For all these things I gave thanks to the Lord: because he had mercy on those who called upon his name, and sent forth the angel of repentance to us who had sinned against him and renewed our spirit and, when we were already ruined and had no hope of life, restored our life. …

If our God and Lord, who rules over all things and has authority over all his creation, holds no grudge against those who confess their sins and is merciful, can a human being, who is mortal and full of sin, hold a grudge against someone, as though he could destroy or save him?

The Lord lives among people who love peace, for peace is truly dear to him, but he keeps his distance from the quarrelsome. (The Shepherd of Hermas)

RIGHTEOUS art thou, O Lord; and true is thy judgment. The testimonies that thou hast commanded are exceeding righteous and true. [Psalm 118[119]:137-138]

When Zacharias went into the temple, there appeared unto him the Angel Gabriel, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [Magnificat antiphon, first Vespers, Nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 24/July 7]

The mouth of Zacharias was opened, and he prophesied, saying: Blessed be the God of Israel. [Benedictus antiphon, Lauds, Nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 24/July 7]

O God, who hast made this day honourable for us by the Nativity of blessed John: grant unto thy people the grace of spiritual joys, and direct the souls of all the faithful into the way of eternal salvation. Through Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord, who with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth God, world without end. Amen. [Collect, Nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 24/July 7]

The child that is born unto us is more than a prophet; for this is he of whom the Saviour saith: Among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater that John the Baptist. [Magnificat antiphon, second Vespers, Nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 24/July 7]

Shew the light of thy countenance upon thy servant, * and teach me thy statutes. Mine eyes gush out with water, * because men keep not thy law.[Psalm 118[119]:135-136]

And Jesus entered into a ship, and sat down, and taught the people, alleluia. [Benedictus antiphon, 4th Sunday after Pentecost]

Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net. [Magnificat antiphon, 4th Sunday after Pentecost]

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that thy household may walk in the way of salvation: and by following the exhortations of blessed John the Forerunner, may surely attain unto him whom he foretold, thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Who with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth God, world without end. Amen. [Collect, Vigil of St. John the Baptist, June 23/July 6]

Order my steps in thy word; and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me. O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men; and so shall I keep thy commandments. [Psalm 118[119]:133-134]

I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath; for my delight was in thy commandments. O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name. [Psalm 118[119]:131-132]

Turn to the Lord with all your heart and ask of him unhesitatingly, and you will know his extraordinary compassion, because he will never abandon you but will fulfill your soul’s request. For God is not like humans, who bear grudges; no, he is without malice and has compassion on his creation. … Clothe yourself, therefore, with cheerfulness, which always finds favor with God and is acceptable to him. (The Shepherd of Hermas)

Be sincere and innocent, and you will be like little children who do not know the evil that destroys human life. … Speak evil of no one, and do not enjoy listening to someone who does. Otherwise you, the listener, will be responsible for the sin of the one speaking evil. … Slander is evil; it is a restless demon, never at peace but always at home with dissension. … The Lord lives in patience; the devil in an angry temper (The Shepherd of Hermas).

You, almighty Master, created all things for your name’s sake, and gave food and drink to human beings to enjoy, that they might give you thanks; but to us you have graciously given spiritual food and drink, and eternal life through your servant. … Remember your Church, Lord, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in your love; and gather it, the one that has been sanctified, from the four winds into your kingdom which you have prepared for it; for yours is the power and the glory forever. May grace come, and may this world pass away. (The Didache)

Almighty, everlasting God, who through blessed John, thy Confessor and Bishop, didst cause the light of thy true Faith to shine forth among many peoples; grant, we beseech thee, at his intercession, that we who celebrate his festival may faithfully follow the doctrine which he taught, and with him attain unto the glory of thy heavenly Kingdom. Through Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord, who with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth God, world without end. Amen. [Collect, St. John Maximovitch, June 19/July 2]

For I love thy commandments above gold and precious stone. Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments; and all false ways I utterly abhor. [Psalm 118[119]:127-128]

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Ranks I & II always have first and second Vespers; take precedence over Sundays ranked II; suspend fasting & abstinence from First Vespers through Second Vespers.

Rank III has First Vespers only and uses the psalms of the occurring feria, with proper
antiphons (or antiphons from the Common).

Rank IV are commemorated only at First Vespers and Lauds, though the Mass may be of the commemorated saint(s).

See Customary for ranking of Sundays.