February 2016 – Liturgical Texts and Music

March 20, 2016
Palm Sunday – The Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together,
and we all take up Your Cross and say:
“Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.”

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

Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together,
and we all take up Your Cross and say:
“Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.”

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

Today the Word and co-eternal Son of God the Father,
whose throne is in heaven and whose footstool is the earth,
humbles Himself and comes to Bethany,
seated on a dumb beast, on a foal.
Then the children of the Hebrews, holding branches in their hands,
praise Him saying: “Hosanna in the highest:
blessed is He that comes, the King of Israel.”

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

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

Let us also come today, all the new Israel, the Church of the Gentiles,
and let us cry with the Prophet Zechariah:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;
shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem;
for behold, your King comes to you:
He is meek and brings salvation,
and He rides upon the colt of an ass, the foal of the beast of burden.
Keep the feast with the children,
and holding branches in your hands sing His praises:
Hosanna in the highest:
blessed is He that comes, the King of Israel.”

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

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

Prefiguring for us Your holy Resurrection, loving Lord,
by Your command You raised up from death Lazarus Your friend,
who was without the breath of life;
and after four days in the tomb he had begun to stink.
Then, O Saviour, mounted on a foal, and as though riding in a chariot,
You gave a sign to the Gentiles.
Therefore also Israel Your beloved offers You praise
out of the mouth of innocent babes and sucklings,
as they behold You, O Christ, enter the Holy City
six days before the Passover.

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

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

Six days before the Passover Jesus entered Bethany,
and His disciples came to Him, saying:
“Lord, where do You will that we prepare for You to eat the Passover?”
Then He sent them saying:
“Go into the village opposite, and you shall find a man bearing a pitcher of water;
follow him, and tell the master of the house:
The Teacher says,
‘In your house with my disciples shall I eat the Passover.’”

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

Glory…

Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together,
and we all take up Your Cross and say:
“Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.”

Now…

Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together,
and we all take up Your Cross and say:
“Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.”

Readings
(1) Genesis 49:1-2, 8-12; (2) Zephaniah 3:14-19; (3) Zechariah 9:9-15

Lytia

In Tone 1

The All-Holy Spirit, who taught the apostles to speak in strange
and different tongues,
now inspires the innocent children of the Hebrews to cry aloud:
Hosanna in the highest;
blessed is He that comes, the King of Israel.

The Son and Word of the Father, like Him without
beginning and eternal,
has come today to the city of Jerusalem,
seated on a dumb beast, on a foal.
From fear the cherubim dare not gaze upon Him;
yet the children honour Him with palms and branches,
and mystically they sing a hymn of praise:
“Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna to the Son of David,
who has come to save from error all mankind.”

Six days before the Passover, O Lord, Your voice was heard in
the depths of hell,
and from it You raised up Lazarus who was four days dead.
Then the children of the Hebrews cried aloud:
“Hosanna to our God: glory to You!”

Entering, O Lord, into the Holy City, seated upon a foal,
You drew near with haste to Your Passion,
to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.
Then the children of the Hebrews, foretelling the victory of the Resurrection,
came to meet You with palms and branches, saying:
“Blessed are You, O Saviour; have mercy on us.”

Glory to You, O Christ, who are seated in the heights upon Your throne,
and whom we now await with Your precious Cross.
Therefore the daughter of Zion is glad, and the nations of the
earth rejoice exceedingly.
The children hold branches and the disciples spread their
garments in the way;
and all the inhabited earth is taught to cry aloud to You:
“Blessed are You, O Saviour; have mercy on us.”

In Tone 3, Glory… Now…

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany,
to call back Lazarus who was four days dead,
and to proclaim the coming Resurrection.
The women Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus, came to
meet Him, crying:
“Lord, if You had been here, our brother would not have died.”
Then He answered them: “Did I not say to you before:
He who believes in Me, though he were dead, yet he shall live?
Show Me where you have laid him.”
And the Maker of all cried to him, “Lazarus, come forth.”

Aposticha

In Tone 8

Rejoice and be glad, O city of Zion;
exult and be exceedingly joyful, O Church of God.
For behold, your King has come in righteousness,
seated on a foal, and the children sing His praises:
“Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed are You who shows great compassion:
have mercy on us.”

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings* have You appointed praise.

The Saviour has come today to the city of Jerusalem, to fulfil
the Scriptures;
and all have taken palms into their hands
and spread their garments before Him,
knowing that He is our God, to whom the cherubim sing
without ceasing:
“Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed are You who shows great compassion:
have mercy on us.”

O Lord, our Lord, how wonderful* is Your Name in all the earth.

O You who ride upon the cherubim and are praised by the seraphim,
You have sat, O gracious Lord, like David on a foal,
and the children honoured You with praise fitting for God;
but the priests and scribes blasphemed unlawfully against You.
Your riding on a foal prefigured how the Gentiles, as yet untamed and uninstructed,
were to pass from unbelief to faith.
Glory to You, O Christ, who alone are merciful and loves mankind.

In Tone 6, Glory …

Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together,
and we all take up Your Cross and say:
“Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.”

Now…

Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together,
and we all take up Your Cross and say:
“Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.”

Troparia

In Tone 1
Assuring us before Your Passion of the general resurrection* You raised Lazarus from the dead, O Christ God:* and so, like the children we also carry sign of victory* and cry out to You, the conqueror of death:* Hosanna in the highest!* Blessed is He who comes* in the name of the Lord. (twice)

In Tone 4
Buried with You through Baptism, O Christ our God,* we have been granted immortal life by Your Resurrection,* and we sing Your praises, crying out:* Hosanna in the highest!* Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!

FESTAL MATINS

Troparia

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 4
With our souls cleansed and in spirit carrying branches,* with faith let us sing Christ’s praises like the children,* crying with a loud voice to the Master:* Blessed are You, O Saviour,* who have come into the world to save Adam from the ancient curse;* and in Your love for mankind* You have been pleased to become spiritually the new Adam.* o Word, who have ordered all things for our good,* glory to You.

Glory… Now…

O Lord, You have raised from the tomb Lazarus who was four days dead,* and then taught us all to cry to You with palms and branches:* Blessed are You that come.

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 4
O Christ, mystically You have shed tears over Your friend,* and have raised from the dead Lazarus who lay without life;* and You have shown tender compassion for him in Your love towards mankind.* Learning of Your coming, O Saviour,* a multitude of children went out today,* bearing palms in their hands and crying to You:* “Hosanna: blessed are You,* for You have come to save the world.”

In Tone 1, Glory… Now…

Give praise with one accord, O peoples and nations:* for the King of the angels rides now upon a foal,* and He comes to smite His enemies with the Cross in His almighty power.* Therefore the children sing to Him with palms in their hands:* “Glory be to You who have come as Conqueror;* glory be to You, O Christ the Saviour;* glory be to You, our God, for You alone are blessed.”

Exaltation
We extol You,* O Christ the Giver of Life:* Hosanna in the highest! And we also cry to You:* Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.
verse: O Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is Your Name in all the earth.
verse: Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord: the Lord is God and has appeared to us.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory be to You, O God. Thrice

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
He who sits upon the throne of the cherubim, for our sake sits upon a foal;* and coming to His voluntary Passion,* today He hears the children cry ‘Hosanna!’* while the crowd replies, ‘O Son of David, make haste to save those whom You have created,* blessed Jesus, since for this cause You have come,* that we may know Your glory.’

