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Event Information:
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Sun12Nov2023
Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 7; The Holy Priest-Martyr Josaphat, Archbishop of Polotsk (1623); John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria (619); Nil the Faster (430); Passing into Eternal Life (1950) of Blessed Hryhoriy (Gregory) Lakota, Auxiliary Bishop of Peremyshl and Confessor
All-Night Vigil
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man...” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 7
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord,* who destroyed the power of death* and enlightened the human race;* and let us cry out with the angels:* Glory to You, our Creator and Saviour!
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
O Saviour, for our sake You suffered crucifixion and burial;* and, as God, You destroyed death by Your death.* Therefore, we adore Your resurrection on the third day* and we sing: Glory to You, O Lord!
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
On seeing the resurrection of the Creator,* the apostles were amazed,* and they sang an angelic hymn of praise:* This is the glory of the Church,* this is the richness of the Kingdom!* O Lord, who suffered for our sake, glory to You!
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
O Christ, although You were taken captive by Your enemies,* I still acknowledge You as my God,* and I am not ashamed of You;* I will not hide the fact that You were nailed to the Cross.* Your death is my life, almighty Lord,* and I extol Your resurrection.* O Lover of mankind, glory to You!
In Tone 1
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
O Josaphat, you are worthy of glory. * Your sacred vestment was stained with your martyr’s blood, * and now you have entered into the Holy of Holies * with the Lord who rejoices for you. * From Him you have received victory for your labours, * an eternal crown, everlasting beauty, and the life of Paradise. * O great martyr Josaphat, * now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to 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.
O all-precious orator, * you first offered yourself as an unbloody sacrifice to God. * Like the unblemished fruit, your holy work was an acceptable sacrifice. * Then you brought yourself to Christ, by means of your blood, * as a true and great martyr. * Now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to our souls.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
You destroyed the vanity of the dissenters * by your sanctifying words. * You also strengthened the faith of the weakened hearts. * You have entered into the eternal life, * having suffered for the cause of unity. * You were a witness to the Lord, O great martyr Josaphat. * Now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to our souls.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Your sacred vestments were stained crimson by your blood, O holy one.* So you received from Christ a two-fold crown, O generous father.* You also rejoice with the angels in heaven* as you stand in the presence of the Blessed Trinity.* Now also pray that God may grant unity and peace to our Churches* and great mercy to our souls.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
O great martyr Josaphat,* in chastity you yearned for an honourable life.* You worshiped Christ the Almighty,* and you led the people into union with Him* by your precious words and by his grace.* You washed yourself with the blood of martyrdom, O blessed one of God.* You have entered into eternity.* Now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches* and great mercy to our souls.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
In thought you ascended into the unsetting cloud of the ineffable Light.* You, a great martyr and shepherd,* knew the ineffable mysteries of Christ. * As a martyr you were enlightened, * and as a shepherd you were mystically taught. * Because of that, you also received two crowns from the glory on high. * Now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to our souls.
In Tone 6, Glory…
O great martyr Josaphat, * you were a true priest until the time of your death. * As a priest you were a minister of the ineffable mysteries of Christ. * You poured out your blood as did Christ our God, * presenting yourself as an acceptable sacrifice. * Because of that, you are confident in his presence. * Pray for the faith of those who observe and venerate your all-holy memory, * so that your flock and the whole world * may be delivered from all dangers, invasions, enemies, and sieges.
In Tone 7, Now...
Immaculate Mother of God,* you became a mother outside the laws of nature,* remaining a virgin in a way that exceeds all description* and human understanding.* The wonder of your birth-giving could not be told in human language,* for your conception of Christ blinded intelligence,* and your birth-giving exceeded understanding:* for whenever God so desires, the laws of nature are broken.* Wherefore, we all firmly believe that you are the Mother of God,* and we eagerly beseech you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.
Readings
(1) Proverbs 3:13-16; 8:35, 4-6, 8, 9; (2) Wisdom 4:7, 16-20; 5:1-7; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3
Litiya
In Tone 1
Come, let us all celebrate in spirit with heavenly priestly words* the memory of the great martyr Josaphat.* Because he cleared the thorns of division* and with abundant virtue through the fruit of the sanctuary,* he planted the teachings of salvation* for our souls.
