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48. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
As supplicants I bring to Thee all those whom Thou hast Sanctified - the Leaders of the Angelic Powers, Thy Forerunner, Thine Enlightened Apostles and Thy Pure and Spotless Mother. Receive their Prayers, O Merciful Christ, and make Thy servant a Child of Light. For Thou art our Sanctification and our only Good One, and the Illumination of our souls, and unto Thee as our God and Master each day as is fitting, we ascribe all Glory, Honour and Worship. Amen
When the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord falls on any other day of the week, except Saturday or Sunday, in the morning the Royal Hours are read followed by the Divine Liturgy of St Basil the Great, which is preceded by Great Vespers. However, if the day before the Nativity of Christ falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the Royal Hours are read on Friday while the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom is celebrated on the preceding day. If the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom is celebrated on Christmas Eve, then the Divine Liturgy of St Basil is celebrated on the Feast and vice versa.
Lord Jesus Christ, our God, may Thy Holy Body be unto me for Everlasting Life and
Thy Precious Blood for the Forgiveness of sins. And may this Holy Eucharist be Joy, Health and Gladness for me. And at Thine Awesome Second Coming, make me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the right Hand of Thy Glory, through the Intercessions of Thy Pure Mother and of all Thy Saints. Amen.
To our Most Holy & Ever Blessed Lady, Theotokos & Ever Virgin Mary
All Holy Lady, Theotokos, the Light of my darkened soul, my Hope and Protection, my
Refuge and Consolation and my Joy: I give Thee Thanks for having made me, who am unworthy, worthy to receive the Holy Body and the Precious Blood of Thy Son. Enlighten the Spiritual Eyes of my heart, O Thou Who bore the True Light. O Thou Who engendered the Fountain of Immortality grant Life to me - who is dead in sin. O Thou the Compassionate Mother of the Merciful God have Mercy on me and grant me Compunction and Contrition of heart, Humility in my thoughts, and the Recall of my reasoning powers from their captivity. And make me worthy to my last breath, Uncondemned to receive the Sanctification of the Divine Mysteries for the Healing of my soul and body. And grant me Tears of Repentance and Confession so that I may praise and glorify Thee all the days of my life for Thou art Blessed and Glorified unto the Ages. Amen.
2. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
47.
H OLY C OMMUNION ,
WE PRAY :
Evlogimeni
i Vasilia tou Patros ke tou Iou ke tou Agiou Pnevmatos, nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
Blessed be the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen
GOD
thank Thee, O Lord my God, that Thou has not rejected me, a sinner, but has deemed me worthy to be a Partaker of Thy Holy Things. I thank Thee that Thou has deemed me, who am unworthy, worthy to participate in Thy Sacred and Heavenly Gifts. And, O Merciful Master - Who died for us and Who Arose again, and Who bestows upon us these Thy Fearful and Life-giving Mysteries for the well-being and Sanctification of our souls and bodies - grant that these may be to me for the Healing of my soul and body, for the averting of everything hostile, for the Enlightenment of the eyes of my heart, for Peace to my Spiritual Powers, for Faith, which does not shame us, for Love Unfeigned, for the Plenitude of Wisdom, for the Fulfilment of Thy Commandments, for the Aid of Thy Divine Grace and the Inheritance of Thy Kingdom - so that protected by Them in Thy Holiness I may ever remember Thy Grace and never live for myself but only for Thee, our Master and Saviour. And so when I have departed from this existence in the hope of Eternal Life, I may attain to Everlasting Rest, where the Song of those who keep Festival is unceasing and the Joy is endless of those who behold the Ineffable Beauty of Thy Countenance. For Thou, O Christ our God, is that which is truly sought for, and the Unutterable Gladness of those who Love Thee - and all Creation praises Thee forever. Amen
Amin
M
AKE THE
PEOPLE
SIGN
OF THE
CROSS &
BOW DOWN TO
PEOPLE
O come let us worship and bow down to our King and God.
Defte Defte
proskinisomen ke prospesomen Hristo to Vasili imon Theo. proskinisomen ke prospesomen Afto, Hristo to Vasili ke Theo imon
Evlogi, I psihi mou, ton Kyrion! Kyrie O Theos mou, emegalinthis sfodra! Exomologisin Ektinon To
ke megloprepian enediso, anavallomenos Fos os imartion. ton Ouranon osi derrin, stegazon en idasi ta iperoa Aftou. O
exceedingly
and art clothed with Light as with a garment. stretches out the Heavens like a curtain He covers His Upper Chambers with waters. makes Clouds a means of His approach He walks on the wings of the wind. makes His Angels spirits - and His Ministers flames of fire. established the earth on its stable foundation it shall not be moved unto Ages of ages. the waters shall stand upon the mountains. Thy Rebuke they shall flee at the sound of Thy Thunder, they shall be afraid. mountains rise up, and the plains sink down to the place Thou founded for them. set a boundary, which they shall not pass over, neither shall they return to cover the earth.
O Christ our God and Master, King of the Ages and Creator of all, I thank Thee for all
the favours that Thou has granted to me, and for the participation in Thy Pure and Life-giving Mysteries. I beseech Thee, therefore, O Gracious and Loving Lord, Guard me under Thy Protection and in the Shadow of Thy Wings: and grant me a clear conscience to my last breath, so that worthily I may receive Thy Holy Things for the Forgiveness of sins and Life Eternal. For Thou art the Bread of Life, the Fountain of Holiness, the Giver of all that is Good, and unto Thee we ascribe Glory - with the Father and the Holy Spirit - now and forever, and from all Ages to all Ages. Amen
Avissos
Thou Who grants me willingly Nourishment of Thine own Flesh - Thou Who art Fire and
burns up the unworthy - do not scorch me, O my Maker, but rather pass through me for the right ordering of my members, into all my joints, my affections, and my heart. Burn up the thorns of all my offences; Purify my soul, Sanctify my mind, make strong my knees and my bones; Enlighten the simplicity of my five senses; nail down the whole of me with Thy Fear. Always Protect, Guard and Watch over me, and keep me from every soul-destroying deed and word; Sanctify and Purify and order me; make me Clean, grant me Understanding and Enlightenment. Make me worthy to be the Habitation of the Only Holy Spirit, and no longer a habitation of sin; so that as Thine Abode from the Entrance of Thy Holy Communion, every evil deed and passion may flee from me as though from fire.
46. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
Katavenousi pedia, is ton topon, on ethemeliosas afta. ethou, O ou parelevsonte, oude epistrepsousi kalipse tin gin.
The
Thou
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
3.
exapostellon pigas en faragxin - ana meson ton oreon dilevsonte idata. panta ta thiria tou agrou prosdexonte onagri is dipsan afton.
Potiousi
They
...Prostasies ton Timion Epouranion Dinameon Asomaton ... ...ikesies tou Timiou Endoxou Profitou ke Vaptistou Ioannou... ... ton Agion Endoxon ke Panefimon Apostolon... ...ton Agion Evdoxon ke Kallinikon Martyrion... ...ton Osion ke Theoforon Pateron imon... ...ton Agion ke Dikeon Theopatoron Ioakim ke Annis... ...tou Agiou ... ou ke tin Mnimin epiteloumen ke panton ton Agion... .. Eleise ke Sose imas, os Agathos ke Filanthropos ke eleimon Theos.
shall give drink to all the wild animals of the field the wild asses shall quench their thirst. birds of heaven shall dwell beside them - they shall sing from the midst of the rocks. waters the mountains from Thy higher places the earth shall be satisfied with the Fruit of Thy Works. and green plants for the service of mankind to bring forth bread from the earth, and wine to gladden the heart of mankind to brighten his face with oil and bread to strengthen his heart.
Potizon
ori ek ton iperoon Aftou apo Karpou ton Ergon Sou hortasthisete i gi. doulia ton anthropon - tou exagagin arton ek tis gis - ke inos evfreni kardian anthropou - tou ilarine prosopon en eleo, ke artos kardian anthropou stirizi.
Thou
O exantellon horton tis ktinesi - ke hloin ti Thou cause grass to grow for the cattle
...the Protection of the sublime Spiritual Powers in Heaven... ...the Supplications of the Precious, Glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist... ... of the Holy, Glorious and Praiseworthy Apostles... ...of the Holy, Glorious and Victorious Martyrs... ...of our Saintly and God-Inspired Fathers... ...of the Holy and Righteous Ancestors Joachim and Anna... ...of Saint whose Memory we Commemorate today, and of all the Saints... ... and Save us, for He is Gracious and Loves mankind.
PEOPLE PRIEST
protect you.
PEOPLE
The The
trees of the plain shall be full of fruit. Cedars of Lebanon, which Thou planted, the sparrows shall nest therein the house of the heron tking the lead among them. cliff is a refuge for rabbits.
O Lord, Bless the one who Blesses us and Sanctifies us, for many years...
PRIEST
Through the Prayers of our Holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have Mercy on us and Save us. Amen.
CONSUMES THE HIS
PEOPLE
Ori
The high mountains are for the deer - the He made the Moon for seasons the Sun
knows its setting.
C ONGREGATION
Epiise
selinin is herous - O ilios egno tin disin aftou. skotos ke egeneto nix, en afti dilefsonte panta ta thiria tou drimou.
V ESTMENTS
WHILE RECITING
P R IEST ENTERS THE P R OTHESIS AND H O LY C HALICE , AN D THEN HE REVERENTLY REMOVES SPECIAL P RAYERS .
L ITU RGICAL
Ethou
Thou
established darkness and it was night, wherein all wild animals of the forest prowl about. and seek their food from God.
Skimni
The lion cubs roar and snatch their prey The Sun rises
and they gather together and sleep in their dens. does his work and labours until evening.
Anetilen
O Ilios ke sinihthisan, ke is tas mandras afton kitasthisonte. epi tin ergasian aftou eos esperas.
Exelfsete anthropos epi to ergon aftou, ke Mankind Os emegalinthi ta Erga Sou, Kyrie. Panta en Sofia epiisas i Eplirothi
Ktiseos Sou. I gi tis
Greatly Magnified art Thy Works, O Lord! Thou made all things in Wisdom the
earth is filled with Thy Creation!
There
is the great and spacious sea innumerable creeping things are there - both small and great. dragon Thou formed plays therein. things wait upon Thee that Thou may grant them food in due season.
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
45.
Ke
dos imin en panti hrono ke kero meletan tin Sin Dikeosinin, opos, pros to Son thelima odigithentes ke ta evaresta Si piisantes, Axii genometha ke tis ek Dexion Sou parastaseos, otan elefsi krine zontas ke nekrous.
And
grant us at all times and at every moment to meditate on Thy Righteousness, that being guided towards Thy Will and having done that which is well pleasing to Thee, we may be accounted worthy to stand at Thy right Hand when Thou comes to Judge both the living and the dead. sick, Direct from all danger those at sea, and grant Rest to the souls of those who have departed before us in the Hope of Life Everlasting, where the Light of Thy Countenance watches over them, and hears all those who pray for Thy Help.
When
Festal Anixantaria
REMAIN DER OF THE VERSES ARE CHANTED AS FOLLOWS :
Anixantos
Apostrepsantos
When
Tous
en ehmalosia Adelphou imon anarrise, tous en asthenia episkepse, tous en kindinis thalassis kivernison, ke tas proanapafsamenas psihas ep Elpidi Zois Eoniou anapafson, opou episkopi to Fos tou Prosopou Sou, ke panton ton deomenon tis Sis voithias epakouson, Si i O dotir ton Agathon, ke Si tin Doxan anapempomen, Sin to Anarho Sou Patri, ke to Panagio ke Agatho ke Zoopio Sou Pnevmati, nin ke ai, ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
Oti
For
Thou art the Giver of All Good Things, and to Thee we ascribe Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the Ages of Ages.
Doxa Si, O Theos! Glory to Thee, O God! Allilouia! Alleluia! Exapostelis to Pnevma Sou ke kitisthisonte, Thou send forth Thy
ke anakeniis to prosopon tis gis.
Spirit, and they shall be created: and Thou shalt Renew the face of the earth.
Amin PEOPLE Amen Ii to Onoma Kyriou Evlogimenon apo tou Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from
nin ke eos tou eonos. [3]
AS
THE
P RIEST
The Mystery of Thy Dispensation, O Christ our God, has been accomplished and Perfected as far as it is in our power. We have had the Memorial of Thy Death. We have seen the Type of Thy Resurrection. We have been filled with Thine Unending Life. We have enjoyed Thine Infinite Delight which in the world to come be well pleased to grant to us all, through the Grace of Thy Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the Ages of Ages. Amen.
