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Sun17Dec2023
Sunday of the Holy Ancestors. Octoechos Tone 4; The Holy Prophet Daniel, the Three Holy Youths Ananiah, Azariah, and Mishael
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.
In Tone 8
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
Today we commemorate the Forefathers of Christ.* Sing with fervour a hymn of praise to Christ the Saviour* who exalted them among the nations.* He is the Lord who does wondrous deeds* because He is powerful and almighty.* From them He brought forth a royal sceptre,* the Immaculate Maiden of God and Virgin Mary.* From her, Christ our God came forth* to give life and eternal salvation for all.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
O Lord and Master,* You rescued the three holy youths from the fire.* You saved Daniel from the mouths of the lions;* You blessed Abraham, Isaac Your servant, and Jacob his son.* You willed to be like one of us by choosing to be born from them* in order that You might save our Forefathers who had fallen.* By Your Cross and Resurrection You tore apart the bonds of death.* You raise up all those who for ages had been among the dead* and who bow to You, O Christ, the eternal King.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
The three holy youths were refreshed by the Holy Spirit* when they walked in the fire as though in a cool place.* In them the Trinity and the Incarnation of Christ* were prefigured in a mystical manner.* By their wisdom and faith* they overcame the power of fire.* As for the just Daniel, he stopped the mouths of lions.* Through their intercession, we beseech You:* O Saviour and Lover of Mankind,* protect us from eternal fire* and make us worthy of Your heavenly Kingdom.
In Tone 4
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
The wondrous Daniel,* having made his heart the pure abode of the Spirit,* illumined by Him manifestly proclaims* the revelation of things to come;* and, adorned with the splendour of prophecy,* he clearly interprets the hidden dreams* of the all iniquitous and mighty kings.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Having rendered your body strong beforehand with intense fasting,* you closed the mouths of the lions;* for, standing in their midst, O wondrous prophet,* and lifting your eyes to our good God,* you remained unharmed through the ineffable power of the Deliverer of our souls* Who all-gloriously accomplishes all things.
In Tone 4
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
Observing the God-given laws, O most blessed ones,* you did not defile yourselves with abominable foods,* but, keeping the beauty of your souls incorrupt,* you preserved the flower of your flesh untainted and unwithered and your splendour comely* for the Master Who glorifies His favoured ones.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Enkindled by the divine flame,* the youths prevailed over the fire;* for the honoured ones were seen to be bedewed therein,* forming an all-splendid choir, chanting in melodious hymnody;* for Daniel rejoiced, beholding the immutable kingdom of Christ,* in that he is a most excellent prophet.
In Tone 6, Glory…
O believers, let us give praise today* to all the fathers who lived before the Law:* Abraham who was beloved by God,* Isaac who was born according to the promise,* Jacob and the Twelve Patriarchs,* the very meek David and the favoured prophet Daniel.* Let us also glorify with them the three youths* who changed the fiery furnace into a place of refreshing dew.* Let us beg forgiveness of our sins from Christ our God* who is glorified in His Saints.
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.
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 3, Glory…
Come, O lovers of the feast,* let us sing a hymn of praise to the assembly of the Forefathers:* Adam, the father of mankind,* Enoch, Noah, Melchizedek, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.* Let us also honour those who came after the Law:* Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Samuel, and David;* together with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel,* Daniel, and the twelve minor prophets;* likewise Elijah, Elisha, and all the others;* also Zechariah and the Baptist,* and all those who preached Christ, the Life and Resurrection of our race.
Now…
O Virgin Mother, you conceived the Son of God without seed* by the will of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.* He was begotten of the Father, without a mother, from all eternity.* Yet for our sake, He was born of you in the flesh without a human father,* and you nursed Him as an infant with your milk.* Therefore, never cease to entreat Him to deliver our souls from affliction.
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 2, Glory…
Great are the accomplishments of faith!* In the fountain of flame, as in refreshing water, the three holy children rejoiced;* and the Prophet Daniel was shown to be a shepherd of lions, as of sheep.* By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
Now…
By faith you justified Your ancestors* and through them in advance you betrothed the Church taken from the nations.* The saints exult in glory;* from their seed comes the blessed fruit, the one who bore You without seed.* By their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us.
