Saint with Six Stichera. Resurrectional Gospel 10.
GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING
Kathisma Reading
Blessed is the man… is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 7
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord,* who destroyed the power of death* and enlightened the human race;* and let us cry out with the angels:* Glory to You, our Creator and Saviour!
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
O Saviour, for our sake You suffered crucifixion and burial;* and, as God, You destroyed death by Your death.* Therefore, we adore Your resurrection on the third day* and we sing: Glory to You, O Lord!
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
On seeing the resurrection of the Creator,* the apostles were amazed,* and they sang an angelic hymn of praise:* This is the glory of the Church,* this is the richness of the Kingdom!* O Lord, who suffered for our sake, glory to You!
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
O Christ, although You were taken captive by Your enemies,* I still acknowledge You as my God,* and I am not ashamed of You;* I will not hide the fact that You were nailed to the Cross.* Your death is my life, almighty Lord,* and I extol Your resurrection.* O Lover of mankind, glory to You!
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
In fulfilment of the prophecy of David,* Christ revealed His majesty to His disciples in Sion.* He showed Himself to be worthy of equal praise* with His Father and the Holy Spirit;* for He existed from all eternity as God the Word, without a body;* then, out of love for mankind, He became incarnate,* and for our sake He was put to death as a man;* finally, by His own power He arose from the dead.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
O Christ, of Your own free will, You descended into Hades;* and, as God the Lord, You destroyed death.* On the third day You arose from the dead and raised up Adam* from the bonds of Hades and corruption.* In joy he cried out and said:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!
Tone 4
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
You underwent persecution and endured tribulation, O divinely eloquent and venerable Athanasius,* until you drove out the falsehood of the ungodly Arius* and saved your flock from impiety,* proclaiming as Orthodox dogma that the Son and the Spirit are of the same essence as the Father,* O sacred and most blessed minister.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
You illumined those in darkness with the splendours of your preaching,* and drove out all falsehood,* steadfastly braving danger for the Faith as a true pastor, O Athanasius,* as an unshakable foundation of the Church of Christ, O all-glorious one.* Therefore, assembling, we honour you, rejoicing in hymnody.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
With the staff of your teachings you drove the spiritual wolves from the Church of Christ, O Cyril;* you rang it round about with the ramparts of your words,* and have presented it to Christ unshaken and intact.* Beseech Him that He deliver from corruption and tribulation* those who celebrate your most honoured memory with faith.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Illumining your mind with the splendours of the Spirit,* you became a radiant sun,* shedding your precepts upon the ends of the earth, like rays,* and enlightening the fullness of the faithful, O most blessed one.* And you have dispelled the darkness of heresies* with the power of Him who shone forth from the Virgin, O God-bearer.
Tone 6, Glory…
Let us all hymn Athanasius, the hierarch of Christ,* for he set at nought all the opinions of Arius* and clearly proclaims throughout the world the dominion of the Holy Trinity:* the one God, indivisible, in three Persons.* He beseeches Him in behalf of us who celebrate his memory with faith.
Tone 7, Now…
Immaculate Mother of God,* you became a mother outside the laws of nature,* remaining a virgin in a way that exceeds all description* and human understanding.* The wonder of your birth-giving could not be told in human language,* for your conception of Christ blinded intelligence,* and your birth-giving exceeded understanding:* for whenever God so desires, the laws of nature are broken.* Wherefore, we all firmly believe that you are the Mother of God,* and we eagerly beseech you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.
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.
Aposticha
Tone 7
O Saviour of the world, You arose from the grave,* and together with Your own flesh You raised up mankind.* O Lord, glory to You!
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
Come, let us worship Christ who arose from the dead* and enlightened all creation.* For by His resurrection on the third day,* He set us free from the oppression of Hades,* granting us life and His great mercy.
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O Christ, Lover of mankind,* You descended into Hades and destroyed death.* Then You arose on the third day;* and, together with Yourself You lifted up all of us* who glorify Your mighty resurrection.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
O Lord, what a fearful sight it was to see You lying in the tomb as if asleep.* Yet on the third day You arose in great power,* and at the same time You raised up Adam who joyfully cried out:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!
Tone 3, Glory…
Again the golden Nile, the namesake of immortality,* coming upon us in his annual commemoration,* puts forth golden waves of immortality in goodly ascents,* producing sweet fruit by his lofty divine proclamations:* for he teaches us to worship the indivisible dominion of the Trinity* and, pouring forth divine doctrines,* he floods the thoughts of the faithful and prays for our souls.
