When our Lord reached thirty years from His physical birth, He began His teaching and salvific work. He Himself signified this “beginning of the beginning” by His baptism in the Jordan river. St. Cyril of Jerusalem says, ” The beginning of the world – water; the beginning of the Good News – Jordan.” At the time of the baptism of the Lord in water, that mystery was declared to the world: that mystery which was prophesied in the Old Testament; the mystery about which in ancient Egypt and India was only fabled; i.e., the mystery of the Divine Holy Trinity. The Father was revealed to the sense of hearing; the Spirit was revealed to the sense of sight, and in addition to these, the Son was revealed to the sense of touch. The Father uttered His witness about the Son, the Son was baptized in the water, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove hovered above the water. When John the Baptist witnessed and said about Christ, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world”
(St. John 1:29), and when John immersed and baptized the Lord in the Jordan, the mission of Christ in the world and the path of our salvation was shown. That is to say: The Lord took upon Himself the sins of mankind and died under them [immersion] and became alive again [the coming out of the water]; and we must die as the old sinful man and become alive again as cleansed, renewed and regenerated. This is the Savior and this is the path of salvation. The Feast of the Epiphany [Theophany in Greek] is also called the Feast of Illumination. For us, the event in the Jordan river illuminates, by manifesting to us God as Trinity, consubstantial and undivided. That is one way. And, the second: everyone of us through baptism in water is illumined by this, that we become adopted by the Father of Lights through the merits of the Son and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Prologue of Ohrid)
GREAT VESPERS
Note: As Theophany falls on a Monday this year, Great Vespers is served without the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 2
8. The Forerunner beheld our Enlightenment,
Who has brought light to all mankind,
draw near for baptism:
and he rejoiced in soul while his hand trembled.
And he showed Him to the people, saying:
“Behold, the Redeemer of Israel,
Who sets us free from corruption.”
O sinless Christ our God, glory to You.
7. The Forerunner beheld our Enlightenment,
Who has brought light to all mankind,
draw near for baptism:
and he rejoiced in soul while his hand trembled.
And he showed Him to the people, saying:
“Behold, the Redeemer of Israel,
Who sets us free from corruption.”
O sinless Christ our God, glory to You.
6. The hosts of angels were filled with fear,
as they saw our Deliverer baptized by a servant
and receiving witness through the coming of the Spirit.
And the Father’s voice was heard from on high:
“He upon Whom the Forerunner lays his hand,
the same is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.”
O Christ our God, glory to You.
5. The hosts of angels were filled with fear,
as they saw our Deliverer baptized by a servant
and receiving witness through the coming of the Spirit.
And the Father’s voice was heard from on high:
“He upon Whom the Forerunner lays his hand,
the same is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.”
O Christ our God, glory to You.
4. The streams of the Jordan received You Who are the fountain,
and the Comforter descended in the form of a dove.
He Who bowed the heavens, bowed His head,
and the clay cried aloud to Him that formed him:
“Why do You command of me what lies beyond my power?
For I have need to be baptized of You.”
O sinless Christ our God, glory to You.
3. The streams of the Jordan received You Who are the fountain,
and the Comforter descended in the form of a dove.
He Who bowed the heavens, bowed His head,
and the clay cried aloud to Him that formed him:
“Why do You command of me what lies beyond my power?
For I have need to be baptized of You.”
O sinless Christ our God, glory to You.
2. Wishing to save man gone astray,
You have not disdained to clothe Yourself in the form of a servant.
For it befitted You, as Master and God,
to take upon Yourself our nature for our sakes.
For You, O Deliverer, have been baptized in the flesh,
making us worthy of forgiveness.
Therefore, we cry to You:
“O Christ our God and Benefactor, glory to You.
1. Wishing to save man gone astray,
You have not disdained to clothe Yourself in the form of a servant.
For it befitted You, as Master and God,
to take upon Yourself our nature for our sakes.
For You, O Deliverer, have been baptized in the flesh,
making us worthy of forgiveness.
Therefore, we cry to You:
“O Christ our God and Benefactor, glory to You.
Glory… Now…
You have bowed Your head before the Forerunner
and have crushed the heads of the dragons.
You have descended into the waters,
and have given light to all things,
that they may glorify You, O Saviour,
the Enlightenment of our souls.
Entrance with the Gospel
Prokeimenon
of the day
Readings
Genesis 1: 1-13;
Exodus 14: 15-18, 21-23, 27-29
Exodus 15: 22- 16: 1
Then the priest intones the entire text of the following Troparion in Tone 5:
O Creator of the world, You have appeared in the world to give light to those that sit in darkness. Glory to You who love mankind.
When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion:
To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.
Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 66 (67), and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.
God, be merciful to us and bless us; make the light of Your face shine upon us and have mercy on us. That we may know Your way upon earth, Your salvation among all nations.
Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.
Let the peoples give praise to You O God, may all the peoples give praise to You. Let the nations be glad and rejoice, for You will judge the peoples with justice and guide the nations on earth.
Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.
Let the peoples give praise to You, O God, may all the peoples give praise to You.
Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.
The earth has yielded her fruit; may God, our God, bless us. May God bless us, and let all the ends of the earth fear Him.
Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.
Then the priest intones the first half of the Troparion:
O Creator of the world, You have appeared in the world.
And we conclude:
To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.
Joshua the Son of Nun 3:7-8, 15-17
The Fourth Book of Kings (2 Kings) 2:6-14
The Fourth Book of Kings (2 Kings) 5:9-14
Then the priest intones another Troparion in Tone 6:
In the greatness of Your compassion You have revealed Yourself, O our Savior, to sinners and publicans. For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.
When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion:
For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.
Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 92 (93), and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.
The Lord is King; He is clothed with beauty; the Lord is clothed with strength and has girded Himself. For He has established the world which shall not be shaken.
Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.
Your throne is prepared from of old; You are from everlasting.
Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord; the floods have lifted up their voices. The floods shall lift up their breakers with the noise of many waters.
Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.
Wonderful are the surging waves of the sea; wonderful is the Lord on high. Your testimonies have become exceedingly credible; holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.
Then the priest intones the first half of the Troparion:
In the greatness of Your compassion You have revealed Yourself, O our Savior, to sinners and publicans.
And we conclude:
For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.
Isaiah 1:16-20
Genesis 32:1-10
Exodus 2:5-10
Judges 6:36-40
The Third Book of Kings (1 Kings) 18:30-39
The Fourth Book of Kings (2 Kings) 2:19-22
Isaiah 49:8-15
Small Litany
Prokeimenon, Tone 3
The Lord is my light and my Saviour* whom shall I fear (whom shall I fear).
verse: The Lord is the protector of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.
Epistle
1 Corinthians: 9: 19-27
Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: My heart erupts with a goodly theme; I address my words to the king.
verse: You are the most splendidly beautiful of men.
Gospel
Luke 3: 1-18
Litany of Supplication
Deign, O Lord
Litany
Great Blessing of the Water
FESTAL MATINS
The Lord Is God, Tone 1
Troparion, Tone 1
At Your Baptism in the Jordan river, O Christ,* the worship due to the Holy Trinity was made manifest,* for the voice of the Father bore You witness by calling You “Beloved Son”* and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove,* confirmed the immutability of this declaration.* O Christ God, who came forth and filled the world with light: * Glory to You! (2)
Glory… Now…
At Your Baptism in the Jordan river, O Christ,* the worship due to the Holy Trinity was made manifest,* for the voice of the Father bore You witness by calling You “Beloved Son”* and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove,* confirmed the immutability of this declaration.* O Christ God, who came forth and filled the world with light: * Glory to You!
Kathisma 2 & Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I
In Tone 3 You have appeared, O Saviour Christ, in the Jordan* and were baptized by the Forerunner:* and testimony was borne to You, that You are the Beloved Son.* So You were revealed as co-eternal with the Father,* and the Holy Spirit descended upon You.* Enlightened by You, we cry: Glory to God in Trinity.
In Tone 4, Glory… Now…
You have sanctified the streams of the Jordan* and crushed the power of sin, O Christ our God.* You have bowed Your head beneath the hand of the Forerunner,* and have delivered mankind from error.* Therefore we pray to You: save Your world.
Kathisma 3 & Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II
In Tone 5 You have wrapped Yourself in the stream of the Jordan,* O You who gloriously clothe Yourself in light,* and You have renewed therein the nature of Adam,* broken by evil disobedience, O Word of God.* Therefore, we praise You and glorify Your holy Epiphany.
In Tone 4, Glory… Now…
O river Jordan, what have you seen to be amazed?* He said, “I have seem Him naked Who cannot be seen, and I trembled.* How should I not tremble before Him and turn back?”* The angles, beholding Him, were afraid:* heaven was filled with wonder and the earth shook,* the sea and all things visible and invisible withdrew.* Christ has appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters.
Polyeleos
Exaltation
We extol You,* O Christ the Giver of life,* for You were baptized for us this day in the flesh by John* in the waters of the Jordan.
verse: O God, be gracious and bless us, and let Your face shine upon us, and have mercy on us.
verse: The Lord thundered from heaven; the Most High made His voice resound.
verse: The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the waters have lifted up their voice.
verse: The waters saw You, O God, the waters saw You and were afraid.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory be to You, O God. (3)
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
O you faithful, come and see where Christ was baptized,* that we may further follow Him to the river Jordan,* and so may draw near to the voice crying in the wilderness,* and behold there how the Creator of Adam suffers His head* to be touched by the hand of a servant in His ineffable loving-kindness.* And let us cry aloud to Him:* You have come and appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters.
Glory… Now…
O you faithful, come and see where Christ was baptized,* that we may further follow Him to the river Jordan,* and so may draw near to the voice crying in the wilderness,* and behold there how the Creator of Adam suffers His head* to be touched by the hand of a servant in His ineffable loving-kindness.* And let us cry aloud to Him:* You have come and appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters.
