The translation of the Psalms provided here is from the Psalter of the Seventy, the translation of the Septuagint Psalter made by the fathers of and is used with the permission of the monastery. The numbering is that of the Septuagint Old Testament with the Masoretic numbering provided in parentheses.
The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are the verses usually sung in parishes. Those marked with a cross ( ) are additionaly recommended to be sung in the Divine Liturgy music published by St. Vladimirµs Seminary in 1982. In parishes and most monasteries the usual practice is to sing the Psalm (or selected verses) straight through, singing the Response after the first and last verses. In other places, the custom is to have a canonarch chant the verses of the Psalm (or selected verses), and have the choir/congregation sing the response after each verse.
*Bless the Lord, 0 my soul,
Response: Blessed art Thou, O Lord.
*Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.
*Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all that He hath done for thee,
*Who is gracious unto all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thine
infirmities,
+Who redeemeth thy life from corruption, Who crowneth thee with mercy and
compassion,
+Who fulfilleth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be
renewed as the eagle's.
+The Lord performeth deeds of mercy, and executeth
judgment for all them that are wronged.
+He hath made His ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things
that He hath willed.
*Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, longsuffering
and plenteous in mercy; not unto the end will He be angered, neither unto
eternity will He be wroth.
Not according to our iniquities hath He dealt
with us, neither according to our sins hath He rewarded us.
For according to
the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord hath made His mercy to prevail
over them that fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He
removed our iniquities from us.
Like as a father hath compassion upon his
sons, so hath the Lord had compassion upon them that fear Him; for He knoweth
whereof we are made, He hath remembered that we are dust.
As for man, his
days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom forth.
For
when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it
know the place thereof.
But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even
unto eternity, upon them that fear Him.
And His righteousness is upon sons
of sons, upon them that keep His testament and remember His commandments to do
them.
+The Lord in heaven hath prepared His throne, and His kingdom ruleth
over all.
+Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that
perform His word, to hear the voice of His words.
+Bless the Lord, all ye
His hosts, His ministers that do His will.
+Bless the Lord, all ye His
works, in every place of His dominion. *Bless the Lord, 0 my soul.
Response: Blessed art Thou, O Lord.
The responses are sung straight through by either the choir/congregation or Psaltes in North American parish practice
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour save us!
Through the
prayers of the Theotokos. O |Saviour save us!
Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to
the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*It is good to give praise unto the Lord, and to chant unto Thy name, 0 Most
High,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
save us!
*To proclaim in the morning Thy mercy, and Thy truth by night, on a
psaltery of ten strings, with an ode upon the harp.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For Thou hast
gladdened me, O Lord, by Thy deeds, and in the works of Thy hands will I
rejoice.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
save us!
How great are Thy works, 0 Lord, exceeding deep are Thy thoughts.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
A mindless man
shall not know it, nor shall a stupid man understand it.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
When the sinners
spring up like grass, and all that work iniquity look loftily down,
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
It is that they
may be utterly destroyed unto ages of ages; but Thou art Most High for ever, 0
Lord.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
save us!
For lo, Thine enemies, 0 Lord, for lo, Thine enemies shall perish;
and scattered shall be all thev that work iniquity.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
And lifted high as
that of a unicorn shall be my horn, and mine old age shall be strengthened with
rich oil.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
save us!
And mine eye hath looked down upon mine enemies, and mine ear shall
hear concerning the wicked that rise up against me.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The righteous man
shall flourish like a palm tree, and like a cedar in Lebanon shall he be
multiplied.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the
courts of our God they shall blossom forth.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*They shall still increase in
a ripe old age, and happy shall they be to proclaim that upright is the Lord our
God, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to
the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*I am filled with love, for the Lord will hear the voice of my supplication.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*For He hath
inclined His ear unto me, and in my days will I call upon Him.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*The pangs of
death have encompassed me, the perils of hades have found me
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Tribulation and
sorrow have I found, and I called upon the name of the Lord: 0 Lord, deliver my
soul.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
save us!
