Saint with Six Stichera. Resurrectional Gospel 2.
GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING
Kathisma Reading
Blessed is the man… is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 2
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
Come, let us adore God the Word,* who was born of the Father before all ages,* and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary;* for of His own free will He suffered the Cross* and submitted Himself to burial,* and arose from the dead to save me, a sinful one.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
Christ our Saviour cancelled the decree that was written against us,* by nailing it to the Cross;* and He abolished the dominion of Death.* Let us glorify His resurrection on the third day.
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
Let us, together with the archangels, sing of Christ’s resurrection;* for He is the Redeemer and Saviour of our souls.* He will come again in awesome glory and mighty power* to judge the world which He has fashioned.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
Although You died and were buried,* the angel yet declared You as Master.* He said to the women: Come and see where the Lord was placed;* for He is risen as He foretold,* because He is almighty.* Therefore, we worship You, the only Immortal One,* and we beseech You to have mercy on us, O Giver of Life.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
O Christ, You have abolished the curse of the tree by Your Cross;* You have destroyed the power of death by Your burial,* and You enlightened the human race by Your resurrection.* Therefore, we cry out to You:* O God and Benefactor, 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.
O Lord, the gates of death opened before You in fear,* and the gatekeepers of Hades were filled with dread at the sight of You.* You smashed the gates of brass and crushed the posts of iron.* Then You burst our chains asunder,* and led us out from the darkness, away from the shadow of death.
Tone 6
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
When you shall come, O righteous Judge, to execute just judgment,* seated on Your Throne of glory,* a river of fire will draw all men amazed before Your judgment seat;* the powers of heaven will stand beside You,* and in fear mankind will be judged* according to the deeds that each has done.* Then spare us, Christ, in Your compassion,* with faith we entreat You,* and count us worthy of Your blessings* with those that are saved.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
The books will be opened* and the acts of men will be revealed* before the unbearable judgment-seat;* and the whole vale of sorrow* shall echo with the fearful sound of lamentation,* as all the sinners, weeping in vain,* are sent by Your just judgment to everlasting torment.* Therefore, we beseech You,* O compassionate and loving Lord:* spare us who sing Your praise,* for You alone are rich in mercy.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
The trumpets shall sound and the tombs shall be emptied,* and all mankind in trembling shall be raised.* Those that have done good shall rejoice in gladness, awaiting their reward;* those that have sinned shall tremble and bitterly lament,* as they are sent to punishment and parted from the chosen.* O Lord of glory, take pity on us in Your goodness,* and count us worthy of a place with them that have loved You.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
I lament and weep when I think of the eternal fire,* the outer darkness and the nether world,* the dread worm and the gnashing of teeth,* and the unceasing anguish that shall befall those* who have sinned without measure,* by their wickedness arousing You to anger, O Supreme in love.* Among them in misery I am first:* but O Judge compassionate, in Your mercy save me.
Tone 8, Glory…
When the thrones are set up and the books are opened,* and God sits in judgment,* O what fear there will be then!* When the angels stand trembling in Your presence* and the river of fire flows before You,* what shall we do then, guilty of many sins?* When we hear Him call the blessed of His Father into the Kingdom,* but send the sinners to their punishment,* who shall endure His fearful condemnation?* But Saviour, who alone love mankind, King of the ages,* before the end comes turn me back through repentance* and have mercy on me.
Tone 2, Now…
O Virgin, the shadow of the Law passed away* with the realization of grace.* For as the bush had burned without being consumed,* so you gave birth while a virgin* and you remained a virgin.* Instead of the pillar of fire there rose the Sun of Justice.* Instead of Moses, Christ God came forth,* the Saviour 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 2
Your Resurrection, O Christ our Saviour,* has enlightened the whole universe;* and, through it, You call back to Yourself all Creation.* Almighty God, glory to You!
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
By the wood of Your Cross, O Saviour,* You have abolished the curse of the tree;* by Your burial You have destroyed the power of death;* and by Your resurrection You enlightened the human race.* We, therefore, cry out to You:* O Christ our God, Giver of Life, glory to You!
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O Christ, when You were nailed to the Cross,* the distorted nature of creation was made manifest.* The soldiers showed their inhumanity by piercing Your side with a lance,* and the people showed their ignorance of Your power* by asking that Your tomb be sealed.* But, in Your mercy, You accepted burial* and then arose on the third day.* O Lord, glory to You!
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
O Christ, Giver of Life,* You freely endured the Passion for the sake of mortals.* In Your power You descended into Hades;* and snatching, as from a mighty monster, the souls of those who awaited Your coming,* You placed them in Paradise.* Therefore, show Your great mercy to us who glorify Your resurrection,* and cleanse our souls.
