Author: Michael Winn

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is taken.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

8. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

O all-compassionate Word,
You carried Elias the Tishbite away from the earth in a chariot of fire.
Through his intercession
save us who faithfully glorify You
and who joyously commemorate his feast.

7. Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

O all-compassionate Word,
You carried Elias the Tishbite away from the earth in a chariot of fire.
Through his intercession
save us who faithfully glorify You
and who joyously commemorate his feast.

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

O blessed Elias,
you encountered God not in an earthquake but in the coolness of a gentle breeze.
O God-inspired one, you went up to heaven in a wondrous way,
on a chariot drawn by four horses.
Thus you became a marvel to all of us.

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

O blessed Elias,
you encountered God not in an earthquake but in the coolness of a gentle breeze.
O God-inspired one, you went up to heaven in a wondrous way,
on a chariot drawn by four horses.
Thus you became a marvel to all of us.

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

O all-wise Elias,
in your burning zeal for God,
you slew the shameful priests with a sword.
With the word of your mouth you dried up the clouds
so that it would not rain.
You perfected Elisha by the gift of your mantle,
filling him with heavenly graces.

In Tone 2

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

The two lampstands, Elias and Elisha,
illuminated the whole world.
One prevented raindrops from heaven,
reproved the king, and rose into heaven on a fiery chariot.
The other healed the barren waters,
and having received the two-fold grace,
divided the waters of the Jordan.
Now they sing with the angels
and pray for the salvation of our souls.

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

The fiery chariot took you up to heaven as in a whirlwind.
O Elias the Tishbite,
God graced you with a fiery zeal miracles.
You were created incorruptible,
so that you might not see death
until you knew beforehand the death of everyone.
Therefore, come and grant us a warning of your great accomplishments.

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

O Prophet Elias, O lampstand of the Church which has no evening,
having been inflamed with divine zeal,
you closed up the rain from heaven;
you were fed by a raven;
you reproved the king and put the priests to death;
you commanded fire from heaven and slew two captains;
you provided abundantly for the widow by means of a little oil
and a small handful of meal;
you resurrected her son by your prayer;
you ignited the fire in water;
you crossed over the currents of the Jordan on foot.
Indeed, you were raised up to heaven by a fiery chariot.
You gave a two-fold grace to Elisha.
Pray unceasingly to God for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Come, let us assemble, all you people of God,
in this holy place where we are to honour the two God-inspired Prophets.
Let us sing a special hymn of praise
to the glory of Christ God who chose them.
Let us cry out in joy, saying:
Rejoice, O earthly angel and heavenly man, Elias the Great.
Rejoice, O precious Elisha whom God has filled with the graces of heaven.
Rejoice, O fervent intercessors and mediators,
healers of the souls and bodies of the faithful who love Christ.
Deliver from the attacks of the enemy and from every danger
all those who celebrate your memory with honour.

Now…

Who would not bless you, O most holy Virgin?
Who would not praise the most pure manner in which you gave birth?
For the Only-begotten Son, Who proceeds eternally from the Father, came forth from you.
He took flesh from you in a manner that is beyond understanding.
He, Who by nature is God, took on our nature for our sake.
Yet He did not become divided into two persons;
rather, He remained one Person with two distinct and unconfused natures.
O most pure Lady, we implore you:
Beseech your Son and God to have mercy on our souls.

Readings
(1) I Kings 17:1-24; (2) I Kings 18:1-46; 19:1-16; (3) I Kings 19:19-21 & II Kings 2:1, 6-14

Lytia

In Tone 4

You are a partaker, O blessed Prophet,
of the incorruptible company of God my Saviour.
Having divided the Jordan by prayer,
you crossed over on dry ground.
After leaving a two-fold grace for Elisha,
you were taken up into heaven on a fiery chariot.
Therefore, we beseech you,
although you were taken up from us in the flesh,
do not separate yourself from us in spirit,
and always pray to Christ that our souls may be saved.

O heavenly Prophet, you appeared as a shining cloud,
raining a shower of an understanding of God to all the faithful.
Like a rich wine you filled with happiness
the faithful who were present in your most divine temple.
Therefore, we entreat you, O heavenly Prophet Elias who sees God,
grant our country victory over her enemies
and great mercy to our souls.

Having complete control of your mind,
you humbled your body, O heavenly Prophet Elias.
Thus you prepared for your divine ascension in your heart.
You reproved the unjust actions of the king;
you took away the curse of God’s anger;
and you destroyed the shameful priests with a sword.
You taught all to loudly cry out:
Truly Elias preaches the one true God.

In Tone 6, Glory…

The disgraceful king commanded fasting in order to commit murder;
for after the fasting, blood was shed and the law was broken.
Naboth the Jezreelite was killed.
Then, O Prophet, you revealed the message of the Lord:
Since you killed the Jezreelite man unjustly,
likewise your blood will also be spilled and harlots will bathe in your blood.
O Lover of mankind, by the prayers of Your prophet and preacher,
deliver our souls from such inhumanity.

Now..

O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with the fruit of life.
There, we implore you, O Lady,
to intercede together with the Apostles and the Saints
so that we may obtain mercy for our souls.

Aposticha

In Tone 8

Having been illuminated by a brilliant mind,
Elias, the awesome Prophet, was heavenly in his actions.
He became indignant when he saw the unjust judgment of the infamous king.
Therefore, by God’s judgment, Elias denounced him.
Likewise, he delivered to God’s judgment the unmerciful queen who loved evil.
Now, O Christ, as the merciful One,
we ask You to save us by the prayers of Elias, Your Prophet.

Among His priests were Aaron and Moses; among those who invoked His name was Samuel.

O Prophet, you declared:
How long, O Lord, is the way of the infamous one to continue?
You planted and they became rooted
and produced the fruit of iniquity.
Indeed, they perished because of their shameful actions.
They cry out to You, but You will not hear.
Why have You shown me the scandal of the judges of the lawbreakers.

You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.

O great Elias, respected among the prophets,
your ascension is dear to those who celebrate.
By your prayers you deliver us from dangers and sorrows,
and you preserve us from the attacks of the Evil One.
O most glorious Prophet,
grant that we who are faithful followers of Christ
may always venerate you and bless you.

In Tone 6, Glory…

O Prophet who foretold the coming of Christ,
you are forever in the presence of God’s glory,
and you intercede for those who are suffering.
Since you serve the Majesty on High,
you bless the whole world and are glorified everywhere.
Now obtain for us the forgiveness of our sins.

Now…

Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,
came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.
He clothed Himself in our human flesh
to set us free from the original curse of Adam.
Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,
as the true Virgin Mother of God,
and we sing with the angels:
Rejoice, O Lady, advocate, protector and salvation of our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 4
The glorious Elias,* angelic in body, pillar of the prophets, second herald of Christ – * by sending grace upon Elisha from on high,* dispels disease, cleanses lepers, and overflows with healing for those who honour him. Twice

Rejoice Virgin Mary, Mother of God, full of grace* the Lord is with you!* Blessed are you among women,* And blessed is the Fruit of your womb.* For you have given birth to Christ* the Saviour and Deliverer of our souls.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion, Tone 4: The glorious Elias, * incarnate messenger of God, pillar of the prophets, * and second forerunner of the coming of Christ, * sent grace from on high to Elisha * that he might cleanse lepers and heal sickness ** for all those who honour him.

