GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140, In Tone 5

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 sin* and have saved us from the gates of Death.* We, therefore, glorify You, O only-begotten Son of God.

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!

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.

Tone 2

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

The man who was blind from birth asked himself:* Was I born blind because of the sin of my parents,* or am I a living sign of the unbelief of the nations?* I am not content to ask whether it is night or day;* my feet can no longer endure tripping upon the stones.* I have not seen the brightness of the sun,* nor have I seen the image and likeness of my Creator.* Yet I beseech You, O Christ, our God,* to look upon me and have mercy on me.

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

The man who was blind from birth asked himself:* Was I born blind because of the sin of my parents,* or am I a living sign of the unbelief of the nations?* I am not content to ask whether it is night or day;* my feet can no longer endure tripping upon the stones.* I have not seen the brightness of the sun,* nor have I seen the image and likeness of my Creator.* Yet I beseech You, O Christ, our God,* to look upon me and have mercy on me.

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

Passing by the Temple, Jesus saw a man who was blind from birth.* He had compassion on him and put mud on his eyes.* He said to him: Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.* He washed and recovered his sight;* then he rendered glory to God.* But his neighbours said to him:* Who opened your eyes which no one before could heal?* And he answered them, saying: A man called Jesus.* He told me to go and wash in the pool of Siloam, and now I see.* He is in truth Christ the Messiah, of whom Moses wrote in the Law.* He is the Saviour of our souls.

Tone 8

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

Blessed Forerunner John, your head shone from the ground* with rays brighter than the sun.* It enlightens the faithful.* We have it has a divine treasure* and draw rich grace from it,* sanctifying our souls, our bodies and thoughts.* As we celebrate, we call you blessed.

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

Blessed Forerunner John, your head shone from the ground* with rays brighter than the sun.* It enlightens the faithful.* We have it has a divine treasure* and draw rich grace from it,* sanctifying our souls, our bodies and thoughts.* As we celebrate, we call you blessed.

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

Your holy head, blessed Forerunner, poured out abundant grace.* It was shown without his foreknowledge* to the priest who was wise in God.* He quickly went with faith and grace* and openly brought about its sanctified coming* with the emperor and the divinely wise people* who fervently maintain the orthodox faith.

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

We celebrate the third revelation of your precious head.* When it was severed, glorious one,* the Trinity crowned it for your godly zeal.* The ranks of angels, the company of martyrs,* the apostles of God and all the prophets rejoice in its discovery.* Together with them, ever remember us, Forerunner of the Lord!

Tone 5, Glory…

As You walked along, O Lord,* You found a man who had been blind from birth.* In surprise, the disciples asked You:* Was it because of the sin of this man or his parents* that he was born blind, O Master?* But You, O Saviour, answered them, saying:* Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents,* but that the works of God would be revealed in him.* I must accomplish the works of Him who sent Me,* which no one else can work.* As You said that, You spat on the ground* and made mud from the dust to anoint his eyes.* And You said to him: Go and wash in the pool of Siloam.* When he washed, he was healed and cried out to You:* O Lord, I believe!* And he bowed down and worshiped You.* Therefore, we also cry out to You: Have mercy on us!

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!

Readings

(1) Isaiah 40:1-11; (2) Malachi 3:1-18; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15.

Aposticha

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.

Let God arise;* let His enemies be scattered!

Today a sacred Pascha is revealed to us.* A new and holy Pascha.* A mystical Pascha.* A Pascha worthy of veneration.* A Pascha which is Christ the Redeemer,* a blameless Pascha.* A great Pascha.* A Pascha of the faithful.* A Pascha which has opened for us the gates of Paradise.* A Pascha which sanctifies all the faithful.

As smoke vanishes,* let them vanish.

Come* from that scene, O women bearers of glad tidings,* and say to Sion:* Receive from us the glad tidings of joy* of Christ’s Resurrection:* Exult and be glad,* and rejoice, O Jerusalem,* seeing Christ the King* who comes forth from the tomb like a Bridegroom in procession!

