Michael Winn

January 11, 2016
Post-feast of Theophany; Our Venerable Father Theodosius, Founder of the Ceneobitic Life

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

When the Forerunner saw the One who is our enlightenment,
the One who has brought light to all,
coming to be baptized,
his heart rejoiced and his hand trembled.
He pointed Him out to the people and said:
This is the Saviour of Israel who delivered us from corruption.
O Christ our God, O Sinless One, glory to You!

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

O our Saviour, the armies of angels trembled
when they saw You baptized by your servant,
and the Holy Spirit bearing witness and descending,
and when they heard the voice of the Father speaking from heaven:
This One upon whom the Forerunner lays his hands
is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.
O Christ our God, glory to You!

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

When the Jordan River received You, O Fountainhead,
the Comforter descended in the form of a dove.
Now behold the marvel:
the One who bowed the heavens bows his head to the Forerunner,
and the one made of clay cries out to his Maker:
Why do You command me to perform what is beyond my power?
It is I who need to be baptized by You.
O Christ our God, O Sinless One, glory to You!

In Tone 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 venerable Father, God-bearing Theodosius,
you struggled valiantly in your earthly life.
With hymns, fastings, and vigils,
you were a model for your disciples.
Now you rejoice with the angelic powers.
Without ceasing, you glorify Christ, who is God of God, and the Word,
the Deliverer who bowed his head to the Forerunner
and who sanctified the nature of water.
Implore Him and pray to Him, O venerable one,
that He grant to the Church
oneness of thought, peace, and his great mercy.

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

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

O venerable Father, God-bearing Theodosius,
your desire was fulfilled when your soul was found to be pure.
The grace of the all-holy Spirit dwelt in you like a most pure light.
You were splendidly adorned by its action.
Without ceasing, you glorify Christ, the one Son in two natures,
who was baptized by the hand of the Forerunner
and who was attested to by the voice of the Father.
Implore Him and pray to Him, O venerable one,
that He grant to the whole world
oneness of thought, peace, and his great mercy.

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

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

O venerable Father, God-bearing Theodosius,
you made yourself worthy of a blessed life by chastity and fasting.
Passing over to the life above,
you asked all the brothers to rejoice with you.
With the bodiless powers you now unceasingly glorify Christ
who ineffably received his flesh from the Virgin
and who drowned our sins by his baptism in the currents of the Jordan.
Implore Him and pray to Him, O holy one,
that He grant to the whole world
oneness of thought, peace, and his great mercy.

In Tone 2, Glory…

O venerable Father, like a city of the living God,
the movements of the river brought joy to your soul
when the Water of Forgiveness, Christ our God, entered the Jordan
and made the word of faith gush forth for the whole world.
Implore Him, O blessed Theodosius, to save our souls.

Now…

You have bowed your head before the Forerunner,
and You have crushed the heads of the demons.
You have descended into the waters
and given light to all things
that they may glorify You, O Saviour,
the Enlightenment of our souls.

Readings
(1) Wisdom 5:15-6:3; (2) Wisdom 3:1–9; (3) Wisdom 4:7-15

Aposticha

In Tone 4

The Lord said: You have seen how I clothed myself with your likeness.
I humbled myself beyond comprehension.
Why is it so strange then, O friend,
if I also bow down to your right hand as an equal?
I, who am naked, clothe myself with the waters,
because in my compassion
I desire to clothe the naked with eternal incorruption.

The sea fled at the sight; the Jordan turned back on its course.

You revealed yourself as incarnate, O Lord,
and a womb receiving You remained unburned
as it was foretold in that furnace of long ago
which did not burn the youths.
indeed am the straw, O Master,
and I place my hand as though upon the fire,
before which the heavenly and earthly creatures tremble,
O all-powerful Jesus, the Saviour of our souls.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled, that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?

The Lord said: In the waters of the Jordan,
wash Me even though I am without stain.
Human nature, which was stained by the transgression of Adam,
will now be washed anew;
because when I am baptized
there will be a renewal for all
through the water and the Spirit.

In Tone 8, Glory…

Multitudes of monks venerate you as a guide, O Father Theodosius,
because we truly learned how to walk correctly by means of your path.
Blessed are you, for you served Christ.
You have confounded the power of the enemy,
for you speak with the angels.
You share the lot of the venerable and righteous ones.
Together with them, pray to the Lord
that He show mercy to our souls.

Now…

O Saviour, the heavenly hosts are frightened at what they see,
for today You stand naked in the waters;
your head is bowed down in order to be baptized by John,
for You willingly become poor in order to enrich the world.
O Lord, glory to You!

Troparia

In Tone 8
With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hundredfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable Father, Theodosius.** Pray to Christ God that our souls be saved.

In Tone 1, Glory… 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!

DIVINE LITURGY

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: 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!

Troparion, Tone 8: With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hundredfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable father, Theodosius.* Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

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

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.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion: Tone 8: Planted in the courts of your Lord,* you blossomed beautifully with godly virtues* and multiplied your children in the desert* watering it with the streams of your tears.* O leader of God’s divine sheepfolds,* we cry out to you: Rejoice, O Father Theodosius.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.
verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:26-27,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.

Epistle
2 Corinthians 4:6-15

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.
verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters. (Psalm 28:1,3)
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 11:27-30

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.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Titus 2:11)

Instead of “Blessed is He who comes…” we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

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)

January 10, 2016
Sunday after Theophany, Octoechos Tone 8; Our Holy Father Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa (after 394); the Venerable Dometian, Bishop of Miletene (582-602)

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

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.

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.

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.

In Tone 2

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

Our Light that enlightens all
comes to be baptized.
The Forerunner sees Him and rejoices in His soul.
His hand trembles as he shows Him to the people:
“Behold, the Redeemer of Israel,
the One Who frees us from corruption.”
O sinless One, Christ our God, glory to You!

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

A servant baptized our Redeemer,
and the coming of the Spirit bore witness to Him.
The hosts of Angels saw this and shook with fear.
And the voice of the Father was heard from heaven:
“This One on Whom the Forerunner lays his hand,
He is My beloved Son; I am well pleased in Him.”
O Christ our God, glory to You!

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

The streams of the Jordan received You, their Source,
and the Comforter descended in the form of a dove.
He Who bowed the heavens now bows His head.
The Clay cries aloud to the Potter:
“Why do you command me to do what is beyond me;
for I rather should be baptized by You?”
O sinless One, Christ our God, glory to You!

In Tone 5

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

Righteous Father, holy Gregory:
flute played by the breath of the Paraclete,
filled with the clear melody of godliness,
candlestick enlightening many with divine light,
herald of truth, foundation of theology,
fountain of heavenly doctrine,
torrent of teaching sweet as honey,
lyre, playing songs written by God,
gladdening the hearts of the faithful!
Wise one, pray without ceasing to Christ,
Who was baptized in the streams of Jordan for the renewal of the world,
that He may save our souls!

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

Righteous Father, all praised Gregory,
battle axe hewing down the assaults of heresy!
Two-edged sword of the Paraclete,
dagger piercing the heart of false doctrine,
fire consuming the brushwood of error,
fan skillful to separate the chaff of vanities from the kernel of doctrine,
rule measuring the way to salvation with precision!
Pray without ceasing to Christ,
Who was baptized in the streams of Jordan for the renewal of the world,
that He may save our souls!

In Tone 1

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

He, who once threatened to destroy the whole earth,
and boasted that he would blot out all the sea,
is shown today to be mocked by the faithful as a sparrow,
and more the butt of scorn than the little gnat,
whose shape was stripped away like that of a scarecrow,
and is trampled underfoot by the servant of Christ.

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

Today, O faithful,
Dometian calls us to a holy feast most pleasing to God.
Let us gather joyfully and with cheerful spirit
celebrate his wonderful achievements,
entreating the Savior of our souls That He grant peace to the world!

In Tone 4, Glory…

Gregory of Nyssa,
you were adorned with wise words and valiant deeds.
You gladden the faithful with your God-proclaiming voice;
you enlighten us with knowledge
explaining the unity of the Trinity.
You defeated alien teachings with true doctrine;
you established the faith with strength!
Now you stand before Christ with His bodiless servants:
Pray that He may grant peace and great mercy to 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.

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…

God-revealing Gregory,
you passed your life in godliness.
You made your actions radiant through contemplation,
you desired divine wisdom for your love;
you were enriched with graces flowing from the Spirit!
Your words drip with sweetness, like honey from the comb,
you gladden the Church of God with your divine thoughts!
Now you gaze upon the Lord in heaven:
Never cease to pray for us who honour your memory.

Now…

John the Baptist saw You draw near.
Who cleanse the sin of the world by Spirit and by fire.
He cried aloud in fear and trembling and said:
I dare not touch Your immaculate head.
Sanctify me, Master, by Your Epiphany,
only Lover of mankind!

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 4, Glory…
O God of our Fathers,* who always deals with us according to your everlasting compassion,* take not your mercy away from us;* but through the prayers of our fathers,* guide our lives along the ways of peace.

In Tone 1, … Now…
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.

DIVINE LITURGY

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 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 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.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1
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

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 “Blessed is He who comes…” we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

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)

January 6, 2016
The Holy Theophany of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ

GREAT VESPERS AND DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. BASIL THE GREAT

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

The Forerunner beheld our Enlightenment,
Who has brought light to all mankind,
draw near for baptism:
and he rejoiced in soul while his hand trembled.
And he showed Him to the people, saying:
“Behold, the Redeemer of Israel,
Who sets us free from corruption.”
O sinless Christ our God, glory to You.

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

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

The hosts of angels were filled with fear,
as they saw our Deliverer baptized by a servant
and receiving witness through the coming of the Spirit.
And the Father’s voice was heard from on high:
“He upon Whom the Forerunner lays his hand,
the same is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.”
O Christ our God, glory to You.

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

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

The streams of the Jordan received You Who are the fountain,
and the Comforter descended in the form of a dove.
He Who bowed the heavens, bowed His head,
and the clay cried aloud to Him that formed him:
“Why do You command of me what lies beyond my power?
For I have need to be baptized of You.”
O sinless Christ our God, glory to You.