Now…
O Virgin Mother, you conceived the Son of God without seed* by the will of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.* He was begotten by the Father, without a mother, from all eternity.* Yet for our sake, He was born of you in the flesh without a human father,* and you nursed Him as an infant with your milk.* Therefore, never cease to entreat Him to deliver our souls from affliction.
Troparia
Tone 7
By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.
Tone 3, Glory…
Shining with works of the orthodox faith, you quenched every heretical dogma.* You were conquerors in victory and enriched everyone by your holiness.* You adorned the Church with regal glory,* and you justly found Christ who shows us mercy.
Now…
We sing your praises, O Virgin;* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and Your Son took flesh. * Then, by suffering the passion on the Cross,* and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.
GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 7
Troparia, Tone 7
By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world. (2)
Tone 3, Glory…
Shining with works of the orthodox faith, you quenched every heretical dogma.* You were conquerors in victory and enriched everyone by your holiness.* You adorned the Church with regal glory,* and you justly found Christ who shows us mercy.
Now…
We sing your praises, O Virgin;* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and Your Son took flesh. * Then, by suffering the passion on the Cross,* and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 7
When Life was laying in the tomb* and a seal laid upon the stone,* the soldiers guarded Christ as a sleeping King* and the Angels glorified Him as immortal God;* while the women cried aloud:* The Lord is risen, granting the world great mercy.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
By Your burial for three days You despoiled death,* and by Your life-bearing Arising* You raised corrupted mankind, O Christ Lord,* as the Lover of mankind. Glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
O Virgin Theotokos unceasingly entreat Christ our God,* who was crucified for us* and arose again destroying the dominion of death,* that He save our souls.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 7
While the grave was sealed, O Christ God,* You, the Life, shone forth from the tomb;* and while the doors were shut, You, the Resurrection of all,* appeared to Your Disciples,* and through them renewed a right Spirit within us,* according to Your great mercy.
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
Bringing sweet spices with their tears, the women ran to the tomb,* and while the soldiers guarded You, the King of all,* they spoke one to another:* Who will roll away the stone for us?* The Angel of great Counsel has risen, trampling down death.* O All-powerful Lord, glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
Rejoice Virgin Theotokos, full of grace,* haven and protection of the race of mankind,* for from you the Redeemer of the world has taken flesh,* for you alone are a Mother and Virgin,* ever blessed and exceedingly glorified;* intercede with Christ God to grant peace to all the world.
Polyeleos
Evlogitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 7
O Christ God, who took upon Yourself our form* and endured the Cross in the body,* save me by Your Resurrection,* as You alone love mankind.
Hymn of Ascent, Tone 7
Antiphon 1
Having turned back the captivity of Sion from error,* quicken me also O Saviour,* and deliver me from slavery to the passions.
He who sows tribulations in the south with tears of fasting,* will reap with joy the sheaves of nourishment* of eternal life.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit is the source of divine treasures,* from Him comes wisdom, intelligence, and fear;* and to Him belongs* praise, glory, honour and worship.
Antiphon 2
Unless the Lord builds the house of the soul,* in vain do we labour;* for without Him no deed or word can be perfected.
Of the fruit of the womb the Saints,* moved by the Spirit,* sprout forth the Father’s teachings of filial adoption.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit all things have their being;* in the presence of all He is God,* the sovereign of the universe,* Light unapproachable, Life of all.
Antiphon 3
Those who fear the Lord and find the ways of life,* now and always are blessed* with immortal glory.
As you behold your offspring like shoots around your table,* rejoice, and be glad, bringing them to Christ* the Chief Shepherd of all.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit there be an abundance of grace,* riches of glory and a great depth of judgments;* for He is to be served as identical in glory and honour* with the Father and the Son.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Arise then, Lord,* lift up Your hand.* O God, do not forget the poor!
verse: I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders.
Let everything that lives, Tone 7
Gospel
John 21:1-14
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon
Ode 1
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: At a sign from you, O Lord, the nature of water was changed,* once free and flowing now it became as a wall, hard as the earth;* thus Israel walked dryshod* and sang you a song of victory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
When you were condemned to an unjust death, O Lord, then the tyranny of death was judged by a tree; the prince of darkness could not prevail against you and was justly cast out.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Hell approached you with teeth which lacked the strength to crush your body and broke his jaws. Thus, O Saviour, you loosed the pains of death and on the third day rose again.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The pains of Eve, first mother, are undone, for your child-bearing was without pain, without knowledge of man. Therefore, All-pure, clearly seeing you to be the Mother of God, we give you glory.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, who gave birth to the unfathomable deeps of compassion, shine upon my soul with your light-bearing radiance that I may sing in loving desire the unfathomable deeps of your wonders.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Seeing us lie wounded with sin’s darts, the Word, as he who works all good, took pity upon us. Then, All-holy One, true God was ineffably joined to flesh in you.
