The Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord, December 22

Transcript

1 Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ The Holy Great Martyr Anastasia the healer against poisons, and the Holy Martyrs Chrysogonos and Theodotis. The opening of the Great Church of God in Constantinople. Προεόρτια τῆς Χριστοῦ Γεννήσεως Τῆς Ἁγίας Μεγαλοµάρτυρος Ἀναστασίας τῆς Φαρµακολυτρίας, καί τῶν Ἁγίων Μαρτύρων Χρυσογόνου καί Θεοδότης. Τά Θυρανοίξια τῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ Μεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας. December 22 The glorious heroine of the Christian Faith, Anastasia, was born in Rome into a wealthy senatorial family of a pagan father and a Christian mother. From her early youth, she clung in love to the Lord Jesus, guided in the teaching of Christ by a devout teacher, Chrysogonus. Anastasia was forced by her father to enter into marriage with a pagan landowner, Publius. Excusing herself on the basis of a female illness, she in no way wished to enter into physical relations with him. For this, her husband tortured her harshly by confinement and starvation. He inflicted even more tortures upon her when he learned of her secret visits to the prisons of the Christian martyrs: bringing them provisions, ministering to them, bathing their wounds and loosening their bonds. But by God's providence she was freed from her wicked husband. Publius was sent to Persia by the emperor, and while sailing on the sea he was drowned. Saint Anastasia then began to minister freely to the tortured Christian martyrs and to comfort the poor, giving them alms from her great inheritance. At one time the Emperor Diocletian was in the town of Aquileia and ordered that Chrysogonus, the confessor of Christ, be brought to him. Saint Anastasia accompanied him on the way. Holy Chrysogonus was beheaded by order of the emperor, and then three sisters-agape, Chionia and Irene-also suffered: the first two were cast into fire and the third was shot through with arrows (Their memory is celebrated on April 16). Saint Anastasia took their bodies, wrapped them in white linen, anointed them with many aromatic spices, and honorably buried them. Following this, Anastasia went to Macedonia, where she helped the sufferers for Christ. There she became well known as a Christian, for which she was seized and brought before various judges for interrogation and torture. Desiring to die for her beloved Christ, Anastasia constantly longed for Him in her heart. A certain chief of the pagan priests, Ulpianus, lustfully tried to touch Saint Anastasia's body, but he was suddenly blinded and breathed his last. Condemned to death by starvation, Saint Anastasia lingered in prison for thirty days without food, nourishing herself only on tears and prayer. Then she was placed in a boat with several other Christians to be drowned, but God delivered her even from this death. She was finally tied by the feet and hands to four wheels over a fire, and she gave up her holy soul to God. She suffered and took up her habitation in the Kingdom of Christ in AD 304. The Holy Martyr Theodota was left a young widow with three children. Thus, she gave herself completely to the service of God and the rearing of her children in devout faith. Saint Anastasia lived with her when she was in Macedonia, and together they visited the Christian prisoners in the jails. Brought to trial, Theodota boldly confessed Christ the Lord. Then she was sent to Nikitas, the proconsul of Bithynia. When a shameless pagan tried to touch her body, he immediately saw an angel of God beside her and was struck by the angel. Condemned to death and cast into a fiery furnace together with her three children, Saint Theodota honorably ended her earthly life and entered into the Kingdom of Eternal Glory. 1

2 At Vespers The Proemial Psalm. Great Litany. At the Kyrie Ekekraksa Prosomoia Stichera of the Forefeast Tone Plagal 2 Having laid up all their hope Ἑν τὸ Εσπερινῶ Ὁ Προιµιακός. Εἰρηνικά. Εἰς τὸ «Κύριε, Ἐκέκραξα» Στιχηρὰ Προσόµοια Προεόρτια Ἦχος πλ. β Ὅλην ἀποθέµενοι Stichos 1 Στίχος α If You should mark iniquities, Lord, O Lord, who shall stand? For with You there is forgiveness. The never-setting Sun is going to rise from a virginal womb to give light to the whole creation; setting out to encounter Him in the purity of our thoughts and the holiness of our deeds, let us prepare ourselves to receive in spirit the One Who comes among His own through a wondrous childbirth; He does this in His own good pleasure to restore to Paradise those who had once been exiled from Eden, in His mercy, in being born in Bethlehem. Ἐὰν ἀνοµίας παρατηρήσῃς, Κύριε, Κύριε τίς ὑποστήσεται; ὅτι παρὰ σοὶ ὁ ἱλασµός ἐστιν. Ὁ ἄδυτος Ἥλιος, Παρθενικῶν ἐκ λαγόνων, ἀνίσχειν ἐπείγεται, τοῦ φωτίσαι ἅπασαν τὴν ὑφήλιον, καθαροῖς ὄµµασι, καὶ ἁγναῖς πράξεσιν, ὑπαντῆσαι τούτῳ σπεύσωµεν, καὶ ὑποδέξασθαι, νῦν ἑτοιµασθῶµεν ἐν πνεύµατι, ἐρχόµενον εἰς ἴδια, ξένῳ τοκετῷ ὡς ηὐδόκησεν, ὅπως ξενωθέντας, ἡµᾶς τῆς ἐν Ἐδὲµ διαγωγῆς, ἐπαναγάγῃ ὡς εὔσπλαγχνος, Βηθλεὲµ τικτόµενος. Stichos 2 Στίχος β For Your name s sake I have waited patiently for You, O Lord; my soul has waited patiently for Your word, my soul has hoped in the Lord. The Word of God, carried upon the Cherubim, has united Himself to the flesh in His own Person, taking up His dwelling in the womb of the Virgin; He has become man and comes to be born in the land of Judah. O holy cave, prepare yourself as a grand palace for the King of all, and you, O manger, prepare yourself as a resplendent throne in which Christ will be put to sleep as an infant by the Virgin Mary, in order to call back His creatures, as He Himself has willed. Ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόµατός σου ὑπέµεινά σε, Κύριε ὑπέµεινεν ἡ ψυχή µου εἰς τὸν λόγον σου, ἤλπισεν ἡ ψυχή µου ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον. Ὁ νώτοις ὀχούµενος, χερουβικοῖς Θεὸς Λόγος, σαρκὶ καθ ὑπόστασιν, ἑνωθεὶς πανάµωµον µήτραν ᾤκησε, καὶ βροτὸς γέγονε, καὶ εἰς γῆν ἔρχεται, τοῦ Ἰούδα ἀποτίκτεσθαι, Σπήλαιον ἅγιον, τῷ Παµβασιλεῖ εὐτρεπίσθητι, ὡς µέγιστον παλάτιον Φάτνη δὲ ὡς θρόνος πυρίµορφος, ἐν ᾗ ὥσπερ βρέφος, Παρθένος Μαριὰµ ἀνακλινεῖ, ἐπ ἀνακλήσει τοῦ πλάσµατος, αὐτὸν ὡς ηὐδόκησεν. Stichos 3 Στίχος γ From the morning watch until night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in the Lord. Ἀπὸ φυλακῆς πρωΐας µέχρι νυκτός, ἀπὸ φυλακῆς πρωΐας, ἐλπισάτω Ἰσραὴλ ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον. The Virgin is going to lay You in a manger Ἀλόγων ἐν φάτνῃ σε, ἀνακλινεῖ ἡ Παρθένος, for beasts, O eternal Word of our God; You Θεοῦ Λόγε ἄναρχε, ἀρχὴν εἰσδεξάµενον ὑπὲρ have accepted to enter into time in a manner ἔννοιαν τὴν ἐµὴν λῦσαι γάρ, ἀλογίαν ἔρχῃ, 2

