Polyeleos Feast. Resurrection Gospel 1.

GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING

Kathisma Reading

Blessed is the man… is sung.

At Psalm 140

Tone 3

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

By Your cross, O Christ our Saviour,* the power of Death has been vanquished* and the deceit of the devil has been destroyed.* Therefore, mankind, saved by faith,* offers You hymns of praise forever.

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

O Lord, all creation has been enlightened by Your resurrection,* and paradise has been reopened;* therefore, all creation extols You* and offers You hymns of praise forever.

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

I glorify the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;* and I praise the dominion of the undivided Divinity,* the consubstantial Trinity,* who reigns forever and ever.

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

We adore Your precious cross, O Christ,* and with hymns of praise we glorify Your resurrection;* for by Your wounds we have all been healed.

Tone 4, Podoben “As one valiant among the martyrs…”

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

The shrine which holds your belt, O Theotokos,* is ever known by your servants to be an ark of sanctification.* It is our glory and boast; a sacred wall surrounding us;* a fountain of healings!* Therefore being divinely gathered today,* we hymn your mighty acts * and the vast abyss of your wonders!

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

The shrine which holds your belt, O Theotokos,* is ever known by your servants to be an ark of sanctification.* It is our glory and boast; a sacred wall surrounding us;* a fountain of healings!* Therefore being divinely gathered today,* we hymn your mighty acts * and the vast abyss of your wonders!

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

Behold the all-glorious place!* Behold the ever-radiant temple in which a treasure has been laid:* the belt of the Mother of the divine Son!* People, come!  Draw forth enlightenment and mercy,* and shout with a grateful heart: all-holy Virgin, we bless you,* for we have been saved by your childbearing!

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

Behold the all-glorious place!* Behold the ever-radiant temple in which a treasure has been laid:* the belt of the Mother of the divine Son!* People, come!  Draw forth enlightenment and mercy,* and shout with a grateful heart: all-holy Virgin, we bless you,* for we have been saved by your childbearing!

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

We rejoice and keep the feast of the placing of your belt, O Theotokos,* for today you have granted it to your people,* it is a sacred garment, wealth that cannot be stolen,* a precious gift and river of healings* overflowing with spiritual treasures!

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

We rejoice and keep the feast of the placing of your belt, O Theotokos,* for today you have granted it to your people,* it is a sacred garment, wealth that cannot be stolen,* a precious gift and river of healings* overflowing with spiritual treasures!

Tone 2, Glory…

All-pure Theotokos, the Church of God is robed in your holy belt,* as with a supremely shining diadem!* It is radiant today and cries out to you rejoicing,* rejoice, sovereign Lady!* Precious diadem and crown of divine glory!* Rejoice, for you alone are the fullness of glory and everlasting gladness!* Rejoice, refuge of those who run to you:* our intercessor and salvation!

Tone 3, Now…

O Lady most honourable,* how could we but be rapt in wonder* at your giving birth to the Incarnate God* who, without a mother, was born of a Father before all ages?* You gave Him birth in the flesh without a father,* without a man’s instrumentality.* He is God and man whose two natures are intact,* neither one losing any of its properties.* Therefore, O Virgin Mother,* intercede with Him to save the souls* of those who believe and profess in true faith* that you are the Mother of God.

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.

Readings

(1) Genesis 28:10-17; (2) Ezekiel 43:27; 44:1-4; (3) Proverbs 9:1-11

Aposticha

Tone 3

O Christ, who darkened the sun by Your passion* and enlightened all creation by Your resurrection,* accept our evening prayer; for You love mankind.

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

O Lord, Your life-giving resurrection has enlightened the entire universe* and has revived Your creation which lay in corruption.* Therefore, we, who have been released from the curse of Adam, cry out to You:* Almighty Lord, glory to You!

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

O God, although in Your divine nature You are unchangeable,* yet in Your human nature You underwent change by suffering in the flesh.* All creation was prostrate with fear* when it saw You hanging on the cross,* and it groaned in sorrow as it sang the praises of Your long-suffering.* But You descended into Hades and arose on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.

