Antiphonarium Monasterii Benchorensis

Antiphonary of the Monastery of Bangor. In the Name of the Highest God. Canticle of Moses. Hear, O heavens, what I speak, etc. A hymn of Saint Hilary on Christ. Let the throng of the faithful sing a hymn. Let hymns, songs, and praises be chanted to Christ the King..... You of God the........................ Right hand of the Father, mountain, and Lamb, you are the cornerstone, likewise the bridegroom, or the dove. Flame, Shepherd, Gate. In the prophets you are found * Born into our age Before the ages you were the maker of the first age. Maker of heaven, maker of earth, Gatherer of the sea, And creator of all things Which the Father commands to be born. Received in the limbs of a virgin, At the announcement of Gabriel The womb swells with holy offspring.... to believe more readily............ seen.................................... When he orders the little ones to be slain, He made a throng of martyrs; The infant is carried to be hidden, Where the river Nile flows. He who is brought back after Herod To be nurtured in Nazareth As a child, as an adult, He performed many signs from heaven.

Things hidden and things read before many witnesses, preaching the heavenly kingdom, words proven by deeds. He made the weak strong, he illumined the blind with light, he cleansed the leprous disease with words, he raised the dead. He ordered the water to be changed into wine, which the jars lacked. With the wedding feast retaining the pure wine... the people... twofold... The crowd from every reclining place bore the praise of the judge, he approved twelve men, through whom life is learned. Among them one is found, Judas the traitor of Christ; those sent by Annas are instructed by the traitor’s kiss. The innocent one is held captive, and is led away without resisting; he is set before false accusers, who rage, offering him to Pontius. They said Christ must be denied; the holy one is handed over to the crowds; they rage with impious words; he endures spitting and scourges. He is ordered to ascend the cross, innocent for the guilty: by the death of the flesh which he bore, he conquered the death of all. Then, hanging, he calls upon God the Father with a great cry... the limbs of Christ...

The veils of the temple hang torn; night darkens the age; bodies long closed in tombs are roused. Blessed Joseph was present: he anointed the body with myrrh, bound it with a rough cloth, and buried it with sorrow. The prince Anna orders the soldiers to guard the body, so that he might see if Christ would prove what he had promised. Trembling at the angel of God, clothed in a shining garment, whose brightness of clarity surpassed the silk of fleece. Christ, whole, removed the stone from the tomb as he rose; deceitful Judea saw this, yet denies it, though she saw. He announces to the apostles that he was raised from the dead by his father’s right hand and returned on the third day. Soon he is seen by the blessed brothers whom he had tested, who had doubted that he had returned; he enters through closed doors. He gives, teaching the precepts of the law; he gives the divine Spirit, the perfect Spirit of God, the bond of the Trinity. He commands that throughout the whole world believers be baptized, invoking the name of the Father, confessing the Son.

Mystical faith reveals those dyed with the Holy Spirit, renewed by the font, made sons of God. Before the light, the crowd... sings together......... The cock's crow, the cock's applause senses the coming day; we, singing and praying, believe what is to come. Let us sing together the immense majesty as one; before the light, let us announce Christ the King to the age. Before the light, let us announce Christ the King to the age. Those who rightly believe in him will reign with him. Glory to the unbegotten Father, glory to the only-begotten, together with the Holy Spirit, through everlasting ages. Hymn of the apostles. We pray to the Father, the King almighty, and to Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit as well. Alleluia. God, perfect in one substance, threefold. The fountain of light, the radiance of all the heavenly bodies and of those shining upon the world. For this day, like the firstborn, once shone from the citadel of heaven upon the world. Thus the Word made flesh from the beginning, eternal light sent by the Father to the age.

And that first one, taking away strength from Cabo, suddenly drove night from the world. Thus this eternal one, with the enemy subdued, loosens the knotty bond of death from the pole. Darkness was over the abyss before the first day of days would shine. This true light, when it came forth, covered mortal hearts with deep ignorance. On that same day, the Red Sea, as they say, was left behind by liberated Israel. Through this we are taught to despise worldly deeds and to stand firm in the desert of virtues. With the savage rival drowned, swans sing in rivalry, praising God to the fiery leader. And thus, rescued from the wicked straits, we are bidden to praise God, having driven out our enemies. And just as that one was the beginning of light, so these are the beginning of salvation. Let the first speak in the tenor of day! The second, indeed, in the warmth of faith. At the end of the world, after so many mysteries, the Savior is present with great madness. And as openly as the elements foreshadow, so clearly do the hours of the prophets celebrate. Born as a man in mortal covering, he does not depart from heaven, remaining in the Trinity.

A babe in swaddling clothes, he is venerated by the Magi; he shines among the stars, he is adored in the heavens. The eighth station: he is contained in a manger, yet the whole world can be enclosed in his smallness. And the first sign portended to the disciples: water turned into the flavor of nectar. Then, as said through the prophet, it is fulfilled: the lame man will leap as swiftly as a deer. And the speech of the mute is uttered, the bond being loosed, with the Lord commanding. The deaf are healed, the blind, and the lepers; the dead are raised by the backward rope. Five loaves, divided among the same number of men, satiate thousands without doubt. After such great masses of divine mercy, that hateful one, goaded by the sting of envy— he who envies and hates the soul, prolonging [his malice] against enemies— a counsel is begun against him who is called the messenger of the great counsel. They approach him like a thief with swords, about to hand him over to the alternating fires. Finally he is handed over to human judgment; condemned by a mortal king, he is eternal. Nailed to the cross, he wondrously shakes the pole, and the light of the sun is dimmed for three hours.

