Conclusion of Vespers.

        Filled with hope in the Son of God, Who, having become incarnate from the Virgin Mary, gave to those that believe in Him the right to call God their Father, we can retire to rest without fear, even though this rest should pass into that of death. Therefore we conclude our evening prayers with the last prayer of the blessed Symeon, the Lord’s prayer, a hymn in praise of the Mother of God, and ask God’s blessing, exclaiming: “Blessed be the name of the Lord, henceforth and forever more.” In reply to this, the priest blesses the people, saying: “The blessing of the Lord be upon you, by His grace and love toward mankind, always, now, and ever, and unto the ages of the ages.”

St. Symeon’s Prayer. — “Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master, according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; a light of revelation for the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people, Israel.”