New Texts arriving in the evening of April 17, 2024!
Event Information:
-
Tue26Mar2024
Great Tuesday. Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel.
Great Week. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
MATINS ON GREAT TUESDAY MORNING
Troparion, Tone 8
Behold the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night;* and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching,* but unworthy is he whom He shall find in slothfulness.* Beware, then, O my soul, and be not overcome by sleep,* lest you be given over to death and shut out from the Kingdom.* But rise up and cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God:* through the Theotokos have mercy upon us. (3)
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 4
Let us love the Bridegroom, O brethren, and prepare our lamps,* shining with the virtues and a right faith;* that, like the wise virgins of the Lord,* we may be ready to enter with Him into the wedding feast.* For as God He grants to all* the Bridegroom’s gift;* an incorruptible crown.
Glory… Now…
Let us love the Bridegroom, O brethren, and prepare our lamps,* shining with the virtues and a right faith;* that, like the wise virgins of the Lord,* we may be ready to enter with Him into the wedding feast.* For as God He grants to all* the Bridegroom’s gift;* an incorruptible crown.
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 4
With envy, the priests and scribes wickedly gathered a lawless council against, You, O Saviour,* and inspired Judas to betray You.* Wherefore he shamelessly left, having spoken against You to the transgressing people, saying:* “What will you give me, and I will betray Him into your hands?”* O Lord deliver our souls,* from the condemnation that was his.
Glory… Now…
With envy, the priests and scribes wickedly gathered a lawless council against, You, O Saviour,* and inspired Judas to betray You.* Wherefore he shamelessly left, having spoken against You to the transgressing people, saying:* “What will you give me, and I will betray Him into your hands?”* O Lord deliver our souls,* from the condemnation that was his.
Sessional Hymn III, Tone 8
Judas, with avaricious thoughts, schemes as an enemy against the Master,* pondering how he will betray Him;* and falling away from the light he accepts the darkness;* agreeing upon a price, he sells Him that is above all price;* and as the reward for his actions,* in his wretchedness he has received a hangman’s noose and an agonizing death.* O Christ God, deliver us from such a fate,* and grant the forgiveness of sins* to those who with love celebrate Your most pure Passion.
Glory… Now…
Judas, with avaricious thoughts, schemes as an enemy against the Master,* pondering how he will betray Him;* and falling away from the light he accepts the darkness;* agreeing upon a price, he sells Him that is above all price;* and as the reward for his actions,* in his wretchedness he has received a hangman’s noose and an agonizing death.* O Christ God, deliver us from such a fate,* and grant the forgiveness of sins* to those who with love celebrate Your most pure Passion.
Gospel
Matthew 25:15-23:39
Canon
Kontakion, Tone 2
Think, O soul, upon the hour of your end;* and recall with fear how the fig tree was hewn down.* Work diligently, O wretched one, with the talent that has been granted you;* be vigilant and cry aloud:* May we not be left outside the bridal chamber of Christ.
Ikos
Why are you melancholic, O my wretched soul? Why do you waste your days consumed by unprofitable cares? Why are you cumbered about much with things fleeting? The very last hour approaches and we shall soon be parted from this vale of tears. While time remains, return to soberness and cry: I have sinned against You, O my Saviour, cut me not down like the unfruitful fig tree; but since You are compassionate and exceedingly good, O Christ, be merciful to me who in fear call upon You: May we not be left outside the bridal chamber of Christ!
Ode 8
Irmos: The three holy children were not obedient* to the decree of the tyrant;* and, cast into the furnace, they confessed God, singing:* O, all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Let us cast far from us slothfulness, and with brightly shining lamps meet Christ the immortal Bridegroom with hymns, crying: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
May there be a sufficiency of the oil of fellowship in the vessels of our soul, that we need not purchase any at the time of the reward, as we sing: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Let us bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: the Lord.
You have all received an equal talent of grace from God; cultivate it, with the help of Christ who has given it to you, and sing: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Now…
You have all received an equal talent of grace from God; cultivate it, with the help of Christ who has given it to you, and sing: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.
We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord, hymning and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages!
Katavasia: The three holy children were not obedient* to the decree of the tyrant;* and, cast into the furnace, they confessed God, singing:* O, all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.
The Magnificat is not chanted.
Ode 9
Irmos: You contained within your womb* the God whom nothing can contain,* and have brought forth joy to the world,* wherefore we sing your praises, O Virgin Theotokos.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
“Watch,” You said to Your disciples, O good One. “For you know not what hour the Lord shall come to give every man his due reward.”
