GREAT VESPERS

Psalm Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

O Christ, You won the victory over Hades,* You ascended the Cross so that You might raise up with Yourself* all those who dwelt in the darkness of death.* Almighty Saviour, You are free from death* and bestow life by Your divine light.* We, therefore, beseech You to have mercy on us.

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

Today Christ has conquered Death.* He has risen from the grave as He had foretold,* bestowing great joy upon the world.* Therefore, let us all lift up our voices and sing:* O Fount of Life, O Light whom no one can approach,* Almighty Saviour, have mercy on us.

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

O Lord, where can we sinners flee from You,* for You are present in all creation?* You are present in heaven, for it is Your dwelling place.* You power prevails in Hades where You conquered Death.* O Master, Your sustaining hands touches even the depths of the sea.* Where, then, can we take refuge except in You?* We, therefore, prostrate ourselves before You and pray:* O Lord, risen from the dead, have mercy on us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before the morning star You were begotten of the Father;* before the ages You were conceived without a mother,* even though Arius believed You to be created, and not God.* He shamelessly confused the Creator with his creatures,* thus deserving eternal punishment.* Yet the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.

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

Who has severed Your garment, O Saviour?* It was Arius who divided the Trinity* who is equal in glory and eternal majesty.* For he denied that You are one of the most Holy Trinity.* He taught the transgressing Nestorius* to say that the Virgin is not the Mother of God;* but the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.

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

Declaring that the Light could not be seen,* Arius fell into the pit of the impious ones;* his body was torn apart by the justice of God,* and he gave up his soul in a violent manner.* He was another Judas by his thoughts and deeds.* But the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.

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

The foolish Arius divided the unity of the Holy Trinity* into three different and unequal substances.* But the God-bearing Fathers came together in Council.* Burning with the zeal of Elijah the Tishbite* and with the sword of the Holy Spirit,* they cut down these shameful blasphemies;* for they were directed by the Spirit.

Glory…

Let us honour today those mystical trumpets of the Spirit,* namely, the God-mantled Fathers,* who speaking of divine things,* sang in the midst of the Church a hymn in unison,* teaching that the Trinity is one,* not differing in substance or Godhead,* refuting Arius and defending the orthodox faith.* They always intercede with the Lord* to have mercy on our souls.

Now…

Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He Who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.

Readings: (1) Genesis 14:14-20; (2) Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17; (3) Deuteronomy 10:14-21

Aposticha

In Tone 6

O Christ our Saviour,* the angels in heaven sing the praises of Your Resurrection;* make us, on earth, also worthy* to extol and glorify You with a pure heart.

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

Almighty God, You destroyed the brazen gates and bars of Hades* and raised up fallen mankind.* Therefore, with one accord, we cry out:* O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to you!

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

Christ willed to renew us from our corruption of old* by being nailed to a Cross and placed in a tomb.* When the women came to anoint His body, they tearfully cried out:* O, what sorrow afflicts us!* O Saviour of all, how could You consent to occupy a grave?* If You truly willed this, then why did You allow Your body to be stolen?* How were You removed?* What place now conceals Your life-bearing body?* O Lord, appear to us as You promised* and put an end to our tears.* As they were lamenting, an angel appeared and cried out to them:* Do not weep, but tell the apostles that the Lord is risen,* granting sanctification and great mercy to the world.

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

O Christ, You were crucified of Your own free will,* and by Your burial You imprisoned Death.* As God, You rose in glory on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.

In Tone 4

Glory…

O believers, let us come together today* to celebrate in faith and true worship* the remembrance of the God-inspired Fathers* who had come together from throughout the world,* in the splendid city of Nicea.* They rejected the doctrine of the impious Arius* and banished him from the universal Church* by a decree of the Council.* They instructed all to openly profess the Son of God,* that He is consubstantial and co-eternal with the Father before eternity,* and they clearly wrote this in the Symbol of Faith.* Therefore, following their divine doctrines,* let us worship the Son in true faith,* together with the Father and the Holy Spirit,* the Trinity consubstantial in one Godhead.

Now…

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

Troparia

In Tone 6

Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,** glory to You!

In Tone 4

Glory… Now…

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

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

First Antiphon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Third Antiphon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entrance

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

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

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 6: Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!

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

Troparion, Tone 8: Christ our God, You are glorified above all,* You established our fathers as beacons on earth* and through them guided all of us to the true faith.* Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: The apostles’ preaching and the Fathers’ doctrine* confirmed the Church’s one faith,* and wearing the garment of truth* woven from theology that descends from on high,* she rightly imparts* the mystery of godliness* and sings its glory.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

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

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.

verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26,27)

Epistle: Acts 20:16-18, 28-36

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: The God of gods, the Lord, spoke and summoned the earth from the rising of sun to its setting.

verse: Gather to Him His devout ones, who with sacrifice make covenant with Him. (Psalm 49:1,5)

Gospel: John 17:1-13

Hymn to the Mother of God

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

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

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:1) Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Instead of “We have seen the true light” and “Let our mouths be filled” we sing:

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

GREAT VESPERS

Psalm Reading

“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

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

You were begotten from the Father before the morning star,* but Arius taught wrongfully that You were created:* In his ignorance he designated You as a creature,* yet the fathers of the council proclaimed You as Son of God,* co-enthroned with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

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

Who has torn Your spotless vesture, Saviour?* Who has challenged the unity of the triune Godhead?* It is Arius, for he denied that You are equal to the Father.* Those who follow him do not believe that God took flesh for our sake,* but the fathers of the council proclaimed You as Son of God,* co-enthroned with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

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

The foolish Arius blasphemed the holy Trinity,* dividing the Persons into three different and unequal substances,* but the God-mantled fathers denounced his confusion:* They assembled with the zeal of Elijah,* destroying error with the sword of the Spirit,* directed by the inspiration of God!

In Tone 8

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

Blessed Forerunner John, your head shone from the ground* with rays brighter than the sun.* It enlightens the faithful.* We have it has a divine treasure* and draw rich grace from it,* sanctifying our souls, our bodies and thoughts.* As we celebrate, we call you blessed.

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

Blessed Forerunner John, your head shone from the ground* with rays brighter than the sun.* It enlightens the faithful.* We have it has a divine treasure* and draw rich grace from it,* sanctifying our souls, our bodies and thoughts.* As we celebrate, we call you blessed.

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

Your holy head, blessed Forerunner, poured out abundant grace.* It was shown without his foreknowledge* to the priest who was wise in God.* He quickly went with faith and grace* and openly brought about its sanctified coming* with the emperor and the divinely wise people* who fervently maintain the orthodox faith.

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

Your holy head, blessed Forerunner, poured out abundant grace.* It was shown without his foreknowledge* to the priest who was wise in God.* He quickly went with faith and grace* and openly brought about its sanctified coming* with the emperor and the divinely wise people* who fervently maintain the orthodox faith.

1. Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.6. If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

We celebrate the third revelation of your precious head.* When it was severed, glorious one,* the Trinity crowned it for your godly zeal.* The ranks of angels, the company of martyrs,* the apostles of God and all the prophets rejoice in its discovery.* Together with them, ever remember us, Forerunner of the Lord!

In Tone 6

Glory…

O Forerunner, your head, divinely preserved,* has risen from the bosom of the earth* as a treasury of graces of God.* Having received it, we bow down in reverence, O glorious prophet of Christ.* Through you, we have been given wondrous miracles* and have obtained the remission of our sins.

In Tone 8

Now…

We praise the radiance of Your countenance,* seeing Your Ascension upon the mount, O Christ,* the splendour of the Father’s glory.* We bow in worship before Your Passion!* We honour Your Resurrection!* We praise Your glorious Ascension!* Lord, have mercy on us!

Readings

(1) Isaiah 40:1-11; (2) Malachi 3:1-18; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15.

Aposticha

In Tone 2

Come, O faithful: let us venerate the head which was cut off by a sword:* the precious head of the Forerunner,* commemorating its finding on this day.* Let us go out to meet it with hymns, wholeheartedly honouring it* as a fountain which pours forth the grace of healing upon us.* This is the head which was once cut off by the foolish Herod,* goaded by the grudging of Herodias.

O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful.

As gold is taken from the mines,* so has the head of the Forerunner come forth from the earth,* radiant in its reliquary.* He still speaks, clearly accusing Herod, the adulterous murderer;* and he illumines our souls with his light.* In our hymns today, we the faithful venerate the Forerunner* who intercedes for us before God.

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

The head of the Baptist lay long hidden underground* like a treasure in a chest.* Today it is revealed to the whole world, pouring forth abundant streams of healing,* stopping illnesses, and shedding light on our souls.* We rejoice in its divine consolations as we sing the praises of the Forerunner.

In Tone 6

Glory… Now…

God has gone up with a shout;* the Lord, with the sound of a trumpet,* in order to save the fallen image of Adam,* and to send the comforting Spirit,* Who will sanctify our souls!

