July 31, 2016
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Octoechos Tone 2; Fore-feast of the Procession of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord; Holy and Just Eudocimus

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us adore God the Word,
Who was born of the Father before all ages,
and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary;
for of His own free will He suffered the Cross
and submitted Himself to burial,
and arose from the dead to save me, a sinful one.

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

Christ our Saviour cancelled the decree that was written against us,
by nailing it to the Cross;
and He abolished the dominion of Death.
Let us glorify His Resurrection on the third day.

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

Let us, together with the archangels, sing of Christ’s resurrection;
for He is the Redeemer and Saviour of our souls.
He will come again in awesome glory and mighty power
to judge the world which He has fashioned.

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

Although You died and were buried,
the angel yet declared You as Master.
He said to the women: Come and see where the Lord was placed;
for He is risen as He foretold,
because He is almighty.
Therefore, we worship You, the only Immortal One,
and we beseech You to have mercy on us, O Giver of Life.

In Tone 1

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

Now, as we celebrate the prefeast,
let all human nature leap with joy,
for the Tree of the Cross, the assurance of healing,
which gives release from all sickness, suffering and affliction,
will be set before all the faithful!

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

Come, O faithful, let us behold the strange wonder:
How the Tree of the Cross quenches the fire of every infirmity
and extinguishes the burning heat of the passions
in those who celebrate its prefeast with faith
and honour the celebration!

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

All the living celebrate the prefeast with those who have died.
For the Tree of Life, the protector of all,
the Resurrection of the dead, which killed hell,
now comes to give true grace and healing to all.

In Tone 8

O blessed, divinely-wise Eudocimus,
your pure soul, shining with orthodox understanding,
and shedding the light of the radiance of virtue,
illumined the fullness of the faithful,
and dispelled the darkness of demons.
Therefore, we all honour you, O wondrous one,
for you share in ever-present grace.

Possessed of a compassionate soul, a chaste mind,
a vigilant heart, unwavering faith and truly sincere love,
you passed over from earth to the heavens,
and made your abode with the choirs of the righteous.
Therefore, we all honour you with sacred hymns
and call you blessed, O holy Eudocimus.

Strengthened by divine teachings,
you drove carnal passions away from your soul
and became a pure abode of the Holy Trinity.
Therefore, you have departed into divine delight,
since God has preserved your body incorrupt
by godly judgments known to Him alone,
Who clearly glorifies you, O Eudocimus.

In Tone 1, Glory…

How can we not wonder at your goodness and wisdom?
How can we fail to praise your angelic life,
your pure thoughts, meekness, humility and inner stillness,
your constant almsgiving, O venerable Eudocimus?
For you were adorned with all the virtues, O blessed one.
Therefore, ineffable joy and the Kingdom of Heaven await you.

In Tone 2, Now…

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

Aposticha

In Tone 2

Your Resurrection, O Christ our Saviour,
has enlightened the whole universe;
and, through it, You call back to Yourself all Creation.
Almighty God, glory to You!

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

By the wood of Your Cross, O Saviour,
You have abolished the curse of the tree;
by Your burial You have destroyed the power of death;
and by Your Resurrection You enlightened the human race.
We, therefore, cry out to You:
O Christ our God, Giver of Life, glory to You!

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

O Christ, when You were nailed to the Cross,
the distorted nature of creation was made manifest.
The soldiers showed their inhumanity by piercing Your side with a lance,
and the people showed their ignorance of Your power
by asking that Your tomb be sealed.
But, in Your mercy, You accepted burial
and then arose on the third day.
O Lord, glory to You!

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

O Christ, Giver of Life,
You freely endured the Passion for the sake of mortals.
In Your power You descended into Hades;
and snatching, as from a mighty monster, the souls of those who awaited Your coming,
You placed them in Paradise.
Therefore, show Your great mercy to us who glorify Your Resurrection,
and cleanse our souls.

In Tone 2, Glory…

You are my mighty protection,
three-branched Cross of Christ!
Sanctify me with your power,
that I may bow down and glorify you with faith and love.

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 2
When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You!”

In Tone 4
He Who called you from earth to heaven* keeps your body unharmed after death, holy Eudocimus;* for you lived a sober and holy life* and did not defile your flesh;* so with boldness intercede with Christ that we may be saved!

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

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

 


DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 2: When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You!”

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: You rose from the tomb, O almighty Saviour;* and Hades, seeing this wonder, was stricken with fear; and the dead arose.* Creation saw and rejoices with You, and Adam exults.* And the world, my Saviour, sings Your praises for ever.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

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

Prokeimenon, Tone 2
The Lord is my strength and my song of praise, and He has become my salvation.
verse: The Lord has indeed chastised me, but He has not delivered me to death. (Psalm 117:14,18)

Epistle
1 Corinthians 9:2-12

Alleluia, Tone 2
verse: The Lord will hear you in the day of tribulation; the name of the God of Jacob will shield you.
verse: Lord, grant victory to the king and hear us in the day that we shall call upon You. (Psalm 19:2,10)

Gospel
Matthew 18:23-35

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

July 27, 2016
Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon

GREAT VESPERS

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

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

Because of your spiritual inheritance you were named Panteleimon.
By lovingly caring for the souls of all men and healing their bodies,
you were shown to be worthy of the wealth of your name.
By acquiring the reward of virtue and retribution of piety, O martyr,
you were revealed as a crown-bearing and invincible warrior of Christ our God.
Implore Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

Because of your spiritual inheritance you were named Panteleimon.
By lovingly caring for the souls of all men and healing their bodies,
you were shown to be worthy of the wealth of your name.
By acquiring the reward of virtue and retribution of piety, O martyr,
you were revealed as a crown-bearing and invincible warrior of Christ our God.
Implore Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

Because of your spiritual inheritance you were named Panteleimon.
By lovingly caring for the souls of all men and healing their bodies,
you were shown to be worthy of the wealth of your name.
By acquiring the reward of virtue and retribution of piety, O martyr,
you were revealed as a crown-bearing and invincible warrior of Christ our God.
Implore Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

You unceasingly drew the grace of divine healing
from the spiritual fountains of the Saviour,
abundantly pouring them out upon those who came to you, blessed one!
Illumine by your divine grace
those who in faith keep your glorious, all-holy and light-bearing feast.

