Ιερευσ:	Priest:
Εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν πάντοτε, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.	Blessed is our God always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Χοροσ:	Choir:
Ἀμήν.	Amen.
Ιερευσ:	Priest:
Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεός ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.	Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
Προσευχη εισ το Αγιον Πνευμα	Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Βασιλεῦ Οὐράνιε, Παράκλητε, τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς Ἀληθείας, ὁ Πανταχοῦ Παρὼν καὶ τὰ Πάντα Πληρῶν, ὁ Θησαυρός τῶν Ἀγαθῶν καὶ Ζωῆς Χορηγός, ἐλθὲ καὶ σκήνωσον ἐν ἡμῖν καὶ καθάρισον ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης κηλῖδος καὶ σῶσον, Ἀγαθὲ τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.	O Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who are everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: come, abide in us, cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, O Good one.
Αναγνωστησ:	Reader:
Τρισαγιον	The Trisagion Prayers
Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, Ἅγιος Ἰσχυρός, Ἅγιος Ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς (ἐκ γ')	Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.	Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Παναγία Τριάς, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς. Κύριε, ἱλάσθητι ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ἡμῶν, Δέσποτα, συγχώρησον τὰς ἀνομίας ἡμῖν. Ἅγιε, ἐπίσκεψαι καὶ ἴασαι τὰς ἀσθενείας ἡμῶν, ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός σου.	All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name's sake.
Κύριε, ἐλέησον (ἐκ γ')	Lord, have mercy. (3)
Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.	Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Η Κυριακη προσευχη	The Lord’s Prayer
Mατθ. 6:9-13, Λου. 11:2-4	Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4
Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου, ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου, γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον, καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν, καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ.	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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Ιερευσ:	Priest:
Ὅτι σοῦ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία καὶ ἡ δύναμις καὶ ἡ δόξα τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου Πνεύματος, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.	For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Αναγνωστησ:	Reader:
Ἀμήν.	Amen.

The Royal Troparia

Dismissal Hymn of the Cross

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.

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

Kontakion of the Cross

You who were lifted on the cross voluntarily, O Christ our God, bestow your tender compassions upon your new community to which you gave your name. Cause our faithful emperors to be glad in your power, granting them the victories against their adversaries. And for an ally, Lord, may they have you, peace as their armor, the trophy invincible.

Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion

O awesome and unshamable protection, O good and praiseworthy Theotokos, do not despise our petitions; make firm the community of the Orthodox; save those whom you have called to rule; grant them victory from heaven, for you gave birth to God and are truly blessed.

Priest:

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

1^st Choir:

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Priest:

Let us pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

2^nd Choir:

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Priest:

Again we pray for (episcopal rank) (name).

1^st Choir:

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Priest:

For You are a merciful God Who loves mankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

2^nd Choir:

Amen. In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

Priest: 

Glory to the holy and consubstantial, and life giving, and undivided Trinity, always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Reader:

Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men. (3)

O Lord, you will open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. (2)

And we begin the Six Psalms, listening with complete silence and compunction.

Psalm 3

L

ord, why are they multiplied who afflict me? Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say to my soul, There is no salvation for him in his God. But you, O Lord, are my help, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord, save me, my God; for you have struck all who without cause are my enemies; you have shattered the teeth of sinners. Salvation is from the Lord, and your blessing is upon your people.

And again:

I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.

Psalm 37

O

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chasten me in your wrath. For your arrows are fixed in me, and your hand presses heavily upon me. There is no health in my flesh because of your anger, nor is there peace in my bones because of my sins. For my transgressions have risen over my head; they have weighed upon me like a heavy burden. My wounds have grown foul and corrupt because of my folly. I am utterly wretched and bowed down; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with mockery, and there is no health in my flesh. I am utterly afflicted and humbled; I have roared because of the groaning of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before you, and my groaning is not hidden from you. My heart is troubled, my strength has failed me, and even the light of my eyes is gone from me. My friends and my neighbors drew up across from me and stood, and my kin stood far off. And those who sought my life used violence; and those who sought my hurt spoke vain things, and talked deceitfully all the day long. But I, as if deaf, did not hear, and I was like a mute who does not open his mouth; and I was like a man who cannot hear, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in you, O Lord, have I hoped; you will hear, O Lord my God. For I said, Let never my enemies rejoice over me; when my feet slipped, they spoke boastfully against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my grief is continually before me. For I will declare my transgression, and be sorry for my sin. But my enemies live, and are stronger than I, and those who hate me wrongfully are multiplied. Those who render me evil for good have slandered me, because I pursue goodness. Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not be far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation.

And again:

Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not be far from me.

Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation.

Psalm 62

O

God, my God, I seek you early. My soul thirsts for you; oh how my flesh longs for you in a dry, and trackless, and waterless land! Thus have I appeared before you in the sanctuary, to see your power and your glory. For your mercy is better than life; my lips shall praise you. Thus will I bless you while I live, and lift up my hands in your name. Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fat, that my mouth may praise you with joyful lips. When I remember you upon my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches; for you have been my helper, and in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice. My soul cleaves to you, and your right hand helps me. But these ones sought my life in vain; they shall go down into the lowest parts of the earth. They shall be given to the edge of the sword; they shall be portions for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall glory, for the mouth of those who speak iniquities is stopped.

And again:

I meditate on you in the night watches; for you have been my helper, and in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.

My soul cleaved to you, and your right hand helped me.

The following are said without making the sign of the Cross or bowing.

Glory. Both now.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. (3)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 87

O

Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my supplication. For my soul is filled with evils, and my life has drawn near to Hades. I am counted with those who go down into the pit; I am like a man without help, free among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, for they have been cast out of your hand. They have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Your wrath lies heavily upon me, and you have brought all your billows against me. You have put my acquaintances far from me; they have made me an abomination to themselves. I have been delivered up, and have not escaped; my eyes are weak from poverty. Lord, I have cried to you all the day; I have stretched out my hands to you. Shall you work wonders for the dead? Or shall physicians raise them up, that they might give thanks to you? Shall anyone declare your mercy in the grave, or your truth in perdition? Shall your wonders be known in darkness, or your righteousness in a forgotten land? As for me, I have cried to you, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer shall meet you. Lord, why do you cast off my soul? Why do you turn your face from me? I am poor, and have lived in toils since my youth; having been exalted, I was brought low, and was at a loss. Your anger has come upon me; your terrors have greatly troubled me. They have surrounded me like water all the day; they have encompassed me altogether. You have put far from me friend and neighbor, and my acquaintances, because of my wretchedness.

And again:

O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my supplication.

Psalm 102

B

less 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 that he has done for you, who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from corruption, who crowns you with mercy and compassion, who satisfies your desire with good things; your youth shall be renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord performs deeds of mercy, and executes judgment for all who are wronged. He made his ways known to Moses, and his will to the children of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy. He will not be angry forever, nor will he keep his wrath for eternity. He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities, nor rewarded us according to our sins. For as high as the heaven is above the earth, so greatly has the Lord made his mercy prevail over those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has the Lord removed our iniquities from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so has the Lord had compassion on those who fear him. For he knows our fashioning; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the spirit passes in him, and he is gone; and he shall know his place no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting for those who fear him, and his righteousness is upon children’s children for those who keep his covenant, and remember his commandments to do them. The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in strength, who perform his word to obey the voice of his words. Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, his ministers who do his will. Bless the Lord, all you his works, in every place of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

And again:

In every place of his dominion, bless the Lord, O my soul.

