Nativity Fast. Resurrection Gospel 6.

GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING

Kathisma Reading

Blessed is the man… is sung.

At Psalm 140

Tone 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Never-setting Sun is coming from the Virginal womb* to enlighten everyone under the sun.* Let us meet Him with pure hearts and with good works.* Let us prepare ourselves now through the Holy Spirit* to greet Him who is coming to His own people* as He Himself had willed.* He is being born in Bethlehem* so that through His compassion* He might bring back all of those* who were exiled from life in Paradise.

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

He who is carried by the Cherubim* has taken human nature in the abode of the Immaculate womb.* He has come to earth to be born of the tribe of Judah.* The holy cave has been adorned* like a splendid palace for the King of all;* the manger, like a ruby throne.* The Virgin will place the Child into it* for the renewal of His boundless creation.

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

Having conceived in a manner beyond understanding,* the Virgin places You into the manger of the dumb animals,* O eternal Word of God,* because You come to pardon the ignorance* that I acquired through the envy of the serpent.* You come to be wrapped in swaddling clothes* in order to break the chains and the fetters of my sins.* Only-blessed One and Lover of mankind,* I most joyfully glorify, extol, and adore You* and Your coming in the flesh;* for through You have I been freed.

Tone 8

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

The commemoration of the holy Fathers* is manifested to the ends of the world.* It is truly full of splendor,* and it glistens with the rays of grace;* for Christ the splendorous Sun has shone forth on high from afar.* He forms the assembly of stars which glisten with Him,* and the star reveals that the nativity of the God-man will be in Bethlehem.* Therefore, we piously and faithfully clap our hands* and leap for joy at this nativity,* and we give praise before the feast.

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

The Holy Fathers are adorned* by the glory of the divine sharing of our nature.* Adam rejoices today,* since he is the foundation and the strength of the wise Forefathers;* Abel leaps for joy as well.* Enoch is glad; Seth and Noah dance together.* The praiseworthy Abraham sings with the Patriarchs.* Melchizedek now sees from on high* the birth without a father.

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

The faithful and God-wise youths* are radiant with joy in the furnace.* They herald the nativity of Christ on earth.* As the precious dew which the Lord sent down,* He now preserves the Virgin without stain* and enriches her with sublime gifts.* Therefore, Daniel, inspired by God,* is also happy and full of joy* because he had a clear vision of the unhewn stone of the mountain.* He now zealously prays for our souls.

Tone 6, Glory…

Daniel was a beloved man.* He saw You, O Lord, as the Rock* which was hewn without the use of a hand.* He foretold that You, the Incarnate Word,* the Unchangeable God, and Saviour of our souls,* would be born without seed* as a Child of the Virgin.

Now…

O Cave, prepare yourself to receive the Mother* who bears Christ within her womb.* O Manger, receive the Word Who destroyed the sins of all.* O Shepherds, keep watch and then bear witness to the awesome wonder.* O Magi, come from Persia,* and bring your gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the King.* For the Lord has appeared from a virgin Mother;* yet she bowed to Him as a servant* and spoke to Him within her bosom, saying:* How were You conceived in me?* How did You grow in me, my God and Saviour?

Readings

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

Aposticha

Tone 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tone 2, Glory…

Rejoice, O illustrious Prophets!* You firmly established the Law of the Lord,* and you faithfully manifested yourselves* to be invincible and unshakeable pillars.* You have been taken to heaven* and have shown yourselves to be mediators of the new Law of Christ.* Implore Him to give peace to the world* and to save our souls.

Now…

Behold, the time of salvation is drawing near.* O Cave, prepare yourself,* for the Virgin is coming to give birth.* O Bethlehem, O land of Judah,* adorn yourself and be happy* since the Lord will shine forth from you.* O mountains and hills and lands around Judah,* hearken, for Christ is coming that He may save His creation* because He is the Lover of mankind.

Troparia

Tone 3

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

Tone 2, Glory…

Great are the achievements of faith!* In the fountain of flames, the three holy youths rejoiced as by the water of rest,* and the prophet Daniel was revealed shepherding lions like sheep.* Through their intercession, O Christ God, save our souls.

