January 3rd - Octave Day of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist

The Octave Day of St. John the Evangelist is of double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is white. The Octave Days of the Comites Christi feasts entirely replace the Office of the second Sunday after the Nativity.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Lapidavernunt Stephanum etc were sung,doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. From the chapter Qui timet Deum etc., the Office was of St. John and the Office hymn Exultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of St. John commemorations were sung of the Octave Day of St. Stephen and the Octave of the Holy Innocents.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Apostolorum Dominum, Venite adoremus and the Office hymn is Aeterna Christi munera, as on the feast itself, sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. In the first nocturn the antiphons In omnem terram etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 18, 33 & 44. The lessons are from the fourth chapter of the Book of the Apocalypse. These lessons are the same as in modern (i.e. until the 1911-13 reform) editions of the Breviary. The responsories are those proper to the feast. In the second nocturn the antiphons Principes populorum etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 46, 60 & 63 and the lessons are from a tract of St. Augustine on St. John. The sixth lesson is substantially longer than that found in modern editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Exaltabuntur etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 74, 96 & 98. The homily on St. John's Gospel is from St. Chrysostom. These are, again, significantly longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions and the ninth lesson is entirely absent from the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Valde honorandus est etc are sung, doubled, with the Dominical psalms. The Office hymn is Exultet caelum laudibus sung, of course, with the Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Holy Innocents.

At the Hours the same antiphons from Lauds, Valde honorandus est etc., are sung in the normal sequence. At Prime the festal psalms are sung (53, 118i & 118ii), the lectio brevis is In medio Ecclesiae.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung. The second collect if of the Octave of the Holy Innocents. The Credo is sung and the preface is of the Nativity.

At Vespers the antiphons Valde honorandus etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138. The Office hymn is Exultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the following Octave Day of the Holy Innocents.

Portrait of St. John from the Book of Kells

December 26th - St. Stephen the Protomartyr

The feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr is a double feast with an Octave. The liturgical colour of the day is red. Many saints, originally more than now, were celebrated around the Nativity of the LORD. These were described as the 'comites Christi' . e.g. St. James the Lesser and King David. In 'modern' calendars we are left with St. Stephen, St. John the Evangelist, and the Holy Innocents. Yesterday a commemoration of St. Stephen was sung at Second Vespers of the Nativity. The feast takes complete precedence over the Sunday which is transferred to after the comites Christi feasts.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper, Christum natum, qui beatum hodie coronavit Stephanum. The Office hymn is Deus, tuorum militum sung with the Doxology of the Nativity. In the first nocturn the antiphons In lege Domini etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3 all from the Common of a Martyr. The lessons are from the Acts of the Apostles with responsories proper to the feast. The first lesson consists of the text of both the first and second lessons in the post-Clementine editions. The second lesson has the entire text of the third lesson and continues Audivimus enim eum (...) tamquam faciem angeli, i.e. with the inclusion of vv. 14-16 of chapter 6. The third lesson, entirely absent from the later editions is from chapter 7 vv. 1-8. In the second nocturn the antiphons Filii hominum etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8 and the lessons are from a sermon of St. Fulgentius on St. Stephen's martyrdom. The lessons are longer than those found in the later editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Justus Dominus etc are sung with psalms 10, 14 & 20. The homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh and eighth lessons are marginally longer than those found in the later books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the proper antiphons, Lapidaverunt Stephanum etc., is sung with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). The Office hymn is Martyr Dei, qui unicum sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Nativity.

At Prime the antiphon Lapidaverunt Stephanum is sung with the festal psalms (53, 118i & 118ii). The short responsory has the versicle of the Incarnation and the lectio brevis is Positis autem. At the other Little Hours the psalms of Lauds are used in the usual order. The hymns of the Little Hours have the tone and Doxology of the Incarnation.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung and the second collect is of the Nativity. The Credo are sung. The preface and communicantes are of the Nativity.

Vespers are Second Vespers of the Nativity, but from the chapter they are of St. Stephen. The chapter is proper, the hymn Deus tuorum militum. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of St. John the Evangelist and the Octave of the Nativity of the LORD.

January 3rd - Octave Day of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist

The Octave Day of St. John the Evangelist is of double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is white.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Apostolorum Dominum, Venite adoremus and the Office hymn is Aeterna Christi munera, as on the feast itself, sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. In the first nocturn the antiphons In omnem terram etc are sung with psalms 18, 33 & 44. The lessons are from the fourth chapter of the Book of the Apocalypse. These lessons are the same as in modern (i.e. until the 1911-13 reform) editions of the Breviary. The responsories are those proper to the feast. In the second nocturn the antiphons Principes populorum etc are sung with psalms 46, 60 & 63 and the lessons are from a tract of St. Augustine on St. John. The sixth lesson is substantially longer than that found in modern editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Exaltabuntur etc are sung with psalms 74, 96 & 98. The homily on St. John's Gospel is from St. Chrysostom. These are, again, significantly longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions and the ninth lesson is entirely absent from the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Valde honorandus est etc. The Office hymn is Exultet caelum laudibus sung, of course, with the Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Holy Innocents.

At the Hours the same antiphons from Lauds, Valde honorandus est etc., are sung in the normal sequence. At Prime the festal psalms are sung (53, 118i & 118ii), the lectio brevis is In medio Ecclesiae.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung. The second collect if of the Octave of the Holy Innocents. The Credo is sung and the preface is of the Nativity.

