Vespers

For Sundays and Feasts

After the Dismissal of the Ninth Hour the Priest and Deacon, having made a metania to the Bishop's stall, venerated the icons and bowed to the two Choirs, enter the Sanctuary by the side doors.

They make three bows to the Holy Table and the Priest kisses the Holy Table and the Gospel.

Then, vested in the Epitrachelion, he opens the curtain of the Holy Doors and, standing uncovered in front of the Holy Table, gives the blessing as follows:

PRIEST

Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Then the Superior, or the appointed person, reads the Opening Psalm, one of the ''Gerontika'', as follows:

Superior or Reader

Come, let us worship and fall down before the King, our God.

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, the King, our God.

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, the King, our God.

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great; you have clothed yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heaven like a curtain; Who roofs his upper chambers with the waters; who makes the clouds his chariot; who walks on the wings of the wind; Who makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire; Who establishes the earth on its sure foundation; it shall not be moved forever and ever. The deep covers it like a garment; the waters shall stand upon the mountains. Before your rebuke they shall flee; at the sound of your thunder they shall be afraid. They go up the mountains and down by the plains, to the place you established for them. You have set a boundary that they shall not pass, that they may not again cover the earth. He sends the springs into the valleys; the waters shall run between the mountains. They shall give drink to all the beasts of the field; the wild asses shall await them to quench their thirst. The birds of heaven shall dwell beside them; they shall call out from the midst of the rocks. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of your works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and the green herb for the service of men, That he may bring forth bread out of the earth, and wine makes glad the heart of man; That he may make his face cheerful with oil, and bread strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon, which you planted. There the sparrows shall make their nests; the heron’s dwelling is foremost among them. The high mountains are for the deer; the rock is a refuge for the hares. He made the moon for seasons; the sun knows the time of its setting. You appointed darkness, and it was night; in it shall all the beasts of the forest go forth, Young lions roaring for their prey, seeking their food from God. The sun rose, and they gathered themselves together, and they shall lie down to sleep in their dens. Man shall go forth to his work, and to his labor until evening. How great are your works, O Lord! in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creation. This is the sea, great and wide; in it are creeping things innumerable, living things both small and great. There the ships are passing by; this dragon, which you formed to play in it. All things look to you to give them their food in due season. When you give it to them, they shall gather it; when you open your hand, all things shall be filled with goodness. When you turn away your face, they shall be troubled; you shall take away their spirit, and they shall die, and shall return to their dust. You shall send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created; and you shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord endure to the ages; the Lord shall rejoice in his works. He looks on the earth, and makes it tremble; he touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will praise my God while I have my being. May my meditation be pleasing to him; as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners perish from the earth, and transgressors, that they should be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

How great are your works, O Lord! in wisdom you have made them all.

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

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to you, O God. (three times).

Prayers at the Lighting of the Lamps

While the Opening Psalm is being read the Priest, bareheaded and standing in front of the Holy Table, says quietly the Prayers at the Lighting of the Lamps,

PRIEST (inaudibly)

1st Prayer

O Lord, compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and full of mercy, listen to our prayer and attend to the voice of our supplication. Make for us a sign for good. Guide us in your way, to walk in your truth. Make glad our hearts to fear your holy Name, because you are great and do wondrous things. You alone are God, and there is none like you, O Lord, among gods: powerful in mercy and loving in strength to help and to console and to save all who hope in your holy Name. [EL]

For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. [EL] Amen.

2nd Prayer

Lord, do not rebuke us in your anger, nor chastise us in your wrath, but deal with us in accordance with your kindness, physician and healer of our souls. Guide us to the harbour of your will. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts to the knowledge of your truth and grant that the rest of the present day and the whole time of our life may be peaceful and without sin, at the prayers of the holy Mother of God and of all the Saints. [EL]

For yours is the might, and yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. [EL] Amen.

3rd Prayer

Lord our God, remember us, sinners and your unprofitable servants, as we call upon your holy Name, and do not put us to shame from the expectation of your mercy, but graciously grant us, Lord, all the requests that are for salvation, and count us worthy to love and to fear you from our whole heart, and in all things to do your will. [EL]

For you, O God, are good and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. [EL] Amen.

