Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

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
Port Elizabeth

Po Box 28348
Sunridge Park
Matins Service
6008
Republic Of South Africa for
Telephone/Fax: 041

writers@telkomsa.net
360 3854
The Nativity of Christ
Or Download Directly From
http://www.scribd.com/users/writers4574/document_collections

Published - 17 December 2010

25 December 2010
(Katavasias Of The Nativity 1 & 2)

40 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST

 Tr is a gio n P r aye r s ✞Kyrie, Doxa Si. (3) Thee, the Sun of
✞ Evlogitos O Theos imon, pantote ✞Blessed is our God always
PRIEST
Righteousness, and to know
nin ke ai ke is tous eonas ton now and ever, and to the Ages Thee as Orient from on High.
eonon. of Ages. ✞O Lord, Glory to Thee! (3)
Amin PEOPLE Amen THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM BEGINS NOW

✞Doxa Si, O Theos, Doxa Si! ✞Glory to Thee, O God, Glory to
Thee!
Vasilei Ouranie, Paraklite, to
O Heavenly King, O Comforter,
Pnevma tis Aklithias, o
Panatahou paron ke ta panta the Spirit of Truth, Who art in
pliron, o Thisavros ton Agathon all places and fillest all things;
ke Zois Korigos elthe ke Treasury of Good Things and
skinoson en imin ke katharison Giver of Life: come and dwell
imas apo pasis kilidos ke soson, in us and cleanse us from every
Agathe, tas psihas imon.
stain, and save our souls, O
Gracious Lord.
✞Agios O Theos, Agios Ishiros, ✞Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy
Agios Athanatos, Eleison imas. Immortal, have mercy upon us.
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio ✞Glory to the Father, and to the
Pnevmati. Ke nin ke Ai ke is Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
tous eonas ton eonon. now and ever, and to the Ages
of Ages.
Amin Amen
✞Panagia Trias Eleison imas. ✞All Holy Trinity have mercy
Kyrie, elas thiti tes amarties upon us. Lord, wash away our
imon. Despota, singhorison tas sins. Master, pardon our
anomias imin. Agie Ipiskepse, ke
iase tas asthenias imon, eneken transgressions. Holy One, visit
tou Onomatos Sou. and heal our infirmities for Thy
Name’s sake.
Kyrie Eleison [3] Lord have mercy [3]
✞Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio ✞Glory to the Father, and to the
Pnevmati. Ke nin ke Ai ke is Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
tous eonas ton eonon. now and ever, and to the Ages
of Ages.
Amin Amen
Ou r Lo rd ’s P r aye r
E VER YO NE PRA YS IN UN I SON

Pater imon O en tis Ouranis, Our Father Who art in Heaven:

Agiasthito to Onoma Sou, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
eltheto i Vasilia Sou, genithito Kingdom come. Thy Will be
to Thelima Sou, os en Ourano done on earth as it is in
ke epi tis gis. Ton Arton imon Heaven. Give us this day our
ton epiousion dos imin Daily Bread, and forgive us
simeron. Ke afes imin ta our trespasses as we forgive
ofelimata imon, os ke imis those who trespass against us.
afiement tis ofiletes imon. And lead us not into
Ke mi isenengis imas is temptation, but deliver us
pirasmon, alla rise imas apo from the evil one.
tou ponirou.

