Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Festal Matins Hymns 25 December

Nativity of Christ
By the Grace of God
COMPILED, ADAPTED, EDITED & PRINTED BY MARGUERITE PAIZIS ARCHONDISSA & TEACHER BY DIVINE GRACE GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE OF ALEXANDRIA & ALL AFRICA ARCHDIOCESE OF GOOD HOPE HOLY CHURCH OF THE DORMITION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD PO BOX 28348 - SUNRIDGE PARK - 6008 REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA writers@telkomsa.net or marguerite.paizis@gmail.com OR DOWNLOAD DIRECTLY FROM M A RG UERITE P AIZIS ON S CRIBD

RE-EDITED & PUBLISHED - 12 DECEMBER 2012

16.

FESTAL MATINS HYMNS NATIVITY

OF

CHRIST

kesaros exefonithi. Tis gar eoniou Sou Vasilias to anarhon ekenourgithi. Dio Si prosferomen ke imis, iper tin hrimatikin forologian, Erthodoxou ploutismon Theologias, to Theo ke Sotiri ton psihon imon!

published such a Decree, since Thy timeless and Eternal Kingdom was newly made manifest. Therefore, as we pay our earthly monetary tribute, simultaneously we offer Thee the Wealth of our Orthodox Faith, O God and Saviour of our souls!

Ke

nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.

Now

and ever, and to the Ages of ages.

Amin

Amen
TONE 2

Festal Stihi Nativity - By St John the Monk -

Christ is Born!
Glorify Him!

Simeron O Hristos, en Vithleem Gennate Today

ek Parthenou. Simeron O anarhos arhete, ke O Logos sarkoute. E dinamis ton Ouranon agalonte, ke i gi sin tis anthropis evfrenete. I Magi ta dora prosferousin. I Pimenes to Thavma kirittousin. Imis de akatapavstos voomen. Doxa en ipsistis Theo, ke epi gis irini, en anthropis evdokia.

Christ is Born of the Virgin in Bethlehem. Today He Who has no beginning now begins to be, and the Word becomes Flesh. The Powers of Heave greatly rejoice, and the earth with mankind celebrates. The Magi offer gifts, the Shepherds proclaim the Marvel, and we cry aloud without ceasing: Glory to god in the Highest, and on earth, Peace and Good Will among men!

THE GREAT DOXOLOGY THE BELLS

ARE RUNG AND ALL THE LIGHTS ARE SWITCHED ON

Festal Apolytikion - Nativity of Christ

TONE 4

Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to kosmo to Fos to tis gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris latrevontes, ipo asters edidaskonto, Se proskinin, ton Ilion tis Dikeosinis, ke Se ginoskin ex ipsous anatolin. Kyrie, Doxa Si. (3)

Thy

Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light of Knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the worshippers of the stars were by a Star instructed to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee as Orient from on High. O Lord, Glory to Thee! (3)

THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

2.

FESTAL MATINS HYMNS NATIVITY

OF

CHRIST

FESTAL M

ATINS

HYMNS NATIVITY

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CHRIST

15.

Theon Logon sarkothenta. Pimenes ton tehtenta doxazousi. Magi to Despoti dora porsferousin. Angeli animnountes legousin. Akatalipte Kyrie Doxa Si!

Enite

afton en iho salpingos. Enite afton en psaltirio ke kithara.

Vigin makes a Throne, carrying at Her Bosom God the Word become Flesh. Shepherds Glorify the New Born Child! Magi offer gifts! Angels sing praises, saying: O Lord past understanding: Glory to Thee!

Psalm 117 /118

PRAISE
TO

GOD

FOR

HIS EVERLASTING MERCY

Theos
STIHOS

Kyrios ke Evlogimenos O Onomati Kyriou!

epefanen imin. erhomenos en

The Lord is God, and has appeared to

us. Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!
VERSE 1:

Praise

O Patir evdokisen, O Logos sarx egeneto,

ke i Parthenos eteke, Theon enanthropisanta. Astir minii: Magi proskinousi! Pimenes Thamazousi! Ke i Ktisis Agallete!

Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with lute and harp. well-pleased: the Word became Flesh; and the Virgin gave Birth to God Who became Man. A Star reveals Him! Magi bow in worship! Shepherds marve! And Creation rejoices! Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe.

1: Exomologisthe to Kyrio, oti Agathos, oti is ton eona to Eleos Aftou!

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good; His Mercy endures forever!

Theos

The Father was

Kyrios ke epefanen imin. Evlogimenos O erhomenos en Onomati Kyriou! STIHOS 2: Panta ta Ethni ekiklosan me, ke to Onomati Kyriou inamin aftous.

The Lord is God, and has appeared to

us. Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord! VERSE 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the Name of the Lord I drove them back.

Enite afton en timpano ke horo.

afton en hordes ke organo.

