Polyeleos Feast. Resurrectional Gospel 9.
GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY NIGHT
Kathisma Reading
Blessed is the man… is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 6
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
O Christ, You won the victory over Hades,* You ascended the cross so that You might raise up with Yourself* all those who dwelt in the darkness of death.* Almighty Saviour, You are free from death* and bestow life by Your divine light.* We, therefore, beseech You to have mercy on us.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
Today Christ has conquered Death.* He has risen from the grave as He had foretold,* bestowing great joy upon the world.* Therefore, let us all lift up our voices and sing:* O Fount of Life, O Light whom no one can approach,* Almighty Saviour, have mercy on us.
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
O Lord, where can we sinners flee from You,* for You are present in all creation?* You are present in heaven, for it is Your dwelling place.* Your power prevails in Hades where You conquered Death.* O Master, Your sustaining hand touches even the depths of the sea.* Where, then, can we take refuge except in You?* We, therefore, prostrate ourselves before You and pray:* O Lord, risen from the dead, have mercy on us.
Tone 2
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
When the Forerunner saw the One who is our enlightenment,* the One who has brought light to all,* coming to be baptized,* his heart rejoiced and his hand trembled.* He pointed Him out to the people and said:* This is the Saviour of Israel who delivered us from corruption.* O Christ our God, O Sinless One, glory to You!
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
O our Saviour, the armies of angels trembled* when they saw You baptized by your servant,* and the Holy Spirit bearing witness and descending,* and when they heard the voice of the Father speaking from heaven:* This One upon whom the Forerunner lays his hands* is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.* O Christ our God, glory to You!
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
When the Jordan River received You, O Fountainhead,* the Comforter descended in the form of a dove.* Now behold the marvel:* the One who bowed the heavens bows his head to the Forerunner,* and the one made of clay cries out to his Maker:* Why do You command me to perform what is beyond my power?* It is I who need to be baptized by You.* O Christ our God, O Sinless One, glory to You!
Tone 5
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
O venerable Father, God-bearing Theodosius,* you struggled valiantly in your earthly life.* With hymns, fastings, and vigils,* you were a model for your disciples.* Now you rejoice with the angelic powers.* Without ceasing, you glorify Christ, who is God of God, and the Word,* the Deliverer who bowed his head to the Forerunner* and who sanctified the nature of water.* Implore Him and pray to Him, O venerable one,* that He grant to the Church* oneness of thought, peace, and his great mercy.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
O venerable Father, God-bearing Theodosius,* you struggled valiantly in your earthly life.* With hymns, fastings, and vigils,* you were a model for your disciples.* Now you rejoice with the angelic powers.* Without ceasing, you glorify Christ, who is God of God, and the Word,* the Deliverer who bowed his head to the Forerunner* and who sanctified the nature of water.* Implore Him and pray to Him, O venerable one,* that He grant to the Church* oneness of thought, peace, and his great mercy.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
O venerable Father, God-bearing Theodosius,* your desire was fulfilled when your soul was found to be pure.* The grace of the all-holy Spirit dwelt in you like a most pure light.* You were splendidly adorned by its action.* Without ceasing, you glorify Christ, the one Son in two natures,* who was baptized by the hand of the Forerunner* and who was attested to by the voice of the Father.* Implore Him and pray to Him, O venerable one,* that He grant to the whole world* oneness of thought, peace, and His great mercy.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
O venerable Father, God-bearing Theodosius, * you made yourself worthy of a blessed life by chastity and fasting.* Passing over to the life above, * you asked all the brothers to rejoice with you.* With the bodiless powers you now unceasingly glorify Christ* who ineffably received his flesh from the Virgin* and who drowned our sins by his baptism in the currents of the Jordan.* Implore Him and pray to Him, O holy one,* that He grant to the whole world* oneness of thought, peace, and His great mercy.
Tone 2, Glory…
O venerable Father, like a city of the living God,* the movements of the river brought joy to your soul* when the Water of Forgiveness, Christ our God, entered the Jordan* and made the word of faith gush forth for the whole world.* Implore Him, O blessed Theodosius, to save our souls.
Tone 6, Now…
Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.
Prokeimenon, Tone 6
The Lord reigns,* He is clothed in majesty.
verse: Robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.
verse: For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
verse: Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
Readings
(1) Wisdom 5:15-6:3; (2) Wisdom 3:1–9; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15
Aposticha
Tone 6
O Christ our Saviour,* the angels in heaven sing the praises of Your resurrection;* make us on earth also worthy* to extol and glorify You with a pure heart.
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
Almighty God, You destroyed the brazen gates and bars of Hades,* and raised up fallen mankind.* Therefore, with one accord, we cry out:* O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to You!
