Liturgical Propers:

Upcoming Text:

April 19: Second Sunday after Pascha - Thomas Sunday; Our Venerable Father John the Ancient Hermit (c. 800)

GREAT VESPERS & DIVINE LITURGY

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

The doors being shut and the disciples assembled,* You appeared to them as almighty, Jesus, our God.* You stood in their midst giving them peace;* You granted the Holy Spirit to them,* commanding them to wait in Jerusalem* until clothed with the power from on high.* Therefore we cry to You:* Our Illumination and Resurrection and peace, glory to You!

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

The doors being shut and the disciples assembled,* You appeared to them as almighty, Jesus, our God.* You stood in their midst giving them peace;* You granted the Holy Spirit to them,* commanding them to wait in Jerusalem* until clothed with the power from on high.* Therefore we cry to You:* Our Illumination and Resurrection and peace, glory to You!

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

Eight days after Your Resurrection, Lord,* You came to Your apostles* proclaiming: Peace be with you all!* To the doubting disciple, You showed Your hands and side.* He believed and cried to You:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

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

Eight days after Your Resurrection, Lord,* You came to Your apostles* proclaiming: Peace be with you all!* To the doubting disciple, You showed Your hands and side.* He believed and cried to You:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

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

Thomas, who is called the twin,* was not with the disciples, Christ,* when You came to them through closed doors.* Therefore he doubted their word.* You did not reject him for his faithlessness!* When he saw Your side and the wounds in Your hands and feet,* his faith was made certain!* Having desired to see You,* he confessed You to be truly God, not only man,* crying: My Lord and my God, glory to You!

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

Thomas, who is called the twin,* was not with the disciples, Christ,* when You came to them through closed doors.* Therefore he doubted their word.* You did not reject him for his faithlessness!* When he saw Your side and the wounds in Your hands and feet,* his faith was made certain!* Having desired to see You,* he confessed You to be truly God, not only man,* crying: My Lord and my God, glory to You!

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

The disciples were assembled on the eighth day,* and the Saviour appeared to them!* He gave them peace and said to Thomas:* Come, apostle!  Feel my hands, which were pierced by the nails!* Most wonderful doubt of Thomas!* It brought the hearts of the faithful to knowledge!* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

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

The disciples were assembled on the eighth day,* and the Saviour appeared to them!* He gave them peace and said to Thomas:* Come, apostle!  Feel my hands, which were pierced by the nails!* Most wonderful doubt of Thomas!* It brought the hearts of the faithful to knowledge!* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

In Tone 2

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

After Your rising, Lord,* though the doors were shut,* You came to Your assembled disciples.* You granted them peace.* Even Thomas believed, seeing Your hands and side!* He confessed You as Lord and God,* Who save those who hope in You, Lover of mankind!

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

When the doors were shut,* Jesus stood in the midst of His disciples.* He calmed their hearts and granted them peace.* Then He spoke to the apostle Thomas:* Do you not believe that I am risen from the dead?* Bring your hands here, and touch My side!* Be no longer an unbeliever!* Proclaim My passion and My Resurrection to all,* that everyone may join your cry:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

When the doors were shut,* Jesus came to his disciples.* The apostle Thomas was not with them,* so he spoke these words:* Unless I see the Master myself,* unless I see His side flowing with baptismal blood and water,* unless I see those wounds which have healed all mankind,* unless I see not a spirit, but flesh and bones,* I will not believe.* Glory to You, O Lord,* for You confirmed Thomas in faith,* and have trampled death by death!

Litya

In Tone 4

Lord, shining with the splendour of Your divinity,* You came through closed doors to Your disciples,* showing Your pierced side, the wounds from the nails,* dispelling all sadness and sorrow!* O friends, see that I am not a spirit, but truly man!* The disciple who did not believe, You commanded to see,* saying: Prove to yourself, then come and believe!* He touched Your side with his own hand and cried in faith and fear:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

In Tone 8

Touch my side with your hand, O Thomas.* Come and feel the scars of the nails.* Know in faith and do not be faithless, but believing!* Thomas, when he touched the Master, cried:* You are my God and Lord,* O compassionate one, glory to You!

Glory… Now…

The disciples were assembled and the doors were closed.* Jesus appeared in the midst and said to Thomas:* Come, see and feel the marks of the nails,* stretch out your hand and touch My wounds.* Do not disbelieve,* but in faith proclaim my Resurrection from the dead!

Aposticha

In Tone 4

Glorious wonder!* Doubt bore certain faith!* Thomas said: unless I see, I shall not believe!* By touching His side, he blessed the incarnate Son of God * Who suffered in the flesh,* and he proclaimed the resurrected God,* crying out with joy: My Lord and my God, glory to You!

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! Zion, praise your God!

Glorious wonder!* Thomas placed his hand on the fiery side of Jesus Christ, God!* He was not scorched by this,* his doubt changed to certain faith and he cried fervently:* You are my Master and God,* resurrected from the dead.* O Lord, glory to You!

He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your sons within you.

Glorious wonder!* John the apostle leaned on the Saviour’s breast,* and Thomas was made worthy to touch his side.* The one thus understood the depths of theology;* the other was privileged to announce the mystery of the Resurrection to us,* crying: My Lord and my God, glory to You!

In Tone 5, Glory… Now…

How great is the multitude of your compassion, Lover of mankind!* Because of Your long-suffering You were struck by the Jews,* You were examined by an apostle and touched by those who denied You!* How are You incarnate?* How are You crucified?* You have not known sin!* Make us understand like Thomas that we may call out to You:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

Troparion

In Tone 7
When the tomb was sealed, O Christ God,* You dawned as life from the sepulchre,* and while the doors were shut,* You came to Your disciples, the Resurrection of all,* renewing a right spirit in us through them,* according to Your great mercy. (3)

 


GREAT MATINS

Troparion

In Tone 7
When the tomb was sealed, O Christ God,* You dawned as life from the sepulchre,* and while the doors were shut,* You came to Your disciples, the Resurrection of all,* renewing a right spirit in us through them,* according to Your great mercy. (3)

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 1

The disciples were in hiding out of fear of the Jews,* and they gathered in the upper room in Zion.* You stood in their midst, O Lord of goodness;* and though the doors were closed, You appeared and filled them with joy.* You showed them your hands and the wound of Your side,* saying to the doubting disciple:* Stretch forth your hand and know that it is I who have suffered for you.

Glory… Now… Repeat

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 1

Although the doors were closed, O Christ,* You appeared to Your disciples as the Life of all.* You showed them Your hands, Your feet, and Your side,* to strengthen their faith in Your Resurrection from the grave.* But Thomas was not with them and so he said:* If I do not see with my own eyes* I will not be convinced by Your words.

Glory… Now… Repeat

Polyeleos

Exaltation

We extol You,* O Life-giving Christ,* because You descended into Hades for our sake,* and You resurrected all with You.

  1. The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.
  2. For He bursts the gates of bronze and shatters the iron bars.
  3. He led them forth from darkness and gloom and broke their chains to pieces.
  4. The Lord arose as though from sleep, and He smote their enemies.
  5. Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered.
  6. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
  7. Glory… Now…

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone 1

When the Lord rose from the grave* and appeared to His disciples in a marvelous manner, He said:* Thomas, having seen my side and the marks of the nails,* why do you doubt my Resurrection?* Thomas, called the Twin, answered the Creator:* You are truly my Lord and my God.

Gradual Hymn, Tone 4, Antiphon I

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! Zion, praise your God!
v. He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed the children within you.

Gospel

Matthew 28: 16- 20

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ (3)

Canon, Tone 1

ODE 1

Irmos Let us sing a hymn of victory, all you people,* to the One who delivered the people of Israel* from the harsh servitude of Pharaoh;* for He is covered with glory.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Today is the springtime of our souls,* because Christ is risen as a sun from the tomb on the third day.* He has dispelled the dark winter of our sins;* let us sing to Him, for He is covered with glory.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

This present hour which is Queen of all the others,* makes a cortege for the brilliant day, the King of days.* It delights the newly elected people of the Church,* who sing unceasingly to the resurrected Christ.

Glory… Now…

O Christ, neither the gates of death, nor the seals of the tomb,* nor the bars of the gates could hold You back;* but resurrected from the dead,* You appeared before your friends, O Master,* giving them the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Katavasia It is the day of Resurrection;* O people, let us be enlightened by it.* The Passover is the Lord’s Passover,* since Christ, our God, has brought us from death to life* and from earth to heaven.* Therefore, we sing the hymn of victory.

ODE 3

Irmos O Christ, strengthen me on the unshakable rock of Your commandments.* Enlighten me in the brightness of Your face,* for there is no one holy but You, O Lord.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

O Christ, by your Cross* You renewed us from an ancient condition;* You led us from death to immortality,* ordaining us to lead a new life in You.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

O Christ, You were enclosed in the tomb* by the limits of Your flesh,* You are the One whom nothing can contain.* You resurrected and even though the doors were closed,* You appeared to Your disciples, O Lord almighty.

Glory… Now…

O Christ, as a witness to Your glorious Resurrection,* You showed to Your disciples* the wounds You freely bore for us.

Katavasia Come, let us partake of a new drink,* not miraculously produced from the barren rock,* but from the Fountain of Immortality,* springing up from the tomb of Christ.* In Him is our firm strength.

HYPAKOE, TONE 6

As You appeared to Your disciples* and gave them Your peace,* come also to us, O God our Saviour, and save us.

ODE 4

Irmos Awesome is the mystery of Your work of salvation, O Christ.* The prophet Habakkuk saw it from afar* as he penetrated the divine secrets.* He said: O Lover of mankind,* You have come for the salvation of Your people.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

By tasting the gall, Christ has redeemed the gluttony of old.* Now He allows our first father to partake* of his illumination and his peaceful communion.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

You were pleased to be known,* O Christ and Lover of mankind.* That is why You directed Thomas to that knowledge* by offering Your side to be examined by his doubt.* Thus You strengthened the world* in the faith in Your Resurrection on the third day.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Having richly drawn from the inexhaustible treasury of Your pierced side* which was pierced by the lance of the soldiers,* Thomas filled the world with the wisdom and knowledge of God.

Glory… Now…

With our hymns we praise your blessed tongue, O Thomas.* It was the first to reverently announce* the Source of our life, Jesus our Lord and our God,* by the touch which filled you with grace and truth.

Katavasia Let Habakkuk,* speaking in behalf of God,* stand with us at the divine watch;* let him show us the brilliant angel who proclaims:* Today, salvation comes to the world;* for Christ, being almighty, is risen.

ODE 5

Irmos In this night vigil, we sing to You, O Christ,* equal to the Father in eternity* and the Saviour of our souls;* grant peace to the world, O Lord and Lover of mankind.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

You appeared to Your disheartened friends, O Saviour,* and Your presence dispelled the sadness of their hearts.* You made them leap for joy by Your holy Resurrection.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

It is truly proper to rejoice with you, O Thomas,* for the boldness of your action;* you had the courage to touch the side* which blazed with the fire of the divinity.

Glory… Now…

O Lord, You have shown us* how the doubt of Thomas could lead us to faith;* in Your wisdom You indeed foresee all that is for our good,* O Christ, the Lover of mankind.

Katavasia Let us rise at early dawn* and bring to our Master a hymn instead of myrrh;* and we shall see Christ,* the Sun of Righteousness* who enlightens the life of all.

ODE 6

Irmos You have saved Your prophet from the sea monster, O Lover of mankind;* now I beseech You:* draw me out of the abyss of my sins.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

You did not let Thomas sink into the abyss of unbelief,* but You extended Your hands,* O Lord, so that he could examine them.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Our Saviour has said:* By touching Me you will see *that I am made of flesh and bones.* It is I, and I have not changed.

Glory… Now…

Thomas, who was not present at Your first appearance, O Lord,* then touched Your side,* and in faith he acknowledged You.

Katavasia You have descended into the realm of Death, O Christ,* and have broken ancient bonds which held the captive.* You arose from the tomb on the third day* like Jonah from the whale.

KONTAKION, TONE 8

With his searching hand, Thomas explored Your life-giving side, O Christ God. For when You entered while the doors were shut, he called out to You with the rest of the Apostles: You are my Lord and my God!

IKOS

Who stopped the hand of the disciple from being melted when he approached the fiery side of the Saviour? Who gave him such boldness, to be able to touch this blazing door? Surely it was the One who was touched, for if He had not given this power to a hand made of clay, how could it have touched the wounds which shook both heaven and earth? And Thomas received the grace to touch Christ and shout out to Him: You are my Lord and my God.

ODE 7

Irmos The people, called together at the sound of the instruments,* had to worship the idols of the tyrant;* but as their fathers before them,* the young men, singing hymns of Zion with David,* resisted the order of the tyrant and changed the flames into fresh dew.* They sang the hymn of praise:* Blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

O first of days and lord of days!* This is the day whose brightness brings joy* to the new people chosen by God.* It bears the sign of eternity* and completes the octave of the time to come.* O Lord worthy of all praise,* blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

By his unusual impudence,* Thomas the twin made us profit from his doubts of faith.* By his unbelief he dispelled the ignorance and darkness for the world.* For himself he wove a crown of immortality,* saying to Christ: You are the Lord; to You belong praise and great glory.* Blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

It is not in vain that Thomas doubted,* that he did not immediately admit Your Resurrection.* He acted in such a way* that the Resurrection is an indisputable belief* to all the nations on earth.* By his doubt he strengthens the faith of all* and teaches us to say:* You are the Lord; to You belong praise and great glory.* Blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Glory… Now…

Timidly Thomas placed his hand into Your life-giving side.* There he perceived the double energy of the two natures* united in You without confusion, O Christ the Saviour.* In faith he cries out:* You are the Lord; to You belong praise and great glory.* Blessed are You, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Katavasia God, who saved the three youths from the furnace,* has become man and suffered as any mortal;* but His passion clothed His mortality* with the splendour of incorruption. * He is the only blessed One, God of our fathers,* and is worthy of all praise.

ODE 8

Irmos He who protected the youths in the flaming furnace* and who came down to them in the form of an angel,* He is the Lord.* Sing to Him and exalt Him throughout the ages.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Even though he longed to see You,* Thomas began by not believing;* but when he was favoured with the sight of You,* he called You Lord and God,* You the Master whom we praise and exalt throughout the ages.

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

He who endured the unbelief of Thomas,* showing him His life-giving side* and yielding to the examination by his hand,* He is the Lord.* Sing to Him and exalt Him throughout all ages.

Now…

The precious treasure which you concealed* was revealed for us, O Thomas.* With a tongue inspired by God *and confessing His divinity, you have said:* Praise Christ and exalt Him throughout all ages.

Let us praise, bless, and worship the Lord, singing and exalting Him above all forever.

Katavasia This is that chosen and holy day,* Feast of feasts,* most solemn day,* only king and lord of all Sabbaths,* on which we ever praise Christ.

MAGNIFICAT

ODE 9

Irmos O most radiant Lamp, O God-bearer,* you are the brilliant glory of the Lord* and are exalted above all creatures;* with our hymns we extol you.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

On this most bright day,* filled with the light of Your grace, O Christ,* You appeared to Your disciples in all Your beauty and goodness;* with our hymns we extol You.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Your side was examined and touched by a mortal hand,* yet it was not burned by Your divinity;* with our hymns we extol You.

Glory… Now…

O Christ, You rose from the tomb, and You are our God.* Though we have not seen Your Resurrection with our own eyes,* yet we eagerly believe in You,* and with our hymns we extol You.

Katavasia Shine in splendour,* O new Jerusalem!* For the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.* O Zion, sing with joy and rejoice!* And you, pure Mother of God,* rejoice in the Resurrection of your Son.

Hymn of Light, Tone 3

O Thomas, do not refuse to believe in Me,* for I was wounded for your sake.* Examine my wounds with your hand;* be of one mind with the other disciples* and proclaim that I am the living God.

Glory… Now…

Today the fragrance of Spring arises,* and the new creation rejoices.* Today the locks are pulled from the door of the disbelief of Thomas,* and the nails of doubt are broken by the presence of the Lord.* In an act of faith the Apostle confesses:* You are indeed my Lord and my God.

At the Praises

Tone 1 After Your wondrous Resurrection,* O Lord and source of Life,* You entered even though the doors were locked,* just as You did not break the seals of the tomb.* You filled Your glorious disciples with joy,* and in Your goodness, You gave them your Spirit of Truth. (2)

When You appeared to Your disciples, O Lord,* Thomas, who was called the Twin, was not with them.* Thus he did not believe in Your Resurrection,* and he said to those who saw You:* Unless I place my finger into His side* and into the marks of the nails,* I will not believe that He is risen.

O Thomas, touch Me as you wish,* extend your hand and realize that I am flesh and bones;* know that I truly have a human body, said Christ.* Do not persist in your unbelief, but now believe.* And Thomas responded: You are my Lord and my God!* Glory to Your holy Resurrection!

Glory…

Tone 6 Eight days after Your Resurrection,* O only Son and Word of God,* You appeared to Your disciples through locked doors* and granted them Your peace.* To the unbelieving disciple You showed the marks of your passion, saying:* Reach out and examine my hands, feet, and the wound of my side.* He was convinced and cried out to You:* My Lord and my God, glory to You!

Now…

Tone 2 You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise:* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!


DIVINE LITURGY

After “Blessed is the kingdom…” the priest sings “Christ is risen…” in its entirety twice, and again: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death.” The people then sing: “And to those in the tombs, giving life.”

Antiphon 1
Shout to the Lord, all the earth,* sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
Say unto God, “How awesome are Your works* Because of the greatness of Your strength Your enemies will flatter You.”
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
Let all the earth worship You and sing to You,* let it sing to Your name, O Most High!
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

Antiphon 3
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour
Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.
Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For God is the great Lord and the great king over all the earth.
Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion, Tone 7: While the tomb was sealed, O Christ God, You dawned as life from the sepulchre, and while the doors were shut, You came to Your disciples, the Resurrection of all, renewing a right spirit in us through them, according to Your great mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: With his searching hand, Thomas explored Your life-giving side, O Christ God. For when You entered while the doors were shut, he called out to You with the rest of the Apostles: You are my Lord and my God!

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Great is our Lord and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.
verse: Praise the Lord, for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to our God.

Epistle
Acts 5:12-20

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God our Saviour.
verse: For God is the great Lord and the great king over all the earth.

Gospel
John 20:19-31

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
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem.* Praise your God, O Sion.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.


2-а Неділя Пасхи.
 Томина Неділя.

ВЕЧІРНЯ

Блажен муж співаємо

Стихири

  1. Стих: Виведи з в’язниці мою душу,* щоб дякувати імені твоєму.

(г. 1): Двері були замкнені, де зібрались учні,* як несподівано ввійшов ти, всесильний Ісусе, Боже наш,* і, ставши посеред них, дав їм свій мир* та наповнив Духом Святим.* Ти наказав їм чекати і не віддалятись від Єрусалиму,* доки не приймуть сили з висоти.* Тому й співаємо тобі:* Просвічення, воскресіння і мире наш, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Мене обступлять праведники,* бо ти добро мені вчиниш.

Двері були замкнені, де зібрались учні,* як несподівано ввійшов ти, всесильний Ісусе, Боже наш,* і, ставши посеред них, дав їм свій мир* та наповнив Духом Святим.* Ти наказав їм чекати і не віддалятись від Єрусалиму,* доки не приймуть сили з висоти.* Тому й співаємо тобі:* Просвічення, воскресіння і мире наш, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: З глибин взиваю до тебе, Господи,* Господи, почуй мій голос.

На восьмий день після твого воскресіння, Господи,* явився ти учням своїм на тому місці, де і вони зібрались,* і сказав їм: Мир вам!* Невіруючому ж учневі показав ти свої руки та пречистий бік,* а він увірував і закликав до тебе:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Нехай будуть твої вуха уважні,* до голосу благання мого.

На восьмий день після твого воскресіння, Господи,* явився ти учням своїм на тому місці, де і вони зібрались,* і сказав їм: Мир вам!* Невіруючому ж учневі показав ти свої руки та пречистий бік,* а він увірував і закликав до тебе:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Коли ти, Господи, зважатимеш на беззаконня,* то хто встоїться, Господи. Та в тебе є прощення.

Коли ввійшов ти, Христе, через замкнені двері,* Тома, званий Близнюк, не був з ними,* тому й не повірив у те, що йому казали.* Ти, милосердний, щоб його з невірства до віри привести,* сподобив його побачити пречистий бік твій,* та рани на руках і ногах.* Він же, доторкнувшись і побачивши, визнав тебе* – не привидом і не звичайною людиною, – але Богом, закликавши:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Задля імени твого надіюсь на тебе, Господи,* надіється душа моя на слово твоє; надіється душа моя на Господа.

Восьмого дня з’явився Спас* невпевненим ще учням на місці зібрання* і, привітавши їх, промовив до Томи:* Прийди, апостоле, діткнись долонь, у які вбито цвяхи!* О, щасливе невірство Томи, що привело серця віруючих до пізнання,* бо з острахом він закликав:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Від ранньої сторожі до ночі* від ранньої сторожі нехай уповає Ізраїль на Господа.

Гріхи колись привабливої скверни перешкоджали тобі бачити благочестя. Твої почуття і твоя Богом пробуджена совість щодо твоїх вчинків сприяли кращому наверненню твоєму. Подивившись на ікону благословенної Богоотроковиці, розкаялася ти, всехвальна, у всіх своїх гріхах колишніх і сміливо Чесному Древу поклонилася.

  1. Стих: Бо в Господа милість і відкуплення велике в нього;* він визволить Ізраїля від усього беззаконня його.

Восьмого дня з’явився Спас* невпевненим ще учням на місці зібрання* і, привітавши їх, промовив до Томи:* Прийди, апостоле, діткнись долонь, у які вбито цвяхи!* О, щасливе невірство Томи, що привело серця віруючих до пізнання,* бо з острахом він закликав:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Хваліте Господа всі народи!* Прославляйте його всі люди!

(г. 2): По воскресінні твоїм, Господи,* коли зібрались учні, а двері були замкнені,* ти станув між ними, даючи їм мир.* Оглянувши ж твої руки і бік, Тома повірив* та й визнав тебе Господом і Богом, що спасає тих,* які на тебе уповають, Чоловіколюбче.

1. Стих: Велике бо до нас його милосердя, і вірність Господа повіки.

При замкнених дверях станув Ісус між учнями,* даючи мир і відвагу, та й сказав Томі:* Чому не віруєш мені, що я воскрес із мертвих?* Подай сюди свою руку і вклади у мій бік та й поглянь,* щоб з твого невірства всі навчилися* з тобою кликати про мої страсті і воскресіння:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

Слава І нині  (г. 6): Крізь замкнені двері прийшов ти між твоїх учнів, Христе.* Томи тоді провидінно не було з ними.* Бо він сказав: Не йму віри, поки і я не побачу Владики,* не побачу його боку, звідки випливла кров, вода – хрищення,* поки не побачу рани, яка вилікувала людину з великої рани – гріха,* поки не переконаюся, що не був це лише дух,* але мав тіло і кості!* Господи, що здолав смерть* і привів Тому до віри, – слава тобі!

Стихири на Литії

(г. 4): В осяйнім блиску свого божества прийшов ти, Господи,* крізь замкнені двері між зібраних учнів,* відслонив свій бік, виявляючи виразки ран своїх рук і ніг.* Визволяючи їх від скорботи й журби,* ясно проголосив ти:* Друзі! Я не дух, але маю це тіло, яке ви бачите.* А учневі, що мав сумніви,* ти звелів тремтливо себе діткнути, кажучи йому:* Перевір усе, іди, і вже більш не сумнівайся!* Він же, рукою відчувши твою подвійну природу,* порушений вірою, з острахом закликав:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

(г .8): Прийди, Томо, – каже Христос, – діткнися рукою боку,* і впевнися у знаках від цвяхів та й щиро перевір,* і будь мені вірний, а не невірний!* Тома ж, як лиш пальцем діткнувся Владики,* голосно закликав: Ти Бог мій і Господь!* Милосердний, – слава тобі!

Коли зібрались учні, при замкнених дверях,* з’явився Спас там, де вони зібралися,* станув між ними і сказав Томі:* Підійди, діткнися й оглянь знаки від цвяхів!* Простягни твою руку й торкнись мого боку і не будь невірний,* але з вірою проповідуй моє воскресіння з мертвих!

Слава і нині (г. 2): Після воскресіння твого, Господи,* як твої учні зібралися разом і двері були замкнені,* ти став посеред них, подаючи їм мир.* Повірив теж Тома, побачивши твої руки й бік,* і визнав тебе Господом і Богом,* що спасає тих, які уповають на тебе,* Чоловіколюбче.

 


Стихири на стиховні
(г. 4): О, преславне чудо!* Невірство зродило упевнену віру,* бо Тома сказав: – Як не побачу, не повірю!* Коли ж він діткнувся боку, прославив Воплоченого, як Сина Божого;* пізнавши ж того, хто страждав тілом,* визнав за воскреслого Бога і врочисто заявив:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

Стих: Похвали, Єрусалиме, Господа,* хвали Бога твого, Сіоне.

О, преславне чудо!* Сіно торкнулось вогню і не згоріло!* Бо Тома, немов у вогонь, вклав руку в бік Ісуса Христа Бога* і не згорів від дотику, але, зворушений,* змінив душевне невірство на несхитну віру* і щиро кликнув з глибин душі: Ти мій Владика і Бог,* воскреслий з мертвих! Слава тобі!

Стих: Бо він укріпив засуви брам твоїх* і благословив синів твоїх посеред тебе.

О, преславне чудо!* Іван, схилившись на груди Слова,* виніс звідтіль проникливий погляд у глибини богослов’я,* а Тома, вдостоївшись діткнутись боку,* сподобився навчити нас речей таємних;* давши цим ясне свідчення про його воскресіння, закликав:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

Слава і нині (г. 5): Велике й безприкладне багатство милосердя твого, Чоловіколюбче!* Ти довго терпів, коли мучителі били тебе по щоках,* апостол доторкався до тебе,* недовірки ж тебе на всі і лади випитували:* Як ти воплотився?* Як ти, Безгрішний, розіп’явся?* Навчи і нас, як Тому, щоб ми закликали до тебе:* Господь мій і Бог мій! Слава тобі!

 

Тропарі
(г. 7): Хоч запечатаний був гріб,* як життя із гробу возсіяв Ти, Христе Боже,* і, хоч замкнені були двері,* ученикам представ єси, як воскресіння всіх,* дух правий через них обновлюючи нам,* по великій Твоїй милості. (3 р.)

 

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

 

 

Після того, як священик виголошує “Благословенне Царство” й люди відповідають “Амінь”, священики співають Тропар один раз, а люди його повторюють. Далі священики співають першу половину, а люди завершують другу. Так робимо щодня, аж до середи перед четвергом Вознесіння.

Тропар:

Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Тропарі і Кондаки
Тропар (глас 7): Хоч запечатаний був гріб,* як життя із гробу возсіяв ти, Христе Боже,* і, хоч замкнені були двері,* ученикам представ єси, як воскресення всіх,* дух правий через них обновлюючи нам,* по великій твоїй милості.

+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові, i нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.

Кондак (глас 8):
Допитливою десницею життєдайні* твої ребра Тома провірив, Христе Боже,* бо, хоч замкнені були двері, як ти увійшов,* він із іншими апостолами кликав до тебе:* Господь єси і Бог мій.

Прокімен (глас 3):
Великий Господь наш і велика сила його,* і розумові його немає міри (Пс 146,5).
Стих: Хваліте Господа, бо благий псалом, Богові нашому нехай солодке буде хваління (Пс 146,1).

Апостол: (Ді 5,12-20):

Тими днями руками апостолів робилося багато знаків і чудес у народі. Усі вони перебували однодушно у притворі Соломона, і ніхто сторонній не насмілювався до них пристати; однак народ хвалив їх вельми. Віруючих дедалі більше й більше приставало до Господа, сила жінок і чоловіків; так, що й на вулиці виносили недужих і клали на постелях і на ліжках, щоб, як ітиме Петро, бодай тінь його на когонебудь з них упала. Сила людей збиралась навіть з довколишніх міст Єрусалиму, несучи хворих та тих, що їх мучили нечисті духи, і вони всі видужували. Устав тоді первосвященик і всі ті, що були з ним, – то була секта садукеїв, – і, повні заздрощів, наклали руки на апостолів і вкинули їх до громадської в’язниці. Але вночі ангел Господень відчинив двері в’язниці й, вивівши їх, мовив: «Ідіть і, ставши в храмі, говоріть до народу всі слова життя цього.»

Алилуя (глас 8):
Стих: Прийдіте, радісно заспіваймо Господеві, воскликнім Богу, Спасителеві нашому (Пс 94,1).
Стих: Бо Бог – великий Господь і цар великий по всій землі
(Пс 94,3).

Євангеліє: (Ів 20,19-31):
А як звечоріло, того самого дня, першого в тижні, – а двері ж були замкнені там, де перебували учні: страхались бо юдеїв, – увіходить Ісус, став посередині та й каже їм: «Мир вам!» Це промовивши, показав їм руки й бік. І врадувались учні, побачивши Господа. І ще раз Ісус їм каже: «Мир вам!» Як мене послав Отець, так я посилаю вас.» Це промовивши, дихнув на них і каже їм: «Прийміть Духа Святого! Кому відпустите гріхи – відпустяться їм, кому ж затримаєте – затримаються.» Тома ж, один з дванадцятьох, на прізвисько Близнюк, не був з ними, коли то прийшов був Ісус. Тож повідали йому інші учні: «Ми Господа бачили.» Та він відрік: «Якщо не побачу на його руках знаків від цвяхів і не вкладу свого пальця у місце, де були цвяхи, а й руки моєї не вкладу в бік його, – не повірю!» По вісьмох днях знову були вдома його учні, а й Тома з ними. І ввіходить Ісус, – а двері були замкнені! – стає посередині та й каже: «Мир вам!» А тоді промовляє до Томи: «Подай сюди твій палець і глянь на мої руки. І руку твою простягни і вклади її у бік мій. Та й не будь невіруючий, – а віруючий!» І відказав Тома, мовивши до нього: «Господь мій і Бог мій!» І каже йому Ісус: «Побачив мене, то й віруєш. Щасливі ті, які, не бачивши, увірували!» Ще й інші численні чудеса, що їх не списано у цій книзі, вчинив Ісус на очу своїх учнів. А ції – списано, щоб увірували ви, що Ісус – Христос, Син Божий, а вірувавши, – щоб мали життя в його ім’я.

