GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the Man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

With what crowns of praises shall we honour the praised martyrs,* the kind intercessors of the faithful people,* the adornment of Rus’-Ukraine and joy of the world?* Though separated in body, they were united in spirit.* By their wisdom they conquered the diabolical powers with the help of Christ,* who gives great mercy to the world.

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

With what crowns of praises shall we honour the praised martyrs,* the kind intercessors of the faithful people,* the adornment of Rus’-Ukraine and joy of the world?* Though separated in body, they were united in spirit.* By their wisdom they conquered the diabolical powers with the help of Christ,* who gives great mercy to the world.

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

With what ornaments shall we adorn the praised Borys,* who manfully endured sufferings,* and Hlib, who equalled him in zeal?* Both are bright shining lights,* which illumine all pious souls with the radiance of virtue.* Having learned Christ’s commandments,* they worthily achieved glory    * and entreat Him who grants to all great mercy.

5. 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 spiritual hymns shall we celebrate the splendorous feast* of the glorious martyrs who for the sake of the Christ,* spurned the corruptible glory of the world?* One was pierced in the side with a spear* while the other was slaughtered like a lamb.* Christ God worthily glorified them;* for this they have received the gift of healing* and implore great mercy for all.

In Tone 8

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

O praiseworthy Martyrs of Christ,* you considered attacks by persecutors and violent death to be as nothing.* Boldly you armed yourselves with courage for battle,* and robed yourselves in glorious victory.* You were numbered with all the Just* with whom we bless you in constant praise.

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

O praiseworthy Martyrs of Christ,* you considered attacks by persecutors and violent death to be as nothing.* Boldly you armed yourselves with courage for battle,* and robed yourselves in glorious victory.* You were numbered with all the Just* with whom we bless you in constant praise.

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

O most blessed Martyrs of Christ,* you gave yourselves up freely to be sacrificed.* With your blood you sanctified the earth,* you brightened the air by your departure from this life.* Now you live in heaven, in a never-setting light.* O Martyrs, who see God, always pray for us.

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

O invincible Martyrs of Christ,* with the dew of divine grace* you pass through the pain of fire without harm.* You are considered worthy to live by the waters of peace,* since you received a crown of victory.* With joy we celebrate your holy feast,* and we give glory to Christ.

In Tone 6

Glory…

Come, let us extol the wonderworkers and martyrs* who suffered and overcame the opposing enemy.* Today, gleaming with light, they stand before Christ rejoicing.* Therefore, let us with joy and love celebrate their memory crying out:* Rejoice, intercessors of the world and victors over the enemies!* Rejoice, physicians of the sick and routers of demons!* Rejoice, amiable twins, excellent brothers, glorious Borys and wonderful Hlib!* As lovers of Christ implore the Holy Trinity for us,* for the peace of the world and the salvation of 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) Isaiah 43:9-14; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 4

Come, you lovers of chastity;* let us venerate with a pure heart and humble soul the holy brothers* who loved Christ who rules over all:* Borys, the glorious martyr, and Hlib, the gentle one.* For they, being pure in soul and body, overcame the demons.

When the just cry out, the Lord hears.

You, glorious brothers, sprouted forth from a holy root* and in truth loved nobility.* You desired incorruptible glory* and chose eternal life and an incorruptible kingdom.* Having suffered for the truth, you received a crown of victory,* O martyrs and intercessors of our souls.

Many are the troubles of the just, but the Lord delvers from them all.

By words and deeds you fulfilled Christ’s commandments and precepts.* Without hatred you confronted the enemy who came to kill you unjustly.* Like the first martyr Stephen, you prayed:* Do not hold this against them,* O Christ our God, the Lover of mankind.

In Tone 8

Glory…

Come, faithful of the Ukrainian churches,* and behold how innocently the martyr Borys accepts the sentence,* whose side they pierced at the instigation of the devil,* causing him the shedding of blood.* Behold Hlib who like a lamb was slaughtered by his brother Sviatopolk.* They received crowns while their brother perished in oblivion.* They received glory and pray for our souls.

Now…

O most pure Virgin, who ineffably conceived God in the flesh,* O Mother of the Most High God,* accept the supplications of your servants, all pure One,* and grant us the forgiveness of sins* and the salvation of our souls.

Troparion

In Tone 2

O genuine passion-bearers and true followers of the Gospel of Christ,* chaste Borys and innocent Hlib,* you did not oppose your brother turned enemy* who killed you bodies but could not touch your souls.* Therefore let the wicked lover of power shed tears of lament* while you rejoice in the presence of the Holy Trinity with angelic choirs.* Pray that the land of your kinsmen may be pleasing to God* and that all the children of Rus’ may be saved.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 2: O genuine passion-bearers and true followers of the Gospel of Christ,* chaste Borys and innocent Hlib,* you did not oppose your brother-turned-enemy* who killed your bodies but could not touch your souls.* Therefore let the wicked lover of power shed tears of lament* while you rejoice in the presence of the Holy Trinity with angelic choirs.* Pray that the land of your kinsmen may be pleasing to God* and that all the children of Rus’ may be saved.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today your all-glorious memory has shone forth,* O noble passion- bearers of Christ, Borys and Hlib,* summoning us to gather for the praise of Christ our God.* Wherefore, we who hasten to your relics,* receive the gift of healing by your prayers, O saints, for you are godly physicians.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

To the saints who are in His land, the Lord has made wonderful all His desires in them.

verse: I foresaw the Lord in my sight, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken. (Psalm 15:3,8)

Epistle

Romans 8:28-39

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

John 15:17-16:2

Communion Hymn

Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

You faithfully observed the Law* and worked unceasingly for God the Creator.* He granted you motherhood, Anna:* your child brought forth Christ in the flesh.* With the Virgin Mother we honour you,* and celebrate today your holy dormition.

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

You faithfully observed the Law* and worked unceasingly for God the Creator.* He granted you motherhood, Anna:* your child brought forth Christ in the flesh.* With the Virgin Mother we honour you,* and celebrate today your holy dormition.

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

Divinely wise Anna, you gave birth to the Bearer of Life!* You presented your pure child to a life with God.* Together with the heavenly hosts, you rejoice in the riches from on high.* We commemorate your falling asleep,* and on this day we honour the divine wisdom in faith!

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

Divinely wise Anna, you gave birth to the Bearer of Life!* You presented your pure child to a life with God.* Together with the heavenly hosts, you rejoice in the riches from on high.* We commemorate your falling asleep,* and on this day we honour the divine wisdom in faith!

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

Having divine wisdom, you gave birth to the Door of Heaven,* and you achieved heavenly glory forever!* We celebrate your holy dormition, Anna,* and ask you to pray that the turmoil of passions not destroy us,* and that we be spared from fear and desolation.

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

Having divine wisdom, you gave birth to the Door of Heaven,* and you achieved heavenly glory forever!* We celebrate your holy dormition, Anna,* and ask you to pray that the turmoil of passions not destroy us,* and that we be spared from fear and desolation.

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

The Theotokos came forth from a barren womb:* through her we were saved by Christ our God!* The chaste Bridegroom’s grandparents were Joachim and Anna.* He placed them in the heavenly realm.* They sing together with their daughter the holy Virgin, and the angels,* praying for the sake of the world.* We honour them, crying aloud:* Ancestors of God, for the sake of the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary,* pray that our souls may be saved!

Readings

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

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Rejoice, spiritual swallow:* you announced the springtime of grace to us!* You lived well and blamelessly in chastity,* preserving the treasure of virginity.* You gave birth with the pangs of a mother to the all-pure Theotokos* who alone knew not a man!* You are the honoured ewe lamb who gave birth* to the heifer who at the angel’s word bore the Word:* the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world,* and has translated you from the earth,* Anna, grandmother of the Lord!* Pray to Him now that He will grant great mercy to our souls!

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; praise befits the upright!

God-receiving Joachim and divine and all-honourable Anna;* honourable couple, desired of God!* You were chosen in holiness by the splendours of the Law!* By grace you publish glad tidings,* since you gave birth to her who bore Christ, the Author of our life!* Lamps who lighted the unshaded Candle,* who guided well the grace that is the all-pure Theotokos!* Pray with her that Christ may grant our souls great mercy!

Blessed are all those who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.

Rejoice, divine and blessed Anna!* Grandmother of Christ our God!* You are the blessed ground who caused to blossom* the earth which brought forth God for the world!* You unceasingly studied the Law of God,* inscribing grace for all!* By your giving birth you broke the bond of barrenness;* you overcame death with incorruption;* you passed over to divine splendour,* after you gave birth to the Theotokos, the Light-bearing Lamp.* Pray with her that great mercy may be granted to our souls!

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

Come together, all creation!* Let us praise the divinely-wise Anna on cymbals and with psalms!* Through her womb she gave birth to the divine Mountain.* Today she is translated to the spiritual mountain and mansions of paradise!* Let us cry out to her: blessed is your womb* which bore her who carried the Light of the world in her womb!* Entreat Him that He may deliver us from all tribulation* and assaults of the enemy* and that He may save our souls!

Troparia

In Tone 4

O godly-minded Anna,* you bore in your womb the pure Mother of God, who gave birth to Life.* Rejoicing, therefore, in glory* you have passed today to a heavenly inheritance,* where those who exult have their dwelling.* There you intercede for the forgiveness of sins* of those who love you, O ever-blessed one.

Glory… 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.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: O godly-minded Anna,* you bore in your womb the pure Mother of God, who gave birth to Life.* Rejoicing, therefore, in glory* you have passed today to a heavenly inheritance,* where those who exult have their dwelling.* There you intercede for the forgiveness of sins* of those who love you, O ever-blessed one.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: We feast the memory of the forebears of Christ* as with faith we beseech them to help us* and rescue from every affliction* those who cry out: Our God is with us,* the God whose will it was to glorify them.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

God is wonderful in His saints,* the God of Israel.

verse: Bless God in the churches, the Lord from the fountains of Israel. (Psalm 67:36,27)

Epistle

Galatians 4:22-31

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their protector in time of trouble.

verse: The Lord will help them and rescue them; He will deliver them from sinners and save them, for they hoped in Him. (Psalm 36:39,40)

Gospel

Luke 8:16-21

Communion Hymn

Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

 

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

Because of your spiritual inheritance you were named Panteleimon.* By lovingly caring for the souls of all men and healing their bodies,* you were shown to be worthy of the wealth of your name.* By acquiring the reward of virtue and retribution of piety, O martyr,* you were revealed as a crown-bearing and invincible warrior of Christ our God.* Implore Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

Because of your spiritual inheritance you were named Panteleimon.* By lovingly caring for the souls of all men and healing their bodies,* you were shown to be worthy of the wealth of your name.* By acquiring the reward of virtue and retribution of piety, O martyr,* you were revealed as a crown-bearing and invincible warrior of Christ our God.* Implore Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

Because of your spiritual inheritance you were named Panteleimon.* By lovingly caring for the souls of all men and healing their bodies,* you were shown to be worthy of the wealth of your name.* By acquiring the reward of virtue and retribution of piety, O martyr,* you were revealed as a crown-bearing and invincible warrior of Christ our God.* Implore Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

You unceasingly drew the grace of divine healing* from the spiritual fountains of the Saviour,* abundantly pouring them out upon those who came to you, blessed one!* Illumine by your divine grace* those who in faith keep your glorious, all-holy and light-bearing feast.

In Tone 2

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

You freely dispense grace to men glorious martyr Panteleimon.* You drive away evil spirits* and grant sight to the blind by your intercession to Christ.* Implore the Physician, holy one, since truly you are pleasing to Him,* to grant lasting peace to the world and great mercy to those who love you.

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

You freely dispense grace to men glorious martyr Panteleimon.* You drive away evil spirits* and grant sight to the blind by your intercession to Christ.* Implore the Physician, holy one, since truly you are pleasing to Him,* to grant lasting peace to the world and great mercy to those who love you.

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

Desiring the faith of your pious mother,* reproving the impiety of your father,* you were confirmed in the faith and baptized by Hermolaus,* glorious Panteleimon, martyr of the merciful God.* Physician of the sick and dispeller of passions,* pray for deliverance from dangers for those* who keep your most honourable memory in faith.

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

You rejected the temptation of your father, all-glorious one,* and earnestly accepted the words of your mother.* According to the instructions of the Lord* you bore fruits greater than gold.* You revealed yourself as a worthy physician glorious martyr Panteleimon.* Walking on the way of grace* you found an infant lying poisoned beneath a venomous serpent.* By your fervent prayer to God you resurrected him,* tearing the serpent in sunder!* Therefore, remember us who keep your memorial in faith,* that we may obtain mercy on the day of judgment.

In Tone 6

Glory…

The honourable memorial of the unmercenary has dawned on us today,* calling the faithful to a mystical feast,* leading the company of feast-lovers to a celebration of triumph!* For the wonderworking physician Panteleimon, the great passion-bearer,* now comes to us, healing the infirmities of all,* and praying fervently to the Lord to save 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) Isaiah 49:9-13; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 1

Come, people, let us hymn the valiant athlete Panteleimon* for he struggled for the faith!* Let us say: rejoice, steadfast champion of the faith,* equal to the apostles and prophets!* Rejoice, bearer of Christ, imitating Paul in your deeds!* Calm haven for those bestormed at sea!* Rejoice, our boast and the joy of the faithful!

