Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

Festal Vespers Hymns & Readings

(USED TOGETHER WITH VESPERS SERVICE BOOK)

By the Grace of God

COMPILED, ADAPTED, EDITED & PRINTED
BY 6 February
MARGUERITE PAIZIS
ARCHONDISSA & TEACHER BY DIVINE GRACE

St Photios of Constantinople
GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE OF ALEXANDRIA & ALL AFRICA

PO BOX 28348
SUNRIDGE PARK
6008
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
MARGUERITE.PAIZIS@GMAIL.COM
OR DOWNLOAD DIRECTLY FROM
MARGUERITE PAIZIS ON SCRIBD OR WWW.SCRIBD.COM/WRITERS4574
RE-EDITED & PUBLISHED - 14 JANUARY 2018
EQUAL TO THE APOSTLES & CONFESSOR
Also the Feast of St Bucolos, Bishop of Smyrna – St
Barsanuphios the Great & St John the Holy Prophet of
Gaza, Palestine – St Dorothy, St Christina, St Callista & St
Theophilos of Caesarea, Cappadocia – St Julian of
Emesa – St Fausta, St Evilasios & St Maximos of Cyzikos –
St Martha & St Mary, Virgin Martyr Sisters of Egypt &
Asia Minor – St Lycarion of Egypt – St Arsenios the
translator, researcher, compiler of manuscripts,
Hymnographer, Philosopher and Great Defender of the
Faith, of Iqalto, Georgia – St Armand, Abbot of
Maastricht

Our Eternal Gratitude to Pater Seraphim Dedes & all others

for the Greek & English texts that make our Worship much easier
to understand, to participate and to appreciate.
Glory to God for His Great Mercy!
www.agesinitiatives.com

NOT FOR MATERIAL PROFIT

12. FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY
 panta periihousan ta perata, ta Jewel, and as a clear sounding
Sotiria Dogmata, ke pantas trumpet, that echoes the Saving
sinagirousan pros sinaspismon Doctrines all over the world, and
asmaton theoprepon. Pros on calls all people to join together in
voisomen. Photologe ke Potonime, singing Godly Hymns. And let us
Hriston ton Theon iketeve, Sothine tas also say to him: “O Father, whose

Festal Vespers Hymns - St Photios of Constantinople

psihas imon. words were Light and whose name
means ‘Light,’ Entreat Christ our God
to Save our soul.
KINDLY USE THE SERVICE BOOK UNTI THIS POINT, THEN CAREFULLY
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO THE FOLLOWING: Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton Now and ever, and to the Ages of
eonon. ages.
HYMN OF THE EVENING INCENSE Amin Amen

