Second Sunday of the Great Fast: St. Gregory of Palamas, Tone 6; Nov 25

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 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 had 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.

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

Glory to Your might, O Lord,* for You have conquered the power of death.* You have renewed us through Your Cross,* granting us life and incorruption.

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

We forever bless the Lord and praise His resurrection,* for by suffering crucifixion,* He has destroyed death by His death.

In Tone 2

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

What hymns of praise shall we sing in honour of the holy bishop?* He is the trumpet of theology,* the herald of the fire of grace, the honoured vessel of the Spirit,* the unshaken pillar of the Church, the great joy of the inhabited earth,* the river of wisdom, the candlestick of the light,* the shining star that makes glorious the whole creation.

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

What hymns of praise shall we sing in honour of the holy bishop?* He is the trumpet of theology,* the herald of the fire of grace, the honoured vessel of the Spirit,* the unshaken pillar of the Church, the great joy of the inhabited earth,* the river of wisdom, the candlestick of the light,* the shining star that makes glorious the whole creation.

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

What words of song shall we weave as a garland to crown the holy bishop?* He is the champion of true devotion and the adversary of ungodliness,* the fervent protector of the Faith, the great guide and teacher,* the well-tuned harp of the Spirit, the golden tongue,* the fountain that flows with water of healing for the faithful,* Gregory the great and marvellous.

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

With what words shall we who dwell in earth praise the holy bishop?* He is the teacher of the Church,* the herald of the light of God,* the initiate of the heavenly mysteries of the Trinity,* the chief adornment of the monastic life,* renowned alike in action and in contemplation,* the glory of Thessalonica;* and now he dwells in heaven with the great and glorious martyr Demetrius* whose relics flow with holy oil.

In Tone 6

Glory…

Thrice-blessed Saint, most holy father,* good shepherd and disciple of Christ the Chief Shepherd,* you have laid down your life for your sheep.* And now in your intercessions,* O God-bearing Gregory our father,* pray that great mercy may be granted to 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 have 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 and glorify 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 own 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 8

Glory…

Your tongue, watchful in teachings,* rings in the ears of our heart and wakens the souls of the slothful.* Your words, inspired by God,* are a ladder leading us from earth to heaven.* O Gregory, wonder of Thessaly,* pray to Christ without ceasing* that we who honour you may be illumined with the divine light.

Now…

O Virgin who knew not carnal union,* O you who ineffably carried God in the flesh,* O Mother of the Almighty God.* O you who obtain for all of us the cleansing of sins* accept now our supplication* and intercede for the salvation of us all.

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 8, Glory…

Light of orthodoxy, teacher of the Church; its confirmation!* Ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians.* Wonder-working Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace:* always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved!

Now…

O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.* O Saviour, save Your despairing people!

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 8, Glory…

Light of orthodoxy, teacher of the Church; its confirmation!* Ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians.* Wonder-working Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace:* always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved!

Now…

O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.* O Saviour, save Your despairing people!

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!

Polyeleos

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 24:36-53

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

After Psalm 50

In Tone 8, Glory…

Open to me the doors of repentance, O Giver of Life.* As we worship in Your temple this morning,* teach us how to purify the temples of our bodies,* and in Your compassion, purify me by the goodness of Your mercies.

Now…

Lead me to the paths of salvation, O Mother of God,* for I have condemned myself with shameful sins* and have wasted all my life in slothfulness.* By your intercession purify me from all sinfulness.

In Tone 6

Have mercy on me, God, in Your kindness. In Your compassion blot out my offense.

When I think upon the multitude of my evil deeds,* I tremble for the terrible day of judgment.* But trusting in the compassion of Your mercy, O Lord,* I cry to You like David:* Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy.

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.

Irmos: In days of old, Pharaoh, who was at the head of his chariots,* was drowned because of the staff of Moses;* in a wondrous way, he struck the sea* in the form of a cross and it divided.* But he saved Israel who was able to flee as on dry ground,* singing a hymn to the Lord.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Shedding fervent tears, with the words of the Prodigal we fall down before You O God and Father of all, saying: “We have sinned, departing far from You, we have made ourselves the slaves of prodigality; accept our repentance.”

