Event Information:
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Sun12Jan2025
Sunday after Theophany; Octoechos Tone 1; The Holy Martyr Tatiana.
GREAT VESPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING
Kathisma Reading
Blessed is the man... is sung.
At Psalm 140
Tone 1
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
Accept our evening prayer, O holy Lord,* and grant us forgiveness of sins,* for You alone manifested the resurrection* to the world.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
O you people, walk around Sion and encompass her.* And there give glory to Him who is risen from the dead.* For He is our God* who delivers us from our sins.
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
Come you people, praise and worship Christ.* Glorify His resurrection from the dead;* for He is our God who delivered the world* from the deceit of the enemy.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
Rejoice, O you heavens;* sound the trumpets, you foundations of the earth;* cry out with joy, O you mountains.* For behold, Emmanuel has nailed our sins to the Cross;* the Giver of Life has put Death to death;* and the Lover of mankind* has raised up Adam.
Tone 8
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
O Lord and sinless One,* although You allowed Yourself to be baptized in the flesh* to free the world from sin,* nevertheless we glorify You, knowing that You are God;* for You were baptized and delivered our souls from slavery.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
O Lord, when You became incarnate* and came into the currents of the Jordan* in order to sanctify the water by Your glorious baptism,* You condescended to bow your head to John,* and You were baptized by a servant* in order that You might save our souls.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
O Lord, You desired to save from error* the whole world which You created,* and You deigned to become incarnate from an inviolate virgin.* As the Lover of Mankind, You saved Adam from corruption.* You were baptized and bestowed enlightenment on our souls.
Tone 2
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
When you begin to glow richly with the light of the Spirit,* you left riches behind and loved only that which was heavenly.* You clothed yourself with the strength of a martyr,* and you endured pain beyond measure.* Thus you took away the power of the torturer,* and you wove a crown of victory,* O Martyr and most glorious sufferer of the passion.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
When you extinguished the evils of the flesh* and the flames of sin, O precious one,* by means of the dew of the Divine Spirit acting in you,* you closed the mouths of the ferocious beasts in the arena.* You courageously handed your body over to suffering,* thus weaving for yourself a crown of victory.* O Tatiana, you are blessed by God.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
Neither sword nor fire, nor tribulations, nor hunger,* nor any form of torture dulled your yearning for the Lord,* because you sought Him with your heart;* and you completely turned away from evil things, O Martyr.* You took up your abode inside the bridal chamber of God* and became the betrothed of the King of all.
Tone 5, Glory… Now…
Seeing You, the Creator, naked in the waters* and asking for baptism,* every creature on earth was seized with fear and wonder.* All were spellbound by the trembling of the Forerunner;* he did not dare to approach You.* Seeing You, the sea fled, and the streams of the Jordan turned back;* the mountains leaped, and the angelic powers were astonished and said:* O wonder! The Saviour is naked* and desires to clothe humanity with renewal and salvation.
Tone 1, Glory… Now...
Let us sing a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary,* glory of the whole world!* She was herself formed by human seed,* yet she became the Mother of the Master, the Gate of heaven,* the theme of the angels’ hymn and beauty of the faithful.* She was seen as being heavenly* and the Tabernacle of the Godhead.* She indeed tore down the wall of enmity between God and man,* and brought peace in its place.* She opened up the kingdom of heaven.* Let us therefore cling fast to her for she is the anchor of faith,* and let us receive as our stronghold the Lord Who was born of her.* Be of good cheer, then, and have confidence, O people of God,* for He will fight our enemies for us,* He is all-powerful!
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.
Aposticha
Tone 1
O Christ, by Your passion we have been freed from suffering;* and by Your resurrection we have been delivered from corruption.* O Lord, glory to You!
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
Let all creation rejoice, let the heavens be glad,* let the nations clap their hands with joy.* For Christ our Saviour, in His love for mankind,* has nailed our sins to the Cross;* He has put Death to death,* and by raising our fallen forefather, Adam,* He has given life to all mankind.
