GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140, In 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.

Tone 2—of the feast

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

The man who was blind from birth asked himself:* Was I born blind because of the sin of my parents,* or am I a living sign of the unbelief of the nations?* I am not content to ask whether it is night or day;* my feet can no longer endure tripping on the stones.* I have never seen the brightness of the sun,* nor the image and likeness of my Creator.* Yet I beseech You, O Christ, our God,* look upon me and have mercy on me.

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

Repeat: The man who was blind from birth…

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

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

Tone 4—of the apostle

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

The wondrous Simon, boast of the apostles,* passed across the earth like a brilliant lightning bolt!* He dispelled the darkness of idolatry* with his saving, brilliant and divine teachings!* He enlightened all people to glorify one God in Three Persons,* indivisible and undivided!

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

Repeat: The wondrous Simon…

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

Like a rolling wheel, the blessed Simon ran swiftly through the ends of the earth!* He burned away the madness of idolatry from all the land,* lighting brilliant beacons with piety,* and he kindled luminous fires of grace for the faithful* that they might worship one God in Three Persons,* indivisible and undivided!

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

The most radiant and wondrous apostle Simon,* the teacher of the nations, the net of God,* draws us up from the depth of perdition with the height of theology!* The true preacher now wisely leads all to the knowledge of Christ.

Tone 5, Glory…

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

Now…

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

Readings: (1) 1 John 3:21-4:6; (2) 1 John 4:11-16; (3) 1 John 4:20-5:5

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.

Tone 5—of Pascha

Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered!

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

As smoke vanishes, let them vanish!

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

So let sinners perish before the face of God, but let the righteous be glad!

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

This is the day which the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it!

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

Tone 2, Glory…—of the apostle

Most holy Simon, disciple and apostle of Christ, * like a high-flying eagle you soared over creation! * You burned up the falsehood of idolatry with the fiery sound of your teachings, * leading the nations out of the depths of ignorance * into the knowledge of God. * Pray now to Christ that He be merciful to us on the day of judgment!

Tone 5, Now…—of Pascha

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

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

Troparia, Tone 5

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

Tone 3, Glory…—of the saint

Holy Apostle Simon, intercede with the merciful God* to grant forgiveness of sins to our souls.

Same tone, Now…—dismissal Theotokion

We sing your praises, O Virgin;* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and your Son took flesh.* Then, by suffering the Passion on the Cross,** and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.

GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 5

The Lord is God, Tone 5

Troparia, Tone 5—of the Resurrection

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 3, Glory…—of the saint

Holy Apostle Simon, intercede with the merciful God* to grant forgiveness of sins to our souls.

Same tone, Now…—dismissal Theotokion

We sing your praises, O Virgin;* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and your Son took flesh.* Then, by suffering the Passion on the Cross,** and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.

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 shined 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, who put death to death, You were called dead;* You emptied the tombs, yet You 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, 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—of the Resurrection

O Lord, after Your Resurrection on the third day,* and after the worship of the Apostles, Peter cried to You:* “The women had courage, but I was afraid;* the thief confessed You as God, while I denied You.* Will You call me a disciple no longer,* 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 praise 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.

Polyeleos

Magnification

We extol you, * O holy apostle Simon, * and we honor the pangs and labors whereby you struggled * in the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.

Having sung the Magnification only once, immediately we begin the

Evoglitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 5—of the Resurrection

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

Sessional Hymns, Tone 8—of the apostle

Fishing for reason-endowed fish with the net of your divine words, you brought the first-fruits thereof to our God; and, desiring to clothe yourself in the wounds of Christ, you showed yourself to be an emulator of His suffering. Wherefore, assembling as is meet, we honor your most festive memory, O glorious apostle, and together cry out to you: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who honor your holy memory with love.

Same tone, Glory… Now…—Theotokion

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

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: John 20:11–18

Having beheld the Resurrection… (thrice)

Psalm 50

Verses after Psalm 50

Canon

Ode 1

—Paschal Canon

Irmos (tone 1): It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O people; Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha: for from death to life, and from earth to heaven, Christ God has brought us, as we sing the song of victory.

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

—Paschal Canon to the Mother of God

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

All-blameless Virgin, you have forced open the boundary of death by giving birth to Christ, our eternal Life, who today comes forth from the grave, giving light to the world.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O immaculate Mother of God, O pure Lady, full of the grace of God, having seen your Son and God arisen from the dead, rejoice with the apostles, for as the cause of joy for all, you were the first to hear the greeting, ‘Rejoice!’.

