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Event Information:
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Thu26May2022
The Ascension of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ
GREAT VESPERS
At Psalm 140
In Tone 6
- Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
The Lord ascended into heaven* to send the Comforter into this world.* The heavens prepared His throne and the clouds were His ladder;* the angels marvelled at the sight of a man more exalted than themselves.* Today, the Father receives again in His bosom* the One who was in Him from all eternity,* and the Holy Spirit gives a command to all the angels:* Lift up your lintels, O you gates!* O you nations of the earth, clap your hands,* for Christ ascends to the place* where He had been from all eternity.
- The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
The Lord ascended into heaven* to send the Comforter into this world.* The heavens prepared His throne and the clouds were His ladder;* the angels marvelled at the sight of a man more exalted than themselves.* Today, the Father receives again in His bosom* the One who was in Him from all eternity,* and the Holy Spirit gives a command to all the angels:* Lift up your lintels, O you gates!* O you nations of the earth, clap your hands,* for Christ ascends to the place* where He had been from all eternity.
- Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
O Lord, the Cherubim were amazed at Your Ascension;* they were seized with wonder as they beheld You, O God, rising upon the clouds,* for You are the One who is seated above the clouds.* We sing a hymn of praise to You:* Glory to You for Your tender mercy.
- Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
O Lord, the Cherubim were amazed at Your Ascension;* they were seized with wonder as they beheld You, O God, rising upon the clouds,* for You are the One who is seated above the clouds.* We sing a hymn of praise to You:* Glory to You for Your tender mercy.
- If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
O Christ, splendour and glory of the Father,* when we behold Your Ascension on the holy mountain,* we sing a hymn of praise to the beauty of Your countenance.* We bow down to Your Passion,* we venerate Your holy Resurrection,* and we glorify Your noble Ascension.* O Lord, have mercy on us!
- I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
O Christ, splendour and glory of the Father,* when we behold Your Ascension on the holy mountain,* we sing a hymn of praise to the beauty of Your countenance.* We bow down to Your Passion,* we venerate Your holy Resurrection,* and we glorify Your noble Ascension.* O Lord, have mercy on us!
- From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
O Lord and Giver of Life,* when the apostles saw You ascending upon the clouds,* a great sadness overcame them;* they shed burning tears and exclaimed:* O our Master, do not leave us orphans;* we are Your servants whom You loved so tenderly.* Since You are most merciful, send down upon us Your all-holy Spirit* to enlighten our souls, as You promised.
- 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 and Giver of Life,* when the apostles saw You ascending upon the clouds,* a great sadness overcame them;* they shed burning tears and exclaimed:* O our Master, do not leave us orphans;* we are Your servants whom You loved so tenderly.* Since You are most merciful, send down upon us Your all-holy Spirit* to enlighten our souls, as You promised.
- Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
After fulfilling the mystery of the plan of salvation, O Lord,* You took Your apostles and went up with them to the Mount of Olives,* and there You passed beyond the firmament of heaven.* You humbled Yourself and were clothed in our humanity,* and now You return to the place which You did not leave.* Send down Your all-holy Spirit to enlighten our souls.
- Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
After fulfilling the mystery of the plan of salvation, O Lord,* You took Your apostles and went up with them to the Mount of Olives,* and there You passed beyond the firmament of heaven.* You humbled Yourself and were clothed in our humanity,* and now You return to the place which You did not leave.* Send down Your all-holy Spirit to enlighten our souls.
Glory… Now…
O loving Jesus, while You lived on earth,* You were God inseparable from the Father,* and yet You truly shared our humanity.* Ascending in glory today from the Mount of Olives,* through Your great love, You lifted up our fallen nature* and enthroned it with the Father on high.* Therefore, the bodiless Powers were amazed and filled with awe* at seeing Your great love for all.* Together with them, we who live on earth* glorify your condescension to us* and Your Ascension away from us.* Now we implore You, saying:* Through Your Ascension You have filled Your apostles and Your Mother* with a joy that surpasses every other joy,* and through their intercession* make us worthy of the joy of Your elect,* for You are rich in mercy.
