All-Night Vigil Feast
GREAT VESPERS WITH LYTIA
After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be our God… and the people have responded, Amen, the clergy sing the Paschal Troparion once and the people repeat it. Then, the clergy sing the first half, and the people conclude it.
Paschal Troparion
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 2
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
Having heard the joyous words spoken by the Angels* seated within the tomb of the Word,* the myrrh-bearers hastened with the most utmost fervour;* leaving their former rank, they were seen to be heralds of good news;* proclaiming the arising from the depths of Hades to the initiates,* of Him who for our sake became a man.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
Before the breaking of day, at deep dawn,* the myrrh-bearers reverently stood before the tomb of the Lord;* bringing precious myrrh to Christ, the Giver of life,* the Slayer of Hades whom they counted among the dead.* But a divine Angel stood before them saying:* Why do you seek the Life-giver and living One among the dead?* Go, and proclaim His arising to all.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Bearing upon your shoulders Him who is venerated by the Cherubim, O blessed Joseph,* like them, you carried Him who had assumed flesh and has now accepted death,* even Him who has given life to us who were once dead.* Therefore, you rejoice with the honoured myrrh-bearers,* though not long past you mourned His death with them.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
Having gathered together today,* we praise you, O George, as a valiant martyr.* You kept the faith and completed the course* and received from God the crown of victory.* Entreat Him to deliver from tribulations and corruption* those who faithfully observe your precious memory.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Drawing hope from your firmness of mind, O glorious one,* you willingly persevered to martyrdom like a lion.* Scorning the body as something that would wither,* you were wisely concerned with your incorruptible soul.* Covered with wounds by various forms of torture, O George,* like gold you were purified sevenfold.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
You suffered martyrdom in behalf of the Saviour, O glorious one,* by a death similar to his voluntary death.* You reign gloriously with Him,* clothed with the resplendent purple robes of your blood,* and you are adorned with the sceptre of your sufferings.* O great-martyr George,* you are resplendent in your crown of victory* throughout all generations.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
With faith as your armour and with grace as your shield,* with the cross as your spear, you waged war.* You were invincible in facing the foes, O George.* Like a mighty warrior, you destroyed the camps of the demons.* Now you are dancing joyfully with the angels.* Indeed you defend, sanctify, and save the faithful who invoke you.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
We recognize you as a very bright star,* a sun shining in the firmament of the heavens,* a very precious pearl sparkling more than a gem.* O George the conqueror, we glorify you* as a son of the day and a courageous martyr.* We commemorate you as a defender of the faithful in tribulations.
Tone 6, Glory…
You were true to your name, O warrior George,* for you took the cross of Christ upon your shoulders.* You ploughed well the land made barren by the deceits of the devil;* you rooted out the weeds of idol worship* arid planted the vine of the true faith.* Therefore, your healing overflows to the faithful throughout the whole world,* and you have shown yourself to be the righteous gardener of the Trinity.* Pray for peace in the world and salvation for our souls.
Tone 1, Now…
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb, seeking the Lord.* And they beheld an Angel like to lightning sitting upon the stone, and saying to them:* Why do you seek the Living among the dead?* He has arisen as He said;* you shall find Him in Galilee.* Therefore let us cry to Him:* O You who arose from the dead, Lord, glory be to You.
Readings
(1) Isaiah 43:9-14; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15
Lytia
Tone 1
Because of his glorious suffering,* the brilliant warrior George rejoices with the powers above.* At this time we also rejoice with them.* He has inspired the faithful on earth* to observe the feast and to celebrate with them.* Because of that he was considered a servant of Christ.* Let us, therefore, worthily venerate him* who prays unceasingly to the God of all to grant us great mercy.
You produced the best by valiant sufferings* and offered up your fruitful toils, O blessed martyr George.* Strengthening your yearning by faith and scorning fear by hope,* you revealed your love for heaven.* You showed courage to us.* By your fervent prayers ask for peace for our souls,* the cleansing of our sins,* and great mercy for us.
Tone 4
Come, O assembly of the faithful.* Come, let us celebrate the feast.* Today is manifested the glorious memory of George the martyr.* Sparkling with virtues, he is invisibly illuminating our hearts.* Therefore, let us cry out with one mind:* Rejoice, O warrior of Christ the great king!* Rejoice, O most splendid and rich one!* O most blessed one, in our behalf, implore Christ our God, the Master of all,* that we may be preserved from temptations of the Evil One* and that our souls may be saved.
Tone 5, Glory…
Come, let us be filled with delight.* Spring has come and brought forth the Resurrection of Christ.* Come, let us be joyful.* The commemoration of the martyr has arrived and illumines the faithful.* Therefore, come, O lovers of feasts;* let us celebrate that mystery.* For, as a good soldier, he courageously overcame and confounded the torturers.* He was an imitator of the passion of Christ the Saviour.* He did not spare his earthen vessel,* but exposed it naked, allowing it to suffer tortures.* Let us cry out to him:* O Martyr, pray that our souls may be saved.
