Daily texts will return after June 20, 2024!
Event Information:
-
Sun12May2024
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Post-feast of the Ascension. Our Holy Father Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (403). Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople (733).
GREAT VESPERS
Psalm Reading
“Blessed is the man...” is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 6
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
O Christ, You won the victory over Hades,* You ascended the Cross so that You might raise up with Yourself* all those who dwelt in the darkness of death.* Almighty Saviour, You are free from death* and bestow life by Your divine light.* We, therefore, beseech You to have mercy on us.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
Today Christ has conquered Death.* He has risen from the grave as He had foretold,* bestowing great joy upon the world.* Therefore, let us all lift up our voices and sing:* O Fount of Life, O Light whom no one can approach,* Almighty Saviour, have mercy on us.
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
O Lord, where can we sinners flee from You,* for You are present in all creation?* You are present in heaven, for it is Your dwelling place.* Your power prevails in Hades where You conquered Death.* O Master, Your sustaining hand touches even the depths of the sea.* Where, then, can we take refuge except in You?* We, therefore, prostrate ourselves before You and pray:* O Lord, risen from the dead, have mercy on us.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
The Lord ascended into heaven* to send the Comforter into this world.* The heavens prepared His throne and the clouds were His ladder;* the angels marvelled at the sight of a man more exalted than themselves.* Today, the Father receives again in His bosom* the One who was in Him from all eternity,* and the Holy Spirit gives a command to all the angels:* Lift up your lintels, O you gates!* O you nations of the earth, clap your hands,* for Christ ascends to the place* where He had been from all eternity.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
O Lord, the Cherubim were amazed at Your Ascension;* they were seized with wonder as they beheld You, O God, rising upon the clouds,* for You are the One who is seated above the clouds.* We sing a hymn of praise to You:* Glory to You for Your tender mercy.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
O Christ, splendour and glory of the Father,* when we behold Your Ascension on the holy mountain,* we sing a hymn of praise to the beauty of Your countenance.* We bow down to Your Passion,* we venerate Your holy Resurrection,* and we glorify Your noble Ascension.* O Lord, have mercy on us!
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Before the morning star You were begotten of the Father;* before the ages You were conceived without a mother,* even though Arius believed You to be created, and not God.* He shamelessly confused the Creator with his creatures,* thus deserving eternal punishment.* Yet the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Who has severed Your garment, O Saviour?* It was Arius who divided the Trinity* who is equal in glory and eternal majesty.* For he denied that You are one of the most Holy Trinity.* He taught the transgressing Nestorius* to say that the Virgin is not the Mother of God;* but the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
Declaring that the Light could not be seen,* Arius fell into the pit of the impious ones;* his body was torn apart by the justice of God,* and he gave up his soul in a violent manner.* He was another Judas by his thoughts and deeds.* But the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
The foolish Arius divided the unity of the Holy Trinity* into three different and unequal substances.* But the God-bearing Fathers came together in Council.* Burning with the zeal of Elijah the Tishbite* and with the sword of the Holy Spirit,* they cut down these shameful blasphemies;* for they were directed by the Spirit.
Glory…
Let us honour today those mystical trumpets of the Spirit,* namely, the God-mantled Fathers,* who speaking of divine things,* sang in the midst of the Church a hymn in unison,* teaching that the Trinity is one,* not differing in substance or Godhead,* refuting Arius and defending the orthodox faith.* They always intercede with the Lord* to have mercy on our souls.
Now…
Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He Who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.
Readings
(1) Genesis 14:14-20; (2) Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17; (3) Deuteronomy 10:14-21
Aposticha
Tone 6
O Christ our Saviour,* the angels in heaven sing the praises of Your Resurrection;* make us, on earth, also worthy* to extol and glorify You with a pure heart.
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
Almighty God, You destroyed the brazen gates and bars of Hades* and raised up fallen mankind.* Therefore, with one accord, we cry out:* O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to you!
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
Christ willed to renew us from our corruption of old* by being nailed to a Cross and placed in a tomb.* When the women came to anoint His body, they tearfully cried out:* O, what sorrow afflicts us!* O Saviour of all, how could You consent to occupy a grave?* If You truly willed this, then why did You allow Your body to be stolen?* How were You removed?* What place now conceals Your life-bearing body?* O Lord, appear to us as You promised* and put an end to our tears.* As they were lamenting, an angel appeared and cried out to them:* Do not weep, but tell the apostles that the Lord is risen,* granting sanctification and great mercy to the world.
Holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days.
O Christ, You were crucified of Your own free will,* and by Your burial You imprisoned Death.* As God, You rose in glory on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.