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
Christ willed to renew us from our corruption of old* by being nailed to a cross and placed in a tomb.* When the women came to anoint His body they tearfully cried out:* O, what sorrow afflicts us!* O Saviour of All, how could You consent to occupy a grave?* If you truly willed this, then why did You allow Your body to be stolen?* How were You removed?* What place now conceals Your life-bearing body?* O Lord, appear to us as You promised* and put an end to our tears.* As they were lamenting, an angel appeared and cried out to them:* Do not weep, but tell the apostles that the Lord is risen,* granting sanctification and great mercy to the world.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
O Christ, You were crucified of Your own free will,* and by Your burial You imprisoned Death.* As God, You rose in glory on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.
Tone 8, Glory…
Multitudes of monks venerate you as a guide, O Father Theodosius,* because we truly learned how to walk correctly by means of your path.* Blessed are you, for you served Christ.* You have confounded the power of the enemy,* for you speak with the angels.* You share the lot of the venerable and righteous ones.* Together with them, pray to the Lord* that He show mercy to our souls.
Now…
O Saviour, the heavenly hosts are frightened at what they see,* for today You stand naked in the waters;* your head is bowed down in order to be baptized by John,* for You willingly become poor in order to enrich the world.* O Lord, glory to You!
Troparia
Tone 6
Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!
Tone 8, Glory…
With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hundredfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable Father, Theodosius.* Pray to Christ God that our souls be saved.
Tone 1, Now…
When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 6
Troparia, Tone 6
Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You! (2)
Tone 8, Glory…
With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hundredfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable Father, Theodosius.* Pray to Christ God that our souls be saved.
Tone 1, Now…
When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 6
While the tomb lay open and Hades lamented,* Mary, cried to the Apostles who were in hiding saying:* “Come forth, you workers of the vineyard,* proclaim to the world the word of the Resurrection,* for the Lord is risen,* granting the world His great mercy!”
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
Mary Magdalene stood by Your tomb O Lord,* and mistaking You for the gardener,* weeping she cried aloud to You:* “Where have You hidden the Life eternal?* Where have You placed He who sits on the Cherubic Throne?* For those who were guarding Him have become as dead-men through fear.* Either give me my Lord or cry out with me:* O You who were numbered among the dead and have raised the dead,* glory be to You!”
Glory… Now…
Gideon foretold of your conception,* and David revealed your ineffable child-bearing, O Theotokos;* for the Word descended like a dew upon the fleece of your womb,* and you O Virgin full of grace,* like unto a holy and fertile earth,* budded forth without seed our salvation, Christ God.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 6
Life was laid in the tomb* and a seal was set upon the stone;* the soldiers stood guarding Christ like a sleeping King;* and having invisibly struck His foes the Lord arose.
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
Jonah foretold of Your tomb,* and Symeon revealed Your divine Arising, O immortal Lord;* for You descended as One dead into the tomb,* and having smashed the gates of Hades,* You arose without corruption as Master, for the salvation of all the world,* O Christ our God,* enlightening those lying in darkness.
Glory… Now…
O Virgin Theotokos, entreat your Son Christ our God,* who was willingly nailed upon the Cross,* and freed the world from deception,* that He have mercy upon our souls!
Polyeleos
We extol you,* O venerable father Theodosius,* and we honour your holy memory,* instructor of monastics and converser with the angels.
verses:
With patience I waited patiently for the Lord, and He was attentive to me, and He hearkened to my supplication.
He set my feet upon a rock, and He ordered my steps aright
Glory… Now…
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Evoglitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 6
By Your voluntary and life-giving death, O Christ,* You shattered the gates of Hades,* and as God You opened to us the Paradise of old;* and by arising from the dead,* You delivered our lives from corruption.
Sessional Hymns
Tone 4
Joshua son of Nun, leading the people and the ark of God across the Jordan River,* was a shadowy image of the benefaction which was to come:* for, in the Spirit, the mystic crossing represents both an image of our restoration* and a true picture of our regeneration.* Christ has appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters.
Tone 5
Beholding the Word, who is equal in honour to the Father and the Spirit,* incarnate and baptized in His lovingkindness, the choirs of the angels trembled.* And the River Jordan, stricken with awe and fear, turned back,* bearing up to the summit of salvation us who have become corrupt through the passions.
Tone 3, Glory…
Lifting up your hands to the divine summit,* you were shown to be a radiant pillar, shining with beams of prayer, O venerable one.* For, furnishing your mind with wings to fly to the heavens,* you have illumined all, as a partaker of ineffable things,* praying to Christ God, that He grant us great mercy.
