Presider prays quietly before the altar:
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.
Having created me, O Lord, have mercy on me.
Countless times I have sinned, O Lord, forgive me.
My Queen, most holy Theotokos, save me, a sinner,
Holy Guardian Angel, protect me from all evil.
Holy Father, Raphael, pray to God for me.
Blessed are you, Lord God, creator of day and night: to you be praise and glory for ever. As darkness falls you renew your promise to reveal among us the light of your presence. By the light of Christ, your living Word, dispel the darkness of our hearts that we may walk as children of light and sing your praise throughout the world. Amen.
Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
O heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, everywhere present and filling all things; Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O good one.
Holding Up Christ Candle, Presider says:
Wisdom! Stand aright!
He blesses the people with the candle, singing:
Behold Christ, the light of the Universe!
While all the lamps are lit, all sing:
O Gracious Light Lord Jesus Christ
In You the Father’s Glory Shone
Immortal Holy Bless’d is He and Bless’d are you His Only Son.
Now sunset comes but light shines forth
the lamps are lit to pierce the night
praise Father Son and Spirit God
Who dwells in the Eternal Light
Worthy are you of endless praise
O Son of God life-giving Lord
Wherefore you are through all the worlds
and in the Highest Heaven adored.
Presider: Let us pray to the Lord!
O Great and exalted God, who alone are immortal and dwell in unapproachable light! In your wisdom you created the entire universe. you separated light from darkness, giving the sun charge of the day, and the moon and stars the night. Now at this very hours, you permit us, sinful as we are, to approach you with our evening hymns of praise and glory. In you r love for us, direct our prayers as incense in your sight, and accept them as a delightful fragrance. Throughout this present evening and the night to come, fill us with your peace. Clothe us in the armor of light, rescue us from the terror of night and from everything that creeps about in darkness and give us that sleep you designed to soothe our weakness, a sleep free of all evil dreams. For you are good and full of love for us, o God, and we give you glory, Father Son and Holy SPirit: now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
All: Come, let us worship and fall down before our God and King!
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our God and King!
Come, let us worship and fall down before the smae Lord, JEsus Christ, our God and King!
A reader begins: Psalm 104(103)
Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed — clothed in majesty and splendor, robed in light as with a cloak. You spread out the heavens like a tent-cloth, you built your towering palace far above their waters; making the clouds your chariot, you travel on the wings of the wind; you use the winds for messengers, for servants, the flaming fire.
All respond: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
You fixed the earth on its foundations, never to be disturbed. With the deep you covered it, as with a garment; the waters rose higher than the mountains; you rebuked them and they took to flight; at the sound of your thunder they fled: cascading down through the mountains, they flowed through the valleys to the place you gave them; you set a limit they may not pass, lest they cover the earth again.
All respond: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
From ravines you make springs gush forth into watercourses that wind among the mountains; they give drink to all the beasts of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst; the birds of heaven dwell on their banks; from among the branches they send forth their song. From your towering palace you water the hills; the earth drinks its fill of your gift. You make grass grow for cattle and plants for man’s use, that he may bring forth bread from the earth, and wine to gladden man’s heart, oil to make his face glisten, and bread to strengthen his heart. The trees of the Lord drink their fill, the cedars he planted on Lebanon; there, the sparrows make their nest; in the treetops the stork has its home; for the wild goats there are the mountains; for the rock-badgers, the boulders and cliffs.
All respond: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
You made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set; you bring darkness and it is night, and all the beasts of the forest roam about; young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. The sun rises, and they withdraw to their dens; man goes forth to his work, to labor till evening falls.
All respond: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
How manifold are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you wrought them all! The earth overflows with your riches! And the sea! Look how great and wide! With its moving swarms past counting of living things both great and small. There the ships sail back and forth, and Leviathan, whom you made to play with.
All respond: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
They all look to you, hoping for food when it is time; you give it to them and they gather it up; you open your hand and they eat their fill.
