All christians should be familiar with the Typika Service. It is understood, by the faithful, that there are times and places where priests are not available to lead divine liturgy. In this situation, the laity are able to worship.

Hours and Typica

Introduction
Third Hour
Sixth Hour
Typica

The First Hour

Reader: O Heavenly King, O 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 impurities, 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 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. Amen.

Lord, have mercy (Twelve 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 come let us worship God our King. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 5

Unto my words give ear, O Lord; hear my cry. Attend unto the voice of my supplication, O my King and my God; for unto Thee will I pray, O Lord. In the morning Thou shalt hear my voice. In the morning shall I stand before Thee, and Thou shalt look upon me; for not a God that willest iniquity art Thou. He that worketh evil shall not dwell near Thee, nor shall transgressors abide before Thine eyes. Thou hast hated all them that work iniquity; Thou shalt destroy all them that speak a lie. A man that is bloody and deceitful shall the Lord abhor. But as for me, in the multitude of Thy mercy shall I go into Thy house; I shall worship toward Thy holy temple in fear of Thee. O Lord, guide me in the way of Thy righteousness; because of mine enemies, make straight my way before Thee, for in their mouth there is no truth; their heart is vain. Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues have they spoken deceitfully; judge them, O God. Let them fall down on account of their own devisings; according to the multitude of their ungodliness, cast them out, for they have embittered Thee, O Lord. And let all them be glad that hope in Thee; they shall ever rejoice, and Thou shalt dwell among them. And all shall glory in Thee that love Thy name, for Thou shalt bless the righteous. O Lord, as with a shield of Thy good pleasure hast Thou crowned us.

Psalm 89

Lord, Thou hast been our refuge in generation and generation. Before the mountains came to be and the earth was formed and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting Thou art. Turn not man away unto lowliness; yea, Thou hast said: Turn back, ye sons of men. For a thousand years in Thine eyes, O Lord, are but as yesterday that is past, and as a watch in the night. Things of no account shall their years be; in the morning like grass shall man pass away. In the morning shall he bloom and pass away, in the evening shall he fall and grow withered and dry. For we have fainted away in Thy wrath, and in Thine anger have we been troubled. Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee: our life-span is in the light of Thy countenance. For all our days are faded away, and in Thy wrath are we fainted away; our years have, like a spider, spun out their tale. As for the days of our years, in their span they be threescore years and ten, And if we be in strength, mayhap fourscore years; and what is more than these is toil and travail. For mildness is come upon us, and we shall be chastened. Who knoweth the might of Thy wrath? And out of fear of Thee, who can recount Thine anger? So make Thy right hand known to me, and to them that in their heart are instructed in wisdom. Return, O Lord; how long? And be Thou entreated concerning Thy servants. We were filled in the morning with Thy mercy, O Lord, and we rejoiced and were glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou guide their sons. And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and the works of our hands do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the works of our hands do Thou guide aright.

Psalm 100

Of mercy and judgment will I sing unto Thee, O Lord; I will chant and have understanding in a blameless path. When wilt Thou come unto me? I have walked in the innocence of my heart in the midst of my house. I have no unlawful thing before mine eyes; the workers of transgressions I have hated. A crooked heart hath not cleaved unto me, as for the wicked man who turned from me, I knew him not. Him that privily talked against his neighbor did I drive away from me. With him whose eye was proud and his heart insatiate, I did not eat. Mine eyes were upon the faithful of the land, that they might sit with me; the man that walked in the blameless path, he ministered unto me. The proud doer dwelt not in the midst of my house; the seeker of unjust things prospered not before mine eyes. In the morning I slew all the sinners of the land, utterly to destroy out of the city of the Lord all them that work iniquity.
Reader: 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).

Lord, have mercy (Thrice).

Here we say the first troparion, if there be two. If not: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Troparion of the Resurrection, or of the Feast, then: Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

First tone – Second tone – Third tone – Fourth Tone – Fifth tone – Sixth tone – Seventh tone – Eighth tone

And the Theotokion of the First Hour (below)

What shall we call thee, O thou that art full of grace? Heaven: for thou hast dawned forth the Sun of Righteousness. Paradise: for thou hast blossomed forth the Flower of Immortality. Virgin: for thou hast remained incorrupt. Pure Mother: for thou hast held in thy holy embrace the Son, the God of all. Do thou entreat Him to save our souls.