As a priest you acted according to the divine gospel.* You sealed the divine teachings with your blood* at the hands of the flock in disunity, O great martyr Josaphat.* You dried up the river of demons,* and you went up into heaven* as a conqueror receiving the crown of victory.
O great martyr Josaphat, * the Eastern Church possessed you and your priestly works.* Now you protect her in an unshakeable manner from hostile wolves * as she preaches about your courage and extols you, O blessed one.
In Tone 5, Glory…
The Church celebrates your light-bearing feast, * and she rejoices, O great martyr Josaphat. * She faithfully venerates you. * As a shepherd do not cease to bless her. * Pray for the salvation of all.
Now…
O most pure Virgin,* you are the temple, the gate, the palace, and the throne of the king. * Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, * appeared through you to those who slumbered in darkness. * For He, as the Sun of Righteousness, * wished to enlighten those whom He created with his own hands * according to his own image. * Therefore, O Lady, whom we always praise In song, * we beseech you to intercede with Christ for the salvation of our souls, * for as his mother you can approach Him with the greatest confidence.
Aposticha
In Tone 7
O Saviour of the world, You arose from the grave,* and together with Your own flesh You raised up mankind.* O Lord, glory to You!
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
Come, let us worship Christ who arose from the dead* and enlightened all creation.* For by His resurrection on the third day,* He set us free from the oppression of Hades,* granting us life and His great mercy.
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O Christ, Lover of mankind,* You descended into Hades and destroyed death.* Then You arose on the third day;* and, together with Yourself You lifted up all of us* who glorify Your mighty resurrection.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
O Lord, what a fearful sight it was to see You lying in the tomb as if asleep.* Yet on the third day You arose in great power,* and at the same time You raised up Adam who joyfully cried out:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!
In Tone 4
Glory…
Your good deeds are radiant like the sun upon heaven and earth, * O conciliator of Christ, all-blessed great martyr Josaphat. * You rightly preached to us the true and spotless faith of Christ. * For this, as a good shepherd, you also laid down your life, * following the wellspring of shepherds, Christ our God. * O all-blessed sanctifier, O God-bearer, * Implore that all may be saved * who lovingly celebrate the precious memory of your sufferings.
Now…
O most pure Virgin, hear the petitions of your servants. * Remove the burdens which oppress us * and deliver us from our sorrows; * for you are the only firm and constant support on whom we rely. * O Mother of God, never permit us who call upon you * to be overwhelmed by our cares. * Hasten to fulfil the supplications of all who, in faith, cry out to you: * Rejoice, O Lady, helper of all mankind, * the joy, the refuge, and the salvation of our souls.
Troparia
In Tone 1
Rejoice, Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace!* The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have borne Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of our souls. (2)
In Tone 4
You appeared as a radiant light,* O priest-martyr Josaphat.* Like the Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for your sheep;* killed by enemies who loved division, you entered the holy of holies to dwell with the bodiless powers.* Therefore we pray you, long-suffering saint:* beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds,** to number us among the sheep at His right hand and to save our souls.
SUNDAY MATINS
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 7
Troparia, Tone 7
By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world. (2)
In Tone 4, Glory...
You appeared as a radiant light,* O priest-martyr Josaphat.* Like the Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for your sheep;* killed by enemies who loved division, you entered the holy of holies to dwell with the bodiless powers.* Therefore we pray you, long-suffering saint:* beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds,** to number us among the sheep at His right hand and to save our souls.
Now...
O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,*and saved our souls from death.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 7
When Life was laying in the tomb* and a seal laid upon the stone,* the soldiers guarded Christ as a sleeping King* and the Angels glorified Him as immortal God;* while the women cried aloud:* The Lord is risen, granting the world great mercy.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
By Your burial for three days You despoiled death,* and by Your life-bearing Arising* You raised corrupted mankind, O Christ Lord,* as the Lover of mankind. Glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
O Virgin Theotokos unceasingly entreat Christ our God,* who was crucified for us* and arose again destroying the dominion of death,* that He save our souls.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 7
While the grave was sealed, O Christ God,* You, the Life, shone forth from the tomb;* and while the doors were shut, You, the Resurrection of all,* appeared to Your Disciples,* and through them renewed a right Spirit within us,* according to Your great mercy.
