The Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord, December 23

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1 The Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord, December 23 Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ The Holy Ten Martyrs of Crete. ather Paul, Archbishop of Neocaeasaria, one of the 318 Holy Fathers at Nicaea. Our Holy and God-bearing Father Nahum the Wonder Worker, Illuminator and Preacher of Bulgaria. Προεόρτια τῆς Χριστοῦ Γεννήσεως Τῶν Ἁγίων Δέκα Μαρτύρων τῶν ἐν Κρήτῃ. Τοῦ Ὁσίου Πατρός ἡµῶν Παύλου, Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Νεοκαισαρείας, ἑνός τῶν τριακοσίων δέκα καί ὀκτώ Ἁγίων Πατέρων τῶν ἐν Νικαίᾳ. Τοῦ Ἁγίου καί Θεοφόρου Πατρός ἡµῶν Ναούµ τοῦ θαυµατουργοῦ, φωτιστοῦ καί ἱεροκήρυκος Βουλγαρίας. December 23 Saints Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompius, Agathopus, Basilides and Evaristus suffered for Christ during the third century under the emperor Decius ( ). The prefect of Crete, also named Decius, fiercely persecuted the Church, and arrested anyone who believed in Christ. Once, ten Christians were brought before him from various cities of Crete, who at the trial steadfastly confessed their faith in Christ and refused to worship idols. For thirty days they were subjected to cruel tortures, and with the help of God they all persevered, glorifying God. Before their death they prayed that the Lord would enlighten their torturers with the light of the true Faith. Since pain did not influence them, the saints were beheaded. Saint Paul of Constantinople (commemorated on November 6) visited Crete about a hundred years later. He took the relics of the holy martyrs to Constantinople to serve as a protection for the city, and a source of blessings for the faithful. The Miracle of In the south-west end of the village Holy Ten, in the location known as Alonia (the threshing floor), the residents of the village created a small lake which was fed by the nearby river Litheos tis Keras. At this lake the villagers watered their animals. Because the waters of the lake were standing, most of the time they looked dark. As the time passed, the villagers noticed that the waters had therapeutic qualities. The story of the young shepherd in 1898 and the miracle which is associated with him confirm the above belief. A young shepherd who used to take his flock to graze in the area where the ten martyrs were, at one time, got very sick. He was so sick and had such a high fever that he was unable even to walk. He had no one to help him and so he started praying to the Holy Ten to help him. And behold, the miracle happened. The Holy Ten appeared to him and advised him to go to the lake and drink from its water and he would be healed. The young shepherd obeyed the order of the Saints, went to the lake, drank from its water and his fever disappeared immediately. Very happy for his healing he went to the village and announced to the villagers his miraculous healing. Since that time the lake became a healing place. Many Cretans from all over Crete, as well as people from other areas went there and after they bathed in the lake they were healed. The elders of the village mentioned all the miracles that were associated with the lake to the Spiritual Father of the Monastery of Koudoumas. He, in turn, informed the local Bishop, Vassilios Markakis, who decided to go to the location in 1902 and after he studied the area he decided to dry the Holy Lake with the firm belief that under the lake there must have been a Holy Place. The intuition of the Bishop proved true. At the bottom of the lake the tombs of the Holy Ten were discovered. Immediately Bishop Vassilios built on the spot a small Byzantine Church dedicated to the memory of the Holy Ten. Since then that holy and blessed place is known as the Holy Lake. 1

2 At Vespers Sunday - Friday Evening The Proemial Psalm. Great Litany. At the Kyrie Ekekraksa Prosomoia Stichera of the Forefeast Tone 4 You bowed down from the heights Ἑν τὸ Εσπερινῶ Κυριακή - Παρασκευή Ἐσπέρας Ὁ Προιµιακός. Εἰρηνικά. Εἰς τὸ «Κύριε, Ἐκέκραξα» Στιχηρὰ Προσόµοια Προεόρτια Ἦχος δ Ὁ ἐξ ὑψίστου κληθεὶς Stichos 1 Στίχος α If You should mark iniquities, Lord, O Lord, who shall stand? For with You there is forgiveness. The word of Isaiah has been fulfilled, for behold the Virgin carries in her womb, circumscribed by a body, the One Whom nothing can contain. O cave, prepare the divine tabernacle; Bethlehem, make ready, for the King has chosen you as His dwellingplace; manger, receive the infant wrapped in swaddling-clothes, Christ Who in His goodness comes to loosen the bonds of sin which enfold the human race. Ἐὰν ἀνοµίας παρατηρήσῃς, Κύριε, Κύριε τίς ὑποστήσεται; ὅτι παρὰ σοὶ ὁ ἱλασµός ἐστιν. Τοῦ Ἡσαΐου φωνὴ ἀποπληροῦται ἰδοὺ ἡ Παρθένος γάρ, τὸν ἀπερίληπτον, περιγραφόµενον σώµατι, ἐν µήτρᾳ φέρει, καὶ παραδόξως τεκεῖν ἐπείγεται, θεόδεκτον Σπήλαιον προευτρεπίσθητι, ἡ Βηθλεὲµ ἑτοιµάσθητι ὁ Βασιλεὺς γάρ, σὲ ᾑρετίσατο εἰς κατοίκησιν. Δέχου ἡ φάτνη σπαργανούµενον, βρέφος Χριστὸν λύειν µέλλοντα, τὰς σειράς τῶν πταισµάτων, τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀγαθότητι. 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 living and radiant cloud bearing the Dew from heaven, is approaching now to rain It down, so that the face of the earth will be completely refreshed. The mystical dove carrying in her womb the Springtime of Grace, is going to give birth in a wondrous manner, in order to chase away the winter of the false gods. Behold, therefore, the most-pure and spotless palace, who in a cave will usher in the incarnate King. Ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόµατός σου ὑπέµεινά σε, Κύριε ὑπέµεινεν ἡ ψυχή µου εἰς τὸν λόγον σου, ἤλπισεν ἡ ψυχή µου ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον. Ἡ φωτεινή τε καὶ ἔµψυχος νεφέλη, τὸν ὄµβρον βαστάζουσα τὸν ἐπουράνιον, τοῦτον ἐν γῇ νῦν προέρχεται, ἐναποστάξαι, ὅπως ἀρδεύσῃ ταύτης τὸ πρόσωπον. Τὸ ἔαρ τῆς χάριτος, ἡ νοητὴ χελιδών, ἔνδον ἐν σπλάγχνοις κατέχουσα, ἀρρήτῳ λόγῳ, ἐναποτίκτει χειµῶνα ἄθεον, διασκεδάζον, τὸ Παλάτιον, τὸ καθαρὸν καὶ ἀµίαντον, Βασιλέα Σπηλαίῳ, ἐπεισάγει σωµατούµενον. 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. O divine Master, You were registered along Συναπεγράφης τοῖς δούλοις ὁ Δεσπότης, with Your servants, wishing to destroy the πταισµάτων χειρόγραφον, σχίσαι βουλόµενος, registry of sin, and to register in the Book of καὶ ἀπογράψασθαι ἅπαντας, ἐν βίβλῳ ζώντων, Life all those who had been inscribed in death θανατωθέντας κλοπῇ τοῦ ὄφεως Παρθένος δὲ 2

