Third Sunday after Pascha. Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women; The Holy and Glorious Great-Martyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George Acts 6:1-7; Acts 12:1-11; Mark 15:43-16:8; John 15:17-16:2.

GREAT VESPERS; SUNDAY MATINS AND DIVINE LITURGY

English Source: Royal Doors www.royaldoors.net

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140, In Tone 2

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

Come, let us worship the Word of God* begotten of the Father before all ages,* And incarnate of the Virgin Mary!* Having endured the Cross,* He was buried as He Himself desired!* And having risen from the dead, He saved me, the erring one.

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

Christ our Saviour* nailed to the Cross the bond against us,* He voided it and destroyed the dominion of death!* We fall down before His Resurrection on the third day!

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

With the archangels* let us praise the Resurrection of Christ!* He is our Saviour, our Redeemer!* He is coming with awesome glory and mighty power* to judge the world which He made!

In Tone 2,

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

Early in the morning,* the Myrrh-bearing women brought spices to the tomb of the Lord.* They found the stone unexpectedly rolled away,* and they asked among themselves:* Where are the seals of the tomb? Where are Pilate’s guards?* The radiant angel came to the wondering women and proclaimed to them:* Why do you seek weeping the Life Who gives life to the human race?* Christ our God has risen from the dead as almighty,* granting life to all; incorruption, enlightenment and great mercy!

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

Women disciples,* why do you open the myrrh with tears?* The stone is gone; the tomb is empty:* Behold corruption destroyed by life!* The seals witness that the guards of the godless have watched in vain.* Mortal nature has been saved by the flesh of God.* Hades is wailing.* Go with joy, and proclaim to the apostles:* Christ has slain death as the first-born of the dead.* He awaits you in Galilee!

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

The Myrrh-bearers came early to Your tomb, O Christ,* seeking You to anoint Your most pure body.* Enlightened by the angel’s words* they proclaimed joyous tidings to the apostles:* The Leader of our salvation has been raised;* He has captured death,* granting the world eternal life and great mercy!

In Tone 4,

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

Having gathered together today,* we praise you, O George, as a valiant martyr.* You kept the faith and completed the course* and received from God the crown of victory.* Entreat Him to deliver from tribulations and corruption* those who faithfully observe your precious memory.

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

Drawing hope from your firmness of mind, O glorious one,* you willingly persevered to martyrdom like a lion.* Scorning the body as something that would wither,* you were wisely concerned with your incorruptible soul.* Covered with wounds by various forms of torture, O George,* like gold you were purified sevenfold.

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

You suffered martyrdom in behalf of the Saviour, O glorious one,* by a death similar to his voluntary death.* You reign gloriously with Him,* clothed with the resplendent purple robes of your blood,* and you are adorned with the sceptre of your sufferings.* O great-martyr George,* you are resplendent in your crown of victory* throughout all generations.

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

With faith as your armour and with grace as your shield,* with the cross as your spear, you waged war.* You were invincible in facing the foes, O George.* Like a mighty warrior, you destroyed the camps of the demons.* Now you are dancing joyfully with the angels.* Indeed you defend, sanctify, and save the faithful who invoke you.

In Tone 6

Glory…

The Myrrh-bearing Women reached Your tomb* and saw the seals of the tomb broken.* They wailed as they did not find Your most pure body:* Who has stolen our hope?* Who has taken the dead One, naked and anointed?* The sole consolation of His Mother?* How can the life of the dead have died?* How can the Capturer of hell have been buried?* But arise in three days as You said, Saviour, and save our souls!

In Tone 2, Now…

O Virgin, the shadow of the law passed away with the realization of grace.* For as the bush had burned without being consumed* so you gave birth while a virgin* and you remained a virgin.* Instead of the pillar of fire there rose the Sun of Justice.* Instead of Moses Christ God came forth,* the Saviour of our souls.

Readings: (1) Isaiah 43:9-14; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15

Lytia

In Tone 1

Because of his glorious suffering,* the brilliant warrior George rejoices with the powers above.* At this time we also rejoice with them.* He has inspired the faithful on earth* to observe the feast and to celebrate with them.* Because of that he was considered a servant of Christ.* Let us, therefore, worthily venerate him * who prays unceasingly to the God of all to grant us great mercy.

You produced the best by valiant sufferings * and offered up your fruitful toils, O blessed martyr George.* Strengthening your yearning by faith and scorning fear by hope,* you revealed your love for heaven.* You showed courage to us.* By your fervent prayers ask for peace for our souls,* the cleansing of our sins,* and great mercy for us.

In Tone 4

Come, O assembly of the faithful.* Come, let us celebrate the feast.* Today is manifested the glorious memory of George the martyr.* Sparkling with virtues, he is invisibly illuminating our hearts.* Therefore, let us cry out with one mind:* Rejoice, O warrior of Christ the great king!* Rejoice, O most splendid and rich one!* O most blessed one, in our behalf, implore Christ our God, the Master of all,* that we may be preserved from temptations of the Evil One* and that our souls may be saved.

In Tone 5, Glory…

Come, let us be filled with delight.* Spring has come and brought forth the Resurrection of Christ.* Come, let us be joyful.* The commemoration of the martyr has arrived and illumines the faithful.* Therefore, come, O lovers of feasts;* let us celebrate that mystery.* For, as a good soldier, he courageously overcame and confounded the torturers.* He was an imitator of the passion of Christ the Saviour.* He did not spare his earthen vessel,* but exposed it naked, allowing it to suffer tortures.* Let us cry out to him:* O Martyr, pray that our souls may be saved.

In Tone 6, Now…

Christ the Lord, my Creator and Redeemer,* Who came forth from your womb, O most pure one,* and clothed Himself in my nature,* has freed Adam from the primal curse.* Wherefore, like the angel,* we unceasingly cry out to you, O all-pure one,* who are truly the Mother of God and Virgin:* Rejoice!, O Sovereign Lady,* the intercession, protection and salvation for our souls!

Aposticha, In Tone 2

Your Resurrection, O Christ our Saviour,* has enlightened the whole universe;* and, through it, You call back to Yourself all creation.* Almighty God, glory to You!

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 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 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!”

In Tone 4, Glory…

Let us spiritually praise the great-martyr George,* the living steel of endurance.* He was tried by fire and branding irons* and sharp instruments of torture for the sake of Christ.* These various tortures ravaged the body which is perishable by nature;* but love conquered nature,* persuading the beloved to make his way through death to Christ our God,* the Saviour of our souls.

