GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140, In Tone 5

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

With Your precious Cross, O Christ, * You have put the Devil to shame. * With Your Resurrection You have deadened the sting of Death. ** We, therefore, glorify You, O only-begotten Son of God.

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

O Christ, Who granted resurrection to mankind, * You were led like a lamb to the slaughter. * Then the princes of Hades were struck with terror * as they saw the gates of their tearful domain being lifted up; *
for Christ, the King of Glory, entered therein * and exclaimed to those in chains: Go forth from here! ** And to those in darkness: Go forth into the light!

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

What a great wonder! * The Creator of invisible beings suffered in the flesh for mankind, * and rose from the dead as immortal. * Come, therefore, all you nations and adore Him; * for through His compassion we have been freed from the snares of the Devil, ** and we have learned to praise the one God in three Persons.

In Tone 4,

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

You became a most sacred vessel of the divine Spirit, * having cleansed your soul of the passions, O most sacred one. * Hence, you received the holy and divine anointing, * becoming a hierarch, * a divinely wise leader of the people, * and an invincible martyr * of Him Who endured sufferings for our sake * and has poured forth dispassion, * O athlete Eleutherius.

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

Seeing you finishing well the contest, * she who gave you birth * desired to run the same race as you; * and, embracing you in the midst of the arena, O wise one, * she was slain like a heifer. * With her we entreat you, * O all-blessed Eleutherius: * Beseech the Lord and Savior on our behalf.

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

In Tone 8,

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

Today we commemorate the Forefathers of Christ.* Sing with fervour a hymn of praise to Christ the Saviour* who exalted them among the nations.* He is the Lord who does wondrous deeds* because He is powerful and almighty.* From them He brought forth a royal sceptre,* the Immaculate Maiden of God and Virgin Mary.* From her, Christ our God came forth* to give life and eternal salvation for all.

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

O Lord and Master,* You rescued the three holy youths from the fire.* You saved Daniel from the mouths of the lions;* You blessed Abraham, Isaac Your servant, and Jacob his son.* You willed to be like one of us by choosing to be born from them* in order that You might save our Forefathers who had fallen.* By Your Cross and Resurrection You tore apart the bonds of death.* You raise up all those who for ages had been among the dead* and who bow to You, O Christ, the eternal King.

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

The three holy youths were refreshed by the Holy Spirit* when they walked in the fire as though in a cool place.* In them the Trinity and the Incarnation of Christ* were prefigured in a mystical manner.* By their wisdom and faith* they overcame the power of fire.* As for the just Daniel, he stopped the mouths of lions.* Through their intercession, we beseech You:* O Saviour and Lover of Mankind,* protect us from eternal fire* and make us worthy of Your heavenly Kingdom.

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

When the three holy youths stood in the flaming furnace * as if covered with dew, * they mystically prefigured Your coming from the Virgin, * giving light to us without being consumed. * And Daniel, the just and wondrous prophet, * clearly saw in a vision Your second divine coming. * He said: “I saw thrones set up and the Judge seated * and the river of fire flowing in His presence.” ** Through their intercession
deliver us from this fire, O Lord.

In Tone 6, Glory…

O believers, let us give praise today* to all the fathers who lived before the Law:* Abraham who was beloved by God,* Isaac who was born according to the promise,* Jacob and the Twelve Patriarchs,* the very meek David and the favoured prophet Daniel.* Let us also glorify with them the three youths* who changed the fiery furnace into a place of refreshing dew.* Let us beg forgiveness of our sins from Christ our God* who is glorified in His Saints.

In Tone 5, Now…

A symbol of the undefiled Virgin and bride* was revealed in the Red Sea.* There, Moses divided the waters;* here, Gabriel is the messenger of the miracle.* There, the Israelites crossed the deep and their feet were not even wet;* here, the Virgin gives birth to Christ without human seed.* There, the sea remained uncrossed after the passing of Israel;* here, the immaculate remained incorrupt after giving birth to Emmanuel.* Therefore, O immortal God, who appeared in the flesh as true Man,* have mercy on us!

Aposticha, In Tone 5

O Christ our Saviour,* we lift up our voices in song to glorify You.* For, in Your love for mankind,* You became incarnate without leaving heaven;* You accepted the cross and death;* You cast down the gates of Hades;* and on the third day You arose from the dead* for the salvation of our souls.

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

O Giver of Life,* streams of forgiveness, life, and salvation* poured forth from Your pierced side upon us all.* By accepting physical death, You granted us immortality;* by lying in the tomb, You freed us from Hades,* and as God, by rising from the dead,* You raised us with Yourself in glory.* Therefore, we cry out to You:* O Lover of mankind, glory to You!

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

O Lover of mankind,* Your crucifixion and descent into Hades are most wondrous.* For, as God, You thereby conquered the power of Hades,* and raised up in glory, with Yourself, those who were long imprisoned there.* You reopened Paradise and enabled them to enter.* Grant forgiveness of sins to us* who glorify Your resurrection on the third day,* for You alone are all-merciful.

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

O Lover of mankind,* You accepted suffering in the flesh* and rose from the dead on the third day.* Therefore, heal the passions of our flesh,* raise us from our dreadful iniquities, and save us.

In Tone 3, Glory…

Come, O lovers of the feast,* let us sing a hymn of praise to the assembly of the Forefathers:* Adam, the father of mankind,* Enoch, Noah, Melchizedek, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.* Let us also honour those who came after the Law:* Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Samuel, and David;* together with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel,* Daniel, and the twelve minor prophets;* likewise Elijah, Elisha, and all the others;* also Zechariah and the Baptist,* and all those who preached Christ, the Life and Resurrection of our race.

