Polyeleos Feast
AT GREAT VESPERS ON FRIDAY EVENING
Kathisma
“Blessed is the Man…” is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 1
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
At the sixth hour the Well-spring of miracles came to the well to capture the fruit of Eve,* for Eve at this same hour departed from Paradise* through the deceit of the serpent.* The Samaritan woman, therefore, drew nigh to draw water,* and the Saviour, upon seeing her, said to her:* Give Me water to drink, and I shall fill you with living water.* And running to the city, that prudent woman at once announced to the multitudes:* Come, behold Christ the Lord, the Saviour of our souls.
Tone 2
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
When the compassionate Lord came to the well,* the Samaritan woman entreated Him, saying:* Grant me the water of faith,* and I shall receive the waters of the font of baptism unto rejoicing and redemption.* O Giver of life, Lord, glory be to You.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
The co-beginningless and co-eternal Son and Word of the Father,* the Well-spring of healings, came to the well,* and a woman of Samaria came to draw water.* And when the Saviour saw her, He said:* Give Me water to drink, and go, call your husband.* But addressing Him as a man and not as God,* and being anxious to hide herself from Him, she said: I have no husband.* And the Teacher replied: You have truly said, I have no husband;* for you have had five, and he whom you now have is not your husband.* And she, amazed by these words, hastened to the city* and cried out to the multitudes, saying:* Come, behold Christ, who grants the world great mercy.
Tone 8
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
Having attained to the heaven of exalted virtues,* You were shown to be a wonderworker in Myra, O glorious one.* And though reposing bodily in Bari,* you visited the faithful everywhere in spirit, and rescued all from misfortunes. Receiving honour as is meet, you are glorious among hierarchs, O blessed favourite of Christ.* And crying out to you now in supplication, we say:* O holy hierarch Nicholas, entreat the Saviour of all,* to bring peace to the world and to save our souls!
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Having attained to the heaven of exalted virtues,* You were shown to be a wonderworker in Myra, O glorious one.* And though reposing bodily in Bari,* you visited the faithful everywhere in spirit, and rescued all from misfortunes. Receiving honour as is meet, you are glorious among hierarchs, O blessed favourite of Christ.* And crying out to you now in supplication, we say:(* O holy hierarch Nicholas, entreat the Saviour of all,* to bring peace to the world and to save our souls!
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
O you who love the feasts of the Church, assembling with hymns of supplication* let us joyously praise the honoured translation of our defender,* who enlightens all the ends of the earth with miracles,* brings comfort to the sorrowful in manner divine, delivers the oppressed;* who borrowed through the mercy of God,* and, therefore, has received recompense an hundredfold.* To him let us all cry aloud:* O holy hierarch Nicholas, entreat the Saviour of all, to bring peace to the world and to save our souls!
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
O you who love the feasts of the Church, assembling with hymns of supplication* let us joyously praise the honoured translation of our defender,* who enlightens all the ends of the earth with miracles,* brings comfort to the sorrowful in manner divine, delivers the oppressed;* who borrowed through the mercy of God,* and, therefore, has received recompense an hundredfold.* To him let us all cry aloud:* O holy hierarch Nicholas, entreat the Saviour of all, to bring peace to the world and to save our souls!
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
By your virtues you have reached the abode of the angels,* and stand before Christ, your Master, whose obedient servant you were.* And from your shrine you gush forth myrrh, helping the faithful with your miracles,* and leading the pious to God.* Not from Bari do we now invoke you, but from the Jerusalem on high,* where you rejoice with the apostles, prophets and hierarchs in gladness.* O divinely wise Nicholas, entreat the Saviour of all,* to bring peace to the world and to save our souls!
Tone 6, Glory…
O you who love the feasts of the Church, assembling let us hymn the adornment of hierarchs,* the glory of the fathers, the wellspring of miracles and great defender of the faithful, saying:* Rejoice, O protector of Myra, honoured primate and steadfast pillar of its Church!* Rejoice, O most radiant beacon, illumining the ends of the earth with wonders!* Rejoice, divine joy of the sorrowful and fervent intercessor for the oppressed!* And now, O blessed Nicholas, cease not to entreat Christ God* in behalf of them that honour your ever-gladsome and most illustrious memory* with faith and love.
