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hello, Peace be with all!
Today, I received my copy of Byzantine Daily Worship, and I have not been able to put it down!
The cycles of prayer and the information provided are all so beautiful though I must say, I have encountered a problem. Could anyone help me out in understanding terminology and how to pray the hours as they are in the book? I would like to know what some "technical" terms mean, such as Stichera and Theotokion (hymn devoted to Mary during matins?) and also Hirmos, Idiomelon, Troparion, Kontakion and Prokeimenon. Thank you for any guidance, it will help me very much in developping a life of Byzantine prayer.
-Justin, sinner

The Festal Menaion reprinted by St. Tikhon's seminary Press, South Canaan, Pennsylavania, 18459, ISBN 1-878997-009 translated from the original Greek by Mother Mary and Bishop Kallistos Ware with an introduction by Archpriest Georges Florovsky. This book has an excellent section on the Orthodox Services and their Structure, including Plans of the Services. There is also aappendices that cover the Psalter, the Service Books, a Glossary (here you will find answers for your questions) and the Calendar.

Another important text: The Unabbreviated Horologion or Book of the Hours available from Holy Trinity Monastery Jordanville, NY, translated from the Slavonic by Rassaphor-monk Laurence. This also has a useful Glossary of terms.

Dear Justin;

Alas you are discovering something else about our prayer life. One book is not enough. Let me give you two more recommendations that are extremely necessary when using The BDW:

1) A Psalter (any psalter that you like. Choosing a Psalter is like buying a hat. You have to find the translation that fits you the best. You may prefer the Grail translation. Another good one is available from the Monks of the New Skete). In the Introduction of the BDW there is an explanation of the Kathisma. While many of the Psalms are included in the Divine Office, it is by no means comprehensive. I think the translation in the BDW may be the Grail version.


I would also make another recommendation. Look at the various Hours, but design one for yourself. These Hours are awkward when done by oneself and when one is not doing all of the Hours throughout the day.

2) The Bible and the Holy Fathers For Orthodox (Monastery Books, Menlo Park, CA.) What makes this book so useful is not the Holy Fathers part but rather it' structure. It has the appropriate readings for each day of the year including the Isaiah and other OT readings for Lent. My only dissatisfaction (and this is a personal one) is that it is the New King James Version of the Bible, not my favorite (again, the hat thing).

To an ever richer prayer life,

Fr. Dcn. John

[ 03-16-2002: Message edited by: Petrus ]

CS,


For your definitions, I have taken them from a 1991 publication of Fr. David Petras. His booklet, “The Typicon of the Patriarch Alexis the Studite: Novgorod – St. Sophia 1136,” has a wonderful Liturgical Glossary in the back (pp.113-136). This was a publication of the Pontificium Institutum Orientale. The definitions for your terms are:

70. STICHERA
1) Stichera, always in the same plural even when used in the singular. A generic term for ecclesiastical hymns sung with psalm verses, particularly Psalm 140 at Vespers, and Pss. 148-150 at Matins. Four, six or nine stichera are sung at Psalm 140, and three or six at the Praises. This series of stichera with the final verses of the above-mentioned psalms close with the singing of the stichera at Glory … and Now and ever …
2) Stichera are also sung at the end of Vespers and Matins with selected psalm verses (cf. no. 71).
3) Stichera are classified according to the theme of their texts into "resurrectional,' "martyrica,' "stavrica' (of the Cross), "penitential,' "nekrosima' (for the dead) and "theotokia.' Stichera are described from the source they are taken as being “of the triodion,” or “of the octoechos.” Stichera are described according to their melody as "idiomela' or "omoia.' Musically, they follow the eight tone system.

9. THEOTOKION
"Theotokion.' A "troparion' or "sticheron' in honor of the Mother of God (God-bearer). It is usually sung either after the versicle Glory … Now and ever … or after Now and ever … after a series of other "stichera.' Cf. also "dogmaticon.'

