Polyeleos Feast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain these ingredients
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AT GREAT VESPERS ON THURSDAY EVENING
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man” is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 4
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Let us praise in song* the God-inspired instrument and golden-forged trumpet,* the boundless depth of dogma,* the affirmation of the Church and the heavenly mind,* the depth of wisdom and the chalice of purest gold* that poured forth sweet rivers of learning* and nourished all creation.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
Let us praise in song* the God-inspired instrument and golden-forged trumpet,* the boundless depth of dogma,* the affirmation of the Church and the heavenly mind,* the depth of wisdom and the chalice of purest gold* that poured forth sweet rivers of learning* and nourished all creation.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Let us worthily honour John of the golden words,* the never-setting star which enlightens everything under the sun* with his rays of teaching.* He is the preacher of penance* and the sponge of purest gold* which removes the cruel dampness of ignorance.* He gives life to hearts that are torn by sin.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Let us worthily honour John of the golden words,* the never-setting star which enlightens everything under the sun* with his rays of teaching.* He is the preacher of penance* and the sponge of purest gold* which removes the cruel dampness of ignorance.* He gives life to hearts that are torn by sin.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
Let Chrysostom be exalted,* for he is the earthly angel and the heavenly man,* the eagle of great and good speech* and the treasury of virtues.* He is the firm rock and the example of the faithful,* the one who is like the martyrs* and who stands equal with the angels,* for his teaching was the same as the apostles.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Let Chrysostom be exalted,* for he is the earthly angel and the heavenly man,* the eagle of great and good speech* and the treasury of virtues.* He is the firm rock and the example of the faithful,* the one who is like the martyrs* and who stands equal with the angels,* for his teaching was the same as the apostles.
Tone 6
Glory…
O thrice-venerable and most holy Father,* you are the good shepherd and the student of Christ the chief Shepherd* who gave his life for his flock.* Now, ever-praised John Chrysostom,* grant that through your prayers we may receive great mercy.
Now…
Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He Who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.
Readings
(1) Proverbs 10:6–8; 8:6–21
The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the just: but untimely grief shall cover the mouth of the ungodly. The memory of the just is praised; but the name of the ungodly man is extinguished. A wise man in heart will receive commandments; but he that is unguarded in his lips shall be overthrown in his perverseness.
Hearken to me; for I will speak solemn truths; and will produce right sayings from my lips. For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomination before me. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse. They are all evident to those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge. Receive instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than tried gold. For wisdom is better than precious stones; and no valuable substance is of equal worth with it.
I wisdom have dwelt with counsel and knowledge, and I have called upon understanding. The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness, and insolence, and pride, and the ways of wicked men; and I hate the perverse ways of bad men. Counsel and safety are mine: prudence is mine, and strength is mine. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth. I love those that love me; and they that seek me shall find me.
Wealth and glory belong to me; yea, abundant possessions and righteousness. It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and precious stones; and my produce is better than choice silver. I walk in ways of righteousness, and am conversant with the paths of judgment; that I may divide substance to them that love me, and may fill their treasures with good things. If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.
(2) Wisdom 8:17–21; 9:1–4
Now when I considered these things in myself, and pondered them in my heart, how that to be allied unto wisdom is immortality; and great pleasure it is to have her friendship; and in the works of her hands are infinite riches; and in the exercise of conference with her, prudence; and in talking with her, a good report; I went about seeking how to take her to me. For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit. Yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled. Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise obtain her, except God gave her me; and that was a point of wisdom also to know whose gift she was; I prayed to the Lord, and besought him, and with my whole heart I said, O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who has made all things with your word, and ordained man through your wisdom, that he should have dominion over the creatures which you have made, and order the world according to equity and righteousness, and execute judgment with an upright heart: give me wisdom, that sits by your throne; and do not reject me from among your children.
(3) Wisdom 4:1, 6–20
Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the memorial thereof is immortal: because it is known with God, and with men.
For children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial. But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest.
