Day: 26 July 2016

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

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

Readings
(1) Genesis 28:10-17; (2) Ezekiel 43:27; 44:1-4; (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, O 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…

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

Troparion

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!

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DIVINE LITURGY

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

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

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

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
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)

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

While the birthday of the shameless Herod was being celebrated,
the oath made to the lustful dancer was fulfilled;
the head of the Forerunner was cut off
and offered on a platter to those at table.
What a loathsome banquet, filled with wickedness and horrible murder.
As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,
for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

While the birthday of the shameless Herod was being celebrated,
the oath made to the lustful dancer was fulfilled;
the head of the Forerunner was cut off
and offered on a platter to those at table.
What a loathsome banquet, filled with wickedness and horrible murder.
As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,
for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

After dancing, the disciple of the all-evil Satan
requested your head as her payment, O Forerunner.
What a bloody banquet!
Would that you had not made that vow,
O sinful Herod, offspring of a lie.
Since you did make it, would that you had not carried it out;
for it would have been better to have gone back on your oath and received life
than remaining true to your oath
to have cut off the head of the Forerunner.
As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,
for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

After dancing, the disciple of the all-evil Satan
requested your head as her payment, O Forerunner.
What a bloody banquet!
Would that you had not made that vow,
O sinful Herod, offspring of a lie.
Since you did make it, would that you had not carried it out;
for it would have been better to have gone back on your oath and received life
than remaining true to your oath
to have cut off the head of the Forerunner.
As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,
for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

O Herod, it was not appropriate for you,
because of a satanic passion, to condemn to death
the one who reproached you for your adultery
and the folly of your lust for women.
It was not proper for you to err
and to deliver his all-honoured head to a sinful woman
for the sake of a vow made to a dancer.
Woe to you for daring such murder!
How was it that this adulterous dancer
was not consumed by fire in the midst of the banquet,
as she carried the head on a platter?
As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,
for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

O Herod, it was not appropriate for you,
because of a satanic passion, to condemn to death
the one who reproached you for your adultery
and the folly of your lust for women.
It was not proper for you to err
and to deliver his all-honoured head to a sinful woman
for the sake of a vow made to a dancer.
Woe to you for daring such murder!
How was it that this adulterous dancer
was not consumed by fire in the midst of the banquet,
as she carried the head on a platter?
As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,
for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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

Again Herodias has lost her self-control;
again she is disturbed.
What a cunning and deceiving dance,
and what mindless drunkenness!
The Forerunner’s head is cut off and Herod is troubled.
Therefore, O Lord, by the intercessions of your Forerunner,
grant peace to our souls.

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

Again Herodias has lost her self-control;
again she is disturbed.
What a cunning and deceiving dance,
and what mindless drunkenness!
The Forerunner’s head is cut off and Herod is troubled.
Therefore, O Lord, by the intercessions of your Forerunner,
grant peace to our souls.

Glory…

While the birthday of the shameless Herod was being celebrated,
the oath made to the lustful dancer was fulfilled;
the head of the Forerunner was cut off
and offered on a platter to those at table.
What a loathsome banquet, filled with wickedness and horrible murder.
As for us, let us worthily venerate and bless the Baptizer,
for he is the greatest man born of woman.

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 40:1-3, 9; 41:17-18; (2) Malachi 3:1-7, 12, 22-24; (3) Wisdom 4:7, 16-20; 5:1-7

Lytia

In Tone 1

What shall we call you, O Prophet?
An angel, an apostle, or martyr?
An angel, because you lived as a bodiless being.
An apostle, because you taught the nations.
A martyr, because you were beheaded for Christ.
Entreat Him to have mercy on our souls.

Let us commemorate the beheading of the Forerunner.
At that time, blood poured out on the platter;
now healings are poured out throughout the world.

Today the mother is the cause of a shameful and murderous act,
for she urges her shameless daughter who was born of an unlawful union
to plot against the one whom God called the greatest of the prophets.
When the evil Herod celebrated his birthday with a banquet,
she asked for the precious head of the divine Forerunner.
Because of his oath, Herod delivered the head
as a price for the daughter’s dancing.
But the prophet of the coming of Christ
did not cease to denounce the union which was reproved by God.
He denounced it, saying:
It is not lawful for you to commit adultery with your brother Philip’s wife.
O the murderous birthday and feast overflowing with blood!
On this day of the beheading of the Prophet and Forerunner,
we the faithful celebrate in joy as in festive garb,
and we pray that the Trinity may be compassionate to us,
and deliver us from the disgrace of our passions,
and that our souls may be saved.

In Tone 4

An evil birthday and a lustful banquet is celebrated by Herod today;
for having delighted in adultery and being driven by lustful desires,
he beheaded the Baptist.
But he could not stop the tongue of the Prophet
which condemned his foolishness.
He spilled innocent blood to cover up his unlawful deeds,
but he could not cover the voice who called the world to repentance.
And if he took pleasure in the murder,
we celebrate with all our heart the death of John the Baptist.
For he preceded the Life of all into Hades
to announce to those in darkness and the shadow of death
the coming of Christ our God, the Orient from on high,
whose mercy is beyond measure.

Come, O people, let us exalt the Prophet, Martyr, and Baptizer of the Saviour.
He is an angel in the flesh.
He has condemned Herod and convicted him of unlawful adultery.
Because of the unlawful dancing, his precious head is cut off.
He is in Paradise and is preaching the good news of the resurrection from the dead.
He is fittingly praying to the Lord that our souls may be saved.

Come, O faithful, let us exalt the Prophet, Martyr, and Baptizer of the Saviour.
He fled into the desert and remained there,
nourishing himself on locusts and wild honey.
He rebuked the king who violated the law.
And he comforts our faint-heartedness, saying:
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

In Tone 5, Glory… Now…

When Herod wished to free himself from the rebuke of his sinful deeds,
he delivered your head unjustly, O Forerunner,
to a transgressing woman.
Nor did this wretched one realize that offering it on a platter
was a condemnation for him.
Therefore, since you are a practical teacher of purity
and a saving guide to repentance,
O Baptizer, implore Christ
to deliver us from the shame of our passions.

Aposticha

In Tone 2

O John the Baptizer and preacher of repentance,
you sanctified the earth when you were beheaded.
You made plain to believers the law of God,
abolishing disobedience to the law.
Therefore, since you stand by the throne of Christ the heavenly King,
beseech Him to have mercy on our souls.

The just will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

O most holy John, your head was cut off for preaching the law of the Lord,
for in blameless privilege you reproached the unbelieving king
when he disobeyed the law.
Therefore, the hosts of angels wonder at you,
and the ranks of apostles and martyrs praise you.
We also honour your yearly memorial, O most noble one,
glorifying the holy Trinity
who has crowned you, O blessed Forerunner.

The just one is glad In the Lord and takes refuge In Him.

Born of the prophet Zechariah, he was the greatest of the prophets
and was sanctified from his mother’s womb for the service of the Lord.
Today he was beheaded by an evil king.
Both before and after his beheading,
his head was a living reproach for the maiden who danced indecently,
thus covering one sin with another.
Therefore, we call out:
O John the Baptizer, having acquired favour with the Lord,
beseech Him unceasingly for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 8, Glory…

You rebuked kings, O Forerunner of the Saviour,
that they might not act contrary to the law.
But the frolicking of a sinful woman
won over Herod to behead you.
Therefore, your name is praised
from the place of the rising to the place of the setting of the sun.
And since you have favour with the Lord,
beseech Him unceasingly for the salvation of our souls.

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 2

The remembrance of the just is worthy of praise,
but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner;
for it has shown that you are indeed more worthy of honour than the prophets.
You were found worthy to baptize the Lord whom you foretold.
Thereafter, you suffered for the truth
and, rejoicing, also announced the good news to those in the Abyss
that God had appeared as man,
taking away the sins of the world,
and granting to all of us the abundance of mercy. (Twice)

In Tone 1

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 Deliverer and Saviour of our souls.

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 2: The just man is remembered with praises,* but for you the Lord’s testimony suffices, O Forerunner,* for you truly became more honourable than the prophets* and were deemed worthy to baptize the One foretold.* Then you suffered for the truth and joyfully announced to those in Hades* that God appeared in the flesh taking away the sin of the world* and offering us 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 5: The Forerunner’s glorious beheading* came to be a form of dispensation divine* that he might proclaim to those in Hades* the message of the coming of the Saviour.* Lets Herodias shed tears of lament* for a lawless murder that was her request;* for she loved a false and transitory age* rather than God’s law and the age of life.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The just man shall be glad in the Lord and shall hope in Him.
verse: Hear, O God, my voice when I make my petition to You. (Psalm 63:11,2)

Epistle
Acts 13:25-32

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
Mark 6:14-30

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

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

10. 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.

9. 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.

8. 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.

7. 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.

6. 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.

5. 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.

4. 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

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

Moses of great renown wisely abandoned the adornments of the world
and subdued the carnal passions with the mighty pangs of abstinence!
He cast down the greatly crafty one and received a crown of victory!
By his prayers, O Lord, grant great mercy to all!

