The Service for Holy Pentecost – The Kneeling Prayers

The Service for Holy Pentecost

The Kneeling Prayers

The priest says the blessing:
Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Reader: Amen.

Heavenly King, Comforter, True Spirit, Who art everywhere and fillest all, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: come and dwell within us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One. Bow.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. 3 times, with bows.

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

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, forgive our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Reader: Amen.

Lord, have mercy. 12.

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

Come let us worship God our King. Bow.
Come let us worship Christ, our King and our God. Bow.
Come let us worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God. Bow.

Psalm 103

My soul bless thou our Lord: O Lord my God, thou art magnified exceedingly. Thou hast put on confession and beauty: being clothed with light as with a garment. Stretching out the heaven as a skin: which coverest the higher parts thereof with waters. Which makest the cloud for thee to ascend on: which walkest upon the wings of winds. Which makest spirits thine Angels: and thy ministers a burning fire. Which hast founded the earth upon the stability thereof: it shall not be inclined for ever and ever. The depth as a garment is his clothing: upon the mountains shall waters stand. At thy reprehension they shall fly: at the voice of thy thunder they shall fear. They mountains ascend: and the plain fields descend into the place which thou has founded for them. Thou hast set a bound which they shall not pass over: neither shall they return to cover the earth. Which sendest forth fountains in the valleys: between the midst of mountains shall waters pass. All the beasts of the field shall drink: the wild asses shall expect in their thirst. Over them shall the fowls of the air inhabit: out of the midst of rocks they shall give forth voices. Watering the mountains from his higher places: of the fruit of thy work shall the earth be filled. Bringing forth grass for beasts, and herb for the service of men. That thou mayst bring forth bread out of the earth: and wine may make the heart of man joyful. That he may make the face cheerful with oil: and bread may confirm the heart of man. The trees of the field shall be filled, and the cedars of Libanus, which he hath planted: there sparrows shall make their nest. The house of the heron is the leader of them: the high mountains for harts: the rock a refuge for the Irchins. He made the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. The didst appoint darkness, and night was made: in it shall all the beasts of the wood pass. The whelps of lions roaring, to raven, and to seek of God meat for themselves. The sun is risen, and they are gathered together: and in their couches they shall be placed. Man shall go forth to his work: and to his working until evening. How magnified are thy works, O Lord! thou hast made all things in wisdom: the earth is filled with thy possession. This great sea, and very large, there are creeping beasts, whereof there is no number. Little beasts with great: there ships shall pass. This dragon, whom thou madest to delude: all expect of thee that thou give them meat in season. Thou giving unto them, they shall gather it: thou opening thy hand, all shall be filled with bounty. But thou turning away the face, they shall be troubled: thou shalt take away their spirit, and they shall fail, and shall return into their dust. Thou shalt send forth thy spirit, and they shall be created: and thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Be the glory of our Lord for ever: our Lord will rejoice in his works. Who looketh upon the earth and maketh it to tremble: who toucheth the mountains and they smoke. I will chant to our Lord in my life: I will sing to my God as long as I am. Let my speech be acceptable to him: but I will take delight in our Lord. Let sinners fail from the earth, and the unjust, so that they be not: my soul bless thou our Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, glory to Thee, O God. 3.

Then the Deacon or Priest says the Litany.

In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For the peace from on high, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, for the good estate of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For this holy temple and them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter herein, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For our holy Ecumenical Pontiff N., the Pope of Rome, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For our Patriarch N., [and for our Metropolitan N., for our Archbishop N., for our Bishop N.] for the honourable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

(For our divinely-protected Emperor N. [or King N.], let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.)