Tone 4, Now…
O Mother of God, because of You* David the Prophet became an ancestor of God;* he foretold and sang a joyous hymn of praise* and cried out to Him who worked wonders in you:* “The Queen stood at your right hand.”* God revealed you as a life-giving mother,* when He chose to be incarnate of you without a father.* He renewed in man His image* which the passions had corrupted.* He found the lost sheep in the mountains,* carried it on His shoulders,* offered it to the Father,* generously numbered it among the powers of heaven,* and saved the whole world, since He is Christ of great and rich mercy.
Readings
(1) Proverbs 10:6-8; 8:6-21; (2) Proverbs 10:13-32; 11:1-10; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15
Aposticha
Tone 4
Let us bless Nicholas, the most glorious hierarch,* the star unwaning of the all-radiant Sun,* the spiritual noetic heaven which shows forth the saving glory of God,* the divine preacher, the enlightener of the heathen,* the river flowing with the waters of knowledge,* watering the hearts of the faithful.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Your passage was by sea from Myra in Lycia to the city of Bari, O hierarch;* for, with the permission of the Master of all,* your coffin was taken from your grave by a monk* who piously served at your tomb and rendered you honour;* and it passed from the East to the West, O Nicholas most glorious.
Your priests shall be clothed with righteousness and Your righteous shall rejoice.
Having sanctified the waters of the sea by your voyage to the city of Bari,* you poured forth myrrh, O glorious one, healing incurable sufferings.* You became its refuge, defender and deliverer, O hierarch Nicholas,* praying to the Saviour and King of all.
Tone 6, Glory…
O man of God and faithful servant, minister of the Lord,* man of divine desires, chosen vessel,* pillar and foundation of the Church, heir of the Kingdom,* never cease to cry to the Lord in our behalf.
Tone 8, Now…
When by Your unfathomable dispensation You appeared on earth, O Christ God,* the Samaritan woman, on hearing Your words, O Lover of mankind,* left the water jar at the well and hastened to those in the city and said:* Come, behold One who knows men’s hearts;* perhaps He is the expected Christ, who has great mercy.
Troparion
Tone 4
The day of radiant feasting is here,* the city of Bari rejoices, and the world exults with hymns and spiritual songs.* For today is the sacred feast* of the transfer of the precious and healing relics of the bishop and wonder-worker Nicholas.* Like a never-setting sun* he shines with radiant beams of light* dispelling the gloom of temptations and grief* from those who cry with faith:* Save us, great Nicholas, for you intercede for us.
Glory… Now…
O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,*and saved our souls from death.
AT GREAT MATINS ON SATURDAY MORNING
Troparia, Tone 4
When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.” (2)
Glory…
The day of radiant feasting is here,* the city of Bari rejoices, and the world exults with hymns and spiritual songs.* For today is the sacred feast* of the transfer of the precious and healing relics of the bishop and wonder-worker Nicholas.* Like a never-setting sun* he shines with radiant beams of light* dispelling the gloom of temptations and grief* from those who cry with faith:* Save us, great Nicholas, for you intercede for us.
Now…
O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,*and saved our souls from death.
Psalter Reading
Small Litany
Sessional Hymns, Tone 4
Looking into the entrance of the tomb, the Myrrh-bearing women * were unable to endure the bright radiance of the Angel, * trembling in awe they said; * “How is it that He who has opened Paradise to the Thief has been stolen? * How is it that He who before His passion proclaimed His Arising has been raised? ** Truly Christ God has arisen, granting those in Hades life and resurrection.”
Tone 4, Glory… Now…
O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,*and saved our souls from death.