Troparion

In Tone 4

O prophet and forerunner,* Christ has revealed to us your head as divine treasure concealed in the earth.* Assembled for this discovery* we praise Christ with hymns inspired of God.* Through your intercessions He saves us from corruption.

Glory… Now…

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

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

First Antiphon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Third Antiphon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entrance

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

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

Troparia and Kontakia

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

Troparion, Tone 4: O prophet and forerunner,* Christ has revealed to us your head as divine treasure concealed in the earth.* Assembled for this discovery* we praise Christ with hymns inspired of God.* Through your intercessions He saves us from corruption.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: The Forerunner, a luminous and divine support in the world,* the lampstand of the sun,* has revealed his resplendent and divine head to the ends of the earth.* He hallows those who bow and cry out in faith:* “Save us all, O most wise Baptist of Christ.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

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

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

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

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

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

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

Epistle

Acts 21:8-14; 2 Corinthians 4:6-15

Alleluia, Tone 2

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

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

verse: Light is risen for the just and joy for the righteous of heart. (Psalm 96:11)

Gospel

John 14:27-15:7; Matthew 11:2-15

Hymn to the Mother of God

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

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

Communion Hymn

God ascended amid shouts of joy;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet. (Psalm 46:6)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Instead of “We have seen the true light” and “Let our mouths be filled” we sing:

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

GREAT VESPERS

Psalm 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.

Behold, we celebrate today the Feast of Pentecost,* the descent of the Holy Spirit,* the fulfilment of the promise and the realization of hope.* How wonderful and awesome is this great mystery!* Therefore, O Lord and Creator of all,* we cry out: Glory to You!

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

Behold, we celebrate today the Feast of Pentecost,* the descent of the Holy Spirit,* the fulfilment of the promise and the realization of hope.* How wonderful and awesome is this great mystery!* Therefore, O Lord and Creator of all,* we cry out: Glory to You!

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

You renewed Your disciples, O Christ,* by giving them a variety of tongues* with which to proclaim that You are the Immortal God,* the Word who bestows great mercy upon our souls.

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

The Holy Spirit provides every gift:* He inspires prophecy and perfects the priesthood;* He grants wisdom to the illiterate,* makes simple fishermen become wise theologians,* and establishes perfect order in the assembly of the Church.* Therefore, O Comforter, equal in nature and majesty with the Father and the Son,* O Lord, glory to You!

In Tone 2

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

We have seen the true light;* we have received the heavenly Spirit;* we have found the true faith!* Worshipping the undivided Trinity* for it has saved us.

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

We have seen the true light;* we have received the heavenly Spirit;* we have found the true faith!* Worshipping the undivided Trinity* for it has saved us.

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

You have shown us, O Saviour,* the way to salvation through the Prophets;* and the grace of Your Holy Spirit* has shone upon us through the Apostles.* You are God from all eternity,* our God, now and forever.

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 Saviour of the world,* I sing a hymn of praise to You in Your temple;* on my knees, I adore Your invisible power,* at dawn and dusk and at noon;* indeed, at all times, I bless You, O Lord.

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

We Your faithful people, O Lord,* prostrate our souls and bodies before You.* We sing a hymn of praise to You, the eternal Father;* and to Your Son, equal to You in eternity;* and to Your all holy Spirit, co-eternal with You,* the Enlightener and Sanctifier of our souls.

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

Let us sing a hymn of praise to the consubstantial Trinity,* Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;* for this is the command and teaching* of all the Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs.

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

Come, all you nations of the world,* let us adore God in three holy Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One.* From all eternity, the Father begets the Son,* equal to Him in eternity and majesty,* equal also to the Holy Spirit,* glorified with the Son in the Father,* three Persons, and yet a single power and essence and Godhead.* In deep adoration, let us cry out to God:* Holy is God who made all things through the Son* with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit.* Holy the Mighty One through whom the Father was revealed to us,* and through whom the Holy Spirit came to the world!* Holy the Immortal One, the Spirit, the Counsellor,* who proceeds from the Father and reposes in the Son.* All-holy Trinity, glory to You!

Readings

(1) Numbers 11:16-17, 24-29; (2) Joel 2:23-3:5; (3) Ezekiel 36:24-28

Lytia

In Tone 2

You have shown us, O Saviour,* the way to salvation through the Prophets;* and the grace of Your Holy Spirit has shone upon us through the Apostles.* You are God from all eternity,* our God, now and forever.

O Saviour of the world,* I sing a hymn of praise to You in Your temple;* on my knees, I adore Your invisible power,* at dawn and dusk and at noon;* indeed, at all times, I bless You, O Lord.

We Your faithful people, O Lord,* prostrate our souls and bodies before You.* We sing a hymn of praise to You, the eternal Father;* and to Your Son, equal to You in eternity;* and to Your all holy Spirit, co-eternal with You,* the Enlightener and Sanctifier of our souls.

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

O Lord, when You sent down Your Spirit,* upon the assembled Apostles,* the children of Israel were struck with awe* as they heard them speak in many tongues,* inspired by the Holy Spirit.* They knew them to be illiterate and now saw them wise,* speaking divine truths and bringing Gentiles to the faith.* Therefore, we also cry out to You:* You have appeared on earth and saved us from error;* O Lord, glory to You!

Aposticha

In Tone 6

O Lord, the Gentiles were unaware of the power of the Holy Spirit* that had come down upon the Apostles;* they thought the many tongues were an effect of drunkenness.* But we who are strengthened by them cry our ceaselessly:* O Lover of Mankind, take not Your Holy Spirit away from us.

A pure heart create for me, O God; put a steadfast spirit within me.

O Lord, the descent of Your Holy Spirit on Your Apostles* made them speak a variety of tongues.* When the unbelievers witnessed this marvel, they took it for drunkenness,* when, in fact, it was a cause of salvation for the faithful.* We beseech You, therefore, O Lover of Mankind,* to make us worthy of the revelation of this Spirit with us.

Do not cast me away from Your presence, nor deprive me of Your Holy Spirit.

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

In Tone 8

Glory… Now…

In days of old, pride brought confusion of tongues* to the builders of the Tower of Babel,* but now the diversity of tongues enlightened the minds* and gave knowledge for the glory of God.* Then, God punished the impious for their sin;* now, Christ enlightened fishermen through His Spirit.* Then, the confusion of tongues was for the sake of punishment;* now, there was a variety so that voices could be joined in harmony* for the salvation of our souls.

Troparion

In Tone 8 modified
Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You. (3)

Alternative Troparion text, in Tone 8 modified
Blessed are You, O Christ our God, for You have given us wise fishermen. After sending them Your Holy Spirit, You caught all the world through them – O loving Master, glory to You! (3)

 

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FESTAL MATINS

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

The Lord Is God, Tone 8

Troparion, Tone 8

Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You. (2)

Glory… Now…

Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending the, the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

Kathisma & Small Litany

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 4

Come, O faithful, let us celebrate the feast of the Fiftieth Day:* the day which concludes the Feast of feasts;* the day on which the pre-ordained promise is fulfilled;* the day when the Comforter descends upon the earth in tongues of fire;* the day of the disciples’ enlightenment.* They are revealed as initiated into the heavenly mysteries,* for truly the light of the Comforter has illumined the world.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Kathisma & Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 4

The fountain of the Spirit rushes down to earth,* mystically divided into flaming streams,* both refreshing and enlightening the apostles;* the fire became for them a cloud of dew,* raining enlightenment upon them.* From them we have received grace by fire and water,* for truly the light of the Comforter has illumined the world.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Polyeleos

Exaltation

We extol You,* O Christ the Giver of life,* and we venerate your most Holy Spirit,* whom You sent upon your holy apostles from the Father.

1. The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
2. By his word the heavens were made, by the breath of his mouth all the stars.
3. All the earth shall remember and return to the Lord; all families of the nations worship before Him.
4. A pure heart create for me, O God; put a steadfast spirit within me.
5. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your Holy Spirit.
6. The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

Glory… Now…

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

After your resurrection from the grave, O Christ,* and your divine ascension into the highest heavens,* You made your glory descend upon the witnesses of your divinity,* and You renewed a spirit of righteousness in the hearts of your disciples.* Therefore, they have filled the world, O Saviour,* with the sounds of your teaching and your work of salvation,* as a melodious harp mystically played with the divine plectrum.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Gradual Hymn, Tone 4, Antiphon 1

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Let your good Spirit guide me* in ways that are level and smooth.

verse: Lord, hasten to my prayer; turn your ear to my appeal.

Let Everything That Has Breath, Tone 4

Gospel

John 20: 19-23

Psalm 50

After Psalm 50, Tone 6

Glory…

Through the prayers of the apostles,* O merciful Lord,* cleanse us from the multitude of my transgressions.

