THE DIVINE LITURGY OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS
BASIL THE GREAT
Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE GREAT LITANY
AND
THE ANTIPHONS
Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of God and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our Archbishop (Name), our Bishop (Name), the honorable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our country, the president, and all those in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this parish and city, for every city and town, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, our God, whose power is beyond compare, and glory is beyond understanding; whose mercy is boundless, and love for us is ineffable; look upon us and upon this holy house in Your compassion. Grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy.
Priest: For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE FIRST ANTIPHON
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People: By the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us (3)
Deacon: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; protect the whole body of Your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house; glorify them in return by Your divine power; and do not forsake us who hope in You.
Priest: For Yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE SECOND ANTIPHON
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People: Save us, O Son of God, (Who rose from the dead), to You we sing: Alleluia (3). On weekdays we sing ("Who are wondrous among Your saints").
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and Word of God, although immortal You humbled Yourself for our salvation, taking flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and, without change, becoming man. Christ, our God, You were crucified but conquered death by death. You are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit; save us.
Deacon: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, You have given us grace to offer these common prayers with one heart. You have promised to grant the requests of two or three gathered in Your name. Fulfill now the petitions of Your servants for our benefit, giving us the knowledge of Your truth in this world, and granting us eternal life in the world to come.
Priest: For You are a good and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE THIRD ANTIPHON
(The designated verses of the Psalms are sung with the Apolytikion.)
THE SMALL ENTRANCE
(While the Apolytikion is sung, the Priest carrying the holy Gospel Book comes in procession before the Beautiful Gate and prays in a low voice:)
Master and Lord our God, You have established in heaven the orders and hosts of angels and archangels to minister to Your glory. Grant that the holy angels may enter with us that together we may serve and glorify Your goodness. For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(The Priest blesses the entrance saying in a low voice.) Blessed is the entrance of Your saints always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(The Deacon raises the holy Gospel Book and says:)
Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
People: Come, let us worship and bow before Christ. Save us, O Son of God who rose from the dead, 1 to You we sing: Alleluia.
BASIL THE GREAT
Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE GREAT LITANY
AND
THE ANTIPHONS
Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of God and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our Archbishop (Name), our Bishop (Name), the honorable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our country, the president, and all those in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this parish and city, for every city and town, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, our God, whose power is beyond compare, and glory is beyond understanding; whose mercy is boundless, and love for us is ineffable; look upon us and upon this holy house in Your compassion. Grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy.
Priest: For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE FIRST ANTIPHON
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People: By the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us (3)
Deacon: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; protect the whole body of Your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house; glorify them in return by Your divine power; and do not forsake us who hope in You.
Priest: For Yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE SECOND ANTIPHON
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People: Save us, O Son of God, (Who rose from the dead), to You we sing: Alleluia (3). On weekdays we sing ("Who are wondrous among Your saints").
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and Word of God, although immortal You humbled Yourself for our salvation, taking flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and, without change, becoming man. Christ, our God, You were crucified but conquered death by death. You are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit; save us.
Deacon: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, You have given us grace to offer these common prayers with one heart. You have promised to grant the requests of two or three gathered in Your name. Fulfill now the petitions of Your servants for our benefit, giving us the knowledge of Your truth in this world, and granting us eternal life in the world to come.
Priest: For You are a good and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE THIRD ANTIPHON
(The designated verses of the Psalms are sung with the Apolytikion.)
THE SMALL ENTRANCE
(While the Apolytikion is sung, the Priest carrying the holy Gospel Book comes in procession before the Beautiful Gate and prays in a low voice:)
Master and Lord our God, You have established in heaven the orders and hosts of angels and archangels to minister to Your glory. Grant that the holy angels may enter with us that together we may serve and glorify Your goodness. For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(The Priest blesses the entrance saying in a low voice.) Blessed is the entrance of Your saints always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(The Deacon raises the holy Gospel Book and says:)
Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
People: Come, let us worship and bow before Christ. Save us, O Son of God who rose from the dead, 1 to You we sing: Alleluia.
1 On weekdays we sing: "who are wondrous among Your saints. " Feasts of the Lord have their own Entrance Hymns
(The Priest enters the sanctuary. The Apolytikion is repeated and the Troparion of the church and the Kontakion of the day are sung.)
THE TRISAGION HYMN
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest (in a low voice): Holy God, You dwell among Your saints. You are praised by the Seraphim with the thrice holy hymn and glorified by the Cherubim and worshiped by all the heavenly powers. You have brought all things out of nothing into being. You have created man and woman in Your image and likeness and adorned them with all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the supplicant and do not overlook the sinner, but have established repentance as the way of salvation. You have enabled us, Your lowly and unworthy servants, to stand at this hour before the glory of Your holy altar and to offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the thrice; holy hymn also from the lips of us sinners and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship and serve You in holiness all the days of our lives, by the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You throughout the ages.
Priest: For You are holy, our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever . . .
Deacon: and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Deacon: Again, fervently.
Priest: (Turning towards the Prothesis, the Priest says in a low voice:) Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
(Then turning towards the holy Table, he says:) Blessed are You on the throne of glory of Your kingdom, seated upon the Cherubim, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
THE READINGS
THE EPISTLE
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the verses from the Psalms.)
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: The reading is from (the name of the book of the New Testament from which the Apostolic reading is taken).
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the designated Apostolic pericope.)
Priest: Peace be with you.
People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Priest (in a low voice): Shine within our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us, also, reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that having conquered sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
HOLY GOSPEL
Deacon: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to (Name). Let us be attentive.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
(The Deacon reads the designated pericope of the holy Gospel.)
Priest: Peace be with You who proclaim the Holy Gospel.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
THE HOMILY
(Following the readings, it is customary for the Priest to proclaim the Gospel.)
Priest (in a low voice): O God, You have visited our lowliness in mercy and compassion. You have set us, Your lowly, sinful, and unworthy servants, to serve at Your holy altar before Your holy glory. Strengthen us for this service with the power of Your Holy Spirit, and grant speech to our lips that we may invoke the grace of Your Holy Spirit upon the gifts that are about to be offered.
Priest: And grant that always guarded by Your power we may give glory to You, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE GREAT ENTRANCE
People: We who mystically represent the Cherubim sing the thrice holy hymn to the life giving Trinity. Let us set aside all the cares of life that we may receive the King of all ...
(While the Cherubic Hymn is sung, the Priest prays in a low voice:)
No one bound by worldly desires and pleasures is worthy to approach, draw near or minister to You, the King of glory. To serve You is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. But because of Your ineffable and immeasurable love for us, You became man without alteration or change. You have served as our High Priest, and as Lord of all, and have entrusted to us the celebration of this liturgical sacrifice without the shedding of blood. For You alone, Lord our God, rule over all things in heaven and on earth. You are seated on the throne of the Cherubim, the Lord of the Seraphim and the King of Israel. You alone are holy and dwell among Your saints. You alone are good and ready to hear. Therefore, I implore you, look upon me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, and cleanse my soul and heart from evil consciousness. Enable me by the power of Your Holy Spirit so that, vested with the grace of priesthood, I may stand before Your holy Table and celebrate the mystery of Your holy and pure Body and Your precious Blood. To you I come with bowed head and pray: do not turn Your face away from me or reject me from among Your children, but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer to You these gifts. For You, Christ our God, are the Offerer and the Offered, the One who receives and is distributed, and to You we give glory, together with Your eternal Father and Your holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: We who mystically represent the Cherubim sing the thriceholy hymn to the life; giving Trinity. Let us set aside all the cares of life that we may receive the King of all. . .
(The Priest censes and says in a low voice:)
(On Sundays)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
Then Psalm 50
Priest: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my inquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my inquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done evil in Your sight, that You may be found just when You speak, and victorious when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me. For behold, You have loved truth; You have made known to me the secret and hidden things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; You shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and establish me with Your governing Spirit. I shall teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall joyfully declare Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a humbled heart. Do good in Your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then You shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
(The Great Entrance then takes place.)
Deacon: May the Lord God remember all of you in His kingdom, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(The Priest and the Deacon enter the sanctuary, while the people sing the end of the Cherubic Hymn.)
People: ... invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(After placing the holy gifts on the holy Table, the Priest censes them:)
THE PETITIONS
Deacon: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious gifts here presented, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For all that is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For the completion of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgment seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: Lord, our God, You created us and brought us into this life. You have shown us the way to salvation and have bestowed upon us the revelation of heavenly mysteries. You have appointed us to this service by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Grant, therefore, O Lord that we may be accepted as servants of Your new Covenant and ministers of Your holy mysteries. Accept us as we draw near to Your holy altar, according to the multitude of Your mercy, that we may be worthy to offer You this spiritual sacrifice without the shedding of blood, for our sins and for the transgressions of Your people. Grant that, having accepted this sacrifice upon Your holy, heavenly, and spiritual altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, You may in return send down upon us the grace of Your Holy Spirit. Look upon us, O God, and consider our worship; and accept it as You accepted the gifts of Abel, the sacrifices of Noah, the burnt offerings of Abraham, the priestly offices of Moses and Aaron, and the peace offerings of Samuel. As You accepted this true worship from Your holy apostles, accept also in Your goodness, O Lord, these gifts from the hands of us sinners, that being deemed worthy to serve at Your holy altar without blame., we may obtain the reward of the faithful stewards on the fearful day of Your just judgment.
Priest: Through the mercies of Your only begotten Son with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and lifegiving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us love one another that with one mind we may confess:
(The Priest kisses the holy Gifts saying:)
I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.
(At this time it is customary for the kiss of peace to be exchanged.)
People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Trinity one in essence and inseparable.
Deacon: Guard the doors. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
THE CREED
People: I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages.
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried.
And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
THE HOLY ANAPHORA
Deacon: Let us stand well. Let us stand in awe. Let us be attentive, that we may present the holy offering in peace.
People: Mercy and peace, a sacrifice of praise.
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.
People: It is proper and right.
Priest: Master, Lord, God, worshipful Father almighty, it is truly just and right to the majesty of Your holiness to praise You, to hymn You, to bless You, to worship You, to give thanks to You, to glorify You, the only true God, and to offer to You this our spiritual worship with a contrite heart and a humble spirit. For You have given us to know Your truth. Who is worthy to praise Your mighty acts? Or to make known all Your praises? Or tell of all Your wonderful deeds at all times? Master of all things, Lord of heaven and earth, and of every creature visible and invisible, You are seated upon the throne of glory and behold the depths. You are without beginning, invisible, incomprehensible, beyond words, unchangeable. You are the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the great God and Savior of our hope, the image of Your goodness, the true seal of revealing in Himself You, the Father. He is the living Word, the true God, eternal wisdom, life, sanctification, power, and the true light. Through Him the Holy Spirit was manifested, the spirit of truth the gift of Sonship, the pledge of our future inheritance, the first fruits of eternal blessings, the life giving power, the source of sanctification through whom every rational and spiritual creature is made capable of worshiping You and giving You eternal glorification, for all things are subject to You. For You are praised by the angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, principalities, authorities, powers, and the many eyed Cherubim. Round about You stand the Seraphim, one with six wings and the other with six wings; with two they cover their faces; with two they cover their feet; with two they fly, crying out to one another with unceasing voices and everresounding praises:
Priest: Singing the victory hymn, proclaiming, crying out, and saying:
People: Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna to God in the highest.
Priest: Together with these blessed powers, loving Master we sinners also cry out and say: Truly You are holy and most holy, and there are no bounds to the majesty of Your holiness. You are holy in all Your works, for with righteousness and true judgment You have ordered all things for us. For having made man by taking dust from the earth, and having honored him with Your own image, O God, You placed him in a garden of delight, promising him eternal life and the enjoyment of everlasting blessings in the observance of Your commandments. But when he disobeyed You, the true God who had created him, and was led astray by the deception of the serpent becoming subject to death through his own transgressions, You, O God, in Your righteous judgment, expelled him from paradise into this world, returning him to the earth from which he was taken, yet providing for him the salvation of regeneration in Your Christ. For You did not forever reject Your creature whom You made, O Good One, nor did You forget the work of Your hands, but because of Your tender compassion, You visited him in various ways: You sent forth prophets; You performed mighty works by Your saints who in every generation have pleased You. You spoke to us by the mouth of Your servants the prophets, announcing to us the salvation which was to come; You gave us the law to help us; You appointed angels as guardians. And when the fullness of time had come, You spoke to us through Your Son Himself, through whom You created the ages. He, being the splendor of Your glory and the image of Your being, upholding all things by the word of His power, thought it not robbery to be equal with You, God and Father. But, being God before all ages, He appeared on earth and lived with humankind. Becoming incarnate from a holy Virgin, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, conforming to the body of our lowliness, that He might change us in the likeness of the image of His glory. For, since through man sin came into the world and through sin death, it pleased Your only begotten Son, who is in Your bosom, God and Father, born of a woman, the holy Theotokos and ever virgin Mary; born under the law, to condemn sin in His flesh, so that those who died in Adam may be brought to life in Him, Your Christ. He lived in this world, and gave us precepts of salvation. Releasing us from the delusions of idolatry, He guided us to the sure knowledge of You, the true God and Father. He acquired us for Himself, as His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Having cleansed us by water and sanctified us with the Holy Spirit, He gave Himself as ransom to death in which we were held captive, sold under sin. Descending into Hades through the cross, that He might fill all things with Himself, He loosed the bonds of death. He rose on the third day, having opened a path for all flesh to the resurrection from the dead, since it was not possible that the Author of life would be dominated by corruption. So He became the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep, the first born of the dead, that He might be Himself the first in all things. Ascending into heaven, He sat at the right hand of Your majesty on high and He will come to render to each according to His works. As memorials of His saving passion, He has left us these gifts which we have set forth before You according to His commands. For when He was about to go forth to His voluntary, ever memorable, and life-giving death, on the night on which He was delivered up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy and pure hands, and presenting it to You, God and Father, and offering thanks, blessing, sanctifying, and breaking it:
Priest: He gave it to His holy disciples and apostles saying: Take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you and for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest: Likewise, He took the cup of the fruit of vine, and having mingled it, offering thanks, blessing, and sanctifying it.
Priest: He gave it to His holy disciples and apostles saying: Drink of this all of you. This is my blood of the new Covenant, shed for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest: Do this in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this Bread and drink this Cup, you proclaim my death, and you confess my resurrection. Therefore, Master, we also, remembering His saving passion and life giving cross, His three; day burial and resurrection from the dead, His ascension into heaven, and enthronement at Your right hand, God and Father, and His glorious and awesome second coming.
Priest: We offer to You these gifts from Your own gifts in all and for all.
People: We praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Lord our God.
Priest: Therefore, most holy Master, we also, Your sinful and unworthy servants, whom You have made worthy to serve at Your holy altar, not because of our own righteousness (for we have not done anything good upon the earth), but because of Your mercy and compassion, which You have so richly poured upon us, we dare to approach Your holy altar, and bring forth the symbols of the holy Body and Blood of Your Christ. We pray to You and call upon You, O Holy of Holies, that by the favor of Your goodness, Your Holy Spirit may come upon us and upon the gifts here presented, to bless, sanctify, and make this bread to be the precious Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.
(He blesses the holy Bread.)
Deacon: Amen.
Priest: And this cup to be the precious Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.
(He blesses the holy Cup.)
Deacon: Amen.
(He blesses them both.)
Priest: Shed for the life and salvation of the world.
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.
Priest: And unite us all to one another who become partakers of the one Bread and the Cup in the communion of the one Holy Spirit. Grant that none of us may partake of the holy Body and Blood of Your Christ to judgment or condemnation; but, that we may find mercy and grace with all the saints who through the ages have pleased You: forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, teachers, and every righteous spirit made perfect in faith.
Priest: Especially for our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary.
People: All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace: the assembly of angels and the human race. You are a sanctified temple and a spiritual paradise, the glory from whom God was incarnate and became a child; our God, existing before all ages. He made your womb a throne, and your body more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace. Glory to you.
(The Priest censes.)
Priest: For Saint John the prophet, forerunner, and baptist; for the holy, glorious, and most; honorable ; apostles; for Saint(s) (Name;s), whose memory we commemorate today; and for all Your saints, through whose supplications, O God, visit us. Remember also all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection to eternal life (here the priest commemorates the names of the deceased) . And grant them rest, our God, where the light of Your countenance shines. Again, we pray to You, be mindful of Your holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, which is from one end of the inhabited earth to the other. Grant peace to her which You have obtained with the precious blood of Your Christ. Strengthen also this holy house to the end of the ages. Remember, Lord, those who have brought You these gifts, and for whom and through whom and the intentions for which they were offered. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good works in Your holy churches, and those who remember the poor. Reward them with Your rich and heavenly gifts. Grant them in return for earthly things, heavenly gifts; for temporal, eternal; for corruptible, incorruptible. Remember, Lord, those who are in the deserts, on mountains, in caverns, and in the chambers of the earth. Remember, Lord, those living in chastity and godliness, in asceticism and holiness of life. Remember, Lord, this country and all those in public service whom you have allowed to govern on earth. Grant them profound and lasting peace. Speak to their hearts good things concerning your Church and all your people that through the faithful conduct of their duties we may live peaceful and serene lives in all piety and holiness. Sustain the good in their goodness; make the wicked good through Your goodness. Remember, Lord, the people here presented and those who are absent with good cause. Have mercy on them and on us according to the multitude of Your mercy. Fill their treasuries with every good thing; preserve their marriages in peace and harmony; nurture the infants; instruct the youth; strengthen the aged; give courage to the faint hearted; reunite those separated; bring back those in error and unite them to Your holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Free those who are held captive by unclean spirits; sail with those who sail; travel with those who travel; defend the widows; protect the orphans; liberate the captives; heal the sick. Remember, Lord, those who are in mines, in exile, in harsh labor, and those in every kind of affliction, necessity, or distress; those who entreat your loving kindness; those who love us and those who hate us; those who have asked us to pray for them, unworthy though we may be. Remember, Lord our God, all Your people, and pour out Your rich mercy upon them, granting them their petitions for salvation. Remember, O God, all those whom we have not remembered through ignorance, forgetfulness or because of their multitude since You know the name and age of each, even from their mother's womb. For You, Lord, are the helper of the helpless, the hope of the hopeless, the savior of the afflicted, the haven of the voyager, and the physician of the sick. Be all things to all, You who know each person, his requests, his household, and his need. Deliver this community and city, O Lord, and every city and town, from famine, plague, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreign enemies, and civil war.
Priest: Above all, remember, Lord, our Archbishop (Name) and our Bishop (Name): Grant that they may serve Your holy churches in peace. Keep them safe, honorable, and healthy for many years, rightly teaching the word of Your truth.
Deacon: Remember also, Lord, those whom each of us calls to mind and all your people.
People: And all Your people.
Priest (in a low voice): Remember, Lord, all Orthodox bishops who rightly teach the word of Your truth. Remember Lord, my unworthiness according to the multitude of Your mercies; forgive my every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary. Do not take away the grace of Your Holy Spirit from these gifts presented because of my sins. Remember, Lord, the presbyters, the diaconate in Christ, and every order of the clergy, and do not confound any of us who stand about Your holy altar. Visit us with Your goodness, Lord; manifest Yourself to us through Your rich compassion. Grant us seasonable weather and fruitful seasons; send gentle showers upon the earth so that it may bear fruit; bless the crown of the year of Your goodness. Prevent schism in the Church; pacify the raging of the heathen. Quickly stop the uprisings of heresies by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Receive us all into Your kingdom. Declare us to be sons and daughters of the light and of the day. Grant us Your peace and love, Lord our God, for You have given all things to us.
Priest: And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honored and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: The mercy of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Having remembered all the saints, let us again in peace pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious Gifts offered and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That our loving God who has received them at His holy, heavenly, and spiritual altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, may in return send upon us divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Having prayed for the unity of the faith and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Our God, the God who saves, You teach us justly to thank You for the good things which You have done and still do for us. You are our God who has accepted these Gifts. Cleanse us from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and teach us how to live in holiness by Your fear, so that receiving the portion of Your holy Gifts with a clear conscience we may be united with the holy Body and Blood of Your Christ. Having received them worthily, may we have Christ dwelling in our hearts, and may we become the temple of Your Holy Spirit. Yes, our God, let none of us be guilty before these, Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries, nor be infirm in body and soul by partaking of them unworthily. But enable us, even up to our last breath, to receive a portion of Your holy Gifts worthily, as provision for eternal life and as an acceptable defense at the awesome judgment seat of Your Christ. So that we also, together with all the saints who through the ages have pleased You, may become partakers of Your eternal good things, which You, Lord, have prepared for those who love You.
Priest: And make us worthy, Master, with confidence and without fear of condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, FATHER, and to say:
THE LORD'S PRAYER
People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord Master, the Father of mercies and God of every consolation, bless sanctify, guard, fortify, and strengthen those who have bowed their heads to You. Distance them from every evil deed. Lead them to every good work and make them worthy to partake without condemnation of these, Your most pure and life-giving Mysteries, for the forgiveness of sins and for the communion of the Holy Spirit.
Priest: By the grace, mercy, and love for us of Your only; begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord Jesus Christ, our God, hear us from Your holy dwelling place and from the glorious throne of Your kingdom. You are enthroned on high with the Father and are also invisibly present among us. Come and sanctify us, and let Your pure Body and precious Blood be given to us by Your mighty hand and through us to all Your people.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: The holy Gifts for the holy people of God.
People: One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
People: Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Alleluia (3).
(The Communion hymn changes according to the Feast Day.)
(After the fraction of the sacred Bread, the Priest says in a low voice):
The Lamb of God is broken and distributed; broken but not divided. He is forever eaten yet is never consumed, but He sanctifies those who partake of Him.
(Then the Priest places a portion of the sacred Bread in the holy Cup saying:)
The fullness of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(He then blesses the warm water saying:)
Blessed is the fervor of Your saints, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(Pouring the water into the Cup crosswise, he says:)
The warmth of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
(The Communion prayers are recited silently by those prepared to receive the holy Mysteries.)
I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
(The Priest proceeds to receive holy Communion.)
Priest: Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God.
The precious and most holy Body of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and for eternal life.
(He partakes of the sacred Bread.)
The precious and most holy Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and for eternal life.
(He then drinks from the holy Cup. Afterwards, he wipes the holy Cup, kisses it, and says:)
This has touched my lips, taking away my transgressions and cleansing my sins.
(The Priest then transfers the remaining portions of the consecrated Bread into the holy Cup, saying:)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
(The Priest takes up the holy Cup, proceeds to the Royal Doors, raises it, and says:)
Deacon: Approach with the fear of God, faith, and love.
(Those prepared come forth with reverence to receive holy Communion while the peopie continue to sing the communion hymn.)
(When administering Holy Communion, the Priest says: The servant of God (Name) receives the Body and Blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
(After Communion has been given, the Priest blesses the people, saying:)
Priest: Save, O God, Your people and bless Your inheritance.
People: We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.
(Returning to the holy Table, the Priest transfers the portions of the Theotokos and of the saints into the holy Cup. Then he does the same for those of the living and the dead saying in a low voice:)
Wash away, Lord, by Your holy Blood, the sins of all those commemorated, through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all Your saints. Amen.
Priest: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let Your glory be over all the earth (3).
(The Priest lifts the holy Cup and says in a low voice:)
Priest: Blessed is our God.
Priest: Always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Deacon: Let us be attentive. Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life giving, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): We thank You, Lord, our God, for the communion of Your holy, most pure, immortal, and heavenly Mysteries which You have granted us for the benefit, sanctification, and healing of our souls and bodies. Grant, Master of all, that the communion of the holy Body and Blood of Your Christ may become for us faith unashamed, love unfeigned, fulness of wisdom, healing of soul and body, repelling of every hostile adversary, observance of Your commandments, and an acceptable defense at the dread judgment seat of Your Christ.
Priest: For You are our sanctification and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Priest: Let us depart in peace.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Lord, bless those who praise You and sanctify those who trust in You. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the whole body of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and do not forsake us who hope in You. Grant peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the clergy, to those in public service, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from You, the Father of lights. To You we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. 1
People: Amen.
1 (On January 1, it is traditional instead of the above to say the following prayer:)
Priest: O Christ, our God, accept from those who call upon You with all their heart this spiritual sacrifice without the shedding of blood as a sacrifice of praise and true worship. You are the Lamb and Son of God who bears the sins of the world; the blameless calf who does not accept the yoke of sin and who freely sacrificed Yourself for us. You are broken but not divided. You are consumed but never spent. You sanctify those who partake of you. In remembrance of Your voluntary passion and life-giving resurrection on the third day, You have made us partakers of Your ineffable and heavenly and awesome mysteries of Your holy Body and precious Blood. Preserve us, Your servants, those who minister, our leaders, the armed forces, and the people present here, in Your holiness. Grant that we may meditate upon Your righteousness at all times and in every season. Guide us and our actions so that we may do what is pleasing to You, and may You find us worthy to stand at Your right hand when You return to judge the living and the dead. Deliver our brothers and sisters who are in captivity, visit those who are sick, protect those who are in danger at sea, and give rest to the souls of all those who have fallen asleep in the hope of the eternal life where the light of Your face shines. Hear the petitions of all those who beseech You for Your help. For You are the giver of all good things, and to You we give glory, together with Your eternal Father and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Blessed is the name of the Lord, both now and to the ages (3).
Priest (proceeding toward the Prothesis and saying in a low voice:) The mystery of Your dispensation, O Christ our God, has been accomplished and perfected as far as it is in our power. We have had vie memorial of Your death. We hove seen the typos of Your resurrection. We have been filled with Your unending life. We have enjoyed Your inexhaustible delight which in the world to come be well pleased to give to us all, through the grace of Your holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy (3). Father, give the blessing.
Priest: May the blessing of the Lord and His mercy come upon you through His divine grace and love always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.
Priest: May Christ our true God (who rose from the dead), as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother; the power of the precious and life giving Cross; the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven; the supplications of the honorable, glorious, prophet, and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles; the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs; our holy and God-bearing fathers (name of the church) the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; Saint (of the day) whose memory we commemorate today, and all the saints.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, grant long life to him who blesses and sanctifies us.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
Priest (Blessing the people:) May the holy Trinity protect all of you.
(Distributing the antidoron, the priest says:)
Priest: May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord be with you.
THANKSGIVING FOLLOWING
HOLY COMMUNION
Glory to you, O God. Glory to you. (3)
ANONYMOUS
Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let Your sacred Body be unto me for eternal life and Your precious Blood for forgiveness of sins. Let this Eucharist be unto me for joy, health and gladness. And in Your awesome Second Coming make me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your glory; through the intercessions of Your pure Mother and of all Your Saints. Amen.
SAINT BASIL
I thank You, Christ and Master our God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, for all the good gifts You have given me, and especially for the participation in Your pure and life-giving mysteries. I pray to You, therefore, good and loving Lord, keep me under Your protection and under the shadow of Your wings. Grant that to my last breath I may with a pure conscience partake worthily of Your gifts for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. For You are the bread of life, the source of holiness, the giver of all good things, and to You we give glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
ANONYMOUS
I thank You, Lord my God, that You have not rejected me, a sinner, but have made me worthy to partake of Your holy mysteries. I thank You that You have permitted me, although I am unworthy, to receive Your pure and heavenly gifts. O loving Master, who died and rose for our sake, and granted to us these awesome and life-giving mysteries for the well-being and sanctification of our souls and bodies, let these gifts be for healing of my own soul and body, the averting of every evil, the illumination of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing of Your commandments, the receiving of Your divine grace, and the inheritance of Your kingdom. Preserved by them in Your holiness, may I always be mindful of Your grace and no longer live for myself, but for You, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and attain to the everlasting rest, where the voices of Your Saints who feast are unceasing, and their joy, beholding the ineffable beauty of Your countenance, is unending. For You, Christ our God, are the true joy and the inexpressable gladness of those who love You, and all creation praises You forever. Amen.
THE RESURRECTION APOLYTIKIA
First Tone
Though the tomb was sealed by a stone and soldiers guarded Your pure body, You arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O Giver of life, the heavenly powers praise You: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ, glory to Your kingdom, glory to Your plan of redemption, O only loving God.
Second Tone
When you descended unto death, O life immortal, You destroyed Hades with the splendor of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You.
Third Tone
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of His reign; He has conquered death by death, and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades; and has granted to the world great mercy.
Fourth Tone
The joyful news of Your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the Angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting,
they told the Apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God is risen, granting to the world great mercy.
Fifth Tone
To the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation, let us, the faithful, give praise and worship. Of His own will, He mounted the cross in the flesh, He suffered death, and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection.
Sixth Tone
The heavenly powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead. Mary stood at Your grave seeking Your pure body. You stripped the power of hades, not touched by its corruption. You met the virgin woman, as one who grants life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to You.
Seventh Tone
By Your cross You destroyed death, and to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrhbearers, and commanded the Apostles to proclaim that You have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting to the world great mercy.
Eighth Tone
From on high You descended, O merciful Lord, and accepted the three-day burial to free us from our passions. Glory to You, O Lord, our life and our resurrection.
SATURDAY OF THE SOULS
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for the glory of Your name.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Among the spirits of the righteous perfected in faith, give rest, O Savior, to the souls of Your servants. Bestow upon them the blessed life which is from You, O loving Lord.
People: Within Your peace, O Lord, where all Your saints repose, give rest also to the souls of Your servants, for You alone are immortal.
People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
People: O Savior, You are our God who descended into Hades and delivered from suffering those who were bound there. Grant rest also to the souls of Your servants.
People: Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Most pure and spotless Virgin, who ineffably gave birth to God, intercede with Him for the salvation of the souls of your servants.
Priest: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal rest of the souls of Your departed servants: emperors, patriarchs, hierarchs, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monks, nuns, and all our departed faithful and Orthodox Christians everywhere in the world: fathers, forefathers, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters, and relatives; and for the forgiveness of all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal rest of the souls of the departed servants of God (here are commemorated the names of the dead) and for the forgiveness of all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: May the Lord God grant that their souls rest where the righteous repose. Let us ask Christ, our immortal King and God, for the mercies of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins.
People: Grant this, O Lord (3).
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O God of spirits and of all flesh, You have trampled upon death and have abolished the power of the devil, giving life to Your world. Give rest to the souls of Your departed servants: emperors, patriarchs, hierarchs, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monks, and all our departed faithful and Orthodox Christians, from one end of the world to the other: fathers, forefathers, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, and relatives. And place them in a place of light, in a place of repose, in a place of refreshment, where there is no pain, sorrow, and suffering. As a good and loving God, forgive every sin they have committed in thought, word, or deed, for there is no one who lives and does not sin. You alone are without sin. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and Your word is truth.
Priest: For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of Your departed servants, the faithful and Orthodox Christians, Christ our God, and to You we give glory, with Your eternal Father and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Eternal memory, eternal memory, may their memory be eternal (3).
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.
The Dismissal
Priest: May Christ our true God, who rose from the dead and as immortal King has authority over the living and the dead, have mercy on us and save us, through the intercessions of his spotless holy Mother; of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy Apostles, of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers; of the holy and glorious forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; of his holy and righteous friend Lazaros, who lay in the grave four days; and of all the Saints; establish the souls of His servants departed from us, in the dwelling place of the saints; grant rest to them in the bosom of Abraham, and number them among the righteous.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone Two
People: We venerate Your holy icon, loving Lord, asking You to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore in thanksgiving we sing to You: You filled all things with joy, our Savior, when You came to save the world.
The hymn of the church follows and then the Kontakion
Tone Four
People: To you, the invincible commander in chief we attribute victory, and sing praises of thanksgiving, O Theotokos. Keep us all unassailable and deliver us from all the dangers that beset us that we may sing: Hail, O bride unwedded.
THE PROCESSION OF
THE HOLY ICONS
Preceded by Altar Boys holding icons and the censer, the Priest exits from the Sanctuary with the holy Cross. A procession is made round the interior of the church in four stations. At each station, prayers are said and the Apolytikion of the Feast is sung.
People: We venerate Your holy icons, loving Lord, asking You to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore in thanksgiving we sing to You: You filled all things with joy, our Savior, when You came to save the world.
1) At the north side, prayers are said for the living.
Priest: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for all faithful and Orthodox Christians.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for our Archbishop (Name) and our Bishop (Name) and for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The People repeat the Apolytikion;
We venerate Your holy icon, loving Lord, asking you to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were well pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore in thanksgiving we sing to You: You filled all things with joy, our Savior, when You came to save the world.
At the west side, prayers are said for the dead: pious emperors, Orthodox patriarchs, hierarchs,. . .
Priest: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal repose of Your departed servants: emperors, patriarchs, hierarchs, priest, hieromonks, deacons, monks, and all our departed faithful and Orthodox Christians everywhere in the world: fathers, forefathers, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, and relatives.
People: May their memory be eternal (3).
Priest: For You are the resurrection, the life and the repose of Your departed servants, Christ our God, and to You we give glory, with Your eternal Father and Your all holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Apolytikion is repeated.
We venerate your holy icon, loving God, asking you to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore, in thanksgiving we sing to You: You have filled all things with joy, our Savior, when You came to save the world.
At the south side, prayers are said for the living.
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your steadfast love; we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for all faithful and Orthodox Christians.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for our Archbishop (Name) and our Bishop (Name) and for all brothers and sisters in Christ.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Apolytikion is repeated.
People: We venerate Your holy icon, loving Lord, asking You to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore in thanksgiving we sing to You: You filled all things with joy, our Savior, when you came to save the world.
(The Priest enters the sanctuary. The Apolytikion is repeated and the Troparion of the church and the Kontakion of the day are sung.)
THE TRISAGION HYMN
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest (in a low voice): Holy God, You dwell among Your saints. You are praised by the Seraphim with the thrice holy hymn and glorified by the Cherubim and worshiped by all the heavenly powers. You have brought all things out of nothing into being. You have created man and woman in Your image and likeness and adorned them with all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the supplicant and do not overlook the sinner, but have established repentance as the way of salvation. You have enabled us, Your lowly and unworthy servants, to stand at this hour before the glory of Your holy altar and to offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the thrice; holy hymn also from the lips of us sinners and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship and serve You in holiness all the days of our lives, by the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You throughout the ages.
Priest: For You are holy, our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever . . .
Deacon: and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Deacon: Again, fervently.
Priest: (Turning towards the Prothesis, the Priest says in a low voice:) Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
(Then turning towards the holy Table, he says:) Blessed are You on the throne of glory of Your kingdom, seated upon the Cherubim, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
THE READINGS
THE EPISTLE
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the verses from the Psalms.)
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: The reading is from (the name of the book of the New Testament from which the Apostolic reading is taken).
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the designated Apostolic pericope.)
Priest: Peace be with you.
People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Priest (in a low voice): Shine within our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us, also, reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that having conquered sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
HOLY GOSPEL
Deacon: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to (Name). Let us be attentive.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
(The Deacon reads the designated pericope of the holy Gospel.)
Priest: Peace be with You who proclaim the Holy Gospel.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
THE HOMILY
(Following the readings, it is customary for the Priest to proclaim the Gospel.)
Priest (in a low voice): O God, You have visited our lowliness in mercy and compassion. You have set us, Your lowly, sinful, and unworthy servants, to serve at Your holy altar before Your holy glory. Strengthen us for this service with the power of Your Holy Spirit, and grant speech to our lips that we may invoke the grace of Your Holy Spirit upon the gifts that are about to be offered.
Priest: And grant that always guarded by Your power we may give glory to You, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE GREAT ENTRANCE
People: We who mystically represent the Cherubim sing the thrice holy hymn to the life giving Trinity. Let us set aside all the cares of life that we may receive the King of all ...
(While the Cherubic Hymn is sung, the Priest prays in a low voice:)
No one bound by worldly desires and pleasures is worthy to approach, draw near or minister to You, the King of glory. To serve You is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. But because of Your ineffable and immeasurable love for us, You became man without alteration or change. You have served as our High Priest, and as Lord of all, and have entrusted to us the celebration of this liturgical sacrifice without the shedding of blood. For You alone, Lord our God, rule over all things in heaven and on earth. You are seated on the throne of the Cherubim, the Lord of the Seraphim and the King of Israel. You alone are holy and dwell among Your saints. You alone are good and ready to hear. Therefore, I implore you, look upon me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, and cleanse my soul and heart from evil consciousness. Enable me by the power of Your Holy Spirit so that, vested with the grace of priesthood, I may stand before Your holy Table and celebrate the mystery of Your holy and pure Body and Your precious Blood. To you I come with bowed head and pray: do not turn Your face away from me or reject me from among Your children, but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer to You these gifts. For You, Christ our God, are the Offerer and the Offered, the One who receives and is distributed, and to You we give glory, together with Your eternal Father and Your holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: We who mystically represent the Cherubim sing the thriceholy hymn to the life; giving Trinity. Let us set aside all the cares of life that we may receive the King of all. . .
(The Priest censes and says in a low voice:)
(On Sundays)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
Then Psalm 50
Priest: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my inquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my inquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done evil in Your sight, that You may be found just when You speak, and victorious when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me. For behold, You have loved truth; You have made known to me the secret and hidden things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; You shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and establish me with Your governing Spirit. I shall teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall joyfully declare Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a humbled heart. Do good in Your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then You shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
(The Great Entrance then takes place.)
Deacon: May the Lord God remember all of you in His kingdom, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(The Priest and the Deacon enter the sanctuary, while the people sing the end of the Cherubic Hymn.)
People: ... invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(After placing the holy gifts on the holy Table, the Priest censes them:)
THE PETITIONS
Deacon: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious gifts here presented, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For all that is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For the completion of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgment seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: Lord, our God, You created us and brought us into this life. You have shown us the way to salvation and have bestowed upon us the revelation of heavenly mysteries. You have appointed us to this service by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Grant, therefore, O Lord that we may be accepted as servants of Your new Covenant and ministers of Your holy mysteries. Accept us as we draw near to Your holy altar, according to the multitude of Your mercy, that we may be worthy to offer You this spiritual sacrifice without the shedding of blood, for our sins and for the transgressions of Your people. Grant that, having accepted this sacrifice upon Your holy, heavenly, and spiritual altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, You may in return send down upon us the grace of Your Holy Spirit. Look upon us, O God, and consider our worship; and accept it as You accepted the gifts of Abel, the sacrifices of Noah, the burnt offerings of Abraham, the priestly offices of Moses and Aaron, and the peace offerings of Samuel. As You accepted this true worship from Your holy apostles, accept also in Your goodness, O Lord, these gifts from the hands of us sinners, that being deemed worthy to serve at Your holy altar without blame., we may obtain the reward of the faithful stewards on the fearful day of Your just judgment.
Priest: Through the mercies of Your only begotten Son with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and lifegiving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us love one another that with one mind we may confess:
(The Priest kisses the holy Gifts saying:)
I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.
(At this time it is customary for the kiss of peace to be exchanged.)
People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Trinity one in essence and inseparable.
Deacon: Guard the doors. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
THE CREED
People: I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages.
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried.
And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
THE HOLY ANAPHORA
Deacon: Let us stand well. Let us stand in awe. Let us be attentive, that we may present the holy offering in peace.
People: Mercy and peace, a sacrifice of praise.
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.
People: It is proper and right.
Priest: Master, Lord, God, worshipful Father almighty, it is truly just and right to the majesty of Your holiness to praise You, to hymn You, to bless You, to worship You, to give thanks to You, to glorify You, the only true God, and to offer to You this our spiritual worship with a contrite heart and a humble spirit. For You have given us to know Your truth. Who is worthy to praise Your mighty acts? Or to make known all Your praises? Or tell of all Your wonderful deeds at all times? Master of all things, Lord of heaven and earth, and of every creature visible and invisible, You are seated upon the throne of glory and behold the depths. You are without beginning, invisible, incomprehensible, beyond words, unchangeable. You are the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the great God and Savior of our hope, the image of Your goodness, the true seal of revealing in Himself You, the Father. He is the living Word, the true God, eternal wisdom, life, sanctification, power, and the true light. Through Him the Holy Spirit was manifested, the spirit of truth the gift of Sonship, the pledge of our future inheritance, the first fruits of eternal blessings, the life giving power, the source of sanctification through whom every rational and spiritual creature is made capable of worshiping You and giving You eternal glorification, for all things are subject to You. For You are praised by the angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, principalities, authorities, powers, and the many eyed Cherubim. Round about You stand the Seraphim, one with six wings and the other with six wings; with two they cover their faces; with two they cover their feet; with two they fly, crying out to one another with unceasing voices and everresounding praises:
Priest: Singing the victory hymn, proclaiming, crying out, and saying:
People: Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna to God in the highest.
Priest: Together with these blessed powers, loving Master we sinners also cry out and say: Truly You are holy and most holy, and there are no bounds to the majesty of Your holiness. You are holy in all Your works, for with righteousness and true judgment You have ordered all things for us. For having made man by taking dust from the earth, and having honored him with Your own image, O God, You placed him in a garden of delight, promising him eternal life and the enjoyment of everlasting blessings in the observance of Your commandments. But when he disobeyed You, the true God who had created him, and was led astray by the deception of the serpent becoming subject to death through his own transgressions, You, O God, in Your righteous judgment, expelled him from paradise into this world, returning him to the earth from which he was taken, yet providing for him the salvation of regeneration in Your Christ. For You did not forever reject Your creature whom You made, O Good One, nor did You forget the work of Your hands, but because of Your tender compassion, You visited him in various ways: You sent forth prophets; You performed mighty works by Your saints who in every generation have pleased You. You spoke to us by the mouth of Your servants the prophets, announcing to us the salvation which was to come; You gave us the law to help us; You appointed angels as guardians. And when the fullness of time had come, You spoke to us through Your Son Himself, through whom You created the ages. He, being the splendor of Your glory and the image of Your being, upholding all things by the word of His power, thought it not robbery to be equal with You, God and Father. But, being God before all ages, He appeared on earth and lived with humankind. Becoming incarnate from a holy Virgin, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, conforming to the body of our lowliness, that He might change us in the likeness of the image of His glory. For, since through man sin came into the world and through sin death, it pleased Your only begotten Son, who is in Your bosom, God and Father, born of a woman, the holy Theotokos and ever virgin Mary; born under the law, to condemn sin in His flesh, so that those who died in Adam may be brought to life in Him, Your Christ. He lived in this world, and gave us precepts of salvation. Releasing us from the delusions of idolatry, He guided us to the sure knowledge of You, the true God and Father. He acquired us for Himself, as His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Having cleansed us by water and sanctified us with the Holy Spirit, He gave Himself as ransom to death in which we were held captive, sold under sin. Descending into Hades through the cross, that He might fill all things with Himself, He loosed the bonds of death. He rose on the third day, having opened a path for all flesh to the resurrection from the dead, since it was not possible that the Author of life would be dominated by corruption. So He became the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep, the first born of the dead, that He might be Himself the first in all things. Ascending into heaven, He sat at the right hand of Your majesty on high and He will come to render to each according to His works. As memorials of His saving passion, He has left us these gifts which we have set forth before You according to His commands. For when He was about to go forth to His voluntary, ever memorable, and life-giving death, on the night on which He was delivered up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy and pure hands, and presenting it to You, God and Father, and offering thanks, blessing, sanctifying, and breaking it:
Priest: He gave it to His holy disciples and apostles saying: Take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you and for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest: Likewise, He took the cup of the fruit of vine, and having mingled it, offering thanks, blessing, and sanctifying it.
Priest: He gave it to His holy disciples and apostles saying: Drink of this all of you. This is my blood of the new Covenant, shed for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest: Do this in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this Bread and drink this Cup, you proclaim my death, and you confess my resurrection. Therefore, Master, we also, remembering His saving passion and life giving cross, His three; day burial and resurrection from the dead, His ascension into heaven, and enthronement at Your right hand, God and Father, and His glorious and awesome second coming.
Priest: We offer to You these gifts from Your own gifts in all and for all.
People: We praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Lord our God.
Priest: Therefore, most holy Master, we also, Your sinful and unworthy servants, whom You have made worthy to serve at Your holy altar, not because of our own righteousness (for we have not done anything good upon the earth), but because of Your mercy and compassion, which You have so richly poured upon us, we dare to approach Your holy altar, and bring forth the symbols of the holy Body and Blood of Your Christ. We pray to You and call upon You, O Holy of Holies, that by the favor of Your goodness, Your Holy Spirit may come upon us and upon the gifts here presented, to bless, sanctify, and make this bread to be the precious Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.
(He blesses the holy Bread.)
Deacon: Amen.
Priest: And this cup to be the precious Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.
(He blesses the holy Cup.)
Deacon: Amen.
(He blesses them both.)
Priest: Shed for the life and salvation of the world.
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.
Priest: And unite us all to one another who become partakers of the one Bread and the Cup in the communion of the one Holy Spirit. Grant that none of us may partake of the holy Body and Blood of Your Christ to judgment or condemnation; but, that we may find mercy and grace with all the saints who through the ages have pleased You: forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, teachers, and every righteous spirit made perfect in faith.
Priest: Especially for our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary.
People: All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace: the assembly of angels and the human race. You are a sanctified temple and a spiritual paradise, the glory from whom God was incarnate and became a child; our God, existing before all ages. He made your womb a throne, and your body more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace. Glory to you.
(The Priest censes.)
Priest: For Saint John the prophet, forerunner, and baptist; for the holy, glorious, and most; honorable ; apostles; for Saint(s) (Name;s), whose memory we commemorate today; and for all Your saints, through whose supplications, O God, visit us. Remember also all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection to eternal life (here the priest commemorates the names of the deceased) . And grant them rest, our God, where the light of Your countenance shines. Again, we pray to You, be mindful of Your holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, which is from one end of the inhabited earth to the other. Grant peace to her which You have obtained with the precious blood of Your Christ. Strengthen also this holy house to the end of the ages. Remember, Lord, those who have brought You these gifts, and for whom and through whom and the intentions for which they were offered. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good works in Your holy churches, and those who remember the poor. Reward them with Your rich and heavenly gifts. Grant them in return for earthly things, heavenly gifts; for temporal, eternal; for corruptible, incorruptible. Remember, Lord, those who are in the deserts, on mountains, in caverns, and in the chambers of the earth. Remember, Lord, those living in chastity and godliness, in asceticism and holiness of life. Remember, Lord, this country and all those in public service whom you have allowed to govern on earth. Grant them profound and lasting peace. Speak to their hearts good things concerning your Church and all your people that through the faithful conduct of their duties we may live peaceful and serene lives in all piety and holiness. Sustain the good in their goodness; make the wicked good through Your goodness. Remember, Lord, the people here presented and those who are absent with good cause. Have mercy on them and on us according to the multitude of Your mercy. Fill their treasuries with every good thing; preserve their marriages in peace and harmony; nurture the infants; instruct the youth; strengthen the aged; give courage to the faint hearted; reunite those separated; bring back those in error and unite them to Your holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Free those who are held captive by unclean spirits; sail with those who sail; travel with those who travel; defend the widows; protect the orphans; liberate the captives; heal the sick. Remember, Lord, those who are in mines, in exile, in harsh labor, and those in every kind of affliction, necessity, or distress; those who entreat your loving kindness; those who love us and those who hate us; those who have asked us to pray for them, unworthy though we may be. Remember, Lord our God, all Your people, and pour out Your rich mercy upon them, granting them their petitions for salvation. Remember, O God, all those whom we have not remembered through ignorance, forgetfulness or because of their multitude since You know the name and age of each, even from their mother's womb. For You, Lord, are the helper of the helpless, the hope of the hopeless, the savior of the afflicted, the haven of the voyager, and the physician of the sick. Be all things to all, You who know each person, his requests, his household, and his need. Deliver this community and city, O Lord, and every city and town, from famine, plague, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreign enemies, and civil war.
Priest: Above all, remember, Lord, our Archbishop (Name) and our Bishop (Name): Grant that they may serve Your holy churches in peace. Keep them safe, honorable, and healthy for many years, rightly teaching the word of Your truth.
Deacon: Remember also, Lord, those whom each of us calls to mind and all your people.
People: And all Your people.
Priest (in a low voice): Remember, Lord, all Orthodox bishops who rightly teach the word of Your truth. Remember Lord, my unworthiness according to the multitude of Your mercies; forgive my every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary. Do not take away the grace of Your Holy Spirit from these gifts presented because of my sins. Remember, Lord, the presbyters, the diaconate in Christ, and every order of the clergy, and do not confound any of us who stand about Your holy altar. Visit us with Your goodness, Lord; manifest Yourself to us through Your rich compassion. Grant us seasonable weather and fruitful seasons; send gentle showers upon the earth so that it may bear fruit; bless the crown of the year of Your goodness. Prevent schism in the Church; pacify the raging of the heathen. Quickly stop the uprisings of heresies by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Receive us all into Your kingdom. Declare us to be sons and daughters of the light and of the day. Grant us Your peace and love, Lord our God, for You have given all things to us.
Priest: And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honored and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: The mercy of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Having remembered all the saints, let us again in peace pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious Gifts offered and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That our loving God who has received them at His holy, heavenly, and spiritual altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, may in return send upon us divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Having prayed for the unity of the faith and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Our God, the God who saves, You teach us justly to thank You for the good things which You have done and still do for us. You are our God who has accepted these Gifts. Cleanse us from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and teach us how to live in holiness by Your fear, so that receiving the portion of Your holy Gifts with a clear conscience we may be united with the holy Body and Blood of Your Christ. Having received them worthily, may we have Christ dwelling in our hearts, and may we become the temple of Your Holy Spirit. Yes, our God, let none of us be guilty before these, Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries, nor be infirm in body and soul by partaking of them unworthily. But enable us, even up to our last breath, to receive a portion of Your holy Gifts worthily, as provision for eternal life and as an acceptable defense at the awesome judgment seat of Your Christ. So that we also, together with all the saints who through the ages have pleased You, may become partakers of Your eternal good things, which You, Lord, have prepared for those who love You.
Priest: And make us worthy, Master, with confidence and without fear of condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, FATHER, and to say:
THE LORD'S PRAYER
People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord Master, the Father of mercies and God of every consolation, bless sanctify, guard, fortify, and strengthen those who have bowed their heads to You. Distance them from every evil deed. Lead them to every good work and make them worthy to partake without condemnation of these, Your most pure and life-giving Mysteries, for the forgiveness of sins and for the communion of the Holy Spirit.
Priest: By the grace, mercy, and love for us of Your only; begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord Jesus Christ, our God, hear us from Your holy dwelling place and from the glorious throne of Your kingdom. You are enthroned on high with the Father and are also invisibly present among us. Come and sanctify us, and let Your pure Body and precious Blood be given to us by Your mighty hand and through us to all Your people.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: The holy Gifts for the holy people of God.
People: One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
People: Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Alleluia (3).
(The Communion hymn changes according to the Feast Day.)
(After the fraction of the sacred Bread, the Priest says in a low voice):
The Lamb of God is broken and distributed; broken but not divided. He is forever eaten yet is never consumed, but He sanctifies those who partake of Him.
(Then the Priest places a portion of the sacred Bread in the holy Cup saying:)
The fullness of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(He then blesses the warm water saying:)
Blessed is the fervor of Your saints, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(Pouring the water into the Cup crosswise, he says:)
The warmth of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
(The Communion prayers are recited silently by those prepared to receive the holy Mysteries.)
I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
(The Priest proceeds to receive holy Communion.)
Priest: Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God.
The precious and most holy Body of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and for eternal life.
(He partakes of the sacred Bread.)
The precious and most holy Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and for eternal life.
(He then drinks from the holy Cup. Afterwards, he wipes the holy Cup, kisses it, and says:)
This has touched my lips, taking away my transgressions and cleansing my sins.
(The Priest then transfers the remaining portions of the consecrated Bread into the holy Cup, saying:)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
(The Priest takes up the holy Cup, proceeds to the Royal Doors, raises it, and says:)
Deacon: Approach with the fear of God, faith, and love.
(Those prepared come forth with reverence to receive holy Communion while the peopie continue to sing the communion hymn.)
(When administering Holy Communion, the Priest says: The servant of God (Name) receives the Body and Blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
(After Communion has been given, the Priest blesses the people, saying:)
Priest: Save, O God, Your people and bless Your inheritance.
People: We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.
(Returning to the holy Table, the Priest transfers the portions of the Theotokos and of the saints into the holy Cup. Then he does the same for those of the living and the dead saying in a low voice:)
Wash away, Lord, by Your holy Blood, the sins of all those commemorated, through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all Your saints. Amen.
Priest: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let Your glory be over all the earth (3).
(The Priest lifts the holy Cup and says in a low voice:)
Priest: Blessed is our God.
Priest: Always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Deacon: Let us be attentive. Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life giving, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): We thank You, Lord, our God, for the communion of Your holy, most pure, immortal, and heavenly Mysteries which You have granted us for the benefit, sanctification, and healing of our souls and bodies. Grant, Master of all, that the communion of the holy Body and Blood of Your Christ may become for us faith unashamed, love unfeigned, fulness of wisdom, healing of soul and body, repelling of every hostile adversary, observance of Your commandments, and an acceptable defense at the dread judgment seat of Your Christ.
Priest: For You are our sanctification and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Priest: Let us depart in peace.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Lord, bless those who praise You and sanctify those who trust in You. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the whole body of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and do not forsake us who hope in You. Grant peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the clergy, to those in public service, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from You, the Father of lights. To You we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. 1
People: Amen.
1 (On January 1, it is traditional instead of the above to say the following prayer:)
Priest: O Christ, our God, accept from those who call upon You with all their heart this spiritual sacrifice without the shedding of blood as a sacrifice of praise and true worship. You are the Lamb and Son of God who bears the sins of the world; the blameless calf who does not accept the yoke of sin and who freely sacrificed Yourself for us. You are broken but not divided. You are consumed but never spent. You sanctify those who partake of you. In remembrance of Your voluntary passion and life-giving resurrection on the third day, You have made us partakers of Your ineffable and heavenly and awesome mysteries of Your holy Body and precious Blood. Preserve us, Your servants, those who minister, our leaders, the armed forces, and the people present here, in Your holiness. Grant that we may meditate upon Your righteousness at all times and in every season. Guide us and our actions so that we may do what is pleasing to You, and may You find us worthy to stand at Your right hand when You return to judge the living and the dead. Deliver our brothers and sisters who are in captivity, visit those who are sick, protect those who are in danger at sea, and give rest to the souls of all those who have fallen asleep in the hope of the eternal life where the light of Your face shines. Hear the petitions of all those who beseech You for Your help. For You are the giver of all good things, and to You we give glory, together with Your eternal Father and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Blessed is the name of the Lord, both now and to the ages (3).
Priest (proceeding toward the Prothesis and saying in a low voice:) The mystery of Your dispensation, O Christ our God, has been accomplished and perfected as far as it is in our power. We have had vie memorial of Your death. We hove seen the typos of Your resurrection. We have been filled with Your unending life. We have enjoyed Your inexhaustible delight which in the world to come be well pleased to give to us all, through the grace of Your holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy (3). Father, give the blessing.
Priest: May the blessing of the Lord and His mercy come upon you through His divine grace and love always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.
Priest: May Christ our true God (who rose from the dead), as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother; the power of the precious and life giving Cross; the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven; the supplications of the honorable, glorious, prophet, and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles; the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs; our holy and God-bearing fathers (name of the church) the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; Saint (of the day) whose memory we commemorate today, and all the saints.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, grant long life to him who blesses and sanctifies us.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
Priest (Blessing the people:) May the holy Trinity protect all of you.
(Distributing the antidoron, the priest says:)
Priest: May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord be with you.
THANKSGIVING FOLLOWING
HOLY COMMUNION
Glory to you, O God. Glory to you. (3)
ANONYMOUS
Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let Your sacred Body be unto me for eternal life and Your precious Blood for forgiveness of sins. Let this Eucharist be unto me for joy, health and gladness. And in Your awesome Second Coming make me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your glory; through the intercessions of Your pure Mother and of all Your Saints. Amen.
SAINT BASIL
I thank You, Christ and Master our God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, for all the good gifts You have given me, and especially for the participation in Your pure and life-giving mysteries. I pray to You, therefore, good and loving Lord, keep me under Your protection and under the shadow of Your wings. Grant that to my last breath I may with a pure conscience partake worthily of Your gifts for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. For You are the bread of life, the source of holiness, the giver of all good things, and to You we give glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
ANONYMOUS
I thank You, Lord my God, that You have not rejected me, a sinner, but have made me worthy to partake of Your holy mysteries. I thank You that You have permitted me, although I am unworthy, to receive Your pure and heavenly gifts. O loving Master, who died and rose for our sake, and granted to us these awesome and life-giving mysteries for the well-being and sanctification of our souls and bodies, let these gifts be for healing of my own soul and body, the averting of every evil, the illumination of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing of Your commandments, the receiving of Your divine grace, and the inheritance of Your kingdom. Preserved by them in Your holiness, may I always be mindful of Your grace and no longer live for myself, but for You, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and attain to the everlasting rest, where the voices of Your Saints who feast are unceasing, and their joy, beholding the ineffable beauty of Your countenance, is unending. For You, Christ our God, are the true joy and the inexpressable gladness of those who love You, and all creation praises You forever. Amen.
THE RESURRECTION APOLYTIKIA
First Tone
Though the tomb was sealed by a stone and soldiers guarded Your pure body, You arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O Giver of life, the heavenly powers praise You: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ, glory to Your kingdom, glory to Your plan of redemption, O only loving God.
Second Tone
When you descended unto death, O life immortal, You destroyed Hades with the splendor of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You.
Third Tone
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of His reign; He has conquered death by death, and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades; and has granted to the world great mercy.
Fourth Tone
The joyful news of Your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the Angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting,
they told the Apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God is risen, granting to the world great mercy.
Fifth Tone
To the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation, let us, the faithful, give praise and worship. Of His own will, He mounted the cross in the flesh, He suffered death, and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection.
Sixth Tone
The heavenly powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead. Mary stood at Your grave seeking Your pure body. You stripped the power of hades, not touched by its corruption. You met the virgin woman, as one who grants life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to You.
Seventh Tone
By Your cross You destroyed death, and to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrhbearers, and commanded the Apostles to proclaim that You have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting to the world great mercy.
Eighth Tone
From on high You descended, O merciful Lord, and accepted the three-day burial to free us from our passions. Glory to You, O Lord, our life and our resurrection.
SATURDAY OF THE SOULS
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for the glory of Your name.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Among the spirits of the righteous perfected in faith, give rest, O Savior, to the souls of Your servants. Bestow upon them the blessed life which is from You, O loving Lord.
People: Within Your peace, O Lord, where all Your saints repose, give rest also to the souls of Your servants, for You alone are immortal.
People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
People: O Savior, You are our God who descended into Hades and delivered from suffering those who were bound there. Grant rest also to the souls of Your servants.
People: Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Most pure and spotless Virgin, who ineffably gave birth to God, intercede with Him for the salvation of the souls of your servants.
Priest: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal rest of the souls of Your departed servants: emperors, patriarchs, hierarchs, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monks, nuns, and all our departed faithful and Orthodox Christians everywhere in the world: fathers, forefathers, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters, and relatives; and for the forgiveness of all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal rest of the souls of the departed servants of God (here are commemorated the names of the dead) and for the forgiveness of all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: May the Lord God grant that their souls rest where the righteous repose. Let us ask Christ, our immortal King and God, for the mercies of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins.
People: Grant this, O Lord (3).
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O God of spirits and of all flesh, You have trampled upon death and have abolished the power of the devil, giving life to Your world. Give rest to the souls of Your departed servants: emperors, patriarchs, hierarchs, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monks, and all our departed faithful and Orthodox Christians, from one end of the world to the other: fathers, forefathers, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, and relatives. And place them in a place of light, in a place of repose, in a place of refreshment, where there is no pain, sorrow, and suffering. As a good and loving God, forgive every sin they have committed in thought, word, or deed, for there is no one who lives and does not sin. You alone are without sin. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and Your word is truth.
Priest: For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of Your departed servants, the faithful and Orthodox Christians, Christ our God, and to You we give glory, with Your eternal Father and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Eternal memory, eternal memory, may their memory be eternal (3).
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.
The Dismissal
Priest: May Christ our true God, who rose from the dead and as immortal King has authority over the living and the dead, have mercy on us and save us, through the intercessions of his spotless holy Mother; of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy Apostles, of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers; of the holy and glorious forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; of his holy and righteous friend Lazaros, who lay in the grave four days; and of all the Saints; establish the souls of His servants departed from us, in the dwelling place of the saints; grant rest to them in the bosom of Abraham, and number them among the righteous.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone Two
People: We venerate Your holy icon, loving Lord, asking You to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore in thanksgiving we sing to You: You filled all things with joy, our Savior, when You came to save the world.
The hymn of the church follows and then the Kontakion
Tone Four
People: To you, the invincible commander in chief we attribute victory, and sing praises of thanksgiving, O Theotokos. Keep us all unassailable and deliver us from all the dangers that beset us that we may sing: Hail, O bride unwedded.
THE PROCESSION OF
THE HOLY ICONS
Preceded by Altar Boys holding icons and the censer, the Priest exits from the Sanctuary with the holy Cross. A procession is made round the interior of the church in four stations. At each station, prayers are said and the Apolytikion of the Feast is sung.
People: We venerate Your holy icons, loving Lord, asking You to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore in thanksgiving we sing to You: You filled all things with joy, our Savior, when You came to save the world.
1) At the north side, prayers are said for the living.
Priest: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for all faithful and Orthodox Christians.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for our Archbishop (Name) and our Bishop (Name) and for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The People repeat the Apolytikion;
We venerate Your holy icon, loving Lord, asking you to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were well pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore in thanksgiving we sing to You: You filled all things with joy, our Savior, when You came to save the world.
At the west side, prayers are said for the dead: pious emperors, Orthodox patriarchs, hierarchs,. . .
Priest: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal repose of Your departed servants: emperors, patriarchs, hierarchs, priest, hieromonks, deacons, monks, and all our departed faithful and Orthodox Christians everywhere in the world: fathers, forefathers, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, and relatives.
People: May their memory be eternal (3).
Priest: For You are the resurrection, the life and the repose of Your departed servants, Christ our God, and to You we give glory, with Your eternal Father and Your all holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Apolytikion is repeated.
We venerate your holy icon, loving God, asking you to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore, in thanksgiving we sing to You: You have filled all things with joy, our Savior, when You came to save the world.
At the south side, prayers are said for the living.
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your steadfast love; we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for all faithful and Orthodox Christians.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for our Archbishop (Name) and our Bishop (Name) and for all brothers and sisters in Christ.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Apolytikion is repeated.
People: We venerate Your holy icon, loving Lord, asking You to pardon our transgressions, Christ our God. For You of Your own will were pleased to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh, so as to deliver those whom You have fashioned from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore in thanksgiving we sing to You: You filled all things with joy, our Savior, when you came to save the world.
At the east side, prayers are said for the living.
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the protection of this holy church, this city and every city and town, from wrath, famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, foreign invasions, civil strife, and accidental death. That our good and loving God may be merciful, gracious, and favorable to us, that he may turn and keep from us all wrath and sickness, and deliver us from His just rebuke, and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all those who live everywhere on earth and those far out at sea. Be gracious toward our sins, Master, and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(Here the Priest reads the following passages from the Synodikon of the Seventh Ecumenical Synod.)
Priest: As the prophets beheld, as the apostles have taught, as the Church has received, as the teachers have declared, as the world has agreed, as grace has shown forth, as truth has been revealed, as falsehood has been dispelled, as wisdom has become manifest, as Christ awarded; thus we declare; thus we affirm; thus we proclaim Christ our true God, and honor His saints in words, writings, thoughts, sacrifices, churches, and holy icons; on the one hand, worshiping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord, and on the other, honoring the saints as true servants of the same Lord of all, and offering them proper veneration. This is the faith of the apostles. This is the faith of the fathers. This is the faith of the Orthodox. This is the faith on which the world is established. Therefore, with fraternal and filial love we praise the heralds of the faith, those who with glory and honor have struggled for the faith, and we say: to the champions of Orthodoxy, 'faithful emperors, most-holy patriarchs, hierarchs, teachers, martyrs, and confessors: May your memory be eternal.
People: May their memory be eternal (3).
Priest: Let us beseech God that we may be instructed and strengthened by the trials and struggles of these saints, which they endured for the faith even unto death, and by their teachings, entreating that we may to the end imitate their godly life. May we be deemed worthy of obtaining our requests through the mercy and grace of the Great and First Hierarch, Christ our God, through the intercessions of our glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, the divine angels and all the Saints.
People: Amen.
People: Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who alone perform wonders (3).
People: Today salvation has come to the world. Let us sing and praise Him who rose from the tomb and is the author of life. For having vanquished death by death, He has bestowed upon us victory and great mercy.
