AT VESPERS

Glory. Both now.

**At** Lord, I have cried **we insert 6 Stichera, and we sing Prosomia of the Forefeast.**

Tone 4. As noblest of Martyrs.

Let us sound the cymbals, let us cry out with joy in songs: Christ’s revelation has been made manifest. The proclamations of the Prophets have reached their term, for the one they said would appear in flesh to mortals is being brought to birth in a holy Cave, laid in a manger like a babe and wrapped in swaddling clothes like little child.

With upright mind let us make songs ring out for the Forefeast of Christ’s Nativity. For he that is equal in honour to the Father and the Spirit, having through compassion clothed himself in our matter, is about to be born in the city of Bethlehem. Shepherds with Angels sand the praise of his ineffable birth.

Seeing a Conception beyond explanation and Birth beyond expression, the Virgin was amazed. Rejoicing and yet also weeping she exclaimed, ‘How can I offer my breast the him who nourishes the universe? Or how can I sing your praise as both my Son and my God? By what title can I address you, Lord beyond all naming?’

Prosomia of the Saint. Tone 2. When from the Tree.

When with godlike foresight you went out from the city, you clearly left behind the pleasure of the world; and having heard the sweet melody of psalms, you were flooded with the light of divine knowledge; while having conceived fear in your womb, you gave birth to a divine and saving Spirit for those who journeyed with you.

When you had been made a bride of Christ, with zeal you brought to your servants to him, bearing them as a living gift, imitating your courage, Evgenia, shining out clearly with faith and grace, practising every virtue, as true Martyrs proclaiming to all true religion.

Clearly illumined by the beam of the Spirit, you bring a choir of virgins to Christ, having caught them by your word of wisdom and shown them the course of the path that leads on high, you guided them to shine with the blood of Martyrs. Dancing with them, you have now found a fitting desire: true delight, all-praised Martyr.

See, the moment of our salvation has drawn near. Cave, make ready, the Virgin draws near to give birth. Bethlehem, land of Juda, rejoice and be glad, because from you our Lord has dawned. Listen, mountains and hills and all the country of Judea, for Christ is coming to save humanity that he fashioned, for he loves mankind.