Lay services. Service of the Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. Midnight Office. Midnight in Slavic legends. This one comes to you in a dream
Read also
Blessed are those who are blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who search His testimonies; they will seek Him with all their hearts. For those who do not commit iniquity have walked in His ways. You commanded to keep Your commandments firmly. Oh, that my paths would be directed toward preserving Your commandments! Then I would not be ashamed, considering all Your commandments. I will glorify You in uprightness of heart when I learn the judgments of Your righteousness. I will keep Your commandments; don't leave me until the end. How will the young man correct his path? In preserving Your words. With all my heart I have sought You; do not cast me away from Your commandments. I have hidden Your sayings in my heart, so as not to sin before You. Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments. With my mouth I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. On the path of Your testimonies I have enjoyed, as in all riches. I will reason about Your commandments and understand Your ways. I will pay attention to Your commandments; I will not forget Your words. Reward Your servant, revive me, and I will keep Your words. Open my eyes, and I will understand the wonders of Your law. I am a settler on earth: do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul has desired to strive for Your judgments at all times. You have rebuked the proud; Cursed are those who turn away from Your commandments. Take away from me reproach and contempt, for I have sought Your testimonies. For behold, the princes sat down and slandered me, but Your servant reasoned about Your commandments. For Thy testimonies are my occupation, and my counselors are Thy commandments. My soul fell to the earth; quicken me according to Your word. I declared my ways, and You heard me; teach me Your commandments. Let me understand the way of Your commandments, and I will reason about Your wonders. My soul has fallen asleep from negligence: strengthen me in Your words. Remove the path of unrighteousness from me and have mercy on me with Your law. I have chosen the path of truth and have not forgotten Your judgments. I have clung to Your testimonies; Lord, don't shame me! I ran the path of Your commandments when You enlarged my heart. Set for me, O Lord, the path of Your commandments by law, and I will seek it constantly. Give me understanding, and I will search Your law, and I will keep it with all my heart. Guide me on the path of Your commandments, for I have desired it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to money-grubbing. Turn away my eyes, so as not to see vanity; on Your path revive me. Make Thy servant Thy word to fear. Remove my reproach, which I fear, for Your judgments are good. Behold, I have desired Your commandments; quicken me in Your righteousness. And may Thy mercy, O Lord, come upon me, Thy salvation according to Thy word. And I will answer those who reproach my word, for I trust in Your words. And do not take the words of truth from my lips until the end, for I have trusted in Your judgments. And I will keep Your law always, forever and ever. And I walked in the open, for I sought Thy commandments, and spoke of Thy testimonies before kings, and was not ashamed, and practiced Thy commandments, which I loved dearly, and lifted up my hands to Thy commandments, which I loved, and reasoned about Thy commandments. Remember Your words to Your servant, with which You gave me hope. This comforted me in my humiliation, that Your word revived me. The proud have transgressed the law to the extreme, but I have not deviated from Your law. I remembered Your judgments from time immemorial, O Lord, and was comforted. Sorrow has overcome me because of sinners who forsake Your law. Your commandments were like songs to me at the place of my wandering. I remembered Your name at night, O Lord, and kept Your law. This happened to me, because I sought Your commandments. You are my destiny, Lord; I said: I will try to preserve Your law. I prayed before Your face with all my heart; have mercy on me according to your word. I have pondered Your ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies. I prepared myself and was not dismayed to keep Your commandments. The ropes of sinners have entwined me, and I have not forgotten Your law. At midnight I got up to glorify You for Your righteous judgments. I am a fellow member of all who fear You and keep Your commandments. The earth is full of Thy mercy, O Lord: teach me Thy commandments. You have dealt kindly with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word. Teach me kindness, good manners, and knowledge, for I have believed Your commandments. Before I humbled myself, I sinned, therefore I kept Your word. You are good, O Lord, and in Your goodness teach me Your commandments. The injustice of the proud has multiplied against me, but I will search Your commandments with all my heart. Their heart thickened like milk, but I delved deeper into Your law. It is good for me that You have humbled me, so that I may learn Your commandments. The law of Your mouth is more good to me than thousands of gold and silver.
Troparion to the Most Holy Trinity
Rising from sleep, we bow to You, O Good One, and sing an angelic song to You, O Almighty: Holy, holy, holy, O God, Mother of God, have mercy on us!
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit: Having raised me from sleep from my bed, Lord, cleanse my mind and heart and open my lips to sing to You, Holy Trinity: holy, holy, holy, God, have mercy on us through the Mother of God!
And now, and always, and endlessly. Amen: The judge will suddenly come and everyone’s deeds will become clear, so we cry out in fear at midnight: holy, holy, holy, God, Mother of God, have mercy on us!
Prayer of Saint Macarius the Great
At midnight, rising from sleep, I bring a song to You, Savior, and bowing to You, I ask: do not let me die in sin, but have mercy, having voluntarily endured crucifixion; and soon, as I lie carelessly, raise me up and save me in prayer and vigil!
Midnight Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos
I praise Your mercy, Lady, and I ask You: share my spirit with grace! Help me walk along the path of Christ’s commandments! Strengthen V singing to stay awake, driving away the sleep of carelessness! He who is bound by the bonds of sins, free him through Your prayers, Bride of God! Keep me safe both night and day, from the b O delivering burrowing enemies! Giver of life - God, who gave birth to me, killed by passions, revive! Who gave birth to the eternal Light, grant sight to my blind soul! Oh, wonderful Abode of the Master, make me a temple of the Holy Spirit! You who gave birth to a doctor, heal the long-term illnesses of my soul! Along the waves of life's storm, guide me to the path of repentance! Deliver me from the unquenchable fire, the undying worm and the underworld, and I will not become a joy to the demons, guilty of many sins! Renew me, Most Immaculate, decrepit from sins that I no longer understand! Most Holy Virgin, show me various torments and implore the Lord of all in heaven with all the saints to be rewarded with joy! Hear the voice of Your worthless servant, Most Pure One, and grant me streams of tears that cleanse the impurity of my soul! I continually bring the groans of my heart to You - take care, Lady: accept my prayers and take them to the merciful God! Above the angels, Exalted One, lift me up from union with the world! Luminous heavenly Shadow, impart my spirit of grace! I lift up my hands and lips for praise, but they are defiled by sins; Most immaculate, earnestly beseeching Christ, deliver me from the temptations that corrupt my soul! Honor and worship of Him is due now, and always, and endlessly! Amen.
