GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING
Kathisma Reading
Blessed is the man… is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 7
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord,* who destroyed the power of death* and enlightened the human race;* and let us cry out with the angels:* Glory to You, our Creator and Saviour!
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
O Saviour, for our sake You suffered crucifixion and burial;* and, as God, You destroyed death by Your death.* Therefore, we adore Your resurrection on the third day* and we sing: Glory to You, O Lord!
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
On seeing the resurrection of the Creator,* the apostles were amazed,* and they sang an angelic hymn of praise:* This is the glory of the Church,* this is the richness of the Kingdom!* O Lord, who suffered for our sake, glory to You!
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
O Christ, although You were taken captive by Your enemies,* I still acknowledge You as my God,* and I am not ashamed of You;* I will not hide the fact that You were nailed to the Cross.* Your death is my life, almighty Lord,* and I extol Your resurrection.* O Lover of mankind, glory to You!
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
In fulfilment of the prophecy of David,* Christ revealed His majesty to His disciples in Sion.* He showed Himself to be worthy of equal praise* with His Father and the Holy Spirit;* for He existed from all eternity as God the Word, without a body;* then, out of love for mankind, He became incarnate,* and for our sake He was put to death as a man;* finally, by His own power He arose from the dead.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
O Christ, of Your own free will, You descended into Hades;* and, as God the Lord, You destroyed death.* On the third day You arose from the dead and raised up Adam* from the bonds of Hades and corruption.* In joy he cried out and said:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!
Tone 6
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
When you shall come, O righteous Judge, to execute just judgment,* seated on Your Throne of glory,* a river of fire will draw all men amazed before Your judgment seat;* the powers of heaven will stand beside You,* and in fear mankind will be judged* according to the deeds that each has done.* Then spare us, Christ, in Your compassion,* with faith we entreat You,* and count us worthy of Your blessings* with those that are saved.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
The books will be opened* and the acts of men will be revealed* before the unbearable judgment-seat;* and the whole vale of sorrow* shall echo with the fearful sound of lamentation,* as all the sinners, weeping in vain,* are sent by Your just judgment to everlasting torment.* Therefore, we beseech You,* O compassionate and loving Lord:* spare us who sing Your praise,* for You alone are rich in mercy.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
The trumpets shall sound and the tombs shall be emptied,* and all mankind in trembling shall be raised.* Those that have done good shall rejoice in gladness, awaiting their reward;* those that have sinned shall tremble and bitterly lament,* as they are sent to punishment and parted from the chosen.* O Lord of glory, take pity on us in Your goodness,* and count us worthy of a place with them that have loved You.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
I lament and weep when I think of the eternal fire,* the outer darkness and the nether world,* the dread worm and the gnashing of teeth,* and the unceasing anguish that shall befall those* who have sinned without measure,* by their wickedness arousing You to anger, O Supreme in love.* Among them in misery I am first:* but O Judge compassionate, in Your mercy save me.
Tone 8, Glory…
When the thrones are set up and the books are opened,* and God sits in judgment,* O what fear there will be then!* When the angels stand trembling in Your presence* and the river of fire flows before You,* what shall we do then, guilty of many sins?* When we hear Him call the blessed of His Father into the Kingdom,* but send the sinners to their punishment,* who shall endure His fearful condemnation?* But Saviour, who alone love mankind, King of the ages,* before the end comes turn me back through repentance* and have mercy on me.
Tone 7, Now…
Immaculate Mother of God,* you became a mother outside the laws of nature,* remaining a virgin in a way that exceeds all description* and human understanding.* The wonder of your birth-giving could not be told in human language,* for your conception of Christ blinded intelligence,* and your birth-giving exceeded understanding:* for whenever God so desires, the laws of nature are broken.* Wherefore, we all firmly believe that you are the Mother of God,* and we eagerly beseech you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.
Aposticha
Tone 7
O Saviour of the world, You arose from the grave,* and together with Your own flesh You raised up mankind.* O Lord, glory to You!
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
Come, let us worship Christ who arose from the dead* and enlightened all creation.* For by His resurrection on the third day,* He set us free from the oppression of Hades,* granting us life and His great mercy.