4th Prayer

O Lord, who are praised by the holy Powers with never silent hymns and unceasing songs of glory, fill our mouth with your praise to give majesty to your holy Name, and give us a part and an inheritance with all who fear you in truth and who keep your commandments, at the prayers of the holy Mother of God and of all your Saints. [EL]

For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. [EL] Amen.

5th Prayer

Lord, Lord, who uphold the universe by your immaculate hand, who are long-suffering towards us all and who repent of evils, remember your acts of compassion and your mercy. Visit us in your loving kindness and grant that for the rest of the present day we may escape the manifold wiles of the evil one, and, by the grace of your All-holy Spirit, keep our life free from assault. [EL]

By the mercy and love for mankind of your Only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. [EL] Amen.

6th Prayer

O God, great and wonderful, who order the universe with inexpressible loving-kindness and rich providence; who have granted us also the blessings of this world and brought us near to the promised Kingdom through the blessings that have been bestowed on us already; who have made us turn aside from every evil during that part of the present day which is now over, grant us also to complete what remains without blame in the presence of your holy glory, as we sing your praise, who alone are our God, good and the Lover of mankind. [EL]

For you are our God and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. [EL] Amen.

7th Prayer

Great and most high God, who alone possess immortality, who dwell in unapproachable light, who fashioned all creation with wisdom, who made the separation between the light and the darkness and who placed the sun to have authority over the day and the moon and the stars to have authority over the night, who have counted us sinners worthy even at this present hour to come into your presence with confession and thanksgiving and to offer you our evening hymn of glory; do you, O Lord who love mankind, direct our prayer like incense before you and accept it as a savour of sweet fragrance. Grant us that the present evening and the coming night may be peaceful, clothe us with weapons of light, deliver us from every night-time fear and from every deed that walks in darkness. And give us sleep, which you have bestowed on us for our rest in our weakness, freed from every fantasy of the devil. Yes, Master of all things, giver of blessings, may we also be filled with compunction on our beds and call to mind your Name in the night, and enlightened by meditation on your commandments may we rise with gladness of soul to give glory to your loving-kindness, as we bring to your compassion supplications and entreaties on behalf of our own sins and those of all your people. At the prayers of the holy Mother of God visit them with mercy. [EL]

For you, O God, are good and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. [EL] Amen.

When the Opening Psalm is completed the Priest, in front of the Holy Table, or the Deacon in his usual place outside the Holy Doors, says the Litany of Peace.

Litany of Peace.

DEACON

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

For all devout and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

DEACON

For our Bishop (or Archbishop) (name) for the honoured order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For our nation (name), the President (name), civil authorities and armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For this city, for every city, town and village, and for the faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For favourable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For those who travel by land, air or water, for the sick, the suffering, for those in captivity, and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

PEOPLE

To you, O Lord.

PRIEST

For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

After the Litany, except on the Feasts of the Lord, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is read by one Reader.

KATHISMA I.

Psalm 1

Of David; without an inscription among the Hebrews

Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of the pestilent. But his will is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he shall meditate day and night. And he shall be like the tree planted by the streams of water, which shall yield its fruit in its season, and its leaf shall not fall; and in everything he may do, he shall prosper. Not so are the ungodly, not so, but rather like chaff which the wind sweeps away from the face of the earth. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the council of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 2

A Psalm of David.

Why do the nations rage, and the peoples imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth have assembled, and the rulers are gathered together, against the Lord and against his Christ. Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast off their yoke from us. He who dwells in the heavens shall laugh at them, and the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his wrath. But I was appointed king by him on Zion, his holy mountain, proclaiming the decree of the Lord. The Lord said to me, You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession. You shall shepherd them with a rod of iron; you shall shatter them like a potter’s vessels. Now therefore, understand, O kings; be instructed, you who judge the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice in him with trembling. Seize upon instruction, lest the Lord be angry, and you perish from the righteous way. When his wrath is quickly kindled, blessed are all who trust in him.