3 surpassing our understanding to save me from the madness I contracted through the jealousy of the serpent; and you allow Yourself to be bound in swaddling-clothes in order to break the bonds and shackles of my sins in Your love for mankind and unique goodness, so that I may sing and glorify You, joyfully worshipping Your coming in the flesh, by which I have been delivered. Prosomoia Stichera of the Saint Tone 1 All-venerable martyrs 3 ἣν ὑπέστην φθόνῳ ὄφεως σπαργανωθήσῃ δέ, ὅπως διαρρήξῃς τὰ σπάργανα, σειράς τε τῶν πταισµάτων µου, µόνε Ἀγαθὲ καὶ φιλάνθρωπε ὅθεν σε δοξάζω, ὑµνῶ καὶ προσκυνῶ περιχαρῶς, τὴν ἐν σαρκὶ παρουσίαν σου, δι ἧς ἠλευθέρωµαι. Στιχηρὰ Προσόµοια τῆς Ἁγίας Ἦχος α Πανεύφηµοι Μάρτυρες Stichos 4 Στίχος δ For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption; and He shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities. How beautiful you are in your merits, O Anastasia; how acclaimed for your sufferings; how glorious in your witnessing; and how numerous are your wondrous miracles; by them, you have been glorified throughout the ages by the One Whom you glorified in your body by your sufferings. Ὅτι παρὰ τῷ Κυρίῳ τὸ ἔλεος καὶ πολλὴ παρ αὐτῷ λύτρωσις καὶ αὐτὸς λυτρώσεται τὸν Ἰσραὴλ ἐκ πασῶν τῶν ἀνοµιῶν αὐτοῦ. Ὡς περικαλέστατα τὰ σά, Μάρτυς προτερήµατα! ὡς εὐκλεεῖς οἱ ἀγῶνές σου! ὡς περιβόητος, ἡ Ὁµολογία! ὡς πολλὰ τὰ θαύµατα, καὶ ἄπειρα τὰ θεῖα τεράστια! δι ὧν δοξάζει σε, εἰς αἰῶνας ὃν ἐδόξασας, ἐναθλοῦσα, τοῖς σεπτοῖς σου µέλεσι. Stichos 5 Στίχος ε Praise the Lord, all you nations; praise Him, all you peoples. Loving the glory of the martyrs, you were eager to imitate their zeal; thus you endured most-cruel torments; and now, by the grace of God, you alleviated all pain of soul and body, O far-famed Saint, for those who venerate your merits and the glory of your struggle. Stichos 6 For He has made His mercy to prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord abides to the ages. You shone more brightly than the sun in completing your struggles, O illustrious martyr; by the rays of your countless miracles you give light to the hearts of those who draw near in faith to your holy reliquary from which flow divine springs, O Anastasia, martyr of great renown. Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἐπαινέσατε αὐτὸν πάντες οἱ λαοί. Στέργουσα τὴν εὔκλειαν σεµνή, τῶν ἀθλούντων ἔσπευσας, τούτων τὸν ζῆλον µιµήσασθαι ὅθεν ὑπήνεγκας, πόνους σφοδροτάτους, καὶ νῦν θεία χάριτι, κουφίζεις πάντα πόνον Πανεύφηµε, ἐκ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡµῶν, καὶ σωµάτων τῶν τιµώντων σου, τοὺς ἀγῶνας, καὶ τὰ προτερήµατα. Στίχος στ Ὅτι ἐκραταιώθη τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ ἐφ ἡµᾶς, καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Κυρίου µένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. Ἤστραψας φαιδρότερον σαφῶς, τοῦ ἡλίου ἔνδοξε, τὸν σὸν ἀγῶνα τελέσασα, καὶ ταῖς ἀκτῖσί σου, τῶν πολλῶν θαυµάτων, πάντων τὰ νοήµατα, φωτίζεις τῶν πιστῶν προσιόντων σου, τῇ θείᾳ λάρνακι, πηγαζούσῃ θεῖα νάµατα, Ἀναστασία, Μάρτυς µεγαλώνυµε.

4 Idiomelon of the Saint Ἰδιόµελον τῆς Ἁγίας Tone 2 Ἦχος β Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. You received the gift of resurrection, O Anastasia, who have been well-named, as you suffered in the arena; you made the demon hosts disappear, swallowing them up in the flow of your blood as though in the sea, O victorious martyr worthy of all praise. Idiomelon of the Forefeast Tone Plagal 2 Byzantios Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. From where did you come, O unwedded Virgin? Who is the mother who gave you birth? Who begot you? How can you carry the Creator in your arms? How can your womb be His virginal dwelling? O wondrous marvels and formidable mysteries which have been accomplished on earth through you! Seeing you, all-pure one, we prepare what you need in a manner worthy of you: there is a cave which the earth offers you; in the heavens there is a star which urges us to prepare; as for the Magi, they are approaching the West from the East in order to contemplate the Salvation of mankind nourished at the breast as a new-born Child. O gladsome Light Without an Entrance, the Reader reads: O gladsome light of holy glory, the immortal Father, heavenly and holy, blessed Jesus Christ: now that we have come to the setting of the sun and see the light of evening, we praise You, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God. It is worthy at all times to praise You, with voices of holy song, O Son of God the Giver of life: the world glorifies You. Prokeimenon of the day. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Τῆς ἀναστάσεως εἴληφας τὸ δώρηµα, Ἀναστασία πανεύφηµε, ἀθληφοροῦσα ἐν τῷ σταδίῳ δαιµόνων γὰρ ἐξηφάνισας πληθύν, καὶ πόντῳ παρέδωκας ἀθληφόρε, Μάρτυς ἀξιοθαύµαστε. Ἰδιόµελον Προεόρτιον Ἦχος πλ. β Βύζαντος Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Ἀνύµφευτε Παρθένε, πόθεν ἥκεις; τὶς ὁ τεκών σε, τὶς καὶ ἡ Μήτηρ σου; πῶς τὸν Κτίστην φέρεις ἐν ἀγκάλαις; πῶς οὐκ ἐφθάρης τὴν νηδύν; µεγάλων χαρισµάτων ἐπὶ σοί, φρικτῶν µυστηρίων ἐπὶ γῆς τελουµένων, ὁρῶµεν Παναγία, καὶ προευτρεπίζοµεν ἐπάξιόν σοι χρέος, ἐπὶ γῆς τὸ Σπήλαιον, καὶ οὐρανὸν αἰτοῦµεν, παρασχεῖν τόν ἀστέρα, καὶ Μάγοι δὲ προέρχονται, ἀπὸ Ἀνατολῶν τῆς γῆς, εἰς Δυσµὰς θεάσασθαι, τὴν σωτηρίαν τῶν βροτῶν, ὡς βρέφος γαλουχούµενον. Φως ἱλαρὸν Ἄνευ Εἴσοδος, ὁ Ἀναγνώστης χῦµα Φως ἱλαρὸν ἁγίας δόξης, ἀθανάτου Πατρός, οὐρανίου, ἁγίου, µάρκαρος, Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ἐλθόντες ἐπὶ τὴν ἠλίου δύσιν, ἰδόντες φῶς ἑσπερινόν, ὑµνοῦµεν Πατέρα, Υἱόν, καὶ ἅγιον Πνεῦµα Θεόν. Ἄξιόν σὲ ἐν πᾶσι καιροῖς, ὑµνεῖσθαι φωναὶς αἰσαίς, Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ζωὴν ὁ διδούς, διὸ ὁ κόσµος σὲ δοξάζει. Προκείµενον τῆς ἡµέρας. Make us worthy, O Lord... «Καταξίωσον, Κύριε...» 4

