Day 28 of the Great Fast. Resurrectional Gospel 7.
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 8
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
O holy father John,* truly have you ever carried on your lips the praises of the Lord,* and with great wisdom have you studied the words of Holy Scripture,* that teach us how to practice the ascetic life.* So have you gained the riches of grace,* and you have become blessed,* overthrowing all the purposes of the ungodly.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
O holy father John,* truly have you ever carried on your lips the praises of the Lord,* and with great wisdom have you studied the words of Holy Scripture,* that teach us how to practice the ascetic life.* So have you gained the riches of grace,* and you have become blessed,* overthrowing all the purposes of the ungodly.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
Most glorious father John,* with the fountain of your tears you have cleansed your soul,* and by keeping vigils through the night* you have gained God’s mercy.* You were raised on wings, O blessed one,* to the love of Him and of His beauty;* and as is right you dwell now in His unending joy,* with your fellow soldiers in the spiritual fight,* O holy saint of God.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
O holy father John,* through faith you have lifted up your mind on wings to God;* hating the restless confusion of this world,* you have taken up your Cross;* and, by following Him who sees all things* you have subjected your rebellious body to His guidance through ascetic discipline,* by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Tone 5, Glory…
O holy father,* hearing the voice of the Gospel of the Lord,* you have forsaken the world, counting as naught its riches and its glory;* and so you have cried out to all:* “Love God,* and you shall find eternal grace.* Set nothing higher than His love,* that, when He comes in glory,* you may find rest with all the saints.”* At their prayers, O Christ, guard and save our souls.
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.* Therefore, we all firmly believe that you are the Mother of God,* and we eagerly beseech you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.
Aposticha
Tone 7
O Saviour of the world, You arose from the grave,* and together with Your own flesh You raised up mankind.* O Lord, glory to You!
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
Come, let us worship Christ who arose from the dead* and enlightened all creation.* For by His resurrection on the third day,* He set us free from the oppression of Hades,* granting us life and His great mercy.
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O Christ, Lover of mankind,* You descended into Hades and destroyed death.* Then You arose on the third day;* and, together with Yourself You lifted up all of us* who glorify Your mighty resurrection.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
O Lord, what a fearful sight it was to see You lying in the tomb as if asleep.* Yet on the third day You arose in great power,* and at the same time You raised up Adam who joyfully cried out:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!
Tone 2, Glory…
Let us honour John, angel upon earth and man of God in heaven,* adornment of the world, joy of the good and virtuous, glory of the ascetics.* For planted in the house of God he has blossomed with the flower of holiness,* and spread abroad like a cedar in the desert,* causing the sheep of Christ’s spiritual flock to increase* in sanctity and righteousness.
Now…
We now behold a new wonder,* greater than the wonders of old.* For who has ever known a mother to bear a child without the help of man?* Who has known a mother to hold in her arms the Source of all Creation?* It was God’s own will to be born in this manner;* and you, O most pure Virgin, carried Him as an infant in your arms.* Because of this, you can approach God with the boldness of a mother.* Therefore, we venerate you, and ask you to always beseech Him* to have mercy on us and save our souls.
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.
Glory… Now…
O Mother of God, we sing your praises,* for you were a virgin before conceiving,* and remained a virgin after giving birth.* And since you have given birth to our Salvation, Jesus Christ,* you have become a treasury of assistance* for all who seek resurrection and eternal life.* Therefore, lift us up from the depth of our transgressions,* for we place our hope in you.
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 1, Glory…
A dweller in the wilderness and an angel in the body!* You manifested a wonderworker, O John our God-bearing Father!* You received heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil, and prayer:* healing the infirm and the souls of those who flee to you with faith.* Glory to Him Who has given you strength!* Glory to Him Who has crowned you!* Glory to Him Who through you works healings for all!
Now…
When Gabriel announced to you, “Rejoice!”, O Virgin,* the Master of all became incarnate within you, the holy tabernacle,* at his cry, as the righteous David said. You were shown to be more spacious than the heavens,* having borne your Creator.* Glory to Him Who made His abode within you!* Glory to Him Who came forth from you! ** Glory to Him Who has set us free by your birthgiving.
