The Encounter of Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ

GREAT VESPERS

Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man…” is taken only if the feast falls on a Sunday or Monday.

At Psalm 140

In Tone 1

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

O Simeon, tell us whom you are joyfully carrying into the Temple.
To whom are you saying:
Now You may dismiss Your servant, O Lord,
because my eyes have seen my Saviour.
He is the child born of the Virgin.
He is the Word and God of God.
O Lord, Who for our sake was incarnate and saved the world,
to You we bow in worship.

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.

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

O Simeon, now receive the One
Whom Moses the lawgiver had foreseen through the cloud on Sinai.
He has become a child and submits Himself to the Law.
This is He Who spoke through the Law and Whom the prophets foretold.
O Lord, Who for our sake was incarnate and saved the world,
to You we bow in worship.

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.

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

O faithful, come let us welcome Christ
and receive Him with hymns of praise and glory.
He is the salvation Simeon has seen.
He is the One Whom David foretold
and of Whom the prophets have spoken.
O Lord, Who for our sake was incarnate and inspired the Law,
to You we bow in worship.

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

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

Today the gates of heaven swing open,
for the Word of the Father Who has no beginning
has received beginning in time
without any loss to His divinity.
As a child of forty days He is offered by a virgin Mother
in the Temple according to the Law.
The Elder Simeon receives Him in his arms and cries out:
Dismiss me, o Master, for my eyes have seen Your salvation;
O Lord, Who came into the world to save us, glory to You!

Readings
(1) Exodus 13:1-3, 11-12, 14-16; (2) Isaiah 6:1-12; (3) Isaiah 19:1-5, 12, 19-21

At the Lytia

In Tone 1

The Ancient of Days, Who of old gave the Law to Moses on Sinai
appears this day as an infant.
The Creator of the Law fulfils the Law.
He is brought into the Temple
and is given over to the Elder.
The just Simeon receives Him,
and beholding the fulfilment of the divine promise, joyfully cries out:
My eyes have seen the mystery hidden from all eternity.
It has been revealed in these latter days.
The Light has radiated the darkness of unbelieving Gentiles
and gives glory to the newly chosen Israel.
Therefore, let Your servant depart from the bonds of this flesh
to the wondrous unending life that knows no age.
And we pray You to grant great mercy to the world.

He, Who once gave the Law to Moses on Sinai,
today submits Himself to the prescriptions of the Law.
In His compassion He has become like us for our sakes.
Now the pure God, as a holy infant having opened a pure womb,
is being offered as God to Himself.
He is freeing us from the curse of the Law
and granting light to our souls.

In Tone 2

Simeon now receives below in his earthly arms
the One Whom the ministers at the liturgy on high entreat with trembling,
and Who was prophesied to become incarnate.
Seeing the heavenly God as mortal man,
he is ready to withdraw from earthly things and joyfully cries out:
Glory to You, O Lord, the unsetting Light,
that uncovers those in darkness.

Today Simeon takes in his arms the Lord of Glory,
the One Whom Moses formerly saw in the darkness
when he received the tablets of the Law on Mount Sinai.
This is He Who speaks through the prophets;
He is the Creator of the Law.
This is He Whom David announced.
He is awesome to all, yet He has great and abundant mercy.

The pure Virgin brings the Sacred One
into the sanctuary to the holy priest.
Simeon extends his hands,
receives Him joyously in his arms, and cries out:
O Master, now You let Your servant go in peace,
according to Your word, O Lord.

The Creator of heaven and earth is carried today
in the arms of the Elder Simeon.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he cried out:
Now I am set free, for I have beheld my Saviour.

Today, Simeon the Elder enters the Temple, rejoicing in spirit,
to receive in his arms the One Who gave the Law to Moses,
the One Who fulfils the Law in Himself.
For Moses was counted worthy to see God,
although in darkness and sounds that were not clear;
and with covered face he rebuked the unbelieving people.
But Simeon carried the pre-eternal Word of the father in bodily form,
and he revealed the Light of the Gentiles, the Cross, and the Resurrection.
Anna was shown to be a prophetess,
announcing the Saviour and Deliverer of Israel.
Unto Him let us cry aloud:
Through the Theotokos have mercy on us, O Christ our God.

In Tone 4

Today, the holy Mother who is higher than any temple
has herself come into the Temple
to show the world the Creator and Giver of the Law.
Simeon the Elder receives Him in his arms;
he venerates Him and cries aloud:
Now let Your servant depart in peace,
for I have seen You, the Saviour of our souls.