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon!

You found the good path in your childhood,* anointing your heart with Christ’s mercy.* Now you in turn heal the infirmities of those who earnestly entreat you;* you raised the dead by your prayers,* and have received the kingdom of heaven,* O most blessed Panteleimon!

They are planted in the house of the Lord, and flourish in the courts of our God!

Let us praise the athlete of Christ, the wise Panteleimon!* He slew the serpent with the power of the Cross,* and through the prayers of the martyr Hermolaus,* he raised a young man from the dead,* putting to shame words of ungodly wisdom.* He prays unceasingly that we may be granted forgiveness of our sins!

In Tone 8

Glory…

You came to love the piety of your mother,* and reject the godlessness of your father.* You became a warrior; a true physician of souls!* You instructed yourself in the healing arts.* You were well skilled in matters of both soul and body:* a true physician and destroyer of sufferings.* As you acquired steadfastness in suffering* and perseverance in prayer, Panteleimon, martyr of Christ,* pray fervently that our souls may be saved!

Now…

O Virgin, You have never known wedlock,* Yet You conceived God in the flesh* in a manner which words can never describe.* You thus became the Mother of God on high.* O Immaculate Lady, receive the supplication of your servants* and grant us the cleansing of our sins.* Accept now our prayers and beseech God to save all of us.

Troparia

In Tone 8

Taught by the priest Hermolaus* you received your vocation to heal from heaven.* You embraced the faith of your Mother* and suffered valiantly for it rejoicing.* You obtained the grace to heal ailments, and so we turn to you:* Heal our infirmities, O glorious Great-Martyr Panteleimon,* that we might honour your memory with praises.

Glory… Now…

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

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: Taught by the priest Hermolaus* you received your vocation to heal from heaven.* You embraced the faith of your Mother* and suffered valiantly for it rejoicing.* You obtained the grace to heal ailments, and so we turn to you:* Heal our infirmities, O glorious Great-Martyr Panteleimon,* that we might honour your memory with praises.

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

Kontakion, Tone 5: Emulating Him who is all-merciful,* martyr for Christ God, O Panteleimon,* you received the grace to heal diseases.* Cure our inner ailments by your prayers to Christ* ever driving out the foe’s temptations* from those who in faith cry out: Lord, save us.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

God is wonderful in His saints,* the God of Israel.

verse: In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel. (Psalm 67:36,27)

Epistle

2 Timothy 2:1-10

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; and he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon.

verse: They who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish the courts of our God. (Psalm 91:13,14)

Gospel

John 15:17-16:2

Communion Hymn

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

GREAT VEPSERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

10. 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.

9. 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.

8. 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.

7. 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.

6. 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.

5. 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.

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

We glorify You, O Lord;* for of Your own free will You suffered crucifixion for our salvation.* Almighty Saviour, we worship You.* We implore You not to cast us away from Your face;* but hear our prayer and save us by Your resurrection,* for You truly love mankind.

In Tone 8

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

Stephen, you were the first among the martyrs to suffer;* you are the foundation of those who serve as deacons,* chosen by the apostles.* you enlighten with unfading light* those who celebrate your radiant feast with splendour,* giving grace and mercy to your servants.* by your prayers, martyr, guide them to everlasting life.

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

Stephen, martyr of Christ,* you received a crown of grace on your head,* in accordance with your name.* You adorned your neck with a chain of virtues as with gold.* You became an all-wise dwelling of the Wisdom you cherished,* keeping it as your beloved.* Therefore you have been honoured with grace and glory!

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

Most honoured Stephen,* first of the martyrs to suffer,* you are crowned with grace and glory, apostle.* When you were stoned, you offered a crown to our King and God,* spiritual and more valued than gold and precious stones.* Beautiful are your deeds and name!* Remember all of us!

In Tone 8

Glory… 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.

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.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin, You have never known wedlock,* Yet You conceived God in the flesh* in a manner which words can never describe.* You thus became the Mother of God on high.* O Immaculate Lady, receive the supplication of your servants* and grant us the cleansing of our sins.* Accept now our prayers and beseech God to save all of us.

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 3

Glory…

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

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

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.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: When You rose from the tomb,* You also raised the dead and resurrected Adam.* Eve exults in Your resurrection,* and the ends of the world celebrate Your rising from the dead,* O most merciful One.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 8: To you, O Mother of God,* the invincible leader,* we, your servants, ascribe these victory hymns* in thanksgiving for our deliverance from evil.* With your invincible power free us from all dangers* that we may cry out to you:* “Hail, O bride, and pure Virgin!”

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 75:12,2)

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17 (NRSV)
Brothers and Sisters, for we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord; let us acclaim God our Saviour.
verse: Let us come before His countenance with praise and acclaim Him with psalms. (Psalm 94:1,2)

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34 (NRSV)
At that time Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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

A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

Come, let us go up with Jesus* as He ascends the holy mountain;* there we shall hear the voice of the living God:* the Father Who is without beginning* as He gives witness by a cloud through the Divine Spirit* to the consubstantiality of the coeternal Sonship;* Being thus enlightened in mind,* we shall see light in the light.

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

Come, let us exult in anticipation,* purifying ourselves,* and faithfully prepare for the divine ascent* to the lofty dwelling place of God,* that we may witness His majesty* and receive His glory,* which the chosen from among the Apostles* were made worthy to behold,* mystically on Mount Tabor.

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

Come, having today transformed ourselves,* with a more exalted transformation,* let us be well prepared for tomorrow!*  That we may ascend the holy mountain of God;* and, that we may behold the unchanging radiant glory of Christ* which is brighter than the sun.* Having been illumined by the light of the Trinity,* we shall glorify the condescension of God in it.

In Tone 2

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

The Father, with His Divine Son, has made a dwelling place* in their beloved people,* who kept the word of His truth* and endured in faithfulness.* The children of God in much-suffering Ukraine* feared neither torment, persecution nor cruel death.* And so upon them, as if upon living foundation stones,* the Sobor of the Resurrection rises up.

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

You, O Perfecter,* have transformed the souls of Your faithful friends* into a House of Wisdom* and a temple of Your invisible presence.* The temple of Your love is more formidable than walls of stone,* established as it is within the human heart, a living Holy of Holies.* From it, there blossomed forth the visible beauty* of the newly raised Sobor of the Resurrection.

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

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Sabaoth!* From of old the Ukrainian soul would huddle to* Your majestic and ancient temples;* but, in the midst of evil times, full of the darkness of hostile Godlessness* other temples faithfully shone forth:* the village home, the city room,* in every place where living torches of Your truth shone forth,* raising thereby the Sobor of the Resurrection.

In Tone 5

Glory…

Come from the west, and the north, and the sea, and the east,* from all over Ukraine – O faithful friends of the Lord,* and let us behold the Church reborn.* Let the cathedral of our souls shine forth, as divinely radiant torches,* within that cathedral which is built above Slavutych.*  And so, raised up in spirit by the Holy Spirit,* let us glorify Christ, our Pascha, unto the ages!

Now…

Come, let us ascend the mountain of the Lord* and go into the house of our God.* Let us gaze upon the glory of His Transfiguration,* the glory of the only-begotten Son of God the Father.* From His light, let us receive light;* and raised up in spirit by the Holy Spirit,* let us sing the praises of the consubstantial Trinity unto the ages.

Readings

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; Wisdom 7:21-8:4; Proverbs 9:1-11

Aposticha

In Tone 2

Illumined by the brightness of the virtues,* let us ascend the holy mountain* so that we may gaze upon the divine Transfiguration of the Lord.

Mercy and truth have met; righteousness and peace have embraced.

Shining forth like the sun upon Mount Tabor,* before undergoing [the Passion of] the Cross,* Christ bestows a sign—worthy of His divine nature* —upon the initiates of the mysteries.

Blessed are the people who know the festal shout.

Wishing to transform the nature of Adam,* Christ ascends Mount Tabor today* so that He may reveal His divine nature* to the initiates of the mysteries.

In Tone 2

Glory…

Let us enter through the radiant gates,* which the Holy One, the True One, opens before us* —and who would be able to shut them?* For, although the Ukrainian people for a very long time did not possess the power of self-government,* yet they kept the words of Christ,* and did not deny His Name to their very end.* And those who conquer in Spirit,* the Lord will transform into pillars of His temple;* and there will be written upon them the Name of their God,* and the Name of the New Jerusalem,* the future and foreshadowed [city] already made manifest* in the Kyivan Cathedral of the Resurrection* for the salvation of our souls.

Now…

O You, Who were transfigured in glory on Mount Tabor,* and showed Your disciples the glory of Your divine nature,* pour out also upon us the light of Your knowledge, O Christ our God !* And, direct us to the way of Your divine commandments* since You, alone, are Good and the Lover of Mankind.

Troparia

In Tone 4

As the priceless beauty residing within the divine image of the tabernacle,* thus outwardly you manifested the holy glory of your temple O Lord.* Establish it for the ages of ages, and accept, through the prayers of the Theotokos, our supplications,* which we unceasingly offer to You, O Life and Resurrection of all.

Glory…Now…

Faithful, let us celebrate in advance the joy of Christ’s Transfiguration!* Let us rejoice and cry out in the prefeast:* The day of heavenly joy is approaching,* for the Lord is ascending Mount Tabor* where He shines with the light of His Divinity!

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: As the priceless beauty residing within the divine image of the tabernacle,* thus outwardly you manifested the holy glory of your temple O Lord.* Establish it for the ages of ages, and accept, through the prayers of the Theotokos, our supplications,* which we unceasingly offer to You, O Life and Resurrection of all.

Troparion, Tone 4: Faithful, let us celebrate in advance the joy of Christ’s Transfiguration!* Let us rejoice and cry out in the prefeast:* The day of heavenly joy is approaching,* for the Lord is ascending Mount Tabor* where He shines with the light of His Divinity!

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: The Synaxis of the faithful in the Sobor of the Resurrection,* shines as a multitude of stars in heavens,* and as we offer our prayers we exclaim:* “This is the house the Lord has made.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Today mankind prepares to reflect the radiance of divine splendour* wrought in the Transfiguration of Christ!* Crying joyfully: Christ is transfigured to save us all!

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

verse: The Lord reigns! He is clothed in majesty! (Psalm 92:6, 1)

Epistle

Hebrews 3:1-14

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: His foundations are in the holy mountains.

verse: Glorious things were said concerning you, O city of God. (Psalm 86:1, 3)

Gospel

Matthew 16:13-18

Communion Hymn

O Lord, I love the beauty of Your house,* and the place where Your glory dwells.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia (Psalm 25:8).

One of the 12 Great Feasts. Holy Day of Obligation.

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma

“Blessed is the man…” is sung only if the feast falls on a Sunday or Monday

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

O Lord, when You were transfigured before being crucified,* Mount Tabor was made to resemble heaven;* for a cloud was extended as a canopy,* and the Father bore witness to You.* Peter, James, and John were present there,* the same three apostles who were to be with You* at the time of the betrayal of Judas,* so that, having seen You in glory,* they would not be dismayed at the time of Your suffering.* Likewise, O Lord, make us worthy to recognize You as our God* in the same sufferings You endured in Your great mercy,* and to adore You.

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

O Lord, when You were transfigured before being crucified,* Mount Tabor was made to resemble heaven;* for a cloud was extended as a canopy,* and the Father bore witness to You.* Peter, James, and John were present there,* the same three apostles who were to be with You* at the time of the betrayal of Judas,* so that, having seen You in glory,* they would not be dismayed at the time of Your suffering.* Likewise, O Lord, make us worthy to recognize You as our God* in the same sufferings You endured in Your great mercy,* and to adore You.

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

O Lord, as a preparation to Your crucifixion,* You led some of Your disciples to a high mountain* and became transfigured before them,* enlightening them with the light of Your glory.* In this way, You showed the reality of the resurrection* You are to grant to us in Your love for mankind* and in Your almighty power as God.* Make us worthy of this resurrection, O God* for You are gracious and the Lover of mankind.

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

O Lord, as a preparation to Your crucifixion,* You led some of Your disciples to a high mountain* and became transfigured before them,* enlightening them with the light of Your glory.* In this way, You showed the reality of the resurrection* You are to grant to us in Your love for mankind* and in Your almighty power as God.* Make us worthy of this resurrection, O God* for You are gracious and the Lover of mankind.

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

O Lord, when You were transfigured on a high mountain* in the presence of Your foremost disciples,* You radiated with glory,* showing how those who lead an outstanding life of virtue* will be made worthy of the glory of heaven.* Elias and Moses, conversing with the Lord,* showed Him to be the Lord of the living and the dead,* God who spoke through the Law and the Prophets,* the same to whom the Father’s voice bore witness* out of the bright cloud, saying:* “Hear Him, for it is He, who through His Cross despoiled Hades* and granted eternal life to the dead.”

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

O Lord, when You were transfigured on a high mountain* in the presence of Your foremost disciples,* You radiated with glory,* showing how those who lead an outstanding life of virtue* will be made worthy of the glory of heaven.* Elias and Moses, conversing with the Lord,* showed Him to be the Lord of the living and the dead,* God who spoke through the Law and the Prophets,* the same to whom the Father’s voice bore witness* out of the bright cloud, saying:* “Hear Him, for it is He, who through His Cross despoiled Hades* and granted eternal life to the dead.”

