Saturday, August 1, 2026

The Procession with the Holy Relics of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord; The Seven Holy Martyred Maccabees, and their mother, Solome, and their teacher, Eleazar. Our Venerable Father Alphonsus Liguori.

Dormition Fast.

Divine Liturgy

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.* Grant victory to Your faithful people against enemies,* and protect Your community by Your cross.

Troparion, Tone 1: We beseech You, Lord of mankind,* to accept in supplication* the suffering which the saints endured for Your sake, Lord,* and heal all our infirmities.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: By Your own choice, O Christ our God,* You were lifted on the cross.* Grant Your mercies to Your new community* that bears Your name.* By Your power gladden the faithful people* and grant them victory against enemies.* May they have the help of Your instrument of peace,* the invincible sign of victory.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion: Tone 2: Most wise Maccabees,* seven pillars of the wisdom of God;* a divinely lit seven-branched candlestick!* Great martyrs before the martyrs of Christ:* Join them in asking the God of all to save those who honour you!

Prokeimenon, Tone 0

Save Your people, O Lord, * and bless Your inheritance.

verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord, my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm27:9,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

To the saints who are in His land, the Lord has made wonderful all His desires in them. (Psalm 15:3)

Epistle

1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Brothers and Sisters, the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Remember Your congregation which You acquired from the beginning.

verse: But God is our king before the ages; He has wrought salvation in the midst of the earth. (Psalm 74:2,12)

verse: The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of their afflictions. (Psalm 33:18)

Gospel

John 19:6-11,13-20,25-28,30-35

At that time, the chief priests and the police took council against Jesus to put him to death. And they delivered him to Pilate, saying, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.”

Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

And that is what the soldiers did.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.”

When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.)

Communion Hymn

Let the light of Your countenance, O Lord,* shine upon us (Psalm 4:7).* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

Vespers

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You!

Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come, and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and O Good One, save our souls.

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

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

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord* pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your Name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Priest: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12)

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

Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.

Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ, our King and God.

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul! You are very great O Lord, my God;

Clothed in pomp and brilliance; arrayed with light as with a cloak.

Stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth, covering Your lofty halls with water.

You make the clouds Your conveyance. You surge on the wings of the wind.

You make spirits Your messengers, and flaming fires Your attendants.

You settle the earth on its firm foundation; it shall stand unmoved from age to age.

The abyss covers it like a garment; waters stand over the mountains.

At Your rebuke they will take flight; at the peal of Your thunder they will fear.

They hurdle the hills and run down the dales, to the place You have chosen for them.

You have set up a boundary not to be passed; they shall never return to cover the earth.

Down in the gullies You make springs to rise; water shall go down between the mountains.

They shall give drink to the beasts of the field; wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst.

The birds of the sky will abide by them; from among the rocks they will raise their song.

From Your lofty halls You refresh the mountains; the earth shall be fed with the fruit of Your works.

You make green pastures for the cattle and food-plants for the service of all,

So that bread may be brought forth from the earth, and wine that gladdens the heart of man.

So that oil may put a gleam upon his face; and that bread may strengthen the heart of all.

The trees of the plain will be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted.

The sparrows will build their nests in them; and the herons will call them their home.

To the deer belong high mountains, to rodents, the shelter of the rocks.

You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows the time of its setting.

You establish darkness, and it is night wherein the forest creatures prowl around.

Young lions roar for their prey, and call out to God for their meat.

As the sun rises, they will come together, and lay themselves down in their dens.

Man will go out to his labour and work until eventide.

How great are Your works, O Lord, in wisdom You have wrought them all.

The earth is filled with Your creatures. Even the wide and open sea itself, within it there are countless creeping things, living beings small and large.

Upon it there are ships a-sailing, and that great beast You made to have fun.

All of them look up to You, to give them their food in due time.

You provide and they gather up; You open Your hand and they are full.

You hide Your face and they cringe; You suspend their breath, and they die and return to their dust.

You send forth Your breath and they live; You renew the face of the earth.

May the Lord’s glory endure for ever: may the Lord rejoice in His works;

He looks upon the earth and makes it quake; He touches the mountains and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will praise my God as long as I last.

Would that my thoughts be pleasing to Him: and I will rejoice in the Lord.

May sinners vanish from the earth, and may the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

The sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness, and it is night.

How great are Your works, O Lord, in wisdom You have wrought them all.