Tone 8, Glory…
Alas, black soul!* How long will you continue in evil?* How long will you lie in idleness?* Why do you not think of the fearful hour of death?* Why do you not tremble at the dread judgment-seat of the Saviour?* What defence will you make, or what will you answer?* Your works will be there to accuse you:* your actions will reproach you and condemn you.* O my soul, the time is near at hand;* make haste before it is too late, and cry aloud in faith:* I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned against You;* but I know Your love for man and Your compassion.* O good Shepherd, deprive me not of a place at Your right hand* in Your great mercy.
Now…
O Virgin, You have never known wedlock,* Yet You conceived God in the flesh* in a manner which words can never describe.* You thus became the Mother of God on high.* O Immaculate Lady, receive the supplication of your servants* and grant us the cleansing of our sins.* Accept now our prayers and beseech God to save all of us.
Troparia
Tone 2
When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You!”
Glory… Now…
O Mother of God, the mysteries which surround you are exceedingly glorious,* and beyond the power of understanding.* For you retained the seal of purity,* and your virginity remained inviolate;* yet you are acknowledged, without doubt,* to be the Mother who gave birth to the true God.* We beg you, therefore, to entreat Him to save our souls.
GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 2
Troparia, Tone 2
When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You!” (2)
Glory… Now…
O Mother of God, the mysteries which surround you are exceedingly glorious,* and beyond the power of understanding.* For you retained the seal of purity,* and your virginity remained inviolate;* yet you are acknowledged, without doubt,* to be the Mother who gave birth to the true God.* We beg you, therefore, to entreat Him to save our souls.
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 2
The noble Joseph having taken down You most pure Body from the tree,* wrapped it in a fine linen shroud* covering it with fragrant spices* and placed it in a new sepulchre;* but on the third day You arose, O Lord,* granting the world great mercy.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
The Angel standing by the tomb cried to the myrrh-bearing women,* ‘Myrrh is fitting for the dead,* but Christ has been revealed a stranger to corruption.* rather cry aloud: The Lord is risen,* granting the world great mercy!’
Glory… Now…
You are highly glorified, O Virgin Theotokos,* and we sing your praise,* for through the Cross of your Son Hades has been overthrown,* Death has been slain,* and we who were dead have arisen and been granted life.* We have received Paradise, our ancient delight,* therefore with thanksgiving we glorify Christ our God* as mighty and alone plenteous in mercy.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 2
You did not prevent the grave stone from being sealed,* and having arisen You granted to all the rock of the Faith.* O Lord, glory be to You!
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
The choir of Your Disciples rejoices in harmony with the Myrrh-bearing women;* for with them we celebrate a common feast to the glory and honour of Your Resurrection.* Through them, O Lord who loves mankind,* grant Your people Your great mercy.
Glory… Now…
You are highly blessed, O Virgin Theotokos,* for through Him who was incarnate of you* Hades has been taken captive, Adam recalled, the curse slain, and Eve set free,* death has been put to death and we have been given life;* therefore with hymns we cry to you:* Blessed are You O Christ our God who has been thus well-pleased, glory be to You!
Polyeleos
Psalm 136
By the rivers of Babylon there we sat and wept, remembering Sion.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
For it was there that they asked us, our captors, for songs, our oppressors, for joy.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Sing to us they said, one of Sion’s songs.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
O how could we sing the song of the Lord on alien soil?
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
O Babylon, destroyer, one is happy who repays you the ills you brought on us.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory be to You, O God!
Evlogitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 2
The women coming to Your grave after the Passion* to anoint Your body, O Christ God,* saw Angels in the tomb and were frightened,* for they heard a message from them:* The Lord has arisen, granting the world His great mercy.
Hymn of Ascent, Tone 2
Antiphon 1
I raise the eyes of my heart to You in heaven, O Saviour.* Save me by Your radiance.
Have mercy, O my Christ, on us who fail You every hour and in many ways,* and grant to us the means to return to You* in repentance before the end.
Glory… Now…
To the Holy Spirit belongs sovereignty,* sanctification and the quickening of creation,* for He is God, one in essence with the Father* and the Word.
Antiphon 2
If the Lord was not among us,* who could be kept safe from the one* who is both our foe and a manslayer?
Do not hand Your servant over to destruction, O my Saviour.* For like a lion they come up against me,* they who are my foes.
Glory… Now…
To the Holy Spirit belongs the source of life and its honour,* for, being God, He preserves all creation* by His power* in the Father through the Son.
Antiphon 3
Those who trust in the Lord are like the holy mountain:* they are utterly unshaken* by the assaults of the enemy.
Let not those who live for God* stretch out their hands in iniquity;* for with the rod of His word Christ forbids such things.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit all wisdom flows forth,* grace to the Apostles,* crowns to the Martyrs,* and to the Prophets, prophetic vision.
