Matins on Bright Wednesday
Priest: Glory to the holy, consubstantial, life-giving and undivided Trinity, always, now and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Paschal Troparion
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life! (3)
Verses from Psalm 67:
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee from before His face.
As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish as wax melts before the fire.
So let the wicked perish at the presence of God, and let the righteous ones rejoice.
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us exalt and rejoice in it.
Glory… Now…
The first half of the Paschal Troparion is repeated by the Clergy, then the second half by the people.
Ekteny of Peace
The Paschal Canon
Ode 1
Irmos O day of Resurrection!* Let us beam with festive joy!* This indeed is the Lord’s own Pasch* for from death to life, from earth to heaven Christ has led us,* as we shout the vict’ry hymn:
Christ is risen from the dead!
Let our hearts be spotless* as we gaze upon our dazzling Christ* Behold His rising, a brilliant flash of light divine!* Let us listen, clearly hear Him greeting us:* as we shout the vict’ry hymn:
Christ is risen from the dead!
Let all heaven burst with joy!* Let all the earth resound with gladness!* Let all creation dance in celebration!* For Christ has risen:* Christ our lasting joy!
Katavasia O day of Resurrection!* Let us beam with festive joy!* This indeed is the Lord’s own Pasch* for from death to life, from earth to heaven Christ has led us,* as we shout the vict’ry hymn:
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 3
Irmos From barren rock behold the wonder!* The staff of Moses once drew water!* But we have something new to drink:* the drink of deathless life* from the rock that was His tomb;* for in Him is all our might!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Now does light flood all creation:* heaven and earth, the world beneath!* Behold the festival of all creation:* Now we feast the risen Christ,* for in Him is all our might!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Yesterday, my Christ, they buried me with You;* Today I rise with You!* Yesterday Your partner in death was I;* tomorrow, O my Saviour,* let me share the glory of Your realm!
Katavasia From barren rock behold the wonder!* The staff of Moses once drew water!* But we have something new to drink:* the drink of deathless life* from the rock that was His tomb;* for in Him is all our might!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Small Ekteny
Hypakoe, Tone 4
Before the dawn, Mary and her friends approached the tomb,* and she found the stone removed.* and suddenly an angel spoke:* “Why look among the dead for one who lives in light eternal? Look, see the cloth with which they wrapped Him,* Go! Tell the world the Lord has risen, dealing death a death blow;* for He is God’s Son,* the Saviour of mankind!
Ode 4
Irmos Let God’s prophet Habakkuk* now stand with us in godly vigil!* And show the angel radiant with light* whose voice gives forth the joyous news:* salvation visits the earth today,* for Christ has risen in His might!
Christ is risen from the dead!
The first-born of the Virgin,* a small and tender infant,* as man he came among us!* But we called Him, “Lamb,”* pure and undefiled Pasch unblemished,* our real God the perfect One!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Christ our Pasch was sacrificed,* yearling Lamb and crown of prophecy!* For all of us He freely died* and thus became the Pasch that purifies!* Upon us all resplendent sun our righteous Christ* has shown forth from the tomb!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Before the ark symbolic,* God’s forebear David danced and leaped.* But we God’s holy people,* our eyes see all symbols now fulfilled.* For this God’s joy and gladness dance within us,* for Christ has risen in His might!
Katavasia Let God’s prophet Habakkuk* now stand with us in godly vigil!* And show the angel radiant with light* whose voice gives forth the joyous news:* salvation visits the earth today,* for Christ has risen in His might!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 5
Irmos Now at daybreak* let us celebrate.* Let us gaze on Christ, our Sun of holiness.* Instead of spices,* let us offer Him our song* as He brings forth life for all!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Hell’s captives saw Your endless loving kindness;* they fled with joy to You their Light:* and on their lips the happy news:* Christ our God has truly risen!* Clap your hands! Applaud the lasting Pasch!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Come! Let us all go forth to meet Him!* Look behold our Christ triumphant who burst the tomb with glory,* God’s own Pasch, our soul’s salvation!* With angel hosts we celebrate* a festival of joy and gladness!
Katavasia Now at daybreak* let us celebrate.* Let us gaze on Christ, our Sun of holiness.* Instead of spices,* let us offer Him our song* as He brings forth life for all!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 6
Irmos O Christ* You pierced the world beneath* and snapped infernal chains that bind forever!* But in three days You came forth from the tomb:* our Jonah from the belly of the whale!
Christ is risen from the dead!
