Priest:  Blessed is our God, always, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 

Glory to You, our God, glory 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. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

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. 

Priest:  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 

Lord, have mercy.  (12 times) 

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

The priest remains before the royal doors for the Prayers of Light while the people sing Psalm 103.
 

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, my soul! 
Lord God, how great you are, 
Clothed in majesty and glory 
wrapped in light as in a robe! 

You stretch out the heavens like a tent. 
Above the rains you build your dwelling. 
You make the clouds your chariot, 
you walk on the wings of the wind, 
You make the winds your messengers 
and flashing fires your servants. 

You founded the earth on its base, 
to stand firm from age to age. 
You wrapped it with the ocean like a cloak: 
the waters stood higher than the mountains. 

At your voice they took to flight; 
at the voice of your thunder they fled. 
They rose over the mountains and flowed down 
to the place which you had appointed. 
You set limits they might not pass 
lest they return to cover the earth. 

You make springs gush forth in the valleys: 
they flow in between the hills. 
They give drink to all the beasts of the field; 
the wild-asses quench their thirst. 
On their banks dwell the birds of heaven; 
from the branches they sing their song. 

From your dwelling you water the hills; 
earth drinks its fill of your gift. 
You make the grass grow for the cattle 
and plants to serve man's needs, 

That he may bring forth bread from the earth 
and wine to cheer man's heart; 
Oil, to make his face shine 
and bread to strengthen man's heart. 

The trees of the Lord drink their fill, 
the cedars he planted on Lebanon; 
There the birds build their nests: 
on the tree top the stork has her home. 
The goats find a home on the mountains 
and rabbits hide in the rocks. 

You made the moon to mark the months; 
the sun knows the time for its setting. 
When you spread the darkness it is night 
and all the beasts of the forest creep forth. 
The young lions roar for their prey 
and ask their food from God. 

At the rising of the sun they steal away 
and go to rest in their dens. 
Man goes forth to his work, 
to labor till evening falls. 

How many are your works, O Lord! 
In wisdom you have made them all. 

The earth is full of your riches. 
There is the sea, vast and wide, 
With its moving swarms past counting, 
living things great and small. 
The ships are moving there 
and the monsters you made to play with. 

All of these look to you 
to give them their food in due season. 
You give it, they gather it up: 
you open your hand, they have their fill. 

You hide your face, they are dismayed; 
you take back your spirit, they die, returning 
to the dust from which they came. 
You send forth your spirit, they are created; 
and you renew the face of the earth. 

May the glory of the Lord last forever! 
May the Lord rejoice in his works! 
He looks on the earth and it trembles; 
the mountains send forth smoke at his touch. 

I will sing to the Lord all my life, 
make music to my God while I live.
May my thoughts be pleasing to him. 
I find my joy in the Lord! 
Let sinners vanish from the earth 
and the wicked exist no more. 

Bless the Lord, 
O my soul! 

The sun knows the time for its setting. 
When you spread the darkness it is night 
How many are your works, O Lord! 
In wisdom you have made them all. 

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

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

LITANY OF PEACE

Deacon: In peace let pray to the Lord. 

People: Lord, have mercy. (and after each following petition)

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

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

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

-For our holy ecumenical Pontiff, (N.), the Pope of Rome, for our Archbishop and Metropolitan (N.), for our God-beloved Bishop (N.),  the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord. 

-For our civil authorities and all those in the service of our country, let us pray to the Lord. 

-For this city, for every city and country, and for those living within them in faith, let us pray to the Lord. 

-For seasonable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord. 

-For the safety of those who travel by sea, air and land, and for the salvation of the sick, the suffering and the captive, let us pray to the Lord. 

-That we may be delivered from all affliction, wrath, and need, let us pray to the Lord. 

-Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and preserve us, O God, by your grace. 

-Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another to Christ, our God. 

People: To You, O Lord. 

Priest:  In the evening, at dawn, and at noon, we praise You, we give thanks to You, and beseech You, O Master of All, Lord and Lover of Mankind.  Direct our prayers as incense before You; let not our hearts fall into evil words or thoughts, but save us from those who seek after our souls.  For to You Lord, O Lord, we lift up our eyes and in You we have trusted.  Put us not to shame, O God. For to You is due all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 
 

KATHISMA 18 - STATION 1

Psalm 119
Amongst treacherous strangers

To the Lord in the hour of my distress 
I call and he answers me. 
"O Lord, save my soul from lying lips, 
from the tongue of the deceitful." 