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
Bringing sweet spices with their tears, the women ran to the tomb,* and while the soldiers guarded You, the King of all,* they spoke one to another:* Who will roll away the stone for us?* The Angel of great Counsel has risen, trampling down death.* O All-powerful Lord, glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
Rejoice Virgin Theotokos, full of grace,* haven and protection of the race of mankind,* for from you the Redeemer of the world has taken flesh,* for you alone are a Mother and Virgin,* ever blessed and exceedingly glorified;* intercede with Christ God to grant peace to all the world.
Polyeleos
Magnification
We extol you,* O Josaphat, great martyr of Christ,* and we venerate your martyrdom* which you bore for the reunion of the Church.
verse: Hear this, all you peoples; give heed, all who dwell in the world!
verse: The just will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
verse: The just shall be in everlasting remembrance. An evil report he shall not fear.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Evlogitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 7
O Christ God, who took upon Yourself our form* and endured the Cross in the body,* save me by Your Resurrection,* as You alone love mankind.
Sessional Hymns
In Tone 8
Having put aside all earthly things,* and having lived chastely in the body like an angel,* in spirit your conversation was with angels.* Indeed you conquered the surging passions of the flesh.* You showed yourself to be pleasing to the Holy Trinity, O all-blessed one.* Because of that, you heal the sufferings of the sick* and cast out evil spirits through the grace of Christ.* O our God-bearing father and great martyr Josaphat,* implore Christ God to remit the sins of those who lovingly celebrate your memory.
In Tone 4
You made your heart a beautiful altar,* and as a priest you offered unbloody sacrifices to God.* You suffered intensely at the hands of the wicked enemies* and bore various torments.* For us you offered a pleasing sacrifice* to Christ our God who was also sacrificed.* O all-blessed great martyr Josaphat,* it is fitting that you always implore Him* that all who lovingly venerate you may be saved.
Glory... Now...
Like a good shepherd and powerful soldier of the Master,* you put down the uprisings of the enemies* who sought to divide the people.* You received the crown of victory* from the right hand of the One on high,* the Wellspring of shepherds, Christ our God.* Today, therefore, we praise you as a good shepherd* and victorious sufferer of the passion,* and we observe your ever-celebrated memory.* Pray that we may be saved from visible and invisible enemies,* O much-suffering Josaphat and great martyr of Christ.
Hymn of Ascent, Tone 7
Antiphon 1
Having turned back the captivity of Sion from error,* quicken me also O Saviour,* and deliver me from slavery to the passions.
He who sows tribulations in the south with tears of fasting,* will reap with joy the sheaves of nourishment* of eternal life.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit is the source of divine treasures,* from Him comes wisdom, intelligence, and fear;* and to Him belongs* praise, glory, honour and worship.
Antiphon 2
Unless the Lord builds the house of the soul,* in vain do we labour;* for without Him no deed or word can be perfected.
Of the fruit of the womb the Saints,* moved by the Spirit,* sprout forth the Father’s teachings of filial adoption.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit all things have their being;* in the presence of all He is God,* the sovereign of the universe,* Light unapproachable, Life of all.
Antiphon 3
Those who fear the Lord and find the ways of life,* now and always are blessed* with immortal glory.
As you behold your offspring like shoots around your table,* rejoice, and be glad, bringing them to Christ* the Chief Shepherd of all.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit there be an abundance of grace,* riches of glory and a great depth of judgments;* for He is to be served as identical in glory and honour* with the Father and the Son.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Arise then, Lord,* lift up Your hand.* O God, do not forget the poor!
verse: I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders.
Let everything that lives, Tone 7
Gospel
Mark 16:1-18
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon, Tone 7
Ode 1
Irmos: At a sign from you, O Lord, the nature of water was changed,* once free and flowing now it became as a wall, hard as the earth;* thus Israel walked dryshod* and sang you a song of victory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
When you were condemned to an unjust death, O Lord, then the tyranny of death was judged by a tree; the prince of darkness could not prevail against you and was justly cast out.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Hell approached you with teeth which lacked the strength to crush your body and broke his jaws. Thus, O Saviour, you loosed the pains of death and on the third day rose again.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
The pains of Eve, first mother, are undone, for your child-bearing was without pain, without knowledge of man. Therefore, All-pure, clearly seeing you to be the Mother of God, we give you glory.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Enlightened by the light of Christ, O glorious Hieromartyr Josaphat, enlighten by your intercessions my darkened soul, that I may hymn you, O most blessed one.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Your pure heart like an untarnished mirror reflecting the rays of divine enlightenment emits knowledge upon all through your salutary preaching, O blessed Father.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
By fasting, you subdued the activity of the passions, by abstinence transformed your desire, and by manifold ascetic exploits you attained to the height of dispassion.
