LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 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 humankind.

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 humankind.

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

Let Your 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.

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

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 4

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

You revealed yourself, most glorious one,* to be a most holy priest,* the foundation of the Church, an unshakeable pillar,* a most true and God-given wonderworker!* You became a most radiant lamp,* having acquired the life-giver Jesus* like the tree of life in the middle of Paradise,* bishop and martyr Theodotus!

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

You revealed yourself, most glorious one,* to be a most holy priest,* the foundation of the Church, an unshakeable pillar,* a most true and God-given wonderworker!* You became a most radiant lamp,* having acquired the life-giver Jesus* like the tree of life in the middle of Paradise,* bishop and martyr Theodotus!

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

Although you were stretched out on a tree* and cruelly beaten with thongs of leather,* shut up in prison, your feet inhumanly pierced with nails* and placed on a fiery bier,* you revealed yourself, wondrous one, to be unchanged:* Glorifying Him Who strengthened you in all things,* bishop and martyr Theodotus!

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

You strangled the enemy with the thongs of your struggle,* and overthrew his power!* You took courage, most brilliant one* and now wearing the crown of victory,* you live in the kingdom of heaven.* You have been counted worthy of enlightenment* and the beauty of those who feast!* You pray that those who honour you may be saved,* Theodotus, glory of martyrs!

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