Glory… Now…

He who sits upon the throne of the cherubim, for our sake sits upon a foal;* and coming to His voluntary Passion,* today He hears the children cry ‘Hosanna!’* while the crowd replies, ‘O Son of David, make haste to save those whom You have created,* blessed Jesus, since for this cause You have come,* that we may know Your glory.’

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have You appointed praise.
verse: O Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is Your Name in all the earth.

Gospel
Matthew 21:1-11, 15-17

The blessing of pussywillows takes place after Psalm 50 verses.

Canon

Ode 1
Irmos The springs of the deep were seen bereft of water, and the foundations of the storm-tossed sea were laid bare: for in Your power You have rebuked its fury and saved Your chosen people, as they sang to You, O Lord, a hymn of victory.
Out of the mouth of Your servants, the innocent babes and sucklings, You have received praise. You have overthrown the adversary and by Your Passion on the Cross You have avenged Adam’s fall of old; with the Tree You have raised him up, and he sings to You, O Lord, a hymn of victory.
The Church of the saints offers praise to You, O Christ, who dwell in Sion, and Israel rejoices in You that made him. The mountains, figuring the stony-hearted Gentiles, exult before Your face, and they sing to You, O Lord, a hymn of victory.
Katavasia The springs of the deep were seen bereft of water, and the foundations of the storm-tossed sea were laid bare: for in Your power You have rebuked its fury and saved Your chosen people, as they sang to You, O Lord, a hymn of victory.

Ode 3
Irmos The people of Israel drew water from the stony rock, for it became at Your command a flowing stream. O Christ, You are Yourself our rock and life; on You the Church is founded, and she cries aloud: Hosanna, blessed are You Who comes.
Trembling at Your command, hell yielded up Lazarus who was four days dead. For You, O Christ, are the resurrection and the life; on You the Church is founded, and she cries aloud: Hosanna, blessed are You Who comes.

O people, sing in Sion a hymn fitting for God, and offer prayer to Christ in Jerusalem. For He comes in power and glory: on Him the Church is founded, and she cries aloud: Hosanna, blessed are You Who comes.
Katavasia The people of Israel drew water from the stony rock, for it became at Your command a flowing stream. O Christ, You are Yourself our rock and life; on You the Church is founded, and she cries aloud: Hosanna, blessed are You Who comes.

SMALL EKTENY

HYPAKOI, TONE 6
First they sang in praise of Christ our God with branches,* but then the ungrateful Jews seized Him and crucified Him on the Cross.* But with faith unchanging let us ever honour Him as Benefactor,* crying always unto Him:* Blessed are You Who comes to call back Adam.

Ode 4
Irmos ‘Christ comes’, the Prophet said of old, ‘revealing Himself as our God; He shall come and shall not tarry, from the mountain overshadowed by the forest, born of a Maiden who has not known man.’ Therefore we all cry aloud: Glory to You power, O Lord.
Let the mountains and all the hills break forth into great rejoicing at the mercy of God, and let the trees of the forest clap their hands. Give praise to Christ, all nations, and magnify Him, all peoples, crying: Glory to Your power, O Lord.’
King of the ages, the Lord comes clothed in strength. The surpassing splendour of His beauty and His glory is revealed in Sion. Therefore we all cry aloud: Glory to Your power, O Lord.
The Lord is here, who measures the heaven with a span and the earth in the hollow of His hand. For He has chosen Sion; there has He been pleased to dwell, ruling over the peoples that cry aloud with faith: Glory to Your power, O Lord.
Katavasia ‘Christ comes’, the Prophet said of old, ‘revealing Himself as our God; He shall come and shall not tarry, from the mountain overshadowed by the forest, born of a Maiden who has not known man.’ Therefore we all cry aloud: Glory to You power, O Lord.

ODE 5
Irmos Go up the mountain, You Who bring good tidings to Sion; and You that preach to Jerusalem, lift up Your voice with strength. Glorious things are spoken of you, O City of God: Peace be upon Israel and salvation to the Gentiles.
God who is enthroned on high upon the cherubim and yet cares for the lowly, is Himself come in power and glory, and all things shall be filled with His divine praise. Peace be upon Israel and salvation to the Gentiles.
O Sion, holy mountain of God, and Jerusalem, lift up your eyes round about and behold your children, gathered in you. For they have come from afar to worship your King. Peace be upon Israel and salvation to the Gentiles.
Katavasia Go up the mountain, You Who bring good tidings to Sion; and You that preach to Jerusalem, lift up Your voice with strength. Glorious things are spoken of you, O City of God: Peace be upon Israel and salvation to the Gentiles.

ODE 6
Irmos The spirits of the righteous cried aloud in joy: ‘Now is a new covenant granted to the world: let the people be renewed through sprinkling with the Blood of God.’
O Israel, receive God’s Kingdom; let him that walks in darkness see the great light; and let the people be renewed through sprinkling with the Blood of God.
Set free your prisoners, O Sion, and let them go; bring them out of the waterless pit of ignorance; and let the people be renewed through sprinkling with the Blood of God.
Katavasia The spirits of the righteous cried aloud in joy: ‘Now is a new covenant granted to the world: let the people be renewed through sprinkling with the Blood of God.’

Kontakion, TONE 6
Seated in heaven upon Your throne and on earth upon a foal, O Christ our God, You have accepted the praise of the angels and the songs of the children who cried out to You: Blessed are You Who comes to call back Adam.

Ikos
O immortal Lord, You have bound hell, slain death, and raised the world: therefore the children, carrying palms, sing praise to You as Victor, 0 Christ, and they cry aloud to You this day: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! For no more’, say they, ‘shall the little children be slain because of Mary’s Child; but You alone are crucified for all, both young and old. No more shall the sword be drawn against us, for Your side is pierced by a spear. With great rejoicing, then, we cry: Blessed are You Who comes to call back Adam.’

ODE 7
Irmos You have saved the children of Abraham in the fire and slain the Chaldaeans, who plotted unrighteously against the righteous. Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised above all.
With palms in their hands, the people knelt and they rejoiced with the disciples, crying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David: blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised above all.’
The innocent children sang to You a hymn fitting for God, O King of Israel and of the angels: ‘Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised above all.’
With palms and branches the multitude greeted You, O Christ, and cried: ‘Blessed are You who comes, O King of the ages; blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised above all.’
Katavasia You have saved the children of Abraham in the fire and slain the Chaldaeans, who plotted unrighteously against the righteous. Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised above all.

