GREAT VESPERS ON TUESDAY EVENING
At Psalm 140
In Tone 1
- Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
Faithful, let us control our passions through abstinence;* let us have love as our food.* Let us strive to live acceptably for God:* For our sake, He was raised upon the Cross,* and His side pierced by a spear!* In this way we shall enjoy the food of eternal life,** glorifying the Saviour of our souls!
- Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
Of old, we received death from the tree,* but now we find life again through the tree of the Cross.* So let us put to death the impulses of the passions.* Let us, faithful, entreat the Benefactor,* that shining with the radiance of divine works,* and adorned with virtues,* we may attain the saving Resurrection,** glorifying the Saviour of our souls!
In Tone 2
- If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
We praise Your life-bearing cross, O Lord,* the suffering of Your holy flesh on our behalf,* the spear, the slaughter, the derision,* the spitting, scourging, and the buffeting,* the robe of purple and the crown of thorns.* By these, You have delivered us from the curse.* Therefore, we entreat You:** Enable us to complete the time of the fast in peace.
In Tone 6
- I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
Gabriel stood in your presence, O holy Virgin,* and revealed the eternal plan to you.* He greeted you and announced:* Rejoice, O earth that has not been sown!* Rejoice, O burning bush that was not consumed!* Rejoice, O unsearchable depth!* Rejoice, O bridge which leads to heaven;* O high ladder which Jacob saw!* Rejoice, O vessel of divine manna!* Rejoice, O invocation of Adam!** The Lord is with you.
- From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Gabriel stood in your presence, O holy Virgin,* and revealed the eternal plan to you.* He greeted you and announced:* Rejoice, O earth that has not been sown!* Rejoice, O burning bush that was not consumed!* Rejoice, O unsearchable depth!* Rejoice, O bridge which leads to heaven;* O high ladder which Jacob saw!* Rejoice, O vessel of divine manna!* Rejoice, O invocation of Adam!** The Lord is with you.
- For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
The blameless Maiden said to the captain of the heavenly hosts:* You appear to me as a mortal,* and your words go beyond human thought.* You have said that God is with me,* and that He shall take up abode in my womb.* Tell me then, how am I to become a holy temple for the Infinite One,* the Lord Who rides on the Cherubim?* Do not mislead me with deceit,* for I have known no pleasure and have not approached wedlock.** Therefore, how shall I give birth to a child?
- Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
The archangel then said to her:* Whenever God wills, the order of nature is overcome,* and that which is beyond human power is accomplished.* Therefore, O most pure and everlasting One, believe my true words.* She then cried out, saying:* Let it now be done to according to your word,* and I will give birth to the One Who is without flesh.* He will take flesh from me,* so that by the union He may raise the human race to the original dignity,** for He alone is all-powerful.
- Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
The archangel then said to her:* Whenever God wills, the order of nature is overcome,* and that which is beyond human power is accomplished.* Therefore, O most pure and everlasting One, believe my true words.* She then cried out, saying:* Let it now be done to according to your word,* and I will give birth to the One Who is without flesh.* He will take flesh from me,* so that by the union He may raise the human race to the original dignity,** for He alone is all-powerful.
Glory… Now…
The archangel Gabriel was sent from heaven* to bring to the Virgin glad tidings of her conception.* When he came to Nazareth,* he marvelled at the miracle and thought to himself:* How is it that He Whom the heavens cannot comprehend* is now being born of a virgin?* The One Who has heaven for a throne and earth for a footstool* is being enclosed within a virgin’s womb.* He, upon whom the six-winged Seraphim and the many-eyed Cherubim cannot gaze,* wills to become incarnate of her by a single word.* The Word of God is at hand.* Then why do I stand by and not say to the Virgin:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace; the Lord is with you!* Rejoice, O pure Virgin and Maiden Bride!* Rejoice, O Mother of the Life!** Blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Prokeimenon I, Tone 4
Lord, You have been our refuge* from generation to generation!
verse: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world.
Vespers Reading I
Genesis 15:1-15
Prokeimenon II, Tone 4
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High* will abide in the shadow of the Almighty!
verse: He will say to the Lord: You are my Protector!
Vespers Reading II
Proverbs 15:7-19
Vespers Reading III
Genesis 28:10-17
Vespers Reading IV
Ezekiel 43:27-44:4
Vespers Reading V
Proverbs 9:1-11
Lytia
In Tone 1
In the sixth month, the leader of the heavenly armies* was sent to you, O holy Virgin,* to announce the word of salvation to you and say:* Rejoice, O Woman Full of Grace; the Lord is with you!* You shall give birth to the Son Who was begotten of the Father before all ages.** He is the One Who will save His people from their sins.