Tone 4, Now…

Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all.* Ephrathah, be alert, for the Tree of Life has blossomed forth from the Virgin in the cave.* Her womb has become a spiritual paradise* wherein the divine Fruit was planted,* and if we eat of it we shall live and not die like Adam.* Christ is coming forth to bring back to life* the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.

GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 3

Troparia, Tone 3

Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world. (2)

Tone 2, Glory…

Great are the achievements of faith!* In the fountain of flames, the three holy youths rejoiced as by the water of rest,* and the prophet Daniel was revealed shepherding lions like sheep.* Through their intercession, O Christ God, save our souls.

Tone 4, Now…

Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all.* Ephrathah, be alert, for the Tree of Life has blossomed forth from the Virgin in the cave.* Her womb has become a spiritual paradise* wherein the divine Fruit was planted,* and if we eat of it we shall live and not die like Adam.* Christ is coming forth to bring back to life* the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.

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 3

Christ has arisen from the dead, the first fruits of those that sleep.* The First-born of creation and Creator of all that has come to be,* has renewed in Himself the corrupted nature of our race.* Death, no longer is your lord,* for the Master of all things has destroyed your dominion.

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

Having tasted death in the flesh, O Lord,* You have blotted out the bitterness of death by Your arising* strengthening mankind against it, and announcing the abolition of the ancient curse.* Defender of our lives, O Lord, glory be to You!

Glory… Now…

Awed by the beauty of your virginity* and the exceeding radiance of your purity,* Gabriel called out to you, O Theotokos:* What worthy hymn of praise can I offer to you?* And what shall I name you?* I am in doubt and stand in awe.* Therefore as commanded, I cry to you:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace.

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 3

Awed by Your immutable Godhead* and by Your voluntary passion, O Lord,* Hades lamented: I tremble at Your body’s essence, which remains incorrupt.* I behold You, the One who is invisible, mystically making war against me;* therefore those whom I hold cry out:* ‘Glory, O Christ, to Your Resurrection!’

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

We the faithful contemplate an ineffable mystery:* Your incomprehensible Crucifixion and Your inexplicable Arising.* For today Death and Hades have been despoiled,* but mankind has been clothed in incorruption.* Therefore with thanksgiving we cry aloud to You:* Glory, O Christ, to Your Resurrection!

Glory… Now…

Mystically did you contain in your womb* the Incomprehensible and Uncircumscribed One,* consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit;* and we acknowledge in your Offspring one unconfused energy of the Trinity Who is glorified in the world.* And so with thanksgiving we cry to you, ** ‘Rejoice, O full of grace!’

Evlogitaria

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

With hymns let us all praise Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,* the meek David, Joshua, and the twelve patriarchs,* together with the three youths that quenched the fiery flame with the power of the Spirit.* And let us cry out to them:* Rejoice, you that bravely denounced the deception of the mad king!* Pray to Christ that He grant remission of offenses* to them that celebrate your holy memory with love.

Glory… Now…

From the bosom of the Father You came down,* and in Your ineffable condescension You took upon Yourself poverty like to ours,* in a manner surpassing nature, O Lover of mankind.* It was Your good pleasure to make Your abode in a cave, O Lord,* and like as a babe You are suckled at Your Mother’s breast, who are Creator and Lord.* The Magi, guided by the star, bring gifts to You and cry out:* Glory in the highest to God who comes to earth to be born as a man!

Hypakoe, Tone 3

A Cause of amazement by his appearance,* and source of refreshment by his speech,* the radiant Angel spoke to the myrrh-bearing women saying:* Why do you seek the living in a grave?* He has arisen, emptying the graves.* Know that the unchangeable One has changed corruption.* Therefore cry to God saying,* ‘How fearful are Your works!* For You have saved mankind.’

Hymn of Ascent, Tone 3

Antiphon 1

You, O Word, delivered the captivity of Sion from Babylon,* Deliver me also* from the passions to life.

Those who sow in the South* with tears inspired by God,* shall in joy reap sheaves of everlasting life.

Glory… Now…

By the Holy Spirit,* together with the Father and the Son* shines forth the reflection of every good gift,* In Him all things live and have their being.

Antiphon 2

Except the Lord build the house of the virtues,* in vain do we labour.* While He protects our soul no one lays waste our city.

The Saints, O Christ, fruits of the womb,* are by the Spirit, always sons to You,* as You are to the Father.