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

Indeed, O Lord, the mountain that had been dark with smoke* today becomes honourable and holy because You stood on it.* The mystery hidden from the beginning of the world* becomes manifest in Your transfiguration before Peter, James and John.* They fell with their faces to the ground,* unable as they were to bear the light of Your countenance* and the splendour of Your clothing.* A further marvel was the vision of Moses and Elias,* conversing with You on Your future,* and the voice of the Father bearing witness and saying:* “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!* He is the One who will convey great mercy upon the world.”

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

Indeed, O Lord, the mountain that had been dark with smoke* today becomes honourable and holy because You stood on it.* The mystery hidden from the beginning of the world* becomes manifest in Your transfiguration before Peter, James and John.* They fell with their faces to the ground,* unable as they were to bear the light of Your countenance* and the splendour of Your clothing.* A further marvel was the vision of Moses and Elias,* conversing with You on Your future,* and the voice of the Father bearing witness and saying:* “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!* He is the One who will convey great mercy upon the world.”

In Tone 6

Glory… Now…

O Christ our God, when You willed to prefigure Your resurrection,* You chose three disciples, Peter, James, and John;* and You went up with them to Mount Tabor.* At the moment of Your Transfiguration, O Saviour,* the mountain was flooded with light,* and Your disciples fell with their faces to the ground;* for they could not bear the sight of Your countenance* upon which no one may gaze, O Word.* Angels attended with trembling and awe;* the heavens were afraid;* and the earth shook to its very foundations* when they saw the Lord of glory come upon the earth.

Readings

(1) Exodus 24:12-18; (2) Exodus 33:11-23; 34:4-6, 8; (3) I Kings 19:3-9, 11-13, 15-16

Lytia

In Tone 2

O God of goodness, Your light has sanctified the whole universe,* and You were transfigured on the high mountain,* revealing Your power to Your disciples.* You have redeemed the world from sin.* Therefore, we cry out to You:* “O Lord of mercy, save our souls!”

You were transfigured in glory on Mount Tabor, O Christ our God,* and You showed Your disciples the glory of Your divinity.* Now also pour out the light of Your knowledge upon us* and, in Your goodness and Your love for all of us,* guide us in the way of Your divine commandments.

Christ, the light that shone before the sun,* dwelt on earth in a human form.* Wishing to fulfil the divine work of salvation before His Cross,* today He mystically reveals the image of the Trinity on Mount Tabor.* He took aside His three chosen disciples, Peter, James, and John;* and for a short time He concealed His incarnation.* He was transfigured before them,* manifesting the splendour of the original beauty.* By this He strengthened them in their faith;* yet He spared them from losing their life at the sight,* and so their eyes saw only as much as they could behold.* He also called upon Moses and Elias,* the most venerable of the prophets,* to witness to His divinity,* testifying that He is indeed the reflection of the Father,* the Lord of the living and the dead.* A cloud also enveloped them as a tent,* and the voice of the Father bore witness on high, saying:* “This is My beloved Son; hear Him!* I have begotten Him before the daystar in a virginal manner;* I have sent Him to save those baptized in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,* those who confess in faith that the power of the divinity is one and indivisible.”* O Christ our God, You love all mankind;* make us shine in the brightness of Your inaccessible glory;* and in Your supreme goodness,* make us worthy to inherit Your never-ending Kingdom.

In Tone 5

Glory…

Come, let us ascend the mountain of the Lord* and go into the house of our God.* Let us contemplate the glory of His Transfiguration,* the glory of the only-begotten Son of God the Father.* From His light, let us receive light;* and raised up by the Holy Spirit,* let us sing the praises of the consubstantial Trinity forever.

Now…

Moses who saw God, and Elias who was taken up in the flaming chariot,* contemplated You in the cloud, O Christ our God;* for You are the author of the Law and the fulfilment of the Prophets.* They were witnesses of Your Transfiguration.* With them make us worthy of that same brightness,* that we may sing Your praises forever, O Lord.

Aposticha

In Tone 1

He who mysteriously spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai* and said: “I Am Who Am,”* today manifests Himself to His disciples on Mount Tabor* and reveals through His person* that human nature was re-established in its original splendour.* As witnesses to this grace and partakers of this joy,* He raised up Moses and Elias,* the forerunners of the glorious and saving Resurrection* made possible by the Cross of Christ.

The heavens are Yours, the world is Yours. You founded the earth and all it holds.

When David, the forefather of the Lord,* foresaw in spirit Your coming in the flesh,* he invited the whole creation to rejoice,* crying out prophetically:* O Saviour, Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Your name,* for indeed You ascended the mountain with Your disciples.* Through Your Transfiguration* You returned Adam’s nature to its original splendour,* restoring its very elements to the glory and brilliance of Your divinity.* Therefore, we cry out to You:* O Creator of all, glory to You!

Tabor and Hermon shout with joy at Your name.

O Christ without a beginning,* when on the Mount of the Transfiguration,* Your disciples saw the Light that was Yours* and Your unapproachable divinity,* they were rapt in amazement and completely changed.* They were enrobed in a radiant cloud,* and they heard the Father’s voice* confirming the mystery of Your incarnation;* for even after coming in the flesh,* You remained the only-begotten Son and the Saviour of all.

In Tone 6

Glory… Now…

O Lord, today on Mount Tabor,* You have manifested the glory of Your divinity* to Your chosen disciples, Peter, James, and John;* they saw Your clothing radiant as light* and Your face more brilliant than the sun.* Unable to bear Your overwhelming radiance or look upon You,* they fell to the ground* and heard a voice bearing witness from heaven:* “This is My beloved Son who came into the world to save His people.”

Troparion

In Tone 7

You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God* O Giver of Light, glory to You! (thrice)

 

FESTAL MATINS

The Lord is God – Tone 7

Troparion, Tone 7

You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 4

Showing the change that mortals will undergo, O Lord,* when they enter your glory at your second and awesome coming,* You were transfigured on Mount Tabor.* Elijah and Moses conversed with You;* and seeing your glory, the three disciples whom You had chosen* were struck with your splendour, O Lord.* As You covered them with your brightness,* also send your light upon our souls.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 4

You were transfigured on Mount Tabor, O Jesus;* a bright cloud covered your apostles with your glory as with a tent, O Lord.* They cast their faces to the ground,* unable to gaze upon the inaccessible glory of your resplendent face,* O Christ our God and eternal Saviour.* As You covered them with your brightness,* also send your light upon our souls.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Polyeleos

Exaltation

We extol You,* O Christ the Source of life,* and we venerate the holy Transfiguration* of your most pure flesh.

verses:
The Lord is great and worthy to be praised in the city of our God and on his holy mountain.
Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent and dwell on your holy mountain?
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place?
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

When You went up to the mountain with your disciples, O Lord,* and You were resplendent with the glory of the Father,* Elijah and Moses stood there with You;* for the Law and the Prophets serve You as God.* The Father attested to your divine filiation and called You his beloved Son.* With You we praise Him in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Through the splendour hidden under the flesh of your nature,* You showed the disciples the splendour of your divine beauty on Mount Tabor.* Thus You enlightened the disciples who were with You, O Christ our Benefactor.* Realizing that your beauty was unbearable, they cried out: Holy are You!* For You are the One whom no one can approach;* yet the world has seen You in the flesh.* And You alone are the Lover of Mankind.

Gradual Hymns

Take 1st antiphon of Sunday, Tone 4

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Tabor and Hermon shout with joy at your name.

verse: The heavens are yours; the world is yours.

Gospel

Luke 9:28-36

After Psalm 50

Glory…

In Tone 2, Today the whole world is filled with joy,* for Christ is transfigured before his disciples on Mount Tabor.

Now…

Today the whole world is filled with joy,* for Christ is transfigured before his disciples on Mount Tabor.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offence.

In Tone 5: Having revealed a small ray of your divinity* to those who climbed the mountain with You, O Saviour,* You made them partakers of your boundless glory.* Therefore, they cried out in awe to You:* It is good for us to be here.* Together with them, we shall forever praise You, O Christ our Saviour,* who was transfigured for us.

Canon

Ode 1

Irmos When Israel walked upon the deep sea as upon dry land, they saw Pharaoh, their pursuer, drowning; and they exclaimed: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

Christ spoke to his apostles the words of life concerning the kingdom of God by saying: When you see Me shining with the unapproachable light, you shall know that the Father is in Me, and you will joyfully cry out: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

My friends and disciples, you shall overcome the power of the Gentiles, and their riches shall be your boast; for when I appear shining more brilliantly than the sun, you shall be filled with glory and joyfully cry out: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.

Glory… Now…

Just as He promised, Christ appeared in glory today on Mount Tabor, clearly revealing to his disciples the image and reflection of his divinity. Filled with the divine brightness and splendour, the disciples cried out: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.

Katavasia When Israel walked upon the deep sea as upon dry land, they saw Pharaoh, their pursuer, drowning; and they exclaimed: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.

Ode 3

Irmos The weak have clothed themselves with strength, and the weapon of the mighty has become powerless; therefore, my heart is strengthened in the Lord.

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

O Christ, You have clothed yourself completely in the nature of Adam, thereby refashioning what had been corrupted. Through your becoming human, You transfigured and glorified our nature.

Glory… Now…

In ancient times Christ led Israel through the desert by means of a pillar of fire and a cloud; today He brilliantly shines forth in glory upon Mount Tabor.

Katavasia The weak have clothed themselves with strength, and the weapon of the mighty has become powerless; therefore, my heart is strengthened in the Lord.

Small Ekteny

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

You were transfigured on Mount Tabor, Christ God,* between Moses and Elijah the wise,* in the presence of James, Peter and John;* and Peter as he stood there, spoke to You:* it would be good to make three tabernacles here:* one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for You, Christ our Master.* You have shone on them with your light, now enlighten our souls!

Ode 4

Irmos O Christ our God, your wondrous plan of salvation has been revealed to me: how your birth from a Virgin would rescue from the power of evil those who call upon You by saying: Glory to your power, O Lord!

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

You appeared upon Mount Sinai, O Christ our God, in the midst of a cloud, the fire and darkness, the thunder and storm. It was there You revealed the written Law. Glory to your power, O Lord!

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

O Christ, as eternal God You make your dwelling in the heavens; as a sign of your glorious plan of salvation, You brilliantly shone forth in glory on Mount Tabor.

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

In ancient times You appeared to your servants amid clouds of fire, darkness, and the whisper of the wind, and spoke with them, O Christ our Master. Glory to your power, O Lord!

Glory… Now

Moses, who had previously recognized You in the fire of the burning bush, and Elijah, who was taken up into heaven in a fiery chariot, appeared with You on Tabor and revealed your death upon the Cross.

Katavasia O Christ our God, your wondrous plan of salvation has been revealed to me: how your birth from a Virgin would rescue from the power of evil those who call upon You by saying: Glory to your power, O Lord!

Ode 5

Irmos In the beginning You, as their Creator, separated the light from the darkness so that your works may glorify You in light, O Christ. Now guide our steps in the light of your paths.

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

When You deigned to transform our human nature, O Christ, the mountains prostrated before You; and the sun placed its brilliant rays of light, which fill the heavens, at your feet.

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

Moses and Elijah praised the Saviour on Mount Tabor, and their words lingered in the ears of the disciples: Behold Christ whom we have proclaimed in former times as our God.

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

The unchangeable nature of God, when united with human nature, shone forth with a brilliant light. It revealed to the apostles of Christ a reflection of the immaterial divinity.

Glory… Now…

When the disciples beheld You, O Christ the eternal Light, radiating the brilliance of the Father, they cried out to You: Guide our steps in the light of your paths.

Katavasia In the beginning You, as their Creator, separated the light from the darkness so that your works may glorify You in light, O Christ. Now guide our steps in the light of your paths.

Ode 6

Irmos When beset with trials, I called to the Lord, and the God of my salvation heard me.

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

Christ our Saviour, shining forth on Mount Tabor as the Light surpassing even the brightness of the sun, has enlightened us.

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

You were transfigured on Mount Tabor, O Christ, thereby overcoming the darkness of error with the glory of your light.

Glory… Now…

The glorious apostles recognized You as God on Mount Tabor, O Christ; and, struck with fear and awe, they fell to their knees before You.

Katavasia When beset with trials, I called to the Lord, and the God of my salvation heard me.

Small Ekteny

Kontakion, Tone 7

You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ our God,* and Your disciples saw Your glory as much as they could;* that when they saw You crucified* they might know that You suffered willingly,* and might proclaim to the world* that You are truly the brightness of the Father.

Ikos

Awake from the lethargy that has overcome you, do not lie there on the ground; and you thoughts which weigh heavily upon my soul, arise and ascend to the summit of godliness. Let us hasten to join Peter and the sons of Zebedee, that we may behold with them the glory of God on Mount Tabor and hear the voice from heaven which they themselves heard. It impelled them to proclaim to the world that they had witnessed the glory of the Father.

Ode 7

Irmos The three youths of Babylon, who were sons of Abraham, trampled upon the flames in the fiery furnace, singing this song of praise: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

When the apostles were clothed in the brilliance of your dazzling radiance on Mount Tabor, O Christ, they cried out: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

O Christ, the apostles rejoiced in your glorious majesty, in the revelation of the divine voice, and in the cloud that rained dew, and they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

When Peter beheld your unapproachable glory on Mount Tabor, O Christ, he cried out: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!

