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Fri06Jan2023
The Holy Theophany of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ
Thursday Evening
Great Vespers with the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
At Psalm 140
In Tone 2
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
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.
Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
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.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
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.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
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.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
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.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
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.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
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.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
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.
Prokeimenon
of the day
Readings
Genesis 1: 1-13
In the beginning God made heaven and earth. The earth was invisible and unfinished; and darkness was over the deep. The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the water. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw the light; it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day; the darkness He called Night; and there was evening and morning, one day.
Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the water, and let it divide the water from the water”; and it was so. Thus God made the firmament, and God divided the water under the firmament from the water above the firmament. So God called the firmament Heaven, and God saw that it was good; and there was evening and morning, the second day.
Then God said, “Let the water under heaven be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. The water under heaven was gathered into its places, and the dry land appeared. So God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas; and God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness. Let the fruit tree bear fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind on earth.” It was so. Thus the earth brought forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness. The fruit tree bore fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind on earth. God saw that it was good. So evening and morning were the third day.
Exodus 14: 15-18, 21-23, 27-29
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. Now lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it; and let the children of Israel go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. I indeed will harden Pharaoh’s heart and all the Egyptians, and they will go in after them. So I will be glorified in Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horses. Then the Egyptians will know I am the Lord, when I am glorified upon Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horses.”
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord carried back the sea by a strong south wind all that night and made the sea dry ground. Thus the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Then the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen.
So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were trying to flee. But the Lord shook off the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all of Pharaoh’s army that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. But the children of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea. The waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
Exodus 15: 22- 16: 1
Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the desert and found no water to drink. Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore he named that place Bitterness. Then the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” So he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them. There He proved him† and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is pleasing in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His ordinances, I will put none of the diseases on you that I brought on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord your God who heals you.”
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve fountains of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.
Now they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt.
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 Lord said to Joshua, “Today I shall begin to exalt you in the sight of all the children of Israel, so they will know that I shall be with you as I was with Moses. Therefore now, command the priests who carry the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘As soon as you enter a part of the water of the Jordan, then you shall stand in the Jordan.’ “
Now when the priests who carried the ark of the covenant came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord dipped in part of the water of the Jordan (now the Jordan overflowed all its banks about the time of wheat harvest), then the upstream waters stopped flowing downstream, and a solid wall of water formed over a very great distance, as far as the region of Adam. The lower part came down to the Sea of Araba, the Salt Sea, until it came to a complete stop; and the people stood opposite Jericho. So the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all the children of Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the people crossed the Jordan.
The Fourth Book of Kings (2 Kings) 2:6-14
Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the Lord sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So both of them went on. Fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan. Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water. The water divided this way and that, and the two of them crossed on dry ground.
So it was that during the time they crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I may do for you, before I am taken away from you.” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” So Elijah said, “You have asked a hard thing. If you see me when I am taken up from you, it shall be so for you; and if not, it shall not be so.” Thus it came to be, as they walked and continued to talk, behold a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and the fire separated them one from the other; and Elijah was taken up into heaven by a whirlwind.
Then Elisha saw it and cried aloud, “Father, O father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” He saw Elijah no more, and he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. Then he raised Elijah’s mantle, which fell from Elijah and upon Elisha, and Elisha returned and stood on the bank of the River Jordan. He took Elijah’s mantle which had fallen upon him and struck the water, but it did not divide. Then he said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah himself?” And he struck the water again, and it divided this way and that. So Elisha crossed over.
The Fourth Book of Kings (2 Kings) 5:9-14
Naaman went with his horses and chariot and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and bathe in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman became furious and went away, saying, “Indeed, I told myself that Elisha would come out to greet me; that he would stand and call on the name of his God; and that he would put his hand upon the place and heal the leprosy. Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Can I not bathe in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.
Then his servants approached and said to him, “If the prophet were to tell you to do something great, would you not complete it? But here the prophet said to you, ‘Bathe and be clean.’ “ So Naaman went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to Elisha’s instruction, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was cleansed.
Then the priest intones another Troparion in Tone 6:
In the greatness of Your compassion You have revealed Yourself, O our Saviour, 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.
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 Saviour, 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
Thus says the Lord, “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean. Put away the evils from your souls before My eyes. Cease from your evils. Learn to do good. Seek judgment and redeem the wronged. Defend the orphan and justify the widow. Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “although your sins are like crimson, I shall make them white like snow, and although they are as scarlet, I shall make them white like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good things of the land. But if you are unwilling and disobedient, you shall be devoured by the sword,” for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Genesis 32:1-10
Early in the morning, Laban arose, and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place.