Glory… Now…
At Your fearful second coming, O Master, number me with the sheep on Your right hand, overlooking the multitude of my sins.
Katavasia: You contained within your womb* the God whom nothing can contain,* and have brought forth joy to the world,* wherefore we sing your praises, O Virgin Theotokos.
Hymn of Light, Tone 3
Sung slowly with compunction
Your bridal chamber do I see all-adorned, O my Saviour, yet I have no wedding garment that I may enter therein. Make the robe of my soul to shine forth, O Giver of Light, and save me. (3)
At the Praises
Tone 1
Praise Him for His mighty acts,* praise Him according to the multitude of His greatness.
How shall I who am unworthy enter into the splendour of Your saints?* For if I dare to draw nigh to the bridal chamber,* my vesture betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment;* and I shall be bound and cast out by the angels.* Cleanse, O Lord, the filth from my soul* and save me as You are the Lover of mankind.
Praise Him with the sound of trumpet,* praise Him with the psaltery and harp.
How shall I who am unworthy enter into the splendour of Your saints?* For if I dare to draw nigh to the bridal chamber,* my vesture betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment;* and I shall be bound and cast out by the angels.* Cleanse, O Lord, the filth from my soul* and save me as You are the Lover of mankind.
Tone 2
Praise Him with timbrel and dance,* praise him with strings and flute.
I slumber in slothfulness of soul, O Bridegroom Christ,* I have not a lamp aflame with the virtues,* and like the foolish virgins I have wandered off* when it has been time for action.* Close not the depths of Your compassion against me, O Master,* but dispel the darkness of sleep from me, and awaken me,* and lead me with the wise virgins into Your bridal chamber,* where those who unceasingly keep festival, sing with pure voices:* O Lord, glory be to You.
Praise Him with tuneful cymbals, praise Him with cymbals of jubilation.* Let every breath praise the Lord.
I slumber in slothfulness of soul, O Bridegroom Christ,* I have not a lamp aflame with the virtues,* and like the foolish virgins I have wandered off* when it has been time for action.* Close not the depths of Your compassion against me, O Master,* but dispel the darkness of sleep from me, and awaken me,* and lead me with the wise virgins into Your bridal chamber,* where those who unceasingly keep festival, sing with pure voices:* O Lord, glory be to You.
Tone 4, Glory… Now…
You have heard the condemnation of him who hid his talent,* hide not the word of God, O soul,* rather, proclaim His wonders,* that the gifts of grace entrusted to you may multiply,* and you shall enter into the joy of your Lord.
Aposticha
Tone 6
Come, faithful, and let us eagerly serve the Master,* for He gives riches to His servants.* To each according to the measure received, let him increase his talent of grace.* Let one gain wisdom through good deeds;* let another liturgize with beauty;* let another share with preaching the mysteries to the unlearned faithful;* let another distribute his wealth to the poor.* Thus, let us multiply that which has been entrusted to us,* that as faithful stewards of His grace* we may be deemed worthy of the Master’s joy.* O Christ God, bestow this joy upon us,* as You are the Lover of mankind.
In the morning, fill us with Your love; we shall exult and rejoice all our days. Give us joy to balance our affliction for the years when we knew misfortune. Show forth Your work to Your servants; let Your glory shine on their children.
When You shall come, O Jesus, in glory with the angelic hosts* and shall sit upon the throne of judgment,* cast me not away from Your presence, O good Shepherd.* For You accept those who stand on the right,* but reject those on the left, who have turned away from You.* Destroy me not with the goats, though I am deadened in sin,* but number me with the sheep on Your right hand, and save me* insofar as You are the Lover of mankind.
Let the favour of the Lord be upon us: give success to the work of our hands, give success to the work of our hands.
O Bridegroom, surpassing all mankind in comeliness,* You have called us to the spiritual feast of Your bridal chamber.* Through participation in Your sufferings;* take from me the disfigurement of sin,* and clothe me in the glorious robe of Your comeliness,* and insofar as You are compassionate* grant me to feast with You in Your Kingdom.
Tone 7, Glory… Now…
Behold, O my soul, the Master has entrusted you with a talent.* Receive the gift with fear;* that it gain interest for Him who has given it to you;* distribute to the needy, and make yourself a friend of the Lord,* and thus you shall stand on His right hand when He cometh in glory,* you shall hear His blessed words:* “Enter, my faithful servant, into the joy of your Lord.”* of this, O Saviour, deem me worthy, who have gone astray* for the sake of Your exceedingly great mercy.
LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS ON GREAT TUESDAY EVENING
At Psalm 140
Tone 1
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
Into the splendour of Your saints how shall I who am unworthy enter?* For if I dare to draw nigh to the bridal chamber,* my vesture betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment;* and I shall be bound and cast out by the angels.* Cleanse, O Lord, the filth from my soul* and save me since You are the Lover of mankind.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
Into the splendour of Your saints how shall I who am unworthy enter?* For if I dare to draw nigh to the bridal chamber,* my vesture betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment;* and I shall be bound and cast out by the angels.* Cleanse, O Lord, the filth from my soul* and save me since You are the Lover of mankind.
Tone 2
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
I slumber in slothfulness of soul, O Bridegroom Christ,* I have not a lamp aflame with the virtues,* and like the foolish virgins I have wandered off* when it has been time for action.* Close not the depths of Your compassion against me, O Master,* but dispel the darkness of sleep from me, and awaken me,* and lead me with the wise virgins into Your bridal chamber,* where those who unceasingly keep festival, sing with pure voices:* O Lord, glory be to You.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
I slumber in slothfulness of soul, O Bridegroom Christ,* I have not a lamp aflame with the virtues,* and like the foolish virgins I have wandered off* when it has been time for action.* Close not the depths of Your compassion against me, O Master,* but dispel the darkness of sleep from me, and awaken me,* and lead me with the wise virgins into Your bridal chamber,* where those who unceasingly keep festival, sing with pure voices:* O Lord, glory be to You.
Tone 4
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
You have heard the condemnation of him who hid his talent,* hide not the word of God, O soul,* rather, proclaim His wonders,* that the gifts of grace entrusted to you may multiply,* and you shall enter into the joy of your Lord.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
You have heard the condemnation of him who hid his talent,* hide not the word of God, O soul,* rather, proclaim His wonders,* that the gifts of grace entrusted to you may multiply,* and you shall enter into the joy of your Lord.
Tone 6
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Come, faithful, and let us eagerly serve the Master,* for He gives riches to His servants.* To each according to the measure received, let him increase his talent of grace.* Let one gain wisdom through good deeds;* let another liturgize with beauty;* let another share with preaching the mysteries to the unlearned faithful;* let another distribute his wealth to the poor.* Thus, let us multiply that which has been entrusted to us,* that as faithful stewards of His grace* we may be deemed worthy of the Master’s joy.* O Christ God, bestow this joy upon us,* as You are the Lover of mankind.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Come, faithful, and let us eagerly serve the Master,* for He gives riches to His servants.* To each according to the measure received, let him increase his talent of grace.* Let one gain wisdom through good deeds;* let another liturgize with beauty;* let another share with preaching the mysteries to the unlearned faithful;* let another distribute his wealth to the poor.* Thus, let us multiply that which has been entrusted to us,* that as faithful stewards of His grace* we may be deemed worthy of the Master’s joy.* O Christ God, bestow this joy upon us,* as You are the Lover of mankind.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
When You shall come, O Jesus, in glory with the angelic hosts* and shall sit upon the throne of judgment,* cast me not away from Your presence, O good Shepherd.* For You accept those who stand on the right,* but reject those on the left, who have turned away from You.* Destroy me not with the goats, though I am deadened in sin,* but number me with the sheep on Your right hand, and save me* insofar as You are the Lover of mankind.
- Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
O Bridegroom, surpassing all mankind in comeliness,* You have called us to the spiritual feast of Your bridal chamber.* Through participation in Your sufferings;* take from me the disfigurement of sin,* and clothe me in the glorious robe of Your comeliness,* and insofar as You are compassionate* grant me to feast with You in Your Kingdom.
Tone 7, Glory… Now…
Behold, O my soul, the Master has entrusted you with a talent.* Receive the gift with fear;* that it gain interest for Him who has given it to you;* distribute to the needy, and make yourself a friend of the Lord,* and thus you shall stand on His right hand when He cometh in glory,* you shall hear His blessed words:* “Enter, my faithful servant, into the joy of your Lord.”* of this, O Saviour, deem me worthy, who have gone astray* for the sake of Your exceedingly great mercy.
Prokeimenon I, Tone 6
Arise, O Lord, and go to Your resting place,* You and the ark of Your might.
verse: O Lord, remember David and the many hardships he endured.
Reading I
Exodus 2:5-10
Prokeimenon II, Tone 4
How good and how pleasant it is,* when people live in unity!
verse: It is like precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, upon the beard of Aaron.
Reading II
Job 1:13-22
Gospel
Matthew 24:36-26:2