For this country, its civil authorities and its armed forces, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That He may deliver His people from enemies visible and invisible, and confirm in us oneness of mind, brotherly love, and piety, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For this city (if in a monastery: and for this holy house) and for every city and country and them that with faith dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For favourable weather, for the increase of the fruits of the earth and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For them that sail and them that travel, for the sick, the suffering and the captive, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For the people here present who are awaiting the grace of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For those who bend their hearts and knees before the Lord, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That we obtain the strength to achieve godliness, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That His rich mercies may descend upon us, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That our kneeling prayers may be acceptable as incense before Him, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For those who need His assistance, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For the sanctification of the bodies and souls of us all gathered together in righteousness in this holy church with faith and reverence, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That we may be the temple and abode of the Holy and Life-giving Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That we may preserve our faith and charity without blame through the grace of the Holy Spirit,let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That we may find the grace and mercy of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For a sign of our fellowship with the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For the forgiveness of our sins that we may possess spiritual grace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That at Christ’s dread judgment we may not be strangers to the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That we may be given the rich mercy, goodness, and grace of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That by the Holy Spirit we may be freed from all bonds with the evil one, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For the salvation from on high for us who on this day of Pentecost have bent our knees in body and soul with faith, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That our Lord God may hear us and send us the Holy Spirit and sanctify us, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That in unity we may praise the Holy, Consubstantial Trinity with body and soul, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That looking with favour upon us as we kneel, the Lord God may send us His Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That we may stand as sharers in the holy splendour of the true life-giving Trinity, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and need, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace. Lord have mercy.

Calling to remembrance our most holy, pure, and most blessed Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God. To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: For unto Thee is due all glory, honour, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Psalm 140

Response: Hearken unto us, O Lord.

Lord, I have cried to Thee, hear me: attend to my voice when I shall cry to Thee. Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the elevation of my hands as evening sacrifice. Set, O Lord, a watch to my mouth: and a door round about to my lips. Decline not my heart into words of malice, to make excuses in sins. With men that work iniquity: and I will communicate with the chief of them. The just shall rebuke me in mercy, and shall reprehend me: but let not the oil of a sinner fat my head. Because yet also my prayer is in their good pleasures: their judges are swallowed up joined to the rock. They shall hear my words because they have prevailed: as the grossness of the earth is broken out upon the earth. Our bones are dissipated near to hell: for to thee, O Lord, Lord, are mine eyes: in thee have I hoped, take not away my soul. Keep me from the snare which they have set for me: and from the scandals of them that work iniquity. Sinners shall fall in his net: I am alone until I pass.

Psalm 141

Response: I have cried unto Thee: Save me.

With my voice I have cried to our Lord: with my voice I have prayed to our Lord: I pour out my prayer in his sight, and I pronounce my tribulation before him. When my spirit faileth of myself, and thou hast known my paths. In this way, which I walked, they hid a snare for me. I looked toward the right hand and saw: and there was none that would know me. Flight hath failed me: and there is none to require my soul. I have cried to thee, O Lord, have said: Thou art my hope, my portion in the land of the living. Attend to my petition: because I am humbled exceedingly. Deliver me from them that persecute me: because they are made strong over me. Bring forth my soul out of prison, to confess unto thy name: the just expect me, til thou reward me.

Psalm 129

Response: O Christ Saviour, have mercy on us.

From the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice: Let thine ears be intent to the voice of my petition. If thou shalt observe iniquities, O Lord: Lord, who shall sustain it? Because with the there is propitiation:

Stichos. Tone 4.

Today all the nations in the city of David beheld wonders, when the Holy Spirit descended in fiery tongues, as the God-inspired Luke spake; for he said: The Disciples of Christ being gathered together, there was a sound as of a mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And they began to speak strange doctrines and strange teachings with diverse tongues, to the Holy Trinity.

And for thy law I have expected thee, O Lord. My soul hath expected in his word: my soul hath hoped in our Lord.

Stichos. Tone 4.

Today all the nations in the city of David beheld wonders, when the Holy Spirit descended in fiery tongues, as the God-inspired Luke spake; for he said: The Disciples of Christ being gathered together, there was a sound as of a mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And they began to speak strange doctrines and strange teachings with diverse tongues, to the Holy Trinity.

From the morning watch even until night: let Israel hope in our Lord.

Stichos. Tone 4.

The Holy Spirit hath ever been, is and ever shall be; for He is wholly without beginning and without end. Yet He is in covenant with the Father and the Son, counted as Life and Life-giver, Light and Light-giver, good by nature and a Fountain of goodness, through whom the Father is known and the Son glorified. And by all it is understood that one power, one rank, one worship are of the Holy Trinity.