ODE 8
Irmos Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and you that love Sion, keep feast. For He who rules unto all ages, the Lord of Hosts, is come. Let all the earth stand in reverence before His face and cry aloud: O all you works of the Lord, praise the Lord.
Riding upon a young foal, Christ your King is at hand, O Sion. For He has come to destroy the senseless error of idolatry and to restrain the untamed wilfulness of all the Gentiles, teaching them to sing: O all you works of the Lord, praise the Lord.
Greatly rejoice, O Sion, for Christ your God shall reign for ever. As it is written, He is meek and brings salvation. Our righteous Deliverer has come riding on a foal, that He may destroy the proud arrogance of His enemies who will not cry: O all you works of the Lord, praise the Lord.
The lawless company of disobedient men was driven out from the precincts of the temple, for they had made God’s house of prayer into a den of thieves, and they rejected from their hearts the Redeemer unto whom we cry aloud: O all you works of the Lord, praise the Lord.
Katavasia Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and you that love Sion, keep feast. For He who rules unto all ages, the Lord of Hosts, is come. Let all the earth stand in reverence before His face and cry aloud: O all you works of the Lord, praise the Lord.

ODE 9
Irmos The Lord is God and has appeared to us; let us keep the feast together. Come, and with great rejoicing let us magnify Christ with palms and branches, and let us cry aloud: Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord our Saviour.
Why do you rage, you heathen? Scribes and priests, why do you imagine vain things, saying: ‘Who is this to whom children cry aloud with palms and branches, Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord our Saviour?’
This is our God, and there is none other like Him; He has found out every righteous way and given it to Israel His beloved; and afterward He has shown Himself upon earth and lived among men. Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord our Saviour.
O disobedient nation, why do you set stumbling-blocks upon our path? Your feet are swift to shed the blood of the Master, but He shall rise again, to save all those who cry: Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord our Saviour.
Katavasia The Lord is God and has appeared to us; let us keep the feast together. Come, and with great rejoicing let us magnify Christ with palms and branches, and let us cry aloud: Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord our Saviour.

At the Praises

In Tone 4

To execute on them the judgment written, this honour have all His saints.

A very great multitude spread their garments in the way, O Lord;
others cut down branches from the trees and carried them.
Walking before and after You, they cried:
‘Hosanna to the Son of David:
blessed are You who has come and shall come again
in the Name of the Lord’

Praise God in His saints, praise Him in the firmament of His power.

Praise Him for His mighty acts, praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

When You were about to enter the Holy City, O Lord,
the multitude carried branches from the trees
and sang to You, the Master of all.
They saw You riding on a foal as though upon the cherubim,
and they cried: ‘Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed are You who has come and shall come again
in the Name of the Lord’

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp.

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with the stringed instruments and organs.

Come forth, you nations, and come forth, you peoples:
look today upon the King of heaven,
who enters Jerusalem seated upon a humble colt
as though upon a lofty throne.
O unbelieving and adulterous generation of the Jews,
draw near and look on Him whom once Isaiah saw:
He is come for our sakes in the flesh.
See how He weds the New Sion, for she is chaste,
and rejects the synagogue that is condemned.
As at a marriage pure and undefiled,
the pure and innocent children gather and sing praises.
Let us also sing with them the hymn of the angels:
Hosanna in the highest to Him that has great mercy.

Praise Him upon the well-tuned cymbals; praise Him upon the loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Before Your voluntary Passion, Christ our God,
You have given to all men an assurance of the general resurrection;
for at Bethany You have raised by Your almighty power
Lazarus who was four days dead,
and as Giver of Light, O Saviour, You have made the blind to see.
With Your disciples You have entered the Holy City,
seated upon the foal of an ass as though upon the cherubim,
and so You have fulfilled the preaching of the prophets.
The children of the Hebrews with palms and branches came to meet You.
Therefore we also, bearing palms and olive branches,
cry aloud to You in thanksgiving:
Hosanna in the highest;
blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord.

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

Six days before the Passover Jesus entered Bethany,
and His disciples came to Him, saying:
‘Lord, where do You wish that we prepare for You to eat the Passover?’
Then He sent them, saying: ‘Go into the village opposite,
and you ye shall find a man bearing a pitcher of water;
follow him and tell the master of the house:
The Teacher says, In your house shall I eat the Passover with My disciples.’

DIVINE LITURGY

First Antiphon

I am filled with love* for the Lord will hear the voice of my plea.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
For He has inclined His ear to me,* and I will call to Him all the days of my life.
Through the prayers…
The pangs of death encircled me,* the trials of Hades befell me.
Through the prayers…
I met with anguish and pain,* and called upon the name of the Lord.
Through the prayers…
Glory… Now… Only-begotten…

Third Antiphon

Soloist: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good,* for His mercy endures forever.

Troparion, Tone 1: Assuring us before Your Passion of the general resurrection,* You raised Lazarus from the dead, O Christ God:* and so, like the children we also carry signs of victory* and cry to You, the conqueror of death:* Hosanna in the highest!* Blessed is He who comes* in the name of the Lord.

Therefore, let the house of Israel say that He is good,* for His mercy endures forever.

Therefore, let the house of Aaron say that He is good,* for His mercy endures forever.

Let all who feat the Lord say that He is good,* for His mercy endures forever.

Entrance
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, we bless you from the house of the Lord,* the Lord is God and has appeared to us.

Troparia and Kontakion
Troparion, Tone 1: Assuring us before Your Passion of the general resurrection,* You raised Lazarus from the dead, O Christ God:* and so, like the children we also carry signs of victory* and cry to You, the conqueror of death:* Hosanna in the highest!* Blessed is He who comes* in the name of the Lord.

Glory…

Troparion, Tone 4 Buried with You through Baptism, O Christ our God,* we have been granted immortal life by Your resurrection,* and we sing Your praises, crying out:* Hosanna in the highest!* Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Now…

Kontakion, Tone 6 Mounted on the throne in heaven, O Christ God,* and on a colt here on earth,* You accepted the praise of the angels,* and the hymn of the children who cried to You:* Blessed are You who have come to call Adam back.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord;* God the Lord has appeared to us.
verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

Epistle
Philippians 4:4-9

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: Sing to the Lord a new song, foe He has worked wonders.
verse: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Gospel
John 12:1-18

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify Christ who seated on a foal.
And the irmos: The Lord is God and has appeared to us:* together let us celebrate.* Come with great rejoicing; let us magnify Christ* with palms and olive branches, and with sings let us cry aloud to Him:* Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Communion Hymn
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord;* God the Lord has appeared to us.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

March 19, 2016
Lazarus Saturday

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion, Tone 1: Assuring us before Your Passion of the general resurrection,* You raised Lazarus from the dead, O Christ God:* and so, like the children we also carry signs of victory* and cry to You, the conqueror of death:* Hosanna in the highest!* Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: Christ, the joy of all, the truth, the light,* the life, the resurrection of the universe,* in His goodness has revealed Himself to those on earth;* He Himself has become the pattern of the Resurrection,* granting divine forgiveness to all.

Instead of “Holy God…”
All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
The Lord is my light and my Saviour;* whom shall I fear?
verse: The Lord is the protector of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Epistle
Hebrews 12:28-13:8

Alleluia, Tone 5
verse: The Lord is King; He is robed in majesty.
verse: For He has established the world which shall not be shaken.

Gospel
John 11:1-45

Hymn to the Mother of God
Let us honour with glory the pure Mother of God;* though she received the Divine Fire within her womb she was not consumed.* With never ceasing hymns, O people,* we magnify her.

