Priest: 

Blessed is our God always, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

Reader: 

Amen.

Priest: 

Glory to You, our God. Glory to You.

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.

Reader: 

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory. Both now.

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. 

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

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.

Priest: 

For Thine is the Kingdom…

Reader: 

Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12) Glory. Both now.

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King. 

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King. 

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Psalm 19

AY the Lord hear you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you. May he send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion. May he remember all your offerings, and fatten your whole-burnt sacrifice. May the Lord grant you according to your heart, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and boast in the name of the Lord our God. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord has saved his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven; the salvation of his right hand is with power. Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God. Their feet are entangled, and they have fallen; but we are risen, and stand upright. O Lord, save the king; and hear us in the day when we call upon you. 

Psalm 20

HE king shall rejoice in your strength, O Lord; and in your salvation he shall greatly exult. You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld from him the request of his lips. For you have met him with blessings of goodness; you have set a crown of precious stones upon his head. He asked life of you, and you gave him length of days forever and ever. His glory is great in your salvation; you shall lay glory and majesty upon him. For you shall give him a blessing forever and ever; you shall make him exceedingly glad with your countenance. For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved. Let your hand be found by all your enemies; let your right hand find all who hate you. You shall make them like a fiery oven in the time of your presence; the Lord shall trouble them in his wrath, and fire shall devour them. You shall destroy their fruit from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they have intended evil against you; they have de-vised counsels which they are not able to perform. For you shall make them turn their back; with your remnant you shall take aim at their face. Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength; we will sing, and praise your mighty acts.

Glory. Both now.

Trisagion Prayers.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory. Both now.

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. 

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

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.

Priest: 

For Thine is the Kingdom…

Reader: 

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

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

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

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 cleaves to you, and your right hand helps 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

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

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

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.

Priest/Deacon: 

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

1^st Choir: 

Lord, have mercy. (after each petition)

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

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.

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

For our (episcopal rank) (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For our country, for the president, and for all in public service, let us pray to the Lord.

2^nd Choir: 

Lord, have mercy. (after each petition)

For the Great and Holy Church of Christ, for this sacred Metropolis, for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

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.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

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

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 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.

Plagal 4^th Mode

1^st Verse: From nightfall my spirit is awake for you, O God, for your commands are light upon the earth.

Choir: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

2^nd Verse: Learn justice, inhabitants of the earth.

3^rd Verse: Jealousy will seize an untaught people, and now fire devours their adversaries.

4^th Verse: Bring evils upon them, O Lord, bring evils upon them, the glorious ones of the earth.

Bridegroom Troparion. Plagal 4^th Mode.

hen the glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of the feet, then Judas the ungodly was stricken and darkened with the love of money; and to lawless judges he delivered you, the just judge. O lover of money, look upon him who for its sake hanged himself; flee from the insatiable soul, which dared such things against the Teacher. O you who are good to all, Lord, glory to you. (3)

Deacon: 

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel. 

1^st Choir: 

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

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 Luke. 

Deacon: 

Let us be attentive. 

1^st Choir: 

Glory to You, O Lord. Glory to You.

Priest: 

22:1-39

ow the feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death; for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and engaged to give him money. So he agreed, and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the multitude. Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the passover for us, that we may eat it." They said to him, "Where will you have us prepare it?" He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house which he enters, and tell the householder, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I am to eat the passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished; there make ready." And they went, and found it as he had told them; and they prepared the passover. And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" And they began to question one another, which of them it was that would do this. A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For which is the greater, one who sits at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have continued with me in my trials; and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren." And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." He said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you three times deny that you know me." And he said to them, "When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing." He said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was reckoned with transgressors'; for what is written about me has its fulfilment." And they said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords." And he said to them, "It is enough." And he came out, and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him.

Choir: 

Glory to You, O Lord. Glory to You.

Reader: 

Psalm 50

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.

The Canon. By Cosmas the Monk.

Ode I. Plagal 2^nd Mode. Heirmos.

The Red Sea was cut by a rod that was cut, and the undulating deep went dry; the same became passable for those who were unarmed, and a tomb for those in full armor. The former sang an ode that was pleasing to God: "He is Christ our God, and He is greatly glorified."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The infinite Wisdom of God, which is the cause of all and the provider of life, has built himself a house, from a pure mother who knew no man; for He put on the temple of His body. He is Christ our God, and He is greatly glorified. 

Glory.

Initiating His friends into mysteries, the very Wisdom of God sets a soul-sustaining table, and mixes the wine of immortality in His chalice, for those who believe. Let us religiously draw near and call out: "He is Christ our God, and He is greatly glorified."