Tone 2, Now…
To the women with Mary* who came carrying sweet spices* and were at a loss how to obtain their desire,* the stone appeared lifted and a divine young man calmed the tumult of their souls,* for he said: “The Lord Jesus is risen.* Therefore, proclaim this to His heralds and disciples, for them to hasten to Galilee* and you shall see Him risen from the dead* as Giver of life and Lord.”
Aposticha
Tone 4
With psalms and hymns* the people are praising your glorious memory, O George;* for you shone forth as a beautiful bearer of the light,* and you are radiant with grace.* Therefore, the angelic ranks now dance with joy.* The martyrs and apostles are praising the struggles* of the suffering ones, O Martyr.* They are exalting the Saviour, Christ our God, who glorified you.* Implore Him to save and illumine our souls.
The just will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
You have put on the shield of Christ, O George,* and you were not found by those who were hunting you.* Inflamed with the fire of Christ,* you scoffed at the barbarity of the meaningless idols.* You exclaimed to Christ, to the warrior king, and to the transgressors:* Neither wild beasts nor wheels of torture,* neither fire nor sword shall ever separate me from the love of Christ my God.* Implore Him now to save and enlighten our souls.
Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courtyard of our God.
O crown-bearer George,* you scorned the various instruments of torture and the terrifying weapons.* Therefore, we crown your resplendent memory with flowers of hymns,* and we kiss your precious relics with faith.* Since you stand before the Master’s throne,* pray unceasingly that He save and enlighten our souls.
Tone 4, Glory…
Let us spiritually praise the great-martyr George,* the living steel of endurance.* He was tried by fire and branding irons* and sharp instruments of torture for the sake of Christ.* These various tortures ravaged the body which is perishable by nature;* but love conquered nature,* persuading the beloved to make his way through death to Christ our God,* the Saviour of our souls.
Tone 2, Now…
The women sprinkled sweet spices with their tears upon Your grave,* but their mouths were filled with joy as they exclaimed,* “The Lord has arisen!”
Troparia
Tone 4
O victorious great-martyr George,* as a liberator of captives and helper of the poor,* physician of the sick,* and champion of kings, entreat Christ God to save our souls. (twice)
Tone 4
Rejoice, Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace!* The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have borne Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of our souls.
AT FESTAL MATINS ON THURSDAY MORNING
After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be our God… and the people have responded, Amen, the clergy sing the Paschal Troparion once and the people repeat it. Then, the clergy sing the first half, and the people conclude it.
Paschal Troparion
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Troparia
Tone 2
The noble Joseph took down Your most pure body from the tree.* He wrapped it with a clean shroud and aromatic spices* and placed it in a new tomb.* But on the third day You arose, O Lord,* granting the world Your great mercy.
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!”
Tone 4, Glory…
O victorious great-martyr George,* as a liberator of captives and helper of the poor,* physician of the sick,* and champion of kings, entreat Christ God to save our souls. (twice)
Tone 2, Now…
The angel stood by the tomb and cried out to the women bringing ointment:* Ointments are for the dead,* but Christ has shown Himself not subject to corruption.* So now cry out: The Lord is risen,* bestowing great mercy upon the world.
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 2
Bringing myrrh for Your burial,* the women came early unto the sepulchre in secret, fearing the remorselessness of the Jews * and foreseeing the secure sentry of the soldiers. * Yet their weaker nature conquered that of men, * for their compassionate purpose was pleasing unto God. * Therefore, they cried out as is meet: * Arise, O Lord, help us, and redeem us for Your Name’s sake.
Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their words unto the ends of the world
O You Who has made the fishermen wiser than rhetoricians, * and sent them forth as heralds unto all the earth, * through Your unfathomable love for mankind O Christ God, * through them You have strengthened Your Church, * and sent down Your blessings upon the faithful, ** O You Who alone are merciful and the Lover of mankind.
Wondrous is God in His Saints, * the God of Israel.
Apostles, prophets, martyrs,* bishops, venerable and righteous ones,* having finished the fight well and having kept the faith,* you now have free approach to the Saviour.* For our sake, we beseech you, entreat Him in His goodness to save our souls.
Glory… Now…
We have become partakers of the Divine nature, through you O Ever virgin Theotokos; * for you have given birth to the Incarnate God for us. * Wherefore, as is due, we all reverently magnify you.
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 1
Behold, the spring of grace has shone forth.* The Resurrection of Christ has glistened for all,* and at this time George the martyr is radiant with Him.* It is a very festive and light-bearing day.* Wrapped in splendour in a divine manner,* let us carry candles and celebrate with joy.
Glory…
Rejecting earthly warfare, O Martyr,* you yearned for the glory that is in heaven;* and you suffered pains and a wretched death. *Therefore, we celebrate your holy memory today* and offer praise to Christ, O most blessed George.
Now…
All of us beseech you, O Mother of God,* who truly manifested yourself to be a virgin after giving birth.* We lovingly hasten to your goodness;* for we sinners have you as an advocate, O most pure One,* and as our refuge in affliction.
