GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140, In Tone 2

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

Come, let us adore God the Word,* who was born of the Father before all ages,* and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary;* for of His own free will He suffered the Cross* and submitted Himself to burial,* and arose from the dead to save me, a sinful one.

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

Christ our Saviour cancelled the decree that was written against us,* by nailing it to the Cross;* and He abolished the dominion of Death.* Let us glorify His resurrection on the third day.

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

Let us, together with the archangels, sing of Christ’s resurrection;* for He is the Redeemer and Saviour of our souls.* He will come again in awesome glory and mighty power* to judge the world which He has fashioned.

In Tone 4,

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

The wondrous Thyrsus, * the divinely wise Callinicus, * and the glorious Lucius, * confessing the uncreated Trinity, * with most courageous resolve * endured torments most grievous and intense, * and as victors received crowns of triumph, * becoming fellow-citizens * with the immaterial hosts.

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

The great Philemon, * Adrian most noble, * and the wise Apollonius * quenched the flame of polytheism with torrents of their blood, * watering all the earth * with divine streams of the knowledge of God, * and drying up the rivers of the passions with showers of healing * and divine grace, * for they are our fervent defenders.

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 2

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

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 2

Troparia, Tone 2

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

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

essional Hymn I, Tone 2

The noble Joseph having taken down You most pure Body from the tree,* wrapped it in a fine linen shroud* covering it with fragrant spices* and placed it in a new sepulchre;* but on the third day You arose, O Lord,* granting the world great mercy.

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

The Angel standing by the tomb cried to the myrrh-bearing women,* ‘Myrrh is fitting for the dead,* but Christ has been revealed a stranger to corruption.* rather cry aloud: The Lord is risen,* granting the world great mercy!’

Glory… Now…

You are highly glorified, O Virgin Theotokos,* and we sing your praise,* for through the Cross of your Son Hades has been overthrown,* Death has been slain,* and we who were dead have arisen and been granted life.* We have received Paradise, our ancient delight,* therefore with thanksgiving we glorify Christ our God* as mighty and alone plenteous in mercy.

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 2

You did not prevent the grave stone from being sealed,* and having arisen You granted to all the rock of the Faith.* O Lord, glory be to You!

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

The choir of Your Disciples rejoices in harmony with the Myrrh-bearing women;* for with them we celebrate a common feast  to the glory and honour of Your Resurrection.* Through them, O Lord who loves mankind,* grant Your people Your great mercy.

Glory… Now…

You are highly blessed, O Virgin Theotokos,* for through Him who was incarnate of you* Hades has been taken captive, Adam recalled, the curse slain, and Eve set free,* death has been put to death and we have been given life;* therefore with hymns we cry to you:* Blessed are You O Christ our God who has been thus well-pleased, glory be to You!

Polyeleos

Evoglitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 2

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

Hymn of Ascent, Tone 2

Antiphon 1

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

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

Glory… Now…

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

Antiphon 2

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

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

Glory… Now…

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

Antiphon 3

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

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

Glory… Now…

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

Prokeimenon, Tone 2

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

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

Let everything that lives, Tone 2

Gospel: Luke 24:12-35

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Canon, Tone 4

Canon, Tone 2

Ode 1

Irmos: Once his overwhelming power overturned the whole of Pharaoh’s army in the deep;* but the Word made flesh, the Lord of glory, blotted out the wholly wretched sin.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The prince of this world in whose books we, who disobeyed your commands, were inscribed, O Good One, has been judged by your cross; attacking you as a mortal, he fell back from the power of your might and was exposed in his weakness.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Deliverer of the race of mortal men and author of incorruptible life, you came into the world: for you tore in pieces the grave clothes of death in your resurrection, and this we glorify. Gloriously he is glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O pure one, and ever-Virgin, you are shown to be higher than all creatures seen and unseen; for you bore the Creator since he willed to take flesh in your womb; with boldness pray to him to save our souls.