So let sinners flee from before the face of God;* but let the righteous rejoice!

The myrrh-bearing women* at the break of dawn* drew near to the tomb of the LifeGiver.* There they found an angel* sitting upon the stone,* he greeted them with these words:* Why do you seek the living among the dead?* Why do you mourn the incorrupt amid corruption?* Go: proclaim the glad tidings to His disciples.

This is the day which the Lord has made:* Let us rejoice and be glad in

Pascha of beauty!* The Pascha of the Lord!* Pascha!* A Pascha worthy of all honour* has dawned on us. Pascha! Let us embrace each other joyously!* Pascha, ransom from affliction!* For today as from a bridal chamber* Christ has shown forth from the Tomb,* and filled the women with joy saying:* “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”

Tone 2, Glory…

O illustrious John, the venerable reliquary of divine thoughts,* your head which had clearly foreseen the mystery of the Ineffable One*  came out from the caves of the earth as from a mother’s womb.* It perfumes the whole world with the myrrh of holiness,* to us you preach the way of repentance, interceding for our souls before the Saviour of all.

Now…

This is the day of Resurrection,* let us be illumined by the Feast!* Let us embrace each other!* Let us call “Brothers!”* even those that hate us* and forgive all by the Resurrection,* and so let us cry:

Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!

Troparia

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.

Tone 4, Glory…

O prophet and forerunner,* Christ has revealed to us your head as divine treasure concealed in the earth.* Assembled for this discovery* we praise Christ with hymns inspired of God.* Through your intercessions He saves us from corruption.

Now…

O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,*and saved our souls from death.

GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING

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)

Tone 4, Glory…

O prophet and forerunner,* Christ has revealed to us your head as divine treasure concealed in the earth.* Assembled for this discovery* we praise Christ with hymns inspired of God.* Through your intercessions He saves us from corruption.

Tone 5, Now…

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.

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

Magnification

We extol you,* O John, the baptizer of Christ,* and we all honour the discovery* of your precious head.

verse: Blessed is the man that fears the Lord.

verse: He shall greatly delight in His commandments

Glory… Now…

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

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.

Sessional Hymn

Tone 4

O prophet and forerunner,* Christ has revealed to us your head as divine treasure concealed in the earth.* Assembled for this discovery* we praise Christ with hymns inspired of God.* Through your intercessions He saves us from corruption. (2)

The head of the forerunner, shining forth from the earth,* sheds rays of incorruption and healing upon the faithful.* On high it assembles a multitude of angels,* and below it calls upon the human race* with one voice to send up glory to Christ God.

Glory…

Committing iniquity, the accursed Herod* vilely had your precious head cut off with the sword,* but we, the faithful, kiss it with love.

Tone 8, Glory… Now…

O good one who gave birth to the immutable God,* by your maternal supplications make steadfast my heart* which is ever altered by sin, slothfulness, and the attacks of the deceiver;* that I also may glorify you in thanksgiving.* O most immaculate Mary Theotokos,* have mercy on the flock which you have acquired.

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

Ode 1

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

Irmos: A land which the sun had never beheld,* and upon which it had never shined,* an abyss which the vault of heaven had not seen laid bare,* has Israel traversed dry-shod, O Lord.* And You lead them to Your mountain of sanctification,* as they sang and chanted a hymn of victory.

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

Having accepted a voluntary crucifixion in the flesh, You poured forth blessing and life to the world, O only most blessed Master and Creator of all. Therefore, we bless and praise and glorify You, singing and chanting a hymn of victory.

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

When You had died, O Christ, the noble Joseph laid You in a hollow, even the lowest pit, and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the sepulchre, O Long-suffering One. But You arose in glory and raised up the world together with Yourself, as it sang and chanted a hymn of victory.

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

Why bring myrrh with tears? said the Angel who appeared to the venerable women. Christ is risen. Make haste and tell it to the disciples, those seers of God who are lamenting and weeping, so that they may radiantly leap and dance for joy.

