Polyeleos Feast. Nativity Fast. Resurrection Gospel 1.

GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY NIGHT

Kathisma Reading

Blessed is the man… is sung.

At Psalm 140

Tone 6

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.

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.

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.* Your power prevails in Hades where You conquered Death.* O Master, Your sustaining hand 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.

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

We exult in Your cross, O Christ,* and we sing the glory of Your resurrection.* For You are our God, and we have no other Lord but You.

Tone 4, Podoben “Called from on high…”

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

When He who tries the hearts of men* perceived your godly mind, O apostle,* with His divine foreknowledge, He delivered you from injustice and the world;* then, making you a universal light,* and commanding you to illumine and shine upon the ends of the whole world,* He manifestly counted you worthy to write His divine Gospel.* Entreat Him that He save and enlighten our souls.

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

When He who tries the hearts of men* perceived your godly mind, O apostle,* with His divine foreknowledge, He delivered you from injustice and the world;* then, making you a universal light,* and commanding you to illumine and shine upon the ends of the whole world,* He manifestly counted you worthy to write His divine Gospel.* Entreat Him that He save and enlighten our souls.

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

When the unoriginate Word called you away from your tax-booth to be His disciple,* He cried out to you, commanding you to follow Him* and promising you a share in His kingdom;* then, O most blessed one, forsaking all things* and abandoning the tumult of the crowd,* you steadfastly followed after him.* And now, O God-seer, you are manifestly full of the ineffable vision of Him.* Beseech Him that He save and enlighten our souls.

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

Of old the prophets’ clear vision perceived you to be a holy stone,* rolling upon the earth and crushing the snares of the deceiver;* and the hypostatic Wisdom, O most wise one,* made you a light to the world and a preacher of righteousness and truth,* radiant with the beams of the three-sunned Light, O most honoured one.* Entreat Him that He save and enlighten our souls.

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

O servant of the all-divine Wisdom,* when the unapproachable Light came in the flesh as was His will,* dispelling the gloom of ignorance,* then, summoned, you followed His life-bearing commands,* being a keeper of these in manner past understanding,* a beacon of the Church, and a dwelling-place of Christ, O Matthew.* Beseech Him that He save and enlighten our souls.

You were shown to burn up deception with a tongue of fire,* O Matthew most lauded and all-wise,* receiving the advent of the Comforter, who makes you radiant by His essence;* hence, you have astonished the every thought of those who listen to your words,* relating to men the mighty works of the Almighty.* And now your sound has gone forth into all the earth, O divinely inspired one.* Entreat Him that He take pity on all who sing to you.

Tone 4, Glory…

When Christ called you to heavenly discipleship,* you diligently followed Him, O God-pleaser,* casting aside without hesitation every exercise of earthly care;* for, receiving with goodly submission an understanding worthy of the heavenly kingdom,* you put aside a base life and vain glory.* And having been made an evangelist out of a publican,* you were shown to be a light to those in darkness and a guide to salvation for the lost.* And you are a most fervent intercessor for the whole world* and the saving protector of those who honour you, O Matthew.

Tone 6, 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 have mercy on our souls.

Readings

(1) 1 Peter 1:2-2:6; (2) 2:21-3:9; (3) 4:1-11

* * * * * *

Lytia

If the pastor so desire, a Litia may be chanted: the sticheron of the temple, and these stichera of the apostle

Tone 4, Podoben “As one valiant among the martyrs…”

With the rod of grace, O right wondrous one,* you drew men from the abyss of vanity,* submitting to the precepts of your Teacher,* who wholly enlightened your understanding and showed you forth as an honoured apostle * and a divine proclaimer of His unapproachable Divinity,* O most blessed Matthew.

The effulgence of the Spirit descended upon you in the guise of fire,* and made of you a divine habitation, O blessed one,* who quickly drive off the gloom of ungodliness* and enlighten the world with the splendour of your most wise words, O blessed one,* proclaimer of the mysteries of God,* adornment of the apostles and beholder of Christ.

Having illumined with the lightning flashes of your preaching* those who sit in the darkness of unbelief, O glorious one,* you showed them forth as children of our God and Master by their faith.* You emulated His sufferings and death and became a heir to His glory,* in that you are a wise proclaimer of God, a disciple of truth.

Tone 2, Glory…

Forsaking earthly things, you followed after Christ,* signed with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit* and sent by Him to the gentiles who were perishing,* to turn men to the light of the knowledge of God, O Apostle Matthew.* And, having completed the struggles of your divine suffering and diverse torments,* you committed your soul to Christ.* Entreat Him, O most blessed one, that He grant us great mercy.

Now…

All my hope do I place in you, O Mother of God:* keep me under your protection.

* * * * * *

Aposticha

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.