3 by the snare of the serpent. The Virgin sustains You Who sustain the whole creation, incarnate in a flesh subject to death, and accepting the narrow cave as Your dwelling. At Your birth, the angelic choirs sing to You from high heaven, with the shepherds, full of wonder at Your awesome majesty. Prosomoia Stichera of the Saints Tone 4 As valiant among martyrs 3 φέρει σε, τὸν πάντα φέροντα, σάρκα θνητὴν περικείµενον, καὶ καταλύειν, σµικρῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐπευδοκήσαντα ὃν γεννηθέντα, τάξεις ἄνωθεν, Ἀγγελικαὶ ἀνυµνήσουσι, µετὰ θείων Ποιµένων, ἐκπληττόµεναι τὸ κράτος σου. Στιχηρὰ Προσόµοια τῶν Ἁγίων Ἦχος δ Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Mάρτυσιν 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. The ten chosen by God, the candelabra of ten flames, illumine the whole Church with divine splendor; those pillars which nothing could shake, those radiant stars which make the earth resemble heaven, thanks to the brilliance of their sublime struggles. We raise our voices in praise of the saints, wishing to celebrate them on this day. Ὅτι παρὰ τῷ Κυρίῳ τὸ ἔλεος καὶ πολλὴ παρ αὐτῷ λύτρωσις καὶ αὐτὸς λυτρώσεται τὸν Ἰσραὴλ ἐκ πασῶν τῶν ἀνοµιῶν αὐτοῦ. Ἡ δεκὰς ἡ θεόλεκτος, καὶ λαµπὰς ἡ δεκάπυρσος, ἡ ταῖς θείαις λάµψεσι καταυγάζουσα, τῆς Ἐκκλησίας τὸ πλήρωµα, οἱ στῦλοι οἱ ἄσειστοι, οἱ ἀστέρες οἱ φαιδροί, οἱ τὴν γῆν οὐρανώσαντες, ταῖς λαµπρότησι, τῶν µεγίστων ἀγώνων ἐγκωµίοις, ἱεροῖς µεγαλοφώνως, ἀνευφηµείσθωσαν σήµερον. Stichos 5 Στίχος ε Praise the Lord, all you nations; praise Him, all you peoples. Let Theodoulos be celebrated; and by our chants may Zótikos, along with Pómpeios, Vasilídos, Évporos, and Agathópous, as well as Saturnínos, Gelásios, and the divine Evárestos, together with Evnikianós be honored; those harbors of peace from the tempestuous sea, those pillars where error was broken as against a pillory, those martyrs who received the crown of conquerors. Stichos 6 For He has made His mercy to prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord abides to the ages. Let us sing of the victorious martyrs of whom Crete was the cradle, those pillars of the Church of Christ, unfading adornment of believers, precious and fragrant flowers of Paradise, victims filled with charm, acceptable to God, offerings for His temple in the heavens, the holy Ten whom the threefold God has received. Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἐπαινέσατε αὐτὸν πάντες οἱ λαοί. Εὐφηµείσθω Θεόδουλος, Ζωτικός τε καὶ Πόµπιος, Βασιλείδης Εὔπορος, Ἀγαθόπους τε, καὶ Σατορνῖνος Γελάσιος, καὶ θεῖος Εὐάρεστος, µεθ ὧν Εὐνικιανός, νῦν τιµάσθωσαν ᾄσµασιν οἱ πανεύδιοι, τῶν ἐν ζάλῃ λιµένες, οἱ τὴν πλάνην, στηλιτεύσαντες καὶ στέφος, νικητικὸν κοµισάµενοι. Στίχος στ Ὅτι ἐκραταιώθη τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ ἐφ ἡµᾶς, καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Κυρίου µένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. Τὰ τῆς Κρήτης βλαστήµατα, Ἐκκλησίας ἐρείσµατα, καὶ πιστῶν ἀµάραντα ὡραΐσµατα, τοῦ Παραδείσου ἡδύπνοα, τὰ ἄνθη τὰ τίµια, τὰ εὐπρόσδεκτα Χριστοῦ, καὶ τερπνότατα σφάγια, ἀναθήµατα, οὐρανίου ναοῦ τε τὴν δεκάδα, τῆς Τριάδος τὴν Ἁγίαν, τοὺς Ἀθλοφόρους ὑµνήσωµεν.

