Michael Winn

July 26, 2015
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 8
Holy Priest-Martyr Hermolaus and Those with Him
Holy Venerable-Martyr Parasceve

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.

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

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

In Tone 8

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

Martyr and athlete, Hermolaus,
once you hid yourself in fear from the evil ones.
You rejoiced to reveal the hidden mystery of devotion and understanding
to the passion-bearer Panteleimon.
Then you revealed yourself and zealously died for Christ
who was well-pleased to suffer for us in his goodness.

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

Martyr and athlete, Hermolaus,
you desired a holy life in sanctity.
You became a bishop of the almighty Jesus,
and by your life-bearing sermons and grace
you saved the people from the darkness of impurity.
You have passed over to the heavens, washed in the blood of your suffering,
blessed one of God!

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

Let us praise in faith with holy words the martyrs of the Lord,
Hermippus, Hermolaus and Hermocrates!
They suffered in a wonderful way, killing the evil one
and washing themselves in the water of baptism!
They were not defiled again with other impurities.
Therefore let us keep the feast and celebrate
their memory!

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.

Rome presents you as a garden of sweet-smelling flowers,
greatly-suffering Parasceve,
perfuming the thoughts of the faithful
with the fragrance of your virtues,
ever dispelling the stench of the passions with grace!
You are the beauty of martyrs, glorious one,
the boast of virtues and a sea of miracles!

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

Greatly suffering Parasceve,
you have been given to all by Christ our God as a priceless treasure!
You suffered in Rome and remained there.
Glorious martyr, by your assistance,
you drive the wickedness of demons from men!
Therefore today we all bless you and praise your holy sufferings.

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

Preserved by the power of Christ, most glorious Parasceve,
you ignored the pain of your body.
You entered upon your struggle with a courageous intention,
paying no heed to your feminine weakness!
Strengthened by hope, together with those who came before you,
you have received illumination!

In Tone 6, Glory…

O most glorious Parasceve, victorious virgin martyr,
through your mediations before God,
pray that, those who celebrate your suffering as is meet
may be delivered from temptations, and tribulations
and the judgment which is to come,
O most hymned martyr.

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.

Glory… Now…

O Virgin, You have never known wedlock,
Yet You conceived God in the flesh
in a manner which words can never describe.
You thus became the Mother of God on high.
O Immaculate Lady, receive the supplication of your servants
and grant us the cleansing of our sins.
Accept now our prayers and beseech God to save all of us.

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
O Lord our God, Your holy martyrs* have deserved the crown of immortality* on account of their good fight.* Armed with Your strength, they have vanquished their persecutors* and crushed Satan’s dreadful might.** Through their supplications, O Christ our God, save our souls.

In Tone 3, Glory…
Your personal pledge is like a marriage, for you promised your fidelity to the one faith,* and you inherited life, O Parasceve, the martyr named for Christ.* From your heritage you bestow health,** and you pray for the salvation of our souls.

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

DIVINE LITURGY

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

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: When You rose from the tomb,* You also raised the dead and resurrected Adam.* Eve exults in Your resurrection,* and the ends of the world celebrate Your rising from the dead,* O most merciful One.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 8: To you, O Mother of God,* the invincible leader,* we, your servants, ascribe these victory hymns* in thanksgiving for our deliverance from evil.* With your invincible power free us from all dangers* that we may cry out to you:* “Hail, O bride, and pure Virgin!”

Prokeimenon, Tone 8
Pray and give thanks to the Lord our God.
verse: In Judea God is known; His name is great in Israel. (Psalm 76:12, 2)

Epistle
1 Corinthians 3:9-17

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord; let us acclaim God our Saviour.
verse: Let us come before His countenance with praise and acclaim Him with psalms. (Psalm 95:1, 2)

Gospel
Matthew 14:22-34

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

July 25, 2015
Dormition of St. Anna, Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

You faithfully observed the Law
and worked unceasingly for God the Creator.
He granted you motherhood, Anna:
your child brought forth Christ in the flesh.
With the Virgin Mother we honour you,
and celebrate today your holy dormition.

