GREAT VESPERS, FESTAL MATINS AND DIVINE LITURGY

AT GREAT VESPERS ON WEDNESDAY EVENING

English Source: Royal Doors www.royaldoors.net

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

At Psalm 140

Tone 4

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

Having achieved the salvation of all mankind,* You went up to the Mount of Olives O Christ,* from where You were taken to heaven before Your disciples,* being borne there in glory.* Wherefore, amazed by the mystery,* the lower orders cried out to the higher powers:* Lift up the gates, that the sovereign God of all may enter therein* from where He had departed, as He had willed,* to wondrously effect the salvation of the world.

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

As the choir of the disciples’ looked upon You ascending, they cried aloud:* O Master, why do You leave Your servants behind?* To where do You journey, O You who hold all of creation in Your hands?* Behold, we have left all things to follow after You rejoicing,* with the hope that we would ever abide and dwell with You:* Leave us not orphaned,* but as You promised, O compassionate Saviour,* send the Comforter and Saviour of our souls.

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

As You granted a final blessing to Your friends, O Master,* You taught them the mystery:* Behold, O my friends, I go to the Father,* I shall send forth to you the Comforter.* I shall not leave My beloved sheep which I have gathered,* I shall not forget those on whom I bestowed my love.* Endowed with power of the Most High God,* you shall go forth and preach to all the world the good tidings,* of the salvation of the race of mankind.

Tone 4

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

You gave Your precious cross as a most powerful weapon to the emperor.* Through it he reigned righteously on earth, shining with godliness.* And by Your compassion he was counted worthy of Your heavenly kingdom.* Therefore with him we glorify Your dispensation, almighty Jesus,* Saviour of our souls, and Lover of mankind!

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

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

As the King of kings, the Lord who reigns over all,* You, Lover of mankind, granted Your servant the wisdom of Solomon* the meekness of David, and the orthodox faith of the Apostles!* Therefore we glorify Your dispensation, almighty Jesus,* Saviour of our souls, and Lover of mankind!

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

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

Emperor of eternal memory,* first you willingly submitted the purple to Christ,* recognizing Him as true God and King of all,* the great Benefactor and Source of victory.* You saw Him set above every principality and power.* Therefore Jesus made the kingdom prosper for you, lover of virtue,* for He is the Saviour of our souls, and Lover of mankind!

Tone 2, Glory…

Constantine the great, most powerful emperor, * you received the finest of rich gifts from God making you pre-eminent.* Enlightened by the rays of the most Holy Spirit through baptism,* you appeared invincible while you reigned,* receiving the world as a free gift of the Creator.* You ruled the city with faithfulness.* Since therefore you have boldness before Him,* never cease to pray to Christ* that all who celebrate your memory in faith* may be granted forgiveness of sins and great mercy!

Tone 6, Now…

God is gone up in jubilation,* the Lord with the voice of the trumpet,* to raise the fallen image of Adam,* and to send the Comforting Spirit to sanctify our souls.

Prokeimenon, Tone 5

O Lord, save me by Your name,* and in Your power be a judge for me.

verse: O God, hear my prayer; listen to the words of my mouth.

Readings

(1) 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; (2) Isaiah 61:10-62:5; (3) Isaiah 60:1-16

Aposticha

Tone 2

You received the sceptre from God, Constantine, first emperor of Christians.* The hidden symbol of salvation appeared to you on earth. * Having the life-giving Cross as an invincible weapon, blessed saint,* you brought all the nations to the feet of Rome,* and yourself were led to God.

I have exalted one chosen out of the people!

The womb that bore you is truly blessed and sanctified, divinely crowned Constantine:* beloved of the world, and joy of Christians!* You are the glory, wealth and champion of orphans and widows,* the protector of the lowly and those in need;* you restore the afflicted, and rescue those in bonds!

God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness!

With longing and love for Christ,* the mother of a sweet offspring made havee to come to holy Sion,* to the sacred place where our Saviour was crucified in His desire to save us.* Raising the Cross there, she cried, rejoicing:* glory to Him who has given me what I desired!