4 Idiomelon of the Saints Tone 2 Kyprianos Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Today Crete celebrates the forefeast of the Nativity of Christ, and the memory of her victorious martyrs; by their prayers, O Lord, grant our souls great mercy. Idiomelon of the Forefeast Tone 2 Kyprianos Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. O Bethlehem of Judah, as a fleshly city, prepare the cave where our God will be born in the flesh from the holy unwedded Virgin to save the human race. 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. Ἰδιόµελον τῶν Ἁγίων Ἦχος β Κυπριανοῦ Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Κρήτη προεορτάζει σήµερον, τὰ Γενέθλια Χριστοῦ, ἐν τῇ µνήµῃ τῶν Ἀθλοφόρων διὸ εὐχαῖς αὐτῶν Κύριε, σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡµῶν. Ἰδιόµελον Προεόρτιον Ἦχος β Κυπριανοῦ Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Βηθλεὲµ γῆ Ἰούδα, τὸ κατὰ σάρκα πολίτευµα, φαιδρῶς εὐτρέπισον τὸ θεῖον Σπήλαιον, ἐν ᾧ Χριστὸς σαρκὶ τίκτεται, ἐξ ἀπειράνδρου ἁγίας Παρθένου, εἰς τὸ σῶσαι τὸ γένος ἡµῶν. 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...» Then, Let us complete our evening prayer..., and Prayer at the Bowing of Heads. Aposticha Prosomoia Stichera of the Forefeast Tone Plagal 2 You arose on the third day, O Christ Εἶτα «Πληρώσωµεν τὴν ἑσπερινὴν δέησιν...,» καὶ Εὐχῆ τῆς Κεφαλοκλισίας. Ἀπόστιχα Στιχηρὰ Προσόµοια Προεόρτια Ἦχος πλ. β Τριήµερος ἀνέστης Χριστὲ The unfathomable Wisdom of God, Christ, has Ἡ ἄπειρος σοφία Θεοῦ, τὸν οἶκον ἑαυτῆς ὑπὲρ laid out a mission for Himself; conceived by νοῦν, ἐκ Παρθένου, ᾠκοδόµησε Χριστός, καὶ the Virgin in a wondrous fashion, He is ἔρχεται ἐν φάτνῃ ἀλόγων καὶ Σπηλαίῳ, σαρκὶ coming to the cave and a manger of dumb τεχθῆναι ὑπὲρ ἔννοιαν. 4

5 beasts, to be born in the flesh, in a manner surpassing our understanding. God shall come out of Themon, and the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed by the forest. You have revealed Yourself to the prophets, insofar as You could be known, O Christ the Creator; but in these latter times, You have shown Yourself to all men when in the village of Bethlehem You assumed our human condition. O Lord, I have heard Your report and was afraid; I considered Your works and was amazed. The star crossing the heavens, revealed to the astrologers Christ, the Sun of glory, in the city of Bethlehem; and the Angels are now going to announce this to the shepherds; with them, let us all hasten toward our God. Idiomelon of the Saints Ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ Θαιµὰν ἥξει καὶ ὁ ἅγιος ἐξ ὄρους κατασκίου δασέος. Ὡράθης τοῖς Προφήταις Χριστέ, ὡς θέµις ἦν θεάσασθαι, σὲ τὸν Κτίστην ἐν ἐσχάτοις δὲ καιροῖς, τοῖς πᾶσιν ἐπεφάνης, ἀνθρώποις ἐν τῇ πόλει, τῇ Βηθλεὲµ βροτός γενόµενος. Κύριε εἰσακήκοα τὴν ἀκοήν σου καὶ ἐφοβήθην κατενόησα τὰ ἔργα σου.. Διέδραµε µηνύων ἀστήρ, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δόξης Χριστόν, Ἀστρολόγους ἐν τῇ πόλει Βηθλεέµ καὶ Ἄγγελοι Ποιµένας, νῦν εὐαγγελιοῦνται µεθ ὧν συνδράµωµεν θεόφρονες. Ἰδιόµελον τῶν Ἁγίων Tone 3 Ἦχος γ Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Behold, the feast day of the martyrs, the forerunner of the Nativity of Christ, announces to us the Sun born from the Sun, the God Who is manifested in the flesh through the Virgin; having struggled valiantly in Crete, the ten martyrs received the crown of conquerors; let us cry out to them: Holy martyrs, chosen ones of God, in your choir intercede with Christ for the faithful who celebrate your august memory. Idiomelon of the Forefeast Tone 3 Anatolios Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Προεόρτιος σήµερον, ἡ τῶν Μαρτύρων ἐπέστη ἑορτή, τὴν Γενέθλιον ἡµῖν, προϋπογράφουσα ἡµέραν, τὸν ἐξ Ἡλίου Ἥλιον, τὸν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, Θεὸν ἐπιφανέντα, σαρκὶ ἀνακηρύττουσα. Δεκὰς Μαρτύρων ἐν Κρήτῃ, στερρῶς ἀθλήσασα, τοὺς στεφάνους τῆς νίκης ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐδέξαντο πρὸς οὓς βοήσωµεν Χορὸς ἁγιόλεκτος ἱκετεύσατε Χριστόν, Ἅγιοι Μάρτυρες, ὑπὲρ τῶν πίστει τελούντων, τὴν πάνσεπτον µνήµην ὑµῶν. Ἰδιόµελον Προεόρτιον Ἦχος γ Ἀνατολίου Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Bethlehem, make ready, for behold, Eden is Εὐτρεπίζου Βηθλεέµ ἤνοικται γὰρ ἡ Ἐδέµ, opening; make ready, Ephratha, for Adam is ἑτοιµάζου Ἐφραθᾶ ἀνανεοῦται γὰρ ὁ Ἀδάµ, being renewed together with Eve; for the curse καὶ ἡ Εὔα σὺν αὐτῷ ἡ κατάρα γὰρ λέλυται, ἡ has been taken away; salvation flourishes for σωτηρία ἐν κόσµῳ ἐξήνθησε, καὶ ψυχαὶ τῶν the world; the souls of the righteous will soon Δικαίων εὐτρεπίζονται, ὡς προῖκα 5