Prokeimenon, Tone 2
Arouse Yourself, O Lord my God, in the commandment which You have enjoined,* and a congregation of peoples shall surround You.
verse: O Lord my God, I have put my hope in You. Save me from all them that pursue me and deliver me.
Let everything that lives, Tone 2
Gospel
Mark 16:1-18
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
After Psalm 50
Tone 8, Glory…
Open to me the doors of repentance, O Giver of Life.* As we worship in Your temple this morning,* teach us how to purify the temples of our bodies,* and in Your compassion, purify me by the goodness of Your mercies.
Now…
Lead me to the paths of salvation, O Mother of God,* for I have condemned myself with shameful sins* and have wasted all my life in slothfulness.* By your intercession purify me from all sinfulness.
Tone 6
Have mercy on me, God, in Your kindness. In Your compassion blot out my offense.
When I think upon the multitude of my evil deeds,* I tremble for the terrible day of judgment.* But trusting in the compassion of Your mercy, O Lord,* I cry to You like David:* Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy.
Canon, Tone 2
Ode 1
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Once his overwhelming power overturned the whole of Pharaoh’s army in the deep;* but the Word made flesh, the Lord of glory, blotted out the wholly wretched sin.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The prince of this world in whose books we, who disobeyed your commands, were inscribed, O Good One, has been judged by your cross; attacking you as a mortal, he fell back from the power of your might and was exposed in his weakness.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Deliverer of the race of mortal men and author of incorruptible life, you came into the world: for you tore in pieces the grave clothes of death in your resurrection, and this we glorify. Gloriously he is glorified.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O pure one, and ever-Virgin, you are shown to be higher than all creatures seen and unseen; for you bore the Creator since he willed to take flesh in your womb; with boldness pray to him to save our souls.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Immaterial ladder and a strange dry way in the sea of old revealed your bringing to birth, O pure one; this we all proclaim in song, for he is glorified.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The power of the Most High, fulness of reality, Wisdom of God, took bodily form from you, pure one, and conversed with mortal men for he is glorified.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I tremble with fear when I contemplate the dread day of Your ineffable coming, I fear when I foresee You sitting in judgment of the living and the dead, O my all-powerful God.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When You shall come, O God, with thousands of the heavenly hosts of angels, deem me the wretched one, O Christ, worthy to meet You in the clouds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Come, O my soul, and call to mind the very hour and day when God shall stand before you visibly; lament and weep, and thus be found pure in the hour of the trial.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The unquenchable fire of Gehenna, the bitter worm and the gnashing of teeth, terrorize me and fill me with awe. But You, O Christ, release me and forgive me, and number me among Your elect.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Grant that I, wretched as I am, may hear Your greatly desired voice, which calls Your saints to joy, that I also may attain the inexpressible enjoyment of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Enter not into judgment with me, recalling my deeds, examining my words and correcting my urgings. But in Your compassion overlook my wickedness and save me, O all-powerful One.
Glory…
Unity in three Hypostasis, Sovereign Lord of all, perfect and beginningless God, the Father, Son, and most Holy Spirit, save us.
Now…
Who, according to the law of nature, has ever begotten a son not sown by a father? Yet such a Son the Father has begotten without a mother. O most wondrous marvel! For you, O pure One, have borne both God and man.
Katavasia: A helper and a protector* has become to me salvation.* My God, whom I will glorify,* the God of my fathers,* and I will exalt Him* for gloriously has He been glorified.
Ode 3
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: The desert, the barren Church of the nations, has blossomed as a lily at your coming, O Lord;* in this my heart is made firm.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Creation at your Passion was put to confusion to see you in mean disguise and mocked by the lawless, you whose lightest nod had established the universe.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You fashioned me with your hands from the dust in your image; and when, through sin, I was crushed again into the dust of death, you, O Christ, went down with me to Hell and raised me up with yourself.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The ranks of angels were amazed and the hearts of men trembled, All-pure, at your giving birth; wherefore we reverence you in faith, O Mother of God.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, he, beyond all time as Creator of time, of his will was fashioned as a babe from you.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us, the faithful, sing the praises of the womb wider than the heavens, for through it Adam dwells, rejoicing, a citizen of heaven.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Lord comes, and who shall endure the fear of Him? Who shall dare appear before Him? But prepare yourself to meet Him, O my soul.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Let us make haste before it is too late; let us lament, let us be reconciled to God before the end. For fearful is the judgment at which all of us shall stand naked.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy upon me, I cry to You, when You come with Your angels to render to every man his due reward for his deeds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
How shall I endure the wrath of Your judgment, for I have not hearkened to Your commandments? But spare, O spare me in the hour of judgment.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Turn back, O wretched soul, sighing, before the fair-ground of life cometh to an end, before the Lord shuts the door of the bridal chamber.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Lord, I have sinned as no other man has sinned, I have transgressed more than any man: before the day of judgment, be merciful to me, O Lover of mankind.
