Canon of Intercession to the Holy and Great Martyr

The appointed exapostilarion o f the Resurrection , and then:

end we sing as katavasia the irmos of the second three-canticled

Theodore the Recruit

( Katavasia ) I shall o p en m y m o u th and th e S p irit w ill in sp ire it, and I shall u tte r the w o rd s o f m y so ng to th e Q u e e n and M o t h e r : I shall b e seen rad ian tly k e e p in g feast and jo y fu lly p raisin g h e r w o n d e rs .

Second Kontakion

prayer, fasting, almsgiving. Divorced from prayer and from the re­ ception Of the holy sacraments, unaccompanied by acts of com­ passion, our fasting becomes pharisaical or even demonic. It leads, not to contrition and joyfulness, but to pride, inward tension and irritability. The link between prayer and fasting is rightly indicated by Father Alexander Elchaninov. A critic of fasting says to him: ‘ Our work suffers and we become irritable. . . . I have never seen servants [in pre-revolutionary Russia] so bad tempered as during the last days of Holy Week. Clearly, fasting has a very bad effect on the nerves.’ To this Father Alexander replies: ‘ You are quite right. . . . If it is not accompanied by prayer and an increased spiritual life, it

Then we say To Thee is clue glory, O Lord our God. . . .followed by

Sessional Hymn

Each day we use: (i) the Canon to the saint of the day from the Menaion, which has eight Canticles in the usual way; and (ii) the two Canons from the Triodion, the first by Joseph and the second by Theodore, which generally have three Canticles (but on Satur­ days12 there are four). These three- or four-canticled Canons each contain every day the eighth and ninth Canticles, while the opening Canticle or Canticles vary according to what day of the week it is :

parion if necessary; and then we use eight troparia from the two three-canticled Canons in the Triodion. Before each troparion we say a verse from the Benedictus. Then Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee; troparion in the Triodion; irmos of the second threecanticled Canon; and finally Truly it is right to call thee blessed. . . .2

Another Exapostilarion I have w asted and sp en t all T h y rich e s, O L o r d , and in m y m ise ry have b e c o m e the servan t o f th e e v il d em o n s. B u t, co m p assion ate S a v io u r, take p ity o n the P ro d ig a l, cleanse m e fro m filth, and g iv e m e b ack o n c e m o re th e ro b e o f T h y K in g d o m . B o th n o w . . . .

We use four troparia (including the irmos) from the Canon of the

times o f the year. To avoid confusion, w c shall follow the Greek practice, reserving the name ‘ Triodion’ to the volume for the Lenten period, and always referring to the volume for the period after Easter by the title ‘ Pentekostarion’ .

the priest; and then again the kontakion. Then we say Holy God. . . , etc., the

(9) Anon., The Orthodox Prayer Book (‘ Russian Day’ Committee,

Priest: Blessed be He who is, Christ our God . . . .

Sessional Hymn

the Magnificat is as usual sung in full.

with six troparia, and then the two four-canticled Canons from the Triodion with eight troparia, followed by two additional troparia, to the martyrs and for the dead. We do not read the Biblical 15 But if the dedication of the church is to Christ or the Mother of God, we first use the Canon to the patron saint with six troparia (including the irmos) and then the Canon from the Menaion with four.

Exapostilarion O Thou who hast authority as God over both the living and the dead, give rest to Thy servants in the dwelling-place of the elect, for though they have sinned, O Saviour, yet they did not turn away from Thee. Glory be to the Father. . . . Give rest to Thy servants, O Lord, in the land of the living from which pain, sorrow and sighing have fled away. In Thy love for man­ kind be merciful to the sins that they committed in this life: for Thou alone art sinless and merciful, O Master of the dead and the living. Both now. . . .

(Irmos) C ro ssin g th e deep on fo o t. . . . T h r o u g h p arables lead in g all m an kin d

visible and invisible’ , in the words of the Triodion;3 and our ascetic lasting should therefore involve both these natures at once. The tendency to over-emphasize external rules about food in a legalistic way, and the opposite tendency to scorn these rules as outdated and unnecessary, are both alike to be deplored as a betrayal of true Orthodoxy. In both cases the proper balance between the outward and the inward has been impaired.

(Katavasia) T h e

Lord’s Prayer, the kontakion To thee, our leader in battle. . . (read, not sung), and

(10) Anon. [Archimandrite Lazarus Moore], Prayer Book (Holy

Then we say O heavenly King, uphold our rulers . . . .

Sessional Hymn

In detail the arrangements are as follow s:

Theotokion B e sw ift to re c e iv e o u r p ra y e rs, O L a d y , and b r in g th em to thy So n and G o d , all-blam eless Q u e e n . D e liv e r fro m trib u latio n those th at ru n to th ee. C ru sh th e d e v ice s and cast d o w n the im p u d e n ce o f th e go d less w h o a tta ck th y servants.

Canticles in full, but with the troparia of the four-canticled Canons we use the last six verses of the appropriate Biblical Canticle. Be­ fore the troparia of the Canon in the Menaion we say, Holy St. . . . , pray to Godjor us.

The appointed exapostilarion o f the Resurrection, and then:

The second tendency is doubtless the more prevalent in our own

(Katavasia) L e t e v e ry m o rta l b o rn on earth , radiant w it h lig h t, in sp irit leap fo r j o y ; and let th e hosts o f the a n gelic p o w e rs c e le b ra te and h o n o u r th e h o ly feast o f th e M o th e r o f G o d , and let th em c r y : H a il! P u re and blessed e v e r -V ir g in , w h o g avest b irth to G o d .

Kontakion Two

The Small Litany o f the Dead.

then the Prayer o f St. Ephraim again, with one prostration at the end. Then the First Hour.

Sessional Hymn

Lauds . Four stichera o f the Resurrection in the Tone o f the week, fro m the Octoechos, and then the fo llo w in g fo u r stichera fr o m the Triodion:

Theotokion O V ir g in , w h o hast b o rn e th e L ig h t that no man can ap p ro ach , w it h th y lig h t-g iv in g rad ian ce disp erse th e darkness o f m y s o u l : take m e b y the hand and g u id e m y life into th e paths o f salvatio n . ( Katavasia) P e rc e iv in g

Resurrection , two troparia fro m the Canon of the Cross and the Resurrec­ tion, two troparia fr o m the Canon to the Theotokos, a ll in the Tone o f the week fr o m the Octoechos; and then the Canon o f the Triodion with six troparia , by George .

F a th e r . . . ; a n d then the exapostilarion o f the sain t:

(Irmos) I en tre a t T h e e , g ra c io u s L o rd . . . . L e t us m ake haste to fo llo w th e P h arisee in his v irtu e s and to em ulate th e P u b lican in his h u m ility , and le t us hate w h a t is w r o n g in each o f th e m : foo lish p rid e and th e d efilem en t o f transgressions. T h e righ teousn ess o f th e P h arisee p ro v e d all in vain and w as c o n ­ d em n ed , fo r it w as y o k e d to p r id e ; bu t the P u b lican gained h u m ility , w h ic h is co m p a n io n to th e v irtu e w h ic h exalts m e n o n h ig h . T h e P h arisee th o u g h t to d riv e s w iftly in th e c h a rio t o f th e v ir t u e s ; but the P u b lican o u tran him on fo o t, fo r he had y o k e d h u m ility w ith

day, especially in the West. Until the fourteenth century, most Western Christians, in common with their brethren in the Ortho­ dox East, abstained during Lent not only from meat but from animal products, such as eggs, milk, butter and cheese. In East and West alike, the Lenten fast involved a severe physical effort. But in Western Christendom over the past five hundred years, the physical requirements o f fasting have been steadily reduced, until by now they are little more than symbolic. How many, one wonders, of those who eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday are aware o f the original reason for this custom - to use up any remaining eggs and butter before the Lenten fast begins? Exposed as it is to Western secular­

Kontakion Three

The usual Small Litany.

Then we read Psalm 5 0 , and the priest censes the kolyva. Next we begin

Another Sessional Hymn, o f the Saint:

Theotokion O lo v in g V ir g in , unto all o f us w h o flee to th ee fo r re fu g e , gran t a staff o f s tr e n g t h : g iv e us v ic t o r y in the m id st o f all o u r e n em ies and d e liv e r us fro m e v e ry h u rt. ( Katavasia) T h e w h o le w o r ld w as am azed at th y d ivin e g l o r y : fo r th o u , O V ir g in w h o hast n o t k n o w n w e d lo c k , hast held in th y w o m b th e G o d o f all, and hast g iv e n b irth to an e tern al So n , w h o re w a rd s w ith salvation all w h o sin g th y p raises.

The appointed exapostilarion o f the Resurrection; G lo r y

(Irmos) W h e n I beh o ld th e s w e llin g sea o f life. . . . T h e P u b lican and th e P h arisee ran the ra c e o f life to g e th e r, b u t th e one w a s o v e rc o m e b y fo o lish p rid e and b ro u g h t to sham eful sh ip ­ w r e c k , w h ile th e o th e r w as saved b y h u m ility . C h an g in g to a righ teo u s c o u rse o f life , le t us e m u late th e w isd o m o f th e P u b lican and flee fro m th e h ateful c o n c e it o f th e P h a r is e e ; and so le t us attain to life. L e t us e a g e rly fo llo w

ism, the Orthodox world in our own time is also beginning to follow the same path of laxity. One reason for this decline in fasting is surely a heretical attitude lowards human nature, a false ‘ spiritualism’ which rejects or ignores (he body, viewing man solely in terms of his reasoning brain. As a result, many contemporary Christians have lost a true vision of man as an integral unity of the visible and the invisible; they neglect the positive role played by the body in the spiritual life, forgetting St. Paul’s affirmation: ‘ Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. . . . glorify God with your body’ (i Cor. 6 : 19-20). Another reason for Ihe decline in fasting among Orthodox is the argument, commonly

Kontakion Four

The usual Litany, Let us complete our morning prayer to the

Sessional Hymn

( Irmos) A n angel m ade th e fu rn ace m o ist w it h d e w . . . . T h e P h arisee, e x a lte d b y the w o r k s o f ju stifica tio n , w as g rie v o u sly ensnared in the nets o f v a in g lo ry th ro u g h his w ild b o a s tin g ; b u t th e P u b lican w as lifte d on th e lig h t w in g o f h u m ility and h e d r e w n e a r to God. T h e P u b lican used h u m ility as a lad d er and w a s raised to th e h e ig h t o f h e a v e n ; b u t th e w r e tc h e d P h arisee w a s lifte d on th e ro tte n em ptiness o f p rid e and fe ll into th e snare o f h e ll. T h e c ra fty e n e m y lies in w a it fo r th e rig h te o u s and desp oils th em th ro u g h v a in g lo ry , w h ile h e bin ds sinners fast in th e n o o se o f des­

advanced in our times, that the traditional rules are no longer possible today. These rules presuppose, so it is urged, a closely organized, non-pluralistic Christian society, following an agricul­ tural way o f life that is now increasingly a thing of the past. There is ft measure of truth in this. But it needs also to be said that fasting, as traditionally practised in the Church, has always been difficult and lift* always involved hardship. Many of our contemporaries are willing 1 11 Vespers for Saturday of the Dead.

Kontakion Five

the Small Doxology (read, not sung)11 and the Litany, Let us complete

Then we sing Blessed be th e N a m e o f the L o rd . . . , and we read Psalm 33, followed as usual by the Dismissal·

Another Sessional Hymn, ofthe Saint:

The appointed exapostilarion o f the Resurrection; Glory be to the

(Irmos) T h o u hast m ad e d e w fall fr o m th e flam es. . . . T h e P u b lican gro an ed alo u d , and h e found th e L o r d m e rc ifu l to h im in his h u m ility and w as s a v e d ; b u t th e P h arisee th ro u gh his evil b o astin g fe ll fro m righ teo u sn ess.

to fast for reasons o f health or beauty, in order to lose w eight; can­ not we Christians do as much for the sake of the heavenly Kingdom? Why should the self-denial gladly accepted by previous generations of Orthodox prove such an intolerable burden to their successors today? Once St. Seraphim of Sarov was asked why the miracles of grace, so abundantly manifest in the past, were no longer apparent in his own day, and to this he replied: O n ly one thing is lacking - a firm resolve’ .4

Kontakion Six

our morning prayer to the Lord. . . . Then the Aposticha:

Then the power of the Most High overshadowed her that knew not wedlock, so that she might conceive: and He made her fruitful womb as a fertile field for all who long to reap the harvest of salva­ tion, singing: Alleluia! Ikos Three Bearing God within her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elisabeth; whose unborn child, knowing at once the salutation of the Theo­ tokos, rejoiced and, leaping up as if in song, cried out to her: Hail, vine whence springs a never-withering branch: Hail, orchard of pure fruit. Hail, for thou tendest the Husbandman who loves mankind: Hail, for thou hast borne the Gardener who cultivates our life. Hail, earth yielding a rich harvest of compassion: Hail, table laden with mercy in abundance.

the world. . . , the sessional hymn Gabriel stood amazed. . . , and the concluding

TO NE TH REE

Theotokion W e h o n o u r th ee, a ll-p u re V ir g in , and w e m ag n ify th y c h ild ­ b e a rin g : gran t us w o rth ily to p raise and bless and g lo rify th e e , fo r th ou alo ne a rt b lessed . T h o u a rt th e boast o f C h ristian s and an in te r­ ce sso r a cce p ta b le to G o d .

Father . . . ; and then the exapostilarion o f the saint: Thee we have as a pattern of repentance, all-holy M ary; pray to Christ that in the season of the Fast this gift may be conferred upon us: to praise thee in our hymns with faith and love. Both now . . . . Theotokion O sweetness of the angels, joy of the afflicted, advocate of Christians, Virgin Mother of the Lord, help me and deliver me from eternal torment. Lauds. We sing eight stichera of the Resurrection in the Tone of the week from the Octoechos, and then:

We use fo u r troparia ( including the irmos) fro m

The primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious o f our depen­

Kontakion Seven

The Prayer o f St. Ephraim, with three prostrations; then twelve bows;

Then we sing in TONE 0 N £ , H o ly is the L o r d o u r G o d (ithree times). Exapostilarion A t T h y w o r d , O W o r d o f G o d , Lazarus n o w leaps u p , re tu rn in g back to l i f e ; th e p e o p le h o n o u r T h e e w ith p alm s, O m ig h ty L o r d , fo r b y T h y death T h o u shalt d e stro y h e ll u tte rly

Sessional Hymn

Theotokion T h e M a k e r o f c re a tio n and the G o d o f all to o k m o rtal flesh from thine undefiled w o m b , O T h e o to k o s w o rth y o f all praise, and l i e

P u b lic a n

* 5* Exapostilarion, TONE TWO: Holy is the Lord our God. TAis is repeated three times, cw at Mattins on Sunday.51 Lauds. Four stichera are sung:

dence upon God. If practised seriously, the Lenten abstinence from food - particularly in the opening days —involves a considerable measure of real hunger, and also a feeling of tiredness and physical exhaustion.

flesh, and in thee He has spiritually made our nature godlike.14 (Katavasia) O Thou who in the beginning hast laid the founda­ tions of the earth and established the heavens by Thy word, blessed art Thou unto all ages, O Lord God of our fathers.

Kontakion Eight

the prayer of all Christians who call thee blessed for ever.

Then we sing the three-canticled Canon by St. Kosmas. In each canticle,

Sessional Hymn

Theotokion M o st blessed a rt th o u , O V ir g in T h e o to k o s . . .

h u m ility .

(Irmos) O G o d , the husbandm an o f all go o d tre e s. . . . U tte r ly b esid e m yself, I have clu n g in m adness to the sins su g­ g e ste d to m e b y th e passions. B ut a c c e p t m e , O

The purpose o f this is to lead us in turn to a sense of inward broken­

Kontakion Nine

the prayer of all Christians who call thee blessed for ever.

the choir sings:

Sessional Hymn

( Irmos) F o re se e in g T h y b irth fro m a V ir g in , . . . T h e w e a lth o f blessings w h ich T h o u gavest m e , h eaven ly F a th e r, have I w r o n g ly w a ste d and b e c o m e the slave o f stran gers. T h e r e fo r e I c ry aloud to T h e e : I have sinned against T h e e ; re c e iv e m e lik e the P ro d igal o f o ld , o p e n in g T h in e arm s to m e . I have b e c o m e enslaved to e v e ry evil and in m y w re tch e d n e ss I have b o w e d d o w n b efo re the dem o ns that p ro v o k e the p assio n s; th ro u gh h eedlessness I have lost possession o f m y se lf. O S a v io u r, h eaven ly F ath er, take p ity on m e as I flee fo r re fu g e to T h y m an y m e rcie s.

ness and contrition; to bring us, that is, to the point where we appreciate the full force of Christ’s statement, ‘Without Me you can do nothing’ (John ig : g). If we always take our fill of food and drink, we easily grow over-confident in our own abilities, acquiring a false sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency. The observance of a physical fast undermines this sinful complacency. Stripping from us

Kontakion Ten

the rest of Small Compline, concluding with the Litany Let us pray f o r the peace o f

Then the reader says Holy God. . . , etc., and the troparionfor Great

Theotokion O fair am o n g w o m e n , m y m an y sins have b ro u g h t m e to p o v e r t y : e n rich m e , O p u re V ir g in , w ith th e vision o f b e a u ty , that I m ay g lo rify th ee. ( Katavasia ) O G o d , the husbandm an o f all g o o d trees and fru it, m ak e fru itfu l m y b a rre n m ind in T h y com p assio n .

(Irmos) T h e n ig h t is far sp en t. . . . I w as enslaved to stran gers, an e x ile in th e land o f c o rru p tio n , and I w as filled w ith sh am e. B u t n o w I re tu rn , m e rc ifu l L o rd , and c r y to T h e e : I have sinned. A c c e p t m e n o w , O h eaven ly F a th e r, in T h y fath e rly com p assion as I re tu rn fro m

the specious assurance of the Pharisee - who fasted, it is true, but

Kontakion Eleven

Small Litany, with the exclamation: F o r T h o u a rt th e K in g o f p e a ce and S a v io u r o f o u r souls, and to T h e e w e a scrib e g lo r y , F a th e r, So n and H o ly S p irit, n o w and e v e r, and to th e ages o f ages. A m e n .

Theotokion O p u re T h e o to k o s V ir g in w h o hast n o t k n o w n m an , th ou art the o n ly guardian and p ro te c tio n o f the fa ith fu l: d e liv e r fro m danger and a fflictio n and distress all w h o have put th e ir hope in th ee, O M aid en , and save o u r souls bv thv d ivin e in tercessio n .

TO NE FO U R

( Irmos) I am h e ld fast, Sa v io u r, in the dep th o f sins. . . . T h e d e p th o f sin e v e r h o ld s m e fast, and th e te m p e st o f trans­ gressio n s o v e rw h e lm s m e . P ilo t m e , O C h ris t m y G o d , to th e haven o f life and save m e , K in g o f g lo ry . I h ave w a ste d in evil liv in g th e rich e s w h ic h th e F a th e r gave m e, and n o w am b ro u g h t to p o v e r ty . I am filled w it h sham e and en­ slaved to fru itless th o ugh ts. T h e r e fo r e I c r y to T h e e w h o lovest m a n k in d : T a k e p ity o n m e and save m e . I am w a ste d w it h h u n g e r, d e p riv e d o f e v e ry b lessin g, and an e x ile fro m T h y p re se n ce ,

not in the right spirit - Lenten abstinence gives us the saving self­ dissatisfaction of the Publican (Luke 1 8 : 10 - 13 ) . Such is the func­ tion of the hunger and the tiredness: to make us ‘poor in spirit’ , aware of our helplessness and of our dependence on God’s aid. Yet it would be misleading to speak only of this element of weariness and hunger. Abstinence leads, not merely to this, but also to a sense of lightness, wakefulness, freedom and joy. Even if the fast proves debilitating at first, afterwards we find that it enables us to sleep less, to think more clearly, and to work more decisively. As many doctors acknowledge, periodical fasts contribute to bodily hygiene. While involving genuine self-denial, fasting does not seek

(Katavasia) O

Kontakion Twelve

Theotokion T h o u a rt th e help o f m en , th e sure h o p e o f all C h ristia n s, O V irg in

to do violence to our body but rather to restore it to health and equilibrium. Most of us in the Western world habitually eat more than we need. Fasting liberates our body from the burden of exces­ sive weight and makes it a willing partner in the task of prayer, alert and responsive to the voice of the Spirit. It will be noted that in common Orthodox usage the word? 4 See V . Lossky, The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church (London, 19 5 7 ), p. 2 16 .

( Katavasia) I shall o p e n m y m o u th . . . . 8

Kontakion Thirteen

Great D oxology , the two Litanies , and the Dismissal.

(Irmos) L e t us p raise H im w h o , in th e bush o f o ld . . . . 0 T h o u w h o in g re a t m e rc y hast c o m e d o w n upon earth to save th e w o r ld th ro u g h T h y v o lu n ta ry p o v e rty , in T h y com p assion save m e , fo r I am p o o r in all g o o d w o rk s . 1 have

‘ lasting* and ‘abstinence* are employed interchangeably. Prior to

divine Manna, and she has become a surety before God for sinners.14 (Katavasia) The whole world was amazed . . . .

Lauds. Five stichera of'th e Resurrection in the Tone of the week, fro m the Octoechos, and then the fo llo w in g three stichera from the Triodion:

Theotokion O M aid en w h o hast c o n c e iv e d

the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church made a

(Katavasia) As we celebrate this sacred and solemn feast . . . .

h u m ility scatters a m u ltitu d e o f passions. G ra n t th en th at w e m ay seek h u m ility , ( ) S a v io u r, and do T h o u b e s to w u p o n us th e p o rtio n o f th e P u b lican . A s th e P u b lican le t us also b e a t o u r breasts and c r y o u t in c o m ­ p u n c tio n , ‘ G o d b e m e rc ifu l u n to us sin n e rs’ , th at lik e h im w e m ay re c e iv e forgiven ess. O y e faith fu l, le t us in crease in zeal and m eek n ess, and le t us pass o u r days in h u m ility , w ith c rie s o f s o r r o w fro m o u r h e a rt and w e e p ­ ing and p ra y e r, that w e m ay re c e iv e forgiven ess fro m G o d . L e t us cast a w a y , y e faith fu l, the s w o lle n b o astin g and e v il fo lly o f

(Irmos) O y e p e o p le , le t us raise a so ng. . . . G o d is w o n d e r fu l in H is saints, th e G o d o f Israel. A s w e c e le b ra te to d a y th e m e m o r y o f th e dead fro m th e b e g in ­ n in g, le t us all e n tre a t C h r is t to d e liv e r fro m th e eve rla stin g fire th ose w h o h ave fallen asleep in faith and in th e h o p e o f etern al life . G iv e re s t, O L o r d , to th e souls o f T h y d e p a rte d servan ts.

dear distinction between the two term s: abstinence concerned the types of food eaten, irrespective of quantity, whereas fasting signi­ fied a limitation on the number of meals or on the amount of food that could be taken. Thus on certain days both abstinence and fasting were required; alternatively, the one might be prescribed but not the other. In the Orthodox Church a clear-cut distinction is not made between the two words. During Lent there is frequently a limitation on the number of meals eaten each day,5 but when a meal Is permitted there is no restriction on the amount of food allowed.

(Katavasia) Let every mortal born on earth . . . .

the P h arisee, his loath so m e p rid e and w ic k e d c ru e lty hateful to G o d .

The Fathers simply state, as a guiding principle, that we should

(Katavasia) O

Theotokion I p ra y th ee, V ir g in , th ro u gh th y lig h t-g iv in g in te rce ssio n s e n ­ ligh ten th e eyes o f m y m in d d ark en ed b y e v il, and lead m e in to th e paths o f re p e n ta n ce . So shall I sing th y p raises as is r i g h t : fo r th o u hast g iv e n flesh to the W o r d that is b e yo n d all sp e e ch .

(Katavctsia) O

never eat to satiety but always rise from the table feeling that we could have taken more and that we are now ready for prayer. If it is important not to overlook the physical requirements of lasting, it is even more important not to overlook its inward signi­ ficance. Fasting is not a mere matter of diet. It is moral as well as physical. True fasting is to be converted in heart and w ill; it is to return to God, to come home like the Prodigal to our Father*s house. In the words of St. John Chrysostom, it means ‘abstinence not only from food but from sins’ . ‘The fast’ , he insists, ‘should be kept not by the mouth alone but also by the eye, the ear, the feet, llie hands and all the members of the body’ : the eye must abstain

from impure sights, the ear from malicious gossip, the hands from acts of injustice.6 It is useless to fast from food, protests St. Basil, and yet to indulge in cruel criticism and slander: ‘ You do not eat meat, but you devour your brother’ .7 The same point is made in the Triodion, especially during the first week of Lent: As we fast from food, let us abstain also from every passion. . . . Let us observe a fast acceptable and pleasing to the Lord. True fasting is to put away all evil, To control the tongue, to forbear from anger, To abstain from lust, slander, falsehood and perjury. If we renounce these things, then is our fasting true and acceptable to God. fl I'or details, see below, pp. 3£-6.

Homilies on the Statues, iii, 3 - 4 (P .G . [Patrologia Graeca] xlix, £ 1 - 3 ) . * Homilies on Fastingf i, 10 (P .G . xxxi, i 8 ib ).

TO NE FO U R

TONE FOUR

(Irmos) Held fast by many sins. . . . Author of Life, by Thy Passion Thou hast loosed the pains of death: give rest, our God, to Thy servants who have fallen asleep from the beginning o f time. To those whom in Thy ineffable providence Thou hast permitted to be killed by drugs or poison, or through choking on bones, give rest, O Lord, with Thy saints. 8 Isa. 6 6 : 2 4 ; Matt. 8 : 1 2 ; M ark 9 : 4 4 .

Let us keep the Fast not only by refraining from food, But by becoming strangers to all the bodily passions.8

(Irmos) O Thou who in the beginning. . . . Celebrating the memory o f those who from the beginning have died in the true faith, we cry aloud: Blessed art Thou unto all ages, O Lord God o f our fathers. Give rest, O God, to the faithful that have fallen asleep, who perished suddenly, struck by some weapon o f iron, wood or stone. At Thy dread coming, O merciful Christ, place with the sheep at Thy right hand all those who in this life served Thee in the true Orthodox faith, and have now departed to Thee.18 Grant to Thy servants, O Christ, a place in the choir o f Thine elect, that they may cry aloud to T h ee: Blessed art Thou unto all ages, O Lord God of our fathers. Thou hast fashioned our clay from the dust of the earth, O m erci­

The inner significance of fasting is best summed up in the triad:

(Psalm 9 : 2 ) .

