VESPERS

Friday, December 4

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Our Holy Father Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia.​​

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Priest: Blessed be our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

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Choir: Amen.

 

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You!

 

Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth,* Who are everywhere present and fill all things,* Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come and dwell within us;* cleanse us of all that defiles us,* and, O Good One, save our souls.

 

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)

 

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,* now and for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us.* Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord;* pardon our transgressions, O Master;* look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One;* for the sake of Your name.

 

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,* now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen. 

 

Lord, have mercy. (12x)

 

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Come, let us adore the King, our God.

 

Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God.

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Come, let us adore and bow down to the only Lord Jesus Christ, the King and our God.

Psalm 103

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul!* You are very great, O Lord, my God,

Clothed in pomp and brilliance;* arrayed with light as with a cloak.

Stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth,* covering Your lofty halls with water,

 

You make the clouds Your conveyance;* You surge on the wings of the wind.

You make spirits Your messengers,* and flaming fires Your attendants.

You settle the earth on its firm foundation;* it shall stand unmoved from age to age.

The abyss covers it like a garment;* waters stand over the mountains.

At Your rebuke they will take flight;* at the peal of Your thunder they will fear.

They hurdle the hills and run down the dales,* to the place You have chosen for them.

You have set up a boundary not to be passed;* they shall never return to cover the earth.

Down in the gullies, You make springs to rise;* water shall go down between the mountains.

They shall give drink to the beasts of the field;* wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst.

The birds of the sky will abide by them;* from among the rocks they will raise their song.

From Your lofty halls You refresh the mountains;* the earth shall be fed with the fruit of Your works.

You make green pastures for the cattle,* and food plants for the service of all,

So that bread may be brought forth from the earth,* and wine that gladdens the heart of all;

So that oil may put a gleam upon his face;* and that bread may strengthen the heart of all.

The trees of the plain will be satisfied,* the cedars of Lebanon that He planted.

The sparrows will build their nests in them;* and the herons will call them their home.

To the deer belong high mountains,* to rodents, the shelter of the rocks.

You have made the moon to mark the seasons;* the sun knows the time of its setting.

You establish darkness, and it is night,* wherein all the forest creatures prowl around.

Young lions roar for their prey,* and call out to God for their meat.

As the sun rises, they will come together,* and lay themselves down in their dens.

Man will go out to his labor,* and work until eventide.

How great are Your works, O Lord!* In wisdom You have wrought them all.

The earth is filled with Your creatures.* Even the wide and open sea itself,

Within it there are countless creeping things,* living beings small and large.

Upon it there are ships a-sailing,* and that great beast You made to have fun therein.

All of them look up to You,* to give them their food in due time.

You provide and they gather up;* You open Your hand and they are full.

You hide Your face and they cringe;* You suspend their breath, and they die and return to their dust.

You send forth Your breath and they live;* You renew the face of the earth.

May the Lord's glory endure forever;* may the Lord rejoice in His works;

He looks upon the earth and makes it quake;* He touches the mountains and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;* I will praise my God as long as I last.

Would that my thoughts be pleasing to Him:* and I will rejoice in the Lord.

May sinners vanish from the earth, and may the wicked be no more.* Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God (3x).

Litany of Peace

 

Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

 

Choir: Lord, have mercy (and after each petition).

 

Priest: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For peace throughout the whole world, for the well-being of God's holy churches, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence, and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For our most holy universal Pontiff, N., Pope of Rome, for our most blessed Patriarch, N., our most reverend Metropolitan, N., our God-loving Bishop, N., the reverend priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For this city (or For this village, or For this holy monastery), for every city and country and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For seafarers and travelers, for the sick and the suffering, for those held captive, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

 

That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and misfortune, let us pray to the Lord.

 

Help us, save us, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

 

Priest: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

 

Choir: To You, O Lord.

 

Priest: For all glory, honor, and worship befit You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen.

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Choir: Blessed is the man Alleluia* - who has not walked in the counsel of the wicked. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 

For the Lord knows the way of the just,* but the way of the wicked shall be lost. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

Serve the Lord with fear,* exalt in Him with trembling. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 

Blessed are those* who trust in Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 

Arise, O Lord,* save me, my God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 

Salvation is of the Lord!* Upon Your people Your blessing. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 

Now and for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3x). 

 

Small Litany 

 

Priest: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. 

 

Choir: Lord, have mercy

 

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace. 

 

Choir: Lord, have mercy

 

Priest: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God. 

 

Choir: To You, O Lord.

 

Priest: For the kingdom and the power and the glory, are Yours, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

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Choir: Amen.

Psalm 140

O Lord, I have cried to You hear me,*; hear me, O Lord!* O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me;* receive the voice of my prayer* when I call upon You.* Hear me, O Lord!

Let my prayer rise like incense before You;* and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.* Hear me, O Lord!

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth* and a portal around my lips.

 

Incline my heart away from evil dealings,* from finding excuses for sinful deeds.

In company with those who work iniquity,* let me not partake of what they choose.

