Year: 2014

From time immemorial, the Church has celebrated the Most-holy Theotokos as the patroness and protectress of the Christian people, who, by her intercessory prayers, implores God’s mercy for us sinners. The help of the Most-holy Mother of God has been clearly shown numerous times, to individuals and to nations, in peace and in war, in monastic deserts and in densely populated cities. The event that the Church commemorates and celebrates today confirms the Theotokos’ consistent protection of Christian people. On October 1, 911, during the reign of Emperor Leo the Wise, there was an All-night Vigil in the Blachernae Church of the Mother of God in Constantinople. The church was full of people. St. Andrew the Fool-for-Christ was standing in the rear of the church with his disciple Epiphanius. At four o’clock in the morning, the Most-holy Theotokos appeared above the people, holding her omophorion outstretched as a protective covering for the faithful. She was clothed in gold-encrusted purple, and shone with an ineffable radiance, surrounded by apostles, saints, martyrs and virgins. St. Andrew said to Blessed Epiphanius: “Do you see, brother, the Queen and Lady of all praying for the whole world?” Epiphanius replied: “I see, Father, and am struck with amazement!” The Feast of the Protection was instituted to commemorate this event, and to remind us that we can prayerfully receive the unceasing protection of the Most-holy Theotokos in any time of difficulty. (Prologue  of Ohrid)

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VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sing only if the feast falls on a Sunday or Monday.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

8. O most pure Mother of God,
you are a mighty defender for those in sorrow.
You are a ready help to those in trouble.
You are the salvation and confirmation of the world.
You are the depth of mercy, the fount of God’s wisdom
and the protectress of the world.
O faithful, let us sing and praise her glorious protection, saying:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,
and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

7. O most pure Mother of God,
you are a mighty defender for those in sorrow.
You are a ready help to those in trouble.
You are the salvation and confirmation of the world.
You are the depth of mercy, the fount of God’s wisdom
and the protectress of the world.
O faithful, let us sing and praise her glorious protection, saying:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,
and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

6. The wondrous prophet Isaiah foretold:
The mountain of the Lord will be revealed in the last days,
and the house of the Lord will be upon the mountain.
O Queen and Lady, we have seen this prophecy truly fulfilled in you,
because the mountains and hills have been adorned
by the many churches named after your feasts.
Therefore, we joyfully sing out to you:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,
and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

5. O awesome beauty,
you are the true prophetic fulfilment for all the faithful.
You are the glory of the apostles and the joy of the martyrs,
the pride of virgins and a wondrous protection for the whole world.
O Lady, with the mantle of your mercy,
protect our Church and all the people who sing out to you:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,
and through you He grants great mercy to the world.

In Tone 4

4. O Theotokos, you cooperated with the invitation offered by the Holy Spirit.
You were like a paradise planted by God
and the site of the living Tree.
We acknowledge you as having brought forth the Creator of all
who feeds the faithful with the Bread of Life.
We ask you to pray for us with the Forerunner.
With your mantle protect all people from every danger.

3. O Theotokos, you cooperated with the invitation offered by the Holy Spirit.
You were like a paradise planted by God
and the site of the living Tree.
We acknowledge you as having brought forth the Creator of all
who feeds the faithful with the Bread of Life.
We ask you to pray for us with the Forerunner.
With your mantle protect all people from every danger.

2. Heaven and earth are sanctified.
The Church is radiant and all the people are rejoicing.
Behold, the Mother of God,
together with the angelic hosts, the Forerunner, and the Theologian,
with the prophets and the apostles has invisibly entered.
She prays to Christ in behalf of all Christians
that He may have mercy on our city and all people
who glorify the feast of her Protection.

1. O Theotokos, you are the beauty of Jacob;
you are the heavenly ladder
by which Christ came down to earth.
Indeed, those images signify your honour and glory.
The angels in heaven and all people on earth praise you,
for you have given birth to the God of all.
We honour you as you pray for the whole world
and cover with your mantle
all those who observe your holy feast.

In Tone 8, Glory…

All the leaders of the heavenly armies
form a spiritual choir and rejoice with all of us
when they see the Lady and Queen of all praised by the faithful.
The spirits of the just also rejoice
as they witness the vision of the Queen praying with outstretched arms.
She asks for peace in the world,
power and strength for our Church,
and salvation for our souls.

Now…(Dogmatikon, Tone 8 from Saturday evening)

Out of his love for mankind the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt with men, for He assumed a human body from the pure Virgin and was seen in the flesh He received from her. He is the One and only God having two natures but not two persons. Wherefore we profess and declare the truth that Christ our God is perfect God and perfect Man. O Mother, who knew not carnal union, intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

 

Readings
Genesis 28:10-17; Ezekiel 43:27-44:4; Proverbs 9:1-11

 

Lytia

In Tone 3

The glorious feast of your Holy Protection has come, O most pure Virgin.
Illuminate more brightly than the sun all your people
who with faith and with a pure heart
proclaim you to be truly the Mother of God.
They likewise sing out to your Son:
O Christ our God, through the prayers of the ever-Virgin,
who immaculately gave You birth in the flesh,
let not your inheritance be vanquished by the enemy;
but because You are the merciful One,
save our souls in peace.

In Tone 4

The people desire to sing to you, most pure Lady,
but they cannot sing praises worthy of your Son.
For you always intercede for all the faithful
and embrace them with your holy protection.
You pray that all will be saved,
all who honour you with faith,
O most pure Mother of God.

In Tone 2

Let us assemble today, O faithful,
and praise the immaculate Queen of all,
the most pure Virgin, the Mother of Christ our God;
for she always mercifully extends her hands to her Son.
In amazement, Andrew saw her in a cloud,
protecting the faithful with her mantle.
Let us fervently sing to her:
Rejoice, O protection, defence, and salvation of our souls.

Glory… Now…

Having purified our minds and souls,
we also rejoice with the angels,
joyously singing the hymn of David
to the virgin bride of Christ our God, the King of all:
Arise, O Lord, in the place of your dwelling,
You and the ark of your majesty.
Because You have adorned her as a beautiful palace,
receive her into your city
that through her prayers, O Lord, and with your almighty power,
she will order our lives and protect our Church from its enemies.

 

Aposticha

In Tone 2

Higher than all beings in heaven or on earth,
more glorious than the Cherubim,
and more honourable than all creation,
Christ has given you as the powerful protection of the Christian people
to protect and save all sinners who hasten to you.
Therefore, O Lady, we sing hymns to you
because you are the refuge of all people,
and we gloriously celebrate the honourable feast of your Protection.
We ask Christ to grant us great mercy through you.

In Tone 5

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

O people, let us gloriously sing David’s song to the young bride,
to the mother of Christ our God and the King of all.
O Master, the Queen stood at your right hand,
clothed in golden robes and adorned with celestial beauty.
You have affirmed her, chosen from among women,
and deigned to be born of her because of your great mercy.
You have given her as a help to your people
to build up and protect your servants
from all misfortunes, O only-blessed One.

In Tone 7

The richest of people shall seek your favour.

O Theotokos, you are a mountain greater and more glorious than Mount Sinai.
It could not bear God’s glory coming down in images and tents.
It caught fire and shook with thunder and lightning.
You likewise had the Divine Fire in you.
Through the will of Him who holds all in the palm of his hand,
you bore the Word of God in your womb without being burned.
Since you have a mother’s confidence before Him, O Lady,
help those who faithfully celebrate your precious feast.
Do not forget in your mercy to visit us,
for you have received a gift from God
to build up and protect the Christian flock of your servants.

In Tone 2, Glory…

O all-pure Mother of God,
the Church is clothed with your honourable protection
as with a most glorious wreath.
It radiantly rejoices today.
It mystically dances with joy and sings to you, O Lady:
Rejoice, honourable raiment and crown of God’s glory.
Rejoice, unique perfection of glory and eternal joy;
rejoice, refuge of all who hasten to you;
rejoice, our salvation and deliverance.

Now…

We now behold a new wonder,
greater than the wonders of old.
For who has ever known a mother to bear a child without the help of man?
Who has known a mother to hold in her arms the Source of all Creation?
It was God’s own will to be born in this manner;
and you, O most pure Virgin, carried Him as an infant in your arms.
Because of this, you can approach God with the boldness of a mother.
Therefore, we venerate you, and ask you to always beseech Him
to have mercy on us and save our souls.

 

Troparion

In Tone 4
Today we believers radiantly celebrate,* flooded in light by your coming to us, O Mother of God;* beholding your pure image,* we say with contrition:* shelter us with your precious protection* and deliver us from every evil,* entreating Your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls. (3)

 

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FESTAL MATINS

Hexapsalm

Great Ekteny

The Lord Is God, Tone 4

Troparia, Tone 4
Protected by your coming, O Mother of God,* the faithful people solemnly celebrate today;* and gazing upon your immaculate image,* they humbly say: Watch over us with your noble protection* and deliver us from all evil,* by asking your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls. (2)

Glory… Now…

O Mother of God, the mysteries which surround you are exceedingly glorious,* and beyond the power of understanding.* For you retained the seal of purity,* and your virginity remained inviolate;* yet you are acknowledged, without doubt,* to be the Mother who gave birth to the true God.* We beg you, therefore, to entreat Him to save our souls.

Kathisma & Little Ekteny

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 3
Encircled by the light of the angelic hosts, O Lady,* and by the ranks of the apostles and prophets,* and receiving as the Mother of God their holy veneration,* visit us, your servants, and entreat Christ our God* to grant us His abundant mercy.

Kathisma & Little Ekteny

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 6
You are indeed the strength of the helpless,* O most pure Mother of God.* Because of this, we lowly ones glory in you.* Because of you, our hopes are high.* You are our protection and our mediatrix with God.

Polyeleos

Exaltation
We extol You,* O most holy Virgin,* and we honour your precious Protection* for the saintly Andrew saw you in a vision, praying to Christ for us.
verses:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides in the shade of the Almighty.
He will conceal you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge.
For there He keeps me safe in His tent in the day of evil.
He hides me in the shelter of his tent; on a rock He sets me safe.
Glory…Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3 times)

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
Your most precious mantle glistens more brilliantly* than the gold and silver of the ark of old.* It is spread out not in substance but in spirit* by your pure and incorruptible hands,* and it mercifully protects those who honour the feast of your Protection, O Lady,* which we joyfully celebrate today.

Gradual Hymns, Tone 4, Antiphon 1

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
I will make your name remembered from generation to generation.
verse: Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

Let Everything That Has Breath, Tone 4

Gospel
Luke 1:39-49, 56

Psalm 50

After Psalm 50, Tone 6
Glory…
Through the intercession of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.
Now…
Through the intercession of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.
In Tone 8: Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offense.
All the leaders of the heavenly armies form a spiritual choir and rejoice with all of us* when they see the Lady and Queen of all praised by the faithful.* The spirits of the just also rejoice* as they witness the vision of the Queen praying with outstretched arms.* She asks for peace in the world,* power and strength for our Church,* and salvation for our souls.

Canon

Ode 1
Irmos I will open my mouth and it will be filled with the Spirit, and I will utter a word to the Queen and Mother, and I shall be seen keeping glad festival, and rejoicing I will sing her wonders.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
As all-pure Mother of God, grant me wisdom, and give me eloquence that I may radiantly praise the wonders of your holy Protection, through which you always protect those who honour you.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
You unfolded from above the lighting blaze of your Protecting Veil, and sheltered under it not only the queen of cites but your whole race that bears the name of Christ.

O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Venerable Andrew saw you of old in an ineffable vision in the church of Blachernae, Pure Virgin, protecting the ends of the world by the unfurling of your godly Robe.
Glory… Now…
Your race’s army, taking invincible strength from your Protection, defeated regiments of foes and won a radiant victory. And so, Sovereign Lady, it sings your mighty deeds.