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O Christ, Lover of mankind,* You descended into Hades and destroyed death.* Then You arose on the third day;* and, together with Yourself You lifted up all of us* who glorify Your mighty resurrection.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
O Lord, what a fearful sight it was to see You lying in the tomb as if asleep.* Yet on the third day You arose in great power,* and at the same time You raised up Adam who joyfully cried out:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!
Tone 8, Glory…
Alas, black soul!* How long will you continue in evil?* How long will you lie in idleness?* Why do you not think of the fearful hour of death?* Why do you not tremble at the dread judgment-seat of the Saviour?* What defence will you make, or what will you answer?* Your works will be there to accuse you:* your actions will reproach you and condemn you.* O my soul, the time is near at hand;* make haste before it is too late, and cry aloud in faith:* I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned against You;* but I know Your love for man and Your compassion.* O good Shepherd, deprive me not of a place at Your right hand* in Your great mercy.
Now…
O Virgin, You have never known wedlock,* Yet You conceived God in the flesh* in a manner which words can never describe.* You thus became the Mother of God on high.* O Immaculate Lady, receive the supplication of your servants* and grant us the cleansing of our sins.* Accept now our prayers and beseech God to save all of us.
Troparia
Tone 7
By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.
Glory… Now…
O Mother of God, we sing your praises,* for you were a virgin before conceiving,* and remained a virgin after giving birth.* And since you have given birth to our Salvation, Jesus Christ,* you have become a treasury of assistance* for all who seek resurrection and eternal life.* Therefore, lift us up from the depth of our transgressions,* for we place our hope in you.
GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 7
Troparia, Tone 7
By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world. (2)
Glory… Now…
O Mother of God, we sing your praises,* for you were a virgin before conceiving,* and remained a virgin after giving birth.* And since you have given birth to our Salvation, Jesus Christ,* you have become a treasury of assistance* for all who seek resurrection and eternal life.* Therefore, lift us up from the depth of our transgressions,* for we place our hope in you.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 7
When Life was laying in the tomb* and a seal laid upon the stone,* the soldiers guarded Christ as a sleeping King* and the Angels glorified Him as immortal God;* while the women cried aloud:* The Lord is risen, granting the world great mercy.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
By Your burial for three days You despoiled death,* and by Your life-bearing Arising* You raised corrupted mankind, O Christ Lord,* as the Lover of mankind. Glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
O Virgin Theotokos unceasingly entreat Christ our God,* who was crucified for us* and arose again destroying the dominion of death,* that He save our souls.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 7
While the grave was sealed, O Christ God,* You, the Life, shone forth from the tomb;* and while the doors were shut, You, the Resurrection of all,* appeared to Your Disciples,* and through them renewed a right Spirit within us,* according to Your great mercy.
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
Bringing sweet spices with their tears, the women ran to the tomb,* and while the soldiers guarded You, the King of all,* they spoke one to another:* Who will roll away the stone for us?* The Angel of great Counsel has risen, trampling down death.* O All-powerful Lord, glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
Rejoice Virgin Theotokos, full of grace,* haven and protection of the race of mankind,* for from you the Redeemer of the world has taken flesh,* for you alone are a Mother and Virgin,* ever blessed and exceedingly glorified;* intercede with Christ God to grant peace to all the world.
Polyeleos
Psalm 136
By the rivers of Babylon there we sat and wept, remembering Sion.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
For it was there that they asked us, our captors, for songs, our oppressors, for joy.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Sing to us they said, one of Sion’s songs.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
O how could we sing the song of the Lord on alien soil?
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
O Babylon, destroyer, one is happy who repays you the ills you brought on us.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory be to You, O God!
Evlogitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 7
O Christ God, who took upon Yourself our form* and endured the Cross in the body,* save me by Your Resurrection,* as You alone love mankind.
Hymn of Ascent, Tone 7
Antiphon 1
Having turned back the captivity of Sion from error,* quicken me also O Saviour,* and deliver me from slavery to the passions.
He who sows tribulations in the south with tears of fasting,* will reap with joy the sheaves of nourishment* of eternal life.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit is the source of divine treasures,* from Him comes wisdom, intelligence, and fear;* and to Him belongs* praise, glory, honour and worship.
Antiphon 2
Unless the Lord builds the house of the soul,* in vain do we labour;* for without Him no deed or word can be perfected.
