Post-feast of the Dormition. Resurrection Gospel 10.

GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING

Kathisma Reading

Blessed is the man… is sung.

At Psalm 140

Tone 1

Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.

Accept our evening prayer, O holy Lord,* and grant us forgiveness of sins,* for You alone manifested the resurrection* to the world.

The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.

O you people, walk around Sion and encompass her.* And there give glory to Him who is risen from the dead.* For He is our God* who delivers us from our sins.

Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

Come you people, praise and worship Christ.* Glorify His resurrection from the dead;* for He is our God who delivered the world* from the deceit of the enemy.

Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

Rejoice, O you heavens;* sound the trumpets, you foundations of the earth;* cry out with joy, O you mountains.* For behold, Emmanuel has nailed our sins to the Cross;* the Giver of Life has put Death to death;* and the Lover of mankind* has raised up Adam.

Tone 4, Podoben “Called from on high…”

If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

Having conceived Life, O Theotokos,* you die in accordance with the law of nature* and pass over from earth to the heavens* at the behest of Him who was incarnate* of your all pure and divine blood.* Wherefore, the apostles of godly eloquence all came from the ends of the earth* and stood before you to bury you, exclaiming to you in hymnody:* Rejoice, O animate throne of the King of all* and precious ark of His holy place!* Rejoice, O you who alone gave birth to the Saviour of our souls!

I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.

When the apostles of the Saviour, the habitations of the most pure Light,* the beacons dispelling the night of polytheism,* learned through the Spirit that you, O blessed one,* the divine cloud from whence the unwaning Light shone forth,* were translated from among the things of this earth to transcendent joy,* they arrived on clouds, conducting you to the life-bearing tomb* with songs of parting, O Theotokos, our hope.

From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.

Let creation hold festival in supplication!* The Queen of all has passed over to the noetic kingdom* to reign with Him who reigns over all creation.* The kingdom of Hades been destroyed because of her,* and we have been borne up from the earth* and counted worthy to dwell with the angels.* All noetic nature has come together for her dormition:* patriarchs and prophets, the apostles, and martyrs.

Tone 2, Podoben “When from the Tree…”

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

When the immolation wrought by the godless* was consuming every land, O blessed one,* then you were set afire by the fervour of the Spirit,* and preached the Word who, in His goodness,* wrapped Himself in flesh taken from the divine Virgin Maiden.* Wherefore, strengthened by the power of grace,* you endured fire, torments, and cruel persecutions.

Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.

When the ignominious foe strove with flattery to sway you from your intention,* then, adorned with courage, you opposed him steadfastly,* and endured the pangs which brought you to a rest without pain,* to the kingdom of heaven and everlasting delight,* O right laudable martyr Myron.

Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.

When the enemy flogged you with thongs of hide,* laying waste your sacred flesh with continuous lashings, O martyr,* you directed your gaze to Christ, the Judge of the contest,* who stretched forth to you His hand of divine power.* Wherefore, having finished the race, you received great honours,* O all-valiant athlete Myron.

Tone 2, Glory…

As she was more exalted than the heavens,* more glorious than the cherubim and higher in honour than all creation,* and in her exceeding purity became the dwelling-place of the ever-existent Essence,* she surrenders her most holy soul into the hands of her Son today.* By her are all things filled with joy;* and He grants us great mercy.

Tone 1, Now…

Let us sing a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary,* glory of the whole world!* She was herself formed by human seed,* yet she became the Mother of the Master, the Gate of heaven,* the theme of the angels’ hymn and beauty of the faithful.* She was seen as being heavenly* and the Tabernacle of the Godhead.* She indeed tore down the wall of enmity between God and man,* and brought peace in its place.* She opened up the kingdom of heaven.* Let us therefore cling fast to her for she is the anchor of faith,* and let us receive as our stronghold the Lord Who was born of her.* Be of good cheer, then, and have confidence, O people of God,* for He will fight our enemies for us,* He is all-powerful!

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

The Lord reigns,* He is clothed in majesty.

verse: Robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.

verse: For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

verse: Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

Aposticha

Tone 1

O Christ, by Your passion we have been freed from suffering;* and by Your resurrection we have been delivered from corruption.* O Lord, glory to You!

The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.

Let all creation rejoice, let the heavens be glad,* let the nations clap their hands with joy.* For Christ our Saviour, in His love for mankind,* has nailed our sins to the Cross;* He has put Death to death,* and by raising our fallen forefather, Adam,* He has given life to all mankind.