Tone 4, Glory…
O believers, let us come together today* to celebrate in faith and true worship* the remembrance of the God-inspired Fathers* who had come together from throughout the world,* in the splendid city of Nicea.* They rejected the doctrine of the impious Arius* and banished him from the universal Church* by a decree of the Council.* They instructed all to openly profess the Son of God,* that He is consubstantial and co-eternal with the Father before eternity,* and they clearly wrote this in the Symbol of Faith.* Therefore, following their divine doctrines,* let us worship the Son in true faith,* together with the Father and the Holy Spirit,* the Trinity consubstantial in one Godhead.
Now…
O Lord most merciful,* after fulfilling the mystery hidden from all eternity,* You, the Creator and Master of all,* went up to the Mount of Olives with Your disciples and Your Mother.* For the one who, at the sight of Your Passion,* had suffered more than anyone else in her motherly heart,* had more than anyone else the right to share the joy that fills us* as we witness Your ascending into heaven.* We glorify Your infinite mercy overflowing upon us.
Troparia
Tone 6
Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!
Tone 8, Glory…
Christ our God, You are glorified above all, You established our fathers as beacons on earth and through them guided all of us to the true faith. Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.
Tone 4, Now…
You ascended in glory, O Christ our God;* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God,** the Redeemer of the world.
SUNDAY MATINS
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 6
Troparia, Tone 6
Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You! (2)
Tone 8, Glory…
Christ our God, You are glorified above all, You established our fathers as beacons on earth and through them guided all of us to the true faith. Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.
Tone 4, Now…
You ascended in glory, O Christ our God;* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God,** the Redeemer of the world.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 6
While the tomb lay open and Hades lamented,* Mary, cried to the Apostles who were in hiding saying:* “Come forth, you workers of the vineyard,* proclaim to the world the word of the Resurrection,* for the Lord is risen,* granting the world His great mercy!”
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
Mary Magdalene stood by Your tomb O Lord,* and mistaking You for the gardener,* weeping she cried aloud to You:* “Where have You hidden the Life eternal?* Where have You placed He who sits on the Cherubic Throne?* For those who were guarding Him have become as dead-men through fear.* Either give me my Lord or cry out with me:* O You who were numbered among the dead and have raised the dead,* glory be to You!”
Glory… Now…
Gideon foretold of your conception,* and David revealed your ineffable child-bearing, O Theotokos;* for the Word descended like a dew upon the fleece of your womb,* and you O Virgin full of grace,* like unto a holy and fertile earth,* budded forth without seed our salvation, Christ God.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 6
Life was laid in the tomb* and a seal was set upon the stone;* the soldiers stood guarding Christ like a sleeping King;* and having invisibly struck His foes the Lord arose.
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
Jonah foretold of Your tomb,* and Symeon revealed Your divine Arising, O immortal Lord;* for You descended as One dead into the tomb,* and having smashed the gates of Hades,* You arose without corruption as Master, for the salvation of all the world,* O Christ our God,* enlightening those lying in darkness.
Glory… Now…
O Virgin Theotokos, entreat your Son Christ our God,* who was willingly nailed upon the Cross,* and freed the world from deception,* that He have mercy upon our souls!
Evoglitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 6
By Your voluntary and life-giving death, O Christ,* You shattered the gates of Hades,* and as God You opened to us the Paradise of old;* and by arising from the dead,* You delivered our lives from corruption.
Gradual Hymns, Tone 6
Antiphon 1
Unto heaven I raise my eyes, even unto You, O Word;* have pity on me,* that I may live for You.
Have mercy upon us who are filled with contempt O Word,* repairing Your broken vessels* that we may be found useful.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit is the cause of all salvation,* if He sees fit to breathe on one of His creatures,* He swiftly raises him from the things of this earth, and having given him wings,* makes him to flourish and raises him on high.
Antiphon 2
If the Lord had not dwelt among us,* none could have withstood the attacks of the enemy,* for those who are victorious* are exalted by Him.
Let not my soul be taken like a sparrow by their teeth, O Word;* Woe unto me!* How shall I, the lover of sin, be delivered from the power of the enemy?
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit all find divine inspiration,* goodness, understanding, peace, and blessing;* for He is equal in activity* to the Father and the Word.
Antiphon 3
They that put their trust in the Lord look upon high* and are thus fearful to their foes* and wondrous to all mankind.
Unto the pursuit of iniquities* the righteous stretch not the hands,* having You, O Saviour, as their helper.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit is sovereignty over all creation;* Him the armies of hosts above worship* and by everything that has breath below* is He worshiped.
Prokeimenon, Tone 6
O Lord, stir up Your might* and come to save us.
verse: O Shepherd of Israel, attend, You that lead Joseph like a sheep.
