The Antiphons at Matins.

The Magnification or Sunday troparion and the Little Ectenia are followed by the singing of the Antiphons alternately by two choirs. They are different for every Sunday, eight in all, this being the number of chants or tones.

The following Antiphons are sung more frequently than any others:

“From my youth, many passions war against me; but do Thou, Thyself, defend me and save me, O my Saviour.

                     “Ye haters of Sion* shall be shamed by the Lord; for, like grass, by fire shall ye be withered.

     “In the Holy Spirit every soul is quickened, and through cleansing is exalted, and made radiant by the Triple Unity in a hidden, sacred manner.”