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

I have wasted the royal birth-right You conferred upon me, by becoming, a man for my sake O Word: and I have been bitterly condemned to feed swine, with my taste for things sinful. But do spare me, O Saviour, in Your compassion.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

I kneel before You, as did the Prodigal Son of old, O Lord and Master: run out to meet me and receive me, and taking me in Your embrace grant me the tokens of Your salvation. Instead of a hired servant, O Lover of mankind, make me once again Your son.

Most Holy Theotokos save us.

Human nature was granted to be worthy of God’s revelation through you, O blessed joyous one, for you are the only mediator, O Virgin, between God and man; meet it is that we glorify you, since you are the Mother of God.

Irmos: I shall open my mouth, and be filled with the Spirit,* and utter discourse to the Queen and Mother;* and be seen radiantly keeping festival,* joyfully praising her wonders.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

O divine orators, and chosen theologians, all you tongues inspired by God, come and unite together, that you may rightly sing in praise of the herald of the Spirit. the divine Gregory,

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

The pillar of the Faith, the champion of the Church, let us praise the great Gregory, the most tireless shepherd of Thessalonica, the true glory of the episcopate.

Glory…

From childhood you desired the higher life of perfection, O father, and from your youth you loved wisdom, showing yourself to be a true follower and companion of your namesake Gregory the Theologian.

Now…

O all-immaculate one, be to me a path in life, guiding me to the divine dwelling-place. For I have wandered astray and stumbled into the pit of evil: lead me back from this by your intercessions.

Katavasia: I shall open my mouth, and be filled with the Spirit,* and utter discourse to the Queen and Mother;* and be seen radiantly keeping festival,* joyfully praising her wonders.

 

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.

Irmos: In the beginning, You made the skies firm in Your wisdom,* and You founded the earth on the waters.* O Christ. make me firm on the rock of Your commandments.* for none is holy but You, O only Lover of mankind.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

I am filled with fear when I consider my actions, and how far I have departed from You, wasting Your wealth in prodigal desires, wherefore in repentance I cry to You, my Father and God: “I have sinned, save me.”

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Sinning on earth, I am in fear of heaven; for it will be my accuser, O Word, when all shall stand before You and submit to Your righteous judgment.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

I fed myself on dark and defiled thoughts when I left You, O Saviour, and went into a far country to live prodigally; but now I cry: “I have sinned against You, I have sinned; save me, who flees to Your tender mercy.”

Most Holy Theotokos save us.

Adam’s nature was rendered godlike, O Virgin: For from your womb God has assumed flesh; by which we were freed from the ancient condemnation, having been deceived of old by the hope of becoming gods.

Irmos: O Theotokos, living and plentiful fount,* establish in spiritual fellowship those who sing hymns to you,* and in your divine glory* grant them crowns of glory.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

Holding fast to the harp of your divinely inspired teaching, we flee from every innovation of the of the heretics, and we slay all of them with your holy writings, O Gregory.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

The foolish wisdom of the heretics have you destroyed O blessed one, bearing the hypostatic Wisdom of God in your heart, by which you triumphantly defeated their putrid innovations.

Glory…

O most wise one, you put to death every carnal desire of the flesh, and through your ascetic activities enlivened the activity of your soul, and by this you have been revealed to be a divine instrument of theology.

Now…

With full knowledge and by my own free choice, I have eagerly desired a shameful and prodigal life; but you bind my heart with divine love by your holy intercessions, O Virgin and Bride of God.

Katavasia: O Theotokos, living and plentiful fount,* establish in spiritual fellowship those who sing hymns to you,* and in your divine glory* grant them crowns of glory.