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.

Troparia, In Tone 1

Rejoice, Mother of God, Virgin Mary, full of grace!* The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have borne Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of our souls. (2)

In Tone 4

O victorious great-martyr George,* as a liberator of captives and helper of the poor,* physician of the sick,* and champion of kings, entreat Christ God to save our souls.

SUNDAY MATINS

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 2

Troparia, Tone 2

When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:** O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You!

The noble Joseph took down Your most pure Body from the tree.* He wrapped it with a clean shroud and aromatic spices,* and placed it in a new tomb.* But on the third day You arose, O Lord,* granting the world Your great mercy.

In Tone 4, Glory…

O victorious great-martyr George,* as a liberator of captives and helper of the poor,* physician of the sick* and champion of kings,* entreat Christ our God to save our souls.

In Tone 2, Now…

The angel stood by the tomb and cried out to the women bringing ointment:* Ointments are for the dead,* but Christ has shown Himself not subject to corruption.* So now cry out: The Lord is risen,* bestowing great mercy upon the world.

Psalter Reading

Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 2

Not having hindered the stone of the tomb from being sealed,* You, on You arising, have granted the rock of faith to all.* O Lord, glory be to You.

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.

Not having departed from the immaculate bosom of the Father in the highest,* You accepted burial and Resurrection on behalf of all,* O Lord, glory be to You.

Glory… Now…

All of your most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, O Theotokos;* for, your purity sealed and your virginity intact,* you are known to be a true Mother, having given birth to God.* Entreat Him that our souls be saved.

Psalter Reading

Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 2

The myrrh-bearers, having risen early and beholding the sepulchre empty,* said to the Apostles: The Mighty One has put down corruption,* and He has carried off them that were held bound in Hades;* proclaim with boldness that Christ God is risen,* granting us great mercy.

I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.

Bringing myrrh for Your burial,* the women came early to the sepulchre in secret,* fearing the remorselessness of the Jews,* and foreseeing the secure sentry of the soldiers.* Yet the weakness of their nature conquered that of men,* for their compassionate intent was pleasing to God.* Wherefore, they cried out as is meet:* Arise, O Lord, help us, and redeem us for Your Name’s sake.

Glory… Now…

Most glorified are you, O Virgin Theotokos.* We praise you, for through the Cross of your Son, Hades has been cast down and death slain.* Having been put to death, we were raised up and were deemed worthy of life.* We received Paradise, the ancient bliss.* Wherefore, in thanksgiving, we glorify Christ our God,* since He is mighty and alone abundant in mercy.

Polyeleos

Exaltation

We extol you,* O great-martyr George,* and we honour your precious sufferings* which you endured for Christ.

1. God is for us a refuge and strength, a helper close at hand, in time of distress.
2. We went through fire and through water, but then You brought us relief.
3. Many are the trials of the just one, but from them all the Lord will rescue him.
4. The just will rejoice in the Lord and fly to Him for refuge. All the upright hearts will glory.
5. Glory… Now…

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

Evlogitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 2

The women coming to Your grave after the Passion* to anoint Your body, O Christ God,* saw Angels in the tomb and were frightened,* for they heard a message from them:* The Lord has arisen, granting the world His great mercy.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 1

Behold, the spring of grace has shone forth.* The Resurrection of Christ has glistened for all,* and at this time George the martyr is radiant with Him.* It is a very festive and light-bearing day.* Wrapped in splendour in a divine manner,* let us carry candles and celebrate with joy.

In Tone 3

Inflamed with a burning love for the Master, you destroyed the storehouse of deceit,* and with strength and wisdom you professed Christ at the trial.* O all-blessed conqueror and most glorious martyr George,* implore Christ to grant great mercy to us.

In Tone 4, Glory…

You properly planted the seeds of the commandments of God.* You devoutly distributed all your riches to the poor.* In place of them you acquired the glory of Christ, O most glorious one.* Then, full of hope and through lengthy sufferings,* you struggled along the course.* You shared in the passion and the resurrection* of the One who is beyond all suffering.* Now that you dwell with Him in the kingdom, pray for us.

Now…

O Virgin Mother of God,* we acknowledge that the Word of the Father, Christ our God,* was incarnate of you,* the only-pure one and the only-blessed one.* Therefore, we sing to you a hymn of praise, and we exalt you.

Hymn of Ascent, Tone 2

Antiphon 1

I raise the eyes of my heart to You in heaven, O Saviour.* Save me by Your radiance.

Have mercy, O my Christ, on us who fail You every hour and in many ways,* and grant to us the means to return to You* in repentance before the end.

Glory… Now…

To the Holy Spirit belongs sovereignty,* sanctification and the quickening of creation,* for He is God, one in essence with the Father* and the Word.

Antiphon 2

If the Lord was not among us,* who could be kept safe from the one* who is both our foe and a manslayer?

Do not hand Your servant over to destruction, O my Saviour.* For like a lion they come up against me,* they who are my foes.

Glory… Now…

To the Holy Spirit belongs the source of life and its honour,* for, being God, He preserves all creation* by His power* in the Father through the Son.

Antiphon 3

Those who trust in the Lord are like the holy mountain:* they are utterly unshaken* by the assaults of the enemy.

Let not those who live for God* stretch out their hands in iniquity;* for with the rod of His word Christ forbids such things.

Glory… Now…

By the Holy Spirit all wisdom flows forth,* grace to the Apostles,* crowns to the Martyrs,* and to the Prophets, prophetic vision.

Prokeimenon, Tone 2

Lord, rise up in Your anger, rise against the fury of my foes; my God, awake! You will give judgment. Let the company of nations gather round You.

verse: Lord God, I take refuge in You. From my pursuers save me and rescue me.

Let everything that lives, Tone 2

Gospel

Mark 16:9-20

Hymn of Resurrection (3)

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Canon

Ode 1

Irmos: It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O people; Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha: for from death to life, and from earth to heaven, Christ God has brought us, as we sing the song of victory.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Let us purify our senses, and we shall behold Christ, radiant with the unapproachable light of the Resurrection, and we shall clearly hear Him say, Rejoice! as we sing the hymn of victory.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Let the heavens be glad as is meet, and let the earth rejoice, and let the whole world, both visible and invisible, keep festival: for Christ is risen, O gladness eternal.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

You have broken through the barrier of death, by giving birth to Christ, the eternal Life, Who today has shone forth from the tomb, O all-immaculate Virgin, and Who has enlightened the world.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Having beheld your resurrected Son and God, rejoice with the apostles, O Pure One who are full of the grace of God, and be the first to rejoice, as you have received the Cause of joy for all, O all-immaculate Mother of God.

