Nativity Vigil (Great Compline and Matins) Great Compline Priest: Blessed Is Our God, Always, Now and Ever and Unto Ages of Ages

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Revised 2013

Nativity Vigil Great Compline and Matins

St. Symeon the New Theologian Orthodox Church Birmingham, Alabama Nativity Vigil (Great Compline and Matins) Great Compline Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Reader: Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us! (3) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. O most-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake. Lord, have mercy. (3) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Reader: Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Choir: Come, let us worship God, our King! / Sung Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our like at God! / Vespers Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God! /// Come, let us worship and fall down before Him! 1 Reader: Psalm 4 When I called upon Thee, O God of my righteousness, Thou didst hearken unto me; in mine affliction Thou hast enlarged me. Have compassion on me and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye be slow of heart? Why do ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Know also that the Lord hath made wondrous His holy one; the Lord will hearken unto me when I cry unto Him. Be angry, and sin not; feel compunction upon your beds for what ye say in your hearts. Sacrifice a sacrifice of righteousness, and hope in the Lord. Many say: Who will show unto us good things? The light of Thy countenance, O Lord, hath been signed upon us; Thou hast given gladness to my heart. From the fruit of their wheat, wine, and oil are they multiplied. In peace in the same place I shall lay me down and sleep. For Thou, O Lord, alone hast made me to dwell in hope.

Psalm 6 O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled, and my soul is troubled greatly; but Thou, O Lord, how long? Turn to me again, O Lord, deliver my soul; save me for Thy mercy's sake. For in death there is none that is mindful of Thee, and in hades who will confess Thee? I toiled in my groaning; every night I will wash my bed, with tears will I water my couch. Through wrath is mine eye become troubled, I have grown old among all mine enemies. Depart from me all ye that work vanity, for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard my supplication, the Lord hath received my prayer. Let all mine enemies be greatly put to shame and be troubled, let them be turned back, and speedily be greatly put to shame.

Psalm 12 (13) How long, O Lord, wilt Thou utterly forget me? How long wilt Thou turn Thy face away from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul with grievings in my heart by day and by night? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Look upon me, hear me, O Lord my God; enlighten mine eyes, lest at any time I sleep unto death. Lest at any time mine enemy say: I have prevailed against him. They that afflict me will rejoice if I am shaken; but as for me, I have hoped in Thy 2 mercy. My heart will rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, Who is my benefactor, and I will chant unto the name of the Lord Most High.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, glory to Thee, O God! (3) O Lord, our Hope, glory to Thee!

Then the Priest begins God is With Us. Music for #1 (Kastalsky) is on the following page. Music for #2 (Smirnov) is on p. 7. The verses for God is With Us are on p. 8.

3 God Is With Us #1 Kastalsky z ‚ z ff k kz k k k k k k k‚ j k k k k jk k‚ k k k k k a ‡ ‡ j k k k God is with us! Under-- stand f a f k j k k k k‚ k‚ j k k k j k k k k God is with us! Under-- stand f k kz k‚ k k k k k ‚ j k k k kz k‚ k k k k a f k ‡ k k k j k k j k k k k M God is with‡ us!‡ Under-- stand k k k k k k j k k k k b ff j k ‡ k k k k k k

f k k k k j k k k k k k j a f k k all ye na - tions, f z a f k k k i j all ye na - tions, f k k k k j k k k k k k j a f k k k k M all ye na - tions, k k k k k j k k j b ff k k

4 k k k k ‚ k k‚ ff n k k k k k kz k k k k k k jk k k k a k ‡ ‡ ‡ and submit yourselves f z a f n k kz k‚ k k k k k k k k k k k‚ k and submit yourselves- ‚ f k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k‚z k k a f n k k k k j k j k ‡ M and submit yourselves j k k jz k z k b ff k j k ‡ and sub-

‚ ‚ ffk k k k k k k k k k k‚ k k‚ k k j l a ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ k for God is withus. ff kz j j ‚ k‚ l a k k k k k j for‡ God is withus. ‚ k ‚ k ‚ kz k ffk k k kj k jk k k k k k k k k j l a ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ M for God is withus. k k fk k fk k k k ff k k k k k k k k k k j l b

5 f a f J kz k‚ j k k k k k k j J For God is with us. ff J J a k k k j k k k k k k j For God is with us. f z a f Jk k k j k j j J M For God iswith us. f J kz ‚ jj k k k k‚k‚j J b f k k k k k k j

While the choir continues to repeat the refrain above, the priest chants the following verses, on p. 8.

6 God Is With Us #2 Smirnov z ‚ ‚ k k ff 3 k kz k‚ jz k k k k j k k k k k ek k k n a 4 ‡ k k k ‡ ‡ k k God is with us! God is with us, under - stand allye nations- k kz k‚ jz k k k j k‚ k‚ k k k k k f 3 ‡ k k k ‡ ‡ k k k k k n b f 4 f j fk kz k‚ k j ‚ f j k kz k k dj k kz k k k kj k jz jz a ‡ ‡ jz and submit yourselves, andsubmit- your- selves forGod is with j k ‚ k kz k‚ k k k k jz jz f j k kz k k j dk kz k k ek k jz jz b f j k kz k k j ‡ k k jz ‡ 1. 2. ff jz J jz a jz k‚ k k‚ k k k j jz k‚ k k‚ k k k j jz ‡ ‡ k ‡ ‡ k us! ForGod is withus! ForGod is withus! jz ‚ ‚ f jz k kz k k k j jz k kz k k k j jz b f jz J k k k k j jz k k k k j jz ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ f 3. While the f ‚ k ‚ z k‚ k‚ k k j J choir a k k k kz k k k k k k k jkz continues to ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ repeat the For God is with us! refrains, the k‚ kz k k‚ k‚ k k j k priest chants f k kz k k k k k J b f k k k k ‡ k k k k j k the following ‡ ‡ ‡ k verses, on p. 8. 7 God Is With Us Verses

GOD IS WITH US! UNDERSTAND ALL YE NATIONS, AND SUBMIT YOURSELVES, FOR GOD IS WITH US!

1. Hear this, all you ends of the earth! 2. Submit yourselves, you mighty ones! 3. Even if your strength returns, you shall be overthrown once more! 4. Take counsel together, if you wish, but it will come to nothing! 5. Make your plans, if you wish, but they will never stand, even among yourselves! 6. We do not fear your threats, nor are we troubled! 7. For the Lord our God is holy, and Him will we fear! 8. If I trust in Him, He will be my sanctification! 9. I will wait for Him; He will save me! 10. Behold, I and the children whom God has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of Hosts! 11. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light! 12. To those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, a Light is risen! 13. For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given! 14. And the government shall be upon His shoulder! 15. And of His peace there shall be no end! 16. And His Name shall be called the Angel of Great Counsel! 17. Wonderful, Counselor! 18. Mighty God, Eternal Ruler, Prince of Peace! 19. The Father of the World to Come! 20. GLORY TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT! 21. NOW AND EVER, AND UNTO AGES OF AGES. AMEN!

GOD IS WITH US! UNDERSTAND ALL YE NATIONS, AND SUBMIT YOURSELVES, FOR GOD IS WITH US!

8 The reader then reads the following (or else they may be sung in Tone 8 ):

The day is over; I thank Thee, O Lord! Grant me to pass this evening and this night without sin, and save me, O Savior! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. The day is over; I glorify Thee, O Master! Grant me to pass this evening and this night without giving offence, and save me, O Savior! Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. The day is over; I sing to Thee, O Holy One! Grant me to pass this evening and this night free from temptation, and save me, O Savior!

CHOIR: Tone 6 (LIC)

The bodiless Cherubim glorify Thee with never-ending hymns! / The six-winged Seraphim exalt Thee with ceaseless voices! / All the hosts of Angels triumphantly sing the thrice-holy hymn. / Thou art Father before eternity; / With Thy co-eternal Son and the Spirit of Life, equal in honor to Thee, / Thou hast revealed the undivided Trinity. / O all-holy Virgin Mother of God, / And you eye-witnesses and servants of the Word, / You choirs of Prophets and Martyrs who enjoy immortal life, / Fervently pray for us, / For we are all in fearful distress, / That being delivered from the snares of the evil one, / We may sing the Angels' hymn: /// Holy, Holy, Holy, Thrice-Holy Lord, have mercy on us and save us, Amen!

Then the entire congregation recites the Creed, on the following page:

9 THE CREED

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-Begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Due to the great length of this service, the following sections of Great Compline have been omitted: “All Holy Lady…”, the Trisagion prayers, “O Lord, Lord…”, Psalms 51 and 102, The Prayer of Manasseh, Psalms 70 and 143, and the Lesser Doxology.

Troparion of Nativity Tropar Tone 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, / Has shown to the world the Light of Wisdom. / For by it, those who worshipped the stars / Were taught by a star to adore Thee, / The Sun of Righteousness, / And to know Thee, the Orient from on high! /// O Lord, glory to Thee!

The Kontakion of Nativity follows immediately. Music is on the following page. 10 Kontakion of Nativity Byzantine Tone 3 a f k k k k k k k k jz k k k k k k k k k i k k To- day theVirgin- gives birth to the trans- cen - dent One, andthe j j k k k k jz j k j j j k k b f i z a f k k k k k k jz k k k k k k k k k i j k j k earth offers a cave to the un ap-proach- a-- ble One. An- gels with jz k k k jz j k k k j k k jz jz k b f i k a f k k k j k k k k k k jz k j j k k k k k k j shepherds glori-fy- Him! TheWiseMenjour- ney i j k k i k j j iz j b f jz k k j k k k i a f k k k k i k k k k k k k k k k k with the star! Since for our sake the E- ter - nal God was born/// j j i j j j k k k k j k i b f i f j a k k k k jz k j k k i as a little Child. k k jz i b f k i i

Then immediately the Litiya verses, on the following page: 11 Litiya LIC Tone 1

Make merry, O heaven and earth, as the Prophets foretold! / Celebrate in the Spirit, O angels and men! / God is born of a woman and appears in the flesh, / To those who sit in darkness and shadow. / A cave and a manger welcome Him, / Shepherds announce the wonder, / Wise Men from the East offer gifts in Bethlehem. / Let us, from our unworthy lips, offer praise like the angels: / Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace! / The Expectation of the nations has come! /// He has come and saved us from bondage to the enemy.

Today heaven and earth are united, for Christ is born! / Today God has come to earth and man ascends to heaven. / Today God, Who by nature cannot be seen, / Is seen in the flesh for our sake. / Let us glorify Him, crying: / Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace! / Thy coming has brought peace to us. /// Glory to Thee, O our Savior!

Glory to God in the highest! / I hear the angels sing in Bethlehem. / Glory to Him Whose good pleasure it was / That peace should come on earth! / The Virgin is now more spacious than the heavens. / Light has shone on those in darkness. / It has exalted the lowly who sing like the angels: /// Glory to God in the highest!