Rocks are shattered, the veil of the temple is torn, the dead rise living from the tombs. Entangled in knots for nearly a thousand years, the old man extricates himself from the infernal funeral car... the offspring of bone, cast down by evil death, a savage avenger. He whom the ancient inhabitant of Paradise, by his return, mercifully restores. Raising the head of the whole body, he placed it in the Trinity of the Church. In this heaven, he commands the princes of the gates, with their companions, to open the eternal portals for the king. Lifting up the erring sheep on his own most certain shoulders, he brings her to the heavenly folds. He whom we await as the future judge, just, to render to each his own. I ask: for such and so great gifts, can we fittingly offer a return in turn? Why do we mortals, so petty, attempt to tell what no one could utter? We only pray this, and it is the greatest: have mercy on us, eternal Lord. Alleluia. Canticle of Saint Zachary. Blessed be the Lord God, Israel, etc.

Canticle. Let us sing to the Lord, for he has been gloriously honored, etc. Blessing of the three youths. Bless, all you works of the Lord, the Lord; sing a hymn, and exalt him above all ages, etc. Hymn for the Lord’s Day. Praise, youths, the Lord; praise the name of the Lord. We praise you, God; we confess you, Lord. You, eternal Father, are venerated by the whole earth. To you, all angels, to you, the heavens, and all powers. To you, cherubim and seraphim proclaim with unceasing voice: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts. The heavens and the whole earth are full of the honor of your glory. You are praised by the glorious choir of apostles, by the praiseworthy number of prophets. Let the white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world, the holy Church confesses you. Father of immense majesty. Your venerable, true, only-begotten Son. Also the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. You, Christ, King of glory.

You are the eternal Son of the Father. You took on humanity to free the world. You did not shrink from the Virgin’s womb. Having conquered the sting of death, you opened the kingdoms of heaven to believers. You sit at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father, and you are believed to be the coming judge. Therefore we beseech you, help us, your servants, whom you redeemed with your precious blood. Make us worthy to be rewarded with eternal glory among the saints. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance, and guide them, and exalt them forever. Each day we bless you, and praise your name eternally, and for ever and ever. Amen. Let your mercy be upon us, Lord, as we have hoped in you. Hymn when the priests would communicate. Come, saints, take the body of Christ, drinking the holy blood by which you were redeemed. Saved by the body and blood of Christ, by which we are refreshed, let us say praises to God.

Through this sacrament of body and blood, all are freed from the jaws of hell. The giver of salvation, Christ the Son of God, saved the world through the cross and blood. The Lord, sacrificed for all, exists as both priest and victim. The law commanded that sacrifices be offered, by which divine mysteries are foreshadowed. The bestower of light and savior of all granted glorious grace to the saints. Let all approach with pure mind, believers, and receive the eternal safeguard of salvation. Guardian of the saints, you are also called ruler; you grant eternal life to believers. He gives heavenly bread to the hungry; from the living fountain he provides for the thirsty. Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord himself, will come to judge men. Hymn when the candle is blessed Fiery creator of fire, giver of light, bestower of light, and author of life, giver of salvation, and salvation itself. May the joys of this night not lack the vigilant lamp; you who do not wish man to die, give light to our heart.

From Egypt migrating, you grant a double grace; you present a cloud as a covering; you extend a nocturnal light. A cloud column by day protects the approaching people; a fire column at evening drives away the night with light. From the flame you summon a servant; you do not spurn the thorny bush; and though you are a consuming fire, you do not burn what you illuminate. With dark cloud consumed, with time of boiled-off filth, with the Holy Spirit boiling, you make the waxen flesh shine. You now store away the hidden honeycombs of divine honey’s breath; having purified the innermost cells of the heart, you have filled them with the Word. Like a swarm of new offspring, with mouth pre-selected, with spirit re-selected, let it seek heaven with secure little wings, free from burdens. Glory to the unbegotten Father, glory to the only-begotten Son, together with the Holy Spirit, through everlasting ages. Hymn of the midnight watch. It is the time of midnight; the prophetic voice admonishes; let us sing praises to God the Father always, and to the Son, and also to the Holy Spirit; for the perfect Trinity, of one substance, is always to be praised by us.

This time of terror, with which the destroying angel brought death to Egypt, slew the firstborn. This hour is salvation for the just, and those whom that same angel then did not dare to punish, fearing the sign of blood. Egypt wept bitterly at the dire funeral of so many; only Israel rejoiced, protected by the blood of the Lamb. But we are Israel; we rejoice in you, Lord, spurning the enemy and evil, defended by the blood of Christ. Indeed, this is the time when, by the voice of the Gospel, the coming Bridegroom is believed, the founder of the heavenly kingdom. Holy virgins go forth to meet his advent, bearing bright lamps, rejoicing with great joy. But the foolish women remain, who have their lamps extinguished; they knock in vain at the doors, for the royal gates are already closed. Therefore let us keep sober watch, bearing splendid minds, so that we may worthily run to meet the advent of Jesus. And at midnight, Paul and Silas also, bound in prison, praising Christ together, were freed.

This world is a prison for us. We praise you, Christ God. Loosen the chains of sins of those who believe in you, holy one. Make us worthy, Holy One, of the glory of the future kingdom, so that we may deserve to sing in harmony with eternal praises to you. Glory to the unbegotten Father, glory to the only-begotten Son, together with the Holy Spirit, for everlasting ages. A hymn for the feast of the martyrs, or on Saturday at Matins. Most sacred martyrs of the highest God, most valiant soldiers, leaders of the army of the most powerful King Christ, victors in heaven singing to God. Alleluia. Most exalted Christ, God of the heavens of the cherubim, whose holy throne is with the Father. There the shining choir of angels and martyrs proclaims you holy. Magnificently you, first of all, suffered the cross, who, having conquered death, shone forth to the world, ascended to the heavens, to the right hand of God. The saints proclaim you holy. Strengthened with spiritual arms, the holy apostles followed you, who, when they themselves suffered the death of the cross, sang to you, holy one.