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
O God, You are above all understanding;* You are King and Lord of heaven and earth.* Yet of Your own free will,* You allowed Yourself to be crucified because of Your love for mankind.* When You descended below,* Hades was filled with bitterness as You confronted it;* but the souls of the just received You with great joy.* Adam arose when he saw You, his Creator, down in the depths.* What a wonder this is!* You are the life of all and have tasted death* in order to dispel the darkness of the world with Your light.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory to You!
Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
The myrrh-bearing women were filled with grief* as they hastened with spices to Your tomb;* but they did not find Your most pure body.* Instead, they found an angel* who proclaimed Your unique and glorious resurrection,* and commanded them to announce to Your apostles:* The Lord is risen,* granting great mercy to the world.
Tone 6, Glory… Now…
O faithful, let us praise the great plans of God who works in our behalf,* for the only pure and spotless One* became Incarnate on account of our fall* and purifies us in the Jordan River.* He sanctifies us together with the waters* and crushes the heads of serpents in this water.* O believers, let us therefore draw water with joy,* for those who draw it in faith* shall be invisibly endowed with the grace of the Spirit* through the presence of Christ our God, the Saviour of our souls.
Troparia
Tone 1
Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your Kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan!* O only Lover of mankind.
Tone 4, Glory…
Your lamb, Tatiana, O Jesus, cries in a loud voice:* “You, O my Bridegroom, I love; and, seeking You, I undergo martyrdom.* And with You I am crucified and buried in Your baptism,* and I suffer for Your sake that I may reign with You.* And I die on Your behalf that I may live in You.* Receive me as a spotless sacrifice,* sacrificed for You with love.”* Through her intercession in Your mercy save our souls.
Tone 1, Now…
At Your Baptism in the Jordan river, O Christ,* the worship due to the Holy Trinity was made manifest,* for the voice of the Father bore You witness by calling You “Beloved Son”* and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove,* confirmed the immutability of this declaration.* O Christ God, who came forth and filled the world with light: * Glory to You!
SUNDAY MATINS
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 1
Troparia, Tone 1
Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your Kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan!* O only Lover of mankind. (2)
Tone 4, Glory…
Your lamb, Tatiana, O Jesus, cries in a loud voice:* “You, O my Bridegroom, I love; and, seeking You, I undergo martyrdom.* And with You I am crucified and buried in Your baptism,* and I suffer for Your sake that I may reign with You.* And I die on Your behalf that I may live in You.* Receive me as a spotless sacrifice,* sacrificed for You with love.”* Through her intercession in Your mercy save our souls.
Tone 1, Now…
At Your Baptism in the Jordan river, O Christ,* the worship due to the Holy Trinity was made manifest,* for the voice of the Father bore You witness by calling You “Beloved Son”* and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove,* confirmed the immutability of this declaration.* O Christ God, who came forth and filled the world with light: * Glory to You!
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalms 9, 10
Stasis II: Psalms 11, 12, 13
Stasis III: Psalms 14, 15, 16Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 1
While watching Your grave, the soldiers became as dead men* from the lightning flash of the Angel* who appeared and proclaimed to the women the Resurrection.* We glorify You, the destroyer of corruption;* we fall down before You, who has risen from the grave* and who alone are our God.
Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hands be lifted on high;* forget not Your poor to the end.
You were willingly nailed to the Cross, O Compassionate one,* and laid in a tomb as a mortal, O Giver of life.* By Your death, O Powerful one,* You have smashed its might;* for gatekeepers of Hades trembled before You;* You have raised with You the dead from every age,* for You alone love mankind.
Glory… Now…
All we who with love flee for refuge to your goodness* know you to be the Mother of God* and after childbirth still truly Virgin;* for we sinners have you as our protection;* we have you as our salvation in misfortunes,* as the only All-immaculate one.