Canon of Saint Athanasius
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Offering up laudation to Athanasius and praising his virtue, I offer yet higher praise to God, who has given men the praiseworthy gift of virtue, of which he was the animate image and seal.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
You were full of divine wisdom, O blessed and venerable one, shining now in your angelic life more than the sun; and you have surpassed the laws of praise which govern us. Yet accept it from us, O father, even though we are not worthy to praise you.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Though we are bereft of mighty works, we weave hymnody as is meet, O Athanasius, according to the dignity of your hymns; and we ask that through you we be granted forgiveness and the abundant grace of the Spirit.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
As a youth you mortified the uprising of the carnal passions, acquiring in your youth the right constant wisdom of an elder, O blessed Athanasius; for you governed all your senses with the desire of wisdom.
Canon of Saint Cyril
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Receiving light-giving grace from God, and manifest as a radiant beacon, O Cyril, you have shone forth rays of reason upon us on the day of your commemoration, that we may hymn you as is meet.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
You were full of the effulgence of the Spirit, O wise Cyril, as a keeper of the commandments of Christ, cleansed of the passions; and you were truly a dwelling-place of the all divine Trinity.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Filled with zeal and boldness, O glorious Cyril, and defending Orthodoxy, you truly condemned all those who opposed God and the endless prating of their vile heresies.
Glory… Now…
O most pure Bride of God, you gave birth to One of the all-divine Trinity who through you revealed Himself to us in the flesh, at the Father’s good pleasure and with the cooperation of the most Holy Spirit.
Katavasia: The Sun once shone with its rays upon dry land* in the midst of the deep.* For the water on both sides became firm as a wall* while the people crossed the sea on foot,* offering this song acceptable to God:* Let us sing to the Lord; for gloriously is He glorified.
Ode 3
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Lord and Saviour, who in the beginning* established the heavens and every power of them,* by your almighty Word and the divine and all-effecting Spirit:* establish me firmly on the immovable rock of confession of you.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Of your own will for our sake ascending the cross to suffer the pain, O Saviour compassionate, you bear the stripes which are the cause of salvation and peace for all believers. Through it, O Merciful, we are all reconciled to your Father.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You cleansed me, wounded in soul by the serpent’s bite, O Christ, and showed me light when long ago I lay in darkness and corruption. For, by your cross, you came down into Hell and raised me up with yourself.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
By the prayers of your Mother who knew no man, O Saviour, grant peace to your world, give victory over his enemies to the king; and make those who praise you worthy of your ineffable glory.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The crawling serpent from Eden, enticing me with the desire to be like God, hurled me to the earth. But, O Virgin Mother, he whose nature is tender compassion took pity on me and, dwelling within your womb, made like to me, made me like God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Blessed is the fruit of your womb, O Virgin Mother of God, joy of us all; for in truth, you brought joy and gladness into the world, scattering to the winds the sorrow of sin, O Bride of God.
Canon of Saint Athanasius
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Having cleansed your soul and body of all defilement, O Athanasius, you were shown forth as a temple rightly divine. Therefore, the fullness of the Trinity rested within you, O most blessed initiate of the sacred mysteries.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
The grace of the Comforter, finding your soul purified of the passions, manifestly showed its activity therein, O father, and has set you as an all-radiant beacon for the world.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
You were shown forth as a rule of hierarchy for hierarchs, the prescription for a life of spiritual activity. your discourse, the form of your vision and the extent of your theology and doctrine were manifestly revealed, O all-wise one.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
You were shown to be more exalted than the cherubim and the seraphim; for you alone received the infinite God in your womb, O undefiled one. Therefore, all of us, the faithful, bless you with hymns, O pure one.
Canon of Saint Cyril
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Strengthened by Christ, O Cyril, with steadfast mind you rended apart the wiles of the evil serpent as though they were a spider’s web.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
You scraped the mire of the passions from your soul, O Cyril, casting down every evil thought which rose up against Christ.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Like a successful athlete, O father, you avoided every carnal pleasure as vainglorious and treacherous.
Glory… Now…
Having been cleansed beforehand by the Spirit, O pure one, you gave birth to the Word of the Father, the Essence of reason, to our benefaction.
Katavasia: O Lord, the firm foundation of those that put their trust in You,* confirm the Church, which You have purchased with Your precious blood.
Kontakion, Tone 4
O archbishops, remarkable for your piety and devotion,* heroic defenders of the Church of Christ,* protect all those who beg of you:* O merciful Ones, through your intercession* save those who honour you with fervour.
