Vespers
Vespers — the evening service that opens the liturgical day, offered as the lamps are lit.
The Opening Psalm
Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honour and majesty: Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment, Who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain… (Psalm 103/104)
Lord, I Have Cried
Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hear me: attend to the voice of my supplication, when I cry unto Thee. Hear me, O Lord.
Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. (Psalm 140/141)
O Gladsome Light
O Gladsome Light of the holy glory of the immortal Father, heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ. Now that we have come to the setting of the sun and behold the light of evening, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: God. Meet it is for Thee at all times to be hymned with reverent voices, O Son of God, Giver of life. Therefore the world doth glorify Thee.
The Prayer of St. Simeon
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
The Trisagion Prayers
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Thrice)