THE CONGREGATION MUST STAND FESTAL APOSTICHA - THE MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 4
PSALM 140/141 – TONE 2
Simeron i Iera Mitir, ke tou Ierou Today the Sacred Mother, who is more
Kyrie ekekraxa pros Se, isakouson mou. Lord, I cry out to Thee: hear me, O ipsilotera, epi to Ieron paragegonen, exalted than the Sacred Temple,
Isakouson mou, Kyrie. Kyrie, Lord! O Lord, when I cry out to emfanizousa to kosmo, ton tou went to the Temple, and She
ekekraxa pros Se, isakouson mou, Thee, hear me! Hear my voice, when I kosmou Piitin, ke tou Nomou revealed to the world the Creator of
proshes ti foni tis deiseos mou, en to cry out to Thee! Hear me, O Lord! parouhon, on ke en agkales the world, and the Giver of the Law.
kekragene me pros Se, isakouson ipodexamenos, O presvitis Symeon, When Elder Symeon took Him into
mou Kyrie. geraron ekravgaze, Nin apoliis ton his arms, he rejoiced and cried
Katevthinthito i prosevhi mou os Let my Prayer rise before Thee like doulon Sou, oti idon Se ton Sotira ton aloud: “Now Thou art letting me,
psihon imon. Thy servant, Depart, for I have seen
thimiama enopion Sou. Eparsis ton incense - the lifting up of my hands
Thee, the Saviour of our soul.”
hiron mou Thisia Esperini. Isakouson as the Evening Sacrifice. Hear me, O
RETURN TO THESERVICE BOOK – HYMN OF
mou Kyrie! Lord!
ST SYMEON ‘NIN APOLIIS TON
MENAION – FESTAL STIHERA – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 1 DOULON SOU...” & TRISAGION
Ean anomias paratirisis, Kyrie, Kyrie, If Thou, O Lord, should mark PRAYERS 
tis ipostisete? Oti para Si O ilasmos transgression, O Lord, who would MENAION – FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST PHOTIOS – TONE 4
estin. stand? For there is Forgiveness Os ton Apostolon omotropos, ke ti Resembling the Apostles in Way of Life,
with Thee. Ikoumenis Didaskalos, to Despoti ton O Photios, Teacher of the Universe,
O Piitis ton apanton, ke Litrotis imon, The Creator of all things and our olon iketeve Photie, Irinin ti Ikoumeni Intercede with the Master of all, to
ipo Mitros Parthenou, to Nao Redeemer and Lord was by His Dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon to grant Peace to the whole world, and
prosinehthi. Othen O Presvitis touton Virgin Mother carried into the Mega Eleos. to our soul, His Great Mercy.
lavon, meta haras anekravgaze. Nin Temple, whereupon the Elder took FESTAL APOLYTIKION –MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 1
apoliis ton doulon Sou Agathe, en Him in his embrace and joyfully
Irini os iidokisas. cried out: “Now can Thou Release
Here, Keharitomeni Theotoke Parthene! Rejoice, O Lady Full of Grace, Virgin
me, Thy servant, O Good One, in Ek Sou gar anetilen O Ilios tis Theotokos! For Christ our God, the
Peace according to Thy Will. Dikeosinis, Hristos O Theos imon, Sun of Righteousness has risen from
Fotizon tous en Skoti. Eufrenou ke Thee and He Illumined those in
Eneken tou Onomatos Sou ipemina Se, Because of Thy Law, O Lord, I waited ou Presvita Dikee, examenos en Darkness. And Thou, O Righteous
Kyrie, ipeien i psihi ou is ton Logon for Thee; my soul waited for Thy agkales ton eleftherotin ton psihon Elder, be glad in heart, receiving in
Sou. Ilpisen i psihi moue epi ton Word. My soul Hopes in the Lord. imon harizomenon imin ke tin Thine embrace the One Who
Kyrion. Anastasin (3) Liberates our soul and bestows on us
O Symeon en agkales, ek tis Parthenou Symeon the Elder embraced the Infant
RETURN TO THE SERVICE BOOK -
Resurrection. (3)
lavon, ton Pro Panton Eonon, Saviour, born from the Virgin,
DISMISSAL
Gennithenta Sotira. Idon, anevoa, begotten before all ages, exclaiming:
ton Fotismon, tis Sis Doxis ta perata, “Behold, the Light of Thy Glory to the
nin apoliis ton doulon Sou Agath, en ends of the Universe! Now can Thou
Irini, oti idon Se. release me, Thy servant, O Good, in
Peace for I have beheld Thee!
Apo filakis proias mehri niktos. Apo From the Morning Watch until night;
filakis proias elposato Israil epi ton from the Morning Watch until
Kyrion. night, let Israel Hope in the Lord.

2. FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY 11.
 ekdisopi, tou dorisasthe to kosmo to
Mega Eleos.
To stoma mou lalisi Sofian ke i meleti My
tis kardias mou Sinesin.
Heris Ierarhon O kanon, ke Didaskalon Rejoice, the Rule of Hierarchs, Glorious
O Prostatis O Endoxos, to stoma ton
Theologon, tis Ekklisias Hristou, O
lampros to Logo ke tis Dogmasin.
Pimin Axiagastos, Apostolon
Omotropos, evstomos glossa, pasan
eresin temnousa, osper mhera, oxitati
ke distomos, organon to idifthongon,
O Nous O Ouranios, tis Ekklisias O
Stilos, ton evsevon to krateoma,
Hriston katapempse, tes psihes imon
disopi to Mega Eleos.
I Ieris Sou, Kyrie, endisonte
Dikeosinin, ke i Osii Sou Agalliasi
Agalliasonte.
Heris Patriarhon kalloni! Heris apanton
Iereon to kavhima, Dogmaton pig ii
Thia, tis Ekklisias sterros, stilos te ke
vasis aperitreptos, kanon
akrivestatos, mystografos sofotatos,
Photie Pater, Alithias to erisma, O
Lamprotatos, aristefs ke peridoxos,
anthrope epouranie, epigie Angele,
ton Orthodoxon i Doxa, ton
kakodoxon O pelekis. Hriston mi
ellipsis, iketevin iper panton ton
eufimounton Se.
✞ Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati
FESTAL APOSTICHA – ST PHOTIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE
Eprepe ti Vasilidi ton poleon ke Photion
avhin Arhierea, osper tina kosmon
Vasilikon ke lamprofonon salpinga,
10. FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF
Humility, Sun of Discernment
shining brightly, the Temple of Peace
Divine. And Love for God and
Neighbour were in the House of Thy
Holy soul. To Christ earnestly pray,
and Entreat Him that Great Mercy be
granted to the world.
mouth shall speak Wisdom, and
the meditation of my heart,
understanding.
Champion of Professors and
Teachers all, the Mouth of
Theologians, and the Most Radiant
Star of the Church of Christ in
Dogmas and in world. A Shepherd
deserving praise, Thou modelled
Thyself, O Saint, after Apostles, and
Thou cut out all heresy with Thine
Eloquence like a sharp and two-
edged Sword. Instrument making
sweetest sounds. O Heavenly
Intellect, Thou were the Pillar of
God’s Church, Thou were the
Strength of the Orthodox. To Christ
Earnestly Pray, and Entreat Him that
Great Mercy be bestowed upon our
soul.
Thy Priests shall clothe themselves in
Righteousness. Thy Saints shall
greatly Rejoice.
Rejoice, O Fine Example and Boast of all
Clergy, of Devout Priests and
Patriarchs, Divine Well of Sacred
Doctrines, and the Immutable Base
and Steadfast Pillar of the Church of
Christ! Rejoice, O Father Photios,
Most Precious Rule and Paradigm,
the Wise Recorder of arcane books
and monographs, Illustrious and
Astute Expert on Truth. Thou were a
man, yet Heavenly; and Angel who
lived upon Earth, for all the
Orthodox, Glory, a cutting axe to the
heretics. To Christ earnestly pray,
and Unceasingly Entreat Him for all
who honour Thee.
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit
- TONE (5) PLAGAL 1
It was appropriate that the Queen of
cities should boast of having Photios
as Her Hierarch, as an Imperial
CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY
Ton ep’ eshaton tehthenta, is Sotirian
Vroton, O Symenon vastasa, en
agkales Sotira, heron anevoa. Idon
to Fos ton Ethnon ke tin Doxan tou
Israil, nin apoliis, os Irkas O Theos, ek
ton tide ti Kelefsi Sou.
FESTAL STIHERA – ST PHOTIOS
Oti para to Kyrio to Eleos ke polli par’ For with
afto Litrosis. Ke aftos Litrosete ton
Israil ek pason ton anomion Aftou.
Oti epinefsi Theiki, Megas tis Hristou
Ekklisias, proehiristhis Pimin, ke tin
tis ereseos kathiles eparsin, dielegxas
prosthikin te, tin en to Symbolo, tote i
omigiris Piston ekrotise, hiras en
Hara ekvoosa,  Doxa Si Tris
Panagia! Doxa Si Trias i
Omoousios!
Enite ton Kyrion, panta to Ethni,
epenesate afton, pantes i lai!
Ote par’ anomon Dikaston, Pater
apilathis adikos, tou Sou Pimniou
Sofe, Photie Panthavmase ke ontos
megiste, Ierarha Thespesie, ke file
Kyriou, tote apethavmaan tin
karterian Sou, thamvi sinohi te
kardias, apantes Orthdoxi, Irthi,
legontes, ek mesou nin O Dikeos.
Oti ekrateothi to Eleos Aftou ef’ imas, For His Mercy
ke i Alithia tou Kyriou meni is ton
eona.
Ote
ekimithis ieros, ton Agiis preponta
ipnon, Photie Endoxe, tote Thelogon
Se dimi proepempsan, os sterron
