AT MATINS

The Anavathmi, the 1st Antiphon in Tone 4.

Prokeimenon. Tone 4.

Glory. **Same melody.**

After the 1st Reading from the Psalter, Kathisma.

Both now. **Theotokion.**

Then the Canons; that of the earthquake with the Irmi to 6; those of the Saint to 8.

Tone 4. Speedily anticipate.

**Theotokion.**

Your memory, glorious Martyr Demetrios, has today made Christ’s Church radiant, and gathered all together to praise you fittingly in songs, O God-inspired, as a true soldier and destroyer of foes. And so by your intercessions deliver us from temptations.

**Theotokion.**

Martyr Demetrios, pride of the contest, having put on Christ, you defeated in war the enemy without strength. For having destroyed the error of the lawless, you have become a trainer of true religion for those with faith. And so we reverently keep the festival of your memory.

Hope that cannot be put to shame of those who trust in you, who alone beyond nature bore in the flesh Christ our God, with the Holy Apostles entreat him to give the inhabited world pardon and peace, and to us all before the end amendment of life.

After the 2nd Reading from the Psalter, Kathisma.

Tone 5. Let us believers praise.

With unwavering faith Christ’s Champion bravely cast down the insolence of tyrants, like an athlete he threw the evil one, and as the reward of his torments he received the gift of wonders from the judge of the contest, the only God; with whom he also intercedes to have mercy on us.

**The same.**

Hail gate of the Lord, though which none may pass; hail wall and protection of those who flee to you; hail haven without storms, and who did not know wedlock, who bore in the flesh your Maker and God, do not cease to intercede for those who praise and worship your Offspring.

After the Polyeleos, Kathisma.

Tone 3. Awed by the beauty.

We implore you faithfully Demetrios, most compassionate Martyr of the Lord, to deliver us from dangers of every kind that assail us; heal the wounds of our souls and bodies; tame the proud ragings of our foes, O Saint; give peace to our life, that we may ever glorify you.

**The same.**

Blessed of God, Mother without bridegroom, heal my sick soul, for I am held fast by many faults, O Mother of God. Therefore I cry to you with groaning of my heart: Accept me who have greatly sinned, O All-immaculate, that with boldness I may cry to you: Hail, Full of grace.

God is wonderful in his Saints, the God of Israel.

For his saints who are on earth the Lord has worked wonders.

Let everything that has breath.

**Gospel. Psalm 50.**

At the prayers of the Champion O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of my transgressions.

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

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy; according to the fulness of your compassion blot out my offences. ****

And the Idiomel. Tone 2.

Christ God took your blameless spirit to tabernacles beyond the world, wise martyr Demetrios,; for you became a champion of the Trinity, competing bravely like adamant in the stadium. Pierced in your immaculate side by a lance, imitating the one who was stretched upon a tree for the salvation of all the world, you received the power of wonders, granting healings to mortals ungrudgingly. And so today, as we celebrate your falling asleep, we fittingly glorify the Lord who glorified you.

First Canon of the Saint, of which the Acrostic is:

I address triumphant Demetrios. ****

By Theophanes.

Ode 1. Tone 4. Through the Red Sea’s deep.

Bound with the godly crown of martyrdom, you dance before God, blazing with the lighting that flashes from him and filled with enlightenment, revered Martyr Demetrios.

As Martyr for the truth and one who bravely struggled to shedding of blood and displayed an flinching stand in face of struggles, the Master accepted you.

Down to the ground you broke the inventor of wickedness, Demetrios, destroying him by your martyr’s lance of godlike goodness, strengthened for this by the powers beyond discernment.

As God he was before without mother; as one like us he became without father from you, all-praised Mother of God, taking flesh in the union which is beyond reason and understanding.

I will open my mouth. ****