What shall he repay you in return, 
O treacherous tongue? 
The warriors arrows sharpened 
and coals, red-hot, blazing. 

(Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech, 
dwell among the tents of Kedar!) 
 Long enough have I been dwelling
with those who hate peace. 
I am for peace, but when I speak, 
they are for fighting. 
 

Psalm 120
The Lord, our protector

I lift up my eyes to the mountains; 
from where shall come my help? 
My help shall come from the Lord 
who made heaven and earth. 

May he never allow you to stumble! 
Let him sleep not, your guard. 
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, 
Israel's guard. 

The Lord is your guard and your shade; 
at your right side he stands. 
By day the sun shall not smite you 
nor the moon in the night. 

The Lord will guard you from evil, 
he will guard you soul. 
The Lord will guard your going and coming 
both now and for ever. 
 

Psalm 121
In praise of Jerusalem

I rejoiced when I heard them say: 
"Let us go to God's house." 

And now our feet are standing 
within your gates, O Jerusalem. 

Jerusalem is built as a city 
strongly compact. 
It is there that the tribes go up, 
the tribes of the Lord. 

For Israel's law it is, 
there to praise the Lord's name. 
There were set the thrones of judgment 
of the house of David. 

For the peace of Jerusalem pray: 
"Peace be to your homes! 
May peace reign in your walls, 
in your palaces, peace!" 

For love of my brethren and friends 
I say: "Peace upon you." 
For love of the house of the Lord 
I will ask for your good. 
 

Psalm 122
A prayer for mercy

To you have I lifted up my eyes, 
you who dwell in the heavens; 
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves 
on the hand of their Lords. 

Like the eyes of a servant 
on the hand of her mistress, 
so our eyes are on the Lord our God 
till he show us his mercy. 

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. 
We are filled with contempt. 
Indeed all too full is our soul 
with the scorn of the rich, (with the proud man's disdain). 
 

Psalm 123
Thanksgiving for protection

"If the Lord had not been on our side," 
this is Israel's song. 
"If the Lord had not been on our side 
when men rose up against us, 
then would they have swallowed us alive 
when their anger was kindled. 

Then would the waters have engulfed us, 
the torrent gone over us; 
over our head would have swept 
the raging waters." 

Blessed be the Lord who did not give us 
a prey to their teeth! 
Our life, like a bird, has escaped 
from the snare of the fowler. 

Indeed the snare has been broken 
and we have escaped. 
Our help is in the name of the Lord, 
who made heaven and earth. 

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

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

LITANY

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

People: Lord, have mercy. 

-Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and preserve us, O God, by your grace. 

-Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another to Christ, our God.

People: To You, O Lord. 

Priest:  For yours is the might, and yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 
 

KATHISMA 18 - STATION 2

Psalm 124
Unshakable trust

Those who put their trust in the Lord 
are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken, that stands for ever. 

Jerusalem!  The mountains surround her, 
so the Lord surrounds his people both now and for ever. 
For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest 
over the land of the just 
for fear that the hands of the just 
should turn to evil. 

Do good, Lord, to those who are good, 
to the upright of heart; 
but the crooked and those who do evil, drive them away! 
On Israel, peace! 
 

Psalm 125
Song of the returned exiles

When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, 
it seemed like a dream. 
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, 
on our lips there were songs. 

The heathens themselves said: 
"What marvels the Lord worked for them!" 
What marvels the Lord worked for us! 
Indeed we were glad. 

Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage 
as streams in dry land. 
Those who are sowing in tears 
will sing when they reap. 

They go out, they go out, full of tears, 
carrying seed for the sowing: 
they come back, they come back, full of song, 
carrying their sheaves. 
 

Psalm 126
Praise of God's goodness

If the Lord does not build the house, 
in vain do its builders labor; 
if the Lord does not watch over the city, 
in vain does the watchman keep vigil. 

In vain is your earlier rising, 
your going later to rest, 
you who toil for the bread you eat, 
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber. 

Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, 
a blessing, the fruit of the womb. 
Indeed the sons of youth 
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. 

O the happiness of the man 
who has filled his quiver with these arrows! 
He will have no cause for shame 
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. 
 

Psalm 127
The blessings of home

O blessed are those who fear the Lord 
and walk in his ways! 
By the labor of your hands you shall eat. 
You will be happy and prosper; 

the wife like a fruitful vine 
in the heart of your house; 
Your children like shoots of the olive, 
around the your table. 

Indeed thus shall be blessed 
the man who fears the Lord. 
May the Lord bless you from Zion 
all the days of your life! 

