[PREVIEW] Tuesday - Proper 4

[PREVIEW] Tuesday - Proper 4

MORNING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him VENITE - Psalm 95:1-7 Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land. Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 24 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and all who dwell therein.  For it is he who founded it upon the seas and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. “Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? and who can stand in his holy place?” “Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who have not pledged themselves to falsehood, nor sworn by what is a fraud. They shall receive a blessing from the Lord and a just reward from the God of their salvation." Such is the generation of those who seek him, of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. “Who is this King of glory?” “The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.” Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. “Who is he, this King of glory?” “The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.” Psalm 93 The Lord is King; he has put on splendid apparel; the Lord has put on his apparel and girded himself with strength. He has made the whole world so sure that it cannot be moved; Ever since the world began, your throne has been established; you are from everlasting. The waters have lifted up, O Lord, the waters have lifted up their voice; the waters have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the sound of many waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea, mightier is the Lord who dwells on high. Your testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns your house, O Lord, for ever and for evermore. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE FIRST LESSON: Eccles. 2:16-26 For there is no enduring remembrance of the wise or of fools, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How can the wise die just like fools? So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind. I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to those who come after me -- and who knows whether they will be wise or foolish? Yet they will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labors under the sun, because sometimes one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity. There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God; for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the sinner he gives the work of gathering and heaping, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind. THE SECOND LESSON: Gal. 1:18-2:10 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me. Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up in response to a revelation. Then I laid before them (though only in a private meeting with the acknowledged leaders) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure that I was not running, or had not run, in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. But because of false believers secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us-- we did not submit to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might always remain with you. And from those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)-- those leaders contributed nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel for the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter making him an apostle to the circumcised also worked through me in sending me to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do. You have made us a kingdom of priests, O Lord, to serve our God and Father. THE FIRST SONG OF ISAIAH (ISAIAH 12:2-6) Splendor and honor and kingly power * are yours by right, O Lord our God, For you created everything that is, * and by your will they were created and have their being; And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain, * for with your blood you have redeemed for God, From every family, language, people, and nation, * a kingdom of priests to serve our God. And so, to him who sits upon the throne, * and to Christ the Lamb, Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor, * for ever and for evermore. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. You have made us a kingdom of priests, O Lord, to serve our God and Father. - 3: THE APOSTLES' CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. - 4: THE PRAYERS The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. SUFFRAGES B: V.    Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance; R.    Govern and uphold them, now and always. V.    Day by day we bless you; R.    We praise your name for ever. V.    Lord, keep us from all sin today; R.    Have mercy upon us, Lord, have mercy. V.    Lord, show us your love and mercy; R.    For we put our trust in you. V.    In you, Lord, is our hope; R.    And we shall never hope in vain. THE COLLECTS: Proper 4 O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth:  Put away from us, we entreat you, all hurtful things, and give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. A Collect for Peace (Tuesdays) O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. - 5: THE CONCLUSION A Prayer of St. Chrysostom Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.  — EVENING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. OPENING CANTICLE: PHOS HILARON (O GRACIOUS LIGHT) O gracious light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds. - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 145 I will exalt you, O God my King, and bless your Name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless you and praise your Name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; there is no end to his greatness. One generation shall praise your works to another and shall declare your power. I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty and all your marvelous works. They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, and I will tell of your greatness. They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness; they shall sing of your righteous deeds. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and of great kindness. The Lord is loving to everyone and his compassion is over all his works. All your works praise you, O Lord, and your faithful servants bless you. They make known the glory of your kingdom and speak of your power; That the peoples may know of your power and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your dominion endures throughout all ages. The Lord is faithful in all his words and merciful in all his deeds. The Lord upholds all those who fall; he lifts up those who are bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open wide your hand and satisfy the needs of every living creature. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving in all his works. The Lord is near to those who call upon him, to all who call upon him faithfully. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he hears their cry and helps them. The Lord preserves all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all flesh bless his holy Name for ever and ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE LESSON: Matt. 13:53-58 When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house." And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. THE SONG OF MARY (LUKE 1:46-55) My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. - 3: THE PRAYERS The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. SUFFRAGES B: That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord. That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord. That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of [________ and] all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. THE COLLECTS: A Collect for Aid against Perils (Tuesdays) Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. - 4: THE CONCLUSION The General Thanksgiving Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Monday - Proper 4

MORNING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him VENITE - Psalm 95:1-7 Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land. Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 36:1-10 There is a voice of rebellion deep in the heart of the wicked; there is no fear of God before his eyes. He flatters himself in his own eyes that his hateful sin will not be found out. The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has left off acting wisely and doing good.  He thinks up wickedness upon his bed and has set himself in no good way; he does not abhor that which is evil.  Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the clouds.  Your righteousness is like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep; you save both man and beast, O Lord. How priceless is your love, O God! your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.  They feast upon the abundance of your house; you give them drink from the river of your delights.  For with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light.  Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, and your favor to those who are true of heart. Psalm 29 Ascribe to the Lord, you gods, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.  Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.  The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders; the Lord is upon the mighty waters.  The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendor.  The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon; He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.  The voice of the Lord splits the flames of fire; the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.  The voice of the Lord makes the oak trees writhe and strips the forests bare.  And in the temple of the Lord all are crying, “Glory!”  The Lord sits enthroned above the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as King for evermore. The Lord shall give strength to his people; the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE FIRST LESSON: Eccles. 2:1-15 I said to myself, "Come now, I will make a test of pleasure; enjoy yourself." But again, this also was vanity. I said of laughter, "It is mad," and of pleasure, "What use is it?" I searched with my mind how to cheer my body with wine-- my mind still guiding me with wisdom-- and how to lay hold on folly, until I might see what was good for mortals to do under heaven during the few days of their life. I made great works; I built houses and planted vineyards for myself; I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house; I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and of the provinces; I got singers, both men and women, and delights of the flesh, and many concubines. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; also my wisdom remained with me. Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them; I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what can the one do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done. Then I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. The wise have eyes in their head, but fools walk in darkness. Yet I perceived that the same fate befalls all of them. Then I said to myself, "What happens to the fool will happen to me also; why then have I been so very wise?" And I said to myself that this also is vanity. THE SECOND LESSON: Gal. 1:1-17 Paul an apostle-- sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead-- and all the members of God's family who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ. For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things. THE FIRST SONG OF ISAIAH (ISAIAH 12:2-6) Surely, it is God who saves me; * I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, * and he will be my Savior. Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing * from the springs of salvation. And on that day you shall say, * Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; Make his deeds known among the peoples; * see that they remember that his Name is exalted. Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, * and this is known in all the world. Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, * for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things. - 3: THE APOSTLES' CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. - 4: THE PRAYERS The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. SUFFRAGES B: V.    Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance; R.    Govern and uphold them, now and always. V.    Day by day we bless you; R.    