The Saturday Before Palm Sunday
KNOWN AS THE SATURDAY OF THE HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS LAZARUS
VESPERS ON FRIDAY EVENING
To Lord, I have cried, ten stichera are sung, all from the Triodion:
TONE EIGHT
Having completed the forty days that bring profit to our soul, we beseech Thee in Thy love for man: Grant us also to behold the Holy Week of Thy Passion, that in it we may glorify Thy mighty acts and Thine ineffable dispensation for our sakes, singing with one mind: O Lord, glory to Thee (twice).
To the Martyrs
SAME TONE
O martyrs of the Lord, we beseech you, offer intercession to our God: pray for abundant mercy on our souls and the forgiveness of our many sins.
Stichera for St. Lazarus
TONE SIX
by the Emperor Leo
O Lord, wishing to see the tomb of Lazarus—for Thou wast soon to dwell by Thine own choice within a tomb—Thou hast asked: ‘Where have ye laid him?’ And, learning that which was already known to Thee, Thou hast cried to him whom Thou hast loved: ‘Lazarus, come forth.’ And he who was without breath obeyed the One who gave him breath, even Thee, the Saviour of our souls (twice).
O Lord, Thou hast come to the tomb of one that was four days dead, to the burial-place of Lazarus, and weeping for Thy friend Thou hast raised up the four-day corpse, O Wheat of life. So death was bound by Thy voice, and the grave-clothes were loosed by Thy hands. Then the band of Thy disciples was filled with joy, and they all raised one voice in adoration, saying: ‘Blessed art Thou, O Saviour, have mercy on us’ (twice).
O Lord, Thy voice destroyed the dominion of hell, and the word of Thy power raised from the tomb him that had been four days dead; and Lazarus became the saving first-fruits of the regeneration of the world. All things are possible to Thee, O Lord and King of all. Bestow upon Thy servants cleansing and great mercy.
O Lord, wishing to give to Thy disciples an assurance of Thy Resurrection from the dead, Thou hast come to the tomb of Lazarus and called to him by name. Then was hell despoiled, and it released the one that had been four days dead, as he called upon Thee: ‘O blessed Lord, glory to Thee.’
O Lord, taking Thy disciples, Thou hast come to Bethany to awaken Lazarus. Weeping for him in accordance with the law of human nature, Thou hast as God raised up the four-day corpse, and he cried out to Thee, our Saviour: ‘O blessed Lord, glory to Thee.’
Glory be to the Father…
TONE EIGHT
Standing before the tomb of Lazarus, O Saviour, and calling to the dead man, Thou hast raised him as from sleep. He shook off corruption through the Spirit of incorruption, and at Thy word he came out bound with grave-clothes. All things are possible to Thee, all things serve Thee, loving Lord, all things submit to Thee: Our Saviour, glory to Thee.
Both now…
TONE EIGHT
by Andrew the Blind
Having completed the forty days that bring profit to our soul, let us cry: Rejoice, city of Bethany, home of Lazarus. Rejoice, Martha and Mary, his sisters. Tomorrow Christ will come, by His word to bring your dead brother to life. Hearing His voice, bitter hell that is never satisfied will tremble and groan aloud, and it will release Lazarus bound in his grave-clothes. Amazed by this miracle, a multitude of Jews will come to meet Him with palms and branches; though their fathers look on Him with malicious envy, yet shall the children praise Him, saying: Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel.
Entrance, O joyful Light.
Prokimenon (Psalm 123):
TONE SIX
Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who has made heaven and earth.
℣. If the Lord had not been on our side, now may Israel say.
Lesson: Genesis 49:33–50:26.
Prokimenon (Psalm 124:)
TONE FOUR
They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion.
℣. He that dwells in Jerusalem shall never be shaken.
Lesson: Proverbs 31:8–31.
And the rest of the Liturgy of the Presanctified.
GREAT COMPLINE
After the Small Doxology we use the following Canon by St. Andrew of Crete. The irmoi are sung twice. Before each of the troparia we say Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
TONE ONE
Canticle One
Irmos: Let us all sing a triumphant song unto God who has done strange wonders with His mighty arm, and has saved Israel: for He is glorified.
O my Saviour, Thou hast raised Lazarus who was four days dead, and freed him from corruption by Thy mighty arm; and in Thy strength Thou hast revealed Thy power.
Calling Lazarus from the tomb, immediately Thou hast raised him; but hell below lamented bitterly, and groaning trembled at Thy power, O Saviour.
Thou hast shed tears for Lazarus, O Lord, thus proving that Thou hast truly taken flesh at Thine Incarnation, and that being God by nature Thou hast become by nature a man like us.
Thou hast made the tears of Martha and Mary to cease, O Lord and Saviour, by raising Lazarus from the dead, and in Thy power Thou hast endued a corpse with the breath of life.
Obedient to the laws of human nature Thou hast asked, O Master, where Lazarus was laid, showing to all, O Saviour, that at Thine Incarnation Thou hast become true man for our sake.