6 carry as an offering and gift not myrrh, but their hymns, receiving in return eternal salvation. Behold, in the manger will lie One Who invites to sing spiritual songs, the faithful who ceaselessly chant: O Lord, glory to You! Then, Now let Your servant depart in peace..., and Trisagion Prayers. Apolitikia Apolitikion of the Forefeast Tone 4 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 Martyrs Tone 3 Awed by the beauty Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Let us express our great admiration for Crete which brought forth these precious ones, these pearls of Christ and offspring of martyrs, and in particular, these Blessed Ten; for although they were few, they overcame all the guiles of powerful demons. Wherefore these valiant martyrs of Christ have been crowned. Apolitikion of the Forefeast Tone 4 Joseph was amazed Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. δωροφορίας, ἀντὶ µύρου τὸν ὕµνον προσάγουσαι, σωτηρίαν ψυχῆς, καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν κοµιζόµεναι. Ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἐν φάτνῃ ἀνακείµενος, προτρέπει ὑµνῳδίαν πνευµατικὴν ἐπιτελέσαι, τους βοῶντας ἀπαύστως Κύριε δόξα σοι. Εἶτα «Νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δούλόν σου...,» καὶ τὸ Τρισάγιον. Ἀπολυτίκια Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Ἦχος δ 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 τῶν Ἁγίων Ἦχος γ Τὴν ὡραιότητα Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Τὴν πολυθαύµαστον Κρήτην τιµήσωµεν, τὴν ἐξανθήσασαν ἄνθη τὰ τίµια, τοὺς µαργαρίτας τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Μαρτύρων τοὺς ἀκρέµονας. Δέκα γὰρ ὑπάρχοντες, ἀριθµῷ οἱ µακάριοι, δύναµιν µυρίοπλον τῶν δαιµόνων κατῄσχυναν διὸ καὶ τοὺς στεφάνους ἐδέξαντο, Μάρτυρες Χριστοῦ οἱ καρτερόψυχοι. Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Ἦχος δ 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 γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον 6

7 The Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord, December 23 paradise in which the divine fruit was φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσοµεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς planted; eating of it, we shall live and shall ὁ Ἀδὰµ τεθνηξόµεθα, Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν not die like Adam. Christ is born, in order πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. to raise up the image of God in man that had fallen of old. 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 Tone 4 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 Martyrs Tone 3 Awed by the beauty Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Let us express our great admiration for Crete which brought forth these precious ones, these pearls of Christ and offspring of martyrs, and in particular, these Blessed Ten; for although they were few, they overcame all the guiles of powerful demons. Wherefore these valiant martyrs of Christ have been crowned. Apolitikion of the Forefeast Tone 4 Joseph was amazed Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. (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. Small Litany. Συναπτὴ Μικρὰ. 8 Εἰς τὸν Ὄρθρον Ὁ Ἑξάψαλµος, Εἰς τὸ «Θεὸς Κύριος...» Ἀπολυτίκια Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Ἦχος δ 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 τῶν Ἁγίων Ἦχος γ Τὴν ὡραιότητα Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Τὴν πολυθαύµαστον Κρήτην τιµήσωµεν, τὴν ἐξανθήσασαν ἄνθη τὰ τίµια, τοὺς µαργαρίτας τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Μαρτύρων τοὺς ἀκρέµονας. Δέκα γὰρ ὑπάρχοντες, ἀριθµῷ οἱ µακάριοι, δύναµιν µυρίοπλον τῶν δαιµόνων κατῄσχυναν διὸ καὶ τοὺς στεφάνους ἐδέξαντο, Μάρτυρες Χριστοῦ οἱ καρτερόψυχοι. Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Ἦχος δ Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. (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.

9 Sessional Hymns After the First Stichologia Tone Plagal 1 Eternal with the Father Bethlehem, prepare to welcome the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, who is on her way to you, bearing her infant, Christ, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit. She is going to give birth in the cave, and will remain a virgin before and after childbirth. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. (Repeat) Bethlehem, prepare to welcome the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, who is on her way to you, bearing her infant, Christ, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit. She is going to give birth in the cave, and will remain a virgin before and after childbirth. After the Second Stichologia Tone Plagal 2 Hope of the universe Coming from Persia, the kings once brought gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense for the nativity of the divine King. As we celebrate the feast now, let us, in the purity of our soul, offer Him faith, hope and love, as we sing to the Virgin Mary. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. (Repeat) Coming from Persia, the kings once brought gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense for the nativity of the divine King. As we celebrate the feast now, let us, in the purity of our soul, offer Him faith, hope and love, as we sing to the Virgin Mary. Psalm 50. Kontakion of the Martyrs Read (Tone 4) You have appeared today 9 Καθίσµατα Μετὰ τὴν α Στιχολογίαν Ἦχος πλ. α Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Βηθλεὲµ ἑτοιµάζου τὰ πρὸς ὑπάντησιν, τῆς Παρθένου Μαρίας καὶ Θεοµήτορος ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἔρχεται πρὸς σέ, ἔµβρυον φέρουσα, τὸν συνάναρχον Πατρί, καὶ τῷ Πνεύµατι ἀεί, Χριστὸν ὃν ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ, γεννήσει καὶ µετὰ τόκον, ἀεὶ Παρθένος ὀφθήσεται. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. (Πάλιν) Βηθλεὲµ ἑτοιµάζου τὰ πρὸς ὑπάντησιν, τῆς Παρθένου Μαρίας καὶ Θεοµήτορος ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἔρχεται πρὸς σέ, ἔµβρυον φέρουσα, τὸν συνάναρχον Πατρί, καὶ τῷ Πνεύµατι ἀεί, Χριστὸν ὃν ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ, γεννήσει καὶ µετὰ τόκον, ἀεὶ Παρθένος ὀφθήσεται. Μετὰ τὴν β Στιχολογίαν Ἦχος πλ. β Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσµου ἀγαθὴ Ἐκ τῆς Περσίδος Βασιλεῖς, χρυσὸν σµύρναν καὶ λίβανον, τῷ κυηθέντι Βασιλεῖ, καὶ Θεῷ προσῆξαν πάλαι ἡµεῖς δὲ νῦν προεορτάζοντες αὐτοῦ τὴν Γέννησιν, εὐσεβοφρόνως ἐκ ψυχῆς, πίστιν ἐλπίδα ἀγάπην, προσφέρωµεν αὐτῷ, τὴν Παρθένον ὑµνοῦντες. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. (Πάλιν) Ἐκ τῆς Περσίδος Βασιλεῖς, χρυσὸν σµύρναν καὶ λίβανον, τῷ κυηθέντι Βασιλεῖ, καὶ Θεῷ προσῆξαν πάλαι ἡµεῖς δὲ νῦν προεορτάζοντες αὐτοῦ τὴν Γέννησιν, εὐσεβοφρόνως ἐκ ψυχῆς, πίστιν ἐλπίδα ἀγάπην, προσφέρωµεν αὐτῷ, τὴν Παρθένον ὑµνοῦντες. Ψαλµός Ν. Κοντάκιον τῶν Ἁγίων Χῦµα (Ἦχος δ Ἐπεφάνης σήµερον)