In Tone 2

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

You freely dispense grace to men glorious martyr Panteleimon.
You drive away evil spirits
and grant sight to the blind by your intercession to Christ.
Implore the Physician, holy one, since truly you are pleasing to Him,
to grant lasting peace to the world and great mercy to those who love you.

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

You freely dispense grace to men glorious martyr Panteleimon.
You drive away evil spirits
and grant sight to the blind by your intercession to Christ.
Implore the Physician, holy one, since truly you are pleasing to Him,
to grant lasting peace to the world and great mercy to those who love you.

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

Desiring the faith of your pious mother,
reproving the impiety of your father,
you were confirmed in the faith and baptized by Hermolaus,
glorious Panteleimon, martyr of the merciful God.
Physician of the sick and dispeller of passions,
pray for deliverance from dangers for those
who keep your most honourable memory in faith.

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

You rejected the temptation of your father, all-glorious one,
and earnestly accepted the words of your mother.
According to the instructions of the Lord
you bore fruits greater than gold.
You revealed yourself as a worthy physician glorious martyr Panteleimon.
Walking on the way of grace
you found an infant lying poisoned beneath a venomous serpent.
By your fervent prayer to God you resurrected him,
tearing the serpent in sunder!
Therefore, remember us who keep your memorial in faith,
that we may obtain mercy on the day of judgment.

In Tone 6, Glory…

The honourable memorial of the unmercenary has dawned on us today,
calling the faithful to a mystical feast,
leading the company of feast-lovers to a celebration of triumph!
For the wonderworking physician Panteleimon, the great passion-bearer,
now comes to us, healing the infirmities of all,
and praying fervently to the Lord to save our souls!

Now…

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

Readings
(1) Isaiah 49:9-13; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 1

Come, people, let us hymn the valiant athlete Panteleimon
for he struggled for the faith!
Let us say: rejoice, steadfast champion of the faith,
equal to the apostles and prophets!
Rejoice, bearer of Christ, imitating Paul in your deeds!
Calm haven for those bestormed at sea!
Rejoice, our boast and the joy of the faithful!

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon!

You found the good path in your childhood,
anointing your heart with Christ’s mercy.
Now you in turn heal the infirmities of those who earnestly entreat you;
you raised the dead by your prayers,
and have received the kingdom of heaven,
O most blessed Panteleimon!

They are planted in the house of the Lord, and flourish in the courts of our God!

Let us praise the athlete of Christ, the wise Panteleimon!
He slew the serpent with the power of the Cross,
and through the prayers of the martyr Hermolaus,
he raised a young man from the dead,
putting to shame words of ungodly wisdom.
He prays unceasingly that we may be granted forgiveness of our sins!

In Tone 8, Glory…

You came to love the piety of your mother,
and reject the godlessness of your father.
You became a warrior; a true physician of souls!
You instructed yourself in the healing arts.
You were well skilled in matters of both soul and body:
a true physician and destroyer of sufferings.
As you acquired steadfastness in suffering
and perseverance in prayer, Panteleimon, martyr of Christ,
pray fervently that our souls may be saved!

Now…

O Virgin, You have never known wedlock,
Yet You conceived God in the flesh
in a manner which words can never describe.
You thus became the Mother of God on high.
O Immaculate Lady, receive the supplication of your servants
and grant us the cleansing of our sins.
Accept now our prayers and beseech God to save all of us.

Troparia

In Tone 8
Taught by the priest Ermolaus* you received your vocation to heal from heaven.* You embraced the faith of your Mother* and suffered valiantly for it rejoicing.* You obtained the grace to heal ailments, and so we turn to you:* Heal our infirmities, O glorious Great-Martyr Panteleimon,* that we might honour your memory with praises.

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: Taught by the priest Ermolaus* you received your vocation to heal from heaven.* You embraced the faith of your Mother* and suffered valiantly for it rejoicing.* You obtained the grace to heal ailments, and so we turn to you:* Heal our infirmities, O glorious Great-Martyr Panteleimon,* that we might honour your memory with praises.

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

Kontakion, Tone 5: Emulating Him who is all-merciful,* martyr for Christ God, O Panteleimon,* you received the grace to heal diseases.* Cure our inner ailments by your prayers to Christ* ever driving out the foe’s temptations* from those who in faith cry out: Lord, save us.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
God is wonderful in His saints,* the God of Israel.
verse: In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel. (Psalm 67:36,27)

Epistle
2 Timothy 2:1-10

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; and he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon.
verse: They who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish the courts of our God. (Psalm 91:13,14)

Gospel
John 15:17-16:2

Communion Hymn
The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay, he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

July 25, 2016
Dormition of St. Anna, Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

You faithfully observed the Law
and worked unceasingly for God the Creator.
He granted you motherhood, Anna:
your child brought forth Christ in the flesh.
With the Virgin Mother we honour you,
and celebrate today your holy dormition.

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

You faithfully observed the Law
and worked unceasingly for God the Creator.
He granted you motherhood, Anna:
your child brought forth Christ in the flesh.
With the Virgin Mother we honour you,
and celebrate today your holy dormition.

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

Divinely wise Anna, you gave birth to the Bearer of Life!
You presented your pure child to a life with God.
Together with the heavenly hosts, you rejoice in the riches from on high.
We commemorate your falling asleep,
and on this day we honour the divine wisdom in faith!

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

Divinely wise Anna, you gave birth to the Bearer of Life!
You presented your pure child to a life with God.
Together with the heavenly hosts, you rejoice in the riches from on high.
We commemorate your falling asleep,
and on this day we honour the divine wisdom in faith!

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

Having divine wisdom, you gave birth to the Door of Heaven,
and you achieved heavenly glory forever!
We celebrate your holy dormition, Anna,
and ask you to pray that the turmoil of passions not destroy us,
and that we be spared from fear and desolation.