Glory… Now…
God who existed before all ages and before the creation of every creature, became incarnate from you without seed or the confused desire of man; Him we have come to know, wherefore we hymn you as the true Theotokos .
Ode 3
Irmos: Lord and Saviour, who in the beginning* established the heavens and every power of them,* by your almighty Word and the divine and all-effecting Spirit:* establish me firmly on the immovable rock of confession of you.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Of your own will for our sake ascending the cross to suffer the pain, O Saviour compassionate, you bear the stripes which are the cause of salvation and peace for all believers. Through it, O Merciful, we are all reconciled to your Father.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You cleansed me, wounded in soul by the serpent’s bite, O Christ, and showed me light when long ago I lay in darkness and corruption. For, by your cross, you came down into Hell and raised me up with yourself.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
By the prayers of your Mother who knew no man, O Saviour, grant peace to your world, give victory over his enemies to the king; and make those who praise you worthy of your ineffable glory.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
With the conscience of a Martyr, as one who suffered in the ascetic life, you have presented yourself to Christ through martyrdom as an all-perfect living sacrifice.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
By your sacred life, through your divine words and with your divine deeds you made ascent in your heart attaining to the true contemplation of God.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
In a divinely-wise manner your directed your words in accordance with the commandments of the Saviour, wherefore you were revealed to be an invincible defender of the faith.
Glory… Now…
By giving birth to Immortality you have relieved our minds of the thought of our mortality, and with your birth-giving O Virgin you have woven for us a vesture of incorruption.
Kontakion, Tone 4
Enlightened in childhood* by the flame from the crucified Christ,* you resembled the angels in your life as a monk,* and as bishop you lived in godliness.* You clearly preached unity and with your martyr’s blood, you calmed hearts inflamed by love for dispute.* From Christ you received the crown.* And so remember us as we cry to you:* Rejoice, O unshakeable pillar of unity.
Ikos
Faithfully and with love we draw together in celebration of the memory of the sacred sufferer Josaphat, let us praise him today in song that we may obtain the enjoyment of his grace, for he, as a martyr and faithful hierarch and champion of the faith, delivers the souls of those that fervently beseech him, from all passions and pitfalls; wherefore let us cry out to him: Through your intercessions ever deliver us from misfortunes, O Josaphat, our Father.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 3
O Hieromartyr Josaphat, enlightened by the Divine Spirit and through your great wisdom and pastoral boldness putting to shame the ferocity of Godless tyrants, you traversed the abyss of temporal life, reaching the divine refuge. O holy Father Josaphat, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Glory… Now…
Where does each one who is saved, rightly have recourse; and to what other such refuge can there be which protects our souls like you, O Theotokos?
Ode 4
Irmos: Leaving not the deep recesses of the Father,* yet you came to earth, Christ God;* I have heard of the mystery of your dispensation* and I glorify you, Lover of man.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
He who was made flesh of the Virgin gave his own back to the scourging, the innocent Master was maltreated for the sinning servant and annulled the charges against me.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The Maker of man, judging as God the whole earth in righteousness, stands before the seat of lawless judges as one called to account and convicted, and is struck by an earthly hand.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
All-blameless One, as truly Mother of God entreat your Son and Maker to guide me to the safe harbour of his glorious will.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
As a divine whole burnt-offering and a pure sacrifice you were brought before the Saviour of all, O most wise Hierarch.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Instructing the flock of Christ in the light of the knowledge of God, you have driven away the darkness of godlessness.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
With the streams of your sweat, O Father and Hierarch, you have dried up the depths of godlessness.
Glory… Now…
With your light, O most pure one, enlighten my darkened soul, since you have given birth to the One Hypostatic Light.