afton promahon, ke panton Angelon,
tagmata ekrotisan en ti anodo Sou.
Tote ke Trias i Agia, iper is sterros
igoniso, Doxis Se Stefanis estefanosen.
FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF
In latter times, born for the Salvation of
mankind, our Saviour Symeon
embraced joyfully, exclaiming:
“Behold the Light of Gentiles and the
Glory of Israel! Now Release me, O
Gracious God, from this life,
according to Thy Command.”
– TONE 2
the Lord there is Mercy, and
with Him is abundant Redemption.
And He will Redeem Israel from all
his transgressions.
When by the Behest and Will fo God
Thou hast been promoted to
Shepherd of the Great Church of
Christ, and Thou hast destroyed the
arrogance of heresy by condemning
addition to the Creed of the Right
Faith, then the Congregation of the
Faithful Orthodox Joyously
applauded and cried out: “ Glory
to Thee, O All Holy Trinity!  Glory
to Thee, O Consubstantial Trinity!”
Praise the Lord, all You Gentiles!
Praise Him, all you peoples!
When Thou were unjustly driven out
from Thy Flock by unlawful Judges,
O Father Photios, Truly Wise and
extremely Wondrous in every way, O
Holy Hierarch Inspired by God, and
Friend of the Master, then Thy
perseverance dazzled all the
Orthodox, who were in amazement
lamenting; and with anguished heart
they said: “Taken from our midst
now is the Righteous One.”
rules over us; and the
Truth of the Lord endures forever.
When Thou fell asleep in Sacred Death,
Slumbering in Sleep that is proper
for Saints, O Glorious Saint, many
Theologians then processed in
honour of Thee, for Thou
championed them mightily. The
Angelic Orders celebrated Thine
Ascent, O Father Photios. Then the
Holy Trinity Crowned Thee with
Immortal Halos of Glory, for Thou
Struggled mightily on Their behalf.
CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY 3.
✞ Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit
MENAION - ST PHOTIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE – TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
Osie Trismakar, Agiotate Pater, O Pimin O Pious, Thrice-Blessed, All Holy Father,
O Kalos, ke tou Arhipimenos Hristou Good Shepherd, and Disciple of
Mathitis, O tithis tin psihin iper ton Christ the Chief Shepherd, Thou laid
Provaton Aftos ke nin panevfime, down Thy Life for the Sheep. O All
Ierotate Photie, Etise presvies Sou, Lauded and Most Holy Photios, pray
dorithine imin to Mega Eleos. for us, that by Thine Intercessions,
the Lord grant us His Great Mercy.
Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton Now and ever, and to the Ages of
eonon. ages.
Amin Amen
MENAION - MEETING/PRESENTATION OF CHRIST – TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
Anigestho i Pili tou Ouranou simeron. O Open the Gates of Heaven today! For
gar anarhos Logos tou Patros, arhin the Father’s Beginningless Logos,
lavon hronikin, mi ekstas tis Aftou having taken a beginning in time and
Theotitos, ipo Marthenou os vrefos not separated from His Divinity, is
tessarakonthimeron, Mitros ekon willingly offered as a Forty-day old
prosferete, en Nao to Nomiko ke Infant, in the Temple of the Law, by
touton agkales isdehete O Presvis. His Virgin Mother. And the Elder
Apolison krazon, O doulos to Despoti. received Him in his arms. “Let me
I gar ofthalmi mou idon to Sotirion depart,” cried the servant to the
Sou, O elthon is ton kosmon, Sose Master, “for my eyes have seen Thy
genos anthropon, Kyrie,  Doxa Si. Salvation.” O Lord, Who came to the
world to Save the human race,
RETURN TO THE SERVICE BOOK – THE Glory to Thee!”
ENTRANCE & “FOS ILARON...” 
✶✶✶ PROKEIMENON - MONDAY EVENING - PSALM 4:
Kyrios isakousete mou, en to kekragene The Lord hears me when I cry out to
me pros afton. Him.
STIHOS En to epikalisthe me isikousas mou, VERSE Thou hast heard me when I called,
O Theos tis Dikeosinis mou, en thlipsi O God of Righteousness. Thou hast
eplatinas me. set me free when I was in trouble.
Kyrios isakousete mou, en to kekragene The Lord hears me when I cry out to
me pros afton. Him.
THE READINGS OF THE DIVINE PROPHECIES
THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON(10:8A, 7A; 3:13-16, 18; 8:32, 34, 4,12, 14, 17, 5-9; 22:24, 22; 15:4B)
Parimion to anagnosma. The Reading is from the Proverbs of
Solomon.
Sofia! Proshomen! Wisdom! Let us attend!
