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Event Information:
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Sun05May2024
Sunday of the Man Born Blind. Holy and Glorious Martyr Irene (321-23). Our Venerable Father Nicephoras, Hegumen of the Monastery at Medicius.
GREAT VESPERS
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man” is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 5
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
With Your precious Cross, O Christ,* You have put the Devil to shame.* With Your Resurrection You have deadened the sting of sin* and have saved us from the gates of Death.* We, therefore, glorify You, O only-begotten Son of God.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
O Christ, who granted resurrection to mankind,* You were led like a lamb to the slaughter.* Then the princes of Hades were struck with terror* as they saw the gates of their tearful domain being lifted up;* for Christ, the King of Glory, entered therein* and exclaimed to those in chains: Go forth from here!* And to those in darkness: Go forth into the light!
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
What a great wonder!* The Creator of invisible beings suffered in the flesh for mankind* and rose from the dead as immortal.* Come, therefore, all you nations and adore Him;* for through His compassion we have been freed from the snares of the Devil,* and we have learned to praise the one God in three Persons.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
We offer to You our evening worship,* O Light whom the darkness of night can never extinguish.* For in these latter days Your radiance has appeared to the world,* shining in Your flesh as light reflected from a mirror.* Your brilliance has descended even to the depths of Hades and dissolved its gloom.* O Lord, Giver of Light, glory to You;* for You have shown the radiance of Your Resurrection to all the nations.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Let us glorify Christ, the Author of our salvation;* for by His Resurrection from the dead,* the world has been delivered from the deception of Satan.* The choirs of angels rejoice as the treachery of evil spirits vanishes,* fallen Adam arises, and the Devil is vanquished.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
Those who guarded the tomb of Christ* were told by the evil men who hired them:* Take this silver and keep silent.* Tell no one of the Resurrection of Christ;* Rather, tell everyone that while you were sleeping His body was stolen.* But who has ever heard of a body being stolen,* a body which had already been anointed?* Why would anyone take a body from the grave naked* and leave the burial shroud in the tomb?* Do not deceive yourselves, O people of Judea.* Study the teachings of the prophets,* and you will come to understand that Jesus Christ is almighty God* and truly the Saviour of the world.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
O Lord and Saviour,* who subjected hell and conquered Death,* and enlightened the world through Your precious Cross,* have mercy on us.
Tone 2
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
The man who was blind from birth asked himself:* Was I born blind because of the sin of my parents,* or am I a living sign of the unbelief of the nations?* I am not content to ask whether it is night or day;* my feet can no longer endure tripping upon the stones.* I have not seen the brightness of the sun,* nor have I seen the image and likeness of my Creator.* Yet I beseech You, O Christ, our God,* to look upon me and have mercy on me.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
The man who was blind from birth asked himself:* Was I born blind because of the sin of my parents,* or am I a living sign of the unbelief of the nations?* I am not content to ask whether it is night or day;* my feet can no longer endure tripping upon the stones.* I have not seen the brightness of the sun,* nor have I seen the image and likeness of my Creator.* Yet I beseech You, O Christ, our God,* to look upon me and have mercy on me.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Passing by the Temple, Jesus saw a man who was blind from birth.* He had compassion on him and put mud on his eyes.* He said to him: Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.* He washed and recovered his sight;* then he rendered glory to God.* But his neighbours said to him:* Who opened your eyes which no one before could heal?* And he answered them, saying: A man called Jesus.* He told me to go and wash in the pool of Siloam, and now I see.* He is in truth Christ the Messiah, of whom Moses wrote in the Law.* He is the Saviour of our souls.
Tone 5, Glory…
As You walked along, O Lord,* You found a man who had been blind from birth.* In surprise, the disciples asked You:* Was it because of the sin of this man or his parents* that he was born blind, O Master?* But You, O Saviour, answered them, saying:* Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents,* but that the works of God would be revealed in him.* I must accomplish the works of Him who sent Me,* which no one else can work.* As You said that, You spat on the ground* and made mud from the dust to anoint his eyes.* And You said to him: Go and wash in the pool of Siloam.* When he washed, he was healed and cried out to You:* O Lord, I believe!* And he bowed down and worshiped You.* Therefore, we also cry out to You: Have mercy on us!
Now…
A symbol of the undefiled Virgin and bride* was revealed in the Red Sea.* There, Moses divided the waters;* here, Gabriel is the messenger of the miracle.* There, the Israelites crossed the deep and their feet were not even wet;* here, the Virgin gives birth to Christ without human seed.* There, the sea remained uncrossed after the passing of Israel;* here, the immaculate remained incorrupt after giving birth to Emmanuel.* Therefore, O immortal God, who appeared in the flesh as true Man,* have mercy on us!