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

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

Wishing to save man gone astray,
You have not disdained to clothe Yourself in the form of a servant.
For it befitted You, as Master and God,
to take upon Yourself our nature for our sakes.
For You, O Deliverer, have been baptized in the flesh,
making us worthy of forgiveness.
Therefore, we cry to You:
“O Christ our God and Benefactor, glory to You.

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

Glory… Now…

You have bowed Your head before the Forerunner
and have crushed the heads of the dragons.
You have descended into the waters,
and have given light to all things,
that they may glorify You, O Saviour,
the Enlightenment of our souls.

Prokeimenon
of the day

Readings
Genesis 1: 1-13;
Exodus 14: 15-18, 21-23, 27-29
Exodus 15: 22- 16: 1

Then the priest intones the entire text of the following Troparion in Tone 5:
O Creator of the world, You have appeared in the world to give light to those that sit in darkness. Glory to You who love mankind.

When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion:
To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.

Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 66 (67), and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.

God, be merciful to us and bless us; make the light of Your face shine upon us and have mercy on us. That we may know Your way upon earth, Your salvation among all nations.

Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.

Let the peoples give praise to You O God, may all the peoples give praise to You. Let the nations be glad and rejoice, for You will judge the peoples with justice and guide the nations on earth.

Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.

Let the peoples give praise to You, O God, may all the peoples give praise to You.

Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.

The earth has yielded her fruit; may God, our God, bless us. May God bless us, and let all the ends of the earth fear Him.

Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.

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

Response: To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.

Then the priest intones the first half of the Troparion:
O Creator of the world, You have appeared in the world.

And we conclude:
To give light to those that sit in darkness.* Glory to You who love mankind.

Joshua the Son of Nun 3:7-8, 15-17
The Fourth Book of Kings (2 Kings) 2:6-14
The Fourth Book of Kings (2 Kings) 5:9-14

Then the priest intones another Troparion in Tone 6:
In the greatness of Your compassion You have revealed Yourself, O our Savior, to sinners and publicans. For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.

When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion:
For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.

Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 92 (93), and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.

The Lord is King; He is clothed with beauty; the Lord is clothed with strength and has girded Himself. For He has established the world which shall not be shaken.

Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.

Your throne is prepared from of old; You are from everlasting.

Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.

The floods have lifted up, O Lord; the floods have lifted up their voices. The floods shall lift up their breakers with the noise of many waters.

Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.

Wonderful are the surging waves of the sea; wonderful is the Lord on high. Your testimonies have become exceedingly credible; holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.

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

Response: For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.

Then the priest intones the first half of the Troparion:
In the greatness of Your compassion You have revealed Yourself, O our Saviour, to sinners and publicans.

And we conclude:
For where should Your light have shone if not on those who sit in darkness? Glory to You.

Isaiah 1:16-20
Genesis 32:1-10
Exodus 2:5-10
Judges 6:36-40
The Third Book of Kings (1 Kings) 18:30-39
The Fourth Book of Kings (2 Kings) 2:19-22
Isaiah 49:8-15

Small Litany

Trisagion

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
The Lord is my light and my Saviour* whom shall I fear (whom shall I fear).
verse: The Lord is the protector of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.

Epistle
1 Corinthians: 9: 19-27

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: My heart erupts with a goodly theme; I address my words to the king.
verse: You are the most splendidly beautiful of men.

Gospel
Luke 3: 1-18

Communion Verse
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. Alleluia. (3)

FESTAL MATINS

The Lord Is God, Tone 1

Troparion, Tone 1
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! (2)

Glory… 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!

Kathisma 2 & Small Litany

Sessional Hymn I
In Tone 3 You have appeared, O Saviour Christ, in the Jordan* and were baptized by the Forerunner:* and testimony was borne to You, that You are the Beloved Son.* So You were revealed as co-eternal with the Father,* and the Holy Spirit descended upon You.* Enlightened by You, we cry: Glory to God in Trinity.

In Tone 4, Glory… Now…
You have sanctified the streams of the Jordan* and crushed the power of sin, O Christ our God.* You have bowed Your head beneath the hand of the Forerunner,* and have delivered mankind from error.* Therefore we pray to You: save Your world.

Kathisma 3 & Small Litany

Sessional Hymn II
In Tone 5 You have wrapped Yourself in the stream of the Jordan,* O You who gloriously clothe Yourself in light,* and You have renewed therein the nature of Adam,* broken by evil disobedience, O Word of God.* Therefore, we praise You and glorify Your holy Epiphany.

In Tone 4, Glory… Now…
O river Jordan, what have you seen to be amazed?* He said, “I have seem Him naked Who cannot be seen, and I trembled.* How should I not tremble before Him and turn back?”* The angles, beholding Him, were afraid:* heaven was filled with wonder and the earth shook,* the sea and all things visible and invisible withdrew.* Christ has appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters.

Polyeleos

Exaltation
We extol You,* O Christ the Giver of life,* for You were baptized for us this day in the flesh by John* in the waters of the Jordan.
verse: O God, be gracious and bless us, and let Your face shine upon us, and have mercy on us.
verse: The Lord thundered from heaven; the Most High made His voice resound.
verse: The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the waters have lifted up their voice.
verse: The waters saw You, O God, the waters saw You and were afraid.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory be to You, O God. (3)

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
O you faithful, come and see where Christ was baptized,* that we may further follow Him to the river Jordan,* and so may draw near to the voice crying in the wilderness,* and behold there how the Creator of Adam suffers His head* to be touched by the hand of a servant in His ineffable loving-kindness.* And let us cry aloud to Him:* You have come and appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters.

Glory… Now…
O you faithful, come and see where Christ was baptized,* that we may further follow Him to the river Jordan,* and so may draw near to the voice crying in the wilderness,* and behold there how the Creator of Adam suffers His head* to be touched by the hand of a servant in His ineffable loving-kindness.* And let us cry aloud to Him:* You have come and appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters.

Gradual Hymns
1st Antiphon, Tone 4

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
The sea fled at the sight;* the Jordan turned back on its course.
verse: What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? And you, O Jordan, that you turned back?

Let Everything That Has Breath, Tone 4

Gospel
Mark 1:9-11

After Psalm 50, Tone 6
Glory…
All creation* is filled with rejoicing* for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.
Now…
All creation* is filled with rejoicing* for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.
Have mercy on me, God, in your loving kindness, according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.
God the Word appeared to mankind in the flesh.* Ready for baptism, He stood in the Jordan and the Forerunner said to Him:* “How shall I stretch forth my hand and touch the head of Him that rules all things?* Though You are the child of Mary,* yet I do know You to be the pre-eternal God.* You whose praises the seraphim sing walk upon the earth.* And I who am but a servant know not how to baptize the Master.”* O Lord past all understanding, glory to You.

Canon
Ode 1, Tone 2
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, King of the ages, in the streams of the Jordan formed Adam anew, who was fallen into corruption, and He broke in pieces the heads of the dragons that were hidden there: for He has been glorified.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Lord, incarnate of the Virgin, having clothed material flesh with the immaterial fire of His divinity, wraps Himself in the waters of the Jordan, for He has been glorified.
Glory… Now…
The Lord who purges away the filth of men was cleansed in the Jordan for heir sake, having of His own will made Himself like unto them, while still remaining that which He was; and He enlightens those in darkness, for He has been glorified.
* * *
Irmos Israel passed through the storm-tossed deep of the sea, that God had turned into dry land: but the dark waters completely covered the chief captains of Egypt in a watery grave through the mighty strength of the right hand of the Master.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the Light of the Dawn shone forth upon mortal men, coming from the desert to the streams of the Jordan, You, the King of the Sun, have bowed Your head before him, so that you might snatch our forefather from the land of darkness, and cleanse the creation from all its filth.
Glory… Now…
O Word without beginning, You have buried man with You in the stream: he was corrupted by error, but You make him new again. And the Father testified to You ineffably, saying with a mighty voice: “This is My beloved Child, equal to Me by nature.”
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.
Katavasia Israel passed through the storm-tossed deep of the sea, that God had turned into dry land: but the dark waters completely covered the chief captains of Egypt in a watery grave through the mighty strength of the right hand of the Master.

Ode 3, Tone 2
Irmos The Lord who gives 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!
Rejoice today, O Church of Christ, that before was barren and sadly childless. For through water and the Spirit sons have been born to you, who raise they cry in faith: Non is holy as our God and none is righteous save You, O Lord.
Glory… Now…
With a loud voice the Forerunner cries in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of Christ and make straight the paths for our God, raising your cry in faith: None is holy as our God and none is righteous save You, O Lord.”
* * *

Irmos From the ancient snares have we all been set loose, and the jaws of the devouring lions have been broken: Let us then rejoice exceedingly and open wide our mouths, weaving with words a melody to the Word whose delight it is to bestow gifts upon us.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
He who once assumed the appearance of a malignant serpent and implanted death in the creation, is now cast into darkness by Christ’s coming in the flesh: and by assailing the Master, the Dawn that has shone forth upon us, He crushes his own hateful and loathsome head.
Glory… Now…
The Master draws to Himself the nature made by God, which had been overcome by the tyranny of greed. A new birth He grants to the dwellers upon earth, fashioning them afresh, thereby accomplishing a glorious work: for He has come to deliver and protect mankind.
Katavasia The Lord who gives 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.
Katavasia From the ancient snares have we all been set loose, and the jaws of the devouring lions have been broken: Let us then rejoice exceedingly and open wide our mouths, weaving with words a melody to the Word whose delight it is to bestow gifts upon us.

Small Litany
Hypakoi, Tone 5
When You brought light to all things by Your Epiphany, the salt sea of unbelief fled and the Jordan was turned back towards its source, thereby exalting us to heaven. By the height of Your divine commandments, preserve us through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Christ our God, and have mercy on us.

