AT MATINS

Song of ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV.

After the first chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast revealed Thyself…”—

With many tribulations ye traveled the path of this life and, having attained the goal of noetic desire, ye have made your abode in the bridal-chamber of divine glory; and, rejoicing now with the King and God of all, pray ye, that we who honor your council may also come to share in your gladness, O most blessed fathers.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Both canons from the Octoechos; and that of the venerable one, with 4 troparia, in Tone VIII—

After the second chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone III—

O joyous one, by thy supplications do thou mediate, entreating a multitude of compassions for our souls and the washing away of transgressions for all who hymn thee as the pure Virgin Mother.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

On “God is the Lord…”, the troparion of the venerable fathers, twice; Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion.

After the Polyeleos, this sessional hymn, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “Of the Wisdom…”—

Having heard of the wedding of the Lamb in the bridal-chamber of heaven, when the invitation of the King Most High was issued unto all ye forsook all passionate attachment to the world, O God-bearing fathers; and having washed your garments in the streams of your tears, ye entered, purified, unto the banquet of Christ God. Yet before the gates of the entry thereof are shut, pray ye, that, entering with repentance, we may partake thereof with you.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Canon of Supplication to the Theotokos [the Paraclysis], with 6 troparia, including the irmos; and that of the venerable fathers, with 8 troparia, in Tone VIII—

As we gaze continually upon the wedding-chamber adorned with everlasting glory, it is our desire to enter into it together; but lacking the needful garments, we are filled with shame, lest we be bound by the angels and cast out. O Virgin Mary who art the vesture of boldness for the naked, adorn us and lead us into the kingdom of Christ.

Polyeleos, and this magnification—

We magnify you, O our venerable fathers of the Caves, and we honor your holy memory, for ye entreat Christ God in our behalf.

Selected Psalm verses—

A Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for the upright. [Ps. 32: 1]

B They that sow with tears shall reap with rejoicing. [Ps. 125: 5]

A The saints shall boast in glory, and they shall rejoice upon their beds. [Ps. 149: 5]

B Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and glory, all ye that are upright of heart. [Ps. 31: 11]

Glory…, Now & ever…

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God! Thrice

Following the call of your Lord, and taking the Cross as a staff in your hands, ye were undaunted by the fear which confronted you in darkness, but with hope passed over to the untroubled haven; and having found the reward of your struggles, ye rejoice in light unapproachable. Wherefore, we honor you, O most blessed fathers, in that ye ever beseech Christ God, that He grant remission of offenses unto those who with love celebrate your holy memory.

Having thee, O Virgin Bride of God, the only blessed one among women, as the boast and adornment of virgins, an invincible aid amid battles, the confirmation of the weak, and speedy visitation for those in grief, we fall down today in thine all-honored temple, and offer thee our entreaties, that thou mayest beseech Christ God to grant remission of offenses unto us who piously worship thine all-holy Offspring.

Prokimenon, in Tone IV—

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me?

Let every breath praise the Lord.

Gospel according to Matthew, § 43

[Mt. 11: 27-30]

The Lord said to His disciples: “All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VIII—

O our most blessed fathers, who stand before the throne of the three-Sunned Godhead, shining richly with unapproachable radiance, from sufferings and misfortunes free us who today stand with love on earth and hymn your assembly with voices of praise, in that ye are the sure mediators and advocates before God for our souls.