Christ, you are the powerful helper of the martyrs who fight for your holy glory. When the victors departed from this world, the saints sang to you. Your illustrious and praiseworthy virtue, O Lord, which through the Holy Spirit strengthened the martyrs, so that they might confound the Devil and overcome death. The saints sang to you. Protected by the exalted hand of God against the devil, they stood firm, always keeping faith in the Trinity with their whole heart. The saints sang to you. Truly they reigned with you, Christ God; they have crowns by the merit of their passion, and filled with a hundredfold fruit they rejoice. The saints proclaim to you. Let us humbly beseech the grace of Christ God, that we may be perfected into his glory, and in the holy city of God, Jerusalem, together with the saints, let us say alleluia to the Trinity. Hymn for Matins on Sunday. Spirit of divine light and glory, look upon me, O Lord, God of truth, Lord God Sabaoth, God of Israel,

Look. We shall declare the Light from Light, the Son of the Father, and the Holy Spirit, of one substance. Look. Only-begotten and firstborn, from you we obtain our redemption. Look. You were born of the Holy Spirit, from the Virgin Mary; into the same, into the adoption of sons, who, begotten for you, live from the font. Look. Heirs and co-heirs of your Christ, in whom and through whom you created all things, because in predestination from the ages Jesus is God for us, who now has begun. Look. Obtaining the body of the only-begotten God from the dead, the brightness of God, remaining for ever and ever, king of the eternities. Look. Because he who has now begun, who was always of your nature, the Son, of the divine light of your glory then, who is the form and fullness of your frequent divinity. Look. The person of the only-begotten and firstborn, who is wholly from the whole, we have said light from light. Look. And we confess true God from true God always, always, three persons in one substance.

Look. A hymn of Saint Patrick, teacher of the Irish. Hear, all who love God, the holy merits of the man in Christ, the blessed bishop Patrick: how by his good deed he is likened to angels, and on account of his perfect life he is made equal to the apostles. Blessed Patrick kept Christ’s commandments in all things; his works shine forth bright among men, and his wondrous example is followed by the holy; whence also in the heavens they magnify the Lord as Father. Steadfast in the fear of God and in unshaken faith, upon which is built, like Peter’s Church, the apostolate which he received from God, against whose gate the powers of hell do not prevail. The Lord chose him to teach barbarous nations and to fish through the nets of doctrine, and to draw believers from the world to grace, that they might follow the Lord to the heavenly seat. The chosen talents of Christ he sold for the Gospel, which among the Irish peoples he exacts with interest; by the voyages of this labor and the price of the work, he will possess with Christ the joy of the heavenly kingdom.

Faithful minister of God, and distinguished messenger, apostolic example, and he offers a model to the good, who both by words and by deeds preaches God to the people, and whom he does not convert by words, he urges on by good fruit. He has glory with Christ, honor in the world, he who by all is venerated as an angel of God, whom God sent like Paul to the gentiles as an apostle, to provide guidance to men for the kingdom of God. Humble from fear of God in spirit and body, upon whom on account of good deed the Lord rests, whose just in the flesh bears the stigmata of Christ, and whose sole support glories in the cross. The diligent pastor feeds the believers with heavenly feasts, lest those who seem to be with Christ falter on the way, to whom he distributes like loaves the evangelical words, and which are multiplied like manna in his hands. He who guards the flesh from lust for love of the Lord, which flesh he prepared as a temple for the Holy Spirit, by whom it is constantly possessed with pure deeds, which he also offers as a pleasing living sacrifice to the Lord.

And a lamp of the world, a great gospel candle, raised on a candelabrum, shining throughout the whole age, a city fortified for the king, placed upon a mountain, in which there is great abundance, which the Lord possesses. For he will be called the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, who, what he teaches with sacred words, he fulfills with good deeds, he precedes with a good example, and he has a form for the faithful and confidence in God in his worldly heart. He boldly announces the name of God to the peoples, to whom he gives eternal grace through the saving waters, for whose sins he prays daily to God, for whom he offers sacrifices worthy of God. He scorns all worldly glory for the sake of divine law, who considers all things at whose table as trifles, nor is he moved by the threatening thunderbolt of this world, but rejoices in adversities when he suffers for Christ. A good and faithful shepherd of the gospel flock, whom God has chosen to guard the people, and to feed his own flock with divine teachings, for which, following the example of Christ, he gives up his own soul.

Whom the Savior promoted to the office of pontiff for his merits, so that he might admonish the clergy in the heavenly militia, to whom he distributes heavenly rations along with garments, which is fulfilled in divine matters and sacred utterances. The king's messenger, inviting the faithful to the wedding, who is adorned with a garment, clothed in a nuptial robe, who draws heavenly wine in heavenly vessels, and gives the people of God a spiritual draught to drink. He found a sacred treasure in a sacred volume, and perceives the divinity of the Savior in the flesh, which treasure he buys with holy and perfect merits; this man is called Israel, the soul seeing God. A faithful witness of the Lord in the Catholic law, whose words are bright with divine oracles, so that human flesh may not be thought to be and to be from worms, but may be seasoned with heavenly flavor for the sacrifice. A true and distinguished cultivator of the evangelical field, whose seeds appear to be the Gospels of Christ, which he sows with divine mouth into the ears of the prudent, whose hearts and minds he also plows with the Holy Spirit.

