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Event Information:

  • Sun
    30
    Jun
    2024

    Sixth Sunday after Pentecost. Octoechos Tone 5. 🕂 The Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious and All-Praiseworthy Twelve Apostles; Blessed Hieromartyr Vasyl Velychkovsky.

    Polyeleos Feast on a Sunday

    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.

    Tone 4

    If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

    You have given as the pride and glory of Your Church, Lover of mankind,* the holy apostles Peter and Paul.* They shine upon the world as spiritual stars;* through them You have enlightened our darkness,* almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls!

    I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.

    You have given two mighty pillars to Your Church, Lord:* Peter the rock and Paul the wise.* They proclaim the truth and chase away the errors of godlessness.* Their words reveal Your glory to us,* almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls!

    From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.

    You have given two models of conversion to the faithful, Lord:* your blessed apostles Peter and Paul.* One repented, after denying you at the time of Your Passion;* the other believed, after opposing Your preaching:* now they both stand among the first of Your friends,* almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls!

    Tone 4

    For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

    Let us bless the honourable disciples!* They were the eye-witnesses of the Incarnate Word.* They shine upon the world like flashes of lightning;* as spiritual giants they bring sweetness to our souls.* They are rivers of paradise,* flowing with living water for the refreshment of the churches!

    Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.

    Let us honour Christ’s fellow-labourers!* They are lightning bolts hurled to earth by the might of the Spirit;* workers of miracles and witnesses of the mysteries,* tablets of divine love written by the hand of God,* honourable masters of the divine law!

    Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.

    The foolishness of the philosophers is corrected by the rod of the fishermen!* The vanity of the orators is put to confusion by divine wisdom!* The apostles proclaimed the infinite goodness of the Gospel;* now they exult in the communion of eternal blessedness:* the joy of the angels and the unfading crown of glory.

    Tone 6, Glory…

    Assemble, chosen members of Christ’s holy Church!* The feast of the honourable apostles dawns upon the earth,* bringing salvation for us all!* Clap your hands, all peoples; cry out in exultation:* rejoice, twin rays of the sun, enlightening us who sit in darkness!* Rejoice, Peter and Paul, unshakeable pillars of divine doctrine!* Rejoice, friends of Christ and chosen vessels!* Come, and be present with us in spirit:* grant us spiritual gifts as we celebrate your sacred memory in song!

    Tone 5, 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.

    The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.

    O Giver of Life,* streams of forgiveness, life, and salvation* poured forth from Your pierced side upon us all.* By accepting physical death, You granted us immortality;* by lying in the tomb, You freed us from Hades,* and as God, by rising from the dead,* You raised us with Yourself in glory.* Therefore, we cry out to You:* O Lover of mankind, glory to You!

    For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

    O Lover of mankind,* Your crucifixion and descent into Hades are most wondrous.* For, as God, You thereby conquered the power of Hades,* and raised up in glory, with Yourself, those who were long imprisoned there.* You reopened Paradise and enabled them to enter.* Grant forgiveness of sins to us* who glorify Your resurrection on the third day,* for You alone are all-merciful.

    Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

    O Lover of mankind,* You accepted suffering in the flesh* and rose from the dead on the third day.* Therefore, heal the passions of our flesh,* raise us from our dreadful iniquities, and save us.

    Tone 6, Glory...

    A joyful feast dawns upon the earth today:* the memorial of Peter and Paul, the wise leaders of the apostles.* Let Rome rejoice and be glad with us!* Let us keep feast, brethren, in songs and hymns.* Rejoice, apostle Peter, true friend of Christ our God!* Rejoice, beloved Paul, herald of the faith and teacher of the universe!* You have boldness before Him, chosen pair:* pray unceasingly that our souls may be saved!

    Now…

    Theotokos, you are the true vine who blossomed for us the fruit of life:* implore Him, we pray you, Lady, together with the apostles and all the saints,* that He will have mercy on our souls!

    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.

    Tone 8, Glory...