Irmos This is the day of the Resurrection!* Let us beam with festive joy!* O Pascha of the Lord,* Pascha from death*, for from death to life,* and to heaven from earth,* Christ our God has led us,* as we sing the victory hymn.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Your memorial is brighter than the sun, O George, warrior martyr of Christ: for it has brightly thrown the beaming rays of the sunlight of your miracles over the whole earth, O George, bearer of light.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

O holy athlete, winner of countless victories in single combat, grant that we may sing of your sufferings and struggles, which you bravely endured in your fervent love for Christ, who was truly your joy and your life.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Skilled in hand, you seemed to·be a second David in battle: for just as David struggled against Goliath the giant, so you have prevailed against the weapons of the devil, the enemy, by the sling of your words, O crowned martyr George!

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

O Lady, your wondrous childbearing is both ineffable and awesome: for from your breasts you have nourished the God of all perfection in the flesh: O wonder ever new! A mother nurses a child without having known man.

Irmos: Taking up the Song of Moses,* O my soul, cry aloud:* “A helper and a protector has become to me salvation.* My God,* whom I will glorify.”

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

Let Sion rejoice, and let Heaven be glad; Christ is risen, having raised up the dead who chant: You are our God, and we glorify You.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

Having wrapped Your Body with fine linen, O Christ, Joseph laid You, our Salvation, in a new sepulchre; and as God, You raised up the dead.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

Anticipating the dawn, the women beheld Christ, and cried to the divine disciples: Truly Christ is risen; come and praise Him together with us.

Glory…

O all-holy Trinity, one Godhead, beginningless Unity: Father, Son, and Divine Spirit, save the world. You are our God, and we glorify You.

Now…

You loosed the ancient curse by your womb, O modest one, by blossoming forth the Blessing for us, when you gave birth unto a Child. For He is God, though He wears flesh.

Katavasia: It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O people; Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha: for from death to life, and from earth to heaven, Christ God has brought us, as we sing the song of victory.

 

Ode 3

Irmos: Come, let us drink a new drink, not one miraculously brought forth from a barren rock but the Fountain of Incorruption, springing forth from the tomb of Christ, in Whom we are strengthened.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Now all things are filled with light; heaven and earth, and the nethermost parts of the earth; let all creation, therefore, celebrate the arising of Christ whereby it is strengthened.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Yesterday I was buried with You, O Christ; today I rise with Your arising. Yesterday I was crucified with You; glorify me with You, O Saviour, in Your kingdom.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Into incorruptible life have I entered today, through the goodness of Him Who was born of you, O Pure One, and Who makes all the ends of the earth radiant with joy.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Having beheld God, Whom you bore in the flesh, risen from the dead, as He said, O pure one; dance, and magnify Him as God* O most pure one.

Irmos Come, let us partake of a new drink,* not one miraculously drawn from the barren rock,* but from the Fountain of incorruption,* springing up from the tomb of Christ.* In Him is our firm foundation of strength.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

The glorious memorial of George, the servant of Christ, gives us light at the same time as the Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord: O faithful, let us all keep joyful feast together!

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Rejoice, O heavens with the earth! Exult, all hills and valleys! The martyr George has rained down upon us streams of miracles from the heights of heaven.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

All the earth, all races of mankind, heaven and angelic hosts rejoice together: for George, the chief Captain of Christ, now makes his way from earth to heaven.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Be glad, O Mary, and rejoice! For, if the Cross of your Son pierced your heart like sword, He has now risen from the tomb as from a bridal chamber!

Irmos: My mind has not brought forth good fruit,* but show me to be fruitful* in Your compassion O God,* husbandman of all good things.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

O God-receiving Joseph, come and stand with us, and cry: Risen is Jesus the Redeemer, Who in His compassion has raised up Adam.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

Let the choir of the twelve disciples rejoice with us, together with the myrrh-bearing women and Joseph, and the other disciples and women disciples of Christ.

Glory…

I worship and praise the one Nature: the Father, the Son, and the Upright Spirit, divided in Hypostases and united in Essence.

Now…

Blessed are you, O pure one, who are of the root of Jesse, and from whom Christ, the Rod and Blossom, blossomed forth in the flesh for us.

Katavasia: Come, let us drink a new drink, not one miraculously brought forth from a barren rock but the Fountain of Incorruption, springing forth from the tomb of Christ, in Whom we are strengthened.

 

Kontakion of George, Tone 4

You showed yourself a most honourable harvester of godliness,* for it was God who cultivated you.* You gathered the sheaves of virtues;* for, sowing in tears, you reaped in gladness;* and in shedding your blood, you received Christ.* By your prayers, O holy one, you grant pardon of transgressions of all.

Ikos

Christ laid down His life for the world; and George, the generous soldier who loved Christ the King, hastened to his death. Having divine zeal in his heart, he offered up his life. O faithful, let us then sing of him as our fervent advocate who was a glorious servant of Christ. He clearly imitated his Master to the end, and now by his prayers he obtains the forgiveness of sins for all.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

Fighting like a man in the ways of holiness and overcoming the errors of godlessness, you have trampled underfoot the arrogance of the enemy. O holy martyr George, enkindled with zeal for God, you consumed the blasphemy of the tyrants. As a just reward, you received a crown and the power of healing. O victorious martyr George, intercede with Christ our God, to grant remission of their sins to those who keep your holy memorial with love.

Glory…

O wise martyr George, by your sufferings, you have inherited heavenly riches, which you distribute to us on earth. Having the Cross as your breastplate, you put to shame the insolence of tyrants. Therefore, O martyr George, by your prayers you deal out gifts of healing and grace to those who petition you. Intercede with Christ our God to grant remission of their sins to those who keep your holy memorial with love.

In Tone 2, Now…

The choir of Your disciples rejoice with one voice together with the myrrh-bearing women,* for they celebrate a common feast with them,* to the glory and honour of Your Resurrection;* and through them we cry to You:* O Lord and Lover of mankind, grant great mercy to Your people.

 

Ode 4

Irmos: On divine watch let the God-inspired Habakkuk stand with us and show forth the light-bearing angel clearly saying: Today salvation is come to the world, for Christ is risen as Almighty.