You left the seals of burial intact* in rising from the tomb, O Christ,* who left in birth the portals of virginity unbroken!* But heaven’s gates* You open wide to earth!
Christ is risen from the dead!
O my Saviour!* Victim indestructible!* Our God, who freely gave Himself for us!* When You rose, O Christ, to God the Father,* You also raised up Adam and his race!
Katavasia O Christ* You pierced the world beneath* and snapped infernal chains that bind forever!* But in three days You came forth from the tomb:* our Jonah from the belly of the whale!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Small Ekteny
Kontakion, Tone 8
Although You went down into the grave, Immortal One,* You destroyed the power of hell!* You arose a mighty Victor, Christ our God,* bringing peace to Your apostles,* joy for the myrrh-bearing women;* and resurrection for the fallen!
Ikos
Before the dawn – as urgently as is in daylight – the women came with their spices to the tomb, looking for Him who existed before the sun was even created. That very Sun had come to set in a grave! They cried to each other: Bring your fragrant ointments, friends, and let us anoint that life-giving body which has been laid in a tomb. His is the body which raises the fallen Adam. Let us go! Let us hurry like the Magi; let us fall before Him in adoration. Let us offer myrrh to Him as He lays there wrapped, not in swaddling clothes, but in a shroud. Let us shed our tears and cry out to Him: Rise up, O Lord, give resurrection to the fallen!
Hymn of the Resurrection, Tone 6, Kievan
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ,
let us worship the holy Lord Jesus,
the only sinless One.
We venerate Your Cross, O Christ,
and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify,
for You are our God.
We know no other than You.
We call on Your Name.
O come, all you faithful,
let us worship the holy Resurrection of Christ,
for behold, through the Cross joy has come to all the world.
Ever blessing the Lord
we sing the praises of His Resurrection,
for by enduring the Cross for us
He destroyed death by death! (3)
Then, three times in Tone 6
Jesus is risen from the tomb* as He foretold,* granting us eternal life* and great mercy!
Ode 7
Irmos As He rescued three young men from furnace flames* by His passion* He has rescued us from death,* this One who took our flesh and suffered like all mortals.* He alone is blessed and full of glory:* the only God!* The One our Fathers knew!* Ever robed in splendid glory!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Devoted women followed after You bearing fragrant spices to anoint You;* and though they mourned You first with many tears,* their gloom was turned to joy in finding You, their living God!* They spread the news to all Your friends, O Christ,* the joy and gladness of the mystic Pasch!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Our feast today is death’s own death!* Hell is shattered!* A new and lasting life begins!* All joy and praise to Him who did this:* The only God, the one our fathers knew, ever robed in splendid glory!
Christ is risen from the dead!
O how holy! How resplendent!* What a truly radiant night!* Brilliant birth of man’s redemption!* The harbinger of resurrection joy!* The night when boundless Light transfigured flesh* as Christ our God escaped the grave — dazzling splendour for the world!
Katavasia As He rescued three young men from furnace flames* by His passion* He has rescued us from death,* this One who took our flesh and suffered like all mortals.* He alone is blessed and full of glory:* the only God!* The One our Fathers knew!* Ever robed in splendid glory!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 8
Irmos That hallowed and chosen day has come!* Of all holy Sabbaths the first and foremost:* the very expectation of the people of God.* The Festivals of festivals;* of all solemnities the greatest:* when all of us bless Christ forever!
Christ is risen from the dead!
That hallowed and chosen day has come!* Let us share this joy divine!* Let us taste the vine’s new fruit* and share the lasting reign of Christ* when all of us bless Christ forever!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Rise up, Sion, lift your eyes!* See your sons arrayed before you!* How they gleam with light divine!* From all the corners of the earth your scattered sons have found you:* They hasten to your bosom where all of us bless Christ forever!
Glory to You, our God – most holy Trinity!
Almighty Father, Word and Spirit,* Trinity of persons one in essence:* God most high, beyond our understanding!* In You have we been born anew,* for this do all of us bless You forever!
Irmos That hallowed and chosen day has come!* Of all holy Sabbaths the first and foremost:* the very expectation of the people of God.* The Festivals of festivals;* of all solemnities the greatest:* when all of us bless Christ forever!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 9
Deacon: Let us greatly extol in hymns the Theotokos and the Mother of Light!
The Angel cried out to the One full of grace:* O chaste Virgin, rejoice!* And again I say, Rejoice!* Your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day,* and raised the dead.* Let all people rejoice!