Calling Lazarus by name, Thou hast broken in pieces the bars of hell and shaken the power of the enemy; and before Thy Crucifixion Thou hast made him tremble because of Thee, O only Saviour.
O Master, Thou hast come as God to Lazarus, bound captive by hell, and Thou hast loosed him from his fetters. For all things submit to Thy command, O mighty Lord.
Glory be to the Father…
Let us glorify Father, Son and Spirit, undivided Trinity in Unity of Nature, and with the angels let us glorify Him as one uncreated God.
Both now…
Theotokion
O Virgin Mother, still remaining Virgin thou hast conceived the Creator of the world, through the Holy Spirit according to the good pleasure of the Father; and without alteration or confusion He became what we are.
Canticle Two
Irmos: Attend, O heaven, and I shall speak and sing in praise of Christ the Saviour of the world, who alone loves mankind.
Glory be to Thee, who alone hast called a four-day corpse from the tomb, raising Lazarus Thy friend.
A lifeless corpse, he heard Thy voice; and at once he rose from the dead, filled with the breath of life and glorifying Thee, O Lord.
Lazarus already stank; but, receiving the command of Thy life-giving voice, O my Saviour, he arose from the tomb.
Thou hast shed tears for Thy friend Lazarus, O my Saviour, proving that Thou hast taken on Thyself our nature, and then Thou hast raised him up.
Hell trembled when it saw him, bound in his grave-clothes yet returning at once to the life of this world when he heard Thy voice.
Glory be to the Father…
The Jews were amazed when Thou hast called Lazarus, O Saviour, and raised him by Thy word, though his corpse already stank.
Both now…
The palaces of hell were shaken, when in its depths Lazarus began once more to breathe, straightway restored to life by the sound of Thy voice.
Canticle Three
Irmos: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the rock upon which Christ has established the Church, that He has redeemed from among the nations.
O strange and marvellous wonder! Although he knew the answer, yet as if ignorant the Maker of all asked, ‘Where does he lie, whom ye lament? Where is Lazarus buried, whom I shall shortly raise up for your sake, alive from the dead?’
Jesus commanded them to take away the stone that they had rolled upon thee when they buried thee; and immediately He raised thee, calling to thee, ‘Lazarus, rise up and come to me, that hell may tremble at thy voice.’
Martha and Mary, O Lord, cried out lamenting: ‘Lo, he whom Thou hast loved is four days dead and stinks. If Thou hadst been here, Lazarus would not have died.’ But since Thou art everywhere present, at once Thou hast called Lazarus and raised him up.
Shedding tears for Thy friend, O Saviour, Thou hast shown the reality of Thine Incarnation: the flesh that Thou hast taken from us was united to Thee in essence, not in appearance only. And, since Thou art a God who lovest mankind, immediately Thou hast called him and raised him up.
‘Woe is me! Now am I destroyed utterly’, hell cried out, and thus he spoke to death: ‘See, the man from Nazareth has shaken the lower world, and cutting open my belly He has called a lifeless corpse and raised it up.’
What is this madness that has seized you, O ye Jews? Why do ye disbelieve? How long will ye wander in falsehood? Ye see the dead man leap up when Christ calls him, and do ye still disbelieve in Christ? Truly ye are all children of darkness.
Glory be to the Father…
I acknowledge Thee as one of the Trinity, even though Thou art incarnate, and I worship Thee as one single Son, who hast without seed taken flesh from the Theotokos, yet art glorified with the Father and the Spirit.
Both now…
Theotokion
O strange and dread sight, foreseen by the prophets who proclaimed the truth: by divine providence the Virgin Theotokos conceived without seed and gave birth to God without corruption, remaining still a virgin after childbirth.
Canticle Four
Irmos: The sun’s light was extinguished and the moon was halted in its course; Thou wast lifted, O longsuffering Lord, upon the Cross, and with it Thou hast built Thy Church.
O Lord, Thou hast shed tears for Lazarus, showing that Thou art man; and Thou hast raised him from the dead, O Master, showing to the peoples that Thou art the Son of God.
Lifeless, he heard Thy command, O loving Saviour, ‘Lazarus come forth’, and bound with grave-clothes he leapt up at once, bearing witness to Thy power.
O Christ our God, Thou hast made the tears of Martha and Mary to cease; calling Lazarus, through Thine own authority Thou hast raised him by Thy voice, and he worshipped Thee.
As man, Thou hast shed tears for Lazarus; as God, Thou hast raised him up. Thou hast asked, O loving Lord, ‘Where is he buried, dead these four days?’, thus confirming our faith in Thine Incarnation.
Wishing in Thy love to reveal the meaning of Thy Passion and Thy Cross, Thou hast broken open the belly of hell that never can be satisfied, and as God Thou hast raised up a man four days dead.
