20 Dec 2024
Kontakion 1
Christ our God, Who did choose the most pure Virgin from among all generations and was born of her in the flesh, we Your servants offer hymns of thanksgiving unto You. Since You art possessed of ineffable loving-kindness, O Master, from all manner of misfortune free us who cry: Glory to You!
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Ikos 1
A glorious multitude of angels assembled in Bethlehem to behold the unapproachable Nativity. Upon seeing their Creator lying in a manger as a babe, they were filled with awe. Doing homage with fear, they honoured the godliness of Him Who was born and of her who bore Him, chanting such things as these:
Glory to You, Son of God, Who was begotten of the Father before time began.
Glory to You Who with the Father and the Spirit did create all things.
Glory to You Who was made flesh to save the perishing human race.
Glory to You Who did condescend even to assume the form of a servant.
Glory to You Who searches for the lost.
Glory to You Who is the Saviour of those gone astray.
Glory to You Who has demolished the wall of separation.
Glory to You Who again has opened Paradise, which was shut by disobedience.
Glory to You Who was born of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Glory to You Who tenderly loves mankind.
Glory to You Who did show the manger to be Heaven on earth.
Glory to You Who has shown the Virgin to be a living Ark of God
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 2
Seeing that their Master had received flesh from the pure Virgin, the incorporeal angels were filled with awe and declared among themselves, “This is an all-glorious mystery past understanding.” Marveling at His ineffable condescension, they chanted with fear: Alleluia.Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Ikos 2
All noetic creation is filled with amazement, Lord Jesus, and with thanksgiving hymneth the mystery of Your Nativity. The hosts of Heaven rejoice, chanting, “Glory to God in the highest.” Therefore earth and men are filled with gladness, and we unceasingly cry out such things as these:
Glory to You, O God, Who is glorified in the highest.
Glory to You Who did cause the angels to rejoice.
Glory to You Who did reveal Yourself unto us on earth.
Glory to You Who has reconciled Yourself with sinners.
Glory to You Who came down from the heavens.
Glory to You Who did cause the star to shine forth.
Glory to You Who by it did summon the Magi to worship You.
Glory to You Who did mercifully accept their gifts.
Glory to You Who has taught all creation to minister unto You.
Glory to You Who has given us the understanding to hymn You.
Glory to You Who has united Yourself with us.
Glory to You Who Yourself has saved us.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 3
The God of peace and Father of compassion, mighty in strength, came to earth to save the perishing world. In Bethlehem, He is now born as a babe of the Virgin, whence He hath shown her to be the Mother and Mediatress of salvation for all who glorify His Incarnation and chant: Alleluia.Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Having her who gave You birth in an all-pure manner praying unceasingly for us, we rejoice and hymn the mystery of Your becoming man, Lord Jesus. We glorify Your Nativity from the God-pleasing Virgin as we cry: Glory to You!
Glory to You, Son of God.
Glory to You, Son of the Virgin.
Glory to You Who upon us has shown forth the abyss of Your love for mankind.
Glory to You Who has ineffably loved us.
Glory to You Who has sought out the lost sheep.
Glory to You Who has told the angels to rejoice in its finding.
Glory to You Who has taken it upon Your shoulders.
Glory to You Who has led it unto the Father.
Glory to You Who has united men and angels into a single flock.
Glory to You Who has delivered the world from delusion.
Glory to You Who has shown us great and incomprehensible mercy.
Glory to You Who love us more than all other creatures.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 4
The chaste-minded Joseph who had within him a storm of doubting thoughts, now beholdeth glorious things within the divine cave. Even though he beheld as an infant Him Who was born of the holy Virgin, yet he understood from things revealed unto him that He is the True God. Thereafter, doing homage to His divinity, he chanted with joy: Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleulia, Alleluia!
Ikos 4
The shepherds heard the angel proclaim that the Saviour of the world was born in the city of David. Running swiftly to the cave, they beheld Him lying in the manger — like an unblemished lamb which had been nurtured in the womb of the Virgin. She who had given Him birth, now ministered unto Him while Joseph stood by with fear. The shepherds spake of what they had been told and, bowing down before the newborn, they said such things as these:
Glory to You, Lamb of God, the Saviour of the world.
