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Sun07Jan2024
Sunday after Theophany. Octoechos Tone 7. Synaxis of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John.
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man...” is sung.
At Psalm 140
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!
Tone 2
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
The forerunner, beholding our Enlightener,* Who illumines every man, coming to be baptized,* rejoices in soul and trembles.* He points to Him with his hand and says to the people:* “This is He Who delivers Israel, Who frees us from corruption!* O sinless Christ our God, glory be to You!”
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
The forerunner, beholding our Enlightener,* Who illumines every man, coming to be baptized,* rejoices in soul and trembles.* He points to Him with his hand and says to the people:* “This is He Who delivers Israel, Who frees us from corruption!* O sinless Christ our God, glory be to You!”
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
When our Deliverer was baptized by His servant* and borne witness to by the coming of the Holy Spirit,* the angelic armies, looking on, were stricken with awe;* and a voice was borne down from the Father in heaven:* “He Whom the forerunner baptized with his hand is My beloved Son,* in Whom I have been well-pleased!”* O Christ our God, glory be to You!
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
The currents of the Jordan received You, the Wellspring,* and the Comforter descended upon You in the form of a dove.* You Who bowed down the heavens bows Your head,* and clay cries out to the Potter:* “What do You command me to do, O You Who are greater than I?* It is I who must needs be baptized of You!* O sinless Christ our God, glory be to You!”
Tone 1
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Beholding You coming to him and requesting baptism, O Christ,* the forerunner cried out with trembling:* “Why do You command me to do that which is beyond my power?* How can I touch with my hand You Who holds all things in You hand, O almighty Lord?* Better would it be that You baptize Your servant!”
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
“I, Who am unapproachable by nature,* have manifested Myself as wholly man, accessible to you.* I, Who am rich, have impoverished Myself willingly,* that I may enrich what has become impoverished with incorruption and deliverance.* Approach, then, and baptize Me Who am not subject to corruption,* but rescue the world therefrom!”
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
“I am constrained on every side!* To where I shall flee, I know not!” the forerunner said to the Creator;* “As You are the torrent of nourishment, O Compassionate One,* how, then, can the river’s streams receive You Who have come,* pouring forth salvation upon those* who honour Your holy epiphany, O Word?”
Tone 6, Glory…
O beacon in the flesh, forerunner of the Saviour,* offspring of a barren woman, friend of Him Who came forth from the Virgin,* Whom you worshipped by leaping up within your mother’s womb* and have baptized in the waters of the Jordan:* Him do you entreat, O prophet,* that we may escape the waves of tumult which are to come.
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.
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!
Tone 6, Glory…
As a lover of the Spirit,* a swallow who manifestly announces the gracious dispensation of God the King,* Who shone forth brightly upon the human race* from the pure one to the restoration of men, O forerunner,* you shone forth, utterly lifting the spirits of the downcast,* and guiding aright the hearts of those who are baptized in repentance,* that they may receive everlasting life, O blessed God-pleaser.
Now…
Come, let us emulate the wise virgins!* Come, let us greet the Master Who has appeared to us!* For He has come to John like a Bridegroom;* the Jordan, seeing You, was afraid and halted.* And John cried out: “I dare not touch the head of the Immortal One!”* The Spirit descended in the form of a dove, to sanctify the water.* And a voice was heard from heaven, saying:* “This is my Son Who has come into the world to save the human race!”* O Lord, glory be to You!
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.
Tone 2, Glory…
The just man is remembered with praises,* but for you the Lord’s testimony suffices, O Forerunner,* for you truly became more honourable than the prophets* and were deemed worthy to baptize the One foretold.* Then you suffered for the truth and joyfully announced to those in Hades* that God appeared in the flesh taking away the sin of the world* and offering us great mercy.
Tone 1, Now…
When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
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)
Tone 2, Glory…
The just man is remembered with praises,* but for you the Lord’s testimony suffices, O Forerunner,* for you truly became more honourable than the prophets* and were deemed worthy to baptize the One foretold.* Then you suffered for the truth and joyfully announced to those in Hades* that God appeared in the flesh taking away the sin of the world* and offering us great mercy.