Now…
Today the Master has come to the Jordan,* to be baptized in its waters by the divine Forerunner.* And the Father has borne witness from on high, saying:* “This is My Son, in whom I am well pleased!”* And the Spirit has appeared over Him in the strange guise of a dove.
Gradual Hymns, Tone 6
Antiphon 1
Unto heaven I raise my eyes, even unto You, O Word;* have pity on me,* that I may live for You.
Have mercy upon us who are filled with contempt O Word,* repairing Your broken vessels* that we may be found useful.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit is the cause of all salvation,* if He sees fit to breathe on one of His creatures,* He swiftly raises him from the things of this earth, and having given him wings,* makes him to flourish and raises him on high.
Antiphon 2
If the Lord had not dwelt among us,* none could have withstood the attacks of the enemy,* for those who are victorious* are exalted by Him.
Let not my soul be taken like a sparrow by their teeth, O Word;* Woe unto me!* How shall I, the lover of sin, be delivered from the power of the enemy?
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit all find divine inspiration,* goodness, understanding, peace, and blessing;* for He is equal in activity* to the Father and the Word.
Antiphon 3
They that put their trust in the Lord look upon high* and are thus fearful to their foes* and wondrous to all mankind.
Unto the pursuit of iniquities* the righteous stretch not the hands,* having You, O Saviour, as their helper.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit is sovereignty over all creation;* Him the armies of hosts above worship* and by everything that has breath below* is He worshiped.
Prokeimenon, Tone 6
O Lord, stir up Your might* and come to save us.
verse: O Shepherd of Israel, attend, You that lead Joseph like a sheep.
Let everything that lives, Tone 6
Gospel
John 20:19-31
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon, Tone 6
Ode 1
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Israel, marching on foot in the sea as on the dry land,* saw Pharaoh the pursuer overthrown in the deep,* and raised a triumphant shout:* Let us sing to God a hymn of victory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Good Jesus, with your arms stretched wide upon the cross, you have fulfilled in all things the Father’s good pleasure; therefore let us all sing to you a hymn of victory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Death, the end of life, as a slave under orders, in fear approaches you, the Lord of life, whereby you award to us life without end and resurrection.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure one, who beyond understanding received your Creator, of his own will made flesh in your seedless womb, you are declared to be in truth creation’s sovereign Lady.
Canon of Theophany
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When You, the radiant Sun, dawned for men, shining forth from the desert to the waters of the Jordan, You bended Your neck, O King, to take away the gloomy countenance of the father of our race, and to cleanse creation of all defilement.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O Unoriginate Word, that which has become corrupt through deception You make new, burying it with You in the streams. And You ineffably receive the mighty voice of the Father: “This is My beloved Son, who is equal to Me in essence!”
Canon of the Venerable One
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
As our wise general, O father Theodosius, in godly manner lead the hymn to Christ God, who came to save the whole world and with Himself has glorified your most holy memory.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
The Forerunner of Christ, who sprung forth from Elizabeth of the lineage of Aaron, came from the desert; and Theodosius, reborn through the Spirit in the font of baptism, became a citizen of the desert, following after Jesus.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
When Christ was baptized in the streams, the arrogance of the Israelite synagogue was set at nought, and the angelic way of life was implanted in the Church, which you steadfastly led, O most blessed Theodosius.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Sharing, through fasting, in the suffering of Him who, for our sake, was nailed to the Cross, O father Theodosius, you also worthily emulated His resurrection, and became an heir to glory.
Glory… Now…
The divine choir of maidens in manner most divine calls you comely among women and adorned with the beauties of godliness, O Lady Theotokos; for in manner past recounting you gave birth to the beneficent Word.
Katavasia: The Lord mighty in battle uncovered the foundation of the deep* and led His servants on dry ground;* but He covered their adversaries with the waters,* for He has been glorified.
Ode 3
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: None is holy but you, O Lord my God,* the one who is the Good;* you have exalted the horn of your faithful people,* and founded them on the rock of their confession of you.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Creation, seeing God crucified in the flesh, was dissolving in fear, but by the strong hand of the Crucified it was firmly held together.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Sorry death, destroyed by death, lies lifeless; unable to withstand the God-filled assault of Life, the strong one dies. And so to all is given resurrection.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O pure one, the wonder of your divine child-bearing surpasses the laws of nature: marvellous was your conceiving of God in your womb, and marvellous the birth and your abiding virginity.
Canon of Theophany
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
He who of old planted death in creation, having clothed himself in the guise of a malignant serpent, was dismayed at the Master’s coming in the flesh, and, having assailed the Master, the Dawn which has broken, he has broken his own evil head.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Master draws to Himself the divinely wrought nature of man, which had become buried within the tyrant’s belly; and the restoration of mortal men is born anew, for He accomplishes a mighty deed, in that He has come to bring cleansing.