At Vespers the antiphons Valde honorandus etc are sung with psalms 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138. The Office hymn is Exultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the following Octave Day of the Holy Innocents. It will be noted that the Octave Days of the Comites Christi entirely replace the Office of the second Sunday after the Nativity.

Portrait of St. John from the Book of Kells

December 26th - St. Stephen the Protomartyr

The feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr is a double feast with an Octave. The liturgical colour of the day is red. Many saints, originally more than now, were celebrated around the Nativity of the LORD. These were described as the 'comites Christi' . e.g. St. James the Lesser and King David. In 'modern' calendars we are left with St. Stephen, St. John the Evangelist, and the Holy Innocents. Yesterday a commemoration of St. Stephen was sung at Second Vespers of the Nativity.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper, Christum natum, qui beatum hodie coronavit Stephanum. The Office hymn is Deus, tuorum militum sung with the Doxology of the Nativity. In the first nocturn the antiphons In lege Domini etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3 all from the Common of a Martyr. The lessons are from the Acts of the Apostles with responsories proper to the feast. The first lesson consists of the text of both the first and second lessons in the post-Clementine editions. The second lesson has the entire text of the third lesson and continues Audivimus enim eum (...) tamquam faciem angeli, i.e. with the inclusion of vv. 14-16 of chapter 6. The third lesson, entirely absent from the later editions is from chapter 7 vv. 1-8. In the second nocturn the antiphons Filii hominum etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8 and the lessons are from a sermon of St. Fulgentius on St. Stephen's martyrdom. The lessons are longer than those found in the later editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Justus Dominus etc are sung with psalms 10, 14 & 20. The homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh and eighth lessons are marginally longer than those found in the later books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the proper antiphons, Lapidaverunt Stephanum etc., is sung with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). The Office hymn is Martyr Dei, qui unicum sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Nativity.

At Prime the antiphon Lapidaverunt Stephanum is sung with the festal psalms (53, 118i & 118ii). The short responsory has the versicle of the Incarnation and the lectio brevis is Positis autem. At the other Little Hours the psalms of Lauds are used in the usual order. The hymns of the Little Hours have the tone and Doxology of the Incarnation.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung and the second collect is of the Nativity. The Credo are sung. The preface and communicantes are of the Nativity.

Vespers are Second Vespers of the Nativity, but from the chapter they are of St. Stephen. The chapter is proper, the hymn Deus tuorum militum. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of St. John the Evangelist and the Octave of the Nativity of the LORD.

November 3rd - Third day within the Octave of All Saints - Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

The third day within the Octave of All Saints is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white. It is also the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed - All Souls' Day in popular parlance.

At Mattins the invitatory and hymn are as on the feast. The antiphons and psalms are as were sung on the feast except that the antiphons are not doubled. In the first nocturn the lessons are for Monday of the first week of November, the second chapter of the Prophet Ezechiel with the responsories of the Octave. The first lesson begins with the first verse of the chapter rather than with the second verse as in the later editions and the text of the modern second and third lesson is combined into the second lesson of the day. The third lesson is formed from chapter three postponed to Tuesday in the later books. In the second nocturn the lessons are from a sermon of the Venerable Bede and in the third nocturn the homily on St. Matthew's gospel is from St. Augustine. The Te Deum is sung. At Lauds and the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc, are sung, not doubled, with psalms 99, 92, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are as on the feast.

At the end of Lauds Fidelium animae is omitted and Mattins and Lauds of the Dead are sung. Mattins begins with the invitatory Regem cui omnia vivunt, Venite adoremus. There are no Office hymns. In the first nocturn the antiphons Dirige Domine etc are sung with psalms 5, 6 & 7. Instead of Gloria Patri etc Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine and Et lux perpetua luceat eis is sung after the last verse of each psalm. After the versicle, its respond and a silent Pater noster the first lesson is begun without any absolution or blessing. The lessons for the Office all come from the Book of Job, in the first nocturn they are taken from the seventh and tenth chapters. They are the same as those found in modern editions of the Breviary up until the 1911-13 reform. The lessons are followed by the responsories Credo quod Redemptor meus vivit etc, Qui Lazarum resuscitasti etc & Domine, quando veneris judicare terram etc. In the second nocturn the antiphons In loco pascuae etc are sung with psalms 22, 24 & 26. After the versicle, its respond and a Pater noster the lessons are taken from the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of Job. These are the same as those found in pre-1911 editions of the Breviary but new lessons were introduced for November 2nd following that reform: one casualty being the lesson, famous to readers of English from the BCP, 'Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live...'. The responsories are Memento mei Deus etc, Hei mihi Domine etc and Ne recorderis peccata mea Domine etc. In the third nocturn the antiphons Complaceat etc are sung with psalms 39, 40 & 41. Again, after the versicle, its respond and Pater noster three lessons are sung from Job, in the third nocturn from the seventeenth, nineteenth and tenth chapters. The eighth lesson ends slightly differently to the text given in the modern books. The three responsories are Domine secundum actum etc, Libera me Domine de viis inferni etc and Libera me Domine de morte aeterna etc. Lauds immediately follow the repition of the last verse of the responsory. The antiphons Exsultaunt etc are sung with psalms 50, 64, 62-66, Ego dixi and 148-149-150. The antiphon on the Benedictus is formed of the LORD's moving words Ego sum resurrectio et vita etc. After the antiphon is repeated there follows a silent Pater noster, a series of versicles and their responds and the collect Fidelium (with the long conclusion).