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 2, Glory…
Great are the accomplishments of faith!* In the fountain of flame, as in refreshing water, the three holy children rejoiced;* and the Prophet Daniel was shown to be a shepherd of lions, as of sheep.* By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
Now…
By faith you justified Your ancestors* and through them in advance you betrothed the Church taken from the nations.* The saints exult in glory;* from their seed comes the blessed fruit, the one who bore You without seed.* By their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us.
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
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 Hymn, Tone 8
With hymns let us all praise Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,* the meek David, Joshua, and the twelve patriarchs,* together with the three youths that quenched the fiery flame with the power of the Spirit.* And let us cry out to them: Rejoice, you that bravely denounced the deception of the mad king!* Pray to Christ that He grant remission of offenses* to them that celebrate your holy memory with love.
Glory… Now…
Like the widow who gave two mites as an offering,* I offer you the praise of thanksgiving which is your due, O Mistress, for all your gifts;* for you are shown to be a shelter and aid, ever rescuing me from temptations and tribulations.* Wherefore, delivered from that which causes me grief,* as from the midst of a burning furnace, I cry out to you with all my heart:* O Theotokos, help me by entreating Christ God to grant me remission of transgressions,* for I, your servant, have you as my hope.
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
John 20:1-10
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon, Tone 4
Ode 1
Canon of the Resurrection
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.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
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.
Canon of the Three Holy Youths and Daniel
Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land* and escaped the land of Egypt,* the Israelites cried aloud:* Let us chant to our Deliverer and God!
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Let us glorify the unoriginate Word, Who in godly manner was born of the Father before all ages and was visible as a figure to the youths in the furnace.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
The right noble youths, resolutely spitting upon the words of the impious tyrant, did not wish to defile themselves with the food of the iniquitous like the Chaldeans.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Nourished in soul by the word of God and in body with foods which grew of themselves, they showed themselves to the king as more comely of countenance than them that were fed with coarse foods.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The venom of the serpent, which was bitterly poured into the ears of Eve, you heal, O Maiden, who did spring forth from David and gave birth to the Deliverer.
Canon of the Holy Forefathers
Irmos: Christ is born; let us glorify Him.* Christ comes down from heaven; let us go out to meet Him.* Christ lives on earth; let us exalt in joy.* All you faithful, sing to the Lord, for He has been glorified.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Let us offer up a hymn to the fathers that shone forth before the Law and under the Law, that, by their upright will, were pleasing to the Lord and Master Who shone forth from the Virgin, and that now delight in unwaning enlightenment.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Let us honour the first Adam who was honoured by the hand of the Creator, and who is the forefather of us all and rests with all the elect in the mansions of heaven.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
The Lord and God of all accepted the gifts of Abel, who offered them with a most noble soul; and when he was slain by his brother’s murderous hand, He received his soul into light as that of a divine martyr.
Glory… Now…
Let us hearken to the divine sayings which declare the appearance of Christ; for, lo! of a Maiden that knew not man is He born in a cave, Whose awesome nativity the star which appeared to the astrologers proclaims.
Katavasia: Christ is born; let us glorify Him.* Christ comes down from heaven; let us go out to meet Him.* Christ lives on earth; let us exalt in joy.* All you faithful, sing to the Lord, for He has been glorified.
Ode 3
Canon of the Resurrection
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.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
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.”
Canon to the Three Holy Youths and Daniel
Irmos: You are the confirmation of them that have recourse to You, O Lord;* You are the Light of the benighted, and my spirit hymns You.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Having acquired divinely imparted understanding, the children of David kept the laws of their fathers in divinely wise fashion, O Master.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
The fire did not consume the most pure bodies of the pious youths, for they had been watered with a spiritually nourishing fast.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Wondrously bedewed in the midst of the furnace, the three children chanted the universal and oft chanted hymn of praise.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
O Master, You show us a birthgiving from a Virgin’s body and save the bodies of the virginal youths in the furnace.