Canon of the Venerable One
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
The Lord who covered the chambers with the waters has clad His body in the streams of the Jordan; and therein has my heart been established.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
The divine light which shone forth in the Jordan has shown you to those on earth as a divinely bestowed offshoot of blessing and goodwill, O Theodosius.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
You forsook the world and the things of the world, O venerable Theodosius, emulating the Master’s nakedness in the Jordan.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Taking the Cross of the Saviour upon your shoulder, you hastened to His tomb, like a deer to springs of saving water, O most blessed Theodosius.
Glory… Now…
The ranks of the angels were stricken with awe, and the hearts of men were filled with fear at your birthgiving; therefore, we honour you with faith, O Theotokos.
Katavasia: The Lord who grants strength to our kings,* and exalts the horn of His anointed,* is born of a Virgin and comes to baptism.* Therefore let us, the faithful, cry aloud:* None is holy as our God* and none is righteous save You, O Lord.
Kontakion of Theophany, Tone 4
Today, You have appeared to the world* and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us,* who with knowledge sing Your praises.* You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Ikos
As the prophet has said, Christ, the great Light, has shone forth upon Galilee of the nations, the country of Zebulon and the land of Naphthali. The Lord has manifested Himself as a radiant beam, shining forth from Bethlehem, yet more from Mary, upon the those in darkness; and He, the Sun of righteousness, illumines the whole universe with His rays. Therefore, come, all you naked children of Adam, let us clothe ourselves in Him, that we may be warm; for He covers the naked and enlightens the darkened. You have come, You have revealed Yourself, O Light unapproachable!
Kontakion of the Venerable One, Tone 8
Planted in the courts of your Lord,* you blossomed beautifully with godly virtues* and multiplied your children in the desert* watering it with the streams of your tears.* O leader of God’s divine sheepfolds,* we cry out to you: Rejoice, O Father Theodosius.
Ikos
You were a man by nature, O father, yet were shown to be a fellow citizen with the angels; for, having lived on earth like one of the incorporeal ones, O wise one, you put aside every carnal thought. Therefore, you hear from us: Rejoice, scion of a pious father; Rejoice, offshoot of a devout mother! Rejoice, most comely citizen of the desert; Rejoice, most radiant beacon for all the world! Rejoice, for from your youth you followed after Christ; Rejoice; for you caused the pleasures of the flesh to wither away! Rejoice, mediator for the salvation of monastics; Rejoice, model of consolation for the despondent! Rejoice, you who delivered many from deception; Rejoice, you who bestow torrents of miracles! Rejoice, you who showed care for the poor; Rejoice, our intercessor and deliverer! Rejoice, O father Theodosius!
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
Having adorned your soul in godly manner with abstinence, pangs and prayer,* you became a companion of the martyrs, O blessed one,* and truly received gifts of miracles, to heal the afflictions of those who honour you with faith.* Therefore, driving out multitudes of the demons, you bestow healings upon men through grace, O God-bearer Theodosius.* Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins to those who with faith celebrate your memory.
Glory… Now…
Jordan ministers to You with its streams,* and John stretches out his corruptible hand to You* who have appeared in the flesh for baptism, O Invisible One;* but the former turned back in fright,* while the latter with trembling straightway touched You, the Incorruptible One.* Verily, You are the Lamb of God, the ever-living Wellspring* who has sanctified the streams, the sea and men.* For the Trinity has shone forth:* from on high the Father calls You His Son,* and the Holy Spirit descends.
Ode 4
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Christ, my strength, my God, my Lord,* most fittingly your holy Church keeps festival,* singing, dancing, crying out with pure minds,* feasting in the Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Truly, O Christ, the tree of life has blossomed for the cross, planted in the earth, fed with blood and water from your pure side, has put forth life for us.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
No more the serpent’s lying whisper: You shall be like God; for Christ, divine Creator of man’s nature, now has opened out before me, with none to hinder, the pathway of life.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Ever-virgin Mother of God, truly beyond speech and incomprehensible to heaven and to earth are the mysteries of your God-befitting child bearing.
Canon of Theophany
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O all-radiant Word, who has been sent by the Father to dispel the evil assault of night’s darkness, You come also to uproot men’s sins and, by Your baptism, to bring them forth from the streams of Jordan as children of the light, O Blessed One.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Foreseeing the ineffable Word Himself, the herald cries out clearly to creation: “This is He who was before Me, yet came after me in the flesh, sharing our form! He has shone forth with divine power, to take away our loathly sin!”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Bearing us with Himself to the life-creating pasture, God the Word searches for the serpents’ nests, treading upon their manifold snares and laying them low; and He seizes the one who has wounded the whole race of man, and, having destroyed him, delivers creation.