At the Hours (of the Second Day with the Octave) the antiphons Vidi turbam magnum etc are sung. At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i, 118ii) the lectio brevis is Benedictio et claritas. The Dominical preces are omitted during the Octave.

In Cathedral and Collegiate Churches two High Masses are sung: one of the day within the Octave, after Terce, and a Requiem after None. In other churches only the Requiem need be celebrated. Private Masses may be of Requiem. The collect is Fidelium, the epistle from Corinthians Fratres: Ecce mysterium vobis dico, the sequence Dies irae is sung and the common preface is sung. The dismissal is Requescant in pace which is sung by the deacon facing the altar.

Vespers are of the Octave. The antiphons Vidi turbam magnum etc are sung, undoubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The Office hymn is Christe Redemptor omnium and the antiphon on the Magnificat O quam gloriosum etc. After the collect of the Octave a commemoration is sung of SS Vitalis and Agricola. The Suffrages at Vespers and the Dominical preces at Compline are omitted during the Octave.

January 3rd - Octave Day of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist

The Octave Day of St. John the Evangelist is of double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is white.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Apostolorum Dominum, Venite adoremus and the Office hymn is Aeterna Christi munera, as on the feast itself, sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. In the first nocturn the antiphons In omnem terram etc are sung with psalms 18, 33 & 44. The lessons are from the fourth chapter of the Book of the Apocalypse. These lessons are the same as in modern (i.e. until the 1911-13 reform) editions of the Breviary. The responsories are those proper to the feast. In the second nocturn the antiphons Principes populorum etc are sung with psalms 46, 60 & 63 and the lessons are from a tract of St. Augustine on St. John. The sixth lesson is substantially longer than that found in modern editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Exaltabuntur etc are sung with psalms 74, 96 & 98. The homily on St. John's Gospel is from St. Chrysostom. These are, again, significantly longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions and the ninth lesson is entirely absent from the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Valde honorandus est etc. The Office hymn is Exultet caelum laudibus sung, of course, with the Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Holy Innocents.

At the Hours the same antiphons from Lauds, Valde honorandus est etc., are sung in the normal sequence. At Prime the festal psalms are sung (53, 118i & 118ii), the lectio brevis is In medio Ecclesiae.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung. The second collect if of the Octave of the Holy Innocents. The Credo is sung and the preface is of the Nativity.

At Vespers the antiphons Valde honorandus etc are sung with psalms 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138. The Office hymn is Exultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the following Octave Day of the Holy Innocents.

December 26th - St. Stephen the Protomartyr

The feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr is a double feast with an Octave. The liturgical colour of the day is red. Many saints, originally more than now, were celebrated around the Nativity of the LORD. These were described as the 'comites Christi' . e.g. St. James the Lesser and King David. In 'modern' calendars we are left with St. Stephen, St. John the Evangelist, and the Holy Innocents. Yesterday St. Stephen was commemorated at Second Vespers of the Nativity.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper, Christum natum, qui beatum hodie coronavit Stephanum. The Office hymn is Deus, tuorum militum sung with the Doxology of the Nativity. In the first nocturn the antiphons In lege Domini etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3 all from the Common of a Martyr. The lessons are from the Acts of the Apostles with responsories proper to the feast. The first lesson consists of the text of both the first and second lessons in the post-Clementine editions. The second lesson has the entire text of the third lesson and continues Audivimus enim eum (...) tamquam faciem angeli, i.e. with the inclusion of vv. 14-16 of chapter 6. The third lesson, entirely absent from the later editions is from chapter 7 vv. 1-8. In the second nocturn the antiphons Filii hominum etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8 and the lessons are from a sermon of St. Fulgentius on St. Stephen's martyrdom. The lessons are longer than those found in the later editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Justus Dominus etc are sung with psalms 10, 14 & 20. The homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh and eighth lessons are marginally longer than those found in the later books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the proper antiphons, Lapidaverunt Stephanum etc., is sung with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). The Office hymn is Martyr Dei, qui unicum sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Nativity.

At Prime the antiphon Lapidaverunt Stephanum is sung with the festal psalms (53, 118i & 118ii). The short responsory has the versicle of the Incarnation and the lectio brevis is Positis autem. At the other Little Hours the psalms of Lauds are used in the usual order. The hymns of the Little Hours have the tone and Doxology of the Incarnation.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung and the second collect is of the Nativity. The Credo are sung. The preface and communicantes are of the Nativity.

Vespers are Second Vespers of the Nativity, but from the chapter they are of St. Stephen. The chapter is proper, the hymn Deus tuorum militum. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of St. John the Evangelist and the Octave of the Nativity of the LORD.

Second Day within the Octave of All Saints - Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

The second day within the Octave of All Saints is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white. It is also the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed - All Souls' Day in popular parlance.

At Mattins the invitatory and hymn are as on the feast. The antiphons and psalms are as were sung yesterday except that the antiphons are not doubled. In the first nocturn the lessons are for Friday in the fifth week of October taken from the Second Book of the Machabees with the responsories of the Octave. In the second nocturn the lessons are from a sermon of the Venerable Bede and in the third nocturn the homily on St. Matthew's gospel is from St. Augustine. The Te Deum is sung. At Lauds and the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc, are sung, not doubled, with psalms 99, 92, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are as on the feast.