10 The martyrs noble struggle shines forth like the morning star and sheds brilliant light for us on the One Who was born in the cave, to Whom the Virgin has given birth without human seed. Oikos of the Martyrs Read (Tone 4) You have appeared today In their love for the Giver of life, Christ, born in the cave for us, the martyrs, those wellarmed soldiers, ring out their joyous tones against Belial. As conquerors, they have brought down him who once lifted himself up in arrogance. Thus they give light to darkened hearts, like satellites of the Sun. While the martyrs announce their struggles to us, the star goes before the Magi, leading them to Bethlehem, a city of Judah, toward Christ, to Whom the Virgin has given birth without human seed. Synaxarion On the twenty-third day of the month, we commemorate the holy ten martyrs who bore witnes in Crete. On the same day, our righteous father Paul, Archbishop of Neocaesaria, one of the 318 fathers at Nicaea. On the same day, the consecration of the Holy and Great Church of God. On the same day, our holy and God-bearing father Nahum the wonderworker, enlightener and preacher to Bulgaria. The Holy Martyr Schinon, ended this life by the sword. Through the prayers of Your holy ones, O God have mercy on us and save us. Amen. Katavasiai of the Nativity of Christ Ἑωσφόρος ἔλαµψεν, ἡ τῶν Μαρτύρων, σεβασµία ἄθλησις, προκαταυγάζουσα ἡµῖν, τὸν ἐν Σπηλαίῳ τικτόµενον, ὃν ἡ Παρθένος, ἀσπόρως ἐκύησεν. Κοντάκιον τῶν Ἁγίων Χῦµα (Ἦχος δ Ἐπεφάνης σήµερον) Τὸν ἐν Σπηλαίῳ δι ἡµᾶς τεχθέντα ἐκ Παρθένου, Χριστὸν τὸν ζωοδότην, ποθοῦντες οἱ ὁπλῖται, χορείαν ἤγειραν φαιδρὰν κατὰ τοῦ Βελίαρ, καὶ νικήσαντες σαφῶς, εἰς γῆν αὐτὸν κατέρραξαν, ἄµετρα πάλαι τοῦτον καυχώµενον ὅθεν δᾳδουχοῦσι τοῖς ἐν σκότει, ὡς φωστῆρες ὑπάρχοντες τοῦ νοητοῦ Ἡλίου ἀστὴρ µὲν γὰρ τὸ πρίν τοῖς Μάγοις ἐπέστη, ὁδηγῶν ἐν Βηθλεέµ, πόλει Ἰούδα, οὗτοι δὲ ἡµῖν κηρύττουσιν ἐν βασάνοις ὃν ἡ Παρθένος ἀσπόρως ἐκύησεν. Συναξάριον Τῇ ΚΓ τοῦ αὐτοῦ µηνός, Μνήµη τῶν Ἁγίων δέκα Μαρτύρων, τῶν ἐν Κρήτῃ µαρτυρησάντων. Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Μνήµη του Ὁσίου Πατρὸς ἡµῶν Παύλου, Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Νεοκαισαρείας, ἑνὸς τῶν τριακοσίων δέκα καὶ ὀκτὼ Ἁγίων Πατέρων τῶν ἐν Νικαίᾳ. Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Τὰ ἐγκαίνια τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Θεοῦ µεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας. Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Μνήµη τοῦ Ἁγίου καὶ Θεοφόρου πατρὸς ἡµῶν Ναοὺµ τοῦ θαυµατουργοῦ, τοῦ φωτιστοῦ καὶ ἱεροκήρυκος Βουλγαρίας. Ὁ Ἅγιος Μάρτυς Σχίνων ξίφει τελειοῦται. Ταῖς τῶν σῶν Ἁγίων πρεσβείαις, ὁ Θεός, ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Ἀµήν. Καταβασίαι τοῦ Χριστοῦ Γεννέσεως Tone 1 Ἦχος α Ode 1 Ὠδὴ α Christ is borne; glorify Him. Christ comes Χριστὸς γεννᾶται δοξάσατε Χριστὸς ἐξ from heaven; meet Him. Christ is on earth; be οὐρανῶν ἀπαντήσατε Χριστὸς ἐπὶ γῆς 10

