Post-feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God. Nativity Fast. Resurrection Gospel 2.
GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING
Kathisma Reading
Blessed is the man… is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 7
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord,* who destroyed the power of death* and enlightened the human race;* and let us cry out with the angels:* Glory to You, our Creator and Saviour!
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
O Saviour, for our sake You suffered crucifixion and burial;* and, as God, You destroyed death by Your death.* Therefore, we adore Your resurrection on the third day* and we sing: Glory to You, O Lord!
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
On seeing the resurrection of the Creator,* the apostles were amazed,* and they sang an angelic hymn of praise:* This is the glory of the Church,* this is the richness of the Kingdom!* O Lord, who suffered for our sake, glory to You!
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
O Christ, although You were taken captive by Your enemies,* I still acknowledge You as my God,* and I am not ashamed of You;* I will not hide the fact that You were nailed to the Cross.* Your death is my life, almighty Lord,* and I extol Your resurrection.* O Lover of mankind, glory to You!
Tone 1
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Let the virgins be brought to the King in the temple of the Lord,* following you, O Virgin,* joining chorus with radiant lamps,* preceding you into the holy place, O pure one,* as you were the holy ark of God,* says David, the ancestor of God.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
Let the gates of the temple of the Lord be made ready,* and let the house of glory be opened wide,* and, rejoicing, let them receive her who alone is far greater than the heavens* and surpasses understanding,* and let them hymn Christ the Saviour.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Let the portals of the most divine temple be opened,* let them receive the gate of heaven within themselves;* let human nature keep festival, and let the angels leap up,* all of them celebrating with us* the entry of the Mother of God.
Tone 4
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Having inherited a mind with free will* and an intellect with absolute power over the passions,* O most blessed father, you imparted intelligent mastery to your higher part,* that, weighed with a scale most true, it might go higher.* You are admitted to divine vision and the knowledge of God,* O divinely inspired hierarch.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
You broke asunder the snares and foiled the pursuit of the heretics, O venerable father,* avoiding division and most wicked contraction* by the rightness of your dogmas and most excellent theology;* and, remaining within the bounds of our pious faith,* you preached the Trinity in the unity of the Godhead.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Skillfully instructing him who reigned on earth,* you passed over his son without rendering him homage,* teaching him sensibly that when the Son is ignored as unworthy of worship* the Father is exceedingly displeased,* who, in manner past understanding, begat Him before time dispassionately as One incorporeal,* as He Himself knows, O venerable one.
Tone 4, Glory…
Come, all you faithful, let us praise her who alone is immaculate,* who was proclaimed by the prophets and led into the temple,* who was designated as a Mother before time began* and has been shown to be the Theotokos in latter times.* Through her supplications, O Lord, grant us Your peace and great mercy.
Tone 7, Now…
Immaculate Mother of God,* you became a mother outside the laws of nature,* remaining a virgin in a way that exceeds all description* and human understanding.* The wonder of your birth-giving could not be told in human language,* for your conception of Christ blinded intelligence,* and your birth-giving exceeded understanding:* for whenever God so desires, the laws of nature are broken.* Wherefore, we all firmly believe that you are the Mother of God,* and we eagerly beseech you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.
Aposticha
Tone 7
O Saviour of the world, You arose from the grave,* and together with Your own flesh You raised up mankind.* O Lord, glory to You!
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
Come, let us worship Christ who arose from the dead* and enlightened all creation.* For by His resurrection on the third day,* He set us free from the oppression of Hades,* granting us life and His great mercy.
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O Christ, Lover of mankind,* You descended into Hades and destroyed death.* Then You arose on the third day;* and, together with Yourself You lifted up all of us* who glorify Your mighty resurrection.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
O Lord, what a fearful sight it was to see You lying in the tomb as if asleep.* Yet on the third day You arose in great power,* and at the same time You raised up Adam who joyfully cried out:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!
Tone 5, Glory… Now…
The day of joy and the most honored feast has shone forth!* For today she who remained Virgin after giving birth, as she was before birthgiving,* is led into the temple of the Lord,* and the elder Zachariah, the father of the forerunner,* rejoices and cries out in gladness:* “The intercessor for the sorrowful draws nigh to the holy temple, in that she is holy,* to be hallowed in the habitation of the King of all!* Let Joachim, her forebearer, be glad, and let Anna rejoice!* For they have offered to God the unblemished Mistress like a heifer three years of age.* Rejoice, you mothers! Leap up, O virgins!* You barren women, join chorus!* For the Queen of all, who has been foretold,* has opened to us the kingdom of heaven!* Rejoice, you people, and be glad!”