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.

Divinely wise Anna, you gave birth to the Bearer of Life!
You presented your pure child to a life with God.
Together with the heavenly hosts, you rejoice in the riches from on high.
We commemorate your falling asleep,
and on this day we honour the divine wisdom in faith!

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.

Having divine wisdom, you gave birth to the Door of Heaven,
and you achieved heavenly glory forever!
We celebrate your holy dormition, Anna,
and ask you to pray that the turmoil of passions not destroy us,
and that we be spared from fear and desolation.

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

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

The Theotokos came forth from a barren womb:
through her we were saved by Christ our God!
The chaste Bridegroom’s grandparents were Joachim and Anna.
He placed them in the heavenly realm.
They sing together with their daughter the holy Virgin, and the angels,
praying for the sake of the world.
We honour them, crying aloud:
Ancestors of God, for the sake of the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary,
pray that our souls may be saved!

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

Aposticha

In Tone 5

Rejoice, spiritual swallow:
you announced the springtime of grace to us!
You lived well and blamelessly in chastity,
preserving the treasure of virginity.
You gave birth with the pangs of a mother to the all-pure Theotokos
who alone knew not a man!
You are the honoured ewe lamb who gave birth
to the heifer who at the angel’s word bore the Word:
the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world,
and has translated you from the earth,
Anna, grandmother of the Lord!
Pray to Him now that He will grant great mercy to our souls!

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; praise befits the upright!

God-receiving Joachim and divine and all-honourable Anna;
honourable couple, desired of God!
You were chosen in holiness by the splendours of the Law!
By grace you publish glad tidings,
since you gave birth to her who bore Christ, the Author of our life!
Lamps who lighted the unshaded Candle,
who guided well the grace that is the all-pure Theotokos!
Pray with her that Christ may grant our souls great mercy!

Blessed are all those who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.

Rejoice, divine and blessed Anna!
Grandmother of Christ our God!
You are the blessed ground who caused to blossom
the earth which brought forth God for the world!
You unceasingly studied the Law of God,
inscribing grace for all!
By your giving birth you broke the bond of barrenness;
you overcame death with incorruption;
you passed over to divine splendour,
after you gave birth to the Theotokos, the Light-bearing Lamp.
Pray with her that great mercy may be granted to our souls!

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

Come together, all creation!
Let us praise the divinely-wise Anna on cymbals and with psalms!
Through her womb she gave birth to the divine Mountain.
Today she is translated to the spiritual mountain and mansions of paradise!
Let us cry out to her: blessed is your womb
which bore her who carried the Light of the world in her womb!
Entreat Him that He may deliver us from all tribulation
and assaults of the enemy
and that He may save our souls!

Troparia

In Tone 4
O godly-minded Anna,* you bore in your womb the pure Mother of God, who gave birth to Life.* Rejoicing, therefore, in glory* you have passed today to a heavenly inheritance,* where those who exult have their dwelling.* There you intercede for the forgiveness of sins* of those who love you, O ever-blessed one.

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

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: O godly-minded Anna,* you bore in your womb the pure Mother of God, who gave birth to Life.* Rejoicing, therefore, in glory* you have passed today to a heavenly inheritance,* where those who exult have their dwelling.* There you intercede for the forgiveness of sins* of those who love you, O ever-blessed one.

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

Kontakion, Tone 2: We feast the memory of the forebears of Christ* as with faith we beseech them to help us* and rescue from every affliction* those who cry out: Our God is with us,* the God whose will it was to glorify them.