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

The Redeemer performed strange wonders in that He healed the man who had been blind from birth. He anointed him with clay and said: Go and wash in Siloam, that you might know that I am God, who by the bowels of My compassion walk upon the earth while bearing flesh.

Irmos: Once, the staff of Moses, working a wonder,* striking the sea in the form of the Cross and dividing it,* drowned the mounted tyrant Pharaoh and saved Israel,* who fled across on foot, chanting a hymn to God.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

As the voice of the Word, O blessed forerunner, O heavenly man, you have loosed my muteness, as you of old loosed that of thy father, that with a voice of joy I may praise you on the present feast of the discovery of your head.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

O forerunner who placed your hand upon the head of Christ, you show forth this third revelation to the Church of God: your precious head which recognized the Trinity and most manifestly sanctify the assemblies of the Orthodox.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Unable to endure burial any longer, O forerunner of the Lord, you arranged to reveal yourself today, not enclosed in a jar, but resting in a silver vessel in a sacred place known to a priest.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

The Imperial City now manifestly receives a sacred gift, O forerunner who of old was deprived of your head; and, adorned now in the entry thereof, it rejoices and calls you blessed, as is meet.

Glory… Now..

You sprung forth from the womb of a barren woman, O most lauded one, preparing with your discourse the ways of your Master, who shone forth ineffably from the all-holy Virgin, acknowledging her to be the Theotokos, all of us, the generations of men, call her blessed.

Katavasia: To God the Saviour who made His people pass dryshod through the sea,* but drowned Pharaoh with all his host,* to Him let us sing:* for He alone is glorified.

 

Ode 3

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

Irmos: Establish my heart, O Lord, which is shaken by the billows of life,* and guide it to a calm haven, O God.

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

You made steadfast the hearts of those who were shaken when You made the earth to shake at Your venerated crucifixion, to which You submitted in the flesh, O Long-suffering One.

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

The noble Joseph laid You in a new tomb, O Compassionate One. But You arose from the dead on the third day, thereby renewing us.

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

Why seek the Lord as though He were dead? He is risen as He said, proclaimed the Angel to the women, as he flashed forth with radiant divinity.

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

You healed the man who was blind from birth, who of old came to You and glorified Your dispensation and Your wonders, O All-compassionate One.

Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church,* establish me in Your love,* O summit of desires, confirmation of the faithful,* who alone loves mankind.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Given to the wanton woman because of her voluptuous dancing, your sacred head was carried in her hands; but now it is borne chastely and with reverence into the holy church in the hands of a priest.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

The concourse of the faithful, the emperor and the priest, greet you piously, O glorious forerunner, chanting with joy, and they go before you with love, sanctified by your coming.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Your most sacred head, shining forth like the radiant sun out of the sacred precincts, has illumined the whole world with divine splendours, O prophet and forerunner of Christ.

Glory… Now…

From the womb of a barren woman you shone forth radiantly, the star of the Sun of glory, O Baptist, going forth before Him who shone forth from the cloud of the Virgin and has dispelled the night of polytheism.

Katavasia: By the power of Your Cross, O Christ, make steadfast my understanding,* that I may hymn and glorify Your arising on the third day.

 

Kontakion of Pascha, Tone 8

Though You descended into a tomb, O Immortal One,* yet You destroyed the power of Hades;* and You rose as victor, O Christ God,* calling to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice!* and giving peace to Your Apostles:* You, who grant resurrection to the fallen.

 

Ikos

The myrrh-bearing maidens forestalled the dawn, seeking, as it were day, the Sun that was before the sun and who had once set in the tomb, and they cried out one to another: O friends! come, let us anoint with spices the life-bringing and buried Body, the Flesh that raised up fallen Adam, that now lies in the tomb. Let us go, let us hasten, like the Magi, and let us worship and offer myrrh as a gift to Him who is wrapped now not in swaddling clothes but in a shroud. And let us weep and cry aloud: O Master, arise, You, who grant resurrection to the fallen.