In Tone 5, Glory…

Search the Scriptures as Christ our God said in the Gospels;
for in them we find Him Who was born and wrapped in swaddling clothes,
the One laid in a manger and fed upon milk,
Who received circumcision and was carried by Simeon.
Not in fancy or imagination,
but in very truth has He appeared to the world.
Let us cry out to Him:
Glory to You, O pre-eternal God!

Now…

He Who is Ancient of Days and young in the flesh
is being brought into the Temple by His virgin Mother.
He fulfils the promise of His own Law.
Simeon receives Him and says:
Now You may let Your servant go in peace,
for my eyes have seen Your salvation, O Lord.

Aposticha

In Tone 7

Adorn your bridal chamber, O Zion, and welcome Christ the King.
Welcome Mary, the gate of heaven,
for she has appeared as a cherubic throne
on which the King of Glory is seated.
Indeed, the Virgin has become a cloud of light,
bearing in her arms the eternal Son.
Simeon received Him in his arms
and proclaimed to the people that He is the Master,
the Master of life and death, and the Saviour of the world.

Now You may let Your servant go in peace, O Lord, according to Your word.

The all-pure Mother carried into the Temple
the One Who comes forth from the Father in all eternity
and from the womb of a Virgin in time.
The Lawmaker of Mount Sinai submits to the Law
and is presented to the elderly and holy one
so that he may see the Promised One.
When Simeon received Him in his arms, he joyfully cried out:
This is God, co-eternal with the Father,
and the Saviour of our souls.

A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people, Israel.

Mary, the Mother of God, carried in her arms
the Lord Who rides the chariot of the Cherubim
and is praised with the hymns of the Seraphim.
He was incarnate of her without human seed;
He is the Lawgiver Who fulfils the precepts of the Law.
She handed Him over into the arms of the aged priest.
Holding the Life in person,
Simeon asked to be delivered from his present life, saying:
Dismiss me now, O Master, that I may tell Adam
how my eyes have seen the eternal God
Who was made man without undergoing change,
and Who brought about the salvation of the world.

In Tone 8, Glory… Now…

He Who rides on the Cherubim and is praised by the Seraphim
is now being brought into the holy Temple according to the Law.
He is sitting in the arms of an old man as though upon a throne.
From Joseph He receives God-pleasing gifts, a pair of turtle doves,
and from the newly-chosen people of the Gentiles, and undefiled Church.
the two doves indicate that He is the head both of the Old and New Testaments.
As for Simeon, when he saw what had been revealed come to pass,
he received the child and blessed the virgin Mother of God,
pointing out to her the sufferings that she would bear.
He asked the Lord to be released from life, saying:
Now You may dismiss me, O Lord, as You have promised;
for my eyes have seen You, the eternal Light,
the Lord and Saviour of all Christian people.

Troparion

In Tone 1
Rejoice, full of grace, Virgin Mother of God!* From you there dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,* who enlightens those who dwell in darkness.* And you, O righteous Elder, be glad!* You received in your embrace* the Liberator of our souls,** who grants is resurrection. (thrice)

FESTAL MATINS

The Lord is God, Tone 1

Troparion, Tone 1
Rejoice, full of grace, Virgin Mother of God!* From you there dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,* who enlightens those who dwell in darkness.* And you, O righteous Elder, be glad!* You received in your embrace* the Liberator of our souls,** who grants is resurrection. (twice)

Glory… Now…
Rejoice, full of grace, Virgin Mother of God!* From you there dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,* who enlightens those who dwell in darkness.* And you, O righteous Elder, be glad!* You received in your embrace* the Liberator of our souls,** who grants is resurrection.

Psalm Reading and Small Ekteny

Sessional Hymn 1
In Tone 1: Let the heavenly hosts marvel at this mystery,* and let those on earth praise in song • as we behold the ineffable condescension of God.* He is now embraced in aged arms,* the One before whom the powers of heaven tremble,* the One who alone loves all.

Glory… Now…
Let the heavenly hosts marvel at this mystery,* and let those on earth praise in song • as we behold the ineffable condescension of God.* He is now embraced in aged arms,* the One before whom the powers of heaven tremble,* the One who alone loves all.

Psalm Reading and Small Ekteny

Sessional Hymn 2
In Tone 1: The One who is with the Father upon the holy throne* has come to earth and has been born of a Virgin.* The One, whose years are incomprehensible, becomes a babe.* Simeon received Him in his arms and cried out, rejoicing:* Now, O merciful Lord, let me depart in peace,* for You have brought joy to Your servant.

