Mattins

The first antiphon o f the hymn of degrees in Tone Four, From my

Exapostilarion:

The Royal Hours

The Small Litany, and then the kontakion:

After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany we sing T h e L o r d is G o d , fo llo w e d by the troparion

Then the E vlo g ita ria , the Ypakoe , the Hymn o f Degrees and the Proki 2 In the Slav use only.

the E v lo g it a r ia , the f o llo w in g sessional hymn o f the Cross:

of Lent, we sing The Lord is God, and the arrangements are as indi­ cated below in die text of the Triodion. On Saturday in the second, third and fourth weeks, we sing Alleluia, and the service is for the dead. The basic pattern for these three Saturdays is the same as at

Theotokion in the Tone o f the week; and then come the readings fro m the Psalter with the sessional hymns in the Tone o f the week fro m the Octoechos. After the usual verses o f the Polyeleos , we sing Psalm 1 3 6 :2 B y th e w a te rs o f B ab y lo n w e sat d o w n and w e p t , w h e n w e r e ­ m e m b e re d Z io n . A lle lu ia . W e h anged o u r harps u p o n th e w illo w s in th e m id st th e re o f. A lle lu ia . F o r th e re th e y that had taken us c a p tiv e re q u ire d o f us a so n g ; and th ey th at had c a r rie d .u s a w a y re q u ire d o f us a h y m n , saying, Sin g us o n e o f th e songs o f Z io n . A lle lu ia . H o w shall w e sing th e L o r d 's so n g in a strange lan d ? A lle lu ia .

(apolytikion) o f the Resurrection (twice) and the

Antiphon Four

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

the gates of repentance. . .', ‘ Guide me in the paths of salvation. .

After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany we sing:

the choir sings softly:

Sessional hymn:

Judgement (see pp. 12 7 - 4 1 ) ; for the reading o f the Canon, see im­ mediately below, p. 78. Note that on Saturdays in Lent we do not use the Litany 0 Lord, save Thy people. . . after Psalm ςο, nor the Prayer of St. Ephraim at the end of the service; the service ends as

as to make up the number twelve. The irmos is sung at the end of each icanticle as katavasia. Bfiore 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 .

and ‘As I ponder in my wretchedness. . .', do not appear in this position before the fourteenth century, although the texts them­ selves are probably more ancient. The Enkomia or ‘ Praises', sung at

jtfter the Six Psalms and the Great Litany, we sing The Lord is God, followed by the troparion (apolytikion) of the Resurrection in the Tone o f the week (twice); Glory be to the Father . . . ; and the troparion (apoly­ tikion) ( f the saint:

The choir then sings the E vlogitaria o f the D ead:

After the first readina from the Psalter, the sessional hymn:

11 According to the Slav use, in Lent this is said twice.

menon in the Tone o f the week , and the appointed M orning Gospel . We then sing W e h ave seen th e R e s u r re c tio n o f C h ris t, fo llo w e d by Psalm 5 0 , and then , as on the previous Sunday (see p . 1 0 1 ) : G lo r y b e to th e F a th e r. . . .

scripts of the fourteenth or fifteenth century. The manuscript Triodia contain much additional material canons, idiomela and stichera - not included in the printed Triodion 50 See Simeon Magister, Annals (P .G , cix, 6 8 5 c ); George the Monk, Chronicle, iv, 264 (P.G. c x , i o o 8 b ) .

After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany, we sing T h e L o r d is G o d , followed by the troparion (apolytikion) o f the Resurrection in the Tone of

Then the Small Litany o f the Dead, and the sessional hymn:

Repeat. After the second reading from the Psaltery the sessional hymn:

during the rest of the year: see The Festal Menaion, pp. 7 £-6, 87-97. Special features are indicated below in the text of the Triodion.

Both now . . . . Theotokion

that is now in use; and many of these unpublished texts are of a high standard artistically and spiritually. Thus the existing Triodion, rich and complex though it is, represents no more than a selection from a greater whole. In its origins a monastic service book, reflecting more particu­ larly the observances of the Studite brotherhood, the Triodion came in time to be adopted also by the parish churches. This process, whereby the ancient ‘ cathedral’ rite was gradually replaced by the ‘ monastic’ rite, had already begun in the twelfth century and was more or less complete by the fourteenth. Whatever the merits of

After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany, we sing The Lord is God, qnd the troparion of the day:

Then Psalm 5 0 .

Repeat. After the third reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymn:

TONE EIGHT

Theotokion Confessing thee to be in truth more holy than the cherubim and higher than the heavens, O Theotokos worthy o f all praise, we sinners gain salvation and, when tempted, find protection. Cease not to intercede on our behalf, for thou art a strong support and a refuge for our souls.

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

the ‘ cathedral’ rite - and there are many today who favour its re­

After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany we sing The Lord is God, followed by the two troparia (apolytikia) as at Vespers. After thefrst reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymn:

Then the readings from the Psalter; and the service continues as on the first Sunday in Lent (p. 302).

Sessional Hymn

(three times).

Both now. . . . Theotokion Grant to us thy servants to behold, O Virgin, the Resurrection of thy Son. 42

as to make up the number twelve. The irmos is sung at the end as katavasia. Before the troparia we say Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

vival in a modified form — there was nothing absurd or spiritually inappropriate in the adoption of the monastic Triodion by the parish churches. For the texts in the Triodion are addressed, not to monks only, but to every Christian; and the path of contrition and fasting along which it guides us has universal validity.

After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany we sing A lle lu ia in TONE EIGHT, slowly and solemnly, with the appointed verses, and then the

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.

Sessional Hymn

ψ i . Blessed are th ey w h o m T h o u hast ch o sen and taken to T h y ­ self, O L o r d . A lle lu ia

(three times). Then the troparion o f the day, O T h o u w h o w ith w isd o m p ro fo u n d

(Irmos) On the rock of faith Thou hast established me, and Thou hast opened wide my mouth against mine enemies. For my spirit has rejoiced to sing: None is holy as our God and none is righteous save Thee, O Lord. In vain the Sanhedrin of the transgressors gathers together with an evil purpose, to pronounce sentence of condemnation upon Thee, O Christ our Deliverer, to whom we sing: Thou art our God and none is holy save Thee, O Lord.

After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany we sing Alleluia in TONE EIGHT, slowly and solemnly, with the appointed verses, and then the

Choir: Kyrie eleison.

(three times).

the week (twice); G lo r y b e to th e F a th e r . . . ; and then the troparion

(Irmos) The command of the tyrant prevailed, and the furnace was heated sevenfold. Yet the flames did not burn the Children, who had trampled underfoot the decree of the king, but they cried aloud: Ό all ye works.of the Lord, praise ye

The Triodion possesses an inner coherence and unity that are not

The Small Litany.

Priest: O Lord our God, who sittest upon the cherubim, Thou

of a kathisma from the Psalter. The ninth kathisma is read at the Third

irmos is sung twice, and then the troparia are repeatedfour or six times, so

at once apparent. Why, for example, should St. Theodore the Re­ cruit be commemorated on Saturday in the first week, the holy ikons on the first Sunday, and St. Gregory Palamas on the second? What special connection have these three observances with the ascetic fast of Lent? Let us consider briefly the pattern which links into a single whole the different commemorations during the ten weeks of the Triodion. We shall not enter into details, but shall simply seek to indicate the place of each observance in the general structure of Lent.1

Small Litany, with the exclamation: For blessed is Thy Name and glorified is Thy Kingdom, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. At the beginning o f the second stasisf the priest or deacon censes the Epitaphionfrom the four sides, the ikonostasis and the people.

H e said to H is

(three times).

TONE ONE

as to make up the number twelve. The irmos is sung at the end o f each canticle as katavasia. Before the troparia we say Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

(e) The Third Sunday (the Sunday of the Cross). On this day the service of Mattins concludes with the solemn veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross; the ceremonies are closely parallel to those at the feasts of the Exaltation of the Cross (14 September)66 and the Procession of the Cross (1 August). The veneration of the Cross on this third Sunday in Lent prepares us for the commemora­ tion of the Crucifixion which is soon to follow in Holy Week, and at

Psalm ξο. The priest: O L o r d , save T h y p e o p le . . . .

T h e ir souls shall d w e ll in p r o s p e r it y .6

Giving us before Thy Passion an assurance o f the general resur­ rection, Thou hast raised Lazarus from the dead, O Christ our God. Therefore, like the children, we also carry tokens of victory, and cry to Thee, the Conqueror o f death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord (three times). Then%comes the appointed reading from the Psalter (the sixteenth kathisma), followed by the sessional hymn:

(Irmos) The Red Sea was parted by a blow from Moses’ staff, and

the same time it reminds us that the whole of Lent is a period when

Psalm 50. The priest: O Lord, save Thy people. . . .

TONE ONE

(Irmos) O God the Lord and Creator of all, Thou art become poor, uniting a created nature to Thyself, while remain­ ing free from passion. Since Thou art the Passover, Thou hast offered Thyself to those for whose sake Thou wast soon to d ie ; and Thou hast cried : ‘Eat My Body, and ye shall be firmly established in the faith.,B Filling Thy cup of salvation with joy, O loving Lord, Thou hast made Thy disciples drink from it. For Thou offerest Thyself in sacrifice, crying: ‘ Drink My Blood, and ye shall be firmly established in the faith.’ ‘ How foolish is the traitor in your midst V in Thy forbearance Thou hast said to Thy disciples. ‘ He will not know or understand these things. But abide in Me, and ye shall be firmly established in

we are crucified with Christ: as the Synaxarion at Mattins says, ‘Through the forty-day Fast, we too are in a way crucified, dying to

Choir: Kyrie eleison (three times).

After thefrst reading from the Psalter (the sixteenth kathisma) we sing

Taking pity, O Christ our God, on the tears of Martha and Mary, Thou hast commanded the stone to be roiled away from the tom b; and calling the dead man, Thou hast raised him, O Giver of life to

(Irmos) Foreseeing Thy secret mystery, O Christ, the Prophet cried : ‘Thou hast manifested the mighty power o f Thy love, O merciful Father, for in Thy goodness Thou hast sent Thine only-begotten Son to cleanse the world from sin.*8 Going to Thy Passion that frees from passion all the posterity of Adam, Thou hast said, O Christ, to Thy friends: ‘ I have desired to eat this Passover with you; for the Father has sent Me, His onlybegotten Son, to cleanse the world from sin.*9 Partaking from the cup, O Lord Immortal, Thou hast cried to the disciples: ‘ In this present life I will no more drink with you from the fruit of the vine. For the Father has sent Me, His only-begotten Son, to cleanse the world from sin.’ 10

day of Resurrection. . . ’ , and the troparia are in part a paraphrase of the Paschal Canon by St. John of Damascus. No separation is made between Christ’s death and His Resurrection, but the Cross is re­ garded as an emblem of victory and Calvary is seen in the light of the Empty Tomb. (f) The Fourth Sunday. On this day is commemorated St. John Climacus, abbot of Sinai (sixth-seventh century), who is assigned a special Sunday in Lent because, by virtue of his writings and his own life, he forms a pattern of the true Christian ascetic. St. John is the author of The Ladder of Paradise, one of the spiritual texts appointed to be read in church during Lent. His memorial, like that of St. Theodore, has been transferred to the movable from the fixed

Deacon: Wisdom, stand and attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

the sessional hymns to the Martyrs in the Tone of'the week. Then the reader

the world, granting us through him an assurance of the resurrection.

(Irmos) United by the bond of love and offering themselves to Christ the Lord, the apostles were washed clean; and with feet made beautiful, they preached to all the Gospel of peace.1112

calendar, where he is remembered on 30 March. The first Canon at

Priest: Peace be with you all.

begins the seventeenth kathisma (Psalm 1 1 8 ) : B lessed are th ose th at a re blam eless in the w a y , w h o w a lk in the la w o f th e L o r d . B lessed are th e y that search o u t H is te stim o n ie s, and seek H im w ith th e ir w h o le h e a rt.

