Heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, O treasury of every good and Bestower of life: come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious unto our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

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

Our Father, Which art in the Heavens, 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)

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

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

PSALM 50

For the End: A Psalm of David. When Nathan the Prophet Came unto Him. When He Went in unto Bersabee, the Wife of Urias.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression.

2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged.

5 For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me.

6 For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me.

7 Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

8 Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice.

9 Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me.

13 I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee.

14 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness.

15 O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

16 For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

17 A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

18 Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

19 Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings.

20 Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

Kathisma 17

PSALM 118:1-72

Alleluia.

Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

2 Blessed are they that search out His testimonies; with their whole heart shall they seek after Him.

3 For they that work iniquity have not walked in His ways.

4 Thou hast enjoined Thy commandments, that we should keep them most diligently.

5 Would that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes.

6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I look on all Thy commandments.

7 I will confess Thee with uprightness of heart, when I have learned the judgements of Thy righteousness.

8 I will keep thy statutes; do not utterly forsake me.

9 Wherewithal shall a young man correct his way? By keeping Thy words.

10 With my whole heart have I sought after Thee, cast me not away from Thy commandments.

11 In my heart have I hid Thy sayings that I might not sin against Thee.

12 Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes.

13 With my lips have I declared all the judgements of Thy mouth.

14 In the way of Thy testimonies have I found delight, as much as in all riches.

15 On Thy commandments will I ponder, and I will understand Thy ways.

16 On Thy statutes will I meditate; I will not forget Thy words.

17 Give reward unto Thy servant, quicken me and I will keep Thy words.

18 O unveil mine eyes, and I shall perceive wondrous things out of Thy law.

19 I am a sojourner on the earth, hide not from me Thy commandments.

20 My soul hath longed to desire Thy judgements at all times.

21 Thou hast rebuked the proud; cursed are they that decline from Thy commandments.

22 Remove from me reproach and contempt, for after Thy testimonies have I sought.

23 For princes sat and they spake against me, but Thy servant pondered on Thy statutes.

24 For Thy testimonies are my meditation, and Thy statutes are my counselors.

25 My soul hath cleaved unto the earth; quicken me according to Thy word.

26 My ways have I declared, and Thou hast heard me; teach me Thy statutes.

27 Make me to understand the way of Thy statutes, and I will ponder on Thy wondrous works.

28 My soul hath slumbered from despondency, strengthen me with Thy words.

29 Remove from me the way of unrighteousness, and with Thy law have mercy on me.

30 I have chosen the way of truth, and Thy judgements have I not forgotten.

31 I have cleaved to Thy testimonies, O Lord; put me not to shame.

32 The way of Thy commandments have I run, when Thou didst enlarge my heart.

33 Set before me for a law, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, and I will seek after it continually.

34 Give me understanding, and I will search out Thy law, and I will keep it with my whole heart.

35 Guide me in the path of Thy commandments, for I have desired it.

36 Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies and not unto covetousness.

37 Turn away mine eyes that I may not see vanity, quicken Thou me in Thy way.

38 Establish for Thy servant Thine oracle unto fear of Thee.

39 Remove my reproach which I have feared, for Thy judgements are good.

40 Behold, I have longed after Thy commandments; in Thy righteousness quicken me.

41 Let Thy mercy come also upon me, O Lord, even Thy salvation according to Thy word.

42 So shall I give an answer to them that reproach me, for I have hoped in Thy words.

43 And take not utterly out of my mouth the word of truth, for in Thy judgements have I hoped.

44 So shall I keep Thy law continually, for ever, and unto the ages of ages.

45 And I walked in spaciousness, for after Thy commandments have I sought.

46 And I spake of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed.

47 And I meditated on Thy commandments which I have greatly loved.

48 And I lifted up my hands to Thy commandments which I have loved, and I pondered on Thy statutes.

49 Remember Thy words to Thy servant, wherein Thou hast made me to hope.

50 This hath comforted me in my humiliation, for Thine oracle hath quickened me.

51 The proud have transgressed exceedingly, but from Thy law have I not declined.

52 I remembered Thy judgements of old, O Lord, and was comforted.

53 Despondency took hold upon me because of the sinners who forsake Thy law.

54 Thy statutes were my songs in the place of my sojourning.

55 I remembered Thy name in the night, O Lord, and I kept Thy law.

56 This hath happened unto me because I sought after Thy statutes.

57 Thou art my portion, O Lord; I said that I would keep Thy law.

58 I entreated Thy countenance with my whole heart: Have mercy on me according to Thy word.

59 I have thought on Thy ways, and I have turned my feet back to Thy testimonies.

60 I made ready, and I was not troubled, that I might keep Thy commandments.

61 The cords of sinners have entangled me, but Thy law have I not forgotten.

62 At midnight I arose to give thanks unto Thee for the judgements of Thy righteousness.

63 I am a partaker with all them that fear Thee, and with them that keep Thy commandments.

64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy mercy; teach me Thy statutes.

65 Thou hast dealt graciously with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word.

66 Goodness and discipline and knowledge teach Thou me, for in Thy commandments have I believed.

67 Before I was humbled, I transgressed; therefore Thy saying have I kept.

68 Thou art good, O Lord, and in Thy goodness teach me Thy statutes.

69 Multiplied against me hath been the unrighteousness of the proud; but as for me, with my whole heart will I search out Thy commandments.

70 Curdled like milk is their heart; but as for me, in Thy law have I meditated.

71 It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, that I might learn Thy statutes.

72 The law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.

Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God. (Three times).

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

PSALM 118:73-131

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding and I will learn Thy commandments.

74 They that fear Thee shall see me and be glad, for on Thy words have I set my hope.

75 I have known, O Lord, that Thy judgements are righteousness, and with truth hast Thou humbled me.

76 Let now Thy mercy be my comfort, according to Thy saying unto Thy servant.

77 Let Thy compassions come upon me and I shall live, for Thy law is my meditation.

78 Let the proud be put to shame, for unjustly have they transgressed against me; but as for me, I will ponder on Thy commandments.