Ode 3
Irmos O Mother of God, as a living and bounteous source, establish those united in spiritual fellowship who sing you hymns of praise, and by your divine protection grant them crowns of glory.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Your Protection, formed of light, is a source of heavenly joy, O All-unblemished, ever awarding to those who wrestle with afflictions grace, mercy and salvation.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
From the beginning through compassion you placed us, as a chosen race, beneath your Protecting Veil, O Virgin, and both of old and now you have worked strange and wondrous things, rescuing us from dangers.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
When godly Epiphanios heard the words of Venerable Andrew, he saw you as a heavenly queen protecting the people that bears Christ’s name.
Glory… Now…
As we see the multitude of wonders of your godly Protection, O Virgin, which you work everyday for our preservation, we, the multitudes of believers, bring you thankful praises.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 3
You appeared, O All-praised, as Protection, salvation, help and defence of your Orthodox peoples; therefore we magnify your Protection and we proclaim your fervent defence, All-pure Maiden, who protect our souls from every assault of the dragon.

Ode 4
The One seated in glory on the throne of the Godhead, Jesus, the One above all godhead, has come on a light cloud and with his unsullied palm has saved those who cry: Glory, O Christ, to your power!
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Invisibly unfolding your shining Protection, each day you protect, encompass, cherish and save from every affliction those who cry to you: Glory, O Virgin, to your glory!
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The revelation of your great goodness, O Maiden, and your distribution of the gifts which your ever show to our race, amaze mind and thought. And so, Sovereign Lady, we sing the praise of your grace.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Being present invisibly you clearly revealed to your servants your all-holy Protection in Byzantium of old, O Bride of God. Through it you ever protect us, for you love goodness.
Glory… Now…
Having you, O Maiden, as defence in dangers, respite in slavery, guide and assistance in all the circumstances of our life, we take refuge under your shining Protection.

Ode 5
The universe was amazed at your divine glory, for you, O Virgin, who knew not wedlock, held in your womb the God who is over all and gave birth to an eternal Son, who gives salvation as the prize to all who sing your praise.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Your suppliant people, O All-praised, celebrates the holy memory of your Protecting Veil, for you came to the church of Blachernae and there, O Immaculate, you spiritually protected all those who faithfully glorify you.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
By your visitation, pure Maiden, destroy the insolence of the hostile lion who goes roaring each day to swallow down your inheritance, and overthrow his arrogance and pride.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
As we celebrate the memory of your light-bearing Protection, we sing you thanksgivings for salvation, O Virgin, for you have delivered us from bitter slavery and mightily humbled the overweening enemy who came against us.
Glory… Now…
As a godly jar of alabaster of the All-holy Spirit, Mother of God full of grace, show me, who with faith ever take refuge under your Protection and sing the praise of your glory, to be a vessel of divine grace.

Ode 6
Come godly-minded people, as we celebrate this divine and honoured feast of the Mother of God, let us clap our hands as we glorify the God who was born from her.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
By night a pillar of fire once guided the Israelite people, while now, O Immaculate, your Protecting Veil, formed like lightning, ever guides us to salvation.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Unfolding your Protection, wholly light, you protect us each day, All-pure Virgin, as we now know. What return then shall we make you for your grace?
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Of old and now you have shown us to be your own chosen portion and a people for your won possession, O Maiden. Therefore the company of the Orthodox sings your praise.
Glory… Now…
Your faithful and God-loving people, O Maiden, proclaims your grace and, delivered from dangers and perils, sings a song of thanksgiving to your Protection.

Kontakion, Tone 8
Like a cloud brightly overshadowing the whole company of the Church, O all-pure, you appeared of old on the royal City. But as the Protection and Champion of your people, protect from every affliction us who cry to you: Hail, Protection wholly light.

Ikos
Unfolding from on high your holy Protection, Virgin Mary, Mother of God, you protect and save your people, who cry out to you, Pure Maiden, hour by hour, while now they gratefully sing the praise of your wonders as they cry: Hail, Protection, wholly light!

Hail, gate of salvation.
Hail, Protection of the Church.
Hail, wondrous vision of the Angels.
Hail, unshakeable support of mortals.
Hail, Ever-Virgin Mother of Christ the universal King.
Hail, Protection and assistance of your faithful people.
Hail, for you appeared protecting your race.
Hail, for you grant victories to the troops.
Hail, source of abundant goodness.
Hail, lamp of God’s loving-kindness.
Hail, for through you we conquer the foe.
Hail, for to you we cry out each day:
Hail, Protection wholly light!

Ode 7
The godlike Children did not worship creation instead of the Creator, but bravely trampling on the threat of fire, rejoicing they sang: O highly exalted Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are you!
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
You have placed us, Sovereign Lady, under your Protecting Veil, and you ever protect us from dread abuse, assault of foes and every affliction. Therefore with upraised voices we all sing your praise to the ages.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
You protected the royal city of Constantine as your chosen part, Pure Virgin; likewise you now protect with your glory, All-blameless Lady, us who take refuge in your fervent defence.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The wondrous overshadowing of our race with your godlike Protection, Pure Virgin, clearly manifests your providence, through which you grant joy and peace to our souls.
Glory… Now…
Unhusbanded, O All-pure, you husbanded Christ, the Husbandman of our life; as cause of our joy you appeared to those who sang, Hail, Sovereign Lady of our race, saviour and sweet help.

Ode 8
The Offspring of the Mother of God saved the innocent Youths in the furnace. Then he was prefigured, but now in reality he gathers the whole world which sings: All you works praise the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
In many ways you revealed of old the force of your Protection, Mother of God, by signs and wonders and countless deeds of power, acting as our Champion every day, O All-pure; while now we sing the praise of your saving wondrous works.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Your chosen people, O All-blameless, faithfully receiving force and strength from your godly Protection, ever escapes from afflictions that attack them and from warlike foes, and remains unharmed by any madness, Mother of God, through your solicitude.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
From on high, Immaculate Virgin, unfold your holy and most radiant Protection, and as of old protect us and keep us safe from foes who attack us, and deliver your inheritance from their wickedness and assault.
O Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Venerable Andrew and venerable and godly Epiphanios saw you unfolding the Protecting Veil that had protected your immaculate body, Mother of God Ever-Virgin, and they were amazed; for you protected all, O Maiden, with immaterial light and heavenly glory.

Ode 9
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
Let all born of earth bearing torches, in spirit leap for joy; let the nature of the immaterial spirits honour and celebrate the wondrous sacred festival of the Mother of God, and let them cry: Hail, all-blessed Mother of God, pure and Ever-Virgin!
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
The dew which falls in drops from your Godly Protection as from an immaterial cloud, O Immaculate, becomes healing for us and brings to an end sicknesses of soul and body for those who cry: Hail, Ever-Virgin, our joy and consolation!
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
The Church of the faithful celebrates a sacred memorial of your wonders to your glory and praise, O All-blameless, and with faith taking refuge under your Protection, cries out to you: Protect and guard me until my life’s end, O All-praised.
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
With all our soul let us gather to your godly Protection, immaculate Lady, bringing thankful praise with fervent gratitude, for you are an immaterial cloud, O Immaculate, which becomes healing for us and brings to an end sicknesses of soul and body for those who cry: Hail, Ever-Virgin, our joy and consolation!
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
The Church of the faithful celebrates a sacred memorial of your wonders to your glory and praise, O All-blameless, and with faith taking refuge under your Protection, cries out to you: Protect and guard me until my life’s end, O All-praised.
O my soul, extol the greatness of the protection of the ever-Virgin Mother of God.
With all our soul let us gather to your godly Protection, immaculate Lady, bringing thankful praise with fervent gratitude, for you have chosen us for your own and you treat us kindly in all things; you guide us and save us from afflictions.
Immaculate Virgin who bore God, save your flock, protecting it with your Protecting Veil and caring for it in every way.
From above, pure Virgin, keep your godly Protection around your people like a rampart with a wealth of loving-kindness; while to me, who have now woven for you songs of praise, give enlightenment and illumination, I implore, and forgiveness of faults.
Glory…
Raising your hands to God you implore on our behalf the One who came forth from you, and thence, unfolding spiritually your light-bearing Protection, you protected all the faithful. And so, as we celebrate its yearly memorial, Mother of God, we magnify you.
Now…
As we sing the praise of the manifold gifts of your Protection and its unstinted grace, pure Mother, which we unceasingly enjoy, we cry out to you from our souls: As of old you protected your people, so now too protect us with your hand and save us until our life’s end, O Immaculate.

Hymn of Light, Tone 3
O most holy Lady, Virgin Mother of God,* extend your holy mantle over us;* guide and protect our rulers and all people from every evil.* As the holy Andrew saw you in a vision while praying,* so today, O holy Lady, show us your loving protection.

At the Praises, Tone 8

O Lady, we bow before you,* and humbly prostrating, we pray to you.* Rejoice, O glorious Virgin,* most blessed by God and heralded by prophets;* for in you, Christ our God came down as the dew.* In your maidenhood, pure and undefiled, you gave birth to Him.* You carried in your arms the Lord and Creator of all.* implore Him now for us* who faithfully glorify the feast of your Protection. (twice)

The angel choirs sing of you, O Virgin Mother of God.* The patriarchs join the priestly ranks and holy apostles in praising you.* They give service to you as to the Mother of God.* Having seen you pray to Christ our God, the Saviour of all,* they ask you to pray to Him to save the world* and all those who sincerely honour you* and keep holy the feast of your Protection.

O Mother of God,* you were made more holy than the ark of Aaron through the Holy Spirit.* With your mantle you shine more brilliantly than the rays of the sun.* You illumine the Church and dispel the darkness caused by our sins.* Deliver from danger and tribulations* all those who honour the feast of your Protection.

Tone 6, Glory… Now…

O Mother of God,* the holy Andrew saw you in a vision with a multitude of archangels,* together with the apostles and prophets,* and a multitude of martyrs.* You were praying to your Son, our God,* for the city and the people,* covering them with your holy mantle.* So now, O most pure One,* do not forsake the inheritance of your Son,* all those who keep holy the feast of your Protection, O most praised One.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: Today we believers radiantly celebrate,* flooded in light by your coming to us, O Mother of God;* beholding your pure image,* we say with contrition:* shelter us with your precious protection* and deliver us from every evil,* entreating Your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today the Virgin stands before us in the church* and together with the choirs of saints invisibly prays to God for us.* Angels are worshipping with hierarchs,* Apostles exult with prophets,* for the Mother of God prays in our behalf to the eternal God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.
verse: Because he has regarded the humility of His handmaid; for behold, all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)

Epistle
Hebrew 9:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear.
verse: The rich among the people shall entreat your countenance. (Psalm 44:11,13)

Gospel
Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

Communion Hymn
I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)

Chariton was a distinguished and devout citizen of the city of Iconium. Imbued with the spirit of his compatriot, St. Thecla, Chariton openly confessed the name of Christ. When a bitter persecution of Christians began during the reign of Emperor Aurelian, Chariton was immediately brought to trial before the eparch. The judge ordered him to worship the gods, but Chariton replied: “All your gods are demons, and were cast from the heavens into the nethermost hell.” Chariton clearly proclaimed his faith in the One Living God, the Creator of all, and the Lord Jesus, the Savior of mankind. The eparch ordered that he be tortured and beaten, until his whole body was like one great wound. When Aurelian’s evil deeds caught up with him and he died an evil death, Chariton was freed from torture and prison. He then set out for Jerusalem. On the way he was seized by robbers, but escaped from them by God’s providence. Chariton, not wanting to return to Iconium again, withdrew to the wilderness of Pharan, where he founded a monastery and gathered monks. He established a rule for the monastery and then, to avoid the praise of men, withdrew to another wilderness near Jericho. There he founded another monastery called the Monastery of Chariton. Finally, he founded a third monastery, Souka, which the Greeks called the Old Lavra. Chariton died at a great old age, and took up his abode in the glory of his Lord on September 28, 350. His relics repose in his first monastery. The composition of the rite of monastic tonsure is attributed to St. Chariton. (Prologue of Ohrid)

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GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 7

10. Come, let us rejoice in the Lord,
Who destroyed the power of death
and enlightened the human race;
and let us cry out with the angels:
Glory to You, our Creator and Saviour!

9. O Saviour, for our sake You suffered crucifixion and burial;
and, as God, You destroyed death by Your death.
Therefore, we adore Your resurrection on the third day
and we sing: Glory to You, O Lord!