Kontakion, Tone 2
Planting Orthodox doctrine, you cut down the tares of heresy,* causing the seed of faith to increase through the rain of the Spirit, O venerable one.* Therefore, we sing to you, O Athanasius.
Ikos
O faithful, with hymns let us praise today the most festive memorial of Athanasius and Cyril; for they cast into the abyss of perdition Arius the deceiver, Eunomius and Sabellius, committing them to immolation in everlasting fire, for they unjustly blasphemed the incarnation of the Saviour. Therefore, we hymn you, O Athanasius.
Sessional Hymns, Tone 3
As He who chose you beforehand named you,* you were the embodiment of immortality, piously slaying all the opinions of Arius;* for you were an unscathed champion of the truth, O father Athanasius, boast of the Orthodox.* Therefore, hymning you as is meet, we celebrate your godly memory.
Glory…
You denounced the falsehood of heresies and made clear the Orthodox Faith;* and as one divinely eloquent and pious* you preached throughout the world that men should worship the one Godhead in Trinity,* consubstantial in Essence and unconfused in Persons.* Therefore, assembling, we honour your memory, O most glorious Cyril.
Now…
The awesome mystery of God which was wrought in you, O divinely joyous Lady,* is incomprehensible and unattainable;* for, conceiving the Infinite One,* you gave birth to Him wrapped in flesh through your all-pure blood.* Ever entreat Him as your Son, O pure one, that our souls be saved.
Glory… Now…
Your pure Mother who knew not wedlock, O Christ,* seeing You hanging dead upon the Cross, said, weeping maternally:* “How has the iniquitous and thankless synagogue of the Jews recompensed You,* who delighted them with your manifold and great gifts, O my Son?* I hymn your divine condescension!”
Ode 4
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Leaving not the deep recesses of the Father,* yet you came to earth, Christ God;* I have heard of the mystery of your dispensation* and I glorify you, Lover of man.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
He who was made flesh of the Virgin gave his own back to the scourging, the innocent Master was maltreated for the sinning servant and annulled the charges against me.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The Maker of man, judging as God the whole earth in righteousness, stands before the seat of lawless judges as one called to account and convicted, and is struck by an earthly hand.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
All-blameless One, as truly Mother of God entreat your Son and Maker to guide me to the safe harbour of his glorious will.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
You are she who appeared before God chosen out from all before creation, beautiful in your splendour shedding light; All-praised, enlighten and cheer all who sing to you.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure Virgin Mother, from your pure blood you brought forth God to mortal men, and he delivers from countless sins those who lovingly give you honour and sing your praises.
Canon of Saint Athanasius
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
All the life-bearing inspiration of the Spirit of Christ, which in godly manner came from on high in the upper chamber of old, breathed upon you, O father, and showed you to be a thirteenth apostle who preached the Orthodox Faith.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Burning exceedingly with divine zeal while taking part in the Council in Nicaea before you were consecrated to the hierarchy, you preached the consubstantiality of the Trinity. Therefore, Christ made you a chief shepherd and teacher of the Church.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Having the helm of the Church entrusted to you by the providence of God, O Athanasius, as with a scythe you mowed down all the spiritually harmful prating of the heretics, cutting them down like weeds; and, watering the seed of the Word, you wisely cultivated it.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Your fiery tongue burned up the confused affinity of Arius and the mingling of Sabellius, and every heretical blasphemy with them, which are boundless evil and veritable ungodliness, O Athanasius.
Canon of Saint Cyril
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Christ, seeing you victorious over soul-corrupting passions and mastering the flesh by your thought, O God-bearing father Cyril, set you as primate over His divine Church.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Having, as a beloved son, inherited the paternal virtue of Mark, you were an heir to his cathedra, following the steps of the godly evangelist.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Tended like a lamb by Christ, as a shepherd you nurtured your flock with your spiritually nourishing discourses, as with grace and flowers, feeding them abundantly with grace.
Glory… Now…
He who by His divine power created all things out of nothing, O Mother of God, rejoices in you, illumining the world with the radiant beams of His divinity and with the effulgence of the knowledge of God.
Katavasia: Your virtue, O Christ, has covered the heavens,* for proceeding forth from the Ark of Your sanctification, from Your undefiled Mother,* You have appeared in the temple of Your glory as an infant in arms,* and the whole world has been filled with Your praise.