Who has ever known or heard of a man raised from the dead, when his corpse already stank? Elijah and Elisha raised the dead, yet not from the tomb or four days after death.
O Lord, we sing the praises of Thy might; O Christ, we sing the praises of Thy Passion. For through the one in Thy tender mercy Thou hast worked a miracle; and the other Thou hast as man accepted willingly for our salvation.
Thou art God and man, proving by Thine actions the true, reality of both Thy natures. In the flesh Thou hast come to the tomb, O Word, and as God Thou hast raised up the man four days dead.
The Jews were amazed, O Master, when they saw dead Lazarus rising from the tomb at Thy voice; yet still they believed not in Thy miracles.
Glory be to the Father…
Without beginning hast Thou shone forth from Thy Father as one of the Trinity, O Saviour; and within time Thou hast come forth from the Spirit, taking flesh in the Virgin’s womb, O transcendent God.
Both now…
Theotokion
The Theotokos conceived without seed and gave birth without suffering corruption. For, bringing both these wonders to pass, God emptied Himself that He might be united to us.
Canticle Five
Irmos: Give us Thy peace, O Son of God, for we know no other God save Thee. We call upon Thy Name, for Thou art God of the living and the dead.
Since, Lord, Thou art Life and true Light, Thou hast called dead Lazarus and raised him up. For in Thy power Thou hast shown to all that Thou art God of the living and the dead.
Hell, that had received so many, was unable to resist Thy sovereign command, O Jesus, but trembling it surrendered Lazarus, four days dead yet brought to life by Thy voice.
Joining dust to spirit, O Word, by Thy word in the beginning Thou hast breathed into the clay a living soul. And now by Thy word Thou hast raised up Thy friend from corruption and from the depths of the earth.
None can withstand Thy behest, O Lord. For when Thou hast called dead Lazarus, though lifeless he arose at once, and though his feet were bound he walked.
O folly of the Jews! O blindness of the enemy! Who has ever known a corpse raised from the grave? Once Elijah raised the dead, yet not from the tomb or four days after death.
There is none like Thee, O forbearing Lord. Thou doest all things for our sake as God, and Thou sufferest as man. Make us all partakers of Thy Kingdom, at the prayers of Lazarus.
Glory be to the Father…
O Trinity who wast before all things began, Father Almighty, Son and Holy Spirit, coeternal and equal in honour, Holy Unity in three Persons: save us children of Adam who with faith sing Thy praises.
Both now…
Theotokion
Thine undefiled womb was sanctified, pure Virgin, by the transcendent God who took flesh from it: He is adored as one of the Trinity, the Word from the Father, one God with the Spirit.
Canticle Six
Irmos: Thou hast cast me, O Saviour, into the deep waters of the sea; yet Thou hast saved me from the servitude of death, and loosed the bonds of my transgressions.
‘Thou knowest all things, yet hast asked where I was buried. As man by nature, Thou hast wept for me, O Saviour, and Thou hast raised me from the dead by Thy command.’
‘Thou hast called me from the lowest depths of hell, O Saviour,’ cried Lazarus to Thee when Thou hast set him free from hell; ‘and Thou hast raised me from the dead by Thy command.’
Thou hast clothed me in a body of clay, O Saviour, and breathed life into me, and I beheld Thy light; and Thou hast raised me from the dead by Thy command.
Thou hast breathed life into my flesh, O Saviour, when there was no breath within it; Thou hast bound it fast with bones and sinews, and Thou hast raised me from the dead by Thy command.
Thou hast broken open the all-devouring belly of hell and snatched me out, O Saviour, by Thy power; and Thou hast raised me from the dead by Thy command.
Thou hast clothed Thyself in all my human nature, O Saviour, and hast kept pure in childbirth the undefiled womb from which Thou camest forth incarnate, being one of the Trinity.
Glory be to the Father…
O Holy Trinity, I glorify Thy compassion, and with the angels I sing the thrice-holy hymn: have mercy on the souls of us who praise Thee.
Both now…
Theotokion
O marvellous wonder! The Word entered thine undefiled womb, pure Virgin Mother, yet preserved it virgin after childbirth.
Canticle Seven
Irmos: The fire, O Saviour, did not touch or trouble Thy children in the furnace. Then with one voice the three sang Thy praise and blessed Thee, saying: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’
O Saviour who lovest mankind, Thou hast wept over the dead, in this way showing to all the peoples that, being God, Thou hast become man for our sakes; and, shedding tears by Thine own choice, Thou hast given us proof of Thy heartfelt love.
When Lazarus, four days dead, heard Thy voice below, O Saviour, he rose up and sang Thy praises, crying joyfully: ‘Thou art my God and Maker; I glorify and worship Thee, for Thou hast raised me up.’
‘Though I lie in bonds, O Saviour,’ Lazarus cried from below to Thee his Deliverer, ‘yet shall I not remain for ever in the depths of hell, if Thou wilt only call to me, “Lazarus, come out”; for Thou art my Light and my Life.’