2 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 39

Evlogitos I, Kyrie, O Theos ton
Pateron imon, ke Eneton ke
Dedoxasmenon to Onoma Sou is
tous Eonas.
Amin
Genito, Kyrie, to eleos Sou ef imas, May Thy
kathaper ilipisamen epi Se.
✞Evlogitos i, Kyrie, didaxon me ta ✞Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach
Dikeomata Sou. [3]
Kyrie, katafigi, egenithis imin en
genea ke genea. Ego ipa: Kyrie,
eleison me, iase tin psihin mou
oti imarton Si.
Kyrie, Pros Se katefigon; didaxon
me tou piin to Thelima Sou, oti
Si I O Theos mou.
Oti para Si Pigi Zois; en to Foti Sou For
opsometha Fos.
Paratinon to Eleos Sou tis
ginoskousi Se.
✞Agios O Theos, Agios Ishiros,
Agios Athanatos, eleison
imas.[3]
✞Doxa Patri ke Io ke agio
Pnevmati. Ke nin ke ai ke is
tous eonas ton eonon.
Amin
✞Agios Athanatos, eleison imas.
✞Agios O Theos, Agios Ishiros,
Agios Athanatos, Eleison imas.
Apolytikion of the Nativity of Christ our Saviour – Tone 4
I 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.
38 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God
of our Fathers, and praised and
glorified is Thy Name unto the
Ages.
Amen
Mercy O Lord, be upon
us, as we have put our hope in
Thee.
me Thy Statutes [3]
Lord, Thou hast been our Refuge
from generation to generation.
I said: Lord, have mercy on me,
heal my soul, for I have sinned
against Thee.
O Lord, to Thee have I fled; teach
me to do Thy Will, for Thou art
my God.
with Thee is the Fountain of
Life; in Thy Light we shall see
Light.
Extend Thy Mercy to those who
know Thee.
✞ Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy
Immortal, have mercy on us.
[3]
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever, and to the Ages
of Ages.
Amen
✞Holy Immortal, have mercy on
us.
✞ Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy
Immortal, have mercy on us.
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
✞ Oti Sou Estin i Vasilia ke i
Dinamis ke i Doxa tou Patros, ke
tou Iou, ke tou Agiou
Pnevmatos, nin ke ai ke is tous
eonas ton eonon.
Amin
Tr o p ari on t o ou r L ord an d S avi ou r, Je s u s Ch ri st
Soson Kyrie ton laon Sou ke
evlogison tin klironomian Sou,
Nikas tis Vasilevsi kata
varvaron doroumenos ke to son
filatton dia tou Stavrou Sou
Politevma.
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio
Pnevmati.
O ipsothis en to Stavro ekousios, ti
eponimo Sou keni politia tous
iktirmous Sou Dorise, Hriste O
Theos. Evfranon en ti Dinami
Sou tous Pistous Vasilis imon,
Nikas horigon aftis kata ton
polemion. Tin simmakian ehien
tin Sin, oplon Irinis, Aittiton
Tropeon.
Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton
eonon.
Amen
The ot oki on
✞Prostasia fovera ke akateskinte,
mi paridis, agathi, tas ikesias
imon, panimfite Theotoke.
Stirixon Orthodoxon politian.
Soze nothen tin Nikin. Dioti
etekes ton Theon, Moni
Evlogimeni.
Lit an y of Fe rve nt Su p pli cat io ns
Eleison imas O Theos, kata to
Mega Eleos Sou, deometha Sou,
epakouson ke Eleison.
MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST
PRIESTFor Thine is the Kingdom, the
Power and the Glory, ✞ of the
Father, and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, now and ever,
and to the Ages of Ages.
PEOPLE Amen
O Lord, Save Thy people, and
Bless Thine Inheritance,
granting to our God5fearing
Rulers Victory over all
adversaries, and by Thy Cross
preserving Thine Estate.
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Spirit
Do Thou Who, of Thine own Good
Will, upon the Cross was lifted
up, bestow Thy Bounties upon
the new State, which is called
by Thy Name, O Christ God;
make glad with Thy Might our
God5fearing Rulers granting
Victory over adversaries to
those who have Thine Aid,
which is a Panoply of Peace, a
Trophy Invincible.
Now and ever, and the Ages of
Ages.
Amen
✞O Champion Dread, Who cannot
be put to confusion, despise
not our Petitions. O Good
One, All Lauded Birth5giver of
our God, establish Thou the
State of those who hold the
Orthodox Faith; Save our
God5fearing Rulers, whom
Thou has called to rule over
us, and bestow upon them
Victory from Heaven: for Thou
gave Birth to God, O Only
Blessed One.
PRIEST Have Mercy on us, O God,
according to Thy great Mercy,
we pray Thee, hear us and have
Mercy
3
Kyrie Eleison [3]
Eti deometha iper ton eusovon ke
Orthodoxon Hristianon.
Kyrie Eleison [3]
Eti deometha iper tou
Arhipiskopou (Sergiou) ke pasis
tis en Hristo Adelfotitos.
Kyrie Eleison [3]
Oti eleimon ke Filanthropos Theos
iparhis ke Si tin doxan
anapempomen ✞ to Patri ke to
Io ke to Agio Pnevmati, nin ke
ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon.
Amin
En Onomati Kyriou Evlogison,
Pater.
✞ Doxa ti Agia ke Omoousio ke
Zoopio ke Adiereto Triadi,
pantote, nin ke ai ke is tous
eonas ton eonon.
Amin
P r ai se s t o Al mig hty G od
✞Doxa en ipsistis Theo ke epi gis ✞ Glory
irini, en anthropis evdokia. [3]
Kyrie, ta hili mou anixis, ke to
stoma mou anageli tin enesin
Sou. [2]
M AKE THE SIGN O F
The Six Psalms
Kyrie ti eplithinthisan i thlivontes
me!
Polli epanistante ep eme.
Polli legovsi ti psihi mou, ouk esti
Sotiria afto en to Theo aftou.
4 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST
PEOPLE Lord have mercy [3] anthropis evdokia. cry aloud without ceasing:
Glory to god in the Highest,
PRIEST Again, let us pray for all
and on earth, Peace and Good
devout and Orthodox
Will among men!
Christians
PEOPLE Lord have mercy [3] Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas Now and ever, and to the Ages of
ton eonon. Ages.
PRIEST Again, we pray for our
Archbishop (Sergios) and all
Amin Amen
THE CONGREGATION MUST STAND
our Brotherhood in Christ.
The G re at D o xol og y
PEOPLE Lord have mercy [3] TH E BELL S AR E R UNG AND A LL THE LIGHT S AR E SWIT CHED ON
PRIEST For Thou art a Merciful and ✞Doxa Si to dixanti to Fos. ✞ Glory to Thee Who has shown
Loving God, and to Thee we us the Light!
give Glory, to the ✞ Father, and ✞Doxa en Ipsistis Theo ke epi gis ✞ Glory to God in the Highest,
to the Son, and to the Holy Irini, en anthropis Evdokia. and on earth Peace, Goodwill
Spirit, now and ever, and to the among men.
Ages of ages. Imnoumen Se, Evlogoumen Se, ✞We Praise Thee, we Bless Thee,
PEOPLE Amen Proskinoumense, Doxologoumen we Worship Thee, we Glorify
Se, Efharistoumen Si, dia tin
In the Name of the Lord, Bless Megalin Sou Doxan.
Thee, we give Thee Thanks for
us, Father. Thy Great Glory.
PRIEST ✞Glory to the Holy, ✞ Kyrie Vasilef, Epouranie Thee, ✞ Lord, King, God of Heaven,
Consubstantial, Life5giving and Pater Pantokrator; Kyrie Ie Father Almighty: Lord, Only
Monogenes, Isou Hriste, ke Begotten Son, Jesus Christ and
Undivided Trinity, always, now
Agion Pnevma. Holy Spirit.
and ever, and to the Ages of
Ages. Kyrie O Theos, O Amnos tou Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of
Theou, O Ios tou Patros, O eron
PEOPLE Amen tin amartian tou Kosmou,
the Father, Who takes away the
eleison imas, O eron tas sin of the world, have mercy
amartias tou kosmou. upon us; O Thou Who takes
to God in the Highest, away the sins of the world.
and on earth Peace, Good
Prosdexe tin deisin imon, O Receive our Prayer, Thou Who sits
Will towards mankind. [3]
kathimenos en dexia tou Patros, at the right Hand of the Father,
O Lord, open Thou my lips, and ke eleison imas. and have mercy on us.
my mouth shall show forth
✞Oti Si i Monos Agios, Si i Monos ✞For Thou alone art Holy, Thou
Thy praise [2] Kyrios, Iisous Hristos, is Doxan
THE CRO SS & BO W DOWN TO GOD alone art Lord, Jesus Christ, to
Theou Patros
the Glory of God the Father.
P s al m 3
Amin. Amen
HELP FOR THE AFFLICTED Kath’ ekastin imeran Evlogiso Se, Every day I will Bless Thee, and
Lord, how are they increased who ke enesio to Onoma Sou is ton praise Thy Name forever and
trouble me! eona ke is ton Eona tou Eonos.
to the Ages of Ages.
Many are those who rise up
Kataxioson, Kyrie, en ti emera tafti Grant, O Lord, this day to keep us
against me.
anamartitous filahthine imas. without sin.
Many say of my soul, There is no
help for him in his God.
MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 37
Defte 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.
✞ Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio
Pnevmati
By Germanos - Tone (6) Plagal 2
Ote keros, tis epi gis parousias
Sou, proti apografi ti ikoumeni
egeneto tote emelles ton
anthropon apografesthe ta
Onomata, ton Pistevonton to
took Sou. Dia touto to tiouton
dogma, ipo 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!
Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas
ton eonon.
Amin
By St John the Monk - Tone 2
Simeron O Hristos, en Vithleem
Gennate 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
36 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST
O come, let us sing the praises of
the Mother of our Saviour, who,
after Child5bearing 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!
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Spirit
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
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!
Now and ever, and to the Ages
of ages.
Amen
Today 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
Si de Kyrie, Antiliptor mou i doxa
mou, ke ipon tin kefalin mou.
Foni mou pros Kyrion ekeraxa, ke
epikouse mou ex Orous Agiou
aftou. Dipalma.
Ego ekimithin ke ipnosa,
exigerthin, oti Kyrios antilipsete
mou.
Ou fovithisome apo mnriadon
laou, ton kiklo epitithemenon mi.
Anastra Kyrie Soson me O Theos
mou.
Oti Si epataxas pantas tous
ehthrenontas mi mateos,
odontas amartolon sinetripsas.
Tou Kyriou i Sotiria, ke epi ton
laon Sou i Evlogia Sou.
Ego ekimithin ke ipnosa,
exigerthin, oti Kyrios antilipsete
mou.
P s al m 3 7 [ 38 ]
A PSALM OF REPENTANCE
Kyrie, mi to thimo Sou elegxis me,
mide ti orgi Sou pedevsis me. Oti
ta veli Sou enepagisan mi, ke
epestirixas ep eme tin Hira Sou.
Ouk estin iasis en ti sarki mou apo There
prosopou tis Orgis Sou, ouk estin
Irinin tis osteis mou apo
prosopou ton amartion mou.
Oti e anomei mou iperiran tin
kefalin mou, osi fortion vari
evapinthisan ep eme.
Prosoxesan ke espisan i milopes
mou, apo proopou ti afrosinis
mou.
MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST
But Thou, O Lord, art my
Defender; Thou art my
Worship, and the Lifter5up of
my head.
I called upon the Lord with my
voice, and He heard me from
His Holy Mountain.
I lay down and slept, and rose up
again; for the Lord sustained
me.
I will not be afraid of ten
thousands of people who
surround me and have set
themselves against me.
Arise, O Lord, and help me, O my
God!
For Thou smites all my enemies
upon the cheek5bone; Thou
has broken the teeth of the
ungodly.
Salvation belongs to the Lord; and
Thy Blessing is upon Thy
people.
I lay down and slept, and rose up
again; for the Lord sustained
me.
O Lord, do not rebuke me in Thy
Wrath, nor chasten me in Thy
hot displeasure! For Thine
arrows pierce me deeply and
Thy Hand presses me down.
is no soundness in my
Flesh in the Sight of Thine
Anger, nor any Peace in my
Bones because of my sin.
For mine iniquities have
overwhelmed me; they are like
a heavy burden, beyond my
strength.
My wounds are foul and festering
because of My foolishness.
5
Etaleporisa ke katekamfthin eos I am troubled and bowed down
telous, olin tin imeran greatly; all day long I mourn. Eufrenesthe Dikei! Ourani Make glad, O you Righteous!
skithropazon eporefomin. agalliasthe, skirtisate ta ori, Greatly rejoice, O you Heavens!
Oti i psihi mou eplisthi empegmon, For my loins are filled with Hristou Gennithentos. You mountains, dance for Joy!
ke ouk estin iasis en ti sarki burning pains, and there is no Parthenos kathezete, ta
Christ is Born! And like the
mou. heaklth in my flesh. Herouvim mimoumeni,
vastazousa en kolpis, Theon Cherubim, the Vigin makes a
Ekakothin ke etpinothin eos sfodra, I am numbed and severely Logon sarkothenta. Pimenes Throne, carrying at Her Bosom
irfomin apo stenagmou tis ton tehtenta doxazousi. Magi to
crushed; I groan with anguish God the Word become Flesh.
kardias mou. Despoti dora porsferousin.
of heart. Shepherds Glorify the New
Angeli animnountes legousin.
Ke enantion sou pasa i epithimia O Lord, all my desire is before Akatalipte Kyrie Doxa Si.
Born Child! Magi offer gifts!
mou, ke o stenagmos mou ouk Thee and My sighing is not Angels sing praises, saying: O
apekrivi apo sou. hidden from Thee. Lord past understanding:
I kardia mou etarahthi, egkatlipe My heart throbs; my strength
Glory to Thee!
me i ishis mou, ke to fos ton Enite afton en iho salpingos. Praise Him with the sound of the
fails me; the very light of my Enite afton en psaltirio ke
ofthalmon mou ouk esti met trumpet; praise Him with lute
emou. eyes has failed me kithara. and harp.
I fili mou ke i plision mou ex My friends and my companions O Patir evdokisen, O Logos sarx The Father was well5pleased: the
enantias mou ingisan ke estisan. stand back because of my egeneto, ke i Parthenos eteke,
Word became Flesh; and the
affliction; my neighbours stand Theon enanthropisanta. Asir
minii: Magi proskinousi! Virgin gave Birth to God Who
afar off.
Pimenes Thamazousi! Kei ktisis became Man. A Star reveals
Ke i engista mou makrothen Those who seek my life lay snares Agallete! Him! Magi bow in worship!
estisan, ke exeviazonto i for me and they look to my
zitountes tin psihin mou. Ke i Shepherds marve! And Creation
zitountes ta kaka mi elalisan misfortune, they speak of rejoices!
destruction, and they plan
mateotitas, ke dolistitas olin tin Enite afton en timpano ke horo. Praise Him with timbrel and
imeran emeletisan. deception all day long. Enite afton en hordes ke dance; praise Him with
Ego de osi kofos ouk ikonon, ke osi But I, like a deaf man, do not organo. strings and pipe.
alalos ouk anigon to stoma hear; I am like a mute who Theotoke Parthene, i tekousa ton O Virgin Theotokos who has
aftou. Ke egenomin osi does not open his mouth. I Sotira, anetrepsas tin protin borne our Saviour, Thou hast
anthropos ouk akouon, ke ouk kataran tis Evas. Oti Mitir
have become like a man who overthrown the ancient Curse
ehon en to stomati aftou gegonas, tis evdokias tou
elegmou. neither hears nor has a retort of Eve. For Thou hast become
Patros, Vastazousa en kolpis,
in his mouth. the Mother of Him in Whom
Theon Logon sarkothenta. Ou
Oti epi Si Kyrie ilpisa, Si isakousi For Thee, O Lord, I wait; Thou, O feri to Mystirion erevnan. Pisti the Father is well5pleased, and
Kyrie O Theos mou. Lord my God, will answer. moni touto pantes doxazomen, hast carried in Thy Bosom God
Oti ipa, mi pote epiharosi me i When I say:, “Let them not be glad krazontes meta Souk e legontes. the Incarnate Word. We cannot
ehthri mou, ke en to salefthine Anerminefte Kyrie Doxa Si! fathom this Mystery: but by
on my account who, when my
podas mou, ep eme foot slips, glory over me.” Faith alone we all Glorify It,
emegalorrimonisan. crying with Thee and saying: O
Oti ego is mastigas etimos, ke i For I am very near to falling, and Lord Incomprehensible, Glory
algidon mou enopion mou my grief is always with me. to Thee!
diapantos.
Enite Afton en kimvalis evihis. Praise Him with tuneful cymbals;
Oti tin anomian mou anangelon , Indeed, I acknowledge my guilt; I Enite Afton en kimvalis praise Him with loud cymbals.
merimniso iper tis amartias alalagmou. Pasa pnoi inesato Let everything that has breath
grieve over my sin.
mou. ton Kyrion. praise the Lord.