My steps do Thou direct according to Thy saying, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the false accusation of men, and I will keep Thy commandments. Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes. Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise, O Lord, that I may hymn Thy glory and Thy majesty all the day long.

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.

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. Amen.

The Reader saith the appointed kontakion, If there be two kontakia, we read the kontakion that was chanted after the 3rd Ode of the Canon at Matins.

Then: Lord, have mercy (40 Times).

And then the prayer of the hour

Thou Who at all times and at every hour, in heaven and on earth, art worshipped and glorified, O Christ God, Who art long-suffering, plenteous in mercy, most compassionate, Who lovest the righteous and hast mercy on sinners, Who callest all to salvation through the promise of good things to come: Receive, O Lord, our prayers at this hour, and guide our life toward Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, make chaste our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our intentions, and deliver us from every sorrow, evil and pain. Compass us about with Thy holy angels, that, guarded and guided by their array, we may attain to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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.

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

To thee the Champion Leader, we thy servants dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do thou deliver us, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice! thou Bride unwedded.

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).

Bless, O Lord.

The Third Hour

 

O come let us worship God our King. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 16

Hearken, O Lord, unto my righteousness, attend unto my supplication. Give ear unto my prayer, which cometh not from deceitful lips. From before Thy face let my judgment come forth, let mine eyes behold uprightness. Thou hast proved my heart, Thou hast visited it in the night, Thou hast tried me by fire, and unrighteousness was not found in me. That my mouth might not speak of the works of men, for the sake of the words of Thy lips have I kept the ways that are hard. Set my footsteps in Thy paths, that my steps may not be shaken. I have cried for Thou hast hearkened unto me, O God. Incline Thine ear unto me, and hearken unto my words. Let Thy mercies be made wonderful, O Thou that savest them that hope in Thee. From them that have resisted Thy right hand, keep me, O Lord, as the apple of Thine eye. In the shelter of Thy wings wilt Thou shelter me, from the face of the ungodly which have oppressed me. Mine enemies have surrounded my soul, they have enclosed themselves with their own fat, their mouth hath spoken pride. They that cast me out have now encircled me, they have set their eyes to look askance on the earth. They have taken me as might a lion ready for his prey, and as a lion’s whelp that dwelieth in hiding. Arise, O Lord, overtake them and trip their heels; deliver my soul from ungodly men, Thy sword from the enemies of Thy hand. O Lord, from Thy few do Thou separate them from the earth in their life; yea, with Thy hidden treasures hath their belly been filled. They have satisfied themselves with swine and have left the remnants to their babes. But as for me, in righteousness shall I appear before Thy face; I shall be filled when Thy glory is made manifest to me.

Psalm 24

Unto thee, O lord, have I lifted up my soul. O my God, in Thee have I trusted; let me never be put to shame, nor let mine enemies laugh me to scorn. Yea, let none that wait on Thee be put to shame (let them be ashamed which are lawless without a cause. Make Thy ways, O Lord, known unto me and teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, for Thou art God my Savior; for on Thee have I waited all the day long. Remember Thy compassions, O Lord, and Thy mercies, for they are from everlasting. The sins of my youth and mine ignorance remember not; according to Thy mercy remember Thou me, for the sake of Thy goodness, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore will He set a law for them that sin in the way. He will guide the meek in judgment, He will teach the meek His ways. All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto them that seek after His covenant and His testimonies. For the sake of Thy name, O Lord, be gracious unto my sin; for it is great. Who is the man that feareth the Lord? He will set him a law in the way which He hath chosen. His soul shall dwell among good things, and his seed shall inherit the earth. The Lord is the strength of them that fear Him, and His covenant shall be manifested unto them. Mine eyes I are ever toward the Lord, for He it is that will draw my feet out of the snare. Look upon me, and have mercy on me; for I am one only-begotten and poor. The afflictions of my heart are multiplied; bring me out from my necessities. Behold my lowliness and my toil, and forgive all my sins. Look upon mine enemies, for they are multiplied, and with an unjust hatred have they halted me. Keep my soul and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I have hoped in Thee. The innocent and the upright have cleaved unto me, for I waited on Thee, O Lord. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his afflictions.

Psalm 50

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

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).

Lord, have mercy (Thrice).