Book of the prophet Isaiah, chapter 6, art. 2, 3, Revelation (apocalypse) of John the Theologian, chapter 4. Lord of Hosts– Lord of the armies of heaven (from Hebrew).
As usual, we begin with the verb with tenderness and contrition of heart: For the prayers of the saints, our father, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. (bow). Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee for everyone's sake. (three times). God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have done no good before You. (bow). But deliver me from evil, and Thy will be done in me (bow). May I open my unworthy lips without condemnation, and may I praise Your holy name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages, amen (bow).
Heavenly King, Comforter, True Soul, who is everywhere and fulfills everything, the treasure of good things, and the Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save our blessed soul.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (three times, and three bows). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever and ever, amen.
Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse our sins. Master forgive our iniquities. Visit the saints and heal our infirmities for your sake.
Lord have mercy (three times).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever and ever, amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from evil.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Lord have mercy 12 .
Posikh, prayer: Having risen from sleep, I thank you, All-Holy Trinity, for you have given me much for the sake of kindness and long-suffering, not being angry with me, a sinner, and your lazy servant, and you have not destroyed me with my iniquities, but my love of mankind. And lying in despair, lift me up, wake up and glorify Your invincible power. And now, Lord Most Holy God, enlighten the eyes of my heart. And open my mouth to learn Thy word, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and sing to Thee in confession of the heart. Sing and glorify Your most honorable and magnificent name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages, amen.
Come, let us worship our King God (bow).
Come, let us worship Christ, the King and our God (bow).
Come, let us worship and fall before the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, our King and God (bow). Also, Psalm 50. God have mercy on me... Same, kathisma 17.
Hallelujah, Psalm 118.
Blessed are the blameless ones who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who experience His witness; they will seek Him with all their hearts. Those who do not do iniquity walk in His ways. You are a commandment to keep Your commandments strictly. Food, my ways were corrected; Thy justifications may be preserved. Then I will not be ashamed when I consider all Your commandments. Let us confess to You in the righteousness of our hearts, always learning the destinies of Your righteousness. I will keep Your excuses, do not leave me to the bitter end. Whenever he will correct his path, he will always keep Your words. With all my heart I seek You, do not turn me away from Your commandments. I hide Your words in my heart, so that I may not sin against You. Blessed art thou, Lord, teach me by thy justification. My mouth proclaimed all the destinies of Your mouth. On the way, we have enjoyed Your meetings, like all riches. I will mock Your commandments, and understand Your ways. I will learn from Your justifications; I will not forget Your words. Reward Your servant, live me, and I will keep Your words. Open my eyes, and I understand the wonders of Your law. I am a stranger on earth, do not hide Your commandments from me. Love my soul to desire Your destiny at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud, cursing those who turn aside from Thy commandments. Take away from me diarrhea and humiliation, as I have witnessed Your demands. For the princes are gray and slander me, and Thy servant mocks Thy justifications. For Thy testimonies are my teaching, and Thy counsels my justifications. Cling to the earth, my soul, live according to Your word. Confess my ways, and hear me, teach me by Your justification. Instruct me in the ways of Thy justification, and I will mock at Thy wonders. My soul has fallen asleep from despondency, strengthen me in Your words. Leave the path of unrighteousness from me, and have mercy on me with Your law. I have chosen the true path, and I have not forgotten Your destiny. I cleave to Thy testimonies, Lord, do not disgrace me. The path of Your commandments flowed when You enlarged my heart. Lay down for me, Lord, the way of Your righteousness, and I will seek and take away. Give me understanding, and I will try Your law, and I will keep it with all my heart. Guide me on the path of Your commandments, as I have desired. Incline my heart to Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from seeing vanity; live me in Your way. Make Thy servant Thy word to fear. Take away my reproach, which is not pschevah, as if Yours were good. Behold, I have desired Your commandments; live in Your righteousness. And may Thy mercy come upon me, Lord, Thy salvation according to Thy word. And I answer those who reproach my word, because I have trusted in Your words. And do not take away from my lips the words that are truly true, for I trust in Your fate. And I will keep Your law always: for ever and ever. And I walked in breadth, because I sought Your commandments. And speak of Thy testimonies before the kings, and do not be ashamed. And I learned in Your commandments, and I loved them dearly. And I lifted up my hands to Thy commandments, and loved them, and mocked at Thy justifications. Remember Your words to Your servant, whose hope You have given to me. So console me in my humility, for Your word lives on me. Pride is a great transgressor of the law, but I have not deviated from Your law. I have remembered Your destiny from all eternity, Lord, and have been comforted. I have received sorrow from sinners who forsake Thy law. Peta bahhu your justifications for me, at the place of my coming. I will remember Your name, Lord, in the night, and keep Your law. Come to me, as if I were justified by Your demands. Thou art my part, Lord, reh: preserve Thy law. I prayed to Your face with all my heart, have mercy on me according to Your word. I have thought about Thy ways, and returned to my nose, into Thy witness. Let us prepare ourselves and not be embarrassed to keep Your commandments. The southern sinner has pledged itself to me, and has not forgotten Your law. I rose at midnight to confess to You the fate of Your righteousness. I am a partaker of all those who fear You and keep Your commandments. O Lord, fill the earth with Thy mercy; teach me with Thy justification. Thou hast done kindness to Thy servant, Lord, according to Thy word. Teach me kindness and punishment and reason, as I have believed in Your commandments. Before I did not even humble myself, I have sinned, for this reason I have preserved Your word. Thou art good, Lord, and by Thy goodness teach me by Thy justification. The iniquity of the proud has multiplied against me, but with all my heart I will test Your commandments. Their hearts are as soft as milk, but they have learned Your law. It is good for me, for You have humbled me, so that I may learn through Your justification. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.