Psalter Reading
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
Let the heavens be glad, let earthly things rejoice; * for from a Virgin, Christ God has appeared as a man, * delivering from corruption all mankind by His death and wondrous arising. * The Samaritan woman having asked for water, was bestowed the source of healings, ** since He is the Lover of mankind.
Polyeleos
Magnification
We magnify you, O holy hierarch Nicholas, and we honour your holy memory; for you entreat Christ our God on our behalf.
verse: Hear this all you nations; give year, all you inhabitants of the world.
Glory… Now…; Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory be to You, O God (3)
Sessional Hymns, Tone 4
You made your hierarch wondrous among the nations, O Master, having bestowed upon him the grace of miracles: dispelling divers ailments from all mankind, setting loose those in fetters, delivering the oppressed from grievous circumstances. To him do we cry out in supplication: O holy Nicholas, deliver us from our enemies.
Tone 1, Glory…
Having sanctified yourself with, a perfect life, you were shown to be a hierarch of God Most High; and, strengthened by Him, you stopped the mouths of the heretics. Wherefore, magnifying Christ God, we joyously celebrate the translation of your relics.
Now…
O pure Virgin Theotokos who knew not wedlock, you sole intercessor and protection of the faithful: from tribulations, sorrows and cruel circumstances deliver all who place their trust in you, O Maiden, and save our souls by your divine supplications.
Gradual Hymns, Tone 4, First Antiphon
Antiphon 1
From my youth do many passions war against me;* but do You Yourself defend* and save me, O my Saviour.
You haters of Sion shall be shamed by the Lord;* for like grass, by the fire* shall you be withered.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit, every soul is quickened,* and, through cleansing, is exalted* and made radiant* by the Triple Unity in a hidden sacred manner.
Prokiemenon, Tone 4
Precious in the sight of the Lord,* is the death of His saints.
verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all that He has rendered unto me?
Let everything that lives, Tone 4
Gospel
John 10:1-9
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verse at Psalm 50, Tone 6
O heir of God, fellow communicant of Christ, minister of the Lord, holy Nicholas; as was your name, so also was your life. For the radiance of your countenance bore witness to your intellect, shining forth in the innocence of your spirit; and your serenity proclaimed your meekness. Your life was glorious, and your repose is with the saints. Pray you on behalf of our souls.
Canon, Tone 4
Two Canons for St. Nicholas.
For an abbreviated Canon, one may take the Irmos of each ode, followed by Canon II with the Katavasia.
Ode 1
Irmos: Let us, O people, send up a hymn * to our wondrous God * Who has freed Israel from bondage, * singing a hymn of victory * and crying aloud: * We sing to You, O only Master.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Accept the song of my lips, O Christ my Benefactor, and cleanse You my tongue, being not mindful of my manifold sins; that I may extol in song the honorable life of Your hierarch, in the memorial of the translation of his relics.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Having received the gift of wonder-working, and crowns of patience, and being adorned with your hierarchal office, do you beseech God, O our Father, that He grant forgiveness of transgressions unto us who glorify the translation of your relics.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
O Father, shepherd of the flock of Christ, you have been sent to other sheep, of the Latin tongue, that you mayest astonish all with your wonders and lead them to Christ. O blessed one, pray you unceasingly on our behalf.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The heathen nations formerly far removed have drawn nigh unto God through your birthgiving, O Theotokos; and, deified and set free from the ancient curse by your blood, I have been given rebirth by you.
Canon II
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Illumine my soul and heart, I pray you, O Bestower of light and Fashioner of creation. Grant unto me the gift of praising in song Your most honoured favorite, by whom do You deliver the world from misfortune.
Glory…
Having acquired heavenly wisdom, you invested it as a talent entrusted to you; for, having set at naught the guile of those opposed to God, you enlightened the people with divine instruction.
Now…
From a Maiden has the Infant been born, pre-eternal and preserved in perfection, Whom you preached in two Natures and one Hypostasis, O divinely blessed one.
Katavasia: It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O people; Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha: for from death to life, and from earth to heaven, Christ God has brought us, as we sing the song of victory.
