East Syrian Daily Offices (Maclean translation)
East Syrian Daily Offices (Maclean translation)
continued
The Festival Night Service
1 Priest. Glory be to God, etc. Ans. Bless, O my Lord. Kiss of peace. Our Father, farced and sung slowly (page 1). Deacon. Let us arise to prayer. Let us pray, Peace be with us. All as on ferias, page 85. Prayer on Sundays and Feasts. Let us arise, O my Lord, in the hidden power of thy Godhead, and let us be confirmed in the wondrous hope of thy majesty, and raised and strengthened by the high arm of thy might; and may we be worthy by the help of thy lovingkindness to lift up to thee praise, and honour, and confession, and worship, at all times, Lord of all, etc. Prayer on Memorials. Let us arise, O my Lord, in thy power, as on ferias. They say, Hallelujah, etc., page 85. Prayer. Strengthen, O our Lord, page 85. They say, Hallelujah, etc. Prayer. May the secret strength, page 86.
2 They say, Hallelujah, etc.
The Hulali and Motwi.
3 On Feasts of our Lord they recite the Psalter from the beginning, and say eleven Hulali (Ps. i. to lxxxi. incl.), with farcings and the proper prayers before each Hulala and each Marmitha (see above, page 86). But they do not say Hallelujah between each Hulala; and each side says two clauses at a time. They say Ps. lxxviii., farced thus: between each pair of clauses Hallelu, four times, Hallelujah in the Nativity of Christ [or Baptism, etc.]. Prayer before the Motwa on Feasts. We beseech thee, O Treasure of helps and Fountain of all benefits, overflowing Sea of compassion and mercy, great Abyss of pardon and pity, turn, O my Lord, and have pity and mercy upon us, as thou art wont, at all times, Lord of all, etc. They say the FIRST MOTWA as in the Geza. At the end of the Motwa they pray. To thy wonderful and unspeakable dispensation, as at the Evening Service, page 80.
4 They say the proper CANON, TISHBUKHTA, and KARUZUTHA for the day. Prayer. Of thee, who art full of mercies and compassion, and of the great riches of the kindness of thy love, and the overflowing treasure of thy compassion, we ask help and strength, deliverance, preservation, and healing for the pains of our bodies and souls. Grant this to us in thy loving-kindness and mercies, as thou art wont, at all times, Lord of all, etc. Another. Blessed and adorable, high and exalted and incomprehensible, are the eternal mercies of thy glorious Trinity, which freely have compassion on sinners, O our good Hope and Refuge full of mercies, who forgivest trespasses and sins, Lord of all, etc. MADRASHA for the day. They say six Hulali (Ps. lxxxii. to cxix. 88 incl.) in the same manner as before. Prayer. O thou who openest thy door, etc. Another. O thou who hearest the voice, etc., both as at the Evening Service, page 83.
5 SECOND MOTWA and CANONS from the Geza. In the THIRD MOTWA of The Company of the Catholici they say the rest of the Psalter, but Deut. xxxii. 21a-44 is said with proper farcings from the Khudhra.
Qali D'Shahra.
6 They say another Hulala, with the following prayers:— Prayer of the First Qala. May the sounds of our Hallelujahs please thee, O our Lord and our God, and the melodies of our songs; and accept from us in thy lovingkindness the spoken fruits of our lips, which with praise we offer to thy glorious Trinity, night and day, Lord of all, etc. Prayer of the Second Qala. Make us worthy, O our Lord and our God, with the watchful ones and the companies of angels, with voices full of confession to sing praise to thy glorious Trinity, night and day, Lord of all, etc. Prayer of the Third Qala. Continual glory, O my Lord, and unceasing Hallelujahs and endless praises, and voices full of confession, every nature of rational beings whom thou hast created is bound to raise to thy glorious Trinity, night and day, Lord of all, etc. The Qali d'Shahra for Feasts are found in the Geza. Two clauses are said at a time by each side, and Hallelujah between the clauses of each pair; some say Hallelujah twice, some thrice. They say the Gloria in the same way. If the Feast does not fall on a Sunday, they kneel down between the Qali.
Night Anthems.
7 Prayer of the first Night Anthem. By the speaking mouths, O my Lord, which thou hast created, and by the glorifying tongues which thou hast appointed, and by all the companies on high and below, may the Name of thy Godhead and of thy majesty be worshipped, glorified, honoured, exalted, confessed, and blessed in heaven and earth, Lord of all, etc. Prayer of the second Anthem. May thy Godhead, O my Lord, be pleased with our service, and may our prayers be received before thee, and may thy mercies greatly intercede for our wickedness, and from thy great treasury may our petitions be answered in our need, at all times, Lord of all, etc. Prayer of the third Anthem. Come, O my Lord, to the help of thy worshippers, who keep vigil on the festival of N; and reveal thyself to us in thy mercy, and hearken to the words of our prayers, which on thy holy festival we offer to thee, Lord of all.
8 Prayer after the Night Anthem. Make us worthy, O our Lord and our God, by pure thoughts and sweet and holy melodies, with the heavenly hosts and the Wise Men and the Shepherds, to celebrate the holy festival of the Nativity of Christ our Lord and Saviour, in thy lovingkindness and mercy, Lord of all, etc. Or this. Answer, O my Lord, them that keep vigil in thy holy festival of N, in thy compassion. And wash the filth of our sins by thy gift; multiply like water the flocks of them that believe in thy salvation, and make firm thy Church, the faithful vine which thou hast planted, Lord of all, etc. They say the proper CANON and its Continuation, and the TISHBUKHTA, Praise to him who is good, as below (page 161). Then the proper KARUZUTHA.
Sundays — The Hulali.
9 On Sundays 'before' they say Hulali 5 to 11 inclusive (Ps. xxxvii. to lxxxi. incl.), without farcings or prayers of the Marmyatha. But the prayers of the Hulali are said, as on ferias. Between each Hulala they sing slowly, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, yea, Hallelujah. Glory be to thee, O God, twice. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, yea Hallelujah. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Let us pray, Peace be with us. Ps. lxxviii. and lxxxi. are farced with Hallelujah between each clause; these are sung slowly. On Sundays 'after' they say Hulali 12 to 18 inclusive (Ps. lxxxii. to cxxxi. incl.), as before, farcing Ps. cxix. v. 89 to the end and Ps. cxxx., with Hallelujah between each clause. These are sung slowly.
Qaltha.
