Content: General Molieben. Molieben Before Beginning Any Good Work. Thanksgiving Molieben. Molieben for the Sick. Molieben for Students Beginning Instruction. Molieben for Those about to Travel. Troparion and Prayer to St. John of San Francisco. Troparia to selected Saints.

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Deacon: In the 4th tone: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

• Surrounding me they compassed me, and by the name of the Lord I warded them off.
• I shall not die, but live, and I shall tell of the works of the Lord.
• The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner.
• This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by virtue of Thy Cross preserve Thy commonwealth.

Having found Thee to be an unassailable Wall / and a fountain of miracles, / O Most pure Theotokos, / Thy servants subdue all attacks of enemies; / Wherefore we pray to Thee: / Grant peace to our land and to our home / and to our souls great mercy.

Clergy: O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Choir: O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

Choir: Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Choir: Save Thy servants from harm / O Most Blessed Theotokos, / for all of us, after God, / flee unto Thee, / as to an unassailable wall and intercessor.

Look with loving-kindness / O all-hymned Theotokos, / upon my many ailments, / and heal the sickness of my soul.

Deacon: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee: hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and prosperity for the servants of God (names) and that the days of their lives may be multiplied.

Again we pray Thee, O Lord our God, that Thou wouldst hearken unto the voice of our supplication and prayers, and have mercy on Thy servants (names) through Thy grace and compassion, and fulfill all of their petitions, pardon all their transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary; let their prayers and alms be acceptable before the Throne of Thy dominion, and protect them from all enemies visible and invisible, from every temptation, harm and sorrow, and deliver them from ailments, and grant them health and length of days: let us all say, O Lord, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord have mercy (thrice).

Priest: For Thou art merciful God and the Lover of mankind, and unto Thee ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Thou who at every season and every hour, in heaven and on earth, art worshipped and glorified; O Christ our God, who art long-suffering, merciful and compassionate; who lovest the just and showest mercy upon the sinner; who callest all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come: O Lord, in this hour receive our supplications, and direct our lives according to Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, hallow our bodies, correct our thoughts, cleanse our minds; deliver us from all tribulations, evil and distress. Compass us about with Thy holy Angels, that guided and guarded by them, we may attain to the unity of the faith and to the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.

O God, the Lord of hosts, and Author of all creation, who in Thine ineffable tender mercy hast sent down Thine Only-begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our kind, and through His Holy Cross hast torn up the handwriting of our sins and thereby triumphed over the princes and dominions of darkness: do Thou, O Master, who lovest mankind, accept these prayers of thanksgiving and supplication even from us sinners, and deliver us from every deadly and dark transgression and from all the visible and invisible enemies that seek to do us harm.

Nail our flesh with the fear of Thee, and let not our hearts incline to evil words or thoughts, but wound our souls with Thy love, that ever gazing upon Thee, guided by Thy light and beholding Thee, the eternal Light that no man can approach, we may send up unceasing praises and thanks unto Thee, the Father without beginning, together with Thine Only-begotten Son and Thy most holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Priest: To the Most Holy Theotokos let us pray!

Choir: O Most Holy Theotokos save us!

O Most Blessed Queen, Theotokos: our hope, Guardian of orphans, Intercessor for strangers, Joy of the sorrowful, Protectress of the wronged; Thou seest our misfortunes, Thou seest our afflictions! Help us, for we are infirm; lead us, for we are strangers, and beseech God to absolve our offenses, for we have no other help beside Thee, no other Intercessor, nor a good Consoler, except Thee, O Theotokos! Do Thou preserve and protect us unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ our God and our hope: Glory to Thee!

Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Lord have mercy (thrice). Father, bless!

Priest: May Christ our true God, through the intercession of His Most pure Mother and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and the Lover of mankind.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. O Heavenly King ...

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (after each petition).

Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

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

For this holy house and for those who enter with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

That He will bless the good intentions of His servant(s) (names), and allow (him, her, them) to begin (his, her, their) work successfully and finish without obstacle, through the power and grace of the most Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

That He will guide the hands of His servant(s) to complete (his, her, their) work successfully, let us pray to the Lord.

That He will bless the efforts of His servant(s) with the grace of the most Holy Spirit, and make (his, her, their) work well-pleasing in His sight, let us pray to the Lord.

That He will assign a guardian angel to banish from this work every enemy and obstacle, whether visible or invisible, let us pray to the Lord.

