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Event Information:
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Sun12Feb2023
Meatfare Sunday (of the Fearful Judgment), Octoechos Tone 3. Our Holy Father Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch (379-95)
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man...” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 3
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
By Your cross, O Christ our Saviour,* the power of Death has been vanquished* and the deceit of the devil has been destroyed.* Therefore, mankind, saved by faith,* offers You hymns of praise forever.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
O Lord, all creation has been enlightened by Your resurrection,* and paradise has been reopened;* therefore, all creation extols You* and offers You hymns of praise forever.
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
I glorify the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;* and I praise the dominion of the undivided Divinity,* the consubstantial Trinity,* who reigns forever and ever.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
We adore Your precious cross, O Christ,* and with hymns of praise we glorify Your resurrection;* for by Your wounds we have all been healed.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Let us sing the praises of the Saviour,* who was incarnate of the Virgin;* for He was crucified for our sake,* and on the third day He arose from the dead,* granting us His great mercy.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
Christ descended into Hades and announced to those confined there:* Take courage, for today I have conquered death.* I am the Resurrection, the One who will set you free.* I shattered the gates of the realm of death.
In Tone 6
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
When you shall come, O righteous Judge, to execute just judgment,* seated on Your Throne of glory,* a river of fire will draw all men amazed before Your judgment seat;* the powers of heaven will stand beside You,* and in fear mankind will be judged* according to the deeds that each has done.* Then spare us, Christ, in Your compassion,* with faith we entreat You,* and count us worthy of Your blessings* with those that are saved.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
The books will be opened* and the acts of men will be revealed* before the unbearable judgment-seat;* and the whole vale of sorrow* shall echo with the fearful sound of lamentation,* as all the sinners, weeping in vain,* are sent by Your just judgment to everlasting torment.* Therefore, we beseech You,* O compassionate and loving Lord:* spare us who sing Your praise,* for You alone are rich in mercy.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
The trumpets shall sound and the tombs shall be emptied,* and all mankind in trembling shall be raised.* Those that have done good shall rejoice in gladness, awaiting their reward;* those that have sinned shall tremble and bitterly lament,* as they are sent to punishment and parted from the chosen.* O Lord of glory, take pity on us in Your goodness,* and count us worthy of a place with them that have loved You.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
I lament and weep when I think of the eternal fire,* the outer darkness and the nether world,* the dread worm and the gnashing of teeth,* and the unceasing anguish that shall befall those* who have sinned without measure,* by their wickedness arousing You to anger, O Supreme in love.* Among them in misery I am first:* but O Judge compassionate, in Your mercy save me.
In Tone 8, Glory…
When the thrones are set up and the books are opened,* and God sits in judgment,* O what fear there will be then!* When the angels stand trembling in Your presence* and the river of fire flows before You,* what shall we do then, guilty of many sins?* When we hear Him call the blessed of His Father into the Kingdom,* but send the sinners to their punishment,* who shall endure His fearful condemnation?* But Saviour, who alone love mankind, King of the ages,* before the end comes turn me back through repentance* and have mercy on me.
In Tone 3, Now…
O Lady most honourable,* how could we but be rapt in wonder* at your giving birth to the Incarnate God* who, without a mother, was born of a Father before all ages?* You gave Him birth in the flesh without a father,* without a man’s instrumentality.* He is God and man whose two natures are intact,* neither one losing any of its properties.* Therefore, O Virgin Mother,* intercede with Him to save the souls* of those who believe and profess in true faith* that you are the Mother of God.
Aposticha
In Tone 3
O Christ, who darkened the sun by Your passion* and enlightened all creation by Your resurrection,* accept our evening prayer; for You love mankind.
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
O Lord, Your life-giving resurrection has enlightened the entire universe* and has revived Your creation which lay in corruption.* Therefore, we, who have been released from the curse of Adam, cry out to You:* Almighty Lord, glory to You!
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O God, although in Your divine nature You are unchangeable,* yet in Your human nature You underwent change by suffering in the flesh.* All creation was prostrate with fear* when it saw You hanging on the cross,* and it groaned in sorrow as it sang the praises of Your long-suffering.* But You descended into Hades and arose on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
You suffered death, O Christ, to deliver mankind from death.* And when You arose from the dead on the third day,* You enlightened the world* and resurrected all who acknowledge You as God.