 

May the just chasten me with justice and reprove me;* may the oil of the wicked never touch my head.

Yet even then shall I pray for their welfare.* Their rulers were swallowed near the rock.

My words will be heard,* for they were sweet.

As a lump of clay broken on the ground,* so their bones were strewn near the grave.

To You, Lord, O Lord, my eyes are lifted up.* In You have I hoped; let not my soul be lost.

Keep me from the snare that was set for me,* and from the stumbling-blocks of the wicked.

The wicked shall fall into their own nets, * while I remain alone until I can escape.

Psalm 141

 

With my voice I cried to the Lord;* with all my voice I implored the Lord.

Before Him I pour out my supplications;* before Him I declare my distress.

When my breath was escaping me,* then you knew my paths;

On the road upon which I was walking,* they set up snares for me.

I looked to my right and observed* there was no one friendly to me;

Even flight was denied me;* there was no one to take care of my life.

I cried out to You, O Lord, and said:* You are my hope, my share in the land of the living.

Listen to my supplication,* for I am laid very low.

 

Deliver me from my oppressors;* for they have overwhelmed me.

Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.

 

The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.

Psalm 129

 

Out of the depths, I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

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Tone 2

If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

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O holy Nicholas, Bishop of Christ,* you lived your life with people of Myra.* But since your spirit was anointed,* your fragrance of sanctity was known by all.* Now you anoint the faithful who show their love for you.* O Father, deliver us from all distress and sorrow* as you pray to the Lord for us.

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I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.

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O holy Nicholas, true servant of Christ,* you are truly a protector of your faithful flock;* and whenever you were asked for help,* you gladly assisted those who sought your aid.* Now you are also ready by day or by night* to deliver us from all distress and sorrow.

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From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.

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When you appeared in a dream to Constantine the King,* you gave him this warning:* Release at once from prison those you have unjustly confined,* for they are innocent;* no murder did they commit as you claim.* O King, listen to me, or else I shall call upon the Lord.

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For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

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O holy Nicholas, holy preacher of Christ,* always ready to help all on land or at sea.* Whether they be near or far, you have compassion for all.* You are a precious helper;* therefore, we who gather here ask you to pray to the Lord* that we be delivered from all distress and sorrow.​​

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Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.

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What crowns of praise shall we confer upon the saintly Nicholas?* Once present in the flesh in Myra,* he is present in spirit to all who love him purely.* He is the leader and defender of everyone,* a comforter in distress and a haven of all in danger,* a pillar of piety and conqueror for believers.* For his sake, Christ overcame enemies and shows us great mercy.

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Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.

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What crowns of praise shall we confer upon the saintly Nicholas?* Once present in the flesh in Myra,* he is present in spirit to all who love him purely.* He is the leader and defender of everyone,* a comforter in distress and a haven of all in danger,* a pillar of piety and conqueror for believers.* For his sake, Christ overcame enemies and shows us great mercy.

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Tone 6, Glory…

We have gathered to celebrate and to praise with song* the model of bishops and a glory to the fathers,* a fountain of miracles and a great helper of believers.* Let us sing to the saintly Nicholas:* Rejoice, O Protector of Myra* who was revered as its leader and strongest pillar.* Rejoice, O Radiant Star whose light of miracles shines throughout the world.* Rejoice, O Divine Joy to those in sorrow.* Rejoice, O Defender of those who are oppressed;* for even now, all-holy Nicholas,* you still pray to God for us who celebrate your feast with faith* and who honour you with zeal and joy.

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Tone 8, Now…

Out of his love for mankind* the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt with men,* for He assumed a human body from the pure Virgin* and was seen in the flesh He received from her.* He is the One and only God* having two natures but not two persons.* Wherefore we profess and declare the truth* that Christ our God is perfect God and perfect Man.* O Mother, who knew not carnal union,* intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

 

Priest (or deacon): Wisdom! Stand aright.

 

Choir: Tranquil Light,* of the holy glory of the immortal* heavenly, holy blessed Father,* O Jesus Christ:* as we come upon the sunset,* as we see the evening light,* we sing to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. At all times You are worthy* of being hymned by joyful. voices;* O Son of God, You are the giver of life.* For this the whole world glorifies You.

Priest: Let us be attentive! Peace † be with all. Wisdom! Let us be attentive!

 

On Friday Evening: Ps. 58 (Tone 7)

O God, You are my defender* and Your mercy goes before me.

 

Verse: Deliver me from my enemies, O God; save me from those who rise up against me.

 

Priest: Wisdom!

 

Cantor: A reading from the book of Proverbs

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Priest: Let us be attentive!

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Blessed are those who find wisdom,
   those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
   and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
   nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
   in her left hand are riches and honor.

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Litany

 

Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You, hear us, and have mercy.

 

Choir: Lord, have mercy (3x) (after each petition).

 

We also pray for our most holy universal Pontiff, N., Pope of Rome; for our most blessed Patriarch, N.; our most reverend Metropolitan, N.; our God-loving Bishop, N., for those who serve and have served in this holy church, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren and sisters in Christ.