Polyeleos
Exaltation
We extol you,* O great-martyr George,* and we honour your precious sufferings* which you endured for Christ.
verse: God is for us a refuge and strength, a helper close at hand, in time of distress.
verse: We went through fire and through water, but then You brought us relief.
verse: Many are the trials of the just one, but from them all the Lord will rescue him.
verse: The just will rejoice in the Lord and fly to Him for refuge. All the upright hearts will glory.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Sessional Hymn
Tone 3
Inflamed with a burning love for the Master, you destroyed the storehouse of deceit,* and with strength and wisdom you professed Christ at the trial.* O all-blessed conqueror and most glorious martyr George,* implore Christ to grant great mercy to us.
Tone 4, Glory…
You properly planted the seeds of the commandments of God.* You devoutly distributed all your riches to the poor.* In place of them you acquired the glory of Christ, O most glorious one.* Then, full of hope and through lengyour sufferings,* you struggled along the course.* You shared in the passion and the resurrection* of the One who is beyond all suffering.* Now that you dwell with Him in the kingdom, pray for us.
Now…
O Virgin Mother of God,* we acknowledge that the Word of the Father, Christ our God,* was incarnate of you,* the only-pure one and the only-blessed one.* Therefore, we sing to you a hymn of praise, and we exalt you.
Gradual Hymn, Tone 4, Antiphon I
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree* and grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
verse: Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God!
Gospel
Luke 12:2-12
Hymn of the Resurrection (once)
After Psalm 50
Glory…
Through the intercession of the holy apostles, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.
Now…
Through the intercession of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.
Tone 6
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offense.
Today the whole world is illumined by the rays of the martyr.* The Church of Christ is adorned with flowers, O George,* and she cries out to you: O servant of Christ,* O fervent defender, do not cease to pray for us.
Canon
Ode 1
Irmos: Taking up the Song of Moses,* O my soul, cry aloud:* “A helper and a protector has become to me salvation.* My God,* whom I will glorify.”
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
You were crucified in the flesh, O You Who are passionless by the nature of the Father; and You were pierced in the side, thereby causing blood and water to spring forth for the world. You are our God, and we glorify You.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
I honour Your Cross and I glorify Your Burial, O Good One, and I praise and worship Your Arising, and I cry out: You are our God, and we glorify You.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Yough You tasted of gall, O You Who re the sweetness of the Church, yet You caused incorruption to spring forth for us from Your side. You are our God, and we glorify You.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
O Saviour, You were counted among the dead, You Who raised up the dead. You tasted of corruption, though You did not know corruption. You are our God, and we glorify You.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Let Sion rejoice, and let Heaven be glad; Christ is risen, having raised up the dead who chant: You are our God, and we glorify You.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Having wrapped Your Body with fine linen, O Christ, Joseph laid You, our Salvation, in a new sepulchre; and as God, You raised up the dead.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Standing, most radiant, before the precious throne of Him Who hath dominion over all, by your supplications and intercessions preserve those who call upon you with fervent faith and love, O martyr of Christ, crown-bearer George.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
You were a noble field of Christ, O George, cultivated by the acts of your martyrdom, and the Judge of the contest hath laid you up in the treasuries of heaven as all-glorious riches, in that you contend most excellently.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Called to struggles, O George, you strove steadfastly and with endurance, O all-blessed George, and having cast down the bold array of the tyrants, you have become an advocate for all who call upon you.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
You have now received the blessed life which is hidden in Christ, for which you contend, even to the shedding of your blood, O George. Pray you, that those who hymn you be saved from every evil circumstances, O passionbearer.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
You have finished the course of sacred sufferings, and, arriving in the heaven, have been shown to be an incorrupt crown-bearer, O George, revealing yourself to be a right flourishing traveller; and you join chorus with the angels, chanting: Let us sing unto our God, for He has been glorified!
Glory…
While you were still in pain, you were shown to the heavenly choirs of the incorporeal beings to pour forth a torrent of blessings, O George, and amaze the ranks of mortals with your divine sufferings. And dancing with them, you cry out: Let us sing unto our God, for He has been glorified!
Now…
The staff of Aaron which budded forth prefigured you, the all-pure one from the root of Jesse, who for the world produced a Flower: God incarnate. Cease you never to entreat Him in behalf of us who flee to you, O Ever-virgin.
Katavasia: O day of Resurrection!* Let us beam with festive joy!* This indeed is the Lord’s own Pasch* for from death to life, from earth to heaven Christ has led us,* as we shout the vict’ry hymn.
Ode 3
Irmos: My mind has not brought forth good fruit,* but show me to be fruitful* in Your compassion O God,* husbandman of all good things.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
When Your palms were nailed to the Cross, O Jesus, You brought all the nations together out of error and called them to knowledge of You, O Saviour.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
The people of the Jews cried to Pilate: Release to us the villainous thief; away with the Sinless One, away with Him, crucify Him!
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
When You were crucified, O Christ, the light was darkened, the earth was shaken, and the many of the dead arose from the grave out of fear of Your power.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
As she stood at the Cross, Your ewe-lamb cried out lamenting, O Jesus: To where do you go, my Son? To where do You depart, O Lamb, Who are slain on behalf of all?
