Second Sunday of the Great Fast: St. Gregory Palamas; Octoechos Tone 5; The Holy Venerable-Martyr Eudocia. Day 14 of the Great Fast. Resurrectional Gospel 5. Hebrews 1:10-2:3; Mark 2:1-12. The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is celebrated today.

GREAT VESPERS, SUNDAY MATINS AND DIVINE LITURGY

English Source: Royal Doors www.royaldoors.net

Day 14 of the Great Fast. Resurrectional Gospel 5

GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING

Kathisma Reading: Blessed is the man… is sung.

At Psalm 140, Tone 5—of the Resurrection

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

With Your precious Cross, O Christ,* You have put the Devil to shame.* With Your Resurrection You have deadened the sting of sin,* and have saved us from the gates of death.* We therefore glorify You, O Only-begotten Son of God.

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

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

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

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

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

We offer to You our evening worship,* O Light whom the darkness of night can never extinguish.* For in these latter days Your radiance has appeared to the world,* shining in Your flesh as light reflected from a mirror.* Your brilliance has descended even to the depths of Hades and dissolved its gloom.* O Lord, Giver of Light, glory to You;* for You have shown the radiance of Your Resurrection to all the nations.

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

Let us glorify Christ, the Author of our Salvation;* for by His Resurrection from the dead,* the world has been delivered from the deception of Satan.* The choirs of angels rejoice as the treachery of evil spirits vanishes.* Fallen Adam arises, and the devil is vanquished.

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

Those who guarded the tomb of Christ* were told by the evil men who hired them:* Take this silver and keep silent.* Tell no one of the Resurrection of Christ;* rather tell everyone that while you were sleeping His body was stolen.* But who has ever heard of a body being stolen,* a body which had already been anointed?* Why would anyone take a body from the grave naked,* and leave the burial shroud in the tomb?* Do not deceive yourselves, O people of Judea.* Study the teachings of the prophets,* and you will come to understand that Jesus Christ is Almighty God,* and truly the Saviour of the world.

Tone 2—from the Triodion

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

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

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

Repeat: What hymns of praise shall we sing…

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

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

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

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

Tone 6, Glory…

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

In Tone 5, Now… —Dogmaticon

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, Tone 5—of the Resurrection

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.

Tone 8, Glory…—from the Triodion

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

Same tone, Now…—Theotokion

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

Troparia, Tone 5

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

Tone 8, Glory… —from the Triodion

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

Now…—dismissal Theotokion

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

 

GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 2

Troparia, Tone 5

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

Glory… Now…

Tone 8, Glory…

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

Tone 8, Glory… —from the Triodion

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

Now…—dismissal Theotokion

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

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 5—of the Resurrection

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

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

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

Glory… Now…

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

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 5

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

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

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

Glory… Now…

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

Evlogitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 5

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

Hymn of Ascent, Tone 5

Antiphon 1

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

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

Glory… Now…

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

Antiphon 2

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

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

Glory… Now…

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

Antiphon 3

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

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

Glory… Now…

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

Prokeimenon, Tone 5

Arise, O Lord my God, lift up Your hand,* for You shall reign forever.

verse: I will confess to You, O Lord, with my whole heart, I will recount all Your marvellous works.

Let everything that lives, Tone 5

Gospel: Luke 24:12–35

Having beheld the Resurrection…

Psalm 50

Verses after Psalm 50

Tone 8, Glory…

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

Now…

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

Tone 6

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy. And in the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my offense.

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

Canon

Ode 1—Canon of the Resurrection

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

—Canon of the Triodion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Glory…

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

Now…

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

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

 

Ode 3—Canon of the Resurrection

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

—Canon of the Triodion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Glory…

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

Now…

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

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

 

Kontakion, Tone 4—of the Triodion

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

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

Glory… Now…

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

 

Ode 4—Canon of the Resurrection

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

—Canon of the Triodion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Glory…

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

Now…

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

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

 

Ode 5—Canon of the Resurrection

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

—Canon of the Triodion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Glory…

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

Now…

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

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

 

Ode 6—Canon of the Resurrection

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

—Canon of the Triodion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Glory…

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

Now…

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

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

 

Kontakion, Tone 8—of the Triodion

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

Ikos

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

 

Ode 7—Canon of the Resurrection

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

—Canon of the Triodion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Glory…

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

Now…

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

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

 

Ode 8—Canon of the Resurrection

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

—Canon of the Triodion

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

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

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

Humbling Yourself because of Your compassion, O Master, You have spoken with kindness to Your fallen sons. For in Your love for mankind You go out to meet the sinful, and embracing them You grant them salvation. And if anyone reproaches You for this, in Your tender love You are not angry with him, for You alone art measureless in mercy.

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

Most fearful will be the judgment passed upon me, O Master; for though I see that You are longsuffering and Love mankind, I flee not to You nor call upon You with the words of the Prodigal, instead I pass the course of my life in slothfulness; be merciful to me, O compassionate Lord, and save me by repentance from condemnation on the Last Day.

Most Holy Trinity, our God, glory be to You!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

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

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

Now…

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

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

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

 

Magnificat

 

Ode 9—Canon of the Resurrection

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

—Canon of the Triodion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray to God for us.

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

Glory…

Wholly filled with heavenly wisdom, O glorious saint, you have shone as a light in the world, teaching the doctrines of orthodoxy. In your love for true wisdom you have conceived the fear of God within your heart and given birth to the words of the Spirit.

Now…

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

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

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Exapostilarion—of the resurrectional Gospel 5

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 unto Peter.

Tone 3, Glory… —from the Triodion

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

Now… —Theotokion

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

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 5—of the Resurrection

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

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

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

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

Tone 1—from the Triodion

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

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

Your priests, O Lord, shall be clothed in righteousness, and Your saints shall rejoice.

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

Tone 6

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

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

Same tone, Glory… —from the Triodion

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

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

Troparion, Tone 2

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

Insistent Litany

Litany of Supplication

Great Dismissal

 

DIVINE LITURGY ON SUNDAY MORNING

Troparia and Kontakia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alleluia, Tone 2
verse: The Lord will hear you in the day of tribulation; the name of the God of Jacob will shield you.
verse: Lord, grant victory to the king and hear us in the day that we shall call upon You. (Psalm 19:2,10)

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

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

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

 

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УТРЕНЯ

Шестипсалм’я; Велика єктенія;

Бог Господь… (Пс. 117), глас 2

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. (2 р.)

Слава: (г. 8): Православ’я наставнику, святителям окрасо,* богословам непереможного переможця,* Григоріє чудотворче, Солуня велика похвало, проповіднику благодаті,* моли Христа Бога, щоб спаслися душі наші.

І нині: Ти, Милосердний, що задля нас народився з Діви,* витерпів розп’яття і смертю смерть подолав* і, як Бог, появив воскресіння,* не погорди тими, що їх ти створив рукою своєю.* Покажи, Милостивий, своє чоловіколюбство,* прийми Богородицю, що тебе породила й молиться за нас,* і спаси, Спасе наш, людей зневірених.

Мала єктенія; Перший сідальний

(г. 2): Благообразний Йосиф,* знявши з хреста пречисте тіло твоє,* плащаницею чистою обвив* і пахощами покривши, у гріб новий положив.* Але на третій день воскрес ти, Господи,* і подав світові велику милість.

Слава і нині: Прославлена ти вельми, Богородице Діво, – співаємо тобі!* Бо хрестом Сина твого ад подоланий і смерть переможена;* а ми, померлі, встали й життя сподобилися* та здобули рай – давню насолоду.* Тому з вдячністю прославляємо Христа Бога,* як могутнього і єдиного многомилостивого.