10 Prayer of the Qaltha. For thy nature, etc., page 95. They sing the Qaltha of the day, as in the Khudhra, and the Psalms that follow. Sundays throughout the year 'before.' Ps. lxxxvi. forced after the first clause, and then after every second clause, with Hallelujah. Then Ps. cxxi.; then lxxxviii. 10, 11; then cxxxviii. 7, 8, from Stretch forth thy hand and save me; each psalm forced as above, and so all that follow. Then Glory be, etc. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, yea, Hallelujah. From everlasting, etc. Repeat the first two clauses of Ps. lxxxvi., with Hallelujah, Hallelujah, yea, Hallelujah between them. So on all Sundays. Sundays throughout the year 'after.' Ps. xci., cxxiii. 1-4 (omitting the last clause of v. 3), cii. 26, 27, cxxxviii. part of 7, 8, as above (ending as above). Sundays of Advent 'before.' Substitute Ps. xl. 1-15 for Ps. lxxxvi. above. Sundays of Advent 'after.' Substitute Ps. xlviii. 1-11 for Ps. xci. above.
11 Sundays of the Hallowing of the Church 'before.' Substitute Ps. xlv. for Ps. lxxxvi. above. Sundays of the Hallowing of the Church 'after.' Substitute Ps. lxxxiv. for Ps. xci. above. Palm Sunday. Ps. xcvi., xcvii., xcviii., then cxxi., etc., as on Sundays 'before.' On Feasts and Memorials there is no Qaltha.
MOTWA.
12 Prayer before the Motwa for Sundays. May our prayer, O my Lord, please thee, and may our request come before thee, and from the great treasury of thy compassion may our petitions be answered in our need, at all seasons and times, Lord of all, etc. They say the proper Motwa as given in the Khudhra; then the prayer for the season as at the Evening Prayer. (Prayers after the Royal Anthem, page 80.) 13 TISHBUKHTA OF THE NIGHT SERVICE by Mar Babai the Great, on Sundays from Advent to Epiphany. Blessed is the Compassionate one, who in his lovingkindness. Hath supplied our life in prophecy. With the eye of the Spirit Isaiah saw. The wondrous Child of the Virgin.1 For Mary without union bore. Emmanuel, the son of God. From her the Holy Ghost fashioned. The body which was united (with him), as it is written. That it might be an adorable habitation and temple. For the Brightness of the Father in one Sonship. And at the beginning of his marvellous conception. United it with him in one honour. That he might fulfil in him all things that were his. For the salvation of the world, as seemed good to him. In the day of his Annunciation 2 [or Nativity] the watchful ones glorified him. With their hallelujahs in the heights above. And also the earthly ones offered him worship. With their offerings in one honour. One is Christ the Son of God. Worshipped by all in two natures. In his Godhead begotten of the Father. Without beginning, before all time. In his manhood born 3 of Mary. In the end of times, in the body which was united (with him). His Godhead was not of the nature of (his) mother. And his manhood not of the nature of the Father. The natures are preserved in their qnumi. In one person 5 of one Sonship. And as the Godhead is. Three qnumi 4 (but) one essence. So the sonship of the Son. Is in one person 5 two natures. So the holy Church hath learnt. To confess the Son who is Christ. We worship, O my Lord, thy Godhead. And thy manhood without division. Say this verse thrice. One is the power, one the majesty. One the will, and one the glory. Of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. For ever and ever. Amen and Amen.
14 Another, for all Sundays of the year, by Mar Babai of Nisibis. Glory to thy mercies, which sent thee to us. O Christ the Sun of righteousness. The brightness which shone from the house of David. And called the nations to repentance. 15 Come near, ye penitent, and ask for mercies. While there is time for repentance. Let every man leave that which is in his heart. And ask for mercies with openness of face. Hear our request and grant our petitions. O Christ, who lovest the voice of the penitent. Neglect not, O my Lord, our entreaty. Which we offer to thee in penitence of soul. Thou knowest, O my Lord, that our iniquity is great. Stretch out to us the hand which is full of mercies. We are like unto the younger son in thy sight. Who scattered the goods of the house of his fathers. We have sinned and provoked thee, pity and have mercy. O good and merciful Lord. Let thy mercies pity our trespasses. For by thy living blood thou hast bought us. With the widow we beseech. Thee, the Judge, who aboundest in mercies. Pardon our trespasses and wipe out our sins. O thou who art good, and bearest the burden of our sin. May thy cross be a house of refuge to us. And drive away from us the power of the Evil one. And in that day when the children of Adam. Are shaken together from the dust. And every man is awakened from the sleep. Of mortality for the Questioning. In that judgment when good and bad. Are repaid according to their deeds. May thy compassion intercede for us. And may we not be condemned in thy just judgment. And in that hour when thy mercies shine forth. May we go forth to meet thee according to thy will. And with the saints and just men who loved thee. May we sing glory to thy Godhead. And may we all together lift up glory. To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. To whom be praise from his worshippers. For ever and ever. Amen and Amen.
16 Another, for the Hallowing of the Church, by Mar George, Metropolitan of Nisibis. Glory to thy mercies, O Christ our King. O Son of God, worshipped by all. For thou art our Lord, and thou art our God. And the head of our life and our blessed hope. And thee the companies on high glorify. And the assemblies below with one accord.* Confessing thee that thou art hidden. And wast revealed in our flesh in the latter times. When thy mercies pitied (us), thou wast well pleased in thy love. To come to save us and make free our race. Thou didst heal our pains and didst pardon our trespasses. Thou didst quicken our deadness in thy mercies. And didst raise up on earth a holy Church. After the type of that which is above, in heaven. By a type thou didst foreordain her, in love thou didst espouse her. In mercies thou didst receive her, by suffering thou didst perfect her. And lo, the Enemy of man troubleth her. With his arrogant pertinacity through his ministers. O my Lord, neglect not the holy Church. And let not the promise of thy word be made false. Let not her desirable beauty be disfigured. And her great wealth be made poor. Remember thy promise to Peter. Fulfil in deed that which thou hast spoken. Make firm her gates and make strong her bars. Exalt her horn and lift up her walls. Bless her sons and preserve her children. And give peace to her priests and confound them that hate her.
