalted than Gog,
And His kingdom shall increase.
God led Him out of Egypt,
And He has the glorious appearance of a unicorn.
He shall consume the nations of his enemies
And deprive them of their strength.
He shall shoot the enemy with His missiles.
He lies down and rests like a lion,
And like a lion’s cub, who shall rouse Him?
Those who bless You are blessed,
And those who curse You are cursed.”I will show Him, but not now;
I bless Him, but He is not near.
A Star shall rise out of Jacob;
And a Man shall rise out of Israel.
He shall break in pieces the rulers of Moab
And plunder all the sons of Seth.
Edom shall be His inheritance,
And also His enemy shall be His inheritance;
But Israel acts with strength.Reading III
Micah 4:6-7; 5:2-4a
Thus says the Lord: “In that day, I shall gather her who has been broken, and I will welcome her who has been exiled, even those whom I have rejected. And I shall make her who has been broken into a remnant, and her that was rejected into a strong nation. So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion henceforth and forever.
Therefore He shall give them up until the appointed time for her to give birth, and then the remnant of their brothers will return to the sons of Israel. And He shall stand and see, and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, and they will dwell in the glory of the name of the Lord their God, for now they will be magnified unto the ends of the earth. And she will have peace.
Then, the priest intones the entire text of the following Troparion:
You were born in a cave hidden from sight, but heaven spoke through a star and proclaimed You to all, O Saviour. And it brought to You the Magi, who with faith bowed down in worship. Have mercy on them and us.
When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion (Tone 6, resurrectional, even though the custom has developed of singing this conclusion to the prokeimenon melody – a custom that is less appropriate):
Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.
Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 86, and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.
His foundations are on the holy mountains; the Lord loves the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things were spoken of You, O city of God.
Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.
To those who know Me I will mention Raab and Babylon. And, behold, foreigners and the people of Tyre and Ethiopia, these were born there.
Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.
A person will say “Mother Sion,” and “Such a person was born in her,” and “The Most High Himself founded her.”
Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.
The Lord will declare this in His record of the peoples and rulers who were born in her. How happy are all who have their dwelling in you.
Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.
Glory… Now…
Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.
Then the priest intones the first half of the Troparion:
You were born in a cave hidden from sight, but heaven spoke through a star and proclaimed You to all, O Saviour.
And we conclude:
Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.
Reading IV
Isaiah 11:1-10
Thus says the Lord: “There shall come forth a rod from the root of Jesse, and a flower shall grow out of his root. The Spirit of God shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and godliness. The Spirit of the fear of God shall fill Him. He shall not judge by reputation nor convict by common talk. But He will judge the cause of the humble, and reprove the humble of the earth. He shall strike the earth with the word of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the ungodly. He shall gird His loins with righteousness and cover his sides with truth.
“The wolf shall feed with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf, the bull, and the lion shall feed together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze together, and their young ones shall lie down together. The lion and the ox shall eat straw together. The nursing child shall play by the hole of asps, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the den of asps. They shall not hurt nor be able to destroy anyone on My holy mountain, for the whole world shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as much water covers the seas.
“It shall come to pass in that day that there shall be a Root of Jesse who shall arise to rule nations. The Gentiles shall hope in Him, and His resting place shall be honorable.”
Reading V
Baruch 3:36-4:4
This is our God; no other shall be compared to Him. He found the whole way of knowledge and gave it to Jacob His servant and to Israel His beloved. Afterwards, He was seen upon the earth and lived among men.
She is the book of the commandments of God and the law that endures forever. All those who keep her will live, but those forsaking her will die. Return, O Jacob, and take hold of her. Walk toward the radiance of the presence of her light. Do not give your glory to another or the things that are of advantage to you to a foreign nation.
O Israel, we are blessed, for what is pleasing to our God is known to us.
