Matins

When the All-Night Vigil is celebrated consecutively, as is the general custom, on the Eve of the Lord's Day or of a Feast, all that here followcth, down to Glory to God in the highest (see page 18), shall be omitted. When, however, from necessity or for convenience, Matins are celebrated separately, the Priest shall begin (the Holy Door being closed):

Blessed is our God always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Reader. Amen.

O Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. (Thrice.)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O all-holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, wash away our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for thy Name's sake. Glory now, and ever

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed by thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us, And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from the Evil One:

Priest. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Reader. Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times.)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O come, let us worship God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before the Very Christ, our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before him.

While the following Psalms are being read, the Priest censeth the Holy Altar, (1) and coming forth through the North Door, he censeth the Holy Images and the People.

Psalm xx.

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the Name of the God of

Jacob defend thee: send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion: remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt-sacrifice: grant thee thy heart's desire, and fulfil all thy mind. We will rejoice in thy salvation, and triumph in the Name of the Lord our God: the Lord perform all thy petitions. Now know I that the Lord helpeth his Anointed, and will hear him from his holy heaven, even with the wholesome strength of his right hand. Some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen; but we are risen and stand upright. Save, Lord; and hear us, O King of heaven, when we call upon thee.

Psalm xxi.

The King shall rejoice in thy strength, O Lord; exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation. Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not denied him the request of his lips. For thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness, and shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head. He asked life of thee; and thou gavest him a long life, even for ever and ever. His honour is great in thy salvation; glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon him. For thou shalt give him everlasting felicity, and make him glad with the joy of thy countenance. And why? because the King putteth his trust in the Lord; and in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not miscarry. All thine enemies shall feel thy hand; thy right hand shall find out them that hate thee. Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath: the Lord shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them: Their fruit shalt thou root out of the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended mischief against thee, and imagined such a device as they are not able to perform. Therefore shalt thou put them to flight, and the strings of thy bow shalt thou make ready against the face of them. Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength; so will we sing, and praise thy power.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. (Thrice.)

O all-holy Trinity have mercy upon us. O Lord, wash away our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for thy Name's sake.

Lord, have mercy (Thrice.) Glory now, and ever

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we for-

give those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from the Evil One:

Priest. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

And the following Hymns (Tropari):

O Lord, save thy people, and bless thine inheritance, granting to our God-fearing Ruler, N., victory over all adversaries, and by thy Cross preserving thine Estate.

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

Do thou who, of thine own good will, upon the Cross wast lifted up, bestow thy bounties upon the new State which is called by thy Name, O Christ, God; make glad with thy might our God-fearing Ruler, N., granting victory over his adversaries unto him who hath thine aid, which is a panoply of peace, a trophy invincible.

Now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn to the Birth-giver of God (Bogoroditchen). O Champion dread, who cannot be put to confusion, despise not our petitions. O Good One, all-lauded Birth-giver of our God, stab-lish thou the State of those who hold the Orthodox faith: save our God-fearing Ruler, N., whom thou hast called to rule over us, and bestow upon him victory from heaven: for thou didst give birth unto God, O only-blessed One.

Then shall the Priest say: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee: hearken, and have mercy Choir. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)

Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities, according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted.

Choir. Lord, have mercy (Thrice.)

Furthermore we pray for our Holy Synod (or Patriarch); and for our Bishop (or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N.

Choir. Lord, have mercy (Thrice.)

Furthermore we pray for all our brethren, and for all Christians.

Choir. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art a merciful God, who lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir Amen. Bless, Father, in the name of the Lord.

Priest. Glory to the Holy, Consubstantial, Life-giving and Undivided Trinity, always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

When the All-Night Vigil is celebrated in its usual form, all the foregoing shall be omitted; and after the Blessing (see page 15) the Holy Doors shall be closed, and the Reader shall immediately say: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Thrice.)

O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. (Twice.)

Easter-Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death,

tide-and upon those in the tomb bestowing life. (Thrice.)

The Reader then readeth the Six Psalms.

Psalm hi. Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise against me. Many one there be that say of my soul, There is no help for him in his God. But thou, O Lord, art my defender; thou art my worship, and the lifter up of my head. I did call upon the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. I laid me down and slept, and rose up again; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid for ten thousands of the people, that have set themselves against me round about. Up, Lord, and help me, O my God! For thou smitest all mine enemies upon the cheek-bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord; and thy blessing is upon thy people. I laid me down and slept, and rose up again; for the Lord sustained me.