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

You possessed exemplary abstinence, blessed Moses,
all-night watching, a vigilant eye, and a mind which perceived the beauty of God!
Therefore you received the grace of healing that you may cure cruel sufferings.
We beseech you, Father, to ask great mercy for all!

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

Covered by the hand of God, Father Moses,
you passed unharmed through the crafty assaults and pursuits of the demons!
You were armed with dispassion and were numbered among the venerable ones:
pray that great mercy be granted to those who honour you with 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 1, Glory…
Dweller of the wilderness and angel in the body,* you were a wonder-worker, our God-bearing Father Moses!* You received heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil and prayer:* healing the sick and the souls of those drawn to you by faith:* glory to Him who gave you strength!* Glory to Him who granted you a crown!** Glory to Him who through you grants healing to all!

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!

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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
2 Corinthians 4:6-15

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 22:35-46

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

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 5

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

With Your precious Cross, O Christ,
You have put the Devil to shame.
With Your Resurrection You have deadened the sting of Death.
We, therefore, glorify You, O only-begotten Son of God.

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

O Christ, Who granted resurrection to mankind,
You were led like a lamb to the slaughter.
Then the princes of Hades were struck with terror
as they saw the gates of their tearful domain being lifted up;
for Christ, the King of Glory, entered therein
and exclaimed to those in chains: Go forth from here!
And to those in darkness: Go forth into the light!

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

What a great wonder!
The Creator of invisible beings suffered in the flesh for mankind,
and rose from the dead as immortal.
Come, therefore, all you nations and adore Him;
for through His compassion we have been freed from the snares of the Devil,
and we have learned to praise the one God in three Persons.

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

We offer to You our evening worship,
O Light Whom the darkness of night can never extinguish.
For in these latter days Your radiance has appeared to the world,
shining in Your flesh as light reflected in a mirror.
Your brilliance has descended even to the depths of Hades and dissolved its gloom.
O Lord, Giver of Light, glory to You;
for You have shown the radiance of Your Resurrection to all the nations.

In Tone 8

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

O blessed Thaddeus,
having drawn close to the heavenly light,
you became a light because of your divine communion,
and you dispersed the night of idolatry.
Because you led souls to the Almighty,
we glorify Christ and venerate your illustrious memory.

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

O Thaddeus, blessed and illustrious apostle of the Lord,
after the divine and glorious Resurrection
and most holy Ascension of Christ,
you received the mission to preach the divine message
to your city, Edessa.
By words and miracles you converted Abgar, the ruler of the city.
With him you strengthened everyone in the truth.

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

O blessed and God-wise Thaddeus,
through your holy touch, the blind saw and the lame walked.
The sick were healed, the weak were encouraged,
and the ignorant were enlightened.
You were filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
for this reason we praise you, O blessed one.

In Tone 4

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

O praiseworthy one, you suffered many tortures.
Then you passed over to the painless repose,
to the light that knows no evening,
to the bright joy, and to the eternal delight of God.
Therefore, we bless you today as we observe your holy feats,
O God-loving sufferer of the passion.

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

After various painful tortures, you were cast into the sea.
God, the Saviour of all, rescued you, O long-suffering Bassa.
By divine power He crushed the power of the enemy
and illumined the minds of the devout beyond understanding.

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

Having sung about the divine passion
like a melodious bird in a meadow,
you called your honourable disciples.
With them you fled from the snare of error.
O Bassa, God-wise and worthy of admiration,
with them you made your home in the heavenly kingdom.
O most blessed one, pray for us.

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

Come, let us celebrate the universal Dormition of the immaculate Theotokos.
Today the angels glorify the passage of the Mother of God with joy.
They summon us to sing out:
Rejoice, for you have passed from earth and inhabit the heavenly abode.
Rejoice, since the choir of disciples was gathered into one group
by means of a swift cloud.
Rejoice, our hope and salvation.
The Christian people bless you unceasingly.

In Tone 5, Now…

A symbol of the undefiled Virgin and bride
was revealed in the Red Sea.
There, Moses divided the waters;
here, Gabriel is the messenger of the miracle.
There, the Israelites crossed the deep and their feet were not even wet;
here, the Virgin gives birth to Christ without human seed.
There, the sea remained uncrossed after the passing of Israel;
here, the immaculate remained incorrupt after giving birth to Emmanuel.
Therefore, O immortal God, who appeared in the flesh as true Man,
have mercy on us!

Aposticha

In Tone 5

O Christ our Saviour,
we lift up our voices to glorify You.
For, in Your love for mankind,
You became incarnate without leaving heaven;
You accepted the Cross and death;
You cast down the gates of Hades;
and on the third day You arose from the dead
for the salvation of our souls.

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

O Giver of Life,
streams of forgiveness, life, and salvation
poured forth from Your pierced side upon us all.
By accepting physical death, You granted us immortality;
by lying in the tomb, You freed us from Hades,
and as God, by rising from the dead,
You raised us with Yourself in glory.
Therefore, we cry out to You:
O Lover of mankind, glory to You!

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

O Lover of mankind,
Your crucifixion and descent into Hades are most wondrous.
For, as God, You thereby conquered the power of Hades,
and raised up in glory, with Yourself, those who were long imprisoned there.
You reopened Paradise and enabled them to enter.
Grant forgiveness of sins to us
who glorify Your Resurrection on the third day,
for You alone are all-merciful.

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

O Lover of mankind,
You accepted suffering in the flesh
and rose from the dead on the third day.
Therefore, heal the passions of our flesh,
raise us from our dreadful iniquities, and save us.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Choirs of virgins mystically stand around the bier of the Virgin Mother,
and the souls of the just surround it.
The former bring the gift of virginity instead of myrrh;
the latter bring spiritual songs with virtue.
It is fitting for the Mother of God as a queen
to be surrounded by those who glow with virtues.
We who have entered upon a chaste life
shall go down together with them
to the burial of the Mother of our God,
blessing her with hymns and spiritual songs.

Troparia

In Tone 5
Let us, the faithful, acclaim and worship the Word* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh,* to suffer death and to raise the dead,* by His glorious Resurrection.

In Tone 1, Glory… Now…
In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 5: Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Troparion, Tone 1: In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

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

Kontakion, Tone 5: You, my Saviour, descended to Hades,* and as the Almighty, You shattered its gates.* With Yourself You, as the Creator, raised the dead and shattered the sting of death,* and delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Mankind.* And so we cry out: “Save us, O Lord.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: The tomb and death could not hold the Mother of God,* unceasing in her intercession and 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 5
You, O Lord, will guard us and will keep us* from this generation and for ever.
verse: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer left a just man. (Psalm 11:8,2)

Epistle
2 Corinthians 1:21-2:4

Alleluia, Tone 5
verse: Your mercies, O Lord, I will sing for ever; from generation to generation I will announce Your truth with my mouth.
verse: For You have said: Mercy shall be built up for ever; in the heavens Your truth shall be prepared. (Psalm 88:2,3)

Gospel
Matthew 22:1-14

Hymn to the Mother of God
Seeing the pure one’s falling asleep, angels marvelled in wonder how the Virgin could ascend from earth to heaven.
And the Irmos: O pure Virgin, in you are conquered the bounds of nature,* for childbirth remains virginal and death is betrothed to life.* Virgin after childbearing and alive and death, O Mother of God,* never cease to save your inheritance.

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

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma
Blessed is the man… is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

O what a wonder! The Source of Life is placed in a tomb;
the grave becomes a ladder to heaven.
Rejoice, Gethsemane, holy chamber of the Mother of God!
As for us, O faithful,
let us cry out with Gabriel, the prince of angels:
Rejoice, O woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,
the Lord, Who because of you, bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

O what a wonder! The Source of Life is placed in a tomb;
the grave becomes a ladder to heaven.
Rejoice, Gethsemane, holy chamber of the Mother of God!
As for us, O faithful,
let us cry out with Gabriel, the prince of angels:
Rejoice, O woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,
the Lord, Who because of you, bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

O Lady, marvellous are your mysteries.
You have become the throne of the Most High,
and today you are taken from earth to heaven.
Your glory shines forth with the radiance of divine grace
and surpasses every other splendour.
Rise up to the heavens, all you virgins,
together with the Mother of our King, and cry out:
Rejoice, O Woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,
the Lord, Who because of you,
bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

O Lady, marvellous are your mysteries.
You have become the throne of the Most High,
and today you are taken from earth to heaven.
Your glory shines forth with the radiance of divine grace
and surpasses every other splendour.
Rise up to the heavens, all you virgins,
together with the Mother of our King, and cry out:
Rejoice, O Woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,
the Lord, Who because of you,
bestows great mercy upon the world.

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

Behold, all the heavenly hosts,
the Dominations, Thrones, and Principalities,
Virtues, Powers, Cherubim, and Seraphim,
sing a hymn of glory to your Dormition.
The entire human race rejoices at your glory;
and kings, together with the Angels and Archangels, sing out to you:
Rejoice, O Woman full of grace, the Lord is with you,
the Lord, Who because of you,
bestows great mercy upon the world.