Tone 1, Now…
When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
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.
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.
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
John 21:1-14
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.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Lord, the King of the ages, restores corrupted Adam with the streams of the Jordan and crushes the heads of the serpents who make their nest therein, for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Lord Who became incarnate of the Virgin, clothing material flesh in the immaterial fire of the Godhead, wraps Himself in the water of the Jordan, for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
He Who washes away the defilement of men, cleanses Himself for them in the Jordan, desiring to make Himself like to them, yet remaining as He was before, the Lord Who enlightens those in darkness, for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the Light of the radiant Dawn shone forth upon mortal men, coming forth from the wilderness to the waters of the Jordan, You, O King of the Sun, bowed Your neck before him, that You might ransom our forefather from the minions of darkness and cleanse creation of all defilement.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O unoriginate Word, You have buried man with Yourself in the stream, and You lead him forth new again, that had been corrupted by deception; and the mighty voice of the Father testifies to You ineffably, saying: This is My beloved Son, the Child Who is equal to Me by nature.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Anticipating me in your supplications, O forerunner, save me who am drowning amid the tempest of the passions; for you yourself were the honoured and most pure receptacle of dispassion, appointed from infancy by the Lord from on high.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
With salutation the angel of God stood before the honourable Zachariah, your priestly father, and he announced you, the peer of the angels, who would become the forerunner and friend of the Lord, O most blessed one.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
You were filled with the most Holy Spirit, even when you were borne within your mother’s womb, O most honoured prophet, and with your beautiful leaps you announced the Fruit of the Virgin and worship Him.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Let us praise the godly and divinely wise forerunner of the Lord, who cut through the strange path of life which before was closed to all men, and baptized Christ in the Jordan’s streams.
Glory… Now…
O pure one, the most hallowed temple of virginity, who bore God the Word Within your womb: By your supplications save those who have recourse to you and call upon you, repelling the assault of misfortunes, O most immaculate one.
Katavasia: The Lord Who is mighty in battles uncovered the bed of the deep* and leads His own people across on dry land,* but engulfing the enemy therein,* for He has been glorified.
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.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O Church of Christ, who of old was barren and grievously childless, be glad today; for by water and the Spirit children have been born to you, who cry out with faith: There is none is as holy as our God!
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
In the wilderness the forerunner cries out with a loud voice: “Prepare the ways of Christ and make straight the paths of our God, crying out with faith: There is none as holy as our God!”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
He who once assumed the form of a malignant serpent and planted death in the garden of creation, is now cast into darkness by Christ’s coming in the flesh; and by assailing the Master, the Dawn which has shone forth upon us, he crushes his own hateful head.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Master draws to Himself the divinely fashioned nature of man, which had been overcome by the tyranny of greed; and He restores mortal men, granting them a new birth, and accomplishing thereby a mighty work; for He is come to cleanse our nature.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
You loosed the reproach of barrenness, and, recognizing the divine Offspring of the Virgin, leapt up, rejoicing, in your mother’s womb, O most lauded one who dwells with the angels, most blessed forerunner of the Lord.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Preparing the Lord’s ways, you went before His face, O prophet; for you were shown to be like a beacon, revealing the Effulgence of the Father’s glory, Who appeared in the flesh for our sake, O you who are most excellent of all.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
You shone forth like the dawn, announcing the Sun of righteousness to those in darkness; for you were the preacher and forerunner of the salvation of all, and said to all: “Come to Christ with faith, and be saved!”
Glory… Now…
Receiving ineffable joy, O Mother of God, you seedlessly conceived your Master, Who calls the whole world. To Him do we cry out: There is none holy save You, O Lord!
Katavasia: The Lord Who gives might to kings* and uplifts the horn of His anointed,* is born of the Virgin and comes to baptism.* To Him, O faithful, let us cry out: For holy is our God!