(Irmos) Glorified in the holy mountain. . . . Thou hast destroyed the shadow o f death and shone forth from

merely leads to a heightened state of irritability. It is natural that servants who took their fasting seriously and who were forced to work hard during Lent, while not being allowed to go to church, were angry and irritable.’ 9 Fasting, then, is valueless or even harmful when not combined with prayer. In the Gospels the devil is cast out, not by fasting alone, but by ‘prayer and fasting’ (Matt. 17 : 2 1 ; Mark 9: 29); and of the early Christians it is said, not simply that they fasted, but that they ‘fasted and prayed’ (Acts 1 3 : 3 ; compare 14 : 23). In both the Old and the New Testament fasting is seen, not as an end in itself, but as an aid to more intense and living prayer, as a preparation for deci­

*>4 Theotokion Intercede for those who sing thy praises, O All-Undefiled, that they may be delivered from every danger and temptation. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Rejecting the pleasures of the rich man, come and let us fast with Lazarus, that we too may be comforted in the bosom of Abraham.10 W e praise, bless and worship the Lord . . . . (Jrmos) Sing, O ye peoples, sing in praise of the Maker of crea­ tion, before whom angels tremble, and exalt Him above all for ever.

(Irmos) The burning bush upon the mountain. . . . Where Thy saints dwell in joy, O Lord, grant that all from every age who fell asleep in faith and hope may also rejoice and be glad. Give rest, O Christ, to all the faithful destroyed by the wrath of G o d : struck down by deadly thunderbolts from heaven, swallowed by a cleft in the earth, or drowned in the sea. Give rest, O God, to all the faithful Thou hast taken from every 15 15 Song of Solomon 4 : 1 2 .

sive action or for direct encounter with God. Thus our Lord’s forty-day fast in the wilderness was the immediate preparation for His public ministry (Matt. 4 : 1 - 1 1 ) . When Moses fasted on Mount Sinai (Exod. 34: 28) and Elijah on Mount Horeb (3 [1] Kgs. 1 9 : 8 12), the fast was in both cases linked with a theophany. The same connection between fasting and the vision of God is evident in the case of St. Peter (Acts 10 : 9 -17 ). He ‘went up on the housetop to pray about the sixth hour, and he became very hungry and wanted to eat’ ; and it was in this state that he fell into a trance and heard the divine voice. Such is always the purpose of ascetic fasting - to 8 Vespers for Sunday evening (Sunday of Forgiveness); Vespers for Monday and

Theotokion Carelessly I have wasted my life, and my soul is heavy with the drowsiness of sin. To thine unsleeping intercession, all-pure Virgin, do I fly: let me not slumber in the sleep of death.4 Second Canon (Irmos) The Lord of old foreshadowed . . . . Crowned with thorns, O Christ, and clothed in a scarlet robe, Thou hast shone with glory and surpassed in beauty all the sons of men. Thou hast drunk gall and vinegar, and from Thy divine side Thou pourest out a double stream of life and incorruption, unto those who praise dnd glorify Thee in faith for ever. W e bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. O Godhead, one in Trinity, undivided in Nature yet divided in Persons, Power that shall never be destroyed, Father, Son and

(by Joseph) (irmos) Come, O ye nations . . . . 2 For detailed rules on the Canon at Mattins in Lent, see above, p. 75·.

where else in the Triodion, we find summed up the significance of Lent —states without the least ambiguity: Marriage is honourable, and the marriage-bed undefiled. For on both Christ has given His blessing, Eating in the flesh at the wedding in Cana, Turning water into wine and revealing His first m iracle.27

Spirit, we sing Thy praises for ever. Both now . . . . Theotokion O pure Mother of God, Gate of heaven, Door of salvation, accept

fied th ro u g h his h u m ility . L e t us also gain h u m ility . O M aste r and Sa v io u r, T h o u hast w a rn e d us th at T h o u do st resist

(Irmos) See now, see, that I am God, who saved the people of Israel in the waves, and satisfied their hunger in the wilderness; I made the waters flow from the rock for mortal men; I clothed Myself in him who fell into cor­ ruption of old, that through ineffable mercy I might draw him to Myself. Be sober, be vigilant, groan and weep, my soul. Through fasting cast aside the whole burden of sin. By fervent repentance escape from the fire; through thy mourning, tear in pieces the mourning; garment of the passions and put on the robe of God.4 Through fasting let us all ascend the mountain of virtuous action, forsaking the sensual temptations that creep upon the ground. Let 8 Isa. 1 1 : i ; Num. i y :

The abstinence of married couples, then, has as its aim not the sup­

Great Doxology , the two Litanies , and the Dismissal.

(Irmos) See now, see that I am God . . . . Come, let us enter the inner chamber of our soul, offering prayers to die Lord and crying aloud: Our Father, who art in heaven, remit and forgive our debts, for Thou alone art compassionate.6 Showing joyfulness of soul in the Fast, let us not be of a sad countenance; for the change in our way of life during these blessed days will help us to gain holiness.7 Glory be to the Fadier . . . . Unity in three Persons, without beginning, uncreated, Lord and King of the ages, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: the hosts of angels and all mortal men give Thee glory. Both now . . . . Theotokion We sing thy praises, O all-perfect glory of mankind, for through thee, O Virgin, we have been made godlike. Thou hast for our sake

pression but the purification of sexuality. Such abstinence, practised ‘ with mutual consent for a time’ , has always the positive aim, ‘that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer’ (i Cor. 7 : ^). Selfrestraint, so far from indicating a dualist depreciation of the body, serves on the contrary to confer upon the sexual side of marriage a spiritual dimension which might otherwise be absent. To guard against a dualist misinterpretation of the fast, the T ri­ odion speaks repeatedly about the inherent goodness of the material creation. In the last of the services that it contains, Vespers for Holy Saturday, the sequence of fifteen Old Testament lessons opens with the first words of Genesis, ‘ In the beginning God created the

We use the Canon to the saint o f the dayfrom the Menaion, and the two three-canticled Canonsfrom the Triodion; we sing the first Biblical Canticle (Exodus 1 $: 1 - i 9 ).2

Theotokion T h e hosts o f angels and o f m o rta l m en p raise th e e , O

upon us, fo r w e h ave h u m b le d o u r s e lv e s .5 T h e S a v io u r and M aste r, e v e r lead in g us to d ivin e e x a lta tio n , in H is action s revealed to us th e h u m ility that raises us on h igh. F o r w it h H is o w n hands H e w ash ed the fe e t o f th e d is c ip le s .6

(Irmos) The Lord of old foreshadowed . . . . Rouse thyself, my soul, from the sleep of grievous slothfulness, and with zeal and vigilance observe the divine commandments. The Bridegroom draws near: take thy lamp and hasten to meet Him .9 I am gravely wounded by the sword of pleasure: heal me, O Word, with the ointment of Thy merciful compassion, and I will glorify Thee with thanksgiving for ever. My soul, abstain from harmful passions, from envy and hatred and all malice; and feed upon the spiritual food that brings thee heavenly joy. Theotokion O pure Mother of God, heal the wounds of my soul, the passions of my heart and the delusions o f my m ind; for thou art the only help of sinners, our wall against the enemies that despoil us.

heaven and the earth. . . : all created things are God’s handiwork Canticle Nine, troparion 12.

Theotokion T o us and to all C h ristia n s, O p u re V ir g in , th o u a rt at all tim es a refu g e and a ra m p a rt,a n d w it h n e v e r-sile n t v o ic e s w e g lo rify th ee.

the un search able

Second Canon (Irmos) Sing, O ye peoples. . . . Giving wings to our soul through abstinence, let us all offer acceptable prayers to the Lord in heaven. In a spirit of compunction, let us weep for the deliverance of our souls and sing the praises of Christ for ever. We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Consubstantial Trinity, uncreated Unity, the God of all, we exalt Thee above all for ever. Both now . . . . 8 Dan. 1 : 8 -16 ; 3 : 2 1-7 ; 6: 16-23, 9 Matt. 2$: 6-7.

and as such are ‘ very good’ . Every part of this divine creation, so

TONE TWO

Theotokion U n tille d field , b earin g th e q u ic k e n in g E a r o f w h e a t th at g iv e s life to th e w o r ld , save th o se w h o sing th y p raises, O T h e o to k o s .

(Irmos) Rejoice, Isaiah: the Virgin has conceived and borne a Son Emmanuel, who is both God and man; and Orient is His Name. Him we magnify, O Virgin, and we call thee blessed.14

the Triodion insists, joins in giving praise to the Maker:

How shall I now lament my fall? Where shall I begin the work of my salvation? I have lived as the Prodigal: O compassionate Lord, in

Theotokion O T h e o to k o s , w e p raise th ee as a v irg in afte r c h ild b irth , fo r thou hast b ro u g h t into the w o rld G o d the W o r d m ade flesh.

(Irmos) He is for me unto salvation Helper and Protector. He is my God and I glorify Him, God of my fathers is He and I exalt Him, for He is greatly glorified. By my own free choice have I incurred the guilt of Cain’s murder. I have killed my conscience, bringing the flesh to life and making war upon the soul by my wicked actions.17 17 Gen. 4 : 8 .

The hosts of heaven give Him glo ry;

the ways that are Thine own, do Thou save me.

4 Phil. 2: 8-9. 5 Jas. 4: ο. c John 1 3 : 4 - 1 6 .

(Irmos) The desert flowered as a lily . . . . Let us crucify our members through abstinence; let us be vigilant in prayer, as it is written, and let us live after the example of Him who suffered, and by His Passion put to death the passions.2 Rejecting the bitter food of sin, let us seek to please Christ, who of His own w ill tasted gall and by the Cross cast down the author of evil. Sin has become a habit for me, and it drags me to complete per­ dition. But do Thou by Thy Cross deliver me from my sinfulness, O compassionate Lord of many mercies. Theotokion Queen of all creation, O Lady who hast borne the Master, set me free from bondage to the deceitful enemy. Another Canon

Before Him tremble cherubim and seraphim; Let everything that has breath and all creation Praise Him, bless Him, and exalt Him above all for ever. O Thou who coverest Thy high places with the waters, Who settest the sand as a bound to the sea and upholdest all things:

Behold, the appointed tim e; behold, the day of salvation, the entrance to the Fast. O my soul, be watchful, close all the doors through which the passions enter, and look up towards the Lord.3 Storm-tossed by the tempest o f sin, I am dragged down into the depths o f despair; but I flee to the wide sea o f Thy mercy. Save me, O Lord. I alone have become a slave to sin; I alone have opened the door to the passions, O W ord who art ready to forgive. But in Thy tender mercy turn me back and save me. Theotokion O Maiden, alone full o f God’s grace, thou hast conceived the Fountain o f dispassion. Heal me, for I am wounded by the passions, and snatch me from the eternal fire. Another Canon with the same irmos

(Irmos) O Lord, who hast put sin to death . . . . From die tree of the Cross there grows for all the world the flower of abstinence. Let us then accept the Fast with love and take pleasure in the fruit of Christ’s divine commandments. Abstaining from the passions, let us for the Lord’s sake crucify 1 John i : 9. 2 Gal. ς: 24; Col. 3: ς; 4: 2.

The sun sings Thy praises, the moon gives Thee glory,

(by Theodore) Come, O ye people, and today let us accept the grace of the Fast as a gift from God and as a time for repentance, in which we may find mercy with the Saviour.

(Irmos) In Babylon o f old by the command of God . . . .

Every creature offers a hymn to Thee, His Author and Creator, for ever. Let all the trees of the forest dance and sing. . . . Let the mountains and all the hills Break forth into great rejoicing at the mercy o f God, And let the trees of the forest clap their hands.28 This affirmative attitude towards the material world is founded not only on the doctrine of creation but also on the doctrine of Christ. Again and again in the Triodion, the true physical reality of Christ’s human nature is underlined. How, then, can the human body be evil, if God Himself has in His own person assumed and divinized the body? As we state at Mattins on the first Sunday in Lent, the Sunday of Orthodoxy: Thou hast not appeared to us, O loving Lord, merely in outward

The time for combat is at hand and has begun already; let all of

Theotokion T h o u hast c a rrie d in th in e arm s th e in visib le G o d , w h o is p raised in th e heavens b y all th e an g e lic p o w e r s . T h r o u g h th e e at all tim es H e gran ts to us salvation , and in o u r distress w e m ag n ify th e e .

com p assion . P o n d e rin g in o u r m inds th e p arable o f the P u b lican , let us all em u late h im w it h tears, o ffe rin g to G o d a c o n trite sp irit and seek in g

(Irmos) He is for me unto salvation Helper and Protector. He is my God and 1 glorify Him, God o f my fathers is He and I exalt Him, for He is greatly glorified. From my youth, O Saviour, I have rejected Thy commandments. Ruled by the passions, I have passed my whole life in heedlessness and sloth. Therefore I cry to Thee, O Saviour, even now at the end: Save me. I lie as an outcast before Thy gate, O Saviour. In my old age cast me not down empty into h ell; but, before the end conies, in Thy love grant me remission of sins.13 As the Prodigal, O Saviour, I have wasted all my substance in riotous living, and I am barren o f the virtues of holiness. In my hunger I cry: O compassionate Father, come quickly out to meet

semblance, As say the followers of Mani, who are enemies of God, But in the full and true reality of the flesh.29 Because Christ took a true material body, so the hymns for the

us set forth eagerly upon the course of the Fast, offering our virtues as gifts to the Lord. Glory be to the Father . . . . O simple unity o f threefold Light, sovereign Oneness, omnipo­ tent and source of all life, God and Lord, almighty Father, Son and Spirit, save those who honour Thee. Both now . . . . Theotokion Let us sing the praises of the holy mountain of God, Mary unde­ filed. From her has shone forth upon those in darkness the Sun of righteousness, Christ the life of all.4 8 2 Cor. 6: 2. 4 Ps. 98: 9; 67: 17; Isa. 9 : 2 ; Mai. 4: 2.

Theodora, who in piety uphold the true Faith. Theotokion

the rem issio n o f o u r sins.

(by Joseph) (Irmos) Thou hast come forth from a Virgin . . . . Receiving the shining rays of abstinence, O my soul, become as lightning, and flee from the obscurity o f sin: that through the divine Spirit the light of forgiveness may illuminate thee as the rising sun.

towards the end of his life —he refers many times to his old age - and intended by its author as an expression of personal devotion rather than for public liturgical use. At the end of the eighth century Andrew, known as ‘ Piros’ or ‘ the Blind*, monk of the Lavra of St. Sabas, composed a cycle o f idiomela, two for each weekday in Lent, one sung at the aposticha in Mattins and the other at those in

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Armed with fasting, Elijah the wonderful was taken up in a chariot o f fire ; through fasting Moses received a vision of secret mysteries; and if we also fast like them, we shall see Christ.5 Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Adam ate the food and his greed banished him from Paradise. But may the keeping o f the Fast lead us to true repentance, O Lord who lovest mankind. ( Irmos) Come, O ye nations, and let us sing a song to Christ our God, who divided the sea and through it led His people, that He had brought out of the Egyptian bondage; for He is greatly glorified.

Theotokion Renew for us the ancient splendours, O most pure Mother of God, and sanctify this thy dwelling with thy grace. (Katavasia) O Lord my light, Thou hast come into the world as a light of holiness, turning back from dark ignorance those who in faith sing Thy praises.

L e t us w is e ly cast far fro m us th e w ic k e d a rro g an ce and bo astin g o f the P h arisee, that w e m ay n o t be strip p ed o f d ivin e g ra c e .

(by Theodore) (Irmos) The works of Thy providence . . . . Shining with the radiance of the Sun of righteousness, O ye 1 Ps. 17: 30.

repentance. At the same time, it is a meditation on the whole body of Scripture, embracing all the sinners and all the righteous from the creation of the world to the coming of Christ. Here, more than anywhere else in the Triodion, we experience Lent as a reaffirma­ tion of our ‘ Biblical roots’ . Throughout the Great Canon the two levels, the historical and the personal, are skilfully interwoven. ‘The events of the sacred history are revealed as events of my life ; God’s acts in the past as acts aimed at me and my salvation, the tragedy of sin and betrayal as my personal tragedy.’ 59 The appeal o f the Great

servant make me once again Thy son, O Saviour who lovest man­ kind. Theotokion O Virgin full of divine grace, through thee human nature was counted worthy of God’s revelation, for thou art the only mediator 6 In the editions of the Greek Triodion published at Venice and Athens which we have consulted, there is printed only the second canon, in honour of the saint, while they omit the first canon, on the theme o f the Prodigal Son. The Slavonic editions contain both canons. The Greek text o f the first canon can be found in manuscript copies o f the Triodion, particularly those dating from a period before

(Irmos) He is for me unto salvation Helper and Protector. He is 10 Luke 22: 1$ ; 1 Cor. ς : 7-8; Eph. 6: 14—15·; Isa. $ 2 : 7; Exod, 12 : n ; Phil. 3 : 1 8 ; Matt. 4: 1 - 1 1 .

it ‘ the very finest thing; the thing, at any rate, that I most enjoy in all the Office-books of the Greek Church’ .60 (b)

(Irm os) God came down into the fiery furnace . . . . In the fire o f Thy fear, O Christ, Thou hast renewed the eyes of my soul that were inflamed and darkened by lust. Shine upon me with the light of salvation, that I may glorify Thee for ever. Hating the surfeit of the passions, O my humble soul, feast rather upon the rich food of God’s blessings. Take thy delight in the pleasures of the Fast, turn away from the bitterness of lust, and thou shalt live for ever. Hardened in soul and darkened by the drunkenness of die pas­ sions, I cannot look at all on Thee, die only God. Therefore take pity on me, grant me light, and open to me the gates o f repentance. Theotokion

Theotokion T h e W o r d w h o d w e lls w ith th e F a th e r and th e S p irit is b o rn fro m a V ir g in y e t u n d ergoes no chan ge. H e rem ains w h a t H e w as, y e t p re se rve s fo r e v e r w h a t H e to o k fro m u s : fo r H e is o n e So n in tw o natures, g u ard in g u n im p a ire d th e d istin c tiv e qualities o f each .

(.Irmos) O Christ my Saviour, the Enlightenment . . . . Seeing the sinfulness that is in me, the deceitful enemy urges me on to sin and works with m e : for truly he rejoices over my perdi­ tion. But, O Saviour, I entreat Thee, grant me amendment of life that I may destroy him. By Thy Cross Thou hast triumphed over the powers of darkness. Deliver me from their wickedness, for I am fallen into a depth of sin and a pit o f iniquity; but I hope to be saved by Thy m ercy.1 O Thou who hast hung dead upon the Cross, do Thou restore to life my soul, dead through sin, O Christ, and count me worthy to attain in peace Thy holy Resurrection, obediently fulfilling Thy commandments. Theotokion O pure Maiden, thou art a light to me in my infirmity and the

followed by the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. The more ancient

O pure Virgin, through thee our earthly and corruptible nature is made heavenly: with thy fervent intercession bring our prayers and our petitions before the God and King of thee and all men. Second Canon (Irm os) By a strange miracle the Lord o f old . . . . O ye faithful, with jo y let us enter upon the beginning o f the Fast. Let us not be of sad countenance but let us wash our faces in the water o f dispassion; and let us bless and exalt Christ above all for ever.6

Theotokion O p e n th e ears o f m y soul, O M o t h e r o f G o d , fo r thou hast b o rn e

h u m ility , i f w e d esire to attain th e eve rla stin g tab ern acle o f jo y and to d w e ll in the land o f th e livin g .

(Irmos) The night is far spent . . . . Thou only art immortal, yet Thou hast accepted to be crucified in 1 Col. 2: 1 $.

Monastery of the Assumption, Newport Pagnell, 1974). (b) The Akathistos Hymn. (1) Katharine Lady Lechmere, Synopsis (London, no date [ ? i 891]), pp. 66-93.

5 3 l1! Kgs. 19: 8; 4 [2] Kgs. 2 : 1 1 ; Exod. 24: 17-18.

(Irmos) God came down into the fiery furnace . . . . In Thy compassion Thou hast humbled Thyself and wast lifted on

84 Strictly speaking, Guillaume’ s version should not be termed complete, for there are certain deliberate but unexplained omissions.

6 Matt. 6; 16-17.

(Irmos) From thy virgin womb the Light that was before the sun . . . . Hateful thoughts have covered my soul with leprosy: cleanse it, Word of God, with the sprinkling of Thy blood. O Christ, who for 4 Ps. 1 2: 4.

PR ESEN T TR AN SLATIO N

Let us anoint the head of our soul with the oil of loving compas­ sion, and let us not use vain repetitions when praying to our Father in heaven; and let us bless and exalt Him above all for ever.7 W e bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. O ye faithful, let us sing in praise to the Father, eternal and without beginning, and to His coeternal Son, and to the Spirit that shines forth from the Father, three consubstantial Persons but one in sovereign power and rule. Both now . . . . Theotokion

O Theotokos, do we magnify. Second Canon (Irmos) Virgin Mother pure and undefiled . . . . When Thou wast crucified upon the Tree, the creation quaked; Thou, who art God, hast in Thy tender mercy suffered in the flesh for our salvation. Great is the might of Thy Cross, O Lord, for signing ourselves with it, we drive away at once the power of the demons. Glory he to the Lather . . . . O Unity in three coequal Persons, undivided Trinity, sovereign Nature, Father, Son and divine Spirit, save us all. Both now . . . . Theotokion Rejoice, Theotokos, Mercy-Seat of the w orld: always fleeing to thee for refuge, all we sinners gain reconciliation with God. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. By the divine power of Thy Cross, O Lord, give me the strength

(2) G. R. Woodward, The Acathist Hymn of the Holy Orthodox

0 Mary, called by God, truly thou art the mercy seat of the faithful: for through thee forgiveness is freely bestowed upon all. Cease not to intercede before thy Son and Lord, gaining His gracious favour for us who sing thy praises. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Fasting for the space of forty days, the Lord consecrated and made holy this present Fast. As we start upon it, brethren, we cry o u t: Bless and exalt Christ above all for ever. W e praise, bless and worship the Lord . . . . ( Irmos) By a strange miracle the Lord of old refreshed with dew

Theotokion B e un to m e , a ll-h o ly L a d y , q uietness and a h aven o f c o n s o la tio n ;

to offer unto Thee this time of fasting blameless and pure. (Irmos) Virgin Mother pure and undefiled, with our songs in faith and true devotion we magnify thee as Theotokos. Isa. 5 8 : S .

Eastern Church. . . done into English Verse (London, 19 17 ) .86

the children o f the Hebrews in the fire, yet burnt the

TO NE FO U R

(3) Anon., The Akathist Hymn and Little Compline (London, 19 19 ).

Chaldaeans. Let us sing His praises, saying: Bless and exalt Him above all for ever.

Theotokion W ith e r e d b y th e sickness o f th e passions, tru ly w e h ave fo u n d in thee a fou ntain o f healin g, fro m w h ic h w e d ra w th e w a te rs o f d ivin e salvation, and w e c r y : O a ll-p u re V ir g in , b lessed is th e fru it o f th y wom b. ( Katavasia) T h e

(4) J. Christopher and A. Bartle, The Akathistos Hymn (London,

TO NE TH REE

no date [19 22]; revised ed., London, no date [19 23]).86 (ς) Vincent McNabb, O .P ., Ode in Honour of the Holy Immaculate Most Blessed Glorious Lady Mother of God and Ever Virgin Mary. Written on the occasion o f the deliverance o f Constantinople from the Barbarians, A.D. 626 (Ditchling, 19 3 4 ; revised ed., Oxford, 1947).

Theotokion In th y w o m b , O V ir g in , th e W o r d o f G o d reshaped m a n ’ s natu re that w as cru sh e d ben eath th e passions, and in H is infinite lo v e H e re n e w e d it w h o lly and sanctified it. T h ro u g h th ee have w e been saved, and w e g lo rify th ee unto all th e ages. ( Katavasia) T h e

(6) Father Seraphim Nassar, Divine Prayers and Services of the

Greater in honour than the cheru­

Catholic Orthodox Church of Christ (Brooklyn, 1938), pp. 7 0 2 -18 .

bim. . . . (Irm os) God, the W ord from God.

7 John 13: 4-5, 14-15.

(Irmos) T h e C h ald aean ty ran t in his m adness o rd e re d th e fu rn ace to b e heated seven tim es m o re fo r the h o ly C h ild r e n ; b u t seein g th em saved b y a g re a te r p o w e r , h e c rie d a lo u d :

(7) Athenagoras Kokkinakis, Bishop of Elaia [now Archbishop

. . . May this the first day of the Fast be for thee, my soul, a time of abstinence from sin, o f turning towards God and drawing near to Him. Do thou flee from all the pits o f evil and seek only the paths that lead to the eternal rest o f the Age to come. 1 have fallen in my thoughts and sinned in the flesh, and groaning I lament and cry aloud: Save me, O Lord, for Thou alone art longsuffering; save me and, deserving though 1 be of condemnation, send me not to the fire o f Gehenna. 7 Matt, 6: 7, 9, 17.

Theotokion In days o f old M o ses saw th y m y ste ry p refigu red in the bu sh , O h allo w ed V i r g i n : ju st as th e flam es did n o t co n su m e it, so th e fire o f

of Thyateira and Great Britain], The Akathist (Los Angeles,

Clothing ourselves in the shining raiment o f the Fast, let us cast off the dark and hateful garment of drunkenness; and illumined by die divine virtues, we shall gaze with faith upon the radiance of the Saviour’s Passion. Theotokion

Repeat the irmos M o th e r o f G o d and V ir g in . . . . Then H o ly G o d . . . , etc., and the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the apolytikion of the saint:

(8) G. G. Meersseman, O .P ., The Acathistos Hymn (Fribourg,

O undefiled Lady, heal my miserable soul that is weakened by all

Theotokion O th o u w h o in effab ly hast b o rn e th e W o r d and W is d o m o f th e F ath er, heal th e harsh w o u n d s o f m y so ul and still th e anguish o f m y h eart.

C h ild re n

We use four troparia (including the irmos) from the Canon o f the Resurrection, two tropariafrom the Canon o f the Cross and the Resurrection, and two troparia from the Canon to the Theotokosy all in the Tone o f the week from the Octoechos; and then the Canon o f the Triodion with six troparia, by Theophanes.

Wilkes-Barre, 1959), pp. 460-98.

the assaults of the evil demons; for thou hast borne Christ our

(Irmos) Israel in ancient times walked dry-shod. . . . Leaping up with joy, let us and all the faithful cry aloud today: How marvellous are Thy works, O Christ! How great is Thy might! For Thou hast made us of one mind and brought about our agreement. O people of God, come and let us celebrate a day of jo y ; the heaven now makes glad, and earth with all the hosts o f angels and

Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, N .Y ., i960), pp. 270-90. ( 1 1 ) Archbishop Joseph Raya and Baron Jose de Vinck, Byzantine Daily Worship (Allendale, N .J., 1969), pp. 967-79. (12 ) Protopresbyter George L. Papadeas, The Akathist Hymn Preceded by the B r i f Compline (Athens, 1972). (13 ) M. Carpenter, Kontakia o f Romanos, Byzantine Melodist, II. On Christian Life (Columbia, 1973), pp. 297-309.

Physician and Redeemer, and we acknowledge thee, O Maiden, to be a virgin inviolate. Second Canon (Irm os) O ye faithful, let us magnify the Virgin. . . .

