S. Joachim Confessoris, Patris B. M. V.S. Joachim, Confessor, Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Matutinum Laudes Prima Tertia Sexta Nona Vesperae Completorium

Incipit

℣ Dómine, lábia ✠ mea apéries.

℟ Et os meum annuntiábit laudem tuam.

℣ Deus ✠ in adjutórium meum inténde.

℟ Dómine, ad adjuvándum me festína.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Allelúja.

℣ O Lord, ✠ open my lips.

℟ And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

℣ O God, ✠ come to my assistance.

℟ Lord, make haste to help me.

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

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Alleluia.

Invitatorium

Ant. Regem Confessórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro: præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

Ant. Regem Confessórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos, quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam: quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

Ant. Veníte, adorémus.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus (genuflectitur) veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum: plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus, Deus noster; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

Ant. Regem Confessórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto: ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Ant. Veníte, adorémus.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi: Semper hi errant corde, ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas: quibus jurávi in ira mea: Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Ant. Regem Confessórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Veníte, adorémus.

Ant. Regem Confessórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Ant. The Lord, King of Confessors, * come, let us adore.

Come, let us exult in the Lord. Let us shout joyfully to God, our Savior. Let us anticipate his presence with confession, and let us sing joyfully to him with psalms.

Ant. The Lord, King of Confessors, * come, let us adore.

For the Lord is a great God and a great King over all gods. For the Lord will not drive away his people. For in his hand are all the limits of the earth, and he beholds the heights of the mountains.

Ant. come, let us adore.

For the sea is his, and he made it, and his hands established the dry land. (kneel) Come, let us adore and fall prostrate before God, and let us weep before the Lord who made us. For he is the Lord our God, and we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Ant. The Lord, King of Confessors, * come, let us adore.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts: as in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the wilderness, where your fathers tempted me; they tested and saw my works.

Ant. come, let us adore.

For forty years, I was near to that generation, and I said: These have always strayed in heart. But they have not known my ways. To them I swore in my wrath: They shall not enter into my rest.

Ant. The Lord, King of Confessors, * come, let us adore.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. come, let us adore.

Ant. The Lord, King of Confessors, * come, let us adore.

Hymnus

Iste Conféssor Dómini, coléntes

Quem pie laudant pópuli per orbem,

Hac die lætus méruit suprémos

Laudis honóres.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus,

Sóbriam duxit sine labe vitam,

Donec humános animávit auræ

Spíritus artus.

Cujus ob præstans méritum, frequénter,

Ægra quæ passim jacuére membra,

Víribus morbi dómitis, salúti

Restituúntur.

Noster hinc illi chorus obsequéntem

Cóncinit laudem celebrésque palmas,

Ut piis ejus précibus juvémur

Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus,

Qui, super cæli sólio corúscans,

Tótius mundi sériem gubérnat,

Trinus et unus.

Amen.

This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph

Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness

On this feast day year by year receiveth

Merited honors.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour,

Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly.

While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members,

Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting,

Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted,

Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning,

At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour,

Chanting his praises with devout affection,

That in his merits we may have a portion,

Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation,

Who over all things reigneth in the highest,

Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing,

Onely and Trinal.

Amen.

Psalmi cum lectionibus

Nocturnus I

Ant. Beátus vir, * qui in lege Dómini meditátur: volúntas ejus pérmanet die ac nocte, et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, semper prosperabúntur.

Psalmus 1 [1]

1:1 Beátus vir, qui non ábiit in consílio impiórum, † et in via peccatórum non stetit, * et in cáthedra pestiléntiæ non sedit:

1:2 Sed in lege Dómini volúntas ejus, * et in lege ejus meditábitur die ac nocte.

1:3a Et erit tamquam lignum, quod plantátum est secus decúrsus aquárum, * quod fructum suum dabit in témpore suo:

1:3b Et fólium ejus non défluet: * et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, prosperabúntur.

1:4 Non sic ímpii, non sic: * sed tamquam pulvis, quem próicit ventus a fácie terræ.

1:5 Ídeo non resúrgent ímpii in judício: * neque peccatóres in concílio justórum.

1:6 Quóniam novit Dóminus viam justórum: * et iter impiórum períbit.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Beátus vir, qui in lege Dómini meditátur: volúntas ejus pérmanet die ac nocte, et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, semper prosperabúntur.

Ant. Beátus iste Sanctus, * qui confísus est in Dómino, prædicávit præcéptum Dómini, constitútus est in monte sancto ejus.

Psalmus 2 [2]

2:1 Quare fremuérunt gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?

2:2 Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.

2:3 Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et proiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.

2:4 Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.

2:5 Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.

2:6 Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prǽdicans præcéptum ejus.

2:7 Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

2:8 Póstula a me, et dabo tibi gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.

2:9 Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.

2:10 Et nunc, reges, intellégite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.

2:11 Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.

2:12 Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.

2:13 Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Beátus iste Sanctus, qui confísus est in Dómino, prædicávit præcéptum Dómini, constitútus est in monte sancto ejus.

Ant. Tu es glória mea, * tu es suscéptor meus, Dómine; tu exáltans caput meum, et exaudísti me de monte sancto tuo.

Psalmus 3 [3]

3:2 Dómine, quid multiplicáti sunt qui tríbulant me? * multi insúrgunt advérsum me.

3:3 Multi dicunt ánimæ meæ: * Non est salus ipsi in Deo ejus.

3:4 Tu autem, Dómine, suscéptor meus es, * glória mea, et exáltans caput meum.

3:5 Voce mea ad Dóminum clamávi: * et exaudívit me de monte sancto suo.

3:6 Ego dormívi, et soporátus sum: * et exsurréxi, quia Dóminus suscépit me.

3:7 Non timébo míllia pópuli circumdántis me: * exsúrge, Dómine, salvum me fac, Deus meus.

3:8 Quóniam tu percussísti omnes adversántes mihi sine causa: * dentes peccatórum contrivísti.

3:9 Dómini est salus: * et super pópulum tuum benedíctio tua.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Tu es glória mea, tu es suscéptor meus, Dómine; tu exáltans caput meum, et exaudísti me de monte sancto tuo.

℣ Amávit eum Dóminus, et ornávit eum.

℟ Stolam glóriæ índuit eum.