 

Kontakion, Tone 6

The Forerunner, a luminous and divine support in the world,* the lampstand of the sun,* has revealed his resplendent and divine head to the ends of the earth.* He hallows those who bow and cry out in faith:* “Save us all, O most wise Baptist of Christ.”

 

Ikos

The God-loving head of the forerunner, like a well-spring of paradise springing forth from the earth, sends forth streams of grace and gives forth torrents of miracles to all in need. Therefore, let us all approach it and earnestly draw forth from it divine streams of healings, for with endless gifts it gives drink to men’s souls, drowns the pains of the body, and in good time takes away every ailment. Let us therefore hymn it with love and venerate it with faith, kissing it with honour. With hymns, as with wreaths, let us, the faithful, crown it; let us cleanse ourselves beforehand of spiritual defilement, let us adorn our souls with divine virtues, and let us cry out constantly: O all-wise baptizer of Christ, save us all!

 

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

Most strangely yielded forth like gold* from veins of ore out of the impenetrable bosom of the earth,* O baptizer of Christ, your sacred head has enriched* all who have recourse thereon on the feast of its discovery,* magnifying with hymns the Saviour and Creator* who grants us great mercy for your sake.

Glory… Now…

In that I love sin, I entreat you, who gave birth to the sinless God* who takes away the sins of the world, O pure one,* to have pity on my greatly sinful soul and cleanse me of my manifold sins;* for you are the purification of sinners* and the salvation and help of the faithful.

 

Ode 4

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Beholding Christ, whom you have borne, shining forth splendidly from the dead, O Pure One, who are good and spotless among women, and comely today, rejoicing with the apostles in the salvation of all, Him do you glorify.

Irmos: I have heard Your report, O Lord,* and I was afraid.* I came to knowledge of Your dispensation,* and I glorified You, O only Lover of mankind.

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

When You who are Life were hung upon the Tree, by Your great mercy You quickened me who had died because of the tree. For this cause, I glorify You, O Word.

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

Dwelling together with Your initiates in a wondrous manner, O Lord, You said to them: Go, proclaim everywhere My Resurrection.

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

You confirmed Your arising from the grave, O Lord, when You abided for many days with those who loved You, thereby causing them to rejoice, O Christ.

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

When You gave eyes to the man who had been blind from the womb, You said: Go, wash and receive your sight, and glorify My Divinity.

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Your dispensation;* I have understood Your works, and have glorified Your divinity.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

As one more exalted than the prophets, you were vouchsafed to behold Him whom they prophesied, going before Him with the power of Elijah, O blessed Forerunner.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

For the third time you have revealed your all-glorious head, which pours forth the myrrh of healings and dispels the fetid passions.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Not interred in a jar of clay as before, but in a vessel of silver, your head is revealed in a holy place, O right wondrous one.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Assembling together, draw forth inexhaustible healings from the precious head of the forerunner of Christ, the well-spring given to us.

Glory… Now…

O all-pure one who gave birth to Him who has raised up our lowly nature, save me who, having lived in arrogance of mind, have been brought low.

Katavasia: I heard the rumour of the power of the cross* that paradise is opened thereby* and I cried out aloud saying:* Glory to Your power, O Lord.

 

Ode 5

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

Irmos: Hasten and have compassion on my wretched soul,* which does battle at night with the darkness of the passions.* Shine in me with the brightness of the day, O noetic Sun,* and thereby make the night give way to light.

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

You were lifted up upon a Tree and exalted all mortal men together with Yourself. You both slew the hostile serpent and give life to the work of Your hands, O Compassionate One, since You alone are the God of all.

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

You who willingly died were laid in a tomb, and You emptied all the domains of Hades, O Immortal King, raising up the dead by Your Resurrection.

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

Though You had wrought wondrous miracles upon the earth, a lawless people put You to death, O Word. But since You Yourself alone are mighty, O Lord, You arose from the dead, even as You foretold, O Christ.

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

When You opened the eyes of him who could not see perceptible light, You enlightened the eyes of his soul as well. You moved him to glorify You, for he had come to know You as the Creator, who out of compassion didst appear as a mortal man.

