Mar 4, Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts for Wednesday of the Second Week of the Great Fast
Published on: March 4, 2020

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

  1. Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.

O faithful, to undertake a spiritual fast,* we must speak no deceit with our tongues* nor place obstacles in the path of each other.* But by repentance let us brighten the lamp of our souls,* that with tears we may call out to Christ:** Forgive our trespasses, for You love mankind.

  1. The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.

O faithful, to undertake a spiritual fast,* we must speak no deceit with our tongues* nor place obstacles in the path of each other.* But by repentance let us brighten the lamp of our souls,* that with tears we may call out to Christ:** Forgive our trespasses, for You love mankind.

  1. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

O martyrs, worthy of praise,* though the earth may not have covered you, heaven received you,* opening to you the gates of Paradise, where you dwell,* delighting in the Tree of Life.** Beseech Christ to grant our souls peace and great mercy.

In Tone 3

  1. Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

Through the prayers of the divine apostles, O righteous Lord,* grant that this time of the Fast may be well spent.* In Your kindness grant repentance to our hearts,** that we all may be saved and give glory to You.

  1. If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

Your coming will be great and fearful, O Lord,* when You shall sit in just judgment.* Do not pass sentence on me,* for I am already condemned;* but show Your divine favour toward me,** through the intercession of Your apostles.

In Tone 6

  1. I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.

O apostles of Christ who shine your light on all mortals,* you are the treasuries of the holy knowledge of God.* Through your prayers deliver from temptation those who praise you.* Guide us successfully through the course of this Fast;* direct our lives in peace,* so that with our eyes lifted up to the Passion of Christ,** we may with courage give praise to our God.

In Tone 8

  1. From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.

Unfading and divine radiance,* light-bearing brilliance of the commandments of God,* ever-memorable athlete,* most excellent of martyrs!* You have dispelled the gloom of darkness like a brilliant star!* You are a good offering, blessed one;* an unblemished sacrifice.** Therefore, ever entreat Christ that He may save our souls!

  1. For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

Unfading and divine radiance,* light-bearing brilliance of the commandments of God,* ever-memorable athlete,* most excellent of martyrs!* You have dispelled the gloom of darkness like a brilliant star!* You are a good offering, blessed one;* an unblemished sacrifice.** Therefore, ever entreat Christ that He may save our souls!

  1. Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.

Proclaimer of the truth:* You revealed yourself to be a sword-wielding enemy of ungodliness.* You cut off the head of the enemy with your suffering, all-wise one.* You clearly proclaimed the commandment of God,* saying good things to the untaught people.* Co-dweller with the martyrs, Conon,* entreat the Saviour that He may deliver from the passions** Your servants who honour You with hymns!

  1. Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.

What a good change the Lord of our fathers made in you* by the right hand of the Most High!* Most glorious athlete,* you were revealed to be a fruit blossoming from the root of unbelief.* Most blessed and all-praised Conon,* you had Christ as your most excellent Commander,** as you mightily overthrew the hordes of demons!

In Tone 5, Glory… Now…

Come, all faithful, and rejoice in the Holy Scriptures!* Rejoice in the preaching of the apostles!* Rejoice in the Virgin who gave birth to God!* She is the Queen of Heaven.** In her we exult with hymns and songs,* for she is our fervent intercessor before God.

Prokeimenon I, Tone 8
Rejoice, rejoice in the Lord,* exult, O you just!
verse: Blessed are those whose offence is forgiven, whose sin is remitted.

Reading I
Genesis 4:16-26

Prokeimenon II, Tone 1
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us* as we have hoped in You.
verse: Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just; for praise is fitting for loyal hearts.

Reading II
Proverbs 5:15-6:3