Merciful is the Lord and righteous, and our God hath mercy.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The Lord
preserveth the infants; I was brought low and He saved me.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Return, 0 my soul,
unto thy rest, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For He hath
delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from sliding.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
I will be
well-pleasing before the Lord in the land of the living.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever
and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the responses. At Paschal services there is no reading (i.e. simple chanting by a Psaltes or Canonarch,) but everything is sung to the prescribed melodies.
*Shout with jubilation unto the Lord all the earth; chant ye unto His name,
give glory in praise of Him.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Say unto God: How awesome are Thy works! In
the multitude of Thy power shall Thine enemies be proved false unto Thee.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Let all the earth
worship Thee and chant unto Thee; let them chant unto Thy name, 0 Most High.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Come and see the
works of the Lord, how awesome He is in His counsels, more than the sons of men.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
He turneth the sea
into dry land; in the river shallthey pass through on foot.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
There shall we
rejoice in Him, in Him that is ruler in His sovereignty for ever.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
His eyes look upon
the nations; let not them that embitter Him be exalted in themselves.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
O bless our God,
ye nations, and make the voice of His praise to be heard,
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Who hath
established my soul in life, and permitteth not my feet to be shaken.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For Thou hast
proved us, 0 God, and by fire hast Thou tried us even as silver is tried by
fire.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
save us!
Thou hast brought us into the snare, Thou hast laid afflictions
upon our back, Thou madest men to mount upon our heads.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
We went through
fire and water, and Thou didst bring us out into refreshment.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
I will go into Thy
house with a whole-burnt offering; to Thee will I pay my vows which my lips
pronounced and which my mouth had spoken in mine affliction.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Whole-burnt
offerings full of marrow will I offer unto Thee, with incense and rams; oxen and
goats will I offer unto Thee.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Come and hear, and I will declare unto you,
all ye that fear God, what tbings He hatb done for my soul.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Unto Him with my
mouth have I cried, and I exalted Him with my tongue.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
If in my heart I
regarded unrighteousness, let the Lord not hear me.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Wherefore God hath
hearkened unto me, He hath been attentive to the voice of my supplication.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Blessed is God Who
hath not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy away from me.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the
Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of
ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*Clap your hands, all ye nations; shout unto God with a voice of rejoicing,
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*For the Lord Most
High is terrible, a great King over all the earth.
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*He hath subdued peoples
under us, and nations under our feet.
Response: Through the prayers
of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
He hath chosen us for His inheritance,
the beauty of Jacob, which He loved.
Response: Through the prayers
of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*God is gone up in jubilation, the
Lord with the voice of the trumpet.
Response: Through the prayers of
the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
O chant unto our God, chant ye; chant
unto our King, chant ye.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For God is king of all the earth, O chant ye
with understanding.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos,
O Saviour, save us!
God is king over the nations, God sitteth upon His holy
throne.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
save us!
The princes of the peoples are gathered together with the God of
Abraham; for God's mighty ones of the earth are greatly exalted.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the
Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of
ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*The heavens declare the glory of God, and the ament proclaimeth the work of
His hands.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!*
Day unto day poureth forth speech, and night unto ight
proclaimeth knowledge.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
There are no tongues nor words in which their
voices are not heard.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Their sound hath gone forth into all the
earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
In the sun hath He set His
tabernacle; and He, like a bridegroom coming forth from his chamber, will
rejoice like a giant to run his course.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
From the outermost border of
heaven is His going forth, and His goal is unto the outermost part of heaven,
and there shall no man hide himself from His heat.
