New Texts arriving in the evening of April 17, 2024!
Event Information:
-
Fri29Mar2024
Great Friday
Great Week. Strict Fast. Abstention from meat, dairy and eggs, and foods that contain these ingredients. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
PASSION MATINS ON GREAT FRIDAY MORNING
The priest, in a red epitrakhil, makes a small bow before the Holy Table, opens the curtain, exits through the northern doors, and, before the closed Holy Doors, exclaims:
Priest: Glory be to the holy, consubstantial, life-giving, and undivided Trinity, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Reader: Glory to God in the highest, and to His people on earth, His peace and good will. (3)
O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise! (2)
Psalm 3
How many are my foes, O Lord! How many are rising up against me! How many are saying about me: There is no help for him in God. But You, Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord. He answers from His holy mountain. I lie down to rest and I sleep. I wake, for the Lord upholds me. I will not fear even thousands of people who are ranged on every side against me. Arise, Lord; save me, my God, You who strike all my foes on the mouth, You who break the teeth of the wicked! O Lord of salvation, bless Your people! I lie down to rest and I sleep. I wake, for the Lord upholds me.
Psalm 37
O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger; do not punish me, Lord, in Your rage. Your arrows have sunk deep in me; Your hand has come down upon me. Through Your anger all my body is sick: through my sin, there is no health in my limbs. My guilt towers higher than my head; it is a weight too heavy to bear. My wounds are foul and festering, the result of my own folly. I am bowed and brought to my knees. I go mourning all the day long. All my frame burns with fever; all my body is sick. Spent and utterly crushed, I cry aloud in anguish of heart. O Lord, You know all my longing: my groans are not hidden from You. My heart throbs, my strength is spent; the very light has gone from my eyes. My friends avoid me like a leper; those closest to me stand afar off. Those who plot against my life lay snares; those who seek my ruin speak of harm, planning treachery all the day long. But I am like the deaf who cannot hear, like the dumb unable to speak. I am like a man who hears nothing in whose mouth is no defence. I count on You, O Lord: it is You, Lord God, who will answer. I pray: Do not let them mock me, those who triumph if my foot should slip. For I am on the point of falling and my pain is always before me. I confess that I am guilty and my sin fills me with dismay. My wanton enemies are numberless and my lying foes are many. They repay me evil for good and attack me for seeking what is right. O Lord, do not forsake me! My God, do not stay afar off! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my God, my Saviour! O Lord, do not forsake me! My God, do not stay afar off! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my God, my Saviour!
Psalm 62
O God, You are my God, for You I long; for You my soul is thirsting. My body pines for You like a dry, weary land without water. So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory. For Your love is better than life, my lips will speak Your praise. So I will bless You all my life, in Your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, my mouth shall praise You with joy. On my bed I remember You. On You I muse through the night for You have been my help; in the shadow of Your wings I rejoice. My soul clings to You; Your right hand holds me fast. Those who seek to destroy my life shall go down to the depths of the earth. They shall be put into the power of the sword and left as the prey of the jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; all that swear by Him shall be blessed for the mouth of liars shall be silenced. On my bed I remember You. On You I muse through the night for You have been my help; in the shadow of Your wings I rejoice. My soul clings to You; Your right hand holds me fast.
Reader: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
All: Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia; glory be to You O God. (3)
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Reader: Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 87
Lord my God, I call for help by day; I cry at night before You. Let my prayer come into Your presence. O turn Your ear to my cry. For my soul is filled with evils; my life is on the brink of the grave. I am reckoned as one in the tomb: I have reached the end of my strength, like one alone among the dead; like the slain lying in their graves; like those You remember no more, cut off, as they are, from Your hand. You have laid me in the depths of the tomb, in places that are dark, in the depths. Your anger weighs down upon me: I am drowned beneath Your waves. You have taken away my friends and made me hateful in their sight. Imprisoned, I cannot escape; my eyes are sunken with grief. I call to You, Lord, all the day long; to You I stretch out my hands. Will You work Your wonders for the dead? Will the shades stand and praise You? Will Your love be told in the grave or Your faithfulness among the dead? Will Your wonders be known in the dark or Your justice in the land of oblivion? As for me, Lord, I call to You for help: in the morning my prayer comes before You. Why do you reject me? Why do you hide Your face? Wretched, close to death from my youth, I have borne Your trials; I am numb. Your fury has swept down upon me; Your terrors have utterly destroyed me. They surround me all the day like a flood, they assail me all together. Friend and neighbour You have taken away: my one companion is darkness. Lord my God, I call for help by day; I cry at night before You. Let my prayer come into Your presence. O turn Your ear to my cry.
Psalm 102
My soul, give thanks to the Lord, all my being, bless His holy Name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all His blessings. It is He who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion, who fills your life with good things, renewing your youth like an eagle’s. The Lord does deeds of justice, gives judgement for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses and His deeds to Israel’s sons. The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. His wrath will come to an end; He will not be angry for ever. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults. For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is His love for those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west so far does He remove our sins. As a father has compassion on his sons, the Lord has pity on those who fear Him; for He knows of what we are made, He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flowers like the flower of the field; the wind blows and he is gone and his place never sees him again. But the love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold Him in fear; His justice reaches out to children’s children when they keep His covenant in truth, when they keep His will in their mind. The Lord has set His sway in heaven and His Kingdom is ruling over all. Give thanks to the Lord, all His angels, mighty in power, fulfilling His word, who heed the voice of His word. Give thanks to the Lord, all His hosts, His servants who do His will. Give thanks to the Lord, all His works, in every place where He rules. My soul, give thanks to the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, all His works, in every place where He rules. My soul, give thanks to the Lord!
