The Feast of the Nativity of Christ, December 25

Transcript

1 The Feast of the Nativity of Christ, December 25 The Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ Ἡ κατὰ σάρκα Γέννησις τοῦ Κυρίου καὶ Θεοῦ καὶ Σωτήρος ἡµῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ December 25 The Feast of the Nativity of Christ reminds us that we are born of God, that we are sons of God (1 John 3:1), that we have been saved from sin (Matthew 1:21), and that we must live for God and not for sin. We must therefore not live for flesh and blood, not for the world which lies in evil (1 John 5:19). What does the incarnation of the Son of God require of us? It requires of us to remember and hold in sacred honor the fact that we are born of God. Therefore, if we have sullied and trampled upon this birthright with our sins, we must restore it by washing it with tears of repentance. When we fall the image of God within us becomes tarnished, and must be renewed. Moreover, our union with God, with blessedness, with truth, and with holiness must be restored. And we do this through repentance (which means re-thinking ) and through the Mystery of Holy Confession. Saint John of Kronstadt Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. (Luke 2:13-14) This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world; let no one threaten. This is the night of the most-humble One; let no one be proud. Now is the day of joy; let us not revenge. Now is the day of good will; let us not be mean. This is the day of peace; let us not be conquered by anger. Today the Bountiful One became impoverished for our sake; thus let the rich man invite the poor one to his table. Today we received a gift which we did not ask for; let us therefore give alms to those who implore us and who beg from us. This present day cast open the heavenly door to our prayers; let us then open our door to those who ask our forgiveness. Now the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of humanity; He did so for humanity to be decorated by the seal of Divinity. 1

2 When December 25th, falls on Tuesday through Saturday, Matins, the Imperial Hours, and the Vesperal Liturgy of the Paramony are celebrated on the previous day, December 24th. The Feast of the Nativity thus begins on the morning of the 25th with Matins (page 16) followed by the Divine Liturgy. Thus, when December 25th falls on Tuesday through Saturday, Great Vespers (below) is not celebrated the previous evening. When December 25th, falls on a Sunday or a Monday, however, Matins and the Imperial Hours of the Paramony are read on Friday, but the Vesperal Liturgy is not be celebrated on that day. Thus, when December 25th falls on a Sunday or a Monday, the Feast of the Nativity begins with Great Vespers (below) on Saturday or Sunday evening. At Great Vespers Saturday or Sunday Evening The Proemial Psalm. Great Litany. At the Kyrie Ekekraksa Idiomela Stichera Tone 2 Of Germanos 2 Εἰς τὸν Μεγἀλον Ἐσπερινόν Σαββάτον ἢ Κυριακῇ Ἑσπέρας Ὁ Προιµιακός. Εἰρηνικά. Εἰς τὸ «Κύριε, Ἐκέκραξα» Στιχηρὰ Ἰδιόµελα Ἦχος β Γερµανοῦ Stichos 1 Στίχος α If You should mark iniquities, Lord, O Lord, who shall stand? For with You there is forgiveness. Come, let us greatly rejoice in the Lord as we tell of this present mystery. The middle wall of partition has been destroyed; the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life, and I partake of the delight of Paradise from which I was cast out through disobedience. For the express Image of the Father, the imprint of His eternity, takes the form of a servant, and without undergoing change He comes forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock. For what He was, He has remained, true God; and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself, becoming man through love for mankind. Unto Him let us cry aloud: God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us. Ἐὰν ἀνοµίας παρατηρήσῃς, Κύριε, Κύριε τίς ὑποστήσεται; ὅτι παρὰ σοὶ ὁ ἱλασµός ἐστιν. Δεῦτε ἀγαλλιασώµεθα τῷ Κυρίῳ, τὸ παρὸν µυστήριον ἐκδιηγούµενοι, τὸ µεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγµοῦ διαλέλυται, ἡ φλογίνη ῥοµφαία τὰ νῶτα δίδωσι, καὶ τὰ Χερουβίµ παραχωρεῖ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς, κἀγὼ τοῦ παραδείσου τῆς τρυφῆς µεταλαµβάνω, οὗ προεξεβλήθην διὰ τῆς παρακοῆς. Ἡ γὰρ ἀπαράλλακτος εἰκὼν τοῦ Πατρός, ὁ χαρακτήρ τῆς ἀϊδιότητος αὐτοῦ, µορφὴν δούλου λαµβάνει, ἐξ ἀπειρογάµου Μητρὸς προελθών, οὐ τροπὴν ὑποµείνας ὃ γὰρ ἦν διέµεινε, Θεὸς ὢν ἀληθινός καὶ ὃ οὐκ ἦν προσέλαβεν, ἄνθρωπος γενόµενος διὰ φιλανθρωπίαν αὐτῷ βοήσωµεν ὁ τεχθεὶς ἐκ Παρθένου Θεός, ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς.

3 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. (Repeat) Come, let us greatly rejoice in the Lord as we tell of this present mystery. The middle wall of partition has been destroyed; the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life, and I partake of the delight of Paradise from which I was cast out through disobedience. For the express Image of the Father, the imprint of His eternity, takes the form of a servant, and without undergoing change He comes forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock. For what He was, He has remained, true God; and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself, becoming man through love for mankind. Unto Him let us cry aloud: God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us. Ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόµατός σου ὑπέµεινά σε, Κύριε ὑπέµεινεν ἡ ψυχή µου εἰς τὸν λόγον σου, ἤλπισεν ἡ ψυχή µου ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον. (Πάλιν) Δεῦτε ἀγαλλιασώµεθα τῷ Κυρίῳ, τὸ παρὸν µυστήριον ἐκδιηγούµενοι, τὸ µεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγµοῦ διαλέλυται, ἡ φλογίνη ῥοµφαία τὰ νῶτα δίδωσι, καὶ τὰ Χερουβίµ παραχωρεῖ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς, κἀγὼ τοῦ παραδείσου τῆς τρυφῆς µεταλαµβάνω, οὗ προεξεβλήθην διὰ τῆς παρακοῆς. Ἡ γὰρ ἀπαράλλακτος εἰκὼν τοῦ Πατρός, ὁ χαρακτήρ τῆς ἀϊδιότητος αὐτοῦ, µορφὴν δούλου λαµβάνει, ἐξ ἀπειρογάµου Μητρὸς προελθών, οὐ τροπὴν ὑποµείνας ὃ γὰρ ἦν διέµεινε, Θεὸς ὢν ἀληθινός καὶ ὃ οὐκ ἦν προσέλαβεν, ἄνθρωπος γενόµενος διὰ φιλανθρωπίαν αὐτῷ βοήσωµεν ὁ τεχθεὶς ἐκ Παρθένου Θεός, ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Stichos 3 Στίχος γ Tone 2 Anatolios From the morning watch until night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in the Lord. When the Lord Jesus was born of the holy Virgin, all the world was enlightened. The shepherds watched in the fields, the Magi adored, and the angels praised in song; but Herod was troubled, for God has appeared in the flesh, the Savior of our souls. Ἦχος β Ἀνατολίου Ἀπὸ φυλακῆς πρωΐας µέχρι νυκτός, ἀπὸ φυλακῆς πρωΐας, ἐλπισάτω Ἰσραὴλ ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον. Τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ γεννηθέντος ἐκ τῆς ἁγίας Παρθένου, πεφώτισται τὰ σύµπαντα Ποιµένων γὰρ ἀγραυλούντων, καὶ Μάγων προσκυνούντων, Ἀγγέλων ἀνυµνούντων, Ἡρῴδης ἐταράττετο, ὅτι Θεὸς ἐν σαρκὶ ἐφάνη, Σωτὴρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡµῶν. 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. (Repeat) When the Lord Jesus was born of the holy Virgin, all the world was enlightened. The shepherds watched in the fields, the Magi adored, and the angels praised in song; but Herod was troubled, for God has appeared in the flesh, the Savior of our souls. Ὅτι παρὰ τῷ Κυρίῳ τὸ ἔλεος καὶ πολλὴ παρ αὐτῷ λύτρωσις καὶ αὐτὸς λυτρώσεται τὸν Ἰσραὴλ ἐκ πασῶν τῶν ἀνοµιῶν αὐτοῦ. (Πάλιν) Τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ γεννηθέντος ἐκ τῆς ἁγίας Παρθένου, πεφώτισται τὰ σύµπαντα Ποιµένων γὰρ ἀγραυλούντων, καὶ Μάγων προσκυνούντων, Ἀγγέλων ἀνυµνούντων, Ἡρῴδης ἐταράττετο, ὅτι Θεὸς ἐν σαρκὶ ἐφάνη, Σωτὴρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡµῶν. Stichos 5 Στίχος ε Praise the Lord, all you nations; praise Him, Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἐπαινέσατε all you peoples. αὐτὸν πάντες οἱ λαοί. 3

4 Your Kingdom, O Christ God, is a Kingdom of all the ages, and Your rule is from generation to generation. Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-virgin Mary, You have enlightened us by Your coming. Light of Light, Brightness of the Father, You have made the whole creation shine with joy. All that has breath praises You, the Image of the glory of the Father. O God Who are, and Who has ever been, Who has shone forth from a Virgin, have mercy on us. Stichos 6 For He has made His mercy to prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord abides to the ages. What shall we offer You, O Christ, Who for our sake has appeared on earth as man? Every creature made by You offers You thanks. The angels offer You a hymn; the heavens, a star; the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder; the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger; and we offer You a Virgin Mother. O preeternal God, have mercy on us. Idiomelon Tone 2 Kassia Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. When Augustus reigned alone upon earth, the many kingdoms of men came to an end; and when You were made man of the pure Virgin, the many gods of idolatry were destroyed. The cities of the world passed under one single rule; and the nations came to believe in one sovereign Godhead. The peoples were enrolled by the decree of Caesar; and we, the faithful, were enrolled in the Name of the Godhead, when You, our God, were made man. Great is Your mercy, glory to You. Entrance with the Gospel Ἡ Βασιλεία σου, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, βασιλεία πάντων τῶν αἰώνων, καὶ ἡ Δεσποτεία σου, ἐν πάσῃ γενεᾷ καὶ γενεᾷ. Ὁ σαρκωθεὶς ἐκ Πνεύµατος Ἁγίου, καὶ ἐκ τῆς ἀειπαρθένου Μαρίας ἐνανθρωπήσας, φῶς ἡµῖν ἔλαµψας, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, τῇ σῇ παρουσίᾳ φῶς ἐκ φωτός, τοῦ Πατρὸς τὸ ἀπαύγασµα, πᾶσαν κτίσιν ἐφαίδρυνας. Πᾶσα πνοὴ αἰνεῖ σε, τὸν χαρακτῆρα τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός. Ὁ ὢν καὶ προών, καὶ ἐκλάµψας ἐκ Παρθένου Θεός, ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Στίχος στ Ὅτι ἐκραταιώθη τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ ἐφ ἡµᾶς, καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Κυρίου µένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. Τὶ σοι προσενέγκωµεν Χριστέ, ὅτι ὤφθης ἐπὶ γῆς ὡς ἄνθρωπος δι ἡµᾶς; ἕκαστον γὰρ τῶν ὑπὸ σοῦ γενοµένων κτισµάτων, τὴν εὐχαριστίαν σοι προσάγει οἱ Ἄγγελοι τὸν ὕµνον, οἱ οὐρανοὶ τὸν Ἀστέρα, οἱ Μάγοι τὰ δῶρα, οἱ Ποιµένες τὸ θαῦµα, ἡ γῆ τὸ σπήλαιον, ἡ ἔρηµος τὴν φάτνην ἡµεῖς δὲ Μητέρα Παρθένον. Ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Θεὸς ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Ἰδιόµελον Ἦχος β Κασίας Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Αὐγούστου µοναρχήσαντος ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἡ πολυαρχία τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐπαύσατο, καὶ σοῦ ἐνανθρωπήσαντος ἐκ τῆς Ἁγνῆς, ἡ πολυθεΐα τῶν εἰδώλων κατήργηται. Ὑπὸ µίαν βασιλείαν ἐγκόσµιον, αἱ πόλεις γεγένηνται καὶ εἰς µίαν Δεσποτείαν Θεότητος, τὰ Ἔθνη ἐπίστευσαν. Ἀπεγράφησαν οἱ λαοί, τῷ δόγµατι τοῦ Καίσαρος, ἐπεγράφηµεν οἱ πιστοί, ὀνόµατι Θεότητος, σοῦ τοῦ ἐνανθρωπήσαντος Θεοῦ ἡµῶν. Μέγα σου τὸ ἔλεος, δόξα σοι. Εἴσοδος µετὰ τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου Deacon Wisdom. Rise. Διάκ. Σοφία. Ὁρθοί. O gladsome light of holy glory, the Φως ἱλαρὸν ἁγίας δόξης, ἀθανάτου immortal Father, heavenly and holy, Πατρός, οὐρανίου, ἁγίου, µάρκαρος, blessed Jesus Christ, now that we have Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ἐλθόντες ἐπὶ τὴν ἠλίου 4