Doxa Si, Pater! Doxa Si, Iie! Doxa Si, to Pnevma to Agion! Doxa Si, O Theos! Allilouia! Ito I Doxa Kyriou is tous Doxa Si, Agie! Doxa Si, Kyrie! Doxa Si, Vasilef Ouranie! Doxa Si, O Theos! Allilouia! O epivlepon epi tin gin ke
Glory to Thee, O Father! Glory to Thee, O Son! Glory to Thee, O Holy Spirit! Glory to Thee, O God! Alleluia! May the Glory of the Lord endure forever
- the Lord shall rejoice in His Works.
Let us pray to the Lord. PEOPLE Lord have Mercy Holy Father, give the Blessing
PRIEST PRIEST
C ONGREGATION
the Blessing of the Lord and His Mercy come upon you through His Divine Grace and Love for mankind always, now and ever, and unto the Ages of Ages.
May
Glory to Thee, O Holy One! Glory to Thee, O Lord! Glory to Thee, O Heavenly King! Glory to Thee, O God! Alleluia! He looks upon the earth, and makes Glory to Thee, O Holy One! Glory to Thee, O Lord! Glory to Thee, O Heavenly King! Glory to Thee, O Holy Spirit! Glory to Thee, O God! Alleluia! I will sing to the Lord all my life -
Amin
WE
BOW OUR HEAD TO RECEIVE THE CONTINUES :
PEOPLE
Amen
S IGN
O F THE
B LESSING
C ROSS
AS THE
P RIEST
PRIEST
May
Christ, our True God, have Mercy on us, through the Intercessions of His Most Pure and Holy Mother... ...through the Power of the Precious and Life-giving Cross...
OF
Doxa Si, Agie! Doxa Si, Kyrie! Doxa Si, Vasilev Ouranie! Doxa Si, to Pnevma to Agion! Doxa Si, O Theos! Allilouia! Aso to Kyrio en ti Zoi mou - psalo to Theo
mou eos iparho.
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
5.
God,
THE PRIEST
QUIETLY PRAYS:
Prayer of Thanksgiving
We thank Thee, O Lord, our God, for the Communion of Thy Holy, Most Pure, Immortal and Heavenly Mysteries, which Thou hast granted us for the Benefit, Sanctification, and Healing of our souls and bodies. Grant, O Master of all, that the Communion of the Holy Body and Blood of Thy Christ may become for us Faith unashamed, Love unfeigned, fullness of Wisdom, Healing of soul and body, repelling of every hostile adversary, observance of Thy Commandments, and an acceptable Defence at the Dread Judgement Seat of Thy Christ.
T H E P R I E S T , H A VI N G F O L DE D U P T H E A N T I M E N SI O N , MA K E S T H E S I G N O F T HE C R O S S O V E R I T W I T H T H E H O L Y G O S P E L , W H I CH HE T HE N P LA C E S U P O N T HE F O LD E D A N TI M E N SI O N BE F OR E C O N T I NU I N G A LO U D :
Se Proskinoumen ke doxazazoumen. We bow down and worship Thee! Doxa Si, O Theos! Glory to Thee, O God! Allilouia! Alleluia! Idinthii afto I dialogimou - ego de May my words be pleasing to Him and I
evfranthisome epi to Kyrio. shall be glad in the Lord.
Doxa Si, Pater Anarhe! Doxa Si, Iie Sinanarhe! Doxa Si, to Pnevma Trias Agia, Doxa Si! Doxa Si, O Theos! Allilouia! Eklipien amartolis apo
Glory to thee, Beginningless Father! Glory to Thee Beginningless Son! Glory to Thee, O Holy Spirit, of the
same Essence and sharing the same Throne.
PRIEST
For
Holy Trinity, Glory to Thee! Glory to Thee, O God! Alleluia! May sinners cease from the earth Glory to Thee, O Father! Glory to Thee, O Son! Glory to Thee, O Holy Spirit! Holy Trinity, Glory to Thee! Glory to Thee, O God! Alleluia! Bless, O my soul, the Lord!
unto Thee we ascribe Glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto Ages of Ages.
PEOPLE
Doxa Si, Pater! Doxa Si, Iie! Doxa Si, to Pnevma to Agion! Trias Agia, Doxa Si! Doxa Si, O Theos! Alliluia! Evlogi, I psihi mou, ton Kyrion.
egno tin disin aftou. egeneto nis.
The sun knows its going down. Thou hast appointed darkness, and it is night.
Doxa Si, Vasilei Epouranie! Doxa Si, O Theos! Allilouia! Os emeglinthi ta Erga Sou, Kyrie.
en Sofia epiisas.
Panta
Glory to Thee, O Heavenly King! Glory to Thee, O God! Alleluia! How magnificent art Thy Works, O Lord!
Thou hast made all things in Wisdom.
Thisian eneseos ke latrian evapeston, tin logikin taftin ke anemakton Thisian prosdehomenos para ton epikaloumenon Se en oli kardia, Hriste O Theos imon, O Amnos ke Iios tou Theou, O eron tin amartian tou kosmou: O Moshos O amomos, O mi dehomenos amartias zigon, ke tithis di imas ekon; O melizomenos ke mi dieromenos, O esthiomenos ke midepote dapanomenos, tous de esthiontas Agiazon.
Doxa Si, Pater Agennite! Glory to Thee, Father Unbegotten! Doxa Si, Iie Gennite! Glory to Thee, Son Begotten! Doxa Si, to Pnevma to Agion, to ek tou Glory to Thee, Holy Spirit, Who
Patros Ekporevomenon Anapavomenon. ke en Io proceeds from the Father... !
Thou Who accepts as a Sacrifice of Praise and Worship pleasing to Thee, this reasonable and bloodless Sacrifice, from those who call upon Thee with their whole heart, O Christ our God, O Lamb and Son of God, Who takes away the sin of the world: the Blameless Calf, not bearing the yoke of sin, and yet of Thine own Will was Sacrificed for us; Who, being Broken, yet is not divided; Who is eaten but never consumed, but Sanctifies those who eat thereof. Passion and Thy Life-giving Resurrection on the Third Day hast rendered us to be Partakers of Thine Ineffable and Heavenly and Dread Mysteries - Thy Holy Body and Thy Precious Blood.
Trias Agia, Doxa Si! Doxa Si, O Theos! Alliluia! Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke
nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
6. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
Holy Trinity, Glory to Thee! Glory to Thee, O God! Alleluia! Glory to the Father, and to
OF
Tirison
the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
imas tous doulous Sou, tous diakonous, tous arhontas imon, ton straton, ke ton periestota Laon, en to So Agiasmo.
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
43.
R ETURNING
TO THE HOLY ALTAR , THE PRIEST TRANSFERS THE PORTIONS OF THE THEOTOKOS AND OF TH E
T HEN
HE DOES THE SAME FOR THOSE OF THE LIVING AND THE REPOSED
Wash away, O Lord, by Thy Holy Blood, the sins of all those Commemorated, through the Intercessions of the Ever Blessed Theotokos and all Thy Saints. Amen.
M EANWHILE , T HE P RIEST
THE
C OMMUNICANTS WAIT PATIENTLY UNTIL THE P RIEST ONCE H OLY S ANCTUARY IN ORDER TO BESTOW THE B LESSING . H OLY A LTA R :
AGAIN
Be Thou exalted, O God, above the Heavens and Thy Glory above all the earth. [3]
T HE P RIEST T HE P RIEST
ELEVATES THE
H OLY C HALI CE :
Amin Alleluia [3] Doxa Si, O Theos! Alleluia [3] Doxa Si, O Theos! Alleluia [3] Doxa Si, O Theos! Doxa Si, I Elpis imon, Kyrie,
Doxa Si!
Amen Alleluia [3] Glory to Thee, O God! Alleluia [3] Glory to Thee, O God! Alleluia [3] Glory to Thee, O God! Glory to Thee, Our
Glory to Thee!
Help, O Lord,
C ONGREGATION
B LESSING
Litany of Peace
WHEN THE OPENING PSALM IS COMPLETED, THE PRIEST, STANDING BEFORE THE HOLY ALTAR, RECITES THE LITANY OF PEACE. THE CONGREGATION MAY BE SEATED (DO NOT CROSS LEGS OR ASSUME A CASUAL STANCE- WE ARE IN THE ALL HOLY PRESENCE OF GOD!)
Amin
A FTER
Amen
BOWING TOWARDS THE HOLY GIFTS HE HOLDS , WE BLESS OURSELVES WITH THE SIGN OF THE CROSS . RETURNING TO OUR PEWS WE MUST STAND BEFORE THE HOLY ALTAR AND MAKING THE SIGN OF THE
B EFORE
En irini tou Kyriou deithomen. Kyrie Eleison Iper tis Anothen Irinis ke tis Sotirias
psihon imon, tou Kyriou deithomen
ton
In Peace let us pray to the Lord Lord have Mercy PRIEST For the Peace from Above, and
PRIEST PEOPLE PEOPLE
CROSS , BOW DEEPLY BEFORE GOD IN GRATITUDE FOR HIS GREAT MERCY AND IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HIS DIVINE PRESENCE .
T HE
PRIEST TAKES THE HOLY GIFTS TO THE PROTHESIS OR OBLATION TABLE AND THEN STANDS BEFORE THE
H OLY A LTA R . A LL
COMMUNICANTS MUST REA D THE SPECIAL
P RAYE RS
AFTER
Thanksgiving
T HE P RIEST
INSTRUCTS THE WORSHIPPERS TO GIVE
tou simpantos Kosmou, efstatias ton Agion tou Theou Ekklision ke tis ton panton enoseos tou Kyriou deithomen. Ikou toutou ke ton meta Pisteos, Evlavias ke Fovou Theou isionton en afto, tou Kyriou deithomen.
Lord have Mercy PRIEST For the Peace of the whole world, the
stability of the Holy Churches of God, and for the Union of all, let us pray to the Lord
T HANKS
TO
G OD
FOR THE
H OLY C OMMUNION :
Orthi.
Metalavontes ton Thion, Agion, Ahranton, Athanaton, Epouranion ke Zoopion Frikton tou Hristou Mystirion, axios evharistisomen to Kyrio.
PRIEST
us rise, having duly received the Divine, Holy, Pure, Immortal, Heavenly, Life-giving and Awesome Mysteries of Christ, worthily let us give thanks to the Lord.
Let
and for those who enter it with Faith, Reverence and the Fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Amin Antilavou
Soson, Eleison ke Diafilaxon imas O Theos, ti Si Hariti.
PEOPLE
Amen
Small Litany
PRIEST
Help us, Save us, have Mercy upon us, and Protect us, O God, by Thy Grace. Amen Entreating
ke Patriarhou imon Theodorou ke tou Arhiepiskopou imon Sergiou, tou timiou Presviteriou, tis en Hristo Diakonias, pantos tou Klirou ke tou laou tou Kyriou deithomen.
and Patriarch Theodoros and our Archbishop Sergios, for the honourable Presbytery, the Diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord
PEOPLE PRIEST
pasan Telian, Agian, Irinikin ke anamartiton etisameni, eaftou ke allilous ke pasan tin Zoin imon, Hristo to Theo parathometha.
the Lord that this whole day may be Perfect, Holy, Peaceful and sinless, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God.
Lord have Mercy PRIEST For this city, for every city and land,
PEOPLE
and for the Faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord
Si Kyrie!
PEOPLE
To Thee, O Lord!
weather, for abundance in the earths yield and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
Kyrie Eleison
42. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
7.
Iper
pleonton, odiporounton, nosounton, kamnonton, ehmalonton ke tis sotirias afton tou Kyriou deithomen.
PRIEST
For travellers by sea, land, and air; for the sick and the suffering; for captives and for their Salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
P RAYE RS
OF OF
DO
NOT RUSH UP BEFORE BEING INVITED TO PARTAKE , AND THEN , WHILE WAI TING , CONTINUE TO PRAY UNTIL J UST BEFORE PA RTAKING , THEN MAKE THE
Eleison ke diafilaxon imas O Theos ti Si Hariti. Panagias, Ahrantou, Iperevlogimenis, Endoxou Despinis imon Theotokou ke Aiparthenou Marias meta panton ton Agion mnimonefsantes, eaftous ke allilous ke pasan tin Zion imon Hristo to Theo parathometha.