Psalter Reading
Stasis I: Psalm 17
Stasis II: Psalms 18, 19, 20
Stasis III: Psalms 21, 22, 23Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 1
The women came to Your tomb at dawn* and seeing a vision of an Angel they trembled;* the tomb became resplendent with life;* and amazed by the miracle, they returned to the disciples and proclaimed the Resurrection:* for Christ has despoiled Hades,* as alone almighty and all powerful,* raising up those in corruption,* dispelling the fear of condemnation* by the power of the Cross.
I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,* I will tell of all Your wonders.
O Life of all, You were nailed to the Cross;* O immortal Lord, You were numbered among the dead,* arising on the third day, O Saviour,* raising Adam from corruption;* wherefore the heavenly Powers cried out to You:* O Giver of life, Glory to Your sufferings, O Christ;* glory to Your Resurrection;* glory to Your condescension,* O only Lover of mankind’.
Glory… Now…
O Mary, holy tabernacle of the Master,* raise us up who have fallen into the pit of wicked despair, of transgressions and afflictions;* for you are the salvation,* the help and the mighty protection of sinners,* and you save your servants.
Polyeleos
Evlogitaria
Small Litany
Hypakoe, Tone 1
The Thief’s repentance plundered Paradise,* but the Myrrh-bearers’ lamentations announced the joy that You have risen, O Christ God,* granting the world great mercy.
Hymn of Ascent, Tone 1
Antiphon 1
When I am afflicted,* I cry to You, O Lord,* hearken to my pains.
For those who dwell in the desert* the longing for God never ceases,* for they are far from the vanity of this world.
Glory… Now…
To the Holy Spirit, as to the Father and the Son,* are due honour and glory;* thus let us sing to the Trinity,* a single power.
Antiphon 2
Having lifted me up to the summit of Your laws,* make me shine with virtues, O God,* that I may sing Your praises.
Take me with Your right hand, O Word,* guard me and keep me,* lest the fire of sin scorch me.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit all creation is made new* and hastens back to its original condition;* for He is equal in strength* to the Father and the Word.
Antiphon 3
With those who said to me:* Let us journey to the courts of the Lord,* my Spirit was gladdened and my heart rejoices.
In the house of David is great fear;* for when the thrones are set therein,* all the tribes and nations of the earth will be judged.
Glory… Now…
To the Holy Spirit must be offered honor, adoration, glory, and power,* as befits also the Father and the Son;* for the Trinity is a Unity,* one in essence, but not in Hypostases.
Prokeimenon, Tone 1
I myself will arise, says the Lord.* I will grant them the salvation for which they thirst.
verse: The words of the Lord are words without alloy.
Let everything that lives, Tone 1
Gospel
Matthew 28:16-20
Hymn of Resurrection
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
Canon, Tone 1
Ode 1
Irmos: Your warrior hand is glorious in strength, O deathless one!* All-powerful, in manner fit for God,* it broke the enemy in pieces,* and devised for Israel a strange, new way through the deep.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
He, who with pure hands divinely working in the beginning formed me from the earth, spread out those hands upon the cross, and from the earth recalled my corruptible body which he had received from the Virgin.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
He, who divinely breathing into me implanted within me a soul, suffered dissolution for me, and delivered his soul to death; loosing the age-old bonds and raising me with himself, he made me glorious in incorruption.
Most holy Theotokos, save us
Hail, fount of grace! Hail, ladder and gate of heaven! Hail, bearer of the light, vessel of gold, mountain unhewn and bearer of Christ, the giver of life to the world!
Irmos: The Lord mighty in battle uncovered the foundation of the deep* and led His servants on dry ground;* but He covered their adversaries with the waters,* for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Lord, the King of the ages, restores corrupted Adam with the streams of the Jordan and crushes the heads of the serpents who make their nest therein, for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Lord who became incarnate of the Virgin, clothing material flesh in the immaterial fire of the Godhead, wraps Himself in the water of the Jordan, for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
He who washes away the defilement of men, cleanses Himself for them in the Jordan, desiring to make Himself like to them, yet remaining as He was before, the Lord who enlightens those in darkness, for He has been glorified.