Glory… Now…

The Holy Spirit is the inspiration of all that is holy and wise;* for He quickens every creature.* Let us worship Him* together with the Father and the Son, for He is God.

Antiphon 3

Those who fear the Lord are blessed* as they walk along the paths of His commandments;* for they partake of the life-giving fruit.

Be glad, Chief Shepherd,* beholding Your offspring around Your table* bearing the branches of good works.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit is a superabundance of glory;* for from Him proceeds forth grace and life* into all creation;* therefore He is praised together with the Father and the Word.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

Proclaim to the nations: God is king. The world He made firm in its place.

verse: O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord all the earth.

Let everything that lives, Tone 3

Gospel

Luke 24:36-53

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Canon, Tone 3

Ode 1

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: In time past by his divine command he gathered the waters into one heap* and divided the sea for the people of Israel:* this is our God, he is glorious,* to him alone we sing, for he is glorified.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He condemned the earth to bring forth thorns, fruit of the transgressor’s sweat; he received in the flesh a crown of thorns from the hands of lawless men : this is our God, he has done away with the curse, he is glorified.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He whom death smote is declared the conqueror who won the victory over death; for taking living flesh subject to suffering, he wrestled with the tyrant and raised up all with himself: he is our God, he is glorified.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

All nations glorify you, true Mother of God, who seedlessly bore your child; for he, our God, stole down into your hallowed womb and, invested with our being, God and man was born of you.

Canon of the Forefeast

Irmos: 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.

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

The Virgin now comes to Bethlehem to give birth to Christ, who becomes a babe in the flesh; to Christ, who of His own will has beggared Himself; to Christ, who becomes visible. Let heaven and earth rejoice!

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

Leap up, you mountains and hills! Join chorus, you divinely eloquent prophets! You people and nations, clap your hands! Our salvation and Enlightenment, who is born in the city of Bethlehem, has nearly come.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

God is known as man through the Virgin who has not known wedlock; He that is rich becomes poor, enriching them that, through malice, have been reduced to poverty. Let us all hymn Him with praises for He has been glorified.

Canon to the Fathers

Irmos: The children of them that were saved have hidden beneath the earth* Him that of old covered the pursuing tyrant with the waves of the sea;* but let us chant to the Lord like the maidens:* Gloriously has He been glorified!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Today the assembly of the divine fathers radiantly celebrates the forefeast of the nativity of Christ, and most glorious grace prefigures it, for Abraham and the children of the Law are an image thereof.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Of old the sacred Abraham received One of the tri-hypostatic Godhead, and now the Word of the Father, who is equally enthroned with Him, comes through the divine Spirit to the children, He that is gloriously praised.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

The children that cast down godlessness in the furnace are in number and faith images of the divine Trinity, and they have revealed to the world the hidden mysteries of God.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Abraham was delivered from the hands of the unrighteous, and the divine youths and Daniel the prophet were once saved from the flame of the furnace and from the den of wild beasts. We now celebrate the forefeast of the nativity of Christ.

Glory… Now…

O joyous and unwedded Mother, incorrupt Virgin, we bless you, for you blossomed forth from the generation of Abraham and the tribe of David, and gave birth to Christ, who of old was foretold by the prophets.

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: Almighty Lord,* you brought all things from nothing into being,* created by the Word, perfected by the Spirit.* Make me firm in your love.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The ungodly man was brought to shame by your cross; he dug a pit and opened it up and fell into it himself; the horn of the lowly, O Christ, is lifted up in your resurrection.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The proclamation of righteousness to the nations as water has covered the seas, O Lover of man, for you have risen from the grave and revealed the splendour of the Trinity.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Glorious things are spoken of you, the living city of the King who reigns for ever. For through you, O Lady, God dwelt among those on earth.

Canon of the Forefeast

Irmos: 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!

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

In a manner beyond understanding, He that was born of the Father before the ages has become incarnate of the Virgin in latter times, as He Himself knew, wishing to renew humanity which had become corrupt through the counsel of the evil serpent.

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

The unoriginate Son of God, who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit in the highest, beholding human nature which had been humbled, accepts a beginning and wishes to be born in the flesh as man.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

She that is more holy than the angels and all creation now gives birth without seed to the Angel of Great Counsel in the flesh, for the restoration of all that unceasingly chant to Him: Holy are You, O Lord!