That this work may be ordered in wisdom and may end in perfection, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

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

Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

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

Choir: Amen.

Deacon: In the 4th tone: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

• Surrounding me they compassed me, and by the name of the Lord I warded them off.
• I shall not die, but live, and I shall tell of the works of the Lord.
• The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner.
• This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

O God, Creator and Master of all, bless and direct the work of our hands. As we begin, may we praise Thy name! Help us to finish and deliver us from evil, for Thou alone art the merciful Lover of mankind.

Glory ... Hasten to help and protect us, O Lord! Come and abide among us, Thy servants. Let thy grace bless and strengthen us. Guide the work of our hands, for all things are possible to Thee, O almighty Creator.

Now and ever ... (tone 6): O steadfast protectress of Christians, constant advocate before the Creator! Do not despise the prayers of sinners, but in Thy mercy help those who call on Thee in the faith. Hasten to hear our petitions and intercede for us, O Theotokos, for Thy always protect those who honor Thee.

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper the work of our hands.

Verse: Yea, give success to the work of our hands.

Epistle Reading (Phil. 2:12-16).

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

The Gospel Reading (Matt. 7:7-11, 5:14-20).

At that time, the Lord said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."

Deacon: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee: hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord have mercy (thrice).

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and prosperity for the servants of God (names) and that the days of their lives may be multiplied.

Look down upon Thy servant(s) who fall down before Thee with faith, O Lord, and hear (his, her, their) prayers. Bless (his, her, their) good intentions, that (he, she, they) might successfully and quickly accomplish (his, her, their) work without any obstacle, for the glory of Thy name, we pray Thee, O Almighty King, hear us and have mercy.

O Lord, Who helps every man to accomplish good; come to the aid of Thy servant(s) and prosper the work of (his, her, their) hands, we pray Thee, Almighty Master, hear us and have mercy.

Send Thine angel from heaven to guard this work, O good One, and preserve it from any harm: defend it against the attacks of visible and invisible enemies, and assist in its successful accomplishment, we pray Thee, O most good Savior, hear us and have mercy.

O Lord, Thou hast ordered us to do all things for Thy glory, bless Thy servant(s) as (he, she, they) begin (his, her, their) work, that (he, she, they) might complete it with success and satisfaction. Grant (him, her, them) health and length of days, O generous Creator; hear us and have mercy.

Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off upon the sea, and show mercy, show mercy, O Master, upon us sinners.

Priest: For Thou art a merciful God, and lovest mankind, 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.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, accept our prayers and bless the good intentions and the work of Thy servant(s). May (he, she, they) successfully begin it for Thy glory, and complete it without any obstacle. Guide (his, her, their) hands, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, may (his, her, their) labors be peacefully accomplished. For Thine it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Glory to the Holy, Consubstantial and Undivided Trinity, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Reader: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (thrice).

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

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.

Lord have mercy (thrice).

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

Our Father, Who art in the Heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

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 times).

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

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

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Glory to Thee, O God (thrice).

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord have mercy (after each petition).

For the peace from above, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

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.

For this holy temple, and for those who with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter herein, let us pray to the Lord.

For the Orthodox Episcopate of the Russian Church; for our Lord, the Very Most Reverend Metropolitan N., First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad; for our Lord, the Most Reverend (Archbishop or Bishop N.,) for the venerable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ; for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For this land, its authorities and armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.

For the suffering Russian land and its Orthodox people both in the homeland and in the diaspora, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

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

For this city, for every city and country, and the faithful that dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.

For seasonable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

For travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the imprisoned, and for their salvation, let us pray to Lord.

That He will graciously accept this present thanksgiving and supplication of us unworthy sinners on His most heavenly altar, and in His compassion have mercy upon us, let us pray to the Lord.

That He will not despise the thanksgiving of us his unprofitable servants, which we offer with humble hearts for the benefits that we have received from Him; but that it may acceptable unto Him as sweet smelling incense, and a whole burnt offering, let us pray to the Lord.

That he will hearken now unto the voice of petition of us, His unworthy servants, and will always fulfill the good intention and desire of His faithful, as may be most expedient for them; and, in that He is bountiful, may always bestow his benefits upon us, and grant unto His holy Church and unto all faithful servants of His their petitions, let us pray to the Lord.