For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

O God, You are above all understanding;* You are King and Lord of heaven and earth.* Yet of Your own free will,* You allowed Yourself to be crucified because of Your love for mankind.* When You descended below,* Hades was filled with bitterness as You confronted it;* but the souls of the just received You with great joy.* Adam arose when he saw You, his Creator, down in the depths.* What a wonder this is!* You are the life of all and have tasted death* in order to dispel the darkness of the world with Your light.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory to You!

Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

The myrrh-bearing women were filled with grief* as they hastened with spices to Your tomb;* but they did not find Your most pure body.* Instead, they found an angel* who proclaimed Your unique and glorious resurrection,* and commanded them to announce to Your apostles:* The Lord is risen,* granting great mercy to the world.

Tone 2, Glory… Now…

The all-immaculate Bride and Mother of Him in whom the Father was well-pleased,* who was foreordained by God to be the habitation of His unconfused Union,* commits her all-pure soul to God the Creator.* The hosts of the incorporeal ones bear her aloft, and she passes over to life,* in that she is the Mother of the Life,* the light of the Light unapproachable,* the salvation of the faithful and the hope of our souls.

Troparia

Tone 1

Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your Kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan!* O only Lover of mankind.

Tone 4, Glory…

Your martyr, Myron, O Lord,* by his passion acquired the crown of incorruptibility from You, our God.* For possessing Your power he overcame the torturers* and shattered the feeble insolence of demons.* By his supplications, save our souls.

Tone 1, Now…

In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

SUNDAY MATINS

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 1

Troparia, Tone 1

Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your Kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan!* O only Lover of mankind. (2)

Glory… Now…

O Holy Tabernacle, when Gabriel cried out to you:* Rejoice, O Virgin, full of grace,* the Lord of All became incarnate of you,* as the righteous David had foretold.* In bearing your Creator, you have shown yourself to surpass the vastness of the heavens.* We, therefore, cry out: Glory to Him who dwelt in you!* Glory to Him who came forth from you!* Glory to Him who has set us free* through your life-giving birth!

Psalter Reading

Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 1

While watching Your grave, the soldiers became as dead men* from the lightning flash of the Angel* who appeared and proclaimed to the women the Resurrection.* We glorify You, the destroyer of corruption;* we fall down before You, who has risen from the grave* and who alone are our God.

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.

You were willingly nailed to the Cross, O Compassionate one,* and laid in a tomb as a mortal, O Giver of life.* By Your death, O Powerful one,* You have smashed its might;* for gatekeepers of Hades trembled before You;* You have raised with You the dead from every age,* for You alone love mankind.

Glory… Now…

All we who with love flee for refuge to your goodness* know you to be the Mother of God* and after childbirth still truly Virgin;* for we sinners have you as our protection;* we have you as our salvation in misfortunes,* as the only All-immaculate one.

Psalter Reading

Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 1

The women came to Your tomb at dawn* and seeing a vision of an Angel they trembled;* the tomb became resplendent with life;* and amazed by the miracle, they returned to the disciples and proclaimed the Resurrection:* for Christ has despoiled Hades,* as alone almighty and all powerful,* raising up those in corruption,* dispelling the fear of condemnation* by the power of the Cross.

I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.

O Life of all, You were nailed to the Cross;* O immortal Lord, You were numbered among the dead,* arising on the third day, O Saviour,* raising Adam from corruption;* wherefore the heavenly Powers cried out to You:* O Giver of life, Glory to Your sufferings, O Christ;* glory to Your Resurrection;* glory to Your condescension,* O only Lover of mankind’.

Glory… Now…

O Mary, holy tabernacle of the Master,* raise us up who have fallen into the pit of wicked despair, of transgressions and afflictions;* for you are the salvation,* the help and the mighty protection of sinners,* and you save your servants.

Polyeleos

Evlogitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 1

The Thief’s repentance plundered Paradise,* but the Myrrh-bearers’ lamentations announced the joy that You have risen, O Christ God,* granting the world great mercy.

Hymn of Ascent, Tone 1

Antiphon 1

When I am afflicted,* I cry to You, O Lord,* hearken to my pains.

For those who dwell in the desert* the longing for God never ceases,* for they are far from the vanity of this world.

Glory… Now…

To the Holy Spirit, as to the Father and the Son,* are due honour and glory;* thus let us sing to the Trinity,* a single power.

Antiphon 2

Having lifted me up to the summit of Your laws,* make me shine with virtues, O God,* that I may sing Your praises.

Take me with Your right hand, O Word,* guard me and keep me,* lest the fire of sin scorch me.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit all creation is made new* and hastens back to its original condition;* for He is equal in strength* to the Father and the Word.