Glory… Now…
O Maiden who gave birth to the Well-spring of dispassion, heal me who have been wounded by the passions, and rescue me from everlasting fire, O you who alone are full of the grace of God.
Katavasia: The Lord mighty in battle uncovered the foundation of the deep* and led His servants on dry ground;* but He covered their adversaries with the waters,* for He has been glorified.
Ode 3
Irmos: You alone, knowing the frailty of mortal man, tenderly took its form;* gird me with power from on high, crying to you:* Holy is the living temple of your pure glory,* O Lover of man!
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Good One, you are my God, in pity for the fallen you determined to come down to me; you have raised me up by your crucifixion, crying to you: Holy is the Lord of glory, in goodness beyond compare!
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Christ divinely existing life as God compassionate you clothed yourself with me, corrupted one; coming down to the dust of death, O Lord, you broke the chains of man’s mortality and on the third day, rising, clothed the dead with incorruption.
Most holy Theotokos, save us
When by the all-holy Spirit, O Virgin, you conceived God in your womb, you remained unconsumed by the fire; for to Moses the lawgiver, the bush burning yet unconsumed clearly foretold you who received the fire unendurable.
Irmos: The Lord who grants strength to our kings,* and exalts the horn of His anointed,* is born of a Virgin and comes to baptism.* Therefore let us, the faithful, cry aloud:* None is holy as our God* and none is righteous save You, O Lord.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O Church of Christ, who of old was barren and grievously childless, be glad today; for by water and the Spirit children have been born to you, who cry out with faith: There is none as holy as our God!
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
In the wilderness the forerunner cries out with a loud voice: “Prepare the ways of Christ and make straight the paths of our God, crying out·with faith: There is none as holy as our God!”
Glory… Now…
Your conceiving and birthgiving are beyond description, for at the word of Him who created time you gave birth to Him who has delivered the ends of the earth from irrationality, O Maiden who knew not man. Ever beseech Him that He save us.
Katavasia: The Lord who grants strength to our kings,* and exalts the horn of His anointed,* is born of a Virgin and comes to baptism.* Therefore let us, the faithful, cry aloud:* None is holy as our God* and none is righteous save You, O Lord.
Kontakion, Tone 4
Today, You have appeared to the world* and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us,* who with knowledge sing Your praises.* You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Ikos
Upon Galilee of the Gentiles, upon the land of Zabulon and the land of Nephthalim, as the prophet said, a great light has shone, even Christ. To those that sat in darkness a bright dawn has appeared as lightning from Bethlehem. The Lord born from Mary, the Sun of Righteousness, sheds His rays upon the whole inhabited earth. Come then, naked children of Adam, and let us clothe ourselves in Him, that we may warm ourselves. You who are a protection and veil to the naked, a light to those in darkness, You have come, You are made manifest, the Light that no one can approach.
Ode 4
Irmos: Habbakuk with the foreseeing eyes apprehended you,* the mountain by divine grace overshadowed,* and proclaimed the Holy One of Israel to come forth from you* for our salvation and remaking.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Who is this Saviour that comes from Edom, crowned with thorns, with garments reddened, hanging on a tree? He is the Holy One of Israel for our salvation and remaking.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
See, disobedient people, and be ashamed! He, whom you, as an evildoer, madly begged Pilate to hang upon the cross, he, as belongs to God, has dissolved the power of death and risen from the tomb.
Most holy Theotokos, save us
O Virgin, we know you as a tree of life, for there sprang from you not the death-bearing fruit of food for mortal men but fruition of life eternal for the salvation of us who sing to you.
Irmos: He whom You have called, O Lord, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness,’* heard Your voice when You had thundered upon many waters, bearing witness to Your Son.* Wholly filled with the Spirit that had come, he cried aloud:* ‘You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.’
