Polyeleos Feast.
AGAPE VESPERS
The Paschal Troprion is sung three times: first by the clergy, then by the faithful, then half by the clergy, and half by the faithful. We continue to sing the Troparion with verses from Psalm 67:
Paschal Troparion
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Priest: Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from before His face!
All: Christ is risen…
Priest: As smoke vanishes, let them vanish, as wax melts before the fire!
All: Christ is risen…
Priest: So let the sinners perish before the face of God, but let the righteous be glad!
All: Christ is risen…
Priest: This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
All: Christ is risen…
Priest: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
All: Christ is risen…
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death,
All: And to those in the tombs giving life.
Litany of Peace
Lamp-Lighting Psalms
Tone 2
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Come, let us worship Him who was born of the Father before all ages.* the Word of God incarnate of the Virgin Mary,* for by His own free will He has suffered crucifixion* and was committed to the tomb* and is now risen from the dead* and has saved me who had been lost.
I have waited for You as You have commanded;*my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
By His cross, Christ our Saviour* wiped out the sentence written against us.* He wiped it out and abolished the might of death.* Let us therefore bow in adoration* before His resurrection on the third day.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
With the archangels let us sing a hymn of praise* to the resurrection of Christ,* for He is the Redeemer and Saviour of our souls* and He shall come again with awesome glory and great might* to judge the world He Himself created.
Tone 4
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
О holy Bishop Methodius,* you took upon yourself task of teaching the law of grace.* By holy letters you brought together and handed on these teachings to your people and your flock,* that by them they could read and contemplate the holy Scriptures,* and they blessed the Lord.* We, therefore, bless you worthily.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all You people.
О blessed Methodius,* you followed the words of the Lord,* and truly blessed the Father,* who gave birth to the Word in essence,* and sent forth the all-holy Spirit.* You continue to profess this, crying aloud,* “Truly the Comforter proceeds from the Father and not from the Son.”* Therefore, О divine preacher,* you stand with the fathers of the First Council in their same profession,* pray with them to the Saviour, that he may save us all.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;*eternally will His truth endure.
О father Methodius,* you received apostolic grace from God in abundance.* You were counted worthy of the wonder of prophecy,* seeing the future as if it were present.* Rejoice, О glorious father,* sight of the blind, expeller of demons and healer of the sick.* Grant us forgiveness of sins and great mercy.
Tone 1, Glory…
О bishop Methodius, renowned citizen of the land of Moravia,* glory and boast of the northern countries,* your lofty preaching calls us together.* Come, О feast-lovers, let us rejoice in faith and exult with him* on the feast of his glorious falling asleep.* May he offer unceasing prayer to Christ our God,* that our souls may be delivered from all troubles and dangers.
Tone 2, Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
O Virgin,* the shadow of the Law passed away with the realization of grace.* For as the bush had burned without being consumed* so you gave birth while a virgin,* and you remained a virgin.* Instead of the pillar of fire there rose the Sun of Justice.* Instead of Moses, Christ God came forth,* the Saviour of our souls.
The Great Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Who is so great a God as our God?* Thou art the God who doest wonders!
verse: Amongst the people hast Thou made Thy power known!
verse: And I said: now have I made a beginning: this change has been wrought by the right hand of the Most High.
verse: I have remembered the works of the Lord, and called to mind Thy wonders from of old.
Readings
(1) Deuteronomy 1:8-17; (2) Deuteronomy 10:14-21; (3) Wisdom 3:1-9
Gospel
John 20:19-25
Litany of Supplication
Deign, O Lord
Second Litany of Supplication
Aposticha
Tone 2
Your Resurrection, O Christ, the Saviour,* has lighted up the whole universe.* You have renewed Your creation,* O Lord almighty, glory to You!
Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered.
Today a sacred Pascha is revealed to us: a new and holy Pascha; a mystical Pascha; a Pascha which is Christ the Redeemer; a blameless Pascha; a great Pascha; a Pascha of the faithful; a Pascha which has opened for us the gates of Paradise; a Pascha which sanctifies all the faithful.
As smoke vanishes, let them vanish!