Of the fruit of the womb the Saints,* moved by the Spirit,* sprout forth the Father’s teachings of filial adoption.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit all things have their being;* in the presence of all He is God,* the sovereign of the universe,* Light unapproachable, Life of all.
Antiphon 3
Those who fear the Lord and find the ways of life,* now and always are blessed* with immortal glory.
As you behold your offspring like shoots around your table,* rejoice, and be glad, bringing them to Christ* the Chief Shepherd of all.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit there be an abundance of grace,* riches of glory and a great depth of judgments;* for He is to be served as identical in glory and honour* with the Father and the Son.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Arise then, Lord,* lift up Your hand.* O God, do not forget the poor!
verse: I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders.
Let everything that lives, Tone 7
Gospel
John 20:1-10
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Tone 8, Glory…
Open to me the doors of repentance, O Giver of Life.* As we worship in Your temple this morning,* teach us how to purify the temples of our bodies,* and in Your compassion, purify me by the goodness of Your mercies.
Now…
Lead me to the paths of salvation, O Mother of God,* for I have condemned myself with shameful sins* and have wasted all my life in slothfulness.* By your intercession purify me from all sinfulness.
Tone 6
Have mercy on me, God, in Your kindness. In Your compassion blot out my offense.
When I think upon the multitude of my evil deeds,* I tremble for the terrible day of judgment.* But trusting in the compassion of Your mercy, O Lord,* I cry to You like David:* Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy.
Canon, Tone 7
Canon
Ode 1
Irmos: A helper and a protector* has become to me salvation.* My God, whom I will glorify,* the God of my fathers,* and I will exalt Him* for gloriously has He been glorified.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I tremble with fear when I contemplate the dread day of Your ineffable coming, I fear when I foresee You sitting in judgment of the living and the dead, O my all-powerful God.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When You shall come, O God, with thousands of the heavenly hosts of angels, deem me the wretched one, O Christ, worthy to meet You in the clouds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Come, O my soul, and call to mind the very hour and day when God shall stand before you visibly; lament and weep, and thus be found pure in the hour of the trial.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The unquenchable fire of Gehenna, the bitter worm and the gnashing of teeth, terrorize me and fill me with awe. But You, O Christ, release me and forgive me, and number me among Your elect.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Grant that I, wretched as I am, may hear Your greatly desired voice, which calls Your saints to joy, that I also may attain the inexpressible enjoyment of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Enter not into judgment with me, recalling my deeds, examining my words and correcting my urgings. But in Your compassion overlook my wickedness and save me, O all-powerful One.
Glory…
Unity in three Hypostasis, Sovereign Lord of all, perfect and beginningless God, the Father, Son, and most Holy Spirit, save us.
Now…
Who, according to the law of nature, has ever begotten a son not sown by a father? Yet such a Son the Father has begotten without a mother. O most wondrous marvel! For you, O pure One, have borne both God and man.
Katavasia: A helper and a protector* has become to me salvation.* My God, whom I will glorify,* the God of my fathers,* and I will exalt Him* for gloriously has He been glorified.
Ode 3
Irmos: O Lord, upon the rock of Your commandments* make firm my fickle heart, for You alone are Holy and Lord.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Lord comes, and who shall endure the fear of Him? Who shall dare appear before Him? But prepare yourself to meet Him, O my soul.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Let us make haste before it is too late; let us lament, let us be reconciled to God before the end. For fearful is the judgment at which all of us shall stand naked.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy upon me, I cry to You, when You come with Your angels to render to every man his due reward for his deeds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
How shall I endure the wrath of Your judgment, for I have not hearkened to Your commandments? But spare, O spare me in the hour of judgment.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Turn back, O wretched soul, sighing, before the fair-ground of life cometh to an end, before the Lord shuts the door of the bridal chamber.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Lord, I have sinned as no other man has sinned, I have transgressed more than any man: before the day of judgment, be merciful to me, O Lover of mankind.
Glory…
O simple Unity praised in a Trinity of Hypostases, uncreated beginningless Nature, save us who in faith worship Your power.
Now…
O most pure One, by a seedless conception you have given birth to the living Word, Who without change assumed flesh in your womb. Glory be to your birthgiving, O Mother of God.
Katavasia: O Lord, upon the rock of Your commandments* make firm my fickle heart, for You alone are Holy and Lord.