Ode 5
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Night is without light to unbelievers, O Christ,* but to the faithful it is enlightenment in the delight of your divine words.* And so I rise early to you* and praise your Godhead.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Christ, you are sold on behalf of your servants, you endure the scourging, bringing freedom to those who sing to you; early I rise to you and sing the praises of your divinity.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
By your divine power, O Christ, by means of the weakness of the flesh, you have overthrown the strong one, and through your resurrection, O Saviour, you have revealed me as a conqueror of death.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure Mother, all-praised, fittingly you brought forth God, made flesh of you, for without knowledge of man but by the Holy Spirit you conceived.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
In the ladder he beheld set up to the heights Jacob was taught to see the image of your virginity. For God conversed with men through you, All-holy Lady.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Now we, who have found eternal deliverance through you, Virgin all-praised, ardently cry out to you that ‘Hail,’ O Bride of God; and rejoicing in your light we sing to you our hymns of praise.
Canon of Saint Athanasius
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Having Christ speaking in the eloquent instrument of your tongue, O father Athanasius, you put to shame in writing the heresy of the idols, guiding those astray and converting them to the true God.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
With discourses and writings you denounced all pernicious heresies, O blessed father, dispelling from the whole world diverse falsehoods with your wise proofs, elucidating the Orthodox Faith irrefutably.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
The Church of Christ calleth you directly the truly great teacher of wise doctrines, O father Athanasius, and has numbered with the apostles you who reveal the unadulterated word of the Faith.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Having acquired maternal boldness toward your Son, O most pure one, disdain not our kindred thought, we pray; for we propose you to Christ as the only merciful intercessor of Christians.
Canon of Saint Cyril
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Contemplating the countenance of Christ now face to face, no longer by reflection as in a mirror, O Cyril, you have been united to your desire.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Your discourse, O Cyril, has been likened truly to the mighty torrent of a river in full flood, overturning the machinations of the heretics.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
O Cyril, you overturned the vile division of Arius and the abominable mingling of Sabellius alike.
Glory… Now…
We set you forth as an invincible weapon against the enemy, O Bride of God, for we have acquired you as the confirmation and hope of our salvation.
Katavasia: In a figure Isaiah saw God upon a throne,* lifted up on high and borne in triumph by angels of glory;* and he cried: “Woe is me! For I have seen beforehand God made flesh,* Lord of the light that knows no evening and King of peace.”
Ode 6
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Sick on the rolling swell of the cares of this life,* thrown overboard by the sins that sail with me* and hurled to the soul-destroying beast,* as Jonah I cry to you:* O Christ, lead me up* from these death-dealing deeps.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The souls of the righteous imprisoned in Hell and forsaken had remembered you and were praying for your salvation; and you granted it, Christ, through your cross when you, the Compassionate, went down to the deepest parts of the earth.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The band of the apostles despaired of seeing you again, the living temple not made with human hands and destroyed by all that befell it. But worshipping beyond all hope, they everywhere proclaimed you risen from the dead.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Virgin Bride of God, who of mankind can explain the all-spotless manner of your ineffable child-bearing for our sakes? For the Word being united to you, the uncircumscribed God became flesh.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Types of the law and the sayings of the prophets clearly announced you, Pure One, as she who would bring forth the whole creation’s benefactor; and he in countless ways works good for those who faithfully sing your praises.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Adam, the first-formed, was exiled long ago from the divine delights of Paradise through the treacherous scheme of man’s murderer. But you, who knew no man, have brought him back, for you brought forth him who sets us free from our transgressions.
Canon of Saint Athanasius:
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Apollinaris, having shown himself to be a sower of the alien seed of earthly discourse and understanding, is mightily denounced by you, O most blessed one, as senseless and foolish of mind, in your work on the incarnation of Christ.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
We the faithful draw forth honey most sweet, like water from a bowl, from the ever-flowing well-spring of grace which flows in torrents of discourse pouring forth from your lips, O venerable one.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Everyone marvels at the magnificence of your wise writings, exclaiming in love, O wise father, foreseeing the heresies which would spring forth to be rejected by you prophetically.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
May we be delivered from grievous transgressions by your entreaties, O pure Theotokos; and may we receive divine illumination from the Son of God who was ineffably incarnate of you, O most pure one.
Canon of Saint Cyril
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
The seraph bore the burning ember to the prophet with tongs, but you, O initiate of the sacred mysteries, give to the Church of Christ the purifying ember of divine fire with your own hands.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
You did not destroy neighbouring aliens like Samson, but cast down the aliens of heterodox doctrine and give might to the Orthodox, O Cyril.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Manifestly heading the divinely elect Council, O father, you cast down the heresy of Nestorius, the audacity which opposes Christ, O father, filled with zeal for the true Mother of God.
Glory… Now…
O wonder more recent than all other wonders! The Virgin, conceiving in her womb, without having known a man, Him who sustains all things, did not confine Him!