 

Kontakion, Tone 4

The time for action is now revealed;* the Judge is at the door.* Let us rise and keep the fast,* offering tears of contrition with alms and crying aloud:* our sins are more numerous than the sands of the sea,* but forgive us, O Maker of all, that we may receive incorruptible crowns.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

You burned up the deceptions of the heretics, and well elucidated the Orthodox faith, thereby enlightening all the world; showing yourself to be triumphantly victorious, a pillar of the Church and a true hierarch; cease not to intercede before Christ, that we all be saved.

Glory… Now…

Quickly receive our prayers, O Lady, and bring them to your Son and God, O all-immaculate Sovereign Lady; extinguish the blasphemies of the evil-tongued heretics; bring to naught their devices, and cast down the impudence of the ungodly who make war against your servants, O most pure One.

 

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.

Irmos: You are my strength and my power, O Lord,* You are my God and my joy!* Without leaving the Father’s bosom,* You have visited our poverty.* Therefore, with the prophet Habakkuk, I cry out to You:*Glory to Your power, O only Lover of mankind.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

The wealth of Your fatherly commandments which You have granted me, I have wasted in living a life of sensual pleasure; I, the wretched one, am now poor, stripped of my former divine gifts, wherefore, I repent and confess; turn not away from me, O Master and Lord.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Graciously have You taken upon Yourself my poverty, I who of old, was exiled far from You, assuming my human nature within Yourself, and sanctifying me O Lover of mankind; Your divine body, O Word, is my calling to be joyous.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

With unceasing tears, may we be delivered from the everlasting torments that God has prepared for the evil spirits, let us cry like the Prodigal: We have sinned against You, O Father, but accept us all, for we take refuge in Your mercy.

Most Holy Theotokos save us.

The Word, Who is co-beginningless with the Father and the Spirit, has been born from a Virgin who knew not a man, yet without undergoing change, remaining what He was, yet preserving for ever what He has taken from us; for He is one Son in two natures, preserving the essence of each.

Irmos: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus the true God,* is come in a swift cloud* and with His sinless hands he has saved those who cry:* Glory to Your power, O Christ.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

You have opened your mouth, O wise father, and preached the divine Wisdom which you have ever learned in your heart; and which showed Balaam to be vainly lacking in understanding and foolish.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

You have set beneath the earth, O most sweetest Sun, in accordance with the laws of nature, but in the morning you shall rise again with Christ, the Sun that knows no evening, Who watches over all by your intercessions.

Glory…

The grace of God has been manifest in you, O blessed one, the great glory and strong support of the Orthodox, the good shepherd, and second Theologian, and brave guardian of your flock.

Now…

Open the ears of my soul, O Mother of God, for you have given birth to the Lord who once opened the ears of the deaf; enable us to hear the Word of God and keep it.

Katavasia: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus the true God,* is come in a swift cloud* and with His sinless hands he has saved those who cry:* Glory to Your power, O Christ.

 

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.

Irmos: Why have You driven me far from your face, O never-setting Light?* The outer darkness has enveloped me, wretched creature that I am.* Make me return, I pray You,* and direct my paths toward the light of Your law.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Having rejected the wealth and divine gifts conferred upon me, I have come to a country cursed by a famine of the gifts of life; but, O Father, for the sake of You tender compassion, restore to me the glory and the joy that of old was once mine.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Let us who have spent our life in prodigal living, take up the resolve of the Prodigal, and with undoubting faith and a compunctionate heart, flee to the merciful Father, that we may receive the remission of our sins.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Tarry not, O my soul, dwelling exiled in a far country, but run swiftly to your God and Father confessing your sins; that you may receive forgiveness for the wicked things you have done, having wasted your life in vanity.

Most Holy Theotokos save us.

You are a noetic cloud of light, bearing within you the Sun of righteousness. O most-holy Virgin, Who has dispelled the dark ignorance of idolatry, and has enlightened us with the light of true knowledge.

Irmos: All creation stands in awe of your divine glory;* for you, O Virgin who has not known wedlock, contained within your womb the God of all,* and gave birth to the timeless Son,* bestowing peace, upon all who hymn you.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

With the sickle of Your words and with your holy writings you cut down the thorns of heresy, and spit out the tares of falsehood, sowing the seeds of holy Orthodoxy, O archpastor Gregory.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

O all-wise one, your words and sacred writings are to those who draw near to them; a heavenly dew, honey from the rock, the bread of angels, nourishing food, and sweetness, O Gregory, fount of living water.