(Irmos) CI will sacrifice to Thee, O Lord. . Once more the Master’s countenance is depicted, honoured with faith and venerated; once more the Church regains her boldness of approach to God, reverently glorifying the Saviour.

(14) Paul M. Addison, O .S.M ., Akathistos Hymn to the Mother o f

The season of the holy Fast is now at hand. Let us begin it with

Theotokion A s is rig h t, w e g lo rify th e e , V ir g in T h e o to k o s , and w it h all the faith fu l w e take re fu g e in th y h aven.

(Irmos) Daniel in the lions’ den. . . . Keeping the laws of the Church that we have received from the 11 i Cor. 10 : 11 ; Eph. 4 : ς ; Gal. 3 : 27.

God (London, 197$). (c) Holy Week (the main services only).

good actions; for it is said, fast not for strife and debate.8 On Mount Horeb Elijah was cleansed by fasting and saw God. Let us also cleanse our hearts by fasting and we shall see Christ.9 Glory be to the Father . . . . I worship one Nature, I sing the praises of three Persons, one God o f all, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, sovereignty eternal. Both now. . . . Theotokion

8 Ps. 46: 4; Gen. 28: 12.

We use four troparia (including the irmos) from the Canon o f the Resurrection in the Tone o f the week, from the Octoechos; four tropariafrom thefrst canon in the Triodion y and six troparia from the second canon, in honour o f the saint,6

Though a pure maiden, thou bearest child, and though a virgin thou givest suck. How can these things be found together? How dost thou give birth and yet remain virgin? ‘ It is God who has brought this to pass: ask me not h ow .’ Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. A ll mortal life is but one day, so it is said, to those who labour with love. There are forty days in the Fast: let us keep them all with joy. (Irmos) O ye faithful, let us magnify the Virgin with never-silent hymns, for in ways surpassing nature she has conceived within her womb, according to the flesh, the W ord that outside time shone forth from the Father. Then Truly it is right to call thee blessed.

(by Theophanes) (Irmos) The rod of Moses working wonders . . . . Shedding fervent tears, let us cry to Thee with the words o f the Prodigal, O Father and God of all, and let us fall down before Thee, saying: W e have sinned, departing far from Thee, and we have made ourselves the slaves of lust; accept our repentance. Thou hast conferred upon me a royal birthright, becoming man for my sake, O W ord ; but I have despised Thy gift, and I am bitterly condemned to feed swine, the offspring of my sins. But in Thy com­ passion spare me, O Saviour. I kneel before Thee, as the Prodigal Son of old, O Lord and Master: run out to meet me and receive me, and taking me in Thine embrace grant me the tokens of Thy salvation. Instead of a hired

8 Isa. $8: 4. 8 j [1] Kgs. 19: 8-12.

Theotokion A s th ou th y se lf hast said, w e call th ee blessed , O V ir g in . F o r th e L o rd has in d eed d o n e unto th ee g re a t things and m agnified th e e ; born fro m th y w o m b , H e has m ad e th ee tru e M o t h e r o f G o d . 14 ( Katavasia) T h e w h o le w o r ld w as am azed at th y d ivin e g l o r y : fo r th o u, O V ir g in w h o hast n o t k n o w n w e d lo c k , hast h e ld in th y w o m b the G o d o f all, and hast g iv e n b irth to an e tern al So n , w h o re w a rd s w it h salvation all w h o sin g th y praises.

W e bless the L o r d , Fath er, Son and H o ly S p irit. G o d a cc e p te d the g ro an in g o f the P u b lican and ju stified h i m ; and so H e sh o w e d to us all that H e is tu rned to m e r c y b y the groan ings and the tears o f th ose w h o b e g fo rgiven ess o f sins. B o th n o w . . . .

(Irmos) O Lord, Thou builder of the vault of heaven . . . . When I consider my actions, and how I have departed far from Thee, wasting in prodigal desires the wealth which Thou hast given me, I am filled with fear and in repentance I cry out to Thee, my Father and my God: 1 have sinned, save me. Sinning on earth, I am afraid of heaven; for at the Last Day it will be my accuser, O Word of God, when all things stand before Thee and submit to Thy righteous judgement. 1 fed on dark and swinish thoughts when, like the Prodigal, I left Thee, O Saviour, and went into a far country; but now I c r y : 1 have

Hymn o f Light in the Tone o f the week (see pp. 662—7).

(Irmos) O Mother of God, thou living and plentiful fount . . . . Holding fast to thy inspired teaching, we reject every false in­ vention o f the heretics, and we put them all to flight with thy holy writings, O Gregory. O blessed of God, thou hast refuted the foolish wisdom of the heretics. He who is Himself the true Wisdom came to dwell in thy heart, and with His aid triumphantly thou hast broken their re­ bellious pride.7 In thy wisdom thou hast put to death every lust o f the flesh that is condemned to perish, and through asceticism thou hast brought thy soul to life, devoting all its powers to the contemplation of God. Theotokion With full knowledge and by my own free choice, I have eagerly

The Psalms of Lauds are read without stichera.10

O ffsp rin g

TONE FIVE

Second . Canon ( Irmos) P e rc e iv in g th e u n search ab le p u rp o se . . . . O w is e fath e r, th o u hast o p en ed th y m outh and p re a ch e d th e w isd o m o f G o d th at w as e v e r in thy h e a r t; and th o u hast p ro v e d Barlaam fo o lish and d e v o id o f un derstan ding. O b e lo v e d Su n , b y th e la w o f n atu re th ou hast sunk b en eath th e earth, b u t in th e m o rn in g th o u shalt rise again w it h C h ris t, th e Su n that k n o w s no even in g. A t th in e in tercessio n s H e w a tc h e s o v e r all o f us. O b lessed saint, b y th e g ra c e o f G o d th o u hast b e c o m e th e g r e a t g lo ry and stro n g su p p o rt o f th e O r th o d o x , a g o o d sh e p h e rd , a

The Last has come, mother of chastity, accuser of sins, advocate

of repentance, life of the angels and salvation of men. Let us cry out, ye faithful: O God, have mercy upon us. y . W e were filled in the morning with Thy mercy . . . . Repeat the sticheron The Fast has come . . . . ψ . And let the brightness o f the Lord our God be upon us . . . . To the Martyrs

Blessed is the army of the heavenly King: for though the victori­ ous martyrs were born of this earth, yet despising their bodies they made haste to attain to the angelic estate; and through their suffer­ ings they were counted worthy of the honour of the bodiless angels. At their prayers, O Lord, save our souls. Glory be to the Father . . . . Both now . . . . Theotokion

We magnify thee in song, O Mother of God and pure Virgin, more holy than the cherubim: we confess thee to be Theotokos in both soul and body, for in very truth thou hast borne God incarnate. Allpure Lady, offer intercession for our souls. Then we say It is a good thing to give thanks . . . . ; Holy God . . . , etc., and the Lord's Prayer, followed by the apolytikion Standing in the temple o f thy glory . . . .ia Kyrie eleison (forty times); Glory be to the Father . . . . Both now . . . ; Greater in honour than the cherubim; In the Name o f the Lord, give the blessing, father. 10 Except on the clays of certain saints (see the Menaion for details). 11 For the text, see pp. 72-3. 12 See p. 74.

re je c tin g

Second Canon (Irmos) A s w e c e le b ra te this sacred and so le m n feast . . . . T h e e m p ty boasts o f fo o lish B arlaam w e r e b ro k e n in p ie ce s by th e w o rd s and teach in gs and the sharp u n derstan din g o f th e m o st w is e E m p e ro r18 and o f th e e , O G r e g o r y . L e t us h o n o u r in h ym n s th e d iv in e harp o f th e S p ir it, th e tru m p e t that p la in ly p ro c la im e d th e m y ste rie s o f th e L o r d , the B ish o p o f T h essalo n ica, th e to ngue that sp o ke o f G o d . Le a d in g the p e o p le as a p illa r o f lire , thou hast b u rn t up the enem ies o f the Faith and en ligh ten ed the co n g re g atio n o f th e tru e b elievers, O G r e g o r y o u r fath e r, w is e in G o d .1314

We use the Canon to the saint o f the day from the Menaion, and the two three-canticled Canons from the Triodion; we read the second Biblical Canticle (Deuteronomy 32: 1~ 4 3).

Theotokion Saved th ro u gh th e e , O L a d y , w e a c k n o w le d g e th ee to b e in truth th e T h e o t o k o s ; fo r in w a y s past sp e e ch th o u hast b o rn e G o d , w h o has d e stro y e d death b y th e C ro ss and calle d to H im s e lf th e as­ sem b lies o f th e saints. W it h th em w e p raise th e e , O V ir g in .

th ro u gh o u r h u m ility . L e t us cast o u t fro m o u r so ul foo lish p rid e and learn to th in k w ith tru th and h u m ilit y ; le t us n o t try to ju stify o u rse lv e s, b u t let us hate th e delusio n o f va in g lo ry and so o b tain P u b lican .

Most holy Theotokos, save us. Theotokion O Mother and Virgin, alone worthy of all glory, intercede with

TONE TWO

Theotokion At die prayers of Thy Mother, O compassionate Lord, and o f Thy holy martyrs and apostles, give light to our souls, that with re­ joicing wc may glorify Thee for ever.

A s th e P u b lican , le t us o ffe r th e C r e a to r p ra y e rs fo r m e r c y . L e t us a v o id th e u n gratefu l p ra y in g o f th e P h arisee and th e boastful w o rd s w ith w h ic h he judged his n e ig h b o u r, that w e m ay gain G o d ’ s fo rgiven ess and H is ligh t. W e ig h e d d o w n b y a g re a t m u ltitu d e o f sins, I h ave surpassed the P u b lican in an e xc e ss o f e v il, and I have also m ade m in e o w n the boastful delusion o f the P h arisee. I am u tte rly d evo id o f all go o d th in g s: L o rd , spare m e. O n th ose w h o fo r T h y sake are p o o r in sp irit, b e sto w T h y b lessed­ ness. O b e d ie n t to T h y co m m a n d , w e o ffe r T h e e a c o n trite s p ir it :

4 1 Pot. ς : 8.

Theotokion Beyond our understanding is thy childbearing, O Mother of God. For without a man thou hast conceived, and in virginity thou hast given birth; and the Child that thou hast borne is God. Him we magnify, O Virgin, and we call thee blessed. Through all the saints that are on His earth, the Lord has made manifest His wonders.

a c c e p t it, Sa v io u r, and save those w h o w o rsh ip T h e e . A P u b lican o n c e w e n t up into the cem ple w ith faith and p ra ye d to G o d ; and he w as ju stified . F o r he d r e w n ear w ith tears and c rie s o f s o rr o w , in c o n tritio n o f h eart, and o b tain in g m e rc y he laid aside the w h o le b u rd en o f his sins.

Second Canon (Irmos) T h e O ffsp rin g o f th e T h e o to k o s . . . . Thou

io ; Exod, 26:

The appointed exapostilavion o f the Resurrection, and then:

(Irmos) H e a ve n w as am azed at this . . . . F o r m y sake, O L o r d , sacrifice th e fatted calf, and fill w it h jo y and gladness all the h o ly souls th at d w e ll w it h T h e e . I w a s lo s t : re c e iv e m e b a ck . I w as d e a d : lead m e to life and c lo th e m e w ith in co rru p tio n , p u ttin g on m e th e d iv in e ro b e o f salvation . O souls that h ave w a n d e re d fa r fro m G o d and are d e p riv e d o f the divine gifts o f g ra c e , c o m e and w ith deep sin c e rity o f h e a rt le t us turn b a ck like the P ro d igal and c r y : O g o o d F a th e r w h o a rt in heaven, w e have all sinned against T h e e ; be m e rcifu l to us and save us, fo r w e flee fo r refu g e to T h y m e rc y .

j ; 2$: 3 1; 16: 33; 2$: 23-30.

G lo r y be to the F ath er. . . . L e t us flee fro m th e w ic k e d boasting o f the P h arisee and le t us learn the n o b le h u m ility o f the P u b lican , th at w e m ay be e x a lte d and c ry alo u d w ith him to G o d : Be m e rc ifu l un to T h y servants, C h ris t o u r S a v io u r, born o f a V ir g in , w h o hast o f T h in e o w n w ill en d u red

us enter into the darkness of holy visions; by the divine and mystical ascent let us become godlike, and let us look only upon Christ our beloved in His beauty.56 A las! What will become of me? What shall I do? I feel no pang of conscience when I sin, nor do I fear the Master. Because o f this, even before the judgement comes, I stand condemned. O just and loving Judge, turn me back and save me, though I have provoked Thee more than any other man. Theotokion O untilled Earth, thou hast put forth Him that gives food to all, who opens His hand and in His own good pleasure fills every living thing with divine power. Strengthen with the Bread of life our hearts that are grown weak through the surfeit of our hateful sins.

Another Canon

Theotokion (Greek use) I am held fast in th e m ire o f sin, and th e re is no stren gth o r c o u ra g e in m e ; the te m p e st o f m y trespasses has o v e rw h e lm e d m e . L o o k u p o n m e , V ir g in , I e n tre a t th e e , fo r th ou hast b o rn e th e W o r d w h o alo n e lo ves m an kin d . D e liv e r m e fro m e v e ry sin, fr o m all th e passions that d e stro y m y so u l, and fr o m e v e ry ill in flicte d b y th e e n e m y , th at I m ay sing w it h j o y : In te rce d e w it h th y So n and G o d , O U n d efiled , th at rem issio n o f transgressions m ay b e g iv e n to th o se w h o in faith take re fu g e beneath th y p ro te c tio n .

Both n o w . . . .

We use Jour troparia (including the irmos) from the Canon of the Resurrection and two troparia from the Canon to the Theotokos, both in the Tone of the weekfrom the Octoechos; four troparia from the first Canon in

TONE FIVE

given birth to Christ, our God and Saviour, who has loosed us from

to all who sin. Theotokion 0 spiritual heaven of the King of all, thou hast surpassed the understanding even o f the heavenly pow ers; for outside the laws of nature, O pure Virgin, thou hast conceived the Lawgiver and Maker of all things. (Katavasia) Perceiving the unsearchable purpose . . . .

Resurrection, two troparia fro m the Canon o f the Cross and the Resurrec­ tion , two troparia fro m the Canon to the Theotokos, a ll in the Tone o f the week fr o m the Octoechos; and then the Canon o f the Triodion with six troparia , by Jo sep h .

(by Ignatius) (Irmos) H a v in g c ro sse d th e w a t e r as th o u g h it w e r e d ry land . . . . A sc e n d in g fro m th e d ark s o r r o w o f m aterial th in gs, O h o ly Jo h n , thou hast g o n e to d w e ll in sp iritu al lig h t: g iv e m e lig h t th ro u g h thine in te rce ssio n s to th e L o r d . S u ck le d o n th e sw eetn ess o f abstin en ce, th o u hast cast a w a y th e bitterness o f sensual in d u lg e n c e ; and so, fath er, th o u g iv e st us a pleasure s w e e te r than h o n e y and th e h o n e y c o m b .® A s c e n d in g to th e h e ig h t o f th e virtu e s and re je c tin g th e p leasu res that c re e p u p o n th e g ro u n d , O h o ly fath e r, th o u hast b e c o m e th e

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. 5 Exod. 20: 2i.

Theotokion Since, all-pure Virgin, thou hast a mother’s boldness before thy Son, do not forget us and our needs, we pray, for we are thy kins­ folk: thee alone we Christians bring as intercessor, to win the gracious mercy of the Master. Second Canon (Irmos) Isaiah, as he watched by night . . . . When Moses on Sinai beheld in a mystical vision the backparts of God, he shone with glory, thus dimly indicating the strange mystery which he had seen; and now Mary falls down fervently before the most pure ikon of the Mother of God, the golden Vessel that re­ ceived die divine Manna, and she chooses the angelic life.12 Longing, like the Psalmist, to behold the majesty of Thy temple and the spiritual tabernacle of Thy glory, she who had profaned Thy

( Irmos) B y T h y p o w e r , O G o d , establish us . . . Jo u r n e y in g o n th e path o f life , O

6 Matt. 6: 6, 9-12. 7 Matt. 6 : 1 6 .

giving: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou. Theotokion Thou hast appeared incarnate from a Virgin’s womb, for our salvation; therefore we acknowledge Thy Mother as Theotokos, and we cry in thanksgiving: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou. Second Canon (Irmos) In Babylon the Children did not fear . . . . Wise Zosimas, greatest o f the fathers, as he wandered in the wilderness, was counted worthy to see the saint, and he cried: ‘ O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’ Ό father,’ said the saint to the elder, ‘ why hast thou come to see a poor woman that is a stranger to every virtuous action?’ And she cried: Ό God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

Second Canon (Irmos) T h o u a rt th e stro n g su p p o rt o f th o se th at ru n to T h e e . . . . W i t h th e fie ry co al o f th in e a sce tic w a rfa re , O saint, th o u hast b u rn t u p th e th o rns o f th e passions, g iv in g w a rm th th ro u g h thy fe rv o u r to all w h o fo llo w th e m o n astic life. Th ro u gh

What quenched the fire? What stopped the mouths o f the wild beasts? It was fasting that delivered the Children from the furnace and Daniel the Prophet from the jaws o f the lions. Brethren, let us also fast like them.8 (Irmos) See now, see that I am God. By Mine own will was 1 clothed in flesh, to save from error Adam who had fallen through the deceit o f the serpent.

Theotokion Thou hast carried in thine arms the invisible God, who is praised 17 John 11: 17, 43.

(Irmos) I have h eard tidings o f th e p o w e r o f T h y C ro ss . . . . T h ie v e s h ave d esp o iled m e

Second Canon (Irmos) O L o r d , I h ave h eard th e m y ste ry o f T h y dispensation . . . . T h o u a rt a fragran t m e a d o w and a liv in g p aradise o f th e v irtu e s, in w h ic h th e re g r o w s th e fru it o f a b stin e n c e ; and w it h it th o u dost n o u rish all w h o h o n o u r th ee. F o r all w h o fo llo w th e a sce tic and m o n a stic w a y , th o u a rt in tru th a la w g iv e r lik e M o se s, a m e e k and g e n tle ru le r lik e D a v id ; and w e bless th e e , fa th e r.0 P lan ted b esid e th e w a te rs o f abstin en ce, O blessed fath e r, thou a rt b e c o m e a fru itfu l v in e , b e a rin g th e grap es o f tru e s a n c tity .9 10

(Irmos) W a tc h in g early in th e m o rn in g , w e c r y to T h e e . . . . B in d u p , O Je su s, th e w o u n d s o f m y so u l, as th e Sam aritan bound u p th e w o u n d s o f h im that fell am o n g th ie v e s, and heal m e fro m m y p ain , I p ra y , O C h ris t. S c o u rg e d b y m y transgressio ns, O C h ris t, m y soul is sick and in a g o n y, and I lie naked and b e re ft o f the d ivin e v ir t u e s ; b u t I b e­ se e c h T h e e , save m e . W h e n th e p rie st and the L e v ite sa w m e , th e y co u ld n o t help m e, b u t passed b y o n th e o th e r side. B u t T h o u in T h y co m p assio n hast g iv e n m e salvation and p re se rv e d m e.

(Ivmos) Who among those born on earth has ever seen . . . . Who among those born on earth has ever slipped and provoked God to anger as I have done? Who has ever followed evil impulses and become a dwelling-place of sin as much as I in my wretchedness? But, O God, whose will it is to have mercy, take pity on me. O godlike and angelic powers, entreat Him, for He is always ready to forgive, that He may save a soul lost in the sea o f worldly pleasures, driven to and fro by the tempest of the passions, and in peinl from the assaults of hostile spirits. Come, my soul, and by fasting ascend to heaven on the wings of

Second Canon (Irmos) O L ig h t th at n e v e r sets . . . .

the virtues, rising above the sin that creeps upon the ground: take

Theotokion Sin ce , a ll-p u re V ir g in , th o u hast a m o t h e r ’ s bo ldness b e fo re th y Son, do n o t fo rg e t us and o u r need s, w e p ra y , fo r w e are thy

thy delight in visions of glory that lead thee to holiness, and through faith grow godlike. Theotokion Who shall make thy praises to be heard in all the world, O pure Lady? For in ways past understanding thou hast given birth to the Master and Lord, whom the leaders of the angelic hosts praise and exalt above all. Entreat Him for thy people that has sinned, O Virgin inviolate. Second Canon (Irmos) Rejoice, Isaiah . . . . Now is the accepted time, the day of salvation: let us offer to 10 Luke 16: 19-2$.

God gifts of virtue; as Paul commands, let us cast off the works of darkness, O brethren, and put on the armour o f light.11 As the Lord overcame the enemy by fasting, so by fasting let us also break in pieces his arrows and his snares; and when he seeks to tempt us, let each say: Get thee behind me, Satan.12 Glory be to the Father . . . . O honoured Trinity, consubstantial, without beginning, source o f life, O undivided Unity, I sing Thy praises: Father unbegotten, Word and Son begotten, and Holy Spirit, save us all who glorify Thee. Both now . . . . Theotokion Beyond our understanding is thy childbearing, O Mother of God. For without man thou hast conceived, and in virginity hast thou given birth; and the Child that thou hast borne is God. Him we

M ak e haste to o p en un to m e T h y fath e rly e m b ra c e , fo r as the P ro d igal I h ave w asted m y life.

Second Canon (Irmos) T h e C h ild r e n o f Ju d ae a , w h o d w e lt o f o ld in B ab ylo n . . . . T h o u hast led th y flo ck to p astu re, O fath e r, in th e g re e n m e ad o w s o f the h e a ve n ly K in g d o m , and w it h th e ro d o f tru e d o gm a th o u hast d riven a w a y th e w ild beasts o f h e r e s y ; and thou do st sing a lo u d : O G o d o f o u r fath ers, b lessed a rt T h o u . T h o u hast e n te re d into th e jo y o f the h e a ve n ly b rid al c h a m b e r o f C h rist th e K in g , c lo th e d in a g a rm e n t w o r t h y o f H im that calle d th ee to the fe a s t; and, seated b esid e H im , th o u dost c r y a lo u d : O G o d o f o u r fath ers, blessed a rt T h o u .16

magnify, O Virgin, and we call thee blessed. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Through fasting let us draw near to the mountain of prayer; and with pure hearts like Moses let us also look on God, receiving in­ wardly the tablets of the commandments and shining with glory in

In th e unfailing w e a lth

the presence of God’s love.13

Second Canon (Irmos) T h e K in g o f h eaven . . . . O fa th e r Jo h n , tru ly in th ee w e have a liv in g p illa r and im age o f abstin en ce, and w e all h o n o u r th y m e m o ry . T h e b ro th e rh o o d o f m o n k s re jo ic e s , and th e assem b ly o f the

0 Jesus, I have not been like Abel in his righteousness. Never have I offered Thee acceptable gifts or godly actions, a pure sacrifice or an unblemished life.18 Like Cain, O miserable soul, we too have offered, to the Creator of all, defiled actions and a polluted sacrifice and a worthless life: and so we also are condemned.19 As the potter moulds the clay, Thou hast fashioned me, giving me flesh and bones, breath and life. But accept me in repentance, O my Maker and Deliverer and Judge.20 1 confess to Thee, O Saviour, the sins I have committed, the wounds of my soul and body, which murderous thoughts, like thieves, have inflicted inwardly upon m e.21 Though I have sinned, O Saviour, yet I know that Thou art full of

I have sinned against

Second Canon (Irmos) W it h

loving-kindness. Thou dost chastise with mercy and art fervent in compassion. Thou dost see me weeping and dost run to meet me, like the Father calling back the Prodigal Son.22 Glory be to the Father. . . . Trinity beyond all being, worshipped in Unity, take from me the heavy yoke o f sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of com­ punction. Both now. . . . Theotokion O Theotokos, the hope and protection of those who sing thy

(Irmos) He is for me unto salvation Helper and Protector. He is my God and I glorify Him, God of my fathers is He and I exalt Him, for He is greatly glorified. Where shall I begin to weep for the actions of my wretched life? What first-fruit shall I offer, O Christ, in this my lamentation? But in Thy compassion grant me forgiveness of sins. Come, wretched soul, with thy flesh to the Creator of all. Make confession to Him, and abstain henceforth from thy past brutish­ ness; and offer to God tears of repentance. I have rivalled in transgression Adam the first-formed man, and I have found myself stripped naked of God, of the eternal Kingdom and its joy, because of my sins.20 Woe to thee, miserable soul! How like thou art to the first E v e!

We use the Canon to the saint o f the day from the Menaion9 and the two three-cantided Canons from the Triodion; we sing the third Biblical Canticle (I Kings 2: 1 —1 0 ) .

Repeat. B oth n o w . . . .

(Same Irmos) Holy Mother Mary, pray to God for us. Give me the light of grace, from God’ s providence on high/ that I may flee from the darkness of the passions and sing fervently the joyful story of thy life, O Mary. Holy Mother Mary, pray to God for us. Bowing before the divine laws of Christ, thou hast drawn near to Him, forsaking the unbridled longings of sensual pleasure; and in fear of God thou hast gained all the virtues as if they were one. Holy Father Andrew, pray to God for us. 84 Luke 1 £i 11-20. 35 Ps. 142: -2.

the church or monastery with six troparia, including the irmos, and then

TONE TWO

I am filled w ith e v e ry sham eful th in g and dare n o t lo o k up at th e h eigh t o f h eaven, fo r I h ave fo o lish ly b o w e d d o w n to sin. B u t n o w I retu rn and c r y aloud in c o m p u n c tio n : I have sinned against T h e e ; re c e iv e m e , K in g o f a ll.

the irmos. But i f the church or monastery is dedicated to the Theotokos, we

our flesh; by our life in Christ let us all show that the pride o f the flesh is dead.3 Glory be to the Father . . . . I glorify three Persons in one Nature, Father, Son and Spirit, the one Power of the Godhead, one Kingdom over all and one Bright­ ness. Both now . . . . Theotokion Thy childbearing, O pure Lady, fills our hearts with fear. For it is God who has become man, begotten outside time from the Father and in the last days brought forth by thee through a virgin birth. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. I praise Thy Crucifixion, O Christ, and the piercing of Thy divine side, from which I draw each day an immortal drink and I am sanctified. (Irmos) O Lord, who hast put sin to death by the wood of the

undefiled, and the refu g e o f the saved. Save m e b y thy

use only the Canon o f the Theotokosy singing the irmos of each Canticle twicey and then repeating the troparia so as to make up the number ten.

Cross, be Thou our strength and our support, and graft Thy fear in our hearts as we sing in praise of Thee.

The irmos o f the Canon o f the Theotokos is repeated at the end as katavasia.

b irth fro m

(Irmos) I shall open my mouth and the Spirit w ill inspire it, and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and M other: I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast and jo y­ fully praising her wonders. O pure Virgin, living book of Christ, sealed by the Spirit, be­ holding thee the great Archangel said to thee: ‘Hail, vessel o f jo y ! Through thee shall we be loosed from the curse of our first m other/11 Hail, Virgin bride o f God, restoration o f Adam and death of hell; 11 Isa. 29: 11; Dan, 1 2: 4, 9; Rev. ς : i; Gen. 3: i£-i6.

