Third Sunday of the Great Fast: Veneration of the Holy Cross; Octoechos Tone 6; Our Venerable Father and Confessor Theophilactus, Bishop of Nicomedia.

When

March 8, 2026

All Day

Available in Word document: 2026-03-08

Day 21 of the Great Fast. Resurrectional Gospel 6.

GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY NIGHT

Kathisma Reading

Blessed is the man… is sung.

At Psalm 140

Tone 6

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

O Christ, You won the victory over Hades,* You ascended the cross so that You might raise up with Yourself* all those who dwelt in the darkness of death.* Almighty Saviour, You are free from death* and bestow life by Your divine light.* We, therefore, beseech You to have mercy on us.

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

Today Christ has conquered Death.* He has risen from the grave as He had foretold,* bestowing great joy upon the world.* Therefore, let us all lift up our voices and sing:* O Fount of Life, O Light whom no one can approach,* Almighty Saviour, have mercy on us.

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

O Lord, where can we sinners flee from You,* for You are present in all creation?* You are present in heaven, for it is Your dwelling place.* Your power prevails in Hades where You conquered Death.* O Master, Your sustaining hand touches even the depths of the sea.* Where, then, can we take refuge except in You?* We, therefore, prostrate ourselves before You and pray:* O Lord, risen from the dead, have mercy on us.

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

We exult in Your cross, O Christ,* and we sing the glory of Your resurrection.* For You are our God, and we have no other Lord but You.

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

Glory to Your might, O Lord,* for You have conquered the power of death.* You have renewed us through Your cross,* granting us life and incorruption.

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

We forever bless the Lord and praise His resurrection,* for by suffering crucifixion,* He has destroyed death by His death.

Tone 5

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

Shine, O Cross of the Lord,* shine with the light of your grace upon the hearts of those that honour you.* With love inspired by God, we embrace you, O desire of all the world.* Through you our tears of sorrow have been wiped away;* we have been delivered from the snares of death* and have passed over to unending joy.* Show us the glory of your beauty* and grant to us your servants* the reward of our abstinence,* for we entreat with faith your rich protection and great mercy.

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

Hail, life-giving Cross,* the fair Paradise of the Church,* Tree of incorruption that brings us the enjoyment of eternal glory:* through you the hosts of demons have been driven back;* and the hierarchies of angels rejoice with one accord,* as the congregations of the faithful keep the feast.* You are an invincible weapon, an unbroken stronghold;* you are the victory of kings and the glory of priests.* Grant us now to draw near to the Passion of Christ* and to His Resurrection.

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

Hail, life-giving Cross,* unconquerable trophy of the true faith,* door to Paradise, succour of the faithful,* rampart set about the Church.* Through you the curse is utterly destroyed,* the power of death is swallowed up,* and we are raised from earth to heaven:* invincible weapon, adversary of demons, glory of martyrs,* true ornament of holy monks, haven of salvation* bestowing on the world great mercy.

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

Come, Adam and Eve, our first father and mother,* who fell from the choir on high through the envy of the murderer of man,* when of old with bitter pleasure you tasted of the tree in Paradise.* See, the Tree of the Cross, revered by all, draws near!* Run with haste and embrace it joyfully,* and cry out to it with faith:* O precious Cross, you are our succour;* partaking of your fruit we have gained incorruption;* we are restored once more to Eden,* and we have received great mercy.

Tone 3, Glory…

O Christ our God, of Your own will You have accepted Crucifixion,* that all mankind might be restored to life.* Taking the quill of the Cross, out of love for man* in the red ink of royalty with bloody fingers* You signed our absolution.* We are in danger once again of being parted from You;* O forsake us not!* Take pity on Your people in distress,* for You alone are longsuffering.** Rise up and fight against our enemies in Your almighty power.

Tone 6, Now…

Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

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 6

O Christ our Saviour,* the angels in heaven sing the praises of Your resurrection;* make us on earth also worthy* to extol and glorify You with a pure heart.

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

Almighty God, You destroyed the brazen gates and bars of Hades,* and raised up fallen mankind.* Therefore, with one accord, we cry out:* O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to You!

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

Christ willed to renew us from our corruption of old* by being nailed to a cross and placed in a tomb.* When the women came to anoint His body they tearfully cried out:* O, what sorrow afflicts us!* O Saviour of All, how could You consent to occupy a grave?* If you truly willed this, then why did You allow Your body to be stolen?* How were You removed?* What place now conceals Your life-bearing body?* O Lord, appear to us as You promised* and put an end to our tears.* As they were lamenting, an angel appeared and cried out to them:* Do not weep, but tell the apostles that the Lord is risen,* granting sanctification and great mercy to the world.