Mnimi Dikeou met’ Egkomion, ke The Remembrance of the Righteous is
Evlogia Kyriou epi kephalin aftou. with Eulogies, and the Blessing of
the Lord is upon their head.
Makarios anthropos, os ever Sofian, ke Blessed is a man who finds Wisdom,
thnitos O si de Fronisin.
and a mortal who sees Discernment.
Kritton gar aftin emporevesthe, i hrisiou For the profits gained from Wisdom are
ke argiriou thisavrous. better than gold and silver.
4. FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY
Ke enedrefsomen ton Dikeon, oti
dishristos imin estin, ke enantioute tis
ergis imon, ke epifimizi imin
amartimata pedias imon.
Epangellete Gnosin ehin Theou, ke Peda He
Kyriou eafton onomazi.
Egeneto imin is eleghon ennion imon -
varis estin imin ke vlepomenos, oti
anomies tis allis O Vios Aftou, ke
exillagmene e Trivi Aftou.
Is kivdilon elogisthimen afto, ke apehete We are considered by Him as ‘a hybrid’,
ton odon imon os apo akatharsion, ke
Makarizi Eshata Dikeon.
Idomen oun, i i Logi Aftou Alithis, ke
pirasomen ta en ekvasi Aftou.
Ivri ke vasano etasomen afton, in
agnomen tin Epiikian Aftou, ke
Dokimasomen tin anexikakian Aftou.
Thanato ashimoni katadikasomen Afton Condemn Him to a shameful death - for
- este gar Aftou Episkopi ek Logon
 Aftou.
Tafta elogisanto ke eplanithisan.
Apetiflose gar aftous i kakia afton.
Ke ouk egnosan Mystiria Theou, oude
ekrinan, oti Si i O Theos Monos, O
Zois ehon ke Thanatou tin exousian,
ke Sozon en kero Thlipseos, ke
riomenos pantos kakou.
O Iktirmon ke Eleimon, ke didous tis
Osiis Sou Harin, ke to So vrahioni tis
iperifanis antitassomenos.
RETURN TO THE SERVICE BOOK – LITANY... 
FESTAL APOSTICHA – ST PHOTIOS
Heris Arhierev tou Hristou! Heris
Pateron to fedron semnologima, O
paxi ke theria, kekosmimenos
lampros, areton ton Thion to
thisavrisma. Praotitos skinoma,
prosevhis endietima, tis aennaou, tis
Sofias kimilion, tapinoseos, to terpnon
katagogion, ilie diakriseos, Irinis to
temenos, diplis Agapis O Ikos, tis pros
Theon ke ton Engista. Hriston
FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF
And let us lie in ambush for the
Righteous Man, because He is
useless to us and opposes our deeds
and accuses us of sins agains our
upbringing.
claims to have Knowledge of God,
and calls Himself a Child of the Lord.
He has become for us as a Refutation of
our purposes – even seeing Him is a
burden to us, because His Life is
unlike that of others – and His Path
goes in a different direction.
and He avoids our ways as
something immoral, and He
considers the Last Things of the
Righteous as Blessed.
See if His Words are True, and let us put
these Last Things to the test at the
end of His Life.
Test Him with insult and torture that
we may know His Gentleness and
test His Patient Endurance.
there shall be a Visiation because of
His Words.
They reasoned these things.
Their malice blinded them.
And they did not know the Mysteries of
God, for His is the Only God Who
Forgives sins, Who has Authority
over Life and Death, and Saves in
times of affliction, and Rescues
from every evil.
He is Kind and Merciful, and to the
humble He grants Grace but opposes
the arrogant.
- TONE (5) PLAGAL 1
Rejoice, O Holy Hierarch of Christ! Thy
Bright Example is the Boast of all the
Fathers! For Thou were adorned in
action and Contemplation, O Saint,
with a Wealth of Virtues most
resplendently. For Gentleness dwelt
in Thee, and in Thee was Unceasing
Prayer, Thou stored up Wisdom like
a Treasure within Thyself, and Thou
were the Fine Dwelling Place of
CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY 9.
Athanasia gar estin i mnimi aftou, oti ke Immortality is in its memory because it
para Theo ginoskete ke para is known both by God and mankind.
anthropis.
Ke aresti Kyrio i psihi aftou. And his soul is pleasing to the Lord.
Epithimisate tigaroun, O andres, Sofian - Yearn for My Words, O mankind, – for
ke pothisate, ke pedevthisesthe. Wisdom - and you will be Instructed.
Arhi gar aftis Agapi, ke trisis Nomon. Such Love is the keeping of Her Laws.
Timisate Sofian, ina is ton eona Honour Wisdom, that you may reign
Vasilefsite. forever.
Apangelo iin, ke ou kripso af’ imon I will hide no Mysteries of God from
Mystyria Theou, oti Aftos ke tis Sofias you for He is also the Guide of