Aposticha
Tone 5
O Christ our Saviour,* we lift up our voices in song to glorify You.* For, in Your love for mankind,* You became incarnate without leaving heaven;* You accepted the Cross and death;* You cast down the gates of Hades;* and on the third day You arose from the dead* for the salvation of our souls.
Let God arise;* let His enemies be scattered!
Today a sacred Pascha is revealed to us.* A new and holy Pascha.* A mystical Pascha.* A Pascha worthy of veneration.* A Pascha which is Christ the Redeemer,* a blameless Pascha.* A great Pascha.* A Pascha of the faithful.* A Pascha which has opened for us the gates of Paradise.* A Pascha which sanctifies all the faithful.
As smoke vanishes,* let them vanish.
Come* from that scene, O women bearers of glad tidings,* and say to Sion:* Receive from us the glad tidings of joy* of Christ’s Resurrection:* Exult and be glad,* and rejoice, O Jerusalem,* seeing Christ the King* who comes forth from the tomb like a Bridegroom in procession!
So let sinners flee from before the face of God;* but let the righteous rejoice!
The myrrh-bearing women* at the break of dawn* drew near to the tomb of the LifeGiver.* There they found an angel* sitting upon the stone,* he greeted them with these words:* Why do you seek the living among the dead?* Why do you mourn the incorrupt amid corruption?* Go: proclaim the glad tidings to His disciples.
This is the day which the Lord has made:* Let us rejoice and be glad in
Pascha of beauty!* The Pascha of the Lord!* Pascha!* A Pascha worthy of all honour* has dawned on us. Pascha! Let us embrace each other joyously!* Pascha, ransom from affliction!* For today as from a bridal chamber* Christ has shown forth from the Tomb,* and filled the women with joy saying:* “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles!”
Tone 8, Glory…
O Christ our God, spiritual Sun of Justice,* by Your pure touch, You enlightened the eyes of him* who from his mother’s womb was without light.* Enlighten the eyes of our hearts* and make us children of the light and of the day,* that we may cry out to You in faith:* How great is Your compassion toward us,* O Lover of Mankind, glory to You!
Now…
This is the day of Resurrection,* let us be illumined by the Feast!* Let us embrace each other!* Let us call “Brothers!”* even those that hate us* and forgive all by the Resurrection,* and so let us cry:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life!
Troparia
Tone 5
Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.
Glory… Now…
Rejoice, Virgin, impassable gateway of the Lord!* Rejoice, protective wall of those who take refuge in you!* Rejoice, peaceful haven untroubled by storms!* Rejoice, Virgin, who has not known wedlock* and yet has given birth in the flesh to your Creator and God!* O Mother of God, never cease to intercede** for those who praise and worship your Son.
SUNDAY MATINS
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 5
Troparia, Tone 5
Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection. (2)
Glory... Now...
Rejoice, O impassable door of the Lord!* Rejoice, O rampart and protection of those who have recourse to you!* Rejoice, O tranquil haven and Virgin,* who gave birth in the flesh to your Maker and God!* Fail not to intercede for those* who sing and worship the Child you bore.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 5
Let us celebrate the Cross of the Lord,* let us honour His holy Burial with hymns,* and let us exulting, glorify His Resurrection.* For with Himself He has raised the dead from their graves,* and as God having despoiled the dominion of death* and the might of the devil,* He has shone forth light upon those in Hades.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high; forget not Your poor to the end.
O Lord, You who put death to death, was called dead;* You who have emptied the tombs was placed in a tomb;* above, the soldiers stood guarding the grave,* below, You raised the dead from all ages.* O Lord, All-powerful and Incomprehensible,* glory be to You!
Glory… Now…
Rejoice holy mountain upon which God has walked;* Rejoice! living bush unconsumed by fire;* Rejoice! O only bridge of creation to God, who leads mortals to eternal life;* Rejoice! Maiden undefiled, who has born without wedlock* the salvation of our souls.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 5
O Lord, after Your Resurrection on the third day,* and after the worship of the Apostles, Peter cried to You;* The women had courage, and I was afraid;* the Thief confessed You as God, and I denied You:* will You no longer call me a disciple,* or will You once again declare me a fisher of the deep?* Receive me in my penitence, O God, and save me!’
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart, I will tell of all You wonders.
O Merciful Lord, the lawless Ones nailed You between two condemned thieves* and pierced Your side with a lance,* but You, who destroyed the gates of Hades,* suffered burial and arose on the third day;* The women ran to see You and announced the Resurrection to Your Apostles.* O supremely exalted Saviour whom the Angels hymn,* O blessed Lord, glory be to You.