We praise your name for ever. V.    Lord, keep us from all sin today; R.    Have mercy upon us, Lord, have mercy. V.    Lord, show us your love and mercy; R.    For we put our trust in you. V.    In you, Lord, is our hope; R.    And we shall never hope in vain. THE COLLECTS: Proper 4 O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth:  Put away from us, we entreat you, all hurtful things, and give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. A Collect for the Renewal of Life (Mondays) O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. - 5: THE CONCLUSION A Prayer of St. Chrysostom Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.  — EVENING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. OPENING CANTICLE: PHOS HILARON (O GRACIOUS LIGHT) O gracious light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds. - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 33 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; it is good for the just to sing praises.  Praise the Lord with the harp; play to him upon the psaltery and lyre. Sing for him a new song; sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet. For the word of the Lord is right, and all his works are sure. He loves righteousness and justice; the loving-kindness of the Lord fills the whole earth. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts. He gathers up the waters of the ocean as in a water-skin and stores up the depths of the sea.  Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him. For he spoke, and it came to pass; he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord brings the will of the nations to naught; he thwarts the designs of the peoples. But the Lord’s will stands fast for ever, and the designs of his heart from age to age. Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord! happy the people he has chosen to be his own! The Lord looks down from heaven, and beholds all the people in the world. From where he sits enthroned he turns his gaze on all who dwell on the earth. He fashions all the hearts of them and understands all their works. There is no king that can be saved by a mighty army; a strong man is not delivered by his great strength. The horse is a vain hope for deliverance; for all its strength it cannot save. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him, on those who wait upon his love, To pluck their lives from death, and to feed them in time of famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, for in his holy Name we put our trust. Let your loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, as we have put our trust in you. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE LESSON: Matt. 13:44-52 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. "Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes." And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." THE SONG OF MARY (LUKE 1:46-55) God has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. God has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. - 3: THE PRAYERS The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. SUFFRAGES B: That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord. That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord. That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of [________ and] all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. THE COLLECTS: A Collect for Peace (Mondays) Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen. Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. - 4: THE CONCLUSION The General Thanksgiving Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Trinity Sunday

MORNING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God: Come let us adore him VENITE - Psalm 95:1-7 Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land. Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God: Come let us adore him - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 148 Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens; * praise him in the heights. Praise him, all you angels of his; * praise him, all his host. Praise him, sun and moon; * praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, heaven of heavens, * and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Name of the LORD; * for he commanded, and they were created. He made them stand fast for ever and ever; * he gave them a law which shall not pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, * you sea-monsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and fog, * tempestuous wind, doing his will; Mountains and all hills, * fruit trees and all cedars; Wild beasts and all cattle, * creeping things and wingèd birds; Kings of the earth and all peoples, * princes and all rulers of the world; Young men and maidens, * old and young together. Let them praise the Name of the LORD, * for his Name only is exalted, his splendor is over earth and heaven. He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants, * the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Hallelujah! Psalm 150 Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy temple; * praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts; * praise him for his excellent greatness. Praise him with the blast of the ram's-horn; * praise him with lyre and harp. Praise him with timbrel and dance; * praise him with strings and pipe. Praise him with resounding cymbals; * praise him with loud-clanging cymbals. Let everything that has breath * praise the Lord. Hallelujah! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE FIRST LESSON: Job 38:1-11,42:1-5 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements-- surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? "Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?-- when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, and said, 'Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped'? Then Job answered the Lord: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; THE SECOND LESSON: Revelation 19:4-16 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who is seated on the throne, saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!" And from the throne came a voice saying, "Praise our God, all you his servants, and all who fear him, small and great." Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready; to her it has been granted to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are true words of God." Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, wearing fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, "King of kings and Lord of lords." THE CANTICLE: YOU ARE GOD (TE DEUM LAUDAMUS) You are God: we praise you; You are the Lord; we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. - 3: THE APOSTLES' CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. - 4: THE PRAYERS The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. SUFFRAGES B: V.    Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance; R.    Govern and uphold them, now and always. V.    Day by day we bless you; R.    We praise your name for ever. V.    Lord, keep us from all sin today; R.    Have mercy upon us, Lord, have mercy. V.    Lord, show us your love and mercy; R.    For we put our trust in you. V.    In you, Lord, is our hope; R.    And we shall never hope in vain. THE COLLECTS: Trinity Sunday Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. A Collect for Sundays O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. A PRAYER OF ST. CHRYSOSTOM Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. - 5: THE CONCLUSION Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.  — EVENING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. OPENING CANTICLE: PHOS HILARON (O GRACIOUS LIGHT) O gracious light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds. - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 112 Hallelujah! Happy are they who fear the Lord * and have great delight in his commandments! Their descendants will be mighty in the land; * the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in their house, * and their righteousness will last for ever. Light shines in the darkness for the upright; * the righteous are merciful and full of compassion. It is good for them to be generous in lending * and to manage their affairs with justice. For they will never be shaken; * the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance. They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; * their heart is right; they put their trust in the Lord. Their heart is established and will not shrink, * until they see their desire upon their enemies. They have given freely to the poor, * and their righteousness stands fast for ever; they will hold up their head with honor. The wicked will see it and be angry; they will gnash their teeth and pine away; * the desires of the wicked will perish. Psalm 113 Hallelujah! Give praise, you servants of the LORD; * praise the Name of the LORD. Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, * from this time forth for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its going down * let the Name of the LORD be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, who sits enthroned on high, * but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth? He takes up the weak out of the dust * and lifts up the poor from the ashes. He sets them with the princes, * with the princes of his people. He makes the woman of a childless house * to be a joyful mother of children. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE LESSON: John 1:29-34 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God." GOSPEL CANTICLE: THE SONG OF MARY (LUKE 1:46-55) To him who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light: To him be honor and glory in the Church for ever. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. To him who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light: To him be honor and glory in the Church for ever. - 3: THE PRAYERS The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. SUFFRAGES B: That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord. That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord. That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of [________ and] all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. THE COLLECTS: Trinity Sunday Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. A Collect for Sundays Lord God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of death and prepared for us our place in the new Jerusalem: Grant that we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection, may praise you in that City of which he is the light, and where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. THE GENERAL THANKSGIVING Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. - 4: THE CONCLUSION Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Friday after Pentecost

MORNING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. In your resurrection, O Christ  let heaven and earth rejoice. Alleluia. Blessed are you, Lord God of our salvation,  to you be praise and glory for ever. As once you ransomed your people from Egypt  and led them to freedom in the promised land so now you have delivered us from the dominion of darkness  and brought us into the kingdom of your risen Son. May we, the first fruits of your new creation,  rejoice in this new day you have made  and praise you for your mighty acts. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God for ever. - PASCHA NOSTRUM - The Easter Anthems (1 Cor 5.76, 8; Rom 6.9-11; 1 Cor 15.20-22) 1 Christ our passover has been sacrificed for us: • so let us celebrate the feast, 2 not with the old leaven of corruption and wickedness: * but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth 3 Christ once raised from the dead dies no more: • death has no more dominion over him. 4 In dying he died to sin once for all: • in living he lives to God. 5 See yourselves therefore as dead to sin: • and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. 6 Christ has been raised from the dead: • the first fruits of those who sleep. 7 For as by man came death: • by man has come also the resurrection of the dead; 8 for as in Adam all die: • even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 30 I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up * and have not let my enemies triumph over me. O Lord my God, I cried out to you, * and you restored me to health. You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; * you restored my life as I was going down to the grave. Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; * give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness. For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, * his favor for a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, * but joy comes in the morning. While I felt secure, I said, “I shall never be disturbed. * You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains.” Then you hid your face, * and I was filled with fear. I cried to you, O Lord; * I pleaded with the Lord, saying, “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? * will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; * O Lord, be my helper.” You have turned my wailing into dancing; * you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy. Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; * O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. OLD TESTAMENT CANTICLE: THE SONG OF MOSES & MIRIAM (FROM EXODUS 15) I will sing to the Lord, who has triumphed gloriously; • the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song • and has become my salvation. This is my God whom I will praise • the God of my forebears whom I will exalt. The Lord is a warrior, • the Lord is his name. Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power: • your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy. At the blast of your nostrils, the sea covered them; • they sank as lead in the mighty waters. In your unfailing love, O Lord, • you lead the people whom you have redeemed, And by your invincible strength • you will guide them to your holy dwelling You will bring them in and plant them, O Lord, • in the sanctuary which your hands have established Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE FIRST LESSON: Prov. 23:19-21,29-24:2 Hear, my child, and be wise, and direct your mind in the way. Do not be among winebibbers, or among gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them with rags. Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger late over wine, those who keep trying mixed wines. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. "They struck me," you will say, "but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I will seek another drink." Do not envy the wicked, nor desire to be with them; for their minds devise violence, and their lips talk of mischief. THE SECOND LESSON: Matt. 13:31-35 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world." SCRIPTURE RESPONSE Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ shall give you light. GOSPEL CANTICLE: THE BENEDICTUS (ISAIAH 43. 15-21) Easter Refrain The Lord is risen from the tomb who for our sakes hung upon the tree. Alleluia. Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant, David. Through his holy prophets, he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father, Abraham, to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight, all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Lord is risen from the tomb who for our sakes hung upon the tree. Alleluia. - 3: THE APOSTLES' CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. - 4: THE PRAYERS On this day that the Lord has made, let us pray for the people he has redeemed. * That those born to new life in the waters of baptism may know the power of Christ's resurrection, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. * That those who suffer pain and anguish may find healing and peace in the wounds of Christ, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. * That in the undying love of Christ, we may have union with all who have died in the faith of Christ, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. Let us commend the world, in which Christ rose from the dead, to the mercy and protection of God this day: THE COLLECT: The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used:  Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be peaceably governed by your providence; and that your Church may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. - 5: THE CONCLUSION CONCLUDING ASCRIPTION (BY THOMAS KEN 1637-1711) To God the Father, who loved us and made us accepted in the Beloved: To God the Son, who loved us and loosed us from our sins in his own blood: To God the Holy Spirit, who sheds the love of God abroad in our hearts: To the one true God be all love and all glory, for time and for eternity Amen. Let us bless the Lord. (Alleluia. Alleluia.)  Thanks be to God. (Alleluia. Alleluia.)  — EVENING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. You, O Lord, are my lamp: you turn our darkness into light. Blessed are you, Sovereign Lord, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to you be glory and praise for ever. From the deep waters of death you brought your people to new birth by raising your Son to life in triumph. [Through him dark death has been destroyed and radiant life is everywhere restored.] As you call us out of darkness into his marvelous light may our lives reflect his glory and our lips repeat the endless song. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever. OPENING CANTICLE: PHOS HILARON (O GRACIOUS LIGHT) O gracious light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds. - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 107 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, * and his mercy endures for ever. Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim * that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe. He gathered them out of the lands; * from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes; * they found no way to a city where they might dwell. They were hungry and thirsty; * their spirits languished within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress. He put their feet on a straight path * to go to a city where they might dwell. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy * and the wonders he does for his children. For he satisfies the thirsty * and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness and deep gloom, * bound fast in misery and iron; Because they rebelled against the words of God * and despised the counsel of the Most High. So he humbled their spirits with hard labor; * they stumbled, and there was none to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress. He led them out of darkness and deep gloom * and broke their bonds asunder. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy * and the wonders he does for his children. For he shatters the doors of bronze * and breaks in two the iron bars. Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; * they were afflicted because of their sins. They abhorred all manner of food * and drew near to death’s door. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them * and saved them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy * and the wonders he does for his children. Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving * and tell of his acts with shouts of joy. Some went down to the sea in ships * and plied their trade in deep waters; They beheld the works of the Lord * and his wonders in the deep. Then he spoke, and a stormy wind arose, * which tossed high the waves of the sea. They mounted up to the heavens and fell back to the depths; * their hearts melted because of their peril. They reeled and staggered like drunkards * and were at their wits’ end. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper * and quieted the waves of the sea. Then were they glad because of the calm, * and he brought them to the harbor they were bound for. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy * and the wonders he does for his children. Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people * and praise him in the council of the elders. The Lord changed rivers into deserts, * and water-springs into thirsty ground, A fruitful land into salt flats, * because of the wickedness of those who dwell there. He changed deserts into pools of water * and dry land into water-springs. He settled the hungry there, * and they founded a city to dwell in. They sowed fields, and planted vineyards, * and brought in a fruitful harvest. He blessed them, so that they increased greatly; * he did not let their herds decrease. Yet when they were diminished and brought low, * through stress of adversity and sorrow, (He pours contempt on princes * and makes them wander in trackless wastes) He lifted up the poor out of misery * and multiplied their families like flocks of sheep. The upright will see this and rejoice, * but all wickedness will shut its mouth. Whoever is wise will ponder these things, * and consider well the mercies of the Lord. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. NEW TESTAMENT CANTICLE: A SONG OF FAITH (FROM 1 PETER 1) 1 Blessed be the God and Father • of our Lord Jesus Christ! 2 By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope • through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 3 Into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, • kept in heaven for you, 4 Who are being protected by the power of God through faith, • for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 5 You were ransomed from the futile ways of your ancestors • not with perishable things like silver or gold 6 But with the precious blood of Christ • like that of a lamb without spot or stain. 7 Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, • so that your faith and hope are set on God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE LESSON: 1 Tim. 5:17-22[23-25] Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching; for the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves to be paid." Never accept any accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest also may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, I warn you to keep these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing on the basis of partiality. Do not ordain anyone hastily, and do not participate in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. [ No longer drink only water, but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some people are conspicuous and precede them to judgment, while the sins of others follow them there. So also good works are conspicuous; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden.] SCRIPTURE RESPONSE The Lord is my strength and my song: he has become my salvation. GOSPEL CANTICLE: THE SONG OF MARY (LUKE 1:46-55) The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Alleluia. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Alleluia. - 3: THE PRAYERS To Christ, the Lamb who was slain, and who now lives in the glory of the Father, let us raise the voice of praise. * Lord Jesus, you are the Amen, the faithful witness, the first of God's creation: Lord, have mercy. * You search into the thoughts and affections of all your people: Lord, have mercy.  * You reprove and chasten those whom you love: Lord, have mercy.  * You open the eyes of the blind and set the prisoners free: Lord, have mercy. * In your paschal victory, you have proclaimed the coming of the kingdom: Lord, have mercy.  Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. THE COLLECT: The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used:  Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be peaceably governed by your providence; and that your Church may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. - 4: THE CONCLUSION ARMENIAN ORTHODOX DISMISSAL Keep us in peace, O Christ our God, under the protection of your holy and venerable cross; save us from our enemies, visible and invisible, and count us worthy to glorify you with thanksgiving, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. (Alleluia. Alleluia.) Thanks be to God. (Alleluia. Alleluia.)

Wednesday after Pentecost