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: The desert, the barren Church of the nations, has blossomed as a lily at your coming, O Lord;* in this my heart is made firm.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Creation at your Passion was put to confusion to see you in mean disguise and mocked by the lawless, you whose lightest nod had established the universe.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You fashioned me with your hands from the dust in your image; and when, through sin, I was crushed again into the dust of death, you, O Christ, went down with me to Hell and raised me up with yourself.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

The ranks of angels were amazed and the hearts of men trembled, All-pure, at your giving birth; wherefore we reverence you in faith, O Mother 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: You came forth from the Virgin,* not an ambassador, not an angel,* but the Lord himself made flesh,* and saved my whole humanity.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You were standing, my God, before the judgment seat as one judged, not crying out, bringing, O Lord, judgment upon the nations. Thus, through your Passion, O Christ, you wrought salvation for the world.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

By your Passion the weapons of the enemies failed, by your descent into Hell the cities of the foe were destroyed and the insolence of the tyrant overthrown.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

All we the faithful know you a haven of salvation, a fortified city unshaken, Lady Mother of God; for by your prayers you deliver our souls from danger.

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

rmos: Christ God, you are mediator between God and man:* through you, O Lord, we have access from the night of ignorance to your Father, the author of light.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You broke as the cedars, O Christ, the insolence of the enemy when, of your own will, O Lord, you were pleased to be lifted up in the flesh on the cypress, the pine and the cedar.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

They laid you in the lowest pit, O Christ, dead, without breath; but with your stripes you raised with yourself, O Saviour, the wounded and forgotten who slept in the graves.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Pray to your Son and Lord, pure Virgin, to grant deliverance to prisoners and peace from the hostile forces surrounding those who trust in you.

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: Engulfed in sin’s unfathomed depths* I cry to the fathomless deeps of your tender compassion;* God has brought me up* from corruption.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The righteous was judged as a criminal and nailed to the tree with the lawless with his own blood granting forgiveness to the guilty.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

As by one man, the first Adam, death came of old to the world, so by one, the Son of God, resurrection has been revealed .

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

You knew no man, O Virgin, you bore a child and remained for ever virgin, revealing thus the signs of true divinity of your Son and God.

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, Tone 2

You rose from the tomb, O almighty Saviour;* and Hades, seeing this wonder, was stricken with fear; and the dead arose.* Creation saw and rejoices with You, and Adam exults.* And the world, my Saviour, sings Your praises for ever.

Ikos

Light you are to those endarkened, resurrection you are to all and life to mortal man; and when you, the Saviour, raised up all with yourself and despoiled the might of death, when you, O Word, shattered the gates of Hell, the dead saw it and marvelled at the marvel and all creation rejoiced together in your resurrection, O Lover of man. For all of this we glorify and sing your coming down to us and all the universe, my Saviour, hymns you for ever.

 

Ode 7

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: The godless decree of the lawless tyrant* re-kindled the soaring flames,* Christ let fall on the God-fearing children the dew of the Spirit.* He is blessed and glorious above all.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Your tender compassion, O Lord, would not allow you to see mankind beneath the sway of death but you came and saved him by your own blood, becoming man. He is blessed and glorious above all.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Seeing you clothed in the robe of vengeance, O Christ. Hell’s doorkeepers cowered in fear for you came to master, O Lord, the slave, the reasonless tyrant. He is blessed and glorious above all.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

We know you the Holy of Holies, Virgin unspotted, Mother unwedded, for you alone bore the unchangeable God: by your divine giving birth you have shed incorruption on all the faithful.
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: Once in Babylon by divine command* the blazing furnace divided its work,* the Chaldaeans consuming, the faithful bedewing,* who sang: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The ranks of angels saw the garment of your flesh empurpled with your blood, in trembling amazement at the magnitude of your longsuffering, crying: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Through your rising, O Merciful, you have clothed my mortality with deathlessness; therefore in glad thanksgiving your chosen people raise to you a song of praise, crying: Truly death is swallowed up in victory.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

The One inseparable from the Father and humanly, divinely, dwelling in your womb, you conceived without seed and brought forth inexpressibly, Birth-giver of God, all-pure. By this we know you the salvation of us all.

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

rmos: The Son of the unbegun Begetter, God and Lord, made flesh of the Virgin,* has appeared among us to bring light to the darkened places* and to gather the scattered together.* Therefore, we magnify the all-praised Mother of God.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

On Golgotha, as in Paradise, there was planted, O Saviour, the thrice-happy tree of your pure cross, nourished by your blood divine and water; so from the wellspring of your holy side, O Christ, life has blossomed for us.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The crucified, the all-powerful, laid low the strong man armed, and the nature of man, lying below in the dungeon of Hell, he raised and placed on the Father’s throne; coming in the midst of which we, worshipping, magnify you.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

In the true faith singing, let us the faithful glorify the Trinity, three in number, one in substance, indivisible nature, supremely divine, triply shining light and never-setting radiance, the only uncompounded shedding light upon all.