6 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 35


Amin/Kyrie eleison
✞ Tis Panagias, ahrantou,
ipere
vlogimenis, endoxou Despinis
imon Theotokou ke Aiparthenou
Marias meta panton ton Agion
Mnimonefsantes, eaftous ke
alilous ke pasan tin zoin imon
Hristo to Theo parathometha.
M AKE THE SIGN O F
✞Si Kyrie
✞Oti Se Enousi pase e Dinamis ton
Ouranon, ke Si tin doxan
anapempousi, to Patri, ke to Io,
ke to Agio Pnevmati, nin ke ai ke
is tous eonas ton eonon.
Amin
The Exapostilarion of the Nativity of Christ our Savour – Tone 3
Epeskiepsato imas, ex ipsous O
Sotir imon, anatoli anatolon, ke
i en skoti ke skia, evromen tin
alithian. Ke gar ek tis
Parthenou etehthi O Kyrios. (3)
Lauds: The Praises to God - Psalm 148 – Tone 4
PRAISES TO THE LORD FROM ALL CREATION
Pasa pnoi enesato ton Kyrion.
Enite ton Kyrion ek ton
Ouranon. Enite Afton en tis
ipsistis. Si prepi imnos to Theo.
Enite Afton, pantes i Angelli
Aftou. Enite Afton, pase e
Dinamis Aftou. Si prepi
imnos to Theo.
Stihera – Heirmologic – by St Andrew of Jerusalem - Tone 4
Enite Afton epi tes Dinasties
Afton. Enite Afton kata to
plithos tis Megalosinis Aftou.
34 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST
by Thy Grace.
PEOPLE Amen/Lord have mercy
PRIEST ✞ Calling to remembrance
our Most Holy, All Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady,
Theotokos and Ever Virgin
Mary, with all the Saints, let us
commit ourselves and each
other, and all our life to Christ
our God.
THE CRO SS & BO W DOWN TO GOD
PEOPLE ✞To Thee, O Lord!
PRIEST For all the Powers of Heaven
praise Thee, and to Thee we
ascribe Glory: ✞ to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit, now and ever, and to the
Ages of Ages.
PEOPLE Amen
Our Saviour, the Dayspring from
the East, 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)
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.
Praise Him, all His Angels; praise
Him, all His Powers. To Thee
praise is due, O God.
Praise Him for His Mighty Acts;
praise Him according to the
greatness of His Majesty.
I de ehthri mou zosi, ke kekrateonte But my undeserved enemies are
iper eme, ke eplithinthisan i strong; those who hate me
misountes me adikos.
wrongfully have multiplied.
I antapodidontes kaka anti Those who render evil for good
Agathon, evdievallon me, epi are my adversaries, because I
katediokon Dikeosinin. follow Righteousness.
Mi egkatalipis me Kyrie O Theos Do not forsake Me, O Lord; O My
mou mi apostis ap emou. God, be not far from me!
Proshes is tin voithian mou Make haste to help me, O God
Kyrie tis Sotirias mou! [2] of my Salvation! [2]
P s al m 6 2 [ 63 ]
FRIENDSHIP WITH ALMIGHTY GOD
O Theos O Theos mou pros se O God, Thou art my GodWhom I
orthrizo; edipise Se i psihi mou, seek; my flesh longs for Thee
posaplos si i sarx mou, en gi like the earth, which is
erimo ke avato ke anidro.
parched, lifeless and without
water.
Outos en to Agio ofthin Si, tou Thus have I gazed towards Thee
idin tin Dinamin Sou ke tin in the Sanctuary to see Thy
Doxan Sou.
Power and Thy Glory.
Oti krisson to Eleos Sou iper zoas;
For Thy Mercy is a Greater Good
ta hili mou Epenesovsi Se.
than life; my lips shall
PraiseThee.
Outos Evlogiso Se en ti zoi mou; en Thus will I Bless Thee while live;
lifting up my hands, I will call
to Onomati Sou aro tas hiras
mou. upon Thy Name.
Osi steatos ke pititos emplisthii i As with the riches of a banquet
psihi mou, ke hili agaliaseos shall my soul be satisfied, and
enesi to Onoma Sou.
with joyful lips my mouth shall
praise Thy Name.
I emnimonefon Sou epi tis stromnis I shall remember Thee on my bed
mou, en tis orthris emeleton is and meditate on Thee through
Se. the night watches.
Oti egnithis Voithos mou, ke en ti For Thou art my Helper and I
skepi ton Pterigon Sou
rejoice in the shadow of Thy
agaliasome.
Wings.
Ekollithi i psihi mou opiso Sou, My soul clings fast to Thee. Thy
emou antelaveto i Dexia Sou. right Hand upholds me.
Anti de is matin exitisan tin psihin But those who seek to destroy my
mou, iselefsonte is ta katotata life shall go into the depths of
tis gis, paradothisonte is hiras the earth. They shall be
romfeas, merides alopekon
delivered to the sword, and
esonte.
shall be the prey of jackals.
MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 7
O de Vasilefs evfranthisete epi to The King, however, shall rejoice Megalinon psihi mou, tin Magnify, O my soul, Her who has
Theo, epenethisete pas o onmion in God; everyone who swears litrosamenin, imas ek tis delivered us from the Curse!
en afto oti enefragi stoma by Him shall glory, but the kataras.
lalounton adika. Pothou tetevhos, ke Theou Having been granted the longed
mouths of those who speak
lies shall be stopped. Parousias, O Hristoterpis Laos for experience of the Advent
En ixiomenos, nin potniate tis
tis orthris emeleton is se: oti Through the night watches I have palingenesias, os Zoopiou. Tin
of God, the Christ5pleasing
egnithis Voithos mou, ke en ti meditated on Thee: for Thou people tearfully pray to behold
Harin de Parthene, nemis
skepi ton Pterigon sou the Regeneration, the Life5
art my Helper and I rejoice in ahrante, Proskinise to Kleos.
agaliasome. giving Baptism. O All Pure and
the shadow of Thy Wings.
Holy Virgin, grant us the
Ekollithi i psihi mou opiso Sou, My soul clings fast to Thee. Thy
emou antelaveto i dexia Sou. favour of Venerating that
right Hand upholds me.
Glory.
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Katavasia of the Nativity of Christ our Saviour
Pnevmati. Ke nin ke Ai ke is Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
tous eonas ton eonon. now and ever, and to theAges Megalinon psihi mou, tin Magnify, O my soul, Her who is
of Ages. Timioteran, ke Evdoxoteran more Honourable and more
Amin Amen ton ano Stratevmaton. Glorious than the Heavenly
Hosts.
Alleluia [3] ✞ Doxa Si, O Theos Alleluia[3] ✞Glory to Thee, O
[3]
God [3]
Mystirion Xenon, oro ke A strange and most wonderful
Kyrie Eleison [3] Lord have mercy [3]
paradoxon: Ouranon to Mystery do I see: The cave is
Spyleon! Thronon Herouvikon, Heaven! The Virgin is the
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the tin Parthenon! Tin fatnin
Pnevmati. Ke nin ke Ai ke is Throne of the Cherubim! The
Son, and to the Holy Spirit, horion! En O aneklithi O
tous eonas ton eonon. ahoritos, Hristos O Theos! On manger is a grand space, in
now and ever, and to the Ages
animvountes Megalinomen! which Christ, the God Whom
of Ages.
nothing can contain, is laid!
Amin Amen Him do we praise and magnify!
P s al m 8 7 [ 88 ]
THE DARKNESS OF DEATH Megalinon psihi mou, tin Magnify, O my soul, Her who
litrosamenin, imas ek tis has delivered us from the
Kyrie O Theos tis Sotirias mou O Lord, God of my Salvation, by
kataras. Curse
imeras ekeraxa ke en nikti day I cry out; at night I clamour
Evantion Sou. in Thy Presence.
Stergin men imas, os akindinon It would be easier for us, because
fovo, raon siopin. To potho de
Iseltheto enopion Sou i prosefhi Let my Prayer come before Thee. Parthene, imnous ifenin,
free from all danger, to keep
mou klinon to ous Sou is tin silence in fear while it is hard
Incline Thine Ear unto my cry, sintonos tethigmenous, ergodes
disin mou, Kyrie. indeed, O Virgin, in love to
O Lord. Estin. Alla ke Mitir sthenos, osi
pefiken, i proeresis didou devise songs harmoniously put
Oti eplisthi kakon i psihi mou, ke is For my soul is full of troubles and together. But do thou, O
zoi mou to adi ingise. my life draws near to the grave. Mother, give us strength that
Proselogisthin meta ton I am counted with those who go so we may fulfil our good
katavenonton is lakkon, intent
down to the pit; I am a man
egenithin os anthropos The S m all Li ta ny
avoithitos, en neris eleftheros, without strength, like the slain
osi trafmatie errimmeni who lie in the grave, whom Eti ke eti, en irini tou Kyriou PRIESTAgain, yet again, in peace let
kathendontes en tafo, on ouk Thou remembers no longer, deithomen. us pray to the Lord.
emnisthis eti, ke afti ek tis hiros and who are cut off from Thy
sou aposthisan. Care.
Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy
Antilavou soson, Eleison ke PRIEST Help us, save us, have mercy