May you see your children's children in a happy Jerusalem! 
On Israel, peace! 
 

Psalm 128
Prayer against Israel's enemies

"They have pressed me hard from my youth," 
this is Israel's song. 
"They have pressed me hard from my youth 
but could never destroy me. 

They plowed my back like plowmen, 
drawing long furrows. 
But the Lord who is just, has destroyed 
the yoke of the wicked." 

Let them be shamed and routed, 
those who hate Zion! 
Let them be like grass on the roof 
that withers before it flowers. 

With that no reaper fill his arms, 
no binder makes his sheaves 
and those passing by will not say: 
"On you the Lord's blessing!" 

"We bless you 
 in the name of the Lord." 

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

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

LITANY

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

People: Lord, have mercy. 

-Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and preserve us, O God, by your grace. 

-Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another to Christ, our God. 

People: To You, O Lord. 

Priest:  For You, O God, are gracious and You love mankind, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 
 

KATHISMA 18 - STATION 3

Psalm 129
Sixth psalm of repentance

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, 
Lord, hear my voice! 
O let your ears be attentive 
to the voice of my pleading. 

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, 
Lord, who would survive? 
But with you is found forgiveness: 
for this we revere you. 

My soul is waiting for the Lord. 
I count on his word. 
My soul is longing for the Lord 
more than watchman for daybreak. 
(Let the watchman count on daybreak 
and Israel on the Lord.) 

Because with the Lord there is mercy 
and fullness of redemption, 
Israel indeed he will redeem 
from all its iniquity. 
 

Psalm 130
The peaceful heart

O Lord, my heart is not proud 
nor haughty my eyes. 
I have not gone after things too great 
nor marvels beyond me. 

Truly I have set my soul 
in silence and peace. 
A weaned child on its mother's breast, 
even so is my soul. 
O Israel, hope in the Lord 
both now and forever. 
 

Psalm 131
God's promise to David

O Lord, remember David 
and all the many hardships he endured, 
the oath he swore to the Lord, 
his vow to the Strong One of Jacob. 

"I will not enter the house where I live 
nor go the bed where I rest. 
I will give no sleep to my eyes, 
to my eyelids I will give no slumber 
till I find a place for the Lord, 
a dwelling for the Strong One of Jacob." 

At Ephrata we heard of the ark; 
we found it in the plains of Yearim. 
"Let us go to the place of his dwelling; 
let us go to kneel at his footstool." 

Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest, 
you and the ark of your strength. 
Your priests shall be clothed with holiness; 
your faithful shall ring out their joy. 
For the sake of David your servant 
do not reject your anointed. 

The Lord swore an oath to David; 
he will not go back on this word: 
"A son, the fruit of your body, 
will I set upon your throne. 

If they keep my covenant in truth 
and my laws that I have taught them, 
their sons too shall rule 
on your throne from age to age." 

For the Lord has chosen Zion; 
he has desired it for his dwelling: 
"This is my resting-place for ever; 
here have I chosen to live. 

I will greatly bless her produce, 
I will fill her poor with bread. 
I will clothe her priests with salvation 
and her faithful shall ring out their joy. 

There David's stock will flower; 
I will prepare a lamp for my anointed. 
I will cover his enemies with shame 
but on him my crown shall shine." 
 

Psalm 132
The blessings of unity

How good and how pleasant it is, 
when brothers live in unity! 

It is like precious oil upon the head 
running down upon the beard, 
running down upon Aaron's beard, 
upon the collar of his robes. 

It is like the dew of Hermon which falls 
on the heights of Zion. 
For there the Lord gives his blessing, 
life for ever. 
 

Psalm 133
Prayer at nighttime

O come, bless the Lord, 
all you who serve the Lord, 
who stand in the house of the Lord, 
in the courts of the house of our God. 

Lift up your hands to the holy place 
and bless the Lord through the night. 
May the Lord bless you from Zion, 
he who made both heaven and earth. 

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

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

LITANY

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

People: Lord, have mercy. 

-Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and preserve us, O God, by your grace. 

-Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another to Christ, our God. 

People: To You, O Lord. 

Priest:  For You are our God, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 
 

Psalm 140
Evening Prayer for Protection

Set, O Lord, a guard over my mouth; 
keep watch, O Lord, at the door of my lips! 
Do not turn my heart to things that are wrong, 
to evil deeds with men who are sinners. 

Never allow me to share in their feasting. 
If a just man strikes or reproves me it is kindness 
but let the oil of the wicked not anoint my head. 
Let my prayer be ever against their malice. 