The furnace o f the passions bums up my soul; but with the dew of

(Irmos) He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus the true God, is come in a swift cloud and with His sinless hand He has saved those who c r y : Glory to Thy power, O Christ.18* With voices o f song in faith we cry aloud to thee, O Virgin worthy o f all praise: Hail, rich mountain flowing with the milk of die Spirit; hail, candlestick and vessel of manna, sweet to the taste of the godly.10 Hail, mercy-seat o f the world, O lady undefiled; hail, ladder raising all men from the earth by grace; hail, bridge that in very truth has brought from death to life all those that sing thy

Thy mercy do Thou quench its flames. For in Thy loving selfabasement, O Benefactor, at Thy Crucifixion Thou hast made a fountain of dispassion to flow from Thy pure side. Lifted upon Thy Cross, O Christ, Thou hast raised us up who were fallen into evil. I have slipped into the pit o f sin: bring me out and set me firmly on the rock of salvation, that I may glorify Thy power. Through the lance that pierced Thy side, O Christ, Thou hast cleansed my heart from the corruption of the passions. I have been wounded by the poisonous bite o f the serpent: heal me in every part, and make me walk unwavering upon the paths o f God. Theotokion All of us honour thee, O Virgin undefiled, as the shining lamp

(Irmos) As we celebrate this sacred and solemn feast of the Mother of God, let us come, clapping our hands, O people of the Lord, and give glory to God who was born o f her. 21 John 14: 6 ; Gen. 7: 17-21. 22 4 [2] Kgs. 2 : 1 1 ; Uzek. 1 : ι ς -2 8 ; Gen. 2 : 9. 28 Ps. 86: 3; Dan. 2: 34. 24 Matt. 13: 46.

and candlestick in which the fire of the Godhead came to dwell, 3 Gal. 5: 24; Rom. 8: 6.

(by Joseph) (Irmos) ‘ As I look upon the stormy sea of life. . . \ Saints o f God, pray for us. Through their sufferings the martyrs became like chosen stones, which roll across the earth and overturn every building of the enemy; and they were made into temples o f God. Saints of God, pray for us. W e pray to you, O martyrs who have completed the course of holiness: give us strength to run the race of the Fast, endued with glory through our perfect practice of the virtues. God is wonderful in His saints, the God o f Israel. For the Dead O Lord, supreme in love, grant to Thy servants departed from this earth that they may be partakers in Thy Kingdom, at the holy intercessions of Thy divine martyrs, O Most Merciful.

bringing light to those held fast in the dark night of corruption; and we bless thy childbearing, O blessed among women.4 Second Canon (Ivmos) The Lord of old foreshadowed . . . . Let us praise Him that was crucified upon the Tree between the thieves, and whose life-giving side was pierced by the lance: and let us bless and exalt Him above all for ever. Thou, who judgest all the earth, hast stood before Pilate’s judgement-seat; Thou wast struck on the cheek, mocked, and hung upon the Cross, delivering me for ever from the corruption of the ancient sin. W e bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. O Godhead, One in Trinity, undivided in Nature yet divided in Persons, Power that shall never be destroyed, Father, Son and

(by Theodore the Studite) (Irmos) Thou hast delivered the Prophet from the whale. . . . Saints of God, pray for us. As we celebrate today the memory o f die martyrs, let us witii holy joy offer hymns of praise to the Lord. Saints o f God, pray for us. Not dismayed by sword and fire, O victorious martyrs, but made bold by your faith, ye filled the tyrants with fear and amazement. Glory be to the Father. . . . I praise Thee as Trinity in Persons and I worship Thee as Unity in Essence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Both now. . . . Theotokion Thou art the praise of angels and men, O Virgin, for thou hast borne Christ the Saviour of our souls. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel. Receiving life in exchange for death, O glorious martyrs of

Spirit, we sing Thy praises for ever. Both now . . . . Theotoklon O pure Mother of God, Gate of heaven, Door of salvation, accept

(Irmos) The holy Children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire, refusing to worship created things in place o f the Creator, and they sang in jo y : ‘ Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O Lord God of our fathers.’ We sing thy praises, crying: Hail! chariot of the spiritual Sun; true vine that has produced the ripe cluster of grapes, from which there flows a wine making glad the souls of the faithful, as they give thee glory.28 Hail, Bride of God, who hast given birth to the Healer of all; mystical staff that has blossomed with the unfading Flower. Hail, Lady, for through thee we are filled with joy and made inheritors of life.29 No tongue, however eloquent, has power to sing thy praises.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. 0 Cross of Christ, thou hast brought the thief to faith, and me to

Second Four-Canticled Canon {Irmos) Blessed art Thou, O God . . . . 30 Exod. 31: 18; Rev. 21: 27.

the season of the Fast: count me worthy to venerate the£ at the

m e rc y . I have an gered T h e e beyo n d m easure, O C h ris t, and I dare not lo o k up at the h eigh t o f heaven. B u t k n o w in g T h y co m p assio n , m e rc ifu l L o r d , m e.

(Irmos) The Offspring o f the Theotokos saved the holy Children in the furnace. He who was then prefigured has since been born on earth, and He gathers all the creation to sing: O all ye works o f the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

coming Festival,5 and to be filled with life. W e praise, bless and worship the Lord . . . . (Ivmos) The Lord of old foreshadowed the miracle of the Virgin to Moses in the bush upon Mount Sinai: let us praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever.

1 c r y : I h ave sinn ed, be m e rc ifu l to m e and save

Second Four-Canticled Canon (Irmos) Sing, O ye peoples. . . . Saints of God, pray for us. Holy choirs of martyrs, remember us who sing your praises with love, exalting Christ above all for ever. Saints of God, pray for us. Beheaded with the sword, the martyrs rejoiced, singing in praise of Christ and exalting Him above all for ever. We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In a strange manner the Trinity is divided, while yet remaining undivided as God. Him do we exalt above all for ever. Both now . . . . Theotokion A Virgin has borne a Child, for God has become man from her. Let all flesh sing His praises for ever. God is wonderful in His saints, the God o f Israel.

We sing the Magnificat and Greater in honour than the cherubim. . . . (Irmos) Let every mortal born on earth, radiant with light, in spirit leap for jo y ; and let the hosts of the angelic powers celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God, and let them cry: Hail! Pure and blessed Ever-Virgin, who gavest birth to God. Enable us the faithful to cry unto thee, H ail! For through thee, O Maiden, we have become partakers of everlasting joy. Deliver us from temptation, from capture by the enemy, and from every other ill that comes on sinful mortals because of the multitude of their transgressions. Thou hast been made our light and confirmation, and so w e cry to thee: Hail, never-setting star that bringest into the world the

(Ivmos) The Son of the Father without beginning . . . .

We use four troparia (including the irmos) from the Canon of the Resurrection and two troparia from the Canon to the Theotokos, both in the Tone o f the weekfrom the Octoechos; four troparia from the first Canon in

The Fast shines upon all of us more brightly than the sun, bringing

us the light of grace and proclaiming the good news of the Cross, of

(Irmos) H e w h o in a n cie n t tim es . . . . Stan ding,

the precious Passion and the saving day of Resurrection.

(Irmos) T h o u a rt th e stro n g su p p o rt o f those that ru n to T h e e . . . . O C h ris t, as T h o u hast saved Lazarus fro m th e flam e, d e liv e r m e , T h in e u n w o rth y servan t, fro m the fire o f G eh en n a. O L o r d , in passions and lusts I am as w e a lth y as th e ric h m an, y e t in m y lack o f v irtu e s I am as p o o r as Lazarus. B u t do T h o u save m e .

1 et us love chastity, let us Hee from Fornication, let 11s gird our 4 Exod. 2 5 : 3 1 - 3 . 5 On the Third Sunday in Lent.

TONE THREE

loins with temperance, that we may appear in purity before the Saviour of our souls, who alone is pure and desires the purification o f us all. O Christ, nail my flesh with the fear of Thee. O Thou who hast nailed the sin o f Adam to the Cross, loose me from the bonds of wickedness, shatter the arrows of the evil one with Thy lance, O Master, and deliver me from all his mischief. Theotokion O Virgin Maiden who hast borne Christ the Lord, the just Judge that alone is always ready to forgive, deliver me from the condem­ nation, from the fire and torment, that I deserve to suffer because of my delight in sin. Second Canon (.Irmos) Virgin Mother pure and undefiled . . . . How great is Thy compassion! For Thou hast endured the Cross,

(irmos) O Light that never sets . . . . When die rich man saw Lazarus resting in Abraham’s bosom and rejoicing in light and glory, he cried out: Ό Father Abraham, take pity on me, for I am condemned to the (ire and my tongue burns in bitter torment.’ ‘ During thy life’ , said Abraham to the rich man, ‘ thou hast lived in wealth and luxury; so now thou art tormented in the fire eternally, while Lazarus the poor man rejoices in unending glad­ ness.’ 1 am rich in the deceptive joys of this life, like the rich man who spent all his days in pleasure; but, I pray Thee, loving Lord, in Thy compassion deliver me from the fire as Thou hast saved Lazarus. 11 Gal. 6: 14.

the nails and lance, O Lord, for my sake who am condemned to

(Irmos) Be merciful to me, O Saviour . . . .

corruption. Therefore I sing Thy praises, O Christ. W ith all Thy people we worship Thy life-giving Passion, the Cross, the reed, the nails, the lance; and we praise Thee in our songs, O Christ. Glory be to the Father . . . . O Unity in three coequal Persons, undivided Trinity, sovereign Nature, Father, Son and divine Spirit, save, us all. Both now . . . . Theotokion Rejoice, Theotokos, Mercy-Seat of the w orld: always fleeing to thee for refuge, we sinners gain reconciliation with God. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Through Thy Cross, O loving Lord, Thou hast given me strength: grant me with good courage to complete the period of the Fast. (Irmos) Virgin Mother pure and undefiled, with our songs in

(Irmos) The Children of Judaea, who dwelt of old in Babylon . . . . Like Job of old, who sat on a dung-heap full of rottenness and worms, Lazarus lay before the gates of the rich man, and he cried aloud: Ό God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’ 10 An outcast at the gate of the rich man who lacked all compassion, Lazarus longed for the crumbs that fell from his table, yet no man gave them to him ; but in return for all this he received a dwellingplace with Abraham. O my Christ, I pray Thee, deliver me from the punishment of the rich man who showed no compassion; but place me with Lazarus

faith and true devotion we magnify thee as Theotokos.

(Irmos) The Chaldaean tyrant in his madness . . . . Once the rich man in his vileness was splendidly clothed in scarlet raiment and fine linen and purple, while the poor man Lazarus lay a pitiable outcast at his gate, longing to eat the crumbs that fell from his table; and no man gave them to him. But now he reigns with Christ in glory. Lazarus lay at the gates of the rich man, his body putrefying with sores: he longed to eat, and no man gave him food; but the dogs, moved by compassion, licked his wounds with their tongues. And now he has been counted worthy of joy in Paradise. I have grown rich in sensual pleasures, like the rich man of old who clothed himself each day in scarlet; and, delighting in the good

TONE SIX

in h eaven , th e C h ild re n sang to ­

(Irmos) Mother of God and Virgin . . . . 1 pray to Thee, O Christ, since Thou art God by nature: make me poor like Lazarus, banishing my sensual desires; but in virtues make me as wealthy as the rich man, that with faith I may magnify Thee in hymns. Rich and unmerciful, I have despised my mind; cast out in wretchedness it lies with faith before the gates o f Thy command­ ments, O Lord who lovest mankind. But in Thy tender mercy and compassion, raise it up as once in tender love Thou hast raised up Thy friend Lazarus, who was four days dead.17 W e have all learned the meaning of this parable of the Lord. Let all of us, then, hate the rich man’s lack of compassion, that we may escape punishment and rejoice for ever with Abraham.

(by Theophanes) (Irmos) Let us sing a song o f triumph to the Lord, who led His people through the Red Sea: for He has been glorified. With Thy divine command Thou hast raised dead Lazarus, in Thy love for mankind; for Thou art the Fashioner and Guardian o f Life. O immortal Lord, with Thy word Thou hast raised Lazarus, four days dead, and by Thy power Thou hast destroyed the dark kingdom of hell. Thou hast given to all, O Master, a proof of Thy transcendent Godhead, raising Lazarus from the dead on the fourth day. Today Bethany proclaims beforehand the Resurrection of Christ

me and take pity on m e.14 I am the man who fell among thieves, even my own thoughts; they have covered all my body with wounds, and I lie beaten and bruised. But come to me, O Christ my Saviour, and heal m e.15

(by Kosmas the Monk) (Irmos) Having crossed the water. . . . In the beginning Thou hast brought all creation out of nothing, and Thou knowest the secrets of our hearts; and now as Master Thou dost foretell to Thy disciples the falling asleep of Lazarus. O Christ, Thou hast become man, taking human nature from the Virgin, and as man Thou hast asked where Lazarus was buried, although as God Thou wast not ignorant of this. O Word, giving us an assurance o f Thine own Resurrection, Thou 13 See The Festal Menaiony p. 9 1 .

The Priest saw me first, but passed by on the other side; the

First Canon (Irmos) O L o r d , I h ave heard th e m y ste ry o f T h y d isp e n satio n ; I

12 See pp. 9 4 - 6 . 13 Luke 1 6 : 20 ; Ps. £4: 1 6 ; 7 0 : 9. 14 Luke 1 ς : 1 1 - 2 0 . 15 Luke 10 : 30.

Levite looked on me in my distress but despised my nakedness. O Jesus, sprung from Mary, do Thou come to me and take pity on m e.16 Holy Mother Mary, pray to God for us. Grant me the light o f grace, from God’ s providence on high, that I may flee from the darkness of the passions and sing fervently the joyful tale of thy life, O Mary. Glory be to the Father. . . . Trinity beyond all being, worshipped in Unity, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of com­ punction. Both now. . . . Theotokion O Theotokos, the hope and protection of those who sing thy

We use the Canon to the saint o f the dayfrom the Menaion, and the two three-canticled Canons from the Triodion; we sing the fourth Biblical Canticle (Habakkuk 3: 1 - 1 9 ) .

Fa th e r. R u le d b y c o rru p tin g th o u g h ts, I am full o f darkness and separated far fro m T h e e , and I h ave lost all possession o f m yself, O m e rcifu l L o r d . T h e r e fo r e save m e as I fall b e fo re T h e e in re p e n ta n ce .

We now begin the two Jour-canticled Canons. The irmos o f the β ι-st

TONE TWO

The deceiver enticed me with the hook of pleasure and made me

th e P r o d ig a l: re jo ic e n o w becau se o f m e , w r e tc h e d th o ugh I a m : o p en T h y h o ly e m b ra c e to m e , that saved I m ay sin g the p raises o f T h y bou ndless com p assion .

captive. But, O apostles who by your preaching have caught the whole world in your net, deliver me from his malice. O glorious apostles, ye shine as rays from, the Sun of glory, dis­ pelling the eclipse of error. Let your light also fall on me, for I am darkened by every evil. Theotokion In my affliction I cry unto thee night and day. Fenced round by thy help and strength, O Virgin, I shall be saved and shall leap over

First Canon (Irmos) T h e

the wall o f sensual pleasure.1

h o ly V ir g in M o th e r o f G o d , boast and g lo ry o f the ap ostles,

Another Canon

m arty rs, p ro p h e ts and th e saints, gain the g racio u s fa v o u r o f th y Son and L o r d to w a rd s us th y servants, w h e n H e shall sit to ju d g e each m an a c c o rd in g to his du e.

apostles, ye give light to this earthly world and drive away the gloom of error. O ye apostles, ye are the Saviour’s lyre, on which the Spirit plays; preaching in all the earth, ye sing a song melodious to the ear and convert the world to God. Glory be to the Father . . . . Let us glorify the Trinity in Unity of Essence; let us sing the

We use the Canon o f the patron saint o f the church or monastery with six troparia (including the irmos)9 and the Canon fo r the Dead from the Triodion with eight troparia.

TONE SIX

In each canticle, the irmos is sung twice, and then the troparia are repeated four or six times, so as to make up the number twelve. The irmos is sung again as katavasia at the end of each canticle. Btfore the troparia we say Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

my God and I glorify Him, God of my fathers is He and I exalt Him, for He is greatly glorified. 0 Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of all, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion give me tears o f com­ punction.11 1 fall down, Jesus, at Thy feet: I have sinned against Thee, be merciful to me. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion, O God, accept me in repentance. Enter not into judgement with me, bringing before me the things I should have done, examining my words and correcting my im­ pulses. But in Thy mercy overlook my sins and save me, O Lord almighty.12 It is time for repentance: to Thee I come, my Creator. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion give me tears of

(Irmos) The springs of the deep were seen bereft of water, and the foundations of the storm-tossed sea were laid b are: for in Thy power Thou hast rebuked its fury and saved Thy chosen people, as'they sang to Thee, O Lord, a hymn of victory.10 Out of the mouth of Thy servants, the innocent babes and suck­ lings, Thou hast received praise. Thou hast overthrown the adver­ sary and by Thy Passion on the Cross Thou hast avenged Adam’s fall of o ld ; with the Tree Thou hast raised him up, and he sings to Thee, O Lord, a hymn of victory.

compunction. As the Prodigal, O Saviour, I have wasted the substance o f my soul in sin, and I am barren of the virtues of holiness. In my hunger I c r y : O Giver of mercy, come quickly out to meet me and take pity on m e.13 Holy Mother Mary, pray to God for us. Bowing before the divine laws of Christ, thou hast drawn near to Him, forsaking the unbridled longings of sensual pleasure; and in the fear of God thou hast gained all the virtues as if they were one. Glory be to the Father. . . . Trinity beyond all being, worshipped in Unity, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of com­ punction. Both now. . . . Theotokion O Theotokos, the hope and protection o f those who sing thy

(Irmos) The people of Israel drew water from the stony rock, for it became at Thy command a flowing stream. O Christ, Thou art Thyself our rock and life ; on Thee the Church is founded, and she cries aloud: Hosanna, blessed art Thou that comest.18 Trembling at Thy command, hell yielded up Lazarus who was four days dead. For Thou, O Christ, art the resurrection and the life; on Thee the Church is founded, and she cries aloud: Hosanna, blessed art Thou that comest.19 O ye people, sing in Zion a hymn fitting for God, and offer prayer to Christ in Jerusalem. For He comes in power and glo ry: on Him

We use the Canon to the saint o f the dayfrom the Menaion, and the two three-canticled Canons from the Triodion; we sing the fifth Biblical Canticle (Isaiah 26: 9 -20 ).

(Irmos) ‘ Christ comes’ , the Prophet said of old, ‘revealing Him­ self as our G o d ; He shall come and shall not tarry, from

(Irmos) Go up the mountain, Thou that bringest good tidings to Zion; and Thou that preachest to Jerusalem, lift up Thy voice with strength. Glorious things arc spoken of thee, O City of G o d : Peace be upon Israel and salvation to the Gentiles.23 God who is enthroned on high upon the cherubim and yet cares for the lowly, is Himself come in power and glory, and all things shall be filled with His divine praise. Peace be upon Israel and sal­ vation to the Gentiles.24256 O Zion, holy mountain of God, and Jerusalem, lift up thine eyes round about and behold thy children, gathered in thee. For lo, they have come from afar to worship thy King. Peace be upon Israel and salvation to the Gentiles.2*

TONE TWO

(Irmos) The spirits of the righteous cried aloud in jo y : ‘Now is a new covenant granted to the w orld: let the people be renewed through sprinkling with the Blood o f G od .’ 23 O Israel, receive God’s Kingdom; let him that walks in darkness see the great light; and let the people be renewed through sprink­ ling with the Blood of God.27 Set free thy prisoners, O Zion, and let them go; bring them out 22 Isa. 40: 12 ; Ps. 131: 13. 23 Isa. 40: 9; Ps. 86: 3; 127: 6. 24 Ps. 17: 11; 137: 6; Hal). 3: 3 (Sept.). 25 Ps. 2 : 6; Isa. 49: 18; 60: 4. 26 The Song of the Three Children, verse 6 4 ; Matt. 26: 28; Hcb. 12 : 23-4. 27 Isa. 9: 2.

salvation of my darkened soul; save me, O save me, for I perish. Do thou clothe me in a garment of incorruption, who am corrupted by my grievous sins. Another Canon

(Irmos) Thou hast saved the children of Abraham in the fire and slain the Chaldaeans, who plotted unrighteously against

the flesh at the place o f the skull, O Lord, giving immortality to men

and fashioning them anew. When the creation saw the outrage o f Thy Passion, O Lord, it was changed in every part, lamenting the murder committed by the Jews. But Thou hast patiently endured these things to save the whole world. Glory be to the Father . . . . All-holy Trinity, we worship Thee: Thou art our refuge and our strength. W e sing Thy praises in Unity of N ature: send down upon us the forgiveness o f our sins. Both now . . . . Theotokion Rejoice, O Theotokos, Maiden o f many names: Tabernacle, Vessel o f Manna, Table, Candlestick that bears the Light, burning Bush, overshadowed Mountain o f G od.2 Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Bidding farewell to the world and all that is in it, let us now be

(Irmos) T h e L o r d is G o d and has ap p eared to u s ; let us k eep the feast to g e th e r.

crucified with Christ; let us endure outrage, mockery and other sufferings, that we may be glorified with Him.8 ([Irmos) The night is far spent, the day is at hand, and the light has shone upon the world. Therefore the ranks of angels sing Thy praises and, O Lord, they glorify Thee.

the irmos is sung twice, and then the troparia are repeated three or six times

so as to make up the number twelve. The irmos is sung at the end of each canticle as katavasia. Btfore the troparia we say G lo r y to T h e e , o u r G o d , g lo ry to T h e e .

the Cross, raising up with Thee him who had fallen o f old through

eating from the tree. Therefore art Thou glorified, O Lord alone supreme in love, and we sing Thy praises for ever. Through heedlessness I have fallen into the heavy sleep of sin. But, my Christ, who for my sake hast fallen asleep on the Cross, do Thou awaken me, that the night of death come not upon me. Blinded by sensual pleasures, I bear within me a darkened soul, and the crafty-minded enemy laughs when he sees me. But give me light, O Christ, and deliver me for ever from his malice. 8Exod. 26: 1; 16: 33; 2£: 23-31; 3 : 2 ; Hab. 3: 3 (Sept.). 3 Gal. 2: 20; Rom. 8: 17.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. O Cross, sceptre of Christ, strength o f the Church, victory of kings, guardian of Christians! Thou art my light, thou art my boast for ever. We praise, bless and worship the Lord . . . . (Irmas) The Lord of old foreshadowed the miracle of the Virgin to Moses in the bush upon Mount Sinai: let us praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever.

irmos is sung twice, and then the troparia are repeated four times. The

The usual Sm all L ita n y .

irmos is sung at the end as katavasia. Btfore the troparia we say Glory to

my sake hast suffered shameful Crucifixion, make me a partaker in Thy glory. I am bowed down to the earth, O Christ, by the burden of my sinful acts, and in dark discouragement I cry to Thee who lovest man: By Thy precious blood heal the incurable wounds of my soul, that I may sing the praises of Thy Godhead. I have made iniquity my food and heedlessness my drink, and I continue utterly incorrigible. All to no purpose do I take pleasure in abstinence from food: for such is not the fast that the Lord has chosen.5 Theotokion Thou hast destroyed the sentence o f condemnation passed on mankind of o ld ; thou art the restoration of our first Mother Eve, the cause o f our reconciliation to God, our bridge to the Creator. Thee,

(Irmos) He who in ancient times hid the pursuing tyrant beneath

AND GREAT M ARTYR THEODORE THE RECRUIT

(Irmos) When the creation beheld Thee hanging in Golgotha, who hast hung the whole earth freely upon the waters, it was seized with amazement and it cried : ‘There is none holy save Thee, O Lord.’ Signs and tokens of Thy burial Thou hast disclosed in a multitude of visions; and now, O Master, as both God and man, Thou hast revealed Thy hidden secrets unto those in hell who c r y : ‘There is none holy save Thee, O Lord.’ Thou hast stretched out Thine arms and united all that before was separated; wrapped in a winding-sheet, O Saviour, and buried in a tomb, Thou hast loosed the prisoners, and they cry: ‘There is none holy save Thee, O Lord .’ O Thou whom nothing can contain, of Thine own will Thou wast

Kolyva1112 is placed beside an analog ion on which rests the ikon o f the saint of the day, the Great Martyr Theodore. After the prayer behind the ambon at the end o f the Liturgy o f the Presanctified, the priest says: Blessed is o u r G o d . . . , and the reader answers A m e n . O c o m e le t us w o rsh ip . . . , and then Psalm 1 42. We sing T h e L o rd is G o d 9followed by the apolytikion of the Saint: 11 Eudoxius of Constantinople. 12 A dish of boiled wheat or rice, usually sweetened with sugar and decorated with raisins and sugared fruit and nuts.

(Irmos) Foreseeing Thy divine self-emptying upon the Cross, Habakkuk cried out marvelling: ‘Thou hast cut short the strength of the powerful, O gracious and almighty Lord, and preached to those in hell. ’ Today Thou dost keep holy the seventh day, which Thou hast blessed of old by resting from Thy works. Thou bringest all things into being and Thou makest all things new, observing the sabbath rest, my Saviour, and restoring Thy strength.434 Thou hast gained the victory by Thy greater strength: Thy soul was parted from Thy body, yet by Thy power, O Word, Thou hast burst asunder the bonds of death and hell. Hell was filled with bitterness when it met Thee, O W ord, for it saw a mortal deified, marked by wounds yet all-powerful; and it

TONE TWO

(Irmos) Isaiah, as he watched by night, beheld the light that knows no evening, the light of Thy Thcophany, O Christ, that came to pass from tender love for u s; and he cried aloud: ‘The dead shall arise and they that dwell in the tomb shall be raised up, and all those born on the earth shall re­ joice exceedingly.,44 Becoming a creature formed from dust, O Creator, Thou makest new those born on earth. The winding-sheet and tomb point, O Word, to the mystery that is within Thee. For the honourable counsellor45 fulfils the counsel of Thy Father, who has gloriously refashioned me in Thee. By death dost Thou transform mortality, and by Thy burial, cor­ ruption. With divine power Thou makest incorruptible the nature

(Irmos) Jonah was enclosed but not held fast in the belly of the whale; for, serving as a figure of Thee, who hast suffered and wast buried in the tomb, he leapt forth from the monster as from a bridal chamber and he called out to the watch: ‘ O ye who keep guard falsely and in vain, ye have forsaken your own m ercy.’ Thou wast torn but not separated, O Word, from the Hesh that Thou hadst taken. For though Thy temple was destroyed at the time of Thy Passion, yet the Person of Thy Godhead and of Thy flesh is but one; in both Thou art one Son, the Word of God, both God and man.47

(Irmos) Wonder past speech! He who delivered the holy Children from the fiery furnace, is laid a corpse without breath in

(Irmos) Be ye astonished, O ye heavens, be ye horribly afraid, and let the foundations of the earth be shaken.48 For lo, He who dwells on high is numbered with the dead and lodges as a stranger in a narrow tomb. Him do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people exalt above all for ever.