Pater Noster dicitur secreto usque ad Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:

℣ Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:

℟ Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis: Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sǽcula sæculórum.

℟ Amen.

℣ Jube, Dómine, benedícere.

Benedictio. Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.

℟ Amen.

Lectio 1

De libro Ecclesiástici

Sir 31:8-11

8 Beátus vir, qui invéntus est sine mácula, et qui post aurum non ábiit, nec sperávit in pecúnia et thesáuris.

9 Quis est hic? et laudábimus eum: fecit enim mirabília in vita sua.

10 Qui probátus est in illo, et perféctus est, erit illi glória ætérna: Qui pótuit tránsgredi, et non est transgréssus; fácere mala, et non fecit:

11 Ídeo stabilíta sunt bona illíus in Dómino, et eleemósynas illíus enarrábit omnis ecclésia sanctórum.

℣ Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.

℟ Deo grátias.

℟ Euge, serve bone et fidélis, quia in pauca fuísti fidélis, supra multa te constítuam:

* Intra in gáudium Dómini tui.

℣ Dómine, quinque talénta tradidísti mihi, ecce ália quinque superlucrátus sum.

℟ Intra in gáudium Dómini tui.

℣ Jube, Dómine, benedícere.

Benedictio. Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.

℟ Amen.

Lectio 2

Sir 32:18-20; 32:28; 33:1-3

18 Qui timet Dóminum excípiet doctrínam ejus: et qui vigiláverint ad illum invénient benedictiónem.

19 Qui quærit legem, replébitur ab ea: et qui insidióse agit, scandalizábitur in ea.

20 Qui timent Dóminum invénient judícium justum, et justítias quasi lumen accéndent.

28 Qui credit Deo atténdit mandátis: et qui confídit in illo non minorábitur.

1 Timénti Dóminum non occúrrent mala: sed in tentatióne Deus illum conservábit, et liberábit a malis. Sápiens non odit mandáta et justítias,

2 Et non illidétur quasi in procélla navis.

3 Homo sensátus credit legi Dei, et lex illi fidélis.

℣ Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.

℟ Deo grátias.

℟ Justus germinábit sicut lílium:

* Et florébit in ætérnum ante Dóminum.

℣ Plantátus in domo Dómini, in átriis domus Dei nostri.

℟ Et florébit in ætérnum ante Dóminum.

℣ Jube, Dómine, benedícere.

Benedictio. Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.

℟ Amen.

Lectio 3

Sir 34:14-20

14 Spíritus timéntium Deum quǽritur, et in respéctu illíus benedicétur.

15 Spes enim illórum in salvántem illos, et óculi Dei in diligéntes se.

16 Qui timet Dóminum nihil trepidábit: et non pavébit, quóniam ipse est spes ejus.

17 Timéntis Dóminum, beáta est ánima ejus.

18 Ad quem réspicit, et quis est fortitúdo ejus?

19 Óculi Dómini super timéntes eum: protéctor poténtiæ, firmaméntum virtútis, tégimen ardóris, et umbráculum meridiáni:

20 Deprecátio offensiónis, et adjutórium casus: exáltans ánimam, et illúminans óculos, dans sanitátem, et vitam, et benedictiónem.

℣ Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.

℟ Deo grátias.

℟ Iste cognóvit justítiam, et vidit mirabília magna, et exorávit Altíssimum:

* Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.

℣ Iste est qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et pervénit ad cæléstia regna.

℟ Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.

Nocturnus II

Ant. Invocántem * exaudívit Dóminus Sanctum suum; Dóminus exaudívit eum, et constítuit eum in pace.

Psalmus 4 [4]

4:2a Cum invocárem exaudívit me Deus justítiæ meæ: * in tribulatióne dilatásti mihi.

4:2b Miserére mei, * et exáudi oratiónem meam.

4:3 Fílii hóminum, úsquequo gravi corde? * ut quid dilígitis vanitátem, et quǽritis mendácium?

4:4 Et scitóte quóniam mirificávit Dóminus sanctum suum: * Dóminus exáudiet me cum clamávero ad eum.

4:5 Irascímini, et nolíte peccáre: † quæ dícitis in córdibus vestris, * in cubílibus vestris compungímini.

4:6 Sacrificáte sacrifícium justítiæ, † et speráte in Dómino. * Multi dicunt: Quis osténdit nobis bona?

4:7 Signátum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Dómine: * dedísti lætítiam in corde meo.

4:8 A fructu fruménti, vini, et ólei sui * multiplicáti sunt.

4:9 In pace in idípsum * dórmiam, et requiéscam;

4:10 Quóniam tu, Dómine, singuláriter in spe * constituísti me.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Invocántem exaudívit Dóminus Sanctum suum; Dóminus exaudívit eum, et constítuit eum in pace.

Ant. Læténtur omnes * qui sperant in te, Dómine; quóniam tu benedixísti justo, scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ coronásti eum.

Psalmus 5 [5]

5:2 Verba mea áuribus pércipe, Dómine, * intéllege clamórem meum.

5:3 Inténde voci oratiónis meæ, * Rex meus et Deus meus.

5:4 Quóniam ad te orábo: * Dómine, mane exáudies vocem meam.

5:5 Mane astábo tibi et vidébo: * quóniam non Deus volens iniquitátem tu es.

5:6 Neque habitábit juxta te malígnus: * neque permanébunt injústi ante óculos tuos.

5:7a Odísti omnes, qui operántur iniquitátem: * perdes omnes, qui loquúntur mendácium.

5:7b Virum sánguinum et dolósum abominábitur Dóminus: * (8a) ego autem in multitúdine misericórdiæ tuæ.

5:8b Introíbo in domum tuam: * adorábo ad templum sanctum tuum in timóre tuo.

5:9 Dómine, deduc me in justítia tua: * propter inimícos meos dírige in conspéctu tuo viam meam.

5:10 Quóniam non est in ore eórum véritas: * cor eórum vanum est.

5:11a Sepúlcrum patens est guttur eórum, † linguis suis dolóse agébant, * júdica illos, Deus.

5:11b Décidant a cogitatiónibus suis, † secúndum multitúdinem impietátum eórum expélle eos, * quóniam irritavérunt te, Dómine.

5:12a Et læténtur omnes, qui sperant in te, * in ætérnum exsultábunt: et habitábis in eis.