Glory…

The earth and sea acknowledge you to be their common teacher, a holy pillar of Orthodoxy, and a sacred and honourable armoury of divine dogmas, a most wise and saintly theologian, and a companion and equal to the apostles.

Now…

With the waters of compunction wash the filth from my heart, O immaculate one, and bestow upon me an image of repentance through your holy prayers to our compassionate God, Whom you ineffably did bear.

Katavasia: All creation stands in awe of your divine glory;* for you, O Virgin who has not known wedlock, contained within your womb the God of all,* and gave birth to the timeless Son,* bestowing peace, upon all who hymn you.

 

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.

Irmos: Grant Your forgiveness, O Saviour, despite the number of my sins;* draw me out of the abyss of evil, I pray You;* for it is to You that I cry:* O God of my salvation, hear me, O Lord!

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

I was Your younger son, and wasted the wealth You gave me, withdrawing far from You into an iniquitous life; and am now deprived of Your blessings, O Lover of mankind. I come to You, O my Father and God, asking forgiveness.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

I have been rewarded to dwell in a cruel exile, and am condemned to feed swine, for I have wasted the riches that You graciously gave me; and I am stripped of everything. But since You are my God, have compassion upon me.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Having sinned, I have no boldness, O Lover of mankind, to look up to heights of heaven, nor call myself Your son, prodigal that I am. But You Who have boundless mercy, be quick to have compassion upon me.

Most Holy Theotokos save us.

Beyond description is your childbearing, and ineffable is the manner of your birth-giving, O Virgin maiden, for transcending understanding you have given birth to God, and yet preserved your virginity inviolate. Wherefore, as is meet, we all glorify you as in truth, the very Theotokos.

Irmos: As we celebrate this sacred and solemn feast of the Theotokos,* let us come, clapping our hands,* O people of the Lord,* and give glory to God who was born of her.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

The vain innovations and language of foolish Balaam were shattered by the words, teachings, and sharp-minded understanding of the most wise Emperor and of you, O Gregory.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

The divine harp of the Spirit, the trumpet that plainly proclaimed the divine mysteries, the ruling archpastor of Thessalonica, the theologizing tongue, let us honour in hymns.

Glory…

As once the people were led by a pillar of fire, likewise you have burnt up the enemies of the Faith, and illumined the congregation of the faithful, O divinely wise Gregory our father.

Now…

Be to me, O all-holy Lady, quietness and a haven of consolation; lead me into the safe harbour of divine refuge, calming the tempest of my passions.

Katavasia: As we celebrate this sacred and solemn feast of the Theotokos,* let us come, clapping our hands,* O people of the Lord,* and give glory to God who was born of her.

 

Kontakion, Tone 8

Holy and divine instrument of the highest wisdom, joyful trumpet of theology,* with one accord we sing your praises, O Gregory, divinely inspired one.* But since your mind stands before the original Mind,* guide our minds to Him, O father, that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O preacher of grace.

Ikos

You have appeared on earth as an angelic messenger, proclaiming to mortal men the mysteries of God. Endowed with a human mind and flesh, yet speaking with the voice of the bodiless powers, you have filled us with amazement, O divinely inspired saint, impelling us to cry aloud to you:
Rejoice, for through you darkness is dispelled:
Rejoice, for through you light has returned.
Rejoice, Messenger of the uncreated Godhead:
Rejoice, Reprover of created folly.
Rejoice, Height impossible to climb, that tells us of God’s nature:
Rejoice, Depth hard to fathom, that speaks of His energy.
Rejoice, for you have rightly proclaimed God’s glory:
Rejoice, for you have denounced the opinions of the wicked.
Rejoice, Torch that reveals the Sun:
Rejoice, Cup filled with nectar.
Rejoice, for through you truth has shone forth:
Rejoice, for through you falsehood hath been plunged in darkness.
Rejoice, Preacher of grace!