Both now.

Let us listen, all we who believe, as the uncreated and innate Wisdom of God is calling from the highest point in town. For He is shouting, "Taste and see that I am good, and knowing this call out: 'He is Christ our God, and He is greatly glorified.'"

Katavasia

The Red Sea was cut by a rod that was cut, and the undulating deep went dry; the same became passable for those who were unarmed, and a tomb for those in full armor. The former sang an ode that was pleasing to God: "He is Christ our God, and He is greatly glorified." 

Ode III. Heirmos.

Lord of all and Creator and God though You were, and as such impassible, yet You became poor and united our created nature to yourself. And You, the paschal lamb itself, offered yourself to those for whom You were to die, saying, "Eat my body, and you will be established by faith." (2)

Glory.

Good one, You gave Your disciples to drink from Your cup, the redemption of the whole human race, and You filled them with gladness; for You sacrificed yourself, saying, "Drink my blood, and you will be established by faith." 

Both now.

"Senseless is the man, that traitor among you," You foretold to Your disciples, O unresentful Lord. "He will not know these things; and being a fool, he will not understand. But you, abide in me, and you will be established by faith." 

Katavasia

Lord of all and Creator and God though You were, and as such impassible, yet You became poor and united our created nature to yourself. And You, the paschal lamb itself, offered yourself to those for whom You were to die, saying, "Eat my body, and you will be established by faith."

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: 

Amen.

Kathisma I. 1st Mode. The soldiers keeping watch.

The Lord, who made the lakes, and the springs and the oceans, * instructing us in finest humility, girded * himself with a towel and then He washed the Disciples' feet. * He was humble thus, in His surpassing compassion, * and He lifted us up from the pit of perdition, * for He alone loves mankind.

Glory. 3^rd Mode. Your confession.

You were humble in Your great compassion, * and You washed the feet of Your Disciples, * and by this You set them straight on the course of God. * Although refusing initially to be washed, * Peter submits and obeys the divine command, * and is washed by You. * And now he entreats You earnestly, * beseeching that You grant us Your great mercy. 

Both now. 4^th Mode. You appeared today.

Master, as You ate a meal * with Your Disciples, * You informed them mystically * of Your all-holy sacrifice, * by which You saved us from corruption. * We duly honor * Your ven'rable suffering.

Ode IV. Heirmos.

When Habakkuk the Prophet foresaw Your ineffable mystery, O Christ, he proclaimed prophetically: "You have shown a strong and mighty love, O compassionate Father; for You, O Good One, sent Your only-begotten Son to the world as an atoning sacrifice."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Voluntarily going to Your Passion, the source of dispassion for all of Adam's descendants, O Christ, You said to Your friends, "I have desired to share this Passover with you; for my Father sent me, His only-begotten Son, to the world as an atoning sacrifice."

Glory.

As You partook of the chalice, O Immortal One, You said to the Disciples, "I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine, as long as I am with you in this life; for my Father sent me, His only-begotten Son, to the world as an atoning sacrifice."

Both now.

"I tell you, in my kingdom, I will drink a new drink beyond description," Christ, You said to Your friends. "For then I shall be with you, God among gods; for my Father sent me, His only-begotten Son, to the world as an atoning sacrifice." 

Katavasia

When Habakkuk the Prophet foresaw Your ineffable mystery, O Christ, he proclaimed prophetically: "You have shown a strong and mighty love, O compassionate Father; for You, O Good One, sent Your only-begotten Son to the world as an atoning sacrifice." 

Ode V. Heirmos.

Once the Apostles were connected to each other with the bond of love, and had devoted themselves to Christ, the Master of all, then He washed their beautiful feet, so that they might preach to all the gospel of peace. (2)

Glory.

He who controls the lofty and uninhibited water in the ethereal sphere, and who bridles the abysses, and restrains the seas, the very Wisdom of God, now pours water into a basin, and the Master washes the feet of His servants. 

Both now.

The Master shows a model of humility to His Disciples. He, who wraps the sky in clouds, girds himself with a towel, and He bends the knee to wash the feet of His servants, He in whose hand is the breath of every being.

Katavasia

Once the Apostles were connected to each other with the bond of love, and had devoted themselves to Christ, the Master of all, then He washed their beautiful feet, so that they might preach to all the gospel of peace.

Ode VI. Heirmos.

The lowest depth of my sins has encircled me; and, no longer able to endure the storm, like Jonah I cry to You the Master, "Bring me up from corruption." (2)

Glory.

Savior, You cried out, "O Disciples, you call me Lord and Teacher, and you are right, for that is what I am. So imitate the example, and do as you have seen me do." 

