Akathist Project--Week 1-4_7 - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Transcription
Akathist Project--Week 1-4_7 - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
The Service of The Akathist Hymn The Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos As Chanted on the Friday Evenings of the First Four Weeks of the Great Fast St. George Greek Orthodox Church Bakersfield, CA 661-325-8694 Instructions Everyone: Everyone is encouraged to participate by reading aloud the parts marked by “People”, and following the other parts with the reader and choir. When should we stand—when can we sit? This service is called the Akathist service which literally means “the service where we do not sit”. However this is not possible for many. As a simple rule of thumb, we should stand any time we are reciting something together (like the Trisagion, Doxology etc.), or when the Priest is blessing us or reading a Stasis of the Akathist. The rubrics clarify when we may sit and when we should stand. Readers: For the beginning of service: place the Icon of Virgin Mary on Icon stand in middle of Church with a dark cover and the two candle stands on each side. At the “Prayer of the Hours” (pg 42) place the candle stands from the icon stand in front of the icons of Christ and Virgin Mary. Bring the censor to the Priest for the Ninth Ode. He’ll need it at “Both now and forever” at the bottom of pg. 20. First Week only Altar boys should proceed out with candles for the Gospel at “Theotokos and Virgin” (bottom of page 46). +In Loving Memory of+ Hieromonk Stephanos and Evanthia Presbytera Psaropoulos. May their memory be eternal! Akathist for the First Four Weeks Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. People: Amen. Priest: Glory to You, our God, glory to You. Priest: O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who are present everywhere and fills all things, Treasury of blessings and Bountiful Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of every stain, Good One, and save our souls. The Trisagion Prayers are said by everyone Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.(3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. O All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name's sake. Lord have mercy. (3x) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, Who are in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your 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 Yours 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 the ages of ages. 1 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Reader: Amen. Lord have mercy. (12 x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the 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 God. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God. (The people may sit). PSALM 50 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your tender mercies blot out my iniquities. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I perceive my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against You only have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight, that You will be justified in Your words, and prevail when You are judged. Behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sin did my mother bear me. Behold, You have loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom have You revealed unto me. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be made clean; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. 2 Akathist for the First Four Weeks You shall make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that are humbled will rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, and establish me with Your guiding Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will turn back unto You. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, The God of my salvation; and my tongue will sing forth of Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, then would I have given it; You will not delight in whole-burnt offerings. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then shall You be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblations and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Your altar. 3 Akathist for the First Four Weeks PSALM 69 Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me! Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life! Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire my hurt! Let them turn back because of their shame who say, "Aha!" May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You! May those who love Your salvation say evermore, "God is great!" But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay! PSALM 142 O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my supplication in Your truth; hear me in Your righteousness. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is justified. For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground. He has sat me in darkness like those who have been long dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old, I meditated on all Your works, I pondered on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You, like a thirsty land. Hear me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. 4 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Do not turn Your face away from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning; for in You have I put my trust. Cause me to know, O Lord, the way in which I should walk; for I lift up my soul to You. Rescue me, O Lord, from my enemies; to You have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness; for Your Name's sake, O Lord, You shall quicken me. In Your righteousness You shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in Your mercy, You shall utterly destroy my enemies. And You shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant. We all stand while we read, not sing, the Doxology. THE DOXOLOGY People: Glory to God in the highest, with peace on earth, good will to men. We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your magnificent glory. O Lord, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty; O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and O Holy Spirit. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takes away the sin of the world; have mercy on us; You Who take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; You Who are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For You alone are the Holy One; You alone are the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. 5 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Every night will I bless You, and praise Your Name forever, and unto the ages of ages Amen. Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: O Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against You. O Lord, unto You have I fled for refuge, teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. For in You is the fountain of life, in Your light shall we see light. O continue Your mercy unto them that know You. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin. Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name unto the ages of ages. Amen. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in You. Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes. (bow) Blessed are You, O Master, give me understanding of Your statutes. (bow) Blessed are You, O Holy One, enlighten me by Your statutes. (bow) O Lord, Your mercy endures forever; disdain not the works of Your hands. To You is due praise, to You is due a song, to You glory is due, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. 6 Akathist for the First Four Weeks And then everyone recites the Creed: I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God; begotten, not created; of one essence with the Father, through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And He rose on the third day according to the Scriptures; He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke through the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the foregiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen. 7 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Then we chant the Theotokion Truly you are worthy to be blessed, Mother of our God, the Theotokos. You the ever-blessed one, and all-blameless one, and the Mother of our God. You are honored more than the Cherubim, and you have more glory, when compared to the Seraphim; you without corruption did bear God the Logos; you are the Theotokos; you do we magnify. People may sit while the Readers/Choir chant the Canon. THE CANON OF THE AKATHIST HYMN A composition of Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (+883) Fourth Tone ODE ONE Ωδή α' Ήχος δ' Aνοίξω τό στόμα μου, καί πληρωθήσεται Πνεύματος, καί λόγον ερεύξομαι, τή Βασιλίδι Μητρί, καί οφθήσομαι, φαιδρώς πανηγυρίζων, καί άσω γηθόμενος, ταύτης τά θαύματα. Heirmos I SHALL open my mouth to chant And with the Spirit shall I be filled, And words shall I now pour forth unto the Mother and Queen; And I shall be seen In joyous jubilation, Acclaiming exultantly all of her wondrous deeds. (Twice) All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 8 Akathist for the First Four Weeks O CHRIST’S book endowed with life And clearly sealed with the Spirit’s grace, On seeing you, O pure one, the great Archangel cried out And exclaimed: Rejoice, O vessel of rejoicing, Through whom our first mother’s curse utterly is dispelled. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. REJOICE, Virgin Bride of God, For you are Adam’s recovery; Rejoice, Ο all-blameless one, you are the death-knell of Hades, And the only King’s Pure dwelling place and palace; Rejoice, fiery throne of the only Omnipotent. All: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, O you only one Who blossomed forth the unfading Rose; Rejoice, for to you was born the Apple fragrant and sweet, For you are, O Maid, The only King’s pure fragrance; Rejoice, O unwedded one, ransom of all the world. All: Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. O TREASURE of purity, Rejoice, for from our most grievous fall We rose once again through you; rejoice, O lily most sweet, Filling faithful men With fragrance, O pure Lady: O incense of peerless scent, priceless and precious myrrh. 9 Akathist for the First Four Weeks ODE THREE Ωδή γ' Tούς σούς υμνολόγους Θεοτόκε, ως ζώσα καί άφθονος πηγή, θίασον συγκροτήσαντας, πνευματικόν στερέωσον, καί εν τή θεία δόξη σου, στεφάνων δόξης αξίωσον. Heirmos Make steadfast, O holy Theotokos, You living and never-failing spring, All them that form a company And gather all to praise your name; And by your grace divine, O Maid, deem them all worthy of glory’s crowns. (Twice) All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. Rejoice, O you untilled land that blossomed The Ear of Wheat sacred and divine; A living table are you, Maid, That held the very Bread of Life; Rejoice, unfailing well-spring of the living Water, O Queen of all. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. O HEIFER that bare the blameless Calf for The faithful, to you we cry: Rejoice! Rejoice, most gracious mercy-seat And throne of Christ, the King of all; Rejoice, you ewe that bare the Lamb of God that takes away men’s sins. All: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 10 Akathist for the First Four Weeks REJOICE, radiant morn that has dawned, Bringing forth Christ God, the spiritual Sun; Rejoice, O dwelling of the Light; You dispelled the gloom of night, And did wholly annihilate the darksome ranks of the demons’ hosts. All: Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. REJOICE, for you are alone the gateway And portal which God the Word traversed. O Lady, you did crush the bars And gates of Hades by your childbirth; Rejoice, O holy entry of the saved, O praised and alllauded one. ODE FOUR Ωδή δ' O καθήμενος εν δόξη, επί θρόνου θεότητος, εν νεφέλη κούφη, ήλθεν Ιησούς ο υπέρθεος τη ακηράτω παλάμη, και διέσωσε, τους κραυγάζοντας: ∆όξα, Χριστέ, τη δυνάμει σου. Heirmos SEATED in His holy glory on the Throne of Divinity, Jesus, God transcendent, comes on a light cloud as King of all; And He has saved by His pure and undefiled hand Them that cry to Him: Glory, O Christ, to Your sovereign might. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 11 Akathist for the First Four Weeks With the voice of song we cry out, O all-praised one, to you with faith: Rejoice, O butter mountain, curdled in the Spirit by grace divine; Rejoice, O lampstand and urn of Manna from on high, Which sweetens all Pious men’s senses in godly wise. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. You, O undefiled Lady, are the mercy-seat of the world, And the ladder raising all men from the earth to the heights by grace. Rejoice, O bridge that truly leads us from death to Life All that praise your name, And cry, Rejoice, unto you, O Maid. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. BEING higher than the heavens, in your womb you held the earth’s Pillar and Foundation, and you did not suffer travail, O Maid. Rejoice, O sea-shell that dips in your own pure blood The blessed purple robe, Dyed for the King of all Heaven’s hosts. All: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. To the Lawgiver, O Lady, did you give birth in very truth; Freely, O pure Virgin, He has blotted out our iniquities. O depth unknown to our minds and height ineffable, O unwedded Maid, We all, through you, have been deified. All: Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 12 Akathist for the First Four Weeks For the world, O Maid, you plaited a pure Crown fashioned not by man; Hence, with hymns we praise you, crying out: Rejoice, O blest Virgin Maid! You are all mankind’s sure rampart and firm citadel, And our battlement, And sacred shelter and safe retreat. ODE FIVE Ωδή ε' Eξέστη τά σύμπαντα, επί τή θεία δόξη σου, σύ γάρ απειρόγαμε Παρθένε, έσχες εν μήτρα, τόν επί πάντων Θεόν, καί τέτοκας άχρονον Υιόν, πάσι τοίς υμνούσί σε, σωτηρίαν βραβεύοντα. Heirmos ALL creatures were sore amazed at your divine and great glory, Maid, O pure Virgin, who has not known wedlock; For you held in your womb the God of all, And gave birth to the timeless Son, Who grants salvation unto all them that acclaim your name. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. REJOICE, O all-blameless one, for you did bring forth the Way of Life, Saving all of mankind from the flood of Sin and transgression; rejoice, O Bride of God, Your fame and report inspire awe; For in you creation’s Lord made His dwelling and place of rest. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 13 Akathist for the First Four Weeks REJOICE, O most spotless Maid; you are our might and our battlement, And blest sanctuary of God’s glory. The death of Hades, and bridal chamber of light; Rejoice, joy of all angelic hosts, And the speedy help of them that entreat you with faithful hearts. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. REJOICE, fiery chariot of God the Word, O you Queen of all; For in you the Tree of Life was planted, Even the Lord God, O living paradise; His sweetness grants life to all men Who partake of Him with faith, though corruption once ruled o’er them. All: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. MADE strong by your might, O Maid, to you we cry out most faithfully: Rejoice, O depth unmeasured and unfathomed; Rejoice, O mountain whole and unhewn by man; Rejoice, O you city of the King; Glorious and laudable things are most clearly told of you. All: Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. MOST spacious tabernacle of the Word, O all-spotless one, You, Maid, are the shell with the divine Pearl; Rejoice, O true reconciliation to God For all them that ever call you blest, Praising your all-wondrous name, O Theotokos and Bride of God. 14 Akathist for the First Four Weeks ODE SIX Ωδή ς' Tήν θείαν ταύτην καί πάντιμον, τελούντες εορτήν οι θεόφρονες, τής Θεομήτορος, δεύτε τάς χείρας κροτήσωμεν, τόν εξ αυτής τεχθέντα Θεόν δoξάζοντες. Heirmos ON this divine and most honored feast Of God’s all-holy Mother, Let all of godly mind now celebrate; Come, let us faithful now clap our hands, And send up glory unto the God Whom she has borne. (2x) All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. O UNSTAINED chamber of God the Word, You are the cause of deification Of all men, O spotless one; O echoing of the Prophets’ words, Rejoice, O blest adornment of the Apostles’ choir. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. FROM you there came down the holy Dew That quenched the burning flame of idolatry; For this, we cry to you: Rejoice, bedewed fleece foreseen of old In God’s most awesome wonder revealed to Gideon. All: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 15 Akathist for the First Four Weeks BEHOLD, we cry out, Rejoice, to you; Be you the port and haven for all that sail Upon the stormy sea Of grievous sorrows and stumbling-blocks, And of deceits unnumbered Laid by the enemy. All: Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. O CAUSE of gladness, come fill our thoughts With gladness, that we all may cry out to you: Rejoice, unburning bush! Rejoice, O cloud wholly filled with light, Ever protecting all them that keep the holy Faith. ODE SEVEN Ωδή ζ' Ουκ ελάτρευσαν τή κτίσει οι θεόφρονες, παρά τόν Κτίσαντα, αλλά πυρός απειλήν; ανδρείως πατήσαντες, χαίροντες έψαλλον. Υπερύμνητε, ο τών Πατέρων Κύριος, καί Θεός ευλογητός εί. Heirmos No created thing, But only the Creator would The godly-minded Youths Adore and worship as God; But manfully trampling down threats of fire, they cried out: O supremely-praised And all-acclaimed One, You are Blest, O Lord and God of our Fathers. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 16 Akathist for the First Four Weeks IN acclaiming you, We cry: Rejoice, O chariot Of the noetic Sun! Rejoice, true vine that did bear The truly ripe Cluster of grapes dripping with the Wine That gladdens all The souls of them that glorify You most faithfully, O Virgin. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. To the Healer of All mankind have you given birth; Rejoice, O Bride of God; You are the mystical rod From whom the unfading Rose blossomed and budded forth; And through you we men Inherit life and, filled with joy, Cry, Rejoice, to you, O Lady. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. RHETORICIANS’ tongues Cannot acclaim you worthily; Above the Seraphim Are you exalted, O Maid; For you, Lady, did bring forth Christ, the one King of all; Him do you entreat That we who ven’rate you with faith Be now rescued from all evil. All: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 17 Akathist for the First Four Weeks To the ends of earth Your name is ever praised and blest, And all men cry to you: Rejoice, O volume wherein The Word was inscribed by the Father’s hand, O pure one. O Theotokos, pray Him that your servants be inscribed In the Book of Life, O famed one. All: Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. We, your slaves, O Maid, Entreat you, and do bow the knee Of our hearts to you; Incline your ear, O pure one, And save us who sink in affliction and suffering; And preserve your flock From every evil and assault Of the foe, O Theotokos. 18 Akathist for the First Four Weeks ODE EIGHT Ωδή η' Παίδας ευαγείς εν τή καμίνω, ο τόκος τής Θεοτόκου διεσώσατο, τότε μέν τυπούμενος, νύν δέ ενεργούμενος, τήν οικουμένην άπασαν, αγείρει ψάλλουσαν. Τόν Κύριον υμνείτε τά έργα, καί υπερυψούτε, εις πάντας τούς αιώνας. Heirmos THREE guiltless Youths cast in the furnace Were saved by the Offspring which the Theotokos bore, Then in figure and in type, Now in very truth and deed; And He has gathered all the world, Which cries out in chant: You works of His, O sing the Lord’s praises, And exalt Him greatly for ages and all ages. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. Your womb has received the Word and Master; You held within you Him Who sustains all things. With your milk, O most pure Maid, You did feed and nourish Him Who, by a nod, nourishes all The world; to Him we chant: You works of His, O sing the Lord’s praises, And exalt Him greatly for ages and all ages. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 19 Akathist for the First Four Weeks BLEST Moses the prophet perceived in the bush Your most wondrous childbirth’s awesome mystery; This too did the godly Youths Once clearly depict of old, As they stood in the flaming fire and were not burned thereby, O undefiled And most holy Virgin; Hence, we all exalt you to ages and all ages. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. WE that by deceit were once stripped naked Are clothed with blest incorruption by your bringing forth; Though we sat in sin’s dark night, Through you we have seen the light; For you, O Maiden full of grace, are an abode of the Light. For this, we chant and cry out your praises, And exalt you greatly for ages and all ages. All: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. THE dead are, through you, O Virgin, quickened, For you did give birth to Christ, the hypostatic Life; They that were bereft of speech, Through you, are made eloquent; Lepers are cleansed, all maladies are cast away from us; The multitude Of aerial spirits Suffers defeat, O salvation of all mortals. All: Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 20 Akathist for the First Four Weeks O YOU who did bear the world’s Salvation, Through you are we raised from earth unto the Heavens’ heights. Rejoice, O all-blest Maid, for you Are the shelter and defense, The wall and rampart, O pure one, of them that cry in chant: You works of His, O sing the Lord’s praises, And exalt Him greatly for ages and all ages. The People stand while the Priest censes the church during the Ninth Ode. ODE NINE Ωδή θ' Ήχος δ' Άπας γηγενής, σκιρτάτω τώ πνεύματι λαμπαδουχούμενος, πανηγυριζέτω δέ, αύλων Nόων φύσις γεραίρουσα, τα ιερά θαυμάσια τής Θεομήτορος, καί βοάτω. Χαίροις παμμακάριστε, Θεοτόκε Αγνή αειπάρθενε. Heirmos LET every earthborn man Leap up in the spirit, and now hold his torch on high; And let all the bodiless, Noetic hosts now celebrate joyously The Theotokos’s sublime and sacred festival, As they cry out: Rejoice, O you all-blessed one, Ever-virgin and pure Mother of our God. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 21 Akathist for the First Four Weeks RESCUE US, O Maid, From heathen assaults, temptations, and from every ill That, for the great multitude Of sins, have come upon sinful mortal men; That, thus delivered, we your flock may cry, Rejoice, to you; For the faithful All become partakers of Joy unending through you, O all-blameless one. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. YOU have proved to be Our light and our steadfastness; wherefore, we cry to you: Rejoice, O ever-shining star, You who brought forth the great Sun into the world. Rejoice, for you reopened Eden, which was closed to us, O pure Maiden. Rejoice, O fiery pillar that Does lead all mortal men to the life on high. All: Most Holy Theotokos, save us. IN the House of God, Let all stand with reverence, and let us all cry out: Rejoice, august Queen of the world! Rejoice, O Mary, sovereign Lady of us all! Rejoice, for you alone, O Maid, are good and free of stain Among women. Rejoice, O vessel that received The unfailing, pure Myrrh that was poured on you. All: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 22 Akathist for the First Four Weeks O EVER-VIRGIN Maid, Rejoice, dove that brought forth Him Who is merciful. Rejoice, O boast of all the Saints, And crown of all them that strove in martyrdom. Rejoice, most sacred ornament of all the righteous ones, And adornment Of all them that cry: Rejoice, The salvation of all us, your faithful flock. All: Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. SPARE, O mighty God; Forgive Your inheritance, and overlook our sins. To this end, You have, O Lord, The one that bore You seedlessly here on earth, And now entreats You, Who have, for Your great mercy’s sake And compassion, Willed now to become a man And be clothed with a form that was not Your own. Then we all chant the Kontakion of the Akathist Hymn Plagal of Fourth Tone To You, the Champion Leader, we your flock dedicate * a feast of victory and of thanksgiving, * as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos. * But as you are one with might which is invincible, * from all dangers that can be do you deliver us, * that we may cry to You: * Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. We now continue to: page 25 if it is the First Week of Lent page 29 if it is the Second Week page 33 if it is the Third Week page 37 if it is the Fourth Week 23 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Plagal of Fourth Tone Τη υπερμάχω στρατηγώ τα νικητήρια, ως λυτρωθείσα των δεινών, ευχαριστήρια αναγράφω σοι η Πόλις σου, Θεοτόκε· αλλ’ ως έχουσα το κράτος απροσμάχητον, εκ παντοίων με κινδύνων ελευθέρωσον, ίνα κράζω σοι· Χαίρε, νύμφη ανύμφευτε 24 Akathist for the First Four Weeks A Priest: An Angel, and the chiefest among them, was sent from heaven to cry: Rejoice! To the Mother of God. Reader: Most holy Theotokos, save us. Priest: An Angel, and the chiefest among them, was sent from heaven to cry: Rejoice! To the Mother of God. Reader: Most holy Theotokos, save us. Priest: An Angel, and the chiefest among them, was sent from heaven to cry: Rejoice! To the Mother of God. And beholding You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe, and with his bodiless voice he cried aloud to her such things as these: Rejoice, you through whom joy shall shine forth. Rejoice, you through whom the curse shall be blotted out. Rejoice, you the Restoration of fallen Rejoice, you the redemption of the tears of Eve. Adam. Rejoice, Height hard to climb for human thought. Rejoice, Depth hard to explore, even for the eyes of Angels. Rejoice, for you are the Throne of Rejoice, for you sustain the Sustainer of all. Rejoice, Star that causes the Sun Rejoice, womb of the divine Incarnation. the to King. appear. Rejoice, you through whom creation is renewed. Rejoice, you through whom the Creator becomes a babe. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. 25 Akathist for the First Four Weeks B Priest: Beholding herself in chastity, the holy one spoke boldly unto Gabriel: The strangeness of your words seem hard to my soul to receive, for how do you speak of a seedless conception? Crying aloud: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. Γ Priest: Seeking to know knowledge unknown, the Virgin cried to him who ministered unto her: From a chaste womb how can a Son be born? Please tell me! Then he spoke unto her in fear, yet crying aloud thus: Rejoice, O Initiate of the ineffable Rejoice, O Faith in that which demands silence. Rejoice, Prelude of the miracles Rejoice, Pinnacle of His doctrines. of counsel. Christ. Rejoice, heavenly Ladder whereby God came down. Rejoice, Bridge leading those of earth to Heaven. Rejoice, Marvel far-famed of Rejoice, Wounding much-bewailed of demons. Angels. Rejoice, you who ineffably gave birth to the Light. Rejoice, you who revealed the mystery to none. Rejoice, you who oversoar the knowledge of the wise. Rejoice, you who enlighten the minds of the faithful. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. 26 Akathist for the First Four Weeks D Priest: The power of the Most High then overshadowed her who knew not wedlock, that she might conceive, and showed forth her fruitful womb as a sweet meadow to all who desire to reap salvation, whilst chanting: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. E Priest: Carrying God in her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth, whose unborn babe straightway perceiving her salutation rejoiced, and with leaps as it were with songs, he cried out to the Theotokos: Rejoice, vine bearing the unfading Rejoice, land yielding the untainted Fruit. bloom. Rejoice, you who tend the caring Husbandman. Rejoice, you who blossom forth the Sower of our life. Rejoice, Field bearing a bounty of compassions. Rejoice, Table laden with an abundance of mercies. Rejoice, for you revive the meadow of delight. Rejoice, for you prepare a haven for souls. Rejoice, acceptable Incense Rejoice, Oblation for all the world. of Rejoice, Favor of God Rejoice, Access of mortals to God. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. 27 intercession. to mortals. Akathist for the First Four Weeks Z Priest: Having a tempest of doubting thoughts within, the chaste Joseph was troubled, for he suspected a secret union as he beheld you unwed, O blameless one, but when he learned of your conception through the Holy Spirit, he cried: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. Then we all chant the Kontakion of the Akathist Hymn Plagal of Fourth Tone To You, the Champion Leader, we your flock dedicate * a feast of victory and of thanksgiving, * as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos. * But as you are one with might which is invincible, * from all dangers that can be do you deliver us, * that we may cry to You: * Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Now go to the “SERVICE CONCLUSION” on page 41 28 Akathist for the First Four Weeks The Second Stasis Chanted on the Second Friday of Great Lent H Priest: On hearing the Angels praising the incarnate presence of Christ, the shepherds hastened as to a Shepherd, and beholding Him as a spotless lamb, pastured in Mary’s womb, her they hymned, and said: Rejoice, Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd. Rejoice, Fold of the rational sheep. Rejoice, Protector against invisible foes. Rejoice, Opener of the gates of Paradise. Rejoice, for the things of Heaven rejoice with the earth. Rejoice for the things of earth join chorus with the Heavens. Rejoice, never silent Voice of the Apostles. Rejoice, never-conquered Courage of the Martyrs. Rejoice, firm Support of the Faith. Rejoice, shinning Token of grace. Rejoice, you through whom Hades was laid bare. Rejoice, you through whom we are clothed with glory. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Θ Priest: Beholding the Godward-pointing star, the Wise Men followed in its splendor, and holding it as a lantern, they sought thereby the mighty King. And as they approached the unapproachable, they rejoiced and cried to Him: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. 29 Akathist for the First Four Weeks I Priest: The sons of the Chaldees beheld in the hands of the Virgin him who by His hands fashioned man, and perceiving Him as Master, though He had taken the form of a servant, they hastened with gifts to do homage, and they cried out to her who is blessed: Rejoice, Mother of the Rejoice, Dawn of the mystic Day. never-setting Star. Rejoice, you who quench the fiery furnace of error. Rejoice you who enlighten the initiates of the Trinity. Rejoice, you who cast down from power the inhuman tyrant. Rejoice you who show forth Christ, the man-befriending Lord. Rejoice, you who redeem from the creeds of barbarism. Rejoice, you who rescue from the works of mire. Rejoice, you who make the worship of fire to cease. Rejoice, you who make the flame of the passions to be allayed. Rejoice, Guide of the faithful to chastity. Rejoice, Rejoicing of every generation. Rejoice you Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. 30 Akathist for the First Four Weeks K Priest: God-Bearing heralds did the Wise Men become, when they returned to Babylon, and fulfilling Your prophecy, they preached You to all as the Christ, and they left Herod as a trifler, who knew not how to chant: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. Λ Priest: Shining in Egypt the illumination of truth, You dispelled the darkness of falsehood, and unable to bear Your strength, O Savior, her idols fell, and they that were set free there from, cried to the Theotokos: Rejoice, Uplifting of men. Rejoice, Downfall of demons. Rejoice, you who have trampled upon the delusions of error. Rejoice, you who have censured the deceit of the idols. Rejoice, Sea which drowned the noetic Pharaoh. Rejoice, Rock which refreshed those athirst for Life. Rejoice, Pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness. Rejoice, Protection of the world, more spacious than a cloud. Rejoice, Sustenance, successor Rejoice, Minister of holy joy. to manna. Rejoice, Land of promise. Rejoice, you from whence flow milk and honey. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. 31 Akathist for the First Four Weeks M Priest: When Symeon was near unto departing from this age of deception, You were presented to him as a newborn Babe, but You were recognized by him as perfect God. Wherefore, he marveled at Your ineffable wisdom, and cried out: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. Then we all chant the Kontakion of the Akathist Hymn Plagal of Fourth Tone To You, the Champion Leader, we your flock dedicate * a feast of victory and of thanksgiving, * as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos. * But as you are one with might which is invincible, * from all dangers that can be do you deliver us, * that we may cry to You: * Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Now go to the “SERVICE CONCLUSION” on page 41 32 Akathist for the First Four Weeks The Third Stasis N Priest: New was the Creation which the Creator showed to us His creatures, when He sprang forth from the seedless womb, and He preserved it incorrupt, even as it was, that we, seeing this marvel, may praise her as we cry out: Rejoice, Flower of incorruption. Rejoice, Crown of continence. Rejoice, you who flash forth the type of the Resurrection. Rejoice, you who show forth the life of the Angels. Rejoice, Tree of goodly Fruit whereby the faithful are nourished. Rejoice, Wood of leafy branches whereby many are sheltered. Rejoice, you who bear the Guide of those astray. Rejoice, you who engender the Redeemer of captives. Rejoice, Supplication before the righteous Judge. Rejoice, Forgiveness for many transgressors. Rejoice, Robe of confidence for the naked. Rejoice, Tenderness vanquishing all desire. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Ξ Priest: Seeing a strange childbirth, let us estrange ourselves from the world by transporting our minds to Heaven: to this end the Most High God appeared on earth a lowly man, that He might draw to the heights those who cry to Him: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. 33 Akathist for the First Four Weeks O Priest: Wholly present with those below was the Uncircumscribed Word, yet in no way absent from those above, for this was a divine condescension and not a mere change of place, and His birth was from a Virgin chosen of God, who heard such words as these: Rejoice, Closure of the Uncontained God. Rejoice, Portal of the solemn mystery. Rejoice, doubtful Rumor of the faithless. Rejoice, undoubted Boast of the faithful. Rejoice, all holy Chariot of Him who rides upon the Cherubim. Rejoice, choicest Dwelling-place of Him who sits upon the Seraphim. Rejoice, you who make things that differ to agree. Rejoice, you who yoke together motherhood and virginity. Rejoice, you through whom transgression is annulled. Rejoice, you through whom Paradise is opened. Rejoice, Key of the Kingdom of Christ. Rejoice, Hope of eternal blessings. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Π Priest: All Angel-kind was amazed by the great deed of Your Incarnation, for they saw the inaccessible God accessible to all, dwelling among us and hearing from us all: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. 34 Akathist for the First Four Weeks P Priest: Orators most eloquent do we behold as fish before you, O Theotokos, for they are at a loss to explain how you could remain a virgin and yet give birth. But as for us, marveling at this mystery, we cry with faith: Rejoice, Vessel of the Wisdom Rejoice, Treasury of His providence. of God. Rejoice, you who show forth philosophers fools. Rejoice, you who prove logicians illogical. Rejoice, for the subtle disputants are confounded. Rejoice, For the inventors of myths are faded away. Rejoice, you who draw us from the depths of ignorance. Rejoice, you who enlighten many with knowledge. Rejoice, Raft for those who desire to be saved. Rejoice, Haven for those who fare on the sea of life. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Σ Priest: Wishing to save the world, to this end did the Ruler of all come of His own will, and, though as God He is the Shepherd, for by this likeness He called those of like kind, yet as God He does hear: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. Then we all chant the Kontakion of the Akathist Hymn 35 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Plagal of Fourth Tone To You, the Champion Leader, we your flock dedicate * a feast of victory and of thanksgiving, * as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos. * But as you are one with might which is invincible, * from all dangers that can be do you deliver us, * that we may cry to You: * Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Now go to the “SERVICE CONCLUSION” on page 41 36 Akathist for the First Four Weeks The Fourth Stasis Chanted on the Fourth Friday of Great Lent T Priest: A Rampart are you for virgins and all that have recourse to you, O Theotokos and Virgin, for the Maker of heaven and earth prepared you, O Immaculate One, and dwelt in your womb, and taught all to cry out to you: Rejoice, Pillar of virginity. Rejoice, gate of salvation. Rejoice, Leader of spiritual restoration. Rejoice, Bestower of divine goodness. Rejoice, for you regenerated those conceived in shame. Rejoice, for you admonished those despoiled in mind. Rejoice, you who brought to naught the corrupter of hearts. Rejoice, you who give birth to the Sower of chastity. Rejoice, bridal Chamber of a seedless marriage. Rejoice, you who join the faithful to the Lord. Rejoice, fair Nursing-Mother of virgins. Rejoice, bridal Escort of holy souls. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Y Priest: Defeated is every hymn that strives to pay homage to the multitude of Your many compassions, for even should we offer You, O holy King, odes of praise numberless as the sands, we should still have done nothing worthy of what You have given unto us who cry to You: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. 37 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Φ Priest: As a brilliant beacon-light shining to those in darkness do we behold the holy Virgin, for she kindles the supernal Light and leads all to divine knowledge, she illumines our minds with radiance and is honored by these our cries: Rejoice, Ray of the spiritual Sun. Rejoice, Beam of the innermost Splendor. Rejoice, Lightning, enlightening our souls. Rejoice, Thunder, striking down the enemy. Rejoice, for you cause the many starred Light to dawn. Rejoice, for you cause the ever-flowing River to gush forth. Rejoice, you who depict the image of the font. Rejoice, you who wash away the stain of sin. Rejoice, Laver purifying conscience. Rejoice, Wine-bowl pouring forth joy. Rejoice, sweet-scented Fragrance of Christ. Rejoice, Life of mystic festival. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. X Priest: Wishing to bestow His grace, He that forgives the ancient debts of all men came of His own will to dwell among those who had departed from His favor, and having rent asunder the handwriting against them, He hears from all: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia. 38 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Ψ Priest: Whilst hymning your Offspring, we all praise you, O Theotokos as a living temple, for the Lord, who holds all things in His hand, dwelt in your womb, and He hallowed and glorified you, and taught all to cry to you: Rejoice, Tabernacle of God Rejoice, Holy one, holier than the Holies. the Rejoice, Ark made golden by Rejoice, inexhaustible Treasury of Life. Word. the Spirit. Rejoice, precious Diadem of godly Rejoice, venerable Boast of faithful priests. kings. Rejoice, unshakable Tower of the Rejoice, impregnable Bulwark of the Kingdom. Church. Rejoice, you through whom trophies are raised up. Rejoice, you through whom enemies are cast down. Rejoice, Healing Rejoice, salvation of my soul. of my flesh. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Ω The following Kontakion and the Alleluia are said 3 times: Priest: O All-Hymned Mother, who bore the Word. Who are the most holy of all the Saints, as you receive this our offering, rescue us all from every calamity, and deliver from future torment those who cry with one voice: Alleluia. Reader: Alleluia (3x). 39 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Then the first Oikos is recited one again: A Priest: An Angel, and the chiefest among them, was sent from heaven to cry: Rejoice! To the Mother of God. And beholding You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe, and with his bodiless voice he cried aloud to her such things as these: Rejoice, you through whom joy shall shine forth. Rejoice, you through whom the curse shall be blotted out. Rejoice, you the Restoration of fallen Adam. Rejoice, you the redemption of the tears of Eve. Rejoice, Height hard to climb for human thought. Rejoice, Depth hard to explore, even for the eyes of Angels. Rejoice, for you are the Throne of the King. Rejoice, for you sustain the Sustainer of all. Rejoice, Star that causes the Sun to appear. Rejoice, womb of the divine Incarnation. Rejoice, you through whom creation is renewed. Rejoice, you through whom the Creator becomes a babe. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Reader: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Then we all chant the Kontakion of the Akathist Hymn Plagal of Fourth Tone To You, the Champion Leader, we your flock dedicate * a feast of victory and of thanksgiving, * as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos. * But as you are one with might which is invincible, * from all dangers that can be do you deliver us, * that we may cry to You: * Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. 