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

Having divine wisdom, you gave birth to the Door of Heaven,
and you achieved heavenly glory forever!
We celebrate your holy dormition, Anna,
and ask you to pray that the turmoil of passions not destroy us,
and that we be spared from fear and desolation.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

The Theotokos came forth from a barren womb:
through her we were saved by Christ our God!
The chaste Bridegroom’s grandparents were Joachim and Anna.
He placed them in the heavenly realm.
They sing together with their daughter the holy Virgin, and the angels,
praying for the sake of the world.
We honour them, crying aloud:
Ancestors of God, for the sake of the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary,
pray that our souls may be saved!

Readings
(1) Wisdom 3:1-9; (2) Wisdom 5:15-6:3; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Rejoice, spiritual swallow:
you announced the springtime of grace to us!
You lived well and blamelessly in chastity,
preserving the treasure of virginity.
You gave birth with the pangs of a mother to the all-pure Theotokos
who alone knew not a man!
You are the honoured ewe lamb who gave birth
to the heifer who at the angel’s word bore the Word:
the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world,
and has translated you from the earth,
Anna, grandmother of the Lord!
Pray to Him now that He will grant great mercy to our souls!

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; praise befits the upright!

God-receiving Joachim and divine and all-honourable Anna;
honourable couple, desired of God!
You were chosen in holiness by the splendours of the Law!
By grace you publish glad tidings,
since you gave birth to her who bore Christ, the Author of our life!
Lamps who lighted the unshaded Candle,
who guided well the grace that is the all-pure Theotokos!
Pray with her that Christ may grant our souls great mercy!

Blessed are all those who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.

Rejoice, divine and blessed Anna!
Grandmother of Christ our God!
You are the blessed ground who caused to blossom
the earth which brought forth God for the world!
You unceasingly studied the Law of God,
inscribing grace for all!
By your giving birth you broke the bond of barrenness;
you overcame death with incorruption;
you passed over to divine splendour,
after you gave birth to the Theotokos, the Light-bearing Lamp.
Pray with her that great mercy may be granted to our souls!

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Come together, all creation!
Let us praise the divinely-wise Anna on cymbals and with psalms!
Through her womb she gave birth to the divine Mountain.
Today she is translated to the spiritual mountain and mansions of paradise!
Let us cry out to her: blessed is your womb
which bore her who carried the Light of the world in her womb!
Entreat Him that He may deliver us from all tribulation
and assaults of the enemy
and that He may save our souls!

Troparia

In Tone 4
O godly-minded Anna,* you bore in your womb the pure Mother of God, who gave birth to Life.* Rejoicing, therefore, in glory* you have passed today to a heavenly inheritance,* where those who exult have their dwelling.* There you intercede for the forgiveness of sins* of those who love you, O ever-blessed one.

Glory… Now…
O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,** and saved our souls from death.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: O godly-minded Anna,* you bore in your womb the pure Mother of God, who gave birth to Life.* Rejoicing, therefore, in glory* you have passed today to a heavenly inheritance,* where those who exult have their dwelling.* There you intercede for the forgiveness of sins* of those who love you, O ever-blessed one.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: We feast the memory of the forebears of Christ* as with faith we beseech them to help us* and rescue from every affliction* those who cry out: Our God is with us,* the God whose will it was to glorify them.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
God is wonderful in His saints,* the God of Israel.
verse: Bless God in the churches, the Lord from the fountains of Israel. (Psalm 67:36,27)

Epistle
Galatians 4:22-31

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their protector in time of trouble.
verse: The Lord will help them and rescue them; He will deliver them from sinners and save them, for they hoped in Him. (Psalm 36:39,40)

Gospel
Luke 8:16-21

Communion Hymn
Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

July 24, 2016
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Octoechos Tone 1; Holy Martyrs Borys and Hlib, Named Roman and David at Holy Baptism

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

  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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

In Tone 2

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

With what crowns of praises shall we honour the praised martyrs,
the kind intercessors of the faithful people,
the adornment of Rus’-Ukraine and joy of the world?
Though separated in body, they were united in spirit.
By their wisdom they conquered the diabolical powers with the help of Christ,
who gives great mercy to the world.

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

With what ornaments shall we adorn the praised Borys,
who manfully endured sufferings,
and Hlib, who equalled him in zeal?
Both are bright shining lights,
which illumine all pious souls with the radiance of virtue.
Having learned Christ’s commandments,
they worthily achieved glory
and entreat Him who grants to all great mercy.

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

With what spiritual hymns shall we celebrate the splendorous feast
of the glorious martyrs who for the sake of the Christ,
spurned the corruptible glory of the world?
One was pierced in the side with a spear
while the other was slaughtered like a lamb.
Christ God worthily glorified them;
for this they have received the gift of healing
and implore great mercy for all.

In Tone 8

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

O praiseworthy Martyrs of Christ,
you considered attacks by persecutors and violent death to be as nothing.
Boldly you armed yourselves with courage for battle,
and robed yourselves in glorious victory.
You were numbered with all the Just
with whom we bless you in constant praise.

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

O most blessed Martyrs of Christ,
you gave yourselves up freely to be sacrificed.
With your blood you sanctified the earth,
you brightened the air by your departure from this life.
Now you live in heaven, in a never-setting light.
O Martyrs, who see God, always pray for us.

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

O invincible Martyrs of Christ,
with the dew of divine grace
you pass through the pain of fire without harm.
You are considered worthy to live by the waters of peace,
since you received a crown of victory.
With joy we celebrate your holy feast,
and we give glory to Christ.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Come, let us extol the wonderworkers and martyrs
who suffered and overcame the opposing enemy.
Today, gleaming with light, they stand before Christ rejoicing.
Therefore, let us with joy and love celebrate their memory crying out:
Rejoice, intercessors of the world and victors over the enemies!
Rejoice, physicians of the sick and routers of demons!
Rejoice, amiable twins, excellent brothers, glorious Borys and wonderful Hlib!
As lovers of Christ implore the Holy Trinity for us,
for the peace of the world and the salvation of 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!

