The Liturgy
of the Catechumens
Deacon: Bless, Father.
Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Litany of Peace
Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace in the whole world, the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and the union of all men, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy Temple
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the Most Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, for His Eminence Metropolitan (Name), for ....... for the honourable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our Country, our President, our Congress, and all in seats of authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this City, and for every city and land, and for those who live in them by faith, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For seasonable weather, the abundance of the fruits of the earth and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For those who are travelling by land, air and water, for the sick, the suffering, for prisoners and captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He will deliver us from all tribulation, anger, danger, and want, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and each other, and all our life to Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: For to Thee belongs all glory, honour and adoration, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The First Antiphone
Bless the Lord, O my soul. Blessed art Thou, O Lord. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your sins, Who heals all your diseases;Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with mercy and compassion. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and of great mercy. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name. Blessed art Thou, O Lord.
Deacon: Again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and each other, and all our life to Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: For Thine is the dominion, Thine the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Second Antiphone
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Psalm 145:
Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Put not your trust in rulers, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit departs and returns to its earth; on that day all his projects perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps troth for ever: Who executes judgment for those who are wronged, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord releases those who are bound. The Lord makes wise the blind; the Lord straightens those who are bent; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects strangers, He supports the orphan and the widow; and wipes out the way of sinners. The Lord will reign for ever, Thy God, O Sion, throughout all generations.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O only-begotten Son and Word of God, Who art immortal, yet didst deign for our salvation to be incarnate of the Holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary and without change didst become man, and wast crucified, trampling upon death by death: Do Thou, O Christ our God, Who art one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Save us.
Deacon: Again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and each other, and all our life to Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: For Thou, O God, art good and the Lover of men, and to Thee we send up the glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Third Antiphone
In Thy Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
Blessed are the mourners, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
Blessed are you when men revile and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely and on My account. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.
The Little Entry
Deacon: (softly) Bless, Father, the Holy Entry.
Priest: (softly) Blessed is the Entry of Thy Holy Ones always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Wisdom, stand aright!
Choir: O come let us worship and bow down before Christ. O Son of God, Who art wonderful in the Saints (Sunday: Who didst rise from the dead), save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Here are sung the appointed Troparia and Kontakia.
Priest: For holy art Thou, our God, and to Thee we send up the glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, (if no Deacon, at once) and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: O Lord, save the God-fearing and hear us.
Choir: O Lord, save the God-fearing and hear us.
Deacon: And to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us. (Thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.
The Apostle
Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest: Peace to all.
Reader: And to thy spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom!
Reader: The Prokeimenon, tone N.
The Choir and the Reader sing the Prokeimenon.
Deacon: Wisdom!
Reader: The Reading
Deacon: Let us attend.
The Apostle is read.
The Gospel
Priest: (to the Reader) Peace to thee.
Reader: And to thy spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom!
Reader: Alleluia! (Thrice)
The Choir sings the Alleluia.
The Choir sings the Alleluia.
Deacon: Bless, Father, the reader of the Gospel of the holy Apostle and Evangelist N.
Priest: May God, through the intercessions of the holy and glorious Apostle and Evangelist, N., grant thee to announce the glad tidings with great power, for the fulfilment of the Gospel of His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Deacon: Amen.
Priest: Wisdom, stand aright! Let us listen to the Holy Gospel. Peace to all.
Choir: And to thy spirit.
Deacon: The Reading
Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Priest: Let us attend.
The Deacon reads the Gospel.
Priest: Peace to thee who hast announced the glad tidings.
Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
The Litany of Fervent Supplication
Deacon: Let us all say with our whole soul, and with our whole mind let us say:
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: O Lord Almighty, God of our Fathers, we pray Thee, hear and have mercy.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee; hear and have mercy.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Deacon: Let us pray also for the Most Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, for His Eminence Metropolitan N; for . . . ., and for all our brothers in Christ.
Deacon: Let us pray also for our country, our President, our Congress, and all in seats of authority.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Deacon: Let us pray also for our brother priests and deacons, monks and nuns, and for all Orthodox Christians.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Deacon: Let us pray also for the blessed and ever-memorable Orthodox Patriarchs, for all God-fearing Rulers, for the founders of all churches and monasteries, and for all our fathers and brothers who have fallen asleep before us, those who lie here, and the Orthodox everywhere.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Deacon: Let us pray also for those who bear fruit and do good works in Thy holy Church; the workers, the singers, and the people here present who look for Thy great and abundant mercy.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Priest: For Thou, O God, art merciful and the Lover of men, and to Thee we send up the glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Litany for the Departed
(may be omitted)
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee, hear and have mercy.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Deacon: Let us pray also for the repose of the souls of the servant(s) of God who has (have) fallen asleep (names), and that he (they) may be pardoned all his (their) sins, voluntary and involuntary.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Deacon:That the Lord God will assign his (their) soul(s) to where the just repose.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Deacon:The mercy of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the forgiveness of his (their) sins let us ask of Christ, our Immortal King and our God.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For Thou art the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servant (s) who has (have) fallen asleep, (names) O Christ our God, and to Thee we send up the glory, with Thy eternal Father, and Thy all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Litany of the Catechumens
Deacon: Catechumens, pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Let us the faithful pray for the Catechumens, that the Lord will have mercy on them.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He will teach them the Word of Truth.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He will reveal to them the gospel of righteousness.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He will unite them to His Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help them, save them, have mercy on them, and keep them, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: That with us they may glorify Thy all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Litany of the Faithful
Deacon: All Catechumens depart. Catechumens depart. All Catechumens depart. Let no Catechumen remain, but only the faithful. Again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Wisdom!
Priest: For to Thee belongs all glory, honour and adoration, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Deacon: Again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
When the Priest serves without a Deacon, the following four petitions are omitted:
Deacon: For the peace from above, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace in the whole world, for the welfare of the Holy Churches of God, and for the union of all men, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy Temple
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He may deliver us from all tribulation, anger, danger and want, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
***
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Wisdom!
Priest: That being always guarded by Thy power, we may send up glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Great Entry
The Cherubic Hymn:
(Sung slowly until the Entry.)
Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim and sing the Thrice-Holy Hymn to the life-giving Trinity, put away all worldly care:
Deacon: The Most Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, His Eminence Metropolitan N. ....... may the Lord God remember in His Kingdom always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Priest: Our Country, our President, our Congress, and all in seats of authority, may the Lord God remember in His Kingdom, always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
The priests and deacons, the monks and nuns, all who are persecuted and suffering for the Orthodox Faith, the founders, benefactors and parishioners of this holy church, and all you Orthodox Christians, may the Lord God remember in His Kingdom always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
That we may receive the King of all, invisibly borne in triumph by the Angelic Orders. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Deacon: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the Precious Gifts that have been offered, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy church, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He will deliver us from all tribulation, anger, danger and want, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For an Angel of peace, faithful guide and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For the pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For the things that are good and profitable for our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: That we may finish the remainder of our life in peace and penitence, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For a Christian end to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful, and for a good defence at the dread judgment-seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and each other, and all our life to Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: Through the mercies of Thy only-begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, with the all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
Choir: And to thy spirit.