TONE EIGHT

beginning have died in the true faith, we cry fervently to T h ee: Give rest to them all with Thy saints. Those whom Thou hast taken from every generation, Orthodox kings, rulers and monks, do Thou in Thy compassion deliver from eternal punishment. Thou knowest what is best for all the creatures Thou hast form ed: deliver from every torment, O Lord our God, those whom Thou hast permitted to die unexpectedly, through some sudden mishap. From the ever-burning fire, from the darkness without light, from the gnashing o f teeth and the worm that torments without ceasing, from every punishment deliver, O our Saviour, all who have died in faith.8 Glory be to the Father. . . . One in throne, without beginning, threefold Unity, single in

the establishment o f the Feast o f St. Gregory Palamas: for our translation w e

Nature yet distinct in Persons, unite us in the one w ill of Thy com­ mandments. Both now. . . . Theotokion Thou wast made higher in honour than the fiery seraphim, O pure Virgin, for thou hast borne Him whom they dare not approach, Jesus the Saviour, who by taking flesh from thee has made our earthly nature godlike. (Katavasia) My spirit seeks Thee early in the morning^ O God, for Thy commandments bring us light before Thy com ing: shine with them upon our minds, O Master, and guide us in the path of life.

have used Patmos Ms. 6 1 2 , if. 11 $ a - i 17a. The Greek text is also to be found in A . M . Quirini, Ojficium Quadragesimale (2nd edition, Venice, 17 2 9 ), vol. i, pp. 2 1 2 - 2 1 . The Greek Triodion printed at Rome in 1 8 7 9 omits the canon in honour of the saint and contains a canon on the theme o f the Prodigal Son, entirely different from that which is given in the Slavonic books and which is translated here.

between God and m an; and rightly thou art glorified by all of us as

When Thou shalt come as judge and all things stand naked and laid bare before Thy face, then in Thy mercy spare, O God, those who worshipped Thee in faith.9 When Thine Archangel shall sound the last trumpet, awakening all to the resurrection of life, then, O Christ, give rest to Thy servants.10 Be merciful, O God, to all the faithful from every nation o f man­ kind, whom Thou hast taken since the beginning o f time, and count them worthy to glorify Thee with Thy servants for ever. Glory be to the Father. . . . Thrice-holy Godhead, one in throne, Father, Son and Spirit, Thou art my God, holding all in unity by Thine almighty power. Both now. . . . Theotokion Leap for joy, Jesse the forefather; from thy root has sprung the

the Mother of God.

Flower o f Life that saves the world, Christ our God, born from the pure Maiden.11 (Katavasia) Held fast by many sins, I fall down like the Prophet12 before Thy tender mercies. Accept me also in Thy love for mankind, O Lord, and save me.

TONE EIGHT

TO NE FO U R

W ith the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life without end. Ikos Thou only art immortal, who hast created and fashioned man: but we are mortal, formed from the earth, and to this same earth shall we return, as Thou hast commanded when Thou madest me, saying: ‘Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.’ There shall all we mortals go, and for our funeral dirge we sing: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. 9 Heb. 4 : 1 3 . 10 1 Cor. ι ς : $ 2. 11 Isa. 1 1 : 1. 12 Jonah.

(b y G eorge)

I shall open my mouth . . . . O orators who speak o f things divine, O chosen theologians and every tongue inspired by God, come and unite together, that ye may rightly sing in praise of holy Gregory, the herald o f the Spirit. Let us praise Gregory the great, the pillar of the Faith, the champion of the Church, the good shepherd o f Thessalonica and the true glory of the order of bishops. From earliest childhood thou hast desired the higher life and the path of perfection, O holy father Gregory, and thou hast proved a true follower and companion of thy namesake Gregory the Theo­ logian. (Irm os)

ful Saviour, and quickened it by the Spirit: give rest, O God, to those whom Thou hast taken, in the life that grows not old. Glory be to the Father. . . . Let us praise the Godhead, one in Nature but threefold in Per­ sons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three Suns with but one single light. Both now. . . . Theotokion W ith the words o f David we sing to thee, O Virgin, calling thee

0 Undefiled, be thou to me a path of life, guiding me to the dwelling-place of God. For I have wandered astray and fallen into the pit of e v il: through thy mediation, lead me back. ( K a ta v a sia ) I shall open my mouth and the Spirit will inspire it, and I shall utter the words o f my song to the Queen and M other: I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast and joyfully praising her wonders.

the mountain of God: in thee the W ord dwelt according to the

the tomb as the rising sun: make all those from every age who died

sinned against Thee, I have sinned; save me, for fervently I run for refuge to Thy tender mercy. Theotokion

in faith children o f Thy Resurrection, O Lord of glory. 18 Matt. 2 £ : 3 3 .

Adam’s nature was made godlike, O Virgin, when without under­ going change God took flesh within thy womb; and we who were deceived of old by the hope of becoming gods, have been set free from the ancient condemnation.® Second Canon

14 Ps. 67: 17.

desired a shameful and prodigal life; but through thy holy inter­ cessions, O Virgin and Bride of God, bind my heart with divine love. (Katavasia) O Mother of God, thou living and plentiful fount, give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship, who sing hymns o f praise to thee: and in thy divine glory vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory. K ontakion

Thou who knowest things obscure and hidden, when Thou shalt come to reveal the works of darkness and die counsels o f our hearts, then show mercy to all who have fallen asleep in faith, and do not require from them what is due. When Thou shalt come to sit upon the throne and shalt summon widi the trumpet all men from the ends of the earth, commanding them to stand before Thee for judgement, then spare us all, O Christ, in Thy mercy. Those o f the faithful who died suddenly in some accident, as they cried out violently or ran swiftly, were struck on the face or trampled underfoot, do Thou forgive, O Lord o f glory, unto all the ages. W e bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As Unity in Essence I sing Thy praises; as Trinity in Persons I

TONE FOUR

venerate Thee, Father, Son and All-Holy Spirit. The power o f Thy Kingdom that has no beginning I glorify unto all ages. Both now. . . . Theotokion Thou art revealed, O Theotokos Virgin, as a sealed fountain of living water. Γ ithout man diou hast given birth to the Lord, and thou makest the faithful to drink from die waters o f immortality unto all ages.16 W e praise, bless and worship the Lord. . . . (Katavasia) Glorified in the holy mountain, the Lord revealed the mystery o f the Ever-Virgin to Moses in the burning bush: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.

The season of the virtues now has come, and the Judge is at the

door. Let us not hold back with darkened face, but let us keep the Fast, offering tears, contrition and almsgiving; and let us cry: our sins are more in number than the sand of the sea; but, Deliverer of ® Gen. 3 : ς. 7 i Cor. i : 24.

age in life : old and young, children and new-born babies, male and female. Give rest to all that worshipped Thee in faith: killed by poisonous bites, swallowed by serpents, trampled underfoot by horses, strangled or hanged by their neighbours. W e remember by name each of the faithful who died in every generation from the beginning of tim e: grant them at Thy coming to stand before Thee uncondemned. Glory be to the Father. . . . O God, one in three, glory be to Thee without ceasing. Each is God, yet Father, Son and Spirit are one in Nature, though threefold and distinct in the splendour o f their Persons. Both now. . . . Theotokion Beyond our understanding is thy childbearing, O undefiled Virgin. For thou givest birth to Him who was before all things, and

ineffably thou feedest with thy milk Him that feeds the w o rld ; thou holdest Him that upholds the universe, Christ our only Redeemer. (Katavasia) The burning bush upon the mountain revealed in prophecy to the Giver of the Law Christ’s birth from

the Ever-Virgin for our salvation: and with neversilent songs of praise we magnify Him.

Mary, Bride of God, pray to Christ without ceasing on behalf of us thy servants, that with the prophets inspired by God, and the companies o f the martyrs, o f hierarchs, holy monks and all the righteous, we may become fellow-heirs of the Kingdom o f Heaven. Lauds. Four stichera arc sung:

TONE EIGHT

(to the special melody, The Paradise in Eden. . .) Come, brethren, before the end, and let us all look upon our clay, upon the infirmity and meanness of our nature. Let us behold our end, and the organs of the vessel of our flesh. Let us see that man is dust, food for worms, and corruption; that our bones grow dry, and have no breath of life within them. Let us gaze on the tombs. Where is man’s glory? Where his outward beauty? Where is the eloquent tongue? Where the noble brow, and where the eye? All is dust and shadow. Therefore, Saviour, spare us all. Why does man deceive himself and boast? Why does he trouble himself in vain? For he is earth, and soon to the earth he will return. Why does the dust not reflect that it is formed from clay, and cast

out as rottenness and corruption? Yet though we men are clay, why do we cling so closely to the earth? For if we are Christ’s kindred, should we not run to Him, leaving all this mortal and fleeting life, and seeking the life incorruptible, which is Christ Himself, the illumination of our souls? Thou hast formed Adam with Thine hand, O Saviour, and set him on the border between incorruption and m ortality; Thou hast made him share in life through grace, freeing him from corruption and translating him to the life that he enjoyed at first. Give rest, O Master, to Thy servants Thou hast taken from u s; may they dwell with the righteous in the choir of Thine elect; write their names in the book of life; raise them with the sound o f the

Archangel’s trump, and count them worthy o f Thy heavenly Kingdom. Christ is risen, releasing from bondage Adam the first-formed man and destroying the power of hell. Be of good courage, all ye dead, for death is slain and hell despoiled; the crucified and risen Christ is King. He has given incorruption to our flesh; He raises us and grants us resurrection, and He counts worthy o f His joy and glory

has p re p a re d fo r the e v il sp irits, w it h un ceasin g tears le t us c r y lik e th e P r o d ig a l: W e h ave sinned against T h e e , O F a th e r, b u t a c c e p t us a ll, f o r w e take re fu g e in T h y m e r c y .9 8 i Cor. $>: 2 $. This kontakion is omitted in the Greek books. 9 Matt. 2$: 41.

all who, with a faith that wavers not, have trusted fervently in Him. Glory be to the Father. . . .

TONE TWO

As a flower withers and a dream passes away, so is each man’s flesh dissolved at death. But at the sound of the trump all the dead as in an earthquake shall rise up again to meet Thee, Christ our God. Then, Master, grant to all Thy servants whom Thou hast taken from us, that they may dwell for ever in the tabernacles of Thy saints. Both now. . . . Theotokion Hail Mary Theotokos, temple that shall never be destroyed, temple o f holiness, as the Prophet cries: ‘ Holy is Thy temple, wonderful in righteousness.’ 10

two troparia in each canticle we say, H o ly and g re a t m a r ty r T h e o d o r e , p ra y to G o d fo r us.

TONE EIGHT

1 1 : ς ; Mark 7: 37; Luke 1 1 : 28.

B ut refu sin g to

M o th e r, w ith o u t ceasin g. F o r th o u hast c a rrie d th e ir C r e a to r as a babe in th in e arm s.

11 Isa. 1 9 : 1 ; Mai. 4 : 2 . 12 Gen. 27: 28; Ps. 80: 17 ; 77: 24-»^; John 7: 38.

to th e bou ndless h e ig h t o f h eaven n o r call m y s e lf T h y son, p ro d ig al that l a m . 1 have no rig h t to ask fo rg iv e n e s s: b u t take p ity on m e in T h y boundless m e rc y .

p raises w e

13 Andronicus III Palaeologus. 14 Exod. 13 : 2 i.

Th eo d o re,

th ro ugh th in e in te rce ssio n s d e liv e r us fro m passions and fro m all distress.

‘ L o v e th e L o rd w h o loves y o u ’ , thou hast crie d o u t, O m a rty r T h e o d o r e , to th e o th ers th at sufFered m a rty rd o m w ith th e e . T h y h e a rt on fire w it h zeal, O v ic to rio u s saint, th o u hast b u rn t up the id o l o f th e false goddess to g e th e r w it h th e h eath en te m p le . W i t h th in e in v in cib le p o w e r , v ic to rio u s T h e o d o r e , d e stro y m y passions and the in so len t boldness o f th e e n e m y .

gressio n s, and lead m e u p , I b e se e ch th e e , fro m the abyss o f e v i l : fo r u n to th ee h ave I c r i e d ; h e a rk e n unto m e , O G o d o f m y salvation . H o w w e a k , h o w frail is the a rro g an ce o f the false g o d s : th ey need m en to defend th e m , and th ey are c o n q u e re d b y th e fo rtitu d e

and w r itin g s ,

TONE EIGHT

T h o u hast c a rrie d as a sh ield th e faith o f C h ris t w ith in th y h eart, and

th e bo ldness

C h ild re n

su fferin g m a r t y r ; th ou hast re c e iv e d a h eaven ly and etern al c r o w n , fo r thou w a st un defeated in th e b attle.

th reaten in g fire, refu sin g to w o rsh ip c re a te d things in

tram p led u n d e rfo o t th e flam e o f the fu rn ace th ro u gh th e ir faith in th e T r in it y , as th e y sang a lo u d : Ό

and re jo ic in g ,

T h e o d o r e , w ith th a n k sgivin g th o u hast c rie d aloud to H im : Ό

o u r fath ers, blessed a rt T h o u / T h o u hast slain th e passions and shaken o ff th e desires o f th e flesh, O v ic to rio u s m a r ty r . N o u rish e d n o t b y fo o d b u t b y th e lo v e o f G o d , th o u hast su n g : Ό

standest n o w

in w o rsh ip

m e rc ifu l G o d w ith th e th eo lo gian saints, fo r th o u w a st th e ir equal

fath ers, blessed a rt T h o u /

E m p e r o r 15 that thou a rt an in v in cib le ch am p io n o f th e C h u r c h ; and so th ro u g h an assured and law fu l c o n se cratio n th ou w a st sealed w it h

O ffsp rin g

th e tyran t,

15 John Vi Cantacuzcne.

tem p tatio n s,

e v e ry th in g

th o u standest in

p e rfe c t natu res. A t th e p ra y e rs o f T h y m a r ty r T h e o d o r e , save this T h y p e o p le that T h o u hast re d e e m e d w it h T h y p re c io u s b lo o d .

The a p p o in ted exapostilavion o f the R esu rrectio n ; G lo r y be to the

TONE TWO

H ail, g lo ry o f th e fath e rs, v o ic e o f the th eo lo gian s, ta b e rn a cle o f in w ard stillness, d w e llin g -p la c e o f w is d o m , g re a te st o f teach ers, deep o cean o f th e w o r d . H a il, th o u w h o hast p ra ctise d th e virtu e s o f

the a c tiv e life and ascen ded to the h e ig h t o f c o n te m p la tio n ; h ail,

TONE EIGHT

h e a le r o f m a n ’ s sickness. H a il, sh rin e o f the S p ir it ; h ail, fa th e r w h o th ough dead a rt still a liv e . B o th n o w . . . .

ask f o r th y p ra y e rs. G r a n t p e a ce to th e O rth o d o x p e o p le and g u ard this c ity , O h o ly T h e o to k o s . A n d g ra n t to us th at w e m ay see th e h eaven ly K in g d o m and th e d o o r o f Paradise, w h e n at th e S e c o n d C o m in g th e Ju d g e shall sit o n H is dread th ro n e to ju d g e th e in ­ habited earth , O Q u e e n o f th e angels. L au d s, F iv e stichera o f the Resurrection in the Tone o f the week, fr o m the Octoechos, a n d then the f o llo w in g f o u r stich era , the first three o f them in honour o f the sa in t:

TONE ONE

16 Matt, s * S'

13 Daniel 1 : 12-16.

h is to n g u e shall speak o f ju d g e m e n t (Psalm 36: 30). O b lessed saint, th o u hast plan ted th e dogm as o f O r th o d o x y and c u t d o w n th e th o rn s o f h e re sy . W it h th y w o rd s thou hast w a te re d th e seed o f the F a ith , m ak in g it g r o w , and as an a c tiv e husbandm an th o u hast b ro u g h t to G o d ears o f w h e a t in creased an h u n d re d fo ld .17 y .

ages. A m e n .

T h y saints shall r e jo ic e

TONE FOUR

(Psalm 1 3 1 : 9 ) .

the companies of mortal men, each in their different orders, keeps

TONE SIX

Seeing this great blessing that we have received, how the divided members of Christ have been brought to unity, let us clap our hands for joy and praise God who has bestowed peace upon us. Today a festival of victory has been given to the Church, through

In this season o f a b stin en ce, O C h ris t, T h o u hast shone as a ligh t o n th o se that w a lk in th e darkness o f sin. B rin g us to th e h o ly day o f T h y P assion, that w e m ay c r y to T h e e : A r is e , O G o d , and h ave m e r c y o n u s .18 G lo r y b e to th e F a th e r . . . .

the divinely-inspired intention and will of our rulers Michael and

Repeat In this season o f abstin en ce . . . . B o th n o w . . . . M o s t b lessed a rt th o u , O V ir g in T h e o to k o s . . . .

The swords of impious heresies have failed : for in deep reverence,

Great Doxology, the two Litanies, and the Dismissal.

pure and holy Virgin, we gaze now upon thy temple, adorned with ikons, and we rejoice with holy jo y .8 (Katavasia) Israel in ancient times walked dry-shod across the Red Sea; and Moses, with his hands lifted in the form of the Cross, put the power of Amalek to flight in the desert. Ps. 9: 7 ·

(Irmas) Thy Church makes glad in Thee. . . No longer now are the impious heretics exalted in their pride: for the power of God has firmly established Orthodoxy. Today, at the restoration of the faith, let the prophets sprinkle upon us life-giving dew from heaven. Let the mystical trumpets o f Christ’s apostles sound in God-given harmony, proclaiming the re-establishment of the precious ikons. Let us sing in praise of Christ, who has appointed a devout and pious Empress to rule over us, together with her son crowned by God. Theotokion We pray thee, most pure Lady, with the light of grace shine now upon the faithful, who have gathered in thy holy house. (Katavasia) Thy Church makes glad in Thee, O Christ, and cries

Resurrection a n d two tro p a ria fr o m the Canon to the Theotokos , both in the Tone o f the week fr o m the Octoechos; a n d then the Canon o f the T riodion with eig h t tro p a ria , by S t. Theodore the S tu d ite:

aloud: Thou art my strength, O Lord, my refuge and my stronghold.7

TONE ONE

TONE ONE

Depicting Thy divine form in ikons, O Christ, we openly pro­ claim Thy Nativity, Thine ineffable miracles and Thy voluntary Crucifixion. So the devils are driven out in fear and the heretics, their fellow-workers, lament in shame and sorrow. Glory be to the Father. . . .

6 Ps. 131: 8. 7 3 Μ Kgs. 8: i i .

The heavenly Zion, our mother, is made beautiful with the holy

ikons o f the prophets, the apostles and the martyrs, and of all the saints: and she is brightly adorned with the glory of the spiritual Bridegroom and the Bride.8 Both now. . . . Theotokion With love, O honoured Virgin, we venerate thy holy ikon; with one accord we proclaim thee as true Mother of God, and in faith we bow before thee. Since thou hast power to do all things, be our 7 I's. 70: 3. 8 Gal. 4: 26.

guardian and our strong protection, and drive far from us every tribulation.

(Irtnos) Seeing Thee lifted upon the Cross. . . . Through the divine descent of the Comforter sanctify Thy temple, and by His coming banish the error of heresy, O most merciful Word o f God. Deliver Thy people from the violence of impiety, and kindle them with zeal for Orthodoxy, as they cry aloud to Thee in faith: Glory to Thy power, O Lord. Seeing the churches o f God bright with the sacred ikons o f Christ and the Theotokos, we rejoice with holy joy. Adorned with her royal crown, the Empress, out o f love for the true Kingdom of Christ, has restored in all the churches His most pure ikon and the pictures o f the saints. Theotokion O full of grace, who hast borne God the incarnate Word, thou

wast sanctified as the holy temple of G o d : therefore we consecrate thy shrine, newly adorned with glory. (Katavasia) Seeing Thee lifted upon the Cross, O Sun of Righte­ ousness, the Church stood still and cried aloud: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

y e faith fu l, w it h p u re eyes and lips le t us v e n e rate in jo y th e

(frmos) O Lord, my light. . . . Firmly establish Thy Church, O Lord, that unto the ages of ages she may stand unshaken by the tempest of heresy.

The rejoicing granted to the faithful from on high and the help

they have received from God has shone with glory over all the earth. O Thou who alone art good and the source of goodness, raise up

the horn of the Orthodox rulers who honour Thine ikon.

The light of the true Faith that knows no evening has shone forth

Sessional hymns of the Cross:

upon us, at the divinely-inspired commandment of our faithful tnonarchs.

TONE SIX

The Church of Christ is delivered from the dark despondency of

heresy: she puts on a robe of gladness, and is clothed in the light of divine grace.9

He is h o ly

The Orthodox people has regained the light and glory which it

(Psalm 98: 5 ) .

had of old, through the decision of the Empress Theodora and her pious son the Emperor Michael. Theotokion He who of old commanded Moses to set up the ark of the testi­ mony, came to dwell in thee, O Virgin, as in a spiritual a rk : He alone is glorified, and He makes thy temple glorious with miracles.10 (Katavasia) ‘I will sacrifice to Thee, O Lord, with the voice of thanksgiving’ , the Church cries out to Thee: for she has been cleansed from the defilement of the demons by the Blood which flowed in mercy from Thy side.

TONE EIGHT

o f salvation ,

The uncircumscribcd Word of the Father became circumscribed,

taking flesh from thee, O Theotokos, and He has restored the sullied image to its ancient glory, filling it with the divine beauty. This our salvation we confess in deed and word, and we depict it in the holy ikons. 9 Isa. (y i : 10. 10 Hxod. 2 $: 22.

o u r sinful

Enlightened by this mystery of God’s providence, the divinelyinspired prophets foretold it o f o ld ; and this they did for our sakes, who see the fulfilment of the ages. Receiving through this mystery divine knowledge, we know one Lord and God, glorified in three Persons, and Him alone we worship; we have one faith, one bap­ tism, and we arc clothed in Christ. This our salvation we confess in deed and word, and we depict it in the holy ikons.11

°Ι-!χο(Ι. 3 : 2 .

(Irm os) The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace. . . . Let the hosts o f angels share in the joy o f the Church, and filled with the love of God let them cry aloud : ‘ Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the temple of Thy glo ry.’

10 Ps. 1 3 1 : 7 ; 98 : ς.

The triumphant assembly and Church of the firstborn rejoices as

us Thy salvation, O Holy One, and we glorify Thee, O Son of G od ; have mercy upon us. Both now. . . . T h e o t o k io n

it now beholds the people of God cry aloud with one accord: ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the temple of Thy glory.’ 112 Delivered from the dark heresies of the past through the decision of the honoured Empress Theodora, we cry aloud: ‘ Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the temple of Thy glory.’ Theotokion

O Virgin Theotokos, thy Son, Christ our God, was nailed o f His own w ill upon the Cross, and He has risen from the dead. Pray to Him for the salvation of our souls.

O most pure Virgin, thou art exalted above the choirs on high, for alone among women thou hast become Mpther of the Creator of all. And so in joy we shout aloud : ‘ Blessed art thou among women, O Lady undefiled.’ ( K a ta v a sia ) The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, burning with a love for the true Faith that was stronger than the flames, cried out from the midst o f

the fire: ‘ Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the temple o f

( I r m o s ) May Habakkuk, inspired by God. . . . ‘ Behold, Christ is risen*, the Angel said to the women bearing sweet spices. ‘Lament not, but go and say to the apostles: Rejoice, today is the salvation o f the w orld; for through Christ’s death the tyranny of the enemy has been destroyed.’ As we celebrate today the joyful veneration of Thy life-giving Cross, O Christ our Saviour, we prepare ourselves for Thy most holy Passion; for Thou in Thine almighty power hast brought to pass the salvation of the world. There is joy today in heaven and on earth, for the sign of the Cross is made manifest to the world. The thrice-blessed Cross is set before us, and to all who show it veneration it is a fount of evergrace.

What shall we offer Thee, O Christ? For Thou hast given us Thy Precious Cross to venerate, on which Thy holy Blood was shed, to which Thy'flesh was fixed by nails. With love we kiss it and give thanks to Thee. Glory be to the Father. . . . I sing the praises of the three Persons in one Godhead; I proclaim one simple Nature undivided: Father eternal, Son and Holy Spirit, one in throne and lordship, one single Kingdom, one everlasting Power. Both now. . . . Theotokion In thee alone among women, O pure Lady, there was revealed a marvellous and fearful thing: thou hast made nature new, conceiv­ ing without seed and still remaining as at first a virgin; for the Child that thou hast borne is the true God.

12 Heb. 12: 2 j.

( K a t a v a s i a ) Seeing Thee, O mighty Lord, upon the Cross, the sun was seized with fear and hid its rays, with dread

Fathers, we paint ikons of Christ and His saints, and with our lips and heart and w ill we venerate them as we cry aloud: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.

the whole creation glorified Thy longsuffering, and

The honour and veneration that we show to the ikon we ascribe

the earth was filled with Thy praise.

to the prototype it represents, following the teaching of the saints inspired by God, and with faith we cry aloud to Christ: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. Her mind enlightened by the illumination of the Holy Spirit and filled with the wisdom of God, the honoured Empress has loved the beauty and splendour of Christ’s Church, and with all the faithful she blesses Jesus, the God-Man.18 Theotokion

Illumined by rays of spiritual light, Thy holy house overshadows all of us with the cloud of the Spirit, and sanctifies the faithful who sing with one accord: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.14 ( K a ta v a sia ) Daniel in the lions’ den stretched out his hands in prayer and stopped their mouths; and girded with holiness, the Children, lovers of the true faith, quenched the power of the fire, as they cried aloud: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.

Let us rise early in the morning. . . . From the tomb hast Thou arisen, O Light that never sets, and shone upon the world with the bright dawn o f incorruption. In Thy compassion Thou hast driven out the dark sorrow of death from the farthest ends of the earth. Cleansed by abstinence let us draw near, and with fervent praise let us venerate the all-holy Wood on which Christ was crucified, when He saved the world in His compassion. Today the ranks of angels dance with gladness at the veneration o f Thy Cross. For through the Cross, O Christ, Thou hast shattered

the hosts of devils and saved mankind.