Sessional Hymns, Tone 6
When I contemplate the fearful day, and weep over my evil deeds,* how shall I answer the immortal King,* with what justification shall I look upon the Judge, prodigal that I am.* O compassionate Father,* only begotten Son, and Holy Spirit,* have mercy on me.
Glory…
O what lamentation there will be in that place,* when You, O compassionate One, sit to execute Your righteous judgment;* disclose not my secret sins,* nor shame me before the Angels,* but be compassionate O God and have mercy on me.
Now…
O you good Virgin Theotokos, the hope of the world,* we beg your intercession which alone is mighty:* have compassionate mercy upon us,* a people bereft of an intercessor;* beseech the merciful God, that our souls be delivered from every threat,* O you who alone are blessed!
Ode 4
Irmos: The prophet heard of Your coming, O Lord, and he was afraid.* How were You to be born of a virgin and appear unto mankind?* and he said, “I have heard report of You and I am afraid;”* glory to Your power, O Lord.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The day is upon us, the judgment is at the door. Be vigilant, my soul, Kings and princes, rich and poor are gathering, and each shall receive their due reward for their actions.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Each in his own order, monk, and hierarch, old and young, slave and master shall be examined; widow and virgin shall be corrected. And woe to all whose lives are not guiltless!
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Your judgment is without respect of persons; no cunning words or eloquence can deceive it; nor shall false witnesses pervert Your righteousness. For in Your sight, O God, every secret shall stand revealed.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Let me not come into the valley of lamentation, let me not see the place of darkness, O my Christ and Word; let me not be bound hand and foot, and cast out from Your bridal chamber, for in my utter wretchedness I have defiled the garment of incorruption that has been given me.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When You shall separate the sinners from the righteous while judging the world, number me as one of Your sheep and place me not with the goats, O Lover of mankind, that I may hear the voice of Your blessing.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When the trial takes place and the books recording all our deeds shall be opened, O miserable soul, what shall you answer before the judgment-seat, lacking all fruits of righteousness to offer to Christ your Creator?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Hearing the words of lamentation of the rich man in the flames of torment, I, the wretched one, weep and wail, for I am deserving of the same condemnation. Wherefore I entreat You: Have mercy on me, O Saviour of the world, at the hour of judgment.
Glory…
I glorify the Son Who has come forth from the Father, and the Spirit, as light and rays from the Sun: the One begotten as an Offspring, the Other proceeding and sent forth; divine and coeternal Trinity, worshiped by all creation.
Now…
She who has given birth yet kept her virginity, has borne both God and man, a single Person with a twofold nature. This your miracle, O Virgin Mother, doth fill every ear and mind with wonder.
Katavasia: The prophet heard of Your coming, O Lord, and he was afraid.* How were You to be born of a virgin and appear unto mankind?* and he said, “I have heard report of You and I am afraid;”* glory to Your power, O Lord.
Ode 5
Irmos: Out of the night I seek You early,* enlighten me I pray You, O Lover of mankind,* and guide me in Your commandments,* and teach me, O Saviour, to do Your will.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
There shall be fear and trembling beyond all description there: for the Lord shall come and test the works of every man. And who then will not mourn for himself?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The river of fire disquiets and consumes me; the gnashing of teeth grinds me, and the abyss dismays me, how or what shall I do to gain God’s mercy?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Spare, O Lord, spare Your servant; deliver me not unto the bitter tormentors, to the cruel angels in Hades, by whom I shall never find rest.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Prince and governor together, the rich and the inglorious, great and small alike will be tried. Woe to him that has not prepared himself beforehand!
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Pardon, remit and forgive, O Lord, all my sins against You; and show me not condemned, in the presence of the angels, to the punishment of fire and unending shame.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Spare, O spare the Your creation, O Lord. I have sinned, forgive me: for You alone are pure by nature, and none save You is free from defilement.
Glory…
A single Unity by nature, I praise You, O Trinity, as beginningless, incomprehensible, supreme in sovereignty, a unity beyond perfection, God, Light and Life, the Creator of the world.
Now…
In your childbearing, in a supra-natural manner, the laws of nature were rendered mute, O pure one. For without seed you have given birth to the pre-eternal God, begotten from the Father.