In Tone 4

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

The heavens rejoice in your glorious Dormition,
and the angelic hosts are filled with joy;
all the universe is exalting
as they sing hymns of farewell to you,
O Mother of the Master of the universe,
O all-holy Virgin who did not know wedlock.
You have delivered mankind from the condemnation of old.

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

At the divine command
the chosen apostles hastened from the ends of the universe to bury you;
and, seeing you carried from earth to heaven,
they praised you with the words of Gabriel:
Rejoice, O bearer of the entire Divinity!
Rejoice, O Virgin, for you alone brought heaven and earth together
in giving birth to your Son.

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

You have given birth to Life,
and now by your holy Dormition
you have crossed the borders into eternal life.
The Angels, Principalities, and the Virtues,
the prophets, the apostles, and all creation form a procession,
and your Son receives your pure soul into His immaculate hands,
O Virgin Mother and Bride of God.

In Tone 1, Glory… Now…

The holy apostles were taken up from every corner of the world
and carried upon clouds by the command of God.
They gathered around you pure body, O Source of Life,
and kissed it with reverence.
As for the most sublime powers of heaven,
they came with their own leader
to escort and to pay their last respects to the most honourable body
that had contained Life itself.
Filled with awe, they marched together with the apostles in silent majesty,
professing to the princes of heaven in a hushed voice:
Lift up your gates and receive, with becoming majesty,
the Mother of the Light that never fades,
because, through her, salvation was made possible for mankind.
She is the One upon whom no one may gaze,
and to whom no one is able to render sufficient glory;
for the special honour that made her sublime is beyond understanding.
Therefore, O Most Pure Mother of God,
forever alive with your Son, the Source of Life,
do not cease to intercede with Him
that He may guard and save Your people from every trouble;
for you are our intercessor.
To you we sing a hymn of glory
with loud and joyful voice, now and forever.

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

Lytia

In Tone 1

Because the disciples had been both the eyewitnesses and servants of the Word,
it was also fitting that they should witness the final mystery,
the Dormition of His Mother according to the flesh.
They not only saw the ascension of the Saviour from earth to heaven,
but they were also witnesses to the translation of the Mother who bore Him.
They came to Zion to escort the Virgin, who surpasses the Cherubim,
as she hastened in her journey to heaven.
With them, let us also bow low
before the One who intercedes for our souls.

In Tone 2

She is higher than the heavens,
more glorious than the Cherubim,
and more honourable than all creation.
Her outstanding purity became the dwelling place of eternal divinity.
Today she places her all-pure soul into the hands of her Son.
With her, the universe is filled with joy,
and the grace of salvation is given to us.

The most pure Spouse, the Mother of the One in Whom the Father is well-pleased,
she whom God had chosen to become the dwelling place of His natures
that had been united without confusion,
today delivers her most pure soul to her divine Creator.
The angels welcome her in a divine manner,
and the Mother of Life is now transferred to life.
She is the lamp of the inaccessible brightness,
the hope of our souls, and the salvation of believers.

In Tone 3

Come, all you ends of the earth,
let us praise the blessed passing of the Mother of God.
She delivers her sinless soul into the hands of her Son;
through her holy Dormition the world is given new life.
With psalms and hymns and spiritual canticles,
the whole world celebrates in joy
together with the angels and apostles.

In Tone 5, Glory…

Come, all you lovers of the feast,
let us form choirs and fill the Church with our hymns
in honour of the falling asleep of the Ark of God.
Today heaven indeed opens its bosom
to receive the Mother of the One whom the universe cannot contain.
The earth gives back the Source of Life
and receives the blessing of the Lord.
The choir of angels and apostles look with awe
as they see the One who gave birth to the Prince of Life
now herself pass from life to life.
Let us all bow together before her and say:
O Lady, do not forget the children of your house
who celebrate your holy Dormition in faith.

Now…

O people, sing to the Mother of our God;
for, on this day, she delivers her radiant soul into the most pure hands
of the One Who took flesh of her without seed.
In His presence she intercedes unceasingly
that He grant peace and great mercy to the world.

Aposticha

In Tone 4

All you peoples of the earth
sing together a hymn of glory
to the pure and most holy Virgin
from whom the Word of God came to us,
receiving flesh from her in a manner beyond understanding.
Let us cry out: Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is your womb that contained Christ,
into whose hands you committed your soul.
O pure Virgin, intercede with Christ that He may save our souls!

Go up, O Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your strength.

O pure and most holy Virgin,
the choirs of angels in heaven and the assembly of people on earth
sing the praises of your glorious Dormition;
for you have become the Mother of the Creator of all, Christ our God.
We beg you to intercede constantly for us;
for, next to God, we have placed our hope in you,
O most glorious and ever-virgin Mother of God.

The Lord swore an oath to David; He will not go back on His word.

With all the people of the earth,
let us sing to Christ the hymn of praise that David has sung of old.
Together with her escort of virgins,
with happiness and rejoicing, she will be led to the King;
for the fruit of David’s seed,
the One through whom we have been led to God,
has been lifted up to glory by her Son and Master
in a way that defies description.
Since she is the Mother of God,
we sing to her a hymn of glory and cry out:
Deliver us from all harm and guard our souls from tribulations.
We confess and proclaim that you are the Mother of God.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin Mother of God,
at the time you were carried up to the One born of you
in a manner beyond understanding,
James and Peter were present;
James, the brother of the Lord and first bishop,
and Peter, the honourable head of the apostles and prince of theologians.
The whole college of apostles was also there,
all in one accord proclaiming things divine,
praising the astounding mystery of Christ,
and with joy, preparing your body, O most glorious One,
source of Life and temple of God.
The most holy angelic powers,
were rapt in wonder at the sight of this miracle,
and they said to each other:
Lift up your gates to receive the Mother of the Creator of heaven and earth.
Come, let us all sing hymns to her noble and holy body
that has contained the invisible Lord.
Therefore, we also celebrate your feast;
and, O woman worthy of all praise, we cry out:
O glorious Lady, exalt the Christian peoples
and intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

Troparion

In Tone 1

In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death. (thrice)

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FESTAL MATINS

The Lord is God, Tone 1

Troparion, Tone 1
In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death. (twice)

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 1
The venerable choir of the divine apostles* was reunited in a marvellous manner* to bury your most pure body, O glorious Mother of God.* With them the multitude of angels also sang in honour of your passage to heaven* which we now celebrate in faith.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 3
In giving birth, your conception was without seed;* in falling asleep, your body did not undergo corruption.* You have passed from one miracle to another, O Mother of God.* How did the Virgin who knew not man nourish an infant?* And how did the Mother of God know death?* Therefore, with the angels we cry out to you:* Rejoice, for you are full of grace.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Polyeleos

Exaltation
We extol you,* O all-pure Mother of Christ our God,* and we honour* your all-glorious Dormition.
verses:
Shout joyfully to the Lord all the earth; sing praise to his name; give to Him glorious praise…
Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest, You and the ark of your strength…
I will make your name remembered from generation to generation…
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3 times)…

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
Tell us, O David, what feast is now being celebrated?* The one, he said, of which I sang in the book of the Psalms.* Christ has transferred into the dwelling place above* the One who is virgin, daughter, and servant of God,* she who bore Him in her womb without seed.* Therefore, mothers and daughters and Christian spouses sing with joy and say:* Rejoice, O Virgin who has passed into the heavenly kingdom.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Gradual Hymns
Take 1st antiphon of Sunday, Tone 4

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

Let Everything That Has Breath (Tone 4)

Gospel
Luke 1:39-49

Psalm 50

After Psalm 50
Tone 6, Glory…
Through the prayers of the Theotokos,* O merciful Lord,* cleanse us from the multitude of my transgressions.

Now…
Through the prayers of the Theotokos,* O merciful Lord,* cleanse us from the multitude of my transgressions.

Have mercy on me, God, in your loving kindness, according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.
O Tabernacle all-pure,* when the translation of your body took place,* the apostles gathered around your bier with fear and trembling.* They gazed upon you and were filled with awe.* In tears, Peter cried out to you:* O Virgin,* I see you laid out as one dead,* yet you gave birth to the Life of the universe.* I am struck with amazement,* for in you dwells the One who shall be our joy in the life beyond.* O pure Virgin, intercede unceasingly with your Son and God* to save the Christian people.

Canon

Ode 1, Tone 1
(Irmos) Your holy and noble death, O Virgin, is adorned with the splendid robe of divine glory. It brings all the faithful together in joy. Led by Miriam, with dances and timbrels they praise your only-begotten Son, for He has been greatly glorified.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The heavenly choirs encircled your holy body in Sion while the choir of apostles, assembling from the ends of the earth, stood beside you, O Theotokos. Along with them, we also honour your holy memory, O most pure Virgin.
Glory… Now…
You have gained victory over nature by giving birth to God, O pure Virgin; yet, like your Son and Creator, you have followed the laws of nature while being above it. Therefore, through your death, you have risen to eternal life with your Son.
(Katavasia) Your holy and noble death, O Virgin, is adorned with the splendid robe of divine glory. It brings all the faithful together in joy. Led by Miriam, with dances and timbrels they praise your only-begotten Son, for He has been greatly glorified.