Psalm xxxviii. Put me not to rebuke, O Lord, in thine anger; neither chasten me in thy heavy displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. There is no health in my flesh, because of thy displeasure; neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin. For my wickednesses are gone over my head, and are like a sore burden, too heavy for me to bear. My wounds stink, and are corrupt, through my foolishness. I am brought into so great trouble and misery, that I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with a sore disease, and there is no whole part in my body. I am feeble and sore smitten; I have roared for the very disquietness of my heart. Lord, thou knowest all my desire; and my groaning is not hid from thee. My heart panteth, my strength hath failed me, and the sight of mine eyes is gone from me. My lovers and my neighbours did stand looking upon my trouble, and my kinsmen stood afar off. They also that sought after my life laid snares for me; and they that went about to do me evil talked of wickedness, and imagined deceit all the day long. As for me, I was like a deaf man, and heard not; and as one that is dumb, who doth not open his mouth. I became even as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in thee,

O Lord, have I put my trust; thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God.

I have required that they, even mine enemies, should not triumph over me; for when my foot slipt, they rejoiced greatly against me. And I truly am set in the plague, and my heaviness is ever in my sight. For I will confess my wickedness, and be sorry for my sin. But mine enemies live, and are mighty; and they that hate me wrongfully are many in number. They also that reward evil for good are against me; because I follow the thing that good is.

Forsake me not, O Lord my God; be not thou far from me. Haste thee to help me, O Lord God of my salvation. (Twice.)

Psalm lxiii.

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee. My soul thirsteth for thee; my flesh also longeth after thee, in a barren and dry land where no water is. Thus have I looked for thee in holiness, that I might behold thy power and glory. For thy loving-kindness is better than the life itself: my lips shall praise thee. As long as I live will I magnify thee in this manner, and lift up my hands in thy Name. My soul shall be satisfied, even as it were with marrow and fatness, when my mouth praiseth thee with joyful lips. Have I not remembered thee in my bed, and thought upon thee when I was waking? Because thou hast been my helper; therefore under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hangeth upon thee; thy right hand hath upholden me. These also that seek the hurt of my soul, they shall go under the earth. Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, that they may be a portion for foxes. But the King shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear by him shall be commended; for the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. In the night watches have I trusted in thee: For thou hast been my helper, and under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul cleaveth unto thee: and thy right hand shall uphold me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to thee, O God. (Thrice, without reverences.)

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm lxxxviii. O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: O let my prayer enter into thy presence, incline thine ear unto my calling; for my soul is full of trouble, and my life draweth nigh unto hell. I am counted as one of them that go down into the pit, and I have been even as a man that hath no strength. Free among the dead, like unto them that are wounded, and lie in the grave, who are out of remembrance, and are cut away from thy hand. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in a place of darkness, and in the deep. Thine indignation lieth hard upon me, and thou hast vexed me with all thy storms. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me, and made me to be abhorred of them. I am so fast in prison that I cannot get forth. My sight faileth for very trouble; Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched forth my hands unto thee. Dost thou show won-

The Priest now saith, secretly, the Morning Prayers; the first three in the Sanctuary.

We give thanks unto thee, O Lord our God, who hast raised us up from our beds, and hast put into our mouths the word of praise, that we may adore and call upon thy holy Name. And we entreat thee, by thy mercies which thou hast exercised always in our life, send down now also thine aid upon those who stand before the presence of thy holy glory, and await the rich mercy which is from thee. And grant that they may always with fear and love worship thee, praise thee, hymn thee, and adore thine inexpressible goodness.

For unto thee is due all honour, glory and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

From the night season our soul awaketh early unto thee, O our God; for thy precepts are a light upon the earth. Teach us to perfect righteousness and holiness in thy fear; for we glorify thee, our God, who existest in verity. Incline thine ear and hear us; and call to remembrance by their names, O Lord, all those who are with us and pray with us; and save them by thy might. Bless thy people and sanctify thine inheritance. Grant peace to thy world, to thy Churches, to the priests, to the Authorities, and to all thy people.