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

You suffered death, O Christ, to deliver mankind from death.* And when You arose from the dead on the third day,* You enlightened the world* and resurrected all who acknowledge You as God.

Tone 2, Glory… Now…

Having cleansed our heart and mind,* let us keep feast together with the angels,* joyfully addressing the song of David* to the maiden Bride of the King of all, Christ our God,* saying: arise, Lord, into your resting place,* both You and the ark of Your holiness!* For You have adorned her as a beautiful palace,* giving her as an inheritance to Your people, O Master,* to preserve and shelter them from their enemies,* by Your mighty power, through her supplications!

Troparia

Tone 3

Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.

Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city** and to our souls great mercy.

GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 3

Troparia, Tone 3

Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world. (2)

Tone 8, Glory…

Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city** and to our souls great mercy.

Now…

O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.* O Saviour, save Your despairing people!

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 3

Christ has arisen from the dead, the first fruits of those that sleep.* The First-born of creation and Creator of all that has come to be,* has renewed in Himself the corrupted nature of our race.* Death, no longer is your lord,* for the Master of all things has destroyed your dominion.

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

Having tasted death in the flesh, O Lord,* You have blotted out the bitterness of death by Your arising* strengthening mankind against it, and announcing the abolition of the ancient curse.* Defender of our lives, O Lord, glory be to You!

Glory… Now…

Awed by the beauty of your virginity* and the exceeding radiance of your purity,* Gabriel called out to you, O Theotokos:* What worthy hymn of praise can I offer to you?* And what shall I name you?* I am in doubt and stand in awe.* Wherefore as commanded, I cry to you:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace.

Psalter Reading

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

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 3

Awed by Your immutable Godhead* and by Your voluntary passion, O Lord,* Hades lamented: I tremble at Your body’s essence, which remains incorrupt.* I behold You, the One who is invisible, mystically making war against me;* wherefore those whom I hold cry out:* ‘Glory, O Christ, to Your Resurrection!’

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

We the faithful contemplate an ineffable mystery:* Your incomprehensible Crucifixion and Your inexplicable Arising.* For today Death and Hades have been despoiled,* but mankind has been clothed in incorruption.* Wherefore with thanksgiving we cry aloud to You:* Glory, O Christ, to Your Resurrection!

Glory… Now…

Mystically did you contain in your womb* the Incomprehensible and Uncircumscribed One,* consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit;* and we acknowledge in your Offspring one unconfused energy of the Trinity Who is glorified in the world.* And so with thanksgiving we cry to you, ** ‘Rejoice, O full of grace!’

Polyeleos

Exaltation

We extol you,* O most holy Virgin,* and we honour your holy cincture,* for you pray for us to Christ our God.

verse: Great is the Lord and highly praised in the city of our God, in His holy mountain.

verse: Holy is this temple, awesome in righteousness.

verse: Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!

verse: Behold the gates of the Lord; the just shall pass through them.

Glory… Now…

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Evlogitaria

Small Litany

Hypakoe, Tone 3

A Cause of amazement by his appearance,* and source of refreshment by his speech,* the radiant Angel spoke to the myrrh-bearing women saying:* Why do you seek the living in a grave?* He has arisen, emptying the graves.* Know that the unchangeable One has changed corruption.* Wherefore cry to God saying,* ‘How fearful are Your works!* For You have saved mankind.’

Sessional Hymns

Tone 3

Having given birth to the all-comely Word in the beauty of Your virginity,* you wound your cincture about Him as a babe, O pure one.* This you have given to your servants, O Lady, as a protection, help, and a well-spring of sanctity.* Its honoured deposition do we all celebrate with faith,* O all-holy Virgin.

Tone 3

You alone had a virginity and a birthgiving free of corruption, O blessed one,* and to mankind you have given your holy cincture as a garment of salvation,* which even to this day remains untouched by corruption, O Bride of God;* and because of it we, your servants,* receive great mercy, O pure one.