8. On seeing the resurrection of the Creator,
the Apostles were amazed,
and they sang an angelic hymn of praise:
This is the glory of the Church,
this is the richness of the Kingdom!
O Lord, Who suffered for our sake, glory to You!

7. O Christ, although You were taken captive by Your enemies,
I still acknowledge You as my God,
and am not ashamed of You;
I will not hide the fact that You were nailed to the Cross.
Your death is my life, almighty Lord,
and I extol Your resurrection.
O Lover of mankind, glory to You!

In Tone 4

6. By abstinence and fervent prayer, venerable Chariton,
you caused your body’s passions to wither.
With streams of tears you drowned the deceitful serpent, blessed one.
In great measure you were well-pleasing to God!
Therefore Jesus, the Lover of mankind and the Saviour of our souls,
has adorned you with heavenly gifts!

5. By abstinence and fervent prayer, venerable Chariton,
you caused your body’s passions to wither.
With streams of tears you drowned the deceitful serpent, blessed one.
In great measure you were well-pleasing to God!
Therefore Jesus, the Lover of mankind and the Saviour of our souls,
has adorned you with heavenly gifts!

4. With the sweat of your struggle, truly wondrous one,
you quenched the burning fire of the passions!
You partook of fire through your wounds and sufferings,
confessing the condescension of the incarnate Word before evil tyrants!
You were a witness for Him,
adorned with wounds from your manifold torments,
most wealthy, God-bearing Chariton!

3. With the sweat of your struggle, truly wondrous one,
you quenched the burning fire of the passions!
You partook of fire through your wounds and sufferings,
confessing the condescension of the incarnate Word before evil tyrants!
You were a witness for Him,
adorned with wounds from your manifold torments,
most wealthy, God-bearing Chariton!

2. You fled, most sacred and blessed Chariton,
withdrawing into the mountains and deserts.
Preserving your soul undefiled, you were revealed to be a dwelling of the Trinity,
in whose power you founded holy dwellings, blessed one:
monasteries for the building up and salvation
of monastics who honour your holy memory.

1. You fled, most sacred and blessed Chariton,
withdrawing into the mountains and deserts.
Preserving your soul undefiled, you were revealed to be a dwelling of the Trinity,
in whose power you founded holy dwellings, blessed one:
monasteries for the building up and salvation
of monastics who honour your holy memory.

In Tone 4, Glory…

God-bearing Chariton,
even after death, in Christ you live in the heavens!
For His sake you crucified yourself to the world,
for you were above the world and the flesh,
truly living, transcending all visible things!
Yet you did not live for yourself alone,
but Christ our God dwelt within you!
Entreat Him that our souls may be saved!

In Tone 7, Now…

Immaculate Mother of God,
you became a mother outside the laws of nature,
remaining a virgin in a way that exceeds all description
and human understanding.
The wonder of your birth-giving could not be told in human language,
for your conception of Christ blinded intelligence,
and your birth-giving exceeded understanding:
for whenever God so desires, the laws of nature are broken.
Wherefore, we all firmly believe that you are the Mother of God,
and we eagerly beseech you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.

 

Readings
Wisdom 3:1-9
Wisdom 5:15-6:3
Wisdom 4:7-15

 

Aposticha

In Tone 7

O Saviour of the world, You arose from the grave,
and together with Your own flesh You raised up mankind.
O Lord, glory to You!

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

Come, let us worship Christ Who arose from the dead
and enlightened all creation.
For by His resurrection on the third day,
He set us free from the oppression of Hades,
granting us life and His great mercy.

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

O Christ, Lover of mankind,
You descended into Hades and destroyed death.
Then You arose on the third day;
and, together with Yourself You lifted up all of us
who glorify Your mighty resurrection.

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

O Lord, what a fearful sight it was to see You lying in the tomb as if asleep.
Yet on the third day You arose in great power,
and at the same time You raised up Adam who joyfully cried out:
Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!

In Tone 8, Glory…

We honour you, Chariton our father, the instructor of a multitude of monks!
We have indeed learned to walk rightly in your footsteps!
You are blest, for having laboured for Christ,
you denounced the power of the enemy!
Conversor with the angels, companion of the venerable and righteous ones!
Together with them, entreat the Lord that He may grant mercy to our souls!

Now…

Unwedded Virgin, who ineffably conceived God in the flesh!
Mother of God most high!
Accept the cries of your servants, blameless One!
Grant cleansing of transgressions to all!
Receive our prayers and pray to save our souls!

 

Troparia

In Tone 7
By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.

In Tone 8, Glory…
With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hundredfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable Father, Chariton.** Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

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!

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 7: By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.

Troparion, Tone 8: With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hunderedfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable Father, Chariton.* Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

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

Kontakion, Tone 7: No longer shall the dominion of death be able to hold humanity,* for Christ went down shattering and destroying it s powers.* Hades is bound.* The prophets exult with one voice.* The Saviour has come for those with faith, saying:* “Come forth, O faithful, to the resurrection!”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: Taking delight in self-mastery, O divinely wise one,* you bridled your fleshly desires and were shown to grow through faith.* You flowered like the tree of life in the midst of paradise,* O all-blessed and holy Chariton.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The Lord will give strength to His people;* the Lord will bless His people with peace.
verse: Bring to the Lord, O you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams. (Psalm 28:11,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The venerable ones will exult in glory* and they shall be joyful in their beds. (Psalm 149:5)

Epistle
2 Corinthians 6:1-10; 2 Corinthians 4:6-15

Alleluia, Tone 7
verse: It is good to give praise to the Lord; and to sing to Your name, O Most High.
verse: To announce Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth every night. (Psalm 91:2,3)
verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.
verse: His seed shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel
Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 6:17-23

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear*. Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

John was the son of Zebedee the fisherman and Salome the daughter of Joseph, the betrothed of the Holy Theotokos. Called by the Lord Jesus, John immediately left his father and his fishermen’s nets and, with his brother James, followed Christ. From then on, he was not separated from his Lord until the end. With Peter and James, he was present at the raising of Jairus’s daughter and the Transfiguration of the Lord. At the Last Supper, he inclined his head on Jesus’ breast. When all the other apostles had abandoned the crucified Lord, John and the Holy Mother of God remained beneath the Cross. In obedience to the Lord, he was as a son to the Holy Virgin Mary, and carefully served and watched over her until her Dormition. After her Dormition, John took his disciple Prochorus to preach the Gospel in Asia Minor. He lived and labored mostly in Ephesus. By his inspired preaching and miracles he converted many to Christianity and shook paganism to its foundation. The embittered pagans bound him and sent him to Rome, to face Emperor Dometian. Dometian had him tortured and flogged, but neither the bitterest poison he was given to drink, nor the boiling oil into which he was thrown, did him any harm. This terrified the emperor and, thinking him immortal, Dometian sent him into exile to the island of Patmos. There St. John converted many to Christianity by words and miracles, and confirmed well the Church of God. He also wrote his Gospel and Revelation on Patmos. In the time of Emperor Nero, who granted freedom to all prisoners, John returned to Ephesus, where he lived for some time, confirming the work he had begun earlier. He was over one hundred years old when he went to the Lord. When his disciples later opened his grave, they did not find his body. On May 8 of every year, a fine dust, fragrant and healing, rose from his grave. After a long, laborious and fruitful life on earth, this beloved disciple of Christ, a true pillar of the Church, took up his habitation in the joy of His Lord. (Prologue of Ohrid)

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Great Vespers

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

6.  As witness of revelations beyond words
and interpreter of the sublime mysteries of God,
O son of Zebedee,
you have written the gospel of Christ for us.
You taught us to glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

6. As witness of revelations beyond words
and interpreter of the sublime mysteries of God,
O son of Zebedee,
you have written the gospel of Christ for us.
You taught us to glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

4. Divinely moved lyre of heavenly canticles,
you are the mystical writer
and the God-inspired voice melodiously singing the divine hymns.
Pray for the salvation of our souls.

3. Divinely moved lyre of heavenly canticles,
you are the mystical writer
and the God-inspired voice melodiously singing the divine hymns.
Pray for the salvation of our souls.

2. O beloved of God, with your thundering voice
you declared the wisdom of God.
You constantly proclaimed aloud the hidden word by frequently saying:
In the beginning was the Word.
You have illumined all with the knowledge of God.

1. O beloved of God, with your thundering voice
you declared the wisdom of God.
You constantly proclaimed aloud the hidden word by frequently saying:
In the beginning was the Word.
You have illumined all with the knowledge of God.

In Tone 2, Glory…

Let all the human race give the praise that is due to John, the son of thunder,
the virgin apostle and the bearer of God’s message,
the chief theologian and the first to proclaim the truths
which are contained in the teachings of divine Wisdom.
For always being filled with that which is divine, he said:
In the beginning was the Word, not separated from the Father
but equal to the Father according to His nature,
thereby showing us the right worship of the Holy Trinity.
He has also shown us that the Word was with the Father, the Creator of all,
and that He bears life and has shown us the true light.
O awesome marvel! O Wisdom!
John was filled with love for God;
he was also filled with glory, honour, and faith;
he was the preacher of our pure faith.
Because of this, we shall obtain eternal blessing on the day of judgment.

Now…

O Virgin, the shadow of the Law passed away
with the realization of grace.
For as the bush had burned without being consumed,
so you gave birth while a virgin
and you remained a virgin.
Instead of the pillar of fire there rose the Sun of Justice.
Instead of Moses, Christ God came forth,
the Saviour of our souls.

 

Readings
I John 3:21- 4:6
I John 4:11-16
I John 4:20-5:5

 

At the Lytia

In Tone 1

O Apostle, rivers of theology poured out from your precious mouth.
The Church of God has drunk from them
and in true faith adores the consubstantial Trinity.
O John the Divine, pray to the Holy Trinity
to strengthen the Church and to save our souls.
The garden of purity, the fragrant myrrh,
has again come upon us in the present feast
so that we may cry aloud:
O John, the apostle who reclined on the bosom of the Master,
and made the word fall on the world like rain,
you have guarded the Virgin as the most cherished one.
Ask Christ to grant us his great mercy.

As an eye-witness of the ineffable mysteries,
you cried out that the eternal Word was in God and that He is God.
O Apostle John, you reclined upon the breast of Christ.
O delight of the Trinity,
O unshakable fortitude of Ephesus and Patmos, help us!
O blessed Theologian, pray that those who honour you faithfully
will be delivered from the wicked enemies of both body and spirit.

O Disciple of the Saviour, O celibate and theologian,
Christ our God entrusted the Virgin Theotokos to you.
You protected her as the most cherished one.
Therefore, intercede that our souls may be saved.

In  Tone 4, Glory…

O beloved Disciple, at the Lord’s supper
you reclined on the breast of Christ the Master.
From that place you understood things ineffable,
and your heavenly voice thundered to all:
In the beginning was the Word;
the Word was in God’s presence, and the Word was God.
The true light which gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
Christ is God and the Saviour of our souls.

Now…

The Son, glorified on high with the Father and the Spirit by the Cherubim,
desired to restore Adam.
He completely and ineffably emptied himself in your womb, O ever-praised Theotokos;
and having shone forth from you,
He has enlightened the world with his divinity.
Christ the Lord and Saviour of our souls,
having divinized the human race,
led us back to heaven.

 

Aposticha

In Tone 4

You are the theologian who spoke of the Son of the Most High.
He is co-eternal and consubstantial with the Father,
Light from unchangeable Light, and Image of the very person of the Father,
shining from Him eternally and without change,
the Creator and Lord of all.
O beloved, you have preached about Christ our God to the world,
who is the Light leading us out of darkness.

Through all the world their voice resounds; their message reaches to the ends of the earth.

Having received the light of the Comforter
and having been enlightened by Him,
O beloved, as theologian
you taught that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father
and was manifested to mankind by the Son.
He is equal in holiness, essence, and majesty
with the eternal Father and the Word of God.
We, therefore, venerate you in hymns as the blessed preacher of our faith.
Keep it firm by your prayers to the Lord, our God.