Reading VI
Daniel 2:31-36; 44-45
Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar: “As for you, O king, you saw and beheld one great image. That image was very large and its appearance excellent. It stood before you, and its vision was fearful. The image had a head made of fine gold, and its hands, chest, and arms were made of silver, and its stomach and thighs, of copper. Its legs were iron, and its feet were partly iron and partly clay. You saw while a stone was cut out of a mountain without hands, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and ground them to powder. Then at once the clay, the iron, the copper, the silver, and the gold were like dust from the summer threshing floor, and a great force of wind blew them away; and their place was not to be found. Then the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled all the earth.
“This is the dream, and we will tell its interpretation before the king.
“Then in the times of those kings, the God of heaven will raise up a kingdom, and it shall never be destroyed. This kingdom shall not be left to another people, but it will break in pieces and crush all these kingdoms; and it will stand forever. Whereas you saw the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, it ground to powder the clay, the iron, the copper, the silver, and the gold. Thus the great God has made known to the king what must come to pass after this. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”
Then the priest intones another Troparion (Tone 6):
You have shone forth from a Virgin, O Christ, rational Sun of righteousness. And a star showed You, Whom nothing can contain, contained in a cave. You led Magi to worship You and along with them we magnify You: Glory to You, O Giver of life.
When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion (Tone 6, resurrectional):
Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.
Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 92, and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.
The Lord is King; He is clothed with beauty; the Lord is clothed with strength and has girded Himself. For He has established the world which shall not be shaken.
Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.
Your throne is prepared from of old; You are from everlasting.
Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord; the floods have lifted up their voices. The floods shall lift up their breakers with the noise of many waters.
Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.
Wonderful are the surging waves of the sea; wonderful is the Lord on high. Your testimonies have become exceedingly credible; holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.
Glory... Now...
Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.
Then the priest intones the first half of the Troparion:
You have shone forth from a Virgin, O Christ, rational Sun of righteousness. And a star showed You, Whom nothing can contain, contained in a cave.
And we conclude:
Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.
Reading VII
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. His name will be called the Angel of Great Counsel, for I shall bring peace upon the rulers, peace and health by Him. Great shall be His government, and of His peace there is no end. His peace shall be upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order and establish it with righteousness and judgment, from that time forward and unto ages of ages. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.
Reading VIII
Isaiah 7:10-16, 8:1-4, 8-10
Moreover the Lord added this to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I tempt the Lord.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David, is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary the Lord also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey He shall eat before He knows to prefer evil or choose the good, for before the Child knows good or evil, He refuses the evil to choose the good; and the land you fear because of the presence of the two kings will be abandoned.
Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take for yourself a large new book, and write on it with a man’s pen concerning making a swift plunder of spoils, for it is near at hand. Then make witnesses for Me of faithful men: Uriah and Zechariah, the son of Berechiah.” Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son, and the Lord said to me, “Call his name Quickly Despoil, Swiftly Plunder; for before the child shall know how to call for his father and mother, one shall take the power of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria in the presence of the king of Assyria.”
O God with us. Know this, O Gentiles, and be defeated. Give ear, all you to the very ends of the earth. Be defeated although you are strong, for even if you should be strong again, you will be defeated again. Then too, whatever counsel you take, the Lord will scatter it abroad; and whatever word you shall speak, it will not continue among you, for the Lord God is with us.”
Then, the Small Litany and Trisagion followed by the Prokeimenon:
Prokeimenon, Tone 1
The Lord said to Me: You are My Son,* today have I begotten You.
verse: Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations as an inheritance, and as Your possession, the ends of the earth.
Epistle
Hebrews 1:1-12
Brethren, God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
For to which of the angels did He ever say:
“You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You”?And again:
“I will be to Him a Father,
And He shall be to Me a Son”?But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says:
“Let all the angels of God worship Him.”
And of the angels He says:
“Who makes His angels spirits
And His ministers a flame of fire.”But to the Son He says:
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”And:
“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.”Alleluia, Tone 5
verse: The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”
verse: The Lord will send you a sceptre of power out of Sion; reign in the midst of your enemies.
verse: Yours is the dominion on the day you are given power in the splendour of your holy ones.
