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Event Information:
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Sun07Jul2024
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost. Octoechos Tone 6. Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Our Venerable Father Thomas of Maleum and Acacius who is mentioned in “The Ladder of Divine Ascent.”
GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING
Kathisma 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.
We exult in Your cross, O Christ,* and we sing the glory of Your resurrection.* For You are our God, and we have no other Lord but You.
Tone 6
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Chosen Sovereign Lady and Well-Spring of Divine tenderness!* Having gathered together, we are here to glorify you,* the Mother of God of Perpetual Help.* Keep under your perpetual protection your children,* us, who have given over our entire lives into your hands* and who sing to You:* Rejoice, full of grace, all our Hope is in you.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
A certain merchant in Crete knew about your icon,* as about a pearl of great price,* for it was beautiful and glorious on account of miracles.* He had the boldness to steal it from the [church] temple* so that he may use it for protection, hiding it on his ship.* But then he realized his misdeed and repented,* wishing to return the icon, for you are the Mother of all.* And so, having you in our hearts, as a precious treasure,* we pass over the depths of our lives, steering towards the eternal heavenly Jerusalem, singing:* Rejoice, full of grace, all our Hope is in you.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
We see in this the incomprehensible wisdom of the Lord's Providence:* desiring to hide your most-pure icon from the faithless, O Most-immaculate Virgin,* God used hands of thievery to transfer it to Rome,* from where it could be raised up and glorified by all nations,* bestowing through it, the riches of His kindness and mercy,* on account of your prayers, O Theotokos,* for, in touching this ark, we find not death, but life.* You, O Theotokos, are the true Spirit-filled Ark;* for, you bear in your arms not the law, or the blossoming rod, or even the golden vessel,* but the Bread of Life, the Unfading Flower and Giver-of-the-Law.* Intercede with Him for those who acknowledge you as their Perpetual Help.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
All the ends of the earth saw your co-suffering,* O much-suffering Mother,* depicted upon this icon.* They looked and wondered as You handed over the Priceless One as an offering,* to deliver your children from hostile bondage.* With what glorious songs can we sing the praises of your love?* How will we magnify your majesty in suffering?* What kind of spiritual flowers can we pick with which to decorate the thorny pathways of your life?* But running unto you, O Treasury-of-Mercy,* we will proclaim your greatness to the ends of the world,* teaching all to glorify you, as the Intercessor of mercy;* and thus, through you, to magnify God.
Tone 4
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
Seeking help in spiritual and bodily ailments,* we run to You* O Mother of God of Perpetual Help, singing:* It has never been heard that you did not help.* For, through You, O Mother, we will receive the necessary graces for our lives,* the strength to fulfill our duties, overcome our temptations, and bear our crosses.* For, everyone knows - the poor, the afflicted and the lonely, -* that You, O All-Merciful, will never forget about us.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
It is a wondrous and incomprehensible mystery, O Lord our God,* that, being God, You still always listen to the requests of Your Mother,* because she asks only for those things* that are in accord with Your own Will* and she gives gifts in accord with Your Providence* and she desires for us all to be saved.
Tone 1, Glory…
O all-hymned Sovereign Lady, it was through the unspeakable Divine Plan* that You were chosen among women for the salvation of the whole world,* for the Wisdom of God fashioned you into an inexhaustible Well-Spring of His graces* and the first gleam of the saving Light* and a stream of mercy towards sinners.* Therefore, we come to you, the reason for all of the gifts of God,* and, falling before You, we pray:* O Mother of Perpetual Help, do not reject our requests* but graciously deliver us from every kind of evil.
Tone 6, 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 have mercy on our souls.
Readings
(1) Genesis 28:10-17; (2) Esther 7:1-10; (3) Proverbs 9:1-11.
Lytia
Tone 1
Let us praise, O faithful, the Mother of God of Perpetual Help,* for whosoever but flies to her, finds what they need:* the sick receive health; the suffering – consolation* those in darkness - the enlightenment of their soul and body;* for, she touches all with her goodness;* to draw them to her mother's heart* and guide everyone to the Never-Setting Light:* Christ, the Redeemer.
Tone 2
A multitude of angels* surround your glorious throne, O Full-of-Grace,* and tirelessly sing: Rejoice,* for they do not know how else to magnify you worthily,* to be awed enough at Your beauty,* or to sufficiently admire your all-pure countenance.* And we who are gathered together today,* lift up our eyes with faith,* as we sing along with them:* Rejoice, Mother of Perpetual Help!
