AT MATINS

After the 1st reading from the Psalter Kathismata of Compunction.

Glory. Both now.

**Theotokion.

Tone 5.

After the 2nd Reading, others.

**Theotokion. Same melody.**

When the judge takes his seat and the Angels stand round, the trumpet sounds and the flame burns, what will you do, my soul, as you are brought to judgement? For then your dread deeds are present, your hidden crimes examined; and so before the end cry out: O God have mercy on me and save me!

Glory. Both now.

**Theotokion.**

O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, or chastise me in your wrath.

Glory. Both now.

My soul, what is here is temporary, what is there eternal; I see the court and the Judge upon his throne, and I tremble at the sentence; then turn back with speed: the judgement is unrelenting.

Let us believers.**

Root which budded with the divine flower, Ark and Lampstand and all-golden Jar, holy Table, which carries Christ the bread of life, with the holy Forerunner, implore him as your Son and God to take pity and to save those who confess you to be Mother of God.

Lament your sloth, my soul, will to turn back moreover before the end, withdraw from life’s hubbubs, stick fast to the good God; and he will save, for he loves mankind.

O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, or chastise me in your wrath. ****

Let us believers.

We have all sinned, let us listen to the voice of the Lord, the chief shepherd; for our sake he appeared on earth in flesh, calling to repentance sinners of my kind: Take courage and do not flinch; for the toil is slight, but the reward is sweet.

The amazing wonder of your conceiving and the inexpressible manner of the child-bearing were truly known in you, O Ever-Virgin; your glory, Mother of God, astounds my mind and amazes my thought as it is unfurled for all for the salvation of our souls.

After the 3rd Reading, others. Same melody.

Elizabeth has been freed from sterility, while the Virgin, remained once more a Virgin, when at Gabriel’s voice she conceived in the womb. But the Forerunner John leaps in the womb having recognised the one in the virgin womb to be God and Master, incarnate for our salvation.

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

Of the Martyrs.

The Powers of heaven wondered greatly at the achievements of the holy Martyrs, because struggling nobly in a mortal body, by the power of the Cross they invisibly conquered the bodiless foe; and they intercede with the Lord to have mercy on our souls.

All-holy Mother of God, the wall of Christians, hasten to deliver your people, who as always cry to you insistently: Be arrayed in battle against base and boastful thoughts, that we may cry to you: Hail Ever-Virgin!