Readings
(1) Isaiah 2:2-3; (2) Isaiah 62: 10-12 and 63: 1-9; (3) Zechariah 14: 1, 4, 8-11
Lytia
In Tone 1
By going up again into heaven from which You had descended,* You did not leave us orphans, O Lord.* Show to all Your people the works of Your power,* that Your Spirit may come down upon us* and bring peace to the world,* O Lord and Lover of Mankind.
You ascended, O Christ, to Your eternal Father,* even though You were not removed from His bosom;* and the Powers could not contain their praise of the Trinity.* Even after the Incarnation* they recognize You as the only Son of the Father.* In the abundance of Your goodness, have mercy on us!
Your angels, O Lord, said to the apostles:* Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky?* Christ our God, who by leaving you ascended into heaven,* will come again* in the manner by which you have seen Him leave.* Therefore, serve Him in justice and holiness.
In Tone 4
When You came to the Mount of Olives, O Christ,* completing the favourable plan of Your Father,* the angels in heaven were moved with wonder,* and the demons trembled beneath the earth.* The apostles were filled with both fear and joy* when You were speaking with them.* A cloud was prepared before You as an awaiting throne;* heaven opened its gates, shining with beauty;* and the earth uncovered its deep abyss* to show the fall of Adam and his rising up to You again.* As an unseen power raised You from the earth,* You gave Your blessing in a loud voice;* the cloud carried You away, and heaven opened to receive You.* Such is the great work that is beyond words, O Lord,* that You accomplished for the salvation of our souls.
You have renewed in Yourself, O Lord,* the human nature which had fallen, in Adam,* into the very depths of the earth.* On this day You are raised far above* the Principalities and Powers of heaven.* Having so loved human nature,* You granted that it may be enthroned with You;* in Your compassion You united it with Yourself;* in union with it You have suffered;* and by Your Passion You glorified it, O God, beyond all suffering.* Now the bodiless Powers are saying:* Who is this man clothed in majesty?* He is not only a man, but is indeed the God-Man,* for He possesses the appearance of both.* And the angels, arrayed in splendid garments, encircle the apostles, saying:* As Jesus the God-Man is separated from you,* in His divine humanity He shall come again* to judge both the living and the dead;* and He grants to all the faithful* forgiveness of sins and great mercy.
When You were raised up in glory, O Christ our God,* in the sight of Your disciples,* the cloud carried Your body away.* The gates in heaven were opened;* the choir of angels exalted and danced with joy;* the Powers on high cried out, saying:* Lift up your lintels, O gates,* that the King of glory may enter.* As for the disciples, they were seized with fear and said:* Do not leave us, O Good Shepherd,* but send down upon us your most Holy Spirit.
Glory… Now…
O Lord most merciful,* after fulfilling the mystery hidden from all eternity,* You, the Creator and Master of all,* went up to the Mount of Olives with your disciples and your Mother.* For the one who, at the sight of your Passion,* had suffered more than anyone else in her motherly heart,* had more than anyone else the right to share the joy that fills us* as we witness your ascending into heaven.* We glorify your infinite mercy overflowing upon us.
Aposticha
In Tone 2
O our God, You were born in a manner of your own choosing;* You appeared and suffered in the flesh as You willed;* You crushed Death through Your Resurrection and ascended into glory,* and You sent down the divine Spirit upon us.* Therefore, we sing a hymn of praise and glorify Your divinity.
All peoples, clap your hands; cry to God with shouts of joy!
O Christ, when the Powers of heaven* beheld Your Ascension from the Mount of Olives,* they wondered and exclaimed: Who is He?* And they heard the reply: He is the mighty Conqueror;* He is the mighty One in battle;* He is indeed the King of glory.* And why are His clothes crimson?* Because He comes from Bosor, which is the flesh.* As for You, O Christ, since You are God,* You are enthroned at the right hand of God the Father;* and You send down upon us the Holy Spirit* that He may enlighten us and save our souls.
God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.
O Christ, You ascended in glory* on the Mount of Olives in the presence of Your disciples;* You fill all things with Your divinity;* You were enthroned at the right hand of the Father* and sent down upon Your disciples the Holy Spirit* who enlightens, strengthens, and saves our souls.
