GREAT VESPERS
At Psalm 140
In Tone 4
You faithfully observed the Law
and worked unceasingly for God the Creator.
He granted you motherhood, Anna:
your child brought forth Christ in the flesh.
With the Virgin Mother we honour you,
and celebrate today your holy dormition. Continue reading July 25, 2017 Dormition of St. Anna, Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the Man…” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 2
With what crowns of praises shall we honour the praised martyrs,
the kind intercessors of the faithful people,
the adornment of Rus’-Ukraine and joy of the world?
Though separated in body, they were united in spirit.
By their wisdom they conquered the diabolical powers with the help of Christ,
who gives great mercy to the world. Continue reading July 24, 2017 Holy Martyrs Borys and Hlib Named Roman and David at Baptism
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 6
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. Continue reading July 23, 2017 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost; Octoechos Tone 6; Holy Holy Martyrs Trophimus, Theophilus and those with them (284-305); Miracle of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God against the Invaders (1675)
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is taken.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 1
O all-compassionate Word,
You carried Elias the Tishbite away from the earth in a chariot of fire.
Through his intercession
save us who faithfully glorify You
and who joyously commemorate his feast. Continue reading July 20, 2017 The Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 5
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. Continue reading July 16, 2017 Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils, Octoechos Tone 5
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the Man…” is sung.
At Palm 140
In Tone 4
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
You were a second Constantine in word and deed,
for he was born in a Christian age,
yet lived for many years among the pagans,
while you were born of heathen,
but loved Christ who loved you.
You have gone to Him rejoicing!
Pray ceaselessly to Him for those who honour your memory. Continue reading July 15, 2017 Holy Grand Prince Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles, Named Basil at Holy Baptism
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 1
When the love of God took possession of you, venerable Anthony,
you began to look upon the enticements of the world as vain.
For this reason you left your homeland and settled on the Holy Mountain.
There, among the father, your virtues have shone forth like a light.
Pray to Christ, Whom you have served already from your youth,
for the enlightenment and salvation of our souls. Continue reading July 10, 2017 Our Venerable Father Anthony of the Monastery of the Caves in Kiev (1073); Forty-Five Martyrs of Nicopolis in Armenia (321-3); Holy Brothers Francis, Mutius and Raphael and Those with Them, Martyred in Damascus (1860)
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 4
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. Continue reading July 9, 2017 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost; Octoechos Tone 4; Holy Priest-Martyr Pancratius, Bishop of Tauromenia (1st-2nd c.)
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 2
What praises are worthy of you, O Athanasius?
Your virtues are your true adornment,
and you were filled with grace by the light flowing from God.
You are a sword cutting down the rebellious passions,
a radiant pillar of divine contemplation,
a flame of abstinence enkindling on the lampstand of your soul
the divine precepts of the One who gives life to all mankind! Continue reading July 5, 2017 Our Venerable Father Athanasius of Athos
GREAT VESPERS
At Psalm 140
In Tone 4
You are compassionate, Lover of mankind,
giving Your Mother to Your servants as an aid.
Through her You have worked Your ineffable and awesome dispensation,
restoring our first and divine life.
Therefore, as we honour her all-holy feast, we hymn Your might,
almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls! Continue reading July 3, 2017 Placing of the Precious Robe of Our Most Holy Lady and the Mother of God in the Church at Blachernae in Constantinople; Verkhrats’ka Weeping Icon of the Mother of God (1688); The Holy Martyr Hyacinth
