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Matins |
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The
first part of Matins is in the Ordinary
Invitatory and Hymn
First Nocturn
Second Nocturn
Third Nocturn
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First Nocturn |
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The Lessons for the First Nocturn
are taken from the occurrent Scripture. If, however, they are to be
taken from the Common, they are read from that of a Doctor of the Church,
Sapientiam.
Scripture
Lessons
Lessons from
Common of Doctor
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Second Nocturn |
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Absolutio:
Ipsíus píetas
et misericórdia nos
ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu
Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R. Amen. |
Absolution:
May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us. Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R. Amen. |
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V.
Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
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Benedíctio
4: Deus Pater omnípotens
sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R. Amen. |
Benediction
4: May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R. Amen. |
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Lesson iv |
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Basilíus, nobilis Cáppadox,
Athénis una cum Gregório Nazianzéno, ejus amicíssimo, sæculáribus lítteris,
deínde in monastério sacris mirabíliter erudítus, eum brevi cursum fecit
ad omnem doctrínæ et morum excelléntiam, ut inde Magni cognómen invénerit.
Is ad prædicándum Jesu Christi Evangélium in Pontum accersítus, eam
provínciam, a christiánis institútis aberrántem, ad viam salútis revocávit.
Mox ab Eusébio Cæsaréæ epíscopo ad erudiéndam eam civitátem adjútor
adhibétur : in cujus locum póstea succéssit. Is Fílium Patri
consubstantiálem esse in primis deféndit, ac Valéntem imperatórem, sibi
irátum, miráculis ádeo flexit, ut, incumbéntem ad voluntátem ejíciéndi
ipsum in exsílium, a senténtia discédere coégerit. |
Basil was a noble Cappadocian who studied earthly
learning at Athens, in company with Gregory of Nazianzus, to whom he was
united in a warm and tender friendship. He afterwards studied things
sacred in a monastery, where he quickly attained an eminent degree of
excellence in doctrine and life, whereby he gained to himself the surname
of The Great. He was called to Pontus to preach the Gospel of Christ
Jesus, and brought back into the way of salvation that country which
before had been wandering astray from the rules of Christian discipline.
He was shortly united as coadjútor to Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea, for
the edification of that city, and afterwards became his successor in the
see. One of his greatest labours was to maintain that the Son is of
one Substance with the Father, and when the Emperor Valens, moved to wrath
against him, was willing to send him into exile, he so bent him by dint of
the miracles which he worked that he forced him to forego his intention. |
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V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R. Deo grátias. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Thanks be to God. |
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R. Invéni
David servum meum, óleo sancto meo unxi eum :
* Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei.
V.
Nihil profíciet inimícus in eo, et
fílius iniquitátis non nocébit ei.
R. Manus enim mea auxiliábitur
ei. |
R. I have
found David my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him.
* My hand shall hold him fast.
V.
The enemy shall not be able to do him
violence ; the son of wickedness shall not hurt him.
R. My hand shall hold him fast. |
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V.
Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
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Benedíctio
5: Christus perpétuæ
det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R. Amen. |
Benediction
5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R. Amen. |
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Lesson v |
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Nam et Valéntis sella, in qua factúrus decrétum de
ejiciéndo e civitáte Basilío, sedére volébat,
confrácta est. Et tribus ab eo cálamis adhíbitis ad scribéndam
exsílii legem, nullus eórum réddidit atraméntum ; et, cum nihilóminus in
propósito scribéndi ímpium decrétum persísteret, ipsíus déxtera,
dissolútis nervis, tota contrémuit. His commótus Valens chartam
utráque manu conscídit. Ea autem nocte, quæ ad deliberándum Basilío data est, Valéntis uxor íntimis est cruciáta dolóribus, et únicus fílius
in gravem morbum íncidit. Quibus ille pertérritus, iniquitátem suam
recognóscens, Basilíum accérsit, quo præsénte, puer cœpit convaléscere ;
verum, vocátis a Valénte ad viséndum púerum hæréticis, paulo post móritur. |
The chair upon which Valens sat down, in order to sign
the decree of Basil's ejectment from the city, broke down under him, and
three pens which he took one after the other to sign the edict of
banishment, all would not write ; and when nevertheless he remained firm
to write the ungodly order, his right hand shook. Valens was so
frightened at these omens, that he tore the paper in two. During the
night which was allowed to Basil to make up his mind, Valens' wife had a
severe stomach-ache, and their only son was taken seriously ill.