Readings
(1) Isaiah 43:9-14; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

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 8, Glory…

Come, faithful of the Ukrainian churches,
and behold how innocently the martyr Borys accepts the sentence,
whose side they pierced at the instigation of the devil,
causing him the shedding of blood.
Behold Hlib who like a lamb was slaughtered by his brother Sviatopolk.
They received crowns while their brother perished in oblivion.
They received glory and pray for our souls.

Now…

O most pure Virgin, who ineffably conceived God in the flesh,
O Mother of the Most High God,
accept the supplications of your servants, all pure One,
and grant us the forgiveness of sins
and the salvation of 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.

In Tone 2, Glory…
O genuine passion-bearers and true followers of the Gospel of Christ,* chaste Borys and innocent Hlib,* you did not oppose your brother turned enemy* who killed you bodies but could not touch your souls.* Therefore let the wicked lover of power shed tears of lament* while you rejoice in the presence of the Holy Trinity with angelic choirs.* Pray that the land of your kinsmen may be pleasing to God* and that all the children of Rus’ may be saved.

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

 


DIVINE LITURGY

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 2: O genuine passion-bearers and true followers of the Gospel of Christ,* chaste Borys and innocent Hlib,* you did not oppose your brother-turned-enemy* who killed your bodies but could not touch your souls.* Therefore let the wicked lover of power shed tears of lament* while you rejoice in the presence of the Holy Trinity with angelic choirs.* Pray that the land of your kinsmen may be pleasing to God* and that all the children of Rus’ may be saved.

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

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

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today your all-glorious memory has shone forth,* O noble passion- bearers of Christ, Borys and Hlib,* summoning us to gather for the praise of Christ our God.* Wherefore, we who hasten to your relics,* receive the gift of healing by your prayers, O saints, for you are godly physicians.

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
To the saints who are in His land, the Lord has made wonderful all His desires in them. (Psalm 15:3)

Epistle
1 Corinthians 4:9-16; Romans 8:28-39

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)
verse: The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of their afflictions.
verse: The afflictions of the just are many, and out of them all will the Lord deliver them. (Psalm 33:18,20)

Gospel
Matthew 17:14-23; John 15:17-16:2

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

july 20, 2016
The Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

O all-compassionate Word,
You carried Elias the Tishbite away from the earth in a chariot of fire.
Through his intercession
save us who faithfully glorify You
and who joyously commemorate his feast.

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

O all-compassionate Word,
You carried Elias the Tishbite away from the earth in a chariot of fire.
Through his intercession
save us who faithfully glorify You
and who joyously commemorate his feast.

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

O blessed Elias,
you encountered God not in an earthquake but in the coolness of a gentle breeze.
O God-inspired one, you went up to heaven in a wondrous way,
on a chariot drawn by four horses.
Thus you became a marvel to all of us.

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

O blessed Elias,
you encountered God not in an earthquake but in the coolness of a gentle breeze.
O God-inspired one, you went up to heaven in a wondrous way,
on a chariot drawn by four horses.
Thus you became a marvel to all of us.

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

O all-wise Elias,
in your burning zeal for God,
you slew the shameful priests with a sword.
With the word of your mouth you dried up the clouds
so that it would not rain.
You perfected Elisha by the gift of your mantle,
filling him with heavenly graces.

In Tone 2

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

The two lampstands, Elias and Elisha,
illuminated the whole world.
One prevented raindrops from heaven,
reproved the king, and rose into heaven on a fiery chariot.
The other healed the barren waters,
and having received the two-fold grace,
divided the waters of the Jordan.
Now they sing with the angels
and pray for the salvation of our souls.

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

The fiery chariot took you up to heaven as in a whirlwind.
O Elias the Tishbite,
God graced you with a fiery zeal miracles.
You were created incorruptible,
so that you might not see death
until you knew beforehand the death of everyone.
Therefore, come and grant us a warning of your great accomplishments.

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

O Prophet Elias, O lampstand of the Church which has no evening,
having been inflamed with divine zeal,
you closed up the rain from heaven;
you were fed by a raven;
you reproved the king and put the priests to death;
you commanded fire from heaven and slew two captains;
you provided abundantly for the widow by means of a little oil
and a small handful of meal;
you resurrected her son by your prayer;
you ignited the fire in water;
you crossed over the currents of the Jordan on foot.
Indeed, you were raised up to heaven by a fiery chariot.
You gave a two-fold grace to Elisha.
Pray unceasingly to God for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Come, let us assemble, all you people of God,
in this holy place where we are to honour the two God-inspired Prophets.
Let us sing a special hymn of praise
to the glory of Christ God who chose them.
Let us cry out in joy, saying:
Rejoice, O earthly angel and heavenly man, Elias the Great.
Rejoice, O precious Elisha whom God has filled with the graces of heaven.
Rejoice, O fervent intercessors and mediators,
healers of the souls and bodies of the faithful who love Christ.
Deliver from the attacks of the enemy and from every danger
all those who celebrate your memory with honour.

Now…

Who would not bless you, O most holy Virgin?
Who would not praise the most pure manner in which you gave birth?
For the Only-begotten Son, Who proceeds eternally from the Father, came forth from you.
He took flesh from you in a manner that is beyond understanding.
He, Who by nature is God, took on our nature for our sake.
Yet He did not become divided into two persons;
rather, He remained one Person with two distinct and unconfused natures.
O most pure Lady, we implore you:
Beseech your Son and God to have mercy on our souls.

Readings
(1) I Kings 17:1-24; (2) I Kings 18:1-46; 19:1-16; (3) I Kings 19:19-21 & II Kings 2:1, 6-14

Lytia

In Tone 4

You are a partaker, O blessed Prophet,
of the incorruptible company of God my Saviour.
Having divided the Jordan by prayer,
you crossed over on dry ground.
After leaving a two-fold grace for Elisha,
you were taken up into heaven on a fiery chariot.
Therefore, we beseech you,
although you were taken up from us in the flesh,
do not separate yourself from us in spirit,
and always pray to Christ that our souls may be saved.

