New Texts arriving in the evening of April 17, 2024!
Event Information:
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Sun02Jul2023
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Octoechos Tone 4. Placing of the Precious Robe of Our Most Holy Lady and the Mother of God in the Church at Blachernae in Constantinople. Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Verkhrats’ka Weeping Icon of the Mother of God (1688)
Polyeleos Feast.
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man...” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 4
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
We never cease to adore Your life-giving Cross, O Christ our God,* And we glorify Your resurrection on the third day.* For You, Almighty One, have thereby restored the corrupted nature of all* and reopened the way to heaven,* since You alone are gracious and You love mankind.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
O Saviour, You have absolved the penalty of disobedience,* committed through the tree of Eden,* by willingly being nailed to the tree of the cross.* As Almighty God, You descended into Hades* and broke asunder the bonds of death.* We, therefore, venerate Your resurrection from the dead,* and joyfully cry out to You:* Almighty Lord, glory to You!
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
O Lord, You have battered down the gates of Hades,* and by Your death You have dissolved the realm of death.* You have freed mankind from corruption,* bestowing life, incorruption, and Your great mercy upon the world.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
Come, all you people,* let us sing the praises of our Saviour’s resurrection on the third day.* For we have, thereby, been delivered from the invincible bonds of Hades,* and we have received incorruption, together with eternal life.* Therefore, we cry out to You* after Your crucifixion, burial, and resurrection:* Save us by Your resurrection, for You love mankind.
In Tone 4
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
You are compassionate, Lover of mankind,* giving Your Mother to Your servants as an aid.* Through her You have worked Your ineffable and awesome dispensation,* restoring our first and divine life.* Therefore, as we honour her all-holy feast, we hymn Your might,* almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls!
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
You are compassionate, Lover of mankind,* giving Your Mother to Your servants as an aid.* Through her You have worked Your ineffable and awesome dispensation,* restoring our first and divine life.* Therefore, as we honour her all-holy feast, we hymn Your might,* almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls!
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Protect with your precious robe, all praised one,* the people who honour and fittingly glorify you.* Preserve them from godless enemies, immaculate one;* from famine, earthquake and civil war.* Therefore we all glorify you, unwedded Virgin and holy Bride of God,* the helper of all mankind!
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Protect with your precious robe, all praised one,* the people who honour and fittingly glorify you.* Preserve them from godless enemies, immaculate one;* from famine, earthquake and civil war.* Therefore we all glorify you, unwedded Virgin and holy Bride of God,* the helper of all mankind!
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
Lady full of divine grace,* you have given your city your precious robe:* a wealth that cannot be diminished;* a shelter, glory and impregnable wall;* a treasure of healings and ever-flowing fountain of wonders;* a constant haven and salvation for those tossed by storms.* Therefore, we hymn you, all-praised and pure Lady!
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Lady full of divine grace,* you have given your city your precious robe:* a wealth that cannot be diminished;* a shelter, glory and impregnable wall;* a treasure of healings and ever-flowing fountain of wonders;* a constant haven and salvation for those tossed by storms.* Therefore, we hymn you, all-praised and pure Lady!
In Tone 2, Glory…
Cleansed in heart and mind,* let us keep the feast together with the angels,* joyfully addressing the song of David* to the Maiden Bride of Christ our God, the King of all!* Let us say: Arise, Lord, into Your resting place,* You and the ark of Your holiness,* for You have adorned her as a palace of delight.* You have given her, Master, as an inheritance to Your people,* to preserve and shelter them by Your mighty power from their enemies* through her supplications!
In Tone 4, Now…
O Mother of God, because of You* David the Prophet became an ancestor of God;* he foretold and sang a joyous hymn of praise* and cried out to Him who worked wonders in you:* “The Queen stood at your right hand.”* God revealed you as a life-giving mother,* when He chose to be incarnate of you without a father.* He renewed in man His image* which the passions had corrupted.* He found the lost sheep in the mountains,* carried it on His shoulders,* offered it to the Father,* generously numbered it among the powers of heaven,* and saved the whole world, since He is Christ of great and rich mercy.