Canon to the Fathers

Irmos: Beholding You who suspended the whole earth without support upon the waters,* Yourself hanging upon Golgotha,* creation was seized with great awe, crying out:* None is holy save You, O Lord!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Faithfully preserving the glory of the image and likeness of God, with the fire of the Spirit the children, as champions, extinguished the fire of the golden image, chanting: We know but one Lord!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

The captive children, clothed with the wisdom and power of the Spirit, put to shame the wise men of Babylon and boldly cried out: None is holy save You, O Lord, Lover of mankind!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

The Law rejoices and joins chorus with the children and the prophets and exults today before the divine advent of the Lord. And Abraham rejoices for from his seed has the incarnate Lord appeared.

Glory… Now…

A conception without pain, an acceptance of your birthgiving has transpired in manner beyond recounting, O Theotokos, for the Word of God, who is God and was proclaimed by the prophets, has shown Himself to be a mystery beyond nature.

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!

Hypakoe, Tone 4

An Angel bedewed the children in the furnace,* and has now put an end to the lamentation of the myrrh-bearing women, saying:* Why bring myrrh? Whom do you seek in the tomb?* Christ God is arisen, for He is the life and salvation of the human race!

Kontakion, Tone 1

Rejoice, O Bethlehem, and be ready, O Ephrathah. * Behold, the virgin is on her way to give birth * to the great Shepherd whom she carried in her womb. * The God-bearing ancestors will rejoice at his sight, * and together with the shepherds * they will glorify the virgin nursing Him.

Ikos

Beholding the splendid radiance of thy birthgiving, O Virgin, the God-loving Abraham, the ever-memorable Isaac, Jacob, and all the divinely assembled choir of saints rejoice, and, with joyous utterances, they lead creation forth to meet you; for you are shown to be the mediatress of joy for all, having conceived in your womb Him that once was seen in Babylon, who preserved unconsumed the youths that had been cast unjustly into the furnace, and who showed you forth in manner past all comprehension. The young maidens chant to Him that is borne in your arms, hymning you as the nursing Virgin.

Ode 4

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: A mighty love you have shown to us, O Lord,* for you have given over to death for us your only-begotten Son;* therefore we thank you and cry to you:* Glory to your power, O Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Scars and bruises compassionately bearing, insult of blows enduring, long-patient under the spitting, O Christ; through these you have wrought my salvation. Glory to your power, O Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Life in mortal body, you conversed with deatiaor the sake of the misery of the poor and the sighing of the needy; and. destroying the destroyer, O glorified One, you raised up all with yourself, only Lover of man.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Remember, O Christ, your flock won by your Passion: visit the afflicted, accept the compassionate prayers of your Mother glorified and save it, O Lord, by your power.

Canon of the Forefeast

Irmos: 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!

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

You have given rise to a staff from the root of Jesse, O Virgin, putting forth the unfading Blossom of the Creator of all, who as God adorns with flowers all the earth, which cries aloud to Him: Glory to Your power, O Lord!

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

O Word of God, You have come to edify me, who have been despoiled through evil food and dragged down in mind and made like to dumb beasts; and, becoming a Babe, You lay down in a manger of dumb beasts. Glory to Your power, O Lord!

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

O Jesus, Habakkuk foresaw You incarnate of the Virgin, the mountain overshadowed, breaking down the mountains and hills of evil, and giving over to utter destruction the arrogance of the evil one and the uprisings of the demons.

Canon to the Fathers

Irmos: Foreseeing Your divine condescension upon the Cross, Habakkuk cried out in awe: You have cut down the dominion of the mighty, O Good One, entering into fellowship with them that are in Hades, as You are Almighty.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Let us honour Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the first-fruits of the fathers, for from their seed has Christ shown forth incarnate of the Virgin, in that He is almighty.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Indicating the coming events of the descent of Christ to all, Daniel clearly showed forth lions as sheep, for, as a prophet of God, he foresaw the future.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Not attracted by the poison of sin, O children, you were delivered from the flame; for, being of wisdom more pure than gold, you were not melted in the furnace of deception.

Glory… Now…

O honoured and all-pure one, your Offspring, who surpasses nature, is proclaimed aloud to be the expectation of the nations and the salvation of the world. And today the multitude of the fathers hymn Him.