Deacon: Let us love one another that with one mind we may confess:
Choir: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Trinity One in essence and undivided.
Deacon: The Doors! The Doors! With Wisdom let us attend!
The Symbol of Faith
I believe in one God, Father, All-Sovereign, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible: And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, True God from True God; begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father, through Whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from Heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man: And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried: And He rose on the third day according to the Scriptures: And ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father: And He is coming again with glory to judge the living and the dead: And His Kingdom will have no end: And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son is equally worshipped and glorified, Who spoke by the Prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the Resurrection of the Dead: And the Life of the Age to come. Amen.
The Anaphora
Deacon: Let us stand well, let us stand with fear, let us attend, that we may offer the Holy Sacrifice in peace.
Choir: A Mercy of Peace, a Sacrifice of Praise.
Priest: The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God the Father, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Choir: And with thy spirit.
Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.
Choir: We have them uplifted to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.
Choir: It is meet and right to worship Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Trinity one in essence and undivided.
Priest: Singing, crying, shouting the triumphal hymn and saying:
Choir: Holy, holy holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the Heights. Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Heights.
Priest: Take, eat. This is My Body, Which is broken for you, for the remission of sins.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: Drink from It all of you. This is My Blood of the New Covenant, Which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: Thine own, of Thine own, we offer to Thee, for everyone and everything.
The Consecration
The Choir sings and continues during the Consecration:
We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we thank Thee, O Lord, and we pray to Thee, O our God.
Priest: Especially for our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God, and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Choir: It is meet and right to bless thee, the ever-blessed and all-pure Virgin and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who in virginity didst bear God the Word, thee, true Mother of God, we magnify.
Priest: Especially, O Lord, remember the Most Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, His Eminence Metropolitan N., .... and guard them for Thy Holy Churches, that in peace, safety, honour and health, they may long live to teach aright the Word of Thy Truth.
Choir: And all men and women.
Priest: And grant that with one mouth and one heart we may praise and glorify Thy all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: And may the mercies of our Great God, and Saviour Jesus Christ, be with you all.
Choir: And with thy spirit.
Deacon: Having remembered all the Saints, again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the Precious Gifts that have been offered and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That our God, the Lover of men, may accept them at His holy and heavenly and spiritual Altar, as a sweet smelling spiritual fragrance, and may send down on us His divine grace and the gift of His Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He will deliver us from all tribulation, anger, danger and want, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For an Angel of peace, faithful guide and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For the pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For the things that are good and profitable for our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: That we may finish the remainder of our life in peace and penitence, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For a Christian end to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful, and for a good defence at the dread judgment-seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Having prayed for the unity of the Faith, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us entrust ourselves and each other, and all our life to Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: And make us worthy, O Lord, with boldness and without condemnation to dare to call upon Thee, the Heavenly God, as Father, and say:
The Lord's Prayer
People: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one:
Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
Choir: And to thy spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: Through the grace and compassion and love for men of Thy only-begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, and Thy all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Elevation
Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest: The Holy Things for the holy.
Choir: One is holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Praise the Lord from Heaven, praise Him in the Heights. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(The clergy now partake of Communion within the Altar.)
The Communion of the People.
Deacon: With fear of God, with faith and love, draw near.
Choir: Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord. The Lord is God and has appeared to us.
Priest: I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. And I believe that this is Thy pure Body and Thy own Precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee, have mercy on me and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And grant that I may partake of Thy Holy Mysteries without condemnation, for the remission of my sins and for the life eternal. Amen.
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thy enemies; I will not give Thee a kiss like Judas; but like the thief do I confess Thee. Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.
May the communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be to me not for judgment or condemnation, O Lord, but for healing of soul and body.
The Servant of God N., partakes of the Precious and Holy Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the remission of his (or her) sins, and for life eternal.
Choir: Receive the Body of Christ, taste the Fountain of immortality.
When all have been communicated:
Alleluia. (Thrice)
Priest: O God, save Thy people, and bless Thy inheritance.
Choir: We have seen the true Light, we have received the heavenly Spirit, we have found the true Faith by worshipping the undivided Trinity. This has saved us.
Priest: Always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen. Let our mouth be filled with Thy praise, O Lord, that we may sing of Thy glory, for Thou hast granted us to partake of Thy holy, divine, immortal and life-giving Mysteries. Keep us in Thy holiness that we may meditate on Thy justice all the day long. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Deacon: Stand aright! Having received the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life-giving and awful Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Having prayed that the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us entrust ourselves and each other, and all our life to Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: For Thou art our sanctification, and to Thee we send up the glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: Let us depart in peace.
Choir: In the Name of the Lord.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Lord, Who blessest those who bless Thee, and sanctifiest those who put their trust in Thee: Save Thy people and bless Thy inheritance. Preserve the fulness of Thy Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Thy House; glorify them with Thy divine power, and forsake not us who put our hope in Thee. Grant peace to Thy world, to Thy Churches, to Thy Priests, to all God-fearing rulers, and to all Thy people. For every blessing and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from Thee, the Father of Lights. And to Thee we send up glory and thanksgiving and adoration, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen. Blessed be the Name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. (Thrice)
Priest: The blessing and mercy of the Lord be upon you, by His divine grace and love for men, always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ, our God and our hope, glory to Thee.
Choir: Glory to the Father, and to to Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice) Holy Father, bless.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice) Holy Father, bless.
Priest: The Dismissal:
May (Sundays: He Who rose from the dead) Christ our true God, through the prayers of His most holy Mother, of the holy and glorious Apostles, of our Father among the Saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, of Saint N. (of the day), of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and the Lover of men.
Choir: Amen.
Daily Troparia and Kontakia
MONDAY
Commemoration of the Holy Angels.
Troparion: Supreme Leaders of the Heavenly Hosts, we implore you that by your prayers you will encircle us, unworthy as we are, with the protection of the wings of your immaterial glory, and guard us who fall down I before you and fervently cry: Deliver us from dangers, for you are the commanders of the Powers above.
Kontakion: Supreme Leaders of God's armies and ministers of the divine glory, princes of the bodiless Angels and guides of men, ask what is good for us and great mercy, as Supreme Leaders of the Bodiless Hosts.
TUESDAY
Commemoration of St. John the Baptist.
Troparion: The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord's testimony is enough for thee, O Forerunner, for thou wast shown to be more wonderful than the Prophets since thou wast granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom thou didst proclaim. Then having endured great suffering for the Truth, thou didst rejoice to bring, even to those in hell, the good tidings that God Who had appeared in the flesh takes away the sin of the world and grants us the great mercy.