Canon to the Holy Forefathers
Irmos: To Christ our God,* who is the only-begotten Son of the Father from before all ages,* and in these latter times* has become flesh of the Virgin without seed,* let us cry aloud:* You are our strength; glory to You, O Lord!
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
The zeal of Seth for his Creator is hymned throughout the world, for in his blameless life and spiritual love he was truly pleasing to Him, and now cry out in the land of the living: Holy are You, O Lord!
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
The wondrous Enos trusted in the Spirit and with divine wisdom began to call upon the God and Master of all with mouth, tongue and heart; and having lived on earth in a God-pleasing manner, he received glory.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Let us bless Enoch with sacred utterances, for, having been well pleasing to the Lord, he was translated in glory, being shown to be greater than death, as it hath been written, since he had been a most earnest servant of God.
Glory… Now…
Now the expectation of the nations comes forth from the Virgin, and Bethlehem radiantly opens the shut gates of Eden, receiving the incarnate Word, Who, in the flesh, is laid in a manger.
Katavasia: To Christ our God,* who is the only-begotten Son of the Father from before all ages,* and in these latter times* has become flesh of the Virgin without seed,* let us cry aloud:* You are our strength; glory to You, O Lord!
Kontakion, Tone 3
Enlightened by the Spirit, you pure heart became the receptacle of most splendid prophecy: for you beheld far-off things as though they were present, and, cast into the pit, tamed the lions. Wherefore, we honour you, O blessed and glorious Prophet Daniel.
Ikos
Jesus Christ, our true God, Whose divine advent you manifestly proclaimed, entreat without ceasing for those who with gladness celebrate this your divine memorial and honour you with love, that we be saved from all temptations, sins, and evil circumstances, for you have boldness before Him, O divinely wise one; and grant that I may open my lips to hymn your excellent discourse.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
In the flame the youths prophetically inscribed the image of the Trinity* with the pen of faith in immaterial ink;* and they mystically beheld the Word’s extreme descent to the earth* and have proclaimed it to all.* Wherefore, receiving the dew of the Spirit from heaven,* they pour forth gifts upon the faithful who cry out to You together:* O Christ God, as You are compassionate* grant remission of transgressions to those who with love celebrate their holy memory!
Glory…
Enriched by the grace of prophecy,* you described the birth giving of the Virgin in shadowy form,* but manifestly interpreted the dreams of the king.* And, cast into the pit as a martyr, you most gloriously taught the lions to fast, O blessed one.* Wherefore, you have destroyed the worship of the ungodly, O right wondrous Daniel.* Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins* to those who with love celebrate your holy memory.
Now…
Rejoice, O fiery throne of God!* Rejoice, O Maiden, royal seat and bower all-adorned with divers colours,* bridal-chamber hung with gold and purple, cloak of scarlet hue,* decorated temple, sword of lightning, lamp of great radiance!* Rejoice, O Theotokos, twelve-walled city, gate of beaten gold, tabernacle adorned by God!* Rejoice, O glorious Bride who has let the Sun fall like rain!* Rejoice, only splendour of my soul!
Ode 4
Canon of the Resurrection
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.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
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.
Canon to the Three Holy Youths and Daniel
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Your dispensation;* I have considered Your works, and have glorified Your divinity.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
The most wise Daniel, divinely enlightened of mind, interpreted the dreams of the rulers by divine grace.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
The suffering of the youths in the furnace shines forth with wonders, for they brought the tyrant to acknowledge You, O Almighty One.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
The harmonious organs and melodious hymns of music did not distract the valorous ones, and they did not bow down before the golden image.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
O all-hymned one, with hymns do the children in Babylon honour your most divine Son, Whom they came to know in the furnace.
Canon to the Holy Forefathers
Irmos: O Christ, You have come forth from the Virgin* as the rod of the root of Jesse and the flower that blossomed from his stem.* You became flesh from her that knew not wedlock,* from the Mountain overshadowed by the forest;* O God, You are not formed from created substance.* Glory to Your power, O Lord!