Katavasia: Out of the night I seek You early,* enlighten me I pray You, O Lover of mankind,* and guide me in Your commandments,* and teach me, O Saviour, to do Your will.
Ode 6
Irmos: With my whole heart, I cried to the all-compassionate God,* and He heard me* from the lowest depths of Hades;* and raised up my life from corruption.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
At Your fearful coming, O Christ, when You shall appear from heaven and set up the thrones, and the books shall be opened, then spare, O Saviour, spare Your creature.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Since God is the Judge, nothing can help you there, no zeal, no skill, no glory, no friendship, but only the strength that you have gained, O my soul, from your works.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
There will be found together both Prince and governor, rich and poor O my soul; no father or mother will be able to help us, no brother will deliver us from the condemnation.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Think, my soul, of the fearful examination before the Judge; trembling from this prepare your defence, lest you be condemned to the eternal chains.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Lord, may I not hear You say, “Take what is due you,” as You send me from Your presence; neither let me hear You say, “Depart from Me into the fire of the accursed,” but may I hear those words desired by the righteous.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Deliver me, O Lord, from the gates of Hades, from the lowest depths of the earth and the lightless darkness, from the unquenchable fire, and from all the other everlasting torments.
Glory…
I sing the praises of the Triune Godhead, the Father, Son, and divine Spirit, one sovereign Principle divided in three Hypostases.
Now…
You are the gate through which God alone has passed, entering in and coming out, yet not breaking the seal of your virginity O pure one: Jesus, the Creator of Adam, and your Son.
Katavasia: With my whole heart, I cried to the all-compassionate God,* and He heard me* from the lowest depths of Hades;* and raised up my life from corruption.
Kontakion, Tone 1
When You come on earth, O God, in glory,* and the universe trembles,* while the river of fire flows before the seat of judgement,* and the books are opened and all secrets disclosed,* then deliver me from the unquenchable fire,* and count me worthy to stand at Your right hand,* O Judge who are most just.
Ikos
Thinking of Your fearful judgment-seat and the day of Judgment O supremely good One, I tremble and am filled with fear, for my own conscience accuses me. No one then will be able to deny their sins, for truth shall accuse them, and fear will constrain them. For great will be the trepidation from the flames of Gehenna there, the sinners gnashing their teeth. Wherefore, before the end have mercy on me, and spare me, O Judge most righteous.
Ode 7
Irmos: We have sinned, we have transgressed,* and we have done evil before You.* We have not kept nor followed Your commandments,* but reject us not utterly, O God of our fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O you faithful, let us fall down and lament before the day of judgment comes, when the heavens shall be destroyed, the stars shall fall and all the earth shall be shaken, that at the end we may receive mercy from the God of our fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The trial shall be without respect of persons, and the judgment shall be fearful; nothing shall be kept secret from the Judge, no favour can be won with bribes. But spare me, O Master, and deliver me from all Your fearful wrath.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Lord comes to judge: who can endure the sight of Him? Tremble, O my wretched soul, tremble and by your deeds prepare for your repose, that you may gain mercy and compassion from the blessed God of your fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I am disquieted when I think of the unquenchable fire. The bitter worm, the gnashing of teeth, and soul-destroying Hades terrifies me; yet there is no compunction to be found in me. But O Lord, O Lord, before the end, establish me in the fear of You.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I fall down before You, and I offer You as tears my words. I have sinned as the harlot never sinned, and I have transgressed as no other on earth. But O Master have compassion upon me Thy creature and call me back.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Turn back O soul, repent, and uncover all that you have hidden. Say to God to Whom all things are known: You alone know my secrets, O Saviour; have mercy on me, as David sings, according to Your mercy.
Glory…
I sing the praises of the Three, one in Essence, of the One that is three in Hypostases: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one power, one will, one energy, one thrice-holy God, one sovereign Kingdom.
Now…
God has come forth in beauty from the chamber of your womb. As a King clothed in a divinely-woven robe, dyed mystically in your most pure blood, O unwedded one, He reigns over the earth.
Katavasia: We have sinned, we have transgressed,* and we have done evil before You.* We have not kept nor followed Your commandments,* but reject us not utterly, O God of our fathers.