That he will deliver His holy Church and His servant(s) N. and us all from every affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, and from all enemies, both visible and invisible; and that He will always hedge about his faithful people with health, long life, and peace, and the host of his holy Angels, let us pray to the Lord.

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

Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.

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

Choir: Amen.

Deacon: In the 4^th Tone: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Stichos (before the choir chants the first time): O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.

Stichos: Surrounding me they compassed me, and by the name of the Lord I warded them off.

Choir: God is the Lord ...

Stichos: I shall live, but not die, and I shall tell of the works of the Lord.

Choir: God is the Lord ...

Stichos: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Choir: God is the Lord ...

We, thine unworthy servants, O Lord, grateful for Thy great benefits which Thou hast showed upon us, glorifying Thee do praise, bless, give thanks, sing and magnify Thy loving-kindness, and with love do cry aloud unto Thee in humble submissiveness: O our Benefactor and Savior, glory to Thee.

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

O Master Who hast freely vouchsafed Thy benefits and gifts unto Thine unprofitable servants, zealously resorting unto Thee, we offer unto Thee thanksgiving according to our strength, and glorifying Thee as our Benefactor and Creator, we cry aloud: Glory to thee, O God most bountiful.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. O Theotokos, the helper of Christians, having acquired thy protection, we thy servants gratefully do cry aloud unto thee: Rejoice, most pure Virgin Theotokos! And from calamities deliver thou us always by thy prayers, O thou who alone art a speedy helper in trouble.

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: Peace be unto all!

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 4th tone: I will sing praises unto the Lord, because He hath dealt so lovingly with me, yea I will praise the name of the Lord Most High.

The Epistle (Eph 5:8-21).

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Priest: Peace be unto thee that readest.

Reader: And to thy spirit

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The alleluia of the Gospel in the 4^th tone:

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel!

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend.

The Gospel Reading (Lk. 17:12-19):

And as (Jesus) entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we beseech Thee: hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord have mercy (thrice, after each petition).

Deacon: Returning thanks with fear and trembling, as unprofitable servants unto Thy loving-kindness, O Lord, our Savior and our Master, for Thy benefits which Thou hast poured out abundantly upon Thy servants, we fall down in worship, and offer unto Thee praise as God, and fervor we do cry aloud unto Thee: Deliver Thou Thy servants from all calamities, and in that Thou art merciful fulfill Thou always the desires of us all, as may be expedient for us, we diligently entreat Thee, hearken, and have mercy.

In that Thou now hast mercifully hearkened unto the supplications of thy servants, O Lord, and hast manifested upon us the tender compassion of Thy love for mankind, so also, in time to come, despising us not, do Thou fulfill, unto thy glory, all good desires of Thy faithful people, and reveal unto us all Thy rich mercy, disregarding our iniquities, we beseech Thee: hearken, and have mercy.

And may this our thanksgiving be as sweet-smelling incense, as a fat whole burnt offering before the majesty of Thy glory, O all-gracious Master, and send Thou down always upon Thy servants, in that Thou art beneficent, Thy rich mercies and bounties; and deliver from all assaults of enemies, both visible and invisible, Thy holy Church, and this city, and grant unto all Thy people length of days, sinless and healthful, and increase in all virtue, we beseech Thee, O all bountiful King: mercifully hearken, and speedily show mercy.

Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are far off upon the sea; and show mercy, show mercy, O Master, upon us sinners, and be merciful unto us sinners, and be merciful unto us. For Thou art a merciful God who lovest mankind, 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.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord!

Priest: O Lord Jesus Christ our God, the God of all mercies and bounties Whose mercy is immeasurable, and whose love for mankind is an unfathomable deep: falling down in adoration before Thy majesty, with fear and trembling, as unprofitable servants, and now humbly rendering thanks unto Thy loving-kindness for Thy benefits bestowed upon Thy Servant(s) (names), we glorify Thee, we praise Thee, we sing Thee and we magnify Thee as our Lord, and Master, and Benefactor; and again falling down before Thee, we humbly thank Thee, supplicating Thy boundless and inexpressible mercy. And in that Thou hast graciously vouchsafed to accept the petitions of Thy servants and to fulfill them, so also grant that henceforth thy Holy Church and this city may be delivered from every hostile assault, and may be vouchsafed peace and tranquillity, and that increasing in true love of Thee, and in all virtues, all Thy faithful people may receive Thy benefits; and that we may ever offer thanksgiving unto Thee, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine all holy, and good, and life giving Spirit, God glorified in one person; and that we may say exceeding good things and sing:

Glory to Thee, O God our Benefactor, unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will among men. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory. O Lord, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty; O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and O Holy Spirit. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world; have mercy on us; Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; Thou that sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Every day will I bless Thee, and I will praise Thy Name forever, yea, forever and forever.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is Thy name unto the ages of ages. Amen. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in Thee.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes (thrice).