Замість Достойно:
Ангел сповіщав Благодатній: Чистая Діво, радуйся. І знову кажу: Радуйся. Твій Син воскрес тридневний із гробу, і мертвих воздвигнув він; люди, веселіться.

Ірмос (глас 1): Світися, світися, новий Єрусалиме, слава бо Господня на тобі возсіяла. Радій нині і веселися, Сіоне. А ти, Чистая, красуйся, Богородице, востанням рождення твого.

Причасний:
Похвали, Єрусалиме, Господа, хвали Бога Твого, Сіоне (Пс 147,1). В пам’ять вічну буде праведник, злих слухів не убоїться (Пс 111,6-7). Алилуя (х3).

Замість Благословен, хто йде в ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Ми бачили світло істинне: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Нехай сповняться: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Замість Будь ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).
Під час відпусту “Христос воскрес” співається один раз (на просту мелодію) замість “Слава Отцю…”

Тоді знову співається Тропар “Христос воскрес”, як і на початку Літургії, але з додатковим закінченням.
Тропар: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).
І нам дарував життя вічне, поклоняємось його тридневному воскресінню.

April 26; Third Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women

April 26; Third Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women;The Holy Priest-Martyr Basil, Bishop of Amasia (c. 322)

GREAT VESPERS AND DIVINE LITURGY

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us worship the Word of God* begotten of the Father before all ages,* And incarnate of the Virgin Mary!* Having endured the Cross,* He was buried as He Himself desired!* And having risen from the dead, He saved me, the erring one.

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

Christ our Saviour* nailed to the Cross the bond against us,* He voided it and destroyed the dominion of death!* We fall down before His Resurrection on the third day!

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

With the archangels* let us praise the Resurrection of Christ!* He is our Saviour, our Redeemer!* He is coming with awesome glory and mighty power* to judge the world which He made!

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

The angel proclaimed You* the crucified and buried Master.* He told the women:  Come, see the place where He lay!* He is risen as He said* for He is almighty.* We worship You, only immortal One.* Christ, the Giver of life, have mercy on us.

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

By Your Cross, You destroyed the curse of the tree.* By Your burial You destroyed the dominion of death.* By Your rising, You enlightened the human race.* Benefactor, Christ our God, glory to You.

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

The gates of death opened to You from fear, O Lord!* When the guards of hell saw You they were afraid,* for You demolished the gates of brass and smashed the iron chains!* You have led us from the darkness and the shadows of death, and have broken our bonds!

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

Let us come and worship in the house of the Lord,* singing the hymn of salvation:* Cleanse our sins, for You were crucified and raised from the dead,* and are in the bosom of the Father.

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

Early in the morning,* the Myrrh-bearing women brought spices to the tomb of the Lord.* They found the stone unexpectedly rolled away,* and they asked among themselves:* Where are the seals of the tomb? Where are Pilate’s guards?* The radiant angel came to the wondering women and proclaimed to them:* Why do you seek weeping the Life Who gives life to the human race?* Christ our God has risen from the dead as almighty,* granting life to all; incorruption, enlightenment and great mercy!

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

Women disciples,* why do you open the myrrh with tears?* The stone is gone; the tomb is empty:* Behold corruption destroyed by life!* The seals witness that the guards of the godless have watched in vain.* Mortal nature has been saved by the flesh of God.* Hades is wailing.* Go with joy, and proclaim to the apostles:* Christ has slain death as the first-born of the dead.* He awaits you in Galilee!

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

The Myrrh-bearers came early to Your tomb, O Christ,* seeking You to anoint Your most pure body.* Enlightened by the angel’s words* they proclaimed joyous tidings to the apostles:* The Leader of our salvation has been raised;* He has captured death,* granting the world eternal life and great mercy!

In Tone 6

Glory…

The Myrrh-bearing Women reached Your tomb* and saw the seals of the tomb broken.* They wailed as they did not find Your most pure body:* Who has stolen our hope?* Who has taken the dead One, naked and anointed?* The sole consolation of His Mother?* How can the life of the dead have died?* How can the Capturer of hell have been buried?* But arise in three days as You said, Saviour, and save our souls!

In Tone 2, Now…

O Virgin, the shadow of the law passed away with the realization of grace.* For as the bush had burned without being consumed* so you gave birth while a virgin* and you remained a virgin.* Instead of the pillar of fire there rose the Sun of Justice.* Instead of Moses Christ God came forth,* the Saviour of our souls.

Aposticha

In Tone 2

Your Resurrection, O Christ our Saviour,* has enlightened the whole universe;* and, through it, You call back to Yourself all creation.* Almighty God, glory to You!

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 Sion: 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 scatter rejoice!

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 the, 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 shown forth from the Tomb, and filled the women with joy saying: “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”

In Tone 5, Glory…

When Joseph, together with Nicodemus,* had taken You down from the tree,* and beheld You dead, naked and unburied,* though You clothe Yourself with light as with a garment,* that compassionate man lamented with weeping:* Woe is me, my sweetest Jesus!* The sun, as it beheld You upon the Cross* hid itself in darkness.* The earth trembled with fear; the veil of the temple was torn in two.* Look: Now I behold You, Who for my sake freely endured death.* How shall I bury You, my God?* Or with what linen shall I wrap You?* With what hands shall I touch Your pure body?* What songs shall I sing at Your departure, merciful One?* I magnify Your Passion!* I glorify Your burial, singing Your Resurrection and crying,* O Lord, glory to You!

Now…

This is the day of Resurrection, let us be illumined by the Feast! Let us embrace each other! Let us call “brothers and sisters” 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

In Tone 2

When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:** O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You!

Glory…

The noble Joseph took down Your most pure Body from the tree.* He wrapped it with a clean shroud and aromatic spices,* and placed it in a new tomb.* But on the third day You arose, O Lord,** granting the world Your great mercy.

Now…

The angel stood by the tomb and cried out to the women bringing ointment:* Ointments are for the dead,* but Christ has shown Himself not subject to corruption.* So now cry out: The Lord is risen,** bestowing great mercy upon the world.

DIVINE LITURGY

After “Blessed is the kingdom…” the priest sings “Christ is risen…” in its entirety twice, and again: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death.” The people then sing: “And to those in the tombs, giving life.”

Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion, Tone 2: When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life,
Christ our God, glory be to You!”

Troparion, Tone 2: The noble Joseph took down Your most pure body from the tree.* He wrapped it with a clean shroud and aromatic spices* and placed it in a new tomb.* But on the third day You arose, O Lord,* granting the world Your great mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: You commanded the myrrh-bearers to rejoice, O Christ God,* and ended the grief of our mother Eve by Your Resurrection.* You ordered the apostles to proclaim to all:* “The Saviour is risen from the tomb.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, 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.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6
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. (Psalm 27:9,1)

Epistle: Acts 6:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: You have shown favour to Your land, O Lord; You brought back the captives of Jacob.
verse: Mercy and truth have met; righteousness and peace have embraced. (Psalm 84:2,11)

Gospel: Mark 15:43-16:8

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. (Psalm 148:1)* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

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 be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.” 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.

 

 


 

3-а Неділя Пасхи.
 Неділя Мироносиць. Св. свщмч. Василія, єп. Амасійського.

ВЕЧІРНЯ

Блажен муж співаємо

Стихири

  1. Стих: Виведи з в’язниці мою душу,* щоб дякувати імені твоєму.

(г. 2): Прийдіте, поклонімось* народженому предвічно від Отця Божому Слову,* що тіло прийняв від Діви Марії.* Він на хресті добровільно витерпів страждання* і віддався на похорон, і воскреснувши з мертвих,* спас мене, грішну людину.

  1. Стих: Мене обступлять праведники,* бо ти добро мені вчиниш.

Христос, Спаситель наш,* скасував наш смертний засуд,* прибивши його до хреста,* і викорінив владу смерти.* Тому поклоняємось його на третій день воскресінню.

  1. Стих: З глибин взиваю до тебе, Господи,* Господи, почуй мій голос.

З архангелами прославмо воскресіння Христове,* бо він – наш визволитель і спаситель душ наших,* що з славою дивною і могутньою силою* знову прийде судити світ,* що його він створив.

  1. Стих: Нехай будуть твої вуха уважні,* до голосу благання мого.

Ангел сповістив про тебе,* розп’ятого й похороненого Владику,* і сказав жінкам: Прийдіть і погляньте, де лежав Господь;* він бо, Всесильний, воскрес, як і прорік був.* Тому поклоняємось тобі, єдиному безсмертному:* Життєдавче, Христе, помилуй нас.

  1. Стих: Коли ти, Господи, зважатимеш на беззаконня,* то хто встоїться, Господи. Та в тебе є прощення.

Твоїм хрестом ти знищив прокляття райського дерева,* похороном твоїм ти здолав владу смерти,* а воскресінням твоїм ти просвітив людський рід.* Тому й кличемо до тебе:* Христе Боже наш, добротворче, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Задля імени твого надіюсь на тебе, Господи,* надіється душа моя на слово твоє; надіється душа моя на Господа.

Господи, зі страху перед тобою відкрилися брами смерти,* а дверники адові, побачивши тебе, настрахалися,* бо ти зломив мідні ворота і знищив залізні затвори,* та й вивів нас із темряви й смертної тіні,* і розірвав наші окови.

  1. Стих: Від ранньої сторожі до ночі* від ранньої сторожі нехай уповає Ізраїль на Господа.

Співаючи визвольну пісню, промовмо устами:* Прийдім усі до Господнього храму й припадім, кажучи:* Ти, що був розп’ятий на дереві* і воскрес із мертвих, та існуєш в Отцевому лоні,* – очисти гріхи наші.

  1. Стих: Бо в Господа милість і відкуплення велике в нього;* він визволить Ізраїля від усього беззаконня його.

(г. 2): Жінки мироносиці рано-вранці, взявши пахощів,* дійшли до Господнього гробу і знайшли те, чого не сподівалися.* Побожно замислившись над відваленим каменем,* одна до одної говорили: Де гробні печаті?* Де Пилатова сторожа й дбайливе забезпечення?* А здивованим жінкам звістив осяйний ангел, кажучи:* Чому ж це з плачем шукаєте Живого,* що дає життя людському родові?* Встав Христос, Бог наш, із мертвих, як всемогутній,* даючи всім нам нетлінність і життя,* просвічення й велику милість.

  1. Стих: Хваліте Господа всі народи!* Прославляйте його всі люди!

Чому змішуєте миро з сльозами, учениці?* Камінь відвалився, гріб спорожнів!* Бачите життям переможену тлінність,* наочне свідчення печаті, глибоко заснулих сторожів ворожих* і як смертне спасається Божим тілом, ад же ридає!* Ідіть та радісно звістіть апостолам:* Христос, переможець смерти, первісток з померлих,* випередить вас у Галилеї!

1. Стих: Велике бо до нас його милосердя, і вірність Господа повіки.

Мироносиці прийшли вранці,* квапливо прибувши до твого гробу,* і шукали тебе, Христе, щоб намазати пречисте твоє тіло.* Але, звідомлені словом ангела,* розказали апостолам радісні новини,* що воскрес Начальник нашого спасіння.* Він полонив смерть,* дарував світові вічне життя і велику милість.

Слава (г. 6): Мироносиці жінки прийшли до твого гробу,* побачили гробні опечатання та, не знайшовши пречистого твого тіла,* поквапливо відійшли з плачем і мовили:* Хто вкрав нашу надію? Хто взяв мерця – нагого,* намащеного смирною – єдину втіху Матері?* Як же помер той, хто мертвих воскрешав?* Як же поховано того, хто ад полонив?* Воскресни, Спасе, власною силою,* як ти сказав, третього дня, і спаси душі наші.

І нині (догмат, г. 2): Минулася тінь Закону,* коли прийшла Благодать;* бо як кущ охоплений полум’ям не згоряв,* так і ти, Діво, породила й дівою зосталась!* Замість вогняного стовпа, засяяло Сонце правди,* замість Мойсея – Христос,* спасіння душ наших.


Стихири на стиховні

(г. 2): Воскресіння твоє, Христе Спасе,* просвітило всю вселенну* і ти покликав до себе твоє створіння.* Всесильний Господи, – слава тобі!

Стих: Хай воскресне Бог,* і розбіжаться вороги його.

Пасха священна нам сьогодні з’явилась:* Пасха нова, святая;* Пасха таємна* Пасха преславна;* Пасха – Христос визволитель;* Пасха непорочна;* Пасха велика;* Пасха вірних;* Пасха, що райські двері нам відчиняє;* Пасха, що освячує всіх вірних.

Стих: Як щезає дим,* хай вони щезнуть.

Прийдіте після видіння, жінки благовісниці,* і скажіть Сіонові:* Прийми від нас радісну новину* про Воскресіння Христове!* Веселися, торжествуй* і радуйся, Єрусалиме,* побачивши Царя Христа,* що немов жених із гробу виходить.

Стих: Так нехай погибнуть грішники від лиця Божого,* а праведники хай звеселяться.

Мироносиці жінки,* рано-вранці прийшовши* до гробу Життєдавця,* знайшли ангела* що сидів на камені,* а він, провістивши їм, так мовив:* Чому шукаєте Живого між померлими?* Чому оплакуєте у тлінні Нетлінного?* Ідіть, і проповідуйте його учням!

Стих: Це день, що його створив Господь,* тож радіймо і веселімся в нім.

Пасха красна,* Пасха Господня;* Пасха* Пасха преславная нам засіяла;* Пасха! Радісно одні одних обнімімо!* О Пасхо, визволення від скорбот!* Нині бо з гробу,* наче зо світлиці, засіяв Христос,* жінок же радістю наповнив, мовивши:* Проповідуйте апостолам.

Слава (г. 5): Тебе, що світлом, немов ризою зодягаєшся,* зняв Йосиф з Никодимом* і, бачивши мертвого, нагого, непохованого,* ревним плачем заплакали* і, ридаючи, промовили:* Жалю наш, найсолодший Ісусе!* Побачивши тебе на хресті повислого,* сонце якраз мороком покрилося* і земля з остраху тряслася,* і роздерлася церковна занавіса.* Ось тепер бачу тебе, що заради мене* добровільно прийняв смерть!* Як поховаю тебе, мій Боже?* Або якою плащаницею обгорну?* Якими ж руками діткнуся нетлінного твого тіла?* Та і які, Щедрий, пісні заспіваю на твій відхід?* Величаю страсті твої, оспівую твій похорон з воскресінням,* кличучи: Господи, – слава тобі!

І нині: Воскресіння день!* Просвітімся торжеством* і одні одних обнімімо* та скажімо: Браття!* І тим, що ненавидять нас* простім все з Воскресінням,* і так усі заспіваймо:

Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Тропарі
(г. 2): Коли зійшов Ти до смерти, Життя безсмертне,* тоді ад умертвив Ти блистінням божества.* Коли ж і умерлих із глибин підземних воскресив Ти,* всі сили небесні взивали:* Життєдавче, Христе Боже наш, слава Тобі.

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

І нині: Ангел при гробі з’явився жінкам мироносицям* і кликнув: Миро належить мерцям,* а Христос не знає тлінности!* Тому кличте: Воскрес Господь,* що подає світові велику милість.

 

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

 

Після того, як священик виголошує “Благословенне Царство” й люди відповідають “Амінь”, священики співають Тропар один раз, а люди його повторюють. Далі священики співають першу половину, а люди завершують другу. Так робимо щодня, аж до середи перед четвергом Вознесіння.
Тропар:

Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Тропарі і Кондаки
Тропар (глас 2): Коли зійшов Ти до смерти, Життя безсмертне,* тоді ад умертвив ти блистінням Божества.* Коли ж і умерлих із глибин підземних воскресив Ти,* всі сили небесні взивали:* Життедавче, Христе Боже наш, слава Тобі.

Тропар (глас 2): Благообразний Йосиф, з древа знявши пречистеє тіло твоє,* плащаницею чистою обвив,* і ароматами в гробі новім, покривши, положив;* та по трьох днях воскрес єси, Господи,* даруючи світові велику милість.

+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові.

Кондак (глас 2): Радуватися мироносицям повелів ти,* плач праматері Єви втихомирив ти воскресінням твоїм, Хрйсте Боже,* апостолам же твоїм проповідувати повелів ти:* Спас воскрес із гробу.

І нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.

Кондак (глас 8): Хоч і у гріб зійшов ти, Безсмертний,* та адову зруйнував ти силу,* і воскрес єси як переможець, Христе Боже,* жінкам-мироносицям звістивши: Радуйтеся,* і твоїм апостолам мир даруєш,* падшим подаєш воскресіння.

Прокімен (глас 6):
Спаси, Господи, людей Твоїх* і благослови спадкоємство Твоє (Пс 27,9).
Стих: До Тебе, Господи, взиватиму; Боже мій, не відвертайсь мовчки від мене (Пс 27,1).

Апостол: (Ді 6,1-7):
Тими днями, коли учнів ставало дедалі більше, зчинилось нарікання гелленістів на євреїв, що вдів їхніх занедбано в щоденній службі. Тоді дванадцятеро прикликали громаду учнів і сказали: «Не личить нам лишити слово Боже і при столах служити. Нагледіть собі, отже, з-поміж вас, брати, сімох мужів доброї слави, повних Духа та мудрости, а ми їх поставимо для цієї служби; самі ж ми будемо пильно перебувати у молитві і служінні слова.» Вподобалось це слово всій громаді й вибрали Стефана, мужа, повного віри і Святого Духа, Филипа, Прохора, Ніканора, Тимона, Пармена та Миколая, прозеліта з Антіохії, і поставили їх перед апостолами і, помолившись, поклали на них руки. І росло слово Боже та множилось число учнів у Єрусалимі вельми, і велика сила священиків були слухняні вірі.

Алилуя (глас 8):
Стих: Благоволив ти, Господи, землю твою, ти повернув полон Яковів (Пс 84,2).
Стих: Милість і істина зустрілися, правда і мир обцілувалися (Пс 84,11).

Євангеліє: (Мр 15,43-16,8):
У той час Йосиф Ариматейський, поважний радник, що й сам очікував Божого Царства, прибув і, сміливо ввійшовши до Пилата, попросив тіло Ісуса. Пилат же здивувався, що вже вмер; і прикликавши сотника, спитав його, чи давно помер. Довідавшись від сотника, він видав Йосифові тіло; а Йосиф, купивши полотно, зняв його, обгорнув полотном і поклав його у гробі, що був висічений у скелі; потім прикотив камінь до входу гробу; Марія ж Магдалина й Марія, мати Йосифа, дивились, де його покладено. Якже минула субота, Марія Магдалина, Марія, мати Якова, та Саломія купили пахощів, щоб піти та намастити його. Рано-вранці, першого дня тижня, прийшли вони до гробу, як сходило сонце, та й говорили між собою: “Хто нам відкотить камінь від входу до гробу?” Але поглянувши, побачили, що камінь був відвалений, – був бо дуже великий. Увійшовши до гробу, побачили юнака, що сидів праворуч, одягнений у білу одежу, – і вжахнулись. А він до них промовив: “Не жахайтеся! Ви шукаєте Ісуса Назарянина, розп’ятого Він воскрес, його нема тут. Ось місце, де його були поклали. Але йдіть, скажіть його учням та Петрові, що випередить вас у Галилеї: там його побачите, як він сказав вам.” І вони, вийшовши, втекли від гробу, бо жах і трепет огорнув їх, і нікому нічого не сказали, бо боялися.

Замість Достойно:
Ангел сповіщав Благодатній: Чистая Діво, радуйся. І знову кажу: Радуйся. Твій Син воскрес тридневний із гробу, і мертвих воздвигнув він; люди, веселіться.

Ірмос (глас 1): Світися, світися, новий Єрусалиме, слава бо Господня на тобі возсіяла. Радій нині і веселися, Сіоне. А ти, Чистая, красуйся, Богородице, востанням рождення твого.

Причасний: Тіло Христове прийміть, джерела безсмертного споживіть.* Хваліте Господа з небес, хваліте Його на висотах (Пс 148,1).* Алилуя (х3).
Замість Благословен, хто йде в ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Ми бачили світло істинне: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Нехай сповняться: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Замість Будь ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Під час відпусту “Христос воскрес” співається один раз (на просту мелодію) замість “Слава Отцю…”

Тоді знову співається Тропар “Христос воскрес”, як і на початку Літургії, але з додатковим закінченням.

Тропар: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

І нам дарував життя вічне, поклоняємось його тридневному воскресінню.

 

 

 

Apr 30; The Holy Apostle James, Brother of Saint John the Theologian

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

You drew men up from the depths of vanity with a fisher’s rod of grace.* You obeyed the commands of the Teacher, worthy James,* who enlightened all your thoughts* and revealed you as an apostle and holy preacher,* expounding His incomprehensible Divinity, most blessed one.

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

The illumination of the Spirit descended on you in the form of fire* and made you a divine vessel, blessed one,* dispelling with power the darkness of godlessness;* enlightening the world with the brightness of your all wise words.* Preacher of mysteries, leader of the apostles,* James, the eye-witness of Christ.

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

You illumined those lying in the darkness of ignorance* with the lightning flash of your preaching, glorious James!* You revealed them to be sons through faith of the Master and God* whose passion and death you imitated with zeal.* You became an heir of the glory, O wise one,* as one speaking from God and a most faithful disciple.

In Tone 2

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

Hearing the joyful words* of the angels sitting in the tomb of the Word,* the women who had run there with good intentions* knew that the purpose of their group would be changed.* No  longer will you carry myrrh!* Instead, you will preach to the apostles:* He Who was hidden in the earth is risen from hell!* Initiate them into the mystery* of Him Who became Man for us!

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

Very early in the morning* the Myrrh-bearing women came to the tomb in fear* bringing myrrh for the Giver of life:* Christ Who died to slay hell!* But the divine angel stood before them and cried:* Why do you seek the life-bearing Lord among the dead?* Go, proclaim the Resurrection!

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

Blessed Joseph,* you bear in your arms the Word enthroned upon the cherubim!* You carried on your shoulders Him Who first took our flesh,* and then died to give life to us who lay dead.* Then, you mourned His death with the Myrrh-bearers;* now you see His Resurrection and rejoice!

In Tone 8, Glory…

Come, let us praise James with hymns of psalms:* the preacher of heavenly mysteries and expounder of the Gospel;* for he was revealed as a river of the mystical Paradise,* watering spiritual furrows with heavenly streams,* revealing them to bear fruit to Christ God,* who, by his prayers, grants cleansing, enlightenment and great mercy!

In Tone 1

Now…

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary* came to the tomb, seeking the Lord.* They saw an angel, like lightning,* sitting upon the stone.* He said to them:* Why do you seek the Living among the dead?* He is risen, as He said!* You will find Him in Galilee!* Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You!

Prokeimenon

of the day

Readings

(1) James 1:1-12; (2) James 1:13-27; (3) James 2:1-13

Aposticha

In Tone 8

Blessed, God-seer James, after you listened to the voice of the Word,* you paid no heed to the service and customs of your father,* for you left behind the life of earthly cares and passed over the spiritual sea!* You stirred its depths with the precepts of godliness and with your heavenly thunder,* apostle most blessed of God!

Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth and their words to the ends of the universe!

All-blessed James, by your deeds you served the Word,* the cause of life and of the future age.* Truly you deprived Israel of its first born privilege* when it forsook the worship of the true God,* while recalling it to sonship as the new Israel!

The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaims His handiwork!

You are now appointed a prince over all the earth,* as it is written of you, glorious one,* since you became a disciple of the Creator of all.* In fervent zeal, you suffered murder by the transgressor’s sword,* taking you from the revered company of the twelve apostles.

In Tone 1

Glory…

You followed after Christ and despised the world,* hiding his teachings in your treasury, godly James.* You were revealed to be His apostle.* Therefore, going to the nations with the commandments of the Saviour,* you enlightened the souls in the darkness of delusion and passion,* that they might believe in the consubstantial Trinity!

In Tone 2

Now…

The women sprinkled spices mixed with tears on Your grave,* but their mouths were filled with laughter* when they said:  The Lord is risen!

Troparia

In Tone 2

When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.*When You raised the dead from the nether world, all powers of heaven cried out:* O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You! [of previous Sunday]

In Tone 3

Glory…

O James, worthy of all praise,* chosen apostle of Christ and only brother of the beloved theologian;* ask God to bestow on those who hymn you forgiveness of sins* and to grant our souls great mercy.

Now…

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.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, 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, Tone 2: When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You!”

Troparion, Tone 2: The noble Joseph took down Your most pure body from the tree.* He wrapped it with a clean shroud and aromatic spices* and placed it in a new tomb.* But on the third day You arose, O Lord,* granting the world Your great mercy.

Troparion, Tone 3: O James, worthy of all praise,* chosen apostle of Christ and only brother of the beloved theologian.* Ask God to bestow on those who hymn you forgiveness of sins* and to grant our souls great mercy.

Kontakion, Tone 2: When you heard God’s voice calling out to you,* you spurned the love of your father* and fled to Christ with your kinsman, O glorious James.* With him you were favoured to see the Lord’s divine transfiguration.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: You commanded the myrrh-bearers to rejoice, O Christ God,* and ended the grief of our mother Eve by Your Resurrection.* You ordered the apostles to proclaim to all:* “The Saviour is risen from the tomb.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, 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.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

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. (Psalm 27:9,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

Epistle

Acts 8:26-39; Acts 12:1-11

Alleluia, Tone 8

verse: You have shown favour to Your land, O Lord; You brought back the captives of Jacob.

verse: Mercy and truth have met; righteousness and peace have embraced. (Psalm 84:2,11)

verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints. (Psalm 88:8)

Gospel

John 6:40-44; Luke 5:1-11

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. (Psalm 148:1) * Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

Instead of “Blessed is He Who comes…” and “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. (3)

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. (3)

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.

May 3; Fourth Sunday after Pascha – Sunday of the Paralytic

Fourth Sunday after Pascha – Sunday of the Paralytic, Tone 3; The Repose of our Venerable Father Theodosius, Hegumen of the Monastery of the Caves at Kyiv and Organizer of the Cenoebitic (Common) Life in Rus’ (1074) and the Holy Martyrs Timothy and Maura (286-305)

GREAT VESPERS AND DIVINE LITURGY

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 3

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

By Your Cross, O Christ our Saviour,* the power of Death has been vanquished,* and the deceit of the devil has been destroyed.* Therefore, mankind, saved by faith,* offers You hymns of praise forever.

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

O Lord, all creation has been enlightened by Your Resurrection,* and Paradise has been reopened;* therefore, all creation extols You* and offers You hymns of praise forever.

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

I glorify the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;* and I praise the dominion of the undivided Divinity,* the consubstantial Trinity* who reigns forever and ever.

In Tone 1

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

O ineffable goodness who created the human form,* You came to heal those who are ill.* O Christ, by Your word You raised the Paralytic at the Sheep Pool;* You healed the suffering of the woman with the flow of blood;* You showed mercy to the tormented daughter of the Canaanite woman;* and You did not disdain the prayer of the centurion.* Because of this we cry out in praise:* O Almighty Lord, glory to You!

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

O ineffable goodness who created the human form,* You came to heal those who are ill.* O Christ, by Your word You raised the Paralytic at the Sheep Pool;* You healed the suffering of the woman with the flow of blood;* You showed mercy to the tormented daughter of the Canaanite woman;* and You did not disdain the prayer of the centurion.* Because of this we cry out in praise:* O Almighty Lord, glory to You!

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

The Paralytic was like an unburied dead man,* and when he saw You, O Lord, he cried out:* Have mercy on me, for my bed has become my grave.* Of what use is my life?* I have no need for the Sheep Pool,* for there is none to put me into the water.* Therefore, I come to You, O Fountain of all healing,* that with all I may cry to You:* O Lord Almighty, glory to You!

In Tone 5

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

O venerable father, God-bearing Theodosius!* You laboured greatly during this earthly life:* with hymns, fasting, and persistent prayer* you became a model for your disciples.* Today you celebrate with the bodiless ones the angels,* unceasingly glorifying Christ, the Word of God, the Redeemer,* Who died on the cross and delivered the human race from deceit.* Pray to Him, venerable father,* that He grant peace and great mercy to the world.

In Tone 1

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

O venerable father, God-bearing Theodosius!* You laboured greatly during this earthly life:* with hymns, fasting, and persistent prayer* you became a model for your disciples.* Today you celebrate with the bodiless ones the angels,* unceasingly glorifying Christ, the Word of God, the Redeemer,* Who died on the cross and delivered the human race from deceit.* Pray to Him, venerable father,* that He grant peace and great mercy to the world.

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

O venerable father, God-bearing Theodosius!* You truly merited the divine life,* having obtained it through purity and fasting;* for while still alive you renounced everything,* and passed over to the true life.* You now are glorifying with the heavenly hosts Him,* Who mystically took flesh from the Virgin and overthrew Hades* and raised those who had fallen asleep from time beyond memory.* Intercede with Him, O venerable father,* that He may grant peace and great mercy to the world.

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

O venerable father, God-bearing Theodosius!* You found life because you loved purity,* and the grace of the Holy Spirit dwelled in within you,* like a most pure light shining upon you.* You now are unceasingly glorifying Christ, Who is one God in two natures,* Who suffered on the cross in the flesh,* but as God was incapable of suffering.* Pray to Him, , O venerable father,* that He may grant peace and great mercy to the world.