For honourable age is not that which stands in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years. But wisdom is the grey hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age. He pleased God, and was beloved of him: so that living among sinners he was translated. Yea, speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of naughtiness obscures things that are honest; and the wandering of concupiscence undermines the simple mind. He, being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time: for his soul pleased the Lord: therefore hasted he to take him away from among the wicked. This the people saw, and understood not, neither laid they up this in their minds, That his grace and mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect unto his chosen.
Thus the righteous that is dead shall condemn the ungodly which are living; and youth that is soon perfected the many years and old age of the unrighteous. For they shall see the end of the wise, and shall not understand what God in his counsel has decreed of him, and to what end the Lord has set him in safety. They shall see him, and despise him; but God shall laugh them to scorn; and they shall hereafter be a vile carcase, and a reproach among the dead for evermore. For he shall rend them, and cast them down headlong, that they shall be speechless; and he shall shake them from the foundation; and they shall be utterly laid waste, and be in sorrow; and their memorial shall perish. And when they cast up the account of their sins, they shall come with fear: and their own iniquities shall convince them to their face.
Aposticha
Tone 5
Rejoice, O golden, glittering, and beautiful God-inspired instrument of the Church.* Rejoice, O orator who with loving-kindness* prescribed for us various examples of penance.* Rejoice, O golden-formed mind,* golden-tongued swallow, and dove who radiated virtues on green pastures.* Rejoice, most golden stream which pours firth the waters of divine speech,* the stream entrusted with the divine love for the human race.* Ask Christ to send great mercy to our souls.
My lips will speak words of wisdom. My heart is full of insight.
Rejoice, father of orphans and quick helper of the needy.* Rejoice, benefactor of the poor,* food of the hungry, and corrector of those who sin.* Rejoice, most honourable and most pleasing healer of souls.* Rejoice, sublime knowledge of theology* and narrator of spiritual writings.* Rejoice, keeper of the law and retainer of the most just order.* Rejoice, O sublime wisdom of visions and deeds.* Ask Christ to send great mercy to our souls.
The mouth of the just utters wisdom, and his lips speak what is right.
O Chrysostom, the Church sings to you:* Rejoice in Christ, your Bridegroom.* For by your virtues and your words,* you have enlightened the world more than the rays of the sun.* Rejoice, O wisest of men, greater than all other orators.* Rejoice, defender of the true faith.* You are the one who uncovered falseness, O teacher of penance.* Rejoice, quiet depth of knowledge,* who like the great Paul followed Christ completely.* Now ask Christ to send great mercy to our souls.
In Tone 6, Glory…
O Chrysostom, you spoke most purely* and showed yourself to be the golden-sounding trumpet.* You purified the hearts of the faithful* by your true and dedicated teaching.* The message of your teaching* has gone forth prophetically, O venerable Father,* and you have enlightened the ends of the earth.
Now…
Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,* came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.* He clothed Himself in our human flesh* to set us free from the original curse of Adam.* Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,* as the true Virgin Mother of God,* and we sing with the angels:* Rejoice, O Lady, advocate, protector, and salvation of our souls.
Troparia
Tone 8
Grace shone forth from your mouth like a fiery beacon* and enlightened the universe,* bestowing on the world not the treasures of greed,* but rather showing us the heights of humility.* As you teach us by your words, O John Chrysostom, our father,* intercede with the Word, Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.
Glory… Now…
O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.* O Saviour, save Your despairing people!
AT DIVINE LITURGY ON FRIDAY MORNING
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 8: Grace shone forth from your mouth like a fiery beacon* and enlightened the universe,* bestowing on the world not the treasures of greed,* but rather showing us the heights of humility.* As you teach us by your words, O John Chrysostom, our father,* intercede with the Word, Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 6: From heaven you received divine grace;* your lips have taught us all to worship the Triune God,* O blessed John Chrysostom.* It is fitting that we praise you;* for you are a teacher clarifying things divine.
Prokeimenon, Tone 1
My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart understanding.
verse: Hear these things, all you nations; give ear al you inhabitants of the world. (Psalm 48:4,2)
Epistle
Hebrews 7:26-8:2
Alleluia, Tone 2
verse: The mouth of the just man shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgement.
verse: The law of God is in his heart, and his steps will not falter. (Psalm 36:3-31)
Gospel
John 10:9-16
Communion Hymn
The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear*. Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)