GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

The doors being shut and the disciples assembled,* You appeared to them as almighty, Jesus, our God.* You stood in their midst giving them peace;* You granted the Holy Spirit to them,* commanding them to wait in Jerusalem* until clothed with the power from on high.* Therefore we cry to You:* Our Illumination and Resurrection and peace, glory to You!

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

The doors being shut and the disciples assembled,* You appeared to them as almighty, Jesus, our God.* You stood in their midst giving them peace;* You granted the Holy Spirit to them,* commanding them to wait in Jerusalem* until clothed with the power from on high.* Therefore we cry to You:* Our Illumination and Resurrection and peace, glory to You!

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

Eight days after Your Resurrection, Lord,* You came to Your apostles* proclaiming: Peace be with you all!* To the doubting disciple, You showed Your hands and side.* He believed and cried to You:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

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

Eight days after Your Resurrection, Lord,* You came to Your apostles* proclaiming: Peace be with you all!* To the doubting disciple, You showed Your hands and side.* He believed and cried to You:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

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

Thomas, who is called the twin,* was not with the disciples, Christ,* when You came to them through closed doors.* Therefore he doubted their word.* You did not reject him for his faithlessness!* When he saw Your side and the wounds in Your hands and feet,* his faith was made certain!* Having desired to see You,* he confessed You to be truly God, not only man,* crying: My Lord and my God, glory to You!

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

Thomas, who is called the twin,* was not with the disciples, Christ,* when You came to them through closed doors.* Therefore he doubted their word.* You did not reject him for his faithlessness!* When he saw Your side and the wounds in Your hands and feet,* his faith was made certain!* Having desired to see You,* he confessed You to be truly God, not only man,* crying: My Lord and my God, glory to You!

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

The disciples were assembled on the eighth day,* and the Saviour appeared to them!* He gave them peace and said to Thomas:* Come, apostle!  Feel my hands, which were pierced by the nails!* Most wonderful doubt of Thomas!* It brought the hearts of the faithful to knowledge!* My Lord and my God, glory to 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 disciples were assembled on the eighth day,* and the Saviour appeared to them!* He gave them peace and said to Thomas:* Come, apostle!  Feel my hands, which were pierced by the nails!* Most wonderful doubt of Thomas!* It brought the hearts of the faithful to knowledge!* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

In Tone 2

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

After Your rising, Lord,* though the doors were shut,* You came to Your assembled disciples.* You granted them peace.* Even Thomas believed, seeing Your hands and side!* He confessed You as Lord and God,* Who save those who hope in You, Lover of mankind!

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

When the doors were shut,* Jesus stood in the midst of His disciples.* He calmed their hearts and granted them peace.* Then He spoke to the apostle Thomas:* Do you not believe that I am risen from the dead?* Bring your hands here, and touch My side!* Be no longer an unbeliever!* Proclaim My passion and My Resurrection to all,* that everyone may join your cry:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

When the doors were shut,* Jesus came to his disciples.* The apostle Thomas was not with them,* so he spoke these words:* Unless I see the Master myself,* unless I see His side flowing with baptismal blood and water,* unless I see those wounds which have healed all mankind,* unless I see not a spirit, but flesh and bones,* I will not believe.* Glory to You, O Lord,* for You confirmed Thomas in faith,* and have trampled death by death!

Litya

In Tone 4

Lord, shining with the splendour of Your divinity,* You came through closed doors to Your disciples,* showing Your pierced side, the wounds from the nails,* dispelling all sadness and sorrow!* O friends, see that I am not a spirit, but truly man!* The disciple who did not believe, You commanded to see,* saying: Prove to yourself, then come and believe!* He touched Your side with his own hand and cried in faith and fear:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

In Tone 8

Touch my side with your hand, O Thomas.* Come and feel the scars of the nails.* Know in faith and do not be faithless, but believing!* Thomas, when he touched the Master, cried:* You are my God and Lord,* O compassionate one, glory to You!

Glory… Now…

The disciples were assembled and the doors were closed.* Jesus appeared in the midst and said to Thomas:* Come, see and feel the marks of the nails,* stretch out your hand and touch My wounds.* Do not disbelieve,* but in faith proclaim my Resurrection from the dead!

Aposticha

In Tone 4

Glorious wonder!* Doubt bore certain faith!* Thomas said: unless I see, I shall not believe!* By touching His side, he blessed the incarnate Son of God * Who suffered in the flesh,* and he proclaimed the resurrected God,* crying out with joy: My Lord and my God, glory to You!

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! Zion, praise your God!

