The Akathist Hymn and Small Compline - Part 2 | Liturgical Texts of Greek Orthodox Church

People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: The holy one, beholding herself in innocence, says to Gabriel: The incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Priest: Curious to know knowledge what is knowable to no one, the Virgin cried out to the ministering angel: How is it possible for a son to be born of pure loins? Tell me. To whom the angel answered in fear, crying out: Rejoice, initiate of ineffable counsel; Rejoice, faith of silent beseechers. Rejoice, introduction to Christ's miracles; Rejoice, consummation of his doctrinal articles. Rejoice, heavenly ladder by which God came down; Rejoice, bridge leading those from earth to I heaven. Rejoice, marvel greatly renowned among the Angels; Rejoice, wound bitterly lamented by demons. Rejoice, for you gave birth to the light ineffably; Rejoice, for the "how" you taught to no one. Rejoice, surpassing the knowledge of scholars; Rejoice, dawn that illumines the minds of believers. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: The divine power of the Most High overshadowed the unwedded Maiden that she might conceive, and made her luxuriant womb appear as a luscious field for everyone who desires to reap salvation while chanting thusly: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Priest: The Virgin, bearing God in her womb, hastened to visit Elizabeth, whose own babe at once knowing her greeting, rejoiced and leaping up as if in song, cried out to the Theotokos: Rejoice, branch of an unwithered shoot; Rejoice, land of unblemished fruit. Rejoice, you who cultivate the husband and who loves humankind; Rejoice, for you gave birth to the gardener of our life. Rejoice, arable land yielding an abundance of compassion; Rejoice, table laden an abundance of grace. Rejoice, for you make flourish the meadows of luxury; Rejoice, for you prepare a safe harbor for our souls. Rejoice, intercession's acceptable incense; Rejoice, expiation for all the world. Rejoice, goodwill of God to mortals; Rejoice, boldness of mortals before God. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: Fraught within with confusion, brought about by doubtful thoughts, the wise Joseph was troubled as he looked upon you the unwedded, and suspected you, O Blameless one. But when he learned of your conception by the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Continue with the rest of the service. Second Stasis The shepherds heard the appearance of Christ in the flesh being glorified; and hastening as to a shepherd, they beheld him as a spotless lamb who had been pastured in the womb of Mary, to whom they sing praises saying: Rejoice, mother of the Lamb and Shepherd; Rejoice, sheepfold of spiritual sheep. Rejoice, defense against invisible enemies; Rejoice, key to the doors of Paradise. Rejoice, for heavenly things are exulting with the earth; Rejoice, earthly things that are dancing with the heavenly ones. Rejoice, never-silent voice of the Apostles; Rejoice, unconquered courage of the Martyrs. Rejoice, faith's unshakable foundation; Rejoice, shining revelation of grace. Rejoice, through whom Hades is divested; Rejoice, through whom we have been vested in glory. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: Beholding the star leading to God, the Magi followed its brightness; and holding it as a lantern, they searched for the powerful King, and reaching the Unreachable, they rejoiced and cried to him: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Priest: The Chaldean children in the hands of the Virgin saw him who fashioned humankind. And perceiving him to be the Lord, even though he had taken the form of a slave, they hastened to pay tribute with gifts and to greet the blessed Lady: Rejoice, mother of an unsetting star; Rejoice, dawn of the mystic day. Rejoice, who extinguished the furnace of error; Rejoice, who enlighten initiates of the Trinity. Rejoice, deposer of the inhuman tyrant from his rule; Rejoice, discloser of the Lord Christ who loves humankind. Rejoice, redeemer from pagan religions; Rejoice, deliverer from the mire of sin. Rejoice, for you have caused the worship of fire to cease; Rejoice, releaser from the flames of passions. Rejoice, guide of the faithful to chastity; Rejoice, gladness of all generations. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: The Magi went to Babylon having become the God-bearing heralds. For they fulfilled Your prophecy and proclaimed You as the Christ to all, abandoning Herod as frivolous who did not know to sing: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Priest: Illumining in Egypt the light of truth, You dispelled the darkness of error; for her idols, O Savior, unable to endure your strength fell, while they who were delivered from them cried to the Theotokos: Rejoice, the restoration of humankind; Rejoice, the downfall of demons. Rejoice, crusher of the delusion of error; Rejoice, uncoverer of the deceit of idolatry. Rejoice, sea that drowned the invisible Pharaoh; Rejoice, rock that refreshed those thirsty for life Rejoice, pillar of fire that guides those in darkness; Rejoice, protection of the world wider than a cloud. Rejoice, replacer of manna; Rejoice, minister of sacred joy. Rejoice, land of promises; Rejoice, from whom flow milk and honey. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: Master, You were presented as a babe to Symeon on the threshold of being transported out of this present beguiling age, but also perceived by him to be perfect God; for which cause he marveled at Your ineffable wisdom, crying: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Continue with the rest of the service. Third Stasis Priest: The new creation revealed the Creator by showing himself to us whom he created, sprouting up from an unseeded womb, while preserving it just as it was, unspoiled, so that beholding the miracle we might extol her by saying: Rejoice, flower of incorruption; Rejoice, crown of chastity. Rejoice, illuminator of the impress. of the resurrection; Rejoice, for the angelical life you exemplified. Rejoice, tree with luscious fruit, by which the faithful are sustained; Rejoice, foliaged tree of beautiful shade beneath which many are sheltered. Rejoice, you who were pregnant with the guide for the wayward; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the