Glory, and now (three times). Lord have mercy (three times). Glory, and now.
Thy hands make me, and create me; give me understanding, and I will test Thy commandments. Those who fear You will see me and rejoice, because they trust in Your words. I understood, Lord, that Thy commandments are true, and Thou hast truly humbled me. Be Thy mercy, that Thy servant may comfort me according to Thy word. May Thy compassions come to me and I will live, for Thy law is my teaching. Let the pride be ashamed, for without righteousness you have committed iniquity against me, but I will learn in Your commandments. Let those who fear You and those who know Your testimonies convert me. May my heart be blameless in Your justifications, so that I will not be put to shame. My soul disappears into Your salvation, I trust in Your word. My eyes were lost in Your words when You comforted me; As if I were like fur on the slate, I have not forgotten Your justification. How long is the day of Thy servant, when Thou wilt execute judgment against them that persecute me; The lawbreakers told me mockery, but not like Your law, O Lord. All Your commandments are true, help me by driving me without righteousness. My time on earth is small, but I have not forsaken Thy commandments. Live for me according to Thy mercy, and I will preserve the testimonies of Thy mouth. Forever, Lord, Your word remains in heaven. Thy truth forever and ever. You founded the earth and remain. The day endures through Your teaching, for all kinds of work are done by You. For if my teaching were not Your law, then I would have perished in my humility. I will never forget Your justifications, for You lived me in them.
Thine am I, save me, for the justification of Thy demands. I was waiting for the sinner to destroy me. I understood Your meetings. I have seen the end of every death; Your commandment is wide. Since I have loved Your law, Lord, I have my teaching all day long. Thou hast made me wiser than my enemy through Thy commandment, even as I am forever. More than all those who taught me, I understood that Your testimonies are my teaching. Moreover, the elder understood that I have sought Your commandments. I have forbidden my feet from every evil way, so that I may keep Your words. I have not departed from Your destinies, as You have laid down the law for me. How sweet is Your word to my throat; more than honey in my mouth. I understood from Your commandments, and for this reason I hated every way of unrighteousness. Your law is a lamp for my feet, and a light for my paths. I swore and swore to preserve the fate of Your righteousness. Humble yourself to the point, Lord, live me according to Your word. Lord, favor the freedom of my lips, and teach me Your destinies. I will take my soul into Your hand, and I will not forget Your law. The sinners have laid a net for me, and from Your commandments they will not go astray. I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for the joy of my heart is the essence. I turned my heart to create Thy justifications, forever for reward. I have hated the lawbreakers, but I have loved Your law. You are my helper and my protector; I trust in your words. Turn away from me, you wicked ones, and I will test the commandments of my God. Intercede for me according to Your word, and I will live, and do not disgrace me because of my hope. Help me and I will be saved, and I will learn from Your justifications. Thou hast destroyed all who depart from Thy justification, for their thoughts are unrighteous. Transgressing all the sinners of the earth, for this sake I have loved Your testimony. Nail my flesh from Thy fear, for I am afraid of Thy judgments. Having created justice and righteousness, do not betray me to those who offend me. Consider Thy servant for good, so that pride does not slander me. My eyes disappear into Your salvation and into the word of Your righteousness. Do with Thy servant according to Thy mercy, and teach me Thy destinies. I am Thy servant; give me understanding, and I will learn by Thy testimony. It is time to do the Lord, destroying Your law. For this reason I have loved Your commandments more than gold and topaz. For this reason, I was guided by all Your commandments, and I hated every path of unrighteousness. Wonderful is Thy testimony, for this sake I will test my soul. The manifestation of Your words enlightens and instructs the child. My mouth was opened and my spirit was suppressed, because I desired Your commandments.
Glory, and now. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, glory to You God (three times). Lord have mercy (three times). Glory, and now.
Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of those who love Your name. Direct my steps according to Thy word, and let not all iniquity overcome me. Deliver me from human slander, and I will keep Your commandments. Make Thy face shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy justification. My eyes have known the source of the waters; I have not yet kept Your law. Thou art righteous, Lord, and Thy judges rule. Your commandments are truthful, and truthful. Thy pity has faded away from me, as though Thy words have forgotten my enemies. Thy word has been kindled, and Thy servant has been loved. I am a young man and humbled, I have not forgotten Thy justifications. Your truth is righteousness forever, and your law is truth. Sorrows and needs have come upon me, Your commandments are my teaching. The truth of Your testimony endures forever; give me understanding and I will live. I cry out with all my heart, hear me, Lord, I will seek Your righteousness. I called upon You, save me and I will preserve Your testimonies. I preceded you in hopelessness and lamentation, trusting in Your words. Prepare my eyes for the morning, to learn from Your words. Hear my voice, Lord, live for me according to Your mercy and according to Your destiny. Having brought near those who persecute me iniquity, I have departed from Your law. You are near, Lord, and all Your ways are true. From the beginning I knew from Your testimony that I founded the age. See my humility and forgive me, for I have not forgotten Your law. Judge my judgment and deliver me; live according to Your word. Salvation is far from the sinner, for I have not sought Your justification. Thy bounty is many, Lord, live for me according to Thy destiny. The many who drive me out and persecute me do not shy away from Your witness. I saw that I did not understand, and I fell away, because I did not keep Your words. See that I have loved Your commandments, Lord, live for me according to Your mercy. The beginning of Thy words is truth, and throughout the age of Thy righteousness the judgments will continue. The princes have driven me into obscurity, and my heart has been frightened by Your words. I will rejoice in Your words, as I have gained much gain. I have hated injustice and been loathed by me, but I have loved Your law. During the week of the week we praise You, about the destinies of Your righteousness. There is peace for many who love Your law, and there is no temptation for them. I have longed for Thy salvation, Lord, and have loved Thy commandments. Preserve Your testimonies, my soul, and I will love you dearly. I have kept Your commandments and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You, O Lord. May my prayer come closer to You, Lord; give me understanding according to Your word. May my petition come before You, Lord; deliver me according to Your word. My lips will burst forth with song, when Thou teachest me Thy justification. My tongue proclaims Your words, for all Your commandments are true. Let Thy hand save me, as I have willed Thy commandments. I have desired Your salvation, Lord, and Your law is my teaching. My soul will live and praise You, and Your fate will help me. I have gone astray, like a lost sheep, seek Thy servant, for I have not forgotten Thy commandments.