Christ is risen from the dead.

As a man-child did Christ appear when He came forth from the Virgin’s womb, and as a mortal He was called the Lamb. Without blemish also, is our Pascha for He tasted no defilement; and as true God, perfect was He proclaimed.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Like a yearling lamb,*Christ, our blessed Crown,*of His own will was sacrificed for all,*a Pascha of purification;*and from the tomb the beautiful Sun of Righteousness*shone forth again upon us.

Christ is risen from the dead.

David, the ancestor of God,*danced with leaping before the symbolical Ark;*let us also, the holy people of God, beholding the fulfilment of the symbols, be divinely glad; for Christ is risen as Almighty.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

He Who created Adam your forefather, O Pure One, took form from you, and the habitation of the dead has He demolished today through His death, and shone upon all things with the divine radiance of the Resurrection.

Irmos Let Habakkuk, inspired by God,* stand with us on divine watch,* and show forth the shining angel who clearly proclaims:* Today is salvation for the world,* for Christ is risen* as the Almighty.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Behold, Empress Alexandra has surpassed the ancient Queen of the Sheba: for she has run to your wisdom in amazement. Therefore, she stands as queen at the right hand of God with you, O martyr George.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Not impressed by your words of reproof, the adversary ordered that you be struck on the mouth. When you were tortured, O George, you resounded like a cymbal that had been struck, proclaiming, “Christ is the only true God!”

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

O true friend of Christ and the first among His martyrs, O lamp radiant shining light upon the whole world, brightest of stars, precious beacon, vigilant guardian of those who honour you: watch over us, O holy martyr George!

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

O all-pure one, you have borne a Child, and have remained a virgin in giving birth, an awesome miracle, amazing and most wondrous. Carrying in your arms God, the King of all, you have nourished Christ, who nourishes the whole world.

Irmos: The prophet foreseeing Your birth from a virgin, prophesied crying aloud:* “I have heard report of You, and I was afraid;* for from the South, from the Overshadowed mountain* shall You come forth, O Christ!”

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

O You Who called to the myrrh-bearers: Rejoice, when You arose from the grave, O Good One, and to the Apostles: Proclaim My arising; loose the bonds of my many transgressions, for You are able to accomplish whatsoever You will.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

Let us honour the noble Joseph, the zealot of piety, the counsellor and disciple, together with the myrrh-bearers and the apostles, while crying out together with them and radiantly praising the Saviour’s Resurrection with faith.

Glory…

Who can tell of the immeasurable glory of the Godhead, transcendent in essence? For being the Trinity by nature, He is praised as beginningless and consubstantial, and is hymned as a Unity in Trinity, in simple hypostases.

Now…

Unceasingly entreat Him Who dwelt in your womb, O pure Virgin Mother, and Whom you, the Theotokos, bore without knowing a man, that He loose the bonds of my many transgressions; for you are able to help in whatsoever you will.

Katavasia: On divine watch let the God-inspired Habakkuk stand with us and show forth the light-bearing angel clearly saying: Today salvation is come to the world, for Christ is risen as Almighty.

 

Ode 5

Irmos: Let us awake in the deep dawn, and instead of myrrh, offer a hymn to the Master, and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, Who causes life to dawn for all.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Seeing Your boundless compassion they who were held in the bonds of hades hastened to the light, O Christ, with gladsome feet, praising the Pascha eternal.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Bearing lights, let us approach Christ, Who comes forth from the tomb like a bridegroom, and with the feast-loving ranks of angels let us celebrate the saving Pascha of God.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Enlightened by the divine rays and the life-bearing Resurrection of your Son, O most pure Mother of God, the gathering of the pious is filled with joy.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

You did not open the gates of virginity in the Incarnation, nor the seal upon the tomb did You destroy, O King of creation; from whence seeing You risen, Your Mother rejoices.

Irmos Let us arise 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.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

The Church claps her hands and dances as she keeps festival: she celebrates the Holy Resurrection of the Saviour and the passing of the triumphant martyr George, singing as the two feasts come together.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

The good Glycerios glorifies the awesome outpouring of your miracles to the ends of the earth: for you miraculously saved his bull, then offered it to the Lord as a living sacrifice.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

O holy martyr George, fill my mouth with praise and my spirit with grace, that I may celebrate the glory of your name: for when I sing to you, my heart rejoices exceedingly.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

All-pure one, how can you nourish a Child, yet remain a Virgin? Your awesome mystery astounds me. Yet, venerating your childbearing. I bow down before you, O all-holy Lady!

Irmos: Having dispelled the gloom of my soul, O my Saviour,* illumine me with the light of You commandments for You alone are the King of peace.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

While celebrating the memory of the pious myrrh-bearers and of all Your disciples on Your radiant arising, we praise You, O Christ.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

As is meet, let us all honour the noble Joseph, who took down the Body of the Lord from the Tree and faithfully buried it.

Glory…

You, the God and Father, and the Son, and the Spirit, do I worship, in three hypostases, and I believe the One to be Three, in one essence.

Now…

We the faithful praise you, who by a seedless conception gave birth in a manner transcending nature, to Christ, the only Master, Who has renewed nature.

Katavasia: Let us awake in the deep dawn, and instead of myrrh, offer a hymn to the Master, and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, Who causes life to dawn for all.

 

Ode 6

Irmos: You descended into the nethermost parts of the earth, and shattered the eternal bars that held the fettered, O Christ, and on the third day* like Jonah from the whale, You arose from the tomb.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Having kept the seals intact, O Christ, You arose from the tomb* O You Who did not break the seal of the Virgin by Your birth, and You have opened for us the doors of Paradise.

Christ is risen from the dead.

O my Saviour, the living and unslain Sacrifice, when, as God, You, of Your Own will, had offered up Yourself to the Father, You raised up with Yourself the whole race of Adam, when You arose from the tomb.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

He that of old was held by death and corruption is raised up by Him Who was incarnate of your most pure womb, O Theotokos Virgin, unto incorruption and everlasting life.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

He Who went down into the nethermost parts of the earth, and came into your womb, O Pure One, and dwelt and past understanding was incarnate, has also raised up Adam with Himself when He rose from the tomb.