SECOND SUNDAY
OF LENT
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone Eight
Light of Orthodoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, glory of monks and invincible champion of theologians, the boast of Thessalonike, and herald of grace, O Gregory the Wonderworker, pray without ceasing for the salvation of our souls.
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the protection of this holy church, this city and every city and town, from wrath, famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, foreign invasions, civil strife, and accidental death. That our good and loving God may be merciful, gracious, and favorable to us, that he may turn and keep from us all wrath and sickness, and deliver us from His just rebuke, and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all those who live everywhere on earth and those far out at sea. Be gracious toward our sins, Master, and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(Here the Priest reads the following passages from the Synodikon of the Seventh Ecumenical Synod.)
Priest: As the prophets beheld, as the apostles have taught, as the Church has received, as the teachers have declared, as the world has agreed, as grace has shown forth, as truth has been revealed, as falsehood has been dispelled, as wisdom has become manifest, as Christ awarded; thus we declare; thus we affirm; thus we proclaim Christ our true God, and honor His saints in words, writings, thoughts, sacrifices, churches, and holy icons; on the one hand, worshiping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord, and on the other, honoring the saints as true servants of the same Lord of all, and offering them proper veneration. This is the faith of the apostles. This is the faith of the fathers. This is the faith of the Orthodox. This is the faith on which the world is established. Therefore, with fraternal and filial love we praise the heralds of the faith, those who with glory and honor have struggled for the faith, and we say: to the champions of Orthodoxy, 'faithful emperors, most-holy patriarchs, hierarchs, teachers, martyrs, and confessors: May your memory be eternal.
People: May their memory be eternal (3).
Priest: Let us beseech God that we may be instructed and strengthened by the trials and struggles of these saints, which they endured for the faith even unto death, and by their teachings, entreating that we may to the end imitate their godly life. May we be deemed worthy of obtaining our requests through the mercy and grace of the Great and First Hierarch, Christ our God, through the intercessions of our glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, the divine angels and all the Saints.
People: Amen.
People: Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who alone perform wonders (3).
People: Today salvation has come to the world. Let us sing and praise Him who rose from the tomb and is the author of life. For having vanquished death by death, He has bestowed upon us victory and great mercy.
SECOND SUNDAY
OF LENT
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone Eight
Light of Orthodoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, glory of monks and invincible champion of theologians, the boast of Thessalonike, and herald of grace, O Gregory the Wonderworker, pray without ceasing for the salvation of our souls.
The hymn of the church and the Kontakion
Tone Four
To you the invincible commander in chief we attribute victory, and sing praises of thanksgiving, O Theotokos. Keep us all unassailable and deliver us from all the dangers that beset us that we may sing: Hail, O bride unwedded.
SUNDAY OF THE
VENERATION OF THE CROSS
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone One
Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance.
Give victory to Your leaders against their adversaries, and
protect Your people by Your Cross.
The hymn of the church and the Kondakion:
Tone Four
To you, the invincible commander in chief we attribute victory, and
sing praises of thanksgiving, O Theotokos.
Keep us all unassailable and deliver us from all the dangers that beset us that we may sing: Hail, O bride unwedded.
THE SERVICE OF THE
VENERATION OF THE CROSS
The People and Choir sing the melodic Thrice-holy Hymn of the Doxology, slowly.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
The Priest censes the holy Cross (resting on a tray decorated with aromatic flowers and three candies) which is on the holy Table. He lifts up the tray and exits from the Sanctuary in procession within the interior of the church. He is preceded by candle-bearers, the Hexapteryga, followed by the Psalte and an Altar Boy censing. They circle the church, pausing in the center where there is a decorated table. The Priest then circles the table thrice and stands before it, looking toward the east. He then raises the tray above his head and intones:
Priest: Wisdom, stand.
He then places the tray on the table and censes around it and chants:
Priest: Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance. Give victory to Your leaders against their adversaries, and Protect Your people by Your cross.
People:Save, O Lord.
The Priest venerates the holy Cross chanting:
Priest: We venerate Your cross, O Master, and glorify Your holy resurrection.
People: We venerate Your cross.
While the flowers are distributed, "Come, faithful" and "Save, O Lord" are sung.
THE FOURTH SUNDAY
OF LENT
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone Eight
Your abundant tears made the wilderness bloom and
your deep sighs of the heart, made your labors a hundredfold.
O John, our holy father, you have become a light to the world
by the glory of your miracles. Pray to Christ, our God
for the salvation of our souls.
The hymn of the church and the Kondakion
Tone Fourth
To you, the invincible commander in chief we attribute victory,
and sing praises of thanksgiving, O Theotokos. Keep us all unassailable and deliver us from all dangers that beset us that we may sing: Hail, O bride, unwedded.
THE FIFTH SUNDAY
OF LENT
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone Eight
In You, O Mother, was preserved unimpaired, the image of God,
for you have taken up the cross and followed Christ.
By your deeds you have taught us to overlook the flesh,
for it passes away, and to care for the soul which is immortal.
Therefore, holy Mother Mary, your spirit rejoices with the angels.
The hymn of the church and the Kondakion
Tone Four
O unfailing protectress of Christians and ever present intercessor before the Creator, do not turn away from the prayers of us sinners; but of your goodness extend your timely help to us who in faith call upon you. Hasten, to intercede, O Theotokos, and make speed to supplicate for us, for you always protect those who honor you.
ENTRANCE HYMN FOR
PALM SUNDAY
Priest: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. The Lord is God and has appeared to us.
Save us, O Son of God, who came sitting upon the foal of a donkey; to You we sing: Alleluia.
PRAYER FOR THE BLESSING
OF PALMS
Priest: O Lord our God, You are enthroned upon the Cherubim. You have raised up Your might and sent forth Your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that through His cross, burial, and resurrection He might save the world at his coming today to Jerusalem, for His voluntary passion, the people that sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, taking the symbols of victory, the boughs of trees and branches of palms, went forth and proclaimed by anticipation the resurrection. The same Lord also keep and preserve us, who in imitation of them bear in our hands palms and boughs of trees on this day of the feast, and like those multitudes and children offer too You hosanna. We pray that with hymns and spiritual songs, we may The deemed worthy of the life-giving resurrection on the third day, in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, and good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
BLESSING OF GRAPES
ON THE SIXTH OF AUGUST
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Bless, O Lord, this new fruit of the vine, which You have graciously been pleased to bring to maturity through temperate seasons, gentle rains, and favorable weather. Let it be for joy to those of us who shall partake of this fruit of the vine for the purification of those who offer it as a gift, through the sacred and holy Body and Blood of Your Christ, with whom You art blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.
People: Amen.
GLORY BE TO GOD
The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom
Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE GREAT LITANY
Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the peace of God and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our Archbishop (Name), the honorable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our country, the president, and all those in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this parish and city, for every city and town, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, our God, whose power is beyond compare, and glory is beyond understanding; whose mercy is boundless, and love for us is ineffable: look upon us and upon this holy house in Your compassion. Grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy.
Priest: For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE FIRST ANTIPHON
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People: By the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us (3).
Priest: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; protect the whole body of Your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house; glorify them in return by Your divine power; and do not forsake us who hope in You.
Priest: For Yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE SECOND ANTIPHON
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People: Save us, O Son of God, (who rose from the dead), [1] to You we sing: Alleluia (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Only begotten Son and Word of God, although immortal You humbled Yourself for our salvation, taking flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and, without change, becoming man. Christ, our God, You were crucified but conquered death by death. You are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit-save us.
Priest: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, You have given us grace to offer these common prayers with one heart. You have promised to grant the requests of two or three gathered in Your name. Fulfill now the petitions of Your servants for our benefit, giving us the knowledge of Your truth in this world, and granting us eternal life in the world to come.
Priest: For You are a good and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE THIRD ANTIPHON
(The designated verses of the Psalms are sung with the Apolytikion.)
THE SMALL ENTRANCE
(While the Apolytikion is sung, the priest carrying the holy Gospel Book comes in procession before the Beautiful Gate of the ikonostasis offering in a low voice the following prayer:)
Master and Lord our God, You have established in heaven the orders and hosts of angels and archangels to minister to Your glory. Grant that the holy angels may enter with us that together we may serve and glorify Your goodness. For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The priest blesses the entrance saying in a low voice:) Blessed is the entrance of Your saints always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(He then raises the Holy Gospel Book and says:)
Priest: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
People: Come, let us worship and bow before Christ. Save us, O Son of God (who rose from the dead), [2] to You we sing: Alleluia.
(The priest enters the sanctuary. The Apolytikion is repeated and the Troparion of the church and the Kontakion of the day are sung.)
THE TRISAGION HYMN
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest (in a low voice): Holy God, You dwell among Your saints. You are praised by the Seraphim with the thrice holy hymn and glorified by the Cherubim and worshiped by all the heavenly powers. You have brought all things out of nothing into being. You have created man and woman in Your image and likeness and adorned them with all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the supplicant and do not overlook the sinner but have established repentance as the way of salvation. You have enabled us, Your lowly and unworthy servants, to stand at this hour before the glory of Your holy altar and to offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the thrice holy hymn also from the lips of us sinners and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship and serve You in holiness all the days of our lives, by the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You throughout the ages.
Priest: For You are holy, our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever . . . * and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Priest: Again, fervently.
(The priest, turning towards the Prothesis, says in a low voice:) Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed are You on the throne of glory of Your kingdom, seated upon the Cherubim always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
THE READINGS
THE EPISTLE
Priest: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the verses from the Psalms.)
Priest: Wisdom.
Reader: The reading is from (the name of the book of the New Testament from which the Apostolic reading is taken).
Priest: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the designated Apostolic pericope.)
Priest: Peace be with you.
People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Priest (in a low voice): Shine within our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that having conquered all sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel. Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to (Name). Let us be attentive.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
(*The Priest reads the designated pericope of the holy Gospel.)
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
THE HOMILY
(Following the readings, it is customary for the priest to proclaim the Gospel.)
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
Priest (in a low voice): Again, we bow before You and pray to You, O good and loving God. Hear our supplication: cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant that we may stand before Your holy altar without blame or condemnation. Grant also, O God, progress in life, faith, and spiritual discernment to the faithful who pray with us, so that they may always worship You with reverence and love, partake of Your Holy Mysteries without blame or condemnation, and become worthy of Your heavenly kingdom.
Priest: And grant that always guarded by Your power we may give glory to You, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE GREAT ENTRANCE
People: We who mystically represent the Cherubim sing the thrice holy hymn to the life giving Trinity. Let us set aside all the cares of life that we may receive the King of all . . .
(While the Cherubic Hymn is being sung, the Priest prays in a low voice:) No one bound by worldly desires and pleasures is worthy to approach, draw near or minister to You, the King of glory. To serve You is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. But because of Your ineffable and immeasurable love for us, You became man without alteration or change. You have served as our High Priest, and as Lord of all, and have entrusted to us the celebration of this liturgical sacrifice without the shedding of blood. For You alone, Lord our God, rule over all things in heaven and on earth. You are seated on the throne of the Cherubim, the Lord of the Seraphim and the King of Israel. You alone are holy and dwell among Your saints. You alone are good and ready to hear. Therefore, I implore you, look upon me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, and cleanse my soul and heart from evil consciousness. Enable me by the power of Your Holy Spirit so that, vested with the grace of priesthood, I may stand before Your holy Table and celebrate the mystery of Your holy and pure Body and Your precious Blood. To you I come with bowed head and pray: do not turn Your face away from me or reject me from among Your children, but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer to You these gifts. For You, Christ our God, are the Offerer and the Offered, the One who receives and is distributed, and to You we give glory, together with Your eternal Father and Your holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(The Priest censes and recites in a low voice the “Cherubic Hymn,” “Having Beheld Christ’s Resurrection”(on Sundays), and the 50th Psalm. Then the Great Entrance takes place.)
Priest: May the Lord God remember all of you in His kingdom, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(The priest enters the sanctuary, while the people sing the end of the Cherubic Hymn.)
People: ...invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(After placing the holy gifts on the holy Table, the priest says:)
THE PETITIONS
Priest: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the precious gifts here presented, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For all that is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For the completion of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgment seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
THE PRAYER OF THE PROSKOMIDE
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, God Almighty, You alone are holy. You accept a sacrifice of praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart. Receive also the prayer of us sinners and let it reach Your holy altar. Enable us to bring before You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and for the transgressions of the people. Make us worthy to find grace in Your presence so that our sacrifice may be pleasing to You and that Your good and gracious Spirit may abide with us, with the gifts here presented, and with all Your people.
Priest: Through the mercies of Your only begotten Son with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us love one another that with one mind we may confess:
(The Priest kisses the holy Gifts saying:) I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.
(At this time it is customary for the kiss of peace to be exchanged.)
People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Trinity one in essence and inseparable.
Priest: Guard the doors. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
THE CREED
People: I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages.
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried.
And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
THE HOLY ANAPHORA
Priest: Let us stand well. Let us stand in awe. Let us be attentive, that we may present the holy offering in peace.
People: Mercy and peace, a sacrifice of praise.
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.
People: It is proper and right.
Priest (in a low voice): It is proper and right to sing to You, bless You, praise You, thank You and worship You in all places of Your dominion; for You are God ineffable, beyond comprehension, invisible, beyond understanding, existing forever and always the same; You and Your only begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You brought us into being out of nothing, and when we fell, You raised us up again. You did not cease doing everything until You led us to heaven and granted us Your kingdom to come. For all these things we thank You and Your only begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit; for all things that we know and do not know, for blessings seen and unseen that have been bestowed upon us. We also thank You for this liturgy which You are pleased to accept from our hands, even though You are surrounded by thousands of Archangels and tens of thousands of Angels, by the Cherubim and Seraphim, six-winged, many-eyed, soaring with their wings,
Priest: Singing the victory hymn, proclaiming, crying out, and saying:
People: Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna to God in the highest.
Priest (in a low voice): Together with these blessed powers, merciful Master, we also proclaim and say: You are holy and most holy, You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You are holy and most holy, and sublime is Your glory. You so loved Your world that You gave Your only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. He came and fulfilled the divine plan for us. On the night when He was betrayed, or rather when He gave Himself up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands, gave thanks, blessed, sanctified, broke, and gave it to His holy disciples and apostles saying:
Priest: Take, eat, this is my Body which is broken for you for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest (in a low voice): Likewise, after supper, He took the cup, saying:
Priest: Drink of it all of you; this is my Blood of the new Covenant which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest (in a low voice): Remembering, therefore, this command of the Savior, and all that came to pass for our sake, the cross, the tomb, the resurrection on the third day, the ascension into heaven, the enthronement at the right hand of the Father, and the second, glorious coming.
Priest: We offer to You these gifts from Your own gifts in all and for all.
People: We praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Lord our God.
Priest (in a low voice): Once again we offer to You this spiritual worship without the shedding of blood, and we ask, pray, and entreat You: send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here presented.
Priest: And make this bread the precious Body of Your Christ.
Amen.
Priest: And that which is in this cup the precious Blood of Your Christ.
Amen.
Priest: Changing them by Your Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Priest: So that they may be to those who partake of them for vigilance of soul, forgiveness of sins, communion of Your Holy Spirit, fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven, confidence before You, and not in judgment or condemnation. Again, we offer this spiritual worship for those who repose in the faith, forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made perfect in faith.
Priest: Especially for our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary.
People: It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
Priest (in a low voice): For Saint John the prophet, forerunner, and baptist; for the holy glorious and most honorable Apostles, for Saints(s) (Name(s)) whose memory we commemorate today; and for all Your saints, through whose supplications, O God, bless us. Remember also all who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection unto eternal life. (Here the priest commemorates the names of the deceased.) And grant them rest, our God, where the light of Your countenance shines. Again, we ask You, Lord, remember all Orthodox bishops who rightly teach the word of Your truth, all presbyters, all deacons in the service of Christ, and every one in holy orders. We also offer to You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and for those living in purity and holiness. And for all those in public service; permit them, Lord, to serve and govern in peace that through the faithful conduct of their duties we may live peaceful and serene lives in all piety and holiness.
Priest: Above all, remember, Lord, our Archbishop (Name): Grant that he may serve Your holy churches in peace. Keep him safe, honorable, and healthy for many years, rightly teaching the word of Your truth.
Priest: Remember also, Lord, those whom each of us calls to mind and all your people.
People: And all Your people.
Priest (in a low voice): Remember, Lord, the city in which we live, every city and country, and the faithful who dwell in them. Remember, Lord, the travelers, the sick, the suffering, and the captives, granting them protection and salvation. Remember, Lord, those who do charitable work, who serve in Your holy churches, and who care for the poor. And send Your mercy upon us all.
Priest: And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honored and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: The mercy of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Having remembered all the saints, let us again in peace pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the precious Gifts offered and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: That our loving God who has received them at His holy, heavenly, and spiritual altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, may in return send upon us divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Having prayed for the unity of the faith and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): We entrust to You, loving Master, our whole life and hope, and we ask, pray, and entreat: make us worthy to partake of your heavenly and awesome Mysteries from this holy and spiritual Table with a clear conscience; for the remission of sins, forgiveness of transgressions, communion of the Holy Spirit, inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, confidence before You, and not in judgment or condemnation.
Priest: And make us worthy, Master, with confidence and without fear of condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, FATHER, and to say:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
People: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): We give thanks to You, invisible King. By Your infinite power You created all things and by Your great mercy You brought everything from nothing into being. Master, look down from heaven upon those who have bowed their heads before You; they have bowed not before flesh and blood but before You the awesome God. Therefore, Master, guide the course of our life for our benefit according to the need of each of us. Sail with those who sail; travel with those who travel; and heal the sick, Physician of our souls and bodies.
Priest: By the grace, mercy, and love for us of Your only begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
Priest (in a low voice): Lord Jesus Christ, our God, hear us from Your holy dwelling place and from the glorious throne of Your kingdom. You are enthroned on high with the Father and are also invisibly present among us. Come and sanctify us, and let Your pure Body and precious Blood be given to us by Your mighty hand and through us to all Your people.
Priest: Let us be attentive.
Priest: The holy Gifts for the holy people of God.
People: One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
THE COMMUNION HYMN
People: Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Alleluia (3).
(The Communion Hymn changes according to the Feast Day.)
** *
Priest (After the fraction of the sacred Bread, the priest says in a low voice): The Lamb of God is broken and distributed; broken but not divided. He is forever eaten yet is never consumed, but He sanctifies those who partake of Him.
(Then the priest places a portion of the sacred Bread in the Cup saying:) The fullness of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(He then blesses the warm water saying:) Blessed is the fervor of Your saints, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(Pouring the water into the Cup crosswise, he says:) The warmth of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
** * * * * *
(The Communion Prayers are recited silently by those prepared to receive the holy Mysteries.)
I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
* * *
(The Priest prepares to receive holy Communion.)
Priest: Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God.
The precious and most holy Body of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the Priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and eternal life.
(He then partakes of the sacred Bread.)
The precious and most holy Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and eternal life.
(He then drinks from the Chalice.)
(Afterwards, he wipes the Chalice, kisses it, and says:) This has touched my lips, taking away my transgressions and cleansing my sins.
(The priest then transfers the remaining portions of the consecrated Bread into the Cup, saying:)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
* * *
(He takes the holy Cup, comes to the Royal Doors, raises it and says:)
Priest: Approach with the fear of God, faith, and love.
(Those prepared come forth with reverence to receive Holy Communion while the people sing the communion hymn.)
(When administering Holy Communion, the priest says:) The servant of God (Name) receives the Body and Blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
(When Communion has been given to all, the priest blesses the people with his hand, saying:)
Priest: Save, O God, Your people and bless Your inheritance.
People: We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.
(Having returned the Cup to the holy Table, the priest transfers the particles of the Theotokos and the saints into the Chalice, and then those of the living and the dead saying:) Wash away, Lord, by Your holy Blood, the sins of all those commemorated through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all Your saints. Amen.
(He covers the vessels and censes them saying:) Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let Your glory be over all the earth (3).
(He lifts the vessels and says in a low voice:) Blessed is our God.
Priest (aloud): Always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Let our mouths be filled with Your praise, Lord, that we may sing of Your glory. You have made us worthy to partake of Your holy mysteries. Keep us in Your holiness, that all the day long we may meditate upon Your righteousness. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Priest: Let us be attentive. Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life giving, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, day, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): We thank You, loving Master, benefactor of our souls, that on this day You have made us worthy once again of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Direct our ways in the right path, establish us firmly in Your fear, guard our lives, and make our endeavors safe, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and of all Your saints.
Priest: For You are our sanctification and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Priest: Let us go forth in peace.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Lord, bless those who praise You and sanctify those who trust in You. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the whole body of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and do not forsake us who hope in You. Grant peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the clergy, to those in public service, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from You, the Father of lights. To You we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Blessed is the name of the Lord, both now and to the ages (3).
(The priest proceeds to the Prothesis and prays in a low voice:) Christ our God, You are the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. You have fulfilled all the dispensation of the Father. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy (3). Father, give the blessing.
Priest: May the blessing of the Lord and His mercy come upon you through His divine grace and love always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to you.
Priest: May Christ our true God (who rose from the dead), [3] as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother; the power of the precious and life giving Cross; the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious and praiseworthy apostles; the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs; our holy and God-bearing Fathers (name of the church); the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; Saint (of the day) whose memory we commemorate today, and all the saints.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, grant long life to him who blesses and sanctifies us.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. [4]
People: Amen.
Priest (blessing the people): May the holy Trinity protect all of you.
(Distributing the antidoron, the priest says:)
May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord be with you.
THANKSGIVING FOLLOWING HOLY COMMUNION
Glory to you, our Lord, glory to you. (3)
ANONYMOUS
Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let Your sacred Body be unto me for eternal life and Your precious Blood for forgiveness of sins. Let this Eucharist be unto me for joy, health and gladness. And in Your awesome Second Coming make me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your glory; through the intercessions of Your pure Mother and of all Your Saints. Amen.
SAINT BASIL
I thank You, Christ and Master our God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, for all the good gifts You have given me, and especially for the participation in Your pure and life-giving mysteries. I pray You, therefore, good and loving Lord, keep me under Your protection and under the shadow of Your wings. Grant that to my last breath I may with a pure conscience partake worthily of Your gifts for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. For You are the bread of life, the source of holiness, the giver of all good things, and to You we give glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
ANONYMOUS
I thank You, Lord my God, that You have not rejected me, a sinner, but have made me worthy to partake of Your holy mysteries. I thank You that You have permitted me, although I am unworthy, to receive Your pure and heavenly gifts. O loving Master, who died and rose for our sake, and granted to us these awesome and life-giving mysteries for the well being and sanctification of our souls and bodies, let these gifts be for healing of my own soul and body, the averting of every evil, the illumination of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing of Your commandments, the receiving of Your divine grace, and the inheritance of Your kingdom. Preserved by them in Your holiness, may I always be mindful of Your grace and no longer live for myself, but for You, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and attain to the everlasting rest, where the voices of Your Saints who feast are unceasing, and their joy, beholding the ineffable beauty of Your countenance, is unending. For You, Christ our God, are the true joy and gladness of those who love You, and all creation praises You forever. Amen.
SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
I thank You, loving Master, benefactor of my soul, that on this day You have made me worthy once again of Your heavenly and immortal mysteries. Direct my ways on the right path, establish me firmly in Your fear, guard my life, and make my endeavors safe, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and of all Your Saints. Amen.
THE RESURRECTION APOLYTIKIA
First Tone
Though the tomb was sealed by a stone and soldiers guarded Your pure body, You arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O Giver of life, the heavenly powers praise You: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ, glory to Your kingdom, glory to Your plan of redemption, O only loving God.
Second Tone
When you descended unto death, O life immortal, You destroyed Hades with the splendor of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You.
Third Tone
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of His reign: He has conquered death by death, and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades; and has granted to the world great mercy.
Fourth Tone
The joyful news of Your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the Apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God is risen, granting to the world great mercy.
Fifth Tone
To the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation, let us, the faithful, give praise and worship. Of His own will He mounted the cross in the flesh, He suffered death, and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection.
Sixth Tone
The heavenly powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead. Mary stood at Your grave seeking Your pure body. You stripped the power of hades, not touched by its corruption. You met the virgin woman, as one who grants life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to You.
Seventh Tone
By Your cross You destroyed death, and to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrhbearers, and commanded the Apostles to proclaim that You have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting to the world great mercy.
Eighth Tone
From on high You descended, O merciful Lord, and accepted the three-day burial to free us from our passions. Glory to You, O Lord, our life and our resurrection.
Tone Four
To you the invincible commander in chief we attribute victory, and sing praises of thanksgiving, O Theotokos. Keep us all unassailable and deliver us from all the dangers that beset us that we may sing: Hail, O bride unwedded.
SUNDAY OF THE
VENERATION OF THE CROSS
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone One
Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance.
Give victory to Your leaders against their adversaries, and
protect Your people by Your Cross.
The hymn of the church and the Kondakion:
Tone Four
To you, the invincible commander in chief we attribute victory, and
sing praises of thanksgiving, O Theotokos.
Keep us all unassailable and deliver us from all the dangers that beset us that we may sing: Hail, O bride unwedded.
THE SERVICE OF THE
VENERATION OF THE CROSS
The People and Choir sing the melodic Thrice-holy Hymn of the Doxology, slowly.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
The Priest censes the holy Cross (resting on a tray decorated with aromatic flowers and three candies) which is on the holy Table. He lifts up the tray and exits from the Sanctuary in procession within the interior of the church. He is preceded by candle-bearers, the Hexapteryga, followed by the Psalte and an Altar Boy censing. They circle the church, pausing in the center where there is a decorated table. The Priest then circles the table thrice and stands before it, looking toward the east. He then raises the tray above his head and intones:
Priest: Wisdom, stand.
He then places the tray on the table and censes around it and chants:
Priest: Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance. Give victory to Your leaders against their adversaries, and Protect Your people by Your cross.
People:Save, O Lord.
The Priest venerates the holy Cross chanting:
Priest: We venerate Your cross, O Master, and glorify Your holy resurrection.
People: We venerate Your cross.
While the flowers are distributed, "Come, faithful" and "Save, O Lord" are sung.
THE FOURTH SUNDAY
OF LENT
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone Eight
Your abundant tears made the wilderness bloom and
your deep sighs of the heart, made your labors a hundredfold.
O John, our holy father, you have become a light to the world
by the glory of your miracles. Pray to Christ, our God
for the salvation of our souls.
The hymn of the church and the Kondakion
Tone Fourth
To you, the invincible commander in chief we attribute victory,
and sing praises of thanksgiving, O Theotokos. Keep us all unassailable and deliver us from all dangers that beset us that we may sing: Hail, O bride, unwedded.
THE FIFTH SUNDAY
OF LENT
The Apolytikion of the Feast
Tone Eight
In You, O Mother, was preserved unimpaired, the image of God,
for you have taken up the cross and followed Christ.
By your deeds you have taught us to overlook the flesh,
for it passes away, and to care for the soul which is immortal.
Therefore, holy Mother Mary, your spirit rejoices with the angels.
The hymn of the church and the Kondakion
Tone Four
O unfailing protectress of Christians and ever present intercessor before the Creator, do not turn away from the prayers of us sinners; but of your goodness extend your timely help to us who in faith call upon you. Hasten, to intercede, O Theotokos, and make speed to supplicate for us, for you always protect those who honor you.
ENTRANCE HYMN FOR
PALM SUNDAY
Priest: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. The Lord is God and has appeared to us.
Save us, O Son of God, who came sitting upon the foal of a donkey; to You we sing: Alleluia.
PRAYER FOR THE BLESSING
OF PALMS
Priest: O Lord our God, You are enthroned upon the Cherubim. You have raised up Your might and sent forth Your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that through His cross, burial, and resurrection He might save the world at his coming today to Jerusalem, for His voluntary passion, the people that sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, taking the symbols of victory, the boughs of trees and branches of palms, went forth and proclaimed by anticipation the resurrection. The same Lord also keep and preserve us, who in imitation of them bear in our hands palms and boughs of trees on this day of the feast, and like those multitudes and children offer too You hosanna. We pray that with hymns and spiritual songs, we may The deemed worthy of the life-giving resurrection on the third day, in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, and good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
BLESSING OF GRAPES
ON THE SIXTH OF AUGUST
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Bless, O Lord, this new fruit of the vine, which You have graciously been pleased to bring to maturity through temperate seasons, gentle rains, and favorable weather. Let it be for joy to those of us who shall partake of this fruit of the vine for the purification of those who offer it as a gift, through the sacred and holy Body and Blood of Your Christ, with whom You art blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.
People: Amen.
GLORY BE TO GOD
The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom
Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE GREAT LITANY
Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the peace of God and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our Archbishop (Name), the honorable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our country, the president, and all those in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this parish and city, for every city and town, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, our God, whose power is beyond compare, and glory is beyond understanding; whose mercy is boundless, and love for us is ineffable: look upon us and upon this holy house in Your compassion. Grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy.
Priest: For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE FIRST ANTIPHON
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People: By the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us (3).
Priest: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; protect the whole body of Your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house; glorify them in return by Your divine power; and do not forsake us who hope in You.
Priest: For Yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE SECOND ANTIPHON
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People: Save us, O Son of God, (who rose from the dead), [1] to You we sing: Alleluia (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Only begotten Son and Word of God, although immortal You humbled Yourself for our salvation, taking flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and, without change, becoming man. Christ, our God, You were crucified but conquered death by death. You are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit-save us.
Priest: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, You have given us grace to offer these common prayers with one heart. You have promised to grant the requests of two or three gathered in Your name. Fulfill now the petitions of Your servants for our benefit, giving us the knowledge of Your truth in this world, and granting us eternal life in the world to come.
Priest: For You are a good and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE THIRD ANTIPHON
(The designated verses of the Psalms are sung with the Apolytikion.)
THE SMALL ENTRANCE
(While the Apolytikion is sung, the priest carrying the holy Gospel Book comes in procession before the Beautiful Gate of the ikonostasis offering in a low voice the following prayer:)
Master and Lord our God, You have established in heaven the orders and hosts of angels and archangels to minister to Your glory. Grant that the holy angels may enter with us that together we may serve and glorify Your goodness. For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The priest blesses the entrance saying in a low voice:) Blessed is the entrance of Your saints always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(He then raises the Holy Gospel Book and says:)
Priest: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
People: Come, let us worship and bow before Christ. Save us, O Son of God (who rose from the dead), [2] to You we sing: Alleluia.
(The priest enters the sanctuary. The Apolytikion is repeated and the Troparion of the church and the Kontakion of the day are sung.)
THE TRISAGION HYMN
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest (in a low voice): Holy God, You dwell among Your saints. You are praised by the Seraphim with the thrice holy hymn and glorified by the Cherubim and worshiped by all the heavenly powers. You have brought all things out of nothing into being. You have created man and woman in Your image and likeness and adorned them with all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the supplicant and do not overlook the sinner but have established repentance as the way of salvation. You have enabled us, Your lowly and unworthy servants, to stand at this hour before the glory of Your holy altar and to offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the thrice holy hymn also from the lips of us sinners and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship and serve You in holiness all the days of our lives, by the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You throughout the ages.
Priest: For You are holy, our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever . . . * and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Priest: Again, fervently.
(The priest, turning towards the Prothesis, says in a low voice:) Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed are You on the throne of glory of Your kingdom, seated upon the Cherubim always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
THE READINGS
THE EPISTLE
Priest: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the verses from the Psalms.)
Priest: Wisdom.
Reader: The reading is from (the name of the book of the New Testament from which the Apostolic reading is taken).
Priest: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the designated Apostolic pericope.)
Priest: Peace be with you.
People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Priest (in a low voice): Shine within our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that having conquered all sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel. Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to (Name). Let us be attentive.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
(*The Priest reads the designated pericope of the holy Gospel.)
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
THE HOMILY
(Following the readings, it is customary for the priest to proclaim the Gospel.)
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
Priest (in a low voice): Again, we bow before You and pray to You, O good and loving God. Hear our supplication: cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant that we may stand before Your holy altar without blame or condemnation. Grant also, O God, progress in life, faith, and spiritual discernment to the faithful who pray with us, so that they may always worship You with reverence and love, partake of Your Holy Mysteries without blame or condemnation, and become worthy of Your heavenly kingdom.
Priest: And grant that always guarded by Your power we may give glory to You, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE GREAT ENTRANCE
People: We who mystically represent the Cherubim sing the thrice holy hymn to the life giving Trinity. Let us set aside all the cares of life that we may receive the King of all . . .
(While the Cherubic Hymn is being sung, the Priest prays in a low voice:) No one bound by worldly desires and pleasures is worthy to approach, draw near or minister to You, the King of glory. To serve You is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. But because of Your ineffable and immeasurable love for us, You became man without alteration or change. You have served as our High Priest, and as Lord of all, and have entrusted to us the celebration of this liturgical sacrifice without the shedding of blood. For You alone, Lord our God, rule over all things in heaven and on earth. You are seated on the throne of the Cherubim, the Lord of the Seraphim and the King of Israel. You alone are holy and dwell among Your saints. You alone are good and ready to hear. Therefore, I implore you, look upon me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, and cleanse my soul and heart from evil consciousness. Enable me by the power of Your Holy Spirit so that, vested with the grace of priesthood, I may stand before Your holy Table and celebrate the mystery of Your holy and pure Body and Your precious Blood. To you I come with bowed head and pray: do not turn Your face away from me or reject me from among Your children, but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer to You these gifts. For You, Christ our God, are the Offerer and the Offered, the One who receives and is distributed, and to You we give glory, together with Your eternal Father and Your holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(The Priest censes and recites in a low voice the “Cherubic Hymn,” “Having Beheld Christ’s Resurrection”(on Sundays), and the 50th Psalm. Then the Great Entrance takes place.)
Priest: May the Lord God remember all of you in His kingdom, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(The priest enters the sanctuary, while the people sing the end of the Cherubic Hymn.)
People: ...invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(After placing the holy gifts on the holy Table, the priest says:)
THE PETITIONS
Priest: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the precious gifts here presented, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For all that is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For the completion of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgment seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
THE PRAYER OF THE PROSKOMIDE
Priest (in a low voice): Lord, God Almighty, You alone are holy. You accept a sacrifice of praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart. Receive also the prayer of us sinners and let it reach Your holy altar. Enable us to bring before You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and for the transgressions of the people. Make us worthy to find grace in Your presence so that our sacrifice may be pleasing to You and that Your good and gracious Spirit may abide with us, with the gifts here presented, and with all Your people.
Priest: Through the mercies of Your only begotten Son with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us love one another that with one mind we may confess:
(The Priest kisses the holy Gifts saying:) I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.
(At this time it is customary for the kiss of peace to be exchanged.)
People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Trinity one in essence and inseparable.
Priest: Guard the doors. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
THE CREED
People: I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages.
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried.
And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
THE HOLY ANAPHORA
Priest: Let us stand well. Let us stand in awe. Let us be attentive, that we may present the holy offering in peace.
People: Mercy and peace, a sacrifice of praise.
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.
People: It is proper and right.
Priest (in a low voice): It is proper and right to sing to You, bless You, praise You, thank You and worship You in all places of Your dominion; for You are God ineffable, beyond comprehension, invisible, beyond understanding, existing forever and always the same; You and Your only begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You brought us into being out of nothing, and when we fell, You raised us up again. You did not cease doing everything until You led us to heaven and granted us Your kingdom to come. For all these things we thank You and Your only begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit; for all things that we know and do not know, for blessings seen and unseen that have been bestowed upon us. We also thank You for this liturgy which You are pleased to accept from our hands, even though You are surrounded by thousands of Archangels and tens of thousands of Angels, by the Cherubim and Seraphim, six-winged, many-eyed, soaring with their wings,
Priest: Singing the victory hymn, proclaiming, crying out, and saying:
People: Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna to God in the highest.
Priest (in a low voice): Together with these blessed powers, merciful Master, we also proclaim and say: You are holy and most holy, You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You are holy and most holy, and sublime is Your glory. You so loved Your world that You gave Your only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. He came and fulfilled the divine plan for us. On the night when He was betrayed, or rather when He gave Himself up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands, gave thanks, blessed, sanctified, broke, and gave it to His holy disciples and apostles saying:
Priest: Take, eat, this is my Body which is broken for you for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest (in a low voice): Likewise, after supper, He took the cup, saying:
Priest: Drink of it all of you; this is my Blood of the new Covenant which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest (in a low voice): Remembering, therefore, this command of the Savior, and all that came to pass for our sake, the cross, the tomb, the resurrection on the third day, the ascension into heaven, the enthronement at the right hand of the Father, and the second, glorious coming.
Priest: We offer to You these gifts from Your own gifts in all and for all.
People: We praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Lord our God.
Priest (in a low voice): Once again we offer to You this spiritual worship without the shedding of blood, and we ask, pray, and entreat You: send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here presented.
Priest: And make this bread the precious Body of Your Christ.
Amen.
Priest: And that which is in this cup the precious Blood of Your Christ.
Amen.
Priest: Changing them by Your Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Priest: So that they may be to those who partake of them for vigilance of soul, forgiveness of sins, communion of Your Holy Spirit, fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven, confidence before You, and not in judgment or condemnation. Again, we offer this spiritual worship for those who repose in the faith, forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made perfect in faith.
Priest: Especially for our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary.
People: It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
Priest (in a low voice): For Saint John the prophet, forerunner, and baptist; for the holy glorious and most honorable Apostles, for Saints(s) (Name(s)) whose memory we commemorate today; and for all Your saints, through whose supplications, O God, bless us. Remember also all who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection unto eternal life. (Here the priest commemorates the names of the deceased.) And grant them rest, our God, where the light of Your countenance shines. Again, we ask You, Lord, remember all Orthodox bishops who rightly teach the word of Your truth, all presbyters, all deacons in the service of Christ, and every one in holy orders. We also offer to You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and for those living in purity and holiness. And for all those in public service; permit them, Lord, to serve and govern in peace that through the faithful conduct of their duties we may live peaceful and serene lives in all piety and holiness.
Priest: Above all, remember, Lord, our Archbishop (Name): Grant that he may serve Your holy churches in peace. Keep him safe, honorable, and healthy for many years, rightly teaching the word of Your truth.
Priest: Remember also, Lord, those whom each of us calls to mind and all your people.
People: And all Your people.
Priest (in a low voice): Remember, Lord, the city in which we live, every city and country, and the faithful who dwell in them. Remember, Lord, the travelers, the sick, the suffering, and the captives, granting them protection and salvation. Remember, Lord, those who do charitable work, who serve in Your holy churches, and who care for the poor. And send Your mercy upon us all.
Priest: And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honored and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: The mercy of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Having remembered all the saints, let us again in peace pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the precious Gifts offered and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: That our loving God who has received them at His holy, heavenly, and spiritual altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, may in return send upon us divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Having prayed for the unity of the faith and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): We entrust to You, loving Master, our whole life and hope, and we ask, pray, and entreat: make us worthy to partake of your heavenly and awesome Mysteries from this holy and spiritual Table with a clear conscience; for the remission of sins, forgiveness of transgressions, communion of the Holy Spirit, inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, confidence before You, and not in judgment or condemnation.
Priest: And make us worthy, Master, with confidence and without fear of condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, FATHER, and to say:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
People: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): We give thanks to You, invisible King. By Your infinite power You created all things and by Your great mercy You brought everything from nothing into being. Master, look down from heaven upon those who have bowed their heads before You; they have bowed not before flesh and blood but before You the awesome God. Therefore, Master, guide the course of our life for our benefit according to the need of each of us. Sail with those who sail; travel with those who travel; and heal the sick, Physician of our souls and bodies.
Priest: By the grace, mercy, and love for us of Your only begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
Priest (in a low voice): Lord Jesus Christ, our God, hear us from Your holy dwelling place and from the glorious throne of Your kingdom. You are enthroned on high with the Father and are also invisibly present among us. Come and sanctify us, and let Your pure Body and precious Blood be given to us by Your mighty hand and through us to all Your people.
Priest: Let us be attentive.
Priest: The holy Gifts for the holy people of God.
People: One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
THE COMMUNION HYMN
People: Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Alleluia (3).
(The Communion Hymn changes according to the Feast Day.)
** *
Priest (After the fraction of the sacred Bread, the priest says in a low voice): The Lamb of God is broken and distributed; broken but not divided. He is forever eaten yet is never consumed, but He sanctifies those who partake of Him.
(Then the priest places a portion of the sacred Bread in the Cup saying:) The fullness of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(He then blesses the warm water saying:) Blessed is the fervor of Your saints, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(Pouring the water into the Cup crosswise, he says:) The warmth of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
** * * * * *
(The Communion Prayers are recited silently by those prepared to receive the holy Mysteries.)
I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
* * *
(The Priest prepares to receive holy Communion.)
Priest: Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God.
The precious and most holy Body of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the Priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and eternal life.
(He then partakes of the sacred Bread.)
The precious and most holy Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and eternal life.
(He then drinks from the Chalice.)
(Afterwards, he wipes the Chalice, kisses it, and says:) This has touched my lips, taking away my transgressions and cleansing my sins.
(The priest then transfers the remaining portions of the consecrated Bread into the Cup, saying:)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
* * *
(He takes the holy Cup, comes to the Royal Doors, raises it and says:)
Priest: Approach with the fear of God, faith, and love.
(Those prepared come forth with reverence to receive Holy Communion while the people sing the communion hymn.)
(When administering Holy Communion, the priest says:) The servant of God (Name) receives the Body and Blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
(When Communion has been given to all, the priest blesses the people with his hand, saying:)
Priest: Save, O God, Your people and bless Your inheritance.
People: We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.
(Having returned the Cup to the holy Table, the priest transfers the particles of the Theotokos and the saints into the Chalice, and then those of the living and the dead saying:) Wash away, Lord, by Your holy Blood, the sins of all those commemorated through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all Your saints. Amen.
(He covers the vessels and censes them saying:) Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let Your glory be over all the earth (3).
(He lifts the vessels and says in a low voice:) Blessed is our God.
Priest (aloud): Always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Let our mouths be filled with Your praise, Lord, that we may sing of Your glory. You have made us worthy to partake of Your holy mysteries. Keep us in Your holiness, that all the day long we may meditate upon Your righteousness. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Priest: Let us be attentive. Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life giving, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, day, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): We thank You, loving Master, benefactor of our souls, that on this day You have made us worthy once again of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Direct our ways in the right path, establish us firmly in Your fear, guard our lives, and make our endeavors safe, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and of all Your saints.
Priest: For You are our sanctification and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Priest: Let us go forth in peace.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Lord, bless those who praise You and sanctify those who trust in You. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the whole body of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and do not forsake us who hope in You. Grant peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the clergy, to those in public service, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from You, the Father of lights. To You we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Blessed is the name of the Lord, both now and to the ages (3).
(The priest proceeds to the Prothesis and prays in a low voice:) Christ our God, You are the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. You have fulfilled all the dispensation of the Father. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy (3). Father, give the blessing.
Priest: May the blessing of the Lord and His mercy come upon you through His divine grace and love always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to you.
Priest: May Christ our true God (who rose from the dead), [3] as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother; the power of the precious and life giving Cross; the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious and praiseworthy apostles; the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs; our holy and God-bearing Fathers (name of the church); the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; Saint (of the day) whose memory we commemorate today, and all the saints.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, grant long life to him who blesses and sanctifies us.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. [4]
People: Amen.
Priest (blessing the people): May the holy Trinity protect all of you.
(Distributing the antidoron, the priest says:)
May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord be with you.
THANKSGIVING FOLLOWING HOLY COMMUNION
Glory to you, our Lord, glory to you. (3)
ANONYMOUS
Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let Your sacred Body be unto me for eternal life and Your precious Blood for forgiveness of sins. Let this Eucharist be unto me for joy, health and gladness. And in Your awesome Second Coming make me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your glory; through the intercessions of Your pure Mother and of all Your Saints. Amen.
SAINT BASIL
I thank You, Christ and Master our God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, for all the good gifts You have given me, and especially for the participation in Your pure and life-giving mysteries. I pray You, therefore, good and loving Lord, keep me under Your protection and under the shadow of Your wings. Grant that to my last breath I may with a pure conscience partake worthily of Your gifts for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. For You are the bread of life, the source of holiness, the giver of all good things, and to You we give glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
ANONYMOUS
I thank You, Lord my God, that You have not rejected me, a sinner, but have made me worthy to partake of Your holy mysteries. I thank You that You have permitted me, although I am unworthy, to receive Your pure and heavenly gifts. O loving Master, who died and rose for our sake, and granted to us these awesome and life-giving mysteries for the well being and sanctification of our souls and bodies, let these gifts be for healing of my own soul and body, the averting of every evil, the illumination of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing of Your commandments, the receiving of Your divine grace, and the inheritance of Your kingdom. Preserved by them in Your holiness, may I always be mindful of Your grace and no longer live for myself, but for You, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and attain to the everlasting rest, where the voices of Your Saints who feast are unceasing, and their joy, beholding the ineffable beauty of Your countenance, is unending. For You, Christ our God, are the true joy and gladness of those who love You, and all creation praises You forever. Amen.
SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
I thank You, loving Master, benefactor of my soul, that on this day You have made me worthy once again of Your heavenly and immortal mysteries. Direct my ways on the right path, establish me firmly in Your fear, guard my life, and make my endeavors safe, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and of all Your Saints. Amen.
THE RESURRECTION APOLYTIKIA
First Tone
Though the tomb was sealed by a stone and soldiers guarded Your pure body, You arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O Giver of life, the heavenly powers praise You: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ, glory to Your kingdom, glory to Your plan of redemption, O only loving God.
Second Tone
When you descended unto death, O life immortal, You destroyed Hades with the splendor of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You.
Third Tone
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of His reign: He has conquered death by death, and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades; and has granted to the world great mercy.
Fourth Tone
The joyful news of Your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the Apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God is risen, granting to the world great mercy.
Fifth Tone
To the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation, let us, the faithful, give praise and worship. Of His own will He mounted the cross in the flesh, He suffered death, and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection.
Sixth Tone
The heavenly powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead. Mary stood at Your grave seeking Your pure body. You stripped the power of hades, not touched by its corruption. You met the virgin woman, as one who grants life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to You.
Seventh Tone
By Your cross You destroyed death, and to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrhbearers, and commanded the Apostles to proclaim that You have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting to the world great mercy.
Eighth Tone
From on high You descended, O merciful Lord, and accepted the three-day burial to free us from our passions. Glory to You, O Lord, our life and our resurrection.
[1] On weekdays we sing (“who are wondrous among Your saints”).
[2] On weekdays we sing: (“who are wondrous among Your saints”), while the Feasts of the Lord have their own Entrance Hymns.
[3] Omitted during weekday Liturgies.
[4] During the Paschal period, the priest says instead “Christ is risen ...”
[2] On weekdays we sing: (“who are wondrous among Your saints”), while the Feasts of the Lord have their own Entrance Hymns.
[3] Omitted during weekday Liturgies.
[4] During the Paschal period, the priest says instead “Christ is risen ...”
Order of the After Dinner Prayer Office of the Great Compline
The Great Compline is chanted on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening of the Great Lent in the following order:
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Glory to you, O God, our hope, glory to you.
O heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are everywhere and fill all things, the treasury of blessings and giver of life, come and dwell within us and cleanse us from every blemish and save our souls, O Good One.
People: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12)
Come, let us worship and fall down before our King and God. (Prostration)
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God. (Prostration)
Come, let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, our King and our God. (Prostration)
And directly, if it is the first week of the Great Lent, we start with Psalm 69.
PSALM 69 (7O)
O God, come to my assistance; Lord, hasten to help me. Let those who seek my soul be ashamed and reproached. Let those who wish me evil turn back and be disgraced. Let those who say to me: Well done! turn away in shame. Let those who seek You, O God, rejoice and delight in You; and let those who love Your salvation always say: The Lord be exalted. But I am poor and destitute, O God; help me. You are my helper and my deliverer, Lord; do not delay.
If it is not the first week in Lent, we start with Psalm 4.
PSALM 4
When I called on you, you heard me, O God of my righteousness! You relieved me when I was in distress; have pity on me and hear my prayer. O you, sons of men, how long will you be slow of heart? Why do you love vanity and seek falsehood? But know that the Lord has done wondrous things for his holy one; the Lord will hear me when I cry unto him. Be angry but sin not; meditate on your beds what you say in your hearts. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. Many say: Who will show us anything good? The light of your countenance has shone upon us, O Lord; you have put gladness in my heart. They have been well satisfied with the abundance of wheat, wine and olive oil. I will both lie down in peace and sleep. For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell secure.
PSALM 6
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chastise me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled, and my soul also is greatly troubled; but you, O Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, deliver my soul; save me for your mercy's sake. For in death no one remembers you; and in Hades who will give you thanks? I am weary with my groaning; shall I weep every night upon my bed and drench my couch with tears? My eye is troubled with my grief. I am worn out because of all my enemies. Depart from me all you who work iniquity, for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord heard my petition, the Lord has accepted my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and troubled; let them turn back and be greatly ashamed instantly.
PSALM 12 (13)
How long, O Lord, will you forget me? Forever? How long will you turn your face away from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul and have grief in my heart, day and night? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Look over me, hear me, O Lord, my God. Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say: "I have prevailed over him!" Those who trouble me would rejoice if I were to totter; but I have placed my trust in your mercy. My heart shall rejoice in your salvation; I shall sing to the Lord who has done me so much good, and I shall sing psalms to the name of the Lord most high.
REPEAT
Look over me, hear me, O Lord, my God.
Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say: "I have prevailed over him!"
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, glory to you, O God (3); Lord have mercy (3); Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
PSALM 24 (25)
To you, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul; O my God in you have I trusted; let me never be put to shame, ever! Neither let my enemies laugh at me; for all, those who seek you shall not be put to shame. Let those who transgress without cause be put to shame; make known to me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior and I have waited for you all day. Remember your compassions, Lord, and your mercies, for they are from all ages. The sins of my youth and my ignorance, remember not. Remember me according to your mercy, for your goodness' sake, Lord.
The Lord is good and upright; therefore tie shall counsel sinners in the way. He will lead the meek in judgment, he will teach the meek his ways. All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth for those who seek his covenant and his testimonies. For your name's sake, Lord, do you also be merciful on my sin, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will teach him in the way he has chosen. His soul shall dwell in prosperity, and his seed shall inherit the earth. The Lord is the strength of those who fear him, and he will reveal his covenant to them. My eyes shall be forever turned toward the Lord, for lie will loose my feet from the snare.
Look upon me, and have mercy on me, for I am alone and destitute. The afflictions of my heart have multiplied; deliver me from my straits. Behold my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins. Behold my enemies that they have multiplied; and have hated me with an unjust hatred. Preserve my soul and deliver me; let me not be put to shame for I have hoped in you. The harmless and the upright sided with me, for I waited for you Lord. Deliver Israel, O God, from all his afflictions.
PSALM 3O (31)
In you, O Lord, have I put my trust; let me never be put to shame; in your justice deliver me and rescue me. Incline your ear to me and hasten to my deliverance. Be for me a protecting God and a house of shelter to save me. Because you are my strength and my shelter, and for your name's sake you shall guide me and feed me. You shall pull me out of the snare which they have set secretly for me, because you are my protector. In your hands shall I commit my spirit, for you have delivered me, O Lord, the God of truth. You have hated those who idly persist in vanities, but I have put my trust in the Lord, I shall rejoice and delight in his mercy.
For he has looked upon my affliction and saved my soul from distress. You have not trapped me in the hands of the enemy, but set my feet in an open place. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am oppressed; my eye, my soul and my belly waste away with indignation. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with groanings. My strength has failed through misery, and my bones are troubled. I am a reproach to all my enemies and especially so to my neighbors; and a terror to my acquaintances. Those who see me outside flee from me, I have been forgotten as a dead man out of mind.
I became like a broken vessel, for I heard the accusations of many who swelled around me. When they were gathered together against me, they plotted to take my life. But I put my trust in you, O Lord; I said: "You are my God and my fate is in your hands." Deliver me from the hands of my enemy and those who persecute me. Let your face shine upon your servant, and save me in your mercy; Lord, do not let me be put to shame, for I called upon you. Let the ungodly be ashamed and be cast down to Hades.
Let the deceitful lips which speak iniquity against the righteous with pride and scorn, become dumb. How great is the abundance of Your goodness, O Lord, which You have in store for those who fear You. Which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of man. You shall hide them in the secret of your presence from the disturbances of men. You shall shelter them in your tent from the strife on tongues. Blessed be the Lord for his mercy has marvelously encompassed me like a strong city. Yet, in my distraction I did say: "I am cast out of the sight of your eyes." Therefore, you did hear the voice of my petition when I cried out to you. Love, the Lord, all you his holy ones for the Lord seeks the truth, and fully repays those who deal very proudly.Take courage and be of strong heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
PSALM 9O (91)
He who dwells under the shadow of the Most High, shall abide under the shelter of the God of heaven. He will say to the Lord: "You are my support and my refuge, O my God; in him I shall put my trust." For he will deliver you from the hunter's snare, and from every troublesome slander. With his broad shoulders he shall overshadow you, and under his wings you shall rest secure; his truth shall cover you like a shield. You shall not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; nor the thing that lurks about in the darkness, nor any calamity or the evil spirit at noon. A thousand shall fall at your side and ten thousand at your right, but nothing shall come close to you.
Instead, you shall observe with your eyes and see the retribution of the sinners. For you, Lord, are my hope; you made the Most High my shelter. No evil shall come to you, and no pestilence shall approach your dwelling. For he will put his Angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways. They will carry you on their hands, lest you stumble your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the asp and the viper, and you shall trample upon the lion and the dragon. Because he hoped in me, I will deliver him; I will shelter him because he knew my name. He will call on me and I will answer him; I am with him in trouble and I will deliver him and glorify him. I will satisfy him with length of days and I will show him my salvation.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to you, O God. Lord, have mercy (3). Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: (Chant loudly and melodiously the following verses):
TONE PLAGAL II
God is with us, know it you nations and be submissive,
For God is with us. Hear it to the ends of the earth. For God is with us. You mighty shall be defeated. For God is with us. Even if you should prevail, again you will be defeated, For God is with us. Whatever plan you conceive, the Lord will destroy, For God is with us. Whatever word you shall speak shall not abide among you, For God is with us. Your terror we shall never fear, nor be disturbed by it, For God is with us. The Lord, our God, him shall we bless, and only him do we fear. For God is with us. And if I trust in him, it shall be a blessing to me, For God is with us.
And I shall trust in him, and shall, be saved by him, For God is with us. Lo, I and the children which God has given to me, For God is with us. The people that walked in darkness saw a great light, For God is with us. Upon us, who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, a light shall shine, For God is with us. For a Child was born unto us, a Son, and was given to us, For God is with us. Whose government is upon his shoulder, For God is with us. And of his peace, there shall be no boundary, For God is with us. And his name shall be called: Messenger of the Divine Will, For God is with us. Wonderful Counselor, For God is with us. Mighty God, Master, Prince of Peace, For God is with us. Father of the age to come, For God is with us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, For God is with us. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
For God is with us.
The two choruses together, slowly:
God is with us, know it you nations and be submissive,
For God is with us.
And the reader reads the following Troparia:
Having passed the day, I give thanks to you, Lord; and I ask of you to grant me the evening and the night without sin, O my Savior, and save me. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now that the day has gone by, I glorify you, Master; I ask of you to grant me the evening and the night without sin, O my Savior, and save me. Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Having traversed the day, I sing hymns to you, O Holy One; I ask of you to grant me the evening and the night free of plots, O my Savior, and save me.
And we chant in Tone Plagal II
The world of the bodiless Cherubim, with hymns sings your glory, incessantly. The six-winged creatures, the Seraphim, with tireless voices do exalt you. The army of Angels shouts praise to you, by singing thrice holy hymns. O Father, you are before all else, and co-beginningless is your Son. Holding as equal the Spirit of life, you show how indivisible the Trinity is. Most Holy Virgin, Mother of God, eye-witness and ministers of the Word. The host of Prophets and Martyrs all, who now live in immortality. Intercede constantly for everyone, for all of us are in great distress. That having been delivered from the evil one, we may sing to you the Angelic song.
Reader:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Thrice Holy Lord, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
And in a low voice we recite the Creed
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
Then we chant the following verses
Most Holy Lady Theotokos, for all of us sinners do intercede. (3)
All the heavenly powers of the holy Angels and Archangels, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)
Holy John, Prophet and Forerunner and Baptizer of our Lord Jesus Christ, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)
Holy glorious Apostles, Prophets and Martyrs and all the Saints, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)
Righteous, God-bearing Fathers, Shepherds and Teachers of the Universe, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)
The invincible and unconquerable and divine power of the precious and life-giving Cross, do not abandon us sinners, all. (2)
The two choruses alternately:
God be gracious on us sinners. (3).
The second chorus:
And have mercy on us. (once)
People:
Amen.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
If it happens to be a feastday, we recite the Troparia of the feast. If not, alternately, day by day, the following Troparia:
Tone II
Illumine my eyes, O Christ, my God, lest I sleep to death; lest my enemy say: "I prevailed over him."
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O God, be the protector of my soul, for I walk in the midst of many snares; deliver me from them and save me, O gracious one, as a good friend of man.
Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion.
Since we have no standing because of our many sins, urgently plead with him who was born of you, O Virgin Theotokos; for the pleadings of a Mother have much weight toward the favor of the Master; do not overlook the pleas of us sinners, O most venerable one, for he who condescended to suffer for us in the flesh is merciful and has the power to save us.
Other Troparia, chanted day by day
Tone Plagal IV
O Lord, you know the wakefulness of my enemies, and the weakness of my miserable flesh, for you made man. Wherefore, into your hands I shall entrust my spirit. Cover me with the wings of your goodness, lest I sleep unto death; illumine my inner eyes with the delight of your divine words; and awaken me at the right time, that I may sing your glory, as the only good one and true friend of man.
Verse:
Look graciously upon me, and have mercy on me, as you do for those who love your name.
O how awesome is your judgment, Lord! With the Angels standing by, the humans being brought in, the books of life being opened, the works being uncovered and the thoughts being searched! What judgment shall be on me who has been conceived in sin? Who shall extinguish the flames of my fire? Who shall illumine my darkness: Unless you, Lord, have mercy on me as a true friend of man?
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Give me tears, Lord, as you did once to the sinful woman; make me worthy to wet your feet, which freed me from the way of error and to offer you as a fragrant ointment, a pure life built in me through repentance; so that I may also hear your cherished words: "Your faith has saved you, go in peace."
Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion.
Trusting in your unashamable hope, O Theotokos, I shall be saved; possessing your protection. Most pure one, I shall not be afraid; I shall pursue my enemies and drive them away wearing only your refuge as a breastplate; and asking for your all powerful help, I cry to you: O Lady, save me, through your intercessions and raise me from this dark slumber through the power of the Son and God born from you, so that I may sing your glory.
People:
Lord, have mercy (4O).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and past compare ;more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without corruption has borne God, the Word, the truly Theotokos, you do we magnify.
In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.
Priest:
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People:
Amen.
Priest: Recites the following prayer of St. Basil:
Lord, Lord, who have delivered us from every arrow that flies by day, deliver us from anything that lurks about in darkness. Accept the lifting of our hands as an evening sacrifice. Make us worthy to traverse the time of night blamelessly, untouched by evil, and redeem us from every disturbance and fear caused by the devil. Grant contrition to our souls and concern to our minds about the accounting at your awesome and just judgment. Nail down our bodies with your fear, and deaden our earthly members, so that even in the quiet of our slumber we may be enlightened by the contemplation of your ordinances. Keep away from us every indecent fantasy and harmful desire. Awaken us in the time of prayer rooted in the faith, and thriving in your instructions; through the good will and goodness of your only begotten Son with whom you are blessed, together with your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen. Come, let us worship and fall down ............... (3).
PSALM 5O (51)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy, and according to the multitude of your compassions, blot out my offense.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I am aware of my iniquity, and my sin is continually before me. Against you only have I sinned and done evil before you, that you might be justified in your words, and emerge victorious when you are judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother carry and bear me. For behold, you have loved the truth; you revealed to me the hidden and secret parts of your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be cleansed; you shall wash me and I will be whiter than snow.
You shall make me hear joy and gladness; the afflicted bones shall rejoice. Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit, in the depths of me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take away your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and strengthen me with a guiding spirit. I will teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall return to you.
Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; and my tongue will joyfully sing your justice. O Lord, you shall open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For if you desired sacrifice, I would have offered it; you will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. Sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit; a contrite and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, Lord, to Zion in your good pleasure, that the walls of Jerusalem may be built. Then you will be pleased with a sacrifice of justice, offering and whole burnt sacrifices. Then shall they offer calves upon your altar.
PSALM 1O1 (1O2)
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Do not turn your face away from me; and whenever I am afflicted, incline your ear to me. On the day I will call on you, hear me speedily. For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones have been parched like dry sticks. I am withered like grass, and my heart is dried up, for I have forgotten to eat my bread. From the cries of my groanings, my bones have clung to my flesh. I have become like the pelikan of the wilderness, I have become like a night-raven in a deserted house. I went without sleep, and I became like a sparrow perched alone on the roof-top. All day long, my enemies made fun of me, and my admirers swore against me.
Indeed, I have eaten ashes as if it were bread, and have mixed my drink with tears. All because of your anger and your wrath, for after lifting me up, you dashed me down. My days have declined like a shadow, and I am withered like grass. But you, Lord, endure forever and you shall be remembered from generation to generation. You shall rise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to have mercy on her, for the time has come. For your servants have desired her stones, and felt pity for her dust. And the nations shall fear your name, Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory. For the Lord shall build Zion, and shall be seen in his glory. He has regarded the prayer of the lowly, and has not despised their petition.
Let this be written for the coming generation, and the people yet to be created shall praise the Lord. For he has looked out from the height of his dwelling place; the Lord has looked down from heaven upon the earth. To hear the groanings of those in fetters, to loosen the sons of those put to death, To proclaim in Zion the name of the Lord, and his praise in Jerusalem. When the peoples are gathered together, along with their Kings to serve the Lord. He said to the Lord in the waning of his strength: Tell me, how few my days are.
Do not take me away in the middle of my days; your years are for generations of generations. In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. They shall perish, but you remain; and all shall grow old like a garment. Like a cloak you shall change them, and they shall be changed, but you are the same, and your years shall never end. The children of your servants shall dwell secure, and their seed shall prosper forever.
PRAYER OF MANASSES, KING OF JUDA
Priest:
O Lord, Almighty, the God of our Fathers, of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and of their righteous seed; who created the heaven and the earth with all their adornment; who bound the sea by the word of your command; who shut up the abyss and scaled it with your awesome and glorious name; whom all things dread and before whose power they tremble, because the majesty of your glory is unbearable and the threat of your anger against the sinners unendurable; yet the mercy of your promise is both, immeasurable and unfathomable, for you are the Lord most high, compassionate, long-suffering and all merciful, and relent on the wickedness of man.
You, Lord, in the multitude of your goodness promised repentance and forgiveness to those who have sinned against you, and in your infinite compassion appointed repentance for sinners that they may be saved. Therefore, Lord, the God of the powers, you have not appointed repentance for the righteous, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who have not sinned against you, but you appointed repentance for me the sinner, for I have committed more sins than the grains of the sand of the sea.
My transgressions have multiplied, Lord; my transgressions have multiplied, and I am not worthy to look up and see the height of the sky from the multitude of my iniquities, being weighted down by many iron chains, so that I cannot raise my head; there is no respite left for me because I provoked your anger and committed evil before you not having done your will and not having kept your commandments. And now I bend the knee of my heart, beseeching your goodness.
I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned and I acknowledge my transgressions; but I beg and ask of you: Forgive me, Lord, forgive me and do not destroy me with my transgressions; do not be angry with me forever and keep my evils in me, and do not condemn me to the depths of the earth; for you are God, the God of those who repent, and in me you shall show all your goodness; for even though I am unworthy, you shall save me according to the multitude of your mercy, and I shall praise you without ceasing all the days of my life. For every heavenly power sings your praises, and yours is the glory unto the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
And we chant in a low voice the following penitential Troparia in tone Plagal II
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for lacking every defense, we the sinners address this plea to you, the Master: Have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Lord, have mercy on us for we have trusted in you; do not be exceedingly angry with us and remember not our transgressions; but look graciously upon us now as a compassionate one and deliver us from our enemies. For you are our God and we your people, all of us are the works of your hands and we have called upon your name.
Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O blessed Theotokos, open to us the gate of compassion, so that by placing our hopes in you we may not fail; but may be delivered through you from adversity; for you are the salvation of the Christian family.
Lord, have mercy (4O).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and past compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without corruption has borne God the Word, the truly Theotokos, you do we magnify.