Glory… Now…
The Bride who knew not wedlock, the Birthgiver of God,* who turned Eve’s grief to joy,* we the faithful hymn and worship,* for you have redeemed us from the ancient curse.* And now, O All-hymned most holy one,* cease not to make intercession for the salvation of our souls.
Evoglitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 5
The Myrrh-bearing women, amazed in their minds by the vision of the Angel* yet enlightened in their souls by the divine Resurrection,* announced the glad tidings to the Apostles:* Proclaim among the nations the Resurrection of the Lord,* who works in us through wonders,* and who grants us great mercy.
Gradual Hymns, Tone 5
Antiphon 1
When I am troubled I sing to You like David,* O my Saviour:* Deliver my soul from a deceitful tongue.
Blessed is the life of those* who dwell in the desert places,* Divine love gives them wings.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit all things are unshaken,* both visible and invisible;* for He has sovereign power,* being undeniably one of the Trinity.
Antiphon 2
Lift up yourself to the mountains,* O my soul;* go to that place from whence comes our help.
Let Your right hand hover over me,* O Christ,* and guard me from every misfortune.
Glory… Now…
Let us sing to the Holy Spirit, as we contemplate God:* You are God, life, love, light, and intellect,* You are goodness,* and You reign to the ages.
Antiphon 3
Filled with great joy at the words of those who say to me:* “Let us go into the courts of the Lord,”* I offer up my prayers.
Fearful things are accomplished in the house of David;* for a fire is found there,* burning every shameful thought.
Glory… Now…
To the Holy Spirit belongs the lordship of life,* for from Him every living being hath its breath,* as also from the Father* together with the Son.
Prokeimenon, Tone 5
Arise, O Lord my God, lift up Your hand*, for You shall reign forever.
verse: I will confess to You, O Lord, with my whole heart, I will recount all Your marvellous works.
Let everything that lives, Tone 5
Gospel
John 20:11-18
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon
Ode 1
Irmos: It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O people; Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha: for from death to life, and from earth to heaven, Christ God has brought us, as we sing the song of victory.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Let us purify our senses, and we shall behold Christ, radiant with the unapproachable light of the Resurrection, and we shall clearly hear Him say, Rejoice! as we sing the hymn of victory.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Let the heavens be glad as is meet, and let the earth rejoice, and let the whole world, both visible and invisible, keep festival: for Christ is risen, O gladness eternal.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
You have broken through the barrier of death, by giving birth to Christ, the eternal Life, Who today has shone forth from the tomb, O all-immaculate Virgin, and Who has enlightened the world.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Having beheld your resurrected Son and God, rejoice with the apostles, O Pure One who are full of the grace of God, and be the first to rejoice, as you have received the Cause of joy for all, O all-immaculate Mother of God.
Irmos: A land which the sun had never beheld,* and upon which it had never shined,* an abyss which the vault of heaven had not seen laid bare,* has Israel traversed dry-shod, O Lord.* And You lead them to Your mountain of sanctification,* as they sang and chanted a hymn of victory.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Having accepted a voluntary crucifixion in the flesh, You poured forth blessing and life to the world, O only most blessed Master and Creator of all. Wherefore we bless and praise and glorify You, singing and chanting a hymn of victory.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When You had died, O Christ, the noble Joseph laid You in a hollow, even the lowest pit, and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the sepulchre, O Long-suffering One. But You arose in glory and raised up the world together with Yourself, as it sang and chanted a hymn of victory.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Why bring myrrh with tears? said the Angel who appeared to the venerable women. Christ is risen. Make haste and tell it to the disciples, those seers of God who are lamenting and weeping, so that they may radiantly leap and dance for joy.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
The Redeemer performed strange wonders in that He healed the man who had been blind from birth. He anointed him with clay and said: Go and wash in Siloam, that thou might know that I am God, who by the bowels of My compassion walk upon the earth while bearing flesh.
Glory…
As we venerate one essence in three hypostases, O faithful, let us glorify the Father, and Son, and Upright Spirit, the Creator and Lord and Redeemer of all, one uncreated God, and let us cry out with the Bodiless: Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O King.
Now…
Out of compassion, the Lord dwelt in your womb, which knew not wedlock, O pure one, for He wished to save mankind who, through the devices of the enemy, had become subject to corruption. Entreat Him, therefore, that this city be saved from every enemy assault and conquest.
