The Feast of Transfiguration

English Service Book

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Draft Version - 2023

Liturgical Resource Development
 By the grace of God, this work was completed for the benefit of the
English-speaking faithful through the Liturgical Resource Development
Committee of the South-West American Diocese.

This Order of Evening & Morning Prayer of the Feast of the

Transfiguration of our Lord on the Mountain is based on prose
translations from the Syriac (as found in the Fenqitho, the collection of
offices for feast days and Sundays of the Liturgical Year). The
translations of most hymns were prepared with the invaluable aid of Mr.
Jibin George. Some hymns and the Introductory Prayer (Slutho), Promeon,
Sedro, and `Etro of Evening and Morning are adapted from translations
by Francis Acharya in Prayer with the Harp of the Spirit: The Prayer of
Asian Churches (Kurisumala Ashram, 1986).

God willing, the rest of the festal hours assigned for the Feast of
Transfiguration (Lilyo and Third Hour Prayers) will be translated and
added to forthcoming editions of this booklet.
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PREFATORY PRAYER
† In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
one true God;
Glory be to Him, and may His mercy and compassion be upon us,
forever. Amin.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, by Whose glory, the
heaven and earth are filled. Hosanna in the Highest!
Blessed is He Who has come and is to come in the Name of the Lord;
Glory be to Him in the Highest!

QAUMO
(“Standing” Prayer)

Holy art Thou, O God!

Holy art Thou, Almighty!
Holy art Thou, Immortal,
† Crucified for us, have mercy on us! (Repeat three times.)
Lord, have mercy on us!
Lord, be kind and have mercy!
Lord, accept our service and our prayers!
Have mercy on us!
Glory be to Thee, O God!
Glory be to Thee, O Creator!
Glory be to Thee, O Christ the King,
Who has compassion on His sinful servants. Barekmor. (“Bless, O Lord.”)

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts and sins, as we
also have forgiven our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from the evil one. † For Thine is the kingdom, the power,
and the glory, forever and ever. Amin.
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EVENING PRAYER of TRANSFIGURATION

RAMSHO

† Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!
May His mercy and compassion be upon us, weak and sinful, in
both worlds, forever and ever. Amin.

Introductory Prayer
Make us worthy, Lord God, to keep festival before You in holiness
and to sing of You with sincerity, and to celebrate You with spiritual
hymns and praises on this day of the manifestation of Your Godhead
on Mount Tabor. And while we are changed from our evil ways to
right living, may Your Churches reflect Your divine radiance, and
the whole creation share in the glory of your Transfiguration, that
the whole human race may come to offer praise and thanksgiving to
You and to Your Father and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and
forever. Amin.
 4

Psalm of Repentance
[Psalm 51] Have mercy upon me, O God, in Your loving kindness; /
in the abundance of Your mercy blot out my sin.
Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin./
For I acknowledge my fault and my sins are before me always.
Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight, / that
You may be justified in Your words and vindicated in Your
judgment. / For I was born in guilt and in sin did my mother
conceive me.
But You take pleasure in truth and You have made known to me the
secrets of Your wisdom. / Sprinkle me with Your hyssop and I shall
be clean; / wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Give me the comfort of Your joy and gladness, and the bones
which have been humbled shall rejoice. / Turn away Your face
from my sins and blot out all my faults.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, / and renew Your steadfast spirit
within me. / Do not cast me from Your presence / and take not Your
Holy Spirit from me.
But restore to me Your joy and Your salvation / and let Your
glorious spirit sustain me; / that I may teach the wicked Your way /
and sinners may return to You.
Deliver me from blood, O God, God of my salvation / and my
tongue shall praise Your justice. / O Lord, open my lips and my
mouth shall sing Your praise.
For You do not take pleasure in sacrifices; / by burnt offerings You
are not appeased. / The sacrifice of God is a humble spirit, / a heart
that is contrite God will not despise.
Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion and build up the walls of
Jerusalem. / Then shall You be satisfied with sacrifices of truth and
with whole burnt-offerings; / then shall they offer bullocks upon
Your altar. And to You belongs the praise, O God! Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
 5

`ENYONO
(Lo T`eul Ldino)1

By the bright splendor the Savior showed forth

He revealed to them His resurrection.

He showed His Sonship as His death drew near,

So they would not fear and stumble in Him. Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

As the disciples and prophets gathered

The Lord was adorned in divine glory.

