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The Midnight Prayer
The First Watch

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit , one God. Amen.

Kyrie eleison, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless us. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Make us, O Lord, worthy to say with all thanksgiving:

Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, through Christ Jesus our Lord. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Let us give thanks unto the Beneficent and Merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. For He has shielded us, rescued us, kept us, accepted us unto Him, had compassion on us, supported us, and brought us unto this hour. Let us ask Him also, to keep us this holy day and all the days of our life in all peace, the Almighty Lord our God. O Master, Lord, God Almighty, Father of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ; we thank Thee upon every condition, for any condition, and in whatever condition. For Thou hast shielded us, rescued us, kept us, accepted us unto Thee, had compassion on us, supported us and brought us unto this hour. Therefore we ask and entreat Thy goodness, O Lover-of-man, grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life in all peace with Thy fear. All envy, all temptation, all the influence of Satan, the intrigue of wicked people, the rising up of enemies, hidden and manifest, take away from us, and from all Thy people, and from this, Thy holy place. But as for those things which are good and useful provide us with them. For Thou art the One who gave us the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and every power of the enemy. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, through the grace, compassion and love of man, of Thine only begotten Son, our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Through whom glory, honor, dominion, and worship befit Thee with Him and the Holy Spirit, the lifegiver who is of one essence with Thee, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

PSALM 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassion blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightiest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar. Alleluia.

Rise up, ye sons of light, and let us sing to the Lord of Hosts, that He may grant us salvation of our souls. As we stand bodily in Thy presence, remove from our minds the sleep of neglect. Give us, O Lord, watchfulness to know how to stand in Thy presence at the time of prayer, and send up to Thee befitting glorification that we might obtain the forgiveness of our many sins.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

Psalm 133

Behold now, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. In the nights lift up your hands unto the holies, and bless the Lord. The Lord bless thee out of Sion, He that made heaven and the earth. Alleluia.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

Let my supplication draw nigh before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle given me understanding. Let my petition come before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle deliver me. My lips shall pour forth a hymn when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of Thy sayings, for all Thy commandments are righteousness. Let Thy hand be for saving me, for Thy commandments have I loved. I have longed for Thy salvation, O Lord, and Thy law is my meditation. My soul shall live and shall praise Thee, and Thy judgments will help me. I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; O seek Thy servant, for I have not forgotten Thy commandments. Glory be to the Father and to The Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, from henceforth and forevermore. Amen. Glory to Thee, O good lover of mankind. Hail to Thy mother the Virgin and all Thy Saints. Glory be to Thee, O Holy Trinity; have mercy on us. Let God arise; and His enemies be scattered. Let all those who hate His Holy name flee from before His face. But Thy people, through the blessing a thousand thousands and ten thousands ten thousands performing Thy will. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will sing Thy praise. Amen. Alleluia.

THE FIRST WATCH

The service of the First Watch of the Midnight prayer I offer unto Christ my king and my God, beseeching Him to forgive my sins.

Psalm 3

O Lord, why are they multiplied that afflict me? Many rise up against me. Many say unto my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. But Thou, O Lord, art my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord, save me, O my God, for Thou hast smitten all who without cause are mine enemies; the teeth of sinners hast Thou broken. Salvation is of the Lord, and Thy blessings is upon Thy people. Alleluia.

Psalm 6

O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled, and my soul is troubled greatly; but Thou, O Lord, how long? Turn to me again, O Lord, deliver my soul; save me for Thy mercy's sake. For in death there is none that is mindful of Thee, and in Hades who will confess Thee? I have laboured in my groaning; every night I will wash my bed, with tears will I water my couch. Through wrath is mine eye become troubled, I have grown old among all mine enemies. Depart from me all ye that work vanity, for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication, the Lord has received my prayer. Let all mine enemies be greatly put to shame and be troubled, let them be turned back, and speedily be greatly put to shame. Alleluia.

Psalm 12

How long, O Lord, will Thou turn Thy face away from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul having sorrows in my heart daily? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Look upon me, hear me, O Lord my God: enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep unto death. Lest at anytime my enemy says: I have prevailed against him. They that afflict me will rejoice if I am shaken. But as for me, I have hoped in Thy mercy. My heart will rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, Who is my benefactor, and I will chant unto the name of the Lord Most High. Alleluia.

Psalm 69

O God, be attentive unto helping me; O Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be shamed and confounded that seek after my soul. Let them be turned back and brought to shame that desire evils against me. Let them be turned back straightway in shame that say unto me: Well done. Well done. Let them be glad and rejoice in Thee all that seek after Thee, O God, and let them that love Thy salvation say continually: The Lord be magnified. But as for me, I am poor and needy; O God, come unto my aid. My helper and my deliverer art Thou, O Lord; make no long tarrying. Alleluia.