In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing.
Priest:
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People:
Amen.
Priest:
O Master God, Father Almighty, only begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit: One Godhead, One Power, have mercy on me, a sinner, and in your knowing ways save me, your unworthy servant; for you are blessed unto the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
Come, let us worship and fall down before our King and God (Prostration).
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God (Prostration).
Come, let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, our King and our God (Prostration).
PSALM 69 (7O)
O God, come to my assistance; Lord hasten to help me. Let those who seek my soul be shamed and reproached. Let those who wish me evil turn back and be disgraced. Let those who say to me: well done! well done! turn away in shame. Let those who seek You, O God, rejoice and delight in You; and let those who love Your salvation always say: The Lord be exalted. But I am poor and destitute, O God; help me. You are my helper and my deliverer, Lord; do not delay.
PSALM 142 (143)
O Lord, hear my prayer, lend your ear to my supplication in your truth, and in your justice hear me. And do not enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no living person can be justified. For the enemy has persecuted my soul, and has brought my life down to the ground. He has forced me to live in the darkness like those dead for centuries, and my spirit is in anguish, my heart within me is troubled. I reminisced the days of old, I meditated on all your works, on all the creations of your hands did I contemplate.
I stretched out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like parched land. Hear me speedily, Lord, my spirit has failed me. Do not turn away your face from me, else I will be like those who go down in the graves. Make me hear your mercy in the morning, for I have hoped in you. Make known to me, Lord, the road I should walk on, for I have lifted up my soul to you. Deliver me from my enemies, Lord, for I have fled to you; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your good Spirit lead me in straight paths; for your name's sake, Lord, you shall give me life. In your justice you shall bring my soul out of affliction, and in your mercy you shall destroy my enemies. And will utterly destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.
DOXOLOGY
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to man. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, who take away the sins of the world. Accept our supplication, you who sit at the right of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Every evening I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the centuries of centuries. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; teach me to do your will for you are my God. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this night we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen.
Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you.
Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your rules of life.
Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your rules of life.
Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your rules of life.
Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you becomes praise, to you becomes a hymn, to you becomes glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
During the 1st week in Lent we chant the appropriate segment of the Great Canon each day: "My helper and my shelter..." prefacing each Troparion with the Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
After the 6th Ode we chant slowly and melodiously the Kontakion: "My soul, my soul.....
After the 9th ode the Irmos: "Of the immaculate conception.....
After the completion of the Troparia of the Canon
People:
Amen.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
And we chant the following Troparion with its verses in:
Tone Plagal II
People:
Lord of the Powers, be with us; for other helper have we not, in tribulations but you. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.
Verse:
Praise God in all his Holies; praise him in the firmament of his might.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse:
Praise him in his sovereign Powers; praise him in the multitude of his greatness.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse:
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse:
Praise him with drums and dancing; praise him with string instruments and organ.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse:
Praise him with sweet sounding cymbals; praise him with cymbals of joy. Let every breath praise the Lord.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
The 1st chorus:
Praise God in his Holies.
The 2nd chorus:
Praise him in the firmament of his might.
The two choruses together: (slower)
People:
Lord of the Powers, be with us; for other helper have we not, in tribulations but you. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Lord, if we did not have your Saints as intercessors, and your goodness feeling compassion for us, how would we dare, O Savior, to sing hymns to you, whom the Angels unceasingly bless? O you who know our hearts, spare our souls.
Now and ever and to the ages of ages amen. Theotokion.
Great is the multitude of my errors, O Mother of God; to you have I fled, O Pure one, seeking salvation; visit my ailing soul, and intercede with your Son and our God, to grant me forgiveness for all the evils I have done, O only blessed one.
The 1st chorus chants the following: (Words fit the music)
All Holy Theotokos, in the time of my life, never do forsake me, to any human protection; never trust me blindly, but personally take charge, and have mercy on me.
And the 2nd chorus chants the following: (Words fit the music)
My one and my every hope, now I entrust in you, O Mother of God, under your shelter, cover me.
Lord have mercy (4O)
Reader:
O Christ our God, who at all times and at every hour, both in heaven and on earth, are worshipped and glorified, long suffering and plenteous in mercy and compassion; who love the just and show mercy to the sinners; who call all men to salvation through the promise of the blessings to come: Do you, the same Lord, receive also our supplications at this present time, and direct our lives according to your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set our minds right; clear up our thoughts, and deliver us from every sorrow, evil and distress. Surround us with your holy Angels so that being guarded and guided by their presence, we may arrive at the unity of the faith and the knowledge of your ineffable glory; for blessed are you unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and past compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without corruption have borne God the Word, the true Theotokos, you do we magnify.
In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.
Priest:
May God have compassion on us and bless us; May his face shine upon us and have mercy on us.
And we recite the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, making a deep prostration after each verse.
O Lord and Master of my life, do not permit the spirit of laziness and meddling, the lust for power and idle talk to come into me. (Prostration).
Instead, grant me, your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love. (Prostration).
Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. (Prostration).
For you are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.
People:
Amen.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12)
1st Reader: Prayer to the Virgin by Paul the Monk
of the Monastery of Evergetis
O spotless, unstained, incorruptible, undefiled, pure Virgin, Lady Bride of God, who through your wondrous birth-giving united God the Word with mankind, and linked the fallen nature of our human race with the heavenly; the only hope of the hopeless and the help of the persecuted; the ready support of those who seek refuge in you, and the shelter of all the Christians: do not despise me, the wretched sinner who have defiled myself with shameful thoughts and words and deeds, and through negligence of thought have become slave to the pleasures of life.
But as the Mother of our compassionate God, and a friend of man, have compassion on me the sinner and prodigal, and accept this prayer from my impure lips; and using your motherly standing, entreat your Son and our Master and Lord to open unto me the depths of his loving goodness and, overlooking my innumerable faults, to return me to repentance and make me a worthy servant of his commandments.
Stand by me forever; in this life as a merciful and compassionate and good and lovingly warm protector and helper, by repulsing the assaults of the adversary and leading me toward salvation; and at the time of my death, by embracing my miserable soul and driving far away from it the dark fares of the evil demons; and at the awesome day of judgment by redeeming me from eternal hell, and proclaiming me an heir of the ineffable glory of your Son and our God.
May I enjoy such fate, my Lady, most-holy Theotokos, through your intercession and protection; through the grace and love for mankind of your only begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. To whom belong all glory, honor and worship, together with his beginningless Father, and the all holy and good and life giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
2nd Reader:
Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
by Antiochus, Monk of Pandektos
And grant to us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest of body and soul, and preserve us from the gloomy slumber of sin, and from every dark and nocturnal pleasure. Arrest the drives of passion; extinguish the burning arrows of the Evil One which insidiously fly in our direction; suppress the rebellions of our flesh, and calm our every earthly and material thought. And grant to us, O God, alert mind, prudent thinking, sober heart, light sleep free of any satanic fantasy. Awaken us at the time of prayer rooted in your commandments and having unbroken within us the remembrance of your ordinances. Grant that we may sing your glory through the night by praising and blessing and glorifying your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Again, alternately
Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, bring our prayer before your Son and our God, and entreat him, through you, to save our souls.
Prayer of St. loannikios
The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my shelter, Holy Trinity, glory to you. My one and my every hope, now I entrust in you, O Mother of God, under your shelter cover me. During the first week in Lent-Monday through Friday, the Priest reads at this time, from the Holy Gate, the Gospel of the day.
Priest:
And let us beseech the Lord, our God, that we may be counted worthy to hear the holy Gospel.
People:
Lord, have mercy (3) (intoned)
Priest:
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke (21, 8-36).
People:
Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.
Priest:
Let us attend.
(The following Gospel passage is for the first Monday in Lent)
The Lord said: Take heed that you not be deceived. For many, will come in my name saying, I am he, and, the time has drawn near. Therefore do not go after them. * But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified, for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. Then he said to them: Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will send some of you to your death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. In your patience you will possess your souls.
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations.
And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
And He spoke to them a parable: Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you, likewise, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things are fulfilled. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.
But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighted down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.
People:
Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.
Priest:
Peace be with all.
People:
And with your spirit.
Priest:
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People:
To you, O Lord.
Priest:
Most merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, through the intercessions of our most pure Lady Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary; through the power of the precious and life giving Cross; through the protection of the venerable bodiless powers in heaven; through the prayers of the venerable and glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy glorious and all praised Apostles; of the holy glorious and victorious Martyrs; of our venerable and Godbearing Fathers; of the holy and righteous ancestors of the Lord God Joachim and Anna, and of all your Saints: Make our supplication acceptable to you. Grant the remission of our errors. Cover us under the shelter of your wings. Drive away from us every enemy and foe. Bring peace into our lives. Lord, have mercy on us and your world, and save our souls as a good friend of man.
People:
Amen.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (3). Holy Father, give the blessing.
Priest:
Let us pray for the peace of the world.
People: Lord, have mercy. (Said after every petition)
For the pious and Orthodox Christians.
For our Archbishop (N), our Bishop (N) and all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
For our absent fathers, brothers and sisters.
For those who hate us and those who love us.
For those who help us and those who serve us.
For those who have asked us, the unworthy, to pray for them.
For the release of the captives.
For those sailing the seas.
For those laid up with illnesses.
Let us also pray for the abundance of the fruits of the earth.
And for all our fathers and brethren departed like life, those who lie here in peace, and the Orthodox everywhere.
Let us say for ourselves, also: Lord, have mercy; Lord have mercy; Lord, have mercy.
And all receive forgiveness from the Priest by kissing his right hand while the people chant the following:
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening they chant in Tone Plagal II.
All of us, do you protect, O Good One, who seek refuge in faith, in Your mighty hand; for none other have we, the sinners before God; in danger and in sorrow, forever interceding, for us who are laden by so many faults; Mother of the God the Most High, on our knees we ask You: deliver Your servants from all tribulation.
On Tuesday and Thursday evening they chant in Tone I
Watching, O Christ, Your slaughter the unjust, in torment the Virgin cried to You: O my sweetest child, how needlessly You die, and You hang upon the wood, You who on the waters suspended all the earth. Benefactor, most merciful, do not abandon alone now, Your Mother and servant, I pray to You.
Priest:
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People:
Amen.
Those living in the Monasteries and the Hermitages, having asked forgiveness from the Elder, retire to their cells where they recite the following prayer:
Lord, forgive those who hate us and those who wrong us; do good to those who do good; to our brethren and relatives, grant their requests for salvation and eternal life; visit the sick and grant them healing; govern those at sea; accompany the travelers; to those who serve us and those who help us grant remission of sins; forgive those who have asked us to pray for them and have mercy on them according to Your great mercy.
Remember, Lord, all our fathers and brethren departed this life and rest them where the light of Your face shines. Remember, Lord, our brethren, the captives, and spare them from every tribulation. Remember, Lord those who labor and bring forth fruit in Your holy Churches, and grant to them all requests for salvation and eternal life. Remember us, as well, Lord, Your humble and sinful servants and illumine our mind with the light of your knowledge and guide us in the way of Your commandments; through the intercessions of Your most sacred Mother, our Lady Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, and all Your Saints; for You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Great Compline is chanted on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening of the Great Lent in the following order:
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Glory to you, O God, our hope, glory to you.
O heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are everywhere and fill all things, the treasury of blessings and giver of life, come and dwell within us and cleanse us from every blemish and save our souls, O Good One.
People: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12)
Come, let us worship and fall down before our King and God. (Prostration)
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God. (Prostration)
Come, let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, our King and our God. (Prostration)
And directly, if it is the first week of the Great Lent, we start with Psalm 69.
PSALM 69 (7O)
O God, come to my assistance; Lord, hasten to help me. Let those who seek my soul be ashamed and reproached. Let those who wish me evil turn back and be disgraced. Let those who say to me: Well done! turn away in shame. Let those who seek You, O God, rejoice and delight in You; and let those who love Your salvation always say: The Lord be exalted. But I am poor and destitute, O God; help me. You are my helper and my deliverer, Lord; do not delay.
If it is not the first week in Lent, we start with Psalm 4.
PSALM 4
When I called on you, you heard me, O God of my righteousness! You relieved me when I was in distress; have pity on me and hear my prayer. O you, sons of men, how long will you be slow of heart? Why do you love vanity and seek falsehood? But know that the Lord has done wondrous things for his holy one; the Lord will hear me when I cry unto him. Be angry but sin not; meditate on your beds what you say in your hearts. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. Many say: Who will show us anything good? The light of your countenance has shone upon us, O Lord; you have put gladness in my heart. They have been well satisfied with the abundance of wheat, wine and olive oil. I will both lie down in peace and sleep. For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell secure.
PSALM 6
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chastise me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled, and my soul also is greatly troubled; but you, O Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, deliver my soul; save me for your mercy's sake. For in death no one remembers you; and in Hades who will give you thanks? I am weary with my groaning; shall I weep every night upon my bed and drench my couch with tears? My eye is troubled with my grief. I am worn out because of all my enemies. Depart from me all you who work iniquity, for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord heard my petition, the Lord has accepted my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and troubled; let them turn back and be greatly ashamed instantly.
PSALM 12 (13)
How long, O Lord, will you forget me? Forever? How long will you turn your face away from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul and have grief in my heart, day and night? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Look over me, hear me, O Lord, my God. Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say: "I have prevailed over him!" Those who trouble me would rejoice if I were to totter; but I have placed my trust in your mercy. My heart shall rejoice in your salvation; I shall sing to the Lord who has done me so much good, and I shall sing psalms to the name of the Lord most high.
REPEAT
Look over me, hear me, O Lord, my God.
Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say: "I have prevailed over him!"
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, glory to you, O God (3); Lord have mercy (3); Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
PSALM 24 (25)
To you, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul; O my God in you have I trusted; let me never be put to shame, ever! Neither let my enemies laugh at me; for all, those who seek you shall not be put to shame. Let those who transgress without cause be put to shame; make known to me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior and I have waited for you all day. Remember your compassions, Lord, and your mercies, for they are from all ages. The sins of my youth and my ignorance, remember not. Remember me according to your mercy, for your goodness' sake, Lord.
The Lord is good and upright; therefore tie shall counsel sinners in the way. He will lead the meek in judgment, he will teach the meek his ways. All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth for those who seek his covenant and his testimonies. For your name's sake, Lord, do you also be merciful on my sin, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will teach him in the way he has chosen. His soul shall dwell in prosperity, and his seed shall inherit the earth. The Lord is the strength of those who fear him, and he will reveal his covenant to them. My eyes shall be forever turned toward the Lord, for lie will loose my feet from the snare.
Look upon me, and have mercy on me, for I am alone and destitute. The afflictions of my heart have multiplied; deliver me from my straits. Behold my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins. Behold my enemies that they have multiplied; and have hated me with an unjust hatred. Preserve my soul and deliver me; let me not be put to shame for I have hoped in you. The harmless and the upright sided with me, for I waited for you Lord. Deliver Israel, O God, from all his afflictions.
PSALM 3O (31)
In you, O Lord, have I put my trust; let me never be put to shame; in your justice deliver me and rescue me. Incline your ear to me and hasten to my deliverance. Be for me a protecting God and a house of shelter to save me. Because you are my strength and my shelter, and for your name's sake you shall guide me and feed me. You shall pull me out of the snare which they have set secretly for me, because you are my protector. In your hands shall I commit my spirit, for you have delivered me, O Lord, the God of truth. You have hated those who idly persist in vanities, but I have put my trust in the Lord, I shall rejoice and delight in his mercy.
For he has looked upon my affliction and saved my soul from distress. You have not trapped me in the hands of the enemy, but set my feet in an open place. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am oppressed; my eye, my soul and my belly waste away with indignation. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with groanings. My strength has failed through misery, and my bones are troubled. I am a reproach to all my enemies and especially so to my neighbors; and a terror to my acquaintances. Those who see me outside flee from me, I have been forgotten as a dead man out of mind.
I became like a broken vessel, for I heard the accusations of many who swelled around me. When they were gathered together against me, they plotted to take my life. But I put my trust in you, O Lord; I said: "You are my God and my fate is in your hands." Deliver me from the hands of my enemy and those who persecute me. Let your face shine upon your servant, and save me in your mercy; Lord, do not let me be put to shame, for I called upon you. Let the ungodly be ashamed and be cast down to Hades.
Let the deceitful lips which speak iniquity against the righteous with pride and scorn, become dumb. How great is the abundance of Your goodness, O Lord, which You have in store for those who fear You. Which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of man. You shall hide them in the secret of your presence from the disturbances of men. You shall shelter them in your tent from the strife on tongues. Blessed be the Lord for his mercy has marvelously encompassed me like a strong city. Yet, in my distraction I did say: "I am cast out of the sight of your eyes." Therefore, you did hear the voice of my petition when I cried out to you. Love, the Lord, all you his holy ones for the Lord seeks the truth, and fully repays those who deal very proudly.Take courage and be of strong heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
PSALM 9O (91)
He who dwells under the shadow of the Most High, shall abide under the shelter of the God of heaven. He will say to the Lord: "You are my support and my refuge, O my God; in him I shall put my trust." For he will deliver you from the hunter's snare, and from every troublesome slander. With his broad shoulders he shall overshadow you, and under his wings you shall rest secure; his truth shall cover you like a shield. You shall not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; nor the thing that lurks about in the darkness, nor any calamity or the evil spirit at noon. A thousand shall fall at your side and ten thousand at your right, but nothing shall come close to you.
Instead, you shall observe with your eyes and see the retribution of the sinners. For you, Lord, are my hope; you made the Most High my shelter. No evil shall come to you, and no pestilence shall approach your dwelling. For he will put his Angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways. They will carry you on their hands, lest you stumble your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the asp and the viper, and you shall trample upon the lion and the dragon. Because he hoped in me, I will deliver him; I will shelter him because he knew my name. He will call on me and I will answer him; I am with him in trouble and I will deliver him and glorify him. I will satisfy him with length of days and I will show him my salvation.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to you, O God. Lord, have mercy (3). Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: (Chant loudly and melodiously the following verses):
TONE PLAGAL II
God is with us, know it you nations and be submissive,
For God is with us. Hear it to the ends of the earth. For God is with us. You mighty shall be defeated. For God is with us. Even if you should prevail, again you will be defeated, For God is with us. Whatever plan you conceive, the Lord will destroy, For God is with us. Whatever word you shall speak shall not abide among you, For God is with us. Your terror we shall never fear, nor be disturbed by it, For God is with us. The Lord, our God, him shall we bless, and only him do we fear. For God is with us. And if I trust in him, it shall be a blessing to me, For God is with us.
And I shall trust in him, and shall, be saved by him, For God is with us. Lo, I and the children which God has given to me, For God is with us. The people that walked in darkness saw a great light, For God is with us. Upon us, who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, a light shall shine, For God is with us. For a Child was born unto us, a Son, and was given to us, For God is with us. Whose government is upon his shoulder, For God is with us. And of his peace, there shall be no boundary, For God is with us. And his name shall be called: Messenger of the Divine Will, For God is with us. Wonderful Counselor, For God is with us. Mighty God, Master, Prince of Peace, For God is with us. Father of the age to come, For God is with us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, For God is with us. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
For God is with us.
The two choruses together, slowly:
God is with us, know it you nations and be submissive,
For God is with us.
And the reader reads the following Troparia:
Having passed the day, I give thanks to you, Lord; and I ask of you to grant me the evening and the night without sin, O my Savior, and save me. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now that the day has gone by, I glorify you, Master; I ask of you to grant me the evening and the night without sin, O my Savior, and save me. Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Having traversed the day, I sing hymns to you, O Holy One; I ask of you to grant me the evening and the night free of plots, O my Savior, and save me.
And we chant in Tone Plagal II
The world of the bodiless Cherubim, with hymns sings your glory, incessantly. The six-winged creatures, the Seraphim, with tireless voices do exalt you. The army of Angels shouts praise to you, by singing thrice holy hymns. O Father, you are before all else, and co-beginningless is your Son. Holding as equal the Spirit of life, you show how indivisible the Trinity is. Most Holy Virgin, Mother of God, eye-witness and ministers of the Word. The host of Prophets and Martyrs all, who now live in immortality. Intercede constantly for everyone, for all of us are in great distress. That having been delivered from the evil one, we may sing to you the Angelic song.
Reader:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Thrice Holy Lord, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
And in a low voice we recite the Creed
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
Then we chant the following verses
Most Holy Lady Theotokos, for all of us sinners do intercede. (3)
All the heavenly powers of the holy Angels and Archangels, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)
Holy John, Prophet and Forerunner and Baptizer of our Lord Jesus Christ, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)
Holy glorious Apostles, Prophets and Martyrs and all the Saints, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)
Righteous, God-bearing Fathers, Shepherds and Teachers of the Universe, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)
The invincible and unconquerable and divine power of the precious and life-giving Cross, do not abandon us sinners, all. (2)
The two choruses alternately:
God be gracious on us sinners. (3).
The second chorus:
And have mercy on us. (once)
People:
Amen.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
If it happens to be a feastday, we recite the Troparia of the feast. If not, alternately, day by day, the following Troparia:
Tone II
Illumine my eyes, O Christ, my God, lest I sleep to death; lest my enemy say: "I prevailed over him."
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O God, be the protector of my soul, for I walk in the midst of many snares; deliver me from them and save me, O gracious one, as a good friend of man.
Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion.
Since we have no standing because of our many sins, urgently plead with him who was born of you, O Virgin Theotokos; for the pleadings of a Mother have much weight toward the favor of the Master; do not overlook the pleas of us sinners, O most venerable one, for he who condescended to suffer for us in the flesh is merciful and has the power to save us.
Other Troparia, chanted day by day
Tone Plagal IV
O Lord, you know the wakefulness of my enemies, and the weakness of my miserable flesh, for you made man. Wherefore, into your hands I shall entrust my spirit. Cover me with the wings of your goodness, lest I sleep unto death; illumine my inner eyes with the delight of your divine words; and awaken me at the right time, that I may sing your glory, as the only good one and true friend of man.
Verse:
Look graciously upon me, and have mercy on me, as you do for those who love your name.
O how awesome is your judgment, Lord! With the Angels standing by, the humans being brought in, the books of life being opened, the works being uncovered and the thoughts being searched! What judgment shall be on me who has been conceived in sin? Who shall extinguish the flames of my fire? Who shall illumine my darkness: Unless you, Lord, have mercy on me as a true friend of man?
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Give me tears, Lord, as you did once to the sinful woman; make me worthy to wet your feet, which freed me from the way of error and to offer you as a fragrant ointment, a pure life built in me through repentance; so that I may also hear your cherished words: "Your faith has saved you, go in peace."
Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion.
Trusting in your unashamable hope, O Theotokos, I shall be saved; possessing your protection. Most pure one, I shall not be afraid; I shall pursue my enemies and drive them away wearing only your refuge as a breastplate; and asking for your all powerful help, I cry to you: O Lady, save me, through your intercessions and raise me from this dark slumber through the power of the Son and God born from you, so that I may sing your glory.
People:
Lord, have mercy (4O).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and past compare ;more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without corruption has borne God, the Word, the truly Theotokos, you do we magnify.
In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.
Priest:
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People:
Amen.
Priest: Recites the following prayer of St. Basil:
Lord, Lord, who have delivered us from every arrow that flies by day, deliver us from anything that lurks about in darkness. Accept the lifting of our hands as an evening sacrifice. Make us worthy to traverse the time of night blamelessly, untouched by evil, and redeem us from every disturbance and fear caused by the devil. Grant contrition to our souls and concern to our minds about the accounting at your awesome and just judgment. Nail down our bodies with your fear, and deaden our earthly members, so that even in the quiet of our slumber we may be enlightened by the contemplation of your ordinances. Keep away from us every indecent fantasy and harmful desire. Awaken us in the time of prayer rooted in the faith, and thriving in your instructions; through the good will and goodness of your only begotten Son with whom you are blessed, together with your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen. Come, let us worship and fall down ............... (3).
PSALM 5O (51)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy, and according to the multitude of your compassions, blot out my offense.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I am aware of my iniquity, and my sin is continually before me. Against you only have I sinned and done evil before you, that you might be justified in your words, and emerge victorious when you are judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother carry and bear me. For behold, you have loved the truth; you revealed to me the hidden and secret parts of your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be cleansed; you shall wash me and I will be whiter than snow.
You shall make me hear joy and gladness; the afflicted bones shall rejoice. Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit, in the depths of me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take away your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and strengthen me with a guiding spirit. I will teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall return to you.
Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; and my tongue will joyfully sing your justice. O Lord, you shall open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For if you desired sacrifice, I would have offered it; you will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. Sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit; a contrite and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, Lord, to Zion in your good pleasure, that the walls of Jerusalem may be built. Then you will be pleased with a sacrifice of justice, offering and whole burnt sacrifices. Then shall they offer calves upon your altar.
PSALM 1O1 (1O2)
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Do not turn your face away from me; and whenever I am afflicted, incline your ear to me. On the day I will call on you, hear me speedily. For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones have been parched like dry sticks. I am withered like grass, and my heart is dried up, for I have forgotten to eat my bread. From the cries of my groanings, my bones have clung to my flesh. I have become like the pelikan of the wilderness, I have become like a night-raven in a deserted house. I went without sleep, and I became like a sparrow perched alone on the roof-top. All day long, my enemies made fun of me, and my admirers swore against me.
Indeed, I have eaten ashes as if it were bread, and have mixed my drink with tears. All because of your anger and your wrath, for after lifting me up, you dashed me down. My days have declined like a shadow, and I am withered like grass. But you, Lord, endure forever and you shall be remembered from generation to generation. You shall rise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to have mercy on her, for the time has come. For your servants have desired her stones, and felt pity for her dust. And the nations shall fear your name, Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory. For the Lord shall build Zion, and shall be seen in his glory. He has regarded the prayer of the lowly, and has not despised their petition.
Let this be written for the coming generation, and the people yet to be created shall praise the Lord. For he has looked out from the height of his dwelling place; the Lord has looked down from heaven upon the earth. To hear the groanings of those in fetters, to loosen the sons of those put to death, To proclaim in Zion the name of the Lord, and his praise in Jerusalem. When the peoples are gathered together, along with their Kings to serve the Lord. He said to the Lord in the waning of his strength: Tell me, how few my days are.
Do not take me away in the middle of my days; your years are for generations of generations. In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. They shall perish, but you remain; and all shall grow old like a garment. Like a cloak you shall change them, and they shall be changed, but you are the same, and your years shall never end. The children of your servants shall dwell secure, and their seed shall prosper forever.
PRAYER OF MANASSES, KING OF JUDA
Priest:
O Lord, Almighty, the God of our Fathers, of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and of their righteous seed; who created the heaven and the earth with all their adornment; who bound the sea by the word of your command; who shut up the abyss and scaled it with your awesome and glorious name; whom all things dread and before whose power they tremble, because the majesty of your glory is unbearable and the threat of your anger against the sinners unendurable; yet the mercy of your promise is both, immeasurable and unfathomable, for you are the Lord most high, compassionate, long-suffering and all merciful, and relent on the wickedness of man.
You, Lord, in the multitude of your goodness promised repentance and forgiveness to those who have sinned against you, and in your infinite compassion appointed repentance for sinners that they may be saved. Therefore, Lord, the God of the powers, you have not appointed repentance for the righteous, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who have not sinned against you, but you appointed repentance for me the sinner, for I have committed more sins than the grains of the sand of the sea.
My transgressions have multiplied, Lord; my transgressions have multiplied, and I am not worthy to look up and see the height of the sky from the multitude of my iniquities, being weighted down by many iron chains, so that I cannot raise my head; there is no respite left for me because I provoked your anger and committed evil before you not having done your will and not having kept your commandments. And now I bend the knee of my heart, beseeching your goodness.
I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned and I acknowledge my transgressions; but I beg and ask of you: Forgive me, Lord, forgive me and do not destroy me with my transgressions; do not be angry with me forever and keep my evils in me, and do not condemn me to the depths of the earth; for you are God, the God of those who repent, and in me you shall show all your goodness; for even though I am unworthy, you shall save me according to the multitude of your mercy, and I shall praise you without ceasing all the days of my life. For every heavenly power sings your praises, and yours is the glory unto the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
And we chant in a low voice the following penitential Troparia in tone Plagal II
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for lacking every defense, we the sinners address this plea to you, the Master: Have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Lord, have mercy on us for we have trusted in you; do not be exceedingly angry with us and remember not our transgressions; but look graciously upon us now as a compassionate one and deliver us from our enemies. For you are our God and we your people, all of us are the works of your hands and we have called upon your name.
Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O blessed Theotokos, open to us the gate of compassion, so that by placing our hopes in you we may not fail; but may be delivered through you from adversity; for you are the salvation of the Christian family.
Lord, have mercy (4O).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and past compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without corruption has borne God the Word, the truly Theotokos, you do we magnify.
In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing.
Priest:
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People:
Amen.
Priest:
O Master God, Father Almighty, only begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit: One Godhead, One Power, have mercy on me, a sinner, and in your knowing ways save me, your unworthy servant; for you are blessed unto the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
Come, let us worship and fall down before our King and God (Prostration).
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God (Prostration).
Come, let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, our King and our God (Prostration).
PSALM 69 (7O)
O God, come to my assistance; Lord hasten to help me. Let those who seek my soul be shamed and reproached. Let those who wish me evil turn back and be disgraced. Let those who say to me: well done! well done! turn away in shame. Let those who seek You, O God, rejoice and delight in You; and let those who love Your salvation always say: The Lord be exalted. But I am poor and destitute, O God; help me. You are my helper and my deliverer, Lord; do not delay.
PSALM 142 (143)
O Lord, hear my prayer, lend your ear to my supplication in your truth, and in your justice hear me. And do not enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no living person can be justified. For the enemy has persecuted my soul, and has brought my life down to the ground. He has forced me to live in the darkness like those dead for centuries, and my spirit is in anguish, my heart within me is troubled. I reminisced the days of old, I meditated on all your works, on all the creations of your hands did I contemplate.
I stretched out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like parched land. Hear me speedily, Lord, my spirit has failed me. Do not turn away your face from me, else I will be like those who go down in the graves. Make me hear your mercy in the morning, for I have hoped in you. Make known to me, Lord, the road I should walk on, for I have lifted up my soul to you. Deliver me from my enemies, Lord, for I have fled to you; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your good Spirit lead me in straight paths; for your name's sake, Lord, you shall give me life. In your justice you shall bring my soul out of affliction, and in your mercy you shall destroy my enemies. And will utterly destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.
DOXOLOGY
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to man. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, who take away the sins of the world. Accept our supplication, you who sit at the right of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Every evening I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the centuries of centuries. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; teach me to do your will for you are my God. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this night we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen.
Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you.
Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your rules of life.
Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your rules of life.
Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your rules of life.
Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you becomes praise, to you becomes a hymn, to you becomes glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
During the 1st week in Lent we chant the appropriate segment of the Great Canon each day: "My helper and my shelter..." prefacing each Troparion with the Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
After the 6th Ode we chant slowly and melodiously the Kontakion: "My soul, my soul.....
After the 9th ode the Irmos: "Of the immaculate conception.....
After the completion of the Troparia of the Canon
People:
Amen.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
And we chant the following Troparion with its verses in:
Tone Plagal II
People:
Lord of the Powers, be with us; for other helper have we not, in tribulations but you. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.
Verse:
Praise God in all his Holies; praise him in the firmament of his might.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse:
Praise him in his sovereign Powers; praise him in the multitude of his greatness.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse:
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse:
Praise him with drums and dancing; praise him with string instruments and organ.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse:
Praise him with sweet sounding cymbals; praise him with cymbals of joy. Let every breath praise the Lord.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
The 1st chorus:
Praise God in his Holies.
The 2nd chorus:
Praise him in the firmament of his might.
The two choruses together: (slower)
People:
Lord of the Powers, be with us; for other helper have we not, in tribulations but you. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Lord, if we did not have your Saints as intercessors, and your goodness feeling compassion for us, how would we dare, O Savior, to sing hymns to you, whom the Angels unceasingly bless? O you who know our hearts, spare our souls.
Now and ever and to the ages of ages amen. Theotokion.
Great is the multitude of my errors, O Mother of God; to you have I fled, O Pure one, seeking salvation; visit my ailing soul, and intercede with your Son and our God, to grant me forgiveness for all the evils I have done, O only blessed one.
The 1st chorus chants the following: (Words fit the music)
All Holy Theotokos, in the time of my life, never do forsake me, to any human protection; never trust me blindly, but personally take charge, and have mercy on me.
And the 2nd chorus chants the following: (Words fit the music)
My one and my every hope, now I entrust in you, O Mother of God, under your shelter, cover me.
Lord have mercy (4O)
Reader:
O Christ our God, who at all times and at every hour, both in heaven and on earth, are worshipped and glorified, long suffering and plenteous in mercy and compassion; who love the just and show mercy to the sinners; who call all men to salvation through the promise of the blessings to come: Do you, the same Lord, receive also our supplications at this present time, and direct our lives according to your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set our minds right; clear up our thoughts, and deliver us from every sorrow, evil and distress. Surround us with your holy Angels so that being guarded and guided by their presence, we may arrive at the unity of the faith and the knowledge of your ineffable glory; for blessed are you unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and past compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without corruption have borne God the Word, the true Theotokos, you do we magnify.
In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.
Priest:
May God have compassion on us and bless us; May his face shine upon us and have mercy on us.
And we recite the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, making a deep prostration after each verse.
O Lord and Master of my life, do not permit the spirit of laziness and meddling, the lust for power and idle talk to come into me. (Prostration).
Instead, grant me, your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love. (Prostration).
Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. (Prostration).
For you are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.
People:
Amen.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest:
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12)
1st Reader: Prayer to the Virgin by Paul the Monk
of the Monastery of Evergetis
O spotless, unstained, incorruptible, undefiled, pure Virgin, Lady Bride of God, who through your wondrous birth-giving united God the Word with mankind, and linked the fallen nature of our human race with the heavenly; the only hope of the hopeless and the help of the persecuted; the ready support of those who seek refuge in you, and the shelter of all the Christians: do not despise me, the wretched sinner who have defiled myself with shameful thoughts and words and deeds, and through negligence of thought have become slave to the pleasures of life.
But as the Mother of our compassionate God, and a friend of man, have compassion on me the sinner and prodigal, and accept this prayer from my impure lips; and using your motherly standing, entreat your Son and our Master and Lord to open unto me the depths of his loving goodness and, overlooking my innumerable faults, to return me to repentance and make me a worthy servant of his commandments.
Stand by me forever; in this life as a merciful and compassionate and good and lovingly warm protector and helper, by repulsing the assaults of the adversary and leading me toward salvation; and at the time of my death, by embracing my miserable soul and driving far away from it the dark fares of the evil demons; and at the awesome day of judgment by redeeming me from eternal hell, and proclaiming me an heir of the ineffable glory of your Son and our God.
May I enjoy such fate, my Lady, most-holy Theotokos, through your intercession and protection; through the grace and love for mankind of your only begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. To whom belong all glory, honor and worship, together with his beginningless Father, and the all holy and good and life giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
2nd Reader:
Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
by Antiochus, Monk of Pandektos
And grant to us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest of body and soul, and preserve us from the gloomy slumber of sin, and from every dark and nocturnal pleasure. Arrest the drives of passion; extinguish the burning arrows of the Evil One which insidiously fly in our direction; suppress the rebellions of our flesh, and calm our every earthly and material thought. And grant to us, O God, alert mind, prudent thinking, sober heart, light sleep free of any satanic fantasy. Awaken us at the time of prayer rooted in your commandments and having unbroken within us the remembrance of your ordinances. Grant that we may sing your glory through the night by praising and blessing and glorifying your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Again, alternately
Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, bring our prayer before your Son and our God, and entreat him, through you, to save our souls.
Prayer of St. loannikios
The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my shelter, Holy Trinity, glory to you. My one and my every hope, now I entrust in you, O Mother of God, under your shelter cover me. During the first week in Lent-Monday through Friday, the Priest reads at this time, from the Holy Gate, the Gospel of the day.
Priest:
And let us beseech the Lord, our God, that we may be counted worthy to hear the holy Gospel.
People:
Lord, have mercy (3) (intoned)
Priest:
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke (21, 8-36).
People:
Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.
Priest:
Let us attend.
(The following Gospel passage is for the first Monday in Lent)
The Lord said: Take heed that you not be deceived. For many, will come in my name saying, I am he, and, the time has drawn near. Therefore do not go after them. * But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified, for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. Then he said to them: Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will send some of you to your death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. In your patience you will possess your souls.
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations.
And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
And He spoke to them a parable: Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you, likewise, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things are fulfilled. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.
But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighted down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.
People:
Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.
Priest:
Peace be with all.
People:
And with your spirit.
Priest:
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People:
To you, O Lord.
Priest:
Most merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, through the intercessions of our most pure Lady Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary; through the power of the precious and life giving Cross; through the protection of the venerable bodiless powers in heaven; through the prayers of the venerable and glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy glorious and all praised Apostles; of the holy glorious and victorious Martyrs; of our venerable and Godbearing Fathers; of the holy and righteous ancestors of the Lord God Joachim and Anna, and of all your Saints: Make our supplication acceptable to you. Grant the remission of our errors. Cover us under the shelter of your wings. Drive away from us every enemy and foe. Bring peace into our lives. Lord, have mercy on us and your world, and save our souls as a good friend of man.
People:
Amen.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (3). Holy Father, give the blessing.
Priest:
Let us pray for the peace of the world.
People: Lord, have mercy. (Said after every petition)
For the pious and Orthodox Christians.
For our Archbishop (N), our Bishop (N) and all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
For our absent fathers, brothers and sisters.
For those who hate us and those who love us.
For those who help us and those who serve us.
For those who have asked us, the unworthy, to pray for them.
For the release of the captives.
For those sailing the seas.
For those laid up with illnesses.
Let us also pray for the abundance of the fruits of the earth.
And for all our fathers and brethren departed like life, those who lie here in peace, and the Orthodox everywhere.
Let us say for ourselves, also: Lord, have mercy; Lord have mercy; Lord, have mercy.
And all receive forgiveness from the Priest by kissing his right hand while the people chant the following:
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening they chant in Tone Plagal II.
All of us, do you protect, O Good One, who seek refuge in faith, in Your mighty hand; for none other have we, the sinners before God; in danger and in sorrow, forever interceding, for us who are laden by so many faults; Mother of the God the Most High, on our knees we ask You: deliver Your servants from all tribulation.
On Tuesday and Thursday evening they chant in Tone I
Watching, O Christ, Your slaughter the unjust, in torment the Virgin cried to You: O my sweetest child, how needlessly You die, and You hang upon the wood, You who on the waters suspended all the earth. Benefactor, most merciful, do not abandon alone now, Your Mother and servant, I pray to You.
Priest:
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People:
Amen.
Those living in the Monasteries and the Hermitages, having asked forgiveness from the Elder, retire to their cells where they recite the following prayer:
Lord, forgive those who hate us and those who wrong us; do good to those who do good; to our brethren and relatives, grant their requests for salvation and eternal life; visit the sick and grant them healing; govern those at sea; accompany the travelers; to those who serve us and those who help us grant remission of sins; forgive those who have asked us to pray for them and have mercy on them according to Your great mercy.
Remember, Lord, all our fathers and brethren departed this life and rest them where the light of Your face shines. Remember, Lord, our brethren, the captives, and spare them from every tribulation. Remember, Lord those who labor and bring forth fruit in Your holy Churches, and grant to them all requests for salvation and eternal life. Remember us, as well, Lord, Your humble and sinful servants and illumine our mind with the light of your knowledge and guide us in the way of Your commandments; through the intercessions of Your most sacred Mother, our Lady Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, and all Your Saints; for You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Lenten Liturgies
THE LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS
Because the Divine Liturgy is the "Banquet of Christ", a festive, triumphant celebration, the ancient discipline of the Church came to regard it as out of harmony with the penitential climate of Great Lent. Yet to provide the faithful with the "food of immortality", the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, that is, with the Eucharistic Gifts consecrated beforehand, at the Liturgy of the previous Sunday, came into use early on. (It is attested as the approved custom by the Quinisext Council of 692.)
The Presanctified Gifts were offered to the faithful, after the ninth hour, about 3:00 p.m., usually at the end of a day of fasting, in what is actually an elaborated Office of Vespers with Holy Communion. The Presanctified is conducted from fifteen to eighteen times a year:
1. On Wednesday and Friday of the first six weeks of Lent.
2. On Thursday of the fourth week of Lent.
3. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week.
The Sacrificial (or Resurrection) Liturgy is celebrated on all Saturdays and Sundays in Lent, on the Feast of the Annunciation, on whatever day it falls, and on Holy Thursday. (Good Friday is an a liturgical day.)
PARTICULARITIES OF THE PRESANCTIFIED
On the preceding Sunday, at the Prothesis, after dedicating the principal Amnos, or "Lamb", to be distributed in Holy Communion that day, the Priest prepares as many additional "Lambs" as there will be Liturgies of the Presanctified during that week, saying for each the same dedicatory prayers as for the first.
However, at the Consecration of the Gifts all the "Lambs" are presented as one, for Christ is one. Similarly, at the elevation, all the "Lambs" are elevated together.
At the fraction, the Priest breaks only that Amnos which he dedicated first at the Prothesis. As for the others, he takes them one by one in his left hand, and with the spoon in his right pours a small amount of the Holy and Precious Blood of the Lord crosswise on the underside incised with the Cross, then places them in the tabernacle.
Readings from the Psalms are an important element of the Presanctified; the text used here is the translation from the Greek Septuagint authorized by the Holy Archdiocese in 1993, to be used "wherever the Psalms occur in our services." It is the product of a collaboration between Father Leonidas Contos and Father Spencer Kezios for Narthex Press and Baron Jose deVinck for Alleluia Press.
VESPERS WITH THE DIVINE LITURGYOF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS
PRIEST: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
READER: Amen.
Come, let us worship God our King and bow down before Him.
Come, let us worship Christ God our King and bow down before Him.
Come, let us worship Christ, our King and our God, and bow down before Him.
PSALM 103/104
Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! Clothed in pomp and brilliance, arrayed with light as with a cloak, stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth, establishing your lofty halls on water. You make the clouds your conveyance, you surge on the wings of the wind. You make the winds your messengers, and flaming fires your attendants.
You settled the earth on its foundation: it shall stand unmoved from age to age. The abyss covered it like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke, they take to flight, at the peal of your thunder, they flee. They hurdle the hills and run down the dales to the place you have chosen for them. You have set up a boundary not to be passed: they shall never return to cover the earth.
Down in the gullies, you make springs to rise; waters shall flow between the mountains. They shall give drink to the beasts of the field; wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst. The birds of the sky shall abide by them; from among the rocks, they will raise their song. From your lofty halls you refresh the hills; the earth shall be fed with the fruit of your works.
You make green pastures for the cattle and food-plants for the service of man, so that bread may be drawn from the earth, and wine that gladdens the heart of man; so that oil may put a gleam on his face, and that bread may strengthen the heart of man. The trees of the plain shall be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. Sparrows shall build their nests in them, herons shall call them their home. To the deer belong the high mountains; to rodents, the shelter of the rock.
You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness, and it is night, wherein the forest creatures prowl. Young lions roar for their prey, and call out to God for their meat. As the sun rises, they will come together, and lay themselves down in their dens. Man will go out to his labor, and work until eventide.
How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have wrought them all. The earth is filled with your creatures, even the wide and open sea. Within it are countless creeping things, living beings small and large. Upon it there are ships a-sailing, and the great beast you made to have fun. All of them look to you to give them their food in due season. You provide and they gather up; you open your hands, and they are full. You hide your face, and they cringe; you suspend their breath, and they die and return to their dust. You send forth your breath, and they live; you renew the face of the earth.
May the Lord's glory endure forever, may the Lord rejoice in his works. He looks upon the earth, and makes it quake; he touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live, I will praise my God as long as I last. Would that my thoughts be pleasing to him, and I will rejoice in the Lord. May the sinners vanish from the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
The sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness and it is night.
How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have wrought them all.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. (2) Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. 0 Lord our hope, glory to you.
THE GREAT LITANY OF PEACE
DEACON: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For heavenly peace and the salvation of our souls let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For peace in the whole world, the stability of God's Holy Churches and for the oneness of all, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this holy house, and all who enter it with faith, reverence and godly fear, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our Archbishop (N.), our Bishop (N.), the worthy priesthood, the deacons in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our country, the President, and all in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this city and this Parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For temperate weather, abundance of the goods of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For those who travel, by land, sea and air, for those who are sick or suffering or in captivity, and for their safekeeping, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That we may be spared all affliction, violence, danger and want, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
THE PRAYER OF THE FIRST ANTIPHON
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Gracious and merciful Lord, forbearing and generous in mercy, hear our prayer and heed the voice of our entreaty. Give us a sign of Your favor. Lead us in Your way, that we may walk in Your truth; gladden our hearts, that we may be in awe of Your holy name, for You are great in the wonders You perform. You alone are God, and among all deities none is Your like, O Lord: mighty in mercy and benevolent in might, helping and comforting and saving all who trust in Your holy name.
PRIEST: For all glory, honor and worship are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
After which the gates of the Royal doors are closed and the Reader reads the eighteenth division of the Psalter.
While the first stasis of the Kathisma is being read, the Priest, making three deep prostrations, opens the Tabernacle (Artophorion) and censing the gifts, he places the paten (diskarion) on the open antimension on the Holy Altar. With great reverence he places a "Lamb " upon it. Then, covering it with the veil, and led by the censer, he proceeds to the Prothesis.
There he pours wine and water into the chalice in the usual way, covers it with the second veil, then both vessels with the aer. These actions are accompanied simply by the "Through the prayers of the Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and save us. " When the Presanctified Gifts have been covered, he proceeds to the Little Synapte, or short petition.
THE FIRST SETTING
PSALM 119/120
In my distress, I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me. O Lord, save me from lying lips, and from a treacherous tongue. What shall be given you and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? The sharpened arrows of a warrior with firebrands made of the broom tree. Woe is me that my exile has been so long; that I have set up tent in the camp of Kedar. Too long have I stayed among those who hate peace. I was peaceable, but when I spoke to them, they warred against me without cause.
PSALM 120/121
I lifted up my eyes to the hills whence help shall come to me. My help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not suffer your foot to stumble; nor shall the Guardian fall asleep. Behold, he will neither sleep nor slumber, the Watcher over Israel. The Lord will keep watch over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not scorch you by day, nor shall the moon fail you by night. The Lord will preserve you from every evil, the Lord will safeguard your life. The Lord will guard your coming and your going henceforth and for evermore.
PSALM 121/122
I was happy when they said to me: "Let us go to the house of the Lord." Our feet stood within your courts, Jerusalem, Jerusalem built as a city whose people are as one. For there did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord as it was decreed to Israel to give thanks to the name of the Lord. For there have been placed thrones for judgment, thrones for the house of David. Pray, then, for the peace of Jerusalem, and may prosperity be with those who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity upon your towers. For the sake of my brethren and my friends, I have indeed asked peace for you; for the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I have earnestly sought your good.
PSALM 122/123
I have lifted up my eyes to you who dwell in heaven. As the eyes of the servants are on the hands of their masters, as the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until he has mercy on us. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for we have had more than our fill of contempt: yes, our soul has been more than glutted. May disgrace fall on the prosperous, and contempt on the proud.
PSALM 123/124
Had not the Lord been with us, let Israel now say, had not the Lord been with us at the time men rose against us, truly, they would have swallowed us alive when their fury was inflamed against us; truly, the water would have drowned us, the torrent would have swept over us. Truly, the raging waters would have overwhelmed us. Blessed be the Lord who has not abandoned us as prey to their teeth. Like a bird of passage we were rescued from the fowler's net. The snare was torn asunder, and we escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (3)
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
DEACON: Again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
THE PRAYER OF THE SECOND ANTIPHON
PRIEST: (inaudibly) O Lord, do not rebuke us in Your anger; do not chastise us in Your wrath; but deal with us according to Your loving kindness, as Healer and Physician of our souls. Guide us to the harbor of Your will; enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know Your truth; and grant that the rest of this day may be peaceful and without sin, as may our whole life, through the prayers of the Theotokos and of all tile saints.
PRIEST: For Yours is the dominion, and Yours the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
THE SECOND SETTING OF THE PSALTER
PSALM 124/125
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Sion which cannot be moved, which shall stand forever. Mountains are all around Jerusalem, as the Lord is around his people, now and forever. For the Lord will not let the scepter of the wicked rule over the land of the just, lest the just themselves apply their hands to iniquities. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those whose heart is upright. But those who stray into crooked ways, the Lord will expel with evildoers. Peace upon Israel!
PSALM 125/126
When the Lord returned the captives of Sion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. Then it was said among the Gentiles, "The Lord has done great things for them. " The Lord has done great things for us: we have been made to rejoice. O Lord, return our captives as streams return to the south. Those who weep as they sow shall rejoice as they reap. Though they went forth shedding tears as they scattered their seeds, they shall return rejoicing, bearing with them their sheaves.
PSALM 126/127
Unless the Lord build the house, in vain do the builders toil; unless the Lord guard the city, in vain does the watchman keep watch. In vain do you rise early: you get up after rest only to eat the bread of grief, for he provides for his beloved while they sleep. Behold, the Lord's inheritance is his children, and his reward, the fruit of the womb. As arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior, so are the children of the exiles. Blessed the man who will be able to fill his quiver with them: they shall never be put to shame when they meet their foes at the gates.
PSALM 127/128
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You shall eat of your hand's labor: blessed are you, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your house: your children like olive shoots around your table. Behold, in this way shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Sion, and may you see the wealth of Jerusalem all the days of your life. And may you see your children's children. Peace upon Israel!
PSALM 128/129
Often have they assailed me since my youth: let Israel say it! Often have they assailed me since my youth, but they have not prevailed over me. The wicked plowed my back: they increased their iniquity. But the righteous Lord has cut asunder the neck of the sinners. Let them all be confounded and turned back, those who hate Sion: let them become like grass on the house-tops which withers before it can sprout; with which the reaper fills not his hand, nor the binder of sheaves his arms, while those who pass by do not say, "The blessing of the Lord be upon you!" We have blessed you in the name of the Lord.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (3)
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
DEACON: Again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRAYER OF THE THIRD ANTIPHON
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Lord our God, be mindful of us sinners and Your unfit servants, even as we call upon Your holy name; and do not put us to shame for having placed our hope in Your mercy; but grant, O Lord, all that we ask for our salvation; and make us worthy to love and fear You with all our heart, and in all things to do Your wilt.
PRIEST: For You are a good and loving God, and to You we offer the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
THE THIRD SETTING OF THE PSALTER
PSALM 129/130
Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my plea. If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness. For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord. My soul has trusted in the Lord, from the morning watch till night. Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
PSALM 130/131
O Lord, my heart is not uplifted, nor are my eyes upraised. I have not busied myself with lofty pursuits, nor with wonders too great for me. If I have failed to remain humble, but instead have exalted my soul, as a weaned child is treated by its mother, so will you deal with my soul. Let Israel hope in the Lord, henceforth and forever.
PSALM 131/132
O Lord, remember David and all his forbearance, how he swore to the Lord, and made a vow to the God of Jacob: "I will not enter the tent, my abode, nor get up on the couch of my repose; I will give no sleep to my eyes, nor to my eyelids any slumber, nor to my temples any rest, until I find a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. " Behold, I have heard of it in Ephrata: we found it in the forest clearings. Let us enter into his tabernacles, let us worship where his feet once stood. Arise, O Lord, and go to your rest, you and the ark of your holiness.
May your priests be clothed in righteousness, and your faithful ones rejoice. For the sake of David your servant, turn not away the face of your anointed one. The Lord swore to David a promise which he will not retract: "One of your own flesh I will place on your throne. If your sons will keep my covenant and the revelations I will offer them, their sons also shall be seated upon your throne for evermore. " For the Lord has elected Sion, he has chosen it for his dwelling:
"This is my home for ever and ever; here I will dwell because I have chosen it. I will bless abundantly her provisions; I will feed her poor with bread; I will clothe her priests with salvation, and the faithful shall exult with joy. There will I raise the pride of David; I have readied a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but on him my crown shall shine.
PSALM 132/133
Behold how good and pleasant it for brothers to dwell in unity. It is as ointment upon the head, which runs down over the beard, the beard of Aaron, runs down to the hem of his garment. It is like the dew of Hermon which falls on the mountains of Sion, for there the Lord has ordained the blessing: life for evermore.
PSALM 133/134
Behold now, bless the Lord all you servants of the Lord who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. By night, lift up your hands to the holy places and bless the Lord. May the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Sion.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (2)
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. Lord our hope, glory to You.
DEACON: Again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
THE PRAYER OF THE FOURTH ANTIPHON
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Praised by the heavenly powers with hymns that are never silent and doxologies that never cease, fill our lips with praise of You, that we may fitly magnify Your holy name. And grant us a portion and share with all who truly fear You and keep Your commandments; at the intercession of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints.
PRIEST: For You are our God, a God who shows mercy and saves, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
He then sings the opening verses of Psalm 140/141 in the appointed tone:
PSALM 140/141
O Lord, I have cried out to you: hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried out to you, hear me; hearken to the voice of my prayer as I cry out to you, hear me , O Lord.
As the second verse begins, the Priest invokes a blessing on the incense and the Deacon censes in the usual manner.
Let my prayer rise as incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, and a gate to contain my lips. Let not my heart incline to evil deeds, to finding excuses for sinful doings. In the company of men who work iniquity, and I will not partake of their delicacies. Let the just man chasten me with kindness and chide me. But the oil of the wicked shall never touch my head, yet even then would I pray for their good will. Their judges were dashed against the rock: they shall hear my words, how sweet they are. As a lump of clay broken on the ground, so shall their bones be strewn near the grave. On you, Lord, O Lord, my eyes are fixed; in you have I trusted: take not my life. Keep me from the snare which they have set for me, and from the
traps of wicked men. The wicked shall fall into their own nets, while I alone escape.
PSALM 141/142
With my voice, I cried out to the Lord, with my voice, I implored the Lord. Before him, I will pour out my prayer; in his presence, I will tell of my distress. When my spirit was fainting within me, you knew my paths. On that very road I was walking, they set a trap for me. I looked to my right and observed: no one was aware of me. I had no means of escape: no one would take care of my life. I cried out to you, O Lord, and said, "You are my hope, my share in the land of the living. Attend to my supplication, for I am laid very low. "Deliver me from my oppressors, for they are too strong for me. Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name. "
The Hymnology and Old Testament Readings for each Presanctified Liturgy will be found in Appendices A & B
PRIEST: Peace be to you.
DEACON: Wisdom.
When the reading is concluded, the priest censes the Holy Altar, pausing at each side, singing antiphonally with the Cantor the "Katefthynthito", "Let my prayer rise as incense before You...
introducing each reprise with a verse from Psalm 140/141:
PRIEST: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest then moves to the south of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.
PRIEST: O Lord, I have cried out to You: hear me; hearken to the voice of my prayer as I cry out to You.
CANTOR: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest then moves to the rear of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.
PRIEST: Verse: Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, and a gate to contain my lips.
CANTOR: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest then moves to the north of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.
PRIEST: Verse: Let not my heart incline to evil deeds, to finding excuses for sinful doings, in the company of men who work iniquity, and I will not partake of their delicacies.
CANTOR: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest then moves in front of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.
PRIEST: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
CANTOR: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest standing before the Holy Table repeats.
PRIEST: Let my prayer rise
Coming through the Royal Gates and censing the icon of Christ the Lord he chants.
as incense before You.
He the censes the remaining icons and the faithful as the Cantor chants.
CANTOR: the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
If the Feast of a Saint is being commemorated the appropriate Epistle and Gospel is now read.
The Deacon exits from the north door (or the Priest standing before the Holy table) and chants the Fervent Supplication.
THE FERVENT SUPPLICATION
DEACON: Let us say with our whole heart and our whole mind, let us say.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (threefold)
DEACON: Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Have mercy on us, O God, in Your great goodness; we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Again we pray for our Archbishop (N.), and our Bishop (N.).
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
According to the practice of the Ecumenical Patriarchate the Litany ends here.
Prayer of the Fervent Supplication
PRIEST: (During the Litany of Fervent Supplication: inaudibly) Lord our God, accept this fervent prayer by Your servants, and have mercy on us, and in the abundance of Your compassion have pity on us and on all Your people, who await Your plenteous mercy.
PRIEST: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
Here the Priest makes the sign of the Cross over the Antimension with the Book of Gospels.
THE LITANY FOR THE CATECHUMENS
DEACON: You who are Catechumens, pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: You faithful, let us pray for the Catechumens.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That the Lord will show them mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That He will instruct them in the word of His truth.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That He will reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That He will unite them to His Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Save them, have mercy on them, help them and keep them, O God, in Your grace.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: You who are Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.
Prayer for the Catechumens
PRIEST: (inaudibly) O God, our God, Author and Creator of all things, it is Your will that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Look upon Your servants the Catechumens, and free them of ancient error and from the wiles of the enemy. Call them to eternal life, illuminating their souls and bodies, and numbering them among Your reasoning flock, on which Your holy name is invoked.
PRIEST: That with us they too may glorify Your most noble and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
CANTOR: Amen.
Here the Priest unfolds the Antimension as in the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
DEACON: All Catechumens, depart. The Catechumens, depart. All who are admitted for Illumination, depart. Pray, all you who preparing for Illumination. Let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Catechumens, depart. Let none of the Catechumens remain.
DEACON: All we faithful once again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Wisdom!
The First Prayer of the Faithful
PRIEST: (inaudibly) O God, great and praised, through the life giving death of Your Christ, You have borne us from corruption to immortality. Liberate all our senses from killing passion, setting over them as a benevolent sovereign our inner reason. Let the eye be averted from every evil sight, and the ear be deaf to idle talk.
May the tongue be purged of unseemly speech. Purify these lips that praise You, Lord. Make our hands abstain from wicked deeds, doing only such things as are pleasing to You, thus sealing with Your grace all our members, and our mind.
PRIEST: For all glory, honor and worship are Your due: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
CANTOR: Amen.
DEACON: Again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Wisdom!
The Second Prayer of the Faithful
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Holy Master, infinitely good, we entreat You, rich in mercy, to be gracious to us sinners, and to make us worthy to receive Your only Son and our God, the King of Glory. For behold, His spotless body and life giving blood are about to make their entrance at this hour, to be laid on this mystical table, invisibly attended by a multitude of the heavenly host. Grant that we may receive them in blameless communion, so that as the eyes of our understanding see the light, we may become children of light and of day.
PRIEST: Through the gift of Your Christ with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
In place of the Hymn of the Cherubim, which is normally sung at the Entrance of the Holy Gifts, the following hymn is sung:
CANTOR: Now the Powers of Heaven minister invisibly with us. For, behold, the King of Glory enters.
The hymn breaks off at this point. In total silence the Gifts are carried into the Soleas by the priest whose head is covered by the Aer, then into the Sanctuary, and placed on the Holy Altar. As these are the Presanctified Gifts, already consecrated, the people kneel in deep reverence during their Entrance.
They rise as the hymn concludes:
CANTOR: Behold, the mystical sacrifice, fully accomplished, is ushered in. In fervent faith let us draw near, that we may become sharers in everlasting life. Alleluia.
THE COMPLETION LITANY
DEACON: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the Precious Gifts here set forth and presanctified, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That our loving God, having received them at His holy and mystical and celestial altar as a sweet spiritual fragrance, will in turn send upon us His divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That we may be spared all affliction, violence, danger and want, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and without sin, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: Forgiveness of our sins and offenses let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: All that is good and profitable for our souls, and peace in the world, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: That we may live out our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: A Christian end to our lives, peaceful, free of suffering and shame, and a good defense at the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: Having prayed for the unity of the faith, and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: During the Completion Litany: (inaudibly) O God of ineffable and unseen mysteries, in You are hidden the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, yet You have revealed to us this Liturgy and, in Your great love for mankind, appointed us sinners to offer gifts and sacrifices to You, for our sins and for the failings of the people. Invisible King, You perform works great and inscrutable, glorious and extraordinary, beyond number. Look upon us Your undeserving servants as we stand, as at Your throne of the Cherubim at this Your holy altar, where Your only-begotten Son, our God, rests in the awesome mysteries here offered.
Freeing us all, and Your faithful people, of all uncleanness, sanctify all of us, soul and body, with a sanctification that cannot be taken away. Thus, partaking of these divine Blessings with pure conscience, faces unblushing, hearts enlightened, and being quickened by them, we may be united to Your Christ Himself, our true God. For He said: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him. " Having Your Word indwelling and moving within us, we may thus become the temple of Your all-holy and worshipful Spirit, free of every wide of the Evil One affecting our acts, our words, our thoughts, and so obtain the blessings promised to us as to Your Saints who have pleased You through the ages.
PRIEST: And make us worthy, Master, with confidence and without fear of reproach, to make bold to call You, the heavenly God, Father, and to say:
UNISON: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
PRIEST: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be to all.
CANTOR: And to you spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: (inaudibly) O God, You alone are compassionate and good. Dwelling on high, yet looking upon the lowly, regard Your people with tender eye and safeguard diem. Count us all worthy to partake without reproach of these Your life giving Mysteries. For it is to You that we bow our heads, in the hope of Your rich mercy.
Lifting the Asterisk from the Paten:
PRIEST: Through the grace, mercy and love for us of Your only begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Lord Jesus Christ, hear us from Your holy dwelling place and from the throne of glory of Your kingdom and come to sanctify us. Though enthroned with the Father on high, yet present here in our midst, unseen, deign by Your mighty hand to give us a share of Your Pure Body and Precious Blood, and through us to all Your people.
With the Holy Gifts still covered by the veil, the Priest touches the consecrated "Lamb ".
DEACON: Let us be attentive
PRIEST: The Presanctified Holy Gifts for the holy people of God.
CANTOR: One is holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. (Followed by the Communion Hymn:)
CANTOR: Taste and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
THE FRACTION AND COMMUNION
The priest now uncovers the Gifts and performs the fraction in the usual manner.
DEACON: Master, break the Holy Bread.
He breaks the Amnos into its four quarters.
PRIEST: (In a low voice:) The Lamb of God is broken and shared, broken but not divided; forever eaten yet never consumed, but sanctifying those who partake of Him.
DEACON: Master, fill the Cup.
He places the portion marked IC (Jesus) in the chalice, saying:
PRIEST: The fullness of the Holy Spirit.
DEACON: Amen.
DEACON: Master, bless the Zeon.
PRIEST: Blessed is the fervor of Your Saints, now and forevermore. Amen.
Pouring the Zeon into the chalice, he says:
DEACON: The fervor of faith, full of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION
I believe, Lord, and confess that You are truly the Christ, Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the greatest. I also believe that this is truly Your spotless Body, and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Wherefore I pray to You: have mercy on me and forgive my offenses, whether intended or not, whether committed in word or in deed, knowingly or unknowingly; and count me worthy to share without judgment in Your pure Mysteries, for remission of sins and for everlasting life. Amen.
You have beguiled me with yearning, O Christ, and by love divine transformed me. Consume my sins in ethereal flame, and let me be filled with the sheer delight of You, O Gracious Lord, that leaping for joy, I may magnify both Your Advents.
How shall I, so unworthy, come into the splendor of Your Saints? If I make bold to enter the bridal feast, my clothing will reproach me since it is not a wedding garment. Then I shall be bound and cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, purge my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ my God, let not these holy gifts become a judgment against me because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of both soul and body, and as a pledge of the future life and the kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God, to place in Him my hope for salvation.
And as he makes three prostrations before the altar:
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical supper; for I will not reveal the Mystery to Your enemies, nor give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
Bowing to the people in a gesture of mutual forgiveness, he then turns to the altar to receive, saying to the DEACON:
PRIEST: Brother and con-celebrant, forgive me the unworthy Priest.
DEACON: May the Lord forgive both you and us.
PRIEST: May the Lord forgive me a sinner, and have mercy on me. (3)
He then takes a portion of the Lamb, saying:
PRIEST: Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God. The precious and most holy Body of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (N.) the unworthy Priest, for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
Then, drinking from the cup:
Behold, again I approach Christ, our immortal King and God. The precious and most holy, pure and life giving Blood of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (N.) the unworthy Priest, for forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
Wiping the rim of the chalice and reverencing it, he adds:
This has touched my lips; it takes away my iniquities and cleanses me of my sins.
The deacon then also receives according to the established order.
Then the following prayer:
PRIEST: We thank You, God and Savior of all, for all the blessings You have bestowed on us, and for the communion of the Holy Body and Blood of Your Christ. And we pray You, loving Lord, keep us in the shelter of Your wings, and grant that, to our very last breath, we may partake worthily of Your sanctifying blessings, for the enlightenment of soul and body, for the inheritance of the heavenly kingdom.