In Tone 5, Glory…

Jesus went up to Jerusalem to the Sheep Pool* which in Hebrew was called Bethesda.* And there lay a great multitude of sick people in its five porticoes;* for the angel of the Lord went down at certain times and stirred the water,* granting healing to those who approach in faith.* The Lord saw there a man with a chronic illness,* and He asked him: Do you want to be healed?* The sick man replied:* I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred.* I have spent my money on physicians* and received no help from anyone.* The Physician of soul and body said to him:* Take up your pallet and walk;* proclaim to the whole world* the greatness of My mercy and My mighty deeds.

In Tone 3, Now…

O Lady most honourable,* how could we be rapt in wonder* at your giving birth to the incarnate God* who without a mother was born of a Father before all ages.* You gave Him birth in the flesh without a father,* without a man’s instrumentality.* He is God and man whose two natures are intact,* neither one losing any of its properties.* Therefore, O Virgin Mother, intercede with Him* to save the souls of those who believe and profess in true faith* that you are the Mother of God.

Readings

(1) Wisdom 4:7-15; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 3

O Christ, who darkened the sun by Your passion* and enlightened all creation by Your Resurrection,* accept our evening prayer, for You love mankind.

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 worthy of veneration.* 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 Sion:* 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 flee from before the face of God;* but let the righteous rejoice!

The myrrh-bearing women* at the break of dawn* drew near to the tomb of the LifeGiver.* There they found an angel* sitting upon the stone,* he greeted them with these words:* Why do you seek the living among the dead?* Why do you mourn 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

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 shown forth from the Tomb,* and filled the women with joy saying:* “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”

In Tone 8, Glory…

Countless monks honour you, father Theodosius, as their teacher,* following in your footsteps,* we have truly learned to live righteously.* Blessed are you who have toiled for Christ and have brought low the power of the enemy,* O friend of the angels and companion of the venerable ascetics.* pray with them to the Lord,* that He may have mercy on our souls.

Now…

This is the day of Resurrection,* let us be illumined by the Feast!* Let us embrace each other!* Let us call “Brothers and Sisters!”* 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 on those in the tombs* bestowing life! (3)

Troparia

In Tone 3

Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.

In Tone 8

Glory…

Raised in virtue, O father Theodosius,* from childhood you loved the monastic life* and attained your desire courageously.* You lived in a cave adorning your life with fasting and radiance* and abided in prayer like the bodiless powers.* You shone like a beacon in the land of Rus’.** Entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Now…

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.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, 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, Tone 3: Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.

Troparion, Tone 8: Raised in virtue, O father Theodosius,* from childhood you loved the monastic life* and attained your desire courageously.* You lived in a cave adorning your life with fasting and radiance* and abided in prayer like the bodiless powers.* You shone like a beacon in the land of Rus’.* Entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today we revere the star of Rus’, blessed Theodosius,* who shone from the east and came to the west;* for he enriched this whole land and all of us* with gentleness and miraculous wonders* by the practice and the grace of the monastic rule.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Lord, as of old You raised the Paralytic,* lift my soul by Your divine presence,* for by many sins and foolish actions,* I, too, am now afflicted and crippled.* Raise me, that being saved I may cry to You:* Glory to Your power, O merciful Christ.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, 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.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in You.

verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:22,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.

Epistle

Acts 9:32-42; Hebrews 13:7-16

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: Of Your mercies, O Lord, I will sing forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your truth from generation to generation.

verse: For You have said, “Mercy will be established forever.” (Psalm 32:22,1)

verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.

verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel

John 5:1-15; Matthew 11:27-30

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. (Psalm 148:1)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Instead of “Blessed is He Who comes…” and “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. (3)

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. (3)

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.


4-а Неділя Пасхи.
 Неділя Розслабленого. Переставлення преп. Теодосія, ігум. монастиря Печерського, спільнотного життя засновника.

ВЕЧІРНЯ:

Блажен муж співаємо

Стихири

  1. Стих: Виведи з в’язниці мою душу,* щоб дякувати імені твоєму.

(г. 3): Твоїм хрестом, Христе Спасе,* смертну владу зруйновано й диявольські підступи знищено,* а рід людський, спасаючись вірою,* повсякчасно тебе прославляє.

  1. Стих: Мене обступлять праведники,* бо ти добро мені вчиниш.

Воскресінням твоїм, Господи,* все просвітилось, і рай знову відчинився,* а все творіння, вихваляючи тебе,* завжди пісню тобі приносить.

  1. Стих: З глибин взиваю до тебе, Господи,* Господи, почуй мій голос.

Славлю Отця, і Сина силу,* і владу Святого Духа вихваляю:* неподільне Божество, Тройцю єдиносущну,* яка царює повіки.

  1. Стих: Нехай будуть твої вуха уважні,* до голосу благання мого.

(г. 1): Пречистими руками створивши людину,* прийшов ти, добросердий Христе, вилікувати недужих.* Словом твоїм підняв ти з Овечої купелі розслабленого;* вилікував недугу кровоточивої;* помилував навіжену дочку ханаанянки* та й проханням сотника ти не погордив.* Тому й кличемо: Всесильний Господи, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Коли ти, Господи, зважатимеш на беззаконня,* то хто встоїться, Господи. Та в тебе є прощення.

Пречистими руками створивши людину,* прийшов ти, добросердий Христе, вилікувати недужих.* Словом твоїм підняв ти з Овечої купелі розслабленого;* вилікував недугу кровоточивої;* помилував навіжену дочку ханаанянки* та й проханням сотника ти не погордив.* Тому й кличемо: Всесильний Господи, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Задля імени твого надіюсь на тебе, Господи,* надіється душа моя на слово твоє; надіється душа моя на Господа.

Коли побачив тебе розслаблений,* отой непохований мерлець, кликнув:* Помилуй мене, Господи, бо постіль стала мені гробом!* І навіщо ж мені жити?* Не потребую й Овечої купелі, бо не маю нікого,* хто б поклав мене в неї, коли заворушується вода.* Та приходжу до тебе, джерела оздоровлень,* щоб з усіма міг я кликати:* Всесильний Господи, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Від ранньої сторожі до ночі* від ранньої сторожі нехай уповає Ізраїль на Господа.

(г. 5): Преподобний отче, богоносний Теодосію!* Ти вельми трудився за туземного життя:* піснями, постом і постійною молитвою став ти взором для своїх учнів.* Сьогодні ти ликуєш з безтілесними,* безперестанку прославляючи Христа* – від Бога Боже Слово, Збавителя, що вмер на хресті* і визволив від обману рід людський.* Моли його, Преподобний,* щоб дарував вселенній мир і велику милість

3. Стих: Бо в Господа милість і відкуплення велике в нього;* він визволить Ізраїля від усього беззаконня його.

Преподобний отче, богоносний Теодосію!* Ти вельми трудився за туземного життя:* піснями, постом і постійною молитвою став ти взором для своїх учнів.* Сьогодні ти ликуєш з безтілесними,* безперестанку прославляючи Христа* – від Бога Боже Слово, Збавителя, що вмер на хресті* і визволив від обману рід людський.* Моли його, Преподобний,* щоб дарував вселенній мир і велику милість

2. Стих: Хваліте Господа всі народи!* Прославляйте його всі люди!

Преподобний отче, богоносний Теодосію!* Ти справді удостоївсь божеського життя,* здобувши його чистотою і постом;* бо ще живий, відрікшись усього,* перейшов ти до справжнього життя.* З безтілесними невпинно прославляючи Христа,* що таїнственно від Діви прийняв тіло* і збурив ад та й воскресив від віку померлих.* Моли його, Преподобний,* щоб дарував вселенній мир і велику милість.

1. Стих: Велике бо до нас його милосердя, і вірність Господа повіки.

Преподобний отче, богоносний Теодосію!* Ти знайшов життя, бо полюбив чистоту,* і благодать Святого Духа в тобі поселилася,* як пречисте світло, яке тебе опромінило.* Прославляючи неперестанно Христа,* як одного Бога в двох природах,* що тілом постраждав на хресті, а Божеством – неспроможний страждати,* моли його, Преподобний,* щоб дарував вселенній мир і велику милість.

Слава (г. 5): Прийшов Ісус до Єрусалиму в Овечу купіль.* Вона мала п’ять притворів і по-юдейському звалась Витесда.* Біля них лежало безліч недужих,* бо ангел Божий кожного року сходив і зрушував воду,* та й давав здоров’я тим, що з вірою приходили.* Господь, побачивши довголітнього чоловіка, каже до нього:* Хочеш бути здоровим?* А хворий відповів: Господи, не маю чоловіка,* щоб вкинув мене в купіль, коли зрушиться вода.* Роздав я лікарям усе моє майно* і не зміг осягнути тієї ласки.* Та Лікар душ і тіл каже до нього:* Візьми твою постіль і ходи,* проповідуючи всюди мою силу і велику милість!

І нині (догмат г. 3): Як нам не дивуватися, Всечесна, твоєму богочоловічому родженню?* Бо ти, Всенепорочна, не знавши мужа,* породила тілесно без батька сина,* зродженого у вічності від Отця без матері,* що не зазнав ніякої зміни чи змішання, чи розділу,* але в цілості зберіг прикмети обох природ.* Тому Мати Діво, Владичице, моли його,* щоб спас душі тих, що православно визнають тебе, як Богородицю.

Читання

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: З книги Мудрості читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Душі праведних у руці Божій, і мука не спіткає їх. Очам безумних видалось, що вони вмерли, і їхнє переставлення вважано за нещастя, а відхід їх від нас – за згубу, вони однак – у мирі. Бо хоч, в очах людських, їх спіткала кара, надія їх повна безсмертям; вони, потерпівши трохи, великих добродійств зазнають, бо Бог їх досвідчив і знайшов їх достойними себе. Він випробував їх, як золото в горнилі, і прийняв їх, як жертву всепалення. В час їхніх відвідин вони засяють і, немов іскри, по стерні розбіжаться. Правитимуть народами й володітимуть племенами, а Господь царюватиме над ними повік. Ті, що звірились на нього, зрозуміють правду, і вірні в любові перебуватимуть при ньому, бо ласка й милосердя – для вибранців його. (Муд. 3, 1-9)

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: З книги Мудрості читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Праведні повіки будуть жити, і в Господі їхня нагорода; піклується про них Всевишній. Тому і приймуть вони царство слави і вінець краси з Господньої руки, бо він правицею своєю захистить їх, раменом їх охоронить. Візьме за зброю свою ревність і озброїть створіння ворогам на відплату. Надягне справедливість, немов панцир, і накладе, як шолом, суд нелицемірний. Візьме за щит непереможну святість, нагострить, немов меч, гнів суворий; увесь світ піде з ним у бій проти безумних. Влучні стріли-блискавиці вирушать, і з хмар, немов з добре нап’ятого лука, полетять до цілі; з метавки гніву жбурне силу граду, вода у морі проти них залютує, і ріки затоплять їх безпощадно. Подмух Всесили проти них повстане, і, немов та буря, їх порозвіває. Так то беззаконня спустошить усю землю, а лиходійство повалить престоли сильних. Тож слухайте, царі, і розумійте! Навчіться, ви, що правите аж по край світу! Вважайте, ви, що верховодите безліччю та пишаєтеся юрбою народів, бо від Господа дана вам влада, від Всевишнього – зверхність. (Муд. 5, 15-6, 3)

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: З книги Приповідок читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Мій сину! коли ти мої слова приймеш | і мої заповіді заховаєш у себе, вухом твоїм уважаючи на мудрість, |схиляючи до правди твоє серце, о так, коли ти розум зватимеш до себе, з закликом звернешся до розсудку, коли шукатимеш його, як срібла, коли розшукуватимеш його, як схований скарб, тоді ти збагнеш острах Господній, тоді знайдеш пізнання Бога. Господь бо дає мудрість, і з його уст виходить знання й розсудливість. Він для праведних зберігає допомогу; він щит для тих, що ходять чесно. Він стежки правоти пильнує, він береже дорогу своїх вірних. Тоді ти зрозумієш правду й справедливість, прямодушність і всяку путь добру. (Прип. 2, 1-9)

Стихири на стиховні

(г. 3): Твоєю страстю, Христе, ти затемнив сонце,* а світлом твого воскресіння ти все просвітив, що існує.* Тож прийми нашу вечірню пісню, Чоловіколюбче.

Стих (г. 5): Хай воскресне Бог,* і розбіжаться вороги його.

Пасха священна нам сьогодні з’явилась:* Пасха нова, святая;* Пасха таємна* Пасха преславна;* Пасха – Христос визволитель;* Пасха непорочна;* Пасха велика;* Пасха вірних;* Пасха, що райські двері нам відчиняє;* Пасха, що освячує всіх вірних.

Стих: Як щезає дим,* хай вони щезнуть.

Прийдіте після видіння, жінки благовісниці,* і скажіть Сіонові:* Прийми від нас радісну новину* про Воскресіння Христове!* Веселися, торжествуй* і радуйся, Єрусалиме,* побачивши Царя Христа,* що немов жених із гробу виходить.

Стих: Так нехай погибнуть грішники від лиця Божого,* а праведники хай звеселяться.

Мироносиці жінки,* рано-вранці прийшовши* до гробу Життєдавця,* знайшли ангела* що сидів на камені,* а він, провістивши їм, так мовив:* Чому шукаєте Живого між померлими?* Чому оплакуєте у тлінні Нетлінного?* Ідіть, і проповідуйте його учням!

Стих: Це день, що його створив Господь,* тож радіймо і веселімся в нім.

Пасха красна,* Пасха Господня;* Пасха* Пасха преславная нам засіяла;* Пасха! Радісно одні одних обнімімо!* О Пасхо, визволення від скорбот!* Нині бо з гробу,* наче зо світлиці, засіяв Христос,* жінок же радістю наповнив, мовивши:* Проповідуйте апостолам.

Слава (г. 8): Безліч монахів вшановує тебе, отче наш Теодосію,* як свого наставника;* твоєю бо стежкою ми справді навчилися праведно ходити.* Блаженний ти, що трудився для Христа* і посоромив ворожу силу,* ангелів співбесіднику, преподобних співучаснику!* Молися з ними Господеві,* щоб помилував душі наші.

І нині (г. 5): Воскресіння день!* Просвітімся торжеством,* і одні одних обнімімо,* та скажімо: Браття!* І тим, що ненавидять нас,* простім все з Воскресінням,* і так усі заспіваймо:

Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.


Тропарі

(г. 3): Нехай веселяться небесні, нехай радуються земнії,* бо сотворив владу рукою Своєю Господь,* подолав смертю смерть, первенцем мертвих став,* з безодні ада ізбавив нас і подав світові велику милість.

Слава:(г. 8): Змагаючись за чесноту, з юности полюбив ти чернече життя* і бажане сміливо осягнув;* поселившись у печері,* ти прикрасив своє життя постом і святістю.* У молитвах, немов ангел, перебував ти в русько-українській землі* і, як світло промінне, засіяв ти, отче Теодосію.* Моли Христа Бога, щоб спаслися душі наші.

І нині: (г. 8): Ти, Милосердний, що задля нас народився з Діви,* витерпів розп’яття і смертю смерть подолав* і, як Бог, появив воскресіння,* не погорди тими, що їх ти створив рукою своєю.* Покажи, Милостивий, своє чоловіколюбство,* прийми Богородицю, що тебе породила й молиться за нас,* і спаси, Спасе наш, людей зневірених.

 

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

Після того, як священик виголошує “Благословенне Царство” й люди відповідають “Амінь”, священики співають Тропар один раз, а люди його повторюють. Далі священики співають першу половину, а люди завершують другу. Так робимо щодня, аж до середи перед четвергом Вознесіння.

Тропар:

Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Тропарі і Кондаки
Тропар (глас 3): Нехай веселяться небеснії, нехай радуються земляни,* бо показав владу рукою Своєю Господь,* Він смертю смерть подолав,* первістоком з-поміж мертвих став,* визволив нас із глибин аду,* і подав світові велику милість.

І святому, глас 8: Піднісся ти до чеснот, змолоду полюбивши монаше життя,* бажане сміливо осягнув, вселився ти в печеру* і, прикрасивши життя твоє постом і світлістю,* в молитвах, як безплотний, пробував ти,* в руській землі, як світле світило, засіяв ти, отче Теодосію.* Моли Христа Бога, щоб спаслися душі наші.

Кондак святому, глас 3: Звізду руську – блаженного Теодосія днесь вшануймо,* що від сходу возсіяла і на захід прийшла,* бо всю цю країну чудесами й чеснотами,* а всіх нас діянням і благодаттю монашого уставу збагатила.

+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові.

Кондак (глас 3): Душу мою, Господи, у гріхах всіляких* і безглуздими діяннями тяжко розслаблену,* воздвигни божественним твоїм заступництвом,* як і розслабленого воздвигнув ти древньо,* щоб я кликав до тебе, спасаючись:* Слава, Христе, владі твоїй.

І нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.

Кондак (глас 8): Хоч і у гріб зійшов ти, Безсмертний,* та адову зруйнував ти силу,* і воскрес єси як переможець, Христе Боже,* жінкам-мироносицям звістивши: Радуйтеся,* і твоїм апостолам мир даруєш,* падшим подаєш воскресіння.

Прокімен (глас 1):
Будь, Господи, милість твоя на нас,* бо уповали ми на тебе (Пс 32,22).
Стих: Радуйтеся, праведні, у Господі, правим належить похвала (Пс 32,1).

І святому, глас 7: Чесна перед Господом смерть преподобних Його (Пс. 115,6).

Апостол: (Ді 9,32-42):
Тими днями Петро, обходячи всі усюди, прибув і до святих, що мешкали в Лідді. Там він знайшов одного чоловіка, на ім’я Еней, що лежав на ліжку вісім років і був паралітик. Петро сказав до нього: «Енею, Ісус Христос тебе оздоровляє. Устань і сам постели собі ліжко!» І вмить той підвівся. І бачили його всі мешканці Лідди та Сарону, і навернулися вони до Господа. Була ж у Яффі одна учениця, на ім’я Тавита, що значить у перекладі Дорка (Сарна). Вона була повна добрих діл та милостині, що чинила. І сталося тими днями, що вона занедужала й умерла. Обмили її і поклали в горниці. А що Лідда лежить близько Яффи, учні, почувши, що Петро там, послали двох чоловіків з просьбою до нього: «Не отягайся прийти аж до нас!» Петро негайно рушив з ними. І як прийшов, вони його повели наверх у горницю, де всі вдови оточили його з плачем, показуючи йому туніки й плащі, що їх робила Дорка, бувши з ними. Велівши всім вийти з хати, Петро став на коліна й почав молитися, а повернувшись до тіла, мовив: «Тавито, встань!» І та відкрила свої очі й, побачивши Петра, сіла. Він же подав їй руку та й підвів її і, прикликавши святих та вдів, поставив її живою. Довідалась про це вся Яффа, і багато повірило в Господа.

Прп.: Апостол: Євр. 334 зач.
Послання Апостола Павла до Євреїв 13, 7-16.
Браття, пам’ятайте про наставників ваших, які звіщали вам слово Боже, і, дивлячись уважно на кінець їхнього життя, наслідуйте їхню віру. 8. Ісус Христос учора й сьогодні – той самий навіки. Не дайте себе звести різними та чужими науками; воно бо добре укріпити серце благодаттю, не стравами, які не принесли ніякої користи тим, що їх тримались. 10. У нас є жертовник, з якого не мають права їсти ті, що при наметі служать. 11. Бо м’ясо тих звірят, кров яких первосвященик вносив у святиню за гріхи, палиться за табором. 12. Тому й Ісус, щоб освятити народ власною кров’ю, страждав поза містом. 13. Вийдімо, отже, до нього поза табір, несучи наругу його, 14. бо ми не маємо тут постійного міста, але майбутнього шукаємо. 15. За його посередництвом приносімо завжди Богові жертву хвали, тобто плід уст, які визнають його ім’я. 16. Добродійства та взаємної щедроти не забувайте: такі бо жертви Богові приємні.

Алилуя (глас 1):
Стих: Милості твої, Господи, повік оспівуватиму, з роду в рід
(Пс 88,2).
Стих: Бо сказав ти: Повік милість збудується (Пс 88,3).
Стих: Блажен муж, що боїться Господа, заповіді Його дуже любі йому (Пс. 111,1).

Євангеліє: (Ів 5,1-15):
У той час Ісус прибув до Єрусалиму. А є в Єрусалимі при Овечих воротах купелеве місце, по-єврейському воно зветься Витесда, що має п’ять критих переходів. Лежала в них сила недужих, сліпих, кривих, усохлих, які чекали, коли то зрушиться вода: ангел бо Господній сходив час від часу в купелеве місце та й заколочував воду, і хто, отже, перший поринав по тому, як вода заколочувалася, то одужував, – хоч яка б там була його хвороба. Один чоловік там був, що нездужав тридцять і вісім років. Побачив Ісус, що він лежить, а довідавшися, що було воно вже дуже довго, каже до нього: «Бажаєш одужати?» «Не маю нікого, пане, – одрікає йому недужий, – хто б мене, коли ото вода зрушиться, та й спустив у купіль: бо ось тільки я прийду, а вже інший передо мною поринає.» Мовить Ісус до нього: «Устань, візьми ложе твоє і ходи!» Відразу ж і одужав той чоловік, і взяв ложе своє і почав ходити. Був же той день – субота. Юдеї і кажуть до одужалого: «Субота адже ж! Не личить тобі ложе носити!» А той їм у відповідь: «Візьми ложе твоє і ходи, – сказав мені, хто мене оздоровив.» Спитали його: «Хто він – той, що сказав тобі: Візьми і ходи?» Та одужалий не знав, хто він, бо Ісус зник у натовпі, що юрмився на тому місці. Щойно потім знайшов його Ісус у храмі й мовив до нього: «Оце ти видужав, – тож не гріши більше, щоб щось гірше тобі не сталось.» Чоловік пішов і оповів юдеям, мовляв, той, хто його оздоровив, – Ісус.

Прп.: Євангеліє: Мт. 43 зач.
Євангеліє від Матея 11, 27-30.
Сказав Господь своїм учням: Все передане мені моїм Отцем, і ніхто не знає Сина, крім Отця, і Отця ніхто не знає, крім Сина, та кому Син схоче відкрити. 28. Прийдіть до мене всі втомлені й обтяжені, і я облегшу вас. 29. Візьміть моє ярмо на себе й навчіться від мене, бо я лагідний і сумирний серцем, і найдете полегшу душам вашим. 30. Ярмо бо моє любе й тягар мій легкий.

Замість Достойно:
Ангел сповіщав Благодатній: Чистая Діво, радуйся. І знову кажу: Радуйся. Твій Син воскрес тридневний із гробу, і мертвих воздвигнув він; люди, веселіться.

Ірмос (глас 1): Світися, світися, новий Єрусалиме, слава бо Господня на тобі возсіяла. Радій нині і веселися, Сіоне. А ти, Чистая, красуйся, Богородице, востанням рождення твого.

Причасний:
Тіло Христове прийміть,* джерела безсмертного споживіть.* Хваліте Господа з небес,* хваліте Його на висотах (Пс 148,1).* В пам’ять вічну буде праведник, злих слухів не убоїться (Пс. 111,6-7). Алилуя (х3).

Замість Благословен, хто йде в ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Ми бачили світло істинне: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Нехай сповняться: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Замість Будь ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Під час відпусту “Христос воскрес” співається один раз (на просту мелодію) замість “Слава Отцю…”

Тоді знову співається Тропар “Христос воскрес”, як і на початку Літургії, але з додатковим закінченням.

Тропар: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

І нам дарував життя вічне, поклоняємось його тридневному воскресінню.

May 6; Mid-Pentecost; The Holy, Just and Long-suffering Job

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma

from the 9th Kathisma

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

The mid-point of the feast has arrived;* the days which begin with the resurrection of the Saviour* and are fulfilled in the divine feast of Pentecost.* Truly it unites both Feasts and draws light from their double brightness,* giving honour to the ascension of the Lord,* which prefigures our glory.

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

Truly Sion heard and was glad* when it received the glad tidings of the resurrection of Christ.* Faithful children also rejoiced at beholding it.* Seeing the blood of Christ washed away by the Holy Spirit,* the Church prepares to worthily celebrate* the joyous midpoint of these two holy feasts.

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

The over-abundant outpouring of the divine Spirit over all is drawing near,* as it is written by the prophet Joel.* The promise of Christ, given to His disciples* after His death, burial and resurrection,* proclaims the coming of the Comforter.

In Tone 5

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

Today the feast of mid-Pentecost appears in it grace and brightness,* and as the noon hour divides the day,* so this feast stands at the middle of the paschal season.* It radiates the light of the resurrection of Christ* and reflects the signs of eternal life.* It discloses the ascension into heaven,* and it foretells the coming of the most beloved Spirit,* the glorious feast of Pentecost.* And so it bestows upon our souls peace and great mercy.

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

Today we have come to the midweek of the festal season.* As a river of divine glory, the Lord gives streams of goodness to all and calls out:* All who thirst, come to Me and drink deeply,* because I am the Fountain of compassion and the Ocean of mercy.* From Him flows forgiveness to the peoples;* He washes away sin and cleanses infirmities.* he saves those who celebrate His resurrection,* embraces with love those who honour His glorious ascension,* and bestows upon our souls peace and great mercy.

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

He stood in the centre of the temple, the infinite God.* He is God in essence, yet became incarnate for our sakes,* taking upon Himself the limits of the flesh,* from which the living water of His word comes to everyone,* saying: Come, and purify your hearts* and quench the heat of your passions.* Let no one be deprived of drink.* The water that I give is the grace of God* by which you partake of the better and eternal life.* Whoever drinks of it will share with Me, the Creator,* the kingdom and the glory of God.

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

The mid-week of the festal season has arrived, O Christ,* the midpoint of Your resurrection and the coming of Your Holy Spirit.* Coming together, we glorify the mystery of Your miracles;* and filled with fear, we cry out to You:* Send down upon us Your great mercy!

Readings

(1) Micah 4:2, 3; 6:1-5, 8; (2) Isaiah 55:1-13; (3) Proverbs 9:1-11

Aposticha

In Tone 1

The middle of the fifty days is here,* wherein Christ manifested His divine power.* He healed the paralytic, raising him from his bed by a word.* In the flesh He worked signs and wonders,* granting His people eternal life and great mercy.

Remember Your people whom You chose long ago.

You came to the temple, O Wisdom of God, in the midst of the feast,* to teach and edify the Jews, the scribes and the Pharisees:* Let all who thirst come to Me and drink the water of life.* They will never thirst again.* Whoever believes in Me, streams of living water shall flow from them.* How great is Your goodness and Your compassion.* Glory to You, O Christ our God!

God is our King from time past, the Giver of help throughout all the land.

Jesus went up to the temple in the middle of the feast.* He proclaimed to the stiff-necked people:* Let all who thirst come to me and drink.* I will give them the water of life, and they will never thirst again.* Living streams will flow from the hearts of those who believe in Me.* They will find the Light of the world.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

While You taught the scribes in the midst of the feast, O Saviour,* they murmured: How can this man who never studied be learned?* They would not believe that You are the Wisdom who created the world.* O Lord, glory to You!

Troparion

In Tone 8

At the mid-point of the Feast, O Saviour,* water my thirsty soul with streams of true godliness;* for You cried out to all: Let any who thirst, come to Me and drink.* Source of life, Christ our God, glory to You!

 


DIVINE LITURGY

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, 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, Tone 8: At the mid-point of the Feast, O Saviour,* water my thirsty soul with streams of true godliness;* for You cried out to all: Let any who thirst, come to Me and drink.* O Source of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: At the mid-point of the Feast according to the Law,* Maker of all things and Master,* You said to those present, O Christ God:* Come, and draw the water of immortality.* And so we fall before You crying out with faith: Grant us Your mercies , for You are the source of our life.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

Great is our Lord, and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.

verse: Praise the Lord, for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to Him. (Psalm 146:5,1)

Epistle

Acts 14:6-18

Alleluia, Tone 1

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 73:2,12)

Gospel

John 7:14-30

Hymn to the Mother of God

Virginity is alien to mothers and child-bearing is foreign to virgins; yet in you, O Mother of God, both of them came together. Therefore, we and all the nations of the earth without ceasing magnify you.

Communion Hymn

Those who eat My flesh and drink My blood* abide in Me and I in them, says the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (John 6:56)

Instead of “Blessed is He Who comes…” and “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. (3)

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. (3)

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.

 

May 8; The Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian

The Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian; Our Venerable Father Arsenius the Great (408-50); Arsenius the Great (450)

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 5

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

Today is the radiant and beautiful day* which marks the middle of the Savior’s feast of Resurrection!* The feast which fills the world with grace has now reached high noon!* The miracle of Christ’s rising shines on us,* revealing to us the first-fruits of incorruption,* sealed by His Ascension on high,* and manifesting the gracious coming of the Spirit:* the most joyful celebration of Pentecost!* All this grants our souls peace and great mercy!

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

As a river of divine glory* the Lord cries to all in the midst of the feast:* Let him who thirsts come to Me and drink his fill!* He is the fount of compassion, the well of mercy,* pouring out forgiveness on the world,* washing away transgressions and cleansing impurities!* He saves those who celebrate His Resurrection,* He covers with love those who honor His Ascension in glory,* and He grants to our souls peace and great mercy!

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

Who is this standing in the middle of the Temple?* Our Lord and God, whom the heavens cannot contain!* He is God by nature, yet for us He humbled himself* to be seen contained in mortal flesh.* the Word of life gushes forth from Him to all:* Cleanse your hearts! Quench the flames of passion!* Do not refuse the water of life, children of mankind!* I offer you divine grace, the kingdom of immortality!* Abide in Me,  your Creator, and be glorified!