Now…

O Virgin Mother, you conceived the Son of God without seed* by the will of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.* He was begotten of the Father, without a mother, from all eternity.* Yet for our sake, He was born of you in the flesh without a human father,* and you nursed Him as an infant with your milk.* Therefore, never cease to entreat Him to deliver our souls from affliction.

Troparia, In Tone 5

Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

In Tone 2, Glory…

Great are the accomplishments of faith!* In the fountain of flame, as in refreshing water, the three holy children rejoiced;* and the Prophet Daniel was shown to be a shepherd of lions, as of sheep.* By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Now…

By faith you justified Your ancestors* and through them in advance you betrothed the Church taken from the nations.* The saints exult in glory;* from their seed comes the blessed fruit, the one who bore You without seed.* By their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us.

SUNDAY MATINS

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 5

Troparia, Tone 5

Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection. (2)

In Tone 2, Glory…

Great are the accomplishments of faith!* In the fountain of flame, as in refreshing water, the three holy children rejoiced;* and the Prophet Daniel was shown to be a shepherd of lions, as of sheep.* By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Now…

By faith you justified Your ancestors* and through them in advance you betrothed the Church taken from the nations.* The saints exult in glory;* from their seed comes the blessed fruit, the one who bore You without seed.* By their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us.

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 5

Let us celebrate the Cross of the Lord,* let us honour His holy Burial with hymns,* and let us exulting, glorify His Resurrection.* For with Himself He has raised the dead from their graves,* and as God having despoiled the dominion of death* and the might of the devil,* He has shone forth light upon those in Hades.

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

O Lord, You who put death to death, was called dead;* You who have emptied the tombs was placed in a tomb;* above, the soldiers stood guarding the grave,* below, You raised the dead from all ages.* O Lord, All-powerful and Incomprehensible,* glory be to You!

Glory… Now…

Rejoice holy mountain upon which God has walked;* Rejoice! living bush unconsumed by fire;* Rejoice! O only bridge of creation to God, who leads mortals to eternal life;* Rejoice! Maiden undefiled, who has born without wedlock* the salvation of our souls.

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 5

O Lord, after Your Resurrection on the third day,* and after the worship of the Apostles, Peter cried to You;* The women had courage, and I was afraid;* the Thief confessed You as God, and I denied You:* will You no longer call me a disciple,* or will You once again declare me a fisher of the deep?* Receive me in my penitence, O God, and save me!’

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

O Merciful Lord, the lawless Ones nailed You between two condemned thieves* and pierced Your side with a lance,* but You, who destroyed the gates of Hades,* suffered burial and arose on the third day;* The women ran to see You and announced the Resurrection to Your Apostles.* O supremely exalted Saviour whom the Angels hymn,* O blessed Lord, glory be to You.

Glory… Now…

The Bride who knew not wedlock, the Birthgiver of God,* who turned Eve’s grief to joy,* we the faithful hymn and worship,* for you have redeemed us from the ancient curse.* And now, O All-hymned most holy one,* cease not to make intercession for the salvation of our souls.

Polyeleos

Evoglitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 5

The Myrrh-bearing women, amazed in their minds by the vision of the Angel* yet enlightened in their souls by the divine Resurrection,* announced the glad tidings to the Apostles:* Proclaim among the nations the Resurrection of the Lord,* who works in us through wonders,* and who grants us great mercy.

Gradual Hymns, Tone 5

Antiphon 1

When I am troubled I sing to You like David,* O my Saviour:* Deliver my soul from a deceitful tongue.

Blessed is the life of those* who dwell in the desert places,* Divine love gives them wings.

Glory… Now…

By the Holy Spirit all things are unshaken,* both visible and invisible;* for He has sovereign power,* being undeniably one of the Trinity.

Antiphon 2

Lift up yourself to the mountains,* O my soul;* go to that place from whence comes our help.

Let Your right hand hover over me,* O Christ,* and guard me from every misfortune.

Glory… Now…

Let us sing to the Holy Spirit, as we contemplate God:* You are God, life, love, light, and intellect,* You are goodness,* and You reign to the ages.

Antiphon 3

Filled with great joy at the words of those who say to me:* “Let us go into the courts of the Lord,”* I offer up my prayers.

Fearful things are accomplished in the house of David;* for a fire is found there,* burning every shameful thought.

Glory… Now…

To the Holy Spirit belongs the lordship of life,* for from Him every living being hath its breath,* as also from the Father* together with the Son.

Prokeimenon, Tone 5
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up Your hand*, for You shall reign forever.
verse: I will confess to You, O Lord, with my whole heart, I will recount all Your marvellous works.

Let everything that lives, Tone 5

Gospel: John 20:11-18

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Canon, Tone 4

Canon, Tone 5

Ode 1

Irmos: Christ, who breaks the battles,* with uplifted arm shook horse and rider into the Red Sea,* but Israel he saved,* singing a song of victory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The congregation of the Hebrews preserved no mother’s love for you who gave them every good; they crowned you with thorns, O Christ, you who had loosed from the punishing thorns the first ancestor of man.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Giver of life, you bent down to the pit without danger of falling and raised me up who had fallen; you bore with my evil-smelling corruption, O Christ, yourself untouched, and made me fragrant with the sweet oil of the divine nature.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

The curse is lifted, sorrow has ceased; O blessed one and full of grace, you have caused joy to spring up for the faithful for from you Christ has flowered, our blessing for ever.