Their princes were thrown down by the side of the rock; 
then they understood that my words were kind. 
As a millstone is shattered to pieces on the ground, 
so their bones were strewn at the mouth of the grave. 

To you, Lord God, my eyes are turned: 
in you I take refuge; spare my soul! 
From the trap they have laid for me keep me safe: 
keep me from the snares of those who do evil. 

Let the wicked fall into the traps they have set 
while I pursue my way unharmed. 
 

Psalm 141

With all my voice I cry to the Lord, 
with all my voice I entreat the Lord. 
I pour out my trouble before him; 
I tell him all my distress 
while my spirit faints within me. 
But you, O Lord, know my path. 

On the way where I shall walk 
they have hidden a snare to entrap me. 
Look on my right and see: 
there is no one who takes my part. 
I have no means of escape, 
not one who cares for my soul. 

I cry to you, O Lord. 
I have said: "You are my refuge 
all I have in the land of the living." 
Listen, then, to my cry for I am in the depths of distress. 

Rescue me from those who pursue me 
for they are stronger than I. 
Bring my soul out of this prison 
and then I shall praise your name.
Around me the just will assemble 
because of your goodness to me. 
 

Psalm 129
Sixth psalm of repentance

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, 
Lord, hear my voice! 
O let your ears be attentive 
to the voice of my pleading. 

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, 
Lord, who would survive? 
But with you is found forgiveness: 
for this we revere you. 

My soul is waiting for the Lord. 
I count on his word. 
My soul is longing for the Lord 
more than watchman for daybreak. 
(Let the watchman count on daybreak 
and Israel on the Lord.) 

Because with the Lord there is mercy 
and fullness of redemption, 
Israel indeed he will redeem 
from all its iniquity. 
 

Psalm 116
World-Wide Call to Praise God

O praise the Lord, all you nations, 
acclaim him all you peoples! 

Strong is his love for us; 
he is faithful for ever. 
 

The stichera from the Triodion (the liturgical book containing the texts for the season of the Great Fast) are now taken interspersed with the psalm verses.  The stichera provided below have been selected at random from the Triodion and from the Eight Tones.

Tone 6 O praise the Lord, all you nations, acclaim him all you peoples! 

Your martyrs did not reject You, 
nor did they renounce your commandments. 
Through their prayers, have mercy on us. 

Strong is his love for us; he is faithful forever. 

In the days of old Adam was seized with grief 
when he tasted the forbidden fruit in Eden; 
for the Serpent filled it with venom, 
and in this way Death entered the world, 
devouring the whole human race. 
But the Lord has come destroying the dragon and giving us rest. 
Let us cry out: O God our Savior, 
spare those whom You have taken to yourself 
and give them rest with your chosen ones. 

Your creating command was my origin and formation, 
for You willed to fashion me, 
a living creature, out of visible and invisible nature. 
From the earth You formed my body and gave me a soul 
by your divine and life-creating breath. 
Therefore, O Christ, give rest to your servants 
in the place of the living, in the abode of the just. 

Now and ever and forever. Amen. 

Who would not bless you, most holy Virgin? 
Who would not praise the most pure manner in which you gave birth? 
For the only-begotten Son, who eternally proceeds from the Father, came forth from you. 
He took flesh from you in a manner that is beyond our understanding. 
He, who by nature is God, took on our nature for our sake. 
Yet, He did not become divided into two persons; 
rather, He remained one person with two distinct and unconfused natures. 
O most pure Lady, we implore you: 
Beseech your Son and God to have mercy on our souls. 
 

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

The first prokimenon of the evening, taken from the Psalms, is sung with its verses.
 

OLD TESTAMENT READING

The first reading at Vespers during the Great Fast is taken from the Book of Genesis.
 

PROKIMENON

The second prokimenon of the evening, taken from the Psalms, is sung with its verses.
 

OLD TESTAMENT READING

The second reading at Vespers during the Great Fast is taken from the Book of Proverbs.
 

HYMN OF GLORIFICATION

LITANY OF SUPPLICATION

People: Lord, have mercy. 

Deacon: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us and preserve us, O God, by your grace. 

People: Lord, have mercy. 

Deacon: That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and without sin, let us beseech the Lord. 

People: Grant it, O Lord. (and after each following petition) 

-For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us beseech the Lord. 

-For the pardon and remission of our sins and offenses, let us beseech the Lord. 

-For what is good and beneficial to our souls, and for the peace of the whole world, let us beseech the Lord. 