Katavasia: To God the Saviour who made His people pass dryshod through the sea,* but drowned Pharaoh with all his host,* to Him let us sing:* for He alone is glorified.
Ode 3
Irmos: Come, let us drink a new drink, not one miraculously brought forth from a barren rock but the Fountain of Incorruption, springing forth from the tomb of Christ, in Whom we are strengthened.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Now all things are filled with light; heaven and earth, and the nethermost parts of the earth; let all creation, therefore, celebrate the arising of Christ whereby it is strengthened.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Yesterday I was buried with You, O Christ; today I rise with Your arising. Yesterday I was crucified with You; glorify me with You, O Saviour, in Your kingdom.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Into incorruptible life have I entered today, through the goodness of Him Who was born of you, O Pure One, and Who makes all the ends of the earth radiant with joy.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Having beheld God, Whom you bore in the flesh, risen from the dead, as He said, O pure one; dance, and magnify Him as God* O most pure one.
Irmos: Establish my heart, O Lord, which is shaken by the billows of life,* and guide it to a calm haven, O God.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You made steadfast the hearts of those who were shaken when You made the earth to shake at Your venerated crucifixion, to which You submitted in the flesh, O Long-suffering One.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
The noble Joseph laid You in a new tomb, O Compassionate One. But You arose from the dead on the third day, thereby renewing us.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Why seek the Lord as though He were dead? He is risen as He said, proclaimed the Angel to the women, as he flashed forth with radiant divinity.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You healed the man who was blind from birth, who of old came to You and glorified Your dispensation and Your wonders, O All-compassionate One.
Glory…
We worship God the Father, the Son who is beginningless from before all time, and the Divine Spirit, the threefold uncreated nature in three Hypostases, the one God of all.
Now…
From your virginal womb you gave birth to God incarnate. Beseech Him, O all-holy Lady, that He have compassion upon us.
Katavasia: By the power of Your Cross, O Christ, make steadfast my understanding,* that I may hymn and glorify Your arising on the third day.
Kontakion of Pascha, Tone 8
Though You descended into a tomb, O Immortal One,* yet You destroyed the power of Hades;* and You rose as victor, O Christ God,* calling to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice!* and giving peace to Your Apostles:* You, who grant resurrection to the fallen.
Ikos
The myrrh-bearing maidens forestalled the dawn, seeking, as it were day, the Sun that was before the sun and who had once set in the tomb, and they cried out one to another: O friends! come, let us anoint with spices the life-bringing and buried Body, the Flesh that raised up fallen Adam, that now lies in the tomb. Let us go, let us hasten, like the Magi, and let us worship and offer myrrh as a gift to Him who is wrapped now not in swaddling clothes but in a shroud. And let us weep and cry aloud: O Master, arise, You, who grant resurrection to the fallen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
As the Master and Fashioner of all things passed by,* He encountered along the way a blind man who was seated there* and who mourned aloud, saying:* All my life I have beheld neither the sun shining forth* nor laid eyes on the bright luminescence of the moon.* Yet since You were born of an immaculate Virgin so as to fill all with light,* now fill me with Your light, in that You are compassionate.* And thus I shall adore You and cry:* Sovereign Master, Christ my God, forgive me my sins, in Your abundant compassion,* O You, the only Lover of mankind.
Ode 4
Irmos: On divine watch let the God-inspired Habakkuk stand with us and show forth the light-bearing angel clearly saying: Today salvation is come to the world, for Christ is risen as Almighty.
Christ is risen from the dead.
As a man-child did Christ appear when He came forth from the Virgin’s womb, and as a mortal He was called the Lamb. Without blemish also, is our Pascha for He tasted no defilement; and as true God, perfect was He proclaimed.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Like a yearling lamb,*Christ, our blessed Crown,*of His own will was sacrificed for all,*a Pascha of purification;*and from the tomb the beautiful Sun of Righteousness*shone forth again upon us.
Christ is risen from the dead.
David, the ancestor of God,*danced with leaping before the symbolical Ark;*let us also, the holy people of God, beholding the fulfilment of the symbols, be divinely glad; for Christ is risen as Almighty.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
He Who created Adam your forefather, O Pure One, took form from you, and the habitation of the dead has He demolished today through His death, and shone upon all things with the divine radiance of the Resurrection.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Beholding Christ, Whom you have borne, shining forth splendidly from the dead, O Pure One, who are good and spotless among women, and comely today, rejoicing with the apostles in the salvation of all, Him do you glorify.