Canon of the Holy Forefathers

Irmos: Christ is born; let us glorify Him.* Christ comes down from heaven; let us go out to meet Him.* Christ lives on earth; let us exalt in joy.* All you faithful, sing to the Lord, for He has been glorified.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Let us offer up a hymn to the fathers that shone forth before the Law and under the Law, that, by their upright will, were pleasing to the Lord and Master Who shone forth from the Virgin, and that now delight in unwaning enlightenment.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Let us honour the first Adam who was honoured by the hand of the Creator, and who is the forefather of us all and rests with all the elect in the mansions of heaven.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

The Lord and God of all accepted the gifts of Abel, who offered them with a most noble soul; and when he was slain by his brother’s murderous hand, He received his soul into light as that of a divine martyr.

Glory… Now…

Let us hearken to the divine sayings which declare the appearance of Christ; for, lo! of a Maiden that knew not man is He born in a cave, Whose awesome nativity the star which appeared to the astrologers proclaims.

Katavasia: Christ is born; let us glorify Him.* Christ comes down from heaven; let us go out to meet Him.* Christ lives on earth; let us exalt in joy.* All you faithful, sing to the Lord, for He has been glorified.

Ode 3

Irmos: Your command fixed firm the earth upon nothing* and sovereignty poised its vast bulk;* make firm your Church on the immovable rock of your commandments,* O Christ, alone good and Lover of man.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Those who sucked honey from the rock brought you gall for your wonders in the wilderness, O Christ. Vinegar for manna the ungrateful sons of Israel gave you in exchange for your deeds of goodness.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Covered of old by a light-radiant cloud they laid life, O Christ, in the grave: but, you rose of your own power, and you granted mystically to all the faithful the Spirit’s overshadowing shining from above.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Mother of God, virginally and without a mother’s pain you bore him, the outshining of the untouched Father; therefore, since you conceived the Word made flesh, in true faith we proclaim you Bearer of God.

Canon to the Holy Forefathers

Irmos: To Christ our God,* who is the only-begotten Son of the Father from before all ages,* and in these latter times* has become flesh of the Virgin without seed,* let us cry aloud:* You are our strength; glory to You, O Lord!

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

The zeal of Seth for his Creator is hymned throughout the world, for in his blameless life and spiritual love he was truly pleasing to Him, and now cry out in the land of the living: Holy are You, O Lord!

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

The wondrous Enos trusted in the Spirit and with divine wisdom began to call upon the God and Master of all with mouth, tongue and heart; and having lived on earth in a God-pleasing manner, he received glory.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Let us bless Enoch with sacred utterances, for, having been well pleasing to the Lord, he was translated in glory, being shown to be greater than death, as it hath been written, since he had been a most earnest servant of God.

Glory… Now…

Now the expectation of the nations comes forth from the Virgin, and Bethlehem radiantly opens the shut gates of Eden, receiving the incarnate Word, Who, in the flesh, is laid in a manger.

Katavasia: To Christ our God,* who is the only-begotten Son of the Father from before all ages,* and in these latter times* has become flesh of the Virgin without seed,* let us cry aloud:* You are our strength; glory to You, O Lord!

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

In the flame the youths prophetically inscribed the image of the Trinity* with the pen of faith in immaterial ink;* and they mystically beheld the Word’s extreme descent to the earth* and have proclaimed it to all.* Wherefore, receiving the dew of the Spirit from heaven,* they pour forth gifts upon the faithful who cry out to You together:* O Christ God, as You are compassionate* grant remission of transgressions to those who with love celebrate their holy memory!

Glory…

Enriched by the grace of prophecy,* you described the birth giving of the Virgin in shadowy form,* but manifestly interpreted the dreams of the king.* And, cast into the pit as a martyr, you most gloriously taught the lions to fast, O blessed one.* Wherefore, you have destroyed the worship of the ungodly, O right wondrous Daniel.* Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins* to those who with love celebrate your holy memory.

Now…

Rejoice, O fiery throne of God!* Rejoice, O Maiden, royal seat and bower all-adorned with divers colours,* bridal-chamber hung with gold and purple, cloak of scarlet hue,* decorated temple, sword of lightning, lamp of great radiance!* Rejoice, O Theotokos, twelve-walled city, gate of beaten gold, tabernacle adorned by God!* Rejoice, O glorious Bride who has let the Sun fall like rain!* Rejoice, only splendour of my soul!

 

Ode 4

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Habakkuk in prophecy, O Christ, apprehending your divine emptying, in trembling awe cried out to you: For the salvation of your people, to make safe your anointed, you have come.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Good One, the most bitter streams of Meribah you sweetened by a tree, and thus in sign prefigured your pure cross which slays the bitter taste of sin.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You accepted a cross for the tree of knowledge, my Saviour, gall for sweet food, and for the corruption of death you shed the blood of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Untouched, you conceived incorruptibly in your womb; a Virgin, guarded to bring forth God in the flesh, you bore a child without pain and were virgin after the birth.

Canon to the Holy Forefathers

Irmos: O Christ, You have come forth from the Virgin* as the rod of the root of Jesse and the flower that blossomed from his stem.* You became flesh from her that knew not wedlock,* from the Mountain overshadowed by the forest;* O God, You are not formed from created substance.* Glory to Your power, O Lord!

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Let us offer up praise unto God, honouring with hymns Noah, who is truly righteous; for he has been shown to be adorned in all the divine commandments, having been well pleasing to Christ, to Whom we, the faithful, chant: Glory to Your power, O Lord!

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Beholding your nobility and simplicity of character, God clearly showed you forth, O Noah, as perfect in all respects and the leader of the new world, who saved for it, from the deluge, the seed of every species, even as He Himself commanded.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

With hymns let us piously bless Noah, who preserved the Law of God intact; who, alone among all his generation, was found to be righteous, and of old saved the species of the animals with an ark of gopher wood at the command of Him that accomplishes all things.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

O blessed Noah, your memory pours forth upon us that honour you, the wine of compunction, which sever make glad the hearts and souls of them that, in a pure manner, bless your honourable and divine life.