Ode 3, Tone 1
(Irmos) You are the Creator, Wisdom, and Power of God, O Christ; and You uphold all things by your will. Make your Church firm and faithful, for You alone are holy and dwell among the saints.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O most pure Virgin, the holy apostles acknowledged you to be both a mortal and one who was beyond and above nature, the Mother of God. Therefore, they approached your body with fear and awe, and beheld you, the tabernacle that had contained God, radiant with glory.
Glory… Now…
The bold hands of the impudent one were quickly cut off by the righteousness of God in order to preserve the honour of the living Ark, the glory of the Divinity, from whom the Word had taken flesh.
(Katavasia) You are the Creator, Wisdom, and Power of God, O Christ; and You uphold all things by your will. Make your Church firm and faithful, for You alone are holy and dwell among the saints.

Ode 4, Tone 1
(Irmos) O Christ, the prophets foretold your incarnation from a virgin, and that You would be the glory and light of revelation to the Gentiles. The abyss cries out in joy to You: Glory to your power, for You alone love all people.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Come all you faithful, and behold the mystery; for the holy mountain of the Lord is raised above the heavens as we look on. The earthly heaven takes up her dwelling in a heavenly and immortal land.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O pure Virgin, your death was a passing over into a better and eternal life. It transported you from this earthly life to one that is divine and knows no end; now you behold your Son and Lord in joy.
Glory… Now…
The heavenly gates opened wide, and the heavenly choirs sang as Christ welcomed the virgin treasure of his own mother. The Cherubim served you in gladness, and the Seraphim praised you in joy.
(Katavaisa) O Christ, the prophets foretold your incarnation from a virgin, and that You would be the glory and light of revelation to the Gentiles. The abyss cries out in joy to You: Glory to your power, for You alone love all people.

Ode 5, Tone 1
(Irmos) I will speak of your divine and wondrous mysteries, O Christ. You have revealed yourself as the divine Son, radiant with eternal brightness, who took flesh from a virgin. You have risen as the sun, bestowing light to those who dwelt in the shadow of darkness.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The choir of apostles was transported upon a cloud from the ends of the earth to Sion so that they might minister to you, O Virgin. From you, O swift cloud, the Almighty God, the Sun of Righteousness, bestowed light upon those who were in the shadow of darkness.
Glory… Now…
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the apostles sang out a burial hymn to the Mother of God in a voice louder than trumpets: Rejoice, O pure source of the Incarnation of God. Through you, salvation comes to the whole world.
(Katavasia) I will speak of your divine and wondrous mysteries, O Christ. You have revealed yourself as the divine Son, radiant with eternal brightness, who took flesh from a virgin. You have risen as the sun, bestowing light to those who dwelt in the shadow of darkness.

Ode 6, Tone 1
(Irmos) Your three-day burial, O Lord, was prefigured by the sea monster, breathing forth fire; Jonah was the interpreter of this mystery; for coming forth from the monster safe and sound, he cried out: I will offer hymns of praise to You, O Lord.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The Divine King of all bestowed upon you gifts that are beyond nature. Just as He preserved your virginity in childbirth, He saved your body from suffering corruption in the tomb. He exalted you, his Mother, through your divine passage in glory.
Glory… Now…
O Virgin, your Son has granted that you dwell in the Holy of Holies as a bright lamp, burning with the immaterial fire, as a golden censer burning with divine coal. You are the vessel containing manna, the rod of Aaron, the tablet written by God, the holy Ark, and the table of the Bread of Life.
(Katavasia) Your three-day burial, O Lord, was prefigured by the sea monster, breathing forth fire; Jonah was the interpreter of this mystery; for coming forth from the monster safe and sound, he cried out: I will offer hymns of praise to You, O Lord.

Kontakion, Tone 2
The grave and death did not detain the Mother of God. * She prays perpetually and is our unfailing hope of intercession; * for He who dwelt in the womb of the ever-Virgin, * transferred to life the Mother of Life.

Ikos
O Saviour, encircle my heart so that I may praise this stronghold of the world, your most pure Mother; may my words be as strong as a fortress, and may my thoughts acquire power and strength. You always fulfill the petitions of those who come to You in faith. Therefore, grant me the words, the tongue, and the thoughts that are without shame; for every gift that enlightens us comes from You, the Enlightener of our souls, and the Lord who dwelt in a virginal womb.

Ode 7, Tone 1
(Irmos) Through the power of God’s love, the three youths overcame the anger and fire, extinguished the flames with dew, and scorned the anger of the tyrant. Inspired by God, they became as a three-stringed harp singing in the flaming furnace: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Moses, overcome by wrath, destroyed the tablets made by God and inscribed by the Holy Spirit. But the God of Moses preserved the virginity of his own Mother in her childbirth, and now has carried her to the heavenly dwelling. Rejoicing with her, we sing out to Christ: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O faithful, let us sing on this sacred and festive day of the Translation of the pure Virgin. With the cymbals of our pure lips, the melodious lyres of our hearts, the sweet-sounding trumpets of our uplifted minds, and the joyful clapping of our hands, let us say: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.
Glory… Now…
Inspired by God, the faithful have assembled to witness the passing over of God’s glorious Tabernacle from Sion to the heavenly dwelling place where the joyful singing of those celebrating the feast can be heard praising Christ and saying: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.
(Katavasia) Through the power of God’s love, the three youths overcame the anger and fire, extinguished the flames with dew, and scorned the anger of the tyrant. Inspired by God, they became as a three-stringed harp singing in the flaming furnace: Blessed are You, O most glorious God, for You are the God of our Fathers.

Ode 8, Tone 1
(Irmos) The mighty angel of God showed to the three holy youths a fire which was refreshing to them but destructive to the impious. He made the Theotokos a source of life gushing forth immortality to those who sing: Because we have been saved, we glorify the one and only Creator and praise Him above all forever.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The choir of apostles attended the divine Ark of holiness in Sion while singing: O Tabernacle of the living God, where are you going? Continue to guard those who sing to you in faith: Because we have been saved, we glorify the one and only Creator and praise Him above all forever.
Glory… Now…
As the pure Virgin left the earth, she raised up her hands in which she had embraced the incarnate God, and she confidently spoke to her Son, saying: Remember forever those whom You have given me and who sing out to You: Because we have seen saved, we glorify the one and only Creator and praise Him above all forever.
(Katavasia) The mighty angel of God showed to the three holy youths a fire which was refreshing to them but destructive to the impious. He made the Theotokos a source of life gushing forth immortality to those who sing: Because we have been saved, we glorify the one and only Creator and praise Him above all forever.

Omit Magnificat

Ode 9
Seeing the Dormition of the Most Pure One, the angels were filled with awe at how the Virgin went from earth to heaven.
(Sung before each of the following)
In you, O pure Virgin, the laws of nature were overcome: in giving birth you remained a virgin, and in your death, heralded life. You remained a virgin after giving birth and remained alive after death, always saving your descendants, O Mother of God.
The heavenly choirs were astonished as they beheld their Master in Sion holding the soul of a woman in his hands. As a Son, it was fitting that He spoke to her who had given birth to Him without stain and said: Come and share the glory of your Son and your God.
Glory… Now…
The assembly of apostles gathered around your body which had contained God. Beholding it with awe, they cried out with a clear voice: Save your people as you pass over to the heavenly mansions of your Son.

Hymn of Light, Tone 3
O holy apostles of Christ, gathered here from the ends of the universe,* carry my body to the garden of Gethsemane and place it in the tomb.* And You, my Son and my God, receive my breath and my spirit. (3)

At the Praises

In Tone 4

The heavens rejoice in your glorious Dormition,
and the angelic hosts are filled with joy;
all the universe is exalting
as they sing hymns of farewell to you,
O Mother of the Master of the universe,
O all-holy Virgin who did not know wedlock.
You have delivered the human race from the condemnation of old.

The heavens rejoice in your glorious Dormition,
and the angelic hosts are filled with joy;
all the universe is exalting
as they sing hymns of farewell to you,
O Mother of the Master of the universe,
O all-holy Virgin who did not know wedlock.
You have delivered the human race from the condemnation of old.

At the divine command, the chosen apostles
hastened from the ends of the universe to bury you;
and, seeing you carried from earth to heaven,
they praised you with the words of Gabriel:
Rejoice, O bearer of the entire Divinity!
Rejoice, O Virgin, for you alone brought heaven and earth together
in giving birth to your Son.

You have given birth to Life,
and now by your holy Dormition
you have crossed the borders into eternal life.
The Angels, the Principalities, and the Virtues,
the prophets, the apostles, and all creation form a procession,
and your Son receives your pure soul into his immaculate hands,
O Virgin Mother and Bride of God.

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

For your holy Dormition, O Mother of God and Mother of Life,
the clouds carried the apostles through the air.
Those who had been scattered throughout the world
were brought together in a single choir;
and, burying your most pure body with respect,
they sang the words of Gabriel:
Rejoice, O full of grace, O unwedded Virgin;
the Lord is with you!
Intercede with your Son and our God to save our souls.