Psalm 142

O

Lord, hear my prayer; give ear to my supplication in your truth; hear me in your righteousness. And do not enter into judgment with your servant, for none living shall be justified before you. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has cast my life down to the ground; he has set me in darkness like the dead of old. And my spirit has grown weary within me; my heart within me is troubled. I remembered days of old; I meditated on your deeds; I mused on the works of your hands. I stretched out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a waterless land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit has fainted; do not turn your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me hear your mercy in the morning, for I have set my hope in you; make known to me, O Lord, the way in which I should walk, for I have lifted up my soul to you. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord; I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; your good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness. For your name’s sake, O Lord, you will give me life; in your righteousness you will bring my soul out of trouble. And in your mercy you will make my enemies perish, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am your servant.

And again:

Hear me, O Lord, in your righteousness; and do not enter into judgment with your servant. (2)

Your good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness.

Glory. Both now.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. (2)

And the reader intones:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to you, O God. Our hope, O Lord, glory to you.

The Great Litany

Διακονοσ: Ἐν εἰρήνῃ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Χοροσ Α’: Κύριε, ἐλέησον. (μεθʼ ἑκάστην δέησιν)	1st Choir: Lord, have mercy. (after each petition)
Διακονοσ: Ὑπὲρ τῆς ἄνωθεν εἰρήνης καὶ τῆς σωτηρίας τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Ὑπὲρ τῆς εἰρήνης τοῦ σύμπαντος κόσμου, εὐσταθείας τῶν ἁγίων τοῦ Θεοῦ Ἐκκλησιῶν καὶ τῆς τῶν πάντων ἑνώσεως τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Ὑπὲρ τοῦ ἁγίου οἴκου τούτου καὶ τῶν μετὰ πίστεως, εὐλαβείας καὶ φόβου Θεοῦ εἰσιόντων ἐν αὐτῷ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Ὑπὲρ τῶν εὐσεβῶν καὶ ὀρθοδόξων χριστιανῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.
Ὑπὲρ τοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκόπου ἡμῶν (δεῖνος), τοῦ τιμίου πρεσβυτερίου, τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ διακονίας, παντὸς τοῦ κλήρου καὶ τοῦ λαοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	For our archbishop (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
Ὑπὲρ τοῦ εὐσεβοῦς ἡμῶν γένους, τοῦ προέδρου καὶ πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας ἐν τῷ κράτει ἡμῶν, τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	For our country, the president, and for all in public service, let us pray to the Lord.
Χοροσ Β’: Κύριε, ἐλέησον. (μεθʼ ἑκάστην δέησιν)	2nd Choir: Lord, have mercy. (after each petition)
Διακονοσ: Ὑπὲρ τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας, τῆς Ἱερᾶς Μητροπόλεως ταύτης, τῆς πόλεως καὶ κοινότητος ταύτης, πάσης πόλεως, χώρας καὶ τῶν πίστει οἰκούντων ἐν αὐταῖς, τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	Deacon: For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for this Sacred Metropolis, for this city and parish, and for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Ὑπὲρ εὐκρασίας ἀέρων, εὐφορίας τῶν καρπῶν τῆς γῆς καὶ καιρῶν εἰρηνικῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
Ὑπὲρ πλεόντων, ὁδοιπορούντων, νοσούντων, καμνόντων, αἰχμαλώτων καὶ τῆς σωτηρίας αὐτῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Ὑπὲρ τοῦ ῥυσθῆναι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης θλίψεως, ὀργῆς, κινδύνου καὶ ἀνάγκης τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.	For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
Ἀντιλαβοῦ, σῶσον, ἐλέησον καὶ διαφύλαξον ἡμᾶς, ὁ Θεός, τῇ σῇ χάριτι.	Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.
Τῆς παναγίας, ἀχράντου, ὑπερευλογημένης, ἐνδόξου, δεσποίνης ἡμῶν, Θεοτόκου καὶ ἀειπαρθένου Μαρίας μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων μνημονεύσαντες, ἑαυτοὺς καὶ ἀλλήλους καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν ζωὴν ἡμῶν Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ παραθώμεθα.	Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
Χοροσ Β’: Σοί, Κύριε.	2nd Choir: To you, O Lord.
Ιερευσ: Ὅτι πρέπει σοι πᾶσα δόξα, τιμὴ καὶ προσκύνησις, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.	Priest: For to you belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

1^st Choir:

Amen.

2^nd Mode

Θεὸς Κύριος καὶ ἐπέφανεν ἡμῖν. Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀν-όματι Κυρίου.	God is the Lord, and has revealed himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Στίχ. αʹ. Ἐξομολογεῖσθετῷ Κυ-ρίῳ, ὅτι ἀγαθός, ὅτι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ.	v1. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever.
Στίχ. βʹ. Πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐκ-ύκλωσάν με, καὶ τῷ ὀνόματι Κυρίου ἠμυνάμην αὐτούς.	v2. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I fended them off.
Στίχ. γʹ. Παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη καὶ ἔστι θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν.	v3. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wondrous in our eyes.

Apolytikia

2^nd Mode.

The noble Joseph took your most pure body from the Cross and wrapped it in clean linen; preparing it with spices for burial, he laid it away in a new sepulcher.

Glory.

When you descended to death, O immortal Life, then you slew Hades with the lightening of your divinity, and when you raised the dead out of the depths of the earth, all the hosts of heaven cried out: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to you.

Both now.

The angel standing by the sepulcher cried out to the myrrh-bearing women: Why have you come with myrrh as befits the dead? For Christ has proved a stranger to corruption.

Priest:

Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:

Lord, have mercy.

Priest:

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

Choir:

Lord, have mercy.

Priest:

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

Choir:

To You, O Lord.

Priest:

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Choir:

Amen.

Kathisma I

1^st Mode. The soldiers keeping watch.

From Pilate Joseph asked for Your worshipful Body. * He wraps it in a clean linen shroud and with spices * anoints it for burial and he lays it in his new tomb. * Then at early dawn the women came with their ointments, * and they cried, "Show us the Resurrection, O Savior, * as You had foretold, O Christ."

Glory. Both now.

Astounded were the hosts of the Angels, beholding * how He, who sits above in the bosom of the Father, * is laid in a sepulcher, the Immortal One, as a corpse. * He is surrounded by angelic armies, who praise Him * and, together with the dead in Hades, give glory * to Him, their Creator and Lord.

Reader:

Psalm 50

H

ave mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy, and according to the multitude of your compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only have I sinned, and done evil before you, that you might be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bring me forth. For behold, you have loved truth; you have revealed to me the hidden and secret things of your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; you shall wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice. Turn your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and establish me with a governing Spirit. I will teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall return to you. Deliver me from blood-guilt, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in your righteousness. O Lord, you will open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For had you desired sacrifice, I would have given it; you will not be pleased with whole-burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, to Zion in your good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then shall you be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offering; then shall they offer bullocks upon your altar.