In Tone 8, Glory…
Alas, black soul!* How long will you continue in evil?* How long will you lie in idleness?* Why do you not think of the fearful hour of death?* Why do you not tremble at the dread judgment-seat of the Saviour?* What defence will you make, or what will you answer?* Your works will be there to accuse you:* your actions will reproach you and condemn you.* O my soul, the time is near at hand;* make haste before it is too late, and cry aloud in faith:* I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned against You;* but I know Your love for man and Your compassion.* O good Shepherd, deprive me not of a place at Your right hand* in Your great mercy.
Now…
O Virgin, You have never known wedlock,* Yet You conceived God in the flesh* in a manner which words can never describe.* You thus became the Mother of God on high.* O Immaculate Lady, receive the supplication of your servants* and grant us the cleansing of our sins.* Accept now our prayers and beseech God to save all of us.
Troparia
In Tone 3
Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.
Glory… Now…
We sing your praises, O Virgin;* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and Your Son took flesh. * Then, by suffering the passion on the Cross,* and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.
SUNDAY MATINS
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 3
Troparia, Tone 3
Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world. (2)
Glory… Now…
We sing your praises, O Virgin;* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and Your Son took flesh. * Then, by suffering the passion on the Cross,* and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 3
Christ has arisen from the dead, the first fruits of those that sleep.* The First-born of creation and Creator of all that has come to be,* has renewed in Himself the corrupted nature of our race.* Death, no longer is your lord,* for the Master of all things has destroyed your dominion.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
Having tasted death in the flesh, O Lord,* You have blotted out the bitterness of death by Your arising* strengthening mankind against it, and announcing the abolition of the ancient curse.* Defender of our lives, O Lord, glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
Awed by the beauty of your virginity* and the exceeding radiance of your purity,* Gabriel called out to you, O Theotokos:* What worthy hymn of praise can I offer to you?* And what shall I name you?* I am in doubt and stand in awe.* Wherefore as commanded, I cry to you:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 3
Awed by Your immutable Godhead* and by Your voluntary passion, O Lord,* Hades lamented: I tremble at Your body’s essence, which remains incorrupt.* I behold You, the One who is invisible, mystically making war against me;* wherefore those whom I hold cry out:* ‘Glory, O Christ, to Your Resurrection!’
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
We the faithful contemplate an ineffable mystery:* Your incomprehensible Crucifixion and Your inexplicable Arising.* For today Death and Hades have been despoiled,* but mankind has been clothed in incorruption.* Wherefore with thanksgiving we cry aloud to You:* Glory, O Christ, to Your Resurrection!
Glory… Now…
Mystically did you contain in your womb* the Incomprehensible and Uncircumscribed One,* consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit;* and we acknowledge in your Offspring one unconfused energy of the Trinity Who is glorified in the world.* And so with thanksgiving we cry to you, ** ‘Rejoice, O full of grace!’
Polyeleos
Psalm 136
By the rivers of Babylon there we sat and wept, remembering Sion.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
For it was there that they asked us, our captors, for songs, our oppressors, for joy.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Sing to us they said, one of Sion’s songs.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
O how could we sing the song of the Lord on alien soil?
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
O Babylon, destroyer, one is happy who repays you the ills you brought on us.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory be to You, O God!
Evlogitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 3
A Cause of amazement by his appearance,* and source of refreshment by his speech,* the radiant Angel spoke to the myrrh-bearing women saying:* Why do you seek the living in a grave?* He has arisen, emptying the graves.* Know that the unchangeable One has changed corruption.* Wherefore cry to God saying,* ‘How fearful are Your works!* For You have saved mankind.’
Hymn of Ascent, Tone 3
Antiphon 1
You, O Word, delivered the captivity of Sion from Babylon,* Deliver me also* from the passions to life.
Those who sow in the South* with tears inspired by God,* shall in joy reap sheaves of everlasting life.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit,* together with the Father and the Son* shines forth the reflection of every good gift,* In Him all things live and have their being.
Antiphon 2
Except the Lord build the house of the virtues,* in vain do we labour.* While He protects our soul no one lays waste our city.
The Saints, O Christ, fruits of the womb,* are by the Spirit, always sons to You,* as You are to the Father.
Glory… Now…
The Holy Spirit is the inspiration of all that is holy and wise;* for He quickens every creature.* Let us worship Him* together with the Father and the Son, for He is God.
Antiphon 3
Those who fear the Lord are blessed* as they walk along the paths of His commandments;* for they partake of the life-giving fruit.