Gradual Hymns
1st Antiphon, Tone 4
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
The sea fled at the sight;* the Jordan turned back on its course.
verse: What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? And you, O Jordan, that you turned back?
Let Everything That Has Breath, Tone 4
Gospel
Mark 1:9-11
After Psalm 50, Tone 6
Glory…
All creation* is filled with rejoicing* for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.
Now…
All creation* is filled with rejoicing* for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.
Have mercy on me, God, in your loving kindness, according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.
God the Word appeared to mankind in the flesh.* Ready for baptism, He stood in the Jordan and the Forerunner said to Him:* “How shall I stretch forth my hand and touch the head of Him that rules all things?* Though You are the child of Mary,* yet I do know You to be the pre-eternal God.* You whose praises the seraphim sing walk upon the earth.* And I who am but a servant know not how to baptize the Master.”* O Lord past all understanding, glory to You.
Canon
Ode 1, Tone 2
Irmos The Lord mighty in battle uncovered the foundation of the deep and led His servants on dry ground; but He covered their adversaries with the waters, for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Lord, King of the ages, in the streams of the Jordan formed Adam anew, who was fallen into corruption, and He broke in pieces the heads of the dragons that were hidden there: for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Lord, incarnate of the Virgin, having clothed material flesh with the immaterial fire of His divinity, wraps Himself in the waters of the Jordan, for He has been glorified.
Glory… Now…
The Lord who purges away the filth of men was cleansed in the Jordan for heir sake, having of His own will made Himself like unto them, while still remaining that which He was; and He enlightens those in darkness, for He has been glorified.
* * *
Irmos Israel passed through the storm-tossed deep of the sea, that God had turned into dry land: but the dark waters completely covered the chief captains of Egypt in a watery grave through the mighty strength of the right hand of the Master.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the Light of the Dawn shone forth upon mortal men, coming from the desert to the streams of the Jordan, You, the King of the Sun, have bowed Your head before him, so that you might snatch our forefather from the land of darkness, and cleanse the creation from all its filth.
Glory… Now…
O Word without beginning, You have buried man with You in the stream: he was corrupted by error, but You make him new again. And the Father testified to You ineffably, saying with a mighty voice: “This is My beloved Child, equal to Me by nature.”
Katavasia The Lord mighty in battle uncovered the foundation of the deep and led His servants on dry ground; but He covered their adversaries with the waters, for He has been glorified.
Katavasia Israel passed through the storm-tossed deep of the sea, that God had turned into dry land: but the dark waters completely covered the chief captains of Egypt in a watery grave through the mighty strength of the right hand of the Master.
Ode 3, Tone 2
Irmos The Lord who gives strength to our kings and exalts the horn of His anointed, is born of a Virgin and comes to baptism. Therefore, let us the faithful cry aloud: None is holy as our God and none is righteous save You, O Lord.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Rejoice today, O Church of Christ, that before was barren and sadly childless. For through water and the Spirit sons have been born to you, who raise they cry in faith: Non is holy as our God and none is righteous save You, O Lord.
Glory… Now…
With a loud voice the Forerunner cries in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of Christ and make straight the paths for our God, raising your cry in faith: None is holy as our God and none is righteous save You, O Lord.”
* * *
Irmos From the ancient snares have we all been set loose, and the jaws of the devouring lions have been broken: Let us then rejoice exceedingly and open wide our mouths, weaving with words a melody to the Word whose delight it is to bestow gifts upon us.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
He who once assumed the appearance of a malignant serpent and implanted death in the creation, is now cast into darkness by Christ’s coming in the flesh: and by assailing the Master, the Dawn that has shone forth upon us, He crushes his own hateful and loathsome head.
Glory… Now…
The Master draws to Himself the nature made by God, which had been overcome by the tyranny of greed. A new birth He grants to the dwellers upon earth, fashioning them afresh, thereby accomplishing a glorious work: for He has come to deliver and protect mankind.
Katavasia The Lord who gives strength to our kings and exalts the horn of His anointed, is born of a Virgin and comes to baptism. Therefore, let us the faithful cry aloud: None is holy as our God and none is righteous save You, O Lord.
Katavasia From the ancient snares have we all been set loose, and the jaws of the devouring lions have been broken: Let us then rejoice exceedingly and open wide our mouths, weaving with words a melody to the Word whose delight it is to bestow gifts upon us.
Small Litany
Hypakoi, Tone 5
When You brought light to all things by Your Epiphany, the salt sea of unbelief fled and the Jordan was turned back towards its source, thereby exalting us to heaven. By the height of Your divine commandments, preserve us through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Christ our God, and have mercy on us.