Tone 6, Glory…

Like a high-flying eagle you most gloriously soared from the depths of evil* to the uttermost heights, O most lauded Matthew;* for you followed in the steps of Christ who has covered the heavens with virtue* and filled the whole earth with His knowledge.* You showed yourself to be an ardent emulator of Him, proclaiming His glad tidings* that peace, life, and salvation are given to those who piously submitted to the precepts of God.* Likewise guide us there who please the Creator and call you blessed.

Now…

Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,* came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.* He clothed Himself in our human 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

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!

Tone 3, Glory…

O Matthew, proclaimer of God’s word,* you earnestly turned from the tax collector’s booth* and followed the Master, who out of His love* appeared to us on earth and summoned you.* You shone to the world as chosen apostle and loud herald of the Good News.* Because of this we feast your memory;* pray to God all-merciful* for the forgiveness of sins.

Now…

We sing your praises, O Virgin,* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and your Son took flesh.* Then, by suffering the passion on the cross,* and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.

GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 6

Troparia, 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! (2)

Tone 3, Glory…

O Matthew, proclaimer of God’s word,* you earnestly turned from the tax collector’s booth* and followed the Master, who out of His love* appeared to us on earth and summoned you.* You shone to the world as chosen apostle and loud herald of the Good News.* Because of this we feast your memory;* pray to God all-merciful* for the forgiveness of sins.

Now…

We sing your praises, O Virgin,* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and your Son took flesh.* Then, by suffering the passion on the cross,* and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.

Psalter Reading

Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 6

While the tomb lay open and Hades lamented,* Mary, cried to the Apostles who were in hiding saying:* “Come forth, you workers of the vineyard,* proclaim to the world the word of the Resurrection,* for the Lord is risen,* granting the world His great mercy!”

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.

Mary Magdalene stood by Your tomb O Lord,* and mistaking You for the gardener,* weeping she cried aloud to You:* “Where have You hidden the Life eternal?* Where have You placed He who sits on the Cherubic Throne?* For those who were guarding Him have become as dead-men through fear.* Either give me my Lord or cry out with me:* O You who were numbered among the dead and have raised the dead,* glory be to You!”

Glory… Now…

Gideon foretold of your conception,* and David revealed your ineffable child-bearing, O Theotokos;* for the Word descended like a dew upon the fleece of your womb,* and you O Virgin full of grace,* like unto a holy and fertile earth,* budded forth without seed our salvation, Christ God.

Psalter Reading

Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 6

Life was laid in the tomb* and a seal was set upon the stone;* the soldiers stood guarding Christ like a sleeping King;* and having invisibly struck His foes the Lord arose.

I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.

Jonah foretold of Your tomb,* and Symeon revealed Your divine Arising, O immortal Lord;* for You descended as One dead into the tomb,* and having smashed the gates of Hades,* You arose without corruption as Master, for the salvation of all the world,* O Christ our God,* enlightening those lying in darkness.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin Theotokos, entreat your Son Christ our God,* who was willingly nailed upon the Cross,* and freed the world from deception,* that He have mercy upon our souls!

Polyeleos

Magnification

We extol you,* O Mathew, apostle of Christ,* and we honour the pains and labours by which you struggled* in the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.

verses:

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

The heavens shall confess Your wonders, O Lord.

Glory… Now…

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

Evoglitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 6

By Your voluntary and life-giving death, O Christ,* You shattered the gates of Hades,* and as God You opened to us the Paradise of old;* and by arising from the dead,* You delivered our lives from corruption.

Sessional Hymn

Tone 1

The exceeding most wise Matthew, who was first to record the Gospel of Christ* and illumined all creation under the sun,* the excellent initiate of the mysteries of Christ,* who is now honoured with sacred hymns,* begs forgiveness of sins for those who honour him with love. (2)

Tone 3

Resplendent with works of the right Faith, you extinguished all false religion;* and as an insuperable victor you have proclaimed the Gospel to all* and have richly adorned all the Churches, O Apostle Matthew,* entreat Christ God, that He grant us great mercy. (2)

Tone 8, Glory…

Truly the sound of your wise words* has gone forth to all the ends of the earth, O most lauded apostle of the Lord,* for you manifestly preached to all the vision of God,* and brought the nations from ignorance to understanding.* Therefore, having dispelled the darkness of idolatry,* you have shone forth the light of knowledge upon those who sit in darkness, O most praised Matthew.* Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins* to those who honour your holy memory with love.

Now…

All of us, the generations of men, bless you, the Virgin* who, alone among women, gave birth without seed to God in the flesh;* for the fire of the Godhead dwelt within you,* and you have nourished the Creator and Lord with milk, as a babe.* Therefore, we, the generation of angels and men,* glorify your all-holy birthgiving as is meet, and cry out to you together:* entreat Christ God that He grant remission of offenses* to those who with faith worship your all-holy birthgiving.