Tone 8, Glory…

Brightly shining moon and star of evening, * you were turned from unbelief to faith in the true God.* You were led to sanctify the people and city.* Beholding the figure of the Cross in the sky, you heard from above:* Conquer with this Cross in which lies victory over your enemies!* Receiving wisdom from the Holy Spirit, you were anointed as holy emperor,* anointing and supporting the Church of God,* father of orthodox emperors, Constantine,* equal to the apostles whose relics pour forth healing:* ever intercede for our souls!

Tone 1, Now…

Having ascended into the heavens,* from where You also descended,* leave us not orphaned, O Lord;* let Your Spirit come, bringing peace to the world;* show to the sons of men the works of Your might,* O Lord and Lover of mankind.

Troparion, Tone 8

After seeing the image of Your cross in the heavens, O Lord,* and receiving like Paul the summons that was not from men,* Your apostle among kings entrusted into Your hands the imperial city.* Always save it in peace by the prayers of the Mother of God,* only Lover of mankind.

Tone 4, Glory… Now…

You ascended in glory, O Christ our God;* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God,** the Redeemer of the world.

AT FESTAL MATINS ON THURSDAY MORNING

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

The Lord is God, Tone 4

Troparia, Tone 4

Tone 8, Glory…

Tone 4, Now…

Psalter Reading

Small Litany

Sessional Hymns, Tone 6

You were the image of a new David,* receiving the horn of royal anointing over your head;* for with the oil of the Spirit the transcendent Word and Lord anointed you, O glorious one.* Therefore, you have also received a royal sceptre, O most wise one,* asking great mercy for us.

Tone 5, Glory… Now…

Having come down from Heaven to the things of earth, * O Christ, as God, with Yourself, You resurrected Adam’s form,* which lay prostrate in the nether holds of Hades’ vault;* in Your Ascension to the heights* You led it up into the Heavens and You seated it upon the throne of Your Father,* since You are merciful and the Lover of mankind.

Psalter Reading

Small Litany

Sessional Hymns, Tone 6

The Creator of the sun and creation,* Who was wounded on the Cross,* with the stars of heaven drew you to Him like a radiant star,* and invested you as the first with royal dominion.* Therefore, we praise you, O Constantine, most pious emperor,* with your divinely wise mother Helena.

Tone 8, Glory… Now…

You went up the Mount of Olives, O merciful Jesus, * from whence You were taken. * For a bright cloud received You from the earth, * as Your disciples looked on in awe, * and the bodiless hosts on high heard the noetic leaders cry aloud: * Be lifted in fear, O you gates. * With them creation praises You, ** Who are the King and God of all things that be.

Polyeleos

Magnification

We magnify you,* right faithful sovereigns Constantine and Helen, Equals of the Apostles,* and we honour your holy memory,* who enlightened the whole world with holy baptism.

verse: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of His hands.

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

Your harmonious memorial, made manifest to us, illumines the ends of the earth with the light of divine knowledge, O divinely inspired Constantine; for you have been shown to be one pious among kings, having kept the laws of the King of heaven. Wherefore, by your supplications deliver us from temptations.

Glory… Now…

By your divine birth-giving, O pure one,* you have renewed the mortal nature of those born on earth, which had become corrupt through the passions,* raising up all from death to a life of incorruption. * Wherefore, as is meet we all bless you, O exceedingly glorious Virgin,* as you foretold.

Hymns of Ascent, Tone 4, First Antiphon

Prokiemenon, Tone 4

I have raised up one chosen out of My people;* I have found David My servant.

verse: Therefore God, your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness.

Let everything that breathes, Tone 4

Gospel

John 10:9-16

Verses at Psalm 50

Tone 6, Glory…

Through the intercession of the holy apostles,* O Merciful One,* remit our many sins.

Now…

Through the intercession of the Mother of God,* O Merciful One,* remit our many sins.

Tone 2

Have mercy on me, O God, in Your kindness. In Your compassion blot out my offense.

The memory of the pious Constantine has shone forth today,* poured out like myrrh;* for, desiring Christ, he spurned the idols,* raising up a temple on the earth to Him Who was crucified for our sake;* and in the heavens he has received the crown of hope.