‘I implore thee, Lazarus,’ said hell, ‘rise up, depart quickly from my bonds and be gone. It is better for me to lament bitterly for the loss of one, rather than of all those whom I swallowed in my hunger.’
‘Why dost thou delay, Lazarus?’ cried hell. ‘Thy friend stands calling to thee: “Come out”. Go, then, and I too shall feel relief. For since I swallowed thee, all other food is loathsome to me.’
‘O Lazarus, why dost thou not rise up swiftly?’ cried hell below lamenting. ‘Why dost thou not run straightway from this place? Lest Christ take prisoner the others, after raising thee.’
Thou art magnified, O Master Christ, through the many miracles Thou hast performed. For Thou hast given light to the blind and opened the ears of the deaf by a word; and, calling Thy friend Lazarus, as God Thou hast raised him from the dead.
Glory be to the Father…
Let us sing praises to the Trinity, glorifying the eternal Father, the Son and the Spirit of righteousness, one single Essence that we magnify in threefold song: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O Trinity.
Both now…
Theotokion
We glorify Thee, O Christ, as one of the Trinity. Without changing Thou wast made flesh from the Virgin, and hast endured all things as man, O Jesus; but, though united with us, Thou wast not divided from the Father’s nature.
Canticle Eight
Irmos: O heaven of heavens and the waters that are above the heavens, bless and praise the Lord.
The Maker, who upholds all things, came to Bethany in His compassion, to raise Lazarus.
Four days dead, already stinking, bound in grave-clothes, lacking the breath of life, at Thy call, O Lord, he leapt up endued with life.
The Jewish people, seeing the dead man rise at Thy command, O Christ, gnashed their teeth in fury.
O Jews, the Light shines round you, but ye still remain in darkness. Why do ye doubt the resurrection of Lazarus? It is the work of Christ.
Rejoice, Zion, and sing praises to the Giver of life, who by His word has raised Lazarus from the tomb.
The heavenly hosts and men on earth sang Thy praises, O my Saviour, for Thou hast raised Lazarus.
Glory be to the Father…
I glorify and praise Father, Son and Spirit, and with never-silent voice I cry: O Thrice-Holy, glory be to Thee.
Both now…
Theotokion
I bless and worship Thee, born from the Virgin yet never parted from the throne of Thy holy glory.
Canticle Nine
Irmos: He has showed strength with His arm; He has put down the mighty from their seats and exalted the humble, for He is the God of Israel. The Dayspring from on high has visited us and guided us into the way of peace.
Let Bethany sing with us in praise of the miracle, for there the Creator wept for Lazarus in accordance with the law of nature and the flesh. Then, making Martha’s tears to cease and changing Mary’s grief to joy, Christ raised him from the dead.
To confirm men’s faith in Thy Resurrection, O Word, Thou hast called Lazarus from the tomb and as God hast raised him up, to show the peoples that Thou art both God and man in very truth, who dost raise up the temple of Thy body.
Shaking the gates and iron bars, Thou hast made hell tremble at Thy voice. Hell and death were filled with fear, O Saviour, seeing Lazarus their prisoner brought to life by Thy word and rising from the tomb.
All were dismayed to see Thee, Saviour, weeping over dead Lazarus, and in their misery they said: ‘Behold how He loves him.’ Then Thou hast straightway called him and at Thy command the dead man rose, delivered from corruption.
The gates were shaken and the bars were shattered, and the bonds which held the dead man were loosed. When Christ spoke in power, hell groaned bitterly and cried aloud: ‘Woe is me! What and whence is this voice that brings the dead to life?’
Rise up, obedient to the voice: thy friend outside is calling thee. This is He who raised the dead of old: for when Elijah and Elisha brought the dead to life, He it was that spoke and acted through them.
O Word and Saviour, we sing the praises of Thy surpassing power. For by Thy word, as Creator of all things, Thou hast raised from the depths dead Lazarus with his bones and sinews, as Thou hast raised the widow’s son from the bier. Glory be to the Father…
Most Holy Trinity, O God the eternal Father, O coeternal Son and Word of God, O Holy Spirit of God, loving Comforter; one Light of the threefold Sun, consubstantial Essence, one God and Lord, take pity on the world.
Both now…
Theotokion
O Jesus, who hast made all things in wisdom, Thou hast clothed Thyself in my whole nature, taken from the Virgin, yet for ever Thou remainest wholly in the bosom of the Father; and Thou hast as God sent down Thy Holy Spirit on Thy flock: cover us with Thy shadow.
MIDNIGHT OFFICE
After the Creed, Holy God…, and the Lord’s Prayer, we sing the troparion of the day, Giving us before Thy Passion… (see below).
After the second reading from the Psalter (Psalms 120 and 133), Holy God…, and the Lord’s Prayer, we sing the kontakion of the day, Christ, the joy of all… (see p. 461), and then Kyrie eleison (twelve times) and the Dismissal. We omit the prayer Remember, O Lord…, and the prayers immediately following.