79 Let those that fear Thee return unto me, and those that know Thy testimonies.

80 Let my heart be blameless in Thy statutes, that I may not be put to shame.

81 My soul fainteth for Thy salvation; on Thy words have I set my hope.

82 Mine eyes are grown dim with waiting for Thine oracle; they say: When wilt Thou comfort me?

83 For I am become like a wine-skin in the frost; yet Thy statutes have I not forgotten.

84 How many are the days of Thy servant? When wilt Thou execute judgement for me on them that persecute me?

85 Transgressors have told me fables, but they are not like Thy law, O Lord.

86 All Thy commandments are truth. Without a cause have men persecuted me; do Thou help me.

87 They well nigh made an end of me on the earth; but as for me, I forsook not Thy commandments.

88 According to Thy mercy quicken me, and I will keep the testimonies of Thy mouth.

89 For ever, O Lord, Thy word abideth in heaven.

90 Unto generation and generation is Thy truth; Thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.

91 By Thine ordinance doth the day abide, for all things are Thy servants.

92 If Thy law had not been my meditation, then should I have perished in my humiliation.

93 I will never forget Thy statutes, for in them hast Thou quickened me. (Middle)

94 I am Thine, save me; for after Thy statutes have I sought.

95 Sinners have waited for me to destroy me; but Thy testimonies have I understood.

96 Of all perfection have I seen the outcome; exceeding spacious is Thy commandment.

97 O how I have loved Thy law, O Lord! the whole day long it is my meditation.

98 Above mine enemies hast Thou made me wise in Thy commandment, for it is mine for ever.

99 Above all that teach me have I gained understanding, for Thy testimonies are my meditation.

100 Above mine elders have I received understanding, for after Thy commandments have I sought.

101 From every way that is evil have I restrained my feet that I might keep Thy words.

102 From Thy judgements have I not declined, for Thou hast set a law for me.

103 How sweet to my palate are Thy sayings! more sweet than honey to my mouth.

104 From Thy commandments have I gained understanding; therefore have I hated every way of unrighteousness.

105 Thy law is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my paths.

106 I have sworn and resolved that I will keep the judgements of Thy righteousness.

107 I was humbled exceedingly; O Lord, quicken me according to Thy word.

108 The free-will offerings of my mouth be Thou now pleased to receive, O Lord, and teach me Thy judgements.

109 My soul is in Thy hands continually, and Thy law have I not forgotten.

110 Sinners have set a snare for me, yet from Thy commandment have I not strayed.

111 I have inherited Thy testimonies for ever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

112 I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes for ever for a recompense.

113 Transgressors have I hated, but Thy law have I loved.

114 My helper and my protector art Thou; on Thy words have I set my hope.

115 Depart from me, ye evil-doers, and I will search out the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me according to Thy saying and quicken me, and turn me not away in shame from mine expectation.

117 Help me, and I shall be saved; and I will meditate on Thy statutes continually.

118 Thou hast set at nought all that depart from Thy statutes, for unrighteous is their inward thought.

119 I have reckoned as transgressors all the sinners of the earth, therefore have I loved Thy testimonies.

120 Nail down my flesh with the fear of Thee, for of Thy judgements am I afraid.

121 I have wrought judgement and righteousness; O give me not up to them that wrong me.

122 Receive Thy servant unto good, let not the proud falsely accuse me.

123 Mine eyes have failed with waiting for Thy salvation, and for the word of Thy righteousness.

124 Deal with Thy servant according to Thy mercy, and teach me Thy statutes.

125 I am Thy servant; give me understanding, and I shall know Thy testimonies.

126 It is time for the Lord to act; for they have dispersed Thy law.

127 Therefore have I loved Thy commandments more than gold and topaz.

128 Therefore I directed myself according to all Thy commandments; every way that is unrighteous have I hated.

129 Wonderful are Thy testimonies; therefore hath my soul searched them out.

130 The unfolding of Thy words will give light and understanding unto babes.

131 I opened my mouth and drew in my breath, for I longed for Thy commandments.

Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God. (Three times).

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

PSALM 118:132-176

Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgement of them that love Thy name.

133 My steps do Thou direct according to Thy saying, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me from the false accusation of men, and I will keep Thy commandments.

135 Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes.

136 Mine eyes have poured forth streams of waters, because I kept not Thy law.

137 Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are Thy judgements.

138 Thou hast ordained as Thy testimonies exceeding righteousness and truth.

139 My zeal for Thee hath made me to pine away, because mine enemies have forgotten Thy words.

140 Thine oracle is tried with fire to the uttermost, and Thy servant hath loved it.

141 I am young and accounted as nothing, yet Thy statutes have I not forgotten.

142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is truth.

143 Tribulations and necessities have found me, Thy commandments are my meditation.

144 Thy testimonies are righteousness for ever; give me understanding and I shall live.

145 I have cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord, and I will seek after Thy statutes.

146 I have cried unto Thee; save me, and I will keep Thy testimonies.

147 I arose in the dead of night and I cried; on Thy words have I set my hope.

148 Mine eyes woke before the morning that I might meditate on Thy sayings.

149 Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Thy mercy; according to Thy judgement, quicken me.

150 They have drawn nigh that lawlessly persecute me, but from Thy law are they far removed.

151 Near art Thou, O Lord, and all Thy ways are truth.

152 From the beginning I have known from Thy testimonies that Thou hast founded them for ever.

153 Behold my humiliation and rescue me, for Thy law have I not forgotten.

154 Judge my cause and redeem me; for Thy word’s sake quicken me.

155 Far from sinners is salvation, for they have not sought after Thy statutes.

156 Thy compassions are many, O Lord; according to Thy judgement quicken me.

157 Many are they that persecute me and afflict me; from Thy testimonies have I not declined.

158 I beheld men acting foolishly and I pined away, because they kept not Thy sayings.

159 Behold, how I have loved Thy commandments; O Lord, in Thy mercy, quicken me.

160 The beginning of Thy words is truth, and all the judgements of Thy righteousness endure for ever.

161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause, and because of Thy words my heart hath been afraid.