Here we say the first troparion, if there be two. If not: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Troparion of the Resurrection, or of the Feast, then: Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

First tone – Second tone – Third tone – Fourth Tone – Fifth tone – Sixth tone – Seventh tone – Eighth tone

And the Theotokion of the Third Hour: (below)

O Theotokos, thou art the true vine that hath blossomed forth for us the Fruit of Life. Thee do we supplicate. Intercede, O Lady, together with the holy apostles, that our souls find mercy.

Blessed is the Lord God, blessed is the Lord day by day; the God of our salvation shall prosper us along the way; our God is the God of salvation.

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

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. Amen.

The Reader saith the appointed kontakion. If there be two kontakia, we read the kontakion that was chanted after the 3rd Ode of the Canon at Matins.

Lord, have mercy (40 Times).

The prayer of the hour

Thou Who at all times and at every hour, in heaven and on earth, art worshipped and glorified, O Christ God, Who art long-suffering, plenteous in mercy, most compassionate, Who lovest the righteous and hast mercy on sinners, Who callest all to salvation through the promise of good things to come: Receive, O Lord, our prayers at this hour, and guide our life toward Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, make chaste our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our intentions, and deliver us from every sorrow, evil and pain. Compass us about with Thy holy angels, that, guarded and guided by their array, we may attain to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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.

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

Bless, O Lord. Amen.

Prayer of St. Mardarius

O Sovereign God, the Father Almighty, O Lord, the Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Thou, O Holy Spirit, one Godhead, one Power; Have mercy on me a sinner, and by the judgments which Thou knowest, save me, Thine unworthy servant; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Sixth Hour

O come let us worship God our King. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 53

O God, in thy name save me, and in Thy strength do Thou judge me. O God, hearken unto my prayer, give ear unto the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and mighty men have sought after my soul and have not set God before themselves. For behold, God helpeth me, and the Lord is the protector of my soul. He will bring evils upon mine enemies. Utterly destroy them by Thy truth. Willingly shall I sacrifice unto Thee; I will confess Thy name, O Lord, for it is good. For out of every affliction hast Thou delivered me, and mine eye hath looked down upon mine enemies.

Psalm 54

Give ear, O God, unto my prayer, and disdain not my supplication; attend unto me, and hear me. I was grieved in my meditation, and I was troubled at the voice of the enemy and at the oppression of the sinner; because they have turned iniquity upon me, and with wrath were they angry against me. My heart is troubled within me, and the terror of death is fallen upon me. Fear and trembling are come upon me, and darkness hath covered me. And I said: Who will give me wings like a dove? And I will fly, and be at rest. Lo, I have fled afar off and have dwelt in the wilderness. I waited for God that saveth me from faint-heartedness and from tempest. Plunge them into the depths, O Lord, and divide their tongues, for I have seen iniquity and gainsaying in the city. Day and night they go round about her upon her walls; iniquity and toil and unrighteousness are in the midst of her. And usury and deceit have not departed from her streets. For if mine enemy had reviled me, I might have endured it. And if he that hateth me had spoken boastful words against me, I might have hid myself from him. But thou it was, O man of like soul with me, my guide and my familiar friend, thou who together with me didst sweeten my repasts; in the house of God I walked with thee in oneness of mind. Let death come upon such ones, and let them go down alive into hades. For wickedness is in their dwellings, and in the midst of them. As for me, unto God have I cried, and the Lord hearkened unto me. Evening, morning, and noonday will I tell of it and will declare it, and He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from them that draw nigh unto me, for they among many were with me. God will hear, and He will humble them, He that is before the ages. For to them there is no requital, because they have not feared God; He hath stretched forth His hand in retribution. They have defiled His covenant; they were scattered by the wrath of His countenance, and their hearts have convened. Their words were smoother than oil, and yet they are darts. Cast thy care upon the Lord, and He will nourish thee; He will never permit the righteous to be shaken. But Thou, O God, shall bring those men down into the pit of destruction. Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but as for me, O Lord, I will hope in Thee.

Psalm 90

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

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).

Lord, have mercy (Thrice).