Antiphon 3

With those who said to me:* Let us journey to the courts of the Lord,* my Spirit was gladdened and my heart rejoices.

In the house of David is great fear;* for when the thrones are set therein,* all the tribes and nations of the earth will be judged.

Glory… Now…

To the Holy Spirit must be offered honor, adoration, glory, and power,* as befits also the Father and the Son;* for the Trinity is a Unity,* one in essence, but not in Hypostases.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

I myself will arise, says the Lord.* I will grant them the salvation for which they thirst.

verse: The words of the Lord are words without alloy.

Let everything that lives, Tone 1

Gospel

John 21:1-14

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Canon, Tone 1

Ode 1

Irmos: Your warrior hand is glorious in strength, O deathless one!* All-powerful, in manner fit for God,* it broke the enemy in pieces,* and devised for Israel a strange, new way through the deep.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He, who with pure hands divinely working in the beginning formed me from the earth, spread out those hands upon the cross, and from the earth recalled my corruptible body which he had received from the Virgin.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He, who divinely breathing into me implanted within me a soul, suffered dissolution for me, and delivered his soul to death; loosing the age-old bonds and raising me with himself, he made me glorious in incorruption.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Hail, fount of grace! Hail, ladder and gate of heaven! Hail, bearer of the light, vessel of gold, mountain unhewn and bearer of Christ, the giver of life to the world!

Irmos: I shall open my mouth, and the Spirit will inspire it,* and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and Mother:* I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast* and joyfully praising her wonders.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

O virgin maidens, with Miriam the prophetess raise now a hymn of parting! For she who alone is Virgin and Mother of God is translated and received into heaven.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The divine mansions of heaven received you as an animate heaven, as is meet, O all-pure one; and you have taken your place as a bride, splendidly adorned, before your King and God, O most immaculate one.

Irmos: Come, you people, let us sing a hymn to Christ God,* who divided the sea and guided the people* whom He led out from the bondage of Egypt,* for He has been glorified!

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Joining chorus in memory of the athlete Myron today, let us sing praise to God who bestowed upon him the strength to destroy the might of the enemy.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Suffering under the law, O most suffering martyr, you offered yourself to the Benefactor as a gift, a sacred oblation, a goodly victim, a sacrifice of sweet fragrance.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

As one wise and as a pure temple of Him who shone forth from the Virgin, O glorious one, you drove away the soul-destroying wolf who tried to harass the flock of God.

Glory… Now…

The passion-bearing martyrs set delusion at nothing, confessing God who became like us, and to whom you alone gave birth without knowing wedlock, O pure Lady.

Katavasia: Your sacred and renowned memorial, O Virgin,* is clothed in the embroidered raiment of divine glory.* It has brought all the faithful together in joy,* and led by Miriam, with dances and timbrels,* they sing the praises of your Only-begotten Son:* For He hath been greatly glorified.

Ode 3

Irmos: You alone, knowing the frailty of mortal man, tenderly took its form;* gird me with power from on high, crying to you:* Holy is the living temple of your pure glory,* O Lover of man!

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Good One, you are my God, in pity for the fallen you determined to come down to me; you have raised me up by your crucifixion, crying to you: Holy is the Lord of glory, in goodness beyond compare!

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ divinely existing life as God compassionate you clothed yourself with me, corrupted one; coming down to the dust of death, O Lord, you broke the chains of man’s mortality and on the third day, rising, clothed the dead with incorruption.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

When by the all-holy Spirit, O Virgin, you conceived God in your womb, you remained unconsumed by the fire; for to Moses the lawgiver, the bush burning yet unconsumed clearly foretold you who received the fire unendurable.

Irmos: O Mother of God, living and plentiful fount,* give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship,* who sing hymns of praise to you:* and in your divine glory vouchsafe to them crowns of glory.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Having come forth from a mortal womb, O pure one, you received an end according to nature; but having given birth to Him who is Life, you have been translated to the divine and personal Life.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

At the command of the Almighty, the choir of theologians journeyed from the ends of the earth, and multitudes of angels came from on high to Sion to minster at your burial, as was fitting, O Lady.

Irmos: You have set me upon the rock of faith;* You have enlarged my mouth over my enemies,* for my spirit rejoices when it sings: There is none holy like our God,* and none righteous but You, O Lord!

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Lifting the desire of your heart to the Lord who was lifted up on the Cross, O glorious one, you were lacerated on the tree and exalted, crying with fervour: None is more righteous than You, O Lord!