Gradual Hymns, Tone 6

Antiphon 1

Unto heaven I raise my eyes, even unto You, O Word;* have pity on me,* that I may live for You.

Have mercy upon us who are filled with contempt O Word,* repairing Your broken vessels* that we may be found useful.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit is the cause of all salvation,* if He sees fit to breathe on one of His creatures,* He swiftly raises him from the things of this earth, and having given him wings,* makes him to flourish and raises him on high.

Antiphon 2

If the Lord had not dwelt among us,* none could have withstood the attacks of the enemy,* for those who are victorious* are exalted by Him.

Let not my soul be taken like a sparrow by their teeth, O Word;* Woe unto me!* How shall I, the lover of sin, be delivered from the power of the enemy?

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit all find divine inspiration,* goodness, understanding, peace, and blessing;* for He is equal in activity* to the Father and the Word.

Antiphon 3

They that put their trust in the Lord look upon high* and are thus fearful to their foes* and wondrous to all mankind.

Unto the pursuit of iniquities* the righteous stretch not the hands,* having You, O Saviour, as their helper.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit is sovereignty over all creation;* Him the armies of hosts above worship* and by everything that has breath below* is He worshiped.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

O Lord, stir up Your might* and come to save us.

verse: O Shepherd of Israel, attend, You that lead Joseph like a sheep.

Let everything that lives, Tone 6

Gospel

Matthew 28:16-20

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Canon, Tone 6

Ode 1

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Israel, marching on foot in the sea as on the dry land,* saw Pharaoh the pursuer overthrown in the deep,* and raised a triumphant shout:* Let us sing to God a hymn of victory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Good Jesus, with your arms stretched wide upon the cross, you have fulfilled in all things the Father’s good pleasure; therefore let us all sing to you a hymn of victory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Death, the end of life, as a slave under orders, in fear approaches you, the Lord of life, whereby you award to us life without end and resurrection.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Pure one, who beyond understanding received your Creator, of his own will made flesh in your seedless womb, you are declared to be in truth creation’s sovereign Lady.

The Supplicatory Canon to the Theotokos, Tone 8

Irmos: Having crossed the water as though it were dry land* and escaped from the wickedness of the Egyptians,* the children of Israel cried aloud:* Let us sing to our Redeemer and our God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Distressed by many temptations, I flee to you, seeking salvation. O Virgin and Mother of the Word, deliver me from my burdens and afflictions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

The increase of passions troubles me and fills me with great distress. Calm my soul, O Maiden, by the peace of thy Son and God, O all-blameless one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I implore you who gave birth to our Saviour and God, O Virgin: deliver me from perils, for, fleeing now to you for refuge, I lift up both my soul and my thoughts before you.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Ailing am I in body and soul; vouchsafe me the divine visitation and your care, O you who alone are the Mother of God, for you are good and the Mother of the Good One.

The Canon of Saint Matthew, Tone 4
The Composition of Theophanes

Irmos: I will open my mouth, and it will be filled with the Spirit;* and I will utter discourse to the Queen and Mother.* I shall be seen keeping splendid festival,* and, rejoicing, I will hymn her wonders.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

O most glorious Matthew, servant of Christ, richly bestow upon me the grace with abides within you, that I may cry out, splendidly proclaiming, and, rejoicing, may sing your wonders.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

You utterly abandoned the tumult of earthly things; for, having hearkened to the voice of the incarnate Word, you were shown to be a steward and God-pleasing herald of His grace.

Glory…

As an eye-witness and servant of the shining Word of the pre-eternal Father, O apostle, you went forth, proclaiming the glad tidings of His coming to all the nations.

Now…

You announced the glad tidings of the destruction of death, the abolishment of corruption and the manifestation of life, O wise one; for, having conceived the Unapproachable One in her womb, the Virgin has restored the world.

Katavasia: I shall open my mouth, and the Spirit will inspire it,* and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and Mother:* I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast* and joyfully praising her wonders.

Ode 3

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: None is holy but you, O Lord my God,* the one who is the Good;* you have exalted the horn of your faithful people,* and founded them on the rock of their confession of you.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Creation, seeing God crucified in the flesh, was dissolving in fear, but by the strong hand of the Crucified it was firmly held together.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Sorry death, destroyed by death, lies lifeless; unable to withstand the God-filled assault of Life, the strong one dies. And so to all is given resurrection.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure one, the wonder of your divine child-bearing surpasses the laws of nature: marvellous was your conceiving of God in your womb, and marvellous the birth and your abiding virginity.