Be glad, Chief Shepherd,* beholding Your offspring around Your table* bearing the branches of good works.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit is a superabundance of glory;* for from Him proceeds forth grace and life* into all creation;* wherefore He is praised together with the Father and the Word.
Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Proclaim to the nations: God is king. The world He made firm in its place.
verse: O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord all the earth.
Let everything that lives, Tone 3
Gospel
Mark 16:9-20
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
In Tone 8, Glory…
Open to me the doors of repentance, O Giver of Life.* As we worship in Your temple this morning,* teach us how to purify the temples of our bodies,* and in Your compassion, purify me by the goodness of Your mercies.
Now…
Lead me to the paths of salvation, O Mother of God,* for I have condemned myself with shameful sins* and have wasted all my life in slothfulness.* By your intercession purify me from all sinfulness.
In Tone 6
Have mercy on me, God, in Your kindness. In Your compassion blot out my offense.
When I think upon the multitude of my evil deeds,* I tremble for the terrible day of judgment.* But trusting in the compassion of Your mercy, O Lord,* I cry to You like David:* Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy.
Canon, Tone 3
Ode 1
Irmos: In time past by his divine command he gathered the waters into one heap* and divided the sea for the people of Israel:* this is our God, he is glorious,* to him alone we sing, for he is glorified.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
He condemned the earth to bring forth thorns, fruit of the transgressor’s sweat; he received in the flesh a crown of thorns from the hands of lawless men : this is our God, he has done away with the curse, he is glorified.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
He whom death smote is declared the conqueror who won the victory over death; for taking living flesh subject to suffering, he wrestled with the tyrant and raised up all with himself: he is our God, he is glorified.
Glory… Now…
All nations glorify you, true Mother of God, who seedlessly bore your child; for he, our God, stole down into your hallowed womb and, invested with our being, God and man was born of you.
Irmos: A helper and a protector* has become to me salvation.* My God, whom I will glorify,* the God of my fathers,* and I will exalt Him* for gloriously has He been glorified.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I tremble with fear when I contemplate the dread day of Your ineffable coming, I fear when I foresee You sitting in judgment of the living and the dead, O my all-powerful God.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When You shall come, O God, with thousands of the heavenly hosts of angels, deem me the wretched one, O Christ, worthy to meet You in the clouds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Come, O my soul, and call to mind the very hour and day when God shall stand before you visibly; lament and weep, and thus be found pure in the hour of the trial.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The unquenchable fire of Gehenna, the bitter worm and the gnashing of teeth, terrorize me and fill me with awe. But You, O Christ, release me and forgive me, and number me among Your elect.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Grant that I, wretched as I am, may hear Your greatly desired voice, which calls Your saints to joy, that I also may attain the inexpressible enjoyment of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Enter not into judgment with me, recalling my deeds, examining my words and correcting my urgings. But in Your compassion overlook my wickedness and save me, O all-powerful One.
Glory…
Unity in three Hypostasis, Sovereign Lord of all, perfect and beginningless God, the Father, Son, and most Holy Spirit, save us.
Now…
Who, according to the law of nature, has ever begotten a son not sown by a father? Yet such a Son the Father has begotten without a mother. O most wondrous marvel! For you, O pure One, have borne both God and man.
Katavasia: A helper and a protector* has become to me salvation.* My God, whom I will glorify,* the God of my fathers,* and I will exalt Him* for gloriously has He been glorified.
Ode 3
Irmos: Almighty Lord,* you brought all things from nothing into being,* created by the Word, perfected by the Spirit.* Make me firm in your love.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The ungodly man was brought to shame by your cross; he dug a pit and opened it up and fell into it himself; the horn of the lowly, O Christ, is lifted up in your resurrection.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The proclamation of righteousness to the nations as water has covered the seas, O Lover of man, for you have risen from the grave and revealed the splendour of the Trinity.
Glory… Now…
Glorious things are spoken of you, the living city of the King who reigns for ever. For through you, O Lady, God dwelt among those on earth.
Irmos: O Lord, upon the rock of Your commandments* make firm my fickle heart, for You alone are Holy and Lord.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Lord comes, and who shall endure the fear of Him? Who shall dare appear before Him? But prepare yourself to meet Him, O my soul.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Let us make haste before it is too late; let us lament, let us be reconciled to God before the end. For fearful is the judgment at which all of us shall stand naked.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy upon me, I cry to You, when You come with Your angels to render to every man his due reward for his deeds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
How shall I endure the wrath of Your judgment, for I have not hearkened to Your commandments? But spare, O spare me in the hour of judgment.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Turn back, O wretched soul, sighing, before the fair-ground of life cometh to an end, before the Lord shuts the door of the bridal chamber.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Lord, I have sinned as no other man has sinned, I have transgressed more than any man: before the day of judgment, be merciful to me, O Lover of mankind.
