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Event Information:
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Sun13Oct2024
Commemoration of the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Octoechos Tone 4. Holy Martyrs Carpus, Papylas and Agathonicus.
GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING
Kathisma Reading
Blessed is the man... is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 4
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
We never cease to adore Your life-giving Cross, O Christ our God,* And we glorify Your resurrection on the third day.* For You, Almighty One, have thereby restored the corrupted nature of all* and reopened the way to heaven,* since You alone are gracious and You love mankind.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
O Saviour, You have absolved the penalty of disobedience,* committed through the tree of Eden,* by willingly being nailed to the tree of the cross.* As Almighty God, You descended into Hades* and broke asunder the bonds of death.* We, therefore, venerate Your resurrection from the dead,* and joyfully cry out to You:* Almighty Lord, glory to You!
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
O Lord, You have battered down the gates of Hades,* and by Your death You have dissolved the realm of death.* You have freed mankind from corruption,* bestowing life, incorruption, and Your great mercy upon the world.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
Come, all you people,* let us sing the praises of our Saviour’s resurrection on the third day.* For we have, thereby, been delivered from the invincible bonds of Hades,* and we have received incorruption, together with eternal life.* Therefore, we cry out to You* after Your crucifixion, burial, and resurrection:* Save us by Your resurrection, for You love mankind.
Tone 6
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Truly the Seven Councils of the Fathers* although held at various times* were brought together under the canons and in good order* by the Patriarch Germanus the New.* By inscribing and establishing their doctrines* and offering themselves as intercessors with the Lord,* the Fathers are protectors of our salvation* and shepherds of the fold.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
The Book of the Law has truly honoured the seventh day for the Hebrews* who were dispersed in the shadow of the Law and devoted to it.* But you Fathers, by your participation in the Seven Councils,* by the inspiration of God who in six days finished this universe* and blessed the seventh day,* have made it even more honourable by decreeing the bounds of faith.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
You have given all, O thrice-blessed Fathers,* to know the Father, the Son, and the Spirit clearly by their works:* the Trinity who is the cause of the creation of the world.* By your mystical speech* you called the first three Councils and then the next four.* You have appeared as champions of the true faith,* proving that the Trinity is truly the Creator* of the four elements and of the world.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
It would have sufficed Elisha the Prophet* to bend but once to instil life into the dead son of the servant,* but he kneeled and bent seven times.* Thus, in his foreknowledge he prophesied your gathering* through which you revived the Incarnation of the Word of God,* and humiliated Arius and his co-workers.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
In wisdom, O venerable Fathers,* you patched the garment of Christ* which had been torn by barking dogs;* for you could not possibly bear to see his nakedness,* like Shem and Japheth of old,* who could not bear to see the nakedness of their father.* Thus you confounded the foolish Arius* and all those who followed his doctrines.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
O Fathers, you are the true shepherds* who expelled from the Saviour’s fold* the Macedonians and the Nestorians,* the followers of Ephtechnis and Dioscorus,* Appolonarius, Sabellius, and Severus* because they became devouring wolves hidden in the skins of lambs.* Since you exposed these wretched ones, we truly honour you.
Tone 6, 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 struggling for the true faith.* They always intercede with the Lord* to have mercy on our souls.
Tone 4, Now…
O Mother of God, because of You* David the Prophet became an ancestor of God;* he foretold and sang a joyous hymn of praise* and cried out to Him who worked wonders in you:* “The Queen stood at your right hand.”* God revealed you as a life-giving mother,* when He chose to be incarnate of you without a father.* He renewed in man His image* which the passions had corrupted.* He found the lost sheep in the mountains,* carried it on His shoulders,* offered it to the Father,* generously numbered it among the powers of heaven,* and saved the whole world, since He is Christ of great and rich mercy.
Readings
(1) Genesis 14: 14-20; (2) Deuteronomy 1: 8-11, 15-17; (3) Deuteronomy 10: 14-21
Aposticha
Tone 4
In being lifted upon the cross, O Lord,* You abolished the curse which we had inherited from our fathers.* By going down into Hades,* You freed from eternal captivity those imprisoned there,* and granted incorruption to mankind.* We, therefore, praise Your life-giving and redeeming resurrection.