Ode 3
Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * strengthen me in Your love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Guileless in a manner and meek in demeanor, possessed of an angelic life, O divinely blessed Nicholas: cease not to pray to Him Who is the Lover of mankind, on behalf of us all.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
What city does not have you as a helper, O blessed one? What soul utters not your name? And what place you not visit in spirit, astounding all with your wonders, O Nicholas?
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Though the city of Bari has received your body, yet your spirit dwelleth in the heavenly Jerusalem, where exalting with the prophets, apostles and holy hierarchs, you pray on our behalf to Him Who alone is the Lover of mankind.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Beg enlightenment for me who am engulfed in darkness because of my many sins, O most pure Lady, for you have given birth to the Light of the whole world; and drive far from me the gloom of the passions, O divinely blessed one.
Canon II
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
The grieving have found great consolation; they that are in darkness have acquired the light; and those assailed by sorrows have in you received deliverance from evils, O most sacred father.
Glory…
O holy hierarch Nicholas, you were the mouth of God: having delivered all from the maw of the diabolic wolf, O glorious one, you have borne them unto the Creator as a gift, granting healing unto all.
Now…
O most pure Mother of God; the Word Who chose for Himself a servant, the hierarch Nicholas, as a teacher of His people, did will to be borne of you alone in the flesh, in a manner beyond all telling.
Katavasia: Come, let us drink a new drink, not one miraculously brought forth from a barren rock but the Fountain of Incorruption, springing forth from the tomb of Christ, in Whom we are strengthened.
Small Litany
Kontakion, Tone 8
Drawn to the well by faith,* the Samaritan woman beheld You, the Water of Wisdom,* and drinking abundantly of You,* she inherited the heavenly Kingdom for ever,* becoming everlastingly glorious.
Ikos
Let us hear of the noble mysteries, as John teaches us what comes to pass in Samaria, how the Lord speaks to a woman, asking water of her, even He that gathered the waters into the places where they are gathered, and who is of one throne with the Father and the Spirit; for He, the renowned One, came, seeking out His image forever.
Sessional Hymns, Tone 1
The translation of your precious relics is for us an occasion of splendid celebration, O Nicholas, holy hierarch of the Lord whom we piously praise, joyously honouring you, the light of the never-setting Sun, you adornment of the faithful.
Tone 6, Glory… Now…
Let Heaven joyfully resound and exult now, * and let all things here upon earth dance in gladness; * for from a Virgin, Christ God has appeared as a man. * By His death He has redeemed mortal mankind from corruption. * By great signs He shone forth upon the Samaritan woman. * Requesting water, He bestowed on her the source of healings, ** since He is the Lover of mankind.
Ode 4
Irmos: You mounted Your steeds O Lord, * Your apostles, * and taking their bridles in Your hands, * Your chariot became salvation to those who sing with faith: * Glory to Your power, O Lord!
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Enlighten my heart and dispel from it the gloom of sin, O holy hierarch who are illumined by the light of the Most High, that I may joyously hymn the holy translation of your relics.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Having ascended the ladder of the virtues, O blessed one, you were revealed to all the world as a wonder-worker, O Nicholas; for which sake the people of Bari removed your holy relics from Myra.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Faithful priests rejoice in you, and Christ-loving princes call upon you as an aide in battle; and we, unworthy though we are, exhort you to pray to God on our behalf, O Nicholas.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
The depth of your mystery astounds the ranks of the angels, O Theotokos, and your icon casts the demons into confusion; and honouring you as the Mother of God, we bow down before it.
Canon II
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
O herald of God, through partaking of the primal light of God, you were shown to be a secondary luminary, enlightening with your splendour those who are in darkness, in that you are a lover of virtue, soaring aloft in glory.
Glory…
Deliver your flock from the tempests of sins, from waves of tribulation and hostility, guiding us ever to the calm haven by your saving prayers.