Glory to Thy might, O Saviour; glory to Thy pow er; glory be to Thee who hast established all things by Thy word. Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . . Repeat. Then follows the seventeenth kathisma (Psalm 1 1 8 ) , and we sing the evlogitaria of the Resurrection, as on Sundays: Blessed art Thou, O Lord : teach me Thy statutes. The company of angels was amazed. . . .12 Then the Small Litany and the sessional hymn:

(Irmos) The uttermost depths of sin have compassed me about; and no longer able to endure its stormy waves, as Jonah I cry out to Thee, O Master: Lead me up from cor­ ruption. ‘ O disciples, ye call Me Lord and Master, and so 1 am’ , Thou hast cried, O Saviour. ‘ Follow then the example that ye have seen in M e / 15 ‘He who is free from defilement needs no washing of the feet. Now ye are clean, My disciples, but not all of you. For one of you inclines to wild folly in his h eart/16

(Luke 10 : 30-^): the repentant Christian is likened to the man who fell among thieves. 66 See The Festal Menaion, pp. 1 5 3 —9. 67 Triodion Katanyktikon (ed. Apostoliki Diakonia), p. 2 14 .

Choir: And with thy spirit.

And so the reader continues with the first half o f the kathisma down to verse 9 1 ; and as he reads the choir sings softly:

TONE FIVE

(Irmos) In Babylon the Children did not fear the fiery furnace; but cast into the midst of the flames they were refreshed with dew and sang: ‘ O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’ With head bowed, Judas plotted evil, seeking opportunity to deliver for condemnation the Judge who is Lord of all and God of our fathers.17 ‘ Among you there is one that shall betray M e’ , Christ cried to His friends; and they, forgetting their gladness, were seized with grief and anguish, saying: ‘Who shall this be? Tell us, O God of our fathers.’ 18 ‘ He that dares to dip his hand with Me in the dish; and it had been good for that man if he had never passed through the gates of life .’ So did Christ, the God of our fathers, speak of the one who

Epitaphion processionally on these two occasions originated at a relatively recent period, in the fifteenth or the sixteenth century. In present practice no Liturgy is celebrated on Great Friday neither the complete Liturgy (except when it is the Feast of the Annunciation) nor the Liturgy of the Presanctified. But in earlier times there was a Presanctified Liturgy on this day.81 (f) Holy Saturday. On this day we celebrate the burial of Christ and His descent into Hell. At Mattins, usually held on Friday evening, the service begins with the ‘ Praises’ (in Greek, Enkomia) sung before the Epitaphion in the centre of the church. The pre­ 78 See A . Couturier, Corns de Liturgie grecque-melkite, vol. ii (Jerusalem, 19 14 ), p.

Priest: Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.

TONE FIVE

O Fountain o f wisdom and foreknowledge, Thou hast asked the companions o f Martha when Thou earnest to Bethany: ‘Where have ye laid my friend Lazarus?’ Shedding for him tears of tender love, Thou hast called to him in Thy compassion and raised him by Thy voice, though he was four days dead; for Thou art Giver of Life and Lord. 12 See The Festal Menaion, pp. 89-90; also below, p. 64$.

270. 79 See The Festal Mcnaion, pp. 2 2 i - £ i , 3 1 4 - 3 6 . 80 In the modern Greek use there is another piece of dramatic representation earlier in Vespers. A t the conclusion of the Gospel reading, as Christ’s deposi­ tion is being described, the priest takes down the figure from the Cross that has been set up in the centre o f the church (see below, p. 6 14 , n. 67). Because of this ceremony the service is often called in Greek the ‘ Un-nailing’ (Apokathilosis). 81 Such was the practice at Constantinople in the mid-eleventh century; but by 1200 there was no Presanctified Liturgy (Mateos, Le Typicon de la Grande Eglise, vol. ii, pp. 8 2 - 3 ) .

Deacon: Let us attend!

Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . . Repeat. There is no reading from the Gospely but we sing at once We have seen

dominant note at this service is not so much one of mourning as of watchful expectation. For the time being God observes a Sabbath rest in the tomb, but we look forward to the moment when He will rise again, bringing new life and recreating the world: 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. At the end of the service, all go with the Epitaphion around the out­ side of the church, singing ‘ Holy God. . exactly as they would at a funeral. And yet this is not in fact a funeral procession at all. God had died on the Cross, and yet He is not dead. He who died, the

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.1

When the reader has said verse $1> the choir sings three times the two following verses, U n less T h y la w had b een m y stu d y. . . , and then comes the Small Litany o f the Dead. After this the reader continues with the second half o f the seventeenth kathismay I am T h in e , save m e . . . , while

the Resurrection o f Christ, as on Sundays.1 * Then we read Psalm 50.

Word of God, is the Life Himself, holy and immortal; and our pro­ cession through the night signifies that He is now proceeding through the darkness of Hell, announcing to Adam and to all the dead His coming Resurrection, in which they are also called to share. In the morning and early afternoon of Holy Saturday there follow

Priest: Reading fro m the Holy Gospel. . . . Choir: Glory to Thy Passion, 0 Lord ,

After the Small Entrance we sing the troparion and kontakion o f the feast. In place of the Trisagion we sing: As many of you as were baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia. Prokimenon:

wisdom, O my God. y . Concerning Thy testimonies, I have known of old that Thou hast founded them for ever.

The reader continues to verse 1 J 4 , and the choir sings three times the two

TONE THREE

concluding verses: 6 Ps. 24: 13.

The Lord is my Light and my Saviour: whom then shall I fear?

M y soul shall liv e , and it shall p raise T h e e : and T h y ju d g e m e n ts shall h e lp m e . I h ave g o n e astray lik e a lo st sh e e p : seek T h y servan t, fo r I have n o t fo rg o tte n T h y co m m a n d m e n ts.

(Psalm 26: l) . ψ . The Lord is the defender of my life : of whom then shall I be afraid? (ibid.). Epistle: Hebrews 1 2 : 2 8 - 1 3 : 8. Alleluia:

TONE FIVE

saints and m arty rs w h o p re a ch e d th e La m b o f G o d and lik e

f i . The Lord is King, and has put on glorious apparel (Psalm 92: 1). f i . He has made the world so sure that it cannot be moved (ibid.). Gospel: John 1 1 : i-4 £ . And then the rest of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. In place o f Truly it is rjght to call thee blessed, we sing the irmos from Canticle Nine o f the first Canon9 With all peoples let us honour

O’ · 4 * 5)·

in T h y lo vin g -k in d n e ss. G r a n t m e th e fath erlan d f o r w h ic h I lo n g, m ak in g m e o n c e m o re a c itiz e n o f Paradise. Blessed a rt T h o u , O L o r d , teach m e T h y statu tes. O f o ld T h o u hast cre a te d m e fro m n o th in g and h o n o u re d m e w ith T h y d ivin e im a g e ; b u t w h e n I d iso b e ye d T h y co m m a n d m e n t, T h o u hast re tu rn e d m e to the earth w h e n c e I w as ta k e n : lead m e b ack again to T h y liken ess, refash io n in g m y a n cie n t b eau ty. B lessed a rt T h o u , O L o r d , teach m e T h y statu tes. G iv e rest, O G o d , to T h y servants and establish th em in P aradise, w h e r e the ch o irs o f th e saints and th e rig h te o u s shine as th e stars o f

Communion verse: Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou appointed praise. Alleluia (Psalm 8: 3).

TONE TWO

(three times).

TONE FIVE

We do not sing the Magnificat and G r e a te r

tran sgressio n s,

hast en closed w ith in th y w o m b th e G o d

n o th in g can e n c lo se , and thou hast b ro u g h t jo y into the w o r ld . W e sing th y p raises, O m o st h o ly V ir g in . ‘ W a t c h ’ , T h o u hast said to T h y d iscip les, O lo v in g Sa v io u r. ‘ F o r y e k n o w n o t in w h a t h o u r the L o rd shall c o m e to re w a r d e v e ry m a n .’ 7 A t T h y fearful second co m in g , O M a ste r, n u m b e r m e w ith the sheep at T h y righ t hand, o v e rlo o k in g th e m u ltitu d e o f m y sin s.8 5 Matt. 2 ς : i - i o . 6 Matt. 2 ς : 1 4 - 2 8 . 7 Matt. 2 4 : 4 2 . 8 Matt. 2 ς : 33.

TONE THREE

A fter the S ix Psalm s a n d the G rea t L ita n y , in p la c e o f l Tic Lord is God, we sin g

Alleluia w ith the a p p o in ted verses,

TONE TWO

a n d then the hym ns to the

T rin ity in the Tone o f the week (see p p . 6 6 2 - j ) . A fter the f i r s t re a d in g fr o m the P sa lter, the sessional hymns o f repentance in the Tone o f the week (see p p . 6 6 8 —9 9 ) . A fter the second re a d in g fr o m the P sa lter, the fo llo w in g sessional hym ns:

The wicked assembly of the transgressors, with souls full of

hatred for God, considers how to kill as a malefactor the righteous Christ, to whom we sing: Thou art our God and there is none holy save Thee, O Lord.

(b y Jo s e p h ) As God-given first-fruits o f the Fast, let lis acquire compunction of soul, crying out: Accept our prayer as pure incense, Christ our Master, and deliver us, we entreat Thee, from the stench o f corrup­ tion and from fearful torment, for Thou alone art ready to forgive. Glory be to the Father . . . . R ep ea t.

TONE FOUR

Thou art a fountain of compassion, O Theotokos: count us worthy of thy loving-kindness. Look upon thy people that have sinned; and now, as always, manifest thy power. For putting our trust in thee we 1 These rules apply only to this Monday. On other weekdays in Lent, the Mid­ night Office is read as prescribed above (p. 70).

I have transgressed more than the harlot, O loving Lord, yet never have I offered Thee my flowing tears. But in silence I fall down before Thee and with love I kiss Thy most pure feet, beseeching Thee as Master to grant me remission of sins; and I cry to Thee, O Saviour: Deliver me from the filth of my works. lkos

cry unto thee, Hail 1 as once did Gabriel, the chief captain of the heavenly hosts. After the third reading from the Vsalter, the following sessional hymns:

The woman who was once a prodigal suddenly became chaste, and

TONE TWO

hating the works of shameful sin and the pleasures of the body, she thought upon her deep disgrace and the torment to which harlots and prodigals shall be condemned. O f them I am the first and I am afraid, yet senselessly I continue in my evil ways. But the woman who was a harlot, filled with fear, made haste and came crying to the Deliverer: Ό merciful Lord who lovest mankind, deliver me from

(by Theodore) Let us joyfully begin the all-hallowed season of abstinence; and let us shine with the bright radiance o f the holy commandments of Christ our God, with the brightness o f love and the splendour of prayer, with the purity of holiness and the strength of good courage. So, clothed in raiment of light, let us hasten to the Holy Resurrec­ tion on the third day, that shines upon the world with the glory of eternal life. Glory be to the Father . . . . Repeat. Both now . . . . Theotokion Having obtained in my distress thine unconquerable intercession, O Mother o f our God, I am set free wondrously and past all hope from everything that troubles me. For thou art always swift to help those who ask o f thee in faith, and dost dispel the darkness o f their

the filth of my w orks/

many sins. Therefore with thanksgiving we cry unto thee: Accept, O Lady, this small offering of grateful praise, and be my help in all things. Then Psalm 50, and the Litany by the priest, O Lord, save Thy people. . . .

After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymns of the Cross in the Tone of the week. After the second reading from the Psalter, thefollowing sessional hymns:

the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever/

TONE TWO

The woman poured precious oil of myrrh upon Thine awesome

Through Thy Passion, loving Lord, Thou hast given to all men freedom from the passions, putting to death the passions of my flesh by Thy Cross. Count me worthy, then, to see Thy divine Passion: that, having been well-pieasing to Thy glory through the Fast, I may receive Thy great and abundant mercy. Glory be to the Father . . . . Repeat. Both now . . . . Stavrotheotokion Beholding Thee, O Christ, stretched dead upon the Tree, Thy Virgin Mother cried aloud with bitter tears: Ό my Son, what is this fearful mystery? How dost Thou who givest life eternal unto all, suffer willingly a shameful death upon the Cross?’ After the third reading from the Psalter, thefollowing sessional hymns:

and royal head, O Christ our God, and she laid hold of Thy pure feet with her polluted hands and cried aloud: Ό all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. ’ Guilty of sin, she washed with tears the feet of her Creator and wiped them with her hair; and so she received forgiveness for all that she had done in life, and she cried aloud: Ό all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever/ Through the saving love of God and the fountain of her tears, the grateful woman was ransomed from her sins; washed clean by her confession, she was not ashamed but cried aloud : Ό all ye works of

TONE TWO

the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever/

O Lord, Thou hast consecrated and granted unto us this light­ giving season of abstinence. Enable all o f us to pass through it in compunction and sincerity, living in peace by the power of Thy Cross, O Thou who alone lovest mankind. Glory be to the Father . . . . Repeat. Both now . . . .