Here we say the first troparion, if there be two. If not: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Troparion of the Resurrection, or of the Feast, then: Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

First tone – Second tone – Third tone – Fourth Tone – Fifth tone – Sixth tone – Seventh tone – Eighth tone

Theotokion of the Sixth Hours: (below)

Seeing that we have no boldness on account of our many sins, do thou beseech Him that was born of thee, O Virgin Theotokos; for the supplication of a mother availeth much to win the Master’s favor.

Disdain not the prayers of sinners, O all-pure one for merciful and mighty to save is He, Who deigned also to suffer for our sake.

Let Thy compassions quickly go before us, O Lord for we are become exceedingly poor. Help us, O God our Savior, for the sake of the glory of Thy name; O Lord, deliver us and be gracious unto our sins for Thy name’s sake.

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.

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. Amen.

The Reader saith the appointed kontakion. If there be two kontakia,we read the kontakion that was chanted after the 3rd Ode of the Canon at Matins.

Lord, have mercy (40 Times).

The prayer of the hour

Thou Who at all times and at every hour, in heaven and on earth, art worshipped and glorified, O Christ God, Who art long-suffering, plenteous in mercy, most compassionate. Who lovest the righteous and hast mercy on sinners, Who callest all to salvation through the promise of good things to come: Receive, O Lord, our prayers at this hour, and guide our life toward Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, make chaste our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our intentions, and deliver us from every sorrow, evil and pain. Compass us about with Thy holy angels, that, guarded and guided by their array, we may attain to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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.

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.

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

Bless, O Lord. Amen

Prayer of St. Basil the Great

O God and Lord of hosts, and Maker of all creation. Who by the tender compassion of Thy mercy which transcendeth comprehension, didst send down Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our race, and by His precious cross didst tear asunder the handwriting of our sins, and thereby didst triumph over the principalities and powers of darkness. Do Thou Thyself, O Master, Lover of mankind, accept also from us sinners these prayers of thanksgiving and entreaty, and deliver us from every destructive and dark transgression, and from all enemies, both visible and invisible, that seek to do us evil. Nail down our flesh with the fear of Thee, and incline not our hearts unto words or thoughts of evil, but pierce our souls with longing for Thee, so that ever looking to Thee, and being guided by Thy light as we behold Thee, the Unapproachable and Everlasting Light, we may send up unceasing praise and thanksgiving unto Thee, the Unoriginate Father, with Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thine All-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Typica

An Orthodox worship service for laymen who are without clergy.

Psalm 102

Choir: Bless the Lord, O my soul. Blessed art Thou, O Lord. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that He hath done for Thee. Who is gracious unto all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thine infirmities. Who redeemeth thy life from corruption. Who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion. Who fulfilleth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle’s. The Lord performeth deeds of mercy, and executeth judgment for all them that are wronged. He hath made His ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things that He hath willed. Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy. Not unto the end will He be angered, neither unto eternity will He be wroth. Not according to our iniquities hath He dealt with us, neither according to our sins hath He rewarded us. For according to the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord hath made His mercy to prevail over them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our iniquities from us, Like as a father hath compassion upon his sons, so hath the Lord had compassion upon them that fear Him. For He knoweth whereof we are made, He hath remembered that we are dust. As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom forth. For when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it know the place thereof. But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even unto eternity, upon them that fear Him. And His righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon them that keep His testament and remember His commandments to do them. The Lord in heaven hath prepared His throne, and His kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word, to hear the voice of His words. Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts, His ministers that do His will. Bless the Lord, all ye His works, in every place of His dominion. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Bless the Lord. O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. Blessed art Thou, O Lord.

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

Psalm 145

Choir: Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord in my life, I will chant unto my God for as long as I have my being. Trust ye not in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit shall go forth, and he shall return unto his earth. In that day all his thoughts shall perish. Blessed is he of whom the God of Jacob is his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Who hath made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is therein. Who keepeth truth unto eternity, Who executeth judgment for the wronged, Who giveth food unto the hungry. The Lord looseth the fettered; the Lord maketh wise the blind; the Lord setteth aright the fallen; the Lord loveth the righteous; The Lord preserveth the proselytes. He shall adopt for His own the orphan and widow, and the way of sinners shall He destroy. The Lord shall be king unto eternity; thy God, O Sion, unto generation and generation.

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

Choir: O Only-begotten Son and Word of God, Who art immortal, Yet didst deign for our salvation To be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, And without change didst become man, And wast crucified, O Christ God, trampling down death by death, Thou Who art one of the Holy Trinity, Glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.