—Canon of the feast

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

—Canon of the apostle

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

Standing in the highest before the Master Who glorified you and splendidly showed you forth as His disciple, O wondrous apostle, illumine my soul, that I may hymn your divine memory.

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

Bestowing upon you every abundance of good things, O apostle, Christ, the Summit of divine gifts, Who alone is righteous, showed you forth by His just judgment, O divinely revealed one.

Glory… 

Bestowing upon you every abundance of good things, O apostle, Christ, the Summit of divine gifts, Who alone is righteous, showed you forth by His just judgment, O divinely revealed one.

Now…

Showing forth my mortality and corruption to be immortality and incorruption, O Savior, You made Your abode in the womb of the all-pure and holy Virgin who knew not wedlock, conforming Yourself to human nature.

Katavasia (of the Ascension, tone 5): To God the Saviour who made His people pass dryshod through the sea,* but drowned Pharaoh with all his host,* to Him let us sing:* for He alone is glorified.

 

Ode 3

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Today I return to incorruptible life, thanks to the goodness of him who was born of you, O pure one; he has filled all the ends of the earth with dazzling brightness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Seeing God, to whom you gave birth in the flesh, rising from the dead, as He said, dance and magnify Him as God, O pure and undefiled Maiden.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

You truly recognized the divine mystery of the incarnation, O God-pleasing apostle Simon, receiving transcendent radiance from the Savior Himself.

Glory… 

You truly recognized the divine mystery of the incarnation, O God-pleasing apostle Simon, receiving transcendent radiance from the Savior Himself.

Now…

The prophet described you beforehand, O Theotokos, as a candlestick all of gold, bearing Christ our God, the never-waning Light Who illumines the world with beams of divinity.

Katavasia (tone 5): By the power of Your Cross, O Christ, make steadfast my understanding,* that I may hymn and glorify Your saving Ascension.

Kontakion, Tone 2—of the apostle

With praises let all of us call blessed* the divinely eloquent Simon.* He diligently planted the teachings of wisdom in the hearts of the godly* and stands now at the throne of glory* rejoicing with the bodiless powers and praying unceasingly for all of us.

Ikos

Let us all now praise and piously bless the commemoration of the apostle as a day of salvation, for it shines forth like the sun upon the whole world, dispelling all darkness with rays of light, and with love illuminates those who celebrate his memory and lovingly honour it. Wherefore, let us hasten with zeal, chanting to him, for he stands before Christ, praying unceasingly for all of us.

Sessional Hymns, Tone 3—of the apostle

With the radiant light of the divine Spirit you destroyed the darkness of polytheism and illumined the hearts of the faithful, singing forth the Savior’s commandments, and abolishing the fables of the pagans. O glorious Simon, entreat Christ our God to grant us great mercy.

Glory… Now…, Tone 8—of the feast

The Master and Creator of all came upon a blind man sitting by the way,* who wept and said: “I have never in my life beheld the sun shining or the light of the radiant moon.* I therefore cry to You, who were born of the Virgin and enlighten all things:* Enlighten me, in Your compassion, so that, falling down before You, O Master, Christ my God, I may cry out: Grant me remission of transgressions in the abundance of Your mercy towards us, O Lover of man.”

 

Ode 4

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

He who fashioned your forefather Adam is fashioned from you, O pure one, and by his own death he has destroyed today the death that came through Adam, and has shed light on all things by the divine beams of his Resurrection.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Beholding Christ, whom you bore, O pure one, who are beautiful and lovely and spotless among women, as he shines in splendor today from the dead for the salvation of us all, rejoice with the apostles, and give him glory.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

Being wholly a treasury of evangelical gifts, full of grace, O most blessed Simon, you were a light for the world and salt to savor the universe.

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

You turned away from matters of shameful manifestation, O right wondrous one, and were vouchsafed to behold the immaterial light of God who took upon Himself the matter of humanity as a guise.

Glory… 

O Simon, disciple of Life incorruptible, slay our living sin with the life-bearing power of the Bestower of life, the activity of which you received.

Now…

Being the peer of Your Father in essence, You were the peer of men in nature, having received our flesh from the all-pure Virgin, O Master.