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

Christ our Way and our Life,* after His resurrection from the dead,* accompanied Luke and Cleopas,* who had recognized Him at Emmaus in the breaking of the bread.* Their hearts and souls were inflamed as He spoke to them on the way,* explaining to them all the Scriptures that pertained to Him.* Let us, therefore, shout with them, saying:* Truly, the Lord is risen and has appeared to Peter.

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 2

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 5, Glory…

How wise are Your judgments, O Christ!* You granted Peter the understanding of Your resurrection by the burial wrappings alone.* Even though You accompanied Luke and Cleopas and conversed with them,* yet You did not reveal Yourself.* You were taunted by them as though You alone were a stranger in Jerusalem,* not knowing what had recently happened there.* But since You ordained all things for the good of each,* You explained to them what the prophets had spoken concerning You.* In the breaking of the bread they recognized You* because their hearts were already burning with the desire to know You.* When they came together with the disciples,* they proclaimed openly Your divine resurrection* by which we ask that You have mercy upon us.

In Tone 2, Now…

You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!

Great Doxology

Trisagion Prayers

Troparion, Tone 2

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

Insistent Litany

Litany of Supplication

Great Dismissal

 

DIVINE LITURGY

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

Troparion, Tone 2: 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)

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Неділя 27-ма по Зісланні Святого Духа. Свв. мчч. Тирса, Левкія, Филимона, Аполлонія й Каленика 14 грудня.

ВЕЧІРНЯ

Блажен муж співаємо

Стихири

Стих: Ви́веди з в’язни́ці мою́ ду́шу,* щоб дя́кувати І́мені Твоє́му.

(г. 2): Прийді́те, поклоні́мось* наро́дженому предві́чно від Отця́ Бо́жому Сло́ву,* що ті́ло прийня́в від Ді́ви Марі́ї.* Він на хресті́ доброві́льно ви́терпів стражда́ння* і відда́вся на по́хорон, і, воскре́снувши з ме́ртвих,* спас мене́, грі́шну люди́ну.

Стих: Мене́ обсту́плять пра́ведники,* бо Ти добро́ мені́ вчи́ниш.

Христо́с, Спаси́тель наш,* скасува́в наш сме́ртний за́суд,* приби́вши його́ до хреста́,* і ви́корінив вла́ду сме́рти.* Тому́ поклоня́ємось Його́ на тре́тій день воскресі́нню.

Стих: З глиби́н взива́ю до Те́бе, Го́споди,* Го́споди, почу́й мій го́лос.

З арха́нгелами просла́вмо воскресі́ння Христо́ве,* бо Він – наш визволи́тель і спаси́тель душ на́ших,* що з сла́вою ди́вною і могу́тньою си́лою* зно́ву при́йде суди́ти світ,* що його́ Він створи́в.

Стих: Неха́й бу́дуть Твої́ ву́ха ува́жні,* до го́лосу бла́гання мого́.

А́нгел сповісти́в про Те́бе,* розп’я́того й похоро́неного Влади́ку,* і сказа́в жінка́м: Прийді́ть і погля́ньте, де лежа́в Госпо́дь;* Він бо – всеси́льний, − воскре́с, як і прорі́к був.* Тому́ поклоня́ємось Тобі́, єди́ному безсме́ртному:* Життєда́вче, Хри́сте, поми́луй нас.

Стих: Коли́ Ти, Го́споди, зважа́тимеш на беззако́ння, то хто всто́їться, Го́споди.* Та в Те́бе є проще́ння.

Твої́м хресто́м Ти зни́щив прокля́ття ра́йського де́рева,* по́хороном Твої́м Ти здола́в вла́ду сме́рти,* а воскресі́нням Твої́м Ти просвіти́в лю́дський рід.* Тому́ й кли́чемо до Те́бе:* Хри́сте Бо́же наш, добротво́рче, – сла́ва Тобі́!

Стих: За́для І́мени Твого́ наді́юсь на Те́бе, Го́споди, наді́ється душа́ моя́ на сло́во Твоє́;* наді́ється душа́ моя́ на Го́спода.

