GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING

Kathisma Reading: Blessed is the man… is sung.

At Psalm 140, Tone 4

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

We never cease to adore Your life-giving Cross, O Christ our God,* And we glorify Your resurrection on the third day.* For You, Almighty One, have thereby restored the corrupted nature of all* and reopened the way to heaven,* since You alone are gracious and You love mankind.

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

O Saviour, You have absolved the penalty of disobedience,* committed through the tree of Eden,* by willingly being nailed to the tree of the Cross.* As Almighty God, You descended into Hades* and broke asunder the bonds of death.* We, therefore, venerate Your resurrection from the dead,* and joyfully cry out to You:* Almighty Lord, glory to You!

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

O Lord, You have battered down the gates of Hades,* and by Your death You have dissolved the realm of death.* You have freed mankind from corruption,* bestowing life, incorruption, and Your great mercy upon the world.

Tone 2

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

Come, let us greatly rejoice in the Lord* as we tell of this present mystery.* The middle wall of partition has been destroyed;* the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,* and I partake of the delight of Paradise* from which I was cast out through disobedience.* For the express Image of the Father, the Imprint of His eternity,* takes the form of a servant,* and without undergoing change He came forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock.* For what He was, He has remained, true God:* and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself,* becoming man through love for mankind.* Unto Him let us cry aloud:* God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us.

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

When the Lord Jesus was born of the holy Virgin,* all the world was enlightened.* The shepherds watched in the fields,* the Magi adored and the angels praised in song;* but Herod was troubled:* for God has appeared in the flesh,* the Saviour of our souls.

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

Your Kingdom, O Christ our God, is a Kingdom of all the ages,* and Your rule is from generation to generation.* Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-Virgin Mary,* You have enlightened us by Your coming.* Light of Light, Brightness of the Father,* You made the whole creation shine with joy.* All that has breath praises You, the Image of the glory of the Father.* O God who are, and who have ever been,* who have shone forth from a Virgin,* have mercy on us.

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

What shall we offer You, O Christ,* who for our sakes has appeared on the earth as man?* Every creature made by You offers You thanks.* The angels offer You a hymn; the heavens, a star;* the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;* the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger:* and we offer You a Virgin Mother.* O pre-eternal God, have mercy on us.

Tone 1

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

Let us praise David the King, the ancestor of God,* because from him came forth the branch who is the Virgin.* From her bloomed the Flower, Christ,* Who summoned Adam and Eve from corruption.* He is compassionate towards all.

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

In his advanced years,* Joseph clearly saw the prophecies fulfilled.* It was truly a strange betrothal;* and he received a revelation from the angels who cried out:* Glory to God Who sent down peace upon the world.

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

Let all of us praise the relative of the Lord, James the Apostle,* who bravely suffered martyrdom as a bishop.* By his prayers, O Christ our God,* Who was wrapped in swaddling clothes in the cave,* save all those who extol You.

Tone 6, Glory…

We are commemorating the noble David and James:* the king and prophet, the apostle and first bishop;* because by their teachings we have been delivered from error.* Let us sing the praises of Christ* Who came forth from the Virgin* and became incarnate to save our souls.

Tone 7, Now…

Immaculate Mother of God,* you became a mother outside the laws of nature,* remaining a virgin in a way that exceeds all description* and human understanding.* The wonder of your birth-giving could not be told in human language,* for your conception of Christ blinded intelligence,* and your birth-giving exceeded understanding:* for whenever God so desires, the laws of nature are broken.* Wherefore, we all firmly believe that you are the Mother of God,* and we eagerly beseech you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

The Lord reigns,* He is clothed in majesty.

verse: Robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.

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

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

Aposticha

n Tone 4

In being lifted upon the Cross, O Lord,* You abolished the curse which we had inherited from our fathers.* By going down into Hades,* You freed from eternal captivity those imprisoned there,* and granted incorruption to mankind.* We, therefore, praise Your life-giving and redeeming resurrection.