Psalm 85

Bow down Thine ear, O Lord, and hear me, for poor and needy am I. Preserve my soul, for I am holy; save Thy servant, O my God, that hopes in Thee. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for unto Thee will I cry all the day long; make glad the soul of Thy servant, for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul. For Thou, O Lord, art good and gentle, and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee. Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer, and attend unto the voice of my supplication. In the day of my affliction have I cried unto Thee, for Thou hast heard me. There is none like Thee among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like Thy works. All the nations whom Thou hast made shall come and shall worship before Thee, O Lord, and shall glorify Thy name. For Thou art great and workest wonders; Thou alone art God. Guide me, O Lord, in Thy way, and I will walk in Thy truth; let my heart rejoice that I may fear Thy name. I will confess Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Thy name forever. For great is Thy mercy upon me, and Thou hast delivered my soul from the nethermost Hades. O God, transgressors have risen up against me, and the assembly of the mighty has sought after my soul, and they have not set Thee before them. But Thou, O Lord my God, art compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy, and true. Look upon me and have mercy upon me; give Thy strength unto Thy servant, and save the son of Thy handmaiden. Work in me a sign unto good, and let them that hate me behold and be put to shame; for Thou, O Lord, hast helped me and comforted me. Alleluia.

Psalm 90

He that dwells in the help of the Most High shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven. He shall say unto the Lord: Thou art my helper and my refuge. He is my God, and I will hope in Him. For He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunters and from every troubling word. With His shoulders will He overshadow you, and under His wings shall you trust. With a shield will His truth encompass you; you shall not be afraid of terror by night, nor for the arrow flying by day. Nor for the thing that walks in darkness, nor for the mishap and demon of noonday. A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but unto you shall it not come nigh. Only with your eyes shall you observe and you shall see the reward of sinners. For Thou, O Lord, art my hope. Thou hast made the Most High thy refuge; no evils shall come near you, and no scourge shall draw near to your dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. On their hands shall they bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone. Upon the asp and basilisk shall you tread, and you shall trample upon the lion and dragon. For he has hoped in Me, and I will deliver him; I will shelter him because he has known My name. He shall cry unto Me, and I will hear him. I am with him in affliction, and I will rescue him and glorify him. With length of days will I satisfy him, and I will show him My salvation. Alleluia.

Psalm 116

O praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise Him, all ye peoples. For He has made His mercy to prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord abides forever. Alleluia.

Psalm 117

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel now say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Let the house of Aaron now say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Let all that fear the Lord now say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.Out of my affliction I called upon the Lord, and He heard me and brought me into a broad place. The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me. The Lord is my helper, and I shall look down upon my enemies. It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to hope in the Lord than to hope in princes. All the nations compassed me round about, and by the name of the Lord I warded them off. Surrounding me they compassed me, and by the name of the Lord I warded them off. They compassed me about like bees around a honeycomb, and they burst into flame like a fire among the thorns, and by the name of the Lord I warded them off. I was pushed and overturned that I might fall, and the Lord was quick to help me. The Lord is my strength and my song, and He is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. The right hand of the Lord has wrought strength, the right hand of the Lord has exalted me, the right hand of the Lord wrought strength. I shall not die, but live, and I shall tell of the works of the Lord. With chastisement has the Lord chastened me, but he has not given me over unto death. Open unto me the gates of righteousness; I will enter therein and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous shall enter in threat. I will give thanks to Thee, for Thou hast heard me and hast become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected, the same has become the head of the corner. This in the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad therein. O Lord, save now ; O Lord , send now prosperity. Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord. We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. God is the Lord, and has appeared unto us. Ordain a feast with thick boughs, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will confess Thee; Thou art my God, and I will exalt Thee. I will give thanks to Thee, for Thou hast heard me, and Thou art become my salvation. O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Alleluia.