1 Sung like Ninmey Rakthangal…

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Psalms of Evening
[Psalm 141] Kurielaison! / Lord, I have called upon You, / answer me;
hear and receive my words.
Let my prayer be like incense in Your sight, / the offering of my
hands like the evening offering. / Set a guard, Lord, before my
mouth, /a guard before my lips, / that my heart may not turn to evil
words /and I may not do deeds of wickedness.
Let me not take salt with impious men; / let the just man teach me
and reprove me; / let not the oil of the impious anoint my head, /
because my prayer was against their evil-doing. / Their judges have
been restrained by the side of the rock, / and they have heard how
gentle are my words.
As when a plough cleaves the earth, their bones have been scattered at
the mouth of Sheol. / I have lifted up my eyes to You, Lord, / and in
You have I put my trust; /do not cast away my soul.
Keep me from the hand of the proud, who have laid snares for me; /
let the wicked fall into their nets, while I pass on.
[Psalm 142] With my voice I cried to the Lord; / with my voice I
besought the Lord and poured out my prayer before him; / I showed
him my affliction when my spirit was troubled, / but You know my
path.
In the way of my walking they have laid a snare for me; / I look to
the right and see none that knows me; / the way of escape has gone
from me, and there is none who cares for my soul. / I cried to You,
Lord, and said, / “You are my hope and my portion in the land of
the living.”
Hear my petition because I am brought very low; / deliver me from
my persecutors because they are too strong for me. / Lead me forth
from prison that I may give thanks to Your name; / Your just ones
shall have hope when You shall reward me.
 7

[Psalm 119, 105-112] Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my

path; / I have sworn and am resolved to keep the judgments of Your
justice. / I am greatly brought low, Lord, / give me life according to
Your word; / be pleased with the words of my mouth, Lord, / and
teach me Your judgments.
My soul is ever in my hands, and I have not forgotten Your law; /
sinners have laid snares for me and I have not strayed from Your
commands. / I shall inherit Your testimony forever because it is dear
to my heart; / I have turned my heart to do Your commands forever
in truth.
[Psalm 117] Praise the Lord, all you nations; praise Him, all you
peoples; for His grace is strong over us; truly the Lord is forever!
And to You belongs the praise, O God! Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
 8

`ENYONO
(Teshmeshto d’Ramshoyto)

With a sign
The Savior commanded Death and ordered,
“Return Moses to My side!”
And the Lord
Commanded the whirlwind, “Bring Elijah!”
And gathered them on the Mount.

John the pure

Beheld the pure and holy Elijah
As the Son stood in glory.
Bless’d is He
Who revealed and showed to His disciples
His wondrous divinity. Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

That great hymn

Intoned by the psalmist through the Spirit
Has been revealed on this day:
“Assemble
And bring My chosen who by sacrifice,
Sealed the covenant with Me.” (Ps. 50)

Stomen Kalos, Kurielaison!

 9

Priest: Let us all pray and beseech the Lord for mercy and
compassion.

People: O merciful Lord, have mercy upon us and help us.

Priest: Glory and thanksgiving, praise and adoration, and unceasing

exaltation, truly at all times and hours, may we ascribe unto
You, O Lord…
PROMEON

Priest: …(Glory to the Lord), the High and Exalted One whom the
chariot of the Winged Creatures carries in fear; to the
Hidden One before whom the heavenly powers bow down;
to Him who reveals the Mystery of His being, known in
three persons, to the nations, and does not grow by
greatness, nor is He reduced by feebleness; the One
Sovereign adored and glorified by all who are born or have
been born. To Him belongs glory at this time of the evening
of His Transfiguration on the Mountain, and at all festivals,
times, seasons, hours, and all the days of our lives, forever.

People: Amin.
 10

SEDRO
Priest: O God the Father, truly the Cause, who in Your Eternal
Being beyond measure eternally beget the Word and cause
the Spirit to proceed without division, given that You are
without matter and that thought cannot seize hold of You,
nor inquiry comprehend You, the Shining Splendor who is
Your Only Son appeared marvelously in the Creation to give
light to those who were living in darkness. He was seen in
human form on earth that He might mold our nature by His
knowledge and join our humanity with His Godhead. And
on this day when the divine splendor shone forth through
His humanity, He was seen truly in His oneness. The
disciples marveled and said that truly God has been seen on
earth. Today Tabor and Hermon exult and give glory to Him
as He is manifested. Today Peter, James, and John exult that
they are counted worthy to see Your Majesty, and fear
overwhelms them. Today Elijah the Tishbite comes to
worship the Lord of the prophets who descended to fulfill
the their prophecies. Today Moses the Prince of prophets is
raised up and comes to see the Lord whom he saw in the
bush which was not consumed by Flame. Today the
disciples are shown that their Lord is the Lord who has
authority over the living and the dead. Today Elijah the
prophet comes to pray to the Lord who came to deliver the
Creation, and says: “O Lord, ascend the Golgotha of Isaac
and consecrate the sacrifice by which was signified the
salvation of the Creation. O Lord, ascend the altar of
Melchizedek which signified You who receive all first-fruits.
Oh Lord, be the perfect sacrifice and put an end to sacrifices.
Crucify sin and put Death to death, and baptize Adam with
Your life-giving blood. “Today Moses the prophet beseeches
with intense supplication, “Descend, Lord, to Your beloved
and renew the likeness of Your glory, stamped with Your
image.” And see how he waits and longs to meet You and
cries out loudly while he is sunk in the deep abyss. The
apostles trembled, filled with awe, when they heard the
voice of the Father, “This is My Son, My Beloved. Hear Him,
for He has power over the heights and the depths.”
 11