Troparion, Tone 1
In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 1: In giving birth you retained your virginity,* in falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Mother of God.* You passed into life, for you are the Mother of Life,* and by your prayers* you deliver our souls from death.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: The tomb and death could not hold the Mother of God,* unceasing in her intercession and 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 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.
verse: Because he has regarded the humility of His handmaid; for behold, all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)

Epistle
Philippians 2:5-11

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: 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

Hymn to the Mother of God
Seeing the pure one’s falling asleep, angels marvelled in wonder how the Virgin could ascend from earth to heaven.
And the Irmos: O pure Virgin, in you are conquered the bounds of nature,* for childbirth remains virginal and death is betrothed to life.* V

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)

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 4

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

At the sound of the cymbals, let us sing resounding hymns,
anticipating the feast of her departure.
Let us lift our voices in a brilliant chorus before her sepulchre.
For the Mother of God and the golden Tabernacle
now prepares to pass from earth to heaven,
to the new life and the divine splendour.

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

O choir of the holy apostles,
you are gathered together from the ends of the earth.
The Living City of the One who reigns over all
departs in glory to the heavens.
She goes to rejoice with her Son, the King.
With the angelic hosts, sing a farewell hymn to her divine burial.

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

O choir of the holy priests,
O kings, princes, and ranks of virgins, now come together!
All you people, let us come before her holy tomb and sing a hymn,
for the Queen of all entrusts her soul into the hands of her Son
to be taken to the heavenly home.

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

O venerable Father, when you accepted the ascetic life for your salvation,
then you were enlightened invisibly from heaven
and were shown to be an exorciser of evil spirits.
By divine will you received gold,
which, in your generous mercy, you gave to those in need.
You filled their empty vessels with produce,
preparing for the Saviour, those who were in distress.
O preacher of the faith of Christ our God,
pray to Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

The appearance of your holy relics came like a great light,
understood to be like the angelic splendour.
The great Stephen ran quickly with longing and joy,
seeing them coming in the distance.
He found your body whole and incorrupt
and glorified Christ our God.
O Father, pray to Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

When those who wished to bear your body
came to the cave where you were buried,
they rejoiced on opening the tomb;
for they saw your most holy remains whole and untouched by corruption,
the hair framing your glorious face,
and your eyes and mouth joined in praises of Christ our God.
Pray to Him to save and enlighten our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory…

In faith we are all called together to celebrate this feast.
Let us hasten today to commemorate
the transferal of your holy relics, O venerable Father,
and let us say:
Rejoice, O consecrated dwelling of the divine Spirit and pillar of piety;
rejoice, boast of ascetics,
for you increased the talent given you by God;
rejoice, bright beacon to the world and our consolation.
As you now stand before the throne of Christ,
beg Him to deliver us from all trouble and distress
and to attain the future glory;
for we celebrate your memory in faith.

In Tone 4, Now…

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

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

Aposticha

In Tone 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 2, Now…

She is higher than the heavens,
more glorious than the Cherubim,
and more honourable than all creation.
Her outstanding purity became the dwelling place of the eternal divinity.
Today she places her all-pure soul into the hands of her Son.
With her, the universe is filled with joy,
and the grace of salvation is given to us.

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

In Tone 8, Glory…
Raised in virtue, O Father Theodosius,* from childhood you loved the monastic life* and attained your desire courageously.* You lived in a cave adorning your life with fasting and radiance* and abided in prayer like the bodiless powers.* You shone like a beacon in the land of Rus’.* Entreat Christ God to save our souls.

In Tone 4, Now…
O peoples, dance with joy and clap your hands with fervour.* Gather today in eagerness and jubilation, and sing with glee;* for the Mother of God is about to rise in glory,* going up from the earth into heaven.* It is to her we always sing hymns of praise,* for she is the Mother of God.

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DIVINE LITURGY

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

Troparion, Tone 8: Raised in virtue, O Father Theodosius,* from childhood you loved the monastic life* and attained your desire courageously.* You lived in a cave adorning your life with fasting and radiance* and abided in prayer like the bodiless powers.* You shone like a beacon in the land of Rus’.* Entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Troparion, Tone 4: O peoples, dance with joy and clap your hands with fervour.* Gather today in eagerness and jubilation, and sing with glee;* for the Mother of God is about to rise in glory,* going up from the earth into heaven.* it is to her we always sing hymns of praise,* for she is the Mother of God.

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

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

Now and forever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today we revere the star of Rus’, blessed Theodosius,* who shone from the east and same to the West;* for he enriched this whole land and all of us* with gentleness and miraculous wonders* by the practice and the grace of the monastic rule.

Prokeimenon, 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. (Psalm 103:24,1)

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

Epistle
1 Corinthians 16:13-24; Hebrews 13:7-16

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Poise yourself and advance in triumph and reign in the cause of truth, and meekness, and justice.
verse: You have loved justice and hated iniquity. (Psalm 44:5,8)
verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice.
verse: For the Lord has chosen Sion; He has chosen it for His dwelling. (Psalm 131:9,13)

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-42; Matthew 11:27-29

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)

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us faithfully celebrate the brilliant, divine Transfiguration.
Having been renewed in spirit,
we shall climb to the summit of virtue;
and having learned with the apostles
the revelation of the strange mysteries,
we shall glorify the Lord and Saviour.

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

Rejoice and be happy, O faithful!
The Church now celebrates this precious and bright feast.
The Master of all is transfigured.
He is resplendent in the dawn of ineffable splendour,
shining more brightly than the sun.

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

This is the God and the Creator of all.
Through his great mercy He took on the appearance of a slave.
He now heals the wounds of ancient times.
By his gleaming countenance
He revealed the glow of divinity in his body.
The terrified apostles fell to the ground;
they bowed before the Master of all.

In Tone 1

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

O holy apostle Matthias,
you filled the choir from which Judas fell away.
You cast out the darkness of idol-worship
with the splendour of your wise words.
Now pray that Christ may grant peace and great mercy to our souls.

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

O holy apostle Matthias,
you filled the choir from which Judas fell away.
You cast out the darkness of idol-worship
with the splendour of your wise words.
Now pray that Christ may grant peace and great mercy to our souls.

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

O blessed Matthias,
you flowed like a river filled with divine water
and watered the earth with your mystical streams,
thus causing it to bear much fruit.
Pray that Christ may grant peace and great mercy to our souls.

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

O blessed Matthias,
you flowed like a river filled with divine water
and watered the earth with your mystical streams,
thus causing it to bear much fruit.
Pray that Christ may grant peace and great mercy to our souls.

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

O God-inspired Matthias,
the universe shines in the brightness of your inspired teaching;
for your instructions have illumined and enlightened all.
They have guided all to an understanding of God;
they have transformed into dwellings of brightness
those who had lived in the darkness of vain illusions
and in the darkness of life without God.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Grace was poured out through your lips, O glorious apostle Matthias.
You were a luminary in the Church of Christ.
You taught the disciples to believe in the consubstantial Trinity,
in the one divinity.

In Tone 2, Now…

O God of goodness, your light has sanctified the whole universe,
and You were transfigured on the high mountain,
revealing your power to your disciples.
You have redeemed the world from sin.
Therefore, we cry out to You:
O Lord of mercy, save our souls!

Readings
(1) Acts 1:15-26; (2) 1 John 3: 21 through 4: 6; (3) 1 John 4: 11 -16

Aposticha

In Tone 6

In your compassion, O Christ,
You appeared from the Virgin
in the humanity of the first Adam;
indeed, You became the new Adam.
O my Saviour, You were transfigured on Mount Tabor,
and thus You revealed your divinity.

The heavens are yours; the world is yours.

The crowns of grace and the law
were amazed to see your holy Transfiguration
on Mount Tabor, O Christ.
Together with them we bow down to You,
to the Father, and the Divine Spirit.

Tabor and Hermon shout with joy at your name.

Creation is brightly illumined by your Transfiguration
in the presence of the holy apostles on Tabor, O Christ.
Indeed, You revealed to Moses and Elijah
that You are God, more radiant than the sun.

In Tone 2, Glory…

Filled with divine ambition, O apostle Matthias,
you laboured zealously for God the almighty
who revealed you worthy of divine miracles.
Now you abide with the heavenly hosts and behold our God.
Pray to the Word, Christ our God,
to grant his great mercy to us.

Now…

You were transfigured in glory on Mount Tabor, O Christ our God,
and You showed your disciples the glory of your divinity.
Now also pour out the light of your knowledge upon us
and, in your goodness and your love for all of us,
guide us in the way of your divine commandments.

Troparia

In Tone 3
O holy apostle Matthias, intercede with the all-merciful God* that He may grant us forgiveness of our sins.

In Tone 7, Glory… Now…
You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God** O Giver of Light, glory to You!