Because with our Lord there is mercy: and with him plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Stichos. Tone 4.

The Holy Spirit hath ever been, is and ever shall be; for He is wholly without beginning and without end. Yet He is in covenant with the Father and the Son, counted as Life and Life-giver, Light and Light-giver, good by nature and a Fountain of goodness, through whom the Father is known and the Son glorified. And by all it is understood that one power, one rank, one worship are of the Holy Trinity.

Psalm 116

Praise our Lord, all ye Gentiles: praise him all ye peoples.

Stichos. Tone 4.

Light, Life, and a living noetic Fountain is the Holy Spirit, good, upright, noetic Spirit of understanding, and purifying offenses, God understanding, presiding, and purifying offenses, God and deifying, Fire projecting from Fire, speaking, active, Distributor of gifts, through whom all the Prophets, the Apostles of God, and the Martyrs are crowned, a strange Report, a strange sight, a Fire divided for the distribution of gifts.

Because his mercy is confirmed upon us: and his truth remaineth for ever.

Stichos. Tone 4.

Light, Life, and a living noetic Fountain is the Holy Spirit, good, upright, noetic Spirit of understanding, and purifying offenses, God understanding, presiding, and purifying offenses, God and deifying, Fire projecting from Fire, speaking, active, Distributor of gifts, through whom all the Prophets, the Apostles of God, and the Martyrs are crowned, a strange Report, a strange sight, a Fire divided for the distribution of gifts.

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

Doxasticon. Tone 6.

Heavenly King, Comforter, True Spirit, Who art everywhere and fillest all, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: come and dwell within us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Entrance with Thurible

Priest: Wisdom! Upright!

The choir sings the Vesper Hymn.

The Vesper Hymn

A composition of the Holy Hieromartyr Anthenogenes

O Gentle Light of the holy glory of the immortal, heavenly Father; O holy, blessed Jesus Christ, Son of God: Having come to the setting of the sun, having beheld the evening light, we praise the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: God. Meet it is for Thee at all times to be hymned with reverent voices, O Son of God, Giver of life to all the world, therefore, the whole world doth glorify Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom! Let us attend.

Reader: The great prokeimenon, Psalm of David.

(Psalm 76:14, 15, 11, 12.)

Reader: What god is great as our God? Thou art the God that doest marvellous things.

Choir: What god is great as our God? Thou art the God that doest marvellous things.

Reader: Thou hast made thy power known among peoples.

Choir: What god is great as our God? Thou art the God that doest marvellous things.

Reader: And I said: Now have I begun; this is the change of the right hand of the Highest.

Choir: What god is great as our God? Thou art the God that doest marvellous things.

Reader: I have been mindful of the works of our Lord: because I will be mindful from the beginning of thy marvellous works.

Choir: What god is great as our God? Thou art the God that doest marvellous things.

Reader: What god is great as our God?

Choir: Thou art the God that doest marvellous things.

Then the Deacon or Priest says:

Again and again on bended knee let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. 3.

All kneel, heads uncovered, and the Priest reads the prayers in the sanctuary aloud for all to hear:

First Prayer

O pure and blameless Lord, Who art without beginning, invisible and incomprehensible, unchangeable, immeasurable, and unbounded, Who art without evil and alone immortal, who dwellest in the unapproachable light, Maker of heaven and earth and the seas and all that was created therein, Who grantest to all their petitions before asking, to Thee we pray and of Thee we ask, O philanthropic Master, the Father of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the ever-virgin Mary, the noble Mother of God; Who first didst teach by word, and then gave testimony in deed while bearing the saving Passion, teaching us Thine unworthy, sinful, and miserable servants, to offer Thee our supplications with bent head and knee, for our sins and human ignorance.