Glory…
O simple Unity praised in a Trinity of Hypostases, uncreated beginningless Nature, save us who in faith worship Your power.
Now…
O most pure One, by a seedless conception you have given birth to the living Word, Who without change assumed flesh in your womb. Glory be to your birthgiving, O Mother of God.
Katavasia: O Lord, upon the rock of Your commandments* make firm my fickle heart, for You alone are Holy and Lord.
Sessional Hymns, Tone 6
When I contemplate the fearful day, and weep over my evil deeds,* how shall I answer the immortal King,* with what justification shall I look upon the Judge, prodigal that I am.* O compassionate Father,* only begotten Son, and Holy Spirit,* have mercy on me.
Glory…
O what lamentation there will be in that place,* when You, O compassionate One, sit to execute Your righteous judgment;* disclose not my secret sins,* nor shame me before the Angels,* but be compassionate O God and have mercy on me.
Now…
O you good Virgin Theotokos, the hope of the world,* we beg your intercession which alone is mighty:* have compassionate mercy upon us,* a people bereft of an intercessor;* beseech the merciful God, that our souls be delivered from every threat,* O you who alone are blessed!
Ode 4
Irmos: A mighty love you have shown to us, O Lord,* for you have given over to death for us your only-begotten Son;* therefore we thank you and cry to you:* Glory to your power, O Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Scars and bruises compassionately bearing, insult of blows enduring, long-patient under the spitting, O Christ; through these you have wrought my salvation. Glory to your power, O Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Life in mortal body, you conversed with deatiaor the sake of the misery of the poor and the sighing of the needy; and. destroying the destroyer, O glorified One, you raised up all with yourself, only Lover of man.
Glory… Now…
Remember, O Christ, your flock won by your Passion: visit the afflicted, accept the compassionate prayers of your Mother glorified and save it, O Lord, by your power.
Irmos: The prophet heard of Your coming, O Lord, and he was afraid.* How were You to be born of a virgin and appear unto mankind?* and he said, “I have heard report of You and I am afraid;”* glory to Your power, O Lord.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The day is upon us, the judgment is at the door. Be vigilant, my soul, Kings and princes, rich and poor are gathering, and each shall receive their due reward for their actions.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Each in his own order, monk, and hierarch, old and young, slave and master shall be examined; widow and virgin shall be corrected. And woe to all whose lives are not guiltless!
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Your judgment is without respect of persons; no cunning words or eloquence can deceive it; nor shall false witnesses pervert Your righteousness. For in Your sight, O God, every secret shall stand revealed.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Let me not come into the valley of lamentation, let me not see the place of darkness, O my Christ and Word; let me not be bound hand and foot, and cast out from Your bridal chamber, for in my utter wretchedness I have defiled the garment of incorruption that has been given me.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When You shall separate the sinners from the righteous while judging the world, number me as one of Your sheep and place me not with the goats, O Lover of mankind, that I may hear the voice of Your blessing.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When the trial takes place and the books recording all our deeds shall be opened, O miserable soul, what shall you answer before the judgment-seat, lacking all fruits of righteousness to offer to Christ your Creator?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Hearing the words of lamentation of the rich man in the flames of torment, I, the wretched one, weep and wail, for I am deserving of the same condemnation. Wherefore I entreat You: Have mercy on me, O Saviour of the world, at the hour of judgment.
Glory…
I glorify the Son Who has come forth from the Father, and the Spirit, as light and rays from the Sun: the One begotten as an Offspring, the Other proceeding and sent forth; divine and coeternal Trinity, worshiped by all creation.
Now…
She who has given birth yet kept her virginity, has borne both God and man, a single Person with a twofold nature. This your miracle, O Virgin Mother, doth fill every ear and mind with wonder.
Katavasia: The prophet heard of Your coming, O Lord, and he was afraid.* How were You to be born of a virgin and appear unto mankind?* and he said, “I have heard report of You and I am afraid;”* glory to Your power, O Lord.
Ode 5
Irmos: Early I wake to you the Creator of all* and the peace which passes all understanding:* guide me in your ordinances,* for they are light.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Through the envy of the Jews handed over to an unrighteous judge, you, the all-seeing who judges all the earth in righteousness, delivered Adam from the ancient condemnation.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Christ, risen from the dead, grant peace to your churches in the invincible power of your cross, and save our souls.
