Our Venerable Mother Theodora of Alexandria.
Post-feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God. Abstention from meat and foods that contain these ingredients.
Divine Liturgy
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.
Troparion, Tone 8: The divine image was faithfully preserved in you, O mother,* for taking up the Cross you followed Christ.* By your deeds you have taught us to see beyond flesh which passes* and care for the soul, a thing immortal.* And so, O venerable woman, Theodora,* your spirit rejoices with the angels.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 2: For love of the Lord, O venerable woman,* you scorned the desire for rest and enlightened your soul through fasting,* for you have mightily conquered the beasts.* Through your prayers thwart the rage of fiends.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: By your birth, O immaculate one,* Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness,* and Adam and Eve* from the corruption of death.* And your people, redeemed from the guilt of their sins,* celebrate as they cry out to you:* “The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God* and nourisher of our life.”
Prokeimenon, Tone 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.
verse: Because he has regarded the humility of His handmaid; for behold, all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)
Epistle
Ephesians 1:7-17
Brothers and Sisters, in Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him.
Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear. (Psalm 44:11)
verse: The rich among the people shall entreat your countenance. (Psalm 44:13)
Gospel
Mark 8:1-10
At that time, when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way—and some of them have come from a great distance.” His disciples replied, “How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them to the crowd. They had also a few small fish; and after blessing them, he ordered that these too should be distributed. They ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Now there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.
Hymn to the Theotokos
O my soul, magnify the Virgin Mary, born from a barren womb.
And the Irmos, Tone 8: Virginity is alien to mothers* and childbearing is foreign to virgins;* yet in you, O Mother of God, both of them came together.* Therefore we and all the nations of the earth* without ceasing magnify you.
Communion Hymn
I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)
Hours
THE FIRST HOUR
Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and, O Good One, save our souls.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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 forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Reader: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ
– Our King and God.
Psalm 5
Trust in God for Deliverance from Enemies
(Monday and Thursday)
To my words give ear, O Lord,* give heed to my groaning,
Attend to the sound of my cries, my King and my God.* It is You Whom I invoke, O Lord.
In the morning You hear me;* in the morning I offer You my prayer, watching and waiting.
You are no God Who loves evil;* no sinner is Your guest. The boastful shall not stand their ground before Your
face.* You hate all who do evil; You destroy all who lie.* Deceitful and bloodthirsty people are hateful to You, O Lord.
But I through the greatness of Your love* have access to Your house.
I bow down before Your holy temple,* filled with awe.
Lead me, Lord, in Your justice, because of those who lie in wait;* make clear Your way before me.
No truth can be found in their mouths,* their heart is all mischief,
Their throat a wide-open grave,* all honey their speech.
Declare them guilty, O God.* Let them fall in their designs.
Drive them out for their many offenses,* for they have defied You.
All those You protect shall be glad* and ring out their joy.
You shelter them;* in You they rejoice, those who love Your name.
Lord, it is You Who bless the upright;* You surround them with favor as with a shield.
Psalm 89
God’s Eternity and Human Frailty
(Tuesday and Friday)
O Lord, You have been our refuge* from one generation to the next.
Before the mountains were born or the earth or the world brought forth,* You are God, without beginning or end.
You turn us back into dust and say:* Go back, children of the earth.
To Your eyes a thousand years are like yesterday, come and gone,* no more than a watch in the night.
You sweep us away like a dream,* like grass which springs up in the morning.
In the morning it springs up and flowers;* by evening it withers and fades.
So we are destroyed in Your anger,* struck with terror in Your fury.
Our guilt lies open before You,* our secrets in the light of Your face.
All our days pass away in Your anger.* Our life is over like a sigh.
Our span is seventy years,* or eighty for those who are strong.
And most of these are emptiness and pain.* They pass swiftly and we are gone.
Who understands the power of Your anger* and fears the strength of Your fury?