We praise, bless and worship the Lord. . . .

Stavrotheotokion Guarded by the precious Cross o f thy Son, O pure Lady and Theotokos, easily we turn aside all the assaults of the adversary. Therefore, as is right, we call thee blessed, for thou art the Mother of the Light and the only hope of our souls.1

After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymns of the Apostles in the Tone of the week. After the second reading from the Psalter, thefollowing sessional hymns:

We do not sing the Magnificat and Greater in honour than the cherubim. . . . (Irmos) With pure souls and unpolluted lips, come and let us magnify the undefiled and most holy Mother of Emmanuel, and through her let us bring our prayer to the Child she bore: Spare our souls, O Christ our God, and save us. Ungrateful and envious in his wickedness, wretched Judas calcu­ lates the value of the gift worthy of God, whereby the woman gained release from the debt of her sins, and he trafficks in the grace of divine love. Spare our souls, O Christ our God, and save us.1 Judas goes to the lawless rulers and says: ‘What will ye give me, if I deliver to you Christ whom ye seek?’ And so in exchange for money he rejects fellowship with Christ. Spare our souls, O Christ

O W ord o f God, Thou hast made Thy disciples as the stars and by their preaching they have illumined the ends of the earth: enlighten our hearts with the light o f the virtues and cleanse us through fasting, granting to Thy servants repentance and conversion, that we may glorify Thee, O Saviour, who art alone supreme in love. Glory be to the Father . . . . Repeat. Both now . . . . Theotokion I need thy help, O Theotokos, disregard me not, for my soul trusts in thee: have mercy upon me. After the third reading from the Psalter, thefollowing sessional hymns:

our God, and save us. Unrelenting in blind avarice, how hast thou forgotten what Christ taught thee, that thy soul is more in value than the whole w o rld ! 1-or in despair, O traitor, thou hast hanged thyself. Spare our souls, O Christ our God, and save us.2 Exapostilarion:

TONE FIVE

TONE THREE

W e entreat you, O ye twelve apostles, intercede for us that peacefully we may practise abstinence, the most glorious of the virtues, that has its dwelling-place in heaven, and so may gain the fruits of salvation. For ye are in very truth a strong support to us on earth and a refuge for our souls. Glory be to the Father . . . . Repeat. Both now . . . .

I see Thy bridal chamber adorned, O my Saviour, and I have no wedding garment that I may enter there. Make the robe of my soul to shine, O Giver of Light, and save me (three times). Lauds. We sing four stichera:

O Gregory the W onderworker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, glory of monks and invincible protector of theologians, pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, pray with­ out ceasing for'the salvation of our souls. Both now . . . . Theotokion

TONE ONE

O loving Lord, for our sakes Thou wast born of a Virgin and hast endured Crucifixion, despoiling death by death, and as God Thou hast revealed the Resurrection. Despise not Thy handywork, but show Thy love for man, O merciful Lord. Accept the intercessions made on our behalf by the Theotokos who bore Thee; and save, O our Saviour, Thy people from despair. Then the readings from the Psalter; and the service continues as on the preceding Sunday (p . 302).

O Son of the Virgin, the harlot knew Thee to be God and she prayed to Thee lamenting, for she had committed sins worthy of tears. ‘ Loose me from my debt*, she cried, ‘as I unloose my hair. Show love to her who loves Thee, though rightly she deserves Thy hatred, and with the publicans I shall proclaim Thee, O Benefactor who lovest mankind.’

A fter the S ix Psalm s a n d the G rea t L ita n y , we sin g T h e L o r d is G o d , fo llo w e d by the troparion (a p o ly tik io n ) o f the Resurrection in the Tone o f

The harlot mingled precious oil of myrrh with her tears and

poured it on Thy most pure feet, as she kissed them ; and straight1 John 1 2 : 4-$. 2 Matt. 16: 26 ; 27: £.

; the tro p ario n o f'th e Crossy O L o r d , save T h y p e o p le . . . ; B o th n o w . . . ; a n d the Theotokion: 2 Matt. 27: 4$, 3. 8 Literally, ‘of our faithful King’ . 4 1 Kgs. (1 Sam.] 17 : 4^-7; Ps. 1 3 1 : 1 (Sept.). 6 Literally, ‘granting the kings victory over barbarians*.

way Thou hast proclaimed her justified. To us also grant forgiveness, O Lord who hast suffered for our sake, and save us. While the sinful woman brought oil of myrrh, the disciple came to an agreement with the transgressors. She rejoiced to pour out what was very precious, he made haste to sell the One who is above all price. She acknowledged Christ as Lord, he severed himself from

TONE ONE

the Master. She was set free, but Judas became the slave of the

A t G a b r ie l’ s salu tation,

enemy. Grievous was his lack of love! Great was her repentance! Grant such repentance also unto me, O Saviour who hast suffered for our sake, and save us. O misery of Judas! He saw the harlot kiss Thy feet, and deceit­ fully he plotted to betray Thee with a kiss. She loosed her hair and he was bound a prisoner by fury, bearing in place of myrrh the stink of e v il: for envy knows not how to choose its own advantage. O misery of Judas! From this deliver our souls, O God. Glory be to the Father. . . .

TONE TWO

The sinful woman hastened to buy precious oil of myrrh, with

the Psaltery with the sessional

which to anoint the Benefactor, and she cried aloud to the merchant: ‘ Give me oil of myrrh that I may anoint Him who has cleansed me from all my sins’ . Both now. . . .

hymns o f the Resurrection in the Tone o f the w eek. A fter the Polyeleos a n d

TONE SIX

TONE EIG H T

Drowning in sin, she found in Thee a haven of salvation, and pouring out the oil of myrrh with her tears, she cried to T h ee: ‘ Lo, Thou art He who accepts the repentance of the sinful. O Master, save me from the waves of sin in Thy great m ercy.’

In P aradise o f o ld th e tre e strip p e d m e b a r e ; fo r b y g iv in g m e its fru it to c a t, th e e n e m y b ro u g h t in death. B u t n o w th e T r e e o f th e C ro ss th at clo th e s m e n w it h th e g a rm e n t o f life has b e e n set u p on earth, and th e w h o le w o r ld is filled w it h boundless jo y . B e h o ld in g it ven erated , O y e p e o p le , le t us w it h o n e a c c o rd raise in faith o u r c ry to G o d : H is h o use is fu ll o f g l o r y .7 G lo r y b e to th e F a th e r. . . . B o th n o w . . . . R ep eat In P aradise o f o ld . . . . Then the H ym n o f D egrees a n d the Prokim enon in the Tone o f the w eeky an d the a p p o in ted M o rn in g G ospeL

TONE SIX

We then sing W e have seen th e

R e su rre c tio n o f C h ris t, fo llo w e d by Psalm 5 0 , a n d th en y as on p revio u s Sun days, O p e n un to m e, O G iv e r o f L ife . . . (see p . 1 0 1 ) .

the deep with its waves grew dry. It served as a path to

(apolytikion) o f the saint: (Greek use)

the unarmed people of Israel, but to the Egyptians in full

TONE EIGHT

armour it proved a grave. A hymn of praise was sung, well-pleasing to G o d : Christ our God is greatly glorified. 1 In parish churches it is usual to celebrate Mattins on Wednesday evening.

Cause of all and Bestower o f life, the infinite Wisdom of God has built His house, from a pure Mother who has not known man. For, clothing Himself in a bodily temple, Christ our God is greatly

3 Isa. 9: 6 (Sept,).

Instructing His friends in the Mysteries, the true Wisdom o f God prepares a table that gives food to the soul, and He mingles for the faithful the cup of the wine of life eternal. Let us approach with reverence and cry aloud: Christ our God is greatly glorified.234

Ye faithful, let us all give ear to the exalted preaching of the un­ created and consubstantial Wisdom of God, for He cries aloud: Ό taste and see that I am good! O sing: Christ our God is greatly ’4

TONE ONE

the faith.’ 6

TONE ONE

TONE FOUR

He who made the lakes and springs and seas, wishing to teach us

With our souls cleansed and in spirit carrying branches, with faith let us sing Christ’s praises like the children, crying with a loud voice to die Master: Blessed art Thou, O Saviour, who hast come into the world to save Adam from the ancient curse; and in Thy love for mankind Thou hast been pleased to become spiritually the new Adam. O Word, who hast ordered all things for our good, glory to Thee.11 Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . .

the surpassing value of humility, girded Himself with a towel and

TONE FOUR

2 Prov. 9: i ; i Cor. i : 24; John 2: 21 . 3 Prov. 9: 2. 4 Prov. 9 : 3 ; Ps. 33: 9. δ 2 Cor. 8 : 9 5 1 Cor. ςι j. 0 John 1 4.

O Lord, Thou hast raised from the tomb Lazarus who was four days dead, and then hast taught us all to cry to Thee with palms and branches: Blessed art Thou that comest. After the second readina from the Psalter, the sessional hymn:

washed the feet of the disciples, humbling Himself in the abundance of His great compassion and raising us from the depths of wicked­ ness, for He alone loves mankind. Glory be to the Father. . . .

TONE FOUR

TONE THREE

O Christ, mystically Thou hast shed tears over Thy friend, and hast raised from the dead Lazarus who lay without life; and Thou hast shown tender compassion for him in Thy love towards man­ kind. Learning of Thy coming, O Saviour, a multitude of children went out today, bearing palms in their hands and crying to T h ee: 10 Rom. 6: 4. 11 1 Cor. i$: 4$·.

Humbling Thyself in Thy compassion, Thou hast washed the feet of Thy disciples, teaching them to take the path which as God Thou hast followed. And Peter, who at first refused to be washed, yielded then to the divine command, and earnestly entreated Thee that we may be granted Thy great m ercy.7 Both now. . . .

‘ Hosanna: blessed art Thou, for Thou hast come to save the w orld.’ Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now . . . .

TONE FOUR

TONE ONE

Eating, O Master, with Thy disciples, Thou hast mystically re­ vealed Thy holy death, which delivers us from corruption, who honour Thy sacred Passion.

Give ppaise-with one accord, O peoples and nations: for the King of the angels rides now upon a foal, and He comes to smite His enemies with the Cross in His almighty power. Therefore the children sing to Him with palms in their hands: ‘ Glory be to Thee who hast come as Conqueror; glory be to Thee, O Christ the Saviour; glory be to Thee, our God, for Thou alone art blessed.’ After the polyeleos, the megalynarion:12 We ^magnify Thee, O Christ the Giver of L ife : Hosanna in the highest! And we also cry to T h ee: Blessed is He who comes in the Name of"the Lord. ψ . O Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is Thy Name in all the earth (Psalm 8: 2). W e magnify Thee. . . . ψ . Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the L ord : the Lord

is God and has appeared to us (Psalm l l j : 26 ~ j). W e magnify Thee. . . . Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . . Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to Thee, O God (three times). W e magnify Thee. . . .

‘In My Kingdom’ , Thou hast said, O Christ, to Thy friends, ‘I shall drink a new drink beyond your understanding; I shall be with 7 John 13 : 8, 1 ς, 8 John 3: 16. 9 Luke 22: i£. 10 Matt. 26: 29.

TONE EIGHT

you as God among gods. For the Father has sent Me, His onlybegotten Son, to cleanse the world from sin / 11

He who sits upon the throne of the cherubim, for our sake sits upon a fo al; and coming to His voluntary Passion, today He hears

the children cry ‘ Hosanna ! ’ while the crowd replies, Ό Son of

The Wisdom of God that restrains the untamed fury of the waters

David, make haste to save those whom Thou hast created, blessed Jesus, since for this cause Thou hast come, that we may know Thy glory.’ Glory be to the Father, . . . Both now. . . . Repeat.

that are above the firmament, that sets a bridle on the deep and keeps back the seas, now pours water into a basin; and the Master washes the feet of His servants.13

youth up . . . .13 12 In the Slav use only. 18 See The Festal Menaiont p. 90.