Psalm 118

1- Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that search out His testimonies; with their whole heart shall they seek after Him. For they that work iniquity have not walked in His ways. Thou hast enjoined Thy commandments, that we should keep them most diligently. Would that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I look on all Thy commandments. I will confess Thee with uprightness of heart, when I have learned the judgments of Thy righteousness. I will keep Thy statutes; do not utterly forsake me.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

2- Wherewithal shall a young man correct his way? By keeping Thy words. With my whole heart have I sought after Thee, cast me not away from Thy commandments. In my heart have I hid Thy sayings that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of Thy mouth. In the way of Thy testimonies have I found delight, as much as in all riches. On Thy commandments will I ponder , and I will understand Thy ways. On Thy statutes will I meditate; I will not forget Thy words. Give reward unto Thy servant, quicken me and I will keep Thy words.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

3- Give reward unto Thy servant, quicken me and I will keep Thy words. O unveil mine eyes, and I shall perceive wondrous things out of Thy law. I am a sojourner on the earth, hide not from me Thy commandments. My soul hath longed to desire Thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud; cursed are they that decline from Thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt, for after Thy testimonies have I sought. For princes sat and they spake against me, but Thy servant pondered on Thy statutes. For Thy testimonies are my meditation, and Thy statutes are my counsellors.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

4- My soul hath cleaved unto the earth; quicken me according to Thy word. My ways have I declared, and Thou hast heard me, teach me Thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of Thy statutes, and I will ponder on Thy wondrous works. My soul hath slumbered from despondency, strengthen me with Thy words. Remove from me the way of unrighteousness, and with Thy law have mercy on me. I have chosen the way of Truth, and Thy judgments have I not forgotten. I have cleaved to Thy testimonies, O Lord, put me not to shame. The way of Thy commandments have I run, when Thou didst enlarge my heart.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

5- Set before me for a law, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, and I will seek after it continually. Give me understanding, and I will search out Thy law and I will keep it with my whole heart. Guide me in the path of Thy commandments, for I have desired it. Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies and not unto covetousness. Turn away mine eyes that I may not see vanity, quicken Thou me in Thy way. Establish for Thy servant Thine oracle unto fear of Thee. Remove my reproach which I have feared, for Thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after Thy commandments; in Thy righteousness quicken me.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

6- Let Thy mercy come also upon me, O Lord, even Thy salvation according to Thy word. So shall I give an answer to them that reproach me, for I have hoped in Thy words. And take not utterly out of my mouth the word of truth, for in Thy judgments have I hoped. So shall I keep Thy law continually; for ever, and unto the ages of ages. And I walked in spaciousness, for after Thy commandments have I sought. And I spake of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed. And I meditated on Thy commandments which I have greatly loved. And I lifted up my hands to Thy commandments which I have loved, and I pondered on Thy statutes.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

7- Remember Thy words to Thy servant, wherein Thou hast made me to hope. This hath comforted me in my humiliation, for Thine oracle hath quickened me. The proud have transgressed exceedingly, but from Thy law have I not declined. I remembered Thy judgments of old, O Lord, and was comforted. Despondency took hold upon me because of the sinners who forsake Thy law. Thy statutes were my songs in the place of my sojourning. I remembered Thy name in the night, O Lord and I kept Thy law. This hath happened unto me because I sought after Thy statutes.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

8- Thou art my portion, O Lord; I said that I would keep Thy law. I entreated Thy countenance with my whole heart: Have mercy on me according to Thy word. I have thought on Thy ways, and I have turned my feet back to Thy testimonies. I made ready, and I was not troubled, that I might keep Thy commandments. The cords of sinners have entangled me, but Thy law have I not forgotten. At midnight I arose to Give thanks unto Thee for the judgments of Thy righteousness. I am a partaker with all them that fear Thee, and with them that keep Thy commandments. The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy mercy; teach me Thy statutes.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

9- Thou hast dealt graciously with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word. Goodness and discipline and knowledge teach Thou me, for in Thy commandments have I believed. Before I was humbled, I transgressed; therefore Thy saying have I kept. Thou art good, O Lord, and in Thy goodness teach me Thy statutes. Multiplied against me hath been the unrighteousness of the proud; but as for me, with my whole heart will I search out Thy commandments. Curdled like milk is their heart; but as for me, in Thy law have I meditated. It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, that I might learn Thy statutes. The law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

10 - Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding and I will learn Thy commandments. They that fear Thee shall see me and be glad, for on Thy words have I set my hope. I have known, O Lord, that Thy judgments are righteousness, and with truth hast Thou humbled me. Let now Thy mercy be my comfort, according to Thy saying unto Thy servant. Let Thy compassions come upon me and I shall live, for Thy law is my meditation. Let the proud be put to shame, for unjustly have they tansgressed against me; but as for me, I will ponder on Thy commandments. Let those that fear Thee return unto me, and those that know Thy testimonies. Let my heart be blameless in Thy statutes, that I may not be put to shame.

''Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

11- My soul fainteth for Thy salvation; on Thy words have I set my hope. Mine eyes are grown dim with waiting for Thine oracle; they say: When wilt Thou comfort me? For I am become like a wine-skin in the frost; yet Thy statutes have I not forgotten. How many are the days of Thy servant? When wilt Thou execute judgment for me on them that persecute me? Transgressors have told me fables, but they are not like Thy law, O Lord. All thy commandments are truth. Without a cause have men persecuted me; do Thou help me. They well nigh made and end of me on the earth; but as for me, I forsook not Thy commandments. According to Thy mercy quicken me, and I will keep the testimonies of Thy mouth.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

12- For ever, O Lord, Thy word abideth in heaven. Unto generation and generation is Thy truth; Thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth. By Thine ordinance doth the day abide, for all things are Thy servants. If Thy law had not been my meditation, then should I have perished in my humiliation. I will never forget Thy statutes, for in them hast Thou quickened me. I am Thine, save me; for after Thy statutes have I sought. Sinners have waited for me to destroy me; but Thy testimonies have I understood. Of all perfection have I seen the outcome; exceeding spacious is Thy commandment.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

13- O how I have loved Thy law, O Lord! the whole day long it is my meditation. Above mine enemies hast Thou made me wise in Thy commandment, for it is mine for ever. Above all that teach me have I gained understanding, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. Above mine elders have I received understanding for after Thy commandments have I sought. From every way that is evil have I restrained my feet
that I might keep Thy words. From Thy judgments have I not declined for thou hast set a law for me. How sweet to my palate are Thy saying! more sweet than honey to my mouth. From Thy commandments have I gained understanding; therefore have I hated every way of unrighteousness.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

14- Thy law is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my paths. I have sworn and resolved that I will keep the judgments of Thy righteousness. I was humbled exceedingly; O Lord, quicken me according to Thy word. The free-will offerings of my mouth be Thou now pleased to receive, O Lord, and teach me Thy judgments. My soul is in Thy hands continually, and Thy law have I not forgotten. Sinners have set a snare for me, yet from Thy commandment have I not strayed. I have inherited Thy testimonies for ever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes for ever for a recompense.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

15- Transgressors have I hated, but Thy law have I loved. My helper and my protector art Thou; on Thy words have I set my hope. Depart from me, ye evil-doers, and I will search out the commandments of my God. Uphold me according to Thy saying and quicken me, and turn me not away in shame from mine expectation. Help me, and I shall be saved; and I will meditate on Thy statutes continually. Thou hast set at nought all that depart from Thy statutes, for unrighteous is their inward thought. I have reckoned as transgressors all the sinners of the earth, therefore have I loved Thy testimonies. Nail down my flesh with the fear of Thee, for of Thy judgments am I afraid.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

16- I have wrought judgment and righteousness; O give me not up to them that wrong me. Receive Thy servant unto good, let not the proud falsely accuse me. Mine eyes have failed with waiting for Thy salvation, and for the word of Thy righteousness. Deal with Thy servant according to Thy mercy, and teach me Thy statutes. I am Thy servant; give me understanding; and I shall know Thy testimonies. It is time for the Lord to act; for they have dispersed Thy law. Therefore have I loved Thy commandments more than gold and topaz . Therefore I directed myself according to all Thy commandments; every way that is unrighteous have I hated.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

17- Wonderful are Thy testimonies; therefore hath my soul searched them out. The unfolding of Thy words will give light and understanding unto babes. I opened my mouth and drew in my breath, for I longed for Thy commandments. Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love Thy name. My steps do Thou direct according to Thy saying, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the false accusation of men, and I will keep Thy commandments . Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes. Mine eyes have poured forth streams of waters, because I kept not Thy law.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

18- Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are Thy judgments. Thou hast ordained as Thy testimonies exceeding righteousness and truth. My zeal for Thee hath made me to pine away, because mine enemies have forgotten Thy words. Thine oracle is tried with fire to the uttermost, and Thy servant hath loved it . I am young and accounted as nothing , yet Thy statutes have I not forgotten . Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is truth. Tribulations and necessities have found me, Thy commandments are my meditation. Thy testimonies are righteousness for ever; give me understanding and I shall live.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

19- I have cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord, and I will seek after Thy statutes. I have cried unto Thee; save me, and I will keep Thy testimonies. I arose in the dead of night and I cried; on Thy words have I set my hope. Mine eyes woke before the morning that I might meditate on Thy sayings. Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Thy mercy; according to Thy judgment, quicken me. They have drawn nigh that lawlessly persecute me, but from Thy law are they far removed. Near art Thou, O Lord, and all Thy ways are truth. From the beginning I have known from Thy testimonies that Thou hast founded them for ever.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