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
By hanging on the cross, O Almighty One,* You shook the whole creation to its foundations.* When You Yourself were laid in the grave,* You raised to life those who had been lying in the graves,* and You granted life and incorruption to mankind.* We, therefore, praise and glorify Your resurrection on the third day.
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O Christ, the lawless people showed their ingratitude to You, their Benefactor,* by delivering You to Pilate who condemned you to be crucified.* But You willingly suffered death and burial;* and, as God, You rose by Your own power on the third day,* granting us everlasting life and great mercy.
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
The women, shedding bitter tears, came to see You in Your tomb;* and not finding Your body, they lamented, saying:* O Saviour and King of All, how were You stolen?* What place holds Your life-bearing body?* An angel answered them, saying:* Do not weep, but go and proclaim that the Lord is risen,* filling our hearts with joy;* for He alone is most compassionate.
Tone 4, Glory…
Come all you people of the true faith,* let us celebrate today in faith and true worship* the anniversary of the God-mantled Fathers* who came together in the splendid city of Nicaea* from the whole inhabited world.* These Fathers, in the wisdom of their pious minds,* refuted the impious belief which the wretched Arius had invented.* They banished him from the universal Church by a decree of the Council.* They instructed all to confess openly* that the Son of God is consubstantial and co-eternal with the Father before all eternity,* decreeing the same with precision and true worship in the Canon of Faith.* Therefore, following their divine doctrines,* in true faith let us worship the Father and the Son and the most Holy Spirit,* the consubstantial Trinity in one Godhead.
Now…
O most pure Virgin, hear the petitions of your servants.* Remove the burdens which oppress us,* and deliver us from our sorrows;* for you are the only firm and constant support on whom we rely.* O Mother of God, never permit us who call upon you* to be overwhelmed by our cares.* Hasten to fulfill the supplications of all who, in faith, cry out to you:* Rejoice, O Lady, helper of all mankind,* the joy, the refuge, and the salvation of our souls.
Troparia
Tone 4
When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”
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.
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!
GREAT MATINS ON SUNDAY MORNING
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 4
Troparia, Tone 4
When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.” (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.
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, 16Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
Looking into the entrance of the tomb,* the Myrrh-bearing women were unable to endure the bright radiance of the Angel,* trembling in awe they said;* How is it that He who has opened Paradise to the Thief hath been stolen?* How is it that He who before His passion proclaimed His Arising has been raised?* Truly Christ God has arisen, granting those in Hades life and resurrection.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
Mortal men laid in a new tomb* the One who through a word established the ends of earth,* for You, O Saviour, willingly endured the Cross,* whereby You conquered the adversary, and despoiled death,* for which cause all those in Hades extol Your life-giving Arising saying* Christ, the giver of life, has arisen and abides to the ages.
Glory… Now…
As he contemplated that which was beyond nature* Joseph was struck with wonder, O Theotokos, at you conception without seed.* He contemplated the mysterious dew upon the fleece,* the bush unburnt by fire,* Aaron’s rod which budded.* Thus your Betrothed and guardian bore witness and cried to the priests saying:* A Virgin bears a child,* and after child-birth remains yet a virgin.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
O Saviour, You arose from Hades as immortal,* raising the world together with You by Your might, O Christ our God.* With strength You have overthrown the dominion of death,* revealing the Resurrection to all, O Merciful one.* Wherefore we also glorify You, O only Lover of mankind.
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
Gabriel radiant in white vestments descended from the heights above,* and approaching the rock upon which the Rock of life was lying,* cried to the weeping women saying:* Cease your cries of lamentation;* for you have now obtained merciful compassion.* Take courage, for the One you seek is truly risen.* Therefore, cry to the Apostles telling them that the Lord has arisen,* to worship the risen One;* and having received gladness, to take courage, together with Eve.
Glory… Now…
All the choirs of Angels were struck with wonder, O Pure Virgin,* at the awesome mystery of your conception.* How can the One who holds all things in place with only a nod,* now be held in your arms as a man?* How can the Eternal accept a beginning?* How can the One who nourishes everything that has breath by His ineffable goodness,* be suckled at your breast?* And upon seeing these things, with hymns they glorify you* as truly the Mother of God.