Lord, Thou hast been our refuge in generation and generation. I said: O Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee. O Lord, unto Thee have I fled for refuge, teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. For in Thee is the fountain of life, in Thy light shall we see light. O continue Thy mercy unto them that know Thee.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (thrice).

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

Holy Immortal have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Choir: More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

Priest: Glory to Thee, O God, our hope, glory to Thee.

Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (thrice). Father (Master), bless.

Priest: May Christ our God, through the intercessions of His most pure Mother, (the patron saint of the temple), and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and the Lover of mankind.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. O Heavenly King ...

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will not turn His face away from His suffering servant(s), and will not despise the prayer we offer for (him, her, them) today, but will grant (him, her, them) health in His goodness and love for mankind, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That (he, she, those) who (is, are) sick may be quickly delivered from (his, her, their) affliction(s) and raised from (his, her, their) sickbed(s) by the Almighty Word of God, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That every illness in (his, her, their) body (bodies) may be healed by the visitation of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That the merciful God will hear the cries of His unworthy servants, as He accepted the pleading of the Canaanite woman, and will hear the servant(s) of God (names), let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

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

Choir: Amen.

Thou alone canst help us, O Christ! Visit Thy suffering servants! Deliver (him, her, them) from sickness and affliction! Raise (him, her, them) up to sing Thy praise, O Lover of man, through the prayers of the Theotokos!

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

O Saviour, Thou healed the paralytic carried to Thee! Thou raised Peter's mother-in-law from her infirmity! Take pity on Thy servants! Heal (his, her, their) sickness(es), and forgive all (his, her, their) sins. Thou hast borne our affliction, O Mighty Lord, Thou hast carried all our sorrows, O Lover of man!

Priest: Let us attend! Peace be unto all!

Reader: And to thy spirit!

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The prokeimenon in the 7^th tone: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.

Reader: For in death there is no remembrance of Thee; in the grave who can give Thee praise?

Choir: (repeats) Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.

Reader: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak.

Choir: Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle James.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Epistle Reading (James 5:10-16).

Brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord - that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes," be "Yes," and your "No," "No," lest you fall into judgment. Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Gospel Reading (Matt. 8:1-17).

At that time, when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour. Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great goodness, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: O Healer of souls and bodies, with broken and repentant hearts we fall down before Thee. Heal every sickness and evil passion afflicting Thy servant(s) (names). Forgive (him, her, them) every transgression, whether voluntary or involuntary, and in the goodness of Thy heart quickly raise (him, her, them) from (his, her, their) bed(s) of illness, we beg Thee Lord, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: O Merciful Lord, Who desires not the death of the sinner, but that he should turn from his wickedness and live, take pity on Thy servant(s) (names). Heal (his, her, their) sickness, take away the pain, forgive (his, her, their) sins, for we are conceived in sin, and our hearts incline to evil even from birth. As Thou didst deliver the daughter of Jairus from the jaws of death, stretch forth Thy strong right hand and raise (him, her, them) from this bed of pain and restore (him, her, them) quickly to health, we beg Thee, Lord, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: O Lord, by a touch of Thy hand Peter's mother-in-law was healed of her fever. By the tender mercy of Thy compassionate heart heal today the illness of Thy servant(s) (names), for (his, her, their) affliction is great, and (he, she, they) has (have) no hope except in Thee, O fountain of healings, we beg Thee, Lord, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: O Lord, Thou didst accept the tears of Hezekiah when he begged Thee to preserve him from death; Thou didst receive the repentance of Manasseh and the Ninevites and the humble confession of David. As Thou didst quickly have mercy on them, so also receive our prayer and restore Thy suffering servant(s) to health, for Thou art our might fortress, the hope of the hopeless, O Fountain of Life and Immortality, in tears we fall down before Thee; hear us, Lord, and have mercy.

Choir: Lord have mercy (thrice).