5 come to the setting of the sun and see the light of evening, we praise You, the Father, Son, and 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 (of life):... δύσιν, ἰδόντες φῶς ἑσπερινόν, ὑµνοῦµεν Πατέρα, Υἱόν, καὶ ἅγιον Πνεῦµα Θεόν. Ἄξιόν σὲ ἐν πᾶσι καιροῖς, ὑµνεῖσθαι φωναὶς αἰσαίς, Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ζωὴν ὁ διδούς the world does glorify glorify You.... διὸ ὁ κόσµος σὲ δοξάζει. The daily Prokeimenon is not chanted. Readings First Reading The reading from Genesis. Ἀνεῦ Προκείµενον. Ἀνάγνωσµατα Α Ἀνάγνωσµα Genesis 1:1-13 Γενέσεως α 1-13 Γενέσεως τὸ Ἀνάγνωσµα. Deacon Wisdom. Let us be attentive. Διάκ. Σοφία. Πρόσχωµεν. In the beginning God made the heavens and the earth. The earth was invisible and unfinished; and darkness was over the deep. The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the water. Then God said, Let there be light ; and there was light. God saw the light; it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day; the darkness He called Night; and there was evening and morning, one day. Then God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the water, and let it divide the water from the water ; and it was so. Thus God made the firmament, and God divided the water under the firmament from the water above the firmament. So God called the firmament Heaven, and God saw that it was good; and there was evening and morning, the second day. Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἐποίησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν ἡ δὲ γῆ ἦν ἀόρατος καὶ ἀκατασκεύαστος καὶ σκότος ἐπάνω τῆς ἀβύσσου καὶ πνεῦµα Θεοῦ ἐπεφέρετο ἐπάνω τοῦ ὕδατος. Καὶ εἶπεν ὁ Θεὸς Γενηθήτω φῶς καὶ ἐγένετο φῶς. Καὶ εἶδεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ φῶς ὅτι καλὸν καὶ διεχώρισεν ὁ Θεὸς ἀνὰ µέσον τοῦ φωτὸς καὶ ἀνὰ µέσον τοῦ σκότους. Καὶ ἐκάλεσεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ φῶς Ἡ µ έ ρ α ν καὶ τὸ σκότος ἐκάλεσεν Ν ύ κ τ α καὶ ἐγένετο ἑσπέρα καὶ ἐγένετο πρωΐ, ἡµέρα µία. Καὶ εἶπεν ὁ Θεὸς Γενηθήτω στερέωµα ἐν µέσῳ τοῦ ὕδατος καὶ ἔστω διαχωρίζον ἀνὰ µέσον ὕδατος καὶ ὕδατος καὶ ἐγένετο οὕτω. Καὶ ἐποίησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ στερέωµα καὶ διεχώρισεν ὁ Θεὸς ἀνὰ µέσον τοῦ ὕδατος τοῦ ἐπάνω τοῦ στερεώµατος καὶ ἀνὰ µέσον τοῦ ὕδατος, τοῦ ὑποκάτω τοῦ στερεώµατος. Καὶ ἐκάλεσεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ στερέωµα Ο ὐ ρ α ν ὸ ν, καὶ εἶδεν ὁ Θεὸς ὅτι καλὸν καὶ ἐγένετο ἑσπέρα καὶ ἐγένετο πρωΐ, ἡµέρα δευτέρα. Then God said, Let the water under heaven Καὶ εἶπεν ὁ Θεὸς Συναχθήτω τὸ ὕδωρ τὸ be gathered together into one place, and let the ὑποκάτω τοῦ οὐρανοῦ εἰς συναγωγὴν µίαν καὶ dry land appear ; and it was so. The water ὀφθήτω ἡ ξηρὰ καὶ ἐγένετο οὕτω καὶ under heaven was gathered into its places, and συνήχθη τὸ ὕδωρ τὸ ὑποκάτω τοῦ Οὐρανοῦ the dry land appeared. So God called the dry εἰς τὰς συναγωγὰς αὐτῶν καὶ ὤφθη ἡ ξηρὰ. land Earth, and the gathering together of the Καὶ ἐκάλεσεν ὁ Θεὸς τὴν ξηρὰν Γ ῆ ν καὶ τὰ waters He called Seas; and God saw that it συστήµατα τῶν ὑδάτων ἐκάλεσεν Θ α λ ά σ σ was good. Then God said, Let the earth bring α ς. Καὶ εἶδεν ὁ Θεὸς ὅτι καλὸν. Καὶ εἶπεν ὁ forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according Θεὸς Βλαστησάτω ἡ γῆ βοτάνην χόρτου to its kind and likeness. Let the fruit tree bear σπεῖρον σπέρµα κατὰ γένος καὶ καθ fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its ὁµοιότητα καὶ ξύλον κάρπιµον ποιοῦν καρπὸν 5

6 kind on earth. It was so. Thus the earth brought forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness. The fruit tree bore fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind on earth. God saw that it was good. So evening and morning were the third day. Troparion and Verses οὗ τὸ σπέρµα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ κατὰ γένος ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς καὶ ἐγένετο οὕτω. Καὶ ἐξήνεγκεν ἡ γῆ βοτάνην χόρτου σπεῖρον σπέρµα κατὰ γένος καὶ καθ ὁµοιότητα καὶ ξύλον κάρπιµον ποιοῦν καρπὸν οὗ τὸ σπέρµα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ κατὰ γένος ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς καὶ εἶδεν ὁ Θεὸς ὅτι καλὸν καὶ ἐγένετο ἑσπέρα, καὶ ἐγένετο πρωΐ, ἡµέρα τρίτη. Τροπάριον καὶ Στίχοι Tone Plagal 2 Ἦχος πλ. β Troparion You were born secretly in the cave, but heaven spoke through a star, and proclaimed You to all, O Savior. And it brought the Magi, who worshipped You in faith: have mercy on them and on us. Verses First Verse: His foundations are in the holy mountains; the Lord loves the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. And it brought the Magi, who worshipped You in faith: have mercy on them and on us. Second Verse: Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God; I will make mention of Raáb and Babylon to those who know Me. And it brought the Magi, who worshipped You in faith: have mercy on them and on us. Third Verse: And behold, the foreigners and Tyre and the people of the Ethiopians. And it brought the Magi, who worshipped You in faith: have mercy on them and on us. Fourth Verse: These were born there. A man shall say: Mother Sion; and: That man was born in her; and: The Most-High Himself has founded her. And it brought the Magi, who worshipped You in faith: have mercy on them and on us. Fifth Verse: The Lord shall tent in the writings of the peoples and princes, even those who were born in her. How joyous are all they who have their habitation in You. Τροπάριον Λαθὼν ἐτέχθης ὑπὸ τὸ Σπήλαιον, ἀλλ οὐρανὸς σε πᾶσιν ἐκήρυξεν, ὥσπερ στόµα, τὸν Ἀστέρα προβαλλόµενος Σωτήρ Καὶ Μάγους σοι προσήνεγκεν, ἐν πίστει προσκυνοῦντάς σε µεθ ὧν ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Στίχοι Στίχος α Οἱ θεµέλιοι αὐτοῦ ἐν τοῖς ὄρεσι τοῖς ἁγίοις ἀγαπᾷ Κύριος τὰς πύλας Σιών, ὑπὲρ πάντα τὰ σκηνώµατα Ἰακώβ. Καὶ Μάγους σοι προσήνεγκεν, ἐν πίστει προσκυνοῦντάς σε µεθ ὧν ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Στίχος β Δεδοξασµένα ἐλαλήθη περὶ σοῦ, ἡ Πόλις τοῦ Θεοῦ µνησθήσοµαι Ῥαὰβ καὶ Βαβυλῶνος, τοῖς γινώσκουσί µε. Καὶ Μάγους σοι προσήνεγκεν, ἐν πίστει προσκυνοῦντάς σε µεθ ὧν ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Στίχος γ Καὶ ἰδοὺ ἀλλόφυλοι, καὶ Τύρος, καὶ λαὸς τῶν Αἰθιόπων. Καὶ Μάγους σοι προσήνεγκεν, ἐν πίστει προσκυνοῦντάς σε, µεθ ὧν ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Στίχος δ Οὗτοι ἐγεννήθησαν ἐκεῖ, Μήτηρ Σιών, ἐρεῖ ἄνθρωπος ἐγεννήθη ἐν αὐτῇ, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐθεµελίωσεν αὐτὴν ὁ Ὕψιστος. Καὶ Μάγους σοι προσήνεγκεν, ἐν πίστει προσκυνοῦντάς σε, µεθ ὧν ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Στίχος ε Κύριος διηγήσεται ἐν γραφῇ λαῶν, καὶ Ἀρχόντων τούτων τῶν γεγεννηµένων ἐν αὐτῇ, Ὡς εὐφραινοµένων πάντων ἡ κατοικία ἐν σοί. And it brought the Magi, who worshipped You Καὶ Μάγους σοι προσήνεγκεν, ἐν πίστει in faith: have mercy on them and on us. προσκυνοῦντάς σε, µεθ ὧν ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. 6

7 Troparion Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. You were born secretly in the cave, but heaven spoke through a star, and proclaimed You to all, O Savior. And it brought the Magi, who worshipped You in faith: have mercy on them and on us. Seventh Reading 7 Τροπάριον Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Λαθὼν ἐτέχθης ὑπὸ τὸ Σπήλαιον, ἀλλ οὐρανὸς σε πᾶσιν ἐκήρυξεν, ὥσπερ στόµα, τὸν Ἀστέρα προβαλλόµενος Σωτήρ. Καὶ Μάγους σοι προσήνεγκεν, ἐν πίστει προσκυνοῦντάς σε, µεθ ὧν ἐλέησον ἡµᾶς. Ζ Ἀνάγνωσµα Isaiah 9:6-7 Ἡσ. θ 6-7 The reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Προφητείας Ἡσαΐου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσµα Deacon Wisdom. Let us be attentive. Διάκ. Σοφία. Πρόσχωµεν. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called the Angel of Great Counsel, for I shall bring peace upon the rulers, peace and health by Him. Great shall be His government, and of His peace there is no end. His peace shall be upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order and establish it with righteousness and judgment from that time forward and to the ages. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this. Troparion and Verses Παιδίον ἐγεννήθη ἡµῖν υἱὸς καὶ ἐδόθη ἡµῖν οὗ ἡ ἀρχὴ ἐγενήθη ἐπὶ τοῦ ὤµου αὐτοῦ καὶ καλεῖται τὸ ὄνοµα αὐτοῦ, Μεγάλης βουλῆς ἄγγελος,θαυµαστὸς σύµβουλος, Θεὸς ἰσχυρός, ἐξουσιαστής, ἄρχων εἰρήνης, πατὴρ τοῦ µέλλοντος αἰῶνος. Ἄξω γὰρ εἰρήνην ἐπὶ τοὺς ἄρχοντας, εἰρήνην καὶ ὑγείαν αὐτῷ. Μεγάλη ἡ ἀρχὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ τῆς εἰρήνης αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔστιν ὅριον ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον Δαυΐδ, καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ κατορθῶσαι αὐτὴν καὶ ἀντιλαβέσθαι αὐτῆς ἐν κρίµατι καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ, ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν καὶ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. Ο ζῆλος Κυρίου Σαβαὼθ ποιήσει ταῦτα. Τροπάριον καὶ Στίχοι Tone Plagal 2 Ἦχος πλ. β Troparion You have shone forth from a Virgin, O Christ, You spiritual Sun of righteousness; and star showed You, Whom nothing can contain, contained within a cave. You have led Magi to worship You, and joining them we magnify You: O Giver of life, glory to You. Verses First Verse: The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength and He has girded Himself. You have led Magi to worship You, and joining them we magnify You: O Giver of life, glory to You. Τροπάριον Ἀνέτειλας Χριστὲ ἐκ Παρθένου, νοητὲ Ἥλιε τῆς Δικαιοσύνης καὶ Ἀστὴρ σε ὑπέδειξεν, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ χωρούµενον τὸν ἀχώρητον. Μάγους ὁδηγήσας εἰς προσκύνησίν σου µεθ ὧν σε µεγαλύνοµεν, Ζωοδότα δόξα σοι. Στίχοι Στίχος α Ὁ Κύριος ἐβασίλευσεν, εὐπρέπειαν ἐνεδύσατο, ἐνεδύσατο Κύριος δύναµιν καὶ περιεζώσατο. Μάγους ὁδηγήσας εἰς προσκύνησίν σου µεθ ὧν σε µεγαλύνοµεν, Ζωοδότα δόξα σοι.