12 Man was created in God’s image and likeness, / But when Jesus saw him fallen through transgression, / He bowed the heavens and came down, / Dwelling in a Virgin’s womb / Without forsaking His divinity. / Adam, once corrupted, was refashioned. / He cried out, “Glory to Thine appearing, /// O my Redeemer and my God!”

Glory in the Fifth Tone: d k j k k k k k a k k k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k j j i Glo ry- to the Fa- ther, and to the Son, and to the Ho ly-Spi- rit. k k k k k k k k k i j k k k k i d k k k k k k k k k j j i b j j k k k k j i

Tone 5:

The Wise Men, kings from Persia, / Perceived without any doubt / That Thou wast born on earth, O Heavenly King. / Drawn by the light of a star, they hurried to Bethlehem. / They offered Thee acceptable gifts: / Gold, myrrh, and frankincense. / They fell down before Thee and worshipped Thee, / Seeing Thee, the Timeless One, /// Lying in the cave as an Infant!

Choir sings “Now and Ever…” in the Sixth Tone (on the following page):

13 Now and ever in the Sixth Tone: d a k k k k k k dk k k k k djj j i j j i Now and ever and un- to a- ges ofages.- A- men. k i d k k k k k k k jz k j j j j i b k k k k k k k j k j j i j j i

Tone 6 (triumphal!):

All the angels in heaven make merry and dance today! / All creation leaps for joy! / The Lord and Savior is born in Bethlehem! / Every deception of idols is swept away, /// And Christ reigns unto all ages!

The prayers of Litiya are then said by the priest. When they are finished, the Aposticha follows immediately:

Aposticha LIC Tone 2

A great and wondrous mystery unfolds today. / A virgin gives birth and remains a virgin! / The Word is made flesh without leaving His Father! / Angels and shepherds glorify Him! / Let us join in their song: /// “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace!”

VERSE: The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.”

LIC Tone 3:

14 Tone 3:

Today the Virgin gives birth to the Maker of all! / Eden offers a cave. / To those in darkness, a star reveals Christ, the Sun! / Wise Men are enlightened by faith and worship with gifts. / Shepherds behold the wonder, and the angels sing: /// “Glory to God in the highest!”

VERSE: Out of the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee.

When Jesus the Lord was born in Bethlehem of Judah, / Wise Men came from the East to worship God made man. / Eagerly opening their treasures, / They offered precious gifts to Him. / Purest gold, for the King of the ages! / Frankincense, for the God of all! / Myrrh, for the Immortal One, / As though He were dead three days. / Come, all you nations, let us worship Him! /// He is born to save our souls!

VERSE: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Read (2012) or sing in LIC Tone 4:

Sing, O Jerusalem! / Make merry, all who love Zion! / Today Adam’s ancient bonds are broken. / Paradise is open to us. / The serpent is cast down. / Long ago our first mother was deceived by him. / Now he sees a woman become the Mother of the Creator! /

15 O, the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! / Through Eve, woman became the tool of sin, / Bringing death to all flesh, / But though Mary, she becomes the first-fruits of salvation for all the world, / For God, the All-perfect, is born of her. / By His birth He seals her virginity. / He is bound in swaddling clothes to loose the bonds of sin. / Through His birth, the pains of Eve are healed. / Let all creation sing and dance for joy, /// For Christ has come to restore it and to save our souls.

VERSE: Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Thou hast dwelt in a cave, O Christ our God; / A manger welcomed Thee; / Shepherds and Wise Men worshipped Thee! / Then were the words of the Prophets fulfilled, / And the hosts of the angels marveled and cried: /// “Glory to Thy condescension, O only Lover of Man!”

And immediately the Prayer of St. Simeon in LIC Tone 6 :

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, / According to Thy word, / For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, / Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: / A light to lighten the Gentiles, /// And the glory of Thy people, Israel.

Then immediately the reader begins the Trisagion prayers, on the following page:

16 Reader: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us! (3) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. O most-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake. Lord, have mercy. (3) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen! Troparion of Nativity Tropar Tone 4

Priest: Litiya blessing of wheat, wine, and oil. Choir: Blessed be the name of the Lord, henceforth and forevermore. (3x) Priest: The blessing of the Lord be upon you, through His grace and love towards mankind, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Then immediately we begin Matins (beginning on the following page):

17 The Lesser Doxology After Trubachev and Rachmaninov

ddd a jz k j j j k k j i j k k j j j Glo- ry be toGod inthehigh- est, and on earth peace, good will k d d kz k k k k k k j k k k k k k k i j k k j k k k j b d kj k k k kj k k j kj k k k k kj k k i j k k j k k k j d d k a d j i i k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k i to men. Glo- ry be to God in the highest, i j j j j j j j d d k k i i i j j j j j j j b d k k i i i j j j j j j j Glo- ry toGod in the highest- d d k a d k k k k j k k k j k k i i and on earth peace, good will to men. i j j j j i d d i j j j j i i b d i j j j j i earth peace, good will to men d d jz k j j j k k k j i a d k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k i Glo- ry be to God in the highest, d d k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k i b d i

y 18 d d j k k j j j j y a d j k k j k k k j k k i and onearthpeace, good will to men. j k k j i d d j k k j k k k j k k i b d j k k ti

dddd R a j j j n k k j k k k k k k‚k k‚ j ‡ ‡ O Lord, op en- Thou mylips,andmymouthshallshow ej k k k ‚ d d i j k k k k k‚ k b d d j j j n k k j k k k k k k k R ‡ ‡

dddd z a jz k i m jk k jz k k k dkk k forth Thypraise. O Lord, open-Thoumy z d d jz k i kj k jiz k k k k k b d d m

dddd j k k j i j y a j k k j j ei j j i lips, andmymouth shall show forth Thy praise. j ei j j d dd j k k j j i j k k i b d j k j i j j i t Then immediately the reader begins the Six Psalms (on the following page):

19 The Six Psalms Psalm 3

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me. Many are saying of me, there is no help for him in God. But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. I cry aloud to the Lord and He answers me from His holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For Thou dost smite all my enemies on the cheek. Thou dost break the teeth of the wicked. Deliverance belongs to the Lord; Thy blessing be upon Thy people. I lie down and sleep. I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. Psalm 38

O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath! For Thine arrows have sunk into me, and Thy hand has come down on me. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Thine indignation. There is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; they weigh like a burden too heavy for me. My wounds grow foul and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. For my loins are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am utterly spent and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart. Lord, all my longing is known to Thee, my sighing is not hidden from Thee. My heart throbs, my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes – it also has gone from me. My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my kinsmen stand afar off. Those who seek my life lay their snares, those who seek my hurt speak of ruin and meditate treachery all the day long. But I am like a deaf man, I do not hear, like a dumb man who does not open his mouth. Yea, I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes. But for Thee, O Lord, do I wait; it is Thou, O Lord my God, Who wilt answer. For I pray, “Only let them not rejoice over me, who boast against me when my foot slips!” For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity, I am sorry for my sin.

20 Those who are my foes without cause are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully. Those who render me evil for good are my adversaries, because I follow after good. Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

Psalm 63

O God, Thou art my God, I seek Thee, my soul thirsts for Thee. My flesh faints for Thee, as in a dry and weary land where no water is. So I have looked upon Thee in the sanctuary, beholding Thy power and glory. Because Thy steadfast love is better than life my lips will praise Thee. So I will bless Thee as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on Thy name. My soul is feasted as with marrow and fat, and my mouth praises Thee with joyful lips, when I think of Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the watches of the night; for Thou hast been my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to Thee, Thy right hand upholds me. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword, they shall be prey for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by Him shall glory; for the mouths of liars will be stopped. I meditate on Thee in the watches of the night, for Thou hast been my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to Thee, Thy right hand upholds me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God! (3) Lord, have mercy. (3) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Next Reader: Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

21 Psalm 88

O Lord my God, I call for help by day; I cry out in the night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee, incline Thine ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am reckoned among those who go down to the Pit; I am a man who has no strength, like one forsaken among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom Thou dost remember no more, for they are cut off from Thy hand. Thou hast put me in the depths of the Pit, in the regions dark and deep. Thy wrath lies heavy upon me, and Thou dost overwhelm me with all Thy waves. Thou hast caused my companions to shun me; Thou hast made me a thing of horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape; my eyes grow dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon Thee, O Lord; I spread out my hands to Thee. Dost Thou work wonders for the dead? Do the shades rise up to praise Thee? Is Thy steadfast love declared in the grave or Thy faithfulness in Abaddon? Are Thy wonders known in the darkness, or Thy saving help in the land of forgetfulness? But I, O Lord, cry to Thee. In the morning my prayer comes before Thee. O Lord, why dost Thou cast me off? Why dost Thou hide Thy face from me? Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer Thy terrors; I am helpless. Thy wrath has swept over me, Thy dread assaults destroy me. They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in upon me together. Thou hast caused lover and friend to shun me; my companions are in darkness.

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Who forgives all your iniquity, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the Pit, Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, Who satisfies you with good as long as you live, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will He keep His

22 anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; He flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him. And His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments. The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His Kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, hearkening to the voice of His word! Bless the Lord, all His hosts, His ministers that do His will! Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! In all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Psalm 143

Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Thy faithfulness answer me, in Thy righteousness! Enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for no man living is righteous before Thee. For the enemy has pursued me; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. I remember the days of old, I meditate on all that Thou hast done; I muse on what Thy hands have wrought. I stretch out my hands to Thee; my soul thirsts for Thee like a parched land. Make haste to answer me, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the Pit. Let me hear in the morning of Thy steadfast love, for in Thee I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to Thee I lift up my soul. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies! I have fled to Thee for refuge! Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God! Let Thy good Spirit lead me on a level path. For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life! In Thy righteousness bring me out of trouble. And in Thy steadfast love

23 cut off my enemies, and destroy all my adversaries, for I am Thy servant. In Thy faithfulness answer me, in Thy righteousness! Enter not into judgment with Thy servant. In Thy faithfulness answer me, in Thy righteousness! Enter not into judgment with Thy servant. Let Thy good Spirit lead me on a level path.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Glory to Thee, O God! (3) O Lord, glory to Thee!

The Six Psalms are followed by the Great Litany, the music for which is on the following page:

24 The Great Litany Igumen Nikifor, No. 1 f 1. j 2. a jjz k k i j i j k k jz k i Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. k i i jz i i jz k k i i j k k i b f jz k i i k jz k i

f 3. i 4. a j k k i i k k k k jz k i Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. i j k k i i kj k k i k i b f j j i k k jz k i

5. j 6. a f jkz k k k i j i jk k k k jz k Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mer- k k k k fj j i k j i jz j i k k k b f jz k j j i k jz

f i jz i i j a i kj k i k i i k j j i -cy. To Thee, O Lord. A- men. i k jz k i i jz k i jk i j i k j i b f i j i j i k j j i

25 God is the Lord Tropar Tone 4, Double Octave

Priest: In the Fourth Tone: God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever! k k k j j dj a k k k j j j God is the Lord and has revealed Him- self to us! k k k j j j k k k j j djj b k k k j j k k k j k k eii a k k k j k k i Blesk - sed is He thatk comes in thenameoftheLord!k j k k k k k j k k eii b k k k j k k i

Priest: All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I destroyed them!