In Tone 1

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

The beholder of ineffable revelations* and recounter of the most sublime mysteries of God,* the son of Zebedee, who set down in writing the Gospel of Christ,* has taught us to theologize* concerning the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

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

The harp of heavenly songs played by God,* the recorder of mysteries, the divinely eloquent mouth,* beautifully chants the hymn of hymns;* for, moving his lips as though they were strings,* and using his tongue as a plectrum,* he prays that we be saved.

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

Proclaiming with your thunderous tongue* the hidden Word of divine wisdom, O beloved of God,* you ever cry out, continually moving your lips:* In the beginning was the Word!* And you instruct every man in the knowledge of God.

In Tone 8

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

O divinely wise father Arsenius,* having illumined your mind with fountains of tears,* you conversed with God,* and by unceasing purification and effulgence* was shown to be a most radiant pillar of piety,* shining as with fire, O blessed one, boast of monks.* And now, by your supplications, preserve us all.

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

O divinely wise father Arsenius,* having girt your mind round about with abstinence,* you caused it to ascend to the primal Cause,* and, forsaking the turbulence of the world and shunning its tumults,* you truly mingled purity of mind with the utmost desire, O blessed and all-wise one.

In Tone 1, Glory…

O you of the race of man,* let us offer goodly praise as is meet to the beloved and virginal John,* the son of thunder, the foundation of the words of God, the author of theology,* the first preacher of the truth of the dogmas of the wisdom of God;* for having the Divine continually within him, he said:* In the beginning was the Word,* Who is inseparable from the Father and of the same essence with the Father,* revealing to us through himself the orthodoxy of the Holy Trinity.* And he has likewise shown us that He creates with the Father* and bears life and the light of Truth.* O awesome wonder! O uttermost wisdom!* For, full of love, he was also filled with theology through glory, honour and faith,* as a founder of our pure Faith.* Wherefore, we shall receive everlasting blessings on the day of judgment.

In Tone 6

Now…

We have assembled, O Christ, in the middle of the feast,* to praise Your wondrous mysteries:* Your Resurrection and the coming of Your Holy Spirit.* send down on us great mercy!

Readings

1 John 3:21-4:6; 1 John 4:11-16; 1 John 4:20-5:5

Lytia

In Tone 1

Rivers of theology poured forth from your honoured mouth, O apostle,* and the Church of God, watered thereby, worships the consubstantial Trinity in Orthodoxy.* Pray now to the Trinity, O theologian John,* that our souls be made steadfast and saved.

The garden of purity has emitted for us the myrrh of sweet fragrance on this present feast,* that we may cry out to him: O Apostle John,* who reclined against the Master’s breast,* who has rained down discourse upon the world* and preserved the Virgin as the apple of your eye,* beseech Christ, that He grant us great mercy.

O disciple of the Saviour, virgin and theologian, when Christ God was crucified* He committed the Virgin Theotokos to your care, in that you are virginal;* and you preserved her as the apple of your eye.* Wherefore, pray that our souls be saved.

As an eyewitness to ineffable mysteries, you cried out, exclaiming:* “In the beginning the pre-eternal Word was with God, and He was God!”* O Apostle John, intimate and faithful friend of Christ,* delight of the Trinity, unshakable confirmation of Ephesus and Patmos, our help.* Pray, O most blessed theologian, that the people who ever celebrate your memory with faith* be delivered from wicked enemies, material and noetic.

In Tone 5

O venerable father, having heard the voice of the Gospel of the Lord,* you forsook the world, holding riches and glory to be as naught.* Wherefore, you cried out to all:* “Love God and you shall find eternal grace.* Prefer nothing to His love, that when He shall come in His glory,* you shall find rest with all the saints.”* By his supplications, O Christ, preserve and save our souls.

In Tone 4

Glory… Now…

Reclining against the breast of Christ the Teacher at the Lord’s supper,* O beloved disciple, you thereby came to know ineffable things,* and has thundered forth your heavenly voice for all to hear,* saying: “In the beginning was the Word,* and the Word was with God, and the Word was God:* Christ God, the Saviour of our souls,* the Light of truth Who enlightens every man* who comes into the world.”

Aposticha

In Tone 4

Theologizing concerning the Son of the Most High,* Who with the Father is equally everlasting and of the same essence,* immutable Light from Light, the impress of the hypostasis of the Father,* Who shone forth timelessly and dispassionately from Him,* the Creator and Lord of all the ages, Christ our God,* you preached to the world, O beloved,* as the One Who brought light forth out of darkness.* Entreat Him that He save and enlighten our souls.

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

Receiving the light of the Comforter,* illumined therewith you theologized and proclaimed to all, O beloved,* that He proceeds from the Father* and through the Son is revealed to mankind,* equal in honour, equally enthroned* and of the same essence with the unoriginate Father and God the Word.* Wherefore, we honour you in hymns as the foundation of the divine Faith,* which you preserve unshaken through your supplications to the Lord.

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

Having ascended to the summit of theology,* you learned the ineffable mysteries of God:* the single essence of the Godhead,* His single glory, kingdom and dominion, ever distinct in three Hypostases,* yet essentially indivisible and united in unconfused divine unity.* And, rendering glory, O theologian,* you preached the indivisible Trinity.* Entreat Him that He save and enlighten our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory…

O apostle of Christ, evangelist and theologian,* as an initiate of ineffable mysteries you have thundered forth upon us* the ineffable doctrines of wisdom,* explaining to the faithful that He was in the beginning,* and discounting that there was a time when He did not exist,* thus rejecting the words of the heretics.* And as you were shown to be the beloved intimate and friend of Christ,* like the eloquent Isaiah and Moses the God-seer,* pray earnestly for our souls, in that you have boldness before God.

In Tone 8

Now…

In the middle of the feast,* before Your passion and glorious Resurrection,* You taught the unbelieving Jews in the Temple, gracious Lord,* You cried out to the scribes and Pharisees:* Let him who thirsts come to Me and drink!* From the heart of him who believes in Me,* rivers of living water — the Spirit of God — shall flow!* Your wisdom and understanding are far beyond our words!* Glory to You, our God, who perfects all things!

Troparia

In Tone 2

O beloved apostle of Christ our God,* hasten, deliver a people without defense.* He who received you when you leaned upon His breast accepts you as you bow in prayer.* Implore Him, O Theologian, to scatter the cloud of nations that besets us,* asking peace and great mercy for us. (2)

In Tone 2

Hail, Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace!* The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have borne Christ, the Saviour* and Deliverer of our souls.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, 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, Tone 8: At the mid-point of the Feast, O Saviour,* water my thirsty soul with streams of true godliness;* for You cried out to all: Let any who thirst, come to Me and drink.* O Source of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!

Troparion, Tone 2: O beloved apostle of Christ our God,* hasten, deliver a people without defense.* He who received you when you leaned upon His breast accepts you as you bow in prayer.* Implore Him, O Theologian, to scatter the cloud of nations that besets us,* asking peace and great mercy

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: O virgin apostle, who can recount your mighty works?* For you pour out wonders and healings* and you pray for our souls as Theologian and friend of Christ.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: At the mid-point of the Feast according to the Law,* Maker of all things and Master,* You said to those present, O Christ God:* Come, and draw the water of immortality.* And so we fall before You crying out with faith: Grant us Your mercies , for You are the source of our life.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

Great is our Lord, and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.

verse: Praise the Lord, for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to Him. (Psalm 146:5,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

Epistle

Acts 10:44-11:10; 1 John 1:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 1

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 73:2,12)

verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints. (Psalm 88:6)

Gospel

John 8:21-30; John 19:25-27; 21:24-25

The Lord said to the Jews that came to Him, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will

Hymn to the Mother of God

Virginity is alien to mothers and child-bearing is foreign to virgins; yet in you, O Mother of God, both of them came together. Therefore, we and all the nations of the earth without ceasing magnify you.

Communion Hymn

Those who eat My flesh and drink My blood* abide in Me and I in them, says the Lord. (John 6:56)* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

Instead of “Blessed is He Who comes…” and “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. (3)

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. (3)

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.

May 9; The Transfer of the Relics (1087) of Our Holy Father Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari;

The Transfer of the Relics (1087) of Our Holy Father Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari; Holy Prophet Isaiah (8th c. BC); Holy Martyr Christopher (249-51)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma

“Blessed is the Man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

The Creator of all and Giver of life,* the Word co-eternal with the divine Father,* Who willed to take flesh from the Virgin, becoming a Man,* has manifested the ineffable teachings of wisdom to all!

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

In the midst of the Jewish feast, O Christ,* You stood in the Temple, Master of the law,* teaching with authority and refuting the scribes,* since it was of You that Moses wrote!* amazing all with the wisdom of Your words and wondrous signs!

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

The Giver of wisdom and Bestower of blessings* pouring out divine streams from the inexhaustible fountain, cried:* Come to me, all who thirst, and draw the water of life!* Rivers of divine grace shall flow from you!

In Tone 8

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

You have reached the heights of virtue, O blessed ambassador of Christ,* and have become the glorious wonder-worker of Myra.* While your body rests in Bari, receiving worthy veneration,* in spirit you visit the faithful everywhere,* delivering them from misfortune, O blessed one of the hierarchs.* Today, we call upon you with supplications and earnestly beseech you:* Pray, O bishop Nicholas, to the Saviour of all,* that He grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.

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

You have reached the heights of virtue, O blessed ambassador of Christ,* and have become the glorious wonder-worker of Myra.* While your body rests in Bari, receiving worthy veneration,* in spirit you visit the faithful everywhere,* delivering them from misfortune, O blessed one of the hierarchs.* Today, we call upon you with supplications and earnestly beseech you:* Pray, O bishop Nicholas, to the Saviour of all,* that He grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.

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

Let us the faithful honour with joy and hymns of praise* the translation of the precious relics of our intercessor,* who enlightens every nation with miracles,* consoles the sorrowing, and protects the poor.* For the sake of almsgiving, he fell into God’s debt;* for this he received a hundredfold reward.* To him we all cry out:* Pray, O bishop Nicholas, to the Saviour of all,* that He grant peace to the world and save our souls.

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

Let us the faithful honour with joy and hymns of praise* the translation of the precious relics of our intercessor,* who enlightens every nation with miracles,* consoles the sorrowing, and protects the poor.* For the sake of almsgiving, he fell into God’s debt;* for this he received a hundredfold reward.* To him we all cry out:* Pray, O bishop Nicholas, to the Saviour of all,* that He grant peace to the world and save our souls.

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

Because of your virtues you, O God-bearing Nicholas,* have entered the palaces of the angels and stand before your Master Christ,* Whose most humble servant you have become.* From your relics you exude myrrh;* you help the faithful by your miracles,* and lead the true believers to God.* Not from Bari do we call upon you, but from the heavenly Jerusalem,* where you are rejoicing with the apostles, prophets, and bishops.* Pray today to the Saviour of all,* that He grant peace to the world and save our souls.

In Tone 6

Glory…

Let us all together venerate with canticles of praise* the beauty of the hierarchs and the glory of the fathers,* the fountain of miracles and the great intercessor of the faithful,* crying out: Rejoice, O protector of the laity,* honourable archbishop and unshakeable pillar!* Rejoice, universal lamp that illumines all nations with miracles!* Rejoice, holy joy of the afflicted and sincere defender of the downtrodden!* Do not cease, O all-praised Nicholas,* even today to pray to Christ God for those who with faith and love* always honour your blessed and sacred memory.

In Tone 3

Now…

O Lady most honourable,* how can we but be rapt in wonder* at you giving birth to the Incarnate God* who, without a mother, was born of the Father before all ages?* You gave Him birth in the flesh without a father,* without a man instrumentality.* He is God and man whose two natures are intact,* neither one losing any of its properties.* Therefore, O Virgin Mother,* intercede with Him to save the souls* of those who believe and confess in true faith** that you are the Mother of God.

Readings

(1) Proverbs 10:6-8; 8:6-21; (2) Proverbs 10:13-32; 11:1-10; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Rejoice, O priestly leader, spotless vessel of virtue,* model of divine priesthood, great shepherd of your flock,* bearer of the torch of victory.* You hear the prayers of those who call upon you;* you grant petitions of the poor;* you rescue all who praise your name.* Now we ask you to Implore Christ* that He may shower abundant mercy on the world.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful.

Rejoice, O saintly Father, temple of the Trinity;* pillar of the Church, protector of the faithful,* helper of all in trouble.* You are a star whose rays of prayer dispel the darkest trouble.* You are a quiet harbour for the storm-tossed,* for all adrift in the sea of life.* Pray to Christ to save our souls with his great mercy.

Your priests shall be clothed with holiness; your faithful shall ring out their joy.

Rejoice, O zealous man of God.* You appeared in a dream,* and you saved from death the ones unjustly sentenced.* You are a fountain in Myra, overflowing with scented myrrh.* You inspire us to keep from sin.* You are a sword that cuts the woods of error* you proved Arius to be a false teacher.* Pray to Christ to save our souls with His great mercy.

In Tone 4

Glory…

O bishop Nicholas, by sea, * You made your journey from Myra in Lycia to the city of Bari.* Your coffin was removed from the tomb* and transferred from the East to the far off West, O most glorious Nicholas.* It was followed by pious monks* who, by the will of God, performed services at your tomb.

In Tone 1

Now…

You came to the Holy of Holies, Wisdom of God* in the middle of the feast,* to teach and edify the Jews: the Scribes and the Pharisees:* Let him who thirsts come to Me and drink the water of life* that he may never thirst!* Whoever believes in me, streams of living water shall flow from Him!* How great is Your goodness and compassion, Christ God!  Glory to You!

Troparia

In Tone 4

The day of radiant feasting is here,* the city of Bari rejoices, and the world exults with hymns and spiritual songs.* For today is the sacred feast* of the transfer of the precious and healing relics of the bishop and wonder-worker Nicholas.* Like a never-setting sun* he shines with radiant beams of light* dispelling the gloom of temptations and grief* from those who cry with faith:* Save us, great Nicholas, for you intercede for us.

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

At the mid-point of the Feast, O Saviour,* water my thirsty soul with streams of true godliness;* for You cried out to all: Let any who thirst, come to Me and drink.* O Source of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!

 


DIVINE LITURGY

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, 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, Tone 8: At the mid-point of the Feast, O Saviour,* water my thirsty soul with streams of true godliness;* for You cried out to all: Let any who thirst, come to Me and drink.* O Source of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!

Troparion, Tone 4: The day of radiant feasting is here,* the city of Bari rejoices, and the world exults with hymns and spiritual songs.* For today is the sacred feast* of the transfer of the precious and healing relics of the bishop and wonder-worker Nicholas.* Like a never-setting sun* he shines with radiant beams of light* dispelling the gloom of temptations and grief* from those who cry with faith:* Save us, great Nicholas, for you intercede for us.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Like a star your relics have moved from east to west,* and the sea is hallowed by your passage;* holy bishop Nicholas, the city of Bari receives grace through you,* for you are revealed as one who works wonders:* illustrious, awesome, and merciful.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: At the mid-point of the Feast according to the Law,* Maker of all things and Master,* You said to those present, O Christ God:* Come, and draw the water of immortality.* And so we fall before You crying out with faith: Grant us Your mercies , for You are the source of our life.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

Great is our Lord, and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.

verse: Praise the Lord, for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to Him. (Psalm 146:5,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

verse: The venerable ones will exult in glory* and they shall be joyful in their beds.

Epistle

Hebrews 13:17-21

Alleluia, Tone 1

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 73:2,12)

verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice. (Psalm 131:9)

Gospel

Luke 6:17-23

Hymn to the Mother of God

Virginity is alien to mothers and child-bearing is foreign to virgins; yet in you, O Mother of God, both of them came together. Therefore, we and all the nations of the earth without ceasing magnify you.

Communion Hymn

Those who eat My flesh and drink My blood* abide in Me and I in them, says the Lord. (John 6:56)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear*. Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Instead of “Blessed is He Who comes…” and “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. (3)

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. (3)

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.

May 10; Fifth Sunday after Pascha – Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

Fifth Sunday after Pascha – Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, Tone 4; The Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot

GREAT VESPERS AND DIVINE LITURGY

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 1

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

Truly, the Son, Word and God, co-eternal with the Father,* the Fountain of Wonders Himself, came to the fountain,* where a woman of Samaria came to draw water.* And when the Saviour saw her, He said to her:* Give me water to drink and go and call your husband.* But she addressed Him as man and not as God;* wishing to conceal the truth from Him,* she said: I have no husband.* And the Master replied: You have said the truth, that you have no husband;* for you have had five husbands,* and the one whom you now have is not your husband.* Amazed by these words, she went to the town* and proclaimed to the crowds, saying:* Come and behold Christ who grants the world great mercy.

In Tone 2

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

When the Lord came to the well of Jacob,* the Samaritan woman entreated Him, saying:* Give me the water of faith, O Giver of life,* that I may obtain the waters of baptism, joy and salvation.* O Lord, glory to You!

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

Truly, the Son, Word and God, co-eternal with the Father,* the Fountain of Wonders Himself, came to the fountain,* where a woman of Samaria came to draw water.* And when the Saviour saw her, He said to her:* Give me water to drink and go and call your husband.* But she addressed Him as man and not as God;* wishing to conceal the truth from Him,* she said: I have no husband.* And the Master replied: You have said the truth, that you have no husband;* for you have had five husbands,* and the one whom you now have is not your husband.* Amazed by these words, she went to the town* and proclaimed to the crowds, saying:* Come and behold Christ who grants the world great mercy.

In Tone 4

  1. 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!

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

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!

  1. 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,* he kindled luminous fires of grace for the faithful* that they may worship one God in Three Persons,* indivisible and undivided!

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

The most radiant and all-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.* He sets before us his accomplishments* as a pleasing feast of all good things!

In Tone 2

Glory…

You were called the namesake of zeal, admirable Simon,* for you zealously imitated the all-powerful God!* He revealed you to be filled with divine miracles,* for having unusual zeal, blessed one, you were aptly called “the Zealot,”* and obtained a calling consistent with your character!* Therefore, as you dwell on high with the choirs of heaven,* entreat the Word, O seer of God,* that He may grant us great mercy!

In Tone 4

Now…

O Mother of God, because of You David the Prophet* became an ancestor of God;* he foretold and sang a joyous hymn of praise* and cried out to Him who worked wonders in you:* “The Queen stood at your right hand.”* God revealed you as a life-giving mother,* when He chose to be incarnate of you without a father.* He renewed in man His image which the passions had corrupted.* He found the lost sheep in the mountains, carried it on His shoulders,* offered it to the Father, generously numbered it among the powers of heaven,* and saved the whole world, since He is Christ of great and rich mercy.

Aposticha

In Tone 4

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

The Paschal Stichera are now sung in the customary manner:

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 worthy of veneration.* 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 Sion:* 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 flee from before the face of God;* but let the righteous rejoice!

The myrrh-bearing women* at the break of dawn* drew near to the tomb of the LifeGiver.* There they found an angel* sitting upon the stone,* he greeted them with these words:* Why do you seek the living among the dead?* Why do you mourn 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

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 shown forth from the Tomb,* and filled the women with joy saying:* “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”

In Tone 6

Glory…

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.* Now pray to Christ that He be merciful to us on the day of judgment!

Now…

This is the day of Resurrection,* let us be illumined by the Feast!* Let us embrace each other!* Let us call “Brothers and Sisters!”* 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 on those in the tombs* bestowing life! (3)

Troparia

In Tone 4

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

In Tone 3

Glory…

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

In Tone 8

Now…

At the mid-point of the Feast, O Saviour,* water my thirsty soul with streams of true godliness;* for You cried out to all: Let any who thirst come to Me and drink.** O Source of life, Christ our God, glory to You!

 


DIVINE LITURGY

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, 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, Tone 4: When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”

Troparion, Tone 8: At the mid-point of the Feast, O Saviour,* water my thirsty soul with streams of true godliness;* for You cried out to all: Let any who thirst, come to Me and drink.* O Source of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!

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

Kontakion, 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, Tone 8: Drawn to the well by faith,* the Samaritan woman beheld You, the Water of Wisdom,* and drinking abundantly of You,* she inherited the heavenly Kingdom for ever,* becoming everlastingly glorious.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: At the mid-point of the Feast according to the Law,* Maker of all things and Master,* You said to those present, O Christ God:* Come, and draw the water of immortality.* And so we fall before You crying out with faith: Grant us Your mercies , for You are the source of our life.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

Sing to our God, sing; sing to our King, sing.

verse: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout unto God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:7,2)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

Epistle

Acts 11:19-26, 29-30; 1 Corinthians 4:9-16

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Poise yourself and advance in triumph and reign in the cause of truth, and meekness, and justice.

verse: You have loved justice and hated iniquity. (Psalm 44:5,8)

verse: The heavens shall confess Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints. (Psalm 88:6)

Gospel

John 4:5-42; Matthew 13:54-58

Hymn to the Mother of God

Virginity is alien to mothers and child-bearing is foreign to virgins; yet in you, O Mother of God, both of them came together. Therefore, we and all the nations of the earth without ceasing magnify you.

Communion Hymn

Receive the Body of Christ;* taste the fountain of immortality.* Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

Instead of “Blessed is He Who comes…” and “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. (3)

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. (3)

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.


 

5-а Неділя Пасхи.
 Неділя Самарянки. Св. ап. Симона Зилота. 10 травня.


ВЕЧІРНЯ

Блажен муж співаємо

Стихири

  1. Стих: Виведи з в’язниці мою душу,* щоб дякувати імені твоєму.

(г. 4): Животворному твоєму хрестові* безперестанно поклоняючись, Христе Боже,* славимо твоє на третій день воскресіння.* Бо ним ти, Всесильний, обновив наднищену людську природу* і відновив нам вхід до Неба,* як єдиний добрий і чоловіколюбець.

  1. Стих: Мене обступлять праведники,* бо ти добро мені вчиниш.

Ти, Спасе, знищив кару за непослух щодо дерева,* бо добровільно дав себе прибити на хреснім дереві* і, як всесильний, зійшовши в ад,* як Бог, розірвав ти смертні окови.* Тому й поклоняємось твоєму з мертвих воскресінню, радісно кличучи:* Всесильний Господи, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: З глибин взиваю до тебе, Господи,* Господи, почуй мій голос.

Брами адові знищив ти, Господи,* і твоєю смертю здолав царство смерти,* людський же рід ти визволив з тлінности,* дарувавши світові життя і нетлінність,* і велику милість.

  1. Стих: Нехай будуть твої вуха уважні,* до голосу благання мого.

(г. 1): До джерела опівдні прийшов ти, Джерело чудес,* щоб уловити Євин плід,* бо і Єва, обманена змієм, вийшла колись опівдні з раю.* Оце наблизилась самарянка, щоб зачерпнути води.* Побачивши ж її Спас, каже:* Дай мені напитись води і я напою тебе водою живою.* Сповнена мудрости, вона побігла в місто,* щоб звістити народові:* Прийдіть і погляньте* на Христа Господа, Спаса душ наших!

  1. Стих: Коли ти, Господи, зважатимеш на беззаконня,* то хто встоїться, Господи. Та в тебе є прощення.

(г. 2): Коли прийшов до криниці Господь,* самарянка благала Добросердого:* Дай мені воду віри* і матиму джерельну воду, радість і спасіння.* Життєдавче, Господи, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Задля імени твого надіюсь на тебе, Господи,* надіється душа моя на слово твоє; надіється душа моя на Господа.

До джерела прийшов споконвічний* і співістотний Син і Слово Отця,* бувши Джерелом оздоровлень.* Тоді з Самарії прийшла жінка зачерпнути води.* Побачивши її, Спаситель каже: Дай мені напитися води* і йди та приклич свого чоловіка.* Вона ж, – як до людини, а не до Бога,* – пробуючи потаїтись, каже: Не маю чоловіка.* А Учитель до неї: Правду ти сказала – не маю чоловіка,* бо п’ять чоловіків мала ти,* але й той, що його нині маєш, не є твій чоловік.* І здивувалась вона тим словом, побігла до міста* і голосно повідала народові, кажучи:* Ходіть і побачите Христа,* що дає світові велику милість.

  1. Стих: Від ранньої сторожі до ночі* від ранньої сторожі нехай уповає Ізраїль на Господа.

(г. 8, подібний: Як назвемо вас): Як нам назвати тебе, Апостоле:* Небом? – бо славу визнавав ти Божу.* Рікою? – бо створіння ти напоюєш таїнственно.* Зорею, що опромінює Церкву?* Чашею, що виточує святий напій?* Назвемо тебе найближчим другом Христовим та співмешканцем безтілесних!* Молися за спасіння душ наших.

  1. Стих: Бо в Господа милість і відкуплення велике в нього;* він визволить Ізраїля від усього беззаконня його.

Справді, богомовний Апостоле,* послав тебе Христос, як стрілу світловидну,* що ворогів влучає, а пораненим душам* подає наочне зцілення.* Тому тебе належно прославляємо* і святе нині звершуємо святкування.* Молися за спасіння душ наших.

  1. Стих: Хваліте Господа всі народи!* Прославляйте його всі люди!

Славний боговидче Апостоле!* Прикрасилися ноги твої, що йшли правильним шляхом проповіді* і дороги нечестивців стісняли,* поширюючи божественне розуміння Слова,* що з’явилося у видимім тілі* і вибрало тебе своїм преславним учнем, Блаженний.* Моли його за спасіння душ наших.

  1. Стих: Велике бо до нас його милосердя, і вірність Господа повіки.

Ти, славний апостоле Симоне,* виконував повеління Вчителя,* а він розум твій у всьому просвітив* і показав тебе учнем та почесним благовісником* свого незбагненного Божества* Тому ти неводом благодаті виловлював людей з глибин марноти.

Слава(г. 8): Ти явно прийняв благодать Святого Духа* і став співучасником святого апостольського хору, Симонеапостоле.* Тому вдихнув ти вогненне дихання,* що з неба колись зійшло у вигляді вогненного язика,* і попалив тернину поганського безбожжя.* Моли Христа Бога, Проповіднику,* щоб спаслися душі наші.

І нині (догмат г. 4):  Пророк Давид, що через тебе став богоотцем,* у пісні тому, хто величність тобі дарував,* таке звістив про тебе:* Стала цариця по твоїй правиці!* Він бо появив тебе як матір життя,* бо зволив Бог стати з тебе людиною без батька,* щоб оновити свій образ, знищений пристрастями,* і знайти заблукану в гірських пропастях овечку, взявши на рамена,* та й принести до Отця і за своєю волею приєднати до небесних сил* та й спасти, Богородице, світ у Христі,* що має велику й щедру милість.

Читання

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: Першого Соборного послання Йоанового читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Любі! Коли хтось каже: «Я люблю Бога», а ненавидить брата свого, той неправдомовець. Бо хто не любить брата свого, якого бачить, той не може любити Бога, якого він не бачить. І таку ми заповідь одержали від нього: «Хто любить Бога, той нехай любить і брата свого». Кожен, хто вірує, що Ісус є Христос, той народився від Бога; і кожен, хто любить того, хто породив, той любить і того, хто народився від нього. З цього пізнаємо, що любимо дітей Божих, коли Бога любимо й заповіді його виконуємо. Це бо любов до Бога: берегти його заповіді. А заповіді його не тяжкі. Бо все, що народжується від Бога, перемагає світ. І оце перемога, яка перемогла світ: віра наша. А хто перемагає світ, як не той, хто вірує, що Ісус – Син Божий? (1 Йо. 4, 20-5, 5)

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: Першого Соборного послання Йоанового читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Любі! Коли серце не винує, то ми маємо довір’я перед Богом, і що б ми не просили, одержуєм від нього, бо заповіді його бережемо і чинимо те, що йому вгодне. А ось його заповідь: Вірувати в ім’я його Сина Ісуса Христа й любити один одного, як він дав був нам заповідь. Хто його заповіді зберігає, той і перебуває в нім, а він у ньому; і ми знаємо, що він у нас перебуває, від Духа, що його він дав нам. Любі, не кожному духові вірте, а випробовуйте духів, чи вони від Бога, – багато бо лжепророків прийшло на світ. З цього спізнавайте Божий дух: кожен дух, який визнає, що Ісус Христос прийшов у тілі, той від Бога. А кожен дух, що не визнає Ісуса, – той не від Бога, але антихриста, про якого ви чували, що він прийде, та й тепер уже у світі. Ви, діточки, від Бога, і перемогли їх, бо більший той, хто у вас, ніж той, хто у світі. Вони від світу, тому й говорять по-світському, і світ їх слухає. Ми – від Бога. Хто знає Бога, слухає нас; хто ж не від Бога, не слухає нас. З цього спізнаємо дух правди й дух омани. (1 Йо. 3, 21-4, 6)

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: Першого Соборного послання Йоанового читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Любі! Цим виявилася до нас любов Божа, що Бог свого єдинородного Сина послав у світ, щоб ми жили через нього. Любов же полягає не в тому, що ми полюбили Бога, а що він полюбив нас і послав Сина свого – примирення за гріхи наші. Любі, коли Бог так полюбив нас, то й ми повинні один одного любити. Бога ніхто ніколи не бачив. Коли ми любимо один одного, то Бог у нас перебуває, і його любов у нас досконала. Що ми перебуваємо в ньому, і він у нас, ми пізнаємо з того, що він дав нам від Духа свого. І ми бачили і свідчимо, що Отець послав Сина − Спаса світу. Хто визнає, що Ісус – Син Божий, Бог у ньому перебуває, і він у Бозі. Ми пізнали й увірували в ту любов, яку Бог до нас має. Бог є любов, і хто перебуває в любові, той перебуває в Бозі, і Бог перебуває в ньому. (1 Йо. 4, 9-16)

Стихири на стиховні

(г. 4):  Господи, ти вийшов на хрест,* прадідне наше прокляття усунув* і, вступивши в ад, ти визволив довічних в’язнів,* даючи людському родові нетлінність.* Тож, прославляючи тебе за це,* славимо твоє життєдайне і спасенне воскресіння.

