Saturday in the Fifth Week
ON WHICH WE SING THE AKATHISTOS HYMN TO THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS
VESPERS ON FRIDAY EVENING
To Lord, I have cried, ten stichera are sung, three from the Triodion and seven to the Theotokos:
TONE SIX
Departing from Thy divine commandments as from Jerusalem, and going down to the passions of Jericho, I was led astray by the false glory of the cares of this life. I fell among the thieves of my own thoughts; they stripped me of the robe of sonship that was mine by grace, and now I lie wounded, as though without the breath of life. The priest drew near and saw my body, but he took no heed; the Levite looked at it with loathing and passed by on the other side. But Thou, O Lord who ineffably hast taken flesh from the Virgin, Thou hast of Thine own will poured out blood and water from Thy side for my salvation, and as with oil Thou hast anointed me. O Christ my God, bind up my wounds with linen, and in Thy compassion bring me to Thy heavenly Kingdom (twice).
To the Martyrs
Thy martyrs, O Lord, denied Thee not and forsook not Thy commandments: at their intercessions have mercy upon us.
Then we sing the following three stichera to the Theotokos, repeating them so as to make up the number seven:
TONE SIX
to the special melody, Having set all your hope on the things of heaven…
Revealing the pre-eternal counsel, Gabriel appeared to thee, O Maiden, and greeting thee, he said: ‘Hail, earth that has not been sown; hail, burning bush that remains unconsumed; hail, depth unsearchable; hail, bridge that leads to heaven and ladder raised on high that Jacob saw; hail, divine vessel of manna; hail, deliverance from the curse; hail, restoration of Adam, the Lord is with thee’ (three times).
‘Thou dost appear to me in the form of a man’, said the undefiled Maiden to the leader of the heavenly hosts: ‘how then dost thou speak to me of things that pass man’s power? For thou hast said that God shall be with me, and shall take up His dwelling in my womb; and how, tell me, shall I become the spacious habitation and the holy place of Him that rides upon the cherubim? Beguile me not with deceit: for I have no experience of sensual pleasure, I have not entered into wedlock. How then shall I bear child?’ (twice).
‘When God so wishes’, said the bodiless angel, ‘the order of nature is overcome, and things beyond man’s power come to pass. Believe that my words are true, all-holy Lady, utterly without spot.’ And she cried aloud, ‘Let it now be unto me according to thy word: and I shall bear Him that is without flesh, who shall borrow flesh from me, that through this union of natures He may lead man up unto his ancient glory, for He alone has power so to do’ (twice).
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
TONE TWO
by Theophanes
Today is revealed the mystery that is from all eternity. The Son of God becomes the Son of Man, that, sharing in what is worse, He may make me share in what is better. Of old Adam was deceived: he sought to become God, but failed in his purpose. Now God becomes man, that He may make Adam god. Let the creation rejoice, let nature exult: for the Archangel stands in fear before the Virgin, and with his salutation ‘Hail!’ he brings the joyful greeting whereby our sorrow is assuaged. O God, who in Thy merciful compassion wast made man, glory to Thee.
Entrance, O joyful Light…
Prokimenon (Psalm 102):
TONE FOUR
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: longsuffering, and of great goodness.
℣. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.
Lesson: Genesis 22:1–18.
Prokimenon (Psalm 103):
TONE FOUR
How marvellous are Thy works, O Lord: in wisdom hast Thou made them all.
℣. Bless the Lord, O my soul: O Lord my God, Thou art very great.
Lesson: Proverbs 17:17–18:5.
And the rest of the Liturgy of the Presanctified.
If there is no Liturgy of the Presanctified, to Lord, I have cried we sing the three stichera to the Theotokos, Revealing the pre-eternal counsel…, etc., repeating them so as to make up the number eight; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; Today is revealed the mystery… For the aposticha we use the sticheron, Departing from Thy divine commandments…, sung twice, together with the hymn to the Martyrs, Thy martyrs, O Lord…; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; and the Theotokion from Lauds on Saturday morning, The Theotokos heard a voice she knew not… (p. 412), followed by the usual Lenten ending of Friday Vespers without the Liturgy of the Presanctified.
Wine is allowed in the refectory because of the labours of the coming Vigil. Small Compline is said in the cells: we sing the Canon for the Dead in the Tone of the week, and the Canon to the saint of the day from the Menaion. The Midnight Office is also said in the cells.
MATTINS
On Friday evening, about the fourth hour of the night (ten o’clock), we begin Mattins in the usual way. After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany, we sing The Lord is God, with the following troparion, slowly and solemnly:
TONE EIGHT
Taking knowledge of the secret command, the bodiless Archangel went with haste to Joseph’s dwelling, and said to her that knew not wedlock: ‘He who in His self-abasement bowed the heavens and came down, is housed wholly and unchanged in thee. I see Him take the form of a servant in thy womb, and in wonder cry to thee: Hail, Bride without bridegroom’ (three times).