Katavasia (tone 5): I heard the report of the power of the Cross* that paradise is opened thereby* and I cried out aloud saying:* Glory to Your power, O Lord.

 

Ode 5

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O most pure Mother of God, the company of the godly is filled with joy, enlightened by the divine and quickening rays of the Resurrection of your Son.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

When You took flesh, O King of creation, You did not open the gates of the Virgin; neither did You destroy the seals of the tomb. Thus, when she saw You risen, she rejoiced exceedingly.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

Sitting in the upper chamber, O God-seer, you zealously received the fiery tongue of the Spirit which appeared to you.

Glory… 

Lifted up to a life in the mansions on high, you have brought lofty and great doctrines unto us.

Now…

By your birthgiving, O Virgin, the former law has ceased its effect, grace has blossomed forth, and righteousness has shone forth.

Katavasia (tone 5): Waking at dawn, we cry to You, O Lord:* Save us, for You are our God; we know no on else besides You.

 

Ode 6

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

Keeping the seals intact, O Christ, You arose from the tomb, just as You did not break the seal of the Virgin by Your birth, and You have opened for us the doors of Paradise.

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

The prisoner of death and corruption from of old is led up to everlasting and incorrupt life through Him who took flesh from your pure womb, O Virgin Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

He who descended into your womb, O pure one, and dwelt there, taking flesh beyond understanding, descended even to the lowest parts of the earth and raised up Adam with Himself when he arose from the tomb.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

O right wondrous Simon, who has been called the namesake of zeal, with zeal you emulated the Lord God Almighty.

Glory… 

Giving you authority, through the activity of His grace the Savior showed you to be a worker of divine miracles.

Now…

Let the mouths of the heretics be stopped who do not acknowledge you to be the Theotokos, O most immaculate one, and let their faces be covered with shame.

Katavasia (tone 5): An abyss has consumed me, and a whale has become my grave,* but I called out to You, O Lover of mankind, and Your right hand has saved me.

 

Kontakion, Tone 4—of the feast

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

Ikos

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

 

Ode 7

Irmos: He who delivered the Children from the furnace became man, suffered as mortal, and through His Passion clothed mortality with the beauty of incorruption, He is the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers!

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

Truly sacred and all-festive is this saving night, and this shining, light-bearing day, the harbinger of the Resurrection, on which the Timeless Light shone forth bodily from the tomb for all.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O all-blameless Lady, your Son, having slain death, has bestowed today upon all mortals the life that will endure unto all ages: he alone is blessed and most glorious, the God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

He who rules over all creation became man and dwelt in your womb, O Lady full of the grace of God; he endured the Cross and death, and as befits God he rose again, raising us all with himself, as all-powerful.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

Possessing strange zeal, O blessed Simon, you were called the namesake of zeal, and acquired a title in accordance with your character, crying out: Blessed are You, O Lord, forever!

Glory… 

Joining chorus before the Word as one who conversed with Him, you have found a share of His kingdom, crying: Blessed are You, O Lord God, forever!

Now…

Of old, through deceit the serpent drove our ancestors from their good inheritance; but you have restored it to them, O Mother of God. Blessed is the Fruit of your womb, O all-pure one!

Katavasia (tone 5): O Lord, who saved the children who praised You in the furnace of fire,* blessed are You, O God of our fathers.

 

Ode 8

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

The Creator came into the world through you, O Virgin Theotokos; tearing open the belly of hades, he granted the Resurrection to us mortals: therefore we bless him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Laying low the dominion of death, on the day of his Resurrection, your Son, O Virgin, as mighty God exalted us with Himself and made us divine; therefore we praise Him throughout all ages.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

As your feet are beautiful, O Simon, so is your tongue fair, which speaks glory to the Lord and has taught all to say: Hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages.

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

Adorned with radiant beauties, and emitting the splendors of miracles, O Simon, you were recognized by the people as a blessed seed. Hymn the Lord, you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

The human mind is unable to describe your birthgiving, O Theotokos, and fails when it tries to speak of it; for, having conceived, O Virgin, you gave birth to God, whom we exalt supremely for all ages.

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

Katavasia (tone 5): To God the Son, who was begotten of the Father before the ages* and was incarnate of a Virgin Mother in these last times,* give praise, O priests, and supremely exalt Him,* O people, to all the ages.

 

The Magnificat is not sung.