Стих (г. 5): Хай воскресне Бог,* і розбіжаться вороги його.

Пасха священна нам сьогодні з’явилась:* Пасха нова, святая;* Пасха таємна* Пасха преславна;* Пасха – Христос визволитель;* Пасха непорочна;* Пасха велика;* Пасха вірних;* Пасха, що райські двері нам відчиняє;* Пасха, що освячує всіх вірних.

Стих: Як щезає дим,* хай вони щезнуть.

Прийдіте після видіння, жінки благовісниці,* і скажіть Сіонові:* Прийми від нас радісну новину* про Воскресіння Христове!* Веселися, торжествуй* і радуйся, Єрусалиме,* побачивши Царя Христа,* що немов жених із гробу виходить.

Стих: Так нехай погибнуть грішники від лиця Божого,* а праведники хай звеселяться.

Мироносиці жінки,* рано-вранці прийшовши* до гробу Життєдавця,* знайшли ангела* що сидів на камені,* а він, провістивши їм, так мовив:* Чому шукаєте Живого між померлими?* Чому оплакуєте у тлінні Нетлінного?* Ідіть, і проповідуйте його учням!

Стих: Це день, що його створив Господь,* тож радіймо і веселімся в нім.

Пасха красна,* Пасха Господня;* Пасха* Пасха преславная нам засіяла;* Пасха! Радісно одні одних обнімімо!* О Пасхо, визволення від скорбот!* Нині бо з гробу,* наче зо світлиці, засіяв Христос,* жінок же радістю наповнив, мовивши:* Проповідуйте апостолам.

Слава (г. 6): Як дзвінкий, Богом настроєний орган,* ти, апостоле Симоне,* присвятив себе* просвіті народів,* словами й ділами* навчаючи їх віри Христової,* і всіх навчив ти визнавати* Ісуса як Бога* й Спаса душ наших.

І нині (г. 5): Воскресіння день!* Просвітімся торжеством,* і одні одних обнімімо,* та скажімо: Браття!* І тим, що ненавидять нас,* простім все з Воскресінням,* і так усі заспіваймо:

Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

 

 


Тропарі

(г. 4): Світлую воскресення проповідь* від ангела взнавши, Господні учениці,* і прадідне осудження відкинувши,* апостолам, хвалячися, мовили:* Повалилася смерть, воскрес Христос Бог,* даруючи світові велику милість.

Слава: (г. 3):Апостоле святий Симоне, моли милостивого Бога,* щоб відпущення гріхів подав душам нашим.

І нині: (г. 8): В переполовення празника спраглу душу мою благочестя напій водами,* до всіх бо, Спасе, закликав Ти:* Спраглий нехай гряде до мене і нехай п’є.* Джерело життя нашого, Христе Боже, слава Тобі.

 

 

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

Тропарі і Кондаки
Тропар (глас 4): Світлу про воскресіння розповідь від ангела почувши* і від прадідного засуду звільнившись,* Господні учениці, радіючи, казали апостолам:* Здолано смерть, воскрес Христос Бог,* що дає світові велику милість.

(г. 8): В переполовення празника спраглу душу мою благочестя напій водами,* до всіх бо, Спасе, закликав Ти:* Спраглий нехай гряде до мене і нехай п’є.* Джерело життя нашого, Христе Боже, слава Тобі.

І святому, (г. 3): Апостоле святий Симоне, моли милостивого Бога,* щоб відпущення гріхів подав душам нашим.

Кондак святому, глас 2: У похвалі всі ублажім Симона богомовного,* що ясно поклав премудрости учення в душах благочестивих,* бо престолові слави нині пристоїть і з безплотними веселиться,* молячися неперестанно за всіх нас.

+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові.

Кондак, глас 8: З вірою прийшовши на кладязь,* самарянка виділа Тебе, премудрости воду,* якої напившись обильно,* царство вишнє унаслідувала повік* приснославна.

І нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.

Кондак переполовення, глас 4: В переполовення законного празника, всіх Творче і Владико,* до предстоящих глаголив Ти, Христе Боже:* Прийдіть і зачерпніть воду безсмертя.* Тому до Тебе припадаємо і вірно кличемо:* Щедроти Твої даруй нам,* бо Ти є джерело життя нашого.

Прокімен (глас 4):
Які величні діла Твої, Господи! Все премудро сотворив Ти (Пс 103,24).
Стих: Благослови, душе моя, Господа! Господи, Боже мій, Ти вельми великий (Пс 103,1).

І святому, глас 8: На всю землю вийшло вістування їх і до кінців вселенної глаголи їх (Пс. 18,5).

Апостол: Діяння Апостолів 11, 19-26; 29-30.
В тих днях апостоли, що були розсипалися через гоніння з приводу Стефана, дійшли аж до Фінікії, Кипру та Антіохії, нікому не проповідуючи слова, крім юдеїв. Були ж між ними деякі з Кипру та з Кирени, які прийшли в Антіохію та промовляли й до греків, благовіствуючи їм Господа Ісуса. Рука Господня була з ними, і велике число було тих, що увірували й навернулись до Господа. Чутка про це дійшла до вух церкви, що в Єрусалимі, і вони вислали Варнаву в Антіохію. Коли він прийшов і побачив ласку Божу, зрадів і підбадьорив усіх триматися Господа рішучим серцем, бо він був чоловік добрий, повний Святого Духа та віри. І пристало багато людей до Господа. Тоді він вирушив у Тарс розшукати Савла  і, найшовши його, привів в Антіохію. Вони збирались цілий рік у церкві й навчали силу людей. Уперше в Антіохії називали учнів християнами. Тоді учні, хто скільки міг, постановили послати братам, що жили в Юдеї, допомогу; 30. що й зробили, пославши її старшим через руки Варнави й Савла.

Перше Послання Апостола Павла до Корінтян 4, 9-16.
Браття, Бог поставив нас, апостолів, останніх, немов призначених на страту; ми бо стали видовищем і світові, і ангелам, і людям. Ми нерозумні Христа ради, ви у Христі розумні, ми немічні, ви сильні; ви славні, ми без слави. До цього часу ми голодні і спраглі, і нагі, нас б’ють, ми скитаємось; ми трудимося, власними руками; нас ображають, і ми благословляємо; нас гонять, і ми терпимо; нас лають, і ми доброзичливі; ми стали сміттям світу, викидками всіх аж досі. Пишу це не щоб осоромити вас, але щоб як дітей моїх улюблених навести на розум. 15. Бо хоч би ви мали тисячі учителів у Христі, але батьків небагато, я бо вас породив через Євангеліє у Христі Ісусі. 16. Благаю, отже, вас: Будьте моїми наслідувачами, як і я Христа.

Алилуя (глас 4):
Стих: Натягни лук і наступай, і пануй істини ради, лагідности і справедливости (Пс 44,5).
Стих: Ти полюбив правду і зненавидів беззаконня (Пс 44,8).

І святому, глас 1: Ісповідять небеса чуда Твої, Господи, і істину Твою в церкві святих (Пс. 88,6).

Євангеліє: (Лк 8,5-15):
Сказав Господь притчу оцю: “Вийшов сіяч сіяти своє зерно. І як він сіяв, одне впало край дороги й було потоптане, і птиці небесні його видзьобали. Друге упало на камінь і, зійшовши, висхло, бо вогкости не мало. Інше впало між тернину, і тернина, вигнавшися з ним вкупі, його заглушила. Врешті, інше впало на добру землю і, зійшовши, сторицею вродило.” Кажучи це, Ісус голосно мовив: “Хто має вуха слухати, нехай слухає.” Учні його спитали, що б вона могла значити, оця притча. Він сказав їм: “Вам дано знати тайни Божого Царства; іншим же в притчах, щоб вони, дивлячись, не бачили, і слухаючи, не розуміли. Ось що значить оця притча: зерно це слово Боже. Тії, що край дороги, це ті, що слухають, та потім приходить диявол і вириває геть з їх серця слово, щоб вони не увірували та й не спаслися. Ті ж, що на камені, це тії, що, почувши, з радістю приймають слово, але не маючи коріння, вірують дочасу й під час спокуси відпадають. А те, що впало між тернину, це ті, що вислухавши, ідуть, та клопоти, багатства і життєві розкоші їх душать, і вони не дають плоду. Нарешті, те, що на землі добрій, це ті, що чувши слово серцем щирим, добрим, його держать і дають плід у терпінні.”

Євангеліє від Матея 13, 54-58.
В той час прийшов Ісус у батьківщину свою і навчав людей у їхній синагозі, так що вони дивувалися і говорили: Звідкіля в нього ця мудрість і сила чудодійна? Хіба він не син теслі? Хіба не його мати зветься Марія, і його брати Яків, Йосиф, Симон та Юда? І його сестри хіба не всі між нами? Звідки ж йому це все? І вони брали йому це за зле. Ісус же сказав їм: Пророк не має пошани лише в своїй батьківщині та в себе вдома. І не зробив там багато чудес через їхню невіру.

Замість Достойно:
Ангел сповіщав Благодатній: Чистая Діво, радуйся. І знову кажу: Радуйся. Твій Син воскрес тридневний із гробу, і мертвих воздвигнув він; люди, веселіться.

Ірмос (глас 1): Світися, світися, новий Єрусалиме, слава бо Господня на тобі возсіяла. Радій нині і веселися, Сіоне. А ти, Чистая, красуйся, Богородице, востанням рождення твого.

Причасний:
Тіло Христове прийміть,* джерела безсмертного споживіть.* Хваліте Господа з небес,* хваліте Його на висотах (Пс 148,1).* На всю землю вийшло вістування їх і до кінців вселенної глаголи їх (Пс. 18,5). Алилуя (х3).

Замість Благословен, хто йде в ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Ми бачили світло істинне: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Нехай сповняться: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Замість Будь ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Під час відпусту “Христос воскрес” співається один раз (на просту мелодію) замість “Слава Отцю…”

Тоді знову співається Тропар “Христос воскрес”, як і на початку Літургії, але з додатковим закінченням.

Тропар: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

І нам дарував життя вічне, поклоняємось його тридневному воскресінню.

 

 

May 11; Holy Cyril and Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs and Equals to the Apostles

 

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 5

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

Today is the radiant and beautiful day* which marks the middle of the Savior’s feast of Resurrection!* The feast which fills the world with grace has now reached high noon! * The miracle of Christ’s rising shines on us,* revealing to us the first-fruits of incorruption, * sealed by His Ascension on high,* and manifesting the gracious coming of the Spirit:* The most joyful celebration of Pentecost!* All this grants our souls peace and great mercy!

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

As a river of divine glory* the Lord cries to all in the midst of the feast:* Let him who thirsts come to Me and drink his fill!* He is the Fount of compassion, the Well of mercy,* pouring out forgiveness on the world,* washing away transgressions and cleansing impurities!* He saves those who celebrate His Resurrection,* He covers with love those who honour His Ascension in glory,* and He grants to our souls peace and great mercy!

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

Who is this standing in the middle of the Temple?* Our Lord and God, Whom the heavens cannot contain!* He is God by nature, yet for us He humbled himself* to be seen contained in mortal flesh.* The Word of life gushes forth from Him to all:* Cleanse your hearts!  Quench the flames of passion!* Do not refuse the Water of life, children of mankind!* I offer you divine grace, the Kingdom of immortality!* Abide in Me, your Creator, and be glorified!

In Tone 2

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

With what crowns of praise shall we adorn the divinely-wise teachers,* the voices of wisdom sounding amid clouds of darkness,* enlightening those in the shadow of death with the light of the Gospel!* The great preachers of the undivided Trinity who grafted barren unbelievers* as branches into the fruitful tree of the orthodox Church* that they might obtain from Christ our God peace and great mercy.

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

With what crowns of praise shall we adorn the divinely-wise teachers,* the voices of wisdom sounding amid clouds of darkness,* enlightening those in the shadow of death with the light of the Gospel!* The great preachers of the undivided Trinity who grafted barren unbelievers* as branches into the fruitful tree of the orthodox Church* that they might obtain from Christ our God peace and great mercy.

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

With what songs of praise shall we glorify the divinely-wise teachers:* the golden-mouthed Cyril* who reached the heights of wisdom through his sweet preaching,* humbling the fierce pride of Islam!* And Methodius, the lover of solitude,* who in silence received the fruits of the Spirit.* Through their prayers, Christ our God, grant us great mercy.

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

With what hymns of praise shall we magnify the divinely-wise teachers:* Cyril, who chose to live with wisdom in his youth.* He multiplied his talents to the glory of God;* and Methodius who renounced the things of this world for love of Christ.* He strove like an angel for the kingdom of heaven.* Through them, we have come to know God,* the eternal Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,* receiving from Christ our God great mercy!

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

With what spiritual songs shall we magnify you, most blessed teachers?* For the sake of the salvation of the Slavs you became equals to the apostles.* You laboured to enlighten them by the lamp of the Word of God,* opening for them the door of the written Word.* As we enter, we understand the blessed teaching of Christ,* receiving from Him peace and great mercy.

In Tone 6

Glory…

Come, lovers of feasts!* Let us glorify the apostolic labourers with songs of praise:* the pride of hierarchs, the enlighteners and fervent intercessors for the Slavic people!* Rejoice, Cyril, golden herald of the Word of God,* lighting up the mysteries of the Holy Trinity as the sun,* closing the blaspheming mouths of Islam!* Again, rejoice, Methodius!* You assisted him with prayers and miracles.* Most blessed fathers, never cease to intercede before Christ our God* for those who praise you with faith and love!

In Tone 8

Now…

In the middle of the feast, * before Your passion and glorious Resurrection, * You taught the unbelieving Jews in the Temple, gracious Lord, * You cried out to the scribes and Pharisees: * Let him who thirsts come to Me and drink! * From the heart of him who believes in Me, * rivers of living water—the Spirit of God—shall flow! * Your wisdom and understanding are far beyond our words! * Glory to You, our God, for You perfect all things!

Readings
(1) Deuteronomy 1:8-17; (2) Deuteronomy 10:14-21; (3) Wisdom 3:1-9

Aposticha

In Tone 8

The light of your lives, teachers equals-to-the-apostles,* has enlightened the Church like the stars.* The strength of your teaching has brought many nations to Christ.* You approached the unapproachable Light,* and now you dwell with the angels.* Therefore pray for us who honour your blessed memory!

Let Your priests be clothed in righteousness, and let Your saints shout for joy!

Come, all you faithful, let us magnify the teachers:* equals-to-the-apostles, and the glory of the Slavs.* Through them we are delivered from the snares of the devil,* receiving the blessing of Christ,* and learning the eternal Word which cleanses us from the darkness of sin.

The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue utters justice!

Divinely-wise Cyril, and God-loving Methodius,* apostles and first teachers of the Slavic church,* protectors of the faithful and lovers of righteousness,* sweet voices of the Holy Spirit!* You have great boldness before Christ, the great high priest:* pray for us, who honour your blessed memory,* that He will deliver our lives from corruption, as the greatly merciful One!

Glory…

Rejoice, blessed ones who enlightened us with the knowledge of God!* Rejoice, Cyril, living source of spiritual wisdom:* you quenched the thirst of the Slavic people!* Rejoice, Methodius, pure dwelling of prayer:* now you stand in the glory of Christ.* Therefore never cease to pray that we may glorify Him* as we magnify you throughout the ages!

In Tone 6

Now…

We have assembled, O Christ,* to praise the miracle of Your mysteries:* the mid-feast of Your Resurrection and the coming of Your Holy Spirit. * Send down on us great mercy!

Troparion

In Tone 4

As equals to the apostles in the way you lived* and teachers of the Slavic lands,* O Cyril and Methodius, divinely wise,* intercede with the Master of all* to confirm the Slavic nations in orthodoxy and oneness of mind;* to grant peace to the world and save our souls.

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

At the mid-point of the Feast, O Saviour,* water my thirsty soul with streams of true godliness;* for You cried out to all: Let any who thirst, come to Me and drink.* O Source of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!

 


DIVINE LITURGY

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, 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, Tone 8: At the mid-point of the Feast, O Saviour,* water my thirsty soul with streams of true godliness;* for You cried out to all: Let any who thirst, come to Me and drink.* O Source of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!

Troparion, Tone 4: As equals to the apostles in the way you lived* and teachers of the Slavic lands,* O Cyril and Methodius, divinely wise,* intercede with the Master of all* to confirm the Slavic nations in orthodoxy and oneness of mind;* to grant peace to the world and save our souls.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Let us extol our two sacred teachers.* By their translation of Scriptures* they tapped for us a well that brings knowledge of God.* Drawing from it abundantly to this very day* we call you blessed, O Cyril and Methodius.* As you stand before the throne on high,* fervently pray to God to save our souls.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: At the mid-point of the Feast according to the Law,* Maker of all things and Master,* You said to those present, O Christ God:* Come, and draw the water of immortality.* And so we fall before You crying out with faith: Grant us Your mercies , for You are the source of our life.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

Great is our Lord, and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.

verse: Praise the Lord, for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to Him. (Psalm 146:5,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.

Epistle

Acts 12:12-17; Hebrews 7:26-8:2

Alleluia, Tone 1

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 73:2,12)

verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice. (Psalm 131:9)

Gospel

John 8:42-51; John 10:9-16

Hymn to the Mother of God

Virginity is alien to mothers and child-bearing is foreign to virgins; yet in you, O Mother of God, both of them came together. Therefore, we and all the nations of the earth without ceasing magnify you.

Communion Hymn

Those who eat My flesh and drink My blood* abide in Me and I in them, says the Lord. (John 6:56)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Instead of “Blessed is He Who comes…” and “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. (3)

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. (3)

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.

May 17; Sixth Sunday after Pascha – Sunday of the Man Born Blind

Sixth Sunday after Pascha – Sunday of the Man Born Blind, Tone 5; The Holy Apostle Andronicus and those with him.

GREAT VESPERS AND DIVINE LITURGY

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 5

  1. 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.

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

O Christ, who granted resurrection to all people,* You were fed 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!

  1. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

O Lord and Saviour,* who subjected hell and conquered Death,* and enlightened the world through Your precious Cross,* have mercy on us.

In Tone 2

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

The man who was born 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 upon the stones.* I have not seen the brightness of the sun,* nor have I seen the image and likeness of my Creator.* Yet I beseech You, O Christ, our God,* to look upon me and have mercy on me.

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

The man who was born 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 upon the stones.* I have not seen the brightness of the sun,* nor have I seen the image and likeness of my Creator.* Yet I beseech You, O Christ, our God,* to look upon me and have mercy on me.

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

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 rendered 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.

In Tone 5

Glory…

As You walked along, O Lord,* You found a man who had been blind from birth.* In surprise, the disciples asked You:* Was it because of the sin of this man or 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 would be revealed in him.* I must accomplish the works of Him who sent Me,* which no one else can work.* As You said that, You spat on 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!

Aposticha

In Tone 5

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.

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 worthy of veneration; 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 rejoice!

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 shown forth from the Tomb, and filled the women with joy saying: “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”

In Tone 8

Glory…

O Christ our God, spiritual Sun of Justice,* by Your pure touch, You enlightened the eyes of him* who from his mother’s womb was without light.* Enlighten the eyes of our hearts* and make us children of the light and of the day,* that we may cry out to You in faith:* How great is Your compassion toward us,* O Lover of Mankind, glory to You!

Now…

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

In 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.

Glory… Now…

Rejoice, Virgin, impassable gateway of the Lord!* Rejoice, protective wall of those who take refuge in you!* Rejoice, peaceful haven untroubled by storms!* Rejoice, Virgin, who has not known wedlock* and yet has given birth in the flesh to your Creator and God!* O Mother of God, never cease to intercede** for those who praise and worship your Son.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, 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, 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.

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

Kontakion, 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, 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.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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)

Epistle

Acts 16:16-34

Alleluia, Tone 8

verse: Look upon me and have mercy.

verse: Direct my steps according to Your word. (Psalm 118:131-132)

Gospel

John 9:1-38

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.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)

Instead of “Blessed is He Who comes…” and “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. (3)

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. (3)

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.


 

6-а Неділя Пасхи.
 Неділя Сліпородженого. Св. ап. Андроніка і тих, що з ним.

ВЕЧІРНЯ

Блажен муж співаємо

Стихири

  1. Стих: Виведи з в’язниці мою душу,* щоб дякувати імені твоєму.

(г. 5): Чесним твоїм хрестом, Христе,* ти диявола посоромив* і воскресінням твоїм жало гріха присмирив,* і спас ти нас від брам смерти.* Славимо тебе, Єдинородний.

  1. Стих: Мене обступлять праведники,* бо ти добро мені вчиниш.

Того, що дає воскресіння людському родові,* ведено на жертву, немов ягнятко.* Його настрахались адські володільці і відчинилися брами плачу,* бо ввійшов Цар слави − Христос, кажучи в’язням: Виходьте!* – а тим, що в темноті: З’явіться!

  1. Стих: З глибин взиваю до тебе, Господи,* Господи, почуй мій голос.

Велике чудо! Творець невидимого* постраждав видимо з-за свого чоловіколюбства,* і воскрес як безсмертний.* Тож прийдіть, племена народів, і поклоніться йому,* бо його милосердям ми визволились з омани* і навчились величати єдиного Бога в трьох особах.

  1. Стих: Нехай будуть твої вуха уважні,* до голосу благання мого.

Вечірній поклін приносимо тобі невечірньому світлу,* що на кінець віків, через тіло, немов у дзеркалі,* видимо засяяло світові й зійшло аж до аду;* там розвіяло застоялу темряву,* і сяйво воскресіння заблисло народам.* Світлодавче Господи, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Коли ти, Господи, зважатимеш на беззаконня,* то хто встоїться, Господи. Та в тебе є прощення.

Славимо Христа, начальника нашого спасіння,* бо коли він воскрес із мертвих,* світ з обману визволився, хор ангельський радіє,* втікає демонська омана,* упалий Адам підводиться, диявол же утратив силу.

  1. Стих: Задля імени твого надіюсь на тебе, Господи,* надіється душа моя на слово твоє; надіється душа моя на Господа.

Повчали сторожу нечестивці:* затаїть Христове воскресіння!* – і взявши срібняки, кажіть:* Коли ми спали, вкрадено з гробу мертвого.* Хто бачив, хто чув коли, щоб украдено померлого,* ще й намазаного і нагого,* що лишив у гробі й свої похоронні полотна?* Не обманюйте себе, невірні,* але навчіться сказань пророків і зрозумійте,* що він справді – Спаситель світу і Всемогутній.

  1. Стих: Від ранньої сторожі до ночі* від ранньої сторожі нехай уповає Ізраїль на Господа.

Господи, що ад полонив* і смерть знищив, Спасителю наш,* що просвітив твоїм чесним хрестом світ, – помилуй нас!

  1. Стих: Бо в Господа милість і відкуплення велике в нього;* він визволить Ізраїля від усього беззаконня його.

(г. 2): Сліпонароджений, роздумуючи, мовив до себе:* Невже заради батьківських гріхів родивсь я без очей?* А чи, може, за невірство поган* – їм на знак – я такий народився?* Не насмілююся спитати: Коли ніч, а коли день?* Мої ноги вже не можуть терпіти спотикання об каміння.* Не бачив я сонячного світла, ані образу мого Творця,* тож молюся до тебе, Христе Боже:* Зглянься наді мною і помилуй мене!

  1. Стих: Хваліте Господа всі народи!* Прославляйте його всі люди!

Сліпонароджений, роздумуючи, мовив до себе:* Невже заради батьківських гріхів родивсь я без очей?* А чи, може, за невірство поган* – їм на знак – я такий народився?* Не насмілююся спитати: Коли ніч, а коли день?* Мої ноги вже не можуть терпіти спотикання об каміння.* Не бачив я сонячного світла, ані образу мого Творця,* тож молюся до тебе, Христе Боже:* Зглянься наді мною і помилуй мене!

  1. Стих: Велике бо до нас його милосердя, і вірність Господа повіки.

Вийшовши з храму, Ісус стрінув чоловіка, сліпого від народження,* і, змилосердившись, поклав грязь на його очі та й сказав йому:* Іди та вмийся в Силоамі!* І він умився та й прозрів, віддаючи Богові славу.* Сусіди ж питали його:* Хто відкрив твої зіниці,* що їх не міг ніхто з видючих злікувати?* Він же, кликнувши, каже:* Чоловік, званий Ісус, сказав мені:* Умийся в Силоамі! – і я прозрів.* Він справді той, про кого сказав Мойсей у Законі як про Христа Месію.* Він – Спас душ наших.

Слава (г. 5): Ідучи дорогою,* ти, Господи, стрінув сліпонародженого чоловіка.* Учні ж, здивовані, питали тебе, кажучи:* Учителю, хто згрішив: він, чи батьки його, що сліпим народився?* А ти, Спасе мій, відповів їм:* Ні він не згрішив, ні батьки його,* але щоб виявились на ньому діла Божі.* Мені ж треба вчиняти діла того, хто послав мене,* – діла, яких ніхто інший вчинити не може.* Сказавши це, ти плюнув на землю* і, замісивши грязь, помазав його очі, кажучи йому:* Іди та вмийся в Силоамській купелі.* Він же, умившись, виздоровів і кликнув до тебе:* Вірую, Господи! – і поклонився тобі.* Тому й ми кличемо: Помилуй нас!

І нині (догмат, г. 5): Колись-то, в Червонім морі,* записано образ непорочної Вседіви.* Там Мойсей – ділитель води,* а тут Гавриїл – служитель чуда.* Тоді Ізраїль ішов глибинами, немов по суші,* нині ж Діва Христа зродила безсіменно;* море по переході Ізраїля лишилось непрохідне,* а Непорочна після народження Еммануїла зосталась нетлінною.* Боже вічний і предвічний, що появився людиною, − помилуй нас!

Стихири на стиховні

(г. 5): Тебе, Спаса-Христа, що тіло прийняв і не розлучився від небес,* голосами й піснями величаємо.* Бо хрест і смерть ти прийняв за рід наш як чоловіколюбний Господь* і, скинувши адські ворота, третього дня воскрес ти, спасаючи душі наші.

Стих (г. 5): Хай воскресне Бог,* і розбіжаться вороги його.

Пасха священна нам сьогодні з’явилась:* Пасха нова, святая;* Пасха таємна* Пасха преславна;* Пасха – Христос визволитель;* Пасха непорочна;* Пасха велика;* Пасха вірних;* Пасха, що райські двері нам відчиняє;* Пасха, що освячує всіх вірних.

Стих: Як щезає дим,* хай вони щезнуть.

Прийдіте після видіння, жінки благовісниці,* і скажіть Сіонові:* Прийми від нас радісну новину* про Воскресіння Христове!* Веселися, торжествуй* і радуйся, Єрусалиме,* побачивши Царя Христа,* що немов жених із гробу виходить.

Стих: Так нехай погибнуть грішники від лиця Божого,* а праведники хай звеселяться.

Мироносиці жінки,* рано-вранці прийшовши* до гробу Життєдавця,* знайшли ангела* що сидів на камені,* а він, провістивши їм, так мовив:* Чому шукаєте Живого між померлими?* Чому оплакуєте у тлінні Нетлінного?* Ідіть, і проповідуйте його учням!

Стих: Це день, що його створив Господь,* тож радіймо і веселімся в нім.

Пасха красна,* Пасха Господня;* Пасха* Пасха преславная нам засіяла;* Пасха! Радісно одні одних обнімімо!* О Пасхо, визволення від скорбот!* Нині бо з гробу,* наче зо світлиці, засіяв Христос,* жінок же радістю наповнив, мовивши:* Проповідуйте апостолам.

 

Слава (г. 8):Ти, Христе Боже, духовне Сонце правди,* своїм пречистим дотиком подвійно просвітив того,* що від народження був позбавлений світла;* опромінивши ж і наші душевні очі,* покажи нас дітьми дня, щоб ми з вірою кликали до тебе:* Велике і несказанне твоє до нас добросердя,* Чоловіколюбче, – слава тобі!

І нині (г. 5): Воскресіння день!* Просвітімся торжеством,* і одні одних обнімімо,* та скажімо: Браття!* І тим, що ненавидять нас,* простім все з Воскресінням,* і так усі заспіваймо:

Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.


Тропарі

(г. 5): Собезначальне Слово Отцю і Духові,* від Діви роджене на спасення наше,* оспіваймо, вірні, і поклонімся,* бо благоволив плоттю зійти на хрест* і смерть перетерпіти, і воскресити умерлих* славним воскресінням своїм.

Слава: І нині: Радуйся, Брамо Господня непрохідна!* Радуйся, Охороно і Покрове тих, що до тебе приходять!* Радуйся, тиха Пристане і Вседіво,* що свого Творця і Бога тілом породила!* Молись безупинно за тих, що прославляють* і почитають Народженого від тебе.

 

 

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

Після того, як священик виголошує “Благословенне Царство” й люди відповідають “Амінь”, священики співають Тропар один раз, а люди його повторюють. Далі священики співають першу половину, а люди завершують другу. Так робимо щодня, аж до середи перед четвергом Вознесіння.

Тропар:
Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Тропарі і Кондаки
Тропар (глас 5): Рівнобезначальне з Отцем і Духом Слово,* що від Діви народилося на спасіння наше,* прославмо, вірні, і поклонімся,* бо Воно благозволило тілом зійти на хрест* і смерть перетерпіти, і воскресити померлих* славним воскресінням Своїм.

+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові.

Кондак (глас 4): На душевних очах осліплений, до тебе, Христе, приходжу, як сліпий від народження; в покаянні кличу до тебе: Ти в темряві світло пресвітле.

І нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.

