Canon of the forefeast, with 8 troparia, including the irmos; and that of the martyr, with 4 troparia.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone VI: Spec. Mel.: “Hosts of angels…”—
On “God is the Lord…”, the troparion of the forefeast, thrice.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone VIII—
The sayings of the prophets have now been fulfilled, for in the morning our God is born of the Virgin Mary in manner past description, and she remaineth as she was before birthgiving. The magi come together, bearing gifts, and the shepherds pipe, that we also may chant: O Lord Who wast born of the Virgin, glory be to Thee!
Glory…, Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.
Stopping the songs of the shepherds’ pipes, the angelic army lifted up their voice, saying with them: “Cease your piping, O ye who are foremost among those who tend the flocks, and cry aloud in song, for Christ the Lord hath been born, Who, as God, hath been well-pleased to save the human race!”
Glory…, Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.