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

O Christ, You were crucified of Your own free will,* and by Your burial You imprisoned Death.* As God, You rose in glory on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.

Tone 4, Glory… Now…

O Lord who helped gentle David in the combat* and enabled him to overcome the Philistine,* come to the aid of Your orthodox people,* and by the weapon of the Cross cast down our enemies.* In Your compassion show us Your mercy as of old,* and make them know in truth that You are God,* and that we who put our trust in You shall conquer.* At the constant intercessions of Your most pure Mother,* grant us Your great mercy.

Troparia

Tone 6

Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!

Tone 1, Glory…

Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.* Grant victory to Your faithful people against enemies,* and protect Your community by Your Cross.

Now…

O Holy Tabernacle, when Gabriel called 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!

GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 6

Troparia, Tone 6

Tone 1, Glory…

Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.* Grant victory to Your faithful people against enemies,* and protect Your community by Your Cross.

Now…

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 6

While the tomb lay open and Hades lamented,* Mary, cried to the Apostles who were in hiding saying:* “Come forth, you workers of the vineyard,* proclaim to the world the word of the Resurrection,* for the Lord is risen,* granting the world His great mercy!”

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

Mary Magdalene stood by Your tomb O Lord,* and mistaking You for the gardener,* weeping she cried aloud to You:* “Where have You hidden the Life eternal?* Where have You placed He who sits on the Cherubic Throne?* For those who were guarding Him have become as dead-men through fear.* Either give me my Lord or cry out with me:* O You who were numbered among the dead and have raised the dead,* glory be to You!”

Glory… Now…

Gideon foretold of your conception,* and David revealed your ineffable child-bearing, O Theotokos;* for the Word descended like a dew upon the fleece of your womb,* and you O Virgin full of grace,* like unto a holy and fertile earth,* budded forth without seed our salvation, Christ God.

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 6

Life was laid in the tomb* and a seal was set upon the stone;* the soldiers stood guarding Christ like a sleeping King;* and having invisibly struck His foes the Lord arose.

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

Jonah foretold of Your tomb,* and Symeon revealed Your divine Arising, O immortal Lord;* for You descended as One dead into the tomb,* and having smashed the gates of Hades,* You arose without corruption as Master, for the salvation of all the world,* O Christ our God,* enlightening those lying in darkness.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin Theotokos, entreat your Son Christ our God,* who was willingly nailed upon the Cross,* and freed the world from deception,* that He have mercy upon our souls!

Polyeleos

Evoglitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 6

By Your voluntary and life-giving death, O Christ,* You shattered the gates of Hades,* and as God You opened to us the Paradise of old;* and by arising from the dead,* You delivered our lives from corruption.

Gradual Hymns, Tone 6

Antiphon 1

Unto heaven I raise my eyes, even unto You, O Word;* have pity on me,* that I may live for You.

Have mercy upon us who are filled with contempt O Word,* repairing Your broken vessels* that we may be found useful.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit is the cause of all salvation,* if He sees fit to breathe on one of His creatures,* He swiftly raises him from the things of this earth, and having given him wings,* makes him to flourish and raises him on high.

Antiphon 2

If the Lord had not dwelt among us,* none could have withstood the attacks of the enemy,* for those who are victorious* are exalted by Him.

Let not my soul be taken like a sparrow by their teeth, O Word;* Woe unto me!* How shall I, the lover of sin, be delivered from the power of the enemy?

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit all find divine inspiration,* goodness, understanding, peace, and blessing;* for He is equal in activity* to the Father and the Word.

Antiphon 3

They that put their trust in the Lord look upon high* and are thus fearful to their foes* and wondrous to all mankind.

Unto the pursuit of iniquities* the righteous stretch not the hands,* having You, O Saviour, as their helper.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit is sovereignty over all creation;* Him the armies of hosts above worship* and by everything that has breath below* is He worshiped.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

O Lord, stir up Your might* and come to save us.

verse: O Shepherd of Israel, attend, You that lead Joseph like a sheep.

Let everything that lives, Tone 6

Gospel

Luke 24:36-53

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

After 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 6

Ode 1

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Israel, marching on foot in the sea as on the dry land,* saw Pharaoh the pursuer overthrown in the deep,* and raised a triumphant shout:* Let us sing to God a hymn of victory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Good Jesus, with your arms stretched wide upon the cross, you have fulfilled in all things the Father’s good pleasure; therefore let us all sing to you a hymn of victory.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Death, the end of life, as a slave under orders, in fear approaches you, the Lord of life, whereby you award to us life without end and resurrection.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Pure one, who beyond understanding received your Creator, of his own will made flesh in your seedless womb, you are declared to be in truth creation’s sovereign Lady.

Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Eve took fruit of the forbidden tree and brought the curse upon us. You have undone it, O pure one, by your giving birth to Christ, first fruit of blessing.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

from the Triodion

Irmos: It is the Day of Resurrection,* let us be radiant, O you people;* Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha:* for from death to life, and from earth to heaven,* Christ God has brought us,* as we sing the song of victory.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

This is a day of festivity: by the arising of Christ, death has been shown to be impotent and the light of life hath dawned; Adam has arisen and dances for joy. Therefore, let us cry aloud and sing a song of victory.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

This is the day of the veneration of the Precious Cross, shining with the effulgence of Christ’s Resurrection, come to it all you peoples, and let us kiss it with great rejoicing in our souls.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

O mighty Cross of the Lord, manifest yourself: show me the divine vision of your beauty, and grant me to worthily venerate you. For as One living, I speak to you and embrace you.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

Let heaven and earth give praise with one accord, for the all-blessed Cross has now been set forth before all, on which Christ’s Body was affixed when sacrificed. Let us embrace it with great rejoicing in our souls.

Glory…

O Trinity of Hypostases, O Unity of Essence, the Father, Son, and Spirit, equal in power, one in purpose and will, one in dominion and rule, watch over Your world and grant it peace.

Now…

O Virgin who has not known a man, without seed you have given birth to a Child: In purity did you carry and give birth to the Maker of all, Christ our God. Entreat Him to grant peace to the world.

Katavasia: Moses the servant of God prefigured Your Cross in the days of old,* when he divided the Red Sea with his rod* and led Israel across on dry land;* and he sang a song of deliverance to You, O Christ our God.

Ode 3

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: None is holy but you, O Lord my God,* the one who is the Good;* you have exalted the horn of your faithful people,* and founded them on the rock of their confession of you.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Creation, seeing God crucified in the flesh, was dissolving in fear, but by the strong hand of the Crucified it was firmly held together.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Sorry death, destroyed by death, lies lifeless; unable to withstand the God-filled assault of Life, the strong one dies. And so to all is given resurrection.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure one, the wonder of your divine child-bearing surpasses the laws of nature: marvellous was your conceiving of God in your womb, and marvellous the birth and your abiding virginity.

Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

All-holy, Mother of God, most marvellously the Good One took from you my mortal and unstable flesh and, uniting it for ever with himself, rendered it incorruptible.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, seeing God made flesh in you, the choir of angels, in astonishment and awe, honour you in never silent hymns as Mother of God.

from the Triodion

Irmos: Come, let us drink a new drink,* not one miraculously brought forth from a barren rock* but the Fountain of Incorruption,* springing forth from the tomb of Christ, in Whom we are strengthened.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

O come, let us sing a new song, celebrating the overthrow of Hades, for Christ has arisen from the grave; taking death captive, and saving all the world.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

O come, you faithful, and let us drink, not from a well-spring pouring forth perishable water, but from the fountain of light, as we venerate the Cross of Christ, in which we glory.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

Of old, that which Moses prefigured with his outstretched arms, Your Cross; we now we kiss in adoration, putting to flight the noetic Amalek, O Master Christ, and by which we gain salvation.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

O you faithful, with pure eyes and lips let us sing a song of gladness, joyfully venerating the Cross of the Lord, lauding it with hymns.

Glory…

I honour one beginningless God, One in three Hypostasis, undivided in Essence, the Father, the Son and the Spirit of life, in Whose Name we were baptized.

Now…

In days of old Moses saw your mystery prefigured in the bush, O pure One: As it was not consumed by the flames, so did your womb remain unconsumed by the fire of the Godhead.

Katavasia: By Your Cross, O Christ Master,* set me firmly on the rock of the faith:* Let not my mind be shaken by the assaults of the malicious enemy;* for You alone are holy.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

Your Cross, O Lord, sanctifies, and brings healing* to those sickened by sins.* Through it we fall down before You:* have mercy upon us.

Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

Today the word of the Prophet has been fulfilled:* Behold! we worship at the place on which Your feet have stood, O Lord,* and tasting from the Tree of salvation,* we have been delivered from our sinful passions* by the intercessions of the Theotokos,* O You only Lover of mankind.

Glory…

No sooner, O Christ, has the wood of the Cross been set up,* than the foundations of death have been shaken O Lord.* Hades swallowed You eagerly,* but it let You go with trembling.* You have shown us Your salvation, O Holy One,* and we glorify You, O Son of God;* have mercy upon us.

Now…

O Virgin Theotokos, entreat thy Son,* willingly nailed upon the Cross,* and risen from the dead, Christ our God,* that our souls may be saved.