In Tone 6
Glory… Now…
God goes up with shouts of joy,* the Lord goes up amid trumpet blast,* in order to raise up the fallen image of Adam* and to send down upon us the Holy Spirit,* the Comforter who will sanctify our souls.
Troparion
In Tone 4
You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God,** the Redeemer of the world. (3)FESTAL MATINS
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
The Lord Is God, Tone 4
Troparion, Tone 4
You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God,* the Redeemer of the world. (2)
Glory… Now…
You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God,* the Redeemer of the world.
Kathisma & Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 1
You ascended in glory, and the angels were astonished at this wonder;* the disciples were amazed at Your marvellous Ascension;* and the gates opened before You, O Lord.* The Powers of heaven were also overjoyed, and they cried out:* Glory to Your condescension, O Saviour!* Glory to Your kingdom!* Glory to Your Ascension, O only Lover of Mankind!
Glory… Now…
You ascended in glory, and the angels were astonished at this wonder;* the disciples were amazed at Your marvellous Ascension;* and the gates opened before You, O Lord.* The Powers of heaven were also overjoyed, and they cried out:* Glory to Your condescension, O Saviour!* Glory to Your kingdom!* Glory to Your Ascension, O only Lover of Mankind!
Kathisma & Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 3
The God who exists before all eternity* and who has mystically divinized the human nature which He assumed,* today goes up to heaven.* The angels precede Him and show to the disciples* the Lord who ascends into the clouds amid great glory,* and they then fall to the ground and say:* Glory to God who ascends into heaven!
Glory… Now…
The God who exists before all eternity* and who has mystically divinized the human nature which He assumed,* today goes up to heaven.* The angels precede Him and show to the disciples* the Lord who ascends into the clouds amid great glory,* and they then fall to the ground and say:* Glory to God who ascends into heaven!
Polyeleos
Exaltation
We extol You,* O Christ the Giver of life;* and seeing You go up to heaven in Your most pure body,* we praise Your holy Ascension.
- All peoples, clap your hands; cry to God with shouts of joy!
- For the Lord, the Most High, we must fear, great king over all the earth.
- God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.
- O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let Him enter, the King of glory.
- The Lord has set His sway in heaven and His kingdom is ruling over all.
- O God, arise above the heavens; may Your glory shine on earth!
- Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Sessional Hymn, Tone 5
You descended from heaven to the earth, O Christ,* and by Your Ascension You wondrously raised up the race of Adam* which had been lying in the depths of the prisons of Hades.* And having taken our nature back to heaven,* You seated it with You on the Father’s throne* because of Your mercy and Your love for all.
Glory… Now…
You descended from heaven to the earth, O Christ,* and by Your Ascension You wondrously raised up the race of Adam* which had been lying in the depths of the prisons of Hades.* And having taken our nature back to heaven,* You seated it with You on the Father’s throne* because of Your mercy and Your love for all.
Gradual Hymn, Tone 4, Antiphon 1
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.
- All peoples, clap your hands; cry to God with shouts of joy!
Gospel
Mark 16:9-20
Psalm 50
After Psalm 50, Tone 6
Glory…
Through the prayers of the apostles,* 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.
Today the Powers on high see our nature in heaven,* and they marvel at this wondrous Ascension,* and they say to one another:* Who is this who has just arrived in heaven?* But when they recognize their own Lord,* they order the gates of heaven to be opened.* With them let us praise unceasingly* the One who shall come again from heaven in our flesh* as the judge of the universe and the almighty God.
Canon I
Ode 1
(Irmos, Tone 5) Our Saviour and God led the people of Israel across the Red Sea as if on dry land* and drowned Pharaoh and his whole army.* Let us praise Him who alone is worthy of our songs,* for He is covered with glory.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
All you peoples, let us praise Christ, who is gloriously raised upon the wings of the Cherubim, to seat us with Him at the right of the Father. Let us sing our hymn of victory, for He is covered with glory.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
Seeing Christ, the mediator between God and mortals, now raised on high in his flesh, the choir of angels was seized with fear and with one voice began to sing a hymn of victory.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
God, who appeared on Mount Sinai and gave the Law to Moses the prophet, is now raised up bodily from the Mount of Olives. Let us praise Him all together, for He is covered with glory.