17 And make thy peace to dwell in her. And bring to nought divisions and schisms in her. And grant us to be a peaceful habitation. Without controversy in the faith. While we keep our faith. In a good hope and perfect love. May our actions also be approved before thee. And may we find mercies in the day of recompense. That without ceasing we may lift up glory. To thy Father, and to the Holy Ghost, through thee. To whom be praise in all generations. For ever and ever, Amen and Amen. 18 They say the KARUZUTHA appointed in the Khudhra. Prayers of the Madrasha. Of thee who art full of mercies, and Blessed and adorable, as above, page 152. MADRASHA for the day, from the Khudhra. Prayer of the first Suyakha. Thee who art hidden from all in thy being, and who art revealed and who shinest forth by the wonderful deeds of thy dispensation, the power of whose might heaven and earth proclaim, we are bound to confess, worship, and glorify, at all times, Lord of all, etc. FIRST SUYAKHA: on Sundays 'before,' Hulala 12 (Ps. lxxxii. to lxxxviii. incl.); on Sundays 'after,' Hulala 19 (Ps. cxxxii. to cxli. incl.). Prayer of the second Suyakha. Thee who art hidden in thy being, and secret in thy Godhead, and unspeakable in thy glory, great King of glory, Being who art from everlasting, we confess, worship, and glorify, at all times, Lord of all, etc.
19 SECOND SUYAKHA: on Sundays 'before,' Hulala 13 (Ps. lxxxix. to xcii. incl.); on Sundays 'after,' Hulala 20 (Ps. cxlii. to cl. incl.). QALI D'SHAHRA. Prayer. May the sounds of our Hallelujahs, as above, page 153. On Sundays 'before' they sing Hulala 14, Marmitha 1 (Ps. xciii., xciv., xcv.); on Sundays 'after,' Hulala 21, Marmitha 1 (Ex. xv. 1-22; Is. xlii. 10-14, and xlv. 8). After each Marmitha, Glory be. From everlasting. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, yea Hallelujah. Let us pray, Peace be with us. Second Prayer. Make us worthy, as above, page 153. On Sundays 'before,' Hulala 14, Marmitha 2 (Ps. xcvi., xcvii., xcviii.); on Sundays 'after,' Hulala 21, Marmitha 2 (Deut. xxxii. 1-21a); the Gloria, etc., as before. Third Prayer. Continual glory, as above, page 153. On Sundays 'before,' Hulala 14, Marmitha 3 (Ps. xcix., c., ci.); on Sundays 'after,' Hulala 21, Marmitha 3 (Deut. xxxii. 21a-44); with Gloria. They repeat the first clause of the Hulala, and say, Let us pray, Peace be with us.
20 Prayer of the Night Anthem. By the speaking mouths, as above, page 154. NIGHT ANTHEM for the day, as in the Khudhra. On Sundays the two last verses are always as follows:— From everlasting to everlasting. O Christ, neglect us not. And be not far from thy worshippers. For in thee, O my Lord, we have taken refuge. Guide us in thy way of life, that we may all sing praise to thee, O Lord God. And let all the people say Amen and Amen. O Mary, the holy Virgin. Mother of Jesus our Saviour. Ps. cvi. 46. Beseech with us of Christ, that he make his peace to dwell among us. And keep us from all harm by night and by day. From the Fast to Pentecost, these verses are not said. In the Annunciation (Advent), the verse And let all the people is not said. They say, Let us pray, Peace be with us.
21 Prayer of the Shubakha on Sundays. Glory to thee from all mouths, and confession from all tongues, and worship and honour and exaltation from all creatures, O secret and glorious Being, who dwellest in the exalted heights, Lord of all, etc. They say the proper SHUBAKHA, two verses at a time, farced with Glory, ingah, ahingah, ahingah, to thee, O Lord. They say the proper Continuation from the Khudhra. 22 TISHBUKHTA by Mar Narsai. Praise to him who in his goodness hath made our race free. From the slavery of the Evil one and of death. And hath made peace between us and the companies of those on high. Who were angry, because of our iniquity. Blessed is the Compassionate one, who, when we sought him not. Came forth to seek us, and rejoiced in (giving) us life. And showed a type of our being lost. And returning again, in the sheep that went astray. The heir, the Son, hath called our nature. Which went astray and returned, and was dead and is quickened again. And hath made glad the spiritual companies. With our repentance and quickening. Unspeakable is the great love. Which the Friend of our race hath showed to us. Who of our race hath made a Mediator. And reconciled the world with his greatness. It is a thing too great for us and for all creatures. It is a new thing which he hath done to our humanity.* That he hath made our body a holy temple. That he might perfect in it the adoration of all. Come, ye earthly and heavenly ones. Wonder and be astonished at the greatness of the step. By which our race hath come to the great heights. Of the incomprehensible Godhead. Let heaven and earth, and all that is in them. Confess with us, him who exalteth our race. Who hath renewed our image, and wiped out our iniquity. And hath called us by his Name, and hath made all things subject to us. He is worthy of glory from all mouths. Who hath lifted us up above all. And let us all give praise to him. For ever and ever, Amen and Amen.
23 KARUZUTHA, as appointed in the Khudhra; or say, Father of mercies (the first part) as above, page 6; or the following. Let us all stand up, etc. (page 6). O thou who didst teach us to pray and not to be slothful, we make request. Answer. O our Lord, have mercy upon us. And so after each clause. O thou who didst spend the night in prayer to God for the salvation of our race, we, etc. O thou who didst give us a proof of thy mercy through our earthly fathers, we, etc. O thou who didst save us from mighty Death, and in whom we trust to save us, we, etc. O thou who didst save us from the power of darkness, and hast brought us to the kingdom of thy well-beloved Son, we, etc. O thou who saidst, Ask and it shall be given you, Seek and ye shall find, Knock and the treasure of mercies shall be opened to you, we, etc.
24 For the welfare of our holy fathers NN, and all those who serve under them, we, etc. O merciful God, who in mercy governest all, we, etc. O thou who art glorified in heaven and worshipped on earth, we, etc. Give us the victory, O Christ our Lord, in thy coming, and give peace to thy Church, saved by thy precious blood, and have mercy upon us.
Memorials
25 HULALI 12, 13, 14 (Psalms lxxxii. to ci. inclusive), with, farcings and prayers both of the Hulali and Marmyatha (page 86). There is no Qaltha on Memorials. Prayer before the Motwa. We beseech thee, etc., as above on Feasts, page 152; and they say the proper Motwa from the Khudhra, and a proper collect, Canon, and Tishbukhta, and the proper Karuzutha and Madrasha with its prayers. The Qali d'Shahra are as noted in the Khudhra, with prayers as above (page 153); then the proper Night Anthem with its prayer (page 154), and Canon instead of the Shubakha with the proper prayer of the season (page 80). TISHBUKHTA. Glory to him who in his goodness, as on Fridays in the ferial service, page 100. They say the Karuzutha appointed in the Khudhra, or one of those given above for Sundays (page 162). Prayer before the Morning Psalms. Make us worthy, O our Lord and our God, according to the will of thy Godhead and thy glorious Majesty, to serve before thee purely and diligently, wakefully and earnestly, justly and uprightly, honestly and in holiness, and without blame. And may our service, O my Lord, please thee, and our prayer and vigil persuade thee, and our request propitiate thee, our beseeching honour thee, and our entreaty appease thee. And may the mercies and compassion of thy Godhead be for the pardon of the trespasses of thy people, and for the forgiveness of the sins of all the sheep of thy pasture, whom thou hast chosen for thyself in thy lovingkindness and mercies, O thou good Friend of the sons of men, Lord of all, etc.