Let everything that lives, Tone 6
Gospel
John 21:1-14
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon
Ode 1
Irmos: Israel, marching on foot in the sea as on the dry land,* saw Pharaoh the pursuer overthrown in the deep,* and raised a triumphant shout:* Let us sing to God a hymn of victory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Good Jesus, with your arms stretched wide upon the cross, you have fulfilled in all things the Father’s good pleasure; therefore let us all sing to you a hymn of victory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Death, the end of life, as a slave under orders, in fear approaches you, the Lord of life, whereby you award to us life without end and resurrection.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pure one, who beyond understanding received your Creator, of his own will made flesh in your seedless womb, you are declared to be in truth creation’s sovereign Lady.
Canon of the Ascension
Irmos: To God the Saviour who made His people pass dryshod through the sea,* but drowned Pharaoh with all his host,* to Him alone let us sing:* for He is glorified.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
O all peoples, let us sing a song of victory to Christ, who is taken up with glory upon the shoulders of the Cherubim, and who has seated us together with Himself at the right hand of the Fathers; for He is glorified.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Beholding Christ, the Mediator between God and man, with His flesh in the heights, the choirs of the Angels were amazed, and with one accord they sang a hymn of victory.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Let us all sing to God, who was seen upon Mount Sinai, and who gave the Law to Moses, the seer of God, and who ascended from the Mount of Olives in the flesh, for He is glorified.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O most pure Mother of God, unceasingly intercede with Him who assumed flesh from you, yet was not separated from the bosom of the Father, that He save from every danger those whom He has fashioned.
Canon of the Holy Fathers
Irmos: Israel, marching on foot in the sea as on the dry land,* saw Pharaoh the pursuer overthrown in the deep,* and raised a triumphant shout:* Let us sing to God a hymn of victory.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
While acclaiming the all-holy Council of the holy Fathers, I entreat You, O Christ, crying: Preserve in me its all-holy prophetic proclamation.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
The God-bearing Fathers, coming together like flashes of lightning on this day, clearly confessed You, O Christ, as the Only-begotten Son, co-beginningless and consubstantial with the Father.
Glory…
Having clearly set forth the boundary of the Faith of Your Bride, the Church, O Master, these glorious groomsmen have adorned it as with a majestic golden adornment.
Now…
Adorned with the divine glory, the august Queen stands in the presence of her Son and God, entreating Him for the salvation of our souls.
Katavasia: Covered by the divine cloud,* he that was slow of tongue proclaimed the Law written by God;* for having shaken off the impurity from the eye of his mind,* he beholds Him that is,* and he is initiated into the knowledge of the Spirit,* while giving praise with God-inspired songs.
Ode 3
Irmos: None is holy but you, O Lord my God,* the one who is the Good;* you have exalted the horn of your faithful people,* and founded them on the rock of their confession of you.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Creation, seeing God crucified in the flesh, was dissolving in fear, but by the strong hand of the Crucified it was firmly held together.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Sorry death, destroyed by death, lies lifeless; unable to withstand the God-filled assault of Life, the strong one dies. And so to all is given resurrection.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O pure one, the wonder of your divine child-bearing surpasses the laws of nature: marvellous was your conceiving of God in your womb, and marvellous the birth and your abiding virginity.
Canon of the Ascension
Irmos: By the power of Your Cross, O Christ,* make steadfast my understanding,* that I may hymn and glorify* Your saving Ascension.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You went up to the Father, O Life-giving Christ, and You exalted our race by Your ineffable compassion, O Lover of mankind.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
The orders of Angels, O Saviour, on beholding man’s nature ascending together with You, were amazed and ceaselessly praised You.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
The choirs of Angels were amazed, O Christ, as they beheld You taken up with Your body, and they praised Your holy Ascension.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Unceasingly entreat Him who came forth from your loins, O pure one, that those who praise you as the Mother of God may be delivered from the deception of the devil.
Canon of the Holy Fathers
Irmos: None is holy but you, O Lord my God,* the one who is the Good;* you have exalted the horn of your faithful people,* and founded them on the rock of their confession of you.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
The foolish, ungodly Arius, impiously attributing change and passion and division to Your divine Nativity, is cut off by the cutting sword of the Fathers.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
Like divine Abraham of old, all the august heralds of God, in waging war against Your raging enemies, O Good One, have mightily destroyed them by Your might.
Glory…
The first gathering of Your priests, O Saviour, piously proclaimed You to be begotten and consubstantial with the beginningless Father and Creator of all.