And we assembled here in His name beg of Him, on this day of His
glorious manifestation, that He will gladden the earth and its
inhabitants with peace and tranquility and bless the Crown of the
Year. And as He unveiled His Divinity before His disciples to
strengthen them that they might share in the Mystery of the Cross,
may we all be fortified in our sufferings, that we may reflect in our
lives the glory which we receive from Him, and becoming Christ-
like, be transfigured with Him. And we will offer praise and
thanksgiving to Him and to His Father and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever.

People: Amin.
 12

QOLO
(Mshiho Natareh l`Idtokh – Tone 6)

Praise the Only Begotten – who became man as He willed,

Like us in all things, and yet – in all things like His Father.
And He asked His disciples,
The One who knows all that is hidden,
“Who do you say that I am? And who do men say I am?”
Simon said to Him, “You are the Christ, O my Lord,
The Son of the Living God who has come to the world
To save Adam’s race.” Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

When the disciples gathered – in peace upon Mount Tabor

That Great Truth rose among them – like a king among servants.
Suddenly a cloud of light
Full of glory overshadowed them;
A procession of angels – surrounded the Only Son;
A voice then cried out: “This is My Son Whom I love.
O disciples, do not fear, for He is with Me in
His divinity.”

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

Why did martyrs taste death if – there was no resurrection?

Why did the righteous labor – if there was no other world?
If resurrection was false,
Christ did not rise from among the dead.
O departed, look to Him – for true is the hope of Christ!
When His living voice cries out and calls to the dead
The tombs will open and they will rise up and go forth
To meet their Savior.

Lord, have mercy upon us and help us!

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`ETRO

Priest: O Good One, may this sweet incense which we burn before
Your altar, on the Great Day of Your Transfiguration on the
Mountain, ascend to that place raised above all where Your
chariot is carried. You who revealed Yourself to the eyes of
Your disciples and caused the cloud of Your compassion to
overshadow them when they heard the voice of the Father,
“This is My Beloved Son,” let the graciousness of Your
Godhead also overshadow us, the sinners, as we offer You
our adorations with praises and thanksgivings, our Lord
and our God, forever.

People: Amin.
 14

QOLO
(Tubayk `Idto – Tone 6)

The Lord arose and took Simon, James, and John

And went to the mount to pray,
And there He was Transfigured.
Manifesting His glory,
His face shone forth like the sun.
And Moses and Elijah
Stood there and they spoke with Him.
The apostles fell on their
Faces and they worshiped Him. Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Moses spoke to the Lord and entreated Him,
“My Lord, it is good for You
To face humili-a-tion.
It was right to come to save
Adam, who lies in decay.
If You do not go to death,
How will salvation come forth?
Adam, Your image, awaits,
My Lord, for Your great coming.”
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
When Simon heard Moses he too entreated,
And he earnestly called out,
“Lord, let us make three dwellings:
For You and for great Moses,
And for Fiery Elijah.”
Suddenly a voice was heard:
“This is My Belov`ed Son
Who has descended to free
Adam from bondage to sin.”
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GOSPEL

(Pethgomo – Psalm 89:3)

Halleluyah, Halleluyah
It is to You that Tabor and Hermon offer praise,
And Yours is the powerful arm, Yours is might!
Halleluyah

Deacon: Barekmor. With stillness, fear and purity, let us give heed
and listen to the Good News of the living words of God, in the
Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ that is read to us.

Priest: † Peace be unto you all.

People: May the Lord God make us worthy, with your spirit.

Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the life-giving
proclamation from St. Matthew the Apostle, who preaches the
good news of life and salvation to the world.

People: Blessed is He Who has come and is to come; Glory be to

Him Who sent Him for our salvation, and may His mercy be
upon us all, forever.

Priest: Now in the time of the Transfiguration of our Lord and God
and Savior Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, Who was
incarnate of the Holy Virgin Mary, these things did come
to pass in this manner. †

People: We believe and confess!

(The priest reads from the Gospel of St. Matthew 16:27–17:13)

Priest: † Peace be unto you all.

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INTERCESSORY CYCLE
QUQLIYON

Pethgomo
(Psalm 103 – Tone 6)

As a father shows mercy to his children, Halleluyah,

So the Lord shows mercy to those who fear Him.

As for man, his days are like grass, Halleluyah,

Like the flower of the field so he blooms. Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

`Eqbo
(Mor Ephrem)
May Your Living voice awake,
From the graves to Paradise,
Your servants who slept in hope
And trusted in Your mercy.
Stomen Kalos, Kurielaison!