Ode 9

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

Christ is risen from the dead!

How divine, how loving, how sweet is Your voice, O Christ! For You have truly promised to be with us to the end of the age! Having this as our anchor of hope, we the faithful rejoice.

Christ is risen from the dead!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O Virgin, we the faithful bless you with one voice: Rejoice, O gate of the Lord! Rejoice, O living city! Rejoice, you for whose sake there has shone on us today the light of the Resurrection from the dead of him whom you bore!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Rejoice and be glad, divine gate of the Light! For Jesus, who set in the tomb, has dawned, shining more brightly than the sun; he sheds his rays on all the faithful, O Lady full of the grace of God.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

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

Holy Apostle Simon, pray to God for us!

You were revealed to the ends of the world, shining with light; and, having received the fire of the Spirit, you were shown to be radiant. Therefore we magnify you.

Glory… 

Offered yourself wholly to God, you were united to Him. Entreat Him now, O divinely manifest Simon, on behalf of us who praise you with faith and love.

Now…

In hymns we magnify the mediatrix of the salvation of all who has appeared to men and illumined the world with the splendours of her divine purity.

Katavasia (tone 5): O Mother of God,* who, in a manner beyond mind and word, gave birth within time to the Timeless One,* we the faithful magnify you with one accord.

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Exapostilaria

Tone 3—of Pascha

Having fallen asleep in the flesh, as a mortal, O King and Lord, on the third day You arose again, raising up Adam from corruption, and abolishing death: O Pascha of incorruption, Salvation of the world!

Glory…—of the apostle

Directing the course of your beautiful feet to the path of heaven, O apostle Simon, you ascended, rejoicing; and, standing before the Trinity, you behold the Son and the divine Spirit in the Father. Wherefore, we celebrate with faith your all-sacred and divine memory.

Now…—of the feast

As He passed by, our Savior came upon a blind man bereft of eyes, and, spitting on the ground and making clay, He anointed him and sent him to Siloam to wash. And when he had washed, he came, seeing Your light, O my Christ.

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 8—of the apostle

What shall we call you, O apostle? * Heaven, for you have declared the glory of God. * A river, for you mystically water creation. * A star illumining the Church. * A cup pouring forth a holy drink. * A most blessed friend of Christ, * a dweller with the incorporeal ones. * Pray for the salvation of our souls.

What shall we call you, O apostle? * Heaven, for you have declared the glory of God. * A river, for you mystically water creation. * A star illumining the Church. * A cup pouring forth a holy drink. * A most blessed friend of Christ, * a dweller with the incorporeal ones. * Pray for the salvation of our souls.

Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

O Simon, boast of the apostles, * your feet have been adorned * which trod well the path of preaching * and made narrow all the paths of the enemy * with the breadth of your divine understanding * of the Word Who appeared in the coarseness of the flesh and chose you as His all-glorious disciple, O blessed one. * Him do you beseech, that our souls be saved.

The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hand.

O divinely eloquent apostle Simon, * you were loosed by Christ as a radiant arrow which wounds the enemy * and manifestly imparts healing * to wounded souls. Wherefore, as is meet, we call you blessed * and celebrate today your holy solemnity. Pray, that our souls be saved.

Tone 8, Glory…—of the feast

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

Tone 2, Now…—Theotokion

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 find 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

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

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

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion of the Resurrection, 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 of the apostle, Tone 3: Holy apostle Simon, intercede with the merciful God* to grant forgiveness of sins to our souls.

Kontakion of the apostle, Tone 2: With praises let all of us call blessed* the divinely eloquent Simon.* He diligently planted the teachings of wisdom in the hearts of the godly* and stands now at the throne of glory* rejoicing with the bodiless powers and praying unceasingly for all of us.

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

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

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

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

Prokeimena 

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

Same tone—of the apostle
Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

Epistle: Acts 16:16-34 (NRSV) & 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
In those days, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

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

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

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse (of the feast): Look upon me and have mercy on me.
verse: Direct my steps according to Your Word.
verse (of the apostle): The heavens shall confess Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.

Gospel: John 9:1-38 (NRSV) & Matthew 13:54-58

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

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

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

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

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

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

Communion Hymn

Receive the Body of Christ;* taste the fountain of immortality.* Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest.* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their words unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Instead of Blessed is He who comes… we sing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the dismissal, instead of Glory… Now and ever… we chant:

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

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

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