Gospel
Matthew 13:31-36
The Lord told this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”
Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”
All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
“I will open My mouth in parables;
I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.”Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”
Hymn to the Mother of God
In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices: the angelic ranks and all the human race. Sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, virgins’ pride and boast, from whom God is made flesh and became a little Child; and He who is our God before all ages, He made your womb a throne, and He made it wider that all the heavens. In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices. Glory be to you.
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)
FESTAL MATINS
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 4
Troparion, Tone 4
Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord. (2)
Glory… Now…
Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.
Psalter Reading
The appointed psalms are chanted.
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 1
For our sake, O long-suffering Saviour,* You were placed in the animal’s manger, * and You willingly lived as an infant.* The shepherds and angels extolled You, saying:* Glory and praise to Christ our God* who is born on earth and deifies the human race.
Glory… Now…
For our sake, O long-suffering Saviour,* You were placed in the animal’s manger, * and You willingly lived as an infant.* The shepherds and angels extolled You, saying:* Glory and praise to Christ our God* who is born on earth and deifies the human race.
Psalter Reading
The appointed psalms are chanted.
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 3
O Theotokos, you carried in your womb, in the flesh,* the One who is eternal, incomprehensible, and consubstantial with the unseen Father,* the One and Indivisible divinity of the Trinity.* O ever-praised One, He shines forth your grace into the world.* Therefore, we unceasingly cry out to you: Rejoice, O pure Mother of God.
Glory… Now…
O Theotokos, you carried in your womb, in the flesh,* the One who is eternal, incomprehensible, and consubstantial with the unseen Father,* the One and Indivisible divinity of the Trinity.* O ever-praised One, He shines forth your grace into the world.* Therefore, we unceasingly cry out to you: Rejoice, O pure Mother of God.
Polyeleos
Magnification
We extol You,* O life-giving Christ,* for our sake You are now born in the flesh* from the unbetrothed, all-pure Virgin Mary.
verse: Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth, sing praise to His name; give to Him glorious praise.
verse: The Lord has sent deliverance to His people.
verse: The Lord said to my Lord, You are my Son; this day I have begotten You.
verse: Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you. The Lord has sworn, and He will not repent.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
Come, O believers, let us see where Christ is born.* Furthermore, with the Magi, the kings from the East,* let us follow wherever the star goes.* The angels are praising Him there unceasingly;* the shepherds are singing a worthy song, saying:* Glory to God in the highest;* glory to Him who is born of the Virgin* in a cave in Bethlehem of Judea.
Glory… Now…
Come, O believers, let us see where Christ is born.* Furthermore, with the Magi, the kings from the East,* let us follow wherever the star goes.* The angels are praising Him there unceasingly;* the shepherds are singing a worthy song, saying:* Glory to God in the highest;* glory to Him who is born of the Virgin* in a cave in Bethlehem of Judea.
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
Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten You.* The Lord has sworn, and He will not repent.
verse: The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool.
Let everything that lives, Tone 4
Gospel
Matthew 1:18-25
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Tone 2, Glory…
All creation is filled with joy today.* Christ is born of the Virgin!
Tone 2, Now…
All creation is filled with joy today.* Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Tone 6, Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offense.
Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth.* Today Bethlehem receives the One who at all times sits with the Father.* Today the angels sing the praises of the new-born Infant.* Glory to God in the highest,* and on earth, peace and good will to all.
Canon
Ode 1
Irmos: Christ is born; let us glorify Him.* Christ comes down from heaven; let us go out to meet Him.* Christ lives on earth; let us exalt in joy.* All you faithful, sing to the Lord, for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
Although created in the image of God, mankind fell from the divine and higher life, and through transgression became entirely subject to corruption and decay. But now the all-good Creator fashions human nature anew; for this reason, we glorify Him.
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
When the Creator saw the one whom He had created with his own hands perishing, He lowered the heavens and came down; He took upon Himself human nature from the most holy and pure Virgin, truly becoming flesh; for this reason we glorify Him.