For blessed and glorified is thine all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

in. In the night season our soul awaketh early unto thee, O God, for thy precepts are light. Teach us thy righteousness, thy commandments and thy statutes, O God. Enlighten

ders among the dead? or shall the dead rise up again, and praise thee? Shall thy loving-kindness be showed in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction? Shall thy wondrous works be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land where all things are forgotten? Unto thee have I cried, O Lord; and early shall my prayer come before thee. Lord, why abhorrest thou my soul, and hidest thou thy face from me? I am in misery, and like unto him that is at the point to die; even from my youth up thy terrors have I suffered with a troubled mind. Thy wrathful displeasure gosth over me, and the fear of thee hath undone me. They came round about me daily like water, and compassed me together on every side. My lovers and friends hast thou put away from me, and hid mine acquaintance out of my sight. O Lord God of my salvation I have cried day and night before thee: O let mv

the eyes of our understanding, lest at any time we sleep unto death in sins. Dispel all darkness from our hearts. Graciously give unto us the Sun of Righteousness, and preserve our life unassailed, by the seal of thy Holy Spirit. Guide our steps into the way of peace. Grant us to behold the dawn and the day with joy, that we may raise our morning prayers unto thee.

For thine is the dominion, and thine are the majesty and the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The Priest now cometh forth, and standing with uncovered head before the Holy Door, he saith the remaining Prayers.

O Lord God, holy and unsearchable, who didst command the light to shine forth from the darkness; who hast refreshed us by the slumber of the night, and hast raised us up to glorify and supplicate thy goodness: Being implored of thine own tender loving-kindness, accept us also now who bow down in adoration before thee, and render thanks unto thee according to the measure of our strength; and grant us all our petitions which are unto salvation. Make us children of the light, and of the day, and heirs of thine everlasting good things. Call to remembrance, O Lord, in the multitude of thy bounties, all thy people here present with us who make their supplications unto thee, and all our brethren on land, on the sea, and in every place of thy dominion, who are in need of thy loving-kindness and of thy succour, and vouchsafe unto them all thy great mercy, that being always preserved in safety of soul and body, we may with boldness magnify thy wondrous and blessed Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

prayer enter into thy presence, incline thine ear unto my calling.

Psalm cm. Praise the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, praise his holy Name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thy sin, and healeth all thine infirmities; who saveth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, making thee young and lusty as an eagle. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all them that are oppressed with wrong. He showed his ways unto Moses, his works unto the children of Israel. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, and of great goodness. He will not alway be chiding; neither keepeth he his anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our

For thou art the God of bounties and of loving-kindness, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Treasury of good things, Fountain eternal, O Father all-holy who workest wonders, all-powerful and almighty: We all adore thee and entreat thee, calling thy mercies and thy compassion to the aid and defence of our lowliness. Call to remembrance thy servants, O Lord; accept the morning prayers of us all as incense before thee; and let none of us be found reprobate, but encompass us with thy bounties. Call to remembrance, O Lord, those who watch and sing praises to thy glory, and to the glory of thine Only-begotten Son who is our God, and of thy Holy Spirit. Be thou their helper and their support. Receive thou their supplications upon thy most heavenly and spiritually discerning altar.

For thou art our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

We give thanks unto thee, O Lord God of our salvation; for thou doest all things which are for the welfare of our life, that we may ever look upward unto thee, our Saviour and the Benefactor of our souls. For thou hast refreshed us in that part of the night which is past, and hast raised us up from our beds, and hast, led us to stand here in adoration of thy precious Name. Wherefore we entreat thee, O Lord, vouchsafe unto us grace and power, that we may be enabled with understanding to sing praises unto thee, and to pray without ceasing, in fear and trembling working out our own salvation, through the

wickednesses. For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth; so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him. Look how wide also the east is from the west: so far hath he set our sins from us. Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children; even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. For he knoweth whereof we are made; he remembereth that we are but dust. The days of man are but as grass; for he flourisheth as a flower of the field. For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear him; and his righteousness upon children's children; even upon such as keep his covenant, and think upon his commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared his seat in heaven, and his kingdom ruleth over all. O praise the Lord, ye

succour of thy Christ. Call to remembrance, O Lord, those who cry aloud unto thee in the night season; hearken unto them and have mercy, and crush under their feet invisible and warring enemies.