Wherefore, O most merciful and philanthropic Lord, hear us on whatever day we call upon Thee, and especially on this day of Pentecost, whereon, after our Lord Jesus Christ had ascended into heaven and sat on Thy right hand, O God and Father, He sent down the Holy Spirit to his Disciples, the holy Apostles, Who alighted on each of them and filled them all with His inexhaustible and divine grace; and they did speak in strange tongues, prophesying Thy great deeds. Hear us who beseech Thee, and remember us, wretched and condemned. Deliver us from the sinful captivity of our souls by Thy loving intercession. Accept us, who kneel down before Thee and cry out: we have sinned. From birth, from the womb of our mother – we are Thine, O Lord – Thou art our God. But as our life passes in vanity, we have therefore been stripped of thine aid, and have become silent. Yet do we trust in Thy compassion and cry unto Thee. Remember not the sins of our youth and ignorance; cleanse us of our secret sins. Reject us not in our old age, and forsake us not when our strength fails. Before we return to the earth, prepare us to return to Thee. Measure our lawlessness with a measure of Thy generosity, and erect against our many transgressions a bottomless abyss of these generosities.

Look down from the height of Thine holiness upon Thy people who stand and await from Thee abundant mercy. Visit us with Thy goodness and deliver us from the force of Satan and preserve our life with Thine holy and solemn laws. Commit Thy people unto a faithful guardian angel. Gather us all unto Thy kingdom. Forgive those who put their trust in Thee, relinquish us and them from sin. Purify us by the operation of Thine Holy Spirit and remove from us the wiles of the adversary.

He also adds this prayer:

The Vesper Prayer

Blessed art Thou, Lord, Almighty Master, who illuminest the day with the light of the sun and the night with the glow of the moon, Who hast made us worthy to pass the course of the day and draw near to the onset of the night; hear our petitions and those of all Thy people. Forgive us all our sins, both voluntary and involuntary, and accept our evening supplications and send down the multitude of Thy mercies and compassions upon Thy people. Protect us with Thine holy angels. Arm us with the weapons of Thy truth. Envelop us with Thy righteousness. Preserve us by Thy power, and deliver us from every oppression and from every conspiracy of the cunning one. Grant us that this evening and the approaching night and all the days of our life may be perfect, holy, peaceful, sinless, without doubt and vain imaginings, by the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and all the saints who have done Thy will from the beginning of time.

The clergy and the faithful stand.

Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise us up, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Calling to remembrance our most holy, pure, and most blessed Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Exclamation

Priest: For Thine it is to show mercy on us and to save us, O our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Then the Deacon or Priest says the Litany.

The Insistent Litany

Let us all say. Lord have mercy.

With all our soul and all our mind, let us all say. Lord have mercy.

O Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray Thee. Lord have mercy.

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great mercy; we pray Thee, O Lord, hearken and have mercy. Lord have mercy. 3.

In Parish Churches:

We also pray for our holy Ecumenical Pontiff N., the Pope of Rome, and for our Patriarch N., [and for our Metropolitan N., for our Archbishop N., for our Bishop N.], and for those who serve and have served in this holy church, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ. Lord have mercy. 3.

In Monasteries:

We also pray for our holy Ecumenical Pontiff N., the Pope of Rome, and for our Patriarch N., [and for our Metropolitan N., for our Archbishop N., for our Bishop N., for our most venerable hieromonks: proto-archimandrite N., [archimandrite N., proto-hegumen N., and hegumen N.], for those who serve and have served in this holy monastery, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ. Lord, have mercy, 3.

Furthermore we pray (for our divinely protected Emperor N. [or King N.], for his health and salvation,) for this country, for its civil authorities and armed forces; and for the Orthodox who dwell therein, and for the remission of their sins; and that the Lord deliver His people from enemies, visible and invisible, and confirm in us oneness of mind, brotherly love and piety, let us all say. Lord have mercy. 3.

Furthermore, we pray for the people here present; for them that await of Thee great mercies; and for their health and salvation. Lord have mercy. 3.

Furthermore, we pray for those who give alms; and for their health and salvation. Lord have mercy. 3.

Furthermore, we pray for all the brethren and for all Christians; and for their health and salvation. Lord have mercy. 3.

Exclamation

Priest: For Thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto Thee do we send up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Then the Deacon or Priest says:

Again and again on bended knee let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. 3.

All kneel as earlier described, and the Priest reads the prayer aloud for all to hear.