Katavasia: O Christ, You have come forth from the Virgin* as the rod of the root of Jesse and the flower that blossomed from his stem.* You became flesh from her that knew not wedlock,* from the Mountain overshadowed by the forest;* O God, You are not formed from created substance.* Glory to Your power, O Lord!

 

Ode 5

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: To you, clothed with light as a garment,* early I rise and cry out.* Lighten my darkened soul,* O Christ, only compassionate.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

In dishonour and inglorious form, of his own will the Lord of glory hung upon the cross, and inconceivably thus procured for me divine glory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You have changed my clothing for the garment of incorruption, O Christ, for uncorrupted you tasted the corruption of death in the flesh, and on the third day rose from the tomb.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Mother of God, you set free our first father’s nature from the curse, for without seed you gave birth to Christ our righteousness and redemption.

Canon to the Holy Forefathers

Irmos: Since You are a God of peace and a Father of mercies,* You have sent your angel of great counsel to us to bring us peace.* Thus, we are directed towards the light of the knowledge of God,* and at the night vigil we glorify You, O Lover of mankind.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

With divine praises let Shem, who received the blessing of his father, be honoured; for, shown to be well pleasing before the Lord, he has joined the choir of the forefathers and joyously rests in the land of the living.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

As the friend of God, Abraham was vouchsafed to behold the day of his Creator and has become full of spiritual joy; wherefore, honouring his uprightness of mind, we all bless him as a divine forefather of Christ.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

You beheld the Trinity, insofar as it is possible for man to do; and as a true servant you offered it hospitality, O most blessed Abraham. Wherefore, for your strange hospitality you received a reward: to be, through faith, the father of countless nations.

Glory… Now…

He that is full empties Himself into the flesh for our sake; the Unoriginate One receives a beginning; He that is rich beggars Himself; He that is the Word of God lies like a babe in a manger of dumb beasts, accomplishing the restoration of all who have existed throughout the ages.

Katavasia: Since You are a God of peace and a Father of mercies,* You have sent your angel of great counsel to us to bring us peace.* Thus, we are directed towards the light of the knowledge of God,* and at the night vigil we glorify You, O Lover of mankind.

 

Ode 6

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Lord Christ, calm the soul-destroying waves of the raging sea of passions* and, O compassionate, lead me up from corruption.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Our first ancestor fell into corruption, Lord Christ, tasting forbidden fruit; and he was brought back to life by your Passion.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You, the life, came to Hell and to the corrupter became corruption; thus, Lord Christ, through corruption you brought, as fountain springing, resurrection.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

The Virgin bore a child and after bearing still was pure; holding him up in her arms who supports the whole creation she is truly Virgin Mother.

Canon to the Three Holy Youths and Daniel

Irmos: The abyss of my sins and the tempest of my transgressions discomfit me* and thrust me down into the depths of violent despondency.* But stretch forth Your mighty arm to me, as You did to Peter,* and save me, O my Guide.

O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us

Having mastered the passions of the soul by the power of the Word, you became governors in the lands of the Chaldean peoples, for virtue knows to give honour to them that have acquired her, O wise descendants of David.

Canon to the Holy Forefathers

Irmos: Jonah had dwelt like a babe in the womb before the sea monster spew him forth;* the Word dwelt in the womb of the Virgin, taking flesh from her.* Although born from her, He kept her all-pure.* Since Christ Himself was not subject to incorruptibility, He kept His Mother free from the same.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Led up by thy father’s obedience to be sacrificed, you were plainly an image of the Passion of Christ, O most blessed Isaac. Wherefore, you were blessed and did truly show yourself to be a close friend of God, rejoicing now with all the righteous.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Jacob was shown to be the most faithful of all of God’s favoured ones. Wherefore, he wrestled with an angel, beheld a celestial intelligence, was called a god, and, sleeping, saw a divine ladder, whereon God, Who put on our flesh in His goodness, established Himself.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Loving obedience to his father, and cast into a pit, Joseph was sold, thus becoming an image of Christ, Who was slain and placed in a tomb. And he became dispenser of the grain of Egypt, being chaste and righteous, and a most true governor of the passions.

Glory… Now…

He that is ever with the Father and the Spirit is known on earth as a little Child; and He that wraps the earth in darkness is wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger of dumb beasts. Rejoicing now, we celebrate the forefeast of His seedless nativity.

Katavasia: Jonah had dwelt like a babe in the womb before the sea monster spew him forth;* the Word dwelt in the womb of the Virgin, taking flesh from her.* Although born from her, He kept her all-pure.* Since Christ Himself was not subject to incorruptibility, He kept His Mother free from the same.

 

Kontakion

You, my Saviour, descended to Hades,* and as the Almighty, You shattered its gates.* With Yourself You, as the Creator, raised the dead and shattered the sting of death,* and delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Mankind.* And so we cry out: “Save us, O Lord.”

Ikos

The women heard the angel’s words, shed their lamentations, changed to gladness, trembling, saw the resurrection. And Christ drew near in greeting: Joy to you, take courage, I have overcome the world, and set the prisoners free. Run to the disciples and ay: I go before you into Galilee to pr claim the good news. Therefore we all cry out to you: Save us, O Lord.