Communion Hymn
Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies* You have perfected praise.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

March 18, 2016
Friday of the Sixth Week of the Great Fast

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

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

Having come to the end of the forty days,
we beseech You, O Lord and Lover of humankind:
May we also behold the holy week of Your passion,
and glorify in it Your lofty deeds
and Your ineffable work of salvation,
as we sing with one voice:
O Lord, glory to You.

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

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

O martyrs of the Lord,
we entreat you to beseech our God,
and ask great mercy for our souls
and forgiveness of our many offences.

In Tone 6

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

Desiring to see the tomb of Lazarus, O Lord,
since You were soon going to dwell willingly in the tomb,
You asked: Where have you placed him?
And, when You learned that which You already knew,
You called to the one whom You loved:
Lazarus, come forth from the tomb!
And Death obeyed the Giver of life,
the Saviour of our souls.

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

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

Having arrived at the tomb of Lazarus on the fourth day,
You wept for Your friend, O Lord.
You gave life to the one who had been dead four days;
Death was bound up by Your voice,
and the grave-clothes were unbound by Your hands.
Therefore, the company of apostles were filled with joy,
and all the choirs sang with one voice:
Blessed are You, O Saviour; have mercy on us.

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

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

The kingdom of Hades was demolished at the sound of You voice, O Lord;
Your powerful word awakened from the tomb one who had been dead for days.
Lazarus becomes a saving prelude of our regeneration.
Nothing is impossible for the King of the universe;
O Lord, grant to Your servants forgiveness and great mercy.

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

Desiring to assure Your disciples of Your own Resurrection from the dead,
You came to the tomb of Lazarus.
And when You called him, Hades was despoiled,
and it gave up the one who had been dead four days;
and he cried out to You, O Saviour:
Blessed are You, O Lord, glory to You!

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

Taking Your disciples with You, O Lord,
You came to Bethany to awaken Lazarus from the dead;
and, weeping over him in accordance with your human nature,
as God, You raised the one who had been dead four days;
and he cried out to You, O Saviour:
Blessed are You, O Lord, glory to You!

In Tone 8, Glory…

You have come to the tomb of Lazarus, O Lord,
and You called the dead one to awaken as from his sleep.
He shook off the dust of the tomb at Your immortal words;
and, still bound by the grave-clothes,
he came forth at the sound of Your voice.
For You have power and lordship over all things,
and You are the Master of the whole world, O Lover of humankind:
O Lord, glory to You.

Now…

Having come to the end of the forty days, we cry out:
Rejoice, O city of Bethany, the home of Lazarus.
Rejoice, Martha and Mary, for Christ shall come to you tomorrow;
by His word, He shall give life to your departed brother.
Hearing His voice, the cruel and insatiable Hades will give up Lazarus after four days.
Struck with admiration, the Hebrew people will carry palms and branches,
and they shall go before Him.
The children shall praise the One whom their parents looked upon with envy:
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!

Prokeimenon I, Tone 6
Our help is in the name of the Lord,* who made heaven and earth.
verse: “If the Lord had not been on our side,” this is the song of Israel.

Reading I
Genesis 49:33-50:26
When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed, and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. Then Joseph fell on his father’s face, and wept over him, and kissed him. And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel; forty days were required for it, for so many are required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days. And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favour in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, My father made me swear, saying, ‘I am about to die: in my tomb which I hewed out for myself in the land of Canaan, there shall you bury me.’ Now therefore let me go up, I pray you, and bury my father; then I will return.” And Pharaoh answered, “Go up, and bury your father, as he made you swear.” So Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all the household of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s household; only their children, their flocks, and their herds were left in the land of Goshen. And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen; it was a very great company. When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and sorrowful lamentation; and he made a mourning for his father seven days. When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning on the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians.” Therefore the place was named Abel-mizraim; it is beyond the Jordan. Thus his sons did for him as he had commanded them; for his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field at Mach-pelah, to the east of Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite, to possess as a burying place. After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone up with him to bury his father. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died, ‘Say to Joseph, Forgive, I pray you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’ And now, we pray you, forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him, and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Fear not, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he reassured them and comforted them. So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s house; and Joseph lived a hundred and ten years. And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation; the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were born upon Joseph’s knees. And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die; but God will visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph took an oath of the sons of Israel, saying, “God will visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” So Joseph died, being a hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Prokeimenon II, Tone 4
Those who put their trust in the Lord* are like Mount Sion.
verse: They cannot be shaken, for it stands unmoved forever.

Reading II
Proverbs 31:8-31
Open your mouth for the dumb, for the rights of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, maintain the rights of the poor and needy. A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and tasks for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers girdles to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

March 16, 2016
Wednesday of the Sixth Week of the Great Fast

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

At Psalm 140

In Tone 5

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

I am rich in all sorts of passions,
and I am clothed in a garment of hypocrisy,
as I revel in the intemperance of sin.
My lack of mercy is beyond measure,
and I disregard my spirit lying before the gates of repentance.
Starved of every good thing, I suffer from illness.
But You, O Lord, make me like Lazarus who was poor in sin,
so that I will not have to beg for a drop of water
for my tongue suffering from thirst in the eternal fire.
Make me dwell in the bosom of the patriarch Abraham, O Lover of humankind.

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

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

With your souls filled with unquenchable love, O holy martyrs,
you endured the most terrible sufferings without ever denying Christ;
and you laid low the impudence of the torturers.
You kept the faith unwavering and unharmed
and have gone to dwell in heaven.
Therefore, having the boldness to approach the Lord,
beg Him to grant us His great mercy.

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

As You walked in the flesh, O Jesus,
in the land beyond the Jordan,
You said to those who were with You:
Our friend Lazarus has died and has been placed in the tomb.
But I rejoice for you, my friends,
for you will learn that I know all things,
and that with God, I am one,
even though by nature I appear in human form.
Therefore, let us go and give life to Lazarus
so that Death may recognize this victory,
and the perfect consummation I shall bring about
by granting great mercy to the world.

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

O faithful, let us imitate Martha and Mary,
and offer virtuous deeds as ambassadors before the Lord,
that when He comes, He may uplift our minds full of misery which now lie dead in the tomb.
Without life, they have no sense of what they are neglecting,
and they are unaware of the awesomeness of God.
Behold, O Lord, now give life to all and grant us Your great mercy,
as once You had pity on Your friend Lazarus,
and by Your awesome power, You raised him from the dead.

In Tone 6

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

Now Lazarus has been in the tomb for two days,
and he sees all generations of the dead.
He beholds such strange and awesome things
and a countless number held within the power of death.
His relatives weep bitterly before his tomb;
but Christ is on His way to give life to His friend,
that He may stir up the same joy in the hearts of all.
Blessed are You, O Saviour; have mercy on us.

In Tone 1

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

In you we recognize “the man of God”
both by your name and by your deeds,
for you were outstanding in your virtues,
as you sought both hardship and profound poverty on earth.
Your miracles have strengthened believers in the Faith.
Intercede that our souls be granted peace and great mercy.

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

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

With the dew of divine love, O Alexis,
you extinguished the burning lusts of the flesh.
For you exchanged your marriage bed for the dwelling of the Bridegroom,
and bodily pleasures for the resemblance to the bodiless angels of God.
Together with them, intercede that our souls
be granted peace and great mercy.