For thou art the King of Peace and the Saviour of our souls, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hast raised us up from our beds, and hast gathered us together at this hour of prayer: Grant us grace in the opening of our lips, and accept our thanksgivings as we have power to make them; and instruct us in thy statutes. For we know not how to pray as we ought unless thou, O Lord, by thy Holy Spirit, dost guide us. Wherefore we beseech thee: Pardon, remit, forgive whatsoever sins we may have committed unto this present hour, whether by word, or deed, or thought, whether voluntarily or involuntarily; for if thou wilt be extreme to mark iniquity, O Lord, Lord, who shall stand? For with thee is redemption. For thou only art holy, a mighty helper and the defender of our life; and our song shall be ever of thee.

Blessed and glorified be the might of thy kingdom, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lord our God, who hast banished from us the sluggishness of sleep, and hast assembled us together by a holy bidding, that in the night-season also we may lift up our hands, and make unto thee thankful acknowledgment of thy righteous judgments: Accept our prayers, petitions, confessions of thanks and nocturnal worship; and grant unto us,

angels of his, ye that excel in strength; ye that fulfil his commandment and hearken unto the voice of his word, O praise the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye servants of his that do his pleasure. O speak good of the Lord, all ye works of his, in all places of his dominion: praise thou the Lord, O my soul.

In all places of his dominion, praise thou the Lord, O my soul. (Twice.)

Psalm cxliii. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and consider my desire; hearken unto me for thy truth and righteousness' sake. And enter not into judgment with thy servant; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath laid me in the darkness, as the men that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit vexed within me, and my heart within me is desolate. Vet do I remember the time past: I muse

O God, faith invincible, love unwavering, hope unfeigned. Bless our goings out and our comings in; our deeds and works, and words and thoughts. And grant that we may come to the beginning of this day praising, singing and blessing the goodness of thine ineffable beneficence.

For blessed is thine all-holy Name, and allmagnified is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Illumine our hearts, O Sovereign Master, who lovest man, with the pure light of thy wisdom, and open the eyes of our understanding to the comprehension of the proclamation of thy Gospel. Implant in us, also, the fear of thy blessed commandments; that trampling down all carnal appetites, we may lead a godly life, both thinking and doing always such things as are well pleasing in thy sight.

For thou art the sanctification and the illumination both of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, together with thy Father, who hath no beginning, and thine all-holy and blessed and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lord our God, who hast granted unto men pardon through repentance, and hast set us, as an example of the acknowledgment of sin and of the confession which is unto forgiveness, the repentance of the Prophet David: Do thou, the same Lord, have mercy upon us according to thy great mercy, notwithstanding the manifold and great iniquities into which we have fallen; and through the multitude of thy bounties, blot out our transgressions. For unto thee have we sinned, O Lord, who knowest the secret and

upon all thy works; yea, I exercise myself in the works of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee; my soul gaspeth unto thee as a thirsty land. Hear me, O Lord, and that soon; for my spirit waxeth faint: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. O let me hear thy loving-kindness betimes in the morning; for in thee is my trust: show thou me the way that I should walk in; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies; for I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee; for thou art my God: let thy loving Spirit lead me forth into the land of righteousness. Quicken me, O Lord, for thy Name's sake: and for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy goodness slay mine enemies, and destroy all them that vex my soul; for I am thy servant.

Hearken unto me in thy righteousness,

hidden things of the heart of man, and who alone hast power to remit sins; and as thou hast created a clean heart within us, and established us with thy guiding Spirit, and made known unto us the joy of salvation, cast thou us not away from thy presence. But inasmuch as thou art good and lovest man, graciously vouchsafe unto us that even until our uttermost breath, we may offer unto thee the sacrifice of righteousness, and an offering upon thy holy altars.

Through the mercies and bounties and love toward mankind of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O God, our God, who hast brought into being by thy will all the powers endowed with speech and reason, we beseech thee and supplicate thee: Accept our praises, which together with all thy creatures we offer according to our strength; and reward us with the rich gifts of thy goodness. For unto thee every knee doth bow, whether in heaven or on the earth, or in the regions under the earth, and every breath and created being doth sing thine ineffable glory. For thou only art the true and most merciful God.