40 Akathist for the First Four Weeks SERVICE CONCLUSION The Trisagion Prayers are said by everyone Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.(3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. O All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name's sake. Lord have mercy. (3x) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your 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 Yours 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 the ages of ages. In the first week, we the Kontakion of St. Theodore the Tyro. Having received the Faith of Christ in your heart as a breastplate, you trampled upon the enemy hosts, O much-suffering champion; and you have been crowned eternally with a heavenly crown, since you are invincible. For the other weeks we read the Kontakion of All Saints below, or if there is a feast, we read the Kontakion of the feast. To You, the Planter of creation, does the world offer the God-bearing Martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. By their supplications, preserve Your Church in deep peace, through the Theotokos, O Greatly Merciful One. 41 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Lord have mercy. (40x) PRAYER OF THE HOURS Reader: You Who at all times and every hour, in heaven and on earth, are worshipped and glorified, O Christ God, Who are long-suffering, plenteous in mercy, most compassionate, Who loves the righteous and has mercy on sinners, Who call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come: Receive, O Lord, our prayers at this hour, and guide our life toward Your commandments. Sanctify our souls, make chaste our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our intentions, and deliver us from every sorrow, evil and pain. Compass us about with Your holy angels, that, guarded and guided by their array, we may attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Your unapproachable glory; for blessed are You unto the ages of ages. Amen. People: Lord have mercy. (3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. You are honored more than the Cherubim, and you have more glory when compared to the Seraphim; you without corruption did bear God the Logos; you are the Theotokos; you do we magnify. In the Name of the Lord, father bless. Priest: God be gracious unto us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us and have mercy on us. People: Amen. 42 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Then the first reader standing before the Icon of the Virgin Mary recites the following out loud and with compunction: Reader 1: Lord, have mercy. (12x) Save, help, and protect us, O Virgin Theotokos. To the Most Holy Theotokos, by Paul the monk O undefiled, untainted, incorrupt, most pure, chaste Virgin, O Bride of God and Sovereign Lady, who united the Word of God to mankind through Your most glorious birth giving, and has linked the apostate nature of our race with the heavenly; who are the only hope of the hopeless, and the helper of the struggling, the ever-ready protection of them that hasten unto You, and the refuge of all Christians: Do not shrink with loathing from me a sinner who am defiled, who with polluted thoughts, words, and deeds have made myself utterly unprofitable, and through slothfulness of mind have become a slave to the pleasures of life. But as the Mother of God Who loves mankind, show Your love for mankind and mercifully have compassion upon me a sinner and prodigal, and accept my supplication, which is offered to you out of my defiled mouth; and making use of Your motherly boldness, entreat Your Son and our Master and Lord that He may be pleased to open for me the depths of His loving kindness and graciousness to mankind, and, disregarding my 43 Akathist for the First Four Weeks numberless offenses, will turn me back to repentance, and show me to be a faithful worker of His precepts. And be ever present with me as one merciful, compassionate and well disposed; in the present life be a fervent intercessor and helper, repelling the assaults of adversaries and guiding me to salvation, and at the time of my departure taking care of my miserable soul, and driving far away from it the dark countenances of the evil demons; delivering me from eternal torment at the dreadful day of judgment, and showing me to be an heir of the ineffable glory of Your Son and our God; all of which may I attain, O my Sovereign Lady, most holy Theotokos, in virtue of your intercession and protection, through the grace and love to mankind of Your Only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, to Whom is due all glory, honor and worship, together with His beginningless Father, and His All Holy and good and life creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then the second reader before the Icon of Jesus Christ: To our Lord Jesus Christ, by Antiochus the monk And grant unto us, O Master, in the coming sleep, rest for body and soul, and preserve us from the gloomy slumber of sin, and from every dark and nocturnal sensuality. Subdue the impulses of passions, extinguish the fiery 44 Akathist for the First Four Weeks darts of the evil one that are cunningly hurled against us, assuage the rebellions of our flesh, and every earthly and fleshly subtlety of ours lull to sleep. And grant unto us, O God, a watchful mind, chaste thought, a sober heart, and a sleep gentle and free from every satanic illusion. Raise us up at the time of prayer firmly grounded in Your judgments. All the night long grant us a doxology, that we may hymn and bless and glorify Your All honorable and majestic Name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Then the first reader: Most blessed glorious Ever-Virgin Theotokos, present our prayer to Your Son and our God, that through you, our souls may be saved. Then the second reader: Prayer of St. Joannicius: My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my protection is the Holy Spirit: O Holy Trinity, glory to You. Then the first reader: All my hope I place in You, O Mother of God: keep me under Your protection. Then both readers venerate the icons before them: and bring the candle stands back to the icon stand. 