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

Epistle
Galatians 4:22-31

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their protector in time of trouble.
verse: The Lord will help them and rescue them; He will deliver them from sinners and save them, for they hoped in Him. (Psalm 36:39,40)

Gospel
Luke 8:16-21

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

July 24, 2015
Holy Martyrs Borys and Hlib Named Roman and David at Baptism

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 2

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

With what crowns of praises shall we honour the praised martyrs,
the kind intercessors of the faithful people,
the adornment of Rus’-Ukraine and joy of the world?
Though separated in body, they were united in spirit.
By their wisdom they conquered the diabolical powers with the help of Christ,
who gives great mercy to the world.

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.

With what ornaments shall we adorn the praised Borys,
who manfully endured sufferings,
and Hlib, who equalled him in zeal?
Both are bright shining lights,
which illumine all pious souls with the radiance of virtue.
Having learned Christ’s commandments,
they worthily achieved glory
and entreat Him who grants to all great mercy.

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

With what spiritual hymns shall we celebrate the splendorous feast
of the glorious martyrs who for the sake of the Christ,
spurned the corruptible glory of the world?
One was pierced in the side with a spear
while the other was slaughtered like a lamb.
Christ God worthily glorified them;
for this they have received the gift of healing
and implore great mercy for all.

In Tone 8

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

O praiseworthy Martyrs of Christ,
you considered attacks by persecutors and violent death to be as nothing.
Boldly you armed yourselves with courage for battle,
and robed yourselves in glorious victory.
You were numbered with all the Just
with whom we bless you in constant praise.

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.

O most blessed Martyrs of Christ,
you gave yourselves up freely to be sacrificed.
With your blood you sanctified the earth,
you brightened the air by your departure from this life.
Now you live in heaven, in a never-setting light.
O Martyrs, who see God, always pray for us.

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

O invincible Martyrs of Christ,
with the dew of divine grace
you pass through the pain of fire without harm.
You are considered worthy to live by the waters of peace,
since you received a crown of victory.
With joy we celebrate your holy feast,
and we give glory to Christ.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Come, let us extol the wonderworkers and martyrs
who suffered and overcame the opposing enemy.
Today, gleaming with light, they stand before Christ rejoicing.
Therefore, let us with joy and love celebrate their memory crying out:
Rejoice, intercessors of the world and victors over the enemies!
Rejoice, physicians of the sick and routers of demons!
Rejoice, amiable twins, excellent brothers, glorious Borys and wonderful Hlib!
As lovers of Christ implore the Holy Trinity for us,
for the peace of the world and the salvation of our souls.

Now…

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

Readings
(1) Isaiah 43:9-14; (2) Wisdom 3:1-9; (3) Wisdom 5:15-6:3

Aposticha

In Tone 4

Come, you lovers of chastity;
let us venerate with a pure heart and humble soul the holy brothers
who loved Christ who rules over all:
Borys, the glorious martyr, and Hlib, the gentle one.
For they, being pure in soul and body, overcame the demons.

When the just cry our, the Lord hears.

You, glorious brothers, sprouted forth from a holy root
and in truth loved nobility.
You desired incorruptible glory
and chose eternal life and an incorruptible kingdom.
Having suffered for the truth, you received a crown of victory,
O martyrs and intercessors of our souls.

Many are the troubles of the just, but the Lord delvers from them all.

By words and deeds you fulfilled Christ’s commandments and precepts.
Without hatred you confronted the enemy who came to kill you unjustly.
Like the first martyr Stephen, you prayed:
Do not hold this against them,
O Christ our God, the Lover of mankind.

In Tone 8, Glory…

Come, faithful of the Ukrainian churches,
and behold how innocently the martyr Borys accepts the sentence,
whose side they pierced at the instigation of the devil,
causing him the shedding of blood.
Behold Hlib who like a lamb was slaughtered by his brother Sviatopolk.
They received crowns while their brother perished in oblivion.
They received glory and pray for our souls.

Now…

O most pure Virgin, who ineffably conceived God in the flesh,
O Mother of the Most High God,
accept the supplications of your servants, all pure One,
and grant us the forgiveness of sins
and the salvation of our souls.