Tone 1, Glory… Now…

From your virginal womb a beautiful shoot has sprouted forth,* for you have given birth to the Life of the world.* For this, the heavenly powers sing to you, O God-bearer,* praising your honourable feast, O pure One.* Glory to your feast of your precious sash;* glory to your virginity, O Virgin Mother.

Hymn of Ascent, Tone 3

Antiphon 1

You, O Word, delivered the captivity of Sion from Babylon,* Deliver me also* from the passions to life.

Those who sow in the South* with tears inspired by God,* shall in joy reap sheaves of everlasting life.

Glory… Now…

By the Holy Spirit,* together with the Father and the Son* shines forth the reflection of every good gift,* In Him all things live and have their being.

Antiphon 2

Except the Lord build the house of the virtues,* in vain do we labour.* While He protects our soul no one lays waste our city.

The Saints, O Christ, fruits of the womb,* are by the Spirit, always sons to You,* as You are to the Father.

Glory… Now…

The Holy Spirit is the inspiration of all that is holy and wise;* for He quickens every creature.* Let us worship Him* together with the Father and the Son, for He is God.

Antiphon 3

Those who fear the Lord are blessed* as they walk along the paths of His commandments;* for they partake of the life-giving fruit.

Be glad, Chief Shepherd,* beholding Your offspring around Your table* bearing the branches of good works.

Glory… Now…

In the Holy Spirit is a superabundance of glory;* for from Him proceeds forth grace and life* into all creation;* wherefore He is praised together with the Father and the Word.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

Proclaim to the nations: God is king. The world He made firm in its place.

verse: O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord all the earth.

Let everything that lives, Tone 3

Gospel

Matthew 28:16-20

Hymn of Resurrection

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

Canon, Tone 3

Ode 1

Irmos: In time past by his divine command he gathered the waters into one heap* and divided the sea for the people of Israel:* this is our God, he is glorious,* to him alone we sing, for he is glorified.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He condemned the earth to bring forth thorns, fruit of the transgressor’s sweat; he received in the flesh a crown of thorns from the hands of lawless men : this is our God, he has done away with the curse, he is glorified.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He whom death smote is declared the conqueror who won the victory over death; for taking living flesh subject to suffering, he wrestled with the tyrant and raised up all with himself: he is our God, he is glorified.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

All nations glorify you, true Mother of God, who seedlessly bore your child; for he, our God, stole down into your hallowed womb and, invested with our being, God and man was born of you.

Irmos: Israel of old, traversing the depths of the Red Sea dry-shod,* vanquished the power of Amalek in the wilderness* through the arms of Moses* stretched forth in the sign of the Cross.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The temple of the Virgin has, like a bright sky, acquired a splendid and undimmed luminary: her all-radiant sash; and it illumines the whole world with beams of miracles.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Your city, noetic ally girded about with your truly divine sash, O all-pure one, has in it invincible might, strength and a bond of confirmation; therefore, it boasts therein.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Your shrine has truly appeared to those on earth as the most precious ark of old, though you bear not tablets of stone, but faithfully preserve the knowledge of the truth.

Glory… Now…

Mystical fragrances are poured forth in the temple of the pure one, from her honoured shrine this day; and they fill with spiritual fragrance all who have recourse to her with love.

Katavasia: 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.

Ode 3

Irmos: Almighty Lord,* you brought all things from nothing into being,* created by the Word, perfected by the Spirit.* Make me firm in your love.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The ungodly man was brought to shame by your cross; he dug a pit and opened it up and fell into it himself; the horn of the lowly, O Christ, is lifted up in your resurrection.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The proclamation of righteousness to the nations as water has covered the seas, O Lover of man, for you have risen from the grave and revealed the splendour of the Trinity.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Glorious things are spoken of you, the living city of the King who reigns for ever. For through you, O Lady, God dwelt among those on earth.

Irmos: Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ, crying aloud:* You are my strength, O Lord, my refuge and my consolation!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

O faithful, let us honour the sash of the pure one today as a bond of unity with God, and let us bow down before it with faith.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The springs of grace ever flowing from your all-precious shrine give drink to all the faithful, O pure one.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The much hymned and precious sash of the all-honoured one pours forth healings upon all of us, the faithful, through grace.