So Jacob went on his way, and saw the hosts of God encamped. When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s encampment”; and he called the name of that place Encampments.
Then Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. And he commanded them, saying, “Speak thus to my lord Esau, ‘Thus your servant Jacob says, “I sojourned with Laban and stayed there until now. I have oxen, donkeys, sheep, and male and female servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in your sight.” ‘ “ Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him.” So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people with him and the oxen and sheep into two companies. Thus Jacob said, “If Esau comes to the one company and destroys it, then the other company will escape.”
Again Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Return to the land of your nativity, and I will deal well with you,’ let me be satisfied with all the righteousness and all the truth You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies.
Exodus 2:5-10
The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, and her maidens walked along the riverside; and seeing the ark among the reeds, she sent a maid to get it. So when she opened the ark, she saw the child crying, and the daughter of Pharaoh had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” So Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” Then the maiden went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter then said to her, “Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. Now when the boy was grown, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son; and she called his name Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.”
Judges 6:36-40
Gideon said to God, “If You save Israel by my hand as You said, then look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You said.” And it was so. And he rose early the next morning and wrung the fleece and from the fleece dropped enough dew to fill a pan full of water. Then Gideon said to God, “Indeed, I pray, do not let Your anger be aroused at me, and I will speak but once; I will yet make one more trial with the fleece. This time, let it be dry on the fleece, but let there be dew all over the ground.” And that night God made it so; on the fleece it was completely dry, but there was dew all over the ground.
The Third Book of Kings (1 Kings) 18:30-39
Elijah said to the people, “Come near me.” So all the people came near to him. Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of Israel, for the Lord said, “Israel shall be your name.” Then he built an altar with the stones in the name of the Lord, and he repaired the altar of sacrifice that was scattered about, and around the altar he made a furrow holding two measures of seed. He piled the firewood on the altar he had made, divided the whole burnt offering, laid it on the firewood, and laid it in order on the altar. Then he said, “Bring me four pots of water, and pour it on the whole burnt offering and pour it on the unlit firewood.” They did so. Again Elijah said, “Do it a second time.” So they did it again. Again he said, “Do it a third time.” So they did it a third time. And the water ran all about the altar, and even the furrow became filled with water.
After this, Elijah cried out to heaven and said, “O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, answer me, O Lord, answer me this day with fire, and let this people know You are the God of Israel, and I am Your servant; and for Your sake I do all these works. Hear me, O Lord, hear me with fire, and let these people know You are the Lord God, so as turn the heart of this people back.”
Then fire fell from the Lord out of the heaven and consumed the whole burnt offering, the firewood, and the water in the furrow. The fire also licked up the stones and the soil. So all the people fell on their faces, and they said, “Truly, the Lord is God; He is God.”
The Fourth Book of Kings (2 Kings) 2:19-22
The men of the city said to Elisha, “Behold, as my lord can see, this city is a pleasant place to live, but the water is bad, and the ground is barren.” So Elisha said, “Bring me a new water pitcher and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the spring of the waters and cast salt into it, and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘I have healed these waters; from them there shall no longer be death or barrenness.’” So the water was healed by the word Elisha spoke, and so it remains today.
Isaiah 49:8-15
Thus says the Lord: hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, who sit in confidence, who says in her heart, ‘I am, and there is no other; I shall not sit as a widow, nor shall I know bereavement.’ But now these two things shall come upon you in a moment, in one day: widowhood and the loss of children. They shall come upon you in a moment because of your sorcery, the great abundance of your enchanters, and your hope of evil. For you said, ‘I am, and there is no other.’ Know that your understanding of these things and your fornication will be your shame, for you said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no other.’ Therefore destruction shall come upon you, and you shall not know the pit into which you will fall. Trouble shall come upon you, and you will be unable to be clear of it. Destruction shall come upon you suddenly, but you will not know it. Stand now with your enchantments and the multitude of your sorceries which you learned from your youth, if you will be able to profit from this. You are wearied in your counsels. Let the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, all these shall be burned like sticks in a fire, and they shall not deliver their soul from the flame. For you have coals of fire to sit on, and these shall be your help. You grew weary in your traffic from youth, and each man led himself astray, but there shall be no salvation for you.
Small Litany
Trisagion
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
Hymn to the Mother of God
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 Verse
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. Alleluia. (3)
The 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.
Friday Morning
DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
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… 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.
Troparia and Kontakia
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 Holy God:
All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia! (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
You have put on Christ! Alleluia!
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. (Psalm 117:26-27,1)
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. (Psalm 28:1,3)
Gospel
Matthew 3:13-17
Hymn to the Mother of God
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. (Titus 2:11)
Instead of “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)
The Great Blessing of the Water