1^st Choir:

The Canon

Ode I. Plagal 2^nd Mode. Heirmos.

He, who with a sea-wave had buried the tyrant pursuer long ago, was buried beneath the earth by sons of those then delivered. Now, as once the maidens did, let us sing to the Lord, "For He is greatly glorified."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I will sing an anthem of exodus and a funeral hymn to You, O Lord my God, who by Your burial opened the entrances of life to me. By Your death You put Hades and death to death.

Glory.

Those who are above earth and those in the netherworld saw You on the throne on high and down below within the grave, O my Savior. They were agitated by Your death, for they saw You dead, incomprehensibly, O Source of Life.

Both now.

Lord, You have descended into the nethermost regions of the earth, to fill all things with Your glory. My person in Adam was not hidden from You who love mankind. You are buried and You renew me, the corrupted one.

Katavasia

He, who with a sea-wave had buried the tyrant pursuer long ago, was buried beneath the earth by sons of those then delivered. Now, as once the maidens did, let us sing to the Lord, "For He is greatly glorified."

Ode III. Heirmos.

When creation beheld You, who without restraint suspended all the earth on the waters, now suspended on a cross on Golgotha, it was constrained by great astonishment, and cried aloud, "No one is holy, but You, O Lord."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Of old by many visions, You revealed the symbols of Your burial. But what You once kept secret, O Master, now, as God and man, You clearly showed to those in Hades, who cried aloud, "No one is holy, but You, O Lord."

Glory.

Savior, when You extended Your hands, You united things that had been divided. By Your confinement in the shroud and the sepulcher, You set free those who were fettered. To You they cry aloud, "No one is holy, but You, O Lord."

Both now.

You, uncontainable Master, were confined by the tomb and seals, of Your own will. By Your actions as God, O Friend of man, You made Your power known to all, who cry aloud, "No one is holy, but You, O Lord."

Katavasia

When creation beheld You, who without restraint suspended all the earth on the waters, now suspended on a cross on Golgotha, it was constrained by great astonishment, and cried aloud, "No one is holy, but You, O Lord."

Little Litany

Priest:

For you are our God, and to you we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

1^st Choir:

Kathisma

1^st Mode. Automelon.

Your tomb, O Savior Christ, were the soldiers protecting, but they became as dead at the sight of the angel, proclaiming to the myrrh-bearers the good news of the Risen one. You we glorify, who have undone our corruption, bowing down to you, who from the tomb are arisen, our only true God and Lord.

Ode IV. Heirmos.

When he foresaw Your divine emptying on the Cross, Prophet Habakkuk cried out astonished, "You went to those in Hades and there cut off the heads of the rulers, O Good One, as the almighty God."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Today, You sanctified the seventh day, which You had blessed of old, when You rested from Your works. For You, O Savior, generate and renew all things; and, while keeping the Sabbath, You are reclaiming them.

Glory.

When You, O Logos, were victorious through superior strength, Your soul was separated from Your body; and it shattered the bonds of both Death and Hades by the power of Your divinity.

Both now.

Hades was embittered in meeting You, O Logos, seeing a deified mortal, who bore the marks of bruises and yet was all-powerful. At the fearful sight, it was speechless and horrified.

Katavasia

When he foresaw Your divine emptying on the Cross, Prophet Habakkuk cried out astonished, "You went to those in Hades and there cut off the heads of the rulers, O Good One, as the almighty God."

Ode V. Heirmos.

Prophet Isaiah once beheld the never-setting light of Your Theophany, that is when You, O Christ our God, sympathetically appeared to us. Rising early in the morning, he cried aloud, "The dead shall rise up, and those in the tombs shall arise, and all those in the earth shall be glad and greatly rejoice."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Since You, the Fashioner, became a human being, You remake the earthborn; and the shroud and sepulcher, O Word of God, indicate the mystery borne in You. For Joseph, the respected member of the council, now performs the counsel of Your Father, who magnificently in You makes me new again.

Glory.

You change mortality through death; by means of burial You change corruption; for properly, as God, You make incorruptible and immortal that which You had assumed. For Your body saw no corruption; likewise, Your soul was not abandoned in Hades, O Master, extraordinarily.

Both now.

Born of a woman spared travail, You were yet speared in the side, O my Maker. From this side You wrought Eve's refashioning; for becoming Adam, You fell asleep supernaturally in a life-producing sleep, and then You raised up Life herself from slumber and from corruption, as almighty God.

Katavasia

Prophet Isaiah once beheld the never-setting light of Your Theophany, that is when You, O Christ our God, sympathetically appeared to us. Rising early in the morning, he cried aloud, "The dead shall rise up, and those in the tombs shall arise, and all those in the earth shall be glad and greatly rejoice."

Ode VI. Heirmos.

Prophet Jonah was in the belly of the whale detained, but not retained. For, in that he prefigured You, the One who suffered and was buried, he sprang forth from the beast as from a bridal room, and he cried out to the guard of soldiers, "You, who are keeping watch and follow vanity and lies, have forsaken the mercy that was meant for you."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You were murdered, O Word, but not sundered from the flesh in which You shared. For even if Your temple was destroyed at the time of Your Passion, nevertheless, one was the hypostasis of Your human flesh and of Your Godhead. For in both natures, You are one Son, the Word of God, as You are truly God and man.

Glory.

Adam's failure resulted in death for humanity but not for God. For though the human nature of Your flesh had suffered at the Passion, yet Your divinity remained impassible. By Your resurrection, You transformed Your corruptible body to incorruption, and made it a source of life incorruptible.

Both now.

Hades reigned over the human race, but would not do so forever. For after You were buried, You broke the bolts and bars of death asunder, O mighty Master, with Your hand that causes life. You proclaimed the sure and true redemption to those who lay asleep there from all ages, O Savior, and You became the firstborn of the dead.

Katavasia

Prophet Jonah was in the belly of the whale detained, but not retained. For, in that he prefigured You, the One who suffered and was buried, he sprang forth from the beast as from a bridal room, and he cried out to the guard of soldiers, "You, who are keeping watch and follow vanity and lies, have forsaken the mercy that was meant for you."

Little Litany

Priest:

For you are the King of peace and the Saviour of our souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages.

Reader:

Amen.

Kontakion

He who closed the abyss is seen as dead; As a mortal the Deathless one, Wrapped in spice and linen, Is laid within a grave. Women came to anoint Him, Wailing bitter, crying out, "Exceeding blessed is this Sabbath, On which the Christ has slumbered, To rise on the third day."

Oikos

He who holds all things together is raised upon a Cross, And all creation mourns beholding this One hung Naked on a Tree. The sun hid its beams, And the stars withheld their shine. The earth, full-feared, was shaken, And the sea has fled away. The rocks were split asunder, And the graves of scores were opened, And the forms of holy men arose. Hades groans below, Yet Judeans plan to slander The resurrection of Christ. And the women cry aloud, "Exceeding blessed is this Sabbath, On which the Christ has slumbered, To rise on the third day."

Synaxarion from the Menaion, then:

On great and holy Saturday, we celebrate the burial of the divine Body and the descent into Hades of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through which He recalled our human race from corruption and passed it over into life eternal.