Make us know the shortness of our life* that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Lord, relent! Is Your anger for ever?* Show pity to Your servants.
In the morning, fill us with Your love;* we shall exult and rejoice all our days.
Give us joy to balance our affliction* for the years when we knew misfortune.
Show forth Your work to Your servants;* let Your glory shine on their children.
Let the favor of the Lord be upon us:* give success to the work of our hands; give success to the work of our hands.
Psalm 100
A Sovereign’s Pledge of Integrity and Justice
(Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)
My song is of mercy and justice;* I sing to You, O Lord.
I will walk in the way of perfection.* O when, Lord, will You come?
I will walk with blameless heart within my house;* I will not set before my eyes whatever is base.
I will hate the ways of the crooked;* they shall not be my friends.
The false-hearted must keep far away;* the wicked I disown.
Those who secretly slander their neighbors* I will bring to silence.
Those of proud look and haughty heart* I will never endure.
I look to the faithful in the land* that they may dwell with me.
Those who walk in the way of perfection* shall be my friends.
No one who practices deceit* shall live within my house.
No one who utters lies* shall stand before my eyes.
Morning by morning I will silence all the wicked in the land,* uprooting from the city of the Lord all who do evil.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Now and ever and forever. Amen.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Lord, have mercy (3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Troparion, Tone 4: Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.
Now and for ever, and ever. Amen. Theotokion:
What shall we call you, O Full of grace? * Heaven? For you made the Sun of righteousness to dawn. * Paradise? For you made the flower of incorruption blossom. * Virgin? For you remained incorrupt. * Pure Mother? For you held in your holy embrace a Son who is the God of all. * Implore Him that our souls may be saved.
Psalm Verses
Direct my steps according to Your word, and let no iniquity control me.
Deliver me from people’s slander, and I shall keep Your commandments.
Let Your face shine on Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
Let my mouth be filled with Your praise, O Lord, that I may hymn Your glory, and sing Your splendor all the day.
Trisagion Prayers
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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 forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Reader: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 2: For love of the Lord, O venerable woman,* you scorned the desire for rest and enlightened your soul through fasting,* for you have mightily conquered the beasts.* Through your prayers thwart the rage of fiends.
Lord, have mercy. (40)
Prayer of the Hours
O Christ our God, in all times and places You are worshiped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in Your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble, and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Now and ever and forever. Amen.
More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.
If there is no priest we proceed to the Prayer of the First Hour
If there be a priest:
Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord!
Priest: May God be merciful to us and bless us; may His countenance shine upon us, and may He have mercy on us.
Choir: Amen.
Prayer of the First Hour
O Christ, the true Light who enlightens and sanctifies everyone in the world, mark us with the light of Your countenance so that we may see the unapproachable radiance. Let our life be straight along the path of Your commandments, through the prayers of Your most pure Mother and of all Your saints. Amen.
If the next Hour is to follow, then begin: Come let us bow in worship....; otherwise, the following dismissal is taken:
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope; glory be to You!
Choir: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen. Lord, have mercy (3). Give the blessing.
Priest: Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
Choir: Amen.
THE THIRD HOUR
Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and, O Good One, save our souls.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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 forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Reader: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ
– Our King and God.
Psalm 16
Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors
(Monday and Thursday)
Lord, hear a cause that is just,* pay heed to my cry.
Turn Your ear to my prayer,* no deceit is on my lips.
From You may my judgment come forth.* Your eyes discern the truth.
You search my heart, You visit me by night.* You test me and You find in me no wrong.
My words are not sinful like human words.* I kept from violence because of Your word,
I kept my feet firmly in Your paths;* there was no faltering in my steps.
I am here and I call, You will hear me, O God.* Turn Your ear to me; hear my words.
Display Your great love,* You Whose right hand saves Your friends from those who rebel against them.
Guard me as the apple of Your eye.* Hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the violent attack of the wicked.
My foes encircle me with deadly intent.* Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.
They advance against me,* and now they surround me.
Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground, as though they were lions ready to claw* or like a young lion crouched in hiding.
Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!* Let Your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;
Let Your hand, O Lord, rescue me from my enemy,* from those whose reward is in this present life.
You give them their fill of Your treasures;* they rejoice in abundance of offspring and leave their wealth to their children.
As for me, in my justice I shall see Your face and be filled,* when I awake, with the sight of Your glory.
Psalm 24
Prayer for Guidance and for Deliverance
(Tuesday and Friday)
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul;* I trust You.
Let me not be disappointed;* do not let my enemies triumph.
Those who hope in You shall not be disappointed,* but only those who wantonly break faith.
Lord, make me know Your ways* Lord, teach me Your paths.
Make me walk in Your truth, and teach me,* for You are God my Savior.
In You I hope all day long* because of Your goodness, O Lord.
Remember Your mercy, Lord,* and the love You have shown from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth.* In Your love remember me.
The Lord is good and upright.* He shows the path to those who stray,
He guides the humble in the right path,* He teaches His way to the poor.
His ways are faithfulness and love* for those who keep His covenant and will.
Lord, for the sake of Your name forgive my guilt,* for it is great.
To those who revere the Lord* He will show the path they should choose.
Their souls will live in happiness* and their children shall possess the land.
The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere Him;* to them He reveals His covenant.
My eyes are always on the Lord,* for He rescues my feet from the snare.
Turn to me and have mercy* for I am lonely and poor.
Relieve the anguish of my heart* and set me free from my distress.
See my affliction and my toil* and take all my sins away.
See how many are my foes,* how violent their hatred for me.
Preserve my life and rescue me.* Do not disappoint me, You are my refuge.
May innocence and uprightness protect me,* for my hope is in You, O Lord.
Redeem Israel, O God,* from all its distress.
Psalm 50
Prayer for Cleansing and Pardon
(Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Have mercy on me, God, in Your kindness.* In Your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt* and cleanse me from my sin.
My offenses truly I know them;* my sin is always before me.
Against You, You alone, have I sinned;* what is evil in Your sight I have done.
That You may be justified when You give sentence* and be without reproach when You judge.
O see, in guilt I was born,* a sinner was I conceived
Indeed, You love truth in the heart;* then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;* O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,* that the bones You have crushed may thrill.
From my sins turn away Your face* and blot out all my guilt.
A pure heart create for me, O God,* put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,* nor deprive me of Your holy spirit.
Give me again the joy of Your help;* with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
That I may teach transgressors Your ways* and sinners may return to You.
O rescue me, God, my helper,* and my tongue shall ring out Your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips* and my mouth shall declare Your praise.
For in sacrifice You take no delight,* burnt offering from me You would refuse.
My sacrifice, a contrite spirit.* A humbled, contrite heart You will not spurn.
In Your goodness, show favor to Zion:* rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then You will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, burnt offerings wholly consumed,* Then You will be offered young bulls on Your altar.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Now and for ever, and ever. Amen.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! (3)
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Troparion, Tone 8: The divine image was faithfully preserved in you, O mother,* for taking up the Cross you followed Christ.* By your deeds you have taught us to see beyond flesh which passes* and care for the soul, a thing immortal.* And so, O venerable woman, Theodora,* your spirit rejoices with the angels.
Now and for ever, and ever. Amen. Theotokion:
O Mother of God, * you are the true vine, from whom blossomed the fruit of life; * we implore you, O Lady, * intercede together with the holy apostles * that He may have mercy on our souls.
Blessed is the Lord God, blessed is the Lord day by day; may the God of our salvation give us prosperity. Our God is the God who saves
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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 forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Reader: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: By your birth, O immaculate one,* Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness,* and Adam and Eve* from the corruption of death.* And your people, redeemed from the guilt of their sins,* celebrate as they cry out to you:* “The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God* and nourisher of our life.”