Glory…
O simple Unity praised in a Trinity of Hypostases, uncreated beginningless Nature, save us who in faith worship Your power.
Now…
O most pure One, by a seedless conception you have given birth to the living Word, Who without change assumed flesh in your womb. Glory be to your birthgiving, O Mother of God.
Katavasia: O Lord, upon the rock of Your commandments* make firm my fickle heart, for You alone are Holy and Lord.
Sessional Hymns, Tone 6
When I contemplate the fearful day, and weep over my evil deeds,* how shall I answer the immortal King,* with what justification shall I look upon the Judge, prodigal that I am.* O compassionate Father,* only begotten Son, and Holy Spirit,* have mercy on me.
Glory…
O what lamentation there will be in that place,* when You, O compassionate One, sit to execute Your righteous judgment;* disclose not my secret sins,* nor shame me before the Angels,* but be compassionate O God and have mercy on me.
Now…
O you good Virgin Theotokos, the hope of the world,* we beg your intercession which alone is mighty:* have compassionate mercy upon us,* a people bereft of an intercessor;* beseech the merciful God, that our souls be delivered from every threat,* O you who alone are blessed!
Kontakion, Tone 1
When You come on earth, O God, in glory,* and the universe trembles,* while the river of fire flows before the seat of judgement,* and the books are opened and all secrets disclosed,* then deliver me from the unquenchable fire,* and count me worthy to stand at Your right hand,* O Judge who are most just.
Ikos
Thinking of Your fearful judgment-seat and the day of Judgment O supremely good One, I tremble and am filled with fear, for my own conscience accuses me. No one then will be able to deny their sins, for truth shall accuse them, and fear will constrain them. For great will be the trepidation from the flames of Gehenna there, the sinners gnashing their teeth. Wherefore, before the end have mercy on me, and spare me, O Judge most righteous.
Ode 4
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: You came forth from the Virgin,* not an ambassador, not an angel,* but the Lord himself made flesh,* and saved my whole humanity.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You were standing, my God, before the judgment seat as one judged, not crying out, bringing, O Lord, judgment upon the nations. Thus, through your Passion, O Christ, you wrought salvation for the world.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
By your Passion the weapons of the enemies failed, by your descent into Hell the cities of the foe were destroyed and the insolence of the tyrant overthrown.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
All we the faithful know you a haven of salvation, a fortified city unshaken, Lady Mother of God; for by your prayers you deliver our souls from danger.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Behold the sacred mountain of the house of the Lord, high and lifted up: above the powers the Mother of God stands revealed.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, you alone were deemed worthy of the divine calling, for you gave birth, outside the laws. of nature, to him who rules creation.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The day is upon us, the judgment is at the door. Be vigilant, my soul, Kings and princes, rich and poor are gathering, and each shall receive their due reward for their actions.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Each in his own order, monk, and hierarch, old and young, slave and master shall be examined; widow and virgin shall be corrected. And woe to all whose lives are not guiltless!
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Your judgment is without respect of persons; no cunning words or eloquence can deceive it; nor shall false witnesses pervert Your righteousness. For in Your sight, O God, every secret shall stand revealed.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Let me not come into the valley of lamentation, let me not see the place of darkness, O my Christ and Word; let me not be bound hand and foot, and cast out from Your bridal chamber, for in my utter wretchedness I have defiled the garment of incorruption that has been given me.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When You shall separate the sinners from the righteous while judging the world, number me as one of Your sheep and place me not with the goats, O Lover of mankind, that I may hear the voice of Your blessing.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When the trial takes place and the books recording all our deeds shall be opened, O miserable soul, what shall you answer before the judgment-seat, lacking all fruits of righteousness to offer to Christ your Creator?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Hearing the words of lamentation of the rich man in the flames of torment, I, the wretched one, weep and wail, for I am deserving of the same condemnation. Wherefore I entreat You: Have mercy on me, O Saviour of the world, at the hour of judgment.
Glory…
I glorify the Son Who has come forth from the Father, and the Spirit, as light and rays from the Sun: the One begotten as an Offspring, the Other proceeding and sent forth; divine and coeternal Trinity, worshiped by all creation.
Now…
She who has given birth yet kept her virginity, has borne both God and man, a single Person with a twofold nature. This your miracle, O Virgin Mother, doth fill every ear and mind with wonder.
Katavasia: The prophet heard of Your coming, O Lord, and he was afraid.* How were You to be born of a virgin and appear unto mankind?* and he said, “I have heard report of You and I am afraid;”* glory to Your power, O Lord.