Glory… Now…
Christ our God is the Son and the Brightness of the Father; He is Wisdom, Word, and Power. And unknown to the heavenly hosts and those upon the earth, He became man and has won us back again; for this reason, we glorify Him.
Katavasia: Christ is born; let us glorify Him.* Christ comes down from heaven; let us go out to meet Him.* Christ lives on earth; let us exalt in joy.* All you faithful, sing to the Lord, for He has been glorified.
Ode 3
Irmos: To Christ our God,* who is the only-begotten Son of the Father from before all ages,* and in these latter times* has become flesh of the Virgin without seed,* let us cry aloud:* You are our strength; glory to You, O Lord!
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
Although Adam was formed from the clay of the earth, he shared in God’s life; yet through the tempting of a woman, he sunk and fell into corruption. But now when he sees Christ born of a woman, he cries aloud: For my sake, You have become as I am; glory to You, O Lord!
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
You made Yourself, O Christ, a creature in the form of clay, and even took on our flesh, thereby making us partakers in Your divine nature. You have become a mortal, yet still remain God. You are our strength; glory to You, O Lord!
Glory… Now…
Rejoice, O Bethlehem, for you are the Queen among the princes of Judah; because from you comes forth, in the sight of all, Christ himself, the Shepherd who watches over Israel, and He that is seated upon the Cherubim. He is our strength and reigns over all.
Katavasia: To Christ our God,* who is the only-begotten Son of the Father from before all ages,* and in these latter times* has become flesh of the Virgin without seed,* let us cry aloud:* You are our strength; glory to You, O Lord!
Ode 4
Irmos: O Christ, You have come forth from the Virgin* as the rod of the root of Jesse and the flower that blossomed from his stem.* You became flesh from her that knew not wedlock,* from the Mountain overshadowed by the forest;* O God, You are not formed from created substance.* Glory to Your power, O Lord!
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
In the days of old, Jacob foretold You, O Christ, calling You the Expectation of the nations. You have come forth from the tribe of Judah and have overcome the might of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria, turning their idolatry into faith pleasing to God. Glory to Your power, O Lord!
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
Rising as a Star out of Jacob, O Master, You have brought joy to the Magi who interpreted wisely the words of Salaam, the prophet of old. They were led to You as the first fruits of the Gentiles, and You graciously received them as they brought You pleasing gifts. Glory to Your power, O Lord!
Glory… Now…
You have descended, O Christ, into the womb of the Virgin as dew upon the fleece and as drops of rain that shower the earth. Ethiopia, Tarshish, and the Isles of Arabia; the kings of Saba, of the Medes, and those of power, O Lord!
Katavasia: O Christ, You have come forth from the Virgin* as the rod of the root of Jesse and the flower that blossomed from his stem.* You became flesh from her that knew not wedlock,* from the Mountain overshadowed by the forest;* O God, You are not formed from created substance.* Glory to Your power, O Lord!
Ode 5
Irmos: Since You are a God of peace and a Father of mercies,* You have sent your angel of great counsel to us to bring us peace.* Thus, we are directed towards the light of the knowledge of God,* and at the night vigil we glorify You, O Lover of mankind.
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
In obedience to the decree of Caesar, O Christ, You were registered among his servants; and You have set us free from being enslaved to the enemy and sin. Completely sharing in our poverty, You made our nature godlike by uniting Yourself to us and by participating in our nature.
Glory… Now…
As it was prophesied in times past, behold, the Virgin has conceived in her womb and has given birth to God in the flesh and still remained a virgin. Through her we are reconciled to God; let us sinners sing her praises, for she is truly the Mother of God.
Katavasia: Since You are a God of peace and a Father of mercies,* You have sent your angel of great counsel to us to bring us peace.* Thus, we are directed towards the light of the knowledge of God,* and at the night vigil we glorify You, O Lover of mankind.