Ode 5
Irmos: Night is without light to unbelievers, O Christ,* but to the faithful it is enlightenment in the delight of your divine words.* And so I rise early to you* and praise your Godhead.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Christ, you are sold on behalf of your servants, you endure the scourging, bringing freedom to those who sing to you; early I rise to you and sing the praises of your divinity.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
By your divine power, O Christ, by means of the weakness of the flesh, you have overthrown the strong one, and through your resurrection, O Saviour, you have revealed me as a conqueror of death.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Pure Mother, all-praised, fittingly you brought forth God, made flesh of you, for without knowledge of man but by the Holy Spirit you conceived.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Christ, the true wisdom, seeing your exceeding love for Him, has granted you, O blessed one, both riches and glory, length of days, and eternal life.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
With the staff of faith you drove away the snares of heresies and uniting your flock in the bonds of love, you have, by love and faith preserved it unharmed.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
By your strict ascetic life, refusing temporal food, you have satisfied the needs of your soul with the food of unceasing prayer, instruction, and humility by which one is raised on high to God.
Glory… Now…
We have acquired in you, O pure one, our protection, a sure hope, a mighty shelter, a wall of refuge, and a bridge that leads into the Kingdom of heaven.
Ode 6
Irmos: Sick on the rolling swell of the cares of this life,* thrown overboard by the sins that sail with me* and hurled to the soul-destroying beast,* as Jonah I cry to you:* O Christ, lead me up* from these death-dealing deeps.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The souls of the righteous imprisoned in Hell and forsaken had remembered you and were praying for your salvation; and you granted it, Christ, through your cross when you, the Compassionate, went down to the deepest parts of the earth.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The band of the apostles despaired of seeing you again, the living temple not made with human hands and destroyed by all that befell it. But worshipping beyond all hope, they everywhere proclaimed you risen from the dead.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Virgin Bride of God, who of mankind can explain the all-spotless manner of your ineffable child-bearing for our sakes? For the Word being united to you, the uncircumscribed God became flesh.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Both a sacrifice and a priest, you have wholly given yourself to God for the sake of the faith, and thus preserved undefiled the fulfilment of your ministry to Him.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
A spectacle seen as slain by the world, yet remaining alive in God, you, O godly-spoken one, passed over to Christ enriched by the life of incorruption.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Passing from earthly life into the never-waning glory, O holy one, by thy supplications fervently heal and cleanse my soul savaged by the passions.
Glory… Now…
O most pure and all-immaculate one, who conceived Christ, Who takes away the sins of the world, cease not to entreat Him that remission of sins be granted to your servants.
Kontakion, Tone 7
No longer shall the dominion of death be able to hold humanity,* for Christ went down shattering and destroying it s powers.* Hades is bound.* The prophets exult with one voice.* The Saviour has come for those with faith, saying:* “Come forth, O faithful, to the resurrection!”
Ikos
Today, death and Hell and the lowest depths shake with terror at the presence of one of the Trinity. Earth is thrown into confusion, at the sight of you Hell’s doorkeepers cower in fear. But all creation, rejoicing with the prophets, sings to you, sings a song of victory to our Redeemer and God, destroying now the power of death. Come, let us raise a shout of joy to A dam and all his children: The tree has brought him back. Come out, you faithful, into the resurrection.
Ode 7
Irmos: The young men of old have shown us a blazing furnace* cool with the gently falling dew,* and themselves singing the praise of the one God and saying:* The most highly exalted, God of our fathers, glorious above all is he.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
A dam of his own will worked disobedience and was slain by a tree; Christ’s obedience formed him anew; for the Son of God was crucified for me, glorious above all is he.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The whole creation hymns you, Christ, rising from the tomb, for you have caused life to blossom for those in Hell, resurrection for the dead and light for those in darkness. Glorious above all is he.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Hail, daughter of the corrupted Adam! Hail, sole bride of God! Hail, you who gave birth to God and through whom corruption has been banished! Pray to him, Pure One, to save us all.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Appearing to all as a wellspring of wisdom full of virtue, by your preaching and sublime life you have gathered your flock, O divinely-wise one, and having well tended it, together with them, you cry out: “Blessed is the God of our Fathers.”
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
O Father you have passed over from this temporal life and entered into the temples and habitations of honour, and now dwelling with the Angels therein you rejoice with them; wherefore honouring you, O most blessed one, we with boldness cry aloud: “Blessed is the God of our Fathers.”
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Blessed are you and well it is with you, for now, in your heavenly dwelling where the legions of the righteous, the multitude of the Martyrs and the choirs of the most wise Apostles abide, you with them cry aloud: “Blessed is the God of our Fathers.”