Ode 4
Irmos He whom You have called, O Lord, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness,” heard Your voice when You thundered upon many waters, bearing witness to Your Son. Wholly filled with the Spirit that had come, he cried aloud: “You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“Who has ever seen the sun that is bright by nature being cleansed?” the Preacher cried. “How then shall I wash You in the waters, You who are the Brightness of the Glory, the Image of the everlasting Father” How shall I that am grass touch with my hand the fire of Your divinity? For You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“Moses, when he came upon You, displayed the holy reverence that he felt: perceiving that it was Your voice that spoke from the bush, he forthwith turned away his gaze. How then shall I behold You openly, how shall I lay my hand upon You? For You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.”
Glory… Now…
“Endowed with an understanding soul and honoured with the power of reason, I yet respect the things that have no soul. For is I baptize You, I shall have as my accusers the mountain that smoked with fire, the sea which fled on either side, and this same Jordan which turned back. For You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.”
* * *
Irmos Cleansed by the fire of a mystic vision the Prophet sang the praises of the renewal of mortal man. Filled with the inspiration of the Spirit, he raised his voice, telling of the Incarnation of the ineffable Word, Who has shattered the dominion of the strong.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O Word all-shining, sent forth from the Father, You come to dispel utterly the dark and evil night and the sins of mortal men, and by Your baptism to draw up with You, O blessed Lord, bright sons from the streams of the Jordan.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When he saw in very truth the glorious Word, the Preacher cried out plainly to the creation: “This is He who was before me, though He comes after me according to the flesh. Like us in form, He has shone forth in the strength of the Godhead, to drive away our hateful sin.”
Glory… Now…
That He may lead us back to the life-giving pastures of Paradise, God the Word goes searching for us in the lairs of the dragons. Destroying the terrible snares which the enemy had laid for man, He makes a prisoner of him who bruised all mankind in the heel, and so He saves creation.
Katavasia He whom You have called, O Lord, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness,” heard Your voice when You thundered upon many waters, bearing witness to Your Son. Wholly filled with the Spirit that had come, he cried aloud: “You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.”
Katavasia Cleansed by the fire of a mystic vision the Prophet sang the praises of the renewal of mortal man. Filled with the inspiration of the Spirit, he raised his voice, telling of the Incarnation of the ineffable Word, Who has shattered the dominion of the strong.
Ode 5
Irmos Jesus, the Prince of Life, has come to set loose from condemnation Adam the first-formed man; and though as God He needs no cleansing, yet for the sake of fallen man He is cleansed in the Jordan. In its streams He slew the enmity and grants the peace that passes all understanding.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
A multitude without number came to be baptized by John; and standing in their midst he raised his voice, saying: “You who are disobedient, who has warned you to shun the wrath to come? Offer worthy fruits to Christ, for He is present now and grants peace.”
Glory… Now…
The Husbandman and Creator stands in men’s’ midst as one of them and searches their hearts. In His hand He has taken the winnowing fan, and in the fullness of His wisdom He cleanses the threshing floor of the whole world, dividing wheat from chaff, burning the barren and granting eternal life to those that bring forth good fruit.
* * *
Irmos By the cleansing of the Spirit have we been washed from the poison of the dark and unclean enemy, and we have set out upon a new path free from error, that leads to gladness of heart past all attainment, which only they attain whom God has reconciled unto Himself.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Maker saw in the obscurity of sin, in bonds that knew no escape, the man whom He had formed with His own hand. Raising him up, He laid him on His shoulders, and now in abundant floods He washes him clean from the ancient shame of Adam’s sinfulness.
Glory… Now…
In piety and eagerness let us run to the undefiled fountains of the stream of salvation, and let us look upon the Word who gives us to drink from pure waters that satisfy our holy thirst: and gently He heals the disease of the world.
Katavasia Jesus, the Prince of Life, has come to set loose from condemnation Adam the first-formed man; and though as God He needs no cleansing, yet for the sake of fallen man He is cleansed in the Jordan. In its streams He slew the enmity and grants the peace that passes all understanding.
Katavasia By the cleansing of the Spirit have we been washed from the poison of the dark and unclean enemy, and we have set out upon a new path free from error, that leads to gladness of heart past all attainment, which only they attain whom God has reconciled unto Himself.
Ode 6
Irmos The Voice of the Word, the Candlestick of the Light, the Morning Star and Forerunner of the Sun, cried in the wilderness to all the peoples: “Repent and be cleansed while there is yet time. For lo, Christ is at hand, who delivers the world from corruption.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Christ was begotten without change from God the Father, and made flesh without defilement from the Virgin: and as the Forerunner teaches, it is not possible to lose the latchet of His shoes, the bond that joins the Word to our nature. He it is who delivers those born on earth from error.
Glory… Now…
Christ baptizes in the fire of the Last Day those who are disobedient and believe not that He is God: but through the Spirit and by the grace that comes through water He grants a new birth to all who acknowledge His divinity, delivering them from their faults.