For all the powers of heaven magnify thee, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

We praise thee, we hymn thee, we bless thee, we give thanks unto thee, O God of our fathers, that thou hast brought us in safety through the shades of night, and hast shown unto us once again the light of day. And we entreat of thy goodness: Be gracious unto our sins, and accept our prayer in thy great

O Lord, and enter not into judgment with thy servant. (Twice.) Thy gracious spirit shall direct my paths upon earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

tenderness of heart. For we flee unto thee, the merciful and almighty God. Shine in our hearts with the true Sun of thy Righteousness; enlighten our mind and guard all our senses; that walking uprightly as in the day, in the way of thy statutes, we may attain unto life eternal (for with thee is the source of life); and graciously be permitted to come unto the fruition of the light unapproachable.

For thou art our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to thee, O Lord. (Thrice.)

Then the Deacon, or if there be none, the Priest, standing in the customary place, in front of the Holy Door, shall recite

The Great Litany (Velikaya Ekteniya).

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls:

For the peace of the whole world; for the welfare of God's holy churches, and for the union of all:

For this holy Temple, and for those who with faith, devoutness and in the fear of God have entered therein:

For our Most Holy Synod (or Patriarch); for our Bishop (or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N.; for the honourable Presbytery, the Diaconate in Christ; for all the clergy and the laity: ty

Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted.

That he will aid them and subdue under their feet every foe and adversary:

For this city, for this holy Temple, and for every city and land, and for those who with faith dwell therein:

For healthful seasons; for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times:

For those who travel by sea or by land; for the sick and the suffering; for those who are in captivity, and for their salvation:

That he will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, and necessity:

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace:

Calling to remembrance our most holy, all-undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the

Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

Priest. For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Then immediately the Deacon exclaimeth, and the Choir singeth: (3) God is the Lord, and hath revealed himself unto us. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. (Four times.)

And the Deacon, meanwhile, inter poseth the following Verses (Stikhi): (4)

Verse 1: O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious; because his mercy endureth forever.

Verse 2: All the nations compassed me about, but in the Name of the Lord have I driven them back.

Verse 3: I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

Verse 4: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

Then shall be sum the Hymn (Tropdr) of the Feast, or of the Saint, or of the proper Tone for the Sunday (twice); and the Hymn to the Birth-giver of God (Bogoroditchen) of the same Tone (Appendix A).

Then shall be read the Selection of Psalms appointed (Stikhoslovie Kafismi).

And after the first portion of the Selection shall be said

The Little Litany (Malaya Ekteniya).

Again, yet again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercySuccour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Calling to remembrance our most holy, all-undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

Priest. For thine is the majesty, and thine are the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages

Choir. Amen.

-~i

Then shall be read the second portion of the Selection of Psalms. And when it is finished, there shall be said

The Little Litany. Again, yet again:. Succour us, save us:... Calling to remembrance:

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art a good God, who lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen.

Then the Holy Door is opened, and the Priest, accompanied by the Deacon (5) bearing a lighted taper, censeth the Sanctuary, the Holy Images, and the People, and all the Temple (Polieley). (6) And the Polieley is sung:

Psalms exxxv., cxxxvi.

1. Praise ye the Name of the Lord, O ye servants of the Lord. Alleluia. (Thrice.)

2. Praised be the Lord out of Zion, who dwelleth at Jerusalem. Alleluia. (Thrice.)

3. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, for his mercy endureth forever. Alleluia. (Thrice.)

And if it be a Great Feast, or other appointed Saint's Day, the proper ExaltaGreat tion * shall be chanted, first by the Priest and the Deacon, and then by the

Feasts. Choir, before the Holy Image of the Day, as the Priest censeth it where it

lieth on the folding-stand.

Then shall be sung the Hymns (Tropari), with the Refrain; but only on the Lord's Day.

Refrain. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

The company of the Angels was amazed, when they beheld thee numbered among the dead, yet thyself, O Saviour, destroying the power of death, and with thee raising up Adam and releasing all men from Hell.

Wherefore, O Women Disciples, do ye mingle sweet-smelling spices with your tears of pity? the radiant Angel within the sepulchre cried unto the Myrrh-bearing Women: Behold the grave, and understand; for the Saviour is risen from the tomb.

Very early in the morning did the Myrrh-bearing Women run lamenting unto thy tomb; but an Angel came toward them, saying: The time for lamentation is passed; weep not; but announce unto the Apostles the Resurrection.