Glory… Now…
O pure Virgin and Mother of God, intercede constantly before God who took flesh in your womb without leaving the bosom of the Father in heaven, that He may save from all danger those whom He created with his own hands.
(Katavasia, Tone 4) Enveloped by the divine cloud, the man of unsure speech taught the Law written by God;* wiping the dust from his eyes, he saw the One-Who-Is,* and he was initiated into the knowledge of the Spirit.* Let us praise him with inspired songs.
Ode 3
(Irmos, Tone 5) O Christ, by the power of Your Cross,* strengthen our hearts so that we may sing and glorify Your saving Ascension.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
O Christ the Giver of life, You have ascended to Your Father in heaven; and You have raised our nature with You because of Your ineffable goodness, O Lover of Mankind.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
Seeing the nature of mortals raised up with You, O Saviour, the hosts of angels were astonished; and they unceasingly sing Your praises in heaven.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
The choirs of angels were seized with amazement, O Christ, when they saw You bodily raised up to heaven in glory; and they praised Your divine Ascension.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
O Christ, You raised up human nature which had been subjected to the corruption of the grave, and You exalted it by Your Ascension into heaven where You glorify us with You.
Glory… Now…
O pure Virgin, intercede unceasingly before the One who was born of your womb for the deliverance from all error of those who praise you as the Mother of God.
(Katavasia, Tone 4) The shackles of a sterile womb and the unbridled pride that filled a mother* were shattered by the prayer of Anna, the prophetess of old,* who bore a contrite and humbled heart* before the supreme and all-powerful God.
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
Riding upon the heavenly clouds,* after having brought peace to Your people on earth,* You have been taken up to sit upon the divine throne* since You are consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit.* You have appeared in the flesh without change,* and You await the fulfilment of all things,* when You shall return to the earth to judge the whole world.* O just Judge, spare our souls* and grant forgiveness of sins to Your servants,* O Lord and God of mercy.
Glory… Now…
Riding upon the heavenly clouds,* after having brought peace to Your people on earth,* You have been taken up to sit upon the divine throne* since You are consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit.* You have appeared in the flesh without change,* and You await the fulfilment of all things,* when You shall return to the earth to judge the whole world.* O just Judge, spare our souls* and grant forgiveness of sins to Your servants,* O Lord and God of mercy.
Ode 4
(Irmos, Tone 5) O Lord, I have heard Your voice* and I recognized the power of Your Cross,* because through it Paradise was opened;* and I said: Glory to Your power, O Lord!
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
O King of angels, You ascend in glory to send us the Paraclete from the Father; therefore, we cry out to You: Glory to Your Ascension, O Christ!
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
When the Saviour was bodily raised up to his Father, the angels were seized with wonder and began to sing: Glory to Your Ascension, O Christ!
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
The heavenly Powers cried out one to another: Lift up the gates for Christ our Lord; He is the King whom we praise with one heart together with the Father and the Spirit.
Glory… Now…
The Virgin gave birth without pain, but she is both Mother and Virgin at the same time. We sing to her with great joy: Rejoice, O Mother of God!
(Katavasia, Tone 4) O King of kings and only Son of the Father,* O Word proceeding from the Father without beginning,* You send Your Spirit of truth upon Your apostles who sing:* Glory to Your power, O Lord!
Ode 5
(Irmos, Tone 5) As we watch in the night and wait for morning,* O Lord, we cry to You:* Have mercy on us and save us,* for You are truly our God and we know no other but You.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
Having filled the whole world with joy, O God of goodness and mercy, You have ascended in Your flesh to join the Powers on high.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
Seeing You raised to the heights, the heavenly Powers were seized with fear, and they said to one another: Lift up the gates for the King!
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
Seeing the Saviour exalted from earth to heaven, the apostles were struck with fear and cried out: Glory to You, O Lord and our King!
Glory… Now…
We praise you, O holy Mother of God, a virgin even after giving birth; for the sake of the world you truly gave birth to the Word of God in the flesh.
(Katavasia, Tone 4) Receive the Holy Spirit,* breathing the flames of fresh dew as a baptism that takes away sin,* O you children who are enlightened by the Church.* For today the Law comes forth from Zion;* it is the grace of the Spirit* which comes in tongues of fire.