Psalm 142
Lord, listen to my prayer: turn Your ear to my appeal. You are faithful, You are just; give answer. Do not call Your servant to judgement for no one is just in Your sight. The enemy pursues my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead, long forgotten. Therefore, my spirit fails; my heart is numb within me. I remember the days that are past: I ponder all Your works. I muse on what Your hand has wrought and to You I stretch out my hands. Like a parched land my soul thirsts for You. Lord, make haste and answer; for my spirit fails within me. Do not hide Your face lest I become like those in the grave. In the morning let me know Your love for I put my trust in You. Make me know the way I should walk: to You I lift up my soul. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to You for refuge. Teach me to do Your will for You, O Lord, are my God. Let Your good spirit guide me in ways that are level and smooth. For Your Name’s sake, Lord, save my life; in Your justice save my soul from distress. In Your love make an end of my foes; destroy all those who oppress me for I am Your servant, O Lord. Lord, listen to my prayer: do not call Your servant to judgement. Let Your good spirit guide me in ways that are level and smooth.
Reader: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
All: Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)
While the Hexapsalm is being chanted, the priest prays the Prayers of Matins before the closed Holy Doors.
Prayers of Matins
- We thank You, Lord our God, for You have wakened us from our sleep, and have filled our lips with praise that we might worship You and call upon Your holy name. We beg of Your compassion that You have always shown towards us, hear us now and send help to those who stand before Your holy glory awaiting Your abundant mercy. O Lord, grant that those who serve You in fear and love may praise Your ineffable goodness. For to You is due all glory, honour, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- From the depths of night our soul longs for You, our God, for Your commandments are a light upon the earth. Give us understanding that we may be perfected in righteousness and holiness in fear of You, for it is You Whom we glorify as our true God. Turn Your ear and hear us. O Lord, remember all those present and praying with us by their own name, and save them by Your might. Bless Your people and sanctify Your inheritance. Give peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the priests, and to all Your people. For blessed and glorified is Your most honoured and sublime name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- From the depths of night our soul longs for You, our God, for Your commandments are a light upon the earth. Teach us, O God, Your righteousness, Your statutes, and Your decrees. Enlighten the eyes of our minds, lest in sin we fall asleep until death. Cast out all darkness from our hearts, favor us with the Sun of Righteousness, and keep our lives from danger by the seal of Your Holy Spirit. Direct our steps along the road of peace. Grant that we may see the dawn and the whole day in joy, and that we may offer You our morning prayers. For Yours is the power, and Yours is the kingdom and the might and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- Lord God, holy and incomprehensible, You told the light to shine out of darkness; You have given us rest in the sleep of night; and You have raised us to glorify and praise Your goodness. We beg of Your mercy, accept us who now worship You and thank You with all our strength, and grant all that we ask for our salvation. Reveal us to be children of light and of the day, and heirs of Your eternal good gifts. In the abundance of Your mercy, Lord, re-member all Your people who invoke Your love for mankind and aid those here present and who pray with us and those travelling abroad in every place of Your kingdom, who are in need of Your loving kindness and help. Be greatly merciful to all, that we may persevere always in confidence, being saved in soul and body. We glorify Your magnificent and blessed name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- Treasury of all good, ever-flowing spring, holy Father, Wonder-worker, all-powerful Ruler of all: we worship You and beg of Your mercy and compassion, help and support us in our lowliness. Lord, remember those who pray to You, and let our morning prayer rise like incense before You. Grant that no one of us may be put to shame, but sur-round us with Your mercy. Lord, remember those who keep watch and sing of Your glory, and that of Your only-begotten Son and our God, and of Your Holy Spirit. Be their help and support and accept their prayers upon Your heavenly spiritual altar. For You are our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- We give thanks to You, O Lord and God of our salvation. You have done everything that is good for our lives, and we look always to You, Saviour and Benefactor of our souls. For You have given us rest in that part of the night which has passed, and now have raised us from our sleep to worship Your honoured name. Therefore, O Lord, we pray: give us the grace and strength to be found worthy to sing praise always, and to pray constantly, and to work for our own salvation in fear and trembling, with the help of Your Christ. O Lord, remember those who pray to You in the night. Hear them and have mercy on them and crush under their feet invisible and malicious enemies. For You are the King of Peace, and the Savior of our souls, and we give thanks to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You have raised us from our sleep and gathered us for this time of prayer. Give us grace that we may open our lips in praise. Accept the thanksgiving we offer with all our strength. Teach us Your decrees, for we do not know how to pray as we should, unless You guide us by Your Holy Spirit. Therefore, we pray, that if until now we have sinned in any way—in word, or deed, or thought, voluntarily or involuntarily—remit, pardon and forgive us; for if You, O Lord, were to look upon our guilt, Lord, who would survive? For with You is found redemption. You alone are holy and a helper and the stronghold of our lives, and our praise is for You forever. Blessed and glorified be the power of Your reign, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- Lord our God, You have shaken from us the laziness of sleep; You have called us to be holy, to lift up our hands in the night, and to glorify You for Your just decrees. Receive our prayers, our petitions, our confessions of faith, and our nighttime worship. Bestow on us, O Lord, an invincible faith, a confident hope, and a love without pretense. Bless our comings and our goings, our deeds and works, our words and desires. Grant that we may come to the beginning of the day praising, glorifying, and blessing the goodness of Your inexpressible generosity. For blessed is Your all-holy name, and glorified is Your kingdom, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- O Lord our God, You have given us forgiveness through repentance, and as a model of knowledge and confession of sins, You have revealed to us the repentance of the prophet David that led to pardon. Master, have mercy on us who have fallen into so many and so great sins. Have mercy in Your kindness, and in Your compassion blot out our offenses, for against You have we sinned, O Lord, Who know the hidden depths of our hearts, and Who alone have the power to forgive sins. A pure heart You have created for us; You have sustained us with a spirit of fervour and have given us the joy of Your help. Do not cast us away from Your presence, but in Your goodness and love for all, grant that we may offer a sacrifice of righteousness and oblation on Your holy altar until our last breath. Through the mercies and goodness and love of Your only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your good and life-creating Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- O God, our God, who have placed all spiritual and intellectual powers under Your will, we pray and beg You, accept these hymns of praise which we offer to You according to our ability together with all Your creatures. Give us in exchange the riches of Your goodness, for before You all beings in the heavens, or on earth and under the earth bend their knees, and everything that lives or that breathes gives praise to Your glory beyond reach, for You are the one true God, full of mercy. For all the heavenly powers praise You, and we give glory to You, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
- God of our ancestors, we praise You, we glorify You, we bless You, we thank You, for You have made the shadow of night pass and have shown us again the light of day. We beg You in Your goodness and in Your great mercy, cleanse our sins and hear our prayer, for we take refuge in You, O merciful and all-powerful God. Make the true Sun of Righteousness shine in our hearts, enlighten our minds, and watch over all our senses, that we may live decently like people of the daytime, so that walking in Your commandments, we may come to eternal life, and may be made worthy of the enjoyment of Your light beyond reach, for You are the source of life. For You are a God of mercy and kindness and love, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
After the psalms, at the Glory, the deacon leaves through the north door, reverences the priest, and says the Ektenia of Peace, and the priest returns to the Altar and stands before the Holy Table.