Verses

In vain you guard the grave, O guards.

No tomb can hold Him who is life itself.

By Your ineffable condescension, O Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

1^st Choir:

Ode VII. Heirmos.

Ineffable wonder! He who delivered the pious youths in the furnace from the raging fire is laid out today, dead and breathless, in a tomb, for the salvation of us who sing, "O our God and Redeemer, You are blessed." (2)

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Hades is wounded at its heart by receiving Him, whom a lance had wounded in the side. And it groans, consumed by the fire of divinity, for the salvation of us who sing, "O our God and Redeemer, You are blessed."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The sepulcher is precious. When it received within itself the Creator as though He were asleep, it became a divine treasure house of Life, for the salvation of us who sing, "O our God and Redeemer, You are blessed."

Glory.

The Life of all things accepts interment and burial, which is the law for those who have died. His tomb thus becomes the source of resurrection for the salvation of us who sing, "O our God and Redeemer, You are blessed."

Both now.

One was the Godhead of Christ with the Father and the Spirit, and there was no separation in Hades, in the tomb, and in Paradise, for the salvation of us who sing, "O our God and Redeemer, You are blessed."

Katavasia

Ineffable wonder! He who delivered the pious youths in the furnace from the raging fire is laid out today, dead and breathless, in a tomb, for the salvation of us who sing, "O our God and Redeemer, You are blessed."

Ode VIII. Heirmos.

Heaven, be astonished and amazed, and let the foundations of the earth be shaken! Behold, He who ever dwells in the heights is numbered among the dead; a small tomb receives Him as a stranger. Bless the Lord, O you Servants; sing a hymn, Priests; and People, exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The undefiled temple was destroyed; then, with itself it raised up the fallen tabernacle. The second Adam, who dwells in the heights, went down to the chambers of Hades, in order to save the first one. Bless the Lord, O you Servants; sing a hymn, Priests; and People, exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.

We bless the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we sing a hymn to Him and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages.

Though the Disciples' courage failed, yet that of Joseph of Arimathea has excelled. For when he sees that the God over all is hanging dead and naked, he asks for Him and buries Him, crying, "Bless the Lord, O you Servants; sing a hymn, Priests; and People, exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages."

Both now.

Oh, novel marvels that were wrought! Oh, the benevolence! Oh, the patience passing speech! For, of His own will, He who dwells in the heights is sealed beneath the earth, and God is defamed as a deceiver. Bless the Lord, O you Servants; sing a hymn, Priests; and People, exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.

Katavasia

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heaven, be astonished and amazed, and let the foundations of the earth be shaken! Behold, He who ever dwells in the heights is numbered among the dead; a small tomb receives Him as a stranger. Bless the Lord, O you Servants; sing a hymn, Priests; and People, exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.

Deacon:

Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.

1^st Choir:

Ode IX. Plagal 2^nd Mode. Heirmos.

Weep not for Me, O Mother, as you see your Son, whom you conceived in your womb without seed, lying in a tomb. For I will rise from the dead and will be glorified; and as God, I will unceasingly exalt in glory those who magnify you with faith and love.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I was blest in escaping labor, in a manner past nature, at Your unusual birth, O unoriginate Son. But now as I see You, my God, not breathing and dead, I am painfully torn by the sword of my sorrow. So arise, so that I may be magnified.

Glory.

Earth covers Me by My own will. But the doorkeepers of Hades shudder and quake, as they behold that I am clothed in the bloodstained garment of vengeance. After I smite My enemies with the Cross, as God, O Mother, I will rise again and magnify you.

Both now.

Greatly rejoice, O creation! And everyone who was born on earth, be glad! Hades, the enemy, has been despoiled. Let the women with their ointments come to meet Me. I am rescuing Adam and Eve and all mankind. And on the third day I will rise again.

Katavasia

Weep not for Me, O Mother, as you see your Son, whom you conceived in your womb without seed, lying in a tomb. For I will rise from the dead and will be glorified; and as God, I will unceasingly exalt in glory those who magnify you with faith and love.

The Lamentations

First Stanza. Plagal 1^st Mode

1. Verse: Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. Blessed are the blameless in the way who walk in the law of the Lord. (118:1)

In the tomb they laid you, * you, O Christ, who are Life; * in amazement angel armies lift up their song * as they glorify your self-abasement, Lord.

يا يسوعُ الحَياة* في قَبرٍ وُضِعْتَ * فالجُنودُ السَّماويَّةُ انذَهَلَتْ* كلُّها ومَجَّدَتْ تنَازلُك

2. Verse: Blessed are those who search out His testimonies; they shall search for Him with their whole heart. (118:2)

Life, how can you perish, * or how dwell in a tomb? * Yet the royal hall of Death you now bring to nought, * and from Hades' realm you raise the dead again.

3. Verse: For those who work lawlessness do not walk in His ways. (118:3)

Now we magnify you, * O Lord Jesus, our King, * we pay honor to your Passion and burial * for from foul corruption you saved us thru them.

4. Verse: You commanded us regarding Your commandments, that we should be very diligent to keep them. (118:4)

King of all, O Jesus, * who established earth's bounds * on this day you make your home in a little tomb, * raising up the dead of ages from their graves.

5. Verse: Would that my ways were led, that I might keep Your ordinances. (118:5)

O my Christ, my Jesus, * King and Monarch of all, * seeking what have you descended to those in Hell? * Was it not to liberate the mortal race?

6. Verse: Then I would not be ashamed when I regard all Your commandments. (118:6)

He who governs all things * here is seen as a corpse, * new the grave in which his body is laid to rest, * he the one who empties graves of all their dead.

7. Verse: I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with an upright heart, when I learn the judgments of Your righteousness. (118:7)

In the tomb they laid you, * you, O Christ who are Life; * death itself you brought to nothing by your own death, * and became the fount of life for all the world.

8. Verse: I shall keep Your ordinances; do not utterly forsake me. (118:8)

Guilty with the guilty * you were judged, O my Christ, * at the moment you wrought justice for all of us, * from the ancient trickster's foul and evil deeds.

9. Verse: How shall a young man keep his way straight? when he keeps Your words. (118:9)

Fairer he in beauty * than are all mortal kind, * now a corpse we see, unsightly, bereft of form, * he who beautified the nature of all things.

10. Verse: I searched for You with my whole heart; do not drive me away from Your commandments. (118:10)

How could Hell endure it, * when in splendor you came, * and how not be swiftly shattered and plunged in dark, * blinded by the blazing glory of your light?

11. Verse: I hid Your teachings in my heart so as not to sin against You. (118:11)

Light that saves, O Jesus, * you are sweetness to me, * in the darkness of the grave how can you lie hid? * O forbearance that no language can express!

12. Verse: Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. (118:12)

Angels are bewildered, * and the bodiless host * at a loss, O Christ, before that great mystery * your ineffable entombment, beyond speech.

13. Verse: With my lips I declared all the judgments of Your mouth. (118:13)

O most strange of wonders! * What new deeds we now see! * He who gave me my life's breath, lies unbreathing now, * borne to burial at noble Joseph's hands.