Ode 4
Irmos He whom You have called, O Lord, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness,” heard Your voice when You 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 that is bright by nature being cleansed?” the Preacher cried. “How then shall I wash You in the waters, You who are the Brightness of the Glory, the Image of the everlasting Father” How shall I that am grass touch with my hand the fire of Your divinity? For You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
“Moses, when he came upon You, displayed the holy reverence that he felt: perceiving that it was Your voice that spoke from the bush, he forthwith turned away his gaze. How then shall I behold You openly, how shall I lay my hand upon You? For You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.”
Glory… Now…
“Endowed with an understanding soul and honoured with the power of reason, I yet respect the things that have no soul. For is I baptize You, I shall have as my accusers the mountain that smoked with fire, the sea which fled on either side, and this same Jordan which turned back. For You are Christ, the wisdom and the power of God.”
* * *
Irmos Cleansed by the fire of a mystic vision the Prophet sang the praises of the renewal of mortal man. Filled with the inspiration of the Spirit, he raised his voice, telling of the Incarnation of the ineffable Word, Who has shattered the dominion of the strong.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
O Word all-shining, sent forth from the Father, You come to dispel utterly the dark and evil night and the sins of mortal men, and by Your baptism to draw up with You, O blessed Lord, bright sons from the streams of the Jordan.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When he saw in very truth the glorious Word, the Preacher cried out plainly to the creation: “This is He who was before me, though He comes after me according to the flesh. Like us in form, He has shone forth in the strength of the Godhead, to drive away our hateful sin.”
Glory… Now…
That He may lead us back to the life-giving pastures of Paradise, God the Word goes searching for us in the lairs of the dragons. Destroying the terrible snares which the enemy had laid for man, He makes a prisoner of him who bruised all mankind in the heel, and so He saves creation.
Katavasia He whom You have called, O Lord, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness,” heard Your voice when You 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.”
Katavasia Cleansed by the fire of a mystic vision the Prophet sang the praises of the renewal of mortal man. Filled with the inspiration of the Spirit, he raised his voice, telling of the Incarnation of the ineffable Word, Who has shattered the dominion of the strong.

Ode 5
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 grants the peace that passes all understanding.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
A multitude without number came to be baptized by John; and standing in their midst he raised his voice, saying: “You who are disobedient, who has warned you to shun the wrath to come? Offer worthy fruits to Christ, for He is present now and grants peace.”
Glory… Now…
The Husbandman and Creator stands in men’s’ midst as one of them and searches their hearts. In His hand He has taken the winnowing fan, and in the fullness of His wisdom He cleanses the threshing floor of the whole world, dividing wheat from chaff, burning the barren and granting eternal life to those that bring forth good fruit.
* * *
Irmos By the cleansing of the Spirit have we been washed from the poison of the dark and unclean enemy, and we have set out upon a new path free from error, that leads to gladness of heart past all attainment, which only they attain whom God has reconciled unto Himself.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Maker saw in the obscurity of sin, in bonds that knew no escape, the man whom He had formed with His own hand. Raising him up, He laid him on His shoulders, and now in abundant floods He washes him clean from the ancient shame of Adam’s sinfulness.
Glory… Now…
In piety and eagerness let us run to the undefiled fountains of the stream of salvation, and let us look upon the Word who gives us to drink from pure waters that satisfy our holy thirst: and gently He heals the disease of the world.
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 grants the peace that passes all understanding.
Katavasia By the cleansing of the Spirit have we been washed from the poison of the dark and unclean enemy, and we have set out upon a new path free from error, that leads to gladness of heart past all attainment, which only they attain whom God has reconciled unto Himself.

Ode 6
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 was begotten without change from God the Father, and made flesh without defilement from the Virgin: and as the Forerunner teaches, it is not possible to lose the latchet of His shoes, the bond that joins the Word to our nature. He it is who delivers those born on earth from error.
Glory… Now…
Christ baptizes in the fire of the Last Day those who are disobedient and believe not that He is God: but through the Spirit and by the grace that comes through water He grants a new birth to all who acknowledge His divinity, delivering them from their faults.
* * *
Irmos The Father in a voice full of joy made manifest His Beloved whom He had begotten from the womb. He said, “Truly this is My offspring, of the same nature as Myself: bearing light, he has come forth from mankind, My living Word, in divine providence made a mortal man.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Prophet, mysteriously swallowed up for the space f three nights in the belly of the sea monster, came forth again, making manifest beforehand to all our regeneration at the last times and our deliverance from the dragon that slays mankind.
Glory… Now…
When the shining vaults of heaven were opened, He who knew the mysteries saw the Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and rests on the immaculate Word, descending in ways past speech in the form of a dove: and he commanded the multitudes to hasten to the Master.
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.”
Katavasia The Father in a voice full of joy made manifest His Beloved whom He had begotten from the womb. He said, “Truly this is My offspring, of the same nature as Myself: bearing light, he has come forth from mankind, My living Word, in divine providence made a mortal man.”

Small Litany
Kontakion, Tone 4 You have appeared today to the inhabited earth,* and Your light, O Lord, has been marked upon us,* who with knowledge,* sing Your praise:* You have come, You are made manifest,* the Light that no one can approach.

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 7
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!
In trembling and wonder as if in heaven, the angelic powers stood by the Jordan, watching the great condescension of God: how He who holds dominion over the waters that are above the firmament stood in the waters in bodily form, he who is the God of our fathers.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The sea and cloud in which the people of Israel were once baptized by Moses the Lawgiver, as hey journeyed from Egypt, prefigured the wonder of the baptism of God. he sea was an image of the water and the cloud an image of the Spirit, whereby we are initiated and cry aloud: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.
Glory… Now…
O let us all, the faithful, discoursing on divine things, join the angels in never-silent hymn to glorify the God in whom we have received initiation, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Trinity, consubstantial in Persons yet one God, to whom we sing: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers.
* * *

Irmos He who stilled the heat of the flame of the furnace that mounted high in the air and encircled the godly Children, burnt the heads of the dragons in the stream of the Jordan: and with the dew of the Spirit He washes away all the stubborn obscurity of sin.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The fierce Assyrian flame that prefigured You has been quenched by You, changing it to dew: and now You have clothed Yourself in water, O Christ, and so burn up the evil spoiler hidden in its depths, who calls men to follow the path that leads to destruction.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
Of old the Jordan was parted in two, and the people of Israel passed over on a narrow piece of dry land, prefiguring You, O Lord most powerful, who now makes haste to bear the creation down into the stream, bringing it to a better and changeless path.
Glory… Now…
We know that in the beginning You brought upon the world the all-ruining flood, unto the lamentable destruction of all things, O God who reveal wonders more great and strange: and now, O Christ, You have drowned sin in the waters unto the comfort and salvation of mortal men.
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.”
Katavasia He who stilled the heat of the flame of the furnace that mounted high in the air and encircled the godly Children, burnt the heads of the dragons in the stream of the Jordan: and with the dew of the Spirit He washes away all the stubborn obscurity of sin.

Ode 8
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. All you peoples, bless and exalt Him above all forever.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The Deliverer said to the Forerunner: “Cast aside all fear and, obedient to My command, draw near Me, for by nature I am good and full of love. Yield to My ordinance and baptize Me, who have come down in condescension, whom the peoples bless and exalt forever.”
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
When the Baptist heard the Master’s words, he stretched out his hand in trembling; and as he touched the head of his Creator, he cried aloud to Him who was baptized: “Sanctify me, for You are my God, whom the peoples bless and exalt above all forever.”
Glory… Now…
The Trinity was made manifest in the Jordan. For, supreme in Godhead, the Father proclaimed, saying, “He who is here baptized is My beloved Son,” and the Spirit rested upon His Equal in Godhead, whom the peoples bless and exalt above all forever.
* * *
Irmos The creation finds itself free, and those in darkness are now made sons of light: alone the prince of darkness groans. Let all the inheritance of the nations, that was before in misery, now bless with eagerness Him who has wrought this change.
Glory to Your holy Theophany, O Lord!
The three godly Children who were sprinkled with the dew of fire plainly prefigured how the Most High God, who shines with the bright rays of a threefold holiness, should mingle with mortal men, to their great blessing, consuming all deadly error in the fire of dew.
Glory… Now…
Let the whole earthly creation clothe itself in white, for this day it is raised up from it fall from heaven. The Word who preserves all things has cleansed it in the flowing waters: washed and resplendent, it has escaped from its former sins.
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. All you peoples, bless and exalt Him above all forever.

Katavasia The creation finds itself free, and those in darkness are now made sons of light: alone the prince of darkness groans. Let all the inheritance of the nations, that was before in misery, now bless with eagerness Him who has wrought this change.

Ode 9
O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honour than the hosts on high
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.
O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honour than the hosts on high
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.
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.
O David, come in spirit to those who are now to be enlightened and sing: “Approach now to God in faith and receive enlightenment. Fallen Adam, the poor man, cried and the Lord heard him: he has come and in the streams of the Jordan He has made him new again, who was sunk in corruption.”
O my soul, magnify Him who receives baptism from the Forerunner.
O David, come in spirit to those who are now to be enlightened and sing: “Approach now to God in faith and receive enlightenment. Fallen Adam, the poor man, cried and the Lord heard him: he has come and in the streams of the Jordan He has made him new again, who was sunk in corruption.”
O my soul, magnify Him to whom the voice of the Father bore witness.
“Wash you, make you clean,” says Isaiah. “Put away the evil of your doings from before the Lord. Everyone that thirsts, come to the living waters: for Christ will sprinkle with water of renewal those who hasten to Him in faith, and He baptizes them with the Spirit unto life that grows not old.”
O my soul, magnify one of the Trinity who bowed His head and received baptism.
“Wash you, make you clean,” says Isaiah. “Put away the evil of your doings from before the Lord. Everyone that thirsts, come to the living waters: for Christ will sprinkle with water of renewal those who hasten to Him in faith, and He baptizes them with the Spirit unto life that grows not old.”
“O Prophet, come to Me: stretch out your hand and baptize Me swiftly.”
Let us the faithful, keep ourselves safe through grace and through the seal of baptism. In the past the Hebrews fled destruction by marking the doors posts with blood; so also this divine washing unto regeneration shall be our Exodus, and going hence, we shall behold the light of the Trinity that never sets.
“O Prophet, come to Me: stretch out your hand and baptize Me swiftly.”
Let us the faithful, keep ourselves safe through grace and through the seal of baptism. In the past the Hebrews fled destruction by marking the doors posts with blood; so also this divine washing unto regeneration shall be our Exodus, and going hence, we shall behold the light of the Trinity that never sets.
* * *
Today the Master bows His head beneath the hand of the Forerunner.
Irmos O most pure Bride, O blessed Mother, the wonders of your birth-giving pass all understanding. Through you we have obtained salvation in all things, and, as is right and meet, we rejoice before you our Benefactor, bearing as gift a song of thanksgiving.
Today John baptizes the Master in the streams of the Jordan.
O most pure Bride, O blessed Mother, the wonders of your birth-giving pass all understanding. Through you we have obtained salvation in all things, and, as is right and meet, we rejoice before you our Benefactor, bearing as gift a song of thanksgiving.
Today the Master buries in the waters the sin of mortal man.
Today the Master receives testimony from on high that He is the beloved Son.
That which was revealed to Moses in the bush we see accomplished here in a strange manner. The Virgin bore Fire within her, yet was not consumed when she gave birth to the Benefactor who brings us light, and the streams of the Jordan suffered no harm when they received Him.
Today the Master has come to sanctify the nature of the waters.
Today the Master receives baptism at the hand of the Forerunner.
That which was revealed to Moses in the bush we see accomplished here in a strange manner. The Virgin bore Fire within her, yet was not consumed when she gave birth to the Benefactor who brings us light, and the streams of the Jordan suffered no harm when they received Him.
O my soul magnify the power of the undivided Godhead in three Persons.
O King without beginning, through the communion of the Spirit, you anoint and make perfect the nature of mankind. You have cleansed it in the undefiled streams, putting to shame the arrogant force of darkness, and now You translate it unto endless life.
O my soul, magnify her that has delivered us from the curse.
O King without beginning, through the communion of the Spirit, you anoint and make perfect the nature of mankind. You have cleansed it in the undefiled streams, putting to shame the arrogant force of darkness, and now You translate it unto endless life.
O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honour than the hosts on high
Katavasia 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.
Today the Master bows His head beneath the hand of the Forerunner.
Katavasia O most pure Bride, O blessed Mother, the wonders of your birth-giving pass all understanding. Through you we have obtained salvation in all things, and, as is right and meet, we rejoice before you our Benefactor, bearing as gift a song of thanksgiving.