Qolo
(l’Maryam Yoldath Aloho)
O Savior, raise up the dead who ate Your Flesh
And drank Your Blood, the Chalice of Salvation;
Raise them up from the grave without corruption
And clothe them in glory, those who wait for You. Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
The Son of the King Who gives life to the dead
Will be carried above the clouds of beauty;
The righteous who hear the trumpet before Him
Will be clothed in glorious garments and meet Him.

Lord, have mercy upon us and help us!

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Bo`utho of Mor Jacob

By this feast in which heaven and the earth rejoice,
Gladden Your Church and protect her children, O Lord!

To the Mountain of Tabor our Lord ascended,

And He took Simon, James, and John with Him to pray.

The greatness that His Father would reveal in Him,

His glorious divinity, He willed to show them,

And to show the divinity in His Body

And that He was the Only Son of the Father.

Then, suddenly, they saw beauty in His Body:

He was transfigured before them in great glory.

Glory and light surrounded Him with adornment;

A cloud of light came forth above and covered them.

The light of His divinity shone in brilliance,

And the Father cried out: “Truly, this is My Son.”

Peace who reconciled those in heaven and on earth,

Grant Your Church peace and guard her by Your feast, O Lord.
 18

Trisagion
(Chanted in the 6th Tone)

Holy art Thou, O God!

Holy art Thou, Almighty!
Holy art Thou, Immortal,
†Crucified for us, – have mercy on us! (Repeat Three Times)
Lord, have mercy on us!
Lord be kind and have mercy!
O Lord, accept our service and our entreaties;
Have mercy on us!
Glory to Thee, O God!
Glory to Thee, Creator!
Glory to Thee, Christ the King,
Who has mercy – upon us sinners. Barekmor.

Our Father, Who art in heaven...

Alternate Trisagion
(Chanted in the 6th Tone)

Holy are You, O God,

All shouts of those who cry “holy” fall short of Your holiness;
Holy, O Almighty,
All the ranks of warr`i`ors were vanquished under Your pow`er;
Holy, O Immortal One,
From Your death life came forth, and from Your Resurrection,
Salva_tion;
† Who was crucified for us, – have mercy on us! (Repeat Three Times)

Lord, have mercy on us!

Lord, be kind and have mercy!
O Lord, accept our service and our prayers!
Have mercy – on us_!

Glory to You, O God!

Glory to You, Creator!
Glory to You, Christ our King,
Who grants to us, sinners – mercy_! Barekmor.

Our Father, who art in heaven…

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PROTECTION PRAYER
COMPLINE/SUTORO

Qaumo & Introductory Prayer

QOLO
(Mo Rhimin – Tone 6)
I am afraid of my sins,
That they may be – a wall which keeps me
From the Garden of delight,
Which is kept for all the saints.
Rescue me, O Lord, from hell,
And where You will, – there, Lord, let me dwell. Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
Glory to You, Christ our King,
Who opens doors – to those who repent.
I am a sinner who begs
Of You, Giver of good things,
Gladden my heart, by Your grace,
That I may sing – as a harp to You!
Lord, have mercy upon us and help us!

BO`UTHO of MOR BALAI

Lord, Who has mercy even on sinners,
Have mercy on us on Your judgment day!

At Your door, O Lord, the afflicted knock;

Answer their requests in Your compassion.

Father in heaven, we do beseech You:

Accept our service; have mercy on us.

Lord of those above! Hope of those below!

Accept this service; have mercy on us.

Kurielaison, Kurielaison, Kurielaison!

 20

Psalms of Compline
[Psalm 91] Barekmor. He who sits under the protection of the Most High,
Halleluyah,
And glories in the shelter of God will say to the Lord:

Barekmor. “My trust is in You, Halleluyah,

God is my refuge in whom I trust.”

For the Lord shall deliver you, Halleluyah,

From the snare which makes you stumble and from talk of vain things.

He will keep you safe under his feathers and you shall be protected
beneath His wings, Halleluyah,
His truth shall enclose you as an armor.

You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, Halleluyah,

Nor of the arrow, which flies by day.

Nor of the word, which walks in the darkness, Halleluyah,

Nor of the spirit that destroys at midday.

Thousands shall fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand,
Halleluyah,
But it shall not come near you.

But with your eyes alone, Halleluyah,

You shall see the reward of the wicked,

Because you have made the Lord your trust, Halleluyah,

You have made your dwelling in the heights.

Evil shall not come near you, Halleluyah,

Affliction shall not come near your tent,

Because He has commanded his angels concerning you, Halleluyah,

That they should keep you in all your ways

And receive you in their arms, Halleluyah,

That you may not stumble with your foot.
 21

You shall tread upon the adder and the basilisk, Halleluyah,
You shall trample upon the lion and the dragon.

“Because he has cried to me,” says the Lord, Halleluyah,

“I will deliver him and strengthen him.