Glorious wonder!* Thomas placed his hand on the fiery side of Jesus Christ, God!* He was not scorched by this,* his doubt changed to certain faith and he cried fervently:* You are my Master and God,* resurrected from the dead.* O Lord, glory to You!

He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your sons within you.

Glorious wonder!* John the apostle leaned on the Saviour’s breast,* and Thomas was made worthy to touch his side.* The one thus understood the depths of theology;* the other was privileged to announce the mystery of the Resurrection to us,* crying: My Lord and my God, glory to You!

In Tone 5, Glory… Now…

How great is the multitude of your compassion, Lover of mankind!* Because of Your long-suffering You were struck by the Jews,* You were examined by an apostle and touched by those who denied You!* How are You incarnate?* How are You crucified?* You have not known sin!* Make us understand like Thomas that we may call out to You:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

Troparion

In Tone 7
When the tomb was sealed, O Christ God,* You dawned as life from the sepulchre,* and while the doors were shut,* You came to Your disciples, the Resurrection of all,* renewing a right spirit in us through them,* according to Your great mercy. (3)

 

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GREAT MATINS

Troparion

In Tone 7
When the tomb was sealed, O Christ God,* You dawned as life from the sepulchre,* and while the doors were shut,* You came to Your disciples, the Resurrection of all,* renewing a right spirit in us through them,* according to Your great mercy. (3)

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 1

The disciples were in hiding out of fear of the Jews,* and they gathered in the upper room in Zion.* You stood in their midst, O Lord of goodness;* and though the doors were closed, You appeared and filled them with joy.* You showed them your hands and the wound of Your side,* saying to the doubting disciple:* Stretch forth your hand and know that it is I who have suffered for you.

Glory… Now… Repeat

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 1

Although the doors were closed, O Christ,* You appeared to Your disciples as the Life of all.* You showed them Your hands, Your feet, and Your side,* to strengthen their faith in Your Resurrection from the grave.* But Thomas was not with them and so he said:* If I do not see with my own eyes* I will not be convinced by Your words.

Glory… Now… Repeat

Polyeleos

Exaltation

We extol You,* O Life-giving Christ,* because You descended into Hades for our sake,* and You resurrected all with You.

1. The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.
2. For He bursts the gates of bronze and shatters the iron bars.
3. He led them forth from darkness and gloom and broke their chains to pieces.
4. The Lord arose as though from sleep, and He smote their enemies.
5. Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered.
6. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
7. Glory… Now…

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Sessional Hymn, Tone 1

When the Lord rose from the grave* and appeared to His disciples in a marvelous manner, He said:* Thomas, having seen my side and the marks of the nails,* why do you doubt my Resurrection?* Thomas, called the Twin, answered the Creator:* You are truly my Lord and my God.

Gradual Hymn, Tone 4, Antiphon I

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! Zion, praise your God!
v. He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed the children within you.

Gospel

Matthew 28: 16- 20

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ (3)

Canon, Tone 1

ODE 1

Irmos Let us sing a hymn of victory, all you people,* to the One who delivered the people of Israel* from the harsh servitude of Pharaoh;* for He is covered with glory.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Today is the springtime of our souls,* because Christ is risen as a sun from the tomb on the third day.* He has dispelled the dark winter of our sins;* let us sing to Him, for He is covered with glory.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

This present hour which is Queen of all the others,* makes a cortege for the brilliant day, the King of days.* It delights the newly elected people of the Church,* who sing unceasingly to the resurrected Christ.

Glory… Now…

O Christ, neither the gates of death, nor the seals of the tomb,* nor the bars of the gates could hold You back;* but resurrected from the dead,* You appeared before your friends, O Master,* giving them the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Katavasia It is the day of Resurrection;* O people, let us be enlightened by it.* The Passover is the Lord’s Passover,* since Christ, our God, has brought us from death to life* and from earth to heaven.* Therefore, we sing the hymn of victory.

ODE 3

Irmos O Christ, strengthen me on the unshakable rock of Your commandments.* Enlighten me in the brightness of Your face,* for there is no one holy but You, O Lord.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

O Christ, by your Cross* You renewed us from an ancient condition;* You led us from death to immortality,* ordaining us to lead a new life in You.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

O Christ, You were enclosed in the tomb* by the limits of Your flesh,* You are the One whom nothing can contain.* You resurrected and even though the doors were closed,* You appeared to Your disciples, O Lord almighty.

Glory… Now…

O Christ, as a witness to Your glorious Resurrection,* You showed to Your disciples* the wounds You freely bore for us.

Katavasia Come, let us partake of a new drink,* not miraculously produced from the barren rock,* but from the Fountain of Immortality,* springing up from the tomb of Christ.* In Him is our firm strength.