Lord, have mercy. (40)
Prayer of the Hours
O Christ our God, in all times and places You are worshiped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in Your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble, and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Now and ever and forever. Amen.
More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.
If there is no priest we proceed to the Prayer of the Ninth Hour
If there be a priest:
Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord!
Priest: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
Choir: Amen.
Prayer of the Third Hour
O God our Master, almighty Father; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit, one God and one Might, have mercy on me a sinner, and save me, Your unworthy servant, according to the ways of Your wisdom. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.
If the next Hour is to follow, then begin: Come let us bow in worship....; otherwise, the following dismissal is taken:
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope; glory be to You!
Choir: Glory be: Now and for ever: Lord, have mercy (3). Give the blessing.
Priest: Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
Choir: Amen.
THE SIXTH HOUR
Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and, O Good One, save our souls.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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 forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Reader: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ
– Our King and God.
Psalm 53
Prayer for Vindication
(Monday and Thursday)
O God, save me by Your name;* by Your power, uphold my cause.
O God, hear my prayer;* listen to the words of my mouth.
For the proud have risen against me,* ruthless foes seek my life.
They have no regard for God.* But I have God for my help. The Lord upholds my life.
Let the evil recoil upon my foes;* You Who are faithful, destroy them.
I will sacrifice to You with willing heart* and praise Your name for it is good;
For You have rescued me from all my distress* and my eyes have seen the downfall of my foes.
Psalm 54
Complaint about a Friend’s Treachery
(Tuesday and Friday)
O God, listen to my prayer,* do not hide from my pleading,
Attend to me and reply; with my cares, I cannot rest.*I tremble at the shouts of the foe, at the cries of the wicked;
For they bring down evil upon me.* They assail me with fury.
My heart is stricken within me,* death’s terror is on me,
Trembling and fear fall upon me* and horror overwhelms me.
O that I had wings like a dove* to fly away and be at rest.
So I would escape far away* and take refuge in the desert.
I would hasten to find a shelter from the raging wind,* from the destructive storm, O Lord, and from their plotting tongues.
For I can see nothing but violence and strife in the city.* Night and day they patrol high on the city walls.
It is full of wickedness and evil, it is full of sin.* Its streets are never free from tyranny and deceit.
If this had been done by an enemy* then I could bear it.
If a rival had risen against me,* then I could hide.
But it is you, my own companion,* my intimate friend!
How close was the friendship between us.* We walked together in harmony in the house of God.
May death fall suddenly upon them!* Let them go to the grave;
For wickedness dwells in their home* and deep in their hearts.
As for me, I will cry to God* and the Lord will save me.
Evening, morning and at noon I will cry and lament,* and He will hear my voice.
God will deliver my soul in peace in the attack against me,* for those who fight me are many, but He hears my voice
God will hear and will humble them,* the eternal judge;
For they will not amend their ways.* They have no fear of God.
The traitor has turned against me;* has broken our pact, with speech softer than butter, but war within the heart,
With words smoother than oil* though they are naked swords.
Entrust your cares to the Lord and He will support you.* He will never allow the just one to stumble.
But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of death.* The bloodthirsty and the deceitful shall not live half their lives. O Lord, I will trust in You.
Psalm 90
Assurance of God’s Protection
(Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High* and abides in the shade of the Almighty
Says to the Lord: My refuge, my stronghold,* my God in whom I trust!
It is He Who will free you from the snare of the fowler* who seeks to destroy you;
He will conceal you with His pinions* and under His wings you will find refuge.
You will not fear the terror of the night* nor the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the plague that prowls in the darkness* nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand fall at your right,* you, it will never approach,* His faithfulness is buckler and shield.
Your eyes have only to look to see* how the wicked are repaid,
You who have said: Lord, my refuge!* and have made the Most High your dwelling
Upon you no evil shall fall,* no plague approach where you dwell.
For you He has commanded His angels,* to keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you upon their hands* lest you strike your foot against a stone.