Canon of the Venerable One
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
You crushed the heads of the dragons in the waters, and by the Spirit have made me a man wholly new, O Word of God. Therefore, I cry out to You: Glory to Your power, O Lord!
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Emulating Christ, who bowed His head before the Forerunner, in your submission and excellent humility, O father Theodosius, you ascended the unshakable tower of virtue.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Serving the Virgin Mother of Christ God, you received the invincible grace of the Spirit, O father Theodosius, and have cast down the invisible foe.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
The glorious cave of the magi, which received you, O Theodosius, showed you to be a bearer of gifts to Christ who was baptized for our sake, offering Him faith, hope and love.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Strengthened by the sufferings of Christ the Master, O father Theodosius, you endured torment with a loving conscience, struggling against the dark prince of this world.
Glory… Now…
In your womb you conceived the Lord without seed, and you gave birth to Him who, incarnate, saves the world by your intercessions. Therefore, we cry to you: Rejoice, O Ever-virgin Mistress!
Katavasia: He whom You have called, O Lord, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness,’* heard Your voice when You had thundered upon many waters, bearing witness to Your Son.* Wholly filled with the Spirit that had come, he cried aloud:* ‘You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.’
Ode 5
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Shine with your divine splendour, I pray you, O you who are good,* on the souls of those who rise early to you* and long to know you, O Word of God,* as in truth the God who calls them back from sin’s deep darkness.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Now the Cherubim withdraw from me, and the flaming sword is turned back at sight of you, O Word of God, in truth the God who makes for the Thief the path to Paradise.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
I fear no longer the return to the dust, Lord Christ, for in your great mercy through your resurrection you have led me, forgotten, from the dust to the heights of incorruption.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O good Lady of the world, keep safe those who from the heart confess you God-bearer, for we have gained you, true Mother of God, for our invincible protection.
Canon of Theophany
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Creator, seeing that which He had fashioned with His own fingers held fast in the darkness of transgressions by inescapable bonds, has lifted it on high and set it upon His shoulders. And now He washes away, in abundantly flowing waters, the ancient shame of Adam’s evil inclination.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
With piety let us earnestly make haste to the all-pure springs of the torrent of salvation, gazing upon the Word who came forth from the incorrupt Virgin, and accepting the drink which quenches our godly thirst, sweetly healing the addiction of the world.
Canon of the Venerable One
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Setting your mind alight in the waters of Him who has renewed us, O most blessed Theodosius, you wisely made it steadfast, brought low by fasting and by suspending your body aloft.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Ever setting the teaching of death as a rule of your life, and yearning to depart to Him who manifested Himself in the flesh for our sake, you fashioned a coffin for yourself, O Theodosius.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Your glorious disciple Basil, O Theodosius, emulating the voluntary suffering of Christ, restores a new grave, rejoicing.
Glory… Now…
Behold, O most pure Theotokos, you had Christ God in your womb, in manner past recounting, as Isaiah foretold; and you gave birth to Him supernaturally, O Theotokos.
Katavasia: Jesus, the Prince of Life,* has come to set loose from condemnation Adam the first-formed man;* and though as God He needs no cleansing,* yet for the sake of fallen man He is cleansed in the Jordan.* In its streams He slew the enmity* and bestows the peace that passes all understanding.
Ode 6
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Watching life’s sea rising in the surging waves of temptations,* fast making for your calm harbour, I cry out to you:* Lead my life up from corruption,* O you of many mercies .
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Crucified, O Lord, by the nails which fastened you, you annulled the curse upon us; pierced in the side by the spear, you tore up the written scroll against Adam, and set the whole world free.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Deception tripped up Adam and brought him to the depth of Hell. But you, God and compassion by nature, came down to seek him and, lifting him up on your shoulders, raised him up with yourself.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
All-holy Lady, who bore to mortal man his Lord and pilot, quieten the fearful and unresting tumult of my passions, and grant to my heart tranquillity.
Canon of Theophany
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Strangely whirled about in the uttermost depths of the abyss for three days, the prophet straightway issued forth from the lion of the deep, showing forth to all in latter ages a prefiguration of regeneration, salvation from the serpent who slays mankind.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the heaven of most splendid scriptures was opened, the disciple beheld the Spirit, who was sent by the Father and rests upon the all-pure Word, descending, in manner ineffable, like a dove; and He reveals Himself to those who come to the Master.
Canon of the Venerable One
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
In Your resurrection You have given us incorruption, O Christ; therefore, the glorious Basil, your favoured one, is shown in death to be like a living person. God, who cleanses the world and became a man like me for my sake, is baptized. You proclaimed Him to be twofold in nature, O blessed Theodosius.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
The torrents of your tears poured forth the sweetness of gladness for Christ God, who transformed the tears of the myrrh-bearing women into joy, O Theodosius.