Choir: God is the Lord…

Priest: I shall not die, but live, and recount the works of the Lord!

Choir: God is the Lord…

Priest: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Choir: God is the Lord… Then immediately the Troparion of the Nativity, on the following page (Double Octave): 26 Troparion of Nativity Tropar Tone 4, Double Octave

k k k j j dj k k k a k k k j j j k k k Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of k k k j j j k k k k k k j j djj k k k b k k k j j k k k i j k k k k k j k k j k k a jz k ejj k k k k k j k k djj k k wisdom. For by it those who worshipped the stars were taught i j k k k k k j k k j k k jz k ejj k k k k k j k k djj k k b j k j k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k i j k k k j j j k k a k k k k k jz k ejj k k k j j djj k k by a star to a- dore Thee, the Sun of Right- eous - ness, and to k k k k k i j k k k j j j k k k k k k k jz k ejj k k k j j djj k k b k k k k k j k j k k k j j k k k k k jz k k k k j k k j k k i a k k k jz k k k k ejj k k j k k i know Thee, the O ri-- ent from on high./// O Lord, glo ry- to Thee! k k k jz k k k k j k k j k k i k k k jz k k k k ejj k k j k k i b k k k j k k k k j k k j k k i

***3X*** l l l l l l l l l l l l

27 In places where Matins is being served in full, ordinarily in monastic communities, two Kathismata from the psalter are prescribed with the following Kathisma Hymns:

Read (2012) or Sing in LIC Tone 4:

Come, O faithful! / Let us go to see where Christ was born. / We shall follow the Wise Men, kings from the East, / And be led by the guiding star / To the place where angels sing unceasing praise. / Shepherds in the fields offer fitting hymns: / “Glory in the highest to Him Who today was born / “Of the Virgin Theotokos /// “In a cave in Bethlehem of Judah!”

VERSE: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Why dost thou marvel, O Mary? / Why art thou amazed at what has come to pass? / “I have given birth in time to a timeless Son; / “I cannot explain how He was conceived in me. / “I have known no man; how then shall I bear a Child? / “Who has ever seen a birth without seed?” / When God so wills, as it is written, / The order of nature is overcome. /// Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem of Judah.

Psalms 135 and 136 are called the “Polyeleion” or psalms of “many mercies” because of the frequency of the refrain “for His mercy endures forever,” used to glorify God for His saving deeds. Although these psalms are intended to be sung in full, in practice they are often abbreviated and include only selected verses. As the psalms, or the selected verses presented below, of the Polyeleion are sung, the priest, carrying a lighted candle, proceeds to the middle of the church, where he stands before the festal icon.

28 The Polyeleion

#1 A. Archangelsky

d k k k k k k k k k k j k k a k k k k k k k k k j k kk k jzk k k k k k k k Praise ye the name ofthe Lord, O praiseHim,ye d j jz k k k k a k k k k k k k k k k k k k k M Praise ye the nameofthe Lord,O praiseHim,ye d i jz k j k k jz k b i jz k j k k jz k j k k

d jz k k k k jz k n l k a k k k k k k k k jz k jz k k k k servants of the Lord. Al-- le d k k k k k jz dk jz n k kz k a k k k k k k ‡ j M servants of the Lord. Al- le - lu - ia! z d jz k i jz k jz n k k k k k k j b i jz k jz ‡ d ek jz kz k‚ j k k k k k k kk j j j j i a ‡k k j i -lu - ia! Al- le - lu - ia! Al- le - lu - ia! d k k ek ekz k j k k k dk k ek j jz k a k ‡ i M Al- le - lu - ia! Al- le - lu - ia! k k k k kz k j jz k k i d ‡ k k k i b k i i 29 d k k k k a k k k k k k k k k k j k k kk k jk k k k Praised bethe Lord, the Lord, out of Zi- on, Who d k k k jz k k k k k k k k a k k k k M Praised bethe Lord, the Lord, outof Zi- on, Who d j k k jz k j k k j k k b j k k jz k j k k j k k

d i jz k k k k jz k n l k a k k k k k k k k k k k k k jz k jz k k k k dwelleth atJe- ru sa-- lem. Al-- le d k k k z dk jz k kz a k k k k k k k k k k j n k k k k‡ j M dwelleth atJe- ru sa-- lem. Al- le - lu - ia! k kz d i jz k j j jz k jz n k k k k‡ j b jz k jz d ek jz kz k‚ j k k k k k k kk j j j j i a ‡k k j i -lu - ia! Al- le - lu - ia! Al- le - lu - ia! d k ek ekz k j k k dk k ek j jz a k k ‡ k k i M Al- lek -k lu z - ia! Alz - le - lu - ia! d k k k ‡k j j k k i b k k k k i i i

30 d jz k kz k‚ k k jz k jz k j dj jz n k a jz ‡ k j k k k i jz j k k O give thanks un to-the Lord, for He is gracious, andHis d z k kz k k j k k z j j k a j ‡ k j k j jz n k M O give thanks un to-the Lord, for He is gracious, andHis d jz k kz k k k j k k jz k i z b ‡ j n j j

d j k k k l a j k k k k k k j k k ji j jz n mercy en- du - reth, en- du - reth for- ev - er. d k j k k dj jz k a k k k k k k k j n k k k M mer cy- en- du - reth, en- du - reth for- ev - er. Al-- le d j k k j k k j k k i jz n k k k k b j k k i jz d ek jz k k k k kz k‚ j k k k k k k k kk j j j j a k k ‡ Al- le - lu - ia! Al- le - lu - ia! Al- le -- lu d z k ek ekz k j k k dk k ek j jz a k k j k k ‡ k k M ‡ -lu - ia! Al- lek - lukz - ia! Alz - le -- lu d kz k j k k k k j j k k b ‡ ‡ k k k k i i

31 d jz k kz k‚ k k jz k jz k dj jz a i jz k ‡k k k j k k j k ij jz n -ia! O give thanks, give thanks un- to the God of Hea- ven, d z k kz k j k z j a i j ‡ k k k j k j jz n M-ia! O give thanks, give thanks un- to the God of Hea- ven, i k kz k k j k k jz d jz ‡ k k i jz n b i d j k k k l a j k k j k k k k k k j k k ji j jz n for His mercy en- du - reth, en- du - reth for- ev - er. d j k k j k k dj jz k a k k k k k k k k j n k k k M for His mer cy-en- du - reth, en- du - reth for- ev - er. Al-- le d z k k k b j j j k k j k k j k k i j n k j j j k k j k k j k k i jz d ek jz k k k kz k‚ j k k k k k k kk j j j j a k k k ‡k k j Al- le - lu - ia! Al- le - lu - ia! Al- le -- lu d z k ek ekz k j k k dk k ek j jz a k k j k k ‡ k k M ‡ -lu - ia! Al- lek -k lu z - ia! Alz - le -- lu d kz k j k k k ‡k j j k k b ‡ k k k k i i d a i And immediately the Magnification, - d ia! on pp 39-40. i a M- ia! d i 32 b i The Polyeleion #2 Men's Unison Valaam Chant y j b k k k k k i j k k j j j j k k k k i n j i j j j j i Praise yetheName oftheLord: Alle-lu-- i - a!

Chanter: Praise Him all ye servants of the Lord! k k k i j k k j j k k k i a k k k k i j k k j j j j k k k k i n U PraiseHimallye servants of the Lord: a k k k k i i j j i j k k i n PraiseHimallye servants of the Lord: a k k k k i j k k j j j j k k k k i n M U PraiseHimallye servants of the Lord: k i j j i j k k i b k k k k k k k j j j j k k i n U

y j jj i j j j j i a j j j i Al- le - lu -i - a! a j j i iz j i Al- le - lu -i - a! j j i j a j j j i M Al- le - lu -i - a!y j j i iz j i b iz j i

33 Chanter: Chanter: Praised be the Lord in Zion, He Who dwelleth in Jerusalem! kk kk k k k k k k k i j k k j a k k j k j Praised be the Lord in Zi- on; HeWhodwell- eth in a k k k k k k k k k i i j Praised be the Lord in Zi- on; HeWhodwell- eth in k k k k k k k i k a k k j k j M Praised be the Lord in Zi- on; HeWhodwell- eth in k k i j b k k k k k k k k k k k

y j j j k k k k i j jj i j j j j i a j j k k k n j j j i Je- ru - sa - lem: Al- le - lu - i - a! a j iz k k i n j j i iz j i Je- ru - sa - lem: Al- le - lu - i - a! j k i j j i j a j j k k k n j j j i M Je- ru - sa - lem: Al- le - lu - i - a!y j iz k k i j j i iz j i b j j j j k k i n iz j i

Chanter: O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever!

34 I k k k k k k k k i j k k j j j i a k k k j k j j j O give thanks un to- the Lord for He is good: I a k k k k k k k k i i j j iz O give thanks un to- the Lord for He is good: I k k k k k i k i a k k k j k j j j M O give thanks un to- the Lord for He is good: k k i j j iz k b k k k k k k k k k k j j k k k

j j j j j k k k i a j j j j j kj k k jz k i n T Al- le - lu - i - a, Al- le - lu - i - a: a j j j j j k k k k jz k i n T Al- le - lu - i - a, Al- le - lu - i - a: a j j j j j j k k jz k i n M T Al- le - lu - i - a, Al- le - lu - i - a: j j j j j j k k jz k b j j j j k k i n T

35 k k j j jk k k k i j j k k k k i a k k k k k n V for Hismer- cy en- dur - eth for- e - ver: a k k j j k k k k i j j j k k i n V for Hismer- cy en- dur - eth for- e - ver: k j j j k i j j k i a k k k k k n M V for Hismer- cy en- dur - eth for- e - ver: j j k i k k j k k i b k k k k k k k i n V y j jj i j j j j i a j j j i Al- le - lu -i - a! a j j i iz j i Al- le - lu -i - a! j j i j a j j j i M Al- le - lu -i - a!y j j i iz j i b iz j i

Chanter: O give thanks unto the God of Heaven; for His mercy endureth forever!

36 I k k k k k i j k k j i a kk k k k k k i j k k j j j i O givethanksunto- theGod of Heaven:- I a k k k k k k i i j j j i O givethanksunto- theGod of Heaven:- I k k k k k k i j k k j j j i aM O givethanksunto- theGod of Heaven:- k i j j j i b k k k k k k k k k j j k k k k

37 k k j j jk k k k i j j k k k k i a k k k k k n V for His mercy en- dur - eth for- e - ver: a k k j j k k k k i j j j k k i n V for His mercy en- dur - eth for- e - ver: k j j j k i j j k i a k k k k k n M V for His mercy en- dur - eth for- e - ver: j j k i k k j k k i b k k k k k k k i n V y j j i j j j j a j j i j j j j i W Al- le - lu - i - a! a j j i iz j i W Al- le - lu - i - a! i a j j i j j j j i M W Al- le - lu - i - a!y j j i iz j i b iz j i W

And immediately the Magnification, on pp. 39-40.