Ode 5
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Christ God, you are mediator between God and man:* through you, O Lord, we have access from the night of ignorance to your Father, the author of light.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You broke as the cedars, O Christ, the insolence of the enemy when, of your own will, O Lord, you were pleased to be lifted up in the flesh on the cypress, the pine and the cedar.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
They laid you in the lowest pit, O Christ, dead, without breath; but with your stripes you raised with yourself, O Saviour, the wounded and forgotten who slept in the graves.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pray to your Son and Lord, pure Virgin, to grant deliverance to prisoners and peace from the hostile forces surrounding those who trust in you.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O cloud , rain down the sweetness of joy on the dwellers of earth, for to them a child is given, he who is before the ages, our God made flesh of a Virgin.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Light ha shone on my life on this small piece of flesh, for the Most High. in these last times made flesh without seed from the Virgin, has dissolved the sullen gloom of sin.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
There shall be fear and trembling beyond all description there: for the Lord shall come and test the works of every man. And who then will not mourn for himself?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The river of fire disquiets and consumes me; the gnashing of teeth grinds me, and the abyss dismays me, how or what shall I do to gain God’s mercy?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Spare, O Lord, spare Your servant; deliver me not unto the bitter tormentors, to the cruel angels in Hades, by whom I shall never find rest.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Prince and governor together, the rich and the inglorious, great and small alike will be tried. Woe to him that has not prepared himself beforehand!
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Pardon, remit and forgive, O Lord, all my sins against You; and show me not condemned, in the presence of the angels, to the punishment of fire and unending shame.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Spare, O spare the Your creation, O Lord. I have sinned, forgive me: for You alone are pure by nature, and none save You is free from defilement.
Glory…
A single Unity by nature, I praise You, O Trinity, as beginningless, incomprehensible, supreme in sovereignty, a unity beyond perfection, God, Light and Life, the Creator of the world.
Now…
In your childbearing, in a supra-natural manner, the laws of nature were rendered mute, O pure one. For without seed you have given birth to the pre-eternal God, begotten from the Father.
Katavasia: Out of the night I seek You early,* enlighten me I pray You, O Lover of mankind,* and guide me in Your commandments,* and teach me, O Saviour, to do Your will.
Ode 6
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Engulfed in sin’s unfathomed depths* I cry to the fathomless deeps of your tender compassion;* God has brought me up* from corruption.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The righteous was judged as a criminal and nailed to the tree with the lawless with his own blood granting forgiveness to the guilty.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
As by one man, the first Adam, death came of old to the world, so by one, the Son of God, resurrection has been revealed .
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
You knew no man, O Virgin, you bore a child and remained for ever virgin, revealing thus the signs of true divinity of your Son and God.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The nature of man enslaved to sin through you, pure Lady, has come to freedom for your Son as a lamb has been sacrificed for us all.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us all cry out to you, true Mother of God: Deliver your anger-provoking servants: for you alone have acquired boldness before your Son.
from the Triodion
Irmos: With my whole heart, I cried to the all-compassionate God,* and He heard me* from the lowest depths of Hades;* and raised up my life from corruption.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
At Your fearful coming, O Christ, when You shall appear from heaven and set up the thrones, and the books shall be opened, then spare, O Saviour, spare Your creature.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Since God is the Judge, nothing can help you there, no zeal, no skill, no glory, no friendship, but only the strength that you have gained, O my soul, from your works.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
There will be found together both Prince and governor, rich and poor O my soul; no father or mother will be able to help us, no brother will deliver us from the condemnation.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Think, my soul, of the fearful examination before the Judge; trembling from this prepare your defence, lest you be condemned to the eternal chains.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Lord, may I not hear You say, “Take what is due you,” as You send me from Your presence; neither let me hear You say, “Depart from Me into the fire of the accursed,” but may I hear those words desired by the righteous.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Deliver me, O Lord, from the gates of Hades, from the lowest depths of the earth and the lightless darkness, from the unquenchable fire, and from all the other everlasting torments.
Glory…
I sing the praises of the Triune Godhead, the Father, Son, and divine Spirit, one sovereign Principle divided in three Hypostases.
Now…
You are the gate through which God alone has passed, entering in and coming out, yet not breaking the seal of your virginity O pure one: Jesus, the Creator of Adam, and your Son.
Katavasia: With my whole heart, I cried to the all-compassionate God,* and He heard me* from the lowest depths of Hades;* and raised up my life from corruption.
Kontakion, Tone 2
You rose from the tomb, O almighty Saviour;* and Hades, seeing this wonder, was stricken with fear; and the dead arose.* Creation saw and rejoices with You, and Adam exults.* And the world, my Saviour, sings Your praises for ever.