29. IRMOS
"Irmos,' the first in a series of "troparia' which accompany the odes of the "canon.' Canons are usually identified by the incipit of the irmos of the first ode of the Canon. "Irmosi' are also prescribed as the last in a series of the "troparia' of an ode, …

63. IDIOMELON
"Idiomelon,' the proper "sticheron' melody for each of the eight tones. Various "stichera' are sung according to the "idiomelon,' likewise as for the "omoion.' The most important "stichera' for a feast are often sung in the "idiomelon,' and they are often repeated, or sung in place of the "theotokion,' as at the Praises during the week before Lazarus Saturday, and when a notable saint is celebrated during the Paschal season. "Idiomelon' is also used as a synonym for the "sticheron' itself.

79. TROPARION (portion of definition given here)
"Troparion,' a hymn sung according to the system of eight tones. The "troparion' is considered the most important hymn, giving the THEME [emphasis mine] of the day. It is sung at the end of Vespers, and at the beginning (after “The Lord is God,” verse from Psalm 117) of Matins, and at the end of Matins.

33. KONTAKION
"Kontakion,' a kind of "troparion' sung to its own musical system, sung after the Sixth Ode of the Canon of Matins, with "ikosi' and after the Troparion of the Divine Liturgy.

59. PROKEIMENON
1) "Prokeimenon,' a verse taken from the psalm or biblical canticle, and sung as a refrain with one, two or three verses of the same psalm. The "prokeimenon' at the Divine Liturgy always precedes the epistle, and the "prokeimenon' at Matins the gospel. The "prokeimenon' at Vespers may or may not precede a reading from the Old Testament.'
"Prokeimenoa' are sung according to a system of eight tones, or melodies.
2) At the Hours, the "Troparia' of the Hours is also called a "prokeimenon.' This is true for the First Hour (Prime), for its “troparion” is simply a psalm verse (Ps 5:4) with versicles from the same Psalm. However, the "troparia' of the other three Hours (Terce, Sext, and None) are properly ecclesiastical compositions.

As for Byzantine Catholic texts (as used in the Metropolia of Pittsburgh), I would recommend the following publications:

OFFICE OF VESPERS
OFFICE OF MATINS
FESTAL MENAION
LENTEN TRIODION
PENTECOSTARION

All can be purchased from the Sisters of St. Basil the Great in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. There is no reason for getting Orthodox publications (though many are good) if these are the texts actually used in the Byzantine Catholic Church and referred to in our Typicon. But being in Canada and Ukrainian(?) I don't know what source of publications to give for the Ukrainian Catholics there. I recommend these because it causes too much confusion here in the states when the cantors use one set of books (proscribed by the church) and the priests and others use another with different translations.

If you wish to learn more about the proper tones used for these particular hymns, speak with some cantors, those who actually have to use these books. If a Byzantine Catholic parish actually celebrates services from these texts, then their answer will be more complete.


As for picking a Psalter, remember that most Western ones do not use the same Psalm numbering system as the Byzantine Church. Psalm 141 is actually Psalm 140 for us since we use the Septuagint numbering schema. Please keep that in mind for confusion will reign when trying to find the psalms mentioned in the liturgical texts.

If you would like to know what are the proper readings throughout the year, contact the eparchy or talk to a priest or cantor and ask where to attain a copy of a Typicon or Lectionary schedule of readings. The Typicon is the official guidebook for liturgical services in the Church and the Lectionary is the scedule of all Scriptural (NT and OT) readings. Follow the Church and its practice. In the Byzantine Ruthenian Metropolia, the Byzantine Seminary Press publishes the readings in a one-volume text in the order of daily readings and festive readings. This keeps order and continuity in the Church rather than having everyone selecting texts and hymn books according to taste.