Polyeleos
Evoglitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 4
The Myrrh-bearing women hastened to proclaim to the Apostles* the news of Your wondrous Rising, O Christ:* that as God You have arisen,* granting the world great mercy.
Gradual Hymns, Tone 4
Antiphon 1
From my youth do many passions war against me;* but do You Yourself defend* and save me, O my Saviour.
You haters of Sion shall be shamed by the Lord;* for like grass, by the fire* shall you be withered.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit, every soul is quickened,* and, through cleansing, is exalted* and made radiant* by the Triple Unity in a hidden sacred manner.
Antiphon 2
From the depths of my soul* I have cried to You fervently, O Lord;* let Your divine ears be attentive to me.
Everyone who has set their hope in the Lord,* is higher than all those* who mourn.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit* the streams of grace swell up;* watering all creation* engendering life.
Antiphon 3
Let my heart be raised to You, O Lord;* and let none of the pleasures of the world lure me* to weakness.
As one that has tender love for one’s mother;* so should we have even more fervent love* for the Lord.
Glory… Now…
By the Holy Spirit comes an abundance of divine knowledge,* contemplation and wisdom;* for by Him the Word unveils* all the Father’s teachings.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Arise, O Lord: help us,* and redeem us for Your name’s sake.
verse: We heard with our own ears, O God, our fathers have told us the story of the things You did in days long ago.
Let everything that lives, Tone 4
Gospel
John 21:1-14
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon, Tone 4
Ode 1
Irmos: Through the Red Sea, as on the dry land,* old Israel passed on with unmoistened foot;* crosswise, in the wilderness, Moses held up his arms* and they routed Amalek’s might.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
As good and all-powerful, O Lord, you were lifted up on the immaculate tree of your cross, healing by the tree our utter destruction, setting right our defection.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
In your body in the tomb, as God with your soul in Hell, with the Thief in Paradise, you were yet, O Christ, on the throne with the Father and the Spirit, all things filling, and infinite.
Glory… Now…
You conceived the Son of God without seed, by the Father’s purpose, from the divine Spirit; you bore in flesh the one from the Father without mother: through us, out of you, without father.
Katavasia: I shall open my mouth, and the Spirit will inspire it,* and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and Mother:* I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast* and joyfully praising her wonders.
Ode 3
Irmos: Your Church, O Christ, makes merry in you, crying aloud:* You are my strength, O Lord, my refuge, my firm foundation.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The tree of life, the true and intellectual vine, hangs upon the cross pouring forth to all the elixir of life.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
As a great one and fearful, demolishing utterly the insolence of Hell, as God incorruptible, now you have risen in the flesh.
Glory… Now…
You only, O Mother of God, are the friend who procures the good things beyond nature for those upon earth and therefore we bring to you our “Hail.”
Katavasia: O Mother of God, living and plentiful fount,* give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship,* who sing hymns of praise to you:* and in your divine glory vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
Ode 4
Irmos: Seeing you the Sun of Righteousness* lifted high on the cross,* with good reason your Church stood still in her course and exclaimed:* Glory to your power, O Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You went up on the Cross, to the Passion of your pure flesh worn of your own will, thus healing my passions. Therefore we cry to you: Glory to your power, O Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Lord, death tasted of your life-giving, sinless flesh and deservedly was slain. But we cry to you: Glory to your power, O Lord.
Glory… Now…
You bore a child, O Virgin, without a man, and after the birth you were discerned as still a virgin; therefore in faith unwavering we cry in never silent voices: Hail to you, our Lady.
Katavasia: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead,* Jesus the true God, is come in a swift cloud* and with His sinless hands he has saved those who cry:* Glory to Your power, O Christ.
Ode 5
Irmos: Lord, my light, you have come into the world;* O holy light, turn from the darkness of ignorance all who sing to you in faith.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
In compassion, O Lord, you came down to the earth; hanging upon the tree you raised up the fallen nature of man.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Christ, you bore yourself the reproach of my sins; you loosed the pangs of death, Compassionate, in your holy resurrection.
Glory… Now…
We thrust you forward as an unbreakable shield in face of our enemies; we have gained you, Bride of God, as anchor and hope of our salvation.