HYPAKOE, TONE 6

As You appeared to Your disciples* and gave them Your peace,* come also to us, O God our Saviour, and save us.

ODE 4

Irmos Awesome is the mystery of Your work of salvation, O Christ.* The prophet Habakkuk saw it from afar* as he penetrated the divine secrets.* He said: O Lover of mankind,* You have come for the salvation of Your people.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

By tasting the gall, Christ has redeemed the gluttony of old.* Now He allows our first father to partake* of his illumination and his peaceful communion.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

You were pleased to be known,* O Christ and Lover of mankind.* That is why You directed Thomas to that knowledge* by offering Your side to be examined by his doubt.* Thus You strengthened the world* in the faith in Your Resurrection on the third day.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Having richly drawn from the inexhaustible treasury of Your pierced side* which was pierced by the lance of the soldiers,* Thomas filled the world with the wisdom and knowledge of God.

Glory… Now…

With our hymns we praise your blessed tongue, O Thomas.* It was the first to reverently announce* the Source of our life, Jesus our Lord and our God,* by the touch which filled you with grace and truth.

Katavasia Let Habakkuk,* speaking in behalf of God,* stand with us at the divine watch;* let him show us the brilliant angel who proclaims:* Today, salvation comes to the world;* for Christ, being almighty, is risen.

ODE 5

Irmos In this night vigil, we sing to You, O Christ,* equal to the Father in eternity* and the Saviour of our souls;* grant peace to the world, O Lord and Lover of mankind.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

You appeared to Your disheartened friends, O Saviour,* and Your presence dispelled the sadness of their hearts.* You made them leap for joy by Your holy Resurrection.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

It is truly proper to rejoice with you, O Thomas,* for the boldness of your action;* you had the courage to touch the side* which blazed with the fire of the divinity.

Glory… Now…

O Lord, You have shown us* how the doubt of Thomas could lead us to faith;* in Your wisdom You indeed foresee all that is for our good,* O Christ, the Lover of mankind.

Katavasia Let us rise at early dawn* and bring to our Master a hymn instead of myrrh;* and we shall see Christ,* the Sun of Righteousness* who enlightens the life of all.

ODE 6

Irmos You have saved Your prophet from the sea monster, O Lover of mankind;* now I beseech You:* draw me out of the abyss of my sins.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

You did not let Thomas sink into the abyss of unbelief,* but You extended Your hands,* O Lord, so that he could examine them.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Our Saviour has said:* By touching Me you will see *that I am made of flesh and bones.* It is I, and I have not changed.

Glory… Now…

Thomas, who was not present at Your first appearance, O Lord,* then touched Your side,* and in faith he acknowledged You.

Katavasia You have descended into the realm of Death, O Christ,* and have broken ancient bonds which held the captive.* You arose from the tomb on the third day* like Jonah from the whale.

KONTAKION, TONE 8

With his searching hand, Thomas explored Your life-giving side, O Christ God. For when You entered while the doors were shut, he called out to You with the rest of the Apostles: You are my Lord and my God!

IKOS

Who stopped the hand of the disciple from being melted when he approached the fiery side of the Saviour? Who gave him such boldness, to be able to touch this blazing door? Surely it was the One who was touched, for if He had not given this power to a hand made of clay, how could it have touched the wounds which shook both heaven and earth? And Thomas received the grace to touch Christ and shout out to Him: You are my Lord and my God.

ODE 7

Irmos The people, called together at the sound of the instruments,* had to worship the idols of the tyrant;* but as their fathers before them,* the young men, singing hymns of Zion with David,* resisted the order of the tyrant and changed the flames into fresh dew.* They sang the hymn of praise:* Blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

O first of days and lord of days!* This is the day whose brightness brings joy* to the new people chosen by God.* It bears the sign of eternity* and completes the octave of the time to come.* O Lord worthy of all praise,* blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

By his unusual impudence,* Thomas the twin made us profit from his doubts of faith.* By his unbelief he dispelled the ignorance and darkness for the world.* For himself he wove a crown of immortality,* saying to Christ: You are the Lord; to You belong praise and great glory.* Blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

It is not in vain that Thomas doubted,* that he did not immediately admit Your Resurrection.* He acted in such a way* that the Resurrection is an indisputable belief* to all the nations on earth.* By his doubt he strengthens the faith of all* and teaches us to say:* You are the Lord; to You belong praise and great glory.* Blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Glory… Now…

Timidly Thomas placed his hand into Your life-giving side.* There he perceived the double energy of the two natures* united in You without confusion, O Christ the Saviour.* In faith he cries out:* You are the Lord; to You belong praise and great glory.* Blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Katavasia God, who saved the three youths from the furnace,* has become man and suffered as any mortal;* but His passion clothed His mortality* with the splendour of incorruption. * He is the only blessed One, God of our fathers,* and is worthy of all praise.