26 They answer, Amen. Bless, O my Lord. Another. Enlighten us, O my Lord, with thy light, and gladden us by thy coming; cause us to rejoice in thy salvation, and make us partakers of thy mysteries. And grant and vouchsafe that, together with the heavenly companies clothed in light, and the bands of angels, with voices full of confession, we may sing praise to thy glorious Trinity, O Creator who rulest all, O Creator who needest not the service of creatures,
The Festival Morning Service
1 who didst create light in thy lovingkindness, and didst order darkness in thy mercy, and gavest light to creation in thy wisdom and knowledge and Godhead which cannot be comprehended by spiritual or earthly beings, Lord of all, etc. Or they use two prayers in the book Abukhalim. They say In the beginning, as in the Khudhra. THE PSALMS. Ps. c. farced with In the beginning, if noted in the Khudhra. If not, as on ferias, but the farcing is said after the second as well as after the first clause. Prayer on Sundays and Feasts. To thee, O my Lord, all creatures whom thou hast created lift up glory and praise. For thou alone art their true light, and dost enlighten the worlds and (all) creatures in thy lovingkindness and mercy, Lord of all, etc. 2 Ps. xci. [If it be a day on which In the beginning is not said, the psalm is sung in the order of the ferial service; otherwise thus.] Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High. And is made glorious in the shadow of God. When the Creator established the light the angels wondered at it. And when it shineth forth each morning let them and us give him glory. Whoso dwelleth . . . and show him my salvation. When the Creator established, etc. Glory be. From everlasting. When thou didst create the light which is poured forth, the spiritual ones glorified thee. And it was made known to them that he who created the light, created them also. Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High. And is made glorious in the shadow of God.* By angels thou art glorified, and by the sons of men thou art praised. And all together with one accord cry and say, Blessed is thy Annunciation [or Nativity, or Baptism, or Resurrection, or Ascension, or Descent of thy Holy Spirit], O Christ our Saviour. Let us pray, Peace be with us.
3 Prayer. Glorious, O my Lord, page 104. Ps. civ. vv. 1-16a. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Glory becometh thee, O God. Bless the Lord, O my soul . . . full of sap. No Gloria. Add, Glory becometh, etc. Ps. cxiii. Praise the Lord ye his servants. O praise the Name of the Lord. Glory becometh thee, O God, for thou art the Creator of the light. Praise the Lord ye his servants . . . mother of children. Glory be. From everlasting.* Praise the Lord ye his servants. Glory becometh, etc. Praise the Lord ye his servants. O praise the Name of the Lord. Glory becometh, etc. Prayer on Sundays and Memorials. Thou, O my Lord, art the Creator of light in thy lovingkindness, and thou orderest the darkness in thy wisdom, and enlightenest creation with thy glorious light. And thee, O my Lord, continual praise without ceasing becometh. And to thy Name is due confession and worship in heaven and earth, Lord of all, etc.
4 Prayer on Feasts of our Lord. Thou, O my Lord, art alone the Creator of light, and thou orderest the darkness in thy wisdom and by thy judgments, and enlightenest creation with thy glorious light, by the instrumentality of the sun and moon, thy luminaries. And from thy bright light resplendent with rays shine all lights by night and by day, the work of thy hands. And to thee is due worship, for thee is praise fitting, for there is none other God but thee, Lord of all, etc. Ps. xciii. The Lord is King and hath put on glorious apparel. We worship thee, O everlasting Being. The Lord is King . . . becometh thine house, O Lord for ever. We worship thee, O everlasting Being. No Gloria. Ps. cxlviii., cxlix., cl., cxvii., without farcing and all under one Gloria. Add, Glorify the Lord, all the whole earth.* O Giver of light, O Lord, even to thee do we lift up glory. Let us pray, Peace be with us.
5 Prayer of the Morning Anthem. To thee, O Christ, the true Light, the glorious Brightness who art of the Father, who wast revealed and didst shine forth in the world, for the renewal and salvation of our nature, in the firstfruits which are of us, we lift up praise, and honour, and confession, and worship, at all times, Lord of all, etc. MORNING ANTHEM for the day, as in the Khudhra or Geza. They repeat it, and say the verse, Glory be, etc. The last verses are invariable, and are as follows:— From everlasting to everlasting. At the early dawn . . . sons of men (three verses), as at the ferial service, page 106. They add, Let us pray, Peace be with us. Prayer. In the glorious light, O my Lord, of thy revelation, and in the joyful Epiphany of thy coming, which all creatures whom thou hast created look for, and hope for, and expect, make us all in thy lovingkindness and mercies worthy to be glad and have joy, with the true sons of thy mysteries in Jerusalem above, Lord of all, etc.
6 TISHBUKHTA by Mar Ephraim the Syrian doctor. A light hath shone forth to the righteous. And gladness to them that are true of heart. Yudh. Jesus our Lord the Christ. Hath shone forth to us from the bosom of his Father. He hath come and taken us out of darkness. And hath enlightened us with his excellent light. Alap. The day hath shone forth on the sons of men. And the power of darkness hath fled. A light hath shone forth for us from his light. And hath enlightened our eyes which were darkened.* Shin. He hath caused his glory to shine forth in the world. And hath enlightened the lowest depths. Death is extinguished and darkness hath fled. And the gates of Sheol are broken. Wau. And he hath enlightened all creatures. Who of old were in darkness. And the dead who lay in the dust arose. And glorified (him) because salvation had come to them. 'E. He gave salvation and granted us life. And was exalted to his Father on high. And furthermore he cometh in his great glory. And enlighteneth the eyes of all who have waited for him. Mim. Our King cometh in his great glory. Let us light our lamps and go forth to meet him. And let us be glad in him as he hath been glad in us. And maketh us glad by his excellent light. Shin. Let us lift up glory to his Majesty. And let us all confess his high Father. Whose mercies are many, and who sent him to us.