38 As the priest and choir sing the magnification, the priest censes the icon of the feast, and then the entire church.

The Magnification f k a jk k j j djj k ekk k fkk jk dk j We mag- ni - fy, we mag- ni - fy Thee, k jk k j j j k k k k k j b f j k k j a f ij j k jz dk k ekk j dkk k j O Christ the giver of life, j ij j k jz k k ekk k k j b f j k k f a ekj k k k k k kk k Who for our sakes now is born in the flesh of the Vir- gin ejk k k k k k k k b f j j y The clergy sing the a fk fkk k dk j k k j j j i dii i Magnification the j j j i first time, and the Ma- ry,/// un- wed - ded and most pure. choir follows k k k k j jk k j fj j i i i immediately with f k k j j j i i the first verse (on b ti the following page):

39 f a ek k k Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; sing the glory of His name; k k k f ek k k b f a k k k dj k k i Repeat “We Magnify…” pro- claim His glo ri-- ous praise. k k k j k k i f k k k j k k b f a ek k k dj i Our God is in heaven and on earth; He does whatever He plea- ses. k k k j i f ek k k j i b Repeat “We Magnify…” f a ek k k dj i Glo- ry to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Ho ly- Spi- rit. k k k j i b f Repeat “We Magnify…” f a ek k k dj k k i Now and ever and unto ages of a- ges. A- men.i k k k j k k i b f Repeat “We Magnify…” After this, the clergy repeat the Magnification once more, then the choir 40 sings the Kathisma Hymn: d Kathisma Hymn – Canon Tone 8 a j k k k k k k k k kk k k k j k kk How can a womb con- tain Him Whom nothing cancon- tain? Howcan d j k k k k k k k k k k k j k k b j k k k k k k k d k a k k k k k j k He remain in His Father's bosom, yet rest in His Mo- ther's arms? It k d k k k k j k b k k d a k k k k k k kk k k k j k k kk k k k is His good pleasure to accom-- plish this. Having- no flesh, He pur- d k k k k k k k k k j k k k k k k b k k k k k d k a k k k k k k k j k k j k k k kk k -pose ly-assumes- it for our sake. He Who is becomes what He ne- k ek k d k k k k j k k j k k k k k b k k k k k j k k d k k k a k k j k k kk k k k k k j k j -ver was. He shares our sub- stance without forsak - ing His ownek nature. k j k k k k k k k k k j d k k k b 41 d a k k k k k k k k k k kk k k k j De- si - ring to make us ci ti-- zens of the world on high,/// k k k k k k k k k d k k k k k k k k k k k k k j b d j k k k k a dd j k k k k j k k k k j j i Christ, the Only~Begotten of the Fa- ther, is born on earth as man! j k k k k j k k k k j k k i d k k k k j k k k k j j i b i The Little Litany has been omitted. The choir immediately sings “From My Youth:” dd Song of Ascent: From My Youth - Valaam Chant, Tone 4 d k k j j k k k k k k a k k i k k k k j j k k k From my youth many passions have foughtagainst- me, butdoThou k k j j k k k j k k k d k k i k k k k j j k k k b d j j a dd j j k k k k k ij j i k k k j j k k k help me, and save me, O my Sa- vior. You who hate Zi on- shall be put j j k k k k j j k k k j j k k k d j j k k k k k i i k k k j j k k k b d k a k j k k j j k k j k kk j k i k k k to shame by the Lord. You shall be wi- ther'd up likegrass k j k k j j k k k k j k k k k k d k j k k j j k k j k k j k i b dd 42 d j a j j i j k k k j j k k k k by the fire. Glo ry-to the Fa- ther, and to the Son, and to the Ho ly- j d j j i j k k k j j k k k k b j j i j k k k j j k k k k d j a j j k k j j k k k k k k j k k i Spi- rit, now and e- ver and un to- a- ges of a- ges. A- men. j k k j j k k k k k j k k d j j k k j j k k k k k k j k k i b j k k j j k k k k k k i d k k k k k j j k k k k k k k a k k k k k j j k k k k j j k k k k kk E- v'ry soul is en li-- vened by the Ho ly-Spi- rit, and is ex al-- ted k k k k k j j k k k k k k k d k k k k k j j k k k k j j k k k k k b k k k k k j j k k k k j j k k k k k d a k k k j k j j i k k k k j j j in pu- ri - ty, il lu-- mined by the Ho ly- Tri- ni ty- k k d k k k j k j j i k k k k j j j b k k k j d y k k k k j j i Then immediately the a k k k k i Prokeimenon, on the following in a sa- cred mys- te - ry. page: d k k k k j j i b j j i t 43 Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend! The Prokeimenon in the Fourth Tone: Out of the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee; the Lord has sworn, and will not change His mind. (Psalm 110) k k k k j k j a k k k k k k j k j Out of the womb before the morning star have I begot - ten Thee;/// k k k j k j k k k k k k j k j b k k k k k k k j k k j k i a k k k k k k k j k k j k i the Lord has sworn, and will not change His mind. k k k k k k j j j ( k ) ( i ) b k k k k k j j k i ( ) Last time only.

VERSE : The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.”

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord! k k j j j j a k k j j j j Lord have mercy. A- men. k k j j j j b Priest: For holy art Thou…

Choir: Amen.

44 Priest: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! k k k k k k k k j k k j a k k k k k k k k k j k k j k i Let ev- 'ry - thing that has breath praise the Lord! j k k k k k j k j j j k i b j k k k k k k j j k i

Priest: Praise God in His sanctuary! Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Choir: “Let everything…” Priest: Let everything that has breath! j k k j a j k k j k i Praise theLord! j j j k i b j j k i

Priest: And that we may be accounted worthy to hear the Holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord God! Choir: Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel! Peace be unto all! Choir: And to thy spirit! Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matt. 1:18-25) . Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee!

~The Matins Gospel is Read~

After the Gospel: Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee! And immediately Psalm 50 (51) is read:

45 Psalm 50 (51)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified in Thy sentence and blameless in Thy judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sins did my mother conceive me. Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Fill me with joy and gladness; let the bones which Thou hast broken rejoice. Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners will return to Thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of Thy deliverance. O Lord, open Thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. For Thou hast no delight in sacrifice; were I to give a burnt offering, Thou wouldst not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, then wilt Thou delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Thine altar.

Then immediately the choir sings the Post-Gospel Stichera:

46 Post-Gospel Stichera – LIC Tones 2 & 6 a f k k k k j j j i Glo- ry to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Ho ly- Spi- rit. k k k z k k k k ji j i b f k j i j a fk k k k k j j j k k k k k k j j j To- day all things are filled with joy,/// for Christ is born of the Vir- k k k k k j j j k k k k k z k k k k k j j k k k k k k ji j j b f j k a f i k k k k j j j i k k k k -gin! Now and ever and unto a- ges ofages.- A- men. To- day allthings k k k k k k k i k k k k j j j i k k k k b f i k j i Tone 6: j a fk j j j k k k k k k j j j i k k k are filled with joy,/// for Christ is born of the Vir- gin! Havemercy- k j j j k k k k k z k k k k j j k k k k k k ji j j i k k k b f j k i k k k j j k k k a fk djj j j k k k j j j k k k on Me, O God, according to Thy greatmercy,- and according to the k j j j k k k i j k k k k j k k k i j k k k b f j j k k k 47 k k k j k a f k k k j k djj k k j k k j djj i multitude of Thy ten - der mercies,/// blot outmytransgres-- sions. k k k j k j k k j k k i i f k k k j k j k k j k k j j i b j i

f l l l l l l l l l l l l a f k k k dj j k k k Glo- ry to God in the highest, and onearthpeace! Today- Bethlehem re- k k k j j k k k k k k j j k k k bf k k k a f k k k j j j k k k -ceivesk Him Who reignsk forever with thek Fai - ther.j Tok - day angelsk glori fy- k k k k i j k k k b f k k k k k k j k a f k k k j k k dj k k k dj the newborn Babe in hymns worthy of God, "Glo- ry to God in the high- k k k j k k j k k k j j k k j k k k j b f k k k k j k a f j k k k k j k j djj i -est! And on earthk peace,///j goodk will to men!" j k k k k j k j j i b f j k j j i j The Prayer of Intercession, having been said at the Litiya,l l isl omittedl l here.l lThel choirl l l l 48l l l immediatelyf begins Ode 1 of the Canon: The Canon – Ode 1

Traditional Melody f o l k k k kz a f k‚ k‚ k k k k k k kz ‡ ‡ k Christ is born! Glo- ri - fy - - - - -Him! ‚ y k k k kz f k k j n k‚ k‚ k k k k k k kz b f o l ‡ ‡ k k k Glo- ri - fy Him! f o l k k jz kz b f ‡ ‡ jz kz ‚ ff k‚ k‚ k k k k k k ‚ k j jz n o lz a k k k k k k k k k k j jz ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Christis born,Glo- ri fy-Him! Christ has come from Hea- ven! ‚ k ‚ y k‚ k k k k k k k ‚ k j jz k k‚ k‚ k‚ k j ff k k k k k k k k j jz n o lz n b ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Christisborn, Glo- ri fy- Him! f k k k j k k j jz o lz b f k k k k k j jz n ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‚ ‚ ‚ ff ‚ k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k ‚ k j jz n a k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k j jz ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Re- ceive - - - - -Him! Christhascomefrom Heaven- receive Him! ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k ‚ k j jz ff k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k j jz n b ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Re- ceive Him! Christ has comefromHea- ven receive Him! f k jz j k k k k k k k j jz b f ‡ jz j k k ‡ ‡ k k j jz n ‡ ‡ 49 f l k k k kz a f n k‚ k‚ k k k k k k kz ‡ ‡ k Christ is on earth! Mag- ni - fy - - - - -Him! ‚ ‚ y k k k kz f lk k k j n k‚ k‚ k k k k k k kz b f ‡ ‡ k Mag- ni - fy Him! l k k jz kz b ff n jz kz ‡ ‡ ff k k k‚ k‚ k k k k ‚ k‚ j jz n j k j k k k jz a k k k k k k k k k k j jz j k j k k k k jz ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Christ is on earth mag ni- fy- Him! All ye earth sing un to-the Lord k k‚ ‚ k k k k k‚ j z j k k k k z f k k k k k k k k k‚ k j jz n j k j k k k k jz b f ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Christ is on earth mag ni- fy- Him! All ye earth sing un to-the Lord f k k k j k k j jz j k j k k k k jz b f k k k k k j jz n j k k k jz ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ k ek k ff z kk ek k k k j a j fkk j k k k fkk jz k k ek k j

all ye earth sing un- to the Lord. All ye nations k ek k k f j fkk j k k k fkk jz k k k k k j b f j k k k j