The beatitudes

In Thy Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in the heavens.

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

Troparion and Kontakion

On Sundays we read the Kontakion of the Tone of the day found at links below. Then we read the Kontakion of the Temple (below), followed by the Kontakion of the saint of the day.

First tone – Second tone – Third tone – Fourth Tone – Fifth tone – Sixth tone – Seventh tone – Eighth tone

Kontakion of the Temple

O ye blossoms of the spiritual meadow of Russia, who have wondrously flowered in the years of fierce persecutions, numberless new martyrs and confessors: royal passion-bearers, hierarchs, and pastors, monastics and laymen, men, women, and children, who in patience have brought forth good fruit unto Christ. Entreat Him as the One Who planted you to deliver His people from godless and evil people, and that the Church of Russia be made firm by your blood and sufferings, unto the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion of the Theotokos

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, O mediation unto the Creator unfailing, disdain not the suppliant voices of sinners; but be thou quick, O good one, to help us who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

Trisagion:

Choir: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us (thrice).

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.

Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.

The Epistle and Gospel reading

The Prokeimeon

The Reader reads the Prokeimeon in the proper Tone for the given Sunday. These are found at the links below.

First tone – Second tone – Third tone – Fourth Tone – Fifth tone – Sixth tone – Seventh tone – Eighth tone

The Epistle of the day.

Choir: Alleluia (three times)

The Gospel of the day

Reader: Remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom. Remember us, O Master, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom. Remember us, O Holy One, when Thou comest in thy kingdom.

The heavenly choir praiseth Thee and saith: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.

Come unto Him, and be enlightened, and your faces shall not be ashamed.

The heavenly choir praiseth Thee and saith: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth! heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.

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

The choir of holy angels and archangels, with all the heavenly hosts, praiseth Thee and saith: Holy, Holy, Holy. Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.

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

The Cherubim hymn

Choir: Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim and chant the thrice-holy hymn unto the life-giving Trinity, now lay aside all earthly cares.

That we may receive the King of all who cometh invisibly upborne by the angelic hosts. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The symbol of faith

Choir: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,/ Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.// And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God,/ the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages;// Light of Light, true God of true God;/ begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made;// Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens,/ and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man;// And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate,/ and suffered,/ and was buried;/ and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures;// And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father;/ And shall come again with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.// And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life; Who proceedeth from the Father;/ Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets.// In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church./ I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.// I look for the resurrection of the dead,/ And the life of the age to come. Amen.

Choir: It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

Commemoration of the living and departed

Reader: Remember, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Thy mercies and bounties which are from all eternity, and through which Thou didst become man and didst will to suffer crucifixion and death for the salvation of those who rightly believe in Thee, and having risen from the dead didst ascend into heaven, and sittest at the right hand of God the Father and regardest the humble entreaties of those who call upon Thee with all their heart: Incline thine ear, and hear the humble prayers of Thy worthless servants, as the fragrance of spiritual incense, which we offer to Thee for all people. And first remember Thy Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, which Thou hast provided through Thy precious blood. Confirm, strengthen, extend, and increase her, and keep her in peace, and forever proof against the power of hell. Calm the dissensions of the Churches, and foil the plans of the powers of darkness, dispel the prejudice of the nations and quickly ruin and root out the risings of heresy, and frustrate them by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on our president and all in authority throughout the world, commanders-in-chief of armies and navies and air-fleets, governors of provinces and cities, and all the Christ-loving navies, armies, and police; protect their power with peace, and subdue under their feet every enemy and foe, and speak peace and blessing in their hearts for Thy holy church, and for all Thy people, and grant that in their calm we too may lead a quiet and peaceful life in true belief, in all piety and honesty.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on Orthodox Bishops, the Priests and Deacons, and all who serve in the Church and whom Thou hast ordained to feed Thy spiritual flock; and by their prayers, have mercy on us sinners.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on our parish priest(s); with all his (their) brethren in Christ, and by their prayers have mercy on us, wretches that we are.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on our spiritual fathers and by their prayers forgive us our sins.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on all workers in our parish, our brethren and sisters, and all Christians.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on our parents, our brothers and sisters, and all of our relatives, and the neighbors of our families, and our friends. And grant them Thy worldly and spiritual goods.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy according to the multitude of Thy bounties, on all priests, monks, and nuns, and on all living in virginity, devotion, and fasting, in monasteries, in deserts, in caves, on mountains, on pillars, in hermitages, in the clefts of rocks, and right faith in every place of Thy dominion, and devoutly serving Thee, and praying to Thee. Lighten their burden, console them in their afflictions, and grant them strength, power, and perseverance in their struggle, and by their prayers grant us remission of our sins.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on the old, and the young, the poor and destitute, the orphans and widows, the leper colonies, epileptics and spastics, and all those in sickness and sorrow, misfortune and tribulation, captives and exiles in mines, prisons, reformatories, psychiatric hospitals, and especially on those of Thy servants suffering persecution for Thy sake and for the Orthodox Faith from godless peoples, apostates, and heretics. Visit, strengthen, comfort, and heal them, and by Thy power quickly grant them relief, freedom, and deliverance.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on our benefactors, who have mercy on us and feed us, and us of anxiety by giving us those things in which we stand of need, and entrust us, unworthy as we are, to pray for them; and give them Thy grace, and grant them all their requests which lead to salvation, and the attainment of eternal joy.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on all in our parish, and on all Orthodox Christians who are messengers and missionaries in Thy service, and are travelling.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on those whom each of us hast offended or scandalized by our madness or inadvertence, and whom we have turned from the way of salvation, and whom we have led into evil and harmful deeds. By Thy divine providence restore them again to the way of salvation.