THE COMMUNION OF THE FAITHFUL
DEACON: With the fear of God, with faith and with love, draw near.
CANTOR: God is Lord and has revealed Himself to us. Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.
When all have received the Holy Eucharist, the Priest holds the chalice aloft and says:
PRIEST: God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance.
In place of the customary "We have seen the light... " we sing:
CANTOR: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever on my lips. Taste the heavenly bread and the cup of life, and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
PRIEST: (As he censes the Holy Gifts: inaudibly) Be exalted, O , above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth (3)
The Deacon receives the Paten from the Priest and takes it to the Prothesis.
The Priest lifting the Chalice prays before the Holy Table.
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Blessed is our God
Then, holding the Chalice aloft, covered, he faces the people and adds:
always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CANTOR: Amen.
After returning the Holy Vessels to the Prothesis the Priest folds the Antimension.
DEACON: Let us be attentive! Having received the divine, holy, pure, immortal, life giving and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us give fitting thanks to the Lord.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Having asked that this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and free of sin, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
He makes the sign of the Cross with the Book of Gospels over the now folded Antimension.
PRIEST: For You are our sanctification, and to You we give the glory: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PRIEST: Let us depart in peace.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy Father, give the blessing.
PRIEST: (Standing before the icon of Christ) Almighty Lord, You have created all things in wisdom. In Your inexpressible providence and great goodness You have brought us to these saving days, for the cleansing of our souls and bodies, for control of our passions, in the hope of the Resurrection. After the forty days You delivered into the hands of Your servant Moses the tablets of the law in characters divinely traced. Enable us also, O benevolent One, to fight the good fight, to complete the course of the fast, to keep the faith inviolate, to crush underfoot the heads of unseen tempters, to emerge victors over sin and to come, without reproach, to the worship of Your Holy Resurrection. For blessed and glorified is Your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
CANTOR: Amen. May the name of the Lord be praised, from this time forth and to the endless ages.
This is sung three times as the Priest goes to the Prothesis, saying:
PRIEST: Lord our God, You have guided us to these most holy days, and admitted us as participants to Your awesome Mysteries. Unite us to Your spiritual flock and declare us heirs to Your kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: May the blessing of the Lord and His mercy come upon you, through His divine grace and love, always, now and forevermore.
CANTOR: Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
PRIEST: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.
May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother; the power of the precious and life giving Cross; the protection of the honorable, bodiless heavenly powers; the supplications of the honorable, glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious and victorious Martyrs; our venerable and godly Fathers; the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; of Saint (the Saint of the day) whose memory we keep today; and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
NOTE: The reading of Psalms 33/34 and 144/145 is prescribed at this point as the faithful receive the antidoron.
PSALM 33/34
READER: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever on my lips. My soul shall glory in the Lord: let the meek hear and rejoice. Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Approach the Lord and be enlightened, and your face shall never be shamed. This wretched man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and delivered him from all his afflictions.
The angel will stand guard around those who fear the Lord and save them. Taste and see how good the Lord is. Blessed is the man who hopes in him. Fear the Lord, all you his faithful ones, for those who fear him shall want for nothing. The rich have become poor and hungry, but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good. Come, children, hear me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Which of you desires life, and loves to see the good days? Keep your tongue from wickedness, and your lips from deceitful speech; turn away from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the Lord are upon the just and his ears are open to their pleas; the face of the Lord is turned against sinners, to erase their memory from the earth. The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and he delivered them from all their trials. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and he will save the humble in spirit. Many are the trials of the righteous, but out of them all the Lord will deliver them. He protects every bone in their body: not a single one of them will be broken. The death of sinners is painful; those who hate justice shall be damned. The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants, and none of those who hope in him shall be lost.
PSALM 144/145
I will exalt you, my God and my king, and bless your name for ever and ever. Every day I will bless you, and praise your name for ever and ever. The Lord is great and greatly to be praised, and to his greatness there is no end. Age after age will praise your works, and proclaim your might. They will tell the glorious splendor of your holiness, they will recount your wondrous works; they will speak of the power of your awesome deeds, they will declare your greatness. They will recall your abundant goodness and will exult in your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful: he is long-suffering and abounding in love.
The Lord is good towards everyone, and his grace extends over all his works. Let all your works give thanks to you, Lord, and all your faithful ones bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known your might to the children of men, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages and your dominion is for all generations. The Lord keeps faith in all his promises and is hallowed in all his works. The Lord supports all who are failing, and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look up to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hands and satisfy all living beings; the Lord is just in all his ways, and faithful in all his works. The Lord is close to all who pray to him, those who call upon him in truth. He will meet the desire of those who fear him, and hear their pleas and save them. The Lord keeps watch over those who love him, but the wicked he will utterly destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name, for ever and to all eternity.
PRIEST: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
CANTOR: Amen.
The Service of the Sunday Orthros
Contents
How to Use this Book
Preface
The Six Psalms
Resurrection Apolytikia and Theotokia
Kathismata
Evlogetaria
Hypakoai
Oikoi - Kontakia
Katavasiai
Eothina - Morning Gospels
Megalynaria
Resurrection Exaposteilaria and Theotokia
Ainoi
Morning Doxastika
Doxology
About this Book/About the Translator
The Service Of The Sunday Orthros
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All‑holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Grant victory to the Orthodox over their adversaries and guard your commonwealth with your cross.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
You were lifted up upon the cross of your own will, Christ our God. Grant your mercy upon the people that bear your name. In your strength make glad the Orthodox, giving them victory over their adversaries. May they have your alliance as a weapon of peace, and an invincible trophy.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O awesome and ever present protection, do not overlook, O gracious one, our supplications. Most‑praised Theotokos, establish the Orthodox people, save those whom you have called to govern and grant them victory from above, for you, blessed one, have given birth to God.
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy; we pray to you, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Let us pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Let us pray for our Archbishop (Name) and our Bishop (Name).
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For you are a merciful and loving God, and to you we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.
Priest: Glory to the holy and consubstantial, and life‑giving, and undivided Trinity, always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Six Psalms
People: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all people (3).
Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise (2).
Psalm 3
O Lord, why are they who afflict me multiplied? Many rise up against me. Many say to my soul, there is no salvation for him in his God. But you, O Lord, are my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me from his holy mountain. I laid down and slept. I awoke, for the Lord has protected me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord. Save me, my God. For you have struck all who without cause are my enemies. You have broken the teeth of sinners. Salvation belongs to the Lord, and your blessing is upon your people.
(Again) I have laid down and slept. I awoke, for the Lord has protected me.
Psalm 37
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chasten me in your wrath. For your arrows are fixed in me, and you have pressed your hand heavily upon me. There is no health in my flesh in the face of your wrath; there is no peace in my bones in the face of my sins. For my transgressions have risen higher than my head; they have pressed heavily upon me as a heavy burden. My bruises have become noisome and corrupt in the face of my foolishness. I have been wretched and bowed down utterly until the end; all day long I went with downcast face. For my soul is filled with mocking; and there is no health in my flesh. I have been afflicted and I have been greatly humbled. I have roared from the groaning of my heart. But O Lord, all my desire is before you, and my groaning is not hidden from you. My heart is troubled, my strength has failed me; and the light of my eyes, is not with me. My friends and my neighbors drew up against me and stood still, and my nearest relatives stood far off. And they who sought my soul used violence; and they who sought evil for me spoke vain things and they meditated craftiness all day long. But as for me, like a deaf man I heard them not, and I was a speechless man who opened not his mouth. And I became a man who hears not and has no reproofs in his mouth. For I have hoped in you, O Lord. You will listen to me, O Lord my God. For I said: never let my enemies rejoice over me. Yes, when my feet were shaken, those men spoke boastful words against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity, and be distressed for my sin. But my enemies live and are mightier than I, and they who hated me unjustly are multiplied. They who render me evil for good have slandered me because I followed righteousness. Do not forsake me, O Lord my God, do not depart from me. Be attentive to my help, O Lord, of my salvation.
(Again) Do not forsake me, Lord, my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, Lord of my salvation.
Psalm 62 (63)
O God, my God, early at dawn I rise to you. My soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you in a barren, untrodden and unwatered land. So I have appeared before you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory. For your mercy is better than life; my lips shall praise you. Thus I shall bless you while I live, and I will lift up my hands in your name. Let my soul be filled with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips. When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on you at dawn, for you have become my helper; I shall rejoice in the shelter of your wings. My soul follows close behind you; your right hand has been quick to help me. But those who seek my life, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by him shall be praised; but the mouths of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
(Again) I meditate on you at dawn, for you have become my helper. I shall rejoice in the shelter of your wings. My soul follows close behind you; your right hand has been quick to help me.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia (3). Lord, have mercy (3). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Psalm 87 (88)
O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry. For my soul is filled with evil, and my life draws near to Hades. I am counted with those who go down into the pit; I am like a man without help, adrift among the dead, like the bodies of the slain who sleep in the grave, whom you remember no more, and are cut off from your hand. They have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, and the shadow of death. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you have afflicted me with all your waves. You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out; my eyes have grown weak from poverty. I have cried to you, Lord, the entire day. I have stretched out my hands to you. Will you work wonders for the dead? Or shall physicians raise them up so that they might thank you? Shall any in the grave speak of your mercy and your truth in the place of destruction? Shall your wonders be known in the dark, and your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? But as for me, I have cried out to you, Lord, and in the morning my prayer shall come before you. Lord, why do you cast off my soul, and turn away from me? I am a poor man and in trouble. From my youth, having been exalted, I was humbled and brought to distress. Your fierce wrath has gone over me, and your terrors have solely troubled me. They came around me all day long like water; they engulfed me altogether. You have put far away from me friend and neighbor, and my acquaintances because of my misery.
(Again) O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry.
Psalm 102 (103)
Bless the Lord, my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all that he has done for you. He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities. He redeems your life from corruption. He crowns you with mercy and compassion. He satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord performs deeds of mercy, and justice for all who are wronged. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will he keep his anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities, nor has he rewarded us according to our sins. For as heavens are high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our iniquities from us. As a father has compassion upon his son, so has the Lord compassion upon those who fear him. For he knows what we are made of, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom. For the wind passes over it, then it shall be gone. And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity to eternity upon those who fear him, and his righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, all of his angels, who excel in strength, who do his word, heeding the voice of his word. Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, you minister of his, who do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, my soul.
(Again) In all places of his dominion, bless the Lord, O my soul.
Psalm 142 (143)
Lord, hear my prayer. In your truth, give ear to my supplications; in righteousness, hear me. And enter not into judgment with your servant for no one living is justified in your sight. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all your works; I pondered on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; my soul longs for you like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not your face away from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me to hear your mercy in the morning, for in you I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to you have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do your will for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path; Lord, for your name’s sake, you shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, you shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in your mercy, you shall utterly destroy my enemies. And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.
(Again) Hear me, O Lord, in your righteousness, and enter not into judgment with your servant (2) . Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, glory to You, O God (3), O Lord my hope, glory to you.
Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the peace of God and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our Archbishop (Name) our Bishop (Name), the honorable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our country, the president, and all those in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this parish and city, for every city and town, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever‑virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For to you belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. The Lord is God and has revealed himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
(Then the Troparion of the day following verses according to the tone.)
Verse 1. Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his holy name.
Verse 2. All the nations have encircled me, but in the name of the Lord I repulsed them.
Verse 3. This has been done of the Lord; and it is wonderful in our eyes.
(The resurrection apolytikion of the tone is then chanted. “Glory” (the troparion of the saint, if there is one), or “Glory” and the apolytikion again. “Now and forever” and the Theotokion of the tone.)
THE LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS
Because the Divine Liturgy is the "Banquet of Christ", a festive, triumphant celebration, the ancient discipline of the Church came to regard it as out of harmony with the penitential climate of Great Lent. Yet to provide the faithful with the "food of immortality", the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, that is, with the Eucharistic Gifts consecrated beforehand, at the Liturgy of the previous Sunday, came into use early on. (It is attested as the approved custom by the Quinisext Council of 692.)
The Presanctified Gifts were offered to the faithful, after the ninth hour, about 3:00 p.m., usually at the end of a day of fasting, in what is actually an elaborated Office of Vespers with Holy Communion. The Presanctified is conducted from fifteen to eighteen times a year:
1. On Wednesday and Friday of the first six weeks of Lent.
2. On Thursday of the fourth week of Lent.
3. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week.
The Sacrificial (or Resurrection) Liturgy is celebrated on all Saturdays and Sundays in Lent, on the Feast of the Annunciation, on whatever day it falls, and on Holy Thursday. (Good Friday is an a liturgical day.)
PARTICULARITIES OF THE PRESANCTIFIED
On the preceding Sunday, at the Prothesis, after dedicating the principal Amnos, or "Lamb", to be distributed in Holy Communion that day, the Priest prepares as many additional "Lambs" as there will be Liturgies of the Presanctified during that week, saying for each the same dedicatory prayers as for the first.
However, at the Consecration of the Gifts all the "Lambs" are presented as one, for Christ is one. Similarly, at the elevation, all the "Lambs" are elevated together.
At the fraction, the Priest breaks only that Amnos which he dedicated first at the Prothesis. As for the others, he takes them one by one in his left hand, and with the spoon in his right pours a small amount of the Holy and Precious Blood of the Lord crosswise on the underside incised with the Cross, then places them in the tabernacle.
Readings from the Psalms are an important element of the Presanctified; the text used here is the translation from the Greek Septuagint authorized by the Holy Archdiocese in 1993, to be used "wherever the Psalms occur in our services." It is the product of a collaboration between Father Leonidas Contos and Father Spencer Kezios for Narthex Press and Baron Jose deVinck for Alleluia Press.
VESPERS WITH THE DIVINE LITURGYOF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS
PRIEST: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
READER: Amen.
Come, let us worship God our King and bow down before Him.
Come, let us worship Christ God our King and bow down before Him.
Come, let us worship Christ, our King and our God, and bow down before Him.
PSALM 103/104
Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! Clothed in pomp and brilliance, arrayed with light as with a cloak, stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth, establishing your lofty halls on water. You make the clouds your conveyance, you surge on the wings of the wind. You make the winds your messengers, and flaming fires your attendants.
You settled the earth on its foundation: it shall stand unmoved from age to age. The abyss covered it like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke, they take to flight, at the peal of your thunder, they flee. They hurdle the hills and run down the dales to the place you have chosen for them. You have set up a boundary not to be passed: they shall never return to cover the earth.
Down in the gullies, you make springs to rise; waters shall flow between the mountains. They shall give drink to the beasts of the field; wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst. The birds of the sky shall abide by them; from among the rocks, they will raise their song. From your lofty halls you refresh the hills; the earth shall be fed with the fruit of your works.
You make green pastures for the cattle and food-plants for the service of man, so that bread may be drawn from the earth, and wine that gladdens the heart of man; so that oil may put a gleam on his face, and that bread may strengthen the heart of man. The trees of the plain shall be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. Sparrows shall build their nests in them, herons shall call them their home. To the deer belong the high mountains; to rodents, the shelter of the rock.
You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness, and it is night, wherein the forest creatures prowl. Young lions roar for their prey, and call out to God for their meat. As the sun rises, they will come together, and lay themselves down in their dens. Man will go out to his labor, and work until eventide.
How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have wrought them all. The earth is filled with your creatures, even the wide and open sea. Within it are countless creeping things, living beings small and large. Upon it there are ships a-sailing, and the great beast you made to have fun. All of them look to you to give them their food in due season. You provide and they gather up; you open your hands, and they are full. You hide your face, and they cringe; you suspend their breath, and they die and return to their dust. You send forth your breath, and they live; you renew the face of the earth.
May the Lord's glory endure forever, may the Lord rejoice in his works. He looks upon the earth, and makes it quake; he touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live, I will praise my God as long as I last. Would that my thoughts be pleasing to him, and I will rejoice in the Lord. May the sinners vanish from the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
The sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness and it is night.
How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have wrought them all.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. (2) Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. 0 Lord our hope, glory to you.
THE GREAT LITANY OF PEACE
DEACON: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For heavenly peace and the salvation of our souls let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For peace in the whole world, the stability of God's Holy Churches and for the oneness of all, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this holy house, and all who enter it with faith, reverence and godly fear, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our Archbishop (N.), our Bishop (N.), the worthy priesthood, the deacons in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our country, the President, and all in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this city and this Parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For temperate weather, abundance of the goods of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For those who travel, by land, sea and air, for those who are sick or suffering or in captivity, and for their safekeeping, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That we may be spared all affliction, violence, danger and want, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
THE PRAYER OF THE FIRST ANTIPHON
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Gracious and merciful Lord, forbearing and generous in mercy, hear our prayer and heed the voice of our entreaty. Give us a sign of Your favor. Lead us in Your way, that we may walk in Your truth; gladden our hearts, that we may be in awe of Your holy name, for You are great in the wonders You perform. You alone are God, and among all deities none is Your like, O Lord: mighty in mercy and benevolent in might, helping and comforting and saving all who trust in Your holy name.
PRIEST: For all glory, honor and worship are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
After which the gates of the Royal doors are closed and the Reader reads the eighteenth division of the Psalter.
While the first stasis of the Kathisma is being read, the Priest, making three deep prostrations, opens the Tabernacle (Artophorion) and censing the gifts, he places the paten (diskarion) on the open antimension on the Holy Altar. With great reverence he places a "Lamb " upon it. Then, covering it with the veil, and led by the censer, he proceeds to the Prothesis.
There he pours wine and water into the chalice in the usual way, covers it with the second veil, then both vessels with the aer. These actions are accompanied simply by the "Through the prayers of the Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and save us. " When the Presanctified Gifts have been covered, he proceeds to the Little Synapte, or short petition.
THE FIRST SETTING
PSALM 119/120
In my distress, I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me. O Lord, save me from lying lips, and from a treacherous tongue. What shall be given you and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? The sharpened arrows of a warrior with firebrands made of the broom tree. Woe is me that my exile has been so long; that I have set up tent in the camp of Kedar. Too long have I stayed among those who hate peace. I was peaceable, but when I spoke to them, they warred against me without cause.
PSALM 120/121
I lifted up my eyes to the hills whence help shall come to me. My help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not suffer your foot to stumble; nor shall the Guardian fall asleep. Behold, he will neither sleep nor slumber, the Watcher over Israel. The Lord will keep watch over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not scorch you by day, nor shall the moon fail you by night. The Lord will preserve you from every evil, the Lord will safeguard your life. The Lord will guard your coming and your going henceforth and for evermore.
PSALM 121/122
I was happy when they said to me: "Let us go to the house of the Lord." Our feet stood within your courts, Jerusalem, Jerusalem built as a city whose people are as one. For there did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord as it was decreed to Israel to give thanks to the name of the Lord. For there have been placed thrones for judgment, thrones for the house of David. Pray, then, for the peace of Jerusalem, and may prosperity be with those who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity upon your towers. For the sake of my brethren and my friends, I have indeed asked peace for you; for the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I have earnestly sought your good.
PSALM 122/123
I have lifted up my eyes to you who dwell in heaven. As the eyes of the servants are on the hands of their masters, as the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until he has mercy on us. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for we have had more than our fill of contempt: yes, our soul has been more than glutted. May disgrace fall on the prosperous, and contempt on the proud.
PSALM 123/124
Had not the Lord been with us, let Israel now say, had not the Lord been with us at the time men rose against us, truly, they would have swallowed us alive when their fury was inflamed against us; truly, the water would have drowned us, the torrent would have swept over us. Truly, the raging waters would have overwhelmed us. Blessed be the Lord who has not abandoned us as prey to their teeth. Like a bird of passage we were rescued from the fowler's net. The snare was torn asunder, and we escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (3)
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
DEACON: Again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
THE PRAYER OF THE SECOND ANTIPHON
PRIEST: (inaudibly) O Lord, do not rebuke us in Your anger; do not chastise us in Your wrath; but deal with us according to Your loving kindness, as Healer and Physician of our souls. Guide us to the harbor of Your will; enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know Your truth; and grant that the rest of this day may be peaceful and without sin, as may our whole life, through the prayers of the Theotokos and of all tile saints.
PRIEST: For Yours is the dominion, and Yours the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
THE SECOND SETTING OF THE PSALTER
PSALM 124/125
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Sion which cannot be moved, which shall stand forever. Mountains are all around Jerusalem, as the Lord is around his people, now and forever. For the Lord will not let the scepter of the wicked rule over the land of the just, lest the just themselves apply their hands to iniquities. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those whose heart is upright. But those who stray into crooked ways, the Lord will expel with evildoers. Peace upon Israel!
PSALM 125/126
When the Lord returned the captives of Sion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. Then it was said among the Gentiles, "The Lord has done great things for them. " The Lord has done great things for us: we have been made to rejoice. O Lord, return our captives as streams return to the south. Those who weep as they sow shall rejoice as they reap. Though they went forth shedding tears as they scattered their seeds, they shall return rejoicing, bearing with them their sheaves.
PSALM 126/127
Unless the Lord build the house, in vain do the builders toil; unless the Lord guard the city, in vain does the watchman keep watch. In vain do you rise early: you get up after rest only to eat the bread of grief, for he provides for his beloved while they sleep. Behold, the Lord's inheritance is his children, and his reward, the fruit of the womb. As arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior, so are the children of the exiles. Blessed the man who will be able to fill his quiver with them: they shall never be put to shame when they meet their foes at the gates.
PSALM 127/128
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You shall eat of your hand's labor: blessed are you, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your house: your children like olive shoots around your table. Behold, in this way shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Sion, and may you see the wealth of Jerusalem all the days of your life. And may you see your children's children. Peace upon Israel!
PSALM 128/129
Often have they assailed me since my youth: let Israel say it! Often have they assailed me since my youth, but they have not prevailed over me. The wicked plowed my back: they increased their iniquity. But the righteous Lord has cut asunder the neck of the sinners. Let them all be confounded and turned back, those who hate Sion: let them become like grass on the house-tops which withers before it can sprout; with which the reaper fills not his hand, nor the binder of sheaves his arms, while those who pass by do not say, "The blessing of the Lord be upon you!" We have blessed you in the name of the Lord.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (3)
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
DEACON: Again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRAYER OF THE THIRD ANTIPHON
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Lord our God, be mindful of us sinners and Your unfit servants, even as we call upon Your holy name; and do not put us to shame for having placed our hope in Your mercy; but grant, O Lord, all that we ask for our salvation; and make us worthy to love and fear You with all our heart, and in all things to do Your wilt.
PRIEST: For You are a good and loving God, and to You we offer the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
THE THIRD SETTING OF THE PSALTER
PSALM 129/130
Out of the depths I have cried out to you: Lord, Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my plea. If you retain sins, Lord, O Lord, who can stand? With you there is forgiveness. For your name's sake, O Lord, I have waited for you. My soul has waited for your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord. My soul has trusted in the Lord, from the morning watch till night. Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is steadfast love and in him is full redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
PSALM 130/131
O Lord, my heart is not uplifted, nor are my eyes upraised. I have not busied myself with lofty pursuits, nor with wonders too great for me. If I have failed to remain humble, but instead have exalted my soul, as a weaned child is treated by its mother, so will you deal with my soul. Let Israel hope in the Lord, henceforth and forever.
PSALM 131/132
O Lord, remember David and all his forbearance, how he swore to the Lord, and made a vow to the God of Jacob: "I will not enter the tent, my abode, nor get up on the couch of my repose; I will give no sleep to my eyes, nor to my eyelids any slumber, nor to my temples any rest, until I find a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. " Behold, I have heard of it in Ephrata: we found it in the forest clearings. Let us enter into his tabernacles, let us worship where his feet once stood. Arise, O Lord, and go to your rest, you and the ark of your holiness.
May your priests be clothed in righteousness, and your faithful ones rejoice. For the sake of David your servant, turn not away the face of your anointed one. The Lord swore to David a promise which he will not retract: "One of your own flesh I will place on your throne. If your sons will keep my covenant and the revelations I will offer them, their sons also shall be seated upon your throne for evermore. " For the Lord has elected Sion, he has chosen it for his dwelling:
"This is my home for ever and ever; here I will dwell because I have chosen it. I will bless abundantly her provisions; I will feed her poor with bread; I will clothe her priests with salvation, and the faithful shall exult with joy. There will I raise the pride of David; I have readied a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but on him my crown shall shine.
PSALM 132/133
Behold how good and pleasant it for brothers to dwell in unity. It is as ointment upon the head, which runs down over the beard, the beard of Aaron, runs down to the hem of his garment. It is like the dew of Hermon which falls on the mountains of Sion, for there the Lord has ordained the blessing: life for evermore.
PSALM 133/134
Behold now, bless the Lord all you servants of the Lord who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. By night, lift up your hands to the holy places and bless the Lord. May the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Sion.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (2)
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. Lord our hope, glory to You.
DEACON: Again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
THE PRAYER OF THE FOURTH ANTIPHON
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Praised by the heavenly powers with hymns that are never silent and doxologies that never cease, fill our lips with praise of You, that we may fitly magnify Your holy name. And grant us a portion and share with all who truly fear You and keep Your commandments; at the intercession of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints.
PRIEST: For You are our God, a God who shows mercy and saves, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
He then sings the opening verses of Psalm 140/141 in the appointed tone:
PSALM 140/141
O Lord, I have cried out to you: hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried out to you, hear me; hearken to the voice of my prayer as I cry out to you, hear me , O Lord.
As the second verse begins, the Priest invokes a blessing on the incense and the Deacon censes in the usual manner.
Let my prayer rise as incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, and a gate to contain my lips. Let not my heart incline to evil deeds, to finding excuses for sinful doings. In the company of men who work iniquity, and I will not partake of their delicacies. Let the just man chasten me with kindness and chide me. But the oil of the wicked shall never touch my head, yet even then would I pray for their good will. Their judges were dashed against the rock: they shall hear my words, how sweet they are. As a lump of clay broken on the ground, so shall their bones be strewn near the grave. On you, Lord, O Lord, my eyes are fixed; in you have I trusted: take not my life. Keep me from the snare which they have set for me, and from the
traps of wicked men. The wicked shall fall into their own nets, while I alone escape.
PSALM 141/142
With my voice, I cried out to the Lord, with my voice, I implored the Lord. Before him, I will pour out my prayer; in his presence, I will tell of my distress. When my spirit was fainting within me, you knew my paths. On that very road I was walking, they set a trap for me. I looked to my right and observed: no one was aware of me. I had no means of escape: no one would take care of my life. I cried out to you, O Lord, and said, "You are my hope, my share in the land of the living. Attend to my supplication, for I am laid very low. "Deliver me from my oppressors, for they are too strong for me. Release me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name. "
The Hymnology and Old Testament Readings for each Presanctified Liturgy will be found in Appendices A & B
PRIEST: Peace be to you.
DEACON: Wisdom.
When the reading is concluded, the priest censes the Holy Altar, pausing at each side, singing antiphonally with the Cantor the "Katefthynthito", "Let my prayer rise as incense before You...
introducing each reprise with a verse from Psalm 140/141:
PRIEST: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest then moves to the south of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.
PRIEST: O Lord, I have cried out to You: hear me; hearken to the voice of my prayer as I cry out to You.
CANTOR: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest then moves to the rear of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.
PRIEST: Verse: Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, and a gate to contain my lips.
CANTOR: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest then moves to the north of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.
PRIEST: Verse: Let not my heart incline to evil deeds, to finding excuses for sinful doings, in the company of men who work iniquity, and I will not partake of their delicacies.
CANTOR: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest then moves in front of the Holy Table and censes, chanting aloud.
PRIEST: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
CANTOR: Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
The priest standing before the Holy Table repeats.
PRIEST: Let my prayer rise
Coming through the Royal Gates and censing the icon of Christ the Lord he chants.
as incense before You.
He the censes the remaining icons and the faithful as the Cantor chants.
CANTOR: the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
If the Feast of a Saint is being commemorated the appropriate Epistle and Gospel is now read.
The Deacon exits from the north door (or the Priest standing before the Holy table) and chants the Fervent Supplication.
THE FERVENT SUPPLICATION
DEACON: Let us say with our whole heart and our whole mind, let us say.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (threefold)
DEACON: Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Have mercy on us, O God, in Your great goodness; we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Again we pray for our Archbishop (N.), and our Bishop (N.).
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
According to the practice of the Ecumenical Patriarchate the Litany ends here.
Prayer of the Fervent Supplication
PRIEST: (During the Litany of Fervent Supplication: inaudibly) Lord our God, accept this fervent prayer by Your servants, and have mercy on us, and in the abundance of Your compassion have pity on us and on all Your people, who await Your plenteous mercy.
PRIEST: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
Here the Priest makes the sign of the Cross over the Antimension with the Book of Gospels.
THE LITANY FOR THE CATECHUMENS
DEACON: You who are Catechumens, pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: You faithful, let us pray for the Catechumens.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That the Lord will show them mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That He will instruct them in the word of His truth.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That He will reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That He will unite them to His Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Save them, have mercy on them, help them and keep them, O God, in Your grace.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: You who are Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.
Prayer for the Catechumens
PRIEST: (inaudibly) O God, our God, Author and Creator of all things, it is Your will that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Look upon Your servants the Catechumens, and free them of ancient error and from the wiles of the enemy. Call them to eternal life, illuminating their souls and bodies, and numbering them among Your reasoning flock, on which Your holy name is invoked.
PRIEST: That with us they too may glorify Your most noble and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
CANTOR: Amen.
Here the Priest unfolds the Antimension as in the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
DEACON: All Catechumens, depart. The Catechumens, depart. All who are admitted for Illumination, depart. Pray, all you who preparing for Illumination. Let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Catechumens, depart. Let none of the Catechumens remain.
DEACON: All we faithful once again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Wisdom!
The First Prayer of the Faithful
PRIEST: (inaudibly) O God, great and praised, through the life giving death of Your Christ, You have borne us from corruption to immortality. Liberate all our senses from killing passion, setting over them as a benevolent sovereign our inner reason. Let the eye be averted from every evil sight, and the ear be deaf to idle talk.
May the tongue be purged of unseemly speech. Purify these lips that praise You, Lord. Make our hands abstain from wicked deeds, doing only such things as are pleasing to You, thus sealing with Your grace all our members, and our mind.
PRIEST: For all glory, honor and worship are Your due: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
CANTOR: Amen.
DEACON: Again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Wisdom!
The Second Prayer of the Faithful
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Holy Master, infinitely good, we entreat You, rich in mercy, to be gracious to us sinners, and to make us worthy to receive Your only Son and our God, the King of Glory. For behold, His spotless body and life giving blood are about to make their entrance at this hour, to be laid on this mystical table, invisibly attended by a multitude of the heavenly host. Grant that we may receive them in blameless communion, so that as the eyes of our understanding see the light, we may become children of light and of day.
PRIEST: Through the gift of Your Christ with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
In place of the Hymn of the Cherubim, which is normally sung at the Entrance of the Holy Gifts, the following hymn is sung:
CANTOR: Now the Powers of Heaven minister invisibly with us. For, behold, the King of Glory enters.
The hymn breaks off at this point. In total silence the Gifts are carried into the Soleas by the priest whose head is covered by the Aer, then into the Sanctuary, and placed on the Holy Altar. As these are the Presanctified Gifts, already consecrated, the people kneel in deep reverence during their Entrance.
They rise as the hymn concludes:
CANTOR: Behold, the mystical sacrifice, fully accomplished, is ushered in. In fervent faith let us draw near, that we may become sharers in everlasting life. Alleluia.
THE COMPLETION LITANY
DEACON: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the Precious Gifts here set forth and presanctified, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That our loving God, having received them at His holy and mystical and celestial altar as a sweet spiritual fragrance, will in turn send upon us His divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That we may be spared all affliction, violence, danger and want, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and without sin, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: Forgiveness of our sins and offenses let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: All that is good and profitable for our souls, and peace in the world, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: That we may live out our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: A Christian end to our lives, peaceful, free of suffering and shame, and a good defense at the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: Having prayed for the unity of the faith, and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: During the Completion Litany: (inaudibly) O God of ineffable and unseen mysteries, in You are hidden the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, yet You have revealed to us this Liturgy and, in Your great love for mankind, appointed us sinners to offer gifts and sacrifices to You, for our sins and for the failings of the people. Invisible King, You perform works great and inscrutable, glorious and extraordinary, beyond number. Look upon us Your undeserving servants as we stand, as at Your throne of the Cherubim at this Your holy altar, where Your only-begotten Son, our God, rests in the awesome mysteries here offered.
Freeing us all, and Your faithful people, of all uncleanness, sanctify all of us, soul and body, with a sanctification that cannot be taken away. Thus, partaking of these divine Blessings with pure conscience, faces unblushing, hearts enlightened, and being quickened by them, we may be united to Your Christ Himself, our true God. For He said: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him. " Having Your Word indwelling and moving within us, we may thus become the temple of Your all-holy and worshipful Spirit, free of every wide of the Evil One affecting our acts, our words, our thoughts, and so obtain the blessings promised to us as to Your Saints who have pleased You through the ages.
PRIEST: And make us worthy, Master, with confidence and without fear of reproach, to make bold to call You, the heavenly God, Father, and to say:
UNISON: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
PRIEST: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be to all.
CANTOR: And to you spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: (inaudibly) O God, You alone are compassionate and good. Dwelling on high, yet looking upon the lowly, regard Your people with tender eye and safeguard diem. Count us all worthy to partake without reproach of these Your life giving Mysteries. For it is to You that we bow our heads, in the hope of Your rich mercy.
Lifting the Asterisk from the Paten:
PRIEST: Through the grace, mercy and love for us of Your only begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Lord Jesus Christ, hear us from Your holy dwelling place and from the throne of glory of Your kingdom and come to sanctify us. Though enthroned with the Father on high, yet present here in our midst, unseen, deign by Your mighty hand to give us a share of Your Pure Body and Precious Blood, and through us to all Your people.
With the Holy Gifts still covered by the veil, the Priest touches the consecrated "Lamb ".
DEACON: Let us be attentive
PRIEST: The Presanctified Holy Gifts for the holy people of God.
CANTOR: One is holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. (Followed by the Communion Hymn:)
CANTOR: Taste and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
THE FRACTION AND COMMUNION
The priest now uncovers the Gifts and performs the fraction in the usual manner.
DEACON: Master, break the Holy Bread.
He breaks the Amnos into its four quarters.
PRIEST: (In a low voice:) The Lamb of God is broken and shared, broken but not divided; forever eaten yet never consumed, but sanctifying those who partake of Him.
DEACON: Master, fill the Cup.
He places the portion marked IC (Jesus) in the chalice, saying:
PRIEST: The fullness of the Holy Spirit.
DEACON: Amen.
DEACON: Master, bless the Zeon.
PRIEST: Blessed is the fervor of Your Saints, now and forevermore. Amen.
Pouring the Zeon into the chalice, he says:
DEACON: The fervor of faith, full of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION
I believe, Lord, and confess that You are truly the Christ, Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the greatest. I also believe that this is truly Your spotless Body, and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Wherefore I pray to You: have mercy on me and forgive my offenses, whether intended or not, whether committed in word or in deed, knowingly or unknowingly; and count me worthy to share without judgment in Your pure Mysteries, for remission of sins and for everlasting life. Amen.
You have beguiled me with yearning, O Christ, and by love divine transformed me. Consume my sins in ethereal flame, and let me be filled with the sheer delight of You, O Gracious Lord, that leaping for joy, I may magnify both Your Advents.
How shall I, so unworthy, come into the splendor of Your Saints? If I make bold to enter the bridal feast, my clothing will reproach me since it is not a wedding garment. Then I shall be bound and cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, purge my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ my God, let not these holy gifts become a judgment against me because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of both soul and body, and as a pledge of the future life and the kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God, to place in Him my hope for salvation.
And as he makes three prostrations before the altar:
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical supper; for I will not reveal the Mystery to Your enemies, nor give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
Bowing to the people in a gesture of mutual forgiveness, he then turns to the altar to receive, saying to the DEACON:
PRIEST: Brother and con-celebrant, forgive me the unworthy Priest.
DEACON: May the Lord forgive both you and us.
PRIEST: May the Lord forgive me a sinner, and have mercy on me. (3)
He then takes a portion of the Lamb, saying:
PRIEST: Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God. The precious and most holy Body of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (N.) the unworthy Priest, for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
Then, drinking from the cup:
Behold, again I approach Christ, our immortal King and God. The precious and most holy, pure and life giving Blood of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (N.) the unworthy Priest, for forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
Wiping the rim of the chalice and reverencing it, he adds:
This has touched my lips; it takes away my iniquities and cleanses me of my sins.
The deacon then also receives according to the established order.
Then the following prayer:
PRIEST: We thank You, God and Savior of all, for all the blessings You have bestowed on us, and for the communion of the Holy Body and Blood of Your Christ. And we pray You, loving Lord, keep us in the shelter of Your wings, and grant that, to our very last breath, we may partake worthily of Your sanctifying blessings, for the enlightenment of soul and body, for the inheritance of the heavenly kingdom.
THE COMMUNION OF THE FAITHFUL
DEACON: With the fear of God, with faith and with love, draw near.
CANTOR: God is Lord and has revealed Himself to us. Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.
When all have received the Holy Eucharist, the Priest holds the chalice aloft and says:
PRIEST: God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance.
In place of the customary "We have seen the light... " we sing:
CANTOR: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever on my lips. Taste the heavenly bread and the cup of life, and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
PRIEST: (As he censes the Holy Gifts: inaudibly) Be exalted, O , above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth (3)
The Deacon receives the Paten from the Priest and takes it to the Prothesis.
The Priest lifting the Chalice prays before the Holy Table.
PRIEST: (inaudibly) Blessed is our God
Then, holding the Chalice aloft, covered, he faces the people and adds:
always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CANTOR: Amen.
After returning the Holy Vessels to the Prothesis the Priest folds the Antimension.
DEACON: Let us be attentive! Having received the divine, holy, pure, immortal, life giving and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us give fitting thanks to the Lord.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Having asked that this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and free of sin, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
He makes the sign of the Cross with the Book of Gospels over the now folded Antimension.
PRIEST: For You are our sanctification, and to You we give the glory: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PRIEST: Let us depart in peace.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy Father, give the blessing.
PRIEST: (Standing before the icon of Christ) Almighty Lord, You have created all things in wisdom. In Your inexpressible providence and great goodness You have brought us to these saving days, for the cleansing of our souls and bodies, for control of our passions, in the hope of the Resurrection. After the forty days You delivered into the hands of Your servant Moses the tablets of the law in characters divinely traced. Enable us also, O benevolent One, to fight the good fight, to complete the course of the fast, to keep the faith inviolate, to crush underfoot the heads of unseen tempters, to emerge victors over sin and to come, without reproach, to the worship of Your Holy Resurrection. For blessed and glorified is Your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
CANTOR: Amen. May the name of the Lord be praised, from this time forth and to the endless ages.
This is sung three times as the Priest goes to the Prothesis, saying:
PRIEST: Lord our God, You have guided us to these most holy days, and admitted us as participants to Your awesome Mysteries. Unite us to Your spiritual flock and declare us heirs to Your kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: May the blessing of the Lord and His mercy come upon you, through His divine grace and love, always, now and forevermore.
CANTOR: Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
PRIEST: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.
May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother; the power of the precious and life giving Cross; the protection of the honorable, bodiless heavenly powers; the supplications of the honorable, glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious and victorious Martyrs; our venerable and godly Fathers; the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; of Saint (the Saint of the day) whose memory we keep today; and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
NOTE: The reading of Psalms 33/34 and 144/145 is prescribed at this point as the faithful receive the antidoron.
PSALM 33/34
READER: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever on my lips. My soul shall glory in the Lord: let the meek hear and rejoice. Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Approach the Lord and be enlightened, and your face shall never be shamed. This wretched man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and delivered him from all his afflictions.
The angel will stand guard around those who fear the Lord and save them. Taste and see how good the Lord is. Blessed is the man who hopes in him. Fear the Lord, all you his faithful ones, for those who fear him shall want for nothing. The rich have become poor and hungry, but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good. Come, children, hear me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Which of you desires life, and loves to see the good days? Keep your tongue from wickedness, and your lips from deceitful speech; turn away from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the Lord are upon the just and his ears are open to their pleas; the face of the Lord is turned against sinners, to erase their memory from the earth. The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and he delivered them from all their trials. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and he will save the humble in spirit. Many are the trials of the righteous, but out of them all the Lord will deliver them. He protects every bone in their body: not a single one of them will be broken. The death of sinners is painful; those who hate justice shall be damned. The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants, and none of those who hope in him shall be lost.
PSALM 144/145
I will exalt you, my God and my king, and bless your name for ever and ever. Every day I will bless you, and praise your name for ever and ever. The Lord is great and greatly to be praised, and to his greatness there is no end. Age after age will praise your works, and proclaim your might. They will tell the glorious splendor of your holiness, they will recount your wondrous works; they will speak of the power of your awesome deeds, they will declare your greatness. They will recall your abundant goodness and will exult in your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful: he is long-suffering and abounding in love.
The Lord is good towards everyone, and his grace extends over all his works. Let all your works give thanks to you, Lord, and all your faithful ones bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known your might to the children of men, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages and your dominion is for all generations. The Lord keeps faith in all his promises and is hallowed in all his works. The Lord supports all who are failing, and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look up to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hands and satisfy all living beings; the Lord is just in all his ways, and faithful in all his works. The Lord is close to all who pray to him, those who call upon him in truth. He will meet the desire of those who fear him, and hear their pleas and save them. The Lord keeps watch over those who love him, but the wicked he will utterly destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name, for ever and to all eternity.
PRIEST: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
CANTOR: Amen.
The Service of the Sunday Orthros
Contents
How to Use this Book
Preface
The Six Psalms
Resurrection Apolytikia and Theotokia
Kathismata
Evlogetaria
Hypakoai
Oikoi - Kontakia
Katavasiai
Eothina - Morning Gospels
Megalynaria
Resurrection Exaposteilaria and Theotokia
Ainoi
Morning Doxastika
Doxology
About this Book/About the Translator
The Service Of The Sunday Orthros
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All‑holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Grant victory to the Orthodox over their adversaries and guard your commonwealth with your cross.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
You were lifted up upon the cross of your own will, Christ our God. Grant your mercy upon the people that bear your name. In your strength make glad the Orthodox, giving them victory over their adversaries. May they have your alliance as a weapon of peace, and an invincible trophy.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O awesome and ever present protection, do not overlook, O gracious one, our supplications. Most‑praised Theotokos, establish the Orthodox people, save those whom you have called to govern and grant them victory from above, for you, blessed one, have given birth to God.
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy; we pray to you, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Let us pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Let us pray for our Archbishop (Name) and our Bishop (Name).
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For you are a merciful and loving God, and to you we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.
Priest: Glory to the holy and consubstantial, and life‑giving, and undivided Trinity, always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Six Psalms
People: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all people (3).
Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise (2).
Psalm 3
O Lord, why are they who afflict me multiplied? Many rise up against me. Many say to my soul, there is no salvation for him in his God. But you, O Lord, are my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me from his holy mountain. I laid down and slept. I awoke, for the Lord has protected me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord. Save me, my God. For you have struck all who without cause are my enemies. You have broken the teeth of sinners. Salvation belongs to the Lord, and your blessing is upon your people.
(Again) I have laid down and slept. I awoke, for the Lord has protected me.
Psalm 37
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chasten me in your wrath. For your arrows are fixed in me, and you have pressed your hand heavily upon me. There is no health in my flesh in the face of your wrath; there is no peace in my bones in the face of my sins. For my transgressions have risen higher than my head; they have pressed heavily upon me as a heavy burden. My bruises have become noisome and corrupt in the face of my foolishness. I have been wretched and bowed down utterly until the end; all day long I went with downcast face. For my soul is filled with mocking; and there is no health in my flesh. I have been afflicted and I have been greatly humbled. I have roared from the groaning of my heart. But O Lord, all my desire is before you, and my groaning is not hidden from you. My heart is troubled, my strength has failed me; and the light of my eyes, is not with me. My friends and my neighbors drew up against me and stood still, and my nearest relatives stood far off. And they who sought my soul used violence; and they who sought evil for me spoke vain things and they meditated craftiness all day long. But as for me, like a deaf man I heard them not, and I was a speechless man who opened not his mouth. And I became a man who hears not and has no reproofs in his mouth. For I have hoped in you, O Lord. You will listen to me, O Lord my God. For I said: never let my enemies rejoice over me. Yes, when my feet were shaken, those men spoke boastful words against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity, and be distressed for my sin. But my enemies live and are mightier than I, and they who hated me unjustly are multiplied. They who render me evil for good have slandered me because I followed righteousness. Do not forsake me, O Lord my God, do not depart from me. Be attentive to my help, O Lord, of my salvation.
(Again) Do not forsake me, Lord, my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, Lord of my salvation.
Psalm 62 (63)
O God, my God, early at dawn I rise to you. My soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you in a barren, untrodden and unwatered land. So I have appeared before you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory. For your mercy is better than life; my lips shall praise you. Thus I shall bless you while I live, and I will lift up my hands in your name. Let my soul be filled with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips. When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on you at dawn, for you have become my helper; I shall rejoice in the shelter of your wings. My soul follows close behind you; your right hand has been quick to help me. But those who seek my life, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by him shall be praised; but the mouths of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
(Again) I meditate on you at dawn, for you have become my helper. I shall rejoice in the shelter of your wings. My soul follows close behind you; your right hand has been quick to help me.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia (3). Lord, have mercy (3). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Psalm 87 (88)
O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry. For my soul is filled with evil, and my life draws near to Hades. I am counted with those who go down into the pit; I am like a man without help, adrift among the dead, like the bodies of the slain who sleep in the grave, whom you remember no more, and are cut off from your hand. They have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, and the shadow of death. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you have afflicted me with all your waves. You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out; my eyes have grown weak from poverty. I have cried to you, Lord, the entire day. I have stretched out my hands to you. Will you work wonders for the dead? Or shall physicians raise them up so that they might thank you? Shall any in the grave speak of your mercy and your truth in the place of destruction? Shall your wonders be known in the dark, and your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? But as for me, I have cried out to you, Lord, and in the morning my prayer shall come before you. Lord, why do you cast off my soul, and turn away from me? I am a poor man and in trouble. From my youth, having been exalted, I was humbled and brought to distress. Your fierce wrath has gone over me, and your terrors have solely troubled me. They came around me all day long like water; they engulfed me altogether. You have put far away from me friend and neighbor, and my acquaintances because of my misery.
(Again) O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry.
Psalm 102 (103)
Bless the Lord, my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all that he has done for you. He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities. He redeems your life from corruption. He crowns you with mercy and compassion. He satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord performs deeds of mercy, and justice for all who are wronged. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will he keep his anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities, nor has he rewarded us according to our sins. For as heavens are high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our iniquities from us. As a father has compassion upon his son, so has the Lord compassion upon those who fear him. For he knows what we are made of, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom. For the wind passes over it, then it shall be gone. And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity to eternity upon those who fear him, and his righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, all of his angels, who excel in strength, who do his word, heeding the voice of his word. Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, you minister of his, who do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, my soul.
(Again) In all places of his dominion, bless the Lord, O my soul.
Psalm 142 (143)
Lord, hear my prayer. In your truth, give ear to my supplications; in righteousness, hear me. And enter not into judgment with your servant for no one living is justified in your sight. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all your works; I pondered on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; my soul longs for you like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not your face away from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me to hear your mercy in the morning, for in you I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to you have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do your will for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path; Lord, for your name’s sake, you shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, you shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in your mercy, you shall utterly destroy my enemies. And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.
(Again) Hear me, O Lord, in your righteousness, and enter not into judgment with your servant (2) . Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, glory to You, O God (3), O Lord my hope, glory to you.
Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the peace of God and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our Archbishop (Name) our Bishop (Name), the honorable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our country, the president, and all those in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this parish and city, for every city and town, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever‑virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For to you belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. The Lord is God and has revealed himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
(Then the Troparion of the day following verses according to the tone.)
Verse 1. Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his holy name.
Verse 2. All the nations have encircled me, but in the name of the Lord I repulsed them.
Verse 3. This has been done of the Lord; and it is wonderful in our eyes.
(The resurrection apolytikion of the tone is then chanted. “Glory” (the troparion of the saint, if there is one), or “Glory” and the apolytikion again. “Now and forever” and the Theotokion of the tone.)
Resurrection Apolytikia And Theotokia Of The Eight Tones
First Tone
Though the tomb was sealed by a stone and soldiers guarded your pure body, you arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O giver of life, the heavenly powers praise you: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ, glory to your kingdom, glory to your plan of redemption, O only loving God.
At the sound of Gabriel’s voice calling out to you: Hail, Virgin, the Master of all became incarnate in you the holy Tabernacle as David the righteous said. By bearing your creator, you have shown yourself to be more vast than the heavens. Glory to him who dwelled in you: glory to him who came forth from you; Glory to him who by your birth‑giving has set us free.
Second Tone
When you descended into death, O life immortal, you destroyed Hades with the splendor of your divinity, and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.
Your mystery, O Theotokos, is most glorious and passes all understanding. For stamped with the seal of purity and inviolate in virginity, you are acknowledged without doubt to be the Mother who has given birth to the true God. Beseech him to save our souls.
Third Tone
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of his reign. He has conquered death by death and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades and has granted the world great mercy.
We sing your praises, O Virgin Theotokos. You intercede for the salvation of our kind, for by taking flesh of you and deigning to suffer the cross, Your Son and our God has delivered us from corruption as a loving God.
Fourth Tone
The joyful news of your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God. is risen, bestowing on the world great mercy.
The mystery hidden from all ages and unknown to the angels was made manifest to those on earth through you, O Theotokos. God took flesh in a union without confusion and for our sake willingly accepted the cross. Thereby he raised the first man and saved our souls from death.
Plagial Of The First Tone
Let us, the faithful, give praise and worship to the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit and born of the Virgin for our salvation. Of his own will he mounted the cross in the flesh, suffered death, and raised the dead by his glorious resurrection.
Hail! impassable gateway of the Lord. Hail! wall and protection of those who take refuge in you. Hail! heaven untroubled by storms. Hail! you who have not known wedlock and have born your Son and maker and God in the flesh. Fail not in your intercession on behalf of those who praise and worship your Son.
Plagial Of The Second Tone
The angelic powers appeared at your tomb, and those guarding it became as dead. Mary stood at your grave seeking your pure body. But you stripped the power of Hades, yet were not touched by corruption. You met the virgin and granted her life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to you.
You called your mother blessed and came to your passion willingly. And wishing to search out Adam, you made light shine with the cross, saying to the angels: Rejoice with me, for I have found the lost piece of silver. Glory to you, O God. You have ordered all things wisely.
Grave Tone
By your cross you destroyed death, and opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh‑bearers, and commanded the apostles to proclaim that you have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting to the world great mercy.
As the treasure of our resurrection, O Virgin, worthy of all praise, you lead those who have put their faith in you out of the pit and abyss of their offences. Before bearing a child you were a virgin, and in childbirth and after childbirth you remained a virgin. You have saved us who were subject to sin by giving birth to our salvation.
Plagial Of The Fourth Tone
You descended from on high, O merciful Lord, and accepted the three‑day burial in order to free us from our passions. Glory to you, O Lord, our life and our resurrection.
O good Lord, for our sake you were born of a virgin and endured crucifixion, despoiling death by death. As God, you have shown us the resurrection. Show your love for all of us, O merciful Lord. Accept the intercession made on our behalf by the Theotokos who bore you, and, O Savior, save a despairing people.
Priest: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most‑holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever‑virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Kathismata
First Tone
The First Stichologia.
The soldiers who kept watch over your grave, O Savior, became as dead from the light of the appearing angel who announced the resurrection to the women. We glorify you, the remover of corruption, and bow down to you, who rose from the grave and are our only Lord.
Glory.
You were nailed upon the cross willingly, merciful One, and were placed in a grave as dead, O giver of life. You trampled the power of death, O mighty One by your death. Before you the gate keepers of Hades trembled, and you raised with you those who were dead for ages, as the only loving God.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
We all know you as Mother of God, and even after giving birth you appeared to us, who eagerly seek refuge in your goodness, as true virgin: For we sinners have you as protectress, and in temptations find salvation in you, the only blameless one.
The Second Stichologia.
The women went to the grave early and trembled when they beheld an angelic vision. When the grave showed forth life, they were struck with amazement. Therefore, they returned to the disciples and proclaimed the resurrection. Christ has invaded Hades, as the only powerful and mighty One who raised with him all those who were corrupt and with the power of the cross, removed the fear of condemnation.
Glory.
You were nailed upon the cross, O Life of all, and were numbered among the dead, O immortal Lord. You rose after three days, O Savior, and raised Adam from corruption. Therefore, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O giver of life, glory to your resurrection, glory to your condescension, O only loving God.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Mary, the holy vessel of the Master, raised us who have fallen into the abyss of evil despair, trespasses, and sorrows. For you have given salvation, help, and strong protection to sinners, and you save your servants.
Second Tone
The First Stichologia.
Noble Joseph, taking down your most pure body from the Tree, wrapped it in clean linen with sweet spices, and laid it in a new tomb. But you rose on the third day, O Lord, granting great mercy to the world.
Glory.
The angel stood by the tomb, and cried aloud to the myrrh‑bearing woman: myrrh is fitting for the dead, but Christ has shown himself a stranger to corruption. Cry out instead: Christ is risen granting great mercy to the world.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
We praise you, O Theotokos Virgin who are exceedingly glorified. For by the cross of your Son Hades has been destroyed and death has been put to death. Being dead, we rose and became worthy of life, and gained paradise, the ancient bliss. Therefore, with thanks we glorify our God as the mighty Christ and the only most compassionate one.
First Tone
Though the tomb was sealed by a stone and soldiers guarded your pure body, you arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O giver of life, the heavenly powers praise you: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ, glory to your kingdom, glory to your plan of redemption, O only loving God.
At the sound of Gabriel’s voice calling out to you: Hail, Virgin, the Master of all became incarnate in you the holy Tabernacle as David the righteous said. By bearing your creator, you have shown yourself to be more vast than the heavens. Glory to him who dwelled in you: glory to him who came forth from you; Glory to him who by your birth‑giving has set us free.
Second Tone
When you descended into death, O life immortal, you destroyed Hades with the splendor of your divinity, and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.
Your mystery, O Theotokos, is most glorious and passes all understanding. For stamped with the seal of purity and inviolate in virginity, you are acknowledged without doubt to be the Mother who has given birth to the true God. Beseech him to save our souls.
Third Tone
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of his reign. He has conquered death by death and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades and has granted the world great mercy.
We sing your praises, O Virgin Theotokos. You intercede for the salvation of our kind, for by taking flesh of you and deigning to suffer the cross, Your Son and our God has delivered us from corruption as a loving God.
Fourth Tone
The joyful news of your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God. is risen, bestowing on the world great mercy.
The mystery hidden from all ages and unknown to the angels was made manifest to those on earth through you, O Theotokos. God took flesh in a union without confusion and for our sake willingly accepted the cross. Thereby he raised the first man and saved our souls from death.
Plagial Of The First Tone
Let us, the faithful, give praise and worship to the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit and born of the Virgin for our salvation. Of his own will he mounted the cross in the flesh, suffered death, and raised the dead by his glorious resurrection.
Hail! impassable gateway of the Lord. Hail! wall and protection of those who take refuge in you. Hail! heaven untroubled by storms. Hail! you who have not known wedlock and have born your Son and maker and God in the flesh. Fail not in your intercession on behalf of those who praise and worship your Son.
Plagial Of The Second Tone
The angelic powers appeared at your tomb, and those guarding it became as dead. Mary stood at your grave seeking your pure body. But you stripped the power of Hades, yet were not touched by corruption. You met the virgin and granted her life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to you.
You called your mother blessed and came to your passion willingly. And wishing to search out Adam, you made light shine with the cross, saying to the angels: Rejoice with me, for I have found the lost piece of silver. Glory to you, O God. You have ordered all things wisely.
Grave Tone
By your cross you destroyed death, and opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh‑bearers, and commanded the apostles to proclaim that you have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting to the world great mercy.
As the treasure of our resurrection, O Virgin, worthy of all praise, you lead those who have put their faith in you out of the pit and abyss of their offences. Before bearing a child you were a virgin, and in childbirth and after childbirth you remained a virgin. You have saved us who were subject to sin by giving birth to our salvation.
Plagial Of The Fourth Tone
You descended from on high, O merciful Lord, and accepted the three‑day burial in order to free us from our passions. Glory to you, O Lord, our life and our resurrection.
O good Lord, for our sake you were born of a virgin and endured crucifixion, despoiling death by death. As God, you have shown us the resurrection. Show your love for all of us, O merciful Lord. Accept the intercession made on our behalf by the Theotokos who bore you, and, O Savior, save a despairing people.
Priest: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most‑holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever‑virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Kathismata
First Tone
The First Stichologia.
The soldiers who kept watch over your grave, O Savior, became as dead from the light of the appearing angel who announced the resurrection to the women. We glorify you, the remover of corruption, and bow down to you, who rose from the grave and are our only Lord.
Glory.
You were nailed upon the cross willingly, merciful One, and were placed in a grave as dead, O giver of life. You trampled the power of death, O mighty One by your death. Before you the gate keepers of Hades trembled, and you raised with you those who were dead for ages, as the only loving God.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
We all know you as Mother of God, and even after giving birth you appeared to us, who eagerly seek refuge in your goodness, as true virgin: For we sinners have you as protectress, and in temptations find salvation in you, the only blameless one.
The Second Stichologia.
The women went to the grave early and trembled when they beheld an angelic vision. When the grave showed forth life, they were struck with amazement. Therefore, they returned to the disciples and proclaimed the resurrection. Christ has invaded Hades, as the only powerful and mighty One who raised with him all those who were corrupt and with the power of the cross, removed the fear of condemnation.
Glory.
You were nailed upon the cross, O Life of all, and were numbered among the dead, O immortal Lord. You rose after three days, O Savior, and raised Adam from corruption. Therefore, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O giver of life, glory to your resurrection, glory to your condescension, O only loving God.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Mary, the holy vessel of the Master, raised us who have fallen into the abyss of evil despair, trespasses, and sorrows. For you have given salvation, help, and strong protection to sinners, and you save your servants.
Second Tone
The First Stichologia.
Noble Joseph, taking down your most pure body from the Tree, wrapped it in clean linen with sweet spices, and laid it in a new tomb. But you rose on the third day, O Lord, granting great mercy to the world.
Glory.
The angel stood by the tomb, and cried aloud to the myrrh‑bearing woman: myrrh is fitting for the dead, but Christ has shown himself a stranger to corruption. Cry out instead: Christ is risen granting great mercy to the world.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
We praise you, O Theotokos Virgin who are exceedingly glorified. For by the cross of your Son Hades has been destroyed and death has been put to death. Being dead, we rose and became worthy of life, and gained paradise, the ancient bliss. Therefore, with thanks we glorify our God as the mighty Christ and the only most compassionate one.
The Second Stichologia.
As you did not inhibit the stone from sealing the tomb, you bestowed on all the rock of faith by your resurrection. O Lord, glory to you.
Glory.
The assembly of your disciples rejoices in unison with the myrrh‑bearing women. For we celebrate with them a common festival to the glory and honor of your resurrection, and through them, O loving Lord, grant great mercy to your people.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
You are exceedingly blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, for Hades has been taken captive by him who was incarnate of you. Adam was recalled, the curse was abolished, Eve was delivered, death was put to death and we were given life. Therefore, praising you we cry aloud: Blessed are you Christ our God, who thus was well pleased, glory to you.
Third Tone
The First Stichologia.
Christ is risen from the dead, the first‑fruits of those who have fallen asleep, the First‑born of creation and the Creator of all things. He has renewed in himself the nature of our corrupt race. Therefore, O death, you shall reign supreme no more, for the Master of all has nullified your power.
Glory.
When you tasted death in the flesh, O Lord, you checked the bitterness of death by your resurrection and strengthened us, restoring victory over the old curse. Therefore, O Lord, defender of our life, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Gabriel stood amazed at the beauty of your virginity and at the splendor of your purity, and he cried out to you, O Theotokos. What praise is worthy for me to bring to you? I hesitate and marvel. Therefore, as commanded I cry out to you: Rejoice! you who are full of grace.
The Second Stichologia.
Because of your immutable divinity, O Lord, and your voluntary suffering, Hades was overwhelmed and groaned within itself saying: I dread the person of the incorruptible body, for I see the unseen fighting me secretly. Therefore, those whom I held cry out: glory to your resurrection, O Christ.
Glory.
Let us believers speak of divine things, of your inscrutable crucifixion, and your ineffable resurrection. For today death and Hades have been led captive and the human race has been invested with incorruption. Therefore, we cry with joy: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
You held in your womb secretly, O Mother of God, the incomprehensible, the boundless, and the one consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit. And by your birth‑giving we have learned to glorify in the world the act of the unconfused Trinity. Therefore, with joy we cry out to you: Rejoice, you who are full of grace.
Fourth Tone
The First Stichologia.
Having glanced at the entrance of the grave, and not bearing the brilliance of the angel, the myrrh‑bearing women said in astonishment: Was he stolen who opened paradise to the thief? Did he rise who before his passion preached resurrection? Truly Christ our God has risen granting life and resurrection to those in Hades.
Glory.
You willingly suffered crucifixion, O Savior, and mortal men placed you in a tomb, who with a word established the corners of the earth. Therefore, death, the stranger, was bound and defeated. And all those in Hades cried out through your resurrection. Truly, O Christ, the life‑giver is risen, for he remains constant to the ages.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Joseph was amazed when he beheld your supernatural conception without seed, O Theotokos. But your betrothed recalled the rain falling on the fleece of wool, and the bush burning without fire but not consumed. And he testified before the priests, and cried out: A virgin gives birth and after giving birth remains a virgin again.
The Second Stichologia.
As immortal you rose from the tomb, O Savior, raising up with you your world by your resurrection, O Christ our God. You shattered the power of death proclaiming your resurrection to all, O merciful One. Therefore, we glorify you, the only loving God.
Glory.
Having descended from the heights, wrapped in a white robe, and coming to the stone where the rock of life was, Gabriel shouted to the weeping women saying: Cease your wailing and crying, and receive smiling joy with comfort. For he whom you seek weeping is truly risen. Therefore go and proclaim to the apostles that the Lord is risen.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
All the ranks of angels were amazed, O pure one, by the mystery of your awesome birth-giving; how the all‑encompassing One, at a sign was encompassed in your arms as a babe, and he who is eternal received a temporal beginning, and he who feeds every living soul with his ineffable goodness was nourished with milk. Therefore, they glorify you with praise, for you are truly the Theotokos.
Plagial of the First Tone
The First Stichologia.
Let us laud the cross of the Lord, and honor his sacred burial, and praise most highly his resurrection; for as God he raised the dead from the graves, and led captive the mighty of death, the power of the devil, and has shed light on those in Hades.
Glory.
You were deemed dead, O God, who put death to death. You were placed in a grave, you who emptied the graves. Above, soldiers guarded the grave; below, you raised those who had been dead for ages. Almighty and incomprehensible Lord, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Rejoice, holy mountain on which God walked. Rejoice, living bush that is unconsumed. Rejoice, the only bridge to God from earth, who guides mortals to eternal life. Rejoice, O pure One, free of corruption, who gave birth without wedlock to the Savior of our souls.
The Second Stichologia.
Lord, after your resurrection on the third day and the veneration of your apostles, Peter cried out: the women dared but I cowered in fear. The thief spoke of your divinity, but I denied you. Will you continue to call me a disciple? Or will you make me again a fisherman of the deep? Accept me as a repentant, O God, and save me.
Glory.
They hanged you in the midst of the transgressors, O Lord and pierced your side with a lance, O merciful One. You accepted the grave, though you shattered the gates of Hades and rose on the third day. Women hastened to see you and announced your rising to the apostles. Most exalted Savior, whom angels praise, blessed Lord, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
O birth‑giver of God, O bride who has not tried marriage, you who changed Eve’s sorrow to joy, we faithful praise and venerate you, for you have lifted from us the ancient curse. Intercede for us now without ceasing, all‑praised Virgin, that we may be saved.
Plagial of the Second Tone
The First Stichologia.
When the tomb was shown to be open and Hades wailing, Mary cried out to the apostles who were hiding: Come out laborers of the vineyard and proclaim the news of the resurrection, for the Lord is risen, granting great mercy to the world.
Glory.
Mary Magdalene, O Lord, stood by your tomb weeping. And thinking you were the gardener, she said: Where have you hidden the immortal Life? Where have you placed him who sits on the throne of the Cherubim? For they who were guarding him appeared dead from fear. She cried to them: Either give me my Lord or cry out with me: You who were among the dead and raised the dead, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Gideon prefigured your conception and David interpreted your birth‑giving, O Theotokos. For the Word fell on your womb as rain on a fleece, and so you brought forth without seed the holy Lord, Christ our God, O full of grace.