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
I worship Your Cross, I praise Your Burial, I honour Your Passion, and the nails in Your hands, and the lance, and Your Resurrection, O Jesus.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
You are arisen, O Jesus, the enemy is despoiled, Adam is delivered together with Eve from the bonds of corruption by Your Resurrection.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Resplendent in the crown of suffering, O glorious and blessed one, entreat God our Deliverer, that He deliver from all necessity those who piously call upon you.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Illumined with rich effulgence, O all-wise one, from us who praise you with faith drive far away dark grief and the gloom of the passions.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Made steadfast by hope and love, and fortified by faith, O George, strengthened by the power of Christ you cast down the falsehood of the idols.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O all-pure one, you gave birth in the flesh to the Incorporeal One Who hath enlightened the ends of the earth, and Who before all things is equally unoriginate with the Father. Wherefore, we the faithful honour you, the Theotokos.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
You quietly distributed your wealth to the poor, O George, and, having anointed yourself with the oil of love as an athlete, with body and soul you vanquished the tyrant.
Glory…
Made steadfast by grace, and consumed with the fire of zeal, you were not visible to those who interrogated you, nor were you found by those who sought you, O George, being angered for Christ’s sake at the falsehood of the idols.
Now…
As you bear in your arms and feed at your breast Him Who feeds every creature, O Theotokos Mary, worshiping Him we proclaim: Pray you to Him, O pure one, in behalf of us all!
Katavasia From barren rock behold the wonder!* The staff of Moses once drew water!* But we have something new to drink:* the drink of deathless life* from the rock that was His tomb;* for in Him is all our might!
Small Litany
Kontakion of the Myrrh-bearers, Tone 2
You commanded the Myrrh-bearers to rejoice, O Christ God,* and ended the grief of our mother Eve by Your Resurrection.* You ordered the apostles to proclaim to all:* The Saviour is risen from the tomb.
Ikos
As the Myrrh-bearers went to Your tomb, O Saviour, they were perplexed in mind and said to themselves: Who will roll the stone away from the sepulchre for us? And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled away. They were awestruck by the form of the Angel and his raiment. They were taken with trembling and thought to flee; and the youth cried to them: Be not afraid; He Whom you seek is risen; come, behold the place where the body of Jesus lay, and go quickly, proclaim to the disciples: The Saviour is risen from the tomb.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8 (of the Great Martyr)
Manfully contending in every manner of piety, O martyr, casting down the falsehood of impiety you trampled the arrogance of the enemy underfoot; and ever burning with divine desire, you quenched the ungodly savagery of the tyrants. Wherefore, you have fittingly received a crown as the reward for your torments, and grant healings unto those who have recourse to you with faith. O passion-bearer George, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of offenses unto those who celebrate your holy memory with love.
Glory…
Having distributed your earthly riches to the poor on earth, O wise martyr, through your labours you have inherited heavenly riches; for, armed with the precious Cross as with a breast-plate, you thereby put the arrogance of the tyrants to shame. Wherefore, by your supplications you grant divine gifts and the benefactions of healings unto those who petition you. O passion-bearer George, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of transgressions unto those who celebrate your holy memory with love.
Now…, Tone 2
The women brought myrrh and came to Your sepulchre.* Their souls were filled with joy on seeing the bright Angel’s light.* With great zeal and boldness, O Lord, they preached that You are the God of all,* and to Your disciples they cried:* The Life of all has arisen from the dead.
Ode 4
Irmos: The prophet foreseeing Your birth from a virgin, prophesied crying aloud:* “I have heard report of You, and I was afraid;* for from the South, from the Overshadowed mountain* shall You come forth, O Christ!”
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
By the Cross You bound the belly of Hades, and raised up the dead together with Yourself, and destroyed the tyranny of death. Therefore, we who are of Adam worship and praise Your burial and arising, O Christ.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
O our Saviour, Whose good pleasure it was, for the sake of Your compassionate mercy to be nailed to the Cross and redeem us from the paternal curse, loose the bonds of my many transgressions, for You are able to accomplish whatsoever You will.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
O You Who nailed to the Cross my ancient curse and caused blessing to pour forth for me from Your side by Your blood, O Saviour, loose the bonds of my many transgressions, for You are able to accomplish whatsoever You will.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
When hades met You in the nethermost regions, it was embittered, O Saviour, seeing those whom it had the power to devour from before time, now given up involuntarily; and its depths searched out, stripped, and despoiled of its dead.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Though the stone was sealed, and the sentry was present, O lawless foes, yet the Lord arose as He foretold, loosing the bonds of my many transgressions, for He is able to accomplish whatsoever He wills.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
O You Who arose from the sepulchre and despoiled Hades and quicken the dead and caused incorruption to flow forth for me by Your arising, loose Thu the bonds of my many transgressions, for You are able to accomplish whatsoever You will.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
O most blessed George, we hymn your struggles, whereby you broke asunder the worship of the idols; and set at nought all the falsehood of the demons, O all-glorious one.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Still the turbulence of perils and misfortunes, O right wondrous one, and dispel from those who hymn you as a warrior of Christ every evil assault of the demons.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
You have shone forth like a radiant star, O George, driving away dark falsehood with valour of spirit and steadfastness of faith, and saving those who hymn you.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O Virgin, you gave birth to Him Who is in essence salvation, saving man in the richness of His goodness and his essential kindness, and restoring His image which had become corrupt.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
The utterance of the words of your wisdom, which transcended the human mind, struck the tyrants with awe before their tribunal, O George, and Christ God was acknowledged by those who knew Him not.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
With the word of the faith of Christ, O all-wise George, you demolished the philosophers’ weaving of vile myths, and you mock their gods as passion-ridden creatures, O champion of the Trinity.