At the end of Lauds Fidelium animae is omitted and Mattins and Lauds of the Dead are sung. Mattins begins with the invitatory Regem cui omnia vivunt, Venite adoremus. There are no Office hymns. In the first nocturn the antiphons Dirige Domine etc are sung with psalms 5, 6 & 7. Instead of Gloria Patri etc Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine and Et lux perpetua luceat eis is sung after the last verse of each psalm. After the versicle, its respond and a silent Pater noster the first lesson is begun without any absolution or blessing. The lessons for the Office all come from the Book of Job, in the first nocturn they are taken from the seventh and tenth chapters. They are the same as those found in modern editions of the Breviary up until the 1911-13 reform. The lessons are followed by the responsories Credo quod Redemptor meus vivit etc, Qui Lazarum resuscitasti etc & Domine, quando veneris judicare terram etc. In the second nocturn the antiphons In loco pascuae etc are sung with psalms 22, 24 & 26. After the versicle, its respond and a Pater noster the lessons are taken from the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of Job. These are the same as those found in pre-1911 editions of the Breviary but new lessons were introduced for November 2nd following that reform: one casualty being the lesson, famous to readers of English from the BCP, 'Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live...'. The responsories are Memento mei Deus etc, Hei mihi Domine etc and Ne recorderis peccata mea Domine etc. In the third nocturn the antiphons Complaceat etc are sung with psalms 39, 40 & 41. Again, after the versicle, its respond and Pater noster three lessons are sung from Job, in the third nocturn from the seventeenth, nineteenth and tenth chapters. The eighth lesson ends slightly differently to the text given in the modern books. The three responsories are Domine secundum actum etc, Libera me Domine de viis inferni etc and Libera me Domine de morte aeterna etc. Lauds immediately follow the repition of the last verse of the responsory. The antiphons Exsultaunt etc are sung with psalms 50, 64, 62-66, Ego dixi and 148-149-150. The antiphon on the Benedictus is formed of the LORD's moving words Ego sum resurrectio et vita etc. After the antiphon is repeated there follows a silent Pater noster, a series of versicles and their responds and the collect Fidelium (with the long conclusion).

At the Hours (of the Second Day with the Octave) the antiphons Vidi turbam magnum etc are sung. At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i, 118ii) the lectio brevis is Benedictio et claritas. The Dominical preces are omitted during the Octave.

In Cathedral and Collegiate Churches two High Masses are sung: one of the day within the Octave, after Terce, and a Requiem after None. In other churches only the Requiem need be celebrated. Private Masses may be of Requiem. The collect is Fidelium, the epistle from Corinthians Fratres: Ecce mysterium vobis dico, the sequence Dies irae is sung and the common preface is sung. The dismissal is Requescant in pace which is sung by the deacon facing the altar.

Vespers are of the Octave. The antiphons Vidi turbam magnum etc are sung, undoubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The Office hymn is Christe Redemptor omnium and the antiphon on the Magnificat O quam gloriosum etc. The Suffrages at Vespers and the Dominical preces at Compline are omitted during the Octave.

August 14th - Within the Octave of St. Lawrence - Vigil of the Assumption

The fifth day within the Octave of St. Lawrence is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is red.

At Mattins the invitatory is as on the feast of St. Lawrence, Beatus Laurentius Christi Martyr triumphat coronatus in caelis: * Venite adoremus Dominum. The Office hymn is Deus tuorum militum. In the first nocturn the antiphons Quo progrederis etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3. The lessons are those of occurring scripture for the Saturday of the second week of August. The first lesson begins Melius est a sapiente... and continues until ...stulta est hujusmodi interrogatio. In the modern Breviary the lessons for Saturday begin with the first verse of Ch. 7 of Ecclesiastes but this was read as the third lesson yesterday in the usus antiquior with today's lessons beginning at verse 6 of Ch. 7. The second lesson begins Utilior est sapientia... (v.12) and continues until the end of v. 16, ...vivit tempore in malitia sua. Part of this text can be found half-way through the modern third lesson. The third lesson begins Noli esse justus... and continues until ...maledixisti ejus. vv. 17-23. This text is entirely absent from the modern books. In the second nocturn the antiphons Beatus Laurentius etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8. The lessons are from a sermon of St. Maximus. These are longer than those found in the modern (pre-1911) editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Strinxerunt corporis are sung with psalms 14, 16 & 20. The homily is taken from St. Chrysostom's 65th homily on St. John's Gospel. The ninth lesson is of the Vigil. The Gospel fragment is from St. Luke (Lk 11:27-28) containing the passage wherein "a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck" to which the LORD responds "Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it." St. Augustine's homily praises the Virgin for doing will of the Father and St. Augustine has the LORD say: "Hoc est dicere: Et mater mea, quam appellatis felicem, inde felix, quia verbum Dei custodit: non quia in illa Verbum caro factum est, et habitavit in nobis: sed quia custodit ipsum Verbum Dei, per quod facta est, et quod in illa caro factum est." The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Laurentius ingressus est martyr etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Martyr Dei, qui unicum. After the collect of the Octave a commemoration is sung of the Vigil: the antiphon on the Benedictus is of the Tuesday, Erexit nobis etc., and the V&R Repleti sumus etc and Exsultavimus etc; the collect is proper to the Vigil. After the commemoration of the Vigil a commemoration is sung of St. Eusebius.

At Prime and the Hours the antiphons from Lauds, Laurentius etc., are sung. At Prime the Dominical preces are omitted because of the Octave and the lectio brevis is Potens est autem.