Ode 4

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Christ, my strength, my God, my Lord,* most fittingly your holy Church keeps festival,* singing, dancing, crying out with pure minds,* feasting in the Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Truly, O Christ, the tree of life has blossomed for the cross, planted in the earth, fed with blood and water from your pure side, has put forth life for us.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

No more the serpent’s lying whisper: You shall be like God; for Christ, divine Creator of man’s nature, now has opened out before me, with none to hinder, the pathway of life.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Ever-virgin Mother of God, truly beyond speech and incomprehensible to heaven and to earth are the mysteries of your God-befitting child bearing.

Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Through you, Pure One, we have been saved, to you we sing our hymns. Reverently praising in song the all-spotless we cry: O Ever-virgin, blessed are you who gave birth to God.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin most blessed, you bore the never-setting Light, shining through your flesh on those in life’s darkness; and you have shed gladness on those who sing to you.

from the Triodion

Irmos: On divine watch let the God-inspired Habakkuk stand with us,* and show forth the light-bearing angel clearly saying:* Today salvation is come to the world,* for Christ is risen as Almighty.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

“Behold, Christ is risen,” says the Angel to the myrrh-bearing women. “Lament not, but go and say to the apostles: Rejoice! today is the salvation of the world; for through His death the tyranny of the enemy has been destroyed.”

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

As we celebrate today the joyful veneration of Your life-giving Cross, O Christ, we prepare ourselves for Your all-holy Passion; for You have brought to pass the salvation of the world, as You are all-powerful.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

There is joy today in heaven and on earth, for the sign of Christ has been made manifest to the world, the thrice-blessed Cross; which has been set before us, as a fount of ever-flowing joy to all who venerate it.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

What shall we offer You, O Christ? For You have given us YOur Precious Cross to venerate, upon which Your all-holy Blood was shed, to which Your flesh was affixed by nails, and which we kiss with adoration giving thanks to You.

Glory…

I sing the praises of the Three Hypostasis in one Godhead; I proclaim one simple Nature undivided: Father eternal, Son, and Holy Spirit, one in throne and lordship, one single Kingdom, one everlasting Power.

Now…

In You alone among women, O pure One, has been revealed something marvellous and awesome: You have renewed nature, conceiving without seed, yet remaining as before, a virgin; for the Child that you have borne is true God.

Katavasia: Seeing You, O mighty Lord, upon the Cross,* the sun was seized with fear and hid its rays,* with dread the whole creation glorified Your longsuffering,* and the earth was filled with Your praise.

Ode 5

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Shine with your divine splendour, I pray you, O you who are good,* on the souls of those who rise early to you* and long to know you, O Word of God,* as in truth the God who calls them back from sin’s deep darkness.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Now the Cherubim withdraw from me, and the flaming sword is turned back at sight of you, O Word of God, in truth the God who makes for the Thief the path to Paradise.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

I fear no longer the return to the dust, Lord Christ, for in your great mercy through your resurrection you have led me, forgotten, from the dust to the heights of incorruption.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O good Lady of the world, keep safe those who from the heart confess you God-bearer, for we have gained you, true Mother of God, for our invincible protection.

Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Radiantly shining in your purity, O worthy of all our praise, you became the dwelling place of the Master; for you alone are declared to be the Mother of the living God, for you held him as a new-born babe in your arms.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Arrayed in fair beauty of soul and comeliness, sealed in holy virginity, shining upon the world in splendour of purity, you bear the title of Bride of God.

from the Triodion

Irmos: Let us awake in the deep dawn,* and instead of myrrh, offer a hymn to the Master,* and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Righteousness,* Who causes life to dawn for all.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

From the tomb has arisen the never-setting Effulgence, shining upon the world the light of incorruption, O compassionate One, drive out the sorrow of death from the farthest ends of the earth.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

Cleansed by abstinence let us draw near, and with fervour let us kiss in adoration the all-holy Wood upon which Christ has been crucified, thus saving the world O Compassionate One.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

The ranks of angels dance with gladness, for today we venerate Your Cross, by which You have shattered the hosts of devils, O Christ, and saved mankind.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

The Church has been revealed as another Paradise, having within it, like the first Paradise of old, a Tree of life, Your Cross, O Lord. By which, touching it, we partake of immortality.

Glory…

I glorify three co-eternal Hypostases, in one Essence, the Father, Son, and Spirit, a single Three-sunned Light, one Power and Kingdom, unmingled in characteristics.

Now…

You have conceived according to the law of nature, yet above that law; for you alone have seedlessly borne a child. Strange and fearful it is to contemplate or speak of your birth-giving, O all-immaculate One.

Katavasia: Rising early in the morning we sing Your praises, O Saviour of the world,* for we have found peace through Your Cross.* By it You have renewed mankind,* and led us to the never-waning light.

Ode 6

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Watching life’s sea rising in the surging waves of temptations,* fast making for your calm harbour, I cry out to you:* Lead my life up from corruption,* O you of many mercies .