Glory… Now…

Pouring forth your gladness like the dew of the morning, O pure one, extinguish the furnace of the passions for those who ever hymn you.

Katavasia: 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.

Kontakion

Tone 2, Podoben “In supplications…”

Your womb which received divinity* was girded about by your precious sash, O Mother of God.* It became an unconquerable force for your city* and a generous treasury of good things:* O you, the only virgin who ever gave birth.

Ikos

Illumine me with your light, O Virgin Theotokos, and disperse the darkness which lies grievously upon my mind, that in purity I may approach you, the pure one who has brought deification to mortals. I hymn your divine sash, which outshines the sun, and which this world has as its steadfast protection and hope, which vanquishes the councils of the iniquitous foe, destroys their wiles, and ever preserves your servants, O most immaculate and unblemished one. Rejoice, O Virgin, boast of Christians!

Sessional Hymn

Tone 4, Podoben “Go quickly before…”

Your most precious sash, by which you gird your womb about,* was sanctified in the temple of God, as a divine offering,* O pure and all-immaculate one who conceived God.* Therefore, touching it with faith, and venerating it with fear and honour*, we are sanctified.

Tone 4, Podoben “Having been lifted up…”

Glory… Now…

Your church celebrates the deposition of your precious sash with splendour,* and cries out to you, O pure Virgin:* Gird all against the power of the enemy.* Lay low also the arrogance of the godless barbarians,* and direct our life, that we may do the divine will of the Lord.

Ode 4

Irmos: A mighty love you have shown to us, O Lord,* for you have given over to death for us your only-begotten Son;* therefore we thank you and cry to you:* Glory to your power, O Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Scars and bruises compassionately bearing, insult of blows enduring, long-patient under the spitting, O Christ; through these you have wrought my salvation. Glory to your power, O Lord.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Life in mortal body, you conversed with deatiaor the sake of the misery of the poor and the sighing of the needy; and. destroying the destroyer, O glorified One, you raised up all with yourself, only Lover of man.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Remember, O Christ, your flock won by your Passion: visit the afflicted, accept the compassionate prayers of your Mother glorified and save it, O Lord, by your power.

Irmos: Beholding You lifted up upon the Cross, O Sun of righteousness,* the Church stood in her place, crying out as is meet: Glory to Your power, O Lord!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Having appointed you as a most honoured firmament, O Theotokos, the Creator and Fashioner adorned you with divine splendours, as with stars, whereby you illumine the ends of the earth.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Your city, having you as its might and firm foundation, O Theotokos, is sustained by your divine sash; and it stretches it out as an indestructible bond in time of battle.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

O Theotokos, your divine sash draws up from earth to heaven us who are transported by love for you and it. Therefore, we glorify you as the cause of a greater glory.

Glory… Now…

Behold, grace inexhaustible! Come all and with ardent heart draw forth rivers ever flowing from the honoured shrine of the all-pure Mother, O you who love the feasts of the Church.

Katavasia: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead,* Jesus the true God, is come in a swift cloud* and with His sinless hands he has saved those who cry:* Glory to Your power, O Christ.

Ode 5

Irmos: Early I wake to you the Creator of all* and the peace which passes all understanding:* guide me in your ordinances,* for they are light.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Through the envy of the Jews handed over to an unrighteous judge, you, the all-seeing who judges all the earth in righteousness, delivered Adam from the ancient condemnation.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Christ, risen from the dead, grant peace to your churches in the invincible power of your cross, and save our souls.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

You alone, the Ever-virgin who received the Word of God unbounded by the whole creation, are declared the holy tabernacle wider than the heavens.

Irmos: You have come into the world as a light, O my Lord:* a holy light which turns from the gloom of ignorance those who sing to You with faith.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

You have magnified Your Mother, O Lord; You have exalted her above all the noetic powers, for her glory is beyond compare.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The grace of God is now bestowed unstintingly through your precious shrine, O all-pure Theotokos, upon those who do you homage with faith.