These things alarmed Valens so much that he acknowledged his wickedness,
and sent for Basil, during whose visit the child began to get better.
However, when Valens sent for some heretics to see the boy, he presently
died. |
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V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R. Deo grátias. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Thanks be to God. |
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R. Pósui
adjutórium super poténtem, et exaltávi eléctum de plebe mea :
* Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei.
V.
Invéni David servum meum, óleo sancto
meo unxi eum.
R. Manus enim mea auxiliábitur
ei. |
R. I have
laid help upon one that is mighty, I have exalted one chosen out of the
people. * My
hand shall hold him fast.
V.
I have found David, my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him.
R.
My hand shall hold him fast. |
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V.
Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
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Benedíctio
6: Ignem sui amóris
accéndat Deus in córdibus
nostris.
R. Amen. |
Benediction
6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R. Amen. |
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Lesson vi |
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Abstinéntia et continéntia fuit admirábili ; una túnica
conténtus erat : in jejúnio servándo diligentíssimus, in oratióne assíduus,
in qua sæpe totam noctem consumébat.
Virginitátem perpétuo cóluit. Monastériis exstrúctis, ita monachórum
institútum temperávit, ut solitáriæ atque actuósæ vitæ utilitátes præcláre
simul conjúngeret. Multa erudíte scripsit ; ac nemo, teste Gregório
Nazianzéno, sacræ Scriptúræ libros vérius aut ubérius explicávit.
Obiit Kaléndis Januárii, cum tantum spíritu vivens, præter ossa et pellem,
nulla prætérea córporis parte constáre viderétur. |
The abstinence and self-control of Basil were truly
wonderful. He was content to wear nothing but one single garment.
In observance of fasting he was most earnest, and so instant in prayer,
that he would oftentimes pass the whole night therein. His virginity
he kept always unsullied. He built monasteries, wherein he so
adapted the institution of monasticism, that he exquisitely united for the
inmates the advantages of the contemplative and of the active life.
He was the author of many learned writings, and, according to the witness
of Gregory of Nazianzus, no one hath ever composed more faithful and
edifying explanations of the books of the Holy Scripture. He died
upon the 1st day of January, at which time so essentially spiritual was
his life, that his body shewed nothing but skin and bones. |
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V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R. Deo grátias. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Thanks be to God. |
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St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow |
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R.
Iste est, qui ante Deum magnas virtútes
operátus est, et omnis terra doctrína ejus repléta est :
* Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium
populórum.
V.
Iste est, qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et
pervénit ad cæléstia regna.
R.
Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum.
V.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui
Sancto.
R.
Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum. |
R.
This is he who wrought mighty deeds and
valiant in the sight of God, and all the earth is filled with his
doctrine:
* May his intercession avail for the sins of
all the people.
V.
He was a man who despised the life of
the world and attained unto the kingdom of heaven.
R.
May his intercession avail for the sins of
all the people.
V.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
R.
May his intercession avail for the sins of
all the people. |
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If this Feast be reduced to the
rank of Simple, and Lesson IX of this Feast is to be said according to the
Rubrics, the following abbreviated version may be used. |
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Basilíus,
nóbilis Cáppadox, Athénis una cum Gregório Nazianzéno, ejus amicíssimo,
sæculáribus lítteris, deínde in monastério sacris mirabíliter erudítus,
eum brevi cursum fecit ad omnem doctrínæ et morum excelléntiam, ut inde
Magni cognómen invénerit. Ad prædicándum Jesu Christi Evangélium in
Pontum accersítus, eam provínciam ad viam salútis revocávit ; mox ab
Eusébio Cæsaréæ epíscopo ad erudiéndam eam civitátem adjútor adhibétur, in
cujus locum póstea succéssit. Is Fílium Patri consubstantiálem esse
in primis deféndit, ac Valéntem imperatórem, sibi irátum et exsílium
minitántem, miráculis ádeo flexit, ut a senténtia discédere coégerit.