MAKE
THE
Lord have Mercy Help us, Save us, have Mercy on us,
S IGN OF THE C ROSS , HOLD THE C O MMUNION C LOTHE TO JUST BENEATH YOU LIPS , OPEN YOUR MOUTH WIDE ENOUGH FOR P ATER TO ADMIN ISTER THE H OLY C O MMUNION , DAB YOUR LIP S WITH THE CLOTHE , HAND IT TO THE NEXT C OMMUN ICANT , MAKE THE S IGN OF THE C ROSS , AND BACK AWAY FROM THE H OLY C HALICE . (N E VER TURN YOUR BACK TO THE H OLY C HALICE WHICH CONTAINS THE M OST P RECIOUS B ODY AND B LOO D OF C HRIST !) IF
THE PRIEST DOES NOT KNOW YOU , PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF WITH YOUR
O RTHODOX C HRISTIAN
( BAPTISM ) DO
NAME .
NOT CONVERSE WITH ANYONE WHILE WAITING FOR AFTERWARDS FOR THE
P RIEST
our All-Holy, Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and all our Life to Christ, our God.
GOD
C ONTINUE
H OLY C HA LICE
WHILE OUR
Behold, I approach for Holy Communion, O Creator, burn me not as I partake, For
BOW DOWN TO
PEOPLE
SIGN
OF THE
CROSS &
Si Kyrie Oti prepi Si pasa Doxa Timi ke Proskinisis: to Patri ke to Io ke to Agio Pnevmati
nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
Thou art a Fire which burns the unworthy, Wherefore do Thou cleanse me from every stain.
O Thy Mystic Supper receive me today, O Son of God, as a Partaker; For I will not
speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies; I will not kiss Thee as did Judas; But as the Thief, I will confess Thee: Lord, remember me in Thy Kingdom!
T AKING
UP THE HOLY CHALICE , THE PRIEST PROCEEDS TO THE ROYAL GATES , RAISES IT HIGH AND INVITES US
Amin Kyrie, ekekraxa pros Se - isakouson mou! Isakouson mou, Kyrie! Kyrie, ekekraxa pros Se - isakouson mou! Proshes ti foni tis Deiseos mou, en to
kekragene me pros Se - isakouson mou Kyrie!enopion Sou - eparsis ton hiron mou Thisia Esperini.
due all Glory, Honour and Worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages.
PEOPLE
Amen
Meta
Lord, I have cried to Thee - hear me! Hear me, O Lord! Lord, I have cried to Thee hear me! Heed the voice of my Supplication when I
cry to Thee hear me, O Lord! my Prayer be set before Thee like incense the lifting up of my hands as the Evening Sacrifice.
The servant of God ...(name) ... receives the Body and Blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and Eternal Life.
Soson
T HE P RI E ST RE - E NTE RS THE H OLY S A NCTU A RY A ND A LL THE C OMMU NI CA NTS TU RN TOWA RDS THE H OLY A LTA R WHI LE THE C HOI R SI NGS ON BE HA LF OF THOSE WHO HA VE PARTA KE N OF THE H OLY C OMMU NI ON :
Set
a watch, O Lord, before my mouth and door of enclosure about my lips! not my heart to evil words to make excuses for my sins like those who work lawlessness and I will not join with their elect.
Incline
Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to kosmo to Fos to tis gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris latrevontes, ipo Asters edidaskonto, Se prokinin, ton Ilion tis Dikeosinis, ke Se ginoskin ex Ipsous anatolin. Kyrie, Doxa Si.
Thy
Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light of Knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the worshippers of the stars were by a Star instructed to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee as Orient from on High. O Lord, Glory to Thee!
8. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
41.
THOU HAS SMITTEN ME WITH YEARNING, O CHRIST, and with Thy Divine Love Thou has changed me; but burn away with Spiritual Fire my sins, and make me worthy to be filled with the Joy of Thee; so that rejoicing in Thy Goodness, I may magnify Thy Two Presences. INTO THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THY SAINTS, HOW SHALL I, THE UNWORTHY, ENTER? For should I dare to enter the Festal Chamber, my Robe betrays me, for it is not a Festal Garment, and I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels. Cleanse my soul, O Lord, from pollution, and by Thy Compassion Save me. O MERCIFUL MASTER, LORD JESUS CHRIST MY GOD, LET NOT THESE HOLY GIFTS BE UNTO ME FOR JUDGEMENT THROUGH MY UNWORTHINESS, but rather for the Purification and Sanctification of my soul and body, and as an Earnest of the Life and Kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in the Lord hope of my Salvation. RECEIVE ME TODAY, O SON OF GOD, as a Partaker of Thy Mystical Feast; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies; I will not kiss Thee as did Judas, but as the Thief I confess Thee: Lord, remember me in Thy Kingdom!
Pedefsi
me Dikeos en Elei ke elegxi me eleon de amartolou mi lipanato tin kefalin mou, oti eti ke i prosevhi mou en tes avdokies afton.
ehomena petras i kratei afton - akousonte ta rimata mou, oti idinthisan. pahos gis dierragi epi tis gis, dieskorpisthi ta osta imon para ton Adin. pros Se, Kyrie Kyrie, i ofthalmi mou epi si ilpisa - mi antanelis tin psihin mou. me apo pagidos is sinestisanto mi, ke apo skandalon ton ergazomenon tin anomian.
Their As
judges are swallowed up by the Rock - they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant. a clod of clay is dashed to pieces on the ground, so are our bones scattered at the mouth of Hades.
For my eyes, O Lord Lord, look to Thee in Thee I hope take not my soul away.
Filaxon
Protect
me from the snares they set for me, and from the stumbling blocks of those who work lawlessness.
T HE P RIEST T HE
CONTINUES TO PRAY :
Pesounte
THE
To me ... [name]... the unworthy Priest, is given the Most Holy and Precious Body of our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for the remission of my sins, and for Eternal Life.
A ND
BEFORE HE DRINKS OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
The Most Holy and Precious Blood of our Lord, and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ is granted to me ...[name], the unworthy Priest : for the Remission of my sins, and for Eternal Life.
... A FTER WHICH HE KISSES THE CHALICE AND WIPING THE LIP OF THE CHALICE HE REPEATS THE WORDS OF ST
ISAIAH WHO HEARD THEM FROM THE SERAPHIM
anomias paratirisis, Kyrie, Kyrie, tis ipostisete? Oti para Si o ilasmos estin.
1:
Ean
VERSE
1 If Thou, Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who will stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee.
Defte
This has touched my lips, and shall take away mine iniquities, and purge away my sins.
T HE
PRIEST PLACES THE REMAINING PORTIONS OF THE LAMB INTO THE CHALICE :
Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the Holy Lord Jesus - the only Sinless One. We venerate Thy Cross, O Christ, and we praise and Glorify Thy Holy Resurrection. Thou art our God. We know no other than Thee, and we call upon Thy Name. Come, all ye Faithful: let us venerate the Holy Resurrection of Christ. For behold: through the Cross Joy has come to all the world. Blessing the Lord always, let us praise His Resurrection. For enduring the Cross for us, He destroyed Death by Death. Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, for the Glory of the Lord has Risen upon Thee, celebrate now and be glad, O Zion. And do Thou, O Pure Mother of God, rejoice in the rising of Thy Child. O Divine! O Beloved! O Sweetness of Thy Voice! For Thou, O Christ, hast truly proised to be with us until the end of time. Wherefore, we, the Faithful rejoice, holding these Thy Wrds as an Anchor of Hope. O Christ, O Great and Most Sacred Passover! O Wisdom, and Word of God, and Power! Grant that we may more truly have Communion with Thee in the Day of Thy Kingdom, which knows no Eventide. Wash away, O Lord, the sins of those who have been remembered here, by Thy Precious Blood, at the Prayers of the Holy Mother of God and all Thy Saints. Amen
agalliasometha to Kyrio, to paron mistirion ekdiigoumeni. To meotihon tou fragmou dialelite, i flogini romfea ta nota didosi, ke ta Herouvim parahori tou xilou tis Zois. Kago tou paradisou tis trifis metalamvano, ou proexevlithin dia tis parakois. I gar aparallaktos ikon tou Patros, O haraktir tis aidiotitos aftou, morfin doulou lamvani, ex apirogamou Mitros proelthon, ou tropin ipominas. O gar in diemine, Theos on alithinos. Ke O ouk in proselaven, anthropos genomenos dia filanthropian, afto voisomen. O tehthis ek Parthenou Theos, eleison imas.
Come,
let us Rejoice in the Lord, proclaiming the 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: O God Born of a Virgin: have Mercy on us! (2)
STIHOS
2 : Eneken tou Onomatos Sou ipemina Se Kyrie, ipeminen i psihi mou is ton Logon Sou, ilpisen i psihi mou epi ton Kyrion.
VERSE 2:
For Thy Names sake I have waited for Thee, O Lord. My soul has waited upon Thy Word. My soul has hoped in the Lord.
Defte
agalliasometha to Kyrio, to paron mistirion ekdiigoumeni. To meotihon tou fragmou dialelite, i flogini romfea ta nota didosi, ke ta Herouvim
OF
Come,
let us rejoice in the Lord, proclaiming the present Mystery. The middle wall of partition has been destroyed; the Flaming Sword turns
OF
40. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
9.
parahori tou xilou tis Zois. Kago tou paradisou tis trifis metalamvano, ou proexevlithin dia tis parakois. I gar aparallaktos ikon tou Patros, O haraktir tis aidiotitos aftou, morfin doulou lamvani, ex apirogamou Mitros proelthon, ou tropin ipominas. O gar in diemine, Theos on alithinos. Ke O ouk in proselaven, anthropos genomenos dia filanthropian, afto voisomen. O tehthis ek Parthenou Theos, Eleison imas.
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: O God Born of a Virgin: have Mercy on us!
VERSE 3
THE PRIEST
ELEVATES THE
ADMINISTERED TO THE
ARE
Let us attend!
Isous Hristos, is
The Holy Things unto the Holy! PEOPLE One is Holy, One is Lord,
Amin
Alleluia! (3)
STIHOS
3 Apo filakis proes mehri niktos, apo filakis proias, elpisato Israil epi ton Kyrion.
From the morning watch until night, from the morning watch, let Israel hope in the Lord.
T HE P RI E ST DI VI DE S THE C ONSE CRA TE D H OST I NTO 4 CU BE S . T HI S I S SI GNI F I CA NT BE CA U SE I T RE F E RS TO THE SU F F ERI NG A ND BRUI SE D B ODY OF C HRI ST ON THE C ROSS . F OR THI S RE A SON THE P RI E ST A RRA NGE S THE F OU R PI E CE S OF THE LA MB ON THE P A TE N I N THE F ORM OF A C ROSS . T HE P RI E ST PRA YS : The Lamb of God is broken and distributed; broken but not divided;
Tou
Kyriou Iisou Gennithentos, ek tis Agias Parthenou, pefotiste ta simpanta; Pimenon gar agraflounton, ke Magon proskinounton, Angelon animnounton, Ierodis etaratteto. Oti Theos en sarki efani, Sotir ton psihon imon.
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 Saviour of our souls. (2) with the Lord there is Mercy, and with Him plentiful Redemption, and He will Redeem Israel from all his iniquities
always eaten, yet never consumed, and Sanctifying those who partake
W I TH THE PORTI ON MA RKE D I C [J E SU S ] HE MA KE S THE S I GN OF THE C ROSS OVE R TH E C HA LI CE , A ND A S A S YMBOL OF THE R E U NI TI NG OF OU R L ORD S S OU L A ND B ODY A T H I S R E SU RRECTI ON , HE PLA CE S I T I N THE C HA LI CE A ND PRA YS :
STIHOS 4
VERSE 4
For
par afto Litrosis. Ke aftos Litrosete ton Israil ek pason ton anomion aftou.
Blessed is the Fervour of Thy Saints, now and forever, and to the Ages of Ages. Amen.
T HE P RI E ST POU RS THE HOT WA TE R I NTO THE C HA LI CE :
Tou
Kyriou Iisou Gennithentos, ek tis Agias Parthenou, pefotiste ta simpanta; Pimenon gar agraflounton, ke Magon proskinounton, Angelon animnounton, Ierodis etaratteto. Oti Theos en sarki efani, Sotir ton psihon imon.
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 Saviour of our souls
Communion Prayers
STIHOS 5
VERSE 5
Praise the Lord, all you Nations. Praise Him all you Peoples.