O heavenly Prophet, you appeared as a shining cloud,
raining a shower of an understanding of God to all the faithful.
Like a rich wine you filled with happiness
the faithful who were present in your most divine temple.
Therefore, we entreat you, O heavenly Prophet Elias who sees God,
grant our country victory over her enemies
and great mercy to our souls.

Having complete control of your mind,
you humbled your body, O heavenly Prophet Elias.
Thus you prepared for your divine ascension in your heart.
You reproved the unjust actions of the king;
you took away the curse of God’s anger;
and you destroyed the shameful priests with a sword.
You taught all to loudly cry out:
Truly Elias preaches the one true God.

In Tone 6, Glory…

The disgraceful king commanded fasting in order to commit murder;
for after the fasting, blood was shed and the law was broken.
Naboth the Jezreelite was killed.
Then, O Prophet, you revealed the message of the Lord:
Since you killed the Jezreelite man unjustly,
likewise your blood will also be spilled and harlots will bathe in your blood.
O Lover of mankind, by the prayers of Your prophet and preacher,
deliver our souls from such inhumanity.

Now..

O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with the fruit of life.
There, we implore you, O Lady,
to intercede together with the Apostles and the Saints
so that we may obtain mercy for our souls.

Aposticha

In Tone 8

Having been illuminated by a brilliant mind,
Elias, the awesome Prophet, was heavenly in his actions.
He became indignant when he saw the unjust judgment of the infamous king.
Therefore, by God’s judgment, Elias denounced him.
Likewise, he delivered to God’s judgment the unmerciful queen who loved evil.
Now, O Christ, as the merciful One,
we ask You to save us by the prayers of Elias, Your Prophet.

Among His priests were Aaron and Moses; among those who invoked His name was Samuel.

O Prophet, you declared:
How long, O Lord, is the way of the infamous one to continue?
You planted and they became rooted
and produced the fruit of iniquity.
Indeed, they perished because of their shameful actions.
They cry out to You, but You will not hear.
Why have You shown me the scandal of the judges of the lawbreakers.

You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.

O great Elias, respected among the prophets,
your ascension is dear to those who celebrate.
By your prayers you deliver us from dangers and sorrows,
and you preserve us from the attacks of the Evil One.
O most glorious Prophet,
grant that we who are faithful followers of Christ
may always venerate you and bless you.

In Tone 6, Glory…

O Prophet who foretold the coming of Christ,
you are forever in the presence of God’s glory,
and you intercede for those who are suffering.
Since you serve the Majesty on High,
you bless the whole world and are glorified everywhere.
Now obtain for us the forgiveness of our sins.

Now…

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

Troparia

In Tone 4
The glorious Elias,* angelic in body, pillar of the prophets, second herald of Christ – * by sending grace upon Elisha from on high,* dispels disease, cleanses lepers, and overflows with healing for those who honour him. Twice

Rejoice Virgin Mary, Mother of God, full of grace* the Lord is with you!* Blessed are you among women,* And blessed is the Fruit of your womb.* For you have given birth to Christ* the Saviour and Deliverer of our souls.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion, Tone 4: The glorious Elias, * incarnate messenger of God, pillar of the prophets, * and second forerunner of the coming of Christ, * sent grace from on high to Elisha * that he might cleanse lepers and heal sickness ** for all those who honour him.

Glory… Now…

Kontakion, Tone 2: O Prophet who foresaw the mighty deeds of our God, * O great Elias who through your prayers stopped rain, ** intercede for us with the only One who loves mankind.

Prokimenon, Tone 4
You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
verse: The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet.”

Epistle
James 5:10-20

Alleluia, Tone 5
verse: Among His priests were Aaron and Moses; among those who invoked His name was Samuel.
verse: Light dawns for the just, and gladness for the upright of heart.

Gospel
Luke 4:22-30

Communion Hymn
The just shall be held in everlasting memory; * they need not fear an evil reputation. * Alleluia, Alleluia, * Alleluia.

July 17, 2016
Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils, Octoechos Tone 8

GREAT VESPERS

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

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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 6

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

O Word and lover of Mankind,
infinite and beyond description in Your taking flesh for our sake,
the nobles assembly of Fathers proclaimed that You are both perfect man and perfect God,
one person in two perfect natures with two perfect wills.
Therefore, we profess that You are one God with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
We sing a hymn of praise to the Fathers, and we adore You.

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

O glorious Fathers of the Councils,
you demonstrated that Pyrrhus, Sergius, and Onuphrius,
Dioscorus, and Nestorius were in error
concerning the doctrines of Christ.
You save the flock by teaching the true principle
that Christ is one divine person in two natures.
This Christ we adore as perfect man and perfect God,
one with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
O holy Fathers, we honour you and sing to you a hymn of praise.

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

The Fathers of the Councils, inspired by God,
declare and explain that in Christ
there is a divine act and a divine will,
uncreated and infinite:
the act and will of the Son of God.
There is also a human act and a human will:
those of the Son of Man.
Thus, they proclaim that Christ is one divine person having two natures,
the one is divine and the other is human.
Therefore, we the faithful honour these Fathers every year
and glorify Christ who glorified them.

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

The Fathers of the Councils proclaim to us today
that the eternal Trinity is one God and one Lord.
They explain the Trinity is of one nature,
consubstantial, of one will and one act,
not divided nor shared but existing in the simplicity of God’s being.
They define that this will and act of God
had no beginning and will never have and end.
Therefore, we the faithful glorify these Fathers
as the equals of the Apostles,
for they taught all people the true doctrine of God.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Let us honour today those mystical trumpets of the Spirit,
namely the God-mantled Fathers,
who speaking of divine things,
sang in the midst of the Church a hymn in unison,
teaching that the Trinity is one,
not differing in substance or Godhead,
refuting Arius and defending the orthodox faith.
They always intercede with the Lord
to have mercy on 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.