Abstinéntia et continéntia fuit admirábili ; in oratióne assíduus,
in ea sæpe totam noctem
consumébat. Virginitátem perpétuo cóluit. Monastériis
exstrúctis, ita monachórum institútum temperávit, ut solitáriæ atque
actuósæ vitæ utilitátis præcláre simul conjúngeret. Multa erudíte
scripsit ; ac nemo, teste Gregório Nazianzéno, sacræ Scriptúræ libros
vérius aut ubérius explicávit. Obiit Kaléndis Januárii. |
Basil, a Cappodocian nobleman, studied
profane letters at Athens together with his close friend, Gregory of
Nazianzus, and took his sacred studies in a monastery. Becoming
marvellously proficient in both, he soon attained such excellence in
learning and in his way of life that from then on he was given the name of
The Great. Summoned to preach the Gospel of Christ Jesus in Pontus,
he called that province back to the way of salvation. Soon he was
asked by Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea, to aid him in teaching ; and he
succeeded Eusebius as bishop. Basil was among the first to defend
the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father ; and by his miracles he
caused Emperor Valens, who was angry with him and threatening him with exile, to give up any such intentions. Basil's abstinence and
continence were marvelled at ; and he was constant in prayer, often
spending the whole night in it. He built monasteries, ordering the
monastic life so that it would best combine the advantages of the solitary
life with those of the active life. He wrote many learned books ;
and, as Gregory of Nazianzus testifieth, no one hath explained the books
of Holy Scripture more truly and fruitfully. He died on the 1st day
of January. |
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V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R. Deo grátias. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Thanks be to God. |
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TE DEUM LAUDAMUS |
TE DEUM |
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After the conclusion of the
Second Nocturn, the Third Nocturn is begun according to the current
weekday, as given in the table below. |
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Third Nocturn |
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Absolutio:
A vínculis peccatórum
nostrórum absólvat
nos omnípotens et miséricors
Dóminus.
R. Amen. |
Absolution:
May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of
our sins and set us free.
R. Amen. |
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V.
Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
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Benedíctio
7: Evangélica léctio
sit nobis salus et protéctio.
R. Amen. |
Benediction
7: May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and
protection.
R. Amen. |
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Lesson vii |
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Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam |
The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Luke |
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Chap. 14, 26-35 |
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In illo témpore : Dixit
Jesus turbis : Si quis venit ad me, et non odit patrem suum, et matrem, et
uxórem, et fílios, et fratres, et soróres, adhuc autem et ánimam suam, non
potest meus esse discípulus. Et réliqua. |
At that time : Jesus said unto the multitudes : If any
man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and
children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot
be my disciple. And
so on, and that which followeth. |
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Homilía sancti Basilíi Episcopi |
A Homily by St. Basil the Bishop |
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Liber Regularum fusius explicat. ad interrog. 8 |
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Perfécta quidem renuntiátio in eo consístit, ut id
assequámur, ne ad ipsíus étiam vitæ
affectiónem propénsi simus, et respónsum mortis habeámus, ut non simus
fidéntes in nobis ipsis. Hujúsmodi autem renuntiátio inítium sumit
ab alienatióne rerum externárum, véluti a possessiónibus, ab ináni glória,
a vivéndi consuetúdine, a rerum inutílium amóre ; quemádmodum étiam suo
exémplo nobis ostendérunt sancti Dómini nostri discípuli, Jacóbus quidem
et Joánnes, relícto patre Zebedæo et ipsa quoque navícula, de qua omnis
illórum victus rátio pendébat ; Matthæus vero, cum ab ipso telónio surréxit ac Dóminum secútus est. |
This is perfect self-renunciation, when we attain to
indifference as regards our own lives, and wring from death himself the
confession that our trust is not in our own strength. The first step
toward this crown of abnegation is to estrange ourselves from outward
things, such as property, public reputation, habits of life, and affection
for things unnecessary, whereof the immediate disciples of our Holy Lord
have left us a fine example―James, for
instance, and John, who left their father Zebedee, and the boats which
were their only means of getting their daily bread―or Matthew, who got up
from the receipt of custom, and straightway followed the Lord. |
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V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R. Deo grátias. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Thanks be to God. |
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R. Amávit eum
Dóminus, et ornávit eum : stolam glóriæ
índuit eum, *
Et ad portas paradísi coronávit eum.
V.
Induit eum Dóminus lorícam
fídei, et ornávit eum.