Glory… Now

The sons of Zebedee were with Christ, the Source of life, when He shone with divine brightness, and they sang out: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!

Katavasia The three youths of Babylon, who were sons of Abraham, trampled upon the flames in the fiery furnace, singing this song of praise: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!

Ode 8

Irmos Zealously aflame with love of God, the three youths courageously conquered the threat of the wicked king in Babylon. They stood in the midst of the fire as though covered with dew – and sang: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

Your feet have ascended Mount Tabor, O Lord, even though You keep all things in existence by your will. At that time your face became brighter than the light of the sun; and present with You were the chosen of the Law and the Prophets, singing: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

When the glory of the Father who bestows majesty to all creation, the infinite Light that knows no evening, indescribably appeared in brilliant glory on Mount Tabor, He deified our human nature so that all may sing: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

Overcome with awe, Moses and Elijah clearly witnessed the appearance of Christ on Mount Tabor. Seeing his divine person brilliantly shining with the brightness of the Father, they sang: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!

Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!

In times past, the face of Moses was radiant when he heard the divine voice in the darkness, but Christ clothes himself with light and glory as with a robe. For He who is the Creator of light by nature gives light to those who sing: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!

Glory… Now…

When the disciples beheld Christ on Mount Tabor surrounded by a cloud of light, they fell to the ground. Filled with spiritual brightness, they praised Him, together with the Father and the Spirit, by singing this hymn: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!

Katavasia Zealously aflame with love of God, the three youths courageously conquered the threat of the wicked king in Babylon. They stood in the midst of the fire as though covered with dew – and sang: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!

Magnificat is omitted

Ode 9

O my soul, extol the Lord transfigured on Mount Tabor.

Irmos You gave birth without blemish; for it was God who came forth from your womb, appearing in the flesh upon the earth and dwelling among us. Therefore, O Mother of God, we all extol you.

O my soul, extol the Lord transfigured on Mount Tabor.

Overcome with awe and enlightened with a heavenly brightness, the disciples looked at one another and fell to the ground in their fear and worshiped You, O Master of all.

O my soul, extol the Lord transfigured on Mount Tabor.

Confirming this mystery, the voice of God was heard from the cloud; for the Father of lights spoke to the apostles and said: This is my beloved Son. Hear Him!

O my soul, extol the Lord transfigured on Mount Tabor.

The disciples of the Word beheld an extraordinary mystery on Tabor; and when they heard the voice of the Father, they cried out: This is our Saviour, the Image of the Father.

Glory… Now…

We praise You, along with the Father and the Spirit, O faithful Image of the One-Who-Is, O Seal that cannot be taken away or changed, Son and Word, Wisdom and Arm of God, Right Hand and Power of the Most High.

Katavasia: You gave birth without blemish; for it was God who came forth from your womb, appearing in the flesh upon the earth and dwelling among us. Therefore, O Mother of God, we all extol you.

Hymn of Light, Tone 2

O Word and unchangeable Light,* O Light of the Unbegotten Father,* today we see in your light on Tabor* the light of the Father and the light of the Spirit* which gives light to the whole world.

At the Praises

In Tone 4

Before your noble suffering and cross, O Master,* You took your chosen apostles to Mount Tabor,* showing them your glory.* When they saw You transfigured and more brilliant than the sun,* they fell to the ground and cried out:* You are the eternal Light and the radiance of the Father;* and although unchanged, You appear in the flesh.

Before your noble suffering and cross, O Master,* You took your chosen apostles to Mount Tabor,* showing them your glory.* When they saw You transfigured and more brilliant than the sun,* they fell to the ground and cried out:* You are the eternal Light and the radiance of the Father;* and although unchanged, You appear in the flesh.

O God the Word, You are from all eternity,* and You are clothed with light as with a robe.* Transfigured before your disciples, You shone more brightly than the sun.* Moses and Elijah stood at your side* revealing You as Lord of the living and the dead.* They glorified your ineffable work of salvation,* your mercy, and great compassion,* by which You saved the world which was lost in sin.

You were born of a virginal cloud and became flesh* and were transfigured on Mount Tabor, O Lord.* A bright cloud surrounded You;* the voice of the Father clearly told the disciples that You are his beloved Son,* for You are the same essence as He and You share his throne.* At this sight, Peter spoke with wonder and said:* is good for us to be here.* He did not realize what he said, O most merciful Benefactor.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Christ took his disciples, Peter, James, and John,* and was transfigured on a high mountain in their presence.* His face became as bright as the sun,* and his garments were whiter than the snow.* Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Him,* and a bright cloud came over them;* a voice was heard from the clouds, saying:* This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!

Troparion, Tone 7

You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

 

DIVINE LITURGY

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.

The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; Your lightning lit up the world.

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

You have clothed Yourself in praise and splendour; You robe Yourself in light as with a cloak.

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

Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Sion which cannot be moved.

Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

The mountains surround it, and the Lord surrounds His people henceforth and forever.

Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

Lord, who will stay in Your dwelling place, or abide on Your holy mountain?

Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

Who will ascend the Lord’s mountain, or stand in His holy place?

Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

Entrance

Lord, send forth Your light and Your truth, these have guided and led me to Your holy mountain.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, 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 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* and Your disciples saw Your glory as much as they could;* that when they saw You crucified* they might know that You suffered willingly*, and might proclaim to the world* that You are truly the brightness of the Father.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

How great are Your works, O Lord, You have made all things in wisdom.

verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul; O Lord, my God, You are exceedingly great. (Psalm 103:24,1)

Epistle

2 Peter 1:10-19

Alleluia, Tone 8

verse: Yours are the heavens, and Yours the earth.

verse: Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, they will walk in the light of Your countenance, O Lord. (Psalm 88:12,16)

Gospel

Matthew 17:1-9

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify the Lord transfigured on the mountain.

And the Irmos, Tone 4: Your giving birth was received as incorrupt; for it was God who came forth from your womb; He appeared on earth in the flesh, and made His dwelling among us. Thus, O Mother of God, all of us magnify you.

Communion Hymn

We will walk in the light of Your face, O Lord,* and rejoice in Your name forever.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 88:16,17)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

10. 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.

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

O you people, walk around Sion 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.

8. 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.

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us faithfully celebrate the brilliant, divine Transfiguration.* Having been renewed in spirit,* we shall climb to the summit of virtue;* and having learned with the apostles* the revelation of the strange mysteries,* we shall glorify the Lord and Saviour.

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

Rejoice and be happy, O faithful!* The Church now celebrates this precious and bright feast.* The Master of all is transfigured.* He is resplendent in the dawn of ineffable splendour,* shining more brightly than the sun.

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

This is the God and the Creator of all.* Through his great mercy He took on the appearance of a slave.* He now heals the wounds of ancient times.* By his gleaming countenance* He revealed the glow of divinity in his body.* The terrified apostles fell to the ground;* they bowed before the Master of all.

In Tone 1

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

O holy apostle Matthias,* you filled the choir from which Judas fell away.* You cast out the darkness of idol-worship* with the splendour of your wise words.* Now pray that Christ may grant peace and great mercy to our souls.

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

O holy apostle Matthias,* you filled the choir from which Judas fell away.* You cast out the darkness of idol-worship* with the splendour of your wise words.* Now pray that Christ may grant peace and great mercy to our souls.

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

O blessed Matthias,* you flowed like a river filled with divine water* and watered the earth with your mystical streams,* thus causing it to bear much fruit.* Pray that Christ may grant peace and great mercy to our souls.

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

O God-inspired Matthias,* the universe shines in the brightness of your inspired teaching;* for your instructions have illumined and enlightened all.* They have guided all to an understanding of God;* they have transformed into dwellings of brightness* those who had lived in the darkness of vain illusions* and in the darkness of life without God.

In Tone 6

Glory…

Grace was poured out through your lips, O glorious apostle Matthias.* You were a luminary in the Church of Christ.* You taught the disciples to believe in the consubstantial Trinity,* in the one divinity.

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!

Readings

(1) Acts 1:15-26; (2) 1 John 3: 21 through 4: 6; (3) 1 John 4: 11 -16

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.

In Tone 2

Glory…

Filled with divine ambition, O apostle Matthias,* you laboured zealously for God the almighty* who revealed you worthy of divine miracles.* Now you abide with the heavenly hosts and behold our God.* Pray to the Word, Christ our God,* to grant his great mercy to us.

Now…

You were transfigured in glory on Mount Tabor, O Christ our God,* and You showed your disciples the glory of your divinity.* Now also pour out the light of your knowledge upon us* and, in your goodness and your love for all of us,* guide us in the way of your divine commandments.

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 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.

In Tone 3

Glory…

O holy apostle Matthias, intercede with the all-merciful God* that He may grant us forgiveness of our sins.

In Tone 7

Now…

You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

 

DIVINE LITURGY

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.

The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; Your lightning lit up the world.

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

You have clothed Yourself in praise and splendour; You robe Yourself in light as with a cloak.

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, transfigured on the mountain, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

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

Son of God, transfigured on the mountain, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

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

Son of God, transfigured on the mountain, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, transfigured on the mountain, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

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.

Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

Troparion, Tone 3: O holy apostle Matthias, intercede with the all-merciful God* that He may grant us forgiveness of our sins.

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.”

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: Your radiant message,* O wondrous apostle Matthias,* has shone like the sun throughout the world* enlightening the Church of the nations with grace.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* and Your disciples saw Your glory as much as they could;* that when they saw You crucified* they might know that You suffered willingly*, and might proclaim to the world* that You are truly the brightness of the Father.

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 4

verse: How great are Your works, O Lord, You have made all things in wisdom.

Epistle

1 Corinthians 4:9-16; Acts 1:12-17, 21-26

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)

verse: Yours are the heavens, and Yours the earth. (Psalm 88:12)

Gospel

Matthew 17:14-23; Luke 9:1-6

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify the Lord transfigured on the mountain.

And the Irmos, Tone 4: Your giving birth was revealed as incorrupt; for it was God who came forth from your womb; He appeared on earth in the flesh, and made His dwelling among us. Thus, O Mother of God, all of us magnify you.

Communion Hymn

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)

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

At the sound of the cymbals, let us sing resounding hymns,* anticipating the feast of her departure.* Let us lift our voices in a brilliant chorus before her sepulchre.* For the Mother of God and the golden Tabernacle* now prepares to pass from earth to heaven,* to the new life and the divine splendour.

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

O choir of the holy apostles,* you are gathered together from the ends of the earth.* The Living City of the One who reigns over all* departs in glory to the heavens.* She goes to rejoice with her Son, the King.* With the angelic hosts, sing a farewell hymn to her divine burial.

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

O choir of the holy priests,* O kings, princes, and ranks of virgins, now come together!* All you people, let us come before her holy tomb and sing a hymn,* for the Queen of all entrusts her soul into the hands of her Son* to be taken to the heavenly home.

3. 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, when you accepted the ascetic life for your salvation,* then you were enlightened invisibly from heaven* and were shown to be an exorciser of evil spirits.* By divine will you received gold,* which, in your generous mercy, you gave to those in need.* You filled their empty vessels with produce,* preparing for the Saviour, those who were in distress.* O preacher of the faith of Christ our God,* pray to Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

The appearance of your holy relics came like a great light,* understood to be like the angelic splendour.* The great Stephen ran quickly with longing and joy,* seeing them coming in the distance.* He found your body whole and incorrupt* and glorified Christ our God.* O Father, pray to Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

When those who wished to bear your body* came to the cave where you were buried,* they rejoiced on opening the tomb;* for they saw your most holy remains whole and untouched by corruption,* the hair framing your glorious face,* and your eyes and mouth joined in praises of Christ our God.* Pray to Him to save and enlighten our souls.

In Tone 6

Glory…

In faith we are all called together to celebrate this feast.* Let us hasten today to commemorate* the transferal of your holy relics, O venerable Father,* and let us say:* Rejoice, O consecrated dwelling of the divine Spirit and pillar of piety;* rejoice, boast of ascetics,* for you increased the talent given you by God;* rejoice, bright beacon to the world and our consolation.* As you now stand before the throne of Christ,* beg Him to deliver us from all trouble and distress* and to attain the future glory;* for we celebrate your memory in faith.

In Tone 4

Now…

O pure and most holy Virgin,* the choirs of angels in heaven and the assembly of people on earth* sing the praise of your glorious Dormition;* for you have become the Mother of the Creator of all, Christ our God.* We beg you to intercede constantly for us;* for, next to God, we have placed our hope in you,* O most glorious and ever-virgin Mother of God.

Readings

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

Aposticha

In Tone 2

O marvellous wonder! O new sign of mystery!* How is it that the life-bearing Maiden* has been given over to death* and is now being concealed in a tomb?

Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest, You and the ark of your strength.

May all creatures sing out* because the Virgin, the daughter of Adam,* is going up into heaven.

The Lord swore an oath to David; He will not go back on his word.

Let us imagine the Virgin’s bier* surrounded by the apostolic choir,* and let us sing at her departure.