Glory, and now, without Alleluia.
Also, confession of the Orthodox faith. I believe in one God... Trisagion. And by Our Father…
This Troparion, tone 8:/>
Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight, and blessed is the servant; he will be found vigilant. He is not worthy of the pack; he will be found by being lazy. Take care therefore that my soul may not be burdened with sleep, and may not be given over to death, and be shut out of the kingdom, but rise up and cry: Holy, holy, holy art thou, O God, for the sake of the Mother of God, have mercy on us.
Glory: It is a terrible day and think about my soul, burning your candle and illuminating with oil, for fear not when a voice comes to you saying: Behold the Bridegroom. Take care, my soul, that you do not slumber and remain outside the crowd, like five virgins; but stay vigilant, so that Christ may be merciful and give you the palace of His divine glory.
And now: You have an insurmountable wall of faithfulness and affirmation of salvation, We pray to the Virgin Mary: destroy the advice of those who resist and turn your people’s sorrow into joy. Peace your peace and establish the Orthodox, and pray for the humility of the world, for you are the Mother of God, our hope. Lord have mercy 40 .
The same prayer of Great Vasily: And at all times, and at every hour, in heaven and on earth, worshiped and glorified, the Good God, long-suffering and abundantly merciful; Those who are righteous love and have mercy on sinners; Calls to salvation for all, promises for future benefits; Lord Himself, accept our prayers at this hour, and correct our belly in goodness, according to Your commandments. Sanctify our soul, and cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, and cleanse our thoughts, make our minds chaste and sober, and deliver us from all sorrow, evil and illness, and spiritual passions, and protect us with your holy angels, as if by their army we are observed and instructed, Let us achieve the unity of faith and the inviolable glory of You, for blessed are You forever, Amen.
Is the same, Lord have mercy (three times). Glory, and now.
The most honorable cherub, and the most glorious truly seraphim, who without corruption gave birth to God the Word, the real Mother of God we magnify Thee (bow). Bless in the name of the Lord, father. For the prayers of the saints, our father, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Whenever there is fasting, or apart from fasting, we always sing Alleluia and make three great prostrations, saying the prayer of St. Ephraim. Lord and Master of my belly, the spirit of despondency, neglect, love of money and idle talk, drive away from me (bow). Grant me the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Your servant (bow). To her, Lord the King, grant me to see my sins, and not to condemn my brother, for blessed art thou forever, amen (bow).
And 12 other bows, saying within: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner (twice with bows).
God, be merciful to me, a sinner (bow).
God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me (bow).
Lord who created me, have mercy (bow).
Without number of sinners, Lord, forgive me (bow).
And having finished bowing again, we say the entire prayer written above: Lord and Master of my belly... And one bow.
And after saying the prayer, or according to the Most Honest Cherub, we say this prayer of the Great Basil: Master God, Father Almighty, and Lord the Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Soul, one Divinity, and one power, have mercy on me, a sinner, and through your destinies, save me, Thy unworthy servant, for blessed art Thou forever, amen.
Is the same, Come, let's worship... (three times). And three bows.
Psalm 120/>
I lift up my eyes to the mountains, and from here my help will come. My help comes from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. Do not let your feet fall into confusion; below you will fall asleep and protect you. He will neither slumber nor sleep, the guardian of Israel. The Lord will protect you; the Lord will cover your right hand. The sun will not burn you during the day, nor the moon at night, the Lord will protect you from all evil, the Lord will preserve your soul. The Lord will preserve your coming in and your going out from now and forever.
Psalm 133/>
Behold, now bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand in the temple of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. At night, lift up your hands in holiness, and bless the Lord. The Lord will bless you from Zion, having created heaven and earth.
Glory, and now. Trisagion, and three bows. By Our Father… This troparia: Remember, Lord, how good Your servants are, and if you have sinned in this life, forgive me. No one is without sin, only You can give peace to the departed. Through the depths of wisdom, loving all things, and giving to the benefit of all, the only Creator, rest, Lord, the soul of His departed servants, who have placed their trust in You, Creator and Maker and our God.
Glory: With the saints is peace, O Christ, the soul of His servant, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but eternal life.
And now, Mother of God: We bless you, give birth to all of you, Virgin Mother of God, in you, for Christ our God cannot be contained, will you be contained, blessed are we, and we are your helper, praying for us day and night, and the powers of the kingdom are established by your prayers. Thus we cry out to You in gratitude: Rejoice, O Joyful One, the Lord is with You.
Lord have mercy 12 .