* * *
Irmos The Father in a voice full of joy made manifest His Beloved whom He had begotten from the womb. He said, “Truly this is My offspring, of the same nature as Myself: bearing light, he has come forth from mankind, My living Word, in divine providence made a mortal man.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Prophet, mysteriously swallowed up for the space f three nights in the belly of the sea monster, came forth again, making manifest beforehand to all our regeneration at the last times and our deliverance from the dragon that slays mankind.
Glory… Now…
When the shining vaults of heaven were opened, He who knew the mysteries saw the Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and rests on the immaculate Word, descending in ways past speech in the form of a dove: and he commanded the multitudes to hasten to the Master.
Katavasia The Voice of the Word, the Candlestick of the Light, the Morning Star and Forerunner of the Sun, cried in the wilderness to all the peoples: “Repent and be cleansed while there is yet time. For lo, Christ is at hand, who delivers the world from corruption.”
Katavasia The Father in a voice full of joy made manifest His Beloved whom He had begotten from the womb. He said, “Truly this is My offspring, of the same nature as Myself: bearing light, he has come forth from mankind, My living Word, in divine providence made a mortal man.”
Small Litany
Kontakion, Tone 4 You have appeared today to the inhabited earth,* and Your light, O Lord, has been marked upon us,* who with knowledge,* sing Your praise:* You have come, You are made manifest,* the Light that no one can approach.
Ikos Upon Galilee of the Gentiles, upon the land of Zabulon and the land of Nephthalim, as the prophet said, a great light has shone, even Christ. To those that sat in darkness a bright dawn has appeared as lightning from Bethlehem. The Lord born from Mary, the Sun of Righteousness, sheds His rays upon the whole inhabited earth. Come then, naked children of Adam, and let us clothe ourselves in Him, that we may warm ourselves. You who are a protection and veil to the naked, a light to those in darkness, You have come, You are made manifest, the Light that no one can approach.
Ode 7
Irmos The breath of the wind heavy with dew and the descent of the angel of God preserved the Holy Children from all harm, as they walked in the fiery furnace. Refreshed with dew in the flames, they sang in thanksgiving: “Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our fathers.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
In trembling and wonder as if in heaven, the angelic powers stood by the Jordan, watching the great condescension of God: how He who holds dominion over the waters that are above the firmament stood in the waters in bodily form, he who is the God of our fathers.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The sea and cloud in which the people of Israel were once baptized by Moses the Lawgiver, as hey journeyed from Egypt, prefigured the wonder of the baptism of God. he sea was an image of the water and the cloud an image of the Spirit, whereby we are initiated and cry aloud: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.
Glory… Now…
O let us all, the faithful, discoursing on divine things, join the angels in never-silent hymn to glorify the God in whom we have received initiation, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Trinity, consubstantial in Persons yet one God, to whom we sing: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers.
* * *
Irmos He who stilled the heat of the flame of the furnace that mounted high in the air and encircled the godly Children, burnt the heads of the dragons in the stream of the Jordan: and with the dew of the Spirit He washes away all the stubborn obscurity of sin.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The fierce Assyrian flame that prefigured You has been quenched by You, changing it to dew: and now You have clothed Yourself in water, O Christ, and so burn up the evil spoiler hidden in its depths, who calls men to follow the path that leads to destruction.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Of old the Jordan was parted in two, and the people of Israel passed over on a narrow piece of dry land, prefiguring You, O Lord most powerful, who now makes haste to bear the creation down into the stream, bringing it to a better and changeless path.
Glory… Now…
We know that in the beginning You brought upon the world the all-ruining flood, unto the lamentable destruction of all things, O God who reveal wonders more great and strange: and now, O Christ, You have drowned sin in the waters unto the comfort and salvation of mortal men.
Katavasia The breath of the wind heavy with dew and the descent of the angel of God preserved the Holy Children from all harm, as they walked in the fiery furnace. Refreshed with dew in the flames, they sang in thanksgiving: “Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our fathers.”
Katavasia He who stilled the heat of the flame of the furnace that mounted high in the air and encircled the godly Children, burnt the heads of the dragons in the stream of the Jordan: and with the dew of the Spirit He washes away all the stubborn obscurity of sin.
Ode 8
Irmos The Babylonian furnace, as it poured forth dew, foreshadowed a marvellous mystery: how the Jordan should receive in its streams the immaterial fire, and should encompass the Creator, when he was baptized in the flesh. All you peoples, bless and exalt Him above all forever.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Deliverer said to the Forerunner: “Cast aside all fear and, obedient to My command, draw near Me, for by nature I am good and full of love. Yield to My ordinance and baptize Me, who have come down in condescension, whom the peoples bless and exalt forever.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the Baptist heard the Master’s words, he stretched out his hand in trembling; and as he touched the head of his Creator, he cried aloud to Him who was baptized: “Sanctify me, for You are my God, whom the peoples bless and exalt above all forever.”
Glory… Now…
The Trinity was made manifest in the Jordan. For, supreme in Godhead, the Father proclaimed, saying, “He who is here baptized is My beloved Son,” and the Spirit rested upon His Equal in Godhead, whom the peoples bless and exalt above all forever.