Irmos Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem!* for the glory to the Lord has risen upon you!* Exult now and be glad, O Sion!* And you, O chaste Mother of God,* take delight* in the resurrection of your Son.
Christ is risen from the dead!
How divine! How mellow! The voice of purest love!*Your promise to remain with us, O Christ,* until the end of time!* Firmly do we hold to this promise,* the well-spring of our faith and joy!
Christ is risen from the dead!
You are the greatest Pasch, O Christ, the holiest!* The Wisdom, Word and Power of God!* Your radiant presence, fuller ever lovelier manifest to us, O Lord* when You come again in glory* on the endless day when the sun will never set!
Katavasia Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem!* for the glory to the Lord has risen upon you!* Exult now and be glad, O Sion!* And you, O chaste Mother of God,* take delight* in the resurrection of your Son.
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Small Ekteny
Exapostilarion
In the flesh You fell asleep like a mere mortal, O King, I King and Lord! But three days later You arose, lifting Adam from corruption, putting death to death. O Pasch beyond corruption, O Ransom of the world! (3)
The Praises
In Tone 4
Praise Him for His powerful deeds,* praise His surpassing greatness.
You suffered death on the Cross,* and You arose from the dead.* We glorify Your holy Resurrection, O almighty Lord.
O praise Him with sound of trumpet,* praise Him with lute and harp.
By Your Cross You delivered us from the ancient curse, O Christ;* by Your death You have utterly destroyed the Devil who tyrannized the human race;* by Your Resurrection You have filled the whole world with joy.* Therefore, we cry out to You:* O Lord who rose from the dead, glory to You!
Praise Him with timbrel and dance,* praise Him with strings and pipes.
By Your Cross lead us to your truth, O Christ our Saviour; * deliver us from the snares of the Enemy.* You are risen from the dead;* now raise us up from our fall into sin.* Stretch forth Your hand to us, O Lord,* through the prayers of your saints.
O praise Him with resounding cymbals praise Him with clashing of cymbals.* Let everything that lives and that breathes give praise to the Lord.
O only Son and Word of God,* You were not separated from the bosom of the Father* when You came to earth out of love for us* and became a man without undergoing change.* In the flesh You suffered death on the Cross * even though You are beyond all suffering in Your divinity. * You rose from the dead, granting immortality to the human race,* for You alone, O Lord, are almighty.
The Paschal Stichera
Let God arise;* let His enemies be scattered!
Today a sacred Pascha is revealed to us.* A new and holy Pascha.* A mystical Pascha.* A Pascha worthy of veneration.* A Pascha which is Christ the Redeemer,* a blameless Pascha.* A great Pascha.* A Pascha of the faithful.* A Pascha which has opened for us the gates of Paradise.* A Pascha which sanctifies all the faithful.
As smoke vanishes,* let them vanish.
Come* from that scene, O women bearers of glad tidings,* and say to Sion:* Receive from us the glad tidings of joy* of Christ’s Resurrection:* Exult and be glad,* and rejoice, O Jerusalem,* seeing Christ the King* who comes forth from the tomb like a Bridegroom in procession!
So let sinners flee from before the face of God;* but let the righteous rejoice!
The myrrh-bearing women* at the break of dawn* drew near to the tomb of the LifeGiver.* There they found an angel* sitting upon the stone,* he greeted them with these words:* Why do you seek the living among the dead?* Why do you mourn the incorrupt amid corruption?* Go: proclaim the glad tidings to His disciples.
This is the day which the Lord has made:* Let us rejoice and be glad in
Pascha of beauty!* The Pascha of the Lord!* Pascha!* A Pascha worthy of all honour* has dawned on us. Pascha! Let us embrace each other joyously!* Pascha, ransom from affliction!* For today as from a bridal chamber* Christ has shown forth from the Tomb,* and filled the women with joy saying:* “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”
Glory be to the Father, and the Son* and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.
This is the day of Resurrection,* let us be illumined by the Feast!* Let us embrace each other!* Let us call “Brothers and Sisters!”* even those that hate us* and forgive all by the Resurrection,* and so let us cry:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life! (3)
Ekteny of Supplication
Ekteny of Petition
Paschal Dismissal
Deacon: Wisdom!
All: Give the blessing!
Priest: Blessed is the One-Who-Is, blessed is Christ our God, always, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen. O God, strengthen the orthodox faith forever and ever.
Priest: O most holy Mother of God, save us
All: Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem!* for the glory to the Lord has risen upon you!* Exult now and be glad, O Sion!* And you, O chaste Mother of God,* take delight in the resurrection of your Son.
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.