Kontakion: O Prophet of God and Forerunner of Grace, having obtained thy head from the earth as a most sacred rose, we are always receiving healings; for still as of old in the world thou preachest repentance.
WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY
Commemoration of the Cross and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Troparion: O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory over their enemies to Orthodox Christians, and protect Thy people with Thy Cross.
Kontakion: O Christ our God, Who wast voluntarily lifted up on the Cross, grant Thy mercies to Thy new people named after Thee. Gladden with Thy power Orthodox Christians and give them victory over their enemies. May they have as an ally that invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
THURSDAY
Commemoration of the Holy Apostles and St. Nicholas.
Troparion: Holy Apostles, intercede with our merciful God, that He may grant to our souls the forgiveness of our sins.
Kontakion to St. Nicholas: The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, a model of meekness, and a teacher of temperance. Therefore thou hast won the heights by humility, riches by poverty. Holy Father Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion to the Holy Apostles: Thou hast taken the firm and divinely inspired Preachers, O Lord, the top Apostles, for the enjoyment of Thy blessings and for repose. For Thou hast accepted their labours and death as above every burnt offering, O Thou Who alone knowest the secrets of our hearts.
SATURDAY
Commemoration of the Mother of God, all Saints, the Faithful Departed.
Troparion for all Saints: Apostles, Martyrs, and Prophets, holy Hierarchs, Saints and Righteous, having fought the good fight and kept the faith you have boldness towards the Saviour. Intercede for us with Him, for He is good, we pray, that He may save our souls.
Troparion for the Faithful Departed: Remember the souls of Thy servants, O Lord, for Thou art good, and insofar as they sinned in this life, forgive them; for no one is sinless but Thee, Who canst also give rest to the departed.
Kontakion for the Faithful Departed: With the Saints, give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting.
Kontakion for Martyrs: The world offers to Thee, O Lord, as the Father of creation, the God-bearing Martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. By their prayers through the Mother of God keep Thy Church in deep peace, O Most Merciful One.
Sunday Troparia and Kontakia
TONE 1:
Troparion: When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and when the soldiers were guarding Thy pure Body, O Saviour, Thou didst rise on the third day and give life to the world. Therefore, the Powers of Heaven cried to Thee, O Giver of life: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory to Thy Providence, O only Lover of men!
Kontakion: Thou didst rise as God from the tomb with glory and with Thyself didst raise the world, and the nature of men sings to Thee as God, and death has vanished, and Adam dances for joy, O Lord, and Eve, now freed from her fetters rejoices, crying: Thou, O Christ, art He Who givest to all resurrection.
TONE 2:
Troparion: When Thou, the Deathless Life, didst go down to death, then didst Thou slay hell by the lightning flash of Thy divinity. And when Thou didst raise the dead from the lower world, all the Powers of Heaven cried aloud: Christ our God, Giver of life, glory to Thee.
Kontakion: Thou didst rise from the tomb, all-powerful Saviour, and seeing the miracle, hell was terrified, and the dead rose, whilst creation at the sight of it rejoices with Thee, and Adam exults, and the world, O my Saviour, ever sings to Thee.
TONE 3:
Troparion: Let the Heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad, for the Lord has done a mighty act with His arm. He has trampled death by death and become the First-born of the dead, He has delivered us from the depths of hell, and has granted the world His great mercy.
Kontakion: Thou didst rise today from the grave, O Merciful One, and hast led us out of the gates of death. Today Adam dances for joy and Eve rejoices, and with them the Prophets and Patriarchs unceasingly sing of the divine triumph of Thy power.
TONE 4:
Troparion: When the women disciples of the Lord learned from the Angel the glad tidings of the Resurrection and cast off the ancestral curse, they exultingly told the Apostles: Death is despoiled, Christ our God has risen and is giving the world the great mercy.
Kontakion: My Saviour and Deliverer from the grave, as God, raised the earth-born from their chains, and shattered the gates of hell; and He rose as Lord on the third day.
TONE 5:
Troparion: Let us, the faithful, praise and adore the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, Who for our salvation was born of a Virgin. For He was pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to endure death, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.
Kontakion: Thou didst descend into hell, my Saviour, and having shattered its gates, as All Powerful, Thou didst raise the dead with Thyself, as Creator, and didst deliver Adam from the curse, O Lover of men. Therefore, we all cry to Thee: Save us, O Lord.
TONE 6:
Troparion: The Angelic Hosts were before Thy tomb, the guards became as dead men, and Mary stood in the sepulchre looking for Thy pure Body. Thou didst despoil hell, for Thou wast not tempted by it. Thou didst come and meet the Virgin to give life. O Lord, Who didst rise from the dead, glory to Thee.
Kontakion: Having raised all the dead from the valleys of darkness by His life-giving hand, Christ our God granted resurrection to the human dough. For He is the Saviour of all, the Resurrection and Life and God of all.
TONE 7:
Troparion: Thou hast destroyed death by Thy Cross, Thou hast opened Paradise to the thief. Thou hast changed the lamentation of the Myrrhbearers into joy, and Thou hast commanded Thine Apostles to proclaim that Thou, O Christ our God, hast risen and grantest the world the great mercy.
Kontakion: No longer can the dominion of death hold mortals, for Christ has come down and has shattered and broken its power. Hell is bound, and the Prophets rejoice with one voice, saying: The Saviour has appeared to those who have faith. Come out, you faithful, for the Resurrection.
TONE 8:
Troparion: Thou didst come down from on high, Merciful Saviour, and accept burial for three days, that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to Thee.
Kontakion: Having risen from the tomb, Thou didst raise the dead and resurrect Adam, and Eve dances with joy at Thy Resurrection. And all the ends of the earth keep festival at Thy Rising from the dead, O Most Merciful One.
FEAST TROPARIA AND KONTAKIA
of the Lord and the Mother of God
SEPTEMBER 8th
The Nativity of our Most Holy Lady,
Mother of God, and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Troparion, tone 4: Thy birth, O Mother of God, has brought joy to all the world; for from thee arose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, Who, having dissolved the curse, has given His blessing, and having abolished death, has granted us life eternal.
Kontakion, tone 4: Joakim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death, O Immaculate One, by thy holy nativity. And thy people, redeemed from the guilt of sin, celebrate thy birth by crying to thee: The barren woman gives birth to the Mother of God and the nurse of our life.
14th
The Elevation of the Precious
and Life-giving Cross.
Troparion, tone 1: O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory over their enemies to Orthodox Christians, and protect Thy people with Thy Cross.