Irmos: I have heard Your report, O Lord,* and I was afraid.* I came to knowledge of Your dispensation,* and I glorified You, O only Lover of mankind.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When You who are Life were hung upon the Tree, by Your great mercy You quickened me who had died because of the tree. For this cause, I glorify You, O Word.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Dwelling together with Your initiates in a wondrous manner, O Lord, You said to them: Go, proclaim everywhere My Resurrection.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You confirmed Your arising from the grave, O Lord, when You abided for many days with those who loved You, thereby causing them to rejoice, O Christ.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When You gave eyes to the man who had been blind from the womb, You said: Go, wash and receive your sight, and glorify My Divinity.
Glory…
O beginningless Trinity, one in honour, undivided in essence, divided in hypostases, save all those who glorify You with faith and fear.
Now…
We glorify your childbirth which is above nature, O immaculate One, and with faith we bless you as the Birthgiver of the God of all, O most immaculate One.
Katavasia: I heard the rumour of the power of the cross* that paradise is opened thereby* and I cried out aloud saying:* Glory to Your power, O Lord.
Ode 5
Irmos: Let us awake in the deep dawn, and instead of myrrh, offer a hymn to the Master, and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, who causes life to dawn for all.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Seeing Your boundless compassion they who were held in the bonds of hades hastened to the light, O Christ, with gladsome feet, praising the Pascha eternal.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Bearing lights, let us approach Christ, Who comes forth from the tomb like a bridegroom, and with the feast-loving ranks of angels let us celebrate the saving Pascha of God.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Enlightened by the divine rays and the life-bearing Resurrection of your Son, O most pure Mother of God, the gathering of the pious is filled with joy.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
You did not open the gates of virginity in the Incarnation, nor the seal upon the tomb did You destroy, O King of creation; from whence seeing You risen, Your Mother rejoices.
Irmos: Hasten and have compassion on my wretched soul,* which does battle at night with the darkness of the passions.* Shine in me with the brightness of the day, O noetic Sun,* and thereby make the night give way to light.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You were lifted up upon a Tree and exalted all mortal men together with Yourself. You both slew the hostile serpent and give life to the work of Your hands, O Compassionate One, since You alone are the God of all.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You who willingly died were laid in a tomb, and You emptied all the domains of Hades, O Immortal King, raising up the dead by Your Resurrection.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Though You had wrought wondrous miracles upon the earth, a lawless people put You to death, O Word. But since You Yourself alone are mighty, O Lord, You arose from the dead, even as You foretold, O Christ.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When You opened the eyes of him who could not see perceptible light, You enlightened the eyes of his soul as well. You moved him to glorify You, for he had come to know You as the Creator, who out of compassion didst appear as a mortal man.
Glory…
O faithful, let us all glorify the Trinity in Unity, and the Unity in Trinity, the Father, Son, and Upright Spirit, one God, who is truly the Creator of all.
Now…
How did you give birth without wedlock, O pure Virgin Mother, full of Grace? How do you nourish Him that nourishes creation? It is as He alone knows, for He is the Creator and God of all.
Katavasia: Waking at dawn, we cry to You, O Lord:* Save us, for You are our God; we know none other besides You.
Ode 6
Irmos: You descended into the nethermost parts of the earth, and shattered the eternal bars that held the fettered, O Christ, and on the third day* like Jonah from the whale, You arose from the tomb.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Having kept the seals intact, O Christ, You arose from the tomb* O You Who did not break the seal of the Virgin by Your birth, and You have opened for us the doors of Paradise.
Christ is risen from the dead.
O my Saviour, the living and unslain Sacrifice, when, as God, You, of Your Own will, had offered up Yourself to the Father, You raised up with Yourself the whole race of Adam, when You arose from the tomb.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
He that of old was held by death and corruption is raised up by Him Who was incarnate of your most pure womb, O Theotokos Virgin, unto incorruption and everlasting life.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
He Who went down into the nethermost parts of the earth, and came into your womb, O Pure One, and dwelt and past understanding was incarnate, has also raised up Adam with Himself when He rose from the tomb.
Irmos: Even as You delivered the Prophet from the beast, O Lord,* so lead me up from the depths of unrestrained passions, I pray You,* that I may dare* to look upon Your holy temple.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
O Master, who was crucified with thieves, You delivered from crafty thieves and soul-corrupting passions all those who with one accord praise Your crucifixion and arising, O man-befriending Lord.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
In a sepulchre they laid You dead and without breath, O Christ, who breathes breathe life into all the dead. But You arose, O Lord, emptying all the tombs by Your divine might, O Word.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
After Your arising, O Christ, You said to Your friends: Stay in Jerusalem, until you be endued with invincible power and sure assistance from on high.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You made clay and anointed the eyes of the man who had been blind from his birth. You granted him his sight, and he praised Your immaculate might, whereby You have saved the world, O Word.