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, when he was fleeing from Absalom his son into the wilderness

Lord, why are they multiplied who afflict me? Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say to my soul, There is no salvation for him in his God. Diapsalm. But you, O Lord, are my help, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me from his holy mountain. Diapsalm. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord, save me, my God; for you have struck all who without cause are my enemies; you have shattered the teeth of sinners. Salvation is from the Lord, and your blessing is upon your people.

READER

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

READER

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to you, O God. (three times).

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

READER

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 4

For the end, among the hymns, a psalm of David

Answer me when I call, O God of my justice. when I was in trouble you set me at large; have pity on me and hear my prayer. O children of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek falsehood? Diapsalm. Know too that the Lord has made his Holy One wonderful. When I call to the Lord: He will hear me. Be angry, and sin not; have compunction on your beds for what you say in your hearts. Diapsalm. Offer a sacrifice of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There are many who say, Who will show us good things? The light of your countenance is marked on us, O Lord. You have put gladness in my heart; they have abounded in the fruit of their wheat, wine, and oil. I will lie down in peace, and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, have made me dwell in hope.

Psalm 5

For the end, concerning her who inherits, a psalm of David

Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my cry. Attend to my voice in my supplication, O my King and my God. For to you, O Lord, will I pray; in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will set my plight before you, and you will look upon me; for you are not a God who delights in wickedness. The evildoer shall not sojourn with you, nor shall transgressors remain before your eyes. You have hated all the workers of iniquity; you will destroy all those who speak falsehood. The Lord shall abhor the bloody and deceitful man. As for me, I will come into your house in the multitude of your mercy; I will worship toward your holy temple in fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make my way straight before you. For there is no truth in their mouth; their heart is vain. Their throat is an open sepulcher; they have dealt deceitfully with their tongues. Judge them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out according to the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you, O Lord. But let all who put their hope in you be glad; they shall rejoice forever, and you shall make your dwelling among them; and all who love your name shall boast in you. For you will bless the righteous, O Lord; you have crowned us as with a shield of favor.

Psalm 6

For the end, among the hymns, for the eighth, a psalm of David

O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chasten me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled; but you, O Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, deliver my soul; save me for your mercy’s sake. For in death there is none who remembers you; and in Hades, who will give thanks to you? I am weary with my groaning; every night I wash my bed; I water my couch with my tears. My eye is troubled because of anger; I have grown old because of all my enemies. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord has received my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and troubled; let them turn back and be put to great shame in an instant.

READER

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

READER

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to you, O God. (three times).

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

READER

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 7

A psalm of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Hushai, son of Jemini

O Lord my God, in you have I put my trust; save me from all my persecutors, and deliver me, Lest like a lion he seize my soul, while there is none to redeem or save me. O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is iniquity in my hands, If I have dealt back evil to those who do me wrong, let me be stripped empty by my enemies; Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and trample my life into the earth, and make my glory dwell in the dust. Diapsalm. Arise, O Lord, in your anger; lift yourself up in the borders of your enemies. Awake, O Lord my God, with the decree that you commanded, and an assembly of peoples shall surround you. Return above them on high; the Lord shall judge the peoples. Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to my integrity that is in me. Let the wickedness of sinners be brought to an end; but you shall direct the righteous; for you search the hearts and reins with righteousness, O God. My help is from God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, strong and patient; he does not show wrath every day. If you do not repent, he will whet his sword; he has bent his bow, and readied it. And on it he has prepared the instruments of death; he has made his arrows shafts of fire. Behold, he was in travail with unrighteousness; he conceived mischief, and brought forth iniquity. He dug a pit and made it deep, and shall fall into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his unrighteousness shall come down upon his own pate. I will give thanks to the Lord according to his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 8

For the end, concerning the winepresses, a psalm of David

O Lord our Lord, how wonderful is your name in all the earth! for your majesty is exalted above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have perfected praise, because of your enemies, to put down the enemy and the avenger. For I will consider the heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you established. What is man, that you are mindful of him? or the son of man, that you visit him? You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet, all sheep and cattle, and the beasts of the field; The birds of heaven, and the fish of the sea, and the things that pass through the paths of the seas. O Lord our Lord, how wonderful is your name in all the earth!