Irmos You descended into the realm of death, O Christ,* and broke the eternal bonds which held the prisoners captive;* and like Jonah from the whale,* You arose from the tomb on the third day.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Behold, O people called together by God, the wondrous George restores the grace of spring as with the charm of a young dove. Let us all rejoice in his joy.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Having endured sharp and grievous torments, you went through them as though they were pleasures. You concentrated on the Lord and sang to Him, O blessed George. While being racked on the wheel, your prayers rang out like thunder.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Rejoice and exult, singing a hymn of praise, O choir of martyrs, at finding George, celebrated in this present feast, among you. Rejoice greatly, as David did, for this is the day the Lord has made.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

You bear a child yet remain a virgin after as before. Awesome and beyond description is your childbearing, O Virgin and Mother, for you ineffably bore Him who is before time, who has now become a Child through you.

Irmos: I am held fast in the depths of sin O Saviour,* and am overwhelmed by the sea of life,* but as Jonah was delivered from the sea-monster,* so also deliver me from the passions, and save me.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

Hades is dead, take courage, O you earthborn, for while Christ was hanging upon the Tree, He struck the sword against him, and he lies dead; for, being stripped naked, he was despoiled of those he held.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

Hades has been despoiled, take courage, O you dead; and the tombs have been opened: arise. Thus did Christ cry to you from Hades, as One Who has come to deliver all from death and corruption.

Glory…

O faithful, let us praise the Trinity in Unity, glorifying the Father with the Son, and the Spirit Who is consubstantial with the Son, and Who with the Father is co-beginningless and everlasting God.

Now…

Like a vineyard you conceived untilled in your womb the Cluster of grapes where from, like wine, there pour forth for us torrents of immortality, even eternal life.

Katavasia: You descended into the nethermost parts of the earth, and shattered the eternal bars that held the fettered, O Christ, and on the third day* like Jonah from the whale, You arose from the tomb.

 

Kontakion, Tone 2

You commanded the myrrh-bearers to rejoice, O Christ God,* and ended the grief of our mother Eve by Your Resurrection.* You ordered the apostles to proclaim to all:* The Saviour is risen from the tomb.

Ikos

As the Myrrh-bearers went to Your tomb, O Saviour, they were perplexed in mind and said to themselves: Who will roll the stone away from the sepulchre for us? And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled away. They were awestruck by the form of the Angel and his raiment. They were taken with trembling and thought to flee; and the youth cried to them: Be not afraid; He Whom you seek is risen; come, behold the place where the body of Jesus lay, and go quickly, proclaim to the disciples: The Saviour is risen from the tomb.

 

Ode 7

Irmos: He Who delivered the Children from the furnace, became man, suffers as a mortal, and through His Passion clothes mortality with the beauty of incorruption, He is the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.

Christ is risen from the dead.

The godly-wise women with myrrh followed after You in haste; but Him Whom they sought with tears as dead, they worshipped joyfully as the living God, and they brought to Your disciples, O Christ, the good tidings of the mystical Pascha.

Christ is risen from the dead.

We celebrate the death of death, the destruction of hades, the beginning of another life eternal, and leaping for joy, we hymn the Cause, the only blessed and supremely glorious God of our fathers.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Your Son, having put death to death, O all-immaculate one, today has granted to all mortals the life that abides to the ages of ages, the only blessed and supremely glorious God of our fathers.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

He Who reigns over all creation, became man, dwelling in your God-graced womb, and having endured crucifixion and death, is risen in a God-befitting manner, raising us up with Himself, for He is Almighty.

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

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

I wish to sing of your glorious works, and yet I am humbled. Whenever I wish to recount all your marvels, they are more than I can narrate. Therefore, O holy martyr, accept these short refrains to honour you.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

There is no land, sea nor city nor wilderness, in which the streams of your miracles have not gushed forth, flowing like an ocean. Your marvellous name, O George, is the subject of song throughout the earth.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

The angelic hosts were amazed at your acts in your martyrdom, O commander George. The King of the Angels was moved by your fervour. Therefore, He has taken you to reign with Him forever.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

O divinely built tabernacle, filled with light; O candlestick; O vessel; O ark of the covenant; O temple in which God has dwelt; O rod that miraculously flowered; O Virgin Mother who has so many names: preserve us, your servants by your prayers.

Irmos: Like the Cherubim, the Children rejoicing in the furnace sang:* “Blessed are You, O God,* for in truth You have brought this judgment upon us because of our sins,* You are supremely praised and glorified throughout all ages.”

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

You, as the Lover of mankind, wishing to save from error all whom You had fashioned, deigned to be nailed to the Cross, that by Your flesh You might renew this image demolished by the passions, O Saviour; and despoiling Hades, You raised up the dead with Yourself.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

When You were lifted up upon the Cross, O Compassionate One, You called all to Yourself, as You promised, O Good One. For in truth, You were pleased to suffer all these things because of our sins. Wherefore, You also opened the gates of Paradise to the thief, O Saviour.

Glory…

With the Father we glorify the Son and the Holy Spirit, crying with unceasing voice: O Trinity, single essence, have mercy, save us all, You Who are a Unity in three Hypostases; have compassion on us, O God, Who are glorified to the ages.

Now…

O most pure One, how, except in a manner as He willed and as He knew, did you contain in your womb a Child before Whom the hosts of Angels tremble, since He is God? He dwelt among us, wishing to save all the earthborn of Adam and to loose Adam from that curse which came from the bitter tasting.

Irmos: He Who delivered the Children from the furnace, became man, suffers as a mortal, and through His Passion clothes mortality with the beauty of incorruption, He is the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.

 

Ode 8

Irmos: This chosen and holy day is the first of the Sabbaths, the queen and lady, the feast of feasts, and the festival of festivals, wherein we bless Christ throughout the ages.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Come, on this auspicious day of the Resurrection, let us partake of the fruit of the new vine of divine gladness of the kingdom of Christ, praising Him as God throughout the ages.

Christ is risen from the dead.

Lift up your eyes about you, O Sion,* and see, for behold, there comes to you, like God-illumined beacons, from the west, and from the north, and from the sea, and from the east, your children, in you blessing Christ throughout the ages.

O Most Holy Trinity, our God, glory be to You.

O Father Almighty, and Word, and Spirit, one Nature united in three Hypostases, transcendent and most divine! Into You have we been baptized, and You will we bless throughout all ages.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Through you the Lord came into the world, O Virgin Theotokos, and the womb of hades did He tear open, granting to us mortals resurrection; Wherefore, we bless Him throughout the ages.

Irmos This is the chosen and holy day,* the first after the Sabbath, the long and lord,* the feast of feasts, holy day of holy days.* On this day we bless Christ to all the ages!