Come from that scene O women bearers of glad tidings, and say to Zion: Receive from us the glad tidings of joy of Christ’s Resurrection: Exult and be glad, and rejoice, O Jerusalem, seeing Christ the King who comes forth from the tomb like a Bridegroom in procession!
So let sinners perish before the face of God, but let the righteous scatter rejoice!
The myrrh-bearing women at the break of dawn drew near to the tomb of the Life Giver. There they found an angel sitting upon a stone, he greeted the, with these words: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? Why do you mourn in the incorrupt amid corruption? Go, proclaim the glad tidings to His disciples.”
This is the day which the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Pascha of beauty! The Pascha of the Lord! Pascha! A Pascha worthy of all honour has dawned on us. Pascha! Let us embrace each other joyously! Pascha, ransom from affliction! For today as from a bridal chamber Christ has shown forth from the Tomb, and filled the women with joy saying: “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”
Tone 8, Glory…
Come, О feast-lovers,* let us rejoice and exult with holy hymns,* the falling asleep of the bishop Methodius, the enlightener of Moravia,* the equal-to-the apostles of the Slavic peoples.* Behold, he rejected the pleasures of the world,* and took the apostolate of the cross on his shoulders,* together with his brother, enlightening the Slavic nations.* After his falling asleep, he received from God the reward of righteousness,* and prays without ceasing,* that our souls may be delivered from all troubles and dangers.
Tone 2, Now…
This is the day of Resurrection, let us be illumined by the Feast! Let us embrace each other! Let us call “brothers” even those that hate us and forgive all by the Resurrection, and so let us cry:
At this time, all exchange the Paschal Kiss
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Tone 4, Glory…
O Christ, bestow from above Your mercies* to those who radiantly feast Your bishop’s falling asleep.* Through the intercession of our father Methodius,* Your holy disciple,* open to us the doors of the Kingdom* and loose the chains of our many sins.
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,* and saved our souls from death.
Dismissal
Deacon: Wisdom!
All: Give the blessing!
Priest: Blessed is the One-Who-is, blessed is Christ our God, always, now and forever and ever.
All: Amen. O God, strengthen the orthodox faith forever and ever.
Priest: O most holy Mother of God, save us.
All: 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
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You!
All: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs, giving life. Lord, have mercy. (3) Give the blessing!
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs, giving life, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother, of the holy glorious and all-praiseworthy Apostles, of our venerable god-bearing fathers, of Saint N., patron of this temple, of Saint N., whose memory we celebrate this day, and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
All: Amen.
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life. (3)
MATINS ON BRIGHT MONDAY MORNING
Priest: Glory to the holy, consubstantial, life-giving and undivided Trinity, always, now and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Paschal Troparion
Sung by the Clergy, then the people, with verses from Psalm 67:
Slavonic:
Христос воскресе із мертвих,* смертію смерть порпав,* і сущим во гробіх* живот даровав!
Ukrainian:
Христос воскрес із мертвих,* смертю смерть подолав,* і тим що в гробах* життя дарував!
English:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
Verses from Psalm 67:
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee from before His face.
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish as wax melts before the fire.
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
So let the wicked perish at the presence of God, and let the righteous ones rejoice.
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us exalt and rejoice in it.
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
Tone 4, Glory…
O Christ, bestow from above Your mercies* to those who radiantly feast Your bishop’s falling asleep.* Through the intercession of our father Methodius,* Your holy disciple,* open to us the doors of the Kingdom* and loose the chains of our many sins.
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,* and saved our souls from death.
Ekteny of Peace
Polyeleos
Magnification
We extol you,* O hierarch Methodiue,* and we venerate your holy memory,* for you pray for us to Christ our God.
verse: Your priests shall be clothed with holiness; Your faithful shall ring out their joy.
verse: Hear all you nations, pay heed, all you inhabitants of the earth!
verse: They are happy who dwell in Your house, forever singing Your praise.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia: Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
Having subdued the passions of the flesh,* O holy one, you have shown yourself to be a God-like hierarch* gloriously tending your flock.* Through baptism you enlightened and taught them to worship one God in three persons.* Because of this, even after your departure,* you grant healing to those who hasten to you for help, O hierarch Methodius;* implore Christ our God to grant forgiveness of sins* to us who lovingly keep your sacred memory.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
My lips will speak words of wisdom.* My heart is full of insight.
verse: The mouth of the just utter wisdom, and his lips speak what is right.