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“Who has ever seen the sun cleansed, which is most bright by nature?” the herald cries out. “Am I then to wash with water You, the Effulgence of glory, the Image of the ever-existent Father? Am I, who am grass, to touch Your divinity? For You are Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“When he happened upon You, Moses showed the divine reverence he felt, for he understood that it was You who spoke out of the bush; and he straightway averted his face. How, then, can I gaze directly at You? How can I touch You with my hand? For You are Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“Wisely doing what is spiritual, and being honoured with speech, yet am I in awe before inanimate things. For if I baptize You, the mountain which smoked with fire, the sea which parted in two and this Jordan which turned back will be my accusers. For You are Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!”
Glory… Now…
Guide me to the calm haven, O most holy Bride of God; for the tempest and tumult of sin cruelly assail me, and I am shaken by the winds of the wicked demons who oppress me.
Katavasia: He whom You have called, O Lord, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness,’* heard Your voice when You had thundered upon many waters, bearing witness to Your Son.* Wholly filled with the Spirit that had come, he cried aloud:* ‘You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.’
Ode 5
Irmos: O Christ, you have illumined the ends of the earth* by the brightness of your coming and made them radiant with joy by your cross;* enlighten with the light of the knowledge of you* the hearts of those who with right belief sing your praise.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The Jews put to death on the tree of the cross the great shepherd of the sheep and the Lord; but he rescued the dead from the power of death, terrified sheep in Hell.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
When you announced the glad tidings of peace by your cross and proclaimed deliverance to the captives, my Saviour, then, O Christ, you put to shame him who held them in thrall and by your divine rising showed him naked and destitute.
Most holy Theotokos, save us
All-praised, do not despise the prayers of those who faithfully entreat you but receive and present them, O pure one, to your Son, our God and only benefactor; for in you we have gained a protector.
Irmos: Jesus, the Prince of Life,* has come to set loose from condemnation Adam the first-formed man;* and though as God He needs no cleansing,* yet for the sake of fallen man He is cleansed in the Jordan.* In its streams He slew the enmity* and bestows the peace that passes all understanding.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When countless people went down to be baptized of John, You Yourself stood in their midst. And he announced to those present: “Who has told you, O rebellious ones, to avoid the impending wrath? Bring forth fruits worthy of Christ; for He stands before you, granting peace.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Standing in their midst, the Creator and Fashioner alone tries the hearts of all; and taking his winnowing-fan in His hand, He most wisely separates the harvest of the whole world, letting the chaff fall away; and He grants eternal life to the fruitful.
Glory… Now…
O splendid cloud of the Sun, who illumines me with radiance which dispels the gloom of my transgressions: extend your hand to me who have fallen into the mire of sin, and raise me up who lie therein, O you who alone are the restoration of fallen Adam
Katavasia: Jesus, the Prince of Life,* has come to set loose from condemnation Adam the first-formed man;* and though as God He needs no cleansing,* yet for the sake of fallen man He is cleansed in the Jordan.* In its streams He slew the enmity* and bestows the peace that passes all understanding.
Ode 6
Irmos: The deepest abyss has surrounded us, there is none to deliver,* we are counted as sheep for the slaughter;* save your people, our God,* for you are the strength and restoring of the weak.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
By the fault of the first-fashioned man, O Lord, we were grievously wounded; by your stripes, O Christ, by which for our sakes you were wounded, we are healed; for you are the strength and restoring of the weak.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
You have brought us up from Hell, O Lord, you have crushed the all-devouring whale by your might and laid low his strength, O All-powerful; for you are life and light and resurrection.
Most holy Theotokos, save us
O pure Virgin, our forefathers rejoice in you, and regain through you that Eden which they destroyed by transgressions; for you are chaste before your bearing and after the birth.
Irmos: The Voice of the Word, the Candlestick of the Light, the Morning Star and Forerunner of the Sun,* cried in the wilderness to all the peoples:* ‘Repent and be cleansed while there is yet time.* For lo, Christ is at hand,* Who delivers the world from corruption.’