5:12b Et gloriabúntur in te omnes, qui díligunt nomen tuum, * (13a) quóniam tu benedíces justo.

5:13b Dómine, ut scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ * coronásti nos.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Læténtur omnes qui sperant in te, Dómine; quóniam tu benedixísti justo, scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ coronásti eum.

Ant. Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra! quia glória et honóre coronásti Sanctum tuum, et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.

Psalmus 8 [6]

8:2a Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

8:2b Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.

8:3 Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.

8:4 Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.

8:5 Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?

8:6 Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Ángelis, † glória et honóre coronásti eum: * (7) et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.

8:8 Ómnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas: ínsuper et pécora campi.

8:9 Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.

8:10 Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Dómine, Dóminus noster, quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra! quia glória et honóre coronásti Sanctum tuum, et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.

℣ Os justi meditábitur sapiéntiam.

℟ Et lingua ejus loquétur judícium.

Pater Noster dicitur secreto usque ad Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:

℣ Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:

℟ Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sǽcula sæculórum.

℟ Amen.

℣ Jube, Dómine, benedícere.

Benedictio. Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.

℟ Amen.

Lectio 4

Sermo sancti Epiphánii Epíscopi

Orat. de Laud. Virg. sub init.

De radíce Jesse ortus est rex David, et de tribu regis David sancta Virgo: sancta, inquam, et sanctórum virórum fília, cujus paréntes fuérunt Jóachim et Anna; qui quidem in vita sua Deo placuérunt, atque étiam fructum ejúsmodi germinavérunt, sanctam Vírginem Maríam, templum simul et matrem Dei. Jóachim porro, Anna et María, hi tres Trinitáti palam sacrifícium laudis offerébant. Jóachim enim interpretátur Præparátio Dómini, eo quod ex illo præparátum sit templum Dómini, nempe Virgo. Anna rursus simíliter Grátia interpretátur, proptérea quod Jóachim et Anna grátiam accepérunt, ut accedéntibus précibus, talem fructum germinárent, sanctam Vírginem adépti; Jóachim síquidem precabátur in monte, et Anna in horto suo.

℣ Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.

℟ Deo grátias.

℟ Honéstum fecit illum Dóminus, et custodívit eum ab inimícis, et a seductóribus tutávit illum:

* Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam.

℣ Justum dedúxit Dóminus per vias rectas, et osténdit illi regnum Dei.

℟ Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam.

℣ Jube, Dómine, benedícere.

Benedictio. Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.

℟ Amen.

Lectio 5

Sermo sancti Joánnis Damascéni

Oratio 1 de Virg. Mariæ Nativit., circa principium

Quóniam futúrum erat ut Dei Génetrix et Virgo ex Anna orirétur, natúra grátiæ fœtum antevértere mínime ausa est; verum tantísper exspectávit, dum grátia fructum suum produxísset. Síquidem oportébat eam primogénitam in lucem edi, quæ rerum ómnium conditárum Primogénitum, in quo ómnia coagmentáta sunt, paritúra erat. O par beátum Jóachim et Anna! vobis omnis creatúra obstrícta est. Per vos enim donum, ómnium donórum præstantíssimum, Creatóri óbtulit, nempe castam matrem, quæ sola Creatóre digna erat.

℣ Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.

℟ Deo grátias.

℟ Amávit eum Dóminus, et ornávit eum: stolam glóriæ índuit eum,

* Et ad portas paradísi coronávit eum.

℣ Índuit eum Dóminus lorícam fídei, et ornávit eum.

℟ Et ad portas paradísi coronávit eum.

℣ Jube, Dómine, benedícere.

Benedictio. Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.

℟ Amen.

Lectio 6

Exsúlta, Jóachim, quóniam ex fília tua Fílius natus est nobis; et vocátur nomen ejus magni consílii, hoc est, salútis totíus mundi Angelus. Pudóre afficiátur Nestórius, ac manum ori impónat. Puer hic Deus est. Quonam ígitur modo ea Dei Génetrix non sit, quæ péperit? Si quis sanctam Dei Genetrícem non confitétur, a Deitáte remótus est. Mea non est hæc orátio, quamquam alióqui mea; hanc enim diviníssimam hereditátem a theólogo patre Gregório accépi. O beátum par Jóachim et Anna! Ac profécto ex ventris vestri fructu immaculáti agnoscímini, quemádmodum Christus quodam loco dixit: Ex frúctibus eórum cognoscétis eos. Ut Deo gratum erat ac dignum ea quæ a vobis orta est, vitæ vestræ ratiónes instituístis. Caste enim ac sancte múnere vestro functi, virginitátis thesáurum produxístis.

℣ Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.

℟ Deo grátias.

℟ Iste homo perfécit ómnia quæ locútus est ei Deus, et dixit ad eum: Ingrédere in réquiem meam:

* Quia te vidi justum coram me ex ómnibus géntibus.

℣ Iste est, qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et pervénit ad cæléstia regna.

℟ Quia te vidi justum coram me ex ómnibus géntibus.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Quia te vidi justum coram me ex ómnibus géntibus.

Nocturnus III

Ant. Dómine, * iste Sanctus habitábit in tabernáculo tuo, operátus est justítiam, requiéscet in monte sancto tuo.

Psalmus 14 [7]

14:1 Dómine, quis habitábit in tabernáculo tuo? * aut quis requiéscet in monte sancto tuo?

14:2 Qui ingréditur sine mácula, * et operátur justítiam:

14:3a Qui lóquitur veritátem in corde suo, * qui non egit dolum in lingua sua:

14:3b Nec fecit próximo suo malum, * et oppróbrium non accépit advérsus próximos suos.

14:4a Ad níhilum dedúctus est in conspéctu ejus malígnus: * timéntes autem Dóminum gloríficat:

14:4b Qui jurat próximo suo, et non décipit, * (5a) qui pecúniam suam non dedit ad usúram, et múnera super innocéntem non accépit.

14:5b Qui facit hæc: * non movébitur in ætérnum.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Dómine, iste Sanctus habitábit in tabernáculo tuo, operátus est justítiam, requiéscet in monte sancto tuo.

Ant. Vitam pétiit * a te, et tribuísti ei, Dómine: glóriam et magnum decórem imposuísti super eum; posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.