Troparion

In Tone 2

O genuine passion-bearers and true followers of the Gospel of Christ,* chaste Borys and innocent Hlib,* you did not oppose your brother turned enemy* who killed you bodies but could not touch your souls.* Therefore let the wicked lover of power shed tears of lament* while you rejoice in the presence of the Holy Trinity with angelic choirs.* Pray that the land of your kinsmen may be pleasing to God* and that all the children of Rus’ may be saved.

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 2: O genuine passion-bearers and true followers of the Gospel of Christ,* chaste Borys and innocent Hlib,* you did not oppose your brother-turned-enemy* who killed your bodies but could not touch your souls.* Therefore let the wicked lover of power shed tears of lament* while you rejoice in the presence of the Holy Trinity with angelic choirs.* Pray that the land of your kinsmen may be pleasing to God* and that all the children of Rus’ may be saved.

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

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today your all-glorious memory has shone forth,* O noble passion- bearers of Christ, Borys and Hlib,* summoning us to gather for the praise of Christ our God.* Wherefore, we who hasten to your relics,* receive the gift of healing by your prayers, O saints, for you are godly physicians.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
To the saints who are in His land, the Lord has made wonderful all His desires in them.
verse: I foresaw the Lord in my sight, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken. (Psalm 15:3,8)

Epistle
Romans 8:28-39

Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of their afflictions.
verse: The afflictions of the just are many, and out of them all will the Lord deliver them. (Psalm 33:18,20)

Gospel
John 15:17-16:2

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

July 20, 2015
The Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

In Tone 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 6, Glory…

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

Now…

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

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

Lytia

In Tone 4

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

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

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

In Tone 6, Glory…

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

Now..

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

Aposticha

In Tone 8

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 6, Glory…

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

Now…

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

Troparia

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

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

DIVINE LITURGY

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

Glory… Now…

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

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

Epistle
James 5:10-20

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

Gospel
Luke 4:22-30

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

July 19, 2015
Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils, Octoechos Tone 7
Our Venerable Mother Macrina, Sister of Saint Basil the Great
Our Venerable Father Dios

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!

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

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

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

In fulfilment of the prophecy of David,
Christ revealed His majesty to His disciples in Sion.
He showed Himself to be worthy of equal praise
with His Father and the Holy Spirit;
for He existed from all eternity as God the Word, without a body;
then, out of love for mankind, He became incarnate,
and for our sake He was put to death as a man;
finally, by His own power He arose from the dead.

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

O Christ, of Your own free will, You descended into Hades;
and, as God the Lord, You destroyed death.
On the third day You arose from the dead and raised up Adam
from the bonds of Hades and corruption.
In joy he cried out and said:
Glory to Your resurrection, O Lover of mankind!

In Tone 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 6, Glory…

Let us honour today those mystical trumpets of the Spirit,
namely the God-mantled Fathers,
who speaking of divine things,
sang in the midst of the Church a hymn in unison,
teaching that the Trinity is one,
not differing in substance or Godhead,
refuting Arius and defending the orthodox faith.
They always intercede with the Lord
to have mercy on our souls.

In Tone 7, Now…

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

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

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 4, Glory…

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

Now…

O most pure Virgin, hear the petitions of your servants.
Remove the burdens which oppress us,
and deliver us from our sorrows;
for you are the only firm and constant support on whom we rely.
O Mother of God, never permit us who call upon you
to be overwhelmed by our cares.
Hasten to fulfill the supplications of all who, in faith, cry out to you:
Rejoice, O Lady, helper of all mankind,
the joy, the refuge, and the salvation of our souls.

Troparia

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 8, Glory…
Christ our God, You are glorified above all,* You established our fathers as beacons on earth* and through them guided all of us to the true faith.** Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.

Now…
O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin: * through Your death on the Cross You conquered Death; * and through Your resurrection You revealed Yourself as God. * O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands, * but show forth Your love for mankind. * Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf. ** O Saviour, save Your despairing people.