 

We also pray for our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military.

 

We also pray for the people here present who await Your great and bountiful mercies, for those who have been kind to us, and for all orthodox Christians.

 

Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen.

Deign, O Lord

 

Deign, O Lord, * to keep us this evening without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord God of our Fathers,* and praised and glorified is Your name forever. Amen.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us* because we have set our hope in You.

Blessed are You, O Lord,* teach me Your commandments.

Blessed are You, O Master,* make me understand Your commandments.

Blessed are You, O Holy One,* enlighten me with Your laws.

O Lord, Your mercy endures forever;* do not despise the work of Your hands.

 

It is proper to praise You,* and hymns belong to You.

Glory belongs to You,* Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Now and for ever* and ever. Amen.

Litany

 

Priest: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.

 

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

 

Priest: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

 

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

 

Priest: That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

 

Choir: Grant this, O Lord (after each petition).

 

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

 

For the forgiveness and remission of our sins and offenses, let us ask the Lord.

 

For all that is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

 

That we may spend the rest of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

 

For a Christian end to our lives, one that is painless, unashamed, and peaceful; and for a good

defense at the awesome tribunal of Christ, let us ask the Lord.

 

Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.

 

Choir: To You, O Lord

 

Priest: For You are a merciful, gracious, and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen.

 

Priest: Peace † be with all.

 

Choir: And with Your spirit.

 

Priest: Bow your heads to the Lord.

 

Choir: To You, O Lord.

 

Priest (quietly): O Lord our God, You lowered the heavens when You came down for the salvation of the human race.Now look upon Your servants and upon Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads to You, the Judge, both awesome and loving. They do not await human help, but look for Your mercy and are ready to receive Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and tonight, against all enemies, against the devil's assaults, against vain thoughts and evil dreams.

 

Priest: May the might of Your kingdom be blessed and exalted, Father Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen.

Aposticha

 

Tone 5

Rejoice, O priestly leader, spotless vessel of virtue,* model of divine priesthood, great shepherd of your flock,* bearer of the torch of victory.* You hear the prayers of those who call upon you;* you grant petitions of the poor;* you rescue all who praise your name.* Now we ask you to Implore Christ* that He may shower abundant mercy on the world.

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Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful.

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Rejoice, O saintly Father, temple of the Trinity;* pillar of the Church, protector of the faithful,* helper of all in trouble.* You are a star whose rays of prayer dispel the darkest trouble.* You are a quiet harbour for the storm-tossed,* for all adrift in the sea of life.* Pray to Christ to save our souls with his great mercy.

 

Your priests shall be clothed with holiness; your faithful shall ring out their joy.

 

Rejoice, O zealous man of God.* You appeared in a dream,* and you saved from death the ones unjustly sentenced.* You are a fountain in Myra, overflowing with scented myrrh.* You inspire us to keep from sin.* You are a sword that cuts the woods of error* you proved Arius to be a false teacher.* Pray to Christ to save our souls with His great mercy.

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Tone 6, Glory…

O man of God, O faithful servant of the Lord,* you are a chosen vessel filled with desire for God.* You are a pillar and a foundation of the Church;* you are an heir of the kingdom.* O holy Father Nicholas, pray to the Lord for us.

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Now…

O Virgin without husband, from where do you come?* Who gave you birth; who is your mother?* How can you cradle the Creator in your arms?* How did you accomplish virgin-birth?* Most pure Lady, we see in you great wonders,* awesome mysteries fulfilled on earth.* We shall prepare a worthy cave for you.* We shall ask the heavens for a star.* We shall ask the Magi to come from the east to the west* to behold your new-born Child in a manger,* to behold the Saviour of all.

 

Canticle of Simeon

 

Now, O Master, You have kept Your promise;* let Your servant go in peace.* With my own eyes I have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people;* a light to reveal You to the Gentiles,* and the glory of Your people Israel!

 

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,* now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us.* Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord;* pardon our transgressions, O Master;* look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One;* for the sake of Your name.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,* now and for ever and ever. 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 the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen.

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Tone 4

The truth of your deeds made you for your flock a rule of faith* and an image of meekness,* a teacher of continence.* And so you gained the heights through humility,* riches through poverty,* father and bishop Nicholas.* Intercede with Christ our God* for the salvation of our souls.

 

Dismissal.

 

Deacon: Wisdom!

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Choir: Give the blessing.

 

Priest: Blessed be Christ our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen. O God, strengthen the holy orthodox faith, for ever and ever.

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Priest: O most holy Mother of God, save us.

 

Choir: More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.

 

Choir: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen. Lord, have mercy (3x). Give the blessing.

Priest: 

Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy apostles; of our father among the saints, Nicholas, archbishop, wonder-worker of Myra in Lycia; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

 

Choir: Amen.

After Vespers

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Kontakion, Tone 3: In Myra, O holy one, you proved yourself a priest.* You fulfilled the Gospel of Christ, O venerable father.* You laid down your soul for your people* and saved the innocent from death.* And so you were sanctified as a great initiate of God’s grace.