162 I will rejoice in Thy sayings as one that findeth great spoil.

163 Unrighteousness have I hated and abhorred, but Thy law have I loved.

164 Seven times a day have I praised Thee for the judgements of Thy righteousness.

165 Much peace have they that love Thy law, and for them there is no stumbling-block.

166 I awaited Thy salvation, O Lord, and Thy commandments have I loved.

167 My soul hath kept Thy testimonies and hath loved them exceedingly.

168 I have kept Thy commandments and Thy testimonies, for all my ways are before Thee, O Lord.

169 Let my supplication draw nigh before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle give me understanding.

170 Let my petition come before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle deliver me.

171 My lips shall pour forth a hymn when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes.

172 My tongue shall speak of Thy sayings, for all Thy commandments are righteousness.

173 Let Thy hand be for saving me, for I have chosen Thy commandments.

174 I have longed for Thy salvation, O Lord, and Thy law is my meditation.

175 My soul shall live and shall praise Thee, and Thy judgements will help me.

176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; O seek Thy servant, for I have not forgotten Thy commandments.

Final Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God our Hope, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

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

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father, by 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 also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; of His kingdom there shall be no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the prophets. In one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins; I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious unto our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

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

Amen.

The 8th Tone/Plagal of the Fourth

Behold. the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night, and blessed is that servant whom He shall find watching; and again unworthy is he whom He shall find heedless. Beware, therefore, O my soul, lest thou be borne down with sleep, lest thou be given up to death, and be shut out from the Kingdom. But rather rouse thyself and cry: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O our God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

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

As thou bringest to mind the most fearful day, rouse thyself, O my soul, and be vigilant; enkindle thy darkened lamp and with oil make it radiant; for thou knowest not when thou wilt suddenly hear that voice that shall cry out: Behold thou, thy Bridegroom is come to thee. Mark, then, O my soul, lest like those five foolish virgins, thou sleep and remain without vainly knocking upon the door; but endure in all watchfulness, so that thou mightest meet Christ our God with rich oil, and that He might grant unto thee the fair divine bridal-chamber of His glory evermore.

Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Thee do we entreat, O Virgin, who art the impregnable wall and stronghold of our salvation: Confound the counsels of adversaries; change the sorrow of thy people into joy; recall thy world; uphold the dominion of the pious; intercede for the peace of the world; for thou, O Theotokos, art our hope.

Lord, have mercy. (Forty times)

Thou Who at all times and at every hour, in Heaven and on earth, art worshipped and glorified, O Christ God, Who art long-suffering, plenteous in mercy, most compassionate, Who lovest the righteous and hast mercy on sinners, Who callest all to salvation through the promise of good things to come: receive, O Lord, our prayers at this hour, and guide our life toward Thy 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 Thy holy Angels, that, guided and guarded by their array, we may attain to the unity of faith, and the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

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

More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

In the Name of the Lord, bless.

Amen.

O Sovereign Master, God the Father Almighty, O Lord the Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Thou, O Holy-Spirit, one Godhead, one Power, have mercy on me, a sinner; and by the judgements which Thou knowest, save me, Thine unworthy servant; for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.

Thee do we bless, Thou Most High God and Lord of mercy, Who ever workest with us deeds great and unfathomable, glorious and extraordinary, whereof there is no number; Who hast given unto us sleep for rest from our infirmity, and for repose of our much-toiling flesh. We thank Thee that Thou hast not destroyed us in our iniquities, but hast shown Thy wonted love for man, and though we were prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised us up to glorify Thy dominion. Wherefore, we beseech Thine incomparable goodness: Enlighten the eyes of our understanding and raise our mind from the heavy sleep of slothfulness. Open our mouth and fill it with Thy praise, that we may be able undistracted to sing and chant and give thanks unto Thee, Who art God glorified in all and by all, the beginningless Father, with Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thine All-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

PSALM 120

An Ode of Ascents.

I have lifted up mine eyes to the mountains, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord, Who hath made heaven and the earth.

3 Give not thy foot unto moving, and may He not slumber that keepeth thee.

4 Behold, He shall not slumber nor shall He sleep, He that keepeth Israel.

5 The Lord shall keep thee; the Lord is thy shelter at thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not burn thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall keep thee from all evil, the Lord shall guard thy soul.

8 The Lord shall keep thy coming in and thy going out, from henceforth and for evermore.

PSALM 133

An Ode of Ascents.

Behold now, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord.

2 Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God,

3 In the nights lift up your hands unto the holies, and bless the Lord.

4 The Lord bless thee out of Sion, He that made heaven and the earth.

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

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious unto our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

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

Amen.

The 8th Tone/Plagal of the Fourth

Keep Thy servants in remembrance, O Lord, since Thou art good, and do Thou forgive their every sin in this life; for no man is without sin, except for Thee Who art able to grant rest even unto those that have departed hence.

O Thou Who by the depth of Thy wisdom dost provide all things out of love for man, and grantest unto all that which is profitable, O only Creator: grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants; for in Thee have they placed their hope, O our Creator and Fashioner and God.

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

With the Saints grant rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is neither pain, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life unending.

Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

All we the generations call thee blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, for in thee He, the Uncontainable One, Christ our God, was pleased to be contained. Blessed are we also who have thee as protection, for day and night dost thou intercede for us, and the scepters of the kingdom are strengthened by thine entreaties. Wherefore, with hymns we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.

Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)

Remember, O Lord, our fathers and brethren that have fallen asleep in hope of the resurrection of eternal life, and all that have ended their days in piety and faith; and forgive their every transgression in which they have willingly or unwillingly transgressed in word or deed or thought. And make them to dwell in places of light, in places of verdure, in places of refreshment, where every pain, sorrow, and sighing is fled away, where the visitation of Thy countenance maketh glad all Thy Saints from ages past. Grant unto them and us Thy Kingdom, and participation in Thine ineffable and eternal good things, and the enjoyment of Thine endless and blessed life. For Thou art the Life, the Resurrection, and the Repose of Thy servants that have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thine All-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Most glorious, Ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, present our prayer to thy Son and our God, and pray that through thee He would save our souls.

My hope is the Father, my refuge the Son, my shelter the Holy Spirit. O Holy Trinity, glory be to Thee.

Unto thee do I commit mine every hope, O Mother of God; guard me under thy shelter.

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

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Lord, bless.

Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

MATINS

Friday, November 16th 7532, 03:00 AM

( Friday, November 29th 2024, 03:00 AM )

Twenty-third Week After Pentecost – The 5th Tone/Plagal of the First

Old Calendar Commemorations

Holy Apostle And Evangelist Matthew

St. Afan

Psalter: Psalter LXX, Bible Translation: KJV, Style: Line Numbered, Lectionary: One Year, Psalms: Weekly

Opening Prayers

Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious unto our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

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

Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)

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

Psalter Readings

PSALM 19

For the End: A Psalm of David.

The Lord hear thee in the day of affliction; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee.

2 Let Him send forth unto thee help from His sanctuary, and out of Sion let Him help thee.

3 Let Him remember every sacrifice of thine, and thy whole-burnt offering let Him fatten.

4 The Lord grant thee according to thy heart, and fulfil all thy purposes.

5 We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of the Lord our God shall we be magnified. The Lord fulfil all thy requests.

6 Now have I known that the Lord hath saved His anointed one; He will hearken unto him out of His holy heaven; in mighty deeds is the salvation of His right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will call upon the name of the Lord our God.

8 They have been fettered and have fallen, but we are risen and are set upright.

9 O Lord, save the king, and hearken unto us in the day when we call upon Thee.

PSALM 20

For the End: A Psalm of David.

O Lord, in Thy strength the king shall be glad, and in Thy salvation shall he rejoice exceedingly.

2 The desire of his heart hast Thou granted unto him, and hast not denied him the requests of his lips.

3 Thou wentest before him with the blessings of goodness, Thou hast set upon his head a crown of precious stone.

4 He asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest him length of days unto ages of ages.

5 Great is his glory in Thy salvation; glory and majesty shalt Thou lay upon him.

6 For Thou shalt give him blessing for ever and ever, Thou shalt gladden him in joy with Thy countenance.

7 For the king hopeth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High shall he not be shaken.

8 Let Thy hand be found on all Thine enemies; let Thy right hand find all that hate Thee.

9 For Thou wilt make them as an oven of fire in the time of Thy presence; the Lord in His wrath will trouble them sorely and fire shall devour them.

10 Their fruit wilt Thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from the sons of men.

11 For they have intended evil against Thee, they have devised counsels which they shall not be able to establish.

12 For Thou shalt make them turn their backs; among those that are Thy remnant, Thou shalt make ready their countenance.

13 Be Thou exalted, O Lord, in Thy strength; we will sing and chant of Thy mighty acts.

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

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious unto our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

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

Amen.

Save, O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

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

Thou Who wast raised up on the Cross of Thine own will, O Christ our God, do Thou bestow Thy compassions upon this, Thy new commonwealth named after Thee. Gladden with Thy sovereign might our most Orthodox hierarchs, and vouchsafe them victory over every false teaching; and as Thy help in war may they possess the weapon of peace, the trophy invincible.

Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O dread protection that cannot be put to shame, disdain not, O good one, our entreaties, O all-hymned Theotokos. Make steadfast the commonwealth of the Orthodox; protect those whom thou hast enjoined to rule over us, and grant them victory from on high; for thou hast given birth to God, O only blessed one.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

The Six Psalms

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good will towards men. (Three times)

O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. (Three times)

PSALM 3

A Psalm of David. When He Fled from the Face of Abessalom His Son, in the Wilderness.

O Lord, why are they multiplied that afflict me? Many rise up against me.

2 Many say unto my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God.

3 But Thou, O Lord, art my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head.

4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy mountain.

5 I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that set themselves against me round about.

7 Arise, O Lord, save me, O my God, for Thou hast smitten all who without cause are mine enemies; the teeth of sinners hast Thou broken.

8 Salvation is of the Lord, and Thy blessing is upon Thy people.

And again:

I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.

PSALM 37

A Psalm of David. In Remembrance. Concerning the Sabbath.

O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath.

2 For Thine arrows are fastened in me, and Thou hast laid Thy hand heavily upon me.

3 There is no healing in my flesh in the face of Thy wrath; and there is no peace in my bones in the face of my sins.

4 For mine iniquities are risen higher than my head; as a heavy burden have they pressed heavily upon me.

5 My bruises are become noisome and corrupt in the face of my folly.

6 I have been wretched and utterly bowed down until the end; all the day long I went with downcast face.

7 For my loins are filled with mockings, and there is no healing in my flesh.

8 I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly, I have roared from the groaning of my heart.

9 O Lord, before Thee is all my desire, and my groaning is not hid from Thee.

10 My heart is troubled, my strength hath failed me; and the light of mine eyes, even this is not with me.

11 My friends and my neighbours drew nigh over against me and stood, and my nearest of kin stood afar off.

12 And they that sought after my soul used violence; and they that sought evils for me spake vain things, and craftiness all the day long did they meditate.

13 But as for me, like a deaf man I heard them not, and was as a speechless man that openeth not his mouth.

14 And I became as a man that heareth not, and that hath in his mouth no reproofs.

15 For in Thee have I hoped, O Lord; Thou wilt hearken unto me, O Lord my God.

16 For I said: Let never mine enemies rejoice over me; yea, when my feet were shaken, those men spake boastful words against me.

17 For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is continually before me.

18 For I will declare mine iniquity, and I will take heed concerning my sin.

19 But mine enemies live and are made stronger than I, and they that hated me unjustly are multiplied.

20 They that render me evil for good slandered me, because I pursued goodness.

21 Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me.

22 Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.

And again:

Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me. Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.

PSALM 62

A Psalm of David. When He Was in the Wilderness of Judea.

O God, my God, unto Thee I rise early at dawn. My soul hath thirsted for Thee; how often hath my flesh longed after Thee in a land barren and untrodden and unwatered.

2 So in the sanctuary have I appeared before Thee to see Thy power and Thy glory,

3 For Thy mercy is better than lives; my lips shall praise Thee.

4 So shall I bless Thee in my life, and in Thy name will I lift up my hands.

5 As with marrow and fatness let my soul be filled, and with lips rejoicing shall my mouth praise Thee.

6 If I remembered Thee on my bed, at the dawn I meditated on Thee.

7 For Thou art become my helper; in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice.

8 My soul hath cleaved after Thee, Thy right hand hath been quick to help me.

9 But as for these, in vain have they sought after my soul; they shall go into the nethermost parts of the earth, they shall be surrendered unto the edge of the sword; portions for foxes shall they be.