* * *
Irmos The creation finds itself free, and those in darkness are now made sons of light: alone the prince of darkness groans. Let all the inheritance of the nations, that was before in misery, now bless with eagerness Him who has wrought this change.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The three godly Children who were sprinkled with the dew of fire plainly prefigured how the Most High God, who shines with the bright rays of a threefold holiness, should mingle with mortal men, to their great blessing, consuming all deadly error in the fire of dew.
Glory… Now…
Let the whole earthly creation clothe itself in white, for this day it is raised up from it fall from heaven. The Word who preserves all things has cleansed it in the flowing waters: washed and resplendent, it has escaped from its former sins.
Katavasia The Babylonian furnace, as it poured forth dew, foreshadowed a marvellous mystery: how the Jordan should receive in its streams the immaterial fire, and should encompass the Creator, when he was baptized in the flesh. All you peoples, bless and exalt Him above all forever.
Katavasia The creation finds itself free, and those in darkness are now made sons of light: alone the prince of darkness groans. Let all the inheritance of the nations, that was before in misery, now bless with eagerness Him who has wrought this change.
Ode 9
O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honour than the hosts on high
Irmos Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good accept our faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.
O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honour than the hosts on high
Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good accept our faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.
O David, come in spirit to those who are now to be enlightened and sing: “Approach now to God in faith and receive enlightenment. Fallen Adam, the poor man, cried and the Lord heard him: he has come and in the streams of the Jordan He has made him new again, who was sunk in corruption.”
O my soul, magnify Him who receives baptism from the Forerunner.
O David, come in spirit to those who are now to be enlightened and sing: “Approach now to God in faith and receive enlightenment. Fallen Adam, the poor man, cried and the Lord heard him: he has come and in the streams of the Jordan He has made him new again, who was sunk in corruption.”
O my soul, magnify Him to whom the voice of the Father bore witness.
“Wash you, make you clean,” says Isaiah. “Put away the evil of your doings from before the Lord. Everyone that thirsts, come to the living waters: for Christ will sprinkle with water of renewal those who hasten to Him in faith, and He baptizes them with the Spirit unto life that grows not old.”
O my soul, magnify one of the Trinity who bowed His head and received baptism.
“Wash you, make you clean,” says Isaiah. “Put away the evil of your doings from before the Lord. Everyone that thirsts, come to the living waters: for Christ will sprinkle with water of renewal those who hasten to Him in faith, and He baptizes them with the Spirit unto life that grows not old.”
“O Prophet, come to Me: stretch out your hand and baptize Me swiftly.”
Let us the faithful, keep ourselves safe through grace and through the seal of baptism. In the past the Hebrews fled destruction by marking the doors posts with blood; so also this divine washing unto regeneration shall be our Exodus, and going hence, we shall behold the light of the Trinity that never sets.
“O Prophet, come to Me: stretch out your hand and baptize Me swiftly.”
Let us the faithful, keep ourselves safe through grace and through the seal of baptism. In the past the Hebrews fled destruction by marking the doors posts with blood; so also this divine washing unto regeneration shall be our Exodus, and going hence, we shall behold the light of the Trinity that never sets.
* * *
Today the Master bows His head beneath the hand of the Forerunner.
Irmos O most pure Bride, O blessed Mother, the wonders of your birth-giving pass all understanding. Through you we have obtained salvation in all things, and, as is right and meet, we rejoice before you our Benefactor, bearing as gift a song of thanksgiving.
Today John baptizes the Master in the streams of the Jordan.
O most pure Bride, O blessed Mother, the wonders of your birth-giving pass all understanding. Through you we have obtained salvation in all things, and, as is right and meet, we rejoice before you our Benefactor, bearing as gift a song of thanksgiving.
Today the Master buries in the waters the sin of mortal man.
Today the Master receives testimony from on high that He is the beloved Son.
That which was revealed to Moses in the bush we see accomplished here in a strange manner. The Virgin bore Fire within her, yet was not consumed when she gave birth to the Benefactor who brings us light, and the streams of the Jordan suffered no harm when they received Him.
Today the Master has come to sanctify the nature of the waters.
Today the Master receives baptism at the hand of the Forerunner.
That which was revealed to Moses in the bush we see accomplished here in a strange manner. The Virgin bore Fire within her, yet was not consumed when she gave birth to the Benefactor who brings us light, and the streams of the Jordan suffered no harm when they received Him.
O my soul magnify the power of the undivided Godhead in three Persons.
O King without beginning, through the communion of the Spirit, you anoint and make perfect the nature of mankind. You have cleansed it in the undefiled streams, putting to shame the arrogant force of darkness, and now You translate it unto endless life.
O my soul, magnify her that has delivered us from the curse.
O King without beginning, through the communion of the Spirit, you anoint and make perfect the nature of mankind. You have cleansed it in the undefiled streams, putting to shame the arrogant force of darkness, and now You translate it unto endless life.
