GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140 In Tone 6

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

O Christ, You won the victory over Hades,* You ascended the Cross so that You might raise up with Yourself* all those who dwelt in the darkness of death.* Almighty Saviour, You are free from death* and bestow life by Your divine light.* We, therefore, beseech You to have mercy on us.

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

Today Christ has conquered Death.* He has risen from the grave as He foretold,* bestowing great joy upon the world.* Therefore, let us all lift up our voices and sing:* O Fount of Life, O Light Whom no one can approach,* Almighty Saviour, have mercy on us.

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

O Lord, where can we sinners flee from You,* for You are present in all creation?* You are present in heaven, for it is Your dwelling place.* Your power prevails in Hades where You conquered Death.* O Master, Your sustaining hand touches even the depths of the sea.* Where, then, can we take refuge except in You?* We, therefore, prostrate ourselves before You and pray:* O Lord, risen from the dead, have mercy on us.

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

We exult in Your Cross, O Christ,* and we sing the glory of Your Resurrection.* For You are our God, and we have no other Lord but You.

In Tone 2

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

With what lips shall we, poor and worthless,* praise the birth of the Virgin?* She is more honoured than all creation;* more holy than the cherubim and the angels.* She is the unshaken throne of the King,* the house in which the Most High has dwelt,* The holy place of God,* Who richly grants great mercy to the faithful* on this her nativity!

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

What spiritual songs shall we offer you, all-holy one?* By your birth from a barren womb, you hallow all the world!* You have freed Adam of his chains and Eve of her grief;* therefore the choirs of angels assemble to keep your feast.* Heaven rejoices with earth;* the souls of the righteous clap their hands,* singing praises to glorify your nativity!

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

Virgin, what songs filled with awe are your due?* Young maidens dance with joy, praising your nativity!* They cry out in amazement:* The palace of the King is born!* The holy ark shines forth!* The barren gates are opened and the gate of God comes forth:* The child of righteousness!* She will bear Him Who brings us justice, peace and great mercy!

In Tone 4

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

You arrayed yourselves in garments dyed purple with your own blood.* in your beauty, virgin maidens and martyrs, * you united yourselves spiritually to Christ,* our all-beautiful God Who preserves your virginity undefiled* in the eternal bridal chamber of incorruption;* in the mansions of heaven,* in a chamber not made by hands.

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

In imperfect bodies, yet with a perfect mind,* by the power of the spirit, glorious ones,* you conquered the ancient serpent, the source of evil,* and showed his power to be impotent.* Therefore you have received crowns of victory,* Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora,* champions of the Trinity!

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

Your limbs were twisted and thrown on the fire,* you were torn with iron hooks and hanged upon a tree.* Beheaded by the sword, you did not deny Christ, all-praised athletes.* Therefore you have received the crown of victory,* Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora,* champions of the Trinity!

In Tone 4

Glory…
Let barren Anna clap her hands in gladness!* Let the earth put on bright array!* Let kings now dance and priests rejoice in hymns of blessing!* Let the whole world celebrate!* For behold the Queen, the spotless Bride of the Father* today has blossomed from the root of Jesse.* No more shall woman bear in sorrow, for joy has blossomed!* The life of mankind now dwells in the world!* the gifts of Joachim are not turned away,* the lamentations of Anna have been changed to joy.* She cries: Rejoice with me, chosen Israel!* The Lord has granted me a living palace of His divine glory* for the joy and gladness of us all* and the salvation of our souls!

In Tone 6

Now…
Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He Who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.

Aposticha In Tone 6

O Christ our Saviour,* the angels in heaven sing the praises of Your Resurrection;* make us on earth also worthy* to extol You with a pure heart.

The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.

Almighty God, You destroyed the brazen gates and bars of Hades,* and raised up fallen mankind.* Therefore, with one accord, we cry out:* O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to You!

For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

Christ willed to renew us from our corruption of old* by being nailed to a cross and placed in a tomb.* When the women came to anoint His body they tearfully cried out:* O, what sorrow afflicts us!* O Saviour of All, how could You consent to occupy a grave?* If you truly willed this, then why did You allow Your body to be stolen?* How were You removed?* What place now conceals Your life-bearing body?* O Lord, appear to us as You promised* and put an end to our tears.* As they were lamenting, an angel appeared and cried out to them:* Do not weep, but tell the Apostles that the Lord is risen,* granting sanctification and great mercy to the world.

Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

O Christ, You were crucified of Your free will,* and by Your burial You imprisoned Death.* As God, You rose in glory on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.

In Tone 2

Glory… Now…

Receive, O Mary, * this song from my soiled lips* and give me release* from all my transgressions,* and make straight my evil way of life.

Troparia

In Tone 6

Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!