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Gathering hymns for the martyr George from a divinely inspired psalter, as fragrant flowers from another paradise, let us weave a shining crown for him, made of song. For he has triumphed over the power of Satan.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Come, David, maker of psalms and prophet; say, “Who is the just man who flourishes like a palm tree? What manner of man is he?” George is our boast and pride, the bearer of sweet fruit, a plant nourishing the hearts of all.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Be present with us; be swift to approach as an eagle with golden wings. Cherish us as your brood and protect us under your wings; for it is good to rest in your shadow, O George!

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Behold what the prophet had foretold! A Virgin has conceived without seed the King of all! And she, the Queen and Lady, has remained as a Mother entirely without corruption. O spotless Sovereign, your childbearing is a great mystery!

Irmos: To Him Who of old prefigured the miracle of the Virgin,* to Moses in the burning-bush* on Mount Sinai,* let us sing, bless and supremely exult throughout all ages.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

The beams of the sun withdrew themselves in fear before the sufferings of Christ, and the dead arose, and the mountains shook, and the earth trembled, and Hades was laid bare.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

The thrice-blessed Children who were in the furnace of old, raising up their hands, prefigured Your immaculate Cross, O Good One, whereby You cast down the might of the enemy, O Christ.

Let us bless Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Lord!

We glorify the Son and the Holy Spirit together with the Father, even the Holy Trinity in one Godhead and we cry: Holy, Holy, Holy are You throughout the ages.

Now…

Without suffering change, you gave birth to One, even Christ God, Who is twofold of nature, Who, as the ever-living Bread, was fashioned without fashioning in your womb, according to our fashion.

We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord, praising and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages.

Katavasia: This chosen and holy day is the first of the Sabbaths, the queen and lady, the feast of feasts, and the festival of festivals, wherein we bless Christ throughout the ages.

 

The Magnificat is not sung.

 

Ode 9

Irmos: 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.

Christ is risen from the dead.

O how divine, how loving, how sweet is Your voice! For You have truly promised to be with us to the end of the age, O Christ; having this foundation of hope, we the faithful rejoice.

Christ is risen from the dead.

O Christ, You great and most sacred Pascha! O Wisdom, Word, and Power of God! Grant us to partake of You more fully in the unwaning day of Your kingdom.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

With one voice, O Virgin, the faithful bless you. Rejoice, O Portal of the Lord; rejoice, O living City; rejoice, through whom for our sake the Light has shone, Who, born of you, is the Resurrection of the dead.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Be glad and rejoice, O Portal of the Divine Light: for Jesus set into the grave, has dawned forth shining more brightly than the sun, and has illumined all the faithful, O divinely joyous Lady.

Irmos 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 o you Son.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

Drop down dew in sweetness, O mountains! Let the Holy Mountain rejoice! Be of good cheer and exult exceedingly, for you have found George, the powerful guardian of the Church, the holy mountain of God.

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

All the families of the nations give praise, bless and extol, and cry out with joy; “Hail, O Saviour, Joy of the faithful! Hail also to you, glory of martyrs, O wondrous George!”

Holy Martyr, George, intercede for us!

I venerate the flogging rods, the iron hooks, the whip and the fire which you suffered, O martyr of Christ. Indeed, I bless them all, and honour the wheel.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

All-pure Mother of God, fair glory and beauty of the faithful, joy of angels, salvation of the world: keep under your protection the faithful who seek refuge in you.

Irmos: In a manner surpassing nature* has the Word who timelessly shone forth from the Father,* been conceived within a womb, according to the flesh,* O faithful, with never silent hymns, let us magnify Him.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

When the thief recognized You as God upon the Cross, You made him an heir of the noetic Paradise, as he cried out: Remember me, O Almighty Saviour.

Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.

You were smitten for our sake, You were spat upon by the lawless men, O Jesus, Who inscribed the tablets of the Law on Mount Sinai for Your servant Moses.

Glory…

You are beginningless, O Father; uncreated are You, O Son; of equal rank is the Spirit; the Three being One by nature and Three in Hypostases, even one true God.

Now…

Let Jesse rejoice and let David dance, for behold, the Virgin, the rod planted by God, has blossomed forth the Flower, even the everlasting Christ.

Katavasia: 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.

 

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

In Tone 3

Having fallen asleep in the flesh, as a mortal, O King and Lord, on the third day You arose again* raising up Adam from corruption, and abolishing death: O Pascha of incorruption, Salvation of the world!

In Tone 2, Glory…

Spring has shone forth for us:* it is the splendorous and divine Resurrection of the Master;* it transports us from earth to the heavenly Pasch.* The radiant remembrance of the glorious martyr George begins to shine with it.* We shall observe it with splendour* so that we may be made worthy of divine grace from Christ the Saviour.

In Tone 3, Now…

Hearken, O women, and give ear to the voice of joy, for I have trampled down tyrant Hades and raised the world from corruption. Hasten quickly and proclaim the gladsome tidings to My friends; for I have willed that joy shine forth upon all My creation from where there first came sorrow.

 

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 2

Everything that breathes and every creature glorifies You, O Lord,* for through Your Cross You destroyed death* and thus shown the multitude of peoples Your Resurrection from the dead,* as You alone love mankind.

Let the Jews tell how the soldiers lost the King they were guarding.* Why then did the stone not guard the rock of life?* Either let them give up the one who was buried or adore Him as risen,* exclaiming together with us:* Glory to the multitude of Your mercies:* O Saviour, glory be to You!

Rejoice O  peoples and be glad!* for an Angel sat upon the grave-stone* and gave us good tidings saying:* Christ is risen from the dead* and has filled the universe with sweet fragrance.* Rejoice O peoples and be glad!’

Before Your conception, O Lord,* an Angel brought the greeting ‘Rejoice’ to the one full of grace:* at Your Resurrection an Angel rolled away the stone from Your glorious grave.* The one revealed the signs of joy instead of sorrow;* the other instead of death has proclaimed to us the Master, and giver of life.* Wherefore we cry to You:* O Benefactor of all mankind,* Lord, glory be to You!

In Tone 2

It is called the all-festive, splendorous, and glorious Resurrection.* All of you who have celebrated the feast,* come again to resplendently celebrate* the feast of George the martyr.* Let us crown with spring flowers the one who was invincible,* so that through his pleas we may be delivered* from tribulations and from sins.