Kontakion, tone 4: O Christ our God, Who wast voluntarily lifted up on the Cross, grant Thy mercies to Thy new people named after Thee. Gladden with Thy power Orthodox Christians and give them victory over their enemies. May they have as an ally that invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
NOVEMBER 21st
The Presentation in the Temple
Most Holy Lady, Mother of God
and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Troparion, tone 4: Today is the prelude of God's good-will and the prophecy of the salvation of men. The Virgin appears openly in the temple of God
Kontakion, tone 4: The most pure Temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasury of the glory of God, today enters into the house of the Lord, bringing with her the grace that is in the Divine Spirit. And the Angels of God sing of her: This is the heavenly tabernacle.
DECEMBER
25th
The Nativity of our Lord and God
and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Troparion, tone 4: Thy birth, O Christ our God, rose upon the world as the light of knowledge; for through it those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Sunrise
Kontakion, tone 3: The Virgin today gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One. Angels and shepherds glorify Him, and wise men journey with a star. For a young Child is born for us, Who is the eternal God.
JANUARY 6th
The Holy Theophany, Epiphany,
or Baptism of our Lord and God
and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Troparion, tone 1: When Thou wast baptised in the Jordan
Kontakion, tone 4: Thou hast appeared today to the world, and Thy light, O Lord, has been signed upon us who with full knowledge sing to Thee. Thou hast come, Thou hast appeared, O Unapproachable Light.
FEBRUARY 2nd
The Meeting or Presentation of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
Troparion, tone 1: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, Mother of God and Virgin, for from thee arose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, to give light to those in darkness. Rejoice thou also, righteous elder, who didst take in thy arms the Redeemer of our souls who also gives us the grace of resurrection.
Kontakion, tone 1: Thou Who didst sanctify the Virgin's womb by Thy birth and bless Simeon's hands as was fitting, hast now come to us and saved us, O Christ our God. But grant peace in the midst of wars to Thy community, and strengthen the Church which Thou hast loved, O only Lover of men.
MARCH 25th
The Annunciation of our Most Holy
Lady, the Mother of God.
Troparion, tone 4: Today is the beginning of our salvation and the manifestation of the mystery which is from eternity. The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces grace. So with him let us also cry to the Mother of God: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace! The Lord is with thee.
Kontakion, tone 8: Queen of the Heavenly Host, Defender of our souls, we thy servants offer to thee songs of victory and thanksgiving, for thou, O Mother of God, hast delivered us from dangers. But as thou hast invincible power, free us from conflicts of all kinds that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, unwedded Bride!
AUGUST 6th
The Transfiguration of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Troparion, tone 7: When Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, Thou didst show Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thy everlasting light illumine also us sinners through the intercessions of the Mother of God. Giver of Light, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 7: Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, and Thy disciples beheld Thy glory as far as they were capable, that when they should see Thee crucified, they might know that Thy suffering was voluntary and might proclaim to the world that Thou art indeed the reflection of the Father.
15th
Dormition or Assumption of the
Most Holy Mother of God.
Troparion, tone 1: In giving birth thou didst keep thy virginity, and in thy assumption thou didst not forsake the world, O Mother of God. Thou didst pass on to life, since thou art the Mother of Life, and by thy intercessions thou redeemest our souls from death.
Kontakion, tone 2: The grave and death could not hold the Mother of God, who is sleepless in her intercessions and an unchanging hope in her meditations. For as the Mother of Life she was transferred to life by Him Who dwelt in her ever-virgin womb.
Troparia. Kontakia, Prayers and
Stichiras from the Lenten Triodion
PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE
After Matin Gospel, Troparion, tone 8: Open to me the doors of repentance, O Life-giver. For my spirit rises early to pray towards Thy holy temple, bearing the temple of my body all defiled. But in Thy compassion, purify me by the loving kindness of Thy mercy.
Theotokion: Make straight for me the paths of salvation, O Mother of God. For I have profaned my soul with shameful sins, and have wasted my whole life in easy-going indifference. But by thy intercessions deliver me from all uncleanness.
Tone 6: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions, blot out my transgression. When I think of the multitude of ghastly things I have done, wretch that I am, I tremble at the fearful day of Judgment. But trusting in the mercy of Thy loving kindness; like David I cry to Thee: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy.
(Note: These penitential songs are sung on Sundays during the Great Fast from the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee to the fifth week.)
Kontakion, tone 4: Let us avoid the proud speaking of the Pharisee and learn humility from the groans of the Publican, and let us cry in penitence: O Saviour of the world, be merciful to Thy servants.
THE PRODIGAL SON
Kontakion, tone 3: Having foolishly abandoned Thy paternal glory, I have squandered on vices the wealth Thou gavest me. Therefore I cry to Thee, O compassionate Father, receive me who repent, and treat me as one of Thy hired servants.
MEAT FARE OR RELATIVES' SATURDAY
Troparion, tone 8: O Thou Who with wisdom profound orderest all things with love, and Who givest to all what is needful, O only Creator, give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants, for on Thee they have set their hope, our Maker and Builder, and our God.
Kontakion. tone 8: With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting.
MEAT FARE OR JUDGMENT SUNDAY
Kontakion, tone 1: When Thou comest to earth with glory, O God, and all things tremble, then a river of fire will flow before Thy Judgment Seat, and the books will be opened, and the hidden things made public. Then deliver me from the unquenchable fire and grant me to stand at Thy right hand, O most just Judge.
SATURDAY OF CHEESE FARE
Troparion, tone 4: O God of our Fathers, ever dealing with us according to Thy gentleness, take not Thy mercy from us, but by their prayers guide our life in peace.
Kontakion, tone 8: Thou hast made the company of our God-bearing Fathers illustrious as preachers of piety and silencers of impiety, O Lord, and they light up the world. By their intercessions keep in perfect peace those who magnify and glorify Thee, that they may praise Thee and sing to Thee: Alleluia.
CHEESE FARE OR FORGIVENESS SUNDAY
Kontakion, tone 6: O Lord, Who art the guide to wisdom, the bestower of prudence, the instructor of the thoughtless, and the protector of the poor, strengthen and enlighten my heart. Give me the gift of expression, O Thou Who art the Word of the Father; for behold I will not prevent my lips from crying to Thee: O Merciful Lord, have mercy on me who have fallen.
The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian:
O Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition or vain talking. Prostration.
But rather a spirit of purity, humility, patience and love, bestow on me Thy servant. Prostration.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou to the ages of ages. Amen. Prostration.
But rather a spirit of purity, humility, patience and love, bestow on me Thy servant. Prostration.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou to the ages of ages. Amen. Prostration.
O God, cleanse me, a sinner. (12 times, with a bow made for each)
Then the entire prayer:
Then the entire prayer:
O Lord and Master of my life . . . with one prostration made at the end.
(Note: This prayer is read in the Hours of Wednesday and Friday of Cheese Fare Week and in all services of the Great Fast, except those of Saturday and Sunday.)