Then we read the sixteenth kathisma of the Psalter; and after it comes the Small Litany. Next we sing the kontakion, slowly and solemnly:
TONE EIGHT
To thee, our leader in battle and defender, O Theotokos, we thy servants, delivered from calamity, offer hymns of victory and thanksgiving. Since thou art invincible in power, set us free from every peril, that we may cry to thee: Hail, Bride without bridegroom.
While this is sung, the deacon censes the ikonostasis and the people. Then the priest, standing in the centre of the church, reads the first section of the Akathistos Hymn; and we all remain standing while it is read.
Ikos One
A prince of the angels was sent from heaven, to say to the Theotokos, Hail! (three times). And seeing Thee, O Lord, take bodily form at the sound of his bodiless voice, filled with amazement he stood still and cried aloud to her:
Hail, for through thee joy shall shine forth:
Hail, for through thee the curse shall cease.
Hail, recalling of fallen Adam:
Hail, deliverance from the tears of Eve.
Hail, height hard to climb for the thoughts of men:
Hail, depth hard to scan even for the eyes of angels.
Hail, for thou art the throne of the King:
Hail, for thou holdest Him who upholds all.
Hail, star causing the Sun to shine:
Hail, womb of the divine Incarnation.
Hail, for through thee the creation is made new:
Hail, for through thee the Creator becomes a newborn child.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Two
The Holy Maiden, seeing herself in all her purity, said boldly unto Gabriel: ‘strange seem thy words and hard for my soul to accept. From a conception without seed how dost thou speak of childbirth, crying: Alleluia!’
Ikos Two
Seeking to know what passes knowledge, the Virgin said to the ministering Angel: ‘From a maiden womb how can a Son be born? Tell me.’ And to her in fear he answered, crying:
Hail, initiate of God’s secret counsel:
Hail, faith in that which must be guarded by silence.
Hail, beginning of Christ’s wonders:
Hail, crown and fulfilment of His teachings.
Hail, heavenly ladder by which God came down:
Hail, bridge leading men from earth to heaven.
Hail, marvel greatly renowned among the angels:
Hail, wound bitterly lamented by the demons.
Hail, for ineffably thou shalt bear the Light:
Hail, for thou hast revealed the mystery to none.
Hail, wisdom surpassing the knowledge of the wise:
Hail, dawn that illumines the minds of the faithful.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Three
Then the power of the Most High overshadowed her that knew not wedlock, so that she might conceive: and He made her fruitful womb as a fertile field for all who long to reap the harvest of salvation, singing: Alleluia!
Ikos Three
Bearing God within her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elisabeth; whose unborn child, knowing at once the salutation of the Theotokos, rejoiced and, leaping up as if in song, cried out to her:
Hail, vine whence springs a never-withering branch:
Hail, orchard of pure fruit.
Hail, for thou tendest the Husbandman who loves mankind:
Hail, for thou hast borne the Gardener who cultivates our life.
Hail, earth yielding a rich harvest of compassion:
Hail, table laden with mercy in abundance.
Hail, for through thee the fields of Eden flower again:
Hail, for thou makest ready a haven for our souls.
Hail, acceptable incense of intercession:
Hail, propitiation for the whole world.
Hail, loving-kindness of God unto mortal man:
Hail, freedom of approach for mortals unto God.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Four
Tossed inwardly by a storm of doubts, prudent Joseph was troubled: knowing thee to be unwedded, O blameless Virgin, he feared a stolen union. But when he learnt that thy conceiving was from the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia!
Then we sing again the kontakion To thee, our leader in battle…
We read the seventeenth kathisma of the Psalter (Psalm 118); and after it comes the Small Litany. Then we sing once more the kontakion To thee, our leader in battle…, and the priest reads the second section of the Akathistos Hymn:
Ikos Four
The shepherds heard the angels glorify Christ’s coming in the flesh. Quickly they ran to the Shepherd, and beheld Him as a lamb without spot, that had been pastured in the womb of Mary; and they sang praises to her, saying:
Hail, Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd:
Hail, fold of spiritual sheep.
Hail, protection against unseen enemies:
Hail, key to the door of Paradise.
Hail, for heaven exults with earth:
Hail, for things on earth rejoice with the heavens.
Hail, never-silent voice of the apostles:
Hail, unconquered courage of the victorious martyrs.
Hail, firm foundation of the faith:
Hail, shining revelation of grace.
Hail, for through thee hell is stripped bare:
Hail, for through thee we are clothed in glory.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Five
Seeing the star pointing to God, the Magi followed its radiance. Keeping it before them as a beacon, with its help they sought the mighty King; and attaining the Unattainable, they rejoiced and cried to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos Five
The children of the Chaldaeans saw the Virgin holding in her hands Him who with His hands fashioned mankind. Though He had taken the form of a servant, yet they knew Him as their Master. In haste they knelt before Him with their gifts and cried out to the Blessed Virgin:
Hail, Mother of the Star that never sets:
Hail, bright dawn of the mystical Day.