Tone 4
Having your icon as a precious pearl, O Mother of God,* which has come to us from the far east,* we greet you, as a clear dawning,* as an emissary of God's day,* because you bring salvation.* That is why we call upon you:* Rejoice, Tablet of God's mercy.* Rejoice, manna, sweeter than honey.* Rejoice, seven-branched lamp that enlightens all.* Rejoice, O Mother of God of Perpetual Help.
Glory… Now…
Desiring to save the whole world by His Resurrection,* the One Who became the Mediator of all,* has chosen You as His Co-Sufferer and the Intercessor for the sake of our salvation.* Therefore, at the time of His suffering in the flesh,* He called You the Mother of all who believe in Him* and who honor you, the Mother of our Savior.
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 2, Glory… Now…
Having cleansed our thoughts and minds* together with the angels let us celebrate radiantly,* singing David's psalm to the Virgin and Mother* of the King of All, Who is Christ our God:* “Rise up, O Lord, [to go] to the place of Your rest,* You and the Ark of Your Holiness!”* For You have adorned her, O Master, as a wonderful palace *, and have gifted her to Your people *, so that by her prayers, as if by the very power of Your own authority,* they may be led and protected from all adversaries.
Troparia
Tone 7
O Mother of God and Virgin,* we magnify Your glory,* we ask for Your help,* we venerate Your miracle-working icon.* You are the Mother of grace,* You are the hope of the world;* do not reject our prayers in our times of need,* and free us from all dangers. (3)
GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING
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 7, Glory… Now…
O Mother of God and Virgin,* we magnify Your glory,* we ask for Your help,* we venerate Your miracle-working icon.* You are the Mother of grace,* You are the hope of the world;* do not reject our prayers in our times of need,* and free us from all dangers.
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
Polyeleos
Exaltation
We magnify you,* O Mother of God of Perpetual Help,* as we celebrate this, your Feastday,* for you are our Leader to the “Redeemer” (Deliverer).
verse: Great is the Lord and greatly praised in the city of our God, His holy mount. (Ps. 47:2)
verse: Glorious things are spoken of you, O City of God. (Ps. 86:3)
verse: Holy is your temple, wondrous in righteousness. (Ps. 64:5-6)
Glory… Now…
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia: Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Evlogitaria
Small Litany
Sessional Hymns
Tone 2
You - the expectation of all peoples,* blessed among women,* the all-pure and all-immaculate Mother,* the beginning and well-spring of all wonders,* we glorify as the Mother of Perpetual Help.
For you, everything is possible, O all-Blessed Virgin Mary,* whether in heaven or on earth* - the conversion of sinners and the healing of the sick.* For, being the Theotokos,* you humbled yourself the most of all* and so we magnify you, O Mother of Perpetual Help.
Glory… Now…
O joy of the world, our Queen,* for the sake of the prayers of countless choirs of saints,* who shine, like heavenly stars, unto the ages,* graciously receive these prayers* and do not withhold your perpetual help* from those who trust in you.
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
Tone 6
Glory…
Through the intercession of the Theotokos,* O merciful One,* cleanse us from the multitude of our sins.
Now…
Through the intercession of the Theotokos,* O merciful One,* cleanse us from the multitude of our sins.
Have mercy on me, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion;* according to the multitude of Your mercies blot out my offence.
As the Nurturer and Mother of our souls,* we glorify you, O God-espoused Virgin.* You have raised us in the love of the Holy Spirit* and unceasingly nourish us with His radiance,* directing us onto the path of all the virtues,* O Intercessor of the whole world*, and you draw the image of the Origin-of-All within the souls of your children,* who glorify you.
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon, Tone 6
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.
Glory… Now…
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.
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.
Glory… Now…
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.
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.
Glory… Now…
Ever-virgin Mother of God, truly beyond speech and incomprehensible to heaven and to earth are the mysteries of your God-befitting child bearing.
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.
Glory… Now…
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.
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.
Glory… Now…
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.
Kontakion
With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.
Ikos
O Giver of life, we sing and we worship your cross and your burial, for you entered Hell, O deathless one, as God of all power, and raising the dead with yourself and shattering the gates of Hell, as God you demolished the might of death. Therefore with love and with longing we who are born of the earth praise you as risen from the dead, overthrowing the might of the all-destroying foe, raising up all who believe in you, delivering the world from the stings of the serpent and us from the wiles of the enemy, as the one who alone possesses the power. Devoutly we sing, therefore, the praises of your resurrection, for by this, as God of all, you have saved us.
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.
Glory… Now…
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.
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.
Glory… Now…
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.
Magnificat
Ode 9, Tone 8
Irmos: We have heard the words of consolation under the Cross,* that you are our Mother, and we are your children.* Therefore, having assembled today, each of us sincerely pleads:* place the Church and our people beneath [the mantle of] your perpetual protection;* for with faith and love* we magnify you as the Mother of Perpetual Help.