Christ chose him as his vicar on earth, who frees captives from a double servitude, many of whom he redeemed from the bondage of men, countless others he absolved from the dominion of the Devil. He sings hymns with the Apocalypse and the Psalms of God, and he instructs the people of God in building up the faith, which law in the Trinity of the sacred name he believes, and he teaches one substance in three persons. Girded with the Lord’s cincture by day and by night, without intermission he prays to God the Lord, for whose immense labor, about to receive the reward, he will reign with the apostles, holy over Israel. Bishop Patrick, pray for us all, that the sins we have committed may be wiped away at once. Let us always say the praises of Patrick, that we may always live with him. A hymn of Saint Comgall, our abbot. Let us remember the justice of our patron, shining brightly, in the name of holy Comgall, resplendent in his work. Aided by God, by the Holy Spirit and by the clear light, holding all things under the rule of the most high Trinity, whom God led to the ethereal dwellings, guarded by angels, to endure through the ages.

Hear all the works of Allat, the hidden deeds of the angelic athlete of God. From youth, Oorida, increased in the page of the law, high through the holy entrails, fitted with faith and justice, led to the joys of God, the high merits brought forth abundantly in harmony, by the angels. A good life, justice, flourishing kindness, the firmest charity, first applied to God, according to the command of the sultan, most excellent in the kingdom, often owed to neighbors, pleasing with a serene heart, he made known as fruitful in the future, whom God. Contempt of worldly pleasures, of present vices, the firmest against the infirmities devastating words and thoughts, turning on the left side, he contained through the secrets of the vigilant entrails, by the angels. Learned in the laws of God, enriched with divine words and holy riches, always pleasing to God, dedicated in morals, God's Stephen the holy, he taught thus and the rest, learned words by deeds, whom God.

He chose from the beginning, what was in the beginning, the eternal Wordlet, belched forth from the paternal most holy heart, true and most high, dear to that same shining pledge with a most illustrious mind, steadfast in a peaceful work. From the angels. He shone with the brightness of the high sun, in place of the sun at the summit, at the noonday radiance of faith, confirmed from the entrails, always in the star of God, trusting in holiness with a special protection. Whom God. He had the joy of the Holy Spirit in his entrails, a kingdom which is for the sublime, worthy of God and stronger. He also had the sword of the Spirit, raised against the most wicked, with which he would prostrate the proud, holding it in his holy hands. From the angels. Humble, holy, kind, upright in the laws of God, humane, just, accommodating, praiseworthy in his ways, cheerful of face, sober, in the flowers of charity, adorned with orders, made manifest to mortals, learned in the Scriptures, divinely inspired, provident in the sacraments, with canonical utterances, very resplendent of the Testament, fervent in spirit, peaceful, dear to God, and most pious.

From the angels. He trampled the deceitful world through the most firm study of charity and chastity, despising every vice, planting a flowering field, kindling a luminous breast, a divine dwelling sanctified by a threefold name. Whom God. He placed the lamp of wisdom in the breast, stored in the treasury of wisdom by God’s gift, greatly inflamed by the light of true justice, exalted by the protection of the law, the spirit, and the letter. From the angels. He took up a great struggle, worthy of eternal life; he attained a holy reward after the most firm labor, whose perfect merit we call upon for aid, that we may deserve the destruction of all vices. Whom God. Known to the assemblies of saints as an abbot among the ranks of monks, among the soldiers of the monks, among the minds of the anchorites, a synod for the holy peoples, indeed an apostolic man, illustrious in all lots, increased in sublime things. From the angels. A most solid rock placed in the foundation, a despiser of all present evil things, a holy leader of soldiers serving the Lord, a most strong recruit wholly given to the Lord.

Whom God. Placed as an iron wall, in the light of the people, to scatter, to destroy, to demolish all evils, to build, to plant all good things in common, after the manner of the holy Jeremiah, established on the summit. From the angels. Who despised the present things of this fleeting age? Who ascended to the heavenly joys with his whole soul? Who wished to fly into the ether, with his flesh laid aside? How did this one attain such holy merits? Whom God Ruled the holy Catholic Church by rule, retaining a solid faith against evil wickedness, exercising his soul through the page of holy law, whose grace I desire to adorn my soul. From the angels. The wise man, raising his inner holy eyes, led them to the heights, intent on his holy head, placing his holy entrails on the right side, having the works of a centurion through holy studies! Whom God. He carried his memory to the heavenly mansion, dear to God, and glorious, exercising his soul, despising the deceitful earth, taming every vain madness, with Abraham to that excellent land.

From the Angels. He has attained eternal life, shining, under the crown, where he will receive rewards that will endure through the ages, about to accompany the foremost ranks of angels, always seeking such things, keeping watch in the Church. Whom God. He prayed to Christ as his Master, adorning the highest service, bearing the office of Christ, carried out through apostolic action. Following his footsteps, leading an army to God into the most chosen holy dwelling of the Trinity. From the angels. He offered a hymn to God with a canticle to the Most High, in the circle of day and night, often praying with triumph; now he has sung under number a new canticle to the Lord, joined to the angelic choir with the highest saints in jubilation. Whom God. Girt with the belt of justice, of exceptional chastity, covered with a pure linen cloth in the sign of modesty, having bright loincloths from his whole being, for whose holy work a worthy reward will be rendered. Whom God led to the heavenly dwellings, guarded by angels, to endure through the ages.