Irmos: Why have You turned Your face away from me, O Light never-waning?* And why has a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am?* But turn me, and guide my steps* to the light of Your commandments, I pray.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

As the sacred mediator between the Old and the New Covenants, O blessed forerunner, by your mediations and this new revelation of your head renews us who are grown old and who celebrate its restoration.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Bringing the grace of healings from Comana to the Imperial City, O forerunner, your head calls all cities to its arrival today, and multitudes of the faithful gather, filled with light incorruptible.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

The emperor rejoices at the entry of your head more than in his robe of royal purple, O forerunner, and the godly priest, the namesake of the God-bearer, blesses all, holding it in his hands, sending forth a benediction upon the fullness of the faithful.

Glory… Now…

Having given birth to the Master, you were shown to surpass the heavenly hosts, O most immaculate Maiden, and you have deified the nature of mortals. Therefore, with soul and tongue, O Virgin, we glorify you as the true Theotokos.

Katavasia: Waking at dawn, we cry to You, O Lord:* Save us, for You are our God; we know none other besides You.

 

Ode 6

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

Irmos: Even as You delivered the Prophet from the beast, O Lord,* so lead me up from the depths of unrestrained passions, I pray You,* that I may dare* to look upon Your holy temple.

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

O Master, who was crucified with thieves, You delivered from crafty thieves and soul-corrupting passions all those who with one accord praise Your crucifixion and arising, O man-befriending Lord.

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

In a sepulchre they laid You dead and without breath, O Christ, who breathes breathe life into all the dead. But You arose, O Lord, emptying all the tombs by Your divine might, O Word.

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

After Your arising, O Christ, You said to Your friends: Stay in Jerusalem, until you be endued with invincible power and sure assistance from on high.

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

You made clay and anointed the eyes of the man who had been blind from his birth. You granted him his sight, and he praised Your immaculate might, whereby You have saved the world, O Word.

Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, for many are my iniquities,* and lead me up from the abyss of evils, I pray;* for to You have I cried, and You have hearkened unto me,* O God of my salvation.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Truth, the head of him who baptized You, O Christ, shining forth from the earth, has dispelled the bitter winter of heresy and illumined the world. Draw forth enlightenment, divine grace and mercy.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

And sanctify your heads and souls, touching the head of the forerunner of grace, who touched the head of God in the waters of the Jordan.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Pray, O forerunner, that the heads of our enemies be crushed beneath the feet of all Orthodox Christians who lovingly honour your precious head which denounced Herod.

Glory… Now…

You proclaimed to those in hell the light of Him who came forth from the Virgin’s womb and clothed Himself in flesh, becoming man for the benefit of men, O blessed forerunner.

Katavasia: An abyss has consumed me, and a whale has become my grave,* but I called out to You, O Lover of mankind, and Your right hand has saved me.

 

Kontakion of the Blind Man, Tone 4

Blinded in the eyes of my soul, I come to You, O Christ, like the man who was blind from birth, and I cry in repentance: You are the brilliant light of those in darkness.

 

Ikos

Grant me a stream of ineffable wisdom and knowledge from on high, O Christ, Light of them that are in darkness and Guide of all those who are gone astray, that I may tell of those things that the divine book of the Gospel of peace has taught, to wit, the miracle that was wrought upon the blind man; for though blind from birth, he receives the physical eyes as well as the eyes of the soul, as he cries out in faith: Of those in darkness are You the most radiant Light.

 

Ode 7

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

For truly sacred and all-festive is this saving night, and this shining, light-bearing day, the harbinger of the Resurrection, whereon the Timeless Light bodily from the tomb upon all has shined.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

Irmos: The prayer of the Children quenched the fire* and the furnace which bedewed them proclaimed the miracle,* for it neither burned nor consumed them,* that chanted hymns to the God of our fathers.

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

When You were hung upon the Tree, O Saviour, the sun was quenched, the earth was tossed like waves in a tempest, all creation was shaken, and the dead arose from the graves.