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

With the sharp arrows of your words, you pierced the heart of the tyrant, O valiant and most-praised warrior of Christ the King; and, singing, you said: None is more righteous than You, O Lord!

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Shining like the dawn, like the morning, you dispelled the gloom of ignorance, O much-suffering Myron, and enlightened those who ever sing: You are our God, and none is more righteous than You, O Lord!

Glory… Now…

Having given birth to the Healer, O Virgin, you have most gloriously healed all creation, which was sick with ungodliness. Therefore, in thanksgiving we cry to you: None is more pure than you, O Lady!

Katavasia: O Christ, the Wisdom and the Power of God, who creates and upholds all,* establish the Church unshaken and unwavering:* for only You are holy,* who has Your resting place among the saints.

Kontakion, Tone 2

The tomb and death could not hold the Mother of God,* unceasing in her intercession and unfailing hope of patronage,* for, as the Mother of Life, she was transferred to life* by Him Who had dwelt in her ever-virgin womb.

Ikos

O Saviour, encircle my heart so that I may praise this stronghold of the world, your most pure Mother; may my words be as strong as a fortress, and may my thoughts acquire power and strength. You always fulfill the petitions of those who come to You in faith. Therefore, grant me the words, the tongue, and the thoughts that are without shame; for every gift that enlightens us comes from You, the Enlightener of our souls, and the Lord who dwelt in a virginal womb.

Kontakion, Tone 4

From your tenderest years you loved Christ* and kept all His commandments, O most glorious Myron.* You followed Him quickly with your innocence,* and it is fitting that you now keep company with angels.* Seek the remission of sins for those who honour you.

Sessional Hymn

Tone 1, Podoben, “Your tomb, O Saviour…”

You were shown to be a sweet fragrance, fiery in spirit,* O adornment of martyrs and ornament of the faithful;* and, in accordance with your name,* you perfume our hearts with your suffering.* Therefore, celebrating your most holy memory today,* all who honour you are made holy with love.

Glory… Now…

The honourable choir of the all-wise apostles was gathered together miraculously* to bury your all-pure body gloriously, O most-praised Theotokos.* With them a multitude of angels sang,* praising with honour your repose,* which we celebrate in faith.

Ode 4

Irmos: Habbakuk with the foreseeing eyes apprehended you,* the mountain by divine grace overshadowed,* and proclaimed the Holy One of Israel to come forth from you* for our salvation and remaking.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Who is this Saviour that comes from Edom, crowned with thorns, with garments reddened, hanging on a tree? He is the Holy One of Israel for our salvation and remaking.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

See, disobedient people, and be ashamed! He, whom you, as an evildoer, madly begged Pilate to hang upon the cross, he, as belongs to God, has dissolved the power of death and risen from the tomb.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

O Virgin, we know you as a tree of life, for there sprang from you not the death-bearing fruit of food for mortal men but fruition of life eternal for the salvation of us who sing to you.

Irmos: The prophet Habakkuk,* foreseeing the unfathomable counsel of God*—the incarnation of You, the Most High, from the Virgin*—cried out: Glory to Your power, O Lord!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

It was a wonder to see the living heaven of the King of all surpass the desolate places of the earth; how wondrous are Your works! Glory to Your power, O Lord!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

If her unapproachable Fruit, through whom the heavens were made, chose of His own will to accept burial as a mortal, how could she who gave birth to Him without knowing a man refuse burial?

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

At your repose, O Mother of God, with trembling and joy the armies of the angels covered your most spacious body, which had held God, with their sacred wings.

Irmos: I sing to You, O Lord, for I have heard Your report and was afraid. You came to seek me, who had gone astray. Therefore I glorify Your great condescension toward me, O most merciful One!

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Confessing the Savior, God and Lord, who shone forth from the Virgin, O glorious one, you, in the midst of the tribunal, by your endurance laid low the insolence of the tyrants and set polytheism at nothing.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Lacerated and beaten, O valiant-minded one, you were not afraid, and thus astonished the angels who beheld your endurance. And destroying the bodiless foe by it, you were shown to be a victorious martyr.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Full of divine dew, with steadfast heart you passed through the fiery furnace and were seen there rejoicing with the angels, O wise and blessed Myron, and in no way consumed.

Glory… Now…

The great and awesome mystery of your childbearing astonishes the heavenly hosts, O pure one; for in His goodness, God was pleased to be incarnate through you for the salvation and sanctification of the world.