Troparia
Tone 7
By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.
Tone 4, Glory…
God of our fathers, You always treat us fairly.* Deprive us not of Your mercy,* but by their prayers direct our lives in peace.
Now…
Today is the prelude of the good pleasure of God,* and the proclamation of salvation for the human race.* In the Temple of God* the Virgin is clearly revealed,* and beforehand announces Christ to all.* To her, then, let us cry aloud with a mighty voice:* Rejoice, fulfilment of the Creator’s plan.
GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 7
Troparia, Tone 7
By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world. (2)
Tone 4, Glory…
God of our fathers, You always treat us fairly.* Deprive us not of Your mercy,* but by their prayers direct our lives in peace.
Now…
Today is the prelude of the good pleasure of God,* and the proclamation of salvation for the human race.* In the Temple of God* the Virgin is clearly revealed,* and beforehand announces Christ to all.* To her, then, let us cry aloud with a mighty voice:* Rejoice, fulfilment of the Creator’s plan.
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 7
When Life was laying in the tomb* and a seal laid upon the stone,* the soldiers guarded Christ as a sleeping King* and the Angels glorified Him as immortal God;* while the women cried aloud:* The Lord is risen, granting the world great mercy.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
By Your burial for three days You despoiled death,* and by Your life-bearing Arising* You raised corrupted mankind, O Christ Lord,* as the Lover of mankind. Glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
O Virgin Theotokos unceasingly entreat Christ our God,* who was crucified for us* and arose again destroying the dominion of death,* that He save our souls.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 7
While the grave was sealed, O Christ God,* You, the Life, shone forth from the tomb;* and while the doors were shut, You, the Resurrection of all,* appeared to Your Disciples,* and through them renewed a right Spirit within us,* according to Your great mercy.
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
Bringing sweet spices with their tears, the women ran to the tomb,* and while the soldiers guarded You, the King of all,* they spoke one to another:* Who will roll away the stone for us?* The Angel of great Counsel has risen, trampling down death.* O All-powerful Lord, glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
Rejoice Virgin Theotokos, full of grace,* haven and protection of the race of mankind,* for from you the Redeemer of the world has taken flesh,* for you alone are a Mother and Virgin,* ever blessed and exceedingly glorified;* intercede with Christ God to grant peace to all the world.
Polyeleos
Evlogitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 7
O Christ God, who took upon Yourself our form* and endured the Cross in the body,* save me by Your Resurrection,* as You alone love mankind.
Hymn of Ascent, Tone 7
Antiphon 1
Having turned back the captivity of Sion from error,* quicken me also O Saviour,* and deliver me from slavery to the passions.
He who sows tribulations in the south with tears of fasting,* will reap with joy the sheaves of nourishment* of eternal life.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit is the source of divine treasures,* from Him comes wisdom, intelligence, and fear;* and to Him belongs* praise, glory, honour and worship.
Antiphon 2
Unless the Lord builds the house of the soul,* in vain do we labour;* for without Him no deed or word can be perfected.
Of the fruit of the womb the Saints,* moved by the Spirit,* sprout forth the Father’s teachings of filial adoption.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit all things have their being;* in the presence of all He is God,* the sovereign of the universe,* Light unapproachable, Life of all.
Antiphon 3
Those who fear the Lord and find the ways of life,* now and always are blessed* with immortal glory.
As you behold your offspring like shoots around your table,* rejoice, and be glad, bringing them to Christ* the Chief Shepherd of all.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit there be an abundance of grace,* riches of glory and a great depth of judgments;* for He is to be served as identical in glory and honour* with the Father and the Son.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Arise then, Lord,* lift up Your hand.* O God, do not forget the poor!
verse: I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders.