Now…

Through the prayers of the Theotokos,* O merciful Lord,* cleanse us from the multitude of my transgressions.

Have mercy on me, God, in your loving kindness, according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.

Heavenly King, Comforter,* Spirit of Truth,* You are everywhere present and fill all things.* Treasury of blessings and Giver of life,* come and dwell within us,* cleanse us of all stain,* and save our souls, O gracious Lord.

Canon I

Ode 1, Tone7

(Irmos) He drowned Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,* for He is the One who shattered the armies with the power of his arm.* Let us sing to Him, for He is covered with glory.

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

As You promised your disciples in earlier days, O Christ the Lover of Mankind,* You sent your comforting Spirit;* thus You made his light shine over the world.

Glory… Now…

That which was formerly announced by the Law and the prophets* is fulfilled today;* for the grace of the Spirit rests on each of the faithful.

He drowned Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,* for He is the One who shattered the armies with the power of his arm.* Let us sing to him, for He is covered with glory.

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

Ode 3, Tone 7

(Irmos) You said to your apostles, O Lord:* Remain in Jerusalem until the day when you shall be clothed with power from on high;* and I will send you another Paraclete,* the Spirit of the Father and of Me,* in whom you will be strengthened.

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

By his descent, the power of the Holy Spirit has divinely reunited in a new harmony* the tongues that were formerly divided by their evil design.* He reveals to the faithful the Trinity in whom we are strengthened.

Glory… Now…

You said to your apostles, O Lord:* Remain in Jerusalem until the day when you shall be clothed with power from on high;* and I will send you another Paraclete,* the Spirit of the Father and of Me,* in whom you will be strengthened.

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

The friends of the Saviour were filled with joy and renewed in heart,* those who were formerly filled with fear;* for on this day the Holy Spirit descended from the heights of heaven upon the apostles.* They spoke to each person in his native tongue,* for the tongues of fire were distributed but did not consume them;* rather, they covered them with dew.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Ode 4, Tone 7

(Irmos) Meditating upon your final coming, O Christ,* the prophet cried out:* I have seen your power, O Lord,* for You have come to save those who are consecrated to You.

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

The One who was spoken of by the prophets,* and who was formerly announced by the Law to the imperfect people,* is revealed this day as truly God and the Paraclete* to the servants and witnesses of the Word.

Glory… Now…

Bearing the seal of the divinity,* the Spirit was imparted to the apostles in the form of fire;* He is manifested through the gift of tongues,* for He is the divine power who comes freely from the Father.

Meditating upon your final coming, O Christ,* the prophet cried out:* I have seen your power, O Lord,* for You have come to save those who are consecrated to You.

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

Ode 5, Tone 7

(Irmos) O Lord, the Spirit of your salvation,* which formerly was received by the prophets in fear,* now creates a pure heart in your apostles* and renews in our hearts an upright spirit;* for your commandments, O Lord, bring us light and peace.

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

The power which descends on us is the Holy Spirit,* the goodness and wisdom of God,* the Spirit who proceeds from the Father* and is revealed by the Son to us the faithful.* He fills with holiness those in whom He dwells.

Glory… Now…

O Lord, the Spirit of your salvation,* which formerly was received by the prophets in fear,* now creates a pure heart in your apostles* and renews in our hearts an upright spirit;* for your commandments, O Lord, bring us light and peace.

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

Ode 6, Tone 7

(Irmos) Sailing across the ocean of life and tossed about by the cares of the world,* engulfed in the midst of my sins and thrown to the monster who devours souls,* as Jonah, I cry out to You, O Christ:* Deliver me from this deadly abyss.

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

You pour out your Spirit in abundance upon all flesh,* as You had promised, O Lord;* and the universe is filled with the knowledge of You,* for the Father has begotten You as a Son,* and the Spirit proceeds from Him.

Glory… Now…

Sailing across the ocean of life and tossed about by the cares of the world,* engulfed in the midst of my sins and thrown to the monster who devours souls,* as Jonah, I cry out to You, O Christ:* Deliver me from this deadly abyss.

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

Small Litany

Kontakion, Tone 8

When the Most High descended and confused tongues,* He scattered the people;* but when He distributed the tongues of fire,* He called all to unity.* Therefore, with one voice,* let us praise the most Holy Spirit.

Ikos

Grant to your servants, O Jesus, a prompt and firm comfort; for our spirits are filled with sadness. Do not abandon us in our affliction and do not keep yourself far from our sorely-tried hearts, but come to us in haste. Come close to us, O Lord, who are present everywhere; in your goodness, remain united to those who love You, as You were always with your apostles, so that, united with You, we may sing and glorify your most Holy Spirit.

Ode 7, Tone 7

(Irmos) In the fiery furnace,* the youths transformed the blazing flames which surrounded them into dew,* for they praised the Lord by singing:* Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

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

While the apostles were preaching the marvels of God,* the unbelievers took for drunkenness the power of the Spirit* who made known to us the Trinity,* the one God of our fathers!

Glory… Now…

According to the true faith,* we confess the indivisible nature of God the Father without beginning,* of the consubstantial Word and the Holy Spirit:* Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

In the fiery furnace,* the youths transformed the blazing flames which surrounded them into dew,* for they praised the Lord by singing:* Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

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

Ode 8, Tone 7

(Irmos) On Sinai, the bush that burned without being consumed,* revealed God to Moses* as He spoke to the one of unsure speech;* and in the furnace, the three youths, invincible in their zeal for God,* began to sing a hymn of praise:* Sing to the Lord, all you his works and exalt Him forever.

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

When the violent gust of wind bearing life descended from heaven,* the most Holy Spirit of God, in the form of tongues of fire,* breathed on the fishermen with great force;* and they began to preach the marvels of God:* Sing to the Lord, all you works of the Lord and exalt Him forever.

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

Let us approach the inviolate mountain* without fear of the terrible fire;* come, let us climb the mountain of Zion,* the city of the living God.* In joy, let us now unite ourselves with the choir of the disciples,* the bearers of the Spirit:* Sing to the Lord, all you works of the Lord and exalt Him forever.

Now…

On Sinai, the bush that burned without being consumed,* revealed God to Moses* as He spoke to the one of unsure speech;* and in the furnace, the three youths, invincible in their zeal for God,* began to sing a hymn of praise:* Sing to the Lord, all you his works and exalt Him forever.

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

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

Omit Magnificat

Ode 9

O my soul, extol the one God in three Persons.

(Irmos, Tone 7) You have conceived in all purity,* and the Word and Creator of the universe takes flesh in you,* O spouse- less Mother and virginal Birthgiver of God,* the dwelling place of the One whom none could contain,* and the abode of the infinite One, your Creator.* For this, we extol you.

O my soul, extol the one God in three Persons.

He who formerly was taken up in a chariot of fire,* the prophet who was filled with zeal and fervour,* prefigured the brilliant coming of the Spirit,* who descends upon the apostles this day;* and shining with the brightness of this fire,* they make the Trinity known to all.

O my soul, extol the one God in three Persons.

The laws of nature are surpassed;* wonderful thing is now heard:* while the apostles resound with one voice,* by the grace of the Holy Spirit,* people, nations, and languages all understand in their own way the wonders of God,* for they have been initiated into the knowledge of the Holy Trinity.

O my soul, extol the one God in three Persons.

You have conceived in all purity,* and the Word and Creator of the universe takes flesh in you,* O spouseless Mother and virginal Birthgiver of God,* the dwelling place of the One whom none could contain,* and the abode of the infinite One, your Creator.* For this, we extol you.

Glory… Now…

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

Hymn of Light, Tone 3

O most Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father through the Son,* and who has now descended upon the uneducated disciples,* save and sanctify all those who recognize You as God. (2)

Glory… Now…

The Father is light and the Word is light;* the Holy Spirit also is light!* He is sent upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire,* and through Him the whole world receives the light of baptism* to adore the Holy Trinity.

At the Praises

In Tone 4

All the peoples have seen wonders today in the city of David,* when the Holy Spirit descended in tongues of fire,* as told by the God-inspired Luke, who said:* The disciples of Christ were gathered together;* there was a sound like a mighty wind,* and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.* And they began to speak in foreign tongues,* teaching the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. (2)

The Holy Spirit was, is, and always will be* without beginning and without end,* but always one with the Father and the Son.* He is Life and Giver of Life,* He is Light and Giver of Light,* good by nature and source of goodness.* is through Him that the Father is known and the Son glorified;* and all people have come to know the one power, and the one substance,* and the same adoration of the Holy Trinity. (2)

The Holy Spirit is Light and Life,* the Living Spring mystically gushing forth,* the Spirit of Wisdom and Spirit of Knowledge,* good, upright, and understanding,* majestic, and purifying from sin.* He is God and deifies us;* Fire proceeding from fire,* speaking, acting, and distributing gifts.* It is through Him that all the prophets and the apostles of God* have received the crown, together with the martyrs.* A strange report to hear and strange to see:* the fire is divided for the sharing of gifts. (2)

In Tone 6

Glory… Now…

Heavenly King, Comforter,* Spirit of Truth,* You are everywhere present and fill all things.* Treasury of blessings and Giver of life,* come and dwell within us,* cleanse us of all stain,* and save our souls, O gracious Lord.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

After “Blessed is the Kingdom…” (if the custom)

Heavenly King, Comforter,* Spirit of Truth,* You are everywhere present and fill all things.* Treasury of blessings and Giver of life,* come and dwell within us,* cleanse us of all stain,* and save our souls, O gracious Lord.