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DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; Your lightning lit up the world.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
You have clothed Yourself in praise and splendour; You robe Yourself in light as with a cloak.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

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

Entrance
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.
Son of God, transfigured on the mountain, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

Troparion, Tone 3: O holy apostle Matthias, intercede with the all-merciful God* that He may grant us forgiveness of our sins.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: Your radiant message,* O wondrous apostle Matthias,* has shone like the sun throughout the world* enlightening the Church of the nations with grace.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* and Your disciples saw Your glory as much as they could;* that when they saw You crucified* they might know that You suffered willingly*, and might proclaim to the world* that You are truly the brightness of the Father.

Prokeimenon, 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. (Psalm 103:24,1)

Epistle
Acts 1:12-17,21-26

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Yours are the heavens, and Yours the earth.
verse: Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, they will walk in the light of Your countenance, O Lord. (Psalm 88:12,16)

Gospel
Luke 9:1-6

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the Lord transfigured on the mountain.
And the Irmos, Tone 4: Your giving birth was received as incorrupt; for it was God who came forth from your womb; He appeared on earth in the flesh, and made His dwelling among us. Thus, O Mother of God, all of us magnify you.

Communion Hymn
We will walk in the light of Your face, O Lord,* and rejoice in Your name forever.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 88:16, 17)

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 4

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

Before Your noble suffering and cross, O Master,
You took Your chosen apostles to Mount Tabor,
showing them Your glory.
When they saw You transfigured and more brilliant than the sun,
they fell to the ground and cried out:
You are the eternal Light and the radiance of the Father;
and although unchanged, You appear in the flesh.

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

O God the Word, You are from all eternity,
and You are clothed with light as with a robe.
Transfigured before Your disciples, You shone more brightly than the sun.
Moses and Elijah stood at Your side
revealing You as the Lord of the living and the dead.
They glorified Your ineffable work of salvation,
Your mercy, and great compassion,
by which You saved the world which was lost in sin.

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

You were born of a virginal cloud and became flesh
and were transfigured in Mount Tabor, O Lord.
A bright cloud surrounded You:
the voice of the Father clearly told the disciples that You are His beloved Son,
for You are the same essence as He and You share His throne.
At this sight, Peter spoke with wonder and said:
It is good for us to be here.
He did not realize what he had said, O most merciful Benefactor.

In Tone 6

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

Putting aside superstition, Persian corruption, and evil worship,
you wisely ran to God
who in the wisdom of His providence rules the heavens.
As an apostle, you healed the illnesses of the animals
as well as the infirmities of those who came to you in His name.
O Mediator of Christ,
pray with confidence that He may save our souls.

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

O venerable one, you gave your life to the Lord
through fasting, ardent prayer, and all-night vigils,
unceasing hymns and angelic purity.
You received the power to perform miracles
because the Lord knows how to honour His servants.
Pray with confidence that He may save our souls.

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

You clothed yourself with the armour of the Cross,
and covered yourself with the indestructible shield of faith.
You were awesome to the hostile demons.
You routed them by the strength of your faith
and by your intercession before God.
You saved travellers from the harm which could come their way.
O Dometius, faithful servant of Christ,
pray with confidence that He may save our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

O Christ our God, when You willed to prefigure Your resurrection,
You chose three disciples, Peter, James, and John;
and You went up with them to Mount Tabor.
At the moment of Your Transfiguration, O Saviour,
the mountain was flooded with light,
and Your disciples fell with their faces to the ground;
for they could not bear the sight of Your countenance
upon which no one may gaze, O Word.
Angels attended with trembling and awe;
the heavens were afraid;
and the earth shook to its very foundations
when they saw the Lord of glory come upon the earth.

In Tone 3, Now…

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

 

Aposticha

In Tone 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 5, Glory… Now…

Come, let us ascend the mountain of the Lord
and go into the house of our God.
Let us contemplate the glory of His Transfiguration,
the glory of the only-begotten Son of God the Father.
From His light, let us receive light;
and raised up by the Holy Spirit,
let us sing the praises of the consubstantial Trinity forever.

Troparia

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

In Tone 7, Glory… Now…
You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

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DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; Your lightning lit up the world.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
You have clothed Yourself in praise and splendour; You robe Yourself in light as with a cloak.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

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

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

Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

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

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

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* and Your disciples saw Your glory as much as they could;* that when they saw You crucified* they might know that You suffered willingly*, and might proclaim to the world* that You are truly the brightness of the Father.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Sing to our God, sing; sing to our King, sing.
verse: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout unto God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:7,2)

Epistle
1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Alleluia, Tone 3
verse: In You, O Lord, have I hoped that I may not be put to shame for ever.
verse: Be a protector unto me, O God, and a house of refuge to save me. (Psalm 30:2,3)

Gospel
Matthew 19:16-26

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the Lord transfigured on the mountain.
And the Irmos, Tone 4: Your forgiving birth was received as incorrupt; for it was God who came forth from your womb; He appeared on earth in the flesh, and made His dwelling among us. Thus, O Mother of God, all of us magnify you.

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

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

O Lord, when You were transfigured before being crucified,
Mount Tabor was made to resemble heaven;
for a cloud was extended as a canopy,
and the Father bore witness to You.
Peter, James, and John were present there,
the same three apostles who were to be with You
at the time of the betrayal of Judas,
so that, having seen You in glory,
they would not be dismayed at the time of Your suffering.
Likewise, O Lord, make us worthy to recognize You as our God
in the same sufferings You endured in Your great mercy,
and to adore You.

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

O Lord, when You were transfigured before being crucified,
Mount Tabor was made to resemble heaven;
for a cloud was extended as a canopy,
and the Father bore witness to You.
Peter, James, and John were present there,
the same three apostles who were to be with You
at the time of the betrayal of Judas,
so that, having seen You in glory,
they would not be dismayed at the time of Your suffering.
Likewise, O Lord, make us worthy to recognize You as our God
in the same sufferings You endured in Your great mercy,
and to adore You.

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

O Lord, as a preparation to Your crucifixion,
You led some of Your disciples to a high mountain
and became transfigured before them,
enlightening them with the light of Your glory.
In this way, You showed the reality of the resurrection
You are to grant to us in Your love for mankind
and in Your almighty power as God.
Make us worthy of this resurrection, O God
for You are gracious and the Lover of mankind.

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

O Lord, as a preparation to Your crucifixion,
You led some of Your disciples to a high mountain
and became transfigured before them,
enlightening them with the light of Your glory.
In this way, You showed the reality of the resurrection
You are to grant to us in Your love for mankind
and in Your almighty power as God.
Make us worthy of this resurrection, O God
for You are gracious and the Lover of mankind.

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

O Lord, when You were transfigured on a high mountain
in the presence of Your foremost disciples,
You radiated with glory,
showing how those who lead an outstanding life of virtue
will be made worthy of the glory of heaven.
Elias and Moses, conversing with the Lord,
showed Him to be the Lord of the living and the dead,
God who spoke through the Law and the Prophets,
the same to whom the Father’s voice bore witness
out of the bright cloud, saying:
“Hear Him, for it is He, who through His Cross despoiled Hades
and granted eternal life to the dead.”

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

O Lord, when You were transfigured on a high mountain
in the presence of Your foremost disciples,
You radiated with glory,
showing how those who lead an outstanding life of virtue
will be made worthy of the glory of heaven.
Elias and Moses, conversing with the Lord,
showed Him to be the Lord of the living and the dead,
God who spoke through the Law and the Prophets,
the same to whom the Father’s voice bore witness
out of the bright cloud, saying:
“Hear Him, for it is He, who through His Cross despoiled Hades
and granted eternal life to the dead.”

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

Indeed, O Lord, the mountain that had been dark with smoke
today becomes honourable and holy because You stood on it.
The mystery hidden from the beginning of the world
becomes manifest in Your transfiguration before Peter, James and John.
They fell with their faces to the ground,
unable as they were to bear the light of Your countenance
and the splendour of Your clothing.
A further marvel was the vision of Moses and Elias,
conversing with You on Your future,
and the voice of the Father bearing witness and saying:
“This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!
He is the One who will convey great mercy upon the world.”

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

Indeed, O Lord, the mountain that had been dark with smoke
today becomes honourable and holy because You stood on it.
The mystery hidden from the beginning of the world
becomes manifest in Your transfiguration before Peter, James and John.
They fell with their faces to the ground,
unable as they were to bear the light of Your countenance
and the splendour of Your clothing.
A further marvel was the vision of Moses and Elias,
conversing with You on Your future,
and the voice of the Father bearing witness and saying:
“This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!
He is the One who will convey great mercy upon the world.”

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

O Christ our God, when You willed to prefigure Your resurrection,
You chose three disciples, Peter, James, and John;
and You went up with them to Mount Tabor.
At the moment of Your Transfiguration, O Saviour,
the mountain was flooded with light,
and Your disciples fell with their faces to the ground;
for they could not bear the sight of Your countenance
upon which no one may gaze, O Word.
Angels attended with trembling and awe;
the heavens were afraid;
and the earth shook to its very foundations
when they saw the Lord of glory come upon the earth.

Readings
(1) Exodus 24:12-18; (2) Exodus 33:11-23; 34:4-6, 8; (3) I Kings 19:3-9, 11-13, 15-16

Lytia

In Tone 2

O God of goodness, Your light has sanctified the whole universe,
and You were transfigured on the high mountain,
revealing Your power to Your disciples.
You have redeemed the world from sin.
Therefore, we cry out to You:
“O Lord of mercy, save our souls!”