All: Christ is risen from the dead trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs giving life!* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing!
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life! through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-praiseworthy apostles; of our venerable and godly fathers; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople; and all the saints, will have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
All: Amen.
Divine Liturgy on Bright Wednesday
After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, Amen, the clergy sing the Paschal Troparion once and the people repeat it. Then, the clergy sing the first half, and the people conclude it.
Paschal Troparion
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life. (3)
First Antiphon
Shout to the Lord, all the earth,* sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Say unto God, “How awesome are Your works!* Because of the greatness of Your strength Your enemies will flatter You.”
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Let all the earth worship You and sing to You,* let it sing to Your name, O Most High!
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…
Third Antiphon
Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from before His face.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
As smoke vanishes, let them vanish, as wax melts before the fire.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
So let sinners perish before the face of God, but let the righteous be glad.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Entrance
In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel.
Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 8: Though You descended into a tomb, O Immortal One,* yet You destroyed the power of Hades;* and You rose as victor, O Christ God,* calling to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice!* and giving peace to Your Apostles:* You, who grant resurrection to the fallen.
Instead of Holy God
All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia! (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
You have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
I will remember your name* throughout all generations.
verse: Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear. (Psalm 44:5,8)
Epistle
Acts 2:22-36
Alleluia, Tone 2
verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.
verse: Because he has regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-47)
Gospel
John 1:35-51
Hymn to the Mother of God
The Angel cried out to the One full of Grace: O chaste Virgin, rejoice! And again I say, Rejoice! Your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day, and raised the dead. Let all people rejoice! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Exult now and be glad, O Sion! And you, O chaste Mother of God, take delight in the resurrection of your Son.
Communion Hymn
Receive the Body of Christ;* taste the fountain of immortality.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.
Instead of Blessed is He Who comes… we sing:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Instead of We have seen the true light… we sing:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Instead of May our mouths be filled… we sing three times:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life. (3)
Instead of Blessed be the name of the Lord… we sing three times:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life. (3)
Paschal Dismissal
Deacon: Wisdom!
All: Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem!* for the glory to the Lord has risen upon you!* Exult now and be glad, O Sion!* And you, O chaste Mother of God,* take delight in the resurrection of your Son.
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.
All: Christ is risen from the dead trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs giving life!* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing!
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life! through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-praiseworthy apostles; of our venerable and godly fathers; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople; and all the saints, will have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
All: Amen.
After the final Amen, the priest, with cross raised on high, exclaims “Christ is risen” thrice and we respond “Truly, He is risen” each time. Then, the Troparion “Christ is risen” is sung as at the beginning of the Liturgy, but with the addition:
And to us he has granted life eternal;* we bow down before his resurrection on the third day.
Vespers on Bright Wednesday
The Paschal Troprion is sung three times: first by the clergy, then by the faithful, then half by the clergy, and half by the faithful. We continue to sing the Troparion with verses from Psalm 67:
Paschal Troparion
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
All: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death.
All: And to those in the tombs* giving life!
Priest: Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee from before His face.
All: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
Priest: As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish as wax melts before the fire.
All: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
Priest: So let the wicked perish at the presence of God, and let the righteous ones rejoice.
All: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
Priest: This is the day that the Lord has made, let us exalt and rejoice in it.
Priest: Glory… Now…
All: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death.
All: And to those in the tombs* giving life!
Litany of Peace
At Psalm 140
In Tone 4
- If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
With your precious Cross, O Christ,* You have put the Devil to shame.* With Your Resurrection You have deadened the sting of sin* and have saved us from the gates of Death.* We, therefore, glorify You, O only-begotten Son of God.
- I have waited for You as You have commanded;*my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
O Christ who granted resurrection to all people,* You were led like a lamb to the slaughter.* Then the princes of Hades were struck with terror* as they saw the gates of their tearful domain being lifted up; *for Christ, the King of Glory, entered therein* and exclaimed to those in chains: Go forth from here!* and to those in darkness: Go forth into the light!
- From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
What a great wonder!* The Creator of invisible beings suffered in the flesh for all people* and rose from the dead as immortal.* Come, therefore, all you nations and adore Him;* for through His compassion we have been freed from the snares of the Devil,* and we have learned to praise the one God in three persons.
- For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
We offer to You our evening worship,* O Light whom the darkness of night can never extinguish.* For in these latter days Your radiance has appeared to the world,* shining in Your flesh as light reflected from a mirror.* Your brilliance has descended even to the depths of Hades and dissolved its gloom.* O Lord, Giver of Light, glory to You,* for You have shown the radiance of Your Resurrection to all the nations.
- Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all You people.
Let us glorify Christ, the author of our salvation,* for by His resurrection from the dead* the world has been delivered from the deception of Satan.* The choirs of angels rejoice as the treachery of evil spirits vanishes.* Fallen Adam arises, and the Devil is vanquished.
- Strong is the love of the Lord for us;*eternally will His truth endure.
Those who guarded the tomb of Christ* were told by the evil men who hired them:* Take this silver and keep silent.* Tell no one of the Resurrection of Christ;* rather tell everyone that while you were sleeping his body was stolen.* But who has ever heard of a body being stolen,* a body which had already been anointed?* Why would anyone take a body from the grave naked* and leave the burial shroud in the tomb?* Do not deceive yourselves, O people of Judea.* Study the teachings of the Prophets,* and you will come to understand that Jesus Christ is almighty God* and truly the Saviour of the world.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Lord our Saviour,* who subjected hell and conquered Death,* and enlightened the world through Your precious Cross,* have mercy on us.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
The passing of the Israelites through the Red Sea* was already a foreshadowing of the virgin-birth.* On that occasion, Moses parted the waters;* at the Incarnation, Gabriel announced the miracle of God’s union with Mary.* In ancient times, the Israelites passed through the depths of the sea* without being drenched by the waters;* now the Virgin has given birth to Christ without seed.* After the Israelites passed through the sea, it remained impassable;* after the birth of Emmanuel, the immaculate Virgin remains forever incorrupt.* O God, who exists from all eternity, and yet appeared as man,* have mercy on us.
The Great Prokeimenon, Tone 7
O God, listen to my prayer, do not hide from my pleading.
verse: Attend to me and reply.
verse: For they bring down evil upon me.
verse: As for me, I will cry to God, and the Lord will save me, evening, morning, and at noon.
Litany of Supplication
Deign, O Lord
Second Litany of Supplication
Aposticha
In Tone 4
O Christ our Saviour,* we lift up our voices in song to glorify You.* For, in Your love for all people,* You became incarnate without leaving heaven;* You accepted the Cross and Death;* You cast down the gates of Hades;* and on the third day You arose from the dead* for the salvation of our souls.
Pascha Stichera
Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered.
Today a sacred Pascha is revealed to us: a new and holy Pascha; a mystical Pascha; a Pascha which is Christ the Redeemer; a blameless Pascha; a great Pascha; a Pascha of the faithful; a Pascha which has opened for us the gates of Paradise; a Pascha which sanctifies all the faithful.
As smoke vanishes, let them vanish!
Come from that scene O women bearers of glad tidings, and say to Zion: Receive from us the glad tidings of joy of Christ’s Resurrection: Exult and be glad, and rejoice, O Jerusalem, seeing Christ the King who comes forth from the tomb like a Bridegroom in procession!
So let sinners perish before the face of God, but let the righteous scatter rejoice!
The myrrh-bearing women at the break of dawn drew near to the tomb of the Life Giver. There they found an angel sitting upon a stone, he greeted the, with these words: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? Why do you mourn in the incorrupt amid corruption? Go, proclaim the glad tidings to His disciples.”
This is the day which the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Pascha of beauty! The Pascha of the Lord! Pascha! A Pascha worthy of all honour has dawned on us. Pascha! Let us embrace each other joyously! Pascha, ransom from affliction! For today as from a bridal chamber Christ has shown forth from the Tomb, and filled the women with joy saying: “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”
Glory… Now…
This is the day of Resurrection, let us be illumined by the Feast! Let us embrace each other! Let us call “brothers” even those that hate us and forgive all by the Resurrection, and so let us cry:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life. (3)
At this time, all exchange the Paschal Kiss
Paschal Dismissal
Deacon: Wisdom!
All: Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem!* for the glory to the Lord has risen upon you!* Exult now and be glad, O Sion!* And you, O chaste Mother of God,* take delight in the resurrection of your Son.
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.
All: Christ is risen from the dead trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs giving life!* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing!
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life! through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-praiseworthy apostles; of our venerable and godly fathers; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople; and all the saints, will have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
All: Amen.
After the final Amen, the priest, with cross raised on high, exclaims “Christ is risen” thrice and we respond “Truly, He is risen” each time. Then, the Troparion “Christ is risen” is sung as at the beginning of the Liturgy, but with the addition:
And to us he has granted life eternal;* we bow down before his resurrection on the third day.