Gospel
John 10:1-9
Hymn of the Resurrection, Tone 6, Kyivan
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ,* let us worship the holy Lord Jesus,* the only sinless One.* We venerate Your Cross, O Christ,* and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify,* for You are our God.* We know no other than You.* We call on Your Name.* O come, all you faithful,* let us worship the holy Resurrection of Christ,* for behold, through the Cross joy has come to all the world.* Ever blessing the Lord* we sing the praises of His Resurrection,* for by enduring the Cross for us* He destroyed death by death! (3)
Tone 6, samohlasnyj
Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful.
O inheritor of God, associate of Christ,* servant of the Lord, hierarch Methodius,* your life was in perfect accord with your name,* for together with grey hairs there shone forth wisdom,* the serenity of your countenance testified to the gentleness of your soul,* and the calmness of your speech manifested your benignness.* Your life was glorious and your repose is with the saints.* Pray for our souls.
Canon
Ode 1
Paschal Canon of St. John Damascus
Irmos 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:
Christ is risen from the dead!
Let our hearts be spotless* as we gaze upon our dazzling Christ* Behold His rising, a brilliant flash of light divine!* Let us listen, clearly hear Him greeting us:* as we shout the vict’ry hymn:
Christ is risen from the dead!
Let all heaven burst with joy!* Let all the earth resound with gladness!* Let all creation dance in celebration!* For Christ has risen:* Christ our lasting joy!
Canon of Methodius
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
O Holy Hierarch, numbered with the Angelic hosts, servant of God, you were found worthy to stand before Him, ever entreat Him on our behalf, that by your prayers we may obtain eternal blessings.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Elected by the Lord to serve the precious gospel, O blessed Father Methodius, nourished your people with wisdom by your wise instructions.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Enriched with God’s understanding, O most wise Hierarch of God, you took the living-word that flowed from your heart and feed it to souls deadened by passions, O God-blessed Methodius.
Glory… Now…
The sacred choir of Prophets foretold of you, O pure one, as one who was to become a true Mother of God, higher than the Cherubim and all created things.
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:
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 3
Paschal Canon of St. John Damascus
Irmos 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!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Now does light flood all creation:* heaven and earth, the world beneath!* Behold the festival of all creation:* Now we feast the risen Christ,* for in Him is all our might!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Yesterday, my Christ, they buried me with You;* Today I rise with You!* Yesterday Your partner in death was I;* tomorrow, O my Saviour,* let me share the glory of Your realm!
Canon of Methodius
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
By shedding forth divine sweetness from your lips, O Father, you have banished the bitter drink of godlessness, giving to the thirsting devout the nectar of the knowledge of God, O blessed one.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Predestined by God’s judgment, you appeared, O Hierarch, offering the bloodless sacrifice to God who offered up Himself for our sake, O Father Hierarch Methodius.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
The sepulchre in which your precious body lies, is likened to a Godly paradise, shedding forth redolent aromas, and filling the faithful with a sweet fragrance, O most glorious and all-honoured Hierarch Methodius.
Glory… Now…
O pure one, the mind of man is incapable of comprehending the unspeakable depths of your birth-giving, for God humbled Himself for the sake of compassion, and entirely renewed me in your womb.
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!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Small Ekteny
Kontakion, Tone 8
Although You went down into the grave, Immortal One,* You destroyed the power of hell!* You arose a mighty Victor, Christ our God,* bringing peace to Your apostles,* joy for the myrrh-bearing women;* and resurrection for the fallen!