Antiphon 1

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

Through the prayers of the Mother of God…

Day to day pours forth the message and night proclaims this knowledge to night.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God…

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

Through the prayers of the Mother of God…

Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

O Lord, by Your power the king shall rejoice and greatly exult in Your salvation.

Troparion, Tone 8: Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

You gave him his heart’s desire and did not deny the request of his lips.

Troparion, Tone 8: Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

For You have gone before him with gracious blessings, you have placed upon his head a crown of precious stones.

Troparion, Tone 8: Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

Entrance

Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and make music to Your might.

Troparion, Tone 8: Blessed are You, O Christ our God who revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending them the Holy Spirit; through them You caught the entire world. Loving Master, glory to You.

Glory… Now…

Kontakion Tone 8 When the Most High came down and confused the tongues,* He parted the nations.* When He divided the tongues of fire,* He called all to unity;* thus with one voice* we glorify the all-Holy Spirit.

Instead of the Trisagion

All you, who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

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

Epistle

Acts 2:1-11

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: By the Lord’s words the heavens were established, and by the Breath of His mouth all their host.

verse: The Lord has looked down from heaven and beheld the whole human race.

Gospel

John 7:37-53; 8:12-13

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify the one Divinity in three Persons.

Rejoice, O Queen, boast of the virgins and mothers, for every tongue, though capable and eloquent, cannot hymn you as is your due, and every mind is confounded in seeking to comprehend the way in which you gave birth. Wherefore with one accord we glorify you.

Communion Hymn

Your good Spirit will lead me to the land of righteousness. Alleluia, thrice.

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Понеділок Святого Духа. Тиждень 1-ий по Зісланні Святого Духа. Загальниця.

 

Неділя П’ятидесятниці – 8-а Неділя Пасхи (День Святої Тройці)

ВЕЧІРНЯ

Cпіваємо навколішках

(г. 6): Царю небесний, утішителю, Душе істини,* що всюди єси і все наповняєш,* скарбе дібр і життя подателю,* прийди і вселися в нас,* і очисти нас від усякої скверни,* і спаси, Благий, душі наші.

Стихири

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

(г. 1): П’ятидесятницю святкуємо і прихід Духа,* здійснення обітниці і сповнення надії.* Яке ж це велике і святе таїнство!* Тому й кличемо до тебе:* Творче всіх, Господи, – слава тобі!

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

Мовами чужими наділив ти, Христе, своїх учнів,* щоб ними проповідували тебе – безсмертне Слово і Бога,* який дає нам велику милість.

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

Усе подає Дух Святий:* пророків посилає, священиків удосконалює,* неграмотних мудрости навчає,* рибалок богословами появляє,* і єднає всю церковну спільноту.* Єдиносущний і співпрестольний Отцеві й Синові,* Утішителю, – слава тобі!

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

(г. 2): Ми бачили світло істинне,* ми прийняли Духа небесного,* ми знайшли віру істинну,* нероздільній Тройці поклоняємось,* вона бо спасла нас.

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

Тройцю єдиносущну піснями звеличуємо:* Отця і Сина зі Святим Духом,* бо так проповідували всі пророки* й апостоли з мучениками.

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

Пославши твого Святого Духа,* сповнив ти, Христе, обітницю,* дану своїм учням,* – послати силу з висоти,* і доказав ти нам, що ти – Істина.* Тому ті, що покладаються на тебе, Добрий,* воістину не засоромляться.

Слава І нині (г. 6): Царю небесний, утішителю, Душе істини,* що всюди єси і все наповняєш,* скарбе дібр і життя подателю!* Прийди і вселися в нас* і очисти нас від усякої скверни* і спаси, Благий, душі наші.

Прокімен

Псалом 76 (г. 7)

Хто бог великий, як Бог наш?!* Ти той Бог, що творить чудеса.

Стих: Ти показав між народами силу свою.

Стих: Я сказав: Тепер я розумію, − це зміна волі Всевишнього.

Стих: Я згадав діла Господні, бо пригадав усі давні чуда твої.

Зараз після прокімена диякон виголошує:

Ставши навколішки, Господеві помолімся.

Хор: Господи, помилуй (3 р.).

Тоді всі клякають, а священик проказує голосно оцю молитву:

Перша коліноприклонна молитва

Пречистий, нескверний, безначальний, невидимий, неосяжний, недослідимий, непереможний, незмінний, безмежний і безгрішний Господи! В тебе єдиного є безсмертя, ти живеш у світлі неприступнім. Ти створив небо і землю, і море і все, що в них існує. Перше ніж просити, ти всі наші прохання задовольняєш, тож молимось тобі й тебе просимо: Владико чоловіколюбний, Отче Господа Бога і Спаса нашого Ісуса Христа, що заради нас людей і задля нашого спасіння зійшов з неба і воплотився від Духа Святого і Марії, вседіви і преславної Богородиці. Він найперше словами навчав, згодом же й ділами появив, коли витерпів спасенні страждання, і так доручив нам нужденним, грішним і недостойним, що голови й коліна приклонили, приносити тобі моління за наші гріхи й людські невідання. Ти сам, Милостивий і Чоловіколюбче, вислухуй нас, коли взиваємо до тебе, зокрема ж у цей П’ятидесятний день, коли ти – після того, як Господь наш Ісус Христос вознісся на небо і возсів по правиці тебе, Бога і Отця, – на святих своїх учнів і апостолів зіслав Духа Святого. Він спочив на кожному з них і сповнились усі вони невичерпної Його ласки; різними мовами проповідували вони твої величності й пророкували.

Тому нині вислухай нас, що молимось тобі: Пом’яни нас нужденних і поневолених, і виведи душі наші з полону. Змилуйся над нами, твоїми молільниками. Прийми нас, що припадаємо до тебе і кличемо: Ми згрішили! Тобі ми віддані від лона матері нашої, бо ти Бог наш.

Усі встають.

Єктенія усильного благання

після якої диякон виголошує:

Ставши навколішки, ще раз Господеві помолімся.

Хор: Господи, помилуй (3 р.).

Друга коліноприклонна молитва

Господи Ісусе Христе, Боже наш! Ти ще за життя, перебуваючи між нами, подав свій мир людям і постійно подаєш вірним дар пресвятого Духа у сталому спадкоємстві. Зокрема ж сьогодні зіслав ти своїм апостолам й учням цю ласку у вигляді вогняних язиків, наснаживши їхні уста. Через них кожний народ у власній мові прийняв до свого слуху богопізнання. І ми просвітилися світлом Святого Духа та визволилися від омани, мов від темряви. Задля роздачі видимих і вогняних язиків, і задля надприродного діяння навчились ми вірувати в тебе і вихваляти тебе з Отцем і Святим Духом, просвітившись одним Божеством і його силою та владою. Бо ти – Отцеве сяйво й незмінний та непорушний образ його природи й істоти.

О, Джерело премудрости й благодаті! Відчини наші грішні уста й навчи нас, як і за що слід молитися. Хоч ти знаєш незліченне число наших гріхів, але твоє добросердя перемагає їхній безмір. Ми ж бо з острахом стоїмо перед тобою, кинувши в безодню твоєї милости безнадію нашого серця. Покеруй нашим життям, бо ти словом керуєш усе створіння, своєю невимовною мудрістю і силою, тиха пристане для тих, які плавають п бурях. Покажи нам шлях, яким нам іти. Нашим думкам зішли духа премудрости; духа розуму дай нашому нерозумові; духом остраху огорни наші вчинки і духа правого обнови в нутрі нашому; духом могутнім утверди хисткі наші помисли, аби повсякденно твій Дух благий направляв нас до добра, аби сподобитись нам виконувати твої заповіді і завжди пам’ятати про твій славний прихід та про суд над учинками нашими.

І не допусти, щоб спокушала нас тлінна краса цього світу, але зміцни прагнення до прийдешніх скарбів. Бо ти, Владико, сказав, що коли хтось що-небудь попросить у твоєму імені, то напевно одержить від твого споконвічного Отця і Бога. Тому і ми, грішні, в день приходу твого Святого Духа, молимо твою доброту, щоб дав ти нам усе потрібне для спасіння. Ти, Господи, щедрий податель усякого блага, бо щедро даєш, чого просимо. Ти співчутливий і милостивий, бувши учасником нашого тіла, крім гріха, – тож добросердно нахились до нас, що перед тобою зігнули коліна, й очисть нас із гріхів наших.