Odigos esti, ke ton Sofon Diorthitis. Wisdom and the Corrector of the
Wise.
Ke en ti Hiri Aftou pasa fronisis ke And in His Hand are both our words
ergasion epistimi. and our works
I panton fronisis edidaze Sofian. The Artisan of all things, Wisdom,
taught me.
Esti gar en Afti Pnevma Noeron, Agion. In Her is a Spirit Who is Rational and
Holy.
Apavgasma Fotos Aidiou, ke Ikon tis She is the Radiance of Eternal Light, a
Agathotitos tou Theou. Spotless Mirror of the Operative
Power of God, and the Image of His
Goodness.
Afti Filous Theou ke Profitas She makes Holy Souls Friends of God
kataskevazi. and Prophets.
Evprepestera de estin Iliou ke iper pasan Wisdom is more Beautiful than the sun
asteron thesin. and more than every Constellation of
Stars.
Foti sigkrinomeni, evriskete protimotera. Compared with light, She is Superior.
Afti tous therapefsantas aftin ek ponon She Delivers from trouble those who
errisato, ke odigisen en trivis evthies. serve Her, and Guides on a Straight
Path.
Edoken aftis Gnosin Agian, ke diefilaxen She gives Knowledge of Holy Things,
aftous apo enedrevonton, ke agona and Protects from enemies, and
ishiron evravevsen aftis, ina gnosi keeps Safe from those who plot
pantes oti dinatotera pantos estin i against Him, and arbitrated a Strong
esevia, ke Si mi katishisi pote kakia Contest for Him, so they might know
Sofias, oud’ ou mi parelefsete that Godliness is more Powerful than
ponirous eleghousa i diki, ipon gar en anything, and evil cannot overcome
aftis logisameni ouk orthos. Wisdom, nor will Jusice, when it
cross-examines, pass Him by.
Katadinastefsomen ton Dikeon, mi They said among themselves, as they
fisometha this Osiotitos Aftou, mide reasoned incorrectly: “Let us oppress
entrapomen polias presvitou the Righteous Man. Let us not spare
polihronious. widows, nor respect the aged grey
hairs of an old man.
Esto de imon i Ishis Nomos. Let our might be our ‘Law of
Righteousness.’
Timiotera de esti lithon politerlon.
(Ouk antitassete afti ouden poniron.
Evgnostos esti pasi tis engizousin
Aftin. Pan de Timion, ouk axion Aftis
estin.)
Ek gar tou stomatos Aftis ekporevete
Dikeosini.
Nomon de ke Eleon epi glossis fori.
Tigaroun, akousate mou, O Tekna. Now, therefore, hear me, my son.
Semna gar ero ke Makarios anthropos - Blessed is the man who shall hearken
os tas Emas Odous Filaxi.
E gar Exodi Mou, Exodi Zois, ke
etimazete Thelisis para Kyriou.
Dia touto parakalo imas, ke proime
Emin Fonin iis anthropon.
Oti Ego, i Sofia, kateskevasa Voulin, ke
Gnosin ke Ennian Ego epekalesamin.
Emi Vouli ke Asfalia., emi Fronisis, emi
de Ishis.
Ego tous Eme filountas Agapo, i de
emezitountes erisousi Harin.
Noisate tinin akaki panourgian, i de
apedevti enthesthe kardian.
Isakousate mou ke palin. Semna gar
ero, ke amigo apo hileon ortha.
Oti Alithian meletisi O larigx mou,
evdeligmena de enantion emou hili
psevdi.
Meta Dikeosinis panta ta rimata tou
stomatos ou - ouden en aftis skoion,
oude strangaliodes.
Panta evtha esti tis Noous, ke ortha tis
evriskousi Gnosin.
Didasko gar imin Alithi, ina genite en
Kyrio i Elpis imon, ke plisthisesthe
Pnevmatos.
Wisdom is more valuable than precious
stones.
(Nothing evil will withstand Her. She is
well known to all who come near
Her. No Honour is worthy of Her.)
Righteousness proceeds from Her
mouth.
She carries Law and Mercy upon Her
tongue.
to Me - who shall Guard My Ways.
For My Issues are the Issues of Life, and
Grace is prepared from the Lord.
Thus I exhort, and utter My Voice to the
sons of men.
For I, Wisdom, dwell with Counsel, and I
call upon Knowledge and
Understanding.
Mine art Counsel and Safety; Mine art
Discernment, and Mine art Strength.
I Love those who Love Me, or those who
seek Me shall find Grace.
Understand astuteness, O Simple Ones -
put it in your heart, O Uninstructed.
Hear Me, for I speak Sacred Things, and
from My Lips I will bring forth
Things that are True.
For My Mouth shall speak Truth, but
false lips are an abomination before
Me.
All the Words of My Mouth are spoken
with Righteousness - there is nothing
crooked or twisted in them.
All things are evident to those who
Understand, and True to those who
find Knowledge.
I Teach Truth, that your Hope might be
in the Lord, and those who Guard it
will be filled with the Spirit.

8. FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY 5.
 THE WISDOM
(PROVERBS 10:32A, 33A; 11:2B, 5A, 6A, 18A; 13:2A, 9A; 15:2A; 14:34A; 22:12. WISDOM OF
SOLOMON 6:12A, 13, 12B, 14A, 15B, 16A; 7:30B; 8:2C, 2A-B, 3B-4, 7B-D, 8, 17C, 18D, 21E; 9:1-3A,
4-5A, 10-11, 14)
Sofias Solomontos to anagnosma.
Sofia! Proshomen!
Stoma Dikeou apostazi Sofian, hili de
andron epistante Haritas.
Stoma Sofon meleta Sofian, Dikeosini de The mouth of the humble meditates on
riete aftous ek Thanatou.
Teletisantos Andros Dikeou, ouk ollite
Elpis.
Iios gar Dikeos gennate is Zoin, ke en
Agathis Aftou Karpon Dikeosinis
trigisi.
Fos Dikeiis dia pantos, ke para Kyriou
evrisousi Harin ke Doxan.
Glossa Sofon kala epistate, ke en kardia The
afton anapafsete Sofia.
Agapa Kyrios Osias Kardias, dekti de
Afto pantes amomi en Odo.
Sofia Kyriou Fotii prosopon sinetou.
Fthani gar tous epithimountas Aftin, pro She
tou gnosthine, ke evheros Theorite
ipo ton Agaponton Aftin.
O orthrisas pros afti, ou kopiasi, ke O
agripnisas di’ aftin, taheos
amerimnos este, oti tous axious Aftis
afti perierhete zitousa, ke en tes trivis
fantazete Aftis evmenos.
Sofias ou katishisi pote kakia.
Dia tafta ke erastis egenomin tou
Kallous Aftis, ke efilisa taftin, ke
exezitisa ek neotitos mou, ke ezitisa
Nimfin agagesthe emafto, oti O
panton Despotis Igapisen Aftin.
Mystis gar esti tis tou Theou Epistimis,
ke eretis ton Ergon Aftou.
6. FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF
OF SOLOMON
The Reading is from the Wisdom of
Solomon
Wisdom! Let us attend!
The mouth of the Righteous distils
Wisdom, the lips of the Righteous
distil Grace.
Wisdom, the Righteousess of the
Upright Delivers them from Death.
When a Righteous man perishes, his
Hope does not.
A Righteous Son is begotten unto Life,
and a Good man eats the Fruits of
Righteousness.
Light is continually with the Righteous,
and from the Lord they will find
Grace and Glory.
tongue of the wise Understands
Good Things, and in the heart there
is Wisdom.
The Lord Loves Holy Hearts, and all the
Blameless are acceptable to Him.
Wisdom of the Lord is Radiant and
Unfading.
comes upon those who long to
know Her beforehand, and is easily
perceived by those who Love Her.
He who rises early in the morning to
seek Her will not grow weary, and he
who keeps Watch for Her will soon
be free from worry, for She goes
about seeking those worthy of Her,
and She appears to them favourably
in their paths.
Wisdom cannot be overcome by evil.
Therefore, I Loved Her Beauty, and
sought Her from my youth, and
desired to take Her as a Bride for
myself, for the Master of all Loves
Her.
She is the Initiate of the Knowledge of
God and One who chooses His
Works.
CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY
I poni Aftis isin Arête, Sofrosinin de ke
fronisin afti didaski, Dikeosinin ke
Andrian, on hrisimoteron ouden estin