Also, this prayer: Remember, Lord, who in the hope of resurrection and eternal life, our departed fathers and brethren, and all who died in the pious faith, and forgive them every sin, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, and in thought, sinned by them and put them in their places bright, in a cool place, in a calm place, from where all illness, and sorrow and sighing have fled, where the light of Thy face is present, and all Thy holy ones from all eternity rejoice. And grant them Thy kingdom, and the participation of Thy ineffable and eternal blessings, and Thy endless and blessed life of pleasure. For You are the resurrection and life and rest of Your departed servant, Christ our God, and we send up glory to You, with the beginningless Father, and with the Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages, Amen.
Is the same, Glory, and now. Lord have mercy (twice). God bless.
And release: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all for the sake of the saints, have mercy and save us, for you are Good and Lover of Mankind, amen.
And forgiveness: Weaken, forsake, forgive, O God, our sins, voluntary and involuntary, even in word and in deed, both in knowledge and not in knowledge, even in mind and in thought, even in days and nights, forgive us all, for it is good and Lover of humanity, amen.
And a prayer with bows: Forgive those who hate and offend us, Lord Lover of Mankind. Do good to those who do good, to the brethren and to all our relatives, even those who are alone, grant them everything, even petitions for salvation and eternal life (bow).
In the present illnesses, visit and heal, in the prisons of the present freedom, on the floating waters, awaken the Ruler and correct and hasten those who are on their way. (bow).
Lord, remember our captive brethren, fellow believers of the Orthodox faith, and deliver them from every evil situation (bow).
Lord, have mercy on those who gave us alms and commanded us, unworthy, to pray for them, forgive them and have mercy (bow).
Remember, Lord, our fathers and brethren who departed before, and bring them home, where the light of Your face shines (bow).
Remember, Lord, our thinness and wretchedness, and enlighten our minds with the light of reason of Thy Holy Gospel, and guide us on the path of Thy commandments, through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints, amen (bow).
Lord have mercy (three times),
and the usual initial bows.
Lay services
Midnight Office
Elder – head of the service; pronounces the most important exclamations, performs incense, and speaks the Gospel.
Reader - any of the laity.
The brethren are all lay people present at the service.Senior:
Mol And Twami Holy s x From e c n A shikh, G O God bless you at behold Christ e B O ours, pom And fuck us.
Brethren:
A m And no.Senior:
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Brethren:
(Thrice)
Senior:
Ah min.Reader:
Brethren:
Senior:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Brethren:
Ah min.Brethren:
Ah min.Brethren:
Lord have mercy. (12 times)
Senior:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Brethren:
Ah min.Reader:
The reader reads Psalm 50:
Have mercy on me, God, according to Your great mercy and according to the multitude of Your mercies, cleanse my iniquity. Above all, wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and I will take away my sin before me. You alone have sinned, and have done evil before You, so that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome, never judge You. Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and my mother gave birth to me in sins. You have loved the truth, you have revealed to me the unknown and secret wisdom of Yours. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Give joy and gladness to my hearing; humble bones will rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and cleanse all my iniquities. God, create in me a pure heart, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit away from me. Reward me with the joy of Your salvation, and strengthen me with the Master’s Spirit. I will teach the wicked Your way, and the wicked will turn to You. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation, my tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness. Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth will declare Your praise. As if you had desired sacrifices, you would have given them: you do not favor burnt offerings. The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit: a contrite and humble heart God will not despise. O Lord, bless Zion with Your favor, and may the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then you will be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, the wave offering and the burnt offering: then they will lay the bullock on Your altar.
The reader says Psalm 118:
Blessed are the blameless ones on their way, walking in the law of the Lord.
Blessed are those who experience his vision; they will seek him with all their hearts.
For those who do not commit iniquity walk in his ways.
Thou hast commanded to keep thy commandments strictly:
so that my ways may be corrected, preserve your excuses.
Then I will not be ashamed to always look upon all your commandments.
Let us confess to you the rightness of our hearts, never having learned the destinies of your righteousness.
I’ll keep your excuses: don’t leave me to the bitter end.
How will the youngest one correct his path? Always keep your words.
With all my heart I seek you: do not turn me away from your commandments.
I hide your words in my heart, so that I will not sin against you.
Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me by thy justification.
I have declared all the destinies of your mouth in my mouth.
On the way of your meetings you will enjoy, like all riches.
I will mock your commandments, and understand your ways.
I will learn from your justifications: I will not forget your words.
Reward your servant: live me, and I will keep your words.
Open my eyes, and I will understand the wonders of your law.
I am a stranger on earth: do not hide your commandments from me.
Love my soul, desire your destiny at all times.
You have rebuked the proud: curses are those who turn away from your commandments.
Take away from me diarrhea and humiliation, as I demand your testimony.
For the princes sat down and slandered me, and your servant mocked your justifications:
for your testimonies are my teaching, and your counsel is my justification.
My soul clings to the earth: live according to your word.
Thou hast declared my ways, and thou hast heard me: teach me by thy justification.
Make me understand the path of your justifications, and I will mock at your miracles.
My soul slumbers from despondency: strengthen me in your words.
Leave the path of unrighteousness from me and have mercy on me with your law.
I have chosen the path of truth and have not forgotten your destiny.
I cleave to your witness, O Lord, do not disgrace me.
The path of your commandments flowed when you expanded my heart.
Give me the law, O Lord, the way of your justifications, and I will exact and take away:
Give me understanding, and I will try your law and keep it with all my heart.
Guide me on the path of your commandments, as I desire.
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Turn away my eyes from seeing vanity: live for me in your path.
Set your servant your word in your fear.
Take away my reproach, the hedgehog of the nepschevah: for your fate is good.
Behold, I have desired your commandments: live me in your righteousness.
And may your mercy, O Lord, come to me, according to your word:
And I answer those who reproach my word, because I trusted in your words.