READER

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

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to you, O God. (three times).

Short Litany

DEACON

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

( Lord, have mercy. )

( To you, O Lord. )

PRIEST

For yours is the might, and yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

Then we begin Lord, I have cried in the appropriate tone, while the Deacon censes the Sanctuary and the whole Church. If the Priest has to cense he does so vested in the Phelonion and Epitrachelion. He blesses the incense with the words, Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. He censes the holy Table from the four sides and the whole sanctuary. Then coming out by the north door he censes the holy icons (x3), the people and the whole church in the customary manner and returns to the sanctuary by the south door.

Psalm 140

Lord, I have cried to you; hear me ; hear me , O Lord. Lord, I have cried to you; hear me; give ear to my voice in my supplication when I cry to you ; hear me , O Lord.

Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice ; hear me , O Lord.

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and a strong door about my lips.

Do not incline my heart to evil words; to make excuses for my sins.

With those who work iniquity, let me not unite with their elect.

The just will chastise me with mercy and reprove me; but let not the oil of sinners anoint my head.

For yet my prayer shall be in their pleasures; their judges have been swallowed up near the rock.

They will hear my words for they are sweet. They shall hear my words, for they are sweet; as a clod of earth is dashed upon the ground, so have their bones been scattered by the side of Hades.

For toward you, Lord, O Lord, are my eyes; in you have I put my trust; do not take my soul away.

Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity.

The sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone while I pass by.

Psalm 141

I cried to the Lord with my voice; with my voice I made supplication to the Lord.

I will pour out my supplication before him; I will declare before him my trouble.

When my spirit was faint, you knew my path.

In the way where I walked they had hidden a snare for me.

I looked to my right hand and saw, but there was none who knew me.

Escape is gone from me, and there is none who seeks for my soul.

I cried to you, O Lord; I said, You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.

Give heed to my supplication, for I am brought very low.

Deliver me from those who persecute me, for they are too strong for me.

For 10 Verses, or Stichera [On Saturday evening].

For 8 Verses [Always at a full Vigil].

Psalm 129

For 6 Verses.

6. If you should mark iniquities, O Lord, O Lord, who shall stand? for there is forgiveness with you.

5. For your name’s sake I have waited for you, O Lord; my soul has waited for your word; my soul has hoped in the Lord.

For 4 Verses.

Psalm 116

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

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

During the Doxastikon or Theotokion, which on Saturday evening is always the first of the Tone, the Priest, vested in the Phelonion, and the Deacon make the Entrance with the censer. The Priest blesses the incense as above. They come out through the north door, the Deacon leading, and stop opposite the Holy Doors. The Deacon says,

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

The Priest bows his head and says, in a low voice, the

Prayer of the Entrance

PRIEST

At evening, at morning and at midday we praise, bless and give thanks, and we pray to you, Master of all things, Lord who love mankind: Direct our prayer before you like incense, and do not incline our hearts to words or thoughts of evil, but deliver us from all that hunt down our souls. For our eyes look to you, O Lord, our Lord, and we have hoped in you.

For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Then the Deacon says:

DEACON

Master, bless the holy entrance.

And the Priest blesses the Entrance with the words:

PRIEST

Blessed is the entrance of your holy ones, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

DEACON

Amen.

The Deacon censes the holy icons and the People and waits for the end of the troparion. When it is finished, he raises the censer, making the sign of the Cross, and exclaims:

Wisdom. Stand upright.

And they enter the sanctuary through the Holy Doors, the one with the censer censing the holy Table.

And we sing

Thanksgiving at the Lighting of the Lamps.

An ancient poem, or, as some say, by the martyr Athenogenes.

O joyful Light of the holy glory of the immortal, heavenly, holy, blessed Father, O Jesus Christ. Now that we have come to the setting of the sun and see the evening light, we sing the praise of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is right at all times to hymn you with holy voices, Son of God, giver of life. Therefore the world glorifies you. [EL]

In Athonite use this hymn is always read as one of the Gerontika, except when a number of Priests take part in the Entrance.