8 Second Verse: For He established the world which shall not be shaken. Your throne is prepared of old. You have led Magi to worship You, and joining them we magnify You: O Giver of life, glory to You. Third Verse: The rivers have lifted up, O Lord, the rivers have lifted up their voices; the rivers will lift up their waves, at the voices of many waters. You have led Magi to worship You, and joining them we magnify You: O Giver of life, glory to You. Fourth Verse: Wonderful are the surgings of the sea, wonderful on high is the Lord; Your testimonies are made very sure. You have led Magi to worship You, and joining them we magnify You: O Giver of life, glory to You. Fifth Verse: Holiness becomes Your house, O Lord, unto length of days. You have led Magi to worship You, and joining them we magnify You: O Giver of life, glory to You. Troparion Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. You have shone forth from a Virgin, O Christ, You spiritual Sun of righteousness; and star showed You, Whom nothing can contain, contained within a cave. You have led Magi to worship You, and joining them we magnify You: O Giver of life, glory to You. Eighth Reading Στίχος β Καὶ γὰρ ἐστερέωσε τὴν οἰκουµένην, ἥτις οὐ σαλευθήσεται ἕτοιµος ὁ θρόνος ἀπὸ τότε. Μάγους ὁδηγήσας εἰς προσκύνησίν σου µεθ ὧν σε µεγαλύνοµεν, Ζωοδότα δόξα σοι. Στίχος γ Ἐπῆραν οἱ ποταµοὶ Κύριε, ἐπῆραν οἱ ποταµοὶ φωνὰς αὐτῶν ἀροῦσιν οἱ ποταµοὶ ἐπιτρίψεις αὐτῶν, ἀπὸ φωνῶν ὑδάτων πολλῶν. Μάγους ὁδηγήσας εἰς προσκύνησίν σου µεθ ὧν σε µεγαλύνοµεν, Ζωοδότα δόξα σοι. Στίχος δ Θαυµαστοὶ οἱ µετεωρισµοὶ τῆς θαλάσσης, θαυµαστὸς ἐν ὑψηλοῖς ὁ Κύριος τὰ µαρτύριά σου ἐπιστώθησαν σφόδρα. Μάγους ὁδηγήσας εἰς προσκύνησίν σου µεθ ὧν σε µεγαλύνοµεν, Ζωοδότα δόξα σοι. Στίχος ε Τῷ οἴκῳ σου πρέπει ἁγίασµα, Κύριε, εἰς µακρότητα ἡµερῶν. Μάγους ὁδηγήσας εἰς προσκύνησίν σου µεθ ὧν σε µεγαλύνοµεν, Ζωοδότα δόξα σοι. Τροπάριον Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Ἀνέτειλας Χριστὲ ἐκ Παρθένου, νοητὲ Ἥλιε τῆς Δικαιοσύνης, καὶ Ἀστὴρ σε ὑπέδειξεν, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ χωρούµενον τὸν ἀχώρητον. Μάγους ὁδηγήσας εἰς προσκύνησίν σου, µεθ ὧν σε µεγαλύνοµεν, Ζωοδότα δόξα σοι. Η Ἀνάγνωσµα Isaiah 7:10-16, 8:1-4, 8-10 Ἡσ. ζ & η 1-4, 8-10 The reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Προφητείας Ἡσαΐου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσµα. Deacon Wisdom. Let us be attentive. Διάκ. Σοφία. Πρόσχωµεν. Moreover the Lord added this to Ahaz, saying, Προσέθετο Κύριος λαλῆσαι τῷ Ἄχαζ λέγων Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your Αἴτησαι σεαυτῷ σηµεῖον παρὰ Κυρίου Θεοῦ God; ask it either in the depth or in the height σου εἰς βάθος ἢ εἰς ὕψος. Καὶ εἶπεν Ἄχαζ Οὐ above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, nor will µὴ αἰτήσω ουδ οὐ µὴ πειράσω Κύριον. Καὶ 8

9 I tempt the Lord! Then Isaiah said, Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary the Lord also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Emmanuel. Butter and honey He shall eat, before He knows to prefer evil or choose the good, for before the Child knows good or evil, He refuses the evil to choose the good; and the land you fear because of the presence of the two kings will be abandoned. Moreover the Lord said to me, Take for yourself a large new book, and write on it with a man s pen concerning making a swift plunder of spoils, for it is near at hand. Then make witnesses for Me of faithful men: Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Berechiah. Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son, and the Lord said to me, Call his name Quickly Despoil, Swiftly Plunder; for before the child shall know how to call for his father and mother, one shall take the power of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria in the presence of the king of Assyria. God is with us. Know this, O Gentiles, and be defeated. Give ear, all you to the very ends of the earth. Be defeated although you are strong, for even if you should be strong again, you will be defeated again. Then too, whatever counsel you take, the Lord will scatter it abroad; and whatever word you shall speak, it will continue among you, for God is with us. Epistle Deacon Wisdom. Διάκ. Σοφία. 9 εἶπεν Ἡσαΐας Ἀκούσατε δὴ οἶκος Δαυΐδ µὴ µικρὸν ὑµῖν ἀγῶνα παρέχειν ἀνθρώποις καὶ πῶς Κυρίῳ παρέχετε ἀγῶνα; Διὰ τοῦτο δώσει Κύριος αὐτὸς ὑµῖν σηµεῖον Ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱὸν καὶ καλέσουσι τὸ ὄνοµα αὐτοῦ Ἐ µ µ α ν ο υ ὴ λ. Βούτυρον καὶ µέλι φάγεται πρὶν ἢ γνῶναι αὐτὸν ἢ προελέσθαι πονηρὰ ἐκλέξεται τὸ ἀγαθὸν διότι πρὶν ἢ γνῶναι τὸ παιδίον ἀγαθὸν ἢ κακὸν ἀπειθεῖ πονηρίᾳ τοῦ ἐκλέξασθαι τὸ ἀγαθὸν. Καὶ εἶπεν Κύριος πρὸς µε Λάβε σεαυτῷ τόµον καινὸν µέγαν, καὶ γράψον εἰς αὐτὸν γραφίδι ἀνθρώπου. Τοῦ ὀξέως προνοµὴν ποιῆσαι σκύλων. Πάρεστι γὰρ καὶ µάρτυρὰς µοι ποίησον πιστοὺς ἀνθρώπους, τὸν Οὐρίαν τὸν Ἱερέα καὶ τὸν Ζαχαρίαν υἱὸν Βαραχιου. Καὶ προσῆλθον πρὸς τὴν προφῆτιν καὶ ἐν γαστρὶ ἔλαβε καὶ ἔτεκεν υἱὸν καὶ εἶπέ µοι Κύριος Κάλεσον τὸ ὄνοµα αὐτοῦ. Ταχέως σκύλευσον, ὀξέως προνόµευσον. Διότι πρὶν ἢ γνῶναι τὸ παιδίον καλεῖν πατέρα ἢ µητέρα λήψεται δύναµιν Δαµασκοῦ καὶ τὰ σκῦλα Σαµαρείας ἔναντι βασιλέως Ἀσσυρίων. Μεθ ἡµῶν ὁ Θεὸς. Γνῶτε ἔθνη καὶ ἡττᾶσθε ἐπακούσατε ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς ἰσχυκότες ἡττᾶσθε. Ἐὰν γὰρ πάλιν ἰσχύσητε, καὶ πάλιν ἡττηθήσεσθε. Καὶ ἣν ἂν βουλὴν βουλεύσησθε διασκεδάσει Κύριος καὶ λόγον ὃν ἐὰν λαλήσητε οὐ µὴ ἐµµείνῃ ἐν ὑµῖν, ὅτι µεθ ἡµῶν Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς. Ἀπόστολος Hebrews 1:1-12 Ἑβρ. α 1-14 & β 1-3 Prokeimenon The Lord said unto Me: You are My Son, this day have I begotten You. Προκείµενον Κύριος εἶπε πρὸς µε Υἱός µου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήµερον γεγέννηκά σε. Deacon Let us be attentive. Διάκ. Πρόσχωµεν. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance. Αἴτησαι παρ ἐµοῦ, καὶ δώσω σοι ἔθνη τὴν κληρονοµίαν σου.

10 The reading is from the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews Πρὸς Ἑβραίους Ἐπιστολῆς Παύλου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσµα. Deacon Let us be attentive. Διάκ. Πρόσχωµεν. BRETHREN, God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels did He ever say: You are My Son, today I have begotten You? And again: I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: Let all the angels of God worship Him. And of the angels He says: Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions. And: You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail. But to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? ΑΔΕΛΦΟΙ, Πολυµερῶς καὶ πολυτρόπως πάλαι ὁ Θεὸς λαλήσας τοῖς Πατράσιν ἐν τοῖς Προφήταις, ἐπ ἐσχάτων τῶν ἡµερῶν τούτων ἐλάλησεν ἡµῖν ἐν Υἱῷ ὃν ἔθηκε κληρονόµον πάντων, δι οὗ καὶ τοὺς αἰῶνας ἐποίησεν. Ὅς ὢν ἀπαύγασµα τῆς δόξης, καὶ χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ, φέρων τε τὰ πάντα τῷ ῥήµατι τῆς δυνάµεως αὐτοῦ, δι ἑαυτοῦ καθαρισµὸν ποιησάµενος τῶν ἁµαρτιῶν ἡµῶν, ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς µεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς.τοσούτῳ κρείττων γενόµενος τῶν ἀγγέλων, ὅσῳ διαφορώτερον παρ αὐτοὺς κεκληρονόµηκεν ὄνοµα. Τίνι γὰρ εἶπέ ποτε τῶν ἀγγέλων Υἱός µου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήµερον γεγέννηκά σε; Καὶ πάλιν Ἐγὼ ἔσοµαι αὐτῷ εἰς πατέρα, καὶ αὐτὸς ἔσται µοι εἰς υἱόν; Ὅταν δὲ πάλιν εἰσαγάγῃ τὸν πρωτότοκον εἰς τὴν οἰκουµένην, λέγει Καὶ προσκυνησάτωσαν αὐτῷ πάντες Ἄγγελοι Θεοῦ. Καὶ πρὸς µὲν τοὺς ἀγγέλους λέγει Ὁ ποιῶν τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ πνεύµατα, καὶ τοὺς λειτουργοὺς αὐτοῦ πυρὸς φλόγα πρὸς δὲ τὸν Υἱόν Ὁ θρόνος σου, ὁ Θεός, εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος, ῥάβδος εὐθύτητος ἡ ῥάβδος τῆς Βασιλείας σου. Ἠγάπησας δικαιοσύνην, καὶ ἐµίσησας ἀνοµίαν διὰ τοῦτο ἔχρισέ σε ὁ Θεὸς ὁ Θεός σου, ἔλαιον ἀγαλλιάσεως παρὰ τοὺς µετόχους σου. Καί, Σὺ κατ ἀρχάς, Κύριε, τὴν γῆν ἐθεµελίωσας, καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί. Αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαµένεις καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱµάτιον παλαιωθήσονται, καὶ ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτούς, καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται. Σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ, καὶ τὰ ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσι. Πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέ ποτε. Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν µου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου; Οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶ λειτουργικὰ πνεῦµα εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστελλόµενα διὰ τοὺς µέλλοντας κληρονοµεῖν σωτηρίαν; Therefore we must give the more earnest heed Διὰ τοῦτο δεῖ περισσοτέρως ἡµᾶς προσέχειν to the things we have heard, lest we drift τοῖς ἀκουσθεῖσι, µὴ ποτε παραρρυῶµεν. Εἰ away. For if the word spoken through angels γὰρ ὁ δι ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος ἐγένετο proved steadfast, and every transgression and βέβαιος, καὶ πᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ 10