Theos
STIHOS 3:

Enite

Praise O

Kyrios ke Evlogimenos O Onomati Kyriou!

epefanen imin. erhomenos en

The Lord is God, and has appeared to

us. Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!
VERSE 3:

Theotoke Parthene, i tekousa ton Sotira,

anetrepsas tin protin kataran tis Evas. Oti Mitir gegonas, tis evdokias tou Patros, Vastazousa en kolpis, Theon Logon sarkothenta. Ou feri to Mystirion erevnan. Pisti moni touto pantes doxazomen, krazontes meta Souk e legontes. Anerminefte Kyrie Doxa Si!

Enite

Afton en kimvalis evihis. Enite Afton en kimvalis alalagmou. Pasa pnoi inesato ton Kyrion. animnisomen, tin Mitera tou Sotiros, tin meta tokon palin ofthisan Parthenon. Heris Polis empsihe, tou Vasileos ke Theou, en i Hristo ikisas, sotirian irgasato. Meta tou Gavriil animnoumen Se, meta ton pimenon doxazomen krazontes. Theotoke Presveve, to ek Sou sarkothenti, sothine imas.

Virgin Theotokos who has borne our Saviour, Thou hast overthrown the ancient Curse of Eve. For Thou hast become the Mother of Him in Whom the Father is well-pleased, and hast carried in Thy Bosom God the Incarnate Word. We cannot fathom this Mystery: but by Faith alone we all Glorify It, crying with Thee and saying: O Lord Incomprehensible, Glory to Thee! Him with tuneful cymbals; praise Him with loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Para Kyriou egeneto afti, ke esti thavmasti en ofthalmis imon.

epefanen imin. erhomenos en

This is the Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

Theos

Kyrios ke Evlogimenos O Onomati Kyriou!

The Lord is God, and has appeared to

us. Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!

Festal Apolytikion Nativity of Christ

Praise

Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetele to kosmo, to Fos to tis Gnoseos. En afti gar i tis astris latrevontes, ipo Asteros edi daskonto, Se Proskinin, ton Ilion tis Dikeosinis, ke Se Ginoskin ex Ipsous anatolin. Kyrie Doxa Si!

Thy

Nativity, O Christ our God, has given rise to the Light of Knowledge in the world; for they who worshipped the Star learnt therefrom to worship Thee, O Sun of Justice, and to know that from the East of the Highest Thou came. O Lord: Glory to Thee!

Defte

O come,

SMALL LITANY

Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati

let us sing the praises of the Mother of our Saviour, who, after Child-bearing still remained Virgin. Rejoice, Thou Living City of God the King, in which Christ has dwelt, bringing to pass our Salvation. With Gabriel we sing Thy praises; with the Shepherds we Glorify Thee, crying: O Theotokos, Intercede for our Salvation with Him Who took Flesh from Thee! and to the Holy Spirit

First Festal Kathisma Nativity of Christ

THE PRIEST
CENSES THE WHILE THE

HYMNS

HOLY SANCTUARY, ARE CHANTED:

THE

HOLY ICONS

AND THE

TONE 4 CONGREGATION

Defte

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

TONE (6) PLAGAL 2

idomen Pisti, pou egennithi O Hristos. Akolouthisomen lipon, entha odevi O Astir, meta ton Magon Anatolis ton Vasileon. Angeli imnousin, akatapafstos eki. Pimenes agravlousin, odin epaxion: Doxa en ipsitis legontes, to simeron en Spileo tehthenti, ek tis Parthenou, ke Theotokou, en Vithleem tis Ioudeas. Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.

Come, O ye Faithful, and let us behold

where Christ is Born! Let us join the Magi, the Kings from the East, and follow the Guiding Star. Angels sing praises without ceasing, and Shepherds abiding in the fields offer a fitting Hymn: Glory in the Highest to Him Who in the Cave this day is Born of the Virgin and Theotokos, in Bethlehem of Judah!

Festal Stihi Nativity - By Germanos apografi ti ikoumeni egeneto tote emelles ton anthropon apografesthe ta Onomata, ton Pistevonton to took Sou. Dia touto to tiouton dogma, ipo 14.

Ote keros, tis epi gis parousias Sou, proti When it was time for Thy Coming upon
earth, the first census of the world was held; and then Thou began to enrol the names of all who believed in Thy Birth. For this cause, Caesar
OF

Doxa Amin

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the Ages of ages.

Amen
FESTAL M
ATINS

FESTAL MATINS HYMNS NATIVITY

CHRIST

HYMNS NATIVITY

OF

CHRIST

3.

Defte

idomen Pisti, pou egennithi O Hristos. Akolouthisomen lipon, entha odevi O Astir, meta ton Magon Anatolis ton Vasileon. Angeli imnousin, akatapavstos eki. Pimenes agravlousin, odin epaxion, Doxa en ipsitis legontes, to simeron en Spileo tehthenti, ek tis Parthenou, ke Theotokou, en Vithleem tis Ioudeas.