DEACON (facing the People)

Prokeimenon of the evening.

On Saturday evening

Prokeimenon Tone 6.

The Lord is King: He has clothed himself with glory. [EL]

Verse: The Lord has clothed and girded himself with power.

The Lord is King: He has clothed himself with glory. [EL]

Verse: He has established the world, which will not be shaken.

The Lord is King:

He has clothed himself with glory. [EL]

On Sunday evening.

Prokeimenon Tone 8.

Come, bless the Lord: All you servants of the Lord. (twice).

Verse: You that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.

Come, bless the Lord:

All you servants of the Lord.

On Monday

Prokeimenon Tone 4.

When I call to the Lord: He will hear me. [EL]

Verse: Answer me when I call, O God of my justice.

On Tuesday evening.

Prokeimenon Tone 1.

Your mercy, Lord, will follow me: all the days of my life. [EL]

Verse: The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want.

On Wednesday evening.

Prokeimenon Tone 5.

Save me, O God, by the power of your name: And vindicate me by your might. [EL]

Verse: Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

On Thursday evening.

Prokeimenon Tone 6.

My help comes from the Lord: who made both heaven and earth. [EL]

Verse: I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence my help shall come.

On Friday evening.

Prokeimenon Tone 7.

O God you are my helper: your mercy will go before me. [EL]

Verse: Rescue me from my enemies, O God, and redeem me from those who rise up against me.

Litany of Fervent Supplication

DEACON

Let us all say, with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy. (three times). And so after each petition.

DEACON

Also we pray for our Bishop (or Archbishop) N.

Also we pray for our President, his (her) government, and all in authority.

Also we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and forgiveness of sins for the servants of God, all devout and Orthodox Christians, those who dwell in or visit this city and parish, the wardens and members of this church and their families; [and for the servants of God N. & N. (Here the Deacon may name those for whom he has been asked to pray), and all who have asked for our prayers, unworthy though we are.]

Also we pray for the blessed and ever-remembered founders of this holy church, and for all our departed brothers and sisters, Orthodox believers, who have gone to their rest before us and who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord; [and for the servants of God N. & N. (Here the Deacon may name those for whom he has been asked to pray), and that they may be pardoned all their offences, both voluntary and involuntary.]

Also we pray for those who bring offerings, those who care for the beauty of this holy and venerable house, for those who labour in its service, for those who sing, and for the people here present, who await your great and rich mercy.

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

READER

( Amen. )

DEACON

Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.

PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

That the whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.

PEOPLE: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.

PEOPLE: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

Pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.

PEOPLE: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

Those things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.

PEOPLE: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

That we may live out the rest of our days in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.

PEOPLE: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

A Christian end to our life, painless, unashamed and peaceful, and a good defence before the dread judgement seat of Christ, let us ask.

PEOPLE: Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

PEOPLE: To you, O Lord.

PRIEST

For you, O God, are good and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace to all.

PEOPLE: And to your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

PEOPLE: To you, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Lord our God, who bowed the heavens and came down for the salvation of the human race, look upon your servants and upon your inheritance, for to you, the fearful Judge who love mankind, your servants have bowed their heads and inclined their necks, not waiting for any human help, but awaiting your mercy and looking for your salvation. Guard them at every moment, during both the present evening and the approaching night, from every foe, from every hostile operation of the devil and from vain thoughts and evil desires.

PRIEST Aloud:

Blessed and glorified be the might of your Kingdom, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE: Amen.

On Saturday evening

Verse:

Song of Simeon

Now, Master, you let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your Salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a Light to bring revelation to the nations, and the Glory of your people Israel.

Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (three times).

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name''s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Our Father, in heaven, may your name be sanctified, your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [EL]

PRIEST

For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Glory. Both now, Theotokion in the same tone.

DEACON

Wisdom.

( Bless. )

PRIEST

Blessed is He Who Is, Christ our true God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

Superior or Reader

May the Lord God strengthen the holy and pure faith of devout and orthodox Christians, with his holy Church, unto ages of ages.