14. Verse: I delight in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches. (118:14)

Like the sun when setting, * to the tomb you descend, * yet, O Christ, your Father's bosom you do not leave. * What strange paradox, what wondrous thing this is.

15. Verse: I shall meditate on Your commandments, and I shall understand Your ways. (118:15)

As the sky's true monarch, * as true king of the earth, * though enclosed within the narrowest sepulcher, * you were known by all creation, Jesus Lord.

16. Verse: I shall meditate on Your ordinances; I shall not forget Your words. (118:16)

In the tomb they laid you, * Christ the maker of all; * then were Hell's foundations shaken; they tremble now, * as the graves of mortal kind are opened wide.

17. Verse: Reward Your servant; I shall live, and keep Your words. (118:17)

He who in the hollow * of his hand holds the earth, * in the flesh is put to death and lies in earth's grasp, * as he now redeems the dead from Hades' grip.

18. Verse: Unveil my eyes, and I shall understand the wonders in Your law. (118:18)

You rose from corruption, * O my Savior, my life, * having died and gone to dwell there among the dead, * smashed and shattered Hades' brazen bolts and bars.

19. Verse: I am a sojourner on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. (118:19)

Like a burning lampstand * here the flesh of our God, * as beneath a bushel measure, now lies concealed * under earth and puts the gloom of Hell to flight.

20. Verse: My soul longed to desire Your judgments in every season. (118:20)

Nothing can contain you, * yet the Heavenly hosts, * with the noble Joseph and with Nicodemus now * hasten to enclose you in a little grave.

21. Verse: You rebuke the arrogant; those who turn aside from Your commandments are accursed. (118:21)

Willingly, my Jesus, * slain and laid underground, * fount of life, you gave me life when I lay in death, * when by bitterest transgressions I was slain.

22. Verse: Take away reproach and contempt from me, for I searched Your testimonies. (118:22)

By your Passion, Jesus, * all creation was changed, * all things suffered with you, Word, knowing you to be * the Maintainer and Sustainer of the world.

23. Verse: For rulers sat and spoke against me, but Your servant meditated on Your ordinances. (118:23)

Death who eats up all things * swallowed you, Rock of Life; * when you entered in his belly he vomited, * spewing forth the dead gulped down from every age.

24. Glory.

Word, we sing your praises, * as the Lord God of all, * with the Father and your most Holy Spirit, Lord, * and we glorify your burial divine.

25. Both now.

Now we call you blessed, * All-Pure Mother of God, * and in faith we hold in honor and venerate * the three day entombment of your Son our God.

And again the first:

In the tomb they laid you, * you, O Christ, who are Life; * in amazement angel armies lift up their song * as they glorify your self-abasement, Lord.

Little Litany

Priest: For blessed is your name, and glorified is your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Second Stanza. Plagal 1^st Mode

It is right indeed * we should magnify the one who grants life, * you, that stretched your hands wide upon the Cross, * broke and smashed the might and power of the foe.

نُعَظِّمُكَ * باسْتِحْقاقٍ يا مُعْطي الحَياة * يا مَن بَسَطَ يَدَيْهِ على الصَليب *ساحِقاً قُدْرَةَ سُلْطانِ العَدو

1. Verse: Your hands made and fashioned me; instruct me, and I will learn Your commandments. (118:73)

It is right indeed * you to magnify, who fashion all things, * your pains from corruption deliver us, * and your Passion grants dispassion to our souls.

2. Verse: Those who fear You will see me and be glad, because I hope in Your words. (118:74)

All Earth quaked in fear * and the sun concealed itself, O Savior, * when, O Christ, our light, you set bodily, * as the light that knows no evening was entombed.

3. Verse: I know, O Lord, Your judgments are righteousness, and You humbled me with truth. (118:75)

Sleeping in the tomb * with the sleep that breathes forth life, Anointed, * from sin's heavy sleep you, as God, aroused * all the human race that sin had held enthralled.

4. Verse: Let Your mercy be for my comfort, according to Your teaching to Your servant. (118:76)

"Of all woman-kind * I alone bore you, my child, without pain; * cruel pangs now wrack me as I behold * your great suffering", the Holy Virgin cries.

5. Verse: Let Your compassions come to me, and I shall live; for Your law is my meditation. (118:77)

Seeing you on high, * never separated from the Father, * yet below on Earth, laid out as a corpse, * the dread Seraphim, my Saviour, shake with fear.

6. Verse: Let the arrogant be shamed, for they transgressed unjustly against me; but I shall meditate on Your commandments. (118:78)

See, the Temple Veil, * rent asunder at your crucifixion, * Heaven's beacons hide, O my Christ, their light, * to see you, the Sun, now hid beneath the earth.

7. Verse: Let those who fear You turn to me, and those who know Your testimonies. (118:79)

He who at the start * by His will alone set Earth revolving, * lifeless as a mortal sets under earth; * let the sky now shake and tremble at the sight.

8. Verse: Let my heart be blameless in Your ordinances, that I may not be disappointed. (118:80)

Human-kind you formed, * with your own hand fashioned us, O Saviour, * now, O Sun, you set underneath the earth, * raising companies of mortals from the fall.

9. Verse: My soul earnestly longs for Your salvation, and I hope in Your word. (118:81)

Come, now, let us sing, * let our sacred hymn lament the dead Christ, * singing as the Myrrh-bearing women did, * that with them we too may hear the word "rejoice!"

10. Verse: My eyes strained to look at Your teaching, saying, "When will You comfort me? (118:82)

Truly you are Myrrh, * truly, Word of God, the Myrrh Unfailing, * so it was myrrh-bearers brought myrrh to you, * to the Living God brought myrrh as to the dead.

11. Verse: I am like a leather bag in a frost; I did not forget Your ordinances. (118:83)

Buried, O my Christ, * the great palaces of Hell you shattered, * Death you put to death by your death, O Lord, * from corruption you set free those born of earth.

12. Verse: How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment for me upon those who persecute me? (118:84)

To the grave descends * he, the Wisdom of our God, that pours out * streams of life; descending into a tomb, * giving life to those in Hades deepest depths.

13. Verse: Transgressors described their meditations to me, but these are not like Your law, O Lord. (118:85)

"Willingly by death * I was wounded in the flesh, dear Mother, * thus the broken nature of mortal kind * to renew, so do not beat your breast in grief."

14. Verse: All Your commandments are truth; they persecuted me unjustly; help me. (118:86)

When beneath the Earth * you had set, the Morning Star of justice, * you aroused the dead as if they but slept, * as you put to flight the murk and gloom of Hell.

15. Verse: They almost ended my life on earth, but I did not forsake Your commandments. (118:87)

Sown with tears today, * the life-breathing grain of two-fold nature, * here within earth's furrows the grain is sown, * but tomorrow it will burst once more to life.

16. Verse: Give me life according to Your mercy, and I shall keep the testimonies of Your mouth. (118:88)

Trembling, Adam quailed, * when God walked in Paradise, he feared him, * but rejoices now as God enters Hell. * As of old he fell, so now he rises up.

17. Verse: Forever, O Lord, Your word continues in heaven. (118:89)

Offerings of tears, * O my Christ, your Mother poured out, weeping, * as in flesh you lay buried in the grave, * "But arise, my Son, as you foretold", she cried.