Small Litany

Exapostilarion, Tone 3
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. (3)

At The Praises, In Tone 1

Light from Light, Christ our God has shone upon the world,
God made manifest:
O peoples, let us worship Him.

O Christ our Master, how shall we Your servants
give You worthy honour?
For You have renewed us all in the waters.

You, O our Saviour, were baptized in the Jordan
and have sanctified the waters:
accepting a servant’s hand upon Your head,
You heal the passions of the world.
Great is the mystery of Your dispensation.
O Lord who loves mankind, glory to You.

The true Light has appeared and bestows enlightenment on all.
Christ who is above all purity is baptized with us;
He brings sanctification to the water
and it becomes a cleansing for our souls.
That which is outward and visible is earthly,
that which is inwardly understood is higher than heaven.
Salvation comes through washing,
and through water the Spirit:
by descending into the water we ascend to God.
Wonderful are Your works, O Lord, glory to You.

He who covers the heaven with clouds
is Himself covered today by the streams of the Jordan;
and He who takes away the sin of the world is cleansed,
that I may be made clean.
The Only-begotten Son of the Most High Father
receives from above the testimony of the consubstantial Spirit.
Unto Him let us cry aloud:
O Christ our God who made Yourself manifest and saved us,
glory to You.

In Tone 6, Glory…

O Saviour who clothe Yourself with light as with a garment,
You have clothed Yourself in the waters of the Jordan;
and You who have measured heaven with a span,
have bowed Your head before the Forerunner,
so that You might turn the world back from error
and save our souls.

Now…

Today Christ has come to be baptized in the Jordan;
today John touches the head of the Master.
the powers of heaven are amazed
as they behold the marvellous mystery.
The sea saw it and fled;
the Jordan at the sight was driven back.
And we who have been enlightened cry aloud:
Glory to God made manifest,
who has appeared upon earth and brought light to the world.

DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 2
I am filled with love,* for the Lord will hear the voice of my plea.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For He has inclined His ear to me,* and I will call to Him all the days of my life.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
The pangs of death encircled me,* the trials of Hades befell me.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Merciful and just is the Lord;* our God shows compassion.
Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Glory… Now… Only-begotten Son…

Antiphon 3
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
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.
Therefore, let the house of Israel say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
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.
Therefore, let the house of Aaron say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
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.
Let all who fear the Lord say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
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.

Entrance
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord, we bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord is God and has appeared to us.

Troparion and Kontakion
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.

Instead of the Trisagion Hymn
All you, who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.
verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever.

Epistle
Titus 2: 11-15; 3: 4-7

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.
verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters.

Gospel
Matthew 3: 13-17
Instead of It is truly right we sing:
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. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Instead of Blessed is He who comes…, 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)

January 3, 2016
Sunday before Theophany, Octoechos Tone 7 Prophet Malachi; Martyr Gordius

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 7

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!

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!

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!

In Tone 6

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

The feast of Christ’s birth has passed.
It shone more brightly than the sun!
The day of His manifestation is on its way.
That day will be even more radiant.
There the shepherds gave glory with the angels,
worshipping God made Man;
here John’s right hand will touch the Master,
as he cries out in fear:
Sanctify both me and the waters, only merciful One!

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

Make ready, river Jordan!
Behold, Christ God approaches to be baptized by John.
He will crush the heads of invisible dragons in your waters.
Rejoice, wilderness of Jordan!
Dance with gladness, mountains!
The eternal Life has come to recall Adam!
Voice crying in the wilderness,
John the forerunner, cry:
Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight!

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

Desert of Jordan, rejoice exceedingly!
Blossom as the lily!
A voice is heard within you:
Prepare the way of the Lord!
He who weighs the mountains in scales
and the wooded valleys in a balance,
Who fills all things in His divinity,
approaches to be baptized by a servant.
The Giver of riches has become poor!
Eve was told in days of old:
You shall bring forth children in pain,
but now the Virgin hears:
Rejoice, full of grace,
the Lord Who has great mercy is with you!!

In Tone 8

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

Seeing that the words of your tongue are now fully realized,
I admire their truth and bless you, O Prophet.
You are truly to be admired;
for you enlightened the world by your splendorous voice,
announcing beforehand the redemptive coming of the Lord.

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

You lived on earth as if you were an angel.
Likewise, you were enriched with a name signifying an angel.
You joined spiritual goodness to physical goodness,
O all-blessed Prophet, Malachi.

In Tone 8

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

When you saw the darkness of error, O Gordius,
you hastened to flee from it in the hope of seeing God.
You were tempted by many pains and tortured by hunger;
but being aware of your own strength,
you offered yourself as a volunteer against the enemy.

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

O all-praiseworthy Gordius,
you had great confidence and confronted a host of adversaries.
You were not concerned with the spectacle of the impious,
but you stood in their midst freely as a preacher.
In a very loud voice you proclaimed Christ the Creator and Lord,
who is consubstantial with the Father and with the Spirit,
equal in honour and coeternal.

In Tone 8, Glory…

Most strange wonder!
He who baptizes by the Holy Spirit and by fire
comes to be baptized by John in the Jordan.
God is stripped naked as a Man:
In both His natures, He is one only-begotten Son.
In His humanity, He asks a servant to baptize Him;
in His divinity, He takes away the sins of the world
granting great mercy to all.

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.

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… Now…

Christ our God comes to the river Jordan.
He will be baptized, wishing to cleanse us from our sins.
He is made manifest as the only good Lover of mankind.

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…
O Lord our God, your holy martyr Gordius,* has deserved the crown of immortality* on account of his good fight.* Armed with your strength, he has vanquished his persecutors* and crushed Satan’s dreadful might.** Through his supplications, O Christ our God, save our souls.

In Tone 4, Now…

Make ready, O Zabulon,* and prepare yourself, O Nephtali;* O River Jordan, stop and receive with joy* the Master coming to be baptized.* O Adam, rejoice with the first mother, Eve,* and do not hide yourselves as before in Paradise.* For, having seen you unclothed,* Christ has appeared to clothe you with the first robe;* He has appeared to renew all creation.

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.

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.

Theotokion, Tone 7: O all-praised treasury of our resurrection, we hope in you,* bring us up from the pit and depth of sin,* for you have saved those subject to sin* by giving birth to our Salvation,* O Virgin before childbirth, and Virgin in childbirth,* and still a Virgin after childbirth.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6
Save Your people, O Lord,* and bless Your inheritance.
verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm 27:9,1)

Epistle
2 Timothy 4:5-8

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: God, be merciful to us and bless us.
verse: make the light of Your face shine upon us and have mercy on us. (Psalm 66:2)

Gospel
Mark 1:1-8

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

January 1, 2016
The Circumcision of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ; Our Father Among the Saints Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (379); Gregory of Nazianzis, father of Gregory the Theologian (374); Holy Martyr Basil of Ankyra (322)

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man” is sung.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 8

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

In his love for mankind,
the Saviour condescended and willed to be wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Eight days old according to his mother
and eternal according to his Father,
He did not look down upon the circumcision of the flesh.
Therefore, O believers, let us cry out to Him:
You are our God; have mercy on us!

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

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

The all-good God was not ashamed to be circumcised in the flesh,
but He offered himself as a symbol
and an example of salvation to all.
For the Maker of the law submitted Himself to its commands
and to what the prophets beforehand told of Him.
O our God Who hold all things in Your hands,
and yet were wrapped in swaddling clothes,
O Lord, glory to You!

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

In Tone 4

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

You have been called by the name of Basil, after the kingdom.
In your kingly rank you led the people of Christ to wisdom and knowledge.
Then the Lord of all and King of Kings
adorned you with the crown of the kingdom, O Basil.
He is the everlasting and co-eternal Son
who was united to her that bore Him.
Therefore, intercede with Him
that He may enlighten and save our souls.

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

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

Adorned with the vestments of a bishop, O Basil,
you gladly proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom
and poured out the teachings of the true faith for the Church.
Now enlightened by them, we confess and glorify
the one Godhead, indivisible in three Persons;
namely the almighty Father, the only-begotten Word of God, and the Divine Spirit.
Intercede with Him
that He may enlighten and save our souls.