Now…
He to Whom you have given birth in an ineffable manner is by nature the unutterable Light of the Most High, Who is abundantly rich in mercy, and has enriched us, impoverished though we be, with the gifts of God.
Katavasia: On divine watch let the God-inspired Habakkuk stand with us and show forth the light-bearing angel clearly saying: Today salvation is come to the world, for Christ is risen as Almighty.
Ode 5
Irmos: Disperse, O Word, the darkness from my soul, * O Christ God, the Light-Giver, * Having driven out the primordial darkness of the abyss, * grant to me the light of Your commandments, * that early in the morning I may glorify You.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Your cathedra was in Myra, but your body was transported to Bari; yet in spirit you dwell with the apostles in heaven, in that you are their successor. With them pray for us who hymn the translation of your relics.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
O hope of all Christians and great defender of the oppressed, healer of the afflicted, consolation of the grieving and intercessor before the Lord for the human race: beg you peace for our land, and save us from the incursions of the aliens.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Through your intercessions, O Nicholas, do you enliven my soul which has drowned because of its many passions and has been slain by the fall; and guide it to repentance, that with all the faithful I may glorify the translation of your relics.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
O Virgin, you have nourished as a babe Him Whom the myriads of angels and multitudes of the seraphim fear, and before Whom all reason-endowed creatures tremble; and, beholding Him in your arms, we ever worship Him, as is meet.
Canon II
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Having acquired beautiful feet through the working of many wonders, you brought glad tidings of good things to all, freeing all from the ancient enmity by your divine teaching, do you save us, O sacred hierarch.
Glory…
By the will of God, you embarked upon the crest of the sea, arriving at the city of Bari, having traversed the deep in the company of many pious men, O blessed Nicholas.
Now…
We shall truly glorify you, O Virgin Mother of God, as the shield of the faithful, crying out to you as did the angel: Rejoice, you who are blessed and full of grace, awesome rumour and report, wondrous place of rest for the Master of all creation!
Katavasia: Let us awake in the deep dawn, and instead of myrrh, offer a hymn to the Master, and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, Who causes life to dawn for all.
Ode 6
Irmos: As You delievered the prophet from the depths of the abyss, O Christ God, * so deliver me also from my sins, O Lover of mankind, * and guide my life,* I pray You.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
We have abundantly received health of body and cleansing of soul from your divine church as from a pool, O holy hierarch Nicholas; for through grace wonders pour forth upon those who with unfeigned faith trust in you.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
As you are the most glorious favorite of Christ, O father, deliver your servants, who honor the translation of your holy relics, from all manner of danger, from grievous misfortunes and the sorrows that beset us.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Blighted by the frost of sin and driven by the wind of life, let me be warmed by your prayers, gazing upon the likeness of your divine image; for you are a second sun, O father Nicholas, you servant of Christ.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
The earthly mind cannot comprehend heavenly mysteries; neither can a created being attain to knowledge of the Creator: for the birth of the Lord from the Virgin surpasses man’s understanding, but entreating her with faith, we shall receive forgiveness of sins.
Canon II
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Save us by your guidance, O Nicholas, preacher and teacher of the nations, as one who have led to salvation the people of God, and Who appeared in the flesh for the benefit of many.
Glory…
O you who had the sea as your way and the waters as your paths: beseech the Lord, that we may navigate the sea of life unharmed, and may reach the heavenly kingdom by the waters of our tears.
Now…
You are the portal of the King of the heavens and the temple of His glory, O all-hymned Virgin. Open you the gates of mercy, and lead us into the abode of heavenly glory by your supplications.
Katavasia: You descended into the nethermost pares of the earth, and shattered the eternal bars that held the fettered, O Christ, and on the third day* like Jonah from the whale, You arose from the tomb.
Small Litany
Kontakion, Tone 3
Like a star your relics have moved from east to west,* and the sea is hallowed by your passage;* holy bishop Nicholas, the city of Bari receives grace through you,* for you are revealed as one who works wonders:* illustrious, awesome, and merciful.