( hm os ) Christ the corner-stone not cut by hand of man. . . . Seeing the Holy Church once more adorned with ikons, let us make haste and with reverence cry aloud to Christ: We magnify Thee, O Thrice-Holy. As a mark of glory and honour, the Church possesses Thy Cross and the holy ikons of the saints, O Master, and with joy and glad­ ness she magnifies Thee. Shine upon our rulers with Thy divine glory, O compassionate Master, and fence them about with the protection o f the angelic hosts, subjecting the proud heathen beneath their feet. Theotokion

The Church has been revealed as a second Paradise, having within

The condemnation of our first mother Eve has been abolished,

it, like the first Paradise of old, a tree of life, Thy Cross, O Lord. By touching it we share in immortality. Glory be to the Father. . . . I glorify three coetema! Persons in one Essence, Father, Son and Spirit, a single Light in threefold brightness, one Power and King­ dom in unconfused identity. Both now. . . . (Irm o s)

18 Ps. 25: 8. 14 Exod. 40: 34, 38.

since thou, pure Theotokos, in ways past all interpretation, hast given birth to the Master of a ll; and now we kiss His likeness in the ikons. (Katavasia) Christ the corner-stone not cut by hand of man was taken from the unhewn mountain, from thee, O Virgin; and He has joined in one two different natures. Therefore with great rejoicing, O Theotokos, thee do we magnify.15

Thou hast conceived by the law of nature, but above that law ; for thou alone hast borne child without seed. W e are afraid to think or speak of the manner of thy giving birth, O all-blameless Virgin. ( K a t a v a s i a ) Rising early in the morning we sing Thy praises, O Saviour of the world, for we have found peace through Thy Cross. By it Thou hast renewed mankind, and led us to the light that knows no evening.

Glory be to the Father. . . . Leap for joy and clap your hands with gladness, sing and cry aloud: How strange and wonderful arc Thy works, O Christ! And who can tell o f all Thy mighty acts, O Saviour, who hast united us in harmony and concord within one Church! Both now. , . . Theotokion

The swords of hostile heresy now have failed, and every memory

Thou hast gone down, O Christ. . . . Thou hast crushed death, O Christ, and risen as a mighty King; (Irm o s)

of it, with all its tumult, has vanished away. For we see thy temple, most pure Virgin, in all its splendour, adorned by the grace o f the precious ikons, and we all are filled with jo y .16 Lauds. Five stichera o f the Resurrection in the Tone o f the weekfrom the Octoechos, and then thefollowing four stichera from the Triodion:

Thou hast recalled us from the depths of hell and brought us to the land of immortality, granting us the joy of the Kingdom of Heaven. 0 ye faithful, let us cry aloud with joy and sing triumphantly to God, as we greet the Cross of the Lord; for it is a fountain of holi­ ness to ail those in the world.

TONE FOUR

The words of the Psalmist are fulfilled: for see, we worship at the

(to the special melody, Thou hast given an ensign. . .) O Lord who lovest mankind, the Church rejoices now in Thee, her Bridegroom and her Founder, for by Thy divine will Thou hast delivered her from the error of idolatry, and by Thy precious Blood Thou hast betrothed her to Thyself. With joy she accepts the holy restoration of the ikons, and with faith she sings in praise o f Thee and gives Thee glory. y . I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart, I will speak of all Thy marvellous works (Psalm 9 : 2).

footstool o f Thy most pure feet, O Lord all-powerful, at Thy Precious Cross, the thiice-blessed W ood.13

Restoring to the churches the representations of Thy flesh, O 15 Ps. 117: 22; Isa. 28: 16; Matt. 21: 4.2; 1 Pet. 2: 6-7; Dan. 2: 34. 16 Ps. 9: 7.

The wood which the Prophet of lamentation saw placed in Thy

l Jl L Lord, we ascribe to them an honour that is relative, and so express

bread111213- Thy Cross, O merciful Lord - we venerate, and we sing in praise of Thy bonds and tomb, of the spear and nails. W e kiss the holy Cross, O Christ, which Thou wast pleased to bear upon Thy shoulders, on which Thou hast accepted to be lifted up and crucified in the flesh; and from it we receive strength against our invisible enemies. Glory be to the Father. . . . 1 praise the Unity in three Persons and the Trinity worshipped in one Nature, the Triune God, threefold Light, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Both now. . . . T h e o t o k io n

the great mystery of Thy dispensation. For Thou hast not appeared

O Ewe free from blemish, the greatest wonder of all wonders was revealed in thee: for thou hast borne the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. Entreat Him fervently for those who sing thy

to us, O loving Lord, merely in outward semblance, as say the followers of Mani, who are enemies of God, but in the full and true reality of the flesh; and so the ikons that depict Thy flesh lead us to

Lauds. We sing the eight stichera o f the Resurrection in the Tone of'the weekfrom the Octoechos, and then: y . A r is e , O L o r d m y G od,, lift up T h in e h a n d : fo r g e t n o t T h y p o o r fo r e v e r (Psalm 9: 33).

the desire and love of Thee.

y . 1 will be glad and rejoice in Thee, 1 will sing to Thy Name, O Most High (Psalm 9: 3). A feast of joy and gladness is revealed to us today. For the teachings of the true Faith shine forth in all their glory, and the Church of Christ is bright with splendour, adorned with the holy ikons which now have been restored; and God has granted to the faithful unity of mind. y . Arise, O Lord my God, lift up Thine hand: forget not Thy poor for ever (Psalm 9: 33)·

For thou hast looked in wickedness and wast grievously wounded; thou hast touched the tree and rashly tasted die deceptive food.21 Instead of the visible Eve, I have the Eve o f the mind: the passionate thought in my flesh, shewing me what seems sweet; yet whenever I taste from it, I find it bitter.22 Adam was justly banished from Eden because he disobeyed one commandment of Thine, O Saviour. What then shall I suffer, for I am always rejecting Thy words of life?23 By my own free choice I have incurred the guilt of Cain’s murder. 19 In many places it is now the custom to make the Sign of the Cross and to bow only once. 20 Gen. 3 : 7 -11. 21 Gen. 3 : 6. 22 Gen. 3 : 6. 23 Gen. 3 : 2 3 ; Acts 7: 38.

TONE SIX

I have killed my conscience, bringing the flesh to life and making war upon the soul by my wicked actions.24 0 Jesus, I have not been like Abel in his righteousness. Never have I offered Thee acceptable gifts or godly actions, a pure sacrifice or a life unblemished.25 Like Cain, O miserable soul, we too have offered, to the Creator of all, defiled actions and a polluted sacrifice and a worthless life ; and so we also are condemned.26 As the potter moulds the clay, Thou hast fashioned me, giving me flesh and bones, breath and life. But accept me in repentance, O my Maker and Deliverer and Judge.27 1 confess to Thee, O Saviour, the sins I have committed, the wounds of my soul and body, which murderous thoughts, like

Moses, in the season of abstinence, received the Law and pro­ claimed it to the people. Elijah by fasting closed the heavens; and

thieves, have inflicted inwardly upon m e.28 Though I have sinned, O Saviour, yet I know that Thou art full of loving-kindness. Thou dost chastise with mercy and art fervent in compassion. Thou dost see me weeping and dost run to meet me, like the Father calling back the Prodigal Son.29 I lie as an outcast before Thy gate, O Saviour. In my old age cast me not down empty into h ell; but, before the end comes, in Thy love grant me remission o f sins.80 I am the man who fell among thieves, even my own thoughts; they have covered all my body with wounds, and I lie beaten and bruised. But come to me, O Christ my Saviour, and heal m e.81

the three children of Abraham through fasting overcame the lawless

The Priest saw me first, but passed by on the other side; the

tyrant. Count us also worthy, O Christ, through fasting to attain the Feast of Thy Resurrection, as we cry aloud: Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us.17 Glory be to the Father. . . . Repeat Moses, in the season of abstinence. . . . Both now. . . . Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Theotokos. . . . Great Doxology, the two Litanies, and the Dismissal.

Levite looked on me in my distress, but despised my nakedness. O Jesus, sprung from Mary, do Thou come to me and take pity on m e.82 O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of all, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me remission of sins.38 24 Gen. 4: 8. 25 Gen. 4: 4. 26 Gen. 4: ς . 27 Gen. 2 : 7 ; Jcr. 18: ι ~ι o; Rom. 9 : 2 1 . 28 Luke 10: 30. 29 Luke 1$: 20. 30 Luke 16: 20; Ps. £4: 16; 70: 9. 81 Luke 10: 30. 32 Luke 1 0: 3 1 - 3 . 83 John 1: 29.

the Triodion9B and four troparia from the second Canon, in honour o f the

It is time for repentance: to Thee I come, my Creator. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me remission of sins. Reject me not, O Saviour: cast me not away from Thy presence. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin and in Thy compassion grant me remission of sins. A ll mine offences, voluntary and involuntary, manifest and hidden, known and unknown, do Thou forgive, O Saviour, for Thou art God; be merciful and save me. From my youth, O Saviour, I have rejected Thy commandments. Ruled by the passions, I have passed my whole life in heedlessness and sloth. Therefore I cry to Thee, O Saviour, even now at the end: Save m eN As the Prodigal, O Saviour, I have wasted the substance of my

saint. 4 Ps. 1 3 1 : 8. 5 Based on the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke io : 30-7).

soul in riotous living, and I am barren of the virtues of holiness. In my hunger I c r y : O compassionate Father, come quickly out to meet me and take pity on m e.34 I fall down, Jesus, at Thy feet: I have sinned against Thee, be merciful to me. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of compunction. Enter not into judgement with me, bringing before me the things I should have done, examining my words and correcting my im­ pulses. But in Thy mercy overlook my sins and save me, O Lord almighty.86 Another Canon to St. Mary of'Egypt

38i Through thine intercessions, Andrew, deliver us from shameful passions and, we pray thee, make us now partakers of Christ’s Kingdom; for with faith and love we sing thy praises. Glory be to the Father. . . . Trinity beyond all being, worshipped in Unity, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears o f com­ punction. Both now. . . . Theotokion O Theotokos, the hope and protection of those who sing thy

TONE FIVE

words by the priest, At the prayers o f our holy fathers. . . . 6 Ps. v jx io; Phil. 2: 7. 7 In the original, ‘city’ .

TONE EIGHT

every peril, that we may cry to thee: Hail, Bride without bride­ groom. While this is sung, the deacon censes the ikonostasis and the people. Then

sw eetn ess o f salvatio n to th y flo ck .

the priesty standing in the centre o f the church, reads thefirst section ofi the

6 Ps. 1 8 : i i .

Akathistos Hymn; and we all remain standing while it is read. Ikos One A prince o f the angels was sent from heaven, to say to the Theo­ tokos, Hail! (three times). And seeing Thee, O Lord, take bodily form at the sound o f his bodiless voice, filled with amazement he stood still and cried aloud to her : Hail, for through thee joy shall shine forth: Hail, for through thee the curse shall cease. Hail, recalling o f fallen Adam: Hail, deliverance from the tears o f Eve. Hail, height hard to climb for the thoughts o f m en: Hail, depth hard to scan even for the eyes of angels. Hail, for thou art the throne of the K in g: Hail, for thou holdest Him who upholds all. Hail, star causing the Sun to shine:

TONE FOUR

Hail, womb of the divine Incarnation. Hail, for through thee the creation is made n ew : Hail, for through thee the Creator becomes a newborn child. Hail, Bride without bridegroom !

The Holy Maiden, seeing herself in all her purity, said boldly unto

Gabriel: ‘ Strange seem thy words and hard for my soul to accept. From a conception without seed how dost thou speak of childbirth, crying: Alleluia! ’ Ikos Two Seeking to know what passes knowledge, the Virgin said to the ministering A ngel: ‘From a maiden womb how can a Son be born? Tell m e.’ And to her in fear he answered, crying: Hail, initiate o f God’s secret counsel: Hail, faith in that which must be guarded by silence. Hail, beginning of Christ’s wonders:

Hail, crown and fulfilment of His teachings. Hail, heavenly ladder by which God came down: Hail, bridge leading men from earth to heaven. Hail, marvel greatly renowned among the angels: Hail, wound bitterly lamented by the demons. Hail, for ineffably thou shalt bear the Light: Hail, for thou hast revealed the mystery to none. Hail, wisdom surpassing the knowledge of the w ise: Hail, dawn that illumines the minds of the faithful. Hail, Bride without bridegroom!

Hail, for through thee the fields o f Eden flower again: Hail, for thou makest ready a haven for our souls. Hail, acceptable incense of intercession: Hail, propitiation for the whole world. Hail, loving-kindness o f God unto mortal m an: Hail, freedom of approach for mortals unto God. Hail, Bride without bridegroom!

7 Eph. ς : 2.

Tossed inwardly by a storm of doubts, prudent Joseph was troubled: knowing thee to be unwedded, O blameless Virgin, he

feared a stolen union. But when he learnt that thy conceiving was from the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia! Then we sing again the kontakion To thee, our leader in battle. . . . We read the seventeenth kathisma o f the Psalter (Psalm 1 1 8); and after it comes the Small Litany. Then we sing once more the kontakion To thee, our leader in battle. . . , and the priest reads the second section o f the Akathistos Hymn: Ikos Four

g iv e stre n g th to th ose u n ite d in sp iritu al fe llo w sh ip , w h o sing h ym n s o f p raise to t h e e : and in th y d ivin e g lo r y vo u ch safe un to th em c ro w n s o f g lo ry .

The shepherds heard the angels glorify Christ’s coming in the

TONE FIVE

flesh. Quickly they ran to the Shepherd, and beheld Him as a lamb without spot, that had been pastured in the womb of M ary; and they sang praises to her, saying: Hail, Mother o f the Lamb and Shepherd: Hail, fold of spiritual sheep. Hail, protection against unseen enemies: Hail, key to the door of Paradise. Hail, for heaven exults with earth: Hail, for things on earth rejoice with the heavens. Hail, never-silent voice o f the apostles: Hail, unconquered courage of the victorious martyrs. Hail, firm foundation of the faith: Hail, shining revelation of grace. Hail, for through thee hell is stripped bare: Hail, for through thee we arc clothed in glory. Hail, Bride without bridegroom !

Seeing the star pointing to God, the Magi followed its radiance. Keeping it before them as a beacon, with its help they sought the mighty King; and attaining the Unattainable, they rejoiced and cried to H im : Alleluia! Ikos Five

TONE FOUR

The children o f the Chaldaeans saw the Virgin holding in her

hands Him who with His hands fashioned mankind. Though He had taken the form o f a servant, yet they knew Him as their Master. In haste they knelt before Him with their gifts and cried out to the Blessed V irgin: Hail, Mother of the Star that never sets:

Hail, bright dawn of the mystical Day. Hail, for thou hast quenched the furnace o f deception: Hail, for thou dost illumine all who love the mystery of the Trinity. Hail, for thou hast cast down from his dominion the tyrant that hates m an: Hail, for thou hast made known the Lord Christ who loves mankind. Hail, deliverance from the worship of pagan idols: Hail, liberation from the filth of sin. Hail, for thou hast quenched the worship of fire : Hail, for thou hast released us from the flames o f passion. Hail, guide of the faithful to chastity: Hail, joy of all generations. Hail, Bride without bridegroom!

Becoming God’s messengers, the Magi returned to Babylon. Having fulfilled the prophecy concerning Thee,8 and preaching Thee to all as Christ, they left Herod to his raving, for he knew not how to sing: Alleluia! Ikos Six Shining upon Egypt with the light o f truth,9 Thou hast dispelled

the darkness o f falsehood; for the idols o f that land fell down,

leavin g m e

unable to endure Thy power, O Saviour, and all who were delivered from them cried unto the Theotokos:

Hail, restoration of m en: Hail, downfall of demons. Hail, for thou hast trampled on the delusion o f e rro r: Hail, for thou hast exposed the snares of the idols. Hail, sea that has drowned the invisible Pharaoh: Hail, rock that gives drink to all who thirst for life. Hail, pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness: Hail, protection o f the world, wider than the cloud in the wilderness.10 8 Ps. 71: 10.

9 Isa. 1 9 : 1 ; Matt. 2: 14. 10 Exod. 13 : 21.

Hail, food that takes the place o f manna: Hail, minister of holy joy. Hail, promised land: Hail, source o f milk and honey. Hail, Bride without bridegroom!

As Simeon drew near to the time o f his departure from this world . of error, he received Thee as an infant in his arms, but he knew Thee to be perfect G o d ; and, struck with wonder at Thine ineffable wisdom, he cried : Alleluia I Then we sing again the Kontakion To thee, our leader in battle. . . , and we read Psalm £0.

9 Ps. 13 1 : i. 10 Ps. i; 3.

Up to the end o f Canticle Five, we use the Canon o f the patron saint of'

b lessed fath e r, th o u hast q u e n ch e d all th e passions w ith th e

TONE FOUR

The Church of the saints offers praise to Thee, O Christ, who

dwellest in Zion, and Israel rejoices in Thee that made him. The mountains, figuring the stony-hearted Gentiles, exult before Thy face, and they sing to Thee, O Lord, a hymn of victory.17 15 According to some texts, by St. Andrew of Crete.

11 i Thess. ς: ς. 12 Ps. 103 : i£.

16 Ps. 17: 16; 106: 29. 17 Ps. 9: 12 ; 149: 2; 113 : 6-7; 97: 8.

13 Ps. 22: 1-2. 14 Luke 1 : 48-9.

S c o u rg in g m y m in d w ith th e passions, th ieves h ave seized m y w e a lth and le ft m e as o n e dead. B u t take p ity o n m e and save m e , O Lord . W h e n th e L e v ite saw h o w p ain fu lly I had b e e n s c o u rg e d , unable to en d u re th e sigh t o f m y w o u n d s h e passed b y o n th e o th e r side. B u t T h o u in T h y lo ve hast p o u re d u p o n m e T h y r ic h m e r c y .

the Church is founded, and she cries aloud: Hosanna, blessed art

Thou that comest.20 Ypakoe

TONE SIX

First they sang in praise of Christ our God with branches, but then the ungrateful Jews seized Him and crucified Him on the Cross. But with faith unchanging let us ever honour Him as Benefactor, crying always unto H im : Blessed art Thou that comest to call back Adam.

TONE FOUR

the mountain overshadowed by the forest, born of a

15 Exod. 3 : 2 ; Dan. 2: 34; Gen. 28: 12, 17; Ezek. 44: 1-3.

Maiden who has not known man.’ Therefore we all cry aloud: Glory to Thy power, O Lord. Let the mountains and all the hills break forth into great re­ joicing at the mercy of God, and let the trees of the forest clap their hands. Give praise to Christ, all ye nations, and magnify Him, all ye peoples, crying: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.21 18 Exod. 17: 6; Nuin. 20: 11; Ps. 77: i£-i6; 1 Cor. 10: 4. 19 John 11: 23*. 20 Ps. 64: 2. 21 Isa. 49: 13; s s : i*·

abstinence, g iv in g lig h t to th e ends o f th e earth , O fath er Jo h n o u r teach er.

King of the ages, the Lord comes clothed in strength. The sur­ passing splendour of His beauty and His glory is revealed in Zion. Therefore we all cry aloud: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Ikos T r u ly , O fath er, th o u hast m ad e th y se lf into a h ouse o f G o d , adorn ed th ro u g h th y d ivin e v irtu e s w it h faith , h o p e and tru e lo v e , as if w it h g o ld sh inin g fro m a fa r ; th o u hast e xp lain ed th e la w s o f G o d , and p ra ctise d ab stin en ce as o ne w h o has no fle s h ; a cq u irin g w is d o m , co u rage, c h a stity and h u m ility , th o u w a st raised o n h ig h ; th o u w a s t illu m in ed w it h u n ceasin g p ra y e r, and hast attained th e tab ern acles o f heaven, O fath e r Jo h n o u r te a c h e r.

The Lord is here, who measures the heaven with a span and the

earth in the hollow of His hand. For He has chosen Z io n ; there has He been pleased to dwell, ruling over the peoples that cry aloud with faith: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.22

of the waterless pit of ignorance; and let the people be renewed through sprinkling with the Blood o f God.28

TONE SIX

C h ris t, T h o u hast saved m e ,

Seated in heaven upon Thy throne and on earth upon a foal, O Christ our God, Thou hast accepted the praise of the angels and the songs of the children who cried out to T hee: Blessed art Thou that comest to call back Adam. Ikos O immortal Lord, Thou hast bound hell, slain death, and raised

the w orld: therefore the children, carrying palms, sing praise to

16 Matt. 22: 11.

Thee as Victor, O Christ, and they cry aloud to Thee this day: ‘ Hosanna to the Son of David I For no m ore’ , say they, ‘ shall the little children be slain because of Mary’s Child; but Thou alone art crucified for all, both young and old. No more shall the sword be drawn against us, for Thy side is pierced by a spear. With great re­ joicing, then, we cry: Blessed art Thou that comest to call back Adam.’ 29

O fath e r, th o u a rt a r iv e r o f ab stin en ce, n o t p o llu te d w ith sin, but w a sh in g clean the th ough ts and p u rg in g a w a y th e filth o f th ose w h o c r y alo u d in fa ith : O G o d o f o u r fath ers, blessed a rt T h o u .

C h ild re n

the righteous. Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our

th reaten in g fire, refu sin g to w o rsh ip cre a te d things in p la c e o f th e C re a to r, and th e y sang in j o y : ‘ Blessed a rt

fathers, and praised above all. With palms in their hands, the people knelt and they rejoiced with the disciples, crying: ‘ Hosanna to the Son of D avid: blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised above all.’

The innocent children sang to Thee a hymn fitting for God, O

King of Israel and of the angels: ‘ Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised above all.’ With palms and branches the multitude greeted Thee, O Christ, and cried: ‘ Blessed art Thou who comcst, O King of the ages; blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised above a ll.’ 28 Isa. 42: 7; Zech. 9 : 1 1 . 29 Matt. 2: 16; John 19: 34.

O ffsp rin g

C h ild r e n

th e fu rn ac e .

by th e th ie v e s ; and instead o f th e tw o silv e r p ie ce s T h o u hast g ive n T h y soul and b o d y as a ran som fo r m e.

30 Mark 1 1 : 15-17. 31 Ps. 117: 27 (Sept.). 32 Ps. 2: I ; Matt. 2 1: 10, 15-16.

a fte rw a rd H e has sh e w n H im s e lf u p o n earth and lived am o n g m en. B lessed is H e th at c o m e s in th e N a m e o f th e L o r d o u r S a v io u r .38 O d iso b e d ie n t n atio n , w h y do y e set stu m b lin g -b lo ck s u p o n o u r p a th ? Y o u r fe e t are s w ift to shed th e b lo o d o f th e M a ste r, b u t H e shall rise again, to save all th ose w h o c r y : B lessed is H e th at co m e s in th e N a m e o f th e L o r d o u r S a v io u r .34 There is no sp ecial ex a p o stila rio n , bu t we sin g (as usual on Sun days) H o ly is th e L o r d o u r G o d (three tim es) in T O N E F O U R . L a u d s . S ix stichera are sun g:

TO NE FO U R

O b lessed in G o d , th o u a rt a p h y sicia n to those sick th ro u g h sin, an e x p e lle r o f e v il s p ir it s ; th e re fo re w e call th ee blessed . L e a v in g th e ea rth w h e r e in c o r ru p tio n d w e lls , th o u hast g o n e to liv e , O fath e r, in th e land o f th e m e e k and g e n tle , and w it h th e m th o u re jo ic e s t in the blessings o f G o d . 17 T o d a y is a fe stiv a l, f o r i t calls to g e th e r e v e ry p a rt o f th e m o n astic flo c k , in v itin g all to share in a feast o f sp iritu al re jo ic in g and in the fo o d o f sinless life .

TONE ONE

ad u lterou s g en eratio n o f th e J e w s , d r a w n ear and lo o k o n H im w h o m o n ce Isaiah s a w : H e is c o m e f o r o u r sakes in th e flesh. S e e h o w H e w e d s th e N e w Z io n , fo r she is ch aste, and re je c ts th e syn ago gu e that is co n d e m n e d . A s at a m arria g e p u re and u n defiled, th e p u re and in n o ce n t ch ild re n g a th e r and sing p raises. L e t us also sing w it h th em

Great Doxology, the two Litanies, and the Dismissal.

thefollowing Canon o f the Theotokos with six troparia, likewise including

33 Baruch 3 : 3 £-7. 34 Prov. 1: 16; Rom; 3 : 1 ς. 35 Rev. 22: 20. 36 Matt. 12: 39; Isa. 6: 1; Rev. 2 1 : 2 .

Between the troparia we sayy Most holy Theotokos, save us.

TONE FOUR

S ix days b e fo re th e P asso ve r Je su s en te re d

(by Joseph the Hymnographer)

hail, O Undefiled, the pavilion of the King of all; hail, fiery throne o f the Almighty.12 Hail, from whom alone there springs the unfading Rose; hail, for thou hast borne the sweetly-smelling Apple. Hail, Maiden un­ wedded, nosegay of the only King and preservation of the world. Hail, Lady, treasure-house of purity, raising us from our fall; hail, lily whose sweet scent is known to all the faithful; hail, fragrant incense and precious oil of m yrrh.13

(frmos) O Mother o f God, thou living and plentiful fount, give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship, who sing hymns of praise to thee: and in thy divine glory vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory. From thee, the field untilled, has grown the divine Ear of corn. Hail, living table that hast held the Bread of L ife ; hail, Lady, neverfailing spring of the living w ater.14 Hail, Mother who hast borne for the faithful the sacrificial Victim without blemish; hail, Ewe that hast brought forth the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of all the world. Hail, mercy-seat, our fervent intercessor.15 Hail, radiant dawn who alone bearest Christ the Sun; hail, dwelling-place o f the Light. Thou hast dispersed the gloom and

TONE TWO

utterly destroyed the demons o f the darkness.16 Hail, only gate through which the W ord alone has passed. By thy birthgiving, Lady, thou hast broken the bars and gates o f Hell., Hail, Bride o f God, divine entry o f the saved.17 Small Litany, and then again the kontakion To thee, our leader in battle. . . , after which the priest reads the third section o f the Akathistos Hymn: lkos Seven A new creation has the Creator revealed, manifesting Himself 12 Ezck. i : 26-7; Dan. 7 : 9. 13 Song of Solomon 1 : 3 . 14 Exod. 2$: 23-30; John 6: 3^; 4: 10. 15 Ley. 4 : 3 ; John 1: 29; Rom. 3: 2^; Hcb. 9: £. 16 Mai. 4: 2. 17 Ezek. 44: 1-3; Gen. 28: 17.