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The law of the Lord is
blameless, converting souls; the testimony of the, Lord is trustworthy, bringing
wisdom to infants.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
The statutes of the Lord are upright, gladdening the
heart; the commandment of the Lord is farshining, enlightening the eyes.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The fear of the
Lord is pure, enduring for ever and ever; the judgments of the Lord are true,
altogether justified,
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
More to be desired than gold and much
precious stone, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Yea, for Thy
servant keepetb them; in keeping them there is much reward.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
As for
transgressions, who will understand them? From my secret sins cleanse me, and
from those of others spare Thy servant.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
If they have not dominion over
me, then blameless shall I be, and I shall be cleansed from great sin
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
And the sayings of
my mouth shall be unto Thy good pleasure, and the meditation of my heart shall
be before Thee for ever, 0 Lord, my helper and Redeemer.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the
Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of
ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*God, my God, attend to me; why hast Thou forsaken me?
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Far from my
salvation are the works of my transgressions.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*My God, I will cry by day,
and wilt Thou not hearken? and by night, and it shall not be unto for me.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*But as for Thee,
Thou dwellest in the sanctuary, Praise of Israel.
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
In Thee have our fathers
hoped; they hoped, and u didst deliver them.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Unto Thee they cried, and were
saved; in Thee they hoped, and were not brought to shame.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
But as for me, I
am a worm, and not a man, a reproach of men, and the outcast of the people. All
that look upon me have laughed me to scorn; they have spoken with their lips and
have wagged eir heads:
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
He hoped in the Lord; let Him deliver him,
let Him save him, for He desireth him.
Response: Through the prayers
of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For Thou art He that drewest me forth
from the womb; my hope from the breasts of my mother.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
On Thee was I cast
from the womb; from my other's womb, Thou art my God.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Depart not from
me, for tribulation is nigh, for there is none to help me.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Many bullocks have
encircled me, fat bulls have surrounded me.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They have opened their mouth
against me, as might a lion ravenous and roaring.
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
I have been poured out
like water, and scattered are all my bones; my heart is become like wax melting
in the midst of my bowels.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and
my tongue hath cleaved to my throat, and into the dust of death hast Thou
brought me down.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
For many dogs have encircled me, the congregation of evil
doers hath surrounded me; they have pierced my hands and my feet
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They have numbered
all my bones, and they themselves have looked and stared upon me.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They have parted
my garments amongst themselves, and for my vesture have they cast lots.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Rescue my soul
from the sword, even this only-begotten one of mine from the hand of the dog.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Save me from the
mouth of the lion, and my lowliness from the horns of the unicorns.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
I will declare Thy
name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I hymn Thee.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Ye that fear the
Lord, praise Him; all ye that are of the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; let all
fear Him that are of the seed of Israel.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For He hath not set at nought
nor abhorred the supplications of the pauper, nor hath He turned His face from
me; and when I cried unto Him, He hearkened unto me.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
From Thee is my
praise; in the great church will I onfess Thee; my vows will I pay before them
that fear Thee.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
The poor shall eat and be filled, and they that seek e
Lord shall praise Him; their hearts shall live for ever and ever.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
All the ends of
the earth shall remember and shall rn unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the
ations shall worship before Him.
Response: Through the prayers of
the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For the kingdom is the Lord's and He
Himself is overeign of the nations.
Response: Through the prayers of
the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
All they that be fat upon the earth have
eaten and orshipped; all they that go down into the earth shall down before Him.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Yea, my soul
liveth for Him, and my seed shall serve Him.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The generation that cometh
shall be told of the ord, and they shall proclaim His righteousness to a people
that shall be born, which the Lord hath made.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to
the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The usual parish practice is to sing all the verses and responses straight through like a hymn
I will confess Thee, 0 Lord, with my whole heart, I will tell of all Thy
wonders. (Psalm 9:1)
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
In the council of the upright and in the
congregation. Great are the works of the Lord (Psalm 110:1-2)
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Sought out in all
the things that He hath willed. (Psalm 110-2)
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Confession and
majesty are His work, and His righteousness abideth unto ages of ages.
(Psalm 110:3)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*When Israel went out of Egypt, and the house of Jacob from among a
barbarous people,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
* Judea became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*The sea beheld
and fled, Jordan turned back.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The mountains skipped like rams, and the
hills like lambs of flocks.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*What aileth thee, 0 sea, that thou fleddest?