11 disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. Alleluia Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον µισθαποδοσίαν, πῶς ἡµεῖς ἐκφευξόµεθα τηλικαύτης ἀµελήσαντες σωτηρίας; ἥτις, ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡµᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη. Ἀλληλούϊα Tone Plagal 4 Ἦχος πλ. δ The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet. A scepter of power shall the Lord send unto You out of Sion. From the womb before Lucifer have I begotten You. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. The Lord said unto Me: You are My Son, this day have I begotten You. Gospel Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ µου Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν µου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου, ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου. Ῥάβδον δυνάµεως ἐξαποστελεῖ σοι Κύριος. Ἐκ γαστρὸς πρὸ Ἑωσφόρου ἐγέννησά σε. Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα Κύριος εἶπε πρὸς µε Υἱός µου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήµερον γεγέννηκά σε. Εὐαγγέλιον Luke 2:1-20 Λουκ. 2, 1-20 Deacon Wisdom. Rise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Priest Peace be with all. Ἱερεύς Εἰρήνη πᾶσι. And with your spirit. Deacon The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke. Διάκ. Σοφία. Ὀρθοί, ἀκούσωµεν τοῦ ἁγίου Εὐαγγελίου. Καὶ τῷ Πνεύµατί σου. Priest Let us be attentive. Ἱερεύς Πρόσχωµεν. Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. Διάκ. Ἐκ τοῦ κατὰ Λουκᾶν ἁγίου Εὐαγγελίου τὸ ἀνάγνωσµα. Δόξα σοι, Κύριε, δόξα σοι. Deacon And it came to pass in those days Διάκ. Ἐν ταῖς ἡµέραις ἐκείναις, ἐξῆλθε that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus δόγµα παρὰ Καίσαρος Αὐγούστου, that all the world should be registered. This ἀπογράφεσθαι πᾶσαν τὴν οἰκουµένην. Αὕτη census first took place while Quirinius was ἡ ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη ἐγένετο ἡγεµονεύοντος governing Syria. So all went to be τῆς Συρίας Κυρηνίου. Καὶ ἐπορεύοντο registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph πάντες ἀπογράφεσθαι, ἕκαστος εἰς τὴν ἰδίαν also went up from Galilee, out of the city of πόλιν. Ἀνέβη δὲ καὶ Ἰωσὴφ ἀπὸ τῆς Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, Γαλιλαίας, ἐκ πόλεως Ναζαρέθ, εἰς τὴν which is called Bethlehem, because he was Ἰουδαίαν, εἰς πόλιν Δαβίδ, ἥτις καλεῖται of the house and lineage of David, to be Βηθλεέµ, διὰ τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν ἐξ οἴκου καὶ registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,a πατριᾶς Δαβίδ, ἀπογράψασθαι σὺν Μαριὰµ who was with child. So it was, that while τῇ µεµνηστευµένῃ αὐτῷ γυναικί, οὔσῃ they were there, the days were completed for ἐγκύῳ. Ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἐκεῖ, her to be delivered. And she brought forth ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡµέραι τοῦ τεκεῖν αὐτήν, καὶ 11

12 her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold,a an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ, διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύµατι. Καὶ ποιµένες ἦσαν ἐν τῇ χώρᾳ τῇ αὐτῇ ἀγραυλοῦντες καὶ φυλάσσοντες φυλακὰς τῆς νυκτὸς ἐπὶ τὴν ποίµνην αὐτῶν. Καὶ ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου ἐπέστη αὐτοῖς, καὶ δόξα Κυρίου περιέλαµψεν αὐτούς, καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν φόβον µέγαν, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ ἄγγελος. Μὴ φοβεῖσθε Ἰδοὺ γάρ, εὐαγγελίζοµαι ὑµῖν χαρὰν µεγάλην, ἥτις ἔσται παντὶ τῷ λαῷ ὅτι ἐτέχθη ὑµῖν σήµερον Σωτήρ, ὃς ἐστι Χριστὸς Κύριος, ἐν πόλει Δαβίδ. Καὶ τοῦτο ὑµῖν τὸ σηµεῖον, εὑρήσετε βρέφος ἐσπαργανωµένον, κείµενον ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ. Καὶ ἐξαίφνης ἐγένετο σὺν τῷ ἀγγέλῳ πλῆθος στρατιᾶς οὐρανίου, αἰνούντων τὸν Θεόν, καὶ λεγόντων. Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη, ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία. Καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἀπῆλθον ἀπ αὐτῶν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν οἱ ἄγγελοι, καὶ οἱ ἄνθρωποι οἱ ποιµένες εἶπον πρὸς ἀλλήλους Διέλθωµεν δὴ ἕως Βηθλεέµ, καὶ ἴδωµεν τὸ ῥῆµα τοῦτο τὸ γεγονὸς ὃ Κύριος ἐγνώρισεν ἡµῖν. Καὶ ἦλθον σπεύσαντες, καὶ ἀνεῦρον, τήν τε Μαριὰµ καὶ τὸν Ἰωσήφ, καὶ τὸ βρέφος κείµενον ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ. Ἰδόντες δὲ διεγνώρισαν περὶ τοῦ ῥήµατος τοῦ λαληθέντος αὐτοῖς περὶ τοῦ παιδίου τούτου, καὶ πάντες οἱ ἀκούσαντες ἐθαύµασαν περὶ τῶν λαληθέντων ὑπὸ τῶν Ποιµένων πρὸς αὐτούς, ἡ δὲ Μαριὰµ πάντα συνετήρει τὰ ῥήµατα ταῦτα, συµβάλλουσα ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς. Καὶ ἐπέστρεψαν οἱ ποιµένες, δοξάζοντες καὶ αἰνοῦντες τὸν Θεὸν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς ἤκουσαν καὶ εἶδον, καθὼς ἐλαλήθη πρὸς αὐτούς. Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. Then, Let us say with all our soul, and with all our mind let us say, etc. Make us worthy, O Lord... Δόξα σοι, Κύριε, δόξα σοι. Εἶτα «Εἴπωµεν πάντες ἐξ ὅλης της ψυχῆς καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς διανοίας ἡµῶν εἴπωµεν.» «Καταξίωσον, Κύριε...» Then, Let us complete our evening prayer..., Εἶτα «Πληρώσωµεν τὴν ἑσπερινὴν δέησιν...,» and Prayer at the Bowing of Heads. καὶ Εὐχῆ τῆς Κεφαλοκλισίας. 12

13 Aposticha Idiomela Stichera Tone 1 by Germanos A great and marvelous wonder has come to pass this day! A Virgin bears Child, and her womb suffers no corruption; the Word is made flesh, yet does not cease to dwell with the Father. Angels and shepherds give glory, and we cry aloud with them: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace. Tone 3 by Germanos The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet. Today the Virgin gives birth to the Maker of all. Eden offers a cave and a star discloses Christ, the Sun, to those in darkness. Magi, enlightened by faith, worship with gifts; shepherds behold the wonder, and angels sing praises, saying: Glory to God in the highest. Tone 3 by Anatolios From the womb before Lucifer have I begotten You; the Lord has sworn and will not repent. When the Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judah, Magi coming from east worshipped God made man; and eagerly opening their treasures, they offered Him precious gifts: refined gold, for the King of the ages; frankincense, for the God of all; and myrrh, for the Immortal One as to one three days dead. Come, all you nations, and let us worship Him Who was born to save our souls. Idiomelon Tone 4 by John the Monk Ἀπόστιχα Στιχηρὰ Ἰδιόµελα Ἦχος β Γερµανοῦ Μέγα καὶ παράδοξον θαῦµα, τετέλεσται σὴµερον! Παρθένος τίκτει καὶ µήτρα οὐ φθείρεται, ὁ Λόγος σαρκοῦται, καὶ τοῦ Πατρὸς οὐ κεχώρισται, Ἄγγελοι µετὰ Ποιµένων δοξάζουσι, καὶ ἡµεῖς σὺν αὐτοῖς ἐκβοῶµεν Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη. Ἦχος γ Γερµανοῦ Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ µου, κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν µου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου. Σήµερον τίκτει ἡ Παρθένος, τὸν Ποιητὴν τοῦ παντός, Ἐδὲµ προσφέρει σπήλαιον, καὶ ἀστὴρ µηνύει Χριστόν, τὸν Ἥλιον τοῖς ἐν σκότει. Μετὰ δώρων Μάγοι προσεκύνησαν, πίστει φωτιζόµενοι, καὶ Ποιµένες εἶδον τὸ θαῦµα, Ἀγγέλων ἀνυµνούντων, καὶ λεγόντων Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ. Ἦχος γ Ἀνατολίου Ἐκ γαστρὸς πρὸ Ἑωσφόρου ἐγέννησά σε, ὤµοσε Κύριος, καὶ οὐ µεταµεληθήσεται. Σὺ Ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδέκ. Τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ γεννηθέντος, ἐν Βηθλεὲµ τῆς Ἰουδαίας, ἐξ Ἀνατολῶν ἐλθόντες Μάγοι, προσεκύνησαν Θεὸν ἐνανθρωπήσαντα, καὶ τοὺς θησαυροὺς αὐτῶν προθύµως ἀνοίξαντες, δῶρα τίµια προσέφερον, δόκιµον χρυσόν, ὡς Βασιλεῖ τῶν αἰώνων, καὶ λίβανον, ὡς Θεῷ τῶν ὅλων, ὡς τριηµέρῳ δὲ νεκρῷ, σµύρναν τῷ Ἀθανάτῳ. Πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, δεῦτε προσκυνήσωµεν, τῷ τεχθέντι σῶσαι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡµῶν. Ἰδιόµελον Ἦχος δ Ἰωάννου Μοναχοῦ Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Holy Spirit. 13