O all-blessed one,* you offered your whole life as a living and complete offering,* as a pleasing and most pure sacrifice.* Therefore, you have been a very fervent intercessor.* O martyr George, you dispel all the trials* of those who invoke and praise you.

You properly cultivated the seed of the Word* which had been sown in your pure soul.* By the pains of your sufferings, you made it grow.* It has been stored in the heavenly granaries.* You have found the incorruptible delight* and are now rejoicing in it.* By your prayers to God, save those who faithfully praise you.

O Martyr who suffered the passion of Christ,* by your pleas, save and deliver from all oppression* those who are in sorrow.* Repel the soul-destroying and heavy pain.* Ask for grace and mercy for us to be saved by your prayers,* so that we may joyfully venerate your precious struggles, O George.

In Tone 2, Glory…

To the women with Mary who came carrying sweet spices* and were at a loss how to obtain their desire,* the stone appeared lifted and a divine young man calmed the tumult of their souls,* for he said: “The Lord Jesus is risen.* Therefore, proclaim this to His heralds and disciples, for them to hasten to Galilee* and you shall see Him risen from the dead* as Giver of life and Lord.”

In Tone 2, Now…

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!

Great Doxology

Trisagion Prayers

Troparion, Tone 2

You came forth from death, destroying the eternal bonds of Hades, O Lord.* You broke the curse of Death* and thus delivered us from the snares of the Evil One.* Then You appeared to your apostles and sent them forth to preach,* and through them You have bestowed your peace upon all the world,* for You alone are rich in mercy.

Insistent Litany

Litany of Supplication

Great Dismissal

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.”

Troparion and Kontakion

Troparion, Tone 2: When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You!”

Troparion, Tone 2: The noble Joseph took down Your most pure body from the tree.* He wrapped it with a clean shroud and aromatic spices* and placed it in a new tomb.* But on the third day You arose, O Lord,* granting the world Your great mercy.

Troparion, Tone 4: O victorious great-martyr George,* as a liberator of captives and helper of the poor,* physician of the sick* and champion of kings,* entreat Christ our God to save our souls.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion, Tone 4: You showed yourself a most honourable harvester of godliness,* for it was God who cultivated you.* You gathered the sheaves of virtues;* for, sowing in tears, you reaped in gladness;* and in shedding your blood, you received Christ.* By your prayers, O holy one, you grant pardon of transgressions of all.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: You commanded the myrrh-bearers to rejoice, O Christ God,* and ended the grief of our mother Eve by Your Resurrection.* You ordered the apostles to proclaim to all:* “The Saviour is risen from the tomb.”

Prokeimenon, Tone 6
Save Your people, O Lord, * and bless Your inheritance.
verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord, my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm 27:9,1)
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The just man shall be glad in the Lord and shall hope in Him.

Epistle: Acts 6:1-7 (NRSV) & Acts 12:1-11
In those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: You have shown favour to Your land, O Lord; You brought back the captives of Jacob.
verse: Mercy and truth have met; righteousness and peace have embraced. (Psalm 84:2,11)
verse: The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; and he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon. (Psalm 91:13)

Gospel: Mark 15:43-16:8 (NRSV) & John 15:17-16:2
At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

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.* Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

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.
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.

At the dismissal, instead of “Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.” we chant:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.

After the final Amen, 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.

 

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Неділя 3-я після Пасхи. Мироносиць. Св. влкмч., побідоносця і чудотворця Юрія. Глас 2. Єв. 3. 23 квітня

 

 

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

 

Після того, як священик виголошує “Благословенне Царство” й люди відповідають “Амінь”, священики співають Тропар один раз, а люди його повторюють. Далі священики співають першу половину, а люди завершують другу. Так робимо щодня, аж до середи перед четвергом Вознесіння.
Тропар:

Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Тропарі і Кондаки

Тропар (г. 2): Коли зійшов Ти до смерти, Життя безсмертне,* тоді ад умертвив Ти блистінням божества.* Коли ж і умерлих із глибин підземних воскресив Ти,* всі сили небесні взивали:* Життєдавче, Христе Боже наш, слава Тобі.

Тропар (г. 2): Благообразний Йосиф, з древа знявши пречисте тіло Твоє,* плащаницею чистою обвив,* і ароматами в гробі новім, покривши, положив;* та по трьох днях воскрес єси, Господи,* даруючи світові велику милість.

Тропар (г. 4): Подвигом добрим змагався ти, страстотерпче Христовий, Юрію.* Вірою і мучителів виявив ти нечестя,* і, як жертву благосприятливу, приніс ти себе Богові.* Тому й вінець перемоги прийняв ти* і молитвами твоїми, святий, ти всім подаєш прогрішень прощення.

Слава: Кондак (г. 4): Вирощений Богом, показався ти благочестя робітником найчеснішим,* снопи чеснот зібрав ти собі,* бо ти сіяв у сльозах, у радості жнеш;* а постраждавши до крови, Христа прийняв ти* і молитвами твоїми, святий,* усім подаєш прогрішень прощення.

I нині: Кондак (г. 2): Радуватися мироносицям повелів Ти,* плач праматері Єви втихомирив Ти воскресінням Твоїм, Христе Боже,* апостолам же Твоїм проповідувати повелів Ти:* Спас воскрес із гробу.

Прокімен (глас 6):
Спаси, Господи, людей Твоїх* і благослови спадкоємство Твоє (Пс 27,9).
Стих: До Тебе, Господи, взиватиму; Боже мій, не відвертайсь мовчки від мене (Пс 27,1).

Святому Прокімен (г. 7): Возвеселиться праведник у Господі і уповає на нього (Пс. 63,11).

Апостол: (Ді 6,1-7):
Тими днями, коли учнів ставало дедалі більше, зчинилось нарікання гелленістів на євреїв, що вдів їхніх занедбано в щоденній службі. Тоді дванадцятеро прикликали громаду учнів і сказали: «Не личить нам лишити слово Боже і при столах служити. Нагледіть собі, отже, з-поміж вас, брати, сімох мужів доброї слави, повних Духа та мудрости, а ми їх поставимо для цієї служби; самі ж ми будемо пильно перебувати у молитві і служінні слова.» Вподобалось це слово всій громаді й вибрали Стефана, мужа, повного віри і Святого Духа, Филипа, Прохора, Ніканора, Тимона, Пармена та Миколая, прозеліта з Антіохії, і поставили їх перед апостолами і, помолившись, поклали на них руки. І росло слово Боже та множилось число учнів у Єрусалимі вельми, і велика сила священиків були слухняні вірі.