The Second Stichologia.
Life was placed in the grave, and a seal was placed on the stone. Soldiers guarded Christ as they would a sleeping king. But the Lord rose, smiting his enemies in an invisible way.
Glory.
Jonah prefigured your tomb, and Symeon interpreted your divine rising, O immortal God. For you descended as dead into the grave, you who broke the gates of Hades and rose free of corruption for the salvation of the world as Master, O Christ our God, having illumined those in darkness.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Beseech, O virgin Theotokos, your Son, Christ our God, who was willingly nailed upon the cross and rose from the dead that he may save our souls.
Grave Tone
The First Stichologia.
Life was placed in a grave and a seal was placed on the stone, and soldiers guarded Christ as they would a sleeping king and angels glorified him as immortal God, while the woman cried out: the Lord is risen, granting great mercy to the world.
Glory.
You led death captive by your three‑day burial, and raised corrupt man by your life-giving resurrection, Christ our God, as the only loving God, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Virgin Theotokos, intercede untiringly to Christ God who was crucified for our sake and who rose and broke the might of death to save our souls.
The Second Stichologia.
While the tomb was sealed, Christ God, life rose from the grave, and while the doors were closed, you came to the disciples, O Resurrection of all, renewing in us, through them, an upright spirit, according to the greatness of your mercy.
Glory.
The myrrh‑bearing women with tears hastened to your grave, while soldiers guarded you, O King of all, and they said to themselves: who shall roll away the stone for us? But the messenger of the great council rose, trampling down death. Almighty Lord, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Rejoice, full of grace, Virgin Theotokos, our intercessor and heaven of the human race. For from you the Savior of the world was incarnate. You alone are both mother and virgin and ever‑blessed and glorified. Intercede with Christ our God to grant peace to the world.
Plagial of the Fourth Tone
The First Stichologia.
You rose from the dead, O Life of all, and a resplendent angel cried out to the women: stop your tears and inform the apostles. Cry out in praise that Christ the Lord is risen, being pleased as God to save human race.
Glory.
You truly rose from the tomb, and you commanded the righteous women to announce to the apostles the resurrection, as it was written. And as for Peter, he hastened to the tomb, and when he saw the light in the grave he was amazed. Then he saw the linen clothes lying on the side, for no one can see things in the dark of the night, and he believed, and cried out: Glory to you, Christ God, for you save us all, our Savior, being the Father’s radiance.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Let us glorify the heavenly gate, the tabernacle, the most holy mountain, the shining cloud, the heavenly ladder, the paradise endowed with speech, the deliverer of Eve, .the treasure of the world. For by her salvation and the forgiveness of ancient sins came to the world. Therefore, we cry out to her: Intercede with your Son and God to grant forgiveness of sins to those who reverently venerate your all‑holy birth‑giving.
The Second Stichologia.
Men sealed your tomb, O Savior, and angels rolled the stone from your grave. Women witnessed your resurrection from the dead, and they proclaimed to your disciples in Sion that you are risen, O Life of all, and broke asunder the bonds of death. O Lord, glory to you.
Glory.
When the women came with burial myrrh, they heard an angelic voice from the grave saying: Stop your tears and receive joy instead of sorrow, and cry out in praise that Christ the Lord is risen, who being God was pleased to save the human race.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
All creation rejoices in you who are full of grace, the assemblies of angels and the race of men, O holy temple, and rational paradise, the boast of virginity, from you God was made incarnate and became a child while remaining eternal God. For he made your womb a throne, and your belly more spacious than heaven. All creation rejoices in you who are full of grace.
Evlogetaria
Plagial of the First Tone
Blessed are You, Lord, teach me your statutes.
The company of angels was amazed seeing you numbered among the dead, O Savior, who destroyed the power of death and raised up Adam with yourself, setting all free from Hades.
Blessed are You, Lord, teach me your statutes.
Why mingle spices with tears of pity, O women disciples, cried the resplendent angel from within the tomb to the myrrh‑bearing women. Behold the tomb and understand, for the Savior has risen from the grave.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me your statutes.
The myrrh‑bearing women hastened early in the morning to your tomb lamenting. But the angel arose before them and said: The time for lamentation has ceased. Weep not, but tell the apostles of the resurrection.
Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your statutes.
The myrrh‑bearing women came to your tomb, O Savior. But they heard an angel say to them: Why count the living one among the dead? For as God he has risen from the tomb.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We worship the Father together with the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in essence, and we cry together with the Seraphim: Holy, holy, holy, are you, O Lord.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O Virgin, you have given birth to the Giver of life; you have delivered Adam from sin, and to Eve you have brought joy in the place of sorrow. He who took flesh from you, who is both God and man, has raised up those who had fallen from life.
Alleluia, Alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God (3).
Priest: Let us again in peace pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever‑virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For blessed is your name, and glorified is your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(The reader then reads the hypakoe and following that, the anavathmoi of the designated tone of the week are sung)
First Tone
Hypakoe
The repentance of the thief gained him paradise by stealth, and the sighing of the myrrh‑bearing women proclaimed glad tidings that you are risen, O Christ, granting great mercy to the world.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
O Lord, I cry to you in my sorrow. Hear my cry of pain.
The lodging for God is unceasing among those who dwell in the desert, for they are removed from this vain world.
Glory . . . now and forever
Glory and honor become the Holy Spirit, as they become the Father and the Son. Therefore, let us praise the Trinity, one in might.
Second Antiphon
O God, raise me to the heights of your laws, and shed brightly your light of virtue upon me that I may praise you.
O Word, hold me fast with your right hand; keep me and preserve me, lest the fire of sin consume me.
Glory . . . now and forever
All creation is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and returns to its former self, for he is co‑omnipotent with the Father and the Word.
Third Antiphon
My soul rejoices with those who say to me: Let us go into the courts of the Lord, and my heart is exceedingly glad.
There shall be great fear in the house of David where the thrones shall be set, and all races and tongues of the earth shall be judged.
Glory . . . now and forever
It is fitting to offer honor, worship, glory, and might to the Holy Spirit as to the Father and the Son, for the Trinity is one in substance, but not in persons.
Prokeimenon
Now I shall arise, says the Lord. I shall set myself for salvation; I shall speak boldly of it (3).
Verse: The words of the Lord are pure words.
Second Tone
Hypakoe
Going to the tomb after your passion to anoint your body, O Christ our God, the women saw the angels at the grave and were astonished. For they heard them crying with a loud voice: The Lord is risen granting great mercy to the world.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
I raise the eyes of my heart to you in heaven, O Savior. Save me by your illumination.
Have mercy on us who are guilty and transgress greatly against you in every hour, O Christ. Before the end give us the means to repent.
Glory . . . now and forever
Sovereignty over sanctification and motion of creation belong to the Holy Spirit. For he is God, consubstantial with the Father and the Word.
Second Antiphon
Unless the Lord is in our midst, who can be kept safe from the enemy and murderer?
My enemies roar like lions, O Savior. Deliver not your servants into their teeth.
Glory . . . now and forever
The Holy Spirit is the element of life and honor, for as God he empowers all creatures and preserves them in the Father and the Son.
Third Antiphon
They who put their trust in the Lord are like the holy mountains, for they are never shaken by the attacks of Belial.
Let not those who live a godly life put forth their hands to do evil, for Christ God does not allow his inheritance to the evil ones.
Glory . . . now and forever
The Holy Spirit is the fount of all wisdom; for from him comes grace to the apostles, the martyrs by him are crowned in their struggles; and the prophets see the future.
Prokeimenon
Arise, O Lord my God, according to the decree which you have commanded. And the company of nations shall surround you (3).
Verse: O Lord, my God, in You have I trusted.
Third Tone
Hypakoe
Startled by the vision of the brilliant angel of sweet words the myrrh‑bearing women say: Why do you seek the living one in the grave? He is truly risen and has emptied the tombs. Know therefore that the changeless one has changed corruption to incorruption. And say to God: How awesome are your works, for you have saved the human race.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
You truly delivered the captivity of Sion from Babylon, O Word. Likewise, draw me out of passions unto life.
They who sow in the south with divine tears shall reap with rejoicing the sheaves of eternal life.
Glory . . . now and forever
With the Holy Spirit shines forth every good gift, as with the Father and the Son, for everything lives and moves in him.
Second Antiphon
Unless the Lord builds the house of virtues, we labor in vain. But when the soul is under his protection, no one can destroy the city.
The saints are at all times adopted as sons by the Spirit from the fruit of the womb, and by you, O Christ as by the Father.
Glory . . . now and forever
All holiness and wisdom are seen in the Holy Spirit, for he gives essence to all creation. Let us worship him, for he is God, just as the Father and the Word.
Third Antiphon
Blessed are they who fear the Lord, for they shall walk in the way of his commandments, and shall eat of the fruits of life.
Rejoice, Chief Shepherd, beholding your children round your table bearing branches of virtue.
Glory . . . now and forever
All the wealth of glory is from the Holy Spirit, from which comes grace and life to all creation, for he is praised with the Father and the Word.
Prokeimenon
Say among the nations that the Lord reigns; for he has established the world so that it shall not be moved (3).
Verse: Sing to the Lord a new song; his praise is in the assembly of the saints.
Fourth Tone
Hypakoe
The Myrrh‑bearers, hastening to the apostles, proclaimed to them your rising, O Christ for you are risen as God, granting great mercy to the world.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
Since my youth many passions have warred against me, but, my Savior, help me and save me.
Let those who hate Sion be ashamed before the Lord, for you shall wither like the grass.
Glory . . . now and forever
Every soul is enlivened by the Holy Spirit and raised up through purification and it is made brilliant mystically by the Trinity in One.
Second Antiphon
To you, O Lord, I have cried fervently from the depth of my soul, let your divine ears hear me.
All those who have placed their trust in the Lord shall transcend all sorrows.
Glory . . . now and forever
The streams of grace overflow with the Holy Spirit who waters all creation with refreshing life.
Third Antiphon
Let my heart rise to you, O Word, and let not the pleasures of the world charm me into considering this earthly life.
And as each of us has surpassing love for his mother, even more fervently ought we to love the Lord.
Glory . . . now and forever
By the Holy Spirit comes the wealth of divine knowledge and wisdom, for the Word reveals all of his father’s teachings.
Prokeimenon
Arise, O God, help us and redeem us for your name’s sake (3).
Verse: O God, we have heard with our own ears.
Plagial of the First Tone
Hypakoe
The minds of the myrrh‑bearing women were dazzled by the vision of the angel, and their souls illumined by the divine resurrection. They brought the good news to the apostles saying: Announce the resurrection of the Lord to the nations. He works wonders and bestows on us great mercy.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
I sing to you, O my Lord, like David in my sorrow. Save my soul from deceitful tongues.
The life of the dwellers in the wilderness is a blessed one, for by divine love they are carried up.
Glory . . . now and forever
The Holy Spirit holds everything fast, both invisible and visible things. For he is a sovereign being, truly one of the Trinity.
Second Antiphon
O soul, let us ascend into the mountains. Go, for your help, comes from there.
May your right hand, O Christ, touch me also, so that I may be preserved from mischievous devices.
Glory . . . now and forever
Let us speak of divine things unto the Holy Spirit: You are God, life, love, light, and mind;
you are goodness, and you reign to the ages.
Third Antiphon
Filled with great joy I offer prayers for those who have said to me: Let us go into the courts of the Lord.
In the house of David awesome wonders take place, for there is a burning fire which consumes every evil mind.
Glory . . . now and forever
Truly the Holy Spirit is the element of life for from him does every living thing derive its life, as in the Father and the Word.
Prokeimenon
Arise, O my Lord and my God, for you reign to the end of time (3).
Verse: I will give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart.
Plagial of the Second Tone
Hypakoe
By your life‑giving and voluntary death, O Christ, you smashed the gates of Hades as God opening to us the gates of the Paradise of old.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
To the heavens I lift up my eyes towards you, O Word of God. Have mercy upon me that I may live for you.
O Word, have mercy upon us who are worthless and make us your useful vessels.
Glory . . . now and forever
Truly in the Holy Spirit is the cause of salvation for all. For when he breathes on one who is worthy, he raises him speedily from earthly things and gives him wings raising him up.
Second Antiphon
Were not the Lord in our midst, none of us would be able to withstand the assaults of the enemy. For only victors raised up.
Woe to me, O Word. How shall I escape my enemies while I am a lover of sin? Let not my soul be delivered into their teeth like a bird.
Glory . . . now and forever
Through the Holy Spirit all are made divine. In him is pleasure, understanding, peace, and blessing. For he is equal is power to the Father and the Word.
Third Antiphon
They who trust in the Lord are feared by their enemies and are wondered at by all, for they look to things on high.
The company of the righteous have secured you as their succor, O Savior, and they shall not reach out their hands to iniquity.
Glory . . . now and forever
The Holy Spirit has power over all, for all the heavenly hosts, along with everything that has breath here below, worship him.
Prokeimenon
O Lord, raise your strength and come to our salvation (3).
Verse: Attend, O Shepherd of Israel.
Grave Tone
Hypakoe
You have taken our image and our likeness and endured crucifixion in the flesh. Save me by your resurrection, O Christ God, as a loving God.
First Antiphon
O Savior, you restored Sion from the captivity of error, deliver me also from the bondage of sufferings and restore my life.
He who sows sorrow in the south, fasting with tears, shall reap sheaves of reviving and ever-nourishing joys.
Glory . . . now and forever
In the Holy Spirit is the fountain of divine treasures, for from him comes wisdom, awe, and understanding. To him, therefore, be praise, glory, honor, and might.
Second Antiphon
Unless the Lord builds the house of the soul we labor in vain. For without him no action, no word is completed.
By spiritual inspiration the saints put forth the teachings of the fathers concerning an adoption by God.
Glory . . . now and forever
Existence is bestowed on all creation by the Holy Spirit. For he is God before all, the Lord of all, the unapproachable light, the life of all.
Third Antiphon
Those who fear the Lord have found the paths of life and they are blessed now and forever with true glory.
Rejoice and be glad, O shepherd, seeing your descendents about your table as sturdy plants and offer these same to Christ.
Glory . . . now and forever
To the Holy Spirit belong an abundance of gifts, a wealth of glory and great depth of judgment, for he is worshiped and is equal in glory to the Father and the Son.
Prokeimenon
Arise, O Lord my God; let your hand be lifted up. Do not forget your poor to the end of time (3).
Verse: I will give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart.
Plagial of the Fourth Tone
Hypakoe
The myrrh‑bearing women came to the tomb of the life‑giver among the dead. And when they received the glad tidings from the angels, they proclaimed to the apostles that the Lord had risen granting great mercy to the world.
First Anavathmoi
From my youth the enemy has tempted me and with temptations has beguiled me. But, O Lord, trusting in you, I have put him to shame.
Let those who hate Zion become as the grass which withers before it is pulled up, for Christ shall cut their necks with the scythe of torment.
Glory . . . now and forever
All life belongs to the Holy Spirit, Light of Light, great God: we praise him together with the Father and the Son.
Second Antiphon
Let my humble heart be mindful in awe of you, all‑merciful One, lest it be exalted and fall from you.
He who has his hope in the Lord shall not fear when he judges all with fire and punishment.
Glory . . . now and forever
Every godly persons who see and predicts things to come, performing heavenly wonders, does so by the Holy Spirit, singing to one God in three. For although it shined with three lights, the Godhead is one.
Third Antiphon
To you have I cried, O Lord. Listen and incline your ear towards me when I shout. Purify me before you take me from this place.
Everyone will return again to his mother, the earth, and shall suffer dissolution, to receive punishment or reward, the desserts of his life.
Glory . . . now and forever
Through the Holy Spirit the Godhead is a thrice‑holy One, for from the beginningless Father, the Son did proceed before time. And the Spirit who is their equal in appearance and on the throne has shined from the Father likewise.
Fourth Antiphon
Behold how good and delightful it is for brothers to live together. For in this way the Lord promised eternal life.
Be not concerned, for he commands the lilies of the field to adorn his clothing.
Glory . . . now and forever
Truly the Holy Spirit is the one cause of all in perfect peace. For he is God and indeed equal
to the Father and the Son in substance.
Prokeimenon
The Lord, your God, O Sion, shall reign forever, from generation to generation (3).
Verse: Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Kontakion of the First Tone
As God you rose in glory from the grave raising the world with you. All nature praises you as God; death is destroyed and Adam rejoices, O Master, while Eve, now freed from bondage, rejoices saying: It is you, O Christ, who gives the resurrection to all.
The Oikos
Let us praise him who rose on the third day as the all‑powerful God. He shattered the gates of Hades and raised from the tomb those who were there forever. He willingly appeared to the myrrh‑bearers and said to them first: Rejoice! And to the apostles he revealed joy as the only life‑giver. The women announce with joy the signs of victory to the disciples, while Hades groans and death laments, but the world is glad and all rejoice. For it is you, O Christ, who grants resurrection to all.
Kontakion of the Second Tone
You arose from the grave almighty Savior, and Hades seeing the miracle was astonished; and the dead rose. Creation seeing this, rejoices with you while Adam joins in exaltation, and the world sings your praises forever, my Savior.
The Oikos
You are the light of those in darkness; you are the resurrection and the life of all whom you have raised, having destroyed the power of death, O Savior, and shattered the gates of Hades, O Word. Seeing such wonders, mortals were astonished, and all creation rejoices in your resurrection, O loving one. Therefore, all glorify and praise your condescension and the world praises you forever, O Savior.
Kontakion of the Third Tone
Today, you arose from the grave, merciful Lord, and you extracted us from the gates of death. Today, Adam dances and Eve rejoices. With them the prophets and patriarchs unceasingly praise the might of your divine power.
The Oikos
Let heaven and earth dance today and harmoniously praise Christ our God who has raised the captives of death from the tombs. All creation rejoices offering worthy hymns to the Creator of all and our Redeemer. Today, as the giver of life, he draw the human race from Hades and raised them with himself to heaven. He crushed the pride of the enemy and shattered the gates of Hades by the power of his divinity.
Kontakion of the Fourth Tone
My Savior and Redeemer, as God you raised from the grave all those who were in chains and shattered the gates of Hades. As Lord, you arose on the third day.
The Oikos
Let us all give praise and with thanks let us offer unceasing praises to Christ, the giver of life who rose from the dead on the third day. Today he shattered the gates of death, put Hades to death, broke the sting of death, and set Adam and Eve free. Let us sing to him, all you people, and with thanks let us offer him unceasing praise. For as the only sovereign God and Master, he rose on the third day.
Kontakion of the Plagial of the First Tone
You descended into Hades, my Savior, and shattered its gates, for you are almighty. As Creator, you raised the dead and destroyed the sting of death. You delivered Adam from the curse, O loving one. Therefore, all cry out to you: Lord, save us.
The Oikos
Having heard the words of the angel, the women were overjoyed and stopped their lament and trembling, they witnessed the resurrection. And behold, Christ approached them, saying: Rejoice. Take courage, for I have conquered the world and have saved the captives. Hasten and announce to the disciples that I go before them into Galilee to announce the news. Therefore, we cry out to you, O Lord, save us.
Kontakion of the Plagial of the Second Tone
The life‑giver, Christ our God, raised the dead from the valley of death with his life‑giving hand, awarding resurrection to all. For he is the Savior, the resurrection, and the life and the God of all.
The Oikos
We the faithful praise and worship your cross and tomb, O giver of life, for you have chained Hades, O immortal one, and as the almighty God, you have raised the dead with you and have shattered the gates of Hades and destroyed the power of death. Therefore, we praise you with love; you who arose and demolished the power of the deadly enemy. You have raised all who believe in you and delivered the world from the arrows of the serpent, and freed us from the errors of the enemy, O mighty One. Therefore, in faith we praise your resurrection by which you saved us as God of all.
Kontakion of the Grave Tone
The power of death no longer rules over us, for Christ has come destroying and crushing its power. Hades is bound and the prophets together proclaim: The Savior has appeared saying to the faithful: Come forth to the resurrection.
The Oikos
Today, the underworld, Hades, and death tremble before One of the Trinity. The earth quakes and the gates of Hades, seeing you, are seized with fear. All creation, together with the prophets, rejoices and sings a hymn of victory to our God and Savior who trampled the power of death. Let us cry out and shout to Adam and those of Adam: This tree leads to paradise. Come, faithful, to the resurrection.
Kontakion of the Plagial of the Fourth Tone
Rising from the tomb, you raised the dead and resurrected Adam. Eve rejoices in your resurrection and the ends of the earth rejoice in your rising from the dead, O merciful one.
The Oikos
You despoiled the kingdom of Hades, compassionate One, raised the dead, went before the myrrh‑bearers, brought them joy instead of sorrow, and showed the signs of victory to your apostles, my Savior and source of life. You enlightened all creation, O loving God. Therefore, the world rejoices at your rising from the dead, O merciful One.
(Then the Synaxarion of the day of the Month is said.)
Katavasiai
First Ode. Fourth Tone
I shall open my mouth and it shall be filled with the Spirit; and I shall pour out a word to the Queen and Mother; and I shall be seen cheerfully celebrating; and rejoicing, I shall sing of her miracles.
Third Ode
O Theotokos, living and abundant fountain, strengthen those united in spiritual fellowship who sing hymns of praise to you. And in your divine glory, grant them wreaths of glory.
Fourth Ode
Comprehending the unfathomable divine will of your incarnation by the Virgin, O Most High, the prophet Abbakum cried out: Glory to your power O Lord.
Fifth Ode
Amazed was the universe by your divine glory. For while never experiencing marriage, you held, O Virgin, the God of all in your womb, and gave birth to an eternal Son who rewards with salvation all who chant hymns of praise to you.
Sixth Ode
O godly‑minded people, as we perform this divine and all‑honorable feast in honor of the mother of our God, let us clap our hands and give glory to God who was born of her.
Seventh Ode
The godly‑minded did not adore creation but bravely trampling upon the threat of the fire, they rejoiced chanting: Blessed are You, O supremely praised, O Lord and God of our fathers.
Eighth Ode
We hymn, we bless, and we worship the Lord.
The pious children within the furnace were rescued by the child of the Theotokos. He who was prefigured then has been born on earth, and is gathering the entire universe to sing: Bless the Lord, all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
(After singing the eighth Ode, the Priest proclaims within the sanctuary:)
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For you are holy, our God, who rest among the Saints, and to you we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord (3).
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord, our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel. Peace be to you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to (Name). Let us be attentive.
People: Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.
(The Priest reads the Morning Gospel of that Sunday.)
Morning Gospels
1. Matthew (28:16‑20)
At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.
2. Mark (16:1‑8)
And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb? and looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back‑it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
3. Mark (16:9‑20)
Now when Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
4. Luke (24:1‑12)
On the first day of the week at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.
5. Luke (24:12‑35)
At that time, Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other. “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
6. Luke (24:36‑53)
At that time, Jesus went up and stood among his disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit, has not flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them. Then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name in all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.
7. John (20:1‑20)
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
8. John (20:11‑18)
At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabboni;” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
9. John (20:19‑31)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them , and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
10. John (21:1‑4)
At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberius; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty‑three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
11. John (21:15‑25)
At that time, when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the book that would be written. Amen.
People: Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.
(The Priest or People say the following prayer)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than you, and we call upon your name. Come, all you faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Ever praising the Lord, let us praise his resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He has destroyed death by death.
(Then the 50th Psalm is sung. At the verse: “For behold, you have loved truth,” the priest, holding the holy Gospel Book, exits through the Royal Doors and, standing in the middle of the Solea, offers the Gospel Book to the people for reverencing. After all have reverenced it, he places the Gospel Book on the lectern, reverences and enters the sanctuary through the Holy Doors.)
People: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy; and according to the multitude of your compassion, blot out my transgression.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done evil in your sight, that you may be found just when you speak, and victorious when you are judged.
Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.
For behold, you have loved truth; you have made known to me the secret and hidden things of your wisdom.
You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice.
Turn your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and establish me with your governing Spirit.
I shall teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to you.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall joyfully declare your righteousness.
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
For if you had desired sacrifice, I would give it; you do not delight in whole burnt offerings.
A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and humbled heart.
Do good in your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.
Then you shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings.
Then you shall offer bulls on your altar.
And have mercy on me, O God.
(Then we sing in the Second Tone)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Through the intercessions of the apostles, O merciful One, remit the multitude of our sins.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O merciful One, remit the multitude of our sins.
Have mercy, O God, have mercy upon me, according to your great mercy and according to the multitude of your compassions, wipe out my offense.
Jesus is risen from the grave as he foretold; he has given us eternal life and abundant mercy.
(On the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, and throughout Great Lent, we substitute for the above the following troparia: “Open to me the doors of repentance” “Guide me to salvation,” and “The multitude of my misfortunes. . .”)
Priest: O God, save your people and bless your inheritance. Look upon your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us your rich mercies, through the intercessions of our most pure Lady the Theotokos and ever‑Virgin Mary; the power of the precious and life‑giving Cross; the protection of the honorable, bodiless Powers of heaven; the supplications of the honorable and glorious prophet, and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy Apostles; our Fathers among the Saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria; Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, the wonder workers; the holy, glorious great Martyrs George the Victorious, Demetrios the Myrobletes, Theodore the Teron, and Theodore the General, Menas the Wonderworker and Charalambos the Hieromartyr; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all‑laudable Euphemia; of our holy God‑bearing Fathers (the patron saint of the church); the holy and righteous ancestors of righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna (the saint of the day); and of all your Saints; we beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (12 by 3s).
Priest: Through the mercy, compassion, and love of mankind of your only begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all holy, good and life‑giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of light.
(Receiving the censer, he censes the holy Table, the sanctuary, and the entire church, while simultaneously, the “More honorable than the Cherubim” is sung.)
My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my savior.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
For he who is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name; and his mercy is on them who fear him from generation to generation.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
He has showed strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
He has put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent empty away.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
(Then the katavasia of the ninth Ode is sung.)
Ninth Ode
Let every mortal born on earth carry his torch and leap for joy in the spirit. Let the angelic powers celebrate and honor the holy wonder of the Mother of God. Let them cry out: Rejoice, all‑blessed Theotokos, pure and ever‑virgin.
Priest: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and all our lives to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For all the powers of heaven praise you and give you glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Holy is our Lord our God (2).
Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool, for he is holy.
(Immediately the resurrection exaposteilarion and that of the saint, if there is one, or the Theotokion are sung.)
Resurrection Exaposteilaria
And Theotokia
1
Let us go up with the disciples into a mountain of Galilee to behold with faith Christ as he proclaims his power over things above and below. Let us learn how he teaches us to baptize all nations in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and how we may be initiated in his mysteries as he promised, until the end of the world.
You, O Virgin Theotokos, have rejoiced with the disciples at seeing Christ risen on the third day from the tomb as he said. And he has appeared to them teaching and disclosing the better things, commanding them to baptize in the Father, and the Son, and the Spirit, that we may believe in his rising and glorify you, O Maiden.
2
The myrrh‑bearing women rejoiced at beholding the stone rolled away. They saw a young man seated upon the tomb and he said to them: Tell the disciples with Peter that Christ is risen. Press forward into the mountain of Galilee; there he will appear to you as he said to his friends.
An angel brought the Virgin the salutation before her conception of you, O Christ. An angel rolled away the stone of your tomb. The former, instead of sorrow, brought tokens of ineffable joy, and the latter, instead of death, proclaimed and magnified you, the bestower of life, declaring the resurrection to the women and those initiated.
3
Let no one doubt that Christ is risen, for he appeared to Mary and then was seen by those wailing in the country. Again he appeared to the eleven initiates as they reclined, and sent them forth to baptize others. He then ascended to heaven from whence he descended, confirming their preaching with a multitude of signs.
O sun, having risen upon the tomb today as a bridegroom from the bridal chamber, having harrowed hell and dashed down death, by the intercession of her that bore you, you have sent us light‑light that has enlightened our hearts and souls, and has directed us all to walk in the paths of your commandments and the ways of peace.
4
Lightening‑bright with virtues, let us behold men standing at the life‑bearing tomb in brilliant garments while the women bearing myrrh bow down their faces to the earth. Let us learn of the rising of him who reigns over heaven and let us hasten with Peter to life in the tomb; marveling at that which has happened let us stay to behold Christ.
Proclaiming the salutation: Rejoice, O Lord, you have transformed the sorrow of our forefathers, bringing to the world the joy of your resurrection. O giver of life, through her who bore you, enlighten our hearts and send forth the light of your mercies, that we may cry out to you: glory to your resurrection, O loving God-man.
5
Christ, the life and the way, risen from the dead, accompanied Cleopas and Luke and became known at Emmaus at the breaking of bread. Their souls and hearts burned with ardor when he spoke to them on the way and interpreted what he had endured by the Scriptures. Let us cry with them: He is risen and has appeared to Peter.
I praise your immeasurable mercy, O my Creator. You have emptied yourself to bear and save human nature grown evil. And being God, you consented to be born of the pure Maiden, descended of God like me, and descended even into Hades, wishing to save me by the intercession of her that bore you, O all‑merciful Master.
6
Revealing your human nature, O Savior, you partook of food after you rose from the tomb and standing in the midst preached repentance. Then you ascended immediately to your heavenly Father and promised to send the Comforter to your disciples. O most divine God-man, glory to your resurrection.
The creator of creation and God of all, O all‑holy Virgin has taken mortal flesh from your undefiled blood. He has renewed all corrupt nature, leaving it after his birth as it was before birth. Therefore, we all faithfully praise you crying: Rejoice, mistress of the world.
7
When Mary said that they had taken the Lord away, Simon Peter and the other disciple of Christ whom he loved both ran to the tomb. They found the grave clothes lying alone therein and the kerchief that had been about his head not with them but aside. They therefore kept silent again until they saw Christ.
Things great and exceeding strange have you done for me, O most merciful Christ. Unexplainably have you been born of a virgin Maiden and accepted the cross and endured death. You have risen in glory to set our nature free from death. Glory to your glory, O Christ, glory to your strength.
8
Seeing two angels inside the tomb, Mary was struck with wonder and not recognizing Christ, she asked him supposing him to be the gardener: Where, O Lord, have you laid the body of my Jesus? But recognizing by his call that he was the Savior, she heard: Touch me not; tell the brethren I go to my Father.
Maiden ineffably you have borne one of the Trinity, dual by nature, dual in operation, and one in person. Entreat him, then, for us who venerate you with faith that we may be delivered from all assaults by the enemy, for we all now take refuge in you, O Lady Theotokos.
9
The doors were shut as you entered, O Master, and you filled the apostles with the Holy Spirit by breathing upon them. You told them to bind and loose sins. After eight days you showed Thomas your side and your hands. With him we cry: You are Lord and God.
As you beheld on the third day O bride of God, your own Son risen from the tomb, you set aside all the affliction which you, all‑holy Virgin, endured as a mother on beholding him suffering. You were filled with joy, glorifying and praising him with his disciples. Therefore save us who now proclaim you the Mother of God.
10
On the sea of Tiberius, the sons of Zebedee, Nathaniel and Peter, and two other disciples of old were fishing with Thomas. At Christ’s command they cast their nets on the right side and drew in a multitude of fish. Then Peter recognized him and cast himself after him. When he appeared to them a third time, he showed them bread and fish upon live coals.
O Virgin, entreat the Lord, risen from the tomb on the third day, on behalf of those who praise you and bless you with love. For we all flee to you as a refuge of salvation and a mediator before him. We have indeed become your portion and your suppliants, O Theotokos, and we all look to you for help.
11
After the divine resurrection, the Lord asked Peter thrice: Do you love me? and thus put him forward as shepherd of his flock. But when Peter saw that he whom Jesus loved was following, he asked the Master: Why is he here? And he said, If I wish that he should remain until I come again, what is this to you, beloved Peter?
O fearful mystery! O strange and glorious wonder! Through death is death utterly destroyed. Who then does not praise, who then does not venerate your resurrection, O Word, and the Theotokos who in purity has given birth to you in the flesh? By her intercessions, deliver us all from hell.
(And immediately the Ainoi are sung.)
Ainoi
People: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights. To you, O God, is due praise.
Let all his angels praise him; let all his hosts praise him. To you, O God, is due praise.
(Then the resurrection stichera and those of the saints (if there are any) are sung, the number depending on local tradition.)
First Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment, this honor have all his saints.
We praise your saving passion, O Christ, and glorify your resurrection.
Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.
Give peace in our lives, O Lord, who endured the Cross and destroyed death and rose from the dead as almighty.
Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his abundant greatness.
Grant that we may praise and glorify you with a pure heart, O Christ, who has despoiled death, and raised up man through your resurrection.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psalter and harp.
Glorifying your divine humility, we praise you, O Christ. Born of a virgin, yet you were not separated from the Father. You suffered as man and willingly endured the cross. Glory to you, O Lord, who, proceeding as from a chamber, have risen from the tomb to save the world.
Praise him with the timbrel and chorus; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
When you were nailed upon the wood of the cross, the power of the enemy was put to death; creation quaked with fear of you and hell was despoiled by your power. Glory to you, O Christ our God, who raised up the dead from the tomb and opened paradise to the thief.
Praise him upon melodious cymbals; praise him with loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
The holy women lamenting hastened to your sepulcher. They found the tomb open and learned from the angel the new and strange miracle. They announced to the apostles that the Lord had risen, bestowing great mercy upon the world.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
We worship the divine wounds of your passion, O Christ our God, and the royal sacrifice in Zion, divinely manifested at the end of the ages. You, O Son of righteousness, have enlightened those asleep in darkness guiding them towards the light that knows no evening. Glory to you, O Lord.
I shall praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I shall speak of all your marvelous works.
Give ear, O turbulent race of Jews; where are those who went to Pilate? Let the soldiers of the watch tell: Where are the seals of the tomb? Where has the buried corpse been moved? How was he sold who is not for sale? How was the treasure stolen? You wicked Jews, why do you speak falsely against the resurrection of him who was crucified? He is risen who was free among the dead, granting great mercy to the world.
Second Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
All that breathes and all creation praises you, O Lord. For you alone love mankind, and have put down death with your cross that you may show mankind your resurrection.
Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.
Let the Jews tell how the soldiers lost the King over whom they watched. Why did the stone fail to guard the rock of life? Let them either give him over who was buried or else let them worship him who arose, declaring with us: Glory to the multitude of your mercies; glory to you, our Savior.
Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Rejoice, O people, and be glad. An angel sat upon the stone of the tomb and gave us the great news: Christ, the Savior of the world is risen from the dead and has filled the world with a sweet fragrance. Rejoice, O men, and be glad.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with the psaltery and harp.
At your conception, O Lord, an angel brought the joyful salutation to the Virgin who is full of grace, while at your resurrection an angel rolled back the stone of your glorious tomb. The one, disclosed tokens of joy instead of sorrow; while the other, proclaimed to us the Master, the giver of life instead of death. Therefore we cry: Glory to you, O Lord, Benefactor of all.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
Weeping, the women poured myrrh upon your tomb, and their voices were filled with joy as they said: The Lord is risen.
Praise him upon the well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Let the Gentiles and the people praise Christ our God who for our sake willingly suffered the cross and spent three days in hell. Let them worship his resurrection from the dead, which spreads light to the ends of the world.
Praise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor for ever.
Crucified and buried of your own will, you despoiled death, O Christ, and as God and Master, you granted the world eternal life and great mercy.
I will praise you, Lord, with my whole heart. I will speak of all your marvelous works.
In truth, you transgressors of the law, by sealing the stone, granted us a greater wonder. The guards knew. Today he went forth from the tomb and they said: Say: while we slept his disciples came and stole him away.” But who steals a body, especially a body that is naked? He arose by his own will as God, leaving his grave clothes in the tomb. Come, you Jews, and see how he left the seals unbroken, having trampled death and granted mankind life without end and great mercy.
Third Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
O come all you nations, and know the might of this awesome mystery. Our Savior, who was the Word in the beginning, has been crucified for us and of his own will suffered burial. On the third day he rose again that he might save us all. Let us worship him.
Praise him in his saints. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
The guards that kept watch over you, O Lord, related all the wonders that had come to pass. But the vain assembly of the Sanhedrin filled their hands with bribes, thus thinking to hide your resurrection which all the world glorifies. Have mercy upon us.
Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
All things were filled with joy when news of your resurrection was received. When Mary Magdalene went to your tomb, she found an angel in shining raiment seated upon the stone who said: Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but risen as he foretold, and he goes before you into Galilee.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
O Master who loves humankind, in your light we see light. You have risen from the dead, bestowing salvation on the human race so that all creation might give glory to you who alone are without sin. Have mercy upon us.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with stringed instruments and organ.
The myrrh‑bearing women, O Lord, offered their tearful song to you very early, for they came to your tomb laden with fragrant spices and hastened to anoint your immaculate body. An angel seated upon the stone announced to them: Why do you seek the living among the dead? For he is risen as God and has trampled down death, granting to all great mercy.
Praise him upon the well‑tuned cymbals. Praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
A shining angel was seated upon your life-giving tomb, and said to the myrrh bearers: The Deliverer has emptied the tombs, despoiled Hades, and is risen on the third day, for he alone is God and almighty.
Arise, O Lord, my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor ones forever.
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene at the tomb arrived in search of you. But when she found you not, she wept and cried out: Woe is me, my Savior! Where have they stolen the King of all? Two angels, bearers of life, were in the tomb, and said to her: Woman, why do you weep? I weep, she said, because they have taken my Lord from the tomb and I know not where they have laid him. Then she turned round and saw you standing and she immediately cried: My Lord and my God, glory to you.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
The Jews enclosed Life in the tomb while the thief with his tongue opened the door to joy to the nations, as he called out and said: he who was crucified with me and was hung with me upon the cross for my sake has appeared to me seated upon the throne with the Father, for he is Christ our God who has great mercy.
Fourth Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all the saints.
We glory in your resurrection, O all powerful Lord, who suffered the cross and death and arose from the dead.
Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.
By your cross you set us free from the ancient curse, O Lord; by your death you have destroyed the devil who ruled over our nature; by your resurrection you have filled all things with joy. Therefore, we cry to you: O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to you.
Praise him for his might acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
By your cross lead us in your truth, O Christ our Savior, and deliver us from the wiles of the adversary. Having risen from the dead, raise us up who have fallen by sin. By the prayers of your saints, O loving Lord, stretch out to us your arm.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
Without parting from the bosom of the Father, O only‑begotten Son of God, you have in your love for mankind descended to earth and become man without change. Impassible in your divinity, you suffered the cross and death in the flesh. You have risen from the dead and granted mankind immortality as the only almighty one.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
You have accepted upon yourself death in the flesh and have mediated that we might be immortal. You have dwelt in the tomb that we might be free from Hades, and, suffering as man, you have risen as God, having raised us with yourself. Therefore, we cry to you: O Lord, giver of life, only‑loving God, glory to you.
Praise him upon well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
The stones were split open when your cross was planted on Golgotha, O Savior, and the gatekeepers of hells were afraid when you were laid in the tomb as dead. For you have destroyed the power of death by your resurrection, and have granted all the dead incorruption, O Savior. Glory to you, Lord and Giver of life.
Arise, O Lord, my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
The women wished to behold your resurrection, O Christ our God, and Mary Magdalene went before them and found the stone rolled back from the tomb and an angel sitting there who said: Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is risen as God, in order to save the world.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will speak of all your marvelous works.
Where is Jesus whom you thought you were guarding? Tell me, O Jews, where is he who was laid in the tomb which you sealed with a stone? Give us the body, you who denied life. Yield up the body, or believe in him who is risen. If you keep silent about his rising, the stones will cry aloud especially the one rolled back from the tomb. How great is your mercy, and great is the mystery of your dispensation. O Savior, glory to You.
Plagial of the First Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
After the tomb was sealed by the transgressors, You, O Lord, came forth from it just as you came forth from the Virgin. Your bodiless angels had no knowledge of the manner of your incarnation; neither were the soldiers who guarded you aware of the moment of your resurrection. For both miracles were concealed from those who questioned these things, but were revealed as miracles to those who worship with faith the mystery. Grant us, who praise it, joy and great mercy.
Praise him in his saints. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
After breaking the eternal chains and bursting the bonds asunder, you rose, O Lord, from the tomb, leaving your grave clothes behind as witness to the truth of your three-day burial. And you who were being guarded in the tomb went forward into Galilee. Great is your mercy, O incomprehensible Savior. Have mercy on us.
Praise him for his might acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
The women hastened to the tomb, to see you, O Lord, the Christ who suffered for us. When they arrived they found an angel seated upon the stone who cried out to them as they started back with dread: The Lord is risen. Tell the disciples that the Savior of our souls is risen from the dead.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
As you came forth from the sealed tomb, O Lord, so did you enter with the doors closed and stand in the midst of your disciples showing them the marks of your passion, O long‑suffering Savior. Born of the seed of David, you endured the wounds and as Son of God you have set the world free. Great is your mercy, O ineffable Lord. Have mercy upon us.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
O Lord, king of the ages and creator of all, you accepted crucifixion and burial for our sake to free us all from Hades. You are our God, and we know no other but you.
Praise him upon the well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Who shall declare your dazzling wonders, O Lord? Who shall proclaim your awesome mysteries? For you became incarnate for our sake as you desired and have made manifest the height of your power. By your cross you opened Paradise to the thief; by your tomb, you smashed the chains of Hades; and by your resurrection, you enriched all things. Glory to you, O compassionate Lord.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
Very early in the morning the myrrh-bearing women hastened to your tomb in order to anoint you, the immortal Word and God. And when the words of the angel reached their ears, they returned rejoicing to make known to the apostles that the life of all had risen, granting the world forgiveness and great mercy.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
The guards of your divine tomb came to the Jews and said: How foolish was your counsel, for you tried in vain to guard him whom nothing can confine. You desired to hire the resurrection of the one who was crucified, but in so doing you revealed it clearly to all. How foolish is your assembly! Do you again take counsel to conceal that which cannot be concealed? Listen rather to us and be prepared to believe the truth of the events. An angel with lighting in his hand came down from heaven and rolled back the stone, as we lay dead with fear, and he called to the myrrh‑bearing women, who were undismayed, and he said to them: Do you not see the guards lying dead with fear, and the seal broken and Hades emptied? Why do you seek among the dead the victor over hell and the destroyer of the sting of death? Go quickly and proclaim fearlessly to the apostles: Truly the Lord is risen, the one who has great mercy.
Plagial of the Second Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
Your cross, O Lord, is the life and resurrection for your people; and assured of this, we sing to you our risen God: Have mercy upon us.
Praise him in his saints. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
Your burial, O Master, opened paradise to the human race, and we, delivered from corruption, sing to you our risen God: Have mercy upon us.
Praise him for his might acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Let us praise Christ with the Father and the Spirit. Let us cry aloud to him from the dead: You are our life and resurrection. Have mercy upon us.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
On the third day, O Christ, you rose from the tomb as it was written, having raised our forefather with you. Therefore all people glorify you and praise your resurrection.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
O Lord, great and awesome is the mystery of your resurrection. For you have come forth from the tomb as a bridegroom from his chamber, destroying death by death that Adam might be set free. Therefore, the angels in heaven rejoice and people on earth glorify the compassion that you have shown towards us, O loving God.
Praise him upon well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
O wicked Jews, where are the seals and the pieces of silver that you gave to the guards? The treasure was not stolen, but rose up according to his power. You were put to shame by denying Christ, the Lord of glory, who suffered and was buried and rose from the dead. Him let us worship.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
How were you robbed, O Jews, when the tomb was sealed and you had placed the guards and seals on it? Though the doors were closed, the king came out. Now either show him as dead or worship him with us as God and say: Glory to your cross and resurrection.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
The myrrh‑bearing women came in tears to your life‑bearing tomb, O Lord, and carried with them spices with which to anoint your all pure body. But they found an angel seated on the stone who called out to them and said; Why do you weep for him from whose side flows life to the world? Why do you seek him who is immortal as dead in the tomb? Go rather and announce to his disciples the good tidings of his resurrection, the joy of all the world. Having also enlightened us by it, O Savior, grant us forgiveness and great mercy.
Grave Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
Christ is risen from the dead, bursting asunder the bonds of death. Proclaim this great joy over all the earth; let the heavens praise the glory of God.
Praise him in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus who alone is without sin.
Praise him for his might acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Let us never cease to worship the resurrection of Christ, for he has saved us from our transgressions. Holy is the Lord Jesus who showed forth the resurrection.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
What shall we give to the Lord in return for all that he has given us? For our sake, God lived among us. On account of our corrupt nature the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He became the benefactor of the ungrateful, the liberator of those in captivity. He is the sun of righteousness for those sitting in darkness. He who is impassible is on the cross. He is the light in Hades. He is life in death. He is the resurrection of the fallen, and we cry to him: Glory to you, our God.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
O Lord, by your mighty power, you have smashed the gates of Hades and brought down the dominion of death. As master of the world and almighty God, you have raised up the dead lying from eternity in darkness by your divine and glorious resurrection.
Praise him upon well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Come let us rejoice in the Lord, and make glad in his resurrection, for he has raised up the dead from the unbreakable bonds of Hades, granting the world, as God, eternal life and great mercy.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
An angel, shining like lightening, sat upon the stone of the life‑giving tomb, and announced the good tidings to the myrrh‑bearers saying: The Lord is risen as he foretold to you. Announce to his disciples that he goes before you into Galilee, and that he grants the world eternal life and great mercy.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
O unfaithful Jews! Why have you rejected the Cornerstone? He is the stone that God laid in Zion. He is the one who made water gush out of the rock in the wilderness, and who pours forth from his side immortality to us. He is the stone that was cut from the virginal mountain without the will of man. He, as Daniel said, is the Son of man coming upon the clouds of heaven going towards the Ancient of Days and his kingdom is everlasting.
Plagial of the Fourth Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all the saints.
Though you, O Lord, stood for trial to be judged by Pilate, you did not cease to sit on the throne with the Father. Rising from the dead, you have set the world free from bondage to the enemy, for you are a compassionate and loving God.
Praise him in his saints. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
Though the Jews laid you in the tomb as dead, O Lord, the guards watched over you as a sleeping king; and though sealed with seals as a treasure of life, you have risen and granted our souls incorruption.
Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
You gave us your cross, Lord, as a weapon against the devil. Surely he trembles and quakes unable to bear the sight of its power; for it raised up the dead and laid death low. Therefore, we venerate your tomb and your resurrection.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
Your angel, O Lord, proclaimed the resurrection and frightened the guards, and he called to the women saying: Why do you seek the living among the dead? God is risen, bestowing life upon the world.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
Impassible in your divinity, you have suffered on the cross and have accepted burial for three days to set us free from the bondage of the enemy and to give us life, making us immortal by your resurrection, O Christ our loving God.
Praise him upon the well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
We venerate, glorify, and praise your resurrection from the tomb, O Christ, by which you have set us free from the indissoluble bonds of Hades. And as God you have granted eternal life and great mercy to the world.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
The lawless people guarding your life-bearing tomb sealed it with a guard. But you, as God almighty and immortal, have risen on the third day.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
When you came to the gates of Hades and smashed them, O Lord, then as a prisoner Hades cried: Who is this who is not condemned to remain in the nethermost parts of the earth but dissolves like a shadow the prison of death? I received him as dead, and now tremble in fear before him as God. Have mercy upon us, Almighty one.
“Glory…” and one of the following;
Morning Doxastika
First Eothinon. First Tone
When the disciples had gone up onto the mountain for his ascension from earth, the Lord stood by and they worshiped him. And, having been instructed in the universal power which was given to them, they were sent to the ends of the earth to proclaim the resurrection from the dead and his return to heaven. He, Christ, God and Savior of our souls, also promised them to be with them forever.
Second Eothinon. Second Tone
When the women came with Mary bearing sweet spices and pondered how to obtain their desire, they saw the stone rolled away and the divine youth who calmed the tumult of their souls. The Lord Jesus is risen, he said. Therefore, proclaim this to his heralds, the disciples and tell them to hasten to Galilee, and they shall see him risen from the dead as the giver of life and Lord.
Third Eothinon. Third Tone
When Mary Magdalene announced the good news of the Savior’s resurrection from the dead and his appearance, the disciples did not believe her and were reproached for their hardness of heart. But armed with signs and wonders, they were sent to preach. You, O Lord, were lifted up to the Father, the source of light, while they preached the word in all places supported by miracles. We, therefore, enlightened by them glorify your resurrection from the dead, O loving God.
Fourth Eothinon. Fourth Tone
It was early dawn when the women came to your tomb, O Christ, but the body they desired was not found. Therefore, those in resplendent vesture standing by said to them: Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is risen as he foretold. Why do you not remember his words? Convinced by them, the women proclaimed what they have seen, but their good tidings seemed to be idle tales, so dulled were the disciples still. But Peter ran, and beheld and glorified within himself your wonders.
Fifth Eothinon. Plagial of the First Tone
O Christ, how wise are your judgments. By the grave clothes alone you made Peter understand your resurrection. Accompanying Luke and Cleopas, and while conversing with them you did not reveal yourself immediately. Therefore, you were reproached as a stranger in Jerusalem, not knowing what had taken place there. But disposing everything for the benefit of your creature, you revealed the prophecies concerning you and made yourself known to them by blessing the bread because their hearts were aflame for knowledge of you even before this. To the disciples already assembled they openly proclaimed your resurrection; through it have mercy on our souls.
Sixth Eothinon. Plagial of the Second Tone
You, O Christ, are indeed peace unto all people of God, and after your resurrection you gave your peace to your disciples, frightening them who thought they saw a spirit. But you calmed the tumult of their souls by showing them your hands and feet. Yet they still disbelieved. But you opened their minds to the understanding of the Scriptures. You shared food with them and reminded them of your teachings. Then, having assured them of the promise of the Father and having blessed them you ascended to heaven. Therefore, with them we worship you, O Lord, glory to you.
Seventh Eothinon. Grave Tone
Behold the darkness and early morning. What are you doing at the tomb, Mary, your mind filled with darkness? Why do you ask where Jesus has been laid? See the disciples running forward with the grave clothes and the cloth, giving proof to the resurrection and recalling the Scriptures concerning this. With them and through them we also believe, and we sing praises to you, O Christ, giver of life.
Eighth Eothinon. Plagial of the Fourth Tone
Mary’s fervent tears were not shed in vain, for she was found worthy to hear the angels teaching and to see your face, O Christ. But her thoughts were earthly ‑ those of a weak woman. Therefore, she was sent away and was told not to touch you, O Christ. But she was sent as a herald to the disciples, and proclaimed to them the good news of your ascension to your paternal inheritance. With her make us also worthy; O Lord our Master.
Ninth Eothinon. Plagial of the First Tone
As in later times, late in the evening of the Sabbath you came and stood by your friends, O Christ. By a miracle, you entered through closed doors and confirmed your resurrection from the dead. You filled your disciples with joy, and imparted to them the Holy Spirit and granted them power to remit sins. Nor did you leave Thomas immersed in a tempest of disbelief. Therefore, compassionate Lord, grant us also true knowledge and remission of our faults.
Tenth Eothinon. Plagial of the Second Tone
After your descent into Hades, the disciples despaired of your resurrection, as might be expected in your absence, O Christ. They returned to their work; to their boats and nets, but they caught nothing. But you, O Savior, have been revealed as Master of all and commanded them to cast their nets on the right side. Immediately the word become deed, and they caught a great multitude of fish and found an unexpected meal on shore, of which they partook. Now make us worthy to enjoy the same food spiritually, O loving Lord.
Eleventh Eothinon. Plagial of the Fourth Tone
Appearing after the resurrection to your disciples, O Savior, you gave Peter the tending of your sheep as recompense for his love, asking him to tend them with care. Therefore you said: If you love me, O Peter, feed my sheep, tend my lambs. He immediately displayed his affection and inquired about the other disciple. By their prayers, O Christ, preserve your flock from ravaging wolves.
“Now and forever…” Theotokion.
Second Tone
Most blessed are you, Virgin Theotokos, for through him who took flesh from you, Hades was taken captive, Adam was recalled from the dead, the curse was abolished, Eve was set free, death was put to death, and we were given life. Therefore we cry aloud in praise: Blessed are you, Christ our God, who has been so pleased, glory to you.
The Great Doxology
Glory to you who has shown us the light.
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill to all people.
We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory.
Lord, King, heavenly God, Father, almighty; Lord, the only‑begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world.
Receive our prayer, you who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.
For you only are holy, only you are Lord
Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Each day we bless you, and we praise your name forever and to the ages of ages.
Lord, grant that we may be kept this day without sin.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of our fathers. Your name is praised and glorified throughout all ages. Amen.
Let your mercy, Lord, be upon us, as our trust is in you.
Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your statutes (3).
Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.
Lord, to you have I fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
For you are the source of life, and in your light we shall see light.
Extend your mercy to those who know you.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory . . . Now and forever . . .
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
(Then we sing in a stronger voice:)
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
(Then the following resurrection hymn is sung:)
People: Today salvation has come to the world. Let us sing to him who is risen, the author of our life. For he has vanquished death by death and has given us victory and great mercy.
(Then the Ektenes and the Apolysis are said in a low voice inside the sanctuary in front of the holy Table).
About This Book
The Service of the Sunday Orthros is one of the most exciting services of the Orthodox Church. Its main focus is on the praise and glorification of God. Scriptural images are scattered throughout the text in such abundance that it can be said that the Sunday Orthros is, to a large extent, Scripture recast into verse and hymns, with the focus and emphasis on the hope and joy of the Resurrection. This wonderful service is now being offered for the first time in a bilingual edition (Greek and English) with the hope that it will nurture and inspire those who pray it.
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About The Translator
The translator, the Reverend Nomikos Michael Vaporis, is Professor of Byzantine and Modern Greek History at Hellenic College/ Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and director of Holy Cross Orthodox Press, which has produced over a dozen bilingual liturgical texts.
These katavasias are sung from 22 September to 7 November, from 10 February to the beginning of the Triodion, and from the Sunday of All Saints to 27 July, as well as on 14 August. For the other katavasias, see in the appropriate places in the Menologion.
As you did not inhibit the stone from sealing the tomb, you bestowed on all the rock of faith by your resurrection. O Lord, glory to you.
Glory.
The assembly of your disciples rejoices in unison with the myrrh‑bearing women. For we celebrate with them a common festival to the glory and honor of your resurrection, and through them, O loving Lord, grant great mercy to your people.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
You are exceedingly blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, for Hades has been taken captive by him who was incarnate of you. Adam was recalled, the curse was abolished, Eve was delivered, death was put to death and we were given life. Therefore, praising you we cry aloud: Blessed are you Christ our God, who thus was well pleased, glory to you.
Third Tone
The First Stichologia.
Christ is risen from the dead, the first‑fruits of those who have fallen asleep, the First‑born of creation and the Creator of all things. He has renewed in himself the nature of our corrupt race. Therefore, O death, you shall reign supreme no more, for the Master of all has nullified your power.
Glory.
When you tasted death in the flesh, O Lord, you checked the bitterness of death by your resurrection and strengthened us, restoring victory over the old curse. Therefore, O Lord, defender of our life, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Gabriel stood amazed at the beauty of your virginity and at the splendor of your purity, and he cried out to you, O Theotokos. What praise is worthy for me to bring to you? I hesitate and marvel. Therefore, as commanded I cry out to you: Rejoice! you who are full of grace.
The Second Stichologia.
Because of your immutable divinity, O Lord, and your voluntary suffering, Hades was overwhelmed and groaned within itself saying: I dread the person of the incorruptible body, for I see the unseen fighting me secretly. Therefore, those whom I held cry out: glory to your resurrection, O Christ.
Glory.
Let us believers speak of divine things, of your inscrutable crucifixion, and your ineffable resurrection. For today death and Hades have been led captive and the human race has been invested with incorruption. Therefore, we cry with joy: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
You held in your womb secretly, O Mother of God, the incomprehensible, the boundless, and the one consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit. And by your birth‑giving we have learned to glorify in the world the act of the unconfused Trinity. Therefore, with joy we cry out to you: Rejoice, you who are full of grace.
Fourth Tone
The First Stichologia.
Having glanced at the entrance of the grave, and not bearing the brilliance of the angel, the myrrh‑bearing women said in astonishment: Was he stolen who opened paradise to the thief? Did he rise who before his passion preached resurrection? Truly Christ our God has risen granting life and resurrection to those in Hades.
Glory.
You willingly suffered crucifixion, O Savior, and mortal men placed you in a tomb, who with a word established the corners of the earth. Therefore, death, the stranger, was bound and defeated. And all those in Hades cried out through your resurrection. Truly, O Christ, the life‑giver is risen, for he remains constant to the ages.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Joseph was amazed when he beheld your supernatural conception without seed, O Theotokos. But your betrothed recalled the rain falling on the fleece of wool, and the bush burning without fire but not consumed. And he testified before the priests, and cried out: A virgin gives birth and after giving birth remains a virgin again.
The Second Stichologia.
As immortal you rose from the tomb, O Savior, raising up with you your world by your resurrection, O Christ our God. You shattered the power of death proclaiming your resurrection to all, O merciful One. Therefore, we glorify you, the only loving God.
Glory.
Having descended from the heights, wrapped in a white robe, and coming to the stone where the rock of life was, Gabriel shouted to the weeping women saying: Cease your wailing and crying, and receive smiling joy with comfort. For he whom you seek weeping is truly risen. Therefore go and proclaim to the apostles that the Lord is risen.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
All the ranks of angels were amazed, O pure one, by the mystery of your awesome birth-giving; how the all‑encompassing One, at a sign was encompassed in your arms as a babe, and he who is eternal received a temporal beginning, and he who feeds every living soul with his ineffable goodness was nourished with milk. Therefore, they glorify you with praise, for you are truly the Theotokos.
Plagial of the First Tone
The First Stichologia.
Let us laud the cross of the Lord, and honor his sacred burial, and praise most highly his resurrection; for as God he raised the dead from the graves, and led captive the mighty of death, the power of the devil, and has shed light on those in Hades.
Glory.
You were deemed dead, O God, who put death to death. You were placed in a grave, you who emptied the graves. Above, soldiers guarded the grave; below, you raised those who had been dead for ages. Almighty and incomprehensible Lord, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Rejoice, holy mountain on which God walked. Rejoice, living bush that is unconsumed. Rejoice, the only bridge to God from earth, who guides mortals to eternal life. Rejoice, O pure One, free of corruption, who gave birth without wedlock to the Savior of our souls.
The Second Stichologia.
Lord, after your resurrection on the third day and the veneration of your apostles, Peter cried out: the women dared but I cowered in fear. The thief spoke of your divinity, but I denied you. Will you continue to call me a disciple? Or will you make me again a fisherman of the deep? Accept me as a repentant, O God, and save me.
Glory.
They hanged you in the midst of the transgressors, O Lord and pierced your side with a lance, O merciful One. You accepted the grave, though you shattered the gates of Hades and rose on the third day. Women hastened to see you and announced your rising to the apostles. Most exalted Savior, whom angels praise, blessed Lord, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
O birth‑giver of God, O bride who has not tried marriage, you who changed Eve’s sorrow to joy, we faithful praise and venerate you, for you have lifted from us the ancient curse. Intercede for us now without ceasing, all‑praised Virgin, that we may be saved.
Plagial of the Second Tone
The First Stichologia.
When the tomb was shown to be open and Hades wailing, Mary cried out to the apostles who were hiding: Come out laborers of the vineyard and proclaim the news of the resurrection, for the Lord is risen, granting great mercy to the world.
Glory.
Mary Magdalene, O Lord, stood by your tomb weeping. And thinking you were the gardener, she said: Where have you hidden the immortal Life? Where have you placed him who sits on the throne of the Cherubim? For they who were guarding him appeared dead from fear. She cried to them: Either give me my Lord or cry out with me: You who were among the dead and raised the dead, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Gideon prefigured your conception and David interpreted your birth‑giving, O Theotokos. For the Word fell on your womb as rain on a fleece, and so you brought forth without seed the holy Lord, Christ our God, O full of grace.
The Second Stichologia.
Life was placed in the grave, and a seal was placed on the stone. Soldiers guarded Christ as they would a sleeping king. But the Lord rose, smiting his enemies in an invisible way.
Glory.
Jonah prefigured your tomb, and Symeon interpreted your divine rising, O immortal God. For you descended as dead into the grave, you who broke the gates of Hades and rose free of corruption for the salvation of the world as Master, O Christ our God, having illumined those in darkness.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Beseech, O virgin Theotokos, your Son, Christ our God, who was willingly nailed upon the cross and rose from the dead that he may save our souls.
Grave Tone
The First Stichologia.
Life was placed in a grave and a seal was placed on the stone, and soldiers guarded Christ as they would a sleeping king and angels glorified him as immortal God, while the woman cried out: the Lord is risen, granting great mercy to the world.
Glory.
You led death captive by your three‑day burial, and raised corrupt man by your life-giving resurrection, Christ our God, as the only loving God, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Virgin Theotokos, intercede untiringly to Christ God who was crucified for our sake and who rose and broke the might of death to save our souls.
The Second Stichologia.
While the tomb was sealed, Christ God, life rose from the grave, and while the doors were closed, you came to the disciples, O Resurrection of all, renewing in us, through them, an upright spirit, according to the greatness of your mercy.
Glory.
The myrrh‑bearing women with tears hastened to your grave, while soldiers guarded you, O King of all, and they said to themselves: who shall roll away the stone for us? But the messenger of the great council rose, trampling down death. Almighty Lord, glory to you.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Rejoice, full of grace, Virgin Theotokos, our intercessor and heaven of the human race. For from you the Savior of the world was incarnate. You alone are both mother and virgin and ever‑blessed and glorified. Intercede with Christ our God to grant peace to the world.
Plagial of the Fourth Tone
The First Stichologia.
You rose from the dead, O Life of all, and a resplendent angel cried out to the women: stop your tears and inform the apostles. Cry out in praise that Christ the Lord is risen, being pleased as God to save human race.
Glory.
You truly rose from the tomb, and you commanded the righteous women to announce to the apostles the resurrection, as it was written. And as for Peter, he hastened to the tomb, and when he saw the light in the grave he was amazed. Then he saw the linen clothes lying on the side, for no one can see things in the dark of the night, and he believed, and cried out: Glory to you, Christ God, for you save us all, our Savior, being the Father’s radiance.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
Let us glorify the heavenly gate, the tabernacle, the most holy mountain, the shining cloud, the heavenly ladder, the paradise endowed with speech, the deliverer of Eve, .the treasure of the world. For by her salvation and the forgiveness of ancient sins came to the world. Therefore, we cry out to her: Intercede with your Son and God to grant forgiveness of sins to those who reverently venerate your all‑holy birth‑giving.
The Second Stichologia.
Men sealed your tomb, O Savior, and angels rolled the stone from your grave. Women witnessed your resurrection from the dead, and they proclaimed to your disciples in Sion that you are risen, O Life of all, and broke asunder the bonds of death. O Lord, glory to you.
Glory.
When the women came with burial myrrh, they heard an angelic voice from the grave saying: Stop your tears and receive joy instead of sorrow, and cry out in praise that Christ the Lord is risen, who being God was pleased to save the human race.
Now and forever. Theotokion.
All creation rejoices in you who are full of grace, the assemblies of angels and the race of men, O holy temple, and rational paradise, the boast of virginity, from you God was made incarnate and became a child while remaining eternal God. For he made your womb a throne, and your belly more spacious than heaven. All creation rejoices in you who are full of grace.
Evlogetaria
Plagial of the First Tone
Blessed are You, Lord, teach me your statutes.
The company of angels was amazed seeing you numbered among the dead, O Savior, who destroyed the power of death and raised up Adam with yourself, setting all free from Hades.
Blessed are You, Lord, teach me your statutes.
Why mingle spices with tears of pity, O women disciples, cried the resplendent angel from within the tomb to the myrrh‑bearing women. Behold the tomb and understand, for the Savior has risen from the grave.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me your statutes.
The myrrh‑bearing women hastened early in the morning to your tomb lamenting. But the angel arose before them and said: The time for lamentation has ceased. Weep not, but tell the apostles of the resurrection.
Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your statutes.
The myrrh‑bearing women came to your tomb, O Savior. But they heard an angel say to them: Why count the living one among the dead? For as God he has risen from the tomb.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We worship the Father together with the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in essence, and we cry together with the Seraphim: Holy, holy, holy, are you, O Lord.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O Virgin, you have given birth to the Giver of life; you have delivered Adam from sin, and to Eve you have brought joy in the place of sorrow. He who took flesh from you, who is both God and man, has raised up those who had fallen from life.
Alleluia, Alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God (3).