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: Early I wake to you the Creator of all* and the peace which passes all understanding:* guide me in your ordinances,* for they are light.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Through the envy of the Jews handed over to an unrighteous judge, you, the all-seeing who judges all the earth in righteousness, delivered Adam from the ancient condemnation.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Christ, risen from the dead, grant peace to your churches in the invincible power of your cross, and save our souls.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

You alone, the Ever-virgin who received the Word of God unbounded by the whole creation, are Canon of the Forefeast

Irmos: 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.

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

The most perfect Son of God, the Master by nature, in His lovingkindness was well pleased to be called the Son of man and reckoned among slaves, O most Compassionate One. Willingly beggaring Yourself, You come to be born in a cave, O All-good One.

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

O Christ our King, who are uncontainable by nature, how can a little cave receive You? How can a manger contain You, who comes in the flesh to Your own for our sake, from a Mother that knew not wedlock, that You might save them that have been estranged from You, O Lord?

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

The Shepherd’s ewe-lamb has come to give birth. Make ready, O holy cave! Make haste, you shepherds, to see the newborn Shepherd and Lamb! O Magi, prepare yourselves with gifts to worship Him as King in the flesh.

Canon to the Fathers

Irmos: Isaiah, rising at dawn out of the night* and beholding the unwaning Light of Your Theophany, O Christ,* which has mercifully come to pass for us, cried out:* The dead shall rise up* and they that are in the tombs shall arise,* and all born on earth shall rejoice!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Let us honour today the divine Daniel, of the race of Abraham, the first-fruit of the fathers, as a leader of the Law and of grace; for, as a prophet of God, he foretold the advent of Christ from the Virgin and goes forth to meet His divine nativity.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Clearly prefiguring through the Angel’s descent the coming of the Lord to us, the children of Abraham extinguished the furnace; and, rendering the flame dewy with their faith, they consumed the splendour of the golden image therein.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Through the Spirit, Daniel closed the mouths of the wild beasts in the pit; and, through grace, the children of Abraham quenched the strength of the fire. And, saved from corruption, they proclaim Christ who is born of the Virgin, entreating Him as the Deliverer of our salvation.

Glory… Now…

Revealing through the divine Spirit Your painless assumption of our nature, and keeping vigil in the Law of grace, O Lord, Isaiah cried out: From the race of Abraham and the tribe of Judah comes a Virgin, giving birth in the flesh without seed.

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: The deepest abyss of sins has surrounded me* and my spirit fails me;* but stretch out your mighty arm, O Lord my pilot, as to Peter,* and save me.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The abyss of mercy and pity has surrounded me in your tender descent, O Lord, for, made flesh and taking the form of a servant, you made me as God and glorified me with yourself.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The one who dealt death has undergone death through seeing the One put to death now brought to life: these things are the tokens of your Resurrection, O Christ, and the rewards of your pure Passion.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Only All-pure, beyond understanding you were mediator between the Creator and man, pray to your merciful Son for your stumbling servants and be our defender.

Canon of the Forefeast

Irmos: 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.

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

O Mistress, as you are a new heaven you come, that Christ, the Sun of glory, might shine forth in the flesh from your womb, as through a cloud, in the cave; for, in His boundless lovingkindness, He wishes splendidly to illumine all that are of this earth with rays of His own light.

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

You perceived our infirmity and misery, O compassionate Christ, and did not disdain us; but, without leaving the Father, you emptied Yourself and make Your abode in the womb of her that knew not wedlock, who now comes forth to give birth to You, without pain, in the cave.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

You mountains and hills, fields and vales, people and generations, nations and every creature: exult, filled with divine gladness, for the deliverance of all, the Word of God, the Timeless One, who, in His lovingkindness, has come under time, comes with haste.

Canon to the Fathers

Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the storm of temptations,* fleeing to Your calm haven I cry to You:* Lead up my life from corruption,* O most Merciful One!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Hospitable was the nature and exalted was the faith of Abraham the forefather. Receiving in image the divine mystery, he rejoiced, and, running before Christ, he now makes merry.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

The faith of the youths now holds creation subject by the gift of the Creator, for the all-devouring and shameless fire stood in awe of them that honour Jesus Christ, the Creator of fire.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Daniel the prophet, once closing the mouths of the lions in the pit, showed in godly manner that through the coming of Christ the savagery of the world is in harmony with divine peace.