In Tone 8

Glory…

The multitude of monks praise you as their teacher,* O Theodosius our Father,* for by your paths you truly showed us the way we should go.* You are a blessed servant of Christ;* you unmasked the power of the enemy.* O dweller with angels and companion of the monks and the just,* pray with them that the Lord grant mercy to our souls.

In Tone 2

Now…

She is higher than the heavens,* more glorious than the Cherubim,* and more honourable than all creation.* Her outstanding purity became the dwelling place of the eternal divinity.* Today she places her all-pure soul into the hands of her Son.* With her, the universe is filled with joy,* and the grace of salvation is given to us.

Troparia

In 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.

In Tone 4

Glory… Now…

O peoples, dance with joy and clap your hands with fervour.* Gather today in eagerness and jubilation, and sing with glee;* for the Mother of God is about to rise in glory,* going up from the earth into heaven.* It is to her we always sing hymns of praise,* for she is the Mother of God.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

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.

Troparion, Tone 4: O peoples, dance with joy and clap your hands with fervour.* Gather today in eagerness and jubilation, and sing with glee;* for the Mother of God is about to rise in glory,* going up from the earth into heaven.* it is to her we always sing hymns of praise,* for she is the Mother of God.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: Today the whole universe dances with joy* at your glorious memory, O Mother of God,* and it cries out to you:* Rejoice, O virgin, pride of Christians.

Now and forever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today we revere the star of Rus’, blessed Theodosius,* who shone from the east and same 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.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

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

verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:15,12)

Epistle

Hebrews 13:7-16

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice.

verse: For the Lord has chosen Sion; He has chosen it for His dwelling. (Psalm 131:9,13)

Gospel

Matthew 11:27-29

Communion Hymn

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

One of the 12 Great Feasts. Holy Day of Obligation.

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma

Blessed is the man… is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

O what a wonder! The Source of Life is placed in a tomb;* the grave becomes a ladder to heaven.* Rejoice, Gethsemane, holy chamber of the Mother of God!* As for us, O faithful,* let us cry out with Gabriel, the prince of angels:* Rejoice, O woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,* the Lord, Who because of you, bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

O what a wonder! The Source of Life is placed in a tomb;* the grave becomes a ladder to heaven.* Rejoice, Gethsemane, holy chamber of the Mother of God!* As for us, O faithful,* let us cry out with Gabriel, the prince of angels:* Rejoice, O woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,* the Lord, Who because of you, bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

O Lady, marvellous are your mysteries.* You have become the throne of the Most High,* and today you are taken from earth to heaven.* Your glory shines forth with the radiance of divine grace* and surpasses every other splendour.* Rise up to the heavens, all you virgins,* together with the Mother of our King, and cry out:* Rejoice, O Woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,* the Lord, Who because of you,* bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

O Lady, marvellous are your mysteries.* You have become the throne of the Most High,* and today you are taken from earth to heaven.* Your glory shines forth with the radiance of divine grace* and surpasses every other splendour.* Rise up to the heavens, all you virgins,* together with the Mother of our King, and cry out:* Rejoice, O Woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,* the Lord, Who because of you,* bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

Behold, all the heavenly hosts,* the Dominations, Thrones, and Principalities,* Virtues, Powers, Cherubim, and Seraphim,* sing a hymn of glory to your Dormition.* The entire human race rejoices at your glory;* and kings, together with the Angels and Archangels, sing out to you:* Rejoice, O Woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,* the Lord, Who because of you,* bestows great mercy upon the world.

In Tone 4

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

The heavens rejoice in your glorious Dormition,* and the angelic hosts are filled with joy;* all the universe is exalting* as they sing hymns of farewell to you,* O Mother of the Master of the universe,* O all-holy Virgin who did not know wedlock.* You have delivered mankind from the condemnation of old.

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

At the divine command* the chosen apostles hastened from the ends of the universe to bury you;* and, seeing you carried from earth to heaven,* they praised you with the words of Gabriel:* Rejoice, O bearer of the entire Divinity!* Rejoice, O Virgin, for you alone brought heaven and earth together* in giving birth to your Son.

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

You have given birth to Life,* and now by your holy Dormition* you have crossed the borders into eternal life.* The Angels, Principalities, and the Virtues,* the prophets, the apostles, and all creation form a procession,* and your Son receives your pure soul into His immaculate hands,* O Virgin Mother and Bride of God.

In Tone 1

Glory… Now…

The holy apostles were taken up from every corner of the world* and carried upon clouds by the command of God.* They gathered around you pure body, O Source of Life,* and kissed it with reverence.* As for the most sublime powers of heaven,* they came with their own leader* to escort and to pay their last respects to the most honourable body* that had contained Life itself.* Filled with awe, they marched together with the apostles in silent majesty,* professing to the princes of heaven in a hushed voice:* Lift up your gates and receive, with becoming majesty,* the Mother of the Light that never fades,* because, through her, salvation was made possible for mankind.* She is the One upon whom no one may gaze,* and to whom no one is able to render sufficient glory;* for the special honour that made her sublime is beyond understanding.* Therefore, O Most Pure Mother of God,* forever alive with your Son, the Source of Life,* do not cease to intercede with Him* that He may guard and save Your people from every trouble;* for you are our intercessor.* To you we sing a hymn of glory* with loud and joyful voice, now and forever.

Readings

(1) Genesis 28:10-17; (2) Ezekiel 43:27 – 44:4; (3) Proverbs 9:1-11

Lytia

In Tone 1

Because the disciples had been both the eyewitnesses and servants of the Word,* it was also fitting that they should witness the final mystery,* the Dormition of His Mother according to the flesh.* They not only saw the ascension of the Saviour from earth to heaven,* but they were also witnesses to the translation of the Mother who bore Him.* They came to Zion to escort the Virgin, who surpasses the Cherubim,* as she hastened in her journey to heaven.* With them, let us also bow low* before the One who intercedes for our souls.

In Tone 2

She is higher than the heavens,* more glorious than the Cherubim,* and more honourable than all creation.* Her outstanding purity became the dwelling place of eternal divinity.* Today she places her all-pure soul into the hands of her Son.* With her, the universe is filled with joy,* and the grace of salvation is given to us.

The most pure Spouse, the Mother of the One in Whom the Father is well-pleased,* she whom God had chosen to become the dwelling place of His natures* that had been united without confusion,* today delivers her most pure soul to her divine Creator.* The angels welcome her in a divine manner,* and the Mother of Life is now transferred to life.* She is the lamp of the inaccessible brightness,* the hope of our souls, and the salvation of believers.

In Tone 3

Come, all you ends of the earth,* let us praise the blessed passing of the Mother of God.* She delivers her sinless soul into the hands of her Son;* through her holy Dormition the world is given new life.* With psalms and hymns and spiritual canticles,* the whole world celebrates in joy* together with the angels and apostles.

In Tone 5

Glory…

Come, all you lovers of the feast,* let us form choirs and fill the Church with our hymns* in honour of the falling asleep of the Ark of God.* Today heaven indeed opens its bosom* to receive the Mother of the One whom the universe cannot contain.* The earth gives back the Source of Life* and receives the blessing of the Lord.* The choir of angels and apostles look with awe* as they see the One who gave birth to the Prince of Life* now herself pass from life to life.* Let us all bow together before her and say:* O Lady, do not forget the children of your house* who celebrate your holy Dormition in faith.

Now…

O people, sing to the Mother of our God;* for, on this day, she delivers her radiant soul into the most pure hands* of the One Who took flesh of her without seed.* In His presence she intercedes unceasingly* that He grant peace and great mercy to the world.

Aposticha

In Tone 4

All you peoples of the earth* sing together a hymn of glory* to the pure and most holy Virgin* from whom the Word of God came to us,* receiving flesh from her in a manner beyond understanding.* Let us cry out: Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is your womb that contained Christ,* into whose hands you committed your soul.* O pure Virgin, intercede with Christ that He may save our souls!

Go up, O Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your strength.

O pure and most holy Virgin,* the choirs of angels in heaven and the assembly of people on earth* sing the praises of your glorious Dormition;* for you have become the Mother of the Creator of all, Christ our God.* We beg you to intercede constantly for us;* for, next to God, we have placed our hope in you,* O most glorious and ever-virgin Mother of God.

The Lord swore an oath to David; He will not go back on His word.

With all the people of the earth,* let us sing to Christ the hymn of praise that David has sung of old.* Together with her escort of virgins,* with happiness and rejoicing, she will be led to the King;* for the fruit of David’s seed,* the One through whom we have been led to God,* has been lifted up to glory by her Son and Master* in a way that defies description.* Since she is the Mother of God,* we sing to her a hymn of glory and cry out:* Deliver us from all harm and guard our souls from tribulations.* We confess and proclaim that you are the Mother of God.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin Mother of God,* at the time you were carried up to the One born of you* in a manner beyond understanding,* James and Peter were present;* James, the brother of the Lord and first bishop,* and Peter, the honourable head of the apostles and prince of theologians.* The whole college of apostles was also there,* all in one accord proclaiming things divine,* praising the astounding mystery of Christ,* and with joy, preparing your body, O most glorious One,* source of Life and temple of God.* The most holy angelic powers,* were rapt in wonder at the sight of this miracle,* and they said to each other:* Lift up your gates to receive the Mother of the Creator of heaven and earth.* Come, let us all sing hymns to her noble and holy body* that has contained the invisible Lord.* Therefore, we also celebrate your feast;* and, O woman worthy of all praise, we cry out:* O glorious Lady, exalt the Christian peoples* and intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

Troparion

In Tone 1

In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death. (thrice)

 

FESTAL MATINS

The Lord is God, Tone 1

Troparion, Tone 1

In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death. (twice)

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 1

The venerable choir of the divine apostles* was reunited in a marvellous manner* to bury your most pure body, O glorious Mother of God.* With them the multitude of angels also sang in honour of your passage to heaven* which we now celebrate in faith.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 3

In giving birth, your conception was without seed;* in falling asleep, your body did not undergo corruption.* You have passed from one miracle to another, O Mother of God.* How did the Virgin who knew not man nourish an infant?* And how did the Mother of God know death?* Therefore, with the angels we cry out to you:* Rejoice, for you are full of grace.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Polyeleos

Exaltation

We extol you,* O all-pure Mother of Christ our God,* and we honour* your all-glorious Dormition.

verses:
Shout joyfully to the Lord all the earth; sing praise to his name; give to Him glorious praise…
Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest, You and the ark of your strength…
I will make your name remembered from generation to generation…
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3 times)…

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

Tell us, O David, what feast is now being celebrated?* The one, he said, of which I sang in the book of the Psalms.* Christ has transferred into the dwelling place above* the One who is virgin, daughter, and servant of God,* she who bore Him in her womb without seed.* Therefore, mothers and daughters and Christian spouses sing with joy and say:* Rejoice, O Virgin who has passed into the heavenly kingdom.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Gradual Hymns

Take 1st antiphon of Sunday, Tone 4

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

I will make your name remembered* from generation to generation.
verse: Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

Let Everything That Has Breath (Tone 4)

Gospel

Luke 1:39-49

Psalm 50

After Psalm 50

Tone 6

Glory…

Through the prayers of the Theotokos,* 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.

O Tabernacle all-pure,* when the translation of your body took place,* the apostles gathered around your bier with fear and trembling.* They gazed upon you and were filled with awe.* In tears, Peter cried out to you:* O Virgin,* I see you laid out as one dead,* yet you gave birth to the Life of the universe.* I am struck with amazement,* for in you dwells the One who shall be our joy in the life beyond.* O pure Virgin, intercede unceasingly with your Son and God* to save the Christian people.

Canon

Ode 1, Tone 1

(Irmos) Your holy and noble death, O Virgin, is adorned with the splendid robe of divine glory. It brings all the faithful together in joy. Led by Miriam, with dances and timbrels they praise your only-begotten Son, for He has been greatly glorified.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

The heavenly choirs encircled your holy body in Sion while the choir of apostles, assembling from the ends of the earth, stood beside you, O Theotokos. Along with them, we also honour your holy memory, O most pure Virgin.

Glory… Now…

You have gained victory over nature by giving birth to God, O pure Virgin; yet, like your Son and Creator, you have followed the laws of nature while being above it. Therefore, through your death, you have risen to eternal life with your Son.

(Katavasia) Your holy and noble death, O Virgin, is adorned with the splendid robe of divine glory. It brings all the faithful together in joy. Led by Miriam, with dances and timbrels they praise your only-begotten Son, for He has been greatly glorified.

Ode 3, Tone 1

(Irmos) You are the Creator, Wisdom, and Power of God, O Christ; and You uphold all things by your will. Make your Church firm and faithful, for You alone are holy and dwell among the saints.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

O most pure Virgin, the holy apostles acknowledged you to be both a mortal and one who was beyond and above nature, the Mother of God. Therefore, they approached your body with fear and awe, and beheld you, the tabernacle that had contained God, radiant with glory.

Glory… Now…

The bold hands of the impudent one were quickly cut off by the righteousness of God in order to preserve the honour of the living Ark, the glory of the Divinity, from whom the Word had taken flesh.

(Katavasia) You are the Creator, Wisdom, and Power of God, O Christ; and You uphold all things by your will. Make your Church firm and faithful, for You alone are holy and dwell among the saints.