Glory…
The tyrants who heard the report of your words were put to shame, for, mocking their gods, you showed them to be objects of derision, preaching Christ God, Who was crucified in the flesh and hath abolished soul-destroying falsehood.
Now…
We glorify you, O all-pure one, the only Theotokos, the true Ever-virgin, whom the bush which was mingled with fire without being consumed prefigured for Moses the God-beholder.
Katavasia Let God’s prophet Habakkuk* now stand with us in godly vigil!* And show the angel radiant with light* whose voice gives forth the joyous news:* salvation visits the earth today,* for Christ has risen in His might!
Ode 5
Irmos: Having dispelled the gloom of my soul, O my Saviour,* illumine me with the light of You commandments for You alone are the King of peace.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
When You were clothed with me, You divested me of my ancient garment which, alas! the sower of sin wove for me, O Saviour.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Alas! My sin has sewn fig leaves for me who by the counsel of the serpent have not kept Your immaculate commandment, O Saviour.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Though my soul was wounded by my thieving thoughts; Christ, Who came forth from Mary, has healed it, by pouring oil thereon.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Standing by the Cross, the most pure Theotokos called out with a maternal voice: You have left me alone, O my Son and God.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
By the weapon of Your Cross, You have put down the serpent, the author of evil, and by Your arising You have broken the sting of death, O Jesus.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Let Adam also cry out: O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? You are destroyed by the quickening of Him that raises the dead.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
As you have the boldness of a martyr before the Master, earnestly beseech salvation for those who hymn you, doing away with their spiritual ailments by your entreaties, O passion-bearing martyr, all-blessed George.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
As you join chorus with the choirs of angels and martyrs, O crown-bearer, and share in immortal and blessed glory, rescue those who have recourse to your protection from threefold waves and tempest.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Deliver us from all necessity, O Christ, in that You are merciful, dispelling the multifarious turmoil of sin and misfortune, and accepting the supplications of George Your favourite.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
You repaid the debt of our first mother Eve, O Mother of God; for you wrapped in flesh the Saviour of the world Who was born of you. Wherefore, we all call you blessed, O joyous and most immaculate Virgin.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Wrestling like an athlete and manfully contending against the causes of divers deceptions, O George, naked to the world you stripped away the might of the cruel prince of this world.
Glory…
Protected by the weapon of the Cross, O George, with the hope of faith and mighty love you blunted the sharp edges of all the weaponry of the cruel adversary.
Now…
The womb of the virgin put to shame the understanding of the tyrants; for a child received the deadly sting of an adder in his hand, but George, casting down the prideful one who fell away from God, hath humbled him beneath the feet of the faithful.
Katavasia Now at daybreak* let us celebrate.* Let us gaze on Christ, our Sun of holiness.* Instead of spices,* let us offer Him our song* as He brings forth life for all!
Ode 6
Irmos: I am held fast in the depths of sin O Saviour,* and am overwhelmed by the sea of life,* but as Jonah was delivered from the sea-monster,* so also deliver me from the passions, and save me.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Hades is dead, take courage, O you earthborn, for while Christ was hanging upon the Tree, He struck the sword against him, and he lies dead; for, being stripped naked, he was despoiled of those he held.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Hades has been despoiled, take courage, O you dead; and the tombs have been opened: arise. Thus did Christ cry to you from Hades, as One Who has come to deliver all from death and corruption.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
The dead, which at one time you had the power to devour, and which now are demanded of you, give back to Me, O Hades, cries God, the Giver of life, Who has come to deliver all from your insatiate belly.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
O myrrh-bearing women, why do you hasten now? Why do you bring myrrh to the Living One? Christ is risen, as He foretold. Let your tears cease and be changed into joy.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Having wrapped You in linen, O Christ, the noble Joseph laid You in a tomb; and having anointed with myrrh the fallen temple of Your Body, he rolled a great stone before the sepulchre.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
The Lord is risen and has despoiled the enemy, and having plucked out them that were in fetters, He has led them all forth, as well as Adam the first-fashioned, when He raised them up, since He is compassionate and the Lover of mankind.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Transcending nature, recounting and understanding are the brave deeds of your valour, which are unceasingly hymned, O all-blessed martyr George.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
In that you are a converser with the army of heaven, and beholds the revelation of God insofar as you canst attain thereto, O blessed one, save those who honour you with faith.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Inclining toward God in every way, and receiving the effulgence of miracles, O all-blessed George, you dost distribute gifts to those in need.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
I flee now to you, O all-pure one. Save and preserve me by the supplications; for you canst do all things whatsoever you desire, in that you are the Mother of the Almighty.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
You cry out to the Creator with boldness, O George: “Give not your servant over to the iniquitous, but grant me the strength to destroy their arrogance!”