 

Ode 7

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: The Lord of the fathers, most highly exalted,* quenched the fire and rained his dew* on the young men in unison singing:* Blessed are you, O God.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Clothed with flesh as bait for the hook, by your divine power you dragged the serpent down, and brought back those who cried: Blessed are you, O God.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He, the unbounded, who brought into being and knitted together the boundless immensities of earth, in the flesh was concealed in the grave; and we sing to him: Blessed are you, O God.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

All-holy, you bore one person in two natures, God has taken bodily form and we sing to him: Blessed are you, O God.

Canon to the Holy Forefathers

Irmos: The youths who had been raised to fear God were not threatened by the fiery torments.* They denounced the wicked decree of the tyrant,* and standing in the midst of the flames,* they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Let Ananiah, Azariah, and Misael, who quenched the fiery furnace, be hymned, together with Daniel, who stopped the mouths of the lions, for together they chanted to Christ: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Having lawfully suffered amid temptations and unmitigated tribulations, Job was called the favourite of God, most faithful, meek, guileless, righteous, perfect, blameless, crying aloud: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

With faith let us honour Moses, Aaron, and Hur, praising Joshua and the most sacred Levi, Gideon and Samuel, and let us cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!

Glory… Now…

Behold! as the prophet has foretold, she that knew not wedlock has conceived in her womb and manifestly comes to Bethlehem to give birth to God. To Him let us chant: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!

Katavasia: The youths who had been raised to fear God were not threatened by the fiery torments.* They denounced the wicked decree of the tyrant,* and standing in the midst of the flames,* they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.

 

Ode 8

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: The young men in the furnace devised a chorus of all creation for you, the Creator of all,* and in song they proclaimed it:* All you his works, sing to the Lord,* and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

As if it were against your will, of that so longed for cup of your saving Passion you prayed that it might not be: two wills to two natures corresponding you bear, O Christ, throughout all the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

At your descent, Creator of all, Hell the fool gave up all those who of old had been slain by deceit, and who now, O Christ, highly exalt you throughout all the ages.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

O Virgin, beyond thought, in divine and human manner, by the word you bore the Lord, while remaining virgin; we, his creatures, bless and highly exalt you throughout all the ages.

Canon to the Holy Forefathers

Irmos: The dew-moistened furnace was the image of an incomprehensible wonder.* It did not burn the youths entrapped there,* just as the fire of the Godhead did not consume the Virgin’s womb in which He dwelt.* Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Let us celebrate today the divine memory of the honoured fathers of all ages past: Adam, Abel, Seth, Noah, Enos, Enoch and Abraham, Melchizedek and Job, Isaac, and the faithful Jacob, crying out: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

Let us praise the divinely beauteous phalange of the divine fathers: Barak, Nathan and Eleazar, Josiah and David, Jephthah and Samuel, who honourably beheld things which were to come and cried out: Let all creation bless the Lord, and exalt Him supremely forever!

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

With hymnody let us offer praise to the prophets of God, praising Hosea and Micah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk, Zechariah and Jonah, Haggai and Amos, Malachi and Obadiah, Nahum, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, together with Daniel, Elijah and Elisha.

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

With threefold utterances let us hymn the all-holy Trinity: the unoriginate Father, the Son and the right holy Spirit, the Unity of three Hypostases, which every breath glorifies, crying out: Let all creation bless the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

O Christ, You have appeared incarnate of the Virgin’s blood by Your ineffable word, being born in a cave as a perfect Babe in the abundance of Your loving-kindness, O Jesus. And the star heralds You from afar to the astrologers, who cry with faith: hymn and exalt Christ supremely forever!

We praise, bless, and worship the Lord, singing and exalting Him throughout all ages.

Katavasia: The dew-moistened furnace was the image of an incomprehensible wonder.* It did not burn the youths entrapped there,* just as the fire of the Godhead did not consume the Virgin’s womb in which He dwelt.* Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.

 

Magnificat

Ode 9

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Rejoice and sing, Isaiah,* the Virgin has conceived and bears a son, Emmanuel,* God and man, his name the Dayspring;* we magnify him and we call the Virgin blessed.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Fallen man, Lord Christ, you assumed; wholly joined to him in a virginal womb, sin alone excepted, wholly you have freed him from corruption by your pure sufferings.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Your pure and life-giving side, Lord Christ, was emptied of the blood which flowed from God, and sacrifice to idols ceased; and all we of the earth bring to you the sacrifice of praise.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Not God bodiless, nor yet mere man, the pure and honourable Maid bore to us, but perfect man and perfect God, in very truth; we magnify him, together with the Father and the Spirit.

Canon to the Holy Forefathers

Irmos: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

By Your might, O Lord, You made powers of old: Your daughters Hannah, Judith, Deborah, Huldah, Jael and Esther, Sarah, Miriam the sister of Moses, Rachel, Rebecca and Ruth the exceedingly wise.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

In a sacred manner let us honour the holy children that quenched the furnace, and with them, Daniel the prophet and all that were clearly righteous, who shone forth well before the Law, and under the Law were pleasing to the Lord.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

The most wise and divine prophets, being descendants of Abraham, proclaimed through the Spirit the Word of God, born of Abraham and Judah. By their prayers, O Jesus, have compassion on us all.

O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!

All creation is sanctified by your memory and, keeping festival, doth callout, crying aloud as befits a servant: Ever offer entreaty to the Lord, O blessed ones, that they that praise you may receive eternal blessings!

Glory… Now…

The Word of the Father, Who has robed Himself in me, comes forth from the Virgin and is born in the cave in unconfused manner. Dance, O creation, magnifying, with thankful voices His all-holy condescension which He has shown forth in His lovingkindness.

Katavasia: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.