Priest: Let us again in peace pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever‑virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For blessed is your name, and glorified is your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(The reader then reads the hypakoe and following that, the anavathmoi of the designated tone of the week are sung)
First Tone
Hypakoe
The repentance of the thief gained him paradise by stealth, and the sighing of the myrrh‑bearing women proclaimed glad tidings that you are risen, O Christ, granting great mercy to the world.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
O Lord, I cry to you in my sorrow. Hear my cry of pain.
The lodging for God is unceasing among those who dwell in the desert, for they are removed from this vain world.
Glory . . . now and forever
Glory and honor become the Holy Spirit, as they become the Father and the Son. Therefore, let us praise the Trinity, one in might.
Second Antiphon
O God, raise me to the heights of your laws, and shed brightly your light of virtue upon me that I may praise you.
O Word, hold me fast with your right hand; keep me and preserve me, lest the fire of sin consume me.
Glory . . . now and forever
All creation is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and returns to its former self, for he is co‑omnipotent with the Father and the Word.
Third Antiphon
My soul rejoices with those who say to me: Let us go into the courts of the Lord, and my heart is exceedingly glad.
There shall be great fear in the house of David where the thrones shall be set, and all races and tongues of the earth shall be judged.
Glory . . . now and forever
It is fitting to offer honor, worship, glory, and might to the Holy Spirit as to the Father and the Son, for the Trinity is one in substance, but not in persons.
Prokeimenon
Now I shall arise, says the Lord. I shall set myself for salvation; I shall speak boldly of it (3).
Verse: The words of the Lord are pure words.
Second Tone
Hypakoe
Going to the tomb after your passion to anoint your body, O Christ our God, the women saw the angels at the grave and were astonished. For they heard them crying with a loud voice: The Lord is risen granting great mercy to the world.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
I raise the eyes of my heart to you in heaven, O Savior. Save me by your illumination.
Have mercy on us who are guilty and transgress greatly against you in every hour, O Christ. Before the end give us the means to repent.
Glory . . . now and forever
Sovereignty over sanctification and motion of creation belong to the Holy Spirit. For he is God, consubstantial with the Father and the Word.
Second Antiphon
Unless the Lord is in our midst, who can be kept safe from the enemy and murderer?
My enemies roar like lions, O Savior. Deliver not your servants into their teeth.
Glory . . . now and forever
The Holy Spirit is the element of life and honor, for as God he empowers all creatures and preserves them in the Father and the Son.
Third Antiphon
They who put their trust in the Lord are like the holy mountains, for they are never shaken by the attacks of Belial.
Let not those who live a godly life put forth their hands to do evil, for Christ God does not allow his inheritance to the evil ones.
Glory . . . now and forever
The Holy Spirit is the fount of all wisdom; for from him comes grace to the apostles, the martyrs by him are crowned in their struggles; and the prophets see the future.
Prokeimenon
Arise, O Lord my God, according to the decree which you have commanded. And the company of nations shall surround you (3).
Verse: O Lord, my God, in You have I trusted.
Third Tone
Hypakoe
Startled by the vision of the brilliant angel of sweet words the myrrh‑bearing women say: Why do you seek the living one in the grave? He is truly risen and has emptied the tombs. Know therefore that the changeless one has changed corruption to incorruption. And say to God: How awesome are your works, for you have saved the human race.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
You truly delivered the captivity of Sion from Babylon, O Word. Likewise, draw me out of passions unto life.
They who sow in the south with divine tears shall reap with rejoicing the sheaves of eternal life.
Glory . . . now and forever
With the Holy Spirit shines forth every good gift, as with the Father and the Son, for everything lives and moves in him.
Second Antiphon
Unless the Lord builds the house of virtues, we labor in vain. But when the soul is under his protection, no one can destroy the city.
The saints are at all times adopted as sons by the Spirit from the fruit of the womb, and by you, O Christ as by the Father.
Glory . . . now and forever
All holiness and wisdom are seen in the Holy Spirit, for he gives essence to all creation. Let us worship him, for he is God, just as the Father and the Word.
Third Antiphon
Blessed are they who fear the Lord, for they shall walk in the way of his commandments, and shall eat of the fruits of life.
Rejoice, Chief Shepherd, beholding your children round your table bearing branches of virtue.
Glory . . . now and forever
All the wealth of glory is from the Holy Spirit, from which comes grace and life to all creation, for he is praised with the Father and the Word.
Prokeimenon
Say among the nations that the Lord reigns; for he has established the world so that it shall not be moved (3).
Verse: Sing to the Lord a new song; his praise is in the assembly of the saints.
Fourth Tone
Hypakoe
The Myrrh‑bearers, hastening to the apostles, proclaimed to them your rising, O Christ for you are risen as God, granting great mercy to the world.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
Since my youth many passions have warred against me, but, my Savior, help me and save me.
Let those who hate Sion be ashamed before the Lord, for you shall wither like the grass.
Glory . . . now and forever
Every soul is enlivened by the Holy Spirit and raised up through purification and it is made brilliant mystically by the Trinity in One.
Second Antiphon
To you, O Lord, I have cried fervently from the depth of my soul, let your divine ears hear me.
All those who have placed their trust in the Lord shall transcend all sorrows.
Glory . . . now and forever
The streams of grace overflow with the Holy Spirit who waters all creation with refreshing life.
Third Antiphon
Let my heart rise to you, O Word, and let not the pleasures of the world charm me into considering this earthly life.
And as each of us has surpassing love for his mother, even more fervently ought we to love the Lord.
Glory . . . now and forever
By the Holy Spirit comes the wealth of divine knowledge and wisdom, for the Word reveals all of his father’s teachings.
Prokeimenon
Arise, O God, help us and redeem us for your name’s sake (3).
Verse: O God, we have heard with our own ears.
Plagial of the First Tone
Hypakoe
The minds of the myrrh‑bearing women were dazzled by the vision of the angel, and their souls illumined by the divine resurrection. They brought the good news to the apostles saying: Announce the resurrection of the Lord to the nations. He works wonders and bestows on us great mercy.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
I sing to you, O my Lord, like David in my sorrow. Save my soul from deceitful tongues.
The life of the dwellers in the wilderness is a blessed one, for by divine love they are carried up.
Glory . . . now and forever
The Holy Spirit holds everything fast, both invisible and visible things. For he is a sovereign being, truly one of the Trinity.
Second Antiphon
O soul, let us ascend into the mountains. Go, for your help, comes from there.
May your right hand, O Christ, touch me also, so that I may be preserved from mischievous devices.
Glory . . . now and forever
Let us speak of divine things unto the Holy Spirit: You are God, life, love, light, and mind;
you are goodness, and you reign to the ages.
Third Antiphon
Filled with great joy I offer prayers for those who have said to me: Let us go into the courts of the Lord.
In the house of David awesome wonders take place, for there is a burning fire which consumes every evil mind.
Glory . . . now and forever
Truly the Holy Spirit is the element of life for from him does every living thing derive its life, as in the Father and the Word.
Prokeimenon
Arise, O my Lord and my God, for you reign to the end of time (3).
Verse: I will give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart.
Plagial of the Second Tone
Hypakoe
By your life‑giving and voluntary death, O Christ, you smashed the gates of Hades as God opening to us the gates of the Paradise of old.
Anavathmoi. First Antiphon
To the heavens I lift up my eyes towards you, O Word of God. Have mercy upon me that I may live for you.
O Word, have mercy upon us who are worthless and make us your useful vessels.
Glory . . . now and forever
Truly in the Holy Spirit is the cause of salvation for all. For when he breathes on one who is worthy, he raises him speedily from earthly things and gives him wings raising him up.
Second Antiphon
Were not the Lord in our midst, none of us would be able to withstand the assaults of the enemy. For only victors raised up.
Woe to me, O Word. How shall I escape my enemies while I am a lover of sin? Let not my soul be delivered into their teeth like a bird.
Glory . . . now and forever
Through the Holy Spirit all are made divine. In him is pleasure, understanding, peace, and blessing. For he is equal is power to the Father and the Word.
Third Antiphon
They who trust in the Lord are feared by their enemies and are wondered at by all, for they look to things on high.
The company of the righteous have secured you as their succor, O Savior, and they shall not reach out their hands to iniquity.
Glory . . . now and forever
The Holy Spirit has power over all, for all the heavenly hosts, along with everything that has breath here below, worship him.
Prokeimenon
O Lord, raise your strength and come to our salvation (3).
Verse: Attend, O Shepherd of Israel.
Grave Tone
Hypakoe
You have taken our image and our likeness and endured crucifixion in the flesh. Save me by your resurrection, O Christ God, as a loving God.
First Antiphon
O Savior, you restored Sion from the captivity of error, deliver me also from the bondage of sufferings and restore my life.
He who sows sorrow in the south, fasting with tears, shall reap sheaves of reviving and ever-nourishing joys.
Glory . . . now and forever
In the Holy Spirit is the fountain of divine treasures, for from him comes wisdom, awe, and understanding. To him, therefore, be praise, glory, honor, and might.
Second Antiphon
Unless the Lord builds the house of the soul we labor in vain. For without him no action, no word is completed.
By spiritual inspiration the saints put forth the teachings of the fathers concerning an adoption by God.
Glory . . . now and forever
Existence is bestowed on all creation by the Holy Spirit. For he is God before all, the Lord of all, the unapproachable light, the life of all.
Third Antiphon
Those who fear the Lord have found the paths of life and they are blessed now and forever with true glory.
Rejoice and be glad, O shepherd, seeing your descendents about your table as sturdy plants and offer these same to Christ.
Glory . . . now and forever
To the Holy Spirit belong an abundance of gifts, a wealth of glory and great depth of judgment, for he is worshiped and is equal in glory to the Father and the Son.
Prokeimenon
Arise, O Lord my God; let your hand be lifted up. Do not forget your poor to the end of time (3).
Verse: I will give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart.
Plagial of the Fourth Tone
Hypakoe
The myrrh‑bearing women came to the tomb of the life‑giver among the dead. And when they received the glad tidings from the angels, they proclaimed to the apostles that the Lord had risen granting great mercy to the world.
First Anavathmoi
From my youth the enemy has tempted me and with temptations has beguiled me. But, O Lord, trusting in you, I have put him to shame.
Let those who hate Zion become as the grass which withers before it is pulled up, for Christ shall cut their necks with the scythe of torment.
Glory . . . now and forever
All life belongs to the Holy Spirit, Light of Light, great God: we praise him together with the Father and the Son.
Second Antiphon
Let my humble heart be mindful in awe of you, all‑merciful One, lest it be exalted and fall from you.
He who has his hope in the Lord shall not fear when he judges all with fire and punishment.
Glory . . . now and forever
Every godly persons who see and predicts things to come, performing heavenly wonders, does so by the Holy Spirit, singing to one God in three. For although it shined with three lights, the Godhead is one.
Third Antiphon
To you have I cried, O Lord. Listen and incline your ear towards me when I shout. Purify me before you take me from this place.
Everyone will return again to his mother, the earth, and shall suffer dissolution, to receive punishment or reward, the desserts of his life.
Glory . . . now and forever
Through the Holy Spirit the Godhead is a thrice‑holy One, for from the beginningless Father, the Son did proceed before time. And the Spirit who is their equal in appearance and on the throne has shined from the Father likewise.
Fourth Antiphon
Behold how good and delightful it is for brothers to live together. For in this way the Lord promised eternal life.
Be not concerned, for he commands the lilies of the field to adorn his clothing.
Glory . . . now and forever
Truly the Holy Spirit is the one cause of all in perfect peace. For he is God and indeed equal
to the Father and the Son in substance.
Prokeimenon
The Lord, your God, O Sion, shall reign forever, from generation to generation (3).
Verse: Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Kontakion of the First Tone
As God you rose in glory from the grave raising the world with you. All nature praises you as God; death is destroyed and Adam rejoices, O Master, while Eve, now freed from bondage, rejoices saying: It is you, O Christ, who gives the resurrection to all.
The Oikos
Let us praise him who rose on the third day as the all‑powerful God. He shattered the gates of Hades and raised from the tomb those who were there forever. He willingly appeared to the myrrh‑bearers and said to them first: Rejoice! And to the apostles he revealed joy as the only life‑giver. The women announce with joy the signs of victory to the disciples, while Hades groans and death laments, but the world is glad and all rejoice. For it is you, O Christ, who grants resurrection to all.
Kontakion of the Second Tone
You arose from the grave almighty Savior, and Hades seeing the miracle was astonished; and the dead rose. Creation seeing this, rejoices with you while Adam joins in exaltation, and the world sings your praises forever, my Savior.
The Oikos
You are the light of those in darkness; you are the resurrection and the life of all whom you have raised, having destroyed the power of death, O Savior, and shattered the gates of Hades, O Word. Seeing such wonders, mortals were astonished, and all creation rejoices in your resurrection, O loving one. Therefore, all glorify and praise your condescension and the world praises you forever, O Savior.
Kontakion of the Third Tone
Today, you arose from the grave, merciful Lord, and you extracted us from the gates of death. Today, Adam dances and Eve rejoices. With them the prophets and patriarchs unceasingly praise the might of your divine power.
The Oikos
Let heaven and earth dance today and harmoniously praise Christ our God who has raised the captives of death from the tombs. All creation rejoices offering worthy hymns to the Creator of all and our Redeemer. Today, as the giver of life, he draw the human race from Hades and raised them with himself to heaven. He crushed the pride of the enemy and shattered the gates of Hades by the power of his divinity.
Kontakion of the Fourth Tone
My Savior and Redeemer, as God you raised from the grave all those who were in chains and shattered the gates of Hades. As Lord, you arose on the third day.
The Oikos
Let us all give praise and with thanks let us offer unceasing praises to Christ, the giver of life who rose from the dead on the third day. Today he shattered the gates of death, put Hades to death, broke the sting of death, and set Adam and Eve free. Let us sing to him, all you people, and with thanks let us offer him unceasing praise. For as the only sovereign God and Master, he rose on the third day.
Kontakion of the Plagial of the First Tone
You descended into Hades, my Savior, and shattered its gates, for you are almighty. As Creator, you raised the dead and destroyed the sting of death. You delivered Adam from the curse, O loving one. Therefore, all cry out to you: Lord, save us.
The Oikos
Having heard the words of the angel, the women were overjoyed and stopped their lament and trembling, they witnessed the resurrection. And behold, Christ approached them, saying: Rejoice. Take courage, for I have conquered the world and have saved the captives. Hasten and announce to the disciples that I go before them into Galilee to announce the news. Therefore, we cry out to you, O Lord, save us.
Kontakion of the Plagial of the Second Tone
The life‑giver, Christ our God, raised the dead from the valley of death with his life‑giving hand, awarding resurrection to all. For he is the Savior, the resurrection, and the life and the God of all.
The Oikos
We the faithful praise and worship your cross and tomb, O giver of life, for you have chained Hades, O immortal one, and as the almighty God, you have raised the dead with you and have shattered the gates of Hades and destroyed the power of death. Therefore, we praise you with love; you who arose and demolished the power of the deadly enemy. You have raised all who believe in you and delivered the world from the arrows of the serpent, and freed us from the errors of the enemy, O mighty One. Therefore, in faith we praise your resurrection by which you saved us as God of all.
Kontakion of the Grave Tone
The power of death no longer rules over us, for Christ has come destroying and crushing its power. Hades is bound and the prophets together proclaim: The Savior has appeared saying to the faithful: Come forth to the resurrection.
The Oikos
Today, the underworld, Hades, and death tremble before One of the Trinity. The earth quakes and the gates of Hades, seeing you, are seized with fear. All creation, together with the prophets, rejoices and sings a hymn of victory to our God and Savior who trampled the power of death. Let us cry out and shout to Adam and those of Adam: This tree leads to paradise. Come, faithful, to the resurrection.
Kontakion of the Plagial of the Fourth Tone
Rising from the tomb, you raised the dead and resurrected Adam. Eve rejoices in your resurrection and the ends of the earth rejoice in your rising from the dead, O merciful one.
The Oikos
You despoiled the kingdom of Hades, compassionate One, raised the dead, went before the myrrh‑bearers, brought them joy instead of sorrow, and showed the signs of victory to your apostles, my Savior and source of life. You enlightened all creation, O loving God. Therefore, the world rejoices at your rising from the dead, O merciful One.
(Then the Synaxarion of the day of the Month is said.)
Katavasiai
First Ode. Fourth Tone
I shall open my mouth and it shall be filled with the Spirit; and I shall pour out a word to the Queen and Mother; and I shall be seen cheerfully celebrating; and rejoicing, I shall sing of her miracles.
Third Ode
O Theotokos, living and abundant fountain, strengthen those united in spiritual fellowship who sing hymns of praise to you. And in your divine glory, grant them wreaths of glory.
Fourth Ode
Comprehending the unfathomable divine will of your incarnation by the Virgin, O Most High, the prophet Abbakum cried out: Glory to your power O Lord.
Fifth Ode
Amazed was the universe by your divine glory. For while never experiencing marriage, you held, O Virgin, the God of all in your womb, and gave birth to an eternal Son who rewards with salvation all who chant hymns of praise to you.
Sixth Ode
O godly‑minded people, as we perform this divine and all‑honorable feast in honor of the mother of our God, let us clap our hands and give glory to God who was born of her.
Seventh Ode
The godly‑minded did not adore creation but bravely trampling upon the threat of the fire, they rejoiced chanting: Blessed are You, O supremely praised, O Lord and God of our fathers.
Eighth Ode
We hymn, we bless, and we worship the Lord.
The pious children within the furnace were rescued by the child of the Theotokos. He who was prefigured then has been born on earth, and is gathering the entire universe to sing: Bless the Lord, all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
(After singing the eighth Ode, the Priest proclaims within the sanctuary:)
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For you are holy, our God, who rest among the Saints, and to you we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord (3).
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord, our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel. Peace be to you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to (Name). Let us be attentive.
People: Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.
(The Priest reads the Morning Gospel of that Sunday.)
Morning Gospels
1. Matthew (28:16‑20)
At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.
2. Mark (16:1‑8)
And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb? and looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back‑it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
3. Mark (16:9‑20)
Now when Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
4. Luke (24:1‑12)
On the first day of the week at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.
5. Luke (24:12‑35)
At that time, Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other. “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
6. Luke (24:36‑53)
At that time, Jesus went up and stood among his disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit, has not flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them. Then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name in all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.
7. John (20:1‑20)
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
8. John (20:11‑18)
At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabboni;” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
9. John (20:19‑31)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them , and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
10. John (21:1‑4)
At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberius; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty‑three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
11. John (21:15‑25)
At that time, when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the book that would be written. Amen.
People: Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.
(The Priest or People say the following prayer)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than you, and we call upon your name. Come, all you faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Ever praising the Lord, let us praise his resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He has destroyed death by death.
(Then the 50th Psalm is sung. At the verse: “For behold, you have loved truth,” the priest, holding the holy Gospel Book, exits through the Royal Doors and, standing in the middle of the Solea, offers the Gospel Book to the people for reverencing. After all have reverenced it, he places the Gospel Book on the lectern, reverences and enters the sanctuary through the Holy Doors.)
People: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy; and according to the multitude of your compassion, blot out my transgression.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done evil in your sight, that you may be found just when you speak, and victorious when you are judged.
Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.
For behold, you have loved truth; you have made known to me the secret and hidden things of your wisdom.
You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice.
Turn your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and establish me with your governing Spirit.
I shall teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to you.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall joyfully declare your righteousness.
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
For if you had desired sacrifice, I would give it; you do not delight in whole burnt offerings.
A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and humbled heart.
Do good in your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.
Then you shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings.
Then you shall offer bulls on your altar.
And have mercy on me, O God.
(Then we sing in the Second Tone)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Through the intercessions of the apostles, O merciful One, remit the multitude of our sins.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O merciful One, remit the multitude of our sins.
Have mercy, O God, have mercy upon me, according to your great mercy and according to the multitude of your compassions, wipe out my offense.
Jesus is risen from the grave as he foretold; he has given us eternal life and abundant mercy.
(On the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, and throughout Great Lent, we substitute for the above the following troparia: “Open to me the doors of repentance” “Guide me to salvation,” and “The multitude of my misfortunes. . .”)
Priest: O God, save your people and bless your inheritance. Look upon your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us your rich mercies, through the intercessions of our most pure Lady the Theotokos and ever‑Virgin Mary; the power of the precious and life‑giving Cross; the protection of the honorable, bodiless Powers of heaven; the supplications of the honorable and glorious prophet, and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy Apostles; our Fathers among the Saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria; Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, the wonder workers; the holy, glorious great Martyrs George the Victorious, Demetrios the Myrobletes, Theodore the Teron, and Theodore the General, Menas the Wonderworker and Charalambos the Hieromartyr; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all‑laudable Euphemia; of our holy God‑bearing Fathers (the patron saint of the church); the holy and righteous ancestors of righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna (the saint of the day); and of all your Saints; we beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (12 by 3s).
Priest: Through the mercy, compassion, and love of mankind of your only begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all holy, good and life‑giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of light.
(Receiving the censer, he censes the holy Table, the sanctuary, and the entire church, while simultaneously, the “More honorable than the Cherubim” is sung.)
My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my savior.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
For he who is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name; and his mercy is on them who fear him from generation to generation.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
He has showed strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
He has put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent empty away.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
(Then the katavasia of the ninth Ode is sung.)
Ninth Ode
Let every mortal born on earth carry his torch and leap for joy in the spirit. Let the angelic powers celebrate and honor the holy wonder of the Mother of God. Let them cry out: Rejoice, all‑blessed Theotokos, pure and ever‑virgin.
Priest: In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and all our lives to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For all the powers of heaven praise you and give you glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Holy is our Lord our God (2).
Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool, for he is holy.
(Immediately the resurrection exaposteilarion and that of the saint, if there is one, or the Theotokion are sung.)
Resurrection Exaposteilaria
And Theotokia
1
Let us go up with the disciples into a mountain of Galilee to behold with faith Christ as he proclaims his power over things above and below. Let us learn how he teaches us to baptize all nations in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and how we may be initiated in his mysteries as he promised, until the end of the world.
You, O Virgin Theotokos, have rejoiced with the disciples at seeing Christ risen on the third day from the tomb as he said. And he has appeared to them teaching and disclosing the better things, commanding them to baptize in the Father, and the Son, and the Spirit, that we may believe in his rising and glorify you, O Maiden.
2
The myrrh‑bearing women rejoiced at beholding the stone rolled away. They saw a young man seated upon the tomb and he said to them: Tell the disciples with Peter that Christ is risen. Press forward into the mountain of Galilee; there he will appear to you as he said to his friends.
An angel brought the Virgin the salutation before her conception of you, O Christ. An angel rolled away the stone of your tomb. The former, instead of sorrow, brought tokens of ineffable joy, and the latter, instead of death, proclaimed and magnified you, the bestower of life, declaring the resurrection to the women and those initiated.
3
Let no one doubt that Christ is risen, for he appeared to Mary and then was seen by those wailing in the country. Again he appeared to the eleven initiates as they reclined, and sent them forth to baptize others. He then ascended to heaven from whence he descended, confirming their preaching with a multitude of signs.
O sun, having risen upon the tomb today as a bridegroom from the bridal chamber, having harrowed hell and dashed down death, by the intercession of her that bore you, you have sent us light‑light that has enlightened our hearts and souls, and has directed us all to walk in the paths of your commandments and the ways of peace.
4
Lightening‑bright with virtues, let us behold men standing at the life‑bearing tomb in brilliant garments while the women bearing myrrh bow down their faces to the earth. Let us learn of the rising of him who reigns over heaven and let us hasten with Peter to life in the tomb; marveling at that which has happened let us stay to behold Christ.
Proclaiming the salutation: Rejoice, O Lord, you have transformed the sorrow of our forefathers, bringing to the world the joy of your resurrection. O giver of life, through her who bore you, enlighten our hearts and send forth the light of your mercies, that we may cry out to you: glory to your resurrection, O loving God-man.
5
Christ, the life and the way, risen from the dead, accompanied Cleopas and Luke and became known at Emmaus at the breaking of bread. Their souls and hearts burned with ardor when he spoke to them on the way and interpreted what he had endured by the Scriptures. Let us cry with them: He is risen and has appeared to Peter.
I praise your immeasurable mercy, O my Creator. You have emptied yourself to bear and save human nature grown evil. And being God, you consented to be born of the pure Maiden, descended of God like me, and descended even into Hades, wishing to save me by the intercession of her that bore you, O all‑merciful Master.
6
Revealing your human nature, O Savior, you partook of food after you rose from the tomb and standing in the midst preached repentance. Then you ascended immediately to your heavenly Father and promised to send the Comforter to your disciples. O most divine God-man, glory to your resurrection.
The creator of creation and God of all, O all‑holy Virgin has taken mortal flesh from your undefiled blood. He has renewed all corrupt nature, leaving it after his birth as it was before birth. Therefore, we all faithfully praise you crying: Rejoice, mistress of the world.
7
When Mary said that they had taken the Lord away, Simon Peter and the other disciple of Christ whom he loved both ran to the tomb. They found the grave clothes lying alone therein and the kerchief that had been about his head not with them but aside. They therefore kept silent again until they saw Christ.
Things great and exceeding strange have you done for me, O most merciful Christ. Unexplainably have you been born of a virgin Maiden and accepted the cross and endured death. You have risen in glory to set our nature free from death. Glory to your glory, O Christ, glory to your strength.
8
Seeing two angels inside the tomb, Mary was struck with wonder and not recognizing Christ, she asked him supposing him to be the gardener: Where, O Lord, have you laid the body of my Jesus? But recognizing by his call that he was the Savior, she heard: Touch me not; tell the brethren I go to my Father.
Maiden ineffably you have borne one of the Trinity, dual by nature, dual in operation, and one in person. Entreat him, then, for us who venerate you with faith that we may be delivered from all assaults by the enemy, for we all now take refuge in you, O Lady Theotokos.
9
The doors were shut as you entered, O Master, and you filled the apostles with the Holy Spirit by breathing upon them. You told them to bind and loose sins. After eight days you showed Thomas your side and your hands. With him we cry: You are Lord and God.
As you beheld on the third day O bride of God, your own Son risen from the tomb, you set aside all the affliction which you, all‑holy Virgin, endured as a mother on beholding him suffering. You were filled with joy, glorifying and praising him with his disciples. Therefore save us who now proclaim you the Mother of God.
10
On the sea of Tiberius, the sons of Zebedee, Nathaniel and Peter, and two other disciples of old were fishing with Thomas. At Christ’s command they cast their nets on the right side and drew in a multitude of fish. Then Peter recognized him and cast himself after him. When he appeared to them a third time, he showed them bread and fish upon live coals.
O Virgin, entreat the Lord, risen from the tomb on the third day, on behalf of those who praise you and bless you with love. For we all flee to you as a refuge of salvation and a mediator before him. We have indeed become your portion and your suppliants, O Theotokos, and we all look to you for help.
11
After the divine resurrection, the Lord asked Peter thrice: Do you love me? and thus put him forward as shepherd of his flock. But when Peter saw that he whom Jesus loved was following, he asked the Master: Why is he here? And he said, If I wish that he should remain until I come again, what is this to you, beloved Peter?
O fearful mystery! O strange and glorious wonder! Through death is death utterly destroyed. Who then does not praise, who then does not venerate your resurrection, O Word, and the Theotokos who in purity has given birth to you in the flesh? By her intercessions, deliver us all from hell.
(And immediately the Ainoi are sung.)
Ainoi
People: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights. To you, O God, is due praise.
Let all his angels praise him; let all his hosts praise him. To you, O God, is due praise.
(Then the resurrection stichera and those of the saints (if there are any) are sung, the number depending on local tradition.)
First Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment, this honor have all his saints.
We praise your saving passion, O Christ, and glorify your resurrection.
Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.
Give peace in our lives, O Lord, who endured the Cross and destroyed death and rose from the dead as almighty.
Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his abundant greatness.
Grant that we may praise and glorify you with a pure heart, O Christ, who has despoiled death, and raised up man through your resurrection.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psalter and harp.
Glorifying your divine humility, we praise you, O Christ. Born of a virgin, yet you were not separated from the Father. You suffered as man and willingly endured the cross. Glory to you, O Lord, who, proceeding as from a chamber, have risen from the tomb to save the world.
Praise him with the timbrel and chorus; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
When you were nailed upon the wood of the cross, the power of the enemy was put to death; creation quaked with fear of you and hell was despoiled by your power. Glory to you, O Christ our God, who raised up the dead from the tomb and opened paradise to the thief.
Praise him upon melodious cymbals; praise him with loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
The holy women lamenting hastened to your sepulcher. They found the tomb open and learned from the angel the new and strange miracle. They announced to the apostles that the Lord had risen, bestowing great mercy upon the world.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
We worship the divine wounds of your passion, O Christ our God, and the royal sacrifice in Zion, divinely manifested at the end of the ages. You, O Son of righteousness, have enlightened those asleep in darkness guiding them towards the light that knows no evening. Glory to you, O Lord.
I shall praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I shall speak of all your marvelous works.
Give ear, O turbulent race of Jews; where are those who went to Pilate? Let the soldiers of the watch tell: Where are the seals of the tomb? Where has the buried corpse been moved? How was he sold who is not for sale? How was the treasure stolen? You wicked Jews, why do you speak falsely against the resurrection of him who was crucified? He is risen who was free among the dead, granting great mercy to the world.
Second Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
All that breathes and all creation praises you, O Lord. For you alone love mankind, and have put down death with your cross that you may show mankind your resurrection.
Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.
Let the Jews tell how the soldiers lost the King over whom they watched. Why did the stone fail to guard the rock of life? Let them either give him over who was buried or else let them worship him who arose, declaring with us: Glory to the multitude of your mercies; glory to you, our Savior.
Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Rejoice, O people, and be glad. An angel sat upon the stone of the tomb and gave us the great news: Christ, the Savior of the world is risen from the dead and has filled the world with a sweet fragrance. Rejoice, O men, and be glad.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with the psaltery and harp.
At your conception, O Lord, an angel brought the joyful salutation to the Virgin who is full of grace, while at your resurrection an angel rolled back the stone of your glorious tomb. The one, disclosed tokens of joy instead of sorrow; while the other, proclaimed to us the Master, the giver of life instead of death. Therefore we cry: Glory to you, O Lord, Benefactor of all.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
Weeping, the women poured myrrh upon your tomb, and their voices were filled with joy as they said: The Lord is risen.
Praise him upon the well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Let the Gentiles and the people praise Christ our God who for our sake willingly suffered the cross and spent three days in hell. Let them worship his resurrection from the dead, which spreads light to the ends of the world.
Praise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor for ever.
Crucified and buried of your own will, you despoiled death, O Christ, and as God and Master, you granted the world eternal life and great mercy.
I will praise you, Lord, with my whole heart. I will speak of all your marvelous works.
In truth, you transgressors of the law, by sealing the stone, granted us a greater wonder. The guards knew. Today he went forth from the tomb and they said: Say: while we slept his disciples came and stole him away.” But who steals a body, especially a body that is naked? He arose by his own will as God, leaving his grave clothes in the tomb. Come, you Jews, and see how he left the seals unbroken, having trampled death and granted mankind life without end and great mercy.
Third Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
O come all you nations, and know the might of this awesome mystery. Our Savior, who was the Word in the beginning, has been crucified for us and of his own will suffered burial. On the third day he rose again that he might save us all. Let us worship him.
Praise him in his saints. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
The guards that kept watch over you, O Lord, related all the wonders that had come to pass. But the vain assembly of the Sanhedrin filled their hands with bribes, thus thinking to hide your resurrection which all the world glorifies. Have mercy upon us.
Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
All things were filled with joy when news of your resurrection was received. When Mary Magdalene went to your tomb, she found an angel in shining raiment seated upon the stone who said: Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but risen as he foretold, and he goes before you into Galilee.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
O Master who loves humankind, in your light we see light. You have risen from the dead, bestowing salvation on the human race so that all creation might give glory to you who alone are without sin. Have mercy upon us.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with stringed instruments and organ.
The myrrh‑bearing women, O Lord, offered their tearful song to you very early, for they came to your tomb laden with fragrant spices and hastened to anoint your immaculate body. An angel seated upon the stone announced to them: Why do you seek the living among the dead? For he is risen as God and has trampled down death, granting to all great mercy.
Praise him upon the well‑tuned cymbals. Praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
A shining angel was seated upon your life-giving tomb, and said to the myrrh bearers: The Deliverer has emptied the tombs, despoiled Hades, and is risen on the third day, for he alone is God and almighty.
Arise, O Lord, my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor ones forever.
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene at the tomb arrived in search of you. But when she found you not, she wept and cried out: Woe is me, my Savior! Where have they stolen the King of all? Two angels, bearers of life, were in the tomb, and said to her: Woman, why do you weep? I weep, she said, because they have taken my Lord from the tomb and I know not where they have laid him. Then she turned round and saw you standing and she immediately cried: My Lord and my God, glory to you.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
The Jews enclosed Life in the tomb while the thief with his tongue opened the door to joy to the nations, as he called out and said: he who was crucified with me and was hung with me upon the cross for my sake has appeared to me seated upon the throne with the Father, for he is Christ our God who has great mercy.
Fourth Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all the saints.
We glory in your resurrection, O all powerful Lord, who suffered the cross and death and arose from the dead.
Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.
By your cross you set us free from the ancient curse, O Lord; by your death you have destroyed the devil who ruled over our nature; by your resurrection you have filled all things with joy. Therefore, we cry to you: O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to you.
Praise him for his might acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
By your cross lead us in your truth, O Christ our Savior, and deliver us from the wiles of the adversary. Having risen from the dead, raise us up who have fallen by sin. By the prayers of your saints, O loving Lord, stretch out to us your arm.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
Without parting from the bosom of the Father, O only‑begotten Son of God, you have in your love for mankind descended to earth and become man without change. Impassible in your divinity, you suffered the cross and death in the flesh. You have risen from the dead and granted mankind immortality as the only almighty one.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
You have accepted upon yourself death in the flesh and have mediated that we might be immortal. You have dwelt in the tomb that we might be free from Hades, and, suffering as man, you have risen as God, having raised us with yourself. Therefore, we cry to you: O Lord, giver of life, only‑loving God, glory to you.
Praise him upon well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
The stones were split open when your cross was planted on Golgotha, O Savior, and the gatekeepers of hells were afraid when you were laid in the tomb as dead. For you have destroyed the power of death by your resurrection, and have granted all the dead incorruption, O Savior. Glory to you, Lord and Giver of life.
Arise, O Lord, my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
The women wished to behold your resurrection, O Christ our God, and Mary Magdalene went before them and found the stone rolled back from the tomb and an angel sitting there who said: Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is risen as God, in order to save the world.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will speak of all your marvelous works.
Where is Jesus whom you thought you were guarding? Tell me, O Jews, where is he who was laid in the tomb which you sealed with a stone? Give us the body, you who denied life. Yield up the body, or believe in him who is risen. If you keep silent about his rising, the stones will cry aloud especially the one rolled back from the tomb. How great is your mercy, and great is the mystery of your dispensation. O Savior, glory to You.
Plagial of the First Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
After the tomb was sealed by the transgressors, You, O Lord, came forth from it just as you came forth from the Virgin. Your bodiless angels had no knowledge of the manner of your incarnation; neither were the soldiers who guarded you aware of the moment of your resurrection. For both miracles were concealed from those who questioned these things, but were revealed as miracles to those who worship with faith the mystery. Grant us, who praise it, joy and great mercy.
Praise him in his saints. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
After breaking the eternal chains and bursting the bonds asunder, you rose, O Lord, from the tomb, leaving your grave clothes behind as witness to the truth of your three-day burial. And you who were being guarded in the tomb went forward into Galilee. Great is your mercy, O incomprehensible Savior. Have mercy on us.
Praise him for his might acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
The women hastened to the tomb, to see you, O Lord, the Christ who suffered for us. When they arrived they found an angel seated upon the stone who cried out to them as they started back with dread: The Lord is risen. Tell the disciples that the Savior of our souls is risen from the dead.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
As you came forth from the sealed tomb, O Lord, so did you enter with the doors closed and stand in the midst of your disciples showing them the marks of your passion, O long‑suffering Savior. Born of the seed of David, you endured the wounds and as Son of God you have set the world free. Great is your mercy, O ineffable Lord. Have mercy upon us.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
O Lord, king of the ages and creator of all, you accepted crucifixion and burial for our sake to free us all from Hades. You are our God, and we know no other but you.
Praise him upon the well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Who shall declare your dazzling wonders, O Lord? Who shall proclaim your awesome mysteries? For you became incarnate for our sake as you desired and have made manifest the height of your power. By your cross you opened Paradise to the thief; by your tomb, you smashed the chains of Hades; and by your resurrection, you enriched all things. Glory to you, O compassionate Lord.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
Very early in the morning the myrrh-bearing women hastened to your tomb in order to anoint you, the immortal Word and God. And when the words of the angel reached their ears, they returned rejoicing to make known to the apostles that the life of all had risen, granting the world forgiveness and great mercy.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
The guards of your divine tomb came to the Jews and said: How foolish was your counsel, for you tried in vain to guard him whom nothing can confine. You desired to hire the resurrection of the one who was crucified, but in so doing you revealed it clearly to all. How foolish is your assembly! Do you again take counsel to conceal that which cannot be concealed? Listen rather to us and be prepared to believe the truth of the events. An angel with lighting in his hand came down from heaven and rolled back the stone, as we lay dead with fear, and he called to the myrrh‑bearing women, who were undismayed, and he said to them: Do you not see the guards lying dead with fear, and the seal broken and Hades emptied? Why do you seek among the dead the victor over hell and the destroyer of the sting of death? Go quickly and proclaim fearlessly to the apostles: Truly the Lord is risen, the one who has great mercy.
Plagial of the Second Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
Your cross, O Lord, is the life and resurrection for your people; and assured of this, we sing to you our risen God: Have mercy upon us.
Praise him in his saints. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
Your burial, O Master, opened paradise to the human race, and we, delivered from corruption, sing to you our risen God: Have mercy upon us.
Praise him for his might acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Let us praise Christ with the Father and the Spirit. Let us cry aloud to him from the dead: You are our life and resurrection. Have mercy upon us.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
On the third day, O Christ, you rose from the tomb as it was written, having raised our forefather with you. Therefore all people glorify you and praise your resurrection.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
O Lord, great and awesome is the mystery of your resurrection. For you have come forth from the tomb as a bridegroom from his chamber, destroying death by death that Adam might be set free. Therefore, the angels in heaven rejoice and people on earth glorify the compassion that you have shown towards us, O loving God.
Praise him upon well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
O wicked Jews, where are the seals and the pieces of silver that you gave to the guards? The treasure was not stolen, but rose up according to his power. You were put to shame by denying Christ, the Lord of glory, who suffered and was buried and rose from the dead. Him let us worship.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
How were you robbed, O Jews, when the tomb was sealed and you had placed the guards and seals on it? Though the doors were closed, the king came out. Now either show him as dead or worship him with us as God and say: Glory to your cross and resurrection.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
The myrrh‑bearing women came in tears to your life‑bearing tomb, O Lord, and carried with them spices with which to anoint your all pure body. But they found an angel seated on the stone who called out to them and said; Why do you weep for him from whose side flows life to the world? Why do you seek him who is immortal as dead in the tomb? Go rather and announce to his disciples the good tidings of his resurrection, the joy of all the world. Having also enlightened us by it, O Savior, grant us forgiveness and great mercy.
Grave Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all his saints.
Christ is risen from the dead, bursting asunder the bonds of death. Proclaim this great joy over all the earth; let the heavens praise the glory of God.
Praise him in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus who alone is without sin.
Praise him for his might acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Let us never cease to worship the resurrection of Christ, for he has saved us from our transgressions. Holy is the Lord Jesus who showed forth the resurrection.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
What shall we give to the Lord in return for all that he has given us? For our sake, God lived among us. On account of our corrupt nature the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He became the benefactor of the ungrateful, the liberator of those in captivity. He is the sun of righteousness for those sitting in darkness. He who is impassible is on the cross. He is the light in Hades. He is life in death. He is the resurrection of the fallen, and we cry to him: Glory to you, our God.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
O Lord, by your mighty power, you have smashed the gates of Hades and brought down the dominion of death. As master of the world and almighty God, you have raised up the dead lying from eternity in darkness by your divine and glorious resurrection.
Praise him upon well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Come let us rejoice in the Lord, and make glad in his resurrection, for he has raised up the dead from the unbreakable bonds of Hades, granting the world, as God, eternal life and great mercy.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
An angel, shining like lightening, sat upon the stone of the life‑giving tomb, and announced the good tidings to the myrrh‑bearers saying: The Lord is risen as he foretold to you. Announce to his disciples that he goes before you into Galilee, and that he grants the world eternal life and great mercy.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
O unfaithful Jews! Why have you rejected the Cornerstone? He is the stone that God laid in Zion. He is the one who made water gush out of the rock in the wilderness, and who pours forth from his side immortality to us. He is the stone that was cut from the virginal mountain without the will of man. He, as Daniel said, is the Son of man coming upon the clouds of heaven going towards the Ancient of Days and his kingdom is everlasting.
Plagial of the Fourth Tone
To execute upon them a written judgment: this honor have all the saints.
Though you, O Lord, stood for trial to be judged by Pilate, you did not cease to sit on the throne with the Father. Rising from the dead, you have set the world free from bondage to the enemy, for you are a compassionate and loving God.
Praise him in his saints. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
Though the Jews laid you in the tomb as dead, O Lord, the guards watched over you as a sleeping king; and though sealed with seals as a treasure of life, you have risen and granted our souls incorruption.
Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
You gave us your cross, Lord, as a weapon against the devil. Surely he trembles and quakes unable to bear the sight of its power; for it raised up the dead and laid death low. Therefore, we venerate your tomb and your resurrection.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
Your angel, O Lord, proclaimed the resurrection and frightened the guards, and he called to the women saying: Why do you seek the living among the dead? God is risen, bestowing life upon the world.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with the stringed instruments and organ.
Impassible in your divinity, you have suffered on the cross and have accepted burial for three days to set us free from the bondage of the enemy and to give us life, making us immortal by your resurrection, O Christ our loving God.
Praise him upon the well‑tuned cymbals; praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
We venerate, glorify, and praise your resurrection from the tomb, O Christ, by which you have set us free from the indissoluble bonds of Hades. And as God you have granted eternal life and great mercy to the world.
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up your hand; forget not your poor forever.
The lawless people guarding your life-bearing tomb sealed it with a guard. But you, as God almighty and immortal, have risen on the third day.
I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.
When you came to the gates of Hades and smashed them, O Lord, then as a prisoner Hades cried: Who is this who is not condemned to remain in the nethermost parts of the earth but dissolves like a shadow the prison of death? I received him as dead, and now tremble in fear before him as God. Have mercy upon us, Almighty one.
“Glory…” and one of the following;
Morning Doxastika
First Eothinon. First Tone
When the disciples had gone up onto the mountain for his ascension from earth, the Lord stood by and they worshiped him. And, having been instructed in the universal power which was given to them, they were sent to the ends of the earth to proclaim the resurrection from the dead and his return to heaven. He, Christ, God and Savior of our souls, also promised them to be with them forever.
Second Eothinon. Second Tone
When the women came with Mary bearing sweet spices and pondered how to obtain their desire, they saw the stone rolled away and the divine youth who calmed the tumult of their souls. The Lord Jesus is risen, he said. Therefore, proclaim this to his heralds, the disciples and tell them to hasten to Galilee, and they shall see him risen from the dead as the giver of life and Lord.
Third Eothinon. Third Tone
When Mary Magdalene announced the good news of the Savior’s resurrection from the dead and his appearance, the disciples did not believe her and were reproached for their hardness of heart. But armed with signs and wonders, they were sent to preach. You, O Lord, were lifted up to the Father, the source of light, while they preached the word in all places supported by miracles. We, therefore, enlightened by them glorify your resurrection from the dead, O loving God.
Fourth Eothinon. Fourth Tone
It was early dawn when the women came to your tomb, O Christ, but the body they desired was not found. Therefore, those in resplendent vesture standing by said to them: Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is risen as he foretold. Why do you not remember his words? Convinced by them, the women proclaimed what they have seen, but their good tidings seemed to be idle tales, so dulled were the disciples still. But Peter ran, and beheld and glorified within himself your wonders.
Fifth Eothinon. Plagial of the First Tone
O Christ, how wise are your judgments. By the grave clothes alone you made Peter understand your resurrection. Accompanying Luke and Cleopas, and while conversing with them you did not reveal yourself immediately. Therefore, you were reproached as a stranger in Jerusalem, not knowing what had taken place there. But disposing everything for the benefit of your creature, you revealed the prophecies concerning you and made yourself known to them by blessing the bread because their hearts were aflame for knowledge of you even before this. To the disciples already assembled they openly proclaimed your resurrection; through it have mercy on our souls.
Sixth Eothinon. Plagial of the Second Tone
You, O Christ, are indeed peace unto all people of God, and after your resurrection you gave your peace to your disciples, frightening them who thought they saw a spirit. But you calmed the tumult of their souls by showing them your hands and feet. Yet they still disbelieved. But you opened their minds to the understanding of the Scriptures. You shared food with them and reminded them of your teachings. Then, having assured them of the promise of the Father and having blessed them you ascended to heaven. Therefore, with them we worship you, O Lord, glory to you.
Seventh Eothinon. Grave Tone
Behold the darkness and early morning. What are you doing at the tomb, Mary, your mind filled with darkness? Why do you ask where Jesus has been laid? See the disciples running forward with the grave clothes and the cloth, giving proof to the resurrection and recalling the Scriptures concerning this. With them and through them we also believe, and we sing praises to you, O Christ, giver of life.
Eighth Eothinon. Plagial of the Fourth Tone
Mary’s fervent tears were not shed in vain, for she was found worthy to hear the angels teaching and to see your face, O Christ. But her thoughts were earthly ‑ those of a weak woman. Therefore, she was sent away and was told not to touch you, O Christ. But she was sent as a herald to the disciples, and proclaimed to them the good news of your ascension to your paternal inheritance. With her make us also worthy; O Lord our Master.
Ninth Eothinon. Plagial of the First Tone
As in later times, late in the evening of the Sabbath you came and stood by your friends, O Christ. By a miracle, you entered through closed doors and confirmed your resurrection from the dead. You filled your disciples with joy, and imparted to them the Holy Spirit and granted them power to remit sins. Nor did you leave Thomas immersed in a tempest of disbelief. Therefore, compassionate Lord, grant us also true knowledge and remission of our faults.
Tenth Eothinon. Plagial of the Second Tone
After your descent into Hades, the disciples despaired of your resurrection, as might be expected in your absence, O Christ. They returned to their work; to their boats and nets, but they caught nothing. But you, O Savior, have been revealed as Master of all and commanded them to cast their nets on the right side. Immediately the word become deed, and they caught a great multitude of fish and found an unexpected meal on shore, of which they partook. Now make us worthy to enjoy the same food spiritually, O loving Lord.
Eleventh Eothinon. Plagial of the Fourth Tone
Appearing after the resurrection to your disciples, O Savior, you gave Peter the tending of your sheep as recompense for his love, asking him to tend them with care. Therefore you said: If you love me, O Peter, feed my sheep, tend my lambs. He immediately displayed his affection and inquired about the other disciple. By their prayers, O Christ, preserve your flock from ravaging wolves.
“Now and forever…” Theotokion.
Second Tone
Most blessed are you, Virgin Theotokos, for through him who took flesh from you, Hades was taken captive, Adam was recalled from the dead, the curse was abolished, Eve was set free, death was put to death, and we were given life. Therefore we cry aloud in praise: Blessed are you, Christ our God, who has been so pleased, glory to you.
The Great Doxology
Glory to you who has shown us the light.
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill to all people.
We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory.
Lord, King, heavenly God, Father, almighty; Lord, the only‑begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world.
Receive our prayer, you who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.
For you only are holy, only you are Lord
Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Each day we bless you, and we praise your name forever and to the ages of ages.
Lord, grant that we may be kept this day without sin.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of our fathers. Your name is praised and glorified throughout all ages. Amen.
Let your mercy, Lord, be upon us, as our trust is in you.
Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your statutes (3).
Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.
Lord, to you have I fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
For you are the source of life, and in your light we shall see light.
Extend your mercy to those who know you.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory . . . Now and forever . . .
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
(Then we sing in a stronger voice:)
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
(Then the following resurrection hymn is sung:)
People: Today salvation has come to the world. Let us sing to him who is risen, the author of our life. For he has vanquished death by death and has given us victory and great mercy.
(Then the Ektenes and the Apolysis are said in a low voice inside the sanctuary in front of the holy Table).
About This Book
The Service of the Sunday Orthros is one of the most exciting services of the Orthodox Church. Its main focus is on the praise and glorification of God. Scriptural images are scattered throughout the text in such abundance that it can be said that the Sunday Orthros is, to a large extent, Scripture recast into verse and hymns, with the focus and emphasis on the hope and joy of the Resurrection. This wonderful service is now being offered for the first time in a bilingual edition (Greek and English) with the hope that it will nurture and inspire those who pray it.
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About The Translator
The translator, the Reverend Nomikos Michael Vaporis, is Professor of Byzantine and Modern Greek History at Hellenic College/ Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and director of Holy Cross Orthodox Press, which has produced over a dozen bilingual liturgical texts.
These katavasias are sung from 22 September to 7 November, from 10 February to the beginning of the Triodion, and from the Sunday of All Saints to 27 July, as well as on 14 August. For the other katavasias, see in the appropriate places in the Menologion.
The Akathist Hymn and Small Compline
THE AKATHIST HYMN AND SMALL COMPLINE
Priest: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You, our God, glory to You. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth who are present everywhere and fill all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the-glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy (12).
Come, let us worship and bow down to God, our King.
Come, let us worship and bow down to Christ, our King and God.
Come, let us worship and bow down to Christ himself, our King and our God.
PSALM 50 (51)
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done evil in Your sight, that You may be found just when You speak, and victorious when You are judged. For behold, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. For behold, You have loved truth; You have made known to me the secret and hidden things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; You shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and establish me with Your governing Spirit. I shall teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall joyfully declare Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would give it; you do not delight in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a humbled heart. Do good in Your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then You shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
PSALM 69 (70)
O God, be attentive to help me. Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life. Let them be turned back and be ashamed who desire evil against me. Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say to me, Well done! Well done! Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, Let God be magnified! But as for me, I am poor and needy; O God, help me! You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.
PSALM 142 (143)
Lord, hear my prayer. In Your truth, give ear to my supplications; in Your righteousness, hear me. Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no one living is justified in Your sight. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all Your works; I pondered on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not Your face away from me, lest I belike those who go down into the pit. Let me hear Your mercy in the morning, for in You I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to You have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path; Lord, for your name's sake You shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, You shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in Your mercy, You shall utterly destroy my enemies. And You shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant.
DOXOLOGY
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all people. We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to you for Your great glory. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father, almighty Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us, You who take away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy upon us. For You only are holy, only You are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Each evening we bless You, and we praise Your name forever and to the ages of ages. Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy upon me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against You . Lord, to You have I fled; teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. For You are the source of life, and in Your light we shall see light. Continue Your mercy to those who know You. Lord, grant to keep us this night without sin. Blessed are You, Lord, God of our fathers. Your name is praised and glorified from all ages. Amen. Let Your mercy, Lord, lighten upon us, as our trust is in You. Blessed are You, Lord, teach me Your commandments. Blessed are You, Master, teach me Your commandments. Blessed are You, Holy One, enlighten me in Your commandments. Your mercy, Lord, endures forever; turn not away from the works of Your hands. To you belongs praise, to You belongs worship, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
THE CREED
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages;
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried;
And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come.
Amen.
It is truly worthy to bless you, the Theotokos, the ever blessed and most pure and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
Apolytikion. Eighth Tone
When the bodiless learned of the secret command, he came in haste to Joseph's house and said to her who knew not wedlock: He who bowed the heavens by coming down is contained wholly and unchanged in you. Seeing him take the form of a servant in your womb, I stand in awe and cry out to You: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. (On the 5th Friday the 1st Stasis is sung).
CANON ODE ONE. TONE FOUR.
THE EIRMOS
I shall open my mouth and it shall be filled with the Spirit; and I shall pour out a word to the Mother and Queen; and I shall be seen cheerfully celebrating; and rejoicing I shall sing her miracles.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
O animate book of Christ, sealed by the Spirit, O pure one, the great Archangel, beholding you, exclaimed: Rejoice, O vessel of joy through whom the first mother's curse shall be broken.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Virgin Bride of God, the restoration of Adam, the mortification of Hades.
Rejoice, completely unblemished One, the palace of the only King.
Rejoice, fiery throne of the Sovereign of all.
Glory…
Rejoice, unfading rose.
Rejoice, the only one who budded forth the unfading apple.
Rejoice, birth-giver of the aromatic balm of the King of all.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded, the world's salvation.
Both now…
Rejoice, treasury of purity, through whom we have risen from our fall.
Rejoice, O Lady, sweet-smelling lilly that sends forth its fragrant scent to the faithful.
Rejoice, aromatic incense and precious oil of myrrh.
ODE THREE. THE EIRMOS
O Theotokos, living and abundant fountain, strengthen those united in spiritual fellowship who sing hymns of praise to you. And in your divine glory, deem them worthy of crowns of glory.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, untilled land which has sprouted the divine ear of wheat.
Rejoice, living table which has held the bread of life.
Rejoice, O Lady, never empty font of living water.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, O heifer that gave birth to the unblemished calf for the faithful.
Rejoice, O ewe that conceived the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Rejoice, O warm mercy seat, our fervent intercessor.
Glory...
Rejoice, luminous morning that alone brings Christ the Sun.
Rejoice, dwelling place of light, dispeller of darkness who has diminished utterly the darkened demons.
Both now…
Rejoice, only gate that only the Logos has gone through, for in your giving birth you shattered the bars and gates of Hades.
Rejoice, all-laudable, divine entrance of those who are being saved.
(On the 5th Friday the 2nd Stasis is sung here.)
ODE FOUR. THE EIRMOS.
He who sits in holy glory, on the throne of Divinity, on a swift cloud came Jesus the transcendent God, and by his undefiled hand has saved those who cry Out; Glory be to Your power, O Christ.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
In voices of song faithfully we rejoice all-laudable One.
Rejoice, rich mountain flowing with the milk of the Spirit.
Rejoice, lamp and golden jar containing the manna which sweetens the senses of the devout.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, mercy-seat of the world untainted Lady.
Rejoice, raising all from earth by grace.
Rejoice bridge that truly conveys from death to life all those who sing your praises.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
More exalted than the heavens, rejoice, you who carded earth's foundation painlessly in your womb. Rejoice, O sea shell who dyed with your own virgin blood the divine purple robe worn by the King of angelic hosts.
Glory...
Lady, you truly gave birth to the divine Giver of the law who washes clean the lawlessness of all. O incomprehensible depth and ineffable height, Maiden unwedded, through whom we are deified.
Both now…
You have woven for the world a crown unwoven by human hands and we praise you saying: Rejoice, O Virgin, the fortress and citadel and protective wall and refuge of all.
ODE FIVE. THE EIRMOS
Amazed was the universe by your divine glory. For while never experiencing marriage, you held, O Virgin, the God of all in your womb, and gave birth to an eternal Son who grants salvation to all who chant hymns of praise to you.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, for you carried in your womb the Way of life.
Rejoice, Bride of God, all-blameless Maiden, who saved the world from the flood of sin.
Rejoice, awe-inspiring message and report, habitation of the One who is Lord of all creation.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The might and the fortress of the human race, O Undefiled.
Rejoice, holy place of glory, slayer of Hades, and bridal chamber of light.
Rejoice, delight of the angels.
Rejoice, helper of those who pray to you faithfully.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Fiery chariot of God the Word and risen Son.
Rejoice, Lady, living paradise, which in its center contains the tree of life, the Lord, whose sweetness gives life to those who participate with faith although subject to decay.
Glory…
Strengthened by your power, we faithfully cry out to you with faith: Rejoice, city of the Great King, about which glorious and remarkable things have been clearly declared. Rejoice, O unquarried mountain and unfathomable depth.
Both now…
Rejoice, O Undefiled dwelling of the Word, seashell that producesthe divine pearl.
Rejoice, O Lady, exceedingly wonderful, who reconciles with God all those who bless you, the Theotokos, each time.
ODE SIX. THE EIRMOS
O godly-minded people, as we perform this divine and all-honorable feast in honor of the Mother of our God, let us clap our hands and give glory to God who was born of her.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us
The spotless chamber of the Word, for all the Cause of deification, rejoice, all-undefiled the prophets' echoing prophecy. Rejoice, adornment of the Apostles.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
From you has dripped the refreshing dew that quenched the flame of idolatry. We therefore cry aloud to you: Rejoice, O Virgin, fleece cover with dew which Gideon foresaw.
Glory…
Behold, we cry out to you, rejoice. Become for us a harbor and haven, for we are tossed about on the sea of adversity, and of the many scandals of him who wars with us.
Both now…
O cause for joy, endow our thoughts with grace that we may cry: Rejoice, O unconsumed bush and shining cloud that overshadows without ceasing the faithful.
(On the 5th Friday, the 3rd Stasis is sung here.)
ODE SEVEN. THE EIRMOS
People: The godly-minded did not adore creation but the Creator, and bravely trampling upon the threat of the fire they rejoiced chanting: Blessed are You O supremely praised, O Lord and God of our fathers.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
We sing hymns to you crying: Rejoice, O chariot Of the spiritual Sun. Rejoice, O true vine that cultured the ripened cluster dripping with wine, making glad the souls of all who faithfully glorify you.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Bride of God, who carried in your womb the healer of the human race.
Rejoice, O mystical rod that blossomed the flower that will never wilt.
Rejoice, O Lady, through whom we are filled with joy and inherited eternal life.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The tongue practicing oratory is unable to extol you. For you were exalted above the Seraphim, having given birth to Christ the King. Beseech him, O Lady, to rescue now from every harm those -who bow in faith before you.
Glory…
The ends of the earth extol you, and cry out to you: Rejoice, scroll on which, O pure one, the Word was inscribed by the Father's finger. Intercede with him, O Theotokos, to enroll your servants in the book of life.
Both now…
We your servants beseech you and bend the knee of our heart to you. O pure one, lend us your ear in afflictions. And your city preserve, O Theotokos, from any destruction by the enemies.
ODE EIGHT. THE EIRMOS
The pious youth within the furnace were rescued by the offspring of the Theotokos. He who was Prefigured then has been born on earth, and is gathering the entire universe to sing: Bless the Lord, all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You received into your womb the Logos: you held in your arms the One who holds all things. With your milk You nourished him who with a nod nourishes the entire universe, O purest maiden, to whom we sing: Bless the Lord all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The great mystery of your childbirth did Moses perceive within the burning bush. The youth vividly prefigured this, standing in the midst of fire and remaining unconsumed, O undefiled andholy Virgin. We praise you therefore in hymns to the ages.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
We who once by deceit were left naked have put on through your pregnancy the garments of incorruption, and we who sat in the darkness of our transgressions now have seen the light. We therefore praise you in hymns to the ages.
Glory…
The dead have been given life by your power, for you gave birth to the spiritual life. They who once were speechless now are eloquent. Lepers are cleansed and diseases are exterminated. The multitude of aerial spirits are defeated, O Virgin, man's salvation.
Both now…
Through you who did bear the world's salvation we were raised up from earth to heaven. Rejoice, all-blessed shelter, strength, wall, and fortification of all who sing: Bless the Lord, all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
ODE NINE. THE EIRMOS.
Let every mortal born on earth with festive lamps In hand, in spirit leap for joy; and you incorporeal angelic Powers in heaven celebrate, thus honoring the sacred feast of the Mother of God, and cry out: Rejoice, all-blessed one, ever-virgin and pure Theotokos.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
So that we may cry rejoice to you through whom we faithful have become sharers of eternal joy, O Maiden, rescue us from temptation, from enemy invasions, and from every other scourge which is bound to follow because of the multitude of transgressions due to the sins of mortals.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You were seen as our light and surety, we therefore shout to you: Rejoice, O unsetting star which leads the great Sun into the world. Rejoice, O pure one, for you opened Eden. Rejoice, fiery pillar ushering humankind to life on high.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us stand reverently within the temple of our God and cry out: Rejoice, Mistress of the world.
Rejoice, O Mary, the Lady of us all.
Rejoice, only blameless and fair one among women.
Rejoice, vessel which accepted the divine inexhaustible ointment Poured upon you.
Glory…
Rejoice, O ever-virgin, dove that brought forth the Lord of mercy.
Rejoice, boast of every saint.
Rejoice, Crown of laurel of the martyr-athletes.
Rejoice, divine adornment of all righteous, and salvation f or us the believers.
Both now…
Spare, O God, the sins of Your own inheritance by overlooking all of them now. Accept, O Christ, the fervent prayers of her who without seed conceived on earth and carried You who in Your great mercy will to take the form that was not Your own.
Kontakion
O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
On the First Friday, we sing only the First Stasis.
On the Second Friday, we sing only the Second Stasis.
On the Third Friday, we sing only the Third Stasis.
On the Fourth Friday, we sing only the Fourth Stasis.
On the Fifth Friday, we sing the entire Hymn.
FIRST STASIS
Priest: An Angel of the first rank was sent from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! (3) And perceiving You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe and with his bodiless voice cried aloud to her as follows:
Rejoice, through whom joy shall shine forth;
Rejoice, through whom the curse shall vanish.
Rejoice, fallen Adam's restoration;
Rejoice, redemption of Eve's tears.
Rejoice, height that is too difficult for human thought to ascend;
Rejoice, depth that is too strenuous for Angels' eyes to perceive
Rejoice, for you are the throne of the King;
Rejoice, for you hold him Who sustains everything.
Rejoice, star that shows forth the Sun;
Rejoice, womb in which God became incarnate.
Rejoice, through whom creation is renewed;
Rejoice, through whom the Creator becomes an infant.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The holy one, beholding herself in innocence, says to Gabriel: The incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Curious to know knowledge what is knowable to no one, the Virgin cried out to the ministering angel: How is it possible for a son to be born of pure loins? Tell me. To whom the angel answered in fear, crying out:
Rejoice, initiate of ineffable counsel;
Rejoice, faith of silent beseechers.
Rejoice, introduction to Christ's miracles;
Rejoice, consummation of his doctrinal articles.
Rejoice, heavenly ladder by which God came down;
Rejoice, bridge leading those from earth to I heaven.
Rejoice, marvel greatly renowned among the Angels;
Rejoice, wound bitterly lamented by demons.
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the light ineffably;
Rejoice, for the "how" you taught to no one.
Rejoice, surpassing the knowledge of scholars;
Rejoice, dawn that illumines the minds of believers.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The divine power of the Most High overshadowed the unwedded Maiden that she might conceive, and made her luxuriant womb appear as a luscious field for everyone who desires to reap salvation while chanting thusly: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: The Virgin, bearing God in her womb, hastened to visit Elizabeth, whose own babe at once knowing her greeting, rejoiced and leaping up as if in song, cried out to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, branch of an unwithered shoot;
Rejoice, land of unblemished fruit.
Rejoice, you who cultivate the husband and who loves humankind;
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the gardener of our life.
Rejoice, arable land yielding an abundance of compassion;
Rejoice, table laden an abundance of grace.
Rejoice, for you make flourish the meadows of luxury;
Rejoice, for you prepare a safe harbor for our souls.
Rejoice, intercession's acceptable incense;
Rejoice, expiation for all the world.
Rejoice, goodwill of God to mortals;
Rejoice, boldness of mortals before God.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Fraught within with confusion, brought about by doubtful thoughts, the wise Joseph was troubled as he looked upon you the unwedded, and suspected you, O Blameless one. But when he learned of your conception by the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
This is the end of the FIRST Stasis. Now go to "O Champion General" and continue from there on to the end of the service.
SECOND STASIS
The shepherds heard the appearance of Christ in the flesh being glorified; and hastening as to a shepherd, they beheld him as a spotless lamb who had been pastured in the womb of Mary, to whom they sing praises saying:
Rejoice, mother of the Lamb and Shepherd;
Rejoice, sheepfold of spiritual sheep.
Rejoice, defense against invisible enemies;
Rejoice, key to the doors of Paradise.
Rejoice, for heavenly things are exulting with the earth;
Rejoice, earthly things that are dancing with the heavenly ones.
Rejoice, never-silent voice of the Apostles;
Rejoice, unconquered courage of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, faith's unshakable foundation;
Rejoice, shining revelation of grace.
Rejoice, through whom Hades is divested;
Rejoice, through whom we have been vested in glory.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Beholding the star leading to God, the Magi followed its brightness; and holding it as a lantern, they searched for the powerful King, and reaching the Unreachable, they rejoiced and cried to him: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: The Chaldean children in the hands of the Virgin saw him who fashioned humankind. And perceiving him to be the Lord, even though he had taken the form of a slave, they hastened to pay tribute with gifts and to greet the blessed Lady:
Rejoice, mother of an unsetting star;
Rejoice, dawn of the mystic day.