The Master shows to His disciples an example of hum ility; He

TONE FOUR

who wraps the heaven in clouds girds Himself with a to w el; and He in whose hand is the life of all things kneels down to wash the feet of His servants.14

Out o f the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou appointed praise (Psalm 8 : 3 ). y . O Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is Thy Name in all the earth (ibid., 2 ). Let everything that hath breath . . . . Gospel: Matthew 2 i : i —1 1 , 1 5 - 1 7 . We do not sing W e have seen the Resurrection of Christ, but at once we read Psalm ζο. Then the Priest, taking the censer, censes the palms crosswise and says the Prayer for the Blessing o f the Palms:

hast reaffirmed Thy power and sent out Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to save the world through His Cross, Burial and Resurrection. When Me drew near to Jerusalem for His voluntary Passion, the people that sat in darkness and the shadow of death took, as tokens of victory, boughs of trees and branches of palms, thus foretelling His Resurrection. Do Thou Thyself, O Master, keep and preserve us also, who, following their example, on this eve of the Feast carry in our hands palms and branches, and who like the crowds and the children cry to Thee, ‘ Hosanna !* With hymns and spiritual songs may we attain the life-giving Resurrection on the third day: through Jesus Christ our Lord, with

TONE TWO

whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy most holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then the priest sprinkles the palms with holy water, saying: These palms are blessed by die grace o f the All-Holy Spirit, through sprinkling with this holy w ater: in the Name of the Father, and of die Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen (three times). jfter this we sing: Glory be to the Father. . . .

The traitor takes the Bread in his hands, but stretches them out

TONE TWO

11 Matt. 26: 29; Rs. 81: 1, 6; John 10: 34. 12 Isa. ς2 : η. 13 Gen. 1: 7; Job $8: 8 -1 1 ; John 13: 13-16. 14 Ps. 146: 8; Job 12: 10. 16 John 13: 13, 1 16 John 13: 10.

Today Christ enters the City of Bethany14 riding on a foal, and destroys the wicked and barren folly of the Gentiles. 14 Other texts read ‘the Holy City*.

fP secretly to receive the price of Him who fashioned man with His own hands. For Judas, slave and deceiver, still repented not. Ikos Let us all draw near in fear to the mystical table, and with pure souls let us receive the Bread; let us remain at the Master’s side, that we may see how He washes the feet of the disciples and wipes them with a to w el; and let us do as we have seen, subjecting our­ selves to each other and washing one another’s feet. For such is the commandment that Christ Himself gave to His disciples; but Judas, slave and deceiver, paid no heed.

Both now. . . . Today Christ enters. . . . Have mercy upon me. . . .

TONE SIX

should betray Him .19

Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together, and we all take up Thy Cross and say: Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. After the litany, O Lord, save Thy people, the faithful kiss the Book o f the Gospels, and the priest distributes to them the palms and branches, which they hold in their hands with lighted candles until the end of the service.

A fter the S ix Psalm s a n d the G rea t L ita n y we sin g A lle lu ia in T O N E E I G H T , slo w ly a n d solem nly , w ith the a p p o in ted verses , a n d then the

(Ivmos) Accepting danger for the sake of their fathers’ laws, the blessed Children in Babylon scorned the foolish order of

the King. Standing together in the fire which burnt them

not, they sang a song fitting for God almighty: ‘ O ye 17 Matt. 26: 1 6. 18 Matt. 26: 21, 22. 10 Matt. 26: 23-4.

T o d a y th e H o ly Passion shines fo rth u p o n th e w o r ld w it h th e ligh t o f sa lv a tio n ; fo r C h r is t in H is lo v e hastens to H is su fferin gs. H e w h o ho ld s all things in th e h o llo w o f H is hand con sents to b e h u n g upon th e T r e e , th at H e m ay save m a n k in d .2 G lo r y b e to th e F a th e r. . . . B o th n o w . . . . R ep eat. A fter the second re a d in a from the P sa lter , the sessional hym n:

works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. ’ Blessed guests in Zion, faithful companions of the W ord, the apostles followed the Shepherd like sheep. Firmly united to Christ and feeding upon the divine Word, they cried in thanksgiving: Ό ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. ’ Iniquitous Iscariot, forgetful of the law of friendship, hastened to

O Ju d g e in visib le , h o w a rt T h o u m ad e visib le in the flesh ? H o w dost T h o u n o w d r a w near to b e slain b y law less m e n , c o n d e m n in g b y T h y Passion o u r o w n c o n d e m n a tio n ? T h e r e fo r e w ith one a c c o r d , 0 W o r d , w e a scrib e p ra ise , m ajesty and g lo ry to T h y p o w e r .

the betrayal on the feet which Thou hadst washed. Eating Thy

1 Matt. 2$: i—1 3; 2 4 : 46 - 5 1. 2 Isa. 40: 12.

Bread, the divine Body, he lifted up his heel against Thee; for he knew not how to cry: ‘ O ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.’ 20 Lacking all conscience, he received the Body that delivers men from sin and the divine Blood that was shed for the world. He was not ashamed to drink what he had sold for money; he felt no anger against sin; for he knew not how to cry: ‘ O ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. ’ We praise, bless and worship the Lord. . . .

We do not sing the Magnificat and Greater in honour than the cherubim. . . . (Irmos) Come, ye faithful, let us raise our minds on high and enjoy the Master’s hospitality and the table of immortal life in the upper room ; and let us hear the exalted teaching of the Word whom we magnify. ‘ G o’ , said the Word to the disciples, ‘and prepare the Passover for those whom I call to share in the M ystery: with the unleavened bread of the word of truth prepare the Passover in the upper room where the mind is established, and magnify the strength of grace.’ 21 Before tine ages the Father begat Me, who am Wisdom and Cre­ ator, and He established Me as the beginning of His ways. He appointed Me to perform the works which now are mystically

R e p e a t. A fter the th ird re a d in g fro m the P sa lter , the sessional hym n:

accomplished. For though I am by nature the uncreated Word, I make My own the speech and qualities of the manhood that I have assumed.22 20 Ps. 40: 10; John 13: 18. 21 1 Cor. ςι 8. 22 Prov. 8: 22.

Since I am man not merely in appearance but in reality, thediuman nature united to Me is made godlike through the exchange of attri­ butes. Know Me, then, as one single Christ, who saves those among whom I have been born and whose nature I have taken. Exapostilarion:

TONE THREE

I see Thy bridal chamber adorned, O my Saviour, and I have no wedding garment that I may enter there. Make the robe of my soul to shine, O Giver of Light, and save me (three times). Lauds, We sing four stichera:

TONE TWO

In haste the council of the Jews assembles, to deliver the Fashioner and Creator of all to Pilate. O transgressors, O unbelievers! For they make ready to surrender unto judgement Him who comes to judge the living and the dead; they prepare the Passion of Him who heals the passions. Great is Thy mercy, O longsuffering Lord: glory to Thee. Judas the transgressor at the supper dipped his hand into the dish with Thee, O Lord, yet sinfully lie reached out his hands to receive

We use the th ree-can ticled C anon by S t. Kosm as. In each can ticle the irm os is sung tw icey a n d then the tro p a ria are rep eated f o u r or six tim es so as to m ake up the num ber tw elve. The irm os is sung at the en d o f each can ticle as k a ta v a sia . R f o r e the tro p a ria we say G lo r y to T h e e , o u r G o d , g lo r y to T h e e .

the money. He reckoned up the value of the oil of myrrh, and yet

was not afraid to sell Thee who art above all price. He stretched out his feet to be washed, yet deceitfully he kissed the Master and be­ trayed Him to the breakers of the Law. Cast out of the company of

the apostles, he threw away the thirty pieces of silver, and did not

see Thy Resurrection on the third day. Through this Thy Resur­ rection have mercy on us. Judas, the deceitful traitor, with a deceitful kiss betrayed the Lord and Saviour; he sold the Master of all as a slave to the transgressors;

C h ris t is

the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, went as a sheep to the

slaughter: for He alone is rich in m ercy.23 Judas, servant and deceiver, disciple and traitor, friend and false accuser, was revealed by his deeds. For he followed the Master, yet inwardly he plotted to betray Him. He said in himself: ‘ I shall de­ liver Him up and gain the money that is promised.’ He desired the oil of myrrh to be sold and Jesus to be taken by deceit. He gave a 23 I.uke 22 : 48; Gen. 37: 28; Isa. £3 : 7; John 1: 29.

8 John 18: 22. 4 Phil. 2 : 6-7.

kiss and handed over Christ; and the Lord went as a sheep to the slaughter, for He alone is compassionate and loves mankind. Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . .

The Lamb whom Isaiah proclaimed goes of His own w ill to the

slaughter. He gives His back to scourging, and His cheeks to blows, and turns not away His face from the shame of their spitting; He is condemned to a disgraceful death. Though sinless, He accepts all these things willingly, that He may grant to all men resurrection from the dead.24* Then To Thee is due glory, O Lord our God. . . , and the Doxology (said), followed by the Litany, Let us complete our morning prayer. . . .

TONE EIGHT

THE OFFICE OF THE HOLY AND REDEEMING

Ja co b lam ented the loss o f Jo se p h , b u t his righ teo u s son w as seated in a c h a rio t and h o n o u red as a k in g. F o r he w as n o t enslaved to th e p leasu res o f E g y p t, but h e w as g lo rifie d by G o d w h o sees the hearts o f m e n and b e sto w s o n th em a c r o w n in c o rru p tib le .

PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

About the second hour o f the night (eight o'clock on Thursday evening), we begin Mattins in the usual way. After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany, we sing Alleluia in TONE EIGHT, slowly and solemnly, with

the appointed verses, and then the troparion The glorious disciples. . .

(three times, see p. 548). While this is being sung,’ candles are distributed to all those present, and these are lit during each o f the twelve readings from the Gospel. After the troparion, the Small Litany is said with the exclamation: For Thine is the dominion, Thine the Kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then the deacon says: And that He will count us worthy to hear the Holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord God.

5 2 Cor, 8 : 9 ; Matt. 20: 28; Mark 10: 4$. 0 John 1 3 : 3 5 ; 15: 10; Mark 9: 50; Luke 14: 11. 7 Matt. 20: 25-6.

And the priest reads the First Gospel: TH E FIR ST G O SP E L (John 13 : 3 1 - 1 8 : l)

The Lord said to His disciples: Now is the Son of man glorified,

1 The same order is followed before each of the twelve readings from the Gospel.

But in the Slav use the sequence is as follows:

glory to Thee. Deacon: Let us attend. After each reading from the Gospel, in both the Greek and the Slav use, the choir sings: Glory to Thy longsujfering , 0 Lord, glory to Thee.

TO NE TH REE

and God is glorified in Him. If God be glorified in Him, God shall also glorify Him in Himself, and shall straightway glorify Him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot com e; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another. Simon Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest Thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now ; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards. Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake.

Jesus answered him, W ilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shalt not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth and the L ife : no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should

have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. Philip saith unto Him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet thou hast not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Bclievest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of My­ self: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in M e : or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, 1 say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and

greater works than these shall he d o ; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that w ill I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, 1 will do it.