Ikos
Light you are to those endarkened, resurrection you are to all and life to mortal man; and when you, the Saviour, raised up all with yourself and despoiled the might of death, when you, O Word, shattered the gates of Hell, the dead saw it and marvelled at the marvel and all creation rejoiced together in your resurrection, O Lover of man. For all of this we glorify and sing your coming down to us and all the universe, my Saviour, hymns you for ever.
Ode 7
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: The godless decree of the lawless tyrant* re-kindled the soaring flames,* Christ let fall on the God-fearing children the dew of the Spirit.* He is blessed and glorious above all.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Your tender compassion, O Lord, would not allow you to see mankind beneath the sway of death but you came and saved him by your own blood, becoming man. He is blessed and glorious above all.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Seeing you clothed in the robe of vengeance, O Christ. Hell’s doorkeepers cowered in fear for you came to master, O Lord, the slave, the reasonless tyrant. He is blessed and glorious above all.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
We know you the Holy of Holies, Virgin unspotted, Mother unwedded, for you alone bore the unchangeable God: by your divine giving birth you have shed incorruption on all the faithful.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
In the night Jacob beheld the God made flesh in a riddle but as a beacon light he was seen to come from you by those who sing: God of our fathers, supremely divine and most glorious.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
He wrestles with Jacob, prefiguring the signs of the ineffable interweaving within you, O pure one, through which he is willingly joined to man: the God of our fathers, supremely divine and most glorious.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O you faithful, let us fall down and lament before the day of judgment comes, when the heavens shall be destroyed, the stars shall fall and all the earth shall be shaken, that at the end we may receive mercy from the God of our fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The trial shall be without respect of persons, and the judgment shall be fearful; nothing shall be kept secret from the Judge, no favour can be won with bribes. But spare me, O Master, and deliver me from all Your fearful wrath.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Lord comes to judge: who can endure the sight of Him? Tremble, O my wretched soul, tremble and by your deeds prepare for your repose, that you may gain mercy and compassion from the blessed God of your fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I am disquieted when I think of the unquenchable fire. The bitter worm, the gnashing of teeth, and soul-destroying Hades terrifies me; yet there is no compunction to be found in me. But O Lord, O Lord, before the end, establish me in the fear of You.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I fall down before You, and I offer You as tears my words. I have sinned as the harlot never sinned, and I have transgressed as no other on earth. But O Master have compassion upon me Thy creature and call me back.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Turn back O soul, repent, and uncover all that you have hidden. Say to God to Whom all things are known: You alone know my secrets, O Saviour; have mercy on me, as David sings, according to Your mercy.
Glory…
I sing the praises of the Three, one in Essence, of the One that is three in Hypostases: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one power, one will, one energy, one thrice-holy God, one sovereign Kingdom.
Now…
God has come forth in beauty from the chamber of your womb. As a King clothed in a divinely-woven robe, dyed mystically in your most pure blood, O unwedded one, He reigns over the earth.
Katavasia: We have sinned, we have transgressed,* and we have done evil before You.* We have not kept nor followed Your commandments,* but reject us not utterly, O God of our fathers.
Ode 8
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: Once in Babylon by divine command* the blazing furnace divided its work,* the Chaldaeans consuming, the faithful bedewing,* who sang: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The ranks of angels saw the garment of your flesh empurpled with your blood, in trembling amazement at the magnitude of your longsuffering, crying: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Through your rising, O Merciful, you have clothed my mortality with deathlessness; therefore in glad thanksgiving your chosen people raise to you a song of praise, crying: Truly death is swallowed up in victory.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The One inseparable from the Father and humanly, divinely, dwelling in your womb, you conceived without seed and brought forth inexpressibly, Birth-giver of God, all-pure. By this we know you the salvation of us all.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Through you he, incomparable in goodness and power, was seen upon earth and lived among men, to him all we the faithful sing our songs and cry: Let the whole creation, given being from nothing, sing to the Lord and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rightfully proclaiming you the Pure, we glorify you, Mother of God, for you gave birth to that one of the Trinity made flesh; to him, together with the Father and the Spirit, we all make melody: Sing to the Lord, all creation, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Lord, when I contemplate meeting You at Your fearful second coming, I tremble in awe, and fear Your wrath. In that hour deliver me, I cry, and save me throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Who among those born on earth, beset by the passions, shall dare to stand before You, O God who judges all things? For at that time, the unquenchable fire and the gnawing worm shall seize the condemned and hold them throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
All that has breath, shall You call together to be judged O Christ. Then great shall be the fear, and great the anguish; and only our good actions shall help us throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O my God and Lord, Judge of all, on that day may I hear Your desired voice, may I see Your great light, may I look upon Your tabernacles, may I behold Your glory and rejoice throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O righteous Judge and Saviour, have mercy on me and deliver me from the fire and from the punishments I deserve at the Judgment. Before the end comes, grant me remission through virtue and repentance.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When You sit in judgment, O compassionate One, and reveal Your dread glory, O Christ, what fear there will be then! the fiery furnace, and to all those who shall be seized with fear, Your inescapable judgment-seat.