Ektenia of Peace
Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace throughout the world, for the well-being of God’s holy Churches and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the most holy universal Pontiff, N., the Pope of Rome, for our most blessed Patriarch, N, our most reverend Metropolitan, N, our God-loving Bishop, N, for the reverend priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our nation under God, and our government, and for all the military, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this city, for every city and country and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For favourable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the seafarers and travellers, for the sick and the suffering, for those held captive, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That we may be delivered from tribulation, wrath, and misfortune, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For all glory, honour and worship befit You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Out of the night my spirit wakes at dawn to You, O God, for Your commandments are a light upon the earth!
verse: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on earth!
verse: Zeal shall lay hold upon an uninstructed people.
verse: Add more evils upon them, O Lord; add more evils upon them that are glorious on earth.
Troparion, Tone 8
When the glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of the feet before the supper, then the impious Judas was darkened, ailing with avarice. and to the lawless judges he betrays You, the righteous judge. Behold, O lover of money, this man who because of money hang himself. Flee from the greedy soul which dared such things against the Master. O Lord, who are good towards all men, glory to You! (2)
Glory... Now... repeat.
When the troparion is sung the third time, the priest vests in the phelonion, opens the Holy Doors, blesses the incense and incenses the Holy Table, the icons in the Altar, exits through the Holy Doors and incenses the icon of the Saviour, and the other icons on the right side, and then the icon of the Theotokos and the other icons on the left side, then he incenses the faithful on the right and the left sides, and returns to the Altar where he gives up the incenser. (If there is a deacon, he incenses here and also at the other Gospel readings.) After the troparion has finished the Small Ektenia is said. Before all of the following Gospel readings (except for Ode 9) he incenses only the four sides of the Altar. After the incensing, the deacon or priest intone:
Small Ektenia
Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For Yours is power, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
First Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
John 13:31-18:1
Priest: The Lord said to his disciples, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward." Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times. Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Where I am going you know, and the way you know." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here. I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would have no sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’ But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me." So some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?" So they were saying, "What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about." Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father." His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them." When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
After each reading of the Gospel, the priest kisses the Gospel Book, leaving it open on the analoy. Returning to the Holy Table, he closes the Holy Doors.
Antiphon 1, Tone 8
The princes of the people* gathered to conspire against the Lord* and against His Christ.
They spoke unjust words against Me;* O Lord, my God, do not abandon Me.
Antiphon 2, Tone 6
Judas hastened to the impious scribes and said:* What will you give me if I hand Him over to you?* and You, about Whom they were speaking,* stood invisibly present among them.* O Lord, Who read the depths of our hearts, have mercy on us.
Antiphon 3, Tone 2
Because the resurrection of Lazarus, O Lord,* the Hebrew children cried to You: Hosanna!* But the lawless Judas did not want to understand.
At Your supper, O Christ God,* You foretold the deed when You said to Your disciples:* One of you shall betray Me.* But the lawless Judas did not want to understand.
You said to Your disciples, O our God:* Watch and pray, lest you do not enter into temptation.* But the lawless Judas did not want to understand.
Glory… Now…: Save your servants from all danger, O holy Mother of God;* for, after God, you are our only refuge,* our unshakeable rampart and our protection.
Small Ektenia
Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For to You is due all glory, honour, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 7
While feeding Your disciples at supper,* You exposed Judas, for You knew he would betray You,* and you also knew that he would not repent.* You revealed to all that You let Yourself be sold* that You might free the world from the Evil One.* O long-suffering Lord, glory be to You.
Second Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
John 18:1-28
Priest: At that time, when Jesus went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go." This was to fulfil the word that he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one." Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, "You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said." When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?" Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You also are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not." One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed. Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover.
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
Antiphon 4, Tone 5
Today Judas forsakes the Lord and joins forces with the Devil;* blinded by his love of money, he withdraws from the light and buried himself in darkness.* How could he see clearly, the one who sold Light for thirty pieces of silver?* But He Who is the Sun now dawns on us, the One Who suffered for the world.* Therefore, we cry out to Him in thanksgiving:* O Lord, Who suffered because of Your love for mankind, glory to You.
Antiphon 5, Tone 6
Pretending to show respect,* the disciple of the Lord sold for thirty pieces of silver* the Master Whom he betrayed with a kiss;* he then handed Him over to the godless ones to be put to death.
Antiphon 6, Tone 7
Toda Judas watches to deliver the Lord,* the world's eternal Saviour Who satisfied the multitudes with five loaves.* Today that lawless one denies his Teacher;* the disciple sells the Master.* He loved silver more than Him Who satisfied us with manna.
When You voluntarily went to Your passion,* You said to Your disciples, O Lord:* You could not watch one hour with Me;* how can you say that you will de with Me?* Behold, Judas the traitor does not sleep;* he hastens to deliver Me to the impious ones.* Arise and pray that none of you denies Me* when you see Me hanging on the cross.* O long-suffering Lord, glory to You!
Glory… Now…: Rejoice, O Mother of God, who bore in the womb* the One Whom even the heavens could not contain.* Rejoice, O Virgin whom the prophets proclaimed;* through you, Emmanuel has shone upon us.* Rejoice, O Mother of Christ or God.