Hail, for thou hast quenched the furnace of deception:
Hail, for thou dost illumine all who love the mystery of the Trinity.
Hail, for thou hast cast down from his dominion the tyrant that hates man:
Hail, for thou hast made known the Lord Christ who loves mankind.
Hail, deliverance from the worship of pagan idols:
Hail, liberation from the filth of sin.
Hail, for thou hast quenched the worship of fire:
Hail, for thou hast released us from the flames of passion.
Hail, guide of the faithful to chastity:
Hail, joy of all generations.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Six
Becoming God’s messengers, the Magi returned to Babylon. Having fulfilled the prophecy concerning Thee, and preaching Thee to all as Christ, they left Herod to his raving, for he knew not how to sing: Alleluia!
Ikos Six
Shining upon Egypt with the light of truth, Thou hast dispelled the darkness of falsehood; for the idols of that land fell down, unable to endure Thy power, O Saviour, and all who were delivered from them cried unto the Theotokos:
Hail, restoration of men:
Hail, downfall of demons.
Hail, for thou hast trampled on the delusion of error:
Hail, for thou hast exposed the snares of the idols.
Hail, sea that has drowned the invisible Pharaoh:
Hail, rock that gives drink to all who thirst for life.
Hail, pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness:
Hail, protection of the world, wider than the cloud in the wilderness.
Hail, food that takes the place of manna:
Hail, minister of holy joy.
Hail, promised land:
Hail, source of milk and honey.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Seven
As Simeon drew near to the time of his departure from this world of error, he received Thee as an infant in his arms, but he knew Thee to be perfect God; and, struck with wonder at Thine ineffable wisdom, he cried: Alleluia!
Then we sing again the Kontakion To thee, our leader in battle…, and we read Psalm 50.
The Canon
Up to the end of Canticle Five, we use the Canon of the patron saint of the church or monastery with six troparia, including the irmos, and then the following Canon of the Theotokos with six troparia, likewise including the irmos. But if the church or monastery is dedicated to the Theotokos, we use only the Canon of the Theotokos, singing the irmos of each Canticle twice, and then repeating the troparia so as to make up the number ten. The irmos of the Canon of the Theotokos is repeated at the end as katavasia. Between the troparia we say, Most holy Theotokos, save us.
TONE FOUR
by Joseph the Hymnographer
Canticle One
Irmos: I shall open my mouth and the Spirit will inspire it, and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and Mother: I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast and joyfully praising her wonders.
O pure Virgin, living book of Christ, sealed by the Spirit, beholding thee the great Archangel said to thee: ‘Hail, vessel of joy! Through thee shall we be loosed from the curse of our first mother.’
Hail, Virgin bride of God, restoration of Adam and death of hell; hail, O Undefiled, the pavilion of the King of all; hail, fiery throne of the Almighty.
Hail, from whom alone there springs the unfading Rose; hail, for thou hast borne the sweetly-smelling Apple. Hail, Maiden unwedded, nosegay of the only King and preservation of the world.
Hail, Lady, treasure-house of purity, raising us from our fall; hail, lily whose sweet scent is known to all the faithful; hail, fragrant incense and precious oil of myrrh.
Canticle Three
Irmos: O Mother of God, thou living and plentiful fount, give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship, who sing hymns of praise to thee: and in thy divine glory vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
From thee, the field untilled, has grown the divine Ear of corn. Hail, living table that hast held the Bread of Life; hail, Lady, never-failing spring of the living water.
Hail, Mother who hast borne for the faithful the sacrificial Victim without blemish; hail, Ewe that hast brought forth the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of all the world. Hail, mercy-seat, our fervent intercessor.
Hail, radiant dawn who alone bearest Christ the Sun; hail, dwelling-place of the Light. Thou hast dispersed the gloom and utterly destroyed the demons of the darkness.
Hail, only gate through which the Word alone has passed. By thy birthgiving, Lady, thou hast broken the bars and gates of Hell. Hail, Bride of God, divine entry of the saved.
Small Litany, and then again the kontakion To thee, our leader in battle…, after which the priest reads the third section of the Akathistos Hymn:
Ikos Seven
A new creation has the Creator revealed, manifesting Himself unto us His creatures. From a Virgin’s womb He came, preserving it inviolate as it was before: that, beholding the miracle, we might sing her praises, crying:
Hail, flower of incorruption:
Hail, crown of chastity.
Hail, bright foreshadowing of the resurrection glory:
Hail, mirror of the angels’ life.
Hail, tree of glorious fruit on which the faithful feed:
Hail, wood of shady leaves where many shelter.
Hail, for thou hast conceived a Guide for the wanderers:
Hail, for thou hast borne a Deliverer for the captives.
Hail, intercessor with the Righteous Judge:
Hail, forgiveness for many who have stumbled.