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

By hanging on the Cross, O Almighty One,* You shook the whole creation to its foundations.* When You Yourself were laid in the grave,* You raised to life those who had been lying in the graves,* and You granted life and incorruption to mankind.* We, therefore, praise and glorify Your resurrection on the third day.

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

O Christ, the lawless people showed their ingratitude to You, their Benefactor,* by delivering You to Pilate who condemned you to be crucified.* But You willingly suffered death and burial;* and, as God, You rose by Your own power on the third day,* granting us everlasting life and great mercy.

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

The women, shedding bitter tears, came to see You in Your tomb;* and not finding Your body, they lamented, saying:* O Saviour and King of All, how were You stolen?* What place holds Your life-bearing body?* An angel answered them, saying:* Do not weep, but go and proclaim that the Lord is risen,* filling our hearts with joy;* for He alone is most compassionate.

Tone 6, Glory…

The remembrance of Your Nativity* brings happiness to priests and might to kings.* Let us also boast of it and say:* Our Father, Who art in heaven,* hallowed be Thy Name, O Lover of mankind.

Now…

Today the invisible nature is united with our visible nature through the Virgin.* Today the infinite Essence is wrapped in swaddling clothes in Bethlehem.* Today God is guiding the Magi by a star* so that they might worship Him.* With the gold, frankincense, and myrrh,* He is foretelling His three-day burial.* Let us cry out to Him:* Having become incarnate from the Virgin,* save our souls, O Christ God.

Troparia, In Tone 4

When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”

Tone 2, Glory…

O Joseph, announce to David, the ancestor of God, the news of the miracle:* You saw a virgin giving birth.* With the shepherds, you gave praise and with the Magi you worshipped;* they too were warned by an angel.** Pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

Tone 4, Now…

Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

 

GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 4

Troparia, Tone 4

When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.” (2x)

Tone 2, Glory…

O Joseph, announce to David, the ancestor of God, the news of the miracle:* You saw a virgin giving birth.* With the shepherds, you gave praise and with the Magi you worshipped;* they too were warned by an angel.** Pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

Tone 4, Now…

Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

Looking into the entrance of the tomb,* the Myrrh-bearing women were unable to endure the bright radiance of the Angel,* trembling in awe they said;* How is it that He who has opened Paradise to the Thief hath been stolen?* How is it that He who before His passion proclaimed His Arising has been raised?* Truly Christ God has arisen, granting those in Hades life and resurrection.

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

Mortal men laid in a new tomb* the One who through a word established the ends of earth,* for You, O Saviour, willingly endured the Cross,* whereby You conquered the adversary, and despoiled death,* for which cause all those in Hades extol Your life-giving Arising saying* Christ, the giver of life, has arisen and abides to the ages.

Glory… Now…

As he contemplated that which was beyond nature* Joseph was struck with wonder, O Theotokos, at you conception without seed.* He contemplated the mysterious dew upon the fleece,* the bush unburnt by fire,* Aaron’s rod which budded.* Thus your Betrothed and guardian bore witness and cried to the priests saying:* A Virgin bears a child,* and after child-birth remains yet a virgin.

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

O Saviour, You arose from Hades as immortal,* raising the world together with You by Your might, O Christ our God.* With strength You have overthrown the dominion of death,* revealing the Resurrection to all, O Merciful one.* Wherefore we also glorify You, O only Lover of mankind.

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

Gabriel radiant in white vestments descended from the heights above,* and approaching the rock upon which the Rock of life was lying,* cried to the weeping women saying:* Cease your cries of lamentation;* for you have now obtained merciful compassion.* Take courage, for the One you seek is truly risen.* Therefore, cry to the Apostles telling them that the Lord has arisen,* to worship the risen One;* and having received gladness, to take courage, together with Eve.

Glory… Now…

All the choirs of Angels were struck with wonder, O Pure Virgin,* at the awesome mystery of your conception.* How can the One who holds all things in place with only a nod,* now be held in your arms as a man?* How can the Eternal accept a beginning?* How can the One who nourishes everything that has breath by His ineffable goodness,* be suckled at your breast?* And upon seeing these things, with hymns they glorify you* as truly the Mother of God.