O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honour than the hosts on high
Katavasia Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good accept our faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.
Today the Master bows His head beneath the hand of the Forerunner.
Katavasia O most pure Bride, O blessed Mother, the wonders of your birth-giving pass all understanding. Through you we have obtained salvation in all things, and, as is right and meet, we rejoice before you our Benefactor, bearing as gift a song of thanksgiving.
Small Litany
Exapostilarion, Tone 3
The Saviour, who is grace and truth,* has appeared in the streams of the Jordan,* and enlightened those that sleep in darkness and shadow.* For the Light that no man can approach* has come and is made manifest. (3)
At The Praises, In Tone 1
Light from Light, Christ our God has shone upon the world,
God made manifest:
O peoples, let us worship Him.
Light from Light, Christ our God has shone upon the world,
God made manifest:
O peoples, let us worship Him.
O Christ our Master, how shall we Your servants
give You worthy honour?
For You have renewed us all in the waters.
You, O our Saviour, were baptized in the Jordan
and have sanctified the waters:
accepting a servant’s hand upon Your head,
You heal the passions of the world.
Great is the mystery of Your dispensation.
O Lord who loves mankind, glory to You.
The true Light has appeared and bestows enlightenment on all.
Christ who is above all purity is baptized with us;
He brings sanctification to the water
and it becomes a cleansing for our souls.
That which is outward and visible is earthly,
that which is inwardly understood is higher than heaven.
Salvation comes through washing,
and through water the Spirit:
by descending into the water we ascend to God.
Wonderful are Your works, O Lord, glory to You.
He who covers the heaven with clouds
is Himself covered today by the streams of the Jordan;
and He who takes away the sin of the world is cleansed,
that I may be made clean.
The Only-begotten Son of the Most High Father
receives from above the testimony of the consubstantial Spirit.
Unto Him let us cry aloud:
O Christ our God who made Yourself manifest and saved us,
glory to You.
In Tone 6, Glory…
O Saviour who clothe Yourself with light as with a garment,
You have clothed Yourself in the waters of the Jordan;
and You who have measured heaven with a span,
have bowed Your head before the Forerunner,
so that You might turn the world back from error
and save our souls.
Now…
Today Christ has come to be baptized in the Jordan;
today John touches the head of the Master.
the powers of heaven are amazed
as they behold the marvellous mystery.
The sea saw it and fled;
the Jordan at the sight was driven back.
And we who have been enlightened cry aloud:
Glory to God made manifest,
who has appeared upon earth and brought light to the world.
DIVINE LITURGY
Antiphon 1
When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now…
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Antiphon 2
I am filled with love,* for the Lord will hear the voice of my plea.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For He has inclined His ear to me,* and I will call to Him all the days of my life.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
The pangs of death encircled me,* the trials of Hades befell me.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Merciful and just is the Lord;* our God shows compassion.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…
Antiphon 3
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
Therefore, let the house of Israel say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
Therefore, let the house of Aaron say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
Let all who fear the Lord say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
Entrance
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord, we bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord is God and has appeared to us.
Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4 Today, You have appeared to the world* and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us,* who with knowledge sing Your praises.* You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Instead of the Trisagion Hymn
All you, who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.
verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever.
Epistle
Titus 2: 11-15; 3: 4-7
Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.
verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters.
Gospel
Matthew 3: 13-17
Instead of It is truly right we sing:
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan. And the Irmos: Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good accept our faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.
Communion Hymn
The Grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Instead of Blessed is He who comes…, We have seen the true light… we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.
Instead of May our mouths… and Blessed be the Name… we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)
DIVINE LITURGY (UKRAINIAN)
Богоявлення Господа Бога і Спаса нашого
Ісуса Христа – 6 січня
Якщо 6 січня випадає у неділю або понеділок, то згідно Типікону в цей день служиться літургія св. Василія Великого.
Антифон 1
Стих 1: Во ізході Ізраїлевім із Єгипту, дому Якова із людей варварів;* Стала Юдея святиня його, Ізраїль – володіння його (Пс 113,1-2).
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.
Стих 2: Море виділо і побігло, Йордан повернувся назад (Пс 113,3).
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.
Стих 3: Що з тобою, море, що ти побігло, і з тобою, Йордане, що ти повернувся назад? (Пс 113,5)
Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас.
+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові. І нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.
Якщо cпіваємо 2ий aнтифон: Приспів: Молитвами Богородиці, Спасе, спаси нас. Як ні то співаємо: Єдинородний Сину
Антифон 2
Стих 1: Возлюбив я, бо вислухав Господь голос моління мого (Пс 114,1).
Приспів: Спаси нас, Сину Божий, що хрестився в Йордані від Івана, співаємо тобі: Алилуя.
Стих 2: Бо прихилив вухо своє до мене і у дні мої призову (Пс 114,2).
Приспів: Спаси нас, Сину Божий, що хрестився в Йордані…
Стих 3: Обняли мене болісті смерти, біди адові зустріли мене (Пс 114,3).