Glory… Now…
In Tone 1: The One who is with the Father upon the holy throne* has come to earth and has been born of a Virgin.* The One, whose years are incomprehensible, becomes a babe.* Simeon received Him in his arms and cried out, rejoicing:* Now, O merciful Lord, let me depart in peace,* for You have brought joy to Your servant.

Polyeleos

Exaltation
We extol You,* O Christ the Giver of Life,* and we venerate your most pure Mother,* who according to the Law brought You this day into the Temple of the Lord.
verse: The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord whose throne is in heaven.
verse: My heart overflows with noble words. To the King I must speak the song I have made.
verse: May this song make your name forever remembered. May the peoples praise you from age to age.
verse: Holiness is fitting to Your house, O Lord, until the end of time.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Sessional Hymn
In Tone 4: The Ancient of Days becomes a child for my sake.* The most holy God is purified* in order to confirm the reality of the human flesh* which He received from the Virgin.* Simeon, upon beholding this mystery,* acknowledged Him as God revealed in the flesh.* The Elder greeted Him as Life,* and, rejoicing, cried out in his old age:* Let me depart, for I have seen You, the Life of all.

Glory… Now…
In Tone 4: The Ancient of Days becomes a child for my sake.* The most holy God is purified* in order to confirm the reality of the human flesh* which He received from the Virgin.* Simeon, upon beholding this mystery,* acknowledged Him as God revealed in the flesh.* The Elder greeted Him as Life,* and, rejoicing, cried out in his old age:* Let me depart, for I have seen You, the Life of all.

Gradual Hymn, Tone 4, Antiphon 1

Prokeimenon, Tone 4
May this song make your name forever remembered. May the people praise You from age to age.
verse: My heart overflows with noble words. To the King I must speak the song I have made.

Let Everything that has Breath, Tone 4

Gospel
Luke 2:25-32

After Psalm 50
In Tone 6, Glory…
Through the prayers of the Theotokos,* 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 upon me, O God, according to Your loving kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies blot out my transgressions
Today the gates of heaven swing open,* for the Word of the Father who has no beginning* has received beginning in time* without any loss to His divinity.* As a child of forty days He is offered by a virgin Mother* in the Temple according to the Law.* The Elder Simeon receives Him in his arms and cries out:* Dismiss me, O Master, for my eyes have seen your salvation;* O Lord, who came into the world to save us, glory to You!

Canon

ODE 1
Irmos The sun shed its rays upon dry land In the middle of the sea. The water on both sides stood firm as a wall while Israel walked across. They sang this hymn pleasing to God: Let us praise the Lord, for He has been greatly glorified.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O clouds, send down rain; for Christ the Sun, riding upon a swift cloud, is offered by pure hands as an infant into the Temple. Therefore, let us, the faithful, sing out: Let us praise the Lord, for He has been greatly glorified.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
May the feeble hands of Simeon be strengthened, and his weakened legs be made firm so that he may run quickly to meet Christ. Let us join with the heavenly choirs and sing praise to the Lord, for He has been greatly glorified.
Glory… Now…
Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth; for Christ the Creator, who existed from all eternity as one of the Trinity, is now offered in the Temple to God the Father as a newborn infant by is virgin Mother. Let us praise the Lord, for He has been greatly glorified.

ODE3
Irmos O Lord, the solid rock of those that place their trust in You, strengthen the Church which You have purchased with your precious blood.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The only-begotten of the Father before all ages comes forth from the all-pure Virgin as a firstborn child, and He extends his hands to Adam.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
God the Word appeared as a child to raise up Adam from his childishness into which he had fallen through deception.
Glory… Now…
Having become an infant without undergoing any change, the Creator has refashioned into his divinity our nature which was taken from the earth and will return to it again.

ODE 4
Irmos O Christ, Your virtue has filled the heavens. You were born from an all-pure Mother, the Ark of Your majesty, and You now enter the Temple of your glory as an infant in arms; and the entire universe is filled with Your glory.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
The Theotokos spoke out: O Simeon, having witnessed mysteries beyond expression, rejoice and take in your arms Christ the Word who has become an infant. This mystery was foretold to you by the Holy Spirit. Now sing out to Him: The entire universe is filled with Your glory.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Receive with joy, O Simeon, the infant Christ was is the consolation of Israel and the One for whom you hoped. He is the Maker and Master of the Law who Himself fulfils it. Cry out to Him: The entire universe is filled with Your glory.
Glory… Now…
Simeon marvelled to behold in the flesh, as an infant, the Word who is without beginning, the Source of all creation who is carried by the Virgin as on the throne of the Cherubim. The Elder cried out to Him: The entire universe is filled with Your glory.