Polyeleos

Evlogitaria

Small Litany

 

Gradual Hymns, Tone 4

Antiphon 1

From my youth do many passions war against me;* but do You Yourself defend* and save me, O my Saviour.

You haters of Sion shall be shamed by the Lord;* for like grass, by the fire* shall you be withered.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit, every soul is quickened,* and, through cleansing, is exalted* and made radiant* by the Triple Unity in a hidden sacred manner.

Antiphon 2

From the depths of my soul* I have cried to You fervently, O Lord;* let Your divine ears be attentive to me.

Everyone who has set their hope in the Lord,* is higher than all those* who mourn.

Glory… Now…

By the Holy Spirit* the streams of grace swell up;* watering all creation* engendering life.

Antiphon 3

Let my heart be raised to You, O Lord;* and let none of the pleasures of the world lure me* to weakness.

As one that has tender love for one’s mother;* so should we have even more fervent love* for the Lord.

Glory… Now…

By the Holy Spirit comes an abundance of divine knowledge,* contemplation and wisdom;* for by Him the Word unveils* all the Father’s teachings.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Arise, O Lord: help us,* and redeem us for Your name’s sake.

verse: We heard with our own ears, O God, our fathers have told us the story of the things You did in days long ago.

Let everything that lives, Tone 4

Gospel: John 20:1-10

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Canon, Tone 4

Ode 1

de 1

Irmos: Through the Red Sea, as on the dry land,* old Israel passed on with unmoistened foot;* crosswise, in the wilderness, Moses held up his arms* and they routed Amalek’s might.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

As good and all-powerful, O Lord, you were lifted up on the immaculate tree of your cross, healing by the tree our utter destruction, setting right our defection.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

In your body in the tomb, as God with your soul in Hell, with the Thief in Paradise, you were yet, O Christ, on the throne with the Father and the Spirit, all things filling, and infinite.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

You conceived the Son of God without seed, by the Father’s purpose, from the divine Spirit; you bore in flesh the one from the Father without mother: through us, out of you, without father.

Irmos: I shall sing to You, O Lord my God, for You lead Your people forth from the bondage of Egypt* and overwhelmed the chariots of Pharaoh and his might.

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

As many as celebrate the natal festivities of Him that became incarnate for our sake, let us hymn with joy James, the brother of God, and David, the forefather of God.

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

The choirs of angels stood before Joseph in Bethlehem, saying: Glory to God in the highest! With them let us hymn Him Whose good pleasure it was to become incarnate.

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

O David, forefather of God, calling the righteous James, with harps hymn the Lord, Who is incarnate of the root of Jesse.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

To You shall I sing, O Lord my God, for You were born of the holy Virgin Mother and have shown her to be the hope of our souls.

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.

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

Although created in the image of God, mankind fell from the divine and higher life, and through transgression became entirely subject to corruption and decay. But now the all-good Creator fashions human nature anew; for this reason, we glorify Him.

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

When the Creator saw the one whom He had created with his own hands perishing, He lowered the heavens and came down; He took upon Himself human nature from the most holy and pure Virgin, truly becoming flesh; for this reason we glorify Him.

Glory… Now…

Christ our God is the Son and the Brightness of the Father; He is Wisdom, Word, and Power. And unknown to the heavenly hosts and those upon the earth, He became man and has won us back again; for this reason, we glorify Him.

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

rmos: Your Church, O Christ, makes merry in you, crying aloud:* You are my strength, O Lord, my refuge, my firm foundation.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The tree of life, the true and intellectual vine, hangs upon the cross pouring forth to all the elixir of life.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

As a great one and fearful, demolishing utterly the insolence of Hell, as God incorruptible, now you have risen in the flesh.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

You only, O Mother of God, are the friend who procures the good things beyond nature for those upon earth and therefore we bring to you our “Hail.”
Irmos: O Christ God, confirmation of them that hope on You,* make us steadfast in Your orthodox faith, for You are the Lover of mankind.