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Crucified, O Lord, by the nails which fastened you, you annulled the curse upon us; pierced in the side by the spear, you tore up the written scroll against Adam, and set the whole world free.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Deception tripped up Adam and brought him to the depth of Hell. But you, God and compassion by nature, came down to seek him and, lifting him up on your shoulders, raised him up with yourself.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

All-holy Lady, who bore to mortal man his Lord and pilot, quieten the fearful and unresting tumult of my passions, and grant to my heart tranquillity.

Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Moses, great one among the prophets, first wrote in symbol of you as ark and table, candlestick and vessel of gold: signs of the flesh-taking of the Most High from you, Virgin and Mother.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Death was put to death, O Lady, when it attacked your child, and corruption, Adam’s curse, was abolished; for you gave birth to the life which delivers from corruption those who sing to you.

from the Triodion

Irmos: You descended into the nethermost parts of the earth,* and shattered the eternal bars that held the fettered, O Christ,* and on the third day, like Jonah from the whale,* You arose from the tomb.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

You arose, O Christ, and trampled upon death as a King almighty; You recalled us from the vaults of Hades to the enjoyment of the Kingdom of Heaven, in the land of immortality.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

O you faithful, let us cry aloud with divine songs, chanting triumphantly to God, as we kiss the Cross of the Lord; for it is a fount of holiness to all those in this world.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

The words of the Psalmist have been fulfilled: for behold! we worship at the footstool of Your most pure feet, O all-powerful One, before Your Precious Cross, the threefold-beloved Wood.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

In the prophesies of the Lamenter we see the Tree, enclosed and bearing Your fruit; Your Cross O merciful One, and kissing it with adoration, we chant in praise of Your bonds and tomb, the spear and nails.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

That which You were pleased to bear upon Your shoulders, the Holy Cross, and upon which You accepted to be raised, and crucified in the flesh, we kiss with adoration; receiving from it strength against our invisible foes.

Glory…

I praise the Unity in three Hypostases and the Trinity worshipped in one Nature, the Triune God, three-sunned Light, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Now…

O undefiled Ewe-lamb, a wonder greater than all wonders has been revealed in you: For you have borne the Lamb that takeh away the sins of the world, fervently entreat Him on behalf of those who sing your praises.

Katavasia: Jonah in the belly of the whale* foreshadowed with his outstretched hands the figure of the Cross;* and he leapt out from the sea-monster,* saved by Your power, O Word.

Kontakion, Tone 7

No longer does the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden;* the tree of the Cross has quenched its flames gloriously.* The sting of death and the victory of Hades are banished,* and You O my Saviour came and called to those in Hades: “Return again to Paradise!”

Ikos

Pilate set up three crosses in the place of the Skull, two for the thieves and one for the Giver of Life. Seeing Him, Hades cried to those below: “O my servants and my powers! Who is this that has fixed a nail in my heart? A wooden spear has suddenly pierced me, and I am rent asunder. Inwardly I am in pain; and anguish has seized my senses. My spirit is troubled, and I am constrained to cast out Adam and his posterity. A tree brought them to me, but now the Tree of the Cross leads them back again to Paradise.”

Ode 7

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: As falling dew the angel made the furnace to the holy children,* and the command of God burned the Chaldeans;* and the tyrant was convinced, crying aloud:* Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The sun lamenting your Passion, O Lord, drew darkness around him and the light of the day was darkened over the whole of the earth, which cried aloud: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

At your descent, O Christ, the underworld was clothed in splendour; our first father, filled with gladness of heart, sprang up, dancing and crying out: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Through you, O Virgin Mother, light has risen and joy to all the inhabited earth, for you gave birth to God the Creator of all; ask him for us, All-pure, to send down to your faithful people great mercy.

Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Prefiguring your bringing to birth the furnace fire did not burn the three young men; for in you the divine fire dwelt, not burning you, and taught us all to cry: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Mother all pure, lightened by the shining beams of your beauty and grace, all the ends of the earth call you blessed as you foretold and in song they cry out: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

from the Triodion

Irmos: He Who delivered the Children from the furnace,* became man, and suffered as a mortal,* and through His Passion clothed mortality with the beauty of incorruption,* He is the only blessed and supremely glorified God of our fathers.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

You arose from the tomb on the third day, as one awakening from sleep, O Lord, and by Your divine power slew the gatekeepers of Hades; raising up all our ancestors from ages past, O only blessed and supremely glorified God of our fathers.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

O you peoples, let us with song and dance express our joy, and greatly rejoice at the veneration of the Cross, giving glory to Christ Who was nailed thereon, the only blessed and supremely glorified God of our fathers

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

You have shown the instrument of death to be a source of life, therefore it is worshiped throughout the whole world. Your Cross, O all-merciful One, sanctifies those who worship it, O only blessed and supremely glorified God of our fathers.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

You alone are merciful and compassionate, O only Jesus: illumine and sanctify those who venerate and with faith worship Your Cross and Your divine Passion, O only blessed and supremely glorified God of our fathers.