And do not take away from my lips the words that are truly true, for I have trusted in your destiny:
And I will keep your law forever and ever.
And I walked in breadth, as I sought your commandments:
and the verbs about your testimonies before the kings and not being ashamed:
and have learned in thy commandments, which I have loved dearly:
and I lifted up my hands to thy commandments, which I loved, and mocked thy justifications.
Remember your words to your servant, whose hope you gave me.
So console me in my humility, for your word lives on me.
Proud is a lawbreaker to the extreme: I have not deviated from your law.
I have remembered your destinies from time immemorial, O Lord, and have been comforted.
I have received sorrow from sinners who forsake your law.
Peta beat me to your excuses at the place of my coming.
I will remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law.
This will come to me as a justification for your demands.
You are my part, O Lord: I decided to preserve your law.
I prayed to your face with all my heart: have mercy on me according to your word.
I will think about your ways and return my nose to your meetings.
Let us prepare ourselves and not be embarrassed to keep your commandments.
The sinner has already committed himself to me, and has not forgotten your law.
At midnight I rose to confess to you about the fate of your righteousness.
I am a partaker of all those who fear you and keep your commandments.
Fill the earth with thy mercy, O Lord: teach me by thy justification.
Thou hast done kindness to thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word:
Teach me goodness and punishment and reason, according to your commandments of faith.
First, let us not even humble ourselves, since we have sinned: for this reason, I have preserved your word.
Thou art good, O Lord: and by thy goodness teach me by thy justification.
Multiply upon me the unrighteousness of the proud: I will test your commandments with all my heart.
Their hearts are as wet as milk; I have learned your law.
It is good for me, for you have humbled me, so that I may learn through your justification.
The law of your mouth is good to me more than a thousand gold and silver.Brethren:
Ah min.Brethren:
(Thrice)Senior:
Reader:
And now and ever and unto ages of ages.
With your hands you made me and created me: give me understanding, and I will learn your commandment.
Those who fear you will see me and rejoice, because they trust in your words.
I understood, Lord, that your destiny is true, and you have truly humbled me.
Let your mercy comfort me, according to your word to your servant:
May your compassions come to me, and I will live, for your law is my teaching:
Let pride be ashamed, for it is your unjust iniquity against me: I will mock your commandments.
May those who fear you and those who know your witness turn me to you.
May my heart be blameless in your justifications, so that I will not be ashamed.
My soul disappears for your salvation, I trust in your words:
My eyes have disappeared into your word, saying: When will you comfort me?
Before now, I would be like fur on my face: I have not forgotten your excuses.
How long is the day of your servant? when will you bring judgment on me from those who persecute me?
The lawbreakers told me mockery, but not like your law, O Lord.
All your commandments are true: having persecuted me unrighteously, help me.
For a little while I did not die on earth: I did not forsake your commandments.
Live by your mercy, and I will preserve the testimony of your mouth.
For ever, O Lord, your word remains in heaven.
Thy truth endureth unto generation and generation: thou foundedst the earth, and it endureth.
The day endures through your discipline: for all kinds of work are done for you.
For if my teaching had not been your law, then I would have perished in my humility:
I will never forget your excuses, for you have revived me in them.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Brethren:
And now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Ah min.Brethren:
And liluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to You God. (Thrice)Senior:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Reader:
And now and ever and unto ages of ages.
I am yours, save me: as I seek justification for you.
I was waiting for a sinner to destroy me: I understood your testimony.
I have seen the end of every death: your commandment is very broad.
Since I have loved your law, O Lord, my teaching is all day long.
Thou hast made me wiser than my enemy through thy commandment, even as I am in my age.
More than all those who taught me, I understood that your testimony is my teaching.
Moreover, the elder understood that I have exacted your commandments.
My feet have been forbidden from every evil way, so that I may keep your words:
I have not deviated from your destinies, as you have laid down for me.
How sweet is your word to my throat: more than honey to my mouth.
I understood from your commandments: for this reason I hated every way of unrighteousness.
The lamp of my feet is your law, and the light of my paths.
I swore and vowed to preserve the fate of your righteousness.
I humbled myself to the core: Lord, live according to your word.
Grace my lips freely, O Lord, and teach me your destinies.
I will take my soul into your hand, and I will not forget your law.
The sinners have laid a net for me, and through your commandments I have not gone astray.
Your testimonies are an inheritance forever, for the joy of my heart is:
incline my heart to create your justifications forever for reward.
I hated the lawbreakers, but I loved your law.
You are my helper and my protector; I trust in your words.
Depart from me, you wicked ones, and I will test the commandments of my God.
Intercede for me according to your word, and I will live: and do not disgrace me because of my hope:
Help me, and I will be saved, and I will learn from your justifications.
Thou hast brought to naught all those who depart from thy justifications: for their thoughts are unrighteous.
You who transgress against all the sinners of the earth: for this reason I have loved your witness.
Nail my fear to your flesh: for I am afraid of your destinies.
I have created justice and justice: do not betray me to those who offend me.
Consider your servant for good, so that pride does not slander me.
My eyes are gone for your salvation and for the word of your righteousness:
deal with your servant according to your mercy, and teach me through your righteousness.
I am your servant: give me understanding, and I will hear your testimony.
It is time for the Lord to do: destroy your law.
For this reason I have loved your commandments more than gold and topaz.
For this reason, I was guided by all your commandments, and I hated every path of unrighteousness.
Wonderful is your testimonial: for this purpose I am tested, my soul.
The manifestation of your words enlightens and instructs babies.
My mouth was opened and my spirit was drawn, because I desired your commandments.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Brethren:
And now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Ah min.Brethren:
And liluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to You God. (Thrice)Senior:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Reader:
And now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of those who love your name.
Direct my steps according to your words, and let no iniquity possess me:
Deliver me from the slander of men, and I will keep your commandments.
Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me through your justification.
My eyes have known the coming of the waters, because I have not kept your law.
Thou art righteous, O Lord, and thy rulers judge:
You have commanded the truth of your testimony, and the truth greatly.
Your jealousy has consumed me; for you have forgotten your words and attacked me.
Your word is kindled, and your servant loves you.
I am the youngest and humiliated: I have not forgotten your excuses.
Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and your law is truth.
Sorrow and need have come upon me: your commandments are my teaching.
The truth is your witness forever: give me understanding, and I will live.
I cried with all my heart, hear me, O Lord: I will seek your justification.
I cried to you, save me, and I will keep your testimonies.
I preceded in hopelessness and cried: I trust in your words.
Prepare my eyes for the morning, to learn from your words.
Hear my voice, O Lord, according to your mercy: live for me according to your destiny.
Those who persecute me with iniquity have drawn near, but have departed from your law.
You are near, Lord, and all your ways are true.
From the beginning I knew from your meetings that I founded you in an age.
See my humility and forgive me: for I have not forgotten your law.
Judge my judgment and deliver me: live me by your word.
Salvation is far from the sinner, for I have not sought your justifications.
Your bounties are many, O Lord: live me according to your destiny.
There are many who drive me out and persecute me: I have not turned away from your meetings.
I saw those who did not understand and ceased to say: because I did not keep your words.
See how I have loved your commandments: Lord, live for me according to your mercy.
The beginning of your words is truth, and your righteousness endures forever.
The princes drove me to hell: and because of your words my heart was afraid.
I will rejoice in your words, for I have gained much gain.
I have hated and detested injustice: but I have loved your law.
During the seventh day we praise you about the destinies of your righteousness.
There is peace for many who love your law, and there is no temptation for them.
I have longed for your salvation, O Lord, and I have loved your commandments.
May my soul preserve your dreams and love you dearly.
I will keep your commandments and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you, O Lord.
Let my prayer come near to you, O Lord: give me understanding according to your word.
Let my petition come before you: Lord, deliver me according to your word.
My lips will spit out singing, when you teach me your justification.
My tongue proclaims your words, for all your commandments are true.
Let your hand be to save me, as I have willed your commandments.
I have desired your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my teaching.
My soul will live and praise you: and your destinies will help me.
I have gone astray, like a lost sheep: seek thy servant, for thou hast not forgotten thy commandments.Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Brethren:
And now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Ah min.The brothers crossed themselves without bowing:
I believe in One God, the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. And in the One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, who was born of the Father e nnago before all ages; Light from Light, True God from True God, born e nna, uncreated e nna, Consubstantial with the Father, Who is all s sha. For our sake, man and our salvation came down from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became human. Rasp I same for us at Pontus And Let us go to Pilate, and she suffered and was buried. And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven and sat I now on the right hand at yu Father. And p A ki ridges at hello to the glory of judgment And you're alive s m and m e dead, His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, Who proceeds from the Father, Who is spoken with the Father and the Son I ema and ssl A vim, who spoke the prophets. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. Tea resurrection of the dead, and the life of the next century. Amen. -bow-Brethren:
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Thrice)
Senior:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Ah min.Reader:
Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse our sins. Master, forgive our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name's sake.
Brethren:
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Senior:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Brethren:
Ah min.Brethren:
Our Father! Like you are in Heaven. Hallowed be it Your name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done as it is in Heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from evil.
Ah min.The reader says the troparion of the holiday:
Thou art lifted up in glory, O Christ our God, / having brought joy to the disciple / by the promise of the Holy Spirit, / by the former blessing announced to them, / for Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.
Brethren:
Lord have mercy. (40 times) -bow-And at all times, and at every hour, in heaven and on earth, worshiped and glorified, Christ God, long-suffering, abundantly merciful, abundantly gracious, who loves the righteous and has mercy on sinners, who calls everyone to salvation, promises for future blessings: the Lord Himself , accept ours at this hour of prayer, and correct our belly to Your commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, cleanse our thoughts, and deliver us from all sorrow, evil and disease, protect us with Your holy angels, so that by guarding and instructing them, we may reach the union of faith, and the mind of Your unapproachable glory, as Blessed are you forever and ever.
Brethren:
Ah min.Brethren:
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. - bow -Senior:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Brethren:
Ah min.Brethren:
We magnify You, the most honorable Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption.Senior:
Mol And Twami Holy s x From e c n A shikh, G O God bless you at behold Christ e B O ours, pom And fuck us.
Brethren:
A m And no.The elder says the prayer of Great Basil:
In the Lord, God the Father Almighty, Lord the Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, one Divinity, one Power, have mercy on me, a sinner, and in His destinies, save me, Thy unworthy servant: for blessed art thou unto the ages of ages, amen.
Reader:
Come, let us worship our King God.
Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ, our King God.
Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, our King and our God.The reader says Psalm 120:
My eyes have looked to the mountains, and my help will come from nowhere. My help comes from the Lord, Who created heaven and earth. Do not let your feet fall into confusion; He who guards you will fall asleep; He who guards you will not sleep; He who guards Israel will fall asleep. The Lord will protect you, the Lord will cover your hand on your right hand. During the days the sun will not burn you, but the moon will not burn you at night. The Lord will protect you from all evil, the Lord will protect your soul. The Lord will preserve your coming in and your going out from now on and forever.The reader says Psalm 133:
Now bless the Lord, all the servants of the Lord, who stand in the temple of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. At night, lift up your hands in holiness, and bless the Lord. The Lord will bless you from Zion, having created heaven and earthSenior:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Ah min.Reader:
Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse our sins. Master, forgive our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name's sake.
Brethren:
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Senior:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Brethren:
Ah min.Brethren:
Our Father! Like you are in Heaven. Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done as it is in Heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from evil.