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

When You rose from the dead, O King, the souls that were sleeping there were raised together with You; and they glorify Your might, whereby the bonds of death have been dissolved.

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

The choir of women came at dawn to anoint You. But on learning that You had arisen, O Lord, they rejoiced together with the sacred disciples. Through them grant us the forgiveness of the evil deeds we have done.

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

You anointed the eyes of the blind man with clay and commanded him to go to Siloam. When he had washed, he received his sight and chanted hymns of praise to You, O Christ, King of all.

Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the children who went down from Judea* trampled the flame of the furnace underfoot* by their faith in the Trinity,* chanting: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

You were the all-radiant luminary of the Sun of glory, O forerunner, dispelling the darkness of deception and illumining those who cry out with faith: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

The honourable Church splendidly celebrates this feast of supplication, O forerunner, honouring your head and crying out repeatedly: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

You announced beforehand the awesome advent of the Word by your divine leaps, O prophet, and with a true voice proclaimed the discovery of your head to the priestly pastor who fervently desired you.

Glory… Now…

Virginity and birthgiving flowed together within you in a manner past nature and understanding, O Theotokos, for you ineffably gave birth to God incarnate, to whom we chant: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Katavasia: O You who saved the children who praised You in the furnace of fire,* blessed re You, O God of our fathers.

 

Ode 8

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

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

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Laying low all the dominion of death by His Resurrection, your Son, O Virgin, as the mighty God, has raised us up with Himself and deified us; therefore we sing His praise throughout the ages.

Irmos: O company of Angels, and assembly of mankind;* priests, Levites, and peoples:* praise, bless, and supremely exalt the King and Creator of all,* throughout all ages.

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

When the orders of the Angels beheld You hanging upon the Cross and all creation being changed out of fear, O Christ, King of all, they stood in awe and praised Your love for mankind.

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

Upon seeing You below, Hades groaned and made haste to surrender the dead, whom he had guarded there from all ages, O Christ, and they chanted hymns in praise of Your love for mankind.

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

You accomplished awesome and wondrous things when of Your own will You were raised up upon the Cross, O Christ. You who put Hades to death became one with the dead and courageously released all who were chained therein.

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

You gave eyes to the blind man who came to You, O Christ. You commanded him to wash at the spring of Siloam and thus gain his sight, and proclaim You as God, who has appeared in the flesh for the salvation of the world.

Irmos: Madly did the Chaldean tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones,* but, seeing them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer:* O you children, bless; you priests, hymn;* you people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

The baptist and forerunner, the earthly angel, the renowned one who upbraided iniquity, who before beheld the manifestation of the Trinity, reveals his head for a third time to all who chant with love: You priests, bless; you people, exalt Christ supremely forever!

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

The most meek emperor and the Christ-loving people greet you earnestly, O all-praised one; and the archpastor stretches forth his hand to you and, clasping it to his breast, dances with gladness and cries out in thanksgiving: You people, exalt Christ supremely forever!

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Your head, deposited in silver vessels, shining forth with greater lustre than that of gold as a precious treasure, O forerunner, is given to the Imperial City, and it, enriched with its divine gifts, chants earnestly: You priests, bless; You people, exalt Christ supremely forever!

Let us bless Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Lord, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

While borne in your mother’s womb, O blessed John, rejoicing, you worshipped Him who bearw all things, O all-praised one who are concealed in a womb not made of flesh. And, preaching the Lamb of God who was born of the holy Virgin, piously cried: Your people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord, hymning and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages!

Katavasia: To God the Son, who was begotten of the Father before the ages* and was incarnate of a Virgin Mother in these last times,* give praise, O priests, and supremely exalt Him,* O people, to all the ages.

 

The Magnificat is not sung.

 

Ode 9

Irmos: Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Exult now and be glad, O Sion! And you, O chaste Mother of God, take delight in the resurrection of your Son.

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

Christ is risen from the dead.

