DAILY VESPERS
The Priest (vested in epitrachilion) and the Archdeacon (holding his orarion) on his right go to stand before the closed Royal Doors and make 3 metanias. The Royal Doors remain closed.
Archdeacon: Master, bless!
Priest: + Blessed is our God, always, now and ever and forever.
People: Amen.
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During Pascha, the priest sings once: Christ is risen from the dead, by death he trampled death and to those in the tombs he granted life.
All sing twice: Christ is risen from the dead, by death he trampled death and to those in the tombs he granted life.
And we continue from Holy God, holy and mighty ...
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Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O gracious One.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3 times)
Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 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, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (12 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Come, let us worship our King and God.
Come, let us worship Christ, our King and God.
Come, let us worship and bow before the only Lord Jesus Christ, the King and our God.
The Celebrant remains in front of the closed Royal Doors, head uncovered, to pray the Prayers of Light silently.
During Psalm 104 (103), the priest prays the Prayers of Light.
PSALM 104 (103)
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
* Blessed are you, O Lord!
Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed!
* Blessed are you, O Lord!
You are clothed in majesty and splendor, robed in light as with a cloak.
* Blessed are you, O Lord!
You made the moon to mark the seasons, the sun knows when to set;
* Blessed are you, O Lord!
You bring darkness and it is night; all the beasts of the forest roam about;
young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God.
* Blessed are you, O Lord!
The sun rises, and they withdraw to their dens;
man goes forth to his work, to labor till evening falls.
* Blessed are you, O Lord!
How manifold are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you wrought them all!
May the glory of the Lord last forever! May the Lord take pleasure in his works!
* How manifold are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you wrought them all!
I will sing to the Lord all my life! I will sing for joy in my God as long as I live!
* How manifold are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you wrought them all!
The sun knows when to set; you bring darkness and it is night.
* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
How manifold are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you wrought them all!
* Blessed are you, O Lord!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God!
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God!
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God!
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PRAYERS OF LIGHT
The priest prays the Prayers of Light before the Royal Doors.
Prayer 1:
O Lord, compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and rich in mercy, give ear to my prayer and attend to the sound of my plea. Show us a sign of your favor, guide us in your way so that we may walk in your truth. Gladden our hearts that we may fear your holy name, for you are great and do marvelous deeds. You alone are God, and among the gods there is none like you, O Lord. Powerful in mercy and gracious in strength, you help and comfort and save all those who hope in your holy name.
For all glory, honor and worship are due to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Prayer 2:
Lord, do not rebuke us in your anger, nor punish us in your wrath. Deal with us according to your kindness, O physician and healer of our souls. Guide us to the harbor of your will, enlighten the eyes of our minds that we may know your truth. Grant that we may spend what remains of this day and the rest of our life peacefully and sinlessly, through the intercession of the holy Mother of God and of all the saints.
For yours is the might and yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Prayer 3:
Lord our God, remember us your sinful and useless servants as we call upon your holy and sublime name and do not put us to shame for hoping in your mercy. Grant us instead, O Lord, all our petitions which lead to salvation and make us worthy to love and to fear you with all our hearts and to do your will in everything.
For you, O God, are good and love mankind, and we give you glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Prayer 4:
You are praised by the holy powers in hymns which are never silent and doxologies which never cease. Fill our mouth with your praise that we may ascribe majesty to your holy name. Through the intercession of the holy Mother of God and of all the saints, give us a share and an inheritance with all those who fear you in truth and who keep your commandments.
For to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is due all glory, honor and worship, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Prayer 5:
Blessed are you, Lord God Almighty. You know the human mind; you know our needs long before we ask or recognize them. Therefore, O King and Lover of mankind, good in every way, allow us in your great mercy to call upon your holy name with a clear conscience, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, and, in your providence, arrange everything for our good.
For to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit is due all glory, honor and worship, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Prayer 6:
Lord, O Lord, you hold all things in your spotless hand; you are long-suffering toward all of us, and you repent over our evil deeds; remember your mercy and your compassion. Visit us in your goodness and for the rest of this day enable us to flee from the many wiles of the evil one and keep our life secure by the grace of your all-holy Spirit.