Psalmus 20 [8]

20:2 Dómine, in virtúte tua lætábitur rex: * et super salutáre tuum exsultábit veheménter.

20:3 Desidérium cordis ejus tribuísti ei: * et voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.

20:4 Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis: * posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.

20:5 Vitam pétiit a te: * et tribuísti ei longitúdinem diérum in sǽculum, et in sǽculum sǽculi.

20:6 Magna est glória ejus in salutári tuo: * glóriam et magnum decórem impónes super eum.

20:7 Quóniam dabis eum in benedictiónem in sǽculum sǽculi: * lætificábis eum in gáudio cum vultu tuo.

20:8 Quóniam rex sperat in Dómino: * et in misericórdia Altíssimi non commovébitur.

20:9 Inveniátur manus tua ómnibus inimícis tuis: * déxtera tua invéniat omnes, qui te odérunt.

20:10 Pones eos ut clíbanum ignis in témpore vultus tui: * Dóminus in ira sua conturbábit eos, et devorábit eos ignis.

20:11 Fructum eórum de terra perdes: * et semen eórum a fíliis hóminum.

20:12 Quóniam declinavérunt in te mala: * cogitavérunt consília, quæ non potuérunt stabilíre.

20:13 Quóniam pones eos dorsum: * in relíquiis tuis præparábis vultum eórum.

20:14 Exaltáre, Dómine, in virtúte tua: * cantábimus et psallémus virtútes tuas.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Vitam pétiit a te, et tribuísti ei, Dómine: glóriam et magnum decórem imposuísti super eum; posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.

Ant. Hic accípiet * benedictiónem a Dómino, et misericórdiam a Deo salutári suo: quia hæc est generátio quæréntium Dóminum.

Psalmus 23 [9]

23:1 Dómini est terra, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et univérsi qui hábitant in eo.

23:2 Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.

23:3 Quis ascéndet in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?

23:4 Ínnocens mánibus et mundo corde, * qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.

23:5 Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.

23:6 Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.

23:7 Attóllite portas, príncipes, vestras, et elevámini, portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

23:8 Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus fortis et potens: Dóminus potens in prǽlio.

23:9 Attóllite portas, príncipes, vestras, et elevámini, portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

23:10 Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Ant. Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino, et misericórdiam a Deo salutári suo: quia hæc est generátio quæréntium Dóminum.

℣ Lex Dei ejus in corde ipsíus.

℟ Et non supplantabúntur gressus ejus.

Pater Noster dicitur secreto usque ad Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:

℣ Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:

℟ Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.

℟ Amen.

℣ Jube, Dómine, benedícere.

Benedictio. Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.

℟ Amen.

Lectio 7

Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthǽum

Matt 1:1-16

Liber generatiónis Jesu Christi, fílii David, fílii Abraham. Abraham génuit Isaac, Isaac autem génuit Jacob. Et réliqua.

Homilía sancti Joánnis Damascéni

Lib. 4 de Fide orthodoxa, cap. 15 de Domini genealogia et sanctae Dei Genetricis

Quod Joseph ex davídica tribu oríginem dúxerit, sanctíssimi Evangelístæ Matthǽus et Lucas líquido demonstrárunt. Verum, hoc inter eos discríminis est, quod Matthǽus ex Davíde per Salomónem Joséphum dedúcit; Lucas autem per Nathan. At vero sanctæ Vírginis ortum utérque siléntio prætériit. Quocírca scire óperæ prétium est, nec apud Hebrǽos nec apud Scriptúram sacram hoc in more pósitum fuísse, ut mulíerum genus recenserétur. Verum, hoc demum lege cautum erat ne tribus ulla uxóres ex áltera tribu accérseret. Ac proínde Joseph, qui ex tribu davídica ortum trahébat justitiámque colébat (hanc enim laudem ei tríbuit divínum Evangélium), sanctam Vírginem haudquáquam præter legis præscríptum despondísset, nisi ex eódem sceptro genus duxísset. Ob idque satis hábuit Evangelísta demonstrásse, unde Joseph ortum tráxerit.

℣ Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.

℟ Deo grátias.

℟ Iste est qui ante Deum magnas virtútes operátus est, et de omni corde suo laudávit Dóminum:

* Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum.

℣ Ecce homo sine queréla, verus Dei cultor, ábstinens se ab omni ópere malo, et pérmanens in innocéntia sua.

℟ Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum.

℣ Jube, Dómine, benedícere.

Benedictio. Cujus festum cólimus, ipse intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.

℟ Amen.

Lectio 8

Igitur ex stirpe Nathan, fílii David, Levi génuit Melchi et Panthérem. Panther autem génuit Barpanthérem (namque ita vocabátur). Barpánther rursus génuit Jóachim. Jóachim dénique génuit sanctam Dei Genetrícem. Rursus, ex stirpe Salomónis, fílii David, Mathan ex uxóre sua génuit Jacob. Mórtuo autem Mathan, Melchi ex tribu Nathan, fílius Levi ac frater Panthéris, uxórem ipsíus Mathan, quæ étiam Jacóbi mater erat, matrimónio sibi copulávit, atque ex ea génuit Heli. Ita uteríni fratres erant Jacob et Heli; ille nimírum ex tribu Salomónis, hic ex tribu Nathan oriúndus.

℣ Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.

℟ Deo grátias.

℟ Sint lumbi vestri præcíncti, et lucérnæ ardéntes in mánibus vestris:

* Et vos símiles homínibus exspectántibus dóminum suum, quando revertátur a núptiis.

℣ Vigiláte ergo, quia nescítis qua hora Dóminus vester ventúrus sit.

℟ Et vos símiles homínibus exspectántibus dóminum suum, quando revertátur a núptiis.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℟ Et vos símiles homínibus exspectántibus dóminum suum, quando revertátur a núptiis.

℣ Jube, Dómine, benedícere.

Benedictio. Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.

℟ Amen.