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Scorning the vessels of the torturers, O George, of your own will you manfully hasten to the contest, and have been crowned by Christ God with the honours of victory.
Glory…
The deceitful tyrants, their threats turned to wonder during the testing of your virtue, O George, marvelled at Christ, the Bestower of life, Whom you preached.
Now…
Of old the serpent deceived me and made me subject to death through my first mother Eve; but now, O pure one, He Who created me has through you called me back from corruption.
Katavasia: O Christ* You pierced the world beneath* and snapped infernal chains that bind forever!* But in three days You came forth from the tomb:* our Jonah from the belly of the whale!
Small Litany
Kontakion of the Great Martyr, Tone 4:
You showed yourself a most honourable harvester of godliness,* for it was God who cultivated you.* You gathered the sheaves of virtues;* for, sowing in tears, you reaped in gladness;* and in shedding your blood, you received Christ.* By your prayers, O holy one, you grant pardon of transgressions of all.
Ikos
Desiring Christ the King, Who laid down His life for the life of the world, the warrior hastened to die for Him, and, possessing great and divine zeal in his heart, he brought himself to Him. With faith, then, let us all hymn the divine George as a fervent intercessor, a glorious servant of Christ, who manifestly emulated his Master and responds to everyone who approaches him; for he doth ever hasten to entreat the Savior, that He grant forgiveness of offenses unto all.
Ode 7
Irmos: Like the Cherubim, the Children rejoicing in the furnace sang:* “Blessed are You, O God,* for in truth You have brought this judgment upon us because of our sins,* You are supremely praised and glorified throughout all ages.”
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
You, as the Lover of mankind, wishing to save from error all whom You had fashioned, deigned to be nailed to the Cross, that by Your flesh You might renew this image demolished by the passions, O Saviour; and despoiling Hades, You raised up the dead with Yourself.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
When You were lifted up upon the Cross, O Compassionate One, You called all to Yourself, as You promised, O Good One. For in truth, You were pleased to suffer all these things because of our sins. Therefore, You also opened the gates of Paradise to the thief, O Saviour.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
You raised up the fallen temple of Your Body from the grave on the third day, as You promised, O Good One, that in truth You might make known Your glory which You caused to flow for us through faith; and You took away those who were in bonds, whom Hades had held of old in fetters.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
O mindlessness of the Jews! O frenzy of the lawless! What thing did you see, that you believed not in Christ? For did He not by a word raise up the sick? Or did He not Himself save the whole world? At least, let the soldiers or those that arose from the dead convince you.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Let the guards who became as dead now say: How was He stolen, Whom the ungrateful ones in no wise saw? For if they saw Him not arisen, how would they ever have perceived how He was stolen? At least, let this stone and Christ’s funeral shrouds convince you.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Whom do you guard as dead? What seals have you placed upon the stone, O Jews, who fear the fear of theft? Behold, in truth the grave is sealed. How, therefore, did He arise, were Christ not God? Let them that arose and were seen by many convince you.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Emulating your Master, O glorious martyr, you willingly hastened to the struggle, and having received the victory have become the guardian of the Church of Christ. Do you ever preserve it by your intercession.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
As an invincible martyr, as an athlete, as an unvanquished champion of the Faith, O all-wise George, be you now an unshakable pillar far those who praise you, protecting them by your supplications.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Having wisely cultivated the divine seed, you have multiplied it, watering it with the torrents of your blood, with the urgency of your pangs and divers wounds, whereby you put down the savagery of the tyrants.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
You remained a virgin even after giving birth, for you have birth to God Who feeds all creatures in His ineffable mercy, and Who in His great loving-kindness became man, O pure one. Him do you entreat, that our souls be saved.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Seeing the falsehood of idolatry prevailing, O George, burning with the zeal of piety you gave yourself over to struggles.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
You were shown to preach the persecuted Faith, O George, and, denouncing the darkness of falsehood, you said: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Glory…
You cut off falsehood at the root, cultivated great faith by piety, O George, and rejoiced, saying: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Now…
You are more exalted than all creatures, O Theotokos, in that you gave birth to the Creator and Lord. Wherefore, I cry to you: O blessed one, the Lord of hosts is with you!
Katavasia: As He rescued three young men from furnace flames* by His passion* He has rescued us from death,* this One who took our flesh and suffered like all mortals.* He alone is blessed and full of glory:* the only God!* The One our Fathers knew!* Ever robed in splendid glory!
Ode 8
Irmos: To Him Who of old prefigured the miracle of the Virgin,* to Moses in the burning-bush* on Mount Sinai,* let us sing, bless and supremely exult throughout all ages.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
The beams of the sun withdrew themselves in fear before the sufferings of Christ, and the dead arose, and the mountains shook, and the earth trembled, and Hades was laid bare.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
The thrice-blessed Children who were in the furnace of old, raising up their hands, prefigured Your immaculate Cross, O Good One, whereby You cast down the might of the enemy, O Christ.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
O blind Jews, deceivers and transgressors, who disbelieved Christ’s arising as though it were a lie: What do you see that is unbelievable? that Christ, Who raised up the dead, is risen?