5 Then, Let us complete our evening prayer..., and Prayer at the Bowing of Heads. Aposticha Prosomoia Stichera of the Forefeast Tone 2 House of Ephrathah Behold Christ is coming to overcome the evil one, to bring light to the souls in darkness, and to break their bonds; let us go out now to meet Him. God shall come out of Themon, and the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed by the forest. Chant glory and praise, O you families of the nations! Let the Magi hasten to set out with their gifts and the shepherds with their rustic instruments. O Lord, I have heard Your report and was afraid; I considered Your works and was amazed. Let the mountains and the hills, the plains and the valleys, the rivers and all creation, now magnify the birth of their Creator! Idiomelon of the Saint By the Studite Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Taking your venerable name from the lifegiving resurrection of Christ, by your life you have followed in response to its call; strengthening your nature with a manly courage, you clothed yourself in the purple of your own blood; and, as a scepter, you have the Cross you carried in order to reign with the divine Savior, O blessed Anastasia. Intercede with Him that we, too, may be enlightened by the glory of God. Idiomelon of the Forefeast Εἶτα «Πληρώσωµεν τὴν ἑσπερινὴν δέησιν...,» καὶ Εὐχῆ τῆς Κεφαλοκλισίας. Ἀπόστιχα Στιχηρὰ Προσόµοια Προεόρτια Ἦχος β Οἶκος τοῦ Ἐφραθᾶ Ἔρχεται ὁ Χριστός, τὸν πονηρὸν συντρίψαι, τοὺς ἐν σκότει φωτίσαι, καὶ λῦσαι τοὺς δεσµίους αὐτῷ προϋπαντήσωµεν. Ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ Θαιµὰν ἥξει καὶ ὁ ἅγιος ἐξ ὄρους κατασκίου δασέος. ᾌσατε Πατριαί, Ἐθνῶν αἶνον καὶ δόξαν, οἱ Μάγοι µετὰ δώρων, Ποιµένες ἀγραυλοῦντες, προθύµως ἐπισπεύσατε. Κύριε εἰσακήκοα τὴν ἀκοήν σου καὶ ἐφοβήθην, κατενόησα τὰ ἔργα σου.. Ὄρη τε καὶ βουνοί, κοιλάδες καὶ πεδία, οἱ ποταµοὶ καὶ πᾶσα, ἡ κτίσις νῦν τὸν Κτίστην, τικτόµενον µεγάλυνε. Ἰδιόµελον τῆς Ἁγίας Τοῦ Στουδίτου Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Τῆς ζωηφόρου ἀναστάσεως Χριστοῦ, ἐπώνυµος γενοµένη σεµνή, πολιτεία τῇ κλήσει προσφόρως ἐξηκολούθησας, καὶ τὴν φύσιν νευρώσασα, ἀρρενωθεῖσά τε τῷ φρονήµατι, ἁλουργίδα ἐξύφανας, τῇ πορφυρίδι τῶν αἱµάτων σου, καὶ βασιλικὸν ὥσπερ σκῆπτρον, τὸν Σταυρὸν κατέχουσα, τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Σωτῆρι συµβασιλεύεις, Ἀναστασία παµµακάριστε. Αὐτὸν ἱκέτευε, καὶ ἡµᾶς ἐλλαµφθῆναι, τῆς θείας δόξης αὐτοῦ. Ἰδιόµελον Προεόρτιον Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. 5

6 Isaiah, dancing with joy, receive the Word of God! Prophesy of the Virgin Mary, who like the bush burning with flames, will not be consumed by the burning presence of our God; let Bethlehem prepare itself and Eden open its gates; let the Magi approach to see wrapped in swaddling clothes and living in a manger of dumb beasts the Salvation which the star had pointed out from above the cave: the life-giving Lord, the Savior of mankind. Then, Now let Your servant depart in peace..., and Trisagion Prayers. Apolitikia Apolitikion of the Forefeast Joseph was amazed Prepare yourself, Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened for all; make ready, Ephratha, because the Tree of Life has blossomed forth in the cave from the Virgin; her womb was shown to be a spiritual paradise in which the divine fruit was planted; eating of it, we shall live and shall not die like Adam. Christ is born, in order to raise up the image of God in man that had fallen of old. Apolitikion of the Saint Joseph was amazed Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Your lamb O Jesus, cries with a loud voice: O my Bridegroom, I long for You and in seeking You I struggle and I am crucified and buried with You through Your Baptism; and I suffer for You that I may reign with You; and I die for You, so that I may live in You; receive me who with longing was slain for Your sake, as a sacrifice without blemish. Through her intercessions, as the merciful One, save our souls. Apolitikion of the Forefeast Joseph was amazed Ἡσαΐα χόρευε, Λόγον Θεοῦ ὑπόδεξαι, προφήτευσον τῇ Κόρῃ Μαριάµ, Βάτον πυρὶ καίεσθαι, καὶ µὴ καταφλέγεσθαι, τῇ αἴγλῃ τῆς Θεότητος, Βηθλεὲµ εὐτρεπίζου, ἄνοιγε πύλην ἡ Ἐδέµ καὶ Μάγοι πορεύεσθε, ἰδεῖν τὴν Σωτηρίαν, ἐν φάτνῃ σπαργανούµενον, ὃν ἀστὴρ ἐµήνυσεν, ἐπάνω τοῦ Σπηλαίου, ζωοδότην Κύριον, τὸν σῴζοντα τὸ γένος ἡµῶν. Εἶτα «Νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δούλόν σου...,» καὶ τὸ Τρισάγιον. Ἀπολυτίκια Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Ἑτοιµάζου Βηθλεέµ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέµ, Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσοµεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰµ τεθνηξόµεθα, Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἁγίας Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Ἡ ἀµνάς σου Ἰησοῦ, κράζει µεγάλῃ τῇ φωνῇ, Σὲ Νυµφίε µου ποθῶ, καὶ σὲ ζητοῦσα ἀθλῶ, καὶ συσταυροῦµαι, καὶ συνθάπτοµαι τῷ βαπτισµῷ σου, καὶ πάσχω διὰ σέ, ὡς βασιλεύσω σὺν σοί, καὶ θνῄσκω ὑπὲρ σοῦ, ἵνα καὶ ζήσω ἐν σοί, ἀλλ ὡς θυσίαν ἄµωµον, προσδέχου τὴν µετὰ πόθου τυθεῖσάν σοι. Αὐτῆς πρεσβείαις, ὡς ἐλεήµων, σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡµῶν. Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. 6

7 The Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord, December 22 (Repeat) Prepare yourself, Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened for all; make ready, Ephratha, because the Tree of Life has blossomed forth in the cave from the Virgin; her womb was shown to be a spiritual paradise in which the divine fruit was planted; eating of it, we shall live and shall not die like Adam. Christ is born, in order to raise up the image of God in man that had fallen of old. (Πάλιν) Ἑτοιµάζου Βηθλεέµ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέµ, Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσοµεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰµ τεθνηξόµεθα, Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. Then, Have mercy on us, O God, according Εἶτα «Ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς, ὁ Θεὸς, κατὰ τὸ µέγα to Your great mercy; we beseech You, hear us ἒλεός σου, δεόµεθά σου, ἐπάκουσον καὶ and have mercy etc. ἐλέησον» κτλ. Dismissal, May Christ our true God,... Ἀπόλυσις «Χριστὸς ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς ἡµῶν...» 7

8 At Matins Hexapsalm. God is the Lord... Apolitikia Apolitikion of the Forefeast Joseph was amazed Prepare yourself, Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened for all; make ready, Ephratha, because the Tree of Life has blossomed forth in the cave from the Virgin; her womb was shown to be a spiritual paradise in which the divine fruit was planted; eating of it, we shall live and shall not die like Adam. Christ is born, in order to raise up the image of God in man that had fallen of old. Apolitikion of the Saint Joseph was amazed Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Your lamb O Jesus, cries with a loud voice: O my Bridegroom, I long for You and in seeking You I struggle and I am crucified and buried with You through Your Baptism; and I suffer for You that I may reign with You; and I die for You, so that I may live in You; receive me who with longing was slain for Your sake, as a sacrifice without blemish. Through her intercessions, as the merciful One, save our souls. Apolitikion of the Forefeast Joseph was amazed Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Εἰς τὸν Ὄρθρον Ὁ Ἑξάψαλµος, Εἰς τὸ «Θεὸς Κύριος...» Ἀπολυτίκια Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Ἑτοιµάζου Βηθλεέµ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέµ, Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσοµεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰµ τεθνηξόµεθα, Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἁγίας Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Ἡ ἀµνάς σου Ἰησοῦ, κράζει µεγάλῃ τῇ φωνῇ, Σὲ Νυµφίε µου ποθῶ, καὶ σὲ ζητοῦσα ἀθλῶ, καὶ συσταυροῦµαι, καὶ συνθάπτοµαι τῷ βαπτισµῷ σου, καὶ πάσχω διὰ σέ, ὡς βασιλεύσω σὺν σοί, καὶ θνῄσκω ὑπὲρ σοῦ, ἵνα καὶ ζήσω ἐν σοί, ἀλλ ὡς θυσίαν ἄµωµον, προσδέχου τὴν µετὰ πόθου τυθεῖσάν σοι. Αὐτῆς πρεσβείαις, ὡς ἐλεήµων, σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡµῶν. Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. (Repeat) Prepare yourself, Bethlehem, for (Πάλιν) Ἑτοιµάζου Βηθλεέµ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν Eden has been opened for all; make ready, ἡ Ἐδέµ, Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον Ephratha, because the Tree of Life has τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς blossomed forth in the cave from the Virgin; Παρθένου Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης her womb was shown to be a spiritual paradise γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον in which the divine fruit was planted; φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσοµεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ eating of it, we shall live and shall not die Ἀδὰµ τεθνηξόµεθα, Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν like Adam. Christ is born, in order to raise πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. 8

