LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

Like the prodigal I squandered my paternal inheritance,* and now I am in desolation.* I dwell in the land of the wicked.* In my folly, I became like the unreasoning beasts,* stripped of all divine grace.* So I return and cry out to You:* O merciful and compassionate Father,* I have sinned, O God.* Receive me as a penitent and have mercy on me.

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

Like the prodigal I squandered my paternal inheritance,* and now I am in desolation.* I dwell in the land of the wicked.* In my folly, I became like the unreasoning beasts,* stripped of all divine grace.* So I return and cry out to You:* O merciful and compassionate Father,* I have sinned, O God.* Receive me as a penitent and have mercy on me.

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

O martyrs of the Lord,* you are living sacrifices and spiritual offerings* and perfect incense burnt to God.* You are sheep that know God and are known to Him,* and wolves cannot break into His fold.* Pray that we may be led with you* to pasture beside the still waters.

In Tone 6

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

O apostles who have seen God,* and who reflect the light of the spiritual Sun for us,* pray for the illumination of our souls* and deliver us from the gloomy darkness of suffering.* Intercede that we may behold the day of salvation.* Through your prayers and intercessions* cleanse our heart which the Evil One has wounded,* so that, saved by faith, we may ever honour you* who brought the world salvation through your all-wise preaching.

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

Into an evil land I have wandered,* prodigal that I am;* the wealth You gave to me, O compassionate Father,* I have squandered in a life filled with vice.* And now in hunger I long for the good I lost;* I am clothed with the shame of my transgression.* I have been stripped of righteous deeds and of divine grace.* Now I cry out that I have sinned.* But I know Your righteousness, O Christ;* in Your kindness receive me as Your hired servant,* through the prayers of Your apostles who love You.

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

Apostles of the Lord and bright lights of the universe,* you made us the recipients of salvation,* and like the heavens you proclaim the glory of God;* you are adorned with wonders and bright miracles.* Intercede for us unceasingly before the Lord,* that He may receive our prayers as a pleasing aroma,* and grant that with love we may contemplate and kiss His life-giving Cross.* In Your love for humankind,* grant mercy to us who bow low before Your Cross, O Saviour.

In Tone 8

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

Divinely wise father Gerasimus,* you united yourself to God through prayer, intercession and great abstinence!* You remained impervious to the wiles of the enemy,* showing yourself a servant of the Almighty!* Therefore we honour you;* we faithfully celebrate your divine memory with great joy* as we praise you!

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

Divinely wise father Gerasimus,* you united yourself to God through prayer, intercession and great abstinence!* You remained impervious to the wiles of the enemy,* showing yourself a servant of the Almighty!* Therefore we honour you;* we faithfully celebrate your divine memory with great joy* as we praise you!

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

Venerable father Gerasimus, you were steadfast in the faith!* You sought God in the deserts, caves and mountains,* finding Him as you desired.* You were strengthened by steadfastness of soul and lofty wisdom,* leading a multitude of saved monastics to God!

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

Divinely blessed one,* you submitted to the command of God who beholds everything,* receiving grace from Him to work miracles:* you drove away evil spirits and tamed wild beasts by the purity of your mind!* Therefore we honour you* and fittingly celebrate your godly memory with faith!

In Tone x

Glory… Now…

O Theotokos, you are the true vine,* who brought forth the fruit of Life.* Therefore we entreat you, O Lady:* intercede together with the apostles and all the saints* that our souls be granted peace and great mercy.

Prokeimenon I, Tone 4

I trust in the goodness of God* forever and ever.

verse: I will thank You forevermore; for this is Your doing.

Reading I

Genesis 7:6-9

Prokeimenon II, Tone 4

When God delivers His people from bondage,* then Jacob will be glad and Israel rejoice.

verse: Fools have said in their hearts: There is no God above.

Reading II

Proverbs 9:12-18