redeemer of captives. Rejoice, by whom the righteous Judge is pacified; Rejoice, forgiveness of many offenders. Rejoice, robe of those without hope; Rejoice, tender love that defeats every longing; Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: Seeing the strange childbirth, let us be estranged from the mundane, transporting our mind to heaven. For this purpose the most high God appeared on earth as a lowly man, wishing to attract to heaven those who cry to Him: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Priest: Present below completely but in no way absent from on high was the uncircumscribable Logos. For this was divine condescension and not a change of place. He was born of a God-chosen virgin who heard this that follows: Rejoice, uncontainable land of God; Rejoice, doorway of sacred mystery. Rejoice, unbelievable myth for the unfaithful; Rejoice, unequivocal boast of the faithful. Rejoice, all-holy vehicle of Him who rides the Cherubim; Rejoice, exquisite domicile of Him who mounts the Seraphim. Rejoice, bringer of opposites to harmony; Rejoice, joiner of virginity -and childbirth. Rejoice, through whom sin was nullified; Rejoice, through whom Paradise was opened. Rejoice, key of Christ's kingdom; Rejoice, the hope of eternal blessings. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: All Angels were quite amazed by the great deed of Your incarnation. For they beheld the once inaccessible God accessible to all as- a man living among us, while hearing from everyone: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Priest: Eloquent rhetors we see mute as fish before you O Theotokos. For they are at a loss to explain how you had the power to give birth and yet remained a virgin. But we the faithful marveling at the mystery cry out with faith: Rejoice, vessel of God's wisdom; Rejoice, storehouse of God's providence. Rejoice, revealer of philosophers as fools; Rejoice, exposer of the technologists as irrational. Rejoice, for the fierce debaters are made foolish; Rejoice, for the creators of the myths have wilted. Rejoice, breaker of the webs of the Athenians' logic; Rejoice, filler of the nets of the fishermen. Rejoice, drawer of many from the abyss of ignorance; Rejoice, enlightener of many with knowledge. Rejoice, ship for those wishing salvation; Rejoice, harbor for life's navigators. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: Wishing to save the world, the creator of all came down to it of his own will. And while being the shepherd as God, for us he appeared like us, as a man; and having called his own, like by like, as God he hears: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Continue with the rest of the service. Fourth Stasis Priest: Theotokos and Virgin, you are the fortress for virgins and for all who run to you for refuge. O immaculate Maiden, for the Creator of heaven and earth prepared you, inhabiting your womb and instructing all to address you thus; Rejoice, pillar of virginity; Rejoice, the gate of salvation. Rejoice, initiator of spiritual renewal; Rejoice, provider of godly benevolence. Rejoice, for through you were born again those conceived in shame; Rejoice, for you have admonished those whose intellects had been captured. Rejoice, for you abolished him who corrupts reason; Rejoice, for you have given birth to the saver of purity Rejoice, bridal chamber of seedless marriage; Rejoice, you who join the faithful to the Lord. Rejoice, beautiful nursemaid of virgins; Rejoice, bridesmaid of souls that are holy. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: Unsuccessful is every hymn that attempts to pay homage to the multitude of Your mercies. For even if we offer You odes in number equal to the sands, O holy King, yet we do nothing worthy of what You have given us who cry to You: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Priest: We see the holy Virgin, as a light-bearing torch who brings light to those in darkness. For she lit the spiritual light, and thus leads everyone to divine knowledge, enlightening the mind with the light of dawn and is honored by such praises: Rejoice, ray of the spiritual Sun; Rejoice, beam of the unsetting luster. Rejoice, lightning completely illuminating souls; Rejoice, thunder that stuns the enemies. Rejoice, for the glowing light you make rise upon the earth; Rejoice, for you spring forth the flowing river. Rejoice, you who illustrate the image of the font; Rejoice, you who wash away the stain of sin. Rejoice, water washing consciences clean; Rejoice, cup that mixes great joy. Rejoice, sweet smelling fragrance of Christ; Rejoice, life of the mystical feasting. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: Wishing to grant pardon for ancient debts, he who cancels the debts of all people came himself and dwelt among those who were estranged from his divine grace; and tearing apart the record of sin, he hears from everyone: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Priest: Extolling your birth-giving, we all praise you as a living temple, O Theotokos. For the Lord whose hand sustains the world, having dwelt in your womb, sanctified and glorified you, and instructed all people to cry to you: Rejoice, tabernacle of God the Logos; Rejoice, holy one, holier than the holies. Rejoice, ark that was gilt by the Spirit; Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of life. Rejoice, precious diadem of godly kings; Rejoice, honored pride of the pious priests. Rejoice, the Church's unshakable tower; Rejoice, the kingdom's unassailable fortress. Rejoice, through whom trophies of victory are raised; Rejoice, through whom enemies are defeated. Rejoice, healing of my body; Rejoice, my soul's salvation. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: You, all-laudable Mother who gave birth to the Logos, the holiest of all who are holy (3), while accepting this offering now, deliver everyone from all calamities, and deliver from future punishment those who cry out: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Kontakion People: O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Continue with the Service We now say "'Holy God." Priest: An angel of the first rank was sent down from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! (3) And perceiving You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe and with his bodiless voice, cried aloud to her as follows: Rejoice, through whom joy shall shine forth; Rejoice, through whom the curse shall vanish. Rejoice, fallen Adam's restoration; Rejoice, the redemption of Eve's tears. Rejoice, height that is too difficult for human thought to ascend; Rejoice, depth that is too strenuous for Angels' eyes to perceive. Rejoice, for you are the throne. of the King; Rejoice, for you hold him who sustains everything. Rejoice, star that shows forth the Sun; Rejoice, womb in which God became incarnate. Rejoice, through whom creation is renewed; Rejoice, through whom the Creator becomes an infant. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: The holy one, beholding himself in innocence, says to Gabriel: the incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. People: O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name's sake. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Now we say the Apolytikion of the day. People: Lord, have mercy (40). At all times and in every hour, You are worshiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, You love the righteous and show mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord, receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to Your commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with Your holy angels that, guarded and guided by them, we may arrive at the unity of faith and the understanding of Your ineffable glory. For You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Priest: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos. People: In the name of the Lord, Father bless. Priest: May God have compassion on us and bless us, reveal the glory of his face upon us and have mercy on us. Prayer to the Theotokos People: Amen. Spotless, undefiled, immaculate, unstained, pure Virgin, Lady, and Bride of God, by your wondrous conception you united God the Word with human beings and joined the fallen nature of our race to heavenly things. You are the only, hope of the hopeless, and the help of those oppressed. You are the ready protection of those who flee to you and the refuge of all Christians. Do not spurn me an accused sinner, though I have made myself completely useless by my shameful thoughts, words, and deeds and through indolence have become a slave to the pleasures of life. But as the Mother of God who loves all people, mercifully have compassion upon me a sinner and a prodigal and receive my prayer though it be offered to you by unclean lips. Entreat your Son and our Lord and Master, using your boldness as a mother, so that he may open to me the loving mercy of his goodness, overlook my numberless transgressions, turn me to repentance, and make me an acceptable doer of his commandments. Always be near me, for You are merciful, compassionate, and loving. Be my ardent help and protection in this present life, defending me from the assaults of adversaries, and lead me to salvation. At the hour of my death, care for my miserable soul and drive the dark faces of evil spirits far from it. On the awesome day of judgment, save me from eternal punishment and make me an inheritor of the ineffable glory of your Son, our God. May this be my lot, my Lady, all holy Theotokos, through your intercession and help, by the grace and love of your only begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus to whom belong all glory, honor, and worship with his eternal Father, and his all holy, righteous, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ Grant us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest for body and soul. Protect us from the gloom of sinful sleep and from all dark pleasures of the night. Calm the impulses of passion, and quench the fiery darts of evil which are treacherously cast against us. Check the turbulence of our flesh and lull all our earthly and mundane thoughts. Grant us, O God, a watchful mind, prudent reason, a vigilant heart, and tranquil sleep, free from all evil fantasies. Raise us up at the hour of prayer, strengthen us in Your commandments, and keep unshaken within us the remembrance of Your judgments. Grant us to glorify You all night long that we may praise and bless and glorify Your all honorable and magnificent name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, present our prayers to your Son and our God, and plead with him, that through you he may save our souls. My hope is the Father; my refuge, the Son; my protection, the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to You. My every hope I place in you, Mother of God, keep me under your protection. The Gospel The Gospel is read only on the First Friday. On the other Fridays, we proceed directly to the Dismissal. Priest: Let us beseech the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel. Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel. Priest: Peace be to all. People: And with your spirit. Priest: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John. Let us be attentive. Chapter 15.1-7 The Lord said: 'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.' The Dismissal Priest: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (3). Priest: May Christ our true God, as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and most holy Mother; our holy God-bearing Fathers; the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna, and all the saints. Priest: Let us pray for the peace of the world. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For all devout Orthodox Christians. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For our departed fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For those who hate us, and for those who love us. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For those who show mercy toward us, and for those who serve us. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For those who enjoin us in our unworthiness to pray for them. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For the release of captives. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For the safety of those at sea. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For those who are lying ill. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Let us pray also for the abundance of the fruits of the earth.

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The Akathist Hymn and Small Compline - Part 2

Liturgical Texts of Greek Orthodox Church

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