======================================================================== LITURGICAL TEXTS OF GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH by The Orthodox Church ======================================================================== A compilation of liturgical services and prayers of the Greek Orthodox Church, including sacramental rites, occasional services, and the traditional prayers that form the worship life of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Chapters: 41 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 0. Liturgical Texts of Greek Orthodox Church 1. Service of the Consecration of a Church 2. Service of the Adoption of a Child 3. Great Compline - Part 2 4. Great Compline - Part 1 5. Commemoration of the Restoration of the Holy Icons 6. An Akathist in Praise of God's Creation 7. Trisagion Service 8. Memorial Service 9. Guidelines and Order When a Priest Falls Asleep in the Lord 10. Funeral Service for Infants 11. Funeral Service During Renewal Week 12. The Service of Betrothal 13. Funeral Service 14. The Service of Marriage 15. The Service of Holy Baptism 16. The Making of a Catechumen 17. The Holy Sacrament of Ordination to the Sub-Diaconate 18. The Holy Sacrament of Ordination to the Priesthood 19. The Holy Sacrament of Ordination to the Diaconate 20. Communion of the Sick in a Hospital 21. Communion of the Sick 22. Vespers for the Preservation of Creation 23. The Great Vespers of Pentecost 24. Sunday Vespers - Part 2 25. Sunday Vespers - Part 1 26. Sunday Orthros - Part 3 27. Sunday Orthros - Part 2 28. Sunday Orthros - Part 1 29. Daily Orthros (Matins) 30. The Lenten Liturgies 31. The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom - Part 1 32. The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom - Part 2 33. The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great - Part 1 34. The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great - Part 2 35. The Akathist Hymn and Small Compline - Part 1 36. The Akathist Hymn and Small Compline - Part 2 37. The Blessing and Hallowing of Icons 38. The Churching of a Mother and Child After Forty Days 39. The Order for the Lesser Sanctification of the Water 40. The Service of the Small Paraklesis (Intercessory Prayer) to the Most Holy Theotokos ======================================================================== CHAPTER 0: LITURGICAL TEXTS OF GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ======================================================================== ======================================================================== CHAPTER 1: SERVICE OF THE CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH ======================================================================== What is salvation for an Orthodox Christian? For an Orthodox Christian salvation is union with Christ. This union with Christ is called the "Life in Christ". The center of this "Life in Christ" is the Holy Altar, as well as the services which are related to it, i.e. the Seven Sacraments. Because the Holy Altar is so important in the life of an Orthodox Christian, the service of Consecration centers around the Holy Altar Table. In simple terms the Consecration Service is the Baptism and Chrismation of the Church. Before the Consecration Service begins, all Articles on the Altar Table are removed, and the Altar is left uncovered with nothing on it. When the Bishop enters the Church he will bring with him the relics of three Saints. These relics will be placed on a Paten (Diskarion), which will remain on the Altar Table overnight, together with a Vigil Light. Introductory Services and Vespers The Consecration of the Church begins on the Eve of the celebration with a short Prayer Service honoring the memory of Martyrs. The Vespers, a very joyous celebration follows, and many Priests participate in it to share in the joy of the coming event. On Sunday Morning the order of services is: Matins (Morning Prayer), the Consecration Service and the first Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated Church. Orthros The Orthros is a morning service held prior to the Divine Liturgy. It begins with the reading of the six Psalms (3, 37, 62, 87,102,142) and ends with the Great Doxology. During Orthros, resurrection and consecration hymns are sung. The Priest will also celebrate part of the Proskomidi Service (preparing the Gifts which will be used during the Divine Liturgy). At the appointed time the Bishop will enter the Church and will put on his vestments (Ceremonial Robes). At the end of Orhtrosthe Bishop will begin the Service of Consecration. The Consecration Service What exactly takes place during the Consecration? The Consecration is a special service which "changes" an ordinary building into the House of God. This change takes place through the Grace of God and the Holy Spirit. Many symbolic actions take place such as: 1. The Three Processions around the Church Building. 2. The Placing of, and Sealing of, the Holy Relics in the Altar Table. 3. The Washing and Anointing of the Altar Table. 4. The Placing of the new Altar Coverings and other Holy Articles on the Holy Table. 5. The Lighting of the Vigil Light. The Service of Consecreation The Bishop: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen Reader: Psalm 143 Hear, O Lord, my prayer give ear to my supplication;in Thy faithfulness answer me and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth; hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee to hide me. Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God; Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name's sake; for Thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul; for I am Thy servant. *Deacon: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. *When the Deacon is not present, the Priest recites his petitions. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us and protect us, O God, by Thy Grace. Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorified Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. Choir: To You O Lord. The Bishop: For holy art Thou our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. The Bishop, standing before the Holy Relics, reads the prayer: The Bishop: O Lord our God, faithful in Thy words and truthful in Thy promises Who hast granted Thy holy Martyrs to fight the good fight and to fulfill the course of godliness and to keep the faith of true confession: Be Thou, the same all-holy Lord, entreated of their prayers and grant unto us Thine unworthy servants, to have a part and inheritance with them, that being followers of them, we also may obtain the good things which await them. Through Thy mercy and love toward mankind of Thine Only; begotten Son with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all; holy, good and life-giving spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Bishop: Peace be with you all. Choir: And with thy spirit. Deacon: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord. Choir: To Thee, O Lord. The Bishop: O Lord our God, through the intercessions of our Holy Lady and Mother of God and of all Thy saints direct the works of our hands, Thine unworthy servants, and make us worthy that we may in all things prove to be acceptable unto Thy goodness. Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Thy Kingdom, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Processions Around the Church Following this prayer, the Bishop and Clergy together with all the Faithful prepare for the Three Processions around the Church. The Three Processions represent the setting aside of an area which will be separate and sacred from all other areas. The Bishop raises the covered Paten on which the Holy Relics were placed, and prepares to leave the Church. The procession is led by the Altar Boys, followed by the Choir and Cantors, the Priests, the Bishop carrying the Relics, and the Faithful, leaving the Church empty. As the procession leaves the Church the Choir or Cantor sings: Hymns O Holy Martyrs, who fought the good fight and have received your crowns, entreat the Lord to save our souls. Glory to Thee, O Christ God, the Apostles' pride, the Martyrs, joy, who have preached the consubstantial Trinity. During the processions around the Church special consecration hymns are sung, or the Hymn "Holy God, Holy and Mighty..." Tone 1 Be renewed, be renewed, O New Jerusalem, because your light has shown, and the glory of the Lord has come upon you. This house has been founded by the Father, this house has been made firm by the Son, this house has been renewed by, the Holy Spirit, which illumines and supports, and hallows our souls. In early times, while the temple was consecrated, Solomon offered to the Lord sacrifices of animals and holocausts. When you were pleased in us O Saviour, to forgo the formalities and let the truth be known, the whole world offers to You the bloodless sacrifices to Your glory, because You are the Lord of all things and make everything holy through Your Holy Spirit. Tone Pl. 2 The Consecration is an old honored custom, and a good one. It is however proper to honor new churches through the consecration as an island dedicated to God. As Isaiah says: we have acquired these sites from the congregation of the gentiles, and established them as churches on the solid foundation of God's Name. This is why we are celebrating this Consecration in a spiritual manner. When the procession reaches the front of the Church, the Bishop places the Holy Relics on table, which has been previously placed there, and readings from the Bible follow. A section of St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews 2:11-18, and St. Matthew 16:13-20 is read. Scriptural Readings Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: The Lord is my light and my salvation. The Lord is the protection of my life. Deacon: Wisdom. Reader: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (2:11-18). Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will proclaim Thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise Thee. And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again. Here am I, and the children God has given me. Since, therefore, the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the power of death, that is, the devil and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that He is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore He had to be made like His brethren in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has suffered and been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted. The Bishop: Peace be with you, Reader. Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Deacon: Wisdom. Attend, Let us hear the Holy Gospel. The Bishop: Peace be with you all. Choir: And with your spirit. The Bishop: The reading is from the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew (16:13-20). Deacon: Let us attend. Choir: Glory to Thee, o Lord, glory to Thee. The Bishop: Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples. "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said. "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them. "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on the rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. Once again, the Bishop picks up the Paten, and the second procession around the Church takes place, while the Choir sings Special Hymns, or "Holy God, Holy mighty..." When the procession reaches the front doors of the Church, the Relics are again placed on the table, and readings from the Bible follow. Scriptural Readings Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: She shall be brought unto the King; the virgins that follow her shall be brought unto Thee. Deacon: Wisdom. Reader: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (9:1-7). Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lamp stand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded and the tables of the covenant above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people. The Bishop: Peace be with you, Reader. Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Deacon: Wisdom. Attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. The Bishop: Peace be with you all. Choir: And with thy spirit. The Bishop: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke (10:38-42). Deacon: Let us attend. The Bishop: Now as they went on their way Jesus entered a village; and a woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving and she went to him and said, €œLord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me. But the Lord answered her. ÂœMartha, Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.€ Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. The Bishop picks up the Paten with the Holy Relics, and the final procession takes place. The Choir continues to sing Special Hymns or "Holy God, Holy mighty..." At the end of the third procession the Bishop places the Paten on the table and recites a prayer. The Bishop: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Choir: O Christ our God, Who didst build Thy Church upon the rock of faith, direct our petitions and receive Thy people who in faith cry unto Thee, save us, O our God. Deacon: Let us pray to Lord. The Bishop then offers a shorter prayer in which he asks God to protect His new House of Worship. Choir: Lord, have mercy. The Bishop: Blessed be Thou forever, O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who through the veil of His flesh hath consecrated for us an entrance into the Church of the first-born, who are written in heaven, where is the abode of those who rejoice, and the voice of gladness; Do Thou the same Lord, Who lovest mankind, look upon us Thy sinful and unworthy servants who now celebrate the consecration of the honorable Church of the Holy Apostles after the pattern of Thy most holy Church, that is, of our own body, which Thou hast made worthy unto us by Thine all-laudable Apostle Paul to call Thy Church; and establish it immovable unto the end of time and glorified in Thee. And vouchsafe that without condemnation we may offer therein praises and exaltations unto Thy glory, and unto Thine Only; begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Holy Spirit with understanding, and with all emotion and that those who worship Thee in Thy fear may show themselves worthy of Thy divine bounties; and that these prayers offered up by us and by all Thy people unto thine ineffable loving kindness may be acceptable unto Thy goodness: Through the prayers of our most holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary. For holy art Thou, O our God, Who resteth on the Saints. And unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. The Bishop: O Master, Lord our God, Who hast appointed in heaven orders and armies of angels and archangels for the ministry of Thy Glory: Grant that there may be with our entrance, the entrance of Thy holy angels, ministering with us and glorifying with us Thy goodness. For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Dialogue From Psalm 24 - Entry Into Church The Bishop standing in front of the Doors of the Church, begins a short dialogue. The words of this conversation are taken from Psalm 24. This act represents Christ the King entering and taking over the Church building by defeating the power of the devil.The Bishop taps on the door with his staff and says: The Bishop: Open, Open the gates and let them remain open forever and let the King of glory enter. The Priest, who is the only one inside the Church and represents an Angel, is surprised to hear this command, and asks: Priest: Who is this King of Glory? The Bishop: The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle, the Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. This dialogue is repeated 3 times. Having said this, the Bishop raises the Paten and makes the sign of the Cross before the Church doors. The doors are then unlocked by the Godparent, and the Bishop enters the Church carrying the Holy Relics followed by all the clergy and the congregation. The faithful light candles, venerate the Holy Icons in the Narthex, and return to their seats. The Chanter in the meantime sings: Forasmuch as Thou hast shown forth the splendor of the firmament on high and the beauty of the holy habitation of Thy glory here below, O Lord: Establish Thou the same forever, and accept our petitions continually offered unto Thee therein; Through the Theotokos, O Thou Who art the life and the Resurrection of all men. The Deposition of the Holy Relics The Bishop enters the Sanctuary, carrying the Paten with the Holy relics. Uncovering the Paten, he places the Holy Relics in a small gold box. He then pours Holy Chrism over the Relics; this act symbolizes the union between our Lord, and His Martyrs. Having done this the Bishop prays for the founders of the Church who have fallen asleep (died). The Bishop: Eternal be the memory of the builders of this Holy Church. Congregation: Eternal be their memory. In the early years of Christianity the Church was not allowed to exist; for many years the early Christians were persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ. In those days, the Christians met in underground burial places and celebrated the Eucharist on the graves of the martyred Saints. When the persecutions ended, and the Church was allowed to exist, the custom of celebrating the Eucharist over the graves of Martyrs continued by placing Holy Relics in the Altar at the time of the Consecration. In this manner, we are always reminded that the Church was built on the Blood of the Martyrs and their faith in the Lord. Since the Consecration centers around the Holy Altar Table (for it represents the center of all Sacraments and services of the Church), the Bishop prays and asks for God's help to accomplish the service: Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. The Bishop: O Lord our God, Who hast bestowed upon the holy Martyrs which suffered for Thy sake this glory also, that their relics should be sown in all the earth, in Thy holy churches, and should bring forth fruits of healing: Do Thou, the Same Master, Who art the giver of all good things, through the intercession of the Saints whose relics Thou hast graciously permitted to be placed in this Thy venerable Altar, enable us without condemnation to offer unto Thee thereon the bloodless sacrifice: And grant us all those petitions which are unto salvation, vouchsafing also to the relics therein of those who have suffered for thy holy Name, that they may work miracles unto our salvation. For Thine art the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. There follows a shorter prayer in which the Bishop once again asks for God's Blessings and help: Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. The Bishop: O Lord, God our Saviour, Who createst all things and makest the race of man for salvation, accept the prayer of us, Thine unworthy servants; and enable us at this present hour without condemnation to accomplish the consecration of this Church, founded to Thy praise in the name of (Church's Name) and to consummate the building therein of an Altar. For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Following these two prayers the Bishop places the gold box containing the Holy relics into a special cavity in the altar. In order to seal them permanently the Bishop pours wax/mastic over them. The wax/mastic contains many sweet smelling and fragrant spices, which were used by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus to anoint the Body of Christ in preparation for burial. The Holy Altar represents the Tomb in which our Lord's body was placed. All of this takes place during the reading of Psalm 145. Reader: Psalm 145 I will magnify Thee, O God, my King; and I will praise Thy Name forever and ever. Every day will I give thanks unto Thee: and praise Thy Name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and marvelous worthy to be praised; there is no end of his greatness. One generation shall praise Thy works unto another and declare Thy power. As for me I will be talking of Thy worship, Thy glory, Thy praise, and wondrous works; so that men shall speak of the might of Thy marvelous acts; and I will also tell of Thy greatness. The memorial of Thine abundant kindness shall be showed and men shall sing of Thy righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful; longsuffering, and of great goodness. The Lord is loving unto every man; and His mercy is over all His works. All thy works praise Thee, O Lord; and Thy saints give thanks unto Thee. They show the glory of Thy Kingdom, and talk of Thy power, that Thy power, Thy glory, and mightiness of Thy Kingdom, might be known unto men. Thy kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Thy dominion endureth throughout all ages. The Lord upholdeth all such as fall, and lifteth up all those that are down. The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord; and Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and fillest all things living with plenteousness. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him; yea, all such as call upon Him faithfully. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will help them. The Lord preserveth all them that love Him; but scattereth abroad all the ungodly. My mouth shall speak the Praise of the Lord; and let all flesh give thanks unto Him holy Name forever and ever. As the Bishop removes the excess wax/mastic, Psalm 23 is read. The Deposition (placing of the Holy Relics in the Altar Table) is now completed, and the Bishop prepares to wash and anoint the Altar Table. Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul, and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness of His Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me; Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. But Thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Washing of the Altar Table Since the Altar Table represents the Tomb of Christ and His body lies therein. The Altar must undergo its own "Baptism" (washing) and "Chrismation" (anointing). Before washing and anointing the Altar Table the Bishop puts on a white linen garment called the Savanon. While the faithful kneel, the Bishop reads the prayer of Consecration. The Bishop: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Deacon: Again and again, bending on our knees, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. The Bishop: O God, without beginning and eternal, Who callest all things into being from nothingness; Who dwellest in light unapproachable, and hast the heavens for Thy throne, and the earth for Thy footstool; Who didst give a law and pattern unto Moses and didst inspire Bezaleel with the spirit of wisdom, and dist enable them to complete the perfect building of the Tabernacle of Thy Covenant, wherein ordinances of divine worship were instituted which were the images and types of the truth; Who didst bestow upon Solomon breadth and greatness of heart, and thereby didst rear of old the Church; and upon Thy holy and all; laudable Apostles didst renew the service in the Spirit, and the grace of the true Tabernacle, and through the same, O Lord of Hosts, didst plant thy Churches and Thine Altars in all the earth, that there might be offered unto Thee consecrated and bloodless sacrifices; Who, also, hast graciously been pleased to found this Church, in the Name of (Church's Name) to Thy glory, and to the glory of Thine Only-€‘begotten Son, and of Thine all-€‘holy Spirit: Do Thou, the same immortal and generous King, call to mind Thy bounties and Thy mercies, which are from everlasting, and abhor not us who are defiled with a multitude of sins, neither annual Thou Thy Covenant because of our uncleanliness; but disregard Thou now our iniquities, and strengthen us with the Grace and inspiration of Thy life-€‘giving and Holy Spirit, that without condemnation we may accomplish the renewal of this Church, and fulfill the consecration of the Altar therein; that therein blessing Thee in Psalms, and songs, and mystical rites we may always magnify Thy loving-kindness. Yea, O Master, Lord our God, the hope of all the ends of the earth, hear us sinners who make our supplications unto Thee, and send down Thine all-holy and worshipful, and almighty Spirit, and sanctify this Church and this Altar; Fill it with the light everlasting; elect it for Thy dwelling place; make it the abode of Thy glory. Adorn it with Thy divine and supernatural gifts. Appoint it for a haven of the tempest tossed, for a healing of passions, for a refuge of the weak, for an expelling of evil spirits. Let Thine eyes be open upon it day and night and let Thine ears be heedful of the prayer of those who shall enter therein in Thy fear, and in devoutness, and shall call upon Thine all honorable and worshipful Name; that whatsoever they shall ask of Thee, Thou wilt hear it in heaven above and wilt show mercy and be gracious unto them. Preserve it indestructible even unto the end of the ages, and show forth the holy Altar therein, an Altar of Thy Holy Things through the power and indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit, Glorify it above the Mercy Seat according to the Law; that the holy offices which shall be celebrated thereon may attain unto Thy holy, and most heavenly and super-sensual Altar and obtain for us the grace of Thy most pure overshadowing; for we trust not in the service of our unworthy hands, but in Thine unspeakable goodness. The Deacon then offers petitions for the peace of the world, for the Church and city in which it is located, for the Consecrating Bishop, and for the Holy Altar Table. Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise and protect us, O God by Thy Grace. In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: For the peace from above, and the salvation of our souls let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: For this Holy House and for those that enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: For our (Consecrating Bishop) the honorable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ and for all clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: For the work of our hands and our assembled brethren, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: For the sanctification of this Holy House and the Altar therein through the descent, might and works of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: For this City and every city and land and for the faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: For those who travel by land, sea and air, for the sick, the suffering and captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Help us, save, have mercy on us, O God, by Thy Grace. Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed and glorified Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. Choir: To Thee, O Lord. The Bishop: For holy art Thou, O our God, Who restest among the Saints and the Martyrs who suffered for Thee, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. A basin of water is brought to the Bishop who blesses and prays for its sanctification. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. The Bishop: O Lord our God, Who sanctified the streams of Jordan by Thy saving manifestation. Do Thou, the same Lord, Send down also now the Grace of the all; Holy Spirit on this Thy present Altar and bless us and this water unto sanctification and completion of Thy Holy Altar. For blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Bishop: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Bishop then pours water on the Altar three times saying: "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit", and washes the Altar Table while Psalm 84 is read. This act symbolizes Baptism: The Altar is cleaned by washing, and sanctified (made Holy) by the Grace of the Holy Spirit. After washing, the Altar is then dried. Reader: Psalm 84 O how amiable are Thy dwellings, Thou Lord of Hosts! My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her a house, and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young; even Thy altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house they will be always praising Thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are Thy ways. Who going through the valley of misery use it for a well; and the pools are filled with water. They will go from strength to strength, and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Zion. O Lord God of Hosts, hear my prayer; hearken, O God of Jacob. Behold, O God our defender, and look upon the face of Thine Anointed. For one day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness. For the Lord God is a light and defense; the Lord will give grace and worship; and no good thing shall He withhold from them that live a godly life. O Lord God of Hosts blessed is the man that putteth his trust in Thee. The Bishop: Glory to our God unto the ages. Choir: Amen. Anointing of the Altar Table The Bishop sprinkles rosewater on the Altar Table as he recites: The Bishop: Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice. Rosewater is a sweet smelling fragrance which was used to anoint the Body of Christ for burial. The Bishop continues the rest of Psalm 51 while the Altar Table is wiped dry by the he assisting Priests. The Priests use Antimens to do this. The Bishop: Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds. Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not Thy holy Spirit from me. O give me the comfort of Thy help again and establish me with Thy free Spirit. Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou that art the God of my health; and my tongue shall sing of Thy righteousness. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall show Thy praise. For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it Thee; but Thou delightest not in burnt offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not despise. O be favourable and gracious unto Zion, build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt offerings and oblations; then shall they offer young bullocks upon Thine altar. Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Deacon: Let us attend. The Bishop: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. The Bishop anoints the Holy Altar with Holy Chrism (once in the center and then on either side) while he sings: "Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia". He spreads the Holy Chrism over the entire Altar Table as he recites a section from Psalm 133: The Bishop: Psalm 133 Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beard, even unto Aaron's beard and went down to the skirts of his clothing. Like as the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the hill of Zion. For there the Lord promised his blessing, and life forever; more. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Bishop: Glory to Thee, O Holy Trinity our God, glory to Thee, unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Priests then wipe the excess Chrism with the Antimens. St. Symeon, in writing about the anointing of the Altar Table, says the following: "Since the Altar is anointed with the Holy Chrism, which represents the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Altar Table then becomes a source of Grace to all people through the Sacraments which are celebrated thereon. The Holy Gospel is placed on the Altar, the Holy Relics are within, so we see that the Altar becomes the Altar of Christ, a throne of Glory, the dwelling place of God, and the Tomb of Christ." Next, icons of the four Evangelists are fastened to the Altar (one in each corner). The completed Altar represents the entire Church, which from the four corners of the world is held together by the Lord, and is built on Him through the preaching of the Gospel. Following the Anointing, the Bishop begins the vesting (putting on the new coverings) of the Altar Table. The Vesting of the Altar Table The Altar Table is now covered with the "Katasarkion". This white linen cloth represents the Lord's burial shroud. The Katasarkion is tied with a cord which represents the cord with which our Lord's hands were tied as He stood before the High Priests. The Katasarkion will never be removed and will remain on the Altar for as long as the Church remains standing. As the Katasarkion is being placed on the Altar, Psalm 132 is read by the chanter: Reader: Psalm 132 Lord, remember David, and all his trouble: how he swore unto the Lord, and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob; I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house, nor climb up into my bed; I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eyelids to slumber; neither the temples of my head to take any rest; until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord; an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata, and found it in the wood. We will go into His tabernacle, and fall low on our knees before His footstool. Arise, O Lord, into Thy resting; place; Thou and the ark of Thy strength. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let Thy saints sing with joyfulness. For Thy servant David's sake turn not away the presence of Thine Anointed. The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David, and He shall not shrink from it; of the fruit of thy body shall I set upon thy seat. If thy children will keep My covenant, and My testimonies that I shall teach them; their children also shall sit upon thy seat forever€‘more. For the Lord hath chosen Zion to be an habitation for Himself; He hath longed for her. This shall be my rest forever; here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein. I will bless her provisions with abundance, and satisfy her poor with bread. I will deck her priests with health, and her saints shall rejoice and sing. There shall I make the horn of David to flourish: I have ordained a lantern for mine Anointed. As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame; but upon himself shall his crown flourish. The Bishop: Glory to our God unto the ages. Choir: Amen. Having placed the Katasarkion over the Altar, the Bishop says: "Glory to You our God unto Ages of ages. He washes his hands, and covers the Altar Table with a brighter and more elaborate cover which symbolizes the Glory of God. While he covers the Altar Table, the reader reads Psalm 93: Reader: Psalm 93 The Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel; the Lord hath put on His apparel, and girded Himself with strength. He hath made the round world so sure, that it cannot be moved. Ever since the world began hath Thy seat been prepared; Thou art from everlasting. The floods are risen, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horribly; but yet the Lord, who dwelleth on high, is mightier. Thy testimonies, O Lord, are very sure; holiness becometh Thine house forever. The Bishop: Glory to Thee, Holy Trinity, our God, glory to Thee unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Bishop proceeds to place the other Holy Articles on the Altar Table. First he places the Antimens; on top of this is placed the Gospel Book (representing the teachings of Christ.) The Artoforion, in which the Body and Blood of our Lord is placed, and is reserved for Communion of the sick. The Artoforion is symbolic of the presence of our Lord. The candlesticks which are placed last represent the Light of Christ that shines forth during the Sacred Services. Since the Altar has been Consecrated, sanctified and adorned with all its furnishings, the Altar and the entire Church is now censed with incense while Psalm 26 is read: Reader: Psalm 26 Be thou my Judge, O Lord, for I have walked innocently; my trust hath been also in the Lord, therefore shall I not fall. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try out my reins and my heart. For Thy loving-€‘kindness is ever before mine eyes; and I will walk in Thy truth. I have not sat with vain persons; neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful. I have hated the congregation of the wicked; and will not sit among the ungodly. I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord: and so will I go to Thine altar; that I may show the voice of thanksgiving; and tell of all Thy wondrous works. Lord I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth. O Shut not up my soul with the sinners nor my life with the bloodthirsty; in whose hands is wickedness, and their right hand is full of gifts. But, as for me, I will walk innocently: O deliver me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth right: I will praise the Lord in the churches. Anointing of the Church The Bishop then anoints the four walls of the Church and the Holy Icons making the sign of the Cross on them with Holy Chrism. This act symbolizes the sanctification of all creation with the Grace of Christ. The Bishop: Glory to the Holy and Almighty and life-giving Trinity, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Deacon: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Help us, save, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Thy Grace. Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed and glorified Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. Choir: To Thee, O Lord. The Bishop: For to Thee belong all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. CHOIR: Amen. Prayers For the Church and the Altar Table Upon completion of the Anointing, the Bishop offers prayers for the Altar and the Church: Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. The Bishop: O Lord of heaven and earth, Who with wisdom ineffable hast founded Thy holy Church and hast appointed the Order of the Priesthood upon the earth for an antitype of the Angels' service in heaven. Do Thou. O munificent Lord, receive also us who now make our petitions unto Thee; not as being worthy to ask such great things of Thee, but that the exceeding excellence of Thy goodness may be manifested; for Thou hast not ceased in manifold benefits to be gracious unto mankind. And, as the chiefest of Thy benefits, Thou hast bestowed upon us the coming in the flesh of Thine Only €‘begotten Son, Who was seen upon earth, and shedding forth the light of salvation upon them that sat in darkness, did offer Himself a sacrifice for us, and became a propitiation for the whole world, making us to be partakers of His Resurrection; and after that He had ascended into heaven. He endured His Apostles and Disciples, as fie had promised, with from on high, which is the Holy Spirit, adored power and almighty, who proceedeth from Thee, our God and Father; through Whom, also, they became mighty in deed and in word, administered Baptism unto the adop­tion of sonship, built Churches, established Altars, and instituted the laws and precepts of the Priesthood. And we sinners, having preserved the tradition thereof, do fall down before Thee, the everlasting and compassionate God, and implore Thee: Fill with Thy glory divine this Church erected to Thy praise, and show Thou forth the holy Altar therein set up as the Holy of Holies: that we who stand before it, as before the dread Throne of Thy kingdom, may serve Thee uncondemned, sending up unto Thee petitions for ourselves and for all the people, and offering the bloodless sacrifice to Thy goodness, unto the remission of sins both voluntary and involuntary, unto the governing of our life, the attainment of a good life and the fulfilling of all righteousness. For blessed be Thine all-€‘holy Name of the Father, and Of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Bishop: Peace be with you all. Choir: And with thy spirit. Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord. Choir: To Thee, O Lord. The Bishop blesses the faithful and offers another prayer for the Altar Table. He asks God to fill this Altar with His Grace so that the Bloodless Sacrifice may be offered upon it: The Bishop: We thank Thee, O Lord our God, for that Thou hast graciously vouchsafed to continue also even unto us sinners and Thine unworthy servants, because of Thy great love toward mankind, that grace which Thou hast poured out upon Thy holy Apostles and upon our holy Fathers. Wherefore we pray Thee, O All merciful Lord: Fill with glory, and holiness, and Grace this Altar, that the bloodless sacrifices which shall thereon be offered unto Thee may be transformed into the most pure Body and precious Blood of Thine Only begotten Son, Who is our Lord, and God, and Saviour Jesus Christ, unto the salvation of all Thy people, and of our unworthiness. For Thou art our God and to Thee we ascribe glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. SCRIPTURAL READINGS The Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (Chapter 3:1-€‘4) is read, as well as a selection from the Gospel of St. John (Chapter 10:22-€‘30). Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: Holiness befits Thy house, O Lord. The Lord reigneth, He is clothed with majesty. Deacon: Wisdom. Reader: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (3: 1-€‘4). Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: Therefore holy brethren, who share in a heavenly call, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. He was faithful to him who ap­pointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in God's house. Yet Jesus has been counted worthy of as much more glory than Moses as the builder of a house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by some one but the builder of all things is God. The Bishop: Peace be with you Reader. Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Priest: Wisdom. Attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. The Bishop: Peace be with you all. Choir: And with Thy Spirit. Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John (10:22-30). Let us attend. Choir: Glory to Thee O Lord glory to Thee. The Bishop: It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around Him and said to Him: "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me: but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me is greater than all and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. Lighting of the Vigil Light During the service the Bishop invites the faithful to come forward and to offer a few drops of oil in a Vigil Light. This they do as an offering to the Church. The Bishop will later light the Vigil Light and will place it on the Altar Table near the Artoforion. This light will be kept burning at all times and is symbolic of the never failing light of Christ which came into darkness of the world to be a light to enlighten all people. The Bishop then removes the Savanon. The Savanon will be cut up into small pieces and each person in Church will receive a piece of it to keep as a "Phylacton" (a blessed object worn to help ward off evil). Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now the Choir sings the hymn of the saint of the church being consecrated. Choir: Now, and, ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, benevolent and all powerful, as we celebrate this memorable occasion of the Consecration, we glorify You, the Giver of this Blessing, praying that You bless the spiritual understanding of our souls through the intercession of the glorious Champions of the Faith. Concluding Prayers Reader: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us (thrice). Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One visit and heal our infirmities for Thy 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 unto the ages of ages. Amen. Congreagation: 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. The Bishop: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Dismissal hymn of the church. Now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages amen. O Lord, establish this church forever as you have shown by the harmony of the heavens above and the beauty of the Holy Tabernacle of your Glory below. Accept our prayers which are continuously addressed to You in this church. Through the mediation of the Theotokos who is the life and resurrection of all. Choir: Amen. Deacon: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee, hear us and have mercy. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of sins of the servants of God, the Builders of this Holy House, and for the forgiveness of all their transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. The Bishop: For Thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Dismissal The Bishop: Glory to Thee, O God our hope, glory to Thee. May Christ our true God, Who rose from the dead, through the intercessions of His all‑pure and Holy Mother, through the power of the precious and life giving Cross, through the protection of the honorable spiritual Powers of heaven, through the prayers of the honorable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy, glorious and victorious Martyrs, of our saintly and God‑inspired Fathers, of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for our merciful God is good and lovest mankind. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Priest: Through the prayers of our Holy Bishop, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Choir: Amen. The Church has now been Baptized, Chrismated, Sanctified, Consecrated, and dedicated to God for eternal use as an Orthodox Christian House of Worship. The first Divine Liturgy is then celebrated in the newly consecrated "House of the Lord." ======================================================================== CHAPTER 2: SERVICE OF THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD ======================================================================== Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Choir: 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 unto 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 to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, Who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name; Your Kingdom come. Your 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, I of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then the Reader recites the Apolytikion (of the day) and the Kontakion (of the Temple). Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord our God, Who through Your beloved Child, our Lord Jesus Christ, did call us children of God through adoption, and the Grace of Your All-Holy Spirit, and did say, "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son." Do You, the same King, Loving God, look down from Your holy dwelling place on high, upon these Your servants and unite their natures which you have begotten separate from one another according to the flesh, through Your Holy Spirit, into parents and son (daughter). Confirm them in Your love; bind them through Your benediction; bless them to Your great glory; strengthen them in Your Faith; preserve them always and renounce them not for that which proceeds from their lips. Be Mediator for their promises, that their love which they have confessed to You be not torn asunder even to the evening of their lives; grant that they may be kept sincerely alive in You, our only Living and True God, and grant unto them to become heirs of Your Kingdom, for unto You is due all Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Peace (+) be to all. Choir: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord Choir: To You, O Lord. Priest: O Master and Lord, Who are the Maker of all creatures, and by the first Adam did make the bonds of kinship according to the natural flesh, and through Jesus Christ our Lord, Your beloved Son and our God, by Grace did show us also as Your kin, now these Your servants bow their heads before You, Who alone know all things before their happenings, and ask of You a blessing, that in You they may receive that for which they hoped: the bond inscribed in one another, of parents and son (daughter); and that living worthily in You in adoption to sonship (daughtership), they may keep themselves in due constancy, that as in all things, so in this may be glorified in and to Your All-Holy Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then let the child go up from the Sanctuary, and the parents receive their child from the Sanctuary. And the child shall bow before the parents, who shall place their hands upon the child's head and say: Today you are our child; this day we have begotten you. And the parents shall take their child in their arms and kiss one another Then the Priest says the Apolysis. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 3: GREAT COMPLINE - PART 2 ======================================================================== 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 (70) 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. Reader: 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: 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. People: Slowly 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: 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: My one and my every hope, now I entrust in you, O Mother of God, under your shelter, cover me. Lord, have mercy (40) 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. Reader: 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. Reader: 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 (Name), our Bishop (Name) 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 Mode 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 Mode 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 4: GREAT COMPLINE - PART 1 ======================================================================== 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. Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God. Come, let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, our King and our God. And directly, if it is the first week of the Great Lent, we start with Psalm 69. Psalm 69 (70) 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 30 (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 90 (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 Mode 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. Mode Plagal II Chanted 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. 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. The following verses, chanted: Mode Plagal II 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: Mode 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 Mode 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 (40). 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: 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 before our King and God. Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God. Come, let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, our King and our God. Psalm 50 (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 101 (102) 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 Judah 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. Mode Plagal II Chanted in low voice. 