On the lion and the viper you will tread* and trample the young lion and the dragon.
You set your love on Me so I will save you,* protect you for you know My name.
When you call I shall answer: I am with you,* I will save you in distress and give you glory.
With length of days I will content you;* I shall let you see my saving power.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Now and for ever, and ever. Amen.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! (3)
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Troparion of the parish church
Or, this Troparion of St. Josaphat (Tone 4): You appeared as a radiant light,* O priest-martyr Josaphat.* Like the Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for your sheep;* killed by enemies who loved division, you entered the holy of holies to dwell with the bodiless powers.* Therefore we pray you, long-suffering saint:* beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds,* to number us among the sheep at His right hand and to save our souls.
Now and for ever, and ever. Amen. Theotokion:
As we have no boldness because of our many sins, * entreat the One born of you, Virgin Mother of God; * for a Mother’s plea has great power to obtain the Master’s kindness. * Do not despise the supplications of sinners, O all-pure one, * for He is merciful, and able to save, / He who even accepted to suffer for us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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 forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Reader: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
The kontakion of the parish church;
Or, this Kontakion of St. Josaphat (Tone 4): Enlightened in childhood* by the flame from the crucified Christ,* you resembled the angels in your life as a monk,* and as bishop you lived in godliness.* You clearly preached unity and with your martyr’s blood, you calmed hearts inflamed by love for dispute.* From Christ you received the crown.* And so remember us as we cry to you:* Rejoice, O unshakeable pillar of unity.
Lord, have mercy. (40)
Prayer of the Hours
O Christ our God, in all times and places You are worshiped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in Your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble, and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Now and ever and forever. Amen.
More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.
If there is no priest we proceed to the Prayer of the Sixth Hour
If there be a priest:
Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord!
Priest: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
Prayer of the Sixth Hour
O God and Lord of powers, Maker of all creation, in the compassion of Your incomprehensible mercy You sent Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our race. Through His precious Cross He tore up the record of our sins, and triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness. O loving Master, accept our supplications of thanksgiving and entreaty; and deliver us from destructive and dark transgression, and from all our foes, visible and invisible, who seek to harm us. Nail down our flesh through fear of You, and prevent our hearts from inclining towards words or thoughts of evil, but rather wound our souls with longing for You; that always gazing upon You and guided by the light that comes from You, seeing You the unapproachable and everlasting Light, we may unceasingly confess and thank You, the Father without beginning, with Your only-begotten Son and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
If the next Hour is to follow, then begin: Come let us bow in worship....; otherwise, the following dismissal is taken:
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope; glory be to You!
Choir: Glory be: Now and for ever: Lord, have mercy (3). Give the blessing.
Priest: Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
Choir: Amen.
THE NINTH HOUR
Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and, O Good One, save our souls.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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 forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Reader: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ
– Our King and God.
Psalm 83
The Joy of Worship in the Temple
(Monday and Thursday)
How lovely is Your dwelling-place,* Lord, God of hosts.
My soul is longing and yearning,* is yearning for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my soul ring out their joy to God,* the living God.
The sparrow herself finds a home and the swallow a nest for her brood;* she lays her young by Your altars, Lord of hosts,* my king and my God.
They are happy, who dwell in Your house,* forever singing Your praise.
They are happy, whose strength is in You,* in whose hearts are the roads to Zion.
As they go through the Bitter Valley they make it a place of springs,* the autumn rain covers it with blessings.
They walk with ever-growing strength,* they will see the God of gods in Zion.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,* give ear, O God of Jacob.
Turn Your eyes, O God, our shield,* look on the face of Your anointed.
One day within Your courts* is better than a thousand elsewhere.
The threshold of the house of God* I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a rampart, a shield;* He will give us His favor and glory.
The Lord will not refuse any good* to those who walk without blame.
Lord, God of hosts,* happy are those who trust in You!