diafilaxon imas O Theos, ti Si upon us, and keep us, O God,

Hariti

8 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 33

 land by that same Star, they Ethento me en lakko katotato, en Thou hast plunged me into the
returned, not to Herod, but skotinis ke en skia thanatou. bottom of the pit, into the dark
mocked the wicked murderer abyss.
of children. Ep eme epestirihthi O Thimos Sou, Thy Wrath lies heavy upon me,
Iambic Canon – Tone 1 ke pantas tous metorismous Sou
and Thou hast afflicted me
epigages ep eme diapalma.
Simeron i Parthenos, tikti ton Today the Virgin bears the with all Thy Storms.
Despotin, endon en to Spileo. Master within the Cave Emakrinas tous gnostous mou ap Thou hast taken away my
IRMOS Stergin men imas, os HEIRMOS It would be easier for us, emou, ethento me vdeligma
acquaintances far from me;
akindinon fovo, Raon siopin. being free from all danger, to eaftis; patedothin ke ouk
exeporefomin. Thou has made me an
To potho de, Parthene, Imnous keep silent through fear: while
ifenin, sintonos tethigmenous abomination to them; I am
it is difficult indeed, O Virgin, imprisoned and I cannot
Ergodes estin. Alla ke, Mitir,
sthenos, Osi pefiken i proeresis, to devise songs harmoniously escape.
didou. with Love. But Thou, O
I ofthalmi mou isthenisan apo My sight has grown dim because
Mother, grant us strength to
ptohias. of affliction.
fulfil our Good Intent.
Simeron O Despotis, tiktete os Today, our Master is Born as an Ke ekekraxa pros Se Kyrie; olin tin Daily I call upon Thee, O Lord; to
vrefos, ipo Mitro Parthenou. imeran, dipestasa pros se tas Thee I strech out my hands.
Infant to His Virgin Mother.
hiras mou.
IRMOS Stergin men imas, os It would be easier for us, Wilt
akindinon fovo, Raon siopin.
HEIRMOS
Mi tis nekris piisis thavmasia? Thou work wonders for the
being free from all danger, to dead?
To potho de, Parthene, Imnous
keep silent through fear: while
ifenin, sintonos tethigmenous
it is difficult indeed, O Virgin,
I iatri anastisofsi ke Shalt the dead arise and praise
Ergodes estin. Alla ke, Mitir, Exomologisonte Si? Thee?
sthenos, Osi pefiken i proeresis, to devise songs harmoniously
didou. with Love. But Thou, O
Mi diigisete tis en tafo to Eleos Sou, Shalt Thy Mercy be declared in
ke tin Alithian Sou en ti apolia? the grave? Or Thy Truth in the
Mother, grant us strength to
fulfil our Good Intent. place of destruction?
✞ Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio
✞ Glory to the Father, and to
Mi gnosthisete en to skoti ta Shalt Thy Wonders be known in
Pnevmati Thavmasia Sou, ke i Dikeosini
the Son, and to the Holy Spirit the dark? And Thy
Megalinon psihi mou, tis Sou en gi eplelismeni?
Trisipostatou, ke Adieretou,
Magnify, O my soul, the Power of Righteousness in the Land of
the Three Hypostases and Oblivion?
Theotitos to Kratos!
Undivided Godhead! Kago pros se Kyrie ekeraxa, ke But I, O Lord, cry to Thee; with my
Tipous afengis ke skias
We have seen, O Pure Mother, the toproi i prosevhi mou profthasi Morning Prayer I wait upon
parigmenas, O Miter Agni, tou Se.
Logou dedorkotes, Neou past obscure types and Thee.
fanentos, ek Pilis Keklismenis, shadows of the Word fulfilled, Inati Kyrie apothis tin prosevhin Why, O Lord, dost Thou reject
Doxoumeni te, tis Alithias Faos, and now that He has newly mou, apostrefis to Prosopon Sou me? Why dost Thou hide Thy
Epaxios sin Evlogoumen Appeared from the Closed ap emou? Face from me?
Gastera. Gate, we who are counted Ptohos imi ego ke en kopis ek I am afflicted and in agony since
worthy to behold the Light of neotitos mou; ipsothis de my youth; I am distraught with
Truth, rightly Bless Thy Womb. etapinothin ke exiporithin.
the burden of Thy Fear1.
Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas Now and ever, and to the Ages Ep eme diilthon e Orge Sou; ke i
ton eonon. of ages. Foverismi Sou exetaraxan me.
Thy fierce Wrath has swept over
me; Thy Fear has cut me off.
Amin Amen
1
T H E F E A R O F G O D MEANS HAVING THE DEEPEST RESPECT FOR ALMIGHTY GOD AND HOLDING HIM IN ABSOLUTE
AWE. IT IS NOT A DESTRUCTIVE, FRIGHTENING FEAR... IT IS A DEEP, PERSONAL DESIRE NOT TO DISAPPOINT OR FAIL OUR
MOST BELOVED LORD AND MASTER WHO LOVES US UNCONDITIONALLY AND WHO PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING GOOD
AND NECESSARY FOR A PEACEFUL, FULFILLED LIFE ON EARTH – AND ETERNITY.

32 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 9

Ekiklosan me os idor, olin tin
imeran periehon me ama.
Emakrinas ap emou filon, ke tous
gnostous mou apo taleporias.
Kyrie O Theos tis Sotirias mou
imeras ekeraxa ke en nikti
evantion Sou.
Iseltheto enopion Sou i prosefhi
mou klinon to ous Sou is tin
disin mou, Kyrie.
P s al m 1 02 [ 1 03 ]
A PRAYER OF PRAISE FOR GOD’S MERCY AND HIS ANGELIC HOSTS
Evlogi i psihi mou ton Kyrion, ke
panta ta entos mou to Onoma
to Agion aftou.
Evlogi i psihi mou ton Kyrion ke mi Bless
epilanthanou pasas tas Enesis
Aftou: Ton evilatefonta pases
tes anomies sou; ton iomenon
pasas tas nosous sou; ton
litroumenon ek fthoras tin zoin
sou; ton stefanounta se en Elei
ke Iktirmis; ton empiplonta en
Agathis tin epithimian sou;
anakenisthisete os meou i neotis
sou.
Pion eleimosinas O Kyrios,
krima pasi tis adikoumenis.
Egnorise tas odous aftou to Mosisi He
tis Iis Israil ta Thelimata Aftou
. Children of Israel.
Iktirmon ke Eleimon O Kyrios,
makrothimos ke polieleos.
Ouk is telos orgisthisete, oude is
ton eona minii.
Ou kata tas amartias imon epiisen He
imin, oude kata tas anomias
imon antapedoken imin.
10 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST
They encompass me like water all
day long; they close in on me
from all sides.
My companions and friends, Thou
hast taken from me, and my
only acquaintance is Darkness.
O Lord, God of my Salvation, by
day I cry out; at night I clamour
in Thy Presence.
Let my Prayer come before Thee.
Incline Thine Ear unto my cry,
O Lord.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all
my being, Bless His Holy Name!
the Lord, O my soul, and
forget not all His Benefits: He
Forgives all your iniquities; He
Heals all your afflictions; He
Redeems your life from
destruction: He Crowns you
with Mercy and Compassion;
He Fills your life with Good
Things so that your youth is
renewed like the eagle’s.
ke
The
Lord secures Righteousness
and Justice for all who are
oppressed.
made known His Ways to
Moses and His Deeds to the
Merciful and Gracious is the Lord;
slow to anger, and abounding
in Mercy.
He will not always reprimand us,
nor will He keep His Wrath
forever.
does not deal with us
according to our sins, nor does
He punish us according to our
crimes.
THE BELLS ARE RUNG AT THIS POINT
9th Ode – Tone 1
Megalinon psihi mou, tin Magnify, O my soul, her who is
Timioteran, ke Evdoxoteran more Honourable and more
Exalted in Glory than the
ton ano Stratevmaton.
Heavenly Hosts.
IRMOS Mystirion Xenon, oro ke HEIRMOS A strange and most
paradoxon: Ouranon to
wonderful Mystery do I see:
Spyleon! Thronon Herouvikon,
The cave is Heaven! The Virgin
tin Parthenon! Tin fatnin
horion! En O aneklithi O
is the Throne of the Cherubim!
ahoritos, Hristos O Theos! On The manger is a grand
animvountes Megalinomen! space, in which Christ, the God
Whom nothing can contain, is
laid! Him do we praise and
magnify!
Troparia of the Nativity of Christ our Saviour
Megalinon psihi mou, ton ek tis Magnify, O my soul, God Born in
Parthenou, Theon Sarki the Flesh from the Virgin!
tehthenta!
Exesion dromon, Orontes i Magi, The Magi, beholding the strange
asinithous neou Asteros course of an unknown and
artifaous, Ouraniou newly shining Star that
iperlampontos, Hriston Vasilea
exceeded the brightness of all
etekmiranto, en gi Gennithenta
Vithleem, is Sotirian imon. Heavenly Light, learnt thereby
that Christ the King was Born
on earth in Bethlehem for our
Salvation.
Megalinon psihi mou, ton en to Magnify, O my soul, the King
Spileo, tehthenta Vasilea! Born in a cave!
Neigenes, Magon legonton, Pedion The Magi enquired: Where is the
anax, ou Astir efani, pou estin, New Born Infant King Whose
is gar ekinou proskinisin
ikomen, manis O Ierodis Star we have seen? For we
etaratteto, Hriston anelin, O have come to worship Him. In
Theomahos friattomenos. his wild madness Herod, the
enemy of God, was troubled
and plotted to kill Christ.
Megalinon psihi mou, ton ipo ton Magnify, O my soul, God Who
Magon, Theon proskinithenta! worshipped by the Magi!
Ikrivose hronon Irodis asteros, ou Herod ascertained the time the
tes igesies i Magi en Vithleem,
proskinousi Hristo sin doris, if’
Guiding Star appeared, which
ou pros Patrida odigoumeni, led the Magi to Bethlehem,
dinon pedoktonon, egkatelipon there to worship Christ with
pezomenon. gifts. Led back to their own
MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 31
 flogos, estotes epsallon. O Ton
Pateron Theos evlogitos i.
To pantanaktos exefavlisan potho, Caught
itahimenontos igkistromeni,
Pedes tirannou, distheon
glossalgian, “Is ikathe gir
aspeton, to Despoti, legousin: Is
eonas, Evlogitis I!”
ODI 8
✞Enoumen, Evlogoumen
Proskinoumen ton Kyrion
Thavmatos 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.
Mitran aflektos, ikonizousi Koris, i
tis paleas pirpoloumeni nei,
YperfIos, kiousan
esfragismenin, amfo de drosa,
Thavmatourgia mia Laous pros
imnon, exanistisi Haris.
The Magnificat of the Nativity of Christ our Saviour
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.
the midst of the flames, they Oti kata to ipso tou ouranou apo For as high as the heavens are
sang “O God of our fathers, tis gis, ekrateose Kyrios to Eleos above the earth, so exceeding is
Blessed art Thou.” Aftou epi tous Fovoumenous His Mercy towards those who
and held fast by Love for Afton; kathoson apehousin
Fear Him; as far as the East is
anatole apo dismon, emakrinen
the King of all, the children from the West, so far has He
af’ imin tas anomias imon.
despised the impious threats removed our transgressions
of the tyrant in his from us!
boundless fury; and as the Kathos iktiri patir iious oktirise As a father has compassion for
terrible fire withdrew before Kyrios tous fovoumenous afton. his children, so the Lord has
them, they said to the Master: Oti aftos egno to plasma imon. Compassion for those who
“Unto all Ages Blessed art Mnisthiti oti hous esmen.
Fear2 Him. For He knows how
Thou!”
ODE 8
we were formed; He
ke remembers that we are sand.
✞We praise, we Bless and we
worship the Lord! Anthropos, osi hortos e imere Man’s days are like those of the
The furnace moist with dew was
aftou, osi anthos tou agrou grass; as a flower of the field,
outos exanthisi. Oti pnevma so he flourishes; the wind
the image and figure of a diilthen en afto, ke ouk iparxi,
sweeps over him and he is
Wonder past nature. For it ke ouk epignosete eti ton topon
aftou. gone, and the place remembers
burnt not the Children
him no longer.
whom it had received, even as
the Fire of the Godhead
To de Eleos tou Kyriou apo to But the Mercy of the Lord is from
Eonos ke Eos tou Eonos epi tous Eternity to Eternity for those
consumed not the Virgin’s Fovoumenous Afton. Ke i
who fear Him; and His
Womb into which It had Dikeosini Aftou epi iious iion,
descended. Therefore in praise tis filassousi tin Diathikin Aftou, Righteousness towards
let us sing: Let the whole ke memnimenis ton Entolon children’s children of those
Creation Bless the Lord and Aftou tou Piise Aftas. who keep His Covenant, and
Exalt Him above all for ever! remember to fulfil His
The Children of the Old Covenant Commandments.
who walked in the fire, yet Kyrios en to Ourano itimase ton The Lord has established His
Thronon Aftou, ke i Vasilia Throne in Heaven and His
were not burnt, prefigured the
Aftou panton despozi.
Womb of the Maiden that Kingdom rules over all.
remained sealed, when she Evlogite ton Kyrion pantes Angeli Bless the Lord, you His Angels,
gave Birth in a fashion past Aftou, dinati ishii piountes ton
who excel in strength, who
Logon Aftou, tou akouse tis
nature. By the same Divine fulfil His Commandments and
Fonis ton Logon Aftou.
Grace both these Wonders obey the Voice of His Word.
were brought to pass in a Evlogite ton Kyriou passe e Bless the Lord, all you His Hosts,
Miracle and rouses all people Dinamis Aftou, Litourgi Aftou you Ministers of His who do His
to sing in praise. piountes ta Thelimata Aftou
Will.