7 And hath given us hope and salvation. Yudh. His day suddenly shineth forth. And his saints go forth to meet him. And light their torches. All who have laboured and been wearied and have made themselves ready. Kheith. The angels and watchful ones of heaven are glad. in the glory of the just and righteous. And place crowns on their heads. And with one accord sing praises and halle-lujahs.* Alap. My brethren arise and prepare yourselves. That we may confess our King and our Saviour. Who cometh in his glory and maketh us glad. In his excellent light in the kingdom. 8 If there be a Sugitha it is here added. 9 Another, by Mar Narsai. The light of Christ's Epiphany. Hath made glad earth and heaven. Error, like darkness. Had spread over (all) created things. And the light of Christ hath shone forth. And the world hath gotten comfort. The night is like. Unto the time from Adam till now. And the day of Christ's revelation. Unto the course of hours of the day time. Our Lord also hath named the morning. The beginning of his preaching. And the evening time, the end. Which giveth the world rest from its labour. For this hope were looking. Priests and kings and prophets. And the Creator hath given them rest. In the haven of the day of his revelation. In his revelation (all) created things rested. Which were troubled by sin. And the world began to meditate. On the consideration of things to come. He delivered a new Testament. To them that received his teaching. And impressed it with his own blood. That his promises should not lie. With promises of the kingdom on high. He fixed the course of reasoning beings. And lo, they wait for his revelation. Earthly and heavenly ones. Now the revelation hath drawn nigh. Of the king who reigneth (and is) of our race. Come let us be ready to see him. With the companies of heavenly beings. Let us take to ourselves love as oil. For that day which is full of fear. Lest we hear that voice. I know not your deeds. With the talent of the word of doctrine. May we be paid while we live. That we may be worthy to hear that voice. Come, receive the things promised you. In the hope of life to come. Let us make fast the ship of our mind. And in love and faith. May we reach the haven of joys. They say, A light hath shone forth to the righteous. And gladness to them that are true of heart.
10 Another, of the Company of Ananias. O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. O ye heavens of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. Say the first proper farcing from the Khudhra; then repeat the above; or, Praise him and magnify him for ever. O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. O ye waters that be above the heavens, bless, etc. O all ye powers of the Lord, bless, etc. O ye sun and moon, bless, etc. O ye stars in heaven, bless, etc. O ye rain and dew, bless, etc. O all ye winds, bless, etc. O ye fire and heat, bless, etc. O ye night and day, bless, etc. O ye light and darkness, bless, etc, O ye cold and heat, bless, etc. O ye snow and ice, bless, etc.* O ye lightnings and clouds, bless, etc. O all the earth, bless, etc. O ye mountains and hills, bless, etc. O all that bring forth upon the earth, bless, etc. O ye seas and rivers, bless, etc. O ye springs of water, bless, etc. O ye fishes and all that moveth in the waters, bless, etc. O all ye fowls of heaven, bless, etc. O all ye beasts and cattle, bless, etc. O ye sons of men, bless, etc. O ye sons of men, bless, etc. O ye house of Israel, bless, etc. O ye priests of the Lord, bless, etc. O ye servants of the Lord, bless, etc. O all ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless, etc.
11 O ye perfect and humble men of heart, bless, etc. O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless, etc. O ye apostles and prophets, bless, etc. O ye martyrs of the Lord, bless, etc. O all that stand in the house of the Lord, bless, etc. We praise and exalt (him) for ever and ever. Or, We bless Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for ever and ever, Amen and Amen. Repeat the first farcing. Then, Glory be, etc., and From everlasting, with the second farcing. Repeat O all ye works, etc. O ye heavens, etc., and say the third farcing. 12 Prayer of the Gloria in excelsis, on Sundays and Feasts of our Lord. We glorify, and exalt, and sing hallelujahs and praises to the hidden and sacred Nature, blessed and incomprehensible, of thy glorious Trinity, and thy lovingkindness to our race we are bound to confess, worship, and glorify at all times, Lord of all, etc. TISHBUKHTA. Glory to God in the highest, thrice. And on earth peace. And a good hope to men. We worship thee. We glorify thee. We exalt thee. Being who art from eternity. Hidden and incomprehensible Nature. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. King of kings. And Lord of lords. Who dwellest in the excellent light. Whom no son of man hath seen. Nor can see. Who alone art holy. (And) alone mighty. (And) alone immortal.* We confess thee. Through the Mediator of our blessings. Jesus Christ. The Saviour of the world. And the Son of the Highest. O Lamb of the living God. Who takest away the sins of the world. Have mercy upon us. Thou who sittest at the right hand of thy Father. Receive our request. For thou art our God. And thou art our Lord. And thou art our King. And thou art our Saviour. And thou art the forgiver of our sins. The eyes of all men hang on thee. Jesus Christ. Glory to God thy Father. And to thee and to the Holy Ghost, for ever, Amen.
13 On Memorials is said a proper Tishbukhta from the Khudhra, and the prayer before it is that of the season, as at evening service, page 80. Prayer of HOLY GOD on Sundays and Feasts. To thee, O my Lord, and to thy Christ, and to thy living holy, lifegiving and divine Spirit, we lift up praise, honour, confession, and worship, at all times, Lord of all, etc. On Memorials. Praise to thy Name, and worship to thy Majesty, and continual giving of thanks, are we bound to lift up to thy glorious Trinity, at all times, Lord of all, etc. The deacon sings, Lift up your voices, etc. And they reply, Holy God, etc., as on ferias, page 106, but sung slowly. Then, Let us pray, Peace be with us. Our Father farced (page 1). They give the kiss of peace. Prayer, on Sundays and feasts. O Compassionate one, whose Name is holy, and whose dwelling-place is holy, the place of whose tabernacle is holy; and holy are the exalted hosts who praise thee with holy hallelujahs; who art called holy by spiritual and by earthly beings, with holy voices which cease not; Make holy, O our Lord and our God, the temple of our souls, and purify our thoughts; pardon our trespasses, make white our defilements; and make us, O my Lord, pure sanctuaries for thine exalted Godhead, and temples adorned and befitting the honour of the service of thy love, O thou who makest all holy by the power of thy Word, and of thy Spirit, Lord of all, etc.
14 Another. Holy art thou, O my Lord, continually, and everlastingly glorious. Thou art high and exalted above all, incomprehensibly; thou art worshipped by the watchful ones and men, as Three in One, O great King of glory. O Being who art from everlasting, we confess, worship, and glorify (thee) at all times, Lord of all, etc. On Memorials. O Compassionate one, and Bless, O my Lord, as on ferias, page 106. If the Martyrs' Anthem is said, this prayer is added on Sundays. By the prayer, O my Lord, of the martyrs who desired thee, and the confessors who loved thy Name, and the just who kept thy commandments, and the prophets who announced thy mysteries, and the apostles who preached thy gospel, and the martyrs who suffered for thee, and offered not incense to idols, but to thy holy Name, may the beloved flock of thy pasture be kept from all harm, hidden and open, Lord of all, etc.
