MEMORIAL OF ANGELS St. Michael the Archangel
MEMORIAL OF ANGELS Ramsho St. Michael the Archangel
INTRODUCTION
DOXOLOGY
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as we begin and until we conclude.
May mercy and compassion be poured forth upon us
in this world and the next.
O Lord, our God, to you be glory for ever.
Amen.
OPENING PRAYER
Lord God,
as we celebrate the feast of your angels,
the pure spirits you created to serve you,
in purity of heart and soul,
may we join them in your service,
glorifying you in prayer and song,
now and for ever. Amen.
GREETING
Peace be with the Church and her children.
PRAISE OF THE ANGELS
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace on earth and good will to all.
Praise the Lord all you nations,
glorify him all you peoples,
for steadfast is his mercy toward us,
and the truth of the Lord endures for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
and peace on earth and good will to all.
PSALMODY
FIRST PRAYER
Lord, have mercy on us and save us.
Lord God,
when you desired to become flesh,
you sent Gabriel to announce your conception
to the pure Virgin,
and when you were born in the cave of the Virgin,
you sent your angels to announce peace on earth.
Send us, like your angels, before you
to announce your salvation and proclaim your marvels,
and we will praise you,
now and for ever. Amen.
PSALM OF THE DAY
Antiphon: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise.
Psalm 138
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart,
(for you have heard the words of my mouth;)
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise.;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name,
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
All the kings of the earth shall give
thanks to you, O Lord,
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the Lord:
“Great is the glory of the Lord.”
The Lord is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me;
against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand;
your right hand saves me.
The Lord will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O Lord, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
SECOND PRAYER
Lord, have mercy on us and save us.
O God,
on this evening and every evening
send your angels to guard us while we sleep
from impure thoughts; troubling dreams and from
the realm of darkness;
may they protect us from the evil one and his powers
and turn away from us all dangers of soul and body.
In the morning we will devote ourselves to your service,
and praise and thank you,
now and for ever. Amen.
EVENING PSALMS
Psalm 141:1-4
O Lord, to you I call; hasten to me;
harken to my voice when I call upon you.
Let my prayer come like incense before you;
the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice.
O Lord, set a watch before my mouth,
a guard at the door of my lips.
Let not my heart incline to the evil
of engaging in deeds of wickedness
With men who are evildoers;
and let me not partake of their dainties.
Psalm 142
With a loud voice I cry out to the Lord;
with a loud voice I beseech the Lord.
My complaint I pour out before him;
before him I lay bare my distress.
When my spirit is faint within me,
you know my path.
In the way along which I walk
they have hid a trap for me.
I look to the right to see,
but there is no one who pays me heed.
I have lost all means of escape;
there is no one who cares for my life.
I cry out to you, O Lord:
I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land
of the living.”
Attend to my cry,
for I am brought low indeed.
Rescue me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me.
Lead me forth from prison,
that I may give thanks to your name.
The just shall gather around me
when you have been good to me.
Psalm 119: 105-112
A lamp to my feet is your word,
a light to my path.
I resolve and swear
to keep your just ordinances.
I am very much afflicted;
O Lord, give me life according to your word.
Accept, O Lord, the free homage of my mouth,
and teach me your decrees.
Though constantly I take my life in my hands,
yet I forget not your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but from your precepts I have not strayed.
Your decrees are my inheritance forever;
the joy of my heart they are.
I intend in my heart to fulfill you statutes
always to the letter.
Psalm 117
Praise the Lord, all you nations;
glorify him, all you peoples!
For steadfast is his mercy toward us,
and the truth of the Lord endures for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. Amen.
Alleluia.
[HYMN]
The Hymn, “The Christian Combat” (page 165)or the
Hymn, “The Expectation of the Virgins” (page 166) may be sung following the Evening Psalms.
HOOSOYO
PROEMION
Praise, glory and honor to the One and triune God.
He sent Gabriel to Nazareth to announce his only begotten Son, the eternal Word, who became incarnate of the pure Virgin.
To the life-giving Trinity who chose to dwell in our bodies and souls,
to the Good One, all glory and honor is due this evening,
and all the days of our lives,
now and for ever. Amen.
SEDRO
Glory to you, Most High,
from heaven you came down to the womb of the pure Virgin,
after you sent her your announcing angel
Thus the humble maiden became the Mother of God.
Glory to your Trinity which has created the angels,
who unceasingly praise you and carry out your orders.
They come and go charged with missions and bound to your
service.
One of them was even sent from the heavens to comfort your
incarnate Son in his anguish.
And now we offer you the sweet smelling fragrance of our
incense and our prayers in memory of your holy angels.