Katavasia: The Elder, having seen with his eyes the salvation that was to come to the peoples,* cried aloud to You: ‘O Christ that comes from God, You are my God.’
Kontakion, Tone 6
With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.
Ikos
To-day, death and Hell and the lowest depths shake with terror at the presence of one of the Trinity. Earth is thrown into confusion, at the sight of you Hell’s doorkeepers cower in fear. But all creation, rejoicing with the prophets, sings to you, sings a song of victory to our Redeemer and God, destroying now the power of death. Come, let us raise a shout of joy to A dam and all his children: The tree has brought him back. Come out, you faithful, into the resurrection.
Ode 7
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: The young men of old have shown us a blazing furnace* cool with the gently falling dew,* and themselves singing the praise of the one God and saying:* The most highly exalted, God of our fathers, glorious above all is he.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
A dam of his own will worked disobedience and was slain by a tree; Christ’s obedience formed him anew; for the Son of God was crucified for me, glorious above all is he.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The whole creation hymns you, Christ, rising from the tomb, for you have caused life to blossom for those in Hell, resurrection for the dead and light for those in darkness. Glorious above all is he.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Hail, daughter of the corrupted Adam! Hail, sole bride of God! Hail, you who gave birth to God and through whom corruption has been banished! Pray to him, Pure One, to save us all.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, clothed in robe of many colours, shot with gold, your maker and Lord loved you, his own, he the most highly exalted, God of our fathers, glorious above all is he.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Isaiah of old received the touch of the coal and was cleansed, and in symbol saw your child, the most highly exalted, God of our fathers, glorious above all is he.
Canon of Saint Athanasius
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Having in Orthodox manner preached that the Word is equal in honour and equally enthroned with the Father and His only-begotten Son, O father, namesake of immortality, you straightway teach that the Spirit is also equally enthroned, of one essence and equally eternal.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
The father of impiety, seeing that you were a manifestly sacred proclaimer and teacher of the light of the threefold Sun who declared the Orthodox Faith to the ends of the earth, raised persecutions against you.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
The countless tribulations which you endured, O blessed one, struggling for piety, were also splendid crowns; for you were as adamant to those who struck at you, and drew all to you like a magnet.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Strange doctrines foreign to the Church of Christ you expelled, theologizing concerning the Trinity of Hypostases, the unity of the Godhead, whom you hymned, saying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Canon of Saint Cyril
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Moses of old, entering the darkness on Mount Sinai, received the law which slays by the letter, O Cyril; but you ahve disclosed the hidden beauty of the Spirit.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
The law which of old gave a cover of protection as to children, O father, have you uncovered like roses of understanding, speaking plainly in images.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Inspired by the grace of the prophets, O Cyril, in pure manner you have revealed to us that the books of the God-pleasing divine preachers are full of the Spirit.
Glory… Now…
Rejoice, O hallowed and divine habitation of the Most High! For through you, O Theotokos, has joy been given to those who cry: Blessed are you among women, O most immaculate Mistress!
Katavasia: O Word of God who in the midst of the fire* has dropped dew upon the children as they discoursed on things divine,* and who has taken up Your dwelling in the pure Virgin:* we praise You with piety we sing: O God of our fathers, blessed are You.
Ode 8
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Burning yet unconsumed, the bush in Sinai made God known to Moses,* slow of tongue and hard of hearing.* And the burning zeal for God revealed the three young men unharmed in the fire and singing:* Praise the Lord, all his works,* and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The undefiled and reasonable Lamb, in sacrifice slain for the world, brought to an end the offerings according to the law and as God, apart from transgressions, cleansed the law now crying out: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The flesh the Maker took from us before his Passion was not incorruptible; but after Passion and Rising, it was rendered inaccessible to corruption and re-makes mortal men, who cry: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Your purity, your total spotlessness, O Virgin, has cleansed the sordid and polluted things of our world, and you, All-pure, have become for us a cause of reconciliation with God. Therefore, O Virgin, we bless and highly exalt you throughout all the ages.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Marvellously you have shed light on the world by the splendour of your child-bearing, Parent of God. For truly you bear in your arms God who enlightens the faithful who cry: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure One, devoutly we sing the praises of your womb, which inexplicably made room for God to take a body and give the light of the knowledge of God to all who believe and cry: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Canon of Saint Athanasius
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
O Athanasius, right glorious adornment of hierarchs, pillar of light and confirmation of the Church, champion of the Trinity, golden clarion of theology, famed describer of monastic life: you celebrate with us, making priests and leading the faithful people to Christ forever.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
You were a true namesake of immortality, for you surpassed works with the discourse; and, vanquishing the artifices of discourse with the fame of your life, you transcended the boundaries of both. Therefore, shining with most excellent virtue, you have acquired an immortal memory forever.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
In your valiant struggles you showed forth a most splendid episcopacy, O God-pleasing initiate of the mysteries of heaven, and by your frequent banishments for preaching the Trinity drove out falsehood, for you proclaimed the triune God, crying out: Worship the Father, theologize the Son and hymn the Spirit for all ages!