45 Akathist for the First Four Weeks People: In you, O Full of Grace, all creation—both the company of Angels and the race of men— rejoices. O hallowed temple and spiritual paradise, a boast of virgins: from you God was incarnate, and became a child, He, our God Who existed before the ages; for He made your womb a throne, and He made you more spacious than the heavens. In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices. Glory to you. O Holy Angel, attendant of my wretched soul and of my afflicted life, so not forsake me, a sinner, neither depart from me my lack of self-control. Do not allow the evil demon to subject me with the oppression of this mortal body; but take me by my wretched and outstretched hand, and lead me in the way of salvation. Yes, O Holy Angel of God, the guardian and protector of my hapless soul and body, forgive me all the things wherewith I have troubled you with, all the days of my life, and if I have sinned in anything this day. Shelter me in this present night, and keep me from every attack of the enemy, so that I do not anger God by any sin; and intercede with the Lord on my behalf, that He might strengthen me in the fear of Him, and make me a worthy servant of His goodness. Amen. O Theotokos and Virgin, rejoice, O 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 borne the Savior of our souls. (3x) : 46 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Gospel Reading (Only on the First Friday of Lent) Deacon: That we may be counted worthy to hear the Holy Gospel, let us entreat the Lord our God. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: Wisdom. Rise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel: Peace be with you all. People: And with your spirit. Priest: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. Deacon: Let us be attentive. People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. The Priest, reads the Gospel. The Lord said unto His disciples: I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, so that it may bring forth more fruit. You are already clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine; so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, as whatsoever you will, and it shall be done for you. People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. 47 Akathist for the First Four Weeks DISMISSAL Priest: Peace be with you all. People: And to your spirit.. Priest: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord. People: To You, O Lord. As we bow our heads, the priest says the following. Priest: O Master plenteous in mercy, O Lord Jesus Christ our God: Through the intercessions of our immaculate Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary; through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the intercessions of the honorable, heavenly Bodiless Hosts, of the honorable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John; of the holy glorious, and all-praised Apostles; of the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs especially Saint George the Trophybearer; of our holy and God-bearing fathers, of the holy and Righteous Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; of (the Saints of the day) and of all the saints: … Priest: …make (O Lord) our prayer acceptable; People: Amen. Priest: …grant us the remission of our sins; People: Amen. Priest: …shelter us with the shelter of Your wings; People: Amen. Priest: …drive away from us every enemy and adversary; People: Amen. Priest: …make our life peaceful, People: Amen. Priest: O Lord; have mercy on us and on Your world, and save our souls, for You are good and the Lover of mankind. People: Amen. 48 Akathist for the First Four Weeks The Rite of Forgiveness The priest bows asking forgiveness from the flock: Priest: Bless me, sisters and brothers, and forgive me a sinner, all wherein I have sinned this day in deed, word, and through all my senses. And the congregation replies in unison: People: May God forgive and have mercy on You, Father. And they make a prostration, asking this forgiveness: People: Bless me, Father, and forgive all wherein I have sinned this day in deed, word, and thought, and in all my senses, and pray for me a sinner. Priest: Through His grace may God forgive and have mercy on us all. While the Priest recites the Litany below, the people chant: “Lord have mercy” continuously after each petition. Priest: Let us pray for the peace of the world. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: For pious and Orthodox Christians. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: Let us pray for our Archbishop (N.) and all our brotherhood in Christ. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: For our absent fathers and brethren. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: For those that minister and have ministered unto us. People: Lord have mercy. 49 Akathist for the First Four Weeks Priest: For those that hate us and those that love us. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: For those that have asked us, unworthy as we are, to pray for them. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: For the release of captives. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: For those traveling by land, sea and air. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: For those bedridden in infirmities. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: Let us pray for the abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for soul of every Orthodox Christian. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: Let us bless pious rulers, Orthodox bishops, the founders of this holy house, our parents, teachers, and all our fathers and brethren that are gone to their rest before us, the Orthodox here and everywhere piously laid to sleep. People: Eternal be their memory. Priest: Let us also say for ourselves. People: Lord have mercy. (3x). 50 Akathist for the First Four Weeks And the choir chants the following Theotokion: Third Tone. Awed by the Beauty Awed by the beauty * of your virginity, And the exceeding radiance of your purity, Gabriel called out unto you, O Theotokos: What worthy hymn of praise can I offer unto you? And what shall I name you? I am in doubt and stand in awe. Wherefore, as commanded, I cry to you: Rejoice, O Full of Grace. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (3x) Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. People: Amen. While we venerate the holy icons and receive a blessing from the priest. ΤΕΛΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΔΟΞΑ ΤΟ ΘΕΟ THE END AND GLORY TO GOD 51 The following prayer of forgiveness may be read either in the Church or at home: Lord, forgive those who hate and persecute us, be generous to those who do good to us and grant them every means of salvation and eternal life. Visit the sick and grant them health and strength. Guide those who are at sea, be the companion of those who travel upon the earth. Be the strength of our rulers. Grant remission of the sins to those who serve us and show us mercy. Remember Lord our fathers and brothers who have fallen asleep before us, and grant them a place of repose where the light of Your countenance shines. Remember, Lord, our brothers in prison, and preserve them from harm. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good deeds in Your holy churches, granting them salvation and eternal life. Remember, Lord, us who are humble sinners and unworthy servants: enlighten us with Your commandments. Through the prayers of Your all pure Mother, our Lady, Theotokos, and ever-virgin Mary, for You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen. Please leave this booklet in the Pews Copies can be purchased in our Church Bookstore Thank you Version 7. 3/24/2015