Дай, Господи, своєму народові твої щедроти. Вислухай нас з твого святого неба: освяти нас силою своєї спасенної правиці, покрий нас покровом крил своїх і не відкинь творіння рук твоїх. Проти тебе єдиного ми грішимо, але тобі єдиному й служимо: не вміємо поклонятися чужому Богові, ані простягати наших рук до інших богів. Прости нам гріхи, прийнявши наші коліноприклонні моління. Подай усім нам руку допомоги. Прийми оцю спільну молитву, як приємне кадило, що приноситься перед твоїм вселаскавим престолом.

Всі встають і проказують:

Сподоби, Господи

Потім диякон виголошує:

Ставши навколішки, ще раз Господеві помолімся.

Хор: Господи, помилуй (3 р.).

Третя коліноприклонна молитва

Вічнотекуче Джерело життя і світла, співіснуюча з Отцем творча Сило! Ти, Христе Боже наш, чудово здійснив увесь задум спасіння людства. Ти розірвав нерозривні кайдани смерти і розбив пекельні засуви та й подолав безліч лукавих духів. Ти привів себе, як непорочну жертву за нас, віддавши своє пречисте тіло, вільне від усякого Гріха і для нього неприступне. Дивним цим і несказанним священнодійством ти дав нам життя вічне; зійшовши в ад, розірвав ти вічні кайдани і тим, що сиділи в темряві, показав вихід. А змія, зачинальника злоби, що сидів у безодні, ти, велична премудросте Отця, полонив богомудрою принадою і зв’язав кайданами мороку та й прикріпив його своєю незмірною силою в незгаснім вогні пекла, у вічній темряві.

Владико всіх, Боже, Спасителю наш, надіє всіх людей землі і тих, що далеко на морі! Ти в цей останній і великий, і спасенний день празникн П’ятидесятниці показав нам тайну святої єдиносущної і співіснуючої, нероздільної і незлитої Тройці, та прихід і зшестя твого святого й животворного Духа, якого ти зілляв у вигляді вогняних язиків на твоїх святих апостолів. Ти вчинив їх благовісниками та ісповідниками нашої благочестивої віри і показав проповідниками справжнього богослов’я. Ти в цей досконалий і спасенний празник зволив прийняти молитовні очисні приноси за тих, що в аді, даючи нам велику надію на злагіднення їхніх мук і свою для нас утіху. Вислухай нас, смиренних своїх слуг, твоїх молільників: Упокой душі твоїх спочилих слуг у місці світлім, у місці приємнім, у місці прохолоднім, звідки уступила всяка недуга, журба й зітхання, і посели їхні душі в оселях праведних; сподоби їх миру і полегші. Не мертві бо восхвалять тебе, Господи, ані ті, що в аді, не насміляться віддавати тобі прославу, але ми, живі, славословимо тебе і молимо, і приносимо тобі очисні моління й жертви за їхні душі.

Всі встають, а диякон проказує єктенію:

Єктенія прохальна

Стихири на стиховні

(г. 3): Нині явним знаком для всіх стали язики.* Бо ті, з яких Христос по тілу,* недугуючи невірством, відпали від Божої благодаті,* а ми, що від поган походимо,* божественного світла сподобилися, зміцнившись словами учнів,* які проповідували славу Доброчинця всіх, Бога.* Тому з ними, схиливши серця й зігнувши коліна,* з вірою поклонімось Святому Духові,* скріплені Спасителем душ наших.

Стих: Серце чисте створи в мені, Боже,* і духа правого обнови в нутрі моєму.

Нині утішительний Дух зійшов на всяке тіло,* почивши від збору апостолів.* Від них він за їхньою співучастю,* розширив благодать на вірних,* і запевняє свій могутній прихід у вогнянім вигляді,* роздаючи учням мови на піснеспів і славу Божу.* Тому, скріпившись у вірі Святим Духом,* серцем духовно просвічені,* молімось за спасіння душ наших.

Стих: Не відкинь мене від лиця твого,* і Духа твого Святого не відійми від мене.

Нині апостоли зодягаються Христовою владою з висот,* бо Утішитель обновляє їх, сповнивши таїнственним оновленням розуму.* Його вони дивними мовами* і високомовними словами проповідують* і нас навчають, щоб почитати вічне і нескладне, і триособове єство,* всіх благодітеля Бога.* Тому, просвітившись їхнім навчанням,* поклонімся Отцеві з Сином і Духом,* і молімся за спасіння душ наших.

Слава I нині (г. 8): Прийдіть, народи світу, поклонімся Богові в трьох особах:* Синові в Отці зі Святим Духом.* Отець бо споконвічно родить Сина споконвічного та співпрестольного,* а Дух Святий є в Отці співставлений з Сином:* одна сила, одна природа, одне Божество.* Йому поклоняючись, усі виголошуємо:* Святий Боже, що все твориш Сином,* за співдіянням Святого Духа!* Святий Кріпкий, що нам Отця об’явив* і в світ послав Святого Духа!* Святий Безсмертний і Душе – Утішителю,* що від Отця виходиш і в Сині перебуваєш:* Тройце Свята, – слава тобі!

Тропарі

(г. 8): Благословен єси, Христе Боже наш,* що премудрими рибаків явив,* зіславши їм Духа Святого,* і ними уловив вселенну.* Чоловіколюбче, слава Тобі.

 

БОЖЕСТВЕННА ЛІТУРГІЯ:

Cпіваємо навколішках

(г. 6): Царю небесний, утішителю, Душе істини,* що всюди єси і все наповняєш,* скарбе дібр і життя подателю,* прийди і вселися в нас,* і очисти нас від усякої скверни,* і спаси, Благий, душі наші.

Антифон 1
Стих 1: Небеса повідають славу Божу, творіння ж рук його сповіщає твердь (Пс 18,2).
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.

Стих 2: День дневі передає слово і ніч ночі об’являє розуміння (Пс 18,3).
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.

Стих 3: На всю землю вийшло вістування їх і до кінців вселенної глаголи їх (Пс 18,5).
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.

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

Антифон 3

Прийдіте, возрадуємося Господеві, воскликніть Богу, Спасителеві нашому.

Приспів: Спаси нас, Утішителю благий,* співаємо Тобі: Алилуя.

Ідім перед лицем його з ісповіданням і псалмами воскликнім йому.

Приспів: Спаси нас, Утішителю благий,* співаємо Тобі: Алилуя.

Бо Бог – великий Господь і цар великий по всій землі.

Приспів: Спаси нас, Утішителю благий,* співаємо Тобі: Алилуя.

Вхідне: Вознесися, Господи, силою Твоєю,* оспівуватимемо і співатимемо сили Твої (Пс. 20,14).

Вхідне:
Вознесися, Господи, силою твоєю, оспівуватимемо і співатимемо сили твої (Пс 20,14).

Тропарі і Кондаки
Тропар (глас 8): Благословен єси, Христе Боже наш, що премудрими рибаків явив, зіславши їм Духа Святого, і ними уловив вселенну. Чоловіколюбче, слава тобі.

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

Кондак (глас 8): Коли ти, зійшовши, язики змішав,* розділив ти народи, Всевишній.* Коли ж вогненні язики ти роздавав,* у з’єднання всіх ти призвав.* І одноголосне славимо* Пресвятого Духа.

Прокімен (глас 6):
Спаси, Господи, людей Твоїх і благослови насліддя Твоє (Пс 27,9).
Стих: До Тебе, Господи, взиватиму, Боже мій, щоб не відвертався Ти мовчки від мене (Пс. 27,1).

Апостол: ( Ефесян 5, 9-19.)
Браття, поводьтеся, як діти світла. Плід світла є в усьому, що добре, що справедливе та правдиве. 10. Шукайте пильно того, що Господеві подобається. 11. Не приставайте до безплідних діл темряви а радше їх ганіте, 12. бо що ті люди потай роблять, соромно й казати. 13. Все, що ганиться, стає явним у світлі, і все, що виявляється, стає світлом. 14. Тому говорить: «О ти, що спиш, прокинься, встань із мертвих, і Христос тебе освітить».

15. Тож уважайте пильно, як маєте поводитися: не як немудрі, але як мудрі, 16. використовуючи час, бо дні лихі. 17. Тому не будьте необачні, але зрозумійте, яка Господня воля. 18. Не впивайтеся вином, що доводить до розпусти, але сповнюйтеся Духом. 19. Проказуйте між собою вголос псалми й гимни та духовні пісні, співайте та прославляйте у серцях ваших Господа.