Katavasia: The dark sayings and riddles of the prophets* foreshadowed Your incarnation from a Virgin, O Christ,* even the lightening of Your brightness* which was to come as light to lighten the gentiles;* and the deep utters its voice to You in joy:* Glory to Your power, O You who love mankind.

Ode 5

Irmos: O Christ, you have illumined the ends of the earth* by the brightness of your coming and made them radiant with joy by your cross;* enlighten with the light of the knowledge of you* the hearts of those who with right belief sing your praise.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The Jews put to death on the tree of the cross the great shepherd of the sheep and the Lord; but he rescued the dead from the power of death, terrified sheep in Hell.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

When you announced the glad tidings of peace by your cross and proclaimed deliverance to the captives, my Saviour, then, O Christ, you put to shame him who held them in thrall and by your divine rising showed him naked and destitute.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

All-praised, do not despise the prayers of those who faithfully entreat you but receive and present them, O pure one, to your Son, our God and only benefactor; for in you we have gained a protector.

Irmos: All things are filled with awe at your honoured dormition,*  for you, O Virgin who have not known wedlock,* have passed from earth to the everlasting mansions, and to never-ending life,* bestowing salvation upon all who hymn you.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Let the trumpets of the theologians sound forth today, and let the eloquent tongues of people now offer praise; let the air resound, shining with boundless light, and let the angels hymn the dormition of the all-pure Virgin.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

It was fitting for you, O most praised Virgin Theotokos, to be the chosen vessel that is wholly marvelled at in song at your departure, wholly consecrated to God, pleasing to Him in every way, and truly revealed as such.

Irmos: O Christ my Saviour, enlightenment of those who lie in darkness* and the salvation of those in despair;* to You I rise at dawn.* Illumine me with Your radiance, for I know no other God but You.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Your divinely radiant and light-bearing memory, which through the power of the Holy Spirit has spread throughout the world, illumines with the light of piety those who honour it and proclaim your valiant deeds.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Though still young, you endured bitter persecution, O brave martyr; for, strengthened by invisible power, you bore the flaying of your skin as though it were not you, but another who suffered, O glorious one.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Your fragrant myrrh has poured forth in drops upon our wounds, O martyr, dispelling all the stench of ungodliness, and ever perfuming the Holy Church of Christ, which blesses you openly with faith and love.

Glory… Now…

O blessed and all-pure one, intercede for us before Him who was ineffably incarnate of you, that we who always confess you to be the Theotokos may be delivered from all enemies, visible and invisible, O all-immaculate one.

Katavasia: I shall declare the divine and ineffable beauty of Your excellencies, O Christ.* For You have shone forth in Your own Person* as the co-eternal brightness from the eternal glory,* and taking flesh from a virgin’s womb,* You have arisen as the sun,* giving light to those that were in darkness and shadow.

Ode 6

Irmos: The deepest abyss has surrounded us, there is none to deliver,* we are counted as sheep for the slaughter;* save your people, our God,* for you are the strength and restoring of the weak.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

By the fault of the first-fashioned man, O Lord, we were grievously wounded; by your stripes, O Christ, by which for our sakes you were wounded, we are healed; for you are the strength and restoring of the weak.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You have brought us up from Hell, O Lord, you have crushed the all-devouring whale by your might and laid low his strength, O All-powerful; for you are life and light and resurrection.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

O pure Virgin, our forefathers rejoice in you, and regain through you that Eden which they destroyed by transgressions; for you are chaste before your bearing and after the birth.

Irmos: Celebrating this divine and most honoured festival of the Mother of God,* come, O divinely wise, let us clap our hands and glorify God who was born of her.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

From you did Life shone forth, leaving intact the seal of your virginity, how, therefore, has your all-pure and life-giving body been permitted to be tempted by death?

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

As the temple of Life, you attained life everlasting; for through death you passed over to life, having given birth to the hypostatic Life.

Irmos: Out of the whale Jonah cried to the Lord:* Lead me up from the depths of hell, I pray,* that I may sacrifice to You, my Deliverer,* with a voice of praise in the spirit of truth!

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

With the sprinkling of your sacred blood you drowned legions of the demons, O valiant warrior; and, wearing your wreath as an exemplary victor, you hastened to God.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Seeing your countenance illumined with divine splendour, O passion-bearer, the tyrants were amazed; but, refusing to acknowledge God, they have chosen the darkness instead, and are sent into eternal torment.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

At the command of the cruel tormenter, in manner surpassing human nature you endured the flaying of your skin, O right laudable one, showing your pure desire for God and your unwavering gaze toward Him.