Come, O ye Faithful, and let us behold

where Christ is Born! Let us join the Magi, the Kings from the East, and follow the Guiding Star. Angels sing praises without ceasing, and Shepherds abiding in the fields offer a fitting Hymn: Glory in the Highest to Him Who in the Cave this day is Born of the Virgin and Theotokos, in Bethlehem of Judah!

Festal Katavasia - Nativity of Christ our Saviour

Megalinon Mystirion

psihi mou, tin Timioteran, ke Evdoxoteran ton ano Stratevmaton.

Magnify, O my soul, Her who is more

Honourable and more than the Heavenly Hosts. Glorious

Second Festal Kathisma - Nativity of Christ TONE 4

Xenon, oro ke paradoxon: Ouranon to Spyleon! Thronon Herouvikon, tin Parthenon! Tin fatnin horion! En O aneklithi O ahoritos, Hristos O Theos! On animvountes Megalinomen!

A strange and most wonderful Mystery

do I see: The cave is Heaven! The Virgin is the Throne of the Cherubim! The manger is a grand space, in which Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain, is laid! Him do we praise and magnify! O my soul, Her who has delivered us from the Curse

Ti

Thavmazis Mariam? Ti ekthamvise to en Si? Oti ahronon Ion, hrono egennisa fisi, tou tiktomenou tin sillipsin mi diahthisa. Anandros imi, ke pos texo Iion? Asporaon gonin tis eoraken? Opou Theos de voulete, nikate fiseos taxis, os gegrapte. Hristos etehthi, ek tis Parthenou, en Vithleem tis Ioudeas.

Why

art Thou filled with Wonder, O Mary? Why art Thou amazed at that which is come to pass in Thee? Because I have given Birth in time to the Timeless Son, yet understand not how I Conceived Him. I have not known man: how then shall I bear a Child? Who has ever seen a Birth without seed? But, as it is written: Where God so Wills, the order of nature is overcome: Christ is Born of the Virgin in Bethlehem of Judah.

Megalinon psihi mou, tin litrosamenin, Magnify,

imas ek tis kataras.

Stergin

men imas, os akindinon fovo, raon siopin. To potho de Parthene, imnous ifenin, sintonos tethigmenous, ergodes Estin. Alla ke Mitir sthenos, osi pefiken, i proeresis didou

It

would be easier for us, because free from all danger, to keep silence in fear while it is hard indeed, O Virgin, in love to devise songs harmoniously put together. But do thou, O Mother, grant us Strength that so we may fulfil our good intent

THE SMALL LITANY - PRAISES TO THE LORD

Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
ke nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon. Mariam? Ti ekthamvise to en Si? Oti ahronon Iion, hrono egennisa fisi, tou tiktomenou tin sillipsin mi diahthisa. Anandros imi, ke pos texo Iion? Asporaon gonin tis eoraken? Opou Theos de voulete, nikate fiseos taxis, os gegrapte. Hristos etehthi, ek tis Parthenou, en Vithleem tis Ioudeas

Festal Exaposteilarion Nativity of Christ

and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the Ages of ages. Thou filled with Wonder, O Mary? Why art Thou amazed at that which is come to pass in Thee? Because I have given Birth in time to the Timeless Son, yet understand not how I Conceived Him. I have not known man: how then shall I bear a Child? Who has ever seen a Birth without seed? But, as it is written: Where God so Wills, the order of nature is overcome. Christ is Born of the Virgin in Bethlehem of Judah. TONE 4

Epeskiepsato imas, ex ipsous O Sotir imon, Our Saviour, the Dayspring from the East,
anatoli anatolon, ke i en skoti ke skia, evromen tin alithian. Ke gar ek tis Parthenou etehthi O Kyrios. (3) has visited us from on High, and we who were in darkness and shadow have found the Truth: for the Lord is Born of the Virgin. (3)

Amin Ti Thavmazis

Amen Why art

Lauds: The Praises to God -Psalm 148

ALL CREATION PRAISES THE LORD OUR GOD

Pasa

pnoi enesato ton Kyrion. Enite ton Kyrion ek ton Ouranon. Enite Afton en tis Ipsistis. Si prepi imnos to Theo. Afton, pantes i Angelli Aftou. Enite Afton, pase e Dinamis Aftou. Si prepi imnos to Theo.
L ET

Let

everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the Heavens; praise Him in the Highest. To Thee praise is due, O God.

Enite

Praise Him, all His Angels; praise Him,

all His Powers. To Thee praise is due, O God.