In Tone 4, Glory…

Holy Martyrs, you wisely exchanged horrible torture and bitter death for eternal life!* Three virgins, you confessed the unoriginate Trinity at an evil council,* and for this reason were slain by the sword,* following the way of the Lamb Who was slain!* Now ever pray for us* who commemorate your holy memory!

In Tone 4, Now…

Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.

 

SUNDAY MATINS

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 6

Troparia, Tone 6

Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You! (2)

In Tone 4, Glory…

Holy Martyrs, you wisely exchanged horrible torture and bitter death for eternal life!* Three virgins, you confessed the unoriginate Trinity at an evil council,* and for this reason were slain by the sword,* following the way of the Lamb Who was slain!* Now ever pray for us* who commemorate your holy memory!

In Tone 4, Now…

Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 6

While the tomb lay open and Hades lamented,* Mary, cried to the Apostles who were in hiding saying:* “Come forth, you workers of the vineyard,* proclaim to the world the word of the Resurrection,* for the Lord is risen,* granting the world His great mercy!”

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

Mary Magdalene stood by Your tomb O Lord,* and mistaking You for the gardener,* weeping she cried aloud to You:* “Where have You hidden the Life eternal?* Where have You placed He who sits on the Cherubic Throne?* For those who were guarding Him have become as dead-men through fear.* Either give me my Lord or cry out with me:* O You who were numbered among the dead and have raised the dead,* glory be to You!”

Glory… Now…

Gideon foretold of your conception,* and David revealed your ineffable child-bearing, O Theotokos;* for the Word descended like a dew upon the fleece of your womb,* and you O Virgin full of grace,* like unto a holy and fertile earth,* budded forth without seed our salvation, Christ God.

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 6

Life was laid in the tomb* and a seal was set upon the stone;* the soldiers stood guarding Christ like a sleeping King;* and having invisibly struck His foes the Lord arose.

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

Jonah foretold of Your tomb,* and Symeon revealed Your divine Arising, O immortal Lord;* for You descended as One dead into the tomb,* and having smashed the gates of Hades,* You arose without corruption as Master, for the salvation of all the world,* O Christ our God,* enlightening those lying in darkness.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin Theotokos, entreat your Son Christ our God,* who was willingly nailed upon the Cross,* and freed the world from deception,* that He have mercy upon our souls!

Evoglitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 6

By Your voluntary and life-giving death, O Christ,* You shattered the gates of Hades,* and as God You opened to us the Paradise of old;* and by arising from the dead,* You delivered our lives from corruption.

Gradual Hymns, Tone 6

Antiphon 1

Unto heaven I raise my eyes, even unto You, O Word;* have pity on me,* that I may live for You.

Have mercy upon us who are filled with contempt O Word,* repairing Your broken vessels* that we may be found useful.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit is the cause of all salvation,* if He sees fit to breathe on one of His creatures,* He swiftly raises him from the things of this earth, and having given him wings,* makes him to flourish and raises him on high.

Antiphon 2

If the Lord had not dwelt among us,* none could have withstood the attacks of the enemy,* for those who are victorious* are exalted by Him.

Let not my soul be taken like a sparrow by their teeth, O Word;* Woe unto me!* How shall I, the lover of sin, be delivered from the power of the enemy?

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit all find divine inspiration,* goodness, understanding, peace, and blessing;* for He is equal in activity* to the Father and the Word.

Antiphon 3

They that put their trust in the Lord look upon high* and are thus fearful to their foes* and wondrous to all mankind.

Unto the pursuit of iniquities* the righteous stretch not the hands,* having You, O Saviour, as their helper.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit is sovereignty over all creation;* Him the armies of hosts above worship* and by everything that has breath below* is He worshiped.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

O Lord, stir up Your might* and come to save us.

verse: O Shepherd of Israel, attend, You that lead Joseph like a sheep.

Let everything that lives, Tone 6

Gospel

Luke 24:1-12

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Canon, Tone 6

Ode 1

Irmos: Israel, marching on foot in the sea as on the dry land,* saw Pharaoh the pursuer overthrown in the deep,* and raised a triumphant shout:* Let us sing to God a hymn of victory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Good Jesus, with your arms stretched wide upon the cross, you have fulfilled in all things the Father’s good pleasure; therefore let us all sing to you a hymn of victory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Death, the end of life, as a slave under orders, in fear approaches you, the Lord of life, whereby you award to us life without end and resurrection.

Glory… Now…

Pure one, who beyond understanding received your Creator, of his own will made flesh in your seedless womb, you are declared to be in truth creation’s sovereign Lady.