10 But the king shall be glad in God, everyone shall be praised that sweareth by Him; for the mouth of them is stopped that speak unjust things.

And again:

At the dawn I meditated on Thee. For Thou art become my helper; in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hath cleaved after Thee, Thy right hand hath been quick to help me.

Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God. (Three times).

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

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

PSALM 87

A Psalmic Ode for the Sons of Kore. For the End: Concerning the Response of Maeleth. Concerning the Giving of a Wise Instruction to Aemon the Israelite.

O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before Thee.

2 Let my prayer come before Thee, bow down Thine ear unto my supplication,

3 For filled with evils is my soul, and my life unto hades hath drawn nigh.

4 I am counted with them that go down into the pit; I am become as a man without help, free among the dead,

5 Like the bodies of the slain that sleep in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more, and they are cut off from Thy hand.

6 They laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness and in the shadow of death.

7 Against me is Thine anger made strong, and all Thy billows hast Thou brought upon me.

8 Thou hast removed my friends afar from me; they have made me an abomination unto themselves.

9 I have been delivered up, and have not come forth; mine eyes are grown weak from poverty.

10 I have cried unto Thee, O Lord, the whole day long; I have stretched out my hands unto Thee.

11 Nay, for the dead wilt Thou work wonders? Or shall physicians raise them up that they may give thanks unto Thee?

12 Nay, shall any in the grave tell of Thy mercy, and of Thy truth in that destruction?

13 Nay, shall Thy wonders be known in that darkness, and Thy righteousness in that land that is forgotten?

14 But as for me, unto Thee, O Lord, have I cried; and in the morning shall my prayer come before Thee.

15 Wherefore, O Lord, dost Thou cast off my soul and turnest Thy face away from me?

16 A poor man am I, and in troubles from my youth; yea, having been exalted, I was humbled and brought to distress.

17 Thy furies have passed upon me, and Thy terrors have sorely troubled me.

18 They came round about me like water, all the day long they compassed me about together.

19 Thou hast removed afar from me friend and neighbour, and mine acquaintances because of my misery.

And again:

O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee, bow down Thine ear unto my supplication.

PSALM 102

David’s.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that He hath done for thee,

3 Who is gracious unto all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thine infirmities,

4 Who redeemeth thy life from corruption, Who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion,

5 Who fulfilleth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle’s.

6 The Lord performeth deeds of mercy, and executeth judgement for all them that are wronged.

7 He hath made His ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things that He hath willed.

8 Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy; not unto the end will He be angered, neither unto eternity will He be wroth.

9 Not according to our iniquities hath He dealt with us, neither according to our sins hath He rewarded us.

10 For according to the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord hath made His mercy to prevail over them that fear Him.

11 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our iniquities from us.

12 Like as a father hath compassion upon his sons, so hath the Lord had compassion upon them that fear Him; for He knoweth whereof we are made, He hath remembered that we are dust.

13 As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom forth.

14 For when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it know the place thereof.

15 But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even unto eternity, upon them that fear Him.

16 And His righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon them that keep His testament and remember His commandments to do them.

17 The Lord in heaven hath prepared His throne, and His kingdom ruleth over all.

18 Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word, to hear the voice of His words.

19 Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts, His ministers that do His will.

20 Bless the Lord, all ye His works, in every place of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

And again:

In every place of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

PSALM 142

David’s. When His Son Abessalom Pursued Him.

O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my supplication in Thy truth; hearken unto me in Thy righteousness.

2 And enter not into judgement with Thy servant, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath humbled my life down to the earth.

4 He hath sat me in darkness as those that have been long dead, and my spirit within me is become despondent; within me my heart is troubled.

5 I remembered days of old, I meditated on all Thy works, I pondered on the creations of Thy hands.

6 I stretched forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee like a waterless land.

7 Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit hath fainted away.

8 Turn not Thy face away from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

9 Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning; for in Thee have I put my hope.

10 Cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul.

11 Rescue me from mine enemies, O Lord; unto Thee have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God.

12 Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness; for Thy name’s sake, O Lord, shalt Thou quicken me.

13 In Thy righteousness shalt Thou bring my soul out of affliction, and in Thy mercy shalt Thou utterly destroy mine enemies.

14 And Thou shalt cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Thy servant.

And again:

Hearken unto me in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgement with Thy servant.
Hearken unto me in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgement with Thy servant.

Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness.

Final Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God our Hope, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

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

Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)

God is the Lord, and hath appeared unto us; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

O give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon His holy Name.

God is the Lord, and hath appeared unto us; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

All the nations compassed me round about, and by the Name of the Lord I warded them off.

God is the Lord, and hath appeared unto us; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

God is the Lord, and hath appeared unto us; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Dismissal hymns of the day

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

Troparion Of St. Matthew – The 3rd Tone

O Apostle Matthew, Thou didst hear the Voice of the Word * and receive the light of faith. * Thou didst abandon the office of publican * and proclaim Christ God’s Self-emptying. * Ask that those who praise thee may receive forgiveness and great mercy.

Troparion Of St. Afan – The 1st Tone

Llanafan remembers thee, O Hierarch Afan, * thou teacher of piety, pastor, guide and inspirer of men’s hearts. * Wherefore, O holy one, entreat Christ our God * that He will grant great mercy to our souls.

The 1st Tone

Save, O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Having thy protection, O immaculate one, and being delivered from afflictions by thy prayers, we who are in every way guarded by the Cross of thy Son do all magnify thee reverently as is due.

Psalter Readings

Kathisma 19

PSALM 134

Alleluia.

Praise ye the name of the Lord; O ye servants, praise the Lord.