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

With the angels let us all hymn Christ God, Who, without seed, has been born in the flesh of the Virgin, crying aloud: Glory to God in the highest!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

O you faithful, with David and James let us honour with hymns, as is meet, the most jubilant feast of Him that emptied Himself for our sake.

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Like a bridegroom from a bridal chamber will the Lord come forth from His Mother’s womb! Thus said David, whom, with James, let us now hymn.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Let us honour Mary, the Theotokos unwedded, for the Sun of righteousness has shone forth upon us for her sake.

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!

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

Although Adam was formed from the clay of the earth, he shared in God’s life; yet through the tempting of a woman, he sunk and fell into corruption. But now when he sees Christ born of a woman, he cries aloud: For my sake, You have become as I am; glory to You, O Lord!

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

You made Yourself, O Christ, a creature in the form of clay, and even took on our flesh, thereby making us partakers in Your divine nature. You have become a mortal, yet still remain God. You are our strength; glory to You, O Lord!

Glory… Now…

Rejoice, O Bethlehem, for you are the Queen among the princes of Judah; because from you comes forth, in the sight of all, Christ himself, the Shepherd who watches over Israel, and He that is seated upon the Cherubim. He is our strength and reigns over all.

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!

 

Kontakion, Tone 3

The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being;* the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach;* Angel with shepherds give Him glory,* while Magi make their way with a star,* for to us is born a little Child – the pre-eternal God.

Ikos

Bethlehem has opened up Eden for us. Come and let us see the delights that we have found there in secret. Come and let us gather the fruits of Paradise that are within the cave. There, the unwatered Root has manifested itself, and It has sprouted forgiveness. There, the undug Well, of which David yearned to drink, is found. There, the Virgin, who gave birth to the Infant, immediately quenched the thirst of Adam and David. Therefore, let us hasten to the place where the young Infant, the Eternal God, is born.

 

Sessional Hymn, Tone 3

Right fittingly let us hymn the righteous Joseph,* the betrothed of the Virgin, with James and David;* for, having trod the righteous path, they have attained unto the mansions of heaven,* and joining chorus with the angels as is meet,* they beg remission of sins for us.

Glory…

The Virgin has given birth to the Creator of all things,* and the Magi come to worship Him in the flesh.* Men and angels render glory; the cave and the manger offer gifts,* lauding Him Who has been newly born as a babe, the pre-eternal God!

Now…

The choir of prophets divinely celebrates the wonder which took place within you, O Virgin;* for you gave birth to God incarnate upon earth.* Wherefore, angels and shepherds chant,* and the Magi and Joseph sing of the wonders to David, the forefather of God.

 

Ode 4

Irmos: Seeing you the Sun of Righteousness* lifted high on the cross,* with good reason your Church stood still in her course and exclaimed:* Glory to your power, O Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You went up on the Cross, to the Passion of your pure flesh worn of your own will, thus healing my passions. Therefore we cry to you: Glory to your power, O Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Lord, death tasted of your life-giving, sinless flesh and deservedly was slain. But we cry to you: Glory to your power, O Lord.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

You bore a child, O Virgin, without a man, and after the birth you were discerned as still a virgin; therefore in faith unwavering we cry in never silent voices: Hail to you, our Lady.

Irmos: Proclaiming the approach of You appearance on earth, O Christ God,* the prophet cried aloud with joy: Glory to Your power, O Lord!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

With the Magi let us worship Him that has been born; and with the angels and Joseph let us join chorus, crying aloud in godly manner: Glory to Christ God in the highest!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Christ, Who reigns over all kings and Who has been born in the flesh of the seed of David, has accepted James, His chosen brother, as it was His good pleasure so to do.

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

The Lord God, Who appeared in the flesh through the Virgin, has glorified your memorials together, O James, chosen of the apostles, and David most blessed, O holy ones.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Rejoice, O Theotokos unwedded, you who surpass the ranks of the cherubim, having given birth in the flesh to God Who is borne upon your arm.