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

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

Irmos: For the Mighty One has done great things to you,* in that He showed you forth as a pure Virgin even after giving birth,* since you are she that has seedlessly borne her own creator,* therefore, O Theotokos, we magnify you.

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

You were affixed upon the Cross, O Christ God, and triumphed over all the opposing powers of the enemy, and did away with the former curse, O Saviour. Therefore, as is meet, we magnify You.

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

When Hades beheld You below with Your soul, O Word, he groaned, and out of fear, set loose all the dead, who acknowledged the power of Your authority; with them, as is due, we magnify You.

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

When the assembly of the Hebrews beheld Him performing signs and wondrous miracles, they put Him to death out of malice; yet it was He who despoiled Hades by His Resurrection and who, as He is mighty, raised up all mankind together with Himself.

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

You arose from the dead as You said, and appeared to Your holy disciples after Your arising, O Giver of life, who has wrought signs and granted eyes to the blind. With them we magnify You throughout the ages.

Irmos: Every ear is stricken with awe to hear of the ineffable condescension of God,* how the Most High of His own will lowered Himself* even to take upon Himself flesh from the Virgin’s womb, becoming man.* Therefore, O faithful, let us magnify the all-pure Theotokos.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

With sacred hymns let us praise the venerable fruit of the barren woman, the greatest among those born of women, the warrior of Christ the King, the great forerunner who proclaimed the Lamb who takesh away the transgressions of the world.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Having filled a cup to overflowing, with exalted preaching you call together the Church of Christ for the discovery of your head, O forerunner, crying out: “Come, and take your fill of the beautiful things which I have prepared, and magnify Him who is given to men!”

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Rejoicing, the emperor, the namesake of the archangel, piously receives you in His kingdom, O angel of God, and with him the goodly archpastor and the God-bearing and divinely wise priest, manifestly adorned with grace and his calling.

Holy and great John, Forerunner of the Lord, pray to God for us!

You caused divine enlightenment to shine forth at the entry of your head, O glorious one, and illumined the hearts of the faithful who cry out to you: O never-waning luminary of the Sun, most holy forerunner, deliver us, your people, and all our city from the darkness of the passions!

Glory… Now…

O Saviour who was born and preserved her who gave You birth incorrupt even after giving birth, have pity on me when You will sit to judge me according to my works, and overlook my iniquities and sins, in that You are a sinless and merciful God and love mankind.

Katavasia: O you who are God’s Mother transcending mind and word,* who ineffably in time have given birth to the Timeless One,* we the faithful magnify you* with one accord.

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

Tone 3

In the flesh You fell asleep like a mere mortal, O King, I King and Lord! But three days later You arose, lifting Adam from corruption, putting death to death. O Pasch beyond corruption, O Ransom of the world!

As the voice of one crying aloud, you could not bear that your head be covered by the earth any longer, O forerunner John, and you announced its discovery in a certain manner, which we honour today.

Glory…

Your precious and luminous head has shone forth from the impassable bosom of the earth, O forerunner John, beacon of immaterial light; and, lovingly celebrating the discovery thereof, we entreat you to obtain the remission of our grievous deeds, that we may complete the period of abstinence well, through your supplications, O all-praised baptizer of the Saviour.

Now…

We who are crucified with Christ place our trust in you and God who issued forth from you, O all-pure one. By your entreaties to Him keep us unharmed until the end.

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.

Tone 5

Rejoice, O sacred and light-bearing head, venerated by the angels,* which of old was severed by a sword* and cut down the shame of impurity with sharp reproofs,* wellspring of miracles which gives drink to the faithful,* and which proclaimed the saving advent of the Saviour* and of old perceived the coming of the Spirit* which took up His abode in you* who stood between the grace of the Old and New Covenants.* Entreat Christ God to grant our souls great mercy!

Rejoice, O sacred and light-bearing head, venerated by the angels,* which of old was severed by a sword* and cut down the shame of impurity with sharp reproofs,* wellspring of miracles which gives drink to the faithful,* and which proclaimed the saving advent of the Saviour* and of old perceived the coming of the Spirit* which took up His abode in you* who stood between the grace of the Old and New Covenants.* Entreat Christ God to grant our souls great mercy!