Glory…

I praise the Godhead, a Unity in three Hypostases: For the Father is Light, the Son is Light, and the Spirit is Light, but the Light remains undivided, shining forth in a unity of essence, but in the three rays of its Hypostases.

Now…

You were proclaimed by all the prophets, by a multitude of names: For you have been revealed to be the gateway of God, the golden vessel of manna, the holy land, O Virgin Bride of God who has conceived in the flesh Jesus Christ, the only blessed and supremely glorified God of our fathers..

Katavasia: The Lord Who delivered the Children from the flames* took flesh and came upon the earth;* nailed to the Cross, He hath granted us salvation,* He Who alone is blessed and supremely glorified, the God of our fathers.

Ode 8

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Dew from the flames you shed on the holy ones,* burning thus with water the sacrifice of the righteous.* All things, O Christ, you bring about according to your holy will;* we highly exalt you throughout the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Envy has finished its work on the people of the Jews: of old the slayers of the prophets now they are slayers of God; they set you upon the cross, O Word of God, you whom we highly exalt throughout the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ, without leaving the courts of Heaven you came to Hell. Together with yourself you awakened the whole man, lying m corruption, and he highly exalts you now throughout the ages.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

From light you conceived the light-giving Word, ineffably you gave him birth, and are glorified. For the Holy Spirit dwelt in you, O Maid, and therefore we praise you throughout the ages.

Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

All-pure One, your Son has made you bright in the Spirit’s radiance and set you as a queen, clothed in raiment shot with gold, on his right hand; we highly exalt him throughout the ages.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

He who, by his will alone, constructed the world, borrowed flesh from your pure womb for he willed to form it anew; we highly exalt him throughout the ages.

from the Triodion

Irmos: This chosen and holy day is the first of the Sabbaths,* the queen and lady, the feast of feasts,* and the festival of festivals,* wherein we bless Christ throughout the ages.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

“Why do you hold sweet-smelling spices in your hands? Whom are you seeking?,” cries the angel at the tomb. “Christ our God has arisen, raising up the nature of mortal man from the vaults of Hades.”

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

Rejoice, O Cross, the Wood threefold-rich in divinity, a light to those in darkness. Shining upon the four corners of the earth, preparing us to see the longed-for Arising of Christ. Grant that all the faithful may be found worthy to reach Pascha.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

On this day, the Wood of the Cross of Christ, anointed with life, fills the world with the fragrant myrrh of divine grace. Let us smell its God-given fragrance, venerating it with faith throughout the ages.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

Come, Elisha the prophet, and tell us plainly: What was the wood that you cast into the water? Was it not the Cross of Christ, which draws us up from the depths of corruption and which we faithfully venerate throughout the ages?”

Let us bless Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Lord!

I glorify one Essence in three beings: the Father, Son, and Spirit, neither commingled in Hypostases nor divided in Nature; for there is but one God in a Trinity, ruling over all throughout the ages.

Now…

Alone among mothers, have you remained a virgin, O Mary Bride of God. Without knowing a man you gave birth to the Saviour Christ, yet kept the seal of your virginity intact; therefore we the faithful call you blessed throughout the ages.

We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord, praising and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages.

Katavasia: Daniel, great among the prophets, was cast into the lions’ den;* but, stretching out his hands in the form of the Cross,* he was delivered from their mouths and kept unharmed,* blessing Christ our God throughout the ages.

Magnificat

Ode 9

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: No man can see God, on whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze;* but, through you, All-holy One, the Word made flesh is seen of mortal men.* Magnifying him with all the heavenly hosts,* we call you blessed.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Free from passions you remained, O Word of God, when you held converse with passions in the flesh. But having dealt to passion a Passion, you loosed man from his passions. For you alone are impassible and almighty, our Saviour.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Accepting the corruption of death, O Lord, you kept your body from tasting corruption, and your soul, life-giving, divine, was not left in Hell. But, as from sleep arising, you raised us up with yourself.

We bless the Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

With pure lips we mortal men give glory to God the Father, to the Son with him without beginning, and we worship the inexpressible power, most glorious, of the All-holy Spirit; for you alone subsist almighty, undivided Trinity.