Cantor Joe Thur

[ 03-16-2002: Message edited by: J Thur ]

Thank you all for your posts, they have all been most helpful. I will try and visit St. Elias church this summer as I plan on staying with monks nearby for the summer. The definitions provided were great, though I think that I may have jumped ahead a few steps. What I think I require is a basic understanding of the hours and the Byzantine office in general first. Also, is it possible for me to celebrate any of the major offices (Vespers, Matins) without the presence or blessing of a priest? If I can, are there any alterations? Thank you for your help, it will continually be helpful as I try and understand the treasury of Byzantine spirituality.
-Justin

Justin,

Here is Prime and Great Vespers as Readers services. They give you an idea of how the services are done. One note however, in Prime, Sext, Terce, None, and Compline the prayers the priest takes may be said except for the blessings which are relaced with: "Through the prayers..." At Vespers and Matins, none of the priests or deacons parts are said. The texts are those found in use in the Pittsburgh Metropolia. The Psalms in Vespers are Baron Jose de Vinck's translation, the same found in BDW. His Septuagint Psalter aslo published by Alleluia Press can be purchased seperately as well.

Prime as a Reader Service
Reader:
+Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People:
Amen.

Glory be to You , our God, glory be to You.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, You are everywhere present and fill all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, 0 gracious Lord.

+Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; 0 Lord, cleanse us of our sins; 0 Master, forgive our transgressions; 0 Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Reader:
+Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People:
Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12x)

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

+Come, let us adore the King, our God.
+Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God.
+Come, let us adore and bow down to the only Lord Jesus Christ, the King and our God.

Psalm 5

Psalm 89

Psalm 100

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

+Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3x)
Lord, have mercy. (3x)

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
The Troparia of the day
Now and ever and forever. Amen:
The Theotokion of the First Hour:
What shall we call you, O Full of Grace?
A Heaven; for you have born the Sun of Justice?
A Paradise; for you have brought forth the Flower of Immortality?
A Virgin; for you have remained undefiled?
A Mother, holding in her holy arms the Son Who is the God of all?
Intercede with Him for the salvation of our souls.

Reader:
Let my way be straight according to Your word; let no sin overcome me. Save me from the wickedness of evildoers and I will keep Your commandments. Let Your face shine upon Your servants, and teach me Your laws. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise, O Lord, and let me sing Your glory and magnificence all the day long.

People:
+Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; O Lord, cleanse us of our sins; O Master, forgive our transgressions; O Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Reader:
+Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People:
Amen.

Kontakion of the day:

Lord have mercy. (40x)

Reader:
O Christ our God, in all times and all places You are worshiped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed forever and ever. Amen.

People:
Lord, have mercy. (3x)

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you, a virgin, gave birth to God, the Word. You, truly the Mother of God, we magnify.

Reader:
+Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People:
Amen.

Reader:
O Christ, the true Light who enlightens and sanctifies everyone in the world, mark us with the light of Your countenance so that we may see the unapproachable radiance. Let our life be straight along the path of Your commandments, through the prayers of Your most pure Mother and of all Your saints. Amen.

People:
+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Reader:
+Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People:
Amen.


Great Vespers as a Reader's Service

Reader: +Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People: Amen.

From Pascha until Ascension, "Christ is Risen..." is sung three times and the prayer "Heavenly King" is omitted.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You!

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth,
You are everywhere present and fill all things.
Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life,
come and dwell within us,
cleanse us of all stain,
and save our souls, O gracious Lord.

+Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal,
have mercy on us.

+Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and forever. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us;
Lord, cleanse us of our sins;
Master, forgive our transgressions;
Holy One, come to us 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, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Reader: +Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People: Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12 x)

+Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

INVITATION TO WORSHIP
PSALM 94:6

+Come, let us adore the King, our God.
+Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God.
+Come, let us adore and bow down to the only Lord
Jesus Christ, the King and our God.

PSALM 103
(Praise of God's creation)

Bless the Lord, O my soul!
You are very great, O Lord my God!
Clothed in pomp and brilliance,
arrayed with light as with a cloak.

Stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth,
Covering Your lofty halls with water.
You make the clouds your conveyance,
You surge on the wings of the wind.

You make spirits Your messengers
and flaming fires Your attendants.
You settle the earth on its firm foundation;
it shall stand unmoved from age to age.