Ah min.The reader reads the kontakion of the holiday:
Having fulfilled your concern for us, / and having united us on earth with the heavenly, / you ascended in glory, Christ our God, / never departing, / but remaining persistent, / and crying out to those who love You: I am with you and no one is against you.
Senior:
Glorious Ever-Virgin, Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Your Son and our God, may You save our souls.
Brethren: (prayer of St. Ioannikis)
My worship is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my protection is the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.
Brethren:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And now and ever and unto ages of ages. Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Bless.The elder says leave:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all for the sake of the saints, have mercy and save us, for you are Good and Lover of Mankind.
Brethren:
Ah min.Senior:
O weakness, forgive, forgive, O God, our sins, voluntary and involuntary, even in word and in deed, even in knowledge and in ignorance, even in days and nights, even in mind and in thought: forgive us everything, as Good and Lover of Humanity.
And standing up, the reader says this prayer:
Forgive those who hate and offend us, O Lord, Lover of Mankind. Do good to those who do good. To our brothers and relatives, grant the same petitions for salvation and eternal life. Visit those who are infirm and grant healing. You can control the sea. Travel with those who travel. Grant forgiveness of sins to those who serve and have mercy on us. Those who commanded us unworthy to pray for them, have mercy according to Your great mercy. Remember, Lord, the fathers who have fallen before us, and our brethren, and give me rest, where the light of Thy face shines. Lord, remember our captive brothers, and deliver me from every situation. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good in Your holy churches, and give them petitions for salvation and eternal life. Lord, remember us, humble, and sinful, and unworthy Thy servants: and enlighten our minds with the light of Thy mind, and guide us on the path of Thy commandments, through the prayers of our Most Pure Lady Theotokos, and the Ever-Virgin Mary, and all Thy Saints. For blessed art thou unto the ages of ages.
Brethren:
Ah min.
Getting up for prayer at midnight was ancient tradition, dating back to pre-Christian times. The psalmist says: At midnight I rose to praise You for Your righteous judgments (Ps 119:62). Paul and Silas sang praises to God in prison around midnight (Acts 16:25). As we remember, Basil the Great refers to both of these texts as a justification for the monastic practice of midnight prayer.
In ancient times, when there was no electric lighting and the rhythm of life obeyed the natural rhythm of day and night; it was customary to go to bed soon after sunset and get up at dawn. The monks sought to reduce sleep time as much as possible, and therefore monastic services were performed after sunset, at midnight, and early in the morning. A “full” eight- or even six-hour night was not available to the monk, who had to interrupt his sleep with prayer at midnight. Some monks slept without undressing or going to bed, like warriors ready for battle. Abstaining from sleep was perceived as one of the important ascetic feats that make up the monastic lifestyle.
IN modern form the midnight office represents the fruit long-term development. Scientists disagree about the origin of the Midnight Office, since the variety of liturgical sources does not allow us to draw clear conclusions on this issue. What is undeniable, however, is the original connection of the Midnight Office with the monastic tradition: this connection continues to this day, since the Midnight Office is celebrated only in monasteries (and not at midnight, but in the early morning hours). The only exception is the Easter Midnight Office, celebrated in parish churches before the start of the night Easter service.
There are three types of Midnight Office: daily, Saturday and Sunday. The main element of the daily midnight office is the reading of Psalm 118, divided into three parts. In the Eastern Christian tradition, the attitude towards Psalm 118 was especially reverent: this psalm was perceived as messianic, spoken on behalf of Christ. At the same time, Psalm 119 is a kind of compendium of ascetic life:
In this psalm, David describes the life of the saints, their exploits, sorrows, labors, also the uprisings of demons, thousands of inspired thoughts, snares and other means of entrapment, and at the same time the things by which the saints win: the law, the words of God, patience, help from above and, finally, what will follow the work, rewards, crowns, rewards.
Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight, and blessed is the servant, Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight, and blessed is that servant,
He who is awake will find him, but he who is awake will not be worthy again, but he who is awake will not be worthy.
It will also be found in despondency. Watch over the slaughter whom He finds discouraged. Be careful
my soul, do not be burdened with sleep, lest my soul die, do not fall into sleep, lest you be
You will be betrayed, and the Kingdom will be outside of death, and you will not remain outside the closed (gates)
shut up. But arise, calling: the Kingdom (of God).But rise up, crying:
Holy, Holy, Holy art thou God, by the Mother of God Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God,
have mercy on us. (with prayers) Mother of God, have mercy on us.
The troparion is based on the parable of ten virgins who came to a wedding feast, but forgot to buy oil for their lamps; when the groom came, they were unprepared and remained outside the bridal chamber (see: Matthew 25:1-13). At the same time, the troparion contains allusions to Christ’s parable about the slaves waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast (see: Lk 12:35-40). Both parables in the Eastern Christian tradition are interpreted as a call to spiritual wakefulness. The main content of the Midnight Office is the expectation of the Second Coming of the Son of Man.
To this troparion are added two others, followed by the final part of the Midnight Office, which includes several morning prayers, psalms 120 and 132, two funeral troparions and one funeral prayer.
The Saturday Midnight Office is almost completely different in composition from the daily service. Instead of the 118th Psalm, the Saturday Midnight Office includes the 9th Kathisma, which includes Psalms 64-69. The prayer of St. Eustratius is also read on it. This prayer, according to legend, belongs to a martyr condemned to be burned during the reign of the emperors Diocletian and Maximin. According to the life, the prayer “Glorifying, I magnify You, Lord” was said by Saint Eustratius on the way to the place of execution.
The Sunday Midnight Office differs from Saturday and every day in that the kathisma is not read, but instead of the kathisma the canon is performed. Octoechos prescribes the reading of the Trinity canons at the Sunday Midnight Office, written by Metrophanes II, Patriarch of Constantinople (1440-1443).