We ask you to grant us, through their intercession,
angelic conduct
that like them we may address ourselves to the world as your
messengers and carriers of the good news.
Through them establish your peace in the churches and
monasteries,
in families and among the crowds,
in the schools and meeting places,
between workers and their employers.
Let your angels make the good news reach to the
ends of the earth,
that the world may believe in you, and praise and
glorify the Trinity,
now and for ever. Amen.
QOLO
The vigilant ones in heaven revere you, angels sing,
cherubim glorify and seraphim praise you.
The powers of light surround your throne singing:
“Holy, holy, is the Lord of heavenly hosts.”
ETRO
Christ our God,
you have bestowed your blessings on the world through
your incarnation, death and resurrection.
Bless us on this memorial of the angels to whom you have
entrusted the announcement of salvation.
Grant that our prayer may bring us and those who have
died in the faith your living kindness;
to you be glory, for ever. Amen.
READINGS
MAZMOORO
Blessed is he who has made his angels spirits, his servants a flame of fire; he has placed them on the earth, never to be shaken.
Bless the Lord all you his angels, exalt him all you his saints.
Bless be he who accepts the praise of his people, joining it to that of his angels in heaven.
SYNAXARION
MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
The name “Michael” in Hebrew means “He who is like God.” In the Old Testament, Michael is the “great prince who stands over your people.” He is described as the heavenly spirit who watches over Israel (Daniel 10: 13, 21). In Jude 9, he is referred to as an archangel. Michael and his angels are described in Revelation as battling the dragon (Satan) and the other angels who lost their place in heaven (See Revelation 12: 7-9; Isaiah 14: 12; Ezekiel 21:12).
Michael the Archangel is the source of strength and consolation for God’s people in times of difficulties. Because of his vigilance over People of God, he is invoked as a protector of the Church of Christ against the powers of evil. Churches in his honor date from the fourth century and his cult is widespread. In the East, he is venerated as having a care for the sick.
SCRIPTURE READING
A Reading from the Book of Tobit
Tobit 5: 4-18
Tobiah went to look for someone acquainted with the roads who would travel with him to Media.
As soon as he went out, he found the angel Raphael standing before him, though he did not know that this was an angel of God. Tobiah said to him, “Who are you, young man?” He replied “I am an Israelite, one of your kinsmen. I have come here to work.” Tobiah said, “Do you know the way to Media? The other replied: “Yes, I have been there many times. I know the place well and I know all the routes. I have often traveled to Media; I used to stay with our kinsman Gabael, who lives at Rages in Media. It is a good two days’ travel from Ecbatana to Rages, for Rages is situated at the mountains, Ecbatana out on the plateau.” Tobiah said to him, “Wait for me, young man, till I go back and tell my father; for I need you to make the journey with me. I will, of course, pay you.” Raphael replied, “Very well, I will wait for you; but do not be long.”
Tobiah went back to tell his father Tobit what had happened. He said to him, “I have just found a man who is one of our own Israelite kinsmen!” Tobit said, “Call the man, so that I may find out what family and tribe he comes from, and whether he is trustworthy enough to travel with you, son.” Tobiah went out to summon the man, saying, “Young man, my father would like to see you.” When Raphael entered the house, Tobit greeted him first. Raphael said, “Hearty greetings to you!” Tobit replied: “What joy is left for me any more? Here I am, a blind man who cannot see God’s sunlight, but must remain in darkness, like the dead who no longer see the light!
Though alive, I am among the dead. I can hear a man’s voice, but I cannot see him.” Raphael said, “Take courage! God has healing in store for you; so take courage!” Tobit then said: “My son Tobiah wants to go to Media. Can you go with him to show him the way? I will of course pay you, brother.” Raphael answered: “Yes, I can go with him, for I know all the routes. I have often traveled to Media and crossed all its plains and mountains; so I know every road well.”
Tobit asked, “Brother, tell me, please, what family and tribe are you from?” Raphael said:
“Why? Do you need a tribe and a family? Or are you looking for a hired man to travel with your son?” Tobit replied, “I wish to know truthfully whose son you are, brother, and what your name is.” Raphael answered, “I am Azariah, son of Hananiah the elder, one of your own kinsmen.”