Glory…
O Unity of three Hypostases, Unbegotten Father, Begotten Son, and Spirit who proceeds, thrice-holy Lord, one essence and might, save all Your people.
Now…
Who can tell of your mighty deeds, O pure One? For, in a manner surpassing nature, you gave birth in the flesh to God, who through you delivers the world from all sin, O all-immaculate Virgin.
Katavasia: An abyss has consumed me, and a whale has become my grave,* but I called out to You, O Lover of mankind, and Your right hand has saved me.
Kontakion of the Blind Man, Tone 4
Blinded in the eyes of my soul, I come to You, O Christ, like the man who was blind from birth, and I cry in repentance: You are the brilliant light of those in darkness.
Ikos
Grant me a stream of ineffable wisdom and knowledge from on high, O Christ, Thou Light of them that are in darkness and Guide of all those who are gone astray, that I may tell of those things that the divine book of the Gospel of peace hath taught, to wit, the miracle that was wrought upon the blind man; for though blind from birth, he receiveth the physical eyes as well as the eyes of the soul, as he crieth out in faith: Of those in darkness art Thou the most radiant Light.
Ode 7
Irmos: He Who delivered the Children from the furnace, became man, suffers as a mortal, and through His Passion clothes mortality with the beauty of incorruption, He is the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.
Christ is risen from the dead.
The godly-wise women with myrrh followed after You in haste; but Him Whom they sought with tears as dead, they worshipped joyfully as the living God, and they brought to Your disciples, O Christ, the good tidings of the mystical Pascha.
Christ is risen from the dead.
We celebrate the death of death, the destruction of hades, the beginning of another life eternal, and leaping for joy, we hymn the Cause, the only blessed and supremely glorious God of our fathers.
Christ is risen from the dead.
For truly sacred and all-festive is this saving night, and this shining, light-bearing day, the harbinger of the Resurrection, whereon the Timeless Light bodily from the tomb upon all has shined.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Your Son, having put death to death, O all-immaculate one, today has granted to all mortals the life that abides to the ages of ages, the only blessed and supremely glorious God of our fathers.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
He Who reigns over all creation, became man, dwelling in your God-graced womb, and having endured crucifixion and death, is risen in a God-befitting manner, raising us up with Himself, for He is Almighty.
Irmos: The prayer of the Children quenched the fire* and the furnace which bedewed them proclaimed the miracle,* for it neither burned nor consumed them,* that chanted hymns to the God of our fathers.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When You were hung upon the Tree, O Saviour, the sun was quenched, the earth was tossed like waves in a tempest, all creation was shaken, and the dead arose from the graves.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When You rose from the dead, O King, the souls that were sleeping there were raised together with You; and they glorify Your might, whereby the bonds of death have been dissolved.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
The choir of women came at dawn to anoint You. But on learning that You had arisen, O Lord, they rejoiced together with the sacred disciples. Through them grant us the forgiveness of the evil deeds we have done.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You anointed the eyes of the blind man with clay and commanded him to go to Siloam. When he had washed, he received his sight and chanted hymns of praise to You, O Christ, King of all.
Glory…
Let us praise the beginningless Father, the co-beginningless Son, and the all-holy Spirit. Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O God, King of all.
Now…
You were seen to be a Virgin after giving birth, O pure One; for you bore God, who by His might renewed every nature, O most pure One. Ever beseech Him that we be saved.
Katavasia: O You who saved the children who praised You in the furnace of fire,* blessed re You, O God of our fathers.
Ode 8
Irmos: This chosen and holy day is the first of the Sabbaths, the queen and lady, the feast of feasts, and the festival of festivals, wherein we bless Christ throughout the ages.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Come, on this auspicious day of the Resurrection, let us partake of the fruit of the new vine of divine gladness of the kingdom of Christ, praising Him as God throughout the ages.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Lift up your eyes about you, O Sion,* and see, for behold, there comes to you, like God-illumined beacons, from the west, and from the north, and from the sea, and from the east, your children, in you blessing Christ throughout the ages.
O Most Holy Trinity, our God, glory be to You.
O Father Almighty, and Word, and Spirit, one Nature united in three Hypostases, transcendent and most divine! Into You have we been baptized, and You will we bless throughout all ages.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Through you the Lord came into the world, O Virgin Theotokos, and the womb of hades did He tear open, granting to us mortals resurrection; Wherefore, we bless Him throughout the ages.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Laying low all the dominion of death by His Resurrection, your Son, O Virgin, as the mighty God, has raised us up with Himself and deified us; wherefore we sing His praise throughout the ages.