Кондак (глас 8): Хоч і у гріб зійшов ти, Безсмертний,* та адову зруйнував ти силу,* і воскрес єси як переможець, Христе Боже,* жінкам-мироносицям звістивши: Радуйтеся,* і твоїм апостолам мир даруєш,* падшим подаєш воскресіння.

Прокімен (глас 8):
Помоліться і воздайте Господові,* Богу нашому (Пс 75,12).
Стих: Відомий у Юдеї Бог, в Ізраїлі велике ім’я його (Пс 75,2).

Апостол: Ді 16,16-34
Тими днями, як апостоли йшли на молитву, зустріла нас одна служниця, що мала духа віщуна, і віщуванням справляла панам своїм великий заробіток. Ідучи слідом за Павлом і за нами, вона кричала: «Ці люди – слуги Всевишнього Бога, які звіщають вам путь спасіння!» Чимало днів вона таке робила. Набридло це Павлові й, повернувшися, він сказав до духа: «Велю тобі ім’ям Ісуса Христа вийти з неї!» І в ту ж мить він вийшов.

Побачивши її пани, що їхня надія на заробіток пропала, схопили Павла й Силу і потягли на майдан до влади. Привівши ж їх до воєвод, сказали: «Ці люди колотять наше місто; це юдеї. Вони навчають звичаїв, яких нам, римлянам, не дозволено ані приймати, ані виконувати.» І натовп кинувся на них спільно, а воєводи, здерши з них одежу, звеліли їх сікти різками; завдавши їм чимало ран, кинули у в’язницю, наказавши тюремникові пильно стерегти їх. Він же, прийнявши такий наказ, вкинув їх у в’язницю до самої середини й забив їх ноги у колоди. Павло та Сила опівночі молилися і співали Богу, а в’язні слухали їх. Раптом зчинився землетрус великий, так що підвалини в’язниці затряслися:
зненацька відчинилися всі двері, і кайдани на всіх розв’язалися. Якже прокинувся тюремник і побачив відчинені темничні двері, витяг меч і хотів себе вбити, гадаючи що в’язні повтікали. Аж тут Павло скрикнув голосом великим, кажучи: «Не завдавай собі ніякого лиха, всі бо ми тут!» І, попросивши світла, тюремник ускочив до в’язниці й, тремтячи, кинувсь у ноги Павлові та Силі; а вивівши їх звідти, мовив: «Панове, що мені слід робити, щоб спастися?» Ті відповіли: «Віруй у Господа Ісуса, і спасешся ти і твій дім.» І вони йому звіщали слово Господнє і всім, що були в його домі. А він, узявши їх тієї години вночі, обмив їхні рани й охристився з усіма своїми. Як же запровадив їх до себе в господу, то накрив стіл і веселився з усім домом, який увірував в Бога.

Алилуя (глас 8):
Стих: Споглянь на мене і помилуй мене (Пс 118,132).
Стих: Стопи мої направ по слову твоєму (Пс 118,133).

Євангеліє: (Ів 9,1-38)
У той час, переходивши, побачив Ісус чоловіка, зроду сліпого. Запитали його, отже, учні його: «Учителю, хто згрішив? Він – чи батьки його, що сліпим він уродився?» «Ані він не згрішив, ані батьки його, – відказав Ісус, – але щоб ділам Божим виявитись на ньому! Поки дня, маємо виконувати діла того, хто послав мене, – бо ніч надходить, за якої ніхто не зможе діяти. І поки я у світі – я світло світу.» Сказавши те, сплюнув на землю, споготовив слиною глей і помастив глеєм очі сліпому. До нього ж сказав: «Іди, вмийся в купелі Силоамській», – що у перекладі означає: «Зісланій». Отож подався той, умився – і повернувся зрячим! Сусіди ж і ті, що бачили його раніше сліпим, заговорили: «Чи то ж не той, який ото все сидів – жебрачив?» Одні казали: То він, – інші: Ні, лиш подібний до нього. Він же каже: «Це я!» Тож питались його: «Як воно так, що прозріли твої очі?» А він: «Чоловік, що Ісусом звуть його, споготовив глей, очі мені помастив та й мовив: Піди до Силоаму, вмийся. Я пішов, умився – і прозрів.» Вони його тоді питають: «Де він?» – «Не знаю», каже той. Тож ведуть того, хто сліпий був, до фарисеїв. Було ж у суботу, коли то Ісус споготовив глею і відкрив йому очі. То й фарисеї спитали його, як він прозрів. А він їм: «Глею поклав мені на очі, я вмився, й ось бачу.» Деякі з фарисеїв твердили: «Не від Бога цей чоловік, бо суботи не дотримує.» Інші мовили: «Чи може ж грішний чоловік отакі чудеса чинити?» Отож суперечка була серед них. І знову сліпому кажуть: «А ти що про нього кажеш – про те, що очі тобі відкрив?» Одрікає: «Пророк він.» Проте юдеї щодо нього не вірили, що був він сліпий і прозрів, – аж поки не закликали батьків отого прозрілого. Спитали їх: «Чи то ваш син, про котрого кажете, що сліпим він уродився? А тепер як же він бачить?» Батьки його і відказали, мовивши: «Знаємо, що то наш син, і що сліпим він був уродився. А як він тепер бачить – не знаємо, і хто відкрив йому очі – не відаємо. Спитайте самого: він дорослий, сам про себе скаже.» Так батьки його казали, бо юдеїв страхалися: юдеї бо вже були домовилися, щоб виключити кожного з синагоги, хто Христом його визнаватиме. Тим то батьки його й казали: Дорослий він, – самого спитайте. Отож удруге закликали чоловіка, що сліпим був, та й кажуть йому: «Богові славу воздай! Ми знаємо, що той чоловік – грішник.» «Чи грішник він, – озвався він, – я не знаю. Знаю одне: був я сліпим, а тепер бачу.» Вони ж йому на те знов: «Що він таке тобі сподіяв? Як він очі тобі відкрив?» Той їм відказує: «Я вже вам оповів, та ви не слухали. Навіщо іще чути хочете?
Чи, може, і ви його учнями бажаєте стати?» Ті з лайкою накинулись на нього, і сказали: «Ти його учень! Ми – Мойсеєві учні! Ми знаємо: до Мойсея промовляв Бог. А цього не знаємо, звідкіля він.» У відповідь чоловік сказав їм: «Ось воно, власне, і дивно, що ви не знаєте, звідкіля він, а він мені очі відкрив. Ми знаємо, що Бог не вислухує грішників, коли ж хтось побожний і його волю чинить – ось того він вислухує! Нечувано одвіку, щоб хтонебудь відкрив очі сліповродженому. Був би він не від Бога – нічого не спроможен би був зробити!» Озвались і сказали йому: «Ти ввесь у гріхах уродився, а нас навчаєш?» І прогнали його геть. Довідався Ісус, що вони геть його прогнали, отож, зустрівши його, промовив до нього: «Віруєш у Чоловічого Сина?» А той: «А хто він, Господи, щоб я вірував у нього?» Ісус же йому: «Ти бачив його; він – той, хто говорить з тобою.» Тоді той і сказав: «Вірую, Господи!» – і поклонився йому.

Замість Достойно:
Ангел сповіщав Благодатній: Чистая Діво, радуйся. І знову кажу: Радуйся. Твій Син воскрес тридневний із гробу, і мертвих воздвигнув він; люди, веселіться.
Ірмос (глас 1): Світися, світися, новий Єрусалиме, слава бо Господня на тобі возсіяла. Радій нині і веселися, Сіоне. А ти, Чистая, красуйся, Богородице, востанням рождення твого.

Причасний:
Тіло Христове прийміть,* джерела безсмертного споживіть.* Хваліте Господа з небес,* хваліте Його на висотах (Пс 148,1). * На всю землю вийшло вістування їх і до кінців вселенної глаголи їх (Пс 18,5). Алилуя (х3).

Замість Благословен, хто йде в ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Ми бачили світло істинне: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував.

Замість Нехай сповняться: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Замість Будь ім’я Господнє: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

Під час відпусту “Христос воскрес” співається один раз (на просту мелодію) замість “Слава Отцю…”

Тоді знову співається Тропар “Христос воскрес”, як і на початку Літургії, але з додатковим закінченням.

Тропар: Христос воскрес із мертвих, смертю смерть подолав, і тим, що в гробах, життя дарував (х3).

І нам дарував життя вічне, поклоняємось його тридневному воскресінню.

 

 

May 21; The Ascension of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ

The Ascension of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ; The Holy Great Rulers Constantine (337) and Helen (330), Equals-to-the-Apostles

GREAT VESPERS AND DIVINE LITURGY

GREAT VESPERS WITH LYTIA

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

The Lord ascended into heaven* to send the Comforter into this world.* The heavens prepared His throne and the clouds were His ladder;* the angels marvelled at the sight of a man more exalted than themselves.* Today, the Father receives again in His bosom* the One who was in Him from all eternity,* and the Holy Spirit gives a command to all the angels:* Lift up your lintels, O you gates!* O you nations of the earth, clap your hands,* for Christ ascends to the place* where He had been from all eternity.

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

The Lord ascended into heaven* to send the Comforter into this world.* The heavens prepared His throne and the clouds were His ladder;* the angels marvelled at the sight of a man more exalted than themselves.* Today, the Father receives again in His bosom* the One who was in Him from all eternity,* and the Holy Spirit gives a command to all the angels:* Lift up your lintels, O you gates!* O you nations of the earth, clap your hands,* for Christ ascends to the place* where He had been from all eternity.

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

O Lord, the Cherubim were amazed at Your Ascension;* they were seized with wonder as they beheld You, O God, rising upon the clouds,* for You are the One who is seated above the clouds.* We sing a hymn of praise to You:* Glory to You for Your tender mercy.

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

O Christ, splendour and glory of the Father,* when we behold Your Ascension on the holy mountain,* we sing a hymn of praise to the beauty of Your countenance.* We bow down to Your Passion,* we venerate Your holy Resurrection,* and we glorify Your noble Ascension.* O Lord, have mercy on us!

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

O Lord and Giver of Life,* when the apostles saw You ascending upon the clouds,* a great sadness overcame them;* they shed burning tears and exclaimed:* O our Master, do not leave us orphans;* we are Your servants whom You loved so tenderly.* Since You are most merciful, send down upon us Your all-holy Spirit* to enlighten our souls, as You promised.

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

After fulfilling the mystery of the plan of salvation, O Lord,* You took Your apostles and went up with them to the Mount of Olives,* and there You passed beyond the firmament of heaven.* You humbled Yourself and were clothed in our humanity,* and now You return to the place which You did not leave.* Send down Your all-holy Spirit to enlighten our souls.

In Tone 4

  1. From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust 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!

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

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!

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

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!

  1. 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!

In 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!

In Tone 6

Now…

O loving Jesus, while You lived on earth,* You were God inseparable from the Father,* and yet You truly shared our humanity.* Ascending in glory today from the Mount of Olives,* through Your great love, You lifted up our fallen nature* and enthroned it with the Father on high.* Therefore, the bodiless Powers were amazed and filled with awe* at seeing Your great love for all.* Together with them, we who live on earth* glorify your condescension to us* and Your Ascension away from us.* Now we implore You, saying:* Through Your Ascension You have filled Your apostles and Your Mother* with a joy that surpasses every other joy,* and through their intercession* make us worthy of the joy of Your elect,* for You are rich in mercy.

Readings

(1) Isaiah 2:2-3; (2) Isaiah 62: 10-12 and 63: 1-9; (3) Zechariah 14: 1, 4, 8-11

(4) 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; (5) Isaiah 61:10-62:5; (6) Isaiah 60:1-16

Lytia

In Tone 1

By going up again into heaven from which You had descended,* You did not leave us orphans, O Lord.* Show to all Your people the works of Your power,* that Your Spirit may come down upon us* and bring peace to the world,* O Lord and Lover of Mankind.

You ascended, O Christ, to Your eternal Father,* even though You were not removed from His bosom;* and the Powers could not contain their praise of the Trinity.* Even after the Incarnation* they recognize You as the only Son of the Father.* In the abundance of Your goodness, have mercy on us!

Your angels, O Lord, said to the apostles:* Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky?* Christ our God, who by leaving you ascended into heaven,* will come again* in the manner by which you have seen Him leave.* Therefore, serve Him in justice and holiness.

In Tone 4

When You came to the Mount of Olives, O Christ,* completing the favourable plan of Your Father,* the angels in heaven were moved with wonder,* and the demons trembled beneath the earth.* The apostles were filled with both fear and joy* when You were speaking with them.* A cloud was prepared before You as an awaiting throne;* heaven opened its gates, shining with beauty;* and the earth uncovered its deep abyss* to show the fall of Adam and his rising up to You again.* As an unseen power raised You from the earth,* You gave Your blessing in a loud voice;* the cloud carried You away, and heaven opened to receive You.* Such is the great work that is beyond words, O Lord,* that You accomplished for the salvation of our souls.

You have renewed in Yourself, O Lord,* the human nature which had fallen, in Adam,* into the very depths of the earth.* On this day You are raised far above* the Principalities and Powers of heaven.* Having so loved human nature,* You granted that it may be enthroned with You;* in Your compassion You united it with Yourself;* in union with it You have suffered;* and by Your Passion You glorified it, O God, beyond all suffering.* Now the bodiless Powers are saying:* Who is this man clothed in majesty?* He is not only a man, but is indeed the God-Man,* for He possesses the appearance of both.* And the angels, arrayed in splendid garments, encircle the apostles, saying:* As Jesus the God-Man is separated from you,* in His divine humanity He shall come again* to judge both the living and the dead;* and He grants to all the faithful* forgiveness of sins and great mercy.

When You were raised up in glory, O Christ our God,* in the sight of Your disciples,* the cloud carried Your body away.* The gates in heaven were opened;* the choir of angels exalted and danced with joy;* the Powers on high cried out, saying:* Lift up your lintels, O gates,* that the King of glory may enter.* As for the disciples, they were seized with fear and said:* Do not leave us, O Good Shepherd,* but send down upon us your most Holy Spirit.

Glory… Now…

O Lord most merciful,* after fulfilling the mystery hidden from all eternity,* You, the Creator and Master of all,* went up to the Mount of Olives with your disciples and your Mother.* For the one who, at the sight of your Passion,* had suffered more than anyone else in her motherly heart,* had more than anyone else the right to share the joy that fills us* as we witness your ascending into heaven.* We glorify your infinite mercy overflowing upon us.

Aposticha

In Tone 2

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.

All peoples, clap your hands; cry to God with shouts of joy!

O Christ, when the Powers of heaven* beheld Your Ascension from the Mount of Olives,* they wondered and exclaimed: Who is He?* And they heard the reply: He is the mighty Conqueror;* He is the mighty One in battle;* He is indeed the King of glory.* And why are His clothes crimson?* Because He comes from Bosor, which is the flesh.* As for You, O Christ, since You are God,* You are enthroned at the right hand of God the Father;* and You send down upon us the Holy Spirit* that He may enlighten us and save our souls.

God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.

O Christ, You ascended in glory* on the Mount of Olives in the presence of Your disciples;* You fill all things with Your divinity;* You were enthroned at the right hand of the Father* and sent down upon Your disciples the Holy Spirit* who enlightens, strengthens, and saves our souls.

In Tone 6

Glory…

God goes up with shouts of joy,* the Lord goes up amid trumpet blast,* in order to raise up the fallen image of Adam* and to send down upon us the Holy Spirit,* the Comforter who will sanctify our souls.

In Tone 8

Now…

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!

Troparia

In 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. (2)

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. (1)

 

 


DIVINE LITURGY

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 of 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
Hear these things all you nations, give ear, all inhabitants of the world.

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.

Both lowly-born and offspring of the privileged, rich and poor alike.

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.

My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart understanding.

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.

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

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.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, 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 in separable,* 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)

Epistle
Acts 1:1-12

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)

Gospel
Luke 24:36-53

Hymn to the Mother of God
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.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 46:6)

Instead of We have seen the true light and Let our mouths be filled we sing:
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, above all the earth be Your glory.


 

Четвер Вознесіння Господа Бога і Спаса нашого Ісуса Христа. Свв. великих царів і рівноап. Константина й Олени.

ВЕЧІРНЯ

Блажен муж співаємо

Стихири

  1. Стих: Виведи з в’язниці мою душу,* щоб дякувати імені твоєму.

(г. 6): Господь вознісся на небеса,* щоб світові послати Утішителя.* Небо приготувало йому престол, хмари – вознесіння його;* ангели дивуються, побачивши чоловіка вище від себе,* а Отець чекає, маючи його в лоні завжди присутнього.* Дух же Святий велить усім ангелам його:* Підніміте в брамах їхні главні!* Усі народи плещіть руками,* бо відійшов Христос туди, де був перше.

  1. Стих: Мене обступлять праведники,* бо ти добро мені вчиниш.

Господь вознісся на небеса,* щоб світові послати Утішителя.* Небо приготувало йому престол, хмари – вознесіння його;* ангели дивуються, побачивши чоловіка вище від себе,* а Отець чекає, маючи його в лоні завжди присутнього.* Дух же Святий велить усім ангелам його:* Підніміте в брамах їхні главні!* Усі народи плещіть руками,* бо відійшов Христос туди, де був перше.

  1. Стих: З глибин взиваю до тебе, Господи,* Господи, почуй мій голос.

Херувими здивувались з твого вознесіння, Господи,* бачивши тебе – Бога,* що возноситься на хмарах і сидить на них.* Славимо тебе, бо велика твоя милість, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Нехай будуть твої вуха уважні,* до голосу благання мого.

Херувими здивувались з твого вознесіння, Господи,* бачивши тебе – Бога,* що возноситься на хмарах і сидить на них.* Славимо тебе, бо велика твоя милість, – слава тобі!

  1. Стих: Коли ти, Господи, зважатимеш на беззаконня,* то хто встоїться, Господи. Та в тебе є прощення.

На горах святих побачивши твоє вознесіння,* Христе, – сяйво слави Отця – оспівуємо світлом осяянний вид лиця твого.* Поклоняємось страстям твоїм, почитаємо воскресіння* і славимо преславне вознесіння, – помилуй нас.

  1. Стих: Задля імени твого надіюсь на тебе, Господи,* надіється душа моя на слово твоє; надіється душа моя на Господа.

Як апостоли побачили тебе, Господи, життєдавче Христе,* що возносишся на хмарах,* у сльозах ридали і, глибоко засмучені, з плачем благали:* Не зостав нас сиротами, Владико,* що, як добросердний, з милосердя полюбив слуг твоїх,* але пошли, як ти нам обіцяв, пресвятого твого Духа,* щоб просвітив душі наші.

  1. Стих: Від ранньої сторожі до ночі* від ранньої сторожі нехай уповає Ізраїль на Господа.

(г. 4, подібний: Дав ти як знамено): Потужну зброю дав ти, Господи,* царю Костянтинові − хрест твій святий.* Завдяки йому він царював по правді на землі,* прославившись побожністю* і, з ласки твоєї,* сподобився царства небесного.* З ним і ми прославляємо твоє чоловіколюбне провидіння,* Ісусе всемогутній,* Спасе душ наших.

  1. Стих: Бо в Господа милість і відкуплення велике в нього;* він визволить Ізраїля від усього беззаконня його.

Потужну зброю дав ти, Господи,* царю Костянтинові − хрест твій святий.* Завдяки йому він царював по правді на землі,* прославившись побожністю* і, з ласки твоєї,* сподобився царства небесного.* З ним і ми прославляємо твоє чоловіколюбне провидіння,* Ісусе всемогутній,* Спасе душ наших.

  1. Стих: Хваліте Господа всі народи!* Прославляйте його всі люди!

Дав ти, Чоловіколюбче,* Царю царів* і всіх пануючих Господи,* побожному своєму угодникові Соломонову мудрість,* Давидову лагідність* й апостольське правовір’я.* Тому, Ісусе всесильний,* Спасе душ наших,* славимо твоє чоловіколюбне провидіння!

  1. Стих: Велике бо до нас його милосердя, і вірність Господа повіки.

Дав ти, Чоловіколюбче,* Царю царів* і всіх пануючих Господи,* побожному своєму угодникові Соломонову мудрість,* Давидову лагідність* й апостольське правовір’я.* Тому, Ісусе всесильний,* Спасе душ наших,* славимо твоє чоловіколюбне провидіння!

Слава (г. 2): Прийнявши від Бога найкращі багаті дари, славний Костянтине,* ти гаразд використав їх у житті своєму.* Просвітившись світлом Пресвятого Духа через святе хрищення,* ти непереможним з’явився між царями* і твоєму Створителеві приніс, як дар, своє царство* і побожне царське місто.* Тим-то, маючи сміливість до Христа Бога, не переставай молитися, щоб подав усім, що шанують твою пам’ять,* прощення гріхів і велику милість.

І нині (г. 6): Лона Отцевого не залишаючи, найсолодший Ісусе,* на землі ти жив як людина.* Сьогодні з гори Оливної вознісся ти у славі,* і возсів з Отцем, милостиво піднісши впале наше єство.* Тому небесні, безтілесні хори, дивуючись чудові,* вельми зжахнулися і, пройняті тремтінням,* величали твоє чоловіколюбство.* З ними ми, земляни, славлячи твоє до нас приниження і вознесіння від нас,* молимось і взиваємо:* Ти, що учнів і Богородицю, яка тебе породила,* із своїм вознесінням наповнив безмежною радістю,* з великої твоєї милости сподоби і нас* радости вибраних твоїх, – їхніми молитвами.

 

Читання

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: З книги пророка Захарії читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Так говорить Господь: «Ось надходить день Господній, і його ноги того дня стануть на горі Оливній, що проти Єрусалиму на схід сонця. Того дня потечуть живі води з Єрусалиму; половина їх до східного моря, а половина до західного; так буде літом і зимою. І Господь стане царем над усією землею. В той день Господь буде єдиний, і єдине його ім’я. Увесь край стане, мов Арава, від Геви до Ріммону, на південь від Єрусалиму, і він буде вивищений, і стоятиме на своїм місці, від брами Веніямина до місця Першої брами, до Наріжної брами і від башти Хананела до царських виноток. І житимуть у ньому, і прокляття більш не буде, і Єрусалим стоятиме безпечно» (Зах. 14, 4; 8-11)

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: З книги пророка Ісаї читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Слово, що його узрів Ісая, син Амоса, про Юдею і про Єрусалим. На останку днів станеться, що гора дому Господнього буде поставлена на вершині гір і підійметься понад пагорби. Усі народи поспішать до неї. І сила народів піде туди, і скажуть: «Ходіте, вийдемо на гору Господню, в дім Бога Якова, і він покаже нам свої дороги, і будемо ходити його стежками, бо з Сіону закон вийде, і слово Господнє з Єрусалиму». (Іс. 2, 1-3)

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: З книги пророка Ісаї читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Ходіть, ходіть у ворота, рівняйте народові дорогу, насипайте, насипайте шлях, очистіть його від каміння, виставте стяг народам! Ось Господь об’являє аж до кінців світу: «Скажіть доньці Сіонській: Ось іде твій Спаситель. Ось із ним його заплата, перед ним його нагорода. І їх назвуть святим народом, викупленцями Господніми, тебе ж назвуть пошукуваним, непокинутим містом». Хто ж це йде з Едому, у багряних шатах з Боцри? Такий величний у своїй одежі, що виступає повний сили? Це я, той, що повідає справедливість, великий у спасінні. Чому шати твої багряні, одежа твоя, мов у того, хто топтав грона у винотоці? Я славитиму ласки Господні, Господні подвиги за те все, що Господь учинив нам, за те велике благо для ізраїльського дому, що він учинив нам у своїм милосерді, у своїй великій ласці. Бо він сказав: «Вони ж мій народ, діти, що не будуть віроломні!» Він став їхнім Спасом, у кожній їхній недолі. То не вістун, не ангел урятував їх, а його обличчя. У своїй любові й у своїм милосерді він викупив їх, він їх підняв, носив їх за часів минулих. (Іс. 62, 10-12; 63, 1-2; 63, 7-9)

Читання

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: З книги Царів читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Чтець: Став Соломон перед Господнім жертовником, перед усією громадою Ізраїля, зняв руки до неба і промовив: Господи, Боже Ізраїля! Нема бога, що був би тобі рівня, ні на небі вгорі, ні на землі внизу. Ти бережеш завіт і милість слугам твоїм, що ходять перед тобою усім серцем. Ти додержав слузі твоєму Давидові, моєму батькові, те, що обіцяв йому і що устами твоїми промовив, – то сьогодні справдив рукою твоєю. Тепер же, Господи, Боже Ізраїля, дотримай слузі твоєму Давидові, моєму батькові, те, що обіцяв йому словами: Не переведеться у тебе передо мною той, що сидітиме на престолі Ізраїля, як тільки сини твої вважатимуть на свої вчинки та ходитимуть передо мною, як ти ходив передо мною. Отже тепер, Боже Ізраїля, нехай справдиться, прошу, твоя обіцянка, що ти дав слузі твоєму Давидові, моєму батькові! Чи ж Богові бо справді жити на землі? Та ж небо небес не можуть тебе вмістити! А що вже цей храм, що я збудував тобі! Однак зглянься, Господи, мій Боже, на молитву й на благання слуги твого й вислухай взивання та мольбу, якими слуга твій оце сьогодні тебе молить. Нехай очі твої споглядають уночі й удень на храм цей, на місце, про яке ти сказав: Ім’я моє буде там! – Вислухай молитву, якою слуга твій молитиметься на цьому місці! Вислухай благання слуги твого і народу твого, Ізраїля, коли вони будуть молитися на цьому місці. Вислухай з місця, де ти перебуваєш, з неба; вислухай і прости. (І Цар. 8, 22-30)

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: З книги пророка Ісаї читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Устань, засяй! Зійшло бо твоє світло, слава Господня засяяла над тобою! Бо темрява окриває землю, і темнота народи, а над тобою Господь сяє: слава його з’явилась над тобою. Народи йдуть до твого світла, царі до сяйва твого блиску. Поглянь навколо твоїми очима й подивися: усі вони збираються, йдуть до тебе! Сини твої здалека прибувають, дочок твоїх на руках носять. Тоді ти глянеш і засяєш; заб’ється і пошириться в тебе серце, бо скарби моря попливуть до тебе, багатства народів прийдуть до тебе. Безліч верблюдів тебе вкриє, верблюди молоді з Мідіяну та з Ефи. Сила їх прийде з Шеви, несучи золото й ладан, звістуючи хвалу Господню. Усі кедарські вівці зберуться коло тебе, і невайотські барани будуть тобі служити, зійдуть на жертовник мій, немов люба жертва, і я прославлю дім моєї слави. Хто вони, ті, що летять, мов хмара, мов голуби у свій голубник? Так! Острови мене чекають, таршішські кораблі приходять перші, щоб привезти твоїх синів здалека разом з їхнім золотом і сріблом імені Господа, Бога твого, Святому Ізраїля, бо він тебе прославив. Сини чужинців відбудують твої мури, царі їхні будуть тобі служити, бо хоч у гніві моїм я тебе ударив, але в моїй ласці я зглянувся на тебе. Брами твої будуть завжди відкриті; ні вдень, ні вночі не будуть зачинятись, щоб принести до мене скарби народів під проводом їхніх царів. (Іс. 60, 1-11)

Диякон: Премудрість.

Чтець: З книги пророка Ісаї читання

Диякон: Будьмо уважні.

Я веселюся в Господі, душа моя радіє в моїм Бозі, бо він зодягнув мене в шати спасіння, окрив мене плащем справедливости, немов той молодий, що себе вінцем прикрашає, неначе молода, що дорогоцінностями себе оздоблює. Бо як земля вирощує свої рослини і як город вирощує своє насіння, так Господь Бог виростить справедливість і славу перед усіма народами. Заради Сіону я не замовкну, заради Єрусалиму не втихну, аж доки, мов світло, не засяє його спасіння, наче смолоскип, запалає. Тоді народи побачать твою справедливість, усі царі – твою славу. І зватимуть тебе вже новим ім’ям, яке виречуть Господні уста. Блискучою короною в руці Господній будеш, царським вінцем у руці Бога твого. Не зватимуть більше тебе покинутою, не зватимуть твою землю полишеною, а зватимуть тебе: «Моя у ній утіха», а твою землю: «Заміжня», бо Господь тебе уподобав, і земля твоя матиме мужа. І як одружується хлопець з дівчиною, так твій будівничий одружиться з тобою. Як молодий радіє молодою, так Бог твій радітиме тобою (Іс. 61, 10-62, 5)

Стихири на Литії

(г. 1): Ти, Господи, вознісся на небеса, звідки й зійшов.* Не зостав нас сиротами* і нехай прийде Дух твій,* що приносить мир світові.* Покажи синам людським діла могутности своєї,* Господи чоловіколюбче.

Ти, Христе, вознісся до безначального свого Отця,* хоча не розлучався ти з його неописаним Божеством.* Небесні сили нічого не додаючи до трисвятої хвали,* визнавали тебе, Господи,* теж після воплочення, єдиним Отцевим Сином.* Тому, багатством ласк твоїх, помилуй нас!

Ангели твої, Господи, сказали апостолам:* Мужі галилейські!* Чого стоїте, дивлячись на небо?* Оцей Христос Бог, який вознісся від вас на небо,* так само прийде, як ви його бачили, що відходив на небо.* Послужіть йому в святості й правді!

Слава і нині (г. 4): З любови сповнивши тайну,* споконвіку закриту від людей,* прийшов ти, Господи, на гору Оливну з своїми учнями* і Матір’ю своєю, що породила тебе, Творця і Владику всього.* Бо треба було, щоб вона, яка більш усіх по-матерньому співстраждала у твоїх страстях,* втішалася превеликою славою твого тіла.* Ставши її співучасниками у вознесінні твоїм на небо,* теж і ми, Владико, славимо велику твою до нас милість.