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

You are now living among the ranks of the heavenly powers, O Basil,
for you imitated their life with the purity of your way of living.
When you were in the flesh,
you lived on earth as one without flesh.
Therefore, intercede with Christ our God for us
who delight in your God-inspired teachings,
that He may protect us from dangers and the darkness of ignorance,
and that He may enlighten our souls.

In Tone 8, Glory…

O venerable Father, you became a lover of wisdom,
preferring life with God to all possessions of the world.
Your contemplation of death made you forsake the wealth of the earth,
and by your perseverance in fasting,
you overcame the sting of passions.
By study of the divine law
you preserved the freedom within your soul.
By your generous practice of virtue
you subjected the passions of the flesh to the spirit.
You renounced the flesh, the world, and the princes of the earth;
now you stand in the presence of Christ.
Intercede with Him for great mercy upon our souls.

Now…

Readings
Genesis 17:1-14; Proverbs 8:22-30; Proverbs 10:31-11:12

Lytia

In Tone 3

With your life of purity, O holy Basil,
you attracted Christ, the fountain of life, to dwell in your soul.
You channelled streams of inspired teachings to the world.
The faithful people of the Church drink from them
and acknowledge the teachings of your lips
and offer good works to Him
who glorified your memory for all ages.

The holy chrism of grace was poured out upon you, O God-inspired Basil,
and anointed you as minister of the Gospel of the kingdom of heaven.
You were the sweet fragrance of Christ;
you filled the earth with the fragrance of His knowledge.
Graciously hear the voices of your servants
and ask abundant mercy for us who honour you.

Clothed in priestly vestments, holy Basil,
O defender of the Trinity,
you stood before the tribunal,
braving danger for the faith.
You resisted with the undaunted courage of a martyr.
You put to shame the anger of the bold emperor
who was filled with the power of the ungodly.
You willingly decided beforehand
to accept the sufferings that he threatened.
Having been ready of your own choice to be a martyr,
you received the crown of victory from Christ
Who has shown great mercy.

In Tone 6, Glory…

The grace flowed from your lips, O holy Father Basil.
You were the shepherd of the Church of Christ,
teaching your spiritual sheep to believe in the holy Trinity,
consubstantial on the one Godhead.

In Tone 8, Now…

In His love for mankind,
the Saviour condescended and willed to be wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Eight days old according to His mother
and eternal according to His Father,
He did not look down upon the circumcision of the flesh.
Therefore, O believers, let us cry out to Him:
You are our God, have mercy on us!

Aposticha

In Tone 1

You were like a divine and noble bee of the Church of Christ, all-blessed Basil.
When you armed yourself with the sting of divine love,
you wounded the blasphemers of God-transgressing heresies,
and you stored up the sweetness of true worship in the souls of believers.
Now that you have attained the delights of the divine presence,
remember us before the consubstantial Trinity.

My lips will speak words of wisdom; my heart is full of insight.

You have acquired the virtues of all the saints, O Father Basil:
the meekness of Moses and the zeal of Elijah,
the confession of faith by Peter,
and the eloquence in theology of John.
Like Paul, you never cease to cry aloud:
Who is weak and I am not weak?
Who is offended and I burn not?
Therefore, because you dwell with them,
pray for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 2

The mouth of the just utters wisdom, and his lips speak what is right.

O Basil, the revealer of holiness,
having studied the nature of creatures
and contemplated the instability of all things,
you found the only One Who is unchangeable,
the transcendent Creator of all the world.
And having clung to Him, you cast off the desire of transient things.
Therefore, intercede for us
that we may also obtain the divine love.

In Tone 6, Glory…

O all-blessed Basil, you received the grace of miracles from heaven
and exposed the errors of the heathen by your doctrines.
You are the glory and support of bishops,
and an example of the teachings of all the Fathers.
Therefore, having received favour with Christ,
intercede with Him for the salvation of our souls.

In Tone 8, Now…

The all-good God was not ashamed to be circumscribed in the flesh,
but He offered Himself as a symbol
and an example of salvation to all.
For the Maker of the Law submitted Himself to its commands
and to what the prophets beforehand told of Him.
O our God Who holds all things in Your hands
and yet were wrapped in swaddling clothes,
glory to You!

Troparia

In Tone 1
Your message has spread through all the earth:* it accepted the word with which you taught in a manner befitting God.* You explained the nature of things and ordered human conduct.* O namesake of the royal priesthood, venerable Father Basil,* pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (2)

You are seated on high on a fiery throne,* with Your Father who is without beginning and Your divine Spirit.* Yet You willed, O Jesus, to be born of a virgin maiden, Your Mother,* as a man, You were circumcised on the eighth day.* Glory to Your all-gracious will,* glory to Your providence,* glory to Your condescension, O You who alone love mankind.

FESTAL MATINS

The Lord is God, Tone 1

Troparia, Tone 1
You are seated on high on a fiery throne,* with Your Father who is without beginning and Your divine Spirit.* Yet You willed, O Jesus, to be born of a virgin maiden, Your Mother,* as a man, You were circumcised on the eighth day.* Glory to Your all-gracious will,* glory to Your providence,* glory to Your condescension, O You who alone love mankind.

Glory…
Your message has spread through all the earth:* it accepted the word with which you taught in a manner befitting God.* You explained the nature of things and ordered human conduct.* O namesake of the royal priesthood, venerable Father Basil,* pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Now…
You are seated on high on a fiery throne,* with Your Father who is without beginning and Your divine Spirit.* Yet You willed, O Jesus, to be born of a virgin maiden, Your Mother,* as a man, You were circumcised on the eighth day.* Glory to Your all-gracious will,* glory to Your providence,* glory to Your condescension, O You who alone love mankind.

Kathisma 7 & Small Litany

Sessional Hymn I
(Tone 5) Let us all praise Basil: he is the royal adornment of the Church,* an inexhaustible treasury of teachings by which he taught us to worship the holy Trinity,* united in essence but separate in Persons.

In Tone 1, Glory…
All-wise Basil, as you stand before the Trinity,* pray that on the day of judgment, we who sing hymns to you and honour your memory* may receive grace, mercy and cleansing of transgressions* and may glorify the One who alone is the Lover of mankind!

Now…
The Creator of all and Master of the world while being on high with the Father and the Spirit,* is circumcised on earth as an eight-day old child!* Your works are indeed divine and wonderful!* For You, Master, as the fulfilment of the Law,* were circumcised for our sake!

Kathisma 8 & Small Litany

Sessional Hymn 2
(Tone 8) You drew forth divinely the hidden riches of ineffable wisdom* and have poured out on all the waters of the orthodox faith* which divinely rejoice the hearts of the faithful,* drowning the commands of the faithless.* Therefore, you have been doubly revealed as an invincible champion of the Trinity* by the sweat of your works of faithfulness, holy bishop Basil.* Entreat Christ God that He may grant remission of sins* to those who celebrate your holy memory with love.

In Tone 3, Glory…
Like water, you have given the whole world to drink of your teachings:* the collected dogmas of piety, for the well-spring of life truly lived within you, Basil!* Since you have gained boldness before Him, divinely inspired one,* beseech Him to grant us great mercy!

In Tone 4, Now…
The One who is invisible in essence has now become visible in the flesh!* The Uncreated Word now takes form, born of the pure Virgin!* Therefore, following the Law for our sake, He is circumcised as an eight-day old child* Let us worship Him as our Saviour!

Polyeleos

Exaltation
We extol you,* O Basil, Archbishop of Christ,* and we honour your holy memory* for you pray to Christ our God for us.
verse: Shout joyfully to the Lord all the earth; sing to his name, give to Him glorious praise.
verse: Your priests shall be clothed with holiness; your faithful shall ring out their joy.
verse: He has sent deliverance to his people. Holy is his name.
verse: They are happy, who dwell in your house, forever singing your praise.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
You defeated the heresies with your God-inspired words;* you overcame the folly of Arius.* You proclaimed the divinity of the Spirit to all,* and by the raising of your hands in prayer you vanquished your enemies,* driving away the followers of Sabellius.* You brought to naught all the thoughts of Nestorius.* O Archbishop Basil, intercede with Christ our God to grant remission of* to those who lovingly celebrate your holy memory.

Glory…
The grace of your God-inspired words and the mystical depths of your teachings* were a ladder of divine ascent for us.* O Father, having become the trumpet of the Spirit, you proclaimed the divine dogmas.* Therefore, you now dwell in the divine kingdom,* having received the reward of your efforts, O holy Bishop Basil.* Intercede with Christ our God to grant forgiveness of sins* to those who lovingly celebrate your holy memory.

Now…
The Lord and Creator of all, having received his holy body from your most chaste womb,* revealed you to be the protectress of the human race, O Immaculate One.* Therefore, we hasten to you, O Lady;* we ask forgiveness of our sins,* salvation from eternal punishment,* and deliverance from every wrath of the evil prince of this world.* Because of this we call to you:* Intercede with your Son and God to grant remission of sins* to all those who with faith worship him born of you.

Gradual Hymn
Sunday Tone 4, First Antiphon

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
My mouth shall speak wisdom;* the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
verse: Hear this, all peoples; give ear all inhabitants of the earth!

Gospel
John 10:9-16

After Psalm 50
In Tone 6, Glory…
Through the prayers of the holy Basil, saint and bishop,* O merciful Lord, cleanse me from the multitude of my transgressions!

Now…
Through the prayers of the Theotokos,* O merciful Lord, cleanse me from the multitude of my transgressions!

Have mercy on me, O god, according to Your great mercy; according to the multitude of your compassions, blot out my transgressions.

The grace flowed from your lips, O holy father Basil.* You were the shepherd of the Church of Christ,* teaching your spiritual sheep to believe in the holy Trinity,* consubstantial on the one Godhead.