Kontakion, Tone 4
Today, You have appeared to the world* and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us,* who with knowledge sing Your praises.* You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Ikos
Upon Galilee of the nations, upon the land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, as the prophet said, a great Light has shone, even Christ. A radiant darkness has dawned upon those who sat in darkness, shining forth from Bethlehem. The Lord born of Mary, the Sun of righteousness, shines forth with splendour upon the whole world. Come, therefore, all you naked children of Adam, and let us clothe ourselves in Him, that we may be warmed; for He Who covers the naked and enlightens those in darkness has come. He has appeared, the Light unapproachable!
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
When You appeared in the flesh for baptism, O Invisible One,* Jordan ministered to You with its streams,* and John stretched forth his corruptible hand;* yet the one turned back in fear,* and the other straightway touched You the Incorruptible One, with trembling.* Truly You are the Lamb of God, the ever-living Fountain* Who has sanctified the springs, the sea and men;* for the Trinity shone forth from on high:* the Father calls You His Son, and the Holy Spirit descends.
Glory… Now…
When You appeared in the flesh for baptism, O Invisible One,* Jordan ministered to You with its streams,* and John stretched forth his corruptible hand;* yet the one turned back in fear,* and the other straightway touched You the Incorruptible One, with trembling.* Truly You are the Lamb of God, the ever-living Fountain* Who has sanctified the springs, the sea and men;* for the Trinity shone forth from on high:* the Father calls You His Son, and the Holy Spirit descends.
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.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“Who has ever seen the sun cleansed, which is most bright by nature?” the herald cries out. “Am I then to wash with water You, the Effulgence of the glory, the Image of the ever-existent Father? Am I, who am grass, to touch Your divinity? For You are Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“When he happened upon You, Moses showed the divine reverence he felt, for he understood that it was You Who spoke out of the bush; and he straightway averted his face. How, then, can I gaze directly at You? How can I touch You with my hand? For You are Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“Wisely doing what is spiritual, and being honoured with speech, yet am I in awe before inanimate things. For if I baptize You, the mountain which smoked with fire, the sea which parted in twain and this Jordan which turned back will be my accusers, for You are Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O most radiant Word, Who has been sent forth by the Father, You come to repel utterly the night of evil darkness and to uproot the sins of men, and by Your baptism to draw forth children of light from the streams of the Jordan, O Good One.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When he saw in very truth the Word Who had been foretold, the herald bare witness of Him to creation, and cried, plainly saying, This is He Who was before me, yet comes after. Though like us in form, He has shone forth with divine power to take away our hateful sin!
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
That He might bring His own back to the life-giving pastures of paradise, the Word of God falls upon the lairs of the dragons, and destroying their manifold snares, he assails him who has bruised all mankind, and, imprisoning him, delivers creation.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
You were sent to cleanse the impure with water, preparing them to receive Christ the Master, Who takes away their sins and drives darkness away with the radiance of the knowledge of God, O most honoured one.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Entreat Christ to heal me of the serpent’s venom, O blessed one who baptized Him in the waters of the Jordan, wherein the Saviour crushed the nesting malice of the serpents.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Adorned with the wisdom of God, you came as the herald of Christ; for you were the clarion voice of one crying out: “Repent!” As a prophet you foretold Him Who points you out to us as the greatest of all men.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
O most excellent one who led a life strange and untrodden by men, you stood before the waters of the Jordan, listening to the voice of the Father and beholding the coming of the Spirit.
Glory… Now…
The Lord Who created all things makes Himself like to us, O most pure one, taking up His abode within your most holy womb; and, clothing Himself in human form, He has saved His own image.
Katavasia: I heard, O Lord, Your voice, him whom You called the voice of one crying in the wilderness,* for You thundered out over many waters, bearing witness to Your Son.* And, wholly filled with the Spirit which descended, He cried out:* You are Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!
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.
