At the Aposticha, Idiomels.

Glory. Both Now.

Tone 1. By Anatolios.

You peoples, let us celebrate the Eve of Christ’s Nativity; and raising our minds on high let us go up in spirit to Bethlehem; and with the eyes of the soul let us look on the Virgin as she hastens to give birth in a Cave to our God, the Lord of all things. Joseph, when he looked on the greatness of his wonders, thought that what he saw was a mortal, wrapped in swaddling clothes as a babe; but from all that came to pass he understood that it was the true God, who grants our souls his great mercy.

God will come from Theman, and the Holy One from a shaded, wooded mountain. ****

Same Tone. Also by Anatolios.

You peoples, let us celebrate the Eve of Christ’s Nativity; and raising our minds on high let us go up in spirit to Bethlehem; and look on the great mystery in a Cave; for Eden has been opened as God comes forth from a pure Virgin, perfect in his divinity as in his humanity. Therefore let us cry: Holy God, Father without beginning, Holy Strong, incarnate Son, Holy Immortal, Comforter Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to you!

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

Same Tone. Also by Anatolios.

Hear, O heaven, and give ear, O earth; for see, the Son and Word of God the Father comes forth to be born of a maiden who has not known man, by the good pleasure of him who begat him impassibly and by the co-operation of the Holy Spirit. Bethlehem, prepare; Eden, open your gate, for he who is becomes what he was not, and the Fashioner of all creation is fashioned, he who grants the world his great mercy.

Cave prepare, for the Ewe Lamb comes bearing Christ in her womb; Manger receive him who with a word has loosed us born of earth from irrational action. Shepherds abiding in the fields, bear witness to a fearful wonder; Magi from Persia, offer the King gold, frankincense and myrrh; for the Lord has appeared from a Virgin mother. Bending over him like a slave, his Mother worshipped him and addressed him as he lay in her arms: How were you sown in me? How have you grown in me, my Redeemer and my God?

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Joseph was amazed.

Mary once, with aged Joseph, went to be enrolled in Bethlehem, for they were of David’s line; and she bore in her womb the fruit unsown. The time of the birth was at hand and there was no room at the inn; but the Cave proved a fair palace for the Queen. Christ is born, that he may raise up again his image that of old had fallen.

Three times, and Dismissal.