Алилуя (глас 1):
Стих: Помилуй мене, Боже, по великій милості Твоїй (Пс. 50,3).
Стих: Не відкинь мене від лиця Твого і Духа Твого Святого не відійми від мене (Пс. 50,13).

Євангеліє: (Матея 18, 10-20.)

Сказав Господь:

10. Глядіть, щоб ви ніким з оцих малих не гордували: кажу бо вам, що ангели їхні на небі повсякчас бачать обличчя мого Отця небесного.

11. Бо Син чоловічий прийшов спасти те, що загинуло.

12. Що ви гадаєте? Коли хто має сто овець і одна з них заблудить, чи він не кине дев’ятдесят дев’ять у горах і не піде шукати ту, що заблудила? 13. І коли пощастить найти її знову, істинно кажу вам, що він радіє нею більше, ніж дев’ятдесят дев’ятьма, що не заблудили.

14. Так само і в Отця вашого небесного немає волі, щоб загинуло одне з тих малих.

15. Коли брат твій завинить супроти тебе, піди й докори йому віч-на-віч. Коли послухає, тебе, ти придбав брата твого.

16. Коли не послухає тебе, візьми з собою ще одного або двох, щоб усяка справа полагоджувалась ж словом двох або трьох свідків.

17. І коли він не схоче слухати їх, скажи Церкві; коли ж не схоче слухати Церкви, нехай буде для тебе як поганин і митар.

18. Істинно кажу вам: усе, що ви зв’яжете на землі, буде зв’язане на небі, і все. що розв’яжете на землі, буде розв’язане на небі.

19. Істинно кажу вам ще раз: коли двоє з вас згодиться на землі просити що б там не було, воно буде дано їм моїм Отцем небесним; 20. бо де двоє, або троє зібрані в моє ім’я, там я серед них.

Замість Достойно:
Величай, душе моя, в трьох особах суще єдине божество.
Ірмос (глас 4): Радуйся, царице, матеродівственна славо, всякі бо легкомовні благоговірливі уста промовити не можуть, щоб тебе оспівувати достойно, і безсильний ум усякий, щоб твоє рождество розуміти. Тому тебе одноголосне славимо.

Причасний:
Дух Твій благий наставить мене на землю праву (Пс 142,10). Алилуя (х3).

 

GREAT VESPERS

Kathsima

“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.

In Tone 6

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

Through faithfulness the disciples of the Lord* became instruments of the Spirit* and were scattered to the ends of the earth* to proclaim His sacred word and the doctrine of truth.* From these roots, an army of Martyrs blossomed forth* by the grace of the Divine Gardener.* By their numberless torments and by fire,* they imitated the holy passion of Christ,* and now they intercede for our souls.

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

Inflamed by the love of the Lord,* the venerable Martyrs of Christ despised the fire;* and being consumed as living coals,* they burned the dried grass of the arrogance of error;* they bridled the mouths of the beasts by their prayers;* and by their beheading, they severed the hosts of the enemy.* Having courageously shed their blood,* they watered the Church with the seed of their faith.

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

Truly the heroic Martyrs have wrestled with beasts* and were torn apart by their claws;* they fell under the edge of the sword* and were mutilated and tortured;* they were thrown into fire and burned alive,* dismembered and pierced with swords.* All this they bore courageously,* seeing in advance what was to come:* the unfading crowns and the glory of Christ.* And now they intercede for our souls.

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

Let us celebrate with songs of praise* the deeds of all the Saints over all the earth,* honouring them, as it is fitting:* the Apostles and Martyrs,* the Bishops and Holy Women.* While living on earth, they joined with the heavenly spirits,* and by the grace of Christ,* they received immortality through their sufferings.* They shine as bright stars for us,* and now they intercede for our souls.

Glory…

You are pillars of the Church* and the fulfilment of the Gospel,* O divine ranks of Martyrs.* By your deeds you have fulfilled the words of the Saviour;* for through you the gates of Hades,* once opened against the Church, have now been closed;* and through the shedding of your blood* you dried up the sacrifices poured out for the idols.* And having built up the faith of believers through your martyrdom,* you filled the heavenly spirits with admiration.* You stand before Christ, wearing your crowns;* intercede with Him for our souls.

In Tone 8, Now…

Out of his love for mankind* the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt with men,* for He assumed a human body from the pure Virgin* and was seen in the flesh He received from her.* He is the One and only God having two natures but not two persons.* Wherefore we profess and declare the truth * that Christ our God is perfect God and perfect Man. * O Mother, who knew not carnal union, * intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

Readings

(1) Isaiah 43:9-14; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 8

O Jesus, You descended from heaven* so that You might ascend the cross.* O immortal Life, You came to die.* You are the true light to those who live in darkness,* and You are the resurrection of the fallen.* Therefore, O Saviour of all, we glorify You.

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

Let us glorify Christ, the Saviour of our Souls* Who arose from the dead.* For He took upon himself a soul and a body,* and during His passion He separated the one from the other.* His pure soul went down to conquer Hades,* while His holy body lay uncorrupted in the grave.

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

O Christ, we glorify Your resurrection with psalms and hymns.* For by Your victory over death* You delivered us from the sufferings of Hades,* and as God You granted us eternal life and great mercy.

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

O Lord of all, Creator of heaven and earth,* You are above all understanding.* Through Your passion on the cross* You freed us from the sufferings of Hades.* And, after condescending to be buried, You arose in glory;* and with Your mighty arm You also raised up Adam.* O most merciful Lord, we glorify You;* for by Your resurrection on the third day* You granted us remission of sins and eternal life.

In Tone 6

Glory…

Come, O faithful, let us exalt with joy:* let us celebrate in faith on this day* the feast of all the Saints;* and let us venerate their glorious memory, saying:* Rejoice, Apostles, Prophets, and Martyrs,* Bishops, O Just and Blessed Ones,* together with the ranks of the Holy Women.* Intercede with Christ for us,* that He may grant peace to the world* and great mercy to our souls.

Now…

Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,* came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.* He clothed Himself in our flesh* to set us free from the original curse of Adam.* Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,* as the true Virgin Mother of God,* and we sing with the angels:* Rejoice, O Lady, Advocate, Protector, and salvation of our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 8

You came down from on high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You.

In Tone 4, Glory…

Your Church throughout the world, O Lord,* is clothed with the blood of Your Martyrs* as with fine linens and purple robes;* and so the Church cries out to You, O Christ our God:* Send down Your goodness upon Your people;* grant peace to Your Church and great mercy to our souls.

Now…

O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the Cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,* and saved our souls from death.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: You came down from on high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You!

Troparion, Tone 4: Clothed as in purple and fine linen* with the blood of Your martyrs throughout the world,* Your Church cries out to You through them, O Christ God:* send down Your loving-kindness on Your people;* grant peace to Your community,* and to our souls great mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: O Lord, Master of nature,* the world offers You the godly martyrs as the first-fruits of nature.* By their supplications, through the Mother of God,* preserve Your Church and Your people in profound peace,* O most merciful One.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

Pray and give thanks to the Lord our God.

verse: In Judea God is known; His name is great in Israel. (Psalm 76:12,2)

Epistle

Hebrews 11:33-12:2

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of their afflictions.

verse: The afflictions of the just are many, and out of them all will the Lord deliver them. (Psalm 33:18,20)

Gospel

Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:1) Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

GREAT VESPERS

Psalm Reading

“Blessed is man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

O Lover of mankind,* when You were at supper with Your faithful disciples* You revealed the great mystery of Your incarnation, saying:* Eat the life-giving bread which is My Body,* and drink the Blood of eternal life.

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

The room, where Christ celebrated the Passover,* became a heavenly tabernacle,* an unbloody supper and a spiritual service,* and the table, on which these mysteries were celebrated,* a spiritual altar.

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

O Bread of heaven, You blessed the bread* and offered thanks to the Father and Begetter.* You also took the chalice and gave it to Your disciples, saying:* Take, eat – this is My Body,* and drink the Blood of incorruptible life.

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 Lord fed His disciples with heavenly food.* Before His passion He gave them the Bread of Angels,* more wonderful than the manna.* “Your fathers,” said the Lord, “ate manna in the desert and died.* This is the bread that comes down from heaven;* whoever eats this bread shall not die, but shall live forever.”* Grant today that we may also partake of this bread,* through the prayers of the Mother

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

After the disciples had eaten the Mystical Supper,* Christ took bread into His hands, raised His eyes to heaven,* blessed and broke it, gave it to His disciples, saying:* Take eat; this is My Body, which is broken for you* for the remission of sins and life everlasting.

In Tone 4

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 drew the ends of the earth out of the depths of vainglory* and evil ungodliness* with the net of your words, O divinely eloquent Apostle.* You brought them with faith to Christ God, * Who had given you such grace.* You are His divine disciple and the preacher of His mysteries,* O Apostle Bartholomew.