Ode 6
Irmos: Jonah had dwelt like a babe in the womb before the sea monster spew him forth;* the Word dwelt in the womb of the Virgin, taking flesh from her.* Although born from her, He kept her all-pure.* Since Christ Himself was not subject to incorruptibility, He kept His Mother free from the same.
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
Christ our God, begotten from the Father before the morning star, appears in the flesh; He, who directs the armies of heaven, is laid in a manger of dumb beasts. He, who frees the twisted bonds of sin, is wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Glory… Now…
A young child, a Son is born from the race of Adam and is given to the faithful. He is the Father and Prince of the World to come; He is the all-powerful God who rules over all creation; He is called the Angel of great counsel.
Katavasia: Jonah had dwelt like a babe in the womb before the sea monster spew him forth;* the Word dwelt in the womb of the Virgin, taking flesh from her.* Although born from her, He kept her all-pure.* Since Christ Himself was not subject to incorruptibility, He kept His Mother free from the same.
Kontakion, Tone 3
The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being;* the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach;* Angel with shepherds give Him glory,* while Magi make their way with a star,* for to us is born a little Child – the pre-eternal God.
Ikos
Bethlehem has opened up Eden for us. Come and let us see the delights that we have found there in secret. Come and let us gather the fruits of Paradise that are within the cave. There, the unwatered Root has manifested itself, and It has sprouted forgiveness. There, the undug Well, of which David yearned to drink, is found. There, the Virgin, who gave birth to the Infant, immediately quenched the thirst of Adam and David. Therefore, let us hasten to the place where the young Infant, the Eternal God, is born.
Ode 7
Irmos: The youths who had been raised to fear God were not threatened by the fiery torments.* They denounced the wicked decree of the tyrant,* and standing in the midst of the flames,* they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds keeping night watch over their flocks. The shepherds were frightened as they saw the glory of the Lord around the angel and heard him say: Rejoice, for Christ is born. Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
At the word of the angel, the heavenly hosts cried aloud: Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and good will to all; Christ has shone forth . Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Glory… Now…
When the angel had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another: Let us go and see this event which the Lord has made known to us. They hastened to Bethlehem and worshiped with Mary the One whom she had borne. They cried out: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Katavasia: The youths who had been raised to fear God were not threatened by the fiery torments.* They denounced the wicked decree of the tyrant,* and standing in the midst of the flames,* they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Ode 8
Irmos: The dew-moistened furnace was the image of an incomprehensible wonder.* It did not burn the youths entrapped there,* just as the fire of the Godhead did not consume the Virgin’s womb in which He dwelt.* Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
The children of David were once led captive from Sion by the daughter of Babylon through the strength of the sword; now, the Magi bringing gifts, are sent by her to beseech the Daughter of David in whom God took flesh. Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.
Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!
As captives, the children of Sion did not play upon their lyres; Christ, shining forth in Bethlehem, quiets all the iniquity of Babylon as well as the music of her harps. Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.
Glory… Now…
Babylon plundered Sion, the Queen, and seized all her riches. But Christ, by a guiding star, attracted to Sion the wealth of Babylon with her kings who studied the stars. Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.
We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. We extol and exalt Him above all for ever.
Katavasia: The dew-moistened furnace was the image of an incomprehensible wonder.* It did not burn the youths entrapped there,* just as the fire of the Godhead did not consume the Virgin’s womb in which He dwelt.* Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.
Ode 9
O my soul, extol the most holy Virgin Mother of God, who is more worthy of honour than the angels of heaven.
Irmos: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.
O my soul, extol our God, born in the flesh from the Virgin.
Observing the unusual path of a mysterious and newly shining star which was brighter than any other heavenly light, the Magi learned that Christ the King was born on earth in Bethlehem for our salvation.
O my soul, extol our God, born in the flesh from the Virgin.
The Magi asked of Herod: Where is the new-born King whose star we have seen? We have come to worship Him. The enemy of God was troubled and irrationally schemed how to kill Christ.
O my soul, extol the pure Virgin, who has given birth to Christ the King.