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us hymn her who gave birth in the flesh to the One God in Trinity and even after giving birth has constantly remained whole, for she has surpassed the cherubim and is more honourable than the seraphim who cry: you children, bless; you priests, hymn; you people, exalt God supremely for all ages!
Canon of Saint Cyril
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
In you has a well-spring of wisdom flowed forth which is truly like a wave of the sea; and ever-flowing rivers of pious doctrines have flowed forth from your belly, as Christ foretold. For your divinely eloquent words surpass in number the sands of the sea.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
Shown forth as a wise pastor and teacher of the Church, O venerable Cyril, you manifestly interpreted the two testaments; for, holding your words as an anchor and a paternal inheritance, it cries out: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
For the sake of the Word, the Author of all things who became incarnate for our sake, O Cyril, you taught the ineffable union which is indivisible and unconfused, and worshipped each equally, crying out: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
Glory… Now…
The Word who of old was begotten of the Father without mother was born a second time of you, without father, O most pure one; and though before He was incorporeal, He became incarnate in His lovingkindness, desiring to save those who chant: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. We extol and exalt Him above all for ever.
Katavasia: Standing together in the unbearable fire, yet not harmed by the flame,* the children, champions of godliness, sang a divine hymn:* O all you works of the Lord,* bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Conceiving without taint of corruption,* lending your flesh to the Word, the Deviser of all,* Mother knowing no man, Virgin, Godbearer,* vessel receiving the illimitable* and dwelling for your infinite Maker:* we magnify you.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Be silent, you minds estranged, who fit suffering to the divinity; for we magnify the Lord of glory, crucified in the flesh but not crucified in the divine nature: one person in two natures.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
All you who deny the body’s resurrection, go to the tomb of Christ and learn that the flesh of the giver of life was put to death and rose again in assurance of the final resurrection; for this we hope.
We bless the Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
As we worship not a trinity of Godheads but of persons, not oneness of persons but of Godhead, we part from those who divide and confound those who dare to confuse the Trinity whom we magnify.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
You are shown to us as one who brings joy and gladness unending, O ever-virgin Maid, for you brought forth the Deliverer who brings release to those who in truth and in the Holy Spirit honour him as God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
All-pure One, David your forefather, singing your praises, named you ark of divine holiness which contained, beyond nature, the God who ever sits within the deep recesses of the Father. We the faithful magnify him without ceasing.
Canon of Saint Athanasius
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Your life shone forth like lightning, O father, and your proclamation has poured forth on all like thunder which the sun illumines; for you truly had inspiration from heaven on high. Therefore, the grave, the medium of forgetfulness, has not dimmed your memory, O Athanasius.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
Illumined now with the thrice-radiant light of the threefold Sun, you revealed splendid effulgence to those who hymn you, reflecting beams from on high, like a mirror does those of the sun, O blessed one; and you are given the remission for which you ask, which is great and of surpassing dignity.
Holy Hierarch Athanasius, pray to God for us!
We who hymn you beg you earnestly: Pray for the Church, grant victory over heresies to our hierarchs, giving them might to defend the Orthodox Faith against heretics; and grant salvation to us and peace to the world on the day of your commemoration, O Athanasius.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Without seed or carnal desire you conceived the Word of God who has created all things, and you gave birth to Him without suffering the pangs of childbirth, O Virgin. Therefore, confessing you to be the Theotokos with tongue and heart, we magnify you.
Canon of Saint Cyril
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
You mightily cast down every ungodly uprising of Nestorius against Christ and His Mother, O Cyril: a duality of Sons and the confusion of essences by the Acephalites.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
With the power of reason and the enlightenment of grace, O blessed one, you theologized the consubstantial Trinity and the incarnate Son of God; and as a champion of the Theotokos, you are now glorified in the highest.
Holy Hierarch Cyril, pray to God for us!
From on high you mercifully regard those who hymn you, O father, granting victory to the Cross-bearers and exalting the horn of the Orthodox by your prayers, illumining those who magnify your memory.
Glory… Now…
O most holy Virgin Theotokos who was born of a barren woman and gave birth to Him who by His will and gesture has transformed all things: my heart, which is barren of godly virtues, show forth as fruitful, that I may hymn you, the most hymned one.