Third Kathisma of the Nativity of Christ

O en kolpis tou Patros, pos en agkales tis Mitros: Pantos os iden os ithelise ke os iidokisen. Asarkos gar on, esarkothi ekon. Ke gegonen O on, O ouk in di imas; ke mi ekstas tis fiseos, meteshe tou imeterou firamatos. Deplous etehthi Hristos, ton ano kosmon, Thelon anaplirose.

O ahoritos panti, pos ehorithi en gastri? How is He contained in a Womb, Whom

nothing can contain? How can He Who is in the Bosom of the Father be held in the embrace of His Mother? This is according to His Good Pleasure, as He knows and Wills. For being without flesh, of His own Will He has become Flesh; and He Who is, for our sake, has become that which He was not. Without departing from His own Nature, He has shared in our substance. Desiring to fill the
OF

Psalm 150 Festal Verses Nativity of Christ

ALL THINGS PRAISE THE LORD !

Festal Stihera Heirmologic TONE by St Andrew of Jerusalem

Enite

Afton epi tes Dinasties Afton. Enite Afton kata to plithos tis Megalosinis Aftou. Dikei! Ourani agalliasthe, skirtisate ta ori, Hristou Gennithentos. Parthenos kathezete, ta Herouvim mimoumeni, vastazousa en kolpis,
FESTAL M
ATINS

Praise Make

Him for His Mighty Acts; praise Him according to the greatness of His Majesty.

Evfrenesthe

glad, O you Righteous! Greatly rejoice, O you Heavens! You mountains, dance for Joy! Christ is Born! And like the Cherubim, the
OF

4.

FESTAL MATINS HYMNS NATIVITY

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HYMNS NATIVITY

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13.

Festal Iambic Canon

TONE 1

Simeron
IRMOS

i Parthenos, tikti Despotin, endon en to Spileo.

ton

Today
HEIRMOS

the Virgin bears the Master within the Cave would be easier for us, being free from all danger, to keep silent through fear: while it is difficult indeed, O Virgin, to devise songs harmoniously with Love. But Thou, O Mother, grant us strength to fulfil our Good Intent.

world on High with citizens, Christ has undergone a two-fold Birth.

Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
ke nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.

men imas, os akindinon fovo, Raon siopin. To potho de, Parthene, Imnous ifenin, sintonos tethigmenous Ergodes estin. Alla ke, Mitir, sthenos, Osi pefiken i proeresis, didou.

Stergin

It

and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.

Amin Amen O ahoritos panti, pos ehorithi en gastri? How is He contained in a Womb, Whom
O en kolpis tou Patros, pos en agkales tis Mitros: Pantos os iden os ithelise ke os iidokisen. Asarkos gar on, esarkothi ekon. Ke gegonen O on, O ouk in di imas; ke mi ekstas tis fiseos, meteshe tou imeterou firamatos. Deplous etehthi Hristos, ton ano kosmon, Thelon anaplirose. nothing can contain? How can He Who is in the Bosom of the Father be held in the embrace of His Mother? This is according to His Good Pleasure, as He knows and Wills. For being without flesh, of His own Will He has become Flesh; and He Who is, for our sake, has become that which He was not. Without departing from His own Nature, He has shared in our substance. Desiring to fill the world on High with citizens, Christ has undergone a two-fold Birth.

Simeron
IRMOS

O Despotis, tiktete os vrefos, ipo Mitro Parthenou.

Today, our Master is Born as an Infant

to His Virgin Mother.
HEIRMOS

Stergin men imas, os akindinon fovo, Raon siopin. To potho de, Parthene, Imnous ifenin, sintonos tethigmenous Ergodes estin. Alla ke, Mitir, sthenos, Osi pefiken i proeresis, didou.

It would be easier for us, being free from all danger, to keep silent through fear: while it is difficult indeed, O Virgin, to devise songs harmoniously with Love. But Thou, O Mother, grant us strength to fulfil our Good Intent.

SMALL LITANY

Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati Megalinon Tipous

psihi Trisipostatou, ke Theotitos to Kratos! mou, tis Adieretou,

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit

Magnify, O my soul, the Power of the

Three Hypostases and Undivided Godhead!

Festal Ipakoi Nativity of Christ

Tin

afengis ke skias parigmenas, O Miter Agni, tou Logou dedorkotes, Neou fanentos, ek Pilis Keklismenis, Doxoumeni te, tis Alithias Faos, Epaxios sin Evlogoumen Gastera.

We have seen, O Pure Mother, the past

obscure types and shadows of the Word fulfilled, and now that He has newly Appeared from the Closed Gate, we who are counted worthy to behold the Light of Truth, rightly Bless Thy Womb.

aparhin ton Ethnon, O Ouranos Si prosekomise, to kimeno nipio en Fatni, di asteros tous Magous kalesas, ous ke kateplitten, ou skiptra ke throni, all eshati ptohia. Ti gar evtelesteron spileou? Ti de tapinoteron sparganon? En is dielampsen O tis Theotitos Sou ploutos. Kyrie, Doxa Si!