Glory… Now…
Vouchsafe to me your lovingkindness, O you who gave birth to the most merciful Word, who has delivered men from corruption by His own blood.
Katavasia: The Voice of the Word, the Candlestick of the Light, the Morning Star and Forerunner of the Sun,* cried in the wilderness to all the peoples:* ‘Repent and be cleansed while there is yet time.* For lo, Christ is at hand,* Who delivers the world from corruption.’
Kontakion, Tone 6
With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.
Ikos
O Giver of life, we sing and we worship your cross and your burial, for you entered Hell, O deathless one, as God of all power, and raising the dead with yourself and shattering the gates of Hell, as God you demolished the might of death. Therefore with love and with longing we who are born of the earth praise you as risen from the dead, overthrowing the might of the all-destroying foe, raising up all who believe in you, delivering the world from the stings of the serpent and us from the wiles of the enemy, as the one who alone possesses the power. Devoutly we sing, therefore, the praises of your resurrection, for by this, as God of all, you have saved us.
Ode 7
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: As falling dew the angel made the furnace to the holy children,* and the command of God burned the Chaldeans;* and the tyrant was convinced, crying aloud:* Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The sun lamenting your Passion, O Lord, drew darkness around him and the light of the day was darkened over the whole of the earth, which cried aloud: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
At your descent, O Christ, the underworld was clothed in splendour; our first father, filled with gladness of heart, sprang up, dancing and crying out: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Through you, O Virgin Mother, light has risen and joy to all the inhabited earth, for you gave birth to God the Creator of all; ask him for us, All-pure, to send down to your faithful people great mercy.
Canon of Theophany
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
You put in awe the Assyrian flame, which prefigured You, transforming it into dew. Therefore, water now, as though clothed with fire, consumes the malice of the enemy concealed in its depths, O Christ, summoning all away from the path of stumbling.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the Jordan was parted of old, the people of Israel traversed it over dry land; and they prefigured You, the Almighty who sustains creation without touching it, who now in the waters indicates the goodly way to incorruption.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
We know of the all-destroying deluge of old, which in Your mercy You loosed to bring destruction upon all. But now, O Christ who do thrice-great and strange deeds, You have drowned sin, in Your lovingkindness and for the salvation of man.
Canon of the Venerable One
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Blessed and most glorious are You, O Lord, Word divine, supremely exalted God, who in Your baptism united the stream which burns up sin and the flame which bedews the human race.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
You burned yourself as incense before Him who made the Jordan a furnace, O venerable one; and accepting a heavenly flame as a true indication of God’s approbation, you erected a temple for the salvation of men’s souls.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
By your tactics the children of Moses came to submission when grace manifested itself, O venerable one; for, having laid low the invisible foe; your people have inherited the city of heaven, O all-lauded one.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
You made of yourself a habitation for Him who has buried sin in the streams of the Jordan, O God-pleasing Theodosius, while also erecting a temple wherein to offer up unceasing hymnody; and you made it a rule that praises be chanted in many languages.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Emulating the boldness of the youths, you quenched the fiery threat of the tyrant, wisely interceding for the Church of Christ, O father Theodosius, for whose sake the Crucified willingly manifested Himself in the flesh.
Glory… Now…
You alone have manifested an all-pure conception and an incorrupt birthgiving, while remaining a Virgin, O pure one; for you conceived the God who is above all things, yet who became man for the salvation and deliverance of the faithful.
Katavasia: The breath of the wind heavy with dew* and the descent of the angel of God preserved the Holy Children from all harm,* as they walked in the fiery furnace.* Refreshed with dew in the flames,* they sang in thanksgiving:* ‘Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our fathers.’
Ode 8
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Dew from the flames you shed on the holy ones,* burning thus with water the sacrifice of the righteous.* All things, O Christ, you bring about according to your holy will;* we highly exalt you throughout the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Envy has finished its work on the people of the Jews: of old the slayers of the prophets now they are slayers of God; they set you upon the cross, O Word of God, you whom we highly exalt throughout the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Christ, without leaving the courts of Heaven you came to Hell. Together with yourself you awakened the whole man, lying m corruption, and he highly exalts you now throughout the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
From light you conceived the light-giving Word, ineffably you gave him birth, and are glorified. For the Holy Spirit dwelt in you, O Maid, and therefore we praise you throughout the ages.