    O saints, your message has spread throughout the world* for receiving the Spirit in tongues of fire you torched the idols’ deceit.* With the net of your words you caught those who were lost and brought them to faith.* Therefore the heavens declare your glory* and the firmament which God created adds its voice* and we with them cry out feasting your memory.* Save us all, O God, by the prayer of your twelve apostles.

    Now...

    O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.* O Saviour, save Your despairing people!

     

    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)

    Tone 8, Glory...

    O saints, your message has spread throughout the world* for receiving the Spirit in tongues of fire you torched the idols’ deceit.* With the net of your words you caught those who were lost and brought them to faith.* Therefore the heavens declare your glory* and the firmament which God created adds its voice* and we with them cry out feasting your memory.* Save us all, O God, by the prayer of your twelve apostles.

    Now...

    O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.* O Saviour, save Your despairing people!

    Psalter Reading

    Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
    Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
    Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16

    Small 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, 23

    Small 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.

    Polyeleos

    Exaltation

    We extol you,* O holy apostles,* who through your preaching enlightened the whole world* and brought all the nations to Christ.

    verse: You establish them as kings over all the earth.

    verse: Your lightning flashes illuminate the entire universe.

    verse: He gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!

    Glory… Now…

    Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

    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.

    Sessional Hymns

    Tone 1

    The spiritual choir of apostles of the most high God* was mysteriously sent into the world* and appeared as physicians of all those suffering in captivity.* Invoking the Triune God,* they wisely expounded the divine incarnation of Emmanuel, the Lord.

    Tone 4

    O apostles of the Lord, heavenly ministers of the mysteries!* As stars, you illumine the ends of the earth with the bright rays* of the instructions of your holy preaching.

    Tone 3, Glory... Now...

    O divine trumpets of the Comforter!* You proclaimed the gospel of salvation to the world;* you awakened those who were slumbering in the darkness of deceit,* and led them to the light of the knowledge of God.* O apostles of the divine Light,* implore Christ our God to save our souls.

    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

    Luke 24:36-53

    Hymn of Resurrection

    Psalm 50

    Verses at Psalm 50

    Canon, Tone 5

    Ode 1

    Irmos: Christ, who breaks the battles,* with uplifted arm shook horse and rider into the Red Sea,* but Israel he saved,* singing a song of victory.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    The congregation of the Hebrews preserved no mother’s love for you who gave them every good; they crowned you with thorns, O Christ, you who had loosed from the punishing thorns the first ancestor of man.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    Giver of life, you bent down to the pit without danger of falling and raised me up who had fallen; you bore with my evil-smelling corruption, O Christ, yourself untouched, and made me fragrant with the sweet oil of the divine nature.

    Glory… Now…

    The curse is lifted, sorrow has ceased; O blessed one and full of grace, you have caused joy to spring up for the faithful for from you Christ has flowered, our blessing for ever.

     

    Ode 3

    Irmos: Your command fixed firm the earth upon nothing* and sovereignty poised its vast bulk;* make firm your Church on the immovable rock of your commandments,* O Christ, alone good and Lover of man.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    Those who sucked honey from the rock brought you gall for your wonders in the wilderness, O Christ. Vinegar for manna the ungrateful sons of Israel gave you in exchange for your deeds of goodness.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    Covered of old by a light-radiant cloud they laid life, O Christ, in the grave: but, you rose of your own power, and you granted mystically to all the faithful the Spirit’s overshadowing shining from above.

    Glory… Now…

    Mother of God, virginally and without a mother’s pain you bore him, the outshining of the untouched Father; therefore, since you conceived the Word made flesh, in true faith we proclaim you Bearer of God.

     

    Ode 4

    Irmos: Habakkuk in prophecy, O Christ, apprehending your divine emptying, in trembling awe cried out to you: For the salvation of your people, to make safe your anointed, you have come.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    O Good One, the most bitter streams of Meribah you sweetened by a tree, and thus in sign prefigured your pure cross which slays the bitter taste of sin.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    You accepted a cross for the tree of knowledge, my Saviour, gall for sweet food, and for the corruption of death you shed the blood of God.

    Glory… Now…

    Untouched, you conceived incorruptibly in your womb; a Virgin, guarded to bring forth God in the flesh, you bore a child without pain and were virgin after the birth.