2 Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God,

3 Praise ye the Lord, for the Lord is good; chant unto His name, for it is good.

4 For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto Himself, Israel for His own possession.

5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

6 All that the Lord hath willed He hath done, in heaven and on the earth, in the seas and in all the abysses.

7 Bringing clouds up from the uttermost parts of the earth, lightnings for the rain hath He made.

8 He bringeth winds out of His treasuries; He smote the firstborn of Egypt, from man unto beast.

9 He sent forth signs and marvels in the midst of thee, O Egypt, on Pharaoh and on all his servants.

10 He smote many nations and slew mighty kings.

11 Seon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of the land of Basan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan.

12 And He gave their land for an inheritance, an inheritance for Israel His people.

13 O Lord, Thy name endureth for ever, and Thy memorial unto generation and generation.

14 For the Lord will judge His people, and because of His servants shall He be comforted.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the works of the hands of men.

16 They have a mouth but shall not speak, eyes have they and shall not see.

17 Ears have they and shall not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouth.

18 Let those that make them become like unto them, and all they that put their trust in them.

19 O house of Israel, bless ye the Lord. O house of Aaron, bless ye the Lord. O house of Levi, bless ye the Lord.

20 Ye that fear the Lord, bless ye the Lord.

21 Blessed is the Lord out of Sion, Who dwelleth in Jerusalem.

PSALM 135

Alleluia.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.

2 O give thanks unto the God of gods; for His mercy endureth for ever.

3 O give thanks unto the Lord of lords; for His mercy endureth for ever.

4 To Him Who alone hath wrought great wonders; for His mercy endureth for ever.

5 To Him that made the heavens with understanding; for His mercy endureth for ever.

6 To Him that established the earth upon the waters; for His mercy endureth for ever.

7 To Him Who alone hath made great lights; for His mercy endureth for ever.

8 The sun for dominion of the day; for His mercy endureth for ever.

9 The moon and the stars for dominion of the night; for His mercy endureth for ever.

10 To Him that smote Egypt with their firstborn; for His mercy endureth for ever.

11 And led forth Israel out of the midst of them; for His mercy endureth for ever.

12 With a strong hand and a lofty arm; for His mercy endureth for ever.

13 To Him that divided the Red Sea into parts; for His mercy endureth for ever.

14 And led Israel through the midst thereof; for His mercy endureth for ever.

15 And overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea; for His mercy endureth for ever.

16 To Him that led His people through the wilderness; for His mercy endureth for ever.

17 To Him that smote great kings; for His mercy endureth for ever.

18 And slew mighty kings; for His mercy endureth for ever.

19 Seon, king of the Amorites; for His mercy endureth for ever.

20 And Og, king of the land of Basan; for His mercy endureth for ever.

21 And gave their land for an inheritance; for His mercy endureth for ever.

22 An inheritance for Israel His servant; for His mercy endureth for ever.

23 For in our humiliation the Lord remembered us; for His mercy endureth for ever.

24 And redeemed us from our enemies; for His mercy endureth for ever.

25 He that giveth food to all flesh; for His mercy endureth for ever.

26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven; for His mercy endureth for ever.

PSALM 136

For David. By Jeremias, in the Captivity.

By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and we wept when we remembered Sion.

2 Upon the willows in the midst thereof did we hang our instruments.

3 For there, they that had taken us captive asked us for words of song.

4 And they that had led us away asked us for a hymn, saying: Sing us one of the songs of Sion.

5 How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

6 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten.

7 Let my tongue cleave to my throat, if I remember thee not,

8 If I set not Jerusalem above all other, as at the head of my joy.

9 Remember, O Lord, the sons of Edom, in the day of Jerusalem,

10 Who said: Lay waste, lay waste to her, even to the foundations thereof.

11 O daughter of Babylon, thou wretched one, blessed shall he be who shall reward thee wherewith thou hast rewarded us.

12 Blessed shall he be who shall seize and dash thine infants against the rock.

Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God. (Three times).

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

PSALM 137

David’s. Of Aggeus and Zacharias.

I will confess Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; and before angels will I chant unto Thee, for Thou hast heard all the words of my mouth.

2 I will worship towards Thy holy temple and confess Thy name, for Thy mercy and for Thy truth; for Thou hast magnified Thy holy name above all that is.

3 In whatsoever day I call upon Thee, quickly hearken unto me; Thou shalt abundantly endow my soul with Thy strength.

4 Let all the kings of the earth, O Lord, confess Thee, for they have heard all the words of Thy mouth.

5 And let them sing in the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.

6 For the Lord is exalted, yet on lowly things He looketh; and things haughty He knoweth from afar.

7 Though I should walk in the midst of affliction, Thou shalt quicken me; against the wrath of mine enemies hast Thou stretched forth Thy hands, and Thy right hand hath saved me.

8 The Lord shall give recompense in my behalf. O Lord, Thy mercy endureth for ever; disdain not the work of Thy hands.

PSALM 138

For the End. David’s. A Psalm of Zacharias in the Dispersion.

O Lord, Thou hast proved me and Thou knowest me; Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine uprising.

2 Thou hast discerned my thoughts from afar; my path and my lot hast Thou traced out,

3 And hast foreseen all my ways, for there is no guile in my tongue.

4 Behold, Lord, Thou knowest all things, the last and the first; Thou hast fashioned me and hast laid Thy hand upon me.

5 Thy knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is mighty, I cannot attain unto it.

6 Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? And from Thy presence whither shall I flee?

7 If I go up into heaven, Thou art there; if I go down into hades, Thou art present there.

8 If I take up my wings toward the dawn, and make mine abode in the uttermost parts of the sea,

9 Even there shall Thy hand guide me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.

10 And I said: Surely darkness shall tread me down, and the night shall be turned into light in my delight.

11 For darkness will not be darkness with Thee, and night shall be bright as the day; as is the darkness thereof, even so shall the light thereof be.

12 For Thou hast possessed my reins; O Lord, Thou hast holpen me from my mother’s womb.

13 I will confess Thee, for awesomely art Thou wondrous, marvelous are Thy works, and my soul knoweth it right well.

14 My bone is not hid from Thee, which Thou madest in secret; nor my substance in the nethermost parts of the earth.

15 My being while it was still unformed Thine eyes did see, and in Thy book shall all men be written; day by day they are formed, when as yet there be none of them.