Ode 8
Irmos: Him whom the hosts of heaven glorify,* and before whom tremble the Cherubim and Seraphim,* let every breath and all creation praise, bless, and supremely exalt,* throughout all ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Lord, when I contemplate meeting You at Your fearful second coming, I tremble in awe, and fear Your wrath. In that hour deliver me, I cry, and save me throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Who among those born on earth, beset by the passions, shall dare to stand before You, O God who judges all things? For at that time, the unquenchable fire and the gnawing worm shall seize the condemned and hold them throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
All that has breath, shall You call together to be judged O Christ. Then great shall be the fear, and great the anguish; and only our good actions shall help us throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O my God and Lord, Judge of all, on that day may I hear Your desired voice, may I see Your great light, may I look upon Your tabernacles, may I behold Your glory and rejoice throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O righteous Judge and Saviour, have mercy on me and deliver me from the fire and from the punishments I deserve at the Judgment. Before the end comes, grant me remission through virtue and repentance.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When You sit in judgment, O compassionate One, and reveal Your dread glory, O Christ, what fear there will be then! the fiery furnace, and to all those who shall be seized with fear, Your inescapable judgment-seat.
Let us bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Lord!
I honour God one in Essence, I sing the praises of the three Hypostasis, distinct one from another yet not differing in essence, for there is one Godhead in the three Hypostases, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Now…
From your most radiant womb, Christ has come forth as a bridegroom from his chamber, and as a great light He has illumined those in darkness. As the Sun of Righteousness, he has shone forth, O pure one, enlightening the world.
We praise, bless and worship the Lord, chanting and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages.
Katavasia: Him whom the hosts of heaven glorify,* and before whom tremble the Cherubim and Seraphim,* let every breath and all creation praise, bless, and supremely exalt,* throughout all ages.
Ode 9
Irmos: Ineffable is the birthgiving of a seedless conception,* from a mother who knew not a man;* an undefiled childbearing.* For the birth of God hath renewed nature,* wherefore all generations rightly worship and magnify you* as the Bride and Mother of God.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Lord shall come to punish sinners and to save the righteous. Let us weep and lament, and call to mind that day, when our hidden and secret sins will be revealed ,and He will reward each according to what they are due.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Moses was filled with fear and trembling when he saw Your hind parts. How then shall I, the wretched one, endure to behold Your face, when You shall come from heaven? But spare me, O compassionate One, by Your merciful gaze.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Daniel feared the hour of trial, what then shall I, the wretched one, feel, when I come O Lord, to that dreadful day? But grant me before my end to worship You worthily and to gain Your Kingdom.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The fire is ready, the worm hath prepared itself; yet rejoicing, glory, eternal rest, the never-setting light, the gladness of the righteous also await. And who is blessed, if not but he who escapes the former, and inherits the later?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
May I not be rejected from Your presence O Lord, in Your anger; may I not hear Your voice casting me off, as one accursed, to the fire. But rather let me enter then into the joy of Your eternal bridal-chamber with Your saints.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
My mind has been wounded, my body has grown feeble, my spirit has become weak, my speech has lost its power, and my life has become deadened, the end approaches. What then shall you do, O wretched soul, when the Judge comes to examine your deeds?
Glory…
O Father, single only-Begetter of the only-begotten Son; O only Light and Effulgence from the one and only Light; and You, one and only Holy Spirit from the one God, the Lord from the Lord Who truly is: O Holy Trinity in One, save me who theologizes You.
Now…
The marvel of your childbearing has filled me with wonder, O all-immaculate One. How did you conceive without seed Him whom none can comprehend? How did you remain a Virgin and yet give birth as a Mother? Accept with faith that which is above nature, and worship the Child that is born: For all that He wills, He has the power to do.
Katavasia: Ineffable is the birthgiving of a seedless conception,* from a mother who knew not a man;* an undefiled childbearing.* For the birth of God hath renewed nature,* wherefore all generations rightly worship and magnify you* as the Bride and Mother of God.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
When Mary Magdalene said they have carried away my Lord,* Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved hastened to the grave.* They both came and found the wrappings inside the tomb,* and the cloth, which was on His head, lying aside.* The disciples remained silent until they truly beheld Christ.
As I ponder the fearful day of Your judgment,* and Your ineffable glory,* I am altogether filled with dread, O Lord,* and trembling with fear I cry to You:* “When You come in glory to earth, to judge all things, O Christ our God,* deliver me from every torment and deem me worthy, O Master, to stand at Your right hand.