Katavasia: In the shadow and the letter of the Law, let us, the faithful, discern a figure:* every male child that opens the womb shall be sanctified to God.* Therefore do we magnify the firstborn Word and Son of the Father without beginning,* the firstborn Child of a Mother who has not known a man.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
The two sons of Zebedee, with Peter, Nathaniel, and Thomas,* and two others were fishing in the Lake of Tiberias.* By the command of Christ, they cast the net on the right side* and drew out many fish.* Peter, recognizing Christ, came swimming toward Him.* This was the third appearance of the Lord after His resurrection.* Then He shared with them bread and fish from the fire.
Glory…
You were shown to be most wise initiates of the mysteries and champions of the all-divine Trinity, O blessed Athanasius and Cyril revealed of God, casting down Arius, and with him Sabellius and Nestorius, and every other falsehood of wicked heresies with them, O holy hierarchs of the Lord.
Now…
O most blessed Cyril, you teach the faithful to speak of the Theotokos with boldness and to do her homage in truth, destroying the ungodly heresy of Nestorius.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises
Tone 7
Christ is risen from the dead,* loosing the bonds of death;* O earth! proclaim the good tidings of great joy; and you heavens praise the glory of God.
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ,* let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one.
We cease not to worship the Holy Resurrection of Christ,* for He has saved us from our iniquities,* Holy is the Lord Jesus* who has shown us the Resurrection.
What shall we render to the Lord for all that He has rendered unto us?* For our sake God dwelled among us;* for our corrupted nature the Word became flesh and dwelled within us;* to the ungrateful He is the Benefactor;* to prisoners He is the Liberator;* to those in darkness He is the Sun of justice;* the path to the Cross;* the Light to Hades; Life to death;* Resurrection for the fallen:* to Him we cry aloud: Our God, glory be to You!’
By Your mighty power, O Lord,* You have destroyed the gates of Hades and abolished the dominion of death;* raising with Yourself the dead who slept therein from eternity in darkness,* by Your divine and glorious Resurrection,* as King of the universe* and as God All-powerful.
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord* and be glad in His Resurrection;* for He has raised the dead with Himself* from the indestructible bonds of Hades,* and as God has bestowed upon the world* eternal life and great mercy.
A radiant Angel sat on the stone of the grave that held Life,* and announced the good tidings to the Myrrh-bearing women saying:* The Lord is risen, as He foretold to you;* announce to His Disciples that He goes before you into Galilee;* while to the world He grants eternal life* and great mercy.
O you exceedingly wicked Jews, why did you reject the Cornerstone?* This is the stone which God has placed in Sion,* God Who in the wilderness made water spring forth from the rock,* and for us poured forth immortality from His side;* this is the stone which was hewn from the Virginal mountain, by the will of the Son of man,* who comes again on the clouds of heaven* before the Ancient of days, as Daniel has said,* and His Kingdom is everlasting.
Tone 6, Glory…
After Your descent into Hades, O Christ,* and Your resurrection from the dead,* the disciples grieved over Your departure.* They returned to their occupations* and attended to their nets and their boats,* but their fishing was in vain.* You appeared to them since You are Lord of all;* You commanded them to cast the nets on the right side.* Immediately Your word became deed.* They caught a great number of fish,* and they found an unexpected meal prepared for them on the shore,* which they immediately ate.* Now, make us worthy to enjoy this meal with them in a spiritual manner,* O Lord and Lover of mankind.
Tone 2, Now…
You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 2
Today salvation has come to the world.* Let us sing to Him who is risen from the tomb,* the Author of Life who has crushed Death by his death* and bestowed on us victory and great mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY ON SUNDAY MORNING
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 7: By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 7: No longer shall the dominion of death be able to hold humanity,* for Christ went down shattering and destroying it s powers.* Hades is bound.* The prophets exult with one voice.* The Saviour has come for those with faith, saying:* “Come forth, O faithful, to the resurrection!”
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Theotokion, Tone 7: O all-praised treasury of our resurrection, we hope in you,* bring us up from the pit and depth of sin,* for you have saved those subject to sin* by giving birth to our Salvation,* O Virgin before childbirth, and Virgin in childbirth,* and still a Virgin after childbirth.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The Lord will give strength to His people;* the Lord will bless His people with peace.
verse: Bring to the Lord, O you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams. (Psalm 28:11,1)
Epistle
1 Timothy 4:9-15
Alleluia, Tone 7
verse: It is good to give praise to the Lord; and to sing to Your name, O Most High.
verse: To announce Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth every night. (Psalm 91:2,3)
Gospel
Luke 19:1-10
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.