 

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

When Mary saw two angels inside the grave,* she was seized with fright.* She did not recognize Christ but thought that He was the gardener;* she said to Him: “Sir, where have You placed the body of Jesus?”* She knew from His voice that He was the Saviour,* and she obeyed Him when He said:* “Touch Me not for I am going to My Father.* Tell this to My disciples.”

Glory… Now…

Let us praise Adam, Abel, Seth and Enos, Enoch and Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses, Job and Aaron, Eleazar and Joshua, Barak, Sampson and Jephthah, David, and Solomon.

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 5

You came forth from the grave, O Lord,  which had been sealed by the transgressors of the law,* just as You were born of the Theotokos.* For the bodiless angels did not know how You were incarnate.* Likewise, the guardian soldiers did not see the moment of your Resurrection;* for these two marvels were concealed from the curious minds* but were revealed to those who worshiped the mystery in faith.* Therefore, grant joy and great mercy to us who offer You praise.

O Lord, You demolished the gates of everlasting damnation,* and You broke asunder the chains of the grave.* You rose from the tomb leaving your wrappings in the grave* in testimony of your three-day burial;* and leaving the guards watching at the tomb,* You preceded your disciples into Galilee.* Great is your mercy, O Lord whom the whole world cannot contain.* O Saviour, have mercy upon us.

O Lord, who suffered for us,* the women hastened to your tomb to behold You.* When they arrived, they saw an angel sitting on the stone of the grave.* He said to them: The Lord is risen!* Go and tell the disciples that the Saviour of our souls is risen from the dead.

O Lord and Saviour,* You came into the midst of your disciples though the doors were closed* just as You came out of the sealed tomb,* showing the sufferings of the flesh which You accepted;* for You submitted to suffering patiently since You are of the seed of David.* But since You are the Son of God, You saved the world.* Great is your mercy, O Lord whom the whole world cannot contain.* O Saviour, have mercy on us.

In Tone 2

Let us all now celebrate the memory of the forefathers,* hymning their life which was pleasing to God,* for Whose sake they have been magnified.

Let us all now celebrate the memory of the forefathers,* hymning their life which was pleasing to God,* for Whose sake they have been magnified.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name unto the ages.

The children quenched the power of the fire,* dancing in the midst of the furnace,* and hymning God the Almighty.

For righteous are You in all which You have done for us.

Daniel the prophet, who, imprisoned in a pit,* dwelt with wild beasts,* was shown forth as one who did not partake of their ferocity.

In Tone 8, Glory…

The warm tears of Mary were not shed in vain;* for behold, she has been worthy to hear the angels* and to behold Your face, O Jesus.* But being a woman still thinking of earthly things,* she was not permitted to touch You, O Christ.* However, she was sent to proclaim to Your disciples the good news announcing Your return to Your heavenly inheritance.* With her, therefore, make us worthy to see You, 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

Today salvation has come to the world.* Let us sing to Him who is risen from the tomb,* the Author of Life who has crushed Death by his death* and bestowed on us victory and great mercy.

Insistent Litany

Litany of Supplication

Great Dismissal

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 5: Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Troparion, Tone 2: By faith You justified Your ancestors* and through them in advance You betrothed the Church taken from the nations.* The saints exult in glory;* from their seed comes the blessed fruit, the one who bore You without seed.* By their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: Armed by the Being that defies description,* you defied the man-made idol, O thrice blessed youth.* In the midst of the unbearable flames you stood and cried out to God:* “In Your mercy, O gracious One, hasten and come to our aid,”* for You can do whatever You will.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers,* and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.
verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26,27)

Epistle: Colossians 3:4-11 (NRSV)
Bothers and Sisters, when Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Moses and Aaron are among His priests and Samuel among those who call upon His name.
verse: They called on the Lord and He heard them. (Psalm 98:6)

Gospel: Luke 14:16-24 (NRSV)
The Lord spoke this parable: “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’”

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

---

Неділя 30-та по Зісланні Святого Духа. Свв. Праотців. Св. Стефана ісп., аєп. Сурозького
Св. сщмч. Єлевтерія. 15 грудня.

ВЕЧІРНЯ

Блажен муж співаємо

Стихири

10. Стих: Виведи з в’язниці мою душу,* щоб дякувати імені твоєму.

(г. 5): Чесним твоїм хрестом, Христе,* ти диявола посоромив* і воскресінням твоїм жало гріха присмирив,* і спас ти нас від брам смерти.* Славимо тебе, Єдинородний.

9. Стих: Мене обступлять праведники,* бо ти добро мені вчиниш.

Того, що дає воскресіння людському родові,* ведено на жертву, немов ягнятко.* Його настрахались адські володільці і відчинилися брами плачу,* бо ввійшов Цар слави − Христос, кажучи в’язням: Виходьте!* – а тим, що в темноті: З’явіться!

8. Стих: З глибин взиваю до тебе, Господи,* Господи, почуй мій голос.

Велике чудо! Творець невидимого* постраждав видимо з-за свого чоловіколюбства,* і воскрес як безсмертний.* Тож прийдіть, племена народів, і поклоніться йому,* бо його милосердям ми визволились з омани* і навчились величати єдиного Бога в трьох особах.

7. Стих: Нехай будуть твої вуха уважні,* до голосу благання мого.

(г. 1, подібний: Преславні мученики): Богомудрий, блаженний Єлевтерію!* Багряною твоєю кров’ю* ти оздобив свою священну* і божественну одежу,* проходивши благочесно від сили до сили,* і від слави до слави.* Молися нині, щоб дано душам нашим мир* і велику милість.

6. Стих: Коли ти, Господи, зважатимеш на беззаконня,* то хто встоїться, Господи. Та в тебе є прощення.