Glory… Now…
You alone, the Ever-virgin who received the Word of God unbounded by the whole creation, are declared the holy tabernacle wider than the heavens.
Irmos: Out of the night I seek You early,* enlighten me I pray You, O Lover of mankind,* and guide me in Your commandments,* and teach me, O Saviour, to do Your will.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
There shall be fear and trembling beyond all description there: for the Lord shall come and test the works of every man. And who then will not mourn for himself?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The river of fire disquiets and consumes me; the gnashing of teeth grinds me, and the abyss dismays me, how or what shall I do to gain God’s mercy?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Spare, O Lord, spare Your servant; deliver me not unto the bitter tormentors, to the cruel angels in Hades, by whom I shall never find rest.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Prince and governor together, the rich and the inglorious, great and small alike will be tried. Woe to him that has not prepared himself beforehand!
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Pardon, remit and forgive, O Lord, all my sins against You; and show me not condemned, in the presence of the angels, to the punishment of fire and unending shame.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Spare, O spare the Your creation, O Lord. I have sinned, forgive me: for You alone are pure by nature, and none save You is free from defilement.
Glory…
A single Unity by nature, I praise You, O Trinity, as beginningless, incomprehensible, supreme in sovereignty, a unity beyond perfection, God, Light and Life, the Creator of the world.
Now…
In your childbearing, in a supra-natural manner, the laws of nature were rendered mute, O pure one. For without seed you have given birth to the pre-eternal God, begotten from the Father.
Katavasia: Out of the night I seek You early,* enlighten me I pray You, O Lover of mankind,* and guide me in Your commandments,* and teach me, O Saviour, to do Your will.
Ode 6
Irmos: The deepest abyss of sins has surrounded me* and my spirit fails me;* but stretch out your mighty arm, O Lord my pilot, as to Peter,* and save me.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The abyss of mercy and pity has surrounded me in your tender descent, O Lord, for, made flesh and taking the form of a servant, you made me as God and glorified me with yourself.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The one who dealt death has undergone death through seeing the One put to death now brought to life: these things are the tokens of your Resurrection, O Christ, and the rewards of your pure Passion.
Glory… Now…
Only All-pure, beyond understanding you were mediator between the Creator and man, pray to your merciful Son for your stumbling servants and be our defender.
Irmos: With my whole heart, I cried to the all-compassionate God,* and He heard me* from the lowest depths of Hades;* and raised up my life from corruption.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
At Your fearful coming, O Christ, when You shall appear from heaven and set up the thrones, and the books shall be opened, then spare, O Saviour, spare Your creature.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Since God is the Judge, nothing can help you there, no zeal, no skill, no glory, no friendship, but only the strength that you have gained, O my soul, from your works.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
There will be found together both Prince and governor, rich and poor O my soul; no father or mother will be able to help us, no brother will deliver us from the condemnation.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Think, my soul, of the fearful examination before the Judge; trembling from this prepare your defence, lest you be condemned to the eternal chains.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Lord, may I not hear You say, “Take what is due you,” as You send me from Your presence; neither let me hear You say, “Depart from Me into the fire of the accursed,” but may I hear those words desired by the righteous.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Deliver me, O Lord, from the gates of Hades, from the lowest depths of the earth and the lightless darkness, from the unquenchable fire, and from all the other everlasting torments.
Glory…
I sing the praises of the Triune Godhead, the Father, Son, and divine Spirit, one sovereign Principle divided in three Hypostases.
Now…
You are the gate through which God alone has passed, entering in and coming out, yet not breaking the seal of your virginity O pure one: Jesus, the Creator of Adam, and your Son.
Katavasia: With my whole heart, I cried to the all-compassionate God,* and He heard me* from the lowest depths of Hades;* and raised up my life from corruption.
Kontakion, Tone 1
When You come on earth, O God, in glory,* and the universe trembles,* while the river of fire flows before the seat of judgement,* and the books are opened and all secrets disclosed,* then deliver me from the unquenchable fire,* and count me worthy to stand at Your right hand,* O Judge who are most just.
Ikos
Thinking of Your fearful judgment-seat and the day of Judgment O supremely good One, I tremble and am filled with fear, for my own conscience accuses me. No one then will be able to deny their sins, for truth shall accuse them, and fear will constrain them. For great will be the trepidation from the flames of Gehenna there, the sinners gnashing their teeth. Wherefore, before the end have mercy on me, and spare me, O Judge most righteous.