The Supplicatory Canon to the Theotokos

Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of heaven and Founder of the Church,* strengthen me in Your love,* for You are our supreme desire and the support of the faithful,* O You who love mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I have you as the protection and intercession of my life, O Virgin, Mother of God. Pilot me to your haven, O giver of blessings, O support of the faithful, O you the only all-praised one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I pray you, O Virgin, to dispel the tumult of my soul and the storm of my grief; for you, O Bride of God, have given birth to Christ, the Prince of Peace, O only immaculate one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Pour forth on us from the wealth of your generosity, O you who have brought forth the Benefactor and Cause of all good; for you can do all things, O blessed one of God, since you bore Christ, the One mighty in power.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I am tortured by grievous sicknesses and morbid passions. Help me, O Virgin, for I know you, O all-blameless one, to be an inexhaustible treasury of unfailing healing.

The Canon of Saint Matthew

Irmos: O Theotokos, living and abundant fountain,* in your divine glory establish those who sing to you* and have spiritually formed themselves into a choir,* and vouchsafe to them crowns of glory.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

O Word of God, You have shown Your apostles forth as beacons of life which drive away the gloom of ungodliness and illumine the whole world with Your divine glory, O Master.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

Having armed the most valiant Matthew with Your armour, O Saviour, You have made him mightier than the tormenters and have shown him to be the destroyer of the deception of idolatry, O Master who loves mankind.

Glory…

The sound of your fiery tongue consumed the temples of the demons, O divinely inspired Matthew, instrument of the Comforter, through whom Christ, the hypostatic Life of all, is proclaimed.

Now…

The clarion of theology which sounds forth mightily has illumined the divinely wise Matthew to proclaim to the people the Effulgence of the Trinity and the incarnation of the Word from you, O all-pure one, in manner past understanding.

Katavasia: O Mother of God, living and plentiful fount,* give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship,* who sing hymns of praise to you:* and in your divine glory vouchsafe to them crowns of glory.

Kontakion, Tone 4, Podoben “Having been lifted up…”

Casting off the yoke of the custom house* you yoked yourself to justice;* revealed as an excellent merchant* you gained wisdom—wealth from on high.* From whence you preached the word of truth,* arousing sluggish souls by describing the hour of judgment.

Ikos

The tyranny of the enemy oppresses me constantly and seizes all the seed of my soul, O Matthew, friend of Christ; yet, providing me with the seed of your prayers, render me fruitful to serve you, and show me to be if only the least of those who hymn you and a recounter of your many and great corrections, for, forsaking all things for the love of Christ without hesitation, you ardently followed after Him who called you, being the first evangelist in the world, describing the hour of judgment.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8, Podoben “Of the wisdom…”

Truly the sound of your wise words has gone forth to all the ends of the earth,* O most lauded apostle of the Lord,* for you manifestly preached to all the vision of God,* and brought the nations from ignorance to understanding.* Therefore, having dispelled the darkness of idolatry,* you have shone forth the light of knowledge upon those who sit in darkness, O most praised Matthew.* Entreat Christ God that He grant remission of sins* to those who honour your holy memory with love.

Glory…

O apostle of the Lord, we all praise you as the lamp and disciple of the Light,* an eyewitness of the divine Word;* for, spreading your nets of grace, by your command you ensnared reason-endowed fish.* Therefore, through the power of the Spirit you have entrapped the nations,* who are now guided by faith, O most lauded initiate of the mysteries of heaven.* Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins* to those who honour your holy memory with love.

Now…

In that you are the most immaculate Bride of the Creator,* the Mother of the Deliverer who knew not wedlock,* the receptacle of the Comforter, O all-hymned one,* make haste to deliver me, who am the vile abode of iniquity* and in mind am the plaything of the demons, from their wickedness,* and make of me a radiant dwelling-place of the virtues, O luminous and incorrupt one.* Drive from me the cloud of the passions* and vouchsafe that I may partake of the never-waning light of the Most High,* through your supplications.

Ode 4

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Christ, my strength, my God, my Lord,* most fittingly your holy Church keeps festival,* singing, dancing, crying out with pure minds,* feasting in the Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Truly, O Christ, the tree of life has blossomed for the cross, planted in the earth, fed with blood and water from your pure side, has put forth life for us.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

No more the serpent’s lying whisper: You shall be like God; for Christ, divine Creator of man’s nature, now has opened out before me, with none to hinder, the pathway of life.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Ever-virgin Mother of God, truly beyond speech and incomprehensible to heaven and to earth are the mysteries of your God-befitting child bearing.

The Supplicatory Canon to the Theotokos

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O Bride of God, who gave birth to the Lord and Master, still the turmoil of my passions and the stormy seas of my sins.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O, bestow your compassion on me, your servant, out of the depths of your tender mercy; for you gave birth to the Compassionate One, the Saviour of all those who praise you.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

While delighting in your gifts, O immaculate one, we sing a song of thanksgiving to you, knowing you to be the mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

As I lie on the bed of my pain and infirmity, help me, as you are a lover of goodness, O Ever-virgin Mary Theotokos.

