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Event Information:

  • Sun
    01
    Sep
    2024

    Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 6. 🕂 Beginning of the Indiction, that is, the New Year; Our Holy Father Symeon the Stylite and his mother Martha; Synaxis of the Most Holy Mother of God of Miasenes.

    Polyeleos Feast.

    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 1

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

    Having prayerfully learned the right glorious and divine teaching of Christ,* every day let us cry out to the Creator:* Our Father, who dwell in the heavens,* give us our daily bread,* overlooking our transgressions.

    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 God, who once on Mount Sinai inscribed the tablets,* now in the flesh in the city of Nazareth* You have Yourself received the book of the prophet to read of God,* and unrolling it You taught the people* so as to fulfil that which was written* concerning You.

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

    As once in the wilderness the bodies of the Jews* who did not truly subject themselves to You, the Master of all,* fell into the abyss as was fitting;* so now with psalmody You scatter the bones of the impious* and unbelieving Hagarenes in hell, O Christ.

    Tone 5

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

    O venerable father,* were it possible for your pillar to speak,* it would not cease to hymn your pangs, labours and lamentations.* For, rather than bearing, it was borne, like a tree watered by your tears.* The angels were amazed, men marvelled, and the demons feared your patience, O venerable Symeon.* Pray that our souls be saved!

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

    O venerable father,* emulating your Master through the power of the divine Spirit,* you mounted mount your pillar as though it were a cross.* He rent asunder the handwriting of the sins of all,* and you put put down the uprisings of the passions.* He was like a lamb, and you were like an immolation.* He ascended the Cross; you, the pillar.* O venerable Symeon: pray that our souls be saved!

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

    O venerable father,* having drenched your body with tears and cleansed your soul,* you scaled the heights of the virtues.* Wherefore, making your pillar a material habitation* and heavenly Sion your noetic and heavenly city,* you astounded by your virtues the angels* and struck men with awe, and didst put the demons to shame.* O venerable Symeon: pray that our souls be saved!

    Tone 6, Glory…

    Grace divine overshadows the shrine of your relics, O sanctified Symeon.* Wherefore, having recourse to the fragrance of the myrrh of your miracles,* we draw forth the healing of our infirmities.* Yet, O venerable father, entreat Christ God in behalf of our souls.

    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.

    Prokeimenon, Tone 6

    The Lord reigns,* He is clothed in majesty.

    verse: Robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.

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

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

    Readings

    (1) Isaiah 61:1-9; (2) Leviticus 26:3-24; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15

    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 5, Glory…

    O venerable father, you discovered a good ladder,* whereby you ascended on High as on the fiery chariot which Elijah found.* Though he did not leave the means of his ascent behind for others,* yet even after death you have your pillar.* O heavenly man, earthly angel, inextinguishable beacon of the world, venerable Symeon:* pray that our souls be saved!

    Now…

    O You that are ever King and abide for endless ages:* accept the supplication of sinners entreating salvation, O Lover of mankind,* and grant fertility to Your earth, bestowing seasonable weather thereon;* on behalf of orthodox Christians contend against the godless barbarians,* as once You did for David, when they came to Your habitations* and defiled the most holy place, O Saviour.* And through the prayers of the Theotokos, grant victories to them, O Christ God,* for You are the victory and boast of the orthodox.

    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 1, Glory…

    O venerable saint, you became a pillar of endurance,* rivalling the forefathers: Job in afflictions and Joseph in trials,* and while still in the body you lived the life of the Bodiless ones.* O Symeon our father,* entreat Christ God to save our souls.

    Tone 2, Now…

    Fashioner of all creation* You fixed times and seasons by Your own authority;* bless the crown of the year, O Lord, with Your goodness,* preserving our nation and Your city in peace;* and save us through the prayers of the Mother of God.

     

    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 1, Glory…

    O venerable saint, you became a pillar of endurance,* rivalling the forefathers: Job in afflictions and Joseph in trials,* and while still in the body you lived the life of the Bodiless ones.* O Symeon our father,* entreat Christ God to save our souls.

    Tone 2, Now…

    Fashioner of all creation* You fixed times and seasons by Your own authority;* bless the crown of the year, O Lord, with Your goodness,* preserving our nation and Your city in peace;* and save us through the prayers of the Mother of God.

    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 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, 23

    Small 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!

    Polyeleos

    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

    Luke 24:1-12

    Hymn of Resurrection

    Psalm 50

    Verses at Psalm 50

    Canon, Tone 6

    Please note that for the sake of the simplification of this Hour in parishes, only the texts of the Resurrectional Canon are provided.