FIRST WEEK OF THE GREAT FAST
Kontakion, tone 6: My soul, my soul, arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is drawing hear, and you will be confounded. Awake, then, and be watchful, that Christ our God may spare you, Who is everywhere present and fills all things.
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
- Great Martyr St. Theodore the Tyrian -
Troparion, tone 2: Great are the triumphs of faith! In a fountain of flame the holy martyr Theodore rejoiced as in refreshing water. For having been made a whole burnt offering by fire, he was offered as sweet bread to the Trinity. By his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion, tone 8: Having received the faith of Christ in thy heart as an inner shield, thou didst overcome all the opposing forces, O great champion, and thou hast been crowned with a heavenly crown, O Theodore, for thou art eternally invincible.
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
- Sunday of Orthodoxy -
Troparion, tone 2: We worship Thy immaculate Image, O Good One, and ask forgiveness of our sins, O Christ God; for of Thy own will Thou wast pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, to deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst created. Therefore we thankfully cry to Thee: Thou hast filled all things with joy, O our Saviour, by coming to save the world.
Kontakion, tone 8: The illimitable Word of the Father accepted limitations by incarnation from thee, O Mother of God; and He transformed our defiled image to its original state and transfused it with the divine beauty. But we confess and give thanks for our salvation, and we proclaim it by deed and word.
SECOND SUNDAY
- St. Gregory Palamas -
Troparion, tone 8: Light of Orthodoxy, pillar and doctor of the Church, adornment of monks, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory the wonderworker, praise of Thessalonica, preacher of grace, ever pray that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion, tone 2: Organ of wisdom, holy and divine, bright clarion of theology, we praise thee in harmony, O divine speaker Gregory: But as a mind standing before the First Mind, direct our mind to Him, father, that we may cry: Rejoice, preacher of grace!
Kontakion of the Sunday, tone 4: Now is the time for action, judgment is at our doors. So let us rise and fast, and let us offer tears of compunction with almsgiving, crying: We have sinned more than the sand of the sea. But forgive us all, O Creator, that we may receive incorruptible crowns.
THIRD SUNDAY
- Sunday of the Cross -
Troparion, tone 1: O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory over their enemies to Orthodox Christians, and protect Thy people with Thy Cross.
Kontakion, tone 4: O Christ our God, Who wast voluntarily lifted up on the Cross, grant Thy mercies to Thy new people named after Thee. Gladden with Thy power Orthodox Christians and give them victory over their enemies. May they have as an ally that invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Another Kontakion, tone 7: No longer does the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden Paradise again.
FOURTH SUNDAY
- St. John
Troparion, tone 1: Thou didst prove to be a freeman of the desert, an angel in a body, and a wonder-worker, O our God - bearing Father John. By fasting, vigil and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of those who have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him Who gave thee strength, glory to Him Who crowned thee, glory to Him Who works through thee healings for all.
Kontakion, tone 1: Offering ever-blossoming fruits of learning from thy book, O wise one, thou delightest the hearts of those who study it seriously, O blessed one. For it is a ladder which leads up from the earth to the heavenly and abiding glory souls who with faith honour thee.
THURSDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK
- The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete -
Kontakion, tone 6: My soul, my soul, arise! . . .(See First Week of the Great Fast)
SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK
- The Mother of God -
Troparion, tone 8: Having mystically received knowledge of the divine order, the Bodiless One flew with haste and stopped at the house of Joseph, and said to the Virgin: Lo, He Who bowed the heavens by His descent is contained wholly and unchanged in thee. And as I beheld Him in thy womb taking the form of a servant, I marvel and cry to thee: Rejoice, unwedded Bride.
Kontakion, tone 8: Queen of the Heavenly Host, defender of our souls, we thy servants offer to thee songs of victory and thanksgiving, for thou, O Mother of God, hast delivered us from terrors. But as thou hast invincible power, free us from conflicts of all kinds that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, unwedded Bride!
FIFTH SUNDAY
- St. Mary of Egypt
Troparion, tone 8: In thee, O Mother, was carefully preserved what is according to the Image. For thou didst take the Cross and follow Christ. By so doing thou didst teach us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away, but to care for the soul as an immortal thing. Therefore, St. Mary, thy spirit rejoices with the Angels.
Kontakion, tone 4: Having escaped the fog of sin, and having illumined thy heart with the light of penitence, O glorious one, thou didst come to Christ and didst offer to Him His immaculate and holy Mother as a merciful intercessor. Hence thou hast found remission for transgressions, and with the angels thou ever rejoicest.
LAZARUS SATURDAY
Troparion, tone 1: Thou didst give a pledge of the general resurrection before Thy Passion, O Christ our God, by raising Lazarus from the dead. Therefore, we too, like the children, carry the symbols of victory and cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the Heights! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
Kontakion, tone 2: Christ, the joy of all, the truth, the light, the life, the resurrection of the world, in His goodness appeared to those on earth, and He became an image of the Resurrection and grants to all divine forgiveness.
ENTRY OF THE LORD INTO JERUSALEM
Troparion, tone 1: Thou didst give a pledge. . . (See Lazarus Saturday)
Another Troparion, tone 4: As by Baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were granted immortal life, and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the Heights! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
Kontakion, tone 6: On the throne in heaven and riding a colt on earth, O Christ our God, Thou didst receive the praise of Angels and the chorus of the children who cried to Thee: Blessed art Thou Who comest to recall Adam.
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Passion Week Troparia
HOLY AND GREAT MONDAY
Troparion, tone 8: Behold, the Bridegroom is coming in the middle of the night, and blessed is the servant whom He shall find awake and watching, but unworthy is he whom He shall find idle and careless. Beware, then, my soul, lest thou be weighed down with sleep, lest thou be given up to death and shut out of the Kingdom. But awake and cry: Holy, Holy, Holy, art Thou, O God: through the intercessions of the Bodiless Ones, save us. (Sung three times; however, the ending the third time is: through the Mother of God, have mercy on us.)
Kontakion, tone 8: Jacob lamented the loss of Joseph, but his noble son was sitting in a chariot and honoured as a king. For when he refused to be enslaved by the pleasures of the Egyptian woman, he was glorified by Him Who sees the hearts of men and bestows an incorruptible crown.
HOLY AND GREAT TUESDAY
Troparion, tone 8: Behold, the Bridegroom ... (as Monday with the ending the first two times: through the intercessions of the Forerunner, save us. The third ending is: through the Mother of God, have mercy on us).
Kontakion, tone 2: Realizing the hour of reckoning, O my soul, and fearing tlie cutting down of the fig tree, work diligently with the talent that has been given thee O wretched one. Watch and pray that we may not remain outside the bride chamber of Christ.
HOLY AND GREAT WEDNESDAY
Troparion, tone 8: Behold, the Bridegroom... (as Monday with the ending the first two times: by the power of Thy Cross, save us. The third ending is: through the Mother of God, have mercy on us).