✞Tin Theotokon ke Miter to Fotos: ✞The Theotokos and Mother of

en imnis timontes meglinomen.
the Light: with hymns let us
honour and magnify !.
2
T H O S E W H O “ F E A R G O D ” ARE THOSE WHO HAVE THE DEEPEST RESPECT AND LOVE FOR GOD AND WHO
STRIVE TO OBEY HIS EVERY COMMANDMENT AND TEACHING. WE MUST FEAR OUR OWN SINFUL ERRORS THAT ALIENATE
US FROM GOD FOR WE AND EVERY OTHER HUMAN BEING SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR OWN ACTIONS – AND WILL
BE HELD PERSONALLY ACCOUNTABLE ON THE GREAT DAY OF THE FINAL JUDGEMENT!

30 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 11

Evlogite ton Kyrion pante ta Erga Bless the Lord, all you His Works, Virgin, for the Renewal of the
Aftou, en panti topo tis in all places of His Dominion. people.
Despotias Aftou. Evlogi i ODI 5 ODE 5
Bless the Lord, O my soul! [2]
pshihi mou ton Kyrion. [2] Theos on Erinis, Patrir iktirmon, tis As Thou art God of Peace and
P s al m 1 42 [1 4 3 ] Megalis Voulis Sou ton Angelon, Father of Mercies, Thou has
[SPIRITUAL]
WAITING IN THE [SPIR ITUAL] DARKNESS FOR THE [DIVINE] LIGHT Erinin parehomenon, apestilas sent to us Thine Angel of Great
Kyrie isakouson tis Prosefhis mou; O Lord hear my Prayer; hear my imin. Othen Theognosias, pros
Counsel, granting us Peace. So
enotise tin deisin mou en ti Supplication in Thy Fos Odigithentes, ek niktos
orthrizontes, Doxologoumen Se we are guided towards the
Alithia Sou, epakouson mou en Faithfulness; in Thy
ti Dikeosini Sou. Filanthrope Light of the Knowledge of God,
Righteousness answer me. and watching by night, we
Ke mi iselthis is krisin meta tou And do not enter into Judgement Glorify Thee, O Lover of
doulou Sou, oti ou Dikeothisete with Thy servant, for in Thy mankind!
enopion Sou pas zon. Sight no5one living is Ek niktos ergon, eskotismenis From the night of deeds of dark
Righteous. planis, Ilasmou imin Hriste, tis error we watch vigilantly, and
egrigoros, nin Si telousin imnon,
Oti Katedioxen O ehthros tin For the enemy has persecuted my
3
os evergeti, elthis porizon evheri
sing to Thee, O Christ, as to
psihin mou. Etapinosen is tin soul; he has crushed my life to te tin trivon. Kath in our Benefactor. Come to us
gin tin zoin mou, ekathise me the ground; he left me dwelling and grant us cleansing; make
anatrehontes evrimen kleos.
en skotinis os nekrous eonos.
in darkness, like those who the Path easy for us, whereby
have long been dead. we may ascend and so attain
Ke ikidiasen ep eme to pnevma Therefore my spirit is Glory.
mou; En emi etrahthi i kardia ODI 6 ODE 6
overwhelmed; and my heart is
mou. Splaghnon Ionan emvrion The sea monster spat forth Jonah
distressed.
apimesen, enalIos thir, ion as it had received him, like a
Emnisthin imeron arheon. Ke I remember the days of old; I
edexato. Ti Partheno de,
emeletisa en pasi tis Ergis Sou, babe from the womb while the
meditate on all Thy Works; the enikisas O Logos, ke sarka
en piimasi ton Hiron Sou Word, having dwelt in the
Works of Thy Hands I ponder. lavon, dililithe psilaxas
emeleton. adiafthoron. Is gar ouhipesti Virgin and taken Flesh, came
Dipetasa pros se tas hiras mou; i I stretch out my hands to Thee; my pevseos, tin tekousan kateshen forth from her yet kept her
psihi mou os gi anidros Si. soul thirsts for Thee like a apimanton. uncorrupt. For being Himself
parched land. not subject to decay, He
preserved His Mother free from
Tahi isakouson mou, Kyrie, exelie Hasten to answer me, O Lord, for harm.
to pnevma mou! my spirit fails me!
Mi aspostrepsis to Prosopon Sou Do not hide Thy Face from me lest Neon Ionas, en mihis thalattiis, Enclosed in the uttermost depths
Elthin edito ke zalin aparkese. of the sea, Jonah entreated
ap emou, ke omiothisome tis I be like those who go down Nigis ego de, to tirannountos Thee to come and still the
katavenonsin is lakkon.
into the pit. Veli, Hriste prosavdo, ton
storm. And I, O Christ,
At kakon aneretin, Thatton molin
Akouston piison mi to proi to Eleos dawn let me to hear Thy
Se tis emis rathimias. pricked by the dart of the
Sou, oti epi Si ilpisa. Loving Kindness, for in Thee do tyrant, call upon Thee, the
I trust. Slayer of evil, beseeching Thee
to come quickly and deliver me
from my slothfulness.
ODI 7 ODE 7
3
O U R E N E M I E S ARE NOT ONLY OUR PHYSICAL, HUMAN ENEMIES, BUT ESPECIALLY THE INVISIBLE ENEMIES I Pedes evsevia sintrafentes, Scorning the impious decree, the
– THE EVIL ONE AND HIS DEMONS WHO OBSESSIVELY AND CEASELESSLY, SEEK OUR DESTRUCTION AND dissevous, prostagmatos
FAILURE IN OUR EARTHLY AND ETERNAL ENDEAVOURS. BUT, NO MATTER HOW THEY TEMPT US INTO Children brought up together
SPIRITUAL DEATH, THE CHOICE IS OURS TO MAKE – OBEY GOD AND REAP ALL THE SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL katafronisantes, piros apilin ouk
BENEFITS – SPIRITUAL LIFE WITH GOD - OR CHOOSE THE WEAKER, DESTRUCTIVE, SELF-INDULGENT
eptoithisan, all en meso tis in godliness feared not the
TEMPTATIONS THAT LEAD US TO SPIRITUAL DEATH AND EVENTUALLY, ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AND
ALIENATION FROM GOD AND EVERYTHING GOOD! threat of fire, but, standing in

12 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 29

 Ison te Patri, ke Vrotis His own Will has He been Born
doxazoumen. from 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.
ODI 3 ODE 3
To pro ton eonon, ek Patros To the Son Who was Begotten of
gennithenti arrefstos Iio, ke ep
the Father without change
eschaton ek Parthenou,
sarkothenti asporos, Hristo to before all ages, and in the last
Theo Voisomen. O anipsosas to times was without seed made
keras imon, Agios i Kyrie. flesh of the Virgin, to Christ
our God let us cry aloud Thou
hast raised up our horn, Holy
art Thou, O Lord!
Nevson pros imnous iketon Graciously accept, O Benefactor,
Energeta, Ehthrou tapinon tin the praises of Thy servants, and
epirmenin ofrin. Feronte bring down the spiteful,
Pantepopta tis amartias,
haughty looks of the enemy. O
Iperthen akloniton,
estirigmenous, Makar, melodous Blessed Lord Who sees all, raise
tin Vasi tis Pisteos. us up far above sin, and
establish Thy singers firm and
unshaken upon the foundation
of the Faith.
ODI 4 ODE 4
Ravdos ek tis rizis, Iesse, ke anthos Rod of the Root of Jesse, and
ex aftis, Hriste, ek tis Parthenou Flower that blossomed from
anevlostisas. Ex orous O enetos,
his stem, O Christ, Thou hast
kataskiou daseos, ilthes
sprung from the Virgin.
sarkothis es apirandrou, O ailos
From the Mountain
ke Theos. Doxa ti Dinami Sou
Kyrie! overshadowed by the Forest
Thou hast come, made Flesh
from her that knew not
wedlock, O God Who art not
formed from matter. Glory to
Thy Power, O Lord!
Genous Vrotiou, tin anaplasin pale, Of old Habakkuk the Prophet was
Adon Profitis, Avvakoum counted worthy to behold
prominii, Idin afrastos, axiothis
ineffably the Figure and
ton tipon. Neon vrefos gar ex
Symbol of Christ’s Birth, and
orous tis Parthenou Exilthe laon
he foretold in song the renewal
is anaplasin Logos.
of mankind. For a Young Babe,
the Word, has now come forth
from the Mountain that is the
Gnorison mi, Kyrie, odon en i Show me the Way in which I
porevsome, oti pros Se ira tin should walk, for to Thee I lift
psihin mou. up my soul.
Exelou me ek ton ehthron mou, Deliver me from mine enemies, O
Kyrie, oti pros Se katefigon. Lord, for in Thee I shelter.
Didaxon me tou piin to Thelima Teach me to do Thy Will, for Thou
Sou, oti Theos mou is Si. art my God.
To Pnevma Sou to agathon odigisi May Thy Good Spirit guide me on
me en ti evthia.
a level Path.
Eneka tou Onoma Sou, Kyrie, zisis For Thy Name’s sake, O Lord,
me; en ti Dikeosini Sou exexis ek preserve me; in Thy Justice,
thlipseos ton psihin mou; ke en free me from distress, and in
to Eleei Sou exolothrevsis tous Thy Mercy destroy my enemies;
ehthous mou; ke apolis pantas
tous thlivontas tin psihin mou, bring to nought all my foes, for
I am Thy servant.
oti doulos Sou imi ego.
Kyrie isakouson tis prosefhis mou, O Lord hear my Prayer; hear my
enotise tin deisin mou en ti Supplication in Thy
alithia Sou, epakouson mou en Faithfulness; in Thy
ti Dikeosini Sou.
Righteousness answer me.
Ke mi iselthis is krisin meta tou And do not enter into Judgement
doulou Sou, oti ou dikeothisete with Thy servant, for in Thy
enopion Sou pas zon. [2] Sight no-one living is
Righteous. [2]
To Pnevma Sou to agathon odigisi May Thy Good Spirit guide me on
me en ti evthia. a level Path.
✞ Doxa
Patri ke Io ke Agio ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the
Pnevmati. Ke nin ke Ai ke is Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
tous eonas ton eonon.
now and ever, and unto Ages
of Ages.
Amin
Amen
Allelouia [(3) ✞ Doxa Si, O Alleluia [3] ✞Glory to Thee, O
Theos! [3]
God. [3]
I Elpis imon, Kyrie, doxa Si! Our Hope, O Lord: Glory to Thee!
The G re at Lit a ny
En irini tou Kyriou deithomen PRIESTIn Peace let us pray to the
Lord
Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy
Iper tis anothen Irinis ke tis PRIEST For the Peace from Above and
Sotirias ton psihon imon, tou
for the Salvation of our souls,
Kyriou deithomen...
let us pray to the Lord...
Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy

28 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 13

Iper tis Irinis tou simpantos
kosmou, efsthias ton Agion tou
Theou Ekklision ke tis ton
panton enoseaos tou Kyriou
deithomen...
Kyrie Eleison
Iper tou Agiou Ikou toutou ke ton
meta Pisteos, evlavias ke Fovou
Theou isionton en afto, tou
Kyriou deithomen...
Kyrie Eleison
Iper tou Patros imon: Papa ke
Patriarhi (Theodorou) ke tou
Arhiepiskopou imon (Sergiou)
tou timiou Presviteriou, tis en
Hristo diakonias, pantos tou
Kyriou ke tou laou tou Kyriou
deithomen.
PRIEST For the Peace of the whole
world, for the well5being of the
Holy Churches of God, and for
the union of all, let us pray to
the Lord....
PEOPLE Lord have mercy
PRIEST For this Holy Temple, and for
those who enter with Faith,
Reverence and the Fear of God,
let us pray to the Lord...
PEOPLE Lord have mercy
PRIEST For our Father: Pope &
Patriarch (Theodoros) and for
our Archbishop (Sergios,) for
the venerable Priesthood of the
Diaconate in Christ, for all the
clergy and the laity, let us pray
to the Lord.
The Oikos of the Nativity of Christ our Saviour
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.
The Synaxarion
Ti KE’ tou aftou minos, I kata
Bethlehem 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
On the 25 day of this month we
th

sarka Gennisis tou Kyriou ke celebrate the Nativity according

Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy Theou ke Sotiros imon Iisou to the Flesh of our Lord and
Hristou.
Iper tis Koinotita ke poleos taftis, PRIEST For this Community and city, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
pasis poleos, horas, ke ton pisti and for every city and country, Ti afti imera, I proskinisis ton On this day we commemorate the
ikounton en aftes tou Kyriou and for the faithful who dwell Magon. Adoration of the Magi.
deithomen. therein, let us pray to the Lord
Ti afti imera, Mnimi ton On this day we commemorate the
Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy theasamenon Pimenon ton Shepherds who beheld the
PRIEST For seasonable weather, for Kyrion.
Iper efkrasias aeron, eforias ton Lord.
karpon tis gis ke keron irinikon the abundance of the fruits of Afto i Doxa is tous eonas ton
To Him be Glory unto the Ages of
tou Kyriou deithomen. the earth, and for peaceful eonon.
Ages.
times, let us pray to the Lord
Kyrie Eleison Amin Amen
PEOPLE Lord have mercy The Katavasia of the Nativity of Christ our Saviour – Tone 1
Iper pleonton, odiporounton,
PRIEST For those at sea, and those ODI 1 ODE 1
nosounton, kamnonton,
ehmaloton ke tis Sotirias afton who travel by land or air, for Hristos Gennate, Doxasate! Hristos Christ is Born: Glorify Him!
tou Kyriou deithomen. the sick and the suffering, for ex Ouranon, apantisate! Hristos Christ has come from the
captives and for their salvation, epi gis, ipsothite! Asate to
Heavens: receive Him! Christ
let us pray to the Lord Kyrio, pas i gi, ke en evfrosini
is on earth: elevate Him! O all
animnisate, lai, oti Dedoxaste!
Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy the earth: sing to the Lord!
Iper tou risthine imas apo pasis PRIEST For our deliverance
from all Sing praises in gladness, O ye
thlipseos, orgis, kindinou ke affliction, wrath, danger and people, for He as been
anangis, tou Kyriou deithomen necessity, let us pray to the Glorified!
Lord Esose laon, thavmatourgon Of old the Master Who works
Despotis, iiron thalassis kima
Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy hersosas pale. Ekon de tehthis
Wonders Saved His people,
ek Koris, trivon Vatin, Polou making the watery wave of the
tithisin imin. On kat ousian, sea into dry land; and now of

14 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 27

Ton Agion Evdoxon, Megalon Of the Holy, Glorious, Great Antilavou Soson, Eleison ke PRIESTHelp us, Save us, have Mercy
Martiron Theklas, Varvaras, Martyrs, Thekla, Barbara, Diafilaxon imas O Theos, ti Si upon us, and Preserve us, O
Anastasias, Ekjaterinis, Kiriakis, Anastasia, Catherine, Kyriaki, Hariti. God, by Thy Grace.
fotinis, Marinis, Paraskevis ke Amin/Kyrie eleison
Irinis...
Photini, Marina, Paraskevi and PEOPLE Amen/Lord have mercy
Ton Agion Evdoxon ke Kallinikon
Irene... ✞ Tis Panagias, ahrantou, ipere PRIEST ✞ Commemorating our All

Martiron... Of the Holy, Glorious and vlogimenis, Endoxou Despinis

Holy, Pure, Most Blessed and
Victorious Martyrs... imon Theotokou ke
Ton Osion ke Theoforon Pateron Aiparthenou Marias meta Glorious Lady, Theotokos
imon ton en Askisei Of our venerable and godly panton ton Agion and Ever Virgin Mary, with all
Lampsanton... Ascetic Fathers... Mnimonefsantes, eaftous ke Thy Saints, let us commit
Tou (Agiou tou Naou) allilous ke pasan tin zoin imon
Of (the Patron of the Parish) ourselves and one another
Hristo to Theo parathometha. and our whole life to Christ
Ton Agion ke Dikeon Theopatoron Of the Holy and Righteous
Ioakim ke Annis. ... .ke tin our God.
Ancestors of God, Joachim and
mnimin episteloumen. Ke Anna; of St …… whose memory
M AKE THE SIGN O F THE CRO SS & BO W DOWN TO GOD
Panton Sou ton Agion...
we keep today, and of all Thy
✞Si Kyrie PEOPLE✞ To Thee, O Lord!
Saints...
Oti prepi si pasa Doxa, Timi ke PRIESTFor to Thee belong all Glory,
Iketevomen Se, Mone Polielee Kyrie: We beseech Thee, the Only, Most Honour and Worship, ✞ to the
epakouson imon ton amartolon Proskinisis ✞ to Patri ke to Io ke
Merciful Lord: listen to us Father, and to the Son, and to
deomenon Sou ke Eleison imas. to Agio Pnevmati nin ke ai ke is
sinners who pray unto Thee, tous eonas ton eonon. the Holy Spirit, now and ever,
and have Mercy on us. and to the Ages of Ages.
Kyrie Eleison [12] PEOPLE Lord have mercy [12] Amin PEOPLE Amen
✞Elei, ke Iktirmis, ke Filanthropia PRIEST ✞Through the Mercies and P s al m 1 17 / 1 18
tou Monogenous Sou Iou, meth Bounties and Compassion of PRAISE TO GOD FOR HIS EVERLASTING MERCY

ou Evlogitos is, sin to Panagio,
ke Agatho, ke Zoopio Sou
Pnevmati, nin ke ai, ke is tous
Eonas ton Eonon.
Amin
The Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ our Saviour - Tone 3
I Parthenos simeron, ton iperousion Today
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.
Thine Only Begotten Son, with
Whom Thou art Blessed,
together with Thine All Holy,
and Good, and Life5giving
Spirit, now and ever, and to the
Ages of Ages.
PEOPLE Amen
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
Pre5Eternal God.
Theos Kyrios ke epefanen imin. The Lord is God, and has
Evlogimenos O ergomenos en appeared to us. Blessed is He
Onomati Kyriou! Who comes in the Name of the
Lord!
STIHOS 1:Exomologisthe to Kyrio, oti VERSE 1: Give thanks to the Lord,
agathos, oti is ton eona to eleos for He is Good; His Mercy
aftou! endures forever!
Theos Kyrios ke epefanen imin. The Lord is God, and has
Evlogimenos O ergomenos en appeared to us. Blessed is He
Onomati Kyriou! Who comes in the Name of the
Lord!
Panta ta ethni ekiklosan me,
STIHOS 2: VERSE 2: All the nations surrounded
ke to Onomati Kyriou iminamin me, but in the Name of the
aftous. Lord I drove them back.
Theos Kyrios ke epefanen imin. The Lord is God, and has
Evlogimenos O ergomenos en appeared to us. Blessed is He
Onomati Kyriou! Who comes in the Name of the
Lord!
STIHOS 3:Para Kyriou egeneto afti, ke VERSE 3: This is the Lord’s doing,
esti thavmasti en ofthalmis
and it is marvellous in our
imon.
eyes.