15 Then follow the Martyrs' Anthem and prayers, the prayers for help, and the rest as at the ferial service, pages 107, 108, 16.
Martyrs' Anthem. — Sunday Morning 'Before.'
16 And ye are all the children of the most Highest. Or, Ye are the martyrs of the Son and his chosen ones. The martyrs of the holy Son. In a good course were crowned. By the preaching of the truth. And with the angels in heaven. Rejoice and glorify God. Being made intercessors on our behalf. And praise becometh well the just. Famed and holy martyrs. Athletes of the faith. Beg for mercies from God. That he may send us help. Ps. xxxiii. 1. And strengthen our weakness. By the overflowing mercies of his lovingkindness. And sing lustily with the voice. Tell me, martyrs, for whom. Ye endure torments and stripes. And have reckoned death but as sleep? We heard that our Saviour said. He who shall love his life for my sake. Hath everlasting life. Ps. xxxiii. 3. Let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us. May that loving-kindness which preserved. The boy David from Saul. Keep the Church and its children. May priests have concord. Among kings may reconciliation prevail. And may martyrs have the crown of (their) confession. Ps. xxxiii. 21.
17 He divided the rock and the water gushed out. Moses the Captain of the Hebrews. Caused water to gush out from the stone. And gave the rebellious people to drink. How much (more) then shall the bones. Of the martyrs which are placed in the Churches. Cause help to gush out to the sons of men? Ps. lxxviii. 21. Open me the gates of righteousness. Open is the gate of Paradise. And the righteous enter in and dwell. By the fountain of help. And the Right hand receiveth them. Which planted Paradise. And placeth crowns on their heads. headed Of the text, i.e. from the Bible (outside the Psalter), but many are not from the Bible at all. The style of these two anthems is very different from the other Martyrs' Anthems, and they seem to be of a later date. Unto the godly hath shone forth light in the darkness. With light which shone from the sun. As with a garment brighter than snow. Are the righteous clothed in Eden. And are glad and rejoice and exult. Among the trees of Paradise. When they hear the voice of the Son.
18 The light which shone forth for the righteous. Lamps of resplendent light. The martyrs hold in their hands. And wait for the Bridegroom of the Highest. That they may go in with him to the bridechamber. And their lamps go not out. On which their necks sprinkle blood. Look unto him and trust in him. Ye martyrs saw Christ. Bearing his cross on his shoulder. And ye bore your crosses. (And) went out to the four quarters (of the world). And made disciples of (all) creation. In the name of the Trinity. They are not in the labours of other folk. The just who lay down in thy hope. Sleep and are in peace, and at rest. And the watchful ones keep their bodies. And power descendeth from on high. And ever visiteth their bones. Until the day of resurrection. For at the head of the book it is written of me. The company of Ananias in the furnace. Wrote an epistle to Daniel. Come, arise with us in prayer. Daniel wrote its answer. Fear ye not the fire. Which the persecutors have kindled for you.
19 O come, hearken, and I will tell you. Tell us, O Daniel, Child beloved of God. How thou didst see the Ps. lxvi. 14. Son. I saw him flying on the clouds. And like unto the Ancient of days. And his dominion is heaven and earth. His tongue talketh of judgment. Tell us, O Robber. Of the brightness of Paradise. And show us the tree of life. That we may pluck a benefit from it. Love, and hope, and salvation. An offering to the King of kings. The king's daughter stood in glory. The Church is like unto Paradise. And the martyrs within her to trees. And their deaths to precious buds. Ps. xlv. 10. And blessed is he who hath drawn near. To the bones of the saints. And hath received help from them. And the queen on her right hand. The Church went forth with hosannas. To meet the heavenly Bridegroom. And spake with him and said unto him. Come to me, for I have loved thee. And cast off Sion which hath hated thee. And I and my children will worship thee.
20 How good and beautiful. How seemly it is to sing praises. In this holy house. In which are prophets and apostles. And martyrs, and priests, and teachers. And in which is set up the Holy Table. For the pardon of the children of Adam. As an eagle that flieth over his nest. Ye martyrs are like eagles. And more harmless than doves. And lighter than air. When on the sea he calleth, ye answer. And when on dry land, ye neglect (him) not. May your prayer be a wall to us. Stretch forth thy hand and save me. O our Lord, O our Lord, was the cry. Of Simon Peter in the waves. Deliver me, O my Lord, for lo, I sink. Ps. cxxxviii. 7. Our Saviour stretched forth his right hand. And held him by the hand, and said unto him. Be strong, and be not in doubt. In the days of old. A cherub with a sword and spear. Went around Paradise. Lest Adam, who had sinned, should enter in. And our Lord opened it by his cross. And prophets and apostles entered in. And Adam entered in as the son of the King.
21 Give ear, Lord, unto my prayer. On the mount of Horeb, Elijah. Prayed before God. For the people who had trodden down the law. And he bound the doors of heaven. That rain should not come down in its season. On a people who had offended and done wickedly. He spread on them a cloud, and overshadowed them. A cloud of fire went. Before the rebellious people. Ps. cv. 38. When they went out of Egypt. And while they rejected Christ. The holy martyrs received him. And lo, their memorial is in creation. How good and beautiful. How beautiful are the com- panies. And how sweet the voices of the choirs. Of the martyrs who are laid in the churches. And who ask for mercies and compassion. And forgiveness of trespasses and sins. For the children of Adam (who was) of dust. For he hath done a marvellous thing. That which was
22 wrought, etc., as above, page 111. O hear ye this, all ye people. In the morning faithful Ps. xlix. 1. Shmuni, etc., as above, page 111. And your prayers be on all of us. Gadai and Maccabeus, etc., as above, page 111. Like as the arrow in the hand of the giant. How hard was the arrow, etc., as above, page 112. There shall I make the horn to spring forth for David. From the house of David and Abraham. The Creator chose a Virgin. And caused his hidden power to dwell in her. And by the power of the Holy Ghost. She conceived and bore Christ. The Judge of the heights and the depths. Glory be, etc. Glory be to thee, O my Lord, for that thou wast pleased. With the fragrance of the death of thy saints. The martyrs who suffered for thee. And because they loved thee on the earth. Thou didst exalt them in heaven. Glory be to thee, who exaltest thy servants.