Стихири на стиховні

(г. 2): Ти народився, як сам цього бажав,* з’явився, як сам ізволив.* Постраждав ти тілом, Боже наш;* воскрес із мертвих, подолавши смерть;* і вознісся у славі ти, що все наповняєш,* та послав нам божественного Духа,* щоб оспівувати твоє Божество.

Стих: Всі народи, заплещіть руками,* кликніть до Бога голосом радости.

Коли ти, Христе, вознісся з гори Оливної,* сили небесні, бачивши це,* кликали одні до одних: Хто він такий?* І було сказано їм: Він – величним і могутній,* він переможний у бою, він – дійсно Цар слави!* І чому багряні його шати?* – Бо із Воссора, тобто з тіла, приходить.* А сам ти, як Бог, сів по правиці величности* та й послав нам Святого Духа,* щоб провадив і спасав душі наші

Стих: Зійшов Бог під оклики веселі,* Господь – під голос сурми.

На горі Оливній, у славі перед своїми учнями,* вознісся ти, Христе Боже,* і засів по правиці Отця, наповняючи все Божеством,* і послав їм Святого Духа,* щоб просвічував, утверджував й освячував душі наші.

Слава (г. 6): Зійшов Бог серед окликів,* Господь серед голосних сурем,* щоб піднести впалий Адамів образ і послати Духа Утішителя,* щоб освячував душі наші.

I нині (г. 8): Осяйне світло, царську зорю невечірню,* що від невірства перейшла до віри в Бога, приводиться,* щоб освятити людей і міста та щоб побачити на небі знак хреста.* Ти почув тоді: Ним переможеш своїх ворогів!* Прийнявши від нього розуміння Духа,* достовірний священику й царю,* ти, батьку православних царів, миром утвердив Божу Церкву.* Рівноапостольний Костянтине, молися за душі наші!

 


Тропарі

(г. 4): Вознісся Ти у славі, Христе Боже наш,* радість сотворивши ученикам обітуванням Святого Духа,* утвердивши їх благословенням,* бо Ти єси Син Божий, ізбавитель світу. (2 р.)

Побачивши на небі знак хреста твого* і, як Павло, прийнявши покликання не від людей,* між царями апостол твій, Господи,* в руки твої віддав царське місто.* Зберігай нас завжди в мирі,* молитвами Богородиці, єдиний Чоловіколюбче. (1)

 

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

Антифон 1
Стих 1: Всі народи, заплещіте руками, воскликніть Богові голосом радости (Пс 46,2).
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.
Стих 2: Бо Господь Всевишній – страшний, цар великий по всій землі (Пс 46,3).
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.
Стих 3: Він покорив людей нам і народи під ноги наші (Пс 46,4).
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.
Стих 4: Зійшов Бог під оклики веселі, Господь – під голос сурми (Пс 46,6).
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.
+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові. І нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь. Єдинородний Сину

Антифон 3
Стих 1: Послухайте це, всі народи, почуйте, всі, хто живете по вселенній (Пс 48,2).
Тропар (глас 4): Вознісся ти у славі, Христе Боже наш,* радість сотворивши ученикам обітуванням Святого Духа,* утвердивши їх благословенням,* бо ти єси Син Божий,* ізбавитель світу.

Стих 2: Земнородні і сини чоловічі, разом багатий і убогий (Пс 48,3).
Тропар (глас 4): Вознісся ти у славі, Христе Боже наш…

Стих 3: Уста мої промовлять премудрість і роздуми серця мого – розуміння (Пс 48,4).
Тропар (глас 4): Вознісся ти у славі, Христе Боже наш…

Вхідне: Зійшов Бог під оклики веселі, Господь – під голос сурми (Пс 46,6).
Тропар (глас 4): Вознісся ти у славі, Христе Боже наш…

+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові. І нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.

Кондак (глас 6): Сповнивши промисел щодо нас* і те, що на землі, з’єднавши з небесним,* вознісся ти у славі, Хрйсте Боже наш,* ніяк не відлучаючись, але невідступне перебуваючи,* ти кличеш до тих, що люблять тебе:* Я з вами і ніхто проти вас.

Прокімен (глас 7): Вознесися на небеса, Боже,* і по всій землі слава твоя (Пс 56,6).
Стих: Готове серце моє, Боже, готове серце моє, оспівуватиму і співатиму у славі моїй (Пс 56,8).
Прокімен, глас 8: На всю землю вийшло вістування їх і до кінців вселенної глаголи їх (Пс. 18,5).

Апостол: (Ді 1,1-12): Першу книгу я написав, о Теофіле, про все, що Ісус робив та що навчав від початку аж до дня, коли вознісся, давши Святим Духом накази апостолам, яких собі вибрав. Він показував їм себе також у численних доказах живим після своєї муки, з’являючись сорок день їм і розповідаючи про Боже Царство. Тоді ж саме, як споживав хліб-сіль із ними, він наказав їм Єрусалиму не кидати, але чекати обітниці Отця, що її ви від мене чули; бо Йоан христив водою, ви ж будете хрищені по кількох цих днях Святим Духом. Отож, зійшовшися, вони питали його: «Господи, чи цього часу знову відбудуєш Ізраїлеві царство?» Він відповів їм: «Не ваша справа знати час і пору, що їх Отець призначив у своїй владі. Та ви приймете силу Святого Духа, що на вас зійде, і будете моїми свідками в Єрусалимі, у всій Юдеї та Самарії й аж до краю землі.» І сказавши це, коли вони дивились, знявся угору, і хмара його взяла з-перед очей їхніх. І як вони дивилися пильно на небо, коли він відходив, два мужі стали коло них у білій одежі і сказали: «Мужі галилейські! Чого стоїте, дивлячись на небо? Оцей Ісус, який від вас був взятий на небо, так само прийде, як його ви бачили відходячого на небо.» Тоді вони повернулися в Єрусалим з гори, що зветься Оливною, що близько Єрусалиму – день ходи в суботу.

Галатів 1;11-19 1
Звістую вам, брати, що Євангелія, яку я вам проповідував, не є за людською мірою; 12 бож я її не прийняв, ані навчився від людини, лише – через об’явлення Ісуса Христа. 13 Ви чули про мою поведінку колись у юдействі, про те, як я несамовито гонив Божу Церкву та руйнував її. 14 Я перевищував у юдействі багатьох ровесників з мого роду, бувши запеклим прихильником передань моїх предків. 15 Та коли той, хто вибрав мене вже від утроби матері моєї і покликав своєю благодаттю, 16 зволив об’явити в мені Сина свого, щоб я проповідував його між поганами, то я негайно, ні з ким не радившись, 17 ані не подавшися в Єрусалим до тих, що були апостолами передо мною, пішов в Арабію, а потім знову повернувся в Дамаск. 18По трьох роках по тому пішов я у Єрусалим відвідати Кифу і перебув у нього п’ятнадцять день. 19 А іншого з апостолів я не бачив, крім Якова, брата Господнього.

Алилуя (глас 2):
Стих: Зійшов Бог під оклики веселі, Господь – під голос сурми (Пс 46,6).
Стих: Всі народи, заплещіте руками, воскликніть Богові голосом радости (Пс 46,2).
Стих: Господи, силою Твоєю возвеселиться цар і спасенням Твоїм возрадується (Пс. 20,2).

Євангеліє: (Лк 24,36-53): У той час, воскреснувши з мертвих, Ісус став посеред своїх учнів і сказав до них: “Мир вам!” Вони ж, налякані та повні страху, думали, що духа бачать. Та він сказав їм: “Чого стривожились? Чого ті сумніви постають у серцях ваших? Гляньте на мої руки та на мої ноги: це ж я сам. Доторкніться до мене та збагніть, що дух тіла й костей не має, як бачите, що я їх маю.” Сказавши це, він показав їм руки й ноги. А як вони з радощів не йняли йому ще віри й чудувались, він сказав: “Чи маєте ви тут що їсти?” Вони подали йому кусень печеної риби. Він узяв його й спожив перед ними. Потім Ісус до них промовив: “Це власне ті слова, що я, бувши ще з вами, сказав вам: Треба, щоб сповнилось усе написане про мене в законі Мойсея, в пророків та у псалмах.” Тоді відкрив їм розум, щоб вони розуміли Писання, і до них мовив: “Так написано, що треба було, щоб Христос страждав і третього дня воскрес із мертвих, і щоб у його ім’я проповідувалось покаяння на відпущення гріхів усім народам, почавши від Єрусалиму. Ви – свідки того (всього). Я вам пошлю те, що мій Отець обіцяв був. Сидіть у місті, аж поки не одягнетеся силою з висоти.” І він вивів їх аж до Витанії і, знявши руки свої, благословив їх. А як він благословляв їх, віддалився від них і почав возноситись на небо. Вони ж, поклонившися йому, повернулися з радістю великою в Єрусалим, і перебували ввесь час у храмі, славлячи та хвалячи Бога.

Євангеліє від Йоана 10, 1-9.
Сказав Господь юдеям, які до нього прийшли: Істинно, істинно кажу вам: хто входить в овечу кошару не ворітьми, а влізає деінде, той – злодій і розбійник. Хто ж увіходить ворітьми, той – пастир овець. Йому воротар відчиняє, і вівці слухаються його голосу, і він кличе своїх овець по імени й виводить їх. Коли виведе свої вівці, іде поперед них, і вівці йдуть слідом за ним, бо знають його голос. За чужим вони не підуть, втечуть від нього, бо не знають голосу чужих. Сказав їм Ісус цю притчу, та вони не зрозуміли, що він казав їм. Тому Ісус іще раз промовив до них: Істинно, істинно кажу вам: я – для овець ворота. Усі, скільки б їх не було прийшло передо мною, – злодії і розбійники, і вівці не слухали їх. Я – ворота. Хто ввійде через мене, спасеться. Він увійде, вийде і найде пасовисько.

Замість Достойно:
Величай, душе моя, Господа, що з плоттю во славі вознісся на небеса.
Ірмос (глас 5): Тебе, вище ума і слова Матір Божу, що в часі безлітнього несказанно родила, вірні однодумне величаємо.

Причасний: Зійшов Бог під оклики веселі, Господь – під голос сурми (Пс 46,6). На всю землю вийшло вістування їх і до кінців вселенної глаголи їх (Пс. 18,5). Алилуя (х3).

Згідно Галицької традиції, ми співаємо:
Вознесися на небеса, Боже, і по всій землі слава Твоя (Пс 56,6).
Замість “Ми бачили світло істинне…” (x1) “Нехай сповняться уста…” (x3) і “Нехай буде ім’я…” (x3).

May 24; Seventh Sunday after Pascha. Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Seventh Sunday after Pascha. Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, Tone 6; Our Venerable Father Simeon of the “Mountain of Wonders” (596)

GREAT VESPERS

Psalm Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

O Christ, You won the victory over Hades,* You ascended the Cross so that You might raise up with Yourself* all those who dwelt in the darkness of death.* Almighty Saviour, You are free from death* and bestow life by Your divine light.* We, therefore, beseech You to have mercy on us.

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

Today Christ has conquered Death.* He has risen from the grave as He had foretold,* bestowing great joy upon the world.* Therefore, let us all lift up our voices and sing:* O Fount of Life, O Light whom no one can approach,* Almighty Saviour, have mercy on us.

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

O Lord, where can we sinners flee from You,* for You are present in all creation?* You are present in heaven, for it is Your dwelling place.* You power prevails in Hades where You conquered Death.* O Master, Your sustaining hands touches even the depths of the sea.* Where, then, can we take refuge except in You?* We, therefore, prostrate ourselves before You and pray:* O Lord, risen from the dead, have mercy on us.

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

The Lord ascended into heaven* to send the Comforter into this world.* The heavens prepared His throne and the clouds were His ladder;* the angels marvelled at the sight of a man more exalted than themselves.* Today, the Father receives again in His bosom* the One who was in Him from all eternity,* and the Holy Spirit gives a command to all the angels:* Lift up your lintels, O you gates!* O you nations of the earth, clap your hands,* for Christ ascends to the place* where He had been from all eternity.

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

O Lord, the Cherubim were amazed at Your Ascension;* they were seized with wonder as they beheld You, O God, rising upon the clouds,* for You are the One who is seated above the clouds.* We sing a hymn of praise to You:* Glory to You for Your tender mercy.

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

O Christ, splendour and glory of the Father,* when we behold You Ascension on the holy mountain,* we sing a hymn of praise to the beauty of Your countenance.* We bow down to Your Passion,* we venerate Your holy Resurrection,* and we glorify Your noble Ascension.* O Lord, have mercy on us!

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

Before the morning star You were begotten of the Father;* before the ages You were conceived without a mother,* even though Arius believed You to be created, and not God.* He shamelessly confused the Creator with his creatures,* thus deserving eternal punishment.* Yet the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.

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

Who has severed Your garment, O Saviour?* It was Arius who divided the Trinity* who is equal in glory and eternal majesty.* For he denied that You are one of the most Holy Trinity.* He taught the transgressing Nestorius* to say that the Virgin is not the Mother of God;* but the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.

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

Declaring that the Light could not be seen,* Arius fell into the pit of the impious ones;* his body was torn apart by the justice of God,* and he gave up his soul in a violent manner.* He was another Judas by his thoughts and deeds.* But the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.

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

The foolish Arius divided the unity of the Holy Trinity* into three different and unequal substances.* But the God-bearing Fathers came together in Council.* Burning with the zeal of Elijah the Tishbite* and with the sword of the Holy Spirit,* they cut down these shameful blasphemies;* for they were directed by the Spirit.

Glory…

Let us honour today those mystical trumpets of the Spirit,* namely, the God-mantled Fathers,* who speaking of divine things,* sang in the midst of the Church a hymn in unison,* teaching that the Trinity is one,* not differing in substance or Godhead,* refuting Arius and defending the orthodox faith.* They always intercede with the Lord* to have mercy on our souls.

Now…

Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He Who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.

Readings

(1) Genesis 14:14-20; (2) Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17; (3) Deuteronomy 10:14-21

Aposticha

In Tone 6

O Christ our Saviour,* the angels in heaven sing the praises of Your Resurrection;* make us, on earth, also worthy* to extol and glorify You with a pure heart.

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

Almighty God, You destroyed the brazen gates and bars of Hades* and raised up fallen mankind.* Therefore, with one accord, we cry out:* O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to you!

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

Christ willed to renew us from our corruption of old* by being nailed to a Cross and placed in a tomb.* When the women came to anoint His body, they tearfully cried out:* O, what sorrow afflicts us!* O Saviour of all, how could You consent to occupy a grave?* If You truly willed this, then why did You allow Your body to be stolen?* How were You removed?* What place now conceals Your life-bearing body?* O Lord, appear to us as You promised* and put an end to our tears.* As they were lamenting, an angel appeared and cried out to them:* Do not weep, but tell the apostles that the Lord is risen,* granting sanctification and great mercy to the world.

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

O Christ, You were crucified of Your own free will,* and by Your burial You imprisoned Death.* As God, You rose in glory on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.

In Tone 4

Glory…

O believers, let us come together today* to celebrate in faith and true worship* the remembrance of the God-inspired Fathers* who had come together from throughout the world,* in the splendid city of Nicea.* They rejected the doctrine of the impious Arius* and banished him from the universal Church* by a decree of the Council.* They instructed all to openly profess the Son of God,* that He is consubstantial and co-eternal with the Father before eternity,* and they clearly wrote this in the Symbol of Faith.* Therefore, following their divine doctrines,* let us worship the Son in true faith,* together with the Father and the Holy Spirit,* the Trinity consubstantial in one Godhead.

Now…

O Lord most merciful,* after fulfilling the mystery hidden from all eternity,* You, the Creator and Master of all,* went up to the Mount of Olives with Your disciples and Your Mother.* For the one who, at the sight of Your Passion,* had suffered more than anyone else in her motherly heart,* had more than anyone else the right to share the joy that fills us* as we witness Your ascending into heaven.* We glorify Your infinite mercy overflowing upon us.

Troparia

In Tone 6

Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,** glory to You!

In 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.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

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 6: Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!

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: Christ our God, You are glorified above all,* You established our fathers as beacons on earth* and through them guided all of us to the true faith.* Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: The apostles’ preaching and the Fathers’ doctrine* confirmed the Church’s one faith,* and wearing the garment of truth* woven from theology that descends from on high,* she rightly imparts* the mystery of godliness* and sings its glory.

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 in separable,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.

verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26,27)

Epistle

Acts 20:16-18, 28-36

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: The God of gods, the Lord, spoke and summoned the earth from the rising of sun to its setting.

verse: Gather to Him His devout ones, who with sacrifice make covenant with Him. (Psalm 49:1,5)

Gospel

John 17:1-13

Hymn to the Mother of God

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

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:1) Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Instead of “We have seen the true light” and “Let our mouths be filled” we sing:

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

May 25; The Third Finding of the Precious Head of the Holy, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John

The Third Finding of the Precious Head of the Holy, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John

GREAT VESPERS

Psalm Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

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

You were begotten from the Father before the morning star,* but Arius taught wrongfully that You were created:* In his ignorance he designated You as a creature,* yet the fathers of the council proclaimed You as Son of God,* co-enthroned with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

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

Who has torn Your spotless vesture, Saviour?* Who has challenged the unity of the triune Godhead?* It is Arius, for he denied that You are equal to the Father.* Those who follow him do not believe that God took flesh for our sake,* but the fathers of the council proclaimed You as Son of God,* co-enthroned with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

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

The foolish Arius blasphemed the holy Trinity,* dividing the Persons into three different and unequal substances,* but the God-mantled fathers denounced his confusion:* They assembled with the zeal of Elijah,* destroying error with the sword of the Spirit,* directed by the inspiration of God!

In Tone 8

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

Blessed Forerunner John, your head shone from the ground* with rays brighter than the sun.* It enlightens the faithful.* We have it has a divine treasure* and draw rich grace from it,* sanctifying our souls, our bodies and thoughts.* As we celebrate, we call you blessed.

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

Blessed Forerunner John, your head shone from the ground* with rays brighter than the sun.* It enlightens the faithful.* We have it has a divine treasure* and draw rich grace from it,* sanctifying our souls, our bodies and thoughts.* As we celebrate, we call you blessed.

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

Your holy head, blessed Forerunner, poured out abundant grace.* It was shown without his foreknowledge* to the priest who was wise in God.* He quickly went with faith and grace* and openly brought about its sanctified coming* with the emperor and the divinely wise people* who fervently maintain the orthodox faith.

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

Your holy head, blessed Forerunner, poured out abundant grace.* It was shown without his foreknowledge* to the priest who was wise in God.* He quickly went with faith and grace* and openly brought about its sanctified coming* with the emperor and the divinely wise people* who fervently maintain the orthodox faith.

  1. Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.6. If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

We celebrate the third revelation of your precious head.* When it was severed, glorious one,* the Trinity crowned it for your godly zeal.* The ranks of angels, the company of martyrs,* the apostles of God and all the prophets rejoice in its discovery.* Together with them, ever remember us, Forerunner of the Lord!

In Tone 6

Glory…

O Forerunner, your head, divinely preserved,* has risen from the bosom of the earth* as a treasury of graces of God.* Having received it, we bow down in reverence, O glorious prophet of Christ.* Through you, we have been given wondrous miracles* and have obtained the remission of our sins.

In Tone 8

Now…

We praise the radiance of Your countenance,* seeing Your Ascension upon the mount, O Christ,* the splendour of the Father’s glory.* We bow in worship before Your Passion!* We honour Your Resurrection!* We praise Your glorious Ascension!* Lord, have mercy on us!

Readings

(1) Isaiah 40:1-11; (2) Malachi 3:1-18; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15.

Aposticha

In Tone 2

Come, O faithful: let us venerate the head which was cut off by a sword:* the precious head of the Forerunner,* commemorating its finding on this day.* Let us go out to meet it with hymns, wholeheartedly honouring it* as a fountain which pours forth the grace of healing upon us.* This is the head which was once cut off by the foolish Herod,* goaded by the grudging of Herodias.

O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful.

As gold is taken from the mines,* so has the head of the Forerunner come forth from the earth,* radiant in its reliquary.* He still speaks, clearly accusing Herod, the adulterous murderer;* and he illumines our souls with his light.* In our hymns today, we the faithful venerate the Forerunner* who intercedes for us before God.

The just will flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a Lebanon cedar.

The head of the Baptist lay long hidden underground* like a treasure in a chest.* Today it is revealed to the whole world, pouring forth abundant streams of healing,* stopping illnesses, and shedding light on our souls.* We rejoice in its divine consolations as we sing the praises of the Forerunner.

In Tone 6

Glory… Now…

God has gone up with a shout;* the Lord, with the sound of a trumpet,* in order to save the fallen image of Adam,* and to send the comforting Spirit,* Who will sanctify our souls!

Troparion

In Tone 4

O prophet and forerunner,* Christ has revealed to us your head as divine treasure concealed in the earth.* Assembled for this discovery* we praise Christ with hymns inspired of God.* Through your intercessions He saves us from corruption.

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.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

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 4: O prophet and forerunner,* Christ has revealed to us your head as divine treasure concealed in the earth.* Assembled for this discovery* we praise Christ with hymns inspired of God.* Through your intercessions He saves us from corruption.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: The Forerunner, a luminous and divine support in the world,* the lampstand of the sun,* has revealed his resplendent and divine head to the ends of the earth.* He hallows those who bow and cry out in faith:* “Save us all, O most wise Baptist of Christ.”

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 in separable,* 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 7

The just man shall be glad in the Lord and shall hope in Him.

Epistle

Acts 21:8-14; 2 Corinthians 4:6-15

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: Light is risen for the just and joy for the righteous of heart. (Psalm 96:11)

Gospel

John 14:27-15:7; Matthew 11:2-15

Hymn to the Mother of God

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. (Psalm 46:6)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Instead of “We have seen the true light” and “Let our mouths be filled” we sing:

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

May 31; Descent of the Holy Spirit. Holy and Glorious Pentecost

Descent of the Holy Spirit. Holy and Glorious Pentecost

GREAT VESPERS

Psalm Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

Behold, we celebrate today the Feast of Pentecost,* the descent of the Holy Spirit,* the fulfilment of the promise and the realization of hope.* How wonderful and awesome is this great mystery!* Therefore, O Lord and Creator of all,* we cry out: Glory to You!

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

Behold, we celebrate today the Feast of Pentecost,* the descent of the Holy Spirit,* the fulfilment of the promise and the realization of hope.* How wonderful and awesome is this great mystery!* Therefore, O Lord and Creator of all,* we cry out: Glory to You!

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

You renewed Your disciples, O Christ,* by giving them a variety of tongues* with which to proclaim that You are the Immortal God,* the Word who bestows great mercy upon our souls.

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

The Holy Spirit provides every gift:* He inspires prophecy and perfects the priesthood;* He grants wisdom to the illiterate,* makes simple fishermen become wise theologians,* and establishes perfect order in the assembly of the Church.* Therefore, O Comforter, equal in nature and majesty with the Father and the Son,* O Lord, glory to You!

In Tone 2

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

We have seen the true light;* we have received the heavenly Spirit;* we have found the true faith!* Worshipping the undivided Trinity* for it has saved us.

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

We have seen the true light;* we have received the heavenly Spirit;* we have found the true faith!* Worshipping the undivided Trinity* for it has saved us.

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

You have shown us, O Saviour,* the way to salvation through the Prophets;* and the grace of Your Holy Spirit* has shone upon us through the Apostles.* You are God from all eternity,* our God, now and forever.

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

O Saviour of the world,* I sing a hymn of praise to You in Your temple;* on my knees, I adore Your invisible power,* at dawn and dusk and at noon;* indeed, at all times, I bless You, O Lord.

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

We Your faithful people, O Lord,* prostrate our souls and bodies before You.* We sing a hymn of praise to You, the eternal Father;* and to Your Son, equal to You in eternity;* and to Your all holy Spirit, co-eternal with You,* the Enlightener and Sanctifier of our souls.

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

Let us sing a hymn of praise to the consubstantial Trinity,* Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;* for this is the command and teaching* of all the Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs.

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

Come, all you nations of the world,* let us adore God in three holy Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One.* From all eternity, the Father begets the Son,* equal to Him in eternity and majesty,* equal also to the Holy Spirit,* glorified with the Son in the Father,* three Persons, and yet a single power and essence and Godhead.* In deep adoration, let us cry out to God:* Holy is God who made all things through the Son* with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit.* Holy the Mighty One through whom the Father was revealed to us,* and through whom the Holy Spirit came to the world!* Holy the Immortal One, the Spirit, the Counsellor,* who proceeds from the Father and reposes in the Son.* All-holy Trinity, glory to You!

Readings

(1) Numbers 11:16-17, 24-29; (2) Joel 2:23-3:5; (3) Ezekiel 36:24-28

Lytia

In Tone 2

You have shown us, O Saviour,* the way to salvation through the Prophets;* and the grace of Your Holy Spirit has shone upon us through the Apostles.* You are God from all eternity,* our God, now and forever.

O Saviour of the world,* I sing a hymn of praise to You in Your temple;* on my knees, I adore Your invisible power,* at dawn and dusk and at noon;* indeed, at all times, I bless You, O Lord.

We Your faithful people, O Lord,* prostrate our souls and bodies before You.* We sing a hymn of praise to You, the eternal Father;* and to Your Son, equal to You in eternity;* and to Your all holy Spirit, co-eternal with You,* the Enlightener and Sanctifier of our souls.

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

O Lord, when You sent down Your Spirit,* upon the assembled Apostles,* the children of Israel were struck with awe* as they heard them speak in many tongues,* inspired by the Holy Spirit.* They knew them to be illiterate and now saw them wise,* speaking divine truths and bringing Gentiles to the faith.* Therefore, we also cry out to You:* You have appeared on earth and saved us from error;* O Lord, glory to You!

Aposticha

In Tone 6

O Lord, the Gentiles were unaware of the power of the Holy Spirit* that had come down upon the Apostles;* they thought the many tongues were an effect of drunkenness.* But we who are strengthened by them cry our ceaselessly:* O Lover of Mankind, take not Your Holy Spirit away from us.

A pure heart create for me, O God; put a steadfast spirit within me.

O Lord, the descent of Your Holy Spirit on Your Apostles* made them speak a variety of tongues.* When the unbelievers witnessed this marvel, they took it for drunkenness,* when, in fact, it was a cause of salvation for the faithful.* We beseech You, therefore, O Lover of Mankind,* to make us worthy of the revelation of this Spirit with us.

Do not cast me away from Your presence, nor deprive me of Your Holy Spirit.

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.

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

In days of old, pride brought confusion of tongues* to the builders of the Tower of Babel,* but now the diversity of tongues enlightened the minds* and gave knowledge for the glory of God.* Then, God punished the impious for their sin;* now, Christ enlightened fishermen through His Spirit.* Then, the confusion of tongues was for the sake of punishment;* now, there was a variety so that voices could be joined in harmony* for the salvation of our souls.

Troparion

In Tone 8 modified
Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You. (3)

Alternative Troparion text, in Tone 8 modified
Blessed are You, O Christ our God, for You have given us wise fishermen. After sending them Your Holy Spirit, You caught all the world through them – O loving Master, glory to You! (3)

 


FESTAL MATINS

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

The Lord Is God, Tone 8

Troparion, Tone 8

Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You. (2)

Glory… Now…

Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending the, the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

Kathisma & Small Litany

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 4

Come, O faithful, let us celebrate the feast of the Fiftieth Day:* the day which concludes the Feast of feasts;* the day on which the pre-ordained promise is fulfilled;* the day when the Comforter descends upon the earth in tongues of fire;* the day of the disciples’ enlightenment.* They are revealed as initiated into the heavenly mysteries,* for truly the light of the Comforter has illumined the world.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Kathisma & Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 4

The fountain of the Spirit rushes down to earth,* mystically divided into flaming streams,* both refreshing and enlightening the apostles;* the fire became for them a cloud of dew,* raining enlightenment upon them.* From them we have received grace by fire and water,* for truly the light of the Comforter has illumined the world.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Polyeleos

Exaltation

We extol You,* O Christ the Giver of life,* and we venerate your most Holy Spirit,* whom You sent upon your holy apostles from the Father.

  1. The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
  2. By his word the heavens were made, by the breath of his mouth all the stars.
  3. All the earth shall remember and return to the Lord; all families of the nations worship before Him.
  4. A pure heart create for me, O God; put a steadfast spirit within me.
  5. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your Holy Spirit.
  6. The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

Glory… Now…

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

After your resurrection from the grave, O Christ,* and your divine ascension into the highest heavens,* You made your glory descend upon the witnesses of your divinity,* and You renewed a spirit of righteousness in the hearts of your disciples.* Therefore, they have filled the world, O Saviour,* with the sounds of your teaching and your work of salvation,* as a melodious harp mystically played with the divine plectrum.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Gradual Hymn, Tone 4, Antiphon 1

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Let your good Spirit guide me* in ways that are level and smooth.

verse: Lord, hasten to my prayer; turn your ear to my appeal.

Let Everything That Has Breath, Tone 4

Gospel

John 20: 19-23

Psalm 50

After Psalm 50, Tone 6

Glory…

Through the prayers of the apostles,* O merciful Lord,* cleanse us from the multitude of my transgressions.

Now…

Through the prayers of the Theotokos,* O merciful Lord,* cleanse us from the multitude of my transgressions.

Have mercy on me, God, in your loving kindness, according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.

Heavenly King, Comforter,* Spirit of Truth,* You are everywhere present and fill all things.* Treasury of blessings and Giver of life,* come and dwell within us,* cleanse us of all stain,* and save our souls, O gracious Lord.

Canon I

Ode 1, Tone7

(Irmos) He drowned Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,* for He is the One who shattered the armies with the power of his arm.* Let us sing to Him, for He is covered with glory.

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

As You promised your disciples in earlier days, O Christ the Lover of Mankind,* You sent your comforting Spirit;* thus You made his light shine over the world.