Priest: Hear us, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off upon the sea, and show mercy, show mercy O Master, upon us sinners.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: O Almighty Master of all and Holy King; Who chasteneth but destroyeth not; Who givest strength to the falling and raisest up those who have fallen; Who gives healing to mortal flesh, we beg Thee, visit Thy suffering servant(s) (names), with Thy grace; heal (his, her, their) illness, and forgive all (his, her, their) sins both voluntary and involuntary. Yes, O Lord, send down Thy healing power from on high; soothe the pain, cool the fever, calm the mind, and ease (his, her, their) suffering and distress. In Thy great mercy, be a physician to Thy servant(s); raise (him, her, them) from (his, her, their) bed of pain and suffering. Restore (him, her, them) in safety and health to Thy holy Church, that (he, she, they) may accomplish all things well-pleasing to Thee. For thine it is to have mercy and to save us, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. O Heavenly King ...

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For His Beatitude, our Metropolitan N., and for His (Eminence, Grace), our (Archbishop, Bishop N.,), for the honorable Priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the President of our country, for all civil authorities, and for the armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this city, for every city and country, and for the faithful dwelling in them, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For seasonable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For travelers by land, sea, and air; for the sick and the suffering; for captives and their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will send down upon these students the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and will direct their minds, open their lips, and enlighten their hearts to receive His righteous teachings, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will implant in their hearts His fear, which is the beginning of wisdom, and expel from them the false wisdom of this world, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will enlighten their minds to turn away from evil and seek what is good, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will open their minds to receive, and to understand, and to remember all instruction that is good and profitable for their souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He may give them the wisdom that sits by His throne, implanting it in their hearts that they may learn what is well-pleasing in His sight, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He may enable them to grow in wisdom and grace before God and men, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That they may live a wise and virtuous life, and grow in understanding of the true faith, and become pillars of the Holy Orthodox Church, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That they and we may be delivered from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our lives unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: For unto Thee are due all glory, honor 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.

You came to Your disciples and gave them peace, O Savior, / so also come to us and save us! / Your Holy Spirit made Your illiterate disciples into teachers, O Christ our God, / and by the gift of tongues He destroyed idolatry by His Almighty Power.

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

You are most Blessed, O Christ our God! / You have revealed the fishermen as most wise, / by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit! / Through them You have drawn the world into your net! / Glory to You, O Lover of Man!

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

O steadfast protectress of Christians! / Constant advocate before the Creator! / Do not despise the prayers of sinners, / but in Your mercy help those who call on You in faith. / Hasten to hear our petitions / and intercede for us, O Theotokos / for you always protect those who honor You!

Priest: Let us attend! Peace be unto all!

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The prokeimenon in the 4^th tone: Out of the mouths of babes and infants, thou hast founded perfect praise.

Choir: Out of the mouths of babes and infants, thou hast founded perfect praise.

Reader: O Lord, how glorious is Thy name in all the earth!

Choir: Out of the mouths of babes and infants, thou hast founded perfect praise.

Reader: Out of the mouths of babes and infants.

Choir: Thou hast founded perfect praise.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading is from the Epistle of the holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.

Deacon: Let us attend!

The Epistle Reading (Eph. 1:16-20; 3:14-21).

Brethren, I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The Gospel Reading (John 17:1-26).

At that time, Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."

The Gospel Reading (Mk. 10:13-16).

At that time, they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great goodness, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: Again we pray for our Metropolitan N., for our Bishop N., for Priests, deacons, and all other clergy; and for all our brethren in Christ.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: Again we pray that the Lord our God will show favor to these students, and will inspire their hearts, their minds, and their lips with the spirit of wisdom, of understanding, of holiness and fear; that He will enlighten these students with the light of His knowledge, and will give them strength and perseverance, so that they may eagerly learn His divine law; that He will enable them to grow in wisdom, understanding and virtue, for the glory of His Holy Name, and will give them health and long life for the upbuilding of His Holy Church, we beg Thee, O Lord, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and oft hose far off upon the sea, and show mercy, show mercy, O Master, upon us sinners.

