At Matins

After the first chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: “When the stone had been sealed…”—

Creation hath illumined itself, for, in His ineffable mercy, the Creator cometh forth to be born in the cave. Ye shepherds, come together with haste, beholding the awesome wonder. Come, ye magi bearing gifts in your arms, and saying: Glory to the new-born King! Glory to Him Who hath led us on our journey! We worship Him in the flesh as the King of all!

After the second chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone VI: Spec. Mel.: “Hope of the world…”—

Glory…, Now & ever…, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Go thou quickly before…”—

All creation rejoiceth today in godly manner; for Christ the Lord, the Son of God, is born of the pure Virgin, rendering the whole race of man immortal, and annulling the curse of our first mother Eve. Wherefore, we offer hymnody unto our Benefactor.

Of old, the kings brought gold, myrrh and frankincense from Persia to the new-born King and God; and now, celebrating with divine honor and wisdom the forefeast of His nativity with all our soul, we offer Him hope, faith and love, hymning the Virgin.

Glory…, Now & ever…, in Tone III: Spec. Mel.: “Today the Virgin…”—

Hymning the Virgin who giveth birth to the preëternal Word, the righteous Joseph cried out: “I perceive thee to be the temple of the Lord, who bearest Him Who is come to save all men and Who, in His loving-kindness, shall show forth as temples of God those who chant hymns unto Him!”

Two canons: that of the forefeast, with 8 troparia, and that of the great-martyr, with 6 troparia.