Second Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who residest with us in this life, and Who gavest mankind the world, and in Thine inalienable rule dost give to the true the gift of the Holy Spirit, this blessing Thou hast sent down more fully to Thy pupils and Apostles and dispensed into their mouths the fire of tongues, so that through them all mankind would receive knowledge of God and be enlightened by the light of the Spirit, being emancipated from seduction as from darkness and by their supernatural action learning to believe in the Son of God and to praise Him with the Father and the Holy Spirit as one Godhead, Power, and Authority.

Wherefore, O Splendour of the Father, the Likeness of his Essence, His immutable and unchangeable Nature, Thou art the fountain of salvation and grace. Open my lips, sinner that I am, and teach me how and for what I should pray; for Thou dost know the multitude of my sins, but Thine unbounded compassion doth overcome the enormity thereof. Behold, I come and stand before Thee in fear and dismay, casting my soul’s despair into the depth of Thy mercy. Ordain my life, O Thou Who rulest the whole creation with ineffable wisdom. O tranquil Haven to those who are caught in the rages of winter, make known to me the way in which I should walk. Grant to my thoughts the spirit of Thy wisdom, and bestow upon mine ignorance the spirit of Thine understanding. Overshadow mine acts with the spirit of Thy fear; a just spirit renew Thou within me, and by Thy Sovereign Spirit strengthen Thou mine unstable mind, that I may be worthy each day to do Thy commandments, being guided by Thy righteous Spirit into that which is profitable, ever mindful of Thy glorified second Coming, when we shall all be obliged to give an answer for our deeds. Let me not be led astray by the corrupting pleasures of this world, but strengthen me to delight in the treasures to come. For Thou, O Master, didst say, “Whatever ye ask in My Name ye shall receive” from God the Father co-eternal with Thee.

Therefore, I a sinner, implore Thy goodness on the day of the descent of Thine Holy Spirit. Grant Thou my request for salvation: yea, good Lord, Who grantest all riches and benevolence; for Thou art He, the merciful and pitying, Who givest us more than we ask, Who hast become a Partaker with us in the flesh without sin. Thou art He Who, for his love for mankind, dost have compassion for those who bend the knee to Thee, having become an offering for our sins. Grant, Lord, Thy compassion to Thy people, and incline Thine ear to us from Thine Holy heaven; sanctify us by the saving might of Thy right hand. Cover us with the shelter of Thy wings and turn not away from the product of Thine hands. Against Thee only do we sin, yet Thee only do we serve. We know not how to bow to a strange god, nor how to reach out to a different god. Pardon our iniquities, O Master, and accepting our requests on bended knee, extend to us all a helping hand, and accept the prayers of all as fragrant incense acceptable to Thy most righteous Kingdom.

He also adds this prayer:

The Vesper Prayer

Lord, Lord, Thou Who hast delivered us from every arrow that cometh by day, save us from everything that walketh in darkness, and accept the lifting up of our hands as an evening offering. Consider us worthy to pass the night blamelessly and experience no evil. Deliver us from Satan. Free us from all confusion and fear. Grant our souls rapture, and our thoughts concern over our accountability at Thy just and terrible judgment. Transfix our flesh with Thy fear, and mitigate our members who are on earth, that in the tranquillity of sleep we may be enlightened by the meditation of Thy precepts. Drive from us every evil fancy and lasciviousness. Elevate us during our prayers, strengthened in faith and enriched by Thy commandments.

The clergy and the faithful stand.

Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise us up, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Calling to remembrance our most holy, pure, and most blessed Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Exclamation

Priest: Through the good pleasure and goodnes of Thine Only-begotten Son with Whom Thou art blessed together with Thy most holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Reader then says:

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this evening without sin. Bow.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers. Bow.
And praised and glorified is Thy name unto the ages, Amen. Bow.

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach us Thy statutes. Blessed art Thou, O Master, give us understanding of Thy statutes. Blessed art Thou, O Holy One, enlighten us with Thy statutes. O Lord, Thy mercy endureth for ever; despise not the work of Thy hands. Unto Thee is due praise; unto Thee is due song; unto Thee glory is due: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.

Then the Deacon or Priest says:

Again and again on bended knee let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. 3.