And thou Jordan, that thou didst turn back?
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Ye mountains, that ye skipped
like rams, and ye hills like lambs of flocks?
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
At the presence of the Lord
the earth was shaken, at the presence of the God of Jacob,
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Who turneth the
rock into pools of waters, and the precipice into fountains of waters.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Not unto us, 0
Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy and Thy truth,
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Lest haply the
heathen say: Where is their God?
Response: Through the prayers of
the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
But our God is in heaven and on earth;
all things soever He hath willed, He hath done.
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The idols of the nations
are of silver and gold, the works of the hands of men.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They have a mouth,
but shall not speak; eyes have they, and shall not see.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Ears have they,
and shall not hear; noses have they, and shall not smell.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Hands they have,
and shall not feel; feet have they, and shall not walk; they shall make no sound
in their throat.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
Let those that make them become like unto them, and all
that put their trust in them.
Response: Through the prayers of the
Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord;
their helper and defender is He.
Response: Through the prayers of
the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The house of Aaron hath hoped in the
Lord; their helper and defender is He.
Response: Through the prayers
of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They that fear the Lord have hoped in
the Lord; their helper and defender is He.
Response: Through the
prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The Lord being mindful of us,
hath blessed us.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
He hath blessed the house of Israel, He hath blessed the
house of Aaron.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
He hath blessed them that fear the Lord, the little with
the great.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
The Lord grant you increase, to you and to your children.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Not the dead shall
praise Thee, 0 Lord, nor any that go down to hades.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
But we the living
will bless the Lord from henceforth and for evermore.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the
Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of
ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
The usual Russian parish practice is to sing all the verses and responses straight through like a hymn
Shout with jubilation unto the Lord all the earth; chant ye unto His name,
give glory in praise of Him. (Psalm 65 (66):1-2)
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The voice of Thy thunder
is in their rolling. And Thy lightnings have lightened the world; the earth was
shaken and it trembled. (Psalm 76(77):19)
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Confession and majesty
hast Thou put on, Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment. (Psalm
103(104): 1-2)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through
the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in His
holy mountain (Psalm 47(48):2)
Response: Through the prayers
of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Who settest fast the mountains by Thy
strength, Who art girded round about with power, Who troublest the hollow of the
sea; as for the roar of its waves, who shall withstand them? (Psalm
64(65):7-8)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, save us!
Confession and majesty hast Thou put on, Who coverest
Thyself with light as with a garment. (Psalm 103(104): 1-2)
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The mountains
shall rejoice at the presence of the Lord, for He cometh; yea, He is come to
judge the earth. (Psalm 97(98):8-9)
Glory be to the Father and to
the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response:
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
It should be noted that there is scholarly opinion that the festal antiphons, as they are commonly sung in parish usage, do not represent a reduction of singing (i.e. from singing an entire Psalm with its appropriate responses to just a few verses) but rather that the appointed verses were all that were ever sung. This has its basis at least in part in the example of the antiphons for the Nativity and Transfiguration in which selected verses from different Psalms are sung. On the other hand there are those who point out that the original function of the Antiphons were to accompany stational processions. That is, there would be a procession to the Great Church to celebrate the Liturgy for the day. On the way, the procession would stop at pre-appointed places or stations (such as the tomb containing the relics of the saint being commemorated on that day) where the lesser litanies would be chanted. The Antiphons, according to this understanding, accompanied the procession from station to station until it came to the Church entrance at which time "O come let us worship and fall down before Christ...." was sung as the introit, or entrance hymn. It is not our wish or intention to take sides in a scholarly discussion, to pass judgement on any particular usage, nor to edit the Tradition for future generations. It is rather to give, as completely as possible, those alternatives which are in actual use, are consistent with Church Tradition or which are thought to have some actual historical precedent. It is our hope that in each place the People of God following their appointed clergy may offer the prayer, praise, and thanksgiving of the Divine Liturgy in an attentive and appropriate manner, and yet within the capabilities of the people in each place.