Aposticha stichera, in Tone VI: Spec. Mel.: “On the third day…”—

O earth, and ye that are above the earth, exult and rejoice! the Torrent of sweetness is baptized in the river, drying up the outpouring of malice; and He poureth forth divine remission.

Troparion of the Forefeast, in Tone IV—

Stichos: Therefore will I remember Thee from the land of Jordan and Hermoniem.

After “It is good to give thanks…”, Trisagion through Our Father…, Troparion. Litanies. Dismissal.

As the Bestower of light Jesus hath no need to be baptized, yet He cometh in the flesh to the streams of the Jordan, desiring to enlighten those who are in darkness. With fervor let us greet Him with faith!

Stichos: The waters saw Thee, O God, the waters saw Thee and were afraid.

Having assumed the guise of a servant, thou comest to be baptized by a servant, in the streams of the Jordan, O Christ, delivering us from bondage to the ancient sin, sanctifying and illumining us.

Glory…, Now & ever…, in Tone VI—

Let the wilderness of Jordan rejoice, and let it blossom like a lily; for therein hath been heard the voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!” For He Who set forth the mountains with a measure and the forested places with His scales, Who as God filleth all things, is baptized by a servant, granting rich gifts at the beginning of His impoverishment. Eve once heard: “In pain thou shalt give birth to children”; but now the Virgin hath heard: “Rejoice, O thou who art full of grace! The Lord is with thee, Who hath great mercy!”

Once, the River Jordan was turned back by the mantle of Elisha when Elijah was borne aloft, and the waters were parted on either side, and the path which before was wet became dry for him, as a true image of baptism, whereby we pass through the flow of life. Christ hath appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters.

Behold! the King, the Hope of Israel, hath arrived! Rejoice, O ye people, for the Light hath revealed Himself!

Stichos: Therefore will I remember Thee from the land of Jordan and Hermoniem.

Now hath the divine Light, having become visible in the flesh to those on earth, revealed Himself to those in darkness and shone forth grace upon all.

Stichos: The waters saw Thee, O God, the waters saw Thee and were afraid.

O prophet, friend of the Bridegroom, thou beacon of the Light and ray of the Sun, Forerunner of the Word: minister unto Him!

Glory…, Now & ever…, the composition of Anatolius, in Tone VIII—

“O John the baptist, who recognized Me, the Lamb, in My Mother’s womb, minister unto Me in the river, and offer worship unto Me with the angels. Stretching forth thy hand, touch Mine all-pure head with thy hand; and when thou beholdest the mountains trembling and Jordan turning back, cry aloud with them: O Lord Who becamest incarnate of the Virgin for our salvation, glory be to Thee!”