14 Make glad, O Jerusalem, and keep the festival all you who love Sion. Today the ancient bond of the condemnation of Adam is loosed. Paradise is opened to us, and the serpent is laid low. Of old he deceived the woman in Paradise, but now he sees woman become the Mother of the Creator. O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! The sinful vessel that brought death upon all flesh has through the Theotokos become the first fruits of salvation for the whole world. For the all-perfect God is born as a baby of her, and by His birth He sets the seal upon her virginity. Through His swaddling clothes He looses the bonds of sin, and through becoming a child He heals the pangs of Eve in travail. Therefore let all creation sing and dance for joy, for Christ has come to restore it and to save our souls. Idiomelon Tone 4 by Anatolios Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. You came to dwell in a cave, O Christ our God, and the manger received You; shepherds and Magi worshipped You. The preaching of the prophets was then fulfilled, and the angelic powers marveled, crying aloud and saying: Glory to Your condescension, O You Who alone love mankind. Then, Now let Your servant depart in peace..., and Trisagion Prayers. Apolitikion of the Feast Εὐφράνθητι Ἱερουσαλήµ, καὶ πανηγυρίσατε πάντες, οἱ ἀγαπῶντες Σιών. Σήµερον ὁ χρόνιος ἐλύθη δεσµός, τῆς καταδίκης τοῦ, Ἀδάµ, ὁ Παράδεισος ἡµῖν ἠνεῴχθη, ὁ ὄφις κατηργήθη ἣν γὰρ ἠπάτησε πρώην, νῦν ἐθεάσατο, τοῦ Δηµιουργοῦ γενοµένην Μητέρα. Ὢ βάθος πλούτου, καὶ σοφίας, καὶ γνώσεως Θεοῦ, ἡ προξενήσασα τὸν θάνατον πάσῃ σαρκί, τῆς ἁµαρτίας τὸ ὄργανον, σωτηρίας ἀπαρχὴ ἐγένετο τῷ κόσµῳ παντί, διὰ τῆς Θεοτόκου βρέφος γὰρ τίκτεται ἐξ αὐτῆς, ὁ παντέλειος Θεός, καὶ διὰ τοῦ τόκου, Παρθενίαν σφραγίζει, σειρὰς ἁµαρτηµάτων, λύων διὰ σπαργάνων καὶ διὰ νηπιότητος, τῆς Εὔας θεραπεύει, τὰς ἐν λύπαις ὠδῖνας. Χορευέτω τοίνυν πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις καὶ σκιρτάτω ἀνακαλέσαι γὰρ αὐτήν, παραγέγονε Χριστός, καὶ σῶσαι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡµῶν. Ἰδιόµελον Ἦχος δ Ἀνατολίου Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Σπηλαίῳ παρῴκησας, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, φάτνη ὑπεδέξατο. Ποιµένες δὲ καὶ Μάγοι προσεκύνησαν. Τότε δὴ τῶν Προφητῶν ἐπληροῦτο τὸ κήρυγµα καὶ Ἀγγέλων αἱ Δυνάµεις ἐθαύµαζον, βοῶσαι καὶ λέγουσαι Δόξα τῇ συγκαταβάσει σου, µόνε φιλάνθρωπε. Εἶτα «Νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δούλόν σου...,» καὶ τὸ Τρισάγιον. Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἑορτῆς Tone 4 Ἦχος δ Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. (Repeat) Your birth, O Christ our God, did (Πάλιν) Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, shine upon the world; and through the light ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως of wisdom illumined the universe. And to ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, 14

15 those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. (Repeat) Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. Dismissal, May He Who was born in a cave, and lay in a manger for our salvation, Christ our true God,... ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. (Πάλιν) Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Ἀπόλυσις «Ὁ ἐν σπηλαίῳ γεννηθείς καὶ ἐν φάτνῃ ἀνακλιθείς διά τήν ἡµῶν σωτηρίαν, Χριστός ὁ ἀληθινός Θεός ἡµῶν...» 15

16 At Matins Ἀµήν. 16 Εἰς τὸν Ὄρθρον Hexapsalm. God is the Lord... Ὁ Ἑξάψαλµος, Εἰς τὸ «Θεὸς Κύριος...» Apolitikion of the Feast Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἑορτῆς Tone 4 Ἦχος δ Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. (Repeat) Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. (Repeat) Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. Small Litany Sessional Hymns After the First Stichologia Tone 4 Joseph was amazed Come, you faithful, and let us behold where Christ is born. Let us join the Magi, kings from the east, and follow the guiding star. Angels sing praises there without ceasing, and shepherds abiding in the fields offer a fitting hymn, saying: Glory in the highest to Him Who in the cave this day is born of the Virgin and Theotokos, in Bethlehem of Judah. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. (Πάλιν) Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. (Πάλιν) Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Συναπτὴ Μικρὰ Καθίσµατα Μετὰ τὴν α Στιχολογίαν Ἦχος δ Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσὴφ Δεῦτε ἴδωµεν πιστοί, ποῦ ἐγεννήθη ὁ Χριστός, ἀκολουθήσωµεν λοιπὸν ἔνθα ὁδεύει ὁ ἀστήρ, µετὰ τῶν Μάγων Ἀνατολῆς τῶν Βασιλέων. Ἄγγελοι ὑµνοῦσιν, ἀκαταπαύστως ἐκεῖ. Ποιµένες ἀγραυλοῦσιν, ᾠδὴν ἐπάξιον. Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις λέγοντες, τῷ σήµερον ἐν Σπηλαίῳ τεχθέντι, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, καὶ Θεοτόκου, ἐν Βηθλεὲµ τῆς Ἰουδαίας. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

17 (Repeat) Come, you faithful, and let us behold where Christ is born. Let us join the Magi, kings from the east, and follow the guiding star. Angels sing praises there without ceasing, and shepherds abiding in the fields offer a fitting hymn, saying: Glory in the highest to Him Who in the cave this day is born of the Virgin and Theotokos, in Bethlehem of Judah. After the Second Stichologia Tone 4 Joseph was amazed Why are you filled with wonder, O Mariam? Why are you amazed at that which has come to pass in you? Because I have given birth in time to the timeless Son, yet I do not understand how I have conceived Him. I have not known man; how then shall I bear a child? Who has ever seen a birth without seed? But, as it is written, Where God so wills, the order of nature is overcome. Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem of Judah. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. (Repeat) Why are you filled with wonder, O Mariam? Why are you amazed at that which has come to pass in you? Because I have given birth in time to the timeless Son, yet I do not understand how I have conceived Him. I have not known man; how then shall I bear a child? Who has ever seen a birth without seed? But, as it is written, Where God so wills, the order of nature is overcome. Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem of Judah. After the Polyeleos Tone 4 Joseph was amazed (Πάλιν) Δεῦτε ἴδωµεν πιστοί, ποῦ ἐγεννήθη ὁ Χριστός, ἀκολουθήσωµεν λοιπὸν ἔνθα ὁδεύει ὁ ἀστήρ, µετὰ τῶν Μάγων Ἀνατολῆς τῶν Βασιλέων. Ἄγγελοι ὑµνοῦσιν, ἀκαταπαύστως ἐκεῖ. Ποιµένες ἀγραυλοῦσιν, ᾠδὴν ἐπάξιον. Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις λέγοντες, τῷ σήµερον ἐν Σπηλαίῳ τεχθέντι, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, καὶ Θεοτόκου, ἐν Βηθλεὲµ τῆς Ἰουδαίας. Μετὰ τὴν β Στιχολογίαν Ἦχος δ Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσὴφ Τὶ θαυµάζεις Μαριάµ; τὶ ἐκθαµβεῖσαι τῷ ἐν σοὶ; Ὅτι ἄχρονον Υἱόν, χρόνῳ ἐγέννησα φησί, τοῦ τικτοµένου τὴν σύλληψιν µὴ διδαχθεῖσα. Ἄνανδρος εἰµί, καὶ πῶς τέξω Υἱόν; ἄσπορον γονὴν τὶς ἑώρακεν; ὅπου Θεὸς δὲ βούλεται, νικᾶται φύσεως τάξις, ὡς γέγραπται. Χριστὸς ἐτέχθη, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, ἐν Βηθλεὲµ τῆς Ἰουδαίας. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. (Πάλιν) Τὶ θαυµάζεις Μαριάµ; τὶ ἐκθαµβεῖσαι τῷ ἐν σοὶ; Ὅτι ἄχρονον Υἱόν, χρόνῳ ἐγέννησα φησί, τοῦ τικτοµένου τὴν σύλληψιν µὴ διδαχθεῖσα. Ἄνανδρος εἰµί, καὶ πῶς τέξω Υἱόν; ἄσπορον γονὴν τὶς ἑώρακεν; ὅπου Θεὸς δὲ βούλεται, νικᾶται φύσεως τάξις, ὡς γέγραπται. Χριστὸς ἐτέχθη, ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, ἐν Βηθλεὲµ τῆς Ἰουδαίας. Μετὰ δὲ τὸν Πολυέλεον Ἦχος δ Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσὴφ How is He, Whom nothing can contain, Ὁ ἀχώρητος παντί, πῶς ἐχωρήθη ἐν γαστρὶ; ὁ contained in a womb? And how can He, Who ἐν κόλποις τοῦ Πατρός, πῶς ἐν ἀγκάλαις τῆς is in the bosom of the Father, be held in the Μητρός; πάντως ὡς οἶδεν ὡς ἠθέλησε καὶ ὡς arms of His Mother? This is according to His ηὐδόκησεν ἄσαρκος γὰρ ὢν, ἐσαρκώθη ἑκών good pleasure, as He knows and wishes. For καὶ γέγονεν ὁ Ὢν ὃ οὐκ ἦν δι ἡµᾶς καὶ µὴ being without flesh, He has been made flesh of ἐκστὰς τῆς φύσεως, µετέσχε τοῦ ἡµετέρου His own will; and He Who Is, has become for φυράµατος. Διπλοῦς ἐτέχθη, Χριστὸς τὸν ἄνω, our sake that which He was not. Without κόσµον θέλων ἀναπληρῶσαι. 17

18 departing from His own nature, He has shared in our substance. Desiring to fill the world on high with citizens, Christ has undergone a two-fold birth. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. (Repeat) How is He, Whom nothing can contain, contained in a womb? And how can He, Who is in the bosom of the Father, be held in the arms of His Mother? This is according to His good pleasure, as He knows and wishes. For being without flesh, He has been made flesh of His own will; and He Who Is, has become for our sake that which He was not. Without departing from His own nature, He has shared in our substance. Desiring to fill the world on high with citizens, Christ has undergone a two-fold birth. Anavathmoi Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. (Πάλιν) Ὁ ἀχώρητος παντί, πῶς ἐχωρήθη ἐν γαστρὶ; ὁ ἐν κόλποις τοῦ Πατρός, πῶς ἐν ἀγκάλαις τῆς Μητρός; πάντως ὡς οἶδεν ὡς ἠθέλησε καὶ ὡς ηὐδόκησεν ἄσαρκος γὰρ ὢν, ἐσαρκώθη ἑκών καὶ γέγονεν ὁ Ὢν ὃ οὐκ ἦν δι ἡµᾶς καὶ µὴ ἐκστὰς τῆς φύσεως, µετέσχε τοῦ ἡµετέρου φυράµατος. Διπλοῦς ἐτέχθη, Χριστὸς τὸν ἄνω, κόσµον θέλων ἀναπληρῶσαι. ζωογονίαν. 18 Ἀναβαθµοὶ Tone 4 Ἦχος δ First Antiphon Ἀντίφωνον Α From the years of my youth many passions combat me; but You, Who are my Savior, assist me and save me. (Repeat) From the years of my youth many passions combat me; but You, Who are my Savior, assist me and save me. You haters of Sion shall be put to shame by the Lord almighty, for as grass in the fire, you shall all be withered. (Repeat) You haters of Sion shall be put to shame by the Lord almighty, for as grass in the fire, you shall all be withered. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. By the Holy Spirit, every soul is made living, is exalted, and made shining through purification, by the Threefold Oneness, in a hidden manner. Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. By the Holy Spirit, the streams of grace are flowing, watering, all of the creation, granting life upon it. Ἐκ νεότητός µου πολλὰ πολεµεῖ µε πάθη ἀλλ αὐτὸς ἀντιλαβοῦ, καὶ σῶσον Σωτήρ µου. (Πάλιν) Ἐκ νεότητός µου πολλὰ πολεµεῖ µε πάθη ἀλλ αὐτὸς ἀντιλαβοῦ, καὶ σῶσον Σωτήρ µου. Οἱ µισοῦντες Σιών, αἰσχύνθητε ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου ὡς χόρτος γάρ, πυρὶ ἔσεσθε ἀπεξηραµµένοι. (Πάλιν) Οἱ µισοῦντες Σιών, αἰσχύνθητε ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου ὡς χόρτος γάρ, πυρὶ ἔσεσθε ἀπεξηραµµένοι. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι πᾶσα ψυχὴ ζωοῦται, καὶ καθάρσει ὑψοῦται λαµπρύνεται, τῇ τριαδικῇ Μονάδι ἱεροκρυφίως. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, ἀναβλύζει τὰ τῆς χάριτος ῥεῖθρα, ἀρδεύοντα, ἅπασαν τὴν κτίσιν πρὸς