In the sixth month, the archangel Gabriel was sent from heaven* to Nazareth, a village of Galilee,* to bring the good news of joy to the Virgin.* Drawing near to her, he cried out, saying:* Rejoice, O Woman Full of Grace; the Lord is with you!* Rejoice, O vessel of the infinite nature,* for your womb contains the One Whom even the heavens could not contain.* Rejoice, O holy Virgin, through whom Adam is called back to Paradise,* Eve is freed from bondage, and the world filled with joy;** for in you the human race now rejoices.
The archangel Gabriel was sent by God from heaven* to the spotless Virgin in Nazareth of Galilee* to joyfully announce her marvellous conception.* The bodiless servant was sent to the living City and the spiritual Door* to reveal the coming of the Master and His descent among us.* The heavenly soldier was sent to the living Palace of Glory* to prepare a dwelling place for her eternal Creator.* Drawing near to her, he cried out, saying:* Rejoice, O throne of fire which surpasses the chariot of the Lord in glory.* Rejoice, O heavenly seat of our King.* Rejoice, O precious chalice and uncut mountain,* for the fullness of the divinity comes to dwell in you* through the good will of the Father and the operation of the most Holy Spirit.** Rejoice, O Woman Full of grace; the Lord is with you!
In Tone 2, Glory… Now…
Today Gabriel announces the good news to the Woman Full of Grace:* Rejoice, O Virgin who has not known wedlock;* do not fear the strangeness of my appearance,* for I am an archangel.* Formerly, the serpent was the cause of grief to Eve,* but now it is great joy that I announce:** You shall remain a virgin, and yet you shall give birth to the Lord.
Aposticha
In Tone 4
In the sixth month the Archangel was sent to the pure Virgin* and with his greeting “Rejoice!” he brought good tidings,* that the Deliverer would come forth from her.* And so, accepting his salutation with faith,* she conceived You, the pre-eternal God,* who was pleased to become man ineffably,** for the salvation of our souls.
Sing to the Lord, bless His Name. Proclaim His help day by day.
The Theotokos heard a voice she knew not,* when the Archangel brought her the glad tidings of the Annunciation;* and accepting the salutation with faith, she conceived You, the pre-eternal God.* Therefore in great rejoicing we also cry to You:* O God, who without change has been made flesh from her,** grant peace to the world, and to our souls great mercy.
Sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord all the earth.
Lo, our restoration is now made manifest to us:* God is ineffably united to men.* At the words of the Archangel error is laid low;* for the Virgin receives joy, and the things of the earth have become heaven.* The world is loosened from the ancient curse.* Let the creation rejoice exceedingly and raise its voice to sing:** O Lord, our Maker and Deliverer, glory to You.
Glory… Now…
Today there come glad tidings of joy: it is the feast of the Virgin.* Things below are joined to things above.* Adam is renewed, Eve set free from her ancient sorrow;* and the Tabernacle of the human nature which the Lord took upon Himself,* making divine the substance He assumed, is consecrated as a Temple of God!* O mystery! The manner of emptying is unknown,* the fashion of His conceiving is ineffable.* An angel ministers at the wonder; a virgin womb receives the Son.* The Holy Spirit is sent down; the Father on high gives His consent;* and so the covenant is brought to pass by common counsel.* In Him and through Him are we saved,* and together with Gabriel let us cry aloud to the Virgin:* “Rejoice, you who are full of grace: the Lord is with you.* From you has Christ our God and our Salvation taken human nature,* rising it up to Himself.** Pray to Him that our souls may be saved.”
Troparion
In Tone 4
Today is the crown of our salvation,* and the unfolding of the eternal mystery;* the Son of God becomes the Virgin’s Son,* and Gabriel brings the tidings of grace.* With him let us also cry to the Mother of God:* Rejoice, Full of grace! The Lord is with you! Thrice
VESPERS WITH THE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
ON WEDNESDAY EVENING
At Psalm 140
In Tone 3
- Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
Even more than all others, I have sinned of my own will,* and for that, I am condemned;* the arrogance of my flesh is the enemy of my soul.* O guide for those who have lost their way* and light for those without hope,** save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.
- The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
For the Prophet says,* my soul shall live and shall praise You, O Lord.* I am the lost sheep;* call me back and number me among Your flock.* Give me time to repent that I may sigh and cry out to You:** Save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.
- Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
Greatly despising You commandments,* I have sinned, O Christ our God.* Spare me, O Benefactor,* that my inner eye may be freed from darkness;* and in fear I shall cry out to You:** Save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.
- Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
Having been encircled by wild beasts,* I beseech You to deliver me from their clutches, O Lord.* You wish that all be saved* and come to the knowledge of the truth;* save all Your people, O Creator,* that I may be saved with them;** save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.
- If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
I am lying here in sin;* heal me, O Redeemer and Benefactor;* be not far from me, O Saviour.* Raise me up, O almighty One,* that I may confess all my sins and cry to You:** Save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.
In Tone 4
- I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
In the sixth month, the archangel was sent to the pure Virgin.* Telling her to rejoice, he announced the good tidings* that the Saviour would be born of her.* Having accepted his greeting, she conceived the eternal God* who ineffably deigned to become incarnate** for the salvation of our souls.
- From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
The Mother of God, upon hearing, did not understand* the message of the archangel* because he was speaking the words of glad tidings to her.* She accepted his greeting with faith* and conceived You, the eternal God.* Therefore, we joyfully sing to You:* O God, You became incarnate, without change, from her;** and You grant peace and great mercy to the world.
- For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Behold, the promised One now manifests himself to us.* It is beyond comprehension that God unites himself to the human race.* At the word of the archangel, deceit is cast out* because the Virgin receives the Joy.* The things of the earth become like heaven;* the world is freed of the original curse.* Let creation rejoice,* and may voices cry out:* O our Creator and Deliverer,** O Lord, glory to You!
In Tone 1
- Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
The archangel Gabriel, the spirit who sees God face to face,* gazes upon the brilliant, saving, and gleaming Light.* He sings heavenly and awesome hymns with the ranks on high.** He implores God to grant peace and great mercy to our souls.
- Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
The great mystery, previously unknown to the angels and hidden from eternity,* is made known to you alone, O Gabriel.* When you came to Nazareth, you told it to the pure One.* Together with her, implore God to grant peace** and great mercy to our souls.
You made the winds your messengers, and flaming fire your ministers.
O prince of angels, all-perfect Gabriel, * you are filled with the divine brightness.* You fulfil the wishes and commands of the Almighty.* Save those who lovingly venerate you.** Always ask God to grant peace and great mercy to our souls.
In Tone 6, Glory… Now…
The archangel Gabriel was sent from heaven* to bring to the Virgin glad tidings of her conception.* When he came to Nazareth,* he marvelled at the miracle and thought to himself:* How is it that He whom the heavens cannot comprehend* is now being born of a virgin?* The One who has heaven for a throne and earth for a footstool * is being enclosed within a virgin’s womb.* He, upon whom the six-winged Seraphim and the many-eyed Cherubim cannot gaze,* wills to become incarnate of her by a single word.* The Word of God is at hand. * Then why do I stand by and not say to the Virgin:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace; the Lord is with you!* Rejoice, O pure Virgin and maiden bride!* Rejoice, O Mother of the Life!** Blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Prokeimenon I, Tone 4
O Lord, God of vengeance,* show Yourself.
verse: Rise up, O Judge of the earth; give the proud what they deserve!
Reading I
Genesis 17:1-9
Prokeimenon II, Tone 6
O sing to the Lord a new song,* sing to the Lord all the earth!
verse: O sing to the Lord; bless His name.
Reading II
Proverbs 15:20-16:9
Reading III
Exodus 3:1-8
Reading IV
Proverbs 15:20-16:9
Small Ektenia
Trisagion Hymn
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Proclaim from day to day* the good tidings of our God’s salvation.
verse: Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 95:2,1)
Epistle
Hebrews 2:11-18
Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: He will descend like rain on a fleece, and like drops dripping on the earth.
verse: Let His name be blessed through the ages; His name exists before the sun. (Psalm 71:6, 17)
Gospel
Luke 1:24-38
Hymn to the Mother of God
O earth, announce good news of great joy; praise God’s glory, O heavens.
and the Irmos: Let no hand of the profane touch God’s living ark,* but instead let the lips of those who are believers* sing out ceaselessly in the words of the angel,* crying out with great joy to the Mother of God:* Hail, O Full of Grace! The Lord is with you.
Communion Hymn
For the Lord has chosen Sion;* He has chosen it for His dwelling. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Psalm 131:13)