AT MATINS

**The Anavathmi, the 1st Antiphon of Tone 4.**

**Prokeimenon. Tone 4.**

Glory. Both now. **Theotokion*****.***

**After the 1st reading from the Psalter, Kathisma.

Glory. Both now. **Theotokion*****.***

Tone 5. The Word without beginning.**

Verse *:*  What return may we make to the Lord for that he has given us?

The intermediary of law and grace let us the faithful, gathered together, praise with one accord, because he preached repentance to us and, when he openly and bravely denounced Herod, had his head struck off. And now he lives with the Angels and im­plores Christ that we may be saved.

**Psalm 50, read.**

The astounding wonder of your con­ceiving and the ineffable birth-giving of your womb have been made known in you, pure Ever-Virgin. Your glory, Mother of God, which is unfurled over all for our salvation, amazes my mind and astounds my thought.

After this are sung the Canons; that of the to 6 and the following 2 of the Saint to 8.

**After the 2nd Reading from the Psalter, Kathisma.

Tone 5. The Word without beginning.**

The one who was revealed to us as a Prophet from the womb and who came forth radiantly from a barren woman as a beacon for the inhabited world, the Baptist of Christ, the vic­torious athlete, the Forerunner John, let us praise in songs, for he inter­cedes with the Lord to have mercy on our souls.

**After the Polyeleos, Kathisma.

Tone 8. The Wisdom and Word.**

By God’s decree you shone out from the barren woman, broke open the bonds on your father’s tongue and revealed the Sun that shines with the light of dawn. And in the wilderness you preached the Creator to the peoples, the Lamb that takes away the faults of the world. There­fore too with fervour you rebuked the king and your head was struck off, famous and all-praised John. Intercede with Christ God to grant forgiveness of faults to those who celebrate with love your holy memory.

All-holy Virgin, Mother of God, heal the dread passions of my soul, I beg, and grant me pardon of the faults that I have senselessly committed, defiling soul and body, wretch that I am. Alas! What shall I do in that hour when the Angels separate my soul from my wretched body? Sovereign Lady, be my help then and my ardent protector; for I, your servant, have you as my hope.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Holy One.

**Gospel according to Matthew.

(See Tuesday of the 7th week of Matthew)**

At the prayers of the Forerunner, 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, in accordance with your great mercy; according to the fullness of your compassion blot out my offences.

**Then the Idiomel. Tone 2.**

Herald of repentance, John Baptist, when you head was struck off you hallowed the earth; because you made clear God’s law to the faithful and utterly destroyed lawlessness. As you stand before the throne of Christ the King of heaven, implore him to have mercy on our souls.

**First Canon of the Saint.

A composition of Monk John.