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Christ, who was begotten incorruptibly of God the Father, is incarnate of the Virgin without defilement. The forerunner teaches that it is not possible to loose the sandals, the bond between the Word and us, of Him who delivers mortals from deception.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Christ shall baptize His enemies, who do not acknowledge Him as God, with the uttermost fire; but He shall restore with the water of grace those who accept His divinity, delivering them from their transgressions.
Glory… Now…
The Creator chose you, the beauty of Jacob, whom He loved, from among all generations, O most immaculate one, and He appeared, shining forth from you.
Katavasia: The Voice of the Word, the Candlestick of the Light, the Morning Star and Forerunner of the Sun,* cried in the wilderness to all the peoples:* ‘Repent and be cleansed while there is yet time.* For lo, Christ is at hand,* Who delivers the world from corruption.’
Kontakion, Tone 1
You arose in glory from the tomb* and with Yourself You raised the world.* All humanity acclaims You as God,* and death has vanished.* Adam exults, O Master,* and Eve, redeemed now from bondage, cries out for joy:* “You are the One, O Christ, Who offer resurrection to all.”
Ikos
The third day arising, gates of Hell shattering, the age-long dead raising, as God of all power to him we sing praises: to the myrrh-bearing women in loving good-pleasure appearing, to those who were foremost, saying: Rejoice, joy to the apostles proclaiming, the only giver of life. To disciples in faith then the women proclaim the tokens of victory, and Hell groans and death laments, the whole world exults, all things rejoice together, for you, O Christ, have bestowed upon all resurrection.
Ode 7
Irmos: We, the faithful, discern you, Mother of God, as furnace of intellect:* for as he, the most highly exalted, kept safe the three children* so in your womb he re-fashioned man wholly,* God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
The earth shuddered with fear, the sun fled and with it the light darkened, the sacred veil of the temple was torn in two and the rocks were split; for the righteous one was fixed to the cross, God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Of your own will for us you became as one with no help and wounded among the dead, O most highly exalted, and freed us all; and with your strong hand you raised us up with yourself, God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all.
Most holy Theotokos, save us
Hail, spring of ever-living water! Hail, paradise of delight! Hail, fortress of the faithful! Hail, unwedded one! Hail, joy of all the world from whom has sprung for us the God of our fathers, praised and glorious above all!
Irmos: The breath of the wind heavy with dew* and the descent of the angel of God preserved the Holy Children from all harm,* as they walked in the fiery furnace.* Refreshed with dew in the flames,* they sang in thanksgiving:* ‘Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our fathers.’
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
As in heaven, with trembling and wonder the angelic hosts stood before You in the Jordan, gazing at the extent of God’s condescension; for the God of our fathers, who holds the firmament of the waters above, stood, incarnate as man, in the waters.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The cloud and the sea of old prefigured the wonder of divine baptism, for the ancient people of the law were baptized therein when they fled Egypt. The sea was an image of the water, and the cloud was an image of the Spirit, whereby we are made perfect. And we cry out: Blessed are You, O Lord God, forever!
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O all you faithful, in Him have we received perfection; and, theologizing continually with the angels let us glorify the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. For, lo! the consubstantial Trinity of Hypostases is the One God. To Him do we chant: Blessed are You, O Lord God, forever!
Glory… Now…
In giving birth for us to the hypostatic Life who has manifestly destroyed death by death, O pure one, you have mortified the passions of the flesh of us who honour you with faith as the most glorious Theotokos.
Katavasia: The breath of the wind heavy with dew* and the descent of the angel of God preserved the Holy Children from all harm,* as they walked in the fiery furnace.* Refreshed with dew in the flames,* they sang in thanksgiving:* ‘Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our fathers.’