Canon of the Most Holy Mother of God

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

A star shining with the bright beams of divinity arose from Jacob on those held fast in black darkness: Christ God, the Word, now made flesh through you, All-pure. Enlightened by him we, with the armies of heaven, call you blessed.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Strengthened by your power and your grace I have eagerly fashioned a song for you from my heart. Accept it, pure Virgin, and give in exchange the bright shining grace from your imperishable treasures, O blessed of God.

from the Triodion

Irmos: Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem,* for the glory of the Lord has arisen upon thee;* dance now and be glad, O Sion,* and exult, O pure Theotokos,* in the arising of Him Whom you bore.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

You descended into the tomb, O God the Giver of Life, and smashed all the fetters and gates therein, raising up the dead who cry aloud: Glory to Your Arising, O Christ, the all-powerful Saviour.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

Your tomb, O Christ, has brought life to me: for You, the Lord of life, have come and cried to those dwelling in the grave: “O all you who are in bonds, be loosed, for I the Redeemer of the world have come.”

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

With songs, all trees of the forest dance and be glad, beholding your fellow-tree, the Cross, being adored and venerated today: for Christ has been exalted upon it in the highest, as the divine David prophesied.

Glory to Your Precious Cross, O Lord.

I died through a tree, but I have found in you a Tree of Life, O my Cross of Christ. You are my invincible protector, my unshakable defence against the demons. Venerating you this day, I cry aloud: Sanctify me by your glory.

Glory…

I worship You, as a Trinity of Hypostases in a Unity of Essence, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one Power and Kingdom, reigning over all creation.

Now…

You are the great mountain, O Virgin, wherein Christ dwelt, as the divine David says. By you we are raised up to heaven, regaining sonship by adoption through the Spirit, O all-blessed One.

Katavasia: O Virgin Mother and true Theotokos,* who without seed bore Christ our God,* Who was lifted in the flesh upon the Cross.* We and all the faithful, as is meet, magnify you with your Son.

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

Tone 6

After Your resurrection from the grave, O Saviour,* You revealed Your human nature as You stood in the midst of the disciples;* You ate with them and taught them the baptism of repentance.* Then You ascended to Your Father and promised to send them the Paraclete.* Therefore, O Lover of mankind and God most high,* glory to Your holy resurrection!

Tone 3, Glory…

Seeing the Precious Cross of Christ placed before us this day,* let us in faith rejoice and kiss it with love,* and ask the Lord Who was willingly crucified thereon,* to deem us all worthy to worship the precious Cross,* and attain to the Resurrection uncondemned.

Now…

Before the Tree, upon which for our sake, O all-pure One,* your Son, stretched out His most pure hands and was nailed thereto,* we now fall down and with true devotion, worship.* Grant to us peace, that we may come to the most precious and world-saving Passion;* and that may we worship at the radiant feast of Pascha,* the Lord’s Day which brings light and joy to all creation.

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 6

Your Cross, O Lord, is the life and resurrection of Your people,* and trusting in it we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.

Your burial, O Master, opened Paradise to mankind,* and thus delivered from corruption we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.

With the Father and the Spirit* let us hymn Christ risen from the dead,* and let us cry out to Him:* You are our life and resurrection, have mercy upon us.

On the third day You arose from the tomb, O Christ, as it was written,* raising together with Yourself our Forefather;* therefore the race of mankind glorifies You, and hymns Your Resurrection.

Tone 4

With our voices let us shout and magnify the Precious Cross in hymns;* let us kiss it with adoration and cry aloud:* O all-honoured Cross, sanctify our souls and bodies by your power,* and keep unharmed from all malice of the enemy* those who venerate you with sincere reverence.

Approach and draw from the never-failing waters pouring forth with grace from the Cross.* Behold! you see the holy Wood set before you, the source of divine gifts,* upon which there flowed blood and water from the wounded side of the Lord of all,* and upon which He was willingly raised* raising up mortal mankind.

O all-honoured Cross, you are the firm foundation of the Church,* the glory and salvation of monastics.* Venerating you today, we are filled with light in heart and soul,* by the divine grace of the Lord, Who was nailed upon you* overthrowing the power of the deceitful one,* and annulling the curse.

Tone 8

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

The Lord of all has taught us in a parable to shun the boastful thoughts of the evil Pharisees;* and instructed us all to not think more highly of ourselves than we should.* He Himself became our pattern and example,* for He emptied Himself even unto death upon the Cross.* Let us therefore render thanks with the Publican and say:* O God Who has suffered for us and yet remained impassible,* deliver us from the passions and save our souls.

Tone 8, Glory…

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

The Exaltation of the Cross

The priest, vested fully in red, stands before the Holy Table on which lies the Precious Cross with branches of basil or flowers. As the faithful sing “Holy God” he goes around the Holy Table, incensing the Cross from four sides. As the conclusion of “Holy God” is sung, he takes the Cross, and placing it on his head, proceeds around the Holy Table and out of the sanctuary through the north deacon doors. The Cross is preceded with processional candles, the seraphic fans and by the deacon with the censer. The priest stops in front of the Holy Doors, facing the east, when the final “Holy God” is sung, and says:

Deacon: Wisdom! Let us be attentive!