DIVINE LITURGY

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

Troparion, Tone 8: Christ our God, You are glorified above all,* You established our fathers as beacons on earth* and through them guided all of us to the true faith.* Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: The Son who ineffably shone from the Father* was born two-fold of nature from a woman.* Beholding Him, we do not reject the image of His form;* but depicting it, we revere it faithfully.* Therefore, the Church, holing the true faith,* kisses the icon of Christ’s becoming man.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 6: Undaunted patroness of Christians,* O steadfast intermediary with the Creator,* turn not away from the suppliant voices of sinners,* but in your kindness come to help us who cry out to you in faith.* Be quick to intercede, make haste to plead,* for you are ever the patroness of those who honour you, O Mother of God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers,* and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.
verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26-27)

Epistle
Hebrews 13:7-16

Alleluia, Tone 1
verse: The God of gods, the Lord, spoke and summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
verse: Gather to Him His devout ones, who with sacrifice make covenant with Him. (Psalm 49:1, 5)

Gospel
John 17:1-17

Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens,* praise Him in the highest.* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalms 184:1; 32:1)

July 15, 2015
Holy Grand Prince Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles, Named Basil at Holy Baptism

Note: This is an All-Night Vigil rank feast. Current available texts have this feast ranked as Polyeleos. We have repeated Stichera at Psalm 140 to number 8, and we have taken the lytia verses from the OCA (2011). Once we have proper texts for the feast, we will update this page.

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Palm 140

In Tone 4

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

You were a second Constantine in word and deed,
for he was born in a Christian age,
yet lived for many years among the pagans,
while you were born of heathen,
but loved Christ who loved you.
You have gone to Him rejoicing!
Pray ceaselessly to Him for those who honour your memory.

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.

Brightly shining Mount Sinai, rejoices eternally,
for it is sanctified by the law of Moses and has seen the invisible,
and your great city, Vladimir, also shines brightly and celebrates with joy,
beholding in the Spirit the Son glorified in you with the Father.
Pray to Him to save and enlighten 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.

For the people of Rus’, Vladimir, you were a father in spirit,
a king and true preacher;
an apostle of Christ, announcing the baptism of salvation.
And having thereby brightly illumined your people,
you sanctified them throughout all the lands of your kingdom, blessed one.

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.

You were a root of the true faith, Vladimir,
watered by the Holy Spirit.
You put forth for us divinely planted branches with fragrant flowers:
the wondrous Boris, and Hlib, the zealot of godliness;
abundant sources of miracles for all the faithful.
Standing with them before Christ,
pray to Him to save and enlighten our souls.

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

In Tone 8, Glory…

Come, let us all hasten to celebrate the memory of Vladimir,
the father and guide of the people of Rus’.
He was born of heathens and came to love Christ who loved him,
he has gone to Christ, rejoicing with his grandmother Olga.
He taught all his people to believe and worship one God in Trinity;
he destroyed the idols, and trampled them underfoot.
He nurtured for us Boris and Hlib, his precious posterity.
We now honour their memory with joy and faith,
and keep the feast with love.
May they pray to the Lord
to grant victory to the orthodox Christians over their adversaries;
to grant peace to the whole world, and to save our souls!

Now…

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

Readings
(1) 1 Kings 8:22-30; (2) Isaiah 61:10-62:5; (3) Isaiah 60:1-14

Lytia

In Tone 2

Today the memory of the pious Prince Vladimir
has sprung up like a fountain of myrrh;
for having come to love Christ, he shamed the idols,
and raised up churches to Him Who endured much reproach for our sake,
and he has received a kingdom and a crown in the heavens.

In Tone 6, Glory…

Come, let us all hasten with faith
to the honourable commemoration of our father of Rus’,
our teacher and leader, Basil;
for since the time of his birth he loved Christ, Who also loved him;
and to Him he ascended,
rejoicing with the first mother, Helen.
With him we also keep festival with love,
asking that he pray to the Lord for us,
that He grant peace to the world
and save our souls.