Ode 4, Tone 1

(Irmos) O Christ, the prophets foretold your incarnation from a virgin, and that You would be the glory and light of revelation to the Gentiles. The abyss cries out in joy to You: Glory to your power, for You alone love all people.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Come all you faithful, and behold the mystery; for the holy mountain of the Lord is raised above the heavens as we look on. The earthly heaven takes up her dwelling in a heavenly and immortal land.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

O pure Virgin, your death was a passing over into a better and eternal life. It transported you from this earthly life to one that is divine and knows no end; now you behold your Son and Lord in joy.

Glory… Now…

The heavenly gates opened wide, and the heavenly choirs sang as Christ welcomed the virgin treasure of his own mother. The Cherubim served you in gladness, and the Seraphim praised you in joy.

(Katavaisa) O Christ, the prophets foretold your incarnation from a virgin, and that You would be the glory and light of revelation to the Gentiles. The abyss cries out in joy to You: Glory to your power, for You alone love all people.

Ode 5, Tone 1

(Irmos) I will speak of your divine and wondrous mysteries, O Christ. You have revealed yourself as the divine Son, radiant with eternal brightness, who took flesh from a virgin. You have risen as the sun, bestowing light to those who dwelt in the shadow of darkness.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

The choir of apostles was transported upon a cloud from the ends of the earth to Sion so that they might minister to you, O Virgin. From you, O swift cloud, the Almighty God, the Sun of Righteousness, bestowed light upon those who were in the shadow of darkness.

Glory… Now…

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the apostles sang out a burial hymn to the Mother of God in a voice louder than trumpets: Rejoice, O pure source of the Incarnation of God. Through you, salvation comes to the whole world.

(Katavasia) I will speak of your divine and wondrous mysteries, O Christ. You have revealed yourself as the divine Son, radiant with eternal brightness, who took flesh from a virgin. You have risen as the sun, bestowing light to those who dwelt in the shadow of darkness.

Ode 6, Tone 1

(Irmos) Your three-day burial, O Lord, was prefigured by the sea monster, breathing forth fire; Jonah was the interpreter of this mystery; for coming forth from the monster safe and sound, he cried out: I will offer hymns of praise to You, O Lord.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

The Divine King of all bestowed upon you gifts that are beyond nature. Just as He preserved your virginity in childbirth, He saved your body from suffering corruption in the tomb. He exalted you, his Mother, through your divine passage in glory.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin, your Son has granted that you dwell in the Holy of Holies as a bright lamp, burning with the immaterial fire, as a golden censer burning with divine coal. You are the vessel containing manna, the rod of Aaron, the tablet written by God, the holy Ark, and the table of the Bread of Life.

(Katavasia) Your three-day burial, O Lord, was prefigured by the sea monster, breathing forth fire; Jonah was the interpreter of this mystery; for coming forth from the monster safe and sound, he cried out: I will offer hymns of praise to You, O Lord.

Kontakion, Tone 2

The grave and death did not detain the Mother of God.* She prays perpetually and is our unfailing hope of intercession;* for He who dwelt in the womb of the ever-Virgin,* transferred to life the Mother of Life.

Ikos

O Saviour, encircle my heart so that I may praise this stronghold of the world, your most pure Mother; may my words be as strong as a fortress, and may my thoughts acquire power and strength. You always fulfill the petitions of those who come to You in faith. Therefore, grant me the words, the tongue, and the thoughts that are without shame; for every gift that enlightens us comes from You, the Enlightener of our souls, and the Lord who dwelt in a virginal womb.

Ode 7, Tone 1

(Irmos) Through the power of God’s love, the three youths overcame the anger and fire, extinguished the flames with dew, and scorned the anger of the tyrant. Inspired by God, they became as a three-stringed harp singing in the flaming furnace: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

Moses, overcome by wrath, destroyed the tablets made by God and inscribed by the Holy Spirit. But the God of Moses preserved the virginity of his own Mother in her childbirth, and now has carried her to the heavenly dwelling. Rejoicing with her, we sing out to Christ: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

O faithful, let us sing on this sacred and festive day of the Translation of the pure Virgin. With the cymbals of our pure lips, the melodious lyres of our hearts, the sweet-sounding trumpets of our uplifted minds, and the joyful clapping of our hands, let us say: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.

Glory… Now…

Inspired by God, the faithful have assembled to witness the passing over of God’s glorious Tabernacle from Sion to the heavenly dwelling place where the joyful singing of those celebrating the feast can be heard praising Christ and saying: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.

(Katavasia) Through the power of God’s love, the three youths overcame the anger and fire, extinguished the flames with dew, and scorned the anger of the tyrant. Inspired by God, they became as a three-stringed harp singing in the flaming furnace: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.

Ode 8, Tone 1

(Irmos) The mighty angel of God showed to the three holy youths a fire which was refreshing to them but destructive to the impious. He made the Theotokos a source of life gushing forth immortality to those who sing: Because we have been saved, we glorify the one and only Creator and praise Him above all forever.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

The choir of apostles attended the divine Ark of holiness in Sion while singing: O Tabernacle of the living God, where are you going? Continue to guard those who sing to you in faith: Because we have been saved, we glorify the one and only Creator and praise Him above all forever.

Glory… Now…

As the pure Virgin left the earth, she raised up her hands in which she had embraced the incarnate God, and she confidently spoke to her Son, saying: Remember forever those whom You have given me and who sing out to You: Because we have seen saved, we glorify the one and only Creator and praise Him above all forever.

(Katavasia) The mighty angel of God showed to the three holy youths a fire which was refreshing to them but destructive to the impious. He made the Theotokos a source of life gushing forth immortality to those who sing: Because we have been saved, we glorify the one and only Creator and praise Him above all forever.

Omit Magnificat

Ode 9

Seeing the Dormition of the Most Pure One, the angels were filled with awe at how the Virgin went from earth to heaven.

(Sung before each of the following)

In you, O pure Virgin, the laws of nature were overcome: in giving birth you remained a virgin, and in your death, heralded life. You remained a virgin after giving birth and remained alive after death, always saving your descendants, O Mother of God.

The heavenly choirs were astonished as they beheld their Master in Sion holding the soul of a woman in his hands. As a Son, it was fitting that He spoke to her who had given birth to Him without stain and said: Come and share the glory of your Son and your God.

Glory… Now…

The assembly of apostles gathered around your body which had contained God. Beholding it with awe, they cried out with a clear voice: Save your people as you pass over to the heavenly mansions of your Son.

Hymn of Light, Tone 3

O holy apostles of Christ, gathered here from the ends of the universe,* carry my body to the garden of Gethsemane and place it in the tomb.* And You, my Son and my God, receive my breath and my spirit. (3)

At the Praises

In Tone 4

The heavens rejoice in your glorious Dormition,* and the angelic hosts are filled with joy;* all the universe is exalting* as they sing hymns of farewell to you,* O Mother of the Master of the universe,* O all-holy Virgin who did not know wedlock.* You have delivered the human race from the condemnation of old.

The heavens rejoice in your glorious Dormition,* and the angelic hosts are filled with joy;* all the universe is exalting* as they sing hymns of farewell to you,* O Mother of the Master of the universe,* O all-holy Virgin who did not know wedlock.* You have delivered the human race from the condemnation of old.

At the divine command, the chosen apostles* hastened from the ends of the universe to bury you;* and, seeing you carried from earth to heaven,* they praised you with the words of Gabriel:* Rejoice, O bearer of the entire Divinity!* Rejoice, O Virgin, for you alone brought heaven and earth together* in giving birth to your Son.

You have given birth to Life,* and now by your holy Dormition* you have crossed the borders into eternal life.* The Angels, the Principalities, and the Virtues,* the prophets, the apostles, and all creation form a procession,* and your Son receives your pure soul into his immaculate hands,* O Virgin Mother and Bride of God.

In Tone 6

Glory… Now…

For your holy Dormition, O Mother of God and Mother of Life,* the clouds carried the apostles through the air.* Those who had been scattered throughout the world* were brought together in a single choir;* and, burying your most pure body with respect,* they sang the words of Gabriel:* Rejoice, O full of grace, O unwedded Virgin;* the Lord is with you!* Intercede with your Son and our God to save our souls.

Troparion, Tone 1

In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: The tomb and death could not hold the Mother of God,* unceasing in her intercession and unfailing hope of patronage,* for, as the Mother of Life, she was transferred to life* by Him Who had dwelt in her ever-virgin womb.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

verse: Because he has regarded the humility of His handmaid; for behold, all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)

Epistle

Philippians 2:5-11

Alleluia, Tone 8

verse: Rise up, O Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness.

verse: The Lord swore an oath to David, and will not go back on His word. (Psalm 131:8,11)

Gospel

Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

Hymn to the Mother of God

Seeing the pure one’s falling asleep, angels marvelled in wonder how the Virgin could ascend from earth to heaven.

And the Irmos: O pure Virgin, in you are conquered the bounds of nature,* for childbirth remains virginal and death is betrothed to life.* V

Communion Hymn

I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us adore God the Word,* who was born of the Father before all ages,* and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary;* for of His own free will He suffered the Cross* and submitted Himself to burial,* and arose from the dead to save me, a sinful one.

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

Christ our Saviour cancelled the decree that was written against us,* by nailing it to the Cross;* and He abolished the dominion of Death.* Let us glorify His resurrection on the third day.

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

Let us, together with the archangels, sing of Christ’s resurrection;* for He is the Redeemer and Saviour of our souls.* He will come again in awesome glory and mighty power* to judge the world which He has fashioned.

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

Although You died and were buried,* the angel yet declared You as Master.* He said to the women: Come and see where the Lord was placed;* for He is risen as He foretold,* because He is almighty.* Therefore, we worship You, the only Immortal One,* and we beseech You to have mercy on us, O Giver of Life.

In Tone 2

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

With unworthy lips we praise the Theotokos* who is more venerable than all creation* and more holy than the Cherubim and all the angels in heaven.* She is the unshakable throne of the King.* She is the house in which the Eternal One made His abode.* She is the salvation of the world and the sanctuary of God.* In her holy memory He richly gives great mercy to the faithful.

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

O Virgin, what awesome hymns did the apostles of the Word,* standing around your bier, offer up at that time to you?* They cried out in amazement:* The palace of the King is departing.* The holy Tabernacle is being exalted.* Lift up, O you gates, for the Portal of God will enter in joy,* and, without ceasing, she beseeches great mercy for all the world.

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

What spiritual hymns shall we offer to you today, O all-holy One?* The whole world has been sanctified by your Dormition.* You have departed into heaven to contemplate the beauty of the Almighty.* As Mother you rejoice together with Him.* The angelic ranks solemnly accompanied you, O pure One.* Together with them, ask for peace and great mercy* for us and for the souls of the just.

In Tone 2

3. 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 eyes shall we earth-dwellers gaze upon Your image, O Christ?* The hosts of angels cannot look upon it without fear;* it flashes with rays of divine lightning.* It triumphs over the assaults of godlessness today.* It sojourns among a royal priesthood, a pious people.* Its coming brings joy to all Orthodox Christians,* who fall before it in faith and fear!

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

How shall we creatures of dust look upon Your image, Word?* How shall we, polluted in sin, dare to gaze upon the face of our sinless God?* How shall we, paralyzed in corruption,* come before the unapproachable One?* The cherubim veil their faces, not daring to look upon You;* the seraphim who carry You cannot gaze upon Your glory!* In fear they serve You, Creator!* Do not condemn us, merciful Christ,* for we embrace Your image in faith.

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

The praiseworthy day of the Master has come again!* He Who is enthroned on high now looks down upon us,* through the eyes of His most pure image.* He Who is above the cherubim, upon Whom none may gaze,* is made visible, as the scriptures say,* to those with whom He shares His own likeness,* for You wondrously fashioned us in Your image,* by the most pure finger of the Father,* and by worshipping You in faith, we are made pure.

In Tone 8

Glory…

Choirs of virgins mystically stand around the bier of the Virgin Mother,* and the souls of the just surround it.* The former bring the gift of virginity instead of myrrh;* the latter bring spiritual songs with virtue.* It is fitting for the Mother of God as a queen* to be surrounded by those who glow with virtues.* We who have entered upon a chaste life* shall go down together with them* to the burial of the Mother of God,* blessing her with hymns and spiritual songs.

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!

The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.

By the wood of Your Cross, O Saviour,* You have abolished the curse of the tree;* by Your burial You have destroyed the power of death;* and by Your resurrection You enlightened the human race.* We, therefore, cry out to You:* O Christ our God, Giver of Life, glory to You!

For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

O Christ, when You were nailed to the Cross,* the distorted nature of creation was made manifest.* The soldiers showed their inhumanity by piercing Your side with a lance,* and the people showed their ignorance of Your power* by asking that Your tomb be sealed.* But, in Your mercy, You accepted burial* and then arose on the third day.* O Lord, glory to You!

Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

O Christ, Giver of Life,* You freely endured the Passion for the sake of mortals.* In Your power You descended into Hades;* and snatching, as from a mighty monster, the souls of those who awaited Your coming,* You placed them in Paradise.* Therefore, show Your great mercy to us who glorify Your resurrection,* and cleanse our souls.

