AT MATINS

Conceived in iniquities, [1] I, the wastrel, dare not raise my gaze to the height of heaven, [2] but confident in your love for humankind I cry: O God be merciful to me and save me.

After the 1st Reading from the Psalter, Kathismata.

If the just can scarcely be saved, [3] how shall I the sinner appear? I have not borne the burden and heat of the day; number me with those of the eleventh hour, O God, and save me. [4]

Kathismata of Compunction. Tone 1.

Come, believers, having gained Mary the Mother of God as an unbreachable wall, let us fall down before her, for she has freedom to speak with the One who was born from her, to intercede and to save our souls from wrath and death.

Verse: Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; nor chastise me in your wrath.

The soldiers watching.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Hasten to open to me your fatherly embrace; like the Wastrel I have squandered my whole life, turning from your pity, O Saviour, to wealth which cannot be spent; do not now despise my beggared heart; for to you, Lord, with compunction I cry, ‘I have sinned against you, save me!’ [5]

After the 2nd reading other Kathismata.

The judgment seat is fearful and the judgment just; my deeds are dreadful, but, O Merciful, speedily save me and rescue me from punishment; deliver me, Master, from the portion of the goats, to stand me on your right hand, Judge most just. [6]

Verse: Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; nor chastise me in your wrath.

Same melody.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Put away, my soul, the sleep of sloth and light the bright lamp of repentance, and now go out, bidding farewell to the confusion of life, to meet the immortal Bridegroom, saying, ‘Accept and do not reject me, O Word, at the supplications of the one who gave you birth’. [7]

After the 3rd Reading, Other Kathismata.

The soldiers watching.

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

John, who of old baptized in Jordan’s streams the Purification of all the world, draw me out, who am drowned by many offences, and wash me clean of every kind of stain, as you ever entreat the Lover of humankind as an acceptable intercessor.

Of the Martyrs.

When the stone had been sealed.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

As good soldiers, believing with one accord, not trembling before the threats of tyrants, you fervently drew near to Christ, O Saints, having taken up the precious Cross, and having finished your course, [8] you received victory from heaven. Glory to him who gave you strength; glory to him who crowned you; glory to him who through you grants healings to all.

The soldiers watching.

John, leaping in his mother’s womb, by grace recognised God being carried in your womb, pure Virgin, and faithfully worshipped. [9] But I implore you, O Virgin, with the Forerunner, entreat the Word, to whom you gave a body, that your servant may be saved.