16 But to me, exceedingly honourable are Thy friends, O Lord; their principalities are made exceeding strong.

17 I will count them, and they shall be multiplied more than the sand; I awoke and I am still with Thee.

18 Surely Thou wilt slay the sinners, O God. Ye men of blood, depart from me.

19 For Thou wilt say concerning their thoughts that in vain shall they take Thy cities.

20 As for them that hate Thee, O Lord, have I not hated them? And because of Thine enemies have I not pined away?

21 With perfect hatred have I hated them; they are reckoned enemies with me.

22 Prove me, O God, and know my heart; examine me and know my paths.

23 And see if the way of iniquity be in me, and guide me in the way everlasting.

PSALM 139

For the End. A Psalm of David.

Rescue me, O Lord, from the evil man; from the unjust man deliver me.

2 Who have devised injustice in their heart; all the day long have they arrayed themselves for wars.

3 They have whetted their tongue like that of a serpent; the venom of asps is under their lips.

4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the sinner; rescue me from unjust men who have devised to undermine my steps.

5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and with cords have they spread a snare for my feet; stumbling-blocks near the paths have they set for me.

6 I said unto the Lord: Thou art my God; give ear, O Lord, unto the voice of my supplication.

7 Lord, O Lord, Thou strength of my salvation, Thou hast overshadowed my head in the day of battle.

8 Because of my desire, O Lord, give me not up unto the sinner. They have taken counsel against me; forsake me not, lest they should be exalted.

9 As for the head of those that encircle me, the mischief of their lips shall cover them.

10 Coals shall fall upon them; in fire shalt Thou cast them down, and they shall not stand in afflictions.

11 A babbling man shall not prosper on the earth; evils shall hunt an unjust man to his destruction.

12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the poor and the justice of the paupers.

13 Surely the righteous shall confess Thy name, and the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.

Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God. (Three times).

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

PSALM 140

A Psalm of David.

Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hearken unto me; attend to the voice of my supplication when I cry unto Thee.

2 Let my prayer be set forth as incense before Thee, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

3 Set, O Lord, a watch before my mouth, and a door of enclosure round about my lips.

4 Incline not my heart unto words of evil, to make excuse with excuses in sins,

5 With men that work iniquity; and I will not join with their chosen.

6 The righteous man will chasten me with mercy and reprove me; as for the oil of the sinner, let it not anoint my head.

7 For yet more is my prayer in the presence of their pleasures; swallowed up near by the rock have their judges been.

8 They shall hear my words, for they be sweetened; as a clod of earth is broken upon the earth, so have their bones been scattered nigh unto hades.

9 For unto Thee, O Lord, O Lord, are mine eyes, in Thee have I hoped; take not my soul away.

10 Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and from the stumbling-blocks of them that work iniquity.

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

PSALM 141

Instruction by David. When He Was in the Cave Praying.

With my voice unto the Lord have I cried, with my voice unto the Lord have I made supplication.

2 I will pour out before Him my supplication, mine affliction before Him will I declare.

3 When my spirit was fainting within me, then Thou knewest my paths.

4 In this way wherein I have walked they hid for me a snare.

5 I looked upon my right hand, and beheld, and there was none that did know me.

6 Flight hath failed me, and there is none that watcheth out for my soul.

7 I have cried unto Thee, O Lord; I said: Thou art my hope, my portion art Thou in the land of the living.

8 Attend unto my supplication, for I am brought very low.

9 Deliver me from them that persecute me, for they are stronger than I.

10 Bring my soul out of prison that I may confess Thy name.

11 The righteous shall wait patiently for me until Thou shalt reward me.

PSALM 142

David’s. When His Son Abessalom Pursued Him.

O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my supplication in Thy truth; hearken unto me in Thy righteousness.

2 And enter not into judgement with Thy servant, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath humbled my life down to the earth.

4 He hath sat me in darkness as those that have been long dead, and my spirit within me is become despondent; within me my heart is troubled.

5 I remembered days of old, I meditated on all Thy works, I pondered on the creations of Thy hands.

6 I stretched forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee like a waterless land.

7 Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit hath fainted away.

8 Turn not Thy face away from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

9 Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning; for in Thee have I put my hope.

10 Cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul.

11 Rescue me from mine enemies, O Lord; unto Thee have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God.

12 Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness; for Thy name’s sake, O Lord, shalt Thou quicken me.

13 In Thy righteousness shalt Thou bring my soul out of affliction, and in Thy mercy shalt Thou utterly destroy mine enemies.

14 And Thou shalt cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Thy servant.

Final Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God our Hope, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

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

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Kathisma 20

PSALM 143

David’s. Concerning Goliath.

Blessed is the Lord my God, Who teacheth my hands for battle and my fingers for war.

2 My mercy and my refuge, my helper and my deliverer,

3 My defender is He; and in Him have I hoped, Who subjected my people under me.

4 O Lord, what is man, that Thou art made known unto him? Or the son of man, that Thou takest account of him?

5 Man is like unto vanity, his days like a shadow pass away.

6 O Lord, bow down the heavens and come down; touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

7 Flash forth lightning, and Thou shalt scatter them; send forth Thine arrows, and Thou shalt trouble them.

8 Send forth Thy hand from on high; rescue and deliver me from many waters, from the hand of the sons of aliens,

9 Whose mouth hath spoken vanity; and their right hand is the right hand of unrighteousness.

10 O God, a new song shall I sing unto Thee; with the psaltery of ten strings shall I chant unto Thee,

11 Who givest salvation unto kings, Who redeemest David Thy servant from the evil sword.

12 Deliver me and rescue me from the hand of the sons of aliens whose mouth hath spoken vanity, and their right hand is the right hand of unrighteousness,

13 Whose sons are like new plants, strongly planted in their youth,

14 Their daughters prettified, and lavishly adorned like unto a temple.

15 Their garners are full, bursting forth with all manner of store.

16 Their sheep are abundant in young, multiplying in their gateways; their oxen are fat.

17 There is no breach of wall, nor any passage, nor any outcry in their streets.

18 They have called the people blessed which fareth thus; but blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.

PSALM 144

David’s. A Psalm of Praise.

I will exalt Thee, O my God, my king, and I will bless Thy name for ever, yea, for ever and ever.