Katavasia: The whole world was amazed* at your divine glory:* for you, O Virgin who have not known wedlock,* have held in your womb the God of all* and have given birth to an eternal Son,* who rewards with salvation all who sing your praises.
Ode 6
Irmos: I will sacrifice to you, O Lord, with the voice of praise:* so cries your Church to you,* purified from demons’ gore* through the blood which flows in pity from your side.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Girded with power you went up on the cross and came to grips with the tyrant and as God you dashed him down from the heights and raised up Adam with your invincible hand.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You are risen, O Christ, from the tomb in dazzling beauty of lightning flash, scattering to the winds by your power divine every one of your enemies. As God you have filled all things with gladness.
Glory… Now…
O wonder of all wonders, newest and strangest, that a virgin, knowing no man, conceived in the womb him who holds the whole universe in his hands and suffered no straitening.
Katavasia: As we celebrate* this sacred and solemn feast of the Mother of God,* let us come, clapping our hands, O people of the Lord,* and give glory to God who was born of her.
Kontakion
My Saviour and Deliverer from the grave* as God raised out of bondage the children of the earth* and shattered the gates of Hades;* and as Master, He rose on the third day.
Ikos
Today Christ, the giver of life, has risen from the dead, come after three days from the tomb; by his might he has smashed the doors of death, put Hell to death and crushed death’s sting and Adam with Eve set free. Let all of us born of the earth sing to him, in thankfulness fervently cry out his praise. For he, the lone strong One, on the third day as God and as Lord has risen.
Ode 7
Irmos: In a Persian furnace three children of Abraham were set on fire* but more than in the flames they blazed in loving desire to God, and cried:* Blessed are you, O Lord,* in the temple of your glory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Washed in Christ’s divine blood, mankind has been called to incorruption and sings in thanksgiving: Blessed are you, O Lord, in the temple of your glory.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Your tomb, O Christ, declares itself life-bearing, fairer far than Paradise, more radiant than any kingly hall, fount of our resurrection.
Glory… Now…
Hail, tabernacle of the Most High, hallowed and sacred. Joy is given through you, O Mother of God, to those who cry to you: Blessed are you amongst women, All-holy Lady.
Katavasia: The holy children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire,* refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* and they sang in joy:* Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our Fathers.
Ode 8
Irmos: Daniel, with hands outspread in the den,* stopped the gaping jaws of the lions;* the three children, lovers of God,* clothed in the virtue of godliness,* quenched the power of the fire and sang aloud:* Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
With hands outspread on the cross, O Lord, you gathered together the nations and showed them to be one Church praising you, with those on earth and those in heaven in harmony singing: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
As lightning flashing, in the unapproachable light of the resurrection, the white-robed angel appeared to the women and cried: Why do you seek the living in the tomb as dead? Christ is risen indeed and we cry to him: All you his works, sing praises to the Lord.
Glory… Now…
You alone, among all the families of the earth, are revealed as Mother of God; wholly without stain, unharmed by the fire of the unapproachable light, you became the dwelling-place of the Godhead. We all bless you, therefore, Mary, God’s bride.
We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. We extol and exalt Him above all for ever.
Katavasia: The Offspring of the Theotokos saved the holy children in the furnace.* He who was then prefigured has since been born on earth,* and He gathers all the creation to sing:* O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Irmos: From you, O Virgin, the mountain unhewn,* is taken the stone uncut by human hands:* Christ the cornerstone, disparate natures joining together.* Therefore, we rejoice and magnify you, Mother of God.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Wholly you have taken me up entire into union without confusion through your great mercy, my God, giving me salvation in full through your suffering endured on the cross in the flesh.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Gazing upon your opened tomb and upon the linen clothes, within which God had lain, left empty by your resurrection, your disciples said with the angel: The Lord is risen indeed.
Glory… Now…
All we the faithful worship the one divine nature but Trinity of persons; persons unconfounded, equal in power and equal in honour, we reverently magnify.
Katavasia: Let every mortal born on earth,* radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy;* and let the host of the angelic powers* celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God,* and let them cry:* Rejoice! Pure and blessed Ever-Virgin, who gave birth to God.
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…
O divinely inspired Fathers,* gathered together in the Seventh Council, pray unceasingly to the Holy Trinity* to save us from every heresy and condemnation* those who praise your holy gathering* that they may receive the kingdom of heaven.