Hail, robe for the naked and bereft of hope:
Hail, love surpassing all desire.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Eight
Seeing this strange birth, let us become strangers to the world, fixing our minds in heaven. To this end has the most high God appeared on earth as a lowly man, because He wishes to draw heavenward all who cry aloud to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos Eight
The Word uncircumscribed was wholly present here below, yet in no wise absent from the realm on high: God descended to earth, yet underwent no change of place. He was born of a Virgin, overshadowed by divine power, and unto her we sing:
Hail, enclosure of the God whom nothing can enclose:
Hail, gate of the hallowed mystery.
Hail, tidings doubted by unbelievers:
Hail, undoubted glory of the faithful.
Hail, most holy chariot of Him who rides upon the cherubim:
Hail, best of all dwellings for Him who is above the seraphim.
Hail, for thou bringest opposites to harmony:
Hail, for thou hast joined in one childbirth and virginity.
Hail, for through thee our sin is remitted:
Hail, for through thee Paradise is opened.
Hail, key of Christ’s Kingdom:
Hail, hope of eternal blessings.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Nine
All the ranks of angels marvelled at the great work of Thine Incarnation. For they saw God, whom none can approach, as a man approachable by all, dwelling in our midst, and hearing from our lips: Alleluia!
Ikos Nine
Eloquent orators we see dumb as the fishes in thy presence, O Theotokos, for they are at a loss to say how thou remainest virgin and yet hast power to bear a child. But we, marvelling at the mystery, cry aloud with faith:
Hail, casket of God’s wisdom:
Hail, treasury of His providence.
Hail, for thou revealest lack of wisdom in the lovers of wisdom:
Hail, for thou provest devoid of reason those skilled in reason’s art.
Hail, for the cunning disputants are shown to be fools:
Hail, for the myth-makers have withered into silence.
Hail, for thou hast tom asunder the tangled webs of the Athenians:
Hail, for thou hast filled the nets of the fishermen.
Hail, for thou dost draw men from the depths of ignorance:
Hail, for thou dost illumine multitudes with knowledge.
Hail, ship of all who would be saved:
Hail, haven for the seafarers of life.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Ten
Wishing to save the world, the Fashioner of all things came to it of His own free choice. As God He is our Shepherd, yet has He appeared for our sake as a man like us; and calling like by means of like, as God He hears our cry: Alleluia!
Then we sing again the kontakion To thee, our leader in battle…, followed by the sessional hymn:
TONE ONE
Coming to the city of Nazareth, the mighty leader of the spiritual angels proclaimed to thee, O Undefiled, the Incarnation of the King and Lord of the ages, saying unto thee: ‘Hail, blessed Mary, depth unsearchable beyond all understanding, and restoration of all mortal men.’
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
Repeat.
And we continue with the Canon:
Canticle Four
Irmos: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus the true God, is come in a swift cloud and with His sinless hand He has saved those who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ.
With voices of song in faith we cry aloud to thee, O Virgin worthy of all praise: Hail, rich mountain flowing with the milk of the Spirit; hail, candlestick and vessel of manna, sweet to the taste of the godly.
Hail, mercy-seat of the world, O lady undefiled; hail, ladder raising all men from the earth by grace; hail, bridge that in very truth has brought from death to life all those that sing thy praises.
Hail, O Undefiled, higher than the heavens, who without birth-pangs hast held within thy womb the Foundation of the earth. Hail, sea-shell that with thy blood hast dyed a robe of divine purple for the Lord of Hosts.
Hail, Lady that in truth hast borne the Lawgiver, who freely washes clean the transgressions of all. O Maiden who hast not known wedlock, depth unsearchable, height above all speech, through thee we are made godlike.
Thou hast woven for the world a crown not made by hand of man, and we sing thy praises, saying: Hail to thee, O Virgin, the guardian of all men, fortress and stronghold and sacred refuge.
Canticle Five
Irmos: The whole world was amazed at thy divine glory: for thou, O Virgin who hast not known wedlock, hast held in thy womb the God of all and hast given birth to an eternal Son, who rewards with salvation all who sing thy praises.
From thee was born the Way that leads to life. Hail, All-blameless, who hast saved the world from drowning in the flood of sin; hail, Bride of God, tidings fearful to tell and hear; hail, dwelling-place of the Master of Creation.
Hail, O Undefiled, the strength and fortress of mankind, sanctuary of the Glory; hail, slayer of hell, bridal chamber full of light; hail, joy of the angels; hail, succour of those who call on thee with faith.
Fiery chariot of the Word, hail, Lady, living Paradise, holding in thy midst the Lord, the Tree of Life. His sweetness quickens all who eat with faith, although they were enslaved to corruption.
Strengthened by thy might, we raise our cry to thee with faith: Hail, city of the King of all! Glorious things, worthy to be heard throughout the world, are plainly spoken of thee. Hail, mountain not cut by hand of man, depth that none can fathom.