Ode 8
Irmos: In the fiery oven as in a smelting furnace* the Israelite children shone bright with the beauty of godliness purer than gold,* and they said: Bless the Lord, all his works,* praise and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Word of God, maker and transformer of all by your will, changing the shadow of death into everlasting life by your Passion, we, all your works, unceasingly praise you as Lord, and highly exalt you throughout all the age ·.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
Rising on the third day from the grave, O Christ, you demolished the destruction and misery within the gates and strongholds of Hell. All your works unceasingly praise you as Lord, and highly exalt you throughout all the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us
Let us sing to her who without seed and above nature brought forth Christ the precious pearl from the divine lightning, and let us say: Bless the Lord, all his works, praise and highly exalt him throughout all the ages.
Irmos: The Babylonian furnace, as it poured forth dew,* foreshadowed a marvellous mystery:* how the Jordan should receive in its streams the immaterial fire,* and should encompass the Creator,* when He was baptized in the flesh.* Him do you peoples bless and exalt above all for ever.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“Put aside all fear,” the Deliverer said to the forerunner; “Obey Me, in that I am good, and touch Me, for this have I become by nature. Submit to My commands and baptize Me who comes down.” The people bless and exalt Him supremely for all ages.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the Baptist heard the words of the Master, he stretched forth his hand with trembling, and as he touched the head of his Creator he cried out to Him who was being baptized: “Sanctify me, for You are my God, whom the people bless and exalt supremely for all ages!”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Trinity was revealed in the Jordan, for the Father, the all-divine Essence Himself, announced: “This One who is baptized is my beloved Son!” And the Spirit came upon Him who was like to Him, whom the people bless and exalt supremely for all ages.
Glory… Now…
Save and take pity upon us, O you who in manner past description gave birth for us to God, the compassionate Saviour, removing the burning heat of fiery thoughts and passions by your supplications, O all-glorious and pure one.
We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. We extol and exalt Him above all for ever.
Katavasia: The Babylonian furnace, as it poured forth dew,* foreshadowed a marvellous mystery:* how the Jordan should receive in its streams the immaterial fire,* and should encompass the Creator,* when He was baptized in the flesh.* Him do you peoples bless and exalt above all for ever.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Irmos: The bush ever burning and never consumed* was the type of your pure child-bearing;* quench now for us the raging furnace of temptations, we pray you,* that we may unceasingly magnify you, Mother of God.
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O how the lawless and disobedient people, devising evil, made right the accursed and ungodly man and condemned the righteous, the Lord of glory, to the tree! Worthily, we magnify him!
Glory to your holy Resurrection, O Lord.
O Saviour, innocent Lamb, taking away the sins of the world, risen on the third day, we glorify you, together with the Father and your divine Spirit; acknowledging you as God, we magnify you, the Lord of glory.
Most holy Theotokos, save us
Save your people, Lord, whom you purchased with your precious blood. Grant strength to the king against his enemies, Lover of man, and bestow peace on your churches through the prayers of the Mother of God.
Irmos: Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is due:* even a spirit from the world above is filled with dizziness,* when it seeks to sing your praises, O Theotokos.* But since you are good, accept our faith:* You know well our love inspired by God,* for you are the Protector of Christians and we magnify you.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O David, come in spirit to the enlightened and chant, saying: “Approach God now with faith and be illumined! Lowly Adam cried out in his fall, and the Lord heard him, and, coming to the streams of the Jordan, He restored the corrupted one.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Isaiah says: “Change your ways and cleanse yourselves; leave off your wickedness in the face of the Lord! You who thirst, go to the living Water; for Christ sprinkles with water those who have recourse to Him with faith, renewing them, and He baptizes with the Spirit to life which ages not.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
By grace and the seal are we preserved, O faithful; for as of old the blood-smeared lintels permitted the Hebrews to escape the destroyer, so shall the laver of regeneration be for us a divine exodus. And henceforth we shall see the never-waning light of the Trinity.
Glory… Now…
Moved by the voices of those who fervently entreat you, O Mistress, only refuge of the faithful, save, take pity and preserve from harm and every invasion of the heathen, those who ever magnify you with faith and love.