“Because he has known My name, He shall call upon Me and I will

answer him,” Halleluyah,
“I will be with him in distress.

“I will strengthen him and honor him, Halleluyah,

I will satisfy him with length of days and show him My salvation.”

[Psalm 121] I have lifted up my eyes to the hills, Halleluyah,

From where will my help come?

My help is from the Lord, Halleluyah,

Who made heaven and the earth!

He will not suffer your foot to slip, Halleluyah,

Your guardian shall not sleep.

Indeed, He neither slumbers nor sleeps, Halleluyah,

The guardian of Isr`a`el.

The Lord is your guardian, Halleluyah,

The Lord shall shelter you with His right hand.

The sun shall not harm you by day, Halleluyah,

Nor shall the moon harm you by night.

The Lord shall guard you from all evil, Halleluyah,

And the Lord shall guard your soul.

The Lord shall guard your going out, Halleluyah,

The Lord shall guard your coming in,

From henceforth and forevermore, Halleluyah!

And to You belongs the praise, O God! Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!
Halleluyah, Halleluyah, Halleluyah! Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
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Prayer of Mor Severus

He Who sits under the protection / of the Most High, / beneath
the shadow of the wings of Your loving-kindness will say,
“Protect us, O Lord; / and have mercy; / You Who hear all, /
hear Your servants’ pray’r in Your loving kindness.
Grant us, O Christ, our Savior, / an evening full of peace /
and a night of holiness,/ for You are the King of Glory.
Our eyes are turned to You, Lord; / Pardon our offences. /
Have mercy upon us in / this world and the world to come.
May Your mercy protect us. / May Your grace rest upon us. /
May Your † Cross guard us from the evil one and his pow`ers.
May Your right hand rest on us / all the days of our lives; / May
Your peace reign among us; / Give hope and salvation to the
souls of those who pray to You.
By the pray’r of Your mother / and those of all Your saints, /
forgive us our debts and sins; / Have mercy on us, O God.”

Praise of the Cherubim

(Ezekiel 3:12)
† Bless`ed is the glory of the Lord, from His place forever!
† Bless`ed is the glory of the Lord, from His place forever!
† Bless`ed is the glory of the Lord, from His place forever and ever!
Holy and glorious Trinity, have mercy upon us all;
Holy and glorious Trinity, have mercy upon us all;
Holy and glorious Trinity, have compassion and have mercy on us all!
You are holy and glorious forever;
You are holy and glorious forever;
You are holy and bless`ed is Your name, forever and ever.
Glory to You, O Lord.
Glory to You, O Lord;
Glory to You, our hope forever. Barekmor.

Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

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MORNING PRAYER of TRANSFIGURATION

SAFRO

Qaumo

† Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!
May His mercy and compassion be upon us, weak and sinful, in
both worlds, forever and ever. Amin.

Introductory Prayer
Make us worthy, Lord God, to keep festival before You in holiness
and to sing of You with sincerity, and to celebrate You with spiritual
hymns and praises on this day of the manifestation of Your Godhead
on Mount Tabor. And while we are changed from our evil ways to
right living, may Your Churches reflect Your divine radiance, and
the whole creation share in the glory of your Transfiguration, that
the whole human race may come to offer praise and thanksgiving to
You and to Your Father and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and
forever. Amin.
 24

Psalm of Repentance
[Psalm 51] Have mercy upon me, O God, in Your loving kindness; /
in the abundance of Your mercy blot out my sin.
Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin./
For I acknowledge my fault and my sins are before me always.
Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight, / that
You may be justified in Your words and vindicated in Your
judgment. / For I was born in guilt and in sin did my mother
conceive me.
But You take pleasure in truth and You have made known to me the
secrets of Your wisdom. / Sprinkle me with Your hyssop and I shall
be clean; / wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Give me the comfort of Your joy and gladness, and the bones
which have been humbled shall rejoice. / Turn away Your face
from my sins and blot out all my faults.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, / and renew Your steadfast spirit
within me. / Do not cast me from Your presence / and take not Your
Holy Spirit from me.
But restore to me Your joy and Your salvation / and let Your
glorious spirit sustain me; / that I may teach the wicked Your way /
and sinners may return to You.
Deliver me from blood, O God, God of my salvation / and my
tongue shall praise Your justice. / O Lord, open my lips and my
mouth shall sing Your praise.
For You do not take pleasure in sacrifices; / by burnt offerings You
are not appeased. / The sacrifice of God is a humble spirit, / a heart
that is contrite God will not despise.
Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion and build up the walls of
Jerusalem. / Then shall You be satisfied with sacrifices of truth and
with whole burnt-offerings; / then shall they offer bullocks upon
Your altar. And to You belongs the praise, O God! Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
 25

`ENYONO
(Haw Dabturo)
To the One who
Was beheld on Mount Tabor
Shining forth His divine nature in glory,
Making Himself known as the Son of the Father,
Whose voice cried on high:
“This is My Son,” to Him be glory!