Ikos
Chanted by a Reader
Before the dawn – as urgently as is in daylight – the women came with their spices to the tomb, looking for Him who existed before the sun was even created. That very Sun had come to set in a grave! They cried to each other: Bring your fragrant ointments, friends, and let us anoint that life-giving body which has been laid in a tomb. His is the body which raises the fallen Adam. Let us go! Let us hurry like the Magi; let us fall before Him in adoration. Let us offer myrrh to Him as He lays there wrapped, not in swaddling clothes, but in a shroud. Let us shed our tears and cry out to Him: Rise up, O Lord, give resurrection to the fallen!
All repeat:
Rise up, O Lord, give resurrection to the fallen!
Ode 4
Paschal Canon of St. John Damascus
Irmos 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!
Christ is risen from the dead!
The first-born of the Virgin,* a small and tender infant,* as man he came among us!* But we called Him, “Lamb,”* pure and undefiled Pasch unblemished,* our real God the perfect One!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Christ our Pasch was sacrificed,* yearling Lamb and crown of prophecy!* For all of us He freely died* and thus became the Pasch that purifies!* Upon us all resplendent sun our righteous Christ* has shown forth from the tomb!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Before the ark symbolic,* God’s forebear David danced and leaped.* But we God’s holy people,* our eyes see all symbols now fulfilled.* For this God’s joy and gladness dance within us,* for Christ has risen in His might!
Canon of Methodius
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Filled with the Holy Spirit, O sacred Father Methodius, you have driven away evil spirits from men and made them faithful with your spiritual instructions.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
You taught that God is a Unity undivided and yet known in three Hypostases, not separated nor mingled, thus enlightening the devout with your sacred theology.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Having first mortified the subtleties of the flesh by abstinence and spiritual labours, you have been revealed to be a divine Hierarch and an all-sacred intercessor before the Trinity.
Glory… Now…
The foremothers curse has been done away with by you, O Mother of God; for you, O most pure one, have brought forth to us the Source of holiness, the ever-lasting Life.
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!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 5
Paschal Canon of St. John Damascus
Irmos 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!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Hell’s captives saw Your endless loving kindness;* they fled with joy to You their Light:* and on their lips the happy news:* Christ our God has truly risen!* Clap your hands! Applaud the lasting Pasch!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Come! Let us all go forth to meet Him!* Look behold our Christ triumphant who burst the tomb with glory,* God’s own Pasch, our soul’s salvation!* With angel hosts we celebrate* a festival of joy and gladness!
Canon of Methodius
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Performing the divine mysteries in a godly manner, and with a most pure mind approaching the holy things, you have blamelessly served God as a most sacred Hierarch.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
By your precious instructions those who were enslaved to idolatrous things have become favourites of God, and recalling them from their unworthy ways you have become a worthy servant of God Almighty.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Called by grace, O holy one, to abolish the lawlessness of idolatry by the sacred waters of your instructions, by the grace of God, you have made barren and frozen hearts fertile with the fruits of the spirit.
Glory… Now…
O Mary, who knew not wedlock, you have remained a Virgin even after your strange birth-giving, for it was God who was born from you and who has ordered all things as He wills, O 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!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 6
Paschal Canon of St. John Damascus
Irmos 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!
Christ is risen from the dead!
You left the seals of burial intact* in rising from the tomb, O Christ,* who left in birth the portals of virginity unbroken!* But heaven’s gates* You open wide to earth!
Christ is risen from the dead!
O my Saviour!* Victim indestructible!* Our God, who freely gave Himself for us!* When You rose, O Christ, to God the Father,* You also raised up Adam and his race!
Canon of Methodius
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations,* I run to Your calm haven, and cry to You:* Raise up my life from corruption,* O greatly Merciful One.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
At the bidding of God, your tongue, sharpened by the Spirit in spiritual acuity, inscribed in the hearts of the devout as with a scribe’s plume, the words of grace, O all-sacred Father.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
O sacred Father, as one who entered the spiritual holy of holies and there, by the light of the Trinity, learned things divine, you have perfected in spirit the faithful, yourself being most perfect, O Holy Hierarch Methodius.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Flushing away the foul commands of the wicked by the streams of your commandments, you have appeared as a placid river watering with piety the communities of the faithful, O all-honoured Hierarch.