all ye earth sing un- to the Lord. All ye nations k j j ff j ekk j k k k k jz k k b 50 ‚ y ff k k k k fk kz k k k k k k k k ‚ k j k‚ i a k k k k k k kz k k k k ek k k k k k j k i ‡ ‡ ‡ praise Him praise Him for He has been glo ri-- fied! ‚ k ek k k k fk kz k k k k ekk k k k ‚ k j k‚ i f k k k k k k kz k k k k k k k k k j k i b f ‡ ‡ ‡ praise Him praise Him for He has been glo ri-- fied! f jz kz k k k k k k j k i b f jz kz k k k k j k i ‡ ‡ ‡ Refrain (Canon Tone 1): f k k k k k k a k k k k k k j k k k k k i Glo- ry to Thy Ho- ly Na- ti - vi - ty, O Lord! k k k k k k k jk k k k k i b f k k k i Reader: Man was made in the image of God, but he sinned, and lost immortality. He fell from the divine and better life, enslaved completely by corruption. Now the wise Creator fashions him again, for He has been glorified! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: The Creator shaped man with His own hands, but when He saw us perishing eternally, He bowed the heavens and came down to earth, and clothed Himself completely in our nature, truly incarnate from a pure and holy Virgin, for He has been glorified! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: Wisdom, and Word, and Power, Christ our God is the Father’s Son, His Radiance. He was made man, a mystery concealed from every spirit above or on the earth. He has won us for Himself, for He has been glorified! Refrain: Glory, Now and Ever*** 51 f j j a k k k k k k k k kk k j j Glo- ry to the Fa- ther, and to the Son, and to the Ho ly- Spir- it, k k k k k k k k k k j j b f j j

f k k k k k k j k k k a k k k k k k k j k k jk k k i Now and ever and un- to a- ges of a- ges. A- men. k k k k k k k k k k k j k k k k k k i b f j k k k k k i

The choir then sings the Katavasia of Ode 1, on the following page:

52 Katavasia – Ode 1 Canon Tone 1 f j k k k a k k j k k kj k j k k k k k k Christ is born, glori - fy Him! Christ has come from heaven, j k k k k j k k jk k k k k k k k b f j I f k k k k j k a k k k k j k k k jk k k k k k j go to meet Him! Christ is on earth, be exalt - ed! k k k k k j k j k k k jk k k k k k j I b f j k j

j k k k k k a f j k k k k k k k j k k k k Sing to the Lord all the earth, And praise Him with j k k j k j k k j k k j k k k k b f j

f j j k a k k kk k j j k k jk k jk k k i gladness, O yepeople,//- For Hehas been glo ri-fied!- k k k k j j k k jk k k k k k i b f j j k k k i

53 And immediately Ode 3: The Canon – Ode 3 Canon Tone 1 f j k k k k k k j a k k k k k k kk k j k k k k k k j To the Son, begot - ten of the Fa- ther, before alla- ges, k k k k k k k k k k k j k k k k j k j b f j k k j

f k a k k k jk k k k k k j and incarnate of the Virgin without seed in these latt- er days: k k k k jk k k k k j b f k k k

j k k k a f k k k j k k k k k j k k jk k kk k j To Christ our God, let us cry out: Thou hast raised up our horn.// j k k k k k k j k k j k j k k jk k k k j b f j j

f k k k k a j k k k k k i Refrain: Ho- ly art Thou, O Lord! k jk k k k k i b f k k k i

54 Refrain: f k k k k k k a k k k k k k j k k k k k i Glo- ry to Thy Ho- ly Na- ti - vi - ty, O Lord! k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k j k k k i bf k i Reader: Adam was made from dust, yet he shared God’s life-giving breath. He was deceived by woman and fell, but from the dead, he saw Christ born of woman. He shouted, “For my sake Thou hast become like me. Holy art Thou, O Lord!” Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: Thou hast assumed a body of lowly clay, O Christ. By sharing our humble flesh, Thou hast made our race partakers of divinity. By becoming mortal man yet remaining God, Thou hast raised us from death to life. Holy art Thou, O Lord! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: Make merry, O Bethlehem! You are the King of Judah’s princes. Christ, the Shepherd of Israel, Who rides on the shoulders of the cherubim, has come forth from you for all to see. He has raised us from death to life, and reigns over all! f j j a k k k k k k k k kk k j j Glo- ry to the Fa- ther, and to the Son, and totheHoly-Spirit,- k k k k k k k k k k j j b f j j f k k k k k k k k j k k k k k a k k k k j k k j k k i Now and ever and un- to a- ges of a- ges. A- men. k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k i b f j k k k i 55 Katavasia: Katavasia – Ode 3 Canon Tone 1 f k k k k j k k k k k k k j a k k k k k k kk k j k k k k j To the Son, begot - ten of the Fa- ther, before alla- ges, j k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k k j k b f j k k j

f k k k k k k k a k k k j k k k k k j and incarnate of the Virgin without seed in these latt- er days: k k k k jk k k k k j b f k k k

I k a f k k k j k k k k k j k k jk k kk k j To Christ our God, let us cry out: Thou hast raised up our horn.// j k k k I k k k j k k j k j k k jk k k k j b f j j

y Then the Little Litany,y f k k k k i k k j and immediately the a j k k i j j i Hypakoe in Tropar Ho- ly artThou, O Lord! Tone 8 and the k Kathisma Hymn, in LIC jk k k i i i Tone 8: b f k i i i t 56 Hypakoe Tropar Tone 8

Heaven brought the first-fruits of the Gentiles as a gift to Thee, / A star summoned the Wise Men to the Babe in the manger. / They were amazed to see neither throne nor scepter, / But only abject poverty. / What is more humble than a cave? / What is more lowly than swaddling clothes? / Yet the riches of Thy Divinity shone through all these. /// O Lord, glory to Thee!

Kathisma Hymn LIC Tone 8

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad! / The Lamb of God has been born on earth, / Granting redemption to the world. / The Word, Who rests in the bosom of the Father, / Has come forth without seed from the Virgin. / The wise men were struck with amazement, / Seeing Him born as an infant in Bethlehem. /// Let all creation glorify Him!

And immediately the Canon resumes with Ode 4:

57 The Canon – Ode 4 Canon Tone 1 f j j a k k k k k k kk k j j k k k k Stem and flower of the root of Jess- e, Thou hast blos- somed j j k k k k k k k k k k k k b f j j

f k k k k k a k kk jk k k j k k k k k from the Vir- gin, O Christ. From the moun- tain overshadowed by the k k k k k k k k k j k k k k k b f k k k

f k k k k k j k k k k k k k a k k j k k k k kk j k k j for- est Thou art come, made flesh from Her that knew no man. k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k j b f j k j

f jz k k k k k j j k a k j k k k k k j j k k k kk jk k k i O God, not formed from matt- er:// Glo ry-to Thy power, O Lord! jz k j k k jz k k k k k k j j k k k k k k k k i b f j k k k i

58 Refrain: Refrain: f k k k k k k a k k k k k k j k k k k k i Glo- ry to Thy Ho- ly Na- ti - vi - ty, O Lord! k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k j k k k i b f k i Reader: Thou art the expectation of the nations, O Christ, Foretold by Jacob in days of old. Thou hast sprung from Judah’s tribe, to plunder the might of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria, replacing error with faith acceptable to God. Glory to Thy power, O Lord! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: Thou hast filled the stargazers with joy, O Lord! They knew the hidden meaning of the prophet Balaam’s words. Thou hast made the star of Jacob to rise. As the first-fruits of the Gentiles it led them unto Thee. Thou didst openly receive their precious gifts. Glory to Thy Power, O Lord! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: Thou hast descended into the Virgin’s womb, O Christ, like rain on the fleece and as raindrops watering the earth. All the earth’s rulers fall down before Thee: Ethiopia and the islands of Arabia, the kings of Tarshish, of Sheba, and the Medes. Glory to Thy power, O Lord! f j j a k k k k k k k k kk k j j Glo- ry to the Fa- ther, and to the Son, and totheHoly-Spirit,- k k k k k k k k k k j j b f j j f k k k k k k k k j k k k k k a k k k k j k k j k k i Now and ever and un- to a- ges of a- ges. A- men. k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k i b f j k k k i 59 Katavasia: Katavasia – Ode 4 Canon Tone 1 f j j a k k k k k k kk k j j k k k k Stem and flower of the root of Jess- e, Thou hast blos- somed j j k k k k k k k k k k k k b f j j

f k k k k k a k kk jk k k j k k k k k from the Vir- gin, O Christ. From the moun- tain overshadowed by the k k k k k k k k k j k k k k k b f k k k

f k k k k k j k k k k k k k a k k j k k k k kk j k k j for- est Thou art come, made flesh from Her that knew no man. k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k j b f j k j

f jz k k k k k j j k a k j k k k k k j j k k k kk jk k k i O God, not formed from matt- er:// Glo ry-to Thy power, O Lord! jz k j k k jz k k k k k k j j k k k k k k k k i b f j k k k i

60 Ode 5: The Canon – Ode 5 Canon Tone 1 A k a f k k k j j k k k k k j O God of Peace, Fa- ther of Mer- cies, j jA k k k k k k j j k k jk k k j b f j

f j j k a k k k k kk k j j jk k k j Thou hast sent Thine An- gel of great counsel to grant us peace. k k k k k k j j k k k k j b f j j k k k

f j k k a k k k k k jk k kk k j k k k k We are guid- ed to the light of theknowledge- ofGod, andkeeping- watch k k k k k k jk k k k j k k k k b f j

f k k k k k k k k j k k k k a k k j j k j k k i by night, we glori fy- Thee,// O Lov- er of man! k k k k k k k k k k k j k j jk k k k k k i b f j k k k i

61 Refrain: Refrain: f k k k k k k a k k k k k k j k k k k k i Glo- ry to Thy Ho- ly Na- ti - vi - ty, O Lord! k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k j k k k i b f k i Reader: Thou wast registered as Caesar’s subject, O Christ, in obedience to his decree. We were slaves of sin, and subject to the hateful enemy. By Thy poverty, Thou hast set us free! Thou wast united to our nature in every way. Though we were formed from dust, by this communion we are made divine! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: Behold, the Virgin, as foretold of old, has conceived and given birth to God made man. She remains a virgin still. Through her we are reconciled to God. Let us sinners faithfully sing her praise. She is truly Theotokos! f j j a k k k k k k k k kk k j j Glo- ry to the Fa- ther, and to the Son, and totheHoly-Spirit,- k k k k k k k k k k j j b f j j f k k k k k k k k j k k k k k a k k k k j k k j k k i Now and ever and un- to a- ges of a- ges. A- men. k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k i b f j k k k i

Katavasia:

