Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV
After the first chanting of the psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Joseph marvelled…”—
Revealing the human form of Thy second and awesome coming with Thy glory, O Savior, Thou wast transfigured on Mount Tabor. Elijah and Moses conversed with Thee, and Thy three disciples were summoned to behold Thy glory, O Master, and marvelled at Thy radiance. O Thou Who then shone forth Thy light upon them, illumine our souls!
On “God is the Lord…”, the troparion of the feast, thrice.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in the same tone & melody—
Glory…, Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.
Two canons, each with 6 troparia:
After the Polyeleos, this sessional hymn, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Having been lifted up…”—
Thou wast transfigured on Mount Tabor, O Jesus, and a radiant cloud, stretching forth like a shadow, covered the apostles with glory. Wherefore, they fell face down upon the ground, unable to bear the sight of the splendor of the unapproachable glory of Thy countenance, O unoriginate Savior. O Christ our God, Who then shone forth Thy light upon them, illumine Thou our souls!
Glory…, Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.
Polyeleos, and this magnification—
We magnify Thee, O Christ Bestower of light, and we honor the all-glorious transfiguration of Thine all-pure flesh.
Selected Psalm verses—
A Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in His holy mountain. [Ps. 47: 2]
B The Lord lifteth up the meek, but humbleth sinners to the earth. [Ps. 146: 6]
A Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? [Ps. 23: 3]
B O Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? [Ps. 14: 1]
A And who shall dwell in Thy holy mountain? [Ps. 14: 1]
B O send out Thy light and Thy truth. [Ps. 42: 3]
A Thou shinest wondrously from the everlasting mountains. [Ps. 75: 5]
B The world and the fullness thereof hast Thou founded. [Ps. 88: 12]
A Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy name. [Ps. 88: 13]
B O Lord, in the light of Thy face shall they walk. [Ps. 88: 16]
A And in Thy name shall they rejoice all the day long. [Ps. 88: 16]
B And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, from henceforth and for evermore. [cf. Ps. 28: 17]
Glory…, Now & ever…
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Glory to Thee, O God! Thrice
Moses and Elijah stood before Thee when Thou didst ascend the mountain with the disciples and shine forth in the glory of the Father: for the law and the prophets serve God; and the Father, declaring Christ’s essential Sonship, called Him His Son. Him do we hymn with Thee and the Spirit.
Prokimenon, in Tone IV—
Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy name.
Stichos: Thine are the heavens, and Thine is the earth.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
Gospel according to Luke, § 45 [Lk. 9: 28-36]
At that time, Jesus took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elijah: Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with Him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw His glory, and the two men that stood with Him. And it came to pass, as they departed from Him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear Him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
After Psalm 50—
Glory…: All things have been filled with joy today! Christ hath been transfigured before His disciples.
Now & ever…: All things have been filled with joy today! Christ hath been transfigured before His disciples.
Have mercy on me, O God…
Sticheron idiomelon, in Tone V—
Disclosing a little of the radiance of Thy divinity to those who ascended the mountain with Thee, O Savior, Thou didst make them lovers of Thy supernatural glory; wherefore, they cried out in awe: “It is good for us to be here!” And with them we also hymn Thee forever: Christ the transfigured Savior.
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.