If yc love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that Me may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him ; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no m ore; but ye see M e: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, He it is that loveth M e: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself

9 Matt. 13: 43. 10 Rom. 12: 16; Matt. 20: 23. 11 Matt. 22: 11. 12 Matt. 20: 18; John 11: 16; Rom. 6: 6-8; John 20: 17; Gal. 4: 26.

to him. Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto yo u : not

TONE FIVE

as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If yc loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. livery branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every

We have come, O faithful, to the saving Passion of Christ our God: let us glorify His ineffable forbearance, that in His tender mercy He may also raise us up who have been slain by sin, for He is good and loves mankind (twice). Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now . . . .

branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye arc clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fru it: for without

O Lord, as Thou earnest to Thy Passion, Thou hast strengthened

Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into

the faith of Thy disciples, taking them aside and saying to them:

the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide

‘ How have ye forgotten what I told you before? According to the Scriptures, it cannot be that a prophet should be killed save in Jerusalem. Now is the time at hand, of which I spake to you: for see, I am betrayed into the hands of sinners; they shall mock Me and nail Me to the Cross and deliver Me up for burial, with loathing looking on Me as a corpse. Yet be of good courage: for on the third day I shall rise, bringing joy and life eternal to the faithful.’ 13

in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not

TONE EIGHT

what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in* My name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his o w n : but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, there­ fore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted

B e h o ld , th e B rid e g ro o m c o m e s in th e m id d le o f th e n ig h t; and blessed is th e servan t w h o m H e shall find w a tc h in g , b u t u n w o rth y is h e w h o m H e shall find in sloth fu ln ess. B e w a re , th en , O m y soul, and b e n o t o v e rc o m e b y sleep , lest th ou b e g iv e n o v e r to death and shut o u t fro m th e K in g d o m . B u t re tu rn to soberness and c r y a lo u d : H o ly , h o ly , h o ly a rt T h o u , O G o d : th ro u g h th e T h e o to k o s have m e r c y u p o n us (three times).

Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin : but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth Me hateth My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin : but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated Me with­ out.^ cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from th^ Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceed­

TONE FOUR

e d from the Father, He shall testify of M e: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be

offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor Me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go My way to Him that sent M e; and none of you asketh Me, Whither goest Thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go aw ay: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto yo u ; but if I depart, I will

TONE FOUR

send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement: of sin, be­ cause they believe not on Me; o f righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no m ore; of judgement, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify M e: for He shall re­ ceive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall

priests and scrib e s w ith

shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see M e : and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of His disciples among themselves, What is this that He saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see M e: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that He saith, A little while? We cannot tell what He saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask Him, and said unto them, Do yc enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see M e : and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and

ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but 1 will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in

c o u n cil against T h e e , and p ersu ad ed Ju d as to b e tra y T h e e . Sh am e­ lessly h e w e n t and sp oke against T h e e to th e tran sgressin g p e o p l e : 1 Matt. 2 £: 1 - 1 3 .

that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My nam e: ask, and ye shall re­ ceive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I w ill pray

the Father for y o u : for the Father Himself loveth you, because ye

have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the· Father and am come into the w o rld : again, I leave

TONE EIGHT

the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto Him, Lo,

Im p io us Ju d as w ith a varicio u s thoughts p lo ts against th e M aste r, and p o n d ers h o w he w ill b e tra y H im . H e falls a w a y fro m th e ligh t and a cc e p ts the d a rk n e ss; he agrees upon th e p a ym e n t and sells H im that is a b o ve all p r i c e ; and as th e re w a rd fo r his actio n s, in his m ise ry h e re c e iv e s a h an gm an ’ s n o o se and death in ago n y. O C h ris t o u r G o d , d e liv e r us fro m su ch a fate as h is, and gran t rem issio n o f sins to th ose w h o c e le b ra te w ith lo v e T h y m o st p u re P assio n .3 G lo r y be to th e F a th e r . . . .

now speakest Thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that Thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask T h ee: by this we believe that Thou earnest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also

may glorify T h ee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the w orld: Thine they were, and Thou gavest them M e; and they have kept Thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee. For I have given unto them the words

Repeat. Gospel: M a tth e w 2 2 : 1 ς - 2 3 : 3 9 .

which Thou gavest M e; and they have received them, and have known surely that l came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me. 1 pray for them : I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; lor they are rhino. And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and 1 am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and

TONE TWO

I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given me, that they may be one, as W e arc. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name; those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to T hee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy w ord; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of

the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They

Ikos W h y a rt th o u slo th fu l, O m y w r e tc h e d so u l? W h y d o st th o u w a ste th y days in th in k in g o f u n pro fitab le c a re s? W h y a rt thou busy w ith th e things that pass a w a y ? T h e last h o u r is at hand and w e shall soon b e p arted fro m all that is h e re . W h ile th e re is still tim e , r e ­ tu rn to soberness and c r y :

are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into

I h ave sinned against T h e e ,

the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for

Savio u r, do n o t c u t m e d o w n lik e the u n fru itfu l fig t r e e ; b u t, O C h rist, in T h y com p assion take p ity on m e as I call o n T h e e in fe a r : M ay w e n o t b e left o u tsid e the bridal ch a m b e r o f C h r is t !

their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their w ord ; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in U s : that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And

2 Matt. 26: 3, 14—13Γ3 Matt. 2 6 : i £ - i 6 ; 2 7 : ς , 9 ; John 1 3 : 30. 4 Matt. 2 1 : 19 ; I.uke 1 3 : 7 ; Matt. 2 5 : 1 4 - 2 8 ; 2 ς : ίο.

the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them ; that they may

ς ίβ We use the two-canticled Canon by St. Kosmas. In each canticle the

be one, even as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me. Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am ; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given M e; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known T h ee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them. When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the

Lauds. We sing four stichera:

which He entered, and His disciples. Then we sing thefollowing antiphons, repeating each o f the troparia: Antiphon One

TONE ONE

TONE EIGHT

Into th e sp le n d o u r o f T h y saints h o w shall I e n te r? F o r I am u n ­ w o r t h y , and i f I dare to c o m e into the bridal ch a m b e r, m y c lo th in g w ill a cc u se m e , sin ce it is n o t a w e d d in g g a rm e n t; and I shall be cast o u t b y the angels, bound hand and fo o t. C le a n se , O L o r d , th e filth fro m m y soul and save m e in T h y lo v e fo r m an kin d

The rulers of the people took counsel together against the Lord

TONE TWO

and against His Anointed.2

I slu m b e r in slothfulness o f so u l, O C h ris t th e B r id e g r o o m ; I h ave no lam p th at bu rn s w ith v irtu e , and lik e th e fo o lish v irg in s I go w a n d e rin g w h e n it is tim e to a ct. C lo s e n o t T h y co m p assion ate h e a rt against m e , M a ste r, b u t dispel dark sleep fro m m e and ro u se m e u p ; and lead m e w it h th e w is e virg in s into T h y brid al c h a m b e r, w h e r e those w h o feast sing w ith p u re v o ic e u n c e a s in g ly : O L o r d , g lo r y to Thee

ill They laid a lawless accusation against Me. O Lord, Lord, forsake Me not. Let us bring to Christ pure senses and affections, and as His friends let us sacrifice our lives for His sake. Let us not, as Judas, choke ourselves with the cares of this life, but in the inner chambers of our hearts let us c r y : Our Father who art in heaven, deliver us from the evil one.3 Glory be to the Father. . . . Theotokion As a virgin inviolate thou hast borne child and hast remained a virgin, O Mother who hast not known wedlock, Theotokos Mary. Pray to Christ our God that we may be saved. Both now. . . . Repeat. Antiphon Two

TONE SIX

TONE FOUR

Judas ran to the lawless scribes and said: ‘ What will ye give me, and I shall deliver Him to you?’ And while they conspired together, Thou against whom they were conspiring, wast Thyself standing invisibly in their midst. O Thou who knowest the hearts of men, spare our souls.4 In loving compassion let us minister to God, as Mary at the supper; and let us not as Judas acquire love of money, that we may ever abide with Christ our God.5 Glory be to the Father. . . . Theotokion Cease not to pray, O Virgin, unto Him whom thou hast borne in ways past all interpretation, for He loves mankind: that He may save from danger all who flee to thee for refuge. Both now. . . . Repeat. ylntiphon Three

TONE TWO

the gifts o f g ra c e en tru sted to th e e , and thou shall e n te r into th e jo y

Because of the raising of Lazarus, the children of the Hebrews 3 Matt. 6: 6, 9, 13 ; 27 : f ; John if : 13-14. 4 Matt. 26: if. 5 John 12: 2—6.

cried Hosanna unto Thee, O Lord who lovest mankind: but Judas

TONE EIGHT

the transgressor had no wish to understand.

Behold, the Bridegroom comes la the middle of the night; and blessed is die servant whom He shall find watching, but unworthy is he whom He shall find in slothfulness. Beware, then, O my soul, and be not overcome by sleep, lest thou be given over to death and shut out from the Kingdom. But return to soberness and cry aloud: Holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God: through the Theotokos have mercy upon us (three times). After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymn:

At Thy supper, O Christ our God, Thou hast foretold to Thy disciples: ‘ One of you shall betray M e/ But Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.6 When John asked Thee, O Lord, ‘Who is he that shall betray Thee?* Thou hast shown him through the giving of the bread. But Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.7 With thirty pieces of silver, O Lord, and with a false kiss, the Jew s sought to kill Thee. But Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.8 During the washing of the feet, O Christ our God, Thou hast commanded Thy disciples, ‘ Do as ye have seen Me d o / But Judas

TONE THREE

the transgressor had no wish to understand.9

The harlot drew near Thee, O Thou who lovest mankind, and

‘ Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation*, Thou, our God, hast said to Thy disciples. But Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.10 Glory be to the Father. . . Theotokion Keep thy servants safe from danger, O Theotokos, for after God we all flee to thee for refuge, as an unconquerable rampart and protection. Both now. . . . Repeat. Small Litany with the exclamation: For to Thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

poured out on Thy feet the oil of myrrh with her tears; and at Thy command she was delivered from the foul smell o f her evil deeds. But the ungrateful disciple, though he breathed Thy grace, rejected it and defiled himself in filth, selling Thee from love of money. Glory be to Thy compassion, O Christ. Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . . Repeat. After the second reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymn:

TONE SEVEN

TONE FOUR

During this and thefollowing sessional hymns, we do not sit but remain standing. 6 Matt. 26: 21.

Deceitful Judas, in his love for money, pondered cunningly how he might betray Thee, O Lord, the Treasure of Life. Therefore in drunken folly he hastened to the Jews and said to the transgressors: ‘What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you to be crucified?’

7 John 13: 2£-6. 8 Matt. 26: 1 ς ; Luke 22: 48. 9 John 13: 1 s* 10 Matt. 26: 41.

Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . . Repeat. After the third reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymn:

As Thou gavest food to the disciples at the Supper, knowing the plot for Thy betrayal, Thou hast accused Judas of it. Thou hast understood that he would not come to repentance, yet hast Thou desired to show to all that Thou wast betrayed of Thine own will, to save die world from the enemy. O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee. TH E SEC O N D G O SP E L (John 18: 1 - 2 8 ) At that time Jesus went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which He entered, and His disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with His disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and

To Thee the harlot cried lamenting, O merciful L ord ; ardently she wiped Thy pure feet with the hair of her head, and from the depth of her heart she groaned: ‘Cast me not from Thee, neither abhor me, O my God, but receive me. in repentance and save me, for Thou alone lovest mankind/ Glory be to the Father. . . . Both now. . . . Repeat. Gospel: John 1 2 : 17-^0 .

Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went fordi, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am He. And Judas also, which betrayed Him, stood with them. As soon then as He had said unto them, I am He, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked He them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am H e: if therefore ye seek Me, let these go their w ay: That the saying might be fulfilled, which He spake, O f them which Thou gavest Me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the

We use the three-canticled Canon by St. Kosmas. In each canticle the

high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into

About the seventh hour of the night (one o'clock in the morning)1 tve begin Mattins in the usual way. After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany we sing Alleluia in TONE EIGHT, slowly and solemnly, with the appointed verses, and then the troparion:

the sheath: the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall 1 not

TONE EIGHT

drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound Him, and led Him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caipahas, which was the high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door with­ out. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not

The glorious disciples were illumined at the Supper during the

thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not. And the

washing of the feet, but ungodly Judas was darkened by the disease of avarice, and he delivered Thee, the righteous Judge, to lawless judges. See, O lover of money, how for money’s sake he hanged himself. Flee from the greed which made him dare to do such things against his Master. O Lord, who art good towards all men, glory to Thee (three times). Then at once the priest reads the Gospel: Luke 22: 1-3 9 . After Psalm £0, the Litany, O Lord, save Thy people. . . is omitted, and immediately we begin the Canon by St, Kosmas, In each canticle the

servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them and warmed himself.