The heavens proclaim your wonders, O Lord; the assembly of your holy ones proclaims your truth.

Having ascended to the height of theology,
you have learned the ineffable mysteries of God:
that the essence of the Godhead is one;
one glory, one kingdom, and one dominion,
ever-divided into three Persons,
yet undivided in essence,
united in a divine union without confusion.
Thus you gloriously proclaimed the undivided Trinity.
O Theologian, entreat God to save and enlighten our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory…

O apostle of Christ, O evangelist, O theologian,
you were the mystic of the ineffable mysteries.
You proclaimed to us the untold teachings of Wisdom.
You clarified for the faithful
that the Word was present to God in the beginning.
You cast aside the words of the heretics
and rejected their false teachings.
You appeared as the favourite and beloved friend of Christ,
even as the thundering Isaiah and Moses who saw God.
Having boldness before Him, earnestly pray for our souls.

Now…

Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,
came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.
He clothed himself in our human flesh
to set us free from the original curse of Adam.
Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,
as the true Virgin Mother of God,
and we sing with the angels:
Rejoice, O Lady, advocate, protector, and salvation of our souls.

 

Troparion

In Tone 2
O beloved apostle of Christ our God,* hasten, deliver a people without defense.* He who received you when you leaned upon His breast accepts you as you bow in prayer.* Implore Him, O Theologian, to scatter the cloud of nations that besets us, asking peace and great mercy for us.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 2: O beloved apostle of Christ our God,* hasten, deliver a people without defense.* He who received you when you leaned upon His breast accepts you as you bow in prayer.* Implore Him, O Theologian, to scatter the cloud of nations that besets us,* asking peace and great mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: O virgin apostle, who can recount your mighty works?* For you pour out wonders and healings* and you pray for our souls as Theologian and friend of Christ.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hand. (Psalm 18:5,2)

Epistle
1 John 4:12-19

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.
verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 88:6,8)

Gospel
John 19:25-27; 21:24-25

Communion Hymn
Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

 

Quadratus, one of the Seventy, was a disciple of the Great Apostles. He preached the Gospel in Athens and was at first bishop of Athens after St. Publius, and afterward bishop of Magnesia. Quadratus was highly educated in secular wisdom, and rich in the grace of the Holy Spirit. His biographer says of him: He was as the morning star among the clouds (Sirach 50:6). The clouds were the darkness of Hellenic paganism, without the light of piety. The Holy Apostle Quadratus, through the word of God, shone upon the Hellenes as a great light, illuminating the darkness, destroying the foul sacrifices, crushing the idols, and destroying the demonic temples by his prayer. However, darkness always hates the light, and the pagans hated holy Quadratus. First they stoned him, as once the Jews did St. Stephen. Then they threw him into prison and gave him no bread until he gave up his holy soul, and went to dwell in the Kingdom of Christ, his God.
St. Quadratus wrote an Apologia for Christianity and gave it to Emperor Hadrian. This Apologia had such an effect on the pagan emperor that he ordered that Christians not be persecuted without specific cause. St. Quadratus suffered in about the year 130. He is buried in the city of Magnesia, where he suffered. (Prologue of Ohrid)

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GREAT VESPERS

 

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

10. 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.

9. Today Christ has conquered Death.
He has risen from the grave as He 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.

8. 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.

7. 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.

In Tone 6

6. By its elevation the Cross is like an appeal to the whole creation.
We adore the blessed passion of Christ our God
who was suspended on it.
By this Cross, Christ destroyed the one who had destroyed us.
In His great goodness, He brought us back to life after we had been dead.
In His mercy He clothed us with beauty
and made us worthy of heaven.
Therefore, we exalt His Name with great rejoicing
and glorify His infinite condescension.

5. By its elevation the Cross is like an appeal to the whole creation.
We adore the blessed passion of Christ our God
who was suspended on it.
By this Cross, Christ destroyed the one who had destroyed us.
In His great goodness, He brought us back to life after we had been dead.
In His mercy He clothed us with beauty
and made us worthy of heaven.
Therefore, we exalt His Name with great rejoicing
and glorify His infinite condescension.

4. O precious Cross of the Lord,
Moses prefigured you when he stretched out his arms to heaven
and thus defeated the haughty Amalek.
You are the pride of the faithful
and the strength of those who struggle,
the glory of the apostles, the courage of the just,
and the salvation of the saints.
Therefore, at the sight of your elevation,
the whole creation rejoices, exalts, and glorifies Christ
whose goodness joined together those who had strayed.

3. O precious Cross of the Lord,
Moses prefigured you when he stretched out his arms to heaven
and thus defeated the haughty Amalek.
You are the pride of the faithful
and the strength of those who struggle,
the glory of the apostles, the courage of the just,
and the salvation of the saints.
Therefore, at the sight of your elevation,
the whole creation rejoices, exalts, and glorifies Christ
whose goodness joined together those who had strayed.

2. O most venerable Cross of the Lord,
the angels surround you with joy at your elevation today.
You raise up those who had fallen and had been delivered to death
for having eaten of the forbidden tree.
Therefore, we praise you with our lips,
begging for sanctification, saying:
Exalt Christ our gracious God, O you nations,
and adore His divine footsteps forever.

1. O most venerable Cross of the Lord,
the angels surround you with joy at your elevation today.
You raise up those who had fallen and had been delivered to death
for having eaten of the forbidden tree.
Therefore, we praise you with our lips,
begging for sanctification, saying:
Exalt Christ our gracious God, O you nations,
and adore His divine footsteps forever.

In Tone 2, Glory…

Come, all you people,
let us venerate the blessed Cross of the Lord through which eternal justice came to us.
He who deceived Adam, the first man, was conquered by a tree,
and the same who fettered the royal creation by his cunning
has been cast down into nothingness.
The venom of the serpent has been washed away by the divine blood of Christ.
The curse of the rightful sentence was lifted when the just Christ was condemned unjustly.
By God’s plan, death that had come from a tree would be conquered by a Tree,
and suffering would be healed by the suffering of the Lord.
Glory to the active presence of Your providence in our lives, O Christ, our King.
Through it You have brought salvation for all,
for You are gracious and the Lover of mankind.

In 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 mercy on our souls.

 

Aposticha

In Tone 6

O Christ our Saviour,
the angels in heaven sing the praises of Your Resurrection;
make us on earth also worthy
to extol 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 out 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 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.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Of old, Moses prefigured Your Cross
while vanquishing Amalek and obtaining victory over him.
David the psalmist called it Your footstool
and directed us to adore it.
We sinners indeed venerate Your Cross today, O Christ our God.
With our unworthy lips we extol You,
for You deigned to be crucified on it;
and we entreat You, O Lord:
Together with the thief, make us worthy of Your kingdom.

 

Troparia

In 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 to You!

In Tone 1, Glory… Now…
Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance,* grant victory to Your faithful people against enemies,* and protect Your community by Your Cross.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1
O God, my God, hear me; why have You forsaken me? The words of my transgressions put salvation far from me.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
O God, I will call to You by day but You will not listen; and by night, yet it will not be foolish of me.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
But You, the praise of Israel, dwell in the holy place.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

Antiphon 3
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.
Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.
Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.
Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance:
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.
Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

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.

Kontakion, Tone 6: With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: By Your own choice, O Christ our God,* You were lifted on the cross.* Grant Your mercies to Your new community* that bears Your Name.* By Your power gladden the faithful people,* and grant them victory against enemies.* May they have the help of Your instrument of peace,* the invincible sign of victory.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Exalt the Lord our God,* and bow in worship at the footstool of his feet, for it is holy.
verse: The Lord reigns, let the people tremble. (Psalm 98:5,1)

Epistle
Galatians 2:16-20

Alleluia, Tone 1
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 Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the most precious cross of the Lord.
And the Irmos, Tone 8: You are a mystical Paradise, O Mother of God, who though untilled, have brought forth Christ. He has planted upon earth the life-giving Tree of the Cros

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Let the light of Your countenance, O Lord,* shine upon us.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 4:7)

At the end of Liturgy we sing:
To Your Cross, O Master, we bow in veneration, and we glorify Your holy Resurrection. (3)

Two events in connection with the Honorable Cross of Christ are commemorated on this day: first, the finding of the Honorable Cross on Golgotha and second, the return of the Honorable Cross from Persia to Jerusalem. Visiting the Holy Land, the holy Empress Helena decided to find the Honorable Cross of Christ. An old Jewish man named Judah was the only one who knew where the Cross was located, and, constrained by the empress, he revealed that the Cross was buried under the temple of Venus that Emperor Hadrian had built on Golgotha. The empress ordered that this idolatrous temple be razed and, having dug deep below it, found three crosses. While the empress pondered on how to recognize which of these was the Cross of Christ, a funeral procession passed by. Patriarch Macarius told them to place the crosses, one by one, on the dead man. When they placed the first and second cross on the dead man, the dead man lay unchanged. When they placed the third cross on him, the dead man came back to life. By this they knew that this was the Precious and Life-giving Cross of Christ. They then placed the Cross on a sick woman, and she became well. The patriarch elevated the Cross for all the people to see, and the people sang with tears: “Lord, have mercy!” Empress Helena had a silver case made and set the Honorable Cross in it. Later, the Persian Emperor Chozroes conquered Jerusalem, enslaved many people, and took the Lord’s Cross to Persia. The Cross remained in Persia for fourteen years. In the year 628 the Greek Emperor Heraclius defeated Chozroes and, with much ceremony, returned the Cross to Jerusalem. As he entered the city Emperor Heraclius carried the Cross on his back, but suddenly was unable to take another step. Patriarch Zacharias saw an angel preventing the emperor from bearing the Cross on the same path that the Lord had walked barefoot and humiliated. The patriarch communicated this vision to the emperor. The emperor removed his raiment and, in ragged attire and barefoot, took up the Cross, carried it to Golgotha, and placed it in the Church of the Resurrection, to the joy and consolation of the whole Christian world. (Prologue of Ohrid)

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GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma
Blessed is the man… is sung only when feast occurs on a Sunday or Monday

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

8. By its elevation the Cross is like an appeal to the whole creation.
We adore the blessed passion of Christ our God
who was suspended on it.
By this Cross, Christ destroyed the one who had destroyed us.
In His great goodness, He brought us back to life after we had been dead.
In His mercy He clothed us with beauty
and made us worthy of heaven.
Therefore, we exalt His Name with great rejoicing
and glorify His infinite condescension.

7. By its elevation the Cross is like an appeal to the whole creation.
We adore the blessed passion of Christ our God
who was suspended on it.
By this Cross, Christ destroyed the one who had destroyed us.
In His great goodness, He brought us back to life after we had been dead.
In His mercy He clothed us with beauty
and made us worthy of heaven.
Therefore, we exalt His Name with great rejoicing
and glorify His infinite condescension.

6. By its elevation the Cross is like an appeal to the whole creation.
We adore the blessed passion of Christ our God
who was suspended on it.
By this Cross, Christ destroyed the one who had destroyed us.
In His great goodness, He brought us back to life after we had been dead.
In His mercy He clothed us with beauty
and made us worthy of heaven.
Therefore, we exalt His Name with great rejoicing
and glorify His infinite condescension.

5. O precious Cross of the Lord,
Moses prefigured you when he stretched out his arms to heaven
and thus defeated the haughty Amalek.
You are the pride of the faithful
and the strength of those who struggle,
the glory of the apostles, the courage of the just,
and the salvation of the saints.
Therefore, at the sight of your elevation,
the whole creation rejoices, exalts, and glorifies Christ
whose goodness joined together those who had strayed.

4. O precious Cross of the Lord,
Moses prefigured you when he stretched out his arms to heaven
and thus defeated the haughty Amalek.
You are the pride of the faithful
and the strength of those who struggle,
the glory of the apostles, the courage of the just,
and the salvation of the saints.
Therefore, at the sight of your elevation,
the whole creation rejoices, exalts, and glorifies Christ
whose goodness joined together those who had strayed.

3. O precious Cross of the Lord,
Moses prefigured you when he stretched out his arms to heaven
and thus defeated the haughty Amalek.
You are the pride of the faithful
and the strength of those who struggle,
the glory of the apostles, the courage of the just,
and the salvation of the saints.
Therefore, at the sight of your elevation,
the whole creation rejoices, exalts, and glorifies Christ
whose goodness joined together those who had strayed.