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

Reader: Save, O Lord, and have mercy on those who hate and offend us, and do us harm, and let them not perish through us sinners.

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

Reader: Illumine with the light of grace all apostates from the Orthodox Faith, and those blinded by pernicious heresies, and draw them to Thyself, and unite them to Thy Holy, Apostolic, Catholic Church.

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

Reader: Remember, O Lord, those who have departed from this life, Orthodox kings and queens, princes and princesses, Orthodox Patriarchs, Metropolitans, Archbishops, and Bishops, Priests and Deacons, and those who have served Thee in the Monastic State, and the departed founders of this church and grant them rest with the Saints in Thy eternal dwellings.

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

Reader: Remember, O Lord, the souls of Thy servants who have departed in sleep, our parents and all of our relatives according to the flesh; forgive them every transgression, voluntary and involuntary; grant them the kingdom and a part in Thy eternal joys, and the delight of Thy blessed and everlasting life. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Choir: 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. Amen.

Lord, have mercy (Twelve Times).

Reader: O all-holy Trinity, the consubstantial Dominion, the indivisible kingdom, and cause of every good: Show Thy good will even unto me, the sinners make steadfast my heart and grant it understanding, and take away mine every defilement; enlighten my mind that I may glorify, hymn, worship, and say: One is Holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Blessed be the name of the Lord from henceforth and for evermore. (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.

Psalm 33

Choir: I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. In the Lord shall my soul be praised; let the meek hear and be glad. O Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my tribulations. Come unto Him, and be enlightened, and your faces shall not be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his tribulations. The angel of the Lord will encamp round about them that fear Him, and will deliver them. O Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that hopeth in Him. O Fear the Lord, all ye His saints; for there is no want to them that fear Him. Rich men have turned poor and gone hungry; but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good thing. Come ye children, hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is there that desireth life, who loveth to see good days? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are opened unto their supplication. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, utterly to destroy the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them, and He delivered them out of all their tribulations. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, and He will save the humble of spirit. Many are the tribulations of the righteous, and the Lord shall deliver them out of them all. The Lord keepeth all their bones, not one of them shall be broken. The death of sinners is evil, and they that hate the righteous shall do wrong. The Lord will redeem the souls of His servants, and none of them will do wrong that hope in Him.

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) Bless, O Lord.

Choir: The Orthodox Episcopate of the persecuted Russian Church, our lord the Very Most Reverend Metropolitan _____ , First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad; and our lord the Most Reverend Archbishop_____ , the brotherhood of this holy Temple, and all Orthodox Christians; preserve, O Lord, for many years.

The Sermon

Then is read one of the sermons of the Holy Fathers, or of a modern saint.

Troparia and Kondakia

First tone – Second tone – Third tone – Fourth Tone – Fifth tone – Sixth tone – Seventh tone – Eighth tone

https://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/hours_typica.htm