( Amen. )

Greater in honour than the Cherubim * and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, * without corruption * you gave birth to God the Word; * truly the Mother of God, * we magnify you.

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

Lord, have mercy. (three times). Bless.

May ( On Saturday evening he who rose from the dead, ) Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his most pure and holy Mother, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, through the protection of the honoured, Bodiless Powers of heaven, through the intercessions of the honoured, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, of the holy, glorious and triumphant Martyrs, of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers and Mothers, N. [the patron of the church] of Saint N. whose memory we keep today, of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.

PRIEST

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us.

PEOPLE

Amen.

Apolytikia.

Virgin Mother of God, hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Saviour of our souls. [EL]

Baptist of Christ, remember us all, that we may be delivered from our transgressions: for you have been given grace to intercede for us. [EL]

Glory.

Pray for us, holy Apostles and all you Saints, that we may be delivered from dangers and afflictions: for in you we have gained fervent advocates with the Saviour. [EL]

Both now.

READER

Lord, have mercy. (x40)

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

Greater in honour than the Cherubim * and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, * without corruption * you gave birth to God the Word; * truly the Mother of God, * we magnify you.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy father, give the blessing.

PRIEST

Blessed is He Who Is, Christ our true God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

READER

Amen.

Heavenly King, establish our rulers: strengthen the faith: calm the nations: make the world peaceful: guard well this holy church: assign our brothers and sisters who have gone before us to the tents of the righteous, and accept us in repentance and confession, as you are good and love mankind.

The Prayer of Saint Ephrem the Syrian

Lord and Master of my life, do not give me a spirit of sloth, idle curiosity, love of power and useless chatter. ( )

Rather accord to me, your servant, a spirit of sobriety, humility, patience and love. ( )

Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to condemn my brother; for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. ( )

VESPERS ON ORDINARY DAYS

Verse 1: I lift up my eyes to you, who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants are toward the hands of their masters, as the eyes of a handmaid are toward the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes toward the Lord our God, until he take pity on us.

Verse 2: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have had more than our fill of contempt. Our soul has had more than its fill; let reproach come upon those who prosper, and contempt upon the proud.

On Friday.

Verse 1: God is wonderful in his Saints.

Verse 2: The Lord is wondrous in the saints who are in his land; all that he has willed, he has done in them.

Verse 3: Blessed are those whom you have chosen and taken; they will dwell in your courts.

On Sunday evening.

May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his most pure and holy Mother, through the protection of the honoured, Bodiless Powers of heaven, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, N. [the patron of the church] of Saint N. whose memory we keep today, of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.

On Monday

May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his most pure and holy Mother, through the intercessions of the honoured, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, N. [the patron of the church] of Saint N. whose memory we keep today, of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.

On Tuesday and Thursday

May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his most pure and holy Mother, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, N. [the patron of the church] of Saint N. whose memory we keep today, of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.

On Friday

May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his most pure and holy Mother, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, of the holy, glorious and triumphant Martyrs, of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers and Mothers, N. [the patron of the church] of Saint N. whose memory we keep today, of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.

[ ] Accept, Lord, the supplication of us sinners, and have mercy on us.

[ ] May your mercy, Lord, be upon us, as we have put our in hope.

[ ] Eternal your memory, blessed and ever remembered Founders.

[ ] Eternal your memory.

NINTH HOUR

Anixantaria. On major feasts, and especially at All-night Vigils, the closing verses of the Opening Psalm are often sung to a solemn and protracted melody. The verses are ‘farced’ with short hymns of praise, such as ‘Glory to you, Holy One. Glory to you, Lord. Glory to you, heavenly King. Glory to you, O God. Alleluia’. The singers take up the Psalm from the verse that begins ‘When you open’, in Greek Anixantos sou, hence the name Anixantaria.

Apolytikion. The hymn that precedes the Dismissal (Greek Apolysis). It is the characteristic hymn of the day or the feast, and is often referred to simply as ‘the Troparion of the Day’. It is used at all the offices and at the Liturgy.

Aposticha. The series of hymns and alternating Psalm verses which are sung towards the end of Vespers and daily Matins. In Greek stichos means ‘verse’.