2 Every day will I bless Thee, and I will praise Thy name for ever, yea, for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord and exceedingly to be praised, and of His greatness there is no end.

4 Generation and generation shall praise Thy works, and Thy power shall they declare.

5 Of the majesty of the glory of Thy holiness shall they speak, and they shall tell of Thy wonders.

6 And the power of Thine awesome deeds shall they relate, and they shall tell of Thy majesty.

7 The memory of the multitude of Thy goodness shall they pour forth, and in Thy righteousness shall they rejoice.

8 Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy.

9 The Lord is good to all, and His compassions are over all His works.

10 Let all Thy works, O Lord, give praise to Thee, and let Thy righteous ones bless Thee.

11 Of the glory of Thy kingdom shall they speak, and shall tell of Thy dominion,

12 To make Thy dominion known to the sons of men, and the glory of the majesty of Thy kingdom.

13 Thy kingdom is the kingdom of all the ages, and Thy sovereignty is in every generation and generation.

14 Faithful is the Lord in all His words, and holy in all His works.

15 The Lord upholdeth all that are falling, and setteth up all that are broken down.

16 The eyes of all look to Thee with hope, and Thou gavest them their food in due season.

17 Thou openest Thy hand and fillest every living thing with Thy favour.

18 Righteous is the Lord in all His ways, and holy in all His works.

19 The Lord is nigh unto all that call upon Him, to all that call on Him in truth.

20 The will of them that fear Him shall He do, and their supplication shall He hear, and He shall save them.

21 The Lord preserveth all that love Him, but all the sinners shall He utterly destroy.

22 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy name, for ever, yea, for ever and ever.

Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God. (Three times).

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

PSALM 145

Alleluia. Of Aggeus and Zacharias.

Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord in my life, I will chant unto my God for as long as I have my being.

2 Trust ye not in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.

3 His spirit shall go forth, and he shall return unto his earth.

4 In that day all his thoughts shall perish.

5 Blessed is he of whom the God of Jacob is his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God,

6 Who hath made heaven and the earth, the sea and all that is therein,

7 Who keepeth truth unto eternity, Who executeth judgement for the wronged, Who giveth food unto the hungry.

8 The Lord looseth the fettered; the Lord maketh wise the blind; the Lord setteth aright the fallen; the Lord loveth the righteous; the Lord preserveth the proselytes.

9 He shall adopt for His own the orphan and widow, and the way of sinners shall He destroy.

10 The Lord shall be king unto eternity; thy God, O Sion, unto generation and generation.

PSALM 146

Alleluia. Of Aggeus and Zacharias.

Praise ye the Lord, for a psalm is a good thing; let praise be sweet unto our God.

2 The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem, He shall gather together the dispersed of Israel.

3 He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth their fractures together.

4 He numbereth the multitude of the stars and calleth them all by name.

5 Great is our Lord, and great is His strength, and of His understanding there is no measure.

6 The Lord lifteth up the meek, but humbleth sinners to the earth.

7 Begin your song to the Lord with thanksgiving, chant unto God with the harp,

8 To Him that covereth heaven with clouds, Who prepareth rain for the earth,

9 Who maketh grass to grow on the mountains, and green herb for the service of man,

10 Who giveth to the beasts their food, and to the younglings of the ravens which call upon Him.

11 He shall not delight in the strength of a horse, nor in the legs of man is He well pleased.

12 The Lord is well pleased in them that fear Him, and in them that hope in His mercy.

PSALM 147

Alleluia. Of Aggeus and Zacharias.

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Sion.

2 For He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates, He hath blessed thy sons within thee.

3 He bringeth peace upon thy borders, and with the fatness of the wheat He filleth thee.

4 He sendeth His saying unto the earth; right swiftly runneth His word.

5 He giveth His snow like wool; the mist He sprinkleth like ashes.

6 He hurleth His ice like morsels. Who shall stand before His cold?

7 He shall send forth His word and melt them; His wind shall blow and the waters shall flow.

8 He declareth His word unto Jacob, His statutes and judgements to Israel.

9 He hath not dealt so with every nation, nor hath He shown His judgements unto them.

Stasis

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia: Glory to Thee, O God. (Three times).

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

PSALM 148

Alleluia. Of Aggeus and Zacharias.

Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest.

2 Praise Him, all ye His angels; praise Him, all ye His hosts.

3 Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all ye stars and light.

4 Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and thou water that art above the heavens.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord; for He spake, and they came to be; He commanded, and they were created.

6 He established them for ever, yea, for ever and ever; He hath set an ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all ye abysses,

8 Fire, hail, snow, ice, blast of tempest, which perform His word,

9 The mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees, and all cedars,

10 The beasts and all the cattle, creeping things and winged birds,

11 Kings of the earth, and all peoples, princes and all the judges of the earth,

12 Young men and virgins, elders with the younger; let them praise the name of the Lord, for exalted is the name of Him alone.

13 His praise is above the earth and heaven, and He shall exalt the horn of His people.

14 This is the hymn for all His saints, for the sons of Israel, and for the people that draw nigh unto Him.

PSALM 149

Alleluia.

Sing unto the Lord a new song; His praise is in the church of the saints.

2 Let Israel be glad in Him that made him, let the sons of Sion rejoice in their King.

3 Let them praise His name in the dance; with the timbrel and the psaltery let them chant unto Him.

4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people, and He shall exalt the meek with salvation.

5 The saints shall boast in glory, and they shall rejoice upon their beds.

6 The high praise of God shall be in their throat, and two-edged swords shall be in their hands,

7 To do vengeance among the heathen, punishments among the peoples,

8 To bind their kings with fetters, and their nobles with manacles of iron,

9 To do among them the judgement that is written. This glory shall be to all His saints.

PSALM 150

Alleluia.

Praise ye God in His saints, praise Him in the firmament of His power.

2 Praise Him for His mighty acts, praise Him according to the multitude of His greatness.

3 Praise Him with the sound of trumpet, praise Him with the psaltery and harp.

4 Praise Him with timbrel and dance, praise him with strings and flute.

5 Praise Him with tuneful cymbals, praise Him with cymbals of jubilation. Let every breath praise the Lord.