Small Ektenia
Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For blessed and glorified is Your most honoured and sublime name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 7
What caused you, Judas, to betray the Saviour?* Did He separate you from the apostles?* Did He deny you the gift of healing?* Did He eat supper with others but not with you?* Did He wash their feet but then ignore yours?* O, how many good deeds you forgot!* Your ingratitude has now been exposed,* while His endless patience and great mercy is proclaimed.
Third Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Matthew 26:57-75
Priest: At that time, the soldiers who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.'" And the high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?" They answered, "He deserves death." Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, "Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?" Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
Antiphon 7, Tone 8
O Lord, You said too the transgressors who laid hands on You:* You have struck the Shepherd and scattered the sheep;* instead of My twelve disciples,* I can call upon twelve legions of angels to help Me;* but I bear this patiently* so that the mysteries proclaimed by My prophets may be fulfilled.* O Lord, glory to You.
Antiphon 8, Tone 2
Tell us, O impious judges,* what have you learned from our Saviour?* Has He not fulfilled the Law and the teaching of the prophets?* How then have you delivered to Pilate* the Son and Word of God,* the Redeemer of ours souls.
Antiphon 9, Tone 3
They fixed a price of thirty pieces of silver* for the precious One upon Whom the children of Israel had a set price.* Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation,* for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak;* therefore, you must keep watch.
When Peter denied You three times,* he immediately understood what You had said to him:* and weeping bitterly, he repented.* Spare, O Lord, and save me.
Glory… Now…: All that nations praise you, O most pure Virgin;* for you gave birth to Christ our God,* Who shall free us from the curse.
Small Ektenia
Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For You are our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
O, how Judas, who was once Your disciple,* conspired with others to betray You.* In deceit he supped with You,* for he had an unjust and evil plan;* he went to the priests and said to them:* How much will you give if I deliver Him?* For He profanes the Sabbath and breaks the Law.* O long-suffering Lord, glory to You.
Fourth Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
John 18:28-19:16
Priest: At that time, they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" They answered him, "If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you." Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death." This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, "I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber. Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, "See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him." So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him." The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God." When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin." From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar." So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
Antiphon 10, Tone 6
The One Who is clothed with light as with a cloak* stood naked before His judges;* He receives slaps on His cheeks from the hands He had created;* the unjust people nail to the cross the God of glory and their Lord.* The veil of the temple is torn in two;* the sun is covered with darkness* so that it does not see the humiliation of the Creator* before Whom the whole world trembles.* Let us bow in worship before Him.
Antiphon 11, Tone 6
In return for the blessings which You have poured out upon them,* the children of Israel condemned You to the cross* and gave You gall and vinegar to drink;* but Your forgive their sins, O Lord,* for they did not understand Your condescension.
Antiphon 12, Tone 8
O my people, what have I done to you? says the Lord;* in what way have I grieved you?* I have given light to those who were blind;* I have cleansed the people of leprosy;* and I made the paralyzed man rise from his pallet.* O my people, what have I done to you?* And what do you give Me in return?* For the manna, you give Me gall, and vinegar for water from the rock;* for My love, you nail Me to the cross.* You shall no longer be My chosen people;* I shall call the Gentiles to glorify Me, together with the Father and the Spirit,* and I shall give them life eternal.
The company of apostles cries out to the doctors of the Law:* O Scribes and Pharisees, behold the Temple you have destroyed;* behold the Lamb of God Whom you crucified/* You have placed Him in the tomb,* but by His power, He has risen!* It is He Who saved you in the Red Sea;* it is He Who fed you in the desert;* it is He Who gives life, light, and peace to the world.
Glory… Now…: Rejoice, O holy gate of the King of glory,* who remains sealed even after the passage of the Lord;* for He alone has passed through for the salvation of our souls.
Small Ektenia
Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: Blessed and glorified be the power of Your reign, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
O God, when You stood before Caiaphas* and let Yourself, O Judge, be delivered to Pilate,* the heavenly powers trembled in fear.* O sinless Lord, You were crucified between two thieves* and numbered among the lawless ones.* You did all this just to save mankind.* O most kind Lord, glory to You!
Fifth Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Matthew 27:3-32
Priest: At that time, Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money." So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me." Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You have said so." But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you - Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream." Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barabbas." Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!" And he said, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!" So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this righteous man's blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
Antiphon 13, Tone 6
The assembled crowd demanded that Pilate crucify You, O Lord,* and even though they found no charge against You,* they freed the criminal Barabbas and condemned the innocent One.* They called down the weight of this crime upon themselves, saying:* May His blood be upon us and upon our children
Antiphon 14, Tone 8
O Lord, You chose for Your companion along the way* the thief whose hands were stained with blood;* deign to count us with him,* in Your goodness and love for humanity.
Antiphon 15, Tone 6
Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.* Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.* Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.* He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns.* He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery.* He who in Jordan set Adam free receives blows upon His face.* The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails.* The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear.* We venerate Your Passion, O Christ.* We venerate Your Passion, O Christ.* We venerate Your Passion, O Christ.* Show us also Your glorious Resurrection.
Your cross is the symbol of life and resurrection for Your people;* having placed our hope in it, we cry out to You:* O our crucified God, have mercy on us.
Glory… Now…: Seeing You crucified, O Christ,* the one who gave birth to You cried out:* What is this strange mystery that I see, O my Son!* How can You die upon the cross, *You, the Prince of life, crucified in the flesh?
Small Ektenia
Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For blessed is Your all-holy name, and glorified is Your kingdom, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
You have redeemed us from the curse of the Law with Your precious blood;* nailed to the cross and pierced with the lance,* You have gushed forth immortality to all.* O our Saviour, glory to You.
Sixth Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Mark 15:16-32
Priest: At that time, the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "He was numbered with the transgressors." And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!" So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe."
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
Beatitudes
Remember us, O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Tone 4: Through a tree Adam lost his home in Paradise,* and through the Tree of the Cross the thief made Paradise his home.* For the one, by eating, transgressed the commandment of his Maker;* but the other, crucified at Your side, confessed You as the hidden God.* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Tone 4: The lawless people bought the Maker of the Law from His disciple,* and they led Him as a transgressor* before the judgement seat of Pilate, crying "Crucify Him,"* though it was He who gave them manna in the wilderness.* But, following the example of the righteous thief, we cry with faith:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Tone 4: The murderers of God, the lawless nation of the Jews,* cried to Pilate in their madness, saying, "Crucify the innocent Christ;"* and they asked rather for Barabbas.* But with the words of the good thief we cry to Him:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.
Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God.
Tone 4: Your life-giving side, O Christ, flowing as a fountain from Eden,* waters Your Church as a living Paradise.* Then, dividing into the four branches of the Gospels,* with its streams it refreshes the world,* making glad the creation and teaching the nations* to venerate Your Kingdom with faith.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Tone 4: For my sake You were crucified, to become for me a fountain of forgiveness.* Your side was pierced, that You might pour upon me streams of life.* You were transfixed with nails, that through the depth of Your sufferings* I might know with certainty the height of Your power,* and cry to Your, O Christ the Giver of Life:* O Saviour, glory to Your Cross and Passion.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Tone 4: When You were crucified, O Christ,* all the creation saw and trembled.* The foundations of the earth quaked in fear of Your power.* The lights of heaven hid themselves and the veil of the temple was rent in two,* the mountains trembled and the rocks were split.* With the faithful thief we cry: Remember us, O Saviour.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil word against you falsely because of Me.
Tone 4: O Lord, on the Cross You have torn up the record of our sins;* numbered among the departed, You have bound fast the ruler of hell,* delivering all men from the chains of death by Your Resurrection.* Through this Your Resurrection, O Lord who loves mankind,* we have been granted light, and cry to You:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.
Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven.
Tone 4: You were lifted up, O Lord, upon the Cross* and have destroyed the power of death,* and as God You have blotted out the record of our sins that was against us.* Grant to us also the repentance of the thief, O Christ our God who alone loves mankind,* for we worship You with faith and cry to You:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.
Glory…
Tone 4: Let us the faithful pray with one accord that we may rightly glorify* the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one Godhead in three Persons,* remaining unconfused, simple, undivided;* whom no man can approach,* and by whom we are delivered from the fire of punishment.
Now…
Tone 4: O Christ, we offer You as intercessor Your Mother* who without seed bore You in the flesh,* true Virgin who remained inviolate after childbirth.* O Master rich in mercy, ever grant forgiveness of their sins to those who cry:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.
Small Ektenia
Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For all the heavenly powers praise You, and we give glory to You, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: Peace be with all.
Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
They divided my garments among themselves,* and for My vesture they cast lots.
verse: My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Seventh Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Matthew 27:33-54
Priest: At that time, the soldiers came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, in the greatness of your compassion;* according to the multitude of your mercies blot out my offence.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,* and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my iniquity,* and my sin is always before me.
Against you alone have I sinned* and done what is evil in your sight.
That you may be justified when you speak* and win when you judge.
Behold, in wickedness I was conceived,* and in sin my mother bore me.
For see, you have loved truth;* you have shown me the hidden and secret things of your wisdom.
Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.* Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow;
Make me hear joy and gladness;* the bones that were crushed shall rejoice.
Turn your face from my sins,* and blot out all my lawlessness.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,* and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not from your presence,* nor deprive me of your Holy Spirit.
Give me again the joy of your salvation,* and sustain me with your sovereign Spirit.
I will teach transgressors your ways,* and sinners will return to you.
Deliver me from blood-guilt, O God, the God of my salvation,* and my tongue shall ring out your justice.
Lord, you will open my lips* and my mouth shall declare your praise.
For if you wanted sacrifice, I would have given it,*you will not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
A sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit,* a humbled and contrite heart God will not spurn.
Deal favourably, O Lord, with Sion in your good pleasure* and let the walls of Jerusalem be rebuilt.
Then you will be well pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness,* oblations and whole burnt offerings;* then they will lay calves upon your altar.
Eighth Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Luke 23:32-49
Priest: At that time, two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription in letters of Greek and Latin and Hebrew over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent!" And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord.
Canon
Ode 5
Irmos: Early will I seek You, O Word of God,* Who without change did empty Yourself in Your compassion for fallen man,* Who without suffering did bow down to suffering.* Grant peace to me, O You Who loves mankind.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Their feet were washed, and in preparation they were cleansed by partaking in the divine Mystery; and now, O Christ, Your servants went up with You from Sion to the great Mount of Olives, singing Your praises, O Lord who loves mankind.
Glory… Now…: "See that you not be troubled, O My friends," You said. "For now the hour is come when I shall be taken and slain by the hands of wicked men; and you shall all be scattered and forsake Me. But I shall gather you together to proclaim Me, in My love for mankind."
Katavasia: Early will I seek You, O Word of God,* Who without change did empty Yourself in Your compassion for fallen man,* Who without suffering did bow down to suffering.* Grant peace to me, O You Who loves mankind.
Small Ektenia
Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For You are the King of Peace, and the Savior of our souls, and we give thanks to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 8
Come let us all sing the praises of Him Who was crucified for us.* For Mary said when she beheld Him upon the tree:* Though You did endure the cross, You are my Son and my God.
Ikos
Seeing her own Lamb led to the slaughter, Mary His Mother followed Him with the other women and in her grief she cried : "Where do You go, my Child? Why do You run so swiftly? Is there another wedding in Cana, and are You hastening there, to turn the water into wine? Shall I go with You, my Child, or shall I wait for You? Speak some word to me, O Word; do not pass me by in silence. You have preserved me in virginity, and You are my Son and God."
Ode 8
Irmos: The godly youths exposed a monument of godless wickedness,* but the lawless assembly is enraged and takes vain counsel against Christ.* They plan to kill Him Who holds life in the palm of His hand,* Who all creation blesses and glorifies throughout all ages.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
"Shake the sleep now from your eyelids," You said to the disciples, O Christ. "Watch in prayer, that you fall not into temptation. And you, O Simon, most of all: for the trial is greater to the strong. Know Me, O Peter, for the whole creation blesses Me and glorifies Me to all ages."