18. Verse: Your truth continues from generation to generation; You laid the foundation of the earth, and it continues. (118:90)

Filled with godly fear, * in a new tomb noble Joseph hides you, * singing, Saviour, hymns for your burial, * hymns befitting God and mingled with laments.

19. Verse: By Your arrangement each day continues, for all things are Your servants. (118:91)

Bolts of bitter grief * pierced you Mother's soul, and nails of anguish, * when she saw you nailed to a Tree, O Word, * saw you fastened to the Cross with cruel nails.

20. Verse: If Your law were not my meditation, I would have perished in my humiliation. (118:92)

When her eyes beheld * you who are the whole world's sweetness, * drinking, O my Saviour, the bitter drink, * your sweet Mother drenched her eyes with bitter tears.

21. Glory.

Great eternal God, * co-eternal Word and Holy Spirit, * look down in your goodness on those who rule, * grant their sceptres strength against the warlike foe..

22. Both now.

Wholly undefiled, * Mother, who gave birth to life, pure Virgin, * end all scandals which still beset Church, * and as you are loving, Mother, grant her peace.

And again the first:

It is right indeed * we should magnify the one who grants life, * you, that stretched your hands wide upon the Cross, * broke and smashed the might and power of the foe.

Little Litany

Priest: For holy are You, our God, resting on the glorious throne of the cherubim, and to You we send up glory, together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Third Stanza. 3^rd Mode.

Each generation offers, * my Christ, for your entombment * in hymns and songs its praises.

كامِلُ الأجْيالِ * تُقَرِّبُ التَسْبيحَ * لِدَفْنِكَ يا مَسيحي

1. Verse: Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of those who love Your name. (118:132)

The Noble Joseph takes you * down from the Tree, my Saviour, * and in the tomb he lays you.

2. Verse: Direct my steps according to Your teaching and let no lawlessness rule over me. (118:133)

Myrrh-bearing Woman came then, * providently bringing * to you, O Christ, the sweet myrrh.

3. Verse: Ransom me from the slander of men, and I will keep Your commandments. (118:134)

Let all Creation join us, * as to the Creator * our farewell hymns we now sing.

4. Verse: Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your ordinances. (118:135)

With myrrh-bearing women * let us, with understanding, * anoint as dead the Living.

5. Verse: My eyes poured down streams of tears because they did not keep Your law. (118:136)

O thrice-blessed Joseph, * entomb Messiah's body, * the corpse of Him who grants life.

6. Verse: Righteous are You, O Lord, and upright is Your judgment. (118:137)

Those he fed with manna * raised their heels against him, * against the Benefactor.

7. Verse: You commanded Your testimonies exceedingly In righteousness and truth. (118:138)

Those he fed with manna * bring vinegar and gall now * to offer to the Saviour.

8. Verse: The zeal of Your house caused me to yearn for home, for my enemies forgot Your words. (118:139)

O the boundless folly * of those who slew the prophets * and now slay God's Anointed.

9. Verse: Your teaching is exceedingly purified in fire, and Your servant loves it. (118:140)

Initiate yet traitor, * he, the senseless servant, * sold the Abyss of Wisdom.

10. Verse: am young, and beheld as nothing, but I have not forgotten Your statutes. (118:141)

Judas the deceiver * for silver sold the Saviour, * and thus became a captive.

11. Verse: Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and Your law is truth. (118:142)

Solomon declared it: * like a deep-dug pit the mouth * of Law-transgressing Hebrews.

12. Verse: Affliction and trouble found me, but Your commandments are my meditation. (118:143)

Law-transgressing Hebrews * on the crooked paths they tread * face pits and traps and sharp snares.

13. Verse: Your testimonies are righteousness forever; give me understanding, and I shall live. (118:144)

With Nicodemus, Joseph * buries the Creator * as for the dead is fitting.

14. Verse: I cry out with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord; I shall search Your ordinances. (118:145)

O Life-giving Saviour, * the conqueror of Hades, * to your great might be glory.

15. Verse: I cry out to You; save me, and I shall keep Your testimonies. (118:146)

When the All-Pure saw you * lying limp and dead, Lord, * as mother, Word, she mourned you.

16. Verse: I arose at midnight and cried out; I hoped in Your words. (118:147)

"O my sweetest springtime, * O my sweetest Offspring, * where has your beauty vanished?"

17. Verse: My eyes awoke before dawn that I might meditate on Your teachings. (118:148)

What sad lament she raises, * O Word, your all-pure Mother, * as you lie dead before her.

18. Verse: Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Your mercy; give me life according to Your judgment. (118:149)

Women with sweet myrrh came * to anoint with myrrh Christ, * who is himself Divine Myrrh.

19. Verse: Those who persecute me in lawlessness drew near; they are far removed from Your law. (118:150)

Death itself, O Saviour, * by death you put to death, Lord * my God, by your divine might.

20. Verse: You are near, O Lord; all Your commandments are truth. (118:151)

Deceived is the deceiver, * the once deceived redeemed now * my God and by your Wisdom.

21. Verse: From the beginning I knew Your testimonies, that You established them forever. (118:152)

Behold the traitor cast down, * to Hades' depths abysmal, * the deep pit of destruction.

22. Verse: Behold my humiliation and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your law. (118:153)

Traps and pits and sharp snares - * these are the ways of Judas, * the madman and thrice-wretched.

23. Verse: Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life because of Your word. (118:154)

All those who crucified you * will be destroyed together, * God's Word and Son, the Great King.

24. Verse: Salvation is far from sinners, for they have not searched Your ordinances. (118:155)

All the men of blood now * will be destroyed together * within destruction's deep pit.

25. Verse: Your compassions are many, O Lord; give me life according to Your judgment. (118:156)

Son of God, All-Sovereign, * my God and my Creator, * why did you will to suffer?

26. Verse: Many are those who pursue and afflict me, but I did not turn away from Your testimonies. (118:157)

The heifer, when she saw him, * her calf, hanged on the dread Tree, * raised up a cry of great grief.

27. Verse: My soul shall live and praise You, and Your judgments shall help me. (118:175)

Myrrh-bearers came and sprinkled * sweet myrrh upon your tomb, Lord, * at early dawn they come now.

Repeat the previous verse several times as the priest sprinkles the tomb and the people.

28. Verse: I went astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments. (118:176)

Peace unto your Church, Lord, * salvation to your people, * grant by your Resurrection.

29. Glory.

Father, Son and Spirit, * O Trinity, my One God, * have mercy on the whole world.

30. Both now.

Count all your servants worthy, * to see, Most Holy Virgin, * you Son's bright Resurrection.

And again the first:

Each generation offers, * my Christ, for your entombment * in hymns and songs its praises.