Rejoice, who extinguished the furnace of error;
Rejoice, who enlighten initiates of the Trinity.
Rejoice, deposer of the inhuman tyrant from his rule;
Rejoice, discloser of the Lord Christ who loves humankind.
Rejoice, redeemer from pagan religions;
Rejoice, deliverer from the mire of sin.
Rejoice, for you have caused the worship of fire to cease;
Rejoice, releaser from the flames of passions.
Rejoice, guide of the faithful to chastity;
Rejoice, gladness of all generations.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The Magi went to Babylon having become the God-bearing heralds. For they fulfilled Your prophecy and proclaimed You as the Christ to all, abandoning Herod as frivolous who did not know to sing: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Illumining in Egypt the light of truth, You dispelled the darkness of error; for her idols, O Savior, unable to endure your strength fell, while they who were delivered from them cried to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, the restoration of humankind;
Rejoice, the downfall of demons.
Rejoice, crusher of the delusion of error;
Rejoice, uncoverer of the deceit of idolatry.
Rejoice, sea that drowned the invisible Pharaoh;
Rejoice, rock that refreshed those thirsty for life
Rejoice, pillar of fire that guides those in darkness;
Rejoice, protection of the world wider than a cloud.
Rejoice, replacer of manna;
Rejoice, minister of sacred joy.
Rejoice, land of promises;
Rejoice, from whom flow milk and honey.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Master, You were presented as a babe to Symeon on the threshold of being transported out of this present beguiling age, but also perceived by him to be perfect God; for which cause he marveled at Your ineffable wisdom, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
End of the SECOND stasis. Now go to "O Champion General" and continue from there on to the end of the service.
THIRD STASIS
Priest: The new creation revealed the Creator by showing himself to us whom he created, sprouting up from an unseeded womb, while preserving it just as it was, unspoiled, so that beholding the miracle we might extol her by saying:
Rejoice, flower of incorruption;
Rejoice, crown of chastity.
Rejoice, illuminator of the impress. of the resurrection;
Rejoice, for the angelical life you exemplified.
Rejoice, tree with luscious fruit, by which the faithful are sustained;
Rejoice, foliaged tree of beautiful shade beneath which many are sheltered.
Rejoice, you who were pregnant with the guide for the wayward;
Rejoice, you who gave birth to the redeemer of captives.
Rejoice, by whom the righteous Judge is pacified;
Rejoice, forgiveness of many offenders.
Rejoice, robe of those without hope;
Rejoice, tender love that defeats every longing;
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
THE AKATHIST HYMN AND SMALL COMPLINE
Priest: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You, our God, glory to You. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth who are present everywhere and fill all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the-glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy (12).
Come, let us worship and bow down to God, our King.
Come, let us worship and bow down to Christ, our King and God.
Come, let us worship and bow down to Christ himself, our King and our God.
PSALM 50 (51)
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done evil in Your sight, that You may be found just when You speak, and victorious when You are judged. For behold, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. For behold, You have loved truth; You have made known to me the secret and hidden things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; You shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and establish me with Your governing Spirit. I shall teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall joyfully declare Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would give it; you do not delight in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a humbled heart. Do good in Your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then You shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
PSALM 69 (70)
O God, be attentive to help me. Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life. Let them be turned back and be ashamed who desire evil against me. Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say to me, Well done! Well done! Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, Let God be magnified! But as for me, I am poor and needy; O God, help me! You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.
PSALM 142 (143)
Lord, hear my prayer. In Your truth, give ear to my supplications; in Your righteousness, hear me. Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no one living is justified in Your sight. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all Your works; I pondered on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not Your face away from me, lest I belike those who go down into the pit. Let me hear Your mercy in the morning, for in You I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to You have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path; Lord, for your name's sake You shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, You shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in Your mercy, You shall utterly destroy my enemies. And You shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant.
DOXOLOGY
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all people. We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to you for Your great glory. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father, almighty Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us, You who take away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy upon us. For You only are holy, only You are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Each evening we bless You, and we praise Your name forever and to the ages of ages. Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy upon me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against You . Lord, to You have I fled; teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. For You are the source of life, and in Your light we shall see light. Continue Your mercy to those who know You. Lord, grant to keep us this night without sin. Blessed are You, Lord, God of our fathers. Your name is praised and glorified from all ages. Amen. Let Your mercy, Lord, lighten upon us, as our trust is in You. Blessed are You, Lord, teach me Your commandments. Blessed are You, Master, teach me Your commandments. Blessed are You, Holy One, enlighten me in Your commandments. Your mercy, Lord, endures forever; turn not away from the works of Your hands. To you belongs praise, to You belongs worship, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
THE CREED
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages;
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried;
And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come.
Amen.
It is truly worthy to bless you, the Theotokos, the ever blessed and most pure and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
Apolytikion. Eighth Tone
When the bodiless learned of the secret command, he came in haste to Joseph's house and said to her who knew not wedlock: He who bowed the heavens by coming down is contained wholly and unchanged in you. Seeing him take the form of a servant in your womb, I stand in awe and cry out to You: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. (On the 5th Friday the 1st Stasis is sung).
CANON ODE ONE. TONE FOUR.
THE EIRMOS
I shall open my mouth and it shall be filled with the Spirit; and I shall pour out a word to the Mother and Queen; and I shall be seen cheerfully celebrating; and rejoicing I shall sing her miracles.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
O animate book of Christ, sealed by the Spirit, O pure one, the great Archangel, beholding you, exclaimed: Rejoice, O vessel of joy through whom the first mother's curse shall be broken.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Virgin Bride of God, the restoration of Adam, the mortification of Hades.
Rejoice, completely unblemished One, the palace of the only King.
Rejoice, fiery throne of the Sovereign of all.
Glory…
Rejoice, unfading rose.
Rejoice, the only one who budded forth the unfading apple.
Rejoice, birth-giver of the aromatic balm of the King of all.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded, the world's salvation.
Both now…
Rejoice, treasury of purity, through whom we have risen from our fall.
Rejoice, O Lady, sweet-smelling lilly that sends forth its fragrant scent to the faithful.
Rejoice, aromatic incense and precious oil of myrrh.
ODE THREE. THE EIRMOS
O Theotokos, living and abundant fountain, strengthen those united in spiritual fellowship who sing hymns of praise to you. And in your divine glory, deem them worthy of crowns of glory.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, untilled land which has sprouted the divine ear of wheat.
Rejoice, living table which has held the bread of life.
Rejoice, O Lady, never empty font of living water.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, O heifer that gave birth to the unblemished calf for the faithful.
Rejoice, O ewe that conceived the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Rejoice, O warm mercy seat, our fervent intercessor.
Glory...
Rejoice, luminous morning that alone brings Christ the Sun.
Rejoice, dwelling place of light, dispeller of darkness who has diminished utterly the darkened demons.
Both now…
Rejoice, only gate that only the Logos has gone through, for in your giving birth you shattered the bars and gates of Hades.
Rejoice, all-laudable, divine entrance of those who are being saved.
(On the 5th Friday the 2nd Stasis is sung here.)
ODE FOUR. THE EIRMOS.
He who sits in holy glory, on the throne of Divinity, on a swift cloud came Jesus the transcendent God, and by his undefiled hand has saved those who cry Out; Glory be to Your power, O Christ.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
In voices of song faithfully we rejoice all-laudable One.
Rejoice, rich mountain flowing with the milk of the Spirit.
Rejoice, lamp and golden jar containing the manna which sweetens the senses of the devout.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, mercy-seat of the world untainted Lady.
Rejoice, raising all from earth by grace.
Rejoice bridge that truly conveys from death to life all those who sing your praises.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
More exalted than the heavens, rejoice, you who carded earth's foundation painlessly in your womb. Rejoice, O sea shell who dyed with your own virgin blood the divine purple robe worn by the King of angelic hosts.
Glory...
Lady, you truly gave birth to the divine Giver of the law who washes clean the lawlessness of all. O incomprehensible depth and ineffable height, Maiden unwedded, through whom we are deified.
Both now…
You have woven for the world a crown unwoven by human hands and we praise you saying: Rejoice, O Virgin, the fortress and citadel and protective wall and refuge of all.
ODE FIVE. THE EIRMOS
Amazed was the universe by your divine glory. For while never experiencing marriage, you held, O Virgin, the God of all in your womb, and gave birth to an eternal Son who grants salvation to all who chant hymns of praise to you.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, for you carried in your womb the Way of life.
Rejoice, Bride of God, all-blameless Maiden, who saved the world from the flood of sin.
Rejoice, awe-inspiring message and report, habitation of the One who is Lord of all creation.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The might and the fortress of the human race, O Undefiled.
Rejoice, holy place of glory, slayer of Hades, and bridal chamber of light.
Rejoice, delight of the angels.
Rejoice, helper of those who pray to you faithfully.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Fiery chariot of God the Word and risen Son.
Rejoice, Lady, living paradise, which in its center contains the tree of life, the Lord, whose sweetness gives life to those who participate with faith although subject to decay.
Glory…
Strengthened by your power, we faithfully cry out to you with faith: Rejoice, city of the Great King, about which glorious and remarkable things have been clearly declared. Rejoice, O unquarried mountain and unfathomable depth.
Both now…
Rejoice, O Undefiled dwelling of the Word, seashell that producesthe divine pearl.
Rejoice, O Lady, exceedingly wonderful, who reconciles with God all those who bless you, the Theotokos, each time.
ODE SIX. THE EIRMOS
O godly-minded people, as we perform this divine and all-honorable feast in honor of the Mother of our God, let us clap our hands and give glory to God who was born of her.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us
The spotless chamber of the Word, for all the Cause of deification, rejoice, all-undefiled the prophets' echoing prophecy. Rejoice, adornment of the Apostles.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
From you has dripped the refreshing dew that quenched the flame of idolatry. We therefore cry aloud to you: Rejoice, O Virgin, fleece cover with dew which Gideon foresaw.
Glory…
Behold, we cry out to you, rejoice. Become for us a harbor and haven, for we are tossed about on the sea of adversity, and of the many scandals of him who wars with us.
Both now…
O cause for joy, endow our thoughts with grace that we may cry: Rejoice, O unconsumed bush and shining cloud that overshadows without ceasing the faithful.
(On the 5th Friday, the 3rd Stasis is sung here.)
ODE SEVEN. THE EIRMOS
People: The godly-minded did not adore creation but the Creator, and bravely trampling upon the threat of the fire they rejoiced chanting: Blessed are You O supremely praised, O Lord and God of our fathers.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
We sing hymns to you crying: Rejoice, O chariot Of the spiritual Sun. Rejoice, O true vine that cultured the ripened cluster dripping with wine, making glad the souls of all who faithfully glorify you.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Bride of God, who carried in your womb the healer of the human race.
Rejoice, O mystical rod that blossomed the flower that will never wilt.
Rejoice, O Lady, through whom we are filled with joy and inherited eternal life.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The tongue practicing oratory is unable to extol you. For you were exalted above the Seraphim, having given birth to Christ the King. Beseech him, O Lady, to rescue now from every harm those -who bow in faith before you.
Glory…
The ends of the earth extol you, and cry out to you: Rejoice, scroll on which, O pure one, the Word was inscribed by the Father's finger. Intercede with him, O Theotokos, to enroll your servants in the book of life.
Both now…
We your servants beseech you and bend the knee of our heart to you. O pure one, lend us your ear in afflictions. And your city preserve, O Theotokos, from any destruction by the enemies.
ODE EIGHT. THE EIRMOS
The pious youth within the furnace were rescued by the offspring of the Theotokos. He who was Prefigured then has been born on earth, and is gathering the entire universe to sing: Bless the Lord, all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You received into your womb the Logos: you held in your arms the One who holds all things. With your milk You nourished him who with a nod nourishes the entire universe, O purest maiden, to whom we sing: Bless the Lord all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The great mystery of your childbirth did Moses perceive within the burning bush. The youth vividly prefigured this, standing in the midst of fire and remaining unconsumed, O undefiled andholy Virgin. We praise you therefore in hymns to the ages.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
We who once by deceit were left naked have put on through your pregnancy the garments of incorruption, and we who sat in the darkness of our transgressions now have seen the light. We therefore praise you in hymns to the ages.
Glory…
The dead have been given life by your power, for you gave birth to the spiritual life. They who once were speechless now are eloquent. Lepers are cleansed and diseases are exterminated. The multitude of aerial spirits are defeated, O Virgin, man's salvation.
Both now…
Through you who did bear the world's salvation we were raised up from earth to heaven. Rejoice, all-blessed shelter, strength, wall, and fortification of all who sing: Bless the Lord, all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
ODE NINE. THE EIRMOS.
Let every mortal born on earth with festive lamps In hand, in spirit leap for joy; and you incorporeal angelic Powers in heaven celebrate, thus honoring the sacred feast of the Mother of God, and cry out: Rejoice, all-blessed one, ever-virgin and pure Theotokos.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
So that we may cry rejoice to you through whom we faithful have become sharers of eternal joy, O Maiden, rescue us from temptation, from enemy invasions, and from every other scourge which is bound to follow because of the multitude of transgressions due to the sins of mortals.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You were seen as our light and surety, we therefore shout to you: Rejoice, O unsetting star which leads the great Sun into the world. Rejoice, O pure one, for you opened Eden. Rejoice, fiery pillar ushering humankind to life on high.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us stand reverently within the temple of our God and cry out: Rejoice, Mistress of the world.
Rejoice, O Mary, the Lady of us all.
Rejoice, only blameless and fair one among women.
Rejoice, vessel which accepted the divine inexhaustible ointment Poured upon you.
Glory…
Rejoice, O ever-virgin, dove that brought forth the Lord of mercy.
Rejoice, boast of every saint.
Rejoice, Crown of laurel of the martyr-athletes.
Rejoice, divine adornment of all righteous, and salvation f or us the believers.
Both now…
Spare, O God, the sins of Your own inheritance by overlooking all of them now. Accept, O Christ, the fervent prayers of her who without seed conceived on earth and carried You who in Your great mercy will to take the form that was not Your own.
Kontakion
O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
On the First Friday, we sing only the First Stasis.
On the Second Friday, we sing only the Second Stasis.
On the Third Friday, we sing only the Third Stasis.
On the Fourth Friday, we sing only the Fourth Stasis.
On the Fifth Friday, we sing the entire Hymn.
FIRST STASIS
Priest: An Angel of the first rank was sent from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! (3) And perceiving You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe and with his bodiless voice cried aloud to her as follows:
Rejoice, through whom joy shall shine forth;
Rejoice, through whom the curse shall vanish.
Rejoice, fallen Adam's restoration;
Rejoice, redemption of Eve's tears.
Rejoice, height that is too difficult for human thought to ascend;
Rejoice, depth that is too strenuous for Angels' eyes to perceive
Rejoice, for you are the throne of the King;
Rejoice, for you hold him Who sustains everything.
Rejoice, star that shows forth the Sun;
Rejoice, womb in which God became incarnate.
Rejoice, through whom creation is renewed;
Rejoice, through whom the Creator becomes an infant.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The holy one, beholding herself in innocence, says to Gabriel: The incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Curious to know knowledge what is knowable to no one, the Virgin cried out to the ministering angel: How is it possible for a son to be born of pure loins? Tell me. To whom the angel answered in fear, crying out:
Rejoice, initiate of ineffable counsel;
Rejoice, faith of silent beseechers.
Rejoice, introduction to Christ's miracles;
Rejoice, consummation of his doctrinal articles.
Rejoice, heavenly ladder by which God came down;
Rejoice, bridge leading those from earth to I heaven.
Rejoice, marvel greatly renowned among the Angels;
Rejoice, wound bitterly lamented by demons.
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the light ineffably;
Rejoice, for the "how" you taught to no one.
Rejoice, surpassing the knowledge of scholars;
Rejoice, dawn that illumines the minds of believers.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The divine power of the Most High overshadowed the unwedded Maiden that she might conceive, and made her luxuriant womb appear as a luscious field for everyone who desires to reap salvation while chanting thusly: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: The Virgin, bearing God in her womb, hastened to visit Elizabeth, whose own babe at once knowing her greeting, rejoiced and leaping up as if in song, cried out to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, branch of an unwithered shoot;
Rejoice, land of unblemished fruit.
Rejoice, you who cultivate the husband and who loves humankind;
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the gardener of our life.
Rejoice, arable land yielding an abundance of compassion;
Rejoice, table laden an abundance of grace.
Rejoice, for you make flourish the meadows of luxury;
Rejoice, for you prepare a safe harbor for our souls.
Rejoice, intercession's acceptable incense;
Rejoice, expiation for all the world.
Rejoice, goodwill of God to mortals;
Rejoice, boldness of mortals before God.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Fraught within with confusion, brought about by doubtful thoughts, the wise Joseph was troubled as he looked upon you the unwedded, and suspected you, O Blameless one. But when he learned of your conception by the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
This is the end of the FIRST Stasis. Now go to "O Champion General" and continue from there on to the end of the service.
SECOND STASIS
The shepherds heard the appearance of Christ in the flesh being glorified; and hastening as to a shepherd, they beheld him as a spotless lamb who had been pastured in the womb of Mary, to whom they sing praises saying:
Rejoice, mother of the Lamb and Shepherd;
Rejoice, sheepfold of spiritual sheep.
Rejoice, defense against invisible enemies;
Rejoice, key to the doors of Paradise.
Rejoice, for heavenly things are exulting with the earth;
Rejoice, earthly things that are dancing with the heavenly ones.
Rejoice, never-silent voice of the Apostles;
Rejoice, unconquered courage of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, faith's unshakable foundation;
Rejoice, shining revelation of grace.
Rejoice, through whom Hades is divested;
Rejoice, through whom we have been vested in glory.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Beholding the star leading to God, the Magi followed its brightness; and holding it as a lantern, they searched for the powerful King, and reaching the Unreachable, they rejoiced and cried to him: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: The Chaldean children in the hands of the Virgin saw him who fashioned humankind. And perceiving him to be the Lord, even though he had taken the form of a slave, they hastened to pay tribute with gifts and to greet the blessed Lady:
Rejoice, mother of an unsetting star;
Rejoice, dawn of the mystic day.
Rejoice, who extinguished the furnace of error;
Rejoice, who enlighten initiates of the Trinity.
Rejoice, deposer of the inhuman tyrant from his rule;
Rejoice, discloser of the Lord Christ who loves humankind.
Rejoice, redeemer from pagan religions;
Rejoice, deliverer from the mire of sin.
Rejoice, for you have caused the worship of fire to cease;
Rejoice, releaser from the flames of passions.
Rejoice, guide of the faithful to chastity;
Rejoice, gladness of all generations.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The Magi went to Babylon having become the God-bearing heralds. For they fulfilled Your prophecy and proclaimed You as the Christ to all, abandoning Herod as frivolous who did not know to sing: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Illumining in Egypt the light of truth, You dispelled the darkness of error; for her idols, O Savior, unable to endure your strength fell, while they who were delivered from them cried to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, the restoration of humankind;
Rejoice, the downfall of demons.
Rejoice, crusher of the delusion of error;
Rejoice, uncoverer of the deceit of idolatry.
Rejoice, sea that drowned the invisible Pharaoh;
Rejoice, rock that refreshed those thirsty for life
Rejoice, pillar of fire that guides those in darkness;
Rejoice, protection of the world wider than a cloud.
Rejoice, replacer of manna;
Rejoice, minister of sacred joy.
Rejoice, land of promises;
Rejoice, from whom flow milk and honey.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Master, You were presented as a babe to Symeon on the threshold of being transported out of this present beguiling age, but also perceived by him to be perfect God; for which cause he marveled at Your ineffable wisdom, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
End of the SECOND stasis. Now go to "O Champion General" and continue from there on to the end of the service.
THIRD STASIS
Priest: The new creation revealed the Creator by showing himself to us whom he created, sprouting up from an unseeded womb, while preserving it just as it was, unspoiled, so that beholding the miracle we might extol her by saying:
Rejoice, flower of incorruption;
Rejoice, crown of chastity.
Rejoice, illuminator of the impress. of the resurrection;
Rejoice, for the angelical life you exemplified.
Rejoice, tree with luscious fruit, by which the faithful are sustained;
Rejoice, foliaged tree of beautiful shade beneath which many are sheltered.
Rejoice, you who were pregnant with the guide for the wayward;
Rejoice, you who gave birth to the redeemer of captives.
Rejoice, by whom the righteous Judge is pacified;
Rejoice, forgiveness of many offenders.
Rejoice, robe of those without hope;
Rejoice, tender love that defeats every longing;
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Seeing the strange childbirth, let us be estranged from the mundane, transporting our mind to heaven. For this purpose the most high God appeared on earth as a lowly man, wishing to attract to heaven those who cry to Him: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Present below completely but in no way absent from on high was the uncircumscribable Logos. For this was divine condescension and not a change of place. He was born of a God-chosen virgin who heard this that follows:
Rejoice, uncontainable land of God;
Rejoice, doorway of sacred mystery.
Rejoice, unbelievable myth for the unfaithful;
Rejoice, unequivocal boast of the faithful.
Rejoice, all-holy vehicle of Him who rides the Cherubim;
Rejoice, exquisite domicile of Him who mounts the Seraphim.
Rejoice, bringer of opposites to harmony;
Rejoice, joiner of virginity -and childbirth.
Rejoice, through whom sin was nullified;
Rejoice, through whom Paradise was opened.
Rejoice, key of Christ's kingdom;
Rejoice, the hope of eternal blessings.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: All Angels were quite amazed by the great deed of Your incarnation. For they beheld the once inaccessible God accessible to all as- a man living among us, while hearing from everyone: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Eloquent rhetors we see mute as fish before you O Theotokos. For they are at a loss to explain how you had the power to give birth and yet remained a virgin. But we the faithful marveling at the mystery cry out with faith:
Rejoice, vessel of God's wisdom;
Rejoice, storehouse of God's providence.
Rejoice, revealer of philosophers as fools;
Rejoice, exposer of the technologists as irrational.
Rejoice, for the fierce debaters are made foolish;
Rejoice, for the creators of the myths have wilted.
Rejoice, breaker of the webs of the Athenians' logic;
Rejoice, filler of the nets of the fishermen.
Rejoice, drawer of many from the abyss of ignorance;
Rejoice, enlightener of many with knowledge.
Rejoice, ship for those wishing salvation;
Rejoice, harbor for life's navigators.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Wishing to save the world, the creator of all came down to it of his own will. And while being the shepherd as God, for us he appeared like us, as a man; and having called his own, like by like, as God he hears: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
End of the THIRD stasis. Now go to "O Champion General" and continue from there on to the end of the service.
FOURTH STASIS
Priest: Theotokos and Virgin, you are the fortress for virgins and for all who run to you for refuge. O immaculate Maiden, for the Creator of heaven and earth prepared you, inhabiting your womb and instructing all to address you thus;
Rejoice, pillar of virginity;
Rejoice, the gate of salvation.
Rejoice, initiator of spiritual renewal;
Rejoice, provider of godly benevolence.
Rejoice, for through you were born again those conceived in shame;
Rejoice, for you have admonished those whose intellects had been captured.
Rejoice, for you abolished him who corrupts reason;
Rejoice, for you have given birth to the saver of purity
Rejoice, bridal chamber of seedless marriage;
Rejoice, you who join the faithful to the Lord.
Rejoice, beautiful nursemaid of virgins;
Rejoice, bridesmaid of souls that are holy.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Unsuccessful is every hymn that attempts to pay homage to the multitude of Your mercies. For even if we offer You odes in number equal to the sands, O holy King, yet we do nothing worthy of what You have given us who cry to You: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: We see the holy Virgin, as a light-bearing torch who brings light to those in darkness. For she lit the spiritual light, and thus leads everyone to divine knowledge, enlightening the mind with the light of dawn and is honored by such praises:
Rejoice, ray of the spiritual Sun;
Rejoice, beam of the unsetting luster.
Rejoice, lightning completely illuminating souls;
Rejoice, thunder that stuns the enemies.
Rejoice, for the glowing light you make rise upon the earth;
Rejoice, for you spring forth the flowing river.
Rejoice, you who illustrate the image of the font;
Rejoice, you who wash away the stain of sin.
Rejoice, water washing consciences clean;
Rejoice, cup that mixes great joy.
Rejoice, sweet smelling fragrance of Christ;
Rejoice, life of the mystical feasting.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Wishing to grant pardon for ancient debts, he who cancels the debts of all people came himself and dwelt among those who were estranged from his divine grace; and tearing apart the record of sin, he hears from everyone: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Extolling your birth-giving, we all praise you as a living temple, O Theotokos. For the Lord whose hand sustains the world, having dwelt in your womb, sanctified and glorified you, and instructed all people to cry to you:
Rejoice, tabernacle of God the Logos;
Rejoice, holy one, holier than the holies.
Rejoice, ark that was gilt by the Spirit;
Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of life.
Rejoice, precious diadem of godly kings;
Rejoice, honored pride of the pious priests.
Rejoice, the Church's unshakable tower;
Rejoice, the kingdom's unassailable fortress.
Rejoice, through whom trophies of victory are raised;
Rejoice, through whom enemies are defeated.
Rejoice, healing of my body;
Rejoice, my soul's salvation.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: You, all-laudable Mother who gave birth to the Logos, the holiest of all who are holy (3), while accepting this offering now, deliver everyone from all calamities, and deliver from future punishment those who cry out: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
This is the end of the FOURTH Stasis
Kontakion
People: O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
We now say "'Holy God" and continue to the end of the service.
Priest: An angel of the first rank was sent down from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! (3) And perceiving You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe and with his bodiless voice, cried aloud to her as follows:
Rejoice, through whom joy shall shine forth;
Rejoice, through whom the curse shall vanish.
Rejoice, fallen Adam's restoration;
Rejoice, the redemption of Eve's tears.
Rejoice, height that is too difficult for human thought to ascend;
Rejoice, depth that is too strenuous for Angels' eyes to perceive.
Rejoice, for you are the throne. of the King;
Rejoice, for you hold him who sustains everything.
Rejoice, star that shows forth the Sun;
Rejoice, womb in which God became incarnate.
Rejoice, through whom creation is renewed;
Rejoice, through whom the Creator becomes an infant.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The holy one, beholding himself in innocence, says to Gabriel: the incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
People: O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest: Seeing the strange childbirth, let us be estranged from the mundane, transporting our mind to heaven. For this purpose the most high God appeared on earth as a lowly man, wishing to attract to heaven those who cry to Him: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Present below completely but in no way absent from on high was the uncircumscribable Logos. For this was divine condescension and not a change of place. He was born of a God-chosen virgin who heard this that follows:
Rejoice, uncontainable land of God;
Rejoice, doorway of sacred mystery.
Rejoice, unbelievable myth for the unfaithful;
Rejoice, unequivocal boast of the faithful.
Rejoice, all-holy vehicle of Him who rides the Cherubim;
Rejoice, exquisite domicile of Him who mounts the Seraphim.
Rejoice, bringer of opposites to harmony;
Rejoice, joiner of virginity -and childbirth.
Rejoice, through whom sin was nullified;
Rejoice, through whom Paradise was opened.
Rejoice, key of Christ's kingdom;
Rejoice, the hope of eternal blessings.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: All Angels were quite amazed by the great deed of Your incarnation. For they beheld the once inaccessible God accessible to all as- a man living among us, while hearing from everyone: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Eloquent rhetors we see mute as fish before you O Theotokos. For they are at a loss to explain how you had the power to give birth and yet remained a virgin. But we the faithful marveling at the mystery cry out with faith:
Rejoice, vessel of God's wisdom;
Rejoice, storehouse of God's providence.
Rejoice, revealer of philosophers as fools;
Rejoice, exposer of the technologists as irrational.
Rejoice, for the fierce debaters are made foolish;
Rejoice, for the creators of the myths have wilted.
Rejoice, breaker of the webs of the Athenians' logic;
Rejoice, filler of the nets of the fishermen.
Rejoice, drawer of many from the abyss of ignorance;
Rejoice, enlightener of many with knowledge.
Rejoice, ship for those wishing salvation;
Rejoice, harbor for life's navigators.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Wishing to save the world, the creator of all came down to it of his own will. And while being the shepherd as God, for us he appeared like us, as a man; and having called his own, like by like, as God he hears: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
End of the THIRD stasis. Now go to "O Champion General" and continue from there on to the end of the service.
FOURTH STASIS
Priest: Theotokos and Virgin, you are the fortress for virgins and for all who run to you for refuge. O immaculate Maiden, for the Creator of heaven and earth prepared you, inhabiting your womb and instructing all to address you thus;
Rejoice, pillar of virginity;
Rejoice, the gate of salvation.
Rejoice, initiator of spiritual renewal;
Rejoice, provider of godly benevolence.
Rejoice, for through you were born again those conceived in shame;
Rejoice, for you have admonished those whose intellects had been captured.
Rejoice, for you abolished him who corrupts reason;
Rejoice, for you have given birth to the saver of purity
Rejoice, bridal chamber of seedless marriage;
Rejoice, you who join the faithful to the Lord.
Rejoice, beautiful nursemaid of virgins;
Rejoice, bridesmaid of souls that are holy.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Unsuccessful is every hymn that attempts to pay homage to the multitude of Your mercies. For even if we offer You odes in number equal to the sands, O holy King, yet we do nothing worthy of what You have given us who cry to You: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: We see the holy Virgin, as a light-bearing torch who brings light to those in darkness. For she lit the spiritual light, and thus leads everyone to divine knowledge, enlightening the mind with the light of dawn and is honored by such praises:
Rejoice, ray of the spiritual Sun;
Rejoice, beam of the unsetting luster.
Rejoice, lightning completely illuminating souls;
Rejoice, thunder that stuns the enemies.
Rejoice, for the glowing light you make rise upon the earth;
Rejoice, for you spring forth the flowing river.
Rejoice, you who illustrate the image of the font;
Rejoice, you who wash away the stain of sin.
Rejoice, water washing consciences clean;
Rejoice, cup that mixes great joy.
Rejoice, sweet smelling fragrance of Christ;
Rejoice, life of the mystical feasting.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Wishing to grant pardon for ancient debts, he who cancels the debts of all people came himself and dwelt among those who were estranged from his divine grace; and tearing apart the record of sin, he hears from everyone: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Extolling your birth-giving, we all praise you as a living temple, O Theotokos. For the Lord whose hand sustains the world, having dwelt in your womb, sanctified and glorified you, and instructed all people to cry to you:
Rejoice, tabernacle of God the Logos;
Rejoice, holy one, holier than the holies.
Rejoice, ark that was gilt by the Spirit;
Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of life.
Rejoice, precious diadem of godly kings;
Rejoice, honored pride of the pious priests.
Rejoice, the Church's unshakable tower;
Rejoice, the kingdom's unassailable fortress.
Rejoice, through whom trophies of victory are raised;
Rejoice, through whom enemies are defeated.
Rejoice, healing of my body;
Rejoice, my soul's salvation.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: You, all-laudable Mother who gave birth to the Logos, the holiest of all who are holy (3), while accepting this offering now, deliver everyone from all calamities, and deliver from future punishment those who cry out: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
This is the end of the FOURTH Stasis
Kontakion
People: O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
We now say "'Holy God" and continue to the end of the service.
Priest: An angel of the first rank was sent down from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! (3) And perceiving You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe and with his bodiless voice, cried aloud to her as follows:
Rejoice, through whom joy shall shine forth;
Rejoice, through whom the curse shall vanish.
Rejoice, fallen Adam's restoration;
Rejoice, the redemption of Eve's tears.
Rejoice, height that is too difficult for human thought to ascend;
Rejoice, depth that is too strenuous for Angels' eyes to perceive.
Rejoice, for you are the throne. of the King;
Rejoice, for you hold him who sustains everything.
Rejoice, star that shows forth the Sun;
Rejoice, womb in which God became incarnate.
Rejoice, through whom creation is renewed;
Rejoice, through whom the Creator becomes an infant.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The holy one, beholding himself in innocence, says to Gabriel: the incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
People: O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Now we say the Apolytikion of the day.
People: Lord, have mercy (40).
At all times and in every hour, You are worshiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, You love the righteous and show mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord, receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to Your commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with Your holy angels that, guarded and guided by them, we may arrive at the unity of faith and the understanding of Your ineffable glory. For You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
People: Amen.
Now we say the Apolytikion of the day.
People: Lord, have mercy (40).
At all times and in every hour, You are worshiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, You love the righteous and show mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord, receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to Your commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with Your holy angels that, guarded and guided by them, we may arrive at the unity of faith and the understanding of Your ineffable glory. For You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
People: In the name of the Lord, Father bless.
Priest: May God have compassion on us and bless us, reveal the glory of his face upon us and have mercy on us.
Prayer to the Theotokos
People: Amen. Spotless, undefiled, immaculate, unstained, pure Virgin, Lady, and Bride of God, by your wondrous conception you united God the Word with human beings and joined the fallen nature of our race to heavenly things. You are the only, hope of the hopeless, and the help of those oppressed. You are the ready protection of those who flee to you and the refuge of all Christians. Do not spurn me an accused sinner, though I have made myself completely useless by my shameful thoughts, words, and deeds and through indolence have become a slave to the pleasures of life. But as the Mother of God who loves all people, mercifully have compassion upon me a sinner and a prodigal and receive my prayer though it be offered to you by unclean lips. Entreat your Son and our Lord and Master, using your boldness as a mother, so that he may open to me the loving mercy of his goodness, overlook my numberless transgressions, turn me to repentance, and make me an acceptable doer of his commandments.
Always be near me, for You are merciful, compassionate, and loving. Be my ardent help and protection in this present life, defending me from the assaults of adversaries, and lead me to salvation. At the hour of my death, care for my miserable soul and drive the dark faces of evil spirits far from it. On the awesome day of judgment, save me from eternal punishment and make me an inheritor of the ineffable glory of your Son, our God. May this be my lot, my Lady, all holy Theotokos, through your intercession and help, by the grace and love of your only begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus to whom belong all glory, honor, and worship with his eternal Father, and his all holy, righteous, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
Grant us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest for body and soul. Protect us from the gloom of sinful sleep and from all dark pleasures of the night. Calm the impulses of passion, and quench the fiery darts of evil which are treacherously cast against us. Check the turbulence of our flesh and lull all our earthly and mundane thoughts. Grant us, O God, a watchful mind, prudent reason, a vigilant heart, and tranquil sleep, free from all evil fantasies. Raise us up at the hour of prayer, strengthen us in Your commandments, and keep unshaken within us the remembrance of Your judgments. Grant us to glorify You all night long that we may praise and bless and glorify Your all honorable and magnificent name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, present our prayers to your Son and our God, and plead with him, that through you he may save our souls. My hope is the Father; my refuge, the Son; my protection, the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to You. My every hope I place in you, Mother of God, keep me under your protection.
THE GOSPEL
The Gospel is read only on the First Friday. On the other Fridays, we proceed directly to the Dismissal.
Priest: Let us beseech the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel. Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be to all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John. Let us be attentive.
Chapter 15.1-7
The Lord said: 'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.'
THE DISMISSAL
Priest: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: May Christ our true God, as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and most holy Mother; our holy God-bearing Fathers; the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna, and all the saints.
Priest: Let us pray for the peace of the world.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For all devout Orthodox Christians.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our departed fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For those who hate us, and for those who love us.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For those who show mercy toward us, and for those who serve us.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For those who enjoin us in our unworthiness to pray for them.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the release of captives.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the safety of those at sea.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For those who are lying ill.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Let us pray also for the abundance of the fruits of the earth.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: And for the soul of every Orthodox Christian.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Let us bless all those in public service.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Orthodox Hierarchs.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: The founders of this holy church.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Our parents and teachers, and all our fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers who have gone before us, those who peacefully lie here, and the Orthodox everywhere.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Let us say also for ourselves: Lord, have mercy (3).
Tone Three
People: At the beauty of your virginity, and the resplendency of your chastity, Gabriel stood amazed and cried to you, O Theotokos: What are the appropriate words of praise to present to you? What name shall I call you by? At a loss and perplexed am I. And so as I was ordered I cry to you: rejoice, O you Who are full of grace!
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
The Office of the Great Vespers of Pentecost
(THE KNEELING)
This Office, on the Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Spirit, that is, Monday after Pentecost, is usually sung immediately after the Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of Pentecost.
PRIEST: Blessed is our God, now and always and forever and ever.
READER: Amen.
Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King. Come let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King. Come, let us worship Christ, our King and our God, and bow down before Him.
PSALM 103 (104)
READER: Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! Clothed in pomp and brilliance, arrayed with light as with a cloak, stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth, establishing your lofty halls on water. You make the clouds your conveyance, you surge on the wings of the wind. You make the winds your messengers, and flaming fires your attendants.
You settled the earth on its foundation: it shall stand unmoved from age to age. The abyss covered it like a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke, they take to flight, at the peal of your thunder, they flee. They hurdle the hills and run down the dales to the place you have chosen for them. You have set up a boundary not to be passed: they shall never return to cover the earth.
Down in the gullies, you make springs to rise; waters shall flow between the mountains. They shall give drink to the beasts of the field; wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst. The birds of the sky shall abide by them; from among the rocks, they will raise their song. From your lofty halls you refresh the hills; the earth shall be fed with the fruit of your works.
You make green pastures for the cattle and food-plants for the service of man, so that bread may be drawn from the earth, and wine that gladdens the heart of man; so that oil may put a gleam on his face, and that bread may strengthen the heart of man. The trees of the plain shall be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. Sparrows shall build their nests in them, herons shall call them their home. To the deer belong the high mountains; to rodents, the shelter of the rock.
You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness, and it is night, wherein the forest creatures prowl. Young lions roar for their prey, and call out to God for their meat. As the sun rises, they will come together, and lay themselves down in their dens. Man will go out to his labor, and work until eventide.
How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have wrought them all. The earth is filled with your creatures, even the wide and open sea. Within it are countless creeping things, living beings small and large. Upon it there are ships a-sailing, and the great beast you made to have fun. All of them look to you to give them their food in due season. You provide and they gather up; you open your hands, and they are full. You hide your face, and they cringe; you suspend their breath, and they die and return to their dust. You send forth your breath, and they live; you renew the face of the earth.
May the Lord's glory endure forever, may the Lord rejoice in his works. He looks upon the earth, and makes it quake; he touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live, I will praise my God as long as I last. Would that my thoughts be pleasing to him, and I will rejoice in the Lord. May the sinners vanish from the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
The sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness and it is night. How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom, you have wrought them all.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (2)
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. O Lord our hope, glory to You.
THE GREAT LITANY OF PEACE
DEACON: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For heavenly peace and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For peace in the whole world, the stability of God's Holy Churches and for the oneness of all, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our Archbishop (N.), our Bishop (N.), the honorable priesthood, the deacons in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our country, the President, and all in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this city and Parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the people here present, awaiting the grace of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For those who incline their hearts as well as the knee before the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That we may be strengthened to complete works wellpleasing to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That His mercies may be lavished upon us, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That He will accept our act of kneeling as incense before Him, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For all who stand in need of His help, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That we may be spared all affliction, wrath, violence and want, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God in Your grace. Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: For to You belong all glory, honor and worship: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PSALM 140 (141)
Fourth tone
CANTOR: O Lord, I have cried out to You; hear me; Hear me O Lord. Lord, I have cried out to you, hearken to the voice of my prayer as I cry out to You.
The Deacon, or in the absence of a Deacon, the Priest comes from the Sanctuary to cense the Church and congregants as is prescribed.
Let my prayer rise as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Hear me O Lord.
The Idiomela
Fourth tone
Verse: If You retain sins, O Lord, who can stand? With You there is forgiveness.
The many nations saw strange things in the city of David when the Holy Spirit descended in fiery tongues as the inspired Luke recounted. For he says: "They were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And all began to speak in other tongues, other doctrines, other teachings, of the Holy Spirit. "
Verse: For Your name's sake, Lord, I have waited for You. My soul has waited for Your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.
The many nations saw strange things in the city of David when the Holy Spirit descended in fiery tongues as the inspired Luke recounted. For he says: "They were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And all began to speak in other tongues, other doctrines, other teachings, of the Holy Spirit. "
Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
The Holy Spirit has always been, is now and ever shall be, having neither beginning nor end, but one with the Father and the Son: life and life giving; goodness itself and source of goodness, through Whom the Father is made known and the Son is glorified, and is known by all: one power, one unity, one worship, of the Holy Trinity.
Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption; and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
The Holy Spirit has always been, is now and ever shall be, having neither beginning nor end, but one with the Father and the Son: life and life giving; goodness itself and source of goodness, through Whom the Father is made known and the Son is glorified, and is known by all: one power, one unity, one worship, of the Holy Trinity.
Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples.
The Holy Spirit, light and life, and living fountain of reason. Spirit of wisdom, Spirit of understanding, of goodness and honesty, intelligence and sovereignty, expiating sins. God who deifies; fire deriving from fire, speaking, acting, meting out gifts; through Whom the prophets all and God's apostles together with the martyrs were crowned. Different sounds, a different sight: fire divided into gifts of grace.
Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.
The Holy Spirit, light and life, and living fountain of reason. Spirit of wisdom, Spirit of understanding, of goodness and honesty, intelligence and sovereignty, expiating sins. God who deifies; fire deriving from fire, speaking, acting, meting out gifts; through Whom the prophets all and God's apostles together with the martyrs were crowned. Different sounds, a different sight: fire divided into gifts of grace.
The Doxastikon
Sixth tone
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now, and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us; cleanse us of every stain and save our souls, gracious One.
THE ENTRANCE
(With Censer)
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
PRIEST: At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
DEACON: Master, bless the Entrance.
PRIEST: Blessed is the entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
The Deacon censes the icons and the Priest and then says:
DEACON: Wisdom! Let us arise.
CLERGY: O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.
DEACON: The Evening Prokeimenon.
The Great Prokeimenon
Seventh tone
PRIEST: What god is great as our God? You are God, Who alone works wonders.
CANTOR: Verse: You have revealed Your power among the people.
What god is great as our God? You are God, Who alone works wonders.
CANTOR: Verse: And I said, "Now I have begun to see. this is a change in the Most High's right hand."
What god is great as our God? You are God, Who alone works wonders.
CANTOR: Verse: I remembered the deeds of the Lord, for I will recall Your wonders of old.
What god is great as our God? You are God, Who alone works wonders.
Entering the Sanctuary the Deacon says:
DEACON: Again, on bended knees, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
As the faithful kneel, the Priest, also kneeling at the Royal Doors and facing the people, reads the first Prayers aloud.
PRIEST: Lord, pure and undefiled, existing before all eternity, invisible, incomprehensible, unsearchable, unchanging, surpassed by none, not to be calculated, long-suffering, the only immortal One, You abide in the unapproachable light. You created heaven and earth, and all the creatures that inhabit them, supplying all their needs even before they ask. To You we pray and You we entreat, loving Master, the Father of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven to be incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, the glorious Theotokos. At first You taught in words, but then showed us by deeds, when in enduring the saving Passion You gave to us Your humble, sinful and unworthy servants an example of how to offer our prayers in the bending of our heads and knees for our own transgressions and for the failings of the people.
All-merciful and loving Lord, hear us whenever we call upon You, but especially on this day of Pentecost, on which, after our Lord Jesus Christ had ascended into the heavens, to be seated at Your right hand, God and Father, He sent the Holy Spirit on His holy disciples and Apostles. As He came to rest upon each of them, and all were filled with His overflowing grace, they spoke in strange tongues of Your mighty works and prophesied.
As we now pray to You, hear us, and be mindful that we are lowly and deserving of judgment; recall our souls from the bondage of sin. Your own compassion interceding for us. Accept us as we kneel before You crying the familiar, "I have sinned!" We have been dependent on You from our mother's womb; You are our God. But because our days have been vainly squandered, we are stripped of Your help, without any defense. Even so, encouraged by Your mercies, we cry: Remember not our sins committed in youth and ignorance, and purge our secret thoughts. Do not spurn us in old age; when our strength fails us, do not forsake us; before we are returned to the earth, make us worthy to return to You, and treat us with Your favor and grace. Measure out Your mercies against our transgressions; contrast the depths of Your pity to the multitude of our offenses.
From Your holy dwelling place look down upon the people present here in expectation of Your rich mercy; visit us in Your goodness; free us from the oppression of the Evil One; make our lives secure within Your holy and sacred laws. Entrust Your people to a faithful guardian angel; gather us all into Your kingdom; grant forgiveness to those who hope in You; remit them and us our sins; cleanse us through the work of Your Holy Spirit; put an end to the wiles of the enemy.
This second Prayer is appended.
PRIEST: Blessed are You, Master, Almighty Lord, for You light the day with the light of the sun and brighten the night with the rays of fire. You enabled us to pass the span of the day and so come to the beginnings of the night. Hear our prayer and that of all Your people, and forgive us all our deliberate and unwitting sins; receive our evening petitions and send upon Your inheritance the abundance of Your mercy and compassion.
Encompass us with Your holy Angels; arm us with the weapons of Your righteousness; fortify us within Your truth; make Your strength our garrison, spare us all adverse circumstances and all assaults of the adversary. Finally, vouchsafe to us this evening, and the impending night, perfect, holy, peaceful, sinless, free of disturbing visions, and all the days of our lives, through the prayers of the Holy Theotokos and of all the Saints who have pleased You through the ages.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise us up and keep us, 0 God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: For Yours it is to show mercy and to save, O Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
DEACON: Let us say with our whole heart and our whole mind, let us say.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Have mercy on us, O God, in Your great goodness; we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Again we pray for our Archbishop (N.), and our Bishop (N.).
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Further we pray for our brothers: the Priests, Hieromonks, Deacons, Monks and Sisters, and our whole brotherhood in Christ.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Further we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, safekeeping, protection, pardon and remission of sins of the servants of God, all the devout and Orthodox Christians who dwell or sojourn in this city, the parishioners, parish council, contributors and benefactors of this holy church.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Further we pray for the blessed and ever-to-beremembered founders of this holy church, and for our Orthodox forebears and brethren who have gone before us, and who are here or elsewhere have been laid to pious rest.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Further we pray for those who bear offerings, those who do good works in this holy and venerable church, those who toil, those who sing, and all here present who await Your great and abundant mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
PRIEST: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
DEACON: Again, on bended knees, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy
All kneel as before while the Priest reads the Second Prayer:
PRIEST: Lord Jesus Christ our God, You have bestowed Your peace on humankind, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, to be with us even in thus life as a perpetual inheritance to believers never to be taken away. On this day You have sent this grace upon Your disciples and Apostles in a way more manifest, giving utterance to their lips by means of fiery tongues, so that every human race, hearing in our own language received the knowledge of God, and, illumined by the light of the Spirit, emerged from error as from darkness, and in the distribution of visible tongues of fire, and by extraordinary power, were taught faith in You, and were enlightened to speak of You, as of the Father and the Holy Spirit, as one Godhead, one power, one sovereignty.
As the reflection of the Father, the perfect and immutable likeness of His essence and nature, the source of salvation and grace, open the lips of this sinner and teach me how and for what I should pray. For You know the great number of my sins, yet Your compassion will overcome their enormity. For in fear I stand before You, casting my soul's despair into the sea of Your mercy. Govern my life, as You govern all creation by the unspoken word and the power of wisdom, calm haven of the storm-tossed, and make known to me the way in which I should walk.
Grant me the Spirit of wisdom in my thoughts, the Spirit of prudence in my ignorance. Let the Spirit of the awe of You, overshadow my deeds. Renew a steadfast Spirit in my breast, and let Your guiding Spirit make firm my errant mind, so that each day, led by Your good Spirit towards that which is profitable, I may be worthy to keep Your commandments, ever mindful of Your glorious and soulsearching presence. Do not allow me to be beguiled by the world's corrupting delights, but rather to desire the enjoyment of future treasures. For You, Master, have said, that whatever we ask in Your name, we shall without fail receive from Your co-eternal God and Father. Thus I, too, the sinner, at the descent of Your Holy Spirit, beseech Your goodness. All that I have asked, grant me for salvation. Yes, Lord, You are the lavish giver of everything good, giving far in excess of what we ask. You are the compassionate and merciful One Who, though sinless, became sharer in our flesh, and bending in love towards those who bend the knee to You, You became the propitiation for our sins.
Now then, Lord, grant Your people Your mercies; hear us from Your heavenly dwelling place; sanctify them by the power of Your saving right hand; shelter them in the shadow of Your wings; do not spurn the work of Your hands. It is against You alone that we sin, but it is You alone we worship; we know no alien god to adore, not to stretch out our hands to any other deity, O Master. Remit our offenses, and as You receive our petitions on bended knee, extend to us all a helping hand. Accept our common prayer as a pleasing fragrance, rising up to Your blessed kingdom.
The second Prayer is appended.
PRIEST: Lord, Lord, as You save us from every arrow that flies by day, protect us from everything that lurks in darkness. Accept the lifting up of our hands as an evening sacrifice. And enable us to pass the course of the night blamelessly, untempted by evil, and rid us of all disturbance and fear induced by the Evil One. Grant contrition to our soul, and to our thoughts due concern for our trial on the day of Your awesome and just judgment.
Transfix our bodies with awe of You, and deaden our earthly members, so that in the quiet of sleep we may be cheered by the contemplation of Your judgments. Distance from us every improper imagining and harmful desire. Instead raise us up at the hour of prayer strengthened in faith and growing in Your commandments.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise us up and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: By the favor and grace of Your only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
CANTOR: Lord, grant that we may be kept this night without sin. Blessed are You, O Lord, God of our fathers. Praised and glorified is Your name throughout the ages. Amen.
Let Your mercy be upon us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes. Blessed are You, Master, let me understand Your statutes. Blessed are You, O Holy One, enlighten me with Your statutes. Lord, Your mercy endures forever; do not spurn the work of Your hands. Praise befits You, worship befits You, glory befits You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forevermore. Amen.
DEACON: Yet again, on bended knee, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
All kneel as before as the Priest reads the Third Prayer.
PRIEST: The never-failing spring, bursting with life and light, creative power co-eternal with the Father, You fulfilled surpassingly the plan for the salvation of humankind, shattering the unbreakable bonds of death and the bolts of Hades and trampling the throngs of evil spirits. You presented Yourself as a blameless victim for us, offering Your pure body, chaste and untouched by sin, in sacrifice, and by that terrible and indescribable oblation granted us everlasting life. You descended into Hades and broke down its gates, and sojourning among those below, You showed them the way of ascent. As for the Prince of Evil, that dragon of the deep, You snared him in an inspired lure, binding him in circles of darkness, in Your infinite power made him fast in the nether world, in the eternal fire and the outer darkness.
The glorious wisdom of the Father, You are the great help of those in peril, giving light to those in darkness and the shadow of death. Lord of everlasting glory, beloved Son of the Most High, eternal light of eternal light, Sun of righteousness, hear our supplications and give rest to the souls of Your servants, our fathers and brothers and other kin by blood, and all of the household of faith who have since fallen asleep and whose memorial we keep this day. For in You is the strength of all and in Your hand You hold the far reaches of the earth. Almighty Master, God of our Fathers and Lord merciful Lord of the living and the dead, Creator of all mortal nature, composed and again dissolved, of life and of death, of earthly existence and of the departure hence, You measure out the years for the living and set times of death, bringing down to Hades and raising up, fettering in weakness and liberating in power; You provide aptly for the present and fittingly dispose what is to come, restoring those who are wounded by the sting of death with the hope of resurrection.
Master, Lord of all, our God and Redeemer, the hope of all, at the ends of the earth and far away at sea, on this latter great and saving day of Pentecost You disclosed to us the mystery of the holy, consubstantial, co-eternal and life-giving Trinity, indivisible yet distinct, and in the descent and presence of Your holy and life-giving Spirit poured out its grace upon Your holy Apostles in the form of fiery tongues, making them proclaimers and confessors of our holy Faith, of true knowledge of God. On this universal and salutary feast, deign to accept petitions for those imprisoned in Hades, thus giving us great hope, and relief to the departed from their grievous distress and Your comfort.
Hear us, humble and pitiable, as we pray to You, and give rest to the souls of Your Servants who have departed this life, in a place of light, a place of renewed life, a joyous place, shunned alike by pain and sorrow and sighing. And place their spirits where the Righteous dwell, counting them worthy of peace and repose; for the dead do not praise You, Lord, nor do those in Hades dare to offer You glory, but it is we the living who bless and entreat You and offer You propitiatory prayers and sacrifices for their souls.
This second Prayer is appended:
PRIEST: O God, great and eternal, holy and loving, having deemed us worthy to stand at this hour in the presence of Your unapproachable glory, to sing in praise of Your wondrous acts, be gracious to Your unworthy servants and grant us grace to offer You in contrition of heart the thrice-holy doxology and thanksgiving for the great gifts You have bestowed on us and continue always. Lord, be mindful of our weakness, and do not let us be lost in our wrongdoing, but show mercy as we humble ourselves, so that, escaping the darkness of sin, we may walk in the day of justice, and girded with the armor of light, we may live free of the assaults of the Evil One, and so with courage glorify You the only true and loving God in all things.
Truly great is Your mystery, Master and Maker of all, of the temporary separation of Your creatures, to be united again in everlasting rest. We confess Your grace in all things, for our entrances into this world and our departures, of which our hope of resurrection and a life of bliss, according to Your certain promise, are the guarantee. May we enjoy it in Your future second coming. For You are both the pioneer of our resurrection and the just but compassionate judge of our lives and Master and Lord of our reward. In ultimate condescension You shared in our flesh and blood and in our passions, willingly assuming them in the depth of Your compassion so that having Yourself been tempted, You offered Yourself freely as helper to us who are tempted. Thus You united us all to You in Your freedom from passion.
Will You, then, Master, accept our prayers and entreaties, and give rest to everyone's fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters and children, or of the same family or people, and all the souls that have gone before to their rest in the hope of the resurrection to everlasting life. And place their spirits and their names in the book of life, the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, in the land of the living, in the kingdom of the heavens, in the bliss of Paradise, Your angels of light leading all into Your holy mansions. And on the day You have ordained, raise up our bodies as well according to Your unfailing promises. In departing our bodies to dwell in You our God, there is no death for Your servants Lord, but rather a change from the more sorrowful to the better and more pleasing, to rest, to joy.
And if we have in any way sinned against You, be merciful to them and to us; for no man is free of stain in Your sight though he live but a day. Only You, Who came sinless to earth, our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we all hope to find mercy and remission of sins.
Thus as good and loving God, remit and forgive them and us our failings, whether witting or unwitting, committed in knowledge or ignorance, intentionally or unaware, in deed or in thought, in word, in all goings about. Both to those who have gone before and to us who await, give release and repose, granting us and all Your people a good and peaceful end, opening up to us Your heart of love and mercy at Your terrible and awesome Coming and judging us worthy of Your kingdom.
And this third and final Prayer is added:
PRIEST: Great and most high God, You alone are immortal, abiding in unapproachable light. In wisdom You created the world; You separated the light from the darkness, and set the sun, the greater light, to rule the day, and the lesser light, the moon, and the stars, to rule the night. You have judged us, though sinners, at this present hour to come into Your presence, giving thanks and offering You our evening praise. Loving Lord, let our prayer rise as incense before You, and accept it as a fragrant offering. Make this evening and the coming night peaceful for us. Gird us with the armor of light. Deliver us from the terror of the night and from everything that lurks about in the darkness. And let our sleep, which You have given us for rest, given our weakness, be free of all demonic images. Yes, Master of all, source of all blessings, so that, even as we slumber in our beds, we may speak Your Name in the night, and so, enlightened by the contemplation of Your statutes, we may rise, our souls rejoicing, to glorify Your goodness, offering prayers and supplications to Your compassion, for our own sins and for those of all Your people, asking that, at the intercession of the holy Theotokos, You will show them mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise us up and keep us, O God, in Your grace. Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: For You are the King of peace and Savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. CANTOR: Amen.
THE COMPLETION LITANY
DEACON: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, in Your grace. That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and without sin, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: Forgiveness and remission of our sins and offenses, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: All that is good and profitable for our souls, and peace in the world, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: That we may live out our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: A Christian end to our life, peaceful, free of suffering or shame, and a good defense before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: Remembering our most holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: For You are a good and loving God and to You we give the glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be to all.
CANTOR: And to your spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: (Inaudibly) Lord our God, You inclined the heavens and descended for the salvation of humankind. Look on Your servants and Your inheritance. For they have bowed their heads and bent their necks to You the awesome yet compassionate Judge, not looking for human help but awaiting Your mercy and in expectation of Your redemption. Preserve them at all times and during this evening and the impending night, from every enemy, from all opposing demonic activity, from vain thoughts and evil dreams.
PRIEST: May the might of Your Kingdom be blessed and glorified, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
THE APOSTICHA IDIOMELA
Third tone
CANTOR: As a sign to all the tongues have now openly occurred. For the Jews, of whom Christ was born in the flesh suffering from faithlessness, fell from grace, while we gentiles were found worthy of the divine light, confirmed by the words of the disciples, telling of the glory of God, the benefactor of all. Together with them, inclining our hearts as well as our knees, let us worship in faith, steadfast in the Holy Spirit, Savior of our souls.
Verse: A spotless heart create in my, O God! Renew a steadfast spirit in my breast.
Now the Spirit, the Comforter, is poured out on all flesh. Starting with the circle of the Apostles, from them by participation it spread grace to the 'faithful; and it attests to its powerful presence, apportioning it to the Disciples in the form of tongues of fire, in praise of God's glory. Spiritually enlightened in heart, and confirmed in faith in the Holy Spirit, we pray that our soul may be saved.
Verse: Cast me not away from Your face; take not Your blessed Spirit out of me.
Now are Christ's Apostles girded with power from on high; for the Paraclete renews them, being renewed in them in spiritual knowledge. Proclaiming it in strange and lofty sounds, they teach us to venerate the nature of the God of all blessings, both simple and in three persons. Thus illuminated by their teachings, let us worship the Father, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, asking that our souls may be saved.
The Doxastikon
Eighth tone
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Come, all peoples, let us worship the Godhead in three persons: the Son in the Father, with the Holy Spirit. For the Father begat the Son before all ages, co-eternal and equal in majesty, and the Holy Spirit was in the Father, glorified with the Son: a single power, a singe essence, one Godhead, which we all worship saying, "Holy is God, Who created all things with the Son, with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit. Holy and mighty, through Whom we have known the Father and the Holy Spirit came into the world. Holy immortal, the Paraclete Spirit, which proceeds from the Father and abides in the Son: Holy Trinity, glory to You."
PRIEST: Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light to enlighten Gentiles, and glory for Israel Your people.
CANTOR: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
All-holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to us in our sins, Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, consider our weaknesses and heal them, for Your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
PRIEST: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
The Troparion of the Feast
Eighth tone
CANTOR: Blessed are You, O Christ our God, who made fishermen all-wise, sending upon them the Holy Spirit and, through them, drawing the world. O Loving One, glory to You. (3)
THE DISMISSAL
PRIEST: May Christ our true God, Who emptied Himself, leaving the bosom of the Father to assume our mortal nature and deify it, then ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of our God and Father; Who sent the Holy Spirit, co-eternal divine and of equal power and glory, upon His holy disciples and Apostles, thus illuminating them, and through them the whole universe, through the prayers of His all-holy and blameless holy Mother, the holy, glorious, illustrious, divine heralds and Spirit-bearing Apostles, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us in His goodness.
CANTOR: Amen.
Priest: May God have compassion on us and bless us, reveal the glory of his face upon us and have mercy on us.
Prayer to the Theotokos
People: Amen. Spotless, undefiled, immaculate, unstained, pure Virgin, Lady, and Bride of God, by your wondrous conception you united God the Word with human beings and joined the fallen nature of our race to heavenly things. You are the only, hope of the hopeless, and the help of those oppressed. You are the ready protection of those who flee to you and the refuge of all Christians. Do not spurn me an accused sinner, though I have made myself completely useless by my shameful thoughts, words, and deeds and through indolence have become a slave to the pleasures of life. But as the Mother of God who loves all people, mercifully have compassion upon me a sinner and a prodigal and receive my prayer though it be offered to you by unclean lips. Entreat your Son and our Lord and Master, using your boldness as a mother, so that he may open to me the loving mercy of his goodness, overlook my numberless transgressions, turn me to repentance, and make me an acceptable doer of his commandments.
Always be near me, for You are merciful, compassionate, and loving. Be my ardent help and protection in this present life, defending me from the assaults of adversaries, and lead me to salvation. At the hour of my death, care for my miserable soul and drive the dark faces of evil spirits far from it. On the awesome day of judgment, save me from eternal punishment and make me an inheritor of the ineffable glory of your Son, our God. May this be my lot, my Lady, all holy Theotokos, through your intercession and help, by the grace and love of your only begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus to whom belong all glory, honor, and worship with his eternal Father, and his all holy, righteous, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
Grant us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest for body and soul. Protect us from the gloom of sinful sleep and from all dark pleasures of the night. Calm the impulses of passion, and quench the fiery darts of evil which are treacherously cast against us. Check the turbulence of our flesh and lull all our earthly and mundane thoughts. Grant us, O God, a watchful mind, prudent reason, a vigilant heart, and tranquil sleep, free from all evil fantasies. Raise us up at the hour of prayer, strengthen us in Your commandments, and keep unshaken within us the remembrance of Your judgments. Grant us to glorify You all night long that we may praise and bless and glorify Your all honorable and magnificent name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, present our prayers to your Son and our God, and plead with him, that through you he may save our souls. My hope is the Father; my refuge, the Son; my protection, the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to You. My every hope I place in you, Mother of God, keep me under your protection.
THE GOSPEL
The Gospel is read only on the First Friday. On the other Fridays, we proceed directly to the Dismissal.
Priest: Let us beseech the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel. Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be to all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John. Let us be attentive.
Chapter 15.1-7
The Lord said: 'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.'
THE DISMISSAL
Priest: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: May Christ our true God, as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and most holy Mother; our holy God-bearing Fathers; the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna, and all the saints.
Priest: Let us pray for the peace of the world.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For all devout Orthodox Christians.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our departed fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For those who hate us, and for those who love us.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For those who show mercy toward us, and for those who serve us.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For those who enjoin us in our unworthiness to pray for them.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the release of captives.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the safety of those at sea.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For those who are lying ill.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Let us pray also for the abundance of the fruits of the earth.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: And for the soul of every Orthodox Christian.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Let us bless all those in public service.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Orthodox Hierarchs.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: The founders of this holy church.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Our parents and teachers, and all our fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers who have gone before us, those who peacefully lie here, and the Orthodox everywhere.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Let us say also for ourselves: Lord, have mercy (3).
Tone Three
People: At the beauty of your virginity, and the resplendency of your chastity, Gabriel stood amazed and cried to you, O Theotokos: What are the appropriate words of praise to present to you? What name shall I call you by? At a loss and perplexed am I. And so as I was ordered I cry to you: rejoice, O you Who are full of grace!
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
The Office of the Great Vespers of Pentecost
(THE KNEELING)
This Office, on the Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Spirit, that is, Monday after Pentecost, is usually sung immediately after the Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of Pentecost.
PRIEST: Blessed is our God, now and always and forever and ever.
READER: Amen.
Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King. Come let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King. Come, let us worship Christ, our King and our God, and bow down before Him.
PSALM 103 (104)
READER: Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! Clothed in pomp and brilliance, arrayed with light as with a cloak, stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth, establishing your lofty halls on water. You make the clouds your conveyance, you surge on the wings of the wind. You make the winds your messengers, and flaming fires your attendants.
You settled the earth on its foundation: it shall stand unmoved from age to age. The abyss covered it like a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke, they take to flight, at the peal of your thunder, they flee. They hurdle the hills and run down the dales to the place you have chosen for them. You have set up a boundary not to be passed: they shall never return to cover the earth.
Down in the gullies, you make springs to rise; waters shall flow between the mountains. They shall give drink to the beasts of the field; wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst. The birds of the sky shall abide by them; from among the rocks, they will raise their song. From your lofty halls you refresh the hills; the earth shall be fed with the fruit of your works.
You make green pastures for the cattle and food-plants for the service of man, so that bread may be drawn from the earth, and wine that gladdens the heart of man; so that oil may put a gleam on his face, and that bread may strengthen the heart of man. The trees of the plain shall be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. Sparrows shall build their nests in them, herons shall call them their home. To the deer belong the high mountains; to rodents, the shelter of the rock.
You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness, and it is night, wherein the forest creatures prowl. Young lions roar for their prey, and call out to God for their meat. As the sun rises, they will come together, and lay themselves down in their dens. Man will go out to his labor, and work until eventide.
