At the Aposticha, Prosomia.

Glory. Both now.

Tone 2. O house of Ephratha.

Glory. Both now.

The sayings of all the Prophets are fulfilled; for Christ is born in the city of Bethlehem from the pure Child of God.

God will come from Theman; and the Holy One from a shady wooded mountain.

Glory of those born of earth, their boast and fame, honoured Bethlehem, divine metropolis, receive your Creator.

Lord, I heard your report and was afraid; Lord I considered your works and was amazed.

The Word of the Father, through whom the universe came to be, without suffering and without change appears as one substance from two natures.

**Same melody.**

City of Bethlehem, make ready the Cave, the Manger, the swaddling clothes for the Creator; for he is at hand to be brought to birth in you.

Apolytikion of the Forefeast. Tone 4.

Bethlehem prepare; Eden is opened for all. Make ready Ephratha, because the tree of life has flowered in the Cave from the Virgin. For her womb has been revealed as the spiritual Paradise in which is the plant of life; eating from it we shall live; we shall not die as Adam. Christ is born to raise up his image which had fallen.

Apolytikion of the Saint. Tone 4.

O Jesu, your lamb cries aloud: O my Bridegroom, I long for you; and seeking you I struggle, and I am crucified and buried with you in your baptism; and I suffer for your sake, that I may reign with you; and I die for you, that I may live in you; but as a spotless victim now accept one who with longing is slain for you. Through her prayers, as you are merciful, save our souls!

Bethlehem prepare; Eden is opened for all. Make ready Ephratha, because the tree of life has flowered in the Cave from the Virgin. For her womb has been revealed as the spiritual Paradise in which is the plant of life; eating from it we shall live; we shall not die as Adam. Christ is born to raise up his image which had fallen.

Tone 2. O house of Ephratha.

The Star shines out already in the Cave; you Shepherds with Angels, you Magi with gifts, get ready to arrive.

God will come from Theman; and the Holy One from a shady, wooded mountain.

That he may fulfil the sayings of the Prophets, the Lord is born in Bethlehem and opens Eden to Adam’s posterity.

Lord, I heard your report and was afraid; Lord I considered your works and was amazed.

Anoint with myrrh the holy Manger, Bethlehem; for in you the Master unfurls the beams of his Godhead.

**The same melody.**

Come, let us who are born of earth ceaselessly hymn with one voice the Virgin, Mary, Mother of God, from Christ is brought to birth.

The rest of the Office of Matins as usual and Dismissal.