Through the merits and prayers of our abbot, Saint Comgall, keep us all, Lord, in your peace. The Hymn of Saint Camelacus. Hear the good example of Benedict, the poor man of Camelacus of Cumae, a just servant of God. He offers an example in all things, faithful in his work, giving thanks to God, cheerful in all things, fasting and gentle; chaste, he serves God, rejoices in poverty, is gentle in all things; by night and by day he prays to his Lord, prudent, just, and faithful, whom his kinsmen love. He beheld God the King and his own Saviour; He granted him eternal life with the faithful. Christ commended him to the Patriarch Abraham. He will reign in paradise with Saint Eleazarus. Collect for Sext. Be our protector on this day, Lord, holy Father, almighty, eternal God, both merciful and compassionate, and our helper, and guide, and the illuminator of our hearts. Guard, Lord, our thoughts, words, and deeds, so that we may be able to please in your sight, Lord, and to fulfill your will, and to walk in the right path for the whole time of our life.

Another, for Sext. We pray to you, Most High, at the rising of the sun's light, Christ whose name is the rising one, be present to us, Lord, who reign for ever. For Terce. Through the third hour of Christ we beseech his mercy, that he may grant us his perpetual grace, who reigns. For Sext. Spare your suppliants praying at the sixth hour, in which you, Christ, were placed on the cross for all. Who reigns. For None. Hear the prayers of all who pray at the ninth hour, in which, Christ, you visited Cornelius through an angel. Who reigns. For Vespers. At the evening time we invoke you, Lord, grant our prayers, forgive our sins. At the hour of the half-night. We have spent the time of night, Christ, in your praises, may you have mercy on all who pray to you from the heart. Who reigns. For Nocturns. Jesus, mercifully visit those praying in the middle of the night, in which by divine power you loosed Peter's chains. Who reigns.

At Matins. God, help all who praise You thrice holy and confess You as One with sacred hymns of song. Who reign. Another, at Matins. Christ, I beseech You with the sounding songs of the cocks, because of Peter’s former weeping, attend to our prayers. Who reign. Another, at Matins. God, who, having driven away the darkness, grant the light of day, pour forth the coming of the true light upon Your servants. At Sext. Hear us, Lord, Your suppliants, who at this first hour of the day offer thanks to You, Lord God our Lord, who redeemed us with Your holy blood, that You may piously and mercifully receive our prayers and petitions offered to You as first fruits. Who reign. At the hour of Terce. With prayers subjoined to You, we beseech Christ the Lord, who at the third hour of the day sent the Holy Spirit to the praying apostles, deign to grant us, who ask, a share of that same grace. Who reign.

At the Hour of Sext. Almighty eternal God, who performed great deeds for us, at the sixth hour ascended the holy Cross, and illumined the darkness of the world, deign likewise to illumine our hearts. Who reign. At the Hour of None. The ninth hour of the day is at hand. To You, Lord, with direct supplication, whereby divine miracles are shown to Your worshippers, illumine our hearts also by their imitation. Who reign. At Vespers. Let our evening prayer ascend to the ears of Your divine majesty, and let Your blessing, Lord, descend upon us, even as we have hoped in You. Who reign. At the Beginning of Night. God, who illumine the inextricable darkness of the night, who brighten the density of gloom, guard our hearts, we beseech You, Lord, in the works of Your commandments. Who reign. At the Beginning of Night. Now that the times of day have run their course, and the spaces of night are coming on, let us beseech the mercy of God, that, filled with divine senses, we may be able to renounce the works of darkness. Who reign.

For the celebration of peace. We have acted unjustly. You have redeemed us, Lord, God eternal, in your holy blood; now help us in all things, Jesus Christ, who reign. Great peace to those who love; may your peace, Lord, heavenly king, remain always in our hearts, so that we may not fear the terror of the night. Who reign. Here begins the Creed. I believe in God the Father almighty, invisible, creator of all creatures visible and invisible. I believe also in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, almighty God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, who was crucified and buried, descended into hell, on the third day rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, from whence he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe also in the Holy Spirit, almighty God, having one substance with the Father and the Son. That the holy catholic Church is holy, the remission of sins, the communion of saints, the resurrection of the flesh. I believe in life after death, and eternal life in the glory of Christ. All these things I believe in God. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer. Our Father, etc. At Nocturns. At the hour of midnight, then the angels rejoiced at the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. So also we ought to rejoice in your holy peace, almighty God, who live, etc. At Matins. You are, Lord, the illuminator of darkness, and the creator of the elements, the remitter of sins; your mercy, Lord, is great upon those who seek you with their whole heart. May your majesty, Lord, hear us in the morning, and blot out our sins, which are not hidden from you. Who reign, etc. Likewise at Matins. You are hope and salvation. You are life and strength. You are a helper in tribulations. You are the defender of our souls, God of Israel in all things. Who reign, etc. The common prayer of the brothers. Do not remember our ancient iniquities. Let your mercies quickly overtake us, for we have become very poor. Help us, God our savior, and for the glory of your name, Lord, free us; and be propitious to our sins for the sake of your name. Do not deliver to the beasts a soul confessing to you. Do not forget the souls of your poor in the end. Look upon the covenant, Lord. God, attend to my help; Lord, hasten to aid me. Hasten, Lord, to free us from all our sins.

For the Baptized. Save your people, O Lord, and bless your inheritance, and rule them, and exalt them, O Lord, forever. Have mercy on your Catholic Church, which you redeemed in your blood. Who reignest. Arise, O Lord, into your rest. You are the ark of your sanctification. Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and your saints, etc. Who, etc. Let all your saints rejoice in you, O Lord, who hope in you in all truth. For the Abbot. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed on earth. May the Lord guard you from all evil, may the Lord guard your soul. May the Lord guard your going forth from now and forever. Guard us, O Lord, as the apple of the eye; under the shadow of your wings protect us. Deign to protect and sanctify all, O Almighty. Who reignest, etc. For the Brotherhood. You, O Lord, will save us, and guard us from this generation forever.