Ikos
Let us now praise with hymns the holy hierarch, pastor and teacher of the people of Myra, that by his supplications we may be enlightened. For he has been revealed to be wholly pure, incorrupt of spirit, bringing unto Christ an unblemished sacrifice, pure and well-pleasing unto God, in that he is a hierarch pure of both body and soul. Wherefore, he has been manifest as a true intercessor and champion of the Church, a wonderworker, illustrious, most wondrous, and merciful.
Ode 7
Irmos: On the plain of Dura the tyrant once placed a furnace * to torment the
God-bearers; * and therein the three youths chanted hymns to the one God,
* and the three together, chanted saying: * O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Today the angels of God rejoice and a multitude of demons lament; for He has delivered the people from temptation and driven away the spirits of darkness. Wherefore, you, O Nicholas, are worthily called a victor; for which cause we chant unto the Lord: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
They that are held in the grief of sickness, who are heavy laden with divers afflictions, hastening to your shrine with faith, have received your mercy, and departing in haste, joyfully chant unto the Lord: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
The assemblies of the people stand before you, O blessed one, and the teachers Of the Church rejoice in you. Kings glorify you as their defender; and we entreat you, O Nicholas: Save us who chant unto the Lord: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
O how can I chant unto my Saviour, Whom even the angels praise with trembling? But do you, O Mother, direct me, and by your compassion move the mercy of your Son to have pity on us who set our hope on you. As you beseech Him on our behalf, deliver us from torment.
Canon II
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
By your word grant healing to the whole human soul which, like salt, has lost its savour through the vanity of temporal things; and teach us to chant unto the Lord: O supremely hymned Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Glory…
O most glorious are the wonders which you have wrought! For healing infirmities and delivering from misfortunes, you command all to chant unto the Lord: O supremely hymned God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Now…
O pure Birth-giver of God, you are the defender and rampart of our lowliness, and we, your servants, ever cry unto the Lord: O supremely hymned God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Katavasia: He who delivered the Children from the furnace, became man, suffers as a mortal, and through His Passion clothes mortality with the beauty of incorruption, He is the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.
Ode 8
Irmos: Seated upon the throne of glory, * and unceasingly glorified as God, *
O bless Him, you angels and heavens, * hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout
all ages!
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
The angels of the heavens accept you as a minister, and the prophets greet you as a fellow servant. The Lord Himself recieves you. And we sinners ask of you mercy.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Great is the authority given you by God, O Nicholas: the sea is subject to you; the winds obey you; and the nations, beholding your most glorious wonders, submit themselves to you.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
O Saviour, You have shown Your holy hierarch Nicholas to be more glorious than Moses, delivering from all tribulation the New Israel, the Christian peoples.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
In that you are the Mother of God, ask for us forgiveness of sins, O Sovereign Lady, and stretch forth your hand unto me, who am sunk in the abyss of despair, that raised up by hope, I may exalt you supremely throughout all ages.
Canon II
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
You grew as a sweet-smelling flower in the land of Myra, O glorious one, wafting gifts of healing like fragrant perfume upon all who praise you chanting: O all you works of the Lord, praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!
Let us bless the Lord: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Having poured out the sweetness of God’s grace like oil from the Mount of Olives, you traversed the sea on a path made safe by the grace of the Lord, to Whom we sweetly cry: O all you works of the Lord, praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!
Now…
Having given birth, yet remaining ever Virgin, the choirs above were astonished; for you bore the Word, Who, though a man, remained unaltered by His divinity, and to Whom we sing: O all you works of the Lord, praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!
We praise, bless, and worship the Lord, singing and exulting Him above all for ever.
Katavasia: This chosen and holy day is the first of the Sabbaths, the queen and lady, the feast of feasts, and the festival of festivals, wherein we bless Christ throughout the ages.
The Song of the Theotokos (Magnificat) is not sung.