Now…
Through the intercession of your holy Mother* and those of the Fathers assembled in the Seventh Council,* in Your goodness, O Lord,* strengthen Your Church and confirm the faith;* make us all inhabitants of the kingdom of heaven* when You come to earth to judge the whole creation.
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 4
O all-powerful Lord,* Who endured the Cross and death,* and arose from the dead,* we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.
By Your Cross, O Christ, You have delivered us from the ancient curse,* and by Your death You have conquered the devil who tyrannized our nature.* By Your arising You have filled all things with joy,* wherefore we cry to You:* O Lord risen from the dead, glory be to You!
O Christ the Saviour,* with Your Cross, guide us to Your truth,* and deliver us from the snares of the enemy;* O You who are risen from the dead* raise us also who have fallen through sin,* by the stretching out of Your hand,* O Lord, at the behest of the prayers of Your Saints.
Without departing from Your Father’s bosom,* in Your tender compassion, You descended to earth,* O Only-begotten Word of God,* without change becoming man.* While You are impassible in Your divinity,* You suffered the Cross and death in the flesh;* and rising from the dead You have granted immortality to the race of mankind,* as You alone are all-powerful.
Tone 6
Having carefully considered the whole knowledge of the soul in the Holy Spirit,* the venerable, glorified, and all-holy Fathers* inscribed in the divine writing the honourable and heavenly Canon* in which they clearly teach that the Word is co-eternal and consubstantial with the Father.* Thus, they follow without error the teachings of the Apostles.
Having carefully considered the whole knowledge of the soul in the Holy Spirit,* the venerable, glorified, and all-holy Fathers* inscribed in the divine writing the honourable and heavenly Canon* in which they clearly teach that the Word is co-eternal and consubstantial with the Father.* Thus, they follow without error the teachings of the Apostles.
When the holy preachers of Christ* fully received the light from the Holy Spirit,* they spoke with divine insight,* with few but deeply meaningful words inspired from above,* bringing to the front the evangelical doctrines* and traditions of true worship.* When these were clearly revealed to them from on high,* they were enlightened* and thus established the faith from God.
Truly the divine shepherds were favoured servants of God* and honoured preachers of the divine Word.* They were indeed the true shepherds;* and having now been justly angered,* in a judgment of truth, they expelled from the perfection of the Church* all those devouring and destructive wolves.* They cast them down with the power of the Spirit.* The unbelievers fell prey to great affliction.
Tone 8, Glory…
When the holy Fathers gathered from the ends of the world,* they believed in one substance and one nature* of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.* They delivered plainly to the Church the mystery of discoursing in theology.* Therefore, we honour them in faith and bless them, saying:* What a divine army, O God-inspired soldiers of the camp of the Lord.* O most brilliant luminaries in the heavens,* you mighty towers of the mystical Sion,* you scented flowers of Paradise,* the golden lights of the Word,* the pride and delight of the whole universe,* intercede unceasingly for 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 ON SUNDAY MORNING
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: When the disciples of the Lord learned from the angel* the glorious news of the resurrection* and cast off the ancestral condemnation,* they proudly told the apostles:* “Death has been plundered!* Christ our God is risen,* granting to the world great mercy.”
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.
Kontakion, Tone 4: My Saviour and Deliverer from the grave* as God raised out of bondage the children of the earth* and shattered the gates of Hades;* and as Master, He rose on the third day.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 6: The Son who ineffably shone from the Father* was born two-fold of nature from a woman.* Beholding Him, we do not reject the image of His form;* but depicting it, we revere it faithfully.* Therefore the Church, holding the true faith,* kisses the icon of Christ’s becoming man.
Now and forever and ever. Amen.
Theotokion, Tone 6: Undaunted patroness of Christians,* O steadfast intermediary with the Creator,* turn not away from the suppliant voices of sinners,* but in your kindness come to help us who cry out to you in faith.* Be quick to intercede, make haste to plead,* for you are ever the patroness of those who honour you, O Mother of God.
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
Hebrews 13:7-16
Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The God of gods, the Lord, spoke and summoned the earth from the rising of the 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
world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.”
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens,* praise Him in the highest.* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalms 184:1; 32:1)