To the One who

Stood today on Mount Tabor,
Praised by Moses and Elijah at His side,
Who wished to make Himself known to His disciples,
And in divine light
Was transfigured, to Him be glory! Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

To the One who

Stood today on Mount Tabor
Clothed in rad`i`ance by a cloud filled with light,
So that His apostles would be strengthened in Him
And upon His death
They would not fear, to Him be glory! Barekmor.
 26

[Psalm 63] Kurielaison! My God, You are my God, I will seek You.
My soul thirsts for You and my flesh seeks for You like the thirsty
earth, which is parched and begging for water.
So have I looked for You in truth, that I may see Your power and
Your glory.
Because your loving-kindness is better than life, / my lips shall
praise You.
So I will bless You while I live and will lift up my hands in Your
name.
My soul shall be enriched as with marrow and fat / and my mouth
shall praise You with lips of praise.
I have remembered You upon my bed / and in the nighttime I have
meditated on You.
For You have been my helper / and in the shadow of Your wings is
my protection.
My soul follows after You / and Your right hand upholds me.
Those who seek to destroy my soul shall enter into the lower parts of
the earth.
They shall be delivered over to the sword and shall be food for
foxes; / but the king shall rejoice in God.
Everyone who swears by Him shall glory, / but the mouth of those
who speak lies shall be stopped.
And to You belongs the praise, O God! Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
 27

`ENYONO
(At Dabrishith)
You, O my Lord,
Were called the belov`ed Son of the Father
By a voice heard from the heights.
For You, O Lord God,
God of our fathers,
Are bless`ed forever!

On Mount Tabor,
Moses and Elijah, you perceived your Lord
As the Lord on high you serve.
For You, O Lord God,
God of our fathers,
Are bless`ed forever!

God the Father,

While from the apostles’ eyes You were hidden,
You testified from the heights.
For You, O Lord God,
God of our fathers,
Are bless`ed forever! Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

On Mount Tabor,
Moses and Elijah pleaded, “Lord, descend!
Visit Your friend in She`ol.”
For You, O Lord God,
God of our fathers,
Are bless`ed forever!
 28

[Psalm 19] Kurielaison! The heavens declare the glory of God; the
firmament proclaims His handiwork. / Day to day brings forth
speech; / night to night declares knowledge;
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard. /
Yet their good tidings go out through all the earth / and their words
to the end of the world.
In the heavens, He has set His tent for the sun, which comes out
like a bridegroom leaving his chamber; / it will rejoice like a
strong man to run his course.
Its departure is from the end of the heavens / while its repose is at
the end of the heavens, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
The law of the Lord is flawless and it turns the soul. / The
testimony of the Lord is trustworthy and makes infants wise. / The
commandments of the Lord are right and they make the heart
rejoice. / The precepts of the Lord are chosen and they illumine the
eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure and it endures forever. / The judgments
of the Lord are true and are more righteous than all. / They are more
desirable than gold and even than precious stones. / They are
sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, Your servant will be warned by them; / If he keeps
them, he will be greatly rewarded, but who can discern his errors?
/ Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep Your servant away from iniquity, lest the evil doers have
dominion over me. / And I shall be purified from my sins. / O Lord,
my helper and Savior, / let the words of my mouth be according to
Your will / and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before You.
And to You belongs the praise, O God! Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
 29

`ENYONO
(Yawmono)
On the Mount of Tabor, while the apostles stood in awe,
A great light dawned, and they marveled
As a bright cloud clothed them in light
Beyond what the eye can perceive! Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

The three friends of the Son saw Him transfigured in great light!
His countenance shone in brightness,
And the Son’s rays illumined them
With the sign of His majesty!

[Isaiah 42:10-13, 45:8] Kurielaison! Sing to the Lord a new song, / His
praise from the ends of the earth! / Let those who go down to the
sea in its fullness, / the islands, and their inhabitants / praise the
Lord!
Let the desert and its villages rejoice! / Let Kedar be meadows; / let
the inhabitants of steep rocks praise Him! / Let them shout from the
top of mountains. / Let them give glory to the Lord / and declare
His glory in the islands!
The Lord will go forth like a mighty man, / and like a warrior He
stirs up His fury; / He will cry out and become mighty / and will
triumph over His enemies.
Let the clouds rain down righteousness, / let the earth open and
salvation increase, /and let righteousness sprout forth altogether. I
am the Lord who created them. Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
 30

`ENYONO
(Shmayo Mdito)2
Our Lord led His disciples
And ascended Mount Tabor.
There, Moses and Elijah
Appeared and spoke with their Lord.

The steward, the great Moses,

Entrusted Simon the keys;
From the storm Elijah came
On the wings of the Spirit. Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

Suddenly, a cloud of light

Descended upon their heads,
And a voice roared from the heights:
“This is My Belov`ed Son.”