Glory… Now…

That which was formerly announced by the Law and the prophets* is fulfilled today;* for the grace of the Spirit rests on each of the faithful.

He drowned Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,* for He is the One who shattered the armies with the power of his arm.* Let us sing to him, for He is covered with glory.

(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, Tone 7

(Irmos) You said to your apostles, O Lord:* Remain in Jerusalem until the day when you shall be clothed with power from on high;* and I will send you another Paraclete,* the Spirit of the Father and of Me,* in whom you will be strengthened.

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

By his descent, the power of the Holy Spirit has divinely reunited in a new harmony* the tongues that were formerly divided by their evil design.* He reveals to the faithful the Trinity in whom we are strengthened.

Glory… Now…

You said to your apostles, O Lord:* Remain in Jerusalem until the day when you shall be clothed with power from on high;* and I will send you another Paraclete,* the Spirit of the Father and of Me,* in whom you will be strengthened.

(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.

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

The friends of the Saviour were filled with joy and renewed in heart,* those who were formerly filled with fear;* for on this day the Holy Spirit descended from the heights of heaven upon the apostles.* They spoke to each person in his native tongue,* for the tongues of fire were distributed but did not consume them;* rather, they covered them with dew.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Ode 4, Tone 7

(Irmos) Meditating upon your final coming, O Christ,* the prophet cried out:* I have seen your power, O Lord,* for You have come to save those who are consecrated to You.

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

The One who was spoken of by the prophets,* and who was formerly announced by the Law to the imperfect people,* is revealed this day as truly God and the Paraclete* to the servants and witnesses of the Word.

Glory… Now…

Bearing the seal of the divinity,* the Spirit was imparted to the apostles in the form of fire;* He is manifested through the gift of tongues,* for He is the divine power who comes freely from the Father.

Meditating upon your final coming, O Christ,* the prophet cried out:* I have seen your power, O Lord,* for You have come to save those who are consecrated to You.

(Katavasia, Tone 4) O King of kings and only Son of the Father,* 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, Tone 7

(Irmos) O Lord, the Spirit of your salvation,* which formerly was received by the prophets in fear,* now creates a pure heart in your apostles* and renews in our hearts an upright spirit;* for your commandments, O Lord, bring us light and peace.

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

The power which descends on us is the Holy Spirit,* the goodness and wisdom of God,* the Spirit who proceeds from the Father* and is revealed by the Son to us the faithful.* He fills with holiness those in whom He dwells.

Glory… Now…

O Lord, the Spirit of your salvation,* which formerly was received by the prophets in fear,* now creates a pure heart in your apostles* and renews in our hearts an upright spirit;* for your commandments, O Lord, bring us light and peace.

(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, Tone 7

(Irmos) Sailing across the ocean of life and tossed about by the cares of the world,* engulfed in the midst of my sins and thrown to the monster who devours souls,* as Jonah, I cry out to You, O Christ:* Deliver me from this deadly abyss.

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

You pour out your Spirit in abundance upon all flesh,* as You had promised, O Lord;* and the universe is filled with the knowledge of You,* for the Father has begotten You as a Son,* and the Spirit proceeds from Him.

Glory… Now…

Sailing across the ocean of life and tossed about by the cares of the world,* engulfed in the midst of my sins and thrown to the monster who devours souls,* as Jonah, I cry out to You, O Christ:* Deliver me from this deadly abyss.

(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 8

When the Most High descended and confused tongues,* He scattered the people;* but when He distributed the tongues of fire,* He called all to unity.* Therefore, with one voice,* let us praise the most Holy Spirit.

Ikos

Grant to your servants, O Jesus, a prompt and firm comfort; for our spirits are filled with sadness. Do not abandon us in our affliction and do not keep yourself far from our sorely-tried hearts, but come to us in haste. Come close to us, O Lord, who are present everywhere; in your goodness, remain united to those who love You, as You were always with your apostles, so that, united with You, we may sing and glorify your most Holy Spirit.

Ode 7, Tone 7

(Irmos) In the fiery furnace,* the youths transformed the blazing flames which surrounded them into dew,* for they praised the Lord by singing:* Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

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

While the apostles were preaching the marvels of God,* the unbelievers took for drunkenness the power of the Spirit* who made known to us the Trinity,* the one God of our fathers!

Glory… Now…

According to the true faith,* we confess the indivisible nature of God the Father without beginning,* of the consubstantial Word and the Holy Spirit:* Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

In the fiery furnace,* the youths transformed the blazing flames which surrounded them into dew,* for they praised the Lord by singing:* Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

(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, Tone 7

(Irmos) On Sinai, the bush that burned without being consumed,* revealed God to Moses* as He spoke to the one of unsure speech;* and in the furnace, the three youths, invincible in their zeal for God,* began to sing a hymn of praise:* Sing to the Lord, all you his works and exalt Him forever.

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

When the violent gust of wind bearing life descended from heaven,* the most Holy Spirit of God, in the form of tongues of fire,* breathed on the fishermen with great force;* and they began to preach the marvels of God:* Sing to the Lord, all you works of the Lord and exalt Him forever.

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

Let us approach the inviolate mountain* without fear of the terrible fire;* come, let us climb the mountain of Zion,* the city of the living God.* In joy, let us now unite ourselves with the choir of the disciples,* the bearers of the Spirit:* Sing to the Lord, all you works of the Lord and exalt Him forever.

Now…

On Sinai, the bush that burned without being consumed,* revealed God to Moses* as He spoke to the one of unsure speech;* and in the furnace, the three youths, invincible in their zeal for God,* began to sing a hymn of praise:* Sing to the Lord, all you his works and exalt Him forever.

Let us praise, bless and worship the Lord, singing and exalting Him above all forever.

(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.

Omit Magnificat

Ode 9

O my soul, extol the one God in three Persons.

(Irmos, Tone 7) You have conceived in all purity,* and the Word and Creator of the universe takes flesh in you,* O spouse- less Mother and virginal Birthgiver of God,* the dwelling place of the One whom none could contain,* and the abode of the infinite One, your Creator.* For this, we extol you.

O my soul, extol the one God in three Persons.

He who formerly was taken up in a chariot of fire,* the prophet who was filled with zeal and fervour,* prefigured the brilliant coming of the Spirit,* who descends upon the apostles this day;* and shining with the brightness of this fire,* they make the Trinity known to all.

O my soul, extol the one God in three Persons.

The laws of nature are surpassed;* wonderful thing is now heard:* while the apostles resound with one voice,* by the grace of the Holy Spirit,* people, nations, and languages all understand in their own way the wonders of God,* for they have been initiated into the knowledge of the Holy Trinity.

O my soul, extol the one God in three Persons.

You have conceived in all purity,* and the Word and Creator of the universe takes flesh in you,* O spouseless Mother and virginal Birthgiver of God,* the dwelling place of the One whom none could contain,* and the abode of the infinite One, your Creator.* For this, we extol you.

Glory… Now…

(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 birthgiving;* and we also unite our voices to glorify you.

Hymn of Light, Tone 3

O most Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father through the Son,* and who has now descended upon the uneducated disciples,* save and sanctify all those who recognize You as God. (2)

Glory… Now…

The Father is light and the Word is light;* the Holy Spirit also is light!* He is sent upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire,* and through Him the whole world receives the light of baptism* to adore the Holy Trinity.

At the Praises

In Tone 4

All the peoples have seen wonders today in the city of David,* when the Holy Spirit descended in tongues of fire,* as told by the God-inspired Luke, who said:* The disciples of Christ were gathered together;* there was a sound like a mighty wind,* and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.* And they began to speak in foreign tongues,* teaching the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. (2)

The Holy Spirit was, is, and always will be* without beginning and without end,* but always one with the Father and the Son.* He is Life and Giver of Life,* He is Light and Giver of Light,* good by nature and source of goodness.* is through Him that the Father is known and the Son glorified;* and all people have come to know the one power, and the one substance,* and the same adoration of the Holy Trinity. (2)

The Holy Spirit is Light and Life,* the Living Spring mystically gushing forth,* the Spirit of Wisdom and Spirit of Knowledge,* good, upright, and understanding,* majestic, and purifying from sin.* He is God and deifies us;* Fire proceeding from fire,* speaking, acting, and distributing gifts.* It is through Him that all the prophets and the apostles of God* have received the crown, together with the martyrs.* A strange report to hear and strange to see:* the fire is divided for the sharing of gifts. (2)

In Tone 6

Glory… Now…

Heavenly King, Comforter,* Spirit of Truth,* You are everywhere present and fill all things.* Treasury of blessings and Giver of life,* come and dwell within us,* cleanse us of all stain,* and save our souls, O gracious Lord.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

After “Blessed is the Kingdom…” (if the custom)

Heavenly King, Comforter,* Spirit of Truth,* You are everywhere present and fill all things.* Treasury of blessings and Giver of life,* come and dwell within us,* cleanse us of all stain,* and save our souls, O gracious Lord.

Antiphon 1

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

Through the prayers of the Mother of God…

Day to day pours forth the message and night proclaims this knowledge to night.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God…

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

Through the prayers of the Mother of God…

Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

O Lord, by Your power the king shall rejoice and greatly exult in Your salvation.

Troparion, Tone 8: Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

You gave him his heart’s desire and did not deny the request of his lips.

Troparion, Tone 8: Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

For You have gone before him with gracious blessings, you have placed upon his head a crown of precious stones.

Troparion, Tone 8: Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

Entrance

Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and make music to Your might.

Troparion, Tone 8: Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

Glory… Now…

Kontakion Tone 8 When the Most High came down and confused the tongues,* He parted the nations.* When He divided the tongues of fire,* He called all to unity;* thus with one voice* we glorify the all-Holy Spirit.

Instead of the Trisagion

All you, who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

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

Epistle

Acts 2:1-11

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: By the Lord’s words the heavens were established, and by the Breath of His mouth all their host.

verse: The Lord has looked down from heaven and beheld the whole human race.

Gospel

John 7:37-53; 8:12-13

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify the one Divinity in three Persons.

Rejoice, O Queen, boast of the virgins and mothers, for every tongue, though capable and eloquent, cannot hymn you as is your due, and every mind is confounded in seeking to comprehend the way in which you gave birth. Wherefore with one accord we glorify you.

Communion Hymn

Your good Spirit will lead me to the land of righteousness. Alleluia, thrice.

June 7; First Sunday after Pentecost. All Saints Sunday,

First Sunday after Pentecost. All Saints Sunday, Tone 8

GREAT VESPERS

Kathsima

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

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

O Christ, during this spiritual service,* we sing to You these evening prayers,* commemorating the mercy You have shown us* by Your resurrection.

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

O Lord, O Lord, do not cast us away from Your face;* but in Your kindness have mercy on us* through Your resurrection.

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

Rejoice, O holy Zion,* the Mother of Churches and the dwelling-place of God;* for you were the first to receive the forgiveness of sins* through the resurrection.

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

Christ the Word was begotten by God the Father before all ages;* yet in these latter times,* He freely willed to take flesh from the Virgin who did not know man.* By His death on the cross and His resurrection,* He saved mankind from the ancient curse of death.

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

O Christ, we glorify Your resurrection;* for by rising from the dead* You freed the race of Adam from the sufferings of Hades,* and as God You granted eternal life* and great mercy to the world.

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

Glory to You, O Christ our Saviour,* the only-begotten Son of God;* for You were nailed to the cross,* and then arose from the dead on the third day.

In Tone 6

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

Through faithfulness the disciples of the Lord* became instruments of the Spirit* and were scattered to the ends of the earth* to proclaim His sacred word and the doctrine of truth.* From these roots, an army of Martyrs blossomed forth* by the grace of the Divine Gardener.* By their numberless torments and by fire,* they imitated the holy passion of Christ,* and now they intercede for our souls.

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

Inflamed by the love of the Lord,* the venerable Martyrs of Christ despised the fire;* and being consumed as living coals,* they burned the dried grass of the arrogance of error;* they bridled the mouths of the beasts by their prayers;* and by their beheading, they severed the hosts of the enemy.* Having courageously shed their blood,* they watered the Church with the seed of their faith.

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

Truly the heroic Martyrs have wrestled with beasts* and were torn apart by their claws;* they fell under the edge of the sword* and were mutilated and tortured;* they were thrown into fire and burned alive,* dismembered and pierced with swords.* All this they bore courageously,* seeing in advance what was to come:* the unfading crowns and the glory of Christ.* And now they intercede for our souls.

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

Let us celebrate with songs of praise* the deeds of all the Saints over all the earth,* honouring them, as it is fitting:* the Apostles and Martyrs,* the Bishops and Holy Women.* While living on earth, they joined with the heavenly spirits,* and by the grace of Christ,* they received immortality through their sufferings.* They shine as bright stars for us,* and now they intercede for our souls.

Glory…

You are pillars of the Church* and the fulfilment of the Gospel,* O divine ranks of Martyrs.* By your deeds you have fulfilled the words of the Saviour;* for through you the gates of Hades,* once opened against the Church, have now been closed;* and through the shedding of your blood* you dried up the sacrifices poured out for the idols.* And having built up the faith of believers through your martyrdom,* you filled the heavenly spirits with admiration.* You stand before Christ, wearing your crowns;* intercede with Him for our souls.

In Tone 8, Now…

Out of his love for mankind* the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt with men,* for He assumed a human body from the pure Virgin* and was seen in the flesh He received from her.* He is the One and only God having two natures but not two persons.* Wherefore we profess and declare the truth * that Christ our God is perfect God and perfect Man. * O Mother, who knew not carnal union, * intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

Readings

(1) Isaiah 43:9-14; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 8

O Jesus, You descended from heaven* so that You might ascend the cross.* O immortal Life, You came to die.* You are the true light to those who live in darkness,* and You are the resurrection of the fallen.* Therefore, O Saviour of all, we glorify You.

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

Let us glorify Christ, the Saviour of our Souls* Who arose from the dead.* For He took upon himself a soul and a body,* and during His passion He separated the one from the other.* His pure soul went down to conquer Hades,* while His holy body lay uncorrupted in the grave.

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

O Christ, we glorify Your resurrection with psalms and hymns.* For by Your victory over death* You delivered us from the sufferings of Hades,* and as God You granted us eternal life and great mercy.

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

O Lord of all, Creator of heaven and earth,* You are above all understanding.* Through Your passion on the cross* You freed us from the sufferings of Hades.* And, after condescending to be buried, You arose in glory;* and with Your mighty arm You also raised up Adam.* O most merciful Lord, we glorify You;* for by Your resurrection on the third day* You granted us remission of sins and eternal life.

In Tone 6

Glory…

Come, O faithful, let us exalt with joy:* let us celebrate in faith on this day* the feast of all the Saints;* and let us venerate their glorious memory, saying:* Rejoice, Apostles, Prophets, and Martyrs,* Bishops, O Just and Blessed Ones,* together with the ranks of the Holy Women.* Intercede with Christ for us,* that He may grant peace to the world* and great mercy to our souls.

Now…

Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,* came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.* He clothed Himself in our flesh* to set us free from the original curse of Adam.* Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,* as the true Virgin Mother of God,* and we sing with the angels:* Rejoice, O Lady, Advocate, Protector, and salvation of our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 8

You came down from on high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You.

In Tone 4, Glory…

Your Church throughout the world, O Lord,* is clothed with the blood of Your Martyrs* as with fine linens and purple robes;* and so the Church cries out to You, O Christ our God:* Send down Your goodness upon Your people;* grant peace to Your Church and great mercy to our souls.

Now…

O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the Cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,* and saved our souls from death.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: You came down from on high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You!

Troparion, Tone 4: Clothed as in purple and fine linen* with the blood of Your martyrs throughout the world,* Your Church cries out to You through them, O Christ God:* send down Your loving-kindness on Your people;* grant peace to Your community,* and to our souls great mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: O Lord, Master of nature,* the world offers You the godly martyrs as the first-fruits of nature.* By their supplications, through the Mother of God,* preserve Your Church and Your people in profound peace,* O most merciful One.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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)

Epistle

Hebrews 11:33-12:2

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of their afflictions.

verse: The afflictions of the just are many, and out of them all will the Lord deliver them. (Psalm 33:18,20)

Gospel

Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:1) Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

June 11; Most Holy Eucharist; Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas

Most Holy Eucharist; Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas

GREAT VESPERS

Psalm Reading

“Blessed is man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

O Lover of mankind,* when You were at supper with Your faithful disciples* You revealed the great mystery of Your incarnation, saying:* Eat the life-giving bread which is My Body,* and drink the Blood of eternal life.

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

The room, where Christ celebrated the Passover,* became a heavenly tabernacle,* an unbloody supper and a spiritual service,* and the table, on which these mysteries were celebrated,* a spiritual altar.

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

O Bread of heaven, You blessed the bread* and offered thanks to the Father and Begetter.* You also took the chalice and gave it to Your disciples, saying:* Take, eat – this is My Body,* and drink the Blood of incorruptible life.

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

The Lord fed His disciples with heavenly food.* Before His passion He gave them the Bread of Angels,* more wonderful than the manna.* “Your fathers,” said the Lord, “ate manna in the desert and died.* This is the bread that comes down from heaven;* whoever eats this bread shall not die, but shall live forever.”* Grant today that we may also partake of this bread,* through the prayers of the Mother

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

After the disciples had eaten the Mystical Supper,* Christ took bread into His hands, raised His eyes to heaven,* blessed and broke it, gave it to His disciples, saying:* Take eat; this is My Body, which is broken for you* for the remission of sins and life everlasting.

In Tone 4

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

You drew the ends of the earth out of the depths of vainglory* and evil ungodliness* with the net of your words, O divinely eloquent Apostle.* You brought them with faith to Christ God, * Who had given you such grace.* You are His divine disciple and the preacher of His mysteries,* O Apostle Bartholomew.

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

Jesus our God, the Sun of glory* sent you to the whole world like a ray of light* to disperse the gloom of ungodliness, O all-glorious one,* and to enlighten all who sit in the darkness of ignorance.* You made them heirs of the light, O divinely wise Bartholomew!

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

You imitated the First Goodness* and the essential and all-divine life.* You became a good man in essence, O Barnabas,* receiving a name meaning “Son of Consolation.”* By the goodness of your character and purity of your mind,* you showed yourself to be a true disciple of Christ!

In Tone 6

Glory…

O all praised Barnabas,* radiant vessel of the Holy Spirit and “Son of Consolation,”* even before Paul you were the foremost of the seventy disciples;* with Paul you preached the Gospel to the ends of the earth.* Therefore, fulfilling your talk of grace with your deeds,* you offered yourself as an immaculate whole burnt offering to Christ, your Teacher.* O glorious Apostle, we pray to you:* “Ever pray that our souls may be saved in peace!”

In Tone 4

Now…

Come, you lovers of feasts,* let us today joyfully celebrate the saving feast of the life-giving Bread* and the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world.* Let us celebrate today, not with the leaven of our sinful past,* but with sweetness of purity and truth.* And, having purified ourselves, let us become His worthy partakers,* in order to obtain the everlasting kingdom of Christ.

Readings

(1) Exodus 16:1-3,11-15; (2) 1 Samuel 21:2-7; (3)1 Kings 17:2-16

(4) 1 Peter 1:3-9; (5) 1 Peter 1:13-19; (6) 1 Peter 2:11-24

Lytia

In Tone 6

David, the forefather of Christ,* played and danced before the overshadowed Ark.* Today, we also worship God in the tabernacle,* Whose human nature the Ark prefigured.* For, here, instead of the manna,* we mysteriously behold the incarnate Divinity,* and instead of the tablets of the Law,* the Lawgiver Christ our God,* Who saves our souls.

In the Old Testament the Ark was overlaid inside and outside with gold.* When the heathens seized it,* the Lord could not suffer to dwell with the idol in the temple,* but dashed it to the ground, smashing its head and both palms of its hands.* Yet, You, O Lover of mankind, Christ our God,* willed to enter the defiled temple of our wretched souls?* Therefore, purify and sanctify our souls, O Lord.

O pure Lamb, Who takes away the sins of the whole world!* for the salvation of mankind You changed bread into Your Body,* and under the form of bread You mysteriously hid Yourself,* body, soul, and divinity.* Today, we, the faithful,* solemnly and fervently worship this Bread with faith.

In Tone 2

Glory… Now…

We, the faithful, with trembling,* approach Your Mystical Supper and divine table,* desiring to drink of the fountain of immortality;* but fear and trembling seize us because of our numerous sins.* Through You we wish to be cleansed of them,* by the supplications of our Lady, the Mother of God.

Aposticha

In Tone 1

Let us praise the living and heavenly Bread* which, in an unspeakable manner, continually comes down from heaven,* and with one mind let us say:* Rejoice! 0 Body of Christ,* through which we all have been saved.* Rejoice! 0 divine and sacred Blood,* through which we have been redeemed.

By the Bread of the Angels man is fed; He sent them food in abundance.

O marvellous wonder!* You gave Your very self to Your disciples and friends as food, saying:* Eat this bread – it is My Body.* And taking the chalice, You said:* All of you, drink My Blood!

And, as though rain He sent them manna as food, and He gave them bread from heaven.

O divine, most holy, most precious Body of the God-Man and Word!* Save Your servants from all anxiety, temptation, and every kind of assault,* and grant the heavenly kingdom and life,* for the sake of Your mercy.

In Tone 8

Glory…

O all-praised Barnabas, Apostle of the Saviour,* you are a vessel of faith, the “Son of Consolation,”* the calm harbour of the storm-tossed.* Since you have boldness, ever pray for our souls* that we may be preserved in peace on the day of your memorial!

In Tone 8

Now…

O glorious wonder!* Christ, having taken bread and blessed it,* gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and eat – this is My Body;* take also the chalice.* Then the living and divine Bread came down from heaven at that mystical supper,* and of His own free will gave Himself as food.* Therefore, let everyone examine himself,* and then let him eat and drink for the salvation of soul and life everlasting.

Troparia

In Tone 4

Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You! (2)

In Tone 1

Receiving the Spirit as He came in fiery tongues,* you preached the coming of the Word in the flesh.* While one of you was beheaded for the Gospel, * the other endured stoning for the sake of the faith.* You have been sent to adorn the choirs of heaven, O Bartholomew and Barnabas.* We honour your memory and ask that you intercede* with God to forgive our sins.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures.

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

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for You are with me.

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

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

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

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

Troparion, Tone 4: Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You!

Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.

Troparion, Tone 4: Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You!

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

Troparion, Tone 4: Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You!

Entrance

I will offer You a sacrifice of praise; I will call upon the name of the Lord.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You!

Troparion, Tone 1: Receiving the Spirit as He came in fiery tongues,* you preached the coming of the Word in the flesh.* While one of you was beheaded for the Gospel, * the other endured stoning for the sake of the faith.* You have been sent to adorn the choirs of heaven, O Bartholomew and Barnabas.* We honour your memory and ask that you intercede* with God to forgive our sins.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: O Bartholomew, Apostle of the Lord,* you appeared to the world as a shining star.* You enlightened with the splendour of your teachings and the wonder of your miracles* all those who honour you.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Behold Christ is present as food for all.* Come, let us fall down and worship Christ our God* hidden under these Mysteries and humbly cry out:* Consume us not by fire through communion, O Master, unworthy as we are,* but be the One who consumes our sins by fire* and purifies our souls.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

He would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.

verse: Exalt in God, our helper! (Ps 81:16,2)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

Epistle

1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Acts 11:19-30

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due season.

verse: You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Ps 144: 15,16)

verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints. (Psalm 88:6)

Gospel

John 6:48-54; Luke 10:16-21

Communion Hymn

Whoever feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood abides in me, and I in him (John 6:56).* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

June 14; Second Sunday after Pentecost

Second Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 1; The Holy Prophet Elisha (9th c. BC); Our Holy Father Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople (847)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

Accept our evening prayer, O holy Lord,* and grant us forgiveness of sins,** for You alone manifested the Resurrection to the world.

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

O you people, walk around Zion and encompass her.* And there give glory to Him Who is risen from the dead.* For He is our God** Who delivers us from our sins.

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

Come you people, praise and worship Christ.* Glorify His Resurrection from the dead;* for He is our God Who delivered the world** from the deceit of the enemy.

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

Rejoice, O you heavens;* sound the trumpets, you foundations of the earth;* cry out with joy, O you mountains.* For behold, Emmanuel has nailed our sins to the Cross;* the Giver of Life has put Death to death;* and the Lover of Mankind** has raised up Adam.

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

Let us praise the Lord* Who for our sake was willingly crucified in the flesh.* He suffered, was buried, and rose from the dead.* Therefore, let us sing to Him:* O Christ, keep Your Church in the orthodox faith* and bring peace to our lives;** for You are gracious and love mankind.

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

O Christ our God, as we stand unworthily before Your life-bearing grave,* we offer a hymn of praise to Your ineffable tenderness of heart.* For You, O Sinless One,* in Your loving-kindness have accepted the Cross and death* in order to grant** resurrection to the world.

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

Let us praise the Word* Who is without beginning and co-eternal with the Father.* For our sake He was born of the Virgin;* He freely accepted the Cross and death, and rose in glory.* Therefore, let sing to Him:* Glory to You, O Lord,** the Giver of Life and Saviour of souls.

In Tone 8

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

Rejoice, all-wise Elisha!* when you had cleansed your mind of bodily pleasures, glorious one,* you received the radiance of the Spirit.* Your wholly radiant form passed this brilliance on to all.* Now you make your dwelling with the never-setting Light,* ever interceding on behalf of us who praise you!

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

Blessed Elisha, * when Elijah was indeed revealed to you riding upon the heavenly chariot, * he left you behind as his zealous disciple,* glorified by a double portion of spiritual gifts! * In imitation of him you made the river’s waters stand still by grace, * passing over them, glorious one! * You were made radiant with joy as you magnified Christ!

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

Showing kindness to the believing Shunamite woman of old,* in holiness you raised up the dead child by a prayer,* for you were a God-inspired, venerated prophet!* Again, with salt you brought the barren waters openly to fruitfulness; * you performed countless miracles by the grace of the all-powerful Spirit! * Therefore, blessed one, we praise you with hymns!

In Tone 2

Glory…

Today the divine coming of the prophets shines forth!* It calls mystically to the souls of those who love the feasts of the Church!* The one who mounted the chariot which crosses the heavens,* the star of the unfading east,* together with Elisha, the wondrous man,* broadens the streams of the new Jordan,* proclaiming the faith with purity!* They openly portray by a double image* the twofold blessing of the harmony and glory of the covenants, both old and new* for those who celebrate the feast of their memory with faith.

In Tone 1

Now…

Let us sing a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary,* glory of the whole world!* She was herself formed by human seed,* yet she became the Mother of the Master, the Gate of heaven,* the theme of the angels’ hymn and beauty of the faithful.* She was seen as being heavenly* and the Tabernacle of the Godhead.* She indeed tore down the wall of enmity between God and man,* and brought peace in its place, she opened up the kingdom of heaven.* Let us therefore cling fast to her for she is the anchor of faith,* and let us receive as our stronghold the Lord Who was born of her.* Be of good cheer, then, and have confidence, O people of God,** for He will fight our enemies for us, He is all-powerful!

Aposticha

In Tone 1

O Christ, by Your Passion we have been freed from suffering;* and by Your Resurrection we have been delivered from corruption.** O Lord, glory to You!

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

Let all creation rejoice, let the heavens be glad,* let the nations clap their hands with joy.* For Christ our Saviour, in His love for mankind,* has nailed our sins to the Cross;* He has put Death to death,* and by raising our fallen forefather, Adam,** He has given life to all mankind.

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

O God, You are above all understanding;* You are King and Lord of heaven and earth.* Yet of Your own free will,* You allowed Yourself to be crucified because of Your love for mankind.* When You descended below,* Hades was filled with bitterness as You confronted it;* but the souls of the just received You with great joy.* Adam arose when he saw You, his Creator, down in the depths.* What a wonder this is!* You are the life of all and have tasted death* in order to dispel the darkness of the world with Your light.** O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to You!

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

The myrrh-bearing women were filled with grief* as they hastened with spices to Your tomb;* but they did not find Your most pure body.* Instead, they found an angel* who proclaimed Your unique and glorious Resurrection,* and commanded them to announce to Your Apostles:** The Lord is risen, granting great mercy to the world.

Glory… Now…

O Mother of God, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled,* since you remained a virgin both before and after giving birth.* For it was God Who was born of you to restore our human nature.* Therefore, do not overlook your servants who supplicate you in your temple.* Since you have held the merciful Lord in your arms,* be compassionate toward your servants,** and beseech Him to save our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 1

Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your Kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan!** O only Lover of Mankind.

In Tone 4

Glory…

The glorious Elijah, an angel in the flesh,* the greatest of prophets and second forerunner of the coming of Christ,* by sending a blessing from heaven upon Elisha,* dispels sickness, cleanses lepers and brings healing* to all those who honour him.

Now…

O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,**and saved our souls from death.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans,* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day,* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan,* O only Lover of mankind.

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

Kontakion, Tone 1: You arose in glory from the tomb* and with Yourself You raise the world.* All humanity acclaims You as God.* and death has vanished.* Adam exults, O Master,* and Eve, redeemed from bondage now, cries out for joy:* “You are the One, O Christ, Who offer resurrection to all.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 1: When Gabriel uttered to you, O Virgin, his ‘Rejoice!’* at that sound the Master of all became flesh in you, the Holy Ark.* As the just David said,* you have become wider than the heavens carrying your Creator.* Glory to Him Who dwelt in you!* Glory to Him Who came forth from you!* Glory to Him Who freed us through birth from you!

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in You.

verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:22,1)

Epistle

Romans 2:10-16

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: God gives me vindication, and has subdued people under me.

verse: Making great the salvation of the king, and showing mercy to His anointed, to David, and to His posterity forever. (Psalm 17:48,51)

Gospel

Matthew 4:18-23

Communion Hymn

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