Glory…
Behold! the day of the Lord almighty comes,* and who shall endure the fear of His coming?* For it is the day of wrath;* the furnace shall burn, and the Judge shall sit and render to each* the due reward for his works.
Now…
As I call to mind the hour of trial* and the fearful coming of the Master the Lover of mankind,* I am filled with trembling, and with sad countenance I cry to You:* O most righteous Judge, Who alone are plenteous in mercy,* by the intercessions of the Theotokos accept me who repent.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 7
Christ is risen from the dead,* loosing the bonds of death;* O earth! proclaim the good tidings of great joy; and you heavens praise the glory of God.
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ,* let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one.
We cease not to worship the Holy Resurrection of Christ,* for He has saved us from our iniquities,* Holy is the Lord Jesus* who has shown us the Resurrection.
What shall we render to the Lord for all that He has rendered unto us?* For our sake God dwelled among us;* for our corrupted nature the Word became flesh and dwelled within us;* to the ungrateful He is the Benefactor;* to prisoners He is the Liberator;* to those in darkness He is the Sun of justice;* the path to the Cross;* the Light to Hades; Life to death;* Resurrection for the fallen:* to Him we cry aloud: Our God, glory be to You!’
Tone 2
I contemplate that day and hour* when we shall all stand naked, like men condemned and unclean, before the Judge.* Then shall the trumpet sound and the foundations of the earth shall quake,* the dead shall arise from the tombs* and all shall be gathered together from every generation.* Then the secrets of all shall be made manifest before You:* From those who never repented, there shall heard be weeping and lamentation,* as they depart to the outer fire;* but with gladness and rejoicing the company of the righteous* shall enter into the heavenly bridal chamber.
How shall it be in that hour on that fearful day,* when the Judge shall sit on His dread throne!* The books shall be opened and men’s deeds examined,* and those secrets of darkness shall be made public.* Angels shall hasten to and fro, gathering all the nations.* Come you and hearken, kings and princes, slaves and free,* sinners and righteous, rich and poor:* for the Judge comes to pass judgment on the whole world* And who shall bear to stand before His face in the presence of the angels* as they call us to give account for our deeds and our thoughts, whether by night or by day?* How shall it be then in that hour!* But before the end draws nigh, make haste, O my soul, and cry:* O God Who alone are compassionate, turn me back and save me.
Tone 8
Daniel the prophet, a man greatly beloved,* when he saw the power of God, cried aloud:* “The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.”* Consider well, my soul: do you fast?* Then despise not your neighbour.* Do you abstain from food?* Condemn not your brother, lest you be sent away into the fire, there to burn as wax.* But may Christ lead thee without stumbling into His Kingdom.
Tone 1
Let us cleanse ourselves, brethren,* with the Queen of the virtues:* for behold, she comes, bringing to us a wealth of blessings.* She quells the uprising of the passions,* and reconciles those that have sinned to the Master.* Therefore, let us welcome her with gladness, and cry aloud to Christ our God:* O You Who rose from the dead,* keep us uncondemned as we render glory to You, Who alone are sinless.
Tone 1, Glory…
Let us cleanse ourselves, brethren,* with the Queen of the virtues:* for behold, she comes, bringing to us a wealth of blessings.* She quells the uprising of the passions,* and reconciles those that have sinned to the Master.* Therefore, let us welcome her with gladness, and cry aloud to Christ our God:* O You Who rose from the dead,* keep us uncondemned as we render glory to You, Who alone are sinless.
Tone 2, Now…
You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 2
Today salvation has come to the world.* Let us sing to Him who is risen from the tomb,* the Author of Life who has crushed Death by his death* and bestowed on us victory and great mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY ON SUNDAY MORNING
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 7: By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 1: When You come on earth, O God, in glory,* and the universe trembles,* while the river of fire flows before the seat of judgement,* and the books are opened and all secrets disclosed,* then deliver me from the unquenchable fire,* and count me worthy to stand at Your right hand,* O Judge who are most just.
Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Great is our Lord and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.
verse: Praise the Lord, for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to Him. (Psalm 146:5,1)
Epistle
1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2
Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord; let us acclaim God our Saviour.
verse: Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms. (Psalm 94:1,2)
Gospel
Matthew 25:31-46
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)