The priest then takes the Cross to the tetrapod and places it there. As the deacon incenses It from four sides, the faithful sing the Troparion of the Cross, three times:

Troparion, Tone 1

Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance,* grant victory to Your faithful people against enemies,* and protect Your community by Your Cross.

Afterwards, the following is sung three times in the usual manner.

To Your cross, O Master,* we bow in veneration,* and we glorify Your holy Resurrection.

At the Veneration of the Cross

The faithful now come to venerate the Precious Cross as the following verses are sung:

Tone 2

Come, O faithful, let us bow before the life-giving Cross* on which Christ, the King of glory, freely stretched out His hands.* By this He raised us up to our former happiness,* which we had lost because of the ancient Enemy* and the bitter pleasure that exiled us from God.* Come, O faithful, let us bow before the Wood* which lets us crush the head of the invisible enemy.

Come, all you families of the nations,* let us venerate the Cross of the Lord with our hymns:* Rejoice, O perfect redemption of the fall of Adam;* Rejoice, O venerable Cross.* Filled with fear and awe, we embrace you;* we glorify God, and we say:* O Lord, You were nailed on the Cross;* in Your goodness and love, have mercy on us.

Tone 5

Come, O people, let us contemplate the marvellous wonder;* let us bow before the power of the Cross.* For the tree of Paradise gave rise to the reign of death,* and now a Tree has made our life blossom forth,* when the sinless Saviour was nailed upon it.* And now, all the nations that are nourished by this incorruptible food sing praises:* You destroyed death by Your Cross and set us free.* O Lord, glory to You!

The word of Your prophets Isaiah and David is now fulfilled,* for they spoke of You, O Lord, and said:* All the nations shall come to You and bow before You.* Behold the people who are now filled with Your grace* in Your sanctuary in the temple of Jerusalem.* O God of goodness who suffered on the Cross for us* and gives us life through Your holy resurrection,* protect us with Your care, O Lord, and save us.

Tone 6

Rising from the depths of the earth on this day,* the Tree of Life strengthens our faith* in the resurrection of Christ who nailed on it.* His raised hands announce His ascension into heaven,* which permitted Him to dwell in our nature in this fallen world.* We also cry out in thanksgiving:* O Lord who was raised on the Cross and raises us with You,* grant heavenly joy to those who praise Your name.

The four corners of the earth are sanctified today, O Christ our God,* by the four ends of Your exalted Cross.* With it, exalt Your faithful Christians* who destroy the power of the enemy through your Cross.* You are great, O Lord, and wondrous in Your works; glory to You!

The words of the prophets have told of the most holy wood* by which Adam was delivered from the ancient curse and from death.* On this day of its exaltation, creation raises its voice* to beg God for the abundance of His mercy.* O Lord, Your compassion is beyond measure;* spare us, O God, and save our souls!

Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Behold the words of the prophet Moses are fulfilled, O Lord;* for he said: You shall see your life suspended before your eyes.* Today the Cross is exalted, and the world is freed from error.* Today the Resurrection of Christ is renewed;* the ends of the earth exalt with joy.* At the sound of the cymbals of David,* they offer a hymn of praise and say:* In Your goodness and love for all,* You have brought about our salvation in the middle of the earth, O our God.* Through Your Cross and Resurrection You save us.* O Lord all-powerful, glory to You!

Insistent Litany

Litany of Supplication

Great Dismissal

DIVINE LITURGY ON SUNDAY MORNING

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 6: Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!

Troparion, Tone 1: Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.* Grant victory to Your faithful people against enemies,* and protect Your community by Your cross.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 7: No longer does the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden;* the tree of the Cross has quenched its flames gloriously.* The sting of death and the victory of Hades are banished,* and You O my Saviour came and called to those in Hades: “Return again to Paradise!”

Instead of Holy God, we sing:

To Your Cross, O Master,* we bow in veneration,* and we glorify Your holy Resurrection!

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.

verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm 27:9,1)

Epistle

Hebrews 4:14-5:6

Alleluia, Tone 8

verse: Remember Your congregation which You acquired from the beginning.

verse: But God is our king before the ages; He has wrought salvation in the midst of the earth. (Psalm 73:2,12)

Gospel

Mark 8:34-9:1

Hymn to the Theotokos

In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices: the angelic ranks and all the human race. Sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, virgins’ pride and boast, from whom God is made flesh and became a little Child; and He who is our God before all ages, He made your womb a throne, and He made it wider that all the heavens. In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices. Glory be to you.

Communion Hymn

Let the light of Your countenance, O Lord* shine upon us.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 4:7)