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 20:1-10
Hymn of Resurrection
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 7
Ode 1
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: At a sign from you, O Lord, the nature of water was changed,* once free and flowing now it became as a wall, hard as the earth;* thus Israel walked dryshod* and sang you a song of victory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
When you were condemned to an unjust death, O Lord, then the tyranny of death was judged by a tree; the prince of darkness could not prevail against you and was justly cast out.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Hell approached you with teeth which lacked the strength to crush your body and broke his jaws. Thus, O Saviour, you loosed the pains of death and on the third day rose again.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The pains of Eve, first mother, are undone, for your child-bearing was without pain, without knowledge of man. Therefore, All-pure, clearly seeing you to be the Mother of God, we give you glory.
Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, who gave birth to the unfathomable deeps of compassion, shine upon my soul with your light-bearing radiance that I may sing in loving desire the unfathomable deeps of your wonders.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Seeing us lie wounded with sin’s darts, the Word, as he who works all good, took pity upon us. Then, All-holy One, true God was ineffably joined to flesh in you.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Christ, I have become like the man who fell among thieves, and grievously beaten, was left barely alive, O Saviour; and more than he, I am also grievously wounded with my sins.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Stripped of all Your wealth, he cried out lamenting: “O Saviour, I am gravely wounded; leave me not to the thieves.” Likewise, I also pray to You: “Merciful Lord, save me.”
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Heal me who am noetically deadened by the scourging of sin, from the unrighteous thieves, my wicked thoughts, O Christ Saviour; save me since You are plenteous in mercy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O you who inexplicably gave birth to the Wisdom and Word of the Father, grant healing to my grievously wounded soul, and assuage the infirmity of my heart.
of John Climacus
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
Ascending from the sorrow of things material, O holy John, you dwelt in the immaterial noetic light: by your intercessions to the Lord, grant me this light.
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
Suckled on the sweetness of abstinence, you cast away the bitterness of sensuality; and so, father, you have granted us a pleasure sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.
Glory…
Having ascended to the heights of the virtues, scorning as worthless, sensual pleasures, you have appeared to your flock as the sweetness of salvation, O venerable father.
Now…
O you who ineffably gave birth to the Word and Wisdom of the Father, heal the harsh wounds of my soul and assuage the infirmity of my heart.
Katavasia: I shall open my mouth, and be filled with the Spirit,* and utter discourse to the Queen and Mother;* and be seen radiantly keeping festival,* joyfully praising her wonders.
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.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I have wickedly journeyed on the path of life, O Christ, and been sorely wounded by thieves through my passions: but I beseech You, raise me up.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Thieves have robbed my mind and, wounded by my sins, leaving me barely alive: but heal me, O Lord.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I have been stripped bare of Your commandments by the passions, O Christ Saviour, and I have been scourged by sensual pleasures, but pour upon me Your mercy.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Without ceasing, pray, O pure one, to Him who came forth from your womb, that those who sing your praises may be delivered from the wiles of the evil one.
of John Climacus
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
With the fiery coal of your asceticism, O saint, you have burnt up the thorns of the passions, warming all those who follow the monastic life.
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
The aroma of the sanctifying myrrh of your ascetic struggles, O venerable father, has filled all with the odour of the spiritual fragrance of God.
Glory…
Attentively learning the laws of ascetic struggle, you burned up the passions, as though another army of Pharaoh, by the flow of your tears.
Now…
Put a stop the restless tumult of my thoughts, O pure one, and guide me, O Mother of God, to your Son.
Katavasia: O Theotokos, living and plentiful fount,* establish in spiritual fellowship those who sing hymns to you,* and in your divine glory* grant them crowns of glory.
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.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 5
Having Your Most-pure Cross as a weapon of salvation, O Saviour, we cry to You: “O You Who willingly suffered for our sake, save us, O God of all, since You are plenteous in mercy.”
Tone 4, Glory…
Having ascended to the Heavens, resplendent with virtues and holiness, you have properly entered into the boundless depth of the contemplation of God. Having defeated all the snares of the demons, and protecting mankind from their wickedness, O John—ladder of the virtues—you ever intercede on behalf of your servants, that they be saved.