Glory… Now…
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.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When countless people went down to be baptized of John, You Yourself stood in their midst. And he announced to those present: “Who has told you, O rebellious ones, to avoid the impending wrath? Bring forth fruits worthy of Christ; for He stands before you, granting peace.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Standing in their midst, the Creator and Fashioner alone tries the hearts of all; and taking his winnowing-fan in His hand, He most wisely separates the harvest of the whole world, letting the chaff fall away; and He grants eternal life to the fruitful.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Creator, beholding him whom He had formed of dust bound by inescapable bonds in the darkness of sin, raised him up-and laid him on His shoulders; and now, in the midst of abundant waters, He washes him clean from the ancient shame of Adam’s sinful inclination.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
With piety let us eagerly make haste to the most pure wellsprings of the stream of salvation, and, gazing upon the Word Who is come forth from the incorrupt Virgin, let us drink the pure water which quenches our holy thirst, gently healing the infirmity of the world.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Illumined with the splendours of supernatural virtue, you stood before the waters of the Jordan as an initiation into the mysteries of heaven, baptizing and cleansing with water those who have recourse to you with faith of soul, O forerunner.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
The pure and incorrupt Light, desiring to be baptized, showed you forth as a most pure vessel, O John; for you, the most honoured of the prophets, were chosen beforehand by Him as the greatest of all, for you were counted worthy to behold Him Whom you prophesied.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Set forth before the face of the Lord of all, and indicating His paths to all men, the forerunner, trembling, touches the head of the Master and baptizes Him, saying: “I know none other God than You.”
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Who has ever seen or heard of the Undefiled One Who sustains all things bowing His head before one of His creatures? Wherefore, with trembling the Baptist cried out: “I know none other God than You!”
Glory… Now…
The Son of God, Who, as God, accomplishes His works by His will alone, manifestly showed Himself to be your Son, O Virgin. Wherefore, we all call you the true Theotokos, for we know none other Mother of God than you.
Katavasia: Jesus, the Author of life, comes to annul the condemnation of Adam, the first-created.* And since, as God, He does not require cleansing,* He cleanses the fallen one in the Jordan, therein slaying enmity,* and grants the peace which passes all understanding.
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.
Glory… Now…
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.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Christ, Who was begotten incorruptibly of God the Father, is incarnate of the Virgin without defilement. The forerunner teaches that it is not possible to loose the sandals, the bond between the Word and us, of Him Who delivers mortals from deception.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Christ shall baptize His enemies, who do not acknowledge Him as God, with the uttermost fire; but He shall restore with the water of grace those who accept His divinity, delivering them from their transgressions.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The prophet, mysteriously swallowed up for the space of three nights in the belly of the sea monster, came forth again, making manifest beforehand to all our regeneration in the last times, and our deliverance from the dragon that slays mankind.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the shining vaults of heaven were opened, he who knew the Scriptures beheld the Spirit, Who proceeds from the Father and abides in the all-pure Word, descending in ineffable manner in the form of a dove; and he commanded the multitudes to hasten to the Master.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
You did not pay heed to earthly cares, and were enriched with the expectations of heaven. And you perfected your life like an angel on earth, O most blessed one.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
We know you to be the seal of the prophets, the mediator between the old and new covenants, and we proclaim you to be the Baptist and forerunner of Christ the Saviour.
Glory… Now…
All the faithful acknowledge and believe your conceiving to be truly ineffable and your birthgiving to be inexpressible and unapproachable, O only Bride of God.
Katavasia: In the wilderness the forerunner, the voice of the Word,* the lampstand of the Light, the morning-star of the Sun, cries out to all the people:* “Repent and cleanse yourselves beforehand!* For, lo! Christ stands before you, delivering the world from corruption!”
Kontakion, Tone 3
She who once was barren gives birth today to the Forerunner of Christ,* who will fulfil every prophecy.* In the Jordan he placed his hand upon the One Whom the prophets foretold,* and thus was shown to be the prophet, the herald,* and the Forerunner of the Word of God.