Glory… Now…
O all-immaculate Maiden favoured of God, the Word has, without seed, made His abode within your womb and come forth as a perfect man, renewing in a godly manner human nature as He Himself alone knows.
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!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Small Ekteny
Kontakion, Tone 2
Let us hymn the godly and faithful Methodius,* and lovingly call him blessed;* the pastor of the Slavs and the precious servant of the Trinity,* the one who banished heresy,* for he prays on behalf of all of us.
Ikos
O Father, through laziness, I, the wretched one have fallen into the sleep of death, but as a good shepherd, raise me up, and subdue the passions which wickedly torment me, that on arising I may hymn your bright festival with a pure spirit. O Father, whom the Master of the universe has worthily glorified as a most faithful servant and most wise teacher, a friend of God and skilled minister of His traditions, which you have well preserved; undefiled unction, most wise Methodius, unceasingly pray for us all.
Then, three times in Tone 6
Jesus is risen from the tomb* as He foretold,* granting us eternal life* and great mercy!
Ode 7
Paschal Canon of St. John Damascus
Irmos 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!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Devoted women followed after You bearing fragrant spices to anoint You;* and though they mourned You first with many tears,* their gloom was turned to joy in finding You, their living God!* They spread the news to all Your friends, O Christ,* the joy and gladness of the mystic Pasch!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Our feast today is death’s own death!* Hell is shattered!* A new and lasting life begins!* All joy and praise to Him who did this:* The only God — the one our fathers knew — ever robed in splendid glory!
Christ is risen from the dead!
O how holy! How resplendent!* What a truly radiant night!* Brilliant birth of man’s redemption!* The harbinger of resurrection joy!* The night when boundless Light transfigured flesh* as Christ our God escaped the grave — dazzling splendour for the world!
Canon of Methodius
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
You were illumined by the grace of the Spirit to comprehend the Divine will, and thus appeared as a radiant star enlightening those who wisely chant: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
O sacred Hierarch of the most holy Church, shining with virtuous deeds, the uncreated Trinity made its abode within you, therefore, you sing: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Repelling sleep from your eyes, with divine vigour you received the Divine Light from the Source of Light, who has made you a pillar and support of the faithful, a true Hierarch.
Glory… Now…
He who is unapproachable, and seated in the bosom of the Begetter, has now become seated within your womb, O most pure one, as one approachable and imbued with your image, having become accessible for the sake of saving fallen Adam.
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!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 8
Paschal Canon of St. John Damascus
Irmos 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!
Christ is risen from the dead!
That hallowed and chosen day has come!* Let us share this joy divine!* Let us taste the vine’s new fruit* and share the lasting reign of Christ* when all of us bless Christ forever!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Rise up, Sion, lift your eyes!* See your sons arrayed before you!* How they gleam with light divine!* From all the corners of the earth your scattered sons have found you:* They hasten to your bosom where all of us bless Christ forever!
Glory to You, our God – most holy Trinity!
Almighty Father, Word and Spirit,* Trinity of persons one in essence:* God most high, beyond our understanding!* In You have we been born anew,* for this do all of us bless You forever!
Canon of Methodius
Irmos: You made flame bedew the holy children,* and burned the sacrifice of a righteous man with water.* For You alone, O Christ, do all as You will,* we supremely exalt You throughout all ages.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
O blessed one, as one elevated to God by your pure thoughts you have humiliated the proud serpent by your humility; therefore, we honour you, exalting Christ to the ages.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
O holy Hierarch Methodius, you have saved your people from slavery to falsehood by preaching the incarnate Word and thus driving away the wickedness of idolatry, O most wise and God-bearing father.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Leading a life like that of your Master, in both word and deed fulfilling your days in spiritual activity, you, O Father, have reposed and passed over to the celestial dwellings.
Glory… Now…
Freed from the primal curse by your birth-giving, O most blessed divinely joyous Maiden, we send up to you the greeting of Gabriel: Rejoice, O you who are the cause of the salvation of all.
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!
