VESPERS

Tuesday, March 25

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Synaxis of Gabriel the Archangel, who brought the Good News to Mary, the chosen one, and to the priest Zachary, the father of the prophet and forerunner John.​

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

 

Choir: Amen.

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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.

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    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.

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.​

Psalm 140

 

(The choir sings the first two verses of Psalm 140 according to the tone of the first sticherion.)

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.

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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.

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

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

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Tone 6

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

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O compassionate Lord, * in the midst of the earth you endured the Cross and Passion, * granting redemption and freedom from the passions to all mankind. * Therefore, on this middle day of the Fast, * all are invited to fall down and worship you, * and with great joy, adore you. * Radiant with the light of divine virtues, * may we all be deemed worthy to behold your Passion and life-giving Resurrection, * O Word of God, ** who alone are abundantly merciful.

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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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A lifeless corpse affixed to the Cross, * your side pierced by the spear, * and given gall to drink, * O longsuffering Master, who by the hand of Moses * made sweet the waters of Marah; * I entreat and pray to you: * cast the bitter passions away from my mind, * and sweeten my soul with the honey of repentance, ** and grant me to worship your precious Passion. 

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

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Tone 1: Before our eyes today * we see set before us the mighty Cross * that Moses once prefigured with outstretched hands, * putting Amalek to flight. * Therefore with trembling, O people, * let us approach it with pure minds and lips, * for upon it Christ has been raised, slaying death; * that we all may be made worthy of His grace, * and, praising the Savior of all with divinely inspired hymns, ** let us pray to arrive at His saving Resurrection.

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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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Tone 6: Come, let us worship the Cross of Christ our God, * the Wood that brings us life, * which is placed before us this day. * For by the Cross, death has been wounded * and the power of your Resurrection revealed to us who had fallen. * Having been delivered, let us cry aloud: * You willingly suffered for our sake, * to save all creation; ** O our God, glory be to you.

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

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Your Cross, O Savior, has been given to us Christians * as an invincible power: * for by it the hosts of the enemy are driven away * and your Church, O Christ, rightly confessing the true Faith, * is overshadowed with peace. * As we adore it, we cry out to you: ** Count us also worthy of the inheritance of your saints.

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

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Having cleansed the senses of our soul with tears, * made pure through fasting, * let us fall down and worship the Wood of the Cross: * by which, through abstinence, we subdue the rebellion of the flesh, * crying to Him who was crucified upon it: ** “O Savior, count us worthy to worship your radiant rising on the third day.”

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 Tone 8:

Glory… Now…

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Today the Master of creation and Lord of Glory * is nailed to the Cross, * His side pierced with a spear; * and He who is the sweetness of the Church * tastes gall and vinegar. * A crown of thorns is placed upon Him who covers the heavens with clouds. * Clothed in a robe of mockery, He who formed man with His hands is struck by a hand of clay. * He who wraps the heavens in clouds is beaten upon His back. * He accepts spitting and scourging, * reproach and blows; * and all these things my Redeemer and God endures for my sake, who am condemned, ** that in His compassion He may save the world from delusion.

 

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!

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Prokeimenon, in Tone 6: Prokeimenon:

Sing to God, * chant to His name.

 

Verse: Prepare the way for Him who rides upon the setting of the sun.

 

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS (9:8–17)

 

God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying, “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you—the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, all that came out of the ark. I will establish my covenant with you: never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, nor shall there ever again be a flood to destroy the earth.”

God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and every living creature, and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh on the earth.” And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh on the earth.”

 

Prokeimenon, in Tone 6: Prokeimenon:

Poor and in sorrow am I; may your salvation, * O God, be quick to help me.

 

Verse: Let the poor see and be glad; seek God, and your soul shall live.

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A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PROVERBS (12:8–22)

 

A person who is despised but has a servant is better off than one who honors himself but lacks bread. A righteous man regards the life of his animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. The one who tills his land will have plenty of food, but the one who follows worthless people lacks sense. The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous bears fruit. The wicked is trapped by the transgression of his lips, but the just will escape trouble. A man is rewarded with good by the fruit of his words, and the work of his hands returns to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but one who listens to advice is wise. A fool shows his anger at once, but a prudent person overlooks an insult. One who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. Some speak rashly, like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but joy is with those who promote peace. No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight.

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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 3

I have surpassed the Publican in my transgressions, * yet I do not rival him in repentance; * I have not attained the virtues of the Pharisee, * yet I imitate his pride. * O Christ my God, in your triumphant humility * you destroyed the devil’s arrogance on the Cross: * make me a stranger to the sins of the Publican * and to the folly of the Pharisee; * instill in my soul the good found in both, ** and save me.

 

Verse: To you have I lifted up my eyes, to you who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so do our eyes look to the Lord our God, * until He has mercy on us.

 

Repeat: I have surpassed the Publican in my transgressions ...