19 Prokeimenon From the womb before Lucifer have I begotten You; the Lord has sworn and will not repent. From the womb before Lucifer have I begotten You; the Lord has sworn and will not repent. The Lord said to my Lord. From the womb before Lucifer have I begotten You; the Lord has sworn and will not repent. Psalm 50. Matins Gospel Προκείµενον Ἐκ γαστρὸς πρὸ Ἑωσφόρου ἐγέννησά σε, ὤµοσε Κύριος, καὶ οὐ µεταµεληθήσεται. Ἐκ γαστρὸς πρὸ Ἑωσφόρου ἐγέννησά σε, ὤµοσε Κύριος, καὶ οὐ µεταµεληθήσεται. Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ µου. Ἐκ γαστρὸς πρὸ Ἑωσφόρου ἐγέννησά σε, ὤµοσε Κύριος, καὶ οὐ µεταµεληθήσεται. Εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Ὄρθρου Matthew 1:18-25 Ματθ. α Intercessory Troparia Ψαλµός Ν. Τροπάρια Tone 2 Ἦχος β Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All things are filled with joy today. Christ is born of the Virgin. Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. (Repeat) All things are filled with joy today. Christ is born of the Virgin. Merciful One, have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassions blot out my transgression. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Τὰ σύµπαντα σήµερον, χαρᾶς πληροῦνται. Χριστὸς ἐτέχθη ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. (Πάλιν) Τὰ σύµπαντα σήµερον, χαρᾶς πληροῦνται. Χριστὸς ἐτέχθη ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου. Ἐλέηµον, ἐλέησόν µε ὁ Θεὸς κατὰ τὸ µέγα ἔλεός σου καὶ κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν οἰκτιρµῶν σου ἐξάλειψον τὸ ἀνόµηµά µου. Tone Plagal 2 Ἦχος πλ. β Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace. Today Bethlehem receives Him Who at all times ever sits with the Father. Today angels glorify with holy hymns the Babe that is born. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men. Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη. Σήµερον δέχεται ἡ Βηθλεέµ, τὸν καθήµερον διὰ παντὸς σὺν Πατρί. Σήµερον Ἄγγελοι τὸ βρέφος τὸ τεχθέν, θεοπρεπῶς δοξολογοῦσι. Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη, ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία. O God, save Your people... «Σῶσον, ὁ Θεός, τὸν λαόν σου...» Ypakoë Read (Tone Plagal 4) Ὑπακοὴ Χῦµα (Ἦχος πλ. δ ) Calling the Magi by a star, heaven brought the Τὴν ἀπαρχὴν τῶν Ἐθνῶν, ὁ οὐρανὸς σοι first fruits of the Gentiles unto You, a Babe προσεκόµισε, τῷ κειµένῳ νηπίῳ ἐν φάτνῃ, δι lying in the manger; and they were amazed to ἀστέρος τοὺς Μάγους καλέσας οὓς καὶ see neither scepter nor throne, but only utter κατέπληττεν, οὐ σκῆπτρα καὶ θρόνοι, ἀλλ 19

20 poverty. For what is meaner than a cave, what is humbler than swaddling clothes? Yet therein shone forth the wealth of Your divinity; glory to You, O Lord. Kontakion of the Feast Read (Tone 3) By Romanos the Melodist The Virgin today gives birth to the One Who surpasses all essences, and the earth offers a cave to the unapproachable One. Angels with the shepherds glorify Him; and the Magi, travel with the star; for us is born a new Child, the God Who existed before the ages. Oikos of the Feast Read (Tone 3) By Romanos the Melodist Bethlehem has opened Eden; come, and let us see. We have found joy in secret; come, and let us take possession of the paradise that is within the cave. There the unwatered Root has appeared, from which forgiveness flowers forth. There is found the undug well, from which David of old longed to drink. There the Virgin has borne a Babe, and made the thirst of Adam and David to cease straightaway. Therefore, let us hasten to this place where now is born a young Child, the God Who existed before the ages. Synaxarion On the 25th day of the same month, the Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. Verses God the one born, the Mother too a Virgin: What greater wonder had creation seen? Mary the Virgin bore God on the twenty fifth day of December. On the same day, the worship by the Magi. Verses Men from the nations worshipped you, O Word, ἐσχάτη πτωχεία τὶ γάρ εὐτελέστερον σπηλαίου; τὶ δὲ ταπεινότερον σπαργάνων; ἐν οἷς διέλαµψεν ὁ τῆς Θεότητός σου πλοῦτος. Κύριε δόξα σοι. Κοντάκιον τῆς Ἑορτῆς Χῦµα (Ἦχος γ Αὐτόµελον) Ποίηµα Ῥωµανοῦ τοῦ Μελῳδοῦ Ἡ Παρθένος σήµερον, τὸν ὑπερούσιον τίκτει, καὶ ἡ γῆ τὸ Σπήλαιον, τῷ ἀπροσίτῳ προσάγει. Ἄγγελοι µετὰ Ποιµένων δοξολογοῦσι. Μάγοι δὲ µετὰ ἀστέρος ὁδοιποροῦσι δι ἡµᾶς γὰρ ἐγεννήθη, Παιδίον νέον, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Θεός. Οἶκος τῆς Ἑορτῆς Χῦµα (Ἦχος γ Αὐτόµελον) Ποίηµα Ῥωµανοῦ τοῦ Μελῳδοῦ Τὴν Ἐδὲµ Βηθλεὲµ ἤνοιξε, δεῦτε ἴδωµεν τὴν τρυφὴν ἐν κρυφῇ εὕροµεν, δεῦτε λάβωµεν, τὰ τοῦ Παραδείσου ἔνδον τοῦ Σπηλαίου. Ἐκεῖ ἐφάνη ῥίζα ἀπότιστος, βλαστάνουσα ἄφεσιν ἐκεῖ εὑρέθη φρέαρ ἀνώρυκτον, οὗ πιεῖν Δαυῒδ πρὶν ἐπεθύµησεν ἐκεῖ Παρθένος τεκοῦσα βρέφος, τὴν δίψαν ἔπαυσεν εὐθύς, τὴν τοῦ Ἀδὰµ καὶ τοῦ Δαυΐδ διὰ τοῦτο πρὸς τοῦτο ἐπειχθῶµεν, οὗ ἐτέχθη, Παιδίον νέον, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Θεός. Συναξάριον Τῇ ΚΕ τοῦ αὐτοῦ µηνός, Ἡ κατὰ σάρκα Γέννησις τοῦ Κυρίου καὶ Θεοῦ καὶ Σωτῆρος ἡµῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Στίχοι Θεὸς τὸ τεχθέν, ἡ δὲ Μήτηρ Παρθένος. Τὶ µεῖζον ἄλλο καινὸν εἶδεν ἡ κτίσις; Παρθενικὴ Μαρίη Θεὸν εἰκάδι γείνατο πέµπτη. Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Ἡ προσκύνησις τῶν Μάγων. Στίχοι Σὲ προσκυνοῦσα τάξις ἐθνική, Λόγε, Showing your future honour from the Τὸ πρὸς σὲ δηλοῖ τῶν Ἐθνῶν µέλλον σέβας. Nations. 20

21 On the same day, Commemoration of the Shepherds who saw the Lord. Verses The Shepherds, leaving their own flock behind, To see Christ the Good Shepherd went with haste. To him be glory to the ages of ages. Amen. Katavasiai of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ 21 Τῇ αὐτῇ ἡµέρᾳ, Μνήµη τῶν θεασαµένων Ποιµένων τὸν Κύριον. Στίχοι Ποίµνην ἀφέντες τὴν ἑαυτῶν Ποιµένες, Ἰδεῖν καλὸν σπεύδουσι Χριστὸν ποιµένα. Αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Καταβασίαι τῆς Ἑορτῆς 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; you peoples sing praises in gladness, for He is glorified. Iambic The wonder-working Master saved people, By turning the ocean waves into dry land. He Who willed to be born of a Virgin, has established for us a path to heaven. Like unto the Father and man we glorify Him. Χριστὸς γεννᾶται δοξάσατε Χριστὸς ἐξ οὐρανῶν ἀπαντήσατε Χριστὸς ἐπὶ γῆς ὑψώθητε. ᾌσατε τῷ Κυρίῳ πᾶσα ἡ γῆ, καὶ ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ, ἀνυµνήσατε λαοί, ὅτι δεδόξασται. Ἰαµβικαί Ἔσωσε λαόν, θαυµατουργῶν Δεσπότης, Ὑγρὸν θαλάσσης κῦµα, χερσώσας πάλαι. Ἑκὼν δὲ τεχθείς, ἐκ Κόρης τρίβον βατήν, Πόλου τίθησιν ἡµῖν ὅν κατ οὐσίαν, Ἴσόν τε Πατρί, καὶ βροτοῖς δοξάζοµεν. 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, Lord. Iambic Hear those who sing praises, O Benefactor, Humbling the brow of the proud. Raise us above sin, all-seeing blessed One, Establish your singers firm and unshaken On the foundation of faith. 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. Ἰαµβικαί Νεῦσον πρὸς ὕµνους, οἰκετῶν εὐεργέτα, Ἐχθροῦ ταπεινῶν, τὴν ἐπηρµένην ὀφρύν, Φέρων τε παντεπόπτα, τῆς ἁµαρτίας Ὕπερθεν ἀκλόνητον, ἐστηριγµένους, Μάκαρ µελῳδούς, τῇ βάσει τῆς πίστεως. 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.

22 Iambic The prophet Habakkuk foretold in song, the restoration of mankind, Made worthy to behold the ineffable symbol; A new Child from the mountain of the Virgin Comes forth to renew nations by the Word. Ἰαµβικαί Γένους βροτείου, τὴν ἀνάπλασιν πάλαι, ᾌδων προφήτης, Ἀββακοὺµ προµηνύει, Ἰδεῖν ἀφράστως, ἀξιωθεὶς τὸν τύπον Νέον βρέφος γάρ, ἐξ ὄρους τῆς Παρθένου, Ἐξῆλθε λαῶν, εἰς ἀνάπλασιν Λόγος. 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. Iambic From nightly works of dark deceit Forgive us who are awakened, O Christ. To us who now sing to you as Benefactor, Make the path easy That we may arise and attain glory. 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. Iambic Jonah enclosed in the depths of the sea, Entreated You to come and still the storm. Pierced with the dart of the tyrant, I call upon You, the Slayer of evil: Come swiftly and deliver me from sloth. 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. Ἰαµβικαί Ἐκ νυκτὸς ἔργων, ἐσκοτισµένης πλάνης, Ἱλασµὸν ἡµῖν, Χριστὲ τοῖς ἐγρηγόρως, Νῦν Σοι τελοῦσιν, ὕµνον ὡς εὐεργέτῃ, Ἔλθοις πορίζων, εὐχερῆ τε τὴν τρίβον, Καθ ἣν ἀνατρέχοντες, εὕροιµεν κλέος. 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. Ἰαµβικαί Ναίων Ἰωνᾶς, ἐν µυχοῖς θαλαττίοις, Ἐλθεῖν ἐδεῖτο, καὶ ζάλην ἀπαρκέσαι. Νυγεὶς ἐγὼ δέ, τῷ τυραννοῦντος βέλει, Χριστὲ προσαυδῶ, τὸν κακῶν ἀναιρέτην, Θᾶττον µολεῖν Σε, τῆς ἐµῆς ῥᾳθυµίας. Ode 7 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. Iambic Οἱ Παῖδες, εὐσεβείᾳ συντραφέντες, δυσσεβοῦς προστάγµατος καταφρονήσαντες, πυρὸς ἀπειλὴν οὐκ ἐπτοήθησαν, ἀλλ ἐν µέσῳ τῆς φλογός, ἑστῶτες ἔψαλλον Ὁ τῶν πατέρων, Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ. Ἰαµβικαί Caught and captivated Τῷ παντάνακτος, ἐξεφαύλισαν πόθῳ, by love for the King of all, Ἄπλητα θυµαίνοντος, ἠγκιστρωµένοι, Youths reproached the tyrant for blasphemy; Παῖδες τυράννου, δύσθεον γλωσσαλγίαν As the fire yielded to them, to the Lord Οἷς εἴκαθε πῦρ, ἄσπετον τῷ Δεσπότῃ, They cried: blessed are You unto the ages. Λέγουσιν Εἰς αἰῶνας εὐλογητὸς εἶ. 22