Ode 7
Irmos: As, long ago, your dew refreshed the three godly children in the Chaldean flames,* so shine with the enlightening fire of your Godhead* upon us who cry to you:* Blessed are you, God of our fathers.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The fair veil of the temple was rent in the cross of the Creator, clearly announcing the hidden truth in the scriptures to the faithful who cry to you: Blessed are you, God of our fathers.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
When your side was pierced, O Christ, drops of your life-giving blood, flowing from God by divine dispensation, distilled upon the earth and re-made those born of the earth who cry to you: Blessed are you, God of our fathers.
Glory… Now…
Let us the faithful glorify the Good Spirit with the Father and the only-begotten Son, one in three, as we worship the first cause and one Godhead, crying: Blessed are you, God of our fathers.
Irmos: We have sinned, we have transgressed,* and we have done evil before You.* We have not kept nor followed Your commandments,* but reject us not utterly, O God of our fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O you faithful, let us fall down and lament before the day of judgment comes, when the heavens shall be destroyed, the stars shall fall and all the earth shall be shaken, that at the end we may receive mercy from the God of our fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The trial shall be without respect of persons, and the judgment shall be fearful; nothing shall be kept secret from the Judge, no favour can be won with bribes. But spare me, O Master, and deliver me from all Your fearful wrath.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Lord comes to judge: who can endure the sight of Him? Tremble, O my wretched soul, tremble and by your deeds prepare for your repose, that you may gain mercy and compassion from the blessed God of your fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I am disquieted when I think of the unquenchable fire. The bitter worm, the gnashing of teeth, and soul-destroying Hades terrifies me; yet there is no compunction to be found in me. But O Lord, O Lord, before the end, establish me in the fear of You.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
I fall down before You, and I offer You as tears my words. I have sinned as the harlot never sinned, and I have transgressed as no other on earth. But O Master have compassion upon me Thy creature and call me back.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Turn back O soul, repent, and uncover all that you have hidden. Say to God to Whom all things are known: You alone know my secrets, O Saviour; have mercy on me, as David sings, according to Your mercy.
Glory…
I sing the praises of the Three, one in Essence, of the One that is three in Hypostases: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one power, one will, one energy, one thrice-holy God, one sovereign Kingdom.
Now…
God has come forth in beauty from the chamber of your womb. As a King clothed in a divinely-woven robe, dyed mystically in your most pure blood, O unwedded one, He reigns over the earth.
Katavasia: We have sinned, we have transgressed,* and we have done evil before You.* We have not kept nor followed Your commandments,* but reject us not utterly, O God of our fathers.
Ode 8
Irmos: In the unbearable fire, unharmed by the flames,* the young men, famed for their fear of God, stood as one and sang the divine hymn:* Bless the Lord, all you his works,* and exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The brightness of the temple was rent when your cross was set on Golgotha: all creation bowed down together and raised the song: Bless the Lord, all you his works, and exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You have risen, Christ, from the grave, by the divine power of the cross you have raised man overthrown by treachery and set him straight again, crying out and saying: Bless the Lord, all you his works, and exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory… Now…
You are declared to be the temple of God, living resting-place and ark, for you, pure Mother of God, have reconciled the Creator to mortal man and fittingly we his works sing your praises and exalt you throughout all the ages.
Irmos: Him whom the hosts of heaven glorify,* and before whom tremble the Cherubim and Seraphim,* let every breath and all creation praise, bless, and supremely exalt,* throughout all ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O Lord, when I contemplate meeting You at Your fearful second coming, I tremble in awe, and fear Your wrath. In that hour deliver me, I cry, and save me throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Who among those born on earth, beset by the passions, shall dare to stand before You, O God who judges all things? For at that time, the unquenchable fire and the gnawing worm shall seize the condemned and hold them throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
All that has breath, shall You call together to be judged O Christ. Then great shall be the fear, and great the anguish; and only our good actions shall help us throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O my God and Lord, Judge of all, on that day may I hear Your desired voice, may I see Your great light, may I look upon Your tabernacles, may I behold Your glory and rejoice throughout the ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O righteous Judge and Saviour, have mercy on me and deliver me from the fire and from the punishments I deserve at the Judgment. Before the end comes, grant me remission through virtue and repentance.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When You sit in judgment, O compassionate One, and reveal Your dread glory, O Christ, what fear there will be then! the fiery furnace, and to all those who shall be seized with fear, Your inescapable judgment-seat.