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

Choir: Amen.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: O Lord, our God and Creator, Thou hast honored us men with Thine own image, and didst teach Thy chosen disciples that the fear of Thee is the beginning of true wisdom; Thou hast revealed Thy wisdom to children and didst teach Thy law to Solomon and to all those who have sought Thee in purity of heart. Open the hearts, the minds, and the lips of these students, that they may receive the power of Thy law, and successfully comprehend the useful things which will be taught them, and so they will understand Thy perfect will and contribute to the building up of Thy Holy Church. Deliver them from every snare of the enemy, preserve them in the true faith in righteousness and purity all the days of their lives, that they may grow in wisdom and in the observance of Thy commandments, and may be revealed as worshippers of Thy Name and heirs of Thy Kingdom. Bless also their teachers, O Lord; grant that their words may be free from every worldly deceit and vanity, and may always clearly proclaim the word of Thy truth.

For Thou art God, the author of truth and the fountain of Wisdom, and unto Thee we ascribe 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: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. O Heavenly King ...

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will send (him, her, them) an angel of peace as fellow-traveler and guide, to help, guard, defend, and preserve (him, her, them) unharmed by any evil assault, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will shield (him, her, them) from all attacks and assaults of enemies, and bring (him, her, them) to (his, her, their) destination and home again unharmed, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That in His mercy, He will calm (the tempest of the sea; the turbulence of the air; any unfavorable weather), and will grant His servant(s) a peaceful and profitable journey, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That by His mighty grace He will deliver (him, her, them) from any accident or calamity, whether of soul or body, from sickness and sudden death, and from all mortal wounds, and that (he, she, they) may in due time return to (his, her, their) home(s) in peace and safety, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

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

Choir: Amen.

O Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, / You sent Raphael the Archangel as a guide for Tobias. / So now send Your Angel to accompany Your Servant(s), / may He protect (him, her, them) from every evil thing. / Bless (his, her, their) journey, that (he, she, they) may glorify Your Name, O Lover of man, / through the prayers of the Theotokos.

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

O Savior, You walked to Emmaus with Luke and Cleopas, / Now accompany Your servant(s) in (his, her, their) travels, / Deliver (him, her, them) from the assaults of evil men, / for in Your will all things are possible, O Lover of man.

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

O steadfast protectress of Christians! / Constant advocate before the Creator! / Do not despise the prayers of sinners, / but in Your mercy help those who call on You in faith. / Hasten to hear our petitions / and intercede for us O Theotokos, / for you always protect those who honor You!

O Savior, do not despise those who pray to You! / May Your Almighty Hand bless and help them! / You are our Creator and Master; / Your apostles cried, "Save us!" and with a single word You calmed the sea. / Give Your servant(s) a calm and untroubled journey. / Preserve (him, her, them) in good health, O Lover of man, / through the prayers of the Theotokos.

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

O Savior, help and protect (him, her, them) who hope(s) in You; / may this journey enable (him, her, them) to accomplish good deeds, / that (he, she, they) may glorify You, O Giver of all good things.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Beneath your compassion we take refuge, Virgin Theotokos! / Despise not our prayers in our afflictions / but deliver us from harm. / O only pure only Blessed One.

Priest: Let us attend! Peace be unto all!

Reader: And to thy spirit!

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The prokeimenon in the 4^th tone: Teach me the way I should go, for to Thee I lift up my soul.

Choir: Teach me the way I should go, for to Thee I lift up my soul.

Reader: Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies! I have fled to Thee for refuge!

Choir: Teach me the way I should go, for to Thee I lift up my soul.

Reader: Teach me the way I should go.

Choir: For to Thee I lift up my soul.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading is from the Acts of the Holy Apostles.

Deacon: Let us attend!

The Epistle Reading (Acts 8:26-39).

In those days, an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth." So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

The Gospel Reading (John 14:1-14).

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?' Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great goodness, we pray Thee, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: O Lord, Who guidest the footsteps of man, look upon Thy servant(s) (names), and pardon (him, her, them) every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary. Bless (his, her, their) journey; grant (him, her, them) a safe return, we beg Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: O Lord, Who gloriously delivered Joseph from his brothers' jealousy, and led him to Egypt, where he prospered in all things through Thy blessing; bless also Thy servant(s) (names), as (he, she, they) begin (his, her, their) travels, and make (his, her, their) journey to be peaceful and profitable, we beg Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: O Lord, Who didst send Thy angel to travel with Isaac and Tobias, who enabled them to complete their journey in peace; send Thine angel of peace to Thy servant(s) who pray(s) to Thee, that he may guide (him, her, them) in all good deeds, and deliver (him, her, them) from all enemies both visible and invisible, and enable (him, her, them) to return in safety, peace, and prosperity, for the glory of Thy name, we beg Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: O Lord, Who didst accompany Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus, and didst make them to return to Jerusalem with their hearts burning with the joy of Thy resurrection; send Thy grace and divine blessing to accompany Thy servant(s) (names), and guide (him, her, them) in every good work, to the glory of Thy Holy Name. Preserve (him, her, them) in health, and bring (him, her, them) back to us again in due time, we beg Thee, our merciful protector, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off upon the sea, and show mercy, show mercy, O Master, upon us sinners. For Thou art a merciful God, and lovest mankind, and unto Thee 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.