Readings
(1) Genesis 14:14-20; (2) Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17; (3) Deuteronomy 10:14-21

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 4, Glory…

O holy Fathers of the Councils,
you are the faithful keepers of the Apostles’ traditions.
By proclaiming that the three persons of the Holy Trinity
are one and consubstantial,
you refuted the blasphemy of Arius.
By teaching that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person,
one with the Father and the Son,
you put Macedonius, Severus and other heretics to shame.
Therefore, we beseech you to intercede for us,
preserving us from heresy and error
and keeping our lives blameless in God’s sight.

Now…

O most pure Virgin, hear the petitions of your servants.
Remove the burdens which oppress us,
and deliver us from our sorrows;
for you are the only firm and constant support on whom we rely.
O Mother of God, never permit us who call upon you
to be overwhelmed by our cares.
Hasten to fulfil the supplications of all who, in faith, cry out to you:
Rejoice, O Lady, helper of all mankind,
the joy, the refuge, and the salvation of 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.

In Tone 8, Glory…
Christ our God, You are glorified above all,* You established our fathers as beacons on earth* and through them guided all of us to the true faith.** Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.

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 8: Christ our God, You are glorified above all,* You established our fathers as beacons on earth* and through them guided all of us to the true faith.* Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: The Son who ineffably shone from the Father* was born two-fold of nature from a woman.* Beholding Him, we do not reject the image of His form;* but depicting it, we revere it faithfully.* Therefore, the Church, holing the true faith,* kisses the icon of Christ’s becoming man.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 6: Undaunted patroness of Christians,* O steadfast intermediary with the Creator,* turn not away from the suppliant voices of sinners,* but in your kindness come to help us who cry out to you in faith.* Be quick to intercede, make haste to plead,* for you are ever the patroness of those who honour you, O Mother of God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers,* and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.
verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26-27)

Epistle
Hebrews 13:7-16

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The God of gods, the Lord, spoke and summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
verse: Gather to Him His devout ones, who with sacrifice make covenant with Him. (Psalm 49:1,5)

Gospel
John 17:1-17

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens,* praise Him in the highest.* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalms 184:1; 32:1)

July 10, 2016
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Octoechos Tone 7; Our Venerable Father Anthony of the Monastery of the Caves

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 1

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

When the love of God took possession of you, venerable Anthony,
you began to look upon the enticements of the world as vain.
For this reason you left your homeland and settled on the Holy Mountain.
There, among the father, your virtues have shone forth like a light.
Pray to Christ, Whom you have served already from your youth,
for the enlightenment and salvation of our souls.

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

When you were enflamed with the love of Christ
you despised the world – its wisdom and passing glory –
and led an ascetic life, like an angel.
For this, God counted you worthy of the glory of the angels.
Now standing with them before Christ,
pray, Anthony, for the enlightenment and salvation of our souls.

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

When you, father, received into your heart the love of God,
you then entered a dark cave, as though it were a bridal chamber.
There you enriched yourself with knowledge, which is beyond all understanding:
To behold the future as though it were present,
and to openly preach it to all.
Pray to Christ, to Whom you have consecrated yourself, since your youth,
for enlightenment and salvation of our souls.

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

Your feastday has arrived, O God-bearer.
Brighter than the sun, your memory enlightens all who come to you in faith.
O Anthony, intercessor for our souls, your soul is fragrant with immortality
and you pour out healing for our souls.

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

O wonder-worker Anthony, you subdued the sensual and bodily passions
with the bridle of abstinence.
On earth you displayed angelic zeal
in subjecting bodily lusts to the spirit.
In the heavenly courts where you now dwell,
offer prayers for our souls.

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

O blessed Anthony, by discarding the old self and its urges,
and by truly clothing yourself with Christ,
you laid a foundation for virtue.
And so, after repelling many hostile attacks,
you became a guide for monks, O venerable one.
Offer your prayers for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Having witnessed your austere life and ascetic endeavours,
the fathers of the Holy mountain, under the inspiration of God,
sent you back to your homeland, saying:
Go, son, so that, there, the blind may learn about God.
Having returned, venerable father Anthony,
you enlightened your entire homeland
and became the head of community of ascetics
whom you have drawn to Christ.
Beseech Christ for us, that He protect us from the enemies of our souls
and grant us all salvation.

In Tone 7, Now…

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

Readings
(1) Proverbs 10:6-8; 8:6-21; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 6, Glory…

By zealous prayer and great faith you became likened to the prophet Elijah.
For he drew from heaven fire to consume the sacrifices,
while you through prayers drew fire from heaven
to prepare and purify the site where you desired to build a glorious church
in honour of the Lady and Mother of God.
Therefore, we extol you as a fellow-monastic of the ascetics and heir of the prophet
and implore you: Pray to Christ for the salvation of our souls.

Now…

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

Troparia

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

In Tone 4, Glory…
Leaving behind worldly tumult,* O venerable Father Anthony,* in keeping with the gospel you turned your back on the world,* and leading a life equal to that of angels you attained to the calm haven of Mount Athos* from whence you came to the Mount of Kiev* with the Fathers’ blessing* and living there an arduous life you enlightened your fatherland,* pointing the way into the Kingdom on high to a multitude of monks and nuns* and thus lead your homeland to Christ.** Pay to Him that He save our souls.

Now…
O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,** and saved our souls from death.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

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

Troparion, Tone 4: Leaving behind worldly tumult,* O Venerable Father Anthony,* in keeping with the gospel you turned your back on the world,* and leading a life equal to that of angels you attained to the calm haven of Mount Athos* from whence you came to the Mount of Kiev* with the Fathers’ blessing* and living there an arduous life you enlightened your fatherland,* pointing the way into the Kingdom on high to a multitude of monks and nuns* and thus you lead your homeland to Christ.* Pray to Him that He save our souls.

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

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

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8: Cleaving to God,* whom you loved from your childhood above all else,* you followed Him lovingly with your whole heart,* O Father Anthony.* Scorning this passing world as a trifle* you made your dwelling a cave in the earth.* There you fought well against the unseen enemy’s snares* and shone like the sun to the ends of the earth.* From whence you passed joyfully to heaven’s mansions* and stand now with angels at the Master’s throne.* There we ask you to remember those who feast your memory* that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Anthony, our Father.