 

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.

Irmos: The Youths who came from Judah to Babylon* trampled on the flames in the furnace* by their faith in the Trinity,* and they sang: blessed are You, O God of our fathers.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

I lack the boldness to call myself Your son, O man-befriending Father; but I beseech You that I may be as one of Your hired servants. Reject me not who cries out to You: blessed are You, O God of our fathers.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

We have defiled our former life by this present life, and have thereby lost our former nobility. But let us hasten to our only Father and God, and with fervent repentance, let us receive salvation.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Cruel is the citizen whom I, the wretched one, am condemned to serve; the hunger which I endure, while feeding the swine, is severe and insufferable. But I beseech You, O Saviour, cause me to turn back, and have mercy on me.

Most Holy Theotokos save us.

Our nature which was once deadened, have you restored to life, O Virgin Theotokos, who alone did bear Life; wherefore we the faithful acknowledge the salvation wrought by you, who in the flesh gave birth to the God of our fathers.

Irmos: Refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* the divinely wise youths bravely trampled down the threatening fire* and rejoicing they sang aloud:* O supremely hymned Lord and God of our Fathers, blessed are You.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

Those who study your words of instruction and your writings, O Gregory, are initiated into the knowledge of God, and filled with the noetic Wisdom of God; they theologize concerning His uncreated grace and energy.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

The sword and the bow of the heretics, did you destroy, O great Hierarch along with the pride of Balaam, and all the power of heresy, as the web of a spider is torn apart by a stone.

Glory…

The faith of the pious has been sealed by your words and dogmas; and the boldness of heresy has ceased, O Gregory, bringing to an end the suppression of Orthodoxy, and the might of the heretics.

Now…

We truly believe that you are a fount of water, from which we, withered by the sickness of the passions, draw forth the divine water of salvation, wherefore we cry aloud, O all-pure one; “blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”

Katavasia: Refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* the divinely wise youths bravely trampled down the threatening fire* and rejoicing they sang aloud:* O supremely hymned Lord and God of our Fathers, blessed are You.

 

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.

Irmos: In his fury the tyrant of the Chaldeans* had the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual* for the faithful servants of the Lord;* but when he saw them saved by a more powerful force, he cried out:* O Youths, bless your Creator and Redeemer; praise Him, you priests;* and all you people, exalt Him for all ages.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

We who believe in You know the wealth of Your great and boundless compassion, O Master. Wherefore we fervently bow down before You with the Prodigal, receive us who have sinned and flee to You for refuge, for there is no sin, O compassionate One, that can overcome Your love for mankind.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

For the sake of compassion, You humbled Yourself, O Master, and draw near to Your fallen sons. For in Your love for mankind You go out to meet the fallen, and embracing and kissing them You have granted them salvation: And if one reproaches You for this, as One merciful, You are not angered with him, for You are the Lover of mankind.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Most fearful will be the judgment passed upon me, O Master; for though I see that You are longsuffering and a Lover of mankind, I flee not to You nor call upon You with the words of the Prodigal, instead I pass the course of my life in slothfulness; be merciful to me, and save me from condemnation, O compassionate One, for the sake of my penitence.

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

We glorify not three Gods but one Godhead; in very truth we honour three Hypostases, the Father unbegotten, the Son begotten from the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father. One God in Three; and with faith we glorify each with the title of God.

Most Holy Theotokos save us.

From the multitude of tribulations that beset me, O all-immaculate One, and the tempest of sorrows that overwhelm me, by your intercessions, deliver me to the calm haven of salvation, and from all dangers save me, as you are a fervent protector, that I may worthily glorify you as the Theotokos throughout all ages.