Now…
Neither the speech nor the tongue of mortals can acclaim you worthily, O Virgin; for without seed Christ, the Giver of life, was well-pleased to become incarnate from you, O most pure One.
Katavasia: Only the prayer of the Prophetess Anna,* who of old brought a broken spirit to the Mighty One and God of knowledge,* loosed the fetters of a childless womb* and the unruly rebuke of her with children.
Kontakion, Tone 6
When you had fulfilled Your plan for us* and united things on earth with those in heaven,* You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* in no way distant, but remaining in separable,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.
Ikos
Leaving earthly cares to the earth and that which is waste and refuse to the dust, come, let us arise from sleep and with our eyes and hearts let us go towards higher things. Let us also lift up our thoughts and our attention from the earth to the gates of heaven, as if we were on the Mount of Olives, where we fix our eyes on the Redeemer as He is carried away to heaven. For it is there that the Lord departs for heaven; it is there also that He distributes His great gifts to the apostles, giving them strength and comforting them as a Father, guiding them as sons and saying to them: I am not separating myself from you; I shall always be with you, and no one shall ever have power over you.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
O blessed Fathers, you were truly shown to the world* to be luminous stars bright with the truth of Christ,* shining most brilliantly upon the earth.* Having burnt up the heresies of slanderous babblers;* you wholly quenched the blasphemers’ flagrant confusions.* As hierarchs of Christ, pray then, that we may be saved.
Glory…
Today the brilliant city of the Nicaeans* has called together to herself from the whole world* three hundred eighteen hierarchs against Arius, who uttered blasphemy* and made little account of the One of the Trinity, the true Son and Divine Word;* and having thus deposed this man from power,* the Fathers mightily strengthened the Holy Faith.
Tone 8, Now…
O You who rose into the heavens with glory,* and sat down at the right hand of the Father,* from whom You never had parted, O Lover of mankind,* You, O Christ, promised to send down Your Holy Spirit to Your wise initiates.* Now grant to us enlightenment, illumining our minds, O Master,* that we may unceasingly hymn You.
Ode 4
Irmos: Christ, my strength, my God, my Lord,* most fittingly your holy Church keeps festival,* singing, dancing, crying out with pure minds,* feasting in the Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Truly, O Christ, the tree of life has blossomed for the cross, planted in the earth, fed with blood and water from your pure side, has put forth life for us.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
No more the serpent’s lying whisper: You shall be like God; for Christ, divine Creator of man’s nature, now has opened out before me, with none to hinder, the pathway of life.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Ever-virgin Mother of God, truly beyond speech and incomprehensible to heaven and to earth are the mysteries of your God-befitting child bearing.
Canon of the Ascension
Irmos: 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.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
You were taken up in glory, O King of the Angels, that You might send us the Comforter from the Father. Wherefore we cry: Glory to Your Ascension, O Christ.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
As the Saviour ascended in the flesh to the Father, the arrays of the Angels were astonished at Him and cried aloud: Glory to Your Ascension, O Christ.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
The hosts of the Angels cried to those above: Lift up the gates for Christ our King; Him do we praise together with the Father and the Spirit.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The Virgin gave birth without the experience of those things that pertain to motherhood. But though she was a mother, she remained a virgin; wherefore praising her, we cry: Rejoice, O Theotokos.
Canon of the Holy Fathers
Irmos: Christ, my strength, my God, my Lord,* most fittingly your holy Church keeps festival,* singing, dancing, crying out with pure minds,* feasting in the Lord.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
Arius of evil fame, having, in his foolish mind, adulterated the Orthodox Faith, was banished from the Church as a rotten member by the decrees of the Fathers.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
The choir of the Fathers that struggled for You, O Master, mightily put to flight Your enemies; and they glorified You as consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit.
Glory…
You who are God and man became a Mediator between God and mankind. Wherefore, O Christ, the men of godly mind proclaimed You, knowing You to be one Son in two natures.
Now…
The tasting of the tree showed me forth as dead; but the Tree of Life, which appeared from you, O all-pure One, raised me up and made me an heir of the joy of Paradise.
Katavasia: O King of kings, even You who are from the Only One,* O Word, who comes forth from the only uncaused Father,* You, as our Benefactor, unfailingly sent Your Spirit, equal in might,* to the Apostles, who sing: Glory to Your power, O Lord.
Ode 5
Irmos: Shine with your divine splendour, I pray you, O you who are good,* on the souls of those who rise early to you* and long to know you, O Word of God,* as in truth the God who calls them back from sin’s deep darkness.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Now the Cherubim withdraw from me, and the flaming sword is turned back at sight of you, O Word of God, in truth the God who makes for the Thief the path to Paradise.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
I fear no longer the return to the dust, Lord Christ, for in your great mercy through your resurrection you have led me, forgotten, from the dust to the heights of incorruption.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O good Lady of the world, keep safe those who from the heart confess you God-bearer, for we have gained you, true Mother of God, for our invincible protection.