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
"No profane word shall ever pass my lips, O Master," Peter cried. "Gladly will I die with You, though all men shall deny You. Neither flesh nor blood, but You Father has revealed You to me: and the whole creation blesses You and glorifies You to all ages."
We bless the Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
"You protest, O Simon Peter, against the very thing that you shall shortly do, even as I have foretold. A maidservant shall suddenly approach and fill you with fear," said the Lord. "Yet, weeping bitterly, you shall find Me merciful; for the whole creation blesses Me and glorifies Me to all ages."
We praise, bless and worship the Lord, singing and exalting Him above all forever.
Katavasia: The godly youths exposed a monument of godless wickedness,* but the lawless assembly is enraged and takes vain counsel against Christ.* They plan to kill Him Who holds life in the palm of His hand,* Who all creation blesses and glorifies throughout all ages.
The deacon (or priest) with incenser before the icon of the Mother of God exclaims: In Hymns let us magnify the Theotokos and the Mother of the Light! after which he makes the usual incensation. We do not sing the Magnificat, rather we sing:
Ode 9
Irmos: More honourable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim, without defilement you gave birth to God the Word; true Theotokos, we magnify you.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
The destructive band of evil men, hateful to heaven, the synagogue of the murderers of God, drew near to You, O Christ, and as a malefactor they led You away, who are the Creator of all.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Ignorant of the Law in their impiety, studying the words of the prophets in vain and to no purpose, unjustly they led You, the Master of all, as a lamb to the slaughter. You do we magnify.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Moved by jealous wickedness, the priests and scribes took Him who is by nature Life and Life-giver, and they delivered Him to the Gentiles to be put to death. Him do we magnify.
Glory… Now…: Like many dogs they compassed You, O King, and struck You on the face; they questioned You and bore false witness against You. And all these things You have endured to save us all.
Katavasia: More honourable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim, without defilement you gave birth to God the Word; true Theotokos, we magnify you.
Small Ektenia
Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For all the powers of heaven praise You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Hymn of Light
The wise thief did You make worthy of paradise in a single moment, O Lord: by the wood of the Your cross, illumine me as well, and save me. (3)
Ninth Gospel (John 19:25-37)
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Priest: At that time, standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken." And again another Scripture says, "They will look on him whom they have pierced."
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
Psalm 148
Praise the Lord from the heavens,* Praise Him in the heights.
Praise Him, all His angels,* Praise Him, all His host.
Praise Him sun and moon,* praise Him, shining stars.
Praise Him highest heavens* and the waters above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord.* He commanded: they were made.
He fixed them for ever,* gave a law which shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth,* sea creatures and all oceans,
fire and hail, snow and mist,* stormy winds that obey His word;
all mountains and hills,* all fruit trees and cedars,
beasts, wild and tame,* reptiles and birds on the wing;
all earth's kings and peoples,* earth's princes and rulers;
young men and maidens,* old men together with children.
Let them praise the name of the Lord for He alone is exalted.* The splendour of His name reaches beyond heaven and earth.
He exalts the strength of His people.* He is the praise of all His saints, of the sons of Israel, of the people to whom He comes close.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,* His praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,* let Sion's sons exult in their King.
Let them praise His name with dancing * and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in His people.* He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,* shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips* and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations* and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains* and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained:* this honour is for all His faithful.
Psalm 150
Praise God in His holy place,* praise Him in His mighty heavens.
Praise Him for His powerful deeds,* praise His surpassing greatness.
Tone 3: Israel, My first-born Son, has committed two evils:* he has forsaken Me, the fountain of the water of life,* and dug for himself a broken cistern.* Upon the Cross has he crucified Me,* but asked for Barabbas and let him go.* Heaven at this was amazed and the sun hid its rays;* yet you, O Israel, was not ashamed,* but has delivered Me to death.* Forgive them, Holy Father,* for they do not know what they have done.
O praise Him with sound of trumpet,* praise Him with lute and harp;
Tone 3: Israel, My first-born Son, has committed two evils:* he has forsaken Me, the fountain of the water of life,* and dug for himself a broken cistern.* Upon the Cross has he crucified Me,* but asked for Barabbas and let him go.* Heaven at this was amazed and the sun hid its rays;* yet you, O Israel, was not ashamed,* but has delivered Me to death.* Forgive them, Holy Father,* for they do not know what they have done.
Praise Him with timbrel and dance,* praise Him with strings and pipes.
Tone 3: Every member of Your holy body endured dishonour for our sakes:* Your head, the thorns: You face, the spitting;* Your cheeks, the buffeting;* Your mouth, the taste of gall mingled with vinegar;* Your ears, the impious blasphemies;* Your back, the scourging and Your hand, the reed;* Your whole body, the stretching on the Cross;* Your limbs, the nails; and Your side, the spear.* You have suffered for us and by Your Passion set us free from passions;* in loving self-abasement You have stooped down to us and raised us up:* O Saviour almighty, have mercy on us.
O praise Him with resounding cymbals,* praise Him with clashing of cymbals.* Let everything that lives and that breathes * give praise to the Lord.
Tone 3: Seeing You crucified, O Christ, the whole creation trembled.* The foundations of the earth shook with fear at Your power.* For when You were raised up today,* the people of the Hebrews was destroyed.* The veil of the temple was rent in two, the graves were opened,* and the dead rose from the tombs.* When the centurion saw the wonder, he was filled with dread.* And Your Mother, standing by You, cried with a mother's sorrow:* "How shall I not lament and strike my breast,* seeing You stripped naked and hung upon the wood as one condemned?"* You were crucified and buried,* and You have risen from the dead: O Lord, glory to You.
Glory…
Tone 6: They stripped Me of My garments and clothed Me in a scarlet robe;* they set a crown of thorns upon My head* and placed a reed in My right hand,* that I may break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Now…
Tone 6: I gave My back to scourging;* I did not turn away My face from spitting;* I stood before the judgement-seat of Pilate,* and endured the Cross for the salvation of the world.
Tenth Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Mark 15:43-47
Priest: At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
The priest in epitrakhilon before the closed Holy Doors exclaims:
Priest: To You is due glory, O Lord our God, and to You we send up glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You who have shown us the light!