Glory to You, Son of God, Who has revealed unto the human race an ineffable miracle.
Glory to You Who has caused us to hear the song of angels.
Glory to You Who has taught us to glorify You with them.
Glory to You Who has moved angels and men to hymn You.
Glory to You Who has brought joy unto earth and Heaven.
Glory to You in Whom those in Heaven rejoice with those on earth.
Glory to You, by Whom those on earth are united with those in Heaven.
Glory to You Who has shown the power of the devil to be impotent.
Glory to You Who has delivered us from his tyranny.
Glory to You, ineffable joy of those who believe in You.
Glory to You, unspeakable delight of those who love You.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 5
Beholding the divinely guided star which pointed beforehand to the Nativity of Christ, the Magi observed it and by its guidance they reached the unapproachable One. Thereupon beholding Him Who is invisible, they rejoiced and cried unto Him: Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Ikos 5
The Persian magi, seeing the King of kings sitting on the arm of the Virgin as on the throne of the cherubim, and understanding Him to be the Master, even though He had assumed the form of a servant, hastened to offer Him gifts — gold, as unto the Highest King of all; frankincense, as unto God via the High Priest; and myrrh, as proper for the anointed one — and making obeisance, they chanted such things as these:
Glory to You Who has shone forth light upon all.
Glory to You Who by a star has guided us to do You homage.
Glory to You Who did reprove the malice of cruel Herod.
Glory to You Who did show his plotting to be in vain.
Glory to You Who has delivered us from his deception.
Glory to You Who has taught us to truly worship You, the Sun of Righteousness.
Glory to You Who has enlightened all with the light of understanding.
Glory to You Who by Your Nativity has abolished the delusion of polytheism.
Glory to You Who has utterly laid low the dominion of the enemy.
Glory to You Who has taught us to worship You with the Father and the Spirit.
Glory to You Who has crushed the head of the serpent that beguiled us.
Glory to You Who has delivered us from everlasting death.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 6
In fulfillment of the prophecies concerning You, which were uttered by the God-bearing heralds, You have revealed Yourself on earth, O Saviour, being born now of the pure Virgin in a wretched cave. Yes, though rich, You did willingly impoverish Yourself for our sake, that You might enrich all men who chant unto You with faith: Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Ikos 6
You did shine forth from the Virgin, Your Mother who knew not man, Lord Jesus, shining like the sun and driving away the darkness of falsehood. All the demons trembled, unable to withstand Your might. The darkest depths of Hades also, witnessing the miracle, were filled with terror. Henceforth it is most fitting that we cry unto You in thanksgiving:
Glory to You, Saviour of men.
Glory to You, destroyer of demons.
Glory to You Who by Your birth did fill the prince of lies with dread.
Glory to You Who did satisfy the prophets with eternal blessedness.
Glory to You Who has illumined all with the light of knowledge of God.
Glory to You Who has driven away the darkness of ignorance.
Glory to You Who has poured forth the water of salvation upon us all.
Glory to You Who has quenched the thirst of Adam and David.
Glory to You Who like the sun has enlightened all by Your Nativity.
Glory to You Who has rendered all the world radiant with Your beams of grace.
Glory to You Who has shown us the Promised Land.
Glory to You Who has delivered us from the curse of our entire race.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 7
Desiring to reveal unto us the mystery hidden from before time began, You did show it unto Your servants from all creation, O Savior — unto Gabriel from among the angels, unto the Virgin from among men, unto the star from among the heavens, and from earth unto the cave in which it was Your good pleasure to be born. We therefore, marveling at Thine ineffable wisdom, cry unto You: Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Ikos 7
The Creator of all showed forth a new creation, revealing Himself in the flesh — springing forth from a seedless womb which He preserved incorrupt and offered as the mediation of salvation for those who chant:
Glory to You, Son of God, Who has shown her who bore You to be a Mother of loving-kindness.
Glory to You Who did preserve her virginity even after she gave birth.
Glory to You Who came to save Adam..Glory to You Who has comforted the tears of Eve.
Glory to You Who has appeared as an innocent Lamb.
Glory to You Who has shone forth an image of the Resurrection.
Glory to You Who has torn up the record of our sins.
Glory to You Who has given us a model of humility.
Glory to You Who did impoverish Yourself for our sake.