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 (40). Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 5: COMMEMORATION OF THE RESTORATION OF THE HOLY ICONS ======================================================================== Procession The Apolytikion of the Sunday of Orthodoxy is chanted by all as the procession begins: We worship Your pure image, O Good One, asking forgiveness of our sins, O Christ our God; for of Your own will You were well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that You might deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom You had fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to You thankfully: You filled all things with joy, O our Savior, when You came to save the world. At the North side of the church petitions are said for the living: Deacon: 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) Deacon: Further we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians. People: Lord have mercy. (3) Deacon: Again we pray for our Archbishop Demetrios, 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 to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. People: Amen. As the procession continues, all sing the Thrice Holy Hymn. At the West side of the church, petitions are said for those who have reposed in the faith: Deacon: 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) Deacon: Further we pray for the blessed memory and eternal repose of Your departed servants: emperors, patriarchs, hierarchs, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monks, nuns, and all departed faithful and Orthodox Christians here and everywhere who have been laid to pious rest: our fathers, forefathers, parents, brothers, sisters, spouses, children, relatives, and friends. 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 and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. People: Amen. As the procession continues, all sing the Thrice Holy Hymn. At the South side of the church, petitions are said for the community: Deacon: 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) Deacon: Further 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 who dwell in this city, the parishioners, parish council, contributors, and benefactors of this holy church. People: 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 labor, those who sing, and all here present who await Your great and abundant mercy. People: Lord have mercy. (3) Priest: For you are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. People: Amen. As the procession continues, all sing the Thrice Holy Hymn. At the East side of the church (on the solea), petitions are said for the world: Deacon: 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) Deacon: Again we pray for our country, our President, all civil authorities and those in public service. People: Lord have mercy. (3) Deacon: Further we pray for the protection of this holy church, this city, and every city and town from violence and pestilence, famine and earthquake, flood and fire, from the sword and enemy invasion, civil strive, and sudden death; that our good and loving God will be merciful and gracious and open to our entreaties, to turn back all violence and evil that arises against us, and deliver us from His impending righteous chastisement and be merciful to us. People: Lord have mercy. (3) Deacon: Further we pray that the Lord our God will hear the voice of the prayer of us sinners and will have mercy on us. People: Lord have mercy. (3) Priest: Hear us, O God, our Redeemer, the hope of all, at the ends of the earth or far away at sea, and show mercy; show mercy, O Master, towards our sins and have mercy on us. For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. People: Amen. The passage from the Synodikon of the Seventh Ecumenical Council is read in unison by all. As the Prophets beheld, As the Apostles taught, As the Church received, As the Teachers dogmatized, As the Universe agreed, As Grace illumined, As the Truth revealed, As falsehood passed away, As Wisdom presented, As Christ awarded, Thus we declare, Thus we assert, Thus we proclaim Christ our true God and honor His saints, In words, In writings, In thoughts, In sacrifices, In churches, In holy icons. On the one hand, worshipping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord. And on the other hand, honoring and venerating His Saints as true servants of the same Lord. 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 which has established the Universe. Priest: “Therefore, with brotherly love, we praise these preachers of piety, for the glory and honor of their own pious struggles for the Faith, and we say: “Eternal be the memory of the champions of Orthodoxy, pious Emperors, most-holy Patriarchs, Hierarchs, Teachers, Martyrs, and Confessors.” People: May their memory be eternal. (3) Priest: “Let us entreat 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 them that we may imitate their godly life unto the end. May we be deemed worthy of obtaining our requests through the mercy and grace of the Great and First Archpriest, Christ our God, through the intercessions of our glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, of the divine Angels, and of all the Saints.” People: Amen. Priest: Who is so great a god as our God? You are the God alone who works wonders. Cantor: (Verse): You have revealed Your power among the people. Who is so great a god as our God? You are the God alone who works wonders. Cantor: (Verse): I remembered the deeds of the Lord. Who is so great a god as our God? You are the God alone who works wonders. Conclusion of the Divine Liturgy ======================================================================== CHAPTER 6: AN AKATHIST IN PRAISE OF GOD'S CREATION ======================================================================== Kontakion 1 Incorruptible Lord, your right hand controls the whole course of human life, according to the decrees of your Providence for our salvation. We give you thanks for all your blessings, known and unknown: for our earthly life and for the heavenly joys of your kingdom which is to come. Henceforth extend your mercies towards us as we sing: Glory to you, O God, from age to age! Ikos 1 I was born a weak, defenceless child, but your angel, spreading his radiant wings, guarded my cradle. From my birth, your love has illumined my paths, and has wondrously guided me towards the light ofeternity. From my first day until now, the generous gifts ofyour providence have been wonderfully showered upon me. I give you thanks, and with all those who have come to know you, I exclaim: Glory to you for calling me into being, Glory to you for spreading out before me the beauty of the universe, Glory to you for revealing to me through heaven and earth the eternal book of wisdom, Glory to your eternity within this fleeting world, Glory to you for your mercies, seen and unseen, Glory to you for every sigh of my sorrow, Glory to you for every step in my life's journey, for every moment of joy, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 2 O Lord, how lovely it is to be your guest: Breeze full of scent; mountains reaching to the skies; Waters like a boundless mirror, Reflecting the sun's golden rays and the scudding clouds. All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing depths of tenderness, Birds and beasts bear the imprint of your love, Blessed are you, mother earth, in your fleeting loveliness, Which wakens our yearning for happiness that will last for ever In the land where, amid beauty that grows not old, Rings out the cry: Alleluia! Ikos 2 You brought me into this life as into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky, like a deep blue cup ringing with birds in the azure heights. We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and the sweet-sounding music of the waters. We have tasted fragrant fruit of fine flavour and sweet-scented honey. How pleasant is our stay with you on earth: it is a joy to be your guest. Glory to you for the feast-day of life, Glory to you for the perfume of lilies and roses, Glory to you for each different taste of berry and fruit, Glory to you for the sparkling silver of early morning dew, Glory to you for each smiling, peaceful awakening, Glory to you for eternal life in us, a messenger of heaven, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 3 In the strength of the Holy Spirit each flower gives out its scent - sweet perfume, delicate colour, beauty of the whole universe revealed in the tiniest thing. Glory and honour to God the Giver of life, who covers the fields with their carpet of flowers, crowns the plains with harvest of gold and the blue of corn-flowers, and our souls with the joy of contemplating him. O be joyful and sing to him: Alleluia! Ikos 3 How glorious you are in the triumph of spring, when every creature awakes to new life and joyfully sings your praises with a thousand tongues: you are the source of life, the conqueror of death. By the light ofthe moon nightingales sing: the plains and the woods put on their wedding garment, white as snow. All the earth is your promised bride awaiting her bridegroom who does not know decay. If the grass of the field is clothed like this, how gloriously shall we be transfigured in the coming age of the resurrection: how radiant our bodies, how resplendent our souls! Glory to you, bringing from the darkness of the earth an endless variety of colours, tastes and scents, Glory to you for the warmth and tenderness of the world of nature, Glory to you for surrounding us with thousands of your works, Glory to you for the depth of your wisdom: the whole world is a living sign of it, Glory to you: on my knees, I kiss the traces of your unseen hand, Glory to you for setting before us the dazzling light of eternal life, Glory to you for the hope of the unutterable, imperishable beauty of immortality, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 4 How filled with sweetness are those whose thoughts dwell on you: how life-giving your holy Word; to speak with you is more soothing than anointing with oil, sweeter than the honeycomb. Praying to you refreshes us and gives us wings: our hearts overflow with warmth; a majesty filled with wisdom permeates nature and all of life! Where you are not, there is only emptiness. Where you are, the soul is filled with abundance, and its song resounds like a torrent of life: Alleluia! Ikos 4 When over the earth the light of the setting sun fades away, when the peace of eternal sleep and the quiet of the declining day reign over all, I see your dwelling-place like tents filled with light, reflected in the shapes of the clouds at dusk: fiery and purple, gold and blue, they speak prophet-like of the ineffable beauty of your heavenly court, and solemnly call: let us go to the Father! Glory to you in the quiet hour of evening, Glory to you, covering the world with deep peace, Glory to you for the last ray of the setting sun, Glory to you for the rest of blissful sleep, Glory to you for your mercy in the midst of darkness, when the whole world has parted company with us, Glory to you for the tender emotion of a soul moved to prayer, Glory to you for the pledge of our awakening on the day which has no evening, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 5 The storms of life do not frighten those whose hearts are ablaze with the light of your flame. Outside is the darkness of the whirlwind, the terror and howling of the storm. But in their souls reign quiet and light. Christ is there, and the heart sings: Alleluia! Ikos 5 I see your heaven glowing with stars. How rich you are, how much light is yours! Eternity watches me by the rays of the distant stars: I am small, insignificant, but the Lord is with me, his loving hand protects me wherever I go. Glory to you for the trouble you take for me at all times, Glory for the people your Providence gave me to meet, Glory to you for the love of my dear ones, the faithfulness of friends, Glory to you for the gentleness of the animals which serve me, Glory to you for the light-filled moments of life, Glory to you for the radiant joy in my heart, Glory to you for the joy of living, moving and seeing, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 6 How great and how close you are in the powerful track of the storm; how mighty your right arm in the blinding flash of the lightning; how awesome is your greatness! The voice of the Lord is over the fields and amid the rustling forests, the voice of the Lord is in the birth of thunder and of rain, the voice of the Lord is over the many waters. Praise to you in the roar of mountains ablaze. You shake the earth like a garment. You pile up to the sky the waves of the sea. Praise to you, bringing low the pride of man, bringing from his heart the cry of repentance: Alleluia! Ikos 6 When the lightning flash has lit up the feasting-hall, how feeble seems the light of the lamps. Likewise, amidst the strongest joys of my existence, you suddenly flashed in my soul. After your blinding light, how drab, dull and unreal seemed all those joys! Passionately, my soul would run after you. Glory to you, the Goal in whom mankind's highest dreams come true, Glory to you, for our unquenchable thirst for communion with God, Glory to you, making us dissatisfied with earthly things, Glory to you, clothing us with the finest rays of your light, Glory to you, destroying the power of the spirits of darkness, dooming all evil to destruction, Glory to you for the joy of hearing your voice, for the happiness of your presence and of living in your love, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 7 In the wondrous blending of sounds it is your call we hear. In the harmony of many voices, stirred by the musical tones, dazzled by art's creativeness, we learn from you the splendour of melody and song, and receive a foretaste of the coming kingdom. All true beauty draws the soul towards you in powerful invocation, and makes it sing triumphantly: Alleluia! Ikos 7 The outpouring of the Holy Spirit enlightens the thoughts of artists, poets, and scientists. Their great minds receive from you prophetic insights into your laws, and reveal to us the depth of your creative wisdom. Unwittingly, their works speak of you; how great you are in all you have created, how great you are in man! Glory to you, showing your unfathomable might in the laws of the universe! Glory to you, for all nature is permeated by your laws, Glory to you for what you have revealed to us in your goodness, Glory to you for all that remains hidden from us in your wisdom, Glory to you for the inventiveness of the human mind,Glory to you for the invigorating effort of work, Glory to you for the tongues of fire which bring inspiration, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 8 How near you are in the days of sickness; you yourself visit the sick; you bend over the sufferer's bed: his heart speaks to you. With your peace you enlighten the soul burdened with affliction and pain: you send unexpected help. You comfort, you are Love, bringing trial and salvation, and to you we sing the hymn: Alleluia! Ikos 8 When in childhood I called upon you consciously for the first time, you heard my prayer and sacred peace came down into my soul. Then I understood that you are good; blessed are those who turn to you. Unceasingly, I started to call upon you, and now I call upon your Name: Glory to you, satisfying my desires with good things, Glory to you, watching over me day and night, Glory to you, calming tribulations and bereavement with the healing flow of time, Glory to you, no loss is irreparable when you are there, to all you give eternal life, Glory to you, making immortal all that is lofty and good, promising to welcome the dead, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 9 Why is it that on a feastday the whole of nature mysteriously smiles? Why does a marvellous lightness then fill our hearts, to which nothing earthly can be compared? The very air in the altar and in God's house becomes luminous. It is the breath of grace, the reflection of the glory of Mount Tabor; heaven and earth then sing this praise: Alleluia! Ikos 9 When you inspire me to serve my neighbour, and make humility shine in my soul, one of your deep-piercing rays of light falls into my heart: it then becomes glowing, like iron in the furnace. I have seen your Face, mysterious and elusive. Glory to you, transfiguring our lives with deeds of love, Glory to you, making wonderfully sweet each one of your commandments, Glory to you, clearly present in fragrant compassion, Glory to you, sending us failures and afflictions to make us sensitive to other people's sufferings, Glory to you, promising high rewards for precious good deeds, Glory to you, welcoming the impulse of our heart's love, Glory to you, for raising love above everything on earth or in heaven, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 10 No one can put together what has crumbled into dust, but you can heal men whose conscience has become twisted; you give the soul its former beauty, which long ago it had lost without a hope of change. With you, nothing is hopeless. You are Love. You are the creator and the redeemer of all things. We praise you with this song: Alleluia! Ikos 10 My God, you know the fall of proud Lucifer. Save me through the power of your grace; do not allow me to fall away from you, do not allow me to doubt you. Sharpen my ear, that at every minute of my life I may hear your mysterious voice; and I call upon you, who are everywhere present. Glory to you for providential circumstances, Glory to you for helpful forebodings, Glory to you for the teaching of your secret voice, Glory to you, for revelations you give us in dreams or awake, Glory to you for scattering our vain imaginations, Glory to you, freeing us from the fire of passions through suffering, Glory to you, who for our salvation, brings down proudness of heart, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 11 Beyond the icy sequence of the ages, I feel the warmth of your divine Breath, I hear the throbbing of your blood. You are already near: part of time has already gone by. I see your Cross: it is there for my sake. My spirit is but dust before your Cross: here is the triumph of love and redemption, here throughout the ages unceasingly rises the praise: Alleluia! Ikos 11 Blessed is he who will share your mystical supper in your kingdom; but even here on earth you have granted me this blessedness. How many times, with your divine hand, you offered me your Body and your Blood; while I, a great sinner, received these sacred Gifts and felt your ineffable and supernatural love. Glory to you for the inconceivable and life-giving power of grace, Glory to you who established your Church as a haven of peace for a tormented world, Glory to you for giving us new birth in the life-giving waters of baptism, Glory to you, restoring to those who repent purity white as the unstained lily, Glory to you, unfathomable abyss of forgiveness, Glory to you for the cup of life, for the bread of eternal joy, Glory to you who raise us to heaven, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 12 More than once have I seen the reflection of your glory in the faces of the dead. What beauty, what heavenly joy shone in them! How light their features, now made spiritual! This was the triumph of happiness and peace found once again; in their silence they were calling on you. At the hour of my death, illumine also my soul which calls to you: Alleluia! Ikos 12 How poor is my praise before you! I have not heard the song of the Cherubim, a joy reserved to the souls on high, but I know the praises nature sings to you. In winter, I see how in the moonlit silence the whole earth offers you prayer, wrapped in its white mantle of snow, sparkling like diamonds. I see the rising sun rejoice in you, and I hear the chorus of birds raise a hymn of glory. I hear the forest mysteriously rustling in your honour, the winds sing of your, the waters murmur and the processions of stars proclaim you as they move in harmony for ever in the depths of infinite space. What is my poor worship? All nature obeys you, I do not; yet while I live, I see your love. I long to thank you, pray to you and call upon your Name. Glory to you, who has shown us the light, Glory to you, who loved us with a deep unfathomable and divine love, Glory to you, who blesses us with the light, with a host of angels and saints, Glory to you, Father most holy, revealing us your kingdom in your commandments, Glory to you, Holy Spirit, life-giving Sun of the world to come, Glory to you for all things, divine and most merciful Trinity, Glory to you, O God, from age to age. Kontakion 13 Life-giving and most merciful Trinity, receive our thanksgiving for all your kindnesses; make us worthy of your blessings, so that, when we have brought a profit from the talents you have entrusted to us, we may enter into the eternal joy of our Lord, singing the triumphal hymn: Alleluia ======================================================================== CHAPTER 7: TRISAGION SERVICE ======================================================================== 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 the glory of Your name. 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 of the Son and of 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 soul(s) of Your servant(s), keeping it (them) in the blessed life which is from You, O loving One. In Your place of rest, O Lord, where all Your Saints repose, give rest also to the soul(s) of Your servant(s), for You alone are immortal. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. You are our God who descended into Hades and loosened the pains of those who were held captive. Grant rest also, O Savior, to the soul(s) of Your servant(s). Now and forever and to the ages of ages. You the only pure and spotless Virgin, who ineffably gave birth to God, intercede for mercy and forgiveness of the soul(s) of your servant(s). 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 repose of the soul(s) of the departed servant(s) of God (Name) and for the forgiveness of all his (her, their) sins, both voluntary and involuntary. People: Lord, have mercy. (3) Priest: May the Lord God grant his (her, their) soul(s) rest where the righteous repose. For the mercies of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the forgiveness of his (her, their) sins, let us ask from Christ our immortal King and God. People: Grant this, O Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O God of spirits and of all flesh, You trampled upon death and abolished the power of the devil, giving life to Your world. Give rest to the soul(s) of Your departed servant(s) (Name) in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain, sorrow, and sighing have fled away. As a good and loving God, forgive every sin he (she, they) has (have) committed in word, deed, or thought, 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 servant(s) (Name), Christ our God, and to You we offer glory, with Your eternal Father who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. The Dismissal Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You. Lord of the living and the dead, the immortal King and Risen Christ, our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and 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; place the soul(s) of His servant(s) (Name), departed from us, in the dwelling place of the righteous; grant rest to him (her, them) in the bosom of Abraham; and number him (her, them) among the saints and have mercy on us as a good God who loves mankind. Priest: May your memory be eternal, brother worthy of blessedness and everlasting memory. (3) FOR WOMEN Priest: May your memory be eternal, sister worthy of blessedness and everlasting memory. (3) FOR MANY Priest: May their memories be eternal, sisters and brothers worthy of blessedness and everlasting memory. (3) People: Eternal be his (her, their) memory. Eternal be his (her, their) memory. May his (her, their) memory be eternal. (3) Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. People: Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 8: MEMORIAL SERVICE ======================================================================== People: Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments. The choir of Saints has found the fountain of life and the door of Paradise. May I also find the way through repentance. I am the lost sheep: O Savior, call me back and save me. People: Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments. Of old, You created me from nothing and honored me with Your divine image. But when I disobeyed Your commandment, You returned me to the earth from which I was taken. Lead me back again to Your likeness, so that the ancient beauty may be refashioned. People: Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments. I am an image of Your ineffable glory, though I bear the scars of my transgressions. Take pity on me, the work of Your hands, Master, and cleanse me by Your compassion. Grant me the desired homeland for which I long, making me again a citizen of Paradise. People: Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments. Give rest, O God, to Your servant(s), and place him (her, them) in Paradise where the choirs of the Saints and the righteous, O Lord, will shine as the stars of heaven. To Your departed servant(s) give rest, O Lord, overlooking all his (her, their) offenses. People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Let us devoutly praise the threefold radiance of the one God as we sing: Holy are You, the Father without beginning, the co-eternal Son, and the divine Spirit. Illumine us who worship You in faith and deliver us from the eternal fire. People: Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Rejoice, gracious Lady, who gave birth to God in the flesh for the salvation of all, and through whom the human race has found salvation. Through you, pure and blessed Theotokos, may we find Paradise. People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You O God. (3) Tone Eight People: With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul(s) of Your servant(s) where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting. Tone Four People: Among the spirits of the righteous perfected in faith, give rest, O Savior, to the soul(s) of Your servant, keeping it (them) in the blessed life which is from You, O loving One. People: In your place of rest, O Lord, where all Your saints repose, give rest also to the soul of Your servant, for You alone are immortal. People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. People: You are our God who descended into Hades and loosened the pains of those who were held captive. Grant rest also, O Savior, to the soul of Your servant. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. You the only pure and spotless Virgin, who ineffably gave birth to God, intercede for mercy and forgiveness of the soul of your servant(s). 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 repose of the soul(s) of the departed servant(s) of God (Name) and for the forgiveness of all his (her, their) sins, both voluntary and involuntary. People: Lord, have mercy. (3) Priest: May the Lord God grant his (her, their) soul(s) rest where the righteous repose. For the mercies of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the forgiveness of his (her, their) sins. People: Grant this, O Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O God of spirits and of all flesh, You trampled upon death and abolished the power of the devil, giving life to Your world. Give rest to the soul(s) of Your departed servant(s) (Name) in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain, sorrow, and sighing have fled away. As a good and loving God, forgive every sin he (she, they) has (have) committed in word, deed, or thought, 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 servant(s) (Name), Christ our God, and to You we offer glory, with Your eternal Father who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. The Dismissal Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You. Lord of the living and the dead, the immortal King and Risen Christ, our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and 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; place the soul(s) of His servant(s) (Name), departed from us, in the dwelling place of the righteous; give rest to him (her, them) in the bosom of Abraham; and number him (her, them) among the saints and have mercy on us, as a good God who loves mankind. People: Amen. Priest: May your memory be eternal, brother worthy of blessedness and everlasting memory. (3) For Women Priest: May your memory be eternal, sister worthy of blessedness and everlasting memory. (3) For Many Priest: May their memories be eternal, sisters and brothers worthy of blessedness and everlasting memory. (3) People: Eternal be his (her, their) memory. Eternal be his (her, their) memory. May his (her, their) memory be eternal. (3) Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. People: Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 9: GUIDELINES AND ORDER WHEN A PRIEST FALLS ASLEEP IN THE LORD ======================================================================== A. Notification of local presiding Hierarch Upon the falling asleep in the Lord of a priest the family should immediately inform the local Metropolitan. In addition the family should inform the office of the Archbishop in the event the priest was not from the Direct Archdiocesan District. The family should forward to the office of the Archbishop a brief biography of the departed priest as well as the funeral arrangements to be included in all press releases issued by the Archdiocese. Furthermore, the local presiding Hierarch will designate three priests (if possible) to oversee the preparation and vesting of their departed brother. B. Preparation of the body before the funeral Prior to the transportation of the departed priest to the funeral home, the designated priests offer a Trisagion for their departed brother in Christ at the place where he has passed (i.e. home, hospital). Following the Trisagion, the departed priest is transferred to the funeral home. The family of the departed priest should provide the funeral director with a complete change of clean clothing (undergarments, shoes, pants, socks, shirt etc.), as well as a full set of white or gold vestments including an Aer and pectoral cross and/or epigonation (if the priest had been bestowed the Offikion). Following the preparation of the body by the funeral home, the priests perform the washing and anointing of the body as prescribed in the Mega Euchologion and described in the text that follows. The funeral director should have the body prepared and dressed in undergarments pants and shirt, except for the shoes and socks so that the feet are available for anointing. Once the anointing, vesting, and Trisagion have been completed, the departed priest is transferred to the church in which the funeral will take place. C. Trisagion The first Trisagion should be offered, if possible, immediately after the falling asleep in the Lord of the priest at the place of his repose (home, hospital). The second Trisagion should be offered after he is vested with his priestly vestments as outlined in the text that follows. The time of the third Trisagion should be arranged in consultation with the local presiding Hierarch. D. Position and preparation of the priest inside the church After the body is transported to the church by the priests to lie in state, the casket is opened and the Holy Gospel is placed on the breast of the departed priest (with the Resurrection side of the Gospel icon facing up) and the priest facing the Holy Altar (East). The priest’s right hand, which is placed in the blessing form, is rested upon the Gospel available for veneration, by the faithful. E. Divine Liturgy and Funeral Service The local presiding Hierarch designates the priest/s who will celebrate the Divine Liturgy on the day of the funeral. At the conclusion of the Funeral Service and before the closing of the casket, the pectoral cross and the Holy Gospel are removed. The Service of Anointing Items Needed 1. Bowl 2. Bottle of olive oil 3. Sponge 4. Water Before beginning, some water and oil are mixed in a bowl. The priests vested in their Rasson and Epitrachilion, proceed with anointing the hands, feet, and forehead of the departed priest while reciting the 50th Psalm. It is customary to make the sign of the cross with the sponge over the areas of the body that are anointed. Psalm 50 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and blameless in Your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, You loved truth, You have manifested to me the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Fill me with joy and gladness; let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right 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 uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You have no delight in sacrifice; were I to give a burnt offering, You would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Do good to Zion in Your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, then will You delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar. At the conclusion of the anointing service, the priests, while reciting the vesting prayers, dress their departed brother with his priestly vestments. Vesting of the Priest (The vesting takes place in the Funeral Home). Before the priests vest their departed brother they bless each vestment and kiss it. Blessed is our God always, now and forever, and unto to the ages of ages. Amen. For the Sticharion: My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with the garment of salvation, and with the robe of gladness has He encompassed me. As a bridegroom He has set a crown upon me, and as a bride He has adorned me with ointment. For the Epitrachelion: Blessed is God, Who pours out His grace upon His priests, as ointment upon the head, which runs down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, which runs down to the hem of his garment. For the Zone (belt): Blessed is God, Who girds me with strength, and has made my path blameless. For the right Epimanikion: Your right hand, O Lord, is glorified in strength; Your right hand, O Lord, has shattered Your enemies, and in the multitude of Your glory have You crushed adversaries. For the left Epimanikion: Your hands have made me and fashioned me; teach me, and I shall learn Your commandments. If the departed priest has been bestowed with the offikion of wearing an Epigonation: Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, in Your comeliness and in Your beauty, and go forth and prosper, and reign because of truth, and meekness, and righteousness; and Your right hand shall guide You wondrously. For the Phelonion: Your priests, O Lord, shall clothe themselves with righteousness, and Your holy ones shall joyfully rejoice. If the departed priest has the offikion of wearing a pectoral cross, the attending priests put it on him (open the back of the chain on the pectoral cross and drape the chain over the shoulders of the departed priest, so that after the funeral, it may be easily removed) saying: Placement of the Pectoral Cross: He who wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. At this time the vesting priests will offer a Trisagion for the eternal repose of the soul of their departed brother. Trisagion Blessed is our God, always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. 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. (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. 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. Among the spirits of the righteous perfected in faith, give rest, O Savior, to the soul of Your servant. Bestow upon it the blessed life which is from You, O loving Lord. Within Your peace, O Lord, where all Your Saints repose, give rest also to the soul of Your servant, for You alone are immortal. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. O Savior, You are our God who descended into Hades and delivered from suffering those who were bound there. Grant rest also to the soul of Your servant. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Most pure and spotless Virgin, who ineffably gave birth to God, intercede with Him for the salvation of the soul of your servant. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray to You, hear us and have mercy. Lord, have mercy. (3) Furthermore, we pray for the rest of the soul of the servant of God (Name), Priest, who has been our Brother and Concelebrant who has fallen asleep, and for the forgiveness of all his transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary. Lord, have mercy. (3) May the Lord God grant that his soul rest where the righteous repose. Let us ask for the mercies of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the forgiveness of his sins from Christ our Immortal King and God. Grant this, O Lord. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. 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 soul of Your departed servant (Name), Priest, who has been our Brother and Concelebrant, 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 he has 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. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of Your departed servant (Name), Priest, who has been our Brother and Concelebrant, 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. Amen. The Dismissal Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You. 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 soul of His servant (Name), Priest, who has been our Brother and Concelebrant, departed from us, in the dwelling place of the Saints; grant rest to him in the bosom of Abraham and number him among the righteous. May your memory be eternal, our brother, who are worthy of blessedness and eternal memory. (3) Chanted: May his memory be eternal. (3) Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 10: FUNERAL SERVICE FOR INFANTS ======================================================================== The Trisagion for the Dead Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Reader: 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, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious unto our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your Name's sake, and have mercy on us. Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, Who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name; Your Kingdom come. Your 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, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Troparia Tone 4 With the spirits of the righteous made perfect give rest to the soul of Your servant, O Savior; and keep it safe in that life of blessedness that is lived with You, O Friend of Man. In the place of Your rest, O Lord, where all Your Saints repose, give rest also to the soul; of Your servant, for You alone are Immortal. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit You are our God Who went down to Hades to loose the pains of the dead that were there; give rest also to the I soul of Your servant. Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. O Virgin, alone pure and immaculate, that in maiden-motherhood brought forth God, intercede for his (her) soul that he (she) may have mercy and salvation. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. For older children Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray You, listen and have mercy. Priest: Again we pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God (Name), departed this life, and for the forgiveness of his (her) every transgression, voluntary and involuntary. Priest: Let the Lord establish his (her) soul where the Just repose; the mercies of God, the Kingdom of the Heavens, and the remission of his (her) sins, let us ask of Christ, our immortal King and our God. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. Continue for all children Priest: O Lord Who watches over children in the present life and in the world to come because of their simplicity and innocence of mind, abundantly satisfying them with a place in Abraham's bosom, bringing them to live in radiantly shining places where the spirits of the righteous dwell; receive in peace the soul of Your little servant (Name), for You Yourself have said: "Let the little children come to Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Priest: For only Yours is the Kingdom of Heaven and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Eternal Father and Your All; Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Reader: Glory to You, O God, our hope; Glory to You. Priest: May Christ our true God, Who rose from the dead, have mercy on us; He Who as Immortal King has authority over both the dead and the living. Through the intercessions of His spotless, pure and holy Mother; of the holy, glorious, I and all; praiseworthy Apostles; of our venerable and theophoric 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 soul of His servant (Name), departed from us, in the tentings of the Just; give him (her) rest in the bosom of Abraham; and number him (her) among the holy, through His goodness and compassion, as our merciful God. Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen. On the way to the church the Holy God (3) is sung slowly. In Church Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Ah, the blameless in the way. Alleluia. Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes. Alleluia. My soul is worn with endless longing for Your judgments at all times. Alleluia. My soul has slumbered from sorrow; strengthen me with Your words. Alleluia. Incline my heart unto Your testimonies, and not unto covetousness. Alleluia. Despair took hold on me because of sinners that forsake Your Law. Alleluia. I am a partaker with all that fear You, and with them that keep Your commandments. Alleluia. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. Evlogetaria for the Dead Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. The Choir of the Saints has found the Fountain of Life, and the Door of Paradise. May I also find the way through repentance: the sheep that was lost am I; call me up to You, O Savior,and save me. If there are more than three priests, each repeats after reach "Troparion ": "Let us pray to the Lord," followed by "For You are the Resurrection and the Life.” Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. You Who of old did fashion me out of nothingness, and with Your Image divine did honor me; but because of transgression of Your commandments did return me again to the earth where I was taken; lead me back to be refashioned into that ancient beauty of Your Likeness. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. Image am I of Your unutterable glory, though I bear the scars of my stumblings. Have compassion on me, the work of Your hands, O Sovereign Lord, and cleanse me through Your loving-kindness; and the homeland of my heart's desire bestow on me by making me a citizen of Paradise. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. Give rest, O God, unto Your servant, and appoint for him (her) a place in Paradise; where the choirs of the Saints, O Lord, and the just will shine forth like stars; to Your servant that is sleeping now do You give rest, overlooking all his (her) offenses. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Trinal Radiance of One Godhead with reverent song acclaiming let us cry; Holy are You, O Eternal Father, and Son also Eternal, and Spirit Divine; shine with Your light on us who with faith adore You; and from the fire eternal rescue us. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Hail, O Gracious Lady, that in the flesh bears God for salvation of all; and through whom the human race has found salvation: through You may we find Paradise, Theotokos, our Lady pure and blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia; Glory to You, O God. Tone 8 With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of servant where there is not pain, nor any sorrow, nor any sighing, but Life everlasting. Prokeimenon, Tone 3 Blessed is the way wherein you walk today, for there is prepared for you a place of rest. (3) Unto You, O Lord, will I cry. The Epistle The reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans. (Rom. 6:9-11) Brethren, we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ. Reader: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia The Holy Gospel Priest: Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all. People: And with your spirit. Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel of St. Luke. (Luke 18: 15-17, 26-27) Let us attend. At that time, they were bringing even infants to him, that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord Who watches over children in the present life and in the world to come because of their simplicity and innocence of mind, abundantly satisfying them with a place in Abraham's bosom, bringing them to live in radiantly shining places where the spirits of the righteous dwell; receive in peace the soul of Your little servant (Name), for You Yourself have said: "Let the little children come to Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Priest: For only Yours is the Kingdom of Heaven and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Eternal Father and Your All; Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. For older children Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray You, listen and have mercy. Priest: Again we pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God (Name), departed this life, and for the forgiveness of his (her) every transgression, voluntary and involuntary. Priest: Let the Lord establish his (her) soul where the Just repose; the mercies of God, the Kingdom of the Heavens, and the remission of his (her) sins, let us ask of Christ, our immortal King and our God. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord Who watches over children in the present life and in the world to come because of their simplicity and innocence of mind, abundantly satisfying them with a place in Abraham's bosom, bringing them to live in radiantly shining places where the spirits of the righteous dwell: receive in peace the soul of Your little servant (Name), for You Yourself have said, "Let the little children come to Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Priest: For only Yours is the Kingdom of Heaven and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Eternal Father and Your All; Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Apolysis Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope; Glory to You. Priest: May Christ our true God, Who rose from the dead, have mercy on us; He Who as Immortal King has authority over both the dead and the living. Through the intercessions of His spotless, pure and holy Mother; of the holy, glorious, I and all; praiseworthy Apostles; of our venerable and theophoric 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 soul of His servant (Name), departed from us, in the tentings of the Just; give him (her) rest in the bosom of Abraham; and number him (her) among the holy, through His goodness and compassion, as our merciful God. Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen. At the farewell the following are sung: Tone 8 Who would not lament for you, my child, as your end journey begins from this world to another home? For while still a little child, all too soon from your mother's arms, as might a birdling on speeding wing upborne, are you departed to Him that made all things. O child, who from lament could refrain when he beholds your lovely face, which was like a gladsome rose, now fading fast away? Who would not with groaning sighs, my child, and floods of clamorous tears mourn the wealth of your comeliness and the beauty shining forth from the innocence of your heart? For like a caravel which leaves no wake behind, so are you vanished, and from my eyes are sped. Come, my beloved friends, kinsfolk, neighbors, now draw nigh to join with me in the kiss of last farewell, and bear him (her) to his (her) grave. Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen. At the grave The Trisagion is sung. See 'Trisagion for the Dead' text. Funeral Service for Infants During Renewal Week see 'Funeral Service During Renewal Week' text. But, instead of "O God of all spirits" we say "O Lord Who watches over children." The Epistle and Gospel readings are those of the service for infants. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 11: FUNERAL SERVICE DURING RENEWAL WEEK ======================================================================== If any of the brethren dies during the holy week, if Renewal, we do not sing the customary Funeral Service but that of the Resurrection. This same service is also sung on the Apodosis of Easter. Meanwhile, during the period between the end of Renewal Week and the Apodosis, the regular service is sung except that instead of Holy God we sing Christ is risen. On the way to the church we also sing “Christ is risen". Instead of "Brethren, conic and let us a farewell kiss,” we sing “Resurrection Day is dawning". Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3). Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given us Eternal Life and great Mercy. Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray You, listen and have mercy. Again we pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God (Name), departed this life, and for the forgiveness of his (her) every transgression, voluntary and involuntary. Let the Lord God establish his (her) soul where the Just repose; the mercies of God, the Kingdom of the Heavens, and the remission of his (her) sins, let us ask of Christ, our immortal King and our God. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. Priest: O God of all spirits and flesh, Who has trodden down death, destroying the power of the devil, bestowing life on Your world. To the soul of Your servant (Name) departed this life, do You Yourself, O Lord, give rest in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain and sorrow and mourning are fled away. Every sin by him (her) committed in thought, word, or deed, do You as our good and loving God forgive, seeing that there is no man that shall live and sin not, for You alone are without sin: Your righteousness, and Your law is truth. For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Your servant (Name), O Christ our God; and to You do we send up Glory, as to Your Eternal Father and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Apolysis Glory to You, O God our hope, glory to You. May Christ our true God, Who rose from the dead, have mercy on us; He Who as Immortal King has authority over both the dead and the living. Through the intercessions of His spotless, pure and holy Mother; of the holy, glorious, and all‑praiseworthy Apostles; of our venerable and Godbearing Fathers; of the holy and glorious forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; of His holy and just friend Lazaros, who lay in the grave four days; and of all the Saints; establish the soul of His servant (Name), departed from us, in the tentings of the Just; give him (her) rest in the bosom of Abraham; and number him (her) among the Just, through His goodness and compassion as our merciful God. Everlasting be your memory, O our brother (sister), who are worthy of blessedness and eternal memory. (3). Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. In the church Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. And then is sung:­ Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (2). Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; listen, and have mercy. Again we pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God (Name), departed this life; and for the forgiveness of his (her), every transgression, voluntary; and involuntary. Let the Lord establish his (her), soul where the Just repose; the mercies of God, the Kingdom of the Heavens, and the remission of his (her), sins; let us ask of Christ our immortal King and our God. Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Your servant (Name), O Christ our God; and to You do we send up glory, with Your Eternal Father, and Your All-Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Then the katavasia of Easter are sung as follows: Ode 1, Tone I Resurrection Day is dawning! Let us shine forth with its light! Pascha, the Lord's own Pascha! For out of death into life, and from earth into His Heaven has Christ our God taken us, in safety singing our triumphal song. Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given us Eternal Life and great Mercy. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. For You are the Resurrection and the Life and the repose of Your servant, O Christ our God; and to You do we send up glory, with Your Eternal Father, and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life‑creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Ode 3 Come, of this new drink let us drink deeply. Not such it water a, Prophet once drew from sterile rock, but life immortal which is Christ abundantly pours forth from His grave; in Him we have our strength. Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3). Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given us Eternal Life and great Mercy. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. For You are the Resurrection and the Life and the repose of Your servant, O Christ our God; and to You do we send up glory, with Your Eternal Father, and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life‑creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Ode 4 With us now share our holy watch; let Prophet Habakkuk now stand and for us reveal the first gleaming of the dawn the angel brings with words that pierce our hearts with joy: "This is the day that brings men salvation, for Christ is risen from death as our Almighty Lord." Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3). Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given us Eternal Life and great Mercy. Ode 5 Come, and let us rise ere comes the dawning, and bring not myrrh but our praises as offering to the Master; then our eyes shall look on Christ, our radiant Sun of Righteousness, rising to lighten the world with light. Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3). Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given us Eternal Life and great Mercy. Ode 6 You went down into the deeps of the abyss to destroy the cruel bars that for ages held men in weary bondage, O Christ, and as Jonah rose from the sea beast in three days, You are risen from Your grave. Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3). Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given us Eternal Life and great Mercy. Ode 7 The Children from the furnace were saved alive by Him that was born of man, Who as Man knew pain, and by His suffering clothed our flesh with beauty of His immortality; the Lord that alone was blessed by our Fathers, our God exceedingly glorious. Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3). Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given us Eternal Life and great Mercy. Ode 8 Now has dawned that day most renowned and most holy, the first of the Sabbaths, hailed as queen and sovereign. Fairest Feast of all feasts and most joyous celebration of all celebrations, when we tell how blessed is Christ unto all ages. Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3). Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given us Eternal Life and great Mercy. Ode 9 The angel, when he saw Mary Full‑of‑Grace, cried saying: O holy Maid, I hail you! Yea, once again I hail you, for in the days returning your Son from death has risen; O shine with clear radiance, you new Jerusalem, for now on you is dawning glory from the risen Lord; dance now for joy, and be glad, O Zion; grieve now no more, Maiden Theotokos, but look with joy on your risen Son." Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3). Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given us Eternal Life and great Mercy. The Exaposteilarion Tone 2 On You as Man the sleep of death descended, our King and Lord, but in three days are You risen, and raise Adam from decay and have destroyed the might of Death, Pascha of incorruption, salvation of all the world. Then the Epistle and the Gospel of the day. People: Glory to You, O Lord; glory to You. Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray You listen and have mercy. Lord have mercy. Again we pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God (Name) departed this life; and for the forgiveness of him (her) every transgression, voluntary and involuntary. Lord have mercy. Let the Lord God establish him (her) soul where the just repose; the mercies of God, the Kingdom of the Heavens, and remission of him (her) sins: let us ask of Christ our Immortal King and our God. Lord have mercy. Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: O God of all spirits and of every flesh, Who did trod down death and overcome the devil, bestowing life on this Your world, to the soul of this Your servant (Name), departed this life, do You Yourself, O Lord, give rest in a place of fight, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain and sorrow and mourning have fled away. Every sin by him (her) committed in thought, word, or deed, do You as our Good and Loving God forgive; seeing that there is no man who shall live and sin not, for You alone are without sin. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your Law is truth; for You are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Your servant (Name), departed this life, O Christ our God; and to You do we send up glory, with Your Eternal Father and Your All‑Holy, Good and Life‑creating Spirit; both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. If a bishop is present he reads one of the prayers of absolution: Priest: Let us pray to the Lord, Lord have mercy. O Lord our God, Who by Your unutterable wisdom have fashioned man out of the dust and transformed him into comeliness and beauty; and have adorned him, as a precious and heavenly creature, for doxology and magnificence of Your glory and Kingdom, in that You brought him into existence as a being fashioned according to Your image and likeness; and Who, when he had transgressed the commandment of Your ordinance, and kept it not, although he participated in Your image, gave command for this reason, as God of our fathers, to prevent evil from becoming immortal, decreeing that his composite and mixture, this bond which You made for joining body and soul unbreakably, should be sundered by Your divine Will, and be dissolved; so that the soul would withdraw where it had required existence, and there abide until the general Resurrection; whereas the body would break up into the elements out of which it had first been compounded; for this reason we pray You, the beginningless Father, and Your Only‑Begotten Son, and Your All‑Holy, Consubstantial and Life‑creating Spirit, that endured not to see the work of Your fashioning swallowed up by destruction, but rather let the body indeed be dissolved into the elements, and let the soul be appointed a place in the Choir of the Just: Yea, O Lord our God, let Your Immeasurable mercy prevail, and Your manbefriending love which is beyond compare; and if this servant has incurred the curse of father or mother, or a ban invoked upon himself (herself); or if he (she) has provoked any priest to bitter severity, and from him has incurred a ban unbreakable; or if he (she) has incurred a Bishop's very grievous interdict, but through thoughtlessness and needlessness has failed to obtain forgiveness; do You forgive him (her) through me, Your sinful and unworthy servant; and let his (her) body indeed dissolve into its elements, but his (her) soul do You appoint to dwell in the tentings of the Saints. Yea, O Lord our God, Who to Your holy Disciples and Apostles gave this authority for granting remission of sins, and did say that whatsoever things they would bind and loose, those things would be bound and would be loosed; and Who through them in Your manbefriending love has caused to be transmitted to us also, unworthy though we be, the same gift in equal measure; loose this Your servant (Name), now fallen asleep from sin of soul and body, and make him (her) to be now forgiven in this present world and in the world to come; through the intercessions of Your all‑pure and Ever Virgin Mother, and of all the Saints. Amen. Second Prayer of Absolution Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. Greatly merciful Sovereign Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who after Your holy, third‑day resurrection from the dead gave to Your holy Disciples and Apostles the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and also the authority of Your Grace both to bind and to loose the sins of men, so that bound in Heaven would be whatsoever things through them might be bound on earth, and likewise loosed in Heaven whatsoever things‑ through them might be loosed; and gave also that as their successors, we, Your deficient and unworthy servants, should have, by Your unutterable and manbefriending love, this same exceedingly holy Gift and Grace from You, so that we in like manner should both bind and loose the things that happen to be done among Your people; Yourself, All‑Good King, through me, Your humble and unprofitable servant, forgive this Your servant whatsoever mistakes as a human being he (she) has made in this present life: remit for him (her) whatsoever sins he (she) has committed in word, deed, and thought: and loose him (her) also from any ban which in any wise whatsoever has come upon him (her), whether he (she) himself (herself) out of recklessness or by some other fault has bound it upon himself (herself); or, by a Bishop or another, when, because of the envy and cooperation of the Evil One, he (she) stumbled into so grievous a state: be well pleased, as alone Good and greatly merciful, that his (her) soul be appointed a place with the Saints which from everlasting have been well pleasing to You, but that his (her) body be given to the nature which You have fashioned; for blessed and glorified are You to the ages. Amen. Priest: Apolysis Glory to You, O our God and our hope, glory to You. Christ our true God, Who rose from the dead, through the intercessions of His spotless, pure, all‑holy Mother; of the holy, glorious and all‑praiseworthy Apostles; of the venerable and theophoric Fathers, and of all the Saints, establish the soul of His servant (Name), departed from among us in the tentings of the Just; give him (her) rest in the bosom of Abraham; and number him (her) among the Just; and have mercy on us as our good and loving Lord. Everlasting be your memory Instead of the Brethren, come and let us a farewell kiss, we sing the following: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Resurrection Day is dawning! Let us shine with its light! Pascha, the Lord's own Pascha! For out of death into life, and from earth into His Heaven has Christ our God taken us, in safety singing our triumphal song. Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. Exiting from the church we say: Resurrection Day is dawning! Let us shine with its light! Pascha, the Lord's own Pascha! For out of death into life, and from earth into His Heaven has Christ our God taken us, in safety singing our triumphal song. At the grave The priest reads the Trisagion. Then he says: You shall sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean. You shall wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and all that dwell therein. You are dust, and the dust you will return. Apolysis. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 12: THE SERVICE OF BETROTHAL ======================================================================== The priest stands before the Royal Doors, looking towards the two who are to be Betrothed; and they stand outside the Royal Doors, the man to the right, and the woman on the left. On the right side of the Holy Altar are placed the two rings. The priest takes up the censer and censes the holy icons, the bridal pair, and the people. Then the priest asks the bride is she wishes to marry the groom, and the groom if he wishes to marry the bride. The priest then says: Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: For the peace from above; for the salvation of our souls; let us pray to the Lord. For the peace of the whole world; for the stability of the holy Churches of God; and for the union of all; let us pray to the Lord. For this holy House, and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter therein; let us pray to the Lord. For our Most Reverend Archbishop (Name) for the venerable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ; for all the Clergy; and for all the people; let us pray to the Lord. For the servant of God (Name) and the servant of God (Name) who now pledge themselves to one another, and for their salvation; let us pray to the Lord. That there may be promised unto them children for the continuation of their race, granting unto them all their prayers unto salvation; let us pray to the Lord. That He send down upon them love perfect and peaceful, and give them His protection; let us pray to the Lord. That He may keep them in oneness of mind, and in steadfastness of the Faith; let us pray to the Lord. That He may bless them in harmony and perfect trust; let us pray to the Lord. That He may keep the course and manner of their life blameless; let us pray to the Lord. That the Lord God may grant unto them an honorable marriage and a bed undefiled; let us pray to the Lord. That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity; let us pray to the Lord. Help us; save us; have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Your Grace. Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, exceedingly blessed glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever; Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and all our life to Christ our God. Choir: To You, O God. Priest: (aloud) For to You are due all Glory, honor, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: (aloud) O God eternal, Who has brought together into unity the things which before had been separate, and in so doing impose on them an indissoluble bond of love, Who did bless Isaac and Rebecca, declaring them to be the inheritors of Your promise: do You Yourself (+) bless these Your servants (Name) and (Name) directing them into every good work. For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You do we send up all Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Peace be to all. (+) Choir: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. Choir: To You, O Lord. Priest: O Lord our God, Who espoused the Church as a pure virgin called from out of the Gentiles, bless this Betrothal (+), uniting these Your servants, keeping them in peace and oneness of mind. For to You are due all Glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Then the Priest takes the rings, blesses them, makes with them the Sign of the Cross over the man's head, and says: The servant of God (Name) is betrothed to the servant of God(Name) in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Thrice) Amen. At the third time, the Priest puts the woman's ring on the man's right finger, and the man's ring on the woman's right finger. Then the Groomsman exchanges the rings thrice. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord our God, Who accompanied the servant of the patriarch Abraham to Mesopotamia, when he was sent to espouse a wife for his lord Isaac, and did reveal to him a sign by the drawing of water to betroth Rebecca; do You Yourself bless the betrothal of these Your servants (Name) and (Name) and confirm the word that has been spoken by them; for You, O Lord, from the beginning have created male and female, and by You is a woman joined to a man for assistance and for the continuation of the human race. Therefore, O Lord God, Who have sent forth Your truth to Your inheritance and Your promise to Your servants, our fathers, who were Your elect, do You give regard unto this Your servant (Name) and Your servant (Name) and seal their betrothal in faith, in oneness of mind, in truth and in love. For You, O Lord, have declared that a pledge is to be given and held inviolate in all things. By a ring Joseph was given might in Egypt; by a ring Daniel was exalted in Babylon; by a ring the truth of Thamar was made manifest; by a ring our heavenly Father showed compassion upon His prodigal son, for He said, "Put a ring upon his right hand, kill the fatted calf, and let us eat and rejoice." Your own right hand, O Lord, armed Moses in the Red Sea. Yea, by the word of Your truth were the Heavens established and the earth set upon her sure foundations; and the right hands of Your servants shall be blessed by Your mighty word, and by Your uplifted arm. Wherefore, O Sovereign Lord, do You Yourself bless this putting on of rings with Your heavenly benediction; and may Your Angel go before them all the days of their life, for You are He that blesses and sanctifies all things, and to You do we send up Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 13: FUNERAL SERVICE ======================================================================== Priest: Blessed is our Lord God, always; both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The First Stasis, in Tone 6 Ah, the blameless in the way. Alleluia. Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes. Alleluia. My soul is worn with endless longing for Your judgments at all times. Alleluia. My soul has slumbered from sorrow; strengthen me with Your words. Alleluia. Incline my heart unto Your testimonies, and not unto covetousness. Alleluia. Despair took hold on me because of sinners that forsake Your Law. Alleluia. I am a partaker with all that fear You, and with them that keep Your commandments. Alleluia. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; listen, and have mercy. Again we pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God (Name), departed this life; and for the forgiveness of his (her), every transgression, voluntary; and involuntary. Let the Lord establish his (her), soul where the Just repose; the mercies of God, the Kingdom of the Heavens, and the remission of his (her), sins; let us ask of Christ our immortal King and our God. Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Your servant (Name), O Christ our God; and to You do we send up glory, with Your Eternal Father, and Your All-Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Second Stasis, in Tone 5 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding, and I will learn Your commandments. Have mercy on me, O Lord. For I am become as a bottle in the frost; yet Your statutes have not forgotten. Have mercy on me, O Lord. I am Yours, O save me; for after Your statutes have I sought. Have mercy on me, O Lord. From Your judgments I have not declined, for You have set a Law for me. Have mercy on me, O Lord. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes, forever, in return for Your mercies. Have mercy on me, O Lord. It is time to serve the Lord; but they have violated Your law. Have mercy on me, O Lord. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Have mercy on me Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and the repose of Your servant (Name), O Christ our God; and to You do we send up glory, with Your Eternal Father, and Your All-Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Third Stasis, in Tone 8 And have mercy upon me. Alleluia. Look upon me, and have mercy on me. According to the judgment of them that love Your Name. Alleluia. I am young and accounted as nothing. Your statutes have I not forgotten. Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Your mercy; According to Your judgments quicken me. Alleluia. Princes have persecuted me without a cause, and because of Your words my heart has been afraid. Alleluia. My soul shall live, and shall praise You, And Your judgments will help me. Alleluia. I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost. Seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. For You are the Resurrection and the Life and the Repose of Your servant (Name) O Christ our God; and to You do we send up glory, with Your Eternal Father, and Your All-Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages: Choir: Amen. Evlogetaria For the Dead Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. The Choir of the Saints has found the Fountain of Life, and the Door of Paradise. May I also find the way through repentance: the sheep that was lost am I; call me up to You, O Savior,and save me. If there are more than three priests, each repeats after reach troparion: "Let us pray to the Lord," followed by "For You are the Resurrection and the Life..." Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. You Who of old did fashion me out of nothingness, and with Your Image divine did honor me; but because of transgression of Your commandments did return me again to the earth where I was taken; lead me back to be refashioned into that ancient beauty of Your Likeness. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. Image am I of Your unutterable glory, though I bear the scars of my stumblings. Have compassion on me, the work of Your hands, O Sovereign Lord, and cleanse me through Your loving-kindness; and the homeland of my heart's desire bestow on me by making me a citizen of Paradise. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. Give rest, O God, unto Your servant, and appoint for him (her) a place in Paradise; where the choirs of the Saints, O Lord, and the just will shine forth like stars; to Your servant that is sleeping now do You give rest, overlooking all his (her) offenses. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Trinal Radiance of One Godhead with reverent song acclaiming let us cry; Holy are You, O Eternal Father, and Son also Eternal, and Spirit Divine; shine with Your light on us who with faith adore You; and from the fire eternal rescue us. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Hail, O Gracious Lady, that in the flesh bears God for salvation of all; and through whom the human race has found salvation: through You may we find Paradise, Theotokos, our Lady pure and blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia; Glory to You, O God. Tone 8 With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of servant where there is not pain, nor any sorrow, nor any sighing, but Life everlasting. Tone I Composed by St. John of Damascus Where is the pleasure in life which is unmixed with sorrow? Where the glory which on earth has stood firm and unchanged? All things are weaker than shadow, all more illusive than dreams; comes one fell stroke, and Death in turn, prevails over all these vanities. Wherefore in the Light, O Christ, of Your countenance, the sweetness of Your beauty, to him (her) whom You have chosen grant repose, for You are the Friend of Mankind. Tone 2 Like a blossom that wastes away, and like a dream that passes and is gone, so is every mortal into dust resolved; but again, when the trumpet sounds its call, as though at a quaking of the earth, all the dead shall arise and go forth to meet You, O Christ our God: on that day, O Lord, for him (her) whom You have withdrawn from among us appoint a place in the tents of Your Saints; yea, for the spirit of Your servant, O Christ. Another in Tone 2 Alas! What an agony the soul endures when from the body it is parting; how many are her tears for weeping, but there is none that will show compassion: unto the angels she turns with downcast eyes; useless are her supplications; and unto men she extends her imploring hands, but finds none to bring her rescue. Thus, my beloved brethren, let us all ponder well how brief is the span of our life; and peaceful rest for him (her) that now is gone, let us ask of Christ, and also His abundant mercy for our souls. Tone 3 Vanity are all the works and quests of man, and they have no being after death has come; our wealth is with us no longer. How can our glory go with us? For when death has come all these things are vanished clean away. Wherefore to Christ the Immortal King let us cry, "To him (her) that has departed grant repose where a home is prepared for all those whose hearts You have filled with gladness." Tone 4 Terror truly past compare is by the mystery of death inspired; now the soul and the body part, disjoined by resistless might, and their concord is broken; and the bond of nature which made them live and grow as one, now by the edict of God is rest in twain. Wherefore now we implore Your aid grant that Your servant now gone to rest where the just that are Yours abide, Life-bestower and Friend of Mankind. Tone 4 Where is now our affection for earthly things? Where is now the alluring pomp of transient questing? Where is now our gold, and our silver? Where is now the surging crowd of domestics, and their busy cries? All is dust, all is ashes, all is shadow. Wherefore draw near that we may cry to our immortal King,"Lord, Your everlasting blessings vouchsafe unto him (her) that now has gone away. bringing him (her) to repose in that blessedness which never grows old." Tone 5 I Called to mind the Prophet who shouted, "I am but earth and ash." And once again I looked with attention on the tombs, and I saw the bones therein which of flesh were naked; and I said, "Which indeed is he that is king? Or which is soldier? Which is the wealthy, which the needy? Which the righteous, or which the sinner?" But to Your servant, O Lord, grant that with the righteous he (she) may repose. Tone 6 My beginning and foundation was the form; bestowing Word of Your commandment; for it pleased You to make me by compounding visible and invisible nature into a living thing. Out of earth was my body formed and made, but a soul You gave me by the Divine and Life-creating in-breathing. Wherefore, O Christ, to Your servant in the land of the living, in the courts of the righteous, do You grant repose. Tone 7 Bring to his (her) rest, O our Savior, You giver of life, our brother (sister) whom You have withdrawn from this transient world, for he (she) lifts up his (her) voice to cry: "Glory to You." Another in Tone 7 When in Your own image and likeness You in the beginning did create and fashion man, You gave him a home in Paradise, and made him the chief of your creation. But by the devil's envy, alas, beguiled to eat the fruit forbidden, transgressor then of Your commandments he became; wherefore back to earth,from which he first was taken, You did sentence him to return again, O Lord, and to pray You to give him rest. Tone 8 Weep, and with tears lament when with understanding I think on death, and see how in the graves there sleeps the beauty which once for us was fashioned in the image of God, but now is shapeless, ignoble, and bare of all the graces. O how strange a thing; what is this mystery which concerns us humans? Why were we given up to decay? And why to death united in wedlock? Truly, as it is written, these things come to pass by ordinance of God, Who to him (her), now gone gives rest. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The death which You have endured, O Lord, is become the harbinger of deathlessness; if You had not been laid in Your tomb, then would not the gates of Paradise have been opened;wherefore to him (her), now gone from us give rest, for You are the Friend of Mankind. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Virgin chaste and holy, Gateway of the Word, Mother of our God, make supplication that his (her) soul find mercy. Prokeimenon, Tone 3 Blessed is the way wherein you walk today, for there is prepared for you a place of rest. (3) Unto You, O Lord, will I cry. The Epistle Priest: Wisdom! Reader: The reading from the First Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians. (I Thess. 4:13-18) Priest: Wisdom. Let us attend. Reader: Brethren, we would not have you ignorant concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. Priest: Peace be to you who reads. Reader: And with your spirit. Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. The Holy Gospel Priest: Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all. People: And with your spirit. Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel of St. John. (John 5:24‑30) Let us attend. Choir: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. Priest: The Lord said to those Jews which had come to him: Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life 'in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, and has given him the authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. Choir: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray You listen and have mercy. Lord have mercy. Again we pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God (Name) departed this life; and for the forgiveness of him (her) every transgression, voluntary and involuntary. Lord have mercy. Let the Lord God establish him (her) soul where the just repose; the mercies of God, the Kingdom of the Heavens, and remission of him (her) sins: let us ask of Christ our Immortal King and our God. Lord have mercy. Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. The first-ranking priest approaches the deceased and says the following prayer in a loud voice; the other priests present simultaneously say the same prayer inaudibly. O God of all spirits and flesh, Who has trodden down death, destroying the power of the devil, bestowing life on Your world. to the soul of Your servant (Name) departed this life, do You Yourself, O Lord, give rest in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain and sorrow and mourning are fled away. Every sin by him (her) committed in thought, word, or deed, do You as our good and loving God forgive, seeing that there is no man that shall live and sin not, for You alone are without sin: Your righteousness, and Your law is truth. For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Your servant (Name), O Christ our God; and to You do we send up Glory, as to Your Eternal Father and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. Each of the priests in turn blesses the deceased and says: For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Your servant (Name), O Christ our God; and to You do we send up Glory, as to Your Eternal Father and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. If the Funeral Service is presided over by a Bishop, he then says the following Prayer of Absolution. Prayers of Absolution For the loosing from every curse and interdict, read for the deceased person by the Bishop. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord our God, Who by Your unutterable wisdom have fashioned man out of the dust and transformed him into comeliness and beauty; and have adorned him, as a precious and heavenly creature, for doxology and magnificence of Your glory and Kingdom, in that You brought him into existence as a being fashioned according to Your image and likeness; and Who, when he had transgressed the commandment of Your ordinance, and kept it not, although he participated in Your image, gave command for this reason, as God of our fathers, to prevent evil from becoming immortal, decreeing that his composite and mixture, this bond which You made for joining body and soul unbreakably, should be sundered by Your divine Will, and be dissolved; so that the soul would withdraw where it had required existence, and there abide until the general Resurrection; whereas the body would break up into the elements out of which it had first been compounded; for this reason we pray You, the beginning-less Father, and Your Only; Begotten Son, and Your All-Holy, Consubstantial and Life-creating Spirit, that endured not to see the work of Your fashioning swallowed up by destruction, but rather let the body indeed be dissolved into the elements,and let the soul be appointed a place in the Choir of the Just: Yea, O Lord our God, let Your Immeasurable mercy prevail, and Your man befriending love which is beyond compare; and if this servant has incurred the curse of father or mother, or a ban invoked upon himself (herself); or if he (she) has provoked any priest to bitter severity, and from him has incurred a ban unbreakable; or if he (she) has incurred a Bishop's very grievous interdict, but through thoughtlessness and needlessness has failed to obtain forgiveness; do You forgive him (her) through me, Your sinful and unworthy servant; and let his (her) body indeed dissolve into its elements, but his (her) soul do You appoint to dwell in the tents of the Saints. Yea, O Lord our God, Who to Your holy Disciples and Apostles gave this authority for granting remission of sins, and did say that whatsoever things they would bind and loose, those things would be bound and would be loosed; and Who through them in Your man befriending love has caused to be transmitted to us also, unworthy though we be, the same gift in equal measure; loose this Your servant (Name), now fallen asleep from sin of soul and body, and make him (her) to be now forgiven in this present world and in the world to come;through the intercessions of Your all-pure and Ever Virgin Mother, and of all the Saints. Amen. Second Prayer of Absolution Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: Greatly merciful Sovereign Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who after Your holy, third-day resurrection from the dead gave to Your holy Disciples and Apostles the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and also the authority of Your Grace both to bind and to loose the sins of men, so that bound in Heaven would be whatsoever things through them might be bound on earth, and likewise loosed in Heaven whatsoever things; through them might be loosed; and gave also that as their successors, we, Your deficient and unworthy servants, should have, by Your unutterable and man befriending love, this same exceedingly holy Gift and Grace from You, so that we in like manner should both bind and loose the things that happen to be done among Your people; Yourself, All-Good King, through me, Your humble and unprofitable servant, forgive this Your servant whatsoever mistakes as a human being he (she) has made in this present life: remit for him (her) whatsoever sins he (she) has committed in word, deed, and thought: and loose him (her) also from any ban which in any wise whatsoever has come upon him (her), whether he (she) himself (herself) out of recklessness or by some other fault has bound it upon himself (herself); or, by a Bishop or another, when, because of the envy and cooperation of the Evil One, he (she) stumbled into so grievous a state: be well pleased, as alone Good and greatly merciful, that his (her) soul be appointed a place with the Saints which from everlasting have been well pleasing to You, but that his (her) body be given to the nature which You have fashioned; for blessed and glorified are You to the ages. Amen. Apolysis Priest: Glory to You, O Christ our God and our Hope; glory to You. Choir: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy. Father, give the blessing. Priest: May Christ our true God, Who rose from the dead, have mercy on us; He Who as Immortal King has authority over both the dead and the living. Through the intercessions of His spotless,pure, and holy Mother; of His holy and just friend Lazaros, who lay in the grave four days; of the holy and glorious forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; may He give rest to our brother (sister), who has departed from us, and number him (her) among the just and holy, through His goodness and compassion, as our merciful God. Everlasting be your memory, O our brother (sister), who are worthy of blessedness and eternal memory. (3). And the Choir begins the Stikhera of the Last Kiss, singing as many as may be needed to fill up the time until all have said Farewell. Tone 2 Brethren, come, and let us give a farewell kiss give to him (her) whom death has taken, and offer thanks to God. For he (she) has departed from the bosom of his (her) kin; and he (she) hastens to burial, no longer remembering vanity, nor yet the flesh which is often sore distressed. Where are now his (her) kindred and comrades? Now is come the hour of partings: let us pray to the Lord to bring him (her) to his (her) rest. Tone 2 Brethren, what at this last moment means your distress of parting, your wailing? What means your funeral dirge? Come, and give a kiss to him (her) so lately with us: for consigned to the grave is he (she) with stone is he (she) to be covered. Darkness is his (her) dwelling place; he (she) with the dead is entombed. Come, all you his (her) kindred and comrades: now is come the hour of parting. Let us pray to the Lord to bring him (her) to his (her) rest. Theotokion Mother of the never setting Sun, Parent of our God, O preserve them that set their hope on you; intercede, we pray you, with our greatly gracious Lord, that repose may be granted him (her) that now is departed. In that habitation where repose the souls of the Just: and unto everlasting remembrance set him (her) in the courts of the Righteous, made all-blameless, as the heir of blessings divine. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Looking on me as I lie here prone before you, voiceless and unbreathing, mourn for me, everyone; brethren and friends, kindred, and you who knew me well; for but yesterday with you I was talking, and suddenly there came upon me the fearful hour of death: therefore come, all you that long for me, and kiss me with the last kiss of parting. For no longer shall I walk with you, nor talk with you henceforth: for to the Judge I go, where no person is valued for his (her) earthly station: Yea, slave and master together stand before Him, king and soldier, rich man and poor man, all accounted of equal rank: for each one, according to his (her) own deeds shall be glorified, or shall be put to shame. Therefore I beg you all, and implore you, to offer prayer unceasingly for me to Christ our God, that I be not assigned for my sins to the place of torment; but that He assign me to the place where there is Light of Life. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion, Tone 6 Through the prayers of her that gave You birth, O Christ, and the prayers of Your Forerunner, of Apostles, Prophets, Hierarchs, Ascetics, and of the Righteous, and of all the Saints, to Your sleeping servant do You grant repose. Priest: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy and save us. Choir: Amen. If a Bishop is Presiding, he says: Bishop: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers … Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Bishop. . . After the last farewell has been given we proceed to the grave, singing: I weep, and with tears lament . . . The Burial At the gravesite the Trisagion is sung. Then the Priest sprinkles the deceased in the form of the Cross with oil, saying: Priest: You shall sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean. You shall wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Then the priest sprinkles the deceased in the form of the Cross with earth, saying: Priest: The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and all that dwell therein. You are dust, and to dust you will return. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers … ======================================================================== CHAPTER 14: THE SERVICE OF MARRIAGE ======================================================================== If the Coronation follows the Betrothal immediately, then after the "Amen" of the Ekphonesis ("For You are He that blesses and sanctifies ..."), the Priest censes in front of the Altar, and goes out and censes the Ikonostasion. The Processional Psalm is then sung. The Processional Psalm Priest: Blessed is everyone that fears the Lord. The Choir sings after each stikhos: Glory to You, O our God, Glory to You. Priest: That walks in His ways, Glory to You, O our God, Glory to You. Priest: For you shall eat the labor of your hands. Glory to You, O our God, Glory to You. Priest: Blessed are you, and it shall be well with you. Glory to You, O our God, Glory to You. Priest: Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine on the sides of your house. Glory to You, O our God, Glory to You. Priest: Your children like young olive plants around your table. Glory to You, O our God, Glory to You. Priest: Behold! The man shall be blessed that fears the Lord. Glory to You, O our God, Glory to You. Priest: The Lord shall bless you out of Zion, and you shall see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Glory to You, O our God, Glory to You. Priest: Yea! You shall see your children's children, and peace be upon Israel. Glory to You, O our God, Glory to You. Turning towards the East and raising the Holy Gospel, the Priest says: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. During the Easter season "Christ is risen" is sung thrice. The Priest says the Synapte, and the Choir responds to each petition by singing "Lord have mercy. Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord. For the peace from above; for the salvation of our souls; let us pray to the Lord. For the peace of the whole world; for the stability of the holy Churches of God; and for the union of all; let us pray to the Lord. For this holy House; and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter therein; let us pray to the Lord. For our Most Reverend Archbishop (Name), for the venerable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ; for all the Clergy; and for all the people; let us pray to the Lord. For the servants of God (Name) and (Name), who are now being joined to one another in the community of Marriage, and for their salvation; let us pray to the Lord. That this marriage may be blessed as was that of Cana of Galilee; let us pray to the Lord. That there may be given unto them soberness of life, and fruit of the womb as may be most expedient for them; let us pray to the Lord. That they may rejoice in the beholding of sons and daughters; let us pray to the Lord. That there may be granted unto them the happiness of abundant fertility, and a course of life blameless and unashamed; let us pray to the Lord. That there may be granted unto them and unto us all prayers that tend unto salvation; let us pray to the Lord That both they and we may be delivered from tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity; let us pray to the Lord. Help us; save us; have mercy on us and keep us, O God by Your Grace. Calling to remembrance our all‑holy, immaculate, exceedingly blessed glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever‑Virgin Mary, with all the Saints; let us commend ourselves and one another and all our life to Christ our God. Choir: To You, O God. Priest: For to You are due all Glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. And the Priest says aloud the following: O God most pure, Author of all creation, Who through Your man-befriending love transformed a rib of Adam the forefather into a woman, and blessed them and said, "Increase and multiply, and have dominion over the earth," and, by the conjoining, declared them both to be one member, for because of this a man shall forsake his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and the two shall be one flesh‑and whom God has joined together let not man put asunder; Who did also bless Your servant Abraham, and opened the womb of Sara, and made him the father of many nations; Who bestowed Isaac upon Rebecca, and blessed her offspring; Who joined Jacob and Rachel, and from them made manifest the twelve patriarchs; Who yoked Joseph and Asenath together, and as the fruit of generation did bestow upon them Ephrem and Manasse; Who accepted Zacharias and Elizabeth, and declared their offspring the Forerunner; Who out of the root of Jesse, according to the flesh, produced the Ever‑Virgin Mary, and from her were Incarnate-born for the salvation of the human race; Who through Your unspeakable Grace and plentiful goodness were present in Cana of Galilee, and blessed the marriage there, that You might show a lawful union, and a generation there from, is according to Your Will; do You Yourself, O Most Holy Master, accept the prayer of us, Your servants; and as You were present there, be present also here with Your invisible protection. Bless (+) this marriage and grant unto these Your servants (Name) and (Name) a peaceful life, length of days, chastity, love for one another in a bond of peace, offspring long‑lived, fair fame by reason of their children, and a crown of glory that does not fade away. Account them worthy to see their children's children. Keep their wedlock safe against every hostile scheme; give them of the dew from the Heavens above, and of the fatness of the earth. Fill their houses with bountiful food, and with every good thing, that they may have to give to them that are in need, bestowing also on them that are here assembled with us all their supplications that are unto salvation. For a God of mercy and of compassion, and of manbefriending love are You, and to You do we send up Glory: as to Your eternal Father and Your All‑Holy, Good, and Life‑creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. The Priest says aloud the following Prayer: Blessed are You, O Lord our God, Holy Celebrant of mystical and pure marriage, Maker of the laws that govern earthly bodies, Guardian of incorruption, Kindly protector of the means of life: do You Yourself now, O Master, Who in the beginning created man, and appointed him as the king of creation, and said, "It is not good for man to be alone upon the earth; let us make a helpmate for him‑" then, taking one of his ribs, made woman, whom when Adam saw, he said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh, for she was taken out of her man. For this cause shall a man forsake his father and his mother, and cleave unto his wife, and two shall be one flesh‑" and "whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder." And now, O Master, Lord our God, send down Your heavenly Grace upon these Your servants, (Name) and (Name), and grant unto this woman to be in all things subject unto the man, and to this Your servant to be at the head of the woman that they live according to Your Will. (+) Bless them. O Lord our God, as you blessed Abraham and Sara. (+) Bless them, O Lord our God, as You blessed Isaac and Rebecca. (+) Bless them, O Lord our God, as you blessed Jacob and all the Prophets. (+) Bless them, O Lord our God, as You blessed Joseph and Asenath. (+) Bless them O Lord our God, as You blessed Moses and Zipporah Bless them, O Lord our God, as You blessed Joakim and Anna. (+) Bless them, O Lord our God, as You blessed Zacharias and Elizabeth. Preserve them, O Lord our God, as You preserved Noah in the Ark. Preserve them, O Lord our God, as You preserved Jonah in the jaw of the sea beast. Preserve them, O Lord our God, as You preserved the holy Three Children from the fire, when You sent down upon them the dew of the Heavens. And may that joy come upon them which the blessed Helen had when she found the Precious Cross. Remember them, O Lord our God, as You remembered Enoch, Shem, and Elias. Remember them, O Lord our God, as You remembered Your holy Forty Martyrs, sending down upon them the crowns from the Heavens. Remember them, O Lord our God, and the parents who have reared them, for the prayers of parents confirm the foundation of houses. Remember, O Lord our God, the wedding company that here have come together, to be present at this rejoicing. Remember, O Lord our God, Your servant (Name) and Your servant (Name), and bless them. Give to them fruit of the womb, fair children, concord of soul and body. Exalt them as the cedars of Lebanon, and as well‑cultured vine; bestow on them a rich store of sustenance, so that having a sufficiency of all things for themselves, they may abound in every good work that is good and acceptable before You. Let them behold their children's children as newly planted olive trees round about their table; and, being accepted before You, let them shine as stars in the Heavens, in You, our Lord, to Whom are due all Glory, honor, and worship as to Your eternal Father, and Your All‑Holy, Good, and Life‑creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. And the Priest says aloud the following: Holy God, Who fashioned man from the dust, and from his rib fashioned woman, and joined her to him as a helpmate for him, for it was seemly unto Your Majesty for man not to be alone upon the earth, do You Yourself, O Sovereign Lord, stretch forth Your hand from Your holy dwelling place, and join* together this Your servant (Name) and Your servant (Name), for by You is a wife joined to her husband. Join them together in oneness of mind; crown them with wedlock into one flesh; grant to them the fruit of the womb, and the gain of well favored children, for Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. *When this is said, the priest joins their right hands. Choir: Amen. After the Amen, the Priest, taking up the Crowns, crowns firstthe Bridegroom, saying: The servant of God (Name) is crowned for the servant of God, (Name), in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Thrice) And he crowns the Bride, saying: The servant of God (Name) is crowned for the servant of God (Name), in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Thrice) The Priest takes the Crown of the Groom in his right hand, and the Crown of the Bride in his left, and places them on their heads while he intones: O Lord, our God, crown them with glory and honor. The Epistle Priest: Let us attend. Reader: Prokeimenon, in Tone 8 You have set upon their heads crowns of precious stones. They asked life of You, and You gave it to them. Priest: Wisdom! Reader: The Reading from the Epistle of the holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians. (5:20‑33) Priest: Let us attend. Reader: Brethren, give thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives be also subject in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one." This is a great mystery, and I take it to mean Christ and the church; however, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Priest: Peace be to you who read. Reader: And with your spirit. Choir: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. O Lord, You shall keep us and You shall preserve us from this generation forth and forever. The Holy Gospel Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all. (+) Choir: And to your spirit. Priest: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (John 2: 1 ‑11) Choir: Glory to You, O Lord, Glory to You. Priest: At that time there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast." So they took it. When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him. Choir: Glory to You, O Lord, Glory to You. The Priest gives the Book of the Gospels to the Bride and the Groom to be kissed, and then continues with the following petitions. After each, the Choir responds thrice with "Lord have mercy. " Let us say with all our soul and all our mind, let us say: O Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray You, listen and have mercy. Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray You, listen and have mercy. Again let us pray for the servants of God, (Name) and (Name), that they may have mercy, life, health, peace, safety, salvation, pardon and remission of their sins. Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You do we send up Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest (facing the married couple): O Lord our God, Who in Your saving Providence did promise in Cana of Galilee to declare marriage honorable by Your presence, do You Yourself preserve in peace and oneness of mind these Your servants (Name) and (Name), whom You are well pleased should be joined to one another. Declare their marriage honorable. Preserve their bed undefiled. Grant that their life together be with be without spot of sin. And assure that they may be worthy to attain unto a ripe old age, keeping Your commandments in a pure heart. For You are our God, the God to have mercy and save, and to You do we send up all Glory, as to Your Eternal Father, and Your All‑Holy, Good, and Life‑creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Help us; save us; have mercy on us, and keep Us, O God, by Your Grace. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: That the whole day may be kept perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless; let us ask of the Lord. Choir responds to each petition saying: O Lord, grant this prayer. An Angel of Peace, a faithful Guide, a Guardian of our souls and bodies; let us ask of the Lord. Pardon and remission of our sins and offenses; let us ask of the Lord. All things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the whole world; let us ask of the Lord. That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance; let us ask of the Lord. A Christian ending to our life, painless, without shame, peaceful; and a good defense before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ; let us ask of the Lord. Asking for the unity of the Faith and the Communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another and all our life to Christ our God. And account us worthy, O Sovereign Lord, with boldness and without condemnation to dare call on You, the Heavenly God, as Father, and to say: Choir: Our Father, Who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name; Your Kingdom come. Your 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, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Peace (+) be to all. Choir: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. Choir: To You, O Lord. Then the common cup is offered. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. The Priest blesses the cup saying this prayer: O God, Who by Your might create all things, and confirm the universe, and adorn the crown of all things created by You, do You, with Your spiritual blessing (+), bless also this common cup given to them that are joined in the community of marriage. For blessed is Your Holy Name, and glorified is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Then the Priest gives them to drink thrice from the cup, first to theman, then to the woman, chanting: I will drink from the cup of salvation; I will call upon the name of the Lord. Then he takes the Bridal Pair, while the Groomsman holds the Crowns behind and above them, and leads them in a circle around the Analogion thrice. The people sing: The Dance of Isaiah, in Tone 5 O Isaiah, dance your joy, for the Virgin was indeed with child; and brought to birth a Son, that Emmanuel, Who came as both God and man; Day‑at‑the‑Dawn is the Name He bears, and by extolling Him, We hail the Virgin as blessed. Hear us, you martyred Saints, who fought the good fight, gaining crowns: entreat the Lord to shed His tender mercy on our souls. Glory to You, O Christ our God, Your Apostles' proudest boast and treasure of Your Martyrs' joy, Who to all proclaimed the Consubstantial Trinity. Then the Priest removes the Crowns, taking first that of the Groom and saying: Be magnified, O Bridegroom, as Abraham, and blessed as Isaac, and increased as was Jacob. Go your way in peace, performing in righteousness the commandments of God. He takes the Crown of the Bride and says: And you, O Bride, be magnified as was Sarah, and rejoiced as was Rebecca, and increased as Rachel, being glad in your husband, keeping the paths of the Law, for so God is well pleased. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Now the Priest says this prayer: O God our God, Who was present in Cana of Galilee and blessed the marriage there, do You (+) also bless these' Your servants, who, by Your Providence, are joined in the community of marriage. Bless their comings‑in and their goings‑out. Replenish their life with all good things. (Here the priest lifts the crowns from the heads of the bride and groom and places them on the table.) Accept their crowns in Your Kingdom unsoiled and undefiled; and preserve them without offense to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. Choir: To You, O Lord. Priest: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; the All‑Holy, Consubstantial and Life‑creating Trinity; One Godhead and Kingdom; bless (+) you; grant to you long life, well-favored children, progress in life and in Faith; replenish you with all the good things of the earth, and count you worthy of the promised blessings, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos, and of all the Saints. Choir: Amen. Priest: Glory to You, O Christ our God and our hope: glory to You. Reader: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy. Holy Father, Bless. Priest: He, Who by His presence in Cana of Galilee declared marriage to be honorable, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all‑pure Mother, of the holy, glorious, and all‑praiseworthy Apostles, of the holy, God‑crowned and Equal‑to‑the‑Apostles Constantine and Helen, of the Holy, great Martyr Procopios, and of all the holy Saints, have mercy on us and save us, as our good and loving Lord. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ Our God, Have Mercy on us and save us. Choir: Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 15: THE SERVICE OF HOLY BAPTISM ======================================================================== The Priest enters the Altar and arrays himself in white vestments. While the candles are being lit, he takes up the Censer, goes to the Font, and censes round about. And giving up the Censer, he makes a Reverence. Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. In peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. After each petition: Lord have mercy. For the peace from above; for the salvation of our souls; let us pray to the Lord. For the peace of the whole world; for the stability of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all; let us pray to the Lord. For this holy House, and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter therein; let us pray to the Lord. For our Most Reverend Archbishop (Name), for the venerable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ; for all the Clergy, and for all the people; let us pray to the Lord. That this water may be hallowed by the might, and operation, and descent of the Holy Spirit; let us pray to the Lord. That there may be sent down upon it the Grace of Redemption, the blessing of the Jordan; let us pray to the Lord. That there may come down upon this water the cleansing operation of the Supersubstantial Trinity; let us pray to the Lord. That we may be illumined with the Light of Knowledge and Piety through the descent of the Holy Spirit; let us pray to the Lord. That this water may prove effectual for the averting of every plot of visible and invisible enemies; let us pray to the Lord. That he (she) that is about to be baptized herein may become worthy of the incorruptible Kingdom; let us pray to the Lord. That he (she) that now comes to holy Illumination, and for his (her) salvation; let us pray to the Lord. That he (she) may prove to be a child of Light, and an inheritor of eternal blessings; let us pray to the Lord. That he (she) may grow in, and become a partaker of the Death and Resurrection of Christ our God; let us pray to the Lord. That he (she) may preserve the garment of Baptism, and the earnest of the Spirit undefiled and blameless in the terrible Day of Christ our God; let us pray to the Lord. That this water may be for him (her) a laver of Regeneration unto the remission of sins, and a garment of incorruption; let us pray to the Lord. That the Lord may listen to the voice of our prayer; let us pray to the Lord. That He may deliver him (her) and us from tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity; let us pray to the Lord. Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by Your Grace. Calling to remembrance our all-holy, pure, exceedingly blessed glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints; let us commend ourselves and one another and all our life to Christ our God. Priest: (inaudibly) Let us pray to the Lord. O compassionate and merciful God, Who tries the heart and reigns, and Who alone knows the secrets of men, for no deed is secret in Your sight, but all things are exposed and naked in Your eyesight: do You Yourself, Who perceives that which concerns me, neither turn away Your face from me, but overlook my offenses in this hour, O You that overlook the sins of men that they repent. Wash away the defilement of my body and the stain of my soul. Sanctify me wholly by Your all-effectual, invisible might, and by Your spiritual right hand, lest, by preaching liberty to others, and offering this in the perfect faith of Your unspeakable love for humankind, I may be condemned as a servant of sin. Nay, Sovereign Master that alone are good and loving, let me not be turned away humbled and shamed, but send forth to me power from on high, and strengthen me for the ministration of this Your present, great, and most heavenly Mystery. Form the Image of Your Christ in him (her) who is about to be born again through my humility. Build him (her) on the foundation of Your Apostles and Prophets. Cast him (her) not down, but plant him (her) as a plant of truth in Your Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Pluck him (her) not out, that, by) his (her) advancing in piety, by the same may be glorified Your Most Holy Name, of Father, and of Son, and of Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. The Blessing of the Baptismal Waters The Priest reads aloud Great are You, O Lord, and wondrous are Your works, and no word will suffice to hymn Your wonders. (3) For by Your Will have You out of nothingness brought all things into being and by Your power sustain all creation and by Your Providence direct the world. You from the four elements have formed creation and have crowned the cycle of the year with the four seasons; all the spiritual powers tremble before You; the sun praises You; the: moon glorifies You; the stars in their courses meet with You; the Light hearkens unto You; the depths shudder at Your presence; the springs of water serve You; You have stretched out the Heavens as a curtain; You have founded the earth upon the waters; You have bounded the sea with sand; You have poured forth the air for breathing; the angelic Powers minister unto You; the Choirs of Archangels worship before You; the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, as they stand and fly around You, veil themselves with fear of Your unapproachable Glory; for You, being boundless and beginningless and unutterable, did come down on earth, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; for You O Master, through the tenderness of Your Mercy, could not endure the race of men tormented by the devil, but You did come and saved us. We confess Your Grace; we proclaim Your beneficence; we do not hide Your Mercy; You have set at liberty the generations of our nature; You did hallow the virginal Womb by Your Birth; all creation praises You, Who did manifest Yourself, for You were seen upon the earth, and did sojourn with men. You hallowed the streams of Jordan, sending down from the Heavens Your Holy Spirit, and crushed the heads of dragons that lurked therein. Do you yourself, O Loving King, be present now also through the descent of your Holy Spirit and hallow this water (3). And give to it the Grace of Redemption, the Blessing of Jordan. Make it a fountain of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, a loosing of sins, a healing of sicknesses, a destruction of demons, unapproachable by hostile powers, filled with angelic might; and let them that take counsel together against Your creature flee there from, for I have called upon Your Name, O Lord, which is wonderful, and glorious, and terrible unto adversaries. And he signs the water thrice, dipping his fingers in it; and breathing upon it, he says: Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the signing of your most precious cross. (3) We pray You, O Lord, let every airy and invisible specter withdraw itself from us, and let not a demon of darkness conceal himself in this water; neither let an evil spirit, bringing obscurity of purpose and rebellious thoughts, descend into it with him (her) that is about to be baptized. But do You, O Master of All, declare this water to be water of redemption, water of sanctification, a cleansing of flesh and spirit, a loosing of bonds, a forgiveness of sins, an illumination of soul, a laver of regeneration, a renewal of the spirit, a gift of sonship, a garment of incorruption, a fountain of life. For You have said, O Lord: "Wash, and be clean; put away evil from your souls." You have bestowed upon us regeneration from on high by water and the spirit. Manifest Yourself, O Lord, in this water, and grant that he (she) that is to be baptized may be transformed therein to the putting away of the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and to the putting on of the new, which is renewed according to the Image of Him that created him (her). That, being planted in the likeness of Your death through Baptism, he (she) may become a sharer of Your Resurrection; and, preserving the Gift of Your Holy Spirit, and increasing the deposit of Grace, he (she) may attain unto prize of his (her) high calling, and accounted among the number of the first-born, whose names are written in Heaven, in You our God and Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be all Glory and Might, together with Your Eternal Father and with Your All; Holy, Good, and Life; creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. Choir: To You, O Lord. The Priest breathes thrice upon the Oil and signs it thrice, while it is held by the Godparent. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. The Blessing of the Oil Sovereign Lord and Master, God of our Fathers, Who did send to them in the Ark of Noah a dove bearing a twig of olive in its beak as a sign of reconciliation and salvation from the Flood, and through these things prefigured the Mystery of Grace; and thereby have filled them that were under the Law with the Holy Spirit, and perfected them that are under Grace: do You Yourself bless this Oil by the power (+) and operation (+) and descent of the Holy Spirit (+) that it may become an anointing of incorruption, a shield of righteousness, a renewal of soul and body, and averting of every operation of the devil, to the removal of all evils from them that are anointed with it in faith, or that are partakers of it. To Your Glory, and to that of Your Only-Begotten Son, and of Your All; Holy, Good, and Life; creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Let us attend. The Priest, singing Alleluia thrice with the People, makes three Crosses with the Oil upon the water. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Blessed is God that enlightens and sanctifies every man that comes into the world, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Priest pours some Oil into the hands of the Godparent. He then takes Oil and makes the Sign of the Cross on the child's forehead, breast, and between his (her) shoulders, saying: The servant of God (Name) is anointed with the Oil of Gladness, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. And he signs his (her) breast and between his (her) shoulders, saying: For healing of soul and body. And on the ears, saying: For the hearing of Faith. And on the feet, saying: That he (she) may walk in the paths of Your commandments. And on the hands, saying: Your hands have made me, and fashioned me. The Baptizing When he has anointed the whole body, the Priest baptizes him (her), holding him (her) erect, and looking to wards the East, says: The servant of God (Name) is baptized in the Name of the Father. Amen. And of the Son, Amen. And of the Holy Spirit, Amen. At each invocation the Priest immerses him (her) and raises him (her) up again. After the baptizing, the Priest places the child in a linen sheet held by the Godparent. Psalm 31 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.(3) Blessed is the man whom the Lord imputes not sin, and in whose mouth there is no guile. Because I have kept silence, my bones waxed old through my crying all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy on me. I was turned into lowliness while the thorn was fastened in me. My sin I have acknowledged, and my iniquity I have not hid. I said, "I will confess against myself my sin unto the Lord." And You forgave the ungodliness of my heart. For this shall everyone who is holy pray to You in a seasonable time; moreover in a flood of many waters shall the billows not come nigh to him. For You are my refuge from the tribulation which surrounds me. O my rejoicing, deliver me from them that have encircled me. The Lord says: "I will give you understanding, and will teach you in this My way which you shall go; I will fix My eyes on you. Be not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding. With bit and bridle would you bind their jaws; lest they come near to you." Many are the scourges of the sinner, but with mercy shall I encircle them that hope on the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you that are upright of heart. The Priest says the Prayer of Confirmation. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. The Prayer of Confirmation Blessed are You, Lord God Almighty, Fountain of Blessings, Sun of Righteousness, Who made to shine forth for those in darkness a light of salvation through the manifestation of Your Only-Begotten Son and our God, granting unto us, though we are unworthy, blessed cleansing in Holy Water, and divine sanctification in the Life-effecting Anointing; Who now also has been well-pleased to regenerate this Your servant newly illuminated through Water and Spirit, giving him (her) forgiveness of his (her) voluntary and involuntary sins: do You Yourself, Sovereign Master, Compassionate King of All, bestow upon him (her) also the Seal of Your omnipotent and adorable Holy Spirit, and the Communion of the Holy Body and Most Precious Blood of Your Christ; keep him (her) in Your sanctification; confirm him (her) in the Orthodox Faith; deliver him (her) from the Evil One and all his devices; preserve his (her) soul, through Your saving fear, in purity and righteousness, that in every work and word, being acceptable before You, he (she) may become a child and heir of Your heavenly Kingdom. For You are our God, the God of Mercy and Salvation, and to You do we send up Glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. And after the Prayer of Confirmation, the Priest chrismates the baptized and he makes on the person the Sign of the Cross with the Holy Chrism (Holy Myron), on the forehead, the eyes, the nostrils, the mouth, the ears, the breast, the hands, and the feet. At each anointing and sealing, he says: The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit, amen. The Priest invests the baptized in a new clean robe, saying: Clothed is the servant of God (Name) with the garment of righteousness, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Troparion, in Tone 8 A robe of divine light bestow upon me, O You that for vesture array Yourself with Light; and bestow many mercies, O Christ our God, who are plenteous in mercy. Then the Priest makes, together with the Godparent and the child, circumambulation around the Font, three times; and for each of the three rounds the Choir sings: As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia.(3) Glory ... Both now... As many... Alleluia. Priest: Louder. Choir: As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia. Priest: Let us attend. The Prokeimenon in Tone 3 The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the Protector of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? Priest: Wisdom! The Epistle The Reader: The Reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans. (Rom. 6:3-11) Priest: Let us attend. The Reader: Brethren, do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Priest: Peace be to you that read. And to your spirit. Choir: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all (+). Choir: And with your spirit. The Gospel Priest: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. Let us attend. (Matt. 28:16-20) Choir: Glory to You, O Lord; Glory to You. Priest: At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped 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 of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded to you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen. Choir: Glory to You, O Lord; Glory to You. The Ablution Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And with your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. Choir: To You, O Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest says the Prayer Priest: You that through Holy Baptism have granted forgiveness of sins to this Your servant, bestowing on him (her) a life of regeneration: do You Yourself, Sovereign Master and Lord, be pleased that the Light of Your countenance evermore shine in his (her) heart; maintain the shield of his (her) faith against the plotting of enemies; preserve in him (her) the garment of incorruption, which he (she) has put on undefiled and unstained; preserve in him (her) the Seal of Your Grace, being gracious unto us, and unto him (her) according to the multitude of Your compassions, for glorified and blessed is Your all-honorable and majestic Name: of Father, and of Son, and of Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: Sovereign Master and Lord our God, Who through the baptismal Font bestows heavenly Illumination to them that are baptized; Who has regenerated this Your servant bestowing upon him (her) forgiveness of his (her) voluntary and involuntary sins; do You lay upon him (her) Your mighty hand, and guard him (her) in the power of Your goodness. Preserve unspotted his (her) pledge of' Faith in You. Account him (her) worthy of Life everlasting and Your good favor. For You are our sanctification and to You do we send up all Glory; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. Choir: To You, O Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: He (she) that has put on You, O Christ, with us bows his (her) head unto You; ever protect him (her) a warrior invincible against them who vainly raise up enmity against him (her), or, as might be, against us; and by Your Crown of Incorruption at the last declare us all to be the victorious ones. For Yours it is to have mercy and to save, and unto You, as to Your Eternal Father and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life; creating Spirit, do we send up all Glory, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Priest loosens the child's girdle and garment, and, joining the ends of these, he soaks them with clean water and sprinkles the child, saying aloud: You are justified; you are illumined. And taking a new sponge dipped in water, the Priest wipes his (her) head, the breast, and the rest, saying: You are baptized; you are illuminated; you are anointed with the Holy Myrrh, you are hallowed; you are washed clean, in the Name of Father, and of Son, and of Holy Spirit. Amen. The Tonsure Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: Sovereign Master and Lord our God, Who honored man with Your own Image, providing him with reason; endowed soul and comely body, that the body might serve the reason; endowed soul; for You did set his head on high, and therein planted the greater number of the senses, which impede not one another, covering the head that it might not be injured by the changes of the weather, and did fit all the members serviceably thereunto, that by all it might render thanks unto You, the excellent Artist; do You Yourself, O Sovereign Master, Who by the Vessel of Your Election, Paul the Apostle, to do all things unto Your Glory, bless (+) this Your servant (Name), who is come now to make offering the firstlings of hair shorn from his (her) head; and bless his (her) Sponsor (+); granting them in all things to be diligent followers of Your Law, and to do all those things that are well pleasing unto You, for a merciful and loving God are You, and to You do we send up all Glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. Choir: To You, O Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. The Priest lays his right hand upon the head of the child and prays: O Lord our God, Who through the fulfillment of the baptismal Font have, by Your Goodness, sanctified them that believe in You: (+) do You bless this child here present, and may Your blessings come down upon his (her) head; as You did bless the head of Your servant David the King through the Prophet Samuel, (+) so also bless the head of this servant (Name), through the hand of me, the unworthy Priest, visiting him (her) with Your Holy Spirit, that as he (she) goes forward to the prime of his (her) years, and the gray hairs of old age, he (she) may send up Glory to You, beholding the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his (her) life. For to You are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. The Priest shears him (her) in the form of a Cross, snipping off four locks of hair, front, back, and over each ear, cross-fashion, saying: The servant of God (Name) is shorn in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Choir: Amen. Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy. We beseech You, listen, and have mercy. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: Again let us pray for mercy, life, peace, health, and salvation for the servants of God, the newly illumined (Name), the Godparents, and all those who have come here together for this holy Sacrament. For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You do we send up all Glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Apolysis Priest: Glory to You, O Christ our God and our hope; glory to You. Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy. Master, bid the blessing. Priest: He Who deigned to be baptized in the Jordan by John for our salvation, Christ our true God; through the intercessions of His all-pure Mother, of the holy and glorious prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, of the holy, glorious all; praiseworthy Apostles, (Name of Saint whose name the child has received), and of all the Saints; have mercy and save us as our good and loving Lord. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers... Choir: Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 16: THE MAKING OF A CATECHUMEN ======================================================================== The Priest divests him (her) that comes to be illuminated of robes and shoes and faces him (her) eastward, barefoot and clad in a single garment, hands down. Then, breathing thrice on his (her) face and signing him (her) thrice on the forehead and breast, the Priest says: Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Laying his hand upon his (her) head, the Priest says: Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: In Your Name, O Lord God of Truth, and in the Name of Your Only-Begotten Son, and of Your Holy Spirit, I lay my hand upon this Your servant (Name), who has been accounted worthy to flee unto Your Holy Name and to be sheltered under the shadow of Your wings. Remove far from him (her) that ancient error, and fill him (her) with faith and hope and love that is in You, that he (she) may know that You alone are the True God, and Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Your Holy Spirit. Grant him (her) to walk in Your commandments, and to observe those things that are acceptable before You; for if a man does such he shall find life in them. Inscribe him (her) in Your Book of Life, and unite him (her) to the flock of Your inheritance. Let Your Holy Name be glorified in him (her) and that of Your well-beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and of Your Life-creating Spirit. Let Your eyes look over him (her) in mercy, and Your ears be ever attentive unto the voice of his (her) prayer. Let him (her) ever rejoice in the works of his (her) hands, and in all his (her) generation, that he (she) may give thanks to You, worshipping and glorifying Your great and Most High Name, and may ever praise You all the days of his (her) life. For all the Powers of Heaven praise You, and Yours is the Glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. First Exorcism Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: The Lord rebukes you, O devil, He that came into the world and made His dwelling among men, that He might cast down your tyranny, and deliver men; He that upon the Tree triumphed over the opposing powers, when the sun was darkened, and the earth was shaken, and the tombs were opened, and the bodies of the Saints arose; He that by death destroyed Death, and overcame him that held the might of death, that is, even you, O devil. I adjure you by the Living God, Who has shown forth the Tree of Life, and posted the Cherubim, and the flaming sword that turns about to guard this: be rebuked, and depart, for I forbid you, through Him that walks on the waves of the sea as upon the dry land, Who forbade the storm of the winds, Whose glance dries up the deep, and Whose threatenings melt the mountains; for it is He Himself that now forbids you through us. Be afraid, and depart, and absent yourself from this creature, and come not back, neither hide yourself in him (her), nor encounter him (her), nor influence him (her) either by night or by day, nor in the morning or at noon; but get you hence to your own Tartarus, until the appointed day of Judgment. Fear God, Who sits on the throne of the Cherubim, and looks upon the depths, before Whom tremble Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Principalities, Authorities, Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim, and the six-winged Seraphim; Whom Heaven and earth fear, the sea, and all that live therein. Come forth, and depart from the sealed and newly-enlisted soldier of Christ our God; for I adjure you by Him that rides upon the wings of the winds, Who makes His Angels spirits and His Ministers a flame of fire. Come forth, and from this creature which He fashioned depart with all your power and might; for glorified is the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Second Exorcism Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: God, the Holy, the Terrible, and the Glorious, Who concerning all His works and strength is incomprehensible and unsearchable, Who Himself has ordained for you O devil, the retribution of eternal torment, through us, His unworthy servants, commands you, and all your cooperating might to go forth from him (her) that is newly sealed in the Name of our Lord God and Savior Christ. Therefore, you all evil, unclean, abominable, loathsome and alien spirit, I adjure you by the power of Jesus Christ, Who has all authority in Heaven and on earth, Who says to the deaf and dumb demon, "Get out of the man, and enter no more into him." Depart, know the vainness of your might, which had not power even over the swine! Remember Him Who bade you, at your request, to enter into the herd of swine. Fear God, at Whose command the earth was established upon the waters; Who has founded the Heavens, and fixed the mountains with a line, and the valleys with a measure; Who has placed the sand for a boundary to the sea, and made safe paths through the waters; Who touched the mountains and they smoked; Who clothed Himself with Light as with a garment; Who has stretched out the Heavens as with a curtain; Who covers His upper rooms with waters; Who has founded the earth on her firm foundations, so that it shall not be moved forever; Who calls up the waters of the seas, and sprinkles it on the face of the earth. Come out! Depart from him (her) who is now being made ready for Holy Illumination; I adjure you by the saving Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, by His Precious Blood and All-Pure Body, and by His terrible Coming Again for He shall come and not tarry, to judge all the earth, and shall punish you and your cooperating might in the Gehenna of fire, consigning you to the outer darkness where the worm dies not and the fire is not quenched; for of Christ is the Might, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Third Exorcism Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord of Sabaoth, the God of Israel, Who heals every sickness and every wound, Look down upon this Your servant (Name); search out and try him (her), driving away from him (her) every operation of the devil. Rebuke the unclean spirits and expel them, cleansing the work of Your hands; and, using Your trenchant energy, beat down Satan under his (her) feet, giving him (her) victory over him, and over his unclean spirits; so that, obtaining the mercy that comes from You, he (she) may be accounted worthy of Your Immortal and Heavenly Mysteries, and may send up all glory to You, to Father, and to Son, and to Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Prayer You, the Existing Sovereign Master and Lord, Who made man after Your own image and likeness and gave to him power of eternal life; and when he had fallen through sin did not disdain him, but did provide for him through the Incarnation of Your Christ, the salvation of the world. Redeeming this Your creature from the yoke of the Enemy, receive him (her) into Your heavenly Kingdom. Open the eyes of his (her) understanding, so that the Illumination of Your Gospel may dawn upon him (her). Yoke unto his (her) life a shining Angel to deliver him (her) from every plot directed against him (her) by the Adversary, from encounter with evil, from the noon-day demon, and from evil dreams. And the Priest breathes on his (her) forehead, on his (her) mouth, and on his (her) breast, saying: Priest: Drive out from him (her) every evil and unclean spirit, hiding and lurking in his (her) heart. (This he does and says thrice.) The spirit of error, the spirit of evil, the spirit of idolatry and of all covetousness that works according to the teaching of the devil. Make him (her) a reason-endowed sheep of the holy Flock of Your Christ, and honorable member of Your Church, a hallowed vessel, a child of Light, and heir of Your Kingdom. So that, having ordered his (her) life according to Your commandments, and having guarded the Seal and kept it unbroken, and having preserved his (her) garment undefiled, he (she) may attain unto the blessedness of the Saints of Your Kingdom. Through the Grace and Compassion and Man-befriending Love of Your Only-Begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then the Priest turns him (her)that is to be baptized to face westward, unclothed, barefoot hands upraised. If the person is a child, the Sponsor holding him (her) faces West. the Priest then says thrice: Priest: Do you renounce Satan, and all his works, and all his worship, and all his angels, and all his pomp? Each time the Catechumen (or the Sponsor if the person to be baptized is a child or a foreigner) answers and says: Catechumen: I do renounce him. Again the Priest asks him (her) that is to be baptized (3): Priest: Have you renounced Satan? And the Catechumen or the Sponsor answers (3): Catechumen: I have renounced him. After the third time, the Priest says: Priest: Then blow and spit upon him. And this being done, the Priest turns the Catechumen to the East with lowered hands, and repeats the following three times: Priest: Do you join Christ? The question is answered three times: Catechumen: I do join Him. Again the Priest asks three times: Priest: Have you joined Christ? Catechumen: I have joined Him. Again the Priest asks: Priest: And do you believe in Him? Catechumen: I believe in Him as King and as God. After the completion of the Creed, the Priest asks thrice: Priest: Have you joined Christ? Catechumen: I have joined Him. Priest: Then bow before Him and worship Him. Catechumen (or Sponsor) bows down, saying: Catechumen: I bow down before the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit; Trinity. One in essence and undivided. Priest: Blessed is God Who desires that all people should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the Truth; both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: Sovereign Master, Lord our God, call this Your servant (Name) to Your Holy Illumination, and account him (her) worthy of this great Grace and Your Holy Baptism. Put off from him (her) the old man (woman), and renew him unto everlasting life; fill him (her) with the power of Your Holy Spirit, unto union with Your Christ; that he (she) may no longer be a child of the body, but a child of Your Kingdom; through the good pleasure and Grace of Your Only-Begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Apolysis Glory to You, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to You. Christ our True God... Through the prayers of our holy Fathers ... ======================================================================== CHAPTER 17: THE HOLY SACRAMENT OF ORDINATION TO THE SUB-DIACONATE ======================================================================== At the conclusion of Orthros the candidate is brought before the bishop at the throne, and the symmartyria (canonical testimonial) is read. The bishop then makes the sign of the Cross three times over the candidate, saying: Bishop: In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (3) Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Bishop: Lord, our God, Who through the one and same Holy Spirit distribute gifts of grace to each one whom You have chosen; Who have given to the Church different orders; and have established different degrees of ministry therein for the service of Your holy, pure Mysteries; and Who through Your ineffable foreknowledge have ordained this Your servant (Name) worthy to serve in Your holy Church. Preserve him, Lord, uncondemned in all things. Grant that he may love the beauty of Your house, standing before the doors of Your holy temple, and lighting the lamps of the dwelling place of Your glory. Plant him in Your holy Church like a fruitful olive tree bringing forth the fruits of righteousness. Make him Your perfect servant at the time of Your Second Coming, that he may receive the reward of those who are pleasing in Your sight. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages. Chanters: Amen. The newly-ordained subdeacon stands before the bishop, holding a pitcher of water in his right hand, and a bowl in his left, with a towel placed over his left arm. The bishop washes his hands, and then splashes water in the face of the subdeacon. While he does these things, the subdeacon intones: Subdeacon: All who are faithful. (3) The newly-ordained subdeacon is led before the icon of the Lord Jesus Christ to prayerfully await the moment of ordination to the Diaconate. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 18: THE HOLY SACRAMENT OF ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD ======================================================================== During the Divine Liturgy, after the completion of the Cherubic Hymnfollowing the Great Entrance, two priests exit, and bring the deacon before the bishop. They stand on the solea, facing the bishop who stands in the Royal Doors. 1st Priest: Command. 2nd Priest: All Command. 1st Priest: Command, holy Master, the one who is now being presented to you. Bishop: In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (3) The deacon addresses the bishop, then the bishop counsels the bishop. Afterwards, the deacon is brought into the sanctuary, and led by the priests, circles the altar three times while the clergy sing: Clergy: Hear us, you martyred Saints who have fought the good fight and received crowns, entreat the Lord, to have mercy on our souls. Glory to you, Christ our God, the Apostles' boast and pride, the Martyrs' fervent joy whose preaching is the consubstantial Trinity. O Isaiah dance with joy, for the Virgin is indeed with child and brought forth a son, Emmanuel. Who came both as God and man, Day-at-the-Dawn is his name, and by magnifying him, we call the Virgin blessed. They bring the candidate to the bishop, who makes the sign of the cross three times over his head. The deacon kneels before the altar placing his hands on the altar and his head upon his hands. After the 1st deacon proclaims, "Let us be attentive!" the bishop places his hand on the head of the deacon and recites the prayer, "The Divine grace ..." Deacon: Let us be attentive. Bishop: The divine grace, which always heals that which is infirm and completes that which is lacking, ordains the most devout Deacon (name) to the office of Priest. Let us, therefore, pray for him, that the grace of the All-Holy Spirit may come upon him. The clergy in the Holy of Holies say: Clergy: Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Bishop: O God without beginning or end, Who are before every created thing, and Who honors with the title of Presbyter those whom You deem worthy to serve the word of Your truth in the divine ministry of this order: You, the same sovereign Master, preserve in purity of life and in unswerving faith this man whom You have been pleased to ordain through me by the laying on of hands, graciously imparting to him the great grace of Your Holy Spirit, making him wholly Your servant, well-pleasing to You in all things, and worthily exercising this great honor of the Priesthood which You conferred upon him by the power of Your wisdom. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages. Chanters: Amen. The senior priest recites the following petitions in a low voice while the clergy in the Holy of Holies slowly respond "Lord, have mercy." 1st Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord. For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord. For our Archbishop (Name), and our Bishop (Name) for his priesthood, sustenance, sojourn, peace, health, salvation, and for the works of his hands, let us pray to the Lord. For the servant of God (Name of the new presbyter), who has now been ordained a presbyter, and for his salvation, let us pray to the Lord. That God who loves mankind will grant to him a pure and blameless priesthood, let us pray to the Lord. For this parish and this city, for every city and country, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord. For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most-blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life to Christ our God. Chanters: To You, O Lord. Bishop: For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages. Chanters: Amen. While the Senior Priest intones the petitions, the Hierarch reads thefollowing prayer with his hand still on the new presbyter’s head: Bishop: O God, great in might and inscrutable in wisdom, marvelous in counsel above the sons of men: You the same Lord, fill with the gift of Your Holy Spirit this man whom it has pleased You to advance to the degree of Priest; that he may become worthy to stand in innocence before Your altar, to proclaim the Gospel of Your kingdom, to minister the word of Your truth, to offer to You spiritual gifts and sacrifices; to renew Your people through the font of regeneration, that when he shall go to meet You, at the second coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Your only-begotten Son, he may receive the reward of good stewardship in the order given to him, through the plenitude of Your goodness. For blessed and glorified is Your all-holy and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever and to the ages of ages. Chanters: Amen. Everyone stands. The bishop proclaims the newly-ordained priest "Axios!" ("worthy") to which the congregation responds "Axios!" The bishop will hold up each item of the Priest's vestments and againproclaim "Axios!" each time to which the congregation also responds "Axios!" and vests the new priest. After the consecration of the Eucharist, the bishop places the body of Christ into the new priest's hands with the following admonition: Bishop: Receive this Divine Trust, and guard it until the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, at which time He will demand It from you. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 19: THE HOLY SACRAMENT OF ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE ======================================================================== During the Liturgy, after the Hierarch has intoned "And may the mercies of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all," two Deacons exit, and bring the Subdeacon is before the Hierarch. They stand on the solea, facing the Hierarch who stands in the Beautiful Gate. 1st Deacon: Command 2nd Deacon: All command 1st Deacon: Command, Holy Master, the one who presents himself before you. Bishop: In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (3) The subdeacon addresses the bishop, then the bishop counsels the subdeacon. Afterwards, the subdeacon is brought into the sanctuary, and led by the deacons, circles the altar three times while the clergy sing: Clergy: Hear us, you martyred Saints who have fought the good fight and received crowns, entreat the Lord, to have mercy on our souls. Glory to you, Christ our God, the Apostles' boast and pride, the Martyrs' fervent joy whose preaching is the consubstantial Trinity. O Isaiah dance with joy, for the Virgin is indeed with child and brought forth a son, Emmanuel. Who came both as God and man, Day-at-the-Dawn is his name, and by magnifying him, we call the Virgin blessed. They bring the Candidate to the Hierarch at the front of the Altar. The subdeacon kneels before the Altar placing his hands on the Altar and his head upon his hands. The Hierarch makes the sign of the Cross three times over his head. After the Deacon proclaims, "Let us be attentive!" the Hierarch places his hand on the head of the Subdeacon and recites the Prayer, "The Divine grace…” Deacon: Let us be attentive. Bishop: The divine grace, which always heals that which is infirm and completes that which is lacking, ordains the most devout Subdeacon (Name) to the office of Deacon. Let us, therefore, pray for him, that the grace of the All-Holy Spirit may come upon him. The clergy in the Holy of Holies say: Clergy: Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Bishop: Lord our God, in Your providence You send your Holy Spirit upon those who are ordained by Your unsearchable power to become servants to minister Your Pure Mysteries, do You Lord, look upon this man whom You have consented to be ordained by me to the service of the Diaconate and preserve him in all humility, that he may hold the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. Grant to him the grace which You gave to Stephen, Your first martyr, whom You called first to the ministry of Your Diaconate. Make him worthy to please You as he serves You in the office which you, in your goodness, bestowed upon him. For those who minister well prepare themselves for good reward; and proclaim him Your perfect servant. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, of the Father, the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages. Chanters: Amen. The first deacon recites the following petitions in a low voice while the clergy in the Holy of Holies slowly respond "Lord, have mercy." 