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Ode 9
Paschal Canon of St. John Damascus
Deacon: Let us greatly extol in hymns the Theotokos and the Mother of Light!
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!
Irmos 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.
Christ is risen from the dead!
How divine! How mellow! The voice of purest love!*Your promise to remain with us, O Christ,* until the end of time!* Firmly do we hold to this promise,* the well-spring of our faith and joy!
Christ is risen from the dead!
You are the greatest Pasch, O Christ, the holiest!* The Wisdom, Word and Power of God!* Your radiant presence, fuller ever lovelier manifest to us, O Lord* when You come again in glory* on the endless day when the sun will never set!
Canon of Methodius
Irmos: It is impossible for mankind to see God* upon whom the orders of angels dare not gaze;* but through you, O all-pure one,* the Word Incarnate became a man* and with the Heavenly Hosts* we magnify Him and we call you blessed.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Adorned with the virtues as with resplendent ornaments and radiant with their light, compassionate and meek, you have found your abode in the land of the compassionate keeping company with the Heavenly Hosts.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Beholding the brightness of God and of the angels, the radiance of the patriarchs, the martyrs and the apostles, with them entreat the Lover of mankind that we who praise you, O holy one, be granted the remission of sins and restoration of life.
Holy Hierarch Methodius, pray to God for us
Adorning the city of your See with your episcopacy, you have arrayed with your radiance all the cities of your diocese, having lived therein as an angel, you have hallowed them with your unction and perfected the Divinely-wise people living therein.
Glory… Now…
The gentle heavenly rain, O Virgin, descended into your womb, and thereby dried up the streams of falsehood, showering incorruption upon all mankind by the redemption that has been made possible through you, O divinely joyous one.
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.
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (3)
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
Small Ekteny
Hymn of Light
In the flesh You fell asleep like a mere mortal, O King, O King and Lord! But three days later You arose, lifting Adam from corruption, putting death to death. O Pasch beyond corruption, O Ransom of the world!
Tone 3, Glory…
Today a glorious radiant festival is revealed to the faithful,* for standing in the light of the glory of the countenance of God,* the Holy Hierarch Methodius remembers us* who praise his honourable memory.
Now…
In the flesh You fell asleep like a mere mortal, O King, O King and Lord! But three days later You arose, lifting Adam from corruption, putting death to death. O Pasch beyond corruption, O Ransom of the world!
The Praises
Tone 2
All creation and everything that breathes glorifies You, O Lord;* for by the Cross You abolished Death* that You might manifest to the world Your Resurrection from the dead.* For You alone are the Lover of Mankind.
What do the Pharisees now say?* How was it that the guardian soldiers lost the King whom they were guarding?* Why was it that the stone could not retain the Rock of life?* Therefore, either you must deliver to us Him who was buried.* or worship with us Him who is risen, and say:* Glory to Your bountiful mercies, our Saviour, glory to You!
Rejoice, O nations, and be glad;* for the angel sat on the stone of the grave,* and gave us the good news, saying:* Christ the Saviour of the world is risen from the dead.* He has filled the world with fragrant aroma.* Rejoice, O nations, and be glad.
Tone 8
O venerable Father Methodius!* Having reached the pinnacle of the ladder of divine understanding* and approaching God as one who has obtained the gift of adoption,* you heal incurable diseases and drive away unclean spirits;* therefore, with joyful hearts we celebrate your memory,* magnifying Christ who has exalted His favourite.
O marvellous Father Methodius!* Brightly illumined with your divinely lucid mind,* you have pacified the boisterous sea of the passions,* and flying upon the wings of the purity of dispassion,* you have reached the heights of ineffable and incomprehensible blessedness,* ever interceding on behalf of us who praise you.
O Father of Fathers Methodius!* You are the rule of the priesthood, model of chastity,* stronghold of monastics, strength of the Church,* lamp of love, throne of compassion,* source of miracles, tongue of fire,* font of sweetly-spoken words, vessel of the Divine Spirit* and spiritual paradise O God-blessed one.
The Paschal Sticheras
Let God arise;* let His enemies be scattered!