Now…
He Who is enthroned upon the cherubim and Who dwells in the bosom of the Father, has sat incarnate in your bosom, O Lady, as upon His holy throne. For as God He is the ruler of all nations, and with understanding we now sing to Him; beseech Him, O pure one, on behalf of your servants that they be saved.
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.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Thieves have despoiled me of my godly actions and left me wounded and in pangs.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
My unstable thoughts have stripped me bare of Your commandments, O Saviour, and I have been scourged by my transgressions.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Levite, when he saw me wounded, passed me by, O Saviour; but save me.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Regally do we glorify you, O unwedded Theotokos, and we the faithful flee to your safe haven for refuge.
of John Climacus
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
You are a fragrant flowered meadow and a living paradise of the virtues, in which abstinence blossoms; and with which you nourish all who honour you.
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
As a lawgiver for ascetics, and a most meek rule for monastics, you are truly like Moses and David, O father, therefore we bless you.
Glory…
Planted by the waters of abstinence, you have been revealed O blessed one, to be a vine blossoming with, and bearing, the grapes of piety.
Now…
Within time, O Mother of God, you bore for us Him Who has shone forth timelessly from the Father. Entreat Him to save those who sing your praises.
Katavasia: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus the true God,* is come in a swift cloud* and with His sinless hands he has saved those who cry:* Glory to Your power, O Christ.
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.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Jesus, bind the wounds of my soul, as of old the Samaritan did to him that fell among thieves, and heal me from my pain, I pray You, O my Christ.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Sickened by the wounds of my transgressions, I lay helpless, O my Christ, naked and bereft of the divine virtues; but I beseech You, save me.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When the priest and the Levite saw me, they could not help me, but passed by on the other side. But since You are compassionate You have granted me salvation and saved me.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
I beseech You, O Lord, turn not away from me, wretched as I am, for my mind is painfully scourged by noetic thieves, but have compassion upon me, O Saviour, by the prayers of her who gave birth to You.
of John Climacus
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
O blessed father, you quenched all the passions with the dew of your ascetic struggles, abundantly aflame with love and faith you were a lamp of abstinence, a light of dispassion, and a child of the day.
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
With your divine husbandry, O father, you tended to the grapes of faith; and gathering them into the winepress you have pressed them out by your ascetic labours; making glad the heart of your flock.
Glory…
Having well withstood the assaults and the wounds of your enemies, you were revealed to be a pillar of patience, strengthening your flock you have guided them with your blessed staff, nourishing them on the waters of abstinence, O blessed one.
Now…
As spoken by your own lips, we emulate you, O all-pure one, and call you blessed. For the Lord has indeed done great things to you and has magnified you as the true Mother of God, born from your womb.
Katavasia: All creation stands in awe of your divine glory;* for you, O Virgin who has not known wedlock,* contained within your womb* the God of all,* and gave birth to the timeless Son,* bestowing peace upon all who hymn you.
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.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I have wasted the blessed life given me with passions, O Master, and grievously scourged in every part by my transgressions, I turn back to You for refuge and pray: “Have compassion upon me.”
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Thieves have seized my wealth and left me as one dead, having scourged my mind with the passions. But have compassion upon me and save me, O Lord.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Unable to bear the sight of my pain and wounds, the Levite passed me by; but O Compassionate One, pour on me the oil of Your great mercy.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
As the bush unconsumed by fire, as the mountain and living ladder, as the heavenly gate, we worthily glorify you, Mary most glorious, the praise of the Orthodox.
of John Climacus
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
You received within your soul the divine wealth of the Spirit; unblemished prayer, purity, modesty, constant watchfulness, the labours of abstinence; by which you have become a temple of God.
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
O wise one, you passed by material things as worthless, and having raised your mind on high through noetic prayer; by the perfection of your life thou hast manifest yourself as an heir of peaceful repose in the highest.
Glory…
You truly extinguished the fiery darts of your enemies by your ascetic struggles, and having kindled the fire of faith, you burned up the boastful unbelief of heresy.