9 up the image of God in man that had fallen of old. Small Litany. Sessional Hymns After the First Stichologia Quick to intercede The creation rejoices divinely today, for the Son of God, Christ our Lord, is born of a spotless virgin in order to return immortality to the human race, removing the curse from the mother of all the living. Let us sing to Him as our only Benefactor. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. (Repeat) The creation rejoices divinely today, for the Son of God, Christ our Lord, is born of a spotless virgin in order to return immortality to the human race, removing the curse from the mother of all the living. Let us sing to Him as our only Benefactor. After the Second Stichologia Tone 3 Today the Virgin The virgin has conceived the Word Who existed from before all time. The just Joseph sings to her and cries out, I see you as the Temple of the Lord, bearing Him Who comes to save all mankind. In His love, He will make of all the faithful who sing your name living, holy temples of God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. (Repeat) The virgin has conceived the Word Who existed from before all time. The just Joseph sings to her and cries out, I see you as the Temple of the Lord, bearing Him Who comes to save all mankind. In His love, He will make of all the faithful who sing your name living, holy temples of God. Psalm 50. Συναπτὴ Μικρὰ. Ψαλµός Ν. 9 Καθίσµατα Μετὰ τὴν α Στιχολογίαν Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε Ἐνθέως εὐφραίνεται, ἡ κτίσις σήµερον Χριστὸς γὰρ ὁ Κύριος, ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ µου Υἱός, ἐκ Κόρης γεννᾶται ἁγνῆς, ἅπαν τὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, γένος ἀθανατίζων, λύων καὶ τὴν κατάραν, τῆς προµήτορος Εὔας διὸ ὡς εὐεργέτῃ ἡµῶν, ἆσµα προσάξωµεν. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. (Πάλιν) Ἐνθέως εὐφραίνεται, ἡ κτίσις σήµερον Χριστὸς γὰρ ὁ Κύριος, ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ µου Υἱός, ἐκ Κόρης γεννᾶται ἁγνῆς, ἅπαν τὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, γένος ἀθανατίζων, λύων καὶ τὴν κατάραν, τῆς προµήτορος Εὔας διὸ ὡς εὐεργέτῃ ἡµῶν, ἆσµα προσάξωµεν. Μετὰ τὴν β Στιχολογίαν Ἦχος γ Ἡ Παρθένος σήµερον Τὴν Παρθένον κύουσαν, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, Ἰωσὴφ ὁ δίκαιος, ὑµνολογῶν ἀνεβόα Βλέπω σε γεγενηµένην Ναὸν Κυρίου, φέρουσαν τὸν πάντας σῶσαι βροτοὺς ἐλθόντα, καὶ τοὺς τοῦτον ἀνυµνοῦντας, δι οἶκτον θείου ναοὺς δεικνύοντα. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. (Πάλιν) Τὴν Παρθένον κύουσαν, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, Ἰωσὴφ ὁ δίκαιος, ὑµνολογῶν ἀνεβόα Βλέπω σε γεγενηµένην Ναὸν Κυρίου, φέρουσαν τὸν πάντας σῶσαι βροτοὺς ἐλθόντα, καὶ τοὺς τοῦτον ἀνυµνοῦντας, δι οἶκτον θείου ναοὺς δεικνύοντα.

10 Kontakion of Saint Anastasia Read (Tone 2) Those who are beset with temptations or difficulties, run to your shrine, where they find in you a source of grace, O Anastasia. You always pour out abundant healing for all the world. Oikos of Saint Anastasia Read (Tone 2) You were named for the resurrection of the Lord: by your prayers, make me rise from the pit in which I now find myself. Let your miracles rain down upon me to extinguish the fire of my sins. You saved the world from all types of passions which are afflicting me each day. You provide a remedy for everyone, and you always pour out abundant healing for all the world. Synaxarion On the twenty-second day of the month, we commemorate the holy Greatmartyr Anastasia the deliverer from poisons. On the same day, the Holy Martyr Chrysogonos. On the same day, the Holy Martyr Theodota and her children. On the same day, the Holy Martyr Zoilos. On the same day, the opening of the doors of the Great Church of God. On the same day, the procession of lights of the Church of God. Through the prayers of Your holy ones, O God have mercy upon us and save us. Amen. Katavasiai of the Nativity of Christ 10 Κοντάκιον τῆς Ἁγίας Χῦµα (Ἦχος β ) Οἱ ἐν πειρασµοῖς, καὶ θλίψεσιν ὑπάρχοντες, πρὸς τὸν σὸν ναόν, προστρέχοντες λαµβάνουσι, τὰ σεπτὰ ἰάµατα, τῆς ἐν σοὶ οἰκούσης θείας χάριτος Ἀναστασία σὺ γὰρ ἀεί, τῷ κόσµῳ πηγάζεις τὰ ἰάµατα. Οἶκος τῆς Ἁγίας Χῦµα (Ἦχος β ) Τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Κυρίου συνεπώνυµος οὖσα, πεπτωκότα µε νῦν ἀνάστησον ταῖς πρεσβείαις σου, ἐκ τῶν θαυµάτων τῶν σῶν, σταγόνα ἐπιστάξασα, Μάρτυς τῇ ψυχῇ µου, καὶ τὸν φλογµὸν τῆς δεινῆς ἁµαρτίας κατασβέσασα τὸν κόσµον γὰρ διασῴζεις ἐκ παθῶν πολυτρόπων ἑκάστοτε, ὧν περ κἀγὼ πεπείραµαι σὺ γὰρ πάντα τοῖς πᾶσι παρέχουσα, τῷ κόσµῳ πηγάζεις τὰ ἰάµατα. Συναξάριον Τῇ ΚΒ τοῦ αὐτοῦ µηνός, Μνήµη τῆς Ἁγίας µεγαλοµάρτυρος Ἀναστασίας, τῆς Φαρµακολυτρίας. Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Μνήµη τοῦ Ἁγίου Μάρτυρος Χρυσογόνου. Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Μνήµη τῆς Ἁγίας Μάρτυρος Θεοδότης καὶ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς. Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Μνήµη τοῦ ἁγίου Μάρτυρος Ζωΐλου. Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Τὰ θυρανοίξια τῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ µεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας. Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Τὸ φωτοδρόµιον τῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ Ἐκκλησίας. Ταῖς τῶν Ἁγίων σου πρεσβείαις, ὁ Θεός, ἐλέησον καὶ σῶσον ἡµᾶς. Ἀµήν. Καταβασίαι τοῦ Χριστοῦ Γεννέσεως Tone 1 Ἦχος α Ode 1 Ὠδὴ α Christ is borne; glorify Him. Christ comes from heaven; meet Him. Christ is on earth; be exalted. All the earth, sing unto the Lord; O you peoples sing praises in gladness, for He is glorified. Χριστὸς γεννᾶται δοξάσατε Χριστὸς ἐξ οὐρανῶν ἀπαντήσατε Χριστὸς ἐπὶ γῆς ὑψώθητε. ᾌσατε τῷ Κυρίῳ πᾶσα ἡ γῆ, καὶ ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ, ἀνυµνήσατε λαοί, ὅτι δεδόξασται.