Glory… Now…

The laws of nature are made over in you, O Virgin; for, in manner surpassing nature, for our regeneration, you gave birth most gloriously to God-Emmanuel, who is unapproachable in His nature.

Katavasia: The fire within the whale,* the monster dwelling in the salt waters of the sea,* was a prefiguring of Your three days’ burial,* and Jonah acted as interpreter.* For, saved and unharmed, as though he had never been swallowed,* he cried aloud: I will sacrifice to You with the voice of praise, O Lord.

Kontakion, Tone 1

You arose in glory from the tomb* and with Yourself You raised the world.* All humanity acclaims You as God,* and death has vanished.* Adam exults, O Master,* and Eve, redeemed now from bondage, cries out for joy:* “You are the One, O Christ, Who offer resurrection to all.”

Ikos

The third day arising, gates of Hell shattering, the age-long dead raising, as God of all power to him we sing praises: to the myrrh-bearing women in loving good-pleasure appearing, to those who were foremost, saying: Rejoice, joy to the apostles proclaiming, the only giver of life. To disciples in faith then the women proclaim the tokens of victory, and Hell groans and death laments, the whole world exults, all things rejoice together, for you, O Christ, have bestowed upon all resurrection.

Ode 7

Irmos: We, the faithful, discern you, Mother of God, as furnace of intellect:* for as he, the most highly exalted, kept safe the three children* so in your womb he re-fashioned man wholly,* God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The earth shuddered with fear, the sun fled and with it the light darkened, the sacred veil of the temple was torn in two and the rocks were split; for the righteous one was fixed to the cross, God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Of your own will for us you became as one with no help and wounded among the dead, O most highly exalted, and freed us all; and with your strong hand you raised us up with yourself, God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Hail, spring of ever-living water! Hail, paradise of delight! Hail, fortress of the faithful! Hail, unwedded one! Hail, joy of all the world from whom has sprung for us the God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all!

Irmos: The divinely wise youths worshipped not a creation rather than the Creator,* but, manfully trampling the threat of the fire underfoot,* they rejoiced, chanting: Blessed are You, the all-hymned Lord* and God of our fathers!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Honouring the memory of the Mother of God, O youths and virgins, elders and princes, kings and judges, chant: O Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are You!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Let the mountains of heaven sound the trumpet of the Spirit! Let the hills rejoice and the divine apostles dance! The Queen passes over to her Son, reigning with Him.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The most sacred repose of Your divine and incorrupt Mother has united the celestial ranks of the exalted hosts to rejoice with those on earth, chanting to you: Blessed are You, O God!

Irmos: Your mind burning brightly with divine desire, O wise one,* you rejoiced and were jubilant when you stood in the midst of the flame like the three youths;* and with them you cried out with faith:* Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Seeing you standing in the flame amongst angels, your countenance shining with ineffable light, O wise one, those who looked on marvelled and, moved to hymnody, they chanted to the Master: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Standing with the angelic intelligences in the midst of the furnace with a pure mind, rejoicing you hymned the all-good Lord as the One who bridled the flame and saved you who chanted: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Glory… Now…

O all-pure virgin, you are revealed to be the dwelling-place and beauteous palace of God, and the divine throne whereon He sat and prepared for all a seat in heaven. Therefore, we cry out: Blessed are you who gave birth to God in the flesh!

Katavasia: Divine Love, fighting against cruel wrath and fire,* quenched the fire with dew and laughed the wrath to scorn,* making the three-stringed harp of the saints inspired by God* sing in the midst of the flames in answer to the instruments of music:* Blessed are You, O most glorious God,* our God and the God of our fathers.’

Ode 8

Irmos: In the fiery oven as in a smelting furnace* the Israelite children shone bright with the beauty of godliness purer than gold,* and they said: Bless the Lord, all his works,* praise and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Word of God, maker and transformer of all by your will, changing the shadow of death into everlasting life by your Passion, we, all your works, unceasingly praise you as Lord, and highly exalt you throughout all the age ·.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Rising on the third day from the grave, O Christ, you demolished the destruction and misery within the gates and strongholds of Hell. All your works unceasingly praise you as Lord, and highly exalt you throughout all the ages.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Let us sing to her who without seed and above nature brought forth Christ the precious pearl from the divine lightning, and let us say: Bless the Lord, all his works, praise and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.