Let us bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Lord!
I honour God one in Essence, I sing the praises of the three Hypostasis, distinct one from another yet not differing in essence, for there is one Godhead in the three Hypostases, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Now…
From your most radiant womb, Christ has come forth as a bridegroom from his chamber, and as a great light He has illumined those in darkness. As the Sun of Righteousness, he has shone forth, O pure one, enlightening the world.
We praise, bless and worship the Lord, chanting and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages.
Katavasia: Him whom the hosts of heaven glorify,* and before whom tremble the Cherubim and Seraphim,* let every breath and all creation praise, bless, and supremely exalt,* throughout all ages.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: The Son of the unbegun Begetter, God and Lord, made flesh of the Virgin,* has appeared among us to bring light to the darkened places* and to gather the scattered together.* Therefore, we magnify the all-praised Mother of God.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
On Golgotha, as in Paradise, there was planted, O Saviour, the thrice-happy tree of your pure cross, nourished by your blood divine and water; so from the wellspring of your holy side, O Christ, life has blossomed for us.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The crucified, the all-powerful, laid low the strong man armed, and the nature of man, lying below in the dungeon of Hell, he raised and placed on the Father’s throne; coming in the midst of which we, worshipping, magnify you.
We bless the Lord; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In the true faith singing, let us the faithful glorify the Trinity, three in number, one in substance, indivisible nature, supremely divine, triply shining light and never-setting radiance, the only uncompounded shedding light upon all.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
All-pure, in your womb the Word of God was given, a staff of strength, to our enfeebled nature; he has raised it up, fallen down a slippery path to Hell ; therefore, O pure one, we magnify you as Mother of God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Accept, O Lord, with sympathy, our ambassador, your chosen one, your Mother, and all the world shall be filled with your goodness as we magnify you, Giver of all good.
from the Triodion
Irmos: Ineffable is the birthgiving of a seedless conception,* from a mother who knew not a man;* an undefiled childbearing.* For the birth of God hath renewed nature,* wherefore all generations rightly worship and magnify you* as the Bride and Mother of God.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Lord shall come to punish sinners and to save the righteous. Let us weep and lament, and call to mind that day, when our hidden and secret sins will be revealed ,and He will reward each according to what they are due.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Moses was filled with fear and trembling when he saw Your hind parts. How then shall I, the wretched one, endure to behold Your face, when You shall come from heaven? But spare me, O compassionate One, by Your merciful gaze.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Daniel feared the hour of trial, what then shall I, the wretched one, feel, when I come O Lord, to that dreadful day? But grant me before my end to worship You worthily and to gain Your Kingdom.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The fire is ready, the worm hath prepared itself; yet rejoicing, glory, eternal rest, the never-setting light, the gladness of the righteous also await. And who is blessed, if not but he who escapes the former, and inherits the later?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
May I not be rejected from Your presence O Lord, in Your anger; may I not hear Your voice casting me off, as one accursed, to the fire. But rather let me enter then into the joy of Your eternal bridal-chamber with Your saints.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
My mind has been wounded, my body has grown feeble, my spirit has become weak, my speech has lost its power, and my life has become deadened, the end approaches. What then shall you do, O wretched soul, when the Judge comes to examine your deeds?
Glory…
O Father, single only-Begetter of the only-begotten Son; O only Light and Effulgence from the one and only Light; and You, one and only Holy Spirit from the one God, the Lord from the Lord Who truly is: O Holy Trinity in One, save me who theologizes You.
Now…
The marvel of your childbearing has filled me with wonder, O all-immaculate One. How did you conceive without seed Him whom none can comprehend? How did you remain a Virgin and yet give birth as a Mother? Accept with faith that which is above nature, and worship the Child that is born: For all that He wills, He has the power to do.
Katavasia: Ineffable is the birthgiving of a seedless conception,* from a mother who knew not a man;* an undefiled childbearing.* For the birth of God hath renewed nature,* wherefore all generations rightly worship and magnify you* as the Bride and Mother of God.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
Tone 2
When the myrrh-bearing women saw the stone rolled away, they rejoiced;* for they saw a young man sitting at the grave who said to them:* Behold, Christ is risen!* Say to Peter, the disciple of the Lord:* Hasten to the mountain in Galilee;* there you shall see Christ* as He had said to His friends.
Tone 3
As I ponder the fearful day of Your judgment,* and Your ineffable glory,* I am altogether filled with dread, O Lord,* and trembling with fear I cry to You:* “When You come in glory to earth, to judge all things, O Christ our God,* deliver me from every torment and deem me worthy, O Master, to stand at Your right hand.