Glory… Now…
You alone, O most pure Virgin, have become known as a Mother who knew not wedlock, and the Mother of Him Who created everything in His wisdom; wherefore we fervently call to thee, saying: “Blessed are you who have given birth to God in the flesh.”
Ode 8
Irmos: Burning yet unconsumed, the bush in Sinai made God known to Moses,* slow of tongue and hard of hearing.* And the burning zeal for God revealed the three young men unharmed in the fire and singing:* Praise the Lord, all his works,* and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The undefiled and reasonable Lamb, in sacrifice slain for the world, brought to an end the offerings according to the law and as God, apart from transgressions, cleansed the law now crying out: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The flesh the Maker took from us before his Passion was not incorruptible; but after Passion and Rising, it was rendered inaccessible to corruption and re-makes mortal men, who cry: Praise the Lord, all his works, and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Your purity, your total spotlessness, O Virgin, has cleansed the sordid and polluted things of our world, and you, All-pure, have become for us a cause of reconciliation with God. Therefore, O Virgin, we bless and highly exalt you throughout all the ages.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
With fervour did you execute the ministry of the mysteries of Christ, and like a spiritual lamb offered yourself to Him as an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice, perfected with the spilling of your blood, O most blessed one.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Adorning your hierarchical vestments with virtues, O most wise one, you manifested yourself as a guardian of chastity, a partaker of the true food of abstinence, a teacher of prayer, and an instructor of repentance and law to eternal life.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
At the time of our oblation, let us always bring forth fruit worthy of repentance, since the barren fig-tree lives ever threatened of being cut off; fear such a curse O my soul, and worthily receive Christ, the abundant fruit of virtue.
Glory… Now…
O most venerated defender of Christian peoples do not despise the voice of us your servants and deliver us, O holy Virgin, from every danger and from every cruel advance of the enemy, for your motherly intercessions ever incline God to mercy.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Irmos: Conceiving without taint of corruption,* lending your flesh to the Word, the Deviser of all,* Mother knowing no man, Virgin, Godbearer,* vessel receiving the illimitable* and dwelling for your infinite Maker:* we magnify you.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Be silent, you minds estranged, who fit suffering to the divinity; for we magnify the Lord of glory, crucified in the flesh but not crucified in the divine nature: one person in two natures.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
All you who deny the body’s resurrection, go to the tomb of Christ and learn that the flesh of the giver of life was put to death and rose again in assurance of the final resurrection; for this we hope.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
As we worship not a trinity of Godheads but of persons, not oneness of persons but of Godhead, we part from those who divide and confound those who dare to confuse the Trinity whom we magnify.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
You, O glorious One, were filled with the greatest wisdom and manifested to the world the light of unity. You sowed divine fear and brought forth the words of the Spirit. For that, you became, O illustrious One, the temple of the Holy Trinity, for this we extol you!
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Armed with love and hope, and fortified with faith, you destroyed the deceit and craftiness of the enemy. Now as a crowned victor you dwell in heaven, before the throne of the King of all, with the divine assembly of the angels and blessed ones.
Glory… Now…
Since you have confident access to God, O blessed priest-martyr Josaphat, intercede in our behalf for those, who joyfully celebrate your solemn feast and with faith venerate your holy martyrdom. Protect us from schism and from every evil and misfortune.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
When the myrrh-bearing women saw the stone rolled away, they rejoiced;* for they saw a young man sitting at the grave who said to them:* Behold, Christ is risen!* Say to Peter, the disciple of the Lord:* Hasten to the mountain in Galilee;* there you shall see Christ* as He had said to His friends.
Glory…
Without mercy the enemy struck you on the head with an axe, O blessed sanctifier.* Christ God on high crowned you with the crown of victory.* You were a long-suffering martyr, a luminary of the whole world,* an inspiration of hierarchs, the glory of martyrs,* and the praise of all the venerable ones.
Now…
At the time of Your conception, O Lord,* an angel said to the Virgin: Rejoice!* At the time of Your resurrection* an angel also rolled the stone away from Your glorious tomb.* Instead of sadness and death one proclaimed signs of joy;* the other announced You as the Source of life* extolling Your resurrection to the disciples and the women.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 7
Christ is risen from the dead,* loosing the bonds of death;* O earth! proclaim the good tidings of great joy; and you heavens praise the glory of God.