Irmos: The birthgiving of the Theotokos saved the pious youths in the furnace:* then in figure, but now in deed;* and it moves the whole universe to chant to You: Sing to the Lord, O you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The principalities, authorities and powers, the angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, the cherubim and the dread seraphim, glorify your memory, O pure Virgin; and we, the human race, hymn and exalt it supremely for all ages.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

He who, in strange manner, made His abode, incarnate, within your pure womb, O Theotokos, receives your most sacred spirit and, as your Son and one in your debt, has given it rest by His side. Therefore, we hymn and exalt you supremely for all ages, O Virgin.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

O the wonders of the Ever-virgin and Mother of God, which pass understanding! For, taking up her abode in the grave, she has shown it to be paradise; and standing before it today, rejoicing, we chant: Hymn the Lord, O you works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Irmos: In the furnace of the youths You once revealed a figure of Your Mother, O Lord,* and took the image of her from the fire which they entered without being consumed.* We sing to her who through You has been revealed to the ends of the world today, and exalt her supremely for all ages.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Beholding you unvanquished, O you of valorous mind, when they were cutting strips of your flesh down to the very bone, the mindless tormenter ordered that yet another torture be added: that you be lacerated with claws of iron, afflicted incurably with unbearable wounds.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

In the hearing of all the people, O glorious martyr Myron, the voice of God was borne to you, summoning you to the ineffable places of rest and the beauteous choirs of the angels in heaven.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Like Daniel, you stood in the midst of wild beasts which stood in awe of your blessed suffering and the immeasurable magnitude of your struggles, O all-blessed one, and which were obedient to your voice.

Glory… Now…

Pierced by the arrow of the enemy, I have utterly wounded my soul and suffer incurably. As you are she who gave birth to Christ the Saviour, O all-immaculate one, heal and save me, O hope of the hopeless.

We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. We extol and exalt Him above all for ever.

Katavasia: The all-powerful Angel of God revealed to the Children a flame,* that brought refreshment to the holy while it consumed the ungodly.* And He made the Theotokos into a life-giving fount,* gushing forth to the destruction of death and to the life of those that sing:* We who have been delivered praise the one and only Creator* and exalt Him above all forever.’

Magnificat

Ode 9

Irmos: The bush ever burning and never consumed* was the type of your pure child-bearing;* quench now for us the raging furnace of temptations, we pray you,* that we may unceasingly magnify you, Mother of God.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O how the lawless and disobedient people, devising evil, made right the accursed and ungodly man and condemned the righteous, the Lord of glory, to the tree! Worthily, we magnify him!

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Saviour, innocent Lamb, taking away the sins of the world, risen on the third day, we glorify you, together with the Father and your divine Spirit; acknowledging you as God, we magnify you, the Lord of glory.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Save your people, Lord, whom you purchased with your precious blood. Grant strength to the king against his enemies, Lover of man, and bestow peace on your churches through the prayers of the Mother of God.

Irmos: Let every earth-born person leap for joy, enlightened by the Spirit,* and let the nature of the incorporeal intelligences keep festival,* honouring the sacred repose of the Mother of God,* and let them cry aloud: Rejoice, O most blessed Theotokos, O pure Ever-virgin!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Come to Sion, the divine and fertile mountain of the living God, and let us behold the Theotokos; for Christ has translated her, as His Mother, to the Holy of Holies of a far better and divine tabernacle.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Come, O faithful, let us approach the tomb of the Mother of God and kiss it with hearts and lips, touching to it your eyes and faces, and drawing gifts of abundant healings from the ever-flowing fountain.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Accept from us a hymn of parting, O Mother of the living God, and with you light-bearing and divine grace overshadow us, granting victory to orthodox hierarchs over heresies, and forgiveness to all Christian people who sing to you, and salvation for their souls.

Irmos: O faithful, let us with hymns magnify in oneness of mind the Word of God,* who from God came in His ineffable wisdom to renew Adam* who had grievously fallen into corruption,* and who was ineffably incarnate for our sake of the holy Virgin.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

That you might be counted worthy to behold the future glory and ineffable comeliness of Christ the Judge of the contest, O valiant one, you bowed your neck and accept beheading with the sword; and you fill the divine legions of the martyrs with joy.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Your right praiseworthy memory has, like a sweet-smelling myrrh which perfumes the hearts of the faithful, dawned for those who desire it; by your supplications fill us with divine fragrance, who celebrate thereon, O right laudable Myron.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

Achaia boasts in your swaddling bands and sufferings, O valiant athlete of Christ; and Cyzicus is greatly adorned, possessing your much-suffering body as a veritable treasure, a well-spring of healings and a cure purging away illness.

O holy martyr Myron, pray to God for us!