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!

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

In the days of old, Jacob foretold You, O Christ, calling You the Expectation of the nations. You have come forth from the tribe of Judah and have overcome the might of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria, turning their idolatry into faith pleasing to God. Glory to Your power, O Lord!

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

Rising as a Star out of Jacob, O Master, You have brought joy to the Magi who interpreted wisely the words of Salaam, the prophet of old. They were led to You as the first fruits of the Gentiles, and You graciously received them as they brought You pleasing gifts. Glory to Your power, O Lord!

Glory… Now…

You have descended, O Christ, into the womb of the Virgin as dew upon the fleece and as drops of rain that shower the earth. Ethiopia, Tarshish, and the Isles of Arabia; the kings of Saba, of the Medes, and those of power, O Lord!

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

rmos: Lord, my light, you have come into the world;* O holy light, turn from the darkness of ignorance all who sing to you in faith.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

In compassion, O Lord, you came down to the earth; hanging upon the tree you raised up the fallen nature of man.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ, you bore yourself the reproach of my sins; you loosed the pangs of death, Compassionate, in your holy resurrection.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

We thrust you forward as an unbreakable shield in face of our enemies; we have gained you, Bride of God, as anchor and hope of our salvation.
Irmos: Glory to You! Glory to You, O Jesus, Son of God,* Who have shone forth the light, have illumined the morning and made manifest the day!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Glory to You! Glory to You, a God incarnate, Whose good pleasure it was to take flesh of the pure Virgin! did Joseph cry aloud.

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Glory to You! Glory to You, O Jesus, Son of God, Who was born of the Virgin and have rendered the memory of David and James illustrious!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Jesus, the Son of God, Whom the prophet David, by divine inspiration, called rain upon the fleece, has James preached.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Unable to keep silent, creation offers you the angel’s salutation, O Virgin: Rejoice, O pure Mother of Jesus, the Son of God!

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.

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

In obedience to the decree of Caesar, O Christ, You were registered among his servants; and You have set us free from being enslaved to the enemy and sin. Completely sharing in our poverty, You made our nature godlike by uniting Yourself to us and by participating in our nature.

Glory… Now…

As it was prophesied in times past, behold, the Virgin has conceived in her womb and has given birth to God in the flesh and still remained a virgin. Through her we are reconciled to God; let us sinners sing her praises, for she is truly the Mother of God.

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

Irmos: I will sacrifice to you, O Lord, with the voice of praise:* so cries your Church to you,* purified from demons’ gore* through the blood which flows in pity from your side.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Girded with power you went up on the cross and came to grips with the tyrant and as God you dashed him down from the heights and raised up Adam with your invincible hand.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You are risen, O Christ, from the tomb in dazzling beauty of lightning flash, scattering to the winds by your power divine every one of your enemies. As God you have filled all things with gladness.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

O wonder of all wonders, newest and strangest, that a virgin, knowing no man, conceived in the womb him who holds the whole universe in his hands and suffered no straitening.

Irmos: Prefiguring Your three-day burial, within the whale the prophet Jonah cried out, praying:* Deliver me from corruption, O Jesus, King of hosts!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Awe-struck, the heavenly hosts stood before the cave and, unable to keep silent, hymned Your most pure nativity, chanting: Glory in the highest to the newborn God!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Upon Your throne have You sat, as You swore to the prophet David, O Master, Who came forth from the fruit of his loins; and to James did You commit the throne of the Church, O Christ.

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

David the king is shown to be a wondrous prophet and forefather of the incarnation of God; and James, the disciple of Jesus, is shown forth as the first bishop.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

We beseech you, O Virgin Theotokos: In behalf of your servants entreat Him that was incarnate of you, for we know you to be our sole intercessor.

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.

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

Christ our God, begotten from the Father before the morning star, appears in the flesh; He, who directs the armies of heaven, is laid in a manger of dumb beasts. He, who frees the twisted bonds of sin, is wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Glory… Now…

A young child, a Son is born from the race of Adam and is given to the faithful. He is the Father and Prince of the World to come; He is the all-powerful God who rules over all creation; He is called the Angel of great counsel.