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

Jesus, your Son and our God, O Theotokos,* confirming His two natures,* dies as a Man and arises as God!* It was His good pleasure, Mother of God,* that you also die lest unbelievers consider His dispensation a fantasy!* You were translated to the Kingdom of heaven, celestial Bride* taken up from the earth as from your dwelling chamber.* The air was sanctified by your passage* as the earth was illumined by your giving of birth.* The apostles send you forth and the angels bear you up.* As they buried your all-pure body, singing funeral hymns for you* they gazed in awe and spoke with fear:* This change is from the right hand of the Most High,* for He dwelt within you,* and you shall never be shaken!* All-hymned Mother, do not cease to watch over us,* for we are your people and the sheep of your pasture:* We call on your name,* asking salvation and great mercy for your sake.

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!”

In Tone 1

Glory… Now…

In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

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 1: In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: You rose from the tomb, O almighty Saviour;* and Hades, seeing this wonder, was stricken with fear; and the dead arose.* Creation saw and rejoices with You, and Adam exults.* And the world, my Saviour, sings Your praises for ever.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: The tomb and death could not hold the Mother of God,* unceasing in her intercession and unfailing hope of patronage,* for, as the Mother of Life, she was transferred to life* by Him Who had dwelt in her ever-virgin womb.

Prokeimenon, Tone 2

The Lord is my strength and my song of praise, and He has become my salvation.

verse: The Lord has indeed chastised me, but He has not delivered me to death. (Psalm 117:14,18)

Epistle

1 Corinthians 9:2-12

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: The Lord will hear you in the day of tribulation; the name of the God of Jacob will shield you.

verse: Lord, grant victory to the king and hear us in the day that we shall call upon You. (Psalm 19:2,10)

Gospel

Matthew 18:23-35

Hymn to the Mother of God

Seeing the pure one’s falling asleep, angels marvelled in wonder how the Virgin could ascend from earth to heaven.

And the Irmos: O pure Virgin, in you are conquered the bounds of nature,* for childbirth remains virginal and death is betrothed to life.* Virgin after childbearing and alive after death, O Mother of God,* never cease to save your inheritance.

Communion Hymn

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

GREAT VEPSERS

Psalm Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 3

10. 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.

9. 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.

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

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

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

We adore Your precious Cross, O Christ,* and with hymns of praise we glorify Your resurrection;* for by Your wounds we have all been healed.

In Tone 1

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

O what a wonder! The Source of Life is placed in a tomb;* the grave becomes a ladder to heaven.* Rejoice, Gethsemane, holy chamber of the Mother of God!* As for us, O faithful,* let us cry out with Gabriel, the prince of angels:* Rejoice, O woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,* the Lord, Who because of you, bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

O Lady, marvellous are your mysteries.* You have become the throne of the Most High,* and today you are taken from earth to heaven.* Your glory shines forth with the radiance of divine grace* and surpasses every other splendour.* Rise up to the heavens, all you virgins,* together with the Mother of our King, and cry out:* Rejoice, O Woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,* the Lord, Who because of you,* bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

Behold, all the heavenly hosts,* the Dominations, Thrones, and Principalities,* Virtues, Powers, Cherubim, and Seraphim,* sing a hymn of glory to your Dormition.* The entire human race rejoices at your glory;* and kings, together with the Angels and Archangels, sing out to you:* Rejoice, O Woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,* the Lord, Who because of you,* bestows great mercy upon the world.

In Tone 4

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

The heavens rejoice in your glorious Dormition,* and the angelic hosts are filled with joy;* all the universe is exalting* as they sing hymns of farewell to you,* O Mother of the Master of the universe,* O all-holy Virgin who did not know wedlock.* You have delivered mankind from the condemnation of old.

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

At the divine command* the chosen apostles hastened from the ends of the universe to bury you;* and, seeing you carried from earth to heaven,* they praised you with the words of Gabriel:* Rejoice, O bearer of the entire Divinity!* Rejoice, O Virgin, for you alone brought heaven and earth together* in giving birth to your Son.

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

You have given birth to Life,* and now by your holy Dormition* you have crossed the borders into eternal life.* The Angels, Principalities, and the Virtues,* the prophets, the apostles, and all creation form a procession,* and your Son receives your pure soul into His immaculate hands,* O Virgin Mother and Bride of God.

In Tone 1

Glory…

The holy apostles were taken up from every corner of the world* and carried upon clouds by the command of God.* They gathered around you pure body, O Source of Life,* and kissed it with reverence.* As for the most sublime powers of heaven,* they came with their own leader* to escort and to pay their last respects to the most honourable body* that had contained Life itself.* Filled with awe, they marched together with the apostles in silent majesty,* professing to the princes of heaven in a hushed voice:* Lift up your gates and receive, with becoming majesty,* the Mother of the Light that never fades,* because, through her, salvation was made possible for mankind.* She is the One upon whom no one may gaze,* and to whom no one is able to render sufficient glory;* for the special honour that made her sublime is beyond understanding.* Therefore, O Most Pure Mother of God,* forever alive with your Son, the Source of Life,* do not cease to intercede with Him* that He may guard and save Your people from every trouble;* for you are our intercessor.* To you we sing a hymn of glory* with loud and joyful voice, now and forever.

In Tone 3

Now…

O Lady most honourable,* how can we but 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.

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.

The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.

O Lord, Your life-giving resurrection has enlightened the entire universe* and has revived Your creation which lay in corruption.* Therefore, we, who have been released from the curse of Adam, cry out to You:* Almighty Lord, glory to You!

For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

O God, although in Your divine nature You are unchangeable,* yet in Your human nature You underwent change by suffering in the flesh.* All creation was prostrate with fear* when it saw You hanging on the Cross,* and it groaned in sorrow as it sang the praises of Your long-suffering.* But You descended into Hades and arose on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.

Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

You suffered death, O Christ, to deliver mankind from death.* And when You arose from the dead on the third day,* You enlightened the world* and resurrected all who acknowledge You as God.

In Tone 4

Glory… Now…

O Virgin Mother of God,* at the time you were carried up to the One born of you* in a manner beyond understanding,* James and Peter were present;* James, the brother of the Lord and first bishop,* and Peter, the honourable head of the apostles and prince of theologians.* The whole college of apostles was also there,* all in one accord proclaiming things divine,* praising the astounding mystery of Christ,* and with joy, preparing your body, O most glorious One,* source of Life and temple of God.* The most holy angelic powers,* were rapt in wonder at the sight of this miracle,* and they said to each other:* Lift up your gates to receive the Mother of the Creator of heaven and earth.* Come, let us all sing hymns to her noble and holy body* that has contained the invisible Lord.* Therefore, we also celebrate your feast;* and, O woman worthy of all praise, we cry out:* O glorious Lady, exalt the Christian peoples* and intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

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 1

Glory… Now…

In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

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 1: In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: You rose from the tomb, O compassionate Lord,* and led us out from the gates of death.* Today Adam exults and Eve rejoices,* and the prophets together with the patriarchs* unceasingly acclaim the divine might of Your power.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: The tomb and death could not hold the Mother of God,* unceasing in her intercession and unfailing hope of patronage,* for, as the Mother of Life, she was transferred to life* by Him Who had dwelt in her ever-virgin womb.

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 3

verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Epistle

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Alleluia, Tone 3

verse: In You, O Lord, have I hoped that I may not be put to shame for ever.

verse: Be a protector unto me, O God, and a house of refuge to save me. (Psalm 30:2,3)

verse: Rise up, O Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness.

verse: The Lord swore an oath to David, and will not go back on His word. (Psalm 131:8,11)

Gospel

Matthew 19:16-26

At that time, a young man came and said to Jesus, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

He said to Him, “Which ones?”

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ “

The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Hymn to the Mother of God

Seeing the pure one’s falling asleep, angels marvelled in wonder how the Virgin could ascend from earth to heaven.

And the Irmos: O pure Virgin, in you are conquered the bounds of nature,* for childbirth remains virginal and death is betrothed to life.* Virgin after childbearing and alive after death, O Mother of God,* never cease to save your inheritance.

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* I will take the chalice of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)

All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

While the birthday of the shameless Herod was being celebrated,* the oath made to the lustful dancer was fulfilled;* the head of the Forerunner was cut off* and offered on a platter to those at table.* What a loathsome banquet, filled with wickedness and horrible murder.* As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,* for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

While the birthday of the shameless Herod was being celebrated,* the oath made to the lustful dancer was fulfilled;* the head of the Forerunner was cut off* and offered on a platter to those at table.* What a loathsome banquet, filled with wickedness and horrible murder.* As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,* for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

After dancing, the disciple of the all-evil Satan* requested your head as her payment, O Forerunner.* What a bloody banquet!* Would that you had not made that vow,* O sinful Herod, offspring of a lie.* Since you did make it, would that you had not carried it out;* for it would have been better to have gone back on your oath and received life* than remaining true to your oath* to have cut off the head of the Forerunner.* As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,* for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

After dancing, the disciple of the all-evil Satan* requested your head as her payment, O Forerunner.* What a bloody banquet!* Would that you had not made that vow,* O sinful Herod, offspring of a lie.* Since you did make it, would that you had not carried it out;* for it would have been better to have gone back on your oath and received life* than remaining true to your oath* to have cut off the head of the Forerunner.* As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,* for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

O Herod, it was not appropriate for you,* because of a satanic passion, to condemn to death* the one who reproached you for your adultery* and the folly of your lust for women.* It was not proper for you to err* and to deliver his all-honoured head to a sinful woman* for the sake of a vow made to a dancer.* Woe to you for daring such murder!* How was it that this adulterous dancer* was not consumed by fire in the midst of the banquet,* as she carried the head on a platter?* As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,* for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

O Herod, it was not appropriate for you,* because of a satanic passion, to condemn to death* the one who reproached you for your adultery* and the folly of your lust for women.* It was not proper for you to err* and to deliver his all-honoured head to a sinful woman* for the sake of a vow made to a dancer.* Woe to you for daring such murder!* How was it that this adulterous dancer* was not consumed by fire in the midst of the banquet,* as she carried the head on a platter?* As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,* for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

Again Herodias has lost her self-control;* again she is disturbed.* What a cunning and deceiving dance,* and what mindless drunkenness!* The Forerunner’s head is cut off and Herod is troubled.* Therefore, O Lord, by the intercessions of your Forerunner,* grant peace to our souls.

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

Again Herodias has lost her self-control;* again she is disturbed.* What a cunning and deceiving dance,* and what mindless drunkenness!* The Forerunner’s head is cut off and Herod is troubled.* Therefore, O Lord, by the intercessions of your Forerunner,* grant peace to our souls.

Glory…

While the birthday of the shameless Herod was being celebrated,* the oath made to the lustful dancer was fulfilled;* the head of the Forerunner was cut off* and offered on a platter to those at table.* What a loathsome banquet, filled with wickedness and horrible murder.* As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,* for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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) Isaiah 40:1-3, 9; 41:17-18; (2) Malachi 3:1-7, 12, 22-24; (3) Wisdom 4:7, 16-20; 5:1-7

Lytia

In Tone 1

What shall we call you, O Prophet?* An angel, an apostle, or martyr?* An angel, because you lived as a bodiless being.* An apostle, because you taught the nations.* A martyr, because you were beheaded for Christ.* Entreat Him to have mercy on our souls.

Let us commemorate the beheading of the Forerunner.* At that time, blood poured out on the platter;* now healings are poured out throughout the world.

Today the mother is the cause of a shameful and murderous act,* for she urges her shameless daughter who was born of an unlawful union* to plot against the one whom God called the greatest of the prophets.* When the evil Herod celebrated his birthday with a banquet,* she asked for the precious head of the divine Forerunner.* Because of his oath, Herod delivered the head* as a price for the daughter’s dancing.* But the prophet of the coming of Christ* did not cease to denounce the union which was reproved by God.* He denounced it, saying:* It is not lawful for you to commit adultery with your brother Philip’s wife.* O the murderous birthday and feast overflowing with blood!* On this day of the beheading of the Prophet and Forerunner,* we the faithful celebrate in joy as in festive garb,* and we pray that the Trinity may be compassionate to us,* and deliver us from the disgrace of our passions,* and that our souls may be saved.

In Tone 4

An evil birthday and a lustful banquet is celebrated by Herod today;* for having delighted in adultery and being driven by lustful desires,* he beheaded the Baptist.* But he could not stop the tongue of the Prophet* which condemned his foolishness.* He spilled innocent blood to cover up his unlawful deeds,* but he could not cover the voice who called the world to repentance.* And if he took pleasure in the murder,* we celebrate with all our heart the death of John the Baptist.* For he preceded the Life of all into Hades* to announce to those in darkness and the shadow of death* the coming of Christ our God, the Orient from on high,* whose mercy is beyond measure.

Come, O people, let us exalt the Prophet, Martyr, and Baptizer of the Saviour.* He is an angel in the flesh.* He has condemned Herod and convicted him of unlawful adultery.* Because of the unlawful dancing, his precious head is cut off.* He is in Paradise and is preaching the good news of the resurrection from the dead.* He is fittingly praying to the Lord that our souls may be saved.