The Canon of Saint Matthew

Irmos: The Prophet Habbakuk,* perceiving the unfathomable counsel of God,* the incarnation of the Most High from you, the Virgin,* cried out: Glory to Your power, O Lord!

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

Taught by Your hypostatic Word, O God, the God-seeing disciple destroyed worldly wisdom, crying aloud to You: Glory to Your power, O Lord!

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

What manner of praise can we offer to you who were blessed by Christ, O divinely eloquent one? For no man is able to describe in words, the grace which has blossomed forth in you, O right wondrous one.

Glory…

Looking upon your undefiled and pure mind as a lamp placed on a lofty stand, shining upon those in darkness, O divinely manifest one, the Most High has set you before all.

Now…

O blessed and most lauded Maiden, you have elevated slain human nature, in that, in manner surpassing nature, you gave birth to the might of the Most High, as Matthew has taught.

Katavasia: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead,* Jesus the true God, is come in a swift cloud* and with His sinless hands he has saved those who cry:* Glory to Your power, O Christ.

Ode 5

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Shine with your divine splendour, I pray you, O you who are good,* on the souls of those who rise early to you* and long to know you, O Word of God,* as in truth the God who calls them back from sin’s deep darkness.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Now the Cherubim withdraw from me, and the flaming sword is turned back at sight of you, O Word of God, in truth the God who makes for the Thief the path to Paradise.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

I fear no longer the return to the dust, Lord Christ, for in your great mercy through your resurrection you have led me, forgotten, from the dust to the heights of incorruption.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O good Lady of the world, keep safe those who from the heart confess you God-bearer, for we have gained you, true Mother of God, for our invincible protection.

The Supplicatory Canon to the Theotokos

Irmos: Enlighten us by Your commandments, O Lord,* and by Your uplifted arm grant us Your peace, O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Fill my heart with gladness, O pure Lady, with your incorruptible joy, for you bore the Cause of all Joy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Deliver us from dangers, O pure Theotokos, who gave birth to Eternal Redemption, and to the Peace that passes all understanding.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Dispel the darkness of my sins by the radiance of your splendour, O Bride of God, for you bore the divine and pre-eternal Light.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Heal the infirmity of my soul, O pure Lady, when you have deemed me worthy of your visitation, and grant me health by your blessed intercessions.

The Canon of Saint Matthew

Irmos: All things were filled with awe at your divine glory;* for you, O Virgin who knew not wedlock, contained within your womb Him who is God over all,* and you gave birth to the timeless Son,* bestowing peace upon all who sing to you.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

Receiving the grace of the most Holy Spirit, you were shown to be a divine habitation, in godly manner teaching the light of divine knowledge and being entrusted with the task of committing to writing the dogmas of Christ, as a chosen eyewitness of God.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

Your tongue was the pen of the Paraclete, who gives speedy deliverance to those who acknowledge His dominion and breathes heavenly understanding into the souls of the wise, O most honoured Matthew.

Glory…

Christ sent you to the world shining with miracles and the grace of healing, trampling upon the might of the demons and enlightening the souls of all the faithful who sing to you, the preacher of the world.

Now…

O Virgin, you gave birth to the pre-eternal son who clothed Himself in human nature and has saved it from corruption in His utter goodness, as the divinely eloquent one said in his teaching; and you remained a Virgin.

Katavasia: The whole world was amazed* at your divine glory:* for you, O Virgin who have not known wedlock,* have held in your womb the God of all* and have given birth to an eternal Son,* who rewards with salvation all who sing your praises.

Ode 6

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Watching life’s sea rising in the surging waves of temptations,* fast making for your calm harbour, I cry out to you:* Lead my life up from corruption,* O you of many mercies .

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Crucified, O Lord, by the nails which fastened you, you annulled the curse upon us; pierced in the side by the spear, you tore up the written scroll against Adam, and set the whole world free.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Deception tripped up Adam and brought him to the depth of Hell. But you, God and compassion by nature, came down to seek him and, lifting him up on your shoulders, raised him up with yourself.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

All-holy Lady, who bore to mortal man his Lord and pilot, quieten the fearful and unresting tumult of my passions, and grant to my heart tranquillity.