Both now.

He who is not dirty does not need washing, not even of his feet. And you are clean, O my Disciples, but not all; for one of you is inclined to undisciplined insanity.

Katavasia

The lowest depth of my sins has encircled me; and, no longer able to endure the storm, like Jonah I cry to You the Master, "Bring me up from corruption."

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

After taking the bread into his hands the traitor secretly stretches them out and takes the price of the One who fashioned humankind with his own hands; and he remained unrepentant, Judas the slave and deceiver.

Oikos

As we all draw near with fear to the mystic table, let us receive the Bread with pure souls, remaining beside the Master that we may see how he washes the feet of the Disciples and dries them with the towel, and let us do as we have seen, being subject to one another and washing one another’s feet; for Christ himself so ordered his disciples, as he declared; but he did not listen, Judas the slave and deceiver.

Synaxarion from the Menaion, then:

On holy and great Thursday the godlike Fathers have arranged all things well and have handed on to us that we should celebrate in turn four events from the godlike Apostles and sacred Gospels: the sacred Washing, the mystical Supper (that is the handing on for us of the dread Mysteries), the transcendent Prayer and the Betrayal itself.

Verses for the Sacred Washing

At evening God washed the Disciples’ feet,

Whose foot once walked in Eden before dusk.

For the Mystical Supper

Double the Supper that Law’s Passover brings

And Passover new: the Master’s Body, Blood.

For the Transcendent Prayer

Prayer; and great terror, drops of blood,

O Christ, drop from your face, as pleading to

Escape from death, by this you deceive the deceiver.

For the Betrayal

Why swords and clubs, O deceivers of the people?

He is willing to die for the world's redemption.

In Your ineffable compassion, Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

1^st Choir:

The Canon. By Cosmas the Monk.

Ode VII. Plagal 2^nd Mode. Heirmos.

In Babylon those Servants did not cringe at the furnace fire; but when cast into the midst of the flames, they were refreshed and sang the hymn: "Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Nodding his head was Judas, premeditating, setting evils in motion, looking for an opportunity to betray the Judge to be convicted, though He is Lord of all and God of our fathers.

Glory.

"I tell you, my friends," said Christ to the Disciples, "one of you will betray me." Forgetting their gladness, they were gripped by anguish and sorrow. "Tell us, who is it?" they said, "O God of our fathers."

Both now.

"For him who in his presumption has dipped his hand in the dish with me, it would have been better if he had never been born at all." Thus was he identified by the God of our fathers.

Katavasia

In Babylon those Servants did not cringe at the furnace fire; but when cast into the midst of the flames, they were refreshed and sang the hymn: "Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers."

Ode VIII. Heirmos.

Braving all danger for their ancestral Laws, the blessed young men in Babylon spat disdainfully upon the king's unreasonable decree; and being joined to the fire, by which they were not consumed, they sang a hymn worthy of God the Ruler: "Sing a hymn to the Lord, all you works, and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages."

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Having devoted themselves to the Word in Zion, the Apostles and blessed banqueters followed close upon the Shepherd like sheep; and being joined to Christ, from whom they were separated not, they were fed the word of God and gratefully cried out: "Sing a hymn to the Lord, all you works, and 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.

Having willfully forgotten the law of friendship, the infamous Iscariot, whose feet You had just washed, prepared to betray You. And eating Your bread, Your divine body, he lifted up his heel against You, O Christ, and knew not to cry out: "Sing a hymn to the Lord, all you works, and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages."

Both now.

He took in his right hand the holy Body, the remedy for sin, and the divine Blood that was being poured out for the world, he who was devoid of conscience. And he was not ashamed to drink what he had sold for a price. He abhorred not the evil and knew not to cry out: "Sing a hymn to the Lord, all you works, and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages."

Katavasia

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Braving all danger for their ancestral Laws, the blessed young men in Babylon spat disdainfully upon the king's unreasonable decree; and being joined to the fire, by which they were not consumed, they sang a hymn worthy of God the Ruler: "Sing a hymn to the Lord, all you works, and 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.

Come, believers, let us enjoy the Master's hospitality and immortal table, in the upper room, that is, in elevated minds. And learning a sublime word from the Word, we magnify Him.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Logos said to His Disciples, "Go prepare the Passover meal for you, whom I initiate into the mysteries, in the upper room, where the mind is established, with the unleavened word of truth; and magnify the staff of grace."

Glory.

Before the ages, the Father begets me, creative wisdom. He created me, the beginning of His ways, for the works that now are being mystically accomplished. I say this, for though I am the Logos and by nature uncreated, I appropriate the speech of the humanity that I assumed.