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 3

Today the divine David is filled with gladness,* and Joseph offers praise with James.* They rejoice, receiving a crown through their kinship with Christ;* and they laud Him that has ineffably been born on earth,* and cry aloud: O Compassionate One, save them that honour You!

Ikos

The Incorporeal One is, through the ineffable Counsel, born in the flesh; He that is uncontainable is now contained in a body and preserves both essences immutably; He that is without beginning and Who alone is beyond time takes on a beginning; an Infant of surpassing perfection is beheld; He that bears all things is borne in arms. Wherefore, as God, He crowns through His birth them that are honoured by their kinship with Him, and, glorifying them with faith, we cry out unceasingly: O Compassionate One, save them that honour You!

 

Ode 7

Irmos: In a Persian furnace three children of Abraham were set on fire* but more than in the flames they blazed in loving desire to God, and cried:* Blessed are you, O Lord,* in the temple of your glory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Washed in Christ’s divine blood, mankind has been called to incorruption and sings in thanksgiving: Blessed are you, O Lord, in the temple of your glory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Your tomb, O Christ, declares itself life-bearing, fairer far than Paradise, more radiant than any kingly hall, fount of our resurrection.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Hail, tabernacle of the Most High, hallowed and sacred. Joy is given through you, O Mother of God, to those who cry to you: Blessed are you amongst women, All-holy Lady.

Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the children of Abraham trod down the flame of the furnace,* crying aloud in hymns: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Amazed beyond words by the birthgiving of Mary, the Theotokos, the angelic choirs cried out to Joseph: Glory in the highest, and on earth peace!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

David, the leader of the bride, and James, who was the chamberlain of the divine Church, did say: O God, Who has become incarnate for our sake, blessed are You!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

O you that was a king among prophets and a prophet among kings, chant with the divinely wise James and lift your voice in song for us: O Christ, Who was incarnate for our sake, blessed are You!

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Prefigured in the unconsumed bush and in the bedewed furnace, O Mother most pure, you bore without seed God incarnate, O ever blessed one.

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.

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds keeping night watch over their flocks. The shepherds were frightened as they saw the glory of the Lord around the angel and heard him say: Rejoice, for Christ is born. Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

At the word of the angel, the heavenly hosts cried aloud: Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and good will to all; Christ has shone forth . Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.

Glory… Now…

When the angel had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another: Let us go and see this event which the Lord has made known to us. They hastened to Bethlehem and worshiped with Mary the One whom she had borne. They cried out: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.

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

Irmos: Daniel, with hands outspread in the den,* stopped the gaping jaws of the lions;* the three children, lovers of God,* clothed in the virtue of godliness,* quenched the power of the fire and sang aloud:* Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

With hands outspread on the cross, O Lord, you gathered together the nations and showed them to be one Church praising you, with those on earth and those in heaven in harmony singing: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

As lightning flashing, in the unapproachable light of the resurrection, the white-robed angel appeared to the women and cried: Why do you seek the living in the tomb as dead? Christ is risen indeed and we cry to him: All you his works, sing praises to the Lord.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

You alone, among all the families of the earth, are revealed as Mother of God; wholly without stain, unharmed by the fire of the unapproachable light, you became the dwelling-place of the Godhead. We all bless you, therefore, Mary, God’s bride.

Irmos: Christ the King did the captive children confess,* proclaiming with a loud voice in the furnace:* All you works of the Lord,* hymn and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Christ incarnate, Whom the hosts of heaven have glorified, Joseph the betrothed unceasingly hymns, chanting: All you works of the Lord, hymn and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Christ incarnate, Whom David the forefather of God foretold, James preached to the people, crying out: All you works of the Lord, hymn and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Christ, Who was born of the Virgin and Who has exalted the sacred memory of David and James, in that they are His friends, hymn, all you works of the Lord, and exalt supremely for all ages!