Ode 6
(Irmos, Tone 5) The abyss surrounds me completely;* the sea monster holds me as if in a tomb;* I cried to You, O Lover of mankind,* and Your right hand has saved me.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
The apostles exalt with joy on this day as they see their Creator go up into the clouds; and in the hope of the Spirit, whom they await, they cry out in fear: Glory to Your divine Ascension!
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
O Lord, Your angels came to Your disciples and said: You have seen Christ taken up in the flesh; in the same way He shall come to judge the whole world.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
Seeing You ascend in Your body, O Lord, the Powers of heaven cried out joyfully: Great is Your mercy, O Lord!
Glory… Now…
It is proper to glorify you, O bush that burns without being consumed, O mountain, O living ladder and gate to heaven, O Virgin Mary, the glory of Christians.
(Katavasia, Tone 4) O Christ, our salvation and redemption,* You have come forth in splendour from the Virgin,* to rescue us from the pit of the tomb;* as Jonah was saved from the sea monster,* the entire human race* was saved after the fall of Adam.
Small Litany
Kontakion, Tone 6
When you had fulfilled Your plan for us* and united things on earth with those in heaven,* You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* in no way distant, but remaining in separable,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.
Ikos
Leaving earthly cares to the earth and that which is waste and refuse to the dust, come, let us arise from sleep and with our eyes and hearts let us go towards higher things. Let us also lift up our thoughts and our attention from the earth to the gates of heaven, as if we were on the Mount of Olives, where we fix our eyes on the Redeemer as He is carried away to heaven. For it is there that the Lord departs for heaven; it is there also that He distributes His great gifts to the apostles, giving them strength and comforting them as a Father, guiding them as sons and saying to them: I am not separating myself from you; I shall always be with you, and no one shall ever have power over you.
Ode 7
(Irmos, Tone 5) O Saviour who saved the youths who sang to You in the furnace,* blessed are You, O Lord and God of our fathers.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
You went up in a cloud of brightness after having saved the whole world; blessed are You, O Lord, God of our fathers.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
Having taken fallen human nature as a lost sheep upon Your shoulders, You led it to your Father, O Lord, by Your divine Ascension.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
Clothed in our flesh, You went up to Your Father who is also incorporeal; blessed are You, O Lord and God of our fathers.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
You have again raised our human nature which had been put to death by sin, O God our Saviour, to present it to Your Father in heaven.
Glory… Now…
You placed the immaculate Virgin in this world, and You made her the Mother of God; blessed are You, O Lord, God of our fathers.
(Katavasia, Tone 4) The symphony of instruments was raised up* to adore the lifeless golden statue;* but the bright grace of the Paraclete invites us to sing with devotion:* Blessed are You, eternal and unique Trinity!
Ode 8
(Irmos, Tone 5) The Son of God, born of the Father before all ages,* has taken flesh from the Virgin Mother in these last days.* Praise Him, you priests,* and let the whole nation exalt Him forever.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
Christ the Giver of life ascends in glory to heaven; with both His natures, He is seated at the right hand of the Father. Praise Him, you priests, and let the whole nation exalt Him forever.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
You have redeemed the work of Your hands from the slavery of the false gods; You have presented it in freedom to Your Father. 0 Saviour, we praise and exalt You forever.
Glory to Your holy Ascension, O Lord!
The One who descended among us and trampled down our Enemy now raises up our humanity by His Ascension. Praise Him, you priests, and let the whole nation exalt Him forever.
Glory… Now…
You appeared more venerable than the Cherubim, O holy Mother of God, when you carried in your womb the One whom they carry on their wings in heaven; and with the bodiless angels, we mortals glorify Him forever.
(Katavasia, Tone 4) The triple flame of the unique divinity* breaks the chains and stirs the flames with dew;* the youths sing His praises,* and every creature, the work of His hands, blesses its only Saviour and benefactor.
Magnificat is omitted
Ode 9
O my soul, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.
(Irmos, Tone 5) O Mother of God,* you transcended both mind and word,* and in time, ineffably bore the Timeless One:* it is you who, with one accord,* we, the faithful, magnify.