en vio anthropis.
I de ke polipirian pothi tis, ide ta arhea
ke ta mellonta ikazis.
Epistate strofas logon ke lisis enigmaton. She Understands subtlety of words and
Simian ke terata proginoski, ke ek vasis She
keron ke hronon, ke pasi Simvoulos
estin Agathi, oti Athanais estin en
Afti, ke evklia en Kinonia logon Aftis.
Dia touto enetihon to Kyrio, ke edeithin So I
Aftou, ke ipon ex olis mou tis kardias:
“Thee Pateron, ke Kyrie tou Eleous, O
piisas tap anta en Logo Sou, ke ti
Sofia Sou kataskevasas ton
anthropon, ina despozi ton ipo Sou
genomenon Ktismaton, ke diepi ton
kosmon en Osiotiti ke Dikeosini: dos
mi tin ton Son Thronon Paredron
Sofian, e mi me apodokimasis ek
pedon Sou, oti ego doulos Sos, ke iios
tis Pediskis Sou.
“Exapostilon Aftin ex Agiou Katikitiriou
Sou, ke apo Thronou Doxis Sou, ina
simparousa mi didaxi me, ti
Evareston esti para Si.
Ke Odigisi me en Gnosi, ke Filaxi me en And
ti Doxi Aftis.
Logismi gar thniton pantes dili, ke
episfalis e epinie afton.
THE BOOK OF THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
(PROVERBS 29:2A; WISDOM OF SOLOMON 4:1B-C, 14A; 6:11, 18A, 21B, 22B; 7:15C, 16A, 21B, 22A, 26,
27D, 29; 10:9, 10A, 10D, 12; 7:30B; 1:8C; 2:1A, 10-11A, 12A, 12B, 12D, 13-16C, 17, 19-22A,
16:13A; WISDOM OF SIRACH 2:11B; WISDOM OF SOLOMON 16:8B; WISDOM OF SIRACH 2:11A; PROVERBS
3:37)
Sofias Solomontos to anagnosma.
Sofia! Proshomen!
Egkomiazomenou Dikeou, Evfranthisonte
lai.
FESTAL VESPERS – ST PHOTIOS OF
The Products of Righteousness are the
Virtues, for Wisdom teaches Self-
control, Discernment, Righteousness
and Courage - nothing more
Valuable in the Life of mankind.
If anyone longs for Great Experience,
She knows the things of old and
portrays the Things to Come.
the solution of riddles.
has Foreknowledge of Signs and
Wonders, and the outcome of times
and seasons, and to all She is a Good
Counsellor, for there is Immortality
in Kinship with Her, and in the
Fellowship of Her words.
Entreated the Lord , and besought
Him, and with all my heart: “O God
of our Fathers, and Lord of Mercy,
Who made all things by Thy Word,
and in Thy Wisdom created man,
that by Thee he might be the Master
of Creation, and manage the world in
Holiness and Righteousness: grant
me the Wisdom that sits by Thy
Throne, and do not reject me from
among Thy servants, for I am Thy
servant and the son of Thy
Maidservant.
“Send Her forth from Thy Holy Heavens,
and send Her from Thy Glorious
Throne, that She might be present
with me, and labour, and that I
might know what is Well-pleasing to
Thee.
She will Guide me wisely and
Guard me with Her Glory.
The reasoning of mortals is cowardly,
and our intentions are unsafe.
The Reading is from the Book of the
Wisdom of Solomon.
Wisdom! Let us attend!
When the Righteous are praised, the
people shall Rejoice.
CONSTANTINOPLE – 5-6 FEBRUARY 7.