AT MATINS

After the first chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: “Thy tomb, O Savior…” —

The spiritual choir of the apostles hath been mystically sent into the world by God Most High; and they have been shown forth as physicians for the suffering. And calling upon the Unity in three Hypostases, they have wisely described the divine incarnation of the Lord Emmanuel. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: theotokion —

At “God is the Lord…”, the troparion of the apostles, twice; Glory…, Now & ever…: ­theotokion.

After the second chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone III: Spec. Mel.: “Of the divine Faith…” —

O Virgin, we hymn thee, the unburnt bush which Moses saw, the mountain of God, the holy cloud, the undefiled tabernacle, the God-pleasing table, the palace of the King Most High, the most splendid and impassable gate.

Glory…, Now & ever…: theotokion —

O divine clarions of the Comforter declaring the inspiration of the words of salvation, make ye proclamation to the world. O apostles of the divine Light, rousing those who sleep in the darkness of deception, lead them to the light of divine knowledge, entreating Christ God, that our souls be saved. Twice

Without separating Himself from the divine Essence when taking flesh in thy womb, the one Lord remained God while becoming man, and even after thy birthgiving He preserved thee, the Virgin Mother, most immaculate, as thou wast before giving birth. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that He grant us great mercy.