Now…

My Maker and Redeemer, Christ the Lord,
was born of you, O most pure Virgin.
By accepting my nature, He freed Adam from his ancient curse.
Unceasingly we magnify you as the Mother of God!
Rejoice, O celestial Joy!
Rejoice, O Lady: the Protection, Intercession and Salvation of our souls!

Aposticha

In Tone 8

Most glorious wonder!
The wisdom of the proud perishes today, and all the forces of evil lament
at beholding Vladimir the great, our faithful ruler:
the wild branch that was divinely planted by the strength of God,
glorified and radiantly crowned by him.

I have exalted one chosen out of the people!

Marvellous depth of wonders!
Those who were hard-hearted in understanding and wandering in vain,
rejoice now in the holy Church, for this is the day of Vladimir.
Christ our God reigns, and has found another Paul,
setting him as faithful prince in his land,
for by holy baptism he has enlightened his people!

I have anointed him with my holy oil!

Rejoice, praise of Rus’!
Rejoice divine Vladimir, our ruler, and guide for the faithful!
Rejoice, bulwark of the faith, rejoice, miracle of miracles:
the calm haven for those who flee to you.
Rejoice, all-holy root of the faith;
the intercessor for those who sing your praises and faithfully magnify you!

Glory…

Assemblies of the orthodox faithful, let us praise Vladimir the great:
teacher of godliness, preacher of the faith, and first among the princes of Rus’.
Let us crown him as equal to the apostles, with praises and spiritual songs:
rejoice, most brave soldier of Christ!
For you wearied the enemy and caused him to perish
and having delivered us from his wiles, you led us to Christ, our King and God!
Now, most-blessed and praise-worthy prince,
pray that peace and health be granted to orthodox Christians,
and victory over their adversaries,
and for our souls, great mercy!

Now…

Troparia

In Tone 4
You resembled the merchant who sought the pearl of great price,* O Vladimir, glorious in might:* seated on the throne of Kiev, the divinely saved mother of the cities of Rus’,* as a seeker you sent envoys to the Imperial City* to know the orthodox faith,* and found Christ the pearl, who chose you as another Paul,* and removed your blindness both spiritual and bodily in the holy font.* Therefore, we your people feast your falling asleep.** Pray that the leaders of Rus’ be saved with those entrusted to them. (twice)

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

DIVINE LITURGY

Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: You resembled the merchant who sought the pearl of great price,* O Vladimir, glorious in might:* seated on the throne of Kiev, the divinely-saved mother of the cities of Rus’,* as a seeker you sent envoys to the Imperial City* to know the orthodox faith,* and found Christ the pearl, who chose you as another Paul,* and removed your blindness both spiritual and bodily in the holy font.* Therefore we, your people, feast your falling asleep.* Pray that the leaders of Rus’ be saved with those entrusted to them.

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

Kontakion, Tone 8: You emulated Paul the great apostle,* O glorious Vladimir;* late in life you abandoned your zeal for idols as childish thinking,* and as a full-grown man you were adorned with divine baptism’s royal purple.* Standing with joy in the presence of Christ the Saviour,* pray that the leaders of Rus’ may be saved with those entrusted to them.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3
Sing to our God, sing; sing to our King, sing.
verse: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout unto God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:7, 2)

Epistle
Galatians 1:11-19

Alleluia, Tone 6
verse: I have exalted one chosen from among My people.
verse: Indeed, My hand shall sustain him, and My arm shall make him strong. (Psalm 88:20, 22)

Gospel
John 10:1-8

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

July 12, 2015
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Octoechos Tone 6
Holy Martyrs Proclus and Hilary

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.

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

We exult in Your Cross, O Christ,
and we sing the glory of Your Resurrection.
For You are our God, and we have no other Lord but You.

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

Glory to Your might, O Lord,
for You have conquered the power of death.
You have renewed us through Your Cross,
granting us life and incorruption.

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

We forever bless the Lord and praise His resurrection,
for by suffering crucifixion,
He has destroyed death by His death.