Hail, O Undefiled, spacious tabernacle of the Word, shell from which has come the divine Pearl. Hail, Theotokos full of wonders, who dost reconcile with God all those in every age that call thee blessed.
We now begin to use the two four-canticled Canons; the Canon of the patron saint of the church or monastery is omitted, and we first read the Canon of the Theotokos, with six troparia, followed by the two Canons from the Triodion.
Canticle Six
Irmos: As we celebrate this sacred and solemn feast of the Mother of God, let us come, clapping our hands, O people of the Lord, and give glory to God who was born of her.
O spotless bridal chamber of the Word, through thee all can become godlike. Hail, All-Undefiled, the prophets’ song; hail, the adornment of the apostles.
From thee has come the dew that quenched the flame of idolatry. We therefore cry to thee: Hail, O Virgin, fleece wet with dew that Gideon saw in prophecy.
See, we cry ‘Hail!’ to thee. Be thou our haven as we toss upon the deep, our refuge from the troubled waters of affliction and from all the snares of the enemy.
O cause of joy, endue our thoughts with grace that we may cry to thee: Hail, bush unconsumed, cloud of light that without ceasing overshadows the faithful.
First Four-Canticled Canon
TONE SIX
by Joseph
Irmos: ‘As I look upon the stormy sea of life…’.
Saints of God, pray for us.
Through their sufferings the martyrs became like chosen stones, which roll across the earth and overturn every building of the enemy; and they were made into temples of God.
Saints of God, pray for us.
We pray to you, O martyrs who have completed the course of holiness: give us strength to run the race of the Fast, endued with glory through our perfect practice of the virtues.
God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
For the Dead
O Lord, supreme in love, grant to Thy servants departed from this earth that they may be partakers in Thy Kingdom, at the holy intercessions of Thy divine martyrs, O Most Merciful.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion
O Mother and Virgin, alone worthy of all glory, intercede with the most holy Word, that we who sing thy praises with faith may be granted remission of sins and a share in God’s gifts of grace.
Another Four-Canticled Canon
TONE FIVE
by Theodore the Studite
Irmos: Thou hast delivered the Prophet from the whale…
Saints of God, pray for us.
As we celebrate today the memory of the martyrs, let us with holy joy offer hymns of praise to the Lord.
Saints of God, pray for us.
Not dismayed by sword and fire, O victorious martyrs, but made bold by your faith, ye filled the tyrants with fear and amazement. Glory be to the Father…
I praise Thee as Trinity in Persons and I worship Thee as Unity in Essence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Both now…
Theotokion
Thou art the praise of angels and men, O Virgin, for thou hast borne Christ the Saviour of our souls.
God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
Receiving life in exchange for death, O glorious martyrs of Christ our God, ye dwell in heaven with great joy.
Their souls shall dwell in prosperity.
For the Dead
O Christ, the Lord of death and life, give rest with Thy saints to those who have departed from this world in faith.
Irmos: Thou hast delivered the Prophet from the whale: lead me up, O Lord, from the depths of sin and save me.
Small Litany, and then again the kontakion To Thee, our leader in battle…, after which the priest reads the fourth and final section of the Akathistos Hymn:
Ikos Ten
For virgins and for all who flee to thee thou art a wall, O Virgin Theotokos undefiled: for the Creator of heaven and earth has made thee ready and adorned thee, dwelling in thy womb, and teaching all to sing to thee:
Hail, pillar of virginity:
Hail, gate of salvation.
Hail, beginning of the new and spiritual creation:
Hail, provider of God’s mercy.
Hail, for thou hast given new birth to those conceived in shame:
Hail, for thou hast given good counsel to those robbed of understanding.
Hail, for thou bringest to naught the corrupter of man’s mind: Hail, for thou bringest to birth the Sower of purity.
Hail, bridal chamber of a marriage without seed:
Hail, for thou joinest in union the faithful to their Lord.
Hail, fair nursing-mother of virgins:
Hail, bridal escort of holy souls.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Eleven
No hymn can recount the multitude of Thy many mercies. For though we offer unto Thee, O holy King, songs numberless as the sand upon the seashore, yet we do nothing worthy of the blessings Thou hast given us, who cry unto Thee: Alleluia!
Ikos Eleven
We see the Holy Virgin as a lamp of living Light, shining upon those in darkness. Kindling the immaterial Fire, she guides all men to divine knowledge; she illumines our mind with radiance, and we sing these praises in her honour:
Hail, beam of the spiritual Sun:
Hail, ray of the Moon that never wanes.
Hail, lightning-flash that shines upon our souls:
Hail, thunder that brings terror to our enemies.
Hail, dawn that makest the manifold Splendour to arise:
Hail, spring that makest the River with many streams to flow.
Hail, for thou dost prefigure the baptismal font:
Hail, for thou takest away the filth of sin.
Hail, water washing clean the conscience:
Hail, cup wherein is mixed the wine of mighty joy.