Calling

Ke

nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.

Now

and ever, and to the Ages of ages. O my soul, Her who has delivered us from the Curse!

the Magi by a Star, Heaven brought the First Fruits of the Gentiles to Thee a Babe lying in a manger and they were amazed to see neither Sceptre nor Throne, but only utter poverty. For what is meaner than a cave? What is humbler than swaddling clothes? Yet therein shone forth the Wealth of Thy Divinity: Glory to Thee, O Lord!
TONE 4

Amin Amen Megalinon psihi mou, tin litrosamenin, Magnify,

imas ek tis kataras.

Festal Antiphons

Ek neotitos mou, pola polemi me pathi From

al aftos andilavou, ke soson, Sotir mou. [2]

Pothou tetevhos, ke

Theou Parousias, O Hristoterpis Laos ixiomenos, nin potniate tis palingenesias, os Zoopiou. Tin Harin de Parthene, nemis ahrante, Proskinise to Kleos.

Having

been granted the longed for experience of the Advent of God, the Christ-pleasing people tearfully pray to behold the Regeneration, the Lifegiving Baptism. O All Pure and Holy Virgin, grant us the favour of Venerating that Glory.

my youth up many passions have warred against me. But do Thou succour and save me, O Saviour. [2] who hate Zion shall be put to confusion by the Lord; like grass in the fire shall they be withered up. [2] and to the Holy Spirit

misoundes Sion, eshinthite apo tou Kyriou; os hortos gar, piri esesthe apexirameni. [2]

Those

Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati. Agio

Pnevmati, pasa psihi zooute, ke katharsi, ipsoute, lambrinete, ti Triadiki Monadi, Ierokrifios

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, Through

the Holy Spirit is every soul quickened and exalted in purity, and Illumined by the Triune Unity in Mystic Holiness.

12.

FESTAL MATINS HYMNS NATIVITY

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CHRIST

FESTAL M

ATINS

HYMNS NATIVITY

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CHRIST

5.

Ke

nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon. Pnevmati, anavlizi ta tis Haritos reithra, arthevonda, apasan tin ktisin pros Zoogonion.

Now

and ever, and to the Ages of Ages.

Tin

Amin Agio

Amen From the Holy Spirit do the streams of

Grace well forth; they irrigate everything created, so that Life can be produced.

Theotokon ke Miter to Fotos: en imnis timontes Meglinomen!

The

Theotokos and Mother of the Light: with hymns let us Magnify!

THE BELLS ARE RUNG AT THIS POINT

Festal Prokeimenon Nativity of Christ

Ek

Gastros pro Eosforou egennisa Se. Omose Kyrios, ke ou metamelithisete.

From

the Womb before the Morning Star have I Begotten Thee: the Lord has sworn and will not repent. (PSALM

Festal 9th Ode Nativity of Christ

TONE 1

Megalinon
IRMOS

109:3-4) STIHOS:

Ipen O Kyrios to Kyrio mou. Kathou ek dexion mou, eos an tho tous ehthrous Sou ipopodion ton Podon Sou

VERSE:

The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at My right-hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy Footstool.
the Womb before the Morning Star have I Begotten Thee: the Lord has sworn and will not repent

psihi mou, tin Timioteran, ke Evdoxoteran ton ano Stratevmaton.

Magnify,
HEIRMOS

O my soul, her who is more Honourable and more Exalted in Glory than the Heavenly Hosts.

Ek

Gastros pro Eosforou egennisa Se. Omose Kyrios, ke ou metamelithisete.

From

Mystirion Xenon, oro ke paradoxon: Ouranon to Spyleon! Thronon Herouvikon, tin Parthenon! Tin fatnin horion! En O aneklithi O ahoritos, Hristos O Theos! On animvountes Megalinomen!

A strange and most wonderful Mystery do I see: The cave is Heaven! The Virgin is the Throne of the Cherubim! The manger is a grand space, in which Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain, is laid! Him do we Praise and Magnify!

SMALL LITANY - PRAISES TO ALMIGHTY GOD

Festal Troparia - Nativity of Christ our Saviour

Holy Gospel According to St Matthew 1 : 18 - 25

Megalinon Exesion

Tou de Iisou Hristou i Gennisis outos in. Mnistevthisis

gar tis Mitros aftou Marias to Iosif, prin i sinelthin aftous evrethi en gastri ehousa ek Pnevmatos Agiou.

Now

psihi mou, ton ek tis Parthenou, Theon Sarki tehthenta!

Magnify,

O my soul, God Born in the Flesh from the Virgin!

the Birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: Mary, was Betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Spirit.