The beauteous Church, the noetic Sion, Mother of cities, elect of all that is holy in the highest, as it is written, has you as eminent among the martyrs, who as a martyr prays in our behalf.

Glory… Now…

O virgin, palace and throne of God, we all cry out to you with the voice of the angel: Rejoice, O you through whom we, who of old were rejected because of corruption and foolishly ruined our pristine beauty, have been vouchsafed the kingdom of heaven.

Katavasia: In you, O Virgin without spot, the bounds of nature are overcome:* for childbirth remains virgin and death is betrothed to life.* O Theotokos, Virgin after bearing child and alive after death,* do thou ever save Your inheritance.

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

The two sons of Zebedee, with Peter, Nathaniel, and Thomas,* and two others were fishing in the Lake of Tiberias.* By the command of Christ, they cast the net on the right side* and drew out many fish.* Peter, recognizing Christ, came swimming toward Him.* This was the third appearance of the Lord after His resurrection.* Then He shared with them bread and fish from the fire.

Glory…

O holy apostles of Christ, gathered here from the ends of the universe,* carry my body to the garden of Gethsemane and place it in the tomb.* And You, my Son and my God, receive my breath and my spirit.

Now…

Though you have passed over from earth to heaven, forsake not your inheritance, O pure one: make firm the rule of our land; subdue the nations, and pour forth peace upon the ends of the world.

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 1

We sing the praise of Your saving Passion, O Christ,* and we glorify Your Resurrection.

Having endured the Cross,* and destroyed death* and risen from the dead,* grant peace to our lives, O Lord,* as You alone are All-powerful.

Having despoiled Hades* and raised mankind by Thy Resurrection, O Christ, ** grant that with pure hearts we may praise and glorify Thee.

As we glorify Your divine condescension,* we praise You, O Christ:* For You were born of a Virgin,* yet You were not separated from the Father;* as man You suffered and willingly endured the Cross;* arising from the grave, as though coming forth from Your bridal chamber,* that You might save the world.* O Lord, glory be to You!

Tone 6

Following the words of the divine Gabriel,* we cry to you: Rejoice, O pure one!* Therefore, O all-holy Mother of the Lord,* having passed over to Him,* be mindful of those who sing to you.

Following the words of the divine Gabriel,* we cry to you: Rejoice, O pure one!* Therefore, O all-holy Mother of the Lord,* having passed over to Him,* be mindful of those who sing to you.

The infinite Wisdom of God in manner past understanding,* through the Holy Spirit made of you a temple for Himself, O Theotokos.* And now He has translated you to the immaterial mansions of heaven,* O most hymned one.

A slave, I come to you, the Mother of the God of all,* begging to be delivered from all perils.* O Theotokos, who reigns with your Son,* preserve the Christian race.

Tone 6, Glory…

After Your descent into Hades, O Christ,* and Your resurrection from the dead,* the disciples grieved over Your departure.* They returned to their occupations* and attended to their nets and their boats,* but their fishing was in vain.* You appeared to them since You are Lord of all;* You commanded them to cast the nets on the right side.* Immediately Your word became deed.* They caught a great number of fish,* and they found an unexpected meal prepared for them on the shore,* which they immediately ate.* Now, make us worthy to enjoy this meal with them in a spiritual manner,* O Lord and Lover of mankind.

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 1: Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans,* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day,* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan,* O only Lover of mankind.

Troparion, Tone 1: In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion, Tone 1: You arose in glory from the tomb* and with Yourself You raised the world.* All humanity acclaims You as God,* and death has vanished.* Adam exults, O Master,* and Eve, redeemed now from bondage, cries out for joy:* “You are the One, O Christ, Who offer resurrection to all.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: The tomb and death could not hold the Mother of God,* unceasing in her intercession and unfailing hope of patronage,* for, as the Mother of Life, she was transferred to life* by Him Who had dwelt in her ever-virgin womb.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in You.

verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:22,1)

Epistle

1 Corinthians 4:9-16

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: God gives me vindication, and has subdued peoples under me.

verse: Making great the salvation of the king, and showing mercy to His anointed, to David, and to His posterity forever. (Psalm 17:48,51)

Gospel

Matthew 17:14-23

Hymn to the Mother of God

Seeing the pure one’s falling asleep, angels marvelled in wonder how the Virgin could ascend from earth to heaven.

And the Irmos: O pure Virgin, in you are conquered the bounds of nature,* for childbirth remains virginal and death is betrothed to life.* Virgin after childbearing and alive after death, O Mother of God,* never cease to save your inheritance.

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.