The abyss covers it like a garment;
waters stand over the mountains.
At Your rebuke they will take to flight,
at the peal of Your thunder they will fear.

They hurdle the hills and run down the dales
to the places You have chosen for them.
You have set up a boundary not to be passed;
they shall never return to cover the earth.

Down in the gullies You make springs to rise;
water shall go down between the mountains.
They shall give drink to the beasts of the field;
wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst.

The birds of the sky will abide by them;
from among the rocks they will raise their song.
From Your lofty halls You refresh the mountains;
The earth shall be fed with the fruit of Your works.

You make green pastures for the cattle,
and food-plants for the service of man,
so that bread may be brought forth from the earth
and wine that gladdens the heart of man,
so that oil may put a gleam upon his face
and that bread may strengthen the heart of man.

The trees of the plain will be satisfied,
the cedars of Lebanon that He planted.
The sparrows will build their nests in them;
And the herons will call them their home.

To the deer belong high mountains,
To rodents, the shelter of the rocks.

You have made the moon to mark the seasons;
the sun knows the time of its setting.
You establish darkness and it is night
wherein the forest creatures prowl around.

Young lions roar for their prey
and call out to god for their meat.
As the sun rises, they will come together
and lay themselves down in their dens.

Man will go to his labor
and work until eventide.
How great are Your works, O Lord!
In wisdom You have wrought them all.

The earth is filled with Your creatures.
Even the wide and open sea itself,
within it there are countless creeping things,
living beings small and large.
Upon it there are ships a-sailing
and that great beast You made to have fun.

All of them look up to You,
to give them their food in due time.
You provide and they gather up;
You open Your hand and they are full.

You hide Your face and they cringe;
You suspend their breath and they die
and return to their dust.
You send forth Your breath and they live;
You renew the face of the earth!

May the Lord's glory endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in His works.
He looks upon the earth and makes it quake,
He touches the mountains and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live,
I will praise my God as long as I last.
would that my thoughts be pleasing to Him
and I will rejoice in the Lord.

May the sinners vanish from the earth
and may the wicked be no more.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!

The sun knows the time of its setting;
You establish darkness and it is night.
How great are Your works, O Lord!
In wisdom You have wrought them all.

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

+Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3x)

Lord, have mercy. (12x)

READINGS FROM THE PSALTER
FIRST KATHISMA
In most parishes the Kathisma is abbreviated as follows:

From PSALM 1

Blessed is the man, Alleluia!
who has not walked in the counsel of the wicked.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

For the Lord knows the way of just but the way of the wicked will perish.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Serve the Lord with fear, exalt in Him with trembling.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Salvation is of the Lord. Upon Your people Your blessing!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

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

Now and ever and forever. Amen.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

+Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to you, O God! (3x)

Lord have mercy. (12x)

PSALM 140
(Evening Prayer for Protection)

O Lord, I have cried out to You, hear me.
Hear me, O Lord!

O Lord I have cried out to You, hear me;
Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry out to You.
Hear me, O Lord!

Let my prayer rise like incense before You,
and the lifting of my hands, like an evening sacrifice.
Hear me , O Lord!

Set a guard , O Lord, before my mouth
and a portal around my lips.
Incline my heart away from evil dealings,
from finding excuses for sinful deeds.

In company with men who work iniquity
Let me not partake of what they choose.
May the just man chasten me with justice and reprove me;
May the oil of the wicked never touch my head.

Yet even then shall I pray for their welfare.
Their rulers were swallowed near the rock.
My words will be heard for they were sweet.
As a lump of clay broken on the ground,
So their bones were strewn near the grave.

To you, Lord, O Lord, my eyes are lifted up.
In You have I hoped; let not my soul be lost.

Keep me from the snare that was set up for me
And from the stumbling-blocks of the wicked.
The wicked shall fall into their own nets,
While I remain alone until I can escape.

PSALM 141
(Prayer of the Persecuted)

With my voice I cried to the Lord,
With all my voice I implored the Lord.