1st Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord. For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord. For our Archbishop (Name), and our Bishop (Name) for his priesthood, sustenance, sojourn, peace, health, salvation, and for the works of his hands, let us pray to the Lord. For the servant of God (Name of the new deacon), who has now been ordained a deacon, and for his salvation, let us pray to the Lord. That God who loves mankind will grant to him a pure and blameless diaconate, let us pray to the Lord. For this parish and this city, for every city and country, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord. For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most-blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life to Christ our God. Chanters: To You, O Lord. Bishop: For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages. Chanters: Amen. While the 1st deacon intones the petitions, the bishop reads the following prayer with his hand still on the new deacon's head: Bishop: O God our Savior, by your immortal voice You established the office of the diaconate through Your Apostles and showed forth the First martyr Stephen whom You elected first to fulfill the work of a deacon. It is written in your holy Gospel, "whoever would be first among you, let him be your servant." Lord of all fill this, Your servant, whom you have consented to enter the ministry of a deacon with the totality of faith, love, power, and sanctification by the descent of Your Holy and Life-giving Spirit. For not through the laying on of my hands, but by the divine visitation of your rich mercies grace is bestowed upon your worthy ones; that he, liberated from every sin, may stand blameless by You in the awesome Day of Judgment and receive the true reward of Your promise. For You are our God, and to You we ascribe glory, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages. Chanters: Amen. Everyone stands and the bishop proclaims the newly-ordained Deacon "Axios!" ("worthy") to which the congregation responds "Axios!" The bishop will hold up each item of the deacon's vestments and again proclaim "Axios!" each time to which the congregation also responds "Axios!" and vests the new deacon. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 20: COMMUNION OF THE SICK IN A HOSPITAL ======================================================================== This is the service of communion of the sick when the infirm is unable to respond to petitions, or say the prayers, etc. This will most likely be when communing someone who is in the hospital. The entire service is to be read by the priest. Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. All Holy Trinity have mercy on us; Lord, be gracious unto our sins; Master, pardon our offenses; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your Name's sake. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both 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 evil. For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. In peace let us pray to the Lord. For the peace from above; for the salvation of our souls; let us pray to the Lord. For the remission of sins of the servant of God (Name) and the forgiveness of all c voluntary and involuntary transgressions; let us pray to the Lord. That He will deliver him (her) and us from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity; let us pray to the Lord. Help us; save us; have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Your Grace. Calling to remembrance our all; holy, pure, exceedingly blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints; let us commend ourselves and one another and all our life to Christ our God. For to You are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. O Master, Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, Who alone has the power to forgive sins, and are our Loving God, overlook, we beseech You, the transgressions of Your servant (Name), whether of knowledge or ignorance, granting to him (her) to partake without condemnation of Your immaculate Mysteries, not unto judgment, nor to the increase of sins, but to the cleansing of soul and body, and to the inheritance of Your Kingdom; for You are his (her) help and a firm wall and bulwark against the Adversary, and the purification of his (her) iniquities; for You are our merciful and Man befriending God, and to You do we send up Glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. The Priest recites the Communion troparia: O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystic Supper, for I shall not betray Your mysteries to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas, but with the thief I will confess You, "Remember me, O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom." When the Confession of the sick one has been heard, Absolution given, the Priest prepares for the Partaking, Spreading the Paten under the chin of the sick one, the Priest gives to him (her) the Holy Mysteries, saying: The servant of God (Name) partakes of the Precious and All; Holy Body and Blood of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ unto the remission of sins and everlasting Life. Prayers of Thanksgiving Let Your holy Body, O Lord, be unto Life Everlasting for me, and Your precious Blood unto remission of sins. Let this holy Eucharist be a source of joy and gladness for me. At Your second coming make me worthy of standing at Your right hand, through intercessions of your holy Mother, the Theotokos, and all your Saints. Amen. Dismissal Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Prayers in Times of Trouble Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. (+) O Lord of Powers, be with us, for in the time of trouble we have no other help but You. O Lord, God of Powers, have mercy on us. Priest: O God, our help in time of need, Who are just and merciful, and Who inclines to the supplications of His people; Look down upon us, miserable sinners, have mercy on us, and deliver us from the trouble that now besets us, for which we acknowledge we are deservedly suffering. We acknowledge and believe, O Lord, that all the trials of this life are disposed by You for our chastisement, when we drift away from You, and disobey Your commandments; Deal with us not according to our iniquities, but according to Your manifold mercies, for we are the works of Your hands, and You know our weaknesses: Grant, we beseech You, Your divine helping Grace, and endow us with patience and strength to endure our tribulations with complete submission to Your Will; You know our misery and sufferings, and to You, our only hope and refuge, we flee for relief and comfort, trusting in Your infinite love and compassion, that in due time, When You know best, You will deliver us from this trouble, and turn our distress into comfort, When we shall rejoice in Your mercy, and exalt and praise Your Holy Name (+) O Father, Son and Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 21: COMMUNION OF THE SICK ======================================================================== A small table shall be placed near the bed of the sick one it shall be covered with a clean white linen cloth, and on it shall be placed an Ikon of the Lord Jesus Christ, a lighted candle, a glass of water, a spoon, and a napkin. The Priest shall take a particle of the Reserved Holy Mystery, put it into a Cup, and pour therein a little wine (to soften the Particle as much as may be sufficient for the sick one to receive). Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. The Infirm: 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 unto our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name's sake, and have mercy on us. 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 are in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name; Your Kingdom come. Your 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; both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. The Infirm: Amen. Lord have mercy (12). Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. O come, let us worship and fall down before God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God. The Symbol of the Faith 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. The Priest recites the Communion troparia: O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystic Supper, for I shall not betray Your mysteries to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas, but with the thief I will confess You, "Remember me, O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom." Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Treasury of Blessings and Bountiful Giver of Life, Who are in all places and fill all things, come, take Your abode in us' cleansing us of every sin, and, of Your goodness, O Lord, save our souls. Both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion We acknowledged Him God, Who was incarnate of you, O Virgin Theotokos: intercede with Him to save our souls. The Infirm: Lord have mercy. (12) Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. The Infirm: Lord have mercy. Priest: O Master, Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, Who alone has the power to forgive sins, and are our Loving God, overlook, we beseech You, the transgressions of Your servant (Name), whether of knowledge or ignorance, granting to him (her) to partake without condemnation of Your immaculate Mysteries, not unto judgment, nor to the increase of sins, but to the cleansing of soul and body, and to the inheritance of Your Kingdom; for You are his (her) help and a firm wall and bulwark against the Adversary, and the purification of his (her) iniquities; for You are our merciful and Manbefriending God, and to You do we send up Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. The Infirm: Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, into the house of my soul; for it is all deserted and in ruins, and You have not in me a fitting place to rest Your head; but since You desire to abide with me, I, trusting in Your compassion, have come to You; bid the doors of my unworthy lips to open, that I may be satisfied with You alone; enter into me, and cleanse me from every bodily and spiritual defilement; be You my Helper and Defender, and count me worthy to stand at Your right hand, through the intercessions and supplications of our all; pure Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints' who in their generation have been well pleasing unto You, for Blessed are You to the ages of ages. Amen. Prayer of St. John Chrysostom The Infirm: I believe and confess, O Lord, that You are in truth the Christ, the Son of the Living God, that came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief; and I believe that This is truly Your own immaculate Body, and this is Your own Precious Blood; wherefore, I pray you, have mercy on me, and forgive all my transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary, of thought, word, and deed; of knowledge and ignorance; and account me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your immaculate Mysteries, unto remission of sins and unto everlasting Life. Amen. When the Confession of the sick one has been heard, Absolution given, the Priest prepares for the Partaking. Spreading the Paten under the chin of the sick one, the Priest gives to him (her) the Holy Mysteries, saying: The servant of God (Name) partakes of the Precious and All; Holy Body and Blood of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ unto the remission of sins and everlasting Life. Lo! This has touched your lips, and your iniquities shall be taken away, and your sin purged. After the Partaking, the Priest says: Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, a Light to lighten the Gentiles, the Glory of Your people Israel. Troparion of the Day Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. The Infirm: Lord have mercy. The Lord God most merciful have compassion on you. The Lord Jesus Christ bestow on you every good desire. The Lord Almighty deliver you from every calamity. The Lord teach you. The Lord give you understanding. The Lord help you; the Lord save you. The Lord protect you the Lord keep you; the Lord cleanse you. The Lord fill you with spiritual joy. The Lord be Defender of your soul and body. The Lord, as compassionate and loving, give to you forgiveness of sins. The Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on you in the day of judgment and bless you all the days of your life. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion of the Day Through the prayers of all the Saints, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, and of the Theotokos, grant us Your peace and have mercy on us, for You alone are compassionate. Blessing The blessing (+) of the Lord, through His Divine Grace and manbefriending love, come upon you always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen Thanksgiving after Communion The Infirm: Glory to You, our God, glory to You. Priest: I thank You, O Lord my God, Who has granted unto me, though unworthy, to receive Your all; pure and Holy Gifts. May Your Holy Body give profit unto me to everlasting, and Your Precious Blood unto remission of sins; may this Eucharist be unto me for joy, health and gladness, and at Your dread Second Coming, render me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your Majesty, with Your Eternal Father and Your All; Holy, Good and life; creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Through the intercessions of Your all; pure Mother, and of all the Saints. The Infirm: Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 22: VESPERS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF CREATION ======================================================================== Priest: Blessed is our God, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. All: O Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, present in all places and filling all things; treasury of good things and giver of life, come and dwell in us and purify us from every stain, and of your goodness save our souls. 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. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake. Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Glory be 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, in 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. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord have mercy (12). Reader: O come let us worship and bow down to our King and God. O come let us worship and bow down to Christ, our King and God.O come let us worship and bow down before Christ himself, our King and our God. Psalm of Preparation Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honour and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, you set the beams of your chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken. You cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke they flee; at the sound of your thunder they take to flight. They rose up to the mountains, ran down to the valleys to the place that you appointed for them. You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth. You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills, giving drink to every wild animal; the wild asses quench their thirst. By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches. From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart. The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. In them the birds build their nests; the stork has its home in the fir trees. The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the coneys. You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. You make darkness, and it is night, when all the animals of the forest come creeping out. The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. When the sun rises, they withdraw and lie down in their dens. People go out to their work and to their labor until the evening.O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great. There go the ships, and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it. These all look to you to give them their food in due season; when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works -who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord! O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom have you made them all.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, our God.Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to you, our God.Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to you, our hope, 0 Lord, glory to you. Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: For the peace that is from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: For peace in the world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: For our Metropolitan / Archbishop / Bishop (Name), the honourable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: For this city, for every city and country, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: For favourable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seaons, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: For travellers by land, sea and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your Grace. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure blessed, and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. All: To you O Lord. Priest: 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. Deacon: For to You belong all glory, honour and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Tone 1 Choir: O Lord, I have cried out to you, hear me, O Lord. Lord I have cried out to you, hear me, give heed to the voice of my prayer. When I cry out to you, hear me, O Lord. Let my prayer rise like incense before you; and the lifting of my hands an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. Verse: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord who could stand? For with you there is forgiveness. O Christ, who brought all things into existence from nothing, and with ineffable wisdom gave to each one to accomplish unerringly the goal which you laid down in the beginning, O Saviour, Lover of humankind, as you are powerful, bless the whole creation which you fashioned. Verse: For your name's sake I have waited for you, O Lord; my soul has waited for your word, my soul has hoped in the Lord.Give peace to all the nations, Lord, and understanding in all things, so that we may lead our life in tranquillity and always keep the laws which you laid down for all creation for the unalterable maintenance and government of the universe. Verse: From the watch of dawn until the night, from the watch of dawn, let Israel hope in the Lord. Lover of humankind, keep unharmed the environment that clothes the earth, through which, by your will, we who inhabit the earth live and move and have our being, that we, your unworthy suppliants, may be delivered from destruction and ruin. Verse: For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him abundant redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.Fence round the whole creation, O Christ Saviour, with the mighty strength of your love for humankind, and deliver the earth we inhabit from the corruption which threatens it; for we, your servants, have set our hopes on you. Verse: Praise the Lord all nations! extol him all peoples! Put an end, O Saviour, to the evil designs which are being devised against us by senseless intent, and turn aside from the earth every destructive action of the works ofhuman hands which contrive corruption leading to perdition. Verse: For great is his mercy to us, and the truth of the Lord endures for ever. O Lord, who wraps creation in clouds, as godly David sang, watch over the environment of the earth, which you created from the beginning for the preservation of mortals, and give us the breath of the winds and the flow of waters. Tone 6 Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Almighty God, who created all things with wisdom and who watches over and guides them by your all-powerful hand, grant well-being that all creation may prosper and remain unharmed by hostile elements; for you, Master, commanded that the works ofyour hands should remain unshaken until the ends of the age; for you spoke and they came into being and they receive from you mercy for the turning away of all harm, and for the salvation of the human race which glorifies your name which is praised above all. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Who will not call you blessed, all-holy Virgin? Who will not hymn your child-birth without labour? For the only-begotten Son, who shone from the Father beyond time, came forth from you pure Maiden, ineffably incarnate. By nature he became man for our sakes, not divided in a duality of persons, but known without confusion in a duality of natures. O honoured and all-blessed, implore him to have mercy on our souls. Deacon: Wisdom. Let us attend. O Jesus Christ, the joyful Light of the holy glory, of the immortal, heavenly, holy, blessed Father! Now that we have come to the setting of the sun, and behold the evening light, we sing in praise to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For you are worthy to be praised at every hour with songs of worship, O Son of God, giver of life. Wherefore the world doth glorify you. Priest: Wisdom. Reader: The Reading is from Leviticus The Lord spoke to the children of Israel saying: If you walk in my ordinances and keep my commandments and do them, I will give you rain in its season and the earth will give its produce and the trees of the plains their fruit. And your threshing time will overtake the vintage, and the vintage will overtake the sowing. And you will eat your bread to the full and dwell in safety on your land. And no one shall make you afraid; and I will destroy the evil before you. And five of you will pursue a hundred and a hundred of you will pursue tens of thousands. And I will look upon you and bless you and make you increase and multiply and I will establish my covenant with you. And you will eat what is old and very old, and bring out the old to make way for the new. And I will set my tabernacle among you and my soul shall not abhor you; and I will walk among you; and I will be your God and you shall be my people. But if you will not listen to me, nor observe these ordinances of mine, but disobey them, and if your soul loathes my judgements, so that you do not keep all my commandments, I in turn will do thus to you: I will bring distress upon you, and you will sow your seed in vain and your enemies will devour your labours. And I will set my face against you and you will fall before your foes and they will pursue you and you will flee though no one pursues you; and I will smash the arrogance of your pride. And I will make the heaven like iron for you and your earth like solid bronze. And your strength will be in vain and your land will not give its fruit, and the trees of the field will not give their fruit. And I will send the wild beasts of the earth against you, and they will consume your cattle, and the sword will come against you and make you few in number. And your land will be desert and your farms will be desert; because you have walked against me crookedly, and I will walk against you with crooked rage, says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel. Priest: Wisdom. Reader: The Reading is from the prophecy of Isaiah Look down, Lord, from heaven and see, from your holy house and your glory. Where is the abundance of your mercy and of your acts of pity, that you have withheld yourself from us? For you are our Father, because Abraham has not known us, nor Israel acknowledged us. But do you Lord, our Father, deliver us; from the beginning your name is upon as. Why have you made us wander from your way, Lord? Why have you hardened our hearts not to fear you? Return for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage, that for a little while we may inherit your holy mountain. Our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary, we have become as at the beginning when you did not rule over us, nor had your name been invoked upon us. If you open the heaven, trembling from you will seize the mountains and they will melt as wax melts before the fire, and fire will burn up your adversaries, and your name will be manifest among your adversaries; nations will be troubled at your presence. When you do glorious deeds, trembling from you will seize the mountains. From eternity we have not heard, nor have our eyes seen any God but you. And your works are true, and you will perform mercy for those who wait for you. For mercy will meet with those who do right and remember your ways. And now, Lord, you are our Father; while we are clay and you are our Fashioner; we are all the work of your hands. Do not be exceedingly angry with us, Lord, and do not remember our sins for ever. And now, look upon us, Lord, because we are all your people. Priest: Wisdom. Reader: The Reading is from the Prophecy of Jeremiah. Thus says the Lord: I have remembered the mercy of your youth and the love of your marriage, of your following the Holy One of Israel, says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. To the Lord was the beginning of his produce. All those who devoured him will offend and evils will come upon them, says the Lord. Hear the word of the Lord, house of Jacob, and every family of the house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: What offence did your fathers find in me, that they revolted far from me and went after vanities and became vain? And they did not say: Where is the Lord who brought us up out of the Land of Egypt, who guided us in the wilderness, in a boundless and trackless land, without water or fruit, and in the shadow of death, in a land through which no man had passed, nor had any son of man dwelt there? And I led you to Carmel to eat its fruits and its good things; and you went in and you defiled my land and made my inheritance an abomination. The priests did not say: Where is the Lord? And those who ding to the law did not know me, and the shepherds acted impiously towards me; and the prophets prophesied Baal and went after that which does not profit. Therefore I will be brought to trial before you again, says the Lord; and I will be brought to trial before your children's children. Cross to the islands of Kittim and look; and to Kedar and send and observe carefully, and see if such things have been done; if the nations will change their gods, though they are no gods. But my people have changed their glory for something from which they will gain nothing. Heaven was amazed at this and trembled exceedingly, says the Lord. Deacon: Let us say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: O Lord almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray you, hear and have mercy. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy. All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Deacon: Again we pray for our Metropolitan / Archbishop / Bishop (Name), for the priests, deacons, and all other clergy; and for all our brethren in Christ. All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Deacon: Again we pray for the civil authorities, and for our armed forces everywhere. All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Deacon: Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable holy Orthodox patriarchs; and for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy house; and for all our fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord. All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and visitation for the servants of God that lie ill, and for the pardon and remission of their sins. All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Deacon: Again we pray for those who bring offerings and do good works in this holy and all-venerable house; for those who labour and those who sing; and for all the people here present, who await your great and rich mercy. All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Priest: For you are a merciful God, and love humankind, and to you we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. All: Amen. All: Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name for ever. Amen. Let your mercy come upon us, O Lord, even as we have set our hope on you, Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes. Blessed are you, O Master, make me to understand your statutes. Blessed are you, O Holy one, enlighten me with your statutes. Your mercy, O Lord, is for ever. Do not overlook the works of your hands. To you belong praise; to you is due song; to you is due glory; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit now and ever, and to the ages of ages, Amen. Deacon: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. All: Lord have mercy. Deacon: For a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless evening, let us ask the Lord. All: 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. All: Grant this O Lord. Deacon: For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord. All: 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. All: Grant this O Lord. Deacon: For the completion of our lives in peace and repentence, let us ask the Lord. All: 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 judgement seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord. All: Grant this O Lord. Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. All: To You O Lord. Priest: For you are a good God who loves humankind, and to you we send up glory; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. All: Amen. Bishop: Peace be with all. All: And with your spirit. Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord. All: To You O Lord. Priest: May the might of your kingdom be blessed and glorified; of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. All: Amen. Tone 1 O Lord, who created the universe at the beginning and gave to each thing his own rank, do not despise the works of your hands, but with an eye of mercy look from heaven upon this vine and restore it according to your will, turning aside from it every purpose that brings corruption and every destroyer; for you are our Shepherd and Deliverer and Saviour and from you we receive help in mercy and acts of compassion, as we glorify you, O Master. Tone 2 O Lord and Master who fenced about the domain of the earth and made it sure with an enveloping band, deliver its whole structure from harm and disaster; for you are a treasury of strength and the source of life, and all things minister and are subject to your will as your servants, Lord. And so grant us your mercies and turn away from us every disaster, and save our souls as you love humankind. Tone 3 Threats and scourges and destruction hang over us, Lord, because of the multitude of our transgressions; for we have sinned and transgressed and gone far from you, and we are affected and afflicted by dire perils; but deliver us, Lord from dangers that beset us, and keep the whole structure of the earth unharmed, granting equable breaths of wind and ever-flowing springs ofwater for our safe-keeping and salvation, O Lover of humankind. Tone 4 Glory to the Father to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. O Lord, who holds the circle of the earth and establishes its foundations, as the Prophet says, accept our suppliant entreaties, as our guardian and protector and Saviour; for we are your people and the sheep of your pasture and by your infinite mercy we shall be delivered from expected dangers. Do not then utterly destroy us, Master, but may your goodness conquer the mulitude of our offences, that we may glorify the ocean of your acts of pity. Now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen From dangers ofevery kind protect your servants, blessed Mother of God, that we may glorify you, the hope of our souls. The Litany Deacon: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you hear and have mercy. All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Deacon: Again we pray for all those responsible for our churches and communities, and for all brothers and sisters in Christ, and for every Christian soul afflicted and weary, in need of God's mercies and help; for the protection of this city and those who dwell in it; for the peace of the whole world; for the well-being of the holy churches of God; for the servants of God here present; for the salvation and help of all who labour and serve; for those who travel; for the healing of the sick; for the repose, refreshment and blessed memory of and forgiveness of sins of all who have gone to rest before and lie here and everywhere; for the deliverance of captives and refugees, let us say: All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.Again we pray that God will keep this city and every city and country from famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, pollution, war and civil strife, and that our good God who loves humanity will be gracious and merciful and deliver us from his righteous chastisement which impends against us, and have mercy on its. All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Deacon: Again we pray that the Lord God hear the prayer of us sinners and have mercy on us.' All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Bishop: Hear us, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are far off upon the sea; and be gracious, be gracious, O Master, unto us sinners and have mercy on us. All: Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Deacon: For you are a merciful God who loves humanity and all your creation, and unto you do we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. All: Amen. Bishop: Peace be to all. All: And with your spirit. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Bishop: Lord, Jesus Christ our God, who blessed the five loaves in the wilderness, and from them five thousand were fed, bless also these loaves, this oil, this wine and all the fruits of the earth, and multiply them in this city and everywhere in your world; sanctify your faithful who will receive them.For you are the One who blesses and feeds and sanctifies all creation, O Christ our God, and to you we give glory, together with your eternal Father, and your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Verse: The rich have become poor and hungry; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Tone 5 Merciful God, who loves humankind, look with an eye of compassion upon the works of your hands and set free the expanse of the atmosphere from dread destruction and death-dealing emissions and every poisonous pollution, through which death and danger threaten. Take pity then on what you have fashioned and give to all prudence not to act senselessly, the result of which is corruption, granting to all pardon and salvation and divine mercy.Verse: With my voice I cried to the Lord, and he heard me from his holy mountain.Accept, O Saviour, the entreaties of your Mother, which she offers for all creation, and the supplications of all your Saints. Grant to all your mercies, and keep unharmed the firmament which you spread out from the beginning with wisdom, Lord, and brought into being for the benefit of mortals. Keep undamaged, O Word, the whole environment which girds the earth from harmful influences, granting to all pardon and salvation and great mercy.Verse: When I called you hearkened to me, O God of my justice, in all affliction you set me at large.With humility of our soul we entreat you, Lord, and we fall down before you: At your command deliver the earth on which we dwell from every harm and from harsh ruin, and speedily avert from it and abolish by your will destructive emanations and pour out the fresh dew of life-sustaining air. Fence about the whole enclosure of the environment, Master and Saviour, with your mighty power, granting to all pardon and salvation and divine mercy.Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.Through compassionate pity, O Word, you took another form, refashioned corrupted nature and brought it back to incorruption; and now we beseech you, yield to the supplications of your most pure Mother and grant stability to the inhabited world and well-being to all creation and deliverance from perils for the salvation for the salvation of our souls. Choir: Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. All: 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. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake.Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Glory be 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 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. Choir: Amen. Tone 4 Choir: Lord and Saviour, who as God brought all things into being by a word, establishing laws and governing them unerringly to your glory, keep secure and unharmed, at the prayers of the Mother of God, all the elements which hold the earth together, and save the universe.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.The mystery hidden from all eternity and unknown to Angels has been revealed to those on earth through you, O Mother of God: God being made flesh in a union without confusion, and willingly accepting the Cross for us, though which he raised the first-formed man and saved our souls from death. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord All: Lord have mercy. Bishop: The blessing of the Lord, through his grace and loving-kindness, be upon you always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. All: Amen. Priest: Wisdom. Choir: Master give the blessing. Bishop: Blessed be He that Is, even Christ our God, always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Confirm, O God, the Holy Orthodox faith of Orthodox Christians, unto the ages of ages. Priest: Most holy Mother of God, save us. Choir: More honourable than the Cherubim, incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, who undefiled gave birth to God the Word, true Mother of God, we magnify you. Priest: Glory to you, O Christ our God, our sure hope, glory to you. Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Master, give the blessing. 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 holy Mother; the power of the precious and life-giving cross; the protection of the honourable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honourable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious and praiseworthy apostles; the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; Saint (Name) whose memory we commemorate today, and all the saints, for he is good and loves humankind. All: Amen Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. All: Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 23: 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 (Name), our Bishop (Name), 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 (Name), and our Bishop (Name). 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 24: SUNDAY VESPERS - PART 2 ======================================================================== Priest: For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good account of ourselves 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. 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. 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: May the might of your kingdom be blessed and glorified, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. (The people then sing the resurrection aposticha of the Octoechos. “Glory” of the Saint (if celebrated), then the “Now and forever” and the Theotokion of the tone; otherwise “Glory… Now and forever” with the Theotokion of the tone.) Resurrection Aposticha Of The Eight Tones First Tone By your passion we were set free from our passions, O Christ, and by your resurrection we were redeemed from corruption. O Lord, glory to you. The Lord reigns: he has clothed himself with honor; the Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength. Let creation rejoice, the heavens be glad, the nations clap their hands with joy. For Christ our Savior, in his love for mankind, has nailed our sins to the cross, put death to death, and given us life by raising the fallen Adam, father of all mankind. For he has established the world and it shall not be moved. You are beyond all understanding, King of heaven and earth, and because of your love for us all, you were crucified of your own will. Hades was filled with bitterness when it met you below, and the souls of the just rejoiced at receiving you. What a miracle this is! That the life of all should taste death in his desire to give light to the world that cries and says: Glory to you, O Lord, risen from the dead. Holiness becomes your house, O Lord, for length of days. The myrrh‑bearing women brought spices, and hastened in mourning to your tomb. And when they found your immaculate body gone and learned from the angels of the new and strange miracle, they said to the apostles: The Lord is risen, granting great mercy to the world. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion Behold, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled. As a virgin you gave birth, and after giving birth you remained as before. For it was God who was born, and the nature of mankind was thereby restored. O Mother of God have compassion for us your servants, you who bear in your arms the compas­sionate One. Entreat him, that our souls may be saved. Second Tone Your resurrection, O Christ our Savior, has illumined the entire earth and has recalled your creation. O almighty Lord, glory to you. The Lord reigns; he has clothed himself with splendor; the Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength. By the wood of the cross, O Savior, you abolished the curse of the tree, and by your burial you have destroyed the dominion of death, and have enlightened mankind by your resurrection. Therefore, we cry to you: Glory to you, O Christ our God, the Giver of life. For he has established the world, and it shall not be moved. When you appeared, O Christ, nailed upon the cross, you altered the beauty of created things. Cruelly the soldiers pierced your side with a lance; and the Jews asked that your tomb might be sealed. But you, O Lord, because of your mercy submitted to the tomb and rose on the third day. Therefore, glory to you. Holiness becomes your house, O Lord, forever. O Christ, Giver of life, for the sake of us mortals you willingly endured the passion and descended into Hades with power, snatching from the hands of the tyrant those who awaited you there, granting them an abode in paradise. Therefore, to us who give glory to your rising on the third day, grant pardon of our sins and your great mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion Here is a new miracle greater than all the miracles of old! For who has ever known a mother to bear a child without the help of man, and hold in her arms him who encompasses the whole of creation? It was the will of God to be born, and you most pure Virgin, have carried him, an infant in your arms. The boldness of a mother is yours. Pray, therefore, to him unceasingly for us who honor you, and entreat him to have mercy on us and save our souls. Third Tone By your passion, O Christ, you have darkened the sun. By your resurrection, you have given all things light. Accept our evening hymn, O lover of mankind. The Lord reigns; he has clothed himself with honor; the Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength. Your life‑giving resurrections O Lord, has brought light to the entire earth aid revived your creation that lay in corruption. Therefore, we, released from the curse of Adam, cry aloud: Glory to you, almighty Lord. For he has established the world and it shall not be moved. Suffering in the flesh, you, O God, who by nature cannot be changed, have changed yourself. Creation, unable to bear the sight to you hanging, was prostrate with fear, and it groaned as it sang the praises of your long‑suffering. You descended into Hades, and rose on the third day, granting life and great mercy to the world. Holiness becomes your house, O Lord, for length of days. You, O Christ have suffered death to deliver us from death, and you arose on the third day from the dead resurrecting with yourself those who acknowledge you as God. And you have enlightened the world. Lord, glory to you. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion By the will of the Father, you have, without seed, conceived by the Holy Spirit the Son of God, who was begotten of the Father without a mother before the world began. He was born for our sake in the flesh of you without a father. Therefore, never cease to intercede to deliver our souls from danger. Fourth Tone Ascending upon the cross, O Lord, you abolished our ancestral curse; and descending into Hades, you set free those in eternal bonds. And you bestowed on humankind incorruption and life. We therefore praise and glorify your resurrection on the third day. The Lord reigns; he has clothed himself with honor; the Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength. Hanging upon the tree, O only mighty One, you shook all creation, and when you were laid in the tomb, you raised up those dwelling there and bestowed life and incorruption on our kind. Therefore, we praise and glorify your resurrection on the third day. For he has established the world, and it shall not be moved. The lawless people who gave you, O Christ, to Pilate condemned you to be crucified, and showed themselves thankless towards their benefactor. But you willingly suffered burial, and of your own will you arose as God on the third day, and bestowed on us everlasting life and great mercy. Holiness becomes your house, O Lord, for length of days. The women who sought you came in tears to your tomb, and when they found you not, they lamented and exclaimed: Our Savior and King of all, how is it that you have been stolen away? Where is your life‑giving body? But an angel then stood before them and replied: Do not weep, but go and proclaim the good tidings that the Lord is risen and grants us joy for he alone is compassionate. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion Look down, most pure Virgin, upon the supplica­tions of your servants, and crush the assaults of our enemies, delivering us from all affliction. You are the only sure and secure anchor that we have, and you are our protection. Never permit us who call upon you, our Lady, to be put to shame. Hasten to fulfill the entreaties of those who in faith cry to you: Rejoice, O Lady, helper of all, the joy and protection, and the salvation of our souls. Plagal of the First Tone We lift up our voices in song to magnify you, Christ Savior, who became incarnate yet were never separated from heaven. For you, O Lord who love all, suffered the cross and death for our sake; and destroying the gates of Hades, you rose on the third day and saved our souls. The Lord reigns; he has clothed himself with honor; the Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength. Your pierced side, O Giver of life, poured streams of remission, life, and salvation upon us all. By accepting death in the flesh, you have granted us immortality; by taking up your abode in the tomb, you have set us all free, and as God you have raised us up with you in glory. Therefore, we cry aloud; Glory to you, Lord and loving God. For he has established the world, and it shall not be moved. Your crucifixion and descent into Hades are strange, O loving God. For after despoiling Hades, you as God raised up in glory with yourself those held captive in times of old, and you opened paradise and permitted them to enjoy it. Cleanse us, therefore, from sin, who glorify your resurrection on the third day and make us worthy to dwell in paradise, for you alone are merciful. Holiness becomes your house, O Lord, for length of days. For our sake you accepted suffering in the, flesh and rose on the third day from the dead.. Heal the passions of our flesh and raise us from our grievous iniquities and save us, O loving God. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion Most reverent Virgin, you are the temple and the gate, the palace and the throne of kings. Christ the Lord, my deliverer, appeared through you to those asleep in darkness, for he, the Sun of Righ­teousness, wished to enlighten those he created in his own image with his own hands. Therefore, having the boldness of a mother towards a son, we entreat you to ever intercede with him to save our souls. Plagal of the Second Tone Angels in heaven sing the praises of your resurrection, Christ our Savior. Grant that we too on earth may with pure hearts glorify you. The Lord reigns; he has clothed himself with honor; the Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength. After smashing the gates of brass and breaking the bolts and bars of Hades, you, almighty God, raised up fallen mankind. Therefore, with one accord, we cry: O Lord, risen from the dead, Glory to you. For he has established the world, and it shall not be moved. Wishing to lift us out of the ancient corruption, Christ was nailed upon the cross and laid in the tomb. In tears the women bearing myrrh searched for him and said lamenting: Woe to us! O Savior of all, how did you consent to stay in a tomb? And as you stayed there willingly, how were you stolen? How were you moved? What place now hides your life‑giving body? O Master, appear to us as you have promised, and dry up the fountain of our tears. Thereupon as they wept, an angel came to them and cried: Cease your weeping and tell the apostles that the Lord is risen, granting the world forgiveness and great mercy. Holiness becomes your house, O Lord, for length of days. Crucified according to your will and despoiling death by your entombment, O Christ, you rose in glory on the third day as God, granting the world life everlasting and great mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion Most holy Virgin, Christ the Lord, Creator and Redeemer, proceeded from your womb, and clothing himself in me and set me free from the ancient curse of Adam. Therefore, most‑pure Virgin, we praise you without ceasing as Mother of God and true Virgin with the greeting of the angel: Rejoice! Lady, advocate, defender, and salvation of our souls. Grave Tone Rising from the tomb, Savior of the world, you have, together with your flesh, raised up mankind. Glory to you, O Lord. The Lord reigns; he has clothed himself with honor; the Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength. Come, let us worship him, who rose from the dead and enlightened all. For by his resurrection on the third day he set us free from the tyranny of Hades, granting us life and great mercy. For he has established the world, and it shall not be moved. You have descended into Hades, O Christ, despoiling death. Rising on the third day, you have also raised us up, and we glorify your almighty resurrection, O Lord and loving God. Holiness becomes your house, O Lord, forever. O Lord, what an awful sight it was to see you lying as if asleep in the tomb. Yet you rose on the third day in power also raising Adam who cried: Glory to your resurrection, O only loving God. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion All of us who dwell on earth, taking refuge under your protection, O Lady, cry aloud to you: O Theotokos, you are our hope. Deliver us from our countless sins and save us. Plagal of the Fourth Tone You ascended the cross, Jesus, and came down from heaven and went to your death, O life eternal. You are the true light to those in darkness and the resurrection of all those who have fallen. Our enlightener and Savior, glory to you. The Lord reigns; he has clothed himself with honor; the Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength. Let us praise Christ who has risen from the dead. For he took upon himself soul and body, and by his passion separated them one from the other. He despoiled Hades when his pure soul descended there. But the holy body of our Redeemer lay uncorrupted. For he has established the world, and it shall not be moved. We glorify your resurrection from the dead, O Christ, in psalms and hymns, for by it you have freed us from the torments of Hades, and have, since you are God, granted us eternal life and great mercy. Holiness becomes your house, O Lord, for length of days. O Lord of all, incomprehensible creator of heaven and earth, through your passion on the cross you have freed me from passion. After en­during burial, you rose in glory, raising up Adam with your almighty arm. Glory to your resurrection on the third day, by which you have endowed us with eternal life and granted us pardon of our sins, for you alone are compassionate. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion O Virgin unwedded, O Mother of God on high, you ineffably conceived God in the flesh. Receive the petitions of your suppliants, all-­blameless Lady, and grant us all purification of our transgressions. Accept now our supplication and pray that we may all be saved. Ode of Symeon (After the completion of the aposticha, the priest in­tones the Ode of Symeon, Luke: 29‑32.) 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 for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory of your people Israel. People: Amen. People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to 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 are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. (Immediately the people sing the resurrection apolytikion of the tone, “Glory” the troparion of the saint; “Now and always” the Theotokion of the tone or otherwise “Glory… Now and always” the Theotokion.) Resurrection Apolytikia and Theotokia Of the Eight Tones First Tone Though the tomb was sealed by a stone and soldiers guarded your pure body, yet you arose 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 spacious than the heavens. Glory to him who dwelled in you! Glory to him who came forth from you! Glory to him who by your childbirth has set us free! Second Tone O life immortal, when you descended unto death, 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 surpasses all understanding. For sealed with purity and inviolate in virginity, you are acknowledged without doubt to be the mother who gave 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 praise, O Virgin Theotokos. You intercede for the salvation of our race; for by taking flesh of you and by 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. And throwing off the ancestral curse, they boastingly told the Apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God is risen, bestowing great mercy on the world. 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 he willingly accepted the cross. Thereby he raised the first‑created man and saved our souls from death. Plagal of the First Tone O faithful, let us give praise and worship to the Word, co‑eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. Of his own will he mounted the cross in the flesh, suffered death, and raised the dead through his glorious resurrection. Rejoice! Impassable gateway of the Lord. Rejoice! wall and protection of those who take refuge in you. Rejoice! you who have not known wedlock and have given birth to your Son and Maker and God in the flesh. Cease not in your intercession on behalf of those who praise and worship your Son. Plagal 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. You stripped the power ‑of Hades, yet remained untouched by its corruption. You met the Virgin and bestowed life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to you. You called your mother blessed when you went of your own will to your passion shining upon the cross. Seeking Adam, you said to the angels: Rejoice with me, for the lost piece of silver has been found. O God, you have ordered all things wisely, glory to you. Grave Tone Through your cross you destroyed death and opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh‑bearers, Christ our God. You commanded the apostles to proclaim that you have risen from the dead, and granted great mercy to the world. You are praised by all the world, O Virgin, and are the treasure house of the resurrection. Lead those who have put their faith in you out of the pit and abyss of their offenses. Before bearing a child you were a virgin, and in childbirth and after childbirth you remained a virgin. By giving birth to salvation, you have saved us who were guilty of sin. Plagal of the Fourth Tone O merciful Lord, you descended from on high and endured the three‑day burial to free us from our passions. O Lord, our life and resurrection, glory to you. O good Lord, for our sake, you were born of a virgin and endured crucifixion, despoiling death by death, and, as God, you have shown forth the resurrection. Do not despise the work of your hands. Show your love for all, O merciful Lord. Accept the intercession made on our behalf by the Theotokos who gave birth to you, and, our Savior, save your despairing people. Priest: Wisdom. Reader: Father, bless. Priest: Blessed are you, Christ our God, always now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Reader: Make firm, Lord our God, the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy Church and this city forever. Priest: All Holy Theotokos, save us. Reader: 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: Glory to You, Christ our God and our hope, glory to you. 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 God‑bearing Fathers; the holy, and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; of Saint (of the day) whose memory we com­memorate today, and all the saints. Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. People: Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 25: SUNDAY VESPERS - PART 1 ======================================================================== The Service Of The Sunday Vespers Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and for­ever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Reader: Come, let us worship and bow down before our King and God. Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and God. Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ himself, our King and God. Psalm 103 (104) Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord, my God, you are very great. You are clothed in praise and honor; who covers yourself with light as with a garment, spreading out the heavens as a curtain. You cover your chambers with the waters; you make the clouds your chariot; you walk on the wings of the wind, you make the angels spirits, and your ministers a flaming fire. You establish­ed the earth on its sure foundation; it shall never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters shall stand on the hills. At your rebuke they shall flee; at the voice of your thunder they shall be alarmed. They go up to the mountains and down to the plains, to the place which you founded for them. You have set a boundary which they shall not pass, neither shall they turn again to cover the earth. You send forth fountains among the valleys; the waters shall run between the mountains. They shall give drink to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys shall quench their thirst. By them the birds of the heavens shall have their habitation; they shall sing among the rocks. You water the mountains from your chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your miracles. You make grass grow for the cat­tle, and vegetation for the service of man that you may bring bread out of the earth, and wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face cheerful, and bread which strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of sap, even the cedars of Lebanon which you have planted. There birds will build their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees. The high mountains are a refuge for stags, and the rock for the rabbits. You ap­pointed the moon for seasons; the sun knows his going down. You make darkness and it is night; in it all the wild beasts of the forest will creep about. Young lions roar for prey, and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they gather together, and lie down in their dens. Man goes forth to his work, and to his labor until the even­ing. O Lord, how great are your works. In wis­dom you have made them all. The earth is filled with your creation. This great and wide sea, in which are innumerable living things both small and great. There sail the ships, and there is Leviathan which you have made to play there. All wait for you, to give them their food in due season. When you give it to them, they will gather it up; when you open your hand, they shall be filled with goodness. But when you have turned away your face, they shall be troubled. When you take away their breath, they fail, and return to their dust. You sent forth your Spirit, and they are created; and you renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works; who looks upon the earth and makes it tremble; who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing praises to the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be sweet to him; I will rejoice in the Lord. May sinners and wicked men disappear from the earth and may they be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. (Again) The sun knows its going down. You make darkness, and it is night. O Lord, how great are your works. In wisdom you have made them all. 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). Lord, you are our hope, glory to you. 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), and 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 civil authority and 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, for 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, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. (Then the people begin singing: “Lord, I have cried out to you” in the designated tone:) Psalm 140 (141) People: Lord, I have cried out to you, hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried out to you, hear me. Receive the voice of my prayer when I cry out to you. Hear me, O Lord. Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. (If the commemorated saint has a doxastikon, we sing six resurrection stichera from the Octoechos and four of the saint; “Glory” of the saint, and “Now and always” and the Theotokion of the Octoechos. If the saint has no doxastikon, we sing seven resurrection stichera and three from the saint, “Glory… Now and always” and the Theotokion of the tone.) Psalm 141 Verse 1. Bring my soul out of prison that I may give thanks to your name. Verse 2. The righteous will surround me; for you will deal bountifully with me. Psalm 129 (130) Verse 3. Out of the depths I cry to you O Lord. Lord, hear my voice. Verse 4. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. Verse 5. If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you. Verse 6. For your name’s sake I have waited for you, O Lord; my soul waits for your word. My soul has trusted in the Lord. Verse 7. From the morning watch 'til night from the morning watch let Israel trust in the Lord. Verse 8. For with the Lord is mercy and with him is plenteous redemption; and he shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities. Psalm 116 (117) Verse 9. Praise the Lord, all you nations; praise him, all you people. Verse 10. For his mercy has been abundant toward us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Resurrection Stichera of The Eight Tones First Tone Accept our evening prayers, holy Lord, and grant us remission of our sins, for you alone revealed the resurrection to the world. Encircle Zion, people, and surround her. Give glory to him who is risen from the dead, for he is our God and has delivered us from our iniqui­ties. Come, people let us praise and worship Christ, glorifying his resurrection from the dead, for he is our God and has delivered the world from the deception of the enemy. Heavens, be glad! Foundations of the earth, sound the trumpets! Hills, shout for joy! For behold, Emmanuel has nailed our sins to the cross and he, the Giver of life, has put death to death by raising up Adam, as a loving God. Let us praise him who of his own will was crucified for us in the flesh. He suffered, was buried and rose from the dead. Let us say: Confirm your Church in the true faith and bring peace to our lives, O Christ, for you are good and loving God. As we the unworthy stand before your life-giving sepulcher, we offer a hymn of praise to your ineffable compassion, Christ our God. For you are without sin and have accepted the cross and death in order to grant the world resurrection, as a loving God. Let us praise the Word who is without beginning and is co‑eternal with the Father. He came forth ineffably from the Virgin’s womb and for our sake he willingly accepted the cross and death and rose in glory. Let us say: Glory to you, O Lord, Giver of life and Savior of our souls. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion Let us praise Mary the Virgin, glory of all the world and doorway to heaven, who, begotten of man, gave birth to the Lord, and who, adornment of the faithful, is hymned by the angelic hosts. For she has been shown to be heaven and the temple of the Godhead. She is the one who, breaking down the wall of enmity, ushered in peace and threw open the Kingdom. With her as the anchor of our faith, we have a defender in the Lord to whom she gave birth. Take courage, therefore, people of God, take courage, for he, the Almighty, will defeat your enemies. Second Tone Come, let us adore God the Word, begotten of the Father before all ages, who took flesh from the Virgin Mary. For he willingly suffered the cross and submitted himself to burial, and he rose from the dead and saved me, the one who has gone astray. Our Savior Christ blotted out the bond that pledged us to the decree by nailing it to the cross, and he abolished the dominion of death. Let us worship his third day resurrection. Together with the Archangels, let us praise the resurrection of Christ. He is the Deliverer and Savior of our souls. He will come again in awesome glory and mighty power to judge the world he fashioned. The angel proclaimed you Master, crucified and buried. And he said to the women: Come and see the place where the Lord lay. For he is risen as he foretold, for he is almighty. Therefore, we worship you who alone are immortal. Have mer­cy on us, O Christ, Giver of life. You have abolished the curse of the tree by your cross, and by your burial you have done away with the dominion of death, while by your rising you have enlightened mankind. Therefore, we cry out to you: Glory to you, O Christ, our God and benefactor. The gates of death opened before you in fear, O Lord, and the gatekeepers of Hades, beholding you, were filled with awe. You destroyed the gates of brass and crushed the posts of iron. You led us out of the valley of the shadow of death and broke our chains. Let us open our mouths and sing hymns of salvation. Come and fall down in the house of the Lord and say: Pardon our sins, you who hung upon the cross and rose from the dead, and yet are forever in the bosom of the Father. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion At the coming of grace, the shadow of the law passed away. Just as the bush that burned was not consumed, so have you given birth and remained a virgin. Instead of a pillar of fire, the Sun of Righteousness shone forth; instead of Moses, Christ, the salvation of our souls appeared. Third Tone Your cross, Christ Savior, has destroyed the power of death and has abolished the deception of the devil. Therefore mankind saved by faith, offers you hymns of praise forever. All of creation has been enlightened by your resurrection, O Lord, and paradise has once again been opened. Therefore, all creation extols you and offers hymns of praise forever. I glorify the might of the Father and the Son and the power of the Holy Spirit, the undivided, uncreated Godhead, the consubstantial Trinity that reigns to the ages of ages. We worship your precious cross, O Christ, and praise and glorify your resurrection, for by your wounds we have all been healed. We praise the Savior who took flesh from the Virgin, for he was crucified for our sake and rose on the third day, bestowing on us his great mercy. Going down to those in Hades, Christ gave them the good news saying: Take courage, I am now triumphant. I am the resurrection. I shall lead you forth, for I have broken the gates of death. We who are unworthy to stand in your immaculate house send up to you our evening hymn, O Christ our God, and call upon you from the depths to deliver your people from the hands of their adversaries. You have enlightened the world by your third‑day resurrection, O loving God. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion How can we not be amazed at your giving birth to God and man in one, most‑holy Virgin? For although you have never known man, you have brought forth without blemish and without a father a son in the flesh, begotten of the Father without a mother before all ages. He suffered no change, confusion or division, but kept in full the properties of each nature. Therefore, Lady, Virgin‑Mother, entreat him to save the souls of those who in the true faith acknowledge you to be the Theotokos. Fourth Tone Ever venerating your life‑giving cross, O Christ our Lord, we glorify your resurrection on the third day. By it you have restored corrupt human nature, O mighty One, and have reopened for us the upward path to heaven, for you only are a good and loving God. Having willingly been nailed to the wood of the Cross, you abolished the penalty of disobedience committed through the tree, and by descending into Hades you have broken the bonds of death. Therefore, we worship your resurrection from the dead, and, rejoicing, we cry: Almighty Lord, glory to you. You demolished by your Death, O Lord, the gates of hades; you dissolved the realm of death; and freed the human race from corruption, granting the world life and incorruptibility and Great Mercy. Come, all you people, let us sing the praises of the Savior’s resurrection on the third day by which we have been delivered from the unbreakable bonds of Hades. Having received incorruption and life, we cry out: You who were crucified, buried, and rose save us by your resurrection, O only loving God. Angels and men, O Savior, sing the praises of your third‑day rising, for it has shed light to the ends of the world. Delivered from the bondage of the enemy, we all cry out: Almighty Savior, Creator of life, save us by your resurrection, O only loving God. You have shattered the gates of brass. You have broken asunder the chains and raised up fallen humankind, O Christ our God. Therefore, we cry with one voice: O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to you. Your birth from the Father is timeless and eternal, O Lord; your incarnation from the Virgin is ineffable and beyond all understanding; and your descent into Hades put fear into the devil and his angels. On the third day you rose, having trampled upon death, and granted us incorruption and your great mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion David the prophet, forefather of God through you, cried out in song concerning you to the One who has done magnificent things for you. The Queen stands at your right hand. For God, who gladly became man through you without a father, has proclaimed you mother and host of life, so that he might restore in us his image which was corrupted by passion. Having found the stray sheep caught in the mountains, he laid it on his shoulders and brought it to the Father. By his own free will he placed it among the heavenly hosts. Christ, who has great and abundant mercy, O Theotokos, will save the world. Plagal of the First Tone By your precious cross you have put the devil to shame, O Christ. By your resurrection, you have annihilated the sting of sin. You have saved us from the gates of death. O only‑begotten Son, we glorify you. He who granted the human race resurrection was led like a lamb to the slaughter. The princes of hell trembled before him and the gates of agony were opened. For Christ the King of glory entered in, declaring to those in bonds: Go forth, and to those in darkness: Show yourselves. Let light surround you. What a mighty wonder! In his love for humankind, the Creator of invisible things suffered in the flesh, and he who is immortal, rose. Come, all you nations, and let us worship him. We have learned to praise one God in three persons who in his compassion delivered us from error. O Light who never fades, we offer you this evening worship, for in the fullness of time you filled the world with light, your flesh being a mirror of your splendor. You descended to Hades, dispelled the darkness, and made manifest to all nations the light of the resurrection. O Lord, Giver of light, glory to you. Let us glorify Christ, the author of our salvation, for by his rising from the dead the world has been saved from error; the choir of angels rejoices; the error of demons takes flight; fallen Adam is raised; and the devil is destroyed. The guards were thus instructed by the evildoers: keep hidden the resurrection of Christ; take the pieces of silver and say that, as we were sleeping, the body was stolen from the tomb. But who has ever seen or heard that a body, especially a body anointed and naked, was stolen from a tomb and the grave clothes left lying there? Be not deceived, O Jews, study the words of the prophets, and learn that he is in truth the Redeemer of the world and God almighty. Lord, our Savior, you have despoiled Hades, trampled down death, and enlightened the world through your holy cross. Have mercy on us. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion In times past, the image of the unwedded Bride was inscribed in the Red Sea. There, Moses parted the waters; here, Gabriel took part in the miracle. Then, Israel rode dry‑shod through the deep; now the Virgin has without seed given birth to Christ. After the passing of Israel, the sea remained impassible, after the birth of Emmanuel, the blameless Virgin remained incorrupt. You, O God, who are, have forever been and have appeared as man, have mercy on us. Plagal of the Second Tone Triumphant over Hades, O Christ, you ascended upon the cross to raise up with yourself those dwelling in the darkness of death. Free from among the dead, you pour forth life from your own light. Almighty Savior, have mercy on us. Today, Christ, having trampled upon death, according to his word, rose up bestowing joy upon the world, so that all of us shouting this hymn might say: O Fount of life, light that no person may approach, O almighty Savior, have mercy on us. Where shall we sinners fly from you, O Lord, who are everywhere in creation? Into heaven? Your abode is there. Into hell? You have trampled upon death. Into the uttermost parts of the sea? Your hand reaches there, O Master. We run to you and falling before you we pray: You, who rose from the dead, have mercy on us. We exult in your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify your resurrection. You are indeed our God; we know no other Lord but you. Ever blessing the Lord, we praise his resurrection. For by enduring the cross, he destroyed death by death. Glory be to your might, O Lord, for you have destroyed the power of death, and you have renewed us through your cross, bestowing on us life and incorruption. Your burial, O Christ, burst asunder the bonds of Hades; your resurrection from the dead gave light to the world. To you, O Lord, be glory. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion Who will not call you blessed, most holy Virgin? Who will not sing praises of your wondrous birth‑giving? For the only‑begotten Son, timelessly having shone forth from the Father, came forth from you who are pure. And having been ineffably made flesh, he, who by nature is God, for our sake became also by nature man: not in two divided persons, but in two natures without confusion. O honored and all blessed one, beseech him to have mercy on our souls. Grave Tone Come, let us rejoice in the Lord who destroyed the power of death and enlightened mankind; and let us cry along with the angels: Glory to you, our Creator and our Savior. On our account, O Savior, you endured the cross and the tomb. As God you put death to death by death. Therefore, we worship your resurrection on the third day. Glory to you, O Lord. On beholding the resurrection of the Creator, the apostles, marveling, sang an angelic song of praise: This is the glory of the Church. These are the riches of the kingdom. Glory be to you, O Lord, who suffered death for us. Though you, O Christ, have been taken captive by evil men, you are my God and I am not ashamed. I do not deny that your back was scourged, nor will I hide that you were nailed to the cross. I boast of your resurrection, for your death is my life. Almighty and loving God, glory to you. Fulfilling the prophecy of David, Christ revealed to his disciples the majesty of his habitation in Zion. He showed himself praised and glorified forever with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Formerly, as the Word without flesh, and then incarnate for our sake and slain as man he rose in power as a loving God. As God and Master, O Christ, by your will you descended into Hades despoiling death; and on the third day you rose, raising with you Adam, held captive by the chains of hell and of corrup­tion, who cried and said: Glory be to your resurrection, O only loving God. You were laid in the tomb as if asleep, O Lord, and after three days you rose in mighty strength, raising up with you, as almighty, Adam from the corruption of death. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion You, O Theotokos, have been acknowledged as a mother above and beyond nature, and you remain a virgin beyond words and understanding. No tongue can explain the miracle of your giving birth. For your conceiving was wondrous, pure One, and the manner of your child‑bearing impossible of understanding. For when God so wills, the order of nature is overthrown. Therefore, we all acknowledge you as the mother of God, and fervently beseech you: make supplication that our souls may be saved. Plagal of the Fourth Tone We offer up to you, O Christ, our evening hymn and spiritual worship, for it has pleased you to have mercy on us by your resurrection. Lord, Lord, cast us not away from your presence, but be pleased to have mercy on us by the resurrection. Rejoice, O holy Zion, mother of churches and dwelling place of God, for you were the first to receive remission of sins by the resurrection. Begotten before all ages of God the Father, the Word, who in latter times took flesh of a virgin, willingly endured death by the cross and by his resurrection saved us who had been subject to death. We glorify your resurrection from the dead, O Christ, by which you have set free the race of Adam from the torment of Hades and, as God, have granted to the world eternal life and your great mercy. Glory to you, O Christ, Savior, only begotten Son of God who were nailed to the cross and on the third day rose from the tomb. We offer you glory, O Lord, who of your own will have endured the cross for our sake; and we worship you, almighty Savior, who love mankind. Cast us not away from your presence, but hear us and save us by your resurrection. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion In his love for mankind, the King of heaven appeared upon earth and dwelled among us. For he took flesh from the pure Virgin, and thus in­carnate he came forth from her. The only Son is he: two‑fold in nature, but not in person. For this reason proclaiming him to be truly perfect man and perfect God, we confess Christ to be our God. Therefore, beseech him, O virgin Mother, to have mercy on our souls. O Joyful Light (While the doxastikon is being sung, the priest exits from the sanctuary:) Priest: Wisdom. Let us stand. (And he sings the O Joyful Light:) Priest: O joyful light of the holy glory of the im­mortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ. Now that we have reached the setting of the sun and behold the evening light, we sing to God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to praise you with cheerful voices, O Son of God, the Giver of life. Behold, the world sings your glory. Priest: The evening prokeimenon. People: The Lord reigns; he has clothed himself with honor (3). Prokeimena (The following are the Prokeimena of the rest of the days of the week:) On Sunday Evening Behold now, bless the Lord all you servants of the Lord. On Monday The Lord will hear me when I cry out to him. On Tuesday Your mercy, O Lord, shall follow me all the days of my life. On Wednesday O God, by your name save me, and judge me by your might. On Thursday My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. On Friday O God, you are my helper, and your mercy shall go before me. (On major feast days there are also readings.) Priest: Let us all say with our whole soul, and with our whole mind, let us say. People: Lord, have mercy (3). Priest: Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray you, hear us and have mercy. People: Lord, have mercy (3). Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy; we pray 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: Let us pray for our brethren, priests, hieromonks, deacons, and monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ. People: Lord, have mercy (3). Priest: Let us again pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters who are asleep here in the Lord and for the Orthodox everywhere. People: Lord, have mercy (3). Priest: Let us again pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, and forgiveness of the sins of all pious and Orthodox Christians living and visiting in this community and city, and everywhere on earth. People: Lord, have mercy (3). Priest: Let us again pray for those who do charitable work, for those who serve in this holy house, for those who labor, teach, and sing, and for all the people here present who await your great and rich mercy. 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. Priest: O Lord, keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we have set our hope in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, grant me understanding of your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not despise the works of your hands. To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you is due glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Priest: Let us complete our prayer 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 26: SUNDAY ORTHROS - PART 3 ======================================================================== 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. Plagal 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. Plagal 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. Plagal 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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. Plagal 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. Plagal 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. Plagal 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. Plagal 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. Plagal 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. Plagal 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 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. (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). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 27: SUNDAY ORTHROS - PART 2 ======================================================================== 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. Megalynaria 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 28: SUNDAY ORTHROS - PART 1 ======================================================================== 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. Plagal 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. Plagal 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. Plagal 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. Plagal 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. Plagal 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. Plagal 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 Plagal 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 First Tone 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. Plagal 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. Plagal 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. Plagal 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. The Oikoi 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 Plagal 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 Plagal 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 Plagal 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.) ======================================================================== CHAPTER 29: DAILY ORTHROS (MATINS) ======================================================================== Readers’ Daily Matins In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to You, our God. Glory to You. O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth: You are everywhere filling all things; Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life: come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impu­rity, and save our souls, O Good One! Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us! O Lord, cleanse us from our sins! O Master, pardon our transgressions! O 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 to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto 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 unto ages of ages. Amen. 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 unto ages of ages. Amen. Come, let us worship God, our King! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God! Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men! O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim Your praise. Morning Psalms Monday Psalm 3 Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One Who lifts up my head. cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Ilay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Tuesday Psalm 38 O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, and Your hand presses me down. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, Nor is there any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart pants, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me. My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my kinsmen stand afar off. Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, and plan deception all the day long. But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; and I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. Thus I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth is no response. For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God. For I said, “Hear me, lest they rejoice over me, lest, when my foot slips, they magnify themselves against me.” For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin. But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; and those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied. Those also who render evil for good, they are my adversaries, because I follow what is good. Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! Wednesday Psalm 63 O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds 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 glory; but the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped. Thursday Psalm 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 full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength, Adrift among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, and who are cut off from Your hand. You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out; My eye wastes away because of affliction. Lord, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You. Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction? Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your right­eousness in the land of forgetfulness? But to You I have cried out, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer comes before You. Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me? I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth up; I suffer Your terrors; I am distraught. Your fierce wrath has gone over me; Your terrors have cut me off. They came around me all day long like water; they engulfed me altogether. Loved one and friend You have put far from me, and my acquaintances into darkness. Friday Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, 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 sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the 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 transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remem­bers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules overall. Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Saturday Psalm 143 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous. 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. Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Answer me speedily, O Lord; my spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am Your servant. After The Psalm Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Commemoration Of The Living O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who for the sake of Your eternal mercy and lovingkindness became man, and suffered crucifixion and death for the salvation of all; Who rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, and sit on the right hand of the Father, where You hear the prayers of all who call upon You humbly and with their whole heart: incline Your ear to us, and hearken to the prayer which Your unworthy servants offer as a spiritual sacrifice for all Your people. Remember first of all Your Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which You have purchased with Your precious blood. Strengthen it, multiply it, keep it in peace, and do not allow the gates of hell to stand against it. Heal the schisms of the churches, stop the raging of the heathen, root out and cleanse all heresies, destroying them by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Have mercy, O Lord, upon our president, and all in civil authority, and save them, together with the armed forces of our country. Give them peace and continual victory over injustice and evil in all places. May they keep Your holy Church secure, that all Your people may live calm and ordered lives in Your sight, in true faith and prayer, with godly deeds. Have mercy, O Lord, upon the Orthodox patriarchs and metropolitans, the archbishops and bishops, the priests and deacons, and the whole order of Your Church’s clergy. Save them whom You have established to feed Your flock, and by their prayers have mercy on us sinners, and save us. Have mercy, O Lord, on our spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children, and save them, and by their holy prayers forgive us our transgressions. Have mercy, O Lord, on our parents, and save them, together with our brothers and sisters, our children, our relatives and our friends. Grant them Your blessing both here and in the life to come. Have mercy, O Lord, on the old and the young, the needy, the orphans and widows, and all who are in sickness and sorrow, distress and affliction, oppression and captivity, in prison and confinement. Save them, together with Your servants who are under persecution for Your sake and for the sake of the Orthodox faith.Remember them, visit them, strengthen and comfort them, and by Your power grant them speedy relief, freedom and deliverance. Have mercy, O Lord, on all who travel, and save all those who are sent on duty: our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children, all our loved ones and all Orthodox Christians. Have mercy, O Lord, on our enemies: save all those who envy us, wish us evil or deal unjustly with us. May they not perish because of us sinners. Enlighten, O Lord, with the truth of Your holy wisdom all who have gone astray from the Orthodox faith, led by destructive heresies, and unite them once more to Your Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. (Add Specific Prayer Requests For The Living.) Commemoration Of The Departed Remember, O Lord, those who have departed this life: all Orthodox patriarchs, metropolitans, archbishops, bishops and all who served You in the priesthood and ministry of the Church and in the monastic order, and grant them rest with Your saints in Your eternal kingdom. Remember, O Lord, the souls of Your servants now fallen asleep: our parents, family and friends. Forgive them all their sins, committed knowingly or unknowingly; grant them Your kingdom, a portion in Your eternal blessing and the enjoy­ment of Your unending life. Remember, O Lord, all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection and of eternal life: our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children, all our loved ones and Orthodox Christians throughout the world. Place them with Your saints before the light of Your countenance and have mercy on us, for You are good and love mankind. (Add Specific Prayer Requests For The Departed.) God Is The Lord Refrain: God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His steadfast love endures forever. Refrain Verse: All nations surrounded me; in the Name of the Lord, I withstood them. Refrain Verse: I shall not die, but live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. Refrain Verse: The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and is marvelous in our eyes. Refrain Troparia Sunday Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone of the Week) Refer to Supplementary Prayers. Monday St. Michael and All Angels (Tone Four) O Commander of the heavenly hosts, We who are unworthy beseech you ceaselessly That you would encompass us with the shelter of your prayers And cover us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory. We fall down before you crying out: “Protect us from all harm, O Prince of the powers on high!” Tuesday Forerunner And Baptist John (Tone Two) The memory of the righteous is worthy of praise, But you, O Forerunner, are well pleased by the Lord’s own witness. You were revealed as greater than the prophets, For you baptized in the waters Him whom they foretold. Therefore, having fought and suffered for the Truth, You proclaimed to those in the tombs the Gospel of the incarnate God, Who takes away the sins of the world and grants us great mercy. Wednesday Holy And Life‑Giving Cross (Tone One) O Lord, save Your people, And bless Your inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians Over their adversaries. And by virtue of Your Cross, Preserve Your habitation. Thursday Holy Apostles And St. Nicholas (Tone Three) O holy Apostles, Intercede with our merciful God To grant our souls forgiveness of our sins! Friday Holy And Life‑Giving Cross (Tone One) O Lord, save Your people, And bless Your inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians Over their adversaries. And by virtue of Your Cross, Preserve Your habitation. Saturday The Theotokos, All Saints, The Faithful Departed (Tone Two) Apostles, martyrs, and prophets, Holy hierarchs, saints and righteous, Having fought the good fight and kept the Faith, You have boldness toward the Savior. Intercede for us with Him for He is good, and pray that He may save our souls. Prokeimenon Of The Day Sunday Matins Prokeimenon (Tone Of The Week) Refer To Supplementary Prayers. Monday Prokeimenon From Psalm 104 (Tone 4) Prokeimenon: He makes his angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire! Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great! Tuesday Prokeimenon From Psalm 64 (Tone 7) Prokeimenon: The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall hope in Him. Verse: Hear my voice, O God, when I pray to You. Wednesday Prokeimenon From The Magnificat (Tone 3) Prokeimenon: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His handmaiden; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. Thursday Prokeimenon From Psalm 19 (Tone 8) Prokeimenon: Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth and their words to the end of the universe! Verse: The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. Friday Prokeimenon From Psalm 99 (Tone 7) Prokeimenon: Extol the Lord our God; * worship at His footstool, for it is holy! Verse: The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! Saturday Prokeimenon From Psalm 32 (Tone 8) Prokeimenon: Be glad in the Lord * and rejoice, O you righteous! Verse: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Let Every Breath Praise The Lord Let every breath praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary! Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Let every breath praise the Lord! The Daily Gospel The reading is from the Gospel according to – (name of Gospel lesson) Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You! The Gospel for the day is read. Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You! Psalm 51 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, 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. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face 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 uphold me with Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salva­tion, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteous­ness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart ‑ these, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jeru­salem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer bulls on Your altar. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! The Canon Of Biblical Odes Sunday Ode 1 The Song Of Moses (Exodus 15:1‑18) I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea! The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea. The depths have covered them; they sank to the bottom like a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces. And in the greatness of Your excellence You have overthrown those who rose against You; You sent forth Your wrath which consumed them like stubble. And with the blast of Your nostrils the waters were gathered together; the floods stood upright like a heap; and the depths congealed in the heart of the sea. The enemy said, “I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.” You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters. Who is like You O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? You stretched out Your right hand; the earth swallowed them. You in Your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation. The people will hear and be afraid; sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Palestine. Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling will take hold of them; all the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away. Fear and dread will fall on them; by the greatness of Your arm they will be as still as a stone, till Your people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over whom You have purchased. You will bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which You have made for Your own dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, Which your hands have established. The Lord shall reign forever and ever. Monday Ode 2 The Song Of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1‑43) Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as raindrops on the tender herb, and as showers on the grass. For I proclaim the name of the Lord: ascribe greatness to our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. They have corrupted themselves; they are not His children, because of their blemish: a perverse and crooked genera­tion. Do you thus deal with the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, who bought you? Has He not made you and established you? Remember the days of old, consider the years of many genera­tions. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you: When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bound­aries of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel. For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the place of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, So the Lord alone led him, and there was no foreign god with him. He made him ride in the heights of the earth, that he might eat the produce of the fields; He made him to draw honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty rock; Curds from the cattle, and milk of the flock, with fat of lambs; and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the choicest wheat; and you drank wine, the blood of the grapes. But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you grew fat, you grew thick, you are covered with fat; then he forsook God who made him, and scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation. They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods; with abom­inations they provoked Him to anger. They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they did not know, to new gods, new arrivals that your fathers did not fear. Of the Rock who begot you, you are unmindful, and have forgotten the God who fathered you. And when the Lord saw it, He spurned them, because of the provocation of His sons and His daughters. And He said: “I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be, for they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faith. They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; they have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn to the lowest hell; it shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows upon them. They shall be wasted with hunger, devoured by pestilence and bitter destruction; I will also send against them the teeth of beasts, with the poison of serpents of the dust. The sword shall destroy outside; there shall be terror within for the young man and virgin, the nursing child with the man of gray hairs. I would have said, ‘I will dash them in pieces, I will make the memory of them to cease from among men,’ Had I not feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should misunderstand, lest they should say, ‘Our hand is high; and it is not the Lord who has done all this.’” For they are a nation void of counsel, nor is there any under­standing in them. Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had surrendered them? For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. For their vine is of the vine of Sodom and of the fields of Gomorrah; their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter. Their wine is the poison of serpents, and the cruel venom of cobras. “Is this not laid up in store with Me, sealed up among My treas­ures? Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.” For the Lord will judge His people and have compassion on His servants, when He sees that their power is gone, and there is no one remaining, bond or free. He willsay: “Where are their gods, the rock in which they sought refuge? Who ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise and help you, and be your refuge. Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. For I lift My hand to heaven, and say, ‘As I live forever, If I whet My glittering sword, and My hand takes hold on judg­ment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, and repay those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh, with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the heads of the leaders of the enemy.’” Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His adver­saries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people. Tuesday Ode 3 The Song Of Hannah (I Samuel 2: 1 ‑10) And Hannah prayed and said: My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is none holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the Lord is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and those who stum­bled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, and those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven, and she who has many children has become feeble. The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces; from heaven He will thunder against them. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed. Wednesday Ode 4 The Song Of Habbakuk(Habbakuk 3:2‑19) O Lord, I have heard your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, and there His power was hidden. Before Him went pestilence, and fever followed at His feet. He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations. And the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills bowed. His ways are everlasting. I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; the curtains of the land of Midian trembled. O Lord, were You displeased with the rivers, was Your anger against the rivers, was Your wrath against the sea, that You rode on Your horses, Your chariots of salvation? Your bow was made quite ready; oaths were sworn over Your arrows. You divided the earth with rivers. The mountains saw You and trembled; the overflowing of the water passed by. The deep uttered its voice, and lifted its hands on high. The sun and moon stood still in their habitation; at the light of Your arrows they went, at the shining of Your glittering spear. You marched through the land in indignation; you trampled the nations in anger. You went forth for the salvation of Your people, for salvation with Your Anointed. You struck the head from the house of the wicked, by laying bare from foundation to neck. You thrust through with his own arrows the head of his villages. They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me; their rejoicing was like feasting on the poor in secret. You walked through the sea with Your horses, through the heap of great waters. When I heard, my body trembled; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered my bones; and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble. When He comes up to the people, He will invade them with his troops. Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls ‑ Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; he will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. Thursday Ode 5 The Song Of Isaiah (Isaiah 26:9‑21 , Septuagint) My spirit seeks Thee very early in the morning, O God, for Thy commandments are a light on the earth: learn righteousness, ye that dwell upon the earth. For the ungodly one is put down: no one who will not learn righteousness on the earth shall be able to do the truth: let the ungodly be taken away, that he see not the glory of the Lord. O Lord, Thine arm is exalted, yet they knew it not: but when they know they shall be ashamed: jealousy shall seize upon an untaught nation, and now fire shall devour the adversaries. O Lord our God, give us peace: for Thou hast rendered to us all things. O Lord our God, take possession of us: O Lord, we know not any other beside Thee: we name Thy name. But the dead shall not see life, neither shall physicians by any means raise them up: therefore Thou hast brought wrath upon them, and slain them, and hast taken away every male of them. Bring more evils upon them, O Lord; Bring more evils on the glorious ones of the earth. Lord, in affliction I remembered Thee; Thy chastening was to us with small affliction. And as a woman in travail draws nigh to be delivered, and cries out in her pain; so have we been to Thy beloved. We have conceived, O Lord, because of Thy fear, and have been in pain, and have brought forth the breath of Thy salvation, which we have wrought upon the earth: we shall not fall, but all that dwell upon the land shall fall. The dead shall rise, and they that are in the tombs shall be raised, and they that are in the earth shall rejoice: for the dew from Thee is healing to them: but the land of the ungodly shall perish. Go, my people, enter into thy closets, shut thy door, hide thyself for a little season, until the anger of the Lord have passed away. For behold, the Lord is bringing wrath from His holy place upon the dwellers on the earth: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall not cover her slain. Friday Ode 6 The Song Of Jonah (Jonah 2:1‑9) Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. And he said: I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice. For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me; all Your billows and Your waves passed over me. Then I said, “I have been cast out of Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.” The waters encompassed me, even to my soul; the deep closed around me; weeds were wrapped around my head. I went down to the moorings of the mountains; the earth with its bars closed behind me forever; yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God. When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple. Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy. But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. Kontakia Sunday Kontakion Of The Resurrection (Tone Of The Week) Refer To Supplementary Prayers. Monday St. Michael And All Angels (Tone Two) You Princes and Leaders of the armies of God, Servants of the Divine Glory and guides of men, Ask whatever is good for us and for bountiful mercy, O Commander of the heavenly hosts. Tuesday Forerunner And Baptist John (Tone Two) O Prophet of God and Forerunner of Grace, Your head has blossomed from the earth as a most sacred rose. We are ever being healed, For as of old, you preach repentance to the world. Wednesday Holy And Life‑Giving Cross (Tone Four) As You were voluntarily crucified for our sake, Grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name. Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power, Granting them victories over their adversaries, By bestowing on them the invincible trophy, Your weapon of peace. Thursday Holy Apostles And St. Nicholas (Tone Three) You have taken, O Lord, the firm and divinely inspired preachers, the holy apostles, Into rest and the enjoyment of Your blessings. For You have accepted their labors and death above every burnt offering, O You Who alone know the secrets of our hearts. Friday Holy And Life‑Giving Cross (Tone Four) As You were voluntarily crucified for our sake, Grant mercy to those who are called by Your name. Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power, Granting them victories over their adversaries, By bestowing on them the invincible trophy, Your weapon of peace. Saturday The Theotokos, All Saints, The Faithful Departed With the saints give rest, O Christ, To the souls of Your servants Where sickness and sorrow are no more, Neither sighing, but life everlasting. Saturday Ode 7 The Prayer Of Azariah (Song Of The Three Young Men 3‑22, 29‑34 ‑ Rsv) Blessed art Thou, O Lord, God of our fathers, and worthy of praise; and Thy name is glorified forever. For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done to us, and all Thy works are true and Thy ways right, and all Thy judgments are truth. Thou hast executed true judgments in all that Thou hast brought upon us and upon Jerusalem, the holy city of our fathers, for in truth and justice Thou hast brought all this upon us because of our sins. For we have sinfully and lawlessly departed from Thee, and have sinned in all things and have not obeyed Thy commandments; We have not observed them or done them, as Thou hast commanded us that it might go well with us. So all that Thou hast brought upon us, and all that Thou hast done to us, Thou hast done in true judgment. Thou hast given us into the hands of lawless enemies, most hateful rebels, and to an unjust king, the most wicked in all the world. And now we cannot open our mouths; shame and disgrace have befallen Thy servants and worshipers. For Thy name’s sake do not give us up utterly, and do not break Thy covenant, And do not withdraw Thy mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham Thy beloved and for the sake of Isaac Thy servant and Israel Thy holy one, To whom Thou didst promise to make their descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as the sand on the shore of the sea. For we, O Lord, have become fewer than any nation, and are brought low this day in all the world because of our sins. And at this time there is no prince, or prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, no place to make an offering before thee or to find mercy. Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted, as though it were with burnt offerings of rams and bulls, and with tens of thousands of fat lambs; Such may our sacrifice be in Thy sight this day, and may we wholly follow Thee, for there will be no shame for those who trust in Thee. And now with all our heart we follow Thee, we fear Thee and seek Thy face. Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in Thy forbearance and in Thy abundant mercy. Deliver us in accordance with Thy marvelous works, and give glory to Thy name, O Lord! Let all who do harm to Thy servants be put to shame; Let them be disgraced and deprived of all power and dominion, and let their strength be broken. Let them know that Thou art the Lord, the only God, glorious over the whole world.” Blessed art Thou, O Lord, God of our fathers, and to be praised and highly exalted forever; And blessed is Thy glorious, holy name and to be highly praised and highly exalted forever; Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy holy glory and to be extolled and highly glorified forever. Blessed art Thou, who sittest upon cherubim and lookest upon the deeps, and to be praised and highly exalted forever. Blessed art Thou upon the throne of Thy kingdom and to be extolled and highly exalted forever. Blessed art Thou in the firmament of heaven and to be sung and glorified forever. Sunday Ode 8 The Song Of The Three Holy Youths (Song Of The Three Young Men 35‑68 ‑ Rsv) Bless the Lord, all works of the Lord, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him for ever. Bless the Lord, you heavens, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, you angels of the Lord, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, all waters above the heaven, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, all powers, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, sun and moon, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, stars of heaven, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, rain and dew, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, all winds, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, fire and heat, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, winter cold and summer heat, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, dews and snows, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, nights and days, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, light and darkness, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, ice and cold, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, frosts and snows, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, lightnings and clouds, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Let the earth bless the Lord; let it sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, mountains and hills, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, all things that grow on the earth, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, you springs, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, seas and rivers, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, you whales and all creatures that move in the waters, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, all birds of the air, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, all beasts and cattle, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, you sons of men, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, O Israel, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, you priests of the Lord, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, you servants of the Lord, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, spirits and souls of the righteous, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, you who are holy and humble in heart, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him for ever; for He has rescued us from Hades and saved us from the hand of death and delivered us from the midst of the burning fiery furnace; from the midst of the fire He has delivered us; Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Bless Him, all who worship the Lord, the God of gods, sing praise to Him and gives thanks to Him, for His mercy endures forever. Daily Ode 9, Part 1 The Magnificat (Luke 1:46‑55) Refrain: More honorable than the cherubim And more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim! Without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you! My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; 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 His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. Daily Ode 9, Part 2 The Song Of Zechariah (Luke 1:68‑79) Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. The Praises Monday, Thursday Psalm 148 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and maidens; old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. And He has exalted the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints ‑ of the children of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord! Tuesday, Friday PSALM 149 Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two‑edged sword in their hand, To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute on them the written judgment ‑ this honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord! Wednesday, Saturday Psalm 150 Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with high‑sounding cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! After The Psalm Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Lesser Doxology Glory to God, Who has shown us the Light! Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men! We praise You! We bless You! We worship You! We glorify You and give thanks to You for Your great glory! O Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty! O Lord, the Only‑Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit! O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us! You, Who take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer! You, Who sit on the right hand of God the Father, have mercy on us! For You alone are holy, and You alone are Lord. You alone, O Lord Jesus Christ, are most high in the glory of God the Father! Amen! I will give thanks to You every day and praise Your Name forever and ever. 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, I flee to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. For with You is the fountain of Life, and in Your light shall we see light. Continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name forever. Amen. Let Your mercy be upon us, O Lord, even as we have set our hope on You. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. Blessed are You, O Master; make me to understand Your commandments. Blessed are You, O Holy One; enlighten me with Your precepts. Your mercy endures forever, O Lord! Do not despise the works of Your hands! To You belongs worship, to You belongs praise, to You belongs glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Matins Prayers O Lord, grant that we may meet the coming day in peace. Help us in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In each hour of the day, reveal Your will to us. Bless our dealings with all who surround us. Teach us to treat all that shall come to us throughout the day with peace of soul, and with the firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all our deeds and words, guide our thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let us not forget that all are sent by You. Teach us to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give us the strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day, with all that it shall bring. Direct our wills. Teach us to pray. Pray within us. Amen. Most holy God, we pray and beseech You, give each of us a pure heart and a way of speaking that befits the faith we profess; grant us uprightness of purpose, powers of reasoning unhindered by passions, conduct that becomes those who fear You, and perfect knowledge of Your commandments; may we enjoy health in body and in spirit. Grant us a life of peace, genuine faith and living hope, sincere charity and bountiful generosity, patience that knows no bounds and the light of Your truth to proclaim Your good­ness to us, that for ever and in all things placing our trust only in You, we may abound in every good work, and that in Christ Your gifts may increase in every soul. For to You belong all glory, honor and majesty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Dismissal Confirm, O God, the holy Orthodox Faith and Orthodox Christians unto ages of ages! Amen. Most holy Theotokos, save us! More honorable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim! Without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you! Glory to You, O Christ, our God and our hope, glory to You! Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 30: THE LENTEN LITURGIES ======================================================================== Vespers with the Divine Liturgy of 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. 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 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 (Name), our Bishop (Name), 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. (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 pious and Orthodox Christians. Cantor: Lord, have mercy. (3) Deacon: Again we pray for our Archbishop (Name), and our Bishop (Name). 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 (Name) 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 (Name) 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. 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. In the original Greek with a new English translation by Dr. Leonidas C. Contos, Archimandrite. Editorial composition by Spencer T. Kezios, Protobresbyter, supervising the following staff: Father Constantine Valantasis Father Vasilios Thanos Jennifer Fine Kezios Maria Ilias ======================================================================== CHAPTER 31: THE DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM - PART 1 ======================================================================== (Celebrated by one Priest and one Deacon[1]) Deacon: Master, give the blessing. Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen.[2] The Litany of Peace or Great Litany The people respond with Lord, have mercy, after each petition. Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord. For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord. For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord. For our Archbishop (Name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord. For our country, for the president, and for all in public service, let us pray to the Lord. For this city, and for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord. For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord. For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord. For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. Deacon: Commemorating 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. People: To You, O Lord. The Prayer of the First Antiphon Priest (in a low voice): Lord, our God, Whose dominion is incomparable and glory incomprehensible; Whose mercy is immeasurable, and love for mankind ineffable: Look upon us and upon this holy house in Your loving-kindness, and grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy and compassion. And he intones: For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. People: Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. (3) The Small Litany Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. Commemorating 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. People: To You, O Lord. The Prayer of the Second Antiphon Priest (in a low voice): Lord, our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the fullness of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and forsake us not who have set our hope in You. And he exclaims: For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. People: Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead (or Who are wondrous in Your saints), we sing to You, Alleluia. (3) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Only-begotten Son and Logos of God, being immortal, You condescended for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and, without change, became man. Christ, our God, You were crucified and conquered death by death. Being one with the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us. The Small Litany Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. Commemorating 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. People: To You, O Lord. The Prayer of the Third Antiphon Priest (in a low voice): Lord, You have granted us to offer these common prayers in unison and have promised that when two or three agree in Your name, You will grant their requests. Fulfill now, O Lord, the petitions of Your servants as may be of benefit to them, granting us in the present age the knowledge of Your truth, and in the age to come eternal life. And he exclaims: For You, O God, are good and love mankind, and to You we offer glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. As the people chant the Apolytikion of the day or the Third Antiphon, the Priest and the Deacon make the Small Entrance. The Small Entrance Deacon (in a low voice): Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. The Entrance Prayer Priest (in a low voice): Master, Lord our God, Who has established the orders and hosts of angels and archangels in heaven to minister to Your glory, grant that holy angels may enter with us, that together we may celebrate and glorify Your goodness. For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Deacon: Wisdom. Arise. The Entrance Hymn, or Eisodikon, is chanted by all. Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ. Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead (or Who are wondrous in Your saints), we sing to You, Alleluia. After this, the Dismissal Hymns (Apolytikia) and the Kontakion of the day are chanted. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy. The Prayer of the Trisagion Hymn Priest (in a low voice): O Holy God, Who is resting among the holy ones, praised by the Seraphim with the thrice-holy voice, glorified by the Cherubim, and worshiped by every celestial power, You have brought all things into being out of nothing. You have created man according to Your image and likeness and adorned him with all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the one who asks, and You overlook not the sinner, but have set repentance as the way of salvation. You have granted us, Your humble and unworthy servants, to stand even at this hour before the glory of Your holy Altar of sacrifice and to offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the Trisagion Hymn also from the lips of us sinners, and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive all our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship You in holiness all the days of our lives, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You throughout the ages. And he intones: For You, our God, are holy, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, The Deacon, facing the people: And to the ages of ages. People: Amen. The people then chant the Trisagion Hymn. 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 forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Deacon: Dynamis. People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. The Deacon then addresses the Priest: Command, Master. They proceed to the cathedra (throne on high behind the holy Table), and as they approach, the Priest says: Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord. Deacon: Master, bless the throne on high. Priest: Blessed are You upon the throne of the glory of Your kingdom, enthroned upon the Cherubim always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. The Epistle When the Trisagion Hymn is concluded, the Reader intones the Prokeimenon of the Epistle. Deacon: Let us be attentive. The Reader intones the verse of the Prokeimenon. Deacon: Wisdom. The Reader identifies the Epistle reading. Deacon: Let us be attentive. The Reader reads the specified Apostolic reading. The Prayer of the Holy Gospel Priest (in a low voice): Shine in our hearts, O Master Who loves mankind, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind that we may comprehend the proclamations of Your Gospels. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments so that, having trampled down all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the illumination of our souls and bodies, and to You we offer up glory, together with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. At the conclusion of the Epistle, the Priest blesses the Reader, saying: Peace be with you. People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. The Holy Gospel Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be with all. People: And with your spirit. Deacon: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). Priest: Let us be attentive. People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. And the Deacon intones the prescribed pericope of the Holy Gospel. After the reading of the Holy Gospel, the Priest, blessing the Deacon, says: Peace be with you. People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. The Sermon (According to ancient tradition, the sermon was delivered following the readings.) Ιf the following litanies, in italics, are being omitted, proceed to the exclamation following the Second Prayer of the Faithful. The Deacon offers the Fervent Supplication. The people respond to each petition with Lord, have mercy. (3) The Litany of Fervent Supplication Let us all say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us all say. Lord almighty, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy. Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy. Again we pray for our Archbishop (Name). Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the hierodeacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ. Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church. Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere. Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy. The Prayer of Fervent Supplication Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, accept this fervent supplication from Your servants, and have mercy on us in accordance with the abundance of Your mercy, and send down Your compassion upon us and upon all Your people who await Your great and rich mercy. And he exclaims: For You are a merciful God Who loves mankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. The Deacon offers the Prayers for the Catechumens. The people respond to each petition with Lord, have mercy. The Prayers for the Catechumens Deacon: Catechumens, pray to the Lord. Let us, the faithful, pray for the catechumens. That the Lord will have mercy on them. That He will teach them the word of truth. That He will reveal to them the gospel of righteousness. That He will unite them to His holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Save them, have mercy on them, help them, and protect them, O God, by Your grace. Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord. The Prayer for the Catechumens Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, Who dwells on high and watches over the humble, You sent forth Your only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the human race. Look down upon Your servants, the catechumens, who have inclined their necks to You, and grant them at a proper time the baptism of rebirth, the remission of sins, and the garment of incorruption. Unite them to Your holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and number them among Your chosen flock. And he exclaims: So that with us they also may glorify Your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Deacon: Those who are catechumens, depart; catechumens depart; all those who are catechumens, depart. Let none of the catechumens remain. The Supplication of the Faithful Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let all of us, the faithful, pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. People: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Wisdom! The First Prayer of the Faithful Priest (in a low voice): We give thanks to You, O Lord God of Hosts, Who has made us worthy to stand even now before Your holy Altar of sacrifice and to fall down before You seeking Your compassion for our sins and those committed in ignorance by the people. Accept, O God, our supplication. Make us worthy to offer You prayers, supplications, and bloodless sacrifices for all Your people. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, make us, whom You have appointed to this, Your ministry, free of blame or stumbling and, with the witness of a clear conscience, able to call upon You at every time and in every place, so that, hearing us, You may be merciful to us in the abundance of Your goodness. And he exclaims: For to You all glory, honor, and worship are due, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. People: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Wisdom! The Second Prayer of the Faithful Priest (in a low voice): Again and countless times we fall down before You, and we implore You, O Good One, Who loves mankind: That You, having regarded our prayer, may cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant to us to stand before Your holy Altar of sacrifice, free of guilt and condemnation. Grant also, O God, to those who pray with us, progress in life, faith, and spiritual understanding. Grant that they always worship You with awe and love, partake of Your Holy Mysteries without guilt or condemnation, and be deemed worthy of Your celestial Kingdom. And he exclaims: That, ever guarded by Your might, we may ascribe glory to You, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. The Great Entrance People: Amen. The Cherubic Hymn is chanted to the ellipsis: Let us, who mystically represent the Cherubim and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside every worldly care. So that we may receive the King of all . . . Deacon (in a low voice): Let us pray to the Lord. The Prayer of the Cherubic Hymn Priest (in a low voice): No one bound by carnal desires and pleasures is worthy to approach, draw near, or minister to You, the King of Glory. For to serve You is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. Yet, because of Your ineffable and immeasurable love for mankind, You impassibly and immutably became man. You, as the Master of all, became our high priest and delivered unto us the sacred service of this liturgical sacrifice without the shedding of blood. Indeed, Lord our God, You alone reign over the celestial and the terrestrial; borne aloft on the cherubic throne, Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel, the only holy and resting among the holy ones. I now beseech You, Who alone are good and inclined to hear: Look down upon me, Your sinful and unprofitable servant, and cleanse my soul and heart of a wicked conscience; and enable me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, clothed with the grace of the priesthood, to stand before Your holy Table and celebrate the Mystery of Your holy and pure Body and Your precious Blood. I come before You with my head bowed, and I implore You: Turn not Your face away from me, nor reject me from among Your children, but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer these gifts to You. For You are the One Who both offers and is offered, the One Who is received and is distributed, O Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory, with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and Your all-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. When the people chant So that we may receive the King of all the Deacon and Priest exit the north door preceded by candles and the censer, and when the hymn is paused, they exclaim the following alternately: May the Lord God remember all of us in His Kingdom always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. (Complete the Cherubic Hymn) Who is invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. The Priest then places the holy Chalice on the holy Table. He takes the holy Paten from the hands of the Deacon and places it to the left of the holy Chalice. The Deacon reverences the right hand of the Priest, exits the holy Altar through the north door, and stands at the usual place, offering the Litany of Completion (Plerotika). The Litany of Completion The people respond with Lord, have mercy, after every petition. Deacon: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord. For the precious Gifts here presented, let us pray to the Lord. For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord. For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. The people respond with Grant this, O Lord, after every petition. That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord. For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord. For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord. For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord. That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord. And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ. Deacon: Commemorating 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. People: To You, O Lord. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 32: THE DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM - PART 2 ======================================================================== The Offertory Prayer Priest (in a low voice): Lord God Almighty, You alone are holy. You accept the sacrifice of praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart, even so, accept from us sinners our supplication, and bring it to Your holy Altar of sacrifice. Enable us to offer You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our own sins and the failings of Your people. Deem us worthy to find grace in Your sight, that our sacrifice may be well pleasing to You, and that the good Spirit of Your grace may rest upon us and upon these gifts presented and upon all Your people. And he exclaims: Through the mercies of Your only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good, and life-creating 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 oneness of mind we may confess: People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Trinity, one in essence and undivided. The Priest venerates the covered Holy Gifts, saying privately: I will love you, O Lord, my strength; the Lord is my foundation, my refuge, and my deliverer.[3] Deacon: The doors! The doors! In wisdom, let us be attentive! The People say: The Symbol of Our Faith 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. And He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; 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 worshiped 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 aright! Let us stand in awe! Let us be attentive, that we may present the Holy Offering in peace. People: A mercy of 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 you all. 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 hymn You, to bless You, to praise You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in every place of Your dominion. For You, O God, are ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, existing forever, forever the same, You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You brought us out of nothing into being, and when we had fallen away, You raised us up again. You left nothing undone until you had led us up to heaven and granted us Your Kingdom, which is to come. For all these things, we thank You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit: for all things we know and do not know, for blessings manifest and hidden that have been bestowed on us. We thank You also for this Liturgy, which You have deigned to receive from our hands, even though thousands of archangels and tens of thousands of angels stand around You, the Cherubim and Seraphim, six-winged, many-eyed, soaring aloft upon their wings, And he exclaims: Singing the triumphal hymn, exclaiming, proclaiming, 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 in the highest. Priest (in a low voice): Together with these blessed powers, Master, Who loves mankind, we also exclaim and say: Holy are You and most holy, You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. Holy are You and most holy, and sublime is Your glory. You so loved Your world that You gave Your only-begotten Son so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. When He had come and fulfilled for our sake the entire plan of salvation, on the night in which He was delivered up, or rather when He delivered Himself up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands, and, giving thanks and blessing, He hallowed and broke it, and gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying: The Priest exclaims: Take, eat, this is My Body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins. People: Amen. The Priest then says in a low voice: Likewise, after partaking of the supper, He took the cup, saying, The Priest again exclaims: Drink of this, all of you; this is My Blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins. People: Amen. Then the Priest says in a low voice: Remembering, therefore, this saving commandment and all that has been done for our sake: the Cross, the tomb, the Resurrection on the third day, the Ascension into heaven, the enthronement at the right hand, and the second and glorious coming again. And he exclaims: Your own of Your own we offer to You, 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 beseech and pray and entreat You: Send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon the gifts here presented, The Deacon, gesturing with his orarion toward the holy Bread, says: Bless, Master, the Holy Bread. And the Priest blesses over the holy Bread and says: And make this bread the precious Body of Your Christ. The Deacon, gesturing with his orarion toward the holy Chalice, says: Amen. Bless, Master, the holy Cup. The Priest, blessing over the holy Chalice, says: And that which is in this Cup, the precious Blood of Your Christ. The Deacon, gesturing with his orarion toward both Holy Gifts, says: Amen. Bless, Master, both the Holy Gifts. The Priest, blessing both the Holy Bread and holy Chalice, says: Changing them by Your Holy Spirit. Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen. The Priest says in a low voice: So that they may be for those who partake of them for vigilance of soul, remission of sins, communion of Your Holy Spirit, fullness of the Kingdom of Heaven, boldness before You, not for judgment or condemnation. Again, we offer You this spiritual worship for those who have reposed in the faith: forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made perfect in faith, And he exclaims: 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 Logos. We magnify you, the true Theotokos. The Priest says in a low voice: For Saint John the prophet, forerunner, and baptist; for the holy, glorious, and most praiseworthy apostles; for Saint(s) (Name), whose memory we celebrate; and for all Your saints, through whose supplications, visit us, O God. And remember all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection to life eternal (here the Priest commemorates by name those departed whom he wishes). Grant them rest, O our God, where the light of Your countenance keeps watch. Again we beseech You, Lord, remember all Orthodox bishops who rightly teach the word of Your truth, the presbyterate, the diaconate in Christ, and every priestly and monastic order. Again we offer You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and for those living pure and reverent lives. For civil authorities and our armed forces, grant that they may govern in peace, Lord, so that in their tranquility we, too, may live calm and serene lives, in all piety and virtue. And he exclaims: Among the first remember, Lord, our Archbishop (Name); grant him to Your holy churches in peace, safety, honor, and health, unto length of days, rightly teaching the word of Your truth. The Deacon, facing the people, exclaims: And remember those whom each one of us has in mind, and all the people. People: And all the people. The Priest prays the following prayer in a low voice: Remember, Lord, this city in which we live, and every city and land, and the faithful who live in them. Remember, Lord, those who travel by land, sea, and air; the sick; the suffering; the captives; and their salvation. Remember those who bear fruit and do good works in Your holy churches and those who are mindful of the poor, and upon us all send forth Your mercies. And he exclaims: And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Priest: And the mercies of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you all. People: And with your spirit. The people respond with Lord, have mercy, after each petition. Deacon: Having commemorated all the saints, again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord. For the precious Gifts here presented and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord. That our God Who loves mankind, having accepted them at His holy and celestial and mystical altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, may in return send down upon us the divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray. For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord. The people respond with Grant this, O Lord, after each petition. For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord. For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord. For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord. That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord. And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ. Deacon: Having asked for the unity of the faith and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend 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 beseech, pray, and implore You: Grant us to partake of Your heavenly and awesome Mysteries from this sacred and spiritual table with a clear conscience for the remission of sins, the forgiveness of transgressions, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven, and boldness before You, not unto judgment or condemnation. And he exclaims: And grant us, Master, with boldness and without condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, Father, and to say: The Clergy and the People: The Lord’s Prayer 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 of the Son and of 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): We give thanks to You, invisible King, Who by Your boundless power fashioned the universe, and in the multitude of Your mercy brought all things from nothing into being. Look down from heaven, O Master, upon those who have bowed their heads before You; for they have not bowed before flesh and blood, but before You, the awesome God. Therefore, O Master, make smooth and beneficial for us all, whatever lies ahead, according to the need of each: Sail with those who sail; travel with those who travel; heal the sick, Physician of our souls and bodies. And he exclaims: Through the grace, compassion, and love for mankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. The Holy Communion Priest (in a low voice): Hearken, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from Your holy dwelling place and from the throne of glory of Your Kingdom, and come to sanctify us, You Who are enthroned with the Father on high and are present among us invisibly here. And with Your mighty hand, grant Communion of Your most pure Body and precious Blood to us, and through us to all the 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. Then the Communion Hymn is chanted: Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Alleluia. (3) After the Deacon exclaims Let us be attentive, he enters through the south door into the holy Altar. Standing to the right of the Priest, he addresses him, saying: Apportion, Master, the Holy Bread. The Priest, dividing the Holy Bread into four pieces, says: The Lamb of God is apportioned and distributed; apportioned, but not divided; ever eaten, yet never consumed; but sanctifying those who partake. And the Deacon, pointing toward the holy Chalice, says: Fill, Master, the holy Cup. The Priest, taking the ΙΣ piece, makes the Sign of the Cross above the holy Chalice, saying: The fullness of the Holy Spirit. He then places the ΙΣ piece in the holy Chalice. Deacon: Amen. The Deacon, taking the zeon, addresses the Priest: Bless, Master, the zeon. The Priest, blessing the zeon, says: Blessed is the fervor of Your saints, always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Deacon: Amen. The Deacon pours from the zeon the needed amount into the holy Chalice, saying: The fervor of the Holy Spirit. Amen. It is customary for the Priest and Deacon to offer the following prayers of Holy Communion. 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, in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy, without condemnation, to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen. Behold, I approach for Divine Communion. O Maker, burn me not as I partake, For You are fire consuming the unworthy. But cleanse me from every stain. O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper. For I will not speak of the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the thief, I confess to You: Remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom. Tremble, O man, as you behold the divine Blood. It is a burning coal that sears the unworthy. The Body of God both deifies and nourishes me: It deifies the Spirit and wondrously nourishes the mind. You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and by Your divine eros You have changed me. But burn up with spiritual fire my sins, and grant me to be filled with delight in You, so that, leaping for joy, I may magnify, O Good One, Your two comings. How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I should dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my vesture will condemn me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul, and save me, as You are the one Who loves mankind. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul, and save me. Master Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my judgment because I am unworthy, but rather for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body and the pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation. O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper. For I will not speak of the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the thief, I confess to You: Remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom. The Priest prepares to receive Holy Communion. Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God. Unto me, (Name), the unworthy presbyter, is imparted the precious and all-holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the remission of my sins and life eternal. He communes of the Holy Bread with fear and with great care. Then he says to the Deacon: Deacon, approach. And the Deacon approaches at the Priest’s right, extending his hands with his right palm crossed over his left, saying: Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God. Impart, Master, to me, (Name), the unworthy deacon, the precious and all-holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the remission of my sins and life eternal. The Priest places a piece of the Holy Bread in the Deacon’s right palm, saying: Unto you, (Name), the most devout deacon, is imparted the precious and all-holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and life eternal. The Deacon kisses the right hand of the Priest, steps behind the holy Table, and communes of the Holy Bread. The Priest, with the communion cloth in his hand, takes the holy Chalice, saying: Again unto me, (Name), the unworthy presbyter, is imparted the precious and all-holy and life-giving Blood of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the remission of my sins and life eternal. He communes once from the holy Chalice in silence. Then he says: This has touched my lips, and the Lord takes away all my iniquities and cleanses my sins. He calls the Deacon again, saying: Deacon, approach again. The Deacon approaches at the Priest’s left, saying: As I approach again, Master, impart to me, (Name), the unworthy deacon, the precious and all-holy and life-giving Blood of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the remission of my sins and life eternal. The Priest communes him from the holy Chalice, saying: Again to you, (Name), the most devout deacon, is imparted the precious and all-holy and life-giving Blood of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins and life eternal. The Priest says: This has touched your lips, and the Lord takes away all your iniquities and cleanses your sins. Then the Deacon takes the holy Paten and, using the mousa (sponge), transfers the remaining portions of the Holy Body into the holy Chalice with attention and reverence. It is customary for the Deacon to say the following at this time: Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. Your Cross, O Christ, we venerate, and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. For You are our God; apart from You we know no other; 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 the whole world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection; for having endured the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death. Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you. Dance now and be glad, Zion, and you, O pure Theotokos, rejoice in the Resurrection of your Son. O voice divine, beloved and most sweet! For you, O Christ, have promised in truth to be with us unto the close of the age, and we faithful rejoice, having this anchor of hope. O Christ, our Pascha, most sacred and great: wisdom, Word, and power of God. Grant unto us to partake of You more profoundly in the unending day of Your Kingdom. * * * * * After the Communion Hymn the Deacon exclaims: With the fear of God, faith, and love, draw near. And the people receive Holy Communion. The Priest receives the holy Chalice from the hands of the Deacon and begins communing the people, saying to each one: The servant of God (Name) partakes of the Body and Blood of Christ for the remission of sins and life eternal. After all have communed, the Priest blesses the people, saying: 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. Priest (in a low voice): Wash away, Lord, by Your Holy Blood, the sins of Your servants here remembered through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all Your saints. Amen. Deacon (in a low voice): Exalt, Master. Priest (in a low voice): Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth. (3) Blessed is our God, And, facing the people, he exclaims: Always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Let our mouths be filled with Your praise, O Lord, that we may sing of Your glory, because You have made us worthy to partake of Your Holy Mysteries. Keep us in Your sanctification, that all day long we may meditate upon Your righteousness. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Deacon: Arise! Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life-creating, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord. 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 commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. People: To You, O Lord. The Thanksgiving Prayer Priest (in a low voice): We give thanks to You, Master Who loves mankind, benefactor of our souls, that even on this very day You have made us worthy of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Make straight our path, fortify us in Your fear, guard our life, make secure our steps, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and of all Your saints. And he exclaims: For You are our sanctification, and to You we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Priest: Let us go forth in peace. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy. The Prayer behind the Ambon Priest: O Lord, Who blesses those who bless You and sanctifies those who put their 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 forsake us not who have set our hope in You. Grant peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the clergy, to our civic leaders, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from You, the Father of lights. To You we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and to the ages. (3) Priest (in a low voice): Christ our God, You are the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. You have fulfilled the Father’s entire plan of salvation. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: May the blessing of the Lord and His mercy come upon you by His divine grace and love for mankind, always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Priest: Glory to You, O God, glory to You. Priest: May He Who rose from the dead,[4] Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate 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; of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles; of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs; of our righteous and God-bearing fathers; of (name of the saint of the church); of our father among the saints John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; of (saint of the day), whose memory we celebrate today; and of all the saints; have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind. People: Lord, protect for many years the one who blesses and sanctifies us. Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. People: Amen. The Priest, blessing the people, says: May the Holy Trinity protect all of you. Offering the antidoron to the faithful, the Priest says: May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord come upon you. To the last person receiving the antidoron, he says: By His divine grace and love for mankind, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. The Thanksgiving After Holy Communion The Deacon at the Prothesis consumes the Holy Gifts reverently and with absolute attention, saying: The Admonitory Verses And when you obtain the blessed Communion, of the life-creating mystical Gifts, straightway give praise and great thanks, and fervently from your soul say to God, Glory to You, O God; glory to You, O God; glory to You, O God. And immediately he offers the following prayers of thanksgiving: Anonymous I thank You, O Lord my God, for You have not rejected me, a sinner, but have deemed me worthy to be a partaker of Your Holy Gifts. I thank You that You deemed me worthy, unworthy as I am, to partake of Your pure and heavenly Gifts. O Master, Who loves mankind, Who for us both died and arose and Who granted us these, Your dread and life-creating Mysteries, for the benefit and sanctification of our souls and bodies: Grant that these may be to me for the healing of both soul and body, for the averting of everything hostile, for the enlightenment of the eyes of my heart, for the peace of the powers of my soul, for faith unashamed, for love unfeigned, for the fullness of wisdom, for the observance of Your commandments, for an increase of Your divine grace, and for abiding in Your Kingdom; that being kept by them in Your holiness I may ever be mindful of Your grace, and no longer live for myself but for You, our Master and benefactor. And thus, when from this life I have passed in the hope of life eternal, may I attain to everlasting rest, where the sound of those who celebrate is unceasing, and unending is the delight of those who behold the ineffable beauty of Your Countenance. For You are, indeed, the true object of our desire and the inexpressible gladness of those who love You, O Christ our God, and all creation praises You unto the ages. Amen. The Prayer of St. Basil the Great O Master Christ, our God, King of the ages and creator of all, I thank You for all the good things You have granted me and for the Communion of Your pure and life-giving Mysteries. I beseech You, therefore, O Good One Who loves mankind, keep me under Your protection and in the shadow of Your wings; and grant that, with a clear conscience and until my final breath, I may worthily partake of Your Holy Gifts for the remission of my sins and for life eternal. For You are the bread of life, the well-spring of holiness, and the giver of all that is good, and to You we ascribe the glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. The Prayer of St. Symeon the Metaphrastes (The Translator) O You Who willingly grant me Your Flesh for food, You are a fire, and You consume the unworthy! Burn me not, O my Maker, But rather pass through my composite members Into all my joints, my innermost core, and my heart. Burn up the thorns of all my transgressions; Purify my soul; sanctify my thoughts; Make firm my legs, as well as my bones; Illumine the clarity of my five senses; Nail down the whole of me by Your fear. Ever overshadow, watch, and guard me from every soul-destroying act and word. Purify, cleanse, and train me; Adorn, elucidate, and illuminate me; Show me to be the dwelling of Your Spirit alone, And no longer the dwelling of sin; So that, as Your house, by the entrance of Communion As Fire, every evildoer and passion may flee, I bring to You intercessors, all the sanctified, The captains of the bodiless angels, Your Forerunner, the wise apostles, And to them I add Your pure, immaculate Mother. Receive, O my compassionate Christ, their petitions, And make of your hired servant a child of light! For You are alone our sanctification, O Good One, and the brightness of our souls; And to You, as is fitting, as our God and Master, Do we all ascribe glory from day to day. Anonymous May Your holy Body, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, be to me for life eternal, and Your precious Blood for remission of sins. And may this Eucharist be to me for joy, health, and gladness. And at Your awesome Second Coming, deem me, the sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your glory, through the intercessions of Your all-pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen. Anonymous To the Most Holy Theotokos All-holy Lady, Theotokos, the light of my darkened soul, my hope and protection, my refuge and consolation, and my joy, I thank you that you have made me worthy, though I am unworthy, to partake of the pure Body and precious Blood of your Son. But as the one who gave birth to the true Light: enlighten the noetic eyes of my heart. You who conceived the source of immortality, give life to me, dead in sin. You who are the compassionately loving Mother of the merciful God, have mercy on me and give my heart compunction and contrition, humility in my thoughts, and release from my captive thoughts. And make me worthy until my final breath to receive without condemnation the sanctification of the pure Mysteries for the healing of both soul and body. And grant me tears of repentance and confession, that I may praise and glorify you all the days of my life. For you are blessed and glorified unto the ages. Amen. Priest: Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. The Trisagion Prayers and the Apolytikion of the Day The Apolytikion for St. John Chrysostom The grace that shone forth like a torch from your mouth illumined the universe. It laid up for the world the treasures of freedom from avarice. It showed us the height of humility. But while instructing us by your words, Father John Chrysostom, intercede with the Word, Christ, our God, that our souls be saved. The Kontakion for the Day and for St. John Chrysostom You received divine grace from heaven, and through your lips you teach us all to worship the one God in Trinity, all-blessed, venerable John Chrysostom. Rightly we praise you, for you are a teacher who makes clear the things divine. And the following: The Church was revealed to be a many-lighted heaven, which illuminates all of the faithful; standing in it, we cry aloud: O Lord, make firm this house. Priest: Glory to You, O God, glory to You. May He Who rose from the dead,[5] Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother; of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles; of (name of the saint of the parish); of our father among the saints John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople; and of all the saints; have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Deacon: Amen. Then both the Deacon and the Priest wash their hands and lips in the special drain in the holy Altar, divest themselves of their clerical vestments, and venerate and kiss the holy Table. They then exit the holy Altar, giving thanks to the Lord. This Marks the End of the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. [1] If no Deacon serves, everything is said by the Priest from within the holy Altar (except Master give the blessing, Master give the direction, etc., and all dialogues between the Priest and Deacon). [2] The people chant together with the choir and chanters. [3] When there are many concelebrants, they exchange the kiss of peace and then kiss each other’s right hands; the first Priest says Christ is in our midst, and the next Priest responds He is and always shall be. [4] He who rose from the dead is used if it is a Sunday or during the Paschal season; it may be replaced by the designated dismissal for the specific dominical feast. If none of these applies, then simply May Christ our true God is said. [5] He who rose from the dead is used if it is a Sunday or during the Paschal season; it may be replaced by the designated dismissal for the specific dominical feast. If none of these applies, then simply May Christ our true God is said. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 33: THE DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT BASIL THE GREAT - PART 1 ======================================================================== 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, to You we sing: Alleluia. (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. The 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. 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 34: THE DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT BASIL THE GREAT - PART 2 ======================================================================== 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. Priest: 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: Priest: 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: Priest: 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 people 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: Priest: 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. 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: Amen. 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 the memorial of Your death. We hove seen the type 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 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 Resurrectional Apolotykia 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. 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: People: 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. 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 Holy 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 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. The Service of the Veneration of the Cross Tone One 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 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 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 Kontakion 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. The 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 35: THE AKATHIST HYMN AND SMALL COMPLINE - PART 1 ======================================================================== Introduction The Akathist Hymn and Small Compline are two services which are sung on the first five Fridays during Great Lent. The Small Compline, and the canon, is sung on each of the five Fridays. This is also true of the prayers beginning with "Holy God" and continuing to the end of the service with the exception that the Holy Gospel is read only on the First Friday. On each of the first four Fridays the canon is sung. At the same time, one of the four stases is also chanted by the Priest on each successive Friday. See text for directions. Preface Holy Cross Orthodox Press is pleased to offer a new revised bilingual edition of the Akathist Hymn and Small Compline to the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Church. This edition is a successor to the one published by Holy Cross in 1990 and authored by myself and Hieromonk Serapheim (Dedes) of the Monastery of St. Paul on Mount Athos. Due to personal reasons, Hieromonk Serapheim requested that his name be removed from that edition. This led naturally to a complete revision of that edition with the collaboration of my colleague Professor Evie-Marie Zachariades Holmberg of the Greek Department of Hellenic College. Nonetheless, this edition continues to owe much to Hieromonk Seraphim. We hope that this edition of the Akathist and the Small Compline will be received by the faithful and clergy with the same enthusiasm as the other liturgical publications of Holy Cross Orthodox Press. Now it only remains to thank a number of individuals who contributed to this volume: Metropolitan Demetrios Trakatellis and Father Theodore Stylianopoulos for their valuable advice. Many thanks are also due to Fathers Alkiviadis Calivas and George Papademetriou for graciously reviewing portions of the Greek and English texts. I am also indebted to Maria Moschoni, Georgia Stathopoulou, and Stelyio Muksuris for the special care they took in typesetting this volume. Finally, a special debt is owed to Bishop Methodios Tournas, President of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, to whom this volume is dedicated, for his steadfast support of academic publications in general and liturgical works in particular. N. Michael Vaporis 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 blood guiltiness, 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 be like 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. If it's the 5th Friday read below, if not skip to the next section. 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. 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. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Rejoice, treasury of purity, through whom we have risen from our fall. Rejoice, O Lady, sweet-smelling lily 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. If it's the 5th Friday read below, if not skip. 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. 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. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Rejoice, O Undefiled dwelling of the Word, seashell that produces the 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. If it's the 5th Friday read below, if not skip. 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. 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. 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 to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 and holy 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 and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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 and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 36: THE AKATHIST HYMN AND SMALL COMPLINE - PART 2 ======================================================================== 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. Continue with the rest 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. Continue with the rest 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. Continue with the rest 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. 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. Continue with the Service We now say "'Holy God." 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: 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 vine dresser. 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. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 37: THE BLESSING AND HALLOWING OF ICONS ======================================================================== Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and unto ages of ages: Chanter: Amen. Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us! O Lord, cleanse us from our sins! O Master, pardon our transgressions! O 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 to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto 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 Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Chanter: Amen. Kyrie eleison. Come, let us worship God, our King! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God! Priest: O Lord our God, Who created us after Your own Image and Likeness; Who redeems us from our former corruption of the ancient curse through Your manbefriending Christ, Who took upon Himself the form of a servant and became man; Who having taken upon Himself our likeness remade Your Saints of the first dispensation, and through Whom also we are refashioned in the Image of Your pure blessedness; Your Saints we venerate as being in Your Image and Likeness, and we adore and glorify You as our Creator; Wherefore we pray You, send forth Your blessing upon this Icon, and with the sprinkling of hallowed water Bless and make holy this Icon unto Your glory, in honor and remembrance of Your Saint (N); And grant that this sanctification will be to all who venerate this Icon of Saint (N), and send up their prayer unto You standing before it; Through the grace and bounties and love of Your Only-Begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed together with Your All-Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Chanter: Amen. Sprinkling cross fashion the Icon with Holy Water the priest says: Hallowed and blessed is this Icon of St. (Name) by the Grace of the Holy Spirit, through the sprinkling of Holy Water: in the Name of the Father (+), and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: (+), Amen. Immediately is sung the Troparion and Kontakion of the Saint limned on the Icon, and we all reverence and kiss the all pure Icon. Then follows the little Apolysis including the name of the Saint. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 38: THE CHURCHING OF A MOTHER AND CHILD AFTER FORTY DAYS ======================================================================== On the fortieth day the child is brought to the Temple to be churched, that is, to begin attending church. It is brought by the mother, who has already been cleansed and washed, accompanied by the intended sponsor at the Baptism. Standing together with the mother, child and sponsor before the doors of the nave of the church, the Priest says: Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. 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 evil. 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 ever, and to the ages of ages. Then the Apolytikion of the Day or of the Saint who is commemorated is said. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Through the prayers, O Lord, of all the Saints and of the Theotokos grant to us Your peace and mercy, for You alone are merciful. Over the bowed heads of mother and child, the Priest makes the sign of the Cross. He then lays his hand upon the mother's head and says: Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who by Your word has made every rational and irrational creature, that brought all things out of nothingness into being: we pray to You and implore You, cleanse this Your servant (Name), whom by Your Will You have preserved, and who now comes into Your Holy Church, from every transgression, so that she may be accounted worthy to partake of Your holy Mysteries without condemnation. Be it known that if the mother has come alone because the child is no longer living, the Priest ends the Prayer here with the Ekphonesis. For You are a good and loving God, and to You we send up all glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. But if the child is alive, he touches its head and says: Bless also this child which has been born of her; increase it sanctify it, give it understanding and a prudent and virtuous' mind; for You alone have brought it into being, and have shown him (her) the light which bodily sense perceives, so that he (she) might be accounted worthy also of the ideal light and be numbered with Your holy Flock; through Your Only; Begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your All; Holy, Good and Life; creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Prayer For the Mother of the Child Priest: Peace be to all. People: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. People: To You, O Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord God, Who ever draws near for the salvation of the human race, come also to this Your servant (Name), and through the prayers of Your venerable Priesthood account her worthy to find refuge in Your holy Catholic Church, to obtain entrance into the Temple of Your Glory, and worthy also to partake of the Precious Body and Blood of Your Christ. In the fulfillment of the forty days, wash away from her every transgression, voluntary and involuntary, so that accounted worthy to enter Your holy Temple, she may glorify with us Your All; Holy Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Another Prayer for the Child The Priest makes again the sign of the Cross upon him (her). Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord our God, Who on the fortieth day was brought as a child into the Temple of the Law by Mary, the Virgin Bride and Your holy Mother, and was carried in the arms of the righteous Symeon, do You also, Sovereign Master All-Powerful, bless this presented babe that it may appear before You, the Creator of all things. And do You increase in him (her) every good work acceptable to You, removing from him (her) every opposing might by the sign of the likeness of Your Cross; for You are He Who guards infants, O Lord. So that, accounted worthy of holy Baptism, he (she) may obtain the portion of Your Elect of the Kingdom, being protected with us by the Grace of the Holy Consubstantial and Undivided Trinity. For unto You do we send up Glory, Honor and Worship, with Your Eternal Father and Your All; Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Priest: Peace be to all (+). People: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. People: To You, O Lord. Priest: O God, the Father Almighty, Who by the loud; voice Prophet Isaiah has foretold to us the incarnation from a Virgin of Your Only; Begotten Son and our God; Who in the latter days, by Your good pleasure and by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit have willed, through measureless love, to become a child of her for the salvation of men; and, according to the custom of Your Holy Law, after the fulfillment of the days of purification, submitted to be brought into the Sanctuary, being Himself a true lawgiver, and willed to be carried in the arms of the righteous Symeon, of which mystery we have a prototype declared in the aforementioned Prophet by the taking of coals with tongs from the Altar, and of which we Faithful also have an imitation in Grace. Do You, Who are He that watches over babes, Yourself, O Lord, bless (+) this child, together with its parents and sponsors, and account it worthy, at the fitting time, to be born again of water and the Spirit. Number it with Your holy Flock of rational sheep, who are called by the Name of Your Christ. For You are He that dwells on high, and gives regard to the things which are lowly, and to You do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then, taking up the child, the Priest lifts it up in the sign of the Cross before the Gates of the Temple, saying: The servant of God (Name) is churched, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. And he carries the child into the Holy Temple, saying: I will go into Your House. I will worship toward Your Holy Temple in fear of You. Coming to the center of the church, he says: The servant of God (Name) is churched, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. In the midst of the congregation I will sing praises to You. Then he brings the child before the Doors of the Altar, saying: The servant of God (Name) is churched, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all people, a Light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of Your people of Israel. Apolysis Glory to You, O our God and our hope, glory to You. He Who submitted to be carried in the arms of the righteous Symeon, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His pure and spotless Mother, through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, through the protection of the venerable and bodiless heavenly Powers, through the prayers of the venerable and glorious prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, all; praiseworthy Apostles, of the holy, glorious and victorious Martyrs, of our venerable Godbearing Fathers, of the holy, righteous ancestors of the Lord, Joakim and Anna, (of the Saint of the church), and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us as our Good and Loving God. Through the prayers of the Holy Fathers Oh Jesus Christ, Our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen. After the Amen, the priest makes the sign of the Cross over the forehead, mouth, and chest of the child, invoking the name of the Holy Trinity. He then returns the child to the mother. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 39: THE ORDER FOR THE LESSER SANCTIFICATION OF THE WATER ======================================================================== Items needed for the celebration of the Lesser Sanctification of Water are a small table, upon which the Priest places the Gospel; a wooden, silver‑bound Cross; a censer; a bowl of water; two candlesticks with their candles; a few branches of basil and a clean white towel. The Priest wears his cassock and stole. Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Psalm 142 O Lord, hear my prayer; give ear unto my supplication in Your truth; hear me in Your righteousness and enter not into judgment with Your servant, for before You shall not any man be justified. For the enemy has persecuted my soul: he has humbled my life to the earth. He has made me dwell in darkness like dead men of old; and anguished within me is my spirit, and within me my heart is troubled. I remembered the days of old, and I meditated on all Your works, I mused on the creations of Your hands. I stretched forth my hands to You; my soul like a waterless land thirsts for You. Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit has fainted away; turn not Your face from me lest I be like them that go down into the pit. Cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for to You have I lifted up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord; to You for refuge have I fled‑, teach me to do Your Will, for You are my God; Your good Spirit shall guide me in the land of uprightness. For Your Name's sake, O Lord, shall You quicken me? In Your righteousness shall You lead forth my soul out of tribulation, and in Your mercy shall you destroy my enemies; and You shall cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Your servant. We then sing. Tone 4 God is the Lord, and He has become manifest unto us; blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His Name. God is the Lord, and He has become manifest unto us; blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. All the nations encompassed me, and in the name of the Lord I crushed them. God is the Lord, and He has become manifest unto us; blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. This was done by the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes. God is the Lord, and He has become manifest unto us; blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Troparia, Tone 4 To you, O Theotokos, we sinners now flee. In repentance we bow down before you, saying: "O Sovereign Lady, help us: have compassion on us, make haste to help, for we perish in the multitude of our sins Turn us not empty away, for we have you as our only hope. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Never, O Theotokos, will we, unworthy, cease to proclaim your powers: for if you did not hasten to our aid, making intercession, who would have delivered us from our manifold adversities? Who would have preserved us free to this day? We will not forsake you, O Lady, for you save your servants from all malicious foes. Psalm 50 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy: and according to the multitude of Your compassions blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly of my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against You only have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight, that You might be justified in Your words, and victor when You are Judge. For behold I was shaped in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. For behold You love truth; the unclear and secret lore of Your wisdom have You made clear to me. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; You shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. For You shall make me hear of joy and gladness: the bones, which were humbled, shall rejoice. Turn away Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me, O God, a clean heart, and renew a right 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 with a guiding Spirit establish me. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from blood ‑guiltiness, O God, You that are the God of my salvation: O Lord, You shall open up my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would have given it; with holocausts shall You not be pleased, a sacrifice for God is a broken spirit, a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your pleasure unto Zion: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem; then shall You be pleased with a Sacrifice of Righteousness, with Oblations and Holocausts; then shall they lay young bullocks upon Your altar. Then is chanted the following verse: All-Holy Theotokos, guard, protect and keep your servants. Troparia, Tone 6 O Virgin who from the Angel received, hail! And gave birth to the Life‑giver Himself, your Creator, save them that magnify you. (3) We sing of your Son, O Theotokos, and cry aloud: from all adversities save your servants, O Immaculate. The praise of Kings, Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs are you, and Intercessor of the world, O All‑Immaculate One. Every Orthodox tongue praises, blesses, and glorifies your immaculate Birth‑giving, O Mary, Bride of God. I beseech You, O my Christ, give to me also, though unworthy, remission of offenses, I beseech You; through the intercessions of her that bore You, in that You are compassionate. In you, O Theotokos, have I put my hope. Save me by your prayers; grant for me remission of sins. Give me life, you that have borne the Life‑giver and Savior: save me through your prayers, O blessed Hope of our souls. O Virgin immaculate, who did conceive in your Womb the Creator of all people: through your prayers save our souls. All-praised Theotokos, who through the word of an Angel, in a manner beyond reason, gave birth to the Word, pray that He will save our souls. Through your intercessions, O Lady, make your Son a merciful Judge unto me, who am a sinner above all people. With binding duty we cry to you, Hail! O immaculate Theotokos Ever-Virgin; through your intercessions are saved those that pray to you. Deliver me from the fire eternal, and the torments that await me, O all-praised Lady, that I may be delivered from all tribulation. All-praised Sovereign Lady, we pray You: do not overlook the prayers of Your servants, so that we might be delivered from all tribulation. From every sickness and infirmity. Deliver us, who have recourse unto you and your holy Protection. Marvelous wonder shown to you, O Theotokos: for our sake the Creator of All and our God was in our likeness born to you. Your Temple, O Theotokos, was shown forth as remedy without price of ills‑the consolation of our wounded souls. O All-Holy Theotokos, who has borne the Savior, save your servants from adversity and from all other necessity. From every ban under which they labor deliver your servants from every ailment of body and spirit, O you most Holy. Through your intercessions, O Virgin Theotokos, save all that have recourse unto you; deliver all from sorrow and necessity. Who, having recourse unto your Temple, O Theotokos, does not receive speedy healing both of soul and body, O All-immaculate? Entreated by the Saints and heavenly Hosts, O Merciful One, through her that bore You, do You cleanse me. Spare, O Savior, the souls of our brethren, who died in the Hope of Life; loose, and remit their sins. Hail! O Virgin, Mercy‑Seat of the world; Hail! O Receptacle of the Manna and Candelabrum all‑golden of the light divine, O Bride of God unwedded. Triadikon We sing unto You, O God in Three Persons, crying aloud the thrice‑Holy Hymn, entreating that we may receive salvation. Theotokion O Virgin, who has borne the Savior, the Sovereign of the world: pray unto Him that He will save our souls. Hail! O Mount, Hail! O Bush that burned and yet was not consumed; Hail! O Gate, Hail! O Ladder and Altar Divine, Hail! Sovereign Lady, the Helper of all. Through the prayers of Your Holy Mother, and of Your Holy Saints, O Merciful God, to Your people grant Your great mercies. Through the prayers of the glorious Archangels, the Angels, and all the heavenly Hosts, mightily preserve Your servants, O Savior. Through the prayers of the glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist, and of all Your Saints, mightily preserve Your servants, O my Christ and Savior. Through the prayers of the glorious Apostles, and the victorious Martyrs, and of all Your Saints, grant Your mercies to Your servants. Through the prayers of the glorious Unmercenaries, O Theotokos, preserve your servants, in that you are Intercessor and Confirmer of the world. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit we glorify saying: O Holy Trinity, save our souls. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion O Virgin who in mystery did conceive and bring forth in these latter days Your Creator: save us who magnify you: Open for us the door of your tender compassion, O blessed Theotokos; and as we set our hope in you, let us never be confounded; through you may we be delivered from all adversity; you, who are the salvation of all good Christian folk. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: For Holy are You, O God, and to You are due all glory, honor, and adoration: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. And the following Troparia, Tone 8 Now draws nigh the time that sanctifies all men, and a just Judge awaits us; turn then, O my soul, to repentance, like the Adulteress tearfully crying: have mercy on me, O Lord. O Christ, the Fountain, Who did sprinkle the waters of healing in the all‑holy Temple of the Virgin, You, today, through the sprinkling of blessing did expel the maladies of ailing, O You Physician of our souls and bodies. As a Virgin you knew not man, but gave birth; and as a Mother unwedded, a Virgin did you remain; entreat then, O Mary Theotokos, Christ our God that He will save us. O All‑Holy Theotokos Virgin, guide aright the works of our hands, and entreat pardon for our transgressions, when we chant the angelic Hymn: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. Again Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. Priest: Let us attend. The Epistle The Prokeimenon, in Tone 4 The Lord is my Light and my Savior; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? Priest: Wisdom. Reader: The Lesson from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Hebrews. (Heb. 2:11-18) Priest: Let us attend. Reader: Brethren, he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: "I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. And again: "I will put my trust in him." And again: "Here am I, and the children God has given me." Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. Priest: Peace be to you who read. Choir: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Priest: Wisdom! Let us attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all. People: And to your spirit. Priest: The Holy Gospel according to St. John. Let us attend. People: Glory to You, O God; Glory to You. The Gospel At that time, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and troubled the water. And whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. Choir: Glory to You, O God; Glory to You. The Ektenia Of Blessing Following each petition, the Choir responds with "Lord have mercy” and, at the end, with "To You, O Lord." In peace let us pray to the Lord. For the peace from above; for the salvation of our souls; let us pray to the Lord. For the peace of the whole world; for the stability of the holy Churches of God; and for the union of all; let us pray to the Lord. [For this holy House; and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter therein; let us pray to the Lord.] For our Most Reverend Archbishop (Name), for all the Clergy, and the people, let us pray to the Lord. [For the President of the United States and for all civil authorities; let us pray to the Lord.] For this city, for every city and land, for the faithful that dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord. For seasonable weather; for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful seasons; let us pray to the Lord. For all them that travel by land or sea, or in the air; for the sick, and the afflicted; for captives, and for their salvation; let us pray to the Lord. That this water might be hallowed by the might, and operation, and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. That there may descend upon these waters the cleansing operation of the super substantial Trinity; let us pray to the Lord. That this water may be to the healing of souls and bodies, and to the banishment of every hostile power, let us pray to the Lord. That there may be sent down upon it the Grace of Redemption, the blessing of the Jordan; let us pray to the Lord. For all of them who need God to help and give protection, let us pray to the Lord. That He will illuminate us with the Light of understanding of the Consubstantial Trinity; let us pray to the Lord. That the Lord our God will show us forth as sons and daughters and heirs of His Kingdom through the partaking and sprinkling of these waters; let us pray to the Lord. That He will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by Your Grace. Calling to remembrance our all-Holy, pure, exceedingly blessed glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and all our life to Christ our God. People: To You, O Lord. Priest: For to You do we send up all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord have mercy. Priest: O Lord our God, Who are mighty in counsel and wondrous in all Your deeds: the Creator of all things: Who keep Your Covenant and Your mercy upon all those who love You and keep Your commandments: Who receive the devout tears of all that are in distress: for this cause did You come in the similitude of a servant, scorning not our image but giving true health to the body and saying, "Lo! You are healed, sin no more." And with clay did make man's eyes whole, and having commanded him to wash, made him by Your word rejoice in the light, putting to confusion the floods of passions of enemies; and drying up the bitter sea of life of the same, subduing the waves of sensual desires heavy to be endured: do You, the same Lord and King Who loves mankind, Who has granted to us to clothe ourselves in the garment of snowy whiteness, by water and by Spirit: send down on us Your blessing, and through the partaking of this water, through sprinkling with it, wash away the defilement of passions. Yea, we beseech You visit our weaknesses, O Good One, and heal our infirmities both of spirit and of body through Your mercy; through the prayers of the all‑pure, exceedingly blessed Lady Theotokos and Ever‑Virgin Mary; Through the intercessions of the precious and life-creating Cross; through the protection of the glorious bodiless Powers of the Heavens; through the intercessions of the glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy, glorious and all‑praiseworthy Apostles; of the holy and theophoric Fathers; of our Fathers among the Saints, the great Hierarchs and ecumenical Teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; of our Fathers the Saints, Athanasios, Kyrillos, and John the Merciful, Patriarchs of Alexandria; of Nicholas Bishop of Myra in Lycia; of Spyridon the Wonderworker Of Trymitheus; of the holy, glorious Martyrs, George the Victorious, Demetrios the Exhaler of Myrrh, Theodore of Tyron and Theodore Stratilatis; and of the holy and glorious Hieromartyrs Charalambos and Eleutherios, and of all the righteous Martyrs; of the holy and righteous forefathers Joachim and Anna; of the holy wonderworking Unmercenaries, Kosmas and Damian, Kyros and John, Panteleimon and Hermolaus; Samson and Diomedes, Mokios and Anekitas, Thallelaios and Tryphon; of Saint (Name of the Saint of the Day), whose memory we commemorate; and of all Your Saints. Preserve, Lord, the president of the United States, and all the other Civil Authorities enabled by the American people; save, O God, all Orthodox Bishops who rightly divide the word of Your truth, granting unto them spiritual and bodily health; be merciful unto this Christian habitation which labors for You; have in remembrance, O God, every priestly and monastic order and their salvation; have in remembrance, O God, both those that hate us and those who love us, the brethren who serve with us; the people here present; and who for any cause are worthy of blessing and have gone forth having empowered us, unworthy though we are, to pray, for them; have in remembrance, O God, our brethren who are in captivity and affliction, and show mercy unto them according to Your great Mercy, delivering them from every tribulation. For You are the Fountain of healing, O Christ our God, and to You do we send up all glory, together with Your Eternal Father and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Peace be to all. (+) People: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads before the Lord. People: To You, O Lord. Priest: (inaudibly) Bow down Your ear and listen to us, O Lord, Who deigned to be baptized in the river Jordan, and there sanctified the water. Bless us all who by the bowing of our heads do show forth our apprehension that we are Your servants. Grant that we may be filled with Your sanctification through the partaking of this water, and let it be for us, O Lord, for the health of soul and body. (Aloud) For You are the sanctification of our souls and bodies, and to You do we send up all glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then the Priest, taking up the venerable Cross, dips it crosswise in the Water thrice, singing the Troparion: Tone 1 Save, O Lord, Your people, and bless Your inheritance, giving us victory over all who assail us and protecting the Church of Your faithful by Your Cross. (3) Then the Priest sprinkles the Holy Water in the form of the Cross and sings: Tone 2 Make us worthy of your gifts, O Virgin Theotokos, overlooking our transgressions; give healing through faith to them that accept your blessing, O Immaculate One. Then the Priest kisses the Precious Cross and blesses all the people, and he sprinkles all with the Holy Water, the Altar, and all the Temple. Meanwhile the Choir sings the following Troparia: Tone 4 O holy Unmercenaries, who had a fountain of healing, give healing to all that ask; in that you have been given gifts most excellent from the everlasting Font of the Savior. For the Lord has said to you: Lo! To you and your fellows has been given power over all unclean spirits, to drive them off with healing and free from every ill and wound; wherefore, abiding in that command, freely have you received, freely give healing of all our passions. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Regard the prayer of your servants, O all‑immaculate One; allay the fierce risings against us, and assuage our every woe; for in you have we a certain hope secured; so by your intercessions, O Lady, put us not to shame when we cry to you: listen when we plead: Hail! O Lady, Helper of men, the Joy and Protection of our souls. Accept, O Lady, the prayers of your servants, delivering us from every pain and sorrow. Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great Mercy, we beseech You: listen and have mercy. People: Lord have mercy. (And after each petition) Priest: Again we pray for our Most Reverend Archbishop (Name) and for all our brethren in Christ. Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, pardon and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious and Orthodox Christians who dwell in this city, and of the servants of God, the members, trustees, contributors, and benefactors of this Holy Church. Again we pray for the servants of God (names of those for whom the service is being conducted). Furthermore, we pray that He will save this our city and this Holy Temple, and every city and countryside from pestilence, famine, earthquake, flood, fire, and the sword; from invasion of enemies, and from civil war; and that our good God, Who loves mankind, will be graciously favorable and easy to be entreated with, and will turn away all wrath stirred up against us and deliver us from all His righteous chastisement which impends against us, and have mercy on us. Again we pray that the Lord our God listens to the voice of the supplication of us sinners, and has mercy on us. Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, the Hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off at sea, or in the air: show mercy, show mercy O Master, upon our sins, and have mercy on us. For You are a merciful God and love mankind, and to You do we send up all Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Apolysis Glory to You, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to You. Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all‑pure Mother; of the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy Apostles; of the holy, glorious, and right-victorious Martyrs; of the holy and theophoric Fathers; of Saint (Name of the Saint of the Temple); of the holy and righteous forefathers Joakim and Anna; of Saint (Saint of the Day) whose memory we commemorate, and of all Your Saints, have mercy on us and save us, as our good and loving Lord. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. People: Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 40: THE SERVICE OF THE SMALL PARAKLESIS (INTERCESSORY PRAYER) TO THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS ======================================================================== 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 it. 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. People: 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 In 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. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/books/liturgical-texts-of-greek-orthodox-church/ ========================================================================