MORNING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. In your resurrection, O Christ  let heaven and earth rejoice. Alleluia. Blessed are you, Lord God of our salvation,  to you be praise and glory for ever. As once you ransomed your people from Egypt  and led them to freedom in the promised land so now you have delivered us from the dominion of darkness  and brought us into the kingdom of your risen Son. May we, the first fruits of your new creation,  rejoice in this new day you have made  and praise you for your mighty acts. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God for ever. - PASCHA NOSTRUM - The Easter Anthems (1 Cor 5.76, 8; Rom 6.9-11; 1 Cor 15.20-22) 1 Christ our passover has been sacrificed for us: • so let us celebrate the feast, 2 not with the old leaven of corruption and wickedness: * but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth 3 Christ once raised from the dead dies no more: • death has no more dominion over him. 4 In dying he died to sin once for all: • in living he lives to God. 5 See yourselves therefore as dead to sin: • and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. 6 Christ has been raised from the dead: • the first fruits of those who sleep. 7 For as by man came death: • by man has come also the resurrection of the dead; 8 for as in Adam all die: • even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 139 Lord, you have searched me out and known me; * you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You trace my journeys and my resting-places * and are acquainted with all my ways. Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, * but you, O Lord, know it altogether. You press upon me behind and before * and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; * it is so high that I cannot attain to it. Where can I go then from your Spirit? * where can I flee from your presence? If I climb up to heaven, you are there; * if I make the grave my bed, you are there also. If I take the wings of the morning * and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there your hand will lead me * and your right hand hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, * and the light around me turn to night,” Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; * darkness and light to you are both alike. For you yourself created my inmost parts; * you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will thank you because I am marvelously made; * your works are wonderful, and I know it well. My body was not hidden from you, * while I was being made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb; all of them were written in your book; * they were fashioned day by day, when as yet there was none of them. How deep I find your thoughts, O God! * how great is the sum of them! If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand; * to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours. Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God! * You that thirst for blood, depart from me. They speak despitefully against you; * your enemies take your Name in vain. Do I not hate those, O Lord, who hate you? * and do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with a perfect hatred; * they have become my own enemies. Search me out, O God, and know my heart; * try me and know my restless thoughts. Look well whether there be any wickedness in me * and lead me in the way that is everlasting. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. OLD TESTAMENT CANTICLE: THE SONG OF MOSES & MIRIAM (FROM EXODUS 15) I will sing to the Lord, who has triumphed gloriously; • the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song • and has become my salvation. This is my God whom I will praise • the God of my forebears whom I will exalt. The Lord is a warrior, • the Lord is his name. Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power: • your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy. At the blast of your nostrils, the sea covered them; • they sank as lead in the mighty waters. In your unfailing love, O Lord, • you lead the people whom you have redeemed, And by your invincible strength • you will guide them to your holy dwelling You will bring them in and plant them, O Lord, • in the sanctuary which your hands have established Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE FIRST LESSON: Prov. 17:1-20 Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. A slave who deals wisely will rule over a child who acts shamefully, and will share the inheritance as one of the family. The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. An evildoer listens to wicked lips; and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue. Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished. Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a ruler. A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who give it; wherever they turn they prosper. One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend. A rebuke strikes deeper into a discerning person than a hundred blows into a fool. Evil people seek only rebellion, but a cruel messenger will be sent against them. Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly. Evil will not depart from the house of one who returns evil for good. The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so stop before the quarrel breaks out. One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord. Why should fools have a price in hand to buy wisdom, when they have no mind to learn? A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity. It is senseless to give a pledge, to become surety for a neighbor. One who loves transgression loves strife; one who builds a high threshold invites broken bones. The crooked of mind do not prosper, and the perverse of tongue fall into calamity. THE SECOND LESSON: Matt. 12:43-50 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but it finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation." While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" And pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." SCRIPTURE RESPONSE Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ shall give you light. GOSPEL CANTICLE: THE BENEDICTUS (ISAIAH 43. 15-21) Easter Refrain The Lord is risen from the tomb who for our sakes hung upon the tree. Alleluia. Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant, David. Through his holy prophets, he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father, Abraham, to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight, all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Lord is risen from the tomb who for our sakes hung upon the tree. Alleluia. - 3: THE APOSTLES' CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. - 4: THE PRAYERS On this day that the Lord has made, let us pray for the people he has redeemed. * That those born to new life in the waters of baptism may know the power of Christ's resurrection, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. * That those who suffer pain and anguish may find healing and peace in the wounds of Christ, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. * That in the undying love of Christ, we may have union with all who have died in the faith of Christ, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. Let us commend the world, in which Christ rose from the dead, to the mercy and protection of God this day: THE COLLECT: The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used:  Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be peaceably governed by your providence; and that your Church may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. - 5: THE CONCLUSION CONCLUDING ASCRIPTION (BY THOMAS KEN 1637-1711) To God the Father, who loved us and made us accepted in the Beloved: To God the Son, who loved us and loosed us from our sins in his own blood: To God the Holy Spirit, who sheds the love of God abroad in our hearts: To the one true God be all love and all glory, for time and for eternity Amen. Let us bless the Lord. (Alleluia. Alleluia.)  Thanks be to God. (Alleluia. Alleluia.)  — EVENING PRAYER 1: THE PREPARATION O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. You, O Lord, are my lamp: you turn our darkness into light. Blessed are you, Sovereign Lord, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to you be glory and praise for ever. From the deep waters of death you brought your people to new birth by raising your Son to life in triumph. [Through him dark death has been destroyed and radiant life is everywhere restored.] As you call us out of darkness into his marvelous light may our lives reflect his glory and our lips repeat the endless song. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever. OPENING CANTICLE: PHOS HILARON (O GRACIOUS LIGHT) O gracious light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds. - 2: THE WORD OF GOD THE PSALMODY Psalm 105 – Part 2 Israel came into Egypt, * and Jacob became a sojourner in the land of Ham. The Lord made his people exceedingly fruitful; * he made them stronger than their enemies; Whose heart he turned, so that they hated his people, * and dealt unjustly with his servants. He sent Moses his servant, * and Aaron whom he had chosen. They worked his signs among them, * and portents in the land of Ham. He sent darkness, and it grew dark; * but the Egyptians rebelled against his words. He turned their waters into blood * and caused their fish to die. Their land was overrun by frogs, * in the very chambers of their kings. He spoke, and there came swarms of insects * and gnats within all their borders. He gave them hailstones instead of rain, * and flames of fire throughout their land. He blasted their vines and their fig trees * and shattered every tree in their country. He spoke, and the locust came, * and young locusts without number, Which ate up all the green plants in their land * and devoured the fruit of their soil. He struck down the firstborn of their land, * the firstfruits of all their strength. He led out his people with silver and gold; * in all their tribes there was not one that stumbled. Egypt was glad of their going, * because they were afraid of them. He spread out a cloud for a covering * and a fire to give light in the night season. They asked, and quails appeared, * and he satisfied them with bread from heaven. He opened the rock, and water flowed, * so the river ran in the dry places. For God remembered his holy word * and Abraham his servant. So he led forth his people with gladness, * his chosen with shouts of joy. He gave his people the lands of the nations, * and they took the fruit of others’ toil, That they might keep his statutes * and observe his laws. Hallelujah! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. NEW TESTAMENT CANTICLE: A SONG OF FAITH (FROM 1 PETER 1) 1 Blessed be the God and Father • of our Lord Jesus Christ! 2 By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope • through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 3 Into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, • kept in heaven for you, 4 Who are being protected by the power of God through faith, • for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 5 You were ransomed from the futile ways of your ancestors • not with perishable things like silver or gold 6 But with the precious blood of Christ • like that of a lamb without spot or stain. 7 Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, • so that your faith and hope are set on God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. THE LESSON: 1 Tim. 3:1-16 The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way-- for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. SCRIPTURE RESPONSE The Lord is my strength and my song: he has become my salvation. GOSPEL CANTICLE: THE SONG OF MARY (LUKE 1:46-55) The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Alleluia. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Alleluia. - 3: THE PRAYERS To Christ, the Lamb who was slain, and who now lives in the glory of the Father, let us raise the voice of praise. * Lord Jesus, you are the Amen, the faithful witness, the first of God's creation: Lord, have mercy. * You search into the thoughts and affections of all your people: Lord, have mercy.  * You reprove and chasten those whom you love: Lord, have mercy.  * You open the eyes of the blind and set the prisoners free: Lord, have mercy. * In your paschal victory, you have proclaimed the coming of the kingdom: Lord, have mercy.  Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept. THE COLLECT: The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used:  Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be peaceably governed by your providence; and that your Church may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. - 4: THE CONCLUSION ARMENIAN ORTHODOX DISMISSAL Keep us in peace, O Christ our God, under the protection of your holy and venerable cross; save us from our enemies, visible and invisible, and count us worthy to glorify you with thanksgiving, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. (Alleluia. Alleluia.) Thanks be to God. (Alleluia. Alleluia.)