11 Ode 3 Ὠδὴ γ To the Son begotten of the Father without change before all ages, and in later times without seed incarnate of the Virgin, let us cry out: Blessed are You, O Lord. Τῷ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων, ἐκ Πατρὸς γεννηθέντι ἀρρεύστως Υἱῷ, καὶ ἐπ ἐσχάτων ἐκ Παρθένου, σαρκωθέντι ἀσπόρως, Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ βοήσωµεν Ὁ ἀνυψώσας τὸ κέρας ἡµῶν, Ἅγιος εἶ Κύριε. Ode 4 Ὠδὴ δ Rod of Jesse s root and Flower of his stem, O Christ, You have sprung from the Virgin, from the praiseworthy mountain overshadowed by the forest; You have come, made flesh from her who knew no man, O God not formed from matter. Glory to Your power, Lord. Ῥάβδος ἐκ τῆς ῥίζης Ἰεσσαί, καὶ ἄνθος ἐξ αὐτῆς, Χριστέ, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου ἀνεβλάστησας, ἐξ ὄρους ὁ αἰνετός, κατασκίου δασέος ἦλθες σαρκωθεὶς ἐξ ἀπειράνδρου, ὁ ἄυλος καὶ Θεός. Δόξα τῇ δυνάµει Σου Κύριε. Ode 5 Ὠδὴ ε You the God of peace and Father of mercies, have sent us Your angel of great wisdom to grant us peace; therefore guided by the light to divine knowledge we watch by night, glorifying You, Who loves mankind. Ode 6 The whale disgorged Jonah from its belly, as it had received him, as if he were a baby. The Word dwelt in the Virgin and was incarnate, passing through her yet keeping her incorrupt; He Who was not subject to mortality preserved His Mother free from harm. Θεὸς ὢν εἰρήνης, Πατὴρ οἰκτιρµῶν, τῆς µεγάλης βουλῆς Σου τὸν Ἄγγελον, εἰρήνην παρεχόµενον, ἀπέστειλας ἡµῖν ὅθεν θεογνωσίας, πρὸς φῶς ὁδηγηθέντες, ἐκ νυκτὸς ὀρθρίζοντες, δοξολογοῦµέν Σε, Φιλάνθρωπε. «Τὴν Τιµιωτέραν...» 11 Ὠδὴ στ Σπλάγχνων Ἰωνᾶν, ἔµβρυον ἀπήµεσεν, ἐνάλιος θήρ, οἷον ἐδέξατο τῇ Παρθένῳ δέ, ἐνοικήσας ὁ Λόγος, καὶ σάρκα λαβών, διελήλυθε φυλάξας ἀδιάφθορον ἧς γὰρ οὐχ ὑπέστη ῥεύσεως, τὴν τεκοῦσαν κατέσχεν ἀπήµαντον. Ode 9 Ὠδὴ ζ The youths who were brought up together in piety, despised the impious decree and were not afraid of the fiery threat; standing in the midst of the flames they sang: blessed are You, O God of our fathers. Οἱ Παῖδες, εὐσεβείᾳ συντραφέντες, δυσσεβοῦς προστάγµατος καταφρονήσαντες, πυρὸς ἀπειλὴν οὐκ ἐπτοήθησαν, ἀλλ ἐν µέσῳ τῆς φλογός, ἑστῶτες ἔψαλλον Ὁ τῶν πατέρων, Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ. Ode 8 Ὠδὴ η We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord. Αἰνοῦµεν, εὐλογοῦµεν καὶ προσκυνοῦµεν τὸν Κύριον. The furnace, moist with dew, showed forth the figure of extraordinary wonder; it did not consume those whom it received, even as the Godhead did not singe the Virgin s womb. Let us therefore sing in praise: all creation bless the Lord, and exalt Him unto all the ages. More honorable... Θαύµατος ὑπερφυοῦς ἡ δροσοβόλος, ἐξεικόνισε κάµινος τύπον οὐ γὰρ οὓς ἐδέξατο φλέγει νέους, ὡς οὐδὲ πῦρ τῆς Θεότητος, Παρθένου ἣν ὑπέδυ νηδύν διὸ ἀνυµνοῦντες ἀναµέλψωµεν Εὐλογείτω, ἡ κτίσις πᾶσα τὸν Κύριον, καὶ ὑπερυψούτω, εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.

12 Katavasia 12 Καταβασία Tone 1 Ἦχος α Ode 9 Ὠδὴ θ Magnify O my soul, the one who is more honorable and more glorious than the host above. Strange and wonderful mystery: the cave has become as heaven, the Virgin is like the Cherubim, the manger a place wherein lies Christ God Whom nothing can contain; As we praise Him, let us also magnify Him. Small Litany. Exaposteilaria Exaposteilarion of Saint Anastasia Tone Plagal 2 The Apostles gathered together O illustrious virgin martyr Anastasia, glory of the victorious athletes, never cease to intercede with Him Who is drawing near to be born from the young virgin, the pure Mother of God, in the manger in the cave. He will grant redemption to those who venerate you with their whole heart, as we all celebrate your holy memory. Of the Forefeast Your radiant festival, O great martyr Anastasia, announces the virginal Nativity of Christ. It invites the Magi to come with their gifts from Persia to the city of Bethlehem, and calls the fathers to join the angels in singing, for you yourself were offered to the Lord like gold, incense, and myrrh, in your struggle in witnessing to God. Praises Let every breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. To You is due praise, O God. Praise Him all you His Angels; praise Him all you His hosts. To You is due praise, O God. Prosomoia Stichera Tone Plagal 2 The angelic Μεγάλυνον ψυχή µου, τὴν Τιµιωτέραν, καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν, τῶν ἄνω στρατευµάτων. Μυστήριον ξένον, ὁρῶ καὶ παράδοξον οὐρανὸν τὸ σπήλαιον θρόνον, χερουβικόν τὴν Παρθένον τὴν φάτνην χωρίον, ἐν ᾧ ἀνεκλίθη ὁ ἀχώρητος, Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός ὃν ἀνυµνοῦντες µεγαλύνοµεν. Συναπτὴ Μικρὰ. Ἐξαποστειλάρια Ἐξαποστειλάριον τῆς Ἁγίας Ἦχος πλ. β Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωµεν Παρθενοµάρτυς ἔνδοξε, ἀθλοφόρων τὸ κλέος, Ἀναστασία πάνσοφε, δυσωποῦσα µὴ παύσῃ, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου νῦν Κόρης, τῆς ἁγνῆς Θεοτόκου, τεχθῆναι προερχόµενον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ καὶ φάτνῃ, ἁµαρτιῶν, δοῦναι λύσιν πᾶσι τοῖς ἐκτελοῦσι, τὴν παναγίαν µνήµην σου, καὶ τιµῶσί σε πόθῳ. Προεόρτιον Τὴν ἐκ Παρθένου Γέννησιν, τοῦ Χριστοῦ προκηρύττει, ἡ φωτοφόρος µνήµη σου, Μάρτυς Ἀναστασία, ἐν Βηθλεὲµ συγκαλοῦσα, Μάγους µὲν ἐκ Περσίδος, σὺν δώροις, τούς Ποιµένας δέ, µετ Ἀγγέλων πρὸς ὕµνον σὺ γὰρ σαυτήν, ὡς χρυσὸν καὶ λίβανον καὶ ὡς σµύρναν, προσῆξας τῷ Δεσπότῃ σου, ἐναθλοῦσα Θεόφρον. Αἶνοι Πᾶσα πνοὴ αἰνεσάτω τὸν Κύριον. Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν αἰνεῖτε αὺτὸν ἐν τοῖς ὑψἰστοις Σοὶ πρέπει ὕµνος τῷ Θεῷ. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν πάντες οἱ Ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάµεις αὐτοῦ Σοὶ πρέπει ὕµνος τῷ Θεῷ. Στιχηρὰ Προσόµοια Ἦχος πλ. β Αἱ Ἀγγελικαὶ