MATTINS
After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany, we sing The Lord is God, and the troparion of the day:
TONE ONE
Giving us before Thy Passion an assurance of the general resurrection, 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 of 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:
TONE ONE
Taking pity, O Christ our God, on the tears of Martha and Mary, Thou hast commanded the stone to be rolled away from the tomb; and calling the dead man, Thou hast raised him, O Giver of life to the world, granting us through him an assurance of the resurrection. Glory to Thy might, O Saviour; glory to Thy power; 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 118), 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…
Then the Small Litany and the sessional hymn:
TONE FIVE
O Fountain of wisdom and foreknowledge, Thou hast asked the companions of Martha when Thou camest 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.
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
Repeat.
There is no reading from the Gospel, but we sing at once We have seen the Resurrection of Christ, as on Sundays. Then we read Psalm 50.
The Canon
Up to the end of Canticle Five we use the following two Canons, the first with eight troparia and the second with six. At Canticle Six we begin the two four-canticled Canons.
Canticle One
First Canon
TONE EIGHT
by Theophanes
Irmos: Let us sing a song of triumph to the Lord, who led His people through the Red Sea: for He has been glorified.
With Thy divine command Thou hast raised dead Lazarus, in Thy love for mankind; for Thou art the Fashioner and Guardian of Life.
O immortal Lord, with Thy word Thou hast raised Lazarus, four days dead, and by Thy power Thou hast destroyed the dark kingdom of hell.
Thou hast given to all, O Master, a proof of Thy transcendent Godhead, raising Lazarus from the dead on the fourth day.
Today Bethany proclaims beforehand the Resurrection of Christ the Giver of Life, and it rejoices at the rising of Lazarus.
Another Canon
SAME TONE
by Kosmas the Monk
Irmos: Having crossed the water…
In the beginning Thou hast brought all creation out of nothing, and Thou knowest the secrets of our hearts; and now as Master Thou dost foretell to Thy disciples the falling asleep of Lazarus.
O Christ, Thou hast become man, taking human nature from the Virgin, and as man Thou hast asked where Lazarus was buried, although as God Thou wast not ignorant of this.
O Word, giving us an assurance of Thine own Resurrection, Thou hast raised Thy friend as if from sleep, though he had lain four days in the tomb and already stank.
Theotokion
The hosts of angels and of mortal men praise thee, O Virgin Mother, without ceasing. For thou hast carried their Creator as a babe in thine arms.
Katavasia: Having crossed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped from the wickedness of Egypt, the children of Israel shouted aloud: ‘Let us sing to our Deliverer and our God.’
Canticle Three
First Canon
Irmos: Thou art the strong support of those that run to Thee, O Lord; Thou art the light of those in darkness, and my spirit sings in praise of Thee.
Displaying Thy two energies, O Saviour, Thou hast made manifest Thy two natures: for Thou art both God and man.
Though Thou art the Abyss of knowledge, Thou dost ask where they have laid the body of Lazarus. For it was Thy purpose, O Giver of Life, to raise him from the dead.
Going from one place to another, Thou hast, as mortal man, appeared circumscribed; but, as God uncircumscribed, Thou fillest all things.
At Thy divine word, Thou hast raised Lazarus, O Christ. I pray Thee, raise me also, dead through my many sins.
Second Canon
Irmos: O Lord, Thou Builder of the vault of heaven…
O Lord who workest miracles, standing in Bethany by the tomb of Lazarus, Thou hast shed tears for him in accordance with the law of nature, confirming the full reality of the flesh which Thou hast taken, O Jesus my God.
Straightway Thou hast made the sorrow of Mary and Martha to cease, O Saviour, showing Thy sovereign authority. For, as Thou hast said, Thou art in truth the Resurrection and the Life and the Lord of all.
O Lord, from the ranks of the dead and the darkness of hell thou hast snatched Thy friend Lazarus, bound in his grave-clothes; and by Thine all-powerful word Thou hast broken open the gates of the kingdom of death.
Theotokion
Taking up Thy dwelling in a Virgin, O Lord, Thou hast appeared to men incarnate, enabling them to see Thee with their eyes; Thou hast made her in very truth the Theotokos and the Succour of the faithful, O Thou who alone lovest mankind.
Katavasia: O Lord, Thou Builder of the vault of heaven and Founder of the Church, do Thou confirm me in Thy love: for Thou art our supreme desire and the support of the faithful, O Thou who alone lovest mankind.
Sessional Hymn
TONE FOUR
The sisters of Lazarus stood beside Christ and, lamenting with bitter tears, they said to Him: ‘O Lord, Lazarus is dead.’ And though as God He knew the place of burial, yet He asked them, ‘Where have ye laid him?’ Coming to the tomb, He called Lazarus that was four days dead; and he arose and worshipped the Lord who had raised him.