Lectio 9

Porro Heli, qui ex tribu Nathan erat, nullis líberis suscéptis, e vita migrávit; eáque de causa Jacob ipsíus frater, qui ex tribu Salomónis flúxerat, ipsíus uxórem accépit, fratríque suo semen excitávit ac Joséphum progénuit. Joseph ítaque natúra quidem fílius Jacob erat, a Salomóne oriúndus; legis autem ratióne patrem habébat Heli, ex Nathan oriúndum. Quæ cum ita sint, Jóachim lectíssimam illam ac summis láudibus dignam mulíerem Annam matrimónio sibi copulávit. Verum, quemádmodum prisca illa Anna, cum sterilitátis morbo laboráret, per oratiónem ac promissiónem, Samuélem procreávit; eódem modo hæc étiam, per obsecratiónem et promissiónem, Dei Genetrícem a Deo accépit, ut ne hic quoque cuíquam ex illústribus matrónis céderet. Itaque grátia (nam hoc sonat Annæ vocábulum) Dóminam parit (id enim Maríæ nómine significátur). Vere étenim rerum ómnium conditárum Dómina facta est, cum Creatóris Mater éxstitit.

℣ Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.

℟ Deo grátias.

Te Deum

Te Deum laudámus: * te Dóminum confitémur.

Te ætérnum Patrem * omnis terra venerátur.

Tibi omnes Ángeli, * tibi Cæli, et univérsæ Potestátes:

Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim * incessábili voce proclámant:

(Fit reverentia) Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus * Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.

Pleni sunt cæli et terra * majestátis glóriæ tuæ.

Te gloriósus * Apostolórum chorus,

Te Prophetárum * laudábilis númerus,

Te Mártyrum candidátus * laudat exércitus.

Te per orbem terrárum * sancta confitétur Ecclésia,

Patrem * imménsæ majestátis;

Venerándum tuum verum * et únicum Fílium;

Sanctum quoque * Paráclitum Spíritum.

Tu Rex glóriæ, * Christe.

Tu Patris * sempitérnus es Fílius.

(Fit reverentia) Tu, ad liberándum susceptúrus hóminem: * non horruísti Vírginis úterum.

Tu, devícto mortis acúleo, * aperuísti credéntibus regna cælórum.

Tu ad déxteram Dei sedes, * in glória Patris.

Judex créderis * esse ventúrus.

(Sequens versus dicitur flexis genibus) Te ergo quǽsumus, tuis fámulis súbveni, * quos pretióso sánguine redemísti.

Ætérna fac cum Sanctis tuis * in glória numerári.

Salvum fac pópulum tuum, Dómine, * et bénedic hereditáti tuæ.

Et rege eos, * et extólle illos usque in ætérnum.

Per síngulos dies * benedícimus te.

(Fit reverentia, secundum consuetudinem) Et laudámus nomen tuum in sǽculum, * et in sǽculum sǽculi.

Dignáre, Dómine, die isto * sine peccáto nos custodíre.

Miserére nostri, Dómine, * miserére nostri.

Fiat misericórdia tua, Dómine, super nos, * quemádmodum sperávimus in te.

In te, Dómine, sperávi: * non confúndar in ætérnum.

Reliqua omittuntur, nisi Laudes separandæ sint.

Nocturn I

Ant. Blessed is the man * who meditates on the law of the Lord: his will remains day and night, and all things whatsoever that he does will always prosper.

Psalm 1 [1]

1:1 Blessed is the man who has not followed the counsel of the impious, † and has not remained in the way of sinners, * and has not sat in the chair of pestilence.

1:2 But his will is with the law of the Lord, * and he will meditate on his law, day and night.

1:3a And he will be like a tree that has been planted beside running waters, * which will provide its fruit in its time,

1:3b and its leaf will not fall away, * and all things whatsoever that he does will prosper.

1:4 Not so the impious, not so. * For they are like the dust that the wind casts along the face of the earth.

1:5 Therefore, the impious will not prevail again in judgment, * nor sinners in the council of the just.

1:6 For the Lord knows the way of the just. * And the path of the impious will pass away.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Blessed is the man who meditates on the law of the Lord: his will remains day and night, and all things whatsoever that he does will always prosper.

Ant. Blessed is this Saint, * who has trusted in the Lord, preached the Lord’s precepts, and been established on his holy mountain.

Psalm 2 [2]

2:1 Why have the Gentiles been seething, * and why have the people been pondering nonsense?

2:2 The kings of the earth have stood up, and the leaders have joined together as one, * against the Lord and against his Christ:

2:3 “Let us shatter their chains * and cast their yoke away from us.”

2:4 He who dwells in heaven will ridicule them, * and the Lord will mock them.

2:5 Then will he speak to them in his anger * and trouble them with his fury.

2:6 Yet I have been appointed king by him over Zion, his holy mountain, * preaching his precepts.

2:7 The Lord has said to me: * You are my son, this day have I begotten you.

2:8 Ask of me and I will give to you: the Gentiles for your inheritance, * and the ends of the earth for your possession.

2:9 You will rule them with an iron rod, * and you will shatter them like a potter’s vessel.

2:10 And now, O kings, understand. * Receive instruction, you who judge the earth.

2:11 Serve the Lord in fear, * and exult in him with trembling.

2:12 Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord might become angry, * and you would perish from the way of the just.

2:13 Though his wrath can flare up in a short time, * blessed are all those who trust in him.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Blessed is this Saint, who has trusted in the Lord, preached the Lord’s precepts, and been established on his holy mountain.

Ant. You, Lord, are my glory, * my supporter, and the one who raises up my head; and you have heard me from your holy mountain.

Psalm 3 [3]

3:2 Lord, why have those who trouble me been multiplied? * Many rise up against me.

3:3 Many say to my soul, * “There is no salvation for him in his God.”

3:4 But you, Lord, are my supporter, * my glory, and the one who raises up my head.

3:5 I have cried out to the Lord with my voice, * and he has heard me from his holy mountain.

3:6 I have slept, and I have been stupefied. * But I awakened because the Lord has taken me up.

3:7 I will not fear the thousands of people surrounding me. * Rise up, Lord. Save me, my God.

3:8 For you have struck all those who oppose me without cause. * You have broken the teeth of sinners.

3:9 Salvation is of the Lord, * and your blessing is upon your people.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. You, Lord, are my glory, my supporter, and the one who raises up my head; and you have heard me from your holy mountain.

℣ The Lord loved him and adorned him.

℟ He clothed him with the robe of glory.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

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 also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. Hear the prayers of your servants, Lord Jesus Christ, and have mercy on us: You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the eternal Father bless us with his everlasting blessing.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 1

From the Book of Sirach

Sir 31:8-11

8 Blessed is the man who is found to be without blemish. And blessed is he who has not gone after gold, nor placed his hope in money or treasures.