Now…
The majesty of the Most High has shone forth from Sion; through an ineffable union He has assumed flesh from you, O undefiled one, and shed light upon the world.
Katavasia: Celebrating the divine and solemn feast of the Mother of God* O you divinely wise,* let us come, clapping our hands,* and glorify God who was born of her.
Kontakion, Tone 4
Truly has the Lord placed you in the firmament* like an immovable star of abstinence* shedding its light upon all creation,* O father John our teacher.
Ikos
Truly, O father, you have made yourself into a temple of God, adorned through your divine virtues with faith, hope, and true love, as if with gold shining from afar; you have explained the laws of God, and practiced abstinence as if a bodiless one; having acquired wisdom, courage, chastity and humility, you have been raised on high, illumined with unceasing prayer, you have attained to the tabernacles of heaven, O father John our teacher.
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.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Thieves fell upon me, wretch that I am, and left me with wounds as one dead; therefore I pray to You: O God come Yourself and visit me.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
My mind, ceaselessly robbed by my thoughts, has pierced me through with the passions, and because of the multitude of my transgressions, left me as one dead. But, O Saviour, grant me healing.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Having seen me ailing with painful wounds, the Levite could not bear to look upon me, thinking my wounds incurable, and passed me by O my Savioyr, but You Yourself grant me healing
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Having taken flesh from the Virgin, You have saved me, in Your compassion pouring upon my wounds Your rich mercy, O Christ, therefore I glorify You.
of John Climacus
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
Into the fair meadows of the Kingdom on high, you have lead your flock to pasture, O father, and with the rod of true dogma you have driven away the wild beasts of heresy; chanting: “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.”
Venerable father John, Pray to God for us.
You have entered on high, into the heavenly bridal chamber of Christ the King, clothed in a garment worthy of Him that has called you; and seated therein, you cried aloud: “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.”
Glory…
You are a river of abstinence unpolluted by sin, O father; purging the thoughts and cleansing the filth of those, who sing with faith, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.”
Now…
The Lord of all came forth from your womb, taking flesh from you, O Virgin. Therefore with true Orthodox faith we honour you as the Theotokos, and cry aloud to your Son: “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.”
Katavasia: Refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* the divinely wise youths bravely trampled down the threatening fire* and rejoicing they sang aloud: * O supremely hymned Lord and 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.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
From the noetic thieves of my thoughts, O Saviour, I have been robbed, and from the wounds of my transgressions, my life has wasted away, from whence I have been stripped of the divine image of You, O God, who are the Lover of mankind, but have compassion upon me.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
You came down from on high to the earth, O Saviour, and have compassion upon me, and as I lay wholly wounded by the scourging of sin, O Compassionate One; You have poured the oil of Your mercy upon me, O Christ.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
For my sake, O Master and Saviour, You have given Your soul and body over to deliver me, and save me, who lay incurably wounded by the sword of my sins, since You are Compassionate.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Transcending all understanding have you given birth to the Lord, God-man and Word, yet remaining a virgin; therefore, O Virgin, with all creation we bless and supremely exalt you throughout all ages.
of John Climacus
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
An image and living pillar of abstinence are you shown to be in truth O father, therefore we honour your memory, O John.
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
The multitudes of monastics rejoice, and the assembly of venerable saints and righteous dance with gladness: for you have justly received a crown with them.
Let us bless Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Lord.
Adorned with the virtues, you have entered into the ineffable glory of the noetic bridle-chamber singing hymns in praise of Christ throughout the ages.
Now…
Reject us not, O Virgin, for we are in need of your help; and we sing in praise of you and supremely exalt you throughout all ages.
We praise, bless and worship the Lord, chanting and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages.
Katavasia: The Offspring of the Theotokos saved the holy children in the furnace.* He who was then prefigured has now been born on earth,* and He gathers all creation to hymn you:* all you works, praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.