Canon of the Ascension
Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry to You, O Lord: Save us, for You are our God;* we know none other besides You.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Having filled all things with joy, O Merciful One, You came in Your flesh to the hosts on high.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
As the hosts of Angels saw You being lifted up, they cried aloud: Lift the gates for our King.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
As the Apostles beheld the Saviour being lifted up on high, they cried with trembling: Glory be to You, O our King.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
We praise you as a Virgin after childbirth, O Theotokos; for you conceived God the Word in the flesh for the sake of the world.
Canon of the Holy Fathers
Irmos: Shine with your divine splendour, I pray you, O you who are good,* on the souls of those who rise early to you* and long to know you, O Word of God,* as in truth the God who calls them back from sin’s deep darkness.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
Truly comely are the feet of those who proclaim You, the Peace that passes all understanding of all Angels and men, O Christ, who by the abundance of peace has united the world.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
Coming together, the divine teachers of the all-holy priesthood, augustly sealed by the Law, proclaimed You to be the hypostatic Word, the Wisdom and Power of the Father.
Glory…
Having watered the Church with the pure waters of Christ’s teaching, you now take delight by the waters of rest, rejoicing forever.
Now…
O most pure One, knowing you to be the radiant lamp that has shone its ray – Christ, the Sun of Righteousness – upon all, wherefore we now invoke your protection, O only pure Mother of God.
Katavasia: O children of the Church, whose likeness is like to light,* receive the fire-breathing dew of the Spirit, which is a redeeming purification of offenses;* for now has the Law gone forth from Sion,* even the Spirit’s grace, in the form of tongues of fire.
Ode 6
Irmos: Watching life’s sea rising in the surging waves of temptations,* fast making for your calm harbour, I cry out to you:* Lead my life up from corruption,* O you of many mercies .
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Crucified, O Lord, by the nails which fastened you, you annulled the curse upon us; pierced in the side by the spear, you tore up the written scroll against Adam, and set the whole world free.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Deception tripped up Adam and brought him to the depth of Hell. But you, God and compassion by nature, came down to seek him and, lifting him up on your shoulders, raised him up with yourself.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
All-holy Lady, who bore to mortal man his Lord and pilot, quieten the fearful and unresting tumult of my passions, and grant to my heart tranquillity.
Canon of the Ascension
Irmos: The abyss has encompassed me,* the sea monster has become my grave;* but I cried to You, the Lover of mankind,* and Your right hand saved me, O Lord.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
In their hope for the coming of the Spirit, the Apostles leapt for joy as they beheld on high the Creator being lifted up, and they cried out with fear: Glory be to Your ascent.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
The Angels came and cried to Your disciples, O Christ: In like manner as you see Christ going up, so shall He, the righteous Judge of all, come in the flesh.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
As the hosts of Heaven saw You, our Saviour, being taken up into the heights together with Your body, they cried out, saying: Great is Your love for mankind, O Master.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O you bush unburned, and mountain and living ladder, and gate of Heaven, we glorify you as is meet, O glorious Mary, boast of the orthodox.
Canon of the Holy Fathers
Irmos: Watching life’s sea rising in the surging waves of temptations,* fast making for your calm harbour, I cry out to you:* Lead my life up from corruption,* O you of many mercies .
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
The sower of tares, who was called the namesake of madness, was not able to escape the unspeakable judgment of providence; for having zealously emulated Judas, he, the most evil one, was rent asunder like him.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
The divine and august assembly of the Fathers proclaims You as the Only-begotten Effulgence that shone forth from the essence of the Father, and as the Son who was begotten before all ages, O Master.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
By the prayers of the God-inspired priests, the bowels from whence the turbid and undrinkable water of impious heresies flowed, were literally rent asunder in a most providential manner.
Now…
Moses, great among the Prophets, symbolically wrote in a former time concerning you as an ark, and table, and lamp, and an urn, signifying the incarnation of the Most High that took place within you, O Virgin Mother.
Katavasia: You have shone forth from the Virgin as forgiveness and salvation for us, O Christ Master;* that, like as Jonah was expelled from the belly of the sea monster,* You might snatch from corruption* all the fallen race of Adam.
Kontakion, Tone 8
The apostles’ preaching and the Fathers’ doctrine confirmed the Church’s one faith, and wearing the garment of truth woven from theology that descends from on high, she rightly imparts the mystery of godliness and sings its glory.