Glory… Now…

Kontakion, Tone 2: O Prophet who foresaw the mighty deeds of our God, * O great Elias who through your prayers stopped rain, ** intercede for us with the only One who loves mankind.

Prokimenon, Tone 4
You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
verse: The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet.”

Epistle
James 5:10-20

Alleluia, Tone 5
verse: Among His priests were Aaron and Moses; among those who invoked His name was Samuel.
verse: Light dawns for the just, and gladness for the upright of heart.

Gospel
Luke 4:22-30

Communion Hymn
The just shall be held in everlasting memory; * they need not fear an evil reputation. * Alleluia, Alleluia, * Alleluia.

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

10. Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.

O Christ, during this spiritual service,
we sing to You these evening prayers,
commemorating the mercy You have shown us
by Your resurrection.

9. The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.

O Lord, O Lord, do not cast us away from Your face;
but in Your kindness have mercy on us
through Your resurrection.

8. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

Rejoice, O holy Zion,
the Mother of Churches and the dwelling-place of God;
for you were the first to receive the forgiveness of sins
through the resurrection.

7. Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

Christ the Word was begotten by God the Father before all ages;
yet in these latter times,
He freely willed to take flesh from the Virgin who did not know man.
By His death on the cross and His resurrection,
He saved mankind from the ancient curse of death.

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

O Christ, we glorify Your resurrection;
for by rising from the dead
You freed the race of Adam from the sufferings of Hades,
and as God You granted eternal life
and great mercy to the world.

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

Glory to You, O Christ our Saviour,
the only-begotten Son of God;
for You were nailed to the cross,
and then arose from the dead on the third day.

In Tone 6

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

O Word and lover of Mankind,
infinite and beyond description in Your taking flesh for our sake,
the nobles assembly of Fathers proclaimed that You are both perfect man and perfect God,
one person in two perfect natures with two perfect wills.
Therefore, we profess that You are one God with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
We sing a hymn of praise to the Fathers, and we adore You.

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

O glorious Fathers of the Councils,
you demonstrated that Pyrrhus, Sergius, and Onuphrius,
Dioscorus, and Nestorius were in error
concerning the doctrines of Christ.
You save the flock by teaching the true principle
that Christ is one divine person in two natures.
This Christ we adore as perfect man and perfect God,
one with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
O holy Fathers, we honour you and sing to you a hymn of praise.

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

The Fathers of the Councils, inspired by God,
declare and explain that in Christ
there is a divine act and a divine will,
uncreated and infinite:
the act and will of the Son of God.
There is also a human act and a human will:
those of the Son of Man.
Thus, they proclaim that Christ is one divine person having two natures,
the one is divine and the other is human.
Therefore, we the faithful honour these Fathers every year
and glorify Christ who glorified them.

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

The Fathers of the Councils proclaim to us today
that the eternal Trinity is one God and one Lord.
They explain the Trinity is of one nature,
consubstantial, of one will and one act,
not divided nor shared but existing in the simplicity of God’s being.
They define that this will and act of God
had no beginning and will never have and end.
Therefore, we the faithful glorify these Fathers
as the equals of the Apostles,
for they taught all people the true doctrine of God.

In 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 defending the orthodox faith.
They always intercede with the Lord
to have mercy on our souls.

In Tone 8, Now…

Out of his love for mankind
the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt with men,
for He assumed a human body from the pure Virgin
and was seen in the flesh He received from her.
He is the One and only God having two natures but not two persons.
Wherefore we profess and declare the truth
that Christ our God is perfect God and perfect Man.
O Mother, who knew not carnal union,
intercede with Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

Readings
(1) Genesis 14:14-20; (2) Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17; (3) Deuteronomy 10:14-21

Aposticha

In Tone 8

O Jesus, You descended from heaven
so that You might ascend the cross.
O immortal Life, You came to die.
You are the true light to those who live in darkness,
and You are the resurrection of the fallen.
Therefore, O Saviour of all, we glorify You.

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

Let us glorify Christ, the Saviour of our Souls
Who arose from the dead.
For He took upon himself a soul and a body,
and during His passion He separated the one from the other.
His pure soul went down to conquer Hades,
while His holy body lay uncorrupted in the grave.

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

O Christ, we glorify Your resurrection with psalms and hymns.
For by Your victory over death
You delivered us from the sufferings of Hades,
and as God You granted us eternal life and great mercy.

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

O Lord of all, Creator of heaven and earth,
You are above all understanding.
Through Your passion on the cross
You freed us from the sufferings of Hades.
And, after condescending to be buried, You arose in glory;
and with Your mighty arm You also raised up Adam.
O most merciful Lord, we glorify You;
for by Your resurrection on the third day
You granted us remission of sins and eternal life.

In Tone 4, Glory…

O holy Fathers of the Councils,
you are the faithful keepers of the Apostles’ traditions.
By proclaiming that the three persons of the Holy Trinity
are one and consubstantial,
you refuted the blasphemy of Arius.
By teaching that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person,
one with the Father and the Son,
you put Macedonius, Severus and other heretics to shame.
Therefore, we beseech you to intercede for us,
preserving us from heresy and error
and keeping our lives blameless in God’s sight.

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 fulfil 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

In Tone 8
You came down from on high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You.

In 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.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 8: You came down from oh high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You.

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.

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, holing the true faith,* kisses the icon of Christ’s becoming man.

Now and for ever 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 17:1-17

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)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 7

10. Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.

Come, let us rejoice in the Lord,
Who destroyed the power of death
and enlightened the human race;
and let us cry out with the angels:
Glory to You, our Creator and Saviour!

9. The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.

O Saviour, for our sake You suffered crucifixion and burial;
and, as God, You destroyed death by Your death.
Therefore, we adore Your resurrection on the third day
and we sing: Glory to You, O Lord!

8. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

On seeing the resurrection of the Creator,
the Apostles were amazed,
and they sang an angelic hymn of praise:
This is the glory of the Church,
this is the richness of the Kingdom!
O Lord, Who suffered for our sake, glory to You!

7. Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

O Christ, although You were taken captive by Your enemies,
I still acknowledge You as my God,
and am not ashamed of You;
I will not hide the fact that You were nailed to the Cross.
Your death is my life, almighty Lord,
and I extol Your resurrection.
O Lover of mankind, glory to You!

In Tone 1

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

When the love of God took possession of you, venerable Anthony,
you began to look upon the enticements of the world as vain.
For this reason you left your homeland and settled on the Holy Mountain.
There, among the father, your virtues have shone forth like a light.
Pray to Christ, Whom you have served already from your youth,
for the enlightenment and salvation of our souls.

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

When you were enflamed with the love of Christ
you despised the world – its wisdom and passing glory –
and led an ascetic life, like an angel.
For this, God counted you worthy of the glory of the angels.
Now standing with them before Christ,
pray, Anthony, for the enlightenment and salvation of our souls.

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

When you, father, received into your heart the love of God,
you then entered a dark cave, as though it were a bridal chamber.
There you enriched yourself with knowledge, which is beyond all understanding:
To behold the future as though it were present,
and to openly preach it to all.
Pray to Christ, to Whom you have consecrated yourself, since your youth,
for enlightenment and salvation of our souls.

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

Your feastday has arrived, O God-bearer.
Brighter than the sun, your memory enlightens all who come to you in faith.
O Anthony, intercessor for our souls, your soul is fragrant with immortality
and you pour out healing for our souls.