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

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Litany of Peace

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For peace throughout the world, for the well-being of God’s holy churches and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence, and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the most holy universal Pontiff, (name), the Pope of Rome, our most blessed Patriarch, (name), our most reverend Metropolitan, (name), our God-loving Bishop, (name), for the reverend priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this city, for every city and country and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For favourable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the seafarers and travellers, for the sick and the suffering, for those held captive, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and misfortune, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: For all glory, honour, and worship befit You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Psalm 140

O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me. Hear me, O Lord! O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me. Receive the voice of my prayer when I call upon You. Hear me, O Lord!

Let my prayer rise like incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord!

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth and a portal around my lips.

Incline my heart away from evil dealings, from finding excuses for sinful deeds.

In company with those who work iniquity, let me not partake of what they choose.

May the just chasten me with justice and reprove me; may the oil of the wicked never touch my head.

Yet even then shall I pray for their welfare. Their rulers were swallowed near the rock.

My words will be heard, for they were sweet. As a lump of clay broken on the ground, so their bones were strewn near the grave.

On You, Lord, O Lord, my eyes are fixed. In You have I trusted; take not my life.

Keep me from the snare that was set for me, and from the stumbling-blocks of the wicked.

The wicked shall fall into their own nets, while I remain alone until I can escape.

Psalm 141

With my voice I cried to the Lord; with all my voice I implored the Lord.

Before Him I pour out my supplications; before Him I declare my distress.

When my breath was escaping me, then You knew my paths;

On the road upon which I was walking, they set up snares for me.

I looked to my right and observed there was no one friendly to me;

Even flight was denied me; there was no one to take care of my life.

I cried out to You, O Lord, and said: You are my hope, my share in the land of the living.

Listen to my supplication, for I am laid very low.

Deliver me from my oppressors, for they have overwhelmed me.

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

The just shall gather around me when You give me my due reward.

Psalm 129

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

Let Yours ears be attentive to the voice of my prayer.

At Psalm 140

Tone 4, Podoben “Called from on high…”

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

Today the divine assembly of the faithful rejoices* for the Cross appears throughout the world!* It illumines the heavens with ineffable light,* brightens the air, adorning the face of the earth.* The church of Christ exults with divine singing,* venerating and serving the holy and wondrous Cross* which preserves her from above.* As we are strengthened by its power,* let us approach the Master saying:* grant peace to the world, and enlighten our souls!

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

Let all creation rejoice and dance!* For today the Cross shines from heaven to the ends of the earth!* It enlightens those who are born on earth, bringing them to unity.* Today mankind exults with the choirs of angels,* for the Cross has destroyed the dividing walls and gathered all into one.* Shining brighter than the sun, it enlightens all creation with grace,* showing salvation plainly to those who honour it in faith!

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

Shining brighter than the sun,* revealing itself to the world as the sceptre of Christ the King,* it shines to all the ends of the earth.* It has brought the human race out of hell.* And having despoiled hell and overthrown the enemy,* it vanquishes the arrogance of demons.* Now it declares the resurrection of the Saviour, and saves all who cry:* grant peace to the world, and enlighten our souls!

Tone 1, Podoben “O most lauded martyrs…”

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

Persecution did not shake the roof of the law,* firmly upheld by seven pillars.* For they bravely endured the senseless fury of their tormenter,* giving their bodies to the executioners:* these noble young men and brothers,* guardians of the oracles of Moses.

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

Raising their minds above visible things,* their bodily limbs cut down,* the brave and righteous youths,* with their divinely-wise mother,* were strengthened by the great hopes which have been fulfilled,* as they now rest in the bosom* of their forefather Abraham!

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

Most holy Eleazer, the young men* and their divinely wise mother,* arming themselves firmly with youthful boldness of soul,* gathering strength from zeal,* steadfastly attacked the adversary for the sake of piety,* to preserve the law of their fathers.

Tone 8, Glory…

The holy Maccabees said to the tyrant:* Antiochus, there is for us one king alone:* God in whom we have our being and to whom we turn!* A world higher and more lasting than the one we see awaits us.* Our homeland is the sure and invincible Jerusalem!* She keeps this solemn feast with the angels;* by their prayers, have mercy on us and save us!

Now…

In ancient times, Moses prefigured the Cross,* casting down Amalek in defeat;* your Cross is the footstool David the psalmist* proclaimed worthy of veneration!* We sinners honour it today with unworthy lips, Christ our God.* We entreat you, for you were freely nailed upon it:* Lord, with the thief, make us worthy of Your kingdom!

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright!

Hymn of Light

Tranquil Light, of the holy glory of the immortal heavenly, holy blessed Father, O Jesus Christ: as we come upon the sunset, as we see the evening light, we sing to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. At all times You are worthy of being hymned by joyful voices; O Son of God, You are the giver of life. For this the whole world glorifies You.