Ikos
Though Adam had become blind in Eden, the Sun appeared out of Bethlehem and opened his eyes, washing them with the waters of the Jordan: the ever-burning Light shone forth upon him who was enshrouded in darkness and gloom. For him there is no longer any night, but eternal day. For his sake the Morning has dawned; for he hid himself until the evening, as it is written, and found the radiance which restores him. He who fell at eventide has turned from the darkness and attained to the dawning of Him Who has appeared and illumined all things.
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.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
As in heaven, with trembling and wonder the angelic hosts stood before You in the Jordan, gazing at the extent of God’s condescension; for the God of our fathers, Who holds the firmament of the waters above, stood, incarnate as man, in the waters.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The cloud and the sea of old prefigured the wonder of divine baptism, for the ancient people of the law were baptized therein when they fled Egypt. The sea was an image of the water, and the cloud was an image of the Spirit, whereby we are made perfect. And we cry out: Blessed are You, O Lord God, forever!
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O all you faithful, in Him have we received perfection; and, theologizing continually with the angels let us glorify the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. For, lo! the consubstantial Trinity of Hypostases is the One God. To Him do we chant: Blessed are You, O Lord God, forever!
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The fierce Assyrian flame that prefigured You have You quenched, transforming it into dew. And now, O Christ, You have clothed Yourself in water as in flame, and You burn up the harmful malice hidden in its depths, which calls men to fall with stumbling step.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the Jordan was parted of old, the people of Israel passed clean over on dry ground, prefiguring You, O most powerful Lord, Who now bear up creation in the waters without touching it, leading it to a better and imperishable path.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
We know that in the beginning You, in Your mercy, brought the waters of the flood upon the earth to destroy every living substance that You had made. And now, O Christ, Who works wonders strange and most great, You have drowned sin in the waters of Your compassion, to the salvation of mortal men.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Having accomplished the sacred baptism and performed the mysteries which were manifestly given you by God, O sacred minister, you offered yourself as a sacrifice, as an innocent lamb. Wherefore, we chant together with you: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
You were a new Elijah, denouncing the iniquitous king with boldness and showing us an immaterial life, as he did, O thrice-blessed forerunner. Wherefore, we chant with you, O prophet: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Inheriting the divine honour of the apostles of Christ, O forerunner, greatest of the prophets, you were manifestly shown to be the fulfilment of the law and the beginning of the new grace. Wherefore, we chant with you, O thrice-blessed one: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Glory… Now…
O you pious, with chanting let us all hymn, as is meet, the most pure Mistress who was acceptable to God; for she gave birth to God the Only-begotten, Who has appeared to us. To Him, O faithful, let us chant together: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Katavasia: The moist whistling wind and the descent of the Angel of God* preserved the pious youths who were together in the fiery furnace.* Wherefore, bedewed amid the flame, they chanted with thanksgiving:* O all-hymned Lord God of our fathers, blessed are You!
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.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“Put aside all fear,” the Deliverer said to the forerunner; “Obey Me, in that I am good, and touch Me, for this have I become by nature. Submit to My commands and baptize Me Who am come down.” Him do the people bless and exalt supremely for all ages.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the Baptist heard the words of the Master, he stretched forth his hand with trembling, and as he touched the head of his Creator he cried out to Him Who was being baptized: “Sanctify me, for You are my God, Whom the people bless and exalt supremely for all ages!”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Trinity was revealed in the Jordan, for the Father, the all-divine Essence Himself, announced: “This One Who is baptized is my beloved Son!” And the Spirit came upon Him Who was like to Him, Whom the people bless and exalt supremely for all ages.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The three godly children, sprinkled with dew in the midst of the fire, plainly prefigured how the transcendent Nature, which is resplendent with most radiant rays of threefold holiness, through human nature, mercifully consume all pernicious falsehood with the fire of dew.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Let the whole of earthly creation be clothed in white, for this day it is raised up from its fall to heaven; and, washed and most splendidly cleansed in the flowing waters by the Word, by Whom all things are preserved, it has escaped its former sins.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
With joy do we honour you, O most blessed John, who by your steadfast life on earth showed yourself to be the peer of the angels; and we cry: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
O prophet, you taught the one Essence of the Godhead in Three Persons, consubstantial in hypostases; for by the voice of the Father and the coming of the Spirit you recognized Him Whom you baptized as the ever-existing Word of God.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
You hastened forth from the barren woman, O most honoured John, noetic dawn proclaiming the Sun Who shone forth from the Virgin and you preached the Lamb Who, in His love for mankind, takes away the sin of the world.