Irmos: O company of Angels, and assembly of mankind;* priests, Levites, and peoples:* praise, bless, and supremely exalt the King and Creator of all,* throughout all ages.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When the orders of the Angels beheld You hanging upon the Cross and all creation being changed out of fear, O Christ, King of all, they stood in awe and praised Your love for mankind.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Upon seeing You below, Hades groaned and made haste to surrender the dead, whom he had guarded there from all ages, O Christ, and they chanted hymns in praise of Your love for mankind.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You accomplished awesome and wondrous things when of Your own will You were raised up upon the Cross, O Christ. You who put Hades to death became one with the dead and courageously released all who were chained therein.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You gave eyes to the blind man who came to You, O Christ. You commanded him to wash at the spring of Siloam and thus gain his sight, and proclaim You as God, who has appeared in the flesh for the salvation of the world.
Let us bless Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Lord!
O undivided Trinity, uncommingled Unity, God of all and Creator of all, save from all manner of temptations those who faithfully praise and worship Your dominion.
Now…
O immaculate Virgin, full of Grace, ever beseech your Son that He put me not to shame in the day of judgment, but that He number me with His chosen flock.
We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord, hymning and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages!
Katavasia: To God the Son, who was begotten of the Father before the ages* and was incarnate of a Virgin Mother in these last times,* give praise, O priests, and supremely exalt Him,* O people, to all the ages.
The Magnificat is not sung.
Ode 9
Irmos: Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Exult now and be glad, O Sion! And you, O chaste Mother of God, take delight in the resurrection of your Son.
Christ is risen from the dead.
O how divine, how loving, how sweet is Your voice! For You have truly promised to be with us to the end of the age, O Christ; having this foundation of hope, we the faithful rejoice.
Christ is risen from the dead.
O Christ, You great and most sacred Pascha! O Wisdom, Word, and Power of God! Grant us to partake of You more fully in the unwaning dayof Your kingdom.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
With one voice, O Virgin, the faithful bless you. Rejoice, O Portal of the Lord; rejoice, O living City; rejoice, through whom for our sake the Light has shone, Who, born of you, is the Resurrection of the dead.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Be glad and rejoice, O Portal of the Divine Light: for Jesus set into the grave, has dawned forth shining more brightly than the sun, and has illumined all the faithful, O divinely joyous Lady.
Irmos: For the Mighty One has done great things to you,* in that He showed you forth as a pure Virgin even after giving birth,* since you are she that has seedlessly borne her own creator,* wherefore, O Theotokos, we magnify you.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You were affixed upon the Cross, O Christ God, and triumphed over all the opposing powers of the enemy, and did away with the former curse, O Saviour. Wherefore, as is meet, we magnify You.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When Hades beheld You below with Your soul, O Word, he groaned, and out of fear, set loose all the dead, who acknowledged the power of Your authority; with them, as is due, we magnify You.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
When the assembly of the Hebrews beheld Him performing signs and wondrous miracles, they put Him to death out of malice; yet it was He who despoiled Hades by His Resurrection and who, as He is mighty, raised up all mankind together with Himself.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You arose from the dead as You said, and appeared to Your holy disciples after Your arising, O Giver of life, who has wrought signs and granted eyes to the blind. With them we magnify You throughout the ages.
Glory…
I reverence the Father as Light, I glorify the Son as Light, and I praise the Upright Spirit as Light: One undivided Light, perceived in three Hypostases, the God and King of all creation.
Now…
You were seen to be more spacious than the Heavens, O pure Virgin, when in bodily fashion you contained God, the Uncircumscribable One, and gave birth to Him for the redemption of all who praise you with undoubting faith.
Katavasia: O you who are God’s Mother transcending mind and word,* who ineffably in time have given birth to the Timeless One,* we the faithful magnify you* with one accord.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
Tone 3
In the flesh You fell asleep like a mere mortal, O King, I King and Lord! But three days later You arose, lifting Adam from corruption, putting death to death. O Pasch beyond corruption, O Ransom of the world!
Glory… Now…
Enlighten my noetic eyes which are bereft of sight, O Lord, because of sin’s gloomy darkness. And since You are compassionate, instil in me humility. Cleanse me by the tears of repentance and change of heart.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 5
You came forth from the grave, O Lord, which had been sealed by the transgressors of the law,* just as You were born of the Theotokos.* For the bodiless angels did not know how You were incarnate.* Likewise, the guardian soldiers did not see the moment of your Resurrection;* for these two marvels were concealed from the curious minds* but were revealed to those who worshiped the mystery in faith.* Therefore, grant joy and great mercy to us who offer You praise.