    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

    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.

    Glory… Now…

    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.

     

    Small Litany

    Holy is the Lord

    Hymn of Light

    Resplendent with virtues* let us behold the men standing in brilliant clothes inside the grave,* giving life to the saddened myrrh-bearing women.* Let us learn of the resurrection of the Lord of heaven* and hasten with Peter to the tomb of life.* Let us stand before His wondrous resurrection* and contemplate the marvels of Christ.

    Glory…

    Your life, O venerable one, which shone like a radiant beacon,* has illumined all the world with rays of miracles;* for, praying for us who honour you, O blessed one,* by your pillar you ascended to God as by a ladder,* to that place where there is truly the ultimate fulfilment of all desires, O Symeon.

    Now…

    O Maker and Ruler of all creation,* who in Your authority have fixed the times and seasons:* crown the cycles of the year with blessings of goodness, O Compassionate One,* preserving Your people in peace, unharmed and whole, we pray,* through the supplications of her who gave birth to You,* and of the divine angels.

    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 3

    O pre-eternal Word of the Father, who are in the image of God,* and who, in Your authority, have fixed the times and seasons:* Bless the crown of the year with Your goodness,* granting peace to Your Churches and victories to orthodox Christians,* fertility to the earth and great mercy to us.

    Tone 4

    Your Kingdom is the Kingdom of all ages, O Christ God,* and Your dominion continues through all generations;* for You have fashioned all things in wisdom, fixing the times and seasons for us.* Wherefore, giving thanks for all things, we cry out:* Bless the crown of the year with Your goodness,* and vouchsafe us to cry aloud to You without condemnation:* Glory to You, O Lord!

    Your journeys are great and wondrous journeyings, O God.* Wherefore, we magnify the power of Your dispensation:* for, being Light of Light, You came to Your wretched world* and destroyed the primeval curse of ancient Adam,* as You were well pleased so to do, O Word;* and in Your wisdom You have appointed times and seasons for us,* that we may glorify Your goodness, which accomplishes all things.* O Lord, glory be to You!

    Tone 2

    When by Your Passion, O Lord, You established the whole world,* then were the weak girded about with power,* and women stood forth manfully against the most cruel tyrant and won a maternal victory;* and they entered into the delight of paradise,* to the glory of You who were born of women* and have saved the human race.

    Tone 4, Glory…

    The women came at early dawn to Your tomb, O Christ,* but they did not find Your venerable body.* As they were perplexed, an angel in shining clothes said to them:* Why do you seek the Living among the dead?* He is risen as He foretold.* Have you forgotten what He said?* Being assured by the words of the angel,* the women preached to the disciples about the things they saw.* But their good news was received with ridicule;* for the disciples were still without understanding.* Peter, however, hastened to Your tomb* and then glorified Your wonders, O Lord.

    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 2: Fashioner of all creation,* you fixed times and seasons by Your own authority;* bless the crown of the year, O Lord, with your goodness,* preserving our nation and Your city in peace;* and save us through the prayers of the Mother of God.

    Troparion, Tone 1: O venerable saint, you became a pillar of endurance,* rivalling the forefathers: Job in afflictions and Joseph in trials,* and while still in the body you lived the life of the Bodiless ones.* O Symeon our father,* entreat Christ God to save our souls.

    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.

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

    Kontakion, Tone 2: Seeking things above, you joined yourself to those on high;* you made your pillar a fiery chariot,* through which, O venerable one, you became a companion of the angels.* With them, unceasingly implore Christ God on our behalf.

    Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

    Kontakion, Tone 2: You dwell on high, O Christ the King,* Creator and Builder of all that is seen and unseen.* You made seasons and time and the day and night.* Now bless the crown of the present year.* Guard and protect our country, this city and your people,* O Lord, so rich in mercy.

    Prokeimenon I, Tone 3

    Great is our Lord and great is His strength;* and of His knowledge there is no end.

    verse: Praise the Lord for a psalm is good; may praise be sweet to Him. (Psalm 146:5)

    Prokeimenon II, Tone 7

    Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones. (Psalm 115:6)

    Epistle

    2 Corinthians 4:6-15

    Alleluia, Tone 4

    verse: To You, O God, is due a hymn in Sion, and to You shall a vow be paid in Jerusalem. (Psalm 64:2)

    verse: You will bless the crown of the year with Your goodness. (Psalm 64:12)

    verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; (Psalm 111:6)

    Gospel

    Matthew 22:35-46

    Communion Hymn

    You will bless the crown of the year* with Your goodness. (Psalm 64:12)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear. (Psalm 111:6-7)