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

O wonder-worker Anthony, you subdued the sensual and bodily passions
with the bridle of abstinence.
On earth you displayed angelic zeal
in subjecting bodily lusts to the spirit.
In the heavenly courts where you now dwell,
offer prayers for our souls.

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

O blessed Anthony, by discarding the old self and its urges,
and by truly clothing yourself with Christ,
you laid a foundation for virtue.
And so, after repelling many hostile attacks,
you became a guide for monks, O venerable one.
Offer your prayers for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Having witnessed your austere life and ascetic endeavours,
the fathers of the Holy mountain, under the inspiration of God,
sent you back to your homeland, saying:
Go, son, so that, there, the blind may learn about God.
Having returned, venerable father Anthony,
you enlightened your entire homeland
and became the head of community of ascetics
whom you have drawn to Christ.
Beseech Christ for us, that He protect us from the enemies of our souls
and grant us all salvation.

In Tone 7, Now…

Immaculate Mother of God,
you became a mother outside the laws of nature,
remaining a virgin in a way that exceeds all description
and human understanding.
The wonder of your birth-giving could not be told in human language,
for your conception of Christ blinded intelligence,
and your birth-giving exceeded understanding:
for whenever God so desires, the laws of nature are broken.
Wherefore, we all firmly believe that you are the Mother of God,
and we eagerly beseech you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.

Readings
(1) Proverbs 10:6-8; 8:6-21; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 7

O Saviour of the world, You arose from the grave,
and together with Your own flesh You raised up mankind.
O Lord, glory to You!

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

Come, let us worship Christ Who arose from the dead
and enlightened all creation.
For by His resurrection on the third day,
He set us free from the oppression of Hades,
granting us life and His great mercy.

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

O Christ, Lover of mankind,
You descended into Hades and destroyed death.
Then You arose on the third day;
and, together with Yourself You lifted up all of us
who glorify Your mighty resurrection.

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

O Lord, what a fearful sight it was to see You lying in the tomb as if asleep.
Yet on the third day You arose in great power,
and at the same time You raised up Adam who joyfully cried out:
Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!

In Tone 6, Glory…

By zealous prayer and great faith you became likened to the prophet Elijah.
For he drew from heaven fire to consume the sacrifices,
while you through prayers drew fire from heaven
to prepare and purify the site where you desired to build a glorious church
in honour of the Lady and Mother of God.
Therefore, we extol you as a fellow-monastic of the ascetics and heir of the prophet
and implore you: Pray to Christ for the salvation of our souls.

Now…

Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,
came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.
He clothed Himself in our human flesh
to set us free from the original curse of Adam.
Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,
as the true Virgin Mother of God,
and we sing with the angels:
Rejoice, O Lady, advocate, protector, and salvation of our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 7
By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.

In Tone 4, Glory…
Leaving behind worldly tumult,* O venerable Father Anthony,* in keeping with the gospel you turned your back on the world,* and leading a life equal to that of angels you attained to the calm haven of Mount Athos* from whence you came to the Mount of Kiev* with the Fathers’ blessing* and living there an arduous life you enlightened your fatherland,* pointing the way into the Kingdom on high to a multitude of monks and nuns* and thus lead your homeland to Christ.** Pay to Him that He save our souls.

Now…
O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,** and saved our souls from death.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 7: By Your cross You destroyed death;* You opened Paradise to the thief;* You changed the lamentation of the myrrh-bearers to joy,* and charged the apostles to proclaim* that You are risen, O Christ our God,* offering great mercy to the world.

Troparion, Tone 4: Leaving behind worldly tumult,* O Venerable Father Anthony,* in keeping with the gospel you turned your back on the world,* and leading a life equal to that of angels you attained to the calm haven of Mount Athos* from whence you came to the Mount of Kiev* with the Fathers’ blessing* and living there an arduous life you enlightened your fatherland,* pointing the way into the Kingdom on high to a multitude of monks and nuns* and thus you lead your homeland to Christ.* Pray to Him that He save our souls.

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

Kontakion, Tone 7: No longer shall the dominion of death be able to hold humanity,* for Christ went down shattering and destroying it s powers.* Hades is bound.* The prophets exult with one voice.* The Saviour has come for those with faith, saying:* “Come forth, O faithful, to the resurrection!”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8: Cleaving to God,* whom you loved from your childhood above all else,* you followed Him lovingly with your whole heart,* O Father Anthony.* Scorning this passing world as a trifle* you made your dwelling a cave in the earth.* There you fought well against the unseen enemy’s snares* and shone like the sun to the ends of the earth.* From whence you passed joyfully to heaven’s mansions* and stand now with angels at the Master’s throne.* There we ask you to remember those who feast your memory* that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Anthony, our Father.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The Lord will give strength to His people;* the Lord will bless His people with peace.
verse: Bring to the Lord, O you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams. (Psalm 28:11,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones. (Psalm 115:15)

Epistle
1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Galatians 5:22-6:2

Alleluia, Tone 7
verse: It is good to give praise to the Lord; and to sing to Your name, O Most High.
verse: To announce Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth every night. (Psalm 91:2,3)
verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.
verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel
Matthew 14:14-22; Luke 6:17-23

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

8. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

What praises are worthy of you, O Athanasius?
Your virtues are your true adornment,
and you were filled with grace by the light flowing from God.
You are a sword cutting down the rebellious passions,
a radiant pillar of divine contemplation,
a flame of abstinence enkindling on the lampstand of your soul
the divine precepts of the One who gives life to all mankind!

7. Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

What praises are worthy of you, O Athanasius?
Your virtues are your true adornment,
and you were filled with grace by the light flowing from God.
You are a sword cutting down the rebellious passions,
a radiant pillar of divine contemplation,
a flame of abstinence enkindling on the lampstand of your soul
the divine precepts of the One who gives life to all mankind!

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

What praises are worthy of you, O Athanasius?
Your virtues are your true adornment,
and you were filled with grace by the light flowing from God.
You are a sword cutting down the rebellious passions,
a radiant pillar of divine contemplation,
a flame of abstinence enkindling on the lampstand of your soul
the divine precepts of the One who gives life to all mankind!

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

What praises can we worthily crown you, O Athanasius?
You are an eagle soaring on the wind,
carried like a heavenly being on the wings of divine contemplation.
You are a stronghold of humility,
and unshakable rampart of discernment,
truly majestic in your nobility of soul,
am intercessor before Christ our God
that He protect your spiritual children in His compassion.

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

What praises can we worthily crown you, O Athanasius?
You are an eagle soaring on the wind,
carried like a heavenly being on the wings of divine contemplation.
You are a stronghold of humility,
and unshakable rampart of discernment,
truly majestic in your nobility of soul,
am intercessor before Christ our God
that He protect your spiritual children in His compassion.

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

What praises can we worthily crown you, O Athanasius?
You are an eagle soaring on the wind,
carried like a heavenly being on the wings of divine contemplation.
You are a stronghold of humility,
and unshakable rampart of discernment,
truly majestic in your nobility of soul,
am intercessor before Christ our God
that He protect your spiritual children in His compassion.

