AT MATINS

The Anavathmi of the tone. 1st Antiphon.

After the first Psalter reading, Resurrection Kathismata. Tone 2.

Prokeimenon. Psalm 7.

Glory. Both now.

**Theotokion.**

Let us purify our senses, and we shall see Christ shining forth, in the unapproachable light of the resurrection, and we shall clearly hear him saying ‘Rejoice!’, as we sing the triumphal song.

2nd Antiphon.

By not preventing the gravestone from being sealed and by rising again, you granted to all the rock of the faith. Lord, glory to you!

Glory. Both now.

**Theotokion.**

Let the heavens as is fitting rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the whole world, both seen and unseen, keep the feast: for Christ has risen, our eternal joy.

3rd Antiphon.

Without emptying the most pure bosom in the highest, you accepted burial and resurrection on behalf of all. Lord, glory to you!

Glory. Both now.

Wholly beyond understanding, wholly glorious are your mysteries, Mother of God. sealed in purity and kept in virginity, you were known to be without deception a Mother who gave birth to the true God. Implore him that our souls may be saved.

Then the usual order of the Resurrection Gospel

After the 2nd Psalter reading, other Kathismata.

The Myrrhbearing women, having risen early and seen the grave empty, said to the Apostles, ‘The mighty one has destroyed corruption and snatched those in Hell from their bonds. Boldly proclaim that Christ God has risen, granting us his great mercy’.

Bringing the spices for your burial, the women came secretly at dawn to the grave, fearing the harshness of the Jews, and foreseeing that the soldiers would protect it; but the weaker nature defeated manliness, for their loving intent was well-pleasing to God. Fittingly therefore they cried, ‘Arise, Lord, help us, and deliver us for your name’s sake’.

You are highly glorified, Virgin Mother of God, and we sing your praise, for through the Cross of your Son Hell has been overthrown, death has died, we who were dead have risen and been granted life. We have received Paradise, our ancient delight. therefore with thanksgiving we glorify Christ our God as mighty and alone full of mercy.

After Psalm 118, the Evlogitaria and the Ypakoï. Tone 2.

The women coming to your grave after the Passion to anoint your body, Christ our God, saw Angels in the tomb and were amazed, for they heard from them the message, ‘The Lord has risen, granting the world his great mercy’.

I lift up the eyes of my heart to you in heaven, O Saviour. Save me by your radiance.

Have mercy, O my Christ, on us who fail you hour by hour in many ways, and give us the means to turn back to you in repentance before the end.

To the Holy Spirit belong kingship, sanctification and the guidance of creation; for he is God, consubstantial with the Father and the Word.

If the Lord was not among us, who could be kept safe from the one who is both foe and murderer?

Do not hand your servant over to their teeth, my Saviour. Like a lion they come against me, for they too are my foes.

To the Holy Spirit belong the source of life and honour, for, being God, he gives all creatures power and watches over them together in the Father through the Son.

Those who trust in the Lord are like the holy mountain; they are utterly unshaken by the assaults of Beliar.

Let not those who live for God stretch out their hands in lawlessness; for with his rod Christ forbids his lot.

By the Holy Spirit all wisdom flows forth, from which grace comes to the Apostles, the Martyrs are crowned for their struggles, and the Prophets see.

Rise up, O Lord my God, according to the decree which you enjoined:\* and an assembly of the peoples will surround you.

O Lord my God, I have hoped in you. Save me from all who pursue me and deliver me. ****

After Psalm 50, the Canons of Pascha with the Irmi to 4, of the Mother of God to 4 , and of the Myrrhbearers to 6 .

Paschal Canon. Tone 1. Ode 1.

The day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O peoples. Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha! for Christ God has brought us from death to life, and from earth to heaven, as we sing the triumphal song.