O Lord, You demolished the gates of everlasting damnation,* and You broke asunder the chains of the grave.* You rose from the tomb leaving your wrappings in the grave* in testimony of your three-day burial;* and leaving the guards watching at the tomb,* You preceded your disciples into Galilee.* Great is your mercy, O Lord whom the whole world cannot contain.* O Saviour, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, who suffered for us,* the women hastened to your tomb to behold You.* When they arrived, they saw an angel sitting on the stone of the grave.* He said to them: The Lord is risen!* Go and tell the disciples that the Saviour of our souls is risen from the dead.
O Lord and Saviour,* You came into the midst of your disciples though the doors were closed* just as You came out of the sealed tomb,* showing the sufferings of the flesh which You accepted;* for You submitted to suffering patiently since You are of the seed of David.* But since You are the Son of God, You saved the world.* Great is your mercy, O Lord whom the whole world cannot contain.* O Saviour, have mercy on us.
O Lord, the King of ages and Creator of all,* who accepted crucifixion and burial in the body for our sakes* to deliver us all from Hades,* You are our God, and besides You we know no other.
O Lord God, who shall proclaim your dazzling wonders?* Or who shall declare your divine mysteries?* For You were willingly Incarnate for our sakes,* manifesting the might of your power.* By your cross You opened paradise to the thief;* by your death You crushed the bars and bolts of Hades;* and by your Resurrection You enriched all creation.* Therefore, O compassionate One, glory to You!
The myrrh-bearing women reached your tomb early in the morning,* seeking to anoint You, O immortal Word.* When they were instructed by the words of the angel,* they turned back with joy* to tell the apostles clearly that You had risen, O Life of all,* and had given the world forgiveness and great mercy.
Tone 8
O Christ God, who by Your merciful compassion became incarnate,* with Your fingers which have fashioned all things* You touched clay to the eyes of him who from the womb was bereft of sight* and thereby deemed him worthy of divine brilliance by Your ineffable compassion.* And now Yourself, O Bestower of light, illumine also the senses of our souls,* since You alone are the bountiful Bestower of good gifts.
Tone 8, Glory…
Who can tell of Your mighty acts, O Christ,* or who can number the multitudes of Your wonders?* For even as You, in Your goodness, appeared on earth twofold of nature,* so You granted twofold healings to the sick;* for You opened not only the bodily eyes of the man who was blind from the womb,* but those of his soul also.* Wherefore, he confessed You, the hidden God, who grants great mercy to all.
Tone 2, Now…
You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 2
Today salvation has come to the world.* Let us sing to Him who is risen from the tomb,* the Author of Life who has crushed Death by his death* and bestowed on us victory and great mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY
After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, Amen, the clergy sing the Paschal Troparion once and the people repeat it. Then, the clergy sing the first half, and the people conclude it.
Paschal Troparion
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 5: Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 4: Blinded in the eyes of my soul,* I come to You, O Christ, like the man who was blind from birth,* and I cry in repentance:* You are the brilliant light of those in darkness.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 8: Though You descended into a tomb, O Immortal One,* yet You destroyed the power of Hades;* and You rose as victor, O Christ God,* calling to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice!* and giving peace to Your Apostles:* You, who grant Resurrection to the fallen.
Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Pray and give thanks to the Lord our God.
verse: In Judea God is known; His name is great in Israel. (Psalm 76:12,2)
Epistle
Acts 16:16-34
Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Look upon me and have mercy.
verse: Direct my steps according to Your word. (Psalm 118:131-132)
Gospel
John 9:1-38
Hymn to the Mother of God
The Angel cried out to the One full of Grace: O chaste Virgin, rejoice! And again I say, Rejoice! Your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day, and raised the dead. Let all people rejoice! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Exult now and be glad, O Sion! And you, O chaste Mother of God, take delight in the resurrection of your Son.
Communion Hymn
Receive the Body of Christ;* taste the fountain of immortality.* Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)
Instead of Blessed is He Who comes… we sing:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Instead of We have seen the true light… we sing:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Instead of May our mouths be filled… we sing three times:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
Instead of Blessed be the name of the Lord… we sing three times:
Christ is risen from the dead,* trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs* giving life.
At the dismissal, instead of Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen. we chant:
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death,* and to those in the tombs giving life.
After the final Amen, the Troparion Christ is risen is sung as at the beginning of the Liturgy, but with the addition:
And to us He has granted life eternal;* we bow down before His resurrection on the third day.