11 exalted. All the earth, sing unto the Lord; O you peoples sing praises in gladness, for He is glorified. ὑψώθητε. ᾌσατε τῷ Κυρίῳ πᾶσα ἡ γῆ, καὶ ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ, ἀνυµνήσατε λαοί, ὅτι δεδόξασται. 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. αἰῶνας. 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. 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

12 More honorable... The Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord, December 23 Katavasia «Τὴν Τιµιωτέραν...» ὕµνος τῷ Θεῷ. 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 the Saints Tone 2 The Apostles gathered together With our hymns, let us joyfully crown Theodoulos, Zotikos and Saturninos, Agathopos, Pompios and Enician, the glorious Basilidos, the divine Eupropos, Evarestos and Gelasios of glorious renown, so that their prayers might deliver us from sin, and that we might receive crowns from Christ our God. Of the Forefeast Practicing the virtues and making efforts to mortify the passions through temperance, let us join the Magi as shepherds, presenting now as a triple gift in faith, actions worthy of praise and contemplation which reaches out to its object. Let us offer this to Him Who is drawing near to be born of the Virgin in the flesh, the God Who brings us salvation in His good will. 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. 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 τῶν Ἁγίων Ἦχος β Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωµεν Σὺν Θεοδούλῳ στέψωµεν, Ζωτικὸν Ἀγαθόπουν, καὶ Σατορνῖνον Πόµπιον, ἅµα Εὐνικιανῷ, τὸν ἔνδοξον Βασιλείδην, Εὔπορόν τε τὸν θεῖον, καὶ τὸν κλεινὸν Γελάσιον, καὶ Εὐάρεστον ὕµνοις, χαρµονικῶς, ταῖς πρεσβείαις τούτων, ὅπως ῥυσθῶµεν, πταισµάτων καὶ στεφθείηµεν, πρὸς Χριστοῦ τοῦ Σωτῆρος. Προεόρτιον Οἱ ἀρετὴν ἀσκήσαντες, καὶ νεκρῶσαι τὰ πάθη, ἐν ἐγκρατείᾳ σπεύσαντες, ὥσπερ τρίϋλον δῶρον, µετὰ ποιµένων καὶ Μάγων, πρᾶξιν ἐπαινουµένην, καὶ θεωρίαν εὔστοχον, νῦν προσάξωµεν πίστει, τῷ ἐν σαρκί, γεννηθῆναι ἥκοντι ἐκ Παρθένου, Θεῷ τῷ εὐδοκήσαντι, τὴν ἡµῶν σωτηρίαν. 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

13 Prosomoia Stichera Tone Plagal 2 The angelic Στιχηρὰ Προσόµοια Ἦχος πλ. β Αἱ Ἀγγελικαὶ First Stichos Στίχος α Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the multitude of His greatness. The mystery which the Father had determined from all ages, and which the Prophets announced in these latter times, has been revealed: God becomes man, taking flesh from the Virgin. The uncreated One allows Himself to be created. He remains what He is, yet becomes what He was not: Christ, the King of Israel is coming to the world. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐπὶ ταῖς δυναστείαις αὐτοῦ, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῆς µεγαλωσύνης αὐτοῦ. Τὸ προορισθέν, τῷ Πατρὶ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων, καὶ προκηρυχθέν, τοῖς Προφήταις ἐπ ἐσχάτων. Μυστήριον ἐφάνη, καὶ Θεὸς ἐνηνθρώπησε, σὰρκα προσλαβὼν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, κτίζεται ὁ Ἄκτιστος βουλήσει ὁ Ὢν γίνεται, ὁ Βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, Χριστὸς παραγίνεται. Second Stichos Στίχος β Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp. I sing to You, O my King, Who allowed Yourself to be wrapped in swaddling clothes, for You have loosened the wrappings of my sins. Honoring me with immortal glory, You make be belong entirely to the Father, creating me and restoring me. Thus we sing, Christ, the King of Israel, is coming into the world. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν ἤχῳ, σάλπιγγος, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν ψαλτηρίῳ καὶ κιθάρᾳ. Ὑµνῶ σε Βασιλεῦ, τὸν σπαργάνοις εἱληθέντα λύεις γὰρ σειράς, τῶν ἐµῶν παραπτωµάτων καὶ δόξῃ ἀκηράτῳ, καὶ ἀφθάρτῳ τιµήσας µε, ὅλον τῷ Πατρὶ προσῳκειώσω, δηµιουργῶν καὶ ἀναπλάττων διὸ κράζοµεν Ὁ Βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, Χριστὸς παραγίνεται. Third Stichos Στίχος γ Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. By means of a star, the star-gazing Magi have seen the Light coming forth from the Light, Who rose from the Virgin over us mortals. Rejecting the shadowy errors of their nation, as well as all the falsehood of astrology, they joyfully chant to the nativity of God, Blessed is He Who comes; O our God, glory to You. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν τυµπάνῳ καὶ χορῷ, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν χορδαῖς καὶ ὀργάνῳ. Φῶς τὸ ἐκ φωτός, προϊὸν καὶ ἐκ Παρθένου, λάµψαν τοῖς ἐν γῇ, δι Ἀστέρος κατιδόντες, οἱ Ἀστρολόγοι Μάγοι, Περσικὸν ἀπετίθεντο, σκότος καὶ ἀστρῷαν πᾶσαν πλάνην, καὶ ἐν χαρᾷ τῷ γεννηθέντι, Θεῷ ἔψαλλον Εὐλογηµένος ὁ τεχθείς, Θεὸς ἡµῶν δόξα σοι. Fourth Stichos Στίχος δ Praise Him with tuneful cymbals; praise Him with cymbals of jubilation. Let every breath praise the Lord. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν κυµβάλοις εὐήχοις, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν κυµβάλοις ἀλαλαγµοῦ. Πᾶσα πνοὴ αἰνεσάτω τὸν Κύριον. Herod, deceived by the wise scholars, Χλόην ἐµµανῶς, τῶν Νηπίων ἐκθερίζει, ὑπὸ furiously mows down the tender grass of the τῶν σοφῶν, ἐµπαιχθεὶς Ἡρῴδης Μάγων καὶ holy innocents; he believed he had lifted up χεῖρα µιαιφόνον, κατὰ σοῦ αἴρειν ᾤετο ἀλλ his criminal hand against You; but You had ἐπιδηµεῖς τοῖς Αἰγυπτίοις, σκότος τὸ 13