9 Who is he? For we should praise him. For he has done wonderful things in his life.

10 He has been tested by it, and has become perfect; he will have eternal glory. He was able to transgress, but he has not transgressed. He was able to do evil, but he has not done evil.

11 Therefore, his good things are established in the Lord, and the entire Church of the saints will proclaim his almsgiving.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Well done, good and faithful servant, because you were faithful over a few things, I will place you over many:

* Enter into the joy of your Lord.

℣ Lord, you entrusted me with five talents; behold, I have gained five more.

℟ Enter into the joy of your Lord.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the Only Begotten Son of God be pleased to bless and assist us.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 2

Sir 32:18-20; 32:28; 33:1-3

18 Whoever fears the Lord will accept his doctrine. And whoever watches for him diligently will find a blessing.

19 Whoever seeks the law will be filled from the law. But whoever acts with treachery will be scandalized by treachery.

20 Those who fear the Lord will find just judgment, and they will kindle justice like a light.

28 Whoever believes God attends to the commandments. And whoever trusts in him will not be diminished.

1 No evils will befall one who fears the Lord. Instead, God will preserve him during temptation and will free him from evils. A wise man does not hate the commandments and the justices.

2 And so he will not be thrown about violently, like a ship in a storm.

3 A man of understanding puts his faith in the law of God, and so the law is faithful to him.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ The just man shall blossom like a lily:

* And shall flourish for ever before the Lord.

℣ Planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.

℟ And shall flourish for ever before the Lord.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the grace of the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 3

Sirach 34:14-20

14 The spirit of those who fear God is sought, and they will be blessed by his providence.

15 For their hope is in him who saves them, and the eyes of God are on those who love him.

16 Those who fear the Lord will tremble at nothing, and they will not be terrified. For he is their hope.

17 The soul of him who fears the Lord is blessed.

18 To whom should he look, and who is his strength?

19 The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him. He is a powerful Protector, a Firmament of virtue, a Shelter from the heat, and a Covering from the midday sun,

20 A Guardian from offenses, and a Helper from falling, who exalts the soul and illuminates the eyes, and who gives health and life and blessing.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ This man knew justice, and saw great wonders, and made supplication to the Most High:

* And he was found in the number of the Saints.

℣ This is he who despised the life of the world, and attained the heavenly kingdoms.

℟ And he was found in the number of the Saints.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ And he was found in the number of the Saints.

Nocturn II

Ant. The Lord heeded * his holy one when he called; the Lord heeded him, and established him in peace.

Psalm 4 [4]

4:2a When I called upon him, the God of my justice heeded me. * In tribulation, you have enlarged me.

4:2b Have mercy on me, * and heed my prayer.

4:3 Sons of men, how long will you be dull in heart, * so that whatever you love is in vain, and whatever you seek is false?

4:4 And know this: the Lord has made wondrous his holy one. * The Lord will heed me when I cry out to him.

4:5 Be angry, and do not be willing to sin. † The things that you say in your hearts: * be sorry for them on your beds.

4:6 Offer the sacrifice of justice, † and hope in the Lord. * Many say, “Who reveals to us what is good?”

4:7 The light of your countenance, Lord, has been sealed upon us. * You have given joy to my heart.

4:8 By the fruit of their grain, wine, and oil, * they have been multiplied.

4:9 In peace itself, * I will sleep and I will rest.

4:10 For you, O Lord, * have established me singularly in hope.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. The Lord heeded his holy one when he called; the Lord heeded him, and established him in peace.

Ant. Let all those who hope in you rejoice, O Lord, * for you have blessed the just; you have crowned him as if with a shield of your good will.

Psalm 5 [5]

5:2 O Lord, listen closely to my words. * Understand my outcry.

5:3 Attend to the voice of my prayer, * my King and my God.

5:4 For to you, I will pray. * In the morning, Lord, you will hear my voice.

5:5 In the morning, I will stand before you, and I will see. * For you are not a God who wills iniquity.

5:6 And the malicious will not dwell close to you, * nor will the unjust endure before your eyes.

5:7a You hate all who work iniquity. * You will destroy all who speak a lie.

5:7b The bloody and deceitful man, the Lord will abominate. * (8a) But I am in the multitude of your mercy.

5:8b I will enter your house. * I will show adoration toward your holy temple, in your fear.

5:9 Lord, lead me in your justice. * Because of my enemies, direct my way in your sight.

5:10 For there is no truth in their mouth: * their heart is vain.

5:11a Their throat is an open sepulcher. † They have acted deceitfully with their tongues. * Judge them, O God.

5:11b Let them fall by their own intentions: † according to the multitude of their impiety, expel them. * For they have provoked you, O Lord.

5:12a But let all those who hope in you rejoice. * They will exult in eternity, and you will dwell in them.

5:12b And all those who love your name will glory in you. * (13a) For you will bless the just.

5:13b You have crowned us, O Lord, * as if with a shield of your good will.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Let all those who hope in you rejoice, O Lord, for you have blessed the just; you have crowned him as if with a shield of your good will.

Ant. O Lord, our Lord, * how admirable is your name throughout all the earth! For you have crowned your Saint with glory and honor, and set him over the works of your hands.

Psalm 8 [6]

8:2a O Lord, our Lord, * how admirable is your name throughout all the earth!

8:2b For your magnificence is elevated * above the heavens.

8:3 Out of the mouths of babes and infants, you have perfected praise, because of your enemies, * so that you may destroy the enemy and the revenger.

8:4 For I will behold your heavens, the works of your fingers: * the moon and the stars, which you have founded.

8:5 What is man, that you are mindful of him, * or the son of man, that you visit him?

8:6 You reduced him to a little less than the Angels; † you have crowned him with glory and honor, * (7) and you have set him over the works of your hands.

8:8 You have subjected all things under his feet, * all sheep and oxen, and in addition: the beasts of the field,

8:9 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, * which pass through the paths of the sea.

8:10 O Lord, our Lord, * how admirable is your name throughout all the earth!

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. O Lord, our Lord, how admirable is your name throughout all the earth! For you have crowned your Saint with glory and honor, and set him over the works of your hands.