Before Him I pour out my supplication,
Before Him I declare my distress.
When my breath was escaping me,
Then You knew my paths.

On the road upon which I was walking,
They set up snares for me.
I looked to my right and observed
There was no one friendly to me.

Even flight was denied me;
There was no one to take care of my life.
I cried out to You, O Lord, and said:
You are my hope, my share in the land of the living.

Listen to my supplication,
For I am laid very low.
Deliver me from my oppressors,
For they have overwhelmed me.

Octoechos Stichera 1

Release my soul from its prison
That I may praise your name .

Octoechos Stichera 2

The just shall gather around me
Until You give me my reward.

PSALM 129
(Prayer for Pardon and Mercy)

Octoechos Stichera 3

Out of the depths I cried out to You, Lord;
O Lord, listen to my voice!

Octoechos Stichera 4

Let Your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplication.

Octoechos Stichera 5

If You retain sins, Lord,
O Lord, who will be left?
With You there is forgiveness.

Octoechos Stichera 6

For Your Name's sake, O Lord,
I have waited for You;
My soul was waited for Your word,
My soul has hoped in the Lord.

Octoechos Stichera 7

From the watch of dawn until the night,
From the watch of dawn
let Israel long for the Lord

Menaion Stichera 1

For with the Lord there is mercy
And with Him abundant redemption.
And it is He who redeems Israel
From all his iniquities.

PSALM 116
(A Doxology)

Menaion Stichera 2

Praise the Lord, all you nations,
Exalt Him, all you peoples.

Menaion Stichera 3

For mighty is His love for us,
And the truth of the Lord endures forever.

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Octoechos Stichera Theotokion

HYMN OF THE EVENING

O Joyful Light!
Light and Holy Glory of the Father Immortal,
the heavenly, holy, the Blessed One; O Jesus Christ!
Now that we have reached the setting of the sun and see the evening light,
we sing to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody to You,
O Son of God, the Giver of Life.
Behold the universe sings Your glory!

PROKIMENON
Tone 6, from PSALM 92

People: The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty!
Reader: The Lord has robed himself with might, he has girded himself with power.
People: The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty!
Reader: The world You made firm, not to be moved.
People: The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty!
Reader: Your throne has stood firm from of old. From all eternity, O Lord, you are.
People: The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty!

OLD TESTAMENT READING
If readings from the Old Testament are prescribed, they are taken now.

Lord have mercy. (12x)

HYMN OF GLORIFICATION

O Lord, keep us this evening without sin.
Blessed are You, O Lord God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever. Amen.
Let Your mercy, O Lord be upon us because we have set our hope in You.
Blessed are You, O lord, teach me Your commandments.
Blessed are You, O Master, make me understand Your commandments.
Blessed are You, O Holy One, enlighten me with Your laws.
O Lord, Your mercy endures forever, do not despise the work of Your hands.
It is proper to praise You and hymns belong to You.
Glory belongs to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

APOSTICHA

Octoechos Aposticha 1

Psalm Verse: The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.

Octoechos Aposticha 2

Psalm Verse: For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

Octoechos Aposticha 3

Psalm Verse: Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

+Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Octoechos Aposticha Theotokion

CANTICLE OF ST. SIMEON
Luke 2:29-32

Now You shall dismiss Your servant, O Lord,
according to Your word in peace,
because my eyes have seen your salvation
which You prepared before the face of all peoples.
A light of revelation to the Gentiles
and the glory of your people, Israel!

+Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us;
Lord, cleanse us of our sins;
Master, forgive our transgressions;
Holy One, come to us 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, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Reader: +Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People: Amen.

TROPARION
The Troparion of the Resurrection is sung in the tone of the week.

DISMISSAL

Reader: +Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People: Amen. O God, strengthen the true faith, forever and ever.

More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you, a virgin, gave birth to God, the Word. You, truly the Mother of God, we magnify.

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Reader: +Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People: Amen.