Readings
(1) Genesis 28:10-17; (2) Ezekiel 43:27-44; (3) Proverbs 9:1-11
Aposticha
In Tone 4
In being lifted upon the cross, O Lord,* You abolished the curse which we had inherited from our fathers.* By going down into Hades,* You freed from eternal captivity those imprisoned there,* and granted incorruption to mankind.* We, therefore, praise Your life-giving and redeeming resurrection.
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
By hanging on the cross, O Almighty One,* You shook the whole creation to its foundations.* When You Yourself were laid in the grave,* You raised to life those who had been lying in the graves,* and You granted life and incorruption to mankind.* We, therefore, praise and glorify Your resurrection on the third day.
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O Christ, the lawless people showed their ingratitude to You, their Benefactor,* by delivering You to Pilate who condemned you to be crucified.* But You willingly suffered death and burial;* and, as God, You rose by Your own power on the third day,* granting us everlasting life and great mercy.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
The women, shedding bitter tears, came to see You in Your tomb;* and not finding Your body, they lamented, saying:* O Saviour and King of All, how were You stolen?* What place holds Your life-bearing body?* An angel answered them, saying:* Do not weep, but go and proclaim that the Lord is risen,* filling our hearts with joy;* for He alone is most compassionate.
In Tone 2, Glory…
Today the church of God adorns itself, all-pure Theotokos,* putting on your precious robe as a most splendid crown.* It rejoices and dances in spirit,* crying out to you, Mistress:* Rejoice, precious diadem and crown of divine glory!* Rejoice, only perfection of glory and eternal gladness!* Rejoice, haven and deliverance of those who run to you* and our salvation!
Now…
We now behold a new wonder,* greater than the wonders of old.* For who has ever known a mother to bear a child without the help of man?* Who has known a mother to hold in her arms the Source of all Creation?* It was God’s own will to be born in this manner;* and you, O most pure Virgin, carried Him as an infant in your arms.* Because of this, you can approach God with the boldness of a mother.* Therefore, we venerate you, and ask you to always beseech Him* to have mercy on us and save our souls.
Troparia
In Tone 4
When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”
In Tone 8, Glory…
Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city,* and to our souls great mercy.
Now…
O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.* O Saviour, save Your despairing people!
SUNDAY MATINS
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 4
Troparia, Tone 4
When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.” (2)
In Tone 8, Glory…
Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city,* and to our souls great mercy.
Now…
O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.* O Saviour, save Your despairing people!
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
Looking into the entrance of the tomb,* the Myrrh-bearing women were unable to endure the bright radiance of the Angel,* trembling in awe they said;* How is it that He who has opened Paradise to the Thief hath been stolen?* How is it that He who before His passion proclaimed His Arising has been raised?* Truly Christ God has arisen, granting those in Hades life and resurrection.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
Mortal men laid in a new tomb* the One who through a word established the ends of earth,* for You, O Saviour, willingly endured the Cross,* whereby You conquered the adversary, and despoiled death,* for which cause all those in Hades extol Your life-giving Arising saying* Christ, the giver of life, has arisen and abides to the ages.
Glory… Now…
As he contemplated that which was beyond nature* Joseph was struck with wonder, O Theotokos, at you conception without seed.* He contemplated the mysterious dew upon the fleece,* the bush unburnt by fire,* Aaron’s rod which budded.* Thus your Betrothed and guardian bore witness and cried to the priests saying:* A Virgin bears a child,* and after child-birth remains yet a virgin.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
O Saviour, You arose from Hades as immortal,* raising the world together with You by Your might, O Christ our God.* With strength You have overthrown the dominion of death,* revealing the Resurrection to all, O Merciful one.* Wherefore we also glorify You, O only Lover of mankind.
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
Gabriel radiant in white vestments descended from the heights above,* and approaching the rock upon which the Rock of life was lying,* cried to the weeping women saying:* Cease your cries of lamentation;* for you have now obtained merciful compassion.* Take courage, for the One you seek is truly risen.* Therefore, cry to the Apostles telling them that the Lord has arisen,* to worship the risen One;* and having received gladness, to take courage, together with Eve.
Glory… Now…
All the choirs of Angels were struck with wonder, O Pure Virgin,* at the awesome mystery of your conception.* How can the One who holds all things in place with only a nod,* now be held in your arms as a man?* How can the Eternal accept a beginning?* How can the One who nourishes everything that has breath by His ineffable goodness,* be suckled at your breast?* And upon seeing these things, with hymns they glorify you* as truly the Mother of God.