The high priest then asked Jesus of His disciples, and of His

doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the w orld; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askcst thou Me? Ask them which heard Me, what l have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. And when He had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest Thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the e v il: but if well, why smitest thou Me? Now Annas had sent Him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. And Simon Peter stood and wanned himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one o f His disciples? He denied it, and

said, I ain not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with Him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew7. Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgement: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgement hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat

the passovcr.

TONE FIVE

Today Judas forsakes the Master and accepts the devil: he is blinded by the passion of avarice and darkened he falls from the Light. For how could he see, wrho sold the Light for thirty pieces of silver? But He who suffered for the world has shone upon us as the dawn. To Him let us cry: O Thou who sufferest with men and for their sakes, glory to Thee. Today Judas makes a pretence of godliness and becomes a stranger to the gift of grace; though a disciple, he turns traitor, and under a guise of friendship he conceals deceit. In his foolishness he prefers thirty pieces of silver to the Master’s love, and acts as guide to the lawless Sanhedrin. But we have Christ as our salvation: let us glorify Him.

TONE ONE

As brethren in Christ, let us acquire brotherly love; and let us

not be lacking in compassion for our neighbour, lest for money's sake we be condemned like the unmerciful servant, and repent like Judas to no purpose.11 Glory be to the Father. . . . Theotokion Glorious things are spoken of thee throughout all the world, for thou hast borne in the flesh the Maker of all, O Theotokos Marv, unwedded, worthy of all praise.12 Both now. . . . Repeat. Antiphon Five

TONE SIX

The disciple agreed upon the price o f the Master, and for thirty

pieces of silver he sold the L ord ; with a deceitful kiss he betrayed Him to the transgressors to be put to death. Today the Creator of heaven and earth said to His disciples : ‘The

About the seventh hour of the night (one o'clock in the morning)1 we begin Mattins in the usual way. After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany, we sing T h e L o r d is G o d , with the following troparia:

TONE TWO

During the singing o f these troparia the clergy come out from the sanctuary and stand in front o f the Epitaphion, The senior priest, accom­ panied by the deacon, or else the deacon aloney censes the Epitaphion from thefour sides and then the sanctuary and whole church. Then the following troparia, known as ‘ The Praises' , are sung between the verses of Psalm 1 1 8,

O Saviour, my Life, dying Thou hast gone to dwell among the dead: yet Thou hast shattered the bars of hell and arisen from corruption. ψ . I am but a sojourner upon the earth: hide not Thy com­ mandments from me.

The flesh of God is hidden now beneath the earth, like a candle

underneath a bushel, and it drives away the darkness in hell.56 y . My soul is consumed with the longing that it has for Thy judgements at all times.

The multitude of the heavenly powers makes haste with Joseph

and Nicodemus, and within a narrow sepulchre they enclose Thee whom nothing can contain. y . Thou hast rebuked the proud: and cursed are they that do err from Thy commandments. With Thine own consent slain and laid beneath the earth, O my Jesus, Fountain of Life, Thou hast brought me back to life when I was dead through bitter sin. y . Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have sought Thy testimonies.

The whole creation was altered by Thy Passion: for all things

suffered with Thee, knowing, O Word, that Thou holdest all in unity.® y . Princes also did sit and speak against m e : but Thy servant did meditate on Thy statutes. All-devouring hell received within himself the Rock of Life, and cast forth all the dead that he had swallowed since the beginning of

the w orld.7

y . Thy testimonies also are my study: and Thy statutes are my counsellors. Thou wast laid in a new tomb, O Christ, and hast made new the nature of mortal man, rising from the dead by Thy divine power. y . My soul has cleaved unto the dust: quicken Thou me accord­ ing to Thy word. To earth hast Thou come down, O Master, to save Adam : and not finding him on earth, Thou hast descended into hell, seeking him there. 5 Matt, ς : ι ς.

6 Col. i : 16-17. 7 Jonah 1 : 17; 2 : 10; 1 Cor. 10:4.

y . I have declared my ways, and Thou heardest m e: teach me Thy statutes.

The whole earth quaked with fear, O W ord, and the daystar hid

its rays, when Thy great Light was hidden in the earth. y . Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts: so shall I talk of Thy wondrous works. W illingly Thou diest as a mortal man, O Saviour, but as God Thou dost raise up the dead from the grave and from the depths of sin. y . My soul is grown drowsy from heaviness: strengthen me with Thy words. Tears of lamentation the pure Virgin shed over Thee, Jesus, and with a mother’s grief she cried: ‘ How shall I bury Thee, my Son?’ y . Remove from me the way of lying: and take pity on me with Thy law. Buried in the earth like a grain of wheat, Thou hast yielded a rich harvest, raising to life the mortal sons of Adam,8 y . I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgements have I not

forgotten. Now art Thou hidden like the setting sun beneath the earth and covered by the night of death: but, O Saviour, rise in brighter dawn. y . I have stuck unto Thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame. As the moon hides the circle of the sun, O Saviour, now the grave has hidden Thee, bodily eclipsed in death. y . I have run the way of Thy commandments: for Thou hast enlarged my heart. Christ the Life, by tasting death, has delivered mortal men from death, and now gives life to all. y . Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes; and I shall seek it always. Adam was slain of old through envy, but by Thy dying Thou hast brought him back to life, O Saviour, revealed in the flesh as the new

Adam.9 y . Give me understanding, and I shall seek Thy la w ; yea, 1 shall observe it with my whole heart. 8 John i 2 : 24. 9 Wisd. 2 ; 2 4 ; £ Cor. 1 5 : 4 $ .

When the ranks of angels saw Thee, O Saviour, laid out dead for our sake, they were filled with wonder and veiled their faces with their wings. y . Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments; for there­ in do I delight. Taking Thee down dead from the Tree, O Word, Joseph now has laid Thee in a tomb: but rise up as God to save us all. y . Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, and not to covetous­ ness. Thou art the Joy of the angels, O Saviour, but now Thou art become the cause of their grief, as they see Thee in the flesh a life­ less corpse. y . Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken Thou me in Thy way. Uplifted on the Cross, Thou hast uplifted with Thyself all living men; and then descending beneath the earth, Thou raisest all that

lie buried there. y . Stablish Thy word in Thy servant, that I may fear Thee. As a lion hast Thou fallen asleep in the flesh, O Saviour, and as a young lion hast Thou risen from the dead, putting off the old age of

the flesh.101

y . Take away my reproach which I fear: for Thy judgements are O Thou who hast fashioned Eve from Adam’s side, Thy side was pierced and from it flowed streams of cleansing.11 y . Behold, I have longed after Thy precepts: quicken me in Thy righteousness. O f old the lamb was sacrificed in secret; but Thou, longsuffering Saviour, wast sacrificed beneath the open sky and hast cleansed the whole creation.12 y . Let Thy mercy come also upon me, O Lord, even Thy salva­ tion, according to Thy word. Who can describe this strange and terrible thing? The Lord of Creation today accepts the Passion and dies for our sake. y . So shall I give an answer to them that reproach m e: for I trust in Thy word. 10 Gen. 4 9 : 9.

11 Gen. 2 : 2 i - 2 ; John 1 9 : 34. 12 Hxod. 12 : 3 -·! 1.

‘ How do we see the Giver of Life now dead?’ the angels cried in amazement. ‘ How is God enclosed within a tomb?’ ψ . And take not the word of truth utterly out of my m outh; for I have hoped in Thy judgements. Pierced by a spear, O Saviour, from Thy side Thou pourest out life upon Eve, the mother of all the living, who banished me from life; and Thou quickenest me also with her.13 y . So shall I keep Thy law continually for ever and ever. Stretched out upon the Wood, Thou hast drawn mortal men to unity; pierced in Thy life-giving side, O Jesus, Thou art become a fountain of forgiveness unto all.14 y . And I walked at liberty: for I have sought Thy precepts. W ith fear and reverence noble Joseph lays Thee out for burial as

a corpse, O Saviour, and he looks with wonder on Thy dread form. y . I spoke of Thy testimonies also before kings, and was not ashamed. O f Thine own will descending as one dead beneath the earth, O Jesus, Thou leadest up the fallen from earth to heaven. y . And my study was in Thy commandments, which I have loved exceedingly. Dead in outward appearance, yet alive as God, O Jesus, Thou leadest up the fallen from earth to heaven. y . My hands also have I lifted up unto Thy commandments, wh'ch I have loved. Dead in outward appearance, yet alive as God, Thou hast re­ stored dead jnortals to life and slain him that slew me. y . And I have meditated in Thy statutes. How great the joy, how full the gladness, that Thou hast brought

to those in hell, shining as lightning in its gloomy depths. y . Remember Thy words unto Thy servant, in which Thou hast caused me to hope. I venerate Thy Passion, I sing the praises of Thy burial, and I magnify Thy power, O loving Lord: through them I am set free from corrupting passions. y . This is my comfort in my affliction: for Thy word has quick­ ened me. A sword was sharpened against Thee, O Christ: but the sword of 13 Gen. 3 : 2o. 14 John i2: 32 ; 19: 34.

the strong was blunted, and the sword that guards Eden was turned

back.15 y . The proud have transgressed exceedingly: yet have I not turned aside from Thy law.

The Ewe, seeing her Lamb slaughtered, was pierced with anguish:

and she cried aloud in grief, calling the flock to lament with her.16 y . I remembered Thy judgements of old, O L ord ; and was com­ forted . Though Thou art buried in a grave, though Thou goest down to hell, O Saviour Christ, yet hast Thou emptied the graves and stripped hell naked. y . Discouragement has taken hold upon me, because of the wicked that forsake Thy law. Willingly, O Saviour, Thou hast gone down beneath the earth, and Thou hast restored the dead to life, leading them back to the glory of the Lather. y . Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pil­ grimage. One of the Trinity endures a shameful death in the flesh on our account; the sun trembles and the earth quakes.

y . I have remembered Thy Name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept Thy law. Offspring from a bitter source, the children of the tribe of Judah have cast into a pit Jesus who fed them with manna.17 y . This has been my reward, because I sought Thy precepts.

The Judge stood as one accused before the judgement-seat of

Pilate, and He was condemned to an unjust death upon the wood of

y . Thou art my portion, O L o rd : I have said that I would keep Thy law. O arrogant Israel, O people guilty of blood, why hast thou set free Barabbas but delivered the Saviour to be crucified?18 y . I entreated Thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to Thy word. With Thy hand Thou hast fashioned Adam from the earth; and 15 Ps. 7: 1 3 : 9 : 7 ; Gen. 3: 24. 16 John 1: 29; Isa. $3: 7; Luke 2: 3^; 12: 32. 17 Gen. 37: 24; Ps. 87: 7. 18 Matt. 27 : 21-2, 25.

for his sake Thou hast become by nature man and wast of Thine own will crucified. y . I thought on Thy ways, and turned my feet unto Thy testi­ monies. In obedience to Thine own Father, O Word, Thou hast de­ scended to dread hell and raised up the race of mortal men. y . I made ready, and I was not troubled: that I might keep Thy commandments. ‘W oe is me, Light of the w o rld ! W oe is me, my L ight! Jesus, my heart’s desire!’ cried the Virgin in her bitter grief. y . The cords of the wicked have entangled m e: but I have not forgotten Thy law. O bloodthirsty people, jealous and vengeful! May the very graveclothes and the napkin put you to shame at Christ’s Resurrection. y . At midnight I rose to give thanks unto Thee because of the

judgements of Thy righteousness. Come, evil disciple, murderer of thy Lord, and show me the manner of thy wickedness, how thou hast become Christ’s betrayer. y . I am a companion of all them that fear Thee and keep Thy commandments. O blind fool, utterly wicked, implacable in hatred, thou dost make a pretence of love for men, yet thou hast sold for money the sweet Myrrh.10 y . The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy m ercy: teach me Thy statutes. What price hast thou received for the heavenly Myrrh ? What wast thou given in exchange for Him who is precious? Thou hast gained folly and madness, O accursed Satan. y . Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O Lord, according unto Thy word. If thou lovest the poor and dost grieve over the ointment emptied

out in cleansing propitiation for a soul, how canst thou sell the Giver of Light for gold? y . Teach me goodness, discipline and knowledge: for I have believed in Thy commandments. ‘ O my God and W ord, my Joy, how shall I endure Thy three days in the tomb? Now is my heart torn in pieces by a mother’s grief.’ 10 John 1 2: 4-6; Matt. 26: 14-1 £.