Tobit exclaimed: “Welcome! God save you, brother! Do not be provoked with me, brother, for wanting to learn the truth about your family. So it turns out that you are a kinsman, and from a noble and good line! I knew Hananiah and Nathaniah, the two sons of Shemaiah the elder; with me they used to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where we would worship together. No, they did not stray from the right path; your kinsmen are good men. You are certainly of good lineage, and welcome!” Then he added: “For each day you are away I will give you the normal wages, plus expenses for you and for my son. If you go with my son, I will even add a bonus to your wages!” Raphael replied: “I will go with him; have no fear. In good health we shall leave you, and in good health we shall return to you, for the way is safe.” Tobit said,
“God bless you, brother.” Then he called his son and said to him: “My son, prepare whatever you need for the journey, and set out with your kinsman. May God in heaven protect you on the way and bring you back to me safe and sound; and may his angel accompany you for safety, my son.” Before setting out on his journey, Tobiah kissed his father and mother. Tobit said to him, “Have a safe journey.” But his mother began to weep. She said to Tobit: “Why have you decided to send my child away? Is he not the staff to which we cling, ever there with us in all that we do?
SUPPLICATION
O Lord of night and Master of all time, hear our supplications and have mercy on us.
You reconciled heaven and earth, grant peace to your Church,
and keep her children in the light of the cross.
The myriads of angels serve you in magnificent robes; praising you unceasingly with sweet voices; they stand in your
presence without daring to raise their eyes to your celestial
throne.
We praise you, O God, with the cherubim and the seraphim,
under the direction of Gabriel and Michael, with the ranks
of the righteous and just, for ever.
The heavens proclaim your glory and the earth shows forth the
work of your hands. your throne is higher than the angels
of burning fire; adoration to the Son, whom the angel came
to announce; thanksgiving to the Spirit, who sanctifies all
living beings; the Trinity, one God, to whom be glory for ever.
The Virgin Mary, your Mother and the apostles, prophets and
martyrs intercede for us; O God, through their prayers
strengthen the weak, comfort the sick, grant pardon to the
deceased, and forgive the faults of us poor sinners.
Exalt, O Lord, the memory of your Mother and of your saints;
through their prayers grant pardon to us and our deceased.
Through the prayers of your Mother, the prophets, apostles
and martyrs, watch over the living, and in your mercy,
forgive those who have died.
HOOTOMO
Let us thank, adore, and praise the holy and glorious Trinity: Father, Son, ✛Holy Spirit. Amen.
TRISAGION
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Holy are you, O God;
Holy are you, O Strong One;
Holy are you, O Immortal One;
have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, forgive us and have mercy on us.
Lord, hear us and have mercy on us.
Lord, accept our worship and our prayers.
Lord, come to our assistance and have mercy on us.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who are in heaven;
hallowed be your name;
your kingdom come;
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil,
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
O Lord, the night and the day are yours;
you uphold the light and the sun.
Through your power you direct the sequence of the seasons.
O Lord,
you have brought the day to its close and called forth the night; be for us that great Day that never ends.
In the evening let your light shine in our hearts,
and in the darkness of the night
enlighten us with the knowledge of your truth.
And so, through all the days of our lives,
we shall praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
To you be glory and may your mercy rest upon us,
now and for ever.
Amen.
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
Let us thank God for all the graces he has bestowed on us
this day which has passed in calm and peace.
Let us recall our failings against the commandments of God
and the Church in thought, word, deed and omission
We ask for God’s pardon as we pray:
“Forgive us, Jesus!”
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to you, O Lord.
Glory be to you, O Lord.
Glory be to you, O Lord.
God,
Father in heaven,
by your living and holy name,
keep us from evil an lead us not into temptation;
for we call upon you, O Lord, our God, our constant hope,
glory to you for ever.
O Lord, our Lord,
may our humble worship be pleasing to you;
may our prayers come before you and our actions give
you honor.
Let you mercy, kindness, help, graces and divine love
be poured abundantly upon us poor sinners,
both in heaven and on the earth
which you have created in your goodness.
O Lord, our God, to you be glory for ever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
O God,
through the prayers of your Mother and the saints who have
believed in you;
through the prayers of the prophets, apostles, martyrs and
confessors;
through the prayers of the just, the priests, the holy fathers, pastors and teachers of the truth faith;
and through the prayers of N., Pope of Rome, N., our Patriarch, and N., our Bishop,
forgive your people and have mercy on your flock.
May God bless, forgive, sanctify, purify, and keep each of the faithful united with us in this spiritual office.
May mercy and compassion be upon us and all the faithful who
dwell here.
May peaceful rest be granted to those who have died in the faith.
May the faithful who live here experience the protection of
Christ’s victorious cross.
May we and all his servants, who adore him with bowed heads,
receive the mercy of the holy and glorious Trinity
Father, Son, ✛ Holy Spirit, to whom be glory now and for ever.
Amen.
May God forgive your sins,
pardon your failings,
and deliver you from the power of the enemy.
May he grant you the remission of your offenses.
Go in peace, and pray to Christ for me.