Surpassing our spirit and our understanding, you gave birth in the world and in time to the timeless Lord; with one voice and one heart, O Mother of God, we the faithful extol you.
O my soul, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.
O Redeemer of the world, Christ our God, the apostles contemplate Your divine exaltation; and in fear and in joy, they extol You.
O my soul, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.
Seeing your divinized flesh, O Christ, the angels on high said to each other: Truly this man is our God!
O my soul, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.
Seeing You raised upon the clouds, O Christ our God, the choir of angels cried out: Lift up the gates of heaven for the King of glory!
O my soul, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.
You have descended to the depths of the earth; You have saved humanity; and You have raised it up by Your holy Ascension.* O Christ our God, we extol You!
Glory… Now…
Rejoice, O holy Mother of Christ our God, for today you extol the One whom you bore as you see Him carried by the angels from earth to heaven.
(Katavasia, Tone 4) Rejoice, O Queen and glorious Virgin Mother!* What orator, rich in eloquence, could find the proper words* to fashion a hymn of praise worthy of you?* For every spirit shudders* before the mystery of your holy birthgiving;* and we also unite our voices to glorify you.
Hymn of Light, Tone 2
O Christ, You were raised up to heaven in the sight of Your disciples;* You again went up to share Your Father’s throne.* The angels who came to meet You at the heavenly gate cried out:* Open your gates and lift up your lintels* so that the King of glory may come in,* for our King comes again to the Source of light. (3)
At the Praises
In Tone 1
With the angels in heaven, let us praise on earth* our God who ascends to His throne of glory,* and let us sing to Him:* Holy are You, O Father of heaven,* O co-eternal Word, and most Holy Spirit.
With the angels in heaven, let us praise on earth* our God who ascends to His throne of glory,* and let us sing to Him:* Holy are You, O Father of heaven,* O co-eternal Word, and most Holy Spirit.
As they gazed upon the wonder of your Ascension, O Saviour,* the princes of the angels said to one another:* What is this sight that is before our eyes?* We see the form of a man,* but as God He is raised above the heavens in His body.
Seeing You ascend bodily from the Mount of Olives, O Word,* the men of Galilee heard the angels cry out to them:* Why do you stand there looking up?* He shall return in His flesh* in the same way that you have seen Him taken away.
In Tone 2, Glory… Now…
O our God, You were born in a manner of Your own choosing;* You appeared and suffered in the flesh as You willed;* You crushed Death through Your Resurrection and ascended into glory;* and You sent down the divine Spirit upon us;* therefore, we sing a hymn of praise and glorify Your divinity.
DIVINE LITURGY
First Antiphon
Clap your hands, all you nations;* shout to God with the voice of joy.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
For the Lord most high is awesome,* a great king over all the earth.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
He has subdued peoples to us,* and nations under our feet.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
God ascended amid shouts of joy;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…
Third Antiphon
Hear these things all you nations, give ear, all inhabitants of the world.
Troparion, Tone 4: You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through your blessing* that You are the Son of God,* the Redeemer of the world.
Both lowly-born and offspring of the privileged, rich and poor alike.
Troparion, Tone 4: You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through your blessing* that You are the Son of God,* the Redeemer of the world.
My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart understanding.
Troparion, Tone 4: You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through your blessing* that You are the Son of God,* the Redeemer of the world.
Entrance Verse
God ascended amid shouts of joy;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through your blessing* that You are the Son of God,* the Redeemer of 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 6: When you had fulfilled Your plan for us* and united things on earth with those in heaven,* You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* in no way distant, but remaining in separable,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;* above all the earth be Your glory.
verse: My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready. I will sing and make music in my glory. (Psalm 56:6,8)
Epistle
Acts 1:1-12
Alleluia, Tone 2
verse: God ascended amid shouts of joy; the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.
verse: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:6,2)
Gospel
Luke 24:36-53
Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.
O Mother of God,* you transcended both mind and word,* and in time, ineffably bore the Timeless One:* it is you who, with one accord,* we, the faithful, magnify.
Communion Hymn
God ascended amid shouts of joy;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 46:6)
Instead of We have seen the true light and Let our mouths be filled we sing:
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, above all the earth be Your glory.