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Who is it that withered the fig tree? Who is it that healed the withered hand? Who is it that once filled the multitude in the wilderness? Is it not Christ God, Who raised up the dead?
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Who is it that raised from the grave, the man four-days dead, and the son of the widow? Who is it that, as God, strengthened the paralytic on his bed? Is it not Christ God, Who raised up the dead?
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
The stone itself cries, the seals call out; when you placed them, you appointed a watch to guard the tomb. Truly Christ is risen, and He lives throughout the ages.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
By your supplications, O crown-bearer George, bring a halt to the torrent of cruel sufferings and misfortunes, tumultuous evil circumstances, attacks of pain, the wiles of the demons and the assaults of the ungodly.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Wholly illumined with purity by the light of the Trinity, O blessed dweller in heaven, as an invincible martyr, a champion of piety and a divinely crowned victor, by your supplications save those who honour you.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Adorned in every way with the noetic crown and diadem of the kingdom, dignified with a sceptre and arrayed in a royal robe empurpled in your blood, O blessed one, you reign with the King of hosts.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O Virgin Mother, you gave birth to Him Who was begotten timelessly of the Father, Who shone forth before time began and hath created all things, visible and invisible. Wherefore, we and all nations glorify you, the Theotokos.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Strengthened by the Spirit, you spurned the instruments of pain, for you wouldst not offer praise to deaf idols, but only to Christ God, having acquired roving faith in Him, O George; and you say: Hymn the Lord, all ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Seeking after no transitory beauty, rejoicing in the hope of divine life, O George, you underwent divers afflictions; and paying no heed to your terrible dismemberment, with steadfastness of soul you say: Hymn the Lord, all you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Let us bless the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Seeing your body cut apart by instruments of bronze and dismembered limb by limb with sharp knives, alive in spirit you said: “These present tortures are for the glory which is to come, O you unworthy! Hymn the Lord, all you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!”
Now…
The Lord of all, Who formed you from the rib of Adam, became incarnate of your virginity; and, hymning Him, we cry: All ye works, bless and hymn the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Katavasia: That hallowed and chosen day has come!* Of all holy Sabbaths the first and foremost:* the very expectation of the people of God.* The Festivals of festivals;* of all solemnities the greatest:* when all of us bless Christ forever!
The Song of the Theotokos (Magnificat) is sung.
Ode 9
Irmos: In a manner surpassing nature* has the Word who timelessly shone forth from the Father,* been conceived within a womb, according to the flesh,* O faithful, with never silent hymns, let us magnify Him.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
When the thief recognized You as God upon the Cross, You made him an heir of the noetic Paradise, as he cried out: Remember me, O Almighty Saviour.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
You were smitten for our sake, You were spat upon by the lawless men, O Jesus, Who inscribed the tablets of the Law on Mount Sinai for Your servant Moses.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
You were pierced in Your life-creating side, O Christ, and You caused Your immaculate Blood and the precious Water to flow forth as an ever-living fount for the world.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
You were accounted among the dead, O You Who quickened the dead; You were laid in a grave, Who emptied the graves; You despoiled Hades, O You Who resurrected Adam.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Glory be to You, O Christ Saviour, Who caused life to flow forth, and the light to shine upon those in the darkness of ignorance, and Who have illumined the whole world by Your arising.
Glory be to You, our God, Glory be to You.
Let us acclaim the wondrous Joseph, as well as Nicodemus and the faithful Myrrh-bearers, O faithful, as we cry out: The Lord is truly risen.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Unceasingly entreat the Lord for us who hymn you, O blessed one, as a martyr of Christ who vanquished the tyrant, as an expeller of evils spirits, a tireless guardian, a helper unashamed.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
The Master of all has richly rewarded you for your sufferings, O thrice-blessed one; and, standing before him with the boldness of a martyr, preserve those who call upon you with gladness.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
The earth covered you, but heaven received you and manifestly opened unto you the gates of paradise, O athlete; and joyously dancing and leaping up therein, by your supplications preserve those who hymn you with faith.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The tabernacle of the witness, wherein were the tablets of the law, the jar of manna and the golden ark, prefigured you, O all-pure one; for like it, O Theotokos, you contained the unoriginate Word, incarnate, in your womb.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
Priests hymn, kings praise and the people utter laudation to your sufferings, O martyr George; wherefore, we all call you blessed.
Holy martyr George, pray to God for us!
All the hosts of heaven hymned your struggles; for, sacrificing yourself, you were well pleasing to God, O martyr George. Wherefore, we all call you blessed.
Glory… Now…
Rejoice, O pure Theotokos our boast, who sprang forth from mortal parents and gave birth to the Creator! We magnify you as her who has dominion over creation.
Katavasia: Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem!* for the glory to the Lord has risen upon you!* Exult now and be glad, O Sion!* And you, O chaste Mother of God,* take delight* in the resurrection of your Son.
Small Litany
Hymn of Light, Tone 2
Spring has shone forth for us:* it is the splendorous and divine Resurrection of the Master;* it transports us from earth to the heavenly Pasch.* The radiant remembrance of the glorious martyr George begins to shine with it.* We shall observe it with splendour* so that we may be made worthy of divine grace from Christ the Saviour.