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

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones. (Psalm 115:15)

Epistle
1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Galatians 5:22-6:2

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

Gospel
Matthew 14:14-22; Luke 6:17-23

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

July 5, 2016
Our Venerable Father Athanasius of Athos

GREAT VESPERS

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

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

What praises are worthy of you, O Athanasius?
Your virtues are your true adornment,
and you were filled with grace by the light flowing from God.
You are a sword cutting down the rebellious passions,
a radiant pillar of divine contemplation,
a flame of abstinence enkindling on the lampstand of your soul
the divine precepts of the One who gives life to all mankind!

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

What praises are worthy of you, O Athanasius?
Your virtues are your true adornment,
and you were filled with grace by the light flowing from God.
You are a sword cutting down the rebellious passions,
a radiant pillar of divine contemplation,
a flame of abstinence enkindling on the lampstand of your soul
the divine precepts of the One who gives life to all mankind!

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

What praises are worthy of you, O Athanasius?
Your virtues are your true adornment,
and you were filled with grace by the light flowing from God.
You are a sword cutting down the rebellious passions,
a radiant pillar of divine contemplation,
a flame of abstinence enkindling on the lampstand of your soul
the divine precepts of the One who gives life to all mankind!

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

What praises can we worthily crown you, O Athanasius?
You are an eagle soaring on the wind,
carried like a heavenly being on the wings of divine contemplation.
You are a stronghold of humility,
and unshakable rampart of discernment,
truly majestic in your nobility of soul,
am intercessor before Christ our God
that He protect your spiritual children in His compassion.

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

What praises can we worthily crown you, O Athanasius?
You are an eagle soaring on the wind,
carried like a heavenly being on the wings of divine contemplation.
You are a stronghold of humility,
and unshakable rampart of discernment,
truly majestic in your nobility of soul,
am intercessor before Christ our God
that He protect your spiritual children in His compassion.

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

What praises can we worthily crown you, O Athanasius?
You are an eagle soaring on the wind,
carried like a heavenly being on the wings of divine contemplation.
You are a stronghold of humility,
and unshakable rampart of discernment,
truly majestic in your nobility of soul,
am intercessor before Christ our God
that He protect your spiritual children in His compassion.

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

By the radiance of your gifts, you are like a morning star,
guiding those who are blinded by the passions
toward the never setting Light, O father Athanasius, wise in God.
Since you increased the talent entrusted to you,
Christ made you a physician of souls:
able to lance festering wounds with the scalpel of your words,
you restore health to the faithful who have recourse to you.

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

By the radiance of your gifts, you are like a morning star,
guiding those who are blinded by the passions
toward the never setting Light, O father Athanasius, wise in God.
Since you increased the talent entrusted to you,
Christ made you a physician of souls:
able to lance festering wounds with the scalpel of your words,
you restore health to the faithful who have recourse to you.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Your life was filled with the grace of God, O father Athanasius,
and your passing was truly holy.
Today, the whole community of the Holy Mountain assembles.
Seeing you lifeless upon your bed, it cries aloud in tears:
Grant one last word to your servants.
Tell us: how can you leave your sons,
whom you have loved as a compassionate father?
Although the tomb will cover you on earth,
we who wholeheartedly venerate you will have you in heaven
as a protector and intercessor before Christ our God!

Now…

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

Readings
(1) Wisdom 3:1-9; (20 Wisdom 5:15-6:3; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Hail, O venerable father Athanasius,
who exult with the angels in their choirs,
for you lived their life on earth as you practiced the virtues,
showing the purity of an unblemished mirror
which receives the radiant lights of the Holy Spirit.
Thus you had the gift of prophecy,
foreseeing all in the divine light of Christ;
entreat Him to grant our souls great mercy.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful.

Hail, O leader of ascetics, their invincible protector!
Cutting down the passions at their roots:
and valiantly withstanding the attacks of the demons, O Athanasius,
you triumphed over their deadly conduct.
You clearly showed the might and invincible power of the Cross of the Saviour.
With this as your armour, you conquered all the adversaries
opposing the divine manifestation of Christ in the flesh;
entreat Him to grant our souls great mercy.

Happy the man who fears the Lord, who takes delight in all His commands.

Pillar of fire supported by the virtues, cloud overshadowing those in the desert,
you led the monks of Athos from earth to heaven.
You split the sea of the passions with the staff of the Cross.
You put the devil to flight, like another Amalek, O blessed father.
Without hindrance, you found the heavenly mount and a never-failing inheritance,
where you rejoice with the angels before the throne of Christ;
entreat Him to grant our souls great mercy.

In Tone 6, Glory…

He is the jewel of the holy fathers, the glory of Christian ascetics,
the fountain of divine miracles, our fervent intercessor before God.
Come, O feast-lovers, let us sing him our praises and say:
Hail, emblem and rule of monastic life,
and its most precise model!
Hail, O flaming torch, illumining the earth with your virtues!
Hail, consolation of the afflicted and fervent protector of the wretched!
You never cease to intercede before Christ our God, O Athanasius,
on behalf of your fold and for all the faithful
who venerate your sacred dormition.

Now…

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

Troparia

In Tone 3
O Athanasius ever glorious,* the ranks of angels marvelled at your life in the flesh* for you with your body engaged the unseen foe,* and wounded the legions of demons.* For this Christ rewarded you with lavish gifts.** Therefore, pray, O Father, that our souls be saved.

Glory… Now…
We sing your praises, O Virgin;* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and Your Son took flesh. * Then, by suffering the passion on the Cross,** and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 3: O Athanasius ever glorious,* the ranks of angels marvelled at your life in the flesh* for you with your body engaged the unseen foe,* and wounded the legions of demons.* For this Christ rewarded you with lavish gifts.* Therefore, pray, O Father, that our souls be saved.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: Your flock invokes you, O God-inspired Father,* as one graced with special insight into things unseen* and as a true herald* putting into practice the word that you taught.* Yield not in praying for your servants* that God would free them from every harm and attack.* For they cry out to you:* Rejoice, O Father Athanasius.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.
verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:15,12)

Epistle
Galatians 5:22-6:2

Alleluia, Tone 6
verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.
verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel
Luke 6:17-23

Communion Hymn
The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

July 3, 2016

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Your death and burial, O Lord,
You broke asunder the bonds of Hades;
and by Your resurrection from the dead,
You enlightened the whole world.
We, therefore, exclaim: Glory to You, O Lord!