Го́споди, зі стра́ху пе́ред Тобо́ю відкри́лися бра́ми сме́рти,* а две́рники а́дові, поба́чивши Тебе́, настраха́лися,* бо Ти зломи́в мі́дні воро́та і зни́щив залі́зні затво́ри,* та й ви́вів нас із те́мряви й сме́ртної ті́ні,* і розірва́в на́ші око́ви.

Стих: Від ра́нньої сторо́жі до но́чі від ра́нньої сторо́жі* неха́й упова́є Ізра́їль на Го́спода.

Співа́ючи визво́льну пі́сню, промо́вмо уста́ми:* Прийді́м усі́ до Госпо́днього хра́му й припаді́м, ка́жучи:* Ти, що був розп’я́тий на де́реві* і воскре́с із ме́ртвих, та існу́єш в Отце́вому ло́ні,* – очи́сти гріхи́ на́ші.

Стих: Бо в Го́спода ми́лість і відку́плення вели́ке в Ньо́го;* Він ви́зволить Ізра́їля від усьо́го беззако́ння його́.

(г. 8): Спога́дуючи, ві́рні, сього́дні па́м’ять Праотці́в,* прославля́ймо Христа́ Визволи́теля,* що звели́чив їх між усіма́ наро́дами,* і Го́спода, що, як могу́тній Влади́ка, ная́вно зроби́в пресла́вні чудеса́.* Че́рез них він показа́в нам свою́ си́лу* – єди́ну, пренепоро́чну Бо́жу Ді́ву, Марі́ю чи́сту, з яко́ї ви́ріс квіт − Христо́с,* що дав усі́м життя́ й невиче́рпну пожи́ву, і ві́чне спасі́ння.

Стих: Хвалі́те Го́спода всі наро́ди!* Прославля́йте Його́ всі лю́ди!

По всіх края́х сві́ту поши́рилась па́м’ять Праотці́в,* спо́внена і́стинним сві́тлом й опромі́нена зо́рями благода́ті.* Бо Христо́с, як промі́нне Со́нце, засія́в з висоти́* і зда́леку веде́ з собо́ю я́сне сузі́р’я, яке́ він засвіти́в.* Наближа́ється Різдво́ Богочолові́ка у Вифлеє́мі,* тож ві́рою лику́ймо, побо́жно опле́скуючи його́ наро́дження,* як хвалу́ передсвятко́ву.

Стих: Вели́ке бо до нас Його́ милосе́рдя,* і ві́рність Го́спода пові́ки.

Красу́ються сла́вою боже́ственної співу́части:* Ада́м раді́є ни́ні, як осно́ва й си́ла му́дрих Праотці́в;* співлику́є А́вель і весели́ться Ено́х;* раді́є Сит із Но́єм, співа́є з патрія́рхами сла́вний Авраа́м,* а Мелхіседе́к ба́чить сього́дні чуде́сне наро́дження.* Тому́ і ми, зве́ршуючи па́м’ять Христо́вих Праотці́в,* мо́лимось за спасі́ння душ на́ших.

Сла́ва (г. 6): Похвалі́мо, ві́рні, всіх Отці́в, що були́ пе́ред Зако́ном:* боголюби́вого Авраа́ма й Ісаа́ка, зро́дженого з обі́тниці,* і Якова з дванадцятьма́ патрія́хами та ла́гідного Дави́да,* вимо́люючи для нас проще́ння від Христа́ Бо́га,* що у святи́х свої́х сла́виться.

І ни́ні (догмат, г. 2): Мину́лася тінь Зако́ну,* коли́ прийшла́ Благода́ть;* бо як кущ охо́плений по́лум’ям не згоря́в,* так і ти, Ді́во, породи́ла й ді́вою зоста́лась!* За́мість вогняно́го стовпа́ зася́яло Со́нце пра́вди,* за́мість Мойсе́я – Христо́с,* спасі́ння душ на́ших.

Стихири на стиховні

(г. 2): Воскресі́ння Твоє́, Хри́сте Спа́се,* просвіти́ло всю вселе́нну* і Ти покли́кав до Се́бе Твоє́ створі́ння.* Всеси́льний Го́споди, – сла́ва Тобі́!

Стих: Госпо́дь царю́є,* у ве́лич Він зодягну́вся. (Пс. 92,1)

Ти де́ревом, Спа́се, зни́щив прокля́ття,* що від Де́рева поча́лось,* по́хороном Твої́м подола́в вла́ду сме́рти* і просвіти́в наш рід Твої́м воскресі́нням.* Тому́ й кли́чемо до Те́бе:* Життя́ пода́телю, Хри́сте Бо́же наш, – сла́ва Тобі́!