62 Katavasia – Ode 5 Canon Tone 1 j jA k k k a f k k k j j k k k k k j O God of Peace, Fa- ther of Mer- cies, j jA k k k j k k k j j k k jk k k j b f j

f k k k k j j k k k a k k k k kk k j j j k k j Thou hast sent Thine An- gel of great counsel to grant us peace. j j k k k k k k k k k k j b f j j k k k

f k k k k k j k k k k a k k k k k j k kk k j k k k We are guid- ed to the light of the knowledge ofGod, andkeeping- watch j k k k k k k jk k k k k k k k b f j

f k k k k k k k k j k k k k a k k j j k j k k i by night, we glori - fy Thee,// O Lov- er of man! k k k k k k j k k k k k k j k jk k k k k i b f j k k k i

Ode 6: 63 The Canon – Ode 6 Canon Tone 1 f j j k k k k k j a jk k j k k jk k kj k j j k k k k k k j The sea mon- ster cast forth Jo- nah as it had received him, k k k jk k j k k jk k jk k j j k k k k j k j b f j j j

f k k k k k k k k k j a k kk j k k j k k k k k k j k kk k j like a babe from the womb. And when the Word came to dwell in the Vir- k k k k k k j k k k k k k jk k k k j b f k k k j

f j k k k k j k a j k k k k j k k k k k kk jk k k j -gin and was made flesh, He came forth pre- serv - ing Her uncor-- rupt, k k k j k k j k j k k k k k k k k k k j b f j j k k k

f j k k k k k k k j k k a k k k k j k k k k j k k for as He Him- self was not subject to de- cay,// Hekept k k k k j k k k k k k j k k f k k k k j k k k k k k j k k b 64 f k a k jk k jk k k i His Mo- ther free from harm. Refrain: k k k k k k k i f k j k k k k i b i f k a k k k k k k jk k k k k k i Glo- ry to Thy Ho- ly Na- ti - vi - ty, O Lord! k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k j k k k i b f k i Reader: Christ our God has come in the flesh. The Father begot Him from the womb before the morning star. He rules the heavenly hosts, yet now He lies in a manger of dumb beasts. He Who looses the tangled knots of sin now is wrapped in swaddling clothes. Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: A Son is born and given to the faithful, a newborn child of Adam’s race, yet He is Father and Ruler of the world to come. He is called the Angel of Great Counsel. He is the Mighty God, He rules all creation by His might. f k k k k j j a k k k k k k k k kk k j j Glo- ry to the Fa- ther, and to the Son, and to the Ho ly- Spir- it, j j k k k k k k k k k k b f j j f k k k k k k j k k k a k k k k k k k j k k jk k k i Now and ever and un- to a- ges of a- ges. A- men. k k k k k k k j k k k k k k i f k k k k k k k j k k k k k k i b i 65 Katavasia: Katavasia – Ode 6 Canon Tone 1 f j j k k k k k j a jk k j k k jk k kj k j j k k k k k k j The sea mon- ster cast forth Jo- nah as it had received him, k k k jk k j k k jk k jk k j j k k k k j k j b f j j j

f k j a k kk jk k k j k k k k k k jk k kk k j like a babe from the womb. And when the Word came to dwell in the Vir- k k k k k k j k k k k k k jk k k k j b f k k k j

f j k k k k j k a j k k k k j k k k k k kk jk k k j -gin and was made flesh, He came forth pre- serv - ing Her uncor-- rupt, k k k j k k j k j k k k k k k k k k k j b f j j k k k I f k k k k k j a k k k k j k k k k k k j for as He Him- self was not subject to de- cay,// k k k k j k k k k k k j I f k k k k j k k k k k k j b 66 y f k k k k k k i k a k k k j k j i kj j i He kept His Mo- ther free from harm. k k k k jk k k i i i b f k i i i t

Then the Little Litany, and then immediately the Kontakion (Bortniansky Wide Harmony), on the following page:

67 Kontakion of Nativity D. Bortniansky, Wide Harmony i jz k j j j k j j j j j j a E i jz k j j djj m j j j n k ij j j j ij j

To- day the Vir- gin gives birth,the Vir- gin gives i jz k j j j k j j j j j j a E i j k j j djj m j j j n k j j j j j M To- day the Vir- gin gives birth,the Vir- gin gives i jz k j j j j j k j j j k k b E m j n k j j k k

jz n j j k k k k j n k k k k dk i a jz j j j k kk k j k j k k i birth to the trans- cen - dent One, the trans- cen - dent One! jz j j k k j k k k k dk i a j n j j k k k k j n k k k k k i M birth to the trans- cen - dent One, the trans- cen - dent One! j k j k k k k k j j k k j n k i b l l l l l l l l l l a z j z i jz k j j djj m j j j m j j j j j j jz n aM And the earth offers, offers a cave n i i j j j m j j j m i j j j i k k jzk k k b i jz k j j j j j j j j k k k

68 Alto 2's: Read the Tenor line l l l l l i jz k a i ij

An- j j k k k kz k‚ j k k k dkk‚ k‚ i i jz k a j k k k k ‡ k ‡ ‡ i M to the un- ap - proach a-- ble, un ap-proach- a-- ble One! ‚ ‚ ‚ jj j jz k kz k j k k k k k i l l b jz k ‡ k k k k k i ‡ ‡ j j j j j j j j j j j jz j j a j j djj m j j j m i j i i j jz n ij

-gels, angels with shepherds glo- j j j j j j j k j k k k j a m j m j j k k j M l l l l l l l l l b i j j k k k k j k n k k k dkk i j m l m n k j j j m a jz k k k j k jz k i j j dj -ri - fy Him, glori - fy Him! The wise men jz k i jz k j j a j k n jz k i j m i j k j j dj m M Tenors back to Tenor Line. Thewise men Alto 2’s back up. i k l l l l l jz j j j b m

69 j j j j j z ‚ jz j j j j m ij j j j j kz k jz n ij j ik k k k a j ‡ jour- ney, jour- ney with a star, jour- j j j m j j j j j kz k‚ jz n j j k k k k a j ‡ k k M jour- ney, jour- ney with a star, jour- j j j j j j k k k k j j i b j m j k k k k

j k n k k k dkk i i jz k j j j m j j jz n a j k jz k i i i j j djj j j jz -ney with a star! Since for our sake, forour sake j k k k k dk i i jz k j j jz a j k n k k k k i i j k j j djj m j j j n M-ney with a star! Since for our sake, forour sake j jz i i jz k j j j j jz b k n k i j m jz n

j j j j j j jz j j k k k jz k k k dkk a j j i j j jz n j j jkz k k k jz n i k

the E- ter - nal God, theEter-- nal God was j j j j j j jz j j k k jz k k k dk a j j j j j j n j j k k k k j n k k k k M the E- ter - nal God, theE- ter - nal Godz was j j k k j j jz k j jz b j j k k k k k k n k

70 y i j j i j j i a i j j i j j i born as a little Child! i j j i j j i a i j j j j i M born as a little Child! i i j j i b j j i t

And immediately the reader begins the Ikos:

Bethlehem has opened Eden. Come, let us see! We have found joy in a secret place. Come, let us seize Paradise hidden in the cave! There the unwatered Root has appeared, blossoming with forgiveness. There is found the undug Well, from which David longed to drink of old. There the Virgin has borne a child, quenching Adam’s and David’s thirst. Let us hurry to this place, where the Eternal God was born as a little Child!

The Choir repeats “The Eternal God was born as a little Child!” and immediately begins Ode 7 (on the following page):

71 The Canon – Ode 7 Canon Tone 1 f j j k k a k k k k k k k kk k kk k j j k k The children brought up to- geth - er in god li-- ness scorned the im- j k k k k k k k k k k k k k j j k k b f j

f k k k k k j k k k k k k a k k j k k k k j k k k k k -pi - ous decree ofthe ty- rant. They were not a- fraid j k j k k j k k k k k j k k k k k b f j k j a f k k kk k j j k k k k k k k k of the threat of fire, but stand- ing in the midst of the k k k k k k k k k j j k k k k k k k k b f j j k

f k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k a k k j k k k k k j k k k k k i flames, they sang:// Bles- sed art Thou, O God of our fathers! j k j k k j k k k k k jk k k k k k i b f k j k j i

Refrain: 72 Refrain: f k k k k k k a k k k k k k j k k k k k i Glo- ry to Thy Ho- ly Na- ti - vi - ty, O Lord! k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k j k k k i b f k i Reader: The shepherds abiding in the fields were terrified by a dazzling sight. Around them shone the glory of the Lord. An angel shouted unto them, “Sing praises. The Messiah is born!” Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: After the angel spoke, the hosts of heaven suddenly cried out, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth, good will to men! Christ has shone forth!” Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: “What news is this?” asked the shepherds. “Has God’s Messiah truly come? Let us go to Bethlehem.” They saw Thee there, and worshipped Thee. With Thy Mother, they sang: “Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!” f k k k k j j a k k k k k k k k kk k j j Glo- ry to the Fa- ther, and to the Son, and to the Ho ly- Spir- it, j j k k k k k k k k k k b f j j f k k k k k k j k k k a k k k k k k k j k k jk k k i Now and ever and un- to a- ges of a- ges. A- men. k k k k k k k j k k k k k k i f k k k k k k k j k k k k k k i b i Katavasia: 73 Katavasia – Ode 7 Canon Tone 1 f j j k k a k k k k k k k kk k kk k j j k k The children brought up to- geth - er in god li-- ness scorned the im- j k k k k k k k k k k k k k j j k k b f j

f k k k k j k a k k k k j k k k k j k k k k k -pi - ous decree ofthe ty- rant. They were not a- fraid j k j k k j k k k k k j k k k k k b f j k j a f k k kk k j j k k k k k k k k of the threat of fire, but stand- ing in the midst of the k k k k k k k k k j j k k k k k k k k b f j j k

f k k k k j k a k k k k j k k k k k jk k k k k k i flames, they sang:// Bles- sed art Thou, O God of our fathers! j k j k k j k k k k k jk k k k k k i b f k j k j i

Ode 8: 74 The Canon – Ode 8 Canon Tone 1 f j j k k k a k k k k k jk k kk k j j k k k k k k k The fur- nace moist with dew was an image prefig- ur-- ing a wonder k k k k k k k jk k k k j j k k k k k k k b f j j k a fk k k k k k j k k k kk k k k k beyond nature, for it did not burn the children whom it had re- k j k k j kj k j k k k k k k k k b f k k j k k k

f j k jz a j k k k k k k k kk k j k k k j -ceived, nor did the Fi- re of Di- vi - ni ty- con- sume the Vir- j jz j k k k k k k k k k k k k jz b f j

f k k k k k k k k k k k j a k k kk j k k j k k j -gin's womb when it en- tered it. So let us raise the song: k k k k k k k k k k k j k k k k k j b f k k k j