The Myrrh-bearing Women mourned as, bearing unguents, they drew near thy tomb, O Saviour. But the Angel spake unto them, saying: Why number ye the living among the dead? In that he is God he is risen from the grave.

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

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Hymn to the Trinity (Troitchny). We adore the Father, as also his Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity in One Essence, crying with the Seraphim: Holy, holy, holy art thou, O Lord. Now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn to the Birth-giver of God (Bogoroditchen).

In that thou didst bear the Giver of Life, O Virgin, thou didst redeem Adam from sin, and didst give to Eve joy in place of sadness; and He who was incarnate of thee, both God and man, hath restored to life those who had fallen therefrom.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to thee, O God. (Thrice.)

Then the Little Litany.

Deacon. Again, yet again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

Priest. For blessed is thy Name, and glorified is thy kingdom, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Then the Degrees of the Antiphon (Stepenny Antifoni) are sung, according to the Tone of the week.

Antiphon. Tone IV. From my youth up many passions have warred against me. But do thou succour and save me, O my Saviour.

Ye who hate Zion shall be put to confusion of the Lord; like grass in the fire shall ye be withered up.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Through the Holy Spirit is every soul quickened and exalted in purity, and illumined by the Triune Unity in mystic holiness.

Deacon. Let us attend.

Priest. Peace be with you all.

Deacon. Wisdom! The Gradual (Prokimen) in the... Tone.

The Graduals (Prokimend) in the Eight Tones. Tone I: Now will I arise, saith the Lord: I will set myself for salvation, I will make no tarrying therein.

Verse: The words of the Lord are pure words.

Tone II.: Rise up for me, O Lord, in the judgment that thou hast commanded. And so shall the congregation of the people come about thee.

Verse: O Lord my God, I have put my trust in thee: save me.

Tone III.: Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King, and that it is he that hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved.

Verse: O sing unto the Lord a new song: Sing unto the Lord all the whole earth.

Tone IV.: Arise, O Lord, and help us, and deliver us, for thy Name's sake.

Verse: O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us.

Tone V.: Arise, O Lord my God, and let thy hand be lifted up, for thou reignest forever.

Verse: I will confess unto thee, O Lord: with my whole heart, I will proclaim all thy wondrous works.

Tone VI.: O Lord, stir up thy might, and come and save us.

Verse: Hear, O thou Shepherd of Israel, who leadeth Joseph like a sheep.

Tone VII.: Arise, O Lord, my God, and let thy hand be lifted up: forget not thy poor forever.

Verse: I will confess unto thee, O Lord: with my whole heart, I will proclaim all thy wondrous works.

Tone VIII.: The Lord shall reign forever; thy God, O Zion, from generation to generation.

Verse: Praise the Lord, O my soul: while I live will I praise the Lord.

Deacon. Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

The Priest exclaimeth:

For holy art thou, O our God, who restest in the Saints, and unto thee we asciibe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Then the Deacon and the Choir sing:

Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. (Four times.) Verse: Praise ye God in his Saints. Praise him in the firm foundation of his power

Then the Deacon proclaimeth:

And that he will graciously vouchsafe unto us to hear his Holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord God.

Choir. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)

Deacon. Wisdom, O believers. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

Priest. Peace be with you all.

The People. And with thy spirit.

Immediately he addeth: Priest. The Lesson from the Holy Gospel according to N.* (7) Choir. Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee. Deacon. Let us attend.

Then the Priest readeth the Holy Gospel.

Choir. Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee.

The Choir then singeth, while the book of the Holy Gospels is laid upon the table at the centre of the Temple:

In that we have beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us bow down before the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless One. Thy Cross do we adore, O Christ, and thy holy Resurrection we laud and glorify: for thou art our God, and we know none other beside thee; we call upon thy Name. O come, all ye faithful, let us adore Christ's holy Resurrection. For lo, through the Cross is joy come into all the world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us sing his Resurrection: for in that he endured the Cross he hath destroyed Death by death.

This Hymn is always sung at the Lord's Day Matins, with rare exceptions. It is sung on Lazarus1 s Saturday, and on all tveek-days from Easter until Ascension-Day.) (8)

And if it be the Eve of Palm Sunday, Psalm li. is read, and the Priest censeth palm the Palms. And when it is finished, he blesseth the Palms. Sunday.