Today a sacred Pascha is revealed to us.* A new and holy Pascha.* A mystical Pascha.* A Pascha worthy of veneration.* A Pascha which is Christ the Redeemer,* a blameless Pascha.* A great Pascha.* A Pascha of the faithful.* A Pascha which has opened for us the gates of Paradise.* A Pascha which sanctifies all the faithful.
As smoke vanishes,* let them vanish.
Come* from that scene, O women bearers of glad tidings,* and say to Sion:* Receive from us the glad tidings of joy* of Christ’s Resurrection:* Exult and be glad,* and rejoice, O Jerusalem,* seeing Christ the King* who comes forth from the tomb like a Bridegroom in procession!
So let sinners flee from before the face of God;* but let the righteous rejoice!
The myrrh-bearing women* at the break of dawn* drew near to the tomb of the LifeGiver.* There they found an angel* sitting upon the stone,* he greeted them with these words:* Why do you seek the living among the dead?* Why do you mourn the incorrupt amid corruption?* Go: proclaim the glad tidings to His disciples.
This is the day which the Lord has made:* Let us rejoice and be glad in
Pascha of beauty!* The Pascha of the Lord!* Pascha!* A Pascha worthy of all honour* has dawned on us. Pascha! Let us embrace each other joyously!* Pascha, ransom from affliction!* For today as from a bridal chamber* Christ has shown forth from the Tomb,* and filled the women with joy saying:* “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”
Tone 6, Glory…
O venerable one, thrice blessed holiest father,* good shepherd and disciple of Christ the chief shepherd,* as one who has laid down your life for your flock!* Also, O most praised Hierarch Methodius, entreat Him with by your prayers* to grant us great mercy.
Now…
This is the day of Resurrection,* let us be illumined by the Feast!* Let us embrace each other!* Let us call “Brothers and Sisters!”* even those that hate us and forgive all by the Resurrection,* and so let us cry:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and in those in the tombs* giving life!
Tone 4, Glory…
O Christ, bestow from above Your mercies* to those who radiantly feast Your bishop’s falling asleep.* Through the intercession of our father Methodius,* Your holy disciple,* open to us the doors of the Kingdom* and loose the chains of our many sins.
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,* and saved our souls from death.
Ekteny of Supplication
Ekteny of Petition
Paschal Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY ON BRIGHT MONDAY 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.
First Antiphon
Shout to the Lord, all the earth,* sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Say unto God, “How awesome are Your works!* Because of the greatness of Your strength Your enemies will flatter You.”
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Let all the earth worship You and sing to You,* let it sing to Your name, O Most High!
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…
Third Antiphon
Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from before His face.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
As smoke vanishes, let them vanish, as wax melts before the fire.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
So let sinners perish before the face of God, but let the righteous be glad.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Entrance
In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel.
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Troparion, Tone 4: O Christ, bestow from above Your mercies* to those who radiantly feast Your bishop’s falling asleep.* Through the intercession of our father Methodius,* Your holy disciple,* open to us the doors of the Kingdom* and loose the chains of our many sins.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 2: Let us hymn the godly and faithful Methodius,* and lovingly call him blessed;* the pastor of the Slavs and the precious servant of the Trinity,* the one who banished heresy,* for he prays on behalf of all of us.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 8: Though 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.
Instead of Holy God
All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their words unto the ends of the world.
verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hand. (Psalm 19:5,2)
Prokeimenon, Tone 1
My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart understanding.
Epistle
Acts 1:12-17; 21-26; Hebrews 7:26-8:2
Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The heavens shall confess Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.
verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 89:6,8)
verse: The mouth of the just man shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgment.
Gospel
John 1:18-28; John 10:9-16
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. (3)
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.
Paschal Dismissal
Deacon: Wisdom!
All: 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.
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.
All: Christ is risen from the dead trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs giving life!* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing!
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life! through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-praiseworthy apostles; of our venerable and godly fathers; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople; and all the saints, will have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
All: Amen.
After the final Amen, the priest, with cross raised on high, exclaims Christ is risen thrice and we respond Truly, He is risen each time. Then, 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.