Deacon: O Lord, Who dost rebuke the winds and the sea, and by a single word didst calm the waves and give peace to Thine apostles when they were storm-tossed in the ship; receive also the prayers of Thy servant(s) who come(s) to Thee in faith. Bless (his, her, their) voyage; grant (him, her, them) a calm, peaceful, and untroubled journey, we beg Thee, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: O Savior, Who didst walk upon the water as if it were dry land, and didst save Peter from drowning by Thine Almighty right hand; deliver Thy servant(s) who pray(s) to Thee in faith. Bless (his, her, their) voyage; grant (him, her, them) a calm, peaceful, and untroubled journey, we beg Thee, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Deacon: Send Thine angel, O merciful Lord, to accompany (him, her, them) on (his, her, their) way, and to guard (his, her, their) soul and body (souls and bodies). Preserve and shelter (him, her, them) from all enemies, both visible and invisible. Deliver (him, her, them) by Thy might from all tribulation and danger, from sickness and accidents. In due time restore (him, her, them) to (his, her, their) home(s) in safety, to the glory of Thy Holy Name, we beg Thee, all powerful Master, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off upon the sea, and show mercy, show mercy, O Master, upon us sinners. For Thou art a merciful God, and lovest mankind, and unto Thee ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Deacon: Bowing our heads unto the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: O Lord Jesus Christ our God, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Who willed to journey into Egypt with Joseph Thy foster-father and Mary, Thy pure Virgin Mother, and Who accompanied Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus: we humbly beg Thee, all holy Master, send Thy grace to Thy servant(s) who are about to travel. As Thou didst send the archangel Raphael to accompany Tobias, send now Thine angel of peace to be a faithful guide and guardian for Thy servant(s), preserving and delivering (him, her, them) from every assault of visible and invisible enemies. Direct (his, her, their) feet to walk in the way of Thy commandments. Bless (him, her, them) with peace, health and happiness. Bring (him, her, them) back again in safety. Grant that (he, she, they) may do Thy will all the days of (his, her, their) life (lives), and give glory to Thy Name.

For Thine it is to show mercy and to save us, O Christ our God, and to Thee do we send up glory, together with Thy Father who has no beginning, and Thy most holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Thy care for thy flock in its sojourn has prefigured the supplications which thou didst ever offer up for the whole world. Thus do we believe, having come to know thy love, O holy hierarch and wonder-worker John. Wholly sanctified by God through the ministry of the all-pure Mysteries, and thyself strengthened thereby, thou didst hasten unto suffering, O most gladsome healer - hasten now also to the aid of us who honor thee with all our heart.

O beloved hierarch John while living amongst us thou didst see the future as if present, distant things as if near, the hearts and minds of men as if they were thine own. We know that in this thou wast illumined by God, with Whom thou wast ever in the mystical communion of prayer, and with Whom thou now abidest eternally. As thou once didst hear the mental petitions of thy far-scattered flock even before they could speak to thee, so now hear our prayers and bring them before the Lord. Thou hast gone over unto the life unaging, unto the other world, yet thou art in truth not far from us, for heaven is closer to us than our own souls. Show us who feel frightened and alone the same compassion that thou didst once show to the trembling fatherless ones. Unto us who have fallen into sin, confusion and despair, give the same stern yet loving instruction that thou didst once give to thy chosen flock. In thee we see the living likeness of our Maker, the living spirit of the Gospel, and the foundation of our Faith.

In the pure life that thou hast led during our sinful times, we see a model of virtue, a source of instruction and inspiration. Beholding the grace bestowed upon thee, we know that God hath not abandoned His people. It is rather we that have fallen from Him, and so must regain the likeness of Divinity as thou hast done. Through thine intercession, O blessed one, grant that we may increase our striving toward our heavenly homeland, setting our affections on things above, laboring in prayer and virtue, waging war against the attacks of our fallen nature. Invoke the mercy of God, that we may one day join thee in His Kingdom. For our deepest wish is to live forever with Him, with the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O Blessed Father Herman of Alaska, North Star of Christ's Holy Church; The light of your holy life and great deeds Guides those who follow the Orthodox Way. Together we lift high the Holy Cross You planted firmly in America. Let all behold and glorify Jesus Christ, Singing His Holy Resurrection.