How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have wrought them all. The earth is filled with your creatures, even the wide and open sea. Within it are countless creeping things, living beings small and large. Upon it there are ships a-sailing, and the great beast you made to have fun. All of them look to you to give them their food in due season. You provide and they gather up; you open your hands, and they are full. You hide your face, and they cringe; you suspend their breath, and they die and return to their dust. You send forth your breath, and they live; you renew the face of the earth.
May the Lord's glory endure forever, may the Lord rejoice in his works. He looks upon the earth, and makes it quake; he touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live, I will praise my God as long as I last. Would that my thoughts be pleasing to him, and I will rejoice in the Lord. May the sinners vanish from the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
The sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness and it is night. How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom, you have wrought them all.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (2)
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. O Lord our hope, glory to You.
THE GREAT LITANY OF PEACE
DEACON: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For heavenly peace and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For peace in the whole world, the stability of God's Holy Churches and for the oneness of all, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our Archbishop (N.), our Bishop (N.), the honorable priesthood, the deacons in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our country, the President, and all in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this city and Parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the people here present, awaiting the grace of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For those who incline their hearts as well as the knee before the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That we may be strengthened to complete works wellpleasing to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That His mercies may be lavished upon us, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That He will accept our act of kneeling as incense before Him, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For all who stand in need of His help, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That we may be spared all affliction, wrath, violence and want, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God in Your grace. Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: For to You belong all glory, honor and worship: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PSALM 140 (141)
Fourth tone
CANTOR: O Lord, I have cried out to You; hear me; Hear me O Lord. Lord, I have cried out to you, hearken to the voice of my prayer as I cry out to You.
The Deacon, or in the absence of a Deacon, the Priest comes from the Sanctuary to cense the Church and congregants as is prescribed.
Let my prayer rise as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Hear me O Lord.
The Idiomela
Fourth tone
Verse: If You retain sins, O Lord, who can stand? With You there is forgiveness.
The many nations saw strange things in the city of David when the Holy Spirit descended in fiery tongues as the inspired Luke recounted. For he says: "They were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And all began to speak in other tongues, other doctrines, other teachings, of the Holy Spirit. "
Verse: For Your name's sake, Lord, I have waited for You. My soul has waited for Your promise, my soul has hoped in the Lord.
The many nations saw strange things in the city of David when the Holy Spirit descended in fiery tongues as the inspired Luke recounted. For he says: "They were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And all began to speak in other tongues, other doctrines, other teachings, of the Holy Spirit. "
Verse: From the morning watch till night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
The Holy Spirit has always been, is now and ever shall be, having neither beginning nor end, but one with the Father and the Son: life and life giving; goodness itself and source of goodness, through Whom the Father is made known and the Son is glorified, and is known by all: one power, one unity, one worship, of the Holy Trinity.
Verse: For with the Lord is steadfast love and in him is full redemption; and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
The Holy Spirit has always been, is now and ever shall be, having neither beginning nor end, but one with the Father and the Son: life and life giving; goodness itself and source of goodness, through Whom the Father is made known and the Son is glorified, and is known by all: one power, one unity, one worship, of the Holy Trinity.
Verse: Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples.
The Holy Spirit, light and life, and living fountain of reason. Spirit of wisdom, Spirit of understanding, of goodness and honesty, intelligence and sovereignty, expiating sins. God who deifies; fire deriving from fire, speaking, acting, meting out gifts; through Whom the prophets all and God's apostles together with the martyrs were crowned. Different sounds, a different sight: fire divided into gifts of grace.
Verse: For mighty is his love for us, and the truthfulness of the Lord endures forever.
The Holy Spirit, light and life, and living fountain of reason. Spirit of wisdom, Spirit of understanding, of goodness and honesty, intelligence and sovereignty, expiating sins. God who deifies; fire deriving from fire, speaking, acting, meting out gifts; through Whom the prophets all and God's apostles together with the martyrs were crowned. Different sounds, a different sight: fire divided into gifts of grace.
The Doxastikon
Sixth tone
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now, and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us; cleanse us of every stain and save our souls, gracious One.
THE ENTRANCE
(With Censer)
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
PRIEST: At nightfall, dawn and noon, we sing to You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we beseech You, Master of all, Lord and lover of mankind: guide our prayers aright as an offering of incense before You. Let not our hearts be led to wicked thoughts or words, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For it is on You, Lord, Lord, that our eyes are fixed, and in You that we have our hope; do not put us to shame, O our God. For all glory, honor and adoration are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
DEACON: Master, bless the Entrance.
PRIEST: Blessed is the entrance of the holy people of God, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
The Deacon censes the icons and the Priest and then says:
DEACON: Wisdom! Let us arise.
CLERGY: O joyful radiance of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Having come to the setting of the sun and seen the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody, O Son of God, giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your glory.
DEACON: The Evening Prokeimenon.
The Great Prokeimenon
Seventh tone
PRIEST: What god is great as our God? You are God, Who alone works wonders.
CANTOR: Verse: You have revealed Your power among the people.
What god is great as our God? You are God, Who alone works wonders.
CANTOR: Verse: And I said, "Now I have begun to see. this is a change in the Most High's right hand."
What god is great as our God? You are God, Who alone works wonders.
CANTOR: Verse: I remembered the deeds of the Lord, for I will recall Your wonders of old.
What god is great as our God? You are God, Who alone works wonders.
Entering the Sanctuary the Deacon says:
DEACON: Again, on bended knees, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
As the faithful kneel, the Priest, also kneeling at the Royal Doors and facing the people, reads the first Prayers aloud.
PRIEST: Lord, pure and undefiled, existing before all eternity, invisible, incomprehensible, unsearchable, unchanging, surpassed by none, not to be calculated, long-suffering, the only immortal One, You abide in the unapproachable light. You created heaven and earth, and all the creatures that inhabit them, supplying all their needs even before they ask. To You we pray and You we entreat, loving Master, the Father of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven to be incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, the glorious Theotokos. At first You taught in words, but then showed us by deeds, when in enduring the saving Passion You gave to us Your humble, sinful and unworthy servants an example of how to offer our prayers in the bending of our heads and knees for our own transgressions and for the failings of the people.
All-merciful and loving Lord, hear us whenever we call upon You, but especially on this day of Pentecost, on which, after our Lord Jesus Christ had ascended into the heavens, to be seated at Your right hand, God and Father, He sent the Holy Spirit on His holy disciples and Apostles. As He came to rest upon each of them, and all were filled with His overflowing grace, they spoke in strange tongues of Your mighty works and prophesied.
As we now pray to You, hear us, and be mindful that we are lowly and deserving of judgment; recall our souls from the bondage of sin. Your own compassion interceding for us. Accept us as we kneel before You crying the familiar, "I have sinned!" We have been dependent on You from our mother's womb; You are our God. But because our days have been vainly squandered, we are stripped of Your help, without any defense. Even so, encouraged by Your mercies, we cry: Remember not our sins committed in youth and ignorance, and purge our secret thoughts. Do not spurn us in old age; when our strength fails us, do not forsake us; before we are returned to the earth, make us worthy to return to You, and treat us with Your favor and grace. Measure out Your mercies against our transgressions; contrast the depths of Your pity to the multitude of our offenses.
From Your holy dwelling place look down upon the people present here in expectation of Your rich mercy; visit us in Your goodness; free us from the oppression of the Evil One; make our lives secure within Your holy and sacred laws. Entrust Your people to a faithful guardian angel; gather us all into Your kingdom; grant forgiveness to those who hope in You; remit them and us our sins; cleanse us through the work of Your Holy Spirit; put an end to the wiles of the enemy.
This second Prayer is appended.
PRIEST: Blessed are You, Master, Almighty Lord, for You light the day with the light of the sun and brighten the night with the rays of fire. You enabled us to pass the span of the day and so come to the beginnings of the night. Hear our prayer and that of all Your people, and forgive us all our deliberate and unwitting sins; receive our evening petitions and send upon Your inheritance the abundance of Your mercy and compassion.
Encompass us with Your holy Angels; arm us with the weapons of Your righteousness; fortify us within Your truth; make Your strength our garrison, spare us all adverse circumstances and all assaults of the adversary. Finally, vouchsafe to us this evening, and the impending night, perfect, holy, peaceful, sinless, free of disturbing visions, and all the days of our lives, through the prayers of the Holy Theotokos and of all the Saints who have pleased You through the ages.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise us up and keep us, 0 God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: For Yours it is to show mercy and to save, O Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
DEACON: Let us say with our whole heart and our whole mind, let us say.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Have mercy on us, O God, in Your great goodness; we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Again we pray for our Archbishop (N.), and our Bishop (N.).
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Further we pray for our brothers: the Priests, Hieromonks, Deacons, Monks and Sisters, and our whole brotherhood in Christ.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Further we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, safekeeping, protection, pardon and remission of sins of the servants of God, all the devout and Orthodox Christians who dwell or sojourn in this city, the parishioners, parish council, contributors and benefactors of this holy church.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Further we pray for the blessed and ever-to-beremembered founders of this holy church, and for our Orthodox forebears and brethren who have gone before us, and who are here or elsewhere have been laid to pious rest.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON: Further we pray for those who bear offerings, those who do good works in this holy and venerable church, those who toil, those who sing, and all here present who await Your great and abundant mercy.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy. (3)
PRIEST: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
DEACON: Again, on bended knees, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy
All kneel as before while the Priest reads the Second Prayer:
PRIEST: Lord Jesus Christ our God, You have bestowed Your peace on humankind, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, to be with us even in thus life as a perpetual inheritance to believers never to be taken away. On this day You have sent this grace upon Your disciples and Apostles in a way more manifest, giving utterance to their lips by means of fiery tongues, so that every human race, hearing in our own language received the knowledge of God, and, illumined by the light of the Spirit, emerged from error as from darkness, and in the distribution of visible tongues of fire, and by extraordinary power, were taught faith in You, and were enlightened to speak of You, as of the Father and the Holy Spirit, as one Godhead, one power, one sovereignty.
As the reflection of the Father, the perfect and immutable likeness of His essence and nature, the source of salvation and grace, open the lips of this sinner and teach me how and for what I should pray. For You know the great number of my sins, yet Your compassion will overcome their enormity. For in fear I stand before You, casting my soul's despair into the sea of Your mercy. Govern my life, as You govern all creation by the unspoken word and the power of wisdom, calm haven of the storm-tossed, and make known to me the way in which I should walk.
Grant me the Spirit of wisdom in my thoughts, the Spirit of prudence in my ignorance. Let the Spirit of the awe of You, overshadow my deeds. Renew a steadfast Spirit in my breast, and let Your guiding Spirit make firm my errant mind, so that each day, led by Your good Spirit towards that which is profitable, I may be worthy to keep Your commandments, ever mindful of Your glorious and soulsearching presence. Do not allow me to be beguiled by the world's corrupting delights, but rather to desire the enjoyment of future treasures. For You, Master, have said, that whatever we ask in Your name, we shall without fail receive from Your co-eternal God and Father. Thus I, too, the sinner, at the descent of Your Holy Spirit, beseech Your goodness. All that I have asked, grant me for salvation. Yes, Lord, You are the lavish giver of everything good, giving far in excess of what we ask. You are the compassionate and merciful One Who, though sinless, became sharer in our flesh, and bending in love towards those who bend the knee to You, You became the propitiation for our sins.
Now then, Lord, grant Your people Your mercies; hear us from Your heavenly dwelling place; sanctify them by the power of Your saving right hand; shelter them in the shadow of Your wings; do not spurn the work of Your hands. It is against You alone that we sin, but it is You alone we worship; we know no alien god to adore, not to stretch out our hands to any other deity, O Master. Remit our offenses, and as You receive our petitions on bended knee, extend to us all a helping hand. Accept our common prayer as a pleasing fragrance, rising up to Your blessed kingdom.
The second Prayer is appended.
PRIEST: Lord, Lord, as You save us from every arrow that flies by day, protect us from everything that lurks in darkness. Accept the lifting up of our hands as an evening sacrifice. And enable us to pass the course of the night blamelessly, untempted by evil, and rid us of all disturbance and fear induced by the Evil One. Grant contrition to our soul, and to our thoughts due concern for our trial on the day of Your awesome and just judgment.
Transfix our bodies with awe of You, and deaden our earthly members, so that in the quiet of sleep we may be cheered by the contemplation of Your judgments. Distance from us every improper imagining and harmful desire. Instead raise us up at the hour of prayer strengthened in faith and growing in Your commandments.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise us up and keep us, O God, in Your grace.
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: By the favor and grace of Your only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
CANTOR: Lord, grant that we may be kept this night without sin. Blessed are You, O Lord, God of our fathers. Praised and glorified is Your name throughout the ages. Amen.
Let Your mercy be upon us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes. Blessed are You, Master, let me understand Your statutes. Blessed are You, O Holy One, enlighten me with Your statutes. Lord, Your mercy endures forever; do not spurn the work of Your hands. Praise befits You, worship befits You, glory befits You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forevermore. Amen.
DEACON: Yet again, on bended knee, let us pray to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
All kneel as before as the Priest reads the Third Prayer.
PRIEST: The never-failing spring, bursting with life and light, creative power co-eternal with the Father, You fulfilled surpassingly the plan for the salvation of humankind, shattering the unbreakable bonds of death and the bolts of Hades and trampling the throngs of evil spirits. You presented Yourself as a blameless victim for us, offering Your pure body, chaste and untouched by sin, in sacrifice, and by that terrible and indescribable oblation granted us everlasting life. You descended into Hades and broke down its gates, and sojourning among those below, You showed them the way of ascent. As for the Prince of Evil, that dragon of the deep, You snared him in an inspired lure, binding him in circles of darkness, in Your infinite power made him fast in the nether world, in the eternal fire and the outer darkness.
The glorious wisdom of the Father, You are the great help of those in peril, giving light to those in darkness and the shadow of death. Lord of everlasting glory, beloved Son of the Most High, eternal light of eternal light, Sun of righteousness, hear our supplications and give rest to the souls of Your servants, our fathers and brothers and other kin by blood, and all of the household of faith who have since fallen asleep and whose memorial we keep this day. For in You is the strength of all and in Your hand You hold the far reaches of the earth. Almighty Master, God of our Fathers and Lord merciful Lord of the living and the dead, Creator of all mortal nature, composed and again dissolved, of life and of death, of earthly existence and of the departure hence, You measure out the years for the living and set times of death, bringing down to Hades and raising up, fettering in weakness and liberating in power; You provide aptly for the present and fittingly dispose what is to come, restoring those who are wounded by the sting of death with the hope of resurrection.
Master, Lord of all, our God and Redeemer, the hope of all, at the ends of the earth and far away at sea, on this latter great and saving day of Pentecost You disclosed to us the mystery of the holy, consubstantial, co-eternal and life-giving Trinity, indivisible yet distinct, and in the descent and presence of Your holy and life-giving Spirit poured out its grace upon Your holy Apostles in the form of fiery tongues, making them proclaimers and confessors of our holy Faith, of true knowledge of God. On this universal and salutary feast, deign to accept petitions for those imprisoned in Hades, thus giving us great hope, and relief to the departed from their grievous distress and Your comfort.
Hear us, humble and pitiable, as we pray to You, and give rest to the souls of Your Servants who have departed this life, in a place of light, a place of renewed life, a joyous place, shunned alike by pain and sorrow and sighing. And place their spirits where the Righteous dwell, counting them worthy of peace and repose; for the dead do not praise You, Lord, nor do those in Hades dare to offer You glory, but it is we the living who bless and entreat You and offer You propitiatory prayers and sacrifices for their souls.
This second Prayer is appended:
PRIEST: O God, great and eternal, holy and loving, having deemed us worthy to stand at this hour in the presence of Your unapproachable glory, to sing in praise of Your wondrous acts, be gracious to Your unworthy servants and grant us grace to offer You in contrition of heart the thrice-holy doxology and thanksgiving for the great gifts You have bestowed on us and continue always. Lord, be mindful of our weakness, and do not let us be lost in our wrongdoing, but show mercy as we humble ourselves, so that, escaping the darkness of sin, we may walk in the day of justice, and girded with the armor of light, we may live free of the assaults of the Evil One, and so with courage glorify You the only true and loving God in all things.
Truly great is Your mystery, Master and Maker of all, of the temporary separation of Your creatures, to be united again in everlasting rest. We confess Your grace in all things, for our entrances into this world and our departures, of which our hope of resurrection and a life of bliss, according to Your certain promise, are the guarantee. May we enjoy it in Your future second coming. For You are both the pioneer of our resurrection and the just but compassionate judge of our lives and Master and Lord of our reward. In ultimate condescension You shared in our flesh and blood and in our passions, willingly assuming them in the depth of Your compassion so that having Yourself been tempted, You offered Yourself freely as helper to us who are tempted. Thus You united us all to You in Your freedom from passion.
Will You, then, Master, accept our prayers and entreaties, and give rest to everyone's fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters and children, or of the same family or people, and all the souls that have gone before to their rest in the hope of the resurrection to everlasting life. And place their spirits and their names in the book of life, the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, in the land of the living, in the kingdom of the heavens, in the bliss of Paradise, Your angels of light leading all into Your holy mansions. And on the day You have ordained, raise up our bodies as well according to Your unfailing promises. In departing our bodies to dwell in You our God, there is no death for Your servants Lord, but rather a change from the more sorrowful to the better and more pleasing, to rest, to joy.
And if we have in any way sinned against You, be merciful to them and to us; for no man is free of stain in Your sight though he live but a day. Only You, Who came sinless to earth, our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we all hope to find mercy and remission of sins.
Thus as good and loving God, remit and forgive them and us our failings, whether witting or unwitting, committed in knowledge or ignorance, intentionally or unaware, in deed or in thought, in word, in all goings about. Both to those who have gone before and to us who await, give release and repose, granting us and all Your people a good and peaceful end, opening up to us Your heart of love and mercy at Your terrible and awesome Coming and judging us worthy of Your kingdom.
And this third and final Prayer is added:
PRIEST: Great and most high God, You alone are immortal, abiding in unapproachable light. In wisdom You created the world; You separated the light from the darkness, and set the sun, the greater light, to rule the day, and the lesser light, the moon, and the stars, to rule the night. You have judged us, though sinners, at this present hour to come into Your presence, giving thanks and offering You our evening praise. Loving Lord, let our prayer rise as incense before You, and accept it as a fragrant offering. Make this evening and the coming night peaceful for us. Gird us with the armor of light. Deliver us from the terror of the night and from everything that lurks about in the darkness. And let our sleep, which You have given us for rest, given our weakness, be free of all demonic images. Yes, Master of all, source of all blessings, so that, even as we slumber in our beds, we may speak Your Name in the night, and so, enlightened by the contemplation of Your statutes, we may rise, our souls rejoicing, to glorify Your goodness, offering prayers and supplications to Your compassion, for our own sins and for those of all Your people, asking that, at the intercession of the holy Theotokos, You will show them mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise us up and keep us, O God, in Your grace. Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: For You are the King of peace and Savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. CANTOR: Amen.
THE COMPLETION LITANY
DEACON: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
CANTOR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, in Your grace. That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and without sin, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: Forgiveness and remission of our sins and offenses, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: All that is good and profitable for our souls, and peace in the world, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: That we may live out our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: A Christian end to our life, peaceful, free of suffering or shame, and a good defense before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord.
CANTOR: Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON: Remembering our most holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: For You are a good and loving God and to You we give the glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be to all.
CANTOR: And to your spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
CANTOR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST: (Inaudibly) Lord our God, You inclined the heavens and descended for the salvation of humankind. Look on Your servants and Your inheritance. For they have bowed their heads and bent their necks to You the awesome yet compassionate Judge, not looking for human help but awaiting Your mercy and in expectation of Your redemption. Preserve them at all times and during this evening and the impending night, from every enemy, from all opposing demonic activity, from vain thoughts and evil dreams.
PRIEST: May the might of Your Kingdom be blessed and glorified, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
THE APOSTICHA IDIOMELA
Third tone
CANTOR: As a sign to all the tongues have now openly occurred. For the Jews, of whom Christ was born in the flesh suffering from faithlessness, fell from grace, while we gentiles were found worthy of the divine light, confirmed by the words of the disciples, telling of the glory of God, the benefactor of all. Together with them, inclining our hearts as well as our knees, let us worship in faith, steadfast in the Holy Spirit, Savior of our souls.
Verse: A spotless heart create in my, O God! Renew a steadfast spirit in my breast.
Now the Spirit, the Comforter, is poured out on all flesh. Starting with the circle of the Apostles, from them by participation it spread grace to the 'faithful; and it attests to its powerful presence, apportioning it to the Disciples in the form of tongues of fire, in praise of God's glory. Spiritually enlightened in heart, and confirmed in faith in the Holy Spirit, we pray that our soul may be saved.
Verse: Cast me not away from Your face; take not Your blessed Spirit out of me.
Now are Christ's Apostles girded with power from on high; for the Paraclete renews them, being renewed in them in spiritual knowledge. Proclaiming it in strange and lofty sounds, they teach us to venerate the nature of the God of all blessings, both simple and in three persons. Thus illuminated by their teachings, let us worship the Father, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, asking that our souls may be saved.
The Doxastikon
Eighth tone
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Come, all peoples, let us worship the Godhead in three persons: the Son in the Father, with the Holy Spirit. For the Father begat the Son before all ages, co-eternal and equal in majesty, and the Holy Spirit was in the Father, glorified with the Son: a single power, a singe essence, one Godhead, which we all worship saying, "Holy is God, Who created all things with the Son, with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit. Holy and mighty, through Whom we have known the Father and the Holy Spirit came into the world. Holy immortal, the Paraclete Spirit, which proceeds from the Father and abides in the Son: Holy Trinity, glory to You."
PRIEST: Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light to enlighten Gentiles, and glory for Israel Your people.
CANTOR: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
All-holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to us in our sins, Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, consider our weaknesses and heal them, for Your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
PRIEST: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
CANTOR: Amen.
The Troparion of the Feast
Eighth tone
CANTOR: Blessed are You, O Christ our God, who made fishermen all-wise, sending upon them the Holy Spirit and, through them, drawing the world. O Loving One, glory to You. (3)
THE DISMISSAL
PRIEST: May Christ our true God, Who emptied Himself, leaving the bosom of the Father to assume our mortal nature and deify it, then ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of our God and Father; Who sent the Holy Spirit, co-eternal divine and of equal power and glory, upon His holy disciples and Apostles, thus illuminating them, and through them the whole universe, through the prayers of His all-holy and blameless holy Mother, the holy, glorious, illustrious, divine heralds and Spirit-bearing Apostles, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us in His goodness.
CANTOR: Amen.
The Service of the Small Paraklesis (Intercessory Prayer) to the Most Holy Theotokos
Translated and set to meter by
Demetri Kangelaris and Nicholas Kasemeotes
(The service of the Small Paraklesis is chanted in times of distress and sorrow of soul and during the first fourteen days of August.)
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Psalm 142
O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplications in Your truth; hear me in Your righteousness. Do not enter into judgment, with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is justified. For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all Your works: I pondered on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You, like a thirsty land.
Hear me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not turn Your face away from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning, for in You I have put my trust. Cause me to know, O Lord, the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Rescue me, lord, from my enemies; to You have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, You shall quicken me. In Your righteousness You shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in Your mercy, You shall utterly destroy my enemies. And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am Your servant.
Tone 4
God is the Lord; and has revealed Himself to us, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Vs. 1. Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.
God is the Lord; and has revealed Himself to us, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Vs. 2. All the nations have surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord, I have overcome them.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Vs. 3 This has been done by the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Tone 4
To the Theotokos, let us run now most fervently,
As sinners and lowly ones,
Let us fall down in repentance,
Crying from the depths of our soul:
Lady, come and help us,
Have compassion upon us;
Hasten now for we are lost
In the host of our errors;
Do not turn your servants away,
For you alone are a hope to us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
(Repeat the above or the Apolytikion of the Church.)
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O Theotokos, we shall never be silent.
Of your mighty acts, all we the unworthy;
Had you not stood to intercede for us
Who would have delivered us,
From the numerous perils?
Who would have preserved us all
Until now with our freedom?
O Lady, we shall not depart from you;
For you always save your servants,
From all tribulation.
Then we read: Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassion blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight, that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge. For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me.
For behold, You have loved truth: You have made known to me the secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean: You shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that bones which You have broken may rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation: And establish me with Your governing Spirit.
I shall teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would give it: You do not delight in burnt offering. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, God will not despise a broken and humbled heart.
Do good in Your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then You shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness., with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
Ode 1. The Heirmos. Plagal of the 4th Tone
Crossing the waters as on dry land,
In that way escaping From the evils of Egypt's land,
The Israelites cried out exclaiming:
To our Redeemer and God, now let us sing.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
With many temptations surrounding me,
Searching for salvation,
I have hastened unto you;
O Mother of the Word, and ever-Virgin,
From all distresses and dangers deliver me.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Assaults of the passions have shaken me,
My soul to its limits
Has been filled with much despair;
Bring peace, O Maiden, in the calmness,
Of your own Son and your God, all-blameless One.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
To God and the Savior you've given birth;
I ask you, O Virgin,
From the dangers deliver me;
For now I run to you for refuge,
With both my soul and my reasoning.
Now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Diseased is the body and the soul;
Deem me truly worthy
Of divine guidance and your care;
For you alone are God's Mother,
As the good and the birthgiver of the Good.
Ode 3. The Heirmos.
The apse of the heavens,
Are you O Lord, Fashioner,
And the Holy Church's great Founder,
Likewise establish me,
In constant love for You
For You're the height of our longing;
Support of the faithful,
The only Friend of all.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
A protection and shelter,
I have with you in my life,
You, the Theotokos and the Virgin,
Pilot me towards your port;
For you are the cause,
The cause of that which is good,
Support of the faithful,
The only all-praised One.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
I entreat you, O Virgin,
Disperse the storm of my grief,
and the soul's most inward confusion,
Scatter it far from me;
You are the Bride of God,
For you have brought forth the Christ,
the Prince of Peace;
Only, all-blameless One.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Having brought forth unto us
the cause and giver of good,
From your great abundance of kindness,
Pour forth upon us all;
For all is possible,
For you who carried the Christ,
Who is mighty in power;
You, who are blessed of God.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
With most serious ailments,
And with the passions so dark,
I am being tested, O Virgin,
Come and bring help to me;
For I have known of you,
That you are without fail
the endless treasure of cures,
Only all-blameless One.
Deliver us,
All of your servants, from danger, O Theotokos;
After God, we all flee to you,
For shelter and covering,
As an unshakable wall and our protection.
Turn to me,
In your good favor, all praise-worthy Theotokos;
Look upon my grave illnesses,
Which painfully sting my flesh
and heal the cause of my soul's pain and suffering.
(The priest commemorates those for whom the Paraklesis is sung.)
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great love, we pray You, hearken, and have mercy.
People: Lord have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for our Archbishop (name), our Bishop (name), and all the clergy and the laity in Christ.
People: Lord have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious and Orthodox Christians, those who reside and visit in this city, the members, council members, contributors, and benefactors of this holy church.
People: Lord have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the servants of God. . . (At this time the Priest commemorates those for whom the Paraklesis is sung.)
People: Lord have mercy (3).
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(After the petitions, we chant the following Kathisma:)
Tone 2.
A fervent prayer, and wall most unshakable
A merciful spring And shelter of all mankind;
Fervently, we cry to you:
Theotokos, our Lady,
Come to us
And from all dangers now deliver us
The only protection who speeds to us.
Ode 4. The Heirmos.
O Lord, I have heard of
the wondrous mystery of Your salvation;
I have contemplated all Your works
And I have glorified Your great divinity.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Still the darkest of passions,
Calm the sea of errors
In your great peacefulness;
It was you who bore the guiding Lord,
And you who are the blessed bride of God.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Your depth of compassion
Grant unto me
As one beseeching you;
You have carried the Compassionate
The Savior of those praising you.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
We are thankful for all the gifts
Which we have been given
by you the Spotless One;
And to you, we sing a hymn of praise,
Knowing you to be the Mother of God.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
As a hope and foundation,
And a wall unshaken
Of our salvation;
Having you, the all-lauded One,
From afflictions do you rescue us.
Ode 5. The Heirmos.
Lord, enlighten us,
With Your precepts that can guide our lives,
And with Your arm most powerful
Grant to us Your peace,
O You Who are the Friend of all.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure one, fill my heart
with a merriment, a happiness;
Bestow on me your spotless joy,
For you have given birth
to Him Who is the cause of joy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver all of us
From the dangers, Theotokos, most pure,
For you bore the timeless deliverer,
And you bore the peace,
the peace which has surpassed all thought.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Dissipate the cloud
Of my sinfulness, O bride of God,
With the brightness of your eminence;
For you brought forth the Light,
The Divine, which was before all time.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Heal me from the ills
O Most Pure One which the passions bring,
Make me worthy of your guiding care,
And unto me grant health,
Through your intercessions and your prayers.
Ode 6. The Heirmos.
My petition, I pour out to the Lord,
And to Him I will confess all my sorrows;
For many woes
Fill my soul to its limits,
And unto Hades my whole life has now approached,
Like Jonah, I pray to You,
From corruption, O God, now raise me
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
From death and corruption He has saved
My nature, held by death and corruption;
For unto death
He Himself has surrendered;
For which reason, O Virgin, please intercede
With Him who is your Lord and Son,
From the enemies' evils deliver me.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I know you as the protection of my life,
A steadfast shelter and refuge, O Virgin;
Disperse the host
Of my many temptations,
And force away the demonic attacks from me;
I pray to you unceasingly,
From corruption of passions deliver me.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We have you as a wall of refuge,
And our soul's most perfect salvation;
You are an aid,
In affliction, O Maiden,
And in your light we rejoice to eternity;
O Lady, also now,
From the passions and dangers deliver us.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
I lie now on a bed of infirmities,
And there is no healing at all for my body
Except for you,
Who has brought forth our Savior,
God, the healer of all our infirmities;
Of your goodness, I pray to you,
From corruption of sicknesses raise me.
Deliver us,
All of your servants, from dangers, O Theotokos;
After God, we all flee to you,
For shelter and covering,
As an unshakable wall and our protection.
Spotless one,
Who by a word, did bring to us the Word eternal,
In the last days ineffably;
Do you now plead with him
As the one with the motherly favor.
The priest commemorates as before.
Kondakion. Tone 2.
A protection of Christians unshamable,
Intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering,
Please reject not
The prayerful cries of those who are in sin.
Instead, come to us, for you are good;
Your loving help bring unto us,
Who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercede
And speed now to supplicate,
As a protection for all time,
Theotokos, for those who honor you.
(Then the 1st Antiphon of the Anavathmoi of the 4th Tone.)
From the years of my youth, many passions combat me; but You, Who are my Savior, assist me and save me. (2)
You haters of Zion shall be put to shame by the Lord Almighty, for as grass in the fire, you shall all be withered. (2)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
By the Holy Spirit, every soul is made living, is exalted, and made shining through purification, by the Threefold Oneness, in a hidden manner.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
By the Holy Spirit, the streams of grace are flowing, watering, all of the creation, granting life upon
I shall remember your Holy Name from generation to generation.
Verse: Listen, O Daughter, and see, and incline your ear, and forget your people and your father's house and the King will desire your beauty.
I remember Your Holy Name from generation to generation.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord, our God, that we may be deemed worthy to hear the Holy Gospel,
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Wisdom, Arise, Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading of the Holy Gospel according to Luke. Let us be attentive.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Priest: In those days Mary arose and went in haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zachariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed, for there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the lowly estate of his handmaiden. For behold henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Tone 2.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Father, Word, and Spirit, Trinity in oneness, wash away my many personal offenses.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, merciful One, wash away my many personal offenses.
Verse: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassions blot out my transgressions.
Plagal of the 2nd Tone
Put me not into the hands
Of any human protection,
O our Lady, most holy,
But do now receive the prayers of your supplicant;
Sorrow has taken me,
And I am unable
To withstand and bear the demon's darts;
Shelter I do not have,
Nor a place to go, worthless that I am;
Lady of humanity,
The shelter of the faithful and their hope,
Do not reject my prayers to you,
Do the things that profit me.
The Theotokia
No one is turned away from you, Ashamed and empty, who flee unto you, O pure virgin Theotokos; But one asks for the favor, And the gift is received from you, To the advantage of their own request.
The transformation of the afflicted, You are the cure of those in sickness, Theotokos, O Virgin; Save your people and your town. You are the peace of those in conflict, The calm of those in turmoil, The only protection of the faithful.
Priest: O God, save Your People, and bless Your inheritance; look upon Your world with mercy and compassion; raise the Orthodox Christians to glory, and shower us with your abundant mercies, through the intercessions of our all-pure Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the honorable, heavenly bodiless powers; of the honorable, glorious prophet, the Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy glorious and all-praised Apostles; of our holy fathers the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasios and Cyril, John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria; Nicholas of Myra, Spyridon bishop of Trimythous, the wonder-workers; of -the holy glorious great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrhflowing, Theodore of Tyros and Theodore the Commander; of the holy-martyrs Charalambos and Eleutherios; of the holy glorious triumphant Martyrs; of our pious and God-bearing Fathers; of (the Saint of the Church); of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; of Saint (Name) whose memory we celebrate today; and of all Your Saints, we beseech You Lord, Who alone are all merciful; hear the prayers of us sinners and have mercy upon us.
People: Lord, have mercy (12).
Priest: By the mercy and compassion, and love of Your only begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Ode 7. The Heirmos
Coming out of Judea,
Once the young men did go to the land of Babylon;
The flame of the furnace,
They trampled down while chanting,
With their faith in the Trinity:
O the God of our Fathers, Blessed are You, our God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
As You willed, O our Savior,
To dispense our salvation through Your economy
Inside the Virgin's womb;
You showed to all the people
That she was our own guardian;
O the God of our fathers,
Blessed are You, our God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The bestower of mercy
That you bore, O pure Mother, entreat on our behalf;
From sins deliver us,
And from the soul's defilement,
We who cry out most faithfully:
O the God of our fathers,
Blessed are You, our God.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
A fountain of pureness
And a tower of safety is she who carried You,
A treasure of salvation
And the door of repentance,
She has been shown to those that cry;
O the God of our fathers,
Blessed are You, our God.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The illnesses of body,
and the soul's ailing sickness, of those who run to you.
For divine protection,
As God's holy Mother,
Make them worthy of remedy:
For the Savior Christ
Was born from you.
Ode 8. The Heirmos
The King of heaven, Who is praised,
And is hymned by the host of the angels;
Praise Him and exalt Him
Throughout the many ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Do not neglect those who seek the help you grant
They hymn you, O Virgin Maiden,
And they do exalt you
Throughout the many ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, you pour a wealth of healing
On those who faithfully hymn you,
And those who exalt your
Childbearing wonder.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The infirmities of my soul are healed by you,
And the pains of my body, O Virgin,
So that I may praise you,
O Lady, in God's favor.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
You drive away the assaults of temptations,
And attacks of the passions, O Virgin,
Therefore do we praise you
Throughout the many ages.
Ode 9. The Heirmos.
Saved through you, O pure Virgin,
Hence we do confess you
To be most truly the birthgiver of our Lord;
With choirs of bodiless Angels,
You do we magnify.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The streams of my many tears,
Reject not, Holy Virgin;
For you gave birth to the One who dried all the tears,
From all the faces of people;
The Christ was born of you.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
With gladness fill my heart,
Most holy Virgin lady,
For you are she who received the abundant joy;
Take the grief of my sinfulness,
And make it disappear.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
A shelter and protection
And a wall unshaken,
Become, O Virgin., for those who flee to you,
A sheltered cover and refuge,
And a place of joy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
O Virgin, from the brightness
Of your light illumine
The ones who call you most piously Mother of God,
Take all the gloom of our ignorance
And banish it away.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Oppressed I am, O Virgin;
In a place of sickness, I have been humbled;
I ask you: bring remedy,
Transform my illness, my sickness,
Into a wholesomeness.
Truly you are worthy to be blessed,
Mother of our God, the Theotokos,
You the ever blessed one, and all blameless one,
And the Mother of our God.
You are honored more than the Cherubim,
And you have more glory, when compared, to the Seraphim;
You, without corruption,
Did bear God, the Logos;
You are the Theotokos;
You do we magnify.
(The priest censes the altar and the people, or the place where the Paraklesis is held, while we chant the following megalynaria.)
Higher than the heavens above are you,
And you are much purer
Than the radiance of the sun;
You who have redeemed us
From the curse which is upon us;
The Lady of all people,
In hymns, do we honor you.
From the great multitude of my sins,
Ill am I in body, Ill am I also in my soul;
I am fleeing to you,
The one who is all-blessed,
The hope of all the hopeless,
Please come bring help to me.
Lady and the Mother of Him who saves,
Receive the supplications
Of the lowly who pray to you;
Mediate between us
And the One you brought forth;
O Lady of all people, Intercede for us.
Now with zeal we chant this Ode to you;
You, the all praised Lady,
Theotokos, we hymn with joy;
With the saints most holy,
Together with the Baptist,
Beseech, O Theotokos,
For God's mercy on us
Speechless be the lips of impious ones,
Those who do not reverence
Your great icon, the sacred one
Which is called Directress,
And was depicted for us
By one of the apostles,
Luke the Evangelist.
(The Megalynarion of the church is chanted. Then.)
With the hosts of Angels, God's messengers,
With the Lord's Forerunner,
And Apostles, the chosen twelve,
With the saints most holy,
And with you, the Theotokos,
We seek your intercession
For our salvation.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Most holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; Lord, pardon our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name's sake.
Lord have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(Then we chant the following troparia;)
Plagal of the 2nd Tone.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us,
For we are empty of all defense,
As sinners we offer this supplication to You;
O Master, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Lord, have mercy on us,
For in You we have put our trust;
Be not exceedingly angry with us,
Nor remember our many iniquities;
But look upon us now as the Compassionate,
And deliver us from our enemies;
For You are our God, and we Your people,
We are all the work of Your hands,
And upon Your Name we have now called.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Theotokion
The doors of caring do now open unto us,
O most blessed Theotokos,
So that hoping in you we shall not fail;
Through you we may be delivered from adversities,
For you are the salvation of the Christian faith.
(During the period from the 1st to the 14th of August, instead of the above Troparia, the Apolytikion of the day and the Theotokion of the tone are chanted.)
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great love, we pray to you, hear us, and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for our Archbishop (name), and our Bishop (name), and all the clergy and the laity in Christ.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious and Orthodox Christians, those who reside and visit in this city, the members, council members, contributors, and benefactors of this holy church.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the servants of God ... (at this time the Priest commemorates those for whom the Paraklesis is sung.)
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the safekeeping of this holy church and this city, and of all cities and towns from pestilence, famine, earthquake, flood, fire and the sword, from invasion of enemies, civil war, and unforeseen death; for His mercy, that He will be kind to entreat as our good God, Who loves all people and that He may turn away and scatter all wrath and disease that moves against us, and deliver us from His impending, justified chastisement, and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray that the Lord God will hear the voices of the petitions of us sinners and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Hear us, O God, our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are far off upon the sea; and show compassion on us, O Master, on our many sins, and have mercy upon us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For you are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of the ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You. May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of Your all-pure and blameless holy Mother; of the holy glorious and praise-worthy Apostles; of the holy glorious and triumphant martyrs; of (the Saint of the Church); of the holy righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; of Saint (name) whose memory we celebrate today; and of all the Saints, have mercy and save us, as a good and loving God.
The Christian faithful reverence the icon of the Theotokos
while the following troparia are chanted.
Tone 2.
All those
Do you shelter, O Good One,
Those who in their faith flee unto you,
With your strong hand, you protect;
We who sin have no one else,
Who intercedes for us
Before God, praying endlessly,
In ills and all dangers,
For us who are laiden with
Our many sins and mistakes;
Mother, of our God in the Highest
Therefore, we fall down to you, humbly;
From all the misfortunes, keep your servants safe.
The same
For those
I n great sorrow you are joy,
And for the oppressed, a protection,
And for the hungry, their food,
Comfort unto those estranged;
You are a staff to the blind,
Visitation of all those sick,
And to those held by pain
Shelter and a comforting,
And to the orphaned, an aid;
Mother, of our God in the highest,
You who are the Spotless One, hasten,
Save your servants from their sin, we ask of you.
Plagal of the 4th Tone
Lady, do you receive,
From your servants, their many prayers;
And deliver all of us,
From all sadness and necessity.
Tone 2
My numerous hopes are placed
Before you, most holy One;
Mother of our God,
Guard me with care, within your sheltered arms.
During the period from the 1st to the 15th of August, instead of chanting the previous Theotokion, we chant the following Exsapostilaria:
Tone 3.
O You Apostles from far off,
Being gathered together
in the village of Gethsemane,
Lay my body in burial,
And You, my Son, and my God,
Receive now my spirit from me.
You are the sweetness of Angels,
The gladness of the afflicted ones,
A protection of all Christians,
O Virgin Mother of our Lord;
Grant me now help and save me
From the eternal torments.
I have you as Mediator
Before God who loves mankind;
May He not question my action
Before the hosts of the Angels,
I ask of you, O Virgin,
Hasten now quickly to my aid.
You are a tower adorned with gold,
A city surrounded by twelve walls,
A shining throne touched by the sun,
A royal seat for the King,
O unexplainable wonder,
How do you nurse the Master?
Priest: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy and save us.
Translated and set to meter by
Demetri Kangelaris and Nicholas Kasemeotes
(The service of the Small Paraklesis is chanted in times of distress and sorrow of soul and during the first fourteen days of August.)
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Psalm 142
O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplications in Your truth; hear me in Your righteousness. Do not enter into judgment, with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is justified. For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all Your works: I pondered on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You, like a thirsty land.
Hear me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not turn Your face away from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning, for in You I have put my trust. Cause me to know, O Lord, the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Rescue me, lord, from my enemies; to You have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, You shall quicken me. In Your righteousness You shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in Your mercy, You shall utterly destroy my enemies. And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am Your servant.
Tone 4
God is the Lord; and has revealed Himself to us, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Vs. 1. Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.
God is the Lord; and has revealed Himself to us, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Vs. 2. All the nations have surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord, I have overcome them.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Vs. 3 This has been done by the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Tone 4
To the Theotokos, let us run now most fervently,
As sinners and lowly ones,
Let us fall down in repentance,
Crying from the depths of our soul:
Lady, come and help us,
Have compassion upon us;
Hasten now for we are lost
In the host of our errors;
Do not turn your servants away,
For you alone are a hope to us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
(Repeat the above or the Apolytikion of the Church.)
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O Theotokos, we shall never be silent.
Of your mighty acts, all we the unworthy;
Had you not stood to intercede for us
Who would have delivered us,
From the numerous perils?
Who would have preserved us all
Until now with our freedom?
O Lady, we shall not depart from you;
For you always save your servants,
From all tribulation.
Then we read: Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassion blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight, that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge. For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me.
For behold, You have loved truth: You have made known to me the secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean: You shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that bones which You have broken may rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation: And establish me with Your governing Spirit.
I shall teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would give it: You do not delight in burnt offering. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, God will not despise a broken and humbled heart.
Do good in Your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then You shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness., with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
Ode 1. The Heirmos. Plagal of the 4th Tone
Crossing the waters as on dry land,
In that way escaping From the evils of Egypt's land,
The Israelites cried out exclaiming:
To our Redeemer and God, now let us sing.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
With many temptations surrounding me,
Searching for salvation,
I have hastened unto you;
O Mother of the Word, and ever-Virgin,
From all distresses and dangers deliver me.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Assaults of the passions have shaken me,
My soul to its limits
Has been filled with much despair;
Bring peace, O Maiden, in the calmness,
Of your own Son and your God, all-blameless One.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
To God and the Savior you've given birth;
I ask you, O Virgin,
From the dangers deliver me;
For now I run to you for refuge,
With both my soul and my reasoning.
Now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Diseased is the body and the soul;
Deem me truly worthy
Of divine guidance and your care;
For you alone are God's Mother,
As the good and the birthgiver of the Good.
Ode 3. The Heirmos.
The apse of the heavens,
Are you O Lord, Fashioner,
And the Holy Church's great Founder,
Likewise establish me,
In constant love for You
For You're the height of our longing;
Support of the faithful,
The only Friend of all.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
A protection and shelter,
I have with you in my life,
You, the Theotokos and the Virgin,
Pilot me towards your port;
For you are the cause,
The cause of that which is good,
Support of the faithful,
The only all-praised One.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
I entreat you, O Virgin,
Disperse the storm of my grief,
and the soul's most inward confusion,
Scatter it far from me;
You are the Bride of God,
For you have brought forth the Christ,
the Prince of Peace;
Only, all-blameless One.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Having brought forth unto us
the cause and giver of good,
From your great abundance of kindness,
Pour forth upon us all;
For all is possible,
For you who carried the Christ,
Who is mighty in power;
You, who are blessed of God.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
With most serious ailments,
And with the passions so dark,
I am being tested, O Virgin,
Come and bring help to me;
For I have known of you,
That you are without fail
the endless treasure of cures,
Only all-blameless One.
Deliver us,
All of your servants, from danger, O Theotokos;
After God, we all flee to you,
For shelter and covering,
As an unshakable wall and our protection.
Turn to me,
In your good favor, all praise-worthy Theotokos;
Look upon my grave illnesses,
Which painfully sting my flesh
and heal the cause of my soul's pain and suffering.
(The priest commemorates those for whom the Paraklesis is sung.)
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great love, we pray You, hearken, and have mercy.
People: Lord have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for our Archbishop (name), our Bishop (name), and all the clergy and the laity in Christ.
People: Lord have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious and Orthodox Christians, those who reside and visit in this city, the members, council members, contributors, and benefactors of this holy church.
People: Lord have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the servants of God. . . (At this time the Priest commemorates those for whom the Paraklesis is sung.)
People: Lord have mercy (3).
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(After the petitions, we chant the following Kathisma:)
Tone 2.
A fervent prayer, and wall most unshakable
A merciful spring And shelter of all mankind;
Fervently, we cry to you:
Theotokos, our Lady,
Come to us
And from all dangers now deliver us
The only protection who speeds to us.
Ode 4. The Heirmos.
O Lord, I have heard of
the wondrous mystery of Your salvation;
I have contemplated all Your works
And I have glorified Your great divinity.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Still the darkest of passions,
Calm the sea of errors
In your great peacefulness;
It was you who bore the guiding Lord,
And you who are the blessed bride of God.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Your depth of compassion
Grant unto me
As one beseeching you;
You have carried the Compassionate
The Savior of those praising you.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
We are thankful for all the gifts
Which we have been given
by you the Spotless One;
And to you, we sing a hymn of praise,
Knowing you to be the Mother of God.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
As a hope and foundation,
And a wall unshaken
Of our salvation;
Having you, the all-lauded One,
From afflictions do you rescue us.
Ode 5. The Heirmos.
Lord, enlighten us,
With Your precepts that can guide our lives,
And with Your arm most powerful
Grant to us Your peace,
O You Who are the Friend of all.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure one, fill my heart
with a merriment, a happiness;
Bestow on me your spotless joy,
For you have given birth
to Him Who is the cause of joy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver all of us
From the dangers, Theotokos, most pure,
For you bore the timeless deliverer,
And you bore the peace,
the peace which has surpassed all thought.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Dissipate the cloud
Of my sinfulness, O bride of God,
With the brightness of your eminence;
For you brought forth the Light,
The Divine, which was before all time.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Heal me from the ills
O Most Pure One which the passions bring,
Make me worthy of your guiding care,
And unto me grant health,
Through your intercessions and your prayers.
Ode 6. The Heirmos.
My petition, I pour out to the Lord,
And to Him I will confess all my sorrows;
For many woes
Fill my soul to its limits,
And unto Hades my whole life has now approached,
Like Jonah, I pray to You,
From corruption, O God, now raise me
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
From death and corruption He has saved
My nature, held by death and corruption;
For unto death
He Himself has surrendered;
For which reason, O Virgin, please intercede
With Him who is your Lord and Son,
From the enemies' evils deliver me.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I know you as the protection of my life,
A steadfast shelter and refuge, O Virgin;
Disperse the host
Of my many temptations,
And force away the demonic attacks from me;
I pray to you unceasingly,
From corruption of passions deliver me.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We have you as a wall of refuge,
And our soul's most perfect salvation;
You are an aid,
In affliction, O Maiden,
And in your light we rejoice to eternity;
O Lady, also now,
From the passions and dangers deliver us.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
I lie now on a bed of infirmities,
And there is no healing at all for my body
Except for you,
Who has brought forth our Savior,
God, the healer of all our infirmities;
Of your goodness, I pray to you,
From corruption of sicknesses raise me.
Deliver us,
All of your servants, from dangers, O Theotokos;
After God, we all flee to you,
For shelter and covering,
As an unshakable wall and our protection.
Spotless one,
Who by a word, did bring to us the Word eternal,
In the last days ineffably;
Do you now plead with him
As the one with the motherly favor.
The priest commemorates as before.
Kondakion. Tone 2.
A protection of Christians unshamable,
Intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering,
Please reject not
The prayerful cries of those who are in sin.
Instead, come to us, for you are good;
Your loving help bring unto us,
Who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercede
And speed now to supplicate,
As a protection for all time,
Theotokos, for those who honor you.
(Then the 1st Antiphon of the Anavathmoi of the 4th Tone.)
From the years of my youth, many passions combat me; but You, Who are my Savior, assist me and save me. (2)
You haters of Zion shall be put to shame by the Lord Almighty, for as grass in the fire, you shall all be withered. (2)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
By the Holy Spirit, every soul is made living, is exalted, and made shining through purification, by the Threefold Oneness, in a hidden manner.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
By the Holy Spirit, the streams of grace are flowing, watering, all of the creation, granting life upon
I shall remember your Holy Name from generation to generation.
Verse: Listen, O Daughter, and see, and incline your ear, and forget your people and your father's house and the King will desire your beauty.
I remember Your Holy Name from generation to generation.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord, our God, that we may be deemed worthy to hear the Holy Gospel,
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Wisdom, Arise, Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The reading of the Holy Gospel according to Luke. Let us be attentive.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Priest: In those days Mary arose and went in haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zachariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed, for there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the lowly estate of his handmaiden. For behold henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Tone 2.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Father, Word, and Spirit, Trinity in oneness, wash away my many personal offenses.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, merciful One, wash away my many personal offenses.
Verse: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassions blot out my transgressions.
Plagal of the 2nd Tone
Put me not into the hands
Of any human protection,
O our Lady, most holy,
But do now receive the prayers of your supplicant;
Sorrow has taken me,
And I am unable
To withstand and bear the demon's darts;
Shelter I do not have,
Nor a place to go, worthless that I am;
Lady of humanity,
The shelter of the faithful and their hope,
Do not reject my prayers to you,
Do the things that profit me.
The Theotokia
No one is turned away from you, Ashamed and empty, who flee unto you, O pure virgin Theotokos; But one asks for the favor, And the gift is received from you, To the advantage of their own request.
The transformation of the afflicted, You are the cure of those in sickness, Theotokos, O Virgin; Save your people and your town. You are the peace of those in conflict, The calm of those in turmoil, The only protection of the faithful.
Priest: O God, save Your People, and bless Your inheritance; look upon Your world with mercy and compassion; raise the Orthodox Christians to glory, and shower us with your abundant mercies, through the intercessions of our all-pure Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the honorable, heavenly bodiless powers; of the honorable, glorious prophet, the Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy glorious and all-praised Apostles; of our holy fathers the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasios and Cyril, John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria; Nicholas of Myra, Spyridon bishop of Trimythous, the wonder-workers; of -the holy glorious great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrhflowing, Theodore of Tyros and Theodore the Commander; of the holy-martyrs Charalambos and Eleutherios; of the holy glorious triumphant Martyrs; of our pious and God-bearing Fathers; of (the Saint of the Church); of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; of Saint (Name) whose memory we celebrate today; and of all Your Saints, we beseech You Lord, Who alone are all merciful; hear the prayers of us sinners and have mercy upon us.
People: Lord, have mercy (12).
Priest: By the mercy and compassion, and love of Your only begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Ode 7. The Heirmos
Coming out of Judea,
Once the young men did go to the land of Babylon;
The flame of the furnace,
They trampled down while chanting,
With their faith in the Trinity:
O the God of our Fathers, Blessed are You, our God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
As You willed, O our Savior,
To dispense our salvation through Your economy
Inside the Virgin's womb;
You showed to all the people
That she was our own guardian;
O the God of our fathers,
Blessed are You, our God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The bestower of mercy
That you bore, O pure Mother, entreat on our behalf;
From sins deliver us,
And from the soul's defilement,
We who cry out most faithfully:
O the God of our fathers,
Blessed are You, our God.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
A fountain of pureness
And a tower of safety is she who carried You,
A treasure of salvation
And the door of repentance,
She has been shown to those that cry;
O the God of our fathers,
Blessed are You, our God.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The illnesses of body,
and the soul's ailing sickness, of those who run to you.
For divine protection,
As God's holy Mother,
Make them worthy of remedy:
For the Savior Christ
Was born from you.
Ode 8. The Heirmos
The King of heaven, Who is praised,
And is hymned by the host of the angels;
Praise Him and exalt Him
Throughout the many ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Do not neglect those who seek the help you grant
They hymn you, O Virgin Maiden,
And they do exalt you
Throughout the many ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, you pour a wealth of healing
On those who faithfully hymn you,
And those who exalt your
Childbearing wonder.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The infirmities of my soul are healed by you,
And the pains of my body, O Virgin,
So that I may praise you,
O Lady, in God's favor.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
You drive away the assaults of temptations,
And attacks of the passions, O Virgin,
Therefore do we praise you
Throughout the many ages.
Ode 9. The Heirmos.
Saved through you, O pure Virgin,
Hence we do confess you
To be most truly the birthgiver of our Lord;
With choirs of bodiless Angels,
You do we magnify.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The streams of my many tears,
Reject not, Holy Virgin;
For you gave birth to the One who dried all the tears,
From all the faces of people;
The Christ was born of you.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
With gladness fill my heart,
Most holy Virgin lady,
For you are she who received the abundant joy;
Take the grief of my sinfulness,
And make it disappear.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
A shelter and protection
And a wall unshaken,
Become, O Virgin., for those who flee to you,
A sheltered cover and refuge,
And a place of joy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
O Virgin, from the brightness
Of your light illumine
The ones who call you most piously Mother of God,
Take all the gloom of our ignorance
And banish it away.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Oppressed I am, O Virgin;
In a place of sickness, I have been humbled;
I ask you: bring remedy,
Transform my illness, my sickness,
Into a wholesomeness.
Truly you are worthy to be blessed,
Mother of our God, the Theotokos,
You the ever blessed one, and all blameless one,
And the Mother of our God.
You are honored more than the Cherubim,
And you have more glory, when compared, to the Seraphim;
You, without corruption,
Did bear God, the Logos;
You are the Theotokos;
You do we magnify.
(The priest censes the altar and the people, or the place where the Paraklesis is held, while we chant the following megalynaria.)
Higher than the heavens above are you,
And you are much purer
Than the radiance of the sun;
You who have redeemed us
From the curse which is upon us;
The Lady of all people,
In hymns, do we honor you.
From the great multitude of my sins,
Ill am I in body, Ill am I also in my soul;
I am fleeing to you,
The one who is all-blessed,
The hope of all the hopeless,
Please come bring help to me.
Lady and the Mother of Him who saves,
Receive the supplications
Of the lowly who pray to you;
Mediate between us
And the One you brought forth;
O Lady of all people, Intercede for us.
Now with zeal we chant this Ode to you;
You, the all praised Lady,
Theotokos, we hymn with joy;
With the saints most holy,
Together with the Baptist,
Beseech, O Theotokos,
For God's mercy on us
Speechless be the lips of impious ones,
Those who do not reverence
Your great icon, the sacred one
Which is called Directress,
And was depicted for us
By one of the apostles,
Luke the Evangelist.
(The Megalynarion of the church is chanted. Then.)
With the hosts of Angels, God's messengers,
With the Lord's Forerunner,
And Apostles, the chosen twelve,
With the saints most holy,
And with you, the Theotokos,
We seek your intercession
For our salvation.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Most holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; Lord, pardon our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name's sake.
Lord have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(Then we chant the following troparia;)
Plagal of the 2nd Tone.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us,
For we are empty of all defense,
As sinners we offer this supplication to You;
O Master, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Lord, have mercy on us,
For in You we have put our trust;
Be not exceedingly angry with us,
Nor remember our many iniquities;
But look upon us now as the Compassionate,
And deliver us from our enemies;
For You are our God, and we Your people,
We are all the work of Your hands,
And upon Your Name we have now called.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Theotokion
The doors of caring do now open unto us,
O most blessed Theotokos,
So that hoping in you we shall not fail;
Through you we may be delivered from adversities,
For you are the salvation of the Christian faith.
(During the period from the 1st to the 14th of August, instead of the above Troparia, the Apolytikion of the day and the Theotokion of the tone are chanted.)
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great love, we pray to you, hear us, and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for our Archbishop (name), and our Bishop (name), and all the clergy and the laity in Christ.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious and Orthodox Christians, those who reside and visit in this city, the members, council members, contributors, and benefactors of this holy church.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the servants of God ... (at this time the Priest commemorates those for whom the Paraklesis is sung.)
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray for the safekeeping of this holy church and this city, and of all cities and towns from pestilence, famine, earthquake, flood, fire and the sword, from invasion of enemies, civil war, and unforeseen death; for His mercy, that He will be kind to entreat as our good God, Who loves all people and that He may turn away and scatter all wrath and disease that moves against us, and deliver us from His impending, justified chastisement, and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Again we pray that the Lord God will hear the voices of the petitions of us sinners and have mercy on us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: Hear us, O God, our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are far off upon the sea; and show compassion on us, O Master, on our many sins, and have mercy upon us.
People: Lord, have mercy (3).
Priest: For you are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of the ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You. May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of Your all-pure and blameless holy Mother; of the holy glorious and praise-worthy Apostles; of the holy glorious and triumphant martyrs; of (the Saint of the Church); of the holy righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; of Saint (name) whose memory we celebrate today; and of all the Saints, have mercy and save us, as a good and loving God.
The Christian faithful reverence the icon of the Theotokos
while the following troparia are chanted.
Tone 2.
All those
Do you shelter, O Good One,
Those who in their faith flee unto you,
With your strong hand, you protect;
We who sin have no one else,
Who intercedes for us
Before God, praying endlessly,
In ills and all dangers,
For us who are laiden with
Our many sins and mistakes;
Mother, of our God in the Highest
Therefore, we fall down to you, humbly;
From all the misfortunes, keep your servants safe.
The same
For those
I n great sorrow you are joy,
And for the oppressed, a protection,
And for the hungry, their food,
Comfort unto those estranged;
You are a staff to the blind,
Visitation of all those sick,
And to those held by pain
Shelter and a comforting,
And to the orphaned, an aid;
Mother, of our God in the highest,
You who are the Spotless One, hasten,
Save your servants from their sin, we ask of you.
Plagal of the 4th Tone
Lady, do you receive,
From your servants, their many prayers;
And deliver all of us,
From all sadness and necessity.
Tone 2
My numerous hopes are placed
Before you, most holy One;
Mother of our God,
Guard me with care, within your sheltered arms.
During the period from the 1st to the 15th of August, instead of chanting the previous Theotokion, we chant the following Exsapostilaria:
Tone 3.
O You Apostles from far off,
Being gathered together
in the village of Gethsemane,
Lay my body in burial,
And You, my Son, and my God,
Receive now my spirit from me.
You are the sweetness of Angels,
The gladness of the afflicted ones,
A protection of all Christians,
O Virgin Mother of our Lord;
Grant me now help and save me
From the eternal torments.
I have you as Mediator
Before God who loves mankind;
May He not question my action
Before the hosts of the Angels,
I ask of you, O Virgin,
Hasten now quickly to my aid.
You are a tower adorned with gold,
A city surrounded by twelve walls,
A shining throne touched by the sun,
A royal seat for the King,
O unexplainable wonder,
How do you nurse the Master?
Priest: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy and save us.
Holy Cross Orthodox Press
Revised, 1997
Copyright 1984 Holy Cross Orthodox Press
Published by Holy Cross Orthodox Press
"A poem of the monk Theosterictus, but ascribed by others to Theophanes."
PUBLISHER'S NOTE
The service of the Small Paraklesis, conducted daily during the first fourteen days of August as well as on many other occasions, is one of the most popular services of the Orthodox Church. Until now, it was not always possible for all those who attended the services to participate in them fully because of the language difficulty. By providing, in addition to the original Greek text, an English translation in meter that fits the traditional Byzantine melody, and a transliteration, makes it possible for all Orthodox to participate fully.
Thus, it is with particular joy that Holy Cross Orthodox Press offers this edition of the Paraklesis to the Orthodox faithful, a labor of love on the part of Fathers Demetri Kangelaris and Nicholas Kasemeotes, recent graduates of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, now serving the Church in Los Angeles and St. Louis respectively.
Our special thanks then go to Fathers Demetri and Nicholas. May the Theotokos continue to bless them and their ministry and grant them every spiritual gift.
N. M. Vaporis, Director
TRANSLATORS' NOTE
It is with great joy and hope that we present this service book for use by our congregations. The service of the Small Paraklesis or "Intercessory Prayer" to the Most Holy Theotokos, the Mother of God, is chanted during the Lenten period of I to 14th August, preceding the Feast of the Koimesis or "Falling Asleep" of the Virgin Mary. The service is also chanted, as the prefix indicates, "in every tribulation and in sorrow of soul."
The purpose of this service book is to enable our congregations to participate more fully in the chanting of this service. The English phonetics have been provided along side of the Greek text to enable our non-Greek reading people to also chant the service. Second, an English translation has been provided which can be sung on the same melodic line as the Greek. Whether the service is sung in Greek or English, we encourage everyone to chant these very simple yet beautiful hymns and prayers.
We would like to acknowledge a previous translation, The Service of Small Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Mother of God, translated by the Holy Transfiguration Monastery, which was helpful in the formation of this translation. We would also like to thank members of the faculty of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology for their assistance: Fr. Alkiviadis Calivas, Professor Savas Savas, Dr. Penelope Tzougros, Mrs. loanna Clarke and Miss Georgia Stathopoulou.
We thank them and pray that through the prayers of the Theotokos, our Lord will bless them as well as all those who sing this service.
Demetri Kangelaris, Nicholas Kasemeotes
Revised, 1997
Copyright 1984 Holy Cross Orthodox Press
Published by Holy Cross Orthodox Press
"A poem of the monk Theosterictus, but ascribed by others to Theophanes."
PUBLISHER'S NOTE
The service of the Small Paraklesis, conducted daily during the first fourteen days of August as well as on many other occasions, is one of the most popular services of the Orthodox Church. Until now, it was not always possible for all those who attended the services to participate in them fully because of the language difficulty. By providing, in addition to the original Greek text, an English translation in meter that fits the traditional Byzantine melody, and a transliteration, makes it possible for all Orthodox to participate fully.
Thus, it is with particular joy that Holy Cross Orthodox Press offers this edition of the Paraklesis to the Orthodox faithful, a labor of love on the part of Fathers Demetri Kangelaris and Nicholas Kasemeotes, recent graduates of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, now serving the Church in Los Angeles and St. Louis respectively.
Our special thanks then go to Fathers Demetri and Nicholas. May the Theotokos continue to bless them and their ministry and grant them every spiritual gift.
N. M. Vaporis, Director
TRANSLATORS' NOTE
It is with great joy and hope that we present this service book for use by our congregations. The service of the Small Paraklesis or "Intercessory Prayer" to the Most Holy Theotokos, the Mother of God, is chanted during the Lenten period of I to 14th August, preceding the Feast of the Koimesis or "Falling Asleep" of the Virgin Mary. The service is also chanted, as the prefix indicates, "in every tribulation and in sorrow of soul."
The purpose of this service book is to enable our congregations to participate more fully in the chanting of this service. The English phonetics have been provided along side of the Greek text to enable our non-Greek reading people to also chant the service. Second, an English translation has been provided which can be sung on the same melodic line as the Greek. Whether the service is sung in Greek or English, we encourage everyone to chant these very simple yet beautiful hymns and prayers.
We would like to acknowledge a previous translation, The Service of Small Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Mother of God, translated by the Holy Transfiguration Monastery, which was helpful in the formation of this translation. We would also like to thank members of the faculty of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology for their assistance: Fr. Alkiviadis Calivas, Professor Savas Savas, Dr. Penelope Tzougros, Mrs. loanna Clarke and Miss Georgia Stathopoulou.
We thank them and pray that through the prayers of the Theotokos, our Lord will bless them as well as all those who sing this service.
Demetri Kangelaris, Nicholas Kasemeotes
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