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

By the radiance of your gifts, you are like a morning star,
guiding those who are blinded by the passions
toward the never setting Light, O father Athanasius, wise in God.
Since you increased the talent entrusted to you,
Christ made you a physician of souls:
able to lance festering wounds with the scalpel of your words,
you restore health to the faithful who have recourse to you.

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

By the radiance of your gifts, you are like a morning star,
guiding those who are blinded by the passions
toward the never setting Light, O father Athanasius, wise in God.
Since you increased the talent entrusted to you,
Christ made you a physician of souls:
able to lance festering wounds with the scalpel of your words,
you restore health to the faithful who have recourse to you.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Your life was filled with the grace of God, O father Athanasius,
and your passing was truly holy.
Today, the whole community of the Holy Mountain assembles.
Seeing you lifeless upon your bed, it cries aloud in tears:
Grant one last word to your servants.
Tell us: how can you leave your sons,
whom you have loved as a compassionate father?
Although the tomb will cover you on earth,
we who wholeheartedly venerate you will have you in heaven
as a protector and intercessor before Christ our God!

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 mercy on our souls.

Readings
(1) Wisdom 3:1-9; (20 Wisdom 5:15-6:3; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Hail, O venerable father Athanasius,
who exult with the angels in their choirs,
for you lived their life on earth as you practiced the virtues,
showing the purity of an unblemished mirror
which receives the radiant lights of the Holy Spirit.
Thus you had the gift of prophecy,
foreseeing all in the divine light of Christ;
entreat Him to grant our souls great mercy.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful.

Hail, O leader of ascetics, their invincible protector!
Cutting down the passions at their roots:
and valiantly withstanding the attacks of the demons, O Athanasius,
you triumphed over their deadly conduct.
You clearly showed the might and invincible power of the Cross of the Saviour.
With this as your armour, you conquered all the adversaries
opposing the divine manifestation of Christ in the flesh;
entreat Him to grant our souls great mercy.

Happy the man who fears the Lord, who takes delight in all His commands.

Pillar of fire supported by the virtues, cloud overshadowing those in the desert,
you led the monks of Athos from earth to heaven.
You split the sea of the passions with the staff of the Cross.
You put the devil to flight, like another Amalek, O blessed father.
Without hindrance, you found the heavenly mount and a never-failing inheritance,
where you rejoice with the angels before the throne of Christ;
entreat Him to grant our souls great mercy.

In Tone 6, Glory…

He is the jewel of the holy fathers, the glory of Christian ascetics,
the fountain of divine miracles, our fervent intercessor before God.
Come, O feast-lovers, let us sing him our praises and say:
Hail, emblem and rule of monastic life,
and its most precise model!
Hail, O flaming torch, illumining the earth with your virtues!
Hail, consolation of the afflicted and fervent protector of the wretched!
You never cease to intercede before Christ our God, O Athanasius,
on behalf of your fold and for all the faithful
who venerate your sacred dormition.

Now…

Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,
came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.
He clothed Himself in our human flesh
to set us free from the original curse of Adam.
Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,
as the true Virgin Mother of God,
and we sing with the angels:
Rejoice, O Lady, advocate, protector, and salvation of our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 3
O Athanasius ever glorious,* the ranks of angels marvelled at your life in the flesh* for you with your body engaged the unseen foe,* and wounded the legions of demons.* For this Christ rewarded you with lavish gifts.** Therefore, pray, O Father, that our souls be saved.

Glory… Now…
We sing your praises, O Virgin;* for, as the Mother of God, you always intercede for the salvation of the human race.* It is from you that our God and Your Son took flesh. * Then, by suffering the passion on the Cross,** and out of love for mankind, He delivered us from corruption.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 3: O Athanasius ever glorious,* the ranks of angels marvelled at your life in the flesh* for you with your body engaged the unseen foe,* and wounded the legions of demons.* For this Christ rewarded you with lavish gifts.* Therefore, pray, O Father, that our souls be saved.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8: Your flock invokes you, O God-inspired Father,* as one graced with special insight into things unseen* and as a true herald* putting into practice the word that you taught.* Yield not in praying for your servants* that God would free them from every harm and attack.* For they cry out to you:* Rejoice, O Father Athanasius.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.
verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:15,12)

Epistle
Galatians 5:22-6:2

Alleluia, Tone 6
verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.
verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel
Luke 6:17-23

Communion Hymn
The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

You are compassionate, Lover of mankind,
giving Your Mother to Your servants as an aid.
Through her You have worked Your ineffable and awesome dispensation,
restoring our first and divine life.
Therefore, as we honour her all-holy feast, we hymn Your might,
almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls!

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

You are compassionate, Lover of mankind,
giving Your Mother to Your servants as an aid.
Through her You have worked Your ineffable and awesome dispensation,
restoring our first and divine life.
Therefore, as we honour her all-holy feast, we hymn Your might,
almighty Jesus, the Saviour of our souls!

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

Protect with your precious robe, all praised one,
the people who honour and fittingly glorify you.
Preserve them from godless enemies, immaculate one;
from famine, earthquake and civil war.
Therefore we all glorify you, unwedded Virgin and holy Bride of God,
the helper of all mankind!

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

Protect with your precious robe, all praised one,
the people who honour and fittingly glorify you.
Preserve them from godless enemies, immaculate one;
from famine, earthquake and civil war.
Therefore we all glorify you, unwedded Virgin and holy Bride of God,
the helper of all mankind!

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

Lady full of divine grace,
you have given your city your precious robe:
a wealth that cannot be diminished;
a shelter, glory and impregnable wall;
a treasure of healings and ever-flowing fountain of wonders;
a constant haven and salvation for those tossed by storms.
Therefore, we hymn you, all-praised and pure Lady!

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

Lady full of divine grace,
you have given your city your precious robe:
a wealth that cannot be diminished;
a shelter, glory and impregnable wall;
a treasure of healings and ever-flowing fountain of wonders;
a constant haven and salvation for those tossed by storms.
Therefore, we hymn you, all-praised and pure Lady!

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

Cleansed in heart and mind,
let us keep the feast together with the angels,
joyfully addressing the song of David
to the Maiden Bride of Christ our God, the King of all!
Let us say: Arise, Lord, into Your resting place,
You and the ark of Your holiness,
for You have adorned her as a palace of delight.
You have given her, Master, as an inheritance to Your people,
to preserve and shelter them by Your mighty power from their enemies
through her supplications!

Readings
(1) Genesis 28:10-17; (2) Ezekiel 43:27-44; (3) Proverbs 9:1-11

Aposticha

In Tone 3

Come, all you faithful from the ends of the earth,
let us glorify the honourable feast of the Mother of God.
Lifting up her hands to her Son, she prays for us,
and through her holy feast the world is given life.
Therefore, with psalms and hymns and spiritual odes,
let us joyfully celebrate with all the saints.

She is led to the king with her maiden companions. They are escorted amid gladness and joy.

Greatly has God adorned you with beauty,
for in the midst of all, He placed the Light in your arms.
You alone are in His light and are the hope of Christians;
you are the help for those afflicted with needs and sorrows;
you are the haven for those who labour and toil.
Now entreat Him to deliver from all afflictions
those who lovingly honour your holy feast.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

Your honoured feast, pure and holy Virgin,
is glorified by angels in heaven and by mankind on earth;
for you are the Mother of Christ our God, the Creator of all.
Do not cease to entreat Him for us, we beg you;
for next to God, we have placed our trust in you,
O Theotokos, most highly praised and pure of all stain.