ODE 8

Irmos He who protected the youths in the flaming furnace* and who came down to them in the form of an angel,* He is the Lord.* Sing to Him and exalt Him throughout the ages.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Even though he longed to see You,* Thomas began by not believing;* but when he was favoured with the sight of You,* he called You Lord and God,* You the Master whom we praise and exalt throughout the ages.

Let us bless the Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

He who endured the unbelief of Thomas,* showing him His life-giving side* and yielding to the examination by his hand,* He is the Lord.* Sing to Him and exalt Him throughout all ages.

Now…

The precious treasure which you concealed* was revealed for us, O Thomas.* With a tongue inspired by God *and confessing His divinity, you have said:* Praise Christ and exalt Him throughout all ages.

Let us praise, bless, and worship the Lord, singing and exalting Him above all forever.

Katavasia This is that chosen and holy day,* Feast of feasts,* most solemn day,* only king and lord of all Sabbaths,* on which we ever praise Christ.

MAGNIFICAT

ODE 9

Irmos O most radiant Lamp, O God-bearer,* you are the brilliant glory of the Lord* and are exalted above all creatures;* with our hymns we extol you.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

On this most bright day,* filled with the light of Your grace, O Christ,* You appeared to Your disciples in all Your beauty and goodness;* with our hymns we extol You.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Your side was examined and touched by a mortal hand,* yet it was not burned by Your divinity;* with our hymns we extol You.

Glory… Now…

O Christ, You rose from the tomb, and You are our God.* Though we have not seen Your Resurrection with our own eyes,* yet we eagerly believe in You,* and with our hymns we extol You.

Katavasia Shine in splendour,* O new Jerusalem!* For the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.* O Zion, sing with joy and rejoice!* And you, pure Mother of God,* rejoice in the Resurrection of your Son.

Hymn of Light, Tone 3

O Thomas, do not refuse to believe in Me,* for I was wounded for your sake.* Examine my wounds with your hand;* be of one mind with the other disciples* and proclaim that I am the living God.

Glory… Now…

Today the fragrance of Spring arises,* and the new creation rejoices.* Today the locks are pulled from the door of the disbelief of Thomas,* and the nails of doubt are broken by the presence of the Lord.* In an act of faith the Apostle confesses:* You are indeed my Lord and my God.

At the Praises

Tone 1 After Your wondrous Resurrection,* O Lord and source of Life,* You entered even though the doors were locked,* just as You did not break the seals of the tomb.* You filled Your glorious disciples with joy,* and in Your goodness, You gave them your Spirit of Truth. (2)

When You appeared to Your disciples, O Lord,* Thomas, who was called the Twin, was not with them.* Thus he did not believe in Your Resurrection,* and he said to those who saw You:* Unless I place my finger into His side* and into the marks of the nails,* I will not believe that He is risen.

O Thomas, touch Me as you wish,* extend your hand and realize that I am flesh and bones;* know that I truly have a human body, said Christ.* Do not persist in your unbelief, but now believe.* And Thomas responded: You are my Lord and my God!* Glory to Your holy Resurrection!

Glory…

Tone 6 Eight days after Your Resurrection,* O only Son and Word of God,* You appeared to Your disciples through locked doors* and granted them Your peace.* To the unbelieving disciple You showed the marks of your passion, saying:* Reach out and examine my hands, feet, and the wound of my side.* He was convinced and cried out to You:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

Now…

Tone 2 You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise:* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!

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DIVINE LITURGY

After “Blessed is the kingdom…” the priest sings “Christ is risen…” in its entirety twice, and again: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death.” The people then sing: “And to those in the tombs, giving life.”

Antiphon 1
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…

Antiphon 3
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour
Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.
Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For God is the great Lord and the great king over all the earth.
Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion, Tone 7: While the tomb was sealed, O Christ God, You dawned as life from the sepulchre, and while the doors were shut, You came to Your disciples, the Resurrection of all, renewing a right spirit in us through them, according to Your great mercy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8: With his searching hand, Thomas explored Your life-giving side, O Christ God. For when You entered while the doors were shut, he called out to You with the rest of the Apostles: You are my Lord and my God!

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Great is our Lord and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.
verse: Praise the Lord, for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to our God.

Epistle
Acts 5:12-20

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God our Saviour.
verse: For God is the great Lord and the great king over all the earth.

Gospel
John 20:19-31

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
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem.* Praise your God, O Sion.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.