Vasilia Sou, Hriste O Theos, Vasilia panton ton Eonon, ke i Despotia Sou en pasis genea ke genea. O Sarkothis ek Pnevmatos Agiou, ke ek tis Aiparthenou Marias Enanthropisas, Fos imin elampsas, Hriste O Theos, ti Si Parousia. Fos ek Fotos, tou Patros to Apafgasma, pasan Ktisin efedrinas, Pasa pnoi eni Se, ton haraktira tis Doxis tou Patros O on ke proon, ke eklampsas ek Parthenou Theos, Eleison imas. (2)
I BELIEVE, O LORD, AND I CONFESS, that Thou art verily the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who came into the world to Save sinners, of whom I am the first. Also I believe, that This is Thy Sacred Body, and This Thy Precious Blood. Therefore I pray to Thee: have Mercy upon me and pardon all my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word, deed and thought, both known and unknown, and make me worthy to partake of Thy Sacred Mysteries, for the Remission of sins and for Life Eternal. Amen. BEHOLD, I APPROACH FOR HOLY COMMUNION. O Creator, burn me not as I partake; for Thou art Fire, which burns the unworthy. Wherefore, cleanse me from every stain. RECEIVE ME TODAY, O SON OF GOD, as a Partaker of Thy Mystical Feast; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies; I will not kiss Thee as did Judas, but as the Thief, I will confess Thee: Lord, remember me in Thy Kingdom! TREMBLE, O MORTAL, BEHOLDING THE DIVINE BLOOD. For it is as a lighted coal burning the unworthy. It is Gods Body and Deifies and Nourishes me. It Deifies my soul, and wondrously Nourishes my mind.
THESE COMMUNION PRAYERS SHOULD BE READ BY ALL THE FAITHFUL ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO INTEND TO PARTAKE OF HOLY COMMUNION AND WHO HAVE PREPARED THEMSELVES PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY TO DO SO BY CONFESSION-REPENTANCE AND PRAYERS CONFESSION-
10. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
39.
Ke
kataxioson imas, Despota, meta parrisias akatakritos tolman epikalisthe Se ton epouranion Theon Patera ke legin:
PRIEST
STIHOS 6
confidence and without fear of Condemnation to dare to call upon Thee, the Heavenly God as Father, and to say:
PEOPLE
Oti ekrateothi to Eleos, ke polli par afto litrosis. Ke aftos litrosete ton Israil ek pason ton anomion aftou.
VERSE 6
For His Mercy has been mighty towards us, and the Truth of the Lord endures unto the Ages
Ti
Father, Who art in Heaven: Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Our
Si prosenegkomen Hriste, oti ofthis epi gis os anthropos di imas? Ekaston gar ton ipo Sou genomenon ktismaton, tin eharistian Si prosagi. I Angeli ton imnon ; i Ourani ton Asterp I Magi ta dora; I Pimenes to thavma; I gi to spileon; I erimos tin fatnin; imis de Mitera Parthenon. O Pro Eonon Theos: eleison imas!
PRIEST
For
Amin Irini pasi! Ke meta tou pnevmati sou Tas kefalas imon to Kyriou klinate
M
AKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
Power, and the Glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto Ages of Ages.
Amin Avgoustou
monarhisantos epi tis gis, ipoliarhia ton anthropon epafsato. Ke Sou inanthropisantos ek tis Agnis, i polithia ton idolon katirgite. Ipo Mian Vasilian egkosmion, e polis gegeninte. Ke is mian Despotian Theotitos, ta Ethni epistefsan. Apegrafisan i lai, to dogmati tou Kesaros. Epegrafimen i Pisti, Onomati Theotitos, Sou tou enanthropisantos Theou imon. Mega Sou to Eleos, doxa Si!
Amen
Festal Idiomela - Nativity of Christ - By St Kasias
When
&
Si Kyrie
THE PRIEST
QUIETLY PRAYS:
PEOPLE
To Thee, O Lord
O Lord Master, the Father of Mercies and God of every Consolation: Bless, Sanctify, Guard, Fortify and Strengthen those who have bowed their heads to Thee. Distance them from every evil deed. Lead them to every Good Work and make them worthy to Partake without Condemnation of These, Thy Most Pure and Life-giving Mysteries, for the Forgiveness of sins and for the Communion of the Holy Spirit.
THE
PRIEST CONTINUES ALOUD
Augustus reigned alone upon earth, the many Kingdoms of men came to an end; and when Thou became 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 people were enrolled by the Decree of Caesar; and we, the Faithful, were enrolled in the Name of the Godhead, when Thou, our God, became Man. Great is Thy Mercy: Glory to Thee!
Hariti
ke iktirmis ke Filanthropia tou Monogenous Sou Iou, met ou Evlogitos i, sin to Panagio ke Agatho ke Zoopio Sou Pnevmati, nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
Through
the Grace and Mercy and Love for mankind, of Thine Only Begotten Son, with Whom Thou art Blessed, together with Thine All Holy and Good and Life Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amin
THE PRIEST
QUIETLY PRAYS:
PEOPLE
Amen
P RI E ST (S I LE NTLY )
At evening, at morning and at midday we Praise, Bless and give Thanks, and we pray to Thee, O Master of all things, Lord Who Loves mankind: Direct our Prayer before Thee like incense, and do not incline our hearts to words or thoughts of evil, but Deliver us from all who hunt our souls. For we look to Thee, O Lord, our Lord, and we hope in Thee. For to Thee belong all Glory, Honour and Worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the Ages of Ages.
Holy Communion
O Lord Jesus Christ, our God: hear us from Thy Holy Dwelling Place and from the Glorious Throne of Thy Kingdom. Thou art Enthroned on High with the Father and are also invisibly present among us. Come and Sanctify us, and let Thy Pure Body and Precious Blood be granted to us by Thy Mighty Hand and through us to all Thy People.
38. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
11.
TH E PRI EST E XI TS TH E SA N CTUA R Y TH ROU GH TH E NOR TH D OOR I N PROCE SSI ON , H OLD IN G THE HOLY GOSPE L BEFORE HIS FACE.
PRIEST
P RIEST
C HOIR :
Gladsome Radiance of the Holy Glory of the Father Immortal, Heavenly, Holy, Blessed Jesus Christ. Now that we have come to the setting of the sun and have seen the evening light, we hymn Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For it is meet that at all times Thou should be praised by voices propitious, O Son of God, the Giver of Life. For which cause the universe Glorifies Thee!
iktirmon tou Monogenous Sou Iou meth ou Evlogitos i, sin to Panagio ke Agatho ke Zoopio Sou Pnevmati, nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
Amin
T HE P RIEST
PRAYS QUIETLY :
Begotten Son, with Whom Thou art Blessed, together with Thine All Holy, Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
PEOPLE
Amen
TONE 1
PRIEST
The
TONE ipe pros Me: Ios Mou i Si, Ego simeron gegennika Se
READER
The Lord said to Me: Thou art My Son; today I have Begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I will give Thee Nations as Thine Inheritance Wisdom! In
Let us attend!
VERSE
Our God the God of Salvation teach us how we may worthily give Thanks to Thee for all Thy Benefits, which Thou hast begotten and which Thou begets for us. Do Thou, O God, having accepted these Gifts, Cleanse us from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and teach us to Perfect Holiness in Thy Fear; that with the Testimony of a Pure Conscience, and receiving a portion of Thy Holy Things, we may be United with the Sacred Body and Blood of Thy Christ. And, having received them worthily, we may have Christ dwelling in our heart, and may become the Temple of Thy Holy Spirit. Yea, O God, let none of us be made guilty by reason of these Awesome and Heavenly Mysteries, or weak in soul or body through the unworthy Partaking of the same. And grant us even to our last breath, worthily to receive a Portion of Thy Hallowed Things, for Provision for the Way of Eternal Life and an Acceptable Defence at the Dread Judgement Seat of Christ. That we also, with all the Saint Who have been well-pleasing to Thee since the world began, may be Partakers of Thine Eternal Good Things, which Thou hast prepared for those who Love Thee, O Lord.
Sofia! En I
PRIEST
Tin
de gi in aoratos ke akataskefastos - ke skotos epano tis avissou, ke Pnevma Theou epefereto epano tou idatos. ipen O Theos. egeneto fos. Genithito fos! Ke
And
the earth was invisible and unfinished - and darkness was over the deep, and the Spirit of God hovered over the face of the water. God said: Let there be light! and there was light.
enotita tis Pisteos ke tin Kinonian tou Agiou Pnevmatos etisameni, eaftous ke allilous ke pasan tin zoin imon Hristo to Theo parathometha.
PRIEST
Let us who have prayed for the Unity of the Faith and for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God. To Thee, O Lord.
Ke
And
Si Kyrie
THE PRIEST
QUIET LY PRAYS :
PEOPLE
tou
And God saw the light, for it was good. And God divided the light from the
darkness. God called the light Day and the darkness He called Night. there was evening and morning one day. in the midst of the water, and let it divide the water from the water.
Ke ekalesen O Theos to fos Imeran ke to And Ke egeneto espera, ke egento proi - imera And Ke ipen O Theos.
Genithito stereoma en meso tou idatos, ke esto diahorizon ana meson idatos ke idatos!
And God said: Let there be a firmament And it was so. And God made the firmament.
O our God the God Who Saves: Thou taught us justly to thank Thee for the Good Things that Thou hast done and still do for us. Thou art our God Who has accepted these Gifts. Cleanse us from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and teach us how to live in Holiness by Thy Fear, so that, receiving the Portion of Thy Holy Gifts with a clear conscience, we may be united with the Holy Body and Blood of Thy Christ. Having received them worthily, may we have Christ dwelling in our hearts, and may we become Temples of Thy Holy Spirit. Yea, O our God: let none of us be guilty before these, Thine Awesome and Heavenly Mysteries, nor be infirm in body and soul by partaking of them unworthily. And enable us, even up to our last breath, to receive a Portion of Thy Holy Gifts worthily, as Provision for Eternal Life and as an acceptable Defense at the Awesome Judgement Seat of Thy Christ. So that we also, together with all the Saints who through the ages have pleased Thee, may become Partakers of Thine Eternal Good Things, which Thee, O Lord, have prepared for those who Love Thee.
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
37.
Opos
Filanthropos Theos imon, O prosdexamenos afta is to Agion ke iperouranion, ke noeron aftou Thisiastirion, is osmin Evodias Pnevmatikis, antikatapempsi imin tin Thian Harin ke tin Dorean tou Agiou Pnevmatos, deithomen.
PRIEST
That our Merciful God, Who has received Them on His Holy and Heavenly and Spiritual Altar, as an Offering of Spiritual Fragrance, may in return, send down upon us Divine Grace and the Gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray. Lord, have Mercy For our Deliverance Lord have mercy
Ke
dihorisen O Theos ana meson tou idatos tou epano tou stereomatos.
And
God divided the water under the firmament from the water above the firmament. separated from the water above the firmament.
Ke ana meson tou idatos, tou ipokato tou And the water under the firmament was
steromatos.
PEOPLE PRIEST
Ke
from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
ekalese O Theos to stereoma, Ouranon, ke iden O Theos, oti kalon. imera deftera.
And
God called the firmament Heaven and God saw that it was Good.
And And
PEOPLE
Help us, Save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Thy Grace
whole day, that it may be perfect, Holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord a Faithful Guide, a Guardian of our souls and bodies; let us ask of the Lord and Remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask of the Lord are Good and Profitable to our souls, and for Peace in the world, let us ask of the Lord complete the remainder of our lives in Peace and Penitence, let us ask of the Lord
ipen O Theos: Sinahthito to idor to ipokato tou Ouranou is sinagogin mian, ke ofthito i xira.
God said: Let the water under Heaven be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.
PEOPLE PRIEST
pasan Telian, Agian, Irinikin ke anamartiton para tou Kyriou etisometha. odigon, filaka ton psihon ke ton somaton imon para tou Kyriou etisometha.
And it was so. Ke egeneto outo. Ke sinihthi to idor to ipokato tou Ouranou And the water
is tas sinagogas afton, ke ofthi i xira.
under Heaven was gathered into its places, and the dry land appeared.
PEOPLE PRIEST
Ke
ekalesen O Theos tin xiran, Gin. Ke ta sistimata ton idaton ekalese, Thalassas.
PEOPLE PRIEST
Grant this, O Lord For the Forgiveness, Grant this, O Lord For things that
Ke iden O Theos, oti kalon. And God saw, for it was good. Ke ipen O Theos: Vlastisato i gi Votanin And God said: Let the earth bring forth
hortou, spiron sperma kata genos ke kath omiotita, ke xilon karpimon pioun karpon, ou to sperma aftou en afto, kata genos epi tis gis. the herb of grass, bearing seed according its kind and likeness. Let the fruit tree bear fruit, whose seed is in itself acocrding to its kind on earth.