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

Jesus our God, the Sun of glory* sent you to the whole world like a ray of light* to disperse the gloom of ungodliness, O all-glorious one,* and to enlighten all who sit in the darkness of ignorance.* You made them heirs of the light, O divinely wise Bartholomew!

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

You imitated the First Goodness* and the essential and all-divine life.* You became a good man in essence, O Barnabas,* receiving a name meaning “Son of Consolation.”* By the goodness of your character and purity of your mind,* you showed yourself to be a true disciple of Christ!

In Tone 6

Glory…

O all praised Barnabas,* radiant vessel of the Holy Spirit and “Son of Consolation,”* even before Paul you were the foremost of the seventy disciples;* with Paul you preached the Gospel to the ends of the earth.* Therefore, fulfilling your talk of grace with your deeds,* you offered yourself as an immaculate whole burnt offering to Christ, your Teacher.* O glorious Apostle, we pray to you:* “Ever pray that our souls may be saved in peace!”

In Tone 4

Now…

Come, you lovers of feasts,* let us today joyfully celebrate the saving feast of the life-giving Bread* and the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world.* Let us celebrate today, not with the leaven of our sinful past,* but with sweetness of purity and truth.* And, having purified ourselves, let us become His worthy partakers,* in order to obtain the everlasting kingdom of Christ.

Readings

(1) Exodus 16:1-3,11-15; (2) 1 Samuel 21:2-7; (3)1 Kings 17:2-16

(4) 1 Peter 1:3-9; (5) 1 Peter 1:13-19; (6) 1 Peter 2:11-24

Lytia

In Tone 6

David, the forefather of Christ,* played and danced before the overshadowed Ark.* Today, we also worship God in the tabernacle,* Whose human nature the Ark prefigured.* For, here, instead of the manna,* we mysteriously behold the incarnate Divinity,* and instead of the tablets of the Law,* the Lawgiver Christ our God,* Who saves our souls.

In the Old Testament the Ark was overlaid inside and outside with gold.* When the heathens seized it,* the Lord could not suffer to dwell with the idol in the temple,* but dashed it to the ground, smashing its head and both palms of its hands.* Yet, You, O Lover of mankind, Christ our God,* willed to enter the defiled temple of our wretched souls?* Therefore, purify and sanctify our souls, O Lord.

O pure Lamb, Who takes away the sins of the whole world!* for the salvation of mankind You changed bread into Your Body,* and under the form of bread You mysteriously hid Yourself,* body, soul, and divinity.* Today, we, the faithful,* solemnly and fervently worship this Bread with faith.

In Tone 2

Glory… Now…

We, the faithful, with trembling,* approach Your Mystical Supper and divine table,* desiring to drink of the fountain of immortality;* but fear and trembling seize us because of our numerous sins.* Through You we wish to be cleansed of them,* by the supplications of our Lady, the Mother of God.

Aposticha

In Tone 1

Let us praise the living and heavenly Bread* which, in an unspeakable manner, continually comes down from heaven,* and with one mind let us say:* Rejoice! 0 Body of Christ,* through which we all have been saved.* Rejoice! 0 divine and sacred Blood,* through which we have been redeemed.

By the Bread of the Angels man is fed; He sent them food in abundance.

O marvellous wonder!* You gave Your very self to Your disciples and friends as food, saying:* Eat this bread – it is My Body.* And taking the chalice, You said:* All of you, drink My Blood!

And, as though rain He sent them manna as food, and He gave them bread from heaven.

O divine, most holy, most precious Body of the God-Man and Word!* Save Your servants from all anxiety, temptation, and every kind of assault,* and grant the heavenly kingdom and life,* for the sake of Your mercy.

In Tone 8

Glory…

O all-praised Barnabas, Apostle of the Saviour,* you are a vessel of faith, the “Son of Consolation,”* the calm harbour of the storm-tossed.* Since you have boldness, ever pray for our souls* that we may be preserved in peace on the day of your memorial!

In Tone 8

Now…

O glorious wonder!* Christ, having taken bread and blessed it,* gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and eat – this is My Body;* take also the chalice.* Then the living and divine Bread came down from heaven at that mystical supper,* and of His own free will gave Himself as food.* Therefore, let everyone examine himself,* and then let him eat and drink for the salvation of soul and life everlasting.

Troparia

In Tone 4

Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You! (2)

In Tone 1

Receiving the Spirit as He came in fiery tongues,* you preached the coming of the Word in the flesh.* While one of you was beheaded for the Gospel, * the other endured stoning for the sake of the faith.* You have been sent to adorn the choirs of heaven, O Bartholomew and Barnabas.* We honour your memory and ask that you intercede* with God to forgive our sins.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures.

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

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for You are with me.

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

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

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

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

Troparion, Tone 4: Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You!

Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.

Troparion, Tone 4: Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You!

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

Troparion, Tone 4: Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You!

Entrance

I will offer You a sacrifice of praise; I will call upon the name of the Lord.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: Your memorial, O Christ our God,* has shone forth upon the world as a festal day,* for the fishermen learned from You to offer unbloody sacrifice with bread and wine.* And so, we celebrate Your divine memorial,* and doing so cry out, O Lord, glory be to You!

Troparion, Tone 1: Receiving the Spirit as He came in fiery tongues,* you preached the coming of the Word in the flesh.* While one of you was beheaded for the Gospel, * the other endured stoning for the sake of the faith.* You have been sent to adorn the choirs of heaven, O Bartholomew and Barnabas.* We honour your memory and ask that you intercede* with God to forgive our sins.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: O Bartholomew, Apostle of the Lord,* you appeared to the world as a shining star.* You enlightened with the splendour of your teachings and the wonder of your miracles* all those who honour you.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Behold Christ is present as food for all.* Come, let us fall down and worship Christ our God* hidden under these Mysteries and humbly cry out:* Consume us not by fire through communion, O Master, unworthy as we are,* but be the One who consumes our sins by fire* and purifies our souls.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

He would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.

verse: Exalt in God, our helper! (Ps 81:16,2)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

Epistle

1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Acts 11:19-30

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due season.

verse: You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Ps 144: 15,16)

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

Gospel

John 6:48-54; Luke 10:16-21

Communion Hymn

Whoever feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood abides in me, and I in him (John 6:56).* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

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 Zion and encompass her.* And there give glory to Him Who is risen from the dead.* For He is our God** Who delivers us from our sins.

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.

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

Rejoice, O you heavens;* sound the trumpets, you foundations of the earth;* cry out with joy, O you mountains.* For behold, Emmanuel has nailed our sins to the Cross;* the Giver of Life has put Death to death;* and the Lover of Mankind** has raised up Adam.

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

Let us praise the Lord* Who for our sake was willingly crucified in the flesh.* He suffered, was buried, and rose from the dead.* Therefore, let us sing to Him:* O Christ, keep Your Church in the orthodox faith* and bring peace to our lives;** for You are gracious and love mankind.

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 Christ our God, as we stand unworthily before Your life-bearing grave,* we offer a hymn of praise to Your ineffable tenderness of heart.* For You, O Sinless One,* in Your loving-kindness have accepted the Cross and death* in order to grant** resurrection to the world.

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

Let us praise the Word* Who is without beginning and co-eternal with the Father.* For our sake He was born of the Virgin;* He freely accepted the Cross and death, and rose in glory.* Therefore, let sing to Him:* Glory to You, O Lord,** the Giver of Life and Saviour of souls.

In Tone 8

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

Rejoice, all-wise Elisha!* when you had cleansed your mind of bodily pleasures, glorious one,* you received the radiance of the Spirit.* Your wholly radiant form passed this brilliance on to all.* Now you make your dwelling with the never-setting Light,* ever interceding on behalf of us who praise you!

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

Blessed Elisha, * when Elijah was indeed revealed to you riding upon the heavenly chariot, * he left you behind as his zealous disciple,* glorified by a double portion of spiritual gifts! * In imitation of him you made the river’s waters stand still by grace, * passing over them, glorious one! * You were made radiant with joy as you magnified Christ!

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

Showing kindness to the believing Shunamite woman of old,* in holiness you raised up the dead child by a prayer,* for you were a God-inspired, venerated prophet!* Again, with salt you brought the barren waters openly to fruitfulness; * you performed countless miracles by the grace of the all-powerful Spirit! * Therefore, blessed one, we praise you with hymns!

In Tone 2

Glory…

Today the divine coming of the prophets shines forth!* It calls mystically to the souls of those who love the feasts of the Church!* The one who mounted the chariot which crosses the heavens,* the star of the unfading east,* together with Elisha, the wondrous man,* broadens the streams of the new Jordan,* proclaiming the faith with purity!* They openly portray by a double image* the twofold blessing of the harmony and glory of the covenants, both old and new* for those who celebrate the feast of their memory with faith.