Glory… Now…

Faithful rulers are girded about with your power; and your city boasts in you as its ally, O all-pure one, being honoured by the possession of your sash.

Katavasia: The whole world was amazed* at your divine glory:* for you, O Virgin who have not known wedlock,* have held in your womb the God of all* and have given birth to an eternal Son,* who rewards with salvation all who sing your praises.

Ode 6

Irmos: The deepest abyss of sins has surrounded me* and my spirit fails me;* but stretch out your mighty arm, O Lord my pilot, as to Peter,* and save me.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The abyss of mercy and pity has surrounded me in your tender descent, O Lord, for, made flesh and taking the form of a servant, you made me as God and glorified me with yourself.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The one who dealt death has undergone death through seeing the One put to death now brought to life: these things are the tokens of your Resurrection, O Christ, and the rewards of your pure Passion.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Only All-pure, beyond understanding you were mediator between the Creator and man, pray to your merciful Son for your stumbling servants and be our defender.

Irmos: I shall sacrifice to You with a voice of praise, O Lord,* the Church cries out to You,* having been cleansed of the blood of demons* by the blood which, for mercy’s sake, flowed from Your side.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The Lord has glorified you wholly above all nature, exalting you alone; and you, together with your temple, your sash and divine shrine, has He honoured in manner past recounting, O Theotokos.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Streams of grace pour forth, as out of the depths, from the shrine of the all-pure one, and surround all of creation, giving drink to those who with faith worship your birthgiving.

Glory… Now…

Having acquired you as their strength and boast, the faithful are girded about with glory, possessing your precious sash as a most splendid and precious ornament, O Theotokos.

Katavasia: As we celebrate* this sacred and solemn feast of the Mother of God,* let us come, clapping our hands, O people of the Lord,* and give glory to God who was born of her.

Kontakion, Tone 3

You rose from the tomb, O compassionate Lord,* and led us out from the gates of death.* Today Adam exults and Eve rejoices,* and the prophets together with the patriarchs* unceasingly acclaim the divine might of Your power.

Ikos

Let heaven and earth dance together today and with one mind sing to Christ God for he has raised from the graves those held in bonds. All creation rejoices together and brings to our Creator and Redeemer of all its fitting songs. For today, as giver of life, with himself he drew mortal man from Hell and lifts him up to heaven, he dashes down the pride of the enemy and breaks in pieces the gates of Hell by the divine might of his authority.

Ode 7

Irmos: As, long ago, your dew refreshed the three godly children in the Chaldean flames,* so shine with the enlightening fire of your Godhead* upon us who cry to you:* Blessed are you, God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The fair veil of the temple was rent in the cross of the Creator, clearly announcing the hidden truth in the scriptures to the faithful who cry to you: Blessed are you, God of our fathers.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

When your side was pierced, O Christ, drops of your life-giving blood, flowing from God by divine dispensation, distilled upon the earth and re-made those born of the earth who cry to you: Blessed are you, God of our fathers.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Let us the faithful glorify the Good Spirit with the Father and the only-begotten Son, one in three, as we worship the first cause and one Godhead, crying: Blessed are you, God of our fathers.

Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace,/ afire more with love of piety than with the flame, cried out:* Blessed are You in the temple of Your glory, O Lord!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

In that You alone are the Bestower of light, as the Sun of righteousness You have divinely enlightened the temple of the pure one with Your diverse gifts; and, shining therein, she illumines her sash with rays of splendour.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Surrounding your sash as it were the golden jar, O you who alone are pure, we now partake in a truly divine manner of the sweetness of grace, and honour it as more exalted than the tablets of the law, O most blessed one.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Vessels of miracles truly pour forth your grace upon the faithful, O pure Maiden, which issues forth abundantly from your shrine as from another river of Eden.

Glory… Now…

Approach now with gladness, all you on earth! Come! The shrine mystically cries to the Lady: Surround the all-glorious one who has preserved her sash in me!

Katavasia: The holy children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire,* refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* and they sang in joy:* Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our Fathers.