Small Doxology
Glory to God in the highest,* and to His people on earth, peace and good will.
Lord God, Heavenly King, Almighty God and Father,* with the Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, and the Holy Spirit.
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You,* we glorify You, we thank You for Your great glory.
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,* You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
You take away the sins of the world,* hear our prayer.
You are seated at the right hand of the Father,* have mercy on us.
For You alone are holy, You alone are the Lord, Jesus Christ,* for the glory of God the Father. Amen.
I will bless You day after day,* and praise Your name forever.
Lord, You have been our refuge* from one generation to the next.
I said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul,* for I have sinned against You.
O Lord, I have fled to You, teach me to do Your will,* for You, O Lord, are my God.
In You is the source of life* and in Your light we see light.
Keep on loving those* who know You.
Count us worthy, O Lord,* of passing this day without sin.
Blessed are You, O Lord, God of our Fathers,* and praised and glorified is Your name forever. Amen.
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us* because we have set our hope in You.
Blessed are You, O Lord,* teach me Your commandments.
Blessed are You, O Master,* make me understand Your commandments.
Blessed are You, O Holy One,* enlighten me with Your laws.
O Lord, Your mercy endures forever;* do not despise the work of Your hands.
It is proper to praise You,* and to You belong hymns. Glory belongs to You,* Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever* and ever. Amen.
Ektenia of Petition
Deacon: Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For the forgiveness and remission of our sins and offenses, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For all that is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace of the world, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: That we may spend the rest of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For a Christian end to our lives, one that is painless, unashamed, peaceful; and for a good defense at the awesome tribunal of Christ, let us ask.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For You are a God of mercy and kindness and love, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all!
All: And with your spirit!
Priest: Bow your heads to the Lord.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: Holy Lord, You live on high and yet stoop to look down upon earth, and with Your divine eyes You see all creatures. Before You we bow down in spirit and body, and we pray You, O Holy of Holies, stretch forth Your invisible hand from Your holy dwelling and bless us. If we have sinned in any way, either deliberately or through human frailty, forgive us, for You are good; You give us earthly and heavenly blessings, and You alone love all. For it is You alone who have mercy and save us, and we give You glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Eleventh Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
John 19:38-42
Priest: At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
Aposticha
Tone 1: All creation was transformed with fear,* when it beheld You hanging on the cross, O Christ.* The sun was darkened and the foundations of the earth trembled.* All creation suffered with the One Who created all things.* O Lord, Who willingly suffered for us, glory to You.
They divided My garments among themselves, and for My vesture they cast lots.
Tone 2: Why do evil and iniquitous people concern themselves with what is in vain?* Why have they condemned to death the Life of all?* O what a great wonder!* The Creator of the world is handed over to the lawless ones,* and He, Who loves mankind, is raised upon the cross,* that He might free the enslaved of the Abyss who are crying out:* O long-suffering Lord, glory to You.
For food they gave Me gall; in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.
Tone 2: The all-pure Virgin seeing You, O Word,* lifted upon the cross today, lamented as a mother.* Her heart bursting with sorrow and moaning from the depths of her soul;* her countenance deeply scarred with grief,* she cried out so mournfully:* O divine Child, how great is my sorrow.* O Light of the world, O Lamb of God,* why have You passed from my sight?* Beholding all this, the heavenly hosts were struck with fear, and they cried out:* O incomprehensible Lord, glory to You.
God is our King from time past, the Giver of help through all the land.
Tone 2: As she beheld You hanging upon the tree, O Christ our God,* she, who gave virgin birth to You, the Creator and God of all,* cried out in such great sorrow:* Where has the beauty of your countenance gone, O my Son?* I cannot endure this sight of unjust crucifixion.* Hasten and arise* so that I may also see your resurrection from the dead on the third day.
Glory…
Tone 8: O Lord, when You ascended the cross,* fear and trembling seized everyone.* Yet, You forbade the earth to swallow those who crucified You;* and to restore the order of mankind,* You commanded the Abyss to release its captives.* For You came to give life and not death,* O Judge of the living and the dead.* O Lover of Mankind, glory to You.
Now…
Tone 8: The sentence of the unjust judges has already been pronounced;* the verdict has been given,* and Jesus is condemned to the cross.* Creation shudders in seeing the Lord crucified.* In Your body, You suffered for my sins;* O Lord of mercy, glory to You.
Twelfth Gospel
Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be with all.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Matthew 27:62-66
Priest: On the next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' Therefore, order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worse than the first." Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can." So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)
Reader: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praise to Your Name, O Most High; to tell of Your mercy in the morning and Your truth every night.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your Name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Troparion, Tone 4
You have redeemed us from the curse of the law with Your precious blood;* nailed to the cross, and pierced with the lance,* You have gushed forth immortality to all.* O our Saviour, glory to You.
Ektenia of Supplication
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: We also pray for the most holy universal Pontiff, N., Pope of Rome; for our most blessed Patriarch, N., our most reverend Metropolitan, N., our God-loving Bishop, N., for those who serve and have served in this holy church, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: We also pray for our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: We also pray for the people here present who await Your great and bountiful mercies, for those who have been kind to us, and for all orthodox Christians.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Daily Dismissal
Deacon: Wisdom!
All: More honourable than the cherubim and by far more glorious than the seraphim; ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word, O true Mother of God, we magnify you.
Priest: Glory be to You, Christ God our hope, glory be to You.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (3) Give the blessing.
Priest: May Christ, our true God, who for our salvation endured spitting and scourging and blows, the Cross and death, have mercy on us and save us, through the prayers of His most pure Mother, through the prayers of the glorious and all-praiseworthy apostles, of our venerable and god-bearing fathers, and all the Saints, for He is good and the Lover of mankind.
All: Amen.
VESPERS WITH THE LAYING-OUT OF THE SHROUD
At Psalm 140
In Tone 1
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
The whole creation was changed by fear,* when it saw You, O Christ, hanging on the Cross.* The sun was darkened,* and the foundations of the earth were shaken.* All things suffered with the Creator of all.* Of Your will You have endured this for our sakes.* O Lord, glory 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.