Little Litany

Priest: For You are the King of peace and the Savior of our souls, O Christ our God, and to You we send up glory, together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

 

Resurrectional Evlogetaria

Plagal 1^st Mode.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

The company of angels was amazed when they saw you accounted among the dead; yet you, O Savior, did destroy the might of death, and did raise up Adam together with yourself, and release all men from Hades.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

Why, O women disciples, do you mingle sweet spices with your tears shed from pity? Thus spoke the angel, shining brightly in the tomb, to the myrrh-bearing women: Behold the tomb, and be glad! For the Savior is risen from the sepulcher.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

At early morn did the women disciples hasten to your tomb with words of lamentation. But an angel stood by them, and said: The time of sorrow is past; weep no longer! But tell the apostles of the resurrection.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

As the myrrh-bearing women drew near to your tomb bearing spices, O Savior, they heard an angel saying plainly to them: Why do you seek the living among the dead? For as God, he is risen from the sepulcher.

Glory.

We worship the Father, together with his Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in essence, as we cry out with the Seraphim: Holy, holy, holy are you, O Lord.

Both now.

In that you, O Virgin, bore the Giver of Life, Adam you redeemed from sin, and to Eve you gave joy in place of sorrow; he who is incarnate of you, both God and Man, guided to life him who once fell therefrom.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God.  (3)

Little Litany

Priest:

For all the powers of heaven praise You and give You glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

1^st Choir:

Amen.

Exaposteilarion

2^nd Mode.

Holy is the Lord our God.  (3)

The Praises

2^nd Mode

Let every breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the highest. To you is due praise, O God.

Praise him, all his angels; praise him all his hosts. To you is due praise, O God.

1. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you stars and light.
2. Praise him, you heavens of heavens, and the water that is above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord;
3. For he spoke, and they came into being; he commanded, and they were created.
4. He established them forever, and to the ages of ages; he made a decree, and it shall not pass away.
5. Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons, and all deeps;
6. Fire, hail, snow, ice, tempest wind, which fulfill his word;
7. Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars;
8. Wild beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and winged birds;
9. Kings of the earth, and all peoples; princes, and all judges of the earth;
10. Young men and virgins; elders with youths. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted.
11. His praise is on earth and in heaven, and he will exalt the horn of his people.
12. This is a hymn for all his saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to him.
13. Sing to the Lord a new song; let his praise be in the congregation of the saints.
14. Let Israel rejoice in his Maker, and let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
15. Let them praise his name in the dance; let them sing praises to him with the timbrel and psaltery.
16. For the Lord takes pleasure in his people, and will exalt the meek with salvation.
17. The saints shall boast with glory, and shall be joyful on their beds.
18. The high praises of God shall be in their throats, and two-edged swords in their hands,
19. To execute vengeance among the nations, and rebukes among the peoples;
20. To bind their kings with fetters, and their nobles with manacles of iron;
21. To execute among them the written judgment. This glory shall be for all his saints.
22. Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.

Sticheron I

Verse: Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his abundant greatness.

Today a tomb holds Him who holds the creation in the hollow of His hand; a stone covers Him who covered the heavens with glory. Life sleeps and Hades trembles, and Adam is set free from his bonds. Glory to Your dispensation, whereby You have accomplished all things, granting us an eternal Sabbath, Your most holy Resurrection from the dead.

Sticheron II

Verse: Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.

What is this sight that we behold? What is this present rest? The King of the ages, having through His Passion fulfilled the plan of salvation, keeps Sabbath in the tomb, granting us a new Sabbath. Unto Him let us cry aloud: Arise, O Lord, judge the earth, for measureless is Your great mercy and You do reign forever.

Sticheron III

Verse: Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute.

Come, let us see our Life lying in the tomb, that He may give life to those that in their tombs lie dead. Come, let us look today on the Son of Judah as He sleeps, and with the prophet let us cry aloud to Him: You [have] laid down, You [have] slept as a lion; who shall awaken You, O King? But of Your own free will [do] You rise up, who willingly do give Yourself for us. O Lord, glory to You.

Sticheron IV. Plagal 2^nd Mode.

Verse: Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord.

Joseph asked for the body of Jesus and he laid it in his own new tomb: for it was fitting that the Lord should come forth from the grave as from a bridal chamber. O You who [have] broken the power of death and opened the gates of Paradise to men, glory to You.

Glory. Plagal 2^nd Mode.

The great Moses mystically prefigured this day, saying: And God blessed the seventh day. For this is the blessed Sabbath; this is the day of rest in which the only-begotten Son of God ceased from all his works; and through the dispensation of death he took his Sabbath rest in the flesh; and having returned to what he was through the resurrection, he has granted us eternal life, for he alone is good and the Friend of Man.

Both now. 2nd Mode. Theotokion.

Most blessed are you, O Theotokos and Virgin, for through him who was made incarnate from you, Hades was taken captive, Adam was called back, the curse was slain, Eve was freed, death was put to death, and we were given life, wherefore in praise we cry to you: Blessed are you, O Christ our God, who were thus well pleased! Glory to you.

The Great Doxology

1. Glory be to you who have shown the light. Glory in the highest to God, and on earth peace, goodwill among men.
2. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory.
3. Lord, heavenly King, God the Father almighty, O Lord only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.
4. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world.
5. Receive our prayer, you who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.
6. For you alone are holy, you alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
7. Every day I will bless you, and I will praise your name forever, and to the ages of ages.
8. Grant, O Lord, that we may be kept this day without sin.
9. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen.
10. Let your mercy be upon us, O Lord, even as we have hoped in you.
11. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. (3)
12. Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: O Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.
13. Lord, I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
14. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light.
15. Continue your mercy to those who know you.
16. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
17. G
18. Both now.
19. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

The procession of the canopied Epitaphion around the Sanctuary takes place.

Choir:

Asmatikon of Holy Saturday

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Deacon:

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear us and have mercy.

1^st Choir:

Lord, have mercy. (Three times, after each petition. The two choirs continue to alternate.)

Deacon:

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our archbishop (name).

Again let us pray for our country, the president, and all those in public service.

Priest:

For you are a merciful God who love mankind, and to you we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Choir:

Amen.

Asmatikon of Holy Saturday

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Deacon:

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear us and have mercy.

1^st Choir:

Lord, have mercy. (Three times, after each petition. The two choirs continue to alternate.)

Deacon:

Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal repose of all pious Orthodox Christians who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection unto life everlasting, emperors, patriarchs, bishops, priests, deacons, hieromonks, deacon-monks, monks, nuns, fathers, forebears, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, spouses, children, siblings, and all our relatives, from the beginning until the end of time; and for the forgiveness of all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary.

Priest:

For you are the resurrection, the life and the repose of all the departed faithful Orthodox Christians, Christ our God, and to You we give glory, with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Choir:

Amen.

Asmatikon of Holy Saturday

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Deacon:

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear us and have mercy.

1^st Choir:

Lord, have mercy. (Three times, after each petition. The two choirs continue to alternate.)

Deacon:

Again we pray for the protection of the holy Great Church of Christ, our sacred Archdiocese, this sacred Metropolis, this city and every city and land, from wrath, famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, foreign invasion, civil strife, and accidental death. That our good and loving God may be merciful, gracious and kindly-disposed, and may divert and disperse all anger and disease coming against us, and deliver us from His own just threat hanging over us, and have mercy on us.

Priest:

For you are a merciful God Who loves mankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Choir:

Amen.