23 From everlasting to everlasting. Above in the heights among the watchful ones. Is appointed thy memorial, O our father. With the just who prevailed and conquered. And also with the martyrs who were crowned. Christ the King, whom thou didst love. Maketh thee an heir of the bride-chamber on high. And let all the people say Amen and Amen. O our Lord may thy kingdom come. And may thy will be done on earth. As it is in heaven. And give us the bread of our need. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from the Evil one.* On the first day there is no affliction. Nor torments for the wicked. The fire of Gehenna is extinguished. And every one remaineth at ease. And all cry with one voice. Great is the first day of the week.* Great is the first day of the week. And great is it in heaven. For on it our Lord rose from the grave. And on it the departed are quickened. And put off mortality. And put on the vesture of the resurrection.
Martyrs' Anthem. — Sunday Morning 'After.'
24 He executeth judgment for them that are despised. Or, Verily, verily I say unto you, He that heareth you, heareth me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me. Your labours are not despised, O martyrs. And Christ the King, whom ye loved, passeth not away. On the earth are laid your bones, for ye have conquered. And in the book of life are your names, O friends of the Son. For the glory of thy name. Or, Because they saw that the world passeth away and is destroyed, and that its desirable things are as vanity, and are destroyed and come to nought and are lost, they all said to one another, Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses. Not for the wealth of the world have we loved thee. Say the martyrs to Christ with openness of face. But because we have truly learnt. That thy kingdom and Godhead may not be fathomed.
25 And sing lustily with the voice. Or, Because we have a God who helpeth us, and in the name of his authority we work mighty deeds and signs, and in his Name we throw down high walls. The martyrs say one to another, Come, let us go forth. And bring to nought the error which hath waxed strong in the four quarters (of the world). And in the Name of Jesus we will reprove Satan. And like the walls of Jericho he will fall before us. They sing among the mountains. Or, A report went forth and a decree was heard, Whoso is a Christian, and secretly worshippeth God, shall have his limbs cut off one by one, and shall be cast out to the mountains and hills and seas and islands. Among the mountains and hills the king commanded. That the limbs of the blessed martyrs should be cut off. And the Holy Ghost entered with them to the contest. And gave them the victory in the judgment before the persecutors.
26 The land shall give her increase. Or, In the beginning the Lord blessed the earth, which was cursed by the blood of Abel; and when the blood of the saints was shed, it was drunken therewith, and was blessed that it might give good fruits to God. The earth which was drunken with the blood of the martyrs. Shall give fruits thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and an hundredfold. And in the Church, which hath carried their bones in processions with honour. May the peace of our Lord reign for ever. The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them and delivered them. Or, And they fixed their gaze above, and worshipped the living Father, and lifted up praise to the Son, and entreated the Holy Ghost to weave a crown and place it on their heads. The martyrs cried from the fire to God. For thy sake we die, come thou and help us. And send a watcher from on high to us. The fire saw the spiritual one, and sprinkled dew.
27 Look unto him and trust in him. Or, They cease not from fighting with us, and give no sleep to our eyes; and we put not our armour off from us, and deny not Christ the Son, who suffered for us, and we fear not the fire nor the sword, until the evening of death come. The martyrs saw the terrible swords glittering, and the slayers threatening them, and thus they spoke. By the power which came down and abode on Mount Sinai, and the staff that divided the sea in the hands of Moses. And by him who said, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani. We will not deny Christ, who suffered for us. For thy sake we have been killed daily. Or, Who shall tell your victories, and relate your deeds, O famous martyrs who stood mightily in the contest, and conquered the Evil one valiantly, and endured bitter torments? O martyrs killed for the hope of innocence. May your prayer be a wall to us at all times. And by that power by which ye conquered in the contest. May we conquer the Enemy who fighteth with us.
28 His salvation is nigh them that fear him. Or, The saints heard that voice, and the martyrs hearkened: Whoso confesseth me before the judges of this world, and beareth his cross, and followeth me uprightly, I (will) confess him before God and them that minister to him. The martyrs drew near to entreat God, and this entreaty the just offered to him who is good. By the right hand which divided the sea before the people, and made firm the waves under the feet of Simon Peter. By the majesty which was buffeted in the judgment-hall. Send not the rod of wrath on the inhabited (world). I will speak peace of thee. Or, Thine is the sword, and dire sufferings and torments for a season, and ours are our necks, and the blood of our lives until the evening of death come. Peace to the Company that was crowned. In the days of Sapor, the king of the city of Lidan. In tens they came in (to be slain) by the sword. And their mouth ceased not (to sing) praise.
29 Peace be in thy strength. Or, The heathen king deceived himself, and trusted that by shedding the conquering blood of the famous martyrs the power of Christ the King would be conquered, and his (own) name magnified; and he began to put to death the famous martyrs for the Name of their Lord. Peace to the Company that was crowned. In the days of Chosroes, the king in the country of Persia. And the blessed ones were led as lambs to the slaughter. For their Lord, whose love they desired and whose Name they confessed. And I spake of peace. Or, My peace I give unto you, my peace Ps. cxx. 6. I leave with you. Peace to the Company that St. John xiv. 27. was crowned. In the days of Mar Tahmazgard, in the city of Seleucia. One hundred and fifty thousand were they in number. Who received the testimony and were given the crown.
30 He sent a man before them. Or, Behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise St. as serpents and harmless as doves. As the herald who is sent before a king. His Lord sent Mar Adai to the country of Persia. And like ravening wolves they went out to meet him. And became harmless lambs at his prayers. For thou art my hope from the womb. Or, My soul is exceeding Ps. lxxi. 4, 5. sorrowful, even unto death; tarry ye here, and watch St. with me. And give me peace, and go ye in peace. How sad was holy Mar Shimun. When he said farewell to his city. By God I adjure you, my beloved. Gain ye your lives by fasting and prayers. And from the deep of his heart. Or, The light of his countenance was darkened, and he was disfigured by sadness, for that he was scarcely delivered from the snares of the Evil one, and his eyes were fixed on high, as he asked for salvation in his prayer. How sad was the firstborn Christopher. When the prison-house detained him amidst the harlots. And he fixed his eyes on heaven, saying. Grant me, O my Lord, a terrible appearance, that they look not on me.