The head of the Forerunner, which once was concealed in an earthen vessel,* has appeared, manifestly given up from the bosom of the earth* and pouring forth streams of healing;* for in the waters did he wash the head of Him* that even now covers the chambers of the firmament with waters* and rains down divine remission upon men.* Therefore, let us bless it as truly most glorious,* and in its discovery let us joyously keep festival,* entreating Christ to grant our souls great mercy.

The head which proclaimed the Lamb of God who has appeared in the flesh,* which with divine commands has declared to all the ways of saving repentance,* which of old denounced the transgression of Herod* and was therefore severed from its body and endured concealment for a time,* has shone forth upon us like a radiant sun, crying out:* Repent, and in compunction of soul now submit to Christ* who grants the world great mercy!

Tone 8, Glory…

Who can tell of Your mighty acts, O Christ,* or who can number the multitudes of Your wonders?* For even as You, in Your goodness, appeared on earth twofold of nature,* so You granted twofold healings to the sick;* for You opened not only the bodily eyes of the man who was blind from the womb,* but those of his soul also.* Therefore, he confessed You, the hidden God, who grants great mercy to all.

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

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, Amen, the clergy sing the Paschal Troparion once and the people repeat it. Then, the clergy sing the first half, and the people conclude it.

Paschal Troparion
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.

First Antiphon

Shout to the Lord, all the earth,* sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Say unto God, “How awesome are Your works!* Because of the greatness of Your strength Your enemies will flatter You.”

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Let all the earth worship You and sing to You,* let it sing to Your name, O Most High!

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

Third Antiphon

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour

Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

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 4: O prophet and forerunner,* Christ has revealed to us your head as divine treasure concealed in the earth.* Assembled for this discovery* we praise Christ with hymns inspired of God.* Through your intercessions He saves us from corruption.

Kontakion, Tone 6: The Forerunner, a luminous and divine support in the world,* the lampstand of the sun,* has revealed his resplendent and divine head to the ends of the earth.* He hallows those who bow and cry out in faith:* “Save us all, O most wise Baptist of Christ.”

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: Blinded in the eyes of my soul,* I come to You, O Christ, like the man who was blind from birth,* and I cry in repentance:* You are the brilliant light of those in darkness.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8: Though You descended into a tomb, O Immortal One,* yet You destroyed the power of Hades;* and You rose as victor, O Christ God,* calling to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice!* and giving peace to Your Apostles:* You, who grant Resurrection to the fallen.”

Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Pray and give thanks to the Lord our God.
verse: In Judea God is known; His name is great in Israel. (Psalm 76:12,2)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The just man shall be glad in the Lord and shall hope in Him.

Epistle: Acts 16:16-34 (NRSV)
In those days, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God.

2 Corinthians 4:6-15

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Look upon me and have mercy.
verse: Direct my steps according to Your Word.
verse: Light is risen for the just and joy for the righteous of heart. (Psalm 96:11)

Gospel: John 9:1-38 (NRSV)

As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.”

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.

Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him.

Matthew 11:2-15

Hymn to the Mother of God
The Angel cried out to the One full of Grace: O chaste Virgin, rejoice! And again I say, Rejoice! Your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day, and raised the dead. Let all people rejoice! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem! For the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Exult now and be glad, O Sion! And you, O chaste Mother of God, take delight in the resurrection of your Son.

Communion Hymn

Receive the Body of Christ;* taste the fountain of immortality.* Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest.* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Instead of Blessed is He Who comes… we sing:

Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.

Instead of We have seen the true light… we sing:

Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.

Instead of May our mouths be filled… we sing three times:

Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.

Instead of Blessed be the name of the Lord… we sing three times:

Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.

At the dismissal, instead of Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen. we chant:

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs giving life.

After the final Amen, the Troparion Christ is risen is sung as at the beginning of the Liturgy, but with the addition:

And to us He has granted life eternal;* we bow down before His resurrection on the third day.