Let everything that lives, Tone 7
Gospel
Mark 16:1-18
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon, Tone 7
Ode 1
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: At a sign from you, O Lord, the nature of water was changed,* once free and flowing now it became as a wall, hard as the earth;* thus Israel walked dryshod* and sang you a song of victory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
When you were condemned to an unjust death, O Lord, then the tyranny of death was judged by a tree; the prince of darkness could not prevail against you and was justly cast out.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Hell approached you with teeth which lacked the strength to crush your body and broke his jaws. Thus, O Saviour, you loosed the pains of death and on the third day rose again.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The pains of Eve, first mother, are undone, for your child-bearing was without pain, without knowledge of man. Therefore, All-pure, clearly seeing you to be the Mother of God, we give you glory.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, who gave birth to the unfathomable deeps of compassion, shine upon my soul with your light-bearing radiance that I may sing in loving desire the unfathomable deeps of your wonders.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Seeing us lie wounded with sin’s darts, the Word, as he who works all good, took pity upon us. Then, All-holy One, true God was ineffably joined to flesh in you.
Canon of the Feast
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Let us hasten today, honouring the Theotokos with hymns, and let us celebrate a spiritual feast; for she is offered to God in the temple as a gift.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
With songs let us hymn the glorious arrival of the Theotokos; for today, as the prophets foretold, she is borne into the temple as a gift of great price, though she is herself the temple of God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The blameless Anna rejoiced, maternally bringing a gift of great price to God in the temple; and with her Joachim keeps splendid festival.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Of old, David, your ancestor, hymned you, O Virgin Bride of God, calling you the daughter of Christ the King; and, having given birth to Him, as a Mother your fed Him with milk as a babe.
Canon of the Holy Amphilochius
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Your easily destroyed the words and insolence of heresies, illumined with the radiance of Orthodoxy. O your who are manifestly sacred, preserve us who honour you.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
The Lord who ever desires the salvation of all appointed you as a guide for His sacred flock, O hierarch, seeing you shining excellently in word and life.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Having chosen to contend lawfully for the Church of Christ, O glorious father, your protected yourself with the sword of the Cross, and through grace were shown to be a victor and crown-bearer.
Glory… Now…
To the Word who is co-unoriginate and equally everlasting with the Father, and is the image of His essence, did you ineffably give birth, incarnate, O you who knew not wedlock.
Katavasia: Christ is born; let us glorify Him.* Christ comes down from heaven; let us go out to meet Him.* Christ lives on earth; let us exalt in joy.* All you faithful, sing to the Lord, for He has been glorified.
Ode 3
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Lord and Saviour, who in the beginning* established the heavens and every power of them,* by your almighty Word and the divine and all-effecting Spirit:* establish me firmly on the immovable rock of confession of you.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Of your own will for our sake ascending the cross to suffer the pain, O Saviour compassionate, you bear the stripes which are the cause of salvation and peace for all believers. Through it, O Merciful, we are all reconciled to your Father.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You cleansed me, wounded in soul by the serpent’s bite, O Christ, and showed me light when long ago I lay in darkness and corruption. For, by your cross, you came down into Hell and raised me up with yourself.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
By the prayers of your Mother who knew no man, O Saviour, grant peace to your world, give victory over his enemies to the king; and make those who praise you worthy of your ineffable glory.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The crawling serpent from Eden, enticing me with the desire to be like God, hurled me to the earth. But, O Virgin Mother, he whose nature is tender compassion took pity on me and, dwelling within your womb, made like to me, made me like God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Blessed is the fruit of your womb, O Virgin Mother of God, joy of us all; for in truth, you brought joy and gladness into the world, scattering to the winds the sorrow of sin, O Bride of God.
Canon of the Feast
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O you who love the feasts of the Church, let us keep festival and rejoice together in spirit, revelling today on the holy feast of the daughter of the King, the Mother of our God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Rejoice today, O Joachim! Be glad in spirit, O Anna, leading to the Lord the three-year old child born of you, as though she were a pure and most immaculate heifer.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Mary, the Theotokos, the habitation of God, is led into the holy temple, being three years of age in the flesh; and, going before her, virgins bear lighted lamps.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The pure ewe-lamb of God, the undefiled turtle-dove, the tabernacle containing God, the sanctuary of glory, has chosen to dwell within the holy tabernacle.
Canon of St. Amphilochius
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
The divine and luminous effulgence of your dogmas put down the evil hordes of the heretics, O glorious Amphilochius.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
As a high priest, like a river filled by God with life-creating waters, your give us your piety to drink.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Illumined with abundant radiance, your illumined your mind with the mystic splendour of your teachings, O venerable one.
Glory… Now…
All of us, the faithful, declare you to be the lustrous candlestand, the spiritually nourishing banquet of piety, and the ark, O all-pure one.