Ikos
In the lofty preaching of the Church of God, let us hearken as she cries: he that thirsts, let him come and drink. The cup which I bear is the cup of wisdom. Its drink have I mixed with the word of truth. I pour forth the water, not of contention, but of confession. As Israel now drinks thereof, it beholds God, who says: See, see, that I am He, and have not changed. I am God, I am first, and I am hereafter, and besides Me there is none other. Hence, they that partake shall be filled, and shall praise the great mystery of piety.
Ode 7
Irmos: As falling dew the angel made the furnace to the holy children,* and the command of God burned the Chaldeans;* and the tyrant was convinced, crying aloud:* Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The sun lamenting your Passion, O Lord, drew darkness around him and the light of the day was darkened over the whole of the earth, which cried aloud: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
At your descent, O Christ, the underworld was clothed in splendour; our first father, filled with gladness of heart, sprang up, dancing and crying out: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Through you, O Virgin Mother, light has risen and joy to all the inhabited earth, for you gave birth to God the Creator of all; ask him for us, All-pure, to send down to your faithful people great mercy.
Canon of the Ascension
Irmos: The children were saved in the burning furnace,* chanting: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
O You who was taken up on a cloud of light saved the world, O God of our fathers, blessed are You.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
O Christ, having taken upon Your shoulders our nature, which had gone astray, You ascended and bring it to God the Father.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
O You who ascended in the flesh to the bodiless Father, O God of our fathers, blessed are You.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O You who were born of the Virgin, thereby making her the Theotokos, O God of our fathers, blessed are You.
Canon of the Holy Fathers
Irmos: As falling dew the angel made the furnace to the holy children,* and the command of God burned the Chaldeans;* and the tyrant was convinced, crying aloud:* Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
You conquered Arius, the namesake of madness, who was raging grievously and spoke the utmost unjust things against God; for he refused to cry to the Son: Blessed are You, the God of our fathers.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
Imitating the Son of Thunder, O marvellous ones, with your fire-like mouths you teach all to proclaim the Word, who is co-beginningless and of one throne with the Father, and to cry: Blessed are You, the God of our fathers.
Glory…
You came as though on wings, with the help of the Word, O blessed of God; for the Holy Spirit gathered you from the ends of the world, that you might cry: Blessed are You, the God of our fathers.
Now…
The furnace did not burn the three Youths, thus prefiguring your giving of birth; for the Divine Fire dwelt within you, and did not consume you, enlightening all to cry aloud: Blessed are you who conceived God in the flesh.
Katavasia: The unison of instrumental music declared that all should worship the lifeless image wrought of gold;* but the light-bearing grace of the Comforter teaches us to cry out in reverence:* O only Trinity, Equal in power and beginningless,* blessed are You.
Ode 8
Irmos: Dew from the flames you shed on the holy ones,* burning thus with water the sacrifice of the righteous.* All things, O Christ, you bring about according to your holy will;* we highly exalt you throughout the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Envy has finished its work on the people of the Jews: of old the slayers of the prophets now they are slayers of God; they set you upon the cross, O Word of God, you whom we highly exalt throughout the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Christ, without leaving the courts of Heaven you came to Hell. Together with yourself you awakened the whole man, lying m corruption, and he highly exalts you now throughout the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
From light you conceived the light-giving Word, ineffably you gave him birth, and are glorified. For the Holy Spirit dwelt in you, O Maid, and therefore we praise you throughout the ages.
Canon of the Ascension
Irmos: The Son of God who before all ages was born of the Father* has in these last times become incarnate of the Virgin Mother,* O priests hymn, and peoples supremely exalt Him* throughout all ages.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
To Christ, the Giver of life, who in two essences has risen into the Heavens with glory and sits together with the Father, O priests hymn and peoples supremely exalt throughout all ages.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
To You, O Saviour, who delivered creation from slavery to the idols, and presented it free to Your own Father, do we give praise, and supremely exalt throughout all ages.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
To Him who by His descent destroyed the adversary, and who by His ascent raised up mankind give praise; O priests hymn and peoples supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
You have proved to be more excellent than the Cherubim, O pure Theotokos, since you have carried in your womb Him that rides upon them. Together with the bodiless ones, we mortals glorify Him throughout all ages.
Canon of the Holy Fathers
Irmos: Dew from the flames you shed on the holy ones,* burning thus with water the sacrifice of the righteous.* All things, O Christ, you bring about according to your holy will;* we highly exalt you throughout the ages.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
Afire with the rays of Your divinity, Your good shepherds confessed You as the Creator, Fashioner, and Lord of all things, whom we supremely exalt throughout all ages.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
The all-famed choir of shepherds, having gathered together, speak with divine authority in a godly-minded manner concerning the uncreated Trinity, and teach all to cry: we supremely exalt You throughout all ages.
We bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Lord.
The many praiseworthy hierarchs and shepherds enlighten the Church of Christ, each of them illuminating it in diverse lands, and supremely exalting it throughout all ages.
Now…
Mystically, in images, all the Prophets foresaw you who has conceived the Word; for having taken flesh from you, He came forth twofold, even Him whom we supremely exalt throughout all ages.
We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord, hymning and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages!
Katavasia: The type of the Godhead prefigured in the resplendent three* loosed the bonds and moistened the flames with dew.* The children praise, and all creation that was made blesses,* the only Saviour and Creator of all as their Benefactor.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Irmos: No man can see God, on whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze;* but, through you, All-holy One, the Word made flesh is seen of mortal men.* Magnifying him with all the heavenly hosts,* we call you blessed.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Free from passions you remained, O Word of God, when you held converse with passions in the flesh. But having dealt to passion a Passion, you loosed man from his passions. For you alone are impassible and almighty, our Saviour.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Accepting the corruption of death, O Lord, you kept your body from tasting corruption, and your soul, life-giving, divine, was not left in Hell. But, as from sleep arising, you raised us up with yourself.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
With pure lips we mortal men give glory to God the Father, to the Son with him without beginning, and we worship the inexpressible power, most glorious, of the All-holy Spirit; for you alone subsist almighty, undivided Trinity.
Canon of the Ascension
Irmos: 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.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
As the Apostles beheld You, Christ God, the Redeemer of the world, being exalted in a manner befitting God, they magnified You with awe as they leapt for joy.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Beholding Your deified flesh on high, O Christ, the angels beckoned to one another: Truly this is our God.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
As the orders of the bodiless saw You being lifted up in the clouds, O Christ God, they cried: Lift up the gates for the King of Glory.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, O Theotokos, Mother of Christ God. As you beheld ascending from the earth Him whom you conceived, you magnified Him together with the Angels.
Canon of the Holy Fathers
Irmos: No man can see God, on whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze;* but, through you, All-holy One, the Word made flesh is seen of mortal men.* Magnifying him with all the heavenly hosts,* we call you blessed.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
Arming you with the mighty strength of the Spirit, the Word, who is co-beginningless and of one throne with the Father before the ages, found you to be allies, and gathered you together; now ever glorify Him together with the heavenly hosts, O all-sacred ones.
Holy God-bearing Fathers, pray to God for us.
As physicians of both souls and bodies, you established, against the spread of Arius’ grievous heresy, the Symbol of Faith, which you set forth for all in a sacred manner, to which we now cleave, ever glorifying your memory, O sacred ministers.
Glory…
Since You are the most pure Light, O Christ, redeem my soul out of the darkness of the passions, by the intercessions of Your sacred ministers, O Master, who have now proclaimed You as the beginningless, uncreated Creator of all, and God, co-beginningless with the Father.
Now…
To the dead has resurrection now been granted through your ineffable and inexpressible birthgiving, O Lady Theotokos; for Life, being clothed in flesh taken from you, has shone forth upon all, manifestly dispelling the gloom of death.
Katavasia: Rejoice, O Queen boast of virgins and mothers;* for every eloquent and capable mouth is unable to extol you worthily,* and every mind is confounded in seeking to comprehend your childbirth.* Wherefore, with one accord do we glorify you.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
The two sons of Zebedee, with Peter, Nathaniel, and Thomas,* and two others were fishing in the Lake of Tiberias.* By the command of Christ, they cast the net on the right side* and drew out many fish.* Peter, recognizing Christ, came swimming toward Him.* This was the third appearance of the Lord after His resurrection.* Then He shared with them bread and fish from the fire.
Glory…
While celebrating on this day the holy Fathers’ memory, O all-compassionate Saviour,* we pray You by their entreaties to save You people and You flock from all the harm of heresies* and thus make us all worthy to extol the Word and the Father,* and the all-holy Spirit.
Now…
While Your disciples looked on You, You ascended, O Christ,* to the Father to sit beside Him.* Angels hastened, running on before, and cried:* Lift the gates up, lift them up;* for the King has ascended to His bright primal glory.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 6
Your Cross, O Lord, is the life and resurrection of Your people,* and trusting in it we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.
Your burial, O Master, opened Paradise to mankind,* and thus delivered from corruption we sing Your praises:* O our risen God, have mercy upon us.
With the Father and the Spirit* let us hymn Christ risen from the dead,* and let us cry out to Him:* You are our life and resurrection, have mercy upon us.