Today a tomb holds Him who holds the creation in the hollow of His hand; a stone covers Him who covered the heavens with glory. Life sleeps and hell trembles, and Adam is set free from his bonds. Glory to Thy dispensation, whereby Thou hast accomplished all things, granting us an eternal Sabbath, Thy most holy Resurrection from the dead.52 What is this sight that we behold? What is this present rest? The King of the ages, having through His Passion fulfilled the plan of salvation, keeps Sabbath in the tomb, granting us a new Sabbath. Unto Him let us cry aloud: Arise, O Lord, judge Thou the earth, for measureless is Thy great mercy and Thou dost reign for ever.5354 Come, let us see our Life lying in the tomb, that He may give life

unto us His creatures. From a Virgin’s womb He came, preserving it inviolate as it was b efore: that, beholding the miracle, we might sing her praises, crying: Hail, flower of incorruption: Hail, crown of chastity. Hail, bright foreshadowing of the resurrection g lo ry: Hail, m irror of the angels’ life. Hail, tree of glorious fruit on which the faithful feed: Hail, wood of shady leaves where many shelter. Hail, for thou hast conceived a Guide for the wanderers: Hail, for thou hast borne a Deliverer for the captives. Hail, intercessor with the Righteous Ju dge: Hail, forgiveness for many who have stumbled. Hail, robe for the naked and bereft of hope: Hail, love surpassing all desire. Hail, Bride without bridegroom !

to those that in their tombs lie dead. Come, let us look today on the Son of Judah as He sleeps, and with the prophet let us cry aloud to Him : Thou hast lain down, Thou hast slept as a lion; who shall awaken Thee, O King? But o f Thine own free w ill do Thou rise up, who willingly dost give Thyself for us. O Lord, glory to Thee.64

Seeing this strange birth, let us become strangers to the world, fixing our minds in heaven. To this end has the most high God appeared on earth as a lowly man, because He wishes to draw heavenward all who cry aloud to Him: Alleluia! Ikos Eight

TONE SIX

The W ord uncircumscribed was wholly present here below, yet

Joseph asked for the body of Jesus and he laid it in his own new tom b: for it was fitting that the Lord should come forth from the grave as from a bridal chamber. O Thou who hast broken the power of death and opened the gates of Paradise to men, glory to Thee. Glory be to the Father. . . .

in no wise absent from the realm on high: God descended to earth, yet underwent no change of place. He was bom of a Virgin, over­ shadowed by divine power, and unto her we sing: Hail, enclosure o f the God whom nothing can enclose: Hail, gate of the hallowed mystery. Hail, tidings doubted by unbelievers: Hail, undoubted glory of the faithful. Hail, most holy chariot of Him who rides upon the cherubim: Hail, best o f all dwellings for Him who is above the seraphim. Hail, for thou bringest opposites to harmony: Hail, for thou hast joined in one childbirth and virginity. Hail, for through thee our sin is remitted: Hail, for through thee Paradise is opened. Hail, key o f Christ’s Kingdom :

TONE SIX

Hail, hope o f eternal blessings. Hail, Bride without bridegroom !

Moses the great mystically prefigured this present day, saying: ‘ And God blessed the seventh d ay/55 For this is the blessed Sabbath, this is the day of rest, on which the only-begotten Son of God rested from all His works. Suffering death in accordance with the plan of 51 See The Vestal Mena ion, p. 9 3. 62 Isa. 4 0 : 1 2 ; Hal). 3 : 3 . 53 Ps. 8 1 : 8. 54 Gen. 4 9 : 9.

All the ranks o f angels marvelled at the great work o f Thine Incarnation. For they saw God, whom none can approach, as a man approachable by all, dwelling in our midst, and hearing from our lips: Alleluia 1 Ikos Nine Eloquent orators we see dumb as the fishes in thy presence, O Theotokos, for they are at a loss to say how thou remainest virgin and yet" hast power to bear a child. But we, marvelling at the mystery, cry aloud with faith: Hail, casket o f God’s wisdom: Hail, treasury o f His providence. Hail, for thou revealest lack of wisdom in the lovers of wisdom : Hail, for thou provest devoid of reason those skilled in reason’ s art. Hail, for the cunning disputants are shown to be fools:

66 Gen. 7 : 3 .

Hail, for the myth-makers have withered into silence. Hail, for thou hast torn asunder the tangled webs of the Athenians : Hail, for thou hast filled the nets o f the fishermen. Hail, for thou dost draw men from the depths of ignorance: Hail, for thou dost illumine multitudes with knowledge. ' Hail, ship of all who would be saved: Hail, haven for the seafarers of life. Hail, Bride without bridegroom !

Wishing to save the world, the Fashioner o f all things came to it o f His own free choice. As God He is our Shepherd, yet has He appeared for our sake as a man like us; and calling like by means of like, as God He hears our c r y : Alleluia! Then we sing again the kontakion To thee, our leader in battle. . . , followed by the sessional hymn:

salvation, He kept the Sabbath in the flesh; and returning once again to what He was, through His Resurrection He has granted us eternal life, for He alone is good and loves mankind. Both now. . . .

TONE ONE

TONE TWO

Coming to the city o f Nazareth, the mighty leader o f the spiritual angels proclaimed to thee, O Undefiled, the Incarnation of the King and Lord o f the ages, saying unto thee: ‘ Hail, blessed Mary, depth unsearchable beyond all understanding, and restoration o f all mortal m en.’ Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . . Repeat. And we continue with the Canon:

Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Theotokos . . . . Great Doxology. During the stichera o f Lauds, the senior priest puts on all his vestments, and as the choir sings Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Theotokos. . . , he comes out o f the sanctuary with the rest of the clergy and stands bfore the Epitaphion. During the singing o f the Doxology he goes three times round

the Epitaphion, censing it from the four sides. Then, while the choir sings

the Triodion.

the concluding Holy God. . . to a slow and solemn melody, as at the

Burial Service, he takes the Book o f the Gospels and the other clergy take the Epitaphion which they hold above his head. They go in procession round

O spotless bridal chamber of the W ord, through thee all can be­ come godlike. Hail, All-Undefiled, the prophets’ song; hail, the adornment of the apostles. From thee has come the dew that quenched the flame of idolatry. W e therefore cry to thee: Hail, O Virgin, fleece wet with dew that Gideon saw in prophecy.25 See, we cry ‘ H ail!’ to thee. Be thou our haven as we toss upon

the outside o f the church, the choir meanwhile continuing to sing Holy God

the deep, our refuge from the troubled waters of affliction and from

to thefuneral melody as often as is necessary. The Cross with the processional candles is carried at the head of the procession; then comes the choir; then

all the snares of the enemy. O cause of joy, endue our thoughts with grace that we may cry to thee: Hail, bush unconsumed, cloud of light that without ceasing overshadows the faithful.26 First Four- Canticled Canon

the deacon with the incense, the clergy with the Epitaphion, and after them

TONE SIX

all the members o f the congregation, holding lighted candles. The procession returns to the interior o f the church, and stopping before the Holy Doors with the Epitaphion the senior priest says, Wisdom, let us attend. The choir then.sings the troparion Noble Joseph. . . , and the clergy replace

the most holy Word, that we who sing thy praises with faith may be

the Epitaphion on the table in the centre of the church, putting the Book of

granted remission of sins and a share in God’s gifts o f grace. 25 Song of the Three Children, verses 2 6 -7 (Sept.); Judg. 6 : 38. 20 l£xod. 3 : 2 ; 1 3 : 2 1 - 2 ; Isa. 1 9 : 1 .

the Gospels on it, as before. The senior priest goes once round the Epi­

Another Four-Canticled Canon

taphion, censing it from the four sides.6* When the singing o f Noble Joseph. . . is completed, there follows the

TONE FIVE

TONE TWO

Christ our God, ye dwell in heaven with great joy. Their souls shall dwell in prosperity. For the Dead O Christ, the Lord of death and life, give rest with Thy saints to those who have departed from this world in faith. (Irmos) Thou hast delivered the Prophet from the w hale: lead me up, O Lord, from the depths o f sin and save me. Small Litany, and then again the kontakion To Thee, our leader in battle. . . , after which the priest reads thefourth andfinal section of the Akathistos Hymn: Ikos Ten For virgins and for all who flee to thee thou art a wall, O Virgin Theotokos undefiled: for the Creator of heaven and earth has made thee ready and adorned thee, dwelling in thy womb, and teaching all to sing to thee:

O Christ, who holdest fast the ends of the earth, Thou hast 58 In the Greek use, at the end of the procession the Epitaphion is not replaced in

Hail, pillar of virginity:

the centre of the church, but carried into the sanctuary: the clergy proceed

Hail, gate of salvation. Hail, beginning o f the new and spiritual creation: Hail, provider o f God’s mercy. Hail, for thou hast given new birth to those conceived in shame: Hail, for thou hast given good counsel to those robbed of understanding. Hail, for thou bringest to naught the corrupter of man’s m ind: Hail, for thou bringest to birth the Sower of purity. Hail, bridal chamber o f a marriage without seed: Hail, for thou joinest in union the faithful to their Lord. Hail, fair nursing-mother of virgins: Hail, bridal escort o f holy souls. Hail, Bride without bridegroom 1

once round the Holy Table with the Epitaphion, and then they lay it on the Holy Table itself. Here it remains until the eve of the Ascension, when the period of Eastertide comes to a close. In the Slav use, the Epitaphion is left in the centre of the church until the evening of Holy Saturday: it is taken into the sanctuary and laid on the Holy Table at the end of the Midnight Office, immediately pre­ ceding Mattins of the Resurrection.

No hymn can recount the multitude of Thy many mercies. For though we offer unto Thee, O holy King, songs numberless as the sand upon the seashore, yet we do nothing worthy o f the blessings Thou hast given us, who cry unto T hee: Alleluia 1 Ikos Eleven We see the Holy Virgin as a lamp of living Light, shining upon those in darkness. Kindling the immaterial Fire, she guides all men to divine knowledge; she illumines our mind with radiance, and we sing these praises in her honour: Hail, beam o f the spiritual Sun: Hail, ray of the Moon that never wanes. Hail, lightning-flash that shines upon bur souls: Hail, thunder that brings terror to our enemies. Hail, dawn that makest the manifold Splendour to arise:

accepted to be held fast within the tomb, to deliver man from his fall into h e ll; and as immortal God Thou hast conferred upon us im­ mortality and life. Glory be to ,the Father. . . . Both now. . . . Repeat. Prokimenon (Psalm 43): ΤΟΉΕ FOUR Arise, Lord, and help us: and deliver us for Thy Name’s sake. y . W e have heard with our ears, O God, and our fathers have told us. Lesson: Ezekiel 3 7 : 1--14. Prokimenon (Psalm 9 ):

Hail, spring that makest the River with many streams to flow. Hail, for thou dost prefigure the baptismal fo n t: Hail, for thou takest away the filth of sin. Hail, water washing clean the conscience: Hail, cup wherein is mixed the wine of mighty joy. Hail, scent of Christ’s fragrance: Hail, life of mystical feasting. Hail, Bride without bridegroom!

ΤΟΉΕ S £ F £ N

Wishing to grant release from ancient debts, the Redeemer o f all men came of His own w ill to those who were exiled from His grace; He has torn up the record of our sins, and from all He hears the cry j Alleluia \*7 Ikos Twelve W e all sing in honour of thy Son, O Theotokos, and praise thee as a living temple. For the Lord who holds all things in His hand made His dwelling in thy womb; He hallowed and He glorified thee, teaching all to cry to thee: Hail; tabernacle of God the W o rd : Hail, greater Holy of Holies. Hail, ark made golden by the Spirit: Hail, never-empty treasure-house of life. Hail, precious crown o f orthodox kings: Hail, honoured boast o f godly priests. Hail, unshaken fortress of the Church:

Arise, O Lord my God, lift up Thine hand: forget not Thy poor for ever. y . I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will speak of all Thy marvellous works. Epistle: 1 Corinthians 5: 6 -8 ; Galatians 3 : 1 3 - 1 4 . Alleluia:

Hail, unconquered rampart o f the Kingdom. Hail, for through thee the standards of victory are raised on high: Hail, for through thee our enemies are cast down. Hail, healing of my body: Hail, salvation o f my soul. Hail, Bride without bridegroom !

y i . Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered (Psalm 6 j: 2). f i . As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish: as wax melts before

O Mother worthy of all praise, who hast borne the W ord, the Holiest of all Holies (three times): accepting this our offering, de­ liver from every ill and from the punishment to come all those who cry aloud to thee: A lleluia! Then the first ikos is read again: A prince o f the angels was sent from heaven, to say to the Theo­ tokos, Hail! And seeing Thee, O Lord, take bodily form at the sound of his bodiless voice, filled with amazement he stood still and cried aloud to h e r:27 27 Col. 2 : 14.

the fire (ibid., 3).

Hail, for through thee joy shall shine fo rth : Hail, for through thee the curse shall cease. Hail, recalling of fallen Adam: Hail, deliverance from the tears of Eve. Hail, height hard to climb for the thoughts of men: Hail, depth hard to scan even for the eyes of angels. Hail, for thou art the throne of the K in g: Hail, for thou holdest Him who upholds all. Hail, star causing the Sun to shine: Hail, womb o f the divine Incarnation. Hail, for through thee the creation is made new: Hail, for through thee the Creator becomes a newborn child. Hail, Bride without bridegroom! And then again the Kontakion: To thee, our leader in battle and defender, O Theotokos, we thy servants, delivered from calamity, offer hymns of victory and thanks­

y 3 . So shall sinners perish at the presence of God (ibid.). Gospel: Matthew 27: 6 2-6 6 .57 Then the two Litanies and the conclusion o f Mattins, with the same Dismissal as at the end o f Vespers. After the Dismissal thefaithful come up to venerate the Epitaphion, while

giving. Since thou art invincible in power, set us free from every peril, that we may cry to thee: Hail, Bride without bridegroom I

Come and let us bless Joseph of everlasting memory, who came to Pilate by night and begged for the Life of a ll: ‘ Give me this stranger, who has no place to lay Ilis head. Give me this stranger, whom His evil disciple delivered to death. Give me this stranger, whom His Mother saw hanging on the Cross, and with a mother’s sorrow she cried weeping: “W oe is me, my C hild! W oe is me, Light o f mine eyes and beloved fruit of my womb! For what Simeon foretold in 57 Read by the senior priest.

the temple is come to pass today: a sword pierces my heart, but do

Above the seraphim thou art exalted, O Lady, for thou hast given 28 Mai. 4 : 2 ; Ps. 103: 15·.

Thou change my grief to gladness by Thy Resurrection.,, 9 We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ, and Thy Holy Resurrection.58

29 Num, 17: 8.

birth to Christ the King. Entreat Him now to deliver from all harm those that venerate thee in faith.

The ends o f the earth praise thee and call thee blessed, and they

cry to thee with lo v e : Hail, pure Virgin, scroll on which the Word is written by the Father’s hand. Pray to Him, O Theotokos, to en­ rol thy servants in the Book of Life.80 W e thy servants pray to thee, and bend the knee o f our heart. Incline thine ear and save us, O Theotokos, for we are drowning in. affliction; and preserve thy city from all conquest by the enemy. First Four-Canticled Canon (Irmos) An angel made the furnace moist with dew . . . . Saints of God, pray for us. O Christ most merciful, the glorious company o f Thy divine martyrs dwells now in Thy light that knows no evening. At their intercessions, grant to all o f us enlightenment and cleansing from our sins. Saints of God, pray for us.

How beautiful is this season of abstinence that Thou hast given us, O L o rd ! As we pass through it, do Thou in Thy goodness take pity on our souls, at the prayers of Thy holy martyrs who loved the beauty of Thy sacred Passion. God is wonderful in His saints, the God o f Israel. For the Dead O Master of life, bring to anchor in a safe harbour those Thy servants who have passed through the storm o f this life with its many sorrows. May they cry aloud with all Thine elect: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers. Most holy Theotokos, save us. Theotokion O Ever-Virgin who hast borne the Giver o f the Law, pray to Him that in this season He may uproot all wickedness from die hearts of those who seek to keep the holy Fast with zeal and strictness.

Saints o f God, pray for us. Blessed art Thou, O God, who hast given courage to the martyrs who suffered for Thy sake: for Thou art praised and glorified above all. Saints of God, pray for us. Blessed art Thou, O God, who hast given to us Thy victorious martyrs as our intercessors in Thy presence: for Thou art praised and glorified above all. Glory be to the Father . . . . Blessed art Thou, O God, one by Nature yet made known in three Persons: for Thou art praised and glorified above all. Both now . . . . Theotokion Blessed art Thou, O God, who wast born without seed and hast kept Thy Mother ever a virgin : for Thou art praised and glorified above all. Through the saints that are on His earth, the Lord has made mani­

fest His wonders. Blessed art Thou, O God, who hast tamed the wild beasts and quenched the fire to the glory of Thy saints: for Thou art praised and glorified above all. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord. For the Dead Blessed art Thou, O God, who hast translated from death unto life without end all who in this world served and worshipped Thee with faith. (Irmos) Blessed art Thou, O God, who beholdest the depths and sittest upon the cherubim: for Thou art praised and glorified above all.

Thou hast received the W ord within thy womb, and thou hast carried Him who carries all things. Thou hast fed with milk Him who by His w ill alone feeds all the inhabited earth; and unto Him, pure Virgin, do we sing: O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. Moses perceived in the burning bush the great mystery o f thy childbearing, O Virgin holy and inviolate; and the Children pre­ figured this most clearly as they stood in the midst o f the fire and were not burnt. Therefore do we sing thy praises for ever.81 W e who once through falsehood were stripped naked, have by thy childbearing been clothed in the robe o f incorruption; and we who once sat in the darkness of transgression have seen the Light, O

Maiden, dwelling-place of Light. Therefore do we sing thy praises for ever.82 Through thee the dead are brought to life, for thou hast borne Him who is Himself the L ife ; the dumb are made to speak, lepers are cleansed, diseases are driven out; the hosts of the spirits of the air are conquered,, O Virgin, the salvation of mortal men. Thou hast borne salvation for the world, O pure Virgin, and through thee we are raised from earth to heaven. Hail, All-Blessed, protection and defence, rampart and stronghold of those who sing: O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. First Four-Canticled Canon (Irmos) Thou hast made dew fall from the flames . . . . Saints o f God, pray for us.

The powers of heaven marvelled at the victory of the holy

martyrs. At their prayers, compassionate Master, bestow upon us

the rich wonders o f Thy mercy.

Saints of God, pray for us. O martyrs o f the Lord, worthy o f our wonder, in dew sent from God ye trampled down the fire. Through your fervent intercessions to the Master, deliver us from the fire of punishment. God is wonderful in Mis saints, the God o f Israel. For the Dead O W ord supreme in love, to the Orthodox departed from us 81 Exod. 3 : 2 ; Dan. 3: 23-5. 82 Gen. 3: 7; 1 Cor. ις: $4; Isa. 9 : 2 ; Matt. 4: 16.

441 grant heavenly life and holy radiance, at the prayers of the victori­ ous martyrs. Most holy Theotokos, save us.

The martyrs were made pillars of courage, triumphing over the

fall of the d evil; and they sing in praise of Christ for ever. Their souls shall dwell in prosperity.

For the Dead Grant a place with Abraham, O Lord, to Thy servants who have gone to dwell with Thee in faith and hope. W e praise, bless and worship the Lord. . . . (Irmos) Sing, O ye peoples, sing in praise of the Maker o f cre­ ation, before whom angels tremble, and exalt Him above all for ever.

mighty Sun; hail, pure Virgin that hast opened the closed gate of Eden; hail, pillar of fire, leading mankind to the life above.83 Let us stand with reverence in the house o f our God, and let us cry aloud: Hail, Queen of the w orld; hail, Mary, sovereign over all of us; hail, thou who alone art blameless and fair among women; hail, vessel that hast received the Myrrh inexhaustible, emptied out upon thee.84 Hail, Ever-Virgin; hail, dove that has given birth to the Lord of m ercy; hail, glory of all the saints, crown of the martyrs; hail, divine adornment of all the righteous and salvation of us the faithful. Spare Thine inheritance, O God, and pass over all our sins. For as intercessor in Thy sight, O Christ, there stands before Thee she

that on earth conceived Thee without seed, when in Thy great mercy Thou hast willed to be shaped in a form that was not Thine own. First Four-Canticled Canon (Irmos) No man is able to see God . . . . Saints of God, pray for us. Dawning as light, as the rising sun, the martyrs have illumined all 83 Mai. 4: 2; Gen. 3: 24; Exod. 13: 21. 84 Song of Solomon 1 : 3 .

the earth with the rays o f the true faith and with the radiance o f

their miracles, and they have destroyed the darkness o f pagan idolatry. At their prayers, O Lord, have mercy upon us. Saints of God, pray for us. O invincible army of martyrs, strengthen all of us to fight the good fight and complete the course o f the Fast, that performing acts of holiness we may with joy become partakers of life. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel. For the Dead O Lord, may Thy love accompany those who have departed from us at Thy dread command. Surround them with Thy mercies and guide them to the dwellings that are made radiant with the light of Thy countenance. Most holy Theotokos, save us. Theotokion A t the voice o f the angel, O Theotokos, ineffably thou hast con­

ceived the Angel of the Father’s counsel. Accept then the voices o f us thy servants and the prayers that we offer in this season o f the Fast, and bring them before God as incense.86 Second Four- Canticled Canon (Irmos) Rejoice, Isaiah . . . . Saints of God, pray for us. Celebrating a feast today in honour of the martyrs, O ye peoples, let us dance for joy, singing to Christ, who set the contest and gave them victory over their enemies: with our hymns we magnify Him. Saints o f God, pray for us. Torn with nails and cut in pieces with the sword, ye were united to Christ in love, O martyrs worthy o f all praise. Now that ye re­ joice in heaven, intercede for all of us. Glory be to the Father . . . .

O honoured Trinity, consubstantial, without beginning, source of life, O undivided Unity, I sing Thy praises: Father unbegotten, Word and Son begotten, and Holy Spirit, save us all who glorify Thee. Both now . . . . 85 Isa, 9: 6 (Sept.); Ps. 140: 2.

The noble army of "the King and God of all, the martyrs, let us

crown with songs, ye peoples: for openly they have defeated the demonic hosts. W e sing their praises and we magnify the Master. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord. For the Dead When Thou shalt raise for judgement all that Thou hast fashioned, have mercy on Thy faithful servants whom Thou now hast taken to Thyself, O C hrist; forgive them all their sins in this life, and grant them rest with Thy saints for ever. (Irmos) Rejoice, Isaiah: the Virgin has conceived and borne a Son, Emmanuel, who is both God and man; and Orient is His Name. Him we magnify, O Virgin, and we call thee blessed. Exapostilarion

The mystery hidden from all ages is made known today. God from

God, the W ord becomes in His compassion Son of the Virgin Mary, and Gabriel proclaims the Gospel o f joy. W ith him let us all cry aloud: Hail! Mother of the Lord.38 Lauds. Four stichera are sung:

TONE FOUR

A mystery hidden, unknown to the angels, is entrusted to the Archangel Gabriel. Coming now to thee, the dove alone stainless and pure, the restoration of mankind, he shall greet thee, O most Holy, with the salutation: ‘ Hail! Make ready to receive, through a w ord, God the W ord within thy womb’ (twice). A pavilion full of light is prepared for Thee, O M aster: the un­ defiled womb of the Child o f God. Come down and enter it, taking 38 Col. i : 26.

pity on Thy creatures, whom the avenging spirit in his envy has attacked and holds in bondage. They have lost their former beauty, and await Thy descent for their salvation. Gabriel the Archangel shall come to thee openly, all-blameless Virgin, and shall cry to thee: ‘ Hail, deliverance from the curse, and raising of the fallen; hail, thou who alone wast chosen by God; hail, living cloud of the Sun. Receive Him that has no body, whose will it is to dwell within thy w om b.’ Glory be to the Father . . . . Both now . . . .

The Theotokos heard a voice she knew not, when the Archangel

brought her the glad tidings of the Annunciation; and, accepting his salutation with faith, she conceived Thee the pre-eternal God. Therefore in great rejoicing we also cry aloud to T h ee: O God, who without change hast taken flesh from her, grant peace unto the world and to our souls great mercy. Great Doxology, the two Litanies, and the Dismissal.

the Triodion,4* and four troparia from the second Canon, in honour o f the

TONE ONE6

4 Based on the Parable of the Rich Man and the beggar Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31). 6 In some editions, Tone Eight.

Theotohon T h e hosts o f angels and o f m o rta l m en p raise th e e , O

M o th e r, w ith o u t ceasin g. F o r th ou hast c a rrie d th e ir C r e a to r as a babe in th in e arm s.

TONE SIX

praise, th o u hast b e c o m e g o d lik e th ro u g h th y h o ly actio n s.

TONE FOUR

6 i Tim. 6: 16. 7 Matt. 2: i 4 “ i £; Hos. i i : i.

8 Wc use the same katavasias as on the previous Sunday (see p. 358).

T h e ric h m an w as clo th e d in sc a rle t and fine lin en th ro u g h his lusts and s in s; and so h e burn s in th e flam es.

TONE EIGHT

A l l the re b e llio u s im pulses o f th e flesh th o u hast su b d u ed b y th in e a sce tic lab o u rs,

D e s irin g to b eh o ld th e C ro ss o f the L o r d , O h o n o u re d M o t h e r , in sa n c tity th o u hast cru c ifie d th y se lf un to th e w o r ld , and thou hast so u gh t w ith eagerness to em u late the angels in th e ir w a y o f life. T h e r e fo r e w ith faith w e h o n o u r th y m e m o r y , O blessed M a ry , and

9 Mark 10: 44·; Matt. 26: 28; 4 [2] Kgs.

(Ivmos) O L o r d , I h ave h eard th e m y ste ry o f T h y disp ensation . . . . T h e ric h m an d eligh ted in sum p tu ou s fo o d and ra im e n t, w h ile Lazarus lo n g e d to b e fe d w ith th e cru m b s fro m his tab le. W i t h th e ir tongues th e dogs lic k e d th e sores o f Lazaru s th e b e g g a r, sh o w in g to w a rd s him in his n e e d a com p assion that th e ric h m an n e v e r fe lt. O n c e Lazarus in p o v e r ty and distress lay an o u tca st at th e gate o f

10 Gen. 28 : 12, 17 ; Ps. 1 3 1 : 8; 67: 17; Dan. 2 : 34; Isa. 1 9 : 1 ; Hxod. 1 3 : 2 1 - 2 .

sing thy praises may be saved from the bondage o f the avenger; for thou alone art our protector. Second Canon (irmos) Foreseeing Thy divine self-emptying upon the Cross. . . % O Creator of our mortal nature, Fountain o f mercy and Wealth of compassion, in Thy love for mankind Thou hast taken pity upon her that fled to Thee for refuge, and Thou hast snatched her from the destroying beast. Hastening to see the Cross, O Mary, thou wast illumined by its light, through the divine providence o f thy Crucified L o rd ; and thou wast thyself crucified to the world, O saint most worthy of our wonder.11 She who once led many into wickedness through evil lust, shines now in her sanctity like the sun, and has become a heavenly guide

temple cried : Ό Christ, through the spiritual prayers of the Virgin that became Thy temple, make me a temple of the all-creating Spirit.>1S With the baited hook of the flesh and through the lust of the eyes she took many men prisoner, and by means of short-lived sensual pleasure she made them food for the devil; but now she has herself been taken prisoner, in all truth, by the divine grace of the Holy Cross, and she has been brought as a sweet spiritual offering to Christ. Theotokion Initiated into the mystery concerning thee, O undefiled Mother of God, the company of the prophets, in secret words inspired by God, foretold thee in many different ways. And now Mary of Egypt falls down before the most pure ikon of the Vessel that has received the

The rich man condemned himself to the flames o f fire by his life

12 Exod. 33: 18-23; 34: 29; 16: 33; Heb. 9 : 4 .

13 Ps. 26: 4.

14 Exod. 16: 33; Heb. 9: 4.

ill of pleasure; but Lazarus the poor man chose penury in this present life, and so was counted worthy of unending joy. Lazarus was counted worthy to dwell with Abraham, and he re­ ceived eternal life, O Christ; but the rich man was condemned to

the fire, there to be tormented in both soul and body.