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Christ the King, to Whom Mary the Theotokos has given birth for us, remaining a pure Virgin even after her birthgiving, hymn, all you works of the Lord, and exalt supremely for all ages!

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.

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

The children of David were once led captive from Sion by the daughter of Babylon through the strength of the sword; now, the Magi bringing gifts, are sent by her to beseech the Daughter of David in whom God took flesh. Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.

Glory to Your holy Nativity, O Lord!

As captives, the children of Sion did not play upon their lyres; Christ, shining forth in Bethlehem, quiets all the iniquity of Babylon as well as the music of her harps. Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.

Glory… Now…

Babylon plundered Sion, the Queen, and seized all her riches. But Christ, by a guiding star, attracted to Sion the wealth of Babylon with her kings who studied the stars. Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.

We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. We extol and exalt Him above all for ever.

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

Irmos: From you, O Virgin, the mountain unhewn,* is taken the stone uncut by human hands:* Christ the cornerstone, disparate natures joining together.* Therefore, we rejoice and magnify you, Mother of God.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Wholly you have taken me up entire into union without confusion through your great mercy, my God, giving me salvation in full through your suffering endured on the cross in the flesh.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Gazing upon your opened tomb and upon the linen clothes, within which God had lain, left empty by your resurrection, your disciples said with the angel: The Lord is risen indeed.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

All we the faithful worship the one divine nature but Trinity of persons; persons unconfounded, equal in power and equal in honour, we reverently magnify.

Irmos: On the mountain did Moses behold the unconsumed bush;* and in the cave did Joseph hear the ineffable birth.* O Theotokos, Virgin undefiled, Mother without husband,* you do we magnify in hymns!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

With trembling all creation ministers to Him that has been born of the Virgin: the heavens with a star; the earth with a manger; the mountain with a cave; the Magi with gifts; the shepherds with wonder; and the angels with the hymn, Glory to God in the highest!

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Of old was David chosen king from among the shepherds; and from the royal tribe of Judah are you, O James. You are shown to be a shepherd of the flock of the Incarnate One, the Lamb, the Son of God Most High.

Holy Just Joseph, King David, and James, brother of the Lord, pray to God for us!

Be glad now, O Bethlehem, having become the city of the new David! O Zion, citadel of the Churches, exult now, taking up the common celebration of the King of all and His favoured ones.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

The assemblies of angels glorify you, O Theotokos, and the human race unceasingly honours you with hymns, for by your divine birthgiving have you united the earthly to the heavenly. Wherefore, we do you honour.

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 my soul, extol our God, born in the flesh from the Virgin.

Observing the unusual path of a mysterious and newly shining star which was brighter than any other heavenly light, the Magi learned that Christ the King was born on earth in Bethlehem for our salvation.

O my soul, extol our God, born in the flesh from the Virgin.

The Magi asked of Herod: Where is the new-born King whose star we have seen? We have come to worship Him. The enemy of God was troubled and irrationally schemed how to kill Christ.

O my soul, extol the pure Virgin, who has given birth to Christ the King.

Herod asked the Magi, who had come to Bethlehem to worship Christ with their gifts, when they had first seen the star which directed them. But the Magi returned to their own country by the same star, thereby deceiving Herod, the killer of the Innocents.

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

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

When Mary Magdalene said they have carried away my Lord,* Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved hastened to the grave.* They both came and found the wrappings inside the tomb,* and the cloth, which was on His head, lying aside.* The disciples remained silent until they truly beheld Christ.

Glory…

Let us hymn David, the forefather of God, and divine Joseph, the betrothed of the Theotokos, with James, the glorious brother of God, for, with the angels, the Magi and the shepherds, they ministered in godly manner at the divine nativity of Christ in the city of Bethlehem, chanting a hymn to Him as God and Master.

Now…

From on high our Savior, the Dayspring of the East has visited us and we who are in darkness and shadow have truly found Him; for the Lord has been born of the Virgin.

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 4

O all-powerful Lord,* Who endured the Cross and death,* and arose from the dead,* we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.