Glory… Now…

O Mary, Mother who knew not man, from a virgin womb you gave birth to Christ, whom the prophets beheld in the Spirit; and the fathers who begot Him now join chorus before His nativity.

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

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

Ikos

Let heaven and earth dance together today and with one mind sing to Christ God for he has raised from the graves those held in bonds. All creation rejoices together and brings to our Creator and Redeemer of all its fitting songs. For today, as giver of life, with himself he drew mortal man from Hell and lifts him up to heaven, he dashes down the pride of the enemy and breaks in pieces the gates of Hell by the divine might of his authority.

Ode 7

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: As, long ago, your dew refreshed the three godly children in the Chaldean flames,* so shine with the enlightening fire of your Godhead* upon us who cry to you:* Blessed are you, God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The fair veil of the temple was rent in the cross of the Creator, clearly announcing the hidden truth in the scriptures to the faithful who cry to you: Blessed are you, God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

When your side was pierced, O Christ, drops of your life-giving blood, flowing from God by divine dispensation, distilled upon the earth and re-made those born of the earth who cry to you: Blessed are you, God of our fathers.

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

Let us the faithful glorify the Good Spirit with the Father and the only-begotten Son, one in three, as we worship the first cause and one Godhead, crying: Blessed are you, God of our fathers.

Canon of the Forefeast

Irmos: 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.

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

The divine vine whereupon the incorrupt Cluster did ripen, draws nigh, coming to give birth to Him that pours forth the wine of gladness and waters us that cry out to Him: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!

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

The divine vial which bears within herself the fragrant Myrrh cometh to pour it out in the cave of Bethlehem, filling with mystic fragrance them that chant: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

The tongs which Isaiah the prophet beheld of old coms, holding in her womb Christ, the divine Ember, which burns up all the fuel of sin and enlightens the souls of the faithful.

Canon to the Fathers

Irmos: O ineffable wonder!* He, that in the furnace delivered the venerable children from the flame,* is laid in the grave, dead and devoid of breath, for the salvation of us that chant:* O God, our Deliverer, blessed are You!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

O father Abraham, founder of your race, having begotten Christ in the flesh, you are clearly revealed by the Spirit as the father of nations, to the salvation of us that chant: O God, our Deliverer, blessed are You!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Your hymn of the inspired ones has put to shame them that utter soulless noises, for the youths, bodily trampling down unharmed the furnace which burned with fire, chant: O God, our Deliverer, blessed are You!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Of old, the prophet Daniel, gazing with spiritual vision, revealed the second coming of Christ, and he foretells the dreadful things which shall come to pass therein, crying out: O God, our Deliverer, blessed are You!

Glory… Now…

O strange wonder, known among the prophets and revealed of old to the fathers: a pure Virgin is come, wishing to give birth to the salvation of us that chant: O God, our Deliverer, blessed are You!

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: In the unbearable fire, unharmed by the flames,* the young men, famed for their fear of God, stood as one and sang the divine hymn:* Bless the Lord, all you his works,* and exalt him throughout all the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The brightness of the temple was rent when your cross was set on Golgotha: all creation bowed down together and raised the song: Bless the Lord, all you his works, and exalt him throughout all the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You have risen, Christ, from the grave, by the divine power of the cross you have raised man overthrown by treachery and set him straight again, crying out and saying: Bless the Lord, all you his works, and exalt him throughout all the ages.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

You are declared to be the temple of God, living resting-place and ark, for you, pure Mother of God, have reconciled the Creator to mortal man and fittingly we his works sing your praises and exalt you throughout all the ages.

Canon of the Forefeast

Irmos: 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.

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

In gladness let us cry out with the angels: Glory to God in the highest! The Saviour is born! The Master comes, whom the star indicates! The Magi hasten to behold Him, a Babe in a manger! Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

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

Amongst slaves were You enrolled of Your own will, O Master, subjecting Yourself to the law of Caesar, that You might free mankind from slavery to the evil one, O most merciful God. Rejoicing, we chant: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Most holy Theotokos, saves us!