13 First Stichos Στίχος α Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the multitude of His greatness. The ancient prophetic figures can now fade away, for the virgin has conceived; a stone has been quarried from the mountain; the rod of Jesse has flowered; the dew of Gideon has settled over all the earth; O people, cry aloud: Christ the King of Israel, is coming! 13 Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐπὶ ταῖς δυναστείαις αὐτοῦ, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῆς µεγαλωσύνης αὐτοῦ. Νῦν αἱ παλαιαὶ διαλύονται ἐµφάσεις, ἔσχεν ἐν γαστρί ἡ Παρθένος γὰρ καὶ λίθος, ἐξ ὄρους ἀπετµήθη, καὶ ἡ ῥάβδος ἐβλάστησεν, ἡ τοῦ Ἰεσσαί, καὶ δρόσος ἄρτι, ἡ τοῦ Γεδεὼν ἐν γῇ ἐρρύη, λαοὶ κράξωµεν Ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, Χριστὸς παραγίνεται. Second Stichos Στίχος β Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp. How marvelous the things which are seen in this wondrous childbirth! He Who dwells with the Father in the heights of heaven is placed at His birth in a manger of dumb animals! The inaccessible One is wrapped in swaddling clothes! The One Who is present in all places finds a place in the cave! O people, cry aloud: Christ the King of Israel, is coming! Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν ἤχῳ, σάλπιγγος, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν ψαλτηρίῳ καὶ κιθάρᾳ. Ξένου τοκετοῦ, ξένα πράγµατα ὁρᾶται! πῶς ὁ τῷ Πατρί, ἐν ὑψίστοις συνεδρεύων, ἐν φάτνῃ τῶν ἀλόγων, γεννηθεὶς ἀνακλίνεται; πῶς ὁ ἀναφὴς ἐν τοῖς σπαργάνοις; πῶς ὁ πανταχοῦ ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ; λαοὶ κράξωµεν, ὁ Βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, Χριστὸς παραγίνεται. Third Stichos Στίχος γ Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. The One Who worked wonders and covered Egypt with plagues, the One Who rained down manna from heaven for an ungrateful people now takes flesh and is nourished with milk. He allows Himself to be seen as a small infant, fleeing Herod the persecutor, and carried by the virgin Mary, that cloud, which had been foreseen by the prophet Isaiah. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν τυµπάνῳ καὶ χορῷ, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν χορδαῖς καὶ ὀργάνῳ. Ὁ τερατουργῶν, καὶ τὴν Αἴγυπτον µαστίζων, ὕων τε λαῶ, τῷ ἀγνώµονι τὸ Μάννα, σαρκοῦται καὶ θηλάζει, καὶ παιδίον ὁρώµενος, φεύγει τὸν Ἡρῴδην, ὡς ἐπὶ νεφέλης τῇ Παρθένῳ, Μητρὶ ὀχούµενος, ὡς Ἡσαΐας προορᾷ, ὁ θεοπτικώτατος. Fourth Stichos Στίχος δ Praise Him with tuneful cymbals; praise Him with cymbals of jubilation. Let every breath praise the Lord. The King of the ages, Who existed from before all time, enters the world as an infant! Behold the Son Who has been given to us! Hear, all you peoples! Lend an ear, O Israel! Receive Him and submit to Him, for with us now is the One Who will sift and winnow out any kingdom or power which will not submit to His rule. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν κυµβάλοις εὐήχοις, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν κυµβάλοις ἀλαλαγµοῦ. Πᾶσα πνοὴ αἰνεσάτω τὸν Κύριον. Παιδίον ὁ προών, Βασιλεὺς ὁ τῶν αἰώνων, τίκτεται ἑκών, καὶ υἱὸς ἡµῖν ἐδόθη Ἀκούσατε τὰ Ἔθνη, Ἰσραὴλ ἐνωτίσθητι, γνῶτε καὶ ἡττᾶσθε µεθ ἡµῶν γάρ, ὃς λεπτυνεῖ καὶ ἐκλικµήσει, ἐκ γῆς ἅπασαν, καὶ βασιλείαν καὶ ἀρχήν, αὐτῷ µὴ ὑπείκουσαν.

14 Idiomela Ἀµήν. 14 Ἰδιόµελα Tone Plagal 2 Ἦχος πλ. β Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Since you are unruly and contrary to the prophets, O Judah, you will be subject to an iron scepter; for to the Son Who is born, the Father has given all the nations as an inheritance and all the land as His possession. He will reject you as an outlaw, for you refuse to sing, Christ the King of Israel, is coming! Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Exult, O David, for Christ has descended from your lineage! Rejoice, Jesse, for your branch has flowered! From your loins, O Judah, will come the Lord. O nations, contemplate Him in the oracles of Balaam. According to the prophet Isaiah, behold that a virgin, all-pure, is bringing into the world Emmanuel as her Child. Small Doxology For to You belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to You we send up glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, and glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory. O Lord King, heavenly God, Father almighty; O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and Holy Spirit. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father Who takes away the sin of the world: have mercy on us, O You Who takes away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, O You Who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us. For You only are holy; You only are the Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ποιµανθήσῃ Ἰουδαῖε, οἷα ἀπειθής, καὶ Προφήταις ἀντιπίπτων Υἱῷ γὰρ γεννηθέντι, ὁ Πατὴρ κλῆρον δίδωσιν, Ἔθνη καὶ κατάσχεσιν γῆς πάσης σὲ δὲ ἀπωθεῖται µιαιφόνε, βοᾶν οὐ πείθῃ γάρ Ὁ Βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, Χριστὸς παραγίνεται. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Σκίρτησον Δαυΐδ ἐξ ὀσφύος σου Χριστὸς γάρ χαίροις Ἰεσσαί ἐξανθεῖ γάρ σου ἡ ῥίζα, ἐκ µηροῦ σου Ἰούδα, προελεύσεται Κύριος, κατὰ Βαλαὰµ ἔδεται Ἔθνη κατὰ τὸν µέγαν Ἡσαΐαν, ἰδοὺ τέξεται, παιδίον τὸν Ἐµµανουήλ, Παρθένος ἡ πάνσεπτος. Μικρὰ Δοξολογία Σοὶ δόξα πρέπει, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, καὶ σοὶ τὴν δόξαν ἀναπέµποµεν, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία. Ὑµνοῦµέν σε, εὐλογοῦµέν σε, προσκυνοῦµέν σε, δοξολογοῦµέν σε, εὐχαριστοῦµέν σοι, διὰ τὴν µεγάλην σου δόξαν. Κύριε Βασιλεῦ, ἐπουράνιε Θεέ, Πάτερ παντοκράτορ, Κύριε Υἱὲ µονογενές, Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, καὶ Ἅγιον Πνεῦµα. Κύριε ὁ Θεός, ὁ ἀµνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ Υἱός τοῦ Πατρός, ὁ αἴρων τὴν ἁµαρτίαν τοῦ κόσµου, ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς, ὁ αἴρων τὰς ἁµαρτίας τοῦ κόσµου. Πρόσδεξαι τὴν δέησιν ἡµῶν, ὁ καθήµενος ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Πατρός, καὶ ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Ὅτι σὺ εἶ µόνος Ἅγιος, σὺ εἶ µόνος Κύριος, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρός.