Як правдивий священик,* ти найперше приносив Богові* безкровну жертву,* наостанок же, як справжній мученик,* ти, всечесний благовіснику Бога,* приніс Христові себе самого,* як цілопальну приємну жертву.* Моли його за тих,* що тебе прославляють.

5. Стих: Задля імени твого надіюсь на тебе, Господи,* надіється душа моя на слово твоє; надіється душа моя на Господа.

Ти, богомудрий Отче, привів Христові мученицькі полки;* напоумляючи своїми повчаннями* і наказуючи заповідями,* ти поставив себе самого* за видимий зразок.* Молися з ними,* щоб дати душам нашим мир* і велику милість.

4. Стих: Від ранньої сторожі до ночі* від ранньої сторожі нехай уповає Ізраїль на Господа.

(г. 8): Спогадуючи, вірні, сьогодні пам’ять Праотців,* прославляймо Христа Визволителя,* що звеличив їх між усіма народами,* і Господа, що, як могутній Владика, наявно зробив преславні чудеса.* Через них він показав нам свою силу* – єдину, пренепорочну Божу Діву, Марію чисту, з якої виріс квіт − Христос,* що дав усім життя й невичерпну поживу, і вічне спасіння.

3. Стих: Бо в Господа милість і відкуплення велике в нього;* він визволить Ізраїля від усього беззаконня його.

Спогадуючи, вірні, сьогодні пам’ять Праотців,* прославляймо Христа Визволителя,* що звеличив їх між усіма народами,* і Господа, що, як могутній Владика, наявно зробив преславні чудеса.* Через них він показав нам свою силу* – єдину, пренепорочну Божу Діву, Марію чисту, з якої виріс квіт − Христос,* що дав усім життя й невичерпну поживу, і вічне спасіння.

2. Стих: Хваліте Господа всі народи!* Прославляйте його всі люди!

По всіх краях світу поширилась пам’ять Праотців,* сповнена істинним світлом й опромінена зорями благодаті.* Бо Христос, як промінне Сонце, засіяв з висоти* і здалеку веде з собою ясне сузір’я, яке він засвітив.* Наближається Різдво Богочоловіка у Вифлеємі,* тож вірою ликуймо, побожно оплескуючи його народження,* як хвалу передсвяткову.

1. Стих: Велике бо до нас його милосердя, і вірність Господа повіки.

Красуються славою божественної співучасти:* Адам радіє нині, як основа й сила мудрих Праотців;* співликує Авель і веселиться Енох;* радіє Сит із Ноєм, співає з патріярхами славний Авраам,* а Мелхіседек бачить сьогодні чудесне народження.* Тому і ми, звершуючи пам’ять Христових Праотців,* молимось за спасіння душ наших.

Слава: (г. 2): Духо́вно нас, вірні,* зібра́в днесь проро́к Даниїл* і тра́пезу го́йну чесно́т поста́вив бага́тим і бідним,* і сторо́ннім і дома́шнім,* і ча́шу умозри́му, що пролива́є стру́мінь благоче́стя* та звеселя́є серця́ вірних* і Ду́ха Свято́го благода́ть подає́.* Цей бо проро́к* – пресвітлий світи́льник, що просія́в у світі,* – всі святи́ні ассирійські низложи́в* і звірів неприбо́рканоди́ких уста́ загороди́в.* З ним і три о́троки неха́й восхва́ляться,* що не золоті по приро́ді бу́дучи,* ви́пробуванішими від зо́лота ви́явилися:* не розтопи́в бо їх вого́нь пе́чі,* а зберіг недоторка́нними;* їх на́фта, і смола́, і хмиз увінча́ли.* А Госпо́дь, що по ко́лу привів нас до ціє́ї пори́ ро́ку,* хай сподо́бить нас досягти́* і чільного та свяще́нного дня Різдва́ Христа́,* що подає́ нам їх моли́твами* очи́щення гріхів і вели́ку ми́лість.

І нині (догмат, г. 4): Пророк Давид, що через тебе став богоотцем,* у пісні тому, хто величність тобі дарував,* таке звістив про тебе:* Стала цариця по твоїй правиці!* Він бо появив тебе як матір життя,* бо зволив Бог стати з тебе людиною без батька,* щоб оновити свій образ, знищений пристрастями,* і знайти заблукану в гірських пропастях овечку, взявши на рамена,* та й принести до Отця і за своєю волею приєднати до небесних сил* та й спасти, Богородице, світ у Христі,* що має велику й щедру милість.

Стихири на стиховні

(г. 5): Тебе, Спаса-Христа, що тіло прийняв і не розлучився від небес,* голосами й піснями величаємо.* Бо хрест і смерть ти прийняв за рід наш як чоловіколюбний Господь* і, скинувши адські ворота, третього дня воскрес ти, спасаючи душі наші.

Стих: Господь царює,* у велич він зодягнувся.

З проколеного твого боку, Життєдавче,* ти вилив потоки життя і спасіння.* Прийнявши тілесну смерть, ти дарував нам безсмертя;* поселившись у гробі, ти, як Бог, нас визволив,* співвоскресивши з собою.* Тому кличемо до тебе:* Чоловіколюбний Господи, – слава тобі!

Стих: Бо він утвердив вселенну,* і вона не захитається.

Дивне твоє, Чоловіколюбче, розп’яття і схід до аду!* Бо ти полонив його і воскресив з собою колишніх в’язнів;* як Бог, відкривши рай, вчинив їх гідними його осягнути.* Тому й нам, що славимо твоє на третій день воскресіння,* дай очищення гріхів і зволь нам стати жителями раю,* як єдиний добросердий.