Canon of Theophany
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The three youths of godly visage who were bedewed in the furnace, shining most splendidly with threefold sanctity, plainly prefigured the Being who transcends the composition of man, and who with dew mercifully consumes all pernicious sin.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Let all earthly nature be made white as snow, now raised from the fall even up to heaven; for thereby are all preserved by the Word, cleansed by the flowing streams. Washed most splendidly, it has escaped its former offenses.
Canon of the Venerable One
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Once, in Babylon, the furnace prefigured the streams of the Jordan, which consumes the adversary by divine baptism, yet bedews the faithful who chant: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Having eluded the carnal passions before your departure, O Theodosius, drawing forth water from the bosom of the earth you appear to the youth who cry: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
It was the most divine command of Christ who was baptized in the streams of the Jordan that the blessing of your hands bring forth deep-lying water for a land parched by the burning sun; for a kernel of wheat was seedlessly nurtured to become an abundant crop.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Having entered the noetic darkness of the Light most divine, O Theodosius, and had your heart inscribed by the finger of God like the tablets of the law, you transmitted the book of life, the teachings of piety, to your disciples, O most blessed one.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
When the woman who emulated the steadfast faith of the woman with an issue of blood touched your hairshirt, O father, her affliction fled like darkness before the light which was in thee; for you were a chosen vessel of Christ who has manifested Himself.
We bless Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Lord.
Beholding You, God begotten of God, Christ who has ineffably appeared in the body, we have also come to know your Father and Your Holy Spirit, crying: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
Now…
Without seed you conceived Him who is not separated from the Father, and who as man and God made His abode within your womb; and you gave birth to Him. Therefore, we know you to be the salvation of us all.
We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. We extol and exalt Him above all for ever.
Katavasia: The Babylonian furnace, as it poured forth dew,* foreshadowed a marvellous mystery:* how the Jordan should receive in its streams the immaterial fire,* and should encompass the Creator,* when He was baptized in the flesh.* Him do you peoples bless and exalt above all for ever.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: No man can see God, on whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze;* but, through you, All-holy One, the Word made flesh is seen of mortal men.* Magnifying him with all the heavenly hosts,* we call you blessed.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Free from passions you remained, O Word of God, when you held converse with passions in the flesh. But having dealt to passion a Passion, you loosed man from his passions. For you alone are impassible and almighty, our Saviour.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Accepting the corruption of death, O Lord, you kept your body from tasting corruption, and your soul, life-giving, divine, was not left in Hell. But, as from sleep arising, you raised us up with yourself.
We bless the Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
With pure lips we mortal men give glory to God the Father, to the Son with him without beginning, and we worship the inexpressible power, most glorious, of the All-holy Spirit; for you alone subsist almighty, undivided Trinity.
Canon of Theophany
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Those things revealed to Moses in the bush have we come to know; that which has been accomplished through strange laws has arrived. For the Virgin, bearing Fire, has been saved, and has given birth to the luminous Benefactor who has appeared in the streams of the Jordan.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O unoriginate King, by the operation of the Spirit You anointed and perfect human nature, washing it in streams of purity; and having put to shame the vaunted might of darkness, You now exalt it in never-ending life.
Canon of the Venerable One
O venerable father Theodoius, pray to God for us sinners!
You preached the four Councils, equal in number to the Gospels of Christ, O divinely wise Theodosius, willingly accepting the blood of martyrdom in your zeal; and you were shown to be a martyr for piety though you shed not your blood.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
The judgment of the unjust ruler you justly condemned; and he was deposed for banishing you, deprived of his iniquitous soul for his blasphemous words, and given over to death, as an enemy of life, O venerable one.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Mindful of your teachings, O Theodosius, we proclaim Christ to be twofold in essence, knowing there to be two volitions, natural, active and autonomous, in God who was baptized in the flesh.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
O namesake of the good gift which comes from the Father of lights, you were a physician of souls and bodies, abundant food and drink for those languishing in starvation and thirst, vesture for the naked and correction for the fallen.
O venerable father Theodosius, pray to God for us sinners!
Cease never to watch over your flock, O venerable father, mindful of your promise that, having you as a mediator before Christ, we have been bound firmly to an immovable anchor of hope.
Glory…
O faithful, with hymns let us in Orthodox manner glorify the Threefold Unity, the Trinity One in essence, the indivisible, all-divine nature of thrice-radiant Light, the One incorrupt and never-waning Radiance which has shone Its light upon us.
Now…
O all-pure Mother of God, you are seen to be like an early dawn amid the night of life, resplendent with beams of virginity, revealing to us the orient of the noetic Sun of righteousness.