℣ The mouth of the just man shall meditate wisdom.

℟ And his tongue shall speak judgment.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. May his loving kindness and mercy assist us, he who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May God the almighty Father be gracious and merciful to us.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 4

Sermon of Saint Epiphanius, Bishop

Oration in Praise of the Virgin, near the beginning

From the root of Jesse sprang King David, and from the tribe of King David came the holy Virgin: holy, I say, and daughter of holy persons, whose parents were Joachim and Anna; who indeed pleased God in their life, and brought forth such a fruit — the holy Virgin Mary, both temple and Mother of God. Moreover, Joachim, Anna, and Mary, these three offered openly to the Trinity the sacrifice of praise. For Joachim is interpreted as the Preparation of the Lord, since from him was prepared the Lord's temple, namely the Virgin. Anna likewise is similarly interpreted as Grace, because Joachim and Anna received grace, so that through the coming of their prayers they brought forth such a fruit, having obtained the holy Virgin; for Joachim prayed on the mountain, and Anna in her garden.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ The Lord made him honorable, and guarded him from his enemies, and protected him from those who would lead him astray:

* And gave him everlasting glory.

℣ The Lord led the just man by straight paths, and showed him the kingdom of God.

℟ And gave him everlasting glory.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 5

Sermon of Saint John Damascene

Oration 1 on the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, near the beginning

Since it was to come about that the Mother of God and Virgin would spring from Anna, nature did not dare in the least to forestall the fruit of grace, but waited until grace had brought forth its fruit. For it was fitting that she who was to give birth to the First-Born of all creatures, in whom all things are held together, should herself be brought forth into the light as firstborn. O blessed pair, Joachim and Anna! All creation is indebted to you. For through you, creation offered to the Creator the most excellent of all gifts — a chaste mother, who alone was worthy of the Creator.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ The Lord loved him and adorned him: he clothed him with a robe of glory,

* And at the gates of paradise he crowned him.

℣ The Lord clothed him with the breastplate of faith, and adorned him.

℟ And at the gates of paradise he crowned him.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May God kindle the fire of his love in our hearts.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 6

Rejoice, Joachim, for from your daughter a Son is born to us; and his name is called the Angel of great counsel, that is, of the salvation of the whole world. Let Nestorius be put to shame and put his hand upon his mouth. This child is God. How then shall she not be the Mother of God who bore him? Whoever does not confess the holy Mother of God is estranged from the Godhead. These words are not mine, though in another sense they are mine; for I received this most divine inheritance from my theological father Gregory. O blessed pair, Joachim and Anna! By the fruit of your womb you are known to be immaculate, even as Christ said in a certain place: By their fruits you shall know them. You ordered the manner of your lives as was pleasing to God and worthy of her who was born of you. For serving your function chastely and holily, you brought forth the treasure of virginity.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ This man fulfilled all that God spoke to him, and God said to him: Enter into my rest:

* For I have seen you to be just before me among all the nations.

℣ This is he who despised the life of the world, and attained the heavenly kingdoms.

℟ For I have seen you to be just before me among all the nations.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ For I have seen you to be just before me among all the nations.

Nocturn III

Ant. O Lord, * this Saint will dwell in your tabernacle; he has worked justice and will rest on your holy mountain.

Psalm 14 [7]

14:1 O Lord, who will dwell in your tabernacle? * Or who will rest on your holy mountain?

14:2 He who walks without blemish * and who works justice.

14:3a He who speaks the truth in his heart, * who has not acted deceitfully with his tongue,

14:3b and has not done evil to his neighbor, * and has not taken up a reproach against his neighbors.

14:4a In his sight, the malicious one has been reduced to nothing, * but he glorifies those who fear the Lord.

14:4b He who swears to his neighbor and does not deceive. * (5a) He who has not given his money in usury, nor accepted bribes against the innocent.

14:5b He who does these things * will be undisturbed for eternity.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. O Lord, this Saint will dwell in your tabernacle; he has worked justice and will rest on your holy mountain.

Ant. He petitioned you for life, * and you have granted it to him, O Lord; glory and great adornment you have laid upon him; you have placed a crown of precious stones on his head.

Psalm 20 [8]

20:2 In your virtue, Lord, the king will rejoice, * and over your salvation, he will exult exceedingly.

20:3 You have granted him the desire of his heart, * and you have not cheated him of the wish of his lips.

20:4 For you have gone ahead of him with blessings of sweetness. * You have placed a crown of precious stones on his head.

20:5 He petitioned you for life, * and you have granted him length of days, in the present time, and forever and ever.

20:6 Great is his glory in your salvation. * Glory and great adornment, you will lay upon him.

20:7 For you will give him as a blessing forever and ever. * You will make him rejoice with gladness in your presence.

20:8 Because the king hopes in the Lord, * and in the mercy of the Most High, he will not be disturbed.

20:9 May your hand be found by all your enemies. * May your right hand discover all those who hate you.

20:10 You will make them like an oven of fire, in the time of your presence. * The Lord will stir them up with his wrath, and fire will devour them.

20:11 You will destroy their fruit from the earth * and their offspring from the sons of men.

20:12 For they have turned evils upon you; * they have devised plans, which they have not been able to accomplish.

20:13 For you will make them turn their back; * with your remnants, you will prepare their countenance.

20:14 Be exalted, Lord, by your own power. * We will play music and sing psalms to your virtues.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. He petitioned you for life, and you have granted it to him, O Lord; glory and great adornment you have laid upon him; you have placed a crown of precious stones on his head.

Ant. He will receive * a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God, his Savior: for this is the generation that seeks the Lord.

Psalm 23 [9]

23:1 The earth and all its fullness belong to the Lord: * the whole world and all that dwells in it.

23:2 For he has founded it upon the seas, * and he has prepared it upon the rivers.

23:3 Who will ascend to the mountain of the Lord? * And who will stand in his holy place?

23:4 The innocent of hands and the clean of heart, * who has not received his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor.

23:5 He will receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God, his Savior.

23:6 This is the generation that seeks him, * that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.

23:7 Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. * And the King of Glory shall enter.

23:8 Who is this King of Glory? * The Lord who is strong and powerful; the Lord powerful in battle.

23:9 Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. * And the King of Glory shall enter.