Ode 8

Irmos: In the unbearable fire, unharmed by the flames,* the young men, famed for their fear of God, stood as one and sang the divine hymn:* Bless the Lord, all you his works,* and exalt him throughout all the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The brightness of the temple was rent when your cross was set on Golgotha: all creation bowed down together and raised the song: Bless the Lord, all you his works, and exalt him throughout all the ages.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You have risen, Christ, from the grave, by the divine power of the cross you have raised man overthrown by treachery and set him straight again, crying out and saying: Bless the Lord, all you his works, and exalt him throughout all the ages.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

You are declared to be the temple of God, living resting-place and ark, for you, pure Mother of God, have reconciled the Creator to mortal man and fittingly we his works sing your praises and exalt you throughout all the ages.

Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel shut the mouths of the lions in the pit;* and, girted about with virtue,* the youthful lovers of piety quenched the power of the fire,* crying aloud: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Of old, the ark held the divine tablets inscribed by the hand of God, O all-pure one; but your revered and precious shrine, O pure Mistress, contains the sash of you who held within yourself the dread mystery of the One who established the law thereof.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The angels now join chorus in thine honoured temple, O pure and all-pure one, and embrace your precious and holy sash, which we venerate with love, joy and great gladness, hymning you, the glory of our race, O Mistress.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

You are the rod which gave rise to the Flower of life, the joy of all, the pure and priceless vial of the Spirit, the treasury of good things, the fount of sweet fragrance; and from your divine shrine the myrrh of healings pours forth.

Glory…. Now…

The noetic warriors hymn your mighty works, O pure and all pure one; all the patriarchs and prophets manifestly proclaim you, together with the apostles, the priests, and the choirs of the martyrs; and with them we also do you homage.

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

Katavasia: The Offspring of the Theotokos saved the holy children in the furnace.* He who was then prefigured has since been born on earth,* and He gathers all the creation to sing:* O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

Magnificat

Ode 9

Irmos: Marvel new and meet for God!* Through the shut gate of the Virgin the Lord surely passes through.* Unclothed in the entering, flesh-bearing in the coming forth* God has appeared and the gate remains fast closed.* We magnify her beyond utterance* the Mother of God.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Word of God, awful it is to see you, the Creator, hanging on the tree, God suffering in human fashion for the sake of his servants; while lying lifeless in the tomb you yet had loosed the dead from Hell; for this, O Christ, we magnify you as almighty.

Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Laid dead in the grave, O Christ, you saved our forefathers from the corruption of death; you raised the dead and made life to blossom and, leading mortal nature by the hand to the light, you clothed it with divine incorruptibility; for this we magnify you, fountain of everliving light.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Temple and throne of God you are declared to be, All-pure, wherein he who dwells in the highest took up his abode, born without man and guarding entire the doors of your flesh. Holy One, by your unceasing prayers bring swiftly the nations in final subjection to our king.

Irmos: Christ, who united the two disparate natures,* the Chief Cornerstone uncut by human hands,* was cut from you, the unquarried mountain, O Virgin. *Therefore, in gladness we magnify you, O Theotokos.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Your shrine, which, like a treasury of life, worthily contains and preserves your sash as the garment of your virginity and bridehood, is truly shown to be a most honourable wedding chamber, O Theotokos.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The Church, arrayed with your divine and most holy sash as with a diadem of divine beauty, O Theotokos, rejoices royally today, and is adorned with your glory.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

The temple of the Virgin, like in all ways to the heavens, is well adorned this day. O faithful, having received gifts of splendour, and being illumined as with the beauties of the stars, make yourselves bright with radiance.

O most holy Theotokos, save us!

Your city, O Theotokos, possesses your sash as an ally and rampart of peace, the divine unity of the dogmas, the boast of the orthodox, bestowing victory upon kings.

Glory… Now…

We sing to your ineffable glory and your immeasurable grace, for you are the well spring of wisdom, from where the Word issues forth for all who honour you, O all-pure one, and magnify your birthgiving.