Katavasia: Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is due:* even a spirit from the world above is filled with dizziness,* when it seeks to sing your praises, O Theotokos.* But since you are good, accept our faith:* You know well our love inspired by God,* for you are the Protector of Christians and we magnify you.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
Though the doors were locked, O Lord,* You entered and filled Your apostles with the Holy Spirit,* and breathing over them, You gave them Your peace.* You said to them: Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven;* whose sins you bind, they are bound.* After eight days You showed Thomas Your hands and Your side.* With them, therefore, we cry to You: You are my Lord and my God!
Glory…
We have been purified splendidly by your cleansing, O Christ, and now, with festive joy, we have been enriched by the commemoration of the honoured Theodosius. Therefore, the ranks of monastics are made glad
Now…
The Saviour, who is grace and truth, has revealed Himself in the streams of the Jordan, and has enlightened those who sleep in darkness and shadow; for He is come and has appeared, the Light unapproachable.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 6
Your Cross, O Lord, is the life and resurrection of Your people,* and trusting in it we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.
Your burial, O Master, opened Paradise to mankind,* and thus delivered from corruption we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.
With the Father and the Spirit* let us hymn Christ risen from the dead,* and let us cry out to Him:* You are our life and resurrection, have mercy upon us.
On the third day You arose from the tomb, O Christ, as it was written,* raising together with Yourself our Forefather;* therefore the race of mankind glorifies You, and hymns Your Resurrection.
Tone 5
Having made of yourself a house of lofty virtues, O Theodosius, you were vouchsafed to dwell in the divine house of the Theotokos, and to visit it; for you loved to gaze upon its godly splendour. And now you behold the magnificence of the true tabernacle and the ineffable beauty which the Most High has wrought, O venerable one, wherein He causes those to dwell who most earnestly cry out to Him. Entreat Him that He send down great mercy upon our souls.
Cleansing yourself with the pangs of fasting, you were an emulator of your Master, O most blessed one; for you healed the affliction of her who touched the hem of your garment, and nourished those who suffered starvation in the wilderness, pouring forth gifts from your inexhaustible treasury, as the namesake of the gifts of God. And you preached the Orthodox Faith, O venerable one, setting at nought the savagery of the tyrant, and praying to Christ who bestows great mercy upon the world.
Having kindled the flame of unwavering, burning and ardent love for God, from heaven you received effulgence, the divine will commanding you to erect a most holy temple of virtue, where your much-suffering body lies, most excellently honoured by your pure regulations, O most blessed one. Entreat Christ that He send down great mercy upon our souls.
O father Theodosius, you truly passed with rejoicing and gladness of soul to the wondrous tabernacle, even to the house of God, and desiring to hear the voice of those who keep festival, and their beautiful and sweet hymnody, and to share in their ineffable sweetness of soul and consolation therein, O blessed one, you mortified your flesh. This you received, adorned with divine righteousness, and you entreat Christ that He grant our souls great mercy.
Tone 5, Glory…
In the fullness of time, O Christ,* You appeared among Your beloved ones on the Sabbath evening.* And through a new wonder,* You confirmed Your resurrection from the dead* by Your entrance while the doors were closed.* You filled the disciples with joy,* granting them the Holy Spirit and bestowing on them power to forgive sins.* As for Thomas, You did not permit him to drown in the depths of faithlessness.* Therefore, grant us the knowledge of the truth* and forgiveness of sins, O compassionate Lord.
Tone 2, Now…
You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 2
You came forth from death, destroying the eternal bonds of Hades, O Lord.* You broke the curse of Death* and thus delivered us from the snares of the Evil One.* Then You appeared to your apostles and sent them forth to preach,* and through them You have bestowed your peace upon all the world,* for You alone are rich in mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY ON SUNDAY MORNING
Antiphon 1
When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…
Antiphon 3
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Entrance
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 6: Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!
Troparion, Tone 1: When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
Troparion, Tone 8: With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hundredfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable father, Theodosius.* Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.
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.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion: Tone 8: Planted in the courts of your Lord,* you blossomed beautifully with godly virtues* and multiplied your children in the desert* watering it with the streams of your tears.* O leader of God’s divine sheepfolds,* we cry out to you: Rejoice, O Father Theodosius.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: Today, You have appeared to the world* and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us,* who with knowledge sing Your praises.* You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Prokeimenon, Tone 6
Save Your people, O Lord, * and bless Your inheritance.
verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord, my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm 27:9,1)
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.
Epistle
1 Timothy 1:15-17; 2 Corinthians 4:6-15
Alleluia, Tone 6
verse: He who lives in the aid of the Most High, shall dwell under the protection of the God of heaven.
verse: He says to the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, in Whom I hope. (Psalm 90:1,2)
verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.
Gospel
Luke 18:35-43; Matthew 11:27-30
Hymn to the Theotokos
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.
and the Irmos: Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good accept our faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Titus 2:11)
Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.
Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)