PEOPLE PRIEST
PEOPLE PRIEST
tis zois imon en irini ke metania ektelese, para tou Kyriou etisometha
votnin hortou, spiron sperma kata genos ke kath omiotita ke xilon karpimon pioun karpon, ou to sperma aftou en afto, kata genos epi tis gis. proi, imera
brought forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness, and the fruit tree bore fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind on earth.
PEOPLE PRIEST
lives may be Christian, without pain, blameless and peaceful, and for a Good Account at the Fearful Judgement Seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord All Holy, Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our
OF
And God saw, for it was good. And evening and morning were the third
day.
PRIEST
Let us say, with all our soul and with all our mind let us say:
the God of our Fathers, we beseech Thee, hearken and have Mercy.
PEOPLE PRIEST
Ahrantou, Ipere Vlogimenis, Endoxou Despinis imon Theotokou ke Aiparthenou Marias meta panton ton Agion Mnimonefsantes, eaftous ke allilous ke
OF
PEOPLE PRIEST
PEOPLE
36. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
13.
PRIEST
Have Mercy on us, O God, according to Thy Great Mercy, we beseech Thee; hearken, and have Mercy. Lord have Mercy Again we pray
for all Orthodox
also, O Lord, those whom each of us calls to mind and all Thy People
PEOPLE
Ke panton ke pason!
T HE P RIEST
QUIETLY CONTINUES TO PRAY :
PEOPLE
efsevon
ke
PRIEST
Christians.
PEOPLE PRIEST
for our Pope and Patriarch THEODOROS and our Archbishop (SERGIOS), ... pray for our Brothers of the Priesthood, the Hieromonks, the Hierodeacons and Monks and for our all our Brethren in Christ.
PEOPLE PRIEST
iper ton Adelphon imon, ton Iereon, Ieromonahon, Ierodiakonon ke Monahon, ke pasis tis en Hristo imon Adelfotitos.
PEOPLE PRIEST
iper Eleous, Zois, Irinis igias, Sotirias, Episkepseos, sighoriseos ke afeseos ton amartion ton doulon tou Theou, ton efsevon ke Orthodoxon Hristainon, ke evriskomenon en ti poli ... [.....] tafti, ton enoriton, epitropon, sindromiton ke afironton tis Agias Ekklisias taftis... iper ton Makarion ke Aidimon ktitoron tis Agia Ekklisias taftis, ke iper panton ton proanapafsamenon Pateron ke Adelfon imon, ton enthade kimenon ke apantahou Orthodoxon.
Remember, O Lord, all Orthodox Bishops who rightly teach the Word of Thy Truth. Remember, O Lord, my unworthiness according to the multitude of Thy Mercies; forgive my every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary. Do not take away the Grace of Thy Holy Spirit from these Gifts because of my sins. Remember, O Lord, the Presbyters, the Diaconate in Christ, and every Order of the Clergy, and do not confound any of us who stand about Thy Holy Altar. Visit us with Thy Goodness, O Lord; manifest Thyself to us through Thy Rich Compassion. Grant us seasonable weather and fruitful seasons; send gentle showers upon the earth so that it may bear fruit; Bless the Crown of the Year of Thy Goodness. Prevent Schism in Thy Holy Church; pacify the raging of the heathen. Quickly stop the uprisings of heresies by the Power of Thy Holy Spirit. Receive us all into Thy Kingdom.. Declare us to be Sons and Daughters of the Light and of the Day. Grant us Thy Peace and Love, O Lord our God, for Thou hast given all things to us.
T HE P RIEST
CONTINUES ALOUD :
Peace, health, Salvation, Visitation, forgiveness and remission of sins for the servants of God, our Brethren of this Holy Temple....
Ke dos imin en eni stomati ke mia kardia And grant us that with one voice and one
doxazin ke animnin to Pantimon ke Megaloprepes Onoma Sou, tou Patros ke to Iou ke tou Agiou Pnevmatos, nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon. heart we may Glorify and Praise Thine All Honourable and Majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the Ages of Ages.
Amin
THE CONGREGATION MUST STAND
Amen
The Apostolic Blessing
and Ever Memorable Founders of this Holy Temple; and for all our devout Fathers and Brethren in Christ, Orthodox Believers, departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.
PEOPLE
T HE P RIEST B L ESSES THE C ONGREGATION WHO BOW THEIR G IFTS OF THE MERCIES OF OUR AL MIG HTY GOD AND
WHICH SPRANG FROM HIS SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS AND WHICH ALSO SPRING FRO M THIS SACRIFICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST , BE BESTOWED UPON US ALL .
Ke
Furthemore
we pray for all those who bring Offerings, those who care for the beauty of this Holy and Venerable House, for those who labour in Her Service, for those who sing, and for the people here present, who await Thy Great and Rich Mercy.
este ta Elei tou Megalou Theou ke Sotiros imon Iisou Hristou meta panton imon. to pnevmato sou
PRIEST
And the Mercies of our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ shall be with you all. And with thy spirit
HOLY COMMUNION
PRIEST
Ke
PEOPLE
eti ke
Oti
Eleimon ke Filanthropos Theos iparhis, ke Si tin doxan anapempomen, to Patri ke to Io ke to Agio Pnevmati, nin ke ai, ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
PRIEST
For Thou art a Merciful God, Who Loves mankind, and to Thee we ascribe Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
Having Commemorated all the Saints, again and again in Peace, let us pray to the Lord
Amin
14. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
Lord, have Mercy PRIEST For these Precious Gifts, which have
PEOPLE
PEOPLE
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
35.
W HILE
THE
CONTINUES IN
M AGNIFICAT TO THE E VER B LESSED T HEOTOKOS IS CHANTED , THE P RIEST P RAYE R AS HE CENSES THE H OLY A LTAR , THE H O LY S ANCTUA R Y AND THE
C HURCH .
For the Holy Prophet and Forerunner, John the Baptist, for the Holy, Glorious and Most Lauded Apostles, for St .. [of the day] whose memory we celebrate, and for all Thy Saints, by whose Supplications do Thou, O God, visit us. Remember also, O Lord, those who have fallen asleep in the hope of a Resurrection to Life Eternal. [ T H E P R I E S T C O M M E M O R A T E S V A R I O U S F A I T H F U L S O U L S W H O H A V E R E P O S E D ] And grant them rest, O God, where the Light of Thy Countenance shines. Furthermore, we entreat Thee: Be mindful of Thy Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which is from one end of the inhabited earth to the other. Grant Peace to Her, which Thou hast obtained with the Precious Blood of Thy Christ. Strengthen also this Holy House to the end of the ages. Remember, O Lord, those who have brought Thee these Gifts, and for whom and through whom and the intentions for which they were offered. Remember, O Lord, those who bear Fruit and do Good Works in Thy Holy Church, and those who remember the poor. Reward them with Thy rich and Heavenly Gifts. Grant them Heavenly Things instead of earthly; Eternal Things instead of temporal; Incorruptible Things instead of corruptible. Remember, O Lord, those who are in the deserts, on mountains, in caverns, and in the chambers of the earth. Remember, O Lord, those living in Chastity and Godliness, in Asceticism and Holiness of life. Remember, O Lord, this country and all those who are in authority whom Thou hast allowed to govern on earth. Grant them profound and lasting Peace. Speak to their hearts Good Things concerning Thy Church and all Thy People that through the faithful conduct of their duties we may live peaceful and serene lives in all Piety and Holiness. Sustain the Good in their goodness; make the wicked good through Thy Goodness. Remember, O Lord, the people here present and those who are absent with good cause. Have Mercy on them and on us according to the multitude of Thy Mercy. Fill their Treasuries with every Good Thing; preserve their Marriages in Peace and Harmony; nurture the infants; instruct the youth; strengthen the aged; give courage to the fainthearted; reunite those separated; bring back those in error and unite them to Thy Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Free those who are held captive by unclean spirits; sail with those who sail; travel with those who travel; defend the widows; protect the orphans; liberate the captives; heal the sick. Remember, O Lord, those who are in mines, in exile, in harsh labour, and those in every kind of affliction, necessity or distress; those who entreat Thy Loving Kindness; those who Love us and those who hate us; those who have asked us to pray for them, unworthy as we are. Remember, O Lord our God, all Thy People, and pour out Thy rich Mercy on them, granting them their Petitions for Salvation. Remember, O God, all those whom we have not remembered through ignorance, forgetfulness or because of their multitude since Thou know the name and age of each, even from their mothers womb. For Thou, O Lord, are the Helper of the helpless, the Hope of the hopeless, the Saviour of the afflicted, the Haven of the voyager, and the Physician of the sick. Be all things to all, Thou Who know all souls their requests, their households, and their needs. Deliver this Community and city, O Lord, and every city and town, from famine, plague, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreign enemies, and civil war.
T HE P RIEST C ONTINUES A LOU D :
O Saviour, Thou was Born in a Cave; but Heaven proclaimed Thee to all, taking for its mouth a Star. And it offered Thee the Magi worshipping Thee in Faith. Wherefore, with them, have Mercy on us!
1 I themelii Aftou en tis oresi tis a giis. Agapa Kyrios tas pilas Zion, iper panta ta skinomata Iakov.
VERSE
1. Whose foundation is in the Holy Mountains. The Lord Loves the Gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Ke
And
VERSE
it offered Thee the worshipping Thee in Faith. them, have Mercy on us!
Magi With
STIHOS
2. Glorious things are said of Thee, O City of God. I will be mindful of Rahab and Babylon knowing Me.
Ke
And
VERSE
it offered Thee the worshipping Thee in Faith. them, have Mercy on us!
Magi With
STIHOS
Ke
And
VERSE
it offered Thee the worshipping Thee in Faith. them, have Mercy on us!
Magi With
STIHOS
4. Those were born there. And of the Mother Zion it shall be said, this man and that man is born in her, and the Highest Himself has founded her.
Ke
And
VERSE
it offered Thee the worshipping Thee in Faith. them, have Mercy on us!
Magi With
STIHOS
5. The Lord shall tell in His Writing of peoples and of princes of them that have been in her, the Dwelling in Thee as it were of all rejoicing.
Ke
Magous Si prosinegken, en Piste proskinountas Se. Meth on Eleison imas! nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
And
it offered Thee the worshipping Thee in Faith. them, have Mercy on us!
Magi With
En
protis mnisthiti, Kyrie, tou Arhiepiskopou imon SERGIOU on harise tes agies Sou Ekklisies en Irini, soon entimon igia makroimerevonta ke orthotomounta ton Logon tis Sis Alithias...
OF
PRIEST
Above all, remember, O Lord, our Archbishop (SERGIOS) Grant that he may serve Thy Holy Church in Peace. Keep him Safe, Honourable, and Healthy for many years, rightly teaching the Word of Thy Truth...
OF
to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto Ages of Ages.
34. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
15.
Lathon etegthis ipo to Spilion, all Ouranos Disguised, O Saviour, Thou wast Born in a
Se pasin ekirizen, osper stoma, ton Astera provallomenos Sotir. Cave; but Heaven proclaimed Thee to all, taking for its mouth a Star.
Se
T HE
PEOPLE
We praise Thee, we Bless Thee, we give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, and we entreat Thee, our God.
:
Ke
And
it offered Thee the Magi worshipping Thee in Faith. Wherefore, with them, have Mercy upon us!
Iios, ke edothi imin, ou i arhi egennithi epi tou imou aftou, Megalis Voulis Angelos, Thavmastos Simvoulos, Theos Ishiros, Exousiastis, Arhon Irinis, Patir tou Mellontos Eonos, Axo gar Irinin epi tous arhontas, Irinin ke Igian Afto. i Arhi Aftou, ke tis Irinis Aftou ouk estin orion. Epi ton Thronon David, ke epi tin Vasilian Aftou, Katarthose Aftin, ke Antilavesthei Aftis en Krimati ke Dikeosini, apo tou nin ke is ton eona.
to us a Son is granted: and the Goverment shall be upon His Shoulder; and His Name shall be called Angel of Great Counsel, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace, for I shall bring Peace upon the Rulers - Peace and Health by Him. shall be His Reign and of His Peace there shall be no end. His Peace shall be upon the Throne of David, and over His Kingdom - to order it, and to establish it with Righteousness and Judgement from that time forward, unto Ages of ages.