Irmos: The offspring of the Theotokos saved the Holy Children in the furnace.* He who was then prefigured has now been born on earth,* and He gathers all creation to hymn you: all you works praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

You stand now before the throne of the all-merciful One, one in likeness to the Theologians, and as one their equal, O all-wise Gregory, hierarch of Thessalonica, glory of the episcopate, adorned with the dignity of the high priesthood, ever serving God.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

Knowing the purity of your understanding, even before your conception in the womb; God clearly revealed to the faithful Emperor that you would be an invincible champion of the Church; wherefore, by canonical consecration, you were sealed with the chrism of the high priesthood.

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

You clearly defeated and vanquished the faction of Akindynos, by the wisdom of your teaching O glorious Gregory, Bishop of Thessalonica, and as smoke vanishes, so did you vanquish their putrid foolishness by the thunderous voice of your divine theology.

Now…

In your womb, O Virgin, did the Word of God, in His extreme goodness, restore the nature of man, which had been crushed beneath the passions, wholly renewing and sanctifying it. Wherefore being saved by you, we glorify you throughout all ages.

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

Katavasia: The offspring of the Theotokos saved the Holy Children in the furnace.* He who was then prefigured has now been born on earth,* and He gathers all creation to hymn you: all you works praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

 

Magnificat

 

Ode 9

Irmos: No man can see God, on whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze;* but, through you, All-holy One, the Word made flesh is seen of mortal men.* Magnifying him with all the heavenly hosts,* we call you blessed.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Free from passions you remained, O Word of God, when you held converse with passions in the flesh. But having dealt to passion a Passion, you loosed man from his passions. For you alone are impassible and almighty, our Saviour.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Accepting the corruption of death, O Lord, you kept your body from tasting corruption, and your soul, life-giving, divine, was not left in Hell. But, as from sleep arising, you raised us up with yourself.

Glory… Now…

With pure lips we mortal men give glory to God the Father, to the Son with him without beginning, and we worship the inexpressible power, most glorious, of the All-holy Spirit; for you alone subsist almighty, undivided Trinity.

Irmos: Heaven was seized with wonder and the ends of the earth struck with astonishment* when God revealed himself to mankind clothed in our flesh.* And your womb has become more spacious than the heavens;* O Mother of God, the assembly of angels and people extol you.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

For my sake, You have sacrificed the fatted calf, fill now my thirsty soul with joy and gladness: I who was once lost, receive again. I who was once dead, lead back to life, and having placed the divine robe of salvation upon me, clothe me with incorruption.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

O you souls which have wandered far from God, and are deprived of the divine gifts, come and with fervour turn back like the Prodigal and cry: O good Father Who are in the heavens, we have all sinned against You; be merciful to us and save us, for unto Your mercy do we flee for refuge.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Since You are abundantly rich in compassion, loathe me not O Lord; O Lord, I have wasted my wealth in a multitude of pleasures, but fleeing to You, I cry aloud with the voice of the Prodigal: “I have sinned against You, save me who now flees to Your mercy.”

Most Holy Theotokos save us.

I your servant, have you as my haven of salvation, and guide and protection; since you are good, entreat God, that I may be delivered from all tribulations and temptations, O Lady, for with love, I have placed all my hope in you.

Irmos: Let every mortal born on earth,* radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy;* and let the host of the angelic powers* celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God,* and let them cry aloud:* Rejoice! O Theotokos, pure Ever-Virgin.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

A mirror divine were you, O Gregory, for in accordance with the divine image, you have kept yourself undefiled; and manfully establishing your mind as master over the passions of the flesh, you have attained to that which is in accordance with God’s likeness. Wherefore you have become the most glorious dwelling-place of the Holy Trinity.

Holy Hierarch Father Gregory, pray to God for us.

Like an inspired winged angel, you came to the aid of the pious Emperor, as one completely filled with the Holy Spirit, fighting against the vain-minded Balaam, who in his madness unjustly spoke against the God of heaven; Wherefore you justly gained the victory over him.

Glory…

Wholly filled with heavenly wisdom, you shone forth upon the world as light, teaching the dogmas of Orthodoxy. Befriending yourself to and loving Wisdom, O most wise one, you conceived the fear of God within yourself, giving birth to the words of the Spirit.