Hail, scent of Christ’s fragrance:
Hail, life of mystical feasting.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Twelve
Wishing to grant release from ancient debts, the Redeemer of all men came of His own will to those who were exiled from His grace; He has torn up the record of our sins, and from all He hears the cry: Alleluia!
Ikos Twelve
We all sing in honour of thy Son, O Theotokos, and praise thee as a living temple. For the Lord who holds all things in His hand made His dwelling in thy womb; He hallowed and He glorified thee, teaching all to cry to thee:
Hail, tabernacle of God the Word:
Hail, greater Holy of Holies.
Hail, ark made golden by the Spirit:
Hail, never-empty treasure-house of life.
Hail, precious crown of orthodox kings:
Hail, honoured boast of godly priests.
Hail, unshaken fortress of the Church:
Hail, unconquered rampart of the Kingdom.
Hail, for through thee the standards of victory are raised on high:
Hail, for through thee our enemies are cast down.
Hail, healing of my body:
Hail, salvation of my soul.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Kontakion Thirteen
O Mother worthy of all praise, who hast borne the Word, the Holiest of all Holies (three times): accepting this our offering, deliver from every ill and from the punishment to come all those who cry aloud to thee: Alleluia!
Then the first ikos is read again:
A prince of the angels was sent from heaven, to say to the Theotokos, Hail! And seeing Thee, O Lord, take bodily form at the sound of his bodiless voice, filled with amazement he stood still and cried aloud to her:
Hail, for through thee joy shall shine forth:
Hail, for through thee the curse shall cease.
Hail, recalling of fallen Adam:
Hail, deliverance from the tears of Eve.
Hail, height hard to climb for the thoughts of men:
Hail, depth hard to scan even for the eyes of angels.
Hail, for thou art the throne of the King:
Hail, for thou holdest Him who upholds all.
Hail, star causing the Sun to shine:
Hail, womb of the divine Incarnation.
Hail, for through thee the creation is made new:
Hail, for through thee the Creator becomes a newborn child.
Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
And then again the Kontakion:
To thee, our leader in battle and defender, O Theotokos, we thy servants, delivered from calamity, offer hymns of victory and thanksgiving. Since thou art invincible in power, set us free from every peril, that we may cry to thee: Hail, Bride without bridegroom!
Canticle Seven
Irmos: The holy Children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire, refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator, and they sang in joy: ‘Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O Lord God of our fathers.’
We sing thy praises, crying: Hail! chariot of the spiritual Sun; true vine that has produced the ripe cluster of grapes, from which there flows a wine making glad the souls of the faithful, as they give thee glory.
Hail, Bride of God, who hast given birth to the Healer of all; mystical staff that has blossomed with the unfading Flower. Hail, Lady, for through thee we are filled with joy and made inheritors of life.
No tongue, however eloquent, has power to sing thy praises. Above the seraphim thou art exalted, O Lady, for thou hast given birth to Christ the King. Entreat Him now to deliver from all harm those that venerate thee in faith.
The ends of the earth praise thee and call thee blessed, and they cry to thee with love: Hail, pure Virgin, scroll on which the Word is written by the Father’s hand. Pray to Him, O Theotokos, to enrol thy servants in the Book of Life.
We thy servants pray to thee, and bend the knee of our heart. Incline thine ear and save us, O Theotokos, for we are drowning in affliction; and preserve thy city from all conquest by the enemy.
First Four-Canticled Canon
Irmos: An angel made the furnace moist with dew…
Saints of God, pray for us.
O Christ most merciful, the glorious company of Thy divine martyrs dwells now in Thy light that knows no evening. At their intercessions, grant to all of us enlightenment and cleansing from our sins.
Saints of God, pray for us.
How beautiful is this season of abstinence that Thou hast given us, O Lord! As we pass through it, do Thou in Thy goodness take pity on our souls, at the prayers of Thy holy martyrs who loved the beauty of Thy sacred Passion.
God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
For the Dead
O Master of life, bring to anchor in a safe harbour those Thy servants who have passed through the storm of this life with its many sorrows. May they cry aloud with all Thine elect: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion
O Ever-Virgin who hast borne the Giver of the Law, pray to Him that in this season He may uproot all wickedness from the hearts of those who seek to keep the holy Fast with zeal and strictness.
Second Four-Canticled Canon
Irmos: Blessed art Thou, O God…
Saints of God, pray for us.
Blessed art Thou, O God, who hast given courage to the martyrs who suffered for Thy sake: for Thou art praised and glorified above all.
Saints of God, pray for us.
Blessed art Thou, O God, who hast given to us Thy victorious martyrs as our intercessors in Thy presence: for Thou art praised and glorified above all.
Glory be to the Father…
Blessed art Thou, O God, one by Nature yet made known in three Persons: for Thou art praised and glorified above all.
Both now…
Theotokion
Blessed art Thou, O God, who wast born without seed and hast kept Thy Mother ever a virgin: for Thou art praised and glorified above all.