     

    Ode 5

    Irmos: To you, clothed with light as a garment,* early I rise and cry out.* Lighten my darkened soul,* O Christ, only compassionate.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    In dishonour and inglorious form, of his own will the Lord of glory hung upon the cross, and inconceivably thus procured for me divine glory.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    You have changed my clothing for the garment of incorruption, O Christ, for uncorrupted you tasted the corruption of death in the flesh, and on the third day rose from the tomb.

    Glory… Now…

    Mother of God, you set free our first father’s nature from the curse, for without seed you gave birth to Christ our righteousness and redemption.

     

    Ode 6

    Irmos: Lord Christ, calm the soul-destroying waves of the raging sea of passions* and, O compassionate, lead me up from corruption.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    Our first ancestor fell into corruption, Lord Christ, tasting forbidden fruit; and he was brought back to life by your Passion.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    You, the life, came to Hell and to the corrupter became corruption; thus, Lord Christ, through corruption you brought, as fountain springing, resurrection.

    Glory… Now…

    The Virgin bore a child and after bearing still was pure; holding him up in her arms who supports the whole creation she is truly Virgin Mother.

     

    Kontakion

    You, my Saviour, descended to Hades,* and as the Almighty, You shattered its gates.* With Yourself You, as the Creator, raised the dead and shattered the sting of death,* and delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Mankind.* And so we cry out: “Save us, O Lord.”

    Ikos

    The women heard the angel’s words, shed their lamentations, changed to gladness, trembling, saw the resurrection. And Christ drew near in greeting: Joy to you, take courage, I have overcome the world, and set the prisoners free. Run to the disciples and ay: I go before you into Galilee to pr claim the good news. Therefore we all cry out to you: Save us, O Lord.

     

    Ode 7

    Irmos: The Lord of the fathers, most highly exalted,* quenched the fire and rained his dew* on the young men in unison singing:* Blessed are you, O God.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    Clothed with flesh as bait for the hook, by your divine power you dragged the serpent down, and brought back those who cried: Blessed are you, O God.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    He, the unbounded, who brought into being and knitted together the boundless immensities of earth, in the flesh was concealed in the grave; and we sing to him: Blessed are you, O God.

    Glory… Now…

    All-holy, you bore one person in two natures, God has taken bodily form and we sing to him: Blessed are you, O God.

     

    Ode 8

    Irmos: The young men in the furnace devised a chorus of all creation for you, the Creator of all,* and in song they proclaimed it:* All you his works, sing to the Lord,* and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    As if it were against your will, of that so longed for cup of your saving Passion you prayed that it might not be: two wills to two natures corresponding you bear, O Christ, throughout all the ages.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    At your descent, Creator of all, Hell the fool gave up all those who of old had been slain by deceit, and who now, O Christ, highly exalt you throughout all the ages.

    Glory… Now…

    O Virgin, beyond thought, in divine and human manner, by the word you bore the Lord, while remaining virgin; we, his creatures, bless and highly exalt you throughout all the ages.

     

    Magnificat

     

    Ode 9

    Irmos: Rejoice and sing, Isaiah,* the Virgin has conceived and bears a son, Emmanuel,* God and man, his name the Dayspring;* we magnify him and we call the Virgin blessed.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    Fallen man, Lord Christ, you assumed; wholly joined to him in a virginal womb, sin alone excepted, wholly you have freed him from corruption by your pure sufferings.

    Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

    Your pure and life-giving side, Lord Christ, was emptied of the blood which flowed from God, and sacrifice to idols ceased; and all we of the earth bring to you the sacrifice of praise.

    Most holy Mother of God, save us!

    Not God bodiless, nor yet mere man, the pure and honourable Maid bore to us, but perfect man and perfect God, in very truth; we magnify him, together with the Father and the Spirit.

    Irmos: Christ the cornerstone not cut by hand was cut from you,* the unhewn mountain, O Virgin,* thus uniting two distinct natures in Himself.* Therefore, rejoicing, we magnify you, O Mother of God.

    O holy apostles, pray to God for us!