The Supplicatory Canon to the Theotokos

Irmos: I will pour out my prayer before the Lord;* I will make known to Him my sorrow, for my soul has been filled with afflictions,* and my life has drawn near to hell, and like Jonah I will pray:* O God, raise me up from corruption.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

My nature, held by corruption and death, has He saved out of death and corruption; for to death has He submitted Himself. Therefore, O Virgin, intercede with Him who is thy Lord and Son, to deliver me from the wickedness of the enemy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I know you as the protection of my life, and most safe fortress, O Virgin; disperse the horde of temptations, and drive away demonic vexation. Unceasingly I pray to you: Deliver me from the corruption of passions!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

We have acquired you as a wall of refuge, and the perfect salvation of our souls, and a relief in afflictions, O Maiden, and we ever rejoice in your light. O Sovereign Lady, also now save us from passions and dangers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Bedridden, I lie supine with sickness now and there is no healing for my flesh; but to you, O good one who gave birth to God, the Saviour of the world and the Healer of infirmities, I pray: Raise me up from the corruption of illness.

The Canon of Saint Matthew

Irmos: I have come to the depths of the sea,* and the tempest of my manifold sins has engulfed me;* yet, as You are God,* lead up my life from corruption, O greatly Merciful One.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

By Your omnipotent might, O Maker of all, the divinely eloquent and most excellent Matthew was transformed from a publican into an evangelist, in that he followed You.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

By the spiritually nourishing words of your glad tidings, O most blessed Matthew, a multitude of the gentiles are lifted up and directed to the lofty summit of the virtues.

Glory…

With the divinely woven nets of the disciple Matthew are assemblies of the faithful ever drawn up, guided to the knowledge of You, O our Benefactor.

Now…

O most immaculate one, the most excellent Matthew announces glad tidings, describing you as the Virgin who gave birth without seed and corruption to Him who fashioned all things.

Katavasia: As we celebrate* this sacred and solemn feast of the Mother of God,* let us come, clapping our hands, O people of the Lord,* and give glory to God who was born of her.

Kontakion, Tone 6

With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.

Ikos

O Giver of life, we sing and we worship your cross and your burial, for you entered Hell, O deathless one, as God of all power, and raising the dead with yourself and shattering the gates of Hell, as God you demolished the might of death. Therefore with love and with longing we who are born of the earth praise you as risen from the dead, overthrowing the might of the all-destroying foe, raising up all who believe in you, delivering the world from the stings of the serpent and us from the wiles of the enemy, as the one who alone possesses the power. Devoutly we sing, therefore, the praises of your resurrection, for by this, as God of all, you have saved us.

Ode 7

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: As falling dew the angel made the furnace to the holy children,* and the command of God burned the Chaldeans;* and the tyrant was convinced, crying aloud:* Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The sun lamenting your Passion, O Lord, drew darkness around him and the light of the day was darkened over the whole of the earth, which cried aloud: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

At your descent, O Christ, the underworld was clothed in splendour; our first father, filled with gladness of heart, sprang up, dancing and crying out: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Through you, O Virgin Mother, light has risen and joy to all the inhabited earth, for you gave birth to God the Creator of all; ask him for us, All-pure, to send down to your faithful people great mercy.

The Supplicatory Canon to the Theotokos

Irmos: The children of Judea who dwelt of old in Babylon* trampled underfoot the flames of the furnace* by their faith in the Trinity,* as they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Having willed to accomplish our salvation, O Saviour, You dwelled in the womb of the Virgin, and showed her forth to the world as its intercessor. Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Pray to Him, the dispenser of mercy whom you bore, O pure Mother, and implore Him to deliver from all transgressions and defilements the souls of those who with faith cry out: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

A treasury of salvation and a fountain of incorruption is she who gave You birth; a tower of safety, and a gate of repentance have You proved her to those who cry: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Grant healing from physical weakness and spiritual infirmities to those who with love draw near to your protection, O Virgin Theotokos, for you gave birth to Christ our Saviour.

The Canon of Saint Matthew

Irmos: The divinely wise ones refused to worship a created thing rather than the Creator,* but courageously trampling the threat of the fire underfoot, they rejoiced, chanting:* O all-hymned Lord and God of our fathers,* blessed are You!

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

You were a divine image of the primal effulgence, as a disciple set afire by His splendours; and, chanting to Him, you said: O all-hymned Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are You!

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

As servant of the Word, O most blessed one, you have made your abode in the divine mansions where Christ abides, as the one all-divine Lord and God of all the fathers promised you.

Glory…

Infirmities are banished and a multitude of demons are forced to flee by the gifts of the divine Spirit which are in you, wherein you chanted: O all-hymned Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are You!

Now…

With your divine words, O apostle, you described the all-hymned Virgin who gave birth to the Creator. To Him do we all chant: O all-hymned Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are You!

Katavasia: The holy children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire,* refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* and they sang in joy:* Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our Fathers.