O unoriginate Word, I bear You as a newborn Babe, although I have in no wise known man, said the Virgin, marvelling. Whom on earth can I name Your father? I know not. With all I chant to You: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Canon to the Fathers

Irmos: Fall back in awe and fear, O heaven;* and let the foundations of the earth be shaken!* For, lo! He that dwells in the highest is numbered among the dead* and lodges as a stranger in a small tomb.* O children, bless; O priests, hymn;* O people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Prefiguring Your sacrifice, O Christ, Abraham, obedient to You, O Master, went forth with faith, wishing to sacrifice on the mountain the son whom he had begotten; but he returned with him, rejoicing and glorifying and exalting above all You, the Deliverer of the world.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

When You robed Yourself in ever-blazing flame as in a divine robe, O Christ, You utterly extinguished the fire for the three holy children, and by Your descent the dew has cried out to them that chant: O priests, hymn and exalt Him supremely forever!

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

The prophet Daniel is given to the lions as an unjust trial, but, through the precept of abstinence, in his piety he had the wild beasts as fellow fasters in the depths of the pit. Through his prayers and those of Abraham and the children, save them that hymn You in the world, O Christ!

Glory… Now…

The voices of the prophets faithfully proclaimed Him as Jesus Emmanuel, who comes in human form, God and man; and the Virgin Mary, without having known man, gives birth in the city of Bethlehem to a Son, the co-unoriginate Word, through the Holy Spirit.

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: Marvel new and meet for God!* Through the shut gate of the Virgin the Lord surely passes through.* Unclothed in the entering, fleshbearing in the coming forth* God has appeared and the gate remains fast closed.* We magnify her beyond utterance* the Mother of God.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Word of God, awful it is to see you, the Creator, hanging on the tree, God suffering in human fashion for the sake of his servants; while lying lifeless in the tomb you yet had loosed the dead from Hell; for this, O Christ, we magnify you as almighty.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Laid dead in the grave, O Christ, you saved our forefathers from the corruption of death; you raised the dead and made life to blossom and, leading mortal nature by the hand to the light, you clothed it with divine incorruptibility; for this we magnify you, fountain of everliving light.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Temple and throne of God you are declared to be, All-pure, wherein he who dwells in the highest took up his abode, born without man and guarding entire the doors of your flesh. Holy One, by your unceasing prayers bring swiftly the nations in final subjection to our king.

Canon of the Forefeast

Irmos: 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.

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

O mysteries strange, awesome and most glorious: the Lord of glory has come to earth and, having beggared Himself, He has entered a cave in the flesh, seeking to restore Adam and to deliver Eve from her pangs.

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

By Your swaddling clothes You loose the bonds of our sinful falls; by Your great poverty You enrich us all, O Compassionate One; and having been laid in a manger of dumb beasts You release men from irrational malice, O all-unoriginate Word of God.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

The preaching of the prophets has reached the ends of the earth, for they foretold Him that was to come in the fullness of time; and He came and appeared incarnate of the pure Virgin; Him let us receive with a pure mind!

Canon to the Fathers

Irmos: Lament Me not, O Mother,* beholding in the tomb the Son whom you conceived in your womb without seed;* for I shall arise and be glorified,* and as God everlasting shall I exalt with glory them that magnify you with faith and love.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

Celebrating the feast of the fathers that were before the Law, let us honour Christ, who, in godly manner, is begotten of them in the flesh; for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who, through faith, are proclaimers of the Spirit and grace, are shown to be the foundation of the prophets and the Law.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

God, who by the fire in the bush showed to Moses the godly mystery in manner past understanding, having descended into the fire for the children, showed the flame of the furnace to be dew through the fire of the Essence of His divinity.

O holy Fathers, pray to God for us!

The all-holy children, assembling with Abraham, and Daniel, the wondrous prophet of God, Isaac and Jacob, with Moses and Aaron, faithfully join chorus before the nativity of Christ, praying unceasingly that we be saved.

Glory… Now…

All of creation rejoices in your birth-giving, O Virgin, for Bethlehem has opened Eden to us. And, lo! delighting in the Tree of Life, we all earnestly cry out in faith: you have fulfilled our prayers, O Mistress!

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

After Your resurrection from the grave, O Saviour,* You revealed Your human nature as You stood in the midst of the disciples;* You ate with them and taught them the baptism of repentance.* Then You ascended to Your Father and promised to send them the Paraclete.* Therefore, O Lover of mankind and God most high,* glory to Your holy resurrection!