14 gone to dwell in the land of the Egyptians, scattering their profound darkness. With them, we sing out to You, Blessed is He Who comes; O our God, glory to You. Idiomela βαθύτατον διώκων, µεθ ὧν ψάλλοµεν Εὐλογηµένος ὁ τεχθείς, Θεὸς ἡµῶν δόξα σοι. Ἰδιόµελα Tone Plagal 2 Ἦχος πλ. β Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Sing a new song, O new Israel! Intone the heavenly hymns here below! Exult and dance with happiness and joy! Celebrate your lightbearing festival! God comes from Theman, manifested in the flesh. He becomes Himself in His humanity, baptizing it in the streams of the Jordan. Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. You appeared in the midst of mortal men on earth; and at the order of Caesar you were registered along with Your servants. You were made man without change, remaining completely God, yet in the flesh. Glory, honor and praise to this work of salvation, a wonder both now and throughout the ages of ages. Amen. 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. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Ψάλλων ὁ καινός, Ἰσραὴλ τὸ καινὸν ᾄσµα, ᾄδων, τὴν ᾠδήν, τὴν οὐράνιον ἐκείνην, εὐφράνθητι καὶ τέρπου, καὶ ἀγάλλου καὶ χόρευε ἄγε δὴ φαιδρῶς τὰς Ἑορτάς σου, ὁ ἐκ Θαιµὰν Θεὸς σαρκὶ ἐφάνη, αὐτὸς µέλλει δέ, ἐν Ἰορδάνου ταῖς ῥοαῖς, ὡς ἄνθρωπος λούσεσθαι. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Ὤφθης ἐπὶ γῆς, καὶ βροτοῖς συνανεστράφης, Καίσαρος θεσµοῖς, σὺν τοῖς δούλοις ἐπεγράφης ἐπλάσθης, οὐκ ἐτράπης, ἀναλλοίωτος ἔµεινας, ὅλος ὢν Θεός, κἂν ἐσαρκώθης Δόξα τῇ σοὶ οἰκονοµίᾳ, τιµὴ αἴνεσις, µεγαλοπρέπεια καὶ νῦν, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. Ἀµήν. 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. Receive our prayer, O You Who sit at the right Πρόσδεξαι τὴν δέησιν ἡµῶν, ὁ καθήµενος ἐν hand of the Father, and have mercy on us. δεξιᾷ τοῦ Πατρός, καὶ ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. 14

15 For You only are holy; You only are the Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. 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. Ὅτι σὺ εἶ µόνος Ἅγιος, σὺ εἶ µόνος Κύριος, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρός. Ἀµήν. 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 Prosomoia of the Forefeast Tone 1 All-venerable martyrs 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 Προσόµοια Προεόρτια Ἦχος α Πανεύφηµοι Μάρτυρες ὑµᾶς The entire world rejoices at seeing the descent Ἡ γῆ πᾶσα βλέπουσα Θεοῦ, κάθοδον of God; the Magi carry Him their gifts. εὐφραίνεται, Μάγοι τὰ δῶρά µοι φέρουσιν. 15

16 Heaven makes his voice known by means of a star. The angels glorify Him; the shepherds stand in wonder in their fields; the manger holds Him as a fiery throne. In seeing this, His Mother exults with joy. God shall come out of Themon, and the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed by the forest. A light of revelation to the Gentiles, You come in the likeness of my nature, O my Son Who are outside of time, ineffably born of the Father from before all time. You wish to enrich the poverty of mankind by the poverty which You have assumed. I sing to You, O Lord, in the tenderness of my heart. O Lord, I have heard Your report and was afraid; I considered Your works and was amazed. Rejoice, O my Mother, as you see Me lying in your arms as an Infant. I have come to take away all the pain of Adam, which he suffered in following the advice of the traitorous serpent, when he tasted the fruit of the forbidden tree and was deprived of the delights of Paradise, being brought down to the dust of the tomb. Of the Saints Tone 3 Studite Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. O Bethlehem, receive the mother of God, for she has come to you to give birth to the Light that never sets. O you angels, gaze with wonder from heaven; O you men, give glory on earth. O Magi from Persia, bring your threefold gift; you shepherds abiding in the fields, sing the thrice-holy hymn. Let everything that has breath praise the Maker of all. Of the Forefeast Tone Plagal 4 Anatolios Οὐρανὸς φθέγγεται, διὰ τοῦ Ἀστέρος, Ἄγγελοι δοξάζουσι, Ποιµένες ἀγραυλοῦντες θαυµάζουσι, Φάτνη εἰσδέχεται, ὥσπερ θρόνος µε πυρίµορφος. Ἐπαγάλλου, ταῦτα Μῆτερ βλέπουσα. Ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ Θαιµὰν ἥξει καὶ ὁ ἅγιος ἐξ ὄρους κατασκίου δασέος. Φῶς εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν Ἐθνῶν, ἦλθες περικείµενος, ἐµῆς µορφῆς τὸ ὁµοίωµα, Υἱέ µου ἄναρχε, Πατρὸς προανάρχου, ἀπόρρητον Γέννηµα πλουτίσαι γὰρ προείλου πτωχεύσασαν, τὴν ἀνθρωπότητα, τῇ πτωχείᾳ ἣν περίκεισαι. Ἀνυµνῶ σου, Κύριε τὸ εὔσπλαγχνον. Κύριε εἰσακήκοα τὴν ἀκοήν σου καὶ ἐφοβήθην κατενόησα τὰ ἔργα σου.. Ὡς βρέφος µε βλέπουσα ταῖς σαῖς, ἐπαναπαυόµενον, Μῆτερ ἀγκάλαις εὐφράνθητι ἦλθον τὸν πόνον γάρ, ὅλον ἀφελέσθαι, τοῦ, Ἀδὰµ ὃν ἔπαθε, κακίστῃ συµβουλίᾳ τοῦ ὄφεως, ξύλου γευσάµενος, καὶ τρυφῆς ἔξω γενόµενος, Παραδείσου, καὶ καταφθειρόµενος. Τῶν Ἁγίων Ἦχος γ Τοῦ Στουδίτου Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Γενναῖοι Μάρτυρες ἀληθείας, ὑµᾶς οὐ βία τυραννική, οὐ θωπεία ἀπατηλή, οὐ µελῶν ἐκκοπαί, οὐδὲ θανάτου ἀπειλαί, τῆς πρὸς τὸ θεῖον ἀγάπης, χωρίσαι δεδύνηνται διὸ παρρησίαν ἔχοντες, πρὸς Χριστὸν τὸν ἐπὶ πάντων Θεόν, ταύτην ἀµοιβὴν τῶν ἀλγεινῶν βασάνων αἰτήσασθε, παρὰ Χριστοῦ, λαβεῖν εὐχαῖς ὑµῶν, τὸ µέγα ἔλεος. Προεόρτιον Ἦχος πλ. δ Ἀνατολίου Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. 16