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
TONE EIGHT
Foreknowing all things as Creator, Thou hast warned the disciples at Bethany, saying: ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep today.’ And, though Thou wast not ignorant, Thou hast asked: ‘Where have ye laid him?’ Weeping as a man, Thou hast prayed to the Father; Thou hast called Thy friend Lazarus from hell, O Lord, and raised him when he had been four days dead. Therefore we cry to Thee: Accept, O Christ our God, the praise we dare to offer, and count us all worthy of Thy glory.
Canticle Four
First Canon
Irmos: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have considered Thy works, and I have glorified Thy Godhead.
Thou hast prayed to the Father, not because Thou art in need of any help, but to fulfil the mystery of Thine Incarnation; and so, almighty Lord, Thou hast raised up a corpse that was four days dead.
Coeternal with the Father, the Word that was revealed from the beginning as God, now offers prayers as man, though it is He that receives the prayers of all.
O Saviour, Thy voice destroyed all the power of death, and the foundations of hell were shaken by Thy divine might.
Theotokion
Let us sing the praises of the Virgin, for she remained a virgin after bearing child, and she gave birth to Christ our God, who has delivered the world from error.
Second Canon
Irmos: Thou art my might, O Lord…
As Shepherd, O Saviour and Creator, Thou hast snatched from the fierce and all-devouring wolf a man that had been four days dead; and through him, in Thy power as Lord, Thou hast revealed beforehand the universal glory of Thy Resurrection on the third day.
Beholding Thee, O Christ the Life, the companions of Martha cried aloud: ‘If Thou hadst been here, O Lord, the Light and Life of all, Lazarus would not have died.’ But since Thou art the Life of the dead, in Thy love for mankind Thou hast turned their sorrow into joy.
The depths are afraid at Thy presence, O Lord, the source of life; all the waters are Thy servants. The gatekeepers tremble before Thee, O Christ, and the bars of hell are broken by Thy power, as Lazarus rises from the dead at Thy command, almighty Saviour who lovest mankind.
Theotokion
Unwedded Virgin, thou art the glory of the faithful; thou art the advocate and refuge of Christians, their rampart and haven. For, Undefiled, thou dost offer intercession to thy Son, saving from danger those who in faith and love acknowledge thee as the pure Theotokos.
Katavasia: Thou art my might, O Lord, Thou art my power; Thou art my God, Thou art my joy. Thou wast not separated from the Father, yet Thou hast visited our poverty. Therefore with the Prophet Habakkuk I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Thou who lovest mankind.
Canticle Five
Irmos: O Light that never sets…
In Thy love for mankind, coming to the tomb of Lazarus Thou hast called him and granted him life, for Thou art the immortal life of all mortal men; and so Thou hast as God clearly foretold the future Resurrection.
His feet bound in the grave-clothes, Lazarus walked out from the tomb. O wonder of wonders! Christ who gave him strength is greater than the power of death which held him back. All things obey Christ’s word, serving Him as God and Master.
Thou hast raised Lazarus on the fourth day, though his corpse already stank. Raise me up, O Christ, for I am dead in sin and lie in the pit and the dark shadow of death; deliver and save me in Thy compassion.
Second Canon
Irmos: O Light that never sets…
Thou hast prayed and given glory to the Father, for Thy power is not opposed to His. To confirm the faith of the multitude that stood round Thee, Thou hast thanked Thy Father, O longsuffering Lord, and then raised Lazarus by Thy command.
O voice of God! O divine power and might! With that voice, O Saviour, Thou hast shattered the gates of hell and all-devouring death. Deliver me from my passions, as once Thou hast delivered Thy friend Lazarus that was four days dead.
At the prayers of Lazarus, of Martha and Mary, O loving Lord, make us worthy to behold Thy Cross and Passion, and the joyful Queen of Days, the Feast of Thy Resurrection.
Theotokion
Since, all-pure Virgin, thou hast a mother’s boldness before thy Son, do not forget us and our needs, we pray, for we are thy kinsfolk: thee alone we Christians bring as intercessor, to win the gracious mercy of the Master.
Katavasia: O Light that never sets, why hast Thou cast me from Thy face? And why has the alien darkness covered me in my wretchedness? But I entreat Thee, cause me to return, and direct my paths to the light of Thy commandments.
We now begin the two four-canticled Canons. The irmos of the first Canon is sung twice, and the troparia of the two Canons are then repeated so as to make up the number twelve.
Canticle Six
First Canon
TONE EIGHT
by Kosmas the Monk
Irmos: O Lord, who hast made Jonah dwell within the whale, deliver me from corruption, as Thou hast delivered him; for I am caught in the snares of the enemy.
Love led Thee, Master, to Lazarus at Bethany; and as God Thou hast raised him, though his corpse already stank, and hast delivered him from the bonds of hell.
Martha despaired when she saw Lazarus already four days dead. But Christ, as God, raised him from decay and brought him back to life by His word.