By Your Cross, O Christ, You have delivered us from the ancient curse,* and by Your death You have conquered the devil who tyrannized our nature.* By Your arising You have filled all things with joy,* wherefore we cry to You:* O Lord risen from the dead, glory be to You!

O Christ the Saviour,* with Your Cross, guide us to Your truth,* and deliver us from the snares of the enemy;* O You who are risen from the dead* raise us also who have fallen through sin,* by the stretching out of Your hand,* O Lord, at the behest of the prayers of Your Saints.

Without departing from Your Father’s bosom,* in Your tender compassion, You descended to earth,* O Only-begotten Word of God,* without change becoming man.* While You are impassible in Your divinity,* You suffered the Cross and death in the flesh;* and rising from the dead You have granted immortality to the race of mankind,* as You alone are all-powerful.

Tone 4

O holy ones, be happy;* O heavens, be glad; and all you mountains, sing with joy* because Christ our God today is born.* Behold, the Virgin is enthroned like the Cherubim,* holding in her arms the incarnate Word of God.* The shepherds glorify with hymns the new-born Babe;* the Magi offer gifts to their Master;* and the angels sing praises and say:* O incomprehensible Lord, glory to You!

O Virgin Theotokos, you gave birth to the Savior.* You overthrew the ancient curse of Eve.* As a mother you were the benevolence of the Father.* You bore in your womb the incarnate Word of God.* We cannot understand this mystery,* but we glorify it with one faith.* We also join you in praise to say:* O Ineffable Lord, glory to You!

Come, all you peoples,* let us praise the Mother of our Saviour,* for she remained a virgin after childbirth.* Rejoice, O holy city of our King and God.* The Saviour has chosen to live in you,* and in you He has worked out our salvation.* With Gabriel, we sing your praises;* and with the shepherds we glorify you, saying:* O Mother of God, implore Him who became incarnate from you,* that He may save our souls.

By the will of the Father, the Word became flesh.* The Virgin gave birth to the Incarnate God.* The star proclaims and the Magi adore;* the shepherds are amazed and all creation rejoices.

Tone 8, Glory…

Blood and fire and clouds of smoke are the wonders which Joel foresaw on earth.* The blood is the Incarnation; the fire is the Godhead;* the clouds of smoke are the Holy Spirit, Who descended upon the Virgin* and has made the world fragrant.* Great is the mystery of Your Incarnation!* O Lord, glory be to You!

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 ON SUNDAY MORNING

Antiphon 1

I will confess You, Lord, with all my heart,* I will declare all Your wondrous deeds.

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

In the council of the just and the congregation,* great are the works of the Lord, conforming to His will in every way.

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

His work is filled with praise and majesty,* and His righteousness endures forever.

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

Glory…  Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

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

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

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

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

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

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”

Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

Troparion, Tone 2: O Joseph, announce to David, the ancestor of God, the news of the miracle:* You saw a virgin giving birth.* With the shepherds, you gave praise and with the Magi you worshipped;* they too were warned by an angel.* Pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today the divine David is filled with gladness;* Joseph along with James offers praises* for having received a crown through their kinship with Christ they rejoice* and sing of the One who inexpressibly was born on earth,* crying out, “O Gracious One, save those who worship You.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being;* the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach;* Angel with shepherds give Him glory,* while Magi make their way with a star,* for to us is born a little Child – the pre-eternal God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

God is wonderful in His saints,* the God of Israel.

verse: In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel. (Psalm 67:36,27)

Epistle: Galatians 1:11-19 (NRSV)
Brothers and Sisters, for I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.

Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother.

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Lord, remember David and all his meekness.
verse: How he swore an oath to the Lord, and vowed to the God of Jacob. (Psalm 131:1,2)

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23 (NRSV)

When the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify Christ the King born in a manger.
and the 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.

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 (Psalm 32:1).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Instead of Blessed is He who comes… we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

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

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

Instead of May our mouths… and Blessed be the Name… we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (3)