Canon

Canon of the Righteous Ones, Tone 8. Katavasiae of Ascension.

Ode 1

Irmos: Having passed through the water as upon dry land, * and having escaped the malice of the Egyptians, * the Israelites cried aloud: * Unto our God and Redeemer let us sing.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

O You Who alone are the King of heaven, through the entreaties of Your favourites, free my lowly soul from sin, which now reigns within me.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

As one who loved the kingdom on high, O blessed Constantine, believing with a pure mind, you worshipped the King and Master of all.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Illumined with divine light, O divinely wise Helena, you + truly forsake the darkness of ignorance and most sincerely enslave yourself to the King of the ages.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

O Lady, you portal of the divine East, open unto me the door of repentance, and by your intercession deliver me from the gates of deadly sin.

(Katavasia, Tone 4) Enveloped by the divine cloud, the man of unsure speech taught the Law written by God;* wiping the dust from his eyes, he saw the One-Who-Is,* and he was initiated into the knowledge of the Spirit.* Let us praise him with inspired songs.

Ode 3

Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do You strengthen me in Your love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

You strove to receive heavenly rewards; wherefore, O divinely wise father, you followed Him Who called you, forsaking the darkness of the falsehood bequeathed to you, and became a luminary through the divine Spirit.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Having cleaved unto Christ and set all your hope on Him, O most honoured one, you attained unto His sacred places, wherein the Supremely good One, having become incarnate, endured His most pure sufferings.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Burning with divine desire, O divinely blessed one, you uncovered the precious Cross, the weapon of salvation, the insuperable victory, the hope of Christians, which had been hidden in malice.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Having fallen away from my sacred citizenship, O most pure one, I have become like a beast and am wholly condemned. O you who have given birth to the Judge, deliver and save me from all condemnation.

(Katavasia, Tone 4) The shackles of a sterile womb and the unbridled pride that filled a mother* were shattered by the prayer of Anna, the prophetess of old,* who bore a contrite and humbled heart* before the supreme and all-powerful God.

Kontakion, Tone 6

When you had fulfilled Your plan for us* and united things on earth with those in heaven,* You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* in no way distant, but remaining in separable,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.

Ikos

Leaving earthly cares to the earth and that which is weree and refuse to the dust, come, let us arise from sleep and with our eyes and hearts let us go towards higher things. Let us also lift up our thoughts and our attention from the earth to the gates of heaven, as if we were on the Mount of Olives, where we fix our eyes on the Redeemer as He is carried away to heaven. For it is there that the Lord departs for heaven; it is there also that He distributes His great gifts to the apostles, giving them strength and comforting them as a Father, guiding them as sons and saying to them: I am not separating myself from you; I shall always be with you, and no one shall ever have power over you.

Sessional Hymns, Tone 8

Having stretched forth your senses toward heaven and acquired the beauty of the stars,* you were taught by them the mysteries of the Lord of all;* and the weapon of the Cross shone forth in their midst,* signifying that in which you should conquer and achieve dominion.* Wherefore, opening the eyes of your soul, you read the writings and learn about the image.* O most honoured Constantine,* entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins to those who celebrate your holy memory with love.

Glory… Now…

Riding upon the heavenly clouds,* after having brought peace to Your people on earth,* You have been taken up to sit upon the divine throne* since You are consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit.* You have appeared in the flesh without change,* and You await the fulfilment of all things,* when You shall return to the earth to judge the whole world.* O just Judge, spare our souls* and grant forgiveness of sins to Your servants,* O Lord and God of mercy.

Ode 4

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

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Christ the Lord pursued you from heaven, as He had Paul of old, O Constantine, teaching you to worship Him as the only King.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

With a most radiant sign of stars, O blessed one, Christ the Sun illumined you, showing you to be a luminary for the darkened.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

O blessed one, you were God-loving in nature and right wondrous in your divine works; wherefore, we glorify you with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Ever-virgin who has given birth to the Sun of righteousness, illumine my soul, which has been darkened by sins.