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

Today the church of God adorns itself, all-pure Theotokos,
putting on your precious robe as a most splendid crown.
It rejoices and dances in spirit,
crying out to you, Mistress:
Rejoice, precious diadem and crown of divine glory!
Rejoice, only perfection of glory and eternal gladness!
Rejoice, haven and deliverance of those who run to you
and our salvation!

Troparia

In Tone 8
Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city,* and to our souls great mercy.

Glory… 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!

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 8: Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* and you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city,* and – to our souls – great mercy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: O pure one, full of the grace of God,* you have given your sacred robe as a garb on incorruption to all who believe.* It covered your sacred body,* O protection of all mankind.* We feast its deposition with love, and in awe we cry:* Rejoice, O Virgin, boast of Christians.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.
verse: Because he has regarded the humility of His handmaid; for behold, all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)

Epistle
Hebrew 9:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Rise up, O Lord, to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness.
verse: The Lord swore an oath to David, and will not go back on His word. (Psalm 131:8,11)

Gospel
Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

Communion Hymn
I will take the cup of salvation;* and I will call upon the name of the Lord.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 115:13)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

8. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

What crowns of praise shall we weave for Peter and Paul?
They were separated in the body but united in spirit,
and outstanding as the preachers of God.
The one indeed led the apostles,
while the other laboured more than all the rest.
Christ our God, showing great mercy,
fittingly crowns them with immortal glory.

7. Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

What crowns of praise shall we weave for Peter and Paul?
They were separated in the body but united in spirit,
and outstanding as the preachers of God.
The one indeed led the apostles,
while the other laboured more than all the rest.
Christ our God, showing great mercy,
fittingly crowns them with immortal glory.

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

What crowns of praise shall we weave for Peter and Paul?
They were separated in the body but united in spirit,
and outstanding as the preachers of God.
The one indeed led the apostles,
while the other laboured more than all the rest.
Christ our God, showing great mercy,
fittingly crowns them with immortal glory.

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

With what beautiful hymns shall we praise Peter and Paul?
They are wings of divine knowledge,
spreading out to the far ends of the earth
and soaring aloft to heaven.
They are two heads of the Gospel of grace,
two feet of the preaching of the truth,
two rivers of wisdom and two arms of the Cross,
through which the merciful Christ casts down the pride of demons.

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

With what beautiful hymns shall we praise Peter and Paul?
They are wings of divine knowledge,
spreading out to the far ends of the earth
and soaring aloft to heaven.
They are two heads of the Gospel of grace,
two feet of the preaching of the truth,
two rivers of wisdom and two arms of the Cross,
through which the merciful Christ casts down the pride of demons.

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

With what beautiful hymns shall we praise Peter and Paul?
They are wings of divine knowledge,
spreading out to the far ends of the earth
and soaring aloft to heaven.
They are two heads of the Gospel of grace,
two feet of the preaching of the truth,
two rivers of wisdom and two arms of the Cross,
through which the merciful Christ casts down the pride of demons.

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

With what spiritual songs shall we praise Peter and Paul?
They slew the godless tongues of idolaters.
They are fearful swords of the Spirit and notable ornaments of Rome,
nourishers of the whole world
and the God-inspired tablets of the new covenant.
Christ, in His great mercy, has proclaimed their honour in Sion.

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

With what spiritual songs shall we praise Peter and Paul?
They slew the godless tongues of idolaters.
They are fearful swords of the Spirit and notable ornaments of Rome,
nourishers of the whole world
and the God-inspired tablets of the new covenant.
Christ, in His great mercy, has proclaimed their honour in Sion.

In Tone 4, Glory…

Christ asked three times: Peter, do you love Me?
Thereby He satisfied the three-fold denial;
and Simon, understanding the mystery, cried to the Lord:
You know all things; You know that I love You.
After this, Christ said to him:
Feed my sheep, feed my lambs;
feed those sheep which I have fashioned for salvation with my own blood.
Therefore, O blessed Apostle of God,
beseech Him to grant us great mercy.

Now…

O Mother of God, David the prophet and forefather of Christ foretold in song
the great things that would happen to you.
He revealed that you would be a queen,
standing at the right hand of God,
and that you would be the Mother of Life and Intercessor for the world.
He prophesied that God, in his good will toward mankind,
would become incarnate of you without a human father.
Thus He would restore His image within us,
which had become disfigured by our passions.
He would seek out the lost sheep that was trapped in the hills;
He would lift it upon His shoulder and carry it to His Father
who would place it in the midst of His heavenly hosts.
In like manner, Christ will save the world because of His great and abundant mercy.

Readings
(1) 1 Peter 1: 3-9; (2) 1 Peter 1: 13 – 19; (3) 1 Peter 2: 11-24

Lytia

In Tone 2

Come today, O assemblies of the faithful,
O choirs full of praise, O beautiful gathering,
O chosen craftsmen of grace,
we are crowning Peter and Paul with worthy praises.
They sowed the Word in its fullness;
through them the grace of the Spirit was poured out abundantly.
And being the vine of the true vineyard,
they divided up for us a ripe cluster, making our hearts joyful.
Let us sing to them with clear expression,
and with a clean conscience let us say:
Rejoice, O destroyers of the unwise
and the servants of the spiritual ones.
Rejoice, O intermediaries for the good who banish evil.
Let us beseech them to always pray to the Creator and Teacher
to grant an enduring peace to the world
and great mercy to our souls.

Let us praise as intercessors for the world,
the teachers and foundations of the Church of Christ,
its true pillars and walls,
trumpets of the divine teachings and sufferings of Christ,
the prime apostles Peter and Paul.
They travelled throughout the earth,
as though with a plough, sowing the faith,
and planted a knowledge of God in all,
revealing the Word of the Trinity.
O Peter, rock of foundation, and Paul, O chosen vessel,
you were harnessed together to the will of Christ.
You raised up all creation to a knowledge of God:
the nations, the cities, and the islands.
Indeed, you lifted up anew the Hebrews into the Church,
and now you pray that our souls be saved.

O Peter, the first of the glorious apostles and rock of faith!
wondrous Paul, orator and lamp stand of the holy churches,
standing before the divine throne,
pray to Christ for us.

O Paul, spokesman of the Lord and foundation of doctrine!
Once you were a persecutor of Jesus the Saviour,
and then indeed you were among the first of the apostles, O blessed one.
You saw the ineffable One, O wise Apostle.
You were transported up to the third heaven, and you exclaimed:
Come with me and do not be deprived of the good things.

In Tone 3

O citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem,
behold the rock of faith and the orator of the Church of Christ,
the two men of the Trinity and fishers of the world,
today are departing from the earth.
Suffering the passion, they ascend to God,
and they pray to Him with confidence to save our souls.

In Tone 5, Glory…

The wisdom of God and the Word who is co-eternal with the Father
has truly foretold in the Gospel, O all-praiseworthy Apostles,
that you are the two most fruitful vines;
for you bore in your branches the ripe and beautiful cluster
from which we believers are now nourished
and whose taste brings us both sweetness and delight.
Therefore, O Peter, rock of faith, and Paul, pride of the universe,
strengthen the flock that became yours through your teachings.

Now…

We bless you, O Theotokos and Virgin;
and we faithful ones glorify you always.
You are the ineffable city, the mighty wall,
the powerful mediatrix, and the haven of our souls.