15 Each day I will bless You and praise Your name to the ages of ages. O Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I have said: O Lord have mercy upon me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You. O Lord, in You I have taken refuge; teach me Your will for You are my God. For in You is the fountain of life, in Your light we shall see light. 15 Καθ ἑκάστην ἡµέραν εὐλογήσω σε, καὶ αἰνέσω τὸ ὄνοµά σου εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα καὶ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος. Κύριε, καταφυγὴ ἐγενήθης ἡµῖν ἐν γενεᾷ καὶ γενεᾷ. Ἐγὼ εἶπα Κύριε, ἐλέησόν µε, ἴασαι τὴν ψυχήν µου, ὅτι ἥµαρτόν σοι. Κύριε, πρὸς σὲ κατέφυγον, δίδαξόν µε τοῦ ποιεῖν τὸ θέληµά σου, ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ Θεός µου. Ὅτι παρὰ σοὶ πηγὴ ζωῆς ἐν τῷ φωτί σου ὀψόµεθα φῶς. Continue Your mercy to those who know You. Παράτεινον τὸ ἔλεός σου τοῖς γινώσκουσί σε. Make us worthy, O Lord, to be kept from sin this day. Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let Your mercy be upon us, as we trust in You. Blessed are You, O Lord: teach me Your commandments. Blessed are You, O Master: make me understand Your commandments. Blessed are You, O Holy One: enlighten me with Your commandments. O Lord, Your mercy is to the ages; do not disdain the works of Your hands. To You is due praise, to You is due song, to You glory is due, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then, Let us complete our morning prayer..., & Prayer at the Bowing of Heads. Aposticha Tone 2 House of Ephrathah The star lets its light fall over the cave; with the angels and shepherds, make haste to come promptly with your gifts, O Magi! God shall come out of Themon, and the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed by the forest. Καταξίωσον, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ ἡµέρᾳ ταύτη ἀναµαρτήτους φυλαχθῆναι ἡµᾶς. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡµῶν, καὶ αἰνετὸν καὶ δεδοξασµένον τὸ ὄνοµά σου εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. Ἀµήν. Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ ἡµᾶς, καθάπερ ἠλπίσαµεν ἐπὶ σέ. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, δίδαξόν µε τὰ δικαιώµατά σου. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Δέσποτα, συνέτισόν µε τὰ δικαιώµατά σου. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Ἅγιε, φώτισόν µε τοῖς δικαιώµασί σου. Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, τὰ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σου µὴ παρίδῃς. Σοὶ πρέπει αἶνος, Σοὶ πρέπει ὕµνος, Σοὶ δόξα πρέπει, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ, καὶ τῷ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, νῦν, καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Εἶτα «Πληρώσωµεν τὴν ἑοθηνὴν δέησιν...,» καὶ Εὐχῆ τῆς Κεφαλοκλισίας. Ἀπόστιχα Ἦχος β Οἶκος τοῦ Ἐφραθᾶ Προλάµπει ὁ ἀστήρ, ἤδη ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ Ποιµένες µέτ Ἀγγέλων, οἱ Μάγοι µετὰ δώρων, προφθάσαι εὐτρεπίσθητε. Κύριε εἰσακήκοα τὴν ἀκοήν σου καὶ ἐφοβήθην κατενόησα τὰ ἔργα σου.

16 Christ is at the threshold; the star sends forth its light; and the powers of heaven, with the multitude of their host, cover their faces and bow down before Him. O Lord, I have heard Your report and was afraid; Lord, I considered Your works and was amazed. Rejoice, O Bethlehem! The Shepherd of Israel, the Savior, is coming; no longer are you the least among the cities in Judah. Idiomelon of the Saint Tone Plagal 1 Byzantios Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Today the forefeast of the Incarnation of Christ our God shines upon the memorial of the illustrious martyr Anastasia. Behold, the virgin is on her way to Bethlehem to place in a manger of dumb beasts the newborn Christ, wrapped in swaddling clothes, Who delivers us from the ancient curse and brings great mercy to our souls. Idiomelon of the Forefeast Ἐγγίζει ὁ Χριστός ὁ ἀστὴρ προαυγάζει, τὸ οὐράνιον πλῆθος, τῆς στρατιᾶς προκύπτει, τῶν νοερῶν δυνάµεων. Ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ Θαιµὰν ἥξει καὶ ὁ ἅγιος ἐξ ὄρους κατασκίου δασέος. Χαῖρε ἡ Βηθλεέµ ὁ ποιµαίνων ἐπέστη, τὸν Ἰσραὴλ ὁ σῴζων οὐκέτι ἐλαχίστη, Ἰουδαία τοῖς ἄρχουσιν. Ἰδιόµελον τῆς Ἁγίας Ἦχος πλ. α Βύζαντος Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Προεόρτιος ἡµέρα σήµερον, τῆς ἐνανθρωπήσεως Χριστοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, τῇ τῆς πανευφήµου καὶ Μάρτυρος ἑορτῇ, συνεξέλαµψεν Ἀναστασίας ἰδοὺ ἡ Παρθένος, ἐν Βηθλεέµ ἐπείγεται, Βρέφος σπαργανούµενον, ἀνακλῖναι ἐν φάτνῃ τῶν ἀλόγων, τὸν ἐλευθερώσαντα ἡµᾶς, ἐκ τῆς ἀρχαίας κατάρας, καὶ σῴζοντα τὰς ψυχὰς ἡµῶν. Ἰδιόµελον Προεόρτιον Tone Plagal 1 Ἦχος πλ. α Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Joseph, do not be sad at seeing my pregnant womb, for you will see an Infant come forth from me whom you will adore as God. Thus spoke the Mother of God to her spouse, as she was on her way to give birth to Christ. Let us sing to her and say, Rejoice, O full of grace! The Lord is with you, and with us through you! Trisagion Priest It is good to confess to the Lord, and to chant to Your name, O Most-High, to proclaim in the morning Your mercy, and Your truth at night. "Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty...," etc. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Μὴ στύγναζε Ἰωσήφ, καθορῶν µου τὴν νηδύν ὄψει γὰρ τὸ τικτόµενον ἐξ ἐµοῦ καὶ χαρήσῃ, καὶ ὡς Θεὸν προσκυνήσεις, ἡ Θεοτόκος ἔλεγε τῷ ἑαυτῆς µνηστῆρι, µολοῦσα τοῦ τεκεῖν τὸν Χριστόν. Ταύτην ἀνυµνήσωµεν λέγοντες Χαῖρε κεχαριτωµένη, µετὰ σοῦ ὁ Κύριος, καὶ διὰ σοῦ µεθ ἡµῶν. Τρισάγιον Ἱερεύς Ἀγαθὸν τὸ ἐξοµολογεῖσθαι τῷ Κυρίῳ καὶ ψάλλειν τῷ ὀνόµατί σου, Υψιστε, τοῦ ἀναγγέλλειν τῷ πρωΐ τὸ ἔλεός σου, καὶ τὴν ἀλήθειάν σου κατὰ νύκτα. «Ἀµήν. Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, ἅγιος ἰσχυρός...,» κτλ. 16

17 The Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord, December 22 Apolitikion of the Forefeast Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Joseph was amazed Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Prepare yourself, Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened for all; make ready, Ephratha, because the Tree of Life has blossomed forth in the cave from the Virgin; her womb was shown to be a spiritual paradise in which the divine fruit was planted; eating of it, we shall live and shall not die like Adam. Christ is born, in order to raise up the image of God in man that had fallen of old. Ἑτοιµάζου Βηθλεέµ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέµ, Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσοµεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰµ τεθνηξόµεθα, Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. Dismissal, May Christ our true God,... Ἀπόλυσις «Χριστὸς ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς ἡµῶν...» When December 22nd falls on a Friday: the Great, or Imperial, Hours are read immediately. Note: There is no Divine Liturgy on Friday, December 22nd. When December 22nd falls on a Saturday: the Divine Liturgy of the Saturday Before the Nativity. When December 22nd falls on Monday through Thursday: the Divine Liturgy of the Feast of Saint Anastasia and Companions. Otherwise, the Dismissal: Dismissal, May Christ our true God,... Ἀπόλυσις «Χριστὸς ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς ἡµῶν...» 17