Ode 8

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Dew from the flames you shed on the holy ones,* burning thus with water the sacrifice of the righteous.* All things, O Christ, you bring about according to your holy will;* we highly exalt you throughout the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Envy has finished its work on the people of the Jews: of old the slayers of the prophets now they are slayers of God; they set you upon the cross, O Word of God, you whom we highly exalt throughout the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ, without leaving the courts of Heaven you came to Hell. Together with yourself you awakened the whole man, lying m corruption, and he highly exalts you now throughout the ages.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

From light you conceived the light-giving Word, ineffably you gave him birth, and are glorified. For the Holy Spirit dwelt in you, O Maid, and therefore we praise you throughout the ages.

The Supplicatory Canon to the Theotokos

Irmos: The King of heaven whom the hosts of angels praise, *let us praise and exalt throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Disdain not those who need your help, O Virgin, and who hymn and supremely exalt you to all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

You heal the infirmity of my soul and the pains of my body, O Virgin, that I may glorify you, O pure one, to all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

You pour forth a wealth of healing, on those who with faith sing praises to you, O Virgin, and who supremely exalt your ineffable Child-bearing.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

You drive away the assaults of temptations, and the attacks of the passions, O Virgin; Therefore, we sing you hymns to all ages.

The Canon of Saint Matthew

Irmos: The birthgiving of the Theotokos saved the pious youths in the furnace,* then in figure, but now in deed,* and it moves all the world to chant to You:* Sing to the Lord, O you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

Deified by the mighty forces within You and by ordination and nature, O Master, the most sacred Matthew prevailed upon the whole world to chant to You: Sing to the Lord, O you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

The Word sent the theologian forth like lightning to the whole world, driving away the darkness and enlightening the nations with the dogmas of theology. Therefore, he chanted: Sing to the Lord, O you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

With pure discourse and mind did God converse with you; for when you rid thyself of mire, you drew nigh and associated with Him, O glorious one. Therefore, you chant: Sing to the Lord, O you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

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

The Word willed to become incarnate for the good of men; for the Lord passed through the portal of virginity and showed her forth as the Theotokos. Therefore, we cry out: Sing to the Lord, O you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. We extol and exalt Him above all for ever.

Katavasia: The Offspring of the Theotokos saved the holy children in the furnace.* He who was then prefigured has since been born on earth,* and He gathers all the creation to sing:* O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

Magnificat

Ode 9

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: No man can see God, on whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze;* but, through you, All-holy One, the Word made flesh is seen of mortal men.* Magnifying him with all the heavenly hosts,* we call you blessed.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Free from passions you remained, O Word of God, when you held converse with passions in the flesh. But having dealt to passion a Passion, you loosed man from his passions. For you alone are impassible and almighty, our Saviour.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Accepting the corruption of death, O Lord, you kept your body from tasting corruption, and your soul, life-giving, divine, was not left in Hell. But, as from sleep arising, you raised us up with yourself.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

With pure lips we mortal men give glory to God the Father, to the Son with him without beginning, and we worship the inexpressible power, most glorious, of the All-holy Spirit; for you alone subsist almighty, undivided Trinity.

The Supplicatory Canon to the Theotokos

Irmos: Saved through you, O pure Virgin, we confess you to be truly Theotokos,* and with the choirs of angels we magnify you.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O Virgin, who gave birth to Christ, who wipes away every tear from every face: turn not away from the torrent of my tears.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O Virgin, who received the fullness of joy, and banished the grief of sin: fill my heart with joy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Be the haven and protection, the unshakable wall, the refuge, the shelter, and the joy of those who flee to you, O Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Illumine with the rays of thy light, O Virgin, those who piously confess you to be the Theotokos, and banish from them the darkness of ignorance.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I am brought low by my afflictions and infirmities, but, O Virgin, heal me, bringing me from illness into health.

The Canon of Saint Matthew

Irmos: Let every earthborn man leap up, enlightened by the Spirit,* and let the nature of the incorporeal intelligences keep festival,* honouring the sacred feast of the Mother of God;* and let them cry aloud: Rejoice, O most blessed Theotokos, pure Ever-virgin!

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

You received the divine diadem of noetic beauty, O apostle, and was adorned with the most magnificent crown of the kingdom by the right hand of the Almighty, O wise one. And you shine, standing with the angels before the throne of Christ the Master, O most blessed one.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, pray to God for us!

You received the tree of life as is meet, O preacher of the living God, having spread the glad tidings of life, the visitation of God to the world; for you did not permit your mind to become corrupt through the tree of knowledge, remaining an unshaken and immovable foundation of the Church, O most blessed one.

Glory…

In godly manner you adorned the Church, the Bride of Christ, with your Gospel as with a diadem, O divinely blessed one, and now it splendidly celebrates your divine memory, pray, O Apostle Matthew, that it be delivered from every evil circumstance and cruel misfortune.