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Let us offer up praise unto God, honouring with hymns Noah, who is truly righteous; for he has been shown to be adorned in all the divine commandments, having been well pleasing to Christ, to Whom we, the faithful, chant: Glory to Your power, O Lord!
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Beholding your nobility and simplicity of character, God clearly showed you forth, O Noah, as perfect in all respects and the leader of the new world, who saved for it, from the deluge, the seed of every species, even as He Himself commanded.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
With hymns let us piously bless Noah, who preserved the Law of God intact; who, alone among all his generation, was found to be righteous, and of old saved the species of the animals with an ark of gopher wood at the command of Him that accomplishes all things.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
O blessed Noah, your memory pours forth upon us that honour you, the wine of compunction, which sever make glad the hearts and souls of them that, in a pure manner, bless your honourable and divine life.
Katavasia: O Christ, You have come forth from the Virgin* as the rod of the root of Jesse and the flower that blossomed from his stem.* You became flesh from her that knew not wedlock,* from the Mountain overshadowed by the forest;* O God, You are not formed from created substance.* Glory to Your power, O Lord!
Ode 5
Canon of the Resurrection
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.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
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.
Canon to the Three Holy Youths and Daniel
Irmos: Wherefore have You thrust me from Your countenance, O never waning Light?* And why has a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am?* But turn me, and guide my steps* to the light of Your commandments, I entreat You!
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Your favoured ones, the great Daniel and the three divinely wise youths, having learned Your Law, O Saviour, were not rejected; but, having received strength of You, their Benefactor, they manfully vanquished the tyrants.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Daniel noetically learned Your mysteries, O Lover of mankind, for, with purity of mind, he beheld You as the King and Judge of all nations, coming as the Son of man upon a cloud.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Your unity is adorned more than with sapphire, O children, who burned like a golden ray with zeal for piety, and joyfully walked about in the furnace, forming a universal chorus.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
The divine Daniel clearly described you as a mountain, O Virgin, and the three youths, beholding the dew-bearing flame, praised with hymns your divine Offspring as Saviour, Creator and Lord.
Canon to the Holy Forefathers
Irmos: Since You are a God of peace and a Father of mercies,* You have sent your angel of great counsel to us to bring us peace.* Thus, we are directed towards the light of the knowledge of God,* and at the night vigil we glorify You, O Lover of mankind.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
With divine praises let Shem, who received the blessing of his father, be honoured; for, shown to be well pleasing before the Lord, he has joined the choir of the forefathers and joyously rests in the land of the living.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
As the friend of God, Abraham was vouchsafed to behold the day of his Creator and has become full of spiritual joy; wherefore, honouring his uprightness of mind, we all bless him as a divine forefather of Christ.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
You beheld the Trinity, insofar as it is possible for man to do; and as a true servant you offered it hospitality, O most blessed Abraham. Wherefore, for your strange hospitality you received a reward: to be, through faith, the father of countless nations.
Glory… Now…
He that is full empties Himself into the flesh for our sake; the Unoriginate One receives a beginning; He that is rich beggars Himself; He that is the Word of God lies like a babe in a manger of dumb beasts, accomplishing the restoration of all who have existed throughout the ages.
Katavasia: Since You are a God of peace and a Father of mercies,* You have sent your angel of great counsel to us to bring us peace.* Thus, we are directed towards the light of the knowledge of God,* and at the night vigil we glorify You, O Lover of mankind.
Ode 6
Canon of the Resurrection
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.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
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.
Canon to the Three Holy Youths and Daniel
Irmos: The abyss of my sins and the tempest of my transgressions discomfit me* and thrust me down into the depths of violent despondency.* But stretch forth Your mighty arm to me, as You did to Peter,* and save me, O my Guide.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Having mastered the passions of the soul by the power of the Word, you became governors in the lands of the Chaldean peoples, for virtue knows to give honour to them that have acquired her, O wise descendants of David.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Daniel of old, vested in life-bearing mortality, slew with food the most wicked serpent, which the Chaldeans impiously held to be a god; and wisely did he also slay the impious priests.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O Theotokos, Virgin and Mother, implore the Judge, your Son, the Deliverer from evils, that by your supplications He be merciful to me on the Day of Judgment; for on you alone do I place all my trust.