17 Behold, the Creator of all is born in Bethlehem. The King of the ages opens Eden to us. The flaming sword will no longer prevent us from drawing near. The wall of separation has been torn down. The powers of heaven are joined to mankind; the angels celebrate this great feast in the company of mortals. With a pure heart, let us approach the spotless one, contemplating the Virgin who has become the cherubic throne, holding the God Whom no space can contain and carrying the One Who is carried in awe by the Cherubim. He does this to grant to the world great mercy. 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. Apolitikion Apolitikion of the Forefeast Tone 4 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. Ἐν Βηθλεὲµ γεννᾶται, ὁ τοῦ παντὸς Ποιητής, καὶ τὴν Ἐδὲµ ἀνοίγει, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Βασιλεύς, ἡ φλογίνη ῥοµφαία, τὰ νῶτα δίδωσιν, τὸ µεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγµοῦ διαλέλυται, αἱ οὐράνιαι δυνάµεις, σὺν τοῖς ἐπὶ γῆς ἀναµίγνυνται, Ἄγγελοι σὺν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις, κραταιὰν πανήγυριν συγκροτοῦσιν. Οἱ καθαροὶ τῷ καθαρῷ προσενεχθέντες, ἴδωµεν τὴν Παρθένον, ὡς θρόνον δόξης Χερουβικόν, χωρήσασαν τὸν µηδαµοῦ χωρούµενον Θεόν, καὶ βαστάζουσαν, ὃν τὰ Χερουβὶµ µετὰ φόβου βαστάζουσιν ὅπως παράσχῃ τῷ κόσµῳ τὸ µέγα ἔλεος. 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. Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀπολυτίκιον Προεόρτιον Ἦχος δ 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. Dismissal, May Christ our true God,... Ἀπόλυσις «Χριστὸς ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς ἡµῶν...» When December 23rd falls on a Friday: the Great, or Imperial, Hours are read immediately. Note: There is no Divine Liturgy on Friday, December 23rd. When December 23rd falls on a Saturday: the Divine Liturgy of the Saturday Before the Nativity. When December 23rd falls on Monday through Thursday: the Divine Liturgy of the Feast of Saint Anastasia and Companions. Dismissal, May Christ our true God,... Otherwise, the Dismissal: 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 Tone 4 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 Tone 4 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 Ἦχος δ 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 Ἦχος δ 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 Martyrs Tone 3 Awed by the beauty Let us express our great admiration for Crete which brought forth these precious ones, these pearls of Christ and offspring of martyrs, and in particular, these Blessed Ten; for although they were few, they overcame all the guiles of powerful demons. Wherefore these valiant martyrs of Christ have been crowned. Apolitikion of the Temple Ἀπολυτίκιον τῶν Ἁγίων Ἦχος γ Τὴν ὡραιότητα Τὴν πολυθαύµαστον Κρήτην τιµήσωµεν, τὴν ἐξανθήσασαν ἄνθη τὰ τίµια, τοὺς µαργαρίτας τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Μαρτύρων τοὺς ἀκρέµονας. Δέκα γὰρ ὑπάρχοντες, ἀριθµῷ οἱ µακάριοι, δύναµιν µυρίοπλον τῶν δαιµόνων κατῄσχυναν διὸ καὶ τοὺς στεφάνους ἐδέξαντο, Μάρτυρες Χριστοῦ οἱ καρτερόψυχοι. Ἀπολυτίκιον τοῦ Ναοῦ Tone 4 Ἦχος δ 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...» Monday - Thursday Morning Epistle Of the Day Gospel Of the Day Saturday Morning Epistle 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 Ἦχος δ. 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 Δευτέρᾳ - Πέµπτῇ Πρωΐ Ἀπόστολος Τῆς ἡµέρας Εὐαγγέλιον Τῆς ἡµέρας Σαββάτων Πρωΐ Ἀπόστολος Saturday Before the Feast of the Nativity Σαββάτου πρό τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ Γεννήσεως Galatians 3:8-12 Γαλ. γ

21 Gospel Saturday Before the Feast of the Nativity Matthew 13:19-29 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