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

You lived unknown at the threshold of your noble parents’ home, O blessed father,
long oppressed and mistreated by your own servants.
You were recognized, when you died, by your miracles,
banishing the destructive spirits and healing maladies.

In Tone 1, Glory… Now…

We are caught in the stormy sea of temptations and sins,
striving in the tempest to reach your tranquil haven.
O Mother of God, we beg you, hear our cry;
stretch out your steady hand to your servants,
and rescue us from the raging of the enemy.

Prokeimenon I, Tone 4
I walk in the presence of the Lord* in the land of the living.
verse: I love the Lord, for He has heard the cry of my appeal.

Reading I
Genesis 43:26-31 and 45:1-16
When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which they had with them, and bowed down to him to the ground. And he inquired about their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well, he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and made obeisance. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” Then Joseph made haste, for his heart yearned for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and controlling himself he said, “Let food be served.” Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him; and he cried, “Make every one go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, I pray you.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Make haste and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry; you shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have; and there I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come; lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty.’ And now your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father of all my splendor in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. Make haste and bring my father down here.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him. When the report was heard in Pharaoh’s house, “Joseph’s brothers have come,” it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well.

Prokeimenon II, Tone 4
I will pay my vows to the Lord,* in the presence of all His people.
verse: I trusted, even when I said: I am sorely afflicted.

Reading II
Proverbs 21:23-22:4
He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. “Scoffer” is the name of the proud, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. The desire of the sluggard kills him for his hands refuse to labour. All day long the wicked covets, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent. A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure. A wicked man puts on a bold face, but an upright man considers his ways. No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favour is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all. A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honour and life.

March 13, 2016
Fifth Sunday of the Great Fast: Our Venerable Mother, Mary of Egypt, Octoechos Tone 1; The Transfer of the Relics of Our Holy Father Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople (847)

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let us praise the Lord
Who for our sake was willingly crucified in the flesh.
He suffered, was buried, and rose from the dead.
Therefore, let us sing to Him:
O Christ, keep Your Church in the orthodox faith
and bring peace to our lives;
for You are gracious and love mankind.

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

O Christ our God, as we stand unworthily before Your life-bearing grave,
we offer a hymn of praise to Your ineffable tenderness of heart.
For You, O Sinless One,
in Your loving-kindness have accepted the Cross and death
in order to grant
resurrection to the world.

In Tone 6

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

The pollution of past sins
prevented you from entering the church
to see the elevation of the Holy Cross;
but then my conscience and the awareness of your actions
turned you, O wise in God,
to a better way of life.
And, having looked upon the icon of the blessed Maid of God,
You have condemned all your previous transgressions,
O Mother worthy of all praise,
and so have gone with boldness to venerate the precious Cross.

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

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

Having worshipped at the holy places with great joy,
you have received saving grace for the journey of virtue,
and with all haste you have set out upon the good path you have chosen.
Crossing the stream of the Jordan,
with eagerness you have gone to live
in the dwelling place of the Baptist.
you have tamed the savagery of the passions
through your ascetic way of life,
and boldly you have broken the rebelliousness of the flesh,
O Mother ever-glorious.

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

Having gone to dwell in the wilderness,
you had blotted out from your soul the images of your sensual passions,
and marked upon it the God-given imprint of holiness.
You attained such glory, blessed Mother,
as to walk upon the surface of the water,
and in your prayers to God you were raised up from the earth.
And now, all-glorious Mary,
standing before Christ with boldness,
entreat Him for our souls.

In Tone 4, Glory…

The power of Your Cross, O Christ,
has worked wonders,
for even the woman who was once a harlot
chose to follow the ascetic way.
Casting aside her weakness,
bravely she opposed the devil;
and having gained the prize of victory,
she intercedes for our souls.

In Tone 1, Now…

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

Aposticha

In Tone 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 2, Glory…

The desire of your soul and the passions of your flesh
you have cut down with the sword of abstinence;
your sinful thoughts you have choked with the silence of the ascetic life.
With the streams of your tears you have watered all the wilderness,
and caused the fruits of repentance to spring up for us:
therefore, O saint, we celebrate your memory.

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

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

DIVINE LITURGY

[Divine Liturgy Music – PDF – MP3]

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

Troparion, Tone 8: The divine image was faithfully preserved in you, O mother,* for taking up the Cross, you followed Christ.* By your deeds you have taught us to see beyond the flesh, which passes,* and care for the soul, a thing immortal.* And so, O venerable Mary,* your spirit rejoices with the angels.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Once you were filled with every impurity,* now through repentance you have been revealed as a bride of Christ,* following the angelic life, you crushed demons with the weapon of the Cross.* Therefore, O glorious Mary, you have been shown to be a bride of the kingdom.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in You.
verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:22,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
God is wonderful in His saints,* the God of Israel. (Psalm 67:36)

Epistle
Hebrews 9:11-14; Galatians 3:23-29

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: God gives me vindication, and has subdued people under me.
verse: Making great the salvation of the king, and showing mercy to His anointed, to David, and to His posterity forever. (Psalm 17:48,51)

Gospel
Mark 10:32-45; Luke 7:36-50

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

Communion Hymn
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)

March 11, 2016
Friday of the Fifth Week of the Great Fast

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

Departing from Your divine precepts as from Jerusalem,
and going down to the passions of Jericho,
travelling by way of the cares of this life
on the pathways of dishonour,
I fell prey to the thievery of thoughts;
they stripped me of my noble garment,
which You gave me by the grace of adoption.
I was left half-dead and covered with wounds;
a priest passed by and saw my misfortune, but he paid no attention;
a Levite felt nothing but disgust, and so he turned away from me;
but You, O Lord, who were born ineffably from the Virgin,
You poured as oil and wine,
the blood and water which flowed freely from Your life-giving side,
to dress and bind up my wounds.
In Your compassionate love, O Christ our God,
grant me a place in Your Kingdom.

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

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

Your martyrs did not reject You,
nor did they renounce Your commandments.
Through their prayers, have mercy on us.

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

Gabriel stood in your presence, O holy Virgin,
and revealed the pre-eternal plan to you.
He greeted you and announced:
Rejoice, O earth that had not been sown!
Rejoice, O burning bush that was not consumed!
Rejoice, O unsearchable depth!
Rejoice, O bridge which leads to heaven;
O high ladder which Jacob saw!
Rejoice, O vessel of divine manna!
Rejoice, O invocation of Adam!
The Lord is with you.

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

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

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

The blameless Maiden said to the captain of the heavenly hosts:
You appear to me as a mortal,
and your words go beyond human thought.
You have said that God is with me,
and that He shall take up abode in my womb.
Tell me then, how am I to become a holy temple for the infinite One,
the Lord who rides on the Cherubim?
Do not mislead me with deceit,
for I have known no pleasure and have not approached wedlock.
Therefore, how shall I give birth to a child?

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

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

The Archangel then said to her:
Whenever God wills, the order of nature is overcome,
and that which is beyond human power is accomplished.
Therefore, O most pure and ever-holy One, believe my true words.
She then cried out, saying:
Let it now be done to me according to you word,
and I will give birth to the One who is without flesh.
He will take flesh from me,
so that by the union He may raise the human race to the original dignity,
for He alone is all-powerful.