Another Canon
SAME TONE
by John the Monk
Irmos: Be merciful to me, O Saviour…
As true God Thou hast known of the falling asleep of Lazarus and hast announced it beforehand to Thy disciples, giving them a proof, O Master, of the infinite power of Thy divinity.
Thou who art by nature uncircumscribed wast circumscribed in the flesh; coming to Bethany, O Master, as man Thou dost weep over Lazarus, and by Thy power as God Thou dost raise him on the fourth day from the dead.
Katavasia: Be merciful to me, O Saviour, for many are my transgressions, and lead me up, I beseech Thee, from the abyss of evil: for unto Thee have I cried; hearken unto me, O God of my salvation.
Kontakion
TONE TWO
Christ, the joy of all, the truth, the light, the life, the resurrection of the world, in His love appeared to those on earth; and He became Himself the pattern of our resurrection, granting divine forgiveness unto all.
Ikos
The Creator of the world foretold to His disciples what would come to pass, proving to them that He knows all things as the Maker of all. ‘Brethren and companions, our friend has fallen asleep’, He said. ‘Let us go, then, and see a strange burial, and behold the tears of Mary and the tomb of Lazarus. For I shall work a miracle there, as the prelude to My Crucifixion, granting divine forgiveness unto all.’
Canticle Seven
First Canon
Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace boldly trampled upon the flames, and changed the fire to dew as they cried aloud: ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, for evermore.’
Weeping as man in Thy compassion, Thou hast as God raised Lazarus from the tomb; and, delivered from hell, he cried aloud: ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, for evermore.’
At the Master’s word Lazarus came out bound in grave clothes, escaping from the chaos and darkness of hell, and he cried aloud: ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, for evermore.’
Second Canon
Irmos: The Children of Judaea…
Shedding tears over Thy friend, O merciful Lord, Thou hast made the tears of Martha cease, and by Thy voluntary Passion Thou hast wiped away all tears from the face of Thy people. O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
Master of Life and Saviour, Thou hast called the dead man as if he were asleep. With Thy word Thou hast burst asunder the belly of hell and raised up Lazarus as he sang: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’
O Master, Thou hast raised a dead man bound in grave clothes, a corpse that already stank. I am held fast in the bonds of sin; raise me up and I shall sing: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
Katavasia: The Children of Judaea, who dwelt of old in Babylon, trampled underfoot the flame of the furnace through their faith in the Trinity, as they sang aloud: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’
Canticle Eight
First Canon
Irmos: When the instruments of music sounded, countless multitudes worshipped the image in Dura; but the three Children, refusing to bow down, praised and glorified the Lord for ever.
As Shepherd, Thou hast gone to seek Thy sheep; rescuing the dead man from the fierce and destructive wolf, in Thy power Thou hast brought him from corruption to new life, and he cried out to Thee: ‘Praise the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.’
As mortal man Thou hast asked where Lazarus was buried; as Maker, Thou hast raised him from the dead by Thy royal command. Hell was afraid of him when he cried out to Thee: ‘Praise the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.’
Second Canon
Irmos: The King of heaven…
As a mortal, Thou dost search for Lazarus; as God, Thou dost raise him by Thy word, though he was four days dead. Therefore we sing Thy praises for ever.
Fulfilling a debt of gratitude for her brother, Mary brought Thee, O Lord, sweet-smelling spices; and she sings Thy praises for ever.
As man Thou dost pray to the Father, as God Thou dost raise Lazarus. Therefore, O Christ, we sing Thy praises for ever.
We praise, bless and worship the Lord…
Katavasia: The King of heaven, glorified by the hosts of angels, let us praise and exalt above all for ever.
Canticle Nine
We do not sing the Magnificat and Greater in honour than the cherubim…
First Canon
Irmos: With all peoples let us honour and glorify the pure Theotokos, who conceived within her womb the divine Fire and yet was not consumed; and let us magnify her in never-silent hymns.
Seeing a four-day corpse walking, the people were struck with wonder at the miracle and cried out to the Deliverer: ‘We magnify Thee in hymns, O God.’
Thou hast established men’s faith in Thy glorious Resurrection, O my Saviour, before it came to pass, by freeing Lazarus from hell when he was four days dead; and I magnify Thee in hymns.
Second Canon
Irmos: Saved through Thee, pure Virgin…
Honouring Thy Father, O Christ, and showing that Thou art not opposed to Him, after praying Thou hast by Thine own authority raised Lazarus that was four days dead.
O my Christ, Thou hast raised from the tomb Lazarus that was four days dead, and so Thou makest him a truthful witness to Thy Resurrection on the third day.
Thou dost walk and weep and speak, my Saviour, showing the action of Thy human nature; and, revealing Thy divine nature, Thou dost raise Lazarus.
In ways surpassing speech, my Master and Saviour, Thou hast brought about my salvation by the free will exercised in each of Thy two natures.