75 k a f k k k k k k k k j k k j k kk k k Let all cre- a - tion bless the Lord,// and exalt Him throughout all k k k k j k k k k k kk k k j k k j k k k k b f k

f a k k i y a- ges! Refrain: k k i f j i b i f k k k k k k a k k k k k k j k k k k k i Glo- ry to Thy Ho- ly Na- ti - vi - ty, O Lord! k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k j k k k i bf k i Reader: The daughter of Babylon drove David’s children from Zion with sword and spear. Now she sends her sons, the Wise Men, bearing gifts, to worship in David’s city, where God has come to dwell. So let us raise the song: Let all creation bless the Lord, and exalt Him throughout all ages! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader: Grief had silenced the harps. Zion’s children would not sing in a foreign land. But now Christ has shone forth in Bethlehem destroying the din of Babylon’s idolatries. So let us raise the song: Let all creation bless the Lord, and exalt Him throughout all ages! Refrain: Glory to Thy Holy Nativity, O Lord! Reader:

76 Reader: Babylon plundered Zion, and captured all her royal wealth. But now, with a guiding star, Christ lures her treasure-laden Wise Men back to Zion. So let us raise the song: Let all creation bless the Lord, and exalt Him throughout all ages! Reader2: Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. f k a k k k k k k k kk k k k k i We praise, bless, and worship the Lord, Him throughout all a- ges. singing and exalting k k k k k k k k k k k k i b f k j i

Katavasia:

77 Katavasia – Ode 8 Canon Tone 1 f k k k k j j k k k k k k k a k k k k k j k kk k j j k k k k k The fur- nace moist with dew was an image prefig- ur-ing- a wonder j j k k k k k k k jk k k k k k k k k k k b f j j

k k k a fk k k k k k j k k k kk k k k k beyond nature, for it did not burn the children whom it had re- k j k j k k j kj k k k k k k k k b f k k j k k k

f k k k k j k k k jz a j k k k k k k k kk k j k k k -ceived, nor did the Fi- re of Di- vi - ni ty- con- sume the Vir- j jz j k k k k k k k k k k k k jz b f j

f k k k k k k k k k k k j a k k kk j k k j k k j -gin's womb when it en- tered it. So let us raise the song: k k k k k k j k k k k k k j k k k k k b f k k k j

78 k I a f k k k k k k k k j k k i j Let all cre- a - tion bless the Lord,// and exalt Him k k k k j I k k k k k kk k k j k k ij b f y f k a jj j j k ki k j i i throughout all a- ges! k j j k k k i j i b f j i i i t

Then immediately the Choir begins the Ode 9, during which the priest censes the iconostas, and then completes the censing of the church.

79 The Canon – Ode 9 Romanian Chant Refrain 1: Head Chantor: d z ‚ a j k k k k k k j k j j k k k k k j j k k M Mag ni-- fy, Omysoul theMostPureVirgin- The o-- to - kos, more d k k k k k k j k k k k k j k k z ‚ a k ‡ k k k k k i M hon- 'ra - ble andmoreglo- ri - ous than the heaven ly-hosts!

IRMOS: d ‚ z ‚ a k k k k jk k kz k‚ kkzk‚ k j k k kz k j jk k k k k i kz ‡ ‡ ‡ i I behold a strange most glori - ous mys- te - ry: Hea- ven, the cave; ‚ ‚ k‚ j k‚ k‚ j j d k k k k k k kz k kz k k j kj k kz k j j k k i b ‡ ‡ ‡ k d a k k k k kz k‚ kjzk k k k j j jk k k k kjzk k k kz ‡ dk ekz the Che- ru - bic Throne, the Vir- gin; the manger, z iz kz d k k k kz k‚ kjzk k k kj j jk k k k k k j kz b k ‡ k d kz k‚ k jz k k k k k k k k k j a k‚ kz k k k jz k jz k j k j ‡ ‡ the place where Christ lay, the Un- con - tain - a - ble God ‚ kz k‚ k jz k jz k kj k k k j d k kz k k jz k k k k k k k k j b ‡ ‡ k

d k k k k k k k k 80 d 1. a jk k k k k k k k k jkz k‚ kj k k i

Whom we mag- ni fy- in song! j d jkz k k k k k k k j j i b k k

Refrain 2: d z z a j k k jk k k k k‚ k‚ k k‚ k‚ jz k j k k jk k ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Mag- ni - fy, mag- ni - fy, O my soul, God born in the flesh k jkz k k‚ k‚ k k‚ k‚ jz kk j k k k d j k k k k k k k k jz j k k j k b ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ jz d a k k k ik k k k k i ofthe Vir- gin. k d k k i i b

Reader: The Wise Men saw a new, uncharted star, following an unexpected course. Its brightness surpassed every star in heaven. It foretold the Messiah’s birth: Christ the King, born on earth in Bethlehem, for our salvation.

Refrain 3:

81 Refrain 3: d z z a j k k jk k k kk‚ k‚ k k‚ k‚ jz k j jk k kk k kk i ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Mag ni-- fy, mag- ni - fy, Omysoul,TheKingborn in thecave! ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ z d k k jkz k k k k k k k jz kk j j k k i b j ‡ ‡ ‡ k k k jz i ‡ ‡

Refrain 4: d z ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ z a j k k jk k k kk k k k k jz k j kj k jkz k k ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Mag ni-- fy, mag- ni - fy, O my soul, God worshipped by k jkz k k‚ k‚ k k‚ k‚ jz kk j j k k d j k k k k k k k k jz j k k jz k b ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ jz d a k k ik k k k k i the Wise Men! k k i d k i i b

Reader: “Where is the newborn Infant-King? We have seen His star,” the Wise Men said. “We have come to worship Him.” Godless Herod trembled with fury. In his raging madness he plotted to kill Christ. Refrain 5: 82 Refrain 5: d z z a j k k jk k k kk‚ k‚ k k‚ k‚ jz k j k k k kk ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Mag ni-- fy, mag- ni - fy, O my soul, the Lord Who revealed Him- k jkz k k‚ k‚ k k‚ k‚ jz kk j k k k d j k k k k k k k k jz j k k k k b ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ jz d ‚ ‚ a k k k k k kk k kk i ‡ ‡ -self totheWiseMen by astar! ‚ k‚ d k k k k k k k i k ‡ ‡ k k i b i Reader: “Where is the newborn Infant-King? We have seen His star,” the Wise Men said. “We have come to worship Him.” Godless Herod trembled with fury. In his raging madness he plotted to kill Christ. Refrain 6: d z ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ z a j k k jk k k kk k k k k jz k j k k k kk ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Mag ni-- fy, mag- ni - fy, O my soul, The Pure Vir- gin Who gave z k‚ k‚ k‚ k‚ jz k j k k d j k k jk k k k k k k k jz k j k k k k b ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ jz d a k k k kjz k k k kk i

birthto Christ the King! Reader: k z d k k jz k i b 83 Reader: Herod inquired when the star appeared which had led the Wise Men to Bethlehem, but after they worshipped Christ with gifts, that same star led them back to their own land, confounding their pursuer: that godless murderer of children.

Refrain 7: d z ‚ a j k k k kk k kk‚ k‚ k k‚ k‚ i j k k jk k k ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Wise men and shepherds came to worship- Christ,borninthecit- y k kz k‚ k k‚ k‚ k k‚ k‚ i j k k k k d j k k k k k k k k i j k k j k k b ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ i d a k k kjz k k k kk i of Beth- le - hem! k k jz k d k jz k i b k jz k i

Reader: Herod inquired when the star appeared which had led the Wise Men to Bethlehem, but after they worshipped Christ with gifts, that same star led them back to their own land, confounding their pursuer: that godless murderer of children. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The Choir then repeats the first refrain with the Katavasia (all on the following page):

84 Katavasia – Ode 9 Romanian Chant d ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ a j k k j k k k k k k i k j j k k k k k j j Mag ni-- fy, mag- ni - fy, O my soul the Most Pure Vir- gin Theo-- to - kos, d z ‚ a j k k k k k‚ k k‚ k k‚ k‚ i k j k k k k k k j j Mag ni-- fy, mag- ni - fy, O my soul the Most Pure Vir- gin Theo-- to - kos, d k k k k i k j j k k j j a j k k j k ‡ ‡ k ‡ ‡ k k k M Mag ni-- fy, mag- ni - fy, O my soul the Most Pure Vir- gin Theo-- to - kos, z d j k k k k k k k k k k i k j k k k k k k j j b ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ i d k k k k k k k k k k j k k k k k j k k ‚ ‚ a k ‡ k k k i d morehon-- 'ra - ble andmore glori - ous than the heaven ly- hosts! a k k j j k k j k k kz k‚ k k k k k k‚ k‚ i morehon-- 'ra - ble andmoreglo- ri - ous than the heaven ly- hosts! d k k j ej k k j k k kz k j k k k ‚ k a ‡ k ‡ i M morehon-- 'ra - ble andmoreglo- ri - ous than the heaven ly- hosts! k d k k j j k k j k kz k k k k k k i b ‡ k k ‡ ‡

d ‚ k‚ j k kz k j k k a k k k k k k kz k‚ k k k ‡ k k k i d I behold a strange most glori - ous mys- te - ry: Hea- ven, the cave; k ‚ ‚ ‚ a k k k j kz k kz k j k kz k j j k k i I behold a strange most glori - ous mys- te - ry: Hea- ven, the cave; d k z k k k j j k k j j k a k k k k k k ‡ k ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ k i M I behold a strange most glori - ous mys- te - ry: Hea- ven, the cave; d k k k z z k j k kz k j j k b k k k k k k ‡ k ‡ k i ‡ 85 d k k kz j a k k k‚ k k k k k j k k k k dk k k k k kz d the Che- ru - bic Throne, the Vir- gin; the manger, a k k k kz k‚ jz k j j j k k dk jz ekz the Che- ru - bic Throne, the Vir- gin; the manger, d iz kz a k k k kz k‚ k k k k j j k k M the Che- ru - bic Throne, the Vir- gin; the manger, z d k k kz k jz k k j j k k k k j k b k ‡ k d ‚ z k k k k k k a k‚ kz k k k j k k k k j k k k the place where Christ lay, the Un- con - tain - a - ble God Whom d z z k a k‚ kz k‚ k k j k j k j k j j k the place where Christ lay, the Un- con - tain - a - ble God Whom d k kz k k k jz k jz k j k k k j k k k k a ‡ ‡ M the place where Christ lay, the Un- con - taink - a - ble God Whom d k kz k k jz k k k k k k k k j jz b ‡ ‡ k d rit. y a k k k k k k k i izz izz d we mag- ni fy- in song! y a k k k k k k k i k k k k j j iz we mag- ni fy- in song, Whomwemagni-fy-insong! d j y a k k k k k k i k k k k j j diz M we mag- ni fy- in song, Whomwemagni-fy-insong! d k k k k k k i iz b k k k k k j j iz t Then immediately the Little Litany, and the Exaposteilarion:

86 The Exaposteilarion Tropar Tone 3

O our Savior, the Dayspring from the East, / Has visited us from on high, / And we, who were in darkness and shadow, / Have found the truth, / For the Lord is born of the Virgin!

The Praises LIC Tone 4

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! / Praise the Lord from the heavens! / Praise Him in the highest! /// To Thee, O God, is due a song!