Kontakion, tone 4: I have sinned more than the harlot, O Good One, and I come to Thee with none of her showers of tears. But praying in silence, I fall down before Thee and lovingly embrace Thy immaculate feet, that as the Lord Thou mayest grant me forgiveness of sins as I cry to Thee, O Saviour: Deliver me from the mire of my evil deeds.
HOLY AND GREAT THURSDAY
Troparion, tone 8: When Thy glorious Disciples were enlightened at the supper by the feet washing, then the impious Judas was darkened with the disease of avarice, and he delivered Thee, the Just Judge, to the lawless judges. See, O lover of money, this man through money came to hang himself. Flee the insatiable desire which dared to do such things to the Master. O Lord, Who art good towards all, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 2: Having taken bread in his hand, the traitor secretly stretches it out, and takes a price for Him Who with His own hands made man. And Judas remained an incorrigible slave and liar.
HOLY AND GREAT FRIDAY
Troparion, tone 4: Thou hast redeemed us from the curse of the Law by Thy precious Blood. By being nailed to the Cross and pierced with the Spear, Thou hast poured immortality on mankind. O our Saviour, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 8: Come, let us all praise Him Who was crucified for us. For Him it was Whom Mary beheld on the Tree, and said: Even though Thou endurest the cross, Thou art my Son and my God.
Troparia, tone 2:
(Vespers and Saturday Matins)
Noble Joseph took Thy immaculate Body down from the tree, wrapped It in a clean shroud and spices, and having embalmed It, laid It in a new sepulchre. But on the third day Thou didst rise, O Lord, granting to the world great mercy.
The Angel stood by the tomb and cried to the Myrrh-bearing women: Myrrh is fitting for the dead, but Christ has shown Himself free from corruption.
HOLY AND GREAT SATURDAY
Troparia, tone 2: Noble Joseph ... When Thou, the Deathless Life, didst go down to death, then didst Thou slay hell by the lightning flash of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst raise the dead from the lower world, all the Powers of Heaven cried aloud: Christ our God, Giver of Life, glory to Thee. The Angel...
Kontakion, tone 2: He Who closed the abyss is seen as dead and wrapped in a shroud and spices; He, the Immortal, as mortal is laid in the tomb; women came to anoint Him, and they wept bitterly and exclaimed: This is the ever-blessed Sabbath on which Christ, Who fell asleep, shall rise on the third day.
PASCHA
Processional Hymn:
The Angels in Heaven, O Christ our Saviour, sing of Thy Resurrection; enable also us on earth with pure hearts to glorify Thee.
Troparion:
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling on death by death, and on those in the tombs bestowing life.
Canon, tone 1:
Song 1.
Eirmos: It is the Day of Resurrection! Let us be radiant, O people! It is the Passover, the Passover of the Lord! From death to life, and from earth to heaven Christ our God has passed us who sing the hymn of victory!
Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.
Let us purify our senses and we shall behold Christ, radiant with the inaccessible light of the Resurrection, and shall hear Him saying clearly, Rejoice! as we sing the hymn of victory! R.
Let the heavens rejoice in a worthy manner and let the earth be glad, and let the whole world, visible and invisible, keep festival. For Christ our eternal joy is risen!
Katabasia: It is the Day of Resurrection ! . . .
Song 3.
Eirmos: Come, let us drink a new beverage, not miraculously drawn from a barren rock, but the Fountain of Incorruption springing from the tomb of Christ, in Whom we are strengthened.
Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.
Now all things are filled with light: heaven and earth, and the nether regions. So let all creation then celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, by which it is strengthened. R.
Yesterday, O Christ, I was buried with Thee, and today I rise with Thy arising. Yesterday I was crucified with Thee. Glorify me, O Saviour, with Thee in Thy Kingdom.
Katabasia: Come, let us drink . . .
Hypakoe, tone 4: Forestalling the dawn, the women with Mary came and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, and heard from the Angel: Why seek among the dead, as if He were a man, Him Who lives in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Run and tell the world that the Lord is risen, and has slain death. For He is the Son of God Who saves mankind.
Song 4.
Eirmos: May divinely speaking Habakkuk now stand with us on divine watch, and bring to light a shining Angel saying thrillingly: Today salvation has come to the world; for Christ is risen as Almighty.
Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.
Christ was seen to be of the male sex when He opened the Virgin's womb, and as man He is called the Lamb. Without blemish, also, is our Passover, for He tasted no defilement; and as true God He is called perfect. R.
Christ, our blessed Crown, like a yearling Lamb, of His own will was sacrificed for all, as a Passover of purification; and as the glorious Sun of Righteousness, He has shone upon us again from the grave. R.
David, the father of our Divine Lord, leapt and danced before the symbolical Ark.
Katabasia: May divinely speaking Habakkuk . . .
Song 5.
Eirmos: Let us arise in the deep dawn and, instead of myrrh, offer a hymn to the Lord, and we shall behold Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, Who causes life to dawn on all.
Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.
When they who were held by the chains of hell beheld Thy boundless compassion, O Christ, they hastened to the light with joyful feet, clapping the eternal Passover. R.
Carrying lamps, let us approach Christ, Who comes forth from the tomb like a bridegroom. And with the feast-loving orders of Angels, let us celebrate the redeeming Passover of God.
Katabasia: Let us arise . . .
Song 6.
Eirmos: Thou didst descend into the nether regions of the earth, O Christ, and didst shatter the eternal bars which held the prisoners captive; and like Jonah from the sea-monster, after three days Thou didst rise from the grave.
Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.
Having kept the seals intact, Thou didst rise from the grave, O Christ, Who didst not violate the Virgin's womb by Thy birth, and Thou hast opened to us the gates of Paradise . R.
O my Saviour, while as God Thou didst voluntarily offer Thyself to the Father as an unslain and living sacrifice, Thou didst raise up Adam, the father of our race, when Thou didst rise from the grave.
Katabasia: Thou didst descend . . .
Kontakion, tone 8: Though Thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of hell, and didst rise again as Conqueror, O Christ our God, saying to the myrrhbearing women, Rejoice! and giving peace to Thine Apostles, and offering to the fallen resurrection.
Oikos: The myrrhbearing maidens anticipated the dawn and sought, as those who seek the day, their Sun, Who was before the sun and Who had once set in the grave. And they cried to each other: Friends, come, let us anoint with spices His life-giving and buried body - the Flesh Which raised up fallen Adam, and Which now lies in the tomb. Let us go, let us hasten, and like the Magi, let us worship; and let us bring myrrh as a gift to Him, Who is wrapped, not now in swaddling clothes, but in a shroud. And let us weep and cry: Arise, O Lord, Who offers to the fallen resurrection.
Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us adore the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless One. We worship Thy Cross, O Christ, and Thy holy Resurrection we praise and glorify; for Thou art our God, and we know no other than Thee; we call on Thy Name. O come all you faithful, let us worship Christ's holy Resurrection. For behold, through the Cross joy has come to all the world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection. By enduring the Cross for us He destroyed death by death. (Thrice)
Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has given us eternal life and great mercy. (Thrice)
Song 7.
Eirmos: He Who delivered the Children from the furnace, and became man and suffers as mortal, and through suffering clothes mortality with the beauty of incorruption, is the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.
Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.
The godly-minded women ran after Thee with myrrh. But Him Whom they sought with tears as mortal, they joyfully adored as the living God. And they told to Thy disciples, O Christ, the glad tidings of the mystical Passover. R.
We celebrate the death of death, the destruction of hell, the beginning of another eternal life. And leaping for joy, we hymn the Cause, the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers. R.
For truly holy and worthy of all triumphant celebration is this redeeming and radiant night, the harbinger of the bright day of Resurrection, on which the Eternal Light shone bodily from the grave upon all.
Katabasia: He Who delivered . . .
Song 8.
Eirmos: This is the chosen and holy Day, the first of Sabbaths, the Sovereign and Queen, the Feast of Feasts, and Triumph of Triumphs, on which let us bless Christ for ever.
Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.
O come, let us partake of the fruit of the new vine of divine joy on the auspicious Day of the Resurrection and Kingdom of Christ
Lift up thine eyes about thee, O Zion, and see! For lo! Thy children come to thee from the West and from the North and from the Sea and from the East, as to a beacon lighted by God, blessing Christ in thee for ever.
Refrain: O Most Holy Trinity, our God, glory to Thee.
Father, All-Sovereign, and Word, and Spirit, united Nature in three Persons, transcendent and supremely divine! Into Thee we have been baptized, and Thee we shall bless throughout all ages.
Katabasia: This is the chosen . . .
Song 9.
Refrain 1: Magnify, O my soul, Christ the Lifegiver, Who rose from the grave on the third day.
Eirmos: Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee. Now dance for joy and be glad, O
Zion
Refrain 2: Magnify, O my soul, Christ the Lifegiver, Who willingly suffered and was buried, and rose from the grave on the third day.
Again: Shine, shine . . .
Refrain 3: Christ is the New Passover, the living Sacrifice, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.
Troparion: O divine, O dear, O sweetest Voice! For Thou, O Christ, hast faithfully promised to be with us to the end of the world. And holding fast this promise as an anchor of hope, we faithful rejoice.
Refrain 4: The Angel cried to her who is full of grace: Rejoice, pure Virgin! and again I say, Rejoice! Thy Son has risen on the third day from the grave, and has raised the dead. Rejoice, you people!
Again: O divine, O dear, . . .
Refrain 5: Roaring royally, as the Lion of Judah, Thou hast slept, and Thou hast awakened the dead of all ages.
Again: O divine, O dear, . . .
Refrain 6: Mary Magdalene ran to the sepulchre, and she saw the Christ, and spoke to Him as to the gardener.
Troparion: O great and holiest Passover, Christ! O Wisdom, Word and Power of God! Grant that we may more perfectly
partake of Thee in the unending Day of Thy Kingdom.
partake of Thee in the unending Day of Thy Kingdom.
Refrain 7: The radiant Angel cried to the women: Stop your tears, for Christ has risen.
Refrain 8: You people, rejoice, for Christ has risen, trampling down death and raising the dead.
Refrain 9: Today all creation is glad and rejoices, for Christ has risen and hell has been spoiled.
Refrain 10: Today the Master spoiled hell and raised the prisoners from all the ages whom it had held in bitter bondage.
Refrain 11: Magnify, O my soul, the might of the Tripersonal and Undivided Godhead.
Refrain 12: Rejoice, O Virgin, rejoice! Rejoice, O blessed one! Rejoice, O glorious one! For thy Son has risen from the grave on the third day.
Katabasia: Shine, shine . . .
Exaposieilarion: Having slept in the flesh as a mortal, O King and Lord, Thou didst rise on the third day. Thou didst raise up Adam from corruption and abolish death, O Passover of incorruption, Salvation of the world!
The Praises of the Resurrection, tone 1:
Let every breath praise the Lord.
Verse: Praise Him for His mighty acts, praise Him for the greatness of His majesty.
We praise, O Christ, Thy saving Passion, and glorify Thy Resurrection.
Verse: Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet, praise Him with psaltery and harp.
O Thou Who didst endure the Cross, abolish death, and rise from the dead, give us peace in our life, O Lord, for Thou alone art all-powerful.
Verse: Praise Him with timbrel and dance, praise Him with strings and pipe.
O Thou Who spoiled hell and raised up man by Thy Resurrection, O Christ, make us worthy with pure hearts to praise and glorify Thee.
Verse: Praise Him with tuneful cymbals, praise Him with cymbals of victory. Let every breath praise the Lord.
We glorify Thy divine condescension, and praise Thee, O Christ. Thou wast born from the Virgin and didst remain inseparably with the Father. Thou didst suffer as man, and didst voluntarily endure the Cross. Thou didst rise from the grave, coming forth from it as from a bridal chamber, in order to save the world. O Lord, glory to Thee.
The Paschal Chants, tone 5:
Verse: Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee from His presence.
Stichera: A sacred Passover has today been shown to us, a new and holy Passover, a mystic Passover, an all-venerable Passover, a Passover which is Christ the Redeemer, a spotless Passover, a great Passover, Passover of the faithful, a Passover which has opened to us the gates of Paradise , a Passover that sanctifies all the faithful.
Verse: As smoke vanishes, let them vanish, as wax melts from the presence of fire.
Slichera: Come from that scene, O women, bearers of good tidings, and say to Zion
Verse: So let sinners perish from the presence of God, but let the righteous rejoice.
Stichera: The myrrhbearing women at deep dawn went to the tomb of the Lifegiver, and they found an Angel sitting on the stone, and he spoke to them and said: Why seek the Living among the dead? Why mourn the Incorruptible amid corruption? Go and tell His disciples.
Verse: This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Stichera: The Passover of delight, the Passover of the Lord, the Passover, the all-venerable Passover has dawned upon us, the Passover on which let us embrace one another with joy! O Passover, ransom from sorrow! For today Christ shone forth from the tomb as from a bridal chamber and filled the women with joy, saying: Tell the Apostles.
Glory . . . Now . . .
It is the Day of Resurrection, so let us be radiant for the festival, and let us embrace one another. Let us speak, brothers and sisters, also to those who hate us, and in the Resurrection let us forgive everything, and so let us cry:
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling on death by death, and on those in the tomb bestowing life. (Thrice)
PASCHAL HOURS
The following is also sung during the entire Easter or Bright Week in place of Compline, Midnight Prayer Service and Morning and Evening Prayers.
Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom . . . Christ is risen from the dead, trampling on death by death, and on those in the tombs bestowing life. (Thrice)
Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us adore the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless One. We worship Thy Cross, O Christ, and Thy holy Resurrection we praise and glorify; for Thou art our God, and we know no other than Thee; we call on Thy Name. O come all you faithful, let us worship Christ's holy Resurrection. For behold, through the Cross joy has come to all the world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection. By enduring the Cross for us He destroyed death by death. (Thrice)
Hypakoe: Forestalling the dawn, the women with Mary came and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, and heard from the Angel: Why seek among the dead, as if He were a man, Him Who lives in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Run and tell the world that the Lord is risen, and has slain death. For He is the Son of God Who saves mankind.
Kontakion:
Though Thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of hell, and didst rise again as Conqueror, O Christ our God, saying to the myrrbearing women, Rejoice! And giving peace to Thine Apostles, and offering to the fallen resurrection.
Though Thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of hell, and didst rise again as Conqueror, O Christ our God, saying to the myrrbearing women, Rejoice! And giving peace to Thine Apostles, and offering to the fallen resurrection.
Troparia:
In the grave bodily, in hell with the soul as God, inParadise with the thief, and on the throne with the Father and the Spirit wast Thou Who fillest all things, O Christ the Infinite.
In the grave bodily, in hell with the soul as God, in
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
How life-giving, how much more beautiful than Paradise , and truly more resplendent than any royal palace, proved Thy Tomb, O Christ, the Source of our resurrection.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice! Sacred and divine abode of the Most High. For through thee, O Mother of God, joy is given to those who cry: Blessed art thou among women, O spotless Lady.
Lord, have mercy. (40 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim; thou who in virginity didst bear God the Word; thee, true Mother of God, we magnify.
In the Name of the Lord, bless, father.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.
Choir: Amen.
Christ is risen from the dead . . .
(Thrice)
(Thrice)
Glory . . . Now . . .
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Bless, father.
Bless, father.
Priest: May He Who rose from the dead, Christ our true God, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother, of our holy and God-bearing fathers, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and the Lover of men.
Choir: Amen.
Troparia and Kontakia
for Easter Period and Pentecostarion
Troparion, tone 7: When the tomb was sealed, Thou, the Life, O Christ our God, didst rise up from the grave; and when the doors were closed, Thou, the Resurrection of all, didst stand among the disciples, and through them renew a right spirit in us, according to Thy mercy.
Kontakion, tone 8: With his inquisitive right hand, Thomas probed Thy life-giving side, O Christ our God. For when Thou didst enter, the doors being shut, with the rest of the Apostles he cried to Thee: Thou art my Lord and my God.
SUNDAY OF THE MYRRHBEARERS
Troparia, tone 2:
When Thou, the Deathless Life, didst go down to death, then didst Thou slay hell by the lightning flash of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst raise the dead from the lower world, all the Powers of Heaven cried aloud: Christ our God, Giver of Life, glory to Thee.
Noble Joseph took Thy immaculate Body down from the Tree, wrapped It in a clean shroud and spices, and having embalmed It laid It in a new sepulchre. But on the third day Thou didst rise, O Lord, granting to the world great mercy.
To the myrrbearing women at the sepulchre an Angel appeared and cried: Myrrh is fit for the dead, but Christ has shown Himself a Stranger to corruption. So cry: The Lord has risen, granting to the world great mercy.
Kontakion, tone 2: Thou didst command the Myrrbearers to rejoice, O Christ our God, Thou didst dry the tears of our first mother Eve by Thy Resurrection, and Thou didst command the Apostles to preach: The Saviour has risen from the tomb.
SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC
Kontakion, tone 3: By Thy divine presence, O Lord, raise my soul which is terribly paralyzed by all kinds of sins and misguided actions, as of old Thou didst raise the paralytic, that saved I may cry to Thee: O compassionate Christ, glory to Thy power.
MID - PENTECOST
Troparion, tone 8: Having come to the middle of the Feast, refresh my thirsty soul with the streams of piety; for Thou, O Saviour, didst cry to all: Let him who thirsts come to Me and drink. O Christ our God, Source of Life, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 4: When the Feast of the law was half over, O Lord and Creator of all, Thou didst say to the bystanders, O Christ our God: Come and draw the water of immortality. Therefore we fall down before Thee and cry with faith: Grant us Thy bounties, for Thou art the Source of our Life.
SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
Kontakion, tone 8: Having come to the well by faith, the Samaritan woman beheld Thee, the Water of Wisdom, of which she drank lavishly, and inherited the kingdom on high, where her praises are sung eternally.
SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN
Kontakion, tone 4: Having the eyes of my soul blinded, I come to Thee, O Christ, like the man blind from birth, and with repentance I cry to Thee: Thou art the bright Light of those in darkness.
ASCENSION
Troparion, tone 4: Thou didst ascend into glory, O Christ our God, having gladdened Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. And this blessing convinced them that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.
Kontakion, tone 6: Having accomplished for us Thy mission and united things on earth with things in heaven, Thou didst ascend into glory, O Christ our God, being nowhere separated from those who love Thee, but remaining everpresent with us and calling: I am with you and no one is against you.
HOLY FATHERS OF THE
FIRST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL
Troparion, tone 8: Most glorious art Thou, O Christ our God, Who didst establish our fathers, as torch-bearers on earth and through them didst guide us all to the true faith. Most Compassionate One, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 8: The preaching of the Apostles, and the dogmas of the fathers, confirmed the one faith of the Church. And wearing the garment of truth, woven from heavenly theology, she rightly dispenses and glorifies the great mystery of piety.
PENTECOST
Troparion, tone 8: Blessed art Thou, Christ our God, Who didst make the fishermen wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. Lover of men, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, tone 8: When the Most High came down and confused the tongues, He divided the nations, but when He distributed the tongues of fire, He called all to unity. And with one accord we glorify the All-Holy Spirit.
ALL SAINTS
Troparion, tone 4: In all the world, O Christ our God, Thy Church is adorned with the blood of Thy martyrs as with purple and fine linen. Through them she cries to Thee: Send down Thy compassion to Thy people, grant peace to Thy community, and to our souls the great mercy.
Kontakion, tone 8: The universe offers to Thee, O Lord, as the Planter of Creation, the God-bearing martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. By their prayers, O Most Merciful One, through the Mother of God keep Thy Church, Thy estate, in deep peace.
ALL SAINTS OF RUSSIA
Troparion, tone 8: As a beautiful fruit of the sowing of Thy salvation, the land of Russia
Kontakion, tone 3: Today the choir of the Saints who pleased God in our land stands before us in Church and invisibly prays for us to God. With them the Angels glorify Him, and all the Saints of the Church of Christ