O holy Forerunner of Christ, pray to God for us!
Watching over us now from on high, O blessed, most blessed forerunner, by your supplications preserve those who follow your divine , preaching, who abide in the teachings of your divine and saving dogmas.
Glory… Now…
Ineffably you conceived the pre-eternal Effulgence of the Father’s glory, the unoriginate Word Who is known to exist from the beginning, and Who is now become your First-born, immutably becoming a creature, O most pure one.
Katavasia: The Babylonian furnace which poured forth dew* showed forth an all-glorious mystery,* for the Jordan would receive the immaterial Fire in its streams* and embrace the Creator, Who is baptized in the flesh.* Him do the people bless and exalt* supremely for all ages.
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.
love;* for you are the intercessor of Christians, and we magnify you.
Magnify, O my soul, Him Who asked baptism of the forerunner!
O David, come thou in spirit to the enlightened and chant, saying: “Approach God now with faith and be illumined! Lowly Adam cried out in his fall, and the Lord heard him, and, coming to the streams of the Jordan, He restored the corrupted one.”
Magnify, O my soul, Him Who came to be baptized in the Jordan!
O David, come in spirit to the enlightened and chant, saying: “Approach God now with faith and be illumined! Lowly Adam cried out in his fall, and the Lord heard him, and, coming to the streams of the Jordan, He restored the corrupted one.”
Magnify, O my soul, Him to Whom the Father’s voice bare witness!
Isaiah says: “Change your ways and cleanse yourselves; leave off your wickedness in the face of the Lord! You who thirst, go to the living Water; for Christ sprinkles with water those who have recourse to Him with faith, renewing them, and He baptizes with the Spirit to life which ages not.”
Today John baptizes the Master in the streams of the Jordan.
That which was revealed to Moses in the bush we see here fulfilled in wondrous manner; for as it bare fire, yet was not consumed, so has the Virgin been preserved, who gave birth to the Benefactor Who brings us light, and the streams of the Jordan suffered no harm when they received Him.
Today the Master buries the sin of man in the waters.
O unoriginate King, through the communion of the Spirit You anoint and make perfect the nature of man, and cleansing it in the pure streams of baptism, putting the arrogant might of darkness to shame, You now raise it up to eternal life.
Magnify, O my soul, the forerunner who is greatest among the prophets.
From the wilderness the forerunner, the voice of the Word, points to Him Who has come to us in the flesh; and he prepares most joyfully to baptize the Preexisting One Who cleanses our souls from sin for the sake of our faith.
Magnify, O my soul, the forerunner who is greatest among the prophets.
Grace and the law manifestly set you forth as the mediator between them: for you sealed the one and begin the other, are honoured by the Word as greatest of all the prophets, and lived beyond visible things, O most honoured one.
Magnify, O my soul, the forerunner who is greatest among the prophets.
Showing forth a life like to that of the incorporeal ones, he dwells with the angelic choirs, and rejoices, standing before the throne of the Master, asking remission and salvation for those who praise him.
Magnify, O my soul, the all-pure Virgin Theotokos, who is more honourable than the armies on high!
In His compassion the Deliverer of all becomes man and accepts to be born in the flesh of your virginal womb, for He loves man with a love beyond that of men, O most blessed Theotokos.