All kneel as earlier described, and the Priest reads the prayer aloud for all to hear.

Third Prayer

O Christ our God, the ever-flowing Spring, life-giving, illuminating, creative Power, co-eternal with the Father, Who didst divinely achieve the deed of saving mankind, and didst tear apart the indestructible bonds of death, break asunder the bolts of Hades, and tread down the multitude of evil spirits, offering Thyself as a blameless Sacrifice and offering us Thy pure, spotless, and sinless body: Who, by this fearsome, inscrutable divine service didst grant us life everlasting, O Thou Who didst descend into Hades, and demolish the eternal bars, revealing an ascent to those who were in the lower abode; Who with the lure of divine wisdom didst entice the dragon, the head of subtle evil and with Thy boundless power bound him in abysmal hell, in inextinguishable fire, and extreme darkness.

O Great Wisdom of the despairing! Overcomer of misfortunes – eminent helper, Who came and lit the way for those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death; Thou art the Lord of everlasting glory, the beloved Son of the Most High Father, eternal Light of eternal Light, Thou Sun of truth! Hear Thou us who beseech thee, and lay to rest the souls of Thy servants, of those who have died heretofore, and those of our fathers and brothers and other kinsmen in flesh and all others through faith, for whom we now celebrate this memorial; for Thou hast power over all, and in Thine hands Thou holdest all the boundaries of the earth.

O Almighty Master, God of our fathers, Lord of mercy and Creator of all the races of men, the living and the dead, and of all nature, animate and inanimate, Who appeared and resided here on earth and again departed into the other world, Who settest the years for the living and appointest the time for the dead, Who bringest down to Hades and raisest to bliss; who bindest with weakness and loosest with power; Who arrangest the present as is meet and Who directest the future towards usefulness, Who consolest with the hope of resurrection those who feel the sting of death, Thou art the Master of all, our God and our Savior, O Hope of all the boundaries of the earth and of those who are away on the seas, O Thou who on this last and great day of salvation, the day of the Feast of Pentecost, hast revealed to us the mystery of the Holy Trinity, consubstantial and co-eternal, indivisible and immiscible, Who didst send down the Holy and life-giving Spirit in the form of tongues of fire on His holy Apostles, revealing them as proclaimers of our godfearing faith, making of them true confessors and preachers of the word of God, Who makest us worthy that our propitiatory prayers, of this all-perfect day of salvation, be acceptable for those who are imprisoned in Hades, and Who grantest those imprisoned therein a great hope in receiving from Thee consolation and relief of their confining grief.

Hear us, disconsolate and wretched, who beseech Thee, and give rest unto the souls who have formerly departed, and make them to repose in a resplendent place, a place of verdure and coolness, where there are no ills nor sorrow nor sighs. And array their souls in the tabernacles of the righteous, and make them worthy of peace and repose; for it is not the dead who praise Thee, O Lord, nor do those who are in Hades venture to offer unto Thee confession, but we, the living, do bless Thee and supplicate Thee, O Lord, and offer unto Thee prayers of purification and sacrifices for their souls’ sake.

He also takes this prayer:

O great eternal God, holy and loving toward mankind, Who dost make us worthy to stand at this hour before Thine unapproachable glory, praising and glorifying Thy wonders, forgive us, unworthy sinners, and grant us grace that from a humble and contrite heart we may offer Thee the thrice-holy glorification and gratitude for Thy great gifts which Thou didst grant and dost still steadfastly grant unto us. Remember, Lord, our weakness and destroy us not in our iniquities; but in accordance with our humility show unto us Thy great mercy, that being delivered from the darkness of sin, we may walk in the day of truth, equipped with the armor of light, and freed from all the evil attacks of the wicked one, glorifying Thee in all things, O only true God and Lover of mankind.