The Eternal Light of Christ our Savior Guided you, O Blessed Father Herman, On your evangelical journey to America, Proclaiming the Gospel of Peace. Now you stand before the Throne of Glory; Intercede for your land and its people, Peace for the world and salvation of our souls

O Apostle, beloved of Christ the God, hasten to set free the people that have no word of defence: thee fallen down in adoration will accept He Who hath received thee whenever thou fellest on His breast. Entreat then, O Theologian, Him that He may disperse also the thick darkness with which heathens are surrounded, asking for us peace and the great mercy.

Who can recount all thy great deeds, O chaste one: for thou lettest spring miracles and cures flow, and intercedest for our souls as theologian and friend of Christ.

Athelete in virtue, true warrior of Christ our God, you fiercely fought the good fight against the passions during this earthly life and have been an example to your disciples by your spiritual labors in song, vigil, and fast. Wherefore, the Holy Spirit took up His abode in you and operating there adorned you with radiant beauty: O you who have boldness to approach the Holy Trinity. Remember your flock gathered by your wisdom and never forget it, visiting your children, according to your promise, O holy Father Sergius.

O Saint, smitten with the love of Christ, you followed Him without looking back, and you hated all pleasures of the flesh and shone like the sun upon the land of your birth: therefore Christ has enriched you with the gift of working wonders. Remember us who honor your radiant memory that we may call to you: Hail O Sergius, wise in God.

O Holy Father Innocent, in obedience to the will of God you accepted dangers and tribulations, bringing many peoples to the knowledge of truth. You showed us the path; now by your prayers help lead us into the Kingdom of Heaven.

You evangelized the Northern people of America and Asia, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to the natives in their own tongues, O Holy Hierarch Father Innocent, Enlightener of Alaska and All America, whose ways were ordered by the Lord, pray to Him for the salvation of our souls, in His Heavenly Kingdom.

A true celebration of the Providence and Grace of God is your life, O Holy Father Innocent, Apostle to our land. For in hardships and dangers toiling for the Gospel's sake, you were preserved unharmed and often-delivered, while from obscurity you were highly exalted as an example to the faithful everywhere, that truly the Lord guides a man in the way he should go.

With the Apostles your message has gone out to the ends of the world, with the Confessors you endured sufferings for Christ; you are like the Hierarchs by your preaching of the Word, with the monks who are saints you were radiant with God's grace. Therefore the Lord exalted the abyss of your humility above the heavens and has given us your name as a source of most wonderful miracles. And so, O Wonderworker, living in Christ forever, with love have mercy on those who are in trouble and hear your children who with faith call upon you, O righteous John, our beloved shepherd.

O you who from infancy were chosen by God, and miraculously received from Him in childhood the gift of teaching, and were gloriously called to the priesthood in a vision during sleep: you proved to be a wonderful shepherd of the Church of Christ, O Father John, namesake of grace. Pray Christ our God that we may all be with you in the kingdom of heaven.

As a rule of faith and model of tenderness and teacher of abstinence hath the reality shown thee unto thy flock; therewithal hast thou acquired by humility greatness, by poverty - riches; O Father Hierarch Nicholas, intercede before Christ the God that our souls may be saved.

At Myra, O holy one, didst thou prove thyself to be high priest; for having, O venerable, fulfilled the gospel of Christ, thou didst lay thy soul for thy people, and save the innocent from death; wherefore wast thou hallowed as the great adept of God's grace.

After Christ Who for our sake was born of the Virgin, thou didst, O venerated Mary Magdalene, follow, keeping His statutes and laws; wherefore celebrating today thine all-holy memory we obtain, through thine intercessions, the remission of sins.

Standing at the Savior's cross with many others, and grieving with the Mother of the Lord and shedding tears, thou, O most glorious, didst in praise utter these words: what is this unheard of wonder? He that upholdeth the whole creation, hath deigned to suffer: glory to Thy might.

Go to the top

(moliebens_e.doc, 06-26-2001).

Edited by Donal Shufran