The whole creation was changed by fear,* when it saw You, O Christ, hanging on the Cross.* The sun was darkened,* and the foundations of the earth were shaken.* All things suffered with the Creator of all.* Of Your will You have endured this for our sakes.* O Lord, glory to You.
In Tone 2
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Why do the impious and transgressing people imagine vain things?* Why have they condemned to death the Life of all?* O mighty wonder! The Creator of the world is delivered into the hands of lawless men,* and He who loves mankind is raised upon the Cross,* that He may free the prisoners in hell who cry:* O long-suffering Lord, glory to You!
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Today the most pure Virgin* saw You hanging on the Cross, O Word,* and with a mother’s love, she wept,* and bitterly her heart was wounded.* She groaned in anguish from the depth of her soul.* And in her grief she struck her face* and tore her hair,* and beating her breast, she cried, lamenting:* Woe is me, my Divine Child!* Woe is me, O Light of the world!* Why do You vanish from my sight, O Lamb of God?* Then the hosts of angels were seized with trembling,* and they said:* O Lord beyond our understanding, glory to You!
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
Seeing You hanging on the Cross,* O Christ and Creator and God of all,* bitterly Your Virgin Mother cried:* O my Son, where is the beauty of Your form?* I cannot bear to look upon You crucified unjustly.* Make haste, then, to arise,* that I, too, may see* Your Resurrection on the third day from the dead.
In Tone 6
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Today the Master stands before Pilate,* today the Maker of all things is given up to the Cross,* and of His own will is led as a lamb to the slaughter.* He who sent manna in the wilderness is transfixed with nails.* His side is pierced,* and sponge with vinegar touches His lips.* The Deliverer of the world is struck on the face* and the Creator of all is mocked by His own servants.* How great is the Master’s love for mankind!* For those who crucified Him,* He prayed to His Father, saying:* Forgive them this sin,* for in their wickedness, they know not what they do.
Glory…
See how the lawless synagogue has condemned to death the King of the Creation!* They were not ashamed when he recalled His blessings, saying:* O My people, what have I done to you?* Have I not filled Judea with miracles?* Have I not raised the dead by My word alone?* Have I not healed every sickness and disease?* How then, have you repaid me?* Why have you forgotten Me?* In return for healing, you have given Me blows;* in return for life, you are putting Me to death.* You hang upon the Cross your benefactor as an evildoer,* your Lawgiver as a transgressor of the Law,* the King of all as one condemned.* O long-suffering Lord, glory to You!
Now…
A dread and marvellous mystery we see come to pass this day:* He whom none may touch is seized.* He who looses Adam from the curse is bound.* He who tries the hearts and inner thoughts of man is unjustly brought to trial.* He who closes the abyss is shut in prison,* He before whom the powers of heaven stand, with trembling stands before Pilate.* The Creator is struck by the hand of His creature,* he who comes to judge the living and the dead is condemned to the Cross,* the destroyer of hell is enclosed in a tomb.* O You who endure all these things in Your tender love* who have saved all men from the curse,* O long-suffering Lord, glory to You!
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
They parted my garments among them,* and cast lots upon my vesture.
verse: O God, my God, look upon me; why have you forsaken me?
Reading I
Exodus 33:11-23
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Judge them, O Lord, that wrong me,* fight against them that fight against me.
verse: They rewarded me evil for good.
Reading II
Job 42:12-17
Reading III
Isaiah 52:13-54:1
Prokeimenon, Tone 6
They laid me in the lowest pit, in dark places,* and in the shadow of death.
verse: O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before You.
Epistle
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:2
Alleluia, Tone 6
verse: Save me, O God, for the waters are come in, even unto my soul.
verse: They gave me gall to eat, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
verse: Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see.
Gospel
Matthew 27:1-38; Luke 23:39-43; Matthew 27:39-54; John 19:31-37; Matthew 27:5-61
Aposticha
In Tone 2
Down from the Tree Joseph of Arimathea* took You dead who are the Life of all,* and he wrapped You, O Christ, in a linen cloth with spices.* Moved in his heart by love,* he kissed Your most pure body with his lips;* yet drawing back in fear, he cried to You, rejoicing:* Glory to Your self-abasement, O Lover of mankind!
The Lord reigns,* he is clothed in majesty.
When you, the Redeemer of all* were laid for the sake of all in a new tomb,* hell was brought to scorn,* and seeing You, drew back in fear.* The bars were broken and the gates were shattered,* the tombs were opened and the dead arose.* Then Adam in thanksgiving and rejoicing cried to You:* Glory to Your self-abasement, O Lover of mankind.
For He has made the word firm,* which shall not be moved.
In the flesh You were of Your own will* enclosed within the tomb,* yet in Your divine nature Your remain uncircumscribed and limitless.* You have shut up the treasury of hell, O Christ,* and emptied all his palaces.* You honoured this Sabbath with Your divine blessing,* with Your glory and Your radiance.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord,* for length of days.
The powers of heaven beheld You, O Christ,* falsely accused by lawless men as a deceiver,* and they saw the stone before the tomb* sealed by the hands which pierced Your most pure side,* and they were filled with fear at Your ineffable forbearance.
In Tone 5
Glory… Now…
You were naked and cold in death,* O You who wear light as a robe,* and the noble Joseph and Nicodemus* removed You from the Cross,* with grief and tears so tender.* And Joseph mourned and prayed:* O what has happened, O gentle Jesus?* The sun saw You suspended on the Cross* and shrouded itself in darkness.* The earth quaked with fear* and the temple veil was rent asunder!* For my sake, O Saviour, You willingly endured the Passion.* How then shall I array Your Body, O my God?* How then shall I wrap You in this shroud?* How then shall I hymn Your burial?* O my Lord most merciful,* Your death and rising shall I praise* as I sing: O Lord, glory be to You!
Troparion
The noble Joseph took Your most pure Body down from the Cross.* He wrapped it in a clean linen with aromatic spices* and sadly laid it in a new tomb. (3)