2. O most venerable Cross of the Lord,
the angels surround you with joy at your elevation today.
You raise up those who had fallen and had been delivered to death
for having eaten of the forbidden tree.
Therefore, we praise you with our lips,
begging for sanctification, saying:
Exalt Christ our gracious God, O you nations,
and adore His divine footsteps forever.

1. O most venerable Cross of the Lord,
the angels surround you with joy at your elevation today.
You raise up those who had fallen and had been delivered to death
for having eaten of the forbidden tree.
Therefore, we praise you with our lips,
begging for sanctification, saying:
Exalt Christ our gracious God, O you nations,
and adore His divine footsteps forever.

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

Come, all you people,
let us venerate the blessed Cross of the Lord through which eternal justice came to us.
He who deceived Adam, the first man, was conquered by a tree,
and the same who fettered the royal creation by his cunning has been cast down into nothingness.
The venom of the serpent has been washed away by the divine blood of Christ.
The curse of the rightful sentence was lifted when the just Christ was condemned unjustly.
By God’s plan, death that had come from a tree would be conquered by a Tree,
and suffering would be healed by the suffering of the Lord.
Glory to the active presence of Your providence in our lives, O Christ, our King.
Through it You have brought salvation for all,
for You are gracious and the Lover of mankind.

 

Readings
Exodus 15:22-16:1
Proverbs 3:11-18
Isaiah 60:11-16

 

Lytia

In Tone 1

The prophecy of David is truly fulfilled today,
for we now bow down before Your footstool
in the shadow of Your wings, O God of love.
Filled with hope, we cry out:
Let the light of Your face shine upon us,
and raise up all the faithful Christians
by the exaltation of Your precious Cross,
O Christ, our God of tenderness and mercy.

The Tree of true life was planted in the place of the Skull,
the Tree upon which the King of the Ages brought about our salvation,
is raised up in the middle of the earth today.
It sanctifies the ends of the earth,
and the Church of the Resurrection celebrates its rededication now.
The angels rejoice in heaven,
and those upon the earth exalt with joy and say with David:
Exalt the Lord our God and bow before His throne
and before His footstool, for He is holy;
it is He who grants great mercy to the world.

Jacob, the Patriarch, prefigured Your Cross, O Christ,
when he blessed his descendents
by laying his hands on their heads in the form of a cross.
Today we exalt it and cry our, O Saviour:
Grant victory to Your Church over her enemies,
as You once did to Your people.

In Tone 2

Hidden in the earth as a divine treasure,
the Cross of the Giver of Life now appeared in the heavens to the godly king,
and its inscription spiritually signified his victory over the enemy.
Rejoicing with faith and love,
he was inspired by God and hastened to raise on high
the Cross that he had seen in his vision.
With great zeal he brought it forth from the bosom of the earth
for the deliverance of the world and the salvation of our souls.

By crossing his hands in the blessing of his children,
the Patriarch Jacob foreshadowed the powerful sign of the Cross.
We now have it as our safeguard that cannot be overthrown,
and with its strength we drive out the hosts of demons.
Casting down the arrogance of Belial with it,
we put to flight the destroying power of Amalek.
And now that it is lifted on high,
we the faithful offer it in devotion
for the cleansing of our sins before the goodness of God.
We cry aloud with the fullness of our voices:
Have mercy on us, O Lord made flesh of a Virgin;
take pity on us, O Gracious One,
for we are the works which you fashioned in Your wisdom.

O triple-branched Cross of Christ
you are my strong protection.
Sanctify me by your might,
that I may venerate and glorify you in faith and love.

In Tone 4

Let us raise our voices today and sing in honour of this feast,
and with radiant faces let us cry out in a loud voice:
For us You accepted condemnation, O Christ;
You were spat upon and scourged;
You were wrapped in a purple robe and have ascended the Cross.
Seeing You, the sun and moon hid their light,
the earth quaked in fear, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
Now give us Your precious Cross as our guardian,
our protector which drives away the demons,
that embracing it, we may all cry out:
Save us, O Cross, by your might,
and strengthen us through your exaltation,
for you have been given to us as the light and salvation of our souls.

O Cross, you are the radiant sign among the stars.
In prophecy you have revealed the sign of victory to the godly king;
and when his mother Helena found you,
she displayed you in the sight of all the world.
Today the choirs of the faithful shout aloud as they raise you on high:
Enlighten us by your brightness, O life-giving and all-venerable Cross.
Make us holy by your might;
strengthen us by your exaltation,
for you are raised up against our enemies.

Glory… Now…

Moses prefigured the power of the precious Cross, O Christ,
when he conquered Amalek, his enemy, in the wilderness of Sinai.
When he stretched out his arms in the form of a cross,
the people were strengthened.
Now these images are fulfilled in us.
Today the Cross is exalted, and the devils are put to flight.
Today all creation is freed from corruption.
Through the Cross every gift of grace has shone upon us.
Therefore, rejoicing, we bow down before You and say:
How marvellous are Your works, O Lord, glory to You!

 

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Joy to you, life-bearing Cross of the Lord,
invincible triumph of the true faith
You are the gate to Paradise,
the strength of the faithful, and the stronghold of the Church.
Because of you, corruption no longer has meaning nor power.
By you we have been lifted up from earth to heaven.
You are an invincible weapon against evil,
a glory indeed for saints and martyrs,
and a haven fro salvation.
You are the source of mercy to the world.

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

Joy to you, most honourable Cross of the Lord.
Through you the human race has been delivered from the curse.
In your exaltation you are a sign of true joy.
O Cross all-venerable, you scatter all our enemies.
You are the help of Christians, the glory of kings,
the strength of the just, and the splendour of priests.
All who sign themselves with you are freed from peril.
You are the strength under which we are tended like sheep.
The angels gather around you in awe as the source of peace.
You are the glory of Christ
who grants great mercy to the world.

God is our King from time past, the giver of help through all the land.

Joy to you, precious Cross of the Lord,
guide to the blind and physician to the sick,
and resurrection to the dead.
You raised us out of corruption and removed the curse.
Through you we have been made divine,
and the power of Hades has been destroyed in full.
Therefore, seeing you today lifted up by our priests,
we exalt Christ who was suspended on you;
and we bow deeply before you,
seeking forgiveness and great mercy.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Of old, Moses prefigured Your Cross
while vanquishing Amalek and obtaining victory over him.
David the psalmist called it Your footstool
and directed us to adore it.
We sinners indeed venerate Your Cross today, O Christ our God.
With our unworthy lips we extol You,
for You deigned to be crucified on it;
and we entreat You, O Lord:
Together with the thief, make us worthy of Your kingdom.

 

TROPARION

In 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. (3)

 

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FESTAL MATINS

The Lord is God, Tone 1

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.

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 6
When the wood of your Cross was raised on high, O Christ our Lord,* the foundations of death were shaken.* What Hades had eagerly swallowed up, it now let go in trembling.* We glorify You for showing us your salvation, O Holy One.* Have mercy upon us, O Son of God.

In Tone 1, Glory…Now…
We bow down to the Tree of your Cross, O Lover of Mankind,* since You, the Life of all, were nailed upon it.* O Saviour, You opened Paradise to the thief who turned to You in faith.* You counted him worthy of blessedness when he confessed to You, crying:* O Lord, remember me!* As You accepted him, also accept us as we call out:* We have all sinned;* in your merciful kindness, do not forsake us.

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 6
Today the word of the prophet is fulfilled.* Behold, we bow down on the site where your feet stood, O Lord.* We have received the Tree of salvation,* and through the prayers of the Theotokos,* O only Lover of Mankind,* we have obtained freedom from sinful passions.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…
When he stretched out his arms in the form of a cross, O Saviour,* Joshua, the son of Nun, mystically prefigured the likeness of the Cross many years ago.* The sun stood still until he had defeated the enemy who was opposed to You, O God.* Today this same sun is darkened as it sees You upon the Cross* through which You destroyed the power of death and despoiled Hades.* By your Cross, You have raised up the whole world.

Exaltation
We extol You,* O Christ the Giver of Life,* and we honour your precious Cross* through which we have been saved from the bondage of the enemy.
verses:
O Lord, plead my cause against my foes; fight those who fight me.
Take up your buckler and shield; arise to help me.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
O Lord, let the light of your countenance shine upon us.
Glory…Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3 times)

and then:
You have given a sign to those who fear You, in order that they may escape from the face of the bow. It is your Cross, O Christ our God.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
Formerly, the tree in Paradise made me naked.* In the temptation, the enemy brought death.* He, the Tree of Life, who became man and lived on earth, carried the Cross.* Now the whole world is full of joy.* Seeing the Cross raised up to God in faith, O people, let us cry aloud:* Your Church is full of glory!

Glory…Now…
Formerly, the tree in Paradise made me naked.* In the temptation, the enemy brought death.* He, the Tree of Life, who became man and lived on earth, carried the Cross.* Now the whole world is full of joy.* Seeing the Cross raised up to God in faith, O people, let us cry aloud:* Your Church is full of glory!

Gradual Hymn, Tone 4, Antiphon I

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
verse: Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has worked wonders.

Gospel
xxx

Having Seen the Resurrection of Christ

After Psalm 50, Tone 2

Glory…
O triple-branched Cross of Christ,* you are my strong protection.* Sanctify me by your might* that I may venerate and glorify you in faith and love.

Now…
O triple-branched Cross of Christ,* you are my strong protection.* Sanctify me by your might* that I may venerate and glorify you in faith and love.

In Tone 6: Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offense.

O Cross of Christ, hope of Christians,* guide of all those who have gone astray,* haven of the storm-tossed and victory in warfare,* firm foundation of the inhabited earth,* healer of the sick and resurrection of the dead,* have mercy on us.

Canon

ODE 1
After inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross upon the Waters, Moses took his staff and marked a straight line before him and divided the Red Sea, thereby opening a path for Israel who walked across as though they were on dry land. Then Moses marked a second line over the waters and united them again, thereby overwhelming the chariots of Pharaoh. Therefore, let us praise Christ our God, for He has been glorified.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

When the Israelites battled against Amalek, Moses stood between the two men of God, thereby prefiguring in his person the undefiled Passion. He raised a standard of victory by forming a cross with his outstretched hands; through this sign the power of Amalek was overthrown. Therefore, let us praise Christ our God, for He has been glorified.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

After raising up a staff as a cure against the deadly and poisonous bite of the serpents, Moses placed upon it crosswise, as a symbol of the Cross, a serpent. In this manner he triumphed over calamity. Therefore, let us praise Christ our God, for He has been glorified.

Glory… Now…

The Cross was revealed in the heavens as a sign of victory to Constantine, the holy king and defender of the faith. Through this sign the proud contempt of his enemies was conquered, deceit was overthrown, and the divine faith was spread to the ends of the earth. Therefore, let us praise Christ our God, for He has been glorified.

ODE 3
When the rod of Aaron budded, it made known who was to be priest; it was an image of this mystery. Likewise in the Church that formerly was barren, the wood of the Cross has now blossomed, endowing her with steadfastness and might.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

When the rock was struck and gushed forth water for a calloused and disobedient people, it manifested the mystery of the Church, chosen by God; for the Cross is her steadfastness and might.

Glory… Now…

When your immaculate side was pierced with a spear, O Lord, immediately there flowed out water and blood, thereby establishing the New Testament and washing away sin. For the Cross is the glory of the faithful and the power and steadfastness of kings.

ODE 4
I have received the mystery of your Law, O Lord; I have meditated upon your works; and I have glorified your Divinity.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

In times past, Moses transformed the bitter wells in the desert with wood; thereby, he prefigured the spreading of the gospel to the Gentiles through the Cross.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

In the days of old, a sharp axe fell into the deep waters of the Jordan; the axe was returned when a stick of wood was thrown into the waters. This prefigured the cutting down of error by the Cross and baptism.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

Arranged in four divisions as a sacred army, the people of Israel marched in this manner before the ark of the covenant. They were glorified in their ranks which were formed in the sign of the Cross.