Let us bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Lord!
I honour God one in Essence, I sing the praises of the three Hypostasis, distinct one from another yet not differing in essence, for there is one Godhead in the three Hypostases, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Now…
From your most radiant womb, Christ has come forth as a bridegroom from his chamber, and as a great light He has illumined those in darkness. As the Sun of Righteousness, he has shone forth, O pure one, enlightening the world.
We praise, bless and worship the Lord, chanting and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages.
Katavasia: Him whom the hosts of heaven glorify,* and before whom tremble the Cherubim and Seraphim,* let every breath and all creation praise, bless, and supremely exalt,* throughout all ages.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Irmos: Marvel new and meet for God!* Through the shut gate of the Virgin the Lord surely passes through.* Unclothed in the entering, flesh-bearing in the coming forth* God has appeared and the gate remains fast closed.* We magnify her beyond utterance* the Mother of God.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Word of God, awful it is to see you, the Creator, hanging on the tree, God suffering in human fashion for the sake of his servants; while lying lifeless in the tomb you yet had loosed the dead from Hell; for this, O Christ, we magnify you as almighty.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Laid dead in the grave, O Christ, you saved our forefathers from the corruption of death; you raised the dead and made life to blossom and, leading mortal nature by the hand to the light, you clothed it with divine incorruptibility; for this we magnify you, fountain of everliving light.
Glory… Now…
Temple and throne of God you are declared to be, All-pure, wherein he who dwells in the highest took up his abode, born without man and guarding entire the doors of your flesh. Holy One, by your unceasing prayers bring swiftly the nations in final subjection to our king.
Irmos: Ineffable is the birthgiving of a seedless conception,* from a mother who knew not a man;* an undefiled childbearing.* For the birth of God hath renewed nature,* wherefore all generations rightly worship and magnify you* as the Bride and Mother of God.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The Lord shall come to punish sinners and to save the righteous. Let us weep and lament, and call to mind that day, when our hidden and secret sins will be revealed ,and He will reward each according to what they are due.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Moses was filled with fear and trembling when he saw Your hind parts. How then shall I, the wretched one, endure to behold Your face, when You shall come from heaven? But spare me, O compassionate One, by Your merciful gaze.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Daniel feared the hour of trial, what then shall I, the wretched one, feel, when I come O Lord, to that dreadful day? But grant me before my end to worship You worthily and to gain Your Kingdom.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The fire is ready, the worm hath prepared itself; yet rejoicing, glory, eternal rest, the never-setting light, the gladness of the righteous also await. And who is blessed, if not but he who escapes the former, and inherits the later?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
May I not be rejected from Your presence O Lord, in Your anger; may I not hear Your voice casting me off, as one accursed, to the fire. But rather let me enter then into the joy of Your eternal bridal-chamber with Your saints.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
My mind has been wounded, my body has grown feeble, my spirit has become weak, my speech has lost its power, and my life has become deadened, the end approaches. What then shall you do, O wretched soul, when the Judge comes to examine your deeds?
Glory…
O Father, single only-Begetter of the only-begotten Son; O only Light and Effulgence from the one and only Light; and You, one and only Holy Spirit from the one God, the Lord from the Lord Who truly is: O Holy Trinity in One, save me who theologizes You.
Now…
The marvel of your childbearing has filled me with wonder, O all-immaculate One. How did you conceive without seed Him whom none can comprehend? How did you remain a Virgin and yet give birth as a Mother? Accept with faith that which is above nature, and worship the Child that is born: For all that He wills, He has the power to do.
Katavasia: Ineffable is the birthgiving of a seedless conception,* from a mother who knew not a man;* an undefiled childbearing.* For the birth of God hath renewed nature,* wherefore all generations rightly worship and magnify you* as the Bride and Mother of God.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
Truly Christ is risen.* Let no one doubt or be suspicious.* For He appeared to Mary and then to those who went fishing.* Then He appeared to His eleven apostles as they were eating.* He sent them forth to baptize the whole world;* then He ascended to heaven from which He had descended,* confirming His divine message by a multitude of miracles.
In Tone 3
As I ponder the fearful day of Your judgment,* and Your ineffable glory,* I am altogether filled with dread, O Lord,* and trembling with fear I cry to You:* “When You come in glory to earth, to judge all things, O Christ our God,* deliver me from every torment and deem me worthy, O Master, to stand at Your right hand.
