AT VESPERS

Lord, I have cried, **we insert 6 Stichera and sing Prosomia, doubling them.**

**Theotokion.**

Tone 4. As noblest of Martyrs.

Revealed as a brightly shining attendant of the three-sunned Godhead, Michael, Chief Captain of the Powers on high, you cry aloud with joy, ‘Holy are you, O Father, Holy, O Son like him without beginning, Holy also, O Holy Spirit; one glory, one kingship, one nature, one Godhead and power’.

Your form is of fire and your beauty wondrous, Michael, first of the Angels, for with your immaterial nature you pass through the ends of the earth fulfilling the commands of the Maker of all things, acknowledged as powerful in your strength and making your church, honoured with your name, a source of healings.

As it is written, Lord, you make your Angels spirits and those who minister to you a fiery flame. You have revealed Michael the Chief Captain to be the leader among the ranks of Archangels, as he obeys your wishes, O Word, and with fear raises the Thrice-holy Hymn of praise to your glory.

**Tone 6. By Vyzantios.**

Rejoice with us, all you leaders of the Angels, for your commander and our champion, the great Chief Captain, hallows this present day as he appears in his holy place. Therefore as is fitting we sing his praises as we cry out, ‘Shelter us in the shelter of your wings, great Archangel Michael’.

Rejoice with us, all you choirs of Virgins, for our defence and intercessor, protection and great refuge by her revered and godlike concern brings comfort on this present day to the afflicted. Therefore as is fitting we sing her praises as we cry out, ‘Shelter us by your godlike protection, all-pure Lady, Mother of God’.