    Having received from the Master power to loose the bonds of sins, O eyewitnesses of God, mercifully cleanse the sins of those who honour you, and make them worthy of salvation.

    O holy apostles, pray to God for us!

    To you, His departed friends, Christ grants never-fading crowns, and fills you with the divine vision. Implore Him now to save all the churches.

    Glory… Now…

    He, who adorned the universe with but a word, desired to come down in the flesh and take up His abode in you, O Virgin Mother; for He has found you to be the holiest of all, and has manifested you as the true Mother God.

    Small Litany

    Holy is the Lord

    Hymn of Light

    After Your resurrection from the grave, O Saviour,* You revealed Your human nature as You stood in the midst of the disciples;* You ate with them and taught them the baptism of repentance.* Then You ascended to Your Father and promised to send them the Paraclete.* Therefore, O Lover of mankind and God most high,* glory to Your holy resurrection!

    Glory… Now…

    O apostles of the Lord,* you traveled to the ends of the earth* and preached the truth of the incarnation of the Lord from a virgin,* converting nations from deceit,* and enlightening and teaching all to worship the Holy Trinity.

    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.

    Tone 8

    O Lord, You have illumined Your apostles with the radiance of the Comforter,* and, owing to the spiritual enlightenment of Your wisdom,* You have established them as lamps for the strengthening of the faith, O Master!* Therefore, we adore Your unspeakable love for mankind.

    O Lord, You have illumined Your apostles with the radiance of the Comforter,* and, owing to the spiritual enlightenment of Your wisdom,* You have established them as lamps for the strengthening of the faith, O Master!* Therefore, we adore Your unspeakable love for mankind.

    Through the prayers of the apostles, O Lord,* You have fenced in Your flock,* preserving them unharmed from the temptations of the enemy;* for You, the compassionate Lover of mankind,* redeemed it from the bondage of the Devil with Your precious blood.

    You have manifested yourselves as precious stones in the foundation of the Church,* illuminating the universe with a bright light of the clear knowledge of God,* O divine apostles. You now stand before the throne of the Triune God,* praying for our souls.

    Tone 6, Glory…

    Since You are the true peace of God for us, O Christ,* You gave Your peace to Your disciples after Your resurrection.* They were frightened when they thought that they were beholding a spirit.* But You removed the anxiety of their hearts when You showed them Your hands and feet,* yet they were still in doubt.* But when You took food with them, reminding them of Your preaching,* You opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.* You made the eternal covenant with them;* You blessed them and rose, ascending into heaven. Therefore, with them, we worship You;* O Lord, glory to You!

    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

    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.

    Troparion, Tone 8: O saints, your message has spread throughout the world* for receiving the Spirit in tongues of fire you torched the idols’ deceit.* With the net of your words you caught those who were lost and brought them to faith.* Therefore the heavens declare your glory* and the firmament which God created adds its voice* and we with them cry out feasting your memory.* Save us all, O God, by the prayer of your twelve apostles.

    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

    Kontakion, Tone 5: You, my Saviour, descended to Hades,* and as the Almighty, You shattered its gates.* With Yourself You, as the Creator, raised the dead and shattered the sting of death,* and delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Mankind.* And so we cry out: “Save us, O Lord.”

    Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

    Kontakion, Tone 2: Christ the Rock today valiantly glorifies the rock of faith,* the most splendid of the disciples, along with Paul and the council of the twelve.* As we celebrate their memory with faith we glorify the One who glorified them.

    Prokeimenon, Tone 5

    You, O Lord, will guard us and will keep us* from this generation and for ever.

    verse: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer left a just man. (Psalm 11:8,2)

    Prokeimenon, Tone 8

    Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

    Epistle

    Romans 12:6-14; 1 Corinthians 4:9-16

    Alleluia, Tone 5

    verse: Your mercies, O Lord, I will sing for ever; from generation to generation I will announce Your truth with my mouth.

    verse: For You have said: Mercy shall be built up for ever; in the heavens Your truth shall be prepared. (Psalm 88:2,3)

    verse: The heavens shall confess Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.

    Gospel

    Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 3:13-19

    Communion Hymn

    Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their words unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)