Katavasia: To Christ our God,* who is the only-begotten Son of the Father from before all ages,* and in these latter times* has become flesh of the Virgin without seed,* let us cry aloud:* You are our strength; glory to You, O Lord!
Kontakion of the Feast
Tone 4
The Saviour’s pure temple,* the precious bridal chamber and Virgin,* the sacred treasury of the glory of God,* is brought today into the house of the Lord;* and with her she brings the grace of the divine Spirit.* God’s angels sing in praise of her:* She is indeed the heavenly dwelling-place.
Ikos
Beholding the grace of the ineffable and divine mysteries of God made plainly manifest in and filling the Virgin, I rejoice; yet I know not how to understand this strange and ineffable image. How has the pure one alone been shown to be above all creation, visible and noetic? Therefore, wishing to praise her, I am greatly in awe in mind and word; yet, making bold, I proclaim and magnify her, saying: She is the heavenly tabernacle!
Kontakion of St. Gregory
Tone 4
The Church shines with the splendour of the Holy Spirit* upon those who celebrate your joyful passage into eternal life,* O most blessed father Gregory.
Sessional Hymn of St. Amphilochius
Tone 4
Your enlighten the ends of the earth at your memorial, O wise and glorious Amphilochius;* for your body pours forth a well-spring of healings.* Therefore, your deliver from every infirmity* those who with faith approach your honoured temple.* For this cause, pray you now, that we be saved.
Tone 8, Glory…
Offered to the Lord from earliest infancy, as the all-glorious Samuel had been of old,* your likewise heard the Saviour calling you,* and, having purified your soul with gifts of good things,* your worthily received the grace of the priesthood.* Therefore, shepherding your flock in the pasture of divine knowledge,* your shone forth acts of healing, O Gregory.* Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins* to those who celebrate your holy memory with love.
Sessional Hymn of the Feast
Tone 4, Now…
O David, go before us into the Temple of God,* and, rejoicing, receive our Queen,* and cry out to her: Enter, O Lady!* Enter into the Temple of the King!* Her glory is understood allegorically,* for from her does Christ the Light desire to pour Himself forth upon all!
Ode 4
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Leaving not the deep recesses of the Father,* yet you came to earth, Christ God;* I have heard of the mystery of your dispensation* and I glorify you, Lover of man.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
He who was made flesh of the Virgin gave his own back to the scourging, the innocent Master was maltreated for the sinning servant and annulled the charges against me.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The Maker of man, judging as God the whole earth in righteousness, stands before the seat of lawless judges as one called to account and convicted, and is struck by an earthly hand.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
All-blameless One, as truly Mother of God entreat your Son and Maker to guide me to the safe harbour of his glorious will.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
You are she who appeared before God chosen out from all before creation, beautiful in your splendour shedding light; All-praised, enlighten and cheer all who sing to you.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure Virgin Mother, from your pure blood you brought forth God to mortal men, and he delivers from countless sins those who lovingly give you honour and sing your praises.
Canon of the Feast
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O Prophet Isaiah, prophesy to us: who is the Virgin who will conceive in her womb, who, springing forth from the root of Judah, shall give birth to the right glorious Fruit of the holy seed of King David?
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O virgins, commence to chant hymns, holding candles in your hands, and praising the arrival of the pure Theotokos who now comes to the temple of God, and celebrating with us!
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Rejoice now, O Joachim and Anna, leading into the temple of the Lord, like a heifer three years of age, the pure one born of you, who will become the Mother of God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
As the holy of holies, O pure one, your loved to dwell in the holy temple, and you remain, conversing all-gloriously with the angels, receiving bread from heaven, O Virgin, your nourisher of Life.
Canon of St. Amphilochius
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Come, O divinely wise, let us clap our hands with faith on the sacred festival of the godly and divinely eloquent Amphilochius, strengthened by his doctrines and theology.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
As an escort of the Church as bride in Christ, O God-bearer, your adorned her with the beauty of your discourses and made her radiant with the comeliness of Orthodoxy.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Your divinely eloquent tongue of theology has made clear to all the dominion of the Trinity One in honour, that they may worship the one Godhead in three Hypostases.
Glory… Now…
O Virgin, we know you to be the new tabernacle and pure sanctuary of the Master of all; for you gave birth to Him in the flesh in two united hypostases, O most immaculate one.
Katavasia: O Christ, You have come forth from the Virgin* as the rod of the root of Jesse and the flower that blossomed from his stem.* You became flesh from her that knew not wedlock,* from the Mountain overshadowed by the forest;* O God, You are not formed from created substance.* Glory to Your power, O Lord!