(Katavasia, Tone 4) O King of kings and only Son of the Father,* O Word proceeding from the Father without beginning,* You send Your Spirit of truth upon Your apostles who sing:* Glory to Your power, O Lord!

Ode 5

Irmos: Rising early we cry to You, O Lord; * save us, for You are our God, * and we know none other besides You.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Having risen at dawn unto the never-waning Sun and Master, O divinely wise emperor, you were filled with light.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Wearing love and perfect loving-kindness like a robe of royal purple, you have now made your abode in the kingdom on high.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

O Helena, you have joined the choirs of the incorporeal ones, having pleased God by your virtuous works.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cleanse my soul, which has been defiled by carnal pleasures through the treachery of the serpent, O Virgin.

(Katavasia, Tone 4) Receive the Holy Spirit,* breathing the flames of fresh dew as a baptism that takes away sin,* O you children who are enlightened by the Church.* For today the Law comes forth from Zion;* it is the grace of the Spirit* which comes in tongues of fire.

Ode 6

Irmos: I will pour out my prayer unto the Lord, * and to Him will I proclaim my grief; * for my soul is filled with evils, * and my life unto Hades has drawn nigh, * and like Jonah I pray unto You: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Most gloriously you assembled the divine choir of the God-bearing fathers, O Constantine, and through them make steadfast the storm-tossed hearts of all, that they might glorify the Word as equal in honour and co-enthroned with the One Who begot Him.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Having believed on the living Lord Who giveth life unto all, O Helena, you spurned the abominable worship of vain idols and joyously received the kingdom of heaven.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Guided by Your hand, O Word, through You the sovereigns thrust aside the most profound darkness of ignorance and the tempest of cruel godlessness, and arrived, rejoicing, at the calm havens of piety.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal you my heart, which has grown incurably sick and has been grievously wounded by the sting of the evil one, O Maiden, and by your entreaties grant healing unto me, and save me who trust in you, O most pure one.

(Katavasia, Tone 4) O Christ, our salvation and redemption,* You have come forth in splendour from the Virgin,* to rescue us from the pit of the tomb;* as Jonah was saved from the sea monster,* the entire human race* was saved after the fall of Adam.

Small Litany

Kontakion, Tone 3

Today Constantine and Helen his mother reveal the cross,* the all-precious wood which shames those who refuse to believe.* Rulers with faith possess it as a weapon against foes;* a glorious standard frightful in battle revealed for the sake of all.

Ikos

Let us honour Constantine, and Helena his mother; for, hearing the words of David, they recognized the three parts of the Cross in the cedar, the pine and the cypress, upon which the suffering of the Savior was accomplished. And having found it, in preparation to display it before the people, they set it before all the Jews, hidden because of their hatred and jealousy; revealing it to be the great justification. Wherefore, they have been revealed to all as victors, bearing the invincible trophy, the great standard, terrible in battle.

Ode 7

Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace * boldly trampled upon the flames, * changing the fire into dew, they cried aloud: * ‘Blessed are You, O Lord our God, throughout the ages’.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Keeping Your precepts, Constantine submitted to Your law. Wherefore, he has cast down hordes of the iniquitous, crying out to You: Blessed are You, O Lord God!

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

The Tree which has drawn all from the pit of destruction, O right wondrous one, and which was buried out of malice, you disclosed unto us, burying the most pernicious demons forever.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

By godly works you made your heart a temple of God, O Helena, and likewise built sacred churches for Him, where for our sake He endured His most pure sufferings for our sake.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Willingly committing sins, and enslaved by unseemly habits, I flee now to your tender compassion. O most holy Sovereign Lady, save me who am in despair!

(Katavasia, Tone 4) The symphony of instruments was raised up* to adore the lifeless golden statue;* but the bright grace of the Paraclete invites us to sing with devotion:* Blessed are You, eternal and unique Trinity!