On the third day You arose from the tomb, O Christ, as it was written,* raising together with Yourself our Forefather;* therefore the race of mankind glorifies You, and hymns Your Resurrection.
Having brought together all knowledge of things of the spirit* and made careful inquiry by the divine Spirit’s grace,* lo, like godly scribes the august Fathers* wrote the celestial Symbol, the august Creed of our holy Faith,* wherein they clearly teach that, like God the Father,* the Word of God, is also beginningless and is consubstantial with Him in truth.* Thus did these all-blest, renowned and godly-minded ones* indeed follow in manifest manner in that which the Apostles taught.
Having brought together all knowledge of things of the spirit* and made careful inquiry by the divine Spirit’s grace,* lo, like godly scribes the august Fathers* wrote the celestial Symbol, the august Creed of our holy Faith,* wherein they clearly teach that, like God the Father,* the Word of God, is also beginningless and is consubstantial with Him in truth.* Thus did these all-blest, renowned and godly-minded ones* indeed follow in manifest manner in that which the Apostles taught.
When those blest defenders of the Gospel’s doctrines, Christ’s heralds, had received* the fullness of noetic enlightenment through the Spirit’s grace,* they proclaimed the august oracle to all mankind* under inspiration from our God,* that most transcendent truth which, though few in words, is sublimely wise.* These champions of piety and pious traditions and teachings* thus received revelation of piety and dogma from on high* and were enlightened and then set forth* that faith which was taught of God.
Lo, the divine shepherds,* as devoted servants of Christ God and sacred initiates of the preaching inspired by God,* brought together their wisdom as shepherds and their pastoral knowledge.* Then most righteously did they stir up their righteous anger* and cast out from the plenitude of the Church the prowling and destructive wolves,* driving them far off with the Spirit’s sling,* since those thus expelled had incurred a fall that leads to death* and were diseased with an illness that could not be relieved or cured.
Tone 8, Glory…
When the choir of the Holy Fathers* flocked from the ends of the inhabited world,* they proclaimed the doctrine of the One Essence* and One Nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,* thereby delivering plainly to the Church the mystery of theology.* As we acclaim them in faith, we call them blessed, saying:* O divine array, God-proclaiming warriors of the Lord’s company,* most brilliant stars of the spiritual firmament,* impregnable towers of the mystical Sion,* fragrant flowers of Paradise, all-golden mouths of the Word,* the boast of Nicaea and adornment of the whole world.* Intercede fervently on behalf of our souls.
Tone 2, Now…
You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 2
You came forth from death, destroying the eternal bonds of Hades, O Lord.* You broke the curse of Death* and thus delivered us from the snares of the Evil One.* Then You appeared to your apostles and sent them forth to preach,* and through them You have bestowed your peace upon all the world,* for You alone are rich in mercy.
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
DIVINE LITURGY
First Antiphon
Clap your hands, all you nations;* shout to God with the voice of joy.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
For the Lord most high is awesome,* a great king over all the earth.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
He has subdued peoples to us,* and nations under our feet.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
God ascended amid shouts of joy;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…
Third Antiphon
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord,* let us acclaim God, our Saviour.
Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Let us come before His face with praise,* and acclaim Him in psalms.
Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For God is the great Lord,* the great king over all the earth.
Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Entrance
Come, let us worship* and fall down before Christ.
Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 6: Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!
Troparion, Tone 4: You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through your blessing* that You are the Son of God,* the Redeemer of the world.
Troparion, Tone 8: Christ our God, You are glorified above all,* You established our fathers as beacons on earth* and through them guided all of us to the true faith.* Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 8: The apostles’ preaching and the Fathers’ doctrine* confirmed the Church’s one faith,* and wearing the garment of truth* woven from theology that descends from on high,* she rightly imparts* the mystery of godliness* and sings its glory.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 6: When you had fulfilled Your plan for us* and united things on earth with those in heaven,* You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* in no way distant, but remaining inseparable,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.
verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26,27)
Epistle
Acts 20:16-18, 28-36
Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The God of gods, the Lord, spoke and summoned the earth from the rising of sun to its setting.
verse: Gather to Him His devout ones, who with sacrifice make covenant with Him. (Psalm 49:1,5)
Gospel
John 17:1-13
Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.
And the Irmos: O Mother of God,* you transcended both mind and word,* and in time, ineffably bore the Timeless One:* it is you who, with one accord,* we, the faithful, magnify.
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:1)* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.
Instead of We have seen the true light we sing:
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, above all the earth be Your glory.
Instead of Let our mouths be filled we sing three times:
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, above all the earth be Your glory.