Ode 5
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Night is without light to unbelievers, O Christ,* but to the faithful it is enlightenment in the delight of your divine words.* And so I rise early to you* and praise your Godhead.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Christ, you are sold on behalf of your servants, you endure the scourging, bringing freedom to those who sing to you; early I rise to you and sing the praises of your divinity.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
By your divine power, O Christ, by means of the weakness of the flesh, you have overthrown the strong one, and through your resurrection, O Saviour, you have revealed me as a conqueror of death.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure Mother, all-praised, fittingly you brought forth God, made flesh of you, for without knowledge of man but by the Holy Spirit you conceived.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
In the ladder he beheld set up to the heights Jacob was taught to see the image of your virginity. For God conversed with men through you, All-holy Lady.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Now we, who have found eternal deliverance through you, Virgin all-praised, ardently cry out to you that ‘Hail,’ O Bride of God; and rejoicing in your light we sing to you our hymns of praise.
Canon of the Feast
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O all you Orthodox, let us take up lamps, hastening to glorify the Mother of God, for she is led to the Lord today as a right acceptable sacrifice.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Let your ancestors be glad today, O Lady; and let her who gave you birth rejoice with your father, for their fruit is offered to the Lord.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Celebrating with faith, let us all hymn the unblemished heifer, most glorious and of great renown, for she gave birth to the divine Bullock in the flesh.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The divine tokens of your betrothal, of your birthgiving which passes understanding, O pure Virgin, are recorded today by the Holy Spirit in the house of God.
Canon of St. Amphilochius
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Illumined with the light of the threefold Sun of the Godhead, O divinely wise Amphilochius, your took your seat upon your hierarchal cathedra.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Your dedicated yourself wholly to God and were a clarion-voiced divine herald, O most blessed father Amphilochius.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
The joyous and most sacred feast of the divine and wise teacher hath dawned for us, sanctifying the world.
Glory… Now…
O all-pure Mother of God, magnificent adornment of all the faithful, by your supplications wash away the defilement of my soul.
Katavasia: Since You are a God of peace and a Father of mercies,* You have sent your angel of great counsel to us to bring us peace.* Thus, we are directed towards the light of the knowledge of God,* and at the night vigil we glorify You, O Lover of mankind.
Ode 6
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Sick on the rolling swell of the cares of this life,* thrown overboard by the sins that sail with me* and hurled to the soul-destroying beast,* as Jonah I cry to you:* O Christ, lead me up* from these death-dealing deeps.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The souls of the righteous imprisoned in Hell and forsaken had remembered you and were praying for your salvation; and you granted it, Christ, through your cross when you, the Compassionate, went down to the deepest parts of the earth.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The band of the apostles despaired of seeing you again, the living temple not made with human hands and destroyed by all that befell it. But worshipping beyond all hope, they everywhere proclaimed you risen from the dead.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Virgin Bride of God, who of mankind can explain the all-spotless manner of your ineffable child-bearing for our sakes? For the Word being united to you, the uncircumscribed God became flesh.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Types of the law and the sayings of the prophets clearly announced you, Pure One, as she who would bring forth the whole creation’s benefactor; and he in countless ways works good for those who faithfully sing your praises.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Adam, the first-formed, was exiled long ago from the divine delights of Paradise through the treacherous scheme of man’s murderer. But you, who knew no man, have brought him back, for you brought forth him who sets us free from our transgressions.
Canon of the Feast
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O faithful, let us celebrate the spiritual feast of the Mother of God, chanting piously; for she is more holy than the heavenly intelligences.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
With spiritual hymns let us praise the Mother of the Light, O faithful, for she has appeared to us today, going forth into the temple of God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The unblemished ewe-lamb, the pure turtle-dove, is brought to dwell in the house of God, for, as immaculate, she was chosen beforehand to be the Mother of God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The temple of God, the heavenly tabernacle, maketh entry into the temple of the law, and from her has the Light shone forth upon us who are in darkness.
Canon of St. Amphilochius
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Having mortified the base mind in the flesh, your arrayed yourself in the grace of dispassion, O father, initiate of the sacred mysteries, and proclaimed the Trinity in most pure teachings.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Having mortified the base mind in the flesh, your arrayed yourself in the grace of dispassion, O father, initiate of the sacred mysteries, and proclaimed the Trinity in most pure teachings.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Protected by the fear of God, O venerable God-pleaser, having rendered your soul pure of defilement, you were shown to be the most sacred instrument of theology.