All respond: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
If you hide your face, they are restless and troubled; when you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust they came from. You send forth your breath and they are created; and you renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the Lord last forever! May the Lord take pleasure in all his works! He looks at the earth and it trembles; he touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life! I will sing for joy in my God as long as I live! May my song ever please him, that I may rejoice in the Lord. Away with sinners from the face of the earth! Let the wicked be no more! Bless the Lord, O my soul!
All respond: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
The Sun knows when to set; you bring darkness and it is night. How manifold are your works O Lord! In wisdom you wrought them all!
All respond: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and for ever and unto Ages of Ages. Amen!
All respond: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to you O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to you O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to you O God!
Presider: Let us pray to the Lord!
O you who are ever praised by holy powers with their unceasing hymns of endless praise and glory, fill our mouths with your praise, that we may ever extol your holy name, and give us also, a share in the inheritance of all who truly hold you in awe and keep your commandments: Do this for the sake of the Theotokos and all your saints. For you deserve all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Presider: Let my prayer rise like incense before you; my hands, like the evening sacrifice!
All: Let my prayer rise like incense before you; my hands, like the evening sacrifice!
Presider: O Lord, I cry to you; hear me! Hear my voice when I call to you!
All: Let my prayer rise like incense before you; my hands, like the evening sacrifice!
Presider: Set a guard at my mouth, O Lord; keep watch at the door of my lips.
All: Let my prayer rise like incense before you; my hands, like the evening sacrifice!
Presider: Let not my heart turn to wrong, to making excuses for sinning with the wicked.
All: Let my prayer rise like incense before you; my hands, like the evening sacrifice!
Presider sings the appointed verses for the incense psalms. After each, the response is the same
All: Let my prayer rise like incense before you; my hands, like the evening sacrifice!
The last verses have these two responses:
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
All: Both now and for ever and unto Ages of Ages. Amen!
Presider: Let us pray to the Lord!
In the evening, in the morning, and at midday, we praise and bless you, we give thanks to you, and we entreat you, master of all things, O Lord and Lover of us all and let not our hearts be taken up with evil words and thoughts, but rescue us from all those who hunt after our souls. Our eyes are firmly fixed on your, O Lord, and on you do we count: Do not disappoint us. For you deserve all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
All: O God, by your name save! * By your power prove me right!
O God, by you name save me! By your power prove me rit! O God, heed my prayer; listen to the words of my mouth!
All: O God, by your name save! * By your power prove me right!
Reader: Foreigners rise up to attack me; ruthless men hunt down my soul; they have no room for you in their hearts.
All: O God, by your name save! * By your power prove me right!
Reader: But see! God comes to help me: the Lord who is the true sustainer of my life. Let evil recoil upon my foes, lord; in your faithfulness destroy them!
All: O God, by your name save! * By your power prove me right!
Reader: With a willing heart I will offer you sacrifice; I will praise your name for its goodness, O Lord.
All: O God, by your name save! * By your power prove me right!
Reader: O, that you would rescue me from all anguish and make my foes really something to behold!
All: O God, by your name save! * By your power prove me right!
Reader: O God, by your name save me!
All: By your power prove me right!
Each reading is introduced and closed off in this same manner:
Presider: Wisdom!
Reader: The reading is from…
Presider: Let us attend!
After the reading:
Presider: Peace to you!
Reader: And to your spirit!
A period of silence follow the reading.
After the reading(s):
All: Count us worthy, Lord, of passing this evening without sin.
Blessed are you, Lord God of our fathers and mothers, praised and glorified by your name forever. Amen.
Let your mercy descend upon us, Lord, for we place our hope in you.
Blessed are you Lord; teach me your law.
Blessed are you Master; make me to understand your commandments.
Blessed are you Holy One; fill my mind with the wisdom of your decrees.
Despise not the work you hands have down; remember, Lord, your percy is eternal.