Glory to You Who has enriched us with Your poverty.
Glory to You Who has clothed us in the raiment of salvation.
Glory to You Who has delighted us by Your love.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 8
Seeing Your strange and glorious Nativity, which took place in the cave, let us all the more spurn the vanities of the world. It is now revealed that the Divine Mind hath appeared on earth as a humble man and leadeth unto the heavens those who cry unto Him in gratitude: Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Ikos 8
Christ our God, You art all-desire and all-delight for those who love You and glorify Your divine condescension. Having been born of the pure Virgin on earth, You leadest unto the heavens those who chant such things as these:
Glory to You, Son of God, Who was born on earth in a manger.
Glory to You Who did show the pure Virgin to be a worthy Mother.
Glory to You Who has revealed Yourself unto the meek and the poor.
Glory to You Who has called those from afar into Your marvelous light.
Glory to You, our indescribable joy.
Glory to You, the delight of our hearts.
Glory to You Who in Your Nativity has shone forth the light of salvation.
Glory to You Who did shed tears for our restoration.
Glory to You Who has thereby quenched the flame of our passions.
Glory to You Who has cleansed us from the defilement of sin.
Glory to You Who has set at nought our transgressions.
Glory to You Who has delivered us from corruption.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 9
No mind or understanding of angels or men is able to comprehend the mystery of Thine unapproachable Nativity, O Saviour. Yet, do You accept our love and faith, Good Master, and save us who chant unto You with fear: Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Ikos 9
Lord Jesus, we see the most eloquent of orators mute as fish when confronted by Thine Incarnation. They cannot understand how, being perfect God, You did appear as a perfect man, and how You were born of the Virgin who knew not any man. Hence, refusing to plumb these mysteries, we glorify You by our faith only and we cry such things as these:
Glory to You, Wisdom and Word of God personified.
Glory to You, ineffable and everlasting joy of the meek.
Glory to You Who did show those lacking in wisdom to be lovers of wisdom.
Glory to You Who has given understanding even unto the simple.
Glory to You Who did put to shame those who tested You.
Glory to You Who did break the webs of all who devise myths.
Glory to You Who has united true knowledge with right worship.
Glory to You Who did pour forth wisdom into Your works.
Glory to You Who has enlightened the minds of many.
Glory to You Who has shown us the path to salvation.
Glory to You, unfathomable abyss of loving-kindness.
Glory to You, depth of compassion and love for mankind.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 10
Desiring to save the world which is perishing, the adorner of all is born of the Virgin as a babe. He Who looseth the intricate bonds of transgressions is wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Being the Son of God, He becometh the Son of the Virgin, and wisely arrangeth all things that He might save those who chant unto Him: Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Ikos 10
Herod, the enemy of God, showed himself to be a vile agent of God-opposing malice and a spawn of great evil, for he tried to slay Him Who giveth life unto all. At his command, thousands of innocent babes were reaped by the sword, like unripe grain. Let us, however, drive all malice from our heart that we may glorify Him Who came to save us, crying:
Glory to You Who did show Herod’s intention to be in vain.
Glory to You Who has taken the babes he slew into Your arms, numbering them among the angels!
Glory to You, vanquisher of wickedness by means of pure goodness!
Glory to You, instructor in humility and lover of mortals.
Glory to You Who has broken the horn of pride.
Glory to You Who has shone the light of righteousness upon all.
Glory to You Who Yourself has taught us to be meek and humble.
Glory to You Who unto whom all knee shall bow!
Glory to You Who by Your Nativity did sanctify the womb of her who bore You.
Glory to You Who did accept the shepherds’ wonder and the gifts of the Magi.
Glory to You Who did teach even irrational creatures to serve You.
Glory to You Who has blessed all creation.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 11
All our praise of Thine Incarnation falls short and, for those who wish to offer fitting praise, awestruck silence is better. Yea, even if we were to offer You hymns as numerous as the grains of sand on the earth and drops of water in the seven seas, All-Holy King, we would never rise to an appropriate level of worship. For this reason, we fervently chant unto You: Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Ikos 11
They who languished in darkness and trod the valley of the shadow of death, beholding You, the never-waning Light Who shone forth from the Virgin, were illumined by the fire of Your divinity. They hymned You, the bestower of wisdom and understanding, crying out such things as these:
Glory to You Who has shone forth most radiant enlightenment.