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

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

That mystery which is from all eternity
is being revealed today.
The Son of God becomes the Son of Man.
He accepted the lowliest in order to give us the highest.
In times of old, Adam was deceived;
he desired to become like God and did not.
Now God becomes human that He may make Adam God.
Let all creation be happy:
let nature dance with joy
because the Archangel stands in awe before the Virgin and greets her.
He brings the greeting which changes our grief into joy.
Through the mercy of Your compassion, You became incarnate;
O our God, glory to You!

Prokeimenon I, Tone 4
The Lord is compassion and love,* slow to anger and rich in mercy.
verse: My soul, give thanks to the Lord; all my being, bless His holy name.

Reading
Genesis 22:1-18
Some time after these events, God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, “Abraham!” “Ready!” he replied. Then God said: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on a height that I will point out to you.” Early the next morning Abraham saddled his donkey, took with him his son Isaac, and two of his servants as well, and with the wood that he had cut for the holocaust, set out for the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham got sight of the place from afar. Then he said to his servants: “Both of you stay here with the donkey, while the boy and I go on over yonder. We will worship and then come back to you.” Thereupon Abraham took the wood for the holocaust and laid it on his son Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two walked on together, Isaac spoke to his father Abraham. “Father!” he said. “Yes, son,” he replied. Isaac continued, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the sheep for the holocaust?”

“Son,” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the sheep for the holocaust.” Then the two continued going forward. When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. Next he tied up his son Isaac, and put him on top of the wood on the altar. Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the Lord’s messenger called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.

“Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger. “Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.”

As Abraham looked about, he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So he went and took the ram and offered it up as a holocaust in place of his son. Abraham named the site Yahweh-yireh; hence people now say, “On the mountain the Lord will see.” Again the Lord’s messenger called to Abraham from heaven and said: “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your beloved son, I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing – all this because you obeyed my command.’’

Prokeimenon II, Tone 4
How great are Your works, O Lord;* You have made all things in wisdom.
verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are exceedingly great.

Reading II
Proverbs 17:17-18:5
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A man without sense gives a pledge, and becomes surety in the presence of his neighbour. He who loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction. A man of crooked mind does not prosper, and one with a perverse tongue falls into calamity. A stupid son is a grief to a father; and the father of a fool has no joy. A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. A wicked man accepts a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice. A man of understanding sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good; to flog noble men is wrong. He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonour comes disgrace. The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream. It is not good to be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice.

March 9, 2016
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of the Great Fast

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

At Psalm 140

In Tone 3

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

Even more than all others, I have sinned of my own will,
and for that, I am condemned;
the arrogance of my flesh is the enemy of my soul.
O guide for those who have lost their way
and light for those without hope,
save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

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

For the Prophet says,
my soul shall live and shall praise You, O Lord.
I am the lost sheep;
call me back and number me among Your flock.
Give me time to repent that I may sigh and cry out to You:
Save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

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

Greatly despising You commandments,
I have sinned, O Christ our God.
Spare me, O Benefactor,
that my inner eye may be freed from darkness;
and in fear I shall cry out to You:
Save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

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

Having been encircled by wild beasts,
I beseech You to deliver me from their clutches, O Lord.
You wish that all be saved
and come to the knowledge of the truth;
save all Your people, O Creator,
that I may be saved with them;
save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

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

I am lying here in sin;
heal me, O Redeemer and Benefactor;
be not far from me, O Saviour.
Raise me up, O almighty One,
that I may confess all my sins and cry to You:
Save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

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

Just as the foolish servant,
I have hidden the talent You gave me;
I have buried it in the ground.
I have been condemned as useless,
and I dare not ask for anything more.
In Your goodness, spare me,
that I may also cry to You:
Save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

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

Kindly, You dried up the marsh of her passions,
when the woman with the flow of blood touched Your garment.
I have received the forgiveness of my sins
by drawing near to You in complete faith;
receive me, as You accepted her, and heal me of my grief;
save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

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

Lord, Your word has made heaven and earth,
and You shall come to sit upon a throne;
and we shall all stand in Your presence and confess our sins.
Before that day comes, receive my repentance;
save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

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

Mercifully look upon me and spare me, O Saviour;
pour out the streams of healing upon my poor and afflicted soul.
Purify it from all stain
so that I may sing to You:
Save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

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

Now my soul has been quickly assailed by the sword that the devil prepared;
he has made me a stranger to the light of Your face, O Lord.
But, by the power of Your arm,
draw me up from his jaws;
save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

Glory…

Your love is beyond expression, O merciful and good Lord!
You alone are without sin!
Do not reject me far from Your face,
that, with thanksgiving and with joy,
I may sing and cry out to You:
Save me, O Lord, before I completely perish.

Now…

Zealously, we sing of the ineffable condescension of God!
It is a miraculous and wondrous birth!
How has the Virgin carried You in her arms as a child,
for You are her Creator and her God?
O Benefactor, who willed to become incarnate from her,
save me before I completely perish, O Lord.

Prokeimenon I, Tone 4
O Lord, God of vengeance,* show Yourself.
verse: Rise up, O Judge of the earth; give the proud what they deserve!

Reading I
Genesis 17:1-9
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said: “I am God the Almighty. Walk in my presence and be blameless. Between you and me I will establish my covenant, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” When Abram prostrated himself, God continued to speak to him: “My covenant with you is this: you are to become the father of a host of nations. No longer shall you be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations. I will render you exceedingly fertile; I will make nations of you; kings shall stem from you. I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you throughout the ages as an everlasting pact, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land in which you are now staying, the whole land of Canaan, as a permanent possession; and I will be their God.” God also said to Abraham: “On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages.”

Prokeimenon II, Tone 6
O sing to the Lord a new song,* sing to the Lord all the earth!
verse: O sing to the Lord; bless His name.

Reading II
Proverbs 15:20-16:9
A wise son makes his father glad, but a fool of a man despises his mother. Folly is joy to the senseless man, but the man of understanding goes the straight way. Plans fail when there is no counsel, but they succeed when counsellors are many. There is joy for a man in his utterance; a word in season, how good it is! The path of life leads the prudent man upward, that he may avoid the nether world below. The Lord overturns the house of the proud, but he preserves intact the widow’s landmark. The wicked man’s schemes are an abomination to the Lord, but the pure speak what is pleasing to him. He who is greedy of gain brings ruin on his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. The just man weighs well his utterance, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil. The Lord is far from the wicked, but the prayer of the just he hears. A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart; good news invigorates the bones. He who listens to salutary reproof will abide among the wise. He who rejects admonition despises his own soul, but he who heeds reproof gains understanding. The fear of the Lord is training for wisdom, and humility goes before honours. Man may make plans in his heart, but what the tongue utters is from the Lord. All the ways of a man may be pure in his own eyes, but it is the Lord who proves the spirit. Entrust your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own ends, even the wicked for the evil day. Every proud man is an abomination to the Lord; I assure you that he will not go unpunished. By kindness and piety guilt is expiated, and by the fear of the Lord man avoids evil. When the Lord is pleased with a man’s ways, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him. Better a little with virtue, than a large income with injustice. In his mind a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps.