Canon, Tone 2

ODE 1
Irmos Come, all people! Let us sing a song to God who divided the sea, guiding the people He led out from bondage to the Egyptians: for gloriously has He been glorified!
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Bearing a symbol of things to come, the eighth day is sanctified and brightened by Your voluntary poverty, Christ, for on this day you were circumcised in the flesh according to the Law.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Christ accepts the circumcision of the eighth day after his birth, and on that day the prefiguring shadow is clothed by the light of the dawning new grace.
Irmos Come, all people! Let us sing a song to God who divided the sea, guiding the people He led out from bondage to the Egyptians: for gloriously has He been glorified!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
The sound of your voice would be welcome company for those desiring to prepare praises in your honour! But in its place, grant them the indulgence of abundant grace
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
You tamed the play of the passions and torments of the flesh by your love for the pursuit of wisdom. Therefore, father Basil, you dwell in the unassailable kingdoms.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
You trod the thorny path of virtues, Basil, to reach the plain and peaceful way up to heaven, and so were revealed as a pattern for all humanity.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
With the sword of the Spirit, Basil, you wisely cut down the passions both of soul and body, and offered yourself as a sacrifice to the Master.
Glory…
You befriended ineffable things, Basil, initiating mankind into the kingdom of Christ, holy father, causing the light of the Trinity to shine clearly on us.
Now…
Who can rightly tell of your ineffable conceiving? For you bore God in the flesh, the Saviour of all who appeared to us, most holy Virgin!
Katavasia The Lord mighty in battle uncovered the foundations of the deep and led His servants on dry ground; but He covered their adversaries with the waters, for He has been glorified!
Katavasia Israel passed through the storm-tossed deep of the sea, which God had turned into dry land: but the dark waters completely covered the chief captains of Egypt in a watery grave, through the mighty strength of the right hand of the Master.

ODE 3
Irmos Lord, as you put sin to death upon the tree, establish us in You, and plant the fear of You in the hearts of those who sing Your praises!
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Made flesh, the transcendent Word was circumcised to the fulfilment and end of the Law, giving us the divine first fruits of grace and incorruptible life.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
The Incarnate Christ showed Himself as the divine Fulfiller of the Law, condescending to be circumcised on the eighth day.
Irmos Lord, as you put sin to death upon the tree, establish us in You, and plant the fear of You in the hearts of those who sing Your praises!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
You manifestly trampled down the things of the earth with the fullness of all teaching, Basil, and the light of a better world.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
For love of the better part, you flew on wings of wisdom, Basil, taught in the fear of the Lord, the beginning of wisdom.
Glory…
You wisely ascended by action, Basil, showing deeds to be the way to the most divine contemplation, learning well the knowledge of future things.
Now…
Pure and ever Virgin, you conceived God in your womb without seed and ineffably brought Him forth upon whom the hosts of heaven dare not gaze!
Katavasia The Lord who gives 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!
Katavasia We have all been set loose from the ancient snares and the jaws of the devouring lions have been broken: let us then, rejoice exceedingly and open our mouths in song, weaving with words a melody to the Word who delights to grant gifts to us!

Small Litany

Kontakion, Tone 3
The Lord of all submits to circumcision* and in His love cuts off the failings of mortals;* today He gives the world salvation.* While in the highest there rejoices* Basil the hierarch of the Creator and bearer of Light,* and the divine initiate of Christ.

ODE 4
Irmos I have heard the report of Your dispensation, Lord, and I have glorified You, only Lover of mankind.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Circumcision has ceased for Christ was circumcised of His own will, granting the nations remission of sins, and saving them by grace.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
The eighth day, the day on which Christ the Master was circumcised in the flesh, portrays for us the eternal life of the age to come.
Irmos I have heard the report of Your dispensation, Lord, and I have glorified You, only Lover of mankind.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
The Church is adorned as a bride by the birth of the Christ Child and by the memorial of St. Basil.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
Honouring the divine Child, you reverently taught, Basil, that He is not created by the Godhead!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
You unashamedly fought for God, humbling yourself, Basil, before all His ordinances.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
All-blessed Basil, you were given by God to the Church as a fortress and unassailable wall.
Glory…
All-blessed father Basil, you appeared a destroying weapon to the opponents of God, and as a fire burning up deceit.
Now…
Undefiled One, who conceived God without seed, we entreat you to intercede for your servants.
Katavasia He whom you have called, O Lord, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, heard Your voice when You 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!
Katavasia Cleansed by the fire of a mystic vision the prophet sang the praises of the renewal of mortal man. Filled with the inspiration of the Spirit, he raised his voice, telling of the incarnation of the ineffable Word who has shattered the dominion of the strong.

ODE 5
Irmos Lord, the Giver of light and Creator of the ages, guide us by the light of Your statutes, for we know no other God but You!
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Not thinking it unworthy to put on the form of mortal man, You proceeded from a Virgin Mother in ways past understanding, Lord, and as a child, You lawfully fulfilled the Law.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Loving the shadow of the Law, Israel entered into night, while Christ, the Light of the world has been revealed, flashing forth from you as lightning, O Theotokos.
Irmos Lord, the Giver of light and Creator of the ages, guide us by the light of Your statutes, for we know no other God but You!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
Today the Church worthily honours a twofold feast: the feast of the circumcision of the Master as a child who appeared on earth, and the memorial of His wise and thrice-blessed servant.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
The incomprehensible Light ever rested in you, O saint, and Christ has manifested you as a radiant lamp to the world; therefore we praise your memory, Basil.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
Moses the lawgiver, and Joseph, who before the Law, distributed corn for food, were not equal to you, Basil, for you were manifested as a celebrant at the breaking of the divine Flesh at the altar.
Glory…
What was present on Sinai and shown to Moses as in a dim mirror, you made plain to all humanity, Basil.
Now…
We cry out to you who bore Christ the creator: rejoice, Pure One! Rejoice, for you have made the Light to rise for us! Rejoice, for you have encompassed the uncircumscribed God!
Katavasia Jesus, the Prince of Life, has come to set loose the first-formed man from condemnation 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 grants the peace that passes all understanding.
Katavasia We have been washed by the cleansing of the Spirit from the poison of the dark and unclean enemy, and we have set out upon a new path free from error, leading to gladness of heart beyond all attaining, which only they attain whom God has reconciled to himself.

ODE 6
Irmos An abyss of sins has finally encompassed me. But, O Lord, lead my life up out of corruption as You led up Jonah!
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
The Law became of no effect when Christ became a child, and was manifest as the fulfilment of the Law. By accepting circumcision, He has set us free from its curse.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Through the Spirit, Christ by appearing has caused the Sabbaths and circumcision of the haughty Jews to cease, and the spring of grace has shone!
Irmos An abyss of sins has finally encompassed me. But, O Lord, lead my life up out of corruption as You led up Jonah!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
You bountifully fed the souls of the poor, wasted with hunger, Basil, filling their famished hearts with every divine gladness!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
You fed the souls of the hungry with heavenly food, for your word, Basil, is the bread of angels, and you were a generous dispenser of grain.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
With love of labour, Basil, you gathered every virtue as bees from the flowers. Becoming all-wise, you were called blessed.
Glory…
You made haste to break the bonds of the world in order to live with God. Therefore laying aside unstable and corruptible things, you wisely gained those that are eternal.
Now…
Unwedded Theotokos, Mary, the bush on Sinai transfigured with fire portrayed you, Ever-Virgin Mother!
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.
Katavasia The Father in a voice full of joy made manifest His Beloved whom He had begotten from the womb. This is indeed my offspring, He said, of the same nature as Myself: bearing light, He has come forth from mankind, My Living Word, in divine providence made a mortal man.

Small Litany

Kontakion, Tone 4
You have appeared as a firm foundation for the Church,* maintaining its authority as a sure refuge for mortals,* sealing it by your doctrine,* O venerable Basil,* revealer of heaven.

Ikos
Spiritually, the great Basil was a cup of purity, a mouth of wisdom, and a pillar of the doctrines that shine for us as lightning. Come, then, and let us stand in the house of God, and behold fervently the same miracles that brought him the fullness of joy! And as lamps burning brightly, let us warm ourselves by the pure spirit of his life, his faith, his fervour, and his humility. Through these he was manifested as the dwelling of God. Crying aloud to him, we sing: Saint Basil: our venerable and heavenly father!

ODE 7
Irmos Your three children trampled on the ungodly command to adore the golden calf on the Persian field, and sprinkled with dew, they sang in the midst of the fire: blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers!
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Today the bright and shining birth of Christ and the mystery of the coming rebirth are portrayed. For the Saviour is circumcised according to the decree of the Law, not as God but as mortal man, yet the Fulfiller of the Law!
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Today the Maker of the Law is voluntarily circumcised, thus fulfilling it and circumcising our sins, causing us to cry: blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers!
Irmos Your three children trampled on the ungodly command to adore the golden calf on the Persian field, and sprinkled with dew, they sang in the midst of the fire: blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
The Son has appeared as an image of the Father, and the Spirit as an image of the Son: and you, Basil, are a clear glass and a dwelling of the Trinity. Your memory is blessed, and those who glorify it shall themselves be glorified!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
You plunged your mind into the depth of the incomprehensible things of God, and collecting the most precious pearl of knowledge, you enriched the world with wisdom, teaching it to cry: blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
You both were as one soul in two bodies: Gregory in Basil and Basil in Gregory, united by divine love. Pray now to Christ for your flock.
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
Father of orphans and champion of widows, wealth for the poor and comfort for the weak! You were shown, Basil, to be a guide for the wealthy, a staff for the old, and a teacher of virtue for the young who lived the monastic life.
Glory…
You cleansed your mind of filthy defilement, and in the Spirit you longed for, you searched out the things of the Spirit. Therefore, singing the praises of the Trinity, you cried out with boldness: blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers!
Now…
Moses foresaw you on Mount Sinai as pure as the burning bush, receiving unconsumed the unbearable brightness of the Ineffable One who was united in you as one of the holy Persons, to the flesh of mankind.
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, Lord God of our fathers!
Katavasia He who stilled the heat of the flame of the furnace that mounted high in the air and encircled the godly children, burnt the heads of the dragons in the stream of the Jordan: and with the dew of the Spirit He washes away all the stubborn obscurity of sin.