Стих: Домові твоєму, Господи,* належить святість на довгі літа.

Ти, Чоловіколюбче, що задля нас прийняв тілесні страсті* і воскрес на третій день з мертвих,* злікуй наші тілесні пристрасті,* підведи з тяжких прогріхів, і спаси нас!

Слава і нині: Зглянься на моління твоїх слуг, Всенепорочна,* усмирюючи напасті, які нас пригнітають,* визволяючи нас від усякої недолі,* бо в тобі маємо ми міцну й непохитну охорону* і здобули наше заступництво.* Тож нехай не засоромимось, Владичице, в нашім до тебе зверненні,* але поспішись на наше моління,* бо ми з вірою кличемо до тебе:* Радуйся, Владичице, всіх допомого,* радосте і покрове та й спасіння душ наших!

Тропарі
(г. 5): Собезначальне Слово Отцю і Духові,* від Діви роджене на спасення наше,* оспіваймо, вірні, і поклонімся,* бо благоволив плоттю зійти на хрест* і смерть перетерпіти, і воскресити умерлих* славним воскресінням своїм.

Слава: (г. 2): Великі подвиги віри,* в джерелі полум’я, як на спокійній воді, святі три отроки радувалися;* і пророк Даниїл пастирем левів, наче овець, являвся.* їх молитвами, Христе Боже, спаси душі наші.

І нині: (г. 2): Вищі понад розум і преславні всі твої таємниці, Богородице!* При ненарушеній чистоті і збереженому дівстві* появилася ти Матір’ю пречистою,* породивши правдивого Бога.* Тож моли його, щоб спаслися душі наші.

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

Тропарі і Кондаки
Тропар (глас 5): Рівнобезначальне з Отцем і Духом Слово,* що від Діви народилося на спасіння наше,* прославмо, вірні, і поклонімся,* бо Воно благозволило тілом зійти на хрест* і смерть перетерпіти, і воскресити померлих* славним воскресінням Своїм.

Troparion (глас 2): Вірою праотців оправдав ти,* з нарбдів через них ти Церкву наперед заручив.* Хваляться у славі святі,* бо з сімени їх є плід благословенний* – та, що без сімени родила тебе.* Їх молитвами, Христе Боже, помилуй нас.

+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові.

Кондак (глас 5): До аду, Спасе мій, зійшов Ти,* і, як всемогутній, сокрушивши його брами,* Ти, Чоловіколюбче, як Творець, воскресив з Собою померлих,* жало смерти вирвав, й Адама від прокляття визволив.* Тому всі до Тебе взиваємо:* Спаси нас, Господи!

І нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.

Кондак (глас 6): Рукописаному образові не поклонившися,* але неописанним єством захистившися, триблаженні,* в подвизі вогню ви прославилися* і, посеред нестерпного полум’я стоячи, Бога ви призвали:* Поспішись, о, Щедрий,* і скоро прийди як милостивий нам на поміч,* бо ти можеш, якщо воля твоя.

Прокімен (глас 4):
Благословен єси, Господи, Боже отців наших,* і хвальне, і прославлене ім’я твоє на віки (Дан 3,26).
Стих: Бо праведний єси в усьому, що сотворив ти нам (Дан 3,27).

Апостол: (Кл 3,4-11):
Браття і Сестри, коли ж Христос, ваше життя, з’явиться, тоді й ви з ним з’явитесь у славі. Умертвлюйте, отже, ваші земні члени: розпусту, нечистоту, пристрасті, лиху пожадливість, зажерливість – що є ідолопоклонство. За все це падає гнів Божий на неслухняних. Ви самі нещодавно поводилися так само, коли жили в тому. Тепер же відкиньте й ви все те геть від себе: гнів, лютість, злобу, наклеп, сороміцькі слова з ваших уст! Не говоріть неправди одне одному, бо ви з себе скинули стару людину з її ділами й одягнулися в нову, що відновлюється до досконалого спізнання, відповідно до образу свого Творця. Тим то немає грека, ні юдея, ні обрізання, ні необрізання, ні варвара, ні скита, ні невольника, ні вільного, а все й у всьому – Христос.

Алилуя (глас 4):
Стих: Мойсей і Арон між єреями Його і Самуїл між тими, що призивають ім’я Його (Пс. 98,6).
Стих: Призивали Господа і Він вислухав їх (Пс.98,6).

Євангеліє: (Лк 14,16-24):
Сказав Господь притчу оцю: “Один чоловік справив вечерю велику й запросив багатьох. Під час вечері послав він слугу свого сказати запрошеним: Ідіть, усе готове. Тоді всі вони однаково почали відмовлятися. Перший йому сказав: Поле купив я, мушу піти на нього подивитись; вибач мені, прошу тебе. Другий сказав: П’ять пар волів купив я і йду їх спробувати; прошу тебе, вибач мені. А інший мовив: Я одружився і тому не можу прийти. Повернувся слуга й розповів це панові своєму. Розгнівався тоді господар та й каже до слуги свого: Іди щоскоріш на майдани й вулиці міста й приведи сюди вбогих, калік, сліпих, кульгавих. Пане, – озвавсь слуга, – сталось, як ти велів, і місця є ще. Сказав пан до слуги: Піди на шляхи та огорожі й наполягай увійти, щоб дім мій наповнився. Кажу бо вам: Ніхто з отих запрошених не покуштує моєї вечері.”

Причасний:
Хваліте Господа з небес, хваліте Його на висотах (Пс 148,1). * Радуйтеся, праведні, у Господі, правим належить похвала (Пс 32,1).* Алилуя (х3).