Polyeleos
Exaltation
We extol you,* O most holy Virgin,* and we honour your holy garment* for you pray for us to Christ our God.
verse: Great is the Lord and highly praised in the city of our God, in His holy mountain.
verse: Holy is this temple, awesome in righteousness.
verse: Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!
verse: Behold the gates of the Lord; the just shall pass through them.
Glory be: Now and for ever:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3x).
Evoglitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 4
The Myrrh-bearing women hastened to proclaim to the Apostles* the news of Your wondrous Rising, O Christ:* that as God You have arisen,* granting the world great mercy.
Sessional Hymns, Tone 4
Today the universal joy of your feast shines forth* with the brightness of the stars, O Mary, ever-Virgin Mother.* Illumine the minds of those who on earth* lovingly sing praises to you.
The Virgin Mary who is truly the Godbearer* has shone forth to us as a bright cloud.* Adam is no longer condemned, and Eve is released from bonds.* Therefore, with confidence we also cry out to the only pure One:* O most holy Virgin, beg your Son to forgive our sins.
In Tone 1, Glory… Now…
From your virginal womb a beautiful shoot has sprouted forth,* for you have given birth to the Life of the world.* For this, the heavenly powers sing to you, O Godbearer,* praising your honourable feast, O pure One.* Glory to the feast of the deposition of your precious robe;* glory to your virginity, O Virgin Mother.
Gradual Hymns, Tone 4
Antiphon 1
From my youth do many passions war against me;* but do You Yourself defend* and save me, O my Saviour.
You haters of Sion shall be shamed by the Lord;* for like grass, by the fire* shall you be withered.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit, every soul is quickened,* and, through cleansing, is exalted* and made radiant* by the Triple Unity in a hidden sacred manner.
Antiphon 2
From the depths of my soul* I have cried to You fervently, O Lord;* let Your divine ears be attentive to me.
Everyone who has set their hope in the Lord,* is higher than all those* who mourn.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit* the streams of grace swell up;* watering all creation* engendering life.
Antiphon 3
Let my heart be raised to You, O Lord;* and let none of the pleasures of the world lure me* to weakness.
As one that has tender love for one’s mother;* so should we have even more fervent love* for the Lord.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit comes an abundance of divine knowledge,* contemplation and wisdom;* for by Him the Word unveils* all the Father’s teachings.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Arise, O Lord: help us,* and redeem us for Your name’s sake.
verse: We heard with our own ears, O God, our fathers have told us the story of the things You did in days long ago.
Let everything that lives, Tone 4
Gospel
Luke 24:12-35
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon, Tone 4
Ode 1
Irmos: Through the Red Sea, as on the dry land,* old Israel passed on with unmoistened foot;* crosswise, in the wilderness, Moses held up his arms* and they routed Amalek’s might.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
As good and all-powerful, O Lord, you were lifted up on the immaculate tree of your cross, healing by the tree our utter destruction, setting right our defection.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
In your body in the tomb, as God with your soul in Hell, with the Thief in Paradise, you were yet, O Christ, on the throne with the Father and the Spirit, all things filling, and infinite.
Glory… Now…
You conceived the Son of God without seed, by the Father’s purpose, from the divine Spirit; you bore in flesh the one from the Father without mother: through us, out of you, without father.
Ode 3
Irmos: Your Church, O Christ, makes merry in you, crying aloud:* You are my strength, O Lord, my refuge, my firm foundation.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The tree of life, the true and intellectual vine, hangs upon the cross pouring forth to all the elixir of life.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
As a great one and fearful, demolishing utterly the insolence of Hell, as God incorruptible, now you have risen in the flesh.
Glory… Now…
You only, O Mother of God, are the friend who procures the good things beyond nature for those upon earth and therefore we bring to you our “Hail.”
Ode 4
Irmos: Seeing you the Sun of Righteousness* lifted high on the cross,* with good reason your Church stood still in her course and exclaimed:* Glory to your power, O Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You went up on the Cross, to the Passion of your pure flesh worn of your own will, thus healing my passions. Therefore we cry to you: Glory to your power, O Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Lord, death tasted of your life-giving, sinless flesh and deservedly was slain. But we cry to you: Glory to your power, O Lord.