2 Sung like Mashiha Jeevichezhunettu…

 31

[Psalm 113] Amin. Praise the Creator of Light! Praise you servants of
the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord!
May the Lord’s name be blessed / forever and ever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting, / great is the name of the
Lord.
The Lord is high above all peoples,/and his glory is above the
heavens.
Who is like the Lord, our God, / who sits on high / and looks upon
the depths in heaven and on earth?
He raises up the poor from the dunghill / and makes him sit with
the princes of the people.
He gives the barren woman a home / and makes her a joyful
mother of children.
And to You belongs the praise, O God! Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
 32

`ENYONO
(B`edon Safro)
On this day, our Lord led
Simon, James, and John up the Mount
As they all sang to Him praises:
“Glory to You, O God!”

He called out to Moses

And from Mount Nebo he answered,
And he came to the Lord praising:
“Glory to You, O God!”

He summoned Elijah,
Who from the whirlwind descended,
And he came to the Lord praising:
“Glory to You, O God!” Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

His face was transfigured

And His garments were white as snow
As the apostles cried aloud:
“Glory to You, O God!”
 33

THE BEATITUDES
St. Matthew 5: 3-5

Kurielaison! Blessed are the poor in spirit, / for theirs is the

kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, / for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, / for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, / for they
shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, / for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, / for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, / for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, / for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you / and say all
kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, / for great is your reward in
heaven, / for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
 34

`ENYONO
(Bro Dabhubeh)
Simon, come forth
And see Your Lord in glory,
Standing between both Moses and Elijah.
And do not believe the crowds
Who say He is Elijah!
Go and proclaim that He is the Son of God!

Moses, come forth

And take the fair ornaments
Which had prefigured for us the Holy Church
In the tent you erected
To offer the blood of beasts;
But in the Church is offered Christ’s flesh and blood! Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

The prophets praised,

The apostles stood in awe,
And all the nations were gladdened on this feast,
In which the Father proclaimed,
“This is My belov`ed Son.”
O Lord, when You come again, remember us!

Stomen Kalos, Kurielaison!

 35

Priest: Let us all pray and beseech the Lord for mercy and
compassion.

People: O merciful Lord, have mercy upon us and help us.

Priest: Glory and thanksgiving, praise and adoration, and unceasing

exaltation, truly at all times and hours, may we ascribe unto
You, O Lord…
PROMEON

Priest: …(Glory to You), the Eternal Son who today made Your
brightness to shine on Mount Tabor and made Your
disciples to share in the vision of Your divine countenance,
which is beyond compare, and revealed to Your holy
servants that You came descended to humiliation of Your
own will for the sake of Adam, that You might restore him
to his former glory. To You belongs glory at this time of the
Feast of the Transfiguration, and at all festivals, times,
seasons, hours, and all the days of our lives, forever.

People: Amin.
 36

SEDRO
Priest: O Christ our God, when we meditate on the Mystery of Your
Economy full of wonder we offer unceasing praises and
thanksgivings to Your Sovereignty, for in You we live and move
and have our being; You who are truly our Maker and the
Treasure-House whose gifts are never exhausted or diminished.
On account of this we sing praise to Your Godhead and offer
honor and exaltation to Your Divinity, in that You are the never-
changing image of Your Father in Your eternal being, and beyond
all times and seasons, eternally, You shine forth from His own
being. And at the fullness of time when You were pleased to
descend to redeem Your Creation, You took flesh of the Holy
Virgin Mary, and You worked miracles and signs and wonders
and mighty deeds. And when the time of Your life-giving passion
in the flesh for our sake drew near, You were pleased to disclose to
Your holy apostles the things concerning the renewal of the world
to come, and the glory which is kept for those who do good. In
order that the sons of Your likeness might not be offended by Your
willing passion and death in the flesh, You took with You Simon,
James, and John and ascended Mount Tabor, and were
transfigured in their sight. Your face shone like the sun, while by
this You revealed and made known to us that You are neither
Moses nor Elijah but the Lord of Moses and Elijah and all the
prophets. Again You showed us that at the end of time the dust
will be changed from corruption and shine like the sun in full
strength. On this festal and holy day the garments on Your body
became white like snow, and by this You gave us a sign of the
shining garments of immortality which are kept for those who do
Your will. On this festal and holy day the Father sent a cloud of
light from on high and it rested upon Mount Tabor that it might
teach us that the just shall be caught up in clouds of light to meet
You on the last day, and they shall be with You forever and shall
take their pleasure in Your light. Therefore we beseech You,
change our hearts from evil to good, from the darkness of evil
ways to deeds of light, shining with virtue and true faith. Remove
from us the filthy garments of shameful desires, and grant that
they may become white garments, brighter than the rays of the
sun. And make us worthy to find shelter in the abode of Your
glorious light, that there we may offer You praise with Your Father
and Your Holy Spirit, now and always and forever. People: Amin.
 37

QOLO
(Lokh Moryo Qorenan – Tone 6)

Moses and Elijah beheld Christ their Lord,

And to the apostles who marveled He spoke truth.
They heard the voice of the Father from heaven,
Who bore witness to His Child and roared from the heights:
“This is My – Only Begotten!
Heed His words – and listen to Him.”
Praise Him who manifested to us His glory! Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Come, Moses, prophesy! Reveal to us all

Who it is who is transfigured on the Mountain,
And how He brought you before us from the tomb!
Explain to us this myst`ry: in truth, who is He?
“He is God, – God of Abraham,
And He rules – over death and life.
And by His voice He calls and raises all the dead!”