20- Behold my humiliation and rescue me, for Thy law have I not forgotten. Judge my cause and redeem me; for Thy word's sake quicken me. Far from sinners is salvation, for they have not sought after Thy statutes. Thy compassions are many, O Lord; according to Thy judgment quicken me. Many are they that persecute me and afflict me; from Thy testimonies have I not declined. I beheld men acting foolishly and I pined away, because they kept not Thy sayings. Behold, how I have loved Thy commandments; O Lord, in Thy mercy, quicken me. The beginning of Thy words is truth, and all the judgments of Thy righteousness endure for ever.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

21- Princes have persecuted me without a cause, and because of Thy words my heart hath been afraid. I will rejoice in Thy sayings as one that findeth great spoil. Unrighteousness have I hated and abhorred, but Thy law have I loved. Seven times a day have I praised Thee for the judgments of Thy righteousness. Much peace have they that love Thy law, and for them there is no stumbling-block. I awaited Thy salvation, O Lord, and Thy commandments have I loved. My soul hath kept Thy testimonies and hath loved them exceedingly. I have kept Thy commandments and Thy testimonies, for all my ways are before Thee, O Lord. Let my supplication draw nigh before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle give me understanding.

"Zoxsasi philanethrope" (Glory be to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.)

22- Let my petition come before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle deliver me. My lips shall pour forth a hymn when thou hast taught me Thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of Thy sayings, for all Thy commandments are righteousness. Let Thy hand be for saving me, for I have chosen Thy commandments. I have longed for Thy salvation, O Lord, and Thy law is my meditation. My soul shall live and shall praise Thee, and Thy judgments will help me. I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; O seek Thy servant, for I have not forgotten Thy commandments.

Glory be to God, Holy, Holy, Holy. A passage from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, may his blessings be upon us all. Amen.

Mat.25:1-13

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: "Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "No lest there not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us !. "But He answered and said, "Verily, I say to you, I do not know you." Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

Glory be to God forever. Amen.

May Thy Saying be concluded in peace. We worship Thee O Christ together with Thy Good Father and the Holy Spirit, for Thou come and saved us.

Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight. Blessed is that servant whom He shall find watching, but he whom He shall find sleeping is unworthy to go with Him. See, O my soul, that thou grow not heavy with sleep, lest thou be cast outside the Kingdom, but watch and cry aloud, saying: "Holy, Holy, Holy art thou, O God!" For the sake of the Birthgiver of God, have mercy upon us.

"Zoksapatri ke lyou-ke agi-you epnevmaty" (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.)

O my soul, consider that terrible day, and awake and light your lamp with the oil of gladness because you know not the hour when that cry comes upon you saying: "behold the Bridegroom is coming, See, O my soul, that you sleep not, lest you be found outside, knocking like the five foolish virgins, but watch that you may meet the Lord Christ with the oil of fatness and that He may grant thee the true wedding of His divine glory.

"Kenin ke aa-ee ke-ic-touce e-on-ace ton e-onon Amen."(Both now and ever and unto the ages of ages, Amen.)

Thou art a rampart of our salvation, O Virgin, Birthgiver of God, and an invincible bulwark. Bring to nought the counsels of our adversaries, and the affliction of Thy servants turn into joy. Defend our city, fight for our kings, and interceed for the peace of the world, for thou art our hope, O Birthgiver of God.

"Kenin ke aa-ee ke-ic-touce e-on-ace ton e-onon Amen."(Both now and ever and unto the ages of ages, Amen.)

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present, and fillest all things, O Treasury of good, and bestower of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from every stain, and save, O Good-one, our souls.

"Zoksapatri ke lyou-ke agi-you epnevmaty" (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.)

As Thou wast with Thy disciples, O Saviour, and gavest them peace, come also and be with us, and save us, and deliver our souls.

"Kenin ke aa-ee ke-ic-touce e-on-ace ton e-onon Amen."(Both now and ever and unto the ages of ages, Amen.)

When we stand in Thy Holy temple, we are counted as those standing in heaven. Thou art the gate of heaven, O Birthgiver of God, open unto us the door of mercy.

O Lord, hear us, have mercy on us, and forgive our sins.

Lord have mercy (Kyrie eleison) 41 times

Holy, Holy, Holy, O Lord of Sabaoth, Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory and Thy majesty. Have mercy on us O God the Father Almighty. O Holy Trinity have mercy on us. O Lord of hosts be Thou with us. For we have no other helper in our tribulations and necessities but Thee.Loose, remit, and pardon, O God, our transgressions that we have committed voluntarily and involuntarily, consciously and unconsciously, hidden and manifest. O Lord, remit for the sake of Thy Holy Name, by which we are called, according to Thy mercy, O Lord, and not according to our sins.

Make us, O Lord, worthy to say with all thanksgiving:

Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, through Christ Jesus our Lord. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

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