Glory… Now…

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the Cross, extended in a wondrous manner, sends forth rays as the sun.

ODE 5
O Cross, triple-blessed Tree on which Christ the King and Lord was crucified, it was through you that the Evil One, who tempted our first parents with the tree, was destroyed. He was ensnared by the trap set by God who was crucified upon you in the flesh. Through this mystery, peace has been granted to our souls.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

O famous Wood, you are blessed in song for being the Cross on which Christ was crucified. The fiery revolving sword by which Eden was guarded feared you, and the awesome Cherubim bowed down to Christ who was crucified upon you in the flesh. Through this mystery, peace has been granted to our souls.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

When the powers of darkness see the sign of the Cross raised on high, they tremble; the multitude of angels and saints in heaven, together with the people on earth, bow down before Christ who grants peace to our souls.

Glory… Now…

The holy Cross showers its divine light of pure rays upon the people darkened by the deception of error; and it reconciles them to Christ who was crucified upon it, thereby granting peace to our souls.

ODE 6
Clearly prefiguring the redeeming Passion, Jonah stretched out his hands in the form of a cross when he was in the belly of the whale. When Jonah was cast forth after three days, he prefigured the glorious resurrection of Christ our God who was crucified in the flesh and granted life to the world by his resurrection on the third day.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

Distorted in body because of age and wasted away by sickness, Jacob was straightened when he crossed his hands, thereby revealing the power of the life-giving Cross. For God, who was crucified upon it in the flesh, rewrote the shadowy Old Law in new letters, and thus drove away the disease of error which corrupts our souls.

Glory… Now…

When Jacob placed his hands upon the heads of his grandsons in the form of a cross, he indicated that those who serve under the Law would enjoy for a time the honor that is due to the firstborn. Although the error of his act was noticed, he did not change the life-giving figure; for he announced that the newly-formed people of Christ our God, strengthened by the Cross, shall have the higher place.

KONTAKION, TONE 4
Willingly raised upon the Cross, O Christ our God,* You bestowed your mercies upon a new people bearing your name.* With your power grant joy to our Church,* giving her victory over enemies,* with the invincible standard, your weapon of peace, as an ally.

IKOS
He, who was caught up in the third heaven to Paradise and who heard unspeakable and divine words which human beings cannot express, wrote to the Galatians. Study the Scripture, and you will read and understand what he wrote: God forbid that I should glory in anything except the Cross of the Lord on which He suffered the passion. Therefore, let us continue to praise this Cross of the Lord with confidence, for it is the glory of us all. This Wood is our salvation, a weapon of peace, and an unconquerable sign of victory.

ODE 7
The evil command of the wicked tyrant bewildered the nations; he uttered threats and blasphemy hateful to God. Yet neither the raging wild beasts nor the roaring fire could frighten the three youths. They stood together in the fire, refreshed by the wind as though it were dew, and they sang: You are praised and blessed above all, O God of our Fathers.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

By eating of the tree, Adam inherited a corruptible life. He was exiled from Paradise, and his body was prone to corruption which was passed on to his descendants like a disease. But those of the earth, who acknowledge the wood of the Cross as their vindication, cry aloud: You are praised and blessed above all, O God of our Fathers.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

Death came into the world by the partaking of the fruit of the tree; the breaking of the law of God came through disobedience. The Tree of precious life was carefully guarded until the confession of the good thief. He made it accessible once again by crying out as he departed this life: You are praised and blessed above all, O God of our Fathers.

Glory… Now…

When he honoured the staff of Joseph, Israel revealed that in the future the most glorious Cross would be the safeguard of royal power. The Cross is a victorious glory of kings and a light to the faithful who cry out: You are praised and blessed above all, O God of our Fathers.

ODE 8
O you children, equal in number to the Trinity, bless the Father and Creator of all; sing the praises of the Word who came to earth and changed the flames to dew; and exalt above all forever the most Holy Spirit who gives life to all.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

When the Cross that is sprinkled with the blood of the incarnate Word is raised up, all you powers of heaven sing praises, celebrating the reconciliation of the human race. All you faithful, venerate the Cross of Christ; for through it, resurrection was granted to the world forever.

Glory to your precious Cross, O Lord!

Let the priests reverently raise up the Cross on which Christ our God was hung, and exalt the lance that pierced the body of the Word of God. Let all people see the salvation of God and glorify Him forever.

Glory… Now…

Rejoice, all you faithful Christian kings, chosen beforehand by a divine decree. Receive the precious Cross from God and make this victorious weapon your glory, for by it, the enemy tribes that hastily seek battle are overthrown forever.

The Magnificat is omitted.

ODE 9
O my soul, extol the most precious Cross of the Lord.

(Sung before each of the following)

O Theotokos, you are a mystical paradise who gave birth to Christ and still remained a virgin. He planted the life-giving Tree of the Cross upon the earth. Therefore, on this day of its exaltation, we worship Him and extol you.

Let all the trees of the forest exalt, for they are made holy by Christ who planted them in the beginning and who was stretched out upon the Tree. On this day of its exaltation, we worship Him and extol you, O Cross.

The Cross is marked upon the foreheads of all God’s people, and it is raised up as their sacred horn of strength. By it, all the horns of the spiritual powers of evil are crushed. Therefore, on this day of its exaltation, we worship Him and extol you, O Cross.

Hymn of Light, Tone 2
The Cross is the guardian of the universe;* the Cross is the beauty of the Church.* It is the power of kings, and it sustains the strength of our faith.* It is the glory of the angels and the slayer of demons. (2 times)

Glory… Now…
Today the Cross is elevated, and the world is sanctified.* For You, O Christ who are enthroned with the Father and the Holy Spirit,* have stretched your arms upon it and drawn the world to the knowledge of God.* Make us who have placed our trust in You worthy of divine glory.

At the Praises

In Tone 8

O, what a strange mystery!* The most holy Cross, the life-giving Tree,* is exalted on high today and revealed to the world.* The ends of the earth give glory, and the demons are terrified.* What a great gift is bestowed upon us mortals.* Through your Cross, O Christ, save our souls,* since You alone are full of compassion. (2 times)

O, what a strange mystery!* The Cross which carried the Most High as a cluster of life-giving grapes* is exalted today high above the earth.* We are all drawn to God through it,* and death has been forever swallowed up.* O spotless Wood, we enjoy the immortal fruit of Eden through you* as we give glory to Christ.

O, what a strange mystery!* The length and breadth of the Cross is equal to the heavens,* for it sanctifies the whole world by divine grace.* By the Cross savage nations are vanquished;* by the Cross the authority of kings is confirmed.* O divine Ladder, we go up to heaven by you* and with our hymns exalt Christ the Lord.

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

Today the Cross of the Lord is exalted,* and the faithful welcome it with love.* Through it they receive healing of both soul and body* and are relieved of every weakness.* Let us kiss it with joy and fear;* with joy because Christ the Lord was crucified in his great mercy upon it;* with fear because of our unworthiness due to sin.* Through the Cross, Christ our God grants salvation to the world.

Great Doxology

Exaltation of the Cross

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1
O God, my God, hear me; why have You forsaken me? The words of my transgressions put salvation far from me.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
O God, I will call to You by day but You will not listen; and by night, yet it will not be foolish of me.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
But You, the praise of Israel, dwell in the holy place.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

Antiphon 3
The Lord reigns, let the peoples tremble;* He is enthroned upon the cherubim, let the earth quake.

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.

Great is the Lord in Sion* and supreme above all peoples.

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.

Let them profess Your great name* for it is awesome and holy.

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.

Entrance
Exalt the Lord our God and bow in worship at the footstool of His feet for it is holy.

Troparia and Kontakia
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 4: By Your own choice, O Christ our God,* You were lifted on the cross.* Grant Your mercies to Your new community* that bears Your Name.* By Your power gladden the faithful people,* and grant them victory against enemies.* May they have the help of Your instrument of peace,* the invincible sign of victory.

Instead of Holy God, we sing:
To Your Cross, O Master, we bow in veneration, and we glorify Your holy Resurrection. (3)
Glory… Now… and we glorify Your holy Resurrection.
To Your Cross, O Master, we bow in veneration, and we glorify Your holy Resurrection.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Exalt the Lord our God,* and bow in worship at the footstool of his feet, for it is holy.
verse: The Lord reigns, let the people tremble. (Psalm 98:5,1)

Epistle
1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Alleluia, Tone 1
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
John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the most precious cross of the Lord.
And the Irmos, Tone 8: You are a mystical Paradise, O Mother of God, who though untilled, have brought forth Christ. He has planted upon earth the life- giving Tree of the Cross. Therefore today as we raise it on high we bow low and we magnify you.

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

At the end of Liturgy we sing:
To Your Cross, O Master, we bow in veneration, and we glorify Your holy Resurrection. (3)
Glory… Now… and we glorify Your holy Resurrection.
To Your Cross, O Master, we bow in veneration, and we glorify Your holy Resurrection.

The Holy Virgin Mary was born of aged parents, Joachim and Anna. Her father was of the lineage of David, and her mother of the lineage of Aaron. Thus, she was of royal birth by her father, and of priestly birth by her mother. In this, she foreshadowed Him Who would be born of her as King and High Priest. Her parents were quite old and had no children. Because of this they were ashamed before men and humble before God. In their humility they prayed to God with tears, to bring them joy in their old age by giving them a child, as He had once given joy to the aged Abraham and his wife Sarah by giving them Isaac. The Almighty and All-seeing God rewarded them with a joy that surpassed all their expectations and all their most beautiful dreams. For He gave them not just a daughter, but the Mother of God. He illumined them not only with temporal joy, but with eternal joy as well. God gave them just one daughter, and she would later give them just one grandson-but what a daughter and what a Grandson! Mary, Full of grace, Blessed among women, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Altar of the Living God, the Table of the Heavenly Bread, the Ark of God’s Holiness, the Tree of the Sweetest Fruit, the Glory of the race of man, the Praise of womanhood, the Fount of virginity and purity-this was the daughter given by God to Joachim and Anna. She was born in Nazareth, and at the age of three, was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem. In her young womanhood she returned again to Nazareth, and shortly thereafter heard the Annunciation of the Holy Archangel Gabriel concerning the birth of the Son of God, the Savior of the world, from her most-pure virgin body. (Prologue of Ohrid)

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GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

8. Today God who dominates the spiritual thrones of heaven
welcomes on earth the holy throne which He had prepared for Himself.
In His love for mankind,
He who established the heavens in wisdom has fashioned a living heaven.
From a barren stem He has brought forth for us His Mother
as a branch full of life.
O God of miracles and hope of those who have no hope;
O Lord, glory to You!

7. This is the day of the Lord:
Rejoice, therefore, O nations!
Behold, the chamber of Light and the scroll of the living Word
has come forth from the womb.
The gate that opens to the Rising Sun
and is ready for the entrance of the High Priest, is here today.
She is the only one who introduced Christ, and Christ alone, into the world
for the salvation of souls.

6. Indeed some famous barren women have given birth by the will of God;
but the nativity of Mary surpasses all nativities
in honour and splendour
as it is worthy of the majesty of God.
For she was born in a miraculous way of a barren mother,
and she herself gave birth in the flesh to the God of all,
incarnate in her womb without human seed
against the laws of nature.
She alone is the door through which the only-begotten Son of God
has passed while leaving it sealed
as He had planned in His eternal wisdom.
Thus did He bring salvation to all.

5. Indeed some famous barren women have given birth by the will of God;
but the nativity of Mary surpasses all nativities
in honour and splendour
as it is worthy of the majesty of God.
For she was born in a miraculous way of a barren mother,
and she herself gave birth in the flesh to the God of all,
incarnate in her womb without human seed
against the laws of nature.
She alone is the door through which the only-begotten Son of God
has passed while leaving it sealed
as He had planned in His eternal wisdom.
Thus did He bring salvation to all.

4. Today the barren gates are opened,
and the Virgin, the Gate of God, comes forth.
Today grace begins to bear fruit,
showing forth to the world the Mother of God
through whom earth is united to heaven
for the salvation of our souls.