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

By Your death and burial, O Lord,
You broke asunder the bonds of Hades;
and by Your resurrection from the dead,
You enlightened the whole world.
We, therefore, exclaim: Glory to You, O Lord!

In Tone 1

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

You suffered a multitude of tortures,
together obtaining your holy crowns, Proclus and Hilary.
Therefore we worthily celebrate your memory,
praying fervently that you may intercede for us.

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

Proclus, your body was torn asunder,
but you obtained eternal glory, blessed one.
Now that you are in the eternal light of Paradise,
pray that we who sing to you may also see this light!

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

Like two fountains of light, holy passion bearers, Proclus and Hilary,
dispel the darkening of passions
as we sing to you with joy,
celebrating your memory!

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

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.

Glory… Now…

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…
Your holy martyrs Proclus and Hilary, O Lord,* through their sufferings have received their incorruptible crowns from You, our God!* For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,* and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.** Through their intercessions, save our souls!

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

DIVINE LITURGY

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!

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

Kontakion, Tone 6: With His life-giving hand* Christ our God, the Giver of life,* raised all the dead from the murky abyss* and bestowed resurrection upon humanity.* He is for all the Saviour,* the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

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. (Psalm27:9, 1)

Epistle
Romans 15:1-7

Alleluia, Tone 6
verse: He who lives in the aid of the Most High, shall dwell under the protection of the God of heaven.
verse: He says to the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, in Whom I hope. (Psalm 90:1, 2)

Gospel
Matthew 9:27-35

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

July 10, 2015
Our Venerable Father Anthony of the Monastery of the Caves in Kiev

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 6, Glory…

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

Now…

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

Aposticha

In Tone 1

O venerable father, you followed in the footsteps of the great Anthony.
Seeking solitude, he dwelt in the desert,
so as to be counted worthy to converse with the angels,
while you shut yourself up in an underground cave,
in order to contemplate the unspeakable world.
Because you have imitated his life, you took his name.
Now that you stand before the Holy Trinity,
pray for the salvation of our souls.

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

Like a lampstand shining in a dark place,
you have shone forth, O father Anthony!
And like the prophetic palm tree you flourished in the house of God,
offering yourself, in an unbloody sacrifice,
as blessed fruit to the Master.
Therefore, having gathered together,
we always extol you as is fitting.

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commandments.

Because your life resembled that of the great ascetic Anthony,
in God’s plan you were called Anthony,
for, having gathered together many monks,
who observed your teachings, you led them to God.
Therefore, as a co-dweller of the monastics and righteous,
with whom you now stand before the Holy Trinity,
pray for all those who with hymns glorify your glorious departure.

In Tone 6, Glory…

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

Now…

Troparia

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

DIVINE LITURGY

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

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

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

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

Epistle
Galatians 5:22-6:2

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

Gospel
Luke 6:17-23

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

July 5, 2015
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Octoechos Tone 5
Our Venerable Father Athanasius of Athos

GREAT VESPERS

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

At Psalm 140

In Tone 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 2

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

In Tone 6, Glory…

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

In Tone 5, Now…

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

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

Aposticha

In Tone 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tone 6, Glory…

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

Now…

Troparia

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

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

DIVINE LITURGY

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

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

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

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

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

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

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

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

Epistle
Romans 12:6-14; Galatians 5:22-6:2

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)
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 9:1-8; Luke 6:17-23

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.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

July 2, 2015
The Placing of the Precious Robe of our Most Holy Lady and Mother of God in the Church at Blachernae in Constantinople

GREAT VESPERS

At Psalm 140

In Tone 4

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

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

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

Aposticha

In Tone 3

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

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

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

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

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

In Tone 2, Glory… Now…

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

Troparia

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

Glory… Now…
O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.** O Saviour, save Your despairing people!

DIVINE LITURGY

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

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

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

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

Epistle
Hebrew 9:1-7

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

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

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