Katavasia: Let every mortal born on earth,* radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy;* and let the host of the angelic powers* celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God,* and let them cry:* Rejoice! Pure and blessed Ever-Virgin, who gave birth to God.

Small Litany

Holy is the Lord

Hymn of Light

O faithful, let us gather with the disciples on the mountain in Galilee* to behold Christ as He says to them:* I have received all power over all things on high and those below.* Let us learn how He taught them to baptize all nations* in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,* and how He promised His disciples* to be present with them to the end of the world.

Glory… Now…

Honouring your precious sash, by which you girded your sacred body, O Virgin Theotokos, we now celebrate its deposition, whereby we are delivered from corruption, tribulations and dangers, O Mother of God Most High.

Praises

Stichera of the Praises, Tone 3

Come all you nations,* acknowledge the power of the dread mystery;* for Christ our Saviour, the beginningless Word,* was crucified for us and was willingly buried* and arose from the dead to save the whole universe.* Let us worship Him.

You guards recounted all the marvels, O Lord,* but, by filling their right hands with money,* the Sanhedrin of folly thought to conceal Your Resurrection,* which the world glorifies;* have mercy upon us.

All things have been filled with joy on receiving proof of the Resurrection.* For Mary Magdalene having come to the tomb,* found an Angel seated upon the stone,* radiant in shining raiment, saying:* Why do you seek the living among the dead?* He is not here, but He has arisen, as He foretold,* and goes before you into Galilee.

In Your light, O Master and Lover of mankind,* shall we see light.* For arose from the dead,* granting salvation to the race of mankind,* wherefore all creation glorifies You, the only sinless one;* have mercy upon us.

Tone 4, Podoben “As one valiant among the martyrs…”

The Church is arrayed in your holy sash* as with an all-splendid crown, O all-pure Theotokos,* and, rejoicing, it is made radiant today,* and dances mystically,* crying out to you, O Mistress:* Rejoice, O crown, O diadem divine!* Rejoice, O sole glory of my fullness,* my everlasting gladness!

The Church is arrayed in your holy sash* as with an all-splendid crown, O all-pure Theotokos,* and, rejoicing, it is made radiant today,* and dances mystically,* crying out to you, O Mistress:* Rejoice, O crown, O diadem divine!* Rejoice, O sole glory of my fullness,* my everlasting gladness!

As you are a mighty bulwark,* an unshakeable confirmation and salvation, O all-pure Mistress,* you have given your all-honourable sash to your people and your city as a splendid vesture,* which saves those who honour it with faith and earnest fervour* from every evil end, O Bride of God.

Your temple, O all-pure one, has shown itself today* to be an inexhaustible fountain.* For rivers of grace pour forth in abundance from your holy shrine* and gladden the thoughts of the faithful* who cry out to you with faith and love:* You are our joy, our gladness, and our life.

Tone 1, Glory…

The Lord appeared to His disciples* who had hastened to the mountain for His ascension from here below,* and they bowed before Him.* They learned of His universal power* and were sent to all the peoples of the earth* to announce His resurrection from the dead* and His return from earth to heaven.* He also promised to be with them always,* and His word is truth;* for He is Christ our God, the Saviour of our souls.

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 3: Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.

Troparion, Tone 8: Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city* and to our souls great mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: You rose from the tomb, O compassionate Lord,* and led us out from the gates of death.* Today Adam exults and Eve rejoices,* and the prophets together with the patriarchs* unceasingly acclaim the divine might of Your power.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: Your womb which received divinity* was girded about by your precious sash, O Mother of God.* It became an unconquerable force for your city* and a generous treasury of good things:* O you, the only virgin who ever gave birth.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

Sing to our God, sing; sing to our King, sing.

verse: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout unto God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:7,2)

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Epistle

1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Hebrews 9:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 3

verse: In You, O Lord, have I hoped that I may not be put to shame for ever.

verse: Be a protector unto me, O God, and a house of refuge to save me. (Psalm 30:2,3)

verse: Rise up, O Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness. (Psalm 131:8)

Gospel

Matthew 19:16-26; Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.