Prokeimenon

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

Priest: Peace be with all.

Deacon: Wisdom! Let us be attentive!

Friday Evening, Psalm 58, Tone 7

O God, You are my defender* and Your mercy goes before me.

v. Deliver me from my enemies, O God; save me from those who rise up against me.

Deign, O Lord

Deign, O Lord, to keep us this evening without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name for ever. Amen.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us because we have set our hope in You.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments.

Blessed are You, O Master, make me understand Your commandments.

Blessed are You, O Holy One, enlighten me with Your laws.

O Lord, Your mercy endures forever; do not despise the work of Your hands.

It is proper to praise You, and hymns belong to You.

Glory belongs to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Litany of Supplication

Deacon: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For the forgiveness and remission of our sins and offenses, let us ask the Lord.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For all that is good and beneficial for our souls and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: That we may spend the rest of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For a Christian end to our lives, one that is painless, unashamed, and peaceful; and for a good defence at the awesome tribunal of Christ, let us ask.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: For You, O God, are gracious and You love mankind, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Priest: Peace to all of you.

All: And with your spirit.

Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: O Lord our God, You lowered the heavens when You came down for the salvation of the human race. Now look upon Your servants and upon Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads to You, the Judge, both awesome and loving. They do not await human help but look for Your mercy and are ready to receive Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and tonight, against all enemies, against the devil’s assaults, against vain thoughts and evil dreams. May the might of Your kingdom be blessed and exalted, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Aposticha

Tone 1

Come and celebrate the procession of the Cross,* you who love solemn assemblies!* Let us show forth our joy, crying out in the fullness of faith:* Cross of Christ, by the grace of the One who was lifted up on you,* sanctify us and save us from all harm by your might!

Extol the Lord our God; worship at His footstool for it is holy!

The precious Cross traverses the heavens,* assisting the veneration of all in fear and love!* As you were crucified upon it, number with the powers on high* those who praise it with love!

God is our King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth!

In venerating the precious Cross with faith,* we worship the Master whom it crucified!* With the veneration of our lips, we purify our souls,* showing forth our joy as we praise* the sacred radiance of the Cross!

Tone 8, Glory…

The souls of the just are in the hands of God:* Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the forefathers before the Law,* and their inheritance, the Maccabees whom now we praise.* For these sons of Abraham followed him in the faith with strength of soul,* wrestling even to death for the sake of godliness.* Raised in reverence and striving worthily,* they reproved the godless Antiochus.* For the sake of eternal life they scorned the things of this world,* setting aside for God their lives: soul and body!* Holy mother, who brought forth for us these seven sons!* With her, Maccabees, and the wise priest Eleazar,* as you stand before Christ our God for whom you laboured,* entering into the fruits of your reward, ever pray to him for mankind.* For according to His will, He answers those who pray to Him in faith!

Now…

The voice of your prophet Moses cried out, O God:* behold your life as it hangs before your eyes!* So today the Cross is lifted up and the world set free from error.* Today Christ’s resurrection is renewed!* The ends of the earth rejoice with David in songs and cymbals:* O God, You have wrought salvation in the midst of the earth:* the crucifixion and resurrection by which we are saved!* All-powerful, good Lord, the Lover of mankind, glory to You!

Hymn of Simeon

Now, O Master, You have kept Your promise; let Your servant go in peace. With my own eyes I have seen the salvation which You have prepared in the sight of every people; a Light to reveal You to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people, Israel!

Trisagion Prayers

Lector: Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

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

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your Name.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Our Father, Who art in heaven,* hallowed by Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Priest: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Troparia

Tone 1

We beseech you, O Lord of mankind,* to accept in supplication the suffering which the saints endured for your sake, O Lord,** and heal all our infirmities.

Glory… Now…

Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.* Grant victory to Your faithful people against enemies,** and protect Your community by Your Cross.

Litany of Supplication

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

Deacon: We also pray the most holy universal Pontiff, (name), Pope of Rome, our most blessed Patriarch, (name), our most reverend Metropolitan, (name), our God-loving Bishop, (name), for those who serve or have served in this holy church, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ.

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

Deacon: We also pray for our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military.

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

Petitions may be added here.

Deacon: We also pray for the people here present who await Your great and bountiful mercies, for those who have been kind to us, and for all orthodox Christians.

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Daily Dismissal

Deacon: Wisdom!

All: More honourable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.

All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,* now and for ever and ever. Amen.* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing.

Priest: Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy apostles; of Saint, (name, whose church it is), and of Saint, (name, whose day it is) and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

All: Amen.

Divine Liturgy

Vespers

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