Now…

We and all the faithful with one accord offer to you a hymn of thanksgiving, for you have freed us from the ancient curse, O Birthgiver of God; by which we have gained through you God’s blessing, salvation, enlightenment and mercy, and eternal joy.

Katavasia: Let every mortal born on earth,* radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy;* and let the host of the angelic powers* celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God,* and let them cry aloud:* Rejoice! O Theotokos, pure Ever-Virgin.

 

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

After Your resurrection from the grave, O Saviour,* You revealed Your human nature as You stood in the midst of the disciples;* You ate with them and taught them the baptism of repentance.* Then You ascended to Your Father and promised to send them the Paraclete.* Therefore, O Lover of mankind and God most high,* glory to Your holy resurrection!

In Tone 3, Glory…

Rejoice, glory of the fathers, voice of theologians,* tabernacle of inward stillness,* dwelling-place of wisdom, greatest of teachers,* deep ocean of the Word.* Rejoice, you who have practiced the virtues of the active life* and ascended to the heights of contemplation;* Rejoice, healer of man’s sickness. Rejoice, shrine of the Spirit;* Rejoice, father who though dead are still alive.

Now…

O Sovereign Lady, Queen of all creation, higher than all the heavenly hosts,* stretch out your regal hand and preserve the world;* bless the priests who liturgize in your honour* and forgive those monastics who entreat your prayers.* Grant peace to all people who dwell in your courts.* Strengthen those in war during the time of battle.* Protect this your holy city.* Count us worthy to see the heavenly Kingdom and the gates of Paradise,* when at the Second Coming the Judge shall sit on His dread throne to judge all the earth,* O Queen of the angels.

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 1

In the world you lived a life of blessedness,* and now in heaven you rejoice in the assembly of the blessed;* because you were meek, you dwell now in the land of the meek, O hierarch Gregory.* God has made you rich in the grace of working miracles,* which you bestow on those who honour you.

O blessed saint, you planted the dogmas of Orthodoxy,* cutting down the thorns of heresy,* multiplying well the seeds of faith* by feeding them with the waters of your words,* and as an active husbandman you have brought to God* ears of wheat increased a hundredfold.

The bright glory of your blameless life, O blessed saint,* has amazed both angels and men.* For with steadfast purpose you have laboured in the ascetic life,* showing yourself to be a worthy hierarch and minister of God,* and His true friend.

In Tone 6

Upon those walking in the darkness of sin, O Christ,* You have shone forth as a guiding light in this season of abstinence.* Also show unto us the fragrant day of Your Passion,* that we may cry to You:* Arise, O God, and have mercy on us.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Upon those walking in the darkness of sin, O Christ,* You have shone forth as a guiding light in this season of abstinence.* Also show unto us the fragrant day of Your Passion,* that we may cry to You:* Arise, O God, and have mercy on us.

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 8: Light of orthodoxy, teacher of the Church; its confirmation!* Ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians.* Wonder-working Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace:* always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved!

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: The time for action is now revealed;* the Judge is at the door.* Let us rise and keep the fast,* offering tears of contrition with alms and crying aloud:* our sins are more numerous than the sands of the sea,* but forgive us, O Maker of all, that we may receive incorruptible crowns.

Prokeimenon, Tone 5
You, O Lord, will guard us* and will keep us* from this generation* and forever.
verse: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer left a just man. (Psalm 11:8,2)

Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-2:3 (NRSV)
Brothers and sisters, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up,and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.” But to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Therefore we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the message declared through angels was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first through the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him,

Alleluia, Tone 6
verse: He who lives in the aid of the Most High, shall dwell under the protection of the God of heaven.
verse: He says to the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, in Whom I hope. (Psalm 90:1,2)

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12 (NRSV)
At that time when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Hymn to the Mother of God
In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices: the angelic ranks and all the human race. Sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, virgins’ pride and boast, from whom God is made flesh and became a little Child; and He who is our God before all ages, He made your womb a throne, and He made it wider that all the heavens. In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices. Glory be to you.

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)