Canon to the Holy Forefathers
Irmos: Jonah had dwelt like a babe in the womb before the sea monster spew him forth;* the Word dwelt in the womb of the Virgin, taking flesh from her.* Although born from her, He kept her all-pure.* Since Christ Himself was not subject to incorruptibility, He kept His Mother free from the same.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Led up by thy father’s obedience to be sacrificed, you were plainly an image of the Passion of Christ, O most blessed Isaac. Wherefore, you were blessed and did truly show yourself to be a close friend of God, rejoicing now with all the righteous.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Jacob was shown to be the most faithful of all of God’s favoured ones. Wherefore, he wrestled with an angel, beheld a celestial intelligence, was called a god, and, sleeping, saw a divine ladder, whereon God, Who put on our flesh in His goodness, established Himself.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Loving obedience to his father, and cast into a pit, Joseph was sold, thus becoming an image of Christ, Who was slain and placed in a tomb. And he became dispenser of the grain of Egypt, being chaste and righteous, and a most true governor of the passions.
Glory… Now…
He that is ever with the Father and the Spirit is known on earth as a little Child; and He that wraps the earth in darkness is wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger of dumb beasts. Rejoicing now, we celebrate the forefeast of His seedless nativity.
Katavasia: Jonah had dwelt like a babe in the womb before the sea monster spew him forth;* the Word dwelt in the womb of the Virgin, taking flesh from her.* Although born from her, He kept her all-pure.* Since Christ Himself was not subject to incorruptibility, He kept His Mother free from the same.
Kontakion, Tone 4
O thrice-blessed ones, who did not honour an image wrought by hands,* but were defended by the indescribable Essence,* you were glorified in your ordeal by fire;* and standing in the midst of unbearable flame, you called upon God, saying:* Speed and make haste to our aid, O Compassionate One,* in that You are merciful;* for what Thou will, You can do!
Ikos
Stretch forth Your hand whereby of old the warring Egyptians and the embattled Hebrews were tested. Forsake us not, that death, which thirsts after us, not swallow us up; and spare our souls, as you once spared Your three children in Babylon, who glorified You unceasingly and were cast for Your sake into a furnace, from whence they cried out to You: Speed and make haste to our aid, O Compassionate One,* in that You are merciful;* for what Thou will, You can do!
Ode 7
Canon of the Resurrection
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.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
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.
Canon to the Three Holy Youths
Irmos: The pious children did not worship the golden image in Babylon;* but, bedewed in the midst of the fiery furnace,* they chanted a hymn, saying:* Blessed are You, O supremely exalted God of our fathers!
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
A pious voice sounded forth to the Almighty from the midst of the fire, for the divine Azariah, forming a choir, chanted a hymn, saying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
The harp of the youths theologizes concerning the Almighty, the God of all, and to Him that appeared to them openly in the furnace they chanted a hymn, saying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
The king, seeing the three children who had been cast into the furnace, beheld, as it were, the form of a Fourth, and he called Him the Son of God and cried out to all: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Possessed of a mind illumined with divine radiance, O divinely blessed Daniel, you clearly foresaw the Offspring of the Virgin formed by divine images; and you cried out: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!
Canon to the Holy Forefathers
Irmos: The youths who had been raised to fear God were not threatened by the fiery torments.* They denounced the wicked decree of the tyrant,* and standing in the midst of the flames,* they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Let Ananiah, Azariah, and Misael, who quenched the fiery furnace, be hymned, together with Daniel, who stopped the mouths of the lions, for together they chanted to Christ: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Having lawfully suffered amid temptations and unmitigated tribulations, Job was called the favourite of God, most faithful, meek, guileless, righteous, perfect, blameless, crying aloud: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
With faith let us honour Moses, Aaron, and Hur, praising Joshua and the most sacred Levi, Gideon and Samuel, and let us cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Glory… Now…
Behold! as the prophet has foretold, she that knew not wedlock has conceived in her womb and manifestly comes to Bethlehem to give birth to God. To Him let us chant: O God of our fathers, blessed are You!