Glory… Now…
Knowing you to be the pure habitation of the King of glory and the temple and throne of the Most High, we pray: Save your our souls, O most hymned one!
Katavasia: Jonah had dwelt like a babe in the womb before the sea monster spew him forth;* the Word dwelt in the womb of the Virgin, taking flesh from her.* Although born from her, He kept her all-pure.* Since Christ Himself was not subject to incorruptibility, He kept His Mother free from the same.
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
To-day, death and Hell and the lowest depths shake with terror at the presence of one of the Trinity. Earth is thrown into confusion, at the sight of you Hell’s doorkeepers cower in fear. But all creation, rejoicing with the prophets, sings to you, sings a song of victory to our Redeemer and God, destroying now the power of death. Come, let us raise a shout of joy to A dam and all his children: The tree has brought him back. Come out, you faithful, into the resurrection.
Ode 7
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: The young men of old have shown us a blazing furnace* cool with the gently falling dew,* and themselves singing the praise of the one God and saying:* The most highly exalted, God of our fathers, glorious above all is he.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
A dam of his own will worked disobedience and was slain by a tree; Christ’s obedience formed him anew; for the Son of God was crucified for me, glorious above all is he.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The whole creation hymns you, Christ, rising from the tomb, for you have caused life to blossom for those in Hell, resurrection for the dead and light for those in darkness. Glorious above all is he.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Hail, daughter of the corrupted Adam! Hail, sole bride of God! Hail, you who gave birth to God and through whom corruption has been banished! Pray to him, Pure One, to save us all.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, clothed in robe of many colours, shot with gold, your maker and Lord loved you, his own, he the most highly exalted, God of our fathers, glorious above all is he.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Isaiah of old received the touch of the coal and was cleansed, and in symbol saw your child, the most highly exalted, God of our fathers, glorious above all is he.
Canon of the Feast
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O you who love the feasts of the Church, let us join chorus and hymn the pure Lady, honouring Joachim and Anna as is meet.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Prophesy, O David, giving utterance in the Spirit: The virgins that follow after you shall be brought to you into the temple of the Queen and Mother.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The ranks of the angels rejoiced and the souls of the righteous were gladdened, for the Mother of God is led into the Holy of holies.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Receiving heavenly food, she who was to become the Mother of Christ God in the flesh excelled in wisdom and grace.
Canon of St. Amphilochius
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Heeding your most mystical and divine admonitions, O father, we avoid Arius’ division of the Godhead, glorifying with faith the uncreated and consubstantial Trinity.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Beholding Macedonius denounced by your teachings, O father, with faith we glorify the good Spirit, who is equally worshipped and equally unoriginate with the Father and the Son.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Explaining by your words the incarnation of the Word in manner surpassing words, O God-pleaser, with divine wisdom you taught us to worship the one God in two natures and to avoid division and confusion.
Glory… Now…
Come and, saved by faith in the Almighty who was born of her, let us all fervently praise the Theotokos, crying: Blessed are you among women, O most immaculate one.
Katavasia: The youths who had been raised to fear God were not threatened by the fiery torments.* They denounced the wicked decree of the tyrant,* and standing in the midst of the flames,* they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Ode 8
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Burning yet unconsumed, the bush in Sinai made God known to Moses,* slow of tongue and hard of hearing.* And the burning zeal for God revealed the three young men unharmed in the fire and singing:* Praise the Lord, all his works,* and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The undefiled and reasonable Lamb, in sacrifice slain for the world, brought to an end the offerings according to the law and as God, apart from transgressions, cleansed the law now crying out: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The flesh the Maker took from us before his Passion was not incorruptible; but after Passion and Rising, it was rendered inaccessible to corruption and re-makes mortal men, who cry: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Your purity, your total spotlessness, O Virgin, has cleansed the sordid and polluted things of our world, and you, All-pure, have become for us a cause of reconciliation with God. Therefore, O Virgin, we bless and highly exalt you throughout all the ages.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Marvellously you have shed light on the world by the splendour of your child-bearing, Parent of God. For truly you bear in your arms God who enlightens the faithful who cry: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure One, devoutly we sing the praises of your womb, which inexplicably made room for God to take a body and give the light of the knowledge of God to all who believe and cry: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Canon of the Feast
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Joachim rejoice today in splendour, and the blameless Anna offers to the Lord God a sacrifice: the holy daughter given her according to God’s promise.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The holy David and Jesse render praise, and Judah offers homage; for the pure Virgin, of whom the pre-eternal God was born, grew forth as fruit from their root.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The all-pure Mary, the animate tabernacle is brought today into the house of God; and Zachariah taketh her in his arms as the sanctified treasure of the Lord.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O faithful, let us truly honour the Virgin Mother of God, who is blessed by the hands of the priests, as the portal of salvation, the noetic mountain and the animate ladder.