ODE 5
Irmos In a vision Isaiah saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, surrounded by angels, and he cried out: Woe is me! For I have seen in advance the Incarnate One, the Lord of the light that knows no evening, and the King of peace.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
When Simeon the Elder beheld the Word carried in the arms of his Mother, he recognized Him as the Glory revealed to the prophet. He cried out: Rejoice, O holy Lady, for you are the throne who carries God, the Lord of the light that knows no evening, and the King of peace.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Simeon bent down and reverently touched the footprints of the virgin Mother of God, saying: O pure Lady, I am afraid to hold in my arms the infant God, but you carry Him, the unconsumed Fire, the Lord of the light that knows no evening, and the King of peace.
Glory… Now…
Simeon spoke to the Mother of God, saying: One of the Seraphim purified the lips of Isaiah with a burning ember. You fill me with light as you entrust to me, with your hands as with tongs, the One whom you hold, the Lord of the light that knows no evening, and the King of peace.

ODE 6
Irmos When Simeon beheld with his own eyes the salvation which was to come to the people, he cried out to God: O Christ who comes from God, You are truly my God.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
You are a stumbling stone and an obstacle for the disobedient in Sion, but You are the salvation for the faithful whom you will not let be put to shame. You are truly the image of the Father, begotten before all ages; now in your compassion You have put on the limitations of flesh.
Glory… Now…
Now You may dismiss in peace the servant who worships You as Son of the Most High, and Son of the Virgin, God who has become a child.

SMALL EKTENY

KONTAKION
In Tone 1: By Your birth, You sanctified a virgin womb* and fittingly blessed the hands of Simeon.* You have come also now and saved us, O Christ our God;* give peace to Your community in time of war,* and strengthen its rulers, whom You love,* for You alone,* are the Lover of mankind.

IKOS
Let us run to meet the Theotokos, desiring to behold her Son whom she offered to Simeon. The angelic hosts were filled with awe as they beheld Him from their dwelling place and said: Now we see amazing and extraordinary wonders beyond comprehension and expression. The One who created Adam is carried as babe. The One who cannot be contained is held in the arms of the Elder. The One who is infinite in the bosom of the Father voluntarily takes on flesh in a finite manner, for He alone loves all people.

ODE 7
Irmos We praise with fervour the Word of God who sent down dew upon the youths in the furnace as they spoke about heavenly things and who has now taken flesh from the pure Virgin. We sing to Him: Blessed are You, 0 God of our Fathers.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Simeon cried out: I leave this earth to declare the good tidings to Adam and Eve dwelling in Hades; and with the prophets he sang joyfully: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
God descended into Hades to deliver those imprisoned there; He gives freedom to all the captives and sight to the blind, and He enables the speechless to cry aloud: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.
Glory… Now…
Simeon foretold to the Mother of God: A sword shall pierce your heart, O all-pure Virgin, when you see your Son upon the Cross. He is the One to whom we sing out: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers.

ODE 8
Irmos The three youths stood together in the unendurable fire, unharmed by the flame. As defenders of righteousness, they sang a hymn of praise: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord and glorify Him above all forever.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
O Israel as you behold your glory, Emmanuel, the Child of the Virgin, now offered before the Ark of God, dance and sing together: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord and glorify Him above forever.
Refrain: Most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Simeon said: Behold the Child who is God; He shall be a sign of contradiction. Let us sing to Him in faith: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord and glorify Him above all forever.
Glory… Now…
God the Word, the Source of Life, now becomes a little child; He shall be the downfall of the disobedient and the rising of those who sing to Him in faith: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord and glorify Him above all forever.

[omit Magnificat]

ODE9
O God-bearing Virgin, hope of Christians, protect and guard and save all those who put their trust in you.

Irmos, Tone 3: In the law, the shadow, and the scriptures, we the faithful see a figure: every male child that opens the womb shall be sanctified to God. Therefore do we magnify the first-born Word and Son of the Father who is without beginning, the first-born Child of a Mother who had not known man.

O Virgin Mother of God, Hope of Christians, protect, watch, and save those who have placed their hope In you.

O Virgin Mother of God, Helper of the world, protect and preserve us from every care and worry.

Irmos: We, the faithful, see the figure of Christ in the shadow and the letter of the law which says: Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord. Therefore, we extol the firstborn of the Eternal Father and the Virgin Mother.