Therefore, Most Holy Master, we also, Thy sinful and unworthy servants, whom Thou hast made worthy to serve at Thy Holy Altar, not because of our own Righteousness (for we have not done anything good upon the earth), but because of Thy Mercy and Compassion, which Thou hast so richly poured upon us, we dare to approach Thy Holy Altar, and bring forth the exact representation of the Holy Body and Blood of Thy Christ. We pray to Thee and call upon Thee, O Holy of Holies, that by the favour of Thy Goodness, Thy Holy Spirit may come upon us and upon the Gifts here presented, to Bless, to Sanctify ....
T HE PRIEST BLESSES THE OBLATION THE ALTAR BREAD : ...And to make this Bread to be the Precious Body of our Lord and God and Saviour,
And that which is in this Cup, the Precious Blood of Thy Christ. Amen
HE
BLESSES BOTH THE ELEMENTS :
Megali
Great
Shed for the Life and Salvation of the world. Amen. Amen. Amen. And unite us all to one another who become Partakers of the One Bread and the Cup in the Communion of the One Holy Spirit. Grant that none of us may partake of the Holy Body and Blood of Thy Christ unto Judgement or Condemnation; but that we may find Mercy and Grace with all the Saints who, through the ages have pleased Thee: Forefathers, Fathers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Preachers, Evangelists, Martyrs, Confessors, Teachers, and every Righteous spirit made Perfect in Faith.
T HE P RIEST
TAKES THE
The
C ENSER
H OLY A LTAR
Exeretos
Anetilas
Hriste ek Parthenou noite Ilie tis Dikeosinis. Ke Astir Se ipedixen, en Spileo horoumenon ton ahoriton.
tis Panagias, Ahrantou iperevlogimenis endoxou Despinis imon Theotokou ke Aiparthenou Marias.
Especially for our Most Holy, Pure, Most Blessed, Glorious Lady, Theotokos, and Ever Virgin Mary.
Magous
STIHOS 1:
Epi
The Lord reigns; He clothed Himself with Majesty. The Lord clothed and girded Himself with Power.
Magous
STIHOS 2:
Si Heri, Keharitomeni, pasa i ktisis, Angelon to sistima ke anthropon to genos: igiasmene Nae ke Paradise Logike, Parthenikon kavhima, ex is Theos Esarkothi ke Pedion gegonen O Pro Eonon Iparhon Theos imon; tin gar Sin Mitran Thronon epiise ke tin Sin Gastera Platiteran Ouranon apirgasato. Epi Si Heri, Keharitomeni, pasa i Ktisis: Doxa Si!
All
Ke gar estereose tin ikoumenin, it is ou salefthisete. Etimos O Thronos Sou apo tote.
odigisas is Proskinisin Sou, meth on Se Megalinomen, Zoodota. Doxa Si!
And He established the world, which shall not be moved. Thy Throne is prepared from of old.
Creation rejoices in Thee, O Thou Who art Full of Grace: both in the Assembly of the Angels and the human race. Thou art a hallowed Temple, and a Spiritual Paradise: the Glory of Virgins, when God had taken Flesh and became a little Child: He Who is from Eternity our God. For He made Thy Womb His Throne, and formed Thy Body to be broader than the Heaven. All Creation rejoices in Thee: O Thou Who art Full of Grace: Glory to Thee!
Magous
16. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
33.
Death, wherein we were held sold under sin. And by the Cross having descended into Hades that He might fill all things with Himself, He loosened the the pains of Death; and being Resurrected the Third Day, He made way for all flesh unto the Resurrection of the dead, for since it was not possible that the Author of Life should be held by corruption, He beame the First-fruit of those who had fallen asleep - the Firstborn from the dead that in all things He might have pre-eminence. And Ascending into Heaven He sat down at the right Hand of Thy Majesty on High, from whence He shall come again to render to every person according to His Deeds. Who also has left to us for a Remembrance of His Saving Passion these things, which we here set forth according to His Commandments. For when He was about to go forth to His voluntary and Ever-memorable and Life-giving Death, in the night that He gave Himself for the Life of the world, took bread in His Sacred and Most Pure Hands, and when He had shown it to Thee, O God and Father, and having given Thanks, He Blessed it, Hallowed it and broke it...
THE CONGREGATION MUST STAND THE PRIEST
CONTINUES ALOUD:
PRIEST ...
STIHOS
3: Epiran i potami Kyrie, epiran i potami fonas afton. Arousin i potami epitripsis afton, apo fonon idaton pollon.
VERSE
3: The rivers lift up, O Lord; the rivers lift up their voices. The rivers lift up their voices of many waters.
Magous
STIHOS
WITH HEADS
BOWED
Magous
STIHOS 5:
...Ke
And
eat; This is My Body, which is broken for you, for the remission of sins. He took the Cup of the Fruit of the Vine, and when He had mingled it, given Thanks, Blessed and Hallowed it, He gave It to His Holy Disciples and Apostles saying...
Magous
odigisas is Proskinisin Sou, meth on Se Megalinomen, Zoodota. Doxa Si! nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
With them, we Magnify Thee, O Thou Giver of Life. Glory to Thee! to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
PEOPLE PRIEST
Amen Likewise,
This is My Blood of the New Testament, Which is shed for you and for many, for the Remission of sins.
Hriste ek Parthenou noite Ilie tis Dikeosinis. Ke Astir Se ipedixen, en Spileo horoumenon ton ahoriton.
Amin
PEOPLE
Amen
P r o p h e c y o f I s a i a h t h e P r o p h e t 7:10 16;
8 : 1-4;
9-10
The Consecration
THIS MOMENT IS THE LOFTIEST AND THE MOST SACRED MOMENT OF THE DIVINE LITURGY BECAUSE THE HOLY MYSTERY OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST IS ACTUALLY CONSUMMATED BY
lalise to Ahaz, legon: Etise seafto Simion para Kyriou tou Theou Sou is Vathos is is Ipsos. ipen Ahaz: Ou mi etiso, oud ou mi piraso Kyrion. epen (Isais). Akousate di Ikos David. Mi mikron imin agona parehin anthropis? Ke pos Kyrio parehete agona?
Wisdom! Let us attend! The Lord said to Achaz: And Achaz said: I And
Ask for thyself a Sign of the Lord thy God, in the depth or in the Height Above. will not ask neither will I tempt the Lord. Isaiah said: Hear now, O House of David, is it a small thing for you to weary men yet willyou weary the Lord also?
S ATURDAY OR S UN DA Y , BEING THE CELEBRATION OF F AITHFU L WOULD KNEE L I N DEEP WORSHIP AT THIS
Do this in Remembrance of Me. For as often as you partake of this Bread and drink of this Cup, you proclaim My Death, and you Confess My Resurrection. Therefore, O Master, we also, remembering His Saving Passion and Life-giving Cross, His Three-day Burial and Resurrection from the dead, His Ascension into Heaven and Enthronement at Thy right Hand, O God and Father, and His Glorious and Awesome Second Coming...
T HE P RIEST
ELEVATES THE
Dia touto
dosi Kyrios aftos imin Simeion: Idou i Parthenos en gastri exi, ke texete Iion, ke kalesi to Onoma aftou Emmanouil. ke meli fagete, prin i gnose afton, i proelesthe ponira, eklexete to agathon. Dioti prin i gnone to Pedion agatho i kakon, apithi poniria, tou eklexasthe to agathon.
OF
H OLY G IFTS
PRIEST
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...
OF
32. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
17.
Ke
ipe Kyrios pros me: . Lave seafto tomon kenon megan, ke irapson is afton irafidi anthropou, Tou oxeos pronomin piise skilon. Paresti gar.
And
the Lord said to me: Take for thyself a large new book, and write in it with a mans pen concerning making a swift plunder of spoils; for it is near at hand.
And make witnesses for Me of Faithful men: Uriah the Priest and Zechariah, the son of Berechiah. 1
Ke Ke
ke en
And
I went to the Prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. 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.
indescribable, immutable, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Great God and Saviour, Who is our Hope, Who is the Image of Thy Goodness, the equal Imprint of Thy Likeness, showing in Himself Thee, the Father, the Living Word, True God, the Pre-Eternal Wisdom, Life, Sanctification, Power, the True Light through Whom was manifest the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of Truth, the Gift of Adoption, the Earnest of our Inheritance to come, the Firstfruit of Eternal Good Things, the Lifegiving Power, the Fountain of Sanctification, Who enables every creature having reason, and understanding, to serve Thee and to ascribe to Thee Everlasting Glory, for all are Thy servants: Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers and the many-eyed Cherubim, praise Thee. Round about Thee stand the Seraphim, six wings hath the one and six wings hath the other: with two they cover their face and with two they cover their feet, and with two they fly, crying to each other with incessant voices unstilled Hymns of Glory...
T HE P RIEST
CONTINUES ALOUD :
PRIEST
ipe mi Kyrios: Kaleson to Onoma aftou Taheos Skilefson, Oxeos Pronomefson. Dioti prin i gnone to Pedion kalin patera i mitera, lipsete dinamin Damaskou, ke ta skila Zamarias enanti Vasileos Assyrion. imon O Theos. ittasethe! Gnote Ethni ke
Ton
epinikion imnon adonta, voonta, kekragota ke legonta: Agios, Agios Kyrios Savaoth, pliris O Ouranos ke i gi tis Doxis Sou. en Onomati
Singing, exclaiming, proclaiming the Triumphal Hymn and saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Hosts, Heaven and Earth art full of Thy Glory.
Agios,
PEOPLE
Meth
God
Epakousate
eos eshatou tis gis: ishikotes ittasthe - ean gar palin ishisite, ke palin ittithisesthe!
Hearken,
all of 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!
H YMNS
Ke
Small Litany
Tou Kyriou deithomen Kyrie eleison Antilavou Soson, Eleison Amin Tis
ke Diafilaxon imas O Theos, ti Si Hariti. Panagias, ahrantou, ipere vlogimenis, endoxou Despinis imon Theotokou ke Aiparthenou Marias meta panton ton Agion Mnimonefsantes, eaftous ke allilous ke pasan tin zoin imon Hristo to Theo parathometha.
Let us pray to the Lord. PEOPLE Lord, have Mercy PRIEST Help us, Save us, have Mercy on us,
PRIEST
our Most Holy, Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady Theotokos, and Ever Virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
Amen Commemorating
Si Kyrie
M
AKE
PEOPLE
To Thee, O Lord
And with these Blessed Powers, O Master and Lover of mankind, we also cry aloud and say: Holy indeed and Most Holy art Thou, and no bounds are there to the Majesty of Thy Holiness; and Just art Thou in all Thy Works, for in Righteousness and True Judgement hast Thou ordered all things for us. For after Thou had formed man of the clay of the earth, and honoured him, O God, with Thine own Image, Thou set him in the Paradise of Delight, and promised him Immortal Life and the enjoyment of Eternal Good Things in the keeping of Thy Commandments. And when he disobeyed Thee, His True God, Who had created him, and was allured by the deceit of the serpent, and slain by his own trespasses, Thou, O Lord, in Righteous Judgement casted him out of Paradise into this world, and returned him to the earth from whence he was taken: dispensing for him Salvation by Regeneration, which is in Thy Christ Himself. For Thou, O Good One, did not wholly forsake Thy creature, which Thou had made, neither did Thou forget the Works of Thy Hands, but because of Thy Tender Mercy in diverse manners, visited him. Prophets Thou sent, Mighty Works Thou hast performed through Thy Saints, Who have been well-pleasing to Thee in every generation: Thou hast spoken to us by the mouth of Thy servants, the Prophets, foretelling us of the Salvation to come. The Law Thou granted to help us, Angels Thou appointed to Guard us. And when the Fullness of the time came, Thou spoke to us dy Thy Son Himself, by Whom also Thou created the worlds Who, being the Brightness of Thy Glory, and the express Image of Thy Person, and upholding all things by the Word of His Power, thought it not robbery to be Eqyal with Thee, God and Father. And being God Pre-Eternal, He showed Himself upon earth, and conversed with mankind: and being Incarnate of the Holy Virgin, He emptied Himself and took upon Himself the form of a servant, becoming the likeness of the body of our humility that He might fashion us like the Image of His Glory. For inasmuch as by one man sin entered our world, and Death by sin, so it seemed good to Thine Only Begotten Son, Who is in the Bosom of Thee, O God and Father, made of a Woman, the Holy Mother of God and Ever Virgin Mary, made under the Law, to condemn sin in His Flesh, that they who die in Adam may be quickened in Thy Christ Himself, Who, dwelling in this world granted Saving Commandments and having turned us from the deceits of idols, brought us to the Knowledge of Thee, the True God and Father, having possessed us to Himself for a Chosen People, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation; Who has Cleansed us with Water and Sanctified us by the Holy Spirit, giving Himself as a Ransom to
GREAT VESPERS & DIVINE LITURGY
OF
18. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
31.