After His Mother,

dromon, Orontes i Magi, asinithous Neou Asteros artifaous, Ouraniou iperlampontos, Hriston Vasilea etekmiranto, en gi Gennithenta Vithleem, is Sotirian imon. tehthenta Vasilea! ou Astir efani, pou estin, is gar ekinou proskinisin ikomen, manis O Ierodis etaratteto, Hriston anelin, O Theomahos friattomenos.

The Magi, beholding the strange course

of an unknown and newly shining Star that exceeded the brightness of all Heavenly Light, learnt thereby that Christ the King was Born on earth in Bethlehem for our Salvation. a cave! Magi enquired: Where is the New Born Infant King Whose Star we have seen? For we have come to worship Him. In his wild madness Herod, the enemy of God, was troubled and plotted to kill Christ. O my soul, God worshipped by the Magi! Who

Iosif

de O anir aftis, Dikeos on ke mi thelon aftin paradigmatise, evoulithi lathra apolise aftin. de aftou enthimithentos idou Angelos Kyriou kath onar efani afto legon. Iosif Iios David, mi fovithis paralavin Mariam tin gineka sou. To gar en afti gennithen ek Pnevmatos estin Agiou. de Iion ke kaleseis to Onoma aftou Iisoun. Aftos gar Sose ton laon Aftou apo ton amartion afton. de olon gegonen ina plirothi to rithen ipo tou Kyriou dia tou Profitou legontos: Idou i Parthenos en gastri exi ke texete Iion, ke kalesousi to Onoma Aftou Emmanouil, O esti methrminevomenon Meth imon O

So

Joseph, her husband, being a Righteous man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. while he thought about these things, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is Conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Megalinon psihi mou, ton en to Spileo, Magnify, O my soul, the King Born in Neigenes, Magon legonton, Pedion anax, The

Tafta

But

Megalinon Ikrivose

psihi mou, ton ipo ton Magon, Theon proskinithenta!

Magnify,

Texete Touto

And she will bring forth a Son, and you

shall call His Name Jesus, for He will Save His people from their sins.

hronon Irodis asteros, ou tes igesies i Magi en Vithleem, proskinousi Hristo sin doris, if ou pros Patrida odigoumeni, dinon pedoktonon, egkatelipon pezomenon.

Herod ascertained the time the Guiding

Star appeared, which led the Magi to Bethlehem, there to worship Christ with gifts. Led back to their own land by that same Star, they returned, not to Herod, but mocked the wicked murderer of children.

So all this was done so that it might be

fulfilled, which was spoken by the Lord through the Prophet, saying: Behold, the Virgin shall be with Child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel, which is
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IAMBIC VERSE

IAMBIC VERSE

Neon

Ionas, en mihis thalattiis, Elthin edito ke zalin aparkese. Nigis ego de, to tirannountos Veli, Hriste prosavdo, ton kakon aneretin, Thatton molin Se tis emis rathimias.

Enclosed

Theos.

translated as God with us.

in the uttermost depths of the sea, Jonah entreated Thee to come and still the storm. And I, O Christ, pricked by the dart of the tyrant, call upon Thee, the Slayer of evil, beseeching Thee to come quickly and Deliver me from my slothfulness. the impious decree, the Children brought up together in godliness feared not the threat of fire, but, standing in the midst of the flames, they sang O God of our Fathers, Blessed art Thou.

Diegerthis

de o Iosif apo tou ipnou epiisen os prosetazen afto O Anglos Kyriou ke parelave tin gineka aftou, ke ouk eginosken aftin eos ou eteke ton Iion aftis ton Prototokon.

Then,

Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord Commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know until she had brought forth her Firstborn Son. Glory to

ODI 7

ODE 7

Pedes efsevia sintrafentes, dissevous, prostagmatos katafronisantes, piros apilin ouk eptoithisan, all en meso tis flogos, estotes epsallon. O Ton Pateron Theos Evlogitos i. pantanaktos exefavlisan potho, itahimenontos igkistromeni, Pedes tirannou, distheon glossalgian, Is ikathe gir aspeton, to Despoti, legousin: Is eonas, Evlogitis I!

Scorning

Ke ekalese to Onoma Aftou Iisoun. Doxa Si, Kyrie, Doxa Si!

PSALM 50

And he called His Name Jesus. PEOPLE Glory to Thee, O Lord:

Thee!

Festal Intercessory Hymns for

Divine Mercy

IAMBIC VERSE

To

IAMBIC VERSE

Caught

Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati Ta Ke

simpanta simeron, Haras plirounte. Hristos etehthi ek tis Parthenou.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit

ODI 8

and held fast by Love for the King of all, the Children despised the impious threats of the tyrant in his boundless fury; and as the terrible fire withdrew before them, they said to the Master: Unto all Ages Blessed art Thou!

All things are filled with Joy today,

for Christ is Born of the Virgin. .

ODE 8

nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.

Now

and ever, and to the Ages of Ages.