Влкмч.: Ді. 29 зач.; 12, 1-11.

1. В тих днях цар Ірод підняв руку, щоб гнобити деяких із Церкви. 2. Він убив мечем Якова, брата Іванового. 3. Побачивши, що це подобалося юдеям, він завзявся також схопити Петра. То були дні Опрісноків. 4. Схопивши його, він посадив його у в’язницю і передав чотирьом чвіркам вояків, щоб стерегли його, бажаючи вивести його перед народ по Пассі. 5. І стерегли Петра у в’язниці, а Церква молилася ввесь час Богові за нього.

6. Коли ж Ірод намірявся вивести його, Петро, закутий у два ланцюги, спав тієї ночі між двома вояками, а сторожі при дверях стерегли в’язницю. 7. Нараз з’явився ангел Господній, і у в’язниці засяяло світло. Він, вдаривши злегка Петра у бік, збудив його, кажучи:

– Вставай чимскорше!

І ланцюги впали з рук у нього.

8. – Підпережися і надінь свої сандали.

Він зробив так. Знову сказав до нього:

– Накинь на себе плащ і йди за мною.

9. Вийшов Петро й ішов за ним; не знав, чи то правда, що робив ангел; думав, що видіння бачить. 10. Минули вони першу варту й другу, і прийшли до залізної брами, що веде в місто; вона сама собою їм відчинилась. Вийшли вони та пройшли одну вулицю, і ангел нараз відступив від нього.

11. Тоді Петро, опам’ятавшись, мовив:

– Тепер я справді знаю, що Господь послав ангела свого й вирвав мене з руки Ірода й від усього, чого так ждав юдейський народ.

Алилуя (глас 8):
Стих: Благоволив ти, Господи, землю твою, ти повернув полон Яковів (Пс 84,2).
Стих: Милість і істина зустрілися, правда і мир обцілувалися (Пс 84,11).
Святому Алилуя (г. 4): Праведник, як фінік, розцвіте і, як кедр на Ливані, виросте (Пс. 91.13).
Стих: Насаджені в домі Господнім, у дворах Бога нашого процвітуть (Пс. 91.14).

Євангеліє: (Мр 15,43-16,8):
У той час Йосиф Ариматейський, поважний радник, що й сам очікував Божого Царства, прибув і, сміливо ввійшовши до Пилата, попросив тіло Ісуса. Пилат же здивувався, що вже вмер; і прикликавши сотника, спитав його, чи давно помер. Довідавшись від сотника, він видав Йосифові тіло; а Йосиф, купивши полотно, зняв його, обгорнув полотном і поклав його у гробі, що був висічений у скелі; потім прикотив камінь до входу гробу; Марія ж Магдалина й Марія, мати Йосифа, дивились, де його покладено. Якже минула субота, Марія Магдалина, Марія, мати Якова, та Саломія купили пахощів, щоб піти та намастити його. Рано-вранці, першого дня тижня, прийшли вони до гробу, як сходило сонце, та й говорили між собою: “Хто нам відкотить камінь від входу до гробу?” Але поглянувши, побачили, що камінь був відвалений, – був бо дуже великий. Увійшовши до гробу, побачили юнака, що сидів праворуч, одягнений у білу одежу, – і вжахнулись. А він до них промовив: “Не жахайтеся! Ви шукаєте Ісуса Назарянина, розп’ятого Він воскрес, його нема тут. Ось місце, де його були поклали. Але йдіть, скажіть його учням та Петрові, що випередить вас у Галилеї: там його побачите, як він сказав вам.” І вони, вийшовши, втекли від гробу, бо жах і трепет огорнув їх, і нікому нічого не сказали, бо боялися.

Влкмч.: Йо. 52 зач. 15, 17 – 16, 2.

Сказав Господь своїм учням:

17. Це вам заповідаю: щоб ви любили один одного.

18. Вас ненавидить світ – знайте, що він мене перше, ніж вас, ненавидів. 19. Як би ви були від світу, світ своє любив би. А що ви не від світу, бо я вибрав вас від світу, тому світ вас ненавидить. 20. Згадайте слово, що я був сказав вам: слуга не більший від пана свого. Якщо переслідували мене, переслідуватимуть і вас; і якщо слово моє зберігали, зберігатимуть і ваше. 21. Та все те робитимуть вам за моє ім’я, не знають бо того, хто послав мене. 22. Якби я не прийшов був і не говорив до них, гріха не мали б. Але тепер вони виправдання за їхній гріх не мають. 23. Хто ненавидить мене, і Отця мого ненавидить. 24. Якби я не чинив був серед них діл, яких ніхто інший не чинив, гріха не мали б. Тепер же й бачили й зненавиділи – і мене й Отця мого. 25. Але щоб здійснилося слово, що написане в законі їхньому: ненавиділи вони мене без причини. 26. Як прийде Утішитель, якого зішлю вам від Отця, Дух істини, який від Отця походить, він свідчитиме про мене. 27. Та й ви свідчитимете, бо ви зо мною від початку.

1. Сказав я вам те, щоб ви не зневірилися. 2. Вас виключать із синагог, і настане година, коли кожен, хто вас убиватиме, гадатиме, що служить Богові.

Замість Достойно:
Ангел сповіщав Благодатній: Чистая Діво, радуйся. І знову кажу: Радуйся. Твій Син воскрес тридневний із гробу, і мертвих воздвигнув він; люди, веселіться.

Ірмос (глас 1): Світися, світися, новий Єрусалиме, слава бо Господня на тобі возсіяла. Радій нині і веселися, Сіоне. А ти, Чистая, красуйся, Богородице, востанням рождення твого.

Причасний: Тіло Христове прийміть, джерела безсмертного споживіть.* Хваліте Господа з небес, хваліте Його на висотах (Пс 148,1). * В пам’ять вічну буде праведник, злих слухів не убоїться (Пс. 111,6-7). Алилуя (х3).

Замість Благословен, хто йде в ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Ми бачили світло істинне: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Нехай сповняться: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Замість Будь ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Під час відпусту “Христос воскрес” співається один раз (на просту мелодію) замість “Слава Отцю…”

Тоді знову співається Тропар “Христос воскрес”, як і на початку Літургії, але з додатковим закінченням.

Тропар: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

І нам дарував життя вічне, поклоняємось його тридневному воскресінню.