For in truth, O Master and Creator of all, Thine is the great and original Mystery; the temporary death of Thy creatures, and their restoration thereafter unto eternal repose. In all things we acknowledge Thy favour, at our entrance into this world and at our going out therefrom, O Thou Who by Thine unfailing promises didst hold out to us the hope of everlasting life, resurrection, and incorruptible life, which shall be ours to enjoy at Thy Second Coming; for Thou, Lord Christ, art the fountain of our resurrection, the mankind-loving and incorruptible judge of the deceased and those worthy of reward. Thou hast assumed, with utmost condescension, our flesh and blood, and through Thine undying love for us, didst not dismiss Thy suffering, willingly submitting to torture; so that, having been tempted, Thou, as promised, became the helper to those who are tempted, elevating us to Thy dispassion.

Wherefore, O Master, accept our prayers and supplications, and grant repose to our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, blood relatives, and kinsfolk, and all those who have gone to their final rest with the hope of resurrection and life everlasting. Inscribe their names in the Book of Life; in the bosoms of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; in the land of the living, the Kingdom of Heaven, in the paradise of delight, leading all into Thine Holy dwelling places by Thy radiant angels, and raise their bodies on the day that Thou hast appointed, according to Thine unfailing Holy promises; for there is no death, O Lord, to Thy departing servants who cast off their bodies and come unto Thee, O God, but a transition from sorrowful things to pleasant and benign, to repose and joy. And if they have sinned in any respect against Thee, forgive them, and be Thou compassionate unto them and us; for there is none without stain before Thee, even though his life be but a day, save Thou alone, Jesus Christ our God, Who didst appear on earth without sin, and because of Thee we all trust to attain mercy and the remission of sins.

Therefore, O God, through Thy grace and love of mankind, weaken, remit, and forgive our sins and theirs; overlook both our voluntary and involuntary offenses, which we have committed either willfully or through ignorance, openly or in secret whether by word, deed, or thought and all our wrathful dealings which we have committed during our lifetime. As for those who have preceded us, grant them emancipation and repose. To those of us who are here, bless us, and give us and all Thy people a blessed and peaceful end to life. At Thy fearsome and dreadful coming open to us Thy fathomless love of mankind, making us worthy of Thy Kingdom.

He adds this prayer:

The Vesper Prayer

O Thou most exalted God, Who alone dost possess immortality, Who dwellest in the unapproachable light, Who in wisdom didst bring into being all creation, who didst separate between the light and the darkness, setting the sun to rule the day, and the moon and stars to rule the night, Who on this day didst vouchsafe us sinners as worthy through confession to present ourselves before Thy countenance and to offer to Thee our evening prayers. O philanthropic God, set our prayers like incense before Thee, and receive them as a sweet fragrance. Grant that this evening and the approaching night may be peaceful and serene for us. Clothe us with the armor of light, and deliver us from nightly fears and from everything that walketh in darkness. Vouchsafe that the slumber which Thou didst grant us for rest from our weakness be also free from every satanic vision. Yea, O Master, Who providest good things for all, grant that in our lodgings, amid the night, we may with fervor recall Thy most Holy Name. Grant that being enlightened by the teachings of Thy commandments, we in spiritual joy would rise up to glorify Thy goodness, offering for Thy compassion petitions and supplications for our sins and those of all people, for which Thou, through the intercession of the Holy Theotokos, visitest upon us with mercy!

The clergy and the faithful stand.

Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise us up, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Calling to remembrance our most holy, pure, and most blessed Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Exclamation

Priest: For Thou art the repose of our souls and bodies and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Then the Deacon or Priest says the Litany.

Let us complete our evening prayers to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace. Lord have mercy.

That the whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord. Lord have mercy.

An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord. Grant this, O Lord.

Pardon and remission of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord. Grant this, O Lord.

Things good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord. Grant this, O Lord.

That we may complete the remaining time of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord. Grant this, O Lord.

A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless and peaceful, and a good defense at the dread judgement of Christ, let us ask. Grant this, O Lord.

Calling to remembrance our most holy, pure, and most blessed Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God. To Thee, O Lord.

Exclamation

Priest: For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind, and unto Thee do we send up glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Bow your heads unto the Lord.

People: To Thee, O Lord.