3. Today the barren gates are opened,
and the Virgin, the Gate of God, comes forth.
Today grace begins to bear fruit,
showing forth to the world the Mother of God
through whom earth is united to heaven
for the salvation of our souls.

2. Today glad tidings go forth to the whole world.
Today sweet fragrance is sent forth
by the proclamation of salvation.
Today is the end of the barrenness of our nature;
for the barren one becomes a mother,
the mother of the one who will not cease to be a virgin,
even after giving birth to the One who by nature is Creator and God.
He it is who took flesh by which He brought salvation to the lost;
He is Christ, the Lover of Mankind,
and the Saviour of our souls.

1. Today Anne, the barren one, gives birth to the maiden of God
who had been chosen from all the human generations
to become the dwelling place of the Creator,
Christ our God and King of all.
In her He fulfilled His divine plan
through which our human nature was renewed,
and by which we were to be transferred from corruption to eternal life.

Glory… Now…

Today God who dominates the spiritual thrones of heaven
welcomes on earth the holy throne which He had prepared for Himself.
In His love for mankind,
He who established the heavens in wisdom has fashioned a living heaven.
From a barren stem He has brought forth for us His Mother
as a branch full of life.
O God of miracles and hope of those who have no hope;
O Lord, glory to You!

 

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

 

Lytia

In Tone 1

Today is the beginning of our salvation, O people;
for behold, the Mother and Virgin who was chosen from all generations
to be the habitation of God
is born and comes forth from the barren one.
She is the flower from Jesse and possesses the rod from his root.
May our forefather Adam rejoice and be full of joy;
for behold, she who was created from the rib of Adam
declares that her daughter and descendant is blessed.
She says: “My deliverance has been born to me.
Through her, I will be freed from the bonds of Hades.”
May David rejoice, play on his harp, and bless God;
for behold, the Virgin comes forth
from the womb of the barren woman
for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 2

Come all you lovers of virginity and chastity,
lovingly hold aloft the boast of virginity,
the fountain of life springing up from the solid stone.
She is the bush which grows from the barren land,
the bush of the non-material fire,
who cleanses and illumines our souls.

What is the festive hymn that is heard today?
Joachim and Anne are mystically observing this day with honour, saying:
“Adam and Eve, rejoice with us today!
Through their transgression of old, Paradise was closed.
Now, Mary the maiden of God is being given to us as a blessed fruit.
She opens up the entrance of Paradise to all of us.”

The chosen one of the King of All,
the abode of God and divine dwelling of the ever-existing One,
comes forth today from the barren and glorious Anne.
It is through her that the shameless Hades is crushed,
and the first Eve is lead into a faithful life.
Let us worthily cry out to her:
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Let us play the spiritual flute on this noteworthy feast,
because from the seed of David
is born the Mother of the Life who dispels the darkness.
She is the renewal of Adam and the answer to Eve,
the source of incorruption and the transformation of corruption.
Because of her, we have been divinized and delivered from death.
We cry out to her with Gabriel:
“Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you.
Because of you, He has granted us great mercy.”

 

Aposticha

In Tone 4

On this day a great joy has shone upon us
from the two just ones, Joachim and Anne;
and this joy is the most honourable Virgin.
Because of her purity, she will become a living temple of God.
She alone will be recognized as the Mother of God.
Through her intercessions, O Christ our God,
send down peace upon the world
and your great mercy upon our souls.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

O Virgin, today you were born a most noble child
from the two just ones, Joachim and Anne,
as the angel had promised in his announcement.
To God you are a heaven, a throne, and a vessel of holiness;
to the whole world, a herald of joy,
the cause of our life, the blessing that wiped out the curse.
You are the reason for all the blessings of God.
O Maiden who God has chosen,
on this day of your nativity
obtain peace and great mercy for our souls.

The richest of people shall seek your favour.

Today Anne, the barren one, claps her hands for joy.
The earth is bathed in light and kings sing their happiness,
priests enjoy all blessings and the whole universe rejoices;
for the Queen and immaculate Bride of the Father
comes forth from the root of Jesse.
Behold, no woman will ever bear again a child in sorrow or anxiety,
for joy has come forth in abundance and life has filled the world.
Joachim’s offerings shall no more be rejected,
for the tears of Anne have now been turned into joy.
And now Anne can say:
Rejoice with me, all you chosen ones of Israel,
for the Lord has given me the palace of His divine and living glory
to be a place of joy and happiness for the whole universe
and for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Come all you faithful, and let us hasten to the Virgin;
for long before her conception in the womb,
the one who was to be born of the root of Jesse
was destined to be the Mother of God.
The one who is the treasury of virginity,
the flowering rod of Aaron, the object of prophecies,
the child of Joachim and Anne is born today,
and the world is renewed in her.
Through her birth, the Church is clothed with splendour
O holy Temple, vessel of the Godhead,
model of virgins and strength of kings,
in you the wondrous union of the two natures of Christ was realized.
We worship Him and glorify your most pure birth,
and the whole world extols you.

 

Troparion

In Tone 4

Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life. (3)

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God,* has made joy known to all the world,* for from you dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.* He abolished the curse and gave the blessing;* and by making death of no effect He bestowed on us eternal life.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: By your birth, O immaculate one,* Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness,* and Adam and Eve* from the corruption of death.* And your people, redeemed from the guilt of their sins,* celebrate as they cry out to you:* “The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God* and nourisher of our life.”

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.
verse: Because he has regarded the humility of His handmaid; for behold, all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)

Epistle
Philippians 2:5-11

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear.
verse: The rich among the people shall entreat your countenance. (Psalm 44:11,13)

Gospel
Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the Virgin Mary, born from a barren womb.
and the Irmos, Tone 8: Virginity is alien to mothers* and childbearing is foreign to virgins;* yet in you, O Mother of God, both of them came together.* Therefore we and all the nations of the earth* without ceasing magnify you.

Communion Hymn
I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)

Sozon was born in Lyconia. He was a shepherd and kept all of God’s laws, instructing his peers and friends in his pious Faith. In a vision he was shown that he would suffer martyrdom for Christ. This was in the time of Maximian, magistrate of Cilicia, who perpetrated a terrible persecution of Christians in the nearby city of Pompeiopolis. In that city there was a certain golden idol which the pagans worshiped. Sozon left his flock, went to the city, entered the pagan temple and broke the arm off the golden idol. He crumbled it into bits and distributed it to the poor. There was a great uproar because of this, and the pagans sought out the guilty one. So that no one else would suffer for his deed, Sozon went to the magistrate and declared himself to be a Christian and the perpetrator of that act. His torturers first beat him, then suspended him from a tree and scraped his body with iron combs. When he was nearly dead, they cast him into a fire, where St. Sozon gave up his holy soul to God. He suffered in about the year 304. St. Sozon’s relics were miracle-working, and a church in his name was built over them (Prologue of Ohrid)

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GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

10. We never cease to adore Your life-giving Cross, O Christ our God,
And we glorify Your resurrection on the third day.
For You, Almighty One, have thereby restored the corrupted nature of all
and reopened the way to heaven,
since You alone are gracious and You love mankind.

9. O Saviour, You have absolved the penalty of disobedience,
committed through the tree of Eden,
by willingly being nailed to the tree of the Cross.
As Almighty God, You descended into Hades
and broke asunder the bonds of death.
We, therefore, venerate Your resurrection from the dead,
and joyfully cry out to You:
Almighty Lord, glory to You!

8. O Lord, You have battered down the gates of Hades,
and by Your death You have dissolved the realm of death.
You have freed mankind from corruption,
bestowing life, incorruption, and Your great mercy upon the world.

7. Come, all you people,
let us sing the praises of our Saviour’s resurrection on the third day.
For we have, thereby, been delivered from the invincible bonds of Hades,
and we have received incorruption, together with eternal life.
Therefore, we cry out to You
after Your crucifixion, burial, and resurrection:
Save us by Your resurrection, for You love mankind.

In Tone 1

6. By your birth, O pure one,
beams of joy shine on all the universe,
announcing Christ our God to all.
He is the Sun of glory!
You will give birth to Him for us:
He brings us gladness, grace and truth!

5. We anticipate your glorious feast, O pure one!
It proclaims to all the good will of our Benefactor.
Now you have become the cause of our joy,
the herald of promised grace
and the fruit of divine gladness!

4. The child of God, the holy Theotokos,
the promise of the prophets, the daughter of David,
today is born from wise Joachim and Anna.
She has overthrown the curse of Adam for us
by her holy childbearing.

In Tone 4

3. When He Who of His own will took our weakness upon Himself
strengthened your weakness with power, blessed one,
you ran the race of martyrdom for His sake with joy.
You crushed the impotent enemy with your most beautiful feet.
Therefore, Jesus, the Lover of mankind and Saviour of our souls,
has woven wreaths of victory for you!

2. When you were wounded, glorious one,
you wounded your enemies
and armed with the cross, you threw them down to the ground!
You were openly arrayed in invincible armour
and made steady by the love of Him
Who has translated you to the spiritual kingdoms
as an unconquered martyr and heavenly man!

1. You openly imitated the Saviour and Lord
Who for your sake endured voluntary sufferings.
Of your own will, athlete Sozon, you gave yourself
to wounds and beatings and unbearable torments.
Therefore, He has honoured you with heavenly gifts
and revealed you to be a source of healings for those who love you!

In Tone 4, Glory…

The angelic host of heaven and we mortals on earth,
bless your honourable birth, most holy Virgin,
for you became the Mother of Christ our God, the Creator of all.
Never cease to pray for us unwedded Theotokos:
Bring our hopes before your Son!

In Tone 4, Now…

O Mother of God, because of You David the Prophet
became an ancestor of God;
he foretold and sang a joyous hymn of praise
and cried out to Him who worked wonders in you:
“The Queen stood at your right hand.”
God revealed you as a life-giving mother,
when He chose to be incarnate of you without a father.
He renewed in man His image which the passions had corrupted.
He found the lost sheep in the mountains, carried it on His shoulders,
offered it to the Father, generously numbered it among the powers of heaven,
and saved the whole world, since He is Christ of great and rich mercy.

 

Aposticha

In Tone 4

In being lifted upon the Cross, O Lord,
You abolished the curse which we had inherited from our ancestors.
By going down into Hades,
You freed from eternal captivity those imprisoned there,
and granted incorruption to the human race.
We, therefore, praise Your life-giving and redeeming resurrection.

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

By hanging on the Cross, O Almighty One,
You shook the whole creation to its foundations.
When You Yourself were laid in the grave,
You raised to life those who had been lying in the graves,
and You granted life and incorruption to mankind.
We, therefore, praise and glorify Your resurrection on the third day.

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

O Christ, the lawless people showed their ingratitude to You, their Benefactor,
by delivering You to Pilate who condemned you to be crucified.
But You willingly suffered death and burial;
and, as God, You rose by Your own power on the third day,
granting us everlasting life and great mercy.

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

The women, shedding bitter tears, came to see You in Your tomb;
and not finding Your body, they lamented, saying:
O Saviour and King of All, how were You stolen?
What place holds Your life-bearing body?
An angel answered them, saying:
Do not weep, but go and proclaim that the Lord is risen,
filling our hearts with joy;
for He alone is most compassionate.

In Tone 4, Glory… Now…

The joy of the world has appeared:
The glorified Virgin sprung from Joachim and Anna.
Because of her purity she became the living temple of God.
Only she is called the Theotokos.
Through her prayers, Christ God, send peace to the world,
and to our souls great mercy!

 

Troparia

In Tone 4
When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,*granting to the world great mercy.”

In Tone 4, Glory…
Your holy martyr Sozon, O Lord,* through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.* For having Your strength he laid low his adversaries,* and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.* Through his intercessions save our souls.