Oti
Agios i O Theos imon, ke en Agiis epanapavi, ke Si tin Doxan anapempomen to Patri, ke to Io ke to Agio Pnevmati, nin ke ai, ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
PRIEST
For Holy art Thou, O our God, Who rests in the Saints, and to Thee we ascribe Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to Ages of Ages. Amen
Amin
THE CONGREGATION M
UST
PEOPLE
Stomen
kalos! Stomen meta fovou! Proshomen tin Agian Anaforan en irini prosferin!
PRIEST
us stand aright! Let us stand with awe! Let us attend, that we may present the Holy Offering in Peace!
Let A
Agios
Holy
Eleos irinis, thisian eneseos. I Haris tou Kyriou imon Iisou Hrisou ke i
Agapi tou Theou ke Patros ke i Kinonia tou Agiou Pnevmatos ii meta panton imon.
PEOPLE
PRIEST
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God the Father, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all
to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto Ages of Ages. Holy Trinity, have Mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Names sake.
Amin Panagia
Ke meta tou pnevmatos sou Ano shomen tas kardias! Ehomen pros ton Kyrion Efharistisomen to Kyrio
M
And with thy spirit PRIEST Let us lift up our hearts PEOPLE We have them lifted up to the Lord. PRIEST Let us give thanks to the Lord
PEOPLE
Trias eleison imas. Kyrie, ilasthiti tes amarties imon. Despota, singhorison tas anomias imin. Agie Ipiskepse, ke iase tas asthenias imon, eneken tou Onomatos Sou. Io, ke Agio Pnevmati ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
Amen All
&
and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the Ages of Ages.
Axion ke dikeon
PEOPLE
T HE P RIEST B LESSES THE C ONGREGAT ION WITH THE APOSTOLIC B LESSING , ASKING FOR THEM THE S PECIA L S PIRITUA L G IFT FRO M EACH OF THE D IVINE P ERSONS OF THE H OLY T RINITY . T HE H OLY E UCHARIST IS A H EAVENLY AND D IVINE M YSTERY AND FOR THIS REASON WE MUST LIFT UP OUR MINDS AND OU R HEARTS IN SINCERE AND DEVOUT W ORSHIP O F A LMIGHTY G OD . H OLY E UCHARIST IS ABOUT TO BEGIN AND AS OUR L ORD , AT THE L AST S UPPER , OFFERED T HANKS TO H IS H EAVENLY F ATHER BEFORE BREAKING B READ , SO DOES THE P RIEST BEFORE THE C ONSUMMATION OF H O LY E UCHARIST
Father, Who art in Heaven: Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but Deliver us from the evil one.
Our
PRIEST
For
Amin Kyrios
STIHOS: STIHOS:
Power, and the Glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto Ages of Ages.
PEOPLE
Amen
TONE
1
O Thou Who art, O Master and Lord, God the Father, Almighty and proper to be worshipped: it is truly meet, and right and befitting the magnificence of Thy Holiness that we should Praise Thee, Hymn Thee, Bless Thee, Worship Thee, give Thanks to Thee, and Glorify Thee, for truly Thou art the One True God, and to offer, with a contrite heart and a humble spirit, this our reasonable worship: for Thou it is Who granted us the Knowledge of Thy Truth. And who can utter Thy Mighty Acts? Who shall cause all Thy Praises to be heard, to tell of Thy Wondrous Works at all times? O Master of all: Lord of Heaven and earth, and all Creation: visible and invisible: Thou Who sits upon the Throne of Glory, and beholds the depths, Who art without beginning, invisible,incomprehensible,
30. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
The Lord said to Me: Thou art My Son; today I have Begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I will give Thee Nations as Thine Inheritance
OF
VERSE
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
19.
Proshomen! Sofia! Pros Evreous Epistolis Pavlou to anagnosma Proshomen! Adelphi: Polimeros
ke politropos pale O Theos, lalisas tis Patrasin en tis Profites, ep eshatou imeron touton elalisen imin en Iio, On ethike Klironomon panton, di ou ke tous eonas epiisen; Os on apavgasma tis Doxis, ke haratir tis ipostaseos aftou, feron te ta panta to rimati tis Dinameos Aftou, di eaftou katharismon piisamenos ton amartion imon, ekathisen en dexia tis megalosinis en ipsilis, tosouto kritton genomenos ton Angelon, oso diaforoteron par aftous keklironomiken Onoma.
PRIEST
READER
READER
PAT EN AN D C H ALIC E AN D SH AKES IT HO LY GIFTS . T H IS MO V EMEN T DEP ICT S TH E EART H QUAK E AT T H E T I ME O F O U R L O R D S R E S U R R E C T I O N A N D R E V E A L E D T H E S E A L E D A N D G U A R D E D T O M B T O B E E MP T Y ! T H E PRIES T C OV ERS TH E HO LY C H ALIC E WITH TH E FO LDED C O MMUNIO N VEIL UN T IL H E S ERV ES T HE HO LY E UCH ARIST TO T H E F AITH FUL
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.
Pistevo Ke
is ena Theon, Patera, Pantokratora, Piitin Ouranou ke gis, oraton te panton ke aoraton. is ena Kyrion, Iisoun Hriston ton Ion tou Theou, to Monogeni, ton ek tou Patros gennithenta pro panton ton eonon. Fos ek Fotos, Theon alithinon, ek Theou alithinou gennithenta, ou piithenta, Omoousion to Patri, di Ou ta Panta egeneto. di imas tous anthropous ke dia imeteran Sotirian katelthonta ek Ouranon, ke sarkothenta, Pnevmatos Agiou ke Marias Parthenou ke Enanthropisanta. tin ton ek tis
And
in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Onlybegotten Son of God, Begotten of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, True God of True God, Begotten, not made; of one Essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made: for us men and for our Salvation came down from Heaven, and was Incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became Man;
Ton
Who
Iios Mou is Si, Ego simeron Gegennika Se? "Ego esome Afto is Patera, ke Aftos este Mi is Iion? ikoumenin, legi: Ke Proskinisatosan Afto pantes Angeli Theou!
For
to which of the Angels did He ever say: Thou art My Son; today I have Begotten Thee.? again: I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son.
And
Stavrothenta Ke Ke Ke Ke
te iper imon epi Pontiou Pilatou ke panthonta ke tafenta; Anastanta ti triti imera kata tas Grafas. anelthonta is tous Ouranous ke Kathezomenon ek dexion tou Patros; palin erhomenon meta doxis krine zontas ke nekrous, Ou tis Vasilias ouk este telos. is to Pnevma to Agion, to Kyrion, to Zoopion, to ek tou Patros ekporevomenon, to sin Patri ke Io simproskinoumenon ke sindoxazomenon to lalisan dia ton Profiton.
Otan de palin isagagi ton Prototokon is tin But Ke pros men tou Angelous legi: Pros
O pion tou Angelous Aftou pnevmata, ke tous Litourgous Aftou Piros Floga? de ton Iion: O Thronos Sou, O Theos, is ton eona tou eonos; Ravdos evthititos, i Ravdos tis Vasilias Sou.
was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; on the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right Hand of the Father; He shall come again with Glory to Judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end. in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is Worshipped and Glorified; Who spoke by the Prophets. I believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Baptism for the
when He again brings the Firstborn into the world, He says: Let all the Angels of God worship Him!
Who makes His Angels spirits and His Ministers a Flame of Fire? Thy Throne, O God, is forever and ever; a Sceptre of Righteousness is the Sceptre of Thy Kingdom.
Igapisas
Dikeosinin, ke emisisas anomian; Dia touto ehrise Se, O Theos, O Theos Sou, Eleon Agaliaseos para tous metohous Sou.
Thou hast Loved Righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Thy God, has Anointed Thee with the Oil of Gladness more than Thy Companions.
Is
Ke:
Si kat arhas, Kyrie, tin gin ethemeliosas, ke Erga ton Hiron Sou isin i Ourani.
And:
Thou, O Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the Heavens are the Work of Thy Hands.
And I
Omologo en Vaptisma is afesin amartion. Prosdoko Anastasin nekron. Ke Zoin tou mellontos eonos. Amin
GREAT VESPERS & DIVINE LITURGY
OF
Amen
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
20. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
29.
Si Kyrie
THE
P RIEST QUIET LY C ON T IN UES T O PRAY :
PEOPLE
To Thee, O Lord!
Afti
apolounte, Si de dimenis; pantes os imation paleothisonte, osi perivoleon elixis aftous, allagisonte; Si de O aftos is, ke ta Sou ouk eklipsousin.
ke ke ke Eti
They
will perish but Thou remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak Thou will fold them up, and they will be changed, but Thou art the same, and Thy years will not fail.
PRIEST
[3]
CHOIR
Alleluia! *
STAND
Sofia!
tou
Agiou
PRIEST
Wisdom!
Agiou Evangeliou to
Peace be with you all. And with thy spirit PRIEST The Lesson from the
PEOPLE
:
PRIEST
Dia
ton iktirmon tou Monogenous Sou Iou meth ou Evlogitos i, sin to Panagio ke Agatho ke Zoopio Sou Pnevmati, nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon
PEOPLE
O Lord, Glory to
GOD
Amin
Begotten Son, with Whom Thou art Blessed, together with Thine All Holy, Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
PEOPLE
SIGN
OF THE
CROSS &
Egeneto
Amen Peace be unto all And to thy spirit Let us Love one
de en tes imeres ekines exilthe dogma para Kesaros Avgoustou apografesthe pasan tin ikoumenin. i Apografi proti egenetoi igemonevontos tis Syrias Kiriniou. eporevonto pantes apografesthe, ekastos is tin idian polin. Nazaret is tin Ioudean is polin David, itis kalite Vithleem, dia to ine afton ex ikou ke patrias David, apograpsasthe sin Mariam ti memnistefmeni afto gineki, ousi Engio.
PRIEST
And it came to pass in those days that a Decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
while
Afti Ke
That So
PRIEST
all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the House and Lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his Betrothed wife, who was with Child.
ina
en
omonia
PRIEST
Anevi de ke Iosif apo tis Galileas ek poleos Joseph also went up from
Patera,
WHILE
PEOPLE
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity, one in Essence and Undivided.
PRIEST
KISSES THE
HY MN
IS BEING SLOWLY
&
HOLY GIFTS
AND
QUIET LY S AYS
Egeneto de en to ine aftous eki eplisthisan So it was, that while they were there, the
e imere tou tekin aftin. days were completed for Her to be delivered.
I Love Thee, O Lord: my Strength. The Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress, and my Deliverer!
Ke
eteketon ton Ion aftis ton Prototokon, ke esparganosen afton ke aneklinen afton en ti fatni, dioti ouk in aftis topos en to katalimati. Pimenes isan en ti hora ti afti agravlountes ke filasontes filakas tis niktos epi tin Pimnin afton.
OF
Ke
Now
there were in the same country Shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over the flock by night.
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
ST BASIL NATIVITY
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
21.
Ke
idou Angelos Kyriou epesti aftis ke doxa Kyriou perielampsen aftous, ke efovithisan fovon megan.
And
behold, an Angel of the Lord stood before them, and the Glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
PEOPLE PRIEST
Ke ipen aftis O Angelos: Mi fovisthe, idou Then the Angel said to them:
gar Evangelizome imin Haran Megalin, itis este panti to lao.
Ikou toutou ke ton meta Pisteos, Evlavias ke Fovou Theou isionton en afto tou Kyriou deithomen.
and for those who enter it with Faith, Reverence, and Fear of God, let us pray to the Lord
Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you Good Tidings of Great Joy, which will be to all people. there is Born to you this day in the City of David, a Saviour Who is Christ the Lord. You will find an Infant wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
Oti Ke Ke
For
from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord have Mercy Help us, Save us, have Mercy on us, and Protect us, O God, by Thy Grace
toutoimin to Simion: evrisete Vrefos esparganomenon, kimenon en fatne. exefnis egeneto sin to Angelo plithos Stratias Ouraniou enounton ton Theon ke legonton: Doxa en Ipsistis Theo! Ke epi gis Irini, en anthropis evdokia! egeneto os apilthon ap afton is ton Ouranon i Angeli, ke i anthropi i Pimenes ipon: Pros alilous dielthomen di eos Vithleem ke idomen to rima touto to gegonos, O Kyrios egnorisen imin. ilthon spevsantes, ke anevron tin te Mariam ke ton Iosif ke to Vrefos kimenon en ti fatni. de diegnorisan peri tou rimatos tou lalithentos aftis peri tou Pediou toutou, ke pantes i akousantes ethavmasan peri ton lalithenton ipo ton Pimenon pros aftous.