Glory…
Behold! the day of the Lord almighty comes,* and who shall endure the fear of His coming?* For it is the day of wrath;* the furnace shall burn, and the Judge shall sit and render to each* the due reward for his works.
Now…
As I call to mind the hour of trial* and the fearful coming of the Master the Lover of mankind,* I am filled with trembling, and with sad countenance I cry to You:* O most righteous Judge, Who alone are plenteous in mercy,* by the intercessions of the Theotokos accept me who repent.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 3
Come all you nations,* acknowledge the power of the dread mystery;* for Christ our Saviour, the beginningless Word,* was crucified for us and was willingly buried* and arose from the dead to save the whole universe.* Let us worship Him.
You guards recounted all the marvels, O Lord,* but, by filling their right hands with money,* the Sanhedrin of folly thought to conceal Your Resurrection,* which the world glorifies;* have mercy upon us.
All things have been filled with joy on receiving proof of the Resurrection.* For Mary Magdalene having come to the tomb,* found an Angel seated upon the stone,* radiant in shining raiment, saying:* Why do you seek the living among the dead?* He is not here, but He has arisen, as He foretold,* and goes before you into Galilee.
In Your light, O Master and Lover of mankind,* shall we see light.* For arose from the dead,* granting salvation to the race of mankind,* wherefore all creation glorifies You, the only sinless one;* have mercy upon us.
In Tone 2
I contemplate that day and hour* when we shall all stand naked, like men condemned and unclean, before the Judge.* Then shall the trumpet sound and the foundations of the earth shall quake,* the dead shall arise from the tombs* and all shall be gathered together from every generation.* Then the secrets of all shall be made manifest before You:* From those who never repented, there shall heard be weeping and lamentation,* as they depart to the outer fire;* but with gladness and rejoicing the company of the righteous* shall enter into the heavenly bridal chamber.
How shall it be in that hour on that fearful day,* when the Judge shall sit on His dread throne!* The books shall be opened and men’s deeds examined,* and those secrets of darkness shall be made public.* Angels shall hasten to and fro, gathering all the nations.* Come you and hearken, kings and princes, slaves and free,* sinners and righteous, rich and poor:* for the Judge comes to pass judgment on the whole world* And who shall bear to stand before His face in the presence of the angels* as they call us to give account for our deeds and our thoughts, whether by night or by day?* How shall it be then in that hour!* But before the end draws nigh, make haste, O my soul, and cry:* O God Who alone are compassionate, turn me back and save me.
In Tone 8
Daniel the prophet, a man greatly beloved,* when he saw the power of God, cried aloud:* “The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.”* Consider well, my soul: do you fast?* Then despise not your neighbour.* Do you abstain from food?* Condemn not your brother, lest you be sent away into the fire, there to burn as wax.* But may Christ lead thee without stumbling into His Kingdom.
In Tone 1
Let us cleanse ourselves, brethren,* with the Queen of the virtues:* for behold, she comes, bringing to us a wealth of blessings.* She quells the uprising of the passions,* and reconciles those that have sinned to the Master.* Therefore, let us welcome her with gladness, and cry aloud to Christ our God:* O You Who rose from the dead,* keep us uncondemned as we render glory to You, Who alone are sinless.
In Tone 1, Glory…
Let us cleanse ourselves, brethren,* with the Queen of the virtues:* for behold, she comes, bringing to us a wealth of blessings.* She quells the uprising of the passions,* and reconciles those that have sinned to the Master.* Therefore, let us welcome her with gladness, and cry aloud to Christ our God:* O You Who rose from the dead,* keep us uncondemned as we render glory to You, Who alone are sinless.
In Tone 2, Now…
You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 2
Today salvation has come to the world.* Let us sing to Him who is risen from the tomb,* the Author of Life who has crushed Death by his death* and bestowed on us victory and great mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 3: Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 1: When You come on earth, O God, in glory,* and the universe trembles,* while the river of fire flows before the seat of judgement,* and the books are opened and all secrets disclosed,* then deliver me from the unquenchable fire,* and count me worthy to stand at Your right hand,* O Judge who are most just.
Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Great is our Lord and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.
verse: Praise the Lord, for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to Him. (Psalm 146:5,1)
Epistle
1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2
Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord; let us acclaim God our Saviour.
verse: Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms. (Psalm 94:1,2)
Gospel
Matthew 25:31-46
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)