And eternally do you deserve all our praise, all our songs of glory, Father, Son and Holy SPirit: now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Here we sing the Aposticha as appointed in the books.
Then:
All: Now you may let your servant go in peace, master, as you said you would. For my eyes have seen the salvation you prepared for all people: a light to enlighten the nations and to give glory to your people, Israel.
All: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3x)
All: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
All: O, Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your Name’s sake.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3x)
All: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
All: Our Father, in heaven, hallowed be your Name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth, as in heaven. Give us this day the bread of Life; and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
Presider: For the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, are yours: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
All: Amen.
Then is said or sung the troparion of the day and the Theotokion of the same tone.
Presider: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord!
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For the peace from on high and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For peace throughout the world, for the wellbeing of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of them all, let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For this holy place and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For our Bishops, Priests and Deacons and all who serve in the name of Christ, and all Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For this nation and all its people, for those who work in its service and for all its troubles, let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For this community of faith, and for this city, for every city and country, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For temperate, favorable and clement weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For those who travel by land, sea, air or space, for the sick, the suffering and the oppressed, for those who are held captive, and for a;; that they need, let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For ________________ let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: For our deliverance from all affliction, anger, danger, and need, let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
R: Lord, have mercy.
V: That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us beseech the Lord.
R: Grant it, O Lord.
V: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us entreat the Lord.
R: Grant it, O Lord.
V: For all that is good and useful for our souls, and for peace throughout the world, let us entreat the Lord.
R: Grant it, O Lord.
V: For peace and repentance throughout the rest of our lives, let us beseech the Lord.
R: Grant it, O Lord.
V: For a Christian end to our lives: unashamed, peaceful and without suffering, and for the right answer before the awesome judgement seat of Christ, let us entreat the Lord.
R: Grant it, O Lord.
V: As we call to mind our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves, one another and our entire life to Christ, our God.
R: To You, O Lord.
O master of all things, from whom we receive all the blessings of life: When we go to bed tonight, enable us to remember your name, that, even as we lie in bed, we may be moved to compunction. Give us the grace to reflect on your precepts, so that, filled with your joy, we may rise from sleep ready to glorify your goodness, appealing to your great tenderness of heart with our prayers and supplications, not only for our own sins, but for those of all your people. And, by the prayers of the Theotokos come and visit our lives in your mercy. FOr you are good and full of love for us, O God, and we give you glory, Father, Son and Holy SPirit: now and forever and unto ages of ages.
All: Amen.
Presider: Peace be to all!
All: And to your spirit!
Presider: Bow your heads to the lord!
All: To you, O Lord!
Presider: O Lord our God, and then You came down from them to save us. Look upon our servants, who bow their heads and bend their necks to You, their awesome but merciful Judge. They do not expect human help, but it is from You that they hope for mercy and salvation. Protect them…from all their enemies, from every assault of the powers of Hell, from vain and useless thoughts and from evil imaginations. And may your mighty power be bless’d and glorified, Father Son and Holy Spirit: now and forever, and unto ages of ages.
Presider: Wisdom!
All: Bless us!
Presider: May he who Is, Christ our True God, be blessed, now and forever and unto ages of ages!
All: Amen! Preserve, O God, this community and all who follow you in the way of Jesus, now and forever, and unto ages of ages! Amen!
Presider: Most Holy Theotokos Save us!
All: More honourable than the Cherumbim and beyond compare more glorious than the seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you.
Presider: Glory to you, O Jesus Christ, Our God and Our Hope, Glory to you.
All: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord be merciful and bless us!
Presider gives the blessing:
Christ our true God, by the prayers of his Most Pure Mother. the Theotokos of Guadalupe, by the power of his Life-Giving Cross, by the intercessions of the Holy Apostles and St Nicholas, of all the saints who have shown forth in North and South America, of……. whom we commemorate today, and all the Saints, will have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and the Lover of All!
All: Amen!