Psalm 84
Prayer for the Restoration of God’s Favour
(Tuesday and Friday)
O Lord, You once favored Your land* and revived the fortunes of Jacob,
You forgave the guilt of Your people* and covered all their sins.
You averted all Your rage, You calmed the heat of Your anger.* Revive us now, God, our helper!
Put an end to Your grievance against us.* Will You be angry with us forever, will Your anger never cease?
Will You not restore again our life* that Your people may rejoice in You?
Let us see, O Lord, Your mercy* and give us Your saving help.
I will hear what the Lord God has to say,* a voice that speaks of peace,
Peace for His people and His friends* and those who turn to Him in their hearts.
His help is near for those who fear Him* and His glory will dwell in our land.
Mercy and faithfulness have met;* justice and peace have embraced.
Faithfulness shall spring from the earth* and justice look down from heaven.
The Lord will make us prosper* and our earth shall yield its fruit.
Justice shall march before Him* and peace shall follow His steps.
Psalm 85
Supplication for Help against Enemies
(Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Turn Your ear, O Lord, and give answer* for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am faithful;* save the servant who trusts in You.
You are my God, have mercy on me, Lord,* for I cry to You all the day long.
Give joy to Your servant, O Lord,* for to You I lift up my soul.
O Lord You are good and forgiving,* full of love to all who call.
Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer* and attend to the sound of my voice.
In the day of distress I will call* and surely You will reply.
Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord,* nor work to compare with Yours.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Now and for ever, and ever. Amen.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! (3)
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Troparion, Tone 4: Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.
Now and for ever, and ever. Amen. Theotokion:
O Good One, You were born of a Virgin for our sake and endured crucifixion; * You despoiled death by death and as God revealed the resurrection. * Do not despise those whom You fashioned with Your own hand; * show Your love for mankind, O Merciful One; * accept the Mother of God who bore You as she intercedes for us, * and save, O Savior, a people in despair.
For Your holy name’s sake do not utterly reject us, do not annul Your covenant, do not take Your mercy from us for the sake of Abraham, Your beloved, and for the sake of Isaac, Your servant, and Israel, Your holy one
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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 forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Reader: By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 2: For love of the Lord, O venerable woman,* you scorned the desire for rest and enlightened your soul through fasting,* for you have mightily conquered the beasts.* Through your prayers thwart the rage of fiends.
Lord, have mercy. (40)
Prayer of the Hours
O Christ our God, in all times and places You are worshiped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in Your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble, and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Now and ever and forever. Amen.
More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.
If there is no priest we proceed to the Prayer of the Ninth Hour
If there be a priest:
Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord!
Priest: May God be merciful to us and bless us; may His countenance shine upon us, and may He have mercy on us.
People: Amen.
Prayer of the Ninth Hour
Master, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, You have patiently endured our transgressions, and brought us to this hour in which hanging on the life-giving tree You showed the good Thief the way into Paradise and destroyed death by death. Have mercy also on us sinners, Your unworthy servants, for we have sinned and transgressed Your law and are not worthy to raise our eyes and look to the height of heaven; because we have abandoned the way of Your justice and walked in the willfulness of our hearts. But we implore Your unbounded goodness: spare us, O Lord, according to the multitude of Your mercy, and save us for Your holy name’s sake, for our days have been wasted in vanity. Rescue us from the hand of our opponent, forgive us our sins, slay our carnal will, that having put off the old man, we may put on the new, and live for You, our Master and benefactor; and that thus following Your precepts we may reach eternal rest, where all who rejoice have their dwelling.
For You indeed are the true joy and gladness of those who love You, Christ our God, and to You we give glory, together with Your Father who has no beginning, and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
If Vespers is to follow, then begin: Come let us bow in worship....; otherwise, the following dismissal is taken:
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope; glory be to You!
Choir: Glory be: Now and for ever: Lord, have mercy (3). Give the blessing.
Priest: Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
Choir: Amen