Glory…

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the elect of the patriarchs, the fathers before the Law, have shone forth like beacons, for all the prophets and the righteous shone forth from them like radiant lamps. With rays of honourable prophecy have they illumined all creation; and they earnestly pray to God in behalf of the world.

Now…

Wondrous has this been! The unblemished ewe-lamb, the granddaughter of Adam and David, giveth birth to the Lamb, the all-unoriginate Word, in the latter days, as is meet. The forefeast of her ineffable birthgiving do the multitude of the fathers celebrate fittingly.

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 3

Come all you nations,* acknowledge the power of the dread mystery;* for Christ our Saviour, the beginningless Word,* was crucified for us and was willingly buried* and arose from the dead to save the whole universe.* Let us worship Him.

You guards recounted all the marvels, O Lord,* but, by filling their right hands with money,* the Sanhedrin of folly thought to conceal Your Resurrection,* which the world glorifies;* have mercy upon us.

All things have been filled with joy on receiving proof of the Resurrection.* For Mary Magdalene having come to the tomb,* found an Angel seated upon the stone,* radiant in shining raiment, saying:* Why do you seek the living among the dead?* He is not here, but He has arisen, as He foretold,* and goes before you into Galilee.

In Your light, O Master and Lover of mankind,* shall we see light.* For arose from the dead,* granting salvation to the race of mankind,* therefore all creation glorifies You, the only sinless one;* have mercy upon us.

Tone 5

Lift up your voice, O Sion, truly divine city,* and proclaim the divine memory of the fathers,* honouring Abraham, Isaac, and the ever-memorable Jacob;* for, lo! we all magnify Judah and Levi,* the great Moses and the wondrous Aaron,* and we honour David, Joshua, and Samuel.* And weaving divine hymns into godly praise on the forefeast of Christ’s nativity,* we ask that we receive grace from Him,* and that He grant the world great mercy.

Lift up your voice, O Sion, truly divine city,* and proclaim the divine memory of the fathers,* honouring Abraham, Isaac, and the ever-memorable Jacob;* for, lo! we all magnify Judah and Levi,* the great Moses and the wondrous Aaron,* and we honour David, Joshua, and Samuel.* And weaving divine hymns into godly praise on the forefeast of Christ’s nativity,* we ask that we receive grace from Him,* and that He grant the world great mercy.

Blessed are You, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages!

O Elijah, who once rode upon a divine chariot of fire,* come forth, and you, O divinely wise Elisha;* and joining with Ezekiel and Hosea, rejoice!* O honoured and divinely inspired twelve prophets, join chorus,* and all you righteous, chant in hymns to the nativity of Christ;* O most blessed youths that quenched the flame of the furnace with the dew of the Spirit,* entreat Christ in our behalf,* that He send down upon our souls great mercy.

For You are righteous in all which You have done for us.

The Virgin Theotokos,* she who through the ages has been preached on earth by the prophets in their utterances,* she whom the wise patriarchs and the assemblies of the righteous proclaim,* with whom the comeliness of women joins chorus:* Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Hannah, together with the glorious Miriam, the sister of Moses.* With them all the ends of the world rejoice and all creation renders honour,* for the Creator and God of all comes to be born in the flesh* and to grant us great mercy.

Tone 8, Glory…

The compilation of the teachings of the Law* reveals the divine birth of Christ in the flesh* as being from them that, before the Law, proclaimed the glad tidings of grace* to them that lived beyond the Law.* In that this birth is the means of deliverance from corruption,* for the sake of the resurrection they declared to the souls held fast in Hades:* O Lord, glory be to You!

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

Troparion, Tone 2: Great are the achievements of faith!* In the fountain of flames, the three holy youths rejoiced as by the water of rest,* and the prophet Daniel was revealed shepherding lions like sheep.* Through their intercession, O Christ God,* save our souls.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: Armed by the Being that defies description* You defied the man-made idol, O thrice blessed youth.* In the midst of the unbearable flames you stood and cried out to God:* “In Your mercy, O gracious One, hasten and come to our aid,”* for You can do whatever You will.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

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

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

Epistle

Hebrews 11:9-10,17-23,32-40

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us the work You did in their days.

verse: You saved us from our oppressors and put to shame those who hate us. (Psalm 43:2,8)

Gospel

Matthew 1:1-25

Communion Hymn

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