Hear our prayers for our brothers, that you may have mercy on them, O God. For the peace of peoples and kings. The Lord will give strength to his people. The Lord will bless his people in peace. May you deign to grant peace to all, almighty God. Who reignest, etc. Against blasphemers. Lord, your mercy endures forever; do not despise the works of your hands. Lord God of hosts, do not set them to harm in sin. For the impious. Judge them, O God; let them depart from their thoughts; they have provoked you, O Lord, to the point of wrath. Let those be confounded who trust in themselves, and not us, O Lord, who trust in you. For travelers. O Lord, save; O Lord, prosper well. Grant prosperity of journey to your servants. Who, etc. Let all your works confess you, O Lord, and let your saints confess you. Our souls give thanks to you for your countless benefits. Who reignest, etc.

For the almoners. He scattered, he gave to the poor. His justice remains forever and ever, his horn will be exalted in glory. For those giving alms in this world, grant, Lord, in your holy kingdom. For the sick. They cried out to the Lord when they were afflicted, and he will free them from their needs. Grant, Lord, to your servants health of mind and body. Arise, Lord, help us, and redeem us for the sake of your name. Our help is in the name of the Lord. May you deign to save us through the invocation of your holy name. Who reigns, etc. O God, who bestowed the crown of martyrdom upon your holy martyrs and chosen ones, we pray to you, Lord, that through their merits we may obtain pardon, we who do not deserve such great glory. Who reigns, etc. To you, Lord, I will cry out. My God, do not be silent toward me. The Lord of hosts is with us, our protector is the God of Jacob. Our helper is the God of Jacob. Have mercy on us, Lord. Who reigns, etc.

For the collections. Holy in the saints, spotless Lamb, glorious in the heavens, wondrous on earth, grant us, Lord, according to your great mercy, O God, what we ask and pray of you. Who reignest. For the martyrs. We pray, almighty God, the eternal name of your power, that you make us, by the merits of the martyrs and all your saints, equal in faith, zealous in devotion, like-minded in passion, to be made co-equal in the happiness of the resurrection. Who reignest, etc. Have mercy on me, O God, according to the great, etc. Grant, Lord, to those asking you in faith, according to your great mercy, O God, who reignest, etc. For Nocturns. At midnight, when the cry is made, that we may be found partners of the bridegroom, who reignest, etc. For Matins. God, our God, at daybreak we must keep watch for you, and you rouse us from heavy sleep, and free our souls from slumber, and in our beds let us be pricked, that we may deserve to be mindful of you. Who reignest, etc.

You are hope and salvation. You are life and strength. You are helper in tribulations. You are defender of our souls, God of Israel, in all things. Who reignest, etc. At Matins. You who dwell in the heights, and look upon the lowly, in heaven and on earth, in the sea and in all the abysses. From the depth of the heart we beseech you, that you may strengthen our hands for battle, and our fingers for war, so that we may at matins be able to slay all the sinners of our land, and we may deservedly be undefiled, and your holy temple, O Christ. Who reignest, etc. For the martyrs. God, who approve your saints with measure, and glorify them without measure, whose precepts have an end, and whose rewards have no term, hear through their merits our prayers, and grant that their patronage may aid us for the progress of faith, for the fruit of good works, for the good of prosperity, for the advantage of healthfulness, for the cultivation of religion, for the increase of divine fear, through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords, and glory of future ones, reigning and remaining together with the eternal Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Collect after the canticle. O God, who for your people departing from Egypt divided the seas and commanded the waters to be raised up, with both margins suspended like a wall, deign also to free our souls from the flood of sins, so that we may cross the whirlpool of vices, the enemy being scorned, O Savior of the world, who with the eternal Father live, rule, and reign with the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Collect after the blessing of the children. Hear our prayers, almighty God, and grant that, just as in the sung hymn we follow the blessed institution of the children, so by your gift, freed from the snares of sins, we may not be consumed by the fires of eternal fire, O Savior of the world, who with the Father live, etc. Collect after the three psalms. We praise you, Lord, from the heavens, and we pray that we may merit to sing a new song to you. We reverently beseech you, the Lord in your saints, that you may receive all our vows and forgive our sins, O Savior of the world, who reign, etc.

Collect after the Gospel. Rejoicing with gladness for the light of this day restored to us, let us offer praises and thanks to almighty God, beseeching his mercy that, as we solemnly celebrate the day of the Lord’s Resurrection, he may deign to grant us peace and tranquillity and joy, so that, protected by the favour of his clemency from the morning watch until night, rejoicing, we may delight in perpetual joy through our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Upon the hymn. Holy Lord, illumination and true salvation to the faithful, Resurrection of the Lord’s brightness, illumine our heart, that we may merit to be sons of light, and members of Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit through the knowledge of the Trinity and the recognition of the Unity, you who reign for ever and ever. Concerning the martyrs. These are they, O Lord, who, bathed in blessed blood, while they despise the flattering allure of this world through glorious passion, conquered death by death, and, considering that the darkness of this light is destined to fall at a certain end and limit, took up life from punishment and victory from death. We ask you, Christ, that we may merit to be aided by the prayers of those whose companions we cannot be, through you, Christ, who with the Father live, rule, and reign.

Over "Let Us Sing Glory to the Lord" O God, who daily release your people from the yoke of Egyptian servitude, and through the streams of the spiritual font lead them into the land of promise, the enemy having been overcome. Grant us victory from the assault of vices, and, our darkness having been vanquished, lead us into the inheritance of the Sanctuary, which your hands have prepared, O Savior of the world, who with the eternal, etc. Over the blessing of the three youths. Holy Lord, and glorious worker of wondrous miracles, who stand by the three youths placed amid torments, for whom it is easy to temper the nature of fires and in some way to restrain the force of consuming flames, so that amid the fires, cold, they, singing a hymn to you, exulted with great victory; now, Lord, grant the same power for freeing and protecting us, O Savior of the world. Over "Praise the Lord from the Heavens." Whom all elements sing, let them praise the Lord. Whose sacred confession is the same in heaven and on earth, and you, pledges of Zion, sing a new hymn to the thundering one, about to render judgment against the wicked written at the end, resound with diverse modes of spiritual melody, so that all spirits through the ages may praise Christ together, who lives with the Father.