 

Ode 3

Irmos: None is holy but you, O Lord my God,* the one who is the Good;* you have exalted the horn of your faithful people,* and founded them on the rock of their confession of you.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Creation, seeing God crucified in the flesh, was dissolving in fear, but by the strong hand of the Crucified it was firmly held together.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Sorry death, destroyed by death, lies lifeless; unable to withstand the God-filled assault of Life, the strong one dies. And so to all is given resurrection.

Glory… Now…

O pure one, the wonder of your divine child-bearing surpasses the laws of nature: marvellous was your conceiving of God in your womb, and marvellous the birth and your abiding virginity.

 

Kontakion, Tone 4

By your birth, O immaculate one,* Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness,* and Adam and Eve* from the corruption of death.* And your people, redeemed from the guilt of their sins,* celebrate as they cry out to you:* “The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God* and nourisher of our life.”

Ikos

Joachim and Anne beseeched the Lord to remove their childlessness. He heard their prayers, and the just couple gave birth to the one who brought Life to the world. Joachim offered his prayer in the mountain while Anne accepted her reproach in the garden. With joy, the barren Anne gave birth to the Theotokos who sustains our life.

 

Ode 4

Irmos: Christ, my strength, my God, my Lord,* most fittingly your holy Church keeps festival,* singing, dancing, crying out with pure minds,* feasting in the Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Truly, O Christ, the tree of life has blossomed for the cross, planted in the earth, fed with blood and water from your pure side, has put forth life for us.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

No more the serpent’s lying whisper: You shall be like God; for Christ, divine Creator of man’s nature, now has opened out before me, with none to hinder, the pathway of life.

Glory… Now…

Ever-virgin Mother of God, truly beyond speech and incomprehensible to heaven and to earth are the mysteries of your God-befitting child bearing.

 

Ode 5

Irmos: Shine with your divine splendour, I pray you, O you who are good,* on the souls of those who rise early to you* and long to know you, O Word of God,* as in truth the God who calls them back from sin’s deep darkness.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Now the Cherubim withdraw from me, and the flaming sword is turned back at sight of you, O Word of God, in truth the God who makes for the Thief the path to Paradise.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

I fear no longer the return to the dust, Lord Christ, for in your great mercy through your resurrection you have led me, forgotten, from the dust to the heights of incorruption.

Glory… Now…

O good Lady of the world, keep safe those who from the heart confess you God-bearer, for we have gained you, true Mother of God, for our invincible protection.

 

Ode 6

Irmos: Watching life’s sea rising in the surging waves of temptations,* fast making for your calm harbour, I cry out to you:* Lead my life up from corruption,* O you of many mercies .

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Crucified, O Lord, by the nails which fastened you, you annulled the curse upon us; pierced in the side by the spear, you tore up the written scroll against Adam, and set the whole world free.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Deception tripped up Adam and brought him to the depth of Hell. But you, God and compassion by nature, came down to seek him and, lifting him up on your shoulders, raised him up with yourself.

Glory… Now…

All-holy Lady, who bore to mortal man his Lord and pilot, quieten the fearful and unresting tumult of my passions, and grant to my heart tranquillity.

 

Kontakion

With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.

 

Ikos

O Giver of life, we sing and we worship your cross and your burial, for you entered Hell, O deathless one, as God of all power, and raising the dead with yourself and shattering the gates of Hell, as God you demolished the might of death. Therefore with love and with longing we who are born of the earth praise you as risen from the dead, overthrowing the might of the all-destroying foe, raising up all who believe in you, delivering the world from the stings of the serpent and us from the wiles of the enemy, as the one who alone possesses the power. Devoutly we sing, therefore, the praises of your resurrection, for by this, as God of all, you have saved us.

 

Ode 7

Irmos: As falling dew the angel made the furnace to the holy children,* and the command of God burned the Chaldeans;* and the tyrant was convinced, crying aloud:* Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The sun lamenting your Passion, O Lord, drew darkness around him and the light of the day was darkened over the whole of the earth, which cried aloud: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

At your descent, O Christ, the underworld was clothed in splendour; our first father, filled with gladness of heart, sprang up, dancing and crying out: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Glory… Now…

Through you, O Virgin Mother, light has risen and joy to all the inhabited earth, for you gave birth to God the Creator of all; ask him for us, All-pure, to send down to your faithful people great mercy.

 

Ode 8

Irmos: Dew from the flames you shed on the holy ones,* burning thus with water the sacrifice of the righteous.* All things, O Christ, you bring about according to your holy will;* we highly exalt you throughout the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Envy has finished its work on the people of the Jews: of old the slayers of the prophets now they are slayers of God; they set you upon the cross, O Word of God, you whom we highly exalt throughout the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ, without leaving the courts of Heaven you came to Hell. Together with yourself you awakened the whole man, lying m corruption, and he highly exalts you now throughout the ages.