Mass, of the Vigil, is sung after None. Violet dalmatic and tunicle are used. The second collect is of the Octave, the third collect is of St. Eusebius and the Common Preface is sung.

In the afternoon first Vespers are sung of the great feast of the Assumption. The liturgical colour changes to white and the antiphons Assumpta est Maria etc are sung with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The chapter is from Ecclesiasticus, In omnibus requiem etc., and the Office hymn Ave, Maris stella. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday, the antiphon on the Magnificat is Omnis sapientia for the Saturday before the third Sunday of August. At Compline Te lucis is sung to the tone for feasts of the BVM and with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula.

July 2nd - Visitation of the BVM

The Visitation of the BVM commemorates the Visitation made by the BVM to her cousin Elizabeth (c.f. Luke 1: 39-80). The feast is of double rank and its liturgical colour is white. In the 1568BR the feast does not have proper antiphons and the user is directed to use the Office of the Nativity of the BVM substituting the word 'Visitation' for 'Nativity'.

At Mattins the invitatory is Visitationem Virginis Mariae celebremus: Christum ejus Filium adoremus Dominum. The Office hymn is Quem terra. The antiphons and psalms are from the Common of the BVM. In the first nocturn the antiphons Benedicta tu etc are sung with psalms 8, 18 & 23. The lessons are taken from the second chapter of the Canticle of Canticles. These are the same as in the modern editions. In the second nocturn the antiphons Specie tua etc are sung with psalms 44, 45 & 86 and the lessons are from a homily of St. Bede. These are not found in the post-Clementine editions where they are replaced by a sermon of St. Chrysostom. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gaude Maria Virgo etc are sung with psalms 95, 96 & 97. The homily is from St. Chrysostom whilst the later editions have a homily from St. Ambrose. The ninth lesson is of SS Processus and Martinian. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Visitatio gloriosae etc are sung with Psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is O gloriosa Domina. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Octave of SS Peter and Paul and of SS Processus and Martinian. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime and the Hours the hymns are sung to the melody of the Nativity and with its Doxology. At Prime the festal psalms (53, 118i & 118ii) are sung, in the short responsory the versicle Qui natus es is sung and the lectio brevis is In plateis.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Mass Salve sancte parens is sung, the Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Octave of SS Peter and Paul and the third collect is of SS Processus and Martinian. The Creed is sung and the preface is of the BVM.

At Vespers the antiphons Visitatio gloriosae etc are again sung with the psalms for feasts of the BVM as at first Vespers. The Office hymn is Ave, maris stella. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of SS Peter and Paul.

July 1st - Octave Day of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

The Octave Day of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is of double rite and the liturgical colour, from Mattins onwards, is white. Today is also the third Sunday after Pentecost and the Sunday within the Octave of the Apostles SS Peter and Paul.

Vespers yesterday afternoon were second Vespers of the feast of the Commemoration of St. Paul the Apostle. The antiphons from the Common, Juravit Dominus etc, were sung with psalms 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138. The Office hymn was Doctor egregie. After the collect of the feast commemorations were sung of St. Peter the Apostle, of the Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and of the third Sunday after Pentecost. The Suffrages were omitted due to the double feast and Octaves as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper, as on the feast, Regem Praecursoris Dominum, Venite adoremus. The Office hymn is Antra deserti teneris sub annis. In the first nocturn the antiphons Priusquam te formarem etc are sung with psalms. 1, 2 & 3. The lessons are those appointed for the Sunday from the First Book of the Kings. The are the same as in the post-Clementine editions. The responsories are those sung on the feast. In the second nocturn the antiphons Misit Dominus etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8. The lessons are proper to the Octave Day from a sermon of St. Maximus. These are the same as those in the post-Clementine books. In the third nocturn the antiphons Posuit os meum etc are sung with psalms 14, 20 & 23. The lessons are from a homily of St. Ambrose, as on the feast. The eighth and ninth lessons are read together to form an extended eighth lesson and the ninth lesson is formed from the three lessons appointed for the homily of the Sunday. These lessons are longer than those found in the post-Clementine books. The seventh lesson (of the Sunday) contains the text of both the seventh and eighth lessons in the later books, the eighth lesson is several sentences longer than the modern ninth lesson and the ninth lesson is not found at all in the later editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Elisabeth Zachariae etc are sung with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). The rest of Lauds is proper to the feast with the Office hymn O nimis felix. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and the Octave of SS Peter and Pauli.

At the Hours the antiphons of Lauds are sung with the festal psalms. At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i & 118ii) the lectio brevis is Reges videbunt. The Dominical preces are omitted.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Mass is proper, De ventre, as on the feast. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday, the third collect is of the Octave of SS Peter and Paul. The Creed is sung and the preface is of the Apostles. The last Gospel is of the Sunday.

Vespers are first Vespers of the feast of the Visitation of the BVM. The antiphons Visitatio gloriosae etc are sung with Psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn is Ave Maris stella. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Octave Day of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, of the third Sunday after Pentecost, of the Octave of SS Peter and Paul and of SS Processus and Martinian. The Suffrages are omitted (both because of the double feast and concurrent Octaves) and at Compline Te lucis is sung with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc.