Over the canticle. O God, who afflict impious Egypt with many daily corruptions, and provide a level path through the divided sea for your people, hear our prayers, we beseech you, and save us from our enemies in like manner, O Savior of the world. Who reigns, etc. After the blessing of the three youths. O God, who make the flame of the furnace cold for the boys burning with faith, and stand as a fourth with the three unconquered ones, death having been overcome, we pray that you grant such virtue to us, burned by the heats of the flesh, through you, Jesus Christ, who reigns, etc. After "Praise the Lord from the Heavens." Our God, God of all souls, we adore you, that you may grant us to arrive at the mass on this vigil of the solemnity, until the darkness of our iniquity is turned into light, as the sun shines at midday, O Savior of the world, who reigns, etc. After the Gospel. Venerating the Lord's Day, the beginning of our Resurrection, let us offer due praises and thanks with united affection to our Triune God, beseeching his mercy that he may grant us a share in the blessed Resurrection of our Lord and Savior both in spirit and also in body, who lives with the Father, etc.

After the hymn. Look, O Lord, upon our prayers, you who have visited human infirmities, and grant us your sanctification and immortality, O Christ, who reign, etc. Likewise after the canticle. With Pharaoh drowned in the sea, Israel is set free. We too, through the grace of baptism and the triumph of the cross, ask to be set free from every evil through you, O Christ, etc. Likewise after the Benedicite. O God, who snatched the three youths from the furnace, so snatch us from the torments of hell, you who reign forever. After “Praise the Lord from the heavens.” We praise you, O Lord, with your saints, that you may deign to receive our prayers, you who reign, etc. After the Gospel. We beseech the Lord rising at this dawn, that we too may rise into eternal life through all the ages of ages. After the hymn. We venerate your resurrection, O Christ, through which we may deserve to be saved forever through all the ages.

Christ God, who were the helper and protector for the salvation of your people Israel, whom you led through the dry sea from Egypt, save us in this way from the yoke of sin. You who reign forever. After the hymn of the three youths. For we rightly bless you, almighty God, who freed the three youths from the fire; also snatch us from the punishment of eternal death by your mercy, you who reign, etc. After "Praise the Lord from the heavens." Most high King God, God of the angels, praise of all elements, God of glory and exultation of the saints, guard the souls of your servants, you who reign forever. After the Gospel. Delighting in spiritual canticles, we sing to you in harmony, O Christ, by which your Majesty may be appeased, with the offered spiritual sacrifice of praise, who lives with you, etc. Likewise after the Gospel. At dawn, with the Author of light rising, let us exult in the Lord, death having been overcome, so that we may always shun sins and walk in the newness of life, who lives with you, etc.

After the hymn. Your Only-Begotten, O Lord, who came to wash away our sins through the cross, who lives with you, etc., was born as light in the first light, made at the ancient beginning of days. Concerning the martyrs. Mindful of your triumphant martyrs, who endured the banners of the passions for you, we pray that through their holy merits we may obtain forgiveness of our sins. You who reign, etc. After “Let us sing.” The people of Israel are liberated as a figure of us in the crossing of the sea. Therefore, free us by the grace of baptism from the perils of the world. You who reign, etc. After the Benedicite. Just as you saved the three youths in the flame by the descent of a heavenly messenger into the furnace, so deign to free us from the fire of hell through the Angel of the great counsel. You who reign. After “Praise the Lord from the heavens.” God, whom the army of the heavens sings, whom the Church of the saints praises, whom the spirit of all things hymns, have mercy, I beseech you, on all of us, you who reign, etc.

Let us sing to you, Lord of Hosts, Christ, praying that just as you delivered your beloved people from the very bitter yoke of captivity, with a column of cloud showing them the way by day, and the same by fire also by night. The sea is therefore parted to the right and left into a precipice; the wave, amazed, is solidified into heaped-up ramparts; your people walk on foot. A wondrous thing! His path can be followed neither by horseman nor by ship. Miriam strikes the timbrel, this hymn is sung, the precious flock is protected. So also deign to free us from the persecution of the ancient enemy and from every danger of the world, Savior of the world, who with the eternal Father live, rule, and reign together with the eternal Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Upon the blessing of the three youths. Three Hebrews, venerable in number, fortified by sacrament, tender in age but robust in the solidity of faith, out of love for the divine religion scorned to adore the image of the King, as men who had scorned the King himself, who, inflamed with anger, ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual, and a fire armed with pitch and tow to be kindled with blazing globes. Even the sky itself blushes at the alien fires. The innocent are thrown into that place, and there they find the one for whose sake they are thrown, Christ. In like manner, deign to free us from the fury of the intellectual tyrant and from the innate fire, Savior of the world, who with the eternal Father live, etc.

After "Praise the Lord from the Heavens." Let the angels, the powers, the stars, the dominions praise you, Lord, and let those who owe their origin to you exult in the duty of praising you, so that through the harmony of the whole universe singing to you, your will may be done, as in heaven, so also on earth. May it be pleasing to you, we pray, Lord, in your people, so that through your exaltations placed in their throats, there may remain in each one both the armor of your word, by which you teach, and the truth of our life, by which you always regard us, and the salvation by which you exalt the meek, because according to the multitude of your greatness we praise you, Lord, by the grace of praise displayed, through immolation by the psaltery, through mortification by the timbrel, through congregation by the choir, through exultation by the organ, through jubilation by the cymbal, so that we may always deserve to have your mercy, Christ, Savior of the world, who with the eternal Father live, etc. Over "Let Us Sing to the Lord.