Through the saints that are on His earth, the Lord has made manifest His wonders.
Blessed art Thou, O God, who hast tamed the wild beasts and quenched the fire to the glory of Thy saints: for Thou art praised and glorified above all.
Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.
For the Dead
Blessed art Thou, O God, who hast translated from death unto life without end all who in this world served and worshipped Thee with faith.
Irmos: Blessed art Thou, O God, who beholdest the depths and sittest upon the cherubim: for Thou art praised and glorified above all.
Canticle Eight
Irmos: The Offspring of the Theotokos saved the holy Children in the furnace. He who was then prefigured has since been born on earth, and He gathers all the creation to sing: O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.
Thou hast received the Word within thy womb, and thou hast carried Him who carries all things. Thou hast fed with milk Him who by His will alone feeds all the inhabited earth; and unto Him, pure Virgin, do we sing: O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.
Moses perceived in the burning bush the great mystery of thy childbearing, O Virgin holy and inviolate; and the Children prefigured this most clearly as they stood in the midst of the fire and were not burnt. Therefore do we sing thy praises for ever.
We who once through falsehood were stripped naked, have by thy childbearing been clothed in the robe of incorruption; and we who once sat in the darkness of transgression have seen the Light, O Maiden, dwelling-place of Light. Therefore do we sing thy praises for ever.
Through thee the dead are brought to life, for thou hast borne Him who is Himself the Life; the dumb are made to speak, lepers are cleansed, diseases are driven out; the hosts of the spirits of the air are conquered, O Virgin, the salvation of mortal men.
Thou hast borne salvation for the world, O pure Virgin, and through thee we are raised from earth to heaven. Hail, All-Blessed, protection and defence, rampart and stronghold of those who sing: O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.
First Four-Canticled Canon
Irmos: Thou hast made dew fall from the flames…
Saints of God, pray for us.
The powers of heaven marvelled at the victory of the holy martyrs. At their prayers, compassionate Master, bestow upon us the rich wonders of Thy mercy.
Saints of God, pray for us.
O martyrs of the Lord, worthy of our wonder, in dew sent from God ye trampled down the fire. Through your fervent intercessions to the Master, deliver us from the fire of punishment.
God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
For the Dead
O Word supreme in love, to the Orthodox departed from us grant heavenly life and holy radiance, at the prayers of the victorious martyrs.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion
At the prayers of Thy Mother, O compassionate Lord, and of Thy holy martyrs and apostles, give light to our souls, that with rejoicing we may glorify Thee for ever.
Second Four-Canticled Canon
Irmos: Sing, O ye peoples…
Saints of God, pray for us.
Holy choirs of martyrs, remember us who sing your praises with love, exalting Christ above all for ever.
Saints of God, pray for us.
Beheaded with the sword, the martyrs rejoiced, singing in praise of Christ and exalting Him above all for ever.
We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
In a strange manner the Trinity is divided, while yet remaining undivided as God. Him do we exalt above all for ever.
Both now…
Theotokion
A Virgin has borne a Child, for God has become man from her. Let all flesh sing His praises for ever.
God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
The martyrs were made pillars of courage, triumphing over the fall of the devil; and they sing in praise of Christ for ever.
Their souls shall dwell in prosperity.
For the Dead
Grant a place with Abraham, O Lord, to Thy servants who have gone to dwell with Thee in faith and hope.
We praise, bless and worship the Lord…
Irmos: Sing, O ye peoples, sing in praise of the Maker of creation, before whom angels tremble, and exalt Him above all for ever.
Canticle Nine
We sing the Magnificat and Greater in honour than the cherubim…
Irmos: Let every mortal born on earth, radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy; and let the hosts of the angelic powers celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God, and let them cry: Hail! Pure and blessed Ever-Virgin, who gavest birth to God.
Enable us the faithful to cry unto thee, Hail! For through thee, O Maiden, we have become partakers of everlasting joy. Deliver us from temptation, from capture by the enemy, and from every other ill that comes on sinful mortals because of the multitude of their transgressions.
Thou hast been made our light and confirmation, and so we cry to thee: Hail, never-setting star that bringest into the world the mighty Sun; hail, pure Virgin that hast opened the closed gate of Eden; hail, pillar of fire, leading mankind to the life above.
Let us stand with reverence in the house of our God, and let us cry aloud: Hail, Queen of the world; hail, Mary, sovereign over all of us; hail, thou who alone art blameless and fair among women; hail, vessel that hast received the Myrrh inexhaustible, emptied out upon thee.
Hail, Ever-Virgin; hail, dove that has given birth to the Lord of mercy; hail, glory of all the saints, crown of the martyrs; hail, divine adornment of all the righteous and salvation of us the faithful.
Spare Thine inheritance, O God, and pass over all our sins. For as intercessor in Thy sight, O Christ, there stands before Thee she that on earth conceived Thee without seed, when in Thy great mercy Thou hast willed to be shaped in a form that was not Thine own.