ψ . Before I was humbled I went astray: but now have I kept Thy word. ‘ Who will give me water and springs of tears,* cried the Virgin Bride of God, ‘ that I may weep for my sweet Jesus?* y . Thou art good, O Lord: in Thy goodness teach me Thy statutes. ‘ O hills and valleys, the multitude of men, and all creation, weep and lament with me, the Mother of our G od.’ y . The injustice of the proud is multiplied against me: but I will seek Thy commandments with my whole heart. ‘ When shall I see Thee, Saviour, Light eternal, the joy and glad­ ness of my heart?* cried the Virgin in her bitter grief. y . Their heart is curdled like m ilk; but my study has been in Thy law. Thy side was pierced, O Saviour, like the rock of flint in the

wilderness; but Thou hast poured forth a stream of living water, for Thou art the Fount of Life.20 y . It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me: that I might learn Thy statutes. Out of Thy side, as from a single source, there flows a double stream; and drinking from it we gain immortal life.21 y . The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. O f Thine own will, O Word, Thou wast laid dead in the tom b: yet dost Thou live, my Saviour, and, as Thou hast foretold, Thou shalt raise up mortal men by Thy Resurrection. Glory be to the Father. . . . O Word and God of all, in our hymns we praise Thee with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit, and we glorify Thy divine burial.

Both now. . . . Thcotokion W e bless thee, O pure Theotokos, and with faith we honour the three-day burial of thy Son and our God. And we repeat the first troparion: Thou who art Life wast laid in a tomb, O Christ, and the hosts of angels were amazed and glorified Thy self-abasement. 20 Deut. 8: i£.

21 John 19: 34.

TONE FIVE

It is right to magnify Thee, Giver of Life, who hast stretched out Thine arms upon the Cross and broken the power of the enemy. y . Thy hands have made me and fashioned m e: give me under­ standing, and I shall learn Thy commandments. It is right to magnify Thee, Creator of all, for through Thy Passion we are freed from passions and corruption. y . They that fear Thee will be glad when they see m e : because I have hoped in Thy words.

The earth trembled with fear, O Saviour Christ, and the sun hid

itself, seeing Thee, the Light that knows no evening, sinking in Thy body down into the tomb. y . I know, O Lord, that Thy judgements are right, and that with truth Thou hast humbled me. Thou hast slept, O Christ, a life-giving sleep in the tomb, and aroused mankind from the heavy slumber of sin. y . O let Thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Thy word unto Thy servant. ‘ Alone among women without pain I bore Thee, my Child, ) said thfe Holy Virgin. ‘ But now at Thy Passion I suffer unbearable pain/ y . Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: for Thy law is my study.

The seraphim, O Saviour, beheld Thee on high, united inseparably

with the Father, yet they saw Thee below lying dead in the tomb; and they trembled with fear. y . Let the proud be ashamed, for they have transgressed against me unjustly: but I will meditate on Thy commandments.

The veil of the temple is rent in twain at Thy Crucifixion, O

W ord, and the lights of heaven hide their radiance, when Thou, the Sun, art hidden beneath the earth.

y . Let those that fear Thee turn unto me, and those that know Thy testimonies. He who at the beginning by His will alone set the earth upon its course, now descends dead beneath the earth. Tremble, O heaven, at this sight. y . Let my heart be blameless in Thy statutes: that I be not ashamed. O Thou who hast fashioned Adam with Thine own hand, Thou hast gone down beneath the earth, to raise up fallen men by Thine almighty power. y . My soul faints for Thy salvation: and I have hoped in Thy words. Come, and as the women bearing myrrh let us sing a holy lament to the dead Christ, that like them we too may hear Him say ‘ R ejo ice!’ 22 ψ . Mine eyes have grown dim with waiting for Thy w ord; they

say: when wilt Thou comfort me? Thou art in very truth, O Word, the myrrh that never fails: yet

the women with their spices brought myrrh to Thee, the living

God, to anoint Thee as a corpse. ψ . For I am become like a wineskin in the frost; yet have I not forgotten Thy statutes. Through Thy burial, O Christ, Thou dost destroy the palaces of hell: by Thy death Thou slayest death, and dost deliver from cor­ ruption the children of the earth. y . How many are the days of Thy servant? When wilt Thou execute judgement on them that persecute me? Source of the river of life, the Wisdom of God descends into the tomb and gives life to all those in the depths of hell. y . The transgressors told me idle tales, which are not after Thy law, O Lord. ‘ To renew the broken nature of mortal men, willingly have I been wounded in the flesh by death. O Mother, do not strike thy breast

in grief.’ y . All Thy commandments are true: they persecute me wrong­ fully ; help Thou me. O Morning Star of righteousness, Thou art gone down beneath2 22 Matt. 28: 9.

the earth and hast raised up the dead as if from sleep, dispersing all

the darkness of hell.

y . They had almost made an end of me upon earth; but I for­ sook not Thy commandments.

The life-giving Seed, twofold in nature, today is sown with tears

in the furrows of the earth; but springing up He will bring joy to

the world.23

y . Quicken me according to Thy mercy; so shall I keep the testimonies of Thy mouth. Adam was afraid when God walked in Paradise, but now he rejoices when God descends to hell. Then he fell, but now he is raised up.24 y . For ever, O Lord, Thy word endures in heaven. Seeing Thy body laid in the tomb, O Christ, Thy Mother brings Thee the offering o f her tears, and she says: ‘ Arise, my Child, as Thou hast foretold/ y . Thy truth also remains from one generation to another: Thou hast established the earth, and it abides. Joseph hid Thee reverently in a new tomb, O Saviour, and lamenting sang to Thee a funeral hymn fitting for God. y . The day continues according to Thine ordinance: for all things are Thy servants.

Seeing Thee, O Word, pierced with nails upon the Cross, Thy Mother was wounded in her soul with the nails and arrows of bitter grief. y . Unless Thy law had been my study, I should have perished in my humiliation. Thy Mother saw Thee drink the bitter vinegar, O Sweetness of

the world, and her checks were wet with bitter tears.

y . I will never forget Thy precepts: for with them Thou hast quickened me. ‘ I am grievously wounded and my heart is torn, O Word, as I behold Thee slain unjustly*, said the All-pure Virgin weeping. y . I am Thine, save me; for 1 have sought Thy precepts. ‘ How shall l close Thy sweet eyes and Thy lips, O W ord? And how shall I lay Thee out for burial as a corpse?’ cried Joseph trembling. 23 Ps. 124 : ς- 6 ; John 12: 24. 24 Gen. 3 : 8-10.

y . Sinners have waited for me to destroy m e: but I have under­ stood Thy testimonies. Joseph and Nicodemus now sing hymns of burial to the dead Christ; and with them sing the seraphim. y . I have seen the outcome of all perfection: but Thy com­ mandment is exceeding broad. O Saviour, Sun of Righteousness, Thou dost set beneath the earth: therefore the Moon, Thy Mother, is eclipsed in grief, seeing Thee no more. y . O how I have loved Thy law, O L ord ! It is my meditation all

Hell trembled, O Saviour, when he saw Thee, the Giver of Life, despoiling him of his wealth and raising up the dead from every age. y . Thou through Thy commandment hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for it is mine for ever. After the night the sun shines out again in brightness; and after death do Thou, O Word, arise once more and shine in Thy glory, as a bridegroom coming from his chamber.25 y . I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation. When she received Thee in her bosom, O Creator and Saviour,

the earth shook in fear, and with her quaking she awoke the dead.

y . I understand more than my ciders, because l have sought Thy commandments. In a new and strange way Nicodemus and noble Joseph buried Thee with spices, and they cried aloud: ‘Tremble, all the earth!* y . I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Thy words. Thou hast gone down beneath the earth, O Creator of light, and with Thee the sun’s light has also set; creation is seized with trem­ bling and proclaims Thee the Maker of all. y . I have not departed from Thy judgements: for Thou hast taught me. A stone hewn from the rock covers the Cornerstone; and a mortal man now buries God in the grave as one dead. Tremble, O earth!20 y . How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than

honey to my mouth! 25 Ps. 18: 6. 26 Matt. 27: 60; 21: 42; Eph. 2: 20.

‘ Behold the disciple whom Thou hast loved and Thine own Mother, O my sweetest Child, and do Thou speak to them’ , cried

the pure Virgin weeping.27

ψ . Through "Thy commandments I have gained understanding: therefore have I hated every evil way. Since Thou art Life-giver, O Word, when stretched out upon the Cross, Thou hast not slain the Jews but raised their forefathers from the' dead. ψ . Thy law is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. At Thy Passion, O Word, there was neither form nor beauty in T h ee: but Thou hast risen in glory, and with Thy divine light Thou hast given beauty to mortal m en.28* y . I have sworn, and am steadfastly purposed, that I will keep the judgements of Thy righteousness. Daystar without evening, Thou hast gone down in the flesh be­ neath the earth; and the sun grew dark at height of noon-day, for it

could not bear to look upon Thee. y . I have been very greatly humbled: quicken me, O Lord, according unto Thy word.

The sun and moon grew dark together, O Saviour, like faithful

servants clothed in black robes of mourning. y . Accept, I beseech Thee, the free-will offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Thy judgements. ‘The centurion knew Thee to be God, though Thou wast dead. How, then, my God, shall I touch Thee with my hands? I am afraid’ , cried Joseph.22 y . My soul is continually in Thy hands: yet have I not forgotten Thy law. Adam slept, and from his side there pame death; now Thou dost sleep, O W ord of God, and from Thy side there flows a fountain of life for the w orld.30 y . Sinners have laid a snare for m e : yet have I not gone astray from Thy commandments. Thou hast slept a little while, and brought the dead to life ; Thou

27 John 1 9 : 2 6 - 7 . 28 Isa. £3 : 2. 20 Matt. 2 7 : $4. 30 Gen, 2 : 2 1 - 2 ; John 1 9 : 34.

hast arisen, O loving Lord, and raised up those that from the be­ ginning of time had fallen asleep. ψ . Thy testimonies have I received as an heritage for ev e r: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. O life-giving Vine, Thou wast lifted up from the earth, yet hast Thou poured out the wine of salvation. I glorify Thy Passion and Thy Cross. y . I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes: for therein is an everlasting reward. When the chief captains of the heavenly hosts saw Thee, Saviour, stripped, bloodstained and condemned, how could they bear the boldness of Thy crucifiers? y . I have hated transgressors: but Thy law have I loved. Perverse and crooked people of the Hebrews, ye knew how the

temple would be raised again: why then did ye condemn Christ?31 y . Thou art my helper and defender: I have hoped in Thy words. In a robe of mockery ye clothe Him who ordered all things, who adorned the heavens with stars and the earth with wonders. y . Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will seek the command­ ments of my God. Wounded in Thy side, O Word, through the life-giving drops of Thy blood as the pelican Thou hast restored Thy dead children to life. y . Uphold me according unto Thy word, and give me life: and turn me not away in shame from mine expectation. O f old Joshua made the sun stand still, as he smote the heathen tribes; but Thou hast blotted out its light, whilst casting down the

prince of darkness.32 y . Help me, and I shall be saved: and my study shall be ever in Thy statutes. Without leaving Thy Father’s side, O merciful Christ, Thou hast consented in Thy love to become a mortal man, and Thou hast gone down to hell. y . Thou hast brought to nothing all them that depart from Thy statutes: for their inward thought is unrighteous. He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross. 31 John 2: 19. 32 Josh. 10: 12-13.

As a lifeless corpse He is laid in the earth, and it quakes in terror, unable to endure His presence. y . I have regarded all the wicked of the earth as transgressors: therefore I love Thy testimonies. ‘W oe is me, my So n !’ laments the Virgin. ‘I see Thee now con­ demned upon the Cross, whom I had hoped to see enthroned as K ing/ y . Nail my flesh with the fear of Thee: for I am afraid of Thy judgements. ‘ Such were the tidings Gabriel brought me when he flew down from heaven: for he said that the Kingdom of my Son Jesus would be eternal/83 y . I have done judgement and justice: O give me not over unto mine oppressors. ‘ Alas! the prophecy of Simeon has been fulfilled: for Thy sword has pierced my heart, Emmanuel/3334

y . Be surety for Thy servant for good: let not the proud accuse me falsely. Be ashamed, O Jews, for the Life-giver raised your dead, yet ye slew Him out of envy.35 y . Mine eyes have failed with waiting for Thy salvation, and for

the word of Thy righteousness.