Epistle
Hebrews 12:1-10
Brothers and Sisters, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children— “My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.” Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness.

Gospel
Matthew 20:1-6
The Lord said this parable, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

March 6, 2016
Fourth Sunday of the Great Fast: St. John Climacus, Octoechos Tone 8; The Holy Forty Martyrs of Ammorium (848)

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

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

O Christ, during this spiritual service,
we sing to You these evening prayers,
commemorating the mercy You have shown us
by Your resurrection.

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

O Lord, O Lord, do not cast us away from Your face;
but in Your kindness have mercy on us
through Your resurrection.

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

Rejoice, O holy Zion,
the Mother of Churches and the dwelling-place of God;
for you were the first to receive the forgiveness of sins
through the resurrection.

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

Christ the Word was begotten by God the Father before all ages;
yet in these latter times,
He freely willed to take flesh from the Virgin who did not know man.
By His death on the cross and His resurrection,
He saved mankind from the ancient curse of death.

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

O Christ, we glorify Your resurrection;
for by rising from the dead
You freed the race of Adam from the sufferings of Hades,
and as God You granted eternal life
and great mercy to the world.

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

Glory to You, O Christ our Saviour,
the only-begotten Son of God;
for You were nailed to the cross,
and then arose from the dead on the third day.

In Tone 8

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

O holy father John,
truly have you ever carried on your lips the praises of the Lord,
and with great wisdom have you studied the words of Holy Scripture,
that teach us how to practice the ascetic life.
So have you gained the riches of grace,
and you have become blessed,
overthrowing all the purposes of the ungodly.

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

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

Most glorious father John,
with the fountain of your tears you have cleansed your soul,
and by keeping vigils through the night
you have gained God’s mercy.
You were raised on wings, O blessed one,
to the love of Him and of His beauty;
and as is right you dwell now in His unending joy,
with your fellow soldiers in the spiritual fight,
O holy saint of God.

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

O holy father John,
through faith you have lifted up your mind on wings to God;
hating the restless confusion of this world,
you have taken up your Cross;
and, by following Him who sees all things
you have subjected your rebellious body to His guidance through ascetic discipline,
by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In Tone 5, Glory…

O holy father,
hearing the voice of the Gospel of the Lord,
you have forsaken the world, counting as naught its riches and its glory;
and so you have cried out to all:
“Love God,
and you shall find eternal grace.
Set nothing higher than His love,
that, when He comes in glory,
you may find rest with all the saints.”
at their prayers, O Christ, guard and save our souls.

In Tone 8, Now…

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.

Aposticha

In Tone 8

O Jesus, You descended from heaven
so that You might ascend the cross.
O immortal Life, You came to die.
You are the true light to those who live in darkness,
and You are the resurrection of the fallen.
Therefore, O Saviour of all, we glorify You.

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

Let us glorify Christ, the Saviour of our Souls
Who arose from the dead.
For He took upon himself a soul and a body,
and during His passion He separated the one from the other.
His pure soul went down to conquer Hades,
while His holy body lay uncorrupted in the grave.

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

O Christ, we glorify Your resurrection with psalms and hymns.
For by Your victory over death
You delivered us from the sufferings of Hades,
and as God You granted us eternal life and great mercy.

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

O Lord of all, Creator of heaven and earth,
You are above all understanding.
Through Your passion on the cross
You freed us from the sufferings of Hades.
And, after condescending to be buried, You arose in glory;
and with Your mighty arm You also raised up Adam.
O most merciful Lord, we glorify You;
for by Your resurrection on the third day
You granted us remission of sins and eternal life.

In Tone 2, Glory…

Let us honour John, angel upon earth and man of God in heaven,
adornment of the world, joy of the good and virtuous, glory of the ascetics.
For planted in the house of God he has blossomed with the flower of holiness,
and spread abroad like a cedar in the desert,
causing the sheep of Christ’s spiritual flock to increase
in sanctity and righteousness.

Now…

O wondrous event exceeding every miracle that ever happened!
Who ever heard that a mother could conceive without a man,
and that she would hold in her arms the One who contains the whole universe?
This was the will of the One who was born of you.
Woman most pure,
never cease to intercede for those who honour you,
together with the One you carried in your arms as a child.
You have the power of a Mother:
therefore, intercede with Him that He may have mercy on us
and save our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 8
You came down from on high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You.

Glory… 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!

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 8: You came down from oh high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You.

Troparion, Tone 1: O John, our God-bearing father,* you were shown to be a citizen of the desert,* an angel in bodily form,* and a worker of miracles.* Through fasting, prayers and vigils you received heavenly gifts* to heal the sick and the souls of those who, in faith, run to you.* Glory to Him who gives you strength.* Glory to Him who crowned you.* Glory to Him who works healing for all through you.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: On the heights of true abstinence,* the Lord established you as a reliable star,* giving light for guidance to the ends of the earth,* O father John, our teacher.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Pray and give thanks to the Lord our God.
verse: In Judea God is known; His name is great in Israel. (Psalm 75:12,2)

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

Epistle
Hebrews 6:13-20; Ephesians 5:9-19

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord; let us acclaim God our Saviour.
verse: Let us come before His countenance with praise and acclaim Him with psalms. (Psalm 94:1,2)
verse: They who are planted in the hose of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Psalm 91:14)

Gospel
Mark 9:17-31; Matthew 4:25-5:12

March 4, 2016
Friday of the Fourth Week of the Great Fast

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

At Psalm 140

In Tone 7

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

I have enslaved the dignity of my soul to the passions,
and have become like the beasts;
I can no longer raise my eyes to You, O God most high.
But, like the Publican I bow to the earth,
and I cry to You in supplication:
Forgive me, O Lord, and save me.

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

In Tone 7

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

Glory to You, O Christ our God.
You are the praise of the apostles,
and the delight of the martyrs,
who preached the consubstantial Trinity.

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

O holy martyrs who fought the good fight
and have received your crowns,
entreat the Lord to have mercy on our souls.

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

Not caring for any earthly things, O holy martyrs,
you boldly preached Christ during your trials,
and received your due reward from Him.
But since you possess confidence before Him,
we beseech you to entreat Him, as the Almighty God, to save our souls.

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

O martyrs, lofty praise is due to you,
for you are lambs of the Spirit and spiritual offerings.
You are pleasing sacrifices that have found favour with God;
and though the earth may not have covered you, the heavens received you.
We entreat you; for you have become partakers with the angels,
to join with them in beseeching our God
to give the world peace and to save our souls.

In Tone 8

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

Unfading and divine radiance,
light-bearing brilliance of the commandments of God,
ever-memorable athlete,
most excellent of martyrs!
You have dispelled the gloom of darkness like a brilliant star!
You are a good offering, blessed one;
an unblemished sacrifice.
Therefore, ever entreat Christ that He may save our souls!

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

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

Proclaimer of the truth:
You revealed yourself to be a sword-wielding enemy of ungodliness.
You cut off the head of the enemy with your suffering, all-wise one.
You clearly proclaimed the commandment of God,
saying good things to the untaught people.
Co-dweller with the martyrs, Conon,
entreat the Saviour that He may deliver from the passions
Your servants who honour You with hymns!