Ode 9
Irmos: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, * Who has exalted the horn of salvation on our behalf * in the house of His servant David, * in which the Dayspring from on high has visited us, * and guided us along the path of peace.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Blessed be the Lord our God, for He has glorified His holy hierarch, who gushes forth streams of wonders, and who works healing throughout all lands, and those of Myra and of the Latins, visiting us with mercy.
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
You fell into an honorable sleep and permit your body to go to Bari for the good of all; for by your supplications you are an ever-vigilant defender on behalf of all who call upon you with faith, O Nicholas.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
At a loss for words, I am unable to fittingly praise you, who are higher than the heavenly hosts and more honorable than all creation, who have given birth to God the Creator in the flesh. Entreat Him, O Theotokos, to have mercy upon us on the day of judgment.
Canon II
Holy hierarch Nicholas, pray to God for us.
Your memorial is an occasion of festivity for us this day. The choir of the apostles, the assembly of martyrs and the spirits of the righteous rejoice; and we, the faithful, glorify you with hymns, crying aloud: O holy hierarch of Christ, deliver us from all sorrows!
Glory…
Your most glorious memory has shown forth upon us, illumining the faithful with splendour, O wise Nicholas, holy hierarch of Christ. Wherefore, we beseech you: be you mindful of us all, and by your intercessions deliver us from all the temptations of the adversary.
Now…
Mortify our carnal passions and lusts, O pure Birth-giver of God; still you the tempest of our passions; calm the tumult of our thoughts; and strengthen the hearts of those who honour you as their defender, O most pure and blessed one.
Katavasia: Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of 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
In the flesh You fell asleep, as a mortal man, O King and Lord, on the third day You arose, raising Adam from corruption, and destroying death: O Pascha of incorruption, the Salvation of the world!
Glory…
Great are your wonders, O most holy Nicholas, for you appeared in a dream to the divinely wise Constantine, and thereby save the three generals condemned to death though innocent. Thus do you save us also from sudden and everlasting death, O most holy Nicholas, hierarch of the Lord.
Now…
On coming to Samaria, O Savior, You Almighty One, spoke there with a woman and ask of her water, though for the Jews You hadst of old brought forth springs from a cloven rock. You brought her to faith in You, and now she ever enjoys eternal life in the Heavens.
Praises
Stichera on the Praises, Tone 4
To carry out the sentence pre-ordained:* this honour is for all His faithful.
O all-powerful Lord,* Who endured the Cross and death,* and arose from the dead,* we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.
Praise God in His holy place, praise Him in His mighty heavens.
By Your Cross, O Christ, You have delivered us from the ancient curse,* and by Your death You have conquered the devil who tyrannized our nature.* By Your arising You have filled all things with joy,* therefore we cry to You:* O Lord risen from the dead, glory be to You!
Praise Him for His powerful deeds,* praise His surpassing greatness.
O Christ the Saviour,* with Your Cross, guide us to Your truth,* and deliver us from the snares of the enemy;* O You who are risen from the dead* raise us also who have fallen through sin,* by the stretching out of Your hand,* O Lord, at the behest of the prayers of Your Saints.
O praise Him with sound of trumpet,* praise Him with lute and harp;
Without departing from Your Father’s bosom,* in Your tender compassion, You descended to earth,* O Only-begotten Word of God,* without change becoming man.* While You are impassible in Your divinity,* You suffered the Cross and death in the flesh;* and rising from the dead You have granted immortality to the race of mankind,* as You alone are all-powerful.
Tone 1
Praise Him with timbrel and dance,* praise Him with strings and pipes.
Having gazed steadfastly upon the heights of the intellect, and beheld the abyss of hidden wisdom, you enriched the world with your teachings, O father. Ever pray to Christ on our behalf, O holy hierarch Nicholas.
O praise Him with resounding cymbals, praise Him with clashing of cymbals.* Let everything that lives and that breathes give praise to the Lord.
O man of God, faithful favorite and steward of His mysteries, man of spiritual desires, living pillar and animate image: the Church of Myra received you with delight as a divine treasure and intercessor for our souls.