ODE 8
Irmos All works of the Lord, bless the Lord: the Word of God who has ordered all things in His wisdom, leading them from nothingness into being!
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
The Master was circumcised on the eighth day, and He received the name of Jesus, for He is the Saviour and the Lord of all the world.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
The most glorious memorial of the bishop is joined to the feast of the nativity of Christ. Honouring both the feasts, we sing the praises of the Lord!
Irmos All works of the Lord, bless the Lord: the Word of God who has ordered all things in His wisdom, leading them from nothingness into being!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
Basil, the light of godliness and trumpet of theology has been given to the world in an ineffable dispensation. All works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
A generous and active power dwelt in the wise Basil, and he discoursed with reverence on the nature of God: all works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
Ever delighting in your divine words and praising your memory, we cry, Basil: all works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Holy father Basil, pray to God for us!
Enlightening the world with the radiance of your words, Basil, you guided it with light to worship the one nature of the Trinity. All works of the Lord, bless the Lord!
We praise, bless and worship the Lord, singing and exalting him throughout all ages!
All works of the Lord, bless God the Word, pre-eternal and timeless, proceeding from the Father, and in these latter days arising from the Virgin!
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. Peoples, bless and exalt him above all forever.
Katavasia The creation finds itself set free, and those in darkness are now made sons of light: alone, the prince of darkness groans. Let all the inheritance of the nations, that was before in misery, now bless with eagerness him who has wrought this change!

ODE 9
O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honour than the hosts on high; O my soul, magnify Him who is circumcised in the flesh according to the Law!
Irmos All pure and blessed one, you ineffably gave flesh from your virgin womb to the light that was before the sun, the god who shone forth and came in the body to live with us. We magnify you, Theotokos!
O my soul, magnify Him who received circumcision on the eighth day!
Today the Master is circumcised in the flesh fulfilling the Law as an infant.
O my soul, magnify Him who received circumcision on the eighth day!
Today the Master is circumcised in the flesh and is called Jesus!
O my soul, magnify Him who received circumcision on the eighth day!
Christ surpassed the limits of mankind’s entire nature! He was born beyond nature of a Virgin, and He who clearly directs the letter of the Law is circumcised in the flesh and shown to be the Fulfilment of the Law!
O my soul, magnify the Church of God in her beauty!
Come, let us keep the solemn feast! Let us celebrate holy things: the glorious naming of the Master, Christ. For today Jesus is called by His Name, as is divinely fitting. And together with these holy things, we magnify the memorial of the holy bishop.
O my soul, magnify Basil, great among holy bishops; O my soul, magnify Basil the Great from Caesarea!
Irmos All pure and blessed one, you ineffably gave flesh from your virgin womb to the light that was before the sun, the god who shone forth and came in the body to live with us. We magnify you, Theotokos!
O my soul, magnify the bright luminary of the inhabited earth!
Basil, faithful sheep of the chief Shepherd, Christ, you followed in His life-giving footsteps, for you gave up your soul to the tyrant, nobly braving the dangers which were threatening the Church, all-blessed father.
O my soul, magnify the bright luminary of the inhabited earth!
Beholding the sacred structure of the Church of Christ adorned by you as bishop, wise Basil, the all-destructive tyrant fell as one struck by thunder, for he could not bear the radiance of the Spirit that was in you.
O my soul, magnify him who adorns the Church of Christ!
You were counted worthy of the sees of the Apostles, Basil, of the choirs of the martyrs of Christ, the mansions of the patriarchs, the delight of the righteous and company of the prophets, for you were a friend of the Theotokos and a servant of the Trinity.
Glory…
O my soul, magnify the power of the Godhead in Three Persons and undivided!
Now…
O my soul, magnify her who delivered us from the curse!
The only Lord, who covers the heavens with waters setting the bounds of the sea and drying up the unfathomed deep, has assumed flesh from you. He hastens from Bethlehem to the Jordan to be baptized in the flesh!
Katavasia No tongue is capable of praising you worthily: the angelic mind is overawed in exalting you, Theotokos! But accept our faith, since you are gracious and know our divine love. You are the protectress of Christians, and we praise you!
Katavasia Most pure Bride, blessed Mother, the wonders of your childbearing pass all understanding. Through you we have obtained the salvation of all, and fittingly rejoice truly before you, our Benefactor, bringing as a gift a song of thanksgiving!

Hymn Of Light, Tone 3
In your love of the pursuit of wisdom, you circumcised the flesh of your soul, O father; by miracles you were manifest as a sun illumining the minds of the faithful, godly minded Basil: divinely inspired friend of the Theotokos, and servant of the Holy Trinity.

Glory… Now…

The Creator of the ages has fulfilled the Law as an eight-day old child circumcised in the flesh, and He who holds all things fast as God, is wrapped in swaddling clothes and fed on milk as mortal man.

At The Praises, Tone 5

He who without separation and corruption was born ineffably
as the Word of the Father and God from God,
in the changeless Godhead undergoes circumcision in the flesh!
He who is above the Law delivers all from the curse of the Law,
by becoming Himself under the Law,
and granting us the blessing from on high.
Therefore praising His infinitely gracious condescension,
we sing His praises and glorify Him with thanksgiving,
entreating Him that our souls may be saved. (2)

You became a son of God by determination,
through the rebirth of divine baptism, O Saint,
confessing the Son of God to be before the ages
of one essence with the Father by nature and in truth,
and with Him without beginning.
You stopped the mouths of heretics with the brilliance of your words.
Therefore you have entered the kingdom on high,
reigning with Christ who rules by nature,
and grants the world great mercy.

You entered the holy temple as a bishop,
vested worthily in the practice and contemplation of the beginning of wisdom.
And now, performing your duties at the altar on high, O Saint
and standing with God as you celebrate your spiritual service,
remember, most compassionate and all-blessed Basil,
those who celebrate in honour of your sacred and holy memory,
praying to Christ who grants the world great mercy.

Made holy to God and given to Him in all ways from childhood,
enlightened by the beams of divine wisdom,
you made plain the knowledge of truth,
which clearly led and wisely guided you.
Therefore you laid out the true and right order of learning,
the foundation of things divine.
And we proclaim you a divine and divinely-spoken teacher,
a light-bearing torch of the Church
as we sing the praises of Christ who grants the world great mercy.

Strengthened by the fear of God,
you comprehended the beginning of wisdom, Basil,
but in that wisdom, you passed beyond fear,
and by the virtue of your life, father,
you were united with God, and became like Him.
Therefore, having been instructed in divine decrees and statutes,
and having learned the ways of mankind,
you adorned the minds of the faithful,
enlightening their spiritual counsels,
therefore pray to Christ to grant our souls great mercy.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Grace poured forth from your lips, father!
You were a shepherd in Christ’s Church,
tending reasonable sheep,
bringing them to faith in the consubstantial Trinity
and essential unity.

In Tone 8, Now…

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 1: You are seated on high on a fiery throne,* with Your Father who is without beginning and Your divine Spirit.* Yet You willed, O Jesus, to be born of a virgin maiden, Your Mother,* as a man, You were circumcised on the eighth day.* Glory to Your all-gracious will,* glory to Your providence,* glory to Your condescension, O You who alone love mankind.

Troparion, Tone 1: Your message has spread through all the earth:* it accepted the word with which you taught in a manner befitting God.* You explained the nature of things and ordered human conduct.* O namesake of the royal priesthood, venerable Father Basil,* pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: You have appeared as a firm foundation for the Church,* maintaining its authority as a sure refuge for mortals,* sealing it by your doctrine,* O venerable Basil,* revealer of heaven.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: The Lord of all submits to circumcision* and in His love cuts off the failings of mortals;* today He gives the world salvation.* While in the highest there rejoices* Basil the hierarch of the Creator and bearer of Light,* and the divine initiate of Christ.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6
Save Your people, O Lord and bless Your inheritance.
verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm 27:9,1)

Epistle
Circumcision – Colossians 2:8-12; St. Basil – Hebrews 7:26-8:2

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Give heed, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like sheep. (Psalm 79:2)
verse: The mouth of the righteous shall declaim wisdom, and his tongue shall speak justice. (Psalm 36:30)

Gospel
Circumcision – Luke 2:20-21, 40-52; St. Basil – Luke 6:17-23

Hymn to the Mother of God
In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices: the angelic ranks and all the human race. Sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, virgins’ pride and boast, from whom God is made flesh and became a little Child; and He who is our God before all ages, He made your womb a throne, and He made it wider that all the heavens. In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices. Glory be to you.

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear. (Psalm 111:6-7)* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

December 27, 2015
Sunday after the Nativity of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Octoechos Tone 6; Holy and Just Joseph, King David and James, Brother of the Lord in the Flesh; Holy Apostle, First Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 6

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

O Christ, You won the victory over Hades,
You ascended the Cross so that You might raise up with Yourself
all those who dwelt in the darkness of death.
Almighty Saviour, You are free from death
and bestow life by Your divine light.
We, therefore, beseech You to have mercy on us.

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

Today Christ has conquered Death.
He has risen from the grave as He foretold,
bestowing great joy upon the world.
Therefore, let us all lift up our voices and sing:
O Fount of Life, O Light Whom no one can approach,
Almighty Saviour, have mercy on us.

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

O Lord, where can we sinners flee from You,
for You are present in all creation?
You are present in heaven, for it is Your dwelling place.
Your power prevails in Hades where You conquered Death.
O Master, Your sustaining hand touches even the depths of the sea.
Where, then, can we take refuge except in You?
We, therefore, prostrate ourselves before You and pray:
O Lord, risen from the dead, have mercy on us.

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us greatly rejoice in the Lord
as we tell of this present mystery.
The middle wall of partition has been destroyed;
the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,
and I partake of the delight of Paradise
from which I was cast out through disobedience.
For the express Image of the Father, the Imprint of His eternity,
takes the form of a servant,
and without undergoing change He came forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock.
For what He was, He has remained, true God:
and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself,
becoming man through love for mankind.
Unto Him let us cry aloud:
God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us.

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

When the Lord Jesus was born of the holy Virgin,
all the world was enlightened.
The shepherds watched in the fields,
the Magi adored and the angels praised in song;
but Herod was troubled:
for God has appeared in the flesh,
the Saviour of our souls.

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

Your Kingdom, O Christ our God, is a Kingdom of all the ages,
and Your rule is from generation to generation.
Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-Virgin Mary,
You have enlightened us by Your coming.
Light of Light, Brightness of the Father,
You made the whole creation shine with joy.
All that has breath praises You, the Image of the glory of the Father.
O God who are, and who have ever been,
who have shone forth from a Virgin,
have mercy on us.