In Tone 1

Now…

Let us sing a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary,* glory of the whole world!* She was herself formed by human seed,* yet she became the Mother of the Master, the Gate of heaven,* the theme of the angels’ hymn and beauty of the faithful.* She was seen as being heavenly* and the Tabernacle of the Godhead.* She indeed tore down the wall of enmity between God and man,* and brought peace in its place, she opened up the kingdom of heaven.* Let us therefore cling fast to her for she is the anchor of faith,* and let us receive as our stronghold the Lord Who was born of her.* Be of good cheer, then, and have confidence, O people of God,** for He will fight our enemies for us, He is all-powerful!

Aposticha

In Tone 1

O Christ, by Your Passion we have been freed from suffering;* and by Your Resurrection we have been delivered from corruption.** O Lord, glory to You!

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

Let all creation rejoice, let the heavens be glad,* let the nations clap their hands with joy.* For Christ our Saviour, in His love for mankind,* has nailed our sins to the Cross;* He has put Death to death,* and by raising our fallen forefather, Adam,** He has given life to all mankind.

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

O God, You are above all understanding;* You are King and Lord of heaven and earth.* Yet of Your own free will,* You allowed Yourself to be crucified because of Your love for mankind.* When You descended below,* Hades was filled with bitterness as You confronted it;* but the souls of the just received You with great joy.* Adam arose when he saw You, his Creator, down in the depths.* What a wonder this is!* You are the life of all and have tasted death* in order to dispel the darkness of the world with Your light.** O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to You!

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

The myrrh-bearing women were filled with grief* as they hastened with spices to Your tomb;* but they did not find Your most pure body.* Instead, they found an angel* who proclaimed Your unique and glorious Resurrection,* and commanded them to announce to Your Apostles:** The Lord is risen, granting great mercy to the world.

Glory… Now…

O Mother of God, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled,* since you remained a virgin both before and after giving birth.* For it was God Who was born of you to restore our human nature.* Therefore, do not overlook your servants who supplicate you in your temple.* Since you have held the merciful Lord in your arms,* be compassionate toward your servants,** and beseech Him to save our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 1

Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your Kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan!** O only Lover of Mankind.

In Tone 4

Glory…

The glorious Elijah, an angel in the flesh,* the greatest of prophets and second forerunner of the coming of Christ,* by sending a blessing from heaven upon Elisha,* dispels sickness, cleanses lepers and brings healing* to all those who honour him.

Now…

O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,**and saved our souls from death.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans,* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day,* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan,* O only Lover of mankind.

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

Kontakion, Tone 1: You arose in glory from the tomb* and with Yourself You raise the world.* All humanity acclaims You as God.* and death has vanished.* Adam exults, O Master,* and Eve, redeemed from bondage now, cries out for joy:* “You are the One, O Christ, Who offer resurrection to all.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 1: When Gabriel uttered to you, O Virgin, his ‘Rejoice!’* at that sound the Master of all became flesh in you, the Holy Ark.* As the just David said,* you have become wider than the heavens carrying your Creator.* Glory to Him Who dwelt in you!* Glory to Him Who came forth from you!* Glory to Him Who freed us through birth from you!

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

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

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

Epistle

Romans 2:10-16

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: God gives me vindication, and has subdued people under me.

verse: Making great the salvation of the king, and showing mercy to His anointed, to David, and to His posterity forever. (Psalm 17:48,51)

Gospel

Matthew 4:18-23

Communion Hymn

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

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!

Most wise and praised Apostle Jude,* your sound has gone out into all the earth,* guiding as lightning to the never-fading Light* those darkened by the delusion of ungodliness.* Since now you are radiant with this Light,* beseech great mercy for our souls!

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

Most wise and praised Apostle Jude,* your sound has gone out into all the earth,* guiding as lightning to the never-fading Light* those darkened by the delusion of ungodliness.* Since now you are radiant with this Light,* beseech great mercy for our souls!

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

Most wise and praised Apostle Jude,* your sound has gone out into all the earth,* guiding as lightning to the never-fading Light* those darkened by the delusion of ungodliness.* Since now you are radiant with this Light,* beseech great mercy for 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.

As if you were a war-chariot of Christ, O wondrous Jude,* you put down the pride of idols.* By the Word of God, you mystically made captivity captive,* and gained life incorruptible, O glorious Apostle.* Since now you delight in this life,* beseech great mercy for our souls!

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

As if you were a war-chariot of Christ, O wondrous Jude,* you put down the pride of idols.* By the Word of God, you mystically made captivity captive,* and gained life incorruptible, O glorious Apostle.* Since now you delight in this life,* beseech great mercy for 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.

As if you were a war-chariot of Christ, O wondrous Jude,* you put down the pride of idols.* By the Word of God, you mystically made captivity captive,* and gained life incorruptible, O glorious Apostle.* Since now you delight in this life,* beseech great mercy for our souls!

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

You were a disciple of our incarnate God,* O Jude, Apostle of Christ.* You were sent by Him truly as a sheep among wolves,* by your speech turning them away from impiety,* bringing them to piety and a godly understanding of the holy Trinity.* Therefore we praise you.

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

You were a disciple of our incarnate God,* O Jude, Apostle of Christ.* You were sent by Him truly as a sheep among wolves,* by your speech turning them away from impiety,* bringing them to piety and a godly understanding of the holy Trinity.* Therefore we praise you.

In Tone 8

Glory…

You received openly the grace of the divine Spirit, O Apostle Jude,* as a participant in the sacred choir of the Apostles.* When the fiery breath came down from heaven,* breathing forth with a tongue of fire,* you utterly consumed the thorns of idolatry.* O Preacher, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved!

Now…

Out of his love for mankind* the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt with men,* for He assumed a human body from the pure Virgin* and was seen in the flesh He received from her.* He is the One and only God having two natures but not two persons.* Wherefore we profess and declare the truth* that Christ our God is perfect God and perfect Man.* O Mother, who knew not carnal union,* intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

Readings

Jude 1-10; Jude 11-16; Jude 17-25

Aposticha

In Tone 4

You have obtained invincible authority over demons, O Apostle,* and in the name of Christ, power to drive away the princes of darkness.* You have passed through the earth giving light as the sun,* and have taught all nations, O glorious one,* preaching Christ’s first and saving coming.

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

You were a man true in action, O Jude:* you are called the brother of the Lord,* reflecting the first grace of divine, natural life!* Because of your goodness and the purity of your mind,* you were manifest as a faithful disciple of Christ.

The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.

As an instrument well-tuned by the hand of God, O Apostle Jude,* you were given the task of calling the Gentiles,* guiding them to the true knowledge of Christ by your words and deeds.* You enlightened all to confess the true divinity of Jesus,* the Saviour of our souls.

In Tone 2

Glory…

You are wondrous indeed, O Apostle Jude!* You were filled with divine zeal,* burning with ardour for the almighty God,* Who revealed you to be filled with divine miracles.* You possessed a wondrous passion,* and obtained a reverent manner through God-like action.* Therefore you are exalted and dwell with the Angels on high.* Since you behold God, pray to the Word, Christ our God,* that He may grant us great mercy!

Now…

We now behold a new wonder,* greater than the wonders of old.* For who has ever known a mother to bear a child without the help of man?* Who has known a mother to hold in her arms the Source of all Creation?* It was God’s own will to be born in this manner;* and you, O most pure Virgin, carried Him as an infant in your arms.* Because of this, you can approach God with the boldness of a mother.* Therefore, we venerate you, and ask you to always beseech Him* to have mercy on us and save our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 1

As we know you to be Christ’s relative* and a steadfast martyr,* O Jude, we praise you with sacred hymns.* You trampled on error and kept the faith.* And so on this day as we feast your memory* through your prayers, O apostle,* we receive release from our sins.

Glory… Now…

O Holy Tabernacle, when Gabriel called out to you:* Rejoice, O Virgin, full of grace,* the Lord of All became incarnate of you,* as the righteous David had foretold.* In bearing your Creator, you have shown yourself to surpass the vastness of the heavens.* We, therefore, cry out: Glory to Him Who dwelt in you!* Glory to Him Who came forth from you!* Glory to Him Who has set us free* through your life-giving birth!

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: As we know you to be Christ’s relative* and a steadfast martyr,* O Jude, we praise you with sacred hymns.* You trampled on error and kept the faith.* And so on this day as we feast your memory* through your prayers, O apostle,* we receive release from our sins.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: O Jude, because of your solid mind* you were shown to be a chosen disciple and firm pillar of the Church of Christ.* You proclaimed to the nations His holy word* teaching them to believe in the one God* from Whom you received glory and the gift of healing* to cure the ills of those who flee to you,* O apostle, worthy of all praise.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands. (Psalm 18:5,2)

Epistle

Jude 1:1-10

Alleluia, Tone 1

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

verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 88:6,8)

Gospel

John 14:21-24

Communion Hymn

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