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.
from the Triodion
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I have knowingly not kept Your commandments O Lord, and following the passionate impulses of sensual pleasure, I have been stripped of grace, and cast out naked. Therefore I beseech You, O Saviour, save me
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Levite could not cleanse my wounds, but as one who has suffered with me, You came to me O good One, and pouring upon me the mercy of Your compassions; like the best of physicians, You have healed me.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Since You are the compassionate One, You have been compassionate to me O Christ, and saved me, who was grievously wounded by thieves, O Saviour; by giving YOur soul and body as the two dinars, in payment for my redemption.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Your birth-giving transcends understanding, O Mother of God, for you conceived without knowing a man, and gave birth while remaining a virgin, having given birth to God, Whom magnifying, we call you blessed, O Virgin.
of John Climacus
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
A physician of those sick through sin, O blessed one of God, you are manifest as a slayer and expeller of evil spirits; therefore we call you blessed.
Venerable father John, pray to God for us.
Leaving the earth wherein corruption dwells, you have gone to live, O father, in the land of the meek, and with them you rejoice in the sweet blessings of God.
Glory…
Today is the day of solemn festivity, for the entire flock of monastics has been called to assemble as a spiritual choir, and liturgizing, partake of eternal life.
Now…
Having taken up His abode within you, O all-immaculate One, He who has overthrown the murderer who maliciously brought about the fall of our first parents, has been born and saved us all.
Katavasia: Let every mortal born on earth,* radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy;* and let the host of the angelic powers* celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God,* and let them cry aloud:* Rejoice! O Theotokos, pure Ever-Virgin.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
Tone 7
When Mary Magdalene said they have carried away my Lord,* Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved hastened to the grave.* They both came and found the wrappings inside the tomb,* and the cloth, which was on His head, lying aside.* The disciples remained silent until they truly beheld Christ.
Tone 3, Glory…
You shunned worldly ease as enfeebling,* and withering your flesh with fasting,* you renewed the strength of your soul, O venerable one,* gloriously enriching yourself with heavenly glory,* therefore cease not to intercede on our behalf, O John.
Now…
Saved by you, O Lady, we nobly confess you to be the very Theotokos,* for inexpressibly you bore God, Who has destroyed death by the Cross* and called to Himself the assemblies of venerable saints,* therefore we, with them, offer praises to you, O Virgin.
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 1
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted high;* forget not Your paupers to the end.
Come, let us work in the mystical vineyard,* bringing forth fruits of repentance therein;* let us not labour for the sake of food and drink,* but through prayer and fasting let us increase the virtues.* And the Lord of the vineyard, pleased by our labour, will pay us the dinar,* with which He has redeemed our souls from the debt of sin,* for He alone is rich in mercy.
Tone 1, Glory…
Come, let us work in the mystical vineyard,* bringing forth fruits of repentance therein;* let us not labour for the sake of food and drink,* but through prayer and fasting let us increase the virtues.* And the Lord of the vineyard, pleased by our labour, will pay us the dinar,* with which He has redeemed our souls from the debt of sin,* for He alone is rich in mercy.
Tone 2, Now…
You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 2
Today salvation has come to the world.* Let us sing to Him who is risen from the tomb,* the Author of Life who has crushed Death by his death* and bestowed on us victory and great mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY ON SUNDAY MORNING
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 7: By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.
Troparion, Tone 1: O John, our God-bearing father,* you were shown to be a citizen of the desert,* an angel in bodily form,* and a worker of miracles.* Through fasting, prayers and vigils you received heavenly gifts* to heal the sick and the souls of those who, in faith, run to you.* Glory to Him who gives you strength.* Glory to Him who crowned you.* Glory to Him who works healing for all through you.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: On the heights of true abstinence,* the Lord established you as a reliable star,* giving light for guidance to the ends of the earth,* O father John, our teacher.
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)
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The venerable ones will exult in glory* and they shall be joyful in their beds. (Psalm 149:5)
Epistle
Hebrews 6:13-20; Ephesians 5:9-19
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)
verse: They who are planted in the hose of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Psalm 91:14)
Gospel
Mark 9:17-31; Matthew 4:25-5:12
Hymn to the Theotokos
In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices: the angelic ranks and all the human race. Sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, virgins’ pride and boast, from whom God is made flesh and became a little Child; and He who is our God before all ages, He made your womb a throne, and He made it wider that all the heavens. In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices. Glory be to you.
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)