Glory… Now…

From light you conceived the light-giving Word, ineffably you gave him birth, and are glorified. For the Holy Spirit dwelt in you, O Maid, and therefore we praise you throughout the ages.

 

Magnificat

 

Ode 9

Irmos: Foreign to mothers is virginity, and strange is childbirth to virgins;* yet both were accomplished in you, O Theotokos:* Wherefore, all we, the tribes of the earth,* unceasingly magnify you.

Most holy Mother of God, save us!

You have received a nativity worthy of your purity, O Mother of God; for, according to the promise, you were given to the barren one as a fruit springing forth divinely. Wherefore, all we, the peoples of the earth, unceasingly magnify you.

Most holy Mother of God, save us!

I shall raise up the tabernacle of sacred David which is fallen, which was a fore-type of you, O pure one, through whom the dust of all men has been fashioned into a body for God.

Most holy Mother of God, save us!

We venerate your swaddling clothes, O Theotokos. We glorify Him Who gave fruit to her who before was barren, and Who most gloriously opened the womb of her who was unable to give birth: For as God with complete authority, He does all things whatsoever He desires.

Most holy Mother of God, save us!

To you, O Theotokos, who was born of Anna, we faithfully offer hymnody as a gift, glorifying, O you mothers, the Mother, and you, O virgins, the one Virgin; and we bow down before you and hymn and glorify you.

Glory…

Strange is it for the iniquitous to glorify the unoriginate Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the uncreated omnipotent Principle, by Whom the whole world is held fast at the behest of His might.

Now…

Within your womb, O Mother, you contained one of the Trinity: Christ the King, Whom all creation hymns and before Whom the ranks of heaven tremble. Entreat Him, O most pure one, that our souls be saved.

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light, Tone 4

Resplendent with virtues* let us behold the men standing in brilliant clothes inside the grave,* giving life to the saddened myrrh-bearing women.* Let us learn of the resurrection of the Lord of heaven* and hasten with Peter to the tomb of life.* Let us stand before His wondrous resurrection* and contemplate the marvels of Christ.

Glory… Now…

She, from whom the noetic Sun has come forth in the flesh, has illumined the world today, shining forth from the womb of a barren woman. Wherefore, leaping up, we cry out: Rejoice, O Mary, deliverance of our forefathers!

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 6

Your Cross, O Lord, is the life and resurrection of Your people,* and trusting in it we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.

Your burial, O Master, opened Paradise to mankind,* and thus delivered from corruption we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.

With the Father and the Spirit* let us hymn Christ risen from the dead,* and let us cry out to Him:* You are our life and resurrection, have mercy upon us.

On the third day You arose from the tomb, O Christ, as it was written,* raising together with Yourself our Forefather;* therefore the race of mankind glorifies You, and hymns Your Resurrection.

In Tone 2

The only Theotokos, the dwelling place of God,* comes forth from a barren and childless mother;* and Adam, restored, rejoices.

The only Theotokos, the dwelling place of God,* comes forth from a barren and childless mother;* and Adam, restored, rejoices.

Today is joy born of Anna,* heralding to the world the abolition of the curse.* Let all rejoice!

Rejoice, O Joachim and divinely wise Anna,* for she has given birth to the joy and gladness of the world* and the mediatress of salvation.

In Tone 4, Glory…

The women came at early dawn to Your tomb, O Christ,* but they did not find Your venerable body.* As they were perplexed, an angel in shining clothes said to them:* Why do you seek the Living among the dead?* He is risen as He foretold.* Have you forgotten what He said?* Being assured by the words of the angel,* the women preached to the disciples about the things they saw.* But their good news was received with ridicule;* for the disciples were still without understanding.* Peter, however, hastened to Your tomb* and then glorified Your wonders, O 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

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 6: Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!

Troparion, Tone 4: Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: By your birth, O immaculate one,* Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness,* and Adam and Eve* from the corruption of death.* And your people, redeemed from the guilt of their sins,* celebrate as they cry out to you:* “The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God* and nourisher of our life.”

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)

Epistle: Galatians 6:11-18 (NRSV)
Brothers and Sisters, see what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: I have exalted one chosen from the people and with my holy oil anointed him.
verse: My hand shall always be with him and my arm shall make him strong. (Psalm 88:20-21,22)

Gospel: John 3:13-17 (NRSV)
The Lord said, No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the Virgin Mary, born from a barren womb.
Irmos, Tone 8: Virginity is alien to mothers* and childbearing is foreign to virgins;* yet in you, O Mother of God, both of them came together.* Therefore we and all the nations of the earth* without ceasing magnify you.

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord (Psalm 115:13).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 25:8)

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