Tone 2
Precious in the sight of the Lord* is the death of His saints.
O holy hierarch Nicholas, Christ God revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith and a model of meekness, for your divine and worthy deeds resplendently shine forth everywhere, emitting the fragrance of your myrrh, O intercessor for orphans and widows. Wherefore, pray you unceasingly, that our souls be saved.
Your priests shall be clothed in righteousness and Your righteous shall rejoice.
O father Nicholas, the shrine of your relics overflows with myrrh, and you appeared to the Emperor in a dream, and by your apparition save from death, bonds and imprisonment the condemned men unjustly sentenced. Now, as then, revealing yourself by your presence, pray you for our souls.
Tone 5, Glory…
Let us sound the trumpet with the clarion-call of hymns. Let us who keep festival make haste and exult, rejoicing. Let kings and princes hasten to the solemn supplication of our God-bearing father, who appeared to the Emperor in a dreadful dream, urging him to release the three warriors who were imprisoned without cause. Let the pastors and teachers laud the shepherd who emulated the Good Shepherd. And, assembling, let us praise the physician of the afflicted, the redeemer of those amid misfortunes, the helper of the sinful, the treasure of the poor, the consoler of the sorrowful, the companion of travellers, the pilot of those who sail the seas, who hastens everywhere and to everyone most earnestly. And praising the great hierarch, let us say: O most holy Nicholas, go you before us and deliver us from our present tribulations, and by your supplications save you your flock.
Tone 6, Now…
The Well-spring of the principle of life, Jesus, our Saviour,* came to the well of the Patriarch Jacob,* and sought water from a Samaritan woman that He might drink thereof.* And when she addressed Him* and said that the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans,* the wise Creator diverted her by the sweetness of His words,* so that she would seek from Him everlasting water,* which, when she received it, she proclaimed to all, saying:* Come and see the Knower of things hidden,* God who is come in the flesh to save mankind.
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 4
The day of radiant feasting is here,* the city of Bari rejoices, and the world exults with hymns and spiritual songs.* For today is the sacred feast* of the transfer of the precious and healing relics of the bishop and wonder-worker Nicholas.* Like a never-setting sun* he shines with radiant beams of light* dispelling the gloom of temptations and grief* from those who cry with faith:* Save us, great Nicholas, for you intercede for us.
Glory… Now…
When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles;* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
AT DIVINE LITURGY ON SATURDAY MORNING
After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… 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 and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”
Troparion, Tone 4: The day of radiant feasting is here,* the city of Bari rejoices, and the world exults with hymns and spiritual songs.* For today is the sacred feast* of the transfer of the precious and healing relics of the bishop and wonder-worker Nicholas.* Like a never-setting sun* he shines with radiant beams of light* dispelling the gloom of temptations and grief* from those who cry with faith:* Save us, great Nicholas, for you intercede for us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 3: Like a star your relics have moved from east to west,* and the sea is hallowed by your passage;* holy bishop Nicholas, the city of Bari receives grace through you,* for you are revealed as one who works wonders:* illustrious, awesome, and merciful.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 8: Drawn to the well by faith,* the Samaritan woman beheld You, the Water of Wisdom,* and drinking abundantly of You,* she inherited the heavenly Kingdom for ever,* becoming everlastingly glorious.
Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Sing to our God, sing; sing to our King, sing.
verse: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout unto God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:7,2)
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The venerable ones will exult in glory* and they shall be joyful in their beds.
Epistle
Acts 15:35-41; Hebrews 13:17-21
Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Poise yourself and advance in triumph and reign in the cause of truth, and meekness, and justice.
verse: You have loved justice and hated iniquity. (Psalm 44:5,8)
verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice.
Gospel
John 10:27-38; Luke 6:17-23
Hymn to the Theotokos
The Angel cried out to the One full of Grace: O chaste Virgin, rejoice! And again I say, Rejoice! Your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day, and raised the dead. Let all people rejoice! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of 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.
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.
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.