Icon: Wikipedia

January 3rd - Octave Day of St. John the Evangelist

The Octave Day of St. John the Evangelist is of double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is white.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Apostolorum Dominum, Venite adoremus and the Office hymn is Aeterna Christi munera, as on the feast itself, sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. In the first nocturn the antiphons In omnem terram etc are sung with psalms 18, 33 & 44. The lessons are from the fourth chapter of the Book of the Apocalypse. These lessons are the same as in modern (i.e. until the 1911-13 reform) editions of the Breviary. The responsories are those proper to the feast. In the second nocturn the antiphons Principes populorum etc are sung with psalms 46, 60 & 63 and the lessons are from a tract of St. Augustine on St. John. The sixth lesson is substantially longer than that found in modern editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Exaltabuntur etc are sung with psalms 74, 96 & 98. The homily on St. John's Gospel is from St. Chrysostom. These are, again, significantly longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions and the ninth lesson is entirely absent from the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Valde honorandus est etc. The Office hymn is Exultet caelum laudibus sung, of course, with the Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Holy Innocents.

At the Hours the same antiphons from Lauds, Valde honorandus est etc., are sung in the normal sequence. At Prime the festal psalms are sung (53, 118i & 118ii), the lectio brevis is In medio Ecclesiae.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung. The second collect if of the Octave of the Holy Innocents. The Credo is sung and the preface is of the Nativity.

At Vespers the antiphons Valde honorandus etc are sung with psalms 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138. The Office hymn is Exultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the following Octave Day of the Holy Innocents.

December 30th - VI day within the Octave of the Nativity

The sixth day within the Octave of the Nativity is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white.

At Mattins all is sung as on the feast of the Nativity except the lessons. The lessons of the first and second nocturn, and their responsories, are anticipated from the Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity. In the first nocturn the Incipit of the Epistle to the Romans is read. The first lesson is identical to that found in later editions (in the post-1914 Breviary Corinthians begins on the 29th December not the 30th). The second lesson is longer and continues with about half of the verses from the modern third lesson, Nolo autem vos ignorare fratres (...) qui Romae estis, evangelizare. The third lesson begins Non enim erubesco... and continues until ...se esse sapientes, stulti facti sunt, i.e. until v. 22. The responsories of the Octave are sung. In the second nocturn the lessons are from St. Leo on the Nativity. These are longer than those found in the post-Clement editions so the fourth and fifth lessons contain the text of the later fourth, fifth and sixth. The sixth lesson is absent from the later editions. In the third nocturn the lessons are proper to the sixth day within the Octavethe homily is taken from St. Augustine's writings on the second chapter of St. Luke's Gospel. These are longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons from the Nativity, Quem vidistis etc., are sung, without doubling, with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is A solis ortus cardine. After the collect of the Octave commemorations are sung of the Octave of St. Stephen, the Octave of St. John and the Octave of the Holy Innocents.

At the Hours the antiphons from Lauds are sung in the usual order. The hymns of the Hours are sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i, & 118ii) the lectio brevis is of the Octave, Ipsi peribunt.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Mass formulary isPuer natus estetc. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Octave of St. Stephen, the third collect is of the Octave of St. John and the fourth collect is of the Octave of the Holy Innocents. The Creed is sung and the preface and communicantes are of the Nativity.

Vespers of the Nativity are sung (with antiphons doubled), from the chapter of St. Sylvester. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday, the Octave of the Nativity, the Octave of St. Stephen, the Octave of St. John and the Octave of the Holy Innocents. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

December 26th - St. Stephen the Protomartyr

The feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr is a double feast with an Octave. The liturgical colour of the day is red. Many saints, originally more than now, were celebrated around the Nativity of the LORD. These were described as the 'comites Christi' . e.g. St. James the Lesser and King David. In 'modern' calendars we are left with St. Stephen, St. John the Evangelist, and the Holy Innocents. Yesterday St. Stephen was commemorated at Second Vespers of the Nativity.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper, Christum natum, qui beatum hodie coronavit Stephanum. The Office hymn is Deus, tuorum militum sung with the Doxology of the Nativity. In the first nocturn the antiphons In lege Domini etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3 all from the Common of a Martyr. The lessons are from the Acts of the Apostles with responsories proper to the feast. The first lesson consists of the text of both the first and second lessons in the post-Clementine editions. The second lesson has the entire text of the third lesson and continues Audivimus enim eum (...) tamquam faciem angeli, i.e. with the inclusion of vv. 14-16 of chapter 6. The third lesson, entirely absent from the later editions is from chapter 7 vv. 1-8. In the second nocturn the antiphons Filii hominum etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8 and the lessons are from a sermon of St. Fulgentius on St. Stephen's martyrdom. The lessons are longer than those found in the later editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Justus Dominus etc are sung with psalms 10, 14 & 20. The homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh and eighth lessons are marginally longer than those found in the later books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the proper antiphons, Lapidaverunt Stephanum etc., is sung with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). The Office hymn is Martyr Dei, qui unicum sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Nativity.

At Prime the antiphon Lapidaverunt Stephanum is sung with the festal psalms (53, 118i & 118ii). The short responsory has the versicle of the Incarnation and the lectio brevis is Positis autem. At the other Little Hours the psalms of Lauds are used in the usual order. The hymns of the Little Hours have the tone and Doxology of the Incarnation.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung and the second collect is of the Nativity. The Credo are sung. The preface and communicantes are of the Nativity.

Vespers are Second Vespers of the Nativity, but from the chapter they are of St. Stephen. The chapter is proper, the hymn Deus tuorum militum. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of with a commemoration of St. John the Evangelist and the Octave of the Nativity of the LORD.