31 He shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water. Or, Ps. i. 3. This is he who was chosen from the belly, and sanctified from the womb, and was filled with the grace of the Holy Ghost. Cyriac is like a sweet cluster of grapes. And his mother is like the vine which bare it. Whose root is in earth and whose branches are in heaven. And its fruit giveth help to the sons of men. How good and beautiful. Or, How fitting and beautiful it is when the golden mouth reproveth the heathen king. Thy kingdom and thy dominion abide not, but pass away, and thy diadem and thy crown are destroyed, and thy authority cometh to nought. How fitting it was when the faithful Julitta. Bare her beloved Mar Cyriac. When he reproved the heathen king, and said unto him. Thy diadem and thy dominion come to nought, and thy hope is destroyed.
32 When brethren dwell together in unity. Or, Behold me and the sons which thou hast given me; I offer them as propitiatory sacrifices to thy honour, and as sweet clusters of the vine to thy glory. How fitting was it when faithful Shmuni. Took the seven clusters, the sons of the kingdom. And encouraged them one by one, saying. Draw near and accept the terrible sword, and take to thyself a crown. Let them rejoice in his joy. Or, Lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, where moth doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. Lo, ever-St. lasting joy is laid up on high. For the just who have served and have wrought well in the vineyard of the Son. Come, my brethren, let us walk in love towards them. And reach their habitations by faith. Out of the hand of the ungodly and evil man. brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearer he was dumb, and opened not his
33 mouth in his humiliation. Killed through envy by his wicked brother, was Abel, the firstborn of old of the martyrs. And his blood crieth out on the earth with groaning. And cried like thunder when he was slain. And lo, his Lord, who saw his open oppression, giveth him joy alway in his kingdom. He rode upon the cherubims, and did fly. Or, They are laid in the earth, and their eyes are fixed on high, and they wait for Jesus their Lord coming on the clouds of heaven, that he may give a resurrection to the departed. Above the splendour of the clouds, is borne in procession. The Son of the King, who cometh to make the dead alive again. And the just hear the sound of the trumpet that (goeth) before him. And they are clothed with a vesture of glory, and go forth to meet him. The Lord upholdeth the righteous. Or, As the fragrance of sweet incense and spices the savour of their deeds is wafted on, and help welleth forth from the bones of the saints who loved their Lord. A pillar full of compassion was Mar Augin. And a tree whose smell was pleasant was Mar Kudhahwai. And an olive tree with beauteous branches was Mar Babai. May their prayer be a wall to us at all times.
34 He flew upon the wings of the wind. Or, Hail to the athlete of righteousness, for that he endured, and was not made careless by the snares of the Evil one, who thirsteth for blood. Like a swift deer ran. St. George the illustrious before the persecutors. And the blessed one walked on nails of iron. That by his prayers he might give peace to the world which was in confusion. For that he is thy Lord, worship thou him. Or, Heaven and earth rejoice in him, and Bethlehem, and the Wise men and the shepherds, and Mary his mother, and St. John who preached his Epiphany from one end of the world to the other. O Mary, mother, etc., page 36. The hope of all the ends of the earth. Or, And O thou Hope of all creatures, of the nations far and near, bless thy servants, and keep them from harm, and pour forth on them from thy gift the dew of thy mercies. O Christ, the hope and boast of our nature. Turn to us by the prayer of Mary who bare thee. And by the prayer of the prophets, and apostles, and teachers. Make to pass away from us the destruction which threateneth us.
35 From the rising up of the sun unto the going down thereof. Or, As the fragrance, etc. As a pure pearl without spot. Shone the beauty of Mar Saurishu in the four quarters (of the world). And as the fragrance of sweet incense and spices. The savour of Raban Hurmizd is wafted through all countries. Let thy servants praise thee, O Lord. Or, How good and beautiful and becoming it is when brethren dwell in unity, and order their wills in concord before God. Cf. Ps. cxxxiii. 1. Ps. cxlv. 10. Let both the brothers praise thee, O Lord. Mar Akha and Mar Yukhanan, the blessed pair. Who in one yoke wrought well and served. May their prayer be a wall for us at all seasons. Cf. Ps. cxxxiii. 1. And we were counted as sheep appointed to be slain. First with the sword the proud men killed him. Ps. xliv. 22. And secondly he was fried in the fire by the wicked. And thirdly the impious ones ground him in the mill. And fourthly he was boiled in oil by the oppressors.* And fifthly the blood-shedders fried him in the pan. And sixthly he was stoned with stones by the accursed ones. And seventhly they crushed his bones and cast him out. May our Lord make us worthy to have joy among their companies.
36 Righteous and upright. The king Constantine went forth to war. And spake thus in his prayer before God. When I return in conquest and victory. I will reverence the cross of Christ the King. Deut. xxxii. 4. As a city surrounded by a wall. As a merchant our Lord entered creation. And bought therein a holy Church, and dwelt within it. And raised up in it four wondrous scribes. The altar, and the priesthood, and the cross, and baptism. Ps. cxxii. 3. In the seas and in all deep places. I passed through the seas and trode on the waves. Yet my eyes have seen nought like the ship of Mar Anthony. Which bare prophets and guided apostles. Which bare martyrs and confessors, and went to Eden. From the mouth of young men and boys. Peace to thee, O martyr Mar Pithium. Who wast a father to many in the faith. Peace to thee, who didst With a pure and true heart and perfect love.
37 My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Mary, who bare Christ, rejoiced. And John when he baptized him in the river Jordan. Heaven and earth and Christ, rejoiced. And John when he baptized him in the river Jordan. Heaven and earth and all that is in them rejoice. In the Star which shone forth out of Jacob for the salvation of all. Glory be, etc. Peace to your camp, O blessed ones. Merchants bearing life to the sons of men. Open the treasure of your prayers to the needy. And preserve the country where ye dwell from harm. From everlasting to everlasting. Beg for us all of thy Lord. O our famous and holy father, the friend of the Son. That by thy prayers may be helped and saved. All who are afflicted and distressed, and who take refuge in thee. And let all the people say Amen and Amen. O God, who didst have pity on Nineveh, have pity on us. And cease not to look on our evil generation. For if thou shuttest thy door in the face of us sinners. To whose door shall we go and knock, O thou Friend of men?* Let the voice of our prayer, O Lord, be. As the fragrance of sweet incense before thy greatness. And may our request be the key of the heavenly treasure. To open and bring forth help to the sons of men.* On the first day there is no affliction or torment. For the wicked who have transgressed and wrought wickedness in their deeds. The fire and flame of Gehenna is extinguished. And every one remaineth at ease, and confesseth the Lord.* Blessed is the first and holy day. For on it our Lord rose from the grave in great glory. And on it the departed arise in the quickening. And put off mortality and put on glory.