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

What a good change the Lord of our fathers made in you
by the right hand of the Most High!
Most glorious athlete,
you were revealed to be a fruit blossoming from the root of unbelief.
Most blessed and all-praised Conon,
you had Christ as your most excellent Commander,
as you mightily overthrew the hordes of demons!

In Tone 7, Glory…

Grant repose, O God our Saviour,
to our departed loved ones who cry out to You:
O Lord and Giver of life, glory to You.

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.

Prokeimenon I, Tone 6
O Shepherd of Israel, hear us,* You who lead Joseph’s flock.
verse: Shine forth from Your Cherubim throne.

Reading I
Genesis 12:1-7
The Lord said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.” Abram went as the Lord directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai, his brother’s son Lot, all the possessions that they had accumulated, and the persons they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land as far as the sacred place at Shechem, by the terebinth of Moreh. (The Canaanites were then in the land.) The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So Abram built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him.

Prokeimenon II, Tone 4
Ring out your joy to God, our strength,* shout in triumph to the God of Jacob.
verse: Raise a song and sound the timbrel, the sweet-sounding harp and lute.

Reading II
Proverbs 14:15-26
The scoundrel suffers the consequences of his ways, and the good man reaps the fruit of his paths. The simpleton believes everything, but the shrewd man measures his steps. The wise man is cautious and shuns evil; the fool is reckless and sure of himself. The quick-tempered man makes a fool of himself, but the prudent man is at peace. The adornment of simpletons is folly, but shrewd men gain the crown of knowledge. Evil men must bow down before the good, and the wicked, at the gates of the just. Even by his neighbour the poor man is hated, but the friends of the rich are many. He sins who despises the hungry; but happy is he who is kind to the poor! Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those intent on good gain kindness and constancy. In all labour there is profit, but mere talk tends only to penury. The crown of the wise is resourcefulness; the diadem of fools is folly. The truthful witness saves lives, but he who utters lies is a betrayer. In the fear of the Lord is a strong defence; even for one’s children he will be a refuge.

March 2, 2016
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of the Great Fast

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

The Fast that brings integrity has now run half its course.
These past days have proved acceptable,
and now we see the need of the days to come.
Our perception of their value will make them yield more abundant fruit.
Therefore, let us beseech Christ our Benefactor
who fasted and endured the Cross for us:
Grant that we might share in Your divine Pascha without condemnation
and pass our lives in peace,
worthily glorifying You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In Tone 5

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

Those who do good deeds in secret
and receive a spiritual reward,
do not boast in public about their deeds,
but they carry them in their hearts;
and He who sees the secret deeds of all
grants us the reward of self-control.
Let us then complete this Great Fast without putting on a gloomy face;
but while praying in the secrecy of our souls,
let us cry out unceasingly:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
lead us not into temptation, we pray,
but deliver us from evil.

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

In Tone 1

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

Let us all wash our souls in the water of the Fast
and approach the precious and all-praiseworthy Cross of the Lord.
Let us faithfully bow to it,
drawing divine illumination from it
and reaping the fruit of eternal salvation,
which is peace and great mercy.

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

O precious Cross, the boldness of the apostles,
You are revered by the Archangels, Powers and Principalities.
Save from all evil those who bow before You,
and make us worthy to pass through the course of the Fast in a holy way,
that we may see Your salvation and holy Resurrection.

In Tone 7

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

Bowing before the Cross of the Lord on this day, let us sing:
Rejoice, O Tree of Life;
You are the joy of the world who destroy Hades and Death;
Your strength puts the demons to flight.
You are the invincible weapon and support of believers;
preserve and sanctify those who bow before You.

In Tone 1

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

Martyrs, three in number, you contended mightily
against those who cruelly condemned you!
You endured many cruel pains with faith
and received the kingdom on high.
Therefore, pray that God will grant our souls peace and great mercy!

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

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

Let us praise Eutropius with spiritual songs,
together with the steadfast Cleonicus and Basiliscus!
By the grace of piety, they utterly consumed the tinder of ungodliness with fire.
Now they illumine the ends of the earth
like brilliant beacons with divine and fiery radiance,
casting all delusion into darkness.

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

When your heads were cut off, courageous athletes,
you crushed the head of the enemy beneath your beautiful feet.
You are unwavering stars and living sacrifices,
treasures of the temple of heaven.
Glorious Eutropius, Basiliscus and Cleonicus,
entreat for peace for us all!

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Today the inaccessible Lord draws me close to Him.
He endures His Passion to free me from my passions.
He who gives light to the blind, receives spitting from impure lips
and permits Himself to be scourged to save the captives.
When His Mother, the Virgin, saw Him on the Cross, she sighed and said:
Alas, O my beloved Child!
You surpass every mortal in beauty; yet You are now without charm or attraction,
having neither grace, nor form, nor life.
Alas! O Light of my eyes,
a sword pierces my hear, and I suffer inwardly to see You so.
I sing and praise Your Passion,
I venerate Your infinite mercy,
O long-suffering Lord, glory to You.

Prokeimenon I, Tone 4
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,* who alone does wondrous things.
verse: O God, give Your judgment to the king, and to the king’s son Your justice.

Reading I
Genesis 9:18-10:1
The sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Canaan.) These three were the sons of Noah, and from them the whole earth was peopled. Now Noah, a man of the soil, was the first to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of the wine, he became drunk and lay naked inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness, and he told his two brothers outside about it. Shem and Japheth, however, took a robe, and holding it on their backs, they walked backward and covered their father’s nakedness; since their faces were turned the other way, they did not see their father’s nakedness. When Noah woke up from his drunkenness and learned what his youngest son had done to him, he said: “Cursed be Caanan! The lowest of slaves shall he be to his brothers.” He also said: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem! Let Canaan be his slave. May God expand Japheth, so that he dwells among the tents of Shem; and let Canaan be his slave.” Noah lived three hundred and fifty years after the flood. The whole lifetime of Noah was nine hundred and fifty years; then he died. These are the descendants of Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, to whom sons were born after the flood.

Prokeimenon II, Tone 4
To be near God is my happiness.* I have made the Lord God my refuge.
verse: How good God is to Israel, to those who are pure of heart.

Reading II
Proverbs 12:23-13:9
A shrewd man conceals his knowledge, but the hearts of fools gush forth folly. The diligent hand will govern, but the slothful will be enslaved. Anxiety in a man’s heart depresses it, but a kindly word makes it glad. The just man surpasses his neighbour, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. The slothful man catches not his prey, but the wealth of the diligent man is great. In the path of justice there is life, but the abominable way leads to death. A wise son loves correction, but the senseless one heeds no rebuke. From the fruit of his words a man eats good things, but the treacherous one craves violence. He who guards his mouth protects his life; to open wide one’s lips brings downfall. The soul of the sluggard craves in vain, but the diligent soul is amply satisfied. Anything deceitful the just man hates, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace. Virtue guards one who walks honestly, but the downfall of the wicked is sin. One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. A man’s riches serve as ransom for his life, but the poor man heeds no rebuke. The light of the just shines gaily, but the lamp of the wicked goes out.