Aposticha

In Tone 1

O glorious apostle Paul,
who can describe your bondage and sorrow in the cities,
your tribulations and hardships,
your vigils and sufferings?
You have suffered hunger, thirst, and cold,
nakedness and scourging with rods,
the crossing of wilderness, shipwreck and stonings.
You have both angelic and human character,
bearing all with the help of Christ who strengthened you,
so that you might gain the world for Christ, your Lord.
We, who celebrate your memory in faith,
beseech you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.

Through all the world their voice resounds; their message reaches to the ends of the earth.

O glorious apostle Paul,
who can describe your bondage and tribulations in the cities?
Who can tell the hardships and struggles you went through in the preaching of Christ
that you might win all people and present the Church to Christ?
O apostle Paul, teacher of the Churches,
pray that the Church may be strengthened by your teachings
until the end of time.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.

Let us extol Peter and Paul,
the two great luminaries of the Church;
for they have shone forth with the firmness of faith,
transcending the sun in brilliance.
By the rays of their preaching
they led the Gentiles from ignorance to divine knowledge.
Therefore, one of them was nailed upon the cross,
thus making his way into heaven
where he received the Kingdom from Christ himself.
The other was beheaded with the sword and carried to the Saviour,
where he received the blessing that he deserved.
Both declared that the unjust ones laid hands against the Lord.
By their powers, therefore, O Christ our God,
take your anger away from us and make firm our faith,
for You are the Lover of Mankind.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Today a delightful feast has shone forth to the ends of the earth,
the all-solemn memorial of the most wise and first apostles, Peter and Paul.
Therefore, let Rome receive the glad tidings, rejoicing;
and let us feast on this solemn day, crying out to them:
Rejoice, O Peter, apostle and special friend of the Teacher, Christ our God.
Rejoice, O truly beloved Paul,
preacher of the faith and teacher of the universe.
Because of your privilege, O holy ones,
beseech Christ our God to save our souls.

Now…

Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,
came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.
He clothed himself in our human flesh
to set us free from the original curse of Adam.
Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,
as the true Virgin Mother of God,
and we sing with the angels:
Rejoice, O Lady, advocate, protector, and salvation of our souls.

Troparia

In Tone 4
As the leaders of the apostles* and teachers of the whole world,* intercede with the Master of all* to grant peace to the world* and to our souls great mercy. (2)

In Tone 1
Rejoice, Virgin Mary, Mother of God, full of grace,* The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have given birth to Christ, the Saviour and Deliverer of our souls.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: As the leaders of the apostles* and teachers of the whole world,* intercede with the Master of all* to grant peace to the world* and to our souls great mercy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen

Kontakion, Tone 2: You received Your inspired and steadfast preachers, Your chief disciples,* into the enjoyment of Your good things and into repose.* You, Who alone know the heart, accept their labours and death* more gladly than any holocaust.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their word unto the ends of the world.
verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands. (Psalm 18:5,2)

Epistle 2
Corinthians 11:21-12:9

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.
verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 88:6,8)

Gospel
Matthew 16:13-19

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify Peter the solid rock of Christ’s Church and Paul her chosen vessel.
and the Irmos, Tone 4: You, most glorious Bride and all holy Mother of God,* in song do we magnify;* for the Maker of all things seen and unseen* was born of you.

Communion Hymn
Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their word unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 5

10. Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.

With Your precious Cross, O Christ,
You have put the Devil to shame.
With Your Resurrection You have deadened the sting of Death.
We, therefore, glorify You, O only-begotten Son of God.

9. The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.

O Christ, Who granted resurrection to mankind,
You were led like a lamb to the slaughter.
Then the princes of Hades were struck with terror
as they saw the gates of their tearful domain being lifted up;
for Christ, the King of Glory, entered therein
and exclaimed to those in chains: Go forth from here!
And to those in darkness: Go forth into the light!

8. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

What a great wonder!
The Creator of invisible beings suffered in the flesh for mankind,
and rose from the dead as immortal.
Come, therefore, all you nations and adore Him;
for through His compassion we have been freed from the snares of the Devil,
and we have learned to praise the one God in three Persons.

7. Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

We offer to You our evening worship,
O Light Whom the darkness of night can never extinguish.
For in these latter days Your radiance has appeared to the world,
shining in Your flesh as light reflected in a mirror.
Your brilliance has descended even to the depths of Hades and dissolved its gloom.
O Lord, Giver of Light, glory to You;
for You have shown the radiance of Your Resurrection to all the nations.

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

Let us glorify Christ, the Author of our Salvation;
for by His Resurrection from the dead,
the world has been delivered from the deception of Satan.
The choirs of angels rejoice as the treachery of evil spirits vanishes.
Fallen Adam arises, and the Devil is vanquished.

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

Those who guarded the tomb of Christ
were told by the evil men who hired them:
Take this silver and keep silent.
Tell no one of the Resurrection of Christ;
rather tell everyone that while you were sleeping His body was stolen.
But who has ever heard of a body being stolen,
a body which had already been anointed?
Why would anyone take a body from the grave naked,
and leave the burial shroud in the tomb?
Do not deceive yourselves, O people of Judea.
Study the teachings of the Prophets,
and you will come to understand that Jesus Christ is Almighty God,
and truly the Saviour of the world.

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

O Lord our Saviour,
Who subjected hell and conquered Death,
and enlightened the world through Your precious Cross,
have mercy on us.

In Tone 1

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

Your Feast-day has arrived, O God-bearer.
Brighter than the sun, your memory enlightens all who come to you in faith.
O David, intercessor for our souls,
your souls is fragrant with immortality
and you pour out healing for our souls.

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

O Wonderworker David,
you subdued the sensual and bodily passions
with the bridle of abstinence.
On earth you displayed angels zeal
in subjecting bodily lusts to the spirit.
In the heavenly courts where you now dwell,
offer prayers for our souls.

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

O blessed David,
by discarding the old self and its urges,
and by truly clothing yourself with Christ,
you laid a foundation for virtue.
And so, after repelling many hostile attacks,
you became a guide for monks, O venerable one.
Offer your prayers for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 5, Glory… Now…

A symbol of the undefiled Virgin and bride
was revealed in the Red Sea.
There, Moses divided the waters;
here, Gabriel is the messenger of the miracle.
There, the Israelites crossed the deep and their feet were not even wet;
here, the Virgin gives birth to Christ without human seed.
There, the sea remained uncrossed after the passing of Israel;
here, the immaculate remained incorrupt after giving birth to Emmanuel.
Therefore, O immortal God, who appeared in the flesh as true Man,
have mercy on us!

Aposticha

In Tone 5

O Christ our Saviour,
we lift up our voices to glorify You.
For, in Your love for mankind,
You became incarnate without leaving heaven;
You accepted the Cross and death;
You cast down the gates of Hades;
and on the third day You arose from the dead
for the salvation of our souls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glory… Now…

O most pure Virgin,
you are the temple, the gate, the palace, and the throne of the King.
Christ, our Redeemer and Lord,
appeared through you to those who slumbered in darkness.
For He, as the Sun of Righteousness,
wishes to enlighten those whom He created with His own hands
according to His own image.
Therefore, O Lady, whom we always praise in song,
we beseech you to intercede with Christ for the salvation of our souls;
for, as His Mother, you can approach Him with the greatest confidence.