Praise Him, all you angels of His! / Praise Him, all His hosts! /// To Thee, O God, is due a song!

VERSE: Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His exceeding greatness!

Make glad, O ye righteous! / Greatly rejoice, O heavens! / Dance for joy, O mountains, for Christ is born! / The Virgin has become like the Cherubic throne. / She carries at her bosom God the Word, made flesh. / Shepherds glorify the newborn Child. / Wise Men offer the Master gifts. / Angels praise Him and sing: /// O Lord, past understanding, glory to Thee! VERSE: 87 VERSE: Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp!

It was the good pleasure of the Father: / The Word is made flesh. / The Virgin gives birth to God made man. / A star announces the glad tidings. / Shepherds are amazed, and Wise Men worship, /// And creation is filled with mighty joy!

VERSE: Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe!

Thou hast borne the Savior, O Virgin Theotokos. / Thou hast overthrown Eve’s ancient curse. / Thou becamest the Mother of the Son of God. / The Father is well-pleased in Him. / Thou dost carry at thy bosom God, the Word, made flesh. / We cannot fathom this mystery. / We can only believe, and give glory with thee: /// O Lord, beyond all explanation, glory to Thee!

VERSE: Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

Come, let us sing to the Mother of the Savior! / After childbearing she remained a virgin. / Rejoice, O spiritual City of God the King! / Christ came to dwell in thee! / He has accomplished salvation. / With Gabriel, we sing thy praise. / With the shepherds, we glorify thee. /// O Theotokos, pray to Him Who took flesh from thee to save us!

VERSE: (Glory in the Sixth Tone) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Choir (LIC Tone 6): 88 LIC Tone 6:

When it was time for Thy coming on earth, / The first imperial taxation was held, / But Thou didst also take a census, O Lord, / Recording the names of all men who believed in Thy birth. / Thou didst use the decree of Caesar for Thine own end: / To make manifest Thy timeless and eternal Kingdom! / Therefore we pay Thee our taxes, not with golden coins, / But with the riches of Orthodox Theology, /// O God and Savior of our souls!

VERSE: (Now and ever in the Second Tone) Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

LIC Tone 2:

Today Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem! / Today He Who knows no beginning, begins. / Today the Word is made flesh. / The powers of heaven greatly rejoice. / The earth makes merry with men. / The Wise Men offer gifts; the shepherds announce the wonder, / And without ceasing we cry aloud: / Glory to God in the highest! /// Peace on earth, good will to men!

The Priest exclaims “Glory to Thee, Who hast shone us the light!” and immediately the Choir sings the Great Doxology (on the following page):

89 The Great Doxology Tone 6 (to the melody “Having set all our hope”)

f k k k k k k a k k k k k k k k j k k k k k k k k k dj Glo ry-to God in the highest and on earth peace, good- will tomen. z k k k k k k j j k k k k k j k j b f k k k k k k j j jz k j f a dk j k k k k j j k k k k k k k k dk j j We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glo ri- fy-Thee, z k j k k k j j j k k k k k kj k k j j b f k j k k k k j k k k k k k k k j j f k a k k k k k k k j dk j k k we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory: OLordGod,hea- k k k ji k j k j k k b f k j k j k k f j a k k k k k j j k k k k k -ven - ly King, God the Father Al- migh - ty; O Lord, the on ly-- z k k k k j j j k k k k k b f k k k k k j k k k k k

f 90 f a k k k k k k dk j j k k -be - gotten Son, Jesus Christ; and the Ho ly-Spi- rit. OLord k k k kj j j j k k b f k k k k k k j j

f k k k k k k a k k k k k k k j dk j k k k God, Lamb of God, Son of the Fa- ther, Whotakest- away the sins of k k k ji k j k j k k k bf k j k j k k k f a k k k k k k k j j k k k the world, have mer cy- on us. Thou that takest away the sins of the k k k k k k k j j k k k bf k k k k k j j k k k f a k k k k k dk j j k k k world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest on the right hand of the k k kj j j j k k k bf k k k k k j j

f k k k k j k

f k a k k k k j k j dk k j dk k k k k j j Fa- ther, havemercy on us. For Thou a- lone art holy, ji k j k j k k j k k k k k j j b f k j k j k k j k k k k k j j f a dj k k k k k k k k k j k k k Thou a- lone arttheLord,Je- sus Christ, in the glory of God the j k j k k k j k k k k k k k k b f j k k k k k k k k j k k k

f a k k k dk j j k k j k k k Fa- ther. A- men. Every- day will I bless Thee, and praise Thy name for- kj k k j j k k j k k k bf k k k j j f k a k k k k k k k j dk j k k k k k -ev er-ande- ver. Vouchsafe,- O Lord, to keep us this day k k k ji k k j k j k k k k k bf j k j k k k k k

92 f a k k j k k k k k k dk j j without sin. Bles- sed art Thou, O Lord God of ourfa- thers, k k j k k k kj j j j b f j k k k k k k j j f k k k k k k a k k k k k k k j k j dk k j and praised and glorified is Thy name for e-- ver. A- men. z k k k j k j k j k k j b f k j k k j f a dk k k j j k k k k k j k j Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be up on-us, as we have set our hope in Thee. k k k j j k k k k k j k j f j j k k k k k j k j b k k k a f k k k k k k j j k k k k k Bles- sed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy stat- utes. Blessed- art Thou, O k k k k k k j j k k k k k b f k k k k k f a k k k k k j j k k k Mas- ter, make me to under - stand Thy com- mand - ments. Blessed- art k k k k k j j k k k f k k k k k j j k k k b 93 f k a k k k k k k k j dk j Thou, O Holy One, enlighten me with Thy pre- cepts. OLord, k k k ji k k j k j bf j k j f j a k k k k k k k j j k k Thou hast been our refuge from generation to gen er-a-- tion. Isaid, z k k k k k k j j j k k bf k k k k k k k j k k f k a k k k k k k k k k dk j j "Lord, have mercy on me! Heal my soul, for I have sinned a-gainst Thee!" k k k k k k kj k k j j bf k k k k k k k k k j j

f k k k k k k a k k k k k k k j k j dk k O Lord, I flee unto Thee! Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my z k k k j k j k j k k f k j k k b f a j k k dk k k j dk k k k k k k j God. For with Thee is the fountain of life, and in Thy light we shall see j k k k k k j k k k k k k k j f j k k k k k j k k k k k k k j b 94 f a j k k k k k k dk j j k k k light. Con- tinue Thy mercy unto those whoknow Thee.Holy-God, j k k k kj j j j k k k b f j k k k k k k k j j f k k k k k k k a k k k j k k j dk k j k k k Ho- ly Mighty, Holy Im- mor - tal, have mer cy-on us! Ho- ly God, Ho ly- k k k j k k j k k j k k k b f j k j k k j f k k k k k k k a k k k j k k j dk k j k k k Might- y, Holy Im- mor - tal, have mer cy-on us! Ho- ly God, Holy Might y,- k k k j k k j k k j k k k f k k k j k k j j k k k b k k f k k k k a k k k j k k j dk k j dk k k Ho ly-Im- mor - tal, have mer cy-on us! Glo- ry to the Father, and to the k k k j k k j k k j k k k b f j k j k k j k k k f a k k k j j k k k j dk k Son, and to the Ho ly- Spi- rit, now and ever and unto ages of a- ges. A- k k k j j k k k j k k f k k k j j k k k j k k b 95 f slower k a j j k k k j k k j dk k i k k k k i -men. Holy-Immor-- tal, have mercy onus! Ho- ly God, z j j k k k j k k j k k i j k i b f j j j k j k k i k i f j k k j a jz dk k k j i j k k k k k dk j j k j j j j i di i Ho ly-Migh- ty, Ho ly- Im- mor - tal, havemercy- on us! jz k k jz k i j k k j jk dk j ejj k ij j j j ii i i jz k k k i j k k k k k j j k j j j j i b f k k k k i i

f n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n And immediately the Troparion of Nativity:

Troparion of Nativity Tropar Tone 4

Then immediately the Augmented Litany (Triple Litany, Litiya Melody), the Litany of Fervent Supplication (Kievan Chant, music on the following page), the Prayer at the Bowing of the Heads, and the Great Dismissal (on p. 98).

96 The Litany of Fervent Supplication Kievan Chant

d 1. 2. j 1. a jz k j i jz k k jz k k i j k k i Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Grant this, O Lord. j j k j j j k k d jz k i j k i j i b k j k j j i k k d 2.j j k j j k a i k k i k i k k i j i Grant this, O Lord. To Thee, O Lord. A- men. j j d j k k i k j j i j i b j k k i j j d j j k a k k k j i k i k k i j i And to thy spirit. To Thee, O Lord. A- men. j j j d k k k j i k j i j i b j j i j i

Then immediately the Great Dismissal:

97 Priest: Wisdom! Choir: Father, bless! Priest: He Who Is, Christ our God, is blessed, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Confirm, O God, the holy Orthodox faith and Orthodox Christians, unto ages of ages. Priest: Most holy Theotokos, save us! Choir: More honorable than the cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim: without corruption Thou gavest birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify Thee! Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ, our God and our hope, glory to Thee! Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless. Priest: May He Who was born in a cave and lay in a manger for our salvation, Christ our true God, through the prayers of His most pure Mother; of the holy, glorious, and all-laudable Apostles, of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind. Choir: Amen. ***(2x)***

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

After the Homily, the Royal Doors are closed and the lights in the church are dimmed. The tradition at St. Symeon Orthodox Church is to sing “Silent Night,” a traditional Christmas carol, at this time. The music for this carol can be found on the following page. Glory to God for all things!

98 Silent Night k k‚ z k k‚ a 68 kz k k kz kz k k kz k k kz k k kz kz kz ‡ k ‡ 1. Si- lent night, Ho ly-night! All is calm, all is bright 2. Si- lent night, Ho ly-night! Shep- herds quake at the sight! 3. Si- lent night, Ho ly-night! Son of God loves pure light, k k‚ k k‚ k k‚ ‚ kz 6 k k kz k k kz k k kz k k kz b 8 ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ k k‚ kz k k kz k k o k k‚ kz k k a ‡ kz k k ‡ 'round yon Vir- gin Mo- ther andChild. Ho- ly In- fant so Glo- ries stream from heaven a- far, Heav'n ly- hosts sing ra- diant beams from Thy holy face, with thedawnof re- ‚ ‚ z ‚ k k k k k k k k k k kz k k b ‡ ‡ kz k k k o ‡ k k‚ kz k k kz k k o k k k k kz k o a kz k k ‡ kz k kz tender and mild, Sleep in heaven - ly peace, Al- le - lu - ia; Christ the Sav- ior is born, -deem -ing grace, Je- sus, Lord, at Thy birth, kz k k k k k‚ kz k k kz k b kz k k k o ‡ kz k o kz z o a k k k kz k k kz k ‡ sleep in heaven ly- peace! Christ the Sav- ior is born! Je- sus, Lord,atThy birth. k k‚ kz k k kz k o b kz k k ‡ 99