Katavasia: The youths who had been raised to fear God were not threatened by the fiery torments.* They denounced the wicked decree of the tyrant,* and standing in the midst of the flames,* they sang: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Ode 8
Canon of the Resurrection
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.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
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.
Canon to the Three Holy Youths and Daniel
Irmos: Madly did the Chaldean tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones;* but seeing them saved by a greater power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer:* You children, bless; you priests, hymn;* you people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Striving to preserve the nobility of Abraham, you acquired the foundation of faith and hope which was his very own, O venerable ones, and his patience and endurance of temptations, crying out: Bless the Master, O priests! You people, exalt Him supremely forever!
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Having shone forth like beacons and made the earth heavenly, and having been illumined with the radiance of piety, forming a universal chorus, they chant to the Master Who saved them from temptations: You children, bless; you priests, hymn; you people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
The descendants of David, having youthfully extinguished the fiery furnace and shut the jaws of the lions, rejoicing, now hymn You, the Benefactor and King of all, saying: You children, bless; you priests, hymn; you people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O all-pure one, the most wise Daniel gives instruction in the mysteries, and the three divinely wise youths prefigure your birth giving, beholding through symbols Him that has come forth ineffably from your womb. Him do the children bless, the priests hymn and the people exalt supremely for all ages!
Canon to the Holy Forefathers
Irmos: The dew-moistened furnace was the image of an incomprehensible wonder.* It did not burn the youths entrapped there,* just as the fire of the Godhead did not consume the Virgin’s womb in which He dwelt.* Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Let us celebrate today the divine memory of the honoured fathers of all ages past: Adam, Abel, Seth, Noah, Enos, Enoch and Abraham, Melchizedek and Job, Isaac, and the faithful Jacob, crying out: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
Let us praise the divinely beauteous phalange of the divine fathers: Barak, Nathan and Eleazar, Josiah and David, Jephthah and Samuel, who honourably beheld things which were to come and cried out: Let all creation bless the Lord, and exalt Him supremely forever!
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
With hymnody let us offer praise to the prophets of God, praising Hosea and Micah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk, Zechariah and Jonah, Haggai and Amos, Malachi and Obadiah, Nahum, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, together with Daniel, Elijah and Elisha.
Let us bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Lord.
With threefold utterances let us hymn the all-holy Trinity: the unoriginate Father, the Son and the right holy Spirit, the Unity of three Hypostases, which every breath glorifies, crying out: Let all creation bless the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
O Christ, You have appeared incarnate of the Virgin’s blood by Your ineffable word, being born in a cave as a perfect Babe in the abundance of Your loving-kindness, O Jesus. And the star heralds You from afar to the astrologers, who cry with faith: hymn and exalt Christ supremely forever!
We praise, bless, and worship the Lord, singing and exalting Him throughout all ages.
Katavasia: The dew-moistened furnace was the image of an incomprehensible wonder.* It did not burn the youths entrapped there,* just as the fire of the Godhead did not consume the Virgin’s womb in which He dwelt.* Therefore, let us praise God, saying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Canon of the Resurrection
Irmos: From you, O Virgin, the mountain unhewn,* is taken the stone uncut by human hands:* Christ the cornerstone, disparate natures joining together.* Therefore, we rejoice and magnify you, Mother of God.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Wholly you have taken me up entire into union without confusion through your great mercy, my God, giving me salvation in full through your suffering endured on the cross in the flesh.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Gazing upon your opened tomb and upon the linen clothes, within which God had lain, left empty by your resurrection, your disciples said with the angel: The Lord is risen indeed.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
All we the faithful worship the one divine nature but Trinity of persons; persons unconfounded, equal in power and equal in honour, we reverently magnify.
Canon to the Three Holy Youths and Daniel
Irmos: Saved by you, O pure Virgin, we truly confess you to be the Theotokos,* magnifying you with the bodiless choirs.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
You have attained your desired end, O most blessed youths, and you stand in the mansions of heaven before Him that is the greatest of all desires.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Rejoicing, you have received a sheaf as the reward of the good husbandry of your tears, having brought forth the grain of incorruption.