But if it be the ordinary Vigil Office:

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

Through the prayers of the Apostles, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of our transgressions.

Now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Through the prayers of the Birth-giver of God, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of our transgressions.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great goodness; according to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences.

On the Lord's Day: Jesus, having risen from the grave as he foretold, hath given unto us life eternal and great mercy.

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On Feast Days, instead of this, the Canticles (Stikhiry) of the Feast. Feasts.

Deacon. O Lord, save thy people, and bless thine heritage. Visit thy world with mercies and bounties. Exalt the horn of Orthodox Christians, and send down upon us thy rich mercies. Through the intercessions of

t See the Service for Blessing the Palms, at end of Service for Palm Sunday (Special Services).

our all-undefiled Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, through the might of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the honourable Bodiless Powers of Heaven; of the honourable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostles; of our Holy Fathers, great Hierarchs and (Ecumenical Teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom; of our Holy Father Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonder-worker; (of our Holy Fathers of All-Russia, Wonder-workers, Peter, Alexis, Jonah and Philip); of our Holy Fathers Methodius and Kyril, Evangelizers of the Slavs; of the holy, glorious and right-victorious Martyrs; of our reverend and God-bearing Fathers, the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; of Saint N. (the holy patron of the Temple); and of all thy Saints, we beseech thee, O most merciful Lord, give ear unto the petitions of us sinners who make our supplications unto thee, and have mercy upon us.

Choir. Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times.)

Priest. Through the mercies and bounties and compassion of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

The Priest, the Deacon and the People now salute the Holy Gospels and the Holy Image of the Feast.

And if the bread and wine and oil have been blessed during Vespers, before the Feasts. Matins, the Priest now anointeth the faithful with the oil, and the bread is

distributed. (9)

The Canon of the proper Tone* or of the Feast, is then sung. (10)

After the Third Theme-Song (Irmos) the Little Litany (see page 29) followeth.

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir Amen.

After the Sixth Theme-Song of the Canon also the Little Litany (see page 29) followeth, with the Exclamation at the end:

For thou art the King of the world, and the Saviour of our souls, and

unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the

Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Before the Ninth Ode the Magnificat (or the Refrain appointed for Matms on certain of the Great Feasts) is sung.

The Deacon cometh and standeth before the Holy Image of the Birth-giver of God, and censing it, he saith:

The Birth-giver of God and Mother of the Light let us honour and extol in song.

Choir. My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Refrain. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who without defilement barest God the Word, true Birth-giver of God, we magnify thee.

For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

More honourable than the Cherubim,...

For he that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is his Name; and his mercy is on them that fear him, throughout all generations.

He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the empty with good things, and the rich hath he sent empty away.

He remembering his mercy hath hoi pen his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever,

Also the Song of Zacharias (Luke i. 68-79). Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people; and hath raised up a mighty salvation for us, in the house of his servant David; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began; that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers, and to remember his holy covenant; to perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham that he would give us; that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear; in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways! To give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us: to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

The Ninth Ode followeth, and then:

The Little Litany.

Deacon. Again, yet again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir Lord, have mercy.

Calling to remembrance our most holy, all-undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the

Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

Priest. For all the powers of heaven praise thee, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

The Exapostilarion of the Lord's Day. (n)

Verse I: Holy is the Lord our God. (Thrice.)

Verse 2: Over all men is our God.

Let everything which hath breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord of heaven: praise Him in the height.

Refrain. To thee, O God, is due our song.

Praise him all ye Angels of his: praise him all his host.

Refrain. To thee, O God, is due our song.

And here begin the Verses (Stikhiry) of the Tone, or of the Feast. And then:

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn to the Birth-giver of God (Bogoroditchen). (On the Lord's Day Evening):

Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Birth-giver of God: For through him who became incarnate of thee Hell is led captive, Adam is recalled from the dead, the curse is made void, Eve is set free, Death is slain, and we have been endowed with life. Wherefore we cry aloud, extolling in song: Blessed art thou, O Christ our God, in whose sight it is thus well-pleasing. Glory to thee.

Priest. Glory to thee, who hast shown us the light. (12)

Choir. Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Jesus Christ, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day will I give thanks unto thee, and praise thy Name forever and ever. Lord, thou hast been our refuge from one generation to another. I said, Lord, be merciful unto me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee. I flee unto thee. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God. For with thee is the well of life, and in thy light shall we see light. O continue forth thy loving-kindness unto them that know thee.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified be thy holy Name forever. Amen.