Herod asked the Magi, who had come to Bethlehem to worship Christ with their gifts, when they had first seen the star which directed them. But the Magi returned to their own country by the same star, thereby deceiving Herod, the killer of the Innocents.
Katavasia: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.
Small Litany
Hymn of Light, Tone 3
Our Saviour, the rising Sun more brilliant than any other sun,* has visited us today from on high.* We once were in the darkness and the shadow of error,* but now we have found the truth;* for the Virgin gives birth to the Lord our God in Bethlehem. (3)
Praises
Stichera of the Praises
Tone 4
O holy ones, be happy;* O heavens, be glad; and all you mountains, sing with joy* because Christ our God today is born.* Behold, the Virgin is enthroned like the Cherubim,* holding in her arms the incarnate Word of God.* The shepherds glorify with hymns the new-born Babe;* the Magi offer gifts to their Master;* and the angels sing praises and say:* O incomprehensible Lord, glory to You!
O Virgin Theotokos, you gave birth to the Savior.* You overthrew the ancient curse of Eve.* As a mother you were the benevolence of the Father.* You bore in your womb the incarnate Word of God.* We cannot understand this mystery,* but we glorify it with one faith.* We also join you in praise to say:* O Ineffable Lord, glory to You!
Come, all you peoples,* let us praise the Mother of our Saviour,* for she remained a virgin after childbirth.* Rejoice, O holy city of our King and God.* The Saviour has chosen to live in you,* and in you He has worked out our salvation.* With Gabriel, we sing your praises;* and with the shepherds we glorify you, saying:* O Mother of God, implore Him who became incarnate from you,* that He may save our souls.
By the will of the Father, the Word became flesh.* The Virgin gave birth to the Incarnate God.* The star proclaims and the Magi adore;* the shepherds are amazed and all creation rejoices.
Tone 6, Glory…
At the time of Your coming upon earth,* the first census of the world took place.* At that time You wanted to enrol the names of all who believed in your birth.* Therefore, such a decree was published by Caesar because Your timeless and eternal kingdom was renewed by Your birth.* And now we offer You, O God and Saviour of our souls,* not gifts of silver and gold,* but the wealth of our true faith.
Tone 2, Now…
Today Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem.* Today the Eternal One has a beginning;* today the Word becomes incarnate.* All the heavenly powers rejoice,* and all who dwell on earth are happy.* The Magi offer gifts to the Master;* the shepherds proclaim the marvel;* and we cry aloud unceasingly:* Glory to God in the highest* and on earth, peace and good will to all.
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 4
Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25Antiphon 1
I will confess You, Lord, with all my heart,* I will declare all Your wondrous deeds.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
In the council of the just and the congregation,* great are the works of the Lord, conforming to His will in every way.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
His work is filled with praise and majesty,* and His righteousness endures forever.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…
Antiphon 3
The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.
The Lord will send you a sceptre of power out of Sion; reign in the midst of your enemies.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.
Yours is the dominion on the day you are given power in the splendour of your holy ones.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.
Entrance
From the womb before the daystar I begot you. the Lord has sworn an oath and will not go back on His word: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 3: The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being;* the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach;* Angel with shepherds give Him glory,* while Magi make their way with a star,* for to us is born a little Child – the pre-eternal God.
Instead of Holy God
All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Let all the earth worship You and sing to You; let it sing to Your Name, O Most High.
verse: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing now to His name, give glory to His praise. (Psalm 65:4,2)
Epistle
Galatians 4:4-7
Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands.
verse: Day announces its message unto day and night proclaims its knowledge unto night. (Psalm 18:2,3)
Gospel
Matthew 2:1-12
Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify Christ the King born in a manger.
and the Irmos: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.
Communion Hymn
The Lord has sent deliverance* to His people.* Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Psalm 110:9)
Instead of Blessed is He who comes… we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.
Instead of We have seen the true light… we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.
Instead of May our mouths… and Blessed be the Name… we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (3)