23:10 Who is this King of Glory? * The Lord of virtue. He himself is the King of Glory.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. He will receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God, his Savior: for this is the generation that seeks the Lord.

℣ The law of his God is in his heart.

℟ And his steps shall not be overthrown.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. May the almighty and merciful Lord absolve us from the bonds of our sins.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the evangelical reading be our salvation and protection.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 7

A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 1:1-16

The book of the lineage of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham conceived Isaac. And Isaac conceived Jacob. And so forth.

A Homily of Saint John Damascene

On the Orthodox Faith, book 4, chapter 15, on the genealogy of the Lord and the holy Mother of God

That Joseph drew his origin from the tribe of David, the most holy Evangelists Matthew and Luke have shown plainly. There is, however, this difference between them: Matthew traces Joseph's lineage from David through Solomon; Luke, however, through Nathan. But the holy Virgin's birth both of them passed over in silence. Therefore it is worth knowing that it was not the custom among the Hebrews, nor in Sacred Scripture, to enumerate the lineage of women. But this much was provided by law: that no tribe should take wives from another tribe. And accordingly Joseph, who was of the tribe of David and who cultivated justice (for this praise the divine Gospel bestows on him), could not have espoused the holy Virgin contrary to the prescription of the law, unless she had drawn her lineage from the same stock. And for this reason the Evangelist was satisfied to have shown from what origin Joseph drew his birth.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ This is he who before God worked great deeds of power, and with his whole heart praised the Lord:

* May he intercede for the sins of all peoples.

℣ Behold a blameless man, a true worshiper of God, abstaining from every evil work, and remaining in his innocence.

℟ May he intercede for the sins of all peoples.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May he whose feast we celebrate intercede for us to the Lord.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 8

Therefore from the line of Nathan, the son of David, Levi begot Melchi and Panther. Panther, however, begot Barpanther (for so he was called). Barpanther in turn begot Joachim. Joachim finally begot the holy Mother of God. Again, from the line of Solomon, the son of David, Mathan begot Jacob by his wife. After Mathan's death, Melchi of the tribe of Nathan — son of Levi and brother of Panther — united to himself in marriage the very wife of Mathan, who was also the mother of Jacob, and begot Heli by her. Thus Jacob and Heli were uterine brothers: the former sprung from the tribe of Solomon, the latter from the tribe of Nathan.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Let your waists be girded, and let lamps be burning in your hands.

* And let you yourselves be like men awaiting their lord, when he will return from the wedding.

℣ Therefore, be vigilant. For you do not know at what hour your Lord will return.

℟ And let you yourselves be like men awaiting their lord, when he will return from the wedding.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ And let you yourselves be like men awaiting their lord, when he will return from the wedding.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the King of Angels lead us to the company of the citizens on high.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 9

Furthermore, Heli, who was of the tribe of Nathan, having begotten no children, departed this life; and for this reason Jacob, his brother, who had descended from the tribe of Solomon, took his wife and raised up seed for his brother and begot Joseph. Joseph, therefore, was by nature the son of Jacob, descended from Solomon; but according to the law he had as his father Heli, descended from Nathan. Such being the case, Joachim took that most excellent and praiseworthy woman Anna to wife. But just as that ancient Anna, when she suffered from the disease of barrenness, brought forth Samuel through prayer and promise, so also this woman in like manner received the Mother of God from God through supplication and promise, so that here too she should yield to none among the illustrious matrons. Thus "Grace" — for that is what the name Anna means — gives birth to "the Lady" — for that is what the name Mary signifies. For she was truly made the Lady of all created things, when she became the Mother of the Creator.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

Te Deum

O God, we praise you; * O Lord, we acclaim you.

Eternal Father, * all the earth reveres you.

To you all the Angels, * the heavens and all the Powers of heaven:

To you the Cherubim and Seraphim * cry out in endless praise:

(A bow is made) Holy, Holy, Holy * Lord God of hosts;

Heaven and earth are filled * with the majesty of your glory.

The glorious choir of Apostles * sings to you,

the noble company of Prophets * praises you,

the white-robed army of Martyrs * glorifies you.

Holy Church throughout the earth * proclaims you,

the Father * of boundless majesty;

your true and only Son, * worthy of adoration;

and the Holy Spirit, * the Paraclete.

You, O Christ, * are the King of glory.

You are * the Father's everlasting Son.

(A bow is made) When you resolved to save the human race, * you did not spurn the Virgin's womb.

You overcame the sting of death * and opened the Kingdom of Heaven to those who put their faith in you.

You are seated at the right hand of God * in the glory of the Father.

We believe you are the Judge * who is to come.

(The following verse is said kneeling) And so we beg you, help your servants, * redeemed by your most precious blood.

Number them * among your Saints in eternal glory.

Save your people, Lord, * and bless your inheritance.

Shepherd them * and raise them to eternal life.

Day by day * we bless you,

(A bow is made, according to custom) and we praise your name * for endless ages evermore.

Be gracious, Lord, on this day, * and keep us from all sin.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, * have mercy.

May your mercy be upon us, Lord, * as we place our trust in you.

In you, O Lord, I rest my hope: * let me never be put to shame.

The rest is omitted unless Lauds is said separately.

Oratio

℣ Dómine, exáudi oratiónem meam.

℟ Et clamor meus ad te véniat.

Orémus.

Deus, qui præ ómnibus Sanctis tuis beátum Jóachim Genetrícis Fílii tui patrem esse voluísti: concéde, quǽsumus; ut, cujus festa venerámur, ejus quoque perpétuo patrocínia sentiámus.

Per eúmdem Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.

℟ Amen.

℣ O Lord, hear my prayer.

℟ And let my cry come before you.

Let us pray.

O God, who willed that blessed Joachim should be father of the Mother of your Son above all your other Saints: grant, we pray, that we, who venerate his feast, may also continually experience his patronage.

Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

Conclusio

℣ Dómine, exáudi oratiónem meam.

℟ Et clamor meus ad te véniat.

℣ Benedicámus Dómino.

℟ Deo grátias.

℣ Fidélium ánimæ per misericórdiam Dei requiéscant in pace.

℟ Amen.

℣ O Lord, hear my prayer.

℟ And let my cry come before you.

℣ Let us bless the Lord.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℣ May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

℟ Amen.