Glory… Now…
You bore a child, O Virgin, without a man, and after the birth you were discerned as still a virgin; therefore in faith unwavering we cry in never silent voices: Hail to you, our Lady.
Ode 5
Irmos: Lord, my light, you have come into the world;* O holy light, turn from the darkness of ignorance all who sing to you in faith.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
In compassion, O Lord, you came down to the earth; hanging upon the tree you raised up the fallen nature of man.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Christ, you bore yourself the reproach of my sins; you loosed the pangs of death, Compassionate, in your holy resurrection.
Glory… Now…
We thrust you forward as an unbreakable shield in face of our enemies; we have gained you, Bride of God, as anchor and hope of our salvation.
Ode 6
Irmos: I will sacrifice to you, O Lord, with the voice of praise:* so cries your Church to you,* purified from demons’ gore* through the blood which flows in pity from your side.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Girded with power you went up on the cross and came to grips with the tyrant and as God you dashed him down from the heights and raised up Adam with your invincible hand.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You are risen, O Christ, from the tomb in dazzling beauty of lightning flash, scattering to the winds by your power divine every one of your enemies. As God you have filled all things with gladness.
Glory… Now…
O wonder of all wonders, newest and strangest, that a virgin, knowing no man, conceived in the womb him who holds the whole universe in his hands and suffered no straitening.
Kontakion
My Saviour and deliverer, as God, has raised those born of the earth from the bonds of the grave, he has
Ikos
To-day Christ, the giver of life, has risen from the dead, come after three days from the tomb; by his might he has smashed the doors of death, put Hell to death and crushed death’s sting and Adam with Eve set free. Let all of us born of the earth sing to him, in thankfulness fervently cry out his praise. For he, the lone strong One, on the third day as God and as Lord has risen.
Ode 7
Irmos: In a Persian furnace three children of Abraham were set on fire* but more than in the flames they blazed in loving desire to God, and cried:* Blessed are you, O Lord,* in the temple of your glory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Washed in Christ’s divine blood, mankind has been called to incorruption and sings in thanksgiving: Blessed are you, O Lord, in the temple of your glory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Your tomb, O Christ, declares itself life-bearing, fairer far than Paradise, more radiant than any kingly hall, fount of our resurrection.
Glory… Now…
Hail, tabernacle of the Most High, hallowed and sacred. Joy is given through you, O Mother of God, to those who cry to you: Blessed are you amongst women, All-holy Lady.
Ode 8
Irmos: Daniel, with hands outspread in the den,* stopped the gaping jaws of the lions;* the three children, lovers of God,* clothed in the virtue of godliness,* quenched the power of the fire and sang aloud:* Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
With hands outspread on the cross, O Lord, you gathered together the nations and showed them to be one Church praising you, with those on earth and those in heaven in harmony singing: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
As lightning flashing, in the unapproachable light of the resurrection, the white-robed angel appeared to the women and cried: Why do you seek the living in the tomb as dead? Christ is risen indeed and we cry to him: All you his works, sing praises to the Lord.
Glory… Now…
You alone, among all the families of the earth, are revealed as Mother of God; wholly without stain, unharmed by the fire of the unapproachable light, you became the dwelling-place of the Godhead. We all bless you, therefore, Mary, God’s bride.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Irmos: Everyone was seized with amazement* at hearing of the ineffable condescension of God,* for the Most High willed to come down even to the flesh,* having become man in the virginal womb.* Therefore, we, the faithful extol* the most pure Godbearer.
O most holy Mother of God, pray for us!
Glorious things were said of you, O city of God, and of Him Who ever reigns over all things in heaven and on earth, to Whom you have given birth. He has raised you from the earth into heaven. Pray to Him unceasingly for those who honour your sacred feast. With Him we extol you.
O most holy Mother of God, pray for us!
O choirs of angels, assembly of patriarchs, divine college of apostles and prophets, army of martyrs, ranks of hierarchs and venerable fathers, and all you saints, rejoice with us, who celebrate the holy feast of the Mother of God, whom we extol.