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Verse: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with humiliation. Our soul is greatly filled with it; let reproach come upon those who prosper, * and abasement upon the proud.

 

The prophets, the apostles of Christ, * and the martyrs have taught mankind to sing the praises * of the consubstantial Trinity; * they have brought light to the nations that went astray, * making the sons of men companions of angels.

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Tone 5, Glory… Now…

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Beholding you, the Fashioner and Creator of all, * hanging naked upon the Cross, * all of creation was filled with awe and lamented; * the light of the sun was darkened and the earth trembled; * rocks were shattered and the veil of the temple was torn; * the dead arose from their graves and angelic hosts cried out in amazement: * “O wondrous sight! * The Judge is judged and willingly suffers, ** for the salvation and renewal of the world.”

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Canticle of Simeon

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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 1) Hail, Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace!* The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have borne Christ, the Savior and Deliverer of our souls. (Prostration).

 

Glory be: O Baptizer of Christ, remember us all,* that we may be delivered from our iniquities;* for you have been given the grace to pray for us. (Prostration).

 

Now and for ever: Pray for us, O holy apostles and all you saints,* that we may be delivered from peril and afflictions;* for you are our fervent intercessors before the Savior. (Prostration).

 

We flee to your mercy, O Virgin Mother of God.* Despise not our prayers in our necessities,* but you, who alone are pure and blessed, deliver us from all danger. (No prostration).

 

Lord, have mercy (40x). Lord, give the blessing.

 

Priest: Blessed is Christ, our God, always, now and forever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen.

 

Priest: O heavenly King, strengthen Your church, affirm our faith, calm the nations, give peace to the world, and preserve this city. Grant the faithful departed a share in the dwelling of the just, and receive us after repentance and confession, for You are good and love mankind.

 

Choir: Amen.

 

Lord, have mercy (3x).

 

Glory be: Now and for ever:

 

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.

 

In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing.

 

Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

 

Choir: Amen.

 

Prayer of St. Ephrem

O Lord and Master of my life, drive from me the spirit of indifference, despair, lust for power and idle chatter. (Prostration)

 

Instead, bestow on me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love. (Prostration)

 

Yes, O Lord and King, let me see my own sins and not judge my brothers and sisters; for You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen. (Prostration)

 

(12 small bows):

O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.

I have sinned without number, forgive me, O Lord!

 

O Lord and Master of my life, drive from me the spirit of indifference, despair, lust for power and idle chatter.

Instead, bestow on me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love.

Yes, O Lord and King, let me see my own sins and not judge my brothers and sisters; for You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen. (Prostration)

 

Prayer: O all-holy Trinity, Consubstantial Might, Undivided Kingship, Source and Origin of all goodness, deal kindly with me, a sinner; strengthen my innermost spirit, cleanse me of all evil, and enlighten my mind that I may ever glorify You with this prayer: One is Holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

 

Choir: Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and for ever. (3x)

 

Psalm 33

 

I will bless the Lord at all times;* His praise shall be constantly in my mouth. 

 

My soul shall glory in the Lord;* let the meek hear and rejoice. 

 

Magnify the Lord with me,* and let us exalt His name together. 

 

I sought the Lord and He heard me,* and delivered me from all my fears. 

 

Approach the Lord and be enlightened,* and your face shall never be shamed.

 

The poor cried out, and the Lord heard them* and delivered them from all their afflictions. 

 

The angel of the Lord will set up camp around those who fear the Lord* and save them. 

 

Taste and see how good the Lord is;* blessed is the one who hopes in Him. 

 

Fear the Lord, all you His saints,* for there is no privation for those who fear Him.

 

The rich have become poor and hungry* but those who seek the Lord shall not want any good. 

 

Come, children, hear me;* I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

 

Who is the one who desires life,* who loves to see good days? 

 

Keep your mouth from evil* and your lips from deceitful speech; 

 

Turn away from evil and do good,* seek peace and pursue it. 

 

The eyes of the Lord are upon the just,* and His ears are open to their pleas; 

 

The face of the Lord is against evildoers* to erase their memory from the earth. 

 

The just cried out, and the Lord heard them,* and He delivered them from all their trials. 

 

The Lord is close to those of contrite heart,* and He will save the humble in spirit. 

 

Many are the trials of the just,* but out of them all, the Lord will save them. 

 

He keeps watch over all their bones;* not a single one of them shall be broken. 

 

The death of the sinners is wretched;* those who hate what is right will be condemned.

 

The Lord will redeem the souls of His servants,* and none of those who hope in Him will go astray.

 

It is truly right to bless you, O God-bearing One, as the ever-blessed and immaculate Mother of our God. 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.

 

Glory be: Now and for ever: Lord, have mercy (3x). Give the blessing.

Priest: 

Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; by the power of the precious and life-giving cross; of the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy apostles and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

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Choir: Amen.