Enoumen, Thavmatos

Evlogoumen Proskinoumen ton Kyrion!

ke

We Praise, we Bless and we Worship

the Lord!

iperfious i Drosovolos, exikonise kaminos tipon. Ou gar ous edexato flegi neous, os oude pir tis Theotitos, Parthenou in ipedi nidin. Dio animnountes anamelpsomen. Evlogito is ktisis pasa ton Kyrion, ke iperpsouto, is pantas tous eonas.

The

IAMBIC VERSE

furnace moist with Dew was the image and figure of a Wonder past nature. For it burnt not the Children whom it had received, even as the Fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgins Womb into which It had descended. Therefore in praise let us sing: Let the whole Creation Bless the Lord and Exalt Him above all for ever! Children of the Old Covenent who walked in the fire, yet were not burnt, prefigured the Womb of the Maiden that remained sealed, when she gave Birth in a fashion past nature. By the same Divine Grace both these Wonders were brought to pass in a Miracle and rouses all people to sing in praise.

Amin Ta

simpanta simeron, Haras plirounte. Hristos etehthi ek tis Partheno

Amen All things are filled with Joy today,

for Christ is Born of the Virgin.

Festal Idiomelon Nativity of Christ

TONE (6) PLAGAL 2

Eleison

me, O Theos, kata to Mega Eleos Sou ke kata to plithos ton iktirmon Sou Exalipson to anomima mou. Simeron dehete i Vithleem ton kathimenon dia pandos sin Patri! Simeron Angeli to Vrefos to tehthen Theoprepos Doxologousi! Doxa en Ipsistis Theo, ke epi gis Irini - en anthropis Evdokia.
PRAYER OF SALVATION

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to Thy Great Mercy; according to the multitude of Thy Mercies do away mine offences. to God in the Highest, and on earth, Peace! Today Bethlehem receives Him Who at all times ever sits with the Father! Today Angels Glorify with Holy Hymns the Babe Who is Born! Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace - among mankind, Good Will!
TONE 3

Mitran

IAMBIC VERSE

aflektos, ikonizousi Koris, i tis paleas pirpoloumeni nei, Iperfios, kiousan esfragismenin, amfo de drosa, Thavmatourgia mia Laous pros imnon, exanistisi Haris.

The

Doxa en Ipsistis Theo ke epi gis Irini! Glory

The Festal Magnificat Nativity Of Christ

STANDING
BEFORE THE HOLY ICON OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS, THE PRIEST DECLARES THE FOLLOWING, AFTER WHICH HE CENSES THE SANCTUARY, HOLY ICONS AND CONGREGATION WHILE THE MAGNIFICAT HYMN IS CHANTED.

Festal Kontakion Nativity of Christ -

Parthenos simeron, ton iperousion tikti, ke i gi to Spileon, to aprosito prosagi. Angeli meta Pimenon doxologousi. Magi de meta Asteros odiporousi. Di imas gar egennithi, Pedion Neon, O pro eonon Theos.

Today

the Virgin gives Birth to Him Who is above all being, and the earth offers a Cave to Him Whom no man can approach. Angels with Shepherds give Glory, and Magi journey with a Star. For unto us is Born a Young Child, the Pre-Eternal God.
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Festal Oikos - Nativity

Tin

Edem Vithleem inoixe, defte idomen. Tin trifin en krifi evromen, defte lavomen, ta tou Paradisou endon tou Spileou. Eki efani riza apotistos, Vlastanousa afesin. Eki evrethi frear anorikton, ou piin David prin epethimisen. Eki Parthenos tekousa Vrefos, tin dipsan epavsen evthis, tin tou Adam ke tou David. Dia touto pros touto epihthomen, ou etehthi, Pedion Neon, O pro eonon Theos.

Bethlehem

anipsosas to keras imon, Agios i Kyrie.

IAMBIC VERSE

has opened Eden: come, and let us see. We have found Joy in secret: come, let us take possession of the Paradise that is within the cave. There the unwatered Root has appeared, from which forgiveness flowers forth: there is found the undug Well, whence David longed to drink of old. There the Virgin has Borne a Babe, and made the thirst of Adam and David to cease instantly. Therefore, let us hasten to this

Virgin, to Christ our God let us cry aloud: Thou hast raised up our horn, Holy art Thou, O Lord!
IAMBIC VERSE

Nefson

pros imnous iketon Energeta, Ehthrou tapinon tin epirmenin ofrin. Feronte Pantepopta tis amartias, Iperthen akloniton, estirigmenous, Makar, melodous tin Vasi tis Pisteos.

Graciously

accept, O Benefactor, the praises of Thy servants, and bring down the spiteful, haughty looks of the enemy. O Blessed Lord Who sees all, raise us up far above sin, and establish Thy singers firm and unshaken upon the foundation of the Faith.