Glory… Now…
Exalt the strength of all the faithful and stop the boasting of the enemies, O most pure Godbearer! Preserve your cities in peace and protect all Christian nations, in which your great and most glorious name is faithfully glorified and venerated by all, O pure Lady.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light (Gospel)
Christ our Way and our Life,* after His resurrection from the dead,* accompanied Luke and Cleopas,* who had recognized Him at Emmaus in the breaking of the bread.* Their hearts and souls were inflamed as He spoke to them on the way,* explaining to them all the Scriptures that pertained to Him.* Let us, therefore, shout with them, saying:* Truly, the Lord is risen and has appeared to Peter.
Glory…
Adam be renewed! Eve rejoice!* Rejoice, all you prophets together with the apostles and martyrs;* rejoice, venerable ascetics and hierarchs,* for the most pure feast of Mary, the Mother of God,* has brought joy and gladness to all mankind* and to all the heavenly hosts.
Now…
I praise Your love without limit, O my Creator;* for You emptied Yourself to put on our broken nature to save us.* O all-compassionate Lord, even though You are God,* You consented for my sake to be born into our human condition* and to descend into Hades to save us,* through the intercession of Your most pure Mother.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 4
O all-powerful Lord,* Who endured the Cross and death,* and arose from the dead,* we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.
By Your Cross, O Christ, You have delivered us from the ancient curse,* and by Your death You have conquered the devil who tyrannized our nature.* By Your arising You have filled all things with joy,* wherefore we cry to You:* O Lord risen from the dead, glory be to You!
O Christ the Saviour,* with Your Cross, guide us to Your truth,* and deliver us from the snares of the enemy;* O You who are risen from the dead* raise us also who have fallen through sin,* by the stretching out of Your hand,* O Lord, at the behest of the prayers of Your Saints.
Without departing from Your Father’s bosom,* in Your tender compassion, You descended to earth,* O Only-begotten Word of God,* without change becoming man.* While You are impassible in Your divinity,* You suffered the Cross and death in the flesh;* and rising from the dead You have granted immortality to the race of mankind,* as You alone are all-powerful.
In Tone 1
Your holy feast has become for me a source of light* and an inexhaustible stream of brightness.* Therefore, O Godbearer,* pray that I may be delivered from the darkness of ignorance* and from the spiritual and bodily passions,* and, in the world to come, save me from everlasting torments.
Your holy feast has become for me a source of light* and an inexhaustible stream of brightness.* Therefore, O Godbearer,* pray that I may be delivered from the darkness of ignorance* and from the spiritual and bodily passions,* and, in the world to come, save me from everlasting torments.
The eternal Wisdom of God,* Who was born of you in the flesh,* has revealed your feast to be a source of wisdom* and an ocean of understanding and grace.* Therefore, for His sake grant me a droplet of your wisdom and understanding,* and lead me to everlasting life.
The eternal Wisdom of God,* Who was born of you in the flesh,* has revealed your feast to be a source of wisdom* and an ocean of understanding and grace.* Therefore, for His sake grant me a droplet of your wisdom and understanding,* and lead me to everlasting life.
Glory…
Gospel Stanza
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
You came forth from death, destroying the eternal bonds of Hades, O Lord.* You broke the curse of Death* and thus delivered us from the snares of the Evil One.* Then You appeared to your apostles and sent them forth to preach,* and through them You have bestowed your peace upon all the world,* for You alone are rich in mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”
Troparion, Tone 8: Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* and you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city,* and – to our souls – great mercy.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 4: O pure one, full of the grace of God,* you have given your sacred robe as a garb on incorruption to all who believe.* It covered your sacred body,* O protection of all mankind.* We feast its deposition with love, and in awe we cry:* Rejoice, O Virgin, boast of Christians.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: My Saviour and Deliverer from the grave* as God raised out of bondage the children of the earth* and shattered the gates of Hades;* and as Master, He rose on the third day.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
How great are Your works, O Lord* You have made all things in wisdom.
verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul: O Lord my God, You are exceedingly great. (Psalm 103:24,1)
Prokeimenon, Tone 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Epistle
Romans 10:1-10; Hebrew 9:1-7
Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Poise yourself and advance in triumph and reign in the cause of truth, and meekness, and justice.
verse: You have loved justice and hated iniquity. (Psalm 44:5,8)
verse: Rise up, O Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness. (Psalm 131:8)
Gospel
Matthew 8:28-9:1; Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1)* I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord (Psalm 115:13).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.