Canon of St. Amphilochius
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Your mouth was adorned with hymns which manifestly theologized concerning the uncreated, unoriginate, consubstantial Trinity unconfused in three Hypostases, O divinely wise father, and to the Trinity do we cry out: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
The hypostatic Wisdom gave you riches and the glory of honour, O all-wise one, when you piously theologized, cast down the arrogance of heresies and chant with love: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
He who bestows life upon all leads you into the church of the firstborn as a faithful and divinely eloquent hierarch who exercised your priestly office mystically and chants with faith: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
Glory… Now…
Behold, the tribe of Judah shall not now lack for a guide and leader; for you, O most immaculate one, gave birth to Christ, the long-awaited expectation of the nations. To Him do we chant: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. We extol and exalt Him above all for ever.
Katavasia: The dew-moistened furnace was the image of an incomprehensible wonder.* It did not burn the youths entrapped there,* just as the fire of the Godhead did not consume the Virgin’s womb in which He dwelt.* Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Conceiving without taint of corruption,* lending your flesh to the Word, the Deviser of all,* Mother knowing no man, Virgin, Godbearer,* vessel receiving the illimitable* and dwelling for your infinite Maker:* we magnify you.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Be silent, you minds estranged, who fit suffering to the divinity; for we magnify the Lord of glory, crucified in the flesh but not crucified in the divine nature: one person in two natures.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
All you who deny the body’s resurrection, go to the tomb of Christ and learn that the flesh of the giver of life was put to death and rose again in assurance of the final resurrection; for this we hope.
We bless the Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
As we worship not a trinity of Godheads but of persons, not oneness of persons but of Godhead, we part from those who divide and confound those who dare to confuse the Trinity whom we magnify.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
You are shown to us as one who brings joy and gladness unending, O ever-virgin Maid, for you brought forth the Deliverer who brings release to those who in truth and in the Holy Spirit honour him as God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
All-pure One, David your forefather, singing your praises, named you ark of divine holiness which contained, beyond nature, the God who ever sits within the deep recesses of the Father. We the faithful magnify him without ceasing.
Canon of the Feast
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The divine maiden Mary, the fruit of the promise, issued forth from the righteous Joachim and Anna, and, as a babe in the flesh, she is brought into the holy sanctuary like pleasing incense, to dwell in the Holy of holies.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
With hymns let us praise her who was a babe by nature and was supernaturally revealed as the Mother of God; for she is led to the Lord in the temple of the law, as the fragrance of sweet savour for the righteous, as the spiritual fruit of her righteous parents.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O faithful, with the angel let us fittingly cry out to the Theotokos, “Rejoice!” Rejoice, O most comely Bride! Rejoice, O radiant cloud, from whom the Lord has shone forth upon us who sit in the darkness of ignorance! Rejoice, you hope of all!
Canon of St. Amphilochius
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Most piously theologizing concerning the one Essence in three Hypostases, the most holy, divine and unapproachable Trinity, you have been honoured thereby, O Amphilochius manifest in sanctity.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
Possessing boldness before God as a hierarch, O God-bearer, standing before your Master be your ever mindful of those who celebrate your sacred and luminous memory, O blessed one.
Holy hierarch Amphilochius, pray to God for us!
O divinely wise and venerable father Amphilochius, as a most faithful hierarch you gave abundant grace to me who with ardent heart weave praises for you and ask remission of sins.
Glory… Now…
You were shown to be the descendant of Adam and are known to be the Mother of God; for from ages past you were revealed as more holy than all creation, O all-pure and blessed one. Therefore, we magnify you.