Both now.

As I am human in essence, and not in mere appearance, so the nature united to me is divine, by way of exchange. Therefore recognize me to be one single Christ, preserving the properties of and in which natures I consist.

Katavasia

Come, believers, let us enjoy the Master's hospitality and immortal table, in the upper room, that is, in elevated minds. And learning a sublime word from the Word, we magnify Him.

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. 3^rd Mode. Automelon.

I see your bridal chamber; it is adorned, my Savior, and I have no wedding garment, that I may enter therein. Illumine the vesture of my soul, O Giver of Light, and save me. (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. 2^nd Mode.

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

In haste the council of the Jews assembles, to deliver the Fashioner and Creator of all to Pilate. O transgressors, O unbelievers! For they make ready to surrender unto judgment Him who comes to judge the living and the dead; they prepare the Passion of Him who heals the passions. Great is Your mercy, O longsuffering Lord: glory to You.

Sticheron II. 2^nd Mode.

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

Judas the transgressor at the supper dipped his hand into the dish with You, O Lord, yet sinfully he reached out his hands to receive the money. He reckoned up the value of the oil of myrrh, and yet was not afraid to sell You who are above all price. He stretched out his feet to be washed, yet deceitfully he kissed the Master and betrayed Him to the breakers of the Law. Cast out of the company of the apostles, he threw away the thirty pieces of silver, and did not see Your Resurrection on the third day. Through this Your Resurrection have mercy on us.

Sticheron III. 2^nd Mode. 

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

Judas the deceitful traitor, with a deceitful kiss betrayed the Lord and Savior; he sold the Master of all as a slave to the transgressors; the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, went as a sheep to the slaughter: for He alone is rich in mercy.

Sticheron IV. 2^nd Mode. 

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

Judas, servant and deceiver, disciple and traitor, friend and false accuser, was revealed by his deeds. For he followed the Master, yet inwardly he plotted to betray Him. He said in himself: “I shall deliver Him up and gain the money that is promised.” He desired the oil of myrrh to be sold and Jesus to be taken by deceit. He gave a kiss and handed over Christ; and the Lord went as a sheep to the slaughter, for He alone is compassionate and loves mankind.

From the Triodion. 2^nd Mode. 

Glory. Both now. 

The Lamb whom Isaiah proclaimed goes of His own will to the slaughter. He gives His back to scourging, and His cheeks to blows, and turns not away His face from the shame of their spitting; He is condemned to a disgraceful death. Though sinless, He accepts all these things willingly, that He may grant to all men resurrection from the dead.

Reader: 

Small Doxology

o you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.  We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory.  O Lord, heavenly King, God the Father almighty, O Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.  O 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.  Receive our prayer, you who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.  For you alone are holy, you alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.  Every day I will bless you, and I will praise your name forever, and to the ages of ages.   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.  Lord, I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.  For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light.  Continue your mercy to those who know you.  Grant, O Lord, that we may be kept this day without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen.  Let your mercy be upon us, O Lord, even as we have hoped in you.  Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes.  Blessed are you, O Master; grant me understanding of your statutes.  Blessed are you, O Holy One; enlighten me with your statutes.  Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not overlook the works of your hands.  To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you glory is due, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. 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. 

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.

2^nd Choir: 

Amen.

Aposticha. Plagal 4^th Mode.

Today the evil Sanhedrin has assembled against Christ and devised vain things against Him, plotting to deliver Him, though innocent, to Pilate to be put to death. Today Judas places round his neck the noose of money, and deprives himself of life both temporal and divine. Today Caiaphas prophesies against his will, saying: “It is expedient that one man should perish for the people.” He came to suffer for our sins, that He might set us free from the bondage of the enemy: for He is good and loves mankind.

1^st Verse: He who ate my bread dealt deceptively with me.

Today Judas lays aside his outward pretense of love for the poor, and openly displays his greed for money. No longer does he take thought for the needy. He offers now for sale, not the oil of myrrh brought by the sinful woman, but the Myrrh from heaven, and he takes the pieces of silver. He runs to the Jews and says to the transgressors: “What will you give me if I deliver Him up to you?” O avarice of the traitor! He reckons the sale profitable, and, agreeing with the wishes of the purchasers, he concludes the transaction. He does not dispute about the price but sells the Lord like a runaway slave; for it is the custom of thieves to throw away what is precious. So the disciple casts that which is holy to the dogs, and the madness of avarice fills him with fury against his own Master. Let us flee from such folly, and cry: O longsuffering Lord, glory to You.