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

O you who have died in Christ, do not be grieved,

Behold the reward and resurrection has come!
From your graves, you shall rise without corruption,
And go forth in haste to meet the Son of the King.
Putting on – garments of glory,
You shall sing – praises before Him.
O Lord, Resurrection of mankind, have mercy!

Lord, have mercy upon us and help us!

 38

`ETRO

Priest: O Good One, may this sweet incense which we burn before
Your altar, on the Great Day of Your Transfiguration on the
Mountain, ascend to that place raised above all where Your
chariot is carried. You who revealed Yourself to the eyes of
Your disciples and caused the cloud of Your compassion to
overshadow them when they heard the voice of the Father,
“This is My Beloved Son,” let the graciousness of Your
Godhead also overshadow us, the sinners, as we offer You
our adorations with praises and thanksgivings, our Lord
and our God, forever.

People: Amin.
 39

QOLO
(Habloh L`idtokh – Tone 6)
As God who rules all,
The Savior summoned Moses and Elijah
Who came and praised Him.
For He descended
To fulfill their mys’tries and save His image,
And manifested. Barekmor.
† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
The Lord, our Savior,
Led Simon, James, and John up to the mountain
To reveal His light,
That they would not doubt
At the death of the Living Son who had come
For our salvation.
Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.
He willed to gather
The stewards of Old and New in fulfillment
Of the prophecies.
Praise to His mercies
By which He lowered Himself from His greatness
For our salvation!

GOSPEL of MORNING PRAYER

(Cf. Psalm 132:13)
Halleluyah, Halleluyah
God has chosen a mountain for His habitation,
And the Lord shall dwell upon it.
Halleluyah

St. Mark 8:38–9:13

 40

INTERCESSORY CYCLE
QUQLION
(Pethgomo – Tone 6)

The King’s daughter stands in glory, Halleluyah,

And the Queen at Your right hand.

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, Halleluyah,

Like cedars of Lebanon they shall grow.

As a father shows mercy to his children, Halleluyah,

So the Lord shows mercy to those who fear Him. Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Unto the ages of ages and for ever more.

`Eqbo
Glory be to God on high;
Honor be to His mother;
Crowns of praise for His martyrs;
Grace and mercy for the dead.
Stomen Kalos, Kurielaison!
 41

Qolo
(Shlomo d’Abo – Tone 6)

The Father granted His peace

Unto the bless`ed virgin
Through the angel Gabr`i`el;
He greeted Mary and spoke:
“The Lord is with you, Mary,
And He shall come forth from you.” Barekmor.

† Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Peace be with all the prophets;

Peace be with the apostles;
Peace be with the bless’d martyrs
Who loved the Lord God of peace;
Peace be with the Holy Church
In which the sons of peace dwell.

Unto the ages of ages and forevermore.

We remember our Fathers,

Who taught us during their life
To be the children of God.
The Son of God will grant them
Comfort along with the just
And the righteous in heaven.

Lord, have mercy upon us and help us!

 42

Bo`utho of Mor Jacob

(Tone 6)
By this feast in which heaven and the earth rejoice,
Gladden Your Church and protect her children, O Lord!

The house of Simon has joined the house of Moses

In order to bring together the Old and New.

The stewards sought the exchange and came together

So that the old could grant the keys to the young ones.

Praise the Father who bore witness on the mountain,

The Son who showed His friends His light and true glory,

And the Holy Spirit who makes the dead to rise;

The disciples saw Christ’s glory and confessed Him!

Peace who reconciled those in heaven and on earth,

Grant Your Church peace and guard her by Your feast, O Lord.

Trisagion
(Chanted to the 6th Tone)
Holy art Thou, O God—Halleluyah!
Holy art Thou, Almighty—Kurielaison!
Holy art Thou, Immortal,
†Whose Cross redeemed us. (3x)

Lord, have mercy on us—Halleluyah!

Lord, be kind and have mercy—Kurielaison!
Lord, accept our service and our entreaties;
Have mercy on us!

Glory to Thee, O God—Halleluyah!

Glory to Thee, Creator—Kurielaison!
Glory to Thee, Christ the King,
Who has mercy upon us, sinners. Barekmor.

Our Father, who art in heaven…