In Tone 8

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

The chosen head cornerstone has been set up in Zion:
The immovable foundation on which the ranks of martyrs have assembled themselves.
The victorious Hyacinth shines with them with heavenly light!
How great is your ineffable loving-kindness, Master!
By it, save our souls, as the only merciful One!

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

You shot through Jerusalem, the splendid city of God,
like a stone dyed with blood, clad in the purple robe of suffering.
You prayed openly, dancing and rejoicing!
By your prayers, all-blessed one,
save those who celebrate your all-glorious and sacred memory!

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

You possessed truly acceptable boldness before Christ the Master
as an invincible martyr and obedient listener!
Do not cease your entreaties, most wondrous one,
as a pious athlete,
delivering from temptation and evil fortune those who keep your memory,
singing hymns to you in faith!

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

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

Aposticha

In Tone 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glory… Now…

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

Troparia

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

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

Now…
O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,*and saved our souls from death.

 


DIVINE LITURGY

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

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

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

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 6: Undaunted patroness of Christians,* O steadfast intermediary with the Creator,* turn not away from the suppliant voices of sinners,* but in your kindness come to help us who cry out to you in faith.* Be quick to intercede, make haste to plead,* for you are ever the patroness of those who honour you, O Mother of God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6
Save Your people, O Lord, * and bless Your inheritance.
verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord, my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm27:9,1)

Epistle
Romans 15:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 6
verse: He who lives in the aid of the Most High, shall dwell under the protection of the God of heaven.
verse: He says to the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, in Whom I hope. (Psalm 90:1,2)

Gospel
Matthew 9:27-35

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

July 2, 2016
The Placing of the Precious Robe of our Most Holy Lady and Mother of God in the Church at Blachernae in Constantinople

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

You are compassionate, Lover of mankind,
giving Your Mother to Your servants as an aid.
Through her You have worked Your ineffable and awesome dispensation,
restoring our first and divine life.
Therefore, as we honour her all-holy feast, we hymn Your might,
almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls!

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

You are compassionate, Lover of mankind,
giving Your Mother to Your servants as an aid.
Through her You have worked Your ineffable and awesome dispensation,
restoring our first and divine life.
Therefore, as we honour her all-holy feast, we hymn Your might,
almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls!

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

Protect with your precious robe, all praised one,
the people who honour and fittingly glorify you.
Preserve them from godless enemies, immaculate one;
from famine, earthquake and civil war.
Therefore we all glorify you, unwedded Virgin and holy Bride of God,
the helper of all mankind!

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

Protect with your precious robe, all praised one,
the people who honour and fittingly glorify you.
Preserve them from godless enemies, immaculate one;
from famine, earthquake and civil war.
Therefore we all glorify you, unwedded Virgin and holy Bride of God,
the helper of all mankind!

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

Lady full of divine grace,
you have given your city your precious robe:
a wealth that cannot be diminished;
a shelter, glory and impregnable wall;
a treasure of healings and ever-flowing fountain of wonders;
a constant haven and salvation for those tossed by storms.
Therefore, we hymn you, all-praised and pure Lady!

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

Lady full of divine grace,
you have given your city your precious robe:
a wealth that cannot be diminished;
a shelter, glory and impregnable wall;
a treasure of healings and ever-flowing fountain of wonders;
a constant haven and salvation for those tossed by storms.
Therefore, we hymn you, all-praised and pure Lady!

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

Cleansed in heart and mind,
let us keep the feast together with the angels,
joyfully addressing the song of David
to the Maiden Bride of Christ our God, the King of all!
Let us say: Arise, Lord, into Your resting place,
You and the ark of Your holiness,
for You have adorned her as a palace of delight.
You have given her, Master, as an inheritance to Your people,
to preserve and shelter them by Your mighty power from their enemies
through her supplications!

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

Aposticha

In Tone 3

Come, all you faithful from the ends of the earth,
let us glorify the honourable feast of the Mother of God.
Lifting up her hands to her Son, she prays for us,
and through her holy feast the world is given life.
Therefore, with psalms and hymns and spiritual odes,
let us joyfully celebrate with all the saints.

She is led to the king with her maiden companions. They are escorted amid gladness and joy.

Greatly has God adorned you with beauty,
for in the midst of all, He placed the Light in your arms.
You alone are in His light and are the hope of Christians;
you are the help for those afflicted with needs and sorrows;
you are the haven for those who labour and toil.
Now entreat Him to deliver from all afflictions
those who lovingly honour your holy feast.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

Your honoured feast, pure and holy Virgin,
is glorified by angels in heaven and by mankind on earth;
for you are the Mother of Christ our God, the Creator of all.
Do not cease to entreat Him for us, we beg you;
for next to God, we have placed our trust in you,
O Theotokos, most highly praised and pure of all stain.

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

Today the church of God adorns itself, all-pure Theotokos,
putting on your precious robe as a most splendid crown.
It rejoices and dances in spirit,
crying out to you, Mistress:
Rejoice, precious diadem and crown of divine glory!
Rejoice, only perfection of glory and eternal gladness!
Rejoice, haven and deliverance of those who run to you
and our salvation!

Troparia

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

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

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: O pure one, full of the grace of God,* you have given your sacred robe as a garb on incorruption to all who believe.* It covered your sacred body,* O protection of all mankind.* We feast its deposition with love, and in awe we cry:* Rejoice, O Virgin, boast of Christians.

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

Epistle
Hebrew 9:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Rise up, O Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness.
verse: The Lord swore an oath to David, and will not go back on His word. (Psalm 131:8,11)

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

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