ODI 4

ODE 4

Ravdos

Synaxarion of Today

Ti

KE tou aftou minos, I kata sarka Gennisis tou Kyriou ke Theou ke Sotiros imon Iisou Hristou.

On

the 25th day of this month we celebrate the Nativity according to the Flesh of our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

ek tis rizis, Iesse, ke anthos ex aftis, Hriste, ek tis Parthenou anevlostisas. Ex orous O enetos, kataskiou daseos, ilthes sarkothis es apirandrou, O ailos ke Theos. Doxa ti Dinami Sou Kyrie!

Rod

of the Root of Jesse, and Flower that blossomed from his stem, O Christ, Thou hast sprung from the Virgin. From the Mountain overshadowed by the Forest Thou hast come, made Flesh from her who knew not wedlock, O God Who art not formed from matter. Glory to Thy Power, O Lord! old Habakkuk the Prophet was counted worthy to behold ineffably the Figure and Symbol of Christs Birth, and he foretold in song the renewal of mankind. For a Young Babe, the Word, has now come forth from the Mountain - that is the Virgin - for the Renewal of the people.

IAMBIC VERSE

IAMBIC VERSE

Ti afti imera, I proskinisis ton Magon. Ti

afti imera, Mnimi ton theasamenon Pimenon ton Kyrion.

On On

this day we commemorate the Adoration of the Magi. this day we commemorate the Shepherds who beheld the Lord.

Genous

Afto i Doxa is tous eonas ton eonon. Amin

ODI 1

To Him be Glory unto the Ages of Ages. Amen

TONE 1
ODI 5

Vrotiou, tin anaplasin pale, Adon Profitis, Avvakoum prominii, Idin afrastos, axiothis ton tipon. Neon vrefos gar ex Orous tis Parthenou Exilthe laon is anaplasin Logos.

Of

Katavasia of the Nativity

THE ODES & THE IAMBIC VERSES ODE 1

ODE 5

Theos

Hristos

Gennate, Doxasate! Hristos ex Ouranon, apantisate! Hristos epi gis, Ipsothite! Asate to Kyrio, pas i gi, ke en evfrosini animnisate, lai, oti Dedoxaste!

Christ is Born: Glorify Him!

Christ has come from the Heavens: receive Him! Christ is on earth: Elevate Him! O all the earth: sing to the Lord! Sing praises in Gladness, O ye people, for He as been Glorified! old the Master Who works Wonders Saved His people, making the watery wave of the sea into dry land; and now of His own Will has He been Born of a Virgin, and so He establishes a Path for us whereby we may mount to Heaven. We Glorify Him Who in Essence is Equal to the Father and to mortal men. the Son Who was Begotten of the Father without change before all ages, and in the Last Times was Without Seed Made Flesh of the
OF

on Erinis, Patir Iktirmon, tis Megalis Voulis Sou ton Angelon, Erinin parehomenon, apestilas imin. Othen Theognosias, pros Fos Odigithentes, ek niktos orthrizontes, Doxologoumen Se Filanthrope!

As Thou art God of Peace and Father of

Mercies, Thou has sent to us Thine Angel of Great Counsel, granting us Peace. So we are guided towards the Light of the Knowledge of God, and watching by night, we Glorify Thee, O Lover of mankind!
IAMBIC VERSE

IAMBIC VERSE

IAMBIC VERSE

IAMBIC VERSE

Ek

Esose

laon, Thavmatourgon Despotis, iiron thalassis kima hersosas pale. Ekon de tehthis ek Koris, trivon Vatin, Polou tithisin imin. On kat ousian, Ison te Patri, ke Vrotis Doxazoumen.

Of

niktos ergon, eskotismenis planis, Ilasmou imin Hriste, tis egrigoros, nin Si telousin imnon, os evergeti, elthis porizon evheri te tin trivon. Kath in anatrehontes evrimen kleos.

From

the night of deeds of dark error we watch vigilantly, and sing to Thee, O Christ, as to our Benefactor. Come to us and grant us Cleansing; make the Path easy for us, whereby we may ascend and so attain Glory.

ODI 6

ODE 6

Splaghnon

ODI 3

ODE 3

To pro ton eonon, ek Patros Gennithenti To

arrefstos Iio, ke ep eshaton ek Parthenou, sarkothenti asporos, Hristo to Theo Voisomen. O 8.

Ionan emvrion apimesen, enalios thir, ion edexato. Ti Partheno de, enikisas O Logos, ke Sarka lavon, dililithe psilaxas adiafthoron. Is gar ouhipesti pefseos, tin tekousan kateshen apimanton.

The sea monster spat forth Jonah as it

had received him, like a babe from the womb while the Word, having dwelt in the Virgin and taken Flesh, came forth from her yet kept her uncorrupt. For being Himself not subject to decay, He preserved His Mother free from harm.
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