At this point, the procession proceeds to enter the sanctuary. It is common for this hymn to be chanted as the faithful enter the Church under the Epitaphion:

Plagal 1^st Mode

When he saw that the sun had hidden its rays, and the veil of the Temple was rent at the death of the Saviour, Joseph came unto Pilate and entreated him, saying: Give me this Stranger Who from His youth hath been received as a stranger in this world. Give me this Stranger Whom His kinsmen killed in hatred like a stranger. Give me this Stranger, concerning Whom I am in perplexity, seeing the strangeness of His death. Give me this Stranger Who knew how to take in the poor and strangers. Give me this Stranger, Whom the Jews in their malice, estranged from the world. Give me this Stranger, that I may conceal Him in a tomb, Who being a Stranger hath no place whereon to lay His head. Give me this Stranger, to Whom His Mother on beholding Him dead, cried: O my Son and my God, though my bowels be wound-ed, and I be pierced in my heart as I behold Thee dead, yet trusting in Thy Resurrection, I magnify Thee. Having, therefore, besought Pilate with these words, the noble Joseph receiveth the Saviour’s body, which with fear he wrapped in linen and spices. In a tomb he placed the One Who granteth unto all life everlasting and great mercy.

After the Clergy and Congregation enter into the Sanctuary with the canopied Epitaphion:

Priest:

Let us be attentive. Peace be with all. Wisdom.

Apolytikia

2^nd Mode.

When you descended to death, O immortal Life, then you slew Hades with the lightening of your divinity, and when you raised the dead out of the depths of the earth, all the hosts of heaven cried out: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to you.

The angel standing by the sepulcher cried out to the myrrh-bearing women: Why have you come with myrrh as befits the dead? For Christ has proved a stranger to corruption.

The noble Joseph took your most pure body from the Cross and wrapped it in clean linen; preparing it with spices for burial, he laid it away in a new sepulcher.

Troparion before the Prophecy

2^nd Mode

O Christ, who hold the whole world in Your hand, You accepted to be held in the sepulcher, so that You might rescue humanity, which was swallowed by Hades, and, as immortal God, give us life and immortality.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

The Prophecy

Reader:

Prokeimenon in the 4^th Mode. The 9^th Psalm.

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hand be lifted high.

Verse: I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart. 

Deacon:

Wisdom.

Reader:

The reading is from the Prophecy of Ezekiel.

Deacon:

Let us be attentive.

Reader:

37:1-14

A

gain the hand of the Lord came upon me, and brought me by the Spirit of the Lord, and set me in the midst of the plain, which was full of human bones. So He led me round about them, and behold, there was a great multitude of bones on the face of the plain. They were very dry. Then He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" So I answered, "O Lord, You know this." Then He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the of the Lord. Thus says the Lord to these bones: "Behold, I will bring the Spirit of life upon you. I will put muscles on you and bring flesh upon you. I will cover you with skin and put my Spirit into you. Then you shall live and know that I am the Lord."'" So I prophesied as He commanded me, and it came to pass while I prophesied that, behold, there was a shaking, and the bones came together, each one to its joint. So I looked, and behold, muscle and flesh grew upon them, and skin covered them over; but no breath was in them. Then He said to me, "Prophesy to the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, 'Thus says the Lord: "Come from the four winds and breathe upon these dead men; and let them live."'" So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the Spirit entered into them; and they lived and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great assembly. Again the Lord spoke to me, saying, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dry, our hope has perished, and we are lost.' Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord: "Behold, I will open your tombs, bring you up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I open your tombs to lead you, My people, up from their graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you will live; and I will place you in your own land. Then you will know that I am the Lord, I have spoken, and I will do it," says the Lord.'"

The Epistle

Deacon:

Let us be attentive.

Reader:

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2^nd Mode. 9^th Psalm.

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hand be lifted high.

Verse:I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart.

Deacon:

Wisdom.

Reader:

The reading is from the Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

Deacon:

Let us be attentive.

Reader:

1 Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 3:13-14

B

rethren, a little leaven leavens the whole lump. Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us, therefore, celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree" — that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Priest:

Peace be to you, the reader.

Choir:

Alleluia

Plagal 2^nd Mode. 67^th Psalm.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

1^st Verse: Save me, O God, for the waters flood my soul.

2^nd Verse: They gave me gall for my food, and they gave me vinegar for my drink.

3^rd Verse: Let their eyes be darkened so they may not see, and bend down their backs continually.

Priest (quietly):

Prayer at the Holy Gospel

Shine in our hearts, O Master Who loves mankind, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind that we may comprehend the proclamations of Your Gospels. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments so that, having trampled down all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the illumination of our souls and bodies, and to You we offer up glory, together with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Deacon:

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest:

Peace be with all.

2^nd Choir:

And with your spirit.

Priest:

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Deacon:

Let us be attentive.

1^st Choir:

Glory to You, O Lord. Glory to You.

Deacon:

27:62-66

N

ext day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise again.' Therefore order the sepulcher to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away, and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worse than the first." Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can." So they went and made the sepulcher secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

Priest:

Peace be with you.

2^nd Choir:

Glory to You, O Lord. Glory to You.

Deacon:

1. 1. Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear us and have mercy.

1^st Choir:

Lord, have mercy. (Three times, after each petition. The two choirs continue to alternate.)

Deacon:

2. 2. Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
3. 3. Again we pray for our archbishop (name).
4. 4. Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the hierodeacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.
5. 5. Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.
6. 6. Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.
7. 7. Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await your great and rich mercy.

Choir:

Lord, have mercy. (once)

Priest:

For you are a merciful God who love mankind, and to you we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Choir:

Amen.

Deacon:

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

1^st Choir:

Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

1^st Choir:

Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:

That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

1^st Choir:

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon:

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

1^st Choir:

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon:

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

2^nd Choir:

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon:

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

2^nd Choir:

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon:

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

2^nd Choir:

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon:

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

2^nd Choir:

Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon:

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

2^nd Choir:

To You, O Lord.

Priest:

For You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for mankind, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.

1^st Choir:

Amen.

Priest:

Peace be with all.

Choir:

And with your spirit.

Deacon:

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

Choir:

To You, O Lord.

Priest (in a low voice):

Holy Lord, dwelling on high and beholding things below and, with your eye that observes all, keeping watch over the whole creation, to you we have bowed the neck of our soul and body, and we beseech you, O Holy of Holies: Stretch forth your invisible hand from your holy dwelling and bless us all. And, as you are good and love humankind, pardon us if we have sinned in anything, voluntarily or involuntarily, granting us your blessings both of this world and of the world above.

Priest (aloud):

For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.

1^st Choir:

Amen.

The Dismissal

Deacon:

Wisdom.

1^st Choir:

Father, bless.

Priest:

Christ our God is the One Who is blessed, always, now, and ever, and to the ages of ages.

Superior or Reader:

Amen. The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy Great Church of Christ, this Sacred Metropolis, and this city, to the ages of ages. Amen.

Priest:

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Reader:

More honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gave birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, you do we magnify.

Priest:

Glory to you, O Christ our God. Glory to you.

Reader:

Glory. Both now. Lord, have mercy. (3) Holy Father, give the blessing.

Priest:

M

ay He who for us men and for our salvation voluntarily endured the awful Passion, the Cross, and Burial, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, 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 loves mankind.

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

1^st Choir:

Amen.