Katavasia: Every tongue is at a loss how to praise you fittingly;* and even a heavenly intelligence cannot think how to hymn you, O Theotokos.* Yet, as you are good, accept our faith, for you know our divine love;* for you are the intercessor of Christians, and we magnify you.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
The two sons of Zebedee, with Peter, Nathaniel, and Thomas,* and two others were fishing in the Lake of Tiberias.* By the command of Christ, they cast the net on the right side* and drew out many fish.* Peter, recognizing Christ, came swimming toward Him.* This was the third appearance of the Lord after His resurrection.* Then He shared with them bread and fish from the fire.
Glory… You wondrously prepared the ways of the Lord; for you were the herald of His coming, the preacher most true and the greatest of the prophets, O blessed John. You beheld the Light, fulfilling His ineffable dispensation.
Now…
The Saviour appeared, grace and truth, in the streams of the Jordan, and He illumined those sleeping in darkness and shadow, for He, the immutable Light, has come and appeared.
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!’
Tone 4
Christ our Saviour, the Light of Light,* has shone forth upon the world, manifesting Himself as God.* Let us worship Him, O people!* How can we who are servants honour the Master as is meet?* For He has restored us all in the waters.
Christ our Saviour, the Light of Light,* has shone forth upon the world, manifesting Himself as God.* Let us worship Him, O people!* How can we who are servants honour the Master as is meet?* For He has restored us all in the waters.
Baptized in the Jordan, touched by Your servant’s hand, O our Saviour,* You sanctified the waters, healing the sufferings of the world.* Great is the mystery of Your epiphany!* O Lord Who loves mankind, glory be to You!
The true Light has appeared and gives enlightenment to all.* Christ is baptized with us, Who is above all in purity.* He draws sanctification into the water and becomes the cleansing of our souls,* which is at once earthly and transcends the heavens.* Salvation is accomplished through the washing,* and the Spirit cometh through water.* Through immersion is our ascent to God made.* Wondrous are Your works, O Lord! Glory be to You!
In Tone 6, Glory…
After Your descent into Hades, O Christ,* and Your resurrection from the dead,* the disciples grieved over Your departure.* They returned to their occupations* and attended to their nets and their boats,* but their fishing was in vain.* You appeared to them since You are Lord of all;* You commanded them to cast the nets on the right side.* Immediately Your word became deed.* They caught a great number of fish,* and they found an unexpected meal prepared for them on the shore,* which they immediately ate.* Now, make us worthy to enjoy this meal with them in a spiritual manner,* O Lord and Lover of mankind.
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
Antiphon 1
When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…
Antiphon 3
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Entrance
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
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 1: When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
Troparion, Tone 2: The just man is remembered with praises,* but for you the Lord’s testimony suffices, O Forerunner,* for you truly became more honourable than the prophets* and were deemed worthy to baptize the One foretold.* Then you suffered for the truth and joyfully announced to those in Hades* that God appeared in the flesh taking away the sin of the world* and offering us great mercy.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 3: She who once was barren gives birth today to the Forerunner of Christ,* who will fulfil every prophecy.* In the Jordan he placed his hand upon the One Whom the prophets foretold,* and thus was shown to be the prophet, the herald,* and the Forerunner of the Word of God.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: Today, You have appeared to the world* and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us,* who with knowledge sing Your praises.* You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Prokeimenon, Tone 1
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us* as we have hoped in you.
verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:2,1)
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The just man shall be glad in the Lord and shall hope in Him.
Epistle
Ephesians 4:7-13; Acts 19:1-8
Alleluia, Tone 5
verse: Your mercies, O Lord, I will sing for ever; from generation to generation I will announce Your truth with my mouth.
verse: For You have said: Mercy shall be built up for ever; in the heavens Your truth shall be prepared. (Psalm 88:2,3)
verse: Light shines forth for the just and joy for the upright of heart.
Gospel
Matthew 4:12-17; John 1:29-34
Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.
and the Irmos: Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good accept our faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.
Communion Hymn
The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all. (Titus 2:11)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)
Instead of We have seen the true light… we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.
Instead of May our mouths… and Blessed be the Name… we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)