23 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. Iambic The youths encircled by fire prefigured The unburned maiden s womb which Gave birth supernaturally yet remained sealed. Both brought forth by one wondrous grace, Which the people praise in song. Kanon Deacon The Theotokos and Mother of the Light, let us magnify in hymns of honor. 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. φρυαττόµενος. 23 Ἰαµβικαί Μήτραν ἀφλέκτως, εἰκονίζουσι Κόρης, Οἱ τῆς παλαιᾶς, πυρπολούµενοι νέοι, Ὑπερφυῶς κύουσαν, ἐσφραγισµένην. Ἄµφω δὲ δρῶσα, θαυµατουργίᾳ µιᾷ, Λαοὺς πρὸς ὕµνον, ἐξανίστησι Χάρις. Κανόν Διάκ. Τὴν Θεοτόκον καὶ Μητέρα τοῦ Φωτός, ἐν ὕµνοις τιµῶντες µεγαλύνωµεν. Ode 9 Ὠδὴ θ Tone 1 Ἦχος α Magnify O my soul, she who is more honorable and more glorious than the host on high. 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. Magnify O my soul, God born in the flesh, from the Virgin. The Magi, beholding the strange course of an unknown and newly-shining star that exceeded the brightness of all heavenly light, learned thereby that Christ the King was born on earth inn Bethlehem for our salvation. 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. Μεγάλυνον ψυχή µου, τὸν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου, Θεὸν σαρκὶ τεχθέντα. Ἐξαίσιον δρόµον, ὁρῶντες οἱ Μάγοι, ἀσυνήθους νέου ἀστέρος ἀρτιφαοῦς, οὐρανίου ὑπερλάµποντος, Χριστὸν Βασιλέα ἐτεκµήραντο, ἐν γῇ γεννηθέντα Βηθλεέµ, εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡµῶν. Magnify O my soul, the King born in the cave. Μεγάλυνον ψυχή µου, τὸν ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ, τεχθέντα Βασιλέα. Where is the new-born Child and King, whose star we have seen?, the Magi said. For we have come to worship Him; Herod, the enemy of God, was troubled, and in his wild madness he plotted to kill Christ Νεηγενὲς Μάγων λεγόντων, παιδίον Ἄναξ, οὗ ἀστὴρ ἐφάνη, ποῦ ἐστίν; εἰς γὰρ ἐκείνου προσκύνησιν ἥκοµεν µανεὶς ὁ Ἡρῴδης ἐταράττετο, Χριστὸν ἀνελεῖν, ὁ θεοµάχος

24 Magnify O my soul, God Who was worshipped by the Magi. Herod inquired what time the guiding star appeared, which brought the Magi to Bethlehem, there to worship Christ with gifts. Led back to their own land by that same star, they returned not to Herod, but mocked the wicked slayer of children. Others from the Iambic Kanon Today the Virgin, bears the Master within the cave. Easier for us is from fear to love silence, free of any peril as it is, O Virgin; whereas to weave stirring hymns of longing in earnest, is difficult. Therefore, O Mother, give us strength to match our desire, we pray. Today the Master is born as a baby of a Virgin Mother. (Repeat) Easier for us is from fear to love silence, free of any peril as it is, O Virgin; whereas to weave stirring hymns of longing in earnest, is difficult. Therefore, O Mother, give us strength to match our desire, we pray. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Magnify O my soul, the power of the undivided Godhead, in three Persons. Type of the Word, pure Mother, we have seen That have no light and shadows that are past; Newly he has appeared from the closed gate, And we, found worthy of the light of truth, Your womb, as is most fitting, now we bless. Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Magnify O my soul, her that delivered us, from the curse. The people that delights in Christ has found Its longing, counted worthy of God s coming, Now cries in supplication for rebirth As giving life; do you, pure Virgin, grant The grace to worship then that radiant glory. First Katavasia Magnify O my soul, the one who is more honorable and more glorious than the host above. 24 Μεγάλυνον ψυχή µου, τῶν ὑπὸ τῶν Μάγων, Θεὸν προσκυνηθέντα. Ἠκρίβωσε χρόνον Ἡρῴδης ἀστέρος, οὗ ταῖς ἡγεσίαις οἱ Μάγοι ἐν Βηθλεέµ, προσκυνοῦσι Χριστῷ σὺν δώροις ὑφ οὗ πρὸς Πατρίδα ὁδηγούµενοι, δεινὸν παιδοκτόνον, ἐγκατέλιπον παιζόµενον. Ἔτερα εἰς τὸν Ἰαµβικὸν Κανόνα Σήµερον ἡ Παρθένος, τίκτει τὸν Δεσπότην, ἔνδον ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ. Στέργειν µὲν ἡµᾶς, ὡς ἀκίνδυνον φόβῳ, Ῥᾷον σιωπήν, τῷ πόθῳ δὲ Παρθένε, Ὕµνους ὑφαίνειν, συντόνως τεθηγµένους, Ἐργῶδές ἐστιν, ἀλλὰ καὶ Μήτηρ σθένος, Ὅση πέφυκεν ἡ προαίρεσις δίδου. Σήµερον ὁ Δεσπότης, τίκτεται ὡς βρέφος, ὑπὸ Μητρὸς Παρθένου. (Πάλιν) Στέργειν µὲν ἡµᾶς, ὡς ἀκίνδυνον φόβῳ, Ῥᾷον σιωπήν, τῷ πόθῳ δὲ Παρθένε, Ὕµνους ὑφαίνειν, συντόνως τεθηγµένους, Ἐργῶδές ἐστιν, ἀλλὰ καὶ Μήτηρ σθένος, Ὅση πέφυκεν ἡ προαίρεσις δίδου. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Μεγάλυνον ψυχή µου, τῆς τρισυποστάτου, καὶ ἀδιαιρέτου, Θεότητος τὸ κράτος. Τύπους ἀφεγγεῖς καὶ σκιὰς παρηγµένας, Ὦ Μῆτερ ἁγνή, τοῦ Λόγου δεδορκότες, Νέου φανέντος, ἐκ πύλης κεκλεισµένης, Δοξούµενοί τε, τῆς ἀληθείας φάος, Ἐπαξίως σὴν εὐλογοῦµεν γαστέρα. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Μεγάλυνον ψυχή µου, τὴν λυτρωσαµένην, ἡµᾶς ἐκ τῆς κατάρας. Πόθου τετευχώς, καὶ Θεοῦ παρουσίας, Ὁ χριστοτερπὴς λαὸς ἠξιωµένος, Νῦν ποτνιᾶται τῆς παλιγγενεσίας. Ὡς ζωοποιοῦ τὴν χάριν δὲ Παρθένε, Νέµοις ἄχραντε, προσκυνῆσαι τὸ κλέος. Καταβασία α Μεγάλυνον ψυχή µου, τὴν τιµιωτέραν, καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν τῶν ἄνω στρατευµάτων.

25 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. Second Katavasia (Iambic) Magnify O my soul, her that delivered us, from the curse. Easier for us is from fear to love silence, free of any peril as it is, O Virgin; whereas to weave stirring hymns of longing in earnest, is difficult. Therefore, O Mother, give us strength to match our desire, we pray. Small Litany Exaposteilarion Tone 3 Model Hymn Our Savior from on high, the Dawn from the east, has visited us, who were in darkness and shadow, and have found the truth; for of the holy Virgin the Lord is born. (Repeat) Our Savior from on high, the Dawn from the east, has visited us, who were in darkness and shadow, and have found the truth; for of the holy Virgin the Lord is born. (Repeat) Our Savior from on high, the Dawn from the east, has visited us, who were in darkness and shadow, and have found the truth; for of the holy Virgin the Lord is born. 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. Stichera Idiomela 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. αὐτοῦ. 25 Καταβασία β (Ἰαµβικὸς) Μεγάλυνον ψυχή µου, τὴν λυτρωσαµένην, ἡµᾶς ἐκ τῆς κατάρας. Στέργειν µὲν ἡµᾶς, ὡς ἀκίνδυνον φόβῳ, Ῥᾷον σιωπήν, τῷ πόθῳ δὲ Παρθένε, Ὕµνους ὑφαίνειν, συντόνως τεθηγµένους, Ἐργῶδές ἐστιν, ἀλλὰ καὶ Μήτηρ σθένος, Ὅση πέφυκεν ἡ προαίρεσις δίδου. Συναπτὴ Μικρὰ Ἐξαποστειλάριον Ἦχος γ Αὐτόµελον Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡµᾶς, ἐξ ὕψους ὁ Σωτὴρ ἡµῶν, ἀνατολὴ ἀνατολῶν, καὶ οἱ ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ, εὕροµεν τὴν ἀλήθειαν καὶ γὰρ ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου ἐτέχθη ὁ Κύριος. (Πάλιν) Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡµᾶς, ἐξ ὕψους ὁ Σωτὴρ ἡµῶν, ἀνατολὴ ἀνατολῶν, καὶ οἱ ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ, εὕροµεν τὴν ἀλήθειαν καὶ γὰρ ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου ἐτέχθη ὁ Κύριος. (Πάλιν) Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡµᾶς, ἐξ ὕψους ὁ Σωτὴρ ἡµῶν, ἀνατολὴ ἀνατολῶν, καὶ οἱ ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ, εὕροµεν τὴν ἀλήθειαν καὶ γὰρ ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου ἐτέχθη ὁ Κύριος. 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. Στιχηρά Ἰδιόµελα Tone 4 Ἦχος δ First Stichos Στίχος α Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the multitude of His greatness. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐπὶ ταῖς δυναστείαις αὐτοῦ, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῆς µεγαλωσύνης

26 Make glad, you righteous; greatly rejoice, you heavens; you mountains, dance for joy. Christ is born; and like the Cherubim the Virgin makes a throne, carrying at her bosom God the Word made flesh. Shepherds glorify the newborn Child, Magi offer the Master gifts. Angels sing praises saying: Lord past understanding, glory to You. 26 Εὐφραίνεσθε Δίκαιοι, οὐρανοὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, σκιρτήσατε τὰ ὄρη, Χριστοῦ γεννηθέντος, Παρθένος καθέζεται, τὰ Χερουβὶµ µιµουµένη, βαστάζουσα ἐν κόλποις, Θεόν Λόγον σαρκωθέντα. Ποιµένες τὸν τεχθέντα δοξάζουσι. Μάγοι τῷ Δεσπότῃ δῶρα προσφέρουσιν. Ἄγγελοι ἀνυµνοῦντες λέγουσιν Ἀκατάληπτε Κύριε, δόξα σοι. Second Stichos Στίχος β Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp. It was the good pleasure of the Father: the Word became flesh, and the Virgin bore God made man. A star spreads abroad the tidings: the Magi worship, the shepherds stand amazed, and the creation is filled with mighty joy. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν ἤχῳ, σάλπιγγος, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν ψαλτηρίῳ καὶ κιθάρᾳ. Ὁ Πατὴρ εὐδόκησεν, ὁ Λόγος σάρξ ἐγένετο, καὶ ἡ Παρθένος ἔτεκε, Θεὸν ἐνανθρωπήσαντα, Ἀστὴρ µηνύει Μάγοι προσκυνοῦσι Ποιµένες θαυµάζουσι, καὶ ἡ κτίσις ἀγάλλεται. Third Stichos Στίχος γ Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. Theotokos Virgin who has borne the Savior, you have overthrown the ancient curse of Eve. For you have become the Mother of Him in Whom the Father was well pleased, and you have carried at your bosom God the incarnate Word. We cannot fathom this mystery: but by faith alone we all glorify it, crying aloud with you and saying: Lord past all interpretation, glory to You. Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν τυµπάνῳ καὶ χορῷ, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν χορδαῖς καὶ ὀργάνῳ. Θεοτόκε Παρθένε, ἡ τεκοῦσα τὸν Σωτῆρα, ἀνέτρεψας τὴν πρώτην κατάραν τῆς Εὔας, ὅτι Μήτηρ γέγονας, τῆς εὐδοκίας τοῦ Πατρός, βαστάζουσα ἐν κόλποις, Θεὸν Λόγον σαρκωθέντα. Οὐ φέρει το µυστήριον ἔρευναν πίστει µόνῃ τοῦτο πάντες δοξάζοµεν, κράζοντες µετὰ σοῦ καὶ λέγοντες Ἀνερµήνευτε Κύριε, Δόξα σοι. Fourth Stichos Στίχος δ Praise Him with tuneful cymbals; praise Him with cymbals of jubilation. Let every breath praise the Lord. Come, let us sing praises of the Mother of the Savior, who after bearing a child still remained a virgin. Rejoice, you Living City of God the King, in which Christ has dwelt, bringing to pass our salvation. With Gabriel we sing your praises; with the shepherds we glorify you, crying: Theotokos, intercede for our salvation with Him Who took flesh from you. Idiomelon of the Feast Tone Plagal 2 Germanos Αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν κυµβάλοις εὐήχοις, αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν κυµβάλοις ἀλαλαγµοῦ. Πᾶσα πνοὴ αἰνεσάτω τὸν Κύριον. Δεῦτε ἀνυµνήσωµεν, τὴν Μητέρα τοῦ Σωτῆρος, τὴν µετὰ τόκον πάλιν ὀφθεῖσαν Παρθένον Χαίροις Πόλις ἔµψυχε, τοῦ Βασιλέως καὶ Θεοῦ, ἐν ᾗ Χριστὸς οἰκήσας, σωτηρίαν εἰργάσατο. Μετὰ τοῦ Γαβριὴλ ἀνυµνοῦµέν σε, µετὰ τῶν Ποιµένων δοξάζοµεν κράζοντες Θεοτόκε πρέσβευε, τῷ ἐκ σοῦ σαρκωθέντι, σωθῆναι ἡµᾶς. Ἰδιόµελον τῆς Ἑορτῆς Ἦχος πλ. β Γερµανοῦ