Troparia

In Tone 5
Let us, the faithful, acclaim and worship the Word* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh,* to suffer death and to raise the dead,* by His glorious Resurrection.

Glory… Now…
Rejoice, O Virgin, impassable gateway of the Lord! * Rejoice, protective wall of those who take refuge in you! * Rejoice, peaceful haven untroubled by storms! * Rejoice, Virgin who has not known wedlock * and yet has given birth in the flesh to your Creator and God! * O Mother of God, never cease to intercede * for those who praise and worship your Son.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 5: Let us the faithful acclaim and worship the Word,* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to suffer death* and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.

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

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

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 5: Rejoice, O rampart and protection of those who have recourse to you!* Rejoice, O tranquil haven and Virgin,* who gave birth in the flesh to your Maker and God!* Fail not to intercede for those* who sing and worship the Child you bore.

Prokeimenon, Tone 5
You, O Lord, will guard us and will keep us* from this generation and for ever.
verse: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer left a just man. (Psalm 11:8,2)

Epistle
Romans 12:6-14

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 9:1-8

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

8. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

When John was born, the silence of Zechariah was broken.
For when the Voice appeared, it was not proper that his father remain silent.
Just as disbelief bound the tongue of the father,
so now the appearance of John frees him.
Having revealed himself, he preaches good tidings to all.
The Forerunner of Light and the Voice of the Word is born,
and he prays for the salvation of our souls.

7. Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

When John was born, the silence of Zechariah was broken.
For when the Voice appeared, it was not proper that his father remain silent.
Just as disbelief bound the tongue of the father,
so now the appearance of John frees him.
Having revealed himself, he preaches good tidings to all.
The Forerunner of Light and the Voice of the Word is born,
and he prays for the salvation of our souls.

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

Today the Voice of the Word frees his father’s voice
which was lost through disbelief,
and he reveals the blessed posterity of the Church
by loosing his mother’s bond of barrenness.
The Lamp preceding the Light appears;
the star proclaims the coming of the Sun of Justice
who is the restoration of all
and the salvation of our souls.

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

When the time approached for the Word of God to be born from a Virgin,
a messenger came forth from a barren womb.
He is the greatest born of woman
and the greatest of the prophets.
Behold, the beginnings of God’s actions are beyond our understanding.
You were begotten eternally and conceived without seed;
you work wonders for our salvation. Glory to you!

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

Today the great Forerunner appears,
born from the barren womb of Elizabeth.
He is a prophet greater than all prophets;
there is no other like him, nor has there ever been.
For the most wondrous Light followed the lamp of the Forerunner;
the Word followed the Voice,
and the Bridegroom followed the bridegroom’s friend.
He prepares a special people for the Lord,
cleansing them with water until the coming of the Spirit.
He is the offspring of Zechariah and the noble dweller of the desert,
the preacher of repentance, and the purification of sins.
He announced the good news
of the Resurrection from the dead to those in Hades,
and he prays for our souls.

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

O John, the Baptizer of Christ,
you manifested yourself to be a prophet and forerunner
from the time you were in the womb.
When you saw the queen coming to her servant,
you leaped for joy in the womb of your mother,
you, the one conceived of a barren woman,
according to the promise made to the elder Zechariah.
You knew she was bearing the eternal One
who was from the Father without a mother.
Now implore God to have mercy on our souls.

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

Zechariah did not believe the word of the angel
who told that Elizabeth would conceive and bear a son.
Instead he replied: How can she give birth,
for we are both advanced in years.
He was made silent by your decree because of his disbelief.
Today he sees the promised birth,
and his silence is ended to give way to joy.
O, what a glorious marvel!
He shouts aloud: Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel,
for He has turned to his people and brought them salvation.
He grants great mercy to the world.

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

O most praiseworthy John and universal apostle,
good news of Gabriel and flower of the barren woman,
noble child of the desert,
true friend of the bridegroom Christ,
pray to Him to have mercy on our souls.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Today, like a shining star,
the Lamp prepares the way for the coming of the Word of God.
Today Zechariah speaks clearly, ending the silence imposed by the angel,
for it was not right that the father of the Voice be kept silent
once John was born from a barren womb.
He comes to announce with great boldness
the good news of salvation for all the world.

Now…

Elizabeth carried the Forerunner of grace,
and the Virgin carried the Lord of glory.
When the mothers greeted each other, the infant leaped for joy,
for even within the womb, the servant praised the Master.
The mother of the Forerunner was amazed and sang out:
How have I deserved that the mother of my Lord has come to me?
Glory to Him who with great mercy saves a despairing people.

Readings
(1) Genesis 17:15-19; 18:11-14; 21:1-8; (2) Judges 13:2-19; (3) Isaiah 40:1-3, 9; 41:17-18

Litya

In Tone 1

O mountains, give forth your sweetness;
O hills, skip about like lambs;
for today the Lord’s forerunner, desiring to abide with us, is born of Elizabeth.
At his birth he loosed his father’s silence.
Therefore, let us cry out to him:
O Baptizer of Christ, implore Him to save our souls.

The God-named Voice and Lamp of the Light, the Forerunner of the Lord,
was attested to by Christ as the foremost of the prophets.
Please remember your flock in order to preserve it intact,
and we also ask that you pray for the world.

O prophet and forerunner John,
you were the preacher of the Lamb who is the Word of God.
You prophesied the future;
you spoke beforehand to the ends of the earth:
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
and grants great mercy to all.

In Tone 5, Glory…

Today Elizabeth rejoices as she gives birth
to the end of the prophets and the beginning of the apostles,
the earthly angel and the heavenly man,
the voice of the Word, the soldier and forerunner of Christ,
who leaped for joy beforehand because of the Promised One
and who preached before the birth of the Sun of Justice.
In his old age Zechariah is amazed,
having cast aside the muteness imposed as a punishment.
As the father of the Voice, he prophesies most splendidly:
And you, O child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
and you shall go before Him to prepare the way.
Therefore, O angel, prophet, apostle, and soldier,
forerunner, baptizer, preacher of penance, and guide,
as the voice of the light of the Word,
pray unceasingly for us who faithfully keep your memory.

Now…

O most pure Virgin ,
you are the temple, the gate, the palace, and the throne of the King.
Christ, our Redeemer and Lord,
appeared through you to those who slumbered in darkness.
For He, as the Sun of Righteousness,
wished to enlighten those whom He created with his own hands
according to his own image.
Therefore, O Lady, whom we always praise in song,
we beseech you to intercede with Christ for the salvation of our souls;
for, as his mother, you can approach Him with the greatest of confidence.

Aposticha

In Tone 2

With psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
let us praise the glorious desert-dweller John,
since he is the prophet of prophets
and the fruit of a barren womb,
greater than all born of women.
Let us cry out to him:
O Baptist and Forerunner of the Saviour,
by your holy birth you may implore Christ with confidence
to grant peace to the world
and great mercy to our souls.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and ransomed his people.

According to the promise,
John the Forerunner and the Voice of the grace of the Word has appeared.
He was born today of the childless, barren woman.
Rejoice, O people,
for he has come to prepare for us the way of the Saviour
to whom he bowed down and leaped for joy
while still in the womb of his mother.
He is the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world
and grants great mercy to us.

And you, O child, shall be called prophet of the Most High.

