First and Second Finding of the Precious Head of the Holy, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; February 24.

Text from “The Divine Liturgy: An Anthology for Worship”; Pg. 816

Troparion (Tone 4): The head of the Forerunner has dawned from the earth,* shedding rays of incorruption and healing on those who believe;* from on high it assembles the multitude of angels,* from below it summons the human race* to glorify Christ God with one voice.

+Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion (Tone 2): O Forerunner of Grace and prophet of God,* having obtained your head from the earth like a sacred rose,* we always receive gifts of healing;* for again as of old you proclaim repentance in the world.

Prokimenon (Tone 7): The just man shall be glad in the Lord,* and shall hope in Him
(Ps 63:11).

verse: Hear, O God, my voice, when I make my petition to You (Ps 63:2).

Epistle: (2 Co 4:6-15): Brethren, God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—‘I believed, and so I spoke’—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

Alleluia (Tone 4):
verse: The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, and he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon (Ps 91:13).
verse: They who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God (Ps 91:14).

Gospel: (Mt 11:2-15): At that time, John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’ As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” 
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!

Communion Verse: The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear (Ps 111:6-7). Alleluia! (3x).

Great Vespers (Royaldoors.net):
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Divine Liturgy:
PDF – First and Second Finding of the Precious Head of St. John – ENGLISH
PDF – First and Second Finding of the Precious Head of St. John – UKRAINIAN
PDF – First and Second Finding of the Head of St John – ENG-UKR

DOC – First and Second Finding of the Precious Head of St. John – ENGLISH
DOC – First and Second Finding of the Precious Head of St. John – UKRAINIAN