Katavasia: Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is due:* even a spirit from the world above is filled with dizziness,* when it seeks to sing your praises, O Theotokos.* But since you are good, accept our faith:* You know well our love inspired by God,* for you are the Protector of Christians and we magnify you.
Small Litany
Holy is the Lord
Hymn of Light
O faithful, let us gather with the disciples on the mountain in Galilee* to behold Christ as He says to them:* I have received all power over all things on high and those below.* Let us learn how He taught them to baptize all nations* in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,* and how He promised His disciples* to be present with them to the end of the world.
Glory…
The Saviour, who is grace and truth,* has appeared in the streams of the Jordan,* and enlightened those that sleep in darkness and shadow.* For the Light that no man can approach* has come and is made manifest.
Now…
The Saviour, who is grace and truth,* has appeared in the streams of the Jordan,* and enlightened those that sleep in darkness and shadow.* For the Light that no man can approach* has come and is made manifest.
Of the Gospel
Praises
Stichera of the Praises, Tone 1
We sing the praise of Your saving Passion, O Christ,* and we glorify Your Resurrection.
Having endured the Cross,* and destroyed death* and risen from the dead,* grant peace to our lives, O Lord,* as You alone are All-powerful.
Having despoiled Hades* and raised mankind by Thy Resurrection, O Christ, * grant that with pure hearts we may praise and glorify Thee.
As we glorify Your divine condescension,* we praise You, O Christ:* For You were born of a Virgin,* yet You were not separated from the Father;* as man You suffered and willingly endured the Cross;* arising from the grave, as though coming forth from Your bridal chamber,* that You might save the world.* O Lord, glory be to You!
When You were nailed to the Tree of the Cross,* then the might of the enemy was slain;* creation shook in fear of You,* and Hades was despoiled by Your might.* You raised the dead from their tombs* and opened Paradise to the Thief.* O Christ our God, glory be to You!
Tone 6
As You are light, the Effulgence of the Light, O my Jesus,* You have illumined us with Your ineffable radiance,* we who of old were blinded in Eden by the serpent;* and beholding by Your light the light in the Jordan, we all chant with faith:* Blessed are You! O our God who has appeared, glory be to You!
The sea beheld and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.
O forerunner, initiate and performer of awesome mysteries,* who yourself beheld joy and the Spirit,* entreat the Word who was baptized by you, as was His good pleasure,* that He ever grant us deliverance from offenses.* To Him do we chant: Blessed are You! O our God who has appeared, glory be to You.
Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?
Let us lift up our hearts in understanding, O faithful!* And let us run with haste to the streams of the Jordan,* and behold the Creator baptized in the flesh by John the forerunner;* and theologizing with him, let us chant:* Blessed are You! O our God who has appeared, glory be to You.
Tone 1, Glory…
The Lord appeared to His disciples* who had hastened to the mountain for His ascension from here below,* and they bowed before Him.* They learned of His universal power* and were sent to all the peoples of the earth* to announce His resurrection from the dead* and His return from earth to heaven.* He also promised to be with them always,* and His word is truth;* for He is Christ our God, the Saviour of our souls.
Tone 2, Now…
You are truly most blessed, O virgin Mother of God.* Through the One who was incarnate of you,* Hades was chained, Adam revived, the curse wiped out,* Eve set free, Death put to death,* and we ourselves were brought back to life.* That is why we cry out in praise;* Blessed are You, O Christ our God,* who finds in this your good pleasure. Glory to You!
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion, Tone 2
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 ON SUNDAY MORNING
Antiphon 1
When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…
Antiphon 3
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Entrance
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 1: Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans,* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day,* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan,* O only Lover of mankind.
Troparion, Tone 1: When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: Today, You have appeared to the world* and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us,* who with knowledge sing Your praises.* You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us* as we have hoped in you.
verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:2,1)
Epistle
Ephesians 4:7-13
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)
Gospel
Matthew 4:12-17
Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.
and the Irmos: Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good accept our faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.
Communion Hymn
The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all. (Titus 2:11)* Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)
Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.
Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)