service files weekday_vespers1.md

WEEKDAY VESPERS TONE 2

At Lord, I have cried, Prosomia of the Lord.

ON SUNDAY EVENING

Tone 2. When from the Tree.

Give me the thought of repentance, give too the desire for compunction to my lowly soul; rouse me from the sleep of dread hardness, drive away the darkness of sloth, and banish the fog of despair, that I, poor wretch, may raise my head and cling to you, O Word, and walk in your wishes.

Others, of the Bodiless Powers. Same melody.

O Christ, alone easy to be entreated, com­passionate Word, alone supremely good and alone forbearing, I fall before you, I fervently implore you; in sup­plication I cry to you, ‘I have sinned, save, save me, the Prodigal, [1] in your compassion, that with thanksgiving I may cry: Lord, give me pardon, and I shall walk in your goodness’.

All that I have sinned against you, my God,  in words and deeds and in desires, all I confess, now I tell you all; for I have passed through the day and the whole time, but reached the night, full of wickedness; therefore I fall before you as I cry, ‘My Master, Master and Saviour, I have sinned, pardon and save me’.

Come, let us praise in spiritual songs the princes of the Angels, for, as leaders of all the Bodiless choirs, they are both called Chief Captains and Archangels; for Gabriel is ruler of grace, [2] and the prince of Archangels, Michael, is recognized as com­mander of law and those before Moses. [3]

Hail, beacon of the Bodiless Powers, hail, Chief Captain of the immaterial choir, initiate and chief messenger of the ineffable mysteries of God, all-blessed Michael, eye-witness of things on high. We entreat you to rescue from all difficulties and dangers those who have recourse to you. For we all present you to the Lord as our kindly defender.

Hail, Captain of the Angels, initiate of ineffable mysteries and minister of God; exalted prince of the Bodiless Choirs, most glorious Gabriel; for you appeared as servant of dread mysteries of the secret, mystical counsel; for you came down to announce to us beforehand for our salva­tion the supreme condescension of God towards humankind.