Now…

Without leaving the bosom of the unoriginate Father, the unoriginate Word became incarnate of you, O pure and most lauded one, wholly clothing Himself in human guise and accepting its traits, as Matthew writes, proclaiming the glad tidings.

Katavasia: Let every mortal born on earth,* radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy;* and let the host of the angelic powers* celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God,* and let them cry:* Rejoice! Pure and blessed Ever-Virgin, who gave birth to God.

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

O faithful, let us gather with the disciples on the mountain in Galilee* to behold Christ as He says to them:* I have received all power over all things on high and those below.* Let us learn how He taught them to baptize all nations* in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,* and how He promised His disciples* to be present with them to the end of the world.

The God-pleasing Matthew, the glorious recorder of the Gospel of Christ, has related divine wonders to us. Honouring him with love, let us chant to him melodiously.

Glory…

Having wisely cast off the yoke of your publican’s office, you followed Christ, O divinely wise Matthew; and following wondrously in His steps, you obtained a share of His kingdom and glory through communion with Him, and were an initiate of ineffable mysteries.

Now…

O Virgin Theotokos, lift up your most holy hands, by which you held the Creator, in supplication to Him for us, that He deliver us from all the temptations of the devil and vouchsafe that we may receive His good things in the world to come, O most hymned one.

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 6

Your Cross, O Lord, is the life and resurrection of Your people,* and trusting in it we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.

Your burial, O Master, opened Paradise to mankind,* and thus delivered from corruption we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.

With the Father and the Spirit* let us hymn Christ risen from the dead,* and let us cry out to Him:* You are our life and resurrection, have mercy upon us.

On the third day You arose from the tomb, O Christ, as it was written,* raising together with Yourself our Forefather;* therefore the race of mankind glorifies You, and hymns Your Resurrection.

Tone 4, Podoben “You have given a sign…”

You shone forth, O apostle,* as luminous as the sun, with the rays of the Spirit,* and have illumined the whole world with the knowledge of God, O blessed one.* And you have dispelled the gloom of polytheism, O most wise Matthew.”* Therefore, we celebrate today your all-radiant and right wondrous solemnity* as a well-spring of sanctification.

You shone forth, O apostle,* as luminous as the sun, with the rays of the Spirit,* and have illumined the whole world with the knowledge of God, O blessed one.* And you have dispelled the gloom of polytheism, O most wise Matthew.”* Therefore, we celebrate today your all-radiant and right wondrous solemnity* as a well-spring of sanctification.

Seated on the heights of divine knowledge, O apostle,* you received the effulgence of the Spirit,* which appeared to you in the guise of a tongue of fire;* and you manifestly consumed all the tinder of the impiety of ungodliness.* Therefore, we honour you as an apostle and herald of God,* celebrating your holy festival today.

You thundered forth sacred and saving teachings to the whole world, O most wise Matthew,* have cleansed all creation of the madness of idolatry,* and illumined the people with the splendours of the Gospel,* and, having destroyed the pagan temples by means of grace,* you raised up churches to the glory of God.

Tone 1, Glory…

The Lord appeared to His disciples* who had hastened to the mountain for His ascension from here below,* and they bowed before Him.* They learned of His universal power* and were sent to all the peoples of the earth* to announce His resurrection from the dead* and His return from earth to heaven.* He also promised to be with them always,* and His word is truth;* for He is Christ our God, the Saviour of our souls.

Tone 2, Now…

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

Great Doxology

Trisagion Prayers

Troparion, Tone 2

You came forth from death, destroying the eternal bonds of Hades, O Lord.* You broke the curse of Death* and thus delivered us from the snares of the Evil One.* Then You appeared to your apostles and sent them forth to preach,* and through them You have bestowed your peace upon all the world,* for You alone are rich in mercy.

Insistent Litany

Litany of Supplication

Great Dismissal

DIVINE LITURGY ON SUNDAY MORNING

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 3: O Matthew, proclaimer of God’s word,* you earnestly turned from the tax collector’s booth* and followed the Master, who out of His love* appeared to us on earth and summoned you.* You shone to the world as chosen apostle and loud herald of the Good News.* Because of this we feast your memory;* pray to God all-merciful* for the forgiveness of sins.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Casting off the yoke of the custom house* you yoked yourself to justice;* revealed as an excellent merchant* you gained wisdom—wealth from on high.* From whence you preached the word of truth,* arousing sluggish souls by describing the hour of judgment.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

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

verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord, my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm 27:9,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

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

Epistle

Ephesians 2:4-10; 1 Corinthians 4:9-16

Alleluia, Tone 6

verse: He who lives in the aid of the Most High, shall dwell under the protection of the God of heaven.

verse: He says to the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, in Whom I hope. (Psalm 90:1,2)

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

Gospel

Luke 8:26-39; Matthew 9:9-13

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their words unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.