Artoklasia. The ceremony of the Blessing of Loaves, or Breaking (Greek klasis) of Bread (Greek artos), that takes place before the Apolytikion at Vespers when there is a Vigil. In many parishes it is nowadays celebrated on important feasts even when there is no Vigil, at Vespers or Matins or even after the Liturgy. The ceremony for such occasions will be found in the bilingual edition of the Divine Liturgy published by the Archdiocese of Thyateira.

The monk whose task it is to see that the singers sing the correct texts in the correct Tone. He also reads the verses of the Prokeimenon and similar texts

Doxastikon. A hymn sung after the short doxology ‘Glory (Greek ‘doxa’) to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit’. It is normally sung to a slower and more elaborate melody than the preceding hymns.

Worn round the neck, which is meaning of the Greek name, it is the Eastern equivalent of the Western stole, the chief difference being that it is always joined down the middle, normally with a series of ornamental studs. It is usually broader then the Western stole. It is the characteristic priestly vestment, worn only by bishops and priests. A priest should not celebrate any service unless he is wearing it.

A convenient word used to indicate those parts of the office which are traditionally read by the Superior, or Elder (Greek Geron, or Geronta). If the Superior is not present they are read by the senior monk present. A visiting priest or important visitor is often asked to read them.

Kathisma. One of the twenty sections into which the Psalter is divided for liturgical purposes. The word is also used for the short hymns that are sung after the reading of each Kathisma at Matins. The word is a Greek word meaning a seat. Each Kathisma is divided into three sections (Greek Staseis).

Menaion From the Greek word for ‘monthly’. The book containing the services for days of the Month. There are thus twelve volumes of the Menaia. For places without a full set of Menaia there exists in both Greek and Slavonic a volume containing general offices for each category of Saint called the General Menaion. The contents of the Greek and Slavonic General Menaia are not quite the same, the Slavonic containing more offices, and texts for a full Vigil for each category of Saint including the Lord and the Mother of God.

A low bow in which the right hand touches the ground. Slavonic poklon. Also used for a prostration.

The Deacon’s stole. It is worn on the left shoulder and sometimes taken across diagonally under the right arm and again over the left shoulder. It is also worn crossed on the back by readers and sub-deacons.

The Eastern equivalent of the Western chasuble. The rubrics direct that the priest is to lower the phelonion, that is to let it fall over his hands, at the moment of the Dismissal. This indicates that the work of the service is over, rather like rolling down one’s sleeves. Russian phelonia often have a row of buttons across the chest so that the front of the vestment can be raised or lowered.

Prokeimenon A refrain from a Psalm, sung together with one or more verses from the Psalm, that normally precedes the Readings at Vespers, Matins and the Liturgy. Originally the whole Psalm was sung, hence the Verse is normally the first verse of the Psalm. It survives every day at Vespers, even when there are no readings. It is the equivalent of the Western Gradual.

A tunic-like vestment, resembling the Western dalmatic, when worn by servers, readers, sub-deacons and deacons. That of bishops and priests more closely resembles the alb, though it is not necessarily white.

Sticheron. A hymn that precedes or follows a verse, in Greek stichos, from the Psalms. At ‘Lord, I have cried’ at Vespers and ‘Let everything that has breath’ at Lauds the stichera follow the Psalm verses; at the Aposticha they precede them.

Theotokion. Most series of hymns end with one to the Mother of God, the Theotokos, and so a Theotokion commonly follows the second part of the short doxology, ‘Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen’, and is normally sung in the same Tone as the preceding Doxastikon. On Saturday evening, however, the Theotokion at the Entrance is always that of the Tone of the week, regardless of the Tone of the Doxastikon. It is also sung again at Vespers sung on the following Friday. In Russian usage this Theotokion is called the Dogmatic, whereas in Greek the latter name is used for the corresponding Theotokion at Small Vespers.

Typikon. The rules governing the celebration and for combining the different elements of the service. The book containing these rules.

Troparion. Any hymn may be called a Troparion, but the word more commonly indicates the Apolytikion of the day or one of the stanzas of a Canon. Plural Troparia.