The Automela (Αὐτομέλα) are the original melodies of the Menaion after which other hymns are modeled (the Menaion is the liturgical book containing the variable parts of the daily services; it is separated into monthly sections). These other hymns are called Prosomoia (Προσόμοια) and they are metered according to the original melodies - meaning each hymn has a set number of syllables and word stresses. Many of the hymns of the menaion are set to meter so the same melody of the automela can be used with new words. Once a few of these melodies are memorized, most of the Stichera for weekday vespers can be sung...together...as the Body of Christ!
This page will be updated as the melodies are typeset. Most of the melodies come from the Heirmologion of Ioannis the Protopsaltis from 1903, although some will also come from his Anastasimatarion (Resurrectional Service Book) and melodies taken from the oral tradition as transcribed by Father Seraphim Dedes, Papa Ephraim, or Stephen Esper as noted.
If you are beginning to memorize the melodies, I have starred the most frequently used melodies. The other melodies are not used as frequently, or may be only used for certain feasts of the Church.
In singing the prosomoia, it is often necessary to be flexible in the amount of syllables needed for the prescribed melody. Sometimes there are more syllables in the text than the original melody and sometimes there are fewer. While it is possible to adjust the melody to fit the words while singing, it can be helpful to look over the words before the service to note any trouble spots that may arise. When time is available, I have underlined syllables which should be combined on one note or sung quickly in order to preserve the melody (this especially helps if multiple people are singing the melody together). As you become more familiar with the Menaion, though, you may not need to make such annotations.
O All-lauded Martyrs*
Thou art the joy*
O Strange wonder
The soldiers standing guard*
The soldiers standing guard - Version 2*
When he took Thee
When he took Thee (slow)
As one valiant*
(download audio)
Unto them that fear Thee*
(download audio)
Having laid up all their hope
Ere the morning star
O strange wonder*
O strange wonder - Oakmont Version*
(download audio)
O Lord, though Thou didst stand
What shall we now call you
What shall we now call you (Balamand)
The Paradise of Eden