Приспів: Спаси нас, Сину Божий, що хрестився в Йордані…
Стих 4: Милостивий Господь і праведний і Бог наш милує (Пс 114.4).
Приспів: Спаси нас, Сину Божий, що хрестився в Йордані…
Слава і нині: Єдинородний Сину:
Антифон 3
Стих 1: Сповідуйтеся Господеві, бо він благий, бо на віки милість його (Пс 117,1).
Тропар (глас 1): Коли в Йордані хрестився ти, Господи,* Троїчне явилося поклоніння:* бо Родителя голос свідчив тобі,* возлюбленим Сином тебе називаючи;* і Дух у виді голубинім засвідчив твердість слова.* Явився ти, Христе Боже,* і світ просвітив, слава тобі.
Стих 2: Нехай же скаже дім Ізраїлів, бо він благий, бо на віки милість його (Пс 117,2).
Тропар (глас 1): Коли в Йордані …
Стих 3: Нехай же скаже дім Аронів, бо він благий, бо на віки милість його (Пс 117,3).
Тропар (глас 1): Коли в Йордані …
Стих 4: Нехай же скажуть усі, що бояться Господа, бо він благий, бо на віки милість його (Пс 117,4).
Тропар (глас 1): Коли в Йордані …
Вхідне: Благословен, хто йде в ім’я Господнє, ми благословляли вас із дому Господнього, Бог – Господь і явився нам (Пс 117,26-27).
Тропар (глас 1): Коли в Йордані хрестився ти, Господи,* Троїчне явилося поклоніння:* бо Родителя голос свідчив тобі,* возлюбленим Сином тебе називаючи;* і Дух у виді голубинім засвідчив твердість слова.* Явився ти, Христе Боже,* і світ просвітив, слава тобі.
+Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові. І нині, і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.
Кондак (глас 4): Явився єси днесь вселенній* і світло твоє, Господи, знаменувалося на нас,* що зі зрозумінням оспівуємо тебе:* Прийшов єси і явився єси – Світло неприступне.
Замість Трисвятого: Ви, що в Христа хрестилися, у Христа зодягнулися. Алилуя!
Прокімен (глас 4): Благословен, хто йде в ім’я Господнє,* Бог Господь і явився нам (Пс 117,26-27).
Стих: Сповідуйтеся Господеві, бо він благий, бо на віки милість його (Пс 117,1).
Апостол: (Тит 2,11-14; 3,4-7): Сину Тите, Божа благодать з’явилася спасенна всім людям і навчає нас, щоб ми, зрікшися нечестя та грішних бажань цього світу, жили тверезо, праведно і благочестиво в нинішньому віці, чекаючи блаженної надії і славного з’явлення великого Бога і Спаса нашого Ісуса Христа, який віддав себе самого, щоб викупити нас від усякого беззаконня та щоб очистити собі народ, що був би його власний, ревний до добрих діл. Та коли з’явилась доброта й любов до людей Спаса нашого Бога, він спас нас не ради діл справедливости, які ми були зробили, але з свого милосердя, купіллю відродження і відновленням Святого Духа, якого вилив на нас щедро через Ісуса Христа, нашого Спаса, щоб ми, оправдані його благодаттю, стали згідно з надією спадкоємцями життя вічного.
Алилуя (глас 4): Алилуя, Алилуя, Алилуя!
Стих: Принесіть Господеві, сини Божі, принесіть Господеві молодих баранців (Пс 28,1).
Стих: Глас Господній над водами, Бог слави загремів, Господь над водами великими (Пс 28,3).
Євангеліє: (Мт 3,13-17): Тоді прибув Ісус із Галилеї на Йордан до Йоана, щоб христитися від нього; але Йоан спротивлявся йому, кажучи: “Мені самому треба христитися в тебе, а ти приходиш до мене?” Ісус у відповідь сказав до нього: “Залиши це тепер, так бо личить нам здійснити всяку правду.” І тоді він залишив його. А охристившись, Ісус зараз же вийшов з води. І ось розкрилось йому небо, і він побачив Духа Божого, який спускався, мов голуб, і зійшов на нього. І голос пролунав з неба: “Це Син мій любий, що його я вподобав.”
Замість Достойно: Величай, душе моя, Царя Христа, що хрестився в Йордані.
Ірмос (глас 2): Не зуміє ніякий язик достойно благохвалити, тривожиться й ум, і то надсвітній, коли оспівує тебе, Богородице; одначе ти, благая, прийми віру, бо любов нашу божественну знаєш, бо ти є християн заступниця, тебе величаємо.
Причасний: Явилася благодать Божа спасительна всім людям (Тит 2,11). Алилуя (х3).
Згідно Галицької традиції, ми співаємо: Всесвіт днесь радістю сповняється, Христос хрестився в Йордані.
Замість “Ми бачили світло істинне…” (x1) “Нехай сповняться уста…” (x3) і “Нехай буде ім’я…” (x3).