27 Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. When it was time for Your coming upon the earth, the first taxation of the world was held; and then You made ready to enroll the names of all who believed in Your birth. For this cause Caesar published such a decree, since Your timeless and eternal Kingdom was newly made manifest. Therefore as we pray our earthly tribute money, at the same time we offer You the wealth of our Orthodox faith, O God and Savior of our souls. Another Idiomelon of the Feast Tone 2 John the Monastic Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Today Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem. Today He Who knows no beginning now begins to be, and the Word is made flesh. The powers of heaven greatly rejoice, and the earth with mankind makes glad. The Magi offer gifts, the shepherds proclaim the marvel, and we cry aloud without ceasing: Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good will among men. Great Doxology. Apolitikion of the Feast Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι. Ὅτε καιρός, τῆς ἐπὶ γῆς παρουσίας σου, πρώτη ἀπογραφὴ τῇ οἰκουµένῃ ἐγένετο, τότε ἔµελλες τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπογράφεσθαι τὰ ὀνόµατα, τῶν πιστευόντων τῷ τόκῳ σου διὰ τοῦτο τὸ τοιοῦτον δόγµα, ὑπὸ Καίσαρος ἐξεφωνήθη τῆς γὰρ αἰωνίου σου βασιλείας, τὸ ἄναρχον ἐκαινουργήθη. Διὸ σοι προσφέροµεν καὶ ἡµεῖς, ὑπὲρ τήν χρηµατικὴν φορολογίαν, ὀρθοδόξου πλουτισµὸν θεολογίας, τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Σωτῆρι τῶν ψυχῶν ἡµῶν. Ἕτερον Ἰδιόµελον τῆς Ἑορτῆς Ἦχος β Ἰωάννου Μοναχοῦ Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Σήµερον ὁ Χριστός, ἐν Βηθλεὲµ γεννᾶται ἐκ Παρθένου. Σήµερον ὁ ἄναρχος ἄρχεται, καὶ ὁ Λόγος σαρκοῦται. Αἱ δυνάµεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀγάλλονται, καὶ ἡ γῆ σὺν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις εὐφραίνεται. Οἱ Μάγοι τὰ δῶρα προσφέρουσιν, οἱ Ποιµένες τὸ θαῦµα κηρύττουσιν, ἡµεῖς δὲ ἀκαταπαύστως βοῶµεν Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη, ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία. Μεγάλη Δοξολογία. Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἑορτῆς Tone 4 Ἦχος δ Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. The Divine Liturgy begins immediately, page

28 At the Divine Liturgy Litany of Peace. Antiphons of the Feast: αἰῶνος. 28 Εἰς τὴν Λειτουργίαν Εἰρηνικά. Ἀντίφωνα τῆς Ἑορτῆς First Antiphon Ἀντίφωνον Α Tone 2 I will confess You, Lord, with my whole heart, I will tell of all Your wonders. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. In the council of the upright and in the congregation, great are the works of the Lord. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. Sought out in all the things that He has willed. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. Confession and majesty are His work, and His righteousness abides unto ages of ages. 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 to the ages of ages. Amen. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. Small Litany Ἦχος β Ἐξοµολογήσοµαί σοι Κύριε ἐν ὅλῃ καρδίᾳ µου, διηγήσοµαι πάντα τὰ θαυµάσιά σου. Ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, Σῶτερ, σῶσον ἡµᾶς. Ἐν βουλῇ εὐθέων καὶ συναγωγῇ, µεγάλα τὰ ἔργα Κυρίου. Ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, Σῶτερ, σῶσον ἡµᾶς. Ἐξεζητηµένα εἰς πάντα τὰ θελήµατα αὐτοῦ. Ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, Σῶτερ, σῶσον ἡµᾶς. Ἐξοµολόγησις καὶ µεγαλοπρέπεια τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ µένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος. 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 Blessed is the man that fears the Lord; in His commandments shall he greatly delight. Save us O Son of God, Who of the Virgin was born, we sing to You: Alleluia. His seed shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Save us O Son of God, Who of the Virgin was born, we sing to You: Alleluia. Glory and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness abides unto ages of ages. Ἦχος β Μακάριος ἀνήρ, ὁ φοβούµενος τὸν Κύριον, ἐν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς αὐτοῦ θελήσει σφόδρα. Σῶσον ἡµᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθείς, ψάλλοντάς σοι Ἀλληλούϊα. Δυνατὸν ἐν τῇ γῇ ἔσται τὸ σπέρµα αὐτοῦ. Σῶσον ἡµᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθείς, ψάλλοντάς σοι Ἀλληλούϊα. Δόξα καὶ πλοῦτος ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ µένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ

29 Save us O Son of God, Who of the Virgin was born, we sing to You: Alleluia. There has risen up in darkness a light for the upright. Save us O Son of God, Who of the Virgin was born, we sing to You: Alleluia. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to 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 ever- Virgin Mary, without change did You become Man. And were crucified Christ our God, but conquered 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 Σῶσον ἡµᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθείς, ψάλλοντάς σοι Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἐξανέτειλεν ἐν σκότει φῶς τοῖς εὐθέσιν. Σῶσον ἡµᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθείς, ψάλλοντάς σοι Ἀλληλούϊα. 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 Third Antiphon Ἀντίφωνον Γ Tone 4 Ἦχος δ The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet. Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. A scepter of power shall the Lord send unto You out of Sion. Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ µου Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν µου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου. Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Ῥάβδον δυνάµεως ἐξαποστελεῖ σοι Κύριος ἐκ Σιών. Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. With You is dominion in the day of Your Μετὰ σοῦ ἡ ἀρχὴ ἐν ἡµέρᾳ τῆς δυνάµεώς power, in the splendor of Your saints. σου, ἐν ταῖς λαµπρότησι τῶν Ἁγίων σου. 29

30 Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. Small Entrance Entrance Hymn From the womb before Lucifer have I begotten You; the Lord has sworn and will not repent: You are a priest forevermore after the order of Melchisedek. Save us O Son of God, Who of the Virgin was born, we sing to You: Alleluia. Apolitikion of the Feast Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Μικρά Εἴσοδος Εἰσοδικὸν Ἐκ γαστρὸς πρὸ Ἑωσφόρου ἐγέννησά σε ὤµοσε Κύριος, καὶ οὐ µεταµεληθήσεται. Σὺ Ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδέκ. Σῶσον ἡµᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθείς, ψάλλοντάς σοι Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἑορτῆς Tone 4 Ἦχος δ Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. Kontakion Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Κοντάκιον Tone 3 Ἦχος γ The virgin today gives birth to the superessential One; and the earth offers the cave to the unapproachable One. Angels with shepherds glorify Him, and the Magi, journey with the star; because for us was born a new Child the God Who existed before the ages. Instead of the Trisagion Ἡ Παρθένος σήµερον, τὸν ὑπερούσιον τίκτει, καὶ ἡ γῆ τὸ Σπήλαιον, τῷ ἀπροσίτῳ προσάγει. Ἄγγελοι µετὰ Ποιµένων δοξολογοῦσι. Μάγοι δὲ µετὰ ἀστέρος ὁδοιποροῦσι δι ἡµᾶς γὰρ ἐγεννήθη, Παιδίον νέον, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Θεός. Ἀντὶ δὲ τοῦ Τρισαγίου Tone 1 Ἦχος α Amen. Those who in Christ have been baptized have put on Christ. Alleluia. Those who in Christ have been baptized have put on Christ. Alleluia. Ἁµήν. Ὅσοι εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε, Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε. Ἀλληλούϊα. Ὅσοι εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε, Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε. Ἀλληλούϊα. Those who in Christ have been baptized have Ὅσοι εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε, Χριστὸν put on Christ. Alleluia. ἐνεδύσασθε. Ἀλληλούϊα. 30

31 Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι, καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀµήν. Have put on Christ. Alleluia. Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε. Ἀλληλούϊα. Deacon Dynamis! Διάκ. Δύναµις. Nai Dynamis. Those who in Christ have been baptized have put on Christ. Alleluia. Epistle Of the Feast Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel Ναὶ δύναµις. Ὅσοι εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε, Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε. Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀπόστολος Τῆς Ἑορτῆς Γαλ. δ 4-7 Εὐαγγέλιον Of the Feast Matthew 2:1-20 Τῆς Ἑορτῆς Ματθ. β 1-20 If the Feast falls on Tuesday through Saturday, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. At: Remembering our most-holy... Magnify O my soul, she who is more honorable and more glorious than the host on high. 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. At: Remembering our most-holy... In you rejoices, O full of grace, all creation, the hierarchy of Angels, and the race of mankind; sanctified temple and intellectual paradise, the boast of virgins, from whom God was incarnate, and became a Child, Who was the pre-eternal God. For He made your womb His throne, and shaped your womb to be more spacious than the heavens. In you rejoices, O full of grace, all creation: glory to you. Communion Hymn If the Feast falls on Sunday or Monday, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great. Εἰς τό Ἐξαιρέτως: 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. Εἰς τό Ἐξαιρέτως: Eπi σoὶ χαίρει, Κεχαριτωµένη, πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις. Ἀγγέλων τὸ σύστηµα καὶ ἀνθρώπων τὸ γένος, ἡγιασµένε ναὲ καὶ παράδεισε λογικέ, παρθενικὸν καύχηµα, ἐξ ἧς Θεός ἐσαρκώθη καὶ παιδίον γέγονεν, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων ὑπάρχων Θεὸς ἡµῶν τὴν γὰρ σὴν µήτραν θρόνον ἐποίησε, καὶ τὴν σὴν γαστέρα πλατυτέραν οὐρανῶν ἀπειργάσατο. Ἐπὶ σοὶ χαίρει, Κεχαριτωµένη, πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις δόξα σοι. Κοινωνικὸν The Lord has sent redemption unto His Λύτρωσιν ἀπέστειλε Κύριος τῷ λαῷ people. Alleluia. αὐτοῦ. Ἀλληλούϊα. 31

32 At: We have seen the Light... Apolitikion of the Feast Εἰς τό «Εἴδοµεν τό φῶς» Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἑορτῆς Tone 4 Ἦχος δ Your birth, O Christ our God, did shine upon the world; and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe. And to those who held the stars in worship, did through a star learn to worship You, (worship You) the Sun of righteousness, and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. Dismissal, May He Who was born in a cave, and lay in a manger for our salvation, Christ our true God,... Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡµῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσµῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Ἀπόλυσις «Ὁ ἐν σπηλαίῳ γεννηθείς καὶ ἐν φάτνῃ ἀνακλιθείς διά τήν ἡµῶν σωτηρίαν, Χριστός ὁ ἀληθινός Θεός ἡµῶν...» 32