Glory to You, Sun of Righteousness, Who has illuminated all by Your Nativity.
Glory to You Who has poured forth upon us a most torrential river of grace.
Glory to You Who has richly provided the water of salvation as drink.
Glory to You Who has shown unto those who love You that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light.
Glory to You Who has lifted from us the weight of sin.
Glory to You Who has delivered us from the bondage of the enemy.
Glory to You Who has overcome the malice of men by becoming man.
Glory to You Who has filled all with gladness by Thine appearance on earth.
Glory to You Who has given us consolation through rebirth.
Glory to You Who has shown Yourself unto us as our utmost desire.
Glory to You Who has reconciled with the Father us who are His enemies.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 12
Our Saviour, Who did come to give grace unto all and to release the debts of men by Thine Incarnation, loose also our debts and rend asunder the record of our sins, that we may glorify Thine ineffable Nativity and chant without ceasing: Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Ikos 12
Hymning Your incarnation, we praise, bless and worship You, our Saviour. We believe that You art the Lord and God Who saves all who hope on You, who glorify Thine ineffable Nativity from the Virgin, and who chant such things as these:
Glory to You, Son of God, Who art worshiped in the highest with the Father and the Spirit.
Glory to You Who art glorified by all the ranks of Heaven and earth.
Glory to You Who has disclosed the mystery hidden from before time began.
Glory to You Who has revealed Your powerful love for us.
Glory to You Who knowest the hearts of all men.
Glory to You Who has mercy upon the sinner.
Glory to You Who makest firm the scepters of those who reign with piety on earth.
Glory to You Who has blessed devout hierarchs and priests with wisdom and majesty.
Glory to You, foundation and confirmation of the Church.
Glory to You, deliverance and adornment of all the faithful.
Glory to You, physician and healer of our bodies.
Glory to You, Lover and Saviour of our souls.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Kontakion 13
To Jesus, all-sweet and most compassionate, our Savior, Creator and Master. Accept this, our meager supplication, thanksgiving and glorification, as You did accept the gifts and worship of the Magi. Preserve us, Your servants, from all perils. Grant us the forgiveness of sins. From everlasting torment deliver those who with faith glorify Your Nativity from the pure Virgin, and who cry unto You:
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Kontakion 1 (repeated)
Christ our God, Who did choose the most pure Virgin from among all generations and was born of her in the flesh, we Your servants offer hymns of thanksgiving unto You. Since You art possessed of ineffable loving- kindness, O Master, from all manner of misfortune free us who cry:
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
Ikos 1 (repeated)
A glorious multitude of angels assembled in Bethlehem to behold the unapproachable Nativity. Upon seeing their Creator lying in a manger as a babe, they were filled with awe. Doing homage with fear, they honoured the godliness of Him Who was born and of her who bore Him, chanting such things as these:
Glory to You, Son of God, Who was begotten of the Father before time began.
Glory to You Who with the Father and the Spirit did create all things.
Glory to You Who was made flesh to save the perishing human race.
Glory to You Who did condescend even to assume the form of a servant.
Glory to You Who searchest for the lost.
Glory to You Who art the Saviour of those gone astray.
Glory to You Who has demolished the wall of separation.
Glory to You Who again has opened Paradise, which was shut by disobedience.
Glory to You Who was ineffably born of the Virgin.
Glory to You Who tenderly love mankind.
Glory to You Who did show the cave to be Heaven on earth.
Glory to You Who has shown the Virgin, who gave You birth, to be the throne of the cherubim.
Jesus, Son of God, Who became incarnate for our sake: glory to You.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Who was born an infant in condescension to the sins of the human race, we confess that we have no kingly gifts to offer You like the Magi and no place for You to abide like the animals in the manger.
We have done nothing to deserve Your goodness — nothing not tainted by pride — and we trust only in Your great mercy to make us worthy though unworthy of Your glorious Nativity. O King of kings, accept the gifts of our repentance and commitment that we may, in gratitude, worship You under the illumination of the star of Bethlehem. Forgive us and reconcile us with Your Holy Church that we may love one another as You have loved us.
Amen.