O Three Holy Youths and Daniel pray to God for us
Radiance has now shone upon you as is meet, and gladness of heart has blossomed forth, for from whence grief has fled away have you made your abode.
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
O Virgin, you halted the spread of death, having given birth to the Lord, the Bestower of life, Who imparts life to them that magnify you with faith.
Canon to the Holy Forefathers
Irmos: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
By Your might, O Lord, You made powers of old: Your daughters Hannah, Judith, Deborah, Huldah, Jael and Esther, Sarah, Miriam the sister of Moses, Rachel, Rebecca and Ruth the exceedingly wise.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
In a sacred manner let us honour the holy children that quenched the furnace, and with them, Daniel the prophet and all that were clearly righteous, who shone forth well before the Law, and under the Law were pleasing to the Lord.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
The most wise and divine prophets, being descendants of Abraham, proclaimed through the Spirit the Word of God, born of Abraham and Judah. By their prayers, O Jesus, have compassion on us all.
O holy Forefathers, pray to God for us!
All creation is sanctified by your memory and, keeping festival, doth callout, crying aloud as befits a servant: Ever offer entreaty to the Lord, O blessed ones, that they that praise you may receive eternal blessings!
Glory… Now…
The Word of the Father, Who has robed Himself in me, comes forth from the Virgin and is born in the cave in unconfused manner. Dance, O creation, magnifying, with thankful voices His all-holy condescension which He has shown forth in His lovingkindness.
Katavasia: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
When Mary Magdalene said they have carried away my Lord,* Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved hastened to the grave.* They both came and found the wrappings inside the tomb,* and the cloth, which was on His head, lying aside.* The disciples remained silent until they truly beheld Christ.
Glory…
Let Daniel, the greatest among the prophets, be honoured now, for he beheld Christ our God as the Stone cut, not by human hands, from the mountain of the pure Virgin. And with him let the three youths be praised whom the divine and ineffable image of the Virgin saved unharmed by the fire of the furnace, and whereby the world hath been saved.
Now…
Let us praise Adam, Abel, Seth and Enos, Enoch and Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses, Job and Aaron, Eleazar and Joshua, Barak, Sampson and Jephthah, David, and Solomon.
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 2
Let us all now celebrate the memory of the forefathers,* hymning their life which was pleasing to God,* for Whose sake they have been magnified.
Let us all now celebrate the memory of the forefathers,* hymning their life which was pleasing to God,* for Whose sake they have been magnified.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name unto the ages.
The children quenched the power of the fire,* dancing in the midst of the furnace,* and hymning God the Almighty.
For righteous are You in all which You have done for us.
Daniel the prophet, who, imprisoned in a pit,* dwelt with wild beasts,* was shown forth as one who did not partake of their ferocity.
In Tone 7, Glory…
Come all, let us faithfully celebrate* the annual commemoration of Abraham and them that are with him,* the fathers that lived before the Law.* Let us honour the tribe of Judah as is meet;* let us praise the youths in Babylon,* who, as an image of the Trinity, quenched the flame of the furnace,* together with Daniel;* and holding fast to the prophecies of the prophets,* let us cry aloud with Isaiah:* Behold, a Virgin shall conceive in her womb,* and shall bear a Son, Emmanuel, God with us!
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 2: By faith You justified Your ancestors* and through them in advance You betrothed the Church taken from the nations.* The saints exult in glory;* from their seed comes the blessed fruit, the one who bore You without seed.* By their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 6: Armed by the Being that defies description,* you defied the man-made idol, O thrice blessed youth.* In the midst of the unbearable flames you stood and cried out to God:* “In Your mercy, O gracious One, hasten and come to our aid,”* for You can do whatever You will.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers,* and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.
verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26,27)
Epistle
Colossians 3:4-11
Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Moses and Aaron are among His priests and Samuel among those who call upon His name.
verse: They called on the Lord and He heard them. (Psalm 98:6)
Gospel
Luke 14:16-24
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 (Psalm 32:1).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.