Seeing Thee, my Christ, the Light invisible, hidden lifeless in the tomb, the sun trembled and darkened its light. y . Deal with Thy servant according unto Thy mercy, and teach me Thy statutes. Thine all-blameless Mother wept bitterly, O W ord, when she beheld Thee in the grave, God ineffable and without beginning. y . I am Thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies. Thine tindefiled Mother, seeing Thy death, O Christ, cried to Thee in bitter sorrow: ‘Tarry not, O Life, among the dead/ y . It is time for the Lord to act: for they have made void Thy law. Cruel hell trembled when he saw Thee, O immortal Sun of glory, and in haste he yielded up his prisoners. 33 Luke 1 : 3 3 .

34 Luke 2 : 3 5 . 35 Matt. 2 7 : 18 .

Ύ . Therefore have I loved Thy commandments above gold or topaz. Great and fearful is the sight now before our eyes, O Saviour: for of His own will the Cause of life submits to death, that Me may give life to all. y . Therefore I walked uprightly according unto all Thy com­ mandments : and I hated every evil way. Thy side is pierced, O Master, and Thy hands are transfixed with nails; so Thou healest the wound of our first parents and the sinful greed of their hands. y . Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore has my soul sought them. Once th% ey wept in every house for Rachel*s child; and now the company of Christ’s disciples with His Mother lament for the Virgin’s Son.36 y . The revelation of Thy words shall give light and under­

standing unto the simple. With their hands they struck Christ in the face, though He it was who formed man with His hand and crushed the teeth of the beast. y . I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath: for I longed for Thy commandments. In our hymns, O Christ, with all the faithful we worship now Thy Crucifixion and Thy Sepulchre, for by Thy burial we are set free from death. Glory be to the Father. . . . O God without beginning, Word coeternal, and Holy Spirit, in Thy love strengthen the power of our rulers against their enemies. Both now............ Theotokion O Virgin pure and undefiled, who hast given birth to our Life, bring to an end the scandals of the Church and in thy love grant her

peace. And we repeat the just troparion of the second stasis: It is right to magnify Thee, Giver of Life, who hast stretched Thine arms upon the Cross and broken the power of the enemy. Small Litany, with the exclamation: For holy art Thou, our God, who 30 Jer. 31: ις.

dost rest upon the glorious throne of the cherubim, and to Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thine eternal Father and Thy most holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. As we begin the third stasisy the priest or deacon once more censes the Epitaphiony the ikonostasis and the people.

TONE THREE

Every generation, O my Christ, offers praises at Thy burial. y . Look Thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, according to

the judgement of those that love Thy Name.

Taking Thee down from the Tree, Joseph of Arimathaea lays Thee in a sepulchre. y . Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Providently bringing Thee sweet spices, O my Christ, the Myrrhbearers drew near. y . Deliver me from the false accusation of m en: so will I keep Thy commandments. Come, and with the whole creation let us offer a funeral hymn to

the Creator.

y . Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and teach me Thy statutes. Understanding what we do, with the Myrrhbearers let us all anoint the Living as a corpse. y . Rivers of water have run down from mine eyes, because I kept not Thy law. O thrice-blessed Joseph, bury the body of Christ, the Giver of Life. y . Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are Thy judgements. Those He fed with manna have lifted up their heel against their Benefactor.87 y . Thy testimonies that Thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. Those He fed with manna offer to the Saviour vinegar and gall.

y . My zeal has consumed me, because mine enemies have for­ gotten Thy words. () the folly of those who killed the prophets and slew C hrist!38 ^ . Thy word is tried in the fire to the uttermost: therefore has Thy servant loved it. Like a foolish servant, the disciple has betrayed the Abyss of Wisdom. y . 1 am young and despised: yet have I not forgotten Thy statutes. Judas the traitor has sold his Deliverer and himself become a captive. ψ . Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is. truth. As Solomon said, the mouth of the transgressing Hebrews is a deep pit.39 y . Trouble and anguish have taken hold on m e: yet Thy com­ mandments are my study. In the crooked paths of the transgressing Hebrews there are

thorns and snares.40 y . The righteousness of Thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and l shall live. Joseph and Nicodemus bury the Creator with the honours that befit the dead. y . I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will seek Thy statutes. Life-giver and Saviour, Thou hast destroyed h ell: to Thy power be glory! ψ . I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies. When she saw Thee lying dead, O Word, the all-pure Virgin wept with a mother’s grief. y . I rose up before it was dawn, and cried : I have hoped in Thy word. Ό my sweet springtime, O my sweetest Child, where has all Thy beauty gone?’ y . Mine eyes woke before the morning: that I might meditate

in Thy words. 38 Matt. 23 : 3 1 . 39 Prov. 22 : 14. 40 Prov. 22 : ς.

When Thou, O Word, wast dead, Thine all-pure Mother raised a lamentation for Thee. y . Hear my voice according unto Thy loving-kindness, O Lord: quicken me according to Thy judgement.

The women came with myrrh to anoint Christ, the Myrrh of God,

y . They draw nigh that persecute me unlawfully: they are far from Thy Law. By dying, O my God, Thou puttest death to death through Thy divine power. y . Thou art near, O Lord; and all Thy ways are truth.

The deceiver is deceived, and those he misled are set free by Thy

The traitor was cast down to the depths of hell, and to the pit of destruction.

y . Behold my humiliation, and deliver m e: for I have not for­ gotten Thy law. Thorns and snares beset the path of Judas the foolish and the thrice-wretched. y . Judge my cause, and deliver m e: quicken me according to Thy word. All that crucified Thee shall be destroyed together, O Word, Thou Son of God and King of all. y . Salvation is far from the w icked: for they have not sought Thy statutes. In the pit of destruction shall all the men of blood be destroyed together. y . Many are Thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me accord­ ing to Thy judgement. O Son of God and King of all, my God and my Creator, how hast Thou accepted suffering? y . Many are they that persecute and afflict m e : yet have I not

turned aside from Thy testimonies. As the mother of a foal, the Virgin gazed on Thee in grief when she saw Thee hanging on the Tree. y , I beheld the foolish and was grieved; because they kept not Thy jvords. Joseph and Nicodemus bury the body that is the Source of life.

y . See how I have loved Thy commandments: quicken me, O Lord, in Thy mercy. Pierced to the heart, the Virgin shed warm tears and cried aloud. y . The beginning of Thy words is truth: and every one of Thy righteous judgements endures for ever. Ό Light of mine eyes, my sweetest Child, how art Thou hidden now in the sepulchre?* y . Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart stands in awe of Thy words. ‘ Weep not, O Mother, for I suffer this to set at liberty Adam and E ve.’ y . I will rejoice at Thy words, as one that finds great spoil. Ό my Son, I glorify Thy supreme, compassion, that causes Thee to suffer so.* y . I have hated and abhorred injustice: but Thy law have I loved. Thou hast drunk vinegar and gall, in Thy compassion, to loose us

from the guilt of the forbidden fruit. y . Seven times a day have I praised Thee because of the judge­ ments of Thy righteousness. Thou art nailed upon the Cross, who of old hast sheltered Thy people with a pillar of cloud.41 y . Great peace have they that love Thy la w : and for them there is no stumbling-block.

The women bearing myrrh came, O Saviour, to Thy tomb and

offered Thee sweet spices. y . Lord, I have looked for Thy salvation, and loved Thy com­ mandments. Arise, O merciful Lord, and raise us from the depths of hell. y . My soul has kept Thy testimonies: and loved them exceedingly. ‘ Arise, O Giver of Life*, the Mother who bore Thee said with tears. y . I have kept Thy commandments and Thy testimonies: for all my ways are before Thee, O Lord. Make haste to arise, O Word, and take away the sorrow of Thy Virgin Mother. y . Let my prayer draw near to Thee, O Lord; give me under­ standing according to Thy word. 41 Exod. 13 : 21.

All the powers of heaven were filled with fear and wonder when they saw Thee dead. y . Let my supplication come before Thee, O Lord: deliver me according to Thy word. With love and fear we honour Thy Passion: grant us the forgive­ ness of our sins. y . Let my lips speak of Thy praise: for Thou hast taught me Thy statutes. Strange and dreadful wonder! How art Thou now hidden in the earth, O Word of God? y . Let my tongue speak of Thy w ords: for all Thy command­ ments are righteousness. Joseph once fled with Thee, O Saviour, and now another Joseph buries Thee. y . Let Thine hand be near to save m e: for I have chosen Thy commandments. Thine all-holy Mother weeps for Thee lamenting, O my Saviour,

at Thy death. y . I have longed for Thy salvation, O L o rd ; and Thy law is my study.

The spiritual powers tremble at Thy strange and fearful burial, O

Maker of all. y . My soul shall live, and it shall praise T h ee: and Thy judge­ ments shall help me. Early in the morning the myrrh-bearers came to Thee and sprinkled myrrh upon Thy tomb.42 y . I have gone astray like a lost sheep: seek Thy servant, for I have not forgotten Thy commandments. By Thy Resurrection give peace to the Church and salvation to Thy people. Glory be to the Father. . . . O my God in Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit, grant Thy mercy to

A t this point in the Greek use, the priest sprinkles the Epitaphion vvitli rose­ water.

This is immediately followed by the Evlogitaria o f the Resurrection, during which the priest with the deacon censes the Epitaphion9 the sanctuary and the whole church.

TONE FIVE

Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes.

The company of angels was amazed, beholding Thee, O Saviour,

numbered among the dead, who hast destroyed the power of death and raised up Adam with Thyself, setting all men free from hell. Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes. ‘ Why mingle ye sweet-smelling ointment with tears of pity, O ye women disciples?’ cried the angel who shone as lightning within the tomb to the women bearing myrrh. ‘ Behold the tomb and rejoice: for the Saviour has risen from the grave.’ Blessed art Thou, O L ord : teach me Thy statutes.

The women bearing myrrh hastened early in the morning to Thy

tomb, lamenting; but the angel came to them and said: ‘The time for lamentation is ended; weep not: but tell the apostles of the Resurrection.’ Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes.

The women bearing myrrh came with sweet spices to Thy tomb,

O Saviour. But they heard an angel say to them : ‘Why count ye the Living among the dead? For as God Me has risen from the tom b.’ Glory be to the Father. . . . To the Trinity We worship the Father together with His Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in Essence, and we cry with the sera­ phim: Holy, holy, holy art Thou, O Lord. Both now. . . . Theotokion O Virgin, who hast borne the Giver of Life, thou hast delivered Adam from sin, and to Eve thou hast brought joy in place of sorrow. He that took flesh from thee, who is both God and man, has re­ stored the fallen unto life. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to Thee, O God (three times). Small Litany, with the exclamation: For Thou art the King of peace,

O Christ our God, and to Thee we ascribe glory, together with

Thine eternal Father, and Thy most holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Then we sing thefollowing sessional hymns:

TONE ONE

Joseph begged Thy holy body from Pilate and, anointing it with sweet-smelling spices, he wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in a new tomb ; and early, in the morning the women bearing myrrh cried out: ‘ As Thou hast foretold, O Christ, show to us the Resurrection. 9 Glory be to the Father. . . . As Thou hast foretold, O Christ, show to us the Resurrection. Both now. . . . Another sessional hymn

The angelic choirs are filled with wonder, beholding Him who

rests in the bosom of the Father laid in the tomb as one dead, though He is immortal. The ranks of angels surround Him, and with the dead in hell they glorify Him as Creator and Lord.

Alleluia with the appointed verses, and then the following Hymns to the Holy Trinity in the Tone o f the week. At the end o f the Canon, we likewise sing the appointed Hymn of Light (Exapostilarion) in the Tone of the week, repeating it three times.

The ending of these Hymns varies according to the day o f the week.

In the Hymns to the Trinity, after Holy, holy, holy art Thou, our God, wc end thefrst Hymn thus:1