The triodon is the liturgical book of Lent. It contains biblical readings and special Lenten hymns to be sung every day at Matins and Vespers. Especially beautiful are the short penitential hymns sung at Matins and Vespers that express the Lenten spirituality of the Orthodox Church. Of all the liturgical books the Triodon is one of the most inspiring, most directly connected with the spiritual needs of man.

(From Tuesday Matins of the First Week)

Let us begin O people the spotless fast, for it is the salvation of our souls.
Let us make our devotion to the Lord in fear, anointing our heads with the oil of good works and washing our faces with pure water.
Not many worded in prayer, but saying as we have been taught to say.
Our Father Who art in heaven! Forgive us our trespasses,
For Thou art the lover of mankind.

(From Tuesday Matins of the Second Week)

Why art thou idle, O my soul? And why dost thou dedicate thyself to sin?
Why art thou weak yet not come to the physician?
Now is the fruitful time, and now is the real day of salvation.
Arise! Wash thyself in the tears of repentance and enlighten thy lamp with the oil of good works,
That thou mayest obtain from God forgiveness and great mercy.