Katavasia: Saved through thee, pure Virgin, we confess thee to be truly Theotokos, and with the choirs of angels we magnify thee.
Then we sing in TONE ONE, Holy is the Lord our God (three times).
Exapostilarion
At Thy word, O Word of God, Lazarus now leaps up, returning back to life; the people honour Thee with palms, O mighty Lord, for by Thy death Thou shalt destroy hell utterly (twice).
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
Through Lazarus, O death, Christ has already despoiled thee. O hell, where is thy triumph? The lamentation of Bethany has now been given to thee. In Christ’s honour let us raise on high branches of victory.
Lauds. Eight stichera are sung:
TONE ONE
O Christ, who art the Resurrection and the Life of man, standing by the tomb of Lazarus Thou hast confirmed our faith in Thy two natures, O forbearing Lord, proving that Thou wast born from the pure Virgin as both God and man. For as man Thou hast asked, ‘Where is he buried?’ and as God by Thy life-giving command Thou hast raised him from the dead on the fourth day.
Before Thine own death, O Christ, Thou hast raised from hell Lazarus that was four days dead, and hast shaken the dominion of death. Through this one man whom Thou hast loved, Thou hast foretold the deliverance of all men from corruption. We therefore worship Thine almighty power and cry: Blessed art Thou, O Saviour, have mercy upon us.
Martha and Mary said to the Saviour: ‘Hadst Thou, O Lord, been here, Lazarus would not have died.’ But Christ, the Resurrection of those that have fallen asleep, raised him from the dead, though four days had already passed. Draw near, ye faithful, and let us all worship Him who comes in glory to save our souls.
Thou hast granted to Thy disciples, O Christ, tokens of Thy divinity, but Thou hast humbled Thyself among the crowds, wishing to conceal it from them. Foreknowing all things as God, Thou hast foretold to the apostles the death of Lazarus; yet at Bethany, when in the presence of the people, thou hast as man asked where Thy friend was buried, being ignorant of this. But then Thou hast raised him four days after he was dead, and so he rendered manifest Thy power as God. O almighty Lord, glory to Thee.
TONE FOUR
O Christ, Thou hast raised up Thy friend that was four days dead, and hast made the lamentation of Martha and Mary to cease, showing to all that Thou art He who fills all things by Thy divine power and Thy sovereign will. To Thee the cherubim without ceasing cry aloud: ‘Hosanna in the highest: blessed art Thou, God over all: glory to Thee.’
Martha cried to Mary: ‘The Teacher is here and calls thee: come.’ And she, running to the place where the Lord was, cried out when she saw Thee; and falling at Thy feet she worshipped Thee, saying: ‘O Lord, hadst Thou been here, our brother had not died.’
℣. Arise, O Lord my God, lift up Thine hand: forget not Thy poor for ever (Psalm 9:33).
TONE EIGHT
Thou hast raised up in Bethany Lazarus that was four days dead; for as soon as Thou camest to the tomb, Thy voice became life to the dead man. Groaning aloud, hell released him in fear. O mighty miracle! O Lord of many mercies, glory to Thee.
℣. I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will speak of all Thy marvellous works (Psalm 9:2)
O Lord, Thou hast said to Martha, ‘I am the Resurrection’; and Thou hast confirmed Thy words by actions, calling Lazarus from hell. Through my passions I am dead: raise me also, I beseech Thee, in Thy tender love for mankind.
Glory be to the Father…
TONE TWO
A great and marvellous wonder is performed today: calling a four-day corpse from the tomb, Christ raised His friend. Let us glorify Him, for He is supreme in glory, that at the prayers of righteous Lazarus He may save our souls.
Both now…
Most blessed art Thou, O Virgin Theotokos…
Great Doxology, the two Litanies, and the Dismissal.
DIVINE LITURGY
The Typika (Psalms 102 and 145) and the Beatitudes. With the Beatitudes we sing Jour troparia from Canticle Three of the Canon at Mattins and four troparia from Canticle Six.
After the Small Entrance we sing the troparion and kontakion of the feast.
In place of the Trisagion we sing:
As many of you as were baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia.
Prokimenon:
TONE THREE
The Lord is my Light and my Saviour: whom then shall I fear? (Psalm 26:1).
℣. The Lord is the defender of my life: of whom then shall I be afraid? (Psalm 26:1).
Epistle: Hebrews 12:28–13:8.
Alleluia:
TONE FIVE
℣ 1. The Lord is King, and has put on glorious apparel (Psalm 92:1).
℣ 2. He has made the world so sure that it cannot be moved (Psalm 92:1).
Gospel: John 11:1–45.
And then the rest of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
In place of Truly it is right to call thee blessed, we sing the irmos from Canticle Nine of the first Canon.
With all peoples let us honour and glorify the pure Theotokos, who conceived within her womb the divine Fire and yet was not consumed; and let us magnify her in never-silent hymns.
Communion verse: Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou appointed praise. Alleluia (Psalm 8:3).