R.
Et ad portas paradísi coronávit eum. |
R.
The Lord loved him and adorned him ; he
clothed him with a robe of glory : * And
crowned him at the gates of Paradise.
V.
The Lord put upon him the breastplate of
faith, and adorned him.
R.
And crowned him at the gates of Paradise. |
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V.
Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
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Benedíctio
8: Cujus
festum cólimus, ipse intercédat
pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R. Amen. |
Benediction
8: May he whose feast
day we are keeping, be our Advocate
with God.
R. Amen. |
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Lesson viii |
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Sed quid opus est nostris ratiónibus aut sanctórum
virórum exémplis id quod dícimus confírmáre, cum ipsa Dómini verba in
médium líceat afférre, iísque ipsis
religiósam ac Deum timéntem ánimam commovére, quibus ille perspícue et
sine controvérsia protestátur, dicens : Sic ígitur quicúmque ex vobis non
renuntiáverit ómnibus quæ póssidet, non potest meus esse discípulus?
Et álio in loco, cum prius dixísset : Si vis perféctus esse, vade, et
vende ómnia quæ habes, et da paupéribus ; póstea subjúnxit : Veni, séquere
me. |
But what need have we for our own arguments, or for the
examples of holy men to confirm what we say, when we are able to cite the
very words of the Lord himself, and by them to move any earnest soul that
loveth God? Such were they unto whom he plainly and unhesitatingly
declared : Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he
cannot be my disciple. And again, in another place, when he had said
: If thou wilt be perfect, go, and sell that thou hast, and give it to the
poor : the completion of the sentence was : And come and follow me. |
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V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R. Deo grátias. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Thanks be to God. |
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R. In médio
Ecclésiæ apéruit os ejus, *
Et implévit eum Dóminus spíritu sapiéntiæ et
intelléctus.
V.
Jucunditátem et exsultatiónem
thesaurizávit super eum.
R.
Et implévit eum Dóminus spíritu sapiéntiæ et
intelléctus.
V.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui
Sancto.
R.
Et implévit eum Dóminus spíritu sapiéntiæ et
intelléctus. |
R. In the
midst of the congregation he opened his mouth : *
And the Lord filled him with the Spirit of
Wisdom and Understanding.
V.
He shall find joy, and a crown of
gladness.
R.
And the Lord filled him with the Spirit of
Wisdom and Understanding.
V.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
R.
And the Lord filled him with the Spirit of
Wisdom and Understanding. |
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If Lesson ix is to be taken from an occurring Feast or Sunday, it is given in its proper place, as announced in the
Ordo.
Alternate Ninth Lesson |
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V.
Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
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Benedíctio
9: Ad societátem cívium
supernórum perdúcat
nos Rex Angelórum.
R. Amen. |
Benediction
9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the
citizens of heaven.
R. Amen. |
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Lesson ix |
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Est ígitur renuntiátio, quemádmodum docúimus,
vinculórum terrénæ hujus ac temporális vitæ
solútio, atque ab humánis negótiis liberátio, per quam ad ineúndam viam,
qua ad Deum pervenítur, aptióres et promptióres effícimur ; et expedíta rátio ad acquisitiónem usúmque rerum, quæ super aurum et lápidem pretiósum
multum longe sunt pretiosióres. Et in summa, cordis humáni ad
cæléstem conversatiónem translátio, ita ut dícere líceat : Nostra
conversátio in cælis est ; et (quod máximum est) inítium unde ad Christi
similitúdinem evádimus, qui cum dives esset, propter nos pauper est factus. |
This then, as we have taught, is self-renunciation : to
unlock the chains of this earthly life, which passeth away, and to set
oneself free from the business of men, and so to make ourselves lither and
meeter to enter on that path which leadeth God, and let our reason be more
unhampered to gain and to use those things which are far more precious
than gold or precious stones. In short, it is to have our heart in
heaven and not on earth, so as to be able to say : Our conversation is in
heaven. And (which is the great thing) this is the first step
towards the attaining to be like Christ, who, though he was rich, yet for
our sakes he became poor. |
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V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R. Deo grátias. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Thanks be to God. |
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Cathedral of St. Basil, Moscow |
TE DEUM LAUDAMUS
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TE DEUM |