Lord, who protects those fleeing Cinchrim through twice six hostile tribes on hateful journeys, first having driven back the waters on both sides of the lofty mountains, like dry cliffs suddenly becoming a wall of the sea, and producing waters from rock; therefore let the eternal enemy, we beseech, sink as once the punishment of the pious, the charioteers of the chariot, which is his vessel, and his action with swift thought be wicked for Pharaoh, the true King of Israel, which wave saves, so that he may sing songs to Christ through the ages, who lives with the Father. Versicles of the family of Bangor. Bangor, a good rule, Right and divine; Strict, holy, diligent, Most just, and wonderful. The blessed family of Bangor, Founded on certain faith, Saved by hope of salvation, Perfected by charity. A ship never troubled, Though shorn by waves, Prepared also for marriage, A bride for the Lord King. A house full of delights, Built upon rock, And also a true vine, Transplanted from Egypt.

Certainly a firm city, strong and fortified, glorious and worthy, placed upon a mountain. An area covered with cherubim, gilded on every side, filled with sacred things, carried by four men. A dwelling fit for Christ the king, deprived of the light of the sun, simple and at the same time learned, unconquered from every side. Truly a royal hall, adorned with various gems, and the fold of Christ's flock, preserved by the highest Father. A very fruitful virgin, this and an untouched mother, joyful and trembling, subjected to the Word of God. For whom a blessed life with the perfected is future, prepared by God the Father, to remain without faith. Benchuir, a good rule. A collection over a man who has a devil. Holy Lord, almighty eternal Father God, expel the devil and paganism from this man, from the head, from the hair, from the brain, etc. A prayer concerning the Martyrs. God, who have granted your kingdom to your martyrs, deign to grant pardon to us sinners. They merited their crown through passion by faith; we, however, for our iniquities and transgressions, beg remission and mercy from you, through you, Jesus Christ.

The antiphon begins on the Lord's Day of the Nativity, at the Second Hour, on "Refuge." From this day onward, the night diminishes, the day increases, the shadows are shaken, the light grows, and the losses of the night are transferred to the gain of the light. The antiphons on "Let us sing" and "Bless" begin. Our fathers, led out of Egypt, crossed the Red Sea on foot, and they sang praise to our Lord. The three youths were cast into the furnace, and they did not fear the flame of the fire, and they sang praise to our Lord. The sons of the Hebrews pressed forward, the Israelite peoples crossed through the dry sea, and they sang praise. The three youths prayed to you from the midst of the fire, they cried out to you with one voice, and they sang a hymn. Glorious among the saints, wonderful in his majesties, working wonders. Let us bless God the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit the Lord. Moses looked to the right and to the left, led forth the royal way, the people, and led them as far as the shore of the sea.

The boys scorned the flames of the furnace, they continually offered themselves to Christ, they abandoned the wicked way. Over: Praise the Lord from the heavens. Praise the Lord from the heavens, offer a joyful psaltery, praise him with the sound of the trumpet. Pharaoh was drowned in the Red Sea. Moses crossed the seas on dry foot, he said to sing to God. Concerning the martyrs. After fires and blades, crosses and beasts, the saints are borne with great triumph into the kingdom and into refreshment. In the invocation of the holy Martyrs, have mercy, O God, on your suppliants. Over: Lord, refuge, on the Lord's days— Turn, O Lord, how long, and be placable over your servants. Another likewise. Look upon your servants and upon your works, O Lord. Another likewise. We are filled in the morning with your mercy. Another daily. Let the splendor of the Lord our God be over us. For communion. We have received the body of the Lord, and we have been given to drink of his blood, we shall fear no evil, because the Lord is with us.

Another. With my lips I will meditate a hymn, alleluia; when you have taught me, I will answer with righteous deeds: Alleluia. Another. Taste and see, alleluia, how sweet the Lord is, alleluia. Another. This sacred body of the Lord and the blood of the Savior, take unto yourselves for eternal life. Alleluia. Another. How sweet to my palate are your words, O Lord. Another. Here is the living bread that came down from heaven. Alleluia. He who eats of it will live forever. Alleluia. Another. Refreshed by the body and blood of Christ, let us always say to you, O Lord: Alleluia. At Vespers and at Matins. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, etc. Commemoration of our abbots. The holy works of the holy Fathers, brothers, the most strong in the excellent Church of the Founders of Bangor, the eminent number of abbots, their times, their names shining without end, hear the great merits, whom the Lord of the kingdoms of heaven has summoned.

Christ loved Comgillus well, and she herself loved the Lord; Beognous was dear to him, he adorned Aedeus as lord, he chose the holy Simlanus, the famous teacher of the world. These. He made Fintenanus pleasing, an heir, nourishing, renowned; he illuminated Machlaisreus, the head of all abbots; with the sacred lamp he made Seganus great, a physician of Scripture. These. Beracnus was a known man, and Cumnenus was adorned; Columba was a fitting shepherd, Aidanus without complaint; Bautherius a good ruler, Cronanus a high priest. These. Camanus succeeded such men, a man admirable to all. Now he sits supreme for Christ, singing hymns as the fifteenth, that Cronanus may pluck life, may the Lord preserve him. These. The most faithful merits of these holy abbots, fitting toward Comgillus, we invoke most highly, so that we may be able to blot out all our crimes through Jesus Christ, who reigns eternally through the ages.