First Four-Canticled Canon
Irmos: No man is able to see God…
Saints of God, pray for us.
Dawning as light, as the rising sun, the martyrs have illumined all the earth with the rays of the true faith and with the radiance of their miracles, and they have destroyed the darkness of pagan idolatry. At their prayers, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Saints of God, pray for us.
O invincible army of martyrs, strengthen all of us to fight the good fight and complete the course of the Fast, that performing acts of holiness we may with joy become partakers of life.
God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
For the Dead
O Lord, may Thy love accompany those who have departed from us at Thy dread command. Surround them with Thy mercies and guide them to the dwellings that are made radiant with the light of Thy countenance.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion
At the voice of the angel, O Theotokos, ineffably thou hast conceived the Angel of the Father’s counsel. Accept then the voices of us thy servants and the prayers that we offer in this season of the Fast, and bring them before God as incense.
Second Four-Canticled Canon
Irmos: Rejoice, Isaiah…
Saints of God, pray for us.
Celebrating a feast today in honour of the martyrs, O ye peoples, let us dance for joy, singing to Christ, who set the contest and gave them victory over their enemies: with our hymns we magnify Him.
Saints of God, pray for us.
Torn with nails and cut in pieces with the sword, ye were united to Christ in love, O martyrs worthy of all praise. Now that ye rejoice in heaven, intercede for all of us.
Glory be to the Father…
O honoured Trinity, consubstantial, without beginning, source of life, O undivided Unity, I sing Thy praises: Father unbegotten, Word and Son begotten, and Holy Spirit, save us all who glorify Thee.
Both now…
Theotokion
Beyond our understanding is thy childbearing, O Mother of God. For without a man thou hast conceived, and in virginity thou hast given birth; and the Child that thou hast borne is God. Him we magnify, O Virgin, and we call thee blessed.
Through all the saints that are on His earth, the Lord has made manifest His wonders.
The noble army of the King and God of all, the martyrs, let us crown with songs, ye peoples: for openly they have defeated the demonic hosts. We sing their praises and we magnify the Master.
Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.
For the Dead
When Thou shalt raise for judgement all that Thou hast fashioned, have mercy on Thy faithful servants whom Thou now hast taken to Thyself, O Christ; forgive them all their sins in this life, and grant them rest with Thy saints for ever.
Irmos: Rejoice, Isaiah: the Virgin has conceived and borne a Son, Emmanuel, who is both God and man; and Orient is His Name. Him we magnify, O Virgin, and we call thee blessed.
Exapostilarion
The mystery hidden from all ages is made known today. God from God, the Word becomes in His compassion Son of the Virgin Mary, and Gabriel proclaims the Gospel of joy. With him let us all cry aloud: Hail! Mother of the Lord.
Lauds. Four stichera are sung:
TONE FOUR
A mystery hidden, unknown to the angels, is entrusted to the Archangel Gabriel. Coming now to thee, the dove alone stainless and pure, the restoration of mankind, he shall greet thee, O most Holy, with the salutation: ‘Hail! Make ready to receive, through a word, God the Word within thy womb’ (twice).
A pavilion full of light is prepared for Thee, O Master: the undefiled womb of the Child of God. Come down and enter it, taking pity on Thy creatures, whom the avenging spirit in his envy has attacked and holds in bondage. They have lost their former beauty, and await Thy descent for their salvation.
Gabriel the Archangel shall come to thee openly, all-blameless Virgin, and shall cry to thee: ‘Hail, deliverance from the curse, and raising of the fallen; hail, thou who alone wast chosen by God; hail, living cloud of the Sun. Receive Him that has no body, whose will it is to dwell within thy womb.’
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
SAME TONE
The Theotokos heard a voice she knew not, when the Archangel brought her the glad tidings of the Annunciation; and, accepting his salutation with faith, she conceived Thee the pre-eternal God. Therefore in great rejoicing we also cry aloud to Thee: O God, who without change hast taken flesh from her, grant peace unto the world and to our souls great mercy.
Great Doxology, the two Litanies, and the Dismissal.
DIVINE LITURGY
The Typika (Psalms 102 and 145) and the Beatitudes. With the Beatitudes we sing four tropariafrom Canticle Three and four troparia from Canticle Six of the Canon of the Theotokos.
Prokimenon:
TONE THREE
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour (Luke 1:46–7).
℣. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed (Luke 1:48).
Epistle: (For the day) Hebrews 9:24–8.
(For the Mother of God) Hebrews 9:1–7.
Alleluia:
TONE EIGHT
℣ 1. Arise, O Lord, into Thy rest: Thou and the Ark of Thy holiness (Psalm 131:8).
℣ 2. Lord, remember David and all his meekness (Psalm 131:1).
Gospel: (For the day) Mark 8:27–31.
(For the Mother of God) Luke 10:38–42; 11:27–8.
Communion verse: I will receive the cup of salvation, and call upon the Name of the Lord. Alleluia.