O Mother of Perpetual Help, save us.
Glorious things have been said about you, O City of God:* for, from you was born the One,* Who reigns forever over all in the heavens and on earth* and has brought you over from the earth to heaven.* Therefore intercede unceasingly before Him for those,* who honor Your holy feast,* by which we magnify you.
O Mother of Perpetual Help, save us.
O choirs of bodiless ones and assembly of patriarchs,* divine gathering of apostles and prophets,* company of martyrs,* choirs of hierarchs with venerable fathers, and all you saints!* Rejoice with us who celebrate* and praise this feast of the Mother of God.
Glory… Now…
Raise up the banner of all believers* and humble the conceit of adversaries, O all-Pure Theotokos!* Preserve your cities in peace* and protect all Christian nations,* wherein your great and highly famed name is praised* and faithfully honored by all, O Pure and Sovereign Lady.
Katavasia: We have heard the words of consolation under the Cross,* that you are our Mother, and we are your children.* Therefore, having assembled today, each of us sincerely pleads:* place the Church and our people beneath [the mantle of] your perpetual protection;* for with faith and love* we magnify you as the Mother of Perpetual Help.
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… Now…
O Virgin, pray to the Lord Who rose from the tomb on the third day* for us Christians who praise and bless you with zeal.* For we have all taken you as a refuge of salvation* and as a mediatrix with Him.* For we are your servants, O Mother of God;* we are the people of your house,* and we all await your protection.
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.
Tone 1
A wondrous rock of salvation,* as once to Israel, so now to us, O all-Good Master* have You given to Your servants, thirsty as we are in the wilderness of life,* in this icon of Your Mother.* We come to her with hope* and draw the wonderful drink* of Your all-abundant mercy.
A wondrous rock of salvation,* as once to Israel, so now to us, O all-Good Master* have You given to Your servants, thirsty as we are in the wilderness of life,* in this icon of Your Mother.* We come to her with hope* and draw the wonderful drink* of Your all-abundant mercy.
A well-spring of light and an inexhaustible flow of radiance* has your holy feast become for me!* Therefore intercede, O Theotokos,* that I may be delivered from the darkness of foolishness* and from the passions of both soul and body,* and, in the age to come, rescue me also from eternal torment.
The eternal Wisdom of God,* Who Himself was born in the flesh of you,* has, in this your feast, revealed you to be* the Well-Spring of tender wisdom* and the ocean of reason and grace.* Therefore, on account of Him, give me but a drop of your wisdom and understanding* and direct me upon the way to eternal life.
Tone 6, Glory…
After Your descent into Hades, O Christ,* and Your resurrection from the dead,* the disciples grieved over Your departure.* They returned to their occupations* and attended to their nets and their boats,* but their fishing was in vain.* You appeared to them since You are Lord of all;* You commanded them to cast the nets on the right side.* Immediately Your word became deed.* They caught a great number of fish,* and they found an unexpected meal prepared for them on the shore,* which they immediately ate.* Now, make us worthy to enjoy this meal with them in a spiritual manner,* O Lord and Lover of mankind.
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 ON SUNDAY MORNING
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 7: O Mother of God and Virgin,* we magnify Your glory,* we ask for Your help,* we venerate Your miracle-working icon.* You are the Mother of grace,* You are the hope of the world;* do not reject our prayers in our times of need,* and free us from all dangers.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 6: With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 6: Our Mother, O Lady of Perpetual Help,* give us boldness in our cares, improvement in our sicknesses,* consolation amid our very sorrows, help in our battles.* Grant unity to Christians, zeal to ministers of the Church,* forgiveness to sinners, steadfastness to the righteous,* salvation to the dying,* beseech to grant cleansing and eternal glory to the souls in purgatory.
Prokeimenon I, Tone 6
Save Your people, O Lord, * and bless Your inheritance.
verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord, my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm 27:9,1)
Prokeimenon II, Tone 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God, my Saviour (Lk 1:46-47)
Epistle
Romans 15:1-7; Hebrews 9:1-7.
Alleluia, Tone 6
verse: He who lives in the aid of the Most High, shall dwell under the protection of the God of heaven.
verse: He says to the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, in Whom I hope. (Psalm 90:1,2)
verse: Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear (Ps. 44:11)
Gospel
Matthew 9:27-35; Luke 10:38-42;11:27-28.
Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the Mother of God of Perpetual Help.
and the Irmos, Tone 8: We heard words of comfort beneath the Cross,* that You are our Mother and we are Your children.* Therefore, having gathered today, we all earnestly ask:* Place the Church and our nation beneath Your perpetual protection,* for we glorify You with faith and love as Mother of Perpetual Help.
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)