In Tone 4, Now…
Today is born to us, from the stem of Jesse and the loins of David,* Mary, the Maiden of God.* Therefore, the whole creation rejoices and is renewed;* and you peoples of the world, sing to her a joyful hymn of praise.* Joachim is elated and Anne shouts for joy:* The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God,* the Sustainer of our life.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”

Troparion, Tone 4: Today is born to us, from the stem of Jesse and the loins of David,* Mary, the Maiden of God.* Therefore, the whole creation rejoices and is renewed;* and you peoples of the world, sing to her a joyful hymn of praise.* Joachim is elated and Anne shouts for joy:* The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God,* the Sustainer of our life.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: My Saviour and Deliverer from the grave* as God raised out of bondage the children of the earth* and shattered the gates of Hades;* and as Master, He rose on the third day.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today the holy Virgin and God-bearer Mary* is born from a barren womb by divine counsel.* She is the everlasting bridal chamber of the heavenly bridegroom.* Today the chariot of the Word is adorned,* and the door for God is foretold;* she is called the Mother of Life.

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. (Psalm27:9,1)

Epistle
Galatians 6:11-18

Alleuia, Tone 1
verse: I have exalted one chosen from the people and with my holy oil anointed him.
verse: My hand shall always be with him and my arm shall make him strong. (Psalm 88:20-21,22)

Gospel
John 3:13-17

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

The First Ecumenical Council [Nicaea, 325] decreed that the Church year should begin on September 1. The month of September was, for the Hebrews, the beginning of the civil year (Exodus 23:16), the month of gathering the harvest and of the offering of thanks to God. It was on this feast that the Lord Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21), opened the book of the Prophet Isaiah and read the words: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2). The month of September is also important in the history of Christianity, because Emperor Constantine the Great was victorious over Maxentius, the enemy of the Christian Faith, in September. Following this victory, Constantine granted freedom of confession to the Christian Faith throughout the Roman Empire. For a long time, the civil year in the Christian world followed the Church year, with its beginning on September 1. The civil year was later changed, and its beginning transferred to January 1. This occurred first in Western Europe, and later in Russia, under Peter the Great (Prologue of Ohrid)

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VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

10. We pray to the Creator today,
with the words given us by Christ,
who taught us to pray each day:
Our Father who art in heaven,
give us this day our daily bread,
and overlook all our sins.

9. We pray to the Creator today,
with the words given us by Christ,
who taught us to pray each day:
Our Father who art in heaven,
give us this day our daily bread,
and overlook all our sins.

8. On Mount Sinai You gave stone tablets.
Today in Nazareth You read the prophecy,
O Christ our God in the flesh.
You took and opened the scroll
to teach the people that the Scriptures
were fulfilled in Yourself.

In Tone 5

7. O venerable Father,
you found a beautiful ladder to heaven
while Elias found a chariot of fire.
He did not leave his ascent for others;
but after death, however, you have left your pillar.
O heavenly man and earthly angel,
ever-watchful beacon to the whole world,
O venerable Simeon, pray for our salvation.

6. O venerable Father,
even if the pillar could talk,
it would never stop proclaiming your toils, your labours, and you weeping.
Even though it held you,
it was sustained by your tears, watered as a tree.
At your endurance the angels crowd about,
people stand in awe and demons tremble.
O venerable Simeon, pray for our salvation.

5. O venerable Father,
by the might of the Holy Spirit,
you imitated your Master,
as on a cross you ascended the pillar.
The Lord erased the condemnation written against us;
you destroyed the rise of passions.
The Lord was a lamb, and you a victim;
the Lord was on a cross, and you on a pillar.
O venerable Simeon, pray for our salvation.

In Tone 2

4. From the good root has come forth the most excellent Simeon;
from his infancy he was nourished more on grace than on milk.
In his body he dwelt upon the high place,
but in his spirit he was raised even higher to God.
Through his virtues he edified his lofty dwelling.
He journeyed in high places with the powers of heaven,
and he became a dwelling place of Christ our God, the Saviour of our souls.

3. You shall be remembered forever,
O venerable Father Simeon;
you were pleasing to God
in the kindness of your heart, O blessed one.
Even if you have passed from us, O good shepherd,
you did not leave us in spirit,
but stand before God in love,
and have joined the angels in heaven.
Together with them, plead for our salvation.

2. The tomb of your relics, O blessed Father,
is a fountain of healing,
and your holy soul rightly rejoices with the angels.
O venerable Father, as you have confidence before the Lord
and have joined the angels,
plead with Him for our salvation.

1. O God-bearing Father,
you loved the highest knowledge
and lived outside the world above visible things.
You became an untarnished mirror of God,
and ever united to the Light, you kept on receiving light,
with clearer insight attaining blessed perfection.
O wise Simeon, pray for our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Divine Grace hovered over your relics, O holy Simeon.
We will hasten towards the sweet fragrance of your miracles,
drawing from them the healing of illnesses.
O venerable Father, plead with Christ our God for our souls.

Now…

O eternal Word and Son,
together with the Holy Spirit,
Creator and Maker of all things visible and invisible,
bless the beginning of the year,
keep in peace all the faithful,
through the prayers of the Theotokos and all the saints.

 

Readings
(1) Isaiah 61:1-9; (2) Leviticus 26:3-24; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15

 

Aposticha

In Tone 1

We have come to the beginning of the year,
gathering to honour these saints:
Callista and her brothers, Evod and Hermogenes;
Simeon, equal to the angels, and Joshua, the son of Nun;
the seven children of Ephesus, and the forty holy women.
O lovers of feasts, sharing in their remembrance,
with insistence we shout:
O Lord, bless the works of Your hands,
and make us worthy to pass this year in spiritual progress.

To You our praise is due in Sion, O God.

O Christ our God, You created all things in Your wisdom,
and brought them from nothingness into being.
Now bless the beginning of the year
and keep our city free from harm;
and in Your mercy grant peace and happiness to all the faithful,
granting to the world great mercy
through the prayers of the Theotokos.

In Tone 2

We are filled with the blessings of your house.

You are wonderful, O God, and wondrous are Your deeds.
Your ways are unsearchable;
You are the Wisdom of God, perfect person and power.
For though without beginning,
and equal in eternity and operation,
by Your infinite power You made Your home in our world.
Beyond understanding and without changing Your divinity,
You were born of a virgin mother;
You came to seek Your creation
which You had adorned with beauty;
and You set the times and circumstances for our salvation.
Therefore, we shout to You:
O Good Master, glory to You!

You crown the year with goodness.

In wisdom you created all things,
O Word of the Father before all ages;
by Your almighty word You arranged all creation.
Bless the beginning of the year by Your goodness,
and through the prayers of the Theotokos, overthrow all heresy;
for You are good and the Lover of Mankind.

In Tone 5, Glory…

O venerable Father,
you found a beautiful ladder to heaven
while Elias found a chariot of fire.
He did not leave his ascent for others;
but after death, however, you have left your pillar.
O heavenly man and earthly angel,
ever-watchful beacon to the whole world,
O venerable Simeon, pray for our salvation.

Now…

O King, You are eternal and remain forever.
Receive the petitions of us sinners as we pray for salvation.
O Lover of Mankind,
grant Your abundance to the earth with temperate and mild weather.
Fight with the faithful against all enemy attacks as You helped David;
for they have entered the tabernacle and defiled Your most holy place, O Saviour.
But grant victory over them, O Christ our God,
through the prayers of the Theotokos,
for You are ever the victory and boast of orthodox Christians.

 

Troparia

In Tone 2
O Lord, Maker of the universe, * who alone has power over seasons and times, * bless this year with Your bounty, preserve our country in safety, and keep Your people in peace. ** Save us through the prayers of the Theotokos.

In Tone 1, Glory…
You became a column of endurance and rivalled the forefathers, O holy one, * becoming like Job in your sufferings and like Joseph in your trials, * like the bodiless angels, though you lived in the flesh. * O Simeon, our holy Father, ** intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.

In Tone 7, Now…
Rejoice, O woman full of grace, ever-virgin Mother of God, * harbour and protectress of the human race. * The Saviour of the universe received flesh from you, * for you are the only one to be both mother and virgin, * forever blessed, forever glorified. ** Intercede with Christ our God that He may grant peace to the whole world.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 2: Fashioner of all creation,* you fixed times and seasons by Your own authority;* bless the crown of the year, O Lord, with your goodness,* preserving our nation and Your city in peace;* and save us through the prayers of the Mother of God.

Troparion, Tone 1: Rejoice, Virgin Mother of God, full of grace,* harbour and protection of the human race:* from you the Redeemer of the world was incarnate.* For only you – ever blessed and glorified – are Mother and Virgin.* Pray to Christ our God to grant peace to the world.

Troparion, Tone 1: O venerable saint, you became a pillar of endurance,* rivalling the forefathers: Job in afflictions and Joseph in trials,* and while still in the body you lived the life of the Bodiless ones.* O Symeon our father,* entreat Christ God to save our souls.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: Seeking things above, you joined yourself to those on high;* you made your pillar a fiery chariot,* through which, O venerable one, you became a companion of the angels.* With them, unceasingly implore Christ God on our behalf.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: You dwell on high, O Christ the King,* Creator and Builder of all that is seen and unseen.* You made seasons and time and the day and night.* Now bless the crown of the present year.* Guard and protect our country, this city and your people,* O Lord, so rich in mercy.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Great is our Lord and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.
verse: Praise the Lord for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to Him. (Psalm 146:5)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones. (Psalm 115:6)

Epistle
1 Timothy 2:1-7; Colossians 3:12-16

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: To You, O God, is due a hymn in Sion, and to You shall a vow be paid in Jerusalem. (Psalm 64:2)
verse: You will bless the crown of the year with Your goodness. (Psalm 64:12)
verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments. (Psalm 111:6-7)

Gospel
Luke 4:16-22; Matthew 11:27-30

Communion Hymn
You will bless the crown of the year* with Your goodness. (Psalm 64:12)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear. (Psalm 111:6-7)* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

After her Dormition [Falling-asleep], the Holy Theotokos gave her girdle [sash] to the Apostle Thomas. That girdle was later brought to Constantinople and kept in a sealed reliquary in the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae, the royal foundation [Zaduzbina] of Empress Pulcheria. This reliquary was never opened until the time of Emperor Leo the Wise (886-912 A.D.). Leo’s wife, the Empress Zoe, became mentally ill and, according to a mysterious vision, she desired that the girdle of the Holy Theotokos be placed on her. The emperor implored the patriarch and the reliquary was opened and the girdle was removed and placed on the ailing empress. The empress was immediately healed. This feast was instituted in commemoration of this miracle. One part of the girdle is to be found in Zugdid, Georgia. That is to say: the daughter of Emperor Romanus was healed with the aid of this girdle and later when her father married her to the Georgian Emperor Abuchaz, she took a part of that girdle with her. By order of the Russian Emperor Alexander I, a special church was built in Mingrelia in Zugdid where that part of the miracle-working garment of the Holy Theotokos is kept. (Prologue of Ohrid)

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GREAT VESPERS

 

Kathisma reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 3

10. 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.

9. 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.

8. I glorify the powers of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
and I praise the dominion of the undivided Divinity,
the consubstantial Trinity,
Who reigns forever and ever.

7. 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.

In Tone 4

6. 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!

5. 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!

4. 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!

3. 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!

2. 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!

1. 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!

In 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!

In Tone 3, Now…

O Lady most honourable,
how can we but be rapt in wonder
at you giving birth to the Incarnate God
who, without a mother, was born of the Father before all ages?
You gave Him birth in the flesh without a father,
without a man 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 confess in true faith
that you are the Mother of God.

 

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

 

Aposticha

In 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.

In Tone 2, Glory…

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!

Now…

We now behold a new wonder,
greater than the wonders of old.
For who has ever known a mother to bear a child without the help of man?
Who has known a mother to hold in her arms the Source of all Creation?
It was God’s own will to be born in this manner;
and you, O most pure Virgin, carried Him as an infant in your arms.
Because of this, you can approach God with the boldness of a mother.
Therefore, we venerate you, and ask you to always beseech Him

to have mercy on us and save our souls.

 

Troparia

In 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.

In 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!

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

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 maae 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.

Nw 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. (Luke 1:46)

Epistle
1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Hebrew 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.
verse: The Lord swore an oath to David, and will not go back on His word. (Psalm 131:8,11)

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. (Psalm 148:1)* I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)