Let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us, as we do put our trust in thee.

Blessed art thou, O Lord: O teach me thy statutes. (Thrice.)

Lord, thou hast been our refuge from one generation to another, said: Lord, be merciful unto me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee. Lord, I flee unto thee. Teaeh me to do the thing that pleaseth thee; for thou art my God. For with thee is the well of life, and in thy light shall we see light. O continue forth thy loving-kindness unto those who know thee.

O Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. (Thrice.)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us.

Then in a loud voice: O Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. Then shall be sung the appointed Hymn of Dismissal. The Saturday Evening (Sunday) Hymns: In Tones I., III., V., VII.: To-day is salvation come into the world. Let us sing praises unto him who rose again from the grave, the Author of our life: For in that by death he hath destroyed Death, he hath given unto us the victory and great mercy.

In Tones II., IV., VI., VIII.:

When thou hadst risen again from the tomb, and hadst burst the bonds of Hell, thou didst loose the condemnation of death, O Lord, redeeming all men from the snares of the enemy. When thou hadst revealed thyself to thine Apostles, thou didst send them forth to proclaim thee. And through them thou hast granted thy peace unto the universe, O only All-merciful One.

Then the Augmented Litany (Sugubaya Ekteniya). Deacon. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee: hearken, and have mercy. Choir. Lord, have mercy

Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities (according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted).

Again we pray for our Holy Synod (or Patriarch); for our Bishop (or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N.; and for all our brethren in Christ.

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Furthermore we pray for all their Christ-loving Army and Navy.

Furthermore we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable found-ers of this holy Temple; and for all our devout fathers and brethren, Orthodox believers, departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.

Furthermore we pray for mercy, life, health, peace, salvation, forgiveness and remission of sins for the servants of God, our brethren of this holy Temple.

Furthermore we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-honourable Temple; for those who labour in its service; for the singers; and for the people here present, who await in firm hope thy great and rich mercies.

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art a merciful God, who lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Deacon. Let us complete our morning prayer unto the Lord.

Choir Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

A day all-perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us beseech of the Lord:

An Angel of Peace, the faithful guide and guardian of our souls:

The pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions:

All things which are good and profitable to our souls, and peace to the world:

That we may pass the residue of our life in peace and penitence:

A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful; and a good defence before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ,

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art the God of mercies and of bounties, and of love toward mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

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Priest. Peace be with you all.

People. And with thy spirit.

Deacon. Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.

Choir. Unto thee, O Lord.

And the Priest saith this Prayer, secretly:

O holy Lord, who dwellest on high, and regardest the humble of heart, and with thine all-seeing eye dost behold all creation, unto Thee have we bowed the neck of our soul and body, and we entreat thee: Stretch forth thine invisible hand from thy holy dwelling-place and bless us all. And if in aught we have sinned, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, forgive, inasmuch as thou art a good God, and lovest mankind; vouchsafing unto us thy earthly and heavenly good things.

Exclamation.

For thine it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Deacon. Wisdom!

Choir. Bless.

Priest. He who in verity existeth, even Christ our God, is blessed always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Establish, O Lord, our most God-fearing Ruler, and the Holy Orthodox faith, and Orthodox Christians, unto ages of ages.

Priest. Save us, O most holy Birth-giver of God.

Choir. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who without defilement barest God the Word, in very truth the Birth-giver of God, we magnify thee.

Priest. Glory to thee, O Christ our God, our sure hope; glory to thee.

Choir. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) Bless.

Then the Priest bestoweth the Benediction. On Saturday Evening:

May he who rose again from the dead, Christ our true God; through the prayers of his most holy Mother, of the holy, glorious and all-praiseworthy Apostles, of Saint N. (the Patron of the Church); of Saint N. (the Saint of the Day); and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us; inasmuch as he is good and loveth mankind.

Then the Choir singeth the Many Years:

Preserve, O Lord, our most God-fearing Ruler; our (Patriarch, or Holy Synod); our (Metropolitan, Archbishop, or Bishop), N.; and all Orthodox Christians, for many years.

The Holy Doors or curtain shall be closed, and The First Hour is then read.