Ode 8

Irmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyrant made the furnace blaze, * with heat fanned sevenfold for the servants of God; * but when he perceived that they had been saved by a greater power * he cried aloud to the Creator and Redeemer, * ‘O ye youths bless, O ye priests praise, * O ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout all ages’.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Arrayed in loving-kindness as in a robe and in goodly meekness as in cloak, O glorious one, you were adorned with a mind perfect in the virtues as with a crown; and having been translated from earth to the kingdom on high, you dost cry aloud: O ye priests bless; O ye people supremely exalt Christ throughout all ages!

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Beholding you rejoicing with your divinely wise son, in the kingdom of God, O glorious Helena, we magnify Christ Who has shown us your honoured festival, which illumines us more brightly than the rays of the sun, wherefore we chant with faith: O ye people supremely exalt Christ throughout all ages!

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Wondrous is your desire and godly your character, O glorious Helena, you boast of women! For having attained unto the places where the precious sufferings took place, you adorned them with all-beauteous temples of the Master of all, crying: O ye people supremely exalt Christ throughout all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Theotokos, enlighten the eyes of my soul, which have been blinded by many crimes; grant peace to my mind and heart, which have been vexed by multifarious pleasures, I pray, and save me who cry: O ye priests bless; ye people supremely exalt the pure one throughout all ages!

(Katavasia, Tone 4) The triple flame of the unique divinity* breaks the chains and stirs the flames with dew;* the youths sing His praises,* and every creature, the work of His hands, blesses its only Saviour and benefactor.

Ode 9

Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, * and the ends of the earth were filled with amazement, * for God has appeared in the flesh, * and your womb was rendered more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore, the ranks of men and of angels * magnify you as the Theotokos.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

The tomb wherein your sacred and precious body lies, O Constantine, ever pours forth the radiance of divine healings upon those whoever approach it in purity, driving away the darkness of divers passions and illumining those who praise you with never-waning light.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

Having finished your life in holiness, you have now made your abode with the saints, full of sanctity and enlightenment. Wherefore, ever pouring forth rivers of healings, you dost burn up our sufferings, giving drink to our souls, O blessed Helena.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, rulers Constantine and Helen, pray to God for us.

O beginningless and immortal King, You have vouchsafed Your heavenly kingdom to the holy Helena and the great Constantine, whom of old you granted to reign piously on earth, and who loved You in purity, O Lord. By their supplications have pity on us all.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having conceived, you have given birth to the King and Creator of all, O Virgin. And, lo! as a Queen you stand forth now at His right hand. Wherefore, I beseech you: at the hour of judgment deliver me from the left side, and number me with the sheep on the right.

(Katavasia, Tone 4) Rejoice, O Queen and glorious Virgin Mother!* What orator, rich in eloquence, could find the proper words* to fashion a hymn of praise worthy of you?* For every spirit shudders* before the mystery of your holy birth-giving;* and we also unite our voices to glorify you.

Small Litany

Hymn of Light

You have truly been shown to be luminaries enlightening the whole world with the faith of piety, O divinely crowned Constantine and glorious Helena; and with hymns we glorify Christ Who has magnified you and is wondrous in His saints.

Glory…

The great Constantine and his mother did not receive royal dominion from mortals, but through divine grace. Illumined by heaven, he beheld the divine trophy of the Cross, and having vanquished the enemy therewith, he abolished the delusion of idolatry and strengthened the orthodox Faith in peace.

Now…

O Christ, You were raised up to heaven in the sight of Your disciples;* You again went up to share Your Father’s throne.* The angels who came to meet You at the heavenly gate cried out:* Open your gates and lift up your lintels* so that the King of glory may come in,* for our King comes again to the Source of light.

Stichera on the Praises, Tone 5

Praise Him for His powerful deeds,* praise His surpassing greatness.

Rejoice, O most wise Constantine, * wellspring of Orthodoxy, * ever irrigating the whole world with sweet waters! * Rejoice, O root from whence the fruit sprang forth * which feeds the Church of Christ! * Rejoice, O most glorious one, * the boast of the ends of the earth, * first among Christian emperors! ** Rejoice, O joy of the faithful!