The priest, having bowed, prays thus:

O Lord our God, Who inclined the heavens and came down for the salvation of mankind, look upon Thy servants and upon Thine inheritance. Thy servants have bowed their heads to Thee, the awesome Judge and lover of mankind. They have bent their necks awaiting help not from men, but from Thy mercy, and hope in Thy salvation. Guard them at all times, both in the present evening and in the approaching night, from all enemies, from every adverse action of the Devil, from vain thoughts and from evil recollections.

Exclamation

Priest: Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Thy Kingdom, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

After this, the Stichera for the Stichs are taken in the Somoglasen Tone 3.

Stichera for Stichs
Tone 3.

Now are the tongues manifestly become a sign unto all; for ailing with unbelief, the Jews, from whom Christ came according to the flesh, have fallen away from the divine grace and divine light, of which we, the nations, have been deemed worthy, made steadfast by the words of the disciples, who spake of the glory of God, the Benefactor of all. Together with them, as we bend our hearts and our knees, let us worship the Holy Spirit in faith, made steadfast by the Saviour of our sould.

Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit in my bowels.

Now the Comforting Spirit hath been poured out upon all flesh; for beginning with the assembly of the Apostles, from them He hath extended grace to the believers by participation. And confirmeth His mighty descent by the distribution of tongues in the likeness of fire unto the disciples, to the praise and glory of God. Wherefore, noetically illumined in our hearts, and made steadfast in faith by the Holy Spirit, we beseech Thee that our souls be saved.

Cast me not away from thy face: and Thine Holy Spirit take not from me.

Now the Apostles of Christ are clothed with might from on high; for the Comforter doth renew them, working renewal in them with mystical newness of knowledge, which they proclaim to us by foreign voices and lofty words, and they teach us to reverence the eternal, simple, and tr-hypostatic nature of God, the Benefactor of all. Wherefore, illumined by their teaching, let us worship the Father with the Son and the Spirit, beseeching that our souls be saved.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages; Amen.

Tone 8.

Come O ye peoples and let us worship the Godhead of the three Hypostases: the Son in the Father, with the Holy Spirit; for the Father timelessly begat the Son, who is co-eternal and of one throne; and the Holy Spirit was in the Father, glorified with the Son; one Might, one Essence, one Godhead, which we all worship, saying: Holy God, Who didst create all things through the Son, with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit. Holy Mighty, through Whom we have known the Father, and through Whom the Holy Spirit came into the world. Holy Immortal, the Comforting Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and restest in the Son. O Holy Trinity, glory be to Thee.

The Prayer of Saint Simeon the Receiver of God

Now Thou dost dismiss thy servant O Lord, according to Thy Word in peace. Because mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A Light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the Glory of Thy people Israel.

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 unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, forgive our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Reader: Amen.

Troparion
Tone 8

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast shown forth the fishermen as supremely wise, by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of mankind, glory be to Thee.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast shown forth the fishermen as supremely wise, by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of mankind, glory be to Thee.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast shown forth the fishermen as supremely wise, by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of mankind, glory be to Thee.

The Great Dismissal

Deacon: Wisdom!

Choir: Lord, bless.

Priest: Blessed and most glorified by He Who is, Christ our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

And this prayer:

O heavenly King, uphold Orthodox Christians, strengthen the faith; calm the nations; give peace to the world. Keep this holy house aright, and establish in the dwellings of the righteous our fathers and brethren who have gone before us, and accept us in the Orthodox faith and repentance. Have mercy on us, O Lord: for Thou art good and lovest mankind.

Priest: Most holy Lady, Mother of God, save us.

People: More honourable than the cherubim and truly more glorious than the seraphim; thee who without defilement gavest birth to God the Word, the true Mother of God, thee do we magnify.

Priest: Glory to Thee, our God, our Hope, glory to Thee.

People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, bless.

Priest: May Christ our true God, who, for our salvation, came forth from the divine bosom of the Father and came down to earth from heaven, assuming our entire nature and divinizing it, and Who, when He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father, didst send the all-holy Spirit, one in substance, one in power, one in glory and coeternal upon His apostles and disciples, thereby enlightening them and through them the whole world, through the prayers of His most pure Mother, of the holy, glorious, and all-blessed proclaimers of God, the inspired Apostles, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loveth mankind. Amen.