O God-bearing Simeon, come and raise up Christ to whom the Virgin gave birth.

Simeon the Elder receives in his arms the Maker of the Law and Master of all.

The aged Simeon does not hold Me; but I uphold him, for he entreats Me to let him depart.

O mystical Tongs, how do you carry the Coal? How do you nourish Him who gives food to all?

Irmos: In ancient times the people offered a pair of doves and two young pigeons. Now the holy Simeon and Anna the prophetess, filled with faith, ministered and glorified the Child of the Virgin, the only-begotten Son of the Father as He was brought into the Temple.

O daughter of Phanuel, come and stand with us, giving thanks to Christ our Saviour, the Son of God.

The wise Anna, calm in spirit, awesomely speaks out, acknowledging Christ as the Creator of heaven and earth.

O Christ, the King of all, grant the faithful victory over their enemies.

O pure virgin Mother, the great things done for you are incomprehensible to angels and mortals.

Irmos: Simeon cried out: You have granted me the boundless joy of your salvation, O Christ. Now take me, your servant, who is weary of the shadow, and make me a new preacher of the mystery of grace, as I extol You with praise.

The pure Dove, the unspotted Lamb, carries the Lamb and Shepherd into the Temple.

O Christ, King of all, grant me the gift of tears that I may weep for my soul, lost in evil.

Let us devoutly praise the Divinity, the three Persons who shine with a threefold light.

O Virgin Mary, enlighten my soul which is grievously darkened by the passions of life.

The holy Anna, noble in faith and having the wisdom of years, reverently acknowledged the Master in the Temple; she extolled the Mother of God and praised her before everyone present.

Hymn of Light, Tone 6
Inspired by the Spirit, the Elder Simeon came to the Temple.* He received in his arms the Master of the Law and cried out: O Lord, release your servant from the bonds of the flesh* according to your word, in peace;* because my eyes have seen your revelation,* who is a light to the Gentiles and the salvation of Israel. (3)

At the Praises, Tone 4

In fulfilment of the Law,
the Lover of Mankind now is brought to the Temple.
Simeon takes Him in his aged arms and cries out:
Now let me depart to the blessedness of the world to come;
for I have beheld on this day, clothed in mortal flesh,
the One who is Lord of life and Master of death.

As a light of revelation to the Gentiles,
You manifested yourself, O Lord.
The Sun of Justice sits upon a light cloud.
You fulfilled the shadow of the Law
and showed the beginning of the new grace.
Therefore, beholding You, Simeon cried out:
Release me from corruption, for I have seen You today.

When You became incarnate as You willed,
You did not separate yourself from the bosom of the Father.
You uphold the whole world with your hand,
yet You were held in the arms of the ever-Virgin,
and You were handed over to the arms of Simeon, the servant of God.
Therefore, he cried out with joy:
Now You may dismiss your servant in peace, O Lord, for I have seen You.

In Tone 6, Glory… Now…

O Christ our God, this day You have been pleased
to rest in the arms of the Elder
as You sit upon the throne of the Cherubim.
Deliver us, who sing your praises, from the force of passions,
and grant salvation to our souls.

DIVINE LITURGY

Entrance
The Lord has made known His salvation;* He has revealed His truth before the nations.

Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion, Tone 1: Rejoice, full of grace, Virgin Mother of God!* From you there dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,* who enlightens those who dwell in darkness.* And you, O righteous Elder, be glad!* You received in your embrace* the Liberator of our souls,* who grants us resurrection.

Glory… Now…

Kontakion, Tone 1 By Your birth, You sanctified a virgin womb* and fittingly blessed the hands of Simeon.* You have come also now and saved us, O Christ our God;* give peace to Your community in time of war,* and strengthen its rulers, whom You love,* for You alone,* are the Lover of mankind.

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, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Epistle
Hebrews 7:7-17

Alleluia, Tone 8
verse: Now, O Master, You dismiss Your servant in peace according to Your word.
verse: For my eyes have seen Your salvation, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people, Israel.

Gospel
Luke 2:22-40

Hymn to the Mother of God
O God-bearing Virgin, hope of Christians, protect and guard and save all those who put their trust in you.
And the Irmos, Tone 3 In the law, the shadow, and the scriptures, we the faithful see a figure: every male child that opens the womb shall be sanctified to God. Therefore do we magnify the first-born Word and Son of the Father who is without beginning, the first-born Child of a Mother who had not known man.

Communion Hymn
I will take the chalice of salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. Alleluia (3).