You were transfigured in glory on Mount Tabor, O Christ our God,
and You showed Your disciples the glory of Your divinity.
Now also pour out the light of Your knowledge upon us
and, in Your goodness and Your love for all of us,
guide us in the way of Your divine commandments.

Christ, the light that shone before the sun,
dwelt on earth in a human form.
Wishing to fulfil the divine work of salvation before His Cross,
today He mystically reveals the image of the Trinity on Mount Tabor.
He took aside His three chosen disciples, Peter, James, and John;
and for a short time He concealed His incarnation.
He was transfigured before them,
manifesting the splendour of the original beauty.
By this He strengthened them in their faith;
yet He spared them from losing their life at the sight,
and so their eyes saw only as much as they could behold.
He also called upon Moses and Elias,
the most venerable of the prophets,
to witness to His divinity,
testifying that He is indeed the reflection of the Father,
the Lord of the living and the dead.
A cloud also enveloped them as a tent,
and the voice of the Father bore witness on high, saying:
“This is My beloved Son; hear Him!
I have begotten Him before the daystar in a virginal manner;
I have sent Him to save those baptized in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
those who confess in faith that the power of the divinity is one and indivisible.”
O Christ our God, You love all mankind;
make us shine in the brightness of Your inaccessible glory;
and in Your supreme goodness,
make us worthy to inherit Your never-ending Kingdom.

In Tone 5, Glory…

Come, let us ascend the mountain of the Lord
and go into the house of our God.
Let us contemplate the glory of His Transfiguration,
the glory of the only-begotten Son of God the Father.
From His light, let us receive light;
and raised up by the Holy Spirit,
let us sing the praises of the consubstantial Trinity forever.

Now…

Moses who saw God, and Elias who was taken up in the flaming chariot,
contemplated You in the cloud, O Christ our God;
for You are the author of the Law and the fulfilment of the Prophets.
They were witnesses of Your Transfiguration.
With them make us worthy of that same brightness,
that we may sing Your praises forever, O Lord.

Aposticha

In Tone 1

He who mysteriously spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai
and said: “I Am Who Am,”
today manifests Himself to His disciples on Mount Tabor
and reveals through His person
that human nature was re-established in its original splendour.
As witnesses to this grace and partakers of this joy,
He raised up Moses and Elias,
the forerunners of the glorious and saving Resurrection
made possible by the Cross of Christ.

The heavens are Yours, the world is Yours. You founded the earth and all it holds.

When David, the forefather of the Lord,
foresaw in spirit Your coming in the flesh,
he invited the whole creation to rejoice,
crying out prophetically:
O Saviour, Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Your name,
for indeed You ascended the mountain with Your disciples.
Through Your Transfiguration
You returned Adam’s nature to its original splendour,
restoring its very elements to the glory and brilliance of Your divinity.
Therefore, we cry out to You:
O Creator of all, glory to You!

Tabor and Hermon shout with joy at Your name.

O Christ without a beginning,
when on the Mount of the Transfiguration,
Your disciples saw the Light that was Yours
and Your unapproachable divinity,
they were rapt in amazement and completely changed.
They were enrobed in a radiant cloud,
and they heard the Father’s voice
confirming the mystery of Your incarnation;
for even after coming in the flesh,
You remained the only-begotten Son and the Saviour of all.

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

O Lord, today on Mount Tabor,
You have manifested the glory of Your divinity
to Your chosen disciples, Peter, James, and John;
they saw Your clothing radiant as light
and Your face more brilliant than the sun.
Unable to bear Your overwhelming radiance or look upon You,
they fell to the ground
and heard a voice bearing witness from heaven:
“This is My beloved Son who came into the world to save His people.”

Troparion

In Tone 7
You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God** O Giver of Light, glory to You! (thrice)

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FESTAL MATINS

The Lord is God – Tone 7

Troparion, Tone 7
You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God** O Giver of Light, glory to You! (twice)

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Sessional Hymn I, Tone 4
Showing the change that mortals will undergo, O Lord,* when they enter your glory at your second and awesome coming,* You were transfigured on Mount Tabor.* Elijah and Moses conversed with You;* and seeing your glory, the three disciples whom You had chosen* were struck with your splendour, O Lord.* As You covered them with your brightness,* also send your light upon our souls.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Sessional Hymn II, Tone 4
You were transfigured on Mount Tabor, O Jesus;* a bright cloud covered your apostles with your glory as with a tent, O Lord.* They cast their faces to the ground,* unable to gaze upon the inaccessible glory of your resplendent face,* O Christ our God and eternal Saviour.* As You covered them with your brightness,* also send your light upon our souls.

Glory… Now… (repeat)

Polyeleos

Exaltation
We extol You,* O Christ the Source of life,* and we venerate the holy Transfiguration* of your most pure flesh.
verses:
The Lord is great and worthy to be praised in the city of our God and on his holy mountain.
Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent and dwell on your holy mountain?
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place?
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
When You went up to the mountain with your disciples, O Lord,* and You were resplendent with the glory of the Father,* Elijah and Moses stood there with You;* for the Law and the Prophets serve You as God.* The Father attested to your divine filiation and called You his beloved Son.* With You we praise Him in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Through the splendour hidden under the flesh of your nature,* You showed the disciples the splendour of your divine beauty on Mount Tabor.* Thus You enlightened the disciples who were with You, O Christ our Benefactor.* Realizing that your beauty was unbearable, they cried out: Holy are You!* For You are the One whom no one can approach;* yet the world has seen You in the flesh.* And You alone are the Lover of Mankind.

Gradual Hymns
Take 1st antiphon of Sunday, Tone 4

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Tabor and Hermon shout with joy at your name.
verse: The heavens are yours; the world is yours.

Gospel
Luke 9:28-36

After Psalm 50
Glory…

In Tone 2, Today the whole world is filled with joy,* for Christ is transfigured before his disciples on Mount Tabor.

Now…

Today the whole world is filled with joy,* for Christ is transfigured before his disciples on Mount Tabor.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offence.

In Tone 5: Having revealed a small ray of your divinity* to those who climbed the mountain with You, O Saviour,* You made them partakers of your boundless glory.* Therefore, they cried out in awe to You:* It is good for us to be here.* Together with them, we shall forever praise You, O Christ our Saviour,* who was transfigured for us.

Canon

Ode 1
Irmos When Israel walked upon the deep sea as upon dry land, they saw Pharaoh, their pursuer, drowning; and they exclaimed: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
Christ spoke to his apostles the words of life concerning the kingdom of God by saying: When you see Me shining with the unapproachable light, you shall know that the Father is in Me, and you will joyfully cry out: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
My friends and disciples, you shall overcome the power of the Gentiles, and their riches shall be your boast; for when I appear shining more brilliantly than the sun, you shall be filled with glory and joyfully cry out: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.
Glory… Now…
Just as He promised, Christ appeared in glory today on Mount Tabor, clearly revealing to his disciples the image and reflection of his divinity. Filled with the divine brightness and splendour, the disciples cried out: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.
Katavasia When Israel walked upon the deep sea as upon dry land, they saw Pharaoh, their pursuer, drowning; and they exclaimed: Let us sing a hymn of victory to God.

Ode 3
Irmos The weak have clothed themselves with strength, and the weapon of the mighty has become powerless; therefore, my heart is strengthened in the Lord.
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
O Christ, You have clothed yourself completely in the nature of Adam, thereby refashioning what had been corrupted. Through your becoming human, You transfigured and glorified our nature.
Glory… Now…
In ancient times Christ led Israel through the desert by means of a pillar of fire and a cloud; today He brilliantly shines forth in glory upon Mount Tabor.
Katavasia The weak have clothed themselves with strength, and the weapon of the mighty has become powerless; therefore, my heart is strengthened in the Lord.

Small Ekteny

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
You were transfigured on Mount Tabor, Christ God,* between Moses and Elijah the wise,* in the presence of James, Peter and John;* and Peter as he stood there, spoke to You:* it would be good to make three tabernacles here:* one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for You, Christ our Master.* You have shone on them with your light, now enlighten our souls!

Ode 4
Irmos O Christ our God, your wondrous plan of salvation has been revealed to me: how your birth from a Virgin would rescue from the power of evil those who call upon You by saying: Glory to your power, O Lord!
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
You appeared upon Mount Sinai, O Christ our God, in the midst of a cloud, the fire and darkness, the thunder and storm. It was there You revealed the written Law. Glory to your power, O Lord!
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
O Christ, as eternal God You make your dwelling in the heavens; as a sign of your glorious plan of salvation, You brilliantly shone forth in glory on Mount Tabor.
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
In ancient times You appeared to your servants amid clouds of fire, darkness, and the whisper of the wind, and spoke with them, O Christ our Master. Glory to your power, O Lord!
Glory… Now…
Moses, who had previously recognized You in the fire of the burning bush, and Elijah, who was taken up into heaven in a fiery chariot, appeared with You on Tabor and revealed your death upon the Cross.
Katavasia O Christ our God, your wondrous plan of salvation has been revealed to me: how your birth from a Virgin would rescue from the power of evil those who call upon You by saying: Glory to your power, O Lord!

