AT MATINS

After the 1st reading from the Psalter, Kathisma.

Tone 1. Model Melody.

Glory. Both now. The same again.

Let the angelic choir be amazed at the wonder, and let us mortals with our voices shout aloud a hymn of praise, as we see the ineffable condescension of God; for the One at whom the powers of heaven tremble aged hands now cradle, the only Lover of mankind.

After the 2nd reading from the Psalter, Kathisma.

Tone 1. Same melody.

Glory. Both now. The same again.

He who is with the Father on a holy throne, coming to earth, was born from a Virgin; and he who is uncircumscribed by time became a babe. Symeon received him in his arms and said with joy, ‘Now you release me, O Compassionate, for you have made your servant glad.’

The Selection for the Polyeleos

A good word. Alleluia.

After the Polyeleos. Kathisma.

My heart has uttered a good word.

Glory. Both now. The same again.

I tell my works to the king.

The 1st Antiphon of the Anavathmi in the 4th Tone.

My tongue is the pen of a swiftly writing scribe.

From my youth up many passions make war on me; but you, O Saviour, help me and save me. ( x2 )

You are fair in beauty beyond the sons of men.

You who hate Sion, may you be put to shame by the Lord; for you will be dried up as grass by fire. ( x2 )

Grace has been poured out on your lips.

Prokeimenon. Tone 4.

Therefore God has blessed you for ever.

Verse: My heart has uttered a good Word. I tell my works to the King.

Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one.

Then, Let everything that has breath.

In your beauty and  loveliness.

Gospel according to Luke .

And draw your sword, go forward and reign.

Psalm 50.

For the sake of truth and meekness and justice.

Then the following Idiomel.

Your arrows have been sharpened, O mighty one.

Peoples will fall beneath you.

In the heart of the king’s enemies.

Your throne, O God, is to age on age.

A staff of uprightness is the staff of your kingdom.

You have loved justice and hated iniquity.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with oil of gladness beyond your fellows.

Myrrh and sweet oil and cassia from your garments.

From ivory palaces, from which they have gladdened you.

Daughters of kings in your honour.

The queen stood at your right hand.

Robed in a garment of gold, in many colours.

Listen, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear, and forget your people and your father’s house.

And the king will desire your beauty.

Because he is your Lord, and you will worship him.

The wealthy of the people will entreat your face.

All the glory of the king’s daughter is within.

Robed in garments fringed with gold, in many colours.

The Lord is in his holy temple. The Lord, his throne is in heaven.

Holiness and majesty in your hallowing.

Your paths, O God, have been seen.

The paths of my God, the King who is in the holy place.

Holy your temple, wonderful in righteousness.

Holiness becomes your house, O Lord, for length of days.

I will remember your name in every generation and generation.

Thus I will sing to your name to the ages, that it is good in the sight of your holy ones.

Tone 4. Joseph was amazed.

The Ancient of Days becomes an infant for my sake. God, who is most pure, shares in purifications that he may confirm my flesh, which he took from a Virgin. And Symeon, initiated into the mystery, acknowledged him as God who had appeared in flesh and greeted him as Life. As an old man with joy he cried, ‘Release me, for I have seen you, the Life of all.’

By the Holy Spirit every soul is given life, by cleansing it is exalted, it is made bright by the threefold Unity in a sacred mystery.

By the Holy Spirit every soul is given life, by cleansing it is exalted, it is made bright by the threefold Unity in a sacred mystery.

I will remember your name throughout all generations.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of my transgressions.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of my transgressions

** Verse: ** Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy. According to the fullness of your compassion blot out my offences.

Tone 6. By Monk John.

Let heaven’s gate be opened today. For he who is without beginning, the Word of the Father, taking a beginning in time, yet not abandoning his godhead, is being willingly brought into the temple of the law as a babe of forty days by a Virgin Mother, and the Elder receives him in his arms. The servant cries to the Master, ‘Release me, for my eyes have seen your salvation’. You have come into the world to save the human race. Lord, glory to you!