At Matins

Glory..., Now and ever..., Theotokion—

After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sessional hymn, in Tone V: Spec. Mel: “The Word Who is co-unoriginate...”—

Elizabeth hath been freed from barrenness; and the Virgin hath remained a virgin, even when she conceived in her womb at the cry of Gabriel. Yet John the Forerunner leapeth up in his mother’s womb, recognizing his God and Master beforehand, Who had become incarnate for our salvation within the Virgin’s womb. Twice

Both canons from the Octoechos, without the martyria; and the canon of the Forerunner, with six troparia, the composition of John of Damascus, in Tone VI—

Glory..., Now and ever..., Theotokion—

After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sessional hymn, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel: “Go thou quickly before...”—

Rejoice, O holy and divinely trodden mountain! Rejoice, animate and unburnt bush! Rejoice, thou only bridge from the world to God, leading mortals to life eternal! Rejoice, unblemished maiden who, without man, gavest birth unto the Salvation of our souls!

The dove that loveth the wilderness, the sacred Forerunner, who preached repentance and showed Christ to have become man, the intercessor for all sinners, hath been born, ever helping all who are tempest-tossed. By his supplications, O Christ, save Thou Thy world.

O thou who alone gavest birth to the Creator of all, who alone hast adorned mankind: by thy birthgiving, O all-pure one, deliver me from the snares of false Belial; set me upon the rock of Christ’s will, earnestly entreating Him to Whom thou gavest flesh.