26 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 15

Theos Kyrios ke epefanen imin. The Lord is God, and has P r aye r o f Sal v atio n
Evlogimenos O ergomenos en appeared to us. Blessed is He Soson O Theos ton laon Sou, ke PRIESTO Lord, save Thy people and
Onomati Kyriou! Who comes in the Name of the Evlogison tin Klironomian Sou.
Lord! Bless Thine Inheritance.
A pol yti kio n o f t he N ati vity Episkepse ton kosmon Sou en elei Visit Thy world with Mercies and
ke iktirmis. Bounties.
I Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos Thy Nativity, O Christ our God,
Ipsoson keras Hristianon
imon, anetele to kosmo, to Fos has given rise to the Light of Exalt the horn of Orthodox
Orthodoxon ke katamempson ef
to tis Gnoseos. En afti gar i tis Knowledge in the world; for Christians, and send down
imas ta Elei Sou ta Plousia..
astris latrevontes, ipo Asteros they who worshipped the Star upon us Thy rich Mercies.
edi daskonto, Se Proskinin, ton learnt therefrom to worship
Ilion tis Dikeosinis, ke Se Thee, O Sun of Justice, and to ✞Presvies tis Panahrantou ✞Through the Intercessions of
Ginoskin ex Ipsous anatolin. know that from the East of the Despinis imon Theotokou ke our All Pure Lady, the
Kyrie Doxa Si! Highest Thou came. O Lord: Aiparthenou Marias; Dinami Theotokos and Ever Virgin
Glory to Thee! tou Timiou ke Zoopiou Stavrou;
Mary, through the Might of the
The S m all Li ta ny Prostasies ton Timion,
Epouranion Dinameon Precious and Life5giving Cross;
Eti ke eti, en Irini tou Kyriou PRIESTAgain, yet again, in Peace let Asomaton... through the Protection of the
deithomen. us pray to the Lord honourable Bodiless Powers of
Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy! Heaven...
Antilavou Soson, Ikesies tou Timiou, ke Evdoxou Of the honourable, glorious
Eleison ke PRIEST Help us, save us, have Mercy Profitou, Prodromou, ke
diafilaxon imas O Theos, ti Si Prophet, Forerunner and
on us, and preserve us, O God, Vaptisou Ioannou; ton Agion
Hariti. Baptist, John; of the Holy,
by Thy Grace Endoxon ke panevfimon
Amin PEOPLE Amen Apostolon... Glorious and All Laudable
Apostles...
✞ Tis Panagias, ahrantou, ipere
PRIEST ✞Calling to remembrance our Ton
flogimenis, endoxou Despinis
en Agiis Pateron imon, Of our Fathers among the Saints
imon Theotokou ke Aiparthenou Most Holy, All Pure, Most Megalon Ierarhon, ke
the Great Hierarchs and
Marias meta panton ton Agion Blessed and Glorious Lady, Ikoumenikon Didaskalon:
Vasiliou tou Megalou, Grigoriou Ecumenical Teachers: Basil the
Mnimonefsantes, eaftous ke Theotokos and Ever Virgin
tou Theologon ke Ioannou tou Great, Gregory the Theologian
allilous ke pasan tin zoin imon Maria, with all the Saints, let us
Hristo to Theo parathometha. Hrisostomou; Ananasiou ke and John Chrysostom;
entrust ourselves and one Kirillou, Patriarhon Athanasios, Cyril [and John the
another and our whole life to Alexandries... Almsgiver] Patriarchs of
Christ our God. Alexandria...
M AKE THE SIGN O F THE CRO SS & BO W DOWN
Nikolaou tou en Miris, Nektarios Of our Holy Father Nicholas,
PEOPLE✞To Thee, O Lord! Pentapolis, Spiridonos Archbishop of Myra in Lycia,
✞Si Kyrie episkopou Trimithountos, ton the Wonder5Worker, Nectarios
PRIEST For Thine is the Dominion,
✞ Oti son to Kratos ke sou Estin i Thavmatourgon of Pentapolis; Spyridon of
Thine is the Kingdom and the
Vasilea, ke i Dinamis ke i Doxa Trimithountos...
Power and the Glory ✞ of the
✞ tou Patros, ke tou Iou, ke tou Ton Agion Evdoxon Of the Holy and Glorious great
Agiou Pnevmatos, nin ke ai ke is Father, and of the Son, and of Megalomartiron Georgiou tou
the Holy Spirit, now and ever, Tropeoforou, Dimitriou tou Martyrs: George the victorious,
tous Eonas ton Eonon.
and to the Ages of Ages. Mirovlitou, Theodorou tou Demetrios the Myrrh5flowing,
Tironos, Theodorou tou Theodore Tyron and Theodore
Amin PEOPLE Amen Stratilatou, Mina tou the General, Menas the Miracle5
Thavmtourgou, ke Ieromartirou worker, and the Hieromartyrs,
Haralambos ke Eleftheriou...
Charalambos and Eleftherios,

16 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 25

Thisia to Theo, pnevma A sacrifice to God is an afflicted The Fi rs t K at hi sm a o f the N ati vity - Tone 4
sintetrimmenon. Kardian
sintetrimmenin ke tetapinomenin
spirit: a contrite and humbled Defte idomen Pisti, pou egennithi O Come, O ye Faithful, and let us
heart, O God Thou wilt not Hristos. Akolouthisomen lipon, behold where Christ is Born!
O Theos ouk exoudenosi.
despise. entha odevi O Astir, meta ton Let us join the Magi, the Kings
Magon Anatolis ton Vasileon. from the East, and follow the
Agathinon, Kyrie, en ti Evdokia Sou Deal favourably, O Lord, in Thy Angeli imnousin, akatapavstos Guiding Star. Angels sing
tin Sion, ke ikodomithito ta tihi eki. Pimenes agravlousin, odin praises there without ceasing,
Good Will with Zion; that the
Ierousalim. epaxion, Doxa en ipsitis and Shepherds abiding in the
walls of Jerusalem may be built
legontes, to simeron en Spileo fields offer a fitting Hymn: ✞
up. tehthenti, ek tis Parthenou, ke Glory in the Highest to Him
Tote eudoisis Thisian Dieosinis, Then shalt Thou accept the Theotokou, en Vithleem tis Who in the Cave this day is
Anaforan ke Olokaftomata. Sacrifice of Righteousness, Ioudeas. Born of the Virgin and
Oblations and Whole Burnt Theotokos, in Bethlehem of
Offerings: Judah!
Tote aniisousin epi to thisiastirion Then shall they lay calves upon
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the
Sou moshous! Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Thy Altar! tous eonas ton eonon.
Eleison me, O Theos! Have mercy on me, O God!
now and ever, and to the Ages
of ages.
Hy mn s o f N ati vity Amin Amen
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Defte idomen Pisti, pou egennithi O Come, O ye Faithful, and let us
Pnevmati Son, and to the Holy Spirit Hristos. Akolouthisomen lipon, behold where Christ is Born!
✞Ta simpanta simeron, Haras ✞All things are filled with Joy entha odevi O Astir, meta ton Let us join the Magi, the Kings
plirounte. Hristos etehthi ek today, for Christ is Born of Magon Anatolis ton Vasileon. from the East, and follow the
tis Parthenou. the Virgin. Angeli imnousin, akatapavstos Guiding Star. Angels sing
eki. Pimenes agravlousin, odin praises there without ceasing,
Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton Now and ever, and to Ages of
epaxion, ✞ Doxa en ipsitis and Shepherds abiding in the
eonon. Ages
legontes, to simeron en Spileo fields offer a fitting Hymn: ✞
Amin Amen tehthenti, ek tis Parthenou, ke Glory in the Highest to Him
✞Ta simpanta simeron, Haras ✞ All things are filled with Joy Theotokou, en Vithleem tis Who in the Cave this day is
plirounte. Hristos etehthi ek today, for Christ is Born of Ioudeas. Born of the Virgin and
tis Parthenou the Virgin. Theotokos, in Bethlehem of
Judah!
Idiomelon – Tone (6) Plagal 2
Second Kathisma of the Nativity of Christ – Tone 4
STIHOS: Eleimon, eleison me, O VERSE: Have
Mercy on me, O God,
Theos, kata to Mega Eleos according to Thy Great Ti thavmazis Mariam? Ti Why art Thou filled with Wonder,
Souk e kata to plithos ton Mercy; and according to the ekthamvise to en Si? Oti O Mary? Why art Thou amazed
iktirmon Sou exalipson to abundance of Thy ahronon Ion, hrono egennisa at that which is come to pass in
anomima mou. Compassion, blot out my fisi, tou tiktomenou tin sillipsin Thee? Because I have given
mi diahthisa. Anandros imi, ke Birth in time to the Timeless
transgressions.
pos texo Iion? Asporaon gonin Son, yet understand not how I
✞ Doxa en ipsistis Theo ke epi gis ✞Glory to God in the Highest, and tis eoraken? Opou Theos de Conceived Him. I have not
Irini. Simeron dehete i on earth, Peace. Today voulete, nikate fiseos taxis, os known man: how then shall I
Vithleem ton kathimenon dia Bethlehem receives Him Who gegrapte. Hristos etehthi, ek tis bear a Child? Who has ever
pantos sin Patri. Simeron Parthenou, en Vithleem tis seen a Birth without seed? But,
at all times ever sits with the
Angeli to Vrefos to tehthen Ioudeas. as it is written: Where God so
Father. Today Angels Glorify
theoprepos doxologousi. ✞ Wills, the order of nature is
Doxa en ipsistis Theo, ke epi gis with Holy Hym,ns the Babe overcome. Christ is Born of the
Irini, en anthropis evdokia. Who is Bone. ✞ Glory to God Virgin in Bethlehem of Judah.
in the Highest, and on earth
Peace, Good Will among men!