Glory…
Behold! the day of the Lord almighty comes,* and who shall endure the fear of His coming?* For it is the day of wrath;* the furnace shall burn, and the Judge shall sit and render to each* the due reward for his works.
Now…
As I call to mind the hour of trial* and the fearful coming of the Master the Lover of mankind,* I am filled with trembling, and with sad countenance I cry to You:* O most righteous Judge, Who alone are plenteous in mercy,* by the intercessions of the Theotokos accept me who repent.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 2
Everything that breathes and every creature glorifies You, O Lord,* for through Your Cross You destroyed death* and thus shown the multitude of peoples Your Resurrection from the dead,* as You alone love mankind.
Let the Jews tell how the soldiers lost the King they were guarding.* Why then did the stone not guard the rock of life?* Either let them give up the one who was buried or adore Him as risen,* exclaiming together with us:* Glory to the multitude of Your mercies:* O Saviour, glory be to You!
Rejoice O peoples and be glad!* for an Angel sat upon the grave stone* and gave us good tidings saying:* Christ is risen from the dead* and has filled the universe with sweet fragrance.* Rejoice O peoples and be glad!’
Before Your conception, O Lord,* an Angel brought the greeting ‘Rejoice’ to the one full of grace:* at Your Resurrection an Angel rolled away the stone from Your glorious grave.* The one revealed the signs of joy instead of sorrow;* the other instead of death has proclaimed to us the Master, and giver of life.* Wherefore we cry to You:* O Benefactor of all mankind,* Lord, glory be to You!
Tone 2
I contemplate that day and hour* when we shall all stand naked, like men condemned and unclean, before the Judge.* Then shall the trumpet sound and the foundations of the earth shall quake,* the dead shall arise from the tombs* and all shall be gathered together from every generation.* Then the secrets of all shall be made manifest before You:* From those who never repented, there shall heard be weeping and lamentation,* as they depart to the outer fire;* but with gladness and rejoicing the company of the righteous* shall enter into the heavenly bridal chamber.
How shall it be in that hour on that fearful day,* when the Judge shall sit on His dread throne!* The books shall be opened and men’s deeds examined,* and those secrets of darkness shall be made public.* Angels shall hasten to and fro, gathering all the nations.* Come you and hearken, kings and princes, slaves and free,* sinners and righteous, rich and poor:* for the Judge comes to pass judgment on the whole world* And who shall bear to stand before His face in the presence of the angels* as they call us to give account for our deeds and our thoughts, whether by night or by day?* How shall it be then in that hour!* But before the end draws nigh, make haste, O my soul, and cry:* O God Who alone are compassionate, turn me back and save me.
Tone 8
Daniel the prophet, a man greatly beloved,* when he saw the power of God, cried aloud:* “The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.”* Consider well, my soul: do you fast?* Then despise not your neighbour.* Do you abstain from food?* Condemn not your brother, lest you be sent away into the fire, there to burn as wax.* But may Christ lead thee without stumbling into His Kingdom.
Tone 1
Let us cleanse ourselves, brethren,* with the Queen of the virtues:* for behold, she comes, bringing to us a wealth of blessings.* She quells the uprising of the passions,* and reconciles those that have sinned to the Master.* Therefore, let us welcome her with gladness, and cry aloud to Christ our God:* O You Who rose from the dead,* keep us uncondemned as we render glory to You, Who alone are sinless.
Tone 1, Glory…
Let us cleanse ourselves, brethren,* with the Queen of the virtues:* for behold, she comes, bringing to us a wealth of blessings.* She quells the uprising of the passions,* and reconciles those that have sinned to the Master.* Therefore, let us welcome her with gladness, and cry aloud to Christ our God:* O You Who rose from the dead,* keep us uncondemned as we render glory to You, Who alone are sinless.
Tone 2, Now…
You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 2
You came forth from death, destroying the eternal bonds of Hades, O Lord.* You broke the curse of Death* and thus delivered us from the snares of the Evil One.* Then You appeared to your apostles and sent them forth to preach,* and through them You have bestowed your peace upon all the world,* for You alone are rich in mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY ON SUNDAY MORNING
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 2: When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You!”
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 1: When You come on earth, O God, in glory,* and the universe trembles,* while the river of fire flows before the seat of judgement,* and the books are opened and all secrets disclosed,* then deliver me from the unquenchable fire,* and count me worthy to stand at Your right hand,* O Judge who are most just.
Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Great is our Lord and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.
verse: Praise the Lord, for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to Him. (Psalm 146:5,1)
Epistle
1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2
Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord; let us acclaim God our Saviour.
verse: Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms. (Psalm 94:1,2)
Gospel
Matthew 25:31-46
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)