Come, O faithful, let us exalt the Prophet, Martyr, and Baptizer of the Saviour.* He fled into the desert and remained there,* nourishing himself on locusts and wild honey.* He rebuked the king who violated the law.* And he comforts our faint-heartedness, saying:* Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

In Tone 5

Glory… Now…

When Herod wished to free himself from the rebuke of his sinful deeds,* he delivered your head unjustly, O Forerunner,* to a transgressing woman.* Nor did this wretched one realize that offering it on a platter* was a condemnation for him.* Therefore, since you are a practical teacher of purity* and a saving guide to repentance,* O Baptizer, implore Christ* to deliver us from the shame of our passions.

Aposticha

In Tone 2

O John the Baptizer and preacher of repentance,* you sanctified the earth when you were beheaded.* You made plain to believers the law of God,* abolishing disobedience to the law.* Therefore, since you stand by the throne of Christ the heavenly King,* beseech Him to have mercy on our souls.

The just will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

O most holy John, your head was cut off for preaching the law of the Lord,* for in blameless privilege you reproached the unbelieving king* when he disobeyed the law.* Therefore, the hosts of angels wonder at you,* and the ranks of apostles and martyrs praise you.* We also honour your yearly memorial, O most noble one,* glorifying the holy Trinity* who has crowned you, O blessed Forerunner.

The just one is glad In the Lord and takes refuge In Him.

Born of the prophet Zechariah, he was the greatest of the prophets* and was sanctified from his mother’s womb for the service of the Lord.* Today he was beheaded by an evil king.* Both before and after his beheading,* his head was a living reproach for the maiden who danced indecently,* thus covering one sin with another.* Therefore, we call out:* O John the Baptizer, having acquired favour with the Lord,* beseech Him unceasingly for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 8, Glory…

You rebuked kings, O Forerunner of the Saviour,* that they might not act contrary to the law.* But the frolicking of a sinful woman* won over Herod to behead you.* Therefore, your name is praised* from the place of the rising to the place of the setting of the sun.* And since you have favour with the Lord,* beseech Him unceasingly for the salvation of our souls.

Now…

O Virgin, you have never known wedlock,* yet you conceived God in the flesh  in a manner which words can never describe* You thus became the Mother of God on high.* O immaculate Lady, receive the supplication of your servants* and grant us the cleansing of our sins.* Accept now our prayers and beseech God to save all of us.

Troparia

In Tone 2

The remembrance of the just is worthy of praise,* but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner;* for it has shown that you are indeed more worthy of honour than the prophets.* You were found worthy to baptize the Lord whom you foretold.* Thereafter, you suffered for the truth* and, rejoicing, also announced the good news to those in the Abyss* that God had appeared as man,* taking away the sins of the world,* and granting to all of us the abundance of mercy. (Twice)

In Tone 1

Rejoice, 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 Redeemer of our souls.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 2: The just man is remembered with praises,* but for you the Lord’s testimony suffices, O Forerunner,* for you truly became more honourable than the prophets* and were deemed worthy to baptize the One foretold.* Then you suffered for the truth and joyfully announced to those in Hades* that God appeared in the flesh taking away the sin of the world* and offering us 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 5: The Forerunner’s glorious beheading* came to be a form of dispensation divine* that he might proclaim to those in Hades* the message of the coming of the Saviour.* Lets Herodias shed tears of lament* for a lawless murder that was her request;* for she loved a false and transitory age* rather than God’s law and the age of life.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

The just man shall be glad in the Lord and shall hope in Him.

verse: Hear, O God, my voice when I make my petition to You. (Psalm 63:11,2)

Epistle

Acts 13:25-32

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; and he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon.

verse: They who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish the courts of our God. (Psalm 91:13,14)

Gospel

Mark 6:14-30

Communion Hymn

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

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

10. 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.

9. 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!

8. 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 freed mankind from corruption,* bestowing life, incorruption, and Your great mercy upon the world.

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

Come, all you people,* let us sing the praises of our Saviour’s resurrection on the third day.* For we have, thereby, been delivered from the invincible bonds of Hades,* and we have received incorruption, together with eternal life.* Therefore, we cry out to You* after Your crucifixion, burial, and resurrection:* Save us by Your resurrection, for You love mankind.

In Tone 4

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

You are the divine mediator between the old and new testaments,* the prophet and forerunner,* an angel in the flesh, the denouncer of lawlessness,* offspring of the womb of a barren woman,* a mouth breathing fire:* You upbraided Herod who committed iniquity.* Unable to endure your denunciation,* he commanded that your head be cut off!* It was brought in on a platter;* but like food of abstinence and divine delight,* it continued to denounce the adulterer!

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

Incited by her evil mother,* the depraved daughter asked for your all-glorious head,* the head that is cherished by the angels!* For she was unable to endure your denunciation.* Therefore, bearing it on a platter and dancing as she carried it,* she turned the joy of those at the banquet into lamentation.* Yet you continued to denounce the evil of adultery, blessed one.* Entreat Christ that our souls may be saved!

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

Made foolish by drunkenness,* Herod was carried away by adultery and voices carolling in song!* In fulfilment of his unrighteous oath,* he caused your murder, righteous and glorious prophet.* But your death openly announced immortality to those who had died before,* for you became a preacher and herald for those in hell,* proclaiming the saving coming of Christ our God!* Entreat Him that He may save and enlighten our souls!

In Tone 1

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

Most blessed Alexander,* you were a shepherd of the Church;* a champion of orthodoxy wisely casting down the Arian heresy!* You prayed with supplications, all-wise and glorious one,* that his wickedness be cast out of the Church!* Therefore, together we honour you!

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

Honourable John,* you disdained the corruption of the flesh,* and in your abstinence and faith, vigilance and confession,* you were found to be an earthly angel and heavenly man!* Entreat Christ that He may grant our souls great mercy!

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

You truly submitted to the divine teachings of your namesake!* You hastened to the heights of the virtues,* as to the third heaven, glorious one!* You heard the ineffable and divine words of the Spirit!* As an unshakable foundation of the Orthodox,* by your prayers may the Saviour be merciful to us!

In Tone 6

Glory…

Again Herodius raves with raging lust.* Dance of deceit; feast of murder!* The Baptist is beheaded, and Herod forfeits all peace,* but through the prayers of the forerunner grant us your peace, O Lord!

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 Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.

By hanging on the Cross, O Almighty One,* You shook the whole creation to its foundations.* When You Yourself were laid in the grave,* You raised to life those who had been lying in the graves,* and You granted life and incorruption to mankind.* We, therefore, praise and glorify Your resurrection on the third day.

For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

O Christ, the lawless people showed their ingratitude to You, their Benefactor,* by delivering You to Pilate who condemned you to be crucified.* But You willingly suffered death and burial;* and, as God, You rose by Your own power on the third day,* granting us everlasting life and great mercy.

Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

The women, shedding bitter tears, came to see You in Your tomb;* and not finding Your body, they lamented, saying:* O Saviour and King of All, how were You stolen?* What place holds Your life-bearing body?* An angel answered them, saying:* Do not weep, but go and proclaim that the Lord is risen,* filling our hearts with joy;* for He alone is most compassionate.

In Tone 4

Glory…

Herod celebrated an unfitting birthday* and an utterly shameless feast,* for captivated by lust for a woman* and excited by a woman’s wantonness,* he had the head of the forerunner cut off!* But he did not cut out the tongue of the prophet* who denounced his foolishness!* Shedding innocent blood, he wished to conceal his iniquitous sin,* but he could not stop the voice which calls all to repentance!* And though he made merry in the midst of murder,* we lovingly celebrate the blessed slaying of John the Baptist,* for he preceded the Life into hell,* proclaiming Christ our God, the Orient from on high,* the only greatly merciful One,* to those who sat in darkness and the shadow of death!

Now…

O most pure Virgin, hear the petitions of your servants.* Remove the burdens which oppress us,* and deliver us from our sorrows;* for you are the only firm and constant support on whom we rely.* O Mother of God, never permit us who call upon you* to be overwhelmed by our cares.* Hasten to fulfil the supplications of all who, in faith, cry out to you:* Rejoice, O Lady, helper of all mankind,* the joy, the refuge, and the salvation of our souls.

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 2

Glory…

The remembrance of the just is worthy of praise,* but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner;* for it has shown that you are indeed more worthy of honour than the prophets.* You were found worthy to baptize the Lord whom you foretold.* Thereafter, you suffered for the truth* and, rejoicing, also announced the good news to those in the Abyss* that God had appeared as man,* taking away the sins of the world,* and granting to all of us the abundance of mercy.

Now…

O Mother of God, the mysteries which surround you are exceedingly glorious,* and beyond the power of understanding.* For you retained the seal of purity,* and your virginity remained inviolate;* yet you are acknowledged, without doubt,* to be the Mother who gave birth to the true God.* We beg you, therefore, to entreat Him to save our souls.

 

DIVINE LITURGY

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.”

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: My Saviour and Deliverer from the grave* as God raised out of bondage the children of the earth* and shattered the gates of Hades;* and as Master, He rose on the third day.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 4: By your birth, O immaculate one,* Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness,* and Adam and Eve* from the corruption of death.* And your people, redeemed from the guilt of their sins,* celebrate as they cry out to you:* “The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God* and nourisher of our life.”

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

How great are Your works, O Lord* You have made all things in wisdom.

verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul: O Lord my God, You are exceedingly great. (Psalm 103:24,1)

Epistle

1 Corinthians 16:13-24

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)

Gospel

Matthew 21:33-42

Communion Hymn

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

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

The shrine which holds your belt, O Theotokos,* is ever known by your servants to be an ark of sanctification.* It is our glory and boast; a sacred wall surrounding us;* a fountain of healings!* Therefore being divinely gathered today,* we hymn your mighty acts* and the vast abyss of your wonders!

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

The shrine which holds your belt, O Theotokos,* is ever known by your servants to be an ark of sanctification.* It is our glory and boast; a sacred wall surrounding us;* a fountain of healings!* Therefore being divinely gathered today,* we hymn your mighty acts* and the vast abyss of your wonders!

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

Behold the all-glorious place!* Behold the ever-radiant temple in which a treasure has been laid:* the belt of the Mother of the divine Son!* People, come!  Draw forth enlightenment and mercy,* and shout with a grateful heart: all-holy Virgin, we bless you,* for we have been saved by your childbearing!

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

Behold the all-glorious place!* Behold the ever-radiant temple in which a treasure has been laid:* the belt of the Mother of the divine Son!* People, come!  Draw forth enlightenment and mercy,* and shout with a grateful heart: all-holy Virgin, we bless you,* for we have been saved by your childbearing!

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

We rejoice and keep the feast of the placing of your belt, O Theotokos,* for today you have granted it to your people,* it is a sacred garment, wealth that cannot be stolen,* a precious gift and river of healings* overflowing with spiritual treasures!

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

We rejoice and keep the feast of the placing of your belt, O Theotokos,* for today you have granted it to your people,* it is a sacred garment, wealth that cannot be stolen,* a precious gift and river of healings* overflowing with spiritual treasures!

In Tone 2

Glory… Now…

All-pure Theotokos, the Church of God is robed in your holy belt,* as with a supremely shining diadem!* It is radiant today and cries out to you rejoicing,* rejoice, sovereign Lady!* Precious diadem and crown of divine glory!* Rejoice, for you alone are the fullness of glory and everlasting gladness!* Rejoice, refuge of those who run to you:* our intercessor and salvation!

Readings

(1) Genesis 28:10-17; (2) Ezekiel 43:27; 44:1-4; (3) Proverbs 9:1-11

Aposticha

In Tone 4

You bestowed your belt upon your city, O all-glorious one,* as a firm bulwark,* protecting it from every misfortune by divine acts,* and preserving it unvanquished by the foe;* for it cries out with love:* Your Son and Lord, Who alone is compassionate,* is my strength and might,* and the cause of my great rejoicing!

Arise, O Lord, into Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness.

They who reign piously are splendidly adorned by your belt,* as with a precious crown, O all-pure one.* And they boast in your divine greatness* and are known to inspire terror in the enemy which ever wars against us,* and they praise you, crying out* to Him Who was born of you in manner past recounting:* O all-glorious Jesus,* save us all, in that You are compassionate!

The rich among the people shall entreat your countenance.

You enwrap us with the power of your belt, O Virgin,* strengthening us against the enemy,* subduing the passions* which ever torment and war against us,* and ever granting us victorious dispassion,* that we may glorify you in purity and ardently cry to your Son:* O almighty Jesus, save us all,* in that You are compassionate!

In Tone 2

Glory… Now…

Having cleansed our heart and mind,* let us keep feast together with the angels,* joyfully addressing the song of David* to the maiden Bride of the King of all, Christ our God,* saying: arise, Lord, into your resting place,* both You and the ark of Your holiness!* For You have adorned her as a beautiful palace,* giving her as an inheritance to Your people, O Master,* to preserve and shelter them from their enemies,* by Your mighty power, through her supplications!

Troparion

In Tone 8

Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city* and to our souls great mercy.

Glory… Now…

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

 

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city* 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 2: Your womb which received divinity* was girded about by your precious sash, O Mother of God.* It became an unconquerable force for your city* and a generous treasury of good things:* O you, the only virgin who ever gave birth.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

verse: Because he has regarded the humility of His handmaid; for behold, all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)

Epistle

Hebrew 9:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 8

verse: Rise up, O Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness.

verse: The Lord swore an oath to David, and will not go back on His word. (Psalm 131:8,11)

Gospel

Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

Communion Hymn

I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)