-That we may spend the rest of our life in peace and repentance, let us beseech the Lord. 

-For a Christian, painless, unashamed, peaceful end of our life, and for a good account before the fearsome judgement seat of Christ, let us beseech the Lord. 

-Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ our God. 

People: To You, O Lord. 

Priest:  For You, O God are gracious and You love mankind, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 

People: And with your spirit! 

Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord. 

People: To You, O Lord. 

Priest:  O Lord, our God, You lowered the heavens when You came down for the salvation of the human race.  Now look upon your servants and upon your inheritance;  for they have bowed their heads to You, the Judge, both awesome and loving.  They do not await human help, but look for your mercy and are ready to receive your salvation.  Guard them at all times,  this evening and tonight, against all enemies, against the devil's assaults, against vain thoughts and evil dreams.  May the might of your kingdom be blessed and exalted, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 
 

APOSTICHA 
The following are taken from the first Tuesday of the Great Fast:

Tone 8
May the Fast not only be the absitnence from food, 
but the estrangement from every carnal passion.
Let us overcome the flesh that controls us, 
so that we may be worthy to partake of the Lamb, the Son of God,
who was willingly sacrificed for the world.
And we shall celebrate in spirit his Resurrection from the dead,
directing ourselves heavenlyward in the brightness of virture,
and by the goodness of our deeds,
we shall bring joy to the Savior and the Lover of Manind.

Verse (Psalm 122:1-3):
I have lifted up my eyes to You, enthroned in heaven. 
Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters,
as the eyes of a a maid are on the hands of her mistress,
so are our eyes on the Lord our God until He has mercy on us.

Repeat sticherion above: "May the Fast...."

Verse: (Pslam 122:4-5):
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us;
for we have been filled  with shame;
our soul is all too full of the mockery of the rich,
of the contempt of the proud.

You martyrs, O Lord, forgetting the things of this life
and despising torture for the sake of the future life,
were shown to be its inheritors.
Therefore, they rejoice exceedingly with the angels.
Through their supplications, bestow great mercy upon your people.

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

Truly wondrous is this strange and new mystery,
said the Virgin as she saw hanging on the Cross between two theives,
the One to whom she had given birh without suffering.
With sighs and tears, she cried out: 
Alas, O my beloved Son, 
how this ungrateful people nailed You to he Cross.
 

CANTICLE OF ST. SIMEON 
Luke 2:29-32 

Now You may dismiss your servant, O Lord, 
according to your Word in peace, 
because my eyes have seen your salvation 
which You have prepared in the sight of all your 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. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

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. 

Priest:  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 
 
 

THE LENTEN TROPARIA
Tone 1 

Hail, Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace!
The Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
For you have borne Christ, the Savior and Deliverer of our souls.

Prostration

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

O Baptizer of Christ, remember us all,
that we may be deliverd from our iniquities;
for you have been given the grace to pray for us.

Prostration

Now and ever and forever. Amen. 

Pray for us, O holy apostles and all you saints,
that we may be delivered from peril and afflictions;
for hyou are our fervant intecessors before the Savior.

Prostration

We fly to your patronage, O Virgin Mother of God.
Despise not our prayers in our necessities,
but you, who alone are pure and blessed,
deliver us from all danger.

Lord, have mercy. (40 times)

Glory 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, 
who, a virgin, gave birth to God the Word, 
you, truly the Mother of God, we magnify. 

In the Name of the Lord, 
Father, give the blessing. 
 

DISMISSAL

Priest:  Blessed is the One-Who-Is, blessed is Christ our God, always, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 

Priest:  O Heavenly King, strengthen your people with unshakable faith, calm the nations and give peace to the world, and preserve this holy place from all evil.  Grant our departed loved ones a share in the dwelling of the just, and receive us in repentance and confession, for You are gracious and the Lover of Mankind. 

People: Amen. 
 

PRAYER OF ST. EPHREM

The priest and people together pray the following:

O Lord and Master of my life, 
keep from me the spirit of indifference and discouragement, 
lust of power, and idle chatter. 

Prostration 

Instead, grant to me, your servant, 
the spirit of wholeness of being, 
humble-mindedness, patience and love. 

Prostration 

O Lord and King, 
grant me the grace to be aware of my sins 
and not to judge my brother; 
for You are blessed, 
now and ever and forever.  Amen. 

Prostration

Then, with a simple bow, the following is recited four times: 

O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. 
O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me. 
O Lord, forgive me; for I have sinned without number. 

Once more, the entire Prayer of St. Ephrem is recited without the usual prostrations. 