18 At the Divine Liturgy Monday - Thursday, or Saturday Morning Litany of Peace. Weekday Antiphons. Εἰς τὴν Λειτουργίαν Δευτέρᾳ - Πέµπτῇ, ἢ Σαββάτων Πρωΐ Εἰρηνικά. Ἀντίφωνα τῶν Καθηµερινη. First Antiphon Ἀντίφωνον Α Tone 2 It is good to confess to the Lord, and to chant Your name, O Most-High. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. To proclaim Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth at night. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. For the Lord our God is upright, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. Small Litany. Ἦχος β Ἀγαθόν τό ἐξοµολογεῖσθαι τῷ Κυρίῳ, καί ψάλλειν τῷ ὀνόµατί σου, Ὕψιστε. Ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, Σῶτερ, σῶσον ἡµᾶς. Τοῦ ἀναγγέλλειν τό πρωῒ τό ἔλεός σου, καί τήν ἀλήθειάν σου κατά νύκτα. Ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, Σῶτερ, σῶσον ἡµᾶς. Ὅτι εὐθύς Κύριος ὁ Θεός ἡµῶν καί, οὐκ ἔστιν ἀδικία ἐν αὐτῷ. Ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, Σῶτερ, σῶσον ἡµᾶς. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, Σῶτερ, σῶσον ἡµᾶς. Συναπτὴ Μικρὰ Second Antiphon Ἀντίφωνον Β Tone 2 The Lord has reigned, He has been robed in majesty, the Lord has been robed and girded with power. Save us, O Son of God, Who are wondrous among the saints; we sing to you, Alleluia. For He has established the world, which shall never be moved. Save us, O Son of God, Who are wondrous among the saints; we sing to you, Alleluia. Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, to length of days. Ἦχος β Ὁ Κύριος ἐβασίλευσεν, εὐπρέπειαν ἐνεδύσατο, ἐνεδύσατο ὁ Κύριος δύναµιν καί περιεζώσατο. Σῶσον ἡµᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐν Ἁγίοις θαυµαστός ψάλλοντάς σοι, Ἀλληλούϊα. Καί γάρ ἐστερέωσε τήν οἰκουµένην, ἥτις οὐ σαλευθήσεται. Σῶσον ἡµᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐν Ἁγίοις θαυµαστός ψάλλοντάς σοι, Ἀλληλούϊα. Τῷ οἴκῳ σου πρέπει ἁγίασµα, Κύριε, εἰς µακρότητα ἡµερῶν. Save us, O Son of God, Who are wondrous Σῶσον ἡµᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐν Ἁγίοις among the saints; we sing to you, Alleluia. θαυµαστός ψάλλοντάς σοι, Ἀλληλούϊα. 18

19 Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Only-begotten Son and Word of God, immortal One, Who for our salvation did so humble Yourself by taking on flesh taking flesh from (from) the Theotokos and evervirgin Mary; without change did You become Man; You were crucified Christ our God, trampling down death by Your death; as one of the Holy Trinity, and being glorified together with the Father and the Holy Spirit: save us. Small Litany. Small Entrance Apolitikion of the Forefeast Joseph was amazed Prepare yourself, Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened for all; make ready, Ephratha, because the Tree of Life has blossomed forth in the cave from the Virgin; her womb was shown to be a spiritual paradise in which the divine fruit was planted; eating of it, we shall live and shall not die like Adam. Christ is born, in order to raise up the image of God in man that had fallen of old. Entrance Hymn Come let us bow to Christ as we worship Him, the Son of God. Save us O Son of God Who are wondrous among Your saints, we sing to You: Alleluia. Apolitikion of the Forefeast Joseph was amazed Prepare yourself, Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened for all; make ready, Ephratha, because the Tree of Life has blossomed forth in the cave from the Virgin; her womb was shown to be a spiritual paradise in which the divine fruit was planted; eating of it, we shall live and shall not die like Adam. Christ is born, in order to raise up the image of God in man that had fallen of old. 19 Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Ὁ µονογενὴς Υἱὸς καὶ Λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀθάνατος ὑπάρχων καὶ καταδεξάµενος διὰ τὴν ἡµετέραν σωτηρίαν σαρκωθῆναι ἐκ τῆς ἁγίας Θεοτόκου καὶ ἀειπαρθένου Μαρίας, ἀτρέπτως ἐνανθρωπήσας, σταυρωθείς τε, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, εἷς ὤν τῆς Ἁγίας Τριάδος, συνδοξαζόµενος τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, σῶσον ἡµᾶς. Συναπτὴ Μικρὰ Μικρά Εἴσοδος Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Ἑτοιµάζου Βηθλεέµ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέµ, Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσοµεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰµ τεθνηξόµεθα, Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. Εἰσοδικόν Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωµεν καὶ προσπέσωµεν Χριστῷ. Σῶσον ἡµᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐν Ἁγίοις θαυµαστός ψάλλοντάς σοι Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Ἑτοιµάζου Βηθλεέµ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέµ, Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσοµεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰµ τεθνηξόµεθα, Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα.

20 Apolitikion of the Saint Joseph was amazed Your lamb O Jesus, cries with a loud voice: O my Bridegroom, I long for You and in seeking You I struggle and I am crucified and buried with You through Your Baptism; and I suffer for You that I may reign with You; and I die for You, so that I may live in You; receive me who with longing was slain for Your sake, as a sacrifice without blemish. Through her intercessions, as the merciful One, save our souls. Apolitikion of the Temple Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἁγίας Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Ἡ ἀµνάς σου Ἰησοῦ, κράζει µεγάλῃ τῇ φωνῇ, Σὲ Νυµφίε µου ποθῶ, καὶ σὲ ζητοῦσα ἀθλῶ, καὶ συσταυροῦµαι, καὶ συνθάπτοµαι τῷ βαπτισµῷ σου, καὶ πάσχω διὰ σέ, ὡς βασιλεύσω σὺν σοί, καὶ θνῄσκω ὑπὲρ σοῦ, ἵνα καὶ ζήσω ἐν σοί, ἀλλ ὡς θυσίαν ἄµωµον, προσδέχου τὴν µετὰ πόθου τυθεῖσάν σοι. Αὐτῆς πρεσβείαις, ὡς ἐλεήµων, σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡµῶν. Ἀπολυτίκιον τοῦ Ναοῦ An example of the faith and a life of humility: as a teacher of abstinence you did inspire and lead your flock, and through the truthfulness of your deeds were exalted to greatness through your humility, uplifting all, and by poverty gaining wealth. Father and hierarch Saint Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved. Kontakion of the Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ Tone 3 The virgin today comes to the cave, to give birth to the eternal Word in an ineffable way. Rejoice, O universe, having heard of this event; glorify with the Angels and the shepherds, Him who willed to be seen as a new child: the God Who existed before the ages. Trisagion Holy God... «Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός...» Κανόνα πίστεως καὶ εἰκόνα πραότητος, ἐγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ἀνέδειξέ σε τῇ ποίµνῃ σου, ἡ τῶν πραγµάτων ἀλήθεια διὰ τοῦτο ἐκτήσω τῇ ταπεινώσει τὰ ὑψηλά, τῇ πτωχείᾳ τὰ πλούσια, Πάτερ Ἱεράρχα Νικόλαε πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡµῶν. Κοντάκιον Προεόρτιον τοῦ Χριστουγέννου. Αὐτόµελον Ἡ Παρθένος σήµερον, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀπορρήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουµένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον µετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιµένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν. Τρισάγιον Monday - Thursday Morning Epistle Of the Day Gospel Of the Day 20 Δευτέρᾳ - Πέµπτῇ Πρωΐ Ἀπόστολος Τῆς ἡµέρας Εὐαγγέλιον Τῆς ἡµέρας

21 Saturday Morning Epistle Saturday Before the Feast of the Nativity Galatians 3:8-12 Gospel Saturday Before the Feast of the Nativity Matthew 13:19-29 Σαββάτων Πρωΐ Ἀπόστολος Σαββάτου πρό τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ Γεννήσεως Γαλ. γ 8-12 Εὐαγγέλιον Σαββάτου πρό τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ Γεννήσεως Ματθ. ιγ At: Remembering our most-holy... Εἰς τό «Ἐξαιρέτως...» Truly it is proper to call you blessed... «Ἁξιόν ἐστίν ὁς ἀληθός...» Communion Hymn Praise the Lord... «Αἰνεῖτε...» During the Communion of the Faithful Κοινωνικόν Μετάληψης τῶν Πιστῶν Of Your mystical Supper... «Τοῦ δείπνου σου τοῦ µυστικοῦ...» At: We have seen the Light... We have seen the true light... Dismissal Εἰς τό «Εἴδοµεν τό φῶς» «Εἴδοµεν τό φῶς» Ἀπόλυσις May Christ our true God,... «Χριστὸς ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς ἡµῶν...» 21