December 26th - St. Stephen the Protomartyr

The feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr is a double feast with an Octave. The liturgical colour of the day is red. Many saints, originally more than now, were celebrated around the Nativity of the LORD. These were described as the 'comites Christi' . e.g. St. James the Lesser and King David. In 'modern' calendars we are left with St. Stephen, St. John the Evangelist, and the Holy Innocents. Yesterday St. Stephen was commemorated at Second Vespers of the Nativity.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper, Christum natum, qui beatum hodie coronavit Stephanum. The Office hymn is Deus, tuorum militum sung with the Doxology of the Nativity. In the first nocturn the antiphons In lege Domini etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3 all from the Common of a Martyr. The lessons are from the Acts of the Apostles with responsories proper to the feast. The first lesson consists of the text of both the first and second lessons in the post-Clementine editions. The second lesson has the entire text of the third lesson and continues Audivimus enim eum (...) tamquam faciem angeli, i.e. with the inclusion of vv. 14-16 of chapter 6. The third lesson, entirely absent from the later editions is from chapter 7 vv. 1-8. In the second nocturn the antiphons Filii hominum etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8 and the lessons are from a sermon of St. Fulgentius on St. Stephen's martyrdom. The lessons are longer than those found in the later editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Justus Dominus etc are sung with psalms 10, 14 & 20. The homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh and eighth lessons are marginally longer than those found in the later books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the proper antiphons, Lapidaverunt Stephanum etc., is sung with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). The Office hymn is Martyr Dei, qui unicum sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Nativity.

At Prime the antiphon Lapidaverunt Stephanum is sung with the festal psalms (53, 118i & 118ii). The short responsory has the versicle of the Incarnation and the lectio brevis is Positis autem. At the other Little Hours the psalms of Lauds are used in the usual order. The hymns of the Little Hours have the tone and Doxology of the Incarnation.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung and the second collect is of the Nativity. The Credo are sung. The preface and communicantes are of the Nativity.

Vespers are Second Vespers of the Nativity, but from the chapter they are of St. Stephen. The chapter is proper, the hymn Deus tuorum militum. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of with a commemoration of St. John the Evangelist and the Octave of the Nativity of the LORD.

November 2nd - Second Day within the Octave of All Saints - Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

The second day within the Octave of All Saints is also the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed - All Souls' Day in popular parlance.

The Office of the second day within the Octave of All Saints is of semi-double rite and the liturgical white of the feast is kept during the Octave. At Mattins the invitatory and hymn are as on the feast. The antiphons and psalms are as were sung yesterday except that the antiphons are not doubled. In the first nocturn the lessons are for Tuesday in the first week of November taken from the Book of Ezechiel the Prophet with the responsories of the Octave. In the second nocturn the lessons are from a sermon of the Venerable Bede and in the third nocturn the homily on St. Matthew's gospel is from St. Augustine. The Te Deum is sung. At Lauds and the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc, are sung, not doubled, with psalms 99, 92, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are as on the feast.

At the end of Lauds Fidelium animae is omitted and Mattins and Lauds of the Dead are sung. Mattins begins with the invitatory Regem cui omnia vivunt, Venite adoremus. There are no Office hymns. In the first nocturn the antiphons Dirige Domine etc are sung with psalms 5, 6 & 7. Instead of Gloria Patri etc Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine and Et lux perpetua luceat eis is sung after the last verse of each psalm. After the versicle, its respond and a silent Pater noster the first lesson is begun without any absolution or blessing. The lessons for the Office all come from the Book of Job, in the first nocturn they are taken from the seventh and tenth chapters. They are the same as those found in modern editions of the Breviary up until the 1911-13 reform. The lessons are followed by the responsories Credo quod Redemptor meus vivit etc, Qui Lazarum resuscitasti etc & Domine, quando veneris judicare terram etc. Polyphonic settings of these lessons were composed for the Office of the Dead. The example below from the sublime hand of Cristobal de Morales and his setting of Parce mihi Domine; nihil enim sunt dies mei etc. (Other lessons are available on YouTube - well worth a listen).



In the second nocturn the antiphons In loco pascuae etc are sung with psalms 22, 24 & 26. After the versicle, its respond and a Pater noster the lessons are taken from the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of Job. These are the same as those found in pre-1911 editions of the Breviary but new lessons were introduced for November 2nd in that reform: one casualty being the lesson 'Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live...'. The responsories are Memento mei Deus etc, Hei mihi Domine etc and Ne recorderis peccata mea Domine etc. In the third nocturn the antiphons Complaceat etc are sung with psalms 39, 40 & 41. Again, after the versicle, its respond and Pater noster three lessons are sung from Job, in the third nocturn from the seventeenth, nineteenth and tenth chapters. The eighth lesson ends slightly differently to the text given in the modern books. The three responsories are Domine secundum actum etc, Libera me Domine de viis inferni etc and Libera me Domine de morte aeterna etc. Lauds immediately follow the repition of the last verse of the responsory. The antiphons Exsultaunt etc are sung with psalms 50, 64, 62-66, Ego dixi and 148-149-150. The antiphon on the Benedictus is formed of the LORD's moving words Ego sum resurrectio et vita etc. After the antiphon is repeated there follows a silent Pater noster, a series of versicles and their responds and the collect Fidelium (with the long conclusion).