Katavasia: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
of the Resurrection
When the myrrh-bearing women saw the stone rolled away, they rejoiced;* for they saw a young man sitting at the grave who said to them:* Behold, Christ is risen!* Say to Peter, the disciple of the Lord:* Hasten to the mountain in Galilee;* there you shall see Christ* as He had said to His friends.
of St. Amphilochius
Becoming divine through immaterial communion with the nature of God, O most wise one, you were anointed by angels as a high priest for the clergy of God, mediating between the Creator and creation, O God-pleasing father Amphilochius. Therefore, celebrating your memory, we sing to you, delivered by your prayers from corruption and perils.
of St. Gregory
Glory…
Having adorned your life with fasting, O wise and blessed father Gregory, you were shown to be a hierarch of the honoured Church of Christ, illumining the Orthodox with the rays of your teachings and ineffable miracles. Therefore, through your supplications ask salvation of soul for those who celebrate your all-holy repose.
of the Feast
Now…
With faith let us praise Mary, the divine Maiden, whom the company of the prophets proclaimed of old as the jar and the staff, the tablets and the unquarried mountain; for she is led today into the Holy of holies, to be raised for the Lord.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 7
Christ is risen from the dead,* loosing the bonds of death;* O earth! proclaim the good tidings of great joy; and you heavens praise the glory of God.
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ,* let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one.
We cease not to worship the Holy Resurrection of Christ,* for He has saved us from our iniquities,* Holy is the Lord Jesus* who has shown us the Resurrection.
What shall we render to the Lord for all that He has rendered unto us?* For our sake God dwelled among us;* for our corrupted nature the Word became flesh and dwelled within us;* to the ungrateful He is the Benefactor;* to prisoners He is the Liberator;* to those in darkness He is the Sun of justice;* the path to the Cross;* the Light to Hades; Life to death;* Resurrection for the fallen:* to Him we cry aloud: Our God, glory be to You!’
Tone 2
The middle wall of partition is truly taken away* by the divine entry of the Theotokos,* and those below have now been united with those on high.
The middle wall of partition is truly taken away* by the divine entry of the Theotokos,* and those below have now been united with those on high.
The choirs of virgins chanted a divine hymn* as, bearing torches, they escorted the only most immaculate one* into the house of God.
O Zachariah, receive into the Holy of Holies within the sanctuary* the Theotokos, who is the Holy of holies.
Tone 2, Glory…
They who were with Mary came and brought ointments,* but they wondered how they would achieve their goal.* However, they saw that the stone had already been rolled away,* and a divine angel appeared and gave peace to their troubled souls.* He said: The Lord Jesus has risen.* Therefore, proclaim to His disciples* that they should hasten to Galilee and behold Him risen from the dead;* for He is the Lord, the Giver of life.
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
Today salvation has come to the world.* Let us sing to Him who is risen from the tomb,* the Author of Life who has crushed Death by his death* and bestowed on us victory and great mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY ON SUNDAY MORNING
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 7: By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.
Troparion, Tone 4: Today is the prelude of the good pleasure of God,* and the proclamation of salvation for the human race.* In the Temple of God* the Virgin is clearly revealed,* and beforehand announces Christ to all.* To her, then, let us cry aloud with a mighty voice:* Rejoice, fulfilment of the Creator’s plan.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 7: No longer shall the dominion of death be able to hold humanity,* for Christ went down shattering and destroying it s powers.* Hades is bound.* The prophets exult with one voice.* The Saviour has come for those with faith, saying:* “Come forth, O faithful, to the resurrection!”
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: The Saviour’s pure temple,* the precious bridal chamber and Virgin,* the sacred treasury of the glory of God,* is brought today into the house of the Lord;* and with her she brings the grace of the divine Spirit.* God’s angels sing in praise of her:* She is indeed the heavenly dwelling-place.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The Lord will give strength to His people;* the Lord will bless His people with peace.
verse: Bring to the Lord, O you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams. (Psalm 28:11,1)
Epistle
Ephesians 2:14-22
Alleluia, Tone 7
verse: It is good to give praise to the Lord; and to sing to Your name, O Most High.
verse: To announce Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth every night. (Psalm 91:2,3)
Gospel
Luke 8:41-56
Hymn to the Mother of God
Seeing the entrance of the pure one, angels marvel in wonder how the Virgin could enter the holy of holies
And the Irmos, Tone 4: Let no hand of the profane touch God’s living ark,* but instead let the lips of those who are believers* sing out ceaselessly in the words of the angel,* crying out with great joy to the Mother of God:* O pure Virgin,* you are truly higher than all.
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.