The rich man was condemned to the fire, because of Lazarus:

condemn me not in my wretchedness, I pray, O Lord who lovest mankind; but count me, like Lazarus, worthy of Thy light. Theotokion May we be delivered from our grievous transgressions by thy prayers, O pure Mother of God, and may we dwell in the divine glory of the Son of God who took flesh ineffably from thee. Second Canon (Irmos) The uttermost depths of sin . . . .

The armies of the angels rejoice, O holy Mary, seeing in thee a

life equal to their own, and crying out they give glory to the Lord.

The hosts of dark demons tremble at the strength of thine en­

durance: how thou, a woman, solitary and naked, hast in a marvel­ lous manner put them to shame. O Mary worthy of all praise, thou hast shone like the sun and illumined all the desert with'thy brightness: do thou make me also glorious with thy light. Theotokion Illumined by the glory of thine Offspring, O Virgin, to all of us

the angels proclaim peace on earth and good will toward men.15

Once thou wast defiled with every impurity, but today through repentance thou hast become the Bride of Christ. Desiring the life of the angels, thou hast cast down the demons with the weapon of

the Cross: therefore, O glorious Mary, thou wast made a bride of the Kingdom.

Ikos In our hymns we praise thee now, all-venerated Mary, as the lamb and daughter of Christ. Sprung from the stock of the Egyptians, thou hast fled from all their errors and wast offered as a precious flower to die Church. In abstinence and prayer thou hast struggled above the measure of man’s nature, and so thou wast exalted by Christ; for through thy life and actions, Mary all-revered, thou wast made a bride of the heavenly Kingdom.

the poor man, and count me worthy to cry unto Thee in thanks­

+ 5£ All-blessed Mary, thou hast put to death thy rebellious passions, and now thou hast found anchorage in the harbour of dispassion, crying: Ό Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’ Theotokion In ways past speech, O Undefiled, thou hast conceived while still remaining virgin, and hast brought forth into the world its salvation, Christ our God. Therefore we and all the faithful magnify thee in our songs. (Katavasia) The holy Children bravely trampled . . . .

things of this life, I have condemned myself to luxury and deception. And so I pray to Thee, O greatly-merciful Christ: deliver me for ever from the eternal fire. To the Holy Trinity

The threefold Light of the Godhead shines with a single radiance

from the one Nature in three Persons: Father without beginning; W ord of the Father, sharing the same Nature; and consubstantial Spirit, reigning with the Father and the Son. This triune God do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people exalt above all for ever. Second Canon (Irmos) Be ye astonished, O ye heavens . . . . O Thou who searchest the depths of our heart, who hast fore-

seen all things concerning us before we came into existence, Thou hast delivered from a life o f bondage the woman who fled to Thee, O Saviour; and with ncver-silcnt voice she cries out to Thy tender lo ve: Ό ye priests bless Him, and ye people exalt Him above all for ever/ O holy transformation, that brought thee to a better way of life! O godlike love that hated carnal pleasures! O burning faith in G o d ! We bless thee, Mary worthy of all praise, and we exalt thee above all for ever. 0 holy Mary, thou hast received the recompense for thy toil, and

the due reward for all the labours whereby thou hast cast down the

vengeful enemy. And now thou singest with the angels, crying aloud with never-silent voice and exalting Christ above all for ever. Theotokion In His love the Lord of all the ages has completely recreated me within thy womb, pure Virgin, without obscuring the distinctive marks of either nature, human or divine. Therefore, as the cause of our salvation, we sing thy praises in our hymns for ever. (Katavasia) The Offspring of the Theotokos . . . .

460 in the heavens by all creation. Through thee at all times He grants to us salvation, and with faith we magnify thee. Second Canon (frmos) Weep not for Me, O Mother . . . . Strengthened by the might of Christ, O Mother, thou bast more easily endured thy sufferings in the wilderness; and with the streams of God-given tears thou hast quenched the impure thoughts that came to thee, O greatest of ascetics and glory of the saints.

The pure Virgin, the only Mother of Christ the Light, shone

upon thee with rays of surpassing brightness, making thee terrible to the enemy; and she has revealed thee to us all, O honoured Mary, beauty of ascetics, pillar of the saints. Having wisely forsaken all the things of this earth, thou hast be­ come a hallowed dwelling-place of the Spirit. Pray to Christ, our only Deliverer, that we who celebrate with faith thy holy memory may be set free from the perils of this world. Theotokion In a way surpassing nature, O pure Maid, thou hast escaped the laws of nature, and hast brought forth on earth a new-born child, who is the Giver of the Law and the Ancient of Days. Therefore, O spiritual heaven o f the Creator of all, with faith and love we call thee blessed.18

y . Arise, O Lord my God, lift up Thine hand: forget not Thy poor for ever (Psalm 9: 33).

TONE ONE

The Kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and

abstinence with holiness: and so the rich shall not enter into it, but those who entrust their treasures to the hands of the poor. This is what David the Prophet teaches us, saying: The righteous man shows mercy all the day long; his delight is in the Lord, and walking in the light he shall not stumble. All this was written for our ad­ monition, that we should fast and do good; and in exchange for earthly things may the Lord reward us with the things o f heaven.10 Glory be to the Father . . . . Repeat The Kingdom of God is not food and drink . . . . Both now . . . . Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Theotokos . . . . Great Doxology, the two Litanies, and the Dismissal.

Up to the end o f Canticle Five we use thefollowing two Canons, the first with eight troparia and the second with six. At Canticle Six we begin the twofour-canticled Canons.

the Giver of Life, and it rejoices at the rising of Lazarus.

Another Canon

47£ hast raised Thy friend as if from sleep, though he had lain four days in the tomb and already stank. Theotokion

The hosts of angels and o f mortal men praise thee, O Virgin

Mother, without ceasing. For thou hast carried their Creator as a babe in thine amis. (Katavasia) Having crossed the water as though it were di*y land, and escaped from the wickedness of Egypt, the children of Israel shouted aloud: ‘ Let us sing to our Deliverer and our G od/

First Canon (lrmos) Thou art the strong support of those that run to Thee, O Lord; Thou art the light of those in darkness, and my spirit sings in praise of Thee. Displaying Thy two energies, O Saviour, Thou hast made mani­ fest Thy two natures: for Thou art both God and man. Though Thou art the Abyss of knowledge, Thou dost ask where they have laid the body of Lazarus. For it was Thy purpose, O Giver of Life, to raise him from the dead. Going from one place to another, Thou hast, as mortal man, appeared circumscribed; but, as God uncircumscribed, Thou fillest all things. At Thy divine word, Thou hast raised Lazarus, O Christ. I pray Thee, raise me also, dead through my many sins. Second Canon

(lrmos) O Lord, Thou Builder of the vault o f heaven. . . . O Lord who workest miracles, standing in Bethany by the tomb of Lazarus, Thou hast shed tears for him in accordance with the law of nature, confirming the full reality of the flesh which Thou hast taken, O Jesus my God. Straightway Thou hast made the sorrow of Mary and Martha to cease, O Saviour, showing Thy sovereign authority. For, as Thou hast said, Thou art in truth the Resurrection and the Life and the Lord of all.

w h o alo ne lovest

TONE FOUR

T h e sisters o f Lazarus sto o d b esid e C h ris t and, lam en tin g w ith b itte r tears, th e y said to H i m :

TONE EIGHT

O u r frie n d Lazaru s has fallen asleep

the F a th e r ; T h o u hast called T h y frie n d Lazarus fro m h e ll, O L o r d ,

g re a te r than th e p o w e r o f death w h ic h h eld h im b a c k . A ll things o b ey C h r is t ’ s w o r d , se rvin g H im as G o d and M aste r. T h o u hast raised Lazarus on th e fo u rth d ay, th o u g h his c o rp se already stank. R aise m e up , O C h ris t, fo r I am dead in sin and lie in

com passion .

so as to make up the number twelve.

TONE EIGHT

Another Canon

TONE TWO

the tears o f M arth a cease, and b y T h y vo lu n ta ry P assion T h o u hast

h e ll and raised u p Lazaru s as h e sa n g : ‘ O G o d o f o u r fath ers, blessed a rt T h o u / O M a ste r, T h o u hast raised a dead m an b o u n d in g ra v e c lo th e s, a c o rp se th at alread y stank. I am h e ld fast in th e bonds o f s in ; raise m e u p and I shall s in g : O G o d o f o u r fath ers, blessed a rt T h o u .

14 Dan, 3: 1-7.

We do not sing the Magnificat and G re a te r in h o n o u r than th e c h e ru b im . . . .

b ro u gh t ab o u t m y salvatio n by th e fre e .will e x e rc is e d in each o f T h y tw o natu res. ( Katavasia) Saved th ro u g h th e e , p u re V ir g in , w e con fess th e e to b e tru ly T h e o to k o s , and w ith th e c h o irs o f angels w e m ag n ify th ee.

Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . . Through Lazarus, O death, Christ has already despoiled thee. O hell, where is thy triumph? The lamentation of Bethany has now been given to thee. In Christ’s honour let us raise on high branches of victory. Lauds. Eight stichera are sung:

TONE ONE

O Christ, who art the Resurrection and the Life of man, standing by the tomb of Lazarus Thou hast confirmed our faith in Thy two natures, O forbearing Lord, proving that Thou wast born from the pure Virgin as both God and man. For as man Thou hast asked, ‘ Wherd is he buried?’ and as God by Thy life-giving command Thou hast raised him from the dead on the fourth day. Before Thine own death, O Christ, Thou hast raised from hell Lazarus that was four days dead, and hast shaken the dominion of death. Through this one man whom Thou hast loved, Thou hast foretold the deliverance of all men from corruption. W e therefore worship Thine almighty power and cry: Blessed art Thou, O Saviour, have mercy upon us.

Martha and Mary said to the Saviour: ‘ Hadst Thou, O Lord, been here, Lazarus would not have died.’ But Christ, the Resurrection of those that have fallen asleep, raised him from the dead, though four days had already passed. Draw near, ye faithful, and let us all worship Him who comes in glory to save our souls. Thou hast granted to Thy disciples, O Christ, tokens of Thy divinity, but Thou hast humbled Thyself among the crowds, wish­ ing to conceal it from them. Foreknowing all things as God, Thou hast foretold to the apostles the death o f Lazarus; yet at Bethany, when in the presence o f the people, thou hast as man asked where Thy friend was buried, being ignorant of this. But then Thou hast

raised him four days after he was dead, and so he rendered manifest Thy power as God. O almighty Lord, glory to Thee.

TONE FOUR

O Christ, Thou hast raised up Thy friend that was four days dead, and hast made the lamentation of Martha and Mary to cease, showing to all that Thou art He who fills all things by Thy divine power and Thy sovereign will. To Thee the cherubim without ceasing cry

aloud: ‘ Hosanna in the highest: blessed art Thou, God over all: glory to T hee/ Martha cried to Mary: ‘The Teacher is here and calls thee: com e/ And she, running to the place where the Lord was, cried out when she saw T hee; and falling at Thy feet she worshipped Thee, saying: ‘ O Lord, hadst Thou been here, our brother had not died/ y . Arise, O Lord my God, lift up Thine hand: forget not Thy poor for ever (Psalm 9: 33).

Thou hast raised up in Bethany Lazarus that was four days dead; for as soon as Thou earnest to the tomb, Thy voice became life to die dead man. Groaning aloud, hell released him in fear. O mighty miracle! O Lord o f many mercies, glory to Thee. y . I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will speak of all Thy marvellous works (Psalm 9: 2) O Lord, Thou hast said to Martha, ‘I am the Resurrection*; arid Thou hast confirmed Thy words by actions, calling Lazarus from hell. Through my passions I am dead: raise me also, I beseech Thee, in Thy tender love for mankind. Glory be to the Father. . . .

TONE TWO

A great and marvellous wonder is performed today: calling a four-day corpse from die tomb, Christ raised His friend. Let us glorify Him, for He is supreme in glory, that at the prayers o f righteous Lazarus He may save our souls. Both now. . . . Most blessed art Thou, O Virgin Theotokos. . . . Great Doxology, the two Litanies, and the Dismissal.

TONE SIX

n o w th e h o u r is c o m e w h e n I shall be taken and slain b y the hands o f w ic k e d m e n ; and y e shall all b e scatte re d and forsake M e . B ut I shall g a th e r yo u to g e th e r to p ro c la im M e , in M y love fo r m a n k in d .*38

TONE EIGHT

C o m e , and lei us all sing the praises o f H im w h o w as c ru cifie d fo r 37 John 1 3 : 3 ; Malt. 26: 26-8, 30. 38 Matt. 24: 6; 26: 3 1 - 2; John 16: 32.

glo rifies M e to all a g e s .’ ‘ T h o u d o st p ro te st, O Sim o n P e te r, against th e v e ry th in g th at th o u shalt sh o rtly d o , even as I have fo re to ld . A m aid servan t shall sud den ly ap pro ach and fill th ee w ith fe a r’ , said th e L o r d . 39 Matt. 2 6 : 4 1 ; Luke 22: 31. 40 Matt. 2 6 : 3 3 - 3 · ; 1 6 : 17.

weeping bitterly, thou shalt find Me m erciful; for the whole cre­ ation blesses Me and glorifies Me to all ages/41 We praise, bless and worship the Lord. . .

Greater in honour than the cherubim, and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, thou who inviolate hast borne God the W ord: in very truth the Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

The destructive band of evil men, hateful to heaven, the syna­

gogue of the murderers of God, drew near to Thee, O Christ, and as a malefactor they led Thee away, who art the Creator of all. Thee do we magnify. Ignorant of the Law in their impiety, studying the words of the prophets in vain and to no purpose, unjustly they led Thee, the Master of all, as a lamb to the slaughter. Thee do we magnify.42 Moved by jealous wickedness, the priests and scribes took Him who is by nature Life and Life-giver, and they delivered Him to the Gentiles to be put to death. Him do we magnify. Like many dogs they compassed Thee, O King, and struck Thee on the face; they questioned Thee and bore false witness against Thee. And all these things Thou hast endured to save us all.43 (Irm o s)

, w ith praise Thee. . . . S m a ll

For all' the powers of heaven

O Lord, this very day hast Thou vouchsafed the Good Thief Paradise. By the Wood of the Cross do Thou enlighten me also and save me ( t h r e e t i m e s ) . TH E N INTH G O SP E L ( J o h n

At that time there stood by the Cross of Jesus His Mother, and 41 Matt. 26: 7$. 42 Isa. £3 : 7. 43 Ps. 21: 17; Matt. 26: £9-67.

His Mother’s sister, Mary the wife o f Cleophas, and Mary Magda­ lene. When Jesus therefore saw His Mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto His Mother, Woman, behold thy son I Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, j£sus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the

preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the Cross on

the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought

Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of

the other which was crucified with Him. But when they came to

Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they brake not His legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they pierced. A n d

im m e d ia te ly

Israel, My first-born Son, has committed two evils: he has for­ saken Me, the fountain of the water of life, and dug for himself a broken cistern. Upon the Cross has he crucified Me, but asked for Barabbas and let him go. Heaven at this was amazed and the sun hid its rays; yet thou, O Israel, wast not ashamed, but hast delivered Me to death. Forgive them, Holy Father, for they do not know what they have done (twice).44 Every member of Thy holy body endured dishonour for our sakes: Thy head, the thorns: Thy face, the spitting; Thy cheeks, the buffeting; Thy mouth, the taste of gall mingled with vinegar; Thine ears, the impious blasphemies; Thy back, the scourging and Thy hand, the reed; Thy whole body, the stretching on the Cross;

44 Jer. 2 : 1 3 .

5 97 Thy limbs, the nails; and Thy side, the spear. Thou hast suffered for us and by Thy Passion set us free from passions; in loving selfabasement Thou hast stooped down to us and raised us up: O Saviour almighty, have mercy on us. Seeing Thee crucified, O Christ, the whole creation trembled.

The foundations of the earth shook with fear at Thy power. For

when Thou wast raised up today, the people of the Hebrews was destroyed. The veil of the temple was rent in twain, the graves were opened, and the dead rose from the tombs. When the centurion saw the wonder, he was filled with dread. And Thy Mother, standing by Thee, cried with a mother’s sorrow: ‘ How shall I not lament and strike my breast, seeing Thee stripped naked and hung upon the wood as one condemned?’ Thou wast crucified and buried, and Thou hast risen from the dead: O Lord, glory to Thee. Glory be to the Father. . . .

They stripped Me of My garments and clothed Me in a scarlet robe; they set a crown of thorns upon My head and placed a reed in My right hand, that I may break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.46 Both now. . . .

I gave My back to scourging; I did not turn away My face from spitting; I stood before the judgement-seat of Pilate, and endured

the Cross for the salvation of the w orld.40

At that time Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the Kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if He were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether He had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen, and laid Him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone 46 Ps. 2 : 9. 40 Isa. £0: 6.

£98 unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where He was laid. R eader: P r ie s t :* 7 S m a ll L ita n y

To Thee is due glory. . . . Glory to Thee who hast shown us the Light.

, Let us complete our morning

At that time Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear o f the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came there­ fore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they

the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as

the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where He was

crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jew s’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

A p o s tic h a :

The whole creation was changed by fear, when it saw Thee, O

Christ, hanging on the Cross. The sun was darkened and the founda­ tions of the earth were shaken; all things suifered with the Creator of all. O f Thine own will Thou hast endured tills for our sakes: O Lord, glory to Thee. y . They parted My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture (P s a l m 2 1 : 1 9 ) . Why does the impious and transgressing people imagine vain things? Why have they condemned to death the Life of all? O mighty wonder! The Creator of the world is delivered into the hands of lawless men, and He who loves mankind is raised upon the 47 Or the reader.

Cross, that He may free the prisoners in hell, who cry: O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.48 they gave Me gall to eat: and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink ( Psalm 6 8 : 22). ψ .

Today the most pure Virgin saw Thee hanging on the Cross, O W ord ; and with a mother’ s love she wept and bitterly her heart was wounded. She groaned in anguish from the depth of her soul, and in her grief she struck her face and tore her hair. And, beating her breast, she cried lamenting: ‘ Woe is me, my divine Child! W oe is me, Thou Light of the w orld! Why dost Thou vanish from my sight, O Lamb of God?’ Then the hosts of angels were seized with trembling, and they said: Ό Lord beyond our understanding, glory to T hee.’ y . God is our King before the ages: He has worked salvation in

the midst of die earth (Psalm 7 3; 1 2 ) .

Seeing Thee hanging on the Cross, O Christ the Creator and God of all, bitterly Thy Virgin Mother cried: ‘ O my Son, where is the beauty of Thy form? I cannot bear to look upon Thee crucified un­ justly. Make haste, then, to arise, that I too may see Thy Resurrec­ tion on the third day from the dead.* Glory be to the Father. . . .

Lord, when Thou hast ascended on the Cross, fear and trembling seized all the creation. Thou hast not suffered die earth to swallow those that crucified T h ee; but Thou hast commanded hell to render up its prisoners, for the regeneration of mortal men. Judge of the living and the dead, Thou hast come to bring, not death, but life. O Thou who lovest mankind, glory to Thee. Both now. . . .

Already the unjust judges have dipped dieir pens in ink, and Jesus is sentenced and condemned to the Cross; the creation suffers, seeing the Lord crucified. O loving Master, who in Thy bodily nature hast suffered for my sake, glory to Thee. 48 Ps. 2: 1. 49 I11 the Slay books, Tone Six.

TH E T W E L F T H G O SP E L (M atthew 2 7 : 6 2 - 6 ) Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate saith unto them, Ye have a w atch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. R ea d er: It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord. Then

Holy God. . . , etc., a n d

tro p ario n :

TO NE FO U R

Thou hast redeemed us from the curse of the Law by Thy precious Blood: nailed to the Cross and pierced by the spear, Thou hast poured forth immortality upon mankind. O our Saviour, glory be to Thee. Then the rem a in in g p a r t o f the L ita n y o f F erven t Intercession , Have mercy upon us, O God. . . , a n d the conclusion o f M a ttin s , as on days outside L en t. A t the D ism issal the p riest s a y s : May He who endured spitting and scourging and blows, the Cross and death, for the salvation of the world, Christ our true God. . . . The F irst H o u r is not s a id a t the end o f M a ttin s , bu t it is re a d la te r on F r id a y m orning as p a rt o f the Office o f the R o y a l F lo u rs.

THE ROYAL HOURS

composed by S t. C y r ily A rchbishop o f A le x a n d ria '

We do not sing W e have seen the Resurrection of Christ. . . , but at once we read Psalm ςο and then begin the Canon. In each canticle the

Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Thefirst, third, fourth, andjff'th canticles of this canon are the work of Mark the Monk, Bishop of Hydrous, and the last four canticles are by Kosmas of the Holy City. The irmoi are the work of Kassiani.

the waves of the sea, is hidden beneath the earth by the

children of those whom once He saved. But as the maidens let us sing unto the Lord, for lie is greatly glorified. O Lord my God, I will sing to Thee a funeral hymn, a song at Thy burial: for by Thy burial Thou hast opened for me the gales of life, and by Thy death Thou hast slain death and hell.

All things above and all beneath the earth quaked with fear at Thy death, as they beheld Thee, O my Saviour, upon Thy throne on high and in the tomb below. For beyond our understanding Thou dost lie before our eyes, a corpse yet the very Source of Life. To fill all tilings with Thy glory, Thou hast gone down into the nethermost parts of the earth: for my person that is in Adam has not been hidden from Thee, but in Thy love for man Thou art buried in

the tomb and dost restore me from corruption.

enclosed and sealed within the tomb: but through Thine energies Thou hast as God revealed Thy power to those who sing: ‘ There is none holy save Thee, O Lord who lovest mankind.’ Small Litany.

TONE ONE

The soldiers keeping watch over Thy tomb, O Saviour, became as

dead men in the presence of the shining angel, who proclaimed the Resurrection to the women. We glorify Thee, for Thou hast de­ stroyed corruption. We fall down before Thee, risen from the tomb, our only God. Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . .

shrank back in terror at this sight.

Thou hast taken, rendering it immortal; for, O Master, Thy flesh saw not corruption, nor was Thy soul left in hell as that of a stranger.46 43 (jVn. 2 :2 . 44 Isa. 2 6 : ry. 45 Joseph of Arimalhaea (Mark t ς: 43). 46 Ps. j £ : 10 ; Acts 2 : 2 7 ; 1 3 : 3$·.

Coming forth from a birth without travail and wounded in Thy side with a spear, O my Maker, Thou hast brought to pass the re­ creation of Eve. Becoming Adam, Thou hast in ways surpassing nature slept a life-giving sleep, awakening life from sleep and from corruption by Thine almighty power.

The fall of Adam brought death to man but not to God. For

though the earthly substance of Thy flesh suffered, yet the Godhead remained impassible; that which was corruptible in Thy human nature Thou hast transformed to incorruption, and by Thy Resur­ rection Thou hast revealed a fountain of immortal life. Hell is king over mortal men, but not for ever. Laid in the sepulchre, mighty Lord, with Thy life-giving hand Thou hast burst asunder the bars of death. To those from every age who slept in the tombs, Thou hast proclaimed true deliverance, O Saviour, who art become the firstborn from the dead. Small Litany. Kohtakion

TONE SIX

He who closed the abyss lies before us dead; and as a corpse the Immortal is wrapped in linen with sweet spices and laid in a tomb.

The women come to anoint Him with myrrh, weeping bitterly and

crying: ‘This is the most blessed Sabbath on which Christ sleeps, but on the third day He shall rise again.’ 47 John 2 : 19.

Ikos He who holds all things in unity was lifted on the Cross, and the whole creation wept to see Him hanging naked on the Tree. The sun hid its rays and the stars cast aside their brightness; the earth shook in mighty fear, the sea fled and the rocks were rent, and many graves were opened and the bodies of the saints arose. Hell groaned below and the Jews considered how to spread false tidings against Christ’s Resurrection. But the women cried aloud: ‘ This is the most blessed Sabbath on which Christ sleeps, but on the third day He shall rise again.’

the tomb, for our salvation who sing: O God our De­

liverer, blessed art Thou. Hell was wounded in the heart when it received Him whose side was pierced by the spear; consumed by divine fire it groaned aloud at our salvation who sing: O God our Deliverer, blessed art Thou. O happy tomb! It received within itself the Creator, as one asleep, and it was made a divine treasury of life, for our salvation who sing: O God our Deliverer, blessed art Thou.

The Life of all submits to be laid in the tomb, according to the

law of the dead, and He makes it a source of awakening, for our salvation who sing: O God our Deliverer, blessed art Thou. In hell and in die tomb and in Eden, the Godhead of Christ was indivisibly united with the Father and the Spirit, for our salvation who sing: O God our Deliverer, blessed art Thou.

The most pure Temple is destroyed, but raises up the fallen

48 Jer. 2 : 1 2; Ps. 81 : £.

tabernacle. The second Adam, He who dwells on high, has come down to the first Adam in the depths of hell. Him do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people exalt above all for ever.40

The disciples’ courage failed, but Joseph of Arimathaea was more

bold; for seeing the God of all a corpse and naked, he asked for the body and buried Him, crying: Him do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people exalt above all for ever. O strange wonders! O love and infinite forbearance! He who dwells on high is sealed beneath the earth with His own consent, and God is falsely accused as a deceiver. Him do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people exalt above all for ever.60 W e praise, bless and worship the Lord. . . .

We do not sing the Magnificat and Greater in honour than the cherubim. . . . (Irmos) Weep not for Me, O Mother, beholding in the sepulchre

the Son whom thou hast conceived without seed in thy

womb. For I shall rise and shall be glorified, and as God I shall exalt in everlasting glory those who magnify thee with faith and love. Ό Son without beginning, in ways surpassing nature was I blessed at Thy strange birth, for I was spared all travail. But now beholding Thee, my God, a lifeless corpse, I am pierced by the sword of bitter sorrow. But arise, that I may be magnified.’ ‘ By Mine own will the earth covers Me, O Mother, but the gate­ keepers of hell tremble as they see Me, clothed in the blood­ stained garment of vengeance: for on the Cross as God have I struck down Mine enemies, and I shall rise again and magnify thee/ ‘ Let the creation rejoice exceedingly, let all those born on earth

be glad: for hell, the enemy, has been despoiled. Ye women, come to meet Me with sweet spices: for I am delivering Adam and Eve with all their offspring, and on the third day I shall rise again.’ Small Litany. 49 Amos 9 : 1 1 ; John 2: 1 9. 60 Matt. 27: 63.

troparion o f the prophecy:

other priests to the Epitaphion, and goes round it three times, censing it from thefour sides. Then the senior priest takes the Book o f the Gospels and

the two others hold the Epitaphion over his head, and so they go through the

Royal Doors into the sanctuary. They go round the Holy Table and then lay the Epitaphion upon it; and once more the senior priest goes round the Epitaphion three times, censing it from the four sides. During this time the katavasia o f Canon Nine is sung, Weep not for Me, O Mother. . . .

The Epitaphion remains on the Holy Table until the eve of the Ascension.

61 This commences around i i.30 p.m. 62 Slay use only (see above p. 653).