Ke
Odigon, Filaka ton psihon ke ton somaton imon para tou Kyriou etisometha.
a Faithful Guide, a Guardian of our souls and bodies; let us ask of the Lord
PEOPLE PRIEST
Ke
And
they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in a manger. widely known the saying that was told them concerning this Child, and all those who heard it marvelled at those things that were told them by the Shepherds. Mary kept all those Things and pondered them in her heart.
Grant this, O Lord For the Forgiveness, and Remission Grant this, O Lord For things that are Grant this, O Lord That we may
Idontes
PRIEST
Good and Profitable to our souls, and for Peace in the world, let us ask of the Lord
PEOPLE PRIEST
complete the remainder of our lives in Peace and Penitence, let us ask of the Lord
Ke
ipestrepsan i Pimenes doxazontes ke enountes ton Theon epi pasin is ikousan ke idon kathos elelithi pros aftous.
Then
the Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the Things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
PEOPLE
Glory
SIGN
tis zois imon, anondina, anepeshinta, Irinika ke Kalin Apologian tin epi tou Foverou Vimatos tou Hristou etisometha.
Grant this, O Lord PRIEST That the end of our lives may be
PEOPLE
Thee
GOD & MAKE
THE OF THE
Christian, without pain, blameless and peaceful, and for a Good Account at the Fearful Judgement Seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord
PEOPLE PRIEST
Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God.
&
BOW DOWN
22. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
27.
THE PRIEST
P R O C E E DS T O T H E
THE
PRO TH ES IS
QUIETLY RECITING:
AFTER
C ENSING H IS H ANDS, TH E
PRIEST
WHICH
L A MB
AND
SMALLER
P O RTIO NS
S ANCTUARY
God is gone up with a shout! The Lord with the sound of a trumpet!
or
Entrance
T H E CH ERUB IC HY MN IS INT ERRUPTED AS TH E PRIEST EXITS TH E SANC T UARY TH RO UG H TH E NO RTH D O O R , P R E C E DE D B Y A P R O C E S S I O N O F A L T A R B O Y S C A R R Y I N G T H E C R O S S A N D T H E P R O C E S S I O N A L FANS, LIT C ANDLES AND TH E CENSER. TH E PRIEST LOUDLY B UT REVERENT LY INT ONES T H E W ORDS OF T HE GOOD, REP ENT ANT THIEF:
Thou, O Lord, has made known unto us this Great Mystery of Salvation. Thou hast counted us Thine humble and unmeritable servants worthy to be Ministers of Thy Sacred Alar. Do Thou, through the Power of the Holy Spirit, make us able for this Ministry, that standing without Condemnation before Thy Holy Glory we may offer unto Thee the Sacrifice of Praise; for Thou it is Who workest all in all. Grant, O Lord, that this our Sacrifice, may be acceptable to Thee, both for our sins and for the errors of the people, and well-pleasing to Thee. For unto Thee belong all Glory, Honour and Worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto Ages of ages. Amen
Small Litany
THE PRIEST OR DEACON SAYS ALOUD:
Eti ke eti en irini tou Kyriou deithomen Kyrie eleison Antilavou Soson, Amen
Eleison Ke Diafilaxon imas O Theos, ti Si Hariti.
PRIEST
Panton Amin
AFTER
imon mnisthii Kyrios O Theos, en ti Vasilia Aftou, pantote, nin ke ai, ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
PRIEST
May the Lord our God remember us all in His Kingdom, now and for ever, and to the Ages of ages. Amen
PEOPLE
PRAY ERS B EFO RE TH E ROY AL GAT ES, TH E PRIES T EN TERS T H E SAN CT UARY ROY AL DO O RS AN D P LAC ES T H E HO LY GIFT S UP ON TH E ALT AR, WH ICH REP RES ENTS O U R L O R D S T O MB ( A N D T H R O N E ). HE CO V ERS TH E HO LY GIFTS W IT H T HE AER. TH IS C OV ERIN G RECALLS TH E B URIAL O F O UR LO RD. TH E CHOIR AND TH E CONGREGAT ION C OMP LET ES TH E CH ERUB IC HY MN:
RECITING CERTAIN T H RO UGH T HE
Amen
Tes
Invisibly
TH E CONGREGAT ION
Opos
T H E PRIEST P LAC ES TH E PAT EN AN D HO LY C H ALIC E UPO N TH E HO LY ALT AR. AN D H AVIN G REMOV ED AER FRO M H IS SH O ULDERS AN D C ENS IN G IT , H E C AREFULLY C OV ERS TH E HOLY GIFT S , SAY IN G :
THE
Down from the Tree Joseph, a Godly man, took Thy Most Pure Body, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, and laid and closed it in a new Sepulchre.
THE PRIEST
CENSES THE
ipo tou Kratous Sou pantote filattomeni, Si Doxan anapempomen to Patri ke to Iio ke to Agio Pnevmati, nin ke ai ke is tous Eonas ton Eonon.
PRIEST
And grant that being always guarded by Thy Power, to Thee we ascribe Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto Ages of Ages. Amen
HOLY GIFT
TH RICE, SAYING:
Do Good in Thy Good Pleasure unto Zion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the Sacrifices of Righteousness, with Burnt Offerings and Whole Burnt Offerings: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine Altar.
Amin
W HILE
THE
PEOPLE
E NLIGHTENMENT
P RIEST BOWS HIS HEAD AND RE CITES THE FOLLOWING P RAYER T HIS P RA YER SHOULD A LSO BE REA D BY THE C ONGREGATION FOR THEIR U N DERSTAN DING OF THE G REAT S IGNIFICANCE OF THE H OLY E UCHARIST THAT
IS CHANTED , THE
Plirosomen tin deisin imon to Kyrio Kyrie eleison Iper ton protethenton
Kyriou deithomen
26. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
PRIEST
Let us complete our supplication to the Lord. Lord have Mercy For the Precious
OF
FOLLOWS SHORTLY .
PEOPLE
PRIEST
None is worthy among those who are held fast in fleshly desires and pleasures to approach, to to draw nigh, or to minister to Thee, O King of Glory, for to minister to Thee is a great and fearful thing, even for the Heavenly Powers themselves. Notwithstanding, through Thine Ineffable and Immeasurable Love for mankind, Thou became Man, suffering no change nor altering, and art our High Priest and has Thyself bestowed upon us the
GREAT VESPERS & DIVINE LITURGY
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
23.
Ministry of this Divine Office and Bloodless Sacrifice as Master of all. For Thou only, O Lord our God, hast Dominion over all things in Heaven and on earth, Who art borne upon a Throne of Cherubim, Who art Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel; Who alone art Holy and rest in the Holies. Therefore, I beseech Thee, Who alone art Good and ready to hear: look down upon me, Thy sinful and unprofitable servants, and Cleanse my soul and my heart from an evil conscience. And by the Power of the Holy Spirit, enable me, who am invested with the Grace of Priesthood, to stand before this Thy Holy Table, and to administer Thy Most Pure and Sacred Body and Thy Precious Blood. For unto Thee I come, to Thee I bow my head, and I beseech Thee: turn not Thy Sight from me, neither reject me from among Thy servants, but account it fitting for these Gifts to be offered to Thee by me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant. For Thou art He Who Offers and He Who is Offered, and He Who receives and Who is given, O Christ our God, and to Thee we ascribe Glory, together with Thine Eternal Father, and Thine All Holy, Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of Ages. Amen.
THE PRIEST RECITES THE CHERUBIC HYMN THRICE, MAKING A PROSTRATION AT THE
END OF EACH REPETITION.
Apostrepson
to Prosopon Sou apo tin amartion mou, ke pasas tas anomias mou exalipson.
Turn
Thy Sight away from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. and
clean heart create in me, O God, renew a right spirit within me.
Mi
aporripsis me apo tou Prosopou Sou, ke to Pnevma Sou to Agion mi antanelis ap emou. ke Pnevmati Igemoniko Stirixon me.
Do
not cast me away from Thy Presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me. Uphold me with Thy Guiding Spirit.
Apodos mi tin Agalliasin tou Sotiriou Sou, Restore to me the Joy of Thy Salvation, and Didazo anomous tas Odous Sou, ke asevis I
api Se apistrepsousi. Sotirias mou, Agalliasete i glossou mou tin Dikeosinin Sou. will teach transgressors Thy Ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to Thee. the God of my Salvation, and my tongue shall greatly Rejoice in Thy Righteousness. Lord, Thou will open my lips, and my mouth will declare Thy Praise. if Thou had desired Sacrifice, I would give it Thou will not be pleased with Whole Burnt Offerings. Sacrifice to God is a broken spirit - a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.
ta Herouvim mystikos ikonizontes, ke ti PEOPLE Let us who mystically represent the Zoopio Triadi ton Trisagion imnon Cherubim, and who sing the Thriceprosadontes, pasan tin viotikin Holy Hymn to the Life-giving Trinity, apothometha merimnan os ton Vasilea put away all worldly care, that we may to olon ipodexomeni... receive the King of all Psalm 50/51
THE PRIEST
CENSES THE RECITING
Oti
THE PSALM OF REPENTANCE ALTAR, THE PROTHESIS, THE HOLY ICONS OF THE ICONOSTASION AND O COME, LET US WORSHIP... AND PSALM 50/51 THE PSALM OF REPENTANCE
an:
For A
WE MUST ALSO
Eleison
me, O Theos kata to Mega Eleos Sou, ke kata to plithos ton iktrmon Sou exalipson to anomima mou.
Have
mercy on me, O God, according to Thy Great Mercy. And according to the abundance of Thy Compassion blot out my transgression. and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me.
Thisia
to Theo, pnevma sintetrimmenon. Kardian sintetrimmenin ke tetapinomenin, O Theos, ouk exoudenosi. Kyrie, en ti Evdokia Sou tin Sion, ke ikodomithito ta tihi Ierousalim - tote Evdoisis Thisian Dieosinis, Anaforan ke Olokaftomata - tote anisousin epi to Thisiastirion Sou moshous.
Epi plion plinon me apo tis anomias mou, Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness,
ke apo tis amartias mou katharison me Oti tin anomie mou ego ginosko, ke i amartia mou enopion mou esti diapantos.
Agathinon,
Si
mono imarton, ke to poniron enopion Sou epiisa. Opos an Dikeothis en tis logis Sou, ke nikisis en to krinesthe Se. gar en anomies sovelifthin, ke en amarties ekissise me i mitir mou. gar Alithian Igapisas. Ta adila ke ta krifia tis Sofias Sou edilosas mi.
HOLY
HO LY S ANCT UARY, TH E PRIES T AG AIN CEN SES TH E HOLY ALT AR, TH E PROT HES IS SANC T UARY , B EFO RE REP LAC ING TH E CEN SER O N ITS S T AN D. THEN , ST AN DIN G B EFO RE ALT AR, TH E PRIEST MAK ES TW O LOW PROS T RAT IO NS WH ILE REC IT IN G:
Idou
For
behold I was conceived in transgressions; and in sins my mother bore me. Thou Love Truth. Thou showed me the unknown and secret things of Thy Wisdom. will be cleansed - Thou shalt wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow.
Idou:
Behold:
O Saviour, I have sinned before Thee as the Prodigal Son. Accept me, O Father, as a penitent, and have Mercy on me, O God. With the voice of the Publican I cry unto Thee, O Christ Saviour: be Gracious to me, as Thou was with him, and have Mercy on me, O God.
TH E PRIEST K ISSES TH E ANTIMENSION AND AGAIN MAK E A P R O S T R A T I O N B E F O R E T U R N I N G A N D B O W I N G H U MB L Y T O CONGREGATION, SAYING IN A LOW VOICE:
LOW THE
Pantiis
me Issopo, ke katharisthisome plinies me, ke iper hiona levkanthisome. mi Agalliasin ke Evfrosinin, Agaliasonte ostea tetapinomena.
May God forgive those who hate us and those who Love us.
Akoutiis
24. G R E A T V E S P E R S & D I V I N E L I T U R G Y
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
OF
ST BASIL NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST 24 DECEMBER
25.