O praise Him with sound of trumpet,* praise Him with lute and harp;

He Who rules over creation, * perceiving the submissiveness of your heart, * rationally pursued you * who were held fast in irrationality, O most wise one; * and, having illumined your thoughts * with the understandings of piety, * He showed you forth to the world * as a radiant sun emitting beams of divine works,* O most glorious one.

Praise Him with timbrel and dance,* praise Him with strings and pipes.

Having received the teachings of the Lord * like choice earth, * O all-praised one, * you produced the goodly fruit of virtuous deeds, * nourishing our thoughts * by the emulation of your citizenship, * O most wise Helena. * Wherefore, observing your memorial today,* we celebrate it with joy.

O praise Him with resounding cymbals, praise Him with clashing of cymbals.* Let everything that lives and that breathes give praise to the Lord.

O Christ, with the oil of gladness * You most gloriously anointed * Your heirs, Constantine and Helena, * who hated falsehood * and desired Your beauty; * and You vouchsafed to them * Your heavenly kingdom, O Word, * for they were the first to reign in piety * upon the earth at Your behest.

Glory…

God, the King of kings, Who adorns the worthy with rich gifts,* Himself pursued you from heaven, as He had the most glorious Paul, O Constantine.* But you He pursued with the sign of the Cross, saying:* “By this sign vanquish your enemies!”* And having sought Him with your divinely wise mother,* and found Him as you desired, you mightily put them to flight.* With her, therefore, entreat you Him Who alone is the Lover of mankind,* on behalf of orthodox kings, the Christ-loving armies, and all who celebrate your memory with faith,* that they may be delivered from all wrath.

Tone 2, Now…

O our God, You were born in a manner of Your own choosing;* You appeared and suffered in the flesh as You willed;* You crushed Death through Your Resurrection and ascended into glory;* and You sent down the divine Spirit upon us;* therefore, we sing a hymn of praise and glorify Your divinity.

Troparion, Tone 8

Tone 4, Glory… Now…

Insistent Litany

Litany of Supplication

Great Dismissal

AT DIVINE LITURGY ON THURSDAY MORNING

First Antiphon

Clap your hands, all you nations;* shout to God with the voice of joy.

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

For the Lord most high is awesome,* a great king over all the earth.

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

He has subdued peoples to us,* and nations under our feet.

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

God ascended amid shouts of joy;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.

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

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Third Antiphon

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

Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

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

Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

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

Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship* and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through your blessing* that You are the Son of God,* the Redeemer of the world.

Troparion, Tone 8: After seeing the image of Your cross in the heavens, O Lord,* and receiving like Paul the summons that was not from men,* Your apostle among kings entrusted into Your hands the imperial city.* Always save it in peace by the prayers of the Mother of God,* only Lover of mankind.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today Constantine and Helen his mother reveal the cross,* the all-precious wood which shames those who refuse to believe.* Rulers with faith possess it as a weapon against foes;* a glorious standard frightful in battle revealed for the sake of all.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 6: When you had fulfilled Your plan for us* and united things on earth with those in heaven,* You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* in no way distant, but remaining inseparable,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;* above all the earth be Your glory.

verse: My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready. I will sing and make music in my glory. (Psalm 56:6,8)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

Epistle

Acts 25:13-19; Galatians 1:11-19

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: God ascended amid shouts of joy; the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.

verse: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:6,2)

verse: I have exalted one chosen from among My people.

Gospel

John 16:23-33; John 10:1-8

Hymn to the Theotokos

O my soul, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.

and the Irmos: O Mother of God,* you transcended both mind and word,* and in time, ineffably bore the Timeless One:* it is you who, with one accord,* we, the faithful, magnify.

Communion Hymn

God ascended amid shouts of joy;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their words unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Instead of We have seen the true light we sing:

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, above all the earth be Your glory.

Instead of Let our mouths be filled we sing three times:

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, above all the earth be Your glory.

May 21: The Holy Great Rulers Constantine (337) and Helen (330)

GREAT VESPERS, FESTAL MATINS AND DIVINE LITURGY

AT GREAT VESPERS ON WEDNESDAY EVENING

AT FESTAL MATINS ON THURSDAY MORNING

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