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ,* let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one.
We cease not to worship the Holy Resurrection of Christ,* for He has saved us from our iniquities,* Holy is the Lord Jesus* who has shown us the Resurrection.
What shall we render to the Lord for all that He has rendered unto us?* For our sake God dwelled among us;* for our corrupted nature the Word became flesh and dwelled within us;* to the ungrateful He is the Benefactor;* to prisoners He is the Liberator;* to those in darkness He is the Sun of justice;* the path to the Cross;* the Light to Hades; Life to death;* Resurrection for the fallen:* to Him we cry aloud: Our God, glory be to You!’
In Tone 4
Spiritual grace shining forth upon you, O Father Josaphat, greatly illumined you;* wherefore the night of passion was quickened within you* and within you the daylight of passionlessness dawned* wherefore you were united with the divine Light;* and abiding therein, forget not, O divinely eloquent Hieromartyr,* those who with faith hymn your memory.
As one possessing heavenly grace,* you, O Hieromartyr Josaphat, abandoned earthly possessions;* and like an angel desired the enjoyment of eternal spiritual food,* wherefore O god-pleasing one,* choosing a life of suffering and drying up the troubled sources of the passions by your tears,* you filled your soul with spiritual food.
In Tone 6
From your youth you dedicated your self entirely to Christ your Master.* You rose above sensual pleasures and love of the world.* You were a very zealous monk* and a haven of the Divine Spirit,* O most sacred father Josaphat.* You preserved purity of soul and body.* In monastic life you lived like an angel on earth.* In obedience and poverty, in love for God and neighbour,* in prayer and all night vigils,* you were a model for all the monks and a mirror of every virtue.* You focused your mind upon heaven* in order to see the ineffable goodness of Christ the King and God.* You loved Him with all your heart,* and you were strengthened by his power.* You suffered many tribulations and torments.* With boldness pray to Him for our souls.
As a bishop, O all-blessed one,* you adorned yourself with various virtues.* You taught salvation by words of instruction and also by acts of penance.* Having, therefore, armed yourself through chastity, prayers, vigils, and fasting,* like Christ the Master, you approached the passion and death of the cross.* Prostrating yourself in the form of a cross,* you prayed and you prepared yourself for martyrdom,* O great martyr Josaphat.* Then the wicked enemies who were like animals incapable of mercy fell upon you.* Though you were an innocent lamb,* they unjustly dragged you about and tore you apart.* Mightily and courageously you suffered martyrdom, and you pray for our souls.
In Tone 2, Glory…
They who were with Mary came and brought ointments,* but they wondered how they would achieve their goal.* However, they saw that the stone had already been rolled away,* and a divine angel appeared and gave peace to their troubled souls.* He said: The Lord Jesus has risen.* Therefore, proclaim to His disciples* that they should hasten to Galilee and behold Him risen from the dead;* for He is the Lord, the Giver of life.
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 7: By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.
Troparion, Tone 4: You appeared as a radiant light,* O priest-martyr Josaphat.* Like the Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for your sheep;* killed by enemies who loved division, you entered the holy of holies to dwell with the bodiless powers.*Therefore we pray you, long-suffering saint:* beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds,* to number us among the sheep at His right hand and to save our souls.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 7: No longer shall the dominion of death be able to hold humanity,* for Christ went down shattering and destroying it s powers.* Hades is bound.* The prophets exult with one voice.* The Saviour has come for those with faith, saying:* “Come forth, O faithful, to the resurrection!”
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: Enlightened in childhood* by the flame from the crucified Christ,* you resembled the angels in your life as a monk,* and as bishop you lived in godliness.* You clearly preached unity and with your martyr’s blood, you calmed hearts inflamed by love for dispute.* From Christ you received the crown.* And so remember us as we cry to you:* Rejoice, O unshakeable pillar of unity.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The Lord will give strength to His people;* the Lord will bless His people with peace.
verse: Bring to the Lord, O you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams. (Psalm 28:11,1)
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.
Epistle
Ephesians 2:14-22; Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Alleluia, Tone 7
verse: It is good to give praise to the Lord; and to sing to Your name, O Most High.
verse: To announce Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth every night. (Psalm 91:2,3)
verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice. (Psalm 131:9)
Gospel
Luke 8:41-56; John 10:9-16
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear (Psalm 111:6).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.