At the Hours (of the Second Day with the Octave) the antiphons Vidi turbam magnum etc are sung. At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i, 118ii) the lectio brevis is Benedictio et claritas. The Dominical preces are omitted during the Octave.

In Cathedral and Collegiate Churches two High Masses are sung: one of the day within the Octave, after Terce, and a Requiem after None. In other churches only the Requiem need be celebrated. Private Masses may be of Requiem. The collect is Fidelium, the epistle from Corinthians Fratres: Ecce mysterium vobis dico, the sequence Dies irae is sung and the common preface is sung. The dismissal is Requescant in pace which is sung by the deacon facing the altar.

Vespers are of the Octave. The antiphons Vidi turbam magnum etc are sung, undoubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The Office hymn is Christe Redemptor omnium and the antiphon on the Magnificat O quam gloriosum etc. The Suffrages at Vespers and the Dominical preces at Compline are omitted during the Octave.

August 14th - Within the Octave of St. Lawrence - Vigil of the Assumption

The fifth day within the Octave of St. Lawrence is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is red.

At Mattins the invitatory is as on the feast of St. Lawrence, Beatus Laurentius Christi Martyr triumphat coronatus in caelis: * Venite adoremus Dominum. The Office hymn is Deus tuorum militum. In the first nocturn the antiphons Quo progrederis etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3. The lessons are those of occurring scripture for the Saturday of the second week of August. The first lesson begins Melius est a sapiente... and continues until ...stulta est hujusmodi interrogatio. In the modern Breviary the lessons for Saturday begin with the first verse of Ch. 7 of Ecclesiastes but this was read as the third lesson yesterday in the usus antiquior with today's lessons beginning at verse 6 of Ch. 7. The second lesson begins Utilior est sapientia... (v.12) and continues until the end of v. 16, ...vivit tempore in malitia sua. Part of this text can be found half-way through the modern third lesson. The third lesson begins Noli esse justus... and continues until ...maledixisti ejus. vv. 17-23. This text is entirely absent from the modern books. In the second nocturn the antiphons Beatus Laurentius etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8. The lessons are from a sermon of St. Maximus. These are longer than those found in the modern (pre-1911) editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Strinxerunt corporis are sung with psalms 14, 16 & 20. The homily is taken from St. Chrysostom's 65th homily on St. John's Gospel. The ninth lesson is of the Vigil. The Gospel fragment is from St. Luke (Lk 11:27-28) containing the passage wherein "a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck" to which the LORD responds "Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it." St. Augustine's homily praises the Virgin for doing will of the Father and St. Augustine has the LORD say: "Hoc est dicere: Et mater mea, quam appellatis felicem, inde felix, quia verbum Dei custodit: non quia in illa Verbum caro factum est, et habitavit in nobis: sed quia custodit ipsum Verbum Dei, per quod facta est, et quod in illa caro factum est." The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Laurentius ingressus est martyr etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Martyr Dei, qui unicum. After the collect of the Octave a commemoration is sung of the Vigil: the antiphon on the Benedictus is of the Saturday, Illuminare Domine etc., and the V&R Repleti sumus etc and Exsultavimus etc., again both from the Saturday; the collect is proper to the Vigil. After the commemoration of the Vigil a commemoration is sung of St. Eusebius.

At Prime and the Hours the antiphons from Lauds, Laurentius etc., are sung. At Prime the Dominical preces are omitted because of the Octave and the lectio brevis is Potens est autem.

Mass, of the Vigil, is sung after None. Violet dalmatic and tunicle are used. The second collect is of the Octave, the third collect is of St. Eusebius and the Common Preface is sung.

In the afternoon first Vespers are sung of the great feast of the Assumption. The liturgical colour changes to white and the antiphons Assumpta est Maria etc are sung with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The chapter is from Ecclesiasticus, In omnibus requiem etc., and the Office hymn Ave, Maris stella. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday, the antiphon on the Magnificat is Omnis sapientia for the Saturday before the third Sunday of August. At Compline Te lucis is sung to the tone for feasts of the BVM and with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula.

January 3rd (2010) - Octave Day of St. John the Apostle & Evangelist

The second Sunday after the Nativity of the LORD this year is the Octave Day of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. It is of double rite. The liturgical colour is, as on the feast, white.

At Vespers yesterday the antiphons Lapidaverunt Stephanum etc were sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 115. From the chapter, Qui timet Deum, Vespers were of St. John. Commemorations were sung of the Octave Day of St. Stephen and of the Octave of the Holy Innocents. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc., the Dominical preces were omitted.

At Mattins all is as on the feast day except the lessons. In the first nocturn the lessons are from the fourth chapter of the Book of the Apocalypse. These lessons are the same as in modern (pre-1911) editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn the writings of St. Augustine provide the lessons. The sixth lesson is longer than that found in modern editions. In the third nocturn the homily is from St. Chrysostom. All three lessons are longer than those found in the pre-1911 books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Valde honorandus est etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. A commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Holy Innocents.

At the Hours the same antiphons, Valde honorandus est etc., are sung in the normal sequence. At Prime the festal psalms are sung (53, 118i & 118ii), the lectio brevis is In medio Ecclesiae.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung. The second collect is of the Octave of the Holy Innocents. There is no third collect. The Credo is sung. The preface is of the Apostles.

At second Vespers the antiphons Valde honorandus est etc are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. The chapter is Qui timet Deum, the hymn Exsultet caelum laudibus. A commemoration is sung of the following feast of the Octave Day of the Holy Innocents.

Icon: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America