Стих: Бо Він утверди́в вселе́нну,* і вона́ не захита́ється. (Пс. 92,1)

Коли́ Ти, Хри́сте, був приби́тий до хреста́,* зміни́в єси́ красу́ творі́ння.* Вояки́, виявля́ючи нелю́дяність,* спи́сом проколо́ли Твої́ ре́бра,* вороги́ ж проси́ли опеча́тання гро́бу,* не зна́вши Твоє́ї си́ли.* Але́ Ти, Го́споди, з милосе́рдя Свого́ се́рця* прийня́в погребе́ння і на тре́тій день воскре́с,* тому́, − сла́ва Тобі́!

Стих: До́мові Твоє́му, Го́споди,* нале́жить свя́тість на до́вгі лі́та. (Пс. 92,5)

Хри́сте, життя́ пода́телю!* Ти доброві́льно ви́терпів стра́сті сме́ртних ра́ди* і зійшо́в до а́ду як си́льний* і там, немо́в від лю́того зві́ра,* ви́хопив дожида́ючих Твого́ при́ходу* і, за́мість а́ду, дарува́в життя́ в раю́.* Тому́ й нам, що прославля́ємо Твоє́ на тре́тій день воскресі́ння,* дай очи́щення з гріхі́в і вели́ку ми́лість.

Сла́ва (г. 3): Прийді́ть, ві́рні, пісня́ми вшану́ймо собо́р Праотці́в:* Ада́ма праотця́, Ено́ха, Но́я, Мелхіседе́ка,* Авраа́ма, Ісаа́ка і Я́кова;* в Зако́ні ж: Мойсе́я і Аро́на, Ісу́са, Самуї́ла і Дави́да,* з ни́ми ж Іса́ю, Єремі́ю, Єзекиїла* і Даниї́ла й і́нших дванадцятьо́х,* ра́зом же й Іллю́ і Єлисе́я та всіх і́нших:* Заха́рію і Хрести́теля, і тих що сповіща́ли Христа́* – життя́ і воскресі́ння ро́ду на́шого.

І ни́ні: Сонце велике, Творець,* поспішає нині до Вифлеєму, щоб народитися з Непорочної Діви* і просвітити дітей Адама.* Тому світла пам’ять Праотців звіщає це чудо.

Тропарі

(г. 2): Коли́ зійшо́в Ти до сме́рти, Життя́ безсме́ртне,* тоді́ ад умертви́в Ти збли́ском божества́.* Коли́ ж і уме́рлих із глиби́н підзе́мних воскреси́в Ти,* всі си́ли небе́сні взива́ли:* Життєда́вче, Хри́сте Бо́же наш, сла́ва Тобі́.

Сла́ва (г. 2): Ві́рою праотці́в оправда́в Ти,* з наро́дів че́рез них Ти Це́ркву напере́д заручи́в.* Хва́ляться у сла́ві святі́, бо з сі́мени їх є плід благослове́нний* – та, що без сі́мени роди́ла Тебе́.* Їх молитва́ми, Хри́сте Бо́же, поми́луй нас.

І нині: Ви́щі по́над ро́зум і пресла́вні всі твої́ таємни́ці, Богоро́дице!* При ненару́шеній чистоті́ і чистоті́ ді́встві* появи́лася ти Ма́тір’ю пречи́стою,* породи́вши правди́вого Бо́га.* То́ж моли́ Його́, щоб спасли́ся ду́ші на́ші.

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

Тропарі і Кондаки
Тропар (глас 2): Коли́ зійшо́в Ти до сме́рти, Життя́ безсме́ртне,* тоді́ ад умертви́в Ти збли́ском божества́.* Коли́ ж і уме́рлих із глиби́н підзе́мних воскреси́в Ти,* всі си́ли небе́сні взива́ли:* Життєда́вче, Хри́сте Бо́же наш, сла́ва Тобі́.

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

Кондак (глас 2): Воскре́с єси́ з гро́бу, всеси́льний Спа́се,* і ад, ви́дівши чу́до, вжахну́вся, і ме́ртві возста́ли,* а творі́ння, ба́чачи це, ра́дується ра́зом з Тобо́ю,* і Ада́м весели́ться, і світ, Спа́се мій, оспі́вує Тебе́ повсякча́сно.

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).