O Lord and Master of my life, 
keep from me the spirit of indifference and discouragement, 
lust of power, and idle chatter. 

Instead, grant to me, your servant, 
the spirit of wholeness of being, 
humble-mindedness, patience and love. 

O Lord and King, 
grant me the grace to be aware of my sins 
and not to judge my brother; 
for You are blessed, 
now and ever and forever.  Amen. 

Prostration 

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

Prostration

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

Prostration 

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

Prostration

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. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

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. 

Priest:  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 

People: Amen. 

Lord, have mercy. (12 times) 

Priest:  O Most Holy Trinity, consubstantial Power, undivided Kingship, the Source of all good, be gracious even to me, a sinner.  Strengthen and instruct my heart and take away from me every defilement.  Enlighten my mind, that I may ever glorify, praise and worship You, saying: One is Holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. 

People: Amen.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord, now and forever. (3 times) 
 

PSALM 33 
Praise and fear of God

I will bless the Lord at all times, 
his praise always on my lips; 
in the Lord my soul shall make its boast. 
The humble shall hear and be glad. 

Glorify the Lord with me. 
Together let us praise his name. 
I sought the Lord and he answered me; 
From all my terrors he set me free. 

Look towards him and be radiant; 
Let your faces not be abashed. 
This poor man called; the Lord heard him 
And rescued him from all distress. 

The angel of the Lord is encamped 
around those who revere him, to rescue them. 
Taste and see that the Lord is good. 
He is happy who seeks refuge in him. 

Revere the Lord, you his saints. 
They lack nothing, those who revere him. 
Strong lions suffer want and go hungry 
but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing. 

Come, children, and hear me 
that I may teach you the fear of the Lord. 
Who is he who longs for life 
And many days, to enjoy his prosperity? 

Then keep your tongue from evil 
And your lips from speaking deceit. 
Turn aside from evil and do good; 
seek and strive after peace. 

The Lord turns his face against the wicked 
To destroy their remembrance from the earth. 
The Lord turns his eyes to the just 
And his ears to their appeal. 

They call and the Lord hears 
And rescues them in all their distress. 
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; 
Those who spirit is crushed he will save. 

Many are the trials of the just man 
but from them all the Lord will rescue him. 
He will keep guard over all his bones, 
not one of his bones shall be broken. 

Evil brings death to the wicked; 
Those who hate the good are doomed. 
The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants. 
Those who hide in him shall not be condemned. 
 

Deacon: Wisdom! 

People: It is truly proper to glorify You, who have borne God, 
the ever-blessed, immaculate and the Mother of our God. 

Priest:  O most holy Theotokos, save us! 

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

Priest:  Glory to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory to You. 

People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, 
now and ever and forever. Amen. 
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 
Give the blessing. 

Priest:  May Christ our true God have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of his most pure Mother; through the might of the precious and life-giving Cross, through the protection of the honorable, heavenly, incorporeal powers; through the prayers of the honorable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John; of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles; of our holy father Nicholas the Wonderworker, archbishop of Myra in Lycia; of the holy, glorious, triumphal benevolent martyrs; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers and mothers; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anne; through the prayers of Saint (N.), patron(s) of this holy church, and through the prayers of all the saints; for He is gracious and loves mankind. 

People: Amen. 
 

HAVING SUFFERED THE PASSION 

The following hymn is sung three times with a prostration after each: 

Having suffered the passion for us, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us! 

or:

Having endured the Cross for us, O Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us! 

Full psalm texts taken from The Psalms, published by The Grail (England), 1963, and distributed by Paulist Press.  Individual psalm verses from various approved sources. Psalm numbering is according to the Septuagint. The liturgy of the Byzantine Church is based upon the Septuagint (Greek) Bible which is the official text of the Church.  "Septuagint" is "Translation of the Seventy" ("LXX") because of the legend that 72 Jewish scribes independently arrived at the same translation. Unfortunately, a suitable translation of the Septuagint psalms does not yet exist in modern English.

Stichera and selected psalm verses are taken from The Office of Vespers (1982) and the Lenten Triodion (1995) published by the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, Uniontown, Pennsylvania 15401.

Services based upon directives provided the Typikon, A Guidebook to the Celebration of the Liturgy of the Byzantine Ruthenian Church by David M. Petras (©1995) 

and as given in The Order for the Celebration of Vespers, Matins and the Divine Liturgy According to the Ruthenian Rescension, Rome, 1944.

Internet version ©1998 www.byzcath.org.