John, who was sanctified in the womb of his mother
and received the fullness of prophecy,
is born today from a barren woman.
Clearly he announces the coming of the Lord:
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

In Tone 8, Glory…

Today the voice of the prophet Isaiah is fulfilled
in the birth of the greatest of the prophets, John.
He had said: Behold, I will prepare the way of the Lord.
He will be a soldier of the kingdom of heaven,
running before the path of our God.
By nature he was a man,
yet in the present life he became an angel,
for he welcomed moderation in complete purity.
He had a human nature but fled what was according to nature
and struggled beyond the natural.
Therefore, let all the faithful imitate his virtues
and beg him to pray for the salvation of our souls.

Now…

Elizabeth said to the Virgin Mary:
How is it that the Mother of my God has come to me?
You bear the King, and I, a soldier.
You bear the Lawgiver, and I, a preacher of the law.
You bear the Word, and I, the voice who announces the kingdom of heaven.

Troparia

In Tone 4
O Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ,* in spite of our honoru and devotion,* we are unable to give you worthy praise.* Through your glorious and noble birth* your mother’s childlessness was ended,* your father’s tongue was freed,* and the Incarnation of the Son of God** was proclaimed to the world. 2x

In Tone 1
Rejoice, Virgin Mary, Mother of God, full of grace,* The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have borne Christ,* the Saviour and Deliverer of our souls.

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: O Prophet and forerunner of the coming of Christ,* we, who lovingly honour you are at a loss to praise you worthily;* for your mother’s barrenness and your father’s silence* were both ended by your honoured and glorious birth,* and the incarnation of the Son of God* is preached to the whole world.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: She who once was barren gives birth today to the Forerunner of Christ,* who will fulfil every prophecy.* In the Jordan he placed his hand upon the One Whom the prophets foretold* and thus was shown to be the prophet, the herald,* and the Forerunner of the Word of God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The just man shall be glad in the Lord and shall hope in Him.
verse: Hear, O God, my voice when I make my petition to You. (Psalm 63:11,2)

Epistle
Romans 13:11b-14:4

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited His people and redeemed them.
verse: And you, O child, will be called the prophet of the Most High (Luke 1:68,72)

Gospel
Luke 1:1-15, 57-68, 76, 80

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify the precious birth of Christ’s Baptist and forerunner, John.
Words cannot express the hidden, divine, ineffable mystery* that is clearly fulfilled in you, Virgin immaculate,* for because of His loving mercy God became flesh of you.* And, therefore, as Mother of God, we magnify you.

Communion Hymn
The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is sung.

 

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

10. 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.

9. 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!

8. 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.

7. Let Yours 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.

In Tone 1

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

Most wise and praised Apostle Jude,
your sound has gone out into all the earth,
guiding as lightning to the never-fading Light
those darkened by the delusion of ungodliness.
Since now you are radiant with this Light,
beseech great mercy for our souls!

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

Most wise and praised Apostle Jude,
your sound has gone out into all the earth,
guiding as lightning to the never-fading Light
those darkened by the delusion of ungodliness.
Since now you are radiant with this Light,
beseech great mercy for our souls!

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

As if you were a war-chariot of Christ, O wondrous Jude,
you put down the pride of idols.
By the Word of God, you mystically made captivity captive,
and gained life incorruptible, O glorious Apostle.
Since now you delight in this life,
beseech great mercy for our souls!

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

As if you were a war-chariot of Christ, O wondrous Jude,
you put down the pride of idols.
By the Word of God, you mystically made captivity captive,
and gained life incorruptible, O glorious Apostle.
Since now you delight in this life,
beseech great mercy for our souls!

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

You were a disciple of our incarnate God,
O Jude, Apostle of Christ.
You were sent by Him truly as a sheep among wolves,
by your speech turning them away from impiety,
bringing them to piety and a godly understanding of the holy Trinity.
Therefore we praise you.

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

You were a disciple of our incarnate God,
O Jude, Apostle of Christ.
You were sent by Him truly as a sheep among wolves,
by your speech turning them away from impiety,
bringing them to piety and a godly understanding of the holy Trinity.
Therefore we praise you.

In Tone 8, Glory…

You received openly the grace of the divine Spirit, O Apostle Jude,
as a participant in the sacred choir of the Apostles.
When the fiery breath came down from heaven,
breathing forth with a tongue of fire,
you utterly consumed the thorns of idolatry.
O Preacher, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved!

In 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) Jude 1-10; (2) Jude 11-16; (3) Jude 17-25

Aposticha

In Tone 4

In being lifted upon the Cross, O Lord,
You abolished the curse which we had inherited from our ancestors.
By going down into Hades,
You freed from eternal captivity those imprisoned there,
and granted incorruption to the human race.
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.

In Tone 2, Glory…

You are wondrous indeed, O Apostle Jude!
You were filled with divine zeal,
burning with ardour for the almighty God,
Who revealed you to be filled with divine miracles.
You possessed a wondrous passion,
and obtained a reverent manner through God-like action.
Therefore you are exalted and dwell with the Angels on high.
Since you behold God, pray to the Word, Christ our God,
that He may grant us great mercy!

Now…

We now behold a new wonder,
greater than the wonders of old.
For who has ever known a mother to bear a child without the help of man?
Who has known a mother to hold in her arms the Source of all Creation?
It was God’s own will to be born in this manner;
and you, O most pure Virgin, carried Him as an infant in your arms.
Because of this, you can approach God with the boldness of a mother.
Therefore, we venerate you, and ask you to always beseech Him
to have mercy on us and save our souls.

Troparia

In 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.”

In Tone 1, Glory…
As we know you to be Christ’s relative* and a steadfast martyr,* O Jude, we praise you with sacred hymns.* You trampled on error and kept the faith.* And so on this day as we feast your memory* through your prayers, O apostle,** we receive release from our sins.

Now…
O Holy Tabernacle, when Gabriel called out to you:* Rejoice, O Virgin, full of grace,* the Lord of All became incarnate of you,* as the righteous David had foretold.* In bearing your Creator, you have shown yourself to surpass the vastness of the heavens.* We, therefore, cry out: Glory to Him Who dwelt in you!* Glory to Him Who came forth from you!* Glory to Him Who has set us free** through your life-giving birth!

 

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DIVINE LITURGY

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 1: As we know you to be Christ’s relative* and a steadfast martyr,* O Jude, we praise you with sacred hymns.* You trampled on error and kept the faith.* And so on this day as we feast your memory* through your prayers, O apostle,* we receive release from our sins.

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

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.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: O Jude, because of your solid mind* you were shown to be a chosen disciple and firm pillar of the Church of Christ.* You proclaimed to the nations His holy word* teaching them to believe in the one God* from Whom you received glory and the gift of healing* to cure the ills of those who flee to you,* O apostle, worthy of all praise.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
How great are Your works, O Lord* You have made all things in wisdom.
verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul: O Lord my God, You are exceedingly great. (Psalm 103:24,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their word unto the ends of the world. (Psalm 18:5)

Epistle
Romans 10:1-10; Jude 1:1-10

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Poise yourself and advance in triumph and reign in the cause of truth, and meekness, and justice.
verse: You have loved justice and hated iniquity. (Psalm 44:5,8)
verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.
verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 88:6,8)

Gospel
Matthew 8:28-9:1; John 14:21-24

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