Glory…
Like the light-bearing sun, O martyr George,* you illumine all creation with your marvellous rays.* Therefore, we observe your memory and extol Him who rose from the grave.
Now…
Hearken, ye women, and give ear unto the voice of joy, for I have trampled down tyrant Hades and raised the world from corruption. Hasten ye quickly and proclaim the gladsome tidings to My friends; for I have willed that joy shine forth thence upon all My creation from whence there first came sorrow.
At the Praises
Tone 2
It is called the all-festive, splendorous, and glorious Resurrection.* All of you who have celebrated the feast,* come again to resplendently celebrate* the feast of George the martyr.* Let us crown with spring flowers the one who was invincible,* so that through his pleas we may be delivered* from tribulations and from sins.
O all-blessed one,* you offered your whole life as a living and complete offering,* as a pleasing and most pure sacrifice.* Therefore, you have been a very fervent intercessor.* O martyr George, you dispel all the trials* of those who invoke and praise you.
You properly cultivated the seed of the Word* which had been sown in your pure soul.* By the pains of your sufferings, you made it grow.* It has been stored in the heavenly granaries.* You have found the incorruptible delight* and are now rejoicing in it.* By your prayers to God, save those who faithfully praise you.
O Martyr who suffered the passion of Christ,* by your pleas, save and deliver from all oppression* those who are in sorrow.* Repel the soul-destroying and heavy pain.* Ask for grace and mercy for us to be saved by your prayers,* so that we may joyfully venerate your precious struggles, O George.
Tone 2, Glory…
Solomon said and proclaimed to all:* The one who sees and proclaims things which are just is shown mercy by God.* You listened attentively, O patient George,* and followed the teachings of the Master.* You handed yourself over to the wicked and suffered to the end.* You looked upon the offerings to idols as an abomination.* You offered your body to be tortured because of your love for the Creator.* The Evil One was extremely angered when he saw you wearing a crown.* Therefore, since you suffered the passion of Christ,* you now live with the heavenly powers in the courts of your Lord;* entreat Him to save our souls.
Now…
In the deep of dawn, the myrrh-bearing women * came unto the Lord’s tomb bearing sweet-smelling spices, * and finding that which they had not expected, * they stood reverently pondering the removal of the stone, * and said one to another: Where are the seals of the sepulcher? * Where are Pilate’s watchmen and the secure sentry? * Upon which a radiant Angel, proclaimed to the women saying to them: * “Why do ye lament seeking Him that liveth * and hath given life unto the race of mortals? * Christ our God hath arisen from the dead, since He is Almighty, ** granting unto all incorruption, life, illumination, and great mercy.
Great Doxology
Troparia, Tone 4
O victorious great-martyr George,* as a liberator of captives and helper of the poor,* physician of the sick* and champion of kings,* entreat Christ our God to save our souls.
Glory… Now…, 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 powers of heaven cried out:* O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!
AT DIVINE LITURGY ON THURSDAY MORNING
Troparion and Kontakion
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 powers of heaven cried out:* O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!
Troparion, Tone 2: The noble Joseph took down Your most pure body from the tree.* He wrapped it with a clean shroud and aromatic spices* and placed it in a new tomb.* But on the third day You arose, O Lord,* granting the world Your great mercy.
Troparion, Tone 4: O victorious great-martyr George,* as a liberator of captives and helper of the poor,* physician of the sick* and champion of kings,* entreat Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion, Tone 2: You commanded the myrrh-bearers to rejoice, O Christ God,* and ended the grief of our mother Eve by Your Resurrection.* You ordered the apostles to proclaim to all:* The Saviour is risen from the tomb.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 4: You showed yourself a most honourable harvester of godliness,* for it was God who cultivated you.* You gathered the sheaves of virtues;* for, sowing in tears, you reaped in gladness;* and in shedding your blood, you received Christ.* By your prayers, O holy one, you grant pardon of transgressions of all.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 8: Yough You descended into a tomb, O Immortal One,* yet You destroyed the power of Hades;* and You rose as victor, O Christ God,* calling to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice!* and giving peace to Your Apostles:* You, who grant resurrection to the fallen.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The just man shall be glad in the Lord and shall hope in Him.
verse: Hear, O God, my voice when I make my petition to You. (Psalm 63:11,2)
Epistle
Acts 12:1-11
Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; and he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon.
verse: They who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish the courts of our God. (Psalm 91:13, 14)
Gospel
John 15:17-16:2
Communion Hymn
Receive the Body of Christ,* taste the fountain of immortality.* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)
Instead of Blessed is He Who comes… we sing:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Instead of We have seen the true light… we sing:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Instead of May our mouths be filled… we sing three times:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Instead of Blessed be the name of the Lord… we sing three times:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
At the dismissal, instead of Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen. we chant:
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs giving life.
After the final Amen, the Troparion Christ is risen is sung as at the beginning of the Liturgy, but with the addition:
And to us He has granted life eternal;* we bow down before His resurrection on the third day.