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

What shall we offer You, O Christ,
who for our sakes has appeared on the earth as man?
Every creature made by You offers You thanks.
The angels offer You a hymn; the heavens, a star;
the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;
the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger:
and we offer You a Virgin Mother.
O pre-eternal God, have mercy on us.

In Tone 4

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

Your soul was illumined with the grace of the Holy Spirit;
your face shone as an angel, Stephen.
Your body was made radiant by the brightness within you:
Contemplation of God’s light was your only joy:
Therefore the heavens were wondrously opened to you,
leader and glory of the martyrs

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

The torrent of stones became a ladder for you:
on its steps you ascended to the gates of heaven.
You beheld the Lord standing at the right hand of the Father;
He offered you a crown with his own life-giving hand;
truly you have fulfilled the meaning of your name!
Now you stand before Him, glorious conqueror;
the first warrior offered in battle.

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

Renowned with signs, wonders, and heavenly preaching,
you destroyed the malice of the wicked council.
As they stoned you to death, you begged God to forgive them,
using the words of the Saviour as He hung upon the cross,
commending your pure spirit into His hands, blessed Stephen.

In Tone 2, Glory…

To the King and Lord of all who is born on earth
today is offered the all-beautiful Stephen,
adorned in the crimson of his own blood as with precious gems.
Come, lovers of the martyrs,
weave the flowers of song into a crown,
honouring the Protomartyr of Christ our God,
for his spirit is radiant with wisdom and love:
Through his prayers we will receive peace and great mercy!

In Tone 6, Now…

Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?
Who would not sing a hymn of praise
to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?
The Only-begotten Son Himself,
begotten of the Father before all ages,
was made flesh out of you in a manner
that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!
And for our sake, He Who is God by nature
assumed the nature of a man.
He is not divided into two persons;
He is understood to have two natures
without commixion or confusion.
O noble and blessed Woman,
intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.

Aposticha

In Tone 6

O Christ our Saviour,
the angels in heaven sing the praises of Your Resurrection;
make us on earth also worthy
to extol You with a pure heart.

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

Almighty God, You destroyed the brazen gates and bars of Hades,
and raised up fallen mankind.
Therefore, with one accord, we cry out:
O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to You!

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

Christ willed to renew us from our corruption of old
by being nailed to a cross and placed in a tomb.
When the women came to anoint His body they tearfully cried out:
O, what sorrow afflicts us!
O Saviour of All, how could You consent to occupy a grave?
If you truly willed this, then why did You allow Your body to be stolen?
How were You removed?
What place now conceals Your life-bearing body?
O Lord, appear to us as You promised
and put an end to out tears.
As they were lamenting, an angel appeared and cried out to them:
Do not weep, but tell the Apostles that the Lord is risen,
granting sanctification and great mercy to the world.

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

O Christ, You were crucified of Your free will,
and by Your burial You imprisoned Death.
As God, You rose in glory on the third day,
granting life and great mercy to the world.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Blessed Stephen, the adornment of Christ’s warriors,
first of deacons and first of martyrs,
joy of the faithful and glory of the righteous,
as you stand before Christ, the Lord of all,
pray for us who celebrate your honourable memory
that we may receive remission of our sins
and be accounted worthy of the Kingdom of heaven.

In Tone 6, Now…

Today the invisible nature is united with our visible nature through the Virgin.
Today the infinite Essence is wrapped in swaddling clothes in Bethlehem.
Today God is guiding the Magi by a star
so that they might worship Him.
With the gold, frankincense, and myrrh,
He is foretelling His three-day burial.
Let us cry out to Him:
Having become incarnate from the Virgin,
save our souls, O Christ God.

Troparia

In Tone 6
Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory to You!

In Tone 4, Glory…
O apostle and first martyr for Christ,* you fought the good fight* and exposed your persecutors’ wickedness.* For when you were killed by stoning at the hands of the lawless* you received a crown from on high from God’s right hand,* while crying out to Him:* “O Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

In Tone 4, Now…
Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know You, the Dawn from on high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

DIVINE LITURGY

Antiphon 1
I will confess You, Lord, with all my heart,* I will declare all Your wondrous deeds.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
In the council of the just and the congregation,* great are the works of the Lord, conforming to His will in every way.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
His work is filled with praise and majesty,* and His righteousness endures forever.
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, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.
Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.
Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance:
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.
Son of God, born of a Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 6: Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!

Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God,* made the light of knowledge dawn on the world:* through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,* and to know that You, the Dawn from on the high.* Glory to You, O Lord.

Troparion, Tone 2: O Joseph, announce to David, the ancestor of God, the news of the miracle:* You saw a virgin giving birth.* With the shepherds, you gave praise and with the Magi you worshipped;* they too were warned by an angel.* Pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

Troparion, Tone 4: O apostle and first martyr for Christ,* you fought the good fight* and exposed your persecutors’ wickedness.* For when you were killed by stoning at the hands of the lawless* you received a crown from on high from God’s right hand,* while crying out to Him:* “O Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today the divine David is filled with gladness;* Joseph along with James offers praises* for having received a crown through their kinship with Christ they rejoice* and sing of the One who inexpressibly was born on earth,* crying out, “O Gracious One, save those who worship You.”

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being;* the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach;* Angel with shepherds give Him glory,* while Magi make their way with a star,* for to us is born a little Child – the pre-eternal God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
God is wonderful in His saints,* the God of Israel.
verse: In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel. (Psalm 67:36, 27)

Epistle
Galatians 1:11-19

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: Lord, remember David and all his meekness.
verse: How he swore an oath to the Lord, and vowed to the God of Jacob. (Psalm 131:1, 2)

Gospel
Matthew 2:13-23

Hymn to the Mother of God
O my soul, magnify Christ the King born in a manger.
and the Irmos: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold:* the cave is heaven;* the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim;* the manger, a dwelling place* in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain.* Singing His praises, we magnify Him.

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous (Psalm 32:1).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Instead of “Blessed is He who comes…” we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (3)

December 25, 2015
The Nativity in the Flesh of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ

GREAT VESPERS AND DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. BASIL THE GREAT

The priest, fully vested, begins: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever.

The people respond: Amen.

Come, let us bow in worship before our King and God!
Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, our King and God!
Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ, our King and God!

Psalm 103

Great Litany

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

Come, let us rejoice in the Lord
as we tell of the present mystery.
Destroyed is the middle wall of partition;
the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life,
and I partake of the delight of Paradise from which I was cast out through disobedience.
For the Father’s express Image, the Imprint of His eternity,
takes the form of a servant,
and without undergoing change He comes forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock.
For what He was, He has remained, true God:
and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself, becoming man through love for mankind.
To Him let us cry aloud:
God born of a Virgin, have mercy on us.

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

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

When Jesus the Lord was born of the holy Virgin,
the whole world was enlightened.
The shepherds watched in the fields,
the Magi adored and the angels sang hymns of praise;
but Herod was troubled: for God appeared in the flesh,
the Saviour of our souls.

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

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

Your Kingdom, O Christ our God,
is a Kingdom of all the ages,
and Your rule is from generation to generation.
Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-Virgin Mary,
You have enlightened us by Your coming.
Light of Light, Brightness of the Father,
You have made all creation shine with joy.
Everything that breathes praises You,
the Image of the Father’s glory.
O God–the One who is–and always was,
who shone forth from a Virgin, have mercy on us.

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

Your Kingdom, O Christ our God,
is a Kingdom of all the ages,
and Your rule is from generation to generation.
Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-Virgin Mary,
You have enlightened us by Your coming.
Light of Light, Brightness of the Father,
You have made all creation shine with joy.
Everything that breathes praises You,
the Image of the Father’s glory.
O God–the One who is–and always was,
who shone forth from a Virgin, have mercy on us.

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

O Christ what shall we offer You;
for our sake You appeared on earth as man?
Every creature made by You offers thanks to You.
The angels offer You a hymn; the heavens, a star;
the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;
the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger:
and we offer You a Virgin Mother.
O pre-eternal God, have mercy on us.

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

Glory…Now…

When Augustus reigned alone on earth,
the many kingdoms of men came to an end;
and when You were made man of the pure Virgin,
the many gods of idolatry were made powerless.
The cities of the world passed under one single rule;
and the nations came to believe in one sovereign Godhead.
The peoples were enrolled by the decree of Caesar;
and we, the faithful, were enrolled in the name
of the divinity,
when You, our God, were made man.
Great is Your mercy: Lord, glory to You.

Readings
Genesis 1:1-13; Numbers 24:2-3, 5-9, and 17-18; Micah 4:6-7 and 5:2-4a

Then, the priest intones the entire text of the following Troparion:

You were born in a cave hidden from sight, but heaven spoke through a star and proclaimed You to all, O Saviour. And it brought to You the Magi, who with faith bowed down in worship. Have mercy on them and us.

When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion (Tone 6, resurrectional, even though the custom has developed of singing this conclusion to the prokeimenon melody – a custom that is less appropriate):

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 86, and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.

His foundations are on the holy mountains; the Lord loves the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things were spoken of You, O city of God.

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

To those who know Me I will mention Raab and Babylon. And, behold, foreigners and the people of Tyre and Ethiopia, these were born there.

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

A person will say “Mother Sion,” and “Such a person was born in her,” and “The Most High Himself founded her.”

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

The Lord will declare this in His record of the peoples and rulers who were born in her. How happy are all who have their dwelling in you.

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

Glory… Now…

Response: And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

Then the priest intones the first half of the Troparion:

You were born in a cave hidden from sight, but heaven spoke through a star and proclaimed You to all, O Saviour.

And we conclude:

And it brought to You the Magi,* who with faith bowed down in worship.* Have mercy on them and us.

Readings
Isaiah 11:1-10; Baruch 3:36-38 and 4:1-4; Daniel 2:31-36 and 44-45

Then the priest intones another Troparion (Tone 6):

You have shone forth from a Virgin, O Christ, rational Sun of righteousness. And a star showed You, Whom nothing can contain, contained in a cave. You led Magi to worship You and along with them we magnify You: Glory to You, O Giver of life.

When the priest has finished, we respond by repeating the conclusion (Tone 6, resurrectional):

Response: You led Magi to worship You* and along with them we magnify You:* Glory to You, O Giver of life.

Then the priest intones the following verses of Psalm 92, and we repeat the Troparion’s conclusion after each verse.