24 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 17

✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio
Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is
tous eonas ton eonon.
Amin
Ti thavmazis 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
Third Kathisma of the Nativity of Christ – Tone 4
O ahoritos panti, pos ehorithi en
gastri? 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.
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio
Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is
tous eonas ton eonon.
Amin
O ahoritos panti, pos ehorithi en
gastri? 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
18 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever, and to the Ages
of ages.
Amen
Why artThou 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.
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 arms 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.
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and forever, and to the
Ages of ages.
Amen
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 arms of His Mother? This is
according to His Good Pleasure,
as He knows and Wills. For
being without flesh, of His own
Idou gar en anomies sovelifthin, ke For behold I was conceived in
en amarties ekissise me i mitir iniquities; and in sins did my
mou. mother conceive me.
Idou gar Alithian igapisas. Ta adila For behold Thou hast loved Truth:
ke ta krifia tis Sofias Sou edilosas the uncertain and hidden things
mi. of Thy Wisdom Thou hast made
manifest to me.
Rantiis me issopo, ke
Thou shalt sprinkle me with
katharisthisome.
hyssop, and I shall be cleansed:
Plinis me, ke iper hiona Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be
made whiter than snow.
levkanthisome.
Akoutiis mi agalliasin ke evfrosinin, To my hearing Thou shalt give joy
agaliasonte ostea tetapinomena. and gladness: and the bones
that have been humbled shall
rejoice.
Apostrepson to Prosopon Sou apo tin Turn away Thy Face from my sins,
amartion mou, ke pasas tas
and blot out all my iniquities.
anomias mou exalipson.
Kardian Create a clean heart in me, O God:
katharan ktison en emi, O
and renew a right spirit within
Theos, ke pvevma evthes
egkenison en tis egkatis mou. me.
Mi aporripsis me apo tou prosopou Cast me not away from Thy Face;
Sou, ke to Pnevma Sou to Agion and take not Thy Holy Spirit
mi antanelis ap emou. from me.
Apodos mi tin agalliasin tou sotiriou Restore to me the joy of Thy
Sou, ke pnevmati igemoniko Salvation, and strengthen me
stirixon me.
with a perfect spirit.
Didazo anomous tas odous Sou, ke
I will teach the unjust Thy ways:
asevis epi se apistrepsousi.
and the wicked shall be
converted to Thee.
Rise me ex ematon, O Theos, O Deliver me from blood5guiltiness,
Theos tis Sotirias mou. O God, Thou God of my
Salvation:
Agalliasete i glosou mou tin And my tongue shall extol Thy
Dikeosinin Sou.
Justice.
Kyrie ta hili mou anixis, ke to stoma O Lord, Thou wilt open my lips:
mou aanangeli tin enesin Sou. and my mouth shall declare
Thy praise.
Oti i ithelisas thisian, edoxa an. For if Thou had desired sacrifice, I
Olokaftomata ouk evdoxisis.
would indeed have given it:
with burnt offerings Thou wilt
not be delighted.
MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 23
Texete de Iion ke kaleseis to
Onoma aftou Iisoun. Aftos gar
Sose ton laon Aftou apo ton
amartion afton.
Touto 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 Theos.’
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.
Ke ekalese to Onoma Aftou Iisoun.
✞ Doxa Si, Kyrie, Doxa Si!
P s al m 5 0/ 51
THE PSALM OF REPENTANCE
Eleison me, O Theos kata to mage
eleos Sou, ke kata to plithos ton
iktrmon Sou exalipson to
anomima mou.
Epi plion plinon me apo tis anomias Wash
mou, ke apo tis amartias mou
katharison me. Oti tin anomie
mou ego ginosko, ke i amartia
mou enopion mou esti diapantos.
Si mono imarton, ke to poniron
enopion Sou epiisa. Opos an
dikeothis en tis logis Sou, ke
nikisis en to krinesthe Se.
22 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST
And she will bring forth a Son,
and you shall call His Name
‘Jesus,’ for He will Save His
people from their sins.
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 translated as ‘God
with us.’
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.
And he called His Name Jesus.
PEOPLE ✞Glory to Thee, O Lord:
Glory to Thee!
Have Mercy on me, O God,
according to Thy Great Mercy.
And according to the multitude
of Thy Tender Mercies blot out
my iniquity.
me thoroughly from my
iniquity, and cleanse me from
my sin. For I know my iniquity,
and my sin is always before
me.
To Thee only have I sinned, and
have done evil before Thee:
that Thou mayest be justified
in Thy words, and mayest
overcome when Thou art
judged.
imeterou firamatos. Deplous Will He has become Flesh; and
etehthi Hristos, ton ano He Who is, for our sake, has
kosmon, Thelon anaplirose. 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.
The S m all Li ta ny
Eti ke eti, en Irini tou Kyriou PRIEST Again, yet again, in Peace let
deithomen. us pray to the Lord.
Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy
Antilavou Soson, Eleison ke PRIEST Help us, save us, have mercy
diafilaxon imas O Theos, ti Si upon us, and preserve us, O
Hariti. God, by Thy Grace.
Amin/Kyrie eleison PEOPLE Amen/ Lord have mercy
✞ Tis Panagias, ahrantou, ipere PRIEST ✞Remembering our Most
vlogimenis, endoxou Despinis
imon Theotokou ke Holy, All Pure, Most Blessed
and Glorious Lady, Theotokos
Aiparthenou Marias meta
panton ton Agion and Ever Virgin Mary, together
Mnimonefsantes, eaftous ke with all the Saints, let us
allilous ke pasan tin zoin imon
Hristo to Theo parathometha.
commit ourselves and each
other, and all our life to Christ
our God.
M AKE THE SIGN O F THE CRO SS & BO W DOWN
✞ Si Kyrie PEOPLE✞ To Thee, O Lord!
Oti Evlogite Sou to Onoma, ke PRIESTFor Blessed is Thy Name and
dedoxaste Sou i Vasilia, ✞tou Glorified is Thy Kingdom, ✞ of
Patros, ke tou Iiou, ke tou Agiou the Father, and of the Son, and
Pnevmatos, nin ke ai, ke is tous of the Holy Spirit, now and
eonas ton eonon.
ever, and to the Ages of Ages.
Amin PEOPLE Amen
An a b ath mi
The Ant ip ho n s – T one 4
Ek neotitos mou, pola polemi me From my youth up many
pathi al aftos andilavou, ke passions have warred against
soson, Sotir mou. [2] me. But do Thou succour and
save me, O Saviour. [2]
I misoundes Sion, eshinthite apo Those who hate Zion shall be put
tou Kyriou; os hortos gar, piri to confusion by the Lord; like
esesthe apexirameni. [2] grass in the fire shall they be
withered up. [2]
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the
Pnevmati. Son, and to the Holy Spirit
MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 19
Agio Pnevmati, pasa psihi zooute, Through the Holy Spirit is every The Ho ly G os pe l
ke katharsi, ipsoute, soul quickened and exalted in T H E P R I E S T READS THE HOLY GOSPEL FOR THE FEAST FROM THE ROYAL GATES [HOLY
lambrinete, ti Triadiki Monadi, purity, and Illumined by the DOORS] FACING THE CONGREGATION.
Ierokrifios
Triune Unity in Mystic
Holiness.
Ke iper tou kataxiothine imas tis PRIEST And that He will graciously
Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton Now and ever, and to the Ages of akroaseos tou Agiou Evangeliou grant us to hear His Holy
eonon. Ages. Kyriou ton Theon imon Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
iketevsomen.
Amin Amen
Kyrie Eleison [3] PEOPLE Lord have mercy [3]
✞Agio Pnevmati, anavlizi ta tis ✞From the Holy Spirit do the
Sofia! Orthi! Akiousomen tou PRIEST Wisdom! Arise! Let us listen
Haritos reithra, arthevonda, streams of Grace well forth; Agiou Evangeliou
apasan tin ktisin pros to the Holy Gospel.
they irrigate everything Irini pasi!
Zoogonion.
created, so that Life can be
Peace be with you all.
WWE BOW OUR HE AD S TO R ECEI VE THE PR IE ST ’ S BLE SSING
produced.
P r oke i me no n of the Nativity of Christ our Saviour - TONE 4 Ke to pnevmati sou PEOPLE And with thy spirit
Ek Gastros pro Eosforou egennisa From the Womb before the Ek tou kata . . . A g i o u E v a n g e l i o u to PRIEST The Lesson is from the Holy
Se. Omose Kyrios, ke ou Morning Star have I Begotten anagnosma... Gospel according to St ...
metamelithisete. Thee: the Lord has sworn and
will not repent. (PSALM 109:3-4)
Proshomen Let us attend
STIHOS: Ipen O Kyrios to Kyrio mou. VERSE: The Lord said to my Lord: ✞ Doxa Si, Kyrie, Doxa Si! PEOPLE ✞ Glory to Thee,
O Lord:
Kathou ek dexion mou, eos an Glory to Thee!
Sit at My right-hand, until I
tho tous ehthrous Sou ipopodion Make The Sign Of The Cross & Bow To God In Gratitude
make Thine enemies Thy
ton Podon Sou And Worship – Before & After The Holy Gospel
Footstool.
The Holy Gospel According to St Matthew 1 : 18-25
Ek Gastros pro Eosforou egennisa From the Womb before the
Se. Omose Kyrios, ke ou Morning Star have I Begotten Tou de Iisou Hristou i Gennisis Now the Birth of Jesus Christ was
metamelithisete. Thee: the Lord has sworn and outos in. as follows:
will not repent Mnistevthisis gar tis Mitros aftou After His Mother, Mary, was
Small Lit a ny Marias to Iosif, prin i sinelthin Betrothed to Joseph, before
aftous evrethi en gastri ehousa
Tou Kyriou deithomen PRIEST Let us pray to the Lord ek Pnevmatos Agiou.
they came together, she was
Kyrie Eleison PEOPLE Lord have mercy found with Child of the Holy
Spirit.
Oti Agios i, O Theos imon, ke en PRIEST For Holy art Thou, O our
Agiis epanapavi, ke Si tin doxan God, Who rests in the Saints, Iosif de O anir aftis, Dikeos on ke So Joseph, her husband, being a
anapempomen to ✞ Patri, ke to and to Thee we ascribe Glory: mi thelon aftin paradigmatise, Righteous man, and not
Io, ke to Agio Pnevmati, nin ke evoulithi lathra apolise aftin. wanting to make her a public
✞ to the Father, and to the Son,
ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon. example, was minded to put
and to the Holy Spirit, now and
her away secretly.
ever, and to the Ages of Ages.
Amin PEOPLE Amen Tafta de aftou enthimithentos idou But while he thought about these
Angelos Kyriou kath onar efani things, behold, an Angel of the
P r ai se s t o Al mig hty G od afto legon. Iosif Iios David, mi
TH E CONG REGA TION M U ST STA ND Lord appeared to him in a
fovithis paralavin Mariam tin
Pasa pnoi enesato ton Kyrion [2] Let everything that has breath gineka sou. To gar en afti dream, saying: Joseph, son of
praise the Lord. [2] gennithen ek Pnevmatos estin David, do not be afraid to take
Enesato pnoi ... Pasa ton Kyrion Let the Lord be praised ... by Agiou. to you Mary your wife, for that
everything that has breath which is Conceived in her is of
the Holy Spirit.

20 MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST MATINS SERVICE – NATIVITY OF CHRIST 21