2^nd Verse: He went forth and spoke the same. All my enemies whisper together against me; against me they devise evils for me.

Deceitful are your ways, lawless Judas: Sick with the love of money, you have come to hate mankind. If you loved riches, why become a disciple of Him who teaches poverty? But if your love is for Him, why sell the Lord that is above all price and hand Him over to be murdered? Tremble, O sun; groan, earth, and quaking cry aloud: O longsuffering Lord, glory to You.

3^rd Verse: They testify a lawless word against me, "Since he is asleep, will he rise up again?"

O you faithful, let none who is uninstructed in the Mystery draw near to the table of the Lord's Supper; let none approach deceitfully as Judas. For he received his portion, yet he betrayed the Bread. In outward appearance he was a disciple, yet in reality he was present as a murderer. He rejoiced with the Jews, though he sat at supper with the apostles. He kissed in hatred, and with his kiss he sold the God and Savior of our souls, who has redeemed us from the curse.

From the Triodion. Plagal 4^th Mode.

Glory.

Deceitful are your ways, lawless Judas: Sick with the love of money, you have come to hate mankind. If you loved riches, why become a disciple of Him who teaches poverty? But if your love is for Him, why sell the Lord that is above all price and hand Him over to be murdered? Tremble, O sun; groan, earth, and quaking cry aloud: O longsuffering Lord, glory to You.

From the Triodion. Plagal 1^st Mode.

Both now.

Instructing Your disciples in the Mystery, O Lord, You taught them; saying: 'My friends, take care that fear does not separate you from Me. For though I suffer, yet it is for the sake of the world. Do not be scandalized because of Me; for I have come not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give My life as a ransom for the world. If then you are My friends, you will do as I do. He who will be first, let him be [the] last; let the master be as the servant. Abide in Me, that you may bear fruit: for I am the vine of Life.'

Priest: 

It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth at night.

Trisagion Prayers

Reader: 

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory. Both now.

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. 

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

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.

Priest: 

For Thine is the Kingdom…

Choir: 

Amen. 

Troparion before the Prophecy. 3^rd Mode.

Lord, You were struck on behalf of the human race and were not enraged. Free our life from corruption and save us.

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

 

The Prophecy

Reader: 

Prokeimenon in the First Mode. The 82^nd Psalm.

Choir: 

Let the Nations know Your name is the Lord. (2)

Verse: O God, who can be likened to You?

Let the Nations know Your name is the Lord.

Reader: 

The reading is from the Prophecy of Jeremiah.

Priest: 

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

 

Reader: 

11:17-22, 12:1-5, 9-11, 14-15

Lord, teach me, and I will know. Then I saw their purpose. For I did not know I was like an innocent lamb led to be sacrificed. They plotted an evil device against me, saying, "Come, let us put wood in his bread, and destroy him root and branch from the land of the living, so his name might not be remembered any longer." But, O Lord, You who judge righteously, who tests minds and hearts, let me see Your vengeance on them, for I have revealed my righteous plea to You. Therefore thus says the Lord against the men of Anathoth, against those who seek my life, and who say, "Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord, lest you die by our hands"— "Behold, I will visit them. The young men shall die by the sword, and their sons and daughters shall die by famine. There shall be no remnant of them, for I will bring calamities on the inhabitants of Anathoth in the year of their visitation." O Lord, You are righteous, that I may plead my case with You, to speak to You concerning judgments. Why does the way of the ungodly prosper, and all who deal treacherously flourish? You planted them, and they took root. They bear children and are fruitful. You are near in their mouth, but far from their mind. But You, O Lord, know me. You have proven my heart before You. Set them apart for the day of slaughter. How long will the land mourn and the grass of the field wither, because of the vices of those who dwell in it? The cattle and the birds are destroyed, because they said, "God will not see our ways." "Your feet run and grow weary. Gather together all the wild beasts of the field and let them come to devour her. Many shepherds destroyed My vineyard and defiled My portion. They turned My pleasant portion into an impassable desert. It was made a complete ruin." For thus says the Lord: "Concerning all the evil neighbors who touch My inheritance, which I divided to My people Israel—behold, I shall draw them away from their land and will cast out Judah from their midst. Then it shall come to pass, after I cast them out, that I will return them and have mercy on them. I will settle them, each in his inheritance and each in his land."

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 we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the hierodeacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, our God. Glory to You. 

Reader: 

Glory. Both now. Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!

Priest: 

ay He who in the washing of the feet of His Disciples demonstrated the excellent way of humility through His surpassing goodness, even as far as condescending to the Cross and Grave, 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 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 [and save us].

Choir: Amen.