Canon of the forefeast, with 6 troparia, including the irmos; and those of the saints, with 4 troparia each.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Joseph marvelled…”—
Before thy conception thou wast dedicated to God, O pure one, and, having been born on earth, thou hast now been brought to Him, fulfilling thy parents’ vow; and given over with radiant lamps in the temple of God, as a divine temple pure from thine infancy, thou wast shown to be the receptacle of the unapproachable and divine Light. Truly great is thine arrival, O only Bride of God and Ever-virgin!
On “God is the Lord…”, the troparion of the forefeast, twice; Glory…, of the saints; Now & ever…: of the forefeast.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in the same tone & melody—
Glory…, Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.
The temple of God, the greatly honored chamber, with gladness cometh forth with radiant lamps to the temple of God to take up her abode therein. Zachariah rejoiceth in her, clearly perceiving the revelation of the sacred prophets fulfilled; and he is glad and hymneth the forefeast with song: Joy precedeth thine entry, O Maiden, Virgin and Mother!
Glory…, Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.