Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV
One canon from the Octoechos, with 4 troparia, including the irmos; the canon of the Cross, with 6 troparia; and that of the Maccabees with 4 troparia. But if this feast fall on a Saturday, and if the temple be dedicated to Christ or the Theotokos, we chant the canon of the temple, with 4 troparia, including the irmos; and the canons of the Cross and Maccabees as above.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone VI—
The usual kathismata; and the sessional hymns from the Octoechos.
On “God is the Lord…”: the troparion of the Cross, twice; Glory…, that of the Maccabees; Now & ever…, that of the Cross, once.
The canon of the feast, with 8 troparia, the irmos being chanted twice; and the canon of the precious Cross, with 6 troparia.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone VI—
No sooner was the tree of Thy Cross planted, O Christ our Lord, than the foundations of death were shaken. That which hades swallowed greedily it spewed forth, trembling. Thou hast revealed to us Thy salvation, O Holy One, and we glorify Thee. O Son of God, have mercy upon us!
On “God is the Lord…”: the first troparion of the feast, twice; Glory…, the second troparion of the feast; Now & ever…, the troparion of the Cross.
After the Polyeleos, this sessional hymn, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “That which was mystically commanded…”—
Glory…, Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.
Today the words of the prophet have been fulfilled! For, behold! we bow down before the place where Thy feet stood, O Lord, and, receiving the Tree of salvation, we have achieved liberation from sinful passions through the supplications of the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
Glory…, Now & ever: The foregoing is repeated.
Polyeleos, and this magnification—
We magnify Thee, O Christ, Bestower of life, and we honor Thy holy Cross, whereby Thou hast saved us from slavery to the enemy.
Selected Psalm verses—
A Judge them, O God, that do me injustice; war against those who war against me. [Ps. 34: 1]
B Take hold of weapon and shield, and arise unto my help. [Ps. 34: 2]
A The light of Thy countenance, O Lord, hath been signed upon us. [Ps. 4: 7]
B As with a shield of Thy good pleasure hast Thou crowned us. [Ps. 5: 13]
A Thou hast given a sign unto those who fear Thee, that they may flee from before the face of thy bow. [Ps. 59: 6]
B That we may know upon the earth Thy way, among the nations Thy salvation. [Ps. 66: 3]
A All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. [Ps. 97: 3]
B Let us worship at the place where His feet have stood. [Ps. 131: 7]
A Then shall all the trees of the forest rejoice. [Ps. 95: 12]
B God is our king before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the midst of the earth. [Ps. 73: 12]
A Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet; for it is holy. [Ps. 98: 5]
B Let God, our God, bless us; let God bless us. [Ps. 66: 7-8]
A Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. [Ps. 27: 9]
B Shepherd them and bear them up unto eternity. [Ps. 27: 9]
Glory…, Now & ever…
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, our God. Thrice
Of old, in paradise, a tree stripped me naked, the enemy bringing about mortality through eating; but the tree of the Cross, bearing for men the vesture of life, hath been planted in the ground, and the whole world hath been filled with all manner of joy. Beholding it uplifted, O ye people, let us cry out to God together: Fill Thou Thy house with glory!
Glory…, Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.
Prokimenon, in Tone IV—
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Stichos: O sing unto the Lord a new song, for the Lord hath wrought wondrous things.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
Gospel according to St. John, §42
from the midpoint [Jn 12:28-36]
The Lord said: “Father, glorify Thy name.” Then came there a voice from heaven, saying: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said: “An angel spake to Him.” Jesus answered and said: “This voice came not because of Me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” This He said, signifying what death He should die. The people answered Him: “We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest Thou, ‘The Son of man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of man?” Then Jesus said unto them: “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.”
Then, “Having beheld the resurrection of Christ…”
And after Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI—
O Cross of Christ, hope of Christians, guide of the lost, haven of the tempest-tossed, victory amid battles, confirmation of the whole world, physician of the ill, resurrection of the dead: Have mercy upon us!
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.