Ode 5
Irmos In the beginning You, as their Creator, separated the light from the darkness so that your works may glorify You in light, O Christ. Now guide our steps in the light of your paths.
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
When You deigned to transform our human nature, O Christ, the mountains prostrated before You; and the sun placed its brilliant rays of light, which fill the heavens, at your feet.
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
Moses and Elijah praised the Saviour on Mount Tabor, and their words lingered in the ears of the disciples: Behold Christ whom we have proclaimed in former times as our God.
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
The unchangeable nature of God, when united with human nature, shone forth with a brilliant light. It revealed to the apostles of Christ a reflection of the immaterial divinity.
Glory… Now…
When the disciples beheld You, O Christ the eternal Light, radiating the brilliance of the Father, they cried out to You: Guide our steps in the light of your paths.
Katavasia In the beginning You, as their Creator, separated the light from the darkness so that your works may glorify You in light, O Christ. Now guide our steps in the light of your paths.

Ode 6
Irmos When beset with trials, I called to the Lord, and the God of my salvation heard me.
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
Christ our Saviour, shining forth on Mount Tabor as the Light surpassing even the brightness of the sun, has enlightened us.
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
You were transfigured on Mount Tabor, O Christ, thereby overcoming the darkness of error with the glory of your light.
Glory… Now…
The glorious apostles recognized You as God on Mount Tabor, O Christ; and, struck with fear and awe, they fell to their knees before You.
Katavasia When beset with trials, I called to the Lord, and the God of my salvation heard me.

Small Ekteny

Kontakion, Tone 7
You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ our God,* and Your disciples saw Your glory as much as they could;* that when they saw You crucified* they might know that You suffered willingly,* and might proclaim to the world* that You are truly the brightness of the Father.

Ikos
Awake from the lethargy that has overcome you, do not lie there on the ground; and you thoughts which weigh heavily upon my soul, arise and ascend to the summit of godliness. Let us hasten to join Peter and the sons of Zebedee, that we may behold with them the glory of God on Mount Tabor and hear the voice from heaven which they themselves heard. It impelled them to proclaim to the world that they had witnessed the glory of the Father.

Ode 7
Irmos The three youths of Babylon, who were sons of Abraham, trampled upon the flames in the fiery furnace, singing this song of praise: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
When the apostles were clothed in the brilliance of your dazzling radiance on Mount Tabor, O Christ, they cried out: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
O Christ, the apostles rejoiced in your glorious majesty, in the revelation of the divine voice, and in the cloud that rained dew, and they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
When Peter beheld your unapproachable glory on Mount Tabor, O Christ, he cried out: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!
Glory… Now…
The sons of Zebedee were with Christ, the Source of life, when He shone with divine brightness, and they sang out: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!
Katavasia The three youths of Babylon, who were sons of Abraham, trampled upon the flames in the fiery furnace, singing this song of praise: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!

Ode 8
Irmos Zealously aflame with love of God, the three youths courageously conquered the threat of the wicked king in Babylon. They stood in the midst of the fire as though covered with dew – and sang: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
Your feet have ascended Mount Tabor, O Lord, even though You keep all things in existence by your will. At that time your face became brighter than the light of the sun; and present with You were the chosen of the Law and the Prophets, singing: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
When the glory of the Father who bestows majesty to all creation, the infinite Light that knows no evening, indescribably appeared in brilliant glory on Mount Tabor, He deified our human nature so that all may sing: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
Overcome with awe, Moses and Elijah clearly witnessed the appearance of Christ on Mount Tabor. Seeing his divine person brilliantly shining with the brightness of the Father, they sang: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Refrain: Glory to your holy Transfiguration, O Lord!
In times past, the face of Moses was radiant when he heard the divine voice in the darkness, but Christ clothes himself with light and glory as with a robe. For He who is the Creator of light by nature gives light to those who sing: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Glory… Now…
When the disciples beheld Christ on Mount Tabor surrounded by a cloud of light, they fell to the ground. Filled with spiritual brightness, they praised Him, together with the Father and the Spirit, by singing this hymn: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Katavasia Zealously aflame with love of God, the three youths courageously conquered the threat of the wicked king in Babylon. They stood in the midst of the fire as though covered with dew – and sang: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!

Magnificat is omitted

Ode 9
Megalynarion: O my soul, extol the Lord transfigured on Mount Tabor.
Irmos You gave birth without blemish; for it was God who came forth from your womb, appearing in the flesh upon the earth and dwelling among us. Therefore, O Mother of God, we all extol you.
Megalynarion: O my soul, extol the Lord transfigured on Mount Tabor.
Overcome with awe and enlightened with a heavenly brightness, the disciples looked at one another and fell to the ground in their fear and worshiped You, O Master of all.
Megalynarion: O my soul, extol the Lord transfigured on Mount Tabor.
Confirming this mystery, the voice of God was heard from the cloud; for the Father of lights spoke to the apostles and said: This is my beloved Son. Hear Him!
Megalynarion: O my soul, extol the Lord transfigured on Mount Tabor.
The disciples of the Word beheld an extraordinary mystery on Tabor; and when they heard the voice of the Father, they cried out: This is our Saviour, the Image of the Father.
Glory… Now…
We praise You, along with the Father and the Spirit, O faithful Image of the One-Who-Is, O Seal that cannot be taken away or changed, Son and Word, Wisdom and Arm of God, Right Hand and Power of the Most High.
Irmos You gave birth without blemish; for it was God who came forth from your womb, appearing in the flesh upon the earth and dwelling among us. Therefore, O Mother of God, we all extol you.

Hymn of Light, Tone 2
O Word and unchangeable Light,* O Light of the Unbegotten Father,* today we see in your light on Tabor* the light of the Father and the light of the Spirit* which gives light to the whole world.

At the Praises

In Tone 4

Before your noble suffering and cross, O Master,
You took your chosen apostles to Mount Tabor,
showing them your glory.
When they saw You transfigured and more brilliant than the sun,
they fell to the ground and cried out:
You are the eternal Light and the radiance of the Father;
and although unchanged, You appear in the flesh.

Before your noble suffering and cross, O Master,
You took your chosen apostles to Mount Tabor,
showing them your glory.
When they saw You transfigured and more brilliant than the sun,
they fell to the ground and cried out:
You are the eternal Light and the radiance of the Father;
and although unchanged, You appear in the flesh.

O God the Word, You are from all eternity,
and You are clothed with light as with a robe.
Transfigured before your disciples, You shone more brightly than the sun.
Moses and Elijah stood at your side
revealing You as Lord of the living and the dead.
They glorified your ineffable work of salvation,
your mercy, and great compassion,
by which You saved the world which was lost in sin.

You were born of a virginal cloud and became flesh
and were transfigured on Mount Tabor, O Lord.
A bright cloud surrounded You;
the voice of the Father clearly told the disciples that You are his beloved Son,
for You are the same essence as He and You share his throne.
At this sight, Peter spoke with wonder and said:
is good for us to be here.
He did not realize what he said, O most merciful Benefactor.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Christ took his disciples, Peter, James, and John,
and was transfigured on a high mountain in their presence.
His face became as bright as the sun,
and his garments were whiter than the snow.
Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Him,
and a bright cloud came over them;
a voice was heard from the clouds, saying:
This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!

Troparion, Tone 7
You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God** O Giver of Light, glory to You!

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DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; Your lightning lit up the world.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
You have clothed Yourself in praise and splendour; You robe Yourself in light as with a cloak.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

Antiphon 3
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Sion which cannot be moved.
Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!
The mountains surround it, and the Lord surrounds His people henceforth and forever.
Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!
Lord, who will stay in Your dwelling place, or abide on Your holy mountain?
Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!
Who will ascend the Lord’s mountain, or stand in His holy place?
Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

Entrance
Lord, send forth Your light and Your truth, these have guided and led me to Your holy mountain.

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* showing Your glory to Your disciples as much as they could bear.* Make Your eternal light shine* also on us who are sinners,* through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Giver of Light, glory to You!

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

Kontakion, Tone 7: You were transfigured on the mount, O Christ God,* and Your disciples saw Your glory as much as they could;* that when they saw You crucified* they might know that You suffered willingly*, and might proclaim to the world* that You are truly the brightness of the Father.

Prokeimenon, 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. (Psalm 103:24,1)

Epistle
2 Peter 1:10-19

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Yours are the heavens, and Yours the earth.
verse: Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, they will walk in the light of Your countenance, O Lord. (Psalm 88:12,16)

Gospel
Matthew 17:1-9

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the Lord transfigured on the mountain.
And the Irmos, Tone 4: Your giving birth was received as incorrupt; for it was God who came forth from your womb; He appeared on earth in the flesh, and made His dwelling among us. Thus, O Mother of God, all of us magnify you.

Communion Hymn
We will walk in the light of Your face, O Lord,* and rejoice in Your name forever.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 88:16,17)