Through the mercy and the loving-kindness of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and forever.
Prayer 7:
Great and wonderful God, you govern all things with indescribable goodness and rich providence. You have granted us the good things of this earth and through the good things already bestowed on us have given us a pledge of the promised kingdom. You have kept us away from every evil during the part of this day which has passed even until the present moment; now allow us to complete the rest of the day without blame, in the presence of your holy glory, singing hymns to you, O God, who alone are good and love mankind.
For you are our God, and to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we give glory, now and ever and forever. Amen.
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At the conclusion of Psalm 104 (103), the Priest and Archdeacon bow to each other. The Priest returns to the Sanctuary through the South door and stands at his place before the Altar Table.
The Archdeacon moves to stand before the closed Royal Doors, lifts his Orarion and says:
LITANY OF PEACE
Archdeacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. (The same response is given to each following petition:)
Archdeacon: For peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Archdeacon: For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Archdeacon: For this monastery and for all who enter it with faith, reverence, and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Archdeacon: For our God-loving Metropolitan Prime Bishop (Name), for all Orthodox Hierarchs, for the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and for all Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.
Archdeacon: For this nation and all its people, for those who work in its service, and for all its troubles, let us pray to the Lord.
Archdeacon: For this holy community, for the whole region around us, for every city and country, and for all their faithful, let us pray to the Lord.
Archdeacon: For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
Archdeacon: For those who travel by sea, air, and land, for immigrants, for the sick, the suffering, the captive and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Archdeacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, and need, let us pray to the Lord.
Archdeacon: Help and save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.
Archdeacon: Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People:To you, O Lord.
Priest: For unto You is due all glory, honor and worship: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages.
All: Amen.
KATHISMA
If a Kathisma has been appointed for the day by the Ecclesiarch, it is read at this time.
LITTLE LITANY
In order to complete the kathisma, the Archdeacon makes three metanies before the Royal Doors at “Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God,” and then intones:
Archdeacon: Again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Archdeacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Archdeacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People:Lord, have mercy.
Priest:For Yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages.
People:Amen.
PSALM OF INCENSE - PSALM 141 (140)
The Archdeacon incenses the 4 sides of the altar, the icons, the choirs, and the people and returns to the sanctuary.
O Lord, I have cried to you, hear me;
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
O Lord, I have cried to you, hear me;
receive the voice of my prayer when I call upon you.
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
Let my prayer ascend to you like incense
and the lifting up of my hands like an evening sacrifice.
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
O Lord, set a guard before my mouth
and set a seal on the door of my lips.
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
Let not my heart be inclined to evil,
nor make excuse for the sins I commit.
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
Let me never share in sinners feasting
If a just man strikes or reproves me it is kindness
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
but let the oil of the wicked not anoint my head.
Let my prayer be ever against their malice.
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
Their princes were thrown down by the side of the rock.
Then they understood that my words were kind.
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
As a millstone is shattered to pieces on the ground,
so their bones were strewn at the mouth of the grave.
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
To you, Lord God, my eyes are turned
in you I take refuge; spare my soul!
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
From the trap they have laid for me keep me safe;
Keep me from the snares of those who do evil.
Refrain: Hear me, O Lord!
Let the wicked fall into the traps they have set
while I pursue my way unharmed.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Refrain: Now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
HYMN OF THE EVENING
Radiant Light,
of the holy glory of the immortal, heavenly, holy and blessed Father, O Jesus Christ!
Now, as we come to sunset,
as we see the evening lights, we sing to God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
At all times are you worthy to be praised by undefiled tongue,
Son of God, who give life to the world:
For this, the whole world praises you!
After this, the Archdeacon exits the north door to exclaim, on the ambo, facing east to the closed Royal Doors:
THE EVENING PROKEIMENON
Archdeacon: Let us be attentive!
Priest: + Peace be to all!People: And to your spirit!
Archdeacon: Wisdom! Be attentive!
Archdeacon:The Prokimen in the ______ Tone!”
On Saturday in Tone 6, from Psalm 92:
The Lord reigns, he is clothed in majesty.
Verse: Robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.
On Sunday in Tone 8, from Psalm 133:
Come, bless the Lord, all you who serve the Lord.
Verse: Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
On Monday in Tone 4, from Psalm 4:
The Lord hears me whenever I call him.
Verse: When I call, answer me, O God of justice.
On Tuesday in Tone 1, from Psalm 22:
Your mercy, O Lord, shall follow me all the days of my life.
Verse: The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.
On Wednesday in Tone 5, from Psalm 53:
O God, save me by your name, by your power uphold my cause.
Verse: O God, hear my prayer; listen to the words of my mouth.
On Thursday in Tone 6, from Psalm 120:
My help shall come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Verse: I lift up my eyes to the mountains, from where shall come my help?
On Friday in Tone 7, from Psalm 58:
You, O God, are my and your mercy goes before me.
Verse: Rescue me, God, from my foes; protect me from those who attack me.
The Great Prokeimenon in Tone 7, from Psalm 113:
But our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he wills.
Verse: When Israel came forth from Egypt, Jacob’s sons from an alien people.
Verse: The sea fled at the sight; the Jordan turned back on its course.
Verse: Why was it, sea, that you fled; that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
The Great Prokeimenon in Tone 7, from Psalm 76:
What God is great as our God? You are the God who works wonders.
Verse: You showed your power among the people. Your strong arm redeemed your people.
Verse: I said: This is what causes my grief, that the way of the Most High has changed.
Verse: I remember the deeds of the Lord. I remember your wonders of old.
HYMN OF GLORIFICATION
Prayed audibly by the Metropolitan Archbishop, if present. Otherwise, by the Abbot.
Count us worthy, Lord, of passing this evening without sin.
Blessed are you, Lord God of our Fathers, praised and glorified be your name forever. Amen.
Let your mercy descend upon us, Lord, for we place our hope in you.
+ Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your law.
+ Blessed are you, Master, make me understand your commandments.
+ Blessed are you, Holy One, fill my mind with the wisdom of your decrees.
O Lord, your mercy is forever; despise not the work your hands have done.
To you is due praise, to you is due a hymn; to you is glory due.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
LITANY OF SUPPLICATION
The Archdeacon, still at his place in the center of the solea, lifts his Orarion and says:
Archdeacon: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Archdeacon: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and preserve us, O Lord, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Archdeacon: That this whole evening be perfect, holy, peaceful, and without sin, let us beseech the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Archdeacon: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us beseech the Lord.
People:Grant this, O Lord.
Archdeacon: For the pardon and remission of our sins and offenses, let us beseech the Lord.
People:Grant this, O Lord.
Archdeacon: For what is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace in the world, let us beseech the Lord.
People:Grant this, O Lord.
Archdeacon: That we spend the rest of our life in peace and repentance, let us beseech the Lord.
People:Grant this, O Lord.
Archdeacon: For a Christian, painless, unashamed, peaceful end of our life, and for a good account before the fearsome judgment seat of Christ, let us beseech the Lord.
People:Grant this, O Lord.
Archdeacon: Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest: For You are good and full of love for us, O God, and we give you glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto ages of ages.
People:Amen.
Priest:+ Peace be to all!
People:And to your spirit.
Archdeacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People:To You, O Lord.
Priest: Lord our God, you bowed the heavens and came down for the salvation of the human race. Look upon your servants and upon your inheritance, for they have bowed their heads and bent their necks to you, the awesome Judge who love humanity. They do not expect human help, but await your mercy and long for your salvation. Protect them at all times, this evening and tonight, from every enemy, from all the devils assaults, from vain thoughts and evil imaginings. May the might of your kingdom be blessed and glorified, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages.
People:Amen.
APOSTICHA
On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (Psalm 122):
1. -- To You I have lifted up my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold: the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters, and the hands of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do our eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
2. -- Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with whame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
- -- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
On Saturday (Psalm 92):
1. -- The Lord has reigned and He is clothed in splendor. The Lord is robed, He is girt about with might.
2. -- For He has settled the earth: it shall remain unmoved.
3. -- Righteousness is fitting for Your House, O Lord, throughout eternity.
4. -- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
CANTICLE OF SIMEON
Prayed audibly by the Metropolitan Archbishop, if present. Otherwise, by the Abbot.
Now you may dismiss your servant, O Lord,
in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
which you have prepared before the face of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people, Israel.
TRISAGION PRAYERS
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. 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, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
TROPARION
The Troparion and its Theotokion appointed for the day are now sung.
AUGMENTED LITANY
Archdeacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Archdeacon: We also pray for our God-loving Metropolitan Ioan, for the Bishops of our Holy Synod, for all Orthodox Hierarchs, for those who serve and have served in this holy Temple, for our spiritual fathers, and for all Christ-loving people.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Archdeacon: We also pray for our nation under God, for our government, and for all in the military.
People:Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Archdeacon: Again, we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy monastery, and for all our fathers and brethren gone to their rest before us, and the Orthodox here and everywhere laid to sleep.
People:Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Archdeacon: Again, we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, the brethren of this holy monastery.
People:Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Archdeacon: Again, we pray for them that bring offerings and do good works in this holy and venerable temple; for those who minister and those who chant, and for all the people here present, and who await Your great and abundant mercy.
People:Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For You are a merciful God, Who loves mankind, and unto You we send up glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages.
People:Amen.
CONCLUSION
Archdeacon: Wisdom!
People: Master, bless!
The Celebrant turning toward the icon of Christ, and, making the sign of the cross, says:
Priest: Blessed are You, O Christ our God, at all times, now and always and for ever and ever.
Abbot: Amen. Make firm, O Christ God, the holy Orthodox Faith in this monastery for ever and ever. Amen.
The Celebrant turning toward the icon of the Theotokos, and, making the sign of the cross, says:
Priest: All-holy Mother of God, save us.
Abbot: O You, higher in honor than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, you gave birth to God the Word in virginity. You are truly Mother of God: you do we exalt.
The Celebrant, turning toward the East says:
Priest: Glory to You, O Christ God, our hope, glory to You!
Archdeacon: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Master, give the blessing in the name of the Lord.
Turned west, the Celebrant sings the Dismissal as appropriate for the day:
DISMISSALS
Dismissal for Sunday:
Priest: May Christ our true God, risen from the dead, have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of his most pure Mother; by the power of the honorable and life-creating cross; through the prayers of the holy, glorious, and illustrious apostles, and of holy (patron of the church), and of holy (the saint of the day), and through the prayers of all the saints; for Christ is good and loves humanity.
Dismissal for Monday:
Priest: May Christ our true God, have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of his most pure Mother; through the protection of the honorable and heavenly angelic powers ....
Dismissal for Tuesday:
Priest: May Christ our true God, have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of his most pure Mother; of the honorable and glorious prophet, forerunner, and Baptist John ....
Dismissal for Wednesday and Friday:
Priest: May Christ our true God, have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of his most pure Mother; by the power of the honorable and life-creating cross ....
Dismissal for Thursday:
Priest: May Christ our true God, have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of his most pure Mother; and of the holy, glorious, and illustrious apostles, of our holy father Nicholas the Wonderworker, archbishop of Myra ....
Dismissal for Saturday:
Priest: May Christ our true God, have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of his most pure Mother; by the power of the honorable and life-creating cross, through the protection of the honorable and heavenly angelic powers, through the prayers of the honorable and glorious prophet, forerunner, and Baptizer John and of the holy, glorious, and illustrious apostles, of our holy father Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra, of the holy, glorious and triumphally benevolent martyrs, of